Some think of inheritances, others think of powerhouse football teams. But for one inventive Oklahoma State University. program, the word legacy has a whole different meaning.

The program is the OSU Legacy Program, and it is making an impact on both OSU and some College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources students.

The program allows out-of-state children or grandchildren of OSU alumni to attend OSU without paying out-of-state tuition. It will cover the cost of five years of non-resident tuition excluding summer sessions. The Legacy Program is now in its seventh year.

The program was started to avoid the "brain drain" created when students graduate from college and move away to work and live. Many say the Legacy Program is another way of showing alumni that they are important to the university by saying that OSU wants your children.

Bob Graalman, director of university scholarship services, said the program is growing in popularity and has "really taken off in the last few years."

"We had around 150 students enter the program this year, which was almost as many as we had the last three years combined, so the program is growing both in size and popularity," he said. 

To qualify for the Legacy Program, a student must meet the admissions requirements of OSU and provide documentation of a parent's or grandparent's graduation from OSU, Graalman said.

One person who is sold on the Legacy Program is a familiar face to CASNR students. 

CASNR Associate Dean Paul Hummer is excited about the quality of students the program has enrolled at OSU.

"It is an excellent program that has allowed many bright students to attend OSU," Hummer said.

"In many instances, the son, daughter, grandson or granddaughter of an OSU alum has been able to attend OSU who might not have otherwise been able to come here because of the cost of out-of-state tuition," he said.

Hummer said the program also encourages family loyalty to their alma mater.

"The Legacy Program perpetuates the OSU loyalty of families that bleed orange," he said. One student, who comes from such a family, is Cammie Johnson of Natchitoches, La. Johnson transferred to OSU from Louisiana State University in the fall of 1996. 

Johnson, who was a double major in agricultural communications and animal science, said the Legacy Program has been a positive one for her.

"My mom received her bachelor's degree from OSU and my dad got his master's here. It feels great to be able to attend the same school they did," she said.

Johnson's aunt, who also graduated from OSU, told her about the program. Johnson said her parents still have strong feelings about OSU and backed up her decision to come to Stillwater.

"They have been very supportive of my decision to attend OSU, and the Legacy Program made it an easy decision to make," she said.

Johnson, who was a member of the livestock judging team, is confident that she made the right decision to come to OSU.

"The OSU campus is so friendly and helpful, and the teachers have been outstanding. I have no regrets about coming to OSU," she said. 

By Mahlon Hunt

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