Preserving a legacy – Envisioning a future

 

As we celebrate the achievements of the past 20 years, we do so with tremendous gratitude for all who have been part of our success. We look forward to the next decade with renewed enthusiasm and optimism.  

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When Martha Reed shared her vision of leaving the Reed family property to Oklahoma State University as a teaching facility and tribute to her father, it was longtime family friend Kent Young who committed to do what he could to make her wishes a reality.

 

Kent and his wife Jeanette had been friends with Doel and Jane Reed since the mid 1970’s, a relationship that continued well beyond both their lives. Kent responded quickly with an initial inquiry to then interim President of the Oklahoma State University Foundation, Malinda Berry Fischer. Fischer was familiar with Doel Reed’s work and his contribution to OSU, and immediately recognized the potential benefit this gift could have for OSU. The following years were dedicated to legal matters and envisioning academic opportunities for property.

 

This initial coalition included Malinda Berry Fischer, Gary Clark and Susie Thompson from the OSU Foundation, and Dean Peter Sherwood, Dr. Robert Parks and Professor Sally McCorkle representing OSU, along with Lela and Mark Sullivan and the Youngs. Additional individuals, including President Burns Hargis and Ann Hargis, Dr. Smith Holt, former Arts & Sciences Dean Dr. Bruce Crowder, Linda and Jim Burke, and Cat and Bill Thompson joined the group. Together, these individuals quickly became involved in assessing the modifications needed to deliver student programming on the site. Of course, none of these changes would be possible without significant commitment of resources, both financial and personal, and this early group provided the impetus needed for that to happen.

 

By 2008, several more individuals joined the Center’s Advisory Committee, and initial renovation plans were under consideration. The initial gift of $250,000 was made by OSU Alumni Rick and Lerri Cooper. When asked what motivated their decision, they commented, “We feel this center creates an opportunity for OSU students to have an educational experience on par with any university in the country.” Rick went on to say, “We hope it will attract art students and strengthen the college, which will in turn filter through the rest of the university and add to the OSU student experience as a whole.” The Cooper's were the first of many committed donors who contributed to the vision that OSU students are now able to experience each summer.

 

Other donors, including Jim Vaillion and his family, Jeanette and Richard Sias, and Nigel Jones continue to support the center through endowments and estate gifts.  

The impact of these individuals and those who continue to support the Doel Reed Center is evident every day as students, faculty, and alumni participate in the educational programs and activities offered there. The progress that has been made and hours of programming that have been delivered is a testament to the generosity of all who have and continue to support Martha’s vision.