Oilman T. Boone Pickens has donated $165 million to Oklahoma State, believed to be the largest contribution from an individual to a collegiate athletic department. “It sounds like he’s gone nuclear,” said Robert Frank, a Cornell professor and author. “That puts pressure on all other programs to keep up–and they’ll try.” Pickens’ gift is intended to be spread around, though it will be used to help the $120 million project to enclose the west end zone at OSU’s football stadium, which is already named for Pickens. In addition, the funds will help build a multisport indoor practice complex, a baseball stadium, equestrian center, outdoor practice fields and soccer, track and baseball facilities. A 1951 OSU graduate in geology, Pickens previously donated $100 million to OSU athletics and academics. OSU’s School of Geology also is named for him.
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