A 100-million dollar gift by T. Boone Pickens to his alma mater is the largest academic donation in state history.
Today Pickens was in Stillwater to announce the gift to fund 150 endowed professorships at Oklahoma State University. And a state law that says donations like this will be matched dollar for dollar means the gift will be doubled.
Pickens says the double return on his investment is a big reason why he decided to donate the money to the school. This isn't the first big gift for the billionaire oilman. Three years ago, he gifted 165-million dollars to OSU's athletics program.
"When we made the gift three years ago, I said I'd be back," Pickens said.
Tomorrow is Pickens' 80th birthday. But, he celebrated today. He says his goal is to make OSU the most competitive university in the state. He says this gift will do that by hiring and retaining faculty.
Governor Henry, in Stillwater for the announcement, says this is good for all Oklahomans.
"I think it will transform Oklahoma State University which will transform Oklahoma," Henry says. "What's good for OU and OSU is great for Oklahoma."
You can bet this will not be the last time OSU sees Boone Pickens. He said today 'Be patient, I'm not through'.
Through the years, Pickens has donated more than 300-million dollars to various departments at the school.
NewsChannel 8 to leave comments on news stories.