Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Media Contact: Josh Gammon | OSU Institute of Technology | 918-293-5034 | josh.gammon@okstate.edu
The Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology celebrated academic achievement and donor generosity at its annual Student Scholarship & Donor Recognition Luncheon on March 6.
The event honored students for their accomplishments and allowed donors to connect with those whose lives their support has positively impacted.
“Many stakeholders in this room impact the success of OSUIT; from the students and faculty to our corporate partners and individual donors,” said Dr. Ronna Vanderslice, OSU Polytech provost. “Each plays a crucial role in ensuring OSUIT remains the leader in Polytech education, where students thrive and graduation serves as a direct path to employment opportunities.”
Students from the Culinary Arts program prepared and served the meal in the State Room on campus while guests listened to inspiring messages from campus leadership and guest speakers.
Audra Fogle, executive director of the Sam Viersen Family Foundation, delivered a heartfelt message about the lasting impact of donor generosity.
“I have had the privilege of meeting some of our scholarship students, and I, too, was a scholarship recipient,” Fogle said. “I know firsthand how a scholarship can change the trajectory of a life and create a ripple effect that transforms entire families.”
The Sam Viersen Family Foundation has been a dedicated supporter of OSUIT since 1987. It has funded scholarships, contributed to the construction of key campus buildings like the Chesapeake Building and the Grand Old Post Office, and provided advanced training equipment such as the SimMan G-3 for nursing students.
“To all the students — congratulations on your determination, resilience and academic excellence. You inspire all of us, and we are so proud of what you have accomplished and what you will go on to do,” Fogle said. “I want to sincerely thank everyone who makes OSUIT’s programs possible — from the foundation and other donors in this room to the visionary leadership that sees what needs to be done to make things better. And to the educators who nurture and walk alongside our students — you are shaping the future.”
Bre Bevenue, a current Allied Health Sciences student and Sam Viersen Family Scholarship recipient, shared how the financial support has shaped her educational journey as a first-generation college student.
“During my first semester of college, I struggled to afford even the most basic supplies and constantly worried about how I would pay for tuition,” Bevenue said. “But because of generous people like you, I no longer carry that burden. I can pursue my education with confidence, knowing that financial struggles won’t hold me back.”
To learn more about contributing to OSUIT scholarships, contact Charlie Carroll with the OSU Foundation at 405-332-6298 or visit osugiving.com. Your contribution can make a meaningful difference in the lives of OSUIT students.
If you’re a student interested in applying for scholarships at OSUIT, contact the Student Financial Services Office at osuitfinancialaid@okstate.edu for guidance on the application process and available opportunities.

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