STILLWATER, Okla. (KFOR) – Tons of of present and former workers, administration and neighborhood members gathered into historic Gallagher-Iba Area for a celebration of Oklahoma State College President Burns Hargis Friday forward of his retirement. Some federal and state leaders additionally confirmed as much as have a good time the college’s outgoing president.
Burns Hargis and his spouse Ann have been launched on stage to cheers from the group for a celebration 13 years within the making.
“It’s a testomony to his management and his abilities and all of the issues that he’s dropped at OSU,” mentioned Jaden Kasitz, a present pupil and member of the OSU Pupil Authorities Affiliation. “Our mission, it’s completely embodied in President Hargis. He’s what it means to be a cowboy.”
Hargis was an Oklahoma State graduate and took his first steps on campus because the president of the college in March of 2008.
“This was my first neighborhood,” Hargis mentioned. “I simply form of grew up right here and realized I like serving, and I’m so glad I received the prospect to offer one thing again.”
Present and former college students mentioned they have been excited to have a good time the whole lot he’s achieved.
“I believe he moved us in the appropriate course in some ways,” mentioned Ladd Hudgins, an OSU grad from 1966.
Throughout Hargis’s tenure, the college raised a complete of $2.2 billion. The college additionally developed 2.5 million sq. toes of recent amenities.
“I actually look as much as him and hope to be like him someday,” Kasitz mentioned.
There have been large upgrades to Boone Pickens Stadium, a brand new baseball stadium and a brand new efficiency venue for the effective arts. Hargis was additionally there for the cowboy household throughout heartbreak. This contains the homecoming tragedy when a lady plowed by way of crowds of individuals along with her automotive at a homecoming parade and a airplane crash that killed coaches for the ladies’s basketball group.
Hargis additionally acquired recognition from OSU graduates Gov. Kevin Stitt and U.S. Congressman Frank Lucas.
“I’m pleased with what you’ve achieved,” mentioned Lucas, the U.S. Consultant for Oklahoma’s Third Congressional District. “Thanks, Mr. President.”
“I’m so pleased with what you’ve achieved for my alma mater, but in addition for your entire state of Oklahoma,” Stitt mentioned. “So, Oklahoma State will at all times be in your debt.”
“Go pokes,” mentioned Hargis and his spouse Ann on the finish of the celebration to a standing ovation.
The college introduced in early April that Dr. Kayse Shrum will take over as the college’s nineteenth president. She would be the first lady to steer a public analysis establishment within the state of Oklahoma.
As for what’s subsequent, Hargis mentioned he and his spouse won’t be concerned with the college as a lot as they usually are. Nonetheless, he mentioned he plans to be concerned within the college’s management institute.
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