OSU News Mack Burke, Media Contact
November 11, 2022
A portion of State Highway 51 in Stillwater now bears the name of the late T. Boone Pickens — record-setting Oklahoma State University philanthropist, alumnus and captain of industry.
The portion of Highway 51 beginning at the intersection of Country Club Road in Stillwater and extending west to the intersection of Karsten Creek Road in Payne County was officially dedicated Friday at Karsten Creek Golf Club.
During the recent legislative session, Sen. Tom Dugger co-authored a bill that included renaming the portion of Highway 51. Dugger was present with Tim Gatz, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation secretary, to unveil the replica highway sign Friday.
Mike Holder, OSU athletic director emeritus, was a longtime friend of Pickens, dating back to Holder’s time as OSU’s men’s golf coach when they met at a fundraiser in 1973. He said Pickens’ impact on OSU remains immeasurable.
“When I think of Boone, I think of the ultimate friend, the greatest teammate of all time,” Holder said. “You couldn’t have a better leader, you couldn’t have a better promoter. He promoted Oklahoma State wherever he went. He gave generously. He always said there are two types of people: the givers and takers. There is no question what Boone Pickens was.”
View the full article: News.OKState.edu