Matt and Amy Huhnke claim they have been avid OSU fans for decades.  Decades? Pretty impressive considering they’re only 28 and 27 years old respectively.

These Stillwater high school sweethearts seem every bit the classic OSU couple – he was on the football team, she was on the pom squad.  Both active in their fraternity and sorority, their college years were filled with plenty of social memories. 

But the impact of their academic experiences influenced the Huhnkes to reinvest in Oklahoma State.

While the couple recounts their fondest OSU memories at date parties, weekends on The Strip and cheering on the Cowboy teams, it was the scholarships received that left the most lasting impression.

“I worked a variety of odd jobs in college: Hastings, Cimarron Trails golf course and even in a pawn shop for awhile,” says Matt, ’01 B.S. & ‘04 M.S., geology. “When I think how much a $1,000 Skinner Scholarship changed my life and gave me direction, we felt compelled to return the favor.”

Five geology students are slated to receive the Matt & Amy Huhnke Geology Scholarship in fall 2006.  These five $1,000 annual scholarships will benefit students studying petroleum geology.

“Matt is a die-hard geologist,” claims Amy, a ’01 marketing alumna.  “He lives and breathes geology and welcomes every opportunity to share that passion with any aspiring geologist.”

Matt recalls that passion starting at a young age.  From banging on rocks and building dams as a small child to utilizing a Lew Wentz research scholarship to study urban run-off and landscape erosion.

“I’ve always had a passion for geology, but my professors at OSU were the difference-makers that influenced my decision to enter the oil industry,” says Matt.

“Students like Matt, whose enthusiasm for science and geology began at an early age enhance the classroom experience because they have an elevated interest level and a willingness to discuss the topic they love,” said OSU geology professor Jim Puckette. “Our experience shows that these students become successful professional geoscientists and very supportive alumni.”

The Huhnkes credit Matt’s employer, Devon Energy, with influencing their decision to make the gift possible today.

“Company matching is a great thing, because a $100 gift automatically becomes a $200 gift.  But imagine the difference a $2,500 gift can make to a student. Five $1,000 gifts to five individuals extends the potential impact we can have in a dramatic way. Our hope is that these gifts will inspire others to return the favor.” 

That is a dream the Huhnkes hold dear.  The chance to influence one life makes their gift worth the sacrifice.

“I went to the Boone Pickens School of Geology, and I like to think that someone inspired him to make his gift just like I hope to inspire someone with ours,” said Matt.