Sherman Smith Makes $20 Million Pledge
To Oklahoma State Athletics Indoor Practice Facility

Gift to help fund multi-purpose training center in OSU Athletic Village

Pictured left to right OSU President and System CEO David Schmidly, T. Boone Pickens, Sherman Smith, Will Smith and OSU Athletic Director Mike Holder

Oklahoma State University announced today that alumnus Sherman Smith is giving $20 million toward Oklahoma State University's athletic indoor practice facility.

The gift makes Sherman Smith the second largest private donor in the history of OSU.

“This gift is a reflection of how much Oklahoma State University means to Dad,” said Will Smith, son of Sherman Smith and family spokesman. “He very often shares stories, tales and anecdotes of his time as a student at Oklahoma State. 

“He enjoys watching his Cowboys and Cowgirls and their pursuit of conference and national titles.  It is a privilege to have the resources to financially assist in the vision of OSU Athletics,” he added.  “The energy business has been very good to us and we feel blessed to make this contribution.”

The new indoor facility will bear Sherman Smith’s name.

“This is a landmark gift from a dear and longtime friend and donor to Oklahoma State University. We are extremely thankful to Sherman Smith and his family for their generosity and their lasting impact on Oklahoma State University,” said OSU System CEO and President David Schmidly.

The gift was officially announced Thursday by OSU Vice President for Athletic Programs and Director of Athletics Mike Holder, with the Smith family in attendance for the announcement in the Athletics Center.

“This is a special gift serving Oklahoma State athletics,” said Holder.  “An important part of dramatically improving our athletic facilities, this gift continues the momentum that has been established at OSU. Sherman has been a tremendous difference maker in supporting OSU Athletics for many years.  We are extremely grateful to Sherman and his family for this important contribution.” 

T. Boone Pickens, the largest donor to Oklahoma State University, attended today’s announcement.

“Sherman Smith and I have known each other since our days together at Oklahoma State in the 1940s,” said Pickens. “We’ve been friends, fraternity brothers and business partners. I have the utmost respect for Sherman and his family, and I’m grateful that they are stepping up in such a major way to continue the progress we’re making in ensuring that OSU is competitive at all levels nationally. Their show of support will encourage other alumni to step forward in the months and years ahead. This is clearly a new day for OSU.”

Sherman Smith is a 1948 mechanical engineering graduate and was inducted into the OSU College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology Hall of Fame in 2000.

The new facility will be strategically located north of Boone Pickens Stadium in the Athletic Village.  Student-athletes, coaches and athletic trainers will have convenient access to Boone Pickens Stadium, Gallagher-Iba Arena, weight-training facilities, sports medicine amenities, administrative offices, and future additions to the Athletic Village.

“This is a far-reaching donation that will benefit every athletic program and every student-athlete,” said Craig Clemons, Vice President of Athletic Development.  “The facility will allow for practice regardless of the outdoor conditions.”

“This gift will have immediate benefits, but will also have a long-term impact in recruiting, student-athlete development and postseason preparation,” said Mike Gundy, OSU head football coach. “On behalf of Cowboy football, we want to express our gratitude to Sherman Smith and his family.”

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