RSU Foundation Sets Records for Second Year in a Row

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The Rogers State University Foundation set new records during its annual Scholarship Auction and Dinner, breaking last year’s record-setting attendance and fundraising totals.

More than 600 people attended the event, with gross proceeds of $200,000 to fund unrestricted scholarships for RSU students at the Bartlesville, Claremore and Pryor campuses during the 2016-2017 academic year.

The western-themed event, “Saddle Up For Scholarships,” was held April 29 at the Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs Event Center and featured both silent and live auctions as well as a barbecue dinner. Pelco Structural, LLC was the presenting sponsor.

This is the 12th year the RSU Foundation has held its auction and dinner. Kristen Glover-Galyean emceed the event, and music was provided by The Fox and Hounds bluegrass band. Rick Reimer served as the auctioneer.

Tonni Harrald, Director of Development at RSU, praised area business, industry, community leaders and caring individuals for making this year’s event the largest and most successful ever held.

“RSU Foundation unrestricted scholarships can change lives, allowing students to focus on their studies instead of how they can afford an education,” Harrald said. “The RSU Foundation is committed to helping deserving students attain their degrees, and we are grateful for the attendees and community businesses and sponsors who support us in that work.”

A highlight of the evening was a raffle for a chance to spend $28,000 at Jack Kissee Ford or Jim Glover Chevrolet or Jim Glover Nissan or $20,000 in cash. The winning ticket was held by Oklahoma State Representative Mark Lepak (R).

Dozens of area companies and individuals donated auction items and made contributions to make the evening possible.

The auction committee was chaired by Cindy Rickard, with committee members: Tracey Dean, Travis Farbro, Lou Flanagan, Jesse and Kathy Glover, Tonni Harrald, Jim Harrison, Sharon Holm, Heather Isaacs, Susan Kirtley, Bobbye Mooney, Maynard Phillips, Peggy Rains, Dr. Judy Riley, Ginny Sherrer, Mary Lee Spinks, Brandi Sutherland, Carlene Webber, Cathy Webster, and Martha Blackburn as an ex-officio member.

During the past 12 years, the auction has raised more than $900,000 for scholarships that would not be possible without continued support from area businesses, industries and individual sponsors.

Sheriff sponsors were Tom Giles and Fonda Ryan of Rockin G Ranch and Williams Construction Co. Town Marshal sponsors were Jack Kissee Ford, Jim Glover Auto Family, Pryor Stone, and Win and Kay Ingersoll. Rodeo Champion sponsors were RCB Bank, Walmart Logistics, Rogers County Abstract Co., Jack and Denda Graves, St. John Health System, Jack and Bobbye Mooney, and Key Construction.

Ranch Foreman sponsors were Jack and Mary Lee Spinks, Carlene Webber, Dr. Diana and Larry Clayton, Mayor and Mrs. Bill Flanagan, RSU Alumni Association, RSU Athletics, Clem Ohman and Friends, Bob and Ginny Sherrer, Martha Blackburn and Barrett and Nicole Williams, SUMMIT Physical Therapy, BancFirst, RCI Insurance, Hays and Suzanne Gilstrap, Travis Farbro and Donna McSpadden, P & W Builders, Inc. and G & G Commercial Properties, Inc., Leroy Johnson, Don Rickard, Bank of Commerce, SolidRock Realtors, Grace & Heart (Maynard and Debra Phillips), Janees Taylor of the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council, RSU TV, The Harrald Family (Kenny, Tonni, and Preslee), Trust Company of Oklahoma, Oklahoma Military Alumni Association, Terra Nitrogen, Cherokee Nation Businesses and Cherokee Casino WRD, Hillcrest Hospital-Claremore, Riley and Friends, HydroHoist Marine Group, Brand Design Co., McDonald’s on Hwy 66, Arvest Bank in Bartlesville, Goodies Convenience Store & Catering Services, Arvest Bank in Pryor, The Original Overhead Door Company of Tulsa, MidAmerica Industrial Park, Cox Media, and the Oklahoma Natural Gas Company.

For more information, contact Harrald at 918-343-7767 or by email at tharrald@rsu.edu.

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