Donors are recognized for their contribution to the Human Behavior and Nutrition Research Center at Oklahoma State University – Oklahoma State University

Monday, September 9, 2024

Contact Media: Jennifer Kinnard | Assistant Vice President for Business and Communications OSU Foundation | 405-334-1022 | jkinnard@osugiving.com

Fundraising is up to $105 million for a first-of-its-kind project

A growing number of donors are making philanthropic investments in the Center for Performance and Human Nutrition Research, whose mission will be to translate research findings into improving public health outcomes for of the government.

Several key donors were celebrated Saturday at Boone Pickens Stadium, across the street from where HPNRI and Cowboy Football Operations will make their new homes in the proposed Human Performance Innovation Complex. The building’s location will be adjacent to the Sherman E. Smith Training Center and will highlight Oklahoma State University’s commitment to transdisciplinary research and athletic competition.

The university aims to raise $35 million for the HPNRI program and $100 million for the Innovation Complex. To date, a total of $105 million has been raised, including $50 million in initial funding from the state of Oklahoma through the American Savings Plan Act.

“We are extremely grateful to our dedicated donors and hope they will inspire others to contribute to this once-in-a-lifetime project,” said Blaire Atkinson, president of the OSU Foundation. “We will need more private support to get to the finish line.”

Under The Innovation Foundation at OSU, HPNRI combines the university’s cutting-edge research in human performance and nutritional science with cutting-edge knowledge from senior and high-level staff and collaboration. together with leading industry experts to address health threats among Oklahomans.

The center was announced in December 2022 with an endowment led by OSU alumni Rick and Gail Muncrief, who were among those recognized Saturday and other donors who have contributed at least $1 million to the project.

“The contributions of these donors are truly worth celebrating, not just for OSU, but for the entire state of Oklahoma,” OSU President Kayse Shrum said. “HPNRI will develop new solutions that will result in a healthier society. It has already begun to bring about change.”

Since 2022, HPNRI has been working hard to leverage OSU’s existing expertise in biometrics, nutrition and genetics research from several departments and colleges across the OSU system. It has organized two annual research symposia and launched several lines of Project ECHO (Extension of Public Health Care Outcomes), which leverages OSU’s strong Extension program.

HPNRI’s ECHO calls have brought much-needed expertise to teams across Oklahoma, including those in K-12 athletic training and sports medicine, and one dedicated to building healthy school communities.

HPNRI Benefactors, who contributed at least $1 million to the project, include:

“We are deeply humbled by the generosity of our donors, whose investment in HPNRI will have a lasting impact on the health and well-being of Oklahomans,” said Lance Walker, HPNRI Rick and Gail Muncrief. Executive Director. “Their commitment empowers us to push the boundaries of research and innovation, ultimately creating a better future for our community. This mission is not only about advancing science, but about making a difference in real in people’s lives. I believe that many people will be inspired to join us to reach the finish line.”

Construction of the project is expected to begin in 2025, and bidders who provide Bidder status and above will have the opportunity to claim certain areas within the building.

“This project helps ensure that OSU’s competitiveness continues beyond our fields,” said Chad Weiberg, OSU’s athletic director and vice president. “We are so grateful for our dedicated donors who make this a reality for our student-athletes.”

To learn more, including how you can make a difference, visit hpnri.okstate.edu.