Funk names North Club Level with 2nd major gift to OSU's 'Next Level' stadium campaign

Thursday, September 1, 2005

Bob Funk, CEO of Oklahoma City-based Express Personnel Inc., made a subsequent multimillion dollar pledge to the “Next Level” stadium improvement program at Oklahoma State University on Thursday.

In recognition of Funk’s continued commitment, the north side Club Level in Boone Pickens Stadium will be named the Express Personnel Club North. State-of-the-art amenities, mirroring Express Personnel Club South, represent a significant portion of improvements to the facility’s north side and will be complete for the 2006 season.

OSU fans will have their first opportunity to enjoy plaza and mezzanine north side improvements Saturday when the Cowboys host Montana State in their home opener.

“We are delighted and extremely grateful for Express Personnel’s continued involvement in helping us build one of the nation’s finest football stadiums,” OSU System CEO and President David Schmidly said. “The successful renovation of Boone Pickens Stadium is a special point of pride among many positive things happening in academics and scholarships across OSU’s five campuses.”

“This is an incredible commitment to our stadium improvement campaign,” said Craig Clemons, associate vice president of development of development for Athletics. “We have thoroughly enjoyed working with Mr. Funk regarding his interest in supporting Oklahoma State, assisting in providing Oklahoma a best-in-class sports complex and leaving a legacy for his family.”

Funk’s gift is the second largest received by OSU during its “Next Level” campaign. The development team has raised more than $90 million — eclipsing the original $86 million goal — in gifts, commitments and premium seating associated with stadium improvements.

Funk founded Express Personnel in 1983. Express Personnel is currently ranked as the 5th largest temporary employment firm in the United States, and has received the highest composite credit approval by Dunn & Bradstreet for possessing strong financial strength and integrity.