OSU completing sign for 'Willham House' presidential home

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

The designation of 1600 N. Washington, the residence of Oklahoma State University presidents since 1962, as The Willham House is being commemorated with the construction of a stone marker and sign at its entranceway.

The OSU/A&M College Board of Regents approved naming the Stillwater home in honor of former President Oliver S. Willham and his wife, Susan, in October 2005. Its current residents, David and Janet Schmidly, recommended the distinction.

“Naming the OSU presidential home for the Willhams is a fitting tribute for their legacy and contributions to OSU,” Schmidly said. “Janet and I are privileged to live in such a unique and wonderful home. We are thrilled that it now honors the Willhams.”

After being named president in January 1952, the Willhams remained in their own home, never using the $400 set aside each month by the board for operating expenses of the president’s official residence nor any maintenance funds. When construction on the home began in 1960, its estimated cost was $60,000. Three-fourths of the cost was considered a personal contribution from the Willhams from the allowances never used.

In addition to displaying the house's name, the lighted marker will identify the Washington Street entrance to the president's residence. OSU’s first family each year hosts gatherings and functions for hundreds of students, alumni, guests and friends of the university, making their home one of the most publicly visited private residences in Stillwater.

“The home is an important landmark for our university and Stillwater,” Schmidly said. “Janet and I welcome the opportunity to open the home to guests. It provides a warm and beautiful setting to host the many friends of Oklahoma State University.”

The stone marker and surrounding vegetation bed are now in place and will soon be adorned with plants. The project will be completed in the coming weeks with the addition of black anodized lettering.