$1 million gift from Dallas couple creates dual OSU engineering chairs
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Humphreys’ gift supports emerging engineering program, first chair in industrial engineering
& management
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A member of Exxon Mobil Corporation's management committee as well as senior vice
president and treasurer, Don received an industrial engineering degree from OSU in
1971. The Humphreys made these donations to help jump start the university’s emerging
petroleum engineering program as well as to create the first industrial engineering
chair.
“We sincerely appreciate what Don and Cathey are doing for OSU engineering,” said
OSU President Burns Hargis. “The response from our alumni and friends has exceeded
our wildest expectations. Inspired by Boone Pickens’ astounding generosity, donors
answered the call to make a lasting difference and open a new and exciting chapter
at OSU.”
In order to take full advantage of the state’s dollar-for-dollar match, and make the
most significant impact on OSU academics, the Humphreys made the gift prior to the
July 1 change in the state’s endowed chair matching program. This gift is part of
the $66.8 million in endowed faculty gifts OSU announced recently.
Both housed within the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology, the gifts
will create the Donald and Cathey Humphreys Chair in Industrial Engineering and Management
and the Donald and Cathey Humphreys Chair in College of Engineering, Architecture
and Technology.
“When Cathey and I initially decided to make a $1 million gift to the college, the
dean suggested splitting the gift to endow two positions -- one in industrial engineering
and management and one in petroleum engineering -- and we thought that was a great
idea,” said Don. “We’re hoping to benefit both areas and help everyone within the
college to succeed. We are at a time in our lives where we feel very fortunate to
be able to give back to OSU. Our view is that investing in education, whether for
yourself, your children or as a gift, is the best long term investment one can make.”
Endowed professorships and chairs are academic designations which provide support
for faculty salary, graduate assistantships, equipment and research needs, as well
as other support. These endowed faculty positions allow a university to attract and
retain the best and the brightest academic minds in the world.