OSU alumnus A.J. Jacques' $1 million gift to create agricultural economics chair
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Joins wife in making major donation to OSU academics
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The president of Cheyenne Drilling, Inc., Jacques received an agricultural economics
degree from OSU in 1975. The gift will create the A.J. and Susan Jacques Chair in
Agricultural Economics located within the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural
Resources. Additionally, Jacques wife, Susan, received a recreation degree from OSU
in 1975 and made her own $1 million gift to OSU’s College of Education last month.
“The response from our alumni and friends has exceeded our wildest expectations,”
said OSU President Burns Hargis. “Inspired by Boone Pickens’ astounding generosity,
donors answered the call to make a lasting difference and open a new and exciting
chapter at OSU. We sincerely appreciate what A.J. and Susan are doing for OSU academics
and research.”
In order to take full advantage of the state’s dollar-for-dollar match, and make the
most significant impact on OSU academics, Jacques 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.
“I spent the most wonderful years of my life in Stillwater, and that’s where my heart
is,” said Jacques. “I directed my gift to agriculture because that’s where my roots
are and where I grew up. I’m happy OSU is getting more competitive both academically
and athletically.”
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.