OSU Geology benefits from Questar gifts

Friday, February 22, 2008

Energy company supports field camp, graduate fellowships
 
(February 22, 2008  STILLWATER, OK) – The Oklahoma State University [OSU] Foundation announced two gifts received from energy company Questar Corporation to benefit the geology field camp restoration and create a fellowship fund for OSU geology graduate students.

Questar, a natural gas-focused energy company headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, designated $18,000 for the continued restoration efforts of the geology field camp in Colorado that was destroyed by a flood in summer 2006. Specifically, the gift will aid in rebuilding the camp’s faculty and staff onsite living quarters and brings Questar’s total contribution to the field camp project to $36,000.

 “Without question, we [Questar] recognize the critical training that field camp provides and the unique environment it offers for practical problem solving in our discipline,” said Robert Thornburg, division geologist, Western Mid-Continent Division, Questar. “The field is where many of us first developed an interest in geology.”

Additionally, Questar has committed $15,000 for the establishment of the Questar Fellowship Fund, which will provide scholarships for graduate students majoring in geology.

 “From the corporate standpoint we have a strong desire to give back to the next generation of geoscientists and professionals joining us in the petroleum industry,” Thornburg said. “We certainly want to see these students excel and succeed. The fellowship fund is one of several means we employ in pursuit of achieving this objective.  And be assured, we have nothing but praise for the OSU geology department. The students graduating not only have a strong foundation in geology but also a solid work ethic and positive attitude.”

By offering scholarship dollars to graduate students at OSU, Questar is also helping to promote the program to high-caliber students and helping maintain the department’s prestigious reputation.  

“Questar’s generosity to OSU’s geology department demonstrates their commitment to the future of their industry and their confidence in OSU’s ability to produce top graduates for their industry,” said Kirk A. Jewell, CEO and president of OSU Foundation. “Support from industry leaders, like Questar, helps to recognize and reward the hard work and dedication put forth by our outstanding faculty, staff and student body, and we greatly appreciate their belief in OSU’s program.”   

The Oklahoma State University Foundation serves as the private fundraising organization for OSU, as designated by the OSU Regents.  Its mission is to unite donor and university passions and priorities to achieve excellence.

For more information on the OSU Foundation, log on to our Web site at www.osugiving.com   or call 405.385.5100.