OSU Regents approve naming of new research building for late former Governor and OSU alumnus Henry Bellmon

Friday, October 23, 2009

(MIAMI, Okla. – October 23, 2009) – The Oklahoma State University/A&M Board of Regents today gave approval to rename the Interdisciplinary Science Research Building, currently under construction, the Henry Bellmon Research Center (HBRC). 

The former U.S. Senator and Oklahoma Governor died last month at the age of 88.  Bellmon graduated from OSU (then Oklahoma A&M) in 1942.

“I can’t think of a better name to put on this building that will be the center of research at Oklahoma State University,” said OSU President Burns Hargis.  “Governor Bellmon was so instrumental in establishing state support for research in Oklahoma and in particular at OSU.  It is a privilege to honor him in this way.  He was a great statesman, a proud Cowboy and personal mentor of mine.

“Governor Bellmon truly understood that research is fundamental to the growth of the economy in Oklahoma and to the growth of a high technology sector in the state.” Hargis said.

The $70 million Henry Bellmon Research Center is currently being constructed and is the largest single project from the state’s 2005 higher education bond program.  The high-tech, 124,000-square foot building will provide laboratory spaces for a range of disciplines and is expected to be completed in the fall of 2010.  The building, which has three floors plus a basement, will contain custom-designed facilities for research in biodiversity, biophysics, photonics, synthetic chemistry and advanced materials.

“Governor Bellmon, I think, would be proud his name will be on a building that will be so instrumental to the advancement of research at his alma mater,” said OSU Vice President of Research and Technology Transfer Stephen McKeever. “This state-of-the-art facility’s purpose it to bring a variety of disciplines from across campus together in one place to advance the university’s mission of teaching, research and outreach.”

Bellmon’s administration oversaw the establishment of the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) and the Centers of Excellence Program.  His support of education at all levels is well documented and after his retirement from public service he was an active member and supporter of OSU’s Education and Research Foundation, now named the Center for Innovation and Economic Development; and he also taught at OSU. 

In addition to this action, the regents also approved the naming of two rooms in Old Central, home to the OSU Honors College. 

The Honors College Director’s office will be named for John and Teri Shaffer following a pledge to the college.  Also the Assistant Director’s office will be named the A.B. and Sandra Still Assistant Director’s Office following the couple’s gift to the OSU Foundation. A plaque will be placed in a prominent area near the entrances to each of these offices.