A group of people inside a building with wood walls and a sign that has a signature of Boone Pickens. The people talk to two women at a concierge table.

Boone Pickens Legacy Experience opens to the public

Monday, April 28, 2025

Media Contact: Jeff Hopper | Communications and Media Relations Manager | 405-744-5827 | jeff.hopper@okstate.edu

Anyone who knows about Oklahoma State University probably has heard the name T. Boone Pickens.

He was a legend who transformed more than just the OSU campus; he invested his time and resources into the people and alumni to create the OSU that many know today. His legacy continues to live on after his passing through the Boone Pickens Legacy Experience, a one-of-a-kind museum located in the west end zone of Boone Pickens Stadium.

The Boone Pickens Foundation and OSU collaborated to create a place to recognize and show off the impactful work Pickens accomplished throughout his life. The museum kicked off its opening on April 19 and welcomes anyone interested in learning a little more about the OSU benefactor.

“What Boone Pickens did over the last 20 years of his lifetime transformed Oklahoma State University,” said Terry Tush, interim executive director of Boone Pickens Legacy Experience. “He changed the way people saw OSU and viewed it. We would not be where we are today if he had not stepped up and challenged people and been the leader.”

The museum features a story of Pickens' life, showcasing the various challenges, obstacles, and achievements he faced. Exhibits line the hallways, highlighting his life, including his philanthropic efforts, his business successes, and the different friends in the business executive's life. There are photos with Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush, all close friends of Pickens.

Replica of Boone Pickens 1955 Ford station wagon and other areas of museum.

There are many replicas from Pickens’ life, like the 1955 Ford station wagon he drove after striking out on his own in West Texas. Many times, he slept in the back of the car while venturing off in search of drilling wells and future business partners.

“Learning his drive was pretty cool; it was very motivational,” said Don Davenport, museum attendee. “What he learned from his grandmother and mother, to give back and be honest and true to your word. It’s not about the monetary value, which was huge, but just the effort to do it.”

Many people were involved in creating the Boone Pickens Legacy Experience, including Jay Rosser and Sally Geymuller, both longtime associates of the late Pickens who now run the Boone Pickens Foundation. Well-known designer and architect Andy Anway of Amaze Design designed the museum.

This museum is a permanent fixture in the west end zone of Boone Pickens Stadium and will be around for years to come. It gives students, parents and the general public an opportunity to learn about an important OSU figure.

Starting the first week of June, the doors will be open to anyone. No registration is required. It will be available for attendees Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Until then, anyone interested can register through the website.

Story By: Darby Rains | darby.rains@okstate.edu