OSU hosts United Way of Payne County 2025-26 kickoff

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

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

Oklahoma State University launched this year’s United Way of Payne County campaign with a luncheon with guests from all over campus, including President Jim Hess.

The goal for the OSU Campaign is $310,000 which is part of the overall $1,250,000 for the United Way of Payne County.

This year’s co-chairs, Jane Carpenter and Dr. Jayson Lusk, and guests such as Stillwater Police Department Detective Mary Kellison spoke at the event to illustrate how donations in the past have positively impacted the community. 

“The most important thing about the campaign is the people who receive the benefits of the funds that we provide,” Carpenter said. “We have partner agencies, and those agencies provide services to people who need them.”

The departments within OSU’s UWPC campaign have their own goals to meet the overall number. Last March, Fraternity and Sorority Affairs raised $87,080 through Varsity Revue. Carpenter said that attending any fundraiser like this is a great way to get involved.

Entering payroll deductions, however, is one of the biggest ways that OSU makes an impact. Employees can participate online through Banner self-service at my.okstate.edu. 

Students interested in donating can attend upcoming fundraisers by different departments to make their mark on UWPC. 

The Spears School of Business will host a lunch at Taylor's supporting United Way at 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 27 for $20 in Taylor's dining Room. The meal will include cuisine from Latin America. 

Lusk reflected on how the spirit of OSU benefits the community through UWPC. 

“I think OSU Cowboys are loyal, they're givers and they're service oriented,” Lusk said. “It reflects on us that we want to have an impact, not only on national research and on athletic fields, but also in the place where we live.”

After over 70 years of partnership, UWPC and OSU have continuously made a team effort to better the lives of Payne County residents. Many OSU students and employees have made impactful contributions, which continue to be seen throughout the community. 

Story By: Hannah Carl | hannah.carl@okstate.edu