Boone Pickens Legacy Experience tells business titan's story
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Media Contact: Mack Burke | Associate Director of Media Relations | 405-744-5540 | editor@okstate.edu
A Smithsonian-worthy exhibit celebrating the remarkable life of Oklahoma State University legend T. Boone Pickens now resides inside Boone Pickens Stadium’s west end zone.
Renowned exhibit designer and master storyteller Andy Anway, who has worked on several high-profile exhibits, describes the Boone Pickens Legacy Experience as “not just a tribute to a man but a testament to the power of dreams, hard work and a little bit of audacity.”
Pickens is closely associated with OSU and American business. He was both revered and feared as a pioneering figure in shareholder advocacy. His remarkable generosity is exemplified by the stadium named in his honor, resulting from his groundbreaking $165 million donation. This contribution transformed the outdated Lewis Field into one of college football’s premier venues, demonstrating his deep affection for the university.
“Boone Pickens was a true visionary, a pioneer who embraced the future long before it arrived. He lived by the Cowboy Code, a relentless spirit that fueled his passion for change. His unwavering belief in the power of transformation has left an indelible mark on our university, state and nation.”
Overall, Pickens’ total donations of $650 million to his alma mater — supporting athletic and academic initiatives — testify to his significant impact on the institution.
“Boone Pickens was a true visionary, a pioneer who embraced the future long before it arrived,” OSU President Kayse Shrum said. “He lived by the Cowboy Code, a relentless spirit that fueled his passion for change. His unwavering belief in the power of transformation has left an indelible mark on our university, state and nation. We are forever grateful for his visionary leadership, heartful generosity, and the legacy he has bestowed upon us.”
The Oklahoma-born billionaire oilman and philanthropist’s remarkable journey started in the small town of Holdenville, which he cherished. His rise from humble beginnings to global prominence is a testament to the power of ambition, resilience and hard work.
In collaboration with Pickens’ trusted longtime confidants, Jay Rosser and Sally Geymuller, Anway has vividly captured and engagingly presented this impressive story.
“It’s a testament to the extraordinary life of a small-town kid from rural Oklahoma who rose from meager beginnings to become a titan of industry and a philanthropist of immense impact,” Rosser said.
The exhibit begins with a recreated section of Pickens’ childhood home in Holdenville, connecting guests to Pickens’ early life and inviting them to step back in time. Inside, photographs and an audio story shed light on Pickens’ youth, highlighting the ambitious, young, enterprising boy.
The Legacy Experience traces Pickens’ professional career, starting with a vintage Ford station wagon — a replica of the one he drove pursuing opportunities across Oklahoma and Texas as a young wildcatter for Phillips Petroleum. This vehicle, which served as his home on the road, is filled with artifacts that tell stories of his adventurous spirit and determination, including his early business plans, personal items and tools of the trade.
Visitors will be immersed in interactive exhibits showcasing Pickens’ transformative legacy. His groundbreaking shareholder activism revolutionized corporate accountability, empowering shareholders to demand greater responsibility. His visionary “Pickens Plan” also offered a comprehensive blueprint for American energy independence through renewable energy sources. The interactive exhibits allow guests to delve deeper into these critical moments in Pickens’ career, providing a thorough understanding of his impact.
Artifacts and personal items — including his office where he conducted business and hosted presidents, business and global leaders, and his famous “deal shoes” — offer an intimate glimpse into his life, allowing visitors to forge a deeper connection with the man behind the legacy.
Former OSU Athletic Director and close friend Mike Holder said Pickens’ voice is the most potent element of the legacy experience. Audio recordings — drawn from interviews and oral histories — transport guests back in time, allowing them to hear Pickens’ stories in his own words.
“The Boone Pickens Legacy Experience will not only preserve his memory and show that his generosity changed OSU’s future forever but will also inspire generations of Cowgirls and Cowboys as they see the enduring impact of a truly remarkable individual,” Holder said.
Photos by: Bruce Waterfield
Story by: Brent Gooden | STATE Magazine