Endowments
An endowed scholarship, named for an individual or organization, requires a minimum gift of $25,000 payable at one time or over a period of time. This gift is invested and the interest accrued is given annually as a scholarship in the designated name.
Endowed chairs, professorships and lectureships/artists-in-residence can be established with a minimum donation of $250,000, $125,000, and $25,000 respectively. These funds can be matched through the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.
Current State Regent Endowments
The Henry Croak Endowment for Business and Information Technology
Mr. Croak, owner and president of First National Bank of Midwest City, was a businessman and entrepreneur who placed a high value on education. His wife, Margaret, established this endowment to perpetuate Henry Croak's legacy of commitment and service to the community. This endowment provides funding for special projects in Business and Information Technology to improve and enhance the academic programs.
The Hudiburg Endowment for Student Services
Established by Ms. Jean Hudiburg and Mr. Paul Hudiburg to serve at-risk high school students in the Mid-Del Schools to encourage continued education. The Hudiburg family has been an important part of the Midwest City business community since the 1950s. The dedication and hard work exhibited by the Hudiburg family sets an example for all. In addition, establishment of the Hudiburg Endowment is not the first effort of the family to support education. The Hudiburg family provides scholarships annually to Mid-Del students and participates in programs to encourage postsecondary education. The RSC Connection provides a counselor to work with identified students as a teacher and a mentor. Students receive special workshops, visits to the College campus, and one-on-one mentoring.
The Don S. Reynolds Lectureship
Established by friends and family to honor Regent Don S. Reynolds. Regent Reynolds held the longest tenure for a college regent in Oklahoma, with 29 consecutive years of service. During his tenure as a Regent, he served as Chairman twice and was a driving force for the continued development of excellence at Rose State College. Due to his focus on people and. in particular, students, the Student Services building was named the Don S. Reynolds building. The Don S. Reynolds Lectureship will provide funding for guest speakers and lecturers for the campus and community.
The James F. Howell "County Lawyer" Lectureship
Established by Mr. Howell to provide funds for speakers and lecturers in the area of law, criminal justice and social science. Mr. Howell, a Midwest City attorney and resident, is a former Senator in the Oklahoma Legislature, Chairman of the Midwest City Hospital Trust Authority, Co-chairman of the Midwest City Millennium: Launching Our Legacy Planning Committee, and a member and Director of the Midwest City Chamber of Commerce. His community involvement has been an important element in fostering community betterment and community pride. The inaugural lecture, held April 20, 2002, in recognition of Law Day, featured Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice Marion Opala and University of Oklahoma Law School Dean, Andy Coats.
The Ray M. Hardin/Kelly and Kevin Miller Endowment for Small Business Education
Established through donations by local businessman Ray M. Hardin. Mr. Hardin was a 40-year resident of Midwest City and owned and operated Edgewood Mobile Homes. He actively supported and served on the Board of the Manufactured Housing Association of Oklahoma. Mr. Hardin's daughter, Kelly Miller, is a lifelong resident of Midwest City and a 1991 graduate of Rose State College. Kevin Miller, Hardin's son-in-law is a Midwest City firefighter and also graduated from Rose State College in 1991. Prior to establishing this endowment, Mr. Hardin established the Katherine Joan Hardin Scholarship with the Rose State College Foundation in memory of his late wife.
The Excellence in Teaching and Learning Endowment
Established by the Rose State College Foundation Board of Trustees with funds realized from the sale of donated property, the endowment is to recognize and foster excellence in teaching and learning at Rose State College. Interest from the endowment will be used to fund initiatives that improve teaching and learning.
The W.P. "Bill" and Rubye Atkinson History Center Endowment
Established when the trustees of the Living Historical Center of Central Oklahoma transferred title of the Center and assets of the Center to the Rose State College Foundation. W.P. "Bill" Atkinson had a passion for history and during his lifetime, he established the Center as a vehicle to preserve the history of Central Oklahoma. The interest from the endowment will be used to maintain the Eastern Oklahoma County History Center and the former home and property of W.P. and Rubye Atkinson.
