Imagine assembling 35 of OSU’s top student leaders. Imagine their backgrounds are as diverse as their hometowns and majors. Imagine their eagerness to secure funding for fellow students. Imagine their immense love for OSU. Imagination is now reality. They represent the university’s premier scholars and leaders – and they are on a mission. “The [organization] has many important and worthwhile objectives, both short and long-term,” says Josh Ward, microbiology and cell & molecular biology junior and StuFu President. “Chief among these objectives is to bridge the gap between donors and students. Increased interaction between donors and students will inspire not only greater giving on behalf of the donor, but also serve as an invaluable way to educate Oklahoma State’s brightest students on philanthropy and giving.”

As members kick-off the inaugural year of the Foundation’s first student organization, students’ enthusiasm is contagious, their goals ambitious and their desire to make a difference reigns supreme. Their goals and activities range from fundraising and stewardship to networking and benefiting from professional development. They are eager to be inspired by tales from OSU philanthropists. They vow to translate that inspiration into action for their peers. “We want to represent our parent organization, the OSU Foundation, in a manner that reflects the best of Oklahoma State; truly showing donors, the Stillwater community and other universities just how amazing our institution is.” Not only are the members becoming the philanthropists of tomorrow, but they’re being encouraged to take both pride and ownership in the continued success of their alma mater. With new beginnings come new challenges; challenges that don’t scare these scholars. “While our greatest challenges will be turning our ideas into reality, we’re setup to succeed because of the support we have across the campus,” says Abby Taylor, a StuFu exec. As the year progresses, activities started, and introductions made, enthusiasm and optimism remains unwavering. “It’s an exciting opportunity to build something from the ground up. Our future is limitless, and we can’t wait to see what it holds,” says Ward.

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