Fundraising reaches $105 million for first-of-its-kind project
(STILLWATER, Okla., Sept. 9, 2024) — A growing number of donors are philanthropically investing in the Human Performance and Nutrition Research Institute, whose mission will translate research findings focused on improving community health outcomes for the state.
Several key donors were celebrated Saturday in Boone Pickens Stadium, across the street from where HPNRI and Cowboy Football Operations will make their new homes in the planned Human Performance Innovation Complex. The building’s footprint will be adjacent to the Sherman E. Smith Training Center and will highlight Oklahoma State University’s commitment to transdisciplinary research and athletic competition.
The university has a goal to raise $35 million for HPNRI programming and $100 million for the Innovation Complex. To date, $105 million in total has been raised, including $50 million in initial funding from the state of Oklahoma through the American Rescue Plan Act.
“We are so grateful to our dedicated donors and hope they inspire others to get involved in this once-in-a-lifetime project,” said Blaire Atkinson, OSU Foundation president. “We will need even more private support to cross the finish line.”
Under The Innovation Foundation at OSU, HPNRI combines the university’s cutting-edge research in human performance and nutrition science with advanced knowledge from elite strength and conditioning staff and partnerships with leading industry experts to address systemic health threats within the broader Oklahoma population.
The institute was announced in December 2022 alongside a lead gift by OSU alumni Rick and Gail Muncrief, who were among those recognized Saturday with other donors who have contributed at least $1 million to the project.
“The contributions of these donors are truly worth celebrating, and not just for OSU, but for the entire state of Oklahoma,” OSU President Kayse Shrum said. “HPNRI will create innovative solutions that will result in a healthier populace. It’s already started making a difference.”
Since 2022, HPNRI has been active in leveraging OSU’s existing expertise in biometric, nutritional and genetic research from several departments and colleges across the OSU system. It has hosted two annual research symposiums and also launched numerous Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) lines, which leverage OSU’s dynamic Extension programming.
HPNRI’s ECHO lines have brought much-needed expertise to cohorts across Oklahoma, including those for K-12 athletic training and sports medicine, and another dedicated to building healthy school communities.
“We are proud to see the transformational work of HPNRI amplified through OSU’s Extension efforts and are excited to see others join us in supporting this first-of-its-kind program,” said Rick and Gail Muncrief.
HPNRI Benefactors, who have contributed at least $1 million to the project, include:
- Chickasaw Nation
- Loren and Elaine Cook
- David Lindsey
- Rick and Gail Muncrief
- Bob and Elizabeth Nickels
- George and Janice Thompson
- Anonymous
“We are deeply humbled by the generosity of our donors, whose investments in HPNRI will have a lasting impact on the health and well-being of Oklahomans,” said Lance Walker, HPNRI Rick and Gail Muncrief Executive Director. “Their commitment empowers us to push the boundaries of research and innovation, ultimately creating a healthier future for our communities. This project is not just about advancing science; it’s about making a real difference in people’s lives. I believe more individuals will be inspired to join us in reaching the finish line.”
Construction on the project is expected to begin in 2025, and donors who give at the Benefactor level and above will have the opportunity to name certain spaces within the building.
“This project is helping ensure OSU’s competitive advantage extends beyond our playing fields,” said Chad Weiberg, OSU athletic director and vice president. “We are so grateful for our passionate donors who are making this a reality for our student-athletes.”
To learn more, including how you can make a difference, visit hpnri.okstate.edu.
About the OSU Foundation
The Oklahoma State University Foundation serves as the private fundraising organization for OSU, as designated by the OSU Regents. Its mission is to unite donor passions with university priorities to elevate the impact of OSU.
About Oklahoma State University
Oklahoma State University is a premier land-grant university that prepares students for success. Through teaching, research and Extension, OSU engages communities and empowers servant-leaders to meet society’s most pressing challenges. OSU is the largest university system in Oklahoma and has more than 35,000 students across its five-campus system and more than 26,000 on its combined Stillwater and Tulsa campuses, with students from all 50 states and more than 127 nations. Established in 1890, OSU has graduated more than 290,000 students to serve the state of Oklahoma, the nation and the world.
About Human Performance and Nutrition Research Institution
Established in 2022, the Oklahoma State University Human Performance and Nutrition Research Institute is a research-based institute that focuses on strategic areas of human performance and nutrition science to improve lives in Oklahoma. Operating under the umbrella of OSU’s Innovation Foundation, HPNRI unites researchers and resources to translate applied research into practical solutions and leverage advanced knowledge gained from OSU’s sports performance, sports medicine, collaborative research programs, and leading industry partner relationships.
About The Innovation Foundation at Oklahoma State University
The Innovation Foundation at Oklahoma State University is dedicated to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development within the Oklahoma State University ecosystem and beyond. Grounded in the university’s commitment to research excellence and community engagement, The Innovation Foundation provides support and resources to researchers, startups, and industry partners, facilitating the translation of cutting-edge research into tangible solutions that address real-world challenges. For more information about The Innovation Foundation at Oklahoma State University, please visit theinnovationfoundation.okstate.edu/