The eleventh annual convention of the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) met Aug. 28 – Sept. 1, 1960 at OSU, attracting the largest gathering of scientists ever assembled in Oklahoma at that time. More than 20 scientific organizations and associations were involved in the event, which was coordinated locally by Fred LeCrone (pictured) former assistant dean of agriculture at OSU and longtime adviser for the horticulture club. He was a member of the horticulture faculty from 1946 until his retirement in 1973.

In 1977, George A. Gries, botany professor and OSU dean of arts and sciences at the time, served as national president of AIBS. He retired in 1982.