For the first time, the OSU Foundation awarded more than $1 million in scholarships during an academic year (1986-87), indicating that the years of work to establish endowments was starting to make a real difference for students.

More than one thousand students received checks that provided financial assistance for their education that year thanks to endowments, which would continue to provide a growing number of fellowships and scholarships each year. Developing and making these and other funds available was the primary purpose for which the foundation was formed.