Oklahoma State University publically launched its ambitious $1 billion Branding Success Campaign on Feb. 26, 2010, with a huge boost from alumnus T. Boone Pickens. Joined by Pickens and campaign chairs Ross and Billie McKnight, OSU President Burns Hargis announced that the five-year campaign would fund scholarships, faculty positions, research, programs and facilities. Leading the way was Pickens, who announced at the event a surprise $100 million challenge gift to fund student scholarships that pushed the total raised and pledge two years into the campaign to $537 million. (Because of the success of his challenge gift, Pickens added another $20 million to the gift in January 2011). Pickens said, “You know me - I want us to be the best in everything we do at Oklahoma State. We are not going to be second to anyone, either academically or athletically. I know the leadership now in place at OSU with Ann and Burns has been a game-changer. We are on the move in ways I could have never imagined a few years ago. These are exciting times at OSU, and the possibilities are limitless.” Hargis said, “This campaign marks the most ambitious fundraising initiative in the history of Oklahoma State University. The incredible generosity of graduates and friends around the world who believe in our land-grant mission and embrace our vision to make OSU a leader in education, public service, and research has inspired and encouraged us to move forward with this historic campaign at this time.”