Members of the Bellmon family joined OSU administrators to dedicate the Henry Bellmon Research Center on Friday, Sept. 9, 2011.

Formerly known as the Science Research Building, the 124,000 square foot HBRC is a first-of-its-kind facility on the OSU campus, created to facilitate interdisciplinary research.

The highlight of the dedication was the unveiling of a bust of the late Oklahoma governor, which will sit in the lobby of the building. OSU commissioned the bust by local artist Lou Hale.

"This facility is a lasting tribute to Henry Bellmon's legacy at OSU and throughout Oklahoma," said OSU President Burns Hargis. "It exemplifies research, discovery and economic growth - all things Henry Bellmon was passionate about."

Bellmon graduated from OSU (then Oklahoma A&M College) in 1942. As governor, his administration oversaw the establishment of the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) and the Centers of Excellence Program. His support of education at all levels is well documented and after his retirement from public service he was an active member and supporter of OSU's Education and Research Foundation, now named the Center for Innovation and Economic Development. He also taught at OSU.