Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development Office Suite rendering — This artist rendering shows what the interior of the Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development Office Suite could look like once the New Frontiers Agricultural Hall is completed. Interior décor and furnishings have not been decided or approved.

Oklahoma 4-H Foundation achieves $100,000 goal for New Frontiers campaign

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Media Contact: Mandy Gross | Senior Manager of Strategic Communications and Special Projects | 405-744-4063 | mandy.gross@okstate.edu

American Farmers & Ranchers Cooperative (AFR) committed a generous $13,000 to finish the $100,000 commitment set by Oklahoma 4-H Foundation directors and staff for naming opportunities in the New Frontiers Agricultural Hall on the Oklahoma State University campus.

The New Frontiers Agricultural Hall will be a new state-of-the-art teaching, research and OSU Extension facility for OSU Agriculture and will include a dedicated 4-H office suite for the Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development and the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation.

Oklahoma 4-H alumni, volunteers and supporters had the opportunity to donate to the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation to name three spaces in the new 4-H office suite. Donations of $25,000 to $50,000 were required before a donor received naming rights, said Milford H. Jenkins, Oklahoma 4-H Foundation executive director.

Oklahoma 4-H Foundation directors and staff announced the $100,000 commitment in July 2021 at the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation Donor Alumni Reception. Jerry and Julie Kiefer declared their contribution of $50,000 to jumpstart the fundraising effort, followed by a donation of $10,000 from Oklahoma Farm Bureau.

Following these contributions, John and Janice Grundmann donated $1,000, along with their son, Josh Grundmann, who donated an additional $1,000. Soon after, Burns & Stowers, P.C. donated $25,000 in honor of the late Charlie A. Burns.

To finish the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation fundraising effort, AFR committed $13,000.

“AFR’s generous $13,000 gift to New Frontiers empowers Oklahoma 4-H to reach its $100,000 goal,” Jenkins said. “Oklahoma 4-H is very fortunate to have AFR as a corporate benefactor and partner and will always owe a debt of gratitude to AFR for their support.”

AFR’s resources and support each year play a crucial role in fostering the growth and development of Oklahoma 4-H youth, Jenkins added.

AFR’s gift to the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation helps OSU progress toward its campaign fundraising goal of $50 million for the project. Less than $2 million in private support is needed to reach the goal; although, fundraising will continue to incorporate additional features that will enhance the significance and uniqueness of the facility.

“We were honored to help the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation complete its commitment to the OSU New Frontiers Agricultural Hall campaign,” said Scott Blubaugh, AFR president. “We are proud to recognize both OSU and Oklahoma 4-H for their dedication to our state’s young people and this gift is an excellent way to honor both organizations.”

4-H is the largest youth organization in the world and focuses on leadership development by helping youth learn the life skills they need to be the leaders of tomorrow. Available in all 77 counties in Oklahoma, educators provide experiences where young people learn by doing. Visit Oklahoma 4-H for more information or to join.

The New Frontiers Agricultural Hall is projected to be open for the fall 2024 semester. It will include innovative teaching spaces and state-of-the-art areas for OSU’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources branches, including Oklahoma 4-H.

The Oklahoma 4-H Foundation supports the mission of Oklahoma 4-H by allocating private fund development to support programs, scholarships, awards and activities. More information about the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation is available online.

Story By: Emily Gerstenkorn | emily.gerstenkorn@okstate.edu