A Conversation with T. Boone Pickens, Record-Breaking Success

by Bonnie Ann Cain, APR

T. Boone Pickens is accustomed to breaking records. His 2008 appearance at the Friends of the OSU Library fundraiser was no exception. In the 18-year history of the event, Pickens' appearance holds the record for attendance, sponsorships, student interest and total funds raised for the Friends of the OSU Library.

The 2008 H. Louise & H.E. "Ed" Cobb Speaker Series featured A Conversation with T. Boone Pickens. OSU President Burns Hargis conducted the interview. Nearly 400 guests were treated to stories, jokes and insights on Pickens' life, as President Hargis questioned him on topics ranging from growing up in small-town Oklahoma to the new Pickens Plan.

Pickens’ development and advocacy of a new U.S. energy plan has generated an avalanche of political and of media attention. The Pickens Plan (www.pickensplan.com) is a blueprint to reduce the nation’s foreign oil dependence by harnessing domestic energy alternatives, and it is spelled out in Pickens' new book, “The First Billion is the Hardest.”

"We were thrilled to host Mr. Pickens," said Sheila Grant Johnson, dean of libraries. "People are fascinated with him for so many reasons: his philanthropy, his business insights, his energy plan. President Hargis and Mr. Pickens touched on all it."

The event raised a record $35,000 for the Friends of the OSU Library. This group serves an invaluable role in helping the Library maintain its superior services and resources. Learn more about how your gift to the Friends helps OSU students by visiting www.library.okstate.edu/friends.

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