Meinders Foundation Boosts Oklahoma City University with $18 Million Gift
Oklahoma City University (OCU) has received a significant $18 million gift from The Meinders Foundation, established in honor of the late local philanthropist Herman Meinders. This generous donation, matching Meinders’ largest previous contribution to the private institution, is set to provide lasting support for student scholarships and critical university operations across key programs. The announcement on Monday, November 3, signals a continued commitment to educational excellence in the heart of Oklahoma City.
A Legacy of Philanthropy: Herman Meinders’ Enduring Impact
Herman Meinders, who passed away on March 30 at the age of 87, leaves behind a profound legacy as OCU’s most prolific donor. His total giving now surpasses $75 million, a testament to his dedication to the university. This latest gift from The Meinders Foundation comes after a $4 million cash donation last fiscal year, further solidifying his family’s commitment to OCU following his passing. Meinders himself was an OCU alumnus, having pursued a business degree in the 1950s before founding American Floral Services, Inc. in 1970, an international flowers-by-wire service based in Oklahoma City. His vision also led to the construction of the Meinders School of Business building, opened in 2004, which he funded with a previous $18 million gift.
Strategic Investment in Key OCU Programs
The $18 million gift will be held within the Herman Meinders Endowment at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, structured to provide an annual distribution of nearly $1 million to OCU. This sustainable funding model ensures long-term impact on the university’s academic landscape. The funds are strategically allocated to support vital areas:
| OCU Program | Allocation of Annual Distribution | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Meinders School of Business | Approximately two-thirds | Scholarships & Operations |
| Kramer School of Nursing & Wanda L. Bass School of Music | The remaining one-third (shared) | Scholarships & Operations |
The majority of the annual disbursement is earmarked for OCU’s Meinders School of Business, where it will bolster scholarships and operational needs, directly benefiting future business leaders. The remainder will equally support scholarships and operations at both the Kramer School of Nursing—named after the parents of Meinders’ late wife, LaDonna—and the prestigious Wanda L. Bass School of Music. This comprehensive support underscores the foundation’s dedication to nurturing talent across diverse disciplines critical to the community.
OCU President Expresses Gratitude
OCU President Kenneth Evans highlighted the enduring significance of Meinders’ contributions. “Certainly, Herman will be remembered through the business school,” Evans stated. “But there are few, if any, parts of the university that have not been improved or enriched through his philanthropy.” This sentiment reflects how Meinders’ generosity has woven itself into the fabric of the university, fostering growth and opportunity for generations of students. The continuous support ensures OCU can maintain and enhance its educational offerings, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of higher education in Oklahoma City.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Gift
- What is the total amount of the new gift to OCU?
The Meinders Foundation has given $18 million to Oklahoma City University. - How will the gift be managed?
The money will be held in the Herman Meinders Endowment at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, providing an annual distribution of nearly $1 million. - Which OCU schools will benefit from this gift?
The Meinders School of Business will receive approximately two-thirds of the annual distribution, while the remaining one-third will support the Kramer School of Nursing and the Wanda L. Bass School of Music. - What kind of support will the schools receive?
The funds are designated to support both scholarships for students and the general operations of these three schools. - What was Herman Meinders’ connection to OCU?
Herman Meinders attended OCU in the 1950s, worked towards a business degree, and became the university’s most prolific donor, with total giving exceeding $75 million.
This transformative gift from The Meinders Foundation ensures that Herman Meinders’ vision for a thriving Oklahoma City University, equipped to educate and inspire, will continue to impact students and the broader community for years to come.
Meinders Foundation boosts OCU with eighteen million gift
