FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                        August 19, 2007 

GIFT FROM RYERSON FAMILY TO PROVIDE NEW LOOK FOR CAMPUS

            The north side of the Northwestern Oklahoma State University campus in Alva has often times been referred to as the “university’s front door.”

            According to Dr. Janet Cunningham, university president, the front door is looking a little weathered and a new look will soon be in place.

            Thanks to a gift from Johnece Ryerson and members of her family, two areas on the north side of campus will undergo a dramatic transformation that will make this side of the campus much more appealing to potential students and visitors.

New signage at the northeast corner of Northwestern's campus, the intersection of highways 281 and 64.

New signage to the main entrance to Northwestern's campus, which is located along Oklahoma Boulevard on the north side of campus.

Additional views of the corner and entrance signage.

            The gift from the Ryersons will be used to construct two new distinctive areas on the north side - a new main signature area on the northeast corner of campus at the intersection of U.S. highways 281 and 64, and a major renovation of the main entrance to campus on Seventh Street.

The projects include impressive new lighted brick and stone signage with surrounding planters, benches and pedestrian walkways constructed from the same materials.

            “We wanted to do something distinctive for the campus that would demonstrate our pride in Northwestern,” said Johnece Ryerson. “I believe the projects will only add to the beauty of the campus.”

            Other members of the family included in the gift include John and Amy Ryerson of Alva, and Julia Ryerson-Witherington and her husband, Steve, of Plano, Texas.

            Cunningham expressed the excitement and appreciation of the university community.

            “These projects will have a tremendous impact on the aesthetic look of the campus and will make a lasting impression on visitors to the campus,” Cunningham said. “The Ryersons have always had a commitment to Northwestern and have always been interested in making the campus and the community a more beautiful place. We are

extremely grateful for their gift and for their unwavering support of Northwestern.”

            The new signage will have a combination of brick and raised and etched stonework, featuring the horse and rider symbol.

            The northeast corner project will involve significant excavation work that will take the corner to street level and involve constructing a plaza area, benches and stairs leading up the campus grounds.

The Seventh Street project involves rebuilding part of the entrance to clearly distinguish the circle drive around Herod Hall from the entrance to the President’s Home. The area will have the same style and feel of the corner project and include many of the same features.

            “When you combine these projects, with the green space area on the northwest corner of campus and the placing of the ‘The Ranger’ statue later this year, I believe Northwestern will have one of the most beautiful campus areas in Oklahoma,” Cunningham said.

            The gift by the Ryersons is just the latest chapter in the family’s history of support for Northwestern. The Mrs. W.W. Starr Business Scholarship and the Starr Lumber Company Scholarship Award were established by the family, and Richard Ryerson serves as a regent for the Regional University System of Oklahoma. He is president and chief executive officer of Starr Lumber Company.

John Ryerson, also a partner in Starr Lumber, is a member of the Northwestern Foundation and serves on the Investment Committee.

-NW-

Back to News Page