College of Education Endows Scholarships to Honor Eddie Sutton

Eddie Sutton has achieved many feats in his 43-year career as a head basketball coach and is a pivotal mentor to his basketball family. In addition to several championship titles, his commitment to education off the court places Coach Sutton at the pinnacle of quality higher education mentors in university athletics. In an
effort to honor the impact he’s had on Oklahoma State University students, Cowboy Faithful from across the country have combined efforts to honor College of Education (COE) alumnus Eddie Sutton by raising $220,000 to create approximately $8800 in scholarships in Sutton’s name to award in Fall 2006.

Fundraising efforts kicked off on February 19, 2005 with a meeting at the home of John and Caroline Linehan in Oklahoma City.

Tulsa Committee members met on February 15, 2005 at the home of Randall and Carol White in Tulsa.

On June 17, 2005, the Eddie Sutton Committee hosted a reception honoring Coach Sutton at the OSU Foundation. COE Alumni Association president Dr. Ann Benson helped lead the effort with Kim Watson, Chair of the COE Associates.

Additional committee members who supported the effort include: Jack H. Allen Jr., Karen and W.H. Anderson, Robin Beaty, Ann and Gene Benson, Jerry and Mary Burson, Bryan Close, Malinda Berry Fischer, Karen Gallagher and Bob McCracken, Rick and Rodette Green, Clydella and David Hentschel, Frances Johnson, Sherry and Russell Lawson, Caroline and John Linehan, Don Linsenmeyer/Patricia Gray, Jerry and John W. Marshall, Katherine McCollom, Frank and Nadine McPherson, Frank and Carol Morsani, Joe and Judy Ogle, Tom and Georgan Reitmeier, George and Fern Rowley, Sigma Chi Gamma Delta Chapter, Mike and Brenda Solomon, Fran and Helmer Sorenson, Stillwater National Bank, Toni and Bill Stone, LM and Peggy Sullivan, William and Sharon Sutton, Chuck and Kim Watson, Jon and Suzanne Wiese, Olen and Clara Joyner, Mike and Paula Carter, Dennis and Sue O’Keefe, Jay and Fayenelle Helm, Henry and Margeann Warden, Lawrence and Barbara Bellatti, and Randall and Carol White.

The $220,000 included a matching gift of $100,000 that was provided due to the efforts of Dr. John and Mrs. Sharen Polkinghorne and Dr. John and Mrs. Sandra Rooney from several golf tournaments organized to recognize Coach Sutton. “I am truly humbled by this gesture and am thrilled at the opportunity these scholarships will provide future students,” remarked Coach Sutton.

Questions concerning the campaign can be directed to Dr. Brenda Solomon, Director of Development at bsolomon@osuf.org or (405)744-7188.

Coach Eddie Sutton (seated) with COE students (from left) Elizabeth Quinn, Jessica Krause, Levi Patrick, Phillip Parr and Ashley Norman.

Photo second from top:Eddie Sutton Committee members picturedare Patricia Gray, Don Linsenmeyer, Malinda Berry Fischer, Robin Beaty, L.M. Sullivan, Caroline Linehan, Ann Benson, Gene Benson, George Rowley, Mike Solomon, John Linehan, (seated on couch) COE Dean Pamela Fry, Brenda Solomon, Peggy Sullivan and Fern Rowley.

Tulsa supporters Carol White, Jan Clark, Gary Clark, Randall White, Bryan Close, Rebecca Parrack,
Brenda Solomon and Dean Pamela Fry.

Coach Sutton is pictured with Ann and Gene Benson.

Last Updated Tuesday, August 2, 2005