Pillars of Support

The new RSU Student Services Center features a colonnade of pillars on the east and west sides of the building. These white pillars are in keeping with the neo-Georgian architecture on the Claremore campus, including the historic Meyer and Markham Halls and the new Stratton Taylor Library.

The Claremore campus is often identified by these stately pillars that figure prominently on so many of our buildings. It is tempting to refer to these structures as “Pillars of Education,” which they are in the literal sense.

To help make construction of the Student Services Center possible, the RSU Foundation is referring to the pillars that will adorn the new building as “Pillars of Support.”

This beautiful facility is for the entire community, not just RSU students and faculty. The building features a large ballroom, banquet halls, and conference rooms, available for use to local organizations, making it a gathering place for the entire community.

A naming opportunity is available with the nine remaining pillars at a cost of $30,000 per pillar. The gift may be made in a single payment, or paid in three annual installments of $10,000.

A pillar may be named in honor of the donor, in memory of a loved one, or for a former teacher or coach. A plaque will be placed on each pillar to honor donors and their loved ones.

The inaugural naming gift for the Pillars of Support has been made by Jack and Mary Lee Spinks of Claremore, in memory and honor of Mary Lee's parents, Col. Lee Gilstrap, a former instructor at the Oklahoma Military Academy, and Doris Gilstrap. Col. Gilstrap was inducted into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame in 2004.