A generous gift from the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma will strengthen Rogers State University’s programs to develop students who are actively involved in their communities and committed to making a difference.
Representatives from the Masonic Charity Foundation presented RSU President Dr. Larry Rice and RSU Foundation Chair Carlene Webber with $100,000 during a Feb. 15 event at RSU’s Centennial Center. The funds will be used as an endowment to establish the Masonic Institute for Student Engagement and Transformative Learning at RSU.
The institute will create annual experiential programs that get students more involved in the community through both classroom studies and outside activities. The institute’s objectives are to advance students’ community involvement, cultural awareness, service learning and student research.
“Rogers State University has established a culture where our students, faculty and staff are encouraged to become more fully engaged within the communities we serve,” Rice said. “With the support of the Masonic Charity Foundation, we will be able to create a permanent institute that provides increased opportunities for students to utilize their time and talents in service to others.”
The Masonic Institute for Student Engagement and Transformative Learning’s annual program will be determined by a committee comprised of RSU faculty and staff, including the academic sponsors for the President’s Leadership Class and the Honors Program. The program will seek to promote student involvement within the community in various ways that may include university-wide community engagement projects, campus speakers, conferences, workshops or other student-focused activities that address leadership and community needs.
The gift from the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma is the latest example of the organization’s focus on meeting the needs of Oklahomans of all ages. The foundation serves as the primary charitable and educational organization of Oklahoma Freemasonry providing support to programs and service across the state, including its Prevent Blindness Oklahoma to protect the eyesight of school children and senior citizens.
“Our charitable giving is a natural outcome of the tenets of Freemasonry to serve our communities and better the lives of Oklahomans,” said Randall L. Rogers, Grand Master, Masonic Fraternity of Oklahoma. “This gift is the best of both worlds as it cultivates tomorrow’s leaders, while also giving students an outlet to make a real difference in their communities today.”
“The Masonic Charity Foundation has shown strong support for education by establishing college scholarships, programs that reward academics and recognitions for outstanding teachers, among other activities,” said John L. Logan, Executive Director of the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma.
“We are honored to support RSU’s on-going efforts to develop graduates who are academically prepared and ready to make positive impacts within their community,” said David A. Ray, President, Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma Board of Directors.
For more information about the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma, visit www.mcfok.org or call 405-348-7500.