Who makes our mission possible?
Heroes like you.
Being a hero doesn’t require rushing into a burning building to save lives. The definition is a bit broader than that and requires only the selfless attempt (and intent) to benefit others through some amount of personal sacrifice. When you give your assets to support our mission, you become a hero—at least to the students whose lives are changed during their years at OCU.
What does a hero look like? Here are just a few of the supporters who have helped ensure the success of our students.
Philanthropist Herman Meinders leaves $18 million gift to OCU
OKLAHOMA CITY – During his lifetime, Herman Meinders set the standard for giving to Oklahoma City University, easily becoming the institution’s most prolific donor.
Though he passed away in March, Meinders has ensured that his philanthropic impact will be felt at the university for years to come.
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University officials today announced an $18 million gift to OCU from The Meinders Foundation. The funds will be held in the Herman Meinders Endowment at the OKC Community Foundation, with an annual distribution of nearly $1 million that will benefit the university in perpetuity.
This gift matches the previous single largest contribution the philanthropist had made to the university – an $18 million gift that funded construction of the Meinders School of Business building, which opened in 2004 on the northeast corner of the OCU campus.
The new $18 million endowed gift comes on the heels of a $4 million cash gift provided by The Meinders Foundation last fiscal year, following Meinders’ passing. Combined, these gifts push Meinders’ total giving to OCU over the $75 million mark.
“What more is there to say about the generosity of Herman Meinders,” OCU President Kenneth Evans said. “He demonstrated over and over his commitment to Oklahoma City University and now has further cemented his legacy as a true OCU great.”
Approximately two-thirds of the annual endowment disbursement has been earmarked to support scholarships and operations at the Meinders School of Business.
The school’s interim dean, Bob Greve, said that Meinders’ support has had and will continue to have a transformational impact on the local business community.
“Many of our community’s business leaders got their footing in the business world thanks to Herman Meinders’ generosity,” Greve said. “We are thrilled to see this impact continue for future generations of business students.”
The remainder of the disbursement will support scholarships and operations at the Kramer School of Nursing – the school is named after the parents of Meinders’ late wife, LaDonna – and the Wanda L. Bass School of Music.
Evans noted that the distribution of the endowment gift to several areas of the university is consistent with Meinders’ wide-reaching impact at OCU.
“Certainly, Herman will be remembered through the business school,” Evans said. “But there are few – if any – parts of the university that have not been improved or enriched through his philanthropy.”
Originally from Pipestone, Minnesota, Meinders attended OCU in the 1950s and worked toward a business degree. In 1970 he founded American Floral Services, Inc., an international flowers-by-wire service based in Oklahoma City. Meinders later earned an honorary doctorate of commercial science from OCU.
More information about the life and legacy of Meinders can be found here.
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Matt and Jill’s Legacy of Gratitude and Giving Back to OCU
by Amanda Gonzalez
Oklahoma City University is more than just a school—it’s a place where lives are shaped and lasting connections are made. For Matt and Jill Epperson, OCU was not only the backdrop for their academic journey but also where they first met and began a lifelong partnership with each other and their alma mater. They initially established the Cowden-Epperson Endowed Scholarship in 2001, providing tuition assistance to students in need. “We wanted to ensure future students, especially those pursuing careers in ministry or social work, have the same opportunities we did,” Matt and Jill shared. They also went on to establish a planned gift to the university, which upholds their commitment to continuing a tradition of support.
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Matt and Jill both grew up in the United Methodist Church and shared a calling for ministry, leading each of them to OCU. Their paths first crossed in the waiting room of the Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel during their scholarship interviews—an unexpected moment that sparked an initial connection. As they pursued religion degrees, Matt joined Lambda Chi Alpha, Sigma Theta Epsilon, and the United Methodist Student Fellowship, while Jill engaged with Alpha Chi Omega, Kappa Phi, and the United Methodist Student Fellowship. Amid classes, campus activities and work-study jobs, they laid the groundwork for a life together that extended far beyond the OCU campus. 
Matt and Jill both graduated in 1994, with Matt earning his MBA at Oklahoma State University upon graduation. The couple married in the spring of 1996 and made a home in Bartlesville, Okla., where they began raising their two children, Erin and Luke. Later, Matt’s job took the family overseas, where he had the opportunity to work with diverse cultures across Asia. “The unique education I received at OCU was instrumental in helping me navigate and succeed in these diverse environments,” Matt expressed. Jill found her calling in social work, helping children and families within the foster care system. Their shared commitment to service and leadership was something they credited directly to their time at OCU, where each learned to apply their faith in ways that would make an impact on the world around them.
For Matt and Jill, supporting OCU was a natural decision. “We have always believed that giving back to the church and our community is important. As we reflected on our lives and the blessings we’ve received, we felt a deep sense of gratitude towards OCU,” they shared. It’s not just about the financial support they provide but the lasting example they are setting for their children, as well as future generations to come. “By contributing to the university, we hope to help provide opportunities for others to have the same enriching experiences that we did. We hope our planned gift will continue OCU’s tradition of excellence and ensure that the values and education we cherish will thrive.”
Their advice for OCU students? “Work hard, and fully embrace every opportunity. Your experiences now will shape your future. And who knows, you might find the love of your life!”
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