Pillars of Support

The new RSU Student Services Center, expected to be completed in 2009, will feature 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,” said RSU President Dr. Joe Wiley. “The pillars are common in neo-Georgian architecture and obviously take inspiration from ancient Rome and Greece and seem particularly suited to higher education.”

It may be 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.”
The foundation recently announced its efforts to raise private funds to assist with construction of the facility.

“In many ways, this beautiful new facility is for the entire community, not just RSU students and faculty,” said Dr. Danette Boyle, RSU vice president for development. “The building will feature a large ballroom, banquet halls, and conference rooms, available for use to local organizations. We expect it to become 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, Boyle said. 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.

Doris Gilstrap was born in Claremore. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a teaching degree and she taught school in Claremore. During this period, she met Lee Gilstrap, who was teaching at OMA, and they were married in 1933 in Claremore. After they married, they often chaperoned student dances and other activities at OMA. They spent their entire life and raised their children in their home in Claremore. Mrs. Gilstrap died in 2004.

“We decided we wanted to be a part of this wonderful new facility,” said Mary Lee Spinks. “Naming our pillar in memory of my parents is a tremendous opportunity to honor them and their service to the OMA. It also helps link the glorious past of the OMA with the future of RSU.”

The Spinks are longtime supporters of the university. Jack presently serves on the RSU Foundation Board of Directors.

In addition to the Pillars of Support, the RSU Foundation is coordinating a variety of other naming opportunities in the Student Services Center. For more information, contact the foundation at (918) 343-7773.