Mrs. Wilson David Steen and Mrs. Kathy Steen McLaughlin have established and, along with many of Wilson's Friends and other family members, are funding the Wilson Steen III Endowment for History in memory of their son and brother. Wilson David Steen III was born July 14, 1950, the son of Joyce Steen and the late Dr. Wilson David Steen. Wilson graduated from Norman High School in 1969. He attended Oklahoma Christian College until 1975, majoring in History. Wilson was a special young man who was very much loved by everyone on campus. He was blessed with a unique sense of humor and warm generosity. Wilson's niece, Katie McLaughlin, dedicated her thesis for her Master's Degree in Historic Preservation to her uncle, "in honor of his insatiable hunger for knowledge." Wilson retired from the Oklahoma State Health Department in 2005 after 31 years of dedicated service and after receiving numerous honors. He passed away on July 15, 2006. Wilson carved a lasting "niche" at OC and his determination to succeed and to do well in classes still serves as an inspiration to students today.

The OC Mission

Oklahoma Christian is a place of Higher Learning and Higher Calling. We are devoted to our mission to transform lives for Christian faith, scholarship and service as we integrate faith and learning in every aspect of the university's work. As servants of Jesus Christ, we pray everything we do will be imbued with excellence and goodness.

What is the Wilson Steen III Endowment for History, how does it operate and who benefits from it?

The Wilson Steen III Endowment for History will be funded with gifts from Wilson's family and friends. The Wilson Steen III Endowment for History is intended to support and enhance the university's Department of History and Political Science. The spendable income from this endowment will be available for things such as student scholarships and travel expenses for History and Political Science students to attend conferences and present papers. The funds are not intended to be utilized for common operating expenses of the department. The Chair of the Department of History and Political Science will make recommendations regarding expenditure of the spendable income of this endowment for the approval of the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. The endowment is operated to fund these initiatives without depleting the principal. The principal is invested in a broadly diversified portfolio. Each year, 5% of the fair market value of the principal is available to support these endeavors.

What is the goal for the Wilson Steen III Endowment for History?

The goal is to grow this endowment to $50,000. A larger endowment can fund more initiatives.

How can I support the Wilson Steen III Endowment for History?

It's simple - you can honor Wilson's memory and support the endowment by writing a check, giving stock, putting OC in your will or funding a gift annuity that pays you for income for life at higher than CD rates.

If you want to give my check, just make your check payable to Oklahoma Christian University and write "Wilson Steen III Endowment for History" on the memo line.

Return your check or pledge to:

Oklahoma Christian University
Office of Advancement
c/o Jo Griffin
P. O. Box 11000
Oklahoma City, OK 73136-1100

For more information on gifting stock, making a bequest or funding a gift annuity, contact Stephen Eck at 405-425-5118 or Jo Griffin at 405-425-5119.




This is a letter from Wilson's sister, Kathy.