2011-2012 Hall of Fame Inductee

Gerald Cound

Gerald Cound, a successful businessman, philanthropist and environmental enthusiast, will be inducted as the 28th member of the Eastern Oklahoma State College Alumni Association’s Hall of Fame. The banquet is set for Friday, Nov. 4 at 6 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom in Wilburton.

Cound is a 1960 graduate of Eastern, where he lettered in basketball, baseball and track. He earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education and a master’s degree in higher education psychology and counseling from the University of Central Arkansas.

A native of rural Arkansas, Cound believes his time at Eastern changed the course of his life.

“There are many students who don’t have the opportunity to attend a large university,” Cound said. “Eastern provides students with the opportunity to go to college, learn about themselves and what their capabilities are, and discover how to be successful in their communities. Eastern served a real purpose in my development. I hope many other students have the same opportunities I had.”

Cound is currently the executive director and co-founder of Village Commons, a nonprofit organization that works to change Little Rock, AR through volunteer programs and education on sustainable living. Under his leadership, the organization has established a nature study garden, developed an urban gardening program and introduced “Healthy Homes,” a low-cost, comprehensive home audit program that will help homeowners improve their home’s energy efficiency and air quality.

He is also the founder and owner of Crossroads Green, a construction consulting company that works with architects and contractors to encourage the use of high-quality products that focus on the preservation of the natural environment. He recently served as the project manager for the construction of the $8 million Donald W. Reynolds Distribution Center, an Arkansas Foodbank warehouse that distributes food for hunger relief.

Cound also served as the director of facilities for Heifer International, a nonprofit world hunger organization. He was instrumental in making sure the construction of the $19 million Heifer International Center World Headquarters in Little Rock utilized only socially and environmentally responsible methods and materials. Because of the its environmental features, the Heifer building became one of only 45 Platinum-rated buildings in the nation and the first in Arkansas.

Earlier in his career, Cound spent 20 years with Alltel. He was also involved in college administration and coaching for seven years. While coaching track and field at Hendrix College, he was named the NAIA Region Coach of the Year. He has also served as director at Camp Ozarks, a Christian sports and adventure camp, and he has traveled to Venezuela with the Peace Corps.

In April, The William J. Clinton Presidential Center awarded Cound the title of “Honorary Two Millionth Visitor” because of his lifetime of public service. He also received the 2010 Just Communities of Arkansas’ “Father Joseph Blitz Award,” which honors those who strive for inclusion, acceptance, justice and social change. In 2003, he was inducted in the University of Central Arkansas Hall of Fame where he lettered in baseball, basketball and track. He was UCA’s first national track champion and an NAIA All-American.

Tickets for the Hall of Fame Dinner are $25 and can be purchased by contacting the Alumni Office at 918-465-1761.

:: NEWS RELEASE

Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction

Friday, November 4, 2011
6:00 pm
Student Center Ballroom on the Wilburton campus

::EOSC Induction Dinner Invitation
::EOSC Induction Dinner RSVP
::Dinner Program

Hall of Fame Inductee History

The Hall of Fame began during the first meeting of the Alumni Association, Dec. 5, 1987, when the new organization directors were seeking a method to inspire current Eastern students and honor distinguished alumni. Recipients must have had a dynamic impact on education, the state or nation and attended Eastern to be considered for the Hall of Fame.

The Association adds one distinguished alumni each year.

:: Visit the Hall of Fame History of Inductees