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Students attending Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton are the beneficiaries of a $25,000 donation by Oklahoma City-based Chesapeake Energy Corporation. The gift was announced last week during a dedication ceremony signifying the official opening of Chesapeake’s regional field office in Wilburton. Eastern officials along with community leaders and area elected representatives attended the event.

Eastern President Dr. Richard Bernard said, “By building a fine new Wilburton Field Office, Chesapeake Energy is showing its confidence in the economic potential of this part of the state.

“Chesapeake’s gift of scholarships also demonstrates the company’s commitment to the next generation of southeastern Oklahomans, he said.

“Eastern’s ‘Chesapeake Scholars’ will graduate without significant debt and advance to universities and productive careers. Eastern looks forward to a dynamic relationship with Chesapeake for the benefit of all area students.”

The five-year, $5,000 annual donation will assist in funding scholarships for qualified Oklahoma students. Chesapeake is Oklahoma’s largest independent natural gas producer and most active exploration company. The company employs an estimated 1,300 Oklahomans directly and an estimated 3,000 indirectly on company-operated wells across the state.

Ragon Gentry, Chesapeake Director of Government Relations said, “We are pleased to make this donation and assist qualified Eastern students achieve their higher education goals.

“With a growing presence in eastern and southeastern Oklahoma, as evidenced by our new Wilburton field office, Chesapeake shares a common goal with Eastern in improving the economy and creating jobs in this important area of Oklahoma. This Scholarship program continues and extends Chesapeake’s investment in the future of rural Oklahoma.”

This gift, the first to a two year college, brings Chesapeake’s total scholarship donations in Oklahoma to $950,000. The company also donated $500,000 to assist energy and research programs at the University of Oklahoma.

Photo caption:

Eastern Oklahoma State College Director of Development Maynard Phillips, left, accepts a check for $25,000 from Chesapeake Energy Corporation during the dedication cereomony signifying the official opening of Chesapeake’s regional field office in Wilburton.

Pictured from left are Phillips; Dr. Brad Rice, Eastern Vice President for Academic Affairs; Ragon Gentry, Chesapeake Director of Government Relations; Francis Lerblance, Eastern Foundation Member; Glen Early, Eastern Vice President for Administrative Services; Karin Woodruff, Wilburton Mayor; Shonnie Hall, Eastern Coordinator for Continuing Education and Business Training and Kay Langham, Eastern Business Division Chairperson.