TULSA – Oklahoma State University officials and community leaders gathered today to dedicate OSU-Tulsa’s Helmerich Advanced Technology Research Center, a $43 million research facility that is expected to boost Tulsa’s economy by creating jobs and attracting industries to the area.

OSU-Tulsa President Gary Trennepohl, Congressman John Sullivan and Tulsa County Commissioner Randi Miller joined other area legislators and dignitaries in the Atrium of the Helmerich ATRC for the dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony. More than 300 community members and OSU-Tulsa faculty, staff and students took part in the celebration and guided tours of the new facility.

"The Helmerich ATRC is the result of a successful partnership between state, local and private citizens," Trennepohl said. "This new research facility is an outstanding example of how universities and our community can partner with the private sector to create new educational opportunities, promote research for Oklahoma industries and fuel economic growth."

The Helmerich ATRC was made possible through Tulsa County’s Vision 2025 initiative, the State’s 2005 higher education bond issue and Walter and Peggy Helmerich of Tulsa.

“We want to extend a huge thank you to the Helmerich family and Tulsa and state leaders for their vision in making possible a facility that will greatly enhance Oklahoma State University’s research, teaching and outreach on both our Tulsa and Stillwater campuses,” said interim OSU System CEO and President Marlene Strathe.

Susan Neal, director of community development and education for the city of Tulsa, declared it “OSU-Tulsa Day” on behalf of Mayor Kathy Taylor who was unable to attend. Neal said the Mayor declared the proclamation for OSU’s considerable contributions to the educational, cultural and economic well-being of the City of Tulsa and the state.

“Explore” was the theme for the event, representing the innovative exploration OSU-Tulsa’s faculty and student researchers will achieve in the facility.

“Whether students and faculty are exploring new technologies or creating inventions that contribute to the development of our state, exploration and the quest for knowledge is a theme that resonates through the Helmerich research center,” Trennepohl said.

Following the dedication ceremony, attendees received a first-hand look at the research center’s impressive laboratory space and modern architecture during guided tours.

The 123,000-square-foot research center includes specialized laboratories, clean rooms, an imaging suite, advanced information technology equipment, faculty offices and two high-tech seminar rooms.

Research in the Helmerich ATRC will focus on four areas: advanced materials, bio-based technologies, energy technologies and information and control technologies. Trennepohl said the center will stimulate economic development for Tulsa and northeastern Oklahoma, resulting in collaborations with area businesses and the creation of new jobs.

On Dec. 14, 2004, the ceremonial Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Helmerich ATRC kicked off the construction activities surrounding the research center. Design work was completed in the first half of 2005 and construction began in earnest in October 2005. Trennepohl said the project was completed on time and on budget earlier this month. PSA-Dewberry was the architect of the facility, while Flintco, Inc. served as the construction manager.

“This is an exciting day, and a historic day, for OSU-Tulsa and the city of Tulsa,” Trennepohl said. “We are honored to house this facility where the convergence of talented researchers and sophisticated equipment will lead to ground-breaking discoveries, innovative ideas and new inventions for Tulsa’s industries.”

News Contacts:

Mary Bea Drummond
918-594-8223

Trish McBeath
918-594-8360