43 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS 2010 Vaughn O. Vennerberg II ’76 PSYCHOLOGY Vaughn O. Vennerberg II, 1976 psychology graduate and president of one of the largest producers of natural gas in the U.S., accepted the College of Arts and Sciences 2010 Distinguished Alumnus Award at the college’s honor banquet in April. Vennerberg is president and director of XTO Energy Inc., based in Fort Worth, Texas. Under his leadership, the company’s acquisition of oil and gas properties propelled the company to the top of the New York Stock Exchange. His numerous awards include the 2008 Professional Landman of the Year from the 11,000-member American Association of Professional Landmen. However, he says,“Very few honors measure up to receiving one from the college you graduated from.” In 2008, Vennerberg created three endowed faculty positions in OSU’s departments of microbiology and molecular genetics, art and psychology. His long-term goal is to help recruit talented faculty and students and to bring national academic recognition to OSU through outstanding research. “Genetic research is an issue that is very close to my heart and something that’s affected my family personally,” says Vennerberg, who hopes the gift will eventually help improve the quality of life for individuals with genetic disorders and give their families hope. The College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Board is accepting nominations for the college’s 2011 Distinguished Alumni Award. To receive a nomination form, e-mail Lorene Roberson Hickey, media and alumni relations, at lorene.hickey@okstate.edu. Nominations are due by Dec. 6, 2010. courtesy PHOTO
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