The Women for OSU annual symposium is a unique opportunity to gain valuable knowledge about philanthropic decision making and leadership. Women for OSU celebrates members of the OSU family who display leadership in philanthropy by naming the Philanthropist of the Year and awarding scholarships to outstanding OSU students.


2024 Symposium

Download the 2024 Symposium Sponsorship Opportunities Brochure.

Deborah Norville is a two-time Emmy© winner and New York Times best-selling author. She is known to millions as anchor of “Inside Edition,” the nation’s top rated syndicated news magazine. Norville has also authored a number of books including the New York Times best seller, “Thank You Power: Making the SCIENCE of Gratitude Work for YOU,” followed by “Power of Respect,” detailing the measurable benefits that result from respectful behavior. In 2016, Norville, the longest serving anchor on American television, was inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame.

The University of Georgia alumna is a member of the Council for Foreign Relations, the Women’s Forum of New York, and Women Corporate Directors. She regularly addresses business and community groups and is active with a number of charities including the Broadcasters Foundation of America. Norville is also a Director of the Viacom Corporation where she serves on the Compensation Committee.

A sought-after lecturer, Norville speaks with candor and humor about dealing with life’s curves and juggling a career and motherhood. She is married to Karl Wellner and is the mother of three children.


2023 Symposium Sponsors

Presenting Diamond Sponsor
  • Vickie Hall
Platinum Sponsor
  • Bank of Oklahoma
Gold Sponsors
  • Julie Blanchard & Susan Glasgow
  • Robin Byford & Becky Steen
  • Chi Omega
  • Linda Cline
  • Kayleen Ferguson
  • Goodytwos Toffee Company
  • Anne Greenwood
  • Mary Ann Grimsley
  • Leah Gungoll
  • Virginia Hellwege
  • Joan Hert
  • Vicki Howard & Amy Mitchell
  • Claudia Humphreys
  • Susan Jacques
  • Sharon Keating
  • Caroline Linehan
  • Jami Longacre
  • Jennie Moyes
  • Gail Muncrief
  • OSU Alumni Association
  • OSU Athletics
  • OSU College of Education and Human Sciences
  • OSU College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology
  • OSU Ferguson College of Agriculture
  • OSU Foundation
  • OSU President’s Office
  • OSU Spears School of Business
  • Pi Beta Phi 1978
  • Jan Polk
  • Roxanne Pollard & Sharon Trojan
  • Jenelle Shatz
  • Karen Stewart
  • Stillwater Medical Center
  • Stock Exchange Bank - Sheryl Benbrook
  • Lucina Thompson
Silver Sponsors
  • Brenda Buck & Tracie Chapman
  • BancFirst
  • Kirsten Daniel
  • Karen Gallagher
  • Jeanene Hulsey & Tammy Lee
  • Traci Jensen
  • Judith Myers Kelly
  • Pat Knaub
  • Pam Martin
  • OSU Center of Health Sciences
  • OSU School of Accounting
  • Beth Patterson
  • Real Estate Professionals
  • Saint Francis Health System
  • Gwen Shaw
  • Terry Slagle
  • Melinda Stinnett
  • Denise Weaver
Orange Sponsors
  • Jenny Carter
  • Amy Gallegos & Territory Resources
  • Donna Giles
  • Lynn Hilst
  • Patricia Hudson
  • Jeanette Kern
  • Retta Miller
  • Lou Morris
  • Oklahoma Central Credit Union
  • Tina Parkhill
  • Charlotte Pittman
  • Jennifer Pittman
  • Sue Schmidt
  • Leslie Woolley
Digital Sponsor
  • OSU College of Arts and Sciences

Past Keynote Speakers

2023

Elizabeth Smart

Abduction survivor, author, activist and communicator for hope after tragedy

2022

Lauren Bush Lauren

Founder and CEO of FEED, Model

2021

Leigh Anne Tuohy

Motivational speaker and philanthropist

2020

Dr. Tererai Trent

Educator, motivational speaker and Oprah's "favorite guest of all-time"

2019

Amy Cuddy

Social psychologist and author

2018

Marg Helgenberger

Actress

2017

Joan Lunden

TV host, author and cancer survivor

2016

Laura Bush

Former First Lady

2015

Marlee Matlin

Academy Award-winner and activist

2014

Jean Chatzky

Financial editor, author and TV host

2013

Holly Robinson Peete

Actress, activist, author and philanthropist

2012

Jennifer Buffett

Co-chair and president of the NoVo Foundation

2011

Lisa Ling

Author, reporter and TV host

2010

Nancy G. Brinker

Founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure

2009

Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Six-time Olympic track and field medalist