On Friday November 4 of 2005, Oklahoma State University announced that they would be taking 410 homes north of the OSU campus in order to make space for an athletic village. These properties are owned by Stillwater residents who are being forced to sell their home for an amount that OSU will decide is the fair market value of their house. Many of these residents have lived in their house for 20+ years and do not want to sell or move. The university has declared that they will deal with these residents by using their position of eminent domain.
Who are you guys? And what's Ahogo?
Ahogo is a creative collaboration between the two people responsible for this site. Garrett is a graduate of OSU who is now working in Austin as an engineer. Chris is a student at OSU and will graduate in May with a degree in Biology.
Why do you care about this so much?
The proposed Athletic Village is something that will affect both of us. Chris owns a house in the area where the village is planned to be built, which he bought during his sophomore year. Garrett's family lives on the very edge of the proposed Athletic Village.
Why do you hate OSU so much?
What? The truth is that we both care very much about OSU. Though we are disheartened by some of the things that have gone on there recently, we are hoping that we can help bring about a positive change.
Why do you hate OSU athletics?
Actually we don't. We are both huge fans. We go to all the football games and to the basketball games when we can get tickets. However, just because we like OSU sports doesn't mean that we give them a free pass to do whatever they want, or that we can't question their actions. We would love to see an Athletic Village built. We think it would be great for OSU's athletic programs. We just don't want to lose our homes over it.
Do you want Boone Pickens to quit donating money to this university?
No, we appreciate the money he has given. What we want is for the money to be used in a way that best benefits OSU and the Stillwater community. We also think that the best gifts are ones that don't come with strings attached.
What can I do to help?
If you are concerned about the proposed Athletic Village and the actions the administration is taking to acquire the land necessary for its construction, then the best thing you can do is let the Board of Regents know how you feel. Please take a minute to write them a letter or download this form letter and send it to: OSU/A&M Board of Regents / 2800 N. Lincoln Blvd. / Oklahoma City , OK 73105.
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We will try to address some of the common questions people have here. Feel free to email us with any other questions and concerns that you may have at boonestate@yahoo.com.