Oklahoma Engineering Foundation

This story is part of OEF's 50 Stories for 50 Years series, highlighting the people, companies, and organizations that have helped shape the Oklahoma Engineering Foundation since its founding in 1976. We are proud tto say ONG was one of our original supporters. https://oef.org/2026/05/27/oklahoma-natural-gas

Oklahoma Natural Gas

Oklahoma Natural Gas: A Legacy of Supporting Oklahoma Engineers | Oklahoma Engineering Foundation Oklahoma Natural Gas was among the early supporters of the Oklahoma Engineering Foundation. Learn about ONG's legacy and its connection to engineering education in Oklahoma as OEF celebrates its 50th anniversary.

The Oklahoma Engineering Foundation's Youth Ambassadors Board gives high school students the opportunity to advocate for STEM, connect with peers across Oklahoma, and gain valuable knowledge about nonprofits. The deadline to apply is June 30.

5 Reasons to Apply for the OEF Youth Ambassadors Board | Oklahoma Engineering Foundation Discover five reasons Oklahoma students should apply for the OEF Youth Ambassador Board, including leadership, STEM advocacy, and networking opportunities.

As part of OEF’s “50 Stories for 50 Years” series, we’re highlighting the leaders and companies that helped shape engineering in Oklahoma.

Founded in Oklahoma City in 1924 by Otto K. and Charlie Corken, CORKEN - an IDEX Energy business grew into an internationally recognized manufacturer of pumps and compressors serving the energy and industrial sectors.

The company was also an original donor to the Engineering Center in 1979.

Corken’s connection to OEF runs even deeper through Garth P. Kennedy, longtime Corken engineer, patent holder, and the first president of the Oklahoma Engineering Foundation. Kennedy helped guide OEF during its formative years while contributing to engineering innovation at Corken for decades.

Stories like this remind us that Oklahoma’s engineering legacy was built by companies and individuals willing to invest in the future of the profession.

https://oef.org/2026/05/01/corken/

Corken

Corken and the Engineering Legacy Behind OEF | Oklahoma Engineering Foundation Discover Corken’s role in Oklahoma engineering history, its support of OEF in 1979, and the legacy of engineer and OEF founder Garth P. Kennedy.

Apply today! The deadline is June 30.

OEF Youth Ambassador Board | Oklahoma Engineering Foundation The Oklahoma Engineering Foundation Youth Advisory Board (OEF YAB) consists of high school students interested in STEM who inform our future.

Ready to represent the great state of Oklahoma at . So proud of these amazing kids and our wonderful state coach Ms. Rasha Eliwa (Jenks Public Schools) and special team consultant Dr. Harold Brooks. None of this would be possible without the support of MATHCOUNTS OKLAHOMA'S presenting sponsor American Fidelity and longtime champion co-chairs AF VP of Operations Diana Bittle and Gaylon Pinc, PE. ❤️💛💙

Additional state and foundation support for MATHCOUNTS Oklahoma is provided by Phillips 66, ConocoPhillips, DoW STEM, Olsson, Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics and LSB Industries. Thank you so much for investing in an Oklahoma students! ✈️🧪⛽️🪖🏗️☀️

Also, a very special shout out to Tricia Hatley,
P.E., F.NSPE, Chair of National MATHCOUNTS. Tricia is Executive VP of Operations, Freese and Nichols, Inc., Oklahoma City, and MATHCOUNTS Alumna! 👏

Day 2 of The team finished testing around 1130 and are seeing a movie in Disney Springs! Tomorrow is the Countdown Round and awards!

The Oklahoma Engineering Foundation and MATHCOUNTS Oklahoma wishes all STEM moms a very happy Mother's Day!

We made it to in Orlando! Good luck to our amazing state team Aaron Huang, Indhraneel Gowram, Tharan Garikipati and Michael Huang along with state coach Rasha Eliwa and nationals consultant Dr. Harold Brooks. Let's do this, guys!! We believe in you and Oklahoma is so proud of all of you!

Another original donor on the 1979 Engineering Center plaque was The Charles Machine Works, maker of Ditch Witch equipment.

Founded in Perry, Oklahoma, the company helped transform underground utility and infrastructure work and became one of Oklahoma’s best-known manufacturing success stories.

In 1979, they contributed $1,000 to help establish a permanent home for Oklahoma’s engineering community. That investment would equal roughly $4,400 today.

I love finding these names on the plaque and tracing where they went, how they evolved, and the role they played in building Oklahoma.

Also, as someone who cares muchly-deeply about design, 😊 I LOVE THEIR LOGO. Daring, innovative, effective and highly memorable. I wish I could sit down with the person who created it and have a nice conversation about branding. --jennifer

Read more: https://oef.org/2026/04/25/ditch-witch-and-the-charles-machine-works-supporting-engineering-from-the-ground-up/



Ditch Witch

Ditch Witch and the Charles Machine Works: Supporting Engineering from the Ground Up | Oklahoma Engineering Foundation Ditch Witch maker The Charles Machine Works contributed $1,000 in 1979 to help establish Oklahoma’s Engineering Center, supporting engineering and infrastructure innovation.

Happy Earth Day! 🌎💚 Thank you to the Oklahoma engineers who design solutions that protect our planet ⚙️🌿✨ and improve lives.