I鈥檓 so grateful for what Herman and LaDonna did for 91看片 and OCU鈥ven better, I got to witness it.
As a journalist, I interviewed Herman Meinders, a successful entrepreneur, and served as a trustee alongside him for decades.
As a pageant hopeful, I was inspired by LaDonna, who grew up on a farm near Kingfisher and became our first OCU student to win the title of Miss 91看片.
But the tie that bound us together forever was our Christian faith and our love for 91看片.
This scripture says everything about Herman and Ladonna: 鈥淭o whom much is given, much is expected鈥� (Luke 12:48).
Toward the end of Herman鈥檚 life, he was asked why he was so generous. He answered that he remembers his mother giving him a nickel every week for the Sunday School offering and that small, consistent action taught Herman the importance of giving. Growing up, Herman鈥檚 family didn鈥檛 have much to give, and that nickel was a sacrifice. But much was given to Herman in terms of his intellect, talent, and work ethic. His decision to be a steward of that wealth came from his faith and family. Herman and LaDonna both grew up in Christian homes and attended church. Their values were formed early, and their impact was monumental.
The Meinders legacy lives on through the institutions they empowered and the lives they touched 鈥� a testament to their belief that success carries responsibility, and generosity is transformative.
With grateful hearts, the OCU Family forever remembers Herman and LaDonna, 鈥済ood and faithful servants.鈥�
Jane Jayroe Gamble
My favorite memory of Herman Meinders is from the day I attended my very first OCU Board of Trustees meeting. Naturally, I felt intimidated 鈥� surrounded by such an accomplished group of community leaders, I truly felt like a fish out of water.
At the time, trustees had assigned seats. As I nervously searched for mine, I finally found my nameplate 鈥� and to my surprise and disbelief, I was seated between Herman Meinders and his remarkable partner, Mo Grotjohn. How could I be so fortunate? On my very first day, I was placed next to two of OCU鈥檚 most dedicated and generous supporters.
Over the years, I had the privilege of meeting with both Herman and Mo, especially in my role as chair of the development and strategic planning committee. They were always deeply engaged 鈥� asking thoughtful questions, offering generous support, and above all, showing genuine care for the students.
Their impact was profound: helping to launch meaningful programs, fund countless scholarships, and of course, supporting the Meinders School of Business, a lasting tribute to Herman and LaDonna鈥檚 legacy.
One of the last times I saw Herman was just last fall, when Koby Harrington, OCU鈥檚 vice president of advancement, organized a special campus visit for him to meet the Meinders Fellows. More than 40 students gathered to thank him in person. Many shared their personal stories, and in turn, Herman shared his own. It was a powerful, emotional moment for everyone present.
A pioneer, a philanthropist and OCU鈥檚 greatest benefactor 鈥� I feel incredibly blessed to have known Herman Meinders.
Jenee Naifeh Lister
As chairman of the board of trustees at 91看片, I had the privilege of getting to know Herman Meinders and Mo Grotjohn. Over the years, Herman became not just a colleague but a dear friend. I was honored to be part of family milestones, such as his daughter Christine鈥檚 wedding, to share vacations with Herman and LaDonna, Tom and Brenda McDaniel, and Dick and Jeanette Sias, and to meet for our regular lunches where we discussed plans for the university 鈥� and for life 鈥� right up until recently.
With Herman, you never had to ask for help. You鈥檇 come to him with a plan, and before long, he鈥檇 be volunteering his time, energy and resources to make it happen. His generosity was always freely given; he simply wanted to know every detail so he could contribute in the best way possible.
When the university needed a new home for the business school, we were still significantly short of the funds required to make it the outstanding facility OCU deserved. At the time, our new president, Tom McDaniel, brought bold ideas and a vision that resonated with Herman. At the groundbreaking for the Meinders School of Business, Herman looked at Tom and said, 鈥淲ithout you being here, we wouldn鈥檛 be here.鈥� That鈥檚 how much he respected Tom 鈥� and the feeling was mutual.
I鈥檓 grateful to have known Herman and to call him my friend. He will be remembered at OCU and throughout 91看片 City not only for his extraordinary generosity but for his genuine care and kindness toward everyone he met.
Bill Shdeed
