October 15, 2024

SWOSU Press Release

Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has announced the receipt of a major charitable gift from longtime SWOSU benefactors George and Karla Cohlmia of Edmond.

The gift will build on previous philanthropic investments made by the Cohlmia Family to SWOSU with a focus on enhancing the university's efforts in the important space of Life Skills education.

According to UNICEF, Life Skills are defined broadly as “a group of psychosocial competencies and interpersonal skills that help people make informed decisions, solve problems, think critically and creatively, communicate effectively, build healthy relationships, collaborate and empathize with others, and cope with and manage their lives in a healthy and productive manner.”

The gift from the Cohlmia Family will be used by SWOSU faculty and staff to develop both near- and long-term programming and offerings for SWOSU students that will expose them to the skills, practices, and concepts that employers, industry, and businesses are increasingly demanding from college graduates across disciplines and degree levels.

“We are so grateful to the George and Karla Cohlmia Family for their confidence in SWOSU’s ability to meaningfully provide students with the training and insight needed in the workforce of today,” said SWOSU President Dr. Diana R. Lovell. “This latest investment from these generous alumni and friends will help SWOSU take an exciting new step towards providing our graduates with an expanded set of tools and skills as they enter into critical occupations and roles in both the private and public sectors.”

George and Karla have two adult children, Adam (and his wife Alexandra) and Kasey, and four grandchildren with another on the way. The Cohlmias have deep roots and are active members of St. Elijah Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church in Oklahoma City.

George is a 1974 alumnus of SWOSU where he studied Chemistry, was a member of Phi Delta Theta, chaired the Activities Council and was named Outstanding Senior Male. He is recently retired as an investment adviser with Full Sail Capital. Prior to joining Full Sail, George was fully licensed and registered as a managing director for Waypoint Investment Group of Wells Fargo Advisors. His tenure at Wells Fargo and previous firms was marked with numerous accomplishments and firm accolades including being named as a Premier Advisor for over 20 years and serving as a member of the Director’s Council of Wells Fargo Advisors. George was also named as one of Oklahoma Magazine’s Top Financial Advisors in 2008 and has served in the investment management and advisory industry since 1983. George has remained involved in his community throughout his career. He has previously served in a host of roles including president of the Board of Directors of the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City, President of Edmond Public Schools Board of Education, Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Port Authority of the Greater Oklahoma City Area, president of Quail Creek Golf & Country Club, and Board of Trustees for St. Elijah Orthodox Christian Church. He is a Past Chairman and Emeritus Trustee of the SWOSU Foundation, Inc. Board of Trustees, where he also served as Chairman of the Investment Committee.

Karla is a lifetime member of St. Elijah Church, being a great-granddaughter of the church’s first priest. She has especially enjoyed singing in the choir for many years and serving on numerous other St. Elijah philanthropic committees. Karla is a graduate of John Marshall High School in Oklahoma City and earned her undergraduate degree in finance from the University of Oklahoma (OU). After leaving OU, Karla was employed with Continental Plastics Manufacturing, now known as Carlisle Companies. Soon after the birth of their first child, she decided to stay home and devote time as a civic volunteer, primarily with the Junior League of Oklahoma City. In addition to over a decade of service to the Junior League, Karla was a steadfast volunteer with Edmond Public Schools, and they continue their support of both organizations.

The Cohlmias are enthusiastic patrons of The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City, The Education & Employment Ministry (TEEM), Allied Arts, and The Children’s Relief Fund. In addition to St. Elijah, their focus areas include food, clothing, shelter, arts, education and families.

The Cohlmia Family’s philanthropic investment in SWOSU is stewarded by the SWOSU Foundation, Inc. The Foundation was established in 1977 to promote philanthropy and distribute funds to support the activities and programs of SWOSU. For more information, please contact the SWOSU Foundation, Inc. at 580-774-3267 or visit www.SWOSUFoundation.com.