(Stillwater, Okla. – Dec. 19, 2013) The legacy of a colleague, food science leader and dear friend continues to be remembered at Oklahoma State University’s Robert M. Kerr Food & Agricultural Products Center.

The family of the late Stanley E. Gilliland, former FAPC food microbiologist, donated his extensive milk bottle collection to FAPC, and with the help of Braum’s, the collection is displayed in the front lobby of the building.

“We really appreciate the Gilliland family donating the antique dairy memorabilia from Stan’s collection,” said Chuck Willoughby, FAPC business and marketing relations manager. “It not only serves as a reminder of his contributions as a dairy scientist but gives us an appreciation for the history of the dairy industry.”

FAPC held a dedication and reception on Dec. 19 to showcase the collection and give thanks to the Gilliland family and Braum’s family. Approximately 50 people attended the event to celebrate the addition of the milk bottle collection to FAPC and remember the impact that Gilliland had on the state’s food and dairy industries.

Because of the relationship that Braum’s has with FAPC and the fact that Braum’s is a neighbor to the farm where Gilliland was raised, the Made in Oklahoma company was honored to support this project.

“The Braum’s family was very pleased to sponsor the construction of a beautiful wood and glass display cabinet for the Dr. Stanley E. Gilliland milk bottle collection,” said Drew Braum, president and chief executive officer for Braum’s. “Dr. Gilliland contributed significantly to the well being of the Oklahoma food and dairy industries, and it is an honor for the Braum’s family to show our appreciation for his great career work for Oklahoma by providing a beautiful and protected cabinet for all to enjoy his personal milk bottle collection.”

During his tenure at FAPC and OSU, Gilliland taught both upper-level undergraduate and graduate courses, in addition to serving as coordinator of the food science graduate program. He also assisted in the development of FAPC and was interim director when the center first opened its doors.

Throughout Gilliland’s life, he collected milk bottles of various types and was always looking for dairy processing memorabilia wherever he traveled.

"Dad loved Oklahoma history and the dairy industry,” said Steve Gilliland, one of Gilliland’s four children. “Milk bottles from Oklahoma dairies were the focus of his collection, a mixture of two things he loved. We hope that this display will promote Oklahoma food history in others that view it. We are thankful to OSU and Braum’s for recognizing Dad with this display, and proud that so many thought highly enough of Dad to remember him in this way."

FAPC is honored to display Gilliland’s collection, Willoughby said.

“The FAPC is a unique facility like none other in the country,” he said. “Seeing the collection when you first enter the building simply adds to our uniqueness capturing the essence of value added in Oklahoma.”

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Oklahoma State University is a modern land-grant system of interdisciplinary programs that prepares students for success. OSU is America’s Brightest Orange. Through leadership and service, OSU is preparing students for a bright future and building a brighter world for all. As Oklahoma’s only university with a statewide presence, OSU improves the lives of people in Oklahoma, the nation and the world through integrated, high-quality teaching, research and outreach. OSU has more than 36,000 students across its five-campus system and more than 24,000 on its combined Stillwater and Tulsa campuses, with students from all 50 states and around 120 nations. Established in 1890, OSU has graduated more than 245,000 students to serve Oklahoma, the nation and the world.