The $1 million gift is part of the University's recently announced "Lead On" campaign that will impact every area of campus, including athletics, and extends through 2027. The Lead On campaign has a goal of $2 billion and is the most ambitious plan in OU history. The athletics arm of the campaign will focus on building world-class facilities and providing a transformative student-athlete experience.
"We are so grateful for the vision Michael shares with us in supporting our student-athletes beyond their time training, practicing and competing," said Castiglione. "This gift provides an opportunity to help them become champions in life and we know this is a pivotal role that extends far beyond their time on the field. We are passionate about the development of our student-athletes, and we appreciate Michael for being our teammate."
SOUL Mission is an off-field player development program created by OU head football coach Brent Venables upon his return to Norman a year ago.
Explained Venables, "SOUL Mission stands for Serving Our Uncommon Legacy. Its purpose is to create transformational, holistic development in one of the most critical and impressionable times of our players' lives. SOUL Mission is more important now than ever, especially with the transactional changes we're seeing in college football. We want to make sure we continue to be bold, courageous and — most importantly — relational.
"We are extraordinarily grateful for the incredible generosity of Michael and his family. This contribution will allow us to continue providing uncommon care, support and direction of the hearts and souls of our players' lives through career services, community outreach and resources that allow the learning of critical life skills."
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Four SOUL Mission pillars target every facet of off-the-field enhancement of OU's football student-athletes: civic engagement, life skills, career development and former player development. Elements of the program include but are not limited to student-athlete service trips, micro internship opportunities, financial literacy seminars and community service projects.
OU sophomore defensive end Ethan Downs, who was recently named a finalist for the Wooden Citizenship Cup, said he has already been significantly impacted by the program despite it being less than a year old.
"SOUL Mission has grown my character, made me more confident and allowed me to build relationships I know I'll be able to hold on to for the rest of my life," said Downs. "Ultimately, it has bettered my future. I know the foundation of SOUL Mission and what it stands for, and when my time on the field does come to an end, I will be a better man, future husband and future father because of these resources and experiences."
Horton's financial generosity on OU's campus is not limited to athletics. He has also been instrumental in the growth of the Michael F. Price College of Business, recently pledging $1 million to the Michael D. Horton Real Estate Finance Student Development Fund, which aims to provide student enrichment experiences for finance majors pursuing a career in real estate.
"I love SOUL Mission and its authentic commitment to bringing the right men to Norman," said Horton. "Character, faith and integrity are learned values important in all quarters of football and life. It's my belief that the attention OU is placing on the holistic growth and development of our student-athletes will lead to differential success that we can all be proud of."
Horton grew up in Ardmore, Okla., and earned his OU degree in energy management in 2002. Although he lives in Colorado where his company is headquartered, he says he still considers Oklahoma home.
Good Living Ventures is a privately held real estate investment firm that seeks to foster community and build long-term value through thoughtfully designed, affordable housing solutions. Horton started the company in 2017 and it now owns 18 RV and manufactured housing parks, representing more than 2,000 home sites.
To learn more about OU's "Lead On" campaign, click here. You can give today by clicking here.
