DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION
Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)
 In
1954, Don McClanen sent 19 letters to various well-known athletes across
America to share an idea of bringing athletes and coaches together in
the service of Jesus Christ. The organization would later be
known as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). This organization
has grown to over 800 employees nationwide and operates on a multimillion
dollar budget and involves more than two million athletes around the
globe each year.
When he took this first action towards
the creation of FCA, he was employed as the head basketball coach and
athletic director at Eastern Oklahoma State College.
Over the years, there have been
attempts by Eastern to memorialize Mr. McClanen and FCA on the campus
with no success. In 2008, under new leadership, Eastern completed
a successful fundraising campaign to honor the man that began FCA. A
bronze bust was created of Mr. McClanen and will be displayed in
the new Student Life and Learning Center.
 A special tribute was made on Dec. 5, 2008 to
Mr. Don McClanen, during an unveiling program. Former basketball
players from the early '50s, coaches, mayors from McAlester and Wilburton,
the Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor along with more than 800 others gathered
for this special event.
The bronze bust was unveiled and Wilburton Mayor
Stephen Brinlee presented McClanen with a proclamation declaring Dec.
5th as Don McClanen day in Wilburton. Gov. Brad Henry sent a proclamation
presented by Lt. Gov. Jari Askins declaring Dec. 5th as Don McClanen
Day in Oklahoma.
Eastern is very proud to honor Mr.
McClanen in this manner and hopes it may inspire students who attend
our college.
The impact that FCA has had on millions
of young people is phenomenal and it all started with the vision of
one man.
Eastern Honors FCA Founder During Program Friday
(Press
Release 12-08-08)
Hank Mooney, Office of Public Information
Eastern To Honor FCA Founder
(Press
Release 11-14-08)
Hank
Mooney, Office of Public Information
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