The Oblander Family Named 2023 Alumni Honored Family

The Panhandle State Association of Alumni and Friends announced the selection of the 2023 Honored family as the Oblander family. OPSU Alumni recognize the remarkable achievements of the Oblander family, spanning three generations, and their unwavering commitment to education and the Panhandle State community. The induction ceremony will take place during the much-anticipated Homecoming Weekend on September 23rd, which holds deep significance for the family and the entire university.

University President, Dr. Julie Dinger stated, “The Oblander family is a prime example of what it means to be an Aggie. They have served on several different boards across campus and are true advocates for Panhandle State. I am proud to honor them this year.” 

The Oblander brothers, Jim, Gary, and Steven started their family legacy at OPSU when Jim moved to Goodwell from the family farm in Woodward, graduating with the class of 1967 with a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy. Jim married Charlsye in the fall of that same year. Jim was in the ROTC program at the school and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant after graduating. After serving in Vietnam, Jim returned to OPSU for his teacher’s certificate, and he taught science for Guymon Public Schools, eventually transitioning to farming Oblander Farms in Goodwell. Jim and Charlsye have been life members of the Panhandle State Association of Alumni and Friends since 1997. They have three children: Susan, Michael, and Chet. Both Susan and Chet attended OPSU.

Gary graduated in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Husbandry. Like his older brother, Gary was also in the ROTC program and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army. Gary is now engaged in farming and ranching in Woodward County, where he also resides. Gary and his wife Betty have four children: Stacy, Chad, Carl, and Becky.

Steven graduated in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Steven and his wife Melinda are still active in their family business, Oblander Bookkeeping and Tax Preparation, in Woodward and have two children: Mark and Tim.

Chet Oblander, son of Jim and Charlsye, completed his pre-pharmacy requirements at OPSU in 2000. Chet married Robin (Wescoatt) in 1994, and Robin graduated from OPSU in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts in English Education. Chet and Robin now live in Guymon, where Chet is a pharmacist and co-owner of Clinic Pharmacy. Robin teaches 6th-grade Language Arts in Guymon. Chet and Robin have four children: Elizabeth, Mary, Ella, and Sam, all of whom have attended OPSU at some point. Sam is taking concurrent classes while attending Guymon High School and will graduate with an Associate in Business from OPSU in the spring.

Alumni Association President Katie Quebedeaux stated, “The Oblander family have served OPSU and the Alumni Association for years. Their unwavering dedication to OPSU is shown in all that they do. We are excited to honor them and their legacy.”

Director of Alumni Relations, Shawn Joy, stated, ” The Oblander Family have been a staple of OPSU for many years. We are grateful for their contributions and look forward to honoring them.”