City leaders joined today at Oklahoma City University’s Meinders School of Business to recognize Aubrey McClendon, Chesapeake Energy CEO, for a $5 million scholarship program.

What was described as a historic, transformational day for the business school will provide up to $25,000 per year in tuition to each of the 17 scholars in the Chesapeake Presidential Scholars program, a five-year commitment to the university.

“This university is the reason why Oklahoma City continues to aspire to further greatness … you can not have a great city without a great university,” McClendon said, which is why Chesapeake wants to help educate the next generation of business leaders.

Scholars will take a hands-on approach, allowing each to explore, learn and lead, said OCU President Robert Henry.

Among other things, the program will be comprised of a Chesapeake Presidential Leadership course, undergraduate business research, workshops and community service.

“Chesapeake’s generous gift will enable us to attract top Oklahoma students,” Henry said. “Chesapeake is a great corporate citizen. Aubrey McClendon is a visionary CEO.”

Henry further discussed McClendon’s endeavors in Oklahoma City, to include – as an aside – bringing Whole Foods to Classen Curve, for which he personally thanked him.

Chesapeake’s vice president, Martha Burger, serves as an OCU trustee and helped design the program.