In 1971, Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology graduate Jim Swank, along with five other innovators, founded what would become RAE Corporation in Pryor, Oklahoma. Since then, RAE has grown to over 600 employees across six manufacturing divisions, producing American-made industrial refrigeration and heat transfer systems. Today, Jim’s son, Eric Swank (OSUIT, 1990), leads the company. The connection with OSUIT remains strong. Alumni sit in key roles and RAE continues investing back into OSUIT through sponsorships, educational demonstration tools, guest speaking, and advising on boards. Together, OSUIT and RAE drive innovation, strengthen local economies, and advance applied science and engineering in the industry.