@utulsa Fall 2024 Magazine

THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TULSA - FALL 2024

Native Narratives

Honoring students from the Presbyterian School for Indian Girls

The University of Tulsa has the most National Merit scholars per capita in the nation.

Want to know why?

Better Brains

Interdisciplinary center educates, treats effects related to concussions

Friends of Finance

Forty years of making a difference for business students, alumni

UTulsa student success begins well before the first day of classes.

Incoming first-year students roar into their Golden Hurricane era with summer study abroad, undergraduate research challenges, and a multi-day, immersive orientation experience. Read more in this issue.

@ utulsa

THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TULSA

Brad R. Carson, President

Tricia Milford-Hoyt, Vice President, Strategic Marketing and Communications

Amanda Hodges, Creative Director

Mona Chamberlin, Senior Media Relations and Editorial Director

Leslie Cairns (MA ‘99), Senior Graphic Designer

Ethan Schaffer, Graphic Designer

Kelly Kurt Brown, Photographer

Tom Gilbert, Photographer

Ace Cuervo, Photographer

João Pascoal, Publication Designer

Kim Jacobs, Communications Coordinator

Jared Emerson, Director of Athletic Communications

Tyler Hughes, Graduate Assistant

Morgan Holmes, Writer

Michael Overall, Writer

Kristi Eaton, Writer

Marnie Fernandez, Writer

Dorothy Pugh, Editor

To contact the publication team or comment on this magazine, please email magazine@utulsa.edu

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

We recognize the Tribal lands on which The University of Tulsa’s main campus resides. We would like to honor and acknowledge the Indigenous tribes including the Ni-u-kon-ska (Osage), Kitikiti’sh (Wichita), and Kadohadacho (Caddo) Tribal Nations as the original inhabitants and keepers of the land and water of which we now call Tulsa, Oklahoma. TU recognizes that our campus is located on the Mvskoke (Muscogee [Creek]) Nation and Tsálăgĭ (Cherokee) Nation, as a result of the U.S. Indian Removal Act of 1830. We acknowledge that the university was first established as a Presbyterian School for Indian Girls with its own history and relationship to the land and campus. We recognize this foundation and assume the responsibility to educate ourselves and others on the history and importance of the land and water that we occupy.

ISSN 1544-5763 is published by

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800 South Tucker Drive Tulsa, Oklahoma 74104

Publication dates may vary according to the university’s calendar, events, and scheduling.

POSTMASTER: Please send Change of Address to:

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IN THIS ISSUE

The Kendall College of Arts & Sciences, which serves as the academic foundation of UTulsa, turns 130 this year. Historical

Where there’s Hope

A two-time UTulsa alumna was one of just four young attorneys selected to serve as U.S. Supreme Court Fellows.

UTulsa’s Helmerich Center for American Research at Gilcrease Museum is marking a decade of meaningful scholarship.

Homecoming

Kudos to our honorees: Four Distinguished Alumni, one J. Paschal Twyman Award winner, and Mr. Homecoming

HBD, Kendall!

What happens when 750 great minds come together? • We’re excited to find out. The University of Tulsa recently welcomed the Class of 2028 to campus. More than 30% of these first-time, full-time students are National Merit Scholars. That’s the most per capita in the United States.

30 % National Merit scholars

Most per capita in the United States

“We are pleased to have such a large class starting their academic journey at The University of Tulsa. When some colleges struggle to build a robust student body, we are proud to offer the holistic education that future leaders and their families seek.”

– President Brad Carson

2 nd

Largest class in UTulsa history: 750 new undergraduates

30 Average ACT score Most academically advanced in UTulsa history

43 % Multicultural Most diverse class in UTulsa history

Nov. 13

Mayor’s Cup: Golden Hurricane men’s basketball vs. Oral Roberts

Donald W. Reynolds Center

Nov. 17

Mayor’s Cup: Golden Hurricane women’s basketball vs. Oral Roberts

Donald W. Reynolds Center

Dec. 6

Lights On, UTulsa! Chapman Commons

Dec. 8

Festival of Lessons and Carols Sharp Chapel

Jan. 20

MLK Day

Day of service and celebration in honor of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

MARCH

March 4

Academics & Ales

Heirloom Rustic Ales

HEADS UP!

Interdisciplinary Concussion Center changes the conversation on care

More than 75% of the 2.8 million traumatic brain injuries (TBI) occurring each year in the United States are concussions, making it the most diagnosed type of TBI, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Millions more people who suffer from concussions go undiagnosed.

The effects of concussion can be longlasting and serious, and misinformation can complicate treatment. Nearly half a million children and teens are treated every year in hospital emergency rooms for TBI, including concussion, according to the CDC.

To combat these staggering statistics, The University of Tulsa’s Oxley College of Health & Natural Sciences has created the Concussion Center, an interdisciplinary initiative housed in the on-campus Mary K. Chapman Clinic for Communicative Disorders, to address management of recovery post-concussion.

“Concussions can have a variety of effects: They can cause physical, cognitive, psychological, and emotional changes. This complexity means that individuals with concussion benefit from support from multiple health care disciplines,” said Laura Wilson, associate professor of speech-language pathology.

Wilson and Rachel Hildebrand, clinical associate professor of athletic

training, said the Concussion Center is addressing gaps in care, including a lack of mental health support for those with concussion, as well as access to service for uninsured individuals. Both faculty members have research and clinical interests in concussion/mild traumatic brain injury, as well as an understanding of the value of interprofessional education and practice.

With research-focused academic programs in sports science/athletic training, communication disorders, nursing, psychology, neuroscience and public health, UTulsa is well positioned to offer the types and level of services needed when addressing head injuries.

Earlier this year, the center sponsored

the Youth Sport Safety Festival at Tulsa’s McCullough Park. The event focused on teaching children and their families about safety while playing outdoors. “We had a wide range of community partners discussing bicycle safety, ATV safety, and water safety,” Hildebrand said.

“Our goal was to celebrate Youth Sports Safety Month by having a fun event that would help educate and normalize safe engagement in outdoor sports and recreation,” Wilson added. “In addition to organizing the event alongside the Brain Injury Recovery Foundation and the Childhood Concussion Coalition, the university’s Concussion Center sponsored a helmet giveaway for all youths in attendance.”

The University of Tulsa’s Concussion Center recommends people follow guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for signs and symptoms of a concussion.

Observable signs of a concussion

• Can't recall events prior to or after a hit or fall

• Appears dazed or stunned

As an interdisciplinary center, we can address a range of needs from psychological, cognitive, physical, and audiological domains.

RACHEL HILDEBRAND

Wilson said that in the next year, they plan to expand the center’s hours, launch their first Concussion Center research study, and continue to organize community events to share the latest news about concussion prevention and management. “We are also exploring the integration of additional service providers into the center,” she said. For more information or to make an appointment with the Concussion Center, call 918-631-2504. All services are free of charge.

• Forgets an instruction, is confused about an assignment or position, or is unsure of the game, score, or opponent

• Moves clumsily

• Answers questions slowly

• Loses consciousness (even briefly)

• Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes

Reported symptoms of concussion

• Headache or "pressure" in head

• Nausea or vomiting

• Balance problems or dizziness, or double or blurry vision

• Bothered by light or noise

• Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy

• Confusion, or concentration or memory problems

• Doesn’t “feel right” or “feels down”

Human rights, ET HICAL PRACTICES

Museum working with Native American tribes on repatriation

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. (left) and Gilcrease Executive Director

Brian Lee Whisenhunt at the August repatriation of a 149-year-old printing press once used to publish the Cherokee Advocate Newspaper in the Cherokee language

Gilcrease Museum is among many institutions participating in a nationwide effort to return artifacts to Native American tribes that never consented to the objects being removed in the first place.

The repatriation process at Gilcrease alone has resulted in more than 36,000 cultural items being reunited with their original Indigenous owners and descendants since the 1990s, including human remains from 354 individuals, said Laura Bryant, anthropology

collections steward for the museum.

“These were unethically and sometimes illegally removed from their resting places and communities to become commodified, collected, and dehumanized,” said Bryant, who also serves as Gilcrease’s coordinator for the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). “They have been forcibly separated and isolated from their descendants, who are still here and deeply affected by their disturbance and absence.”

In addition to what has already been repatriated, Gilcrease is actively consulting with about 60 tribes nationwide in attempt to return more ancestral remains, funerary objects, and other cultural items, Bryant said. “Most tribes, especially in Oklahoma, have a historic preservation officer or NAGPRA representative with whom we work closely,” she said.

Even when such consultations determine that an artifact does not need to be returned to a tribe, the process benefits both the museum and the tribe. “This builds relationships and dialogue that profoundly impact the care, interpretation, and display of Native materials, and that can grow into collaborations that mutually enrich the museum and communities,” Bryant said.

NAGPRA was enacted by Congress in 1990. Earlier this year, federal officials published new regulations to revise and streamline how the law is implemented, including a requirement for museums to update inventories of human remains and associated funerary objects by 2029.

“Gilcrease works to take a proactive approach to NAGPRA that embraces the letter of the law as well as the spirit and ethical practices behind the law,” Bryant said. “NAGPRA at heart is a human rights law.”

WHEN and HOW

Political science courses focus on history, context – not personalities

A challenge in teaching courses on U.S. politics is the fact that students want a variety of information and different approaches to learning about the election system, said Associate Professor Matt Hindman, chair of political science in Kendall College of Arts & Sciences.

“Some want to discuss current events frequently, including the most divisive topics animating U.S. politics,” he said. “Others want to avoid day-today politics entirely and would prefer to focus on the broader context or historical dynamics. I try to teach my courses in a manner that is heavy on history and context, though with an occasional class session that focuses on how we’ve arrived at this moment in history.”

about these contemporary figures if we also spend time discussing similar historical moments, whether through the impeachments of Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton or the Watergate scandal or the ways in which past presidents have been constrained or empowered by their parties.”

Social media has made disinformation and misinformation more prevalent, Hindman said.

Thinking critically invites students to have a healthy skepticism about the world around them.

MATT HINDMAN

Hindman said that in his fall 2024 class on the U.S. presidency, isn't spending a lot of time on discussing the current candidates.

“Sure, they are two individuals that are important if we want to understand politics in the 2020s, but the timeline of American politics extends backward – and, we hope, forward – well beyond their times in office,” he said. “I find that students can learn a lot more

“In today’s polarized political landscape, people are perhaps too ready to believe disinformation if it fits into the narrative that they’d like to believe,” he added. “Thinking critically invites students to have a healthy skepticism about the world around them, though it also helps guard against falling prey to the conspiracy theory du jour.”

Hindman also invites input from curious undergraduates. “It’s hard to know in advance what sorts of issues will play a big role in an election year. I try to leave a few dates open on my syllabi that I label ‘Student-Selected Topics’ to allow students to choose a theme in which we can take a deeper dive,” he said. “Whatever it is, I hope it isn’t part of a giant national crisis!”

Infrastructure research draws $3.75M

in funding

Alumnus-turned-faculty examines cyber security in energy sector

Mauricio Papa arrived at The University of Tulsa from Venezuela in 1994 as a master’s student in electrical engineering. “I started doing research right away on developing techniques to optimize fuzzy logic controllers using genetic algorithms,” he said. “Once I completed my M.S. in 1996, I joined the Ph.D. program in computer science and switched research efforts to focus on cyber security, and more specifically, on the use of theoretical frameworks to analyze security properties of communication protocols.

“Needless to say, I was very interested in academia, a place where I could continue with my research efforts and help disseminate knowledge through teaching.”

Papa, who now serves as Brock Professor of Computer Science and Cyber Studies, was recruited to develop courses for UTulsa’s Cyber Corps program and grow research expertise in the network security domain. In 2006, he again switched his focus to securing distributed control systems from cyberattacks. “This gave me the opportunity to get back to my process control and electrical engineering roots while continuing my research in cyber security,” he said.

Papa’s most notable current research examines ways to enhance the resiliency and cyber security posture of U.S. critical infrastructures.

Funded by the Engineer Research and Development Center, a division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this $3.75 million project seeks to develop cyber security solutions for the U.S. energy sector and, more specifically, the natural gas domain.

He also collaborates in several

externally funded multidisciplinary projects with a cyber security component, including:

• Virtual reality for smart installation experimentation and security analysis ($3.75 million)

• Asset identification and management for Operational Technology and IoT ($3.75 million)

• Detection of natural gas emissions into the atmosphere ($768,000)

In 2017, Papa began experimenting with small wireless devices using the Arduino platform and wanted to get others, including students, involved. “I had been teaching networks for several years and wanted to look for ways to engage students in this fascinating area. Having worked with Tulsa Undergraduate Research Challenge students, I decided to create a bootcamp where students doing research over the summer could also learn something new and perhaps apply it to their own projects,” Papa said.

The psychology of trauma

Elana Newman examines effects on journalists, filmmakers, curators and archivists

From Romania to Poland and from the United Nations to the New York Times, McFarlin Chair in Psychology Elana Newman spent the past year circling the globe. As research director of the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma, her work examines topics stemming from the physical and psychological effects of trauma exposure.

Newman trains journalists on how to cope with horrific events. “I do a lot of consulting, going to major newsrooms, one-on-one consulting outside of my scholarship for journalists who have been covering traumatic things,” said Newman.

Newman has expanded the center’s efforts to The University of Tulsa, where

she directs the Dart Journalism and Trauma Research Center at TU. It offers students the opportunity to participate in research projects examining resiliency in journalism, moral injury and posttraumatic stress disorder among journalists, the general occupational health of journalists, and the impact of journalistic choices on audiences.

Newman’s graduate-level elective, Safety Matters: An International Course, is the only research-focused journalism safety course for doctoral students in the world. It provides students the opportunity to travel to Norway and form research teams with graduate students and faculty there, as well as South Africa and Brazil. “We’ve had a few students’ papers published from this work,” she said.

Documentary filmmakers, docents, archivists, and curators are just a few examples of others who experience similar effects of trauma.

Newman participated in a National Endowment for the Humanities’ 2024 Summer Institute for Higher Education Faculty titled “Content Warning: Engaging Trauma and Controversy in Research Collections.” The invitation to the NEH institute followed consultations with Gilcrease Museum and Greenwood Rising – Black Wall Street History Center.

“I was shocked to discover how none of them get any training in how to manage the emotional components of traumatic historical events,” Newman said. “For example, docents are amazingly adept at communicating history but not at responding to the public’s reactions to this history. Similarly, curators and archivists are not given training on how to respond to unexpected traumatic objects in archives, how to label and prepare warnings, and how to emotionally and ethically respond to working with such objects.”

Fulbright winner headed from Tulsa to Taiwan

Earlier this year, recent University of Tulsa graduate Layla Johnson (B.S., B.A. ’24) received a prestigious distinction when she was named a recipient of the 2024-25 Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Award to improve primary and secondary students’ English language abilities in Taipei, Taiwan.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to aid in educating the young minds of Taiwan,” Johnson said. “It is my hope, through these interactions, I can foster a deeper mutual understanding between our cultures.”

Fulbright is an international academic exchange program founded in 1946. Awardees meet, work, live with and learn from the people of the host country, sharing daily experiences and gaining an appreciation of others’ viewpoints and beliefs, the way they do things, and the way they think.

Johnson holds dual degrees in psychology and Chinese studies. She credits a series of study abroad opportunities in Thailand, England, Peru, and China with sparking her interest in the Fulbright program. Now in Taiwan, Johnson has the chance to not just teach others, but also increase her own foreign language skills and deepen her cultural awareness, fully realizing the Fulbright mission.

I’m truly grateful for the investment the university and its people have made in me.

HOPE FORSYTH

Hope in the Highest Court

When Hope Forsyth (B.A. ’15, J.D. ’18) was named one of four 2024-25 U.S. Supreme Court Fellows by The Supreme Court Fellows Commission, with it came the unparalleled opportunity to observe and participate in the work of the federal judiciary at the highest level. Now a month in to this prestigious and nonpartisan appointment, Forsyth credits much of her success to her education at The University of Tulsa.

“I’m truly grateful for the investment the university and its people have made in me,” she said. “I formed mentorship relationships that continue to this day, was challenged to approach a variety of topics with curiosity and persistence, and benefitted from broad opportunities in an intimate setting.”

In her academic and professional life, Forsyth honed her skills in public communication and conflict resolution. Her path combined a classical curriculum homeschool education before college and a broad foundation in the liberal arts and legal matters at UTulsa, as well as an exemplary record in corporate legal firms and court systems. Forsyth’s undergraduate foundations in

communication theory led her to earn an advanced law degree in dispute resolution from Pepperdine University.

“In the legal profession, I have the satisfaction of connecting abstract and concrete, the opportunity to work with people who believe in something bigger than themselves, and the honor of furthering justice and mercy,” she said.

Forsyth’s community building was evident in the growth of the Northern/Eastern Oklahoma chapter of the Federal Bar Association, which she helped revitalize in 2020. The chapter quickly grew in breadth and depth by providing top-tier continuing legal education opportunities and networking events for judges, practitioners, and students, as well as community outreach events centered on civics education and civil discourse.

For her many achievements, Forsyth received the College of Law Outstanding Junior Alumna Award in July at the Oklahoma Bar Association Annual Meeting, where she was recognized for the wealth of experience she brings with her as she now serves the highest court in the country.

1

STUDENT FACULTY RATIO TO

Growing our ranks of top-tier faculty, fellows

The University of Tulsa is known for its highly regarded faculty and distinguished fellows across all six colleges and partner entities. From funded research to innovative teaching, each brings a unique set of educational backgrounds and real-world experiences to UTulsa. Join us in welcoming this talented and diverse group to our community.

College of Engineering & Computer Science

1 Eda Dilsiz

Post-Doctoral Research Associate

Yujing Du Assistant Professor of Petroleum Engineering

2 Michael Haney

Research Associate Professor of Cyber Studies

3 Mohammad Khajenejad Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Electical & Computer Engineering

4 Aaditya Khanal Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering and Petroleum Engineering

5 Justin Miller Associate Professor of Practice of Cyber Security

6 Hazem Refai* Chair of Electrical & Computer Engineering

College of Law

7 Alexandra Fay Assistant Professor of Law

8 Alex Gavern

Assistant Clinical Professor of Law

9 Henry Ishitani Pre-Doctoral Fellow in Law

Margo Shipley* Assistant Professor of Legal Writing

10 Leslie Weeks Assistant Professor of Legal Writing

Collins College of Business

11 Xinwei Chen

Assistant Professor of Operations Management

12 Titing Cui Assistant Professor of Operations Management

13 Huy Do

Assistant Professor of Accounting

14 Michael Goldsby

David and Leslie Lawson Endowed Chair in Entrepreneurship

Lu Yan Assistant Professor of Accounting

Kendall College of Arts & Sciences

15 Kimberly Belmonte

Applied Assistant Professor in Psychology

16 Nick Mancini

Applied Assistant Professor in Music and Coordinator of Jazz Studies

Clara Mattei* Professor of Economics

Madison Myers-Burg

Applied Assistant Professor in Psychology

Chase Privett

Postdoctoral Fellow in Political Science

Federico Strata*

Music Industry Professional in Residence

17 Bruno Theodosio*

Assistant Professor of Economics

Gilcrease Museum

18 Amanda Summers

Duane H. King Post Doctoral Fellow in Helmerich Center for American Research

Honors College

19 Oliver Traldi Applied Assistant Professor

20 Daniel Walden Applied Assistant Professor

Oxley College of Health & Natural Sciences

Sima Jonusaite

Assistant Professor of Biological Science

*starting January 2025

Awith new Gilcrease Museum

Executive Director

Brian Lee Whisenhunt

The Thomas Gilcrease Institute of American History and Art, known as Gilcrease Museum, which is owned by the City of Tulsa and managed by The University of Tulsa, houses a comprehensive collection with more than 350,000 items representing the art, culture and history of the Americas. Under the new leadership of Executive Director Brian Lee Whisenhunt, the museum is poised for an exciting future as it marks a major milestone in a multi-year, $139-million revitalization project this November. Whisenhunt seeks to strengthen the ways in which the museum connects with, and creates community leading up to the grand reopening in 2026.

The Gilcrease collection is getting a beautiful new home. What’s the latest on the new museum structure?

Every day, we’re making great progress on the building and getting closer to completion. We’re seeing some finish

details like tile in the restrooms, carpet in the administrative areas and final paint color in galleries. The crews also added sod to the greenspaces on the amphitheater and are working on the sidewalks and other exterior details leading to the entrance. I can’t wait for the visitors to enjoy the collection and galleries again, but I know everyone is also going to relish the event space. It’s perfect for just relaxing on the terrace and taking in the views.

While the new museum isn’t set to open for a bit longer, what other fun/enlightening/ enriching events are coming up for Gilcrease fans in the coming months?

This past summer, we installed the final image in the Gilcrease in Your Neighborhood program in five parks across the city. This program has inspired numerous activities and events that keep the community connected to Gilcrease while we’re dark. Additionally, Crystal

While the Gilcrease team is still active with community connection, many members are solidly focused on preparing for reopening, which entails a series of sequential events.

BRIAN LEE WHISENHUNT

Bridges opened an exhibition titled “Knowing the West,” which includes work from the Gilcrease collection. It will be on view until Jan. 27, 2025. After that, it will be on tour and shared with other communities around the country.

Activity among the museum staff hasn’t stopped just because of the construction. What can you share about the work that’s being done (acquisitions, conservation, digitization, etc.)?

While the Gilcrease team is still active with community connection, many members are solidly focused on preparing for reopening, which entails a series of sequential events. Some folks are preparing for the move of our enormous collection into the

storage areas in the new building. Our conservators are addressing the care of any objects or works of art that need attention prior to going back on view. Our curators are busy finalizing the interpretive plan and already at work on the rotation of objects that will be changed out as the galleries are refreshed after we open. Everyone is beginning to conceptualize the special exhibitions and programs that will welcome the community back to Gilcrease.

What are the two or three most fascinating things you’ve learned about Gilcrease since becoming executive director?

Being a student of art history, I’ve always approached Gilcrease through

an art lens, so it’s been fascinating to learn more about the archives and archaeological collection. I’ve enjoyed getting to see and learn about the historical documents Thomas Gilcrease collected and treasured, like some of the correspondence between Diego Columbus and the Spanish crown. That’s what makes the Gilcrease collection so special – its breadth and depth provide so many opportunities to connect across the history and cultures of the Americas. It’s also been exciting to learn more about our work in conservation and repatriation. Gilcrease truly is a leader in the museum community – not just in Oklahoma, but internationally. I’m so proud to work with this incredible team of professionals.

During construction and public closure, Gilcrease transformed corners of area parks and trails with reproductions for all to enjoy.

A primer on Gilcrease’s vast - and pricelesscollection

It’s difficult to overstate the immensity of the Gilcrease holdings. The museum is home to more than 350,000 items – surpassing those at Arkansas’ Crystal Bridges and the Oklahoma City Museum of Art combined and comprising the world's largest collection of art and artifacts of the Americas.

While it may be best known for featuring acclaimed Western artists such as Thomas Moran and Frederic Remington, the Gilcrease collection includes works by Indigenous painters, sculptors, and artisans of all kinds, representing cultures throughout North, Central, and South America over thousands of years.

“There really is something in the collection for everyone to learn from and enjoy,” said Susan Buchanan, director of collections and chief registrar.

Gilcrease divides its collection into three parts, each overseen by a separate staff, Buchanan explained.

The Art Department oversees paintings, sculptures, and works on paper.

The Archive Department manages documents, manuscripts, rare books, photographs, and other two-dimensional

materials. The Anthropology Department cares for mostly three-dimensional archaeological and ethnographic items.

“It is a big responsibility to care for a collection this large, and it takes a lot of resources,” Buchanan said, noting that Gilcrease is the only museum in Oklahoma that employs professional conservators. The staff has to monitor environmental conditions and ensure the collection is handled and housed safely while conducting inventories and monitoring the condition of the items, she said.

Meanwhile, museums around the world often request permission to use items from the Gilcrease collection for temporary exhibitions. The borrowers may not always know exactly where Tulsa is, but they are familiar with the Gilcrease collection. “I’ve had the privilege of couriering Gilcrease artworks for exhibitions in Japan, France, Canada, and all over the United States,” Buchanan said.

So, how much are these items worth?

Gilcrease does not comment publicly about the monetary value of the holdings, partly for security concerns but

I’ve had the privilege of couriering Gilcrease artworks for exhibitions in Japan, France, Canada, and all over the United States.

also because the true value cannot be measured in dollars. “The items in the collection must be cared for the same regardless of their monetary value,” Buchanan said, “as the museum has made a commitment to preserve these items in perpetuity.”

SUSAN BUCHANAN

PAINTINGS, SCULPTURES, WORKS ON PAPER

The Gilcrease Art Collection represents artists and subjects from across North America. From colonial portraiture in New England, to 20th-century modernism in the Southwest, to contemporary Native American artists, forming one of the world’s most comprehensive views of American art.

13,000+ PIECES

400+ YEARS

DOCUMENTS, MANUSCRIPTS, RARE BOOKS, PHOTOGRAPHS

Thomas Gilcrease was a collector of Americana when few were interested in Western Hemisphere history. The Gilcrease Museum is currently digitizing its entire archive and library collections in an ongoing project.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL & ETHNOGRAPHIC ITEMS

The collections focus on the cultural history of North, Central, and South America from prehistoric times to the present, featuring items from Native American, Hispanic, and AngloAmerican archaeology and ethnography.

250,000+ ITEMS

What it means to be True Blue

Behavioral Health Clinic offers free mental health services while providing valuable training for students

Less than a half mile from campus, The University of Tulsa’s True Blue Neighbors Behavioral Health Clinic plays a vital role in caring for community members while training clinical psychology graduate students.

Founded in 2015, Director Jennifer Steward, who also serves as an applied assistant professor in Kendall College of Arts & Sciences, was one of the program’s first graduate assistants.

“I was very fortunate to have been able to help establish the clinic,” said Steward (M.A. ’14, Ph.D. ’17). “I took over the director role in 2018, and I am very happy to be back and working for the clinic. It has been wonderful helping the clinic grow and extend our influence in the community.”

The facility has seen more than 1,110 clients since opening almost a decade ago; about half of those are children. While most services are offered inperson, the clinic also offers limited telehealth services, allowing it to reach clients statewide.

All of the mental health services are free of charge. “This sets us apart from other training clinics across the country,” Steward said. “We have generous donors who see the importance of what we are

doing in providing a much-needed service to the community at large.” The clinic is seeking additional gifts as it prepares to create an endowment to ensure long-term financial support.

The clinic provides comprehensive diagnostic assessments and evidencebased therapy for a number of concerns, including anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress, parenting skills, and stress management. Potential clients are screened to clarify the type of services they are seeking, and then they are placed on a waiting list or referred to other health care professionals because of high demand. “There are some services we don’t provide – such as substance abuse treatment, or treatment for severe mental health issues such as psychosis or bipolar disorder – but we have a great network of providers that we can refer people to,” Steward said.

“While many other mental health professionals can provide supports to clients, psychologists have specialized training, particularly in assessment, to meet a unique community need,” she said. Recent data indicate that the current number of psychologists in Oklahoma only meets 37% of the projected mental health needs. This means the True Blue Neighbors Behavioral Health Clinic is able to help meet the current mental health needs of the community while training the next generation of psychologists.

The clinicians are all clinical psychology master’s and doctoral students at UTulsa, who provide assessments or therapy to clients under supervision from licensed psychologists, including faculty members. All sessions are recorded for teaching purposes.

The students spend 12 months at the clinic for their initial practical training. “This gives our students important foundational clinical skills that they can build upon as our they continue their training in community placements,” Steward said. “There is just no substitute for real-world practice, while also giving back to the community.”

The Color of Law

College of Law and Greenwood Rising host Rothsteins’ lecture on housing inequity

Legal experts Richard and Leah Rothstein spoke on their latest book, “Just Action: How to Challenge Segregation Enacted Under the Color of Law,” during a lecture sponsored by The University of Tulsa’s College of Law and the Greenwood Rising Black Wall Street History Center.

The event, broadly covering housing and segregation, is tied to the work being done by the law school’s B.C. Franklin Legal Clinic, where students are working on a special project clearing titles and assisting with preventing tax foreclosures. The talk was held in May as part of the law school’s annual acknowledgment of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.

Richard Rothstein said 20th-century housing policy enacted by federal, state, and local governments ensured that African American and white citizens could not live near one another in U.S. metropolitan areas. This disparity allowed white families to build generational wealth.

Rothstein’s 2017 book, “The Color of Law,” is considered a groundbreaking history of residential segregation in America and is a cornerstone of UTulsa’s clinical law program, teaching students to look for context and engage in critical thinking.

Tulsa Artist Fellow Quraysh Ali Lansana, a visiting associate professor of English and creative writing, served

as one of the moderators of the lecture. Lansana is the recipient of a 2022 Emmy Award, a 2022 Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters Award, and a 2022 National Educational Telecommunications Association Public Media Award for his roles as host and consultant for the OETA/PBS documentary “Tulsa Race Massacre: 100 Years Later.”

During the discussion, Leah Rothstein noted there’s an appetite for racial justice activities, particularly in Tulsa. “We can use that energy to build a newly invigorated civil rights movement,” she said.

Tulsa

UTulsa, partners secure U.S. position as global leader with $51M award

This summer, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded approximately $51 million to the Tulsa Hub for Equitable and Trustworthy Autonomy (THETA) to strengthen the region’s capacity in autonomous systems. Tulsa is one of 12 Tech Hubs awarded funding out of the 31 regions to receive "Tech Hub" designations by the BidenHarris administration last fall.

Tulsa’s legacy of innovation and extensive assets enables the region to advance U.S. global leadership in trustworthy and equitable autonomous systems – such as uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and autonomous vehicles, drones, and robotics – with use cases ranging from agriculture and pipeline inspections to regional transportation.

“The cyber security of autonomous systems is crucial to our national security and commercial landscape,” said University of Tulsa President Brad Carson. “UTulsa has been a leader in cyber education and research for more than two decades. Tech Hubs funding allows us to amplify our university’s contributions and expertise to create the country’s leading Green UAS certification program and bolster collaboration across our regional institutions.”

With the EDA’s Tech Hubs funding, Tulsa is set to stake a claim on the $1.36 trillion global autonomous systems

market and create up to 56,000 new jobs in the next decade. Innovations in this industry – whether protecting Americans on the battlefield or delivering medicine to rural communities – are critical to the future of U.S. economic competitiveness.

“With our established expertise in cyber security and the new Oklahoma Cyber Innovation Institute, UTulsa is wellpositioned to deliver R&D outcomes that contribute to THETA. We also recently launched the Institute for Robotics & Autonomy to explore the intersection of robotics, AI, autonomy, and humanmachine teaming. These two dynamic

institutes will partner with THETA consortium members to further bolster the city’s reputation as a global leader in technology and cyber studies,” said Rose Gamble, vice president for research and economic development at UTulsa.

Led by Tulsa Innovation Labs, THETA’s steering committee included UTulsa, Black Tech Street, Cherokee Nation Businesses, L3Harris Aeromet, Madison Strategies Group, NORDAM, Oklahoma State University, Osage LLC, PartnerTulsa, Radius Capital, Tulsa Community College, and Tulsa Economic Development Corporation.

This page clockwise from above: Image of Susan Hampton Tiger; Image of Susanne Strouvelle; image of studio portrait of student body. Alice Robertson also pictured, c. 1887-1892; The University of Tulsa, McFarlin Library, Department of Special Collections & University Archives.

Finding Forgotten Roots

UTulsa researchers take an unflinching look at a questionable past

The University of Tulsa traces its roots to the Presbyterian School for Indian Girls (PSIG), a small boarding school that opened in 1882 in Muskogee, Indian Territory. Between 1819 through the 1970s, the United States implemented policies establishing and supporting Indian boarding schools across the nation to culturally assimilate Native children. In 1894, PSIG was renamed Henry Kendall College and, in 1907,

relocated to Tulsa where it was later rechartered as The University of Tulsa. Little was known about the students who attended PSIG. In July 2020, the Presbyterian School for Indian Girls Project was launched to learn more about these young women, their experiences, and how their lives unfolded. However, the overarching objective was to honor their memories. In partnership with the Muscogee

(Creek) Nation Historic and Cultural Preservation Department, UTulsa assembled a group of faculty and students, some through the Tulsa Undergraduate Research Challenge, to reveal this history.

In February 2024, the team published the first of several biographies of students who attended the school or affiliated institutions. Here are brief summaries of those who have been uncovered:

• Susanne (Barnett) Strouvelle, born in 1879 to Mvskoke parents, began attending the school in 1885 and was one of the first students to graduate from Kendall College. Strouvelle later became an accomplished musician.

• Ella (Harvison) Wilcox, born in 1875 in Okmulgee, excelled academically and musically and performed in 1889 at the closing concert of PSIG. Wilcox later worked in volunteer and church organizations.

• Hannah (Monahwee) Alexander, born in 1871 near Henryetta, appeared on the 1892 PSIG Roll of Honor. As an adult, she earned the moniker “Aunt Hannah,” helping to raise orphaned relatives.

• Susan (Hampton) Tiger was born in 1870 near Okmulgee. She went on to teach at several Native schools and married the eldest son of former Muscogee (Creek) Chief Motey Tiger.

In July 2020, the Presbyterian School for Indian Girls Project was launched to learn more about these young women, their experiences, and how their lives unfolded.

However, the overarching objective was to honor their memories.

• Anna (Peterson) Shortall, born in 1876, was one of the only nonNative students to attended PSIG. She embarked on a lifelong career in education, graduating from The University of Tulsa in 1928.

• Nellie (Riley) Woodward, born in 1875, found school challenging since English was not her first language. In her adult life, she was active in Native church and women’s groups. It is unusual for a modern university to turn a critical eye inward and unearth what could be a controversial piece of its history. UTulsa, however, has provided funding for students to pursue this humanities-based research and welcomed the participation of tribal leaders.

“This project is meaningful because in this country we have a long-standing and very colonized white settler U.S. historical narrative, and seemingly pushed down into the dredges of this narrative are the silenced voices and histories of everyone else,” said Midge Dellinger, Muscogee (Creek) Nation oral historian, project co-investigator, and tribal liaison. “At the core of this project’s mission is to identify these students so that we can give them the proper recognition and honor that they deserve.”

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Image of studio portrait of student body, c. 1892; The University of Tulsa, McFarlin Library, Department of Special Collections & University Archives.

UTulsa faculty and student researchers meet with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation liaison and Special Collections director

Discovery Decade of

Helmerich Center for American Research shares the Americas with the world

Until 2014, outside researchers had little access to the Gilcrease Museum Library & Archive, which held more than 100,000 rare books, documents, maps, and manuscripts in a less-than-ideal area on the lower level of the museum. That all changed when The University of Tulsa’s Helmerich Center for American Research, often shortened to “HCAR,” was built to exacting specifications.

The university has managed the city-owned museum for more than 15 years. Shortly after assuming stewardship of Gilcrease, the plan to better preserve and present the archives was put into action.

The $15 million Helmerich Center, constructed on Gilcrease’s grounds, includes state-of-the art climate control, fire suppression technology, tornado protection, and even electrochromic windows that can be darkened with the press of a button to shield fragile documents from sunlight. Before the declining museum building was torn down in 2022 to make way for a new Gilcrease, the two facilities were connected by an underground tunnel to allow the archives to be moved back and forth in total security.

With 25,000 square feet of space, however, HCAR provides more than

just safe storage for irreplaceable pieces of history, including an early handwritten copy of the Declaration of Independence. The Helmerich Center was always intended to encourage scholarship and teaching, as well as facilitate access to the archives.

“To this very day,” said William Smith, associate director of HCAR, “the center’s mission has been to care for the Gilcrease collections housed here, connect The University of Tulsa’s community to the collections, and make these accessible to the larger community of researchers.”

The center has pursued those goals

through museum exhibitions, public programming, and scholarly events as well as offering visiting research grants and fellowships, Smith said.

HCAR’s founding director, Duane King, launched a series of special symposia that continued after he died in 2017. The events included the Art and Artistry of Plains Indians Communities, Cherokee Removal and Rebirth, the Life and Art of C.M. Russell, Gender and Identity in the American West, and the History of Colonialism in Mexico and the Americas.

Losing King presented the center with one of its biggest challenges. “His original vision and leadership helped make HCAR what it is today,” Smith said, “and his vast expertise and personal connections as an eminent scholar of Cherokee history and culture were deeply felt.”

In 2018, Susan Neal, then-executive director of Gilcrease Museum and HCAR, worked with UTulsa faculty and center staff to develop a new strategic plan. As a result, HCAR no longer relies on an invitation-based visiting research program tied to large, marquee events. Instead, the center opens worldwide fellowship applications every year and organizes smaller, more frequent scholarly programs to foster interaction among researchers at the museum, the university, and the wider academic community. UTulsa graduate and undergraduate students also take classes at HCAR, where they gain hands-on experience working with collections and are taught by Gilcrease staff.

“This pivot,” Smith said, “has helped HCAR become a dynamic force for bringing external and internal researchers into wide-ranging conversations about the stories of the Americas.”

The center has hosted six Duane H. King postdoctoral fellows since 2019 and kept its annual works-in-progress seminar program going, even through the pandemic when it shifted to a virtual format.

In 2023, HCAR inaugurated a new public event called the Cultures of the Americas Seminar, focusing on a different book each year dealing with a topic related to the history of the Americas and Gilcrease’s collections. The seminar invites the authors and two other scholars to discuss the book in front of a public audience.

Kristen Oertel, the Mary Frances Barnard chair in 19th-century American history at UTulsa and a founding partner of HCAR, described the seminars as “some of the most intellectually stimulating and successful programs the center has ever produced.”

And seeing the Helmerich Center’s mission fulfilled truly offers a new view of the term “American dream.”

To learn more, visit gilcrease.org/ helmerich-center.

Elite NSF Fellowships

Two recent Oxley College of Health & Natural Sciences alumnae received prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) awards for 2024: Karina Cunningham (B.S. ’22) and Hannah Reeb (B.S. ’24).

Both Cunningham and Reeb attribute many elements for their achievement to The University of Tulsa.

Reeb’s love for research traces back to her first year when she was a research volunteer for Matthew Toomey, assistant professor of biological science. She began studying the underlying mechanisms of plumage coloration and signaling in house finches and went on to do a field study and further research on a project examining a potential plumage social signal in cliff swallows.

“I am glad to have discovered my taste for research early and to have been able to jump in on some hands-on work,” she said. “I am lucky to have had some amazing opportunities during my time at The University of Tulsa, and I very much credit becoming a fellow to those experiences.”

Cunningham praised her liberal arts courses, and noted the influence of Syed Hussaini, professor of chemistry and biochemistry, who encouraged her

involvement in the Oklahoma Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Program, an alliance-based program made up of 12 Oklahoma higher education institutions collaborating to diversify the nation’s science, engineering, technology and math workforce.

The NSF GRFP bolsters the quality, vitality, and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States by recognizing outstanding graduate students who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees. Fellowships come with a three-year annual stipend of $37,000 and a $16,000 allowance for tuition and fees, as well as access to opportunities for professional development.

“This fellowship was a huge accomplishment for any young scientist,” Cunningham said, “but receiving the NSF GRFP was the result of a mosaic of support and community from mentors, friends and educators.”

Cunningham is a doctoral candidate in plant biology at the University of California, Berkeley, where she is studying photoprotective mechanisms in green algae. Reeb is pursuing an accelerated master’s degree in biological science at UTulsa and working in Toomey’s lab.

Hannah Reeb

Karina Cunningham

Physics and math major named Goldwater Scholar

When physics and applied math junior Maria Isabelle “Isa” Fite was awarded a 2024 Barry Goldwater Scholarship earlier this year, faculty mentor and Warren Foundation Chair in Bioinformatics Brett McKinney was not surprised.

“It has been a joy to mentor Isabelle, a most deserving Goldwater Scholar,” he said. “Isabelle joined my research group at the end of her first year to start dabbling in quantum theory, and before I knew it, she was contributing to real theoretical physics problems.”

The prestigious award recognizes exceptional undergraduates studying science, engineering, and/or math disciplines. “[The Goldwater Scholarship] provides a level of respect in the scientific community,” said Fite, one of only 508 college students in the country to receive the award this year.

As a high school student, Fite attended The University of Tulsa’s monthly Physics Journal Club meetings, organized by Applied Professor of Physics Jerry McCoy He invited her to participate in an independent study of particle physics.

When Fite was just 17, she was sitting in on research presentations by UTulsa seniors and was thrilled to find faculty members took her seriously despite not yet finishing

high school. When it was time to apply for colleges, Fite knew there was only one school for her.

“TU was the best place I could have been,” she said, citing the mentorships she has developed with professors and graduate students and the opportunities to excel in her chosen field.

The university’s 9:1 studentfaculty members, ratio gives undergraduates direct access to top-level faculty, creating an exceptional environment to participate in groundbreaking research from the moment they step onto campus.

McCoy sees the Goldwater Scholarship as just the beginning for Fite. “As Isa continues to challenge her intellectual gifting, she will distinguish herself as one of the very brightest – if not the brightest – students with whom I have had the privilege to work,” he said.

Mapping Kendall College’s 130-year history

The University of Tulsa traces its roots to the Presbyterian School for Indian Girls, a small boarding school in Muskogee, Indian Territory, which was founded in 1882.

This topic is intellectually and emotionally complex as residential schools for Native children are widely recognized now as instruments of settler colonization, with devastating effects on Indigenous individuals and communities that are still felt today. (Please read more about UTulsa’s new PSIG Project, which honors those students, on page 30.)

In 1894, at the request of the Synod of Indian Territory, the Board of Home Missions of the Presbyterian Church elevated the academy’s status and chartered it as Henry Kendall College, a name that honored the first general secretary of the Home Missions Board. Here is a look back at the early years of Kendall College, which this year celebrates its 130th anniversary:

Sept. 12, 1894

The college opens with 244 Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, kindergarten through four-year degree.

Sept. 11, 1895

The curriculum expands and develops into a formal college program, leading to a bachelor of arts.

June 1, 1898

The first graduation ceremony for Kendall College seniors takes place. They are the first students to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in what would become the state of Oklahoma.

May 14, 1907

The College Commission of the synod meets in Tulsa to consider bids for Henry Kendall College from Guthrie, Wynnewood, Muskogee, Enid, Chickasha, Shawnee, El Reno, and Tulsa. The commission accepts the proposal submitted by the Tulsa Commercial Club.

June 4, 1907

After 13 years, Henry Kendall College closes its doors in Muskogee.

Sept. 16, 1907

The original Kendall Bell rings at 9:19 a.m., moments after Oklahoma becomes a state.

Sept. 18, 1907

Kendall College opens its doors in Tulsa.

Dec. 16, 1920

The Board of Trustees pass a resolution to begin legal steps to transfer assets, liabilities, property, rights, privileges and powers to The University of Tulsa.

Feb. 8, 1921

Charter Day celebration for The University of Tulsa

A new spirit is in Kendall; a spirit that is bound to produce results. There is a feeling of satisfaction and confidence that things are going to be done … The feeling that Kendall is beginning to move a little faster and that great things are in store for the College in the near future begins to invade the student body.

PRESIDENT FRED HAWLEY, OCTOBER 1911

The University of

University Archives.

Henry Kendall College Building, 1894

Henry Kendall College diploma template, 1900.

Tulsa, McFarlin Library, Department of Special Collections &

Seeking truth, goodness, and beauty

Honors College prepares to la unch humane letters major

What is beauty? Whom should I love? How can I lead a happy life while serving the common good?

Beginning in fall 2025, University of Tulsa students will be able to immerse themselves in a rich exploration of these and related concerns by completing a major in humane letters.

Developed and delivered by UTulsa’s Honors College, the new major will focus on liberal arts education. In smallgroup seminars, students will engage with classic texts by influential thinkers and writers, from Homer, Plato, and Aristotle through St. Augustine, Dante, and Milton, to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Toni Morrison. “Our goal is to give undergraduates a sustained

opportunity to study classic texts as sources of wisdom about the questions at the heart of human existence,” said Jennifer Frey, dean of the Honors College. “We are carrying forward an ancient tradition of studying the liberal arts because they help us to discover the sources of our beliefs in truth, goodness, and beauty.”

Frey and her colleagues conceived of the humane letters major as a versatile academic foundation for students pursuing any specialized area of study at UTulsa. Thus, mechanical engineering and nursing students will be as much at home as those studying history or philosophy.

While majoring in humane letters

will equip graduates for a multitude of careers and graduate studies, one in particular stands out: classical education. “This field addresses the whole person,” Frey explained; “its focus is on developing habits of mind and character that lead to a flourishing life, acquired through liberal study of what is true, good, and beautiful.” A principal goal of the major is to meet the mounting demand for teachers in the undreds of classical schools across the United States. “Our aim is for classical schools to see The University of Tulsa as one of the best places from which to recruit their teachers,” she noted.

Looking to the program’s future, the aspect Frey finds most exciting is that “it will empower students to explore big ideas in a truly interdisciplinary way that weaves together philosophy, history, languages, literature, religion, music, and art. Our major also reaffirms the university’s commitment to liberal education, which is always something to celebrate.”

YOUTH ART GALLERY

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guaranteed clinic or externship placement (Participate in both and more than one of each.)

A LEGAL CAREER

One of many unique opportunities offered at The University of Tulsa is an accelerated academic track. Through the Accelerated Law Program, students in the Kendall College of Arts & Sciences or the Collins College of Business, in collaboration with the College of Law, can complete both their undergraduate degree and their juris doctorate in just six years.

“The Accelerated Law Program is an amazing opportunity for those who qualify,” said Megan Henson, associate dean of law admissions. “While the Accelerated Law Program is competitive, it is a unique opportunity for students who have a passion for law to get to that end goal more quickly.”

During the fall semester of their junior year, students can apply to the College

of Law for admittance the following fall. Applicants must have a cumulative 3.2 grade-point average and an LSAT score in the College of Law’s 25th percentile. If accepted, students will receive their bachelor’s degree after completing their first year of law school.

“The accelerated program frontloaded my core classes to graduate efficiently,” said law student Madison Perigo (B.S.B.A. ’23). “However, this experience was instrumental in preparing me for the rigor of law school. I’m incredibly grateful for discovering the accelerated program because the time and money I’ve saved have been truly remarkable.”

To explore UTulsa’s legal education options, visit utulsa.edu/programs/law.

Shorter runway to

Madison Perigo

Guten Tag!

Incoming undergrads connect in Germany

Last year, JumpstartTU expanded its options and took new University of Tulsa students on an incredible trip to Mexico. This year, they went even farther: Germany.

Designed to build relationships and expose incoming undergraduates to academic and campus life, JumpstartTU is a one-week international experience that takes incoming, first-year students beyond boarders to broaden their horizons the summer before their college career begins. beyond borders to broaden their horizons. The program started in 2017, and its first destination was Panama. Now, having added Mexico and Germany, have more travel choices each summer.

“One of our goals at The University of Tulsa is for each undergraduate to seize the opportunity to study abroad. Being able to reap the benefits of international travel before starting classes is an exceptional experience,” said Vice Provost Vivian Wang. “The Center for

Global Engagement is looking to Asia in hopes of adding two new destinations to the summer 2025 list.”

The University of Tulsa has a 25-year exchange partnership with Germany’s University of Siegen. With such a longestablished connection, Germany made perfect sense as the newest destination for JumpstartTU.

The itinerary was an exciting mixture of city tours, museum visits, and castle excursions, with meals featuring popular cultural dishes. Highlights of the trip included a visit to a former synagogue, a meeting with the mayor of Siegen, a tour of the Siegerland Museum, a visit to a local school, and exploration of a multicultural neighborhood with their German peers.

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A GENEROUS RETURN

A true testament of an organization’s impact is the support of those who believe in its mission. This summer, The University of Tulsa’s Athletics Department benefited from the generosity of visionary fans in the form of two landmark gifts.

The first was a transformative gift of $30 million to the UTulsa Athletics Endowment Fund. This anonymous donation serves as the cornerstone of the endowment, whose proceeds will fund the cost of attendance for scholarship student-athletes in perpetuity, meaning that all student-athletes

will have the opportunity to excel both on the field and in the classroom without the burden of financial constraints.

The donors are former Golden Hurricane letterwinners who are deeply committed to supporting the holistic growth of UTulsa student-athletes and hope their support inspires other donors to collectively enable all scholarships to be fully funded.

“This extraordinary gift will change the lives of many young people,” said President Brad Carson. “We are confident that this endowment will enable us

to attract and retain the best talent, enhance our facilities, and compete at the highest levels.”

The second was a generous estate gift of $8 million from the late Tom and Betty Johnston dedicated toward the development and enhancement of UTulsa athletic facilities.

Tom Johnston graduated from UTulsa in 1952. For nearly 80 years, he could be found in H.A. Chapman Stadium on Saturdays each the fall. He hadn’t missed a home football contest since 1937, when his father took him to his first game at age 9.

These incredible contributions are testaments to the unwavering support and belief of The University of Tulsa and UTulsa Athletics and underscores the integral role athletics and its facilities play in The University of Tulsa experience. By giving back in such a significant way, these donors show just how much the university gave them.

Tom Johnston (Photo: Tulsa World)

Exemplary support of student veterans garners Military Friendly honors

More so than most universities, The University of Tulsa is dedicated to assisting student veterans as they pursue their educational and career goals. That commitment was nationally recognized when UTulsa earned two distinctions for 2024-25: Military Friendly University – Gold and Military Friendly University –Spouse.

“These highly competitive ratings signal to student veterans, their families, and the nation at-large that UTulsa is committed to advancing the best practices for military students,” said Robert Kowal, director of

Veterans Affairs and a retired U.S. Army first sergeant.

Military Friendly is an organization that has, for more than two decades, focused on employers and schools that do more for military members, veterans and their families. These ratings are determined via a rules-based algorithm with data gleaned from both public sources as well as through an organizational survey and must be earned.

The University of Tulsa knows that student-veterans and their families bring unique experiences and challenges to

college, which is why UTulsa has an entire office called the Calvin C. McKee Veterans Success Center. There is also a student veterans house, which offers an on-campus space for student veterans to relax, study, and connect. Finally, two of the university’s most important roles, president and dean of students, are filled by veterans.

LEARNING TO LISTEN Oklahoma Center for the Humanities turns

By Sean Latham, director

“Long before I wrote stories,” Eudora Welty once said, “I listened for stories.” This elegant little phrase offers a powerful, if subtle definition of what the embattled humanities might become. Welty knew that we cannot make anything new unless we first pause to hear the cacophony around us: those voices that echo from the past, clamor in the present, and beckon from our possible futures. As The University of Tulsa’s Oklahoma Center for the Humanities celebrates its 10th anniversary, its mission has become simple. We work each day to hear and share such stories so that we might make them into something new.

It was not always like this. Initially, we had a conventional mission: support interdisciplinary faculty research by breaking down departmental silos. But the

university is small, has only one doctoral program in the humanities, and, though private, takes seriously its commitment to serving the complex city we call home. Tulsa has been (sometimes all at once) the nexus of “Indian country;” the oil capital of the world; the epicenter of climate disaster; and home to a wealthy Black community nearly destroyed by the nation’s deadliest race massacre.

Put another way, stories course thickly around the place, so we learned to listen with rigor and compassion. This meant empowering an external community board to direct our efforts, then recruiting “public fellows” to an annual research seminar. Our work thus intentionally connects faculty and students to people from the larger Tulsa area who possess unique expertise that extends far

The more we listened, the more the center changed from a university institute into a community hub.

SEAN LATHAM

beyond academe. Together, this group brings the tools of the arts and humanities to bear on our most pressing challenges.

The more we listened, the more the center changed from a university institute into a

community hub – a process that accelerated when we moved to the Tulsa Arts District, where three tribal nations intersect with the historic Greenwood neighborhood. We now had access to galleries that allowed us to open a space for our shared

stories to be told in creative, accessible ways. We built novel partnerships and hosted, for example, an exhibition and summit on Oklahoma’s unique all-Black towns – once beacons of freedom that fell victim to rural depopulation. And, in cooperation with Native American partners, we assembled an exhibition on indigenous sovereignty in a state defined by overlapping boundaries, governments, and identities.

In May 2024, we received the Consortium of Humanities Centers and Institutes’ inaugural Public Humanities Award for Leadership in Practice and Community – an international honor that finally gave a name to our decade-long efforts to bend the humanities toward the public good. I’m suspicious of such labels, however, and so I still think of the center as human space where we first listen carefully then work collaboratively to fashion the stories that surround, shape, terrify, and inspire us.

Getting To Know

JULIE CARSON

Carson’s contagious enthusiasm and boundless energy, coupled with her love for her hometown, have helped her carve out a meaningful role at The University of Tulsa. Carson (J.D. ’97) leads and assists with community initiatives related to the university and will serve as chair for Tulsa Mayfest 2025.

Julie Carson, a former attorney at the U.S. Department of Defense and former regent on the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, returned to Tulsa in 2022 after her husband, Brad, was named president of UTulsa.

“I believe that The University of Tulsa truly is the heart of Tulsa, and I’m thrilled to take on the role of ensuring the university and its many component entities and affiliations – Gilcrease Museum, Mayfest, FabLab, and the Hardesty Arts & Humanities facility at 101 Archer in the Tulsa Arts District – work together to deepen the university’s ties and commitment to the greater Tulsa community,” she said.

The university took over Mayfest, Tulsa’s long-running arts and music festival, in January 2023 and had just 90 days to plan and execute the festival’s 50th year. “My assigned task at Mayfest 2023 was running the Kids’ Zone,” Carson said. “I had never done anything like that before. It was a bit of a trial by fire, but it turned out great, and I loved doing it!”

For Mayfest 2024, Carson expanded and rebranded the Kids’ Zone as Kids’ World. The children’s hands-on experiences were housed inside 101 Archer alongside the Youth Art Gallery, which displayed over 100 artworks by Tulsa-area students. The change offered indoor space for families to cool off and enjoy the activities.

We welcome anyone in the community who is interested in participating on the event planning team.

JULIE CARSON

Carson has a long list of plans for 2025 but not enough hours to implement them on her own. “We welcome anyone in the community who is interested in participating on the event planning team,” she said. While chairing Mayfest is essentially a full-time job, Carson is also heading up the university’s Tulsa Area United Way campaign. “As a university,

we feel strongly about giving back,” she said. “We are fully committed to serving our neighbors, our community, and our city through our time, talents, and resources.”

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CONNECTS UTULSA

WITH LOCAL SCHOOLS

Being the Heart of Tulsa is an important pillar for The University of Tulsa. It’s throwing open our doors to the community and inviting area residents and organizations to take advantage of all there is to experience across campus.

One way we share the irrepressible Golden Hurricane spirit is through our connections with area high schools. Here is a sampling of how our academic programs introduce themselves to young people and build bridges in our city.

STR E TCHED

Increasing the number of health care practitioners from limitedincome, first-generation, and underrepresented minority groups is at the heart of STRETCHED. The program – which stands for STudents Reaching Excellence Through Collaboration with Higher EDucation – introduces Tulsa-area high school students to an array of health care careers. It also teaches them about college admission requirements and financial aid.

STRETCHED’s founder and director is Roger O. Kollock, Ph.D., ATC, CSCS, and associate professor of athletic training and exercise & sports science in the Oxley College of Health & Natural Sciences. “Our program empowers participants to dream outside their present circumstances,” Kollock remarked, “and it helps connect them to the resources essential for achieving those dreams.”

During 2023-24, STRETCHED hosted 322 students from grades 9 through 12. They engaged in hands-on laboratories, heard from dynamic speakers, and learned from health care practitioners. These included athletic trainers, emergency technicians, nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, physicians, and speech language pathologists. Participants were also introduced to mentoring and shadowing opportunities.

SUMMER NOTES

To achieve its mission, STRETCHED relies on partnerships with the major Tulsa-area school systems. Since the program’s launch in 2022, Telligen Community Initiative, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma, Hillcrest Healthcare System, Ascension St. John, Saint Francis Health System, and Tulsa Bone & Joint Associates have generously sponsored various events.

Each summer, hundreds of eager young musicians take part in lively and welcoming one- and two-week camps through Kendall College of Arts & Sciences. “These camps enable local and regional students to continue developing their skills with our wonderful faculty and highly respected guest instructors,” commented Richard Wagner, director of the School of Music.

The first summer music camp – focused on jazz – took place in 2011. Since then, the program has expanded to include band, clarinet, piano, vocal and choral music, and string chamber music. Depending on the camp, students might engage in seminars, workshops, presentations, group and private lessons, and master classes. In an effort to expand access, a number of scholarships are available for students who would not be able to attend otherwise.

The camps take place at the extraordinary Lorton Performance Center. “This state-of-the-art rehearsal and performance venue provides students with both a memorable experience and an exciting introduction to the university campus,” Wagner noted. In addition to plenty of instruction and rehearsal time, all the camps include a final “festival performance,” during which participants share what they have learned with family and friends.

LIVES

A few blocks east of campus, students at Will Rogers High School are able to complete two courses following curricula designed and supported by experts in the College of Engineering & Computer Science. If they earn an A or B and matriculate to UTulsa, students receive three hours of college credit per course.

“It’s important to me and my colleagues to make connections beyond the university,” said John Hale, chair of the Tandy School of Computer Science. “Our collaboration with Will Rogers is aimed at deepening our community roots and preparing students for productive careers and lives.”

The foundation course Principles of Computer Science introduces sophomores and juniors to information technology and programming. It satisfies the technology or math requirement for Oklahoma high schools, and students can earn Python certification. Based on the success of that venture, UTulsa created a Cybersecurity Basics course, which teaches juniors and seniors about web and network security, system administration, and cybercrime.

The first instructor who led the Principles of Computer Science was Timothy Crisp, a former Will Rogers teacher turned cybersecurity doctoral student. Crisp remains involved in the program and is joined each semester by an “embedded” ECS graduate student who helps Rogers’ teachers lead the courses.

SAVVY INVESTORS

Each fall, high school students interested in economics and finance come to the Collins College of Business to take part in the Investment Smackdown. “This one-day competition is an exciting opportunity to learn and apply investment-oriented financial theory,” explained Applied Assistant Professor of Finance Tally Ferguson.

At the event, each high school group and their adversaries members of UTulsa’s Student Investment Fund receive a case ranging in complexity from picking stocks to rebalancing a portfolio for a hypothetical university endowment after a nefarious financial adviser led the school astray. Whatever the scenario, teams can access the college’s Bloomberg terminals, CCB faculty, and often an industry expert.

Ferguson and his colleagues also run two weeklong summer camps in June. Camp 1 had students build their own financial plans. “Its goal was to make participants independently wealthy by age 50,” Ferguson said. Camp 2 focused on institutional investing and was built around cases similar to Smackdown.

“Campers learned that stock picking is frustrating and more disciplined than following Roaring Kitty’s tweets!” noted Ferguson. At the conclusion of both camps, participants presented their recommendations to experts and received valuable feedback before receiving cash prizes.

40 Friends of Finance fetes

years

In 1985, three University of Tulsa finance alumni, Bob Prince (B.S.B.A. ’81, MBA ’85), Bruce Currie (B.S.B.A. ’81), and Bob Harrison (MBA ’73), and two faculty members, Mark Collins and Roger Bey, met to discuss how to support the Department of Finance and how the department could better serve finance alumni and the Tulsa business community. From that meeting, the Friends of Finance was born, and this year, it celebrates its 40th anniversary.

A unique concept in higher education, Friends of Finance is a community-based group encompassing a college advisory board, monthly networking events for area business leaders, students, and alumni, and a scholarship fund. Organizers have since built a studentmanaged investment fund, which this summer was valued at more than $8 million and has paid out $1 million in scholarships to over 200 students.

Today, Friends of Finance is a strong organization that bolsters the School of Finance & Operations Management, specifically, and the Collins College of Business, more generally. The Friends of Finance Executive Speaker

Series draws nationally prominent business and public leaders to campus each month during the academic year. Speakers have included board chairs, presidents, and CEOs from Walmart, Bank of America, Southwest Airlines, AT&T, and many other major organizations.

Roberta Preston (B.S.B.A. ’83, MBA ’88), a longtime Friends of Finance board member and former CEO of Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma, is chairing the 40th anniversary committee. “I personally share my gratitude for all of the executives, alumni, and scholars who have given so generously to this great cause,” she said. “We are excited to offer the highest caliber of speakers and programs during this celebratory year. This year is the best yet.”

For a full list of upcoming speakers and details on how to attend, visit utulsa.edu/FoF.

Here from the

We are excited to offer the highest caliber of speakers and programs during this celebratory year.

ROBERTA PRESTON

AD Justin Moore A new leader for the Golden Hurricane:

In July, Justin Moore began his new duties as vice president and director of athletics for the Golden Hurricane. He had big shoes to fill, taking over the post left by University of Tulsa alumnus Rick Dickson (B.S. ’77) , but Moore said he is excited about the move to Tulsa.

“There is truly something special in Tulsa,” he said. “I look forward to amplifying Rick Dickson’s success in the coming years.”

Moore hails from Texas A&M, where graduated he with a bachelor’s degree in finance in 2004 and a master’s degree in sport management in 2007, and later served as the executive deputy athletics director and chief operating officer of athletics. Moore

was involved with recruiting, team logistics, bowl game coordination and football-related facility projects,

including the design process for an $8 million player development center, $12 million nutrition center,

$21 million Bright Football Complex renovation, and $485 million Kyle Field redevelopment project.

Prior to his tenure with the Aggies, he served as director of football operations and assistant athletics director with the University of Houston, which was his first exposure to UTulsa.

“The Golden Hurricane has a rich athletics history with competitive teams and bright student-athletes, and I believe in the direction of the university under President (Brad) Carson's leadership,” Moore said. “We have very high expectations – not just for our coaches and teams, but for how our staff operates on a daily basis. Our goal is to build a championship-level culture across the department.”

TULSA WOMEN

Hoops coming off an all-time great season

The 2023-24 Tulsa women’s basketball season will go down as one of the all-time greatest campaigns in program history after the Golden Hurricane posted the school’s best record in 19 years at 25-10 with a share of the American Athletic Conference regular season championship.

In her third year at the helm, head coach Angie Nelp coached juniors Temira Poindexter and Delanie Crawford to WBCA AllAmerican Honorable Mention status and led Tulsa to a quarterfinal run in the inaugural Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT) to earn a sixyear contract extension through 2029-30.

The Hurricane began the season with a 13-game nonconference schedule that included five home games, three games on the road, and five games in neutral tournaments. For the third time in her Tulsa career, Nelp led Tulsa to 10 nonconference wins, finishing 10-3 with big-time victories over opponents from the ACC (Clemson), SEC (Florida) and Big 12 (Texas Tech).

In conference action, Tulsa powered through Memphis, Tulane (twice), Florida Atlantic, Wichita State, Rice, Charlotte, North Texas, UTSA, UAB, South Florida, Temple, and SMU for 13 wins, the most

AAC wins in program history. The Hurricane finished league play in a three-way tie at 13-5 for first place with North Texas and Temple. Tiebreak procedures awarded TU the No. 1 seed in the league championship.

Because Tulsa clinched the regular season title and took an unfortunate exit in The American tournament, the Hurricane was selected as a host and a No. 3 seed in the WBIT, a 32-team NCAAsanctioned tournament. Tulsa made a run in the tournament after taking down Arkansas (80-62) and Georgetown (73-61) at home before falling in a tough quarterfinal contest 69-61 to eventual tournament champion Illinois.

2024-25 season tickets start at just $75 at tulsahurricane.com or 918-631-GoTU.

Angie Nelp

nation

Each fall, The University of Tulsa’s weeklong homecoming event celebrates decades of traditions and a communal sense of school spirit. From class reunions to the massive bonfire and pep rally, UTulsa’s alumni, students, and friends gather to recall fond memories and create new ones. The week is capped with a football game and the crowning of a new homecoming king and queen. Turn the page to meet the 2024 honorees!

Sue Ann Arnall

Distinguished Alumna 2024

Compassionate leaders are committed to ensuring that all people are treated equitably and fairly. In the case of Sue Ann Arnall (B.S. ’77, J.D. ’80), that is precisely what she has demonstrated throughout her long career of philanthropy in the state she calls home.

Arnall was born in Poteau, Oklahoma, and came to The University of Tulsa as an undergraduate. After completing her degree in economics, Arnall went on to attend the UTulsa College of Law. Following graduation, Arnall was recruited by the predecessor to Continental Resources to establish and manage the oil and gas marketing departments. What followed was a successful tenure in the energy industry.

Eventually, Arnall was able to turn her attention to a higher calling: helping others. Established in 2015, the Arnall Family Foundation has invested more than $200 million in initiatives focused on leveling the playing field for marginalized individuals and lowering barriers to social and economic mobility, specifically improving Oklahoma’s foster care system and reducing its incarceration rates.

As Arnall is motivated to see those in her community succeed, so, too, has she been motivated to see students at her alma mater succeed. For years, she has been a generous supporter of the College of Law, most notably through her creation of the Janet K. Levit Endowed Scholarship in Law, as well as a member of the Dean’s Circle and Chapman Legacy Society. Arnall also established the Arnall Scholar Endowment, which provides scholarships to recruit and retain African American students from Oklahoma.

Kimberly Johnson Distinguished Alumna 2024

The love of literature and the opportunity to share her passion with others guided Kimberly Johnson (B.A. ’96) from the Bronx, New York, to The University of Tulsa. Experiences in her African literature course and African American novel course helped her define her area of interest.

Johnson double majored in English and education and turned her passions into the perfect career. She has worked for the Tulsa City-County Library (TCCL) for 26 years, starting as the first coordinator of the African American Resource Center. She held seven positions in her career including chief operating officer in 2015 and chief executive officer in 2017, the first Black woman to lead the library, overseeing 430 employees in 24 branches.

Johnson established the library’s first countywide public tour of Oklahoma’s historically all-black towns in 1998. She created the first countywide public reading project and led the effort to modernize TCCL’s branches. The Brookside, Rudisill Regional, South Broken Arrow, and Owasso libraries are expanding their offerings for the next generation. In 2022, TCCL received a fivestar rating, placing it in the top five of 5,359 public libraries in the country.

Johnson is committed to advancing literacy and access to information through affiliations with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the Oklahoma Center for Community & Justice, Oklahoma Library Association, and American Library Association. On campus, she has served on the Kendall College of Arts & Sciences’ Board of Visitors, TU Alumni Association’s Tulsa Chapter Board of Directors, and Public Radio Tulsa Advisory Board.

Paul Pressey

Distinguished Alumnus 2024

Paul Pressey (B.S. ’82) has spent his life keeping his head in the game, both on the court and off it. Perhaps none of it would have been possible without one incredible mentor.

The youngest of eight children, Pressey was born in Richmond, Virginia, and played high school basketball. That’s where Coach Rob Evans saw him and was impressed with his skills. Evans contacted Nolan Richardson, who was then at Western Texas Junior College in Snyder, and told him about Pressey. Two years later, after winning the NJCAA, Richardson came to Tulsa as head basketball coach and brought along Pressey, setting him up for an impressive career on the court.

Known as the “Rubberband Man” to Tulsa fans, Pressey and the team brought national recognition and the 1981 NIT Championship to Tulsa. As a senior, he earned All-America honor and was named the MVC Player of the Year.

After UTulsa, Pressey played eight years for the Milwaukee Bucks, where he and his team swept the Boston Celtics his rookie year, and then later for the San Antonio Spurs and the Golden State Warriors.

Beginning in the early 1990s, Pressey embarked on his second career: coaching. He served as assistant coach for the Warriors, Spurs, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Lakers, before a recent stint as special assistant to another Golden Hurricane, Mike Anderson (B.S. ’82), who served as the men’s basketball head coach at St. John’s University. Pressey’s favorite coaching memory? Winning the first NBA Championship in 1999 with the San Antonio Spurs.

Wm. Stuart Price

Distinguished Alumnus 2024

Stuart Price (J.D. ’82) moved to Tulsa in the late 1970s to attend The University of Tulsa’s College of Law, discovering after graduation that his calling was actually as an entrepreneur – first in energy and then real estate.

Price’s first foray into real estate began when he and his wife purchased a rental property. By 2000, they were deepening their investment in commercial real estate, and Price Family Properties was born. The organization oversees the large Price portfolio that was purchased from Maurice Kanbar and includes more than 2.5 million square feet in downtown Tulsa.

Price has generously supported his alma mater along the way. In 1992, the Prices established the George and Jean Price Endowed Award in Legal Writing and Research in the College of Law in honor of Price’s parents, George (B.A. ’48) and Jean Price. They also provided the lead gift for the comprehensive renovation of the College of Law’s moot courtroom, which was renamed the William Stuart Price and Michael C. Turpen Courtroom in honor of Price and his dear friend, Oklahoma City attorney Mike Turpen (B.S. ’72, J.D. ’75). Further funding was provided by the Prices in 2015 with the establishment of two endowments.

Price is a member of the Chapman Legacy Society and the Law Dean’s Advisory Board. Beyond campus, he has served on the Gilcrease Museum National Advisory Board and Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. His additional business interests include funding research and medical devices to comfort cancer patients.

Frederic Dorwart

J. Paschal Twyman Award 2024

Frederic Dorwart has led a life of service since entering the U.S. Naval Academy 65 years ago. As tensions ran high on a global scale in the early 1960s, Dorwart dutifully served his country. He later graduated from Harvard Law before returning to his native Oklahoma as an attorney, where he has since practiced law – and cared for our community. He actively served as a member of the TU Board of Trustees for a decade – two years as chair – and currently is a trustee emeritus. He is a member of the Chapman Legacy Society, Circle Society, President’s Council, Dean’s Advisory Board for the College of Law, and Friends of Finance, as well as a Hall of Fame inductee for Collins College of Business, College of Law, and the Golden Hurricane Club.

Dorwart founded Frederic Dorwart, Lawyers PLLC, 30 years ago and serves as president and trustee of the visionary George Kaiser Family Foundation, which is internationally known for championing early childhood education, assistance to the underserved, civic vibrancy, and cultural initiatives. His commitment was recognized by GKFF through a 2010 gift to establish the Frederic Dorwart Endowed Professorship in Law at UTulsa, further advancing opportunities for students.

Dorwart encourages UTulsa students to pursue a career that brings them joy and then pour their hearts into it. Someday, they, too, may be recognized for meaningful work that graces the lives of others.

Ron Walker Mr. Homecoming 2024

Currently the associate dean for administration in the Oxley College of Health & Natural Sciences, a clinical professor of athletic training, and the interim executive director of the Office of Career Development and Professional Engagement (CaneCareers), Ron Walker (B.S. ’95, M.A. ’96) has 20 years of dedicated experience.

During his time at UTulsa, Walker has served as founding director of the master of athletic training graduate program, founding director for the Center for Academic Advising, and interim dean of Oxley College of Health & Natural Sciences.

Beyond his official capacity, Walker’s love for his alma mater is evident in his frequent attendance at athletic contests and involvement with TU Alumni events, including chairing his 25-year reunion. He is a member of the Tulsa chapter of the TU Alumni Association and a committee member for TU Homecoming, TU Uncorked, and TU Cane Crawl. Additionally, he serves on the board of directors for the Tulsa Letterwinners’ Association. He has generously supported initiatives across campus and has endowed a scholarship for master’s students in the highly regarded athletic training program.

In recent years, Walker has led incoming undergraduates to Panama and Mexico for a week-long experience called JumpstartTU. He serves as the faculty adviser for the Interfraternity Council and Global Brigades and is very involved in First Year Experience initiatives. In 2016, he received the Outstanding Teacher Award, the university’s highest faculty honor.

Tradition and CAMARADERIE

Alumna veteran uses law degree to aid fellow servicemembers

Carol Thompson loves a courtroom. As a former U.S. Marine and current deputy managing partner with the D.C.-based Federal Practice Group, she represents servicemembers from all branches and ranks – active duty, reservists, veterans, and guard units –to federal employees.

Her favorite part of the job? Arguing oral cases in front of a jury.

Thompson (J.D. ’08) traces her courtroom prowess to her time at The University of Tulsa’s College of Law, specifically her participation on the school’s Phillip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition team.

“Being a part of the organization and participating in the moot court competitions were the highlights of my time at TU,” says Thompson. “I thoroughly enjoyed my teammates, and our coach, Professor Marc Roark. The competition helped me hone my oral advocacy skills that have served me throughout my career.”

Her military and legal career is expansive, attaining the rank of major in the Marine Corps and serving as a judge advocate, she worked as a defense counsel, representing Marines in court her first week on the job, and then as a prosecutor and a special assistant United States attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern

District of Virginia.

Thompson joined her current firm, the Federal Practice Group, in 2014 after transitioning from active duty. The Federal Practice Group specializes in areas concerning federal law, representing military members, government workers, and government contractors. Thompson routinely appears before the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, as well as U.S. District Courts, U.S. Court of Appeals and the Courts of Criminal Appeals for the various military branches. Her outstanding record earned her recognition by Super Lawyers in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

“The legal field is an excellent career choice for veterans seeking to serve their community outside of the military,” said Oren Griffin, dean of the College of Law. “Carol is a shining example of how student veterans can make the most of their vast experience and launch a new career that still feels familiar and meaningful.”

Thompson knew she wanted to serve in the military from an early age. “My grandparents served, and I knew I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself, something full of tradition and

camaraderie,” she said.

Thompson came to Tulsa after graduating from Texas A&M and her commission from the Marines. She chose The University of Tulsa because she loved the size and the feel of the university. “I felt like I was part of a family, as opposed to a number in a program,” she said.

Now married with three children – ages 12, 8, and 5 – Thompson was greeted with open arms when she returned to her alma mater as the keynote speaker at the College of Law’s 2023 Veterans Day reception.

New law alumnus going ‘the JAG route’

A perfect mix of influential professors, an active Professional Development Office, and a helpful internship mentor gave Nathan Miramontes (J.D. ’24) the tools he needed to build a bridge to his first job after graduating from UTulsa’s College of Law. He recently began his career with the Judge Advocate General’s Corps, also known as JAG, the military justice branch for the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy.

“I did an internship with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and asked a mentor I had there how he got where he was,”

Miramontes said. “He told me he spent six years as an Air Force JAG. After doing some research on the benefits and the training and what they stand for, I decided that was what I wanted to do.”

Officers serving in JAG are typically called judge advocates and are responsible for aeveral areas of law. They also serve as prosecutors for the military when conducting courts-martial.

“After my internship, I knew I wanted to go the JAG route, and I approached the law school’s Professional Development Office with that mindset.

They were really helpful in mock interviews, getting me connected with the right people, and helping me tailor my résumé so that it looks more official for a government application,” Miramontes said.

He attributes his time at UTulsa as setting him up for success. In the classroom, Miramontes cites two faculty members – Erik Estrada and Shena Burgess – as being particularly influential. He also served in the Student Bar Association and as vice president of the Board of Advocates.

Presidential Position

Kenvi Phillips (B.A. ’02) has been named inaugural director of the Barack Obama Presidential Library, where she will lead the planning and administration of all programs and activities. Phillips has over 20 years of experience in libraries, historic sites, and academic institutions and brings strong collections, research, archival, and programming experience to the role. She most recently served as the first director of diversity, equity, and inclusion at Brown University Library, where she played an integral role in strategic planning and relationship building across the campus, in the community and region, and with other academic institutions. Phillips earned a doctorate in United States history and a master’s degree in public history from Howard University, and a bachelor’s degree in history from UTulsa.

notes Class

Share what’s going on in your personal or professional life with your TU classmates.

1960s

Patrick (Pat) Waddel (BS ’64) was inducted into the Will Rogers High School Hall of Fame. He has worked in private practice as an attorney since 1970. In 1980, he became commissioner of the Tulsa Development Authority, where he served for 25 years. His guidance for street and utility infrastructure was pivotal in making improvements to North Tulsa. He also assisted in providing tax incentives for Brady Arts, Blue Dome, and Village at Central Park, along with other Tulsa districts. He helped develop “Uptown Urbanism” by revitalizing downtown Tulsa and surrounding neighborhoods.

1 Joseph N. Pelton (BS ’65) is chair of the board of Alliance for Collaboration in Exploration of Space and dean emeritus and former chair of the Board of Trustees of the International Space University. He also serves on the executive board of the International Association for the Advancement of Space Safety. In April, Joe presented a lecture at TU, “The Future of Space,” discussing the privatization of space exploration, space tourism, and advances in the industry. He is the author of over 70 books and more than 400 articles on space. A TU Distinguished Alumnus and Engineering Hall of Fame honoree, Joe was inducted into the Will Rogers High School Hall of Fame earlier this year.

Kenneth R. Burton, Jr. (JD ’67) is past judge advocate general for the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and a disabled veteran. He created the first legal corporate political action committee

(SUNPAC Sun Oil Co.) and assisted in the creation of over 750 corporate pacts in the first year with the approval of the U.S. Supreme Court decision. Ken and his wife, Anna Lee Irwin Burton (BS ’68), have been together for over 55 years. He thanks Dean Bruce Peterson, professors, trustees and TU Law for his experience at his alma mater, adding that for him, it was the “Harvard of the Southwest,” only better!

2 Gil Cloud (BS ’69) was inducted into Will Rogers High School Hall of Fame. As executive director of athletics for Tulsa Public Schools, he led significant construction projects raising nearly $100 million for enhanced athletic facilities. He has received numerous accolades including the induction into Tulsa Public Schools Athletics Hall of Fame, recognition from the National Federation of High School Activities Association, and several state athletics director of the year awards.

1970s

Edward “Ed” King (BA ’68, JD ’72) was selected to serve on the American Society of Clinical Oncology's Osteoradionecrosis Panel: “Prevention and Management of Osteoradionecrosis in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer Treated with Radiation Therapy: ISOO-MASCC-ASCO Guideline.”

3 Theodore "Ted" J. Williams Jr. (JD ’74) has joined the mediator and senior arbitrator panels of United States Arbitration & Mediation (USA&M), the leading provider of mediation and arbitration services. Ted has been a trial attorney his entire career, serving as lead

counsel in more than 200 jury trials. He was a founding partner of Williams Venker & Sanders and has been a frequent lecturer on trial advocacy.

4 Vernon Howard (BM ’73, MS ’75) served with the TU music faculty for 46 years. He commemorated his last concert with the Tulsa School of Music’s Jazz Band and Alumni Big Band performance last spring.

5 Steve Schuller (JD ’76) and his daughter, Elise Schuller Barajas (JD ’10), are both TU Law alumni. Steve is a shareholder in GableGotwals’ Tulsa office. Elise is a partner in BakerHostetler’s Dallas office. Both are listed in the Best Lawyers in America publication -- Steve in the practice areas of real estate and land use/ zoning law, and elise in health care law.

Clifford Criddle (BS ’77) was inducted into the 2024 Hall of Fame for Tulsa Public Schools. He was also named TRAICE Middle School Teacher of the Year in February. In 1985, Clifford coached against Jonita Ford, now his wife and a 2018 TPS HOF inductee.

6 Kevin Patrick (JD ’78) is the founder of Waterlaw: Patrick Miller Noto, an Aspenbased law firm focusing on water-related cases. He has been involved in water cases for over 40 years and says that Colorado is the leader in the water field because its body of law predates all other states. His cases have involved underground and surface water, transfer across state lines, tribal water resources claims, and a variety of other water-related cases. Kevin is an expert speaker on water issues and has presented on three continents.

7 Judy Gottas Young (BA ’78, MA ’80) published her 30th children’s book, “T is for Trails, A Hiking Alphabet” by Sleeping Bear Press, 2024. She is a frequent speaker at schools, literature events, and conferences around the country. She and husband, Ross Young (BFA ’78, MA ’80), a professional artist, reside in the Idaho mountains. She is pictured hiking in the Sawtooth Mountains.

1980s

8 Scott J. Silverman (JD ’81) recently completed his service on the board of directors for JAMS. JAMS is the largest private provider of mediation and arbitration services worldwide. Prior to working with JAMS, Scott served honorably as a county and circuit court judge in Florida’s Eleventh Judicial Circuit (MiamiDade County) for nearly 22 years. He was one of South Florida’s highest rated judges, receiving a lifetime achievement award from ALM (formerly American Lawyer Media), the publisher of Law.com and The Daily Business Review.

9 Mary Jo McCleary Speaker (BS ’83) and John Paul Speaker (BS ’83) celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary in May with a bike trip to the Puglia region of Italy. Mary Jo recently retired from the United States Department of Justice and currently serves on the TU Alumni Association Board of Directors. John is the senior vice president of marketing for Western Sun Federal Credit Union in Tulsa.

10 Charles B. Ammann (MBA ’86) joined Ionic Digital as chief legal officer. The company is a leading innovator in the bitcoin mining industry. Charles has over 25 years of experience in legal and corporate governance, having worked for Semtech in various roles and earlier as a partner with GableGotwals in Tulsa.

11 Edward G. Lindsey (BA ’89, JD ’92) was awarded a fellowship with the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. The CIArb is a globally recognized organization of dispute resolution professionals headquartered in London, England. Ed is the only CIArb fellow in the state of Oklahoma. His

law practice focuses on litigation and alternative dispute resolution in family, civil, and criminal cases. Since 2006, Ed has served as an adjunct professor at the Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University in business law topics such as employment law, white collar crime, and business ethics. He graduated with an LLM in alternative dispute resolution at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland in 2023. Ed and his wife, Tara, reside in Tulsa and between them have four children.

1990s

12 Stephanie Gund Blackwell (BS ’92) has been honored with the Oklahoma Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association State Award of Merit and the OIAAA Steve Smiley Award of Excellence. Stephanie is an athletics coordinator at Union Public Schools in Tulsa.

13 Brian E. Thompson (BA ’93) is the new head football coach at Holland Hall in Tulsa. Brian is a former TU receiver and has been an assistant coach at the school, as well as the middle school dean.

Jennifer Hicks (BS ’94) married Ken Coats on Oct. 28, 2023, in Tulsa.

14 Roger A. Sneed (BA ’94, MA ’96) was awarded a Fulbright fellowship for the 2024-2025 academic year. He will teach courses in religious studies at Charles University in Prague. His book, “The Dreamer and the Dream: Afrofuturism and Black Religious Thought,” Ohio State University Press, 2021, was a 2022 finalist for the American Academy of Religion Award Excellence in the Study of Religion: Constructive-Reflective Studies.

15 Daniel Crunkleton (BSCE ’95, JD ’09), Sarkys Professor of Environmental Engineering, along with colleagues Associate Professor of Law Gwendolyn Savitz, and Professor of Law Marc Roark assisted in planning “Private Law in the Energy Commons,” an energy conference at the University of Turin in Italy.

Stacy Davis (BA ’96) earned a doctorate and taught college for 21 years, and she is

now an academic editor. She states that the honors program was the highlight of her time at TU and gave her challenging courses and a cohort of friends. Her honors thesis won a state Phi Alpha Theta prize and gave her the confidence to be a scholar. She adds that she will be forever grateful for the honors program.

16 Kevinn Matthews (JD ’98) joined the firm of Moyers Martin in Tulsa, contributing his extensive expertise as a business and energy law attorney as well as experience in regulatory compliance, client development, and general counsel.

2000s

17 Candice Chinsethagid Hurley (BA ’00) is the new major gifts director for the Tulsa Area United Way.

18 Emily Warren Barkley (BSBA ’00, MBA ’02) is celebrating her 20th year as athletic director at Union Public Schools and was recently recognized by the Oklahoma Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association with the OIAAA Bruce D. Whitehead Distinguished Service Award, as well as the OIAAA Steve Smiley Award of Excellence. Emily played basketball at TU.

19 Alesia Brewster Rico Flores (JD ’00) became the deputy director of national programs and managing attorney for South Carolina at Root & Rebound, a reentry advocacy nonprofit in February 2024. She oversees national programs created to fulfill Root & Rebound’s mission to support individuals navigating reentry and reduce the harms perpetuated by mass incarceration. As the South Carolina managing attorney, she spearheads strategic advocacy and supervises the delivery of civil legal services related to reentry.

20 Melissa Howell Stewart (JD ’00) was appointed associate circuit judge of Howell County, Missouri. She opened her law office in 2001 and during her 22 years of practice, she has seen a wide array of practice areas and exposure to many tough situations of local citizens. Melissa is married to Cary Stewart, a native

of West Plains, Missouri, who owns and operates Cary Stewart Construction LLC. Together they have established a cattle farm in Howell County. They have three children: Natalie, 20, Lauren, 17, and Matthew, 12. Melissa currently serves as board chair of Ozarks Healthcare. Prior to her appointment to the bench, she was the assistant prosecuting attorney for child support and won several awards for her service. She completed mediation certification from the Saint Louis University School of Law in 2009.

21 Rhiannon K. Thoreson (BA ’00, JD ’09) was appointed by Gov. J. Kevin Stitt to serve as a member of Oklahoma’s Forensic Review Board beginning Jan. 1, 2025.

22 Jennifer Croft (BA ’01) wrote a novel titled “The Extinction of Irena Rey.” The plot centers around eight translators who gather at a house in a Polish forest to translate the work of a renowned author. Within days, she disappears, and they are left to investigate. Jennifer teaches at TU’s Department of English and Creative Writing and has translated works from Ukrainian, Polish, and Argentine Spanish authors.

23 Philip Abode (BS ’02) is executive director of Crossover Prep and lead pastor of Crossover Bible Church. Crossover Community Impact is a Christian organization that operates a private boys’ school, medical clinic, and youth sports outreach programs in North Tulsa. Philip and his wife, Rondalyn McCain Abode (BSBA ’02), moved to North Tulsa to support the community and create opportunities with Crossover.

24 Shawna Baker (JD ’02), Cherokee Nation Supreme Court justice, participated in Remember the Removal bike ride. The annual event honors the Trail of Tears with a ride tracing the trail with stops at significant landmarks. The pictures are her before and after images.

Christopher Lastrapes (BS ’03, BA ’03, MA ’05) received Sigma Chi International Fraternity’s highest honor, induction into the Order of Constantine, recognizing members who have dedicated years of exemplary service to the organization.

25 Tiffany Allen Wardlow (BSBA ’03) became director of development for corporate relations at The University of Tulsa. She focuses on raising funds for student programs and scholarships. Previously, she served as the associate director of alumni engagement.

26 Alex Janas (MS ’05) spoke to TU’s Cyber Fellows in April about his cybersecurity industry experience. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Alex spent a decade working for the U.S. Department of Defense and is currently chief technology officer at Commvault, a data protection and cyber recovery company. TU’s Cyber Fellows explore cyber challenges and opportunities through an entrepreneurial lens, preparing students for the marketplace.

27 Former Honors program alumni met in National Harbor in Maryland on June 11, including James Wylie (BA ’05) and wife, Allison Holt Wylie (BA ’06), Honors College Dean Jennifer Frey, Associate Dean Matt Post, Kimberly Poff (BS ’14, BME ’14) and husband Christopher Burnworth (BME ’14, MSE ’16), and Brennan VanderVeen.

28 James Wylie (BA ’05) is deputy director of public interest examinations at the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the federal regulator for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks. The division conducts monitoring, examinations, and other oversight to further FHFA’s statutory responsibility to ensure that the regulated entities operate in the public interest. He is married to Alison Holton-Wylie (BA ’06)

29 Ann Keele (JD ’06) was the keynote speaker at the 2024 Annual TU Law Alumni Awards Luncheon at the Oklahoma Bar Association's annual meeting in Norman, Oklahoma, on July 10. She is a shareholder at Hall Estill in Tulsa and serves as president of the TU Law Alumni Association.

Calvin Moniz (BSBA ’06, MBA ’08, JD ’15) was elected to serve on the Tulsa Public Schools Board of Education, District 2.

30 William (Bill) Marx, Jr. (MTX ’06) is market managing principal for the Metro

D.C. area for Grant Thornton Advisors L.L.C. Previously, he served as tax principal and the national managing principal for tax reporting and advisory services for the company. Before joining Grant Thornton in 2011, Bill worked in public accounting and industry.

31 Monica Rhodes (BA ’06) took the oath of office to serve on the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) advising the President and Congress. Monica is a Rome Prize Fellow in Historic Preservation and Conservation at the American Academy in Rome, Italy. She has established groundbreaking programs to advance socially and economically inclusive heritage practices, and she served as the founding director of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s HOPE (Hands On Preservation Education) Crew.

32 Lesley Jacobs Robinson (BA’ 06) received her Ph.D. in education and human resource studies with a specialization in higher education leadership from Colorado State University. Her research focuses on entrepreneurial leadership. She is the co-founder and director of education at Anaya Global, a non-profit organization dedicated to uplifting women founders globally through empowering collaborations, shared networks, and innovative support.

Colleen McCarty (BA ’08) is one of the Tulsa World’s “People to Watch in 2024” for her contributions to the Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law and Justice. Part of the national Appleseed Network, the organization’s mission is to fight for justice and opportunity for Oklahomans. Colleen serves as its executive director.

Kristi Pruiksma (MA ’08, Ph.D. ’11), associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, spoke at TU on sleep-related public health issues and potential solutions. She was invited by the Department of Psychology and The University of Tulsa Institute of Trauma, Adversity, and Injustice.

33 Trent Bridges (JD ’08) has recently joined Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP as an energy transactions partner in its Houston office. Trent focuses on energy-related transactions, infrastructure development projects, and investments. Previously, he served as an officer and in managing legal roles at Magellan Midstream Partners LP.

Thomas A. Griesedieck (JD ’08) is the new special district judge of Kay County, Oklahoma. After passing the bar, Thomas worked for the Tulsa County Public Defender’s Office until 2011, when he went into private practice. He has worked on the Oklahoma Indigent Defense System contract in Kay County since 2017.

34 Michelle Sechser (BSBA ’08, MBA ’10) competed with the USA Rowing Team in the summer 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. She also competed in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Among other wins and accolades, she was USRowing’s Female Athlete of the Year in 2022.

2010s

35 Jennifer Fry (BA ’11) married Dale Foster on Nov. 4, 2023, in Kansas City, Missouri. She graduated from Baylor University in May with a Doctor of Education in learning and organizational change. She currently works for the Hickman Mills C-1 School District in Kansas City, Missouri, where she serves as an instructional coach at Santa Fe Elementary. She leads trainings with staff, delivers district curriculum professional developments, and conducts teacher observations.

36 Kristle Lacy (BA ’11) started her Doctor of Education in educational leadership & policy at the University of Kansas in June. She is director of recruitment at TU.

37 Jeffrey Metcalf (BA ’11, MBA ’15) is excited to announce Metcalf Media, his new commercial video and photo production company in Tulsa. Jeffrey

has been producing professional videos and photos for brands and agencies nationwide for the last six years and is excited to serve more people in the coming years under Metcalf Media. www. metcalf-media.com

38 Solange O’Brien Tricanowicz (BA ’12) was named a Charlotte Business Journal 2024 “40 Under 40” honoree. Selected out of over 200 submissions, Solange was recognized for her business and community leadership contributions in one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. Solange is currently a business recruitment manager for the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina and is the immediate past chair of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance Young Professionals board.

39 Jason M. Groves (JD ’13) is a partner with Waterlaw: Patrick Miller Noto, an Aspen-based law firm focusing on waterrelated cases. He represents a variety of water providers and users throughout Colorado and focuses on water rights planning and development, water litigation, water transfers, water rights ownership, ditch easements, and water quality issues.

40 Ebony Easiley (BFA ’14) is the founder and executive artistic director of Art 4orms Foundation. Art 4orms is Oklahoma’s arts and wellness nonprofit providing free resources to North Tulsa public school students. In 2023, Ebony led an interim study presentation to the state Senate at the Oklahoma State Capitol to advocate for the state to support art therapy services for public school students and licensure for art therapists. Art 4orms’ goal is to lower suspension rates and improve academic outcomes for students in the public school system, particularly North Tulsa, through art therapy initiatives. Recently, Ebony received the Alumni DEI Champion award at the TU Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Banquet. She recently joined TU as the director of affinity giving.

41 Thomas Porter (BSBA ’14), president of the TU Alumni Association, Riley

Edwards (BSBA ’12) , James Campton, Hannah Becker Eastwood (BSBA ’12) , and Crosby Garrison (BSBA ’19, MBA ’22) gathered at Oxy’s Denver offices. James Campton, a rising senior energy management major, joins Occidental Petroleum's for his second summer as a land negotiator intern on the Rockies Mineral Land Team. Porter, Edwards, Eastwood, and Garrison are all alumni of the TU Energy Management program and hold various positions within the Rockies Mineral Land Team at Oxy. By supporting current students, alumni help foster a culture of excellence and continuous learning that benefits the entire TU community. James’ experience at Oxy will undoubtedly be a steppingstone in his career, made possible by the unwavering support of those who walked the TU halls before him.

42 Billy LaFortune (BSBA ’15, ’16) graduated from Notre Dame Law School in May 2023. He passed the California bar exam in November 2023 and is now an associate at DLA Piper Law in San Diego.

Nikki Roberts (BSBA ’15, MBA ’19) is director of client services and asset management in the IT department at TU. Previously, she worked for WPX Energy. She currently has 20 people reporting to her and is responsible for TU’s help desk, deployment, classroom technology, asset, and client architecture teams.

L. Cameron Lenz, D.O. (BS ’16) and his wife, Haley Lenz, welcomed their first child in the spring. Eleanor was born in March and has brought great joy to the entire extended Lenz family. Cameron graduated from his residency in internal medicine in Tyler, Texas, in June. He accepted a position as a hospitalist at Norman Regional Health System in Norman, Oklahoma.

43 Ashley Michele Etter (BSBA ’17) married Nicholas Cherry on May 17, 2024, at Postoak Lodge and Retreat in Tulsa. Ashley Cherry has worked at ConocoPhillips for six years and is currently a cybersecurity analyst.

44 Denisha Garner (BIL ’17, BA ’17, BSBA ’17) is events manager with Oak View Group in Tulsa. Previously, she was assistant director of special events and operations at TU.

45 Bailey Grufik Hays (BSBA ’17) passed her CPA exams and became a licensed CPA in February 2024. She works for Steve M. Rutherford, CPA, P.C.

46 Haley Lucero (BSBA ’15, MSF ’17) owns Colorado Threads, an activewear brand based in Denver. The company is dedicated to supporting the community by promoting sustainable practices and producing apparel locally. She operates the business with her husband, Thomas Adams (BM ’16). They also own and operate Uno Media and Entertainment, providing photo and video services to the entertainment industry.

47 Matthew Crall (MS ’17, Ph.D. ’19) is a materials development engineer and charter member of Spiritus in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is one of the scientists breaking new ground in carbon capture and storage, a vital component in efforts to address climate change. Previously, Matthew worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory, focusing on materials development for national security applications.

48 Lauren Beatty (BA ’19, JD ’21) and fiancé, Grant Scheppler (BSBA ’19), attended ’Cane Crawl 2024, which raises funds for TU scholarships.

49 Stephanie Jackson (JD ’18) was recently elected to serve as president of the Tulsa County Bar Association. She will be the first African American woman to hold this office. Stephanie has a thriving private practice in Tulsa and serves on the TU Alumni Association's Board of Directors. Prior to becoming an attorney, Stephanie served as a police sergeant with the Tulsa Police Department for approximately 20 years.

2020s

50 Andrew Mangan (BEX ’20) graduated from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine on May 18, 2024. He will begin his otolaryngology (ENT) residency at UAMS this summer. Pictured are Dr. Andrew Mangan and his wife, Suzy Evenson Mangan (BME ’20).

51 Coy J. Moses (BA ’20) was named Tulsa Debate League Middle School Coach of the Year in April. Coy coaches debate at Clyde Boyd Middle School and Charles Page High School in Sand Springs, Oklahoma.

52 Claire Lenz-Dean (BA ’20, JD ’23) completed a federal judicial clerkship in August and began her new job as an associate at Hall Estill in Tulsa in September. While in law school, Claire was named a member of the Order of the Curule Chair and was on the editorial board of the Tulsa Law Review. Claire’s husband, Jack Dean (BA ’20), is digital content coordinator at Philbrook Museum of Art, and he also runs his own photography and videography business, known as Jack Dean Pictures.

53 Maureen Haynes (BS ’20) married Robert Tully (BS ’19, MSE ’21) on a hike in Sedona, Arizona.

54 Courtney Spivey (BA ’20, BS ’20, BS ’20) is a feature game designer with Space Age Games in London, England, where she has worked since 2022. Previously, she was lead game designer with NinjaKiwi in Dundee, Scotland. Courtney had a triple major at TU focusing on graphic design, computer science and gaming, and math. She received her master’s in game development from Abertay University.

55 Allyson Sharp (BS ’21) is a case manager for Creoks Health Services working at Owasso Public Schools with eighth graders, high-school students, and graduates. Previously, she was a senior

consumer recovery specialist at the Tulsa Center for Behavioral Health before taking a short career break in 2022 to pursue a modeling career for a year. She was a bridal runway model, an extra on TulsaKing, and spent a weekend in New York City learning from supermodel Coco Rocha. Allyson plans to apply for a graduate program to become a licensed counselor. The photo is from her first professional photo shoot as a model.

Abby Rush (BA ’22, MA ’24) was a presenter at the 2024 Annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Banquet at TU. She presented her research of a biography of one of the students who attended the Presbyterian School for Indian Girls, a small boarding school in Muskogee opened in 1882, later renamed Henry Kendall College and rechartered as The University of Tulsa. Abby and her colleagues, under the direction of Professor Laura Stevens, are contributing to important research about the girls who attended the school, as little is known about them.

56 Lauren Agpoon (BSBA ’22, MBA ’23) co-authored an energy article with Energy Professor Eric Olsen titled “Simplify Permitting and Unleash Energy Production” in City Journal magazine.

57 Cailie Golden (BFA ’22, MA ’24) is a content strategist at the Oklahoma Department of Libraries.

58 Devyn Lyon (BA ’22) is a multimedia journalist and onscreen reporter for FOX23 in Tulsa covering legislation and education in Green Country. Last spring, he covered four separate tornadoes and their aftermath, witnessing inspiration and growth in several communities. Pictured is Devyn reporting in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, minutes after a tornado tore through Barnsdall and Bartlesville.

59 Madison Hill (MBA ’24) became the director of development for the Collins College of Business at The University of Tulsa.

Hall of Fame & Honors and Awards

Alumni honored at Athletic Hall of Fame in April:

60 Aimee Creger (BEX ’14) was a three-time All-American and two-time Conference USA Pitcher of the Year for softball. Along with an impressive record in her TU career, including multiple team titles, Aimee was a Top 25 finalist for USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year.

61 Gary Collier (BSBA ’94) was the 1994 Missouri Valley Conference Men’s Basketball Player of the Year and was part of one of TU’s top seasons, leading the team to its first-ever NCAA Tournament “Sweet Sixteen.” He was the first player in TU basketball history to score over 1,500 points (1,610) and grab 500 rebounds (587) in his career.

62 G. Guerrieri (BS ’85) is a former soccer goalkeeper who was part of 48 wins and three winning seasons. He has had a successful collegiate coaching career at Texas A&M as head women’s soccer coach.

63 The Golden Legacy Award was presented posthumously to Ben Graf Henneke (BA ’35, DHL’ 67). As a student, Ben was involved in the newspaper and theater and wrote the “Hurricane Fight Song” still used today. He was a longtime faculty member and vice president before becoming president in 1958. His term saw campus expansion projects including Mabee Gymnasium.

Hall of Fame Honor Teams :

64 1961 & 1962 MVC Champion Track & Field Teams

65 1994 & 1995 NCAA “Sweet Sixteen” Men’s Basketball Teams

The College of Engineering and Computer Science inducted the following alumni into the Hall of Fame in April:

66 John Prakash (BS ’76) was an electrical engineer with Westinghouse Corp. before becoming an entrepreneur and founder of Industrial Electric and Testing Company, one of Oklahoma’s leading testing and construction companies.

67 Antonio J. Pietri (BCE ’87, MBA’ 88) is the president and CEO of AspenTech and serves on the board of directors. His previous roles for the company included senior vice president and managing director of regional operations, Asia Pacific, based in Singapore and Beijing, China. Antonio is a frequent speaker at industry events.

68 Timothy M. Latimer (BME ’12) is a mechanical engineer and co-founder and CEO of Fervo Energy. The company delivers round-the-clock carbon-free energy through the development of nextgeneration geothermal power.

Alumna honored at TU Law Hall of Fame in May:

69 Wendy Drummond (JD ’07) has made her mark as a philanthropist, as well as an accomplished corporate executive and attorney. As CEO of Premier Wireless, she has focused on growth and implementing best practices in a fastpaced technology sector. She is a trustee on the national board for the Alzheimer’s Association and a member of the board of directors for Farnsworth Art Museum. Among her accolades is the Madam President Award from the Tulsa League of Women Voters.

Alumnae honored at TU Law Alumni Awards Luncheon in July:

70 2024 Outstanding Senior Alumna Kathy LaFortune (JD ’83, MA ’94, Ph.D. ’97) is a licensed Oklahoma clinical psychologist and attorney with an extensive background in mental health advocacy and psychological services. She currently serves as the clinical director of women’s justice programs at Family and Children’s Services in Tulsa.

2024 Outstanding Junior Alumna Hope Forsythe (BA ’15, JD ’18) is an attorney and author in Tulsa who was recently selected to a highly competitive and prestigious fellowship working with the U.S. Supreme Court for a year.

Alumnus honored at 2023 Collins College of Business Hall of Fame:

71 Outstanding Business Leader John Chandler (BSBA ’92) has had a distinguished career in major Tulsa-based energy companies. He was the CEO of Magellan Midstream Partners before retiring for the first time to dedicate his time and talent to local community efforts and supporting several energy boards. He came out of retirement to become CFO of Williams, where he boosted the company’s financial strength while continuing to serve on local boards. He retired in 2022 to focus on community service and the family’s cattle ranch in Wagoner.

Alumni honored at 2023 Collins College of Business Honors and Awards Ceremony: Outstanding Alumni honorees:

72 Rebecca Thompson (BSBA ’00, MIS ’01), is CFO at AAON and a longtime member of the college’s executive advisory

board. She was named a 2022 STEP Ahead Award honoree, recognizing her leadership as a woman in the manufacturing industry.

73 Mike Fritts (BSBA ’97, MBA ’01) is the CFO at Paragon Films. He has been a member of the CCB’s executive advisory board since 2019 and served on the board of Riverfield Country Day School for five years.

Fast-track Alumni honorees:

74 Jocelyn Sheffield (BSBA, BIL, BA ’16) is an engineering project manager at Compressor Controls Corp. by Honeywell, where she uses her mastery of multiple languages to direct projects with customers all over the world. She also volunteers her time with local school districts and youth organizations to act as translator for children.

75 Amanda Calhoun (BSBA ’17, MBA ’21) was an Outstanding Senior Award recipient in 2017. After graduation, she started work for ONEOK, one of the nation’s premier natural gas liquid systems, where she is manager of energy management. Previously, she worked at Magellan Midstream Partners in business optimization and commercial strategy.

Where Are They Now?

76 Janeau Bailey (MS ’23) is a technology compliance specialist at ONE Gas in Tulsa.

77 Benjamin Francis (BSBA ’23, MAcc ’24) is an accountant I at Williams in Tulsa.

78 Orion Levasheff (BS ’23) is a fire protection designer at Cyntergy in Tulsa.

79 Houston Little (BS ’23) is a robotics application engineer at Wilder Systems Robots in Oklahoma City.

80 Marcos Moreno (BSBA ’23, MAcc ’24) is a project manager at TIPS Plant Services in Tulsa. He is also a licensed real estate agent.

81 Ernesto Monterroso Zamora (MS ’23) is a staff internal auditor at Banco de Guatemala in Guatemala City, Guatemala, Guatemala.

82 Ethan Zumwalt (BS ’23) is an electromagnetic effects engineer at Boeing in Oklahoma City.

Published Authors

83 Malia Aurigemma (BS ’24) is a sustainability analyst for Schneider Electric in the 2024 Sustainability Consulting Leadership Program cohort in Carrollton, Texas.

84 Ryan Barry (PhD ’24) is a researcher with Johnson O’Connor Research Foundation in Lake Villa, Illinois.

85 Lara Cory (BCE ’24) is a mechanical engineer at Bechtel Corporation in Richland, Washington.

Ronnie Phillips (BS ’24) is a database administration analyst I at Paycom in Oklahoma City.

86 Madison Sitton (BS ’24) is a registered nurse at Saint Francis Health Systems in Tulsa.

Michael Richards (BA ’62) published “Twentieth Century Europe, 1900 to the Present - 4th edition,” 2024, Wiley Blackwell. Michael is professor emeritus at Sweet Briar College, Virginia. He is also the author of “Revolutions in World History” among other works.

Steven Warren’s (BA ’82) book, “The Second Battle of Cabin Creek: Brilliant Victory,” published by History Press/Arcadia Publishing, was recently a finalist in the military history category of the 2024 American Legacy Awards held in Los Angeles, California. It is the companion book to the feature-length documentary “Last Raid at Cabin Creek,” also written and produced by Warren. Streaming on Prime Video since 2010, the program is also streaming on the platforms HistoryFix, Tubi, and TrueTVPlus.

Michael Stuart (BA ’02) published “Ran,” an inspiring novel about an Olympic athlete. His audio book is voiced by actor Dan Levy and was recently released on Amazon.

Susie Dumond (BA ‘12) recently published her sophomore novel, “Looking for a Sign,” with Dial Press/Random House. It tells the story of a queer woman who, recently out of a 10-year relationship, decides to take on a challenge to go on a date with one person of each astrological sign. The book’s release was celebrated at Magic City Books in Tulsa on June 11.

Meet Teresa Erker Bont

Parents and families play a vital role in supporting the UTulsa community. By extending their personal support beyond their own student, parents and families can enrich the educational experience for others. Teresa Erker Bont, the new director of development for parent and family giving, knows firsthand the university’s transformative impact.

Bont is a Tulsa native who previously served in the Office of Admission, where she recruited more than 1,000 students to campus. In her new role, she matches decades of experience with a passion for parent giving. There are a multitude of ways parents and families

Planned Giving

Meet Jimmy Russell

can give, whether through unrestricted gifts to the General Annual Fund or gifts to specific areas. Through the process, Bont is there to identify areas of the university that align with donors’ interests and their students’ experiences, taking the time to understand what matters most to them.

“Whether they prefer to support a specific initiative or make an unrestricted gift, I’m here to provide information, answer questions, and ensure their gift has the impact they envision,” Bont said. “Every gift, no matter the size, helps UTulsa continue to empower students to excel and lead in their fields.”

Legacy gifts, including bequests, charitable gift annuities, and endowments, play a crucial role in sustaining an organization for generations, and The University of Tulsa’s success would not be possible without such thoughtful generosity. UTulsa’s new director of planned giving, Jimmy Russell, is available to assist with these gifts. Russell is a perfect fit for the role. A Muskogee native, he served for over 25 years as a financial advisor, working with publicly traded companies and respected family-owned businesses. Planned giving was one of many aspects of his work. “One of the most impactful moments in my career came when a long-time client reminded me that he didn’t hire me to make him money, he

hired me to protect and direct his money so it would leave a lasting impact for generations,” Russell said. Planned gifts are popular ways to achieve philanthropic goals and are easy to set up, offer financial flexibility, and can reduce or eliminate estate taxes through charitable tax deductions. An estate gift is particularly valuable because the university can utilize the entire amount of the bequest.

For Russell, it’s important that donors feel proud of their giving and what it can mean to an institution, which is why he is excited to be working with the UTulsa community. “I look forward to building strong relationships with alumni, friends, and supporters who have a desire to leave an indelible mark.”

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