Dr. Jacob Jorishie
2008 J. Paschal Twyman Award Winner
Thirty years after receiving a biological sciences degree from The University of Tulsa, Jacob "Jake" Jorishie (BS '71) returned to campus - this time to earn a degree in music with an emphasis in jazz studies. But technically, this alumnus and sports enthusiast never left.
Whether he's acting as honorary marching band director, giving pep talks to the athletes or donning Blues Brothers gear to perform as an ad hoc TU cheerleader, Jorishie has remained one of TU's most loyal and visible fans. And in contrast to his persona as a Golden Hurricane fan, Jorishie is quiet and unassuming as a donor.
Because of Jorishie's outstanding contributions to the University and his willingness to go beyond the call of duty, he's been named this year's J. Paschal Twyman Award Recipient - an award given to TU friends and family who possess leadership and commitment.
Both an accomplished dentist and musician, Jorishie's hands bring precision to the 88 keys of a piano and to meeting the dental needs of his patients. His Preventive Family Dentistry office in Tulsa overflows with symbols of his third love - the University.
"I credit my experiences and preparation at the University as the foundation for all the success in my life," Jorishie said. "I've never forgotten the opportunities that instrumental music gave me and the doors my degree from TU opened."
Born in Tulsa, Jorishie got his first exposure to TU while marching with the Will Rogers High School band on Skelly Field. But it was his first TU game - the memorable 1964 defeat of the Pokes that hooked him. A promising young musician, he began studying saxophone and clarinet privately with TU music professor Dwight Dailey. When the time came to apply to college, Jorishie had only one school in mind.
While a TU student, he attended every football and basketball game. His classes and studies included as many music activities as possible - playing in the marching and concert bands, orchestra, jazz band, woodwind quartet and the annual TU talent reviews and operas.
After earning his degree from TU in 1971, Jorishie graduated from the Washington University School of Dental Medicine in St. Louis, Mo., in 1974. Upon the completion of his service as a U.S. Naval officer in 1977, he promptly returned to Tulsa."I missed taking my dad fishing, and I missed going to TU football and basketball games. The choice was easy for me," Jorishie said.
Over the past 31 years, Jorishie has strived to give back to the University he feels gave him the foundation for his success in life. He's been a continuous member of the Golden Hurricane Club, serving on the board for 20 years and as its president in 1996-97. He's the founding member of the Tulsa Rebounders Basketball Club, has served on the Board of Visitors for the Henry Kendall College of Arts and Sciences since 2000 and was awarded the College's Distinguished Service Award in 2004.
"Throughout the years I have just tried to do my part to be a faithful steward of the University," Jorishie said. "This journey and experience has certainly been fulfilling and gratifying. As a bonus, I have enjoyed the work, the challenges and certainly had a whole lot of fun along the way. I have been able to touch and be touched by so many special people."
According to his friends, Jorishie is the kind of donor who spots needs and rushes to fill the gaps without being asked. In recognition of his noteworthy lifetime giving to TU, Jorishie is a member of TU's Circle Society, Patrons Level. During more than 30 years of University giving, Jorishie has contributed to programs and projects across campus, including the Golden Hurricane Club, the School of Music, Tulsa Undergraduate Research Challenge, the Alumni Association, the Reynolds Center, H. A. Chapman Stadium and the Dr. Jake Jorishie Annual Scholarships in Music. He made a gift to purchase eight brass marching sousaphones, contributed the seed gift to purchase new band uniforms and made a significant commitment to the Roxana Rozsa and Robert Eugene Lorton Performance Center.
"There truly is no greater gift in life than the gift of giving - seizing every moment and chance to make things better, and to change that one life at a time. I am blessed to be given the ability to take advantage of these special opportunities," Jorishie said. "I'm ultimately the real prize winner because these efforts have made my life whole, content and complete."
This December, Jorishie will once again walk to "Pomp and Circumstance" to receive yet another gift from the University - a well-deserved diploma in music that has been a long time in the making.