Institutional Advancement

Registry of Patrons

We are pleased to bring you this Registry of Patrons publication as a tribute to those who helped us surpass our vision by investing so generously in TU's future.

In early 2006, when The University of Tulsa Board of Trustees unanimously voted to undertake the Embrace the Future Campaign, the $400 million goal seemed challenging, if not outright daunting for a school with only 30,000 living known alumni. But the new campaign’s goals were clear and compelling – the result of months of strategic analysis and discussion involving trustees, faculty, staff, and students.

Rather than focusing on the question of how much money we thought could be raised, we focused on making an honest and thorough assessment of what TU would need in the coming years to maintain the momentum of its programs and residential campus; to enhance its position as a national competitor and, ultimately, to be recognized as one of the nation’s top-tier doctoral universities. Throughout this process, we challenged ourselves to integrate the needs and opportunities of greater Tulsa in all our plans for advancing TU’s future.

Thanks to the leadership and optimism of Campaign Co-Chairs Roxana and Bob Lorton (see p.11), the energetic assistance of a dedicated Campaign Cabinet (see p. 54), and – most of all – the overwhelming generosity of a remarkable group of donors, TU’s Embrace the Future Campaign proceeded to shatter all previous TU fundraising records – and its own lofty goal. The final total of more than $698 million includes more than 138,000 gifts and represents a 75 percent increase over the campaign’s target. A large percentage of dollars were given by non- alumni who expressed, time and again, their belief that “What is good for TU is also good for Tulsa.”

Our campaign result is especially remarkable because it was achieved during a stubbornly recessionary economy. Despite the troubling economic environment, TU’s friends and partners have been resolute, magnanimous and inspiring, as they have stepped forward to equip TU for a new decade of excellence.

We are pleased to bring you this Registry of Patrons publication as a tribute to those who helped us surpass our vision by investing so generously in TU’s future. Their gifts have already begun raising the facilities, delivering the scholarships, funding the faculty and growing the programs that will define TU’s next dynamic chapter. On behalf of the entire TU family, I thank each and every donor who chose to invest in The University of Tulsa, and I join you in keen anticipation of many wonderful returns in the years ahead.

Best regards,
Steadman Upham President