Endowment Creates Scholarships for Minorities at TU
The University of Tulsa announced a $5 million endowment made possible by Oklahoma entrepreneur and TU alumna Sue Ann Arnall that will make a meaningful education at the state’s top-ranked university more accessible and affordable. The new program, established through a gift from the Arnall Family Foundation, will annually award 10 scholarships to African American students from Oklahoma.
The endowment addresses the roots of racial inequality and social injustice that many minorities face by empowering students with the tools they need to earn a valuable degree from a small, private research university. The Arnall Scholarship Fund offers academic, non-athletic program awards to African American undergraduate students or those studying in TU’s College of Law.
“We want to break down barriers and pave pathways for bright young people from our state who might not otherwise pursue a college degree or may need assistance taking the first step toward a legal career,” Arnall said. “My sincere hope is that these scholarships create opportunity at my alma mater and that the recipients then inspire others to follow in their footsteps.”
Arnall (BS ’77, JD ’80) is a member of the TU Board of Trustees as well as a board member and president of the Arnall Family Foundation, which is dedicated to improving the lives of at-risk children in Oklahoma, criminal justice reform and animal welfare. The organization’s financial commitment aligns with TU’s five-year strategic plan, which seeks to provide the resources to support the academic ambitions of historically underrepresented and first-generation students.
“Thanks to this insightful gift, a personalized TU education is just as accessible as a public education,” TU President Gerard Clancy said. “As Arnall Scholars, these students can realize greater potential for their academic endeavors, their careers and their communities through the critical component of financial support. We are grateful to Sue Ann for recognizing and then fulfilling this need in Oklahoma.”
Recipients for the 2018-19 academic year are Olusola Adeyeye (nursing), Samuel Darbeh (undecided), Tavion Dyer (political science), Alexander McKaughan (marketing), David Nnaji (mechanical engineering), Strephon O’Brien (art), Christoff Orr (mechanical engineering), Josiah Parks (undecided), Pierre Robertson (law) and Khalil Rozell (energy management).
“The Arnall Scholarship Fund exemplifies one of the many ways TU and its stakeholders are committed to diversity, equity and inclusiveness,” said TU Vice President of Diversity and Engagement Jacqueline Caldwell. “We are excited about this tremendous level of support that allows our university to attract even more African American students who will then become role models for future generations.”
Arnall is a 20-year veteran of the energy industry and leads a group of companies under Essay Management Services, . She is a member of the Oklahoma Bar Association and holds executive residence at Oklahoma City University.
Arnall also serves on the board of directors for the Central Oklahoma Humane Society and the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics, and the board of trustees for Mercy Hospital.
For more information about the Arnall Scholarship Fund or to schedule an interview, please contact Gail Ellis at 918-631-3730 or gail-ellis@utulsa.edu.
Updated 01-18-2019
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