TU Inducts LaFortune, Hentschel to Business Hall of Fame
BUSINESS BUDDIES: From left, TU President Stedman Upham, former Tulsa Mayor and College of Business Hall of Fame inductee Robert LaFortune, former Cities Service CEO and inductee Dave Hentschel and TU College of Business Administration Dean Gale Sullenberger celebrated LaFortune and Hentschel’s inductions. LaFortune was inducted for his significant role in the cultural and physical development of Tulsa; Hentschel was inducted for his work with Cities Service Company.
Courtesy The University of Tulsa
The University of Tulsa’s College of Business Administration recently inducted two of Tulsa’s top leaders in the business community at its Hall of Fame reception. Robert LaFortune and Dave Hentschel will be recognized as this year’s inductees.
“Our honorees have made incredible contributions to the Tulsa community and area businesses,” says Gale Sullenberger, dean of TU’s College of Business Administration. “These men also play a large role in our ability to draw such bright students from across the nation to the TU business school.”
LaFortune played a significant role in the cultural and physical development of Tulsa. As mayor in the 1970s, he was a key figure in the creation of the Port of Catoosa through strategic land purchases and collaboration with engineers. The internationally acclaimed navigation channel reshaped the economic future of the city and was reinforced by the expansion of Tulsa’s highway system.
LaFortune was also instrumental in the development of The Performing Arts Center and helped shape Tulsa’s Parks and Recreation Department. Currently, he sits on the executive committee for Philbrook Museum. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 1975 and the Tulsa Hall of Fame in 1988.
Hentschel has also left his mark on the Tulsa community. He spent his entire career with the same company or the successors to that company, Cities Service Company, successfully working his way up to CEO. He currently serves on the board of Cimarex and the boards of the Luis Palau Evangelistic Association and In His Image.
Previously, Hentschel served on the boards of the Bank of Oklahoma and Saint Francis Hospital and has been actively involved with the United Way, Salvation Army, Day Center for the Homeless, First United Methodist Church and others.
The Business Hall of Fame was founded in 2000 to recognize Tulsa’s outstanding business leaders and entrepreneurs. Since then, 21 individuals have been inducted into the program. The inductees have distinguished themselves by paving the road for others, building community partnerships and generously giving their time and efforts to philanthropic organizations.
Updated 12-03-2007
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