Tulsa community leaders Anita L. and Gary J. Rathburn are cherished friends and supporters of The University of Tulsa and Golden Hurricane Athletics. They hold TU close to their hearts, in part, because their two daughters had wonderful experiences during their time at TU. Gwendolyn S. Whitfill (BSBA ’99, Sports Administration) and Christi A. Williams (BA ’07, Elementary Education) excelled in their studies while also participating on the TU Cheerleading Team, becoming TU Letterwinners. Their experiences inspired Gary and Anita to help other TU student-athletes.

In 2011, the couple established the Rathburn Family Endowed Scholarship for Student-Athletes. Through the support of an anonymous donor who pledged matching funds for athletics scholarships, their gift was matched to double the impact of their generosity, and this fund has been helping deserving student-athletes to reach their goals ever since.

The magnanimous couple also funded the renovation of the men’s basketball locker room and a maintenance endowment to cover the cost of future needs for the locker room. As part of this renovation, Gary and Anita named the Unite Lounge to signify the purpose of the lounge as a space for team unity.

In addition, the Rathburns have made numerous gifts to support other TU Athletics programs and initiatives. The University of Tulsa has acknowledged their extraordinary philanthropy by recognizing them as members of the Chapman Legacy Society, the Circle Society, and the President’s Council, signifying their roles as partners in the advancement of the university.

The University of Tulsa is deeply grateful to Gary and Anita Rathburn, who have created important opportunities for deserving student-athletes to achieve their goals at TU and beyond.