Tulsa energy industry leader Douglas “Kirk” Weinkauf has been a steadfast friend and supporter of The University of Tulsa for many years, believing strongly in the importance of higher education. He serves as president of Weinkauf Petroleum, Inc., a company founded by his parents, Donald G. and Judy Weinkauf. Kirk has taken the company to new levels of success through his diligent work and sage leadership.
Kirk drilled his first oil and gas prospect when he was only 16 years old after having been mentored for years by his father, who was a brilliant geologist. Kirk married his 4-H sweetheart, Donna Sellmeyer, and they are the proud parents of two sons, Derek Kirk Weinkauf and Kent Jacob Weinkauf.
Kirk attended Oklahoma State University and The University of Tulsa, but he made the decision to leave college to work for the benefit of his family while making sure that his young bride was able to complete her degree. Donna Weinkauf graduated from The University of Tulsa in December 1983 (Class of 1984) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Management and was named the Outstanding Senior of her class. Their son, Kent, also earned degrees at The University of Tulsa (BSBA ’14, Finance and BS ’18, Petroleum Engineering).
Kirk has been a conscientious father, investing vast amounts of his time and energy in the lives of his sons and countless other youngsters as a mentor and Boy Scout Leader, having numerous scouting awards bestowed upon him (Heart & Sole Award, Cubmaster of the Year, Scoutmaster of the Year and the Silver Beaver Award), and guiding 36 young men down the path to becoming Eagle Scouts.
Kirk and Donna have demonstrated their commitment to The University of Tulsa through numerous gifts to support vital university initiatives and programs, including the TU Annual Fund, the Collins College of Business, the College of Engineering and Computer Science, and TU Athletics. Donna has also committed her time and talents to her alma mater by serving on the Collins College of Business Executive Advisory Board and the Board of Directors of the Tulsa Chapter of the TU Alumni Association.
As a result of their caring generosity, Kirk and Donna have been recognized as members of TU’s Chapman Legacy Society and the Circle Society, signifying their roles as partners in the university’s advancement.
In 2014, Donna and her children wished to pay tribute to Kirk in recognition of his unwavering loyalty to his family, his exemplary work ethic, his impeccable moral character, and the positive effect he has had on the lives of so many others. As part of The University of Tulsa’s Pioneer Program, Donna established a life insurance gift to create The Douglas Kirk Weinkauf Endowed Scholarship in Petroleum Engineering.
The University of Tulsa is deeply inspired by this caring tribute, which will create important opportunities for future generations of petroleum engineering students at TU while honoring the legacy of Douglas Kirk Weinkauf.
