The late Dorothy Gideon’s love of the piano was etched in the hearts of many TU music students thanks to the generosity and thoughtfulness of her family. Members of her family honored the former University of Tulsa music professor by establishing a piano scholarship in her name in 1982.

Dorothy Gideon, a TU alumna, served The University of Tulsa for 36 years as a music faculty member. She also was co-author of Tulsa’s Central High School Hymn. Her husband, Russell Gideon, was the Sunday and features editor at the Tulsa World for 50 years and served as president of the Tulsa Press Club in 1945.

The establishment of the Dorothy M. Gideon Piano Scholarship Fund was announced at a special piano recital in 1982, featuring one of Mrs. Gideon’s former students. While the initial funding for the scholarship program came from Gideon family members and friends, additional funds were received from Mrs. Gideon’s estate after she passed away in 2006 at the age of 92.

Mrs. Gideon’s talent and love of music enabled a generation of fortunate students to pursue their education as Dorothy Gideon Piano Scholars at The University of Tulsa.