Steven J. “Steve” Bellovich was a talented administrator, professor and mentor, who served The University of Tulsa with distinction from 1972-2012, first as a renowned faculty member in the earth sciences, and then as dean of the College of Engineering and Natural Sciences for the last 17 years of his life. Bellovich continued to teach classes even after being named dean of the college, touching the lives of TU students for 40 years. Bellovich led the College of Engineering and Natural Sciences through an extraordinary period of growth and development, garnering support from alumni and friends to construct two new technologically advanced buildings –J. Newton Rayzor Hall and Stephenson Hall – and Samson Plaza. He also laid the groundwork for major renovations at Keplinger Hall, home of TU’s engineering and science programs since 1983.

Bellovich was deeply admired by his TU colleagues and students, and also by alumni and friends of the university who appreciated the way he met the challenges of the deanship with collegiality, clarity of vision and decisive leadership. Bellovich passed away on February 21, 2012, leaving behind an impressive legacy of academic excellence and campus growth at TU. His loving wife, Janet, along with his family, friends and colleagues, honored Bellovich’s memory and legacy with a permanent source of support for geoscience students at TU.