The University of Tulsa is fortunate to enjoy a long tradition of strong alumni support. J. William “Bill” Love, Jr. (’49 BSBA, Management) is an example of a True Blue TU alumnus who was committed to strengthening the school he so enjoyed during his collegiate years.

Bill was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1928 to parents Eva and J.W. Love. He attended TU and studied business, graduating in 1949 with a degree in Management. He then served in the Korean War as a pilot in the U. S. Air Force, where he was awarded the Air Medal. He left active duty in 1955. He later served as an instructor pilot in the Air Force Reserve.

During his time at TU, Love was a baseball letterwinner. He also was deeply involved in the Sigma Phi Epsilon social fraternity, serving in several roles that culminated in his position as Rush Chairman during his senior year.

Love went on to forge a successful career in the oil and gas industry in Texas. In the 1970s, he was the manager for marketing and operations analysis at Union Texas Petroleum (UTP). In this role, he engaged in long- and short-range marketing planning and analysis. Prior to his retirement, Bill formed Bill Love Enterprises, where he continued to use his industry knowledge and experience. In 1990, Bill Love moved to Galveston, Texas, where he became active in civic and community organizations, and he established a real estate firm. He passed away in 2025 at the age of 96.

In 2007, Love had thoughtfully established an estate gift to be used after his passing to provide student scholarships. The J. William Love, Jr. Endowed Scholarship Fund for the Collins College of Business will support deserving business students who will follow in his steps at TU. The TU family continues to appreciate the loyal support of this highly successful graduate.