While it is rewarding to achieve success and have a lasting impact on your workplace, the friendships you develop on your professional journey often rank among the most meaningful aspects of your career. This is certainly true for The University of Tulsa’s James B. Hollanger, who was the longtime Director of Stewardship Activities in the Office of University Advancement and Alumni Engagement. Hollanger established The Susan McKee and Richard Reeder Biological Science Scholarship Endowment Fund through TU’s Pioneer Program to honor this talented couple, whom he came to know and enjoy at TU.
Dr. Richard L. Reeder is a Professor Emeritus of Biological Science at The University of Tulsa, and his wife, Susan J. McKee, is a TU alumna and successful fine art photographer, screenwriter, producer/director, illustrator and former adjunct professor of cinema at Rogers State University in Claremore, Oklahoma. They have each distinguished themselves in their respective careers, making lifelong friends, like Hollanger, along the way.
Prior to his retirement, Dr. Reeder served as a respected member of The University of Tulsa faculty for many years, most recently as the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Professor of Biological Science, and as Chief Health Professions Advisor. Richard assisted his students in attaining their educational and professional goals, especially those pursuing medical careers, as he has guided them along the path to medical school and professional practice.
His extraordinary ability to connect with his students was recognized with prestigious awards and honors, including The University of Tulsa Outstanding Teacher Award, the Henry Kendall College of Arts and Sciences Excellence in Teaching Award, the Henry Kendall College Society of Teaching Fellows, and his induction into Phi Kappa Phi.
Susan also left her mark on The University of Tulsa, earning two degrees (BA ’90, Designed Area Art; MFA ’93, Photography) while accumulating important honors. She graduated cum laude with her BA degree and went on to earn an additional Master of Fine Arts degree from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California, where she specialized in Film Production. While she was a TU student, Susan was inducted into Phi Kappa Phi and received a prestigious F.B. Parriott Graduate Scholarship.
This remarkable couple will long be remembered at TU through this much appreciated endowment and through the legacy they leave behind. Their friendship with James Hollanger is yet another reminder of the lasting bonds formed between so many at The University of Tulsa.
