Rudolf “Rudi” Winzinger (BS ’69, Economics) and Janice “Jan” Brodsky Winzinger (BA ’65, French and Education) are true life partners, sharing many common goals during their more than 50 years of marriage. This includes their hobbies and current interests, as well as their love of philanthropy and their desire to see The University of Tulsa thrive and flourish.
Rudi was born in 1938 in Munich, Germany. He attended TU, where he met Jan, and the couple married in 1967. Rudi graduated in 1969 with a degree in economics, and he went on to forge a highly successful career in the energy industry, primarily in Texas, with a lengthy tenure first at Gulf Oil and later at Chevron.
Jan was born in 1943 in Springfield, Illinois. Her family moved to Tulsa, where Jan graduated from Will Rogers High School, before enrolling at TU and earning her degree in 1965. An excellent student, Jan was invited to join the junior women’s honor society, Scroll. She was active in the Student Education Association, a college level pre-professional organization for students planning to become teachers. She also was a member of the International Students Organization, a club that fostered understanding and friendships between American and foreign-born TU students. Given the enjoyment she found in interacting with peers from all over the world, it is perhaps no surprise that she married Rudi, who was born outside of the United States. Rudi became a United States citizen in 1970 at the age of 38.
Rudi’s career in the energy industry and Jan’s in education kept the couple busily employed for many years. They continue to enjoy activities together, such as their involvement with the Hill Country Archeological Association (HCAA). This non-profit group of avocational and professional archeologists studies and preserves the Texas Hill Country’s prehistoric and historical heritage and educates the public about archeology.
Rudi used his organizational and business skills to serve for many years as treasurer of the group. In 2014, he received an award from HCAA for his exceptional support of the organization. That same year, Jan graduated from HCAA’s Archeology Field Work Course. In the course, Jan and her classmates learned the basics of archaeology and site types in central Texas, as well as field and lab techniques and mapping procedures. They also learned about lithics, which is the analysis of stone tools and other chipped stone artifacts.
Lifelong learners and strong supporters of education, Rudi and Jan are longtime contributors to TU, giving every year to the funds of several colleges that comprise the university.
In 1998, the Winzingers chose to further honor their alma mater by establishing an endowed scholarship fund that will benefit scholars studying engineering or the natural sciences. Thanks to these energetic alumni and their significant planned gift, future generations of TU students will have the support they need to pursue their academic and career goals.
