Jerry L. Hauth’s love of engineering began early in life with his hobbies, which included building model RC boats as a youth and tinkering with various American muscle cars as a teenager and young adult. He was able to turn that interest into a career after earning two degrees in mechanical engineering with an emphasis in aerospace engineering at The University of Tulsa (BS ’67; MS ’72).
Jerry’s master’s degree thesis focused on conductive and radiative heat transfer in absorbing, emitting and scattering materials, work that was influential for a project funded by NASA for the space program, and his research and work on this project earned him publication in The American Society of Mechanical Engineers’ Journal of Heat Transfer.
Hauth’s studies at TU were interrupted when he was drafted by the U.S. Army to serve in the Vietnam War as a specialist, working primarily as a technician on various attack helicopters, and he was awarded four medals for his service, including The Army Commendation Medal.
Upon returning to his studies at TU, he earned much more than a master’s degree; he also earned the hand of his wife, Kathleen A. “Kathy” (Krier) Hauth (BS ’73; Medical Records Administration), who was his partner in life for more than 47 years. Together, the couple raised their three children, Greg Hauth, Lauren Hauth Silverman, and Matthew Hauth (BS ’10; Mechanical Engineering).
Jerry launched a rewarding career in mechanical engineering after graduating from TU, working for a number of prominent companies, including North American Rockwell, Clay Bernard Systems, Inc., SPS Technologies, Inc., NORDAM, Spirit AeroSystems, and The Triumph Group, along with co-owning and co-operating two businesses.
Beginning in 1978, Jerry and Kathy Hauth gave generously to their alma mater, supporting the College of Engineering and Natural Sciences, the Department of Mechanical Engineering, the TU Annual Fund, TU Uncorked, and the Golden Hurricane Club. In recognition of their giving, Jerry and Kathy Hauth have been named to TU’s esteemed Chapman Legacy Society.
Jerry Hauth passed away in May of 2021, leaving behind family and friends who lovingly remember his wit and wry sense of humor, along with his love of science and engineering, which he shared with his children and grandchildren.
Jerry Hauth touched the lives of others in meaningful and enduring ways, and his wife decided to pay tribute to this remarkable man and to the TU legacy that she and Jerry shared by creating an endowed scholarship fund in his honor through a planned gift. The Jerry L. and Kathleen A. Hauth Endowed Scholarship in Mechanical Engineering was established in 2021. The University of Tulsa is deeply grateful for this vital endowment fund, which will be dedicated to fostering opportunity for students majoring in mechanical engineering while paying tribute to the TU legacies of Jerry and Kathy Hauth.
