James Allen Rives is a proud and loyal alumnus of The University of Tulsa, who earned four degrees in music and education at TU in the 1950s and 1960s, including a doctoral degree in education.

Rives has many pleasant memories of his college days at The University of Tulsa, including his participation in the TU Marching Band, orchestra and choir, and he appreciates the scholarship assistance he received to attend TU. He went on to a successful career in music, playing in orchestras and teaching, then becoming an Assistant Professor of Education at the University of Saskatchewan, Regina Campus, before going into semi-retirement.

Recognizing that his TU degrees and his involvement in music ensembles have had an overwhelmingly positive influence on his life, Rives acknowledges that higher education and music can be important factors in the success of any individual and is deeply grateful to his parents, Joe B. Rives and Cecile Keesee Rives, who provided vital support and encouragement to him as he pursued his music studies in high school and at The University of Tulsa.

Rives wishes to provide educational opportunities for future generations of TU students performing in ensembles, while at the same time, honoring the memory of his parents and their dedicated support of his musical endeavors.

In fulfillment of these wishes, Rives and his wife, Dr. Nang Mo Lao Rives, have committed an estate gift to The University of Tulsa to establish a scholarship endowment, which shall be formally recognized as The Joe B. and Cecile Keesee Rives School of Music Performing Ensembles Scholarship Endowment Fund.