Charles H. Simpson (BA ’53, Economics) was a loyal and generous alumnus of The University of Tulsa who was deeply committed to supporting his alma mater. His wife, Shirley B. Simpson, also attended TU and shared in her husband’s enthusiasm. The couple chose to strengthen academic excellence at TU by establishing two endowments. The Charles H. Simpson Provost Scholarship Endowment Fund in Economics provides scholarship assistance to students in the Department of Economics. The Shirley B. Simpson Theatre Performance Endowment Fund – Honoring Dr. Ben Graf Henneke supports the production costs of the theatre performance program and honors the late President Emeritus Ben Graf Henneke.

Mr. Simpson had a distinguished career serving as president and CEO of Magna Carta Group and Cherokee Energy, Inc. He also was president and director of Carbonic Engineering Corp. The Simpsons established the Charles H. and Shirley B. Simpson Foundation and generously supported a number of charitable organizations throughout Florida, Mississippi and Alabama that were devoted to promoting and supporting the arts, health and education for their communities.

Shirley and Charles Simpson’s generosity has touched a wide array of TU programs and initiatives, including scholarships, academic programs and TU Athletics. The Simpsons were recognized as members of the esteemed Circle Society, the President’s Council and the Chapman Legacy Society. While a student, Mrs. Simpson was a member of the Theatre Workshoppers, and Mr. Simpson received letters in baseball and basketball and became a lifetime member of the TU Lettermen’s Association. He was honored as a TU Distinguished Alumnus in 1972. Mr. Simpson passed away in 2018, but his caring legacy continues to be felt by the students who benefit from the endowments that he and his beloved wife established at TU.