Williams has been a generous corporate supporter of The University of Tulsa for more than 50 years, and the philanthropy of this energy industry leader has touched nearly every corner of TU’s campus, creating a portfolio of opportunities for TU students.
Williams’ generosity has fortified scholarship funding, faculty support, professional development opportunities, funding for building renovations and new construction, support for athletics, and additional resources essential to academic excellence. Williams’ support also includes a gift to TU’s newest engineering and science building, Stephenson Hall, where the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the McDougall School of Petroleum Engineering are based.
Endowments are vitally important to TU’s mission because they provide perpetual funding for scholarships, faculty positions, programs, and facility maintenance. Williams and the Williams Foundation have established three endowments: the Williams Endowed Chair in Petroleum Engineering; the Williams Foundation Endowment for the Center for Career Development and Professional Engagement; and the Williams Student Lounge Gift and Entrepreneurship Endowment for the Collins College of Business.
The endowment supporting the Center for Career Development and Professional Engagement (also known as CaneCareers) has provided funding for programming and a career coach since 2008. This important facility guides students and alumni toward career success by providing opportunities for professional skill development and advising, helping to prepare them for a competitive global job market.
In 2022, Williams generously committed an additional gift to TU, this time to cover the cost of renovating Room 113 in Helmerich Hall, an area informally known as the Student Coffee Lounge, now renamed the Williams Student Lounge. This space has served as a retreat in the Collins College of Business where students could relax and unwind between classes, meet with others to discuss projects, or hold student organization meetings. The Williams Student Lounge Gift and Entrepreneurship Endowment for the Collins College of Business covered the costs of a much-needed facility update, and it will help fund the student-run business ventures that will operate in the lounge.
Williams also established an innovative program known as The Williams Laptop Computer Initiative in Accounting in 2022. The purpose of this gift is to ensure that TU’s talented accounting students will have the technology resources they need to succeed in their studies. This funding supports the purchase of laptop computers and software for sophomore-level students majoring or double-majoring in accounting.
All across TU’s campus, the Williams name is prominently displayed on various facilities as a testament to the company’s partnership. These namesake facilities include the Williams Department Chair Office for the McDougall School of Petroleum Engineering in Stephenson Hall; the Williams Computer Lab and the Williams Classroom in Keplinger Hall; the CITGO-Williams Room and the Williams Student Lounge in Helmerich Hall; and the Williams Student Services Conference Room and the Williams Interview Room in Hardesty Hall.
The University of Tulsa is honored by the deep and longstanding commitment shown by one of Oklahoma’s leading companies. Williams’ generous investments will continue to have a profound impact on TU students for generations to come.
