Like other alumni, Laurie Fiocchi Brumbaugh (B.S. ’78) has fond memories of her days as a student at The University of Tulsa, studying criminal justice in Kendall College of Arts & Sciences and participating in her sorority, Chi Omega. These days, she prefers to stay out of the spotlight. “I don’t like to be on the front row,” said Brumbaugh. “I like to be in the back row.”
Despite her preference for the “back row,” Brumbaugh has played a significant role in UTulsa and Kendall College, serving in multiple leadership roles. Her contributions to the university have included The University of Tulsa Board of Trustees as president of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, the Kendall College Board of Visitors, McFarlin Fellows Visiting Committee, and the Heritage Committee, to name a few. Together, she and her husband, Terry, have supported initiatives like the Alumni Association, TU Uncorked, Homecoming, the UTulsa Annual Fund, the Annual Fund for Kendall College, McFarlin Fellows, Public Radio Tulsa (KWGS), Gilcrease Museum, and more.
With a keen interest in fostering excellence in opportunity at UTulsa, the Brumbaughs have played major roles in ensuring that students feel a sense of belonging at the university. One such instance occurred in 2014 when, under the leadership of then-Dean Kalpana Misra, Kendall College launched the D’Arcy Internship Program.
The program, made possible through the generosity of alumni Patty and Jerry D’Arcy, provides students with paid internship opportunities across a range of fields – including art galleries, policy institutes, city departments, and nonprofits that serve critical needs in the community. When the college had a difficult time hiring a full-time staff person to manage the program, Misra asked Brumbaugh if she would be willing to assist on a short-term basis. Brumbaugh agreed immediately, and the short-term assistance turned into a three-year volunteer effort. With her help, the program launched into its role as a premier opportunity for Kendall College students to explore careers and receive professional mentorship.
Because of their deep love of UTulsa, the Brumbaughs established the Laurie and Terry Brumbaugh Endowments for McFarlin Library and the UTulsa Alumni Association, which respectively serve as the academic heart and soul of the university.
Donors like the Brumbaughs help the university and Kendall College of Arts & Sciences make a difference in students’ lives through student-centered learning and opportunities like the D’Arcy Internship Program. Estate gifts like those made by Brumbaughs leave a legacy of excellence for future UTulsa students, ensuring opportunities for generations of students to come.
Visit legacy.utulsa.edu to discover ways you can you make a gift of appreciated assets or an estate bequest to The University of Tulsa. This resource provides information such as an estate planning toolkit and more.
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