Frederic Dorwart, recipient of The University of Tulsa’s 2024 J. Paschal Twyman Award, has led a life of service since entering the U.S. Naval Academy 65 years ago. As tensions ran high on a global scale in the early 1960s, Dorwart dutifully served his country. He later graduated from Harvard Law before returning to his native Oklahoma as an attorney, where he has practiced law – and served our community – continuously since 1966.
Recipients of the Twyman Award, named after the late UTulsa president, are honored for their contributions to the university that go “far and above the call of duty.” During the past two decades, Dorwart has exemplified leadership and commitment to the university.
For 10 of those years, he actively served as a member of the TU Board of Trustees – two years as chair – and currently is a trustee emeritus. He is a member of the Chapman Legacy Society, Circle Society, President’s Council, Dean’s Advisory Board for the College of Law, and Friends of Finance, as well as a Hall of Fame inductee for Collins College of Business, College of Law, and the Golden Hurricane Club. Dorwart’s generosity further extends to the Tulsa Undergraduate Research Challenge and KWGS – Public Radio Tulsa.
Looking back on his years spent with TU, Dorwart is proud of all that’s been accomplished. “During my stint as chair of the TU Board,” he said, “I figured out that it takes six things to have a great university: beautiful campus; strong administration; talented, interested, and caring professors; fun student body; long tradition; and great results. TU checks all the boxes.
When asked about his unwavering dedication to the university, Dorwart explained it is a way of life. “Giving back to your community – whether you view the community as your neighborhood, city, state, or country – permits us all to live a more comfortable and rewarding life,” he said.
Dorwart said his parents were role models for his life of service. His father, a veteran of both World War I and World War II, was a physician who cared for his patients day and night, whether in their homes, their offices, or the hospital, serving them diligently, humbly, and always with compassion. His mother was “smart as a whip” and incredibly ambitious, earning a degree from the University of Virginia at a time when few women attended college.
More than anyone, though, Dorwart credits his late wife, Reine-Anne “Nanu” Dorwart, as his guiding light. “Nanu enabled me to do everything I have been able to do. I could have none of it without Nanu’s support. She made all the really hard decisions when I lacked the strength,” he said. “It would be trite, though true, to say that Nanu was and is my life.”
Dorwart founded Frederic Dorwart, Lawyers PLLC, 30 years ago and serves as president and trustee of the visionary George Kaiser Family Foundation, which is internationally known for championing early childhood education, assistance to the underserved, civic vibrancy, and cultural initiatives. His commitment was recognized by GKFF through a 2010 gift to establish the Frederic Dorwart Endowed Professorship in Law at UTulsa, further advancing opportunities for students.
Dorwart also was organizing trustee of Tulsa Community Foundation and served 30 years as general counsel for Bank of Oklahoma. In each of these roles, he called upon himself and those around him to do right by others who may be less fortunate. He generously devotes time and resources to organizations across the city.
Dorwart is a fan of all things Tulsa, attending Golden Hurricane contests and Tulsa Opera performances, frequenting the Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan centers, and dining at the Wild Fork in Utica Square and Prossimo on Cherry Street. He said his most rewarding work away from campus includes massive and impactful GKFF projects such as revitalizing the Tulsa Arts District and constructing Gathering Place along Riverside.
In all, Dorwart encourages UTulsa students to pursue a career that brings them joy and then pour their hearts into it. Someday, they, too, may be recognized for meaningful work that graces the lives of others.
Dorwart will be honored during the 2024 Homecoming activities Oct. 24-27.