OU names Dept. of Mathematics in honor of gift
NORMAN – The University of Oklahoma will receive an extraordinary estate gift from longtime supporters David and Judi Proctor that will ensure OU’s excellence continues to be affordable, attainable and accessible for students from all backgrounds.
The Proctors’ gift includes a $7 million irrevocable contribution to the Department of Mathematics in the Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences. In appreciation of this gift and its potential to transform STEM education university-wide, the OU Board of Regents has approved the naming of the department to the David and Judi Proctor Department of Mathematics.
“This transformational gift from David and Judi Proctor ensures that students who have the ability to succeed at the University of Oklahoma also have the opportunity,” said OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. “The Proctors’ generous past and commitment to OU’s future are a testament to their belief that an OU education can have a life-changing impact. David Proctor overcame many challenges to earn an undergraduate degree in mathematics at OU – gaining the fortitude and expertise that would one day be put into action when he used his skills to help bring three Apollo 13 crew members safely back to Earth after a mission failure. It is a privilege to have OU’s math department named in honor of David and Judi’s extraordinary dedication and achievements.”
David Proctor rose from humble beginnings in Seminole, Oklahoma. After earning his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from OU, he pursued graduate studies at Stanford University. He went on to have an outstanding career in aerospace and computer industries, including serving in a number of executive positions at IBM. He coded the lunar descent maneuvers for the Apollo 11 and Apollo 13 missions, and he and his team earned the Presidents Medal of Freedom for ensuring the safe return of the Apollo 13 astronauts. Judi Proctor also had a successful marketing career at IBM and shares David’s passion for OU.
In addition to the naming gift, two new endowments will be created in the Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences and the Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts that will bridge the funding gap for students who receive Oklahoma’s Promise tuition assistance. While Oklahoma’s Promise allows qualifying students to earn free college tuition, many are unable to cover costs for fees, books, supplies, housing or other needs not covered by the program. The magnitude of annual endowment distributions from the Proctors’ new scholarships will fully cover these expenses for students in both the Dodge Family and Weitzenhoffer Family colleges.
The Proctors’ donation will also significantly increase existing scholarship endowments in the Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences and the Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts, which were created in memory of their sons, David Michael Proctor and Matthew David Proctor, both of whom died tragically as young adults.
“David and Judi Proctor’s generous and heartfelt support has transformed the lives of our students, providing them with expanded opportunities for success,” said David Wrobel, dean of the Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences.