Robert E. Norman Establishes Endowments to Support Tulsa Football and Men's Basketball
9/3/2026 3:00:00 PM | Football, Tulsa Hurricane, Men's Basketball
TULSA, Oklahoma – Longtime University of Tulsa supporter Robert E. "Bob" Norman has made a significant gift to Golden Hurricane Athletics, establishing two endowed funds that will provide lasting support for the Tulsa football and men's basketball programs.
The gift establishes the Robert E. Norman Endowed Assistance Fund for the Golden Hurricane Football Team and the Robert E. Norman Endowed Assistance Fund for the Golden Hurricane Men's Basketball Team. Annual distributions from the endowments will provide resources to support student-athletes and advance competitive excellence within both programs.
Norman's commitment continues a more than four-decade relationship with The University of Tulsa and reflects his longstanding belief in the impact of the student-athlete experience.
"Bob's commitment to The University of Tulsa and Golden Hurricane Athletics has had a profound positive influence over the years, and we are tremendously grateful for his continued generosity," said Vice President and Director of Athletics Justin Moore. "These endowments will have a lasting impact on our football and men's basketball student-athletes and provide important resources for our programs for generations to come. Bob understands firsthand the value of the student-athlete experience, and his willingness to invest in the next generation is incredibly meaningful to all of us at Tulsa."
Norman's passion for collegiate athletics began during his own experience as a student-athlete. He attended Arkansas Tech University, where he joined the football program as a walk-on before earning a scholarship. It was also at Arkansas Tech where he met his wife, Sandra, who was his partner in life for more than 60 years before her passing in 2022.
The Normans' commitment to creating opportunities for student-athletes has long been a part of their relationship with Tulsa. In 2011, they established the Robert and Sandra Norman Student-Athlete Scholarship Endowment Fund to provide others with the opportunity to experience collegiate athletics while pursuing their education.
A successful businessman who owned industrial manufacturing companies in Oklahoma, Texas, North Carolina and Arkansas, Norman has supported The University of Tulsa and Golden Hurricane Athletics with his time, leadership and philanthropy since 1983.
His service to the university includes membership on The University of Tulsa Board of Trustees from 2005 to 2011. He has remained connected to the board as a trustee emeritus since 2012. Norman also continues to support Golden Hurricane Athletics through the Golden Hurricane Champions Fund as a member of the Hall of Fame Society.
"The University of Tulsa is strengthened by alumni and friends like Bob Norman, whose generosity creates opportunities that extend far beyond the playing field," said President Stacy Leeds (J.D. '97), who also was an NCAA student-athlete. "His investment in our programs reflects a deep belief in the power of education, mentorship and leadership, and we are incredibly grateful for Bob's continued commitment to TU."
The Norman family's connection to the university extends across generations. Three of Bob's siblings attended UTulsa, two of Bob and Sandra's four children are alumni, and their grandson is also an alumnus.
Bob and Sandra's longstanding generosity and service to the university have been recognized through their membership in the Chapman Legacy Society, Circle Society and President's Council.
Norman's gift is part of the continued commitment of alumni, friends and supporters who believe in the future of Golden Hurricane Athletics and the transformational power of the student-athlete experience.
Those interested in joining Bob Norman in supporting Tulsa Athletics can learn more by calling (918-631-3093) or emailing ( amg8250@utulsa.edu) Aaron Goodrich. Every gift helps provide resources and opportunities for Golden Hurricane student-athletes and strengthens the future of Tulsa Athletics.
The gift establishes the Robert E. Norman Endowed Assistance Fund for the Golden Hurricane Football Team and the Robert E. Norman Endowed Assistance Fund for the Golden Hurricane Men's Basketball Team. Annual distributions from the endowments will provide resources to support student-athletes and advance competitive excellence within both programs.
Norman's commitment continues a more than four-decade relationship with The University of Tulsa and reflects his longstanding belief in the impact of the student-athlete experience.
"Bob's commitment to The University of Tulsa and Golden Hurricane Athletics has had a profound positive influence over the years, and we are tremendously grateful for his continued generosity," said Vice President and Director of Athletics Justin Moore. "These endowments will have a lasting impact on our football and men's basketball student-athletes and provide important resources for our programs for generations to come. Bob understands firsthand the value of the student-athlete experience, and his willingness to invest in the next generation is incredibly meaningful to all of us at Tulsa."
Norman's passion for collegiate athletics began during his own experience as a student-athlete. He attended Arkansas Tech University, where he joined the football program as a walk-on before earning a scholarship. It was also at Arkansas Tech where he met his wife, Sandra, who was his partner in life for more than 60 years before her passing in 2022.
The Normans' commitment to creating opportunities for student-athletes has long been a part of their relationship with Tulsa. In 2011, they established the Robert and Sandra Norman Student-Athlete Scholarship Endowment Fund to provide others with the opportunity to experience collegiate athletics while pursuing their education.
A successful businessman who owned industrial manufacturing companies in Oklahoma, Texas, North Carolina and Arkansas, Norman has supported The University of Tulsa and Golden Hurricane Athletics with his time, leadership and philanthropy since 1983.
His service to the university includes membership on The University of Tulsa Board of Trustees from 2005 to 2011. He has remained connected to the board as a trustee emeritus since 2012. Norman also continues to support Golden Hurricane Athletics through the Golden Hurricane Champions Fund as a member of the Hall of Fame Society.
"The University of Tulsa is strengthened by alumni and friends like Bob Norman, whose generosity creates opportunities that extend far beyond the playing field," said President Stacy Leeds (J.D. '97), who also was an NCAA student-athlete. "His investment in our programs reflects a deep belief in the power of education, mentorship and leadership, and we are incredibly grateful for Bob's continued commitment to TU."
The Norman family's connection to the university extends across generations. Three of Bob's siblings attended UTulsa, two of Bob and Sandra's four children are alumni, and their grandson is also an alumnus.
Bob and Sandra's longstanding generosity and service to the university have been recognized through their membership in the Chapman Legacy Society, Circle Society and President's Council.
Norman's gift is part of the continued commitment of alumni, friends and supporters who believe in the future of Golden Hurricane Athletics and the transformational power of the student-athlete experience.
Those interested in joining Bob Norman in supporting Tulsa Athletics can learn more by calling (918-631-3093) or emailing ( amg8250@utulsa.edu) Aaron Goodrich. Every gift helps provide resources and opportunities for Golden Hurricane student-athletes and strengthens the future of Tulsa Athletics.
Visit www.TulsaHurricane.com for the latest news and information on the football program. Fans can also follow the program on social media by searching 'TulsaFootball' on X, Facebook and Instagram.
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