Patti & Chris Dean

Patti Dean (BA '77) was the first person in her family to attend college. The University of Tulsa introduced her to lifelong friends and a passion for English literature. "The English department was incredibly gifted," she said. "They taught me to be creative, express that creativity and apply it to a profession outside the college arena."

Patti and her husband Chris remembered struggling financially during their college years. "I worked as a resident assistant at Lottie Jane Mabee Hall just to help pay for books and tuition," Dean said.

While juggling multiple jobs, Dean never slowed down academically. "I was determined to get the best education I could," she said. Dean worked in marketing for American Express, but a few years ago, she retired and move to Arkansas to be near family.

Patti and Chris are both leaving a bequest for each of their respective institutions in their will and trust, which will support student scholarships. "We want to give the gift of education to another person who struggled financially as we did to put ourselves through college," Dean explained.

Planned giving is an opportunity to give the gift of education, and like Patti and Chris Dean, the gift will last a lifetime.