The Professor Eric B. Jensen Memorial Scholarship in Law

Professor Eric B. Jensen joined the faculty of The University of Tulsa College of Law in 1975, and he quickly became a favorite among TU Law students. His dean at the time, Frank Read, said his teaching style was both entertaining and demanding, and that he was a master of the Socratic technique, the art of teaching students to think on their feet. His student evaluations were rave reviews, and students gave him the nickname “Cubby,” which was intended to express their great affection for him. It was a name he loved. Dean Read drafted him to be his assistant dean in 1978, and Jensen also excelled as an administrator. In his scholarly writing, this Harvard Law-educated professor was quickly becoming one of the nation’s premier authorities on water and natural resources law. While accomplishing so much, Professor Jensen passed away suddenly at the age of 38 in the spring of 1980, leaving behind his beloved wife, three young sons, and many saddened friends, colleagues and students. The Spring 1980 issue of the Tulsa Law Review was dedicated to his memory, with a moving tribute written by Frank Read.

Gifts to this fund will be used to establish The Professor Eric B. Jensen Memorial Endowed Law Scholarship. The annually distributed income from this endowment shall be used to fund scholarships for full-time law students, with a preference for those who begin their law studies in the summer semester.

Glenn W. Oltman (JD ’81) was one of the fortunate law students to be taught by Professor Jensen. Oltman entered TU Law through a conditional-admission summer program that was offered by the college at the time. He excelled in his studies during that summer, thanks in large part to the kindness of Professor Jensen. Oltman launched a fulfilling law career after his graduation, establishing a law firm in Tulsa, which was known as Glenn W. Oltman, Attorney-at-Law. Glenn now wishes to pay tribute to his former professor by establishing a scholarship fund in his name for students who begin their studies at the TU College of Law during the summer semester.

 

Oltman’s friend and law school classmate, Robert “Rob” MacDermid (JD ’81), also wishes to join in this tribute to Professor Eric Jensen. MacDermid is a U.S. Navy veteran who pursued a fulfilling career as a general practice attorney in Silverdale, Washington. He also remembers Professor Jensen with great respect and admiration.

Glenn W. Oltman (JD ’81) and Robert “Rob” MacDermid (JD ’81) wish to create an endowed scholarship fund in honor of Professor Eric B. Jensen at The University of Tulsa College of Law.