Top of Page
Search Content:
Close Site Search
Register Here
Login
Support
Menu
Connect
Chapters and Clubs
Social Connections
TU Mentoring Program
Campus Community Links
TU Office of Diversity & Engagement
Law Alumni
Black Alumni Leadership Council
Online Community
Update Your Information
Volunteer Opportunities
Class Notes
In Memoriam
News & Events
Events Calendar
News
Publications
Benefits
CaneCareers
Refer A Student
Campus Services
McFarlin Library
Transcripts & Diplomas
Continuing Educational Opportunities
TU Credit Card
Traditions
Homecoming 2024
TU Uncorked
TU 'Cane Crawl
TU Day of Service
TU History
Honors & Awards
Ringing of the Bell
Heritage Collection
Kendallabrum
About Us
Alumni Association Board of Directors
Office of Alumni Engagement
Campus
TU Spirit
Golden Hurricane History
Alma Mater & Fight Song
Wear Blue
TU Merchandise
TU Athletics
Make A Gift
Search Content:
Connect
Chapters and Clubs
Tulsa Chapter
Locate a Chapter or Club
Lead an Alumni Club
Resources for Chapters and Clubs
Law Alumni Association
Social Connections
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Instagram
TU Mentoring Program
Mentor Guide
Mentee Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Resources
Campus Community Links
Golden Hurricane Club
Law Alumni Association
Letterwinner's Association
Young Alumni
Student Connections
Future Alumni Council
Support an Alumni-Owned Business
TU Office of Diversity & Engagement
Law Alumni
Law Alumni Traditions
Law Alumni Association Board of Directors
Black Alumni Leadership Council
Online Community
Update Your Profile
Online Directory
Member Photos
Privacy Policy
Update Your Information
Volunteer Opportunities
Class Notes
View Class Notes
Submit Class Note
In Memoriam
News & Events
Events Calendar
News
Publications
Benefits
CaneCareers
Refer A Student
Campus Services
McFarlin Library
Transcripts & Diplomas
Continuing Educational Opportunities
TU Credit Card
Traditions
Homecoming 2024
TU Uncorked
TU 'Cane Crawl
Purchase Tickets
Sponsors
Committee
TU Day of Service
TU History
Honors & Awards
Distinguished Alumni
J. Paschal Twyman Award
Mr. or Ms. Homecoming
Jess Chouteau Outstanding Seniors
Top Ten Freshmen
Charles S. Monroe Chapter of the Year
Ringing of the Bell
Heritage Collection
1907-1919
1920-1929
1930-1939
1940-1949
1950-1959
1960-1969
1970-1979
1980-1989
1990-1999
2000-2009
Kendallabrum
About Us
Alumni Association Board of Directors
Alumni Association Board of Directors
Black Alumni Leadership Council
Office of Alumni Engagement
Campus
Campus Map
Directions
Virtual Tour
TU Spirit
Golden Hurricane History
Alma Mater & Fight Song
Wear Blue
TU Merchandise
TU Athletics
Make A Gift
Register Here
Login
Support
2013 — Don and Pat Hardin
Home
Honors & Awards
J. Paschal Twyman Award
There’s an authentic Southern charm reflected in the university support and civic involvement of Don and Pat Hardin. The native Georgia couple first discovered Golden Hurricane athletics and Tulsa’s philanthropic scene after moving to Tulsa for a job opportunity. Four decades later, their presence around the community and on TU’s campus is stronger than ever.
In the early 1970s, Don worked to establish his career at CCI Corporation in Tulsa while Pat took on responsibilities at their local church and the school their two sons attended. As long-time sports enthusiasts, the Hardin family soon found themselves sitting in the stands at TU basketball and football games.
“The more events we attended, the more people we met,” Don says. “It was a gradual process, but we enjoyed developing TU relationships and getting more involved.”
Most recently, the Hardins contributed to renovations in the women’s basketball locker room, but their love of sports goes well beyond basketball. The Hardins’ initial support as athletic boosters has grown to embrace multiple projects within the TU Department of Athletics and across campus. Through involvement in the Golden Hurricane Club, Don and Pat have generously invested in improvement projects at the Reynolds Center, Case Athletic Complex and H.A. Chapman Stadium. Pat served as a Golden Hurricane Club board member for eight years, and the couple cochaired the Embrace the Future Campaign’s Athletics Committee. In conjunction with the campaign, they established scholarship endowments designated for TU student-athletes.
“We like the fact that TU connects scholarship donors and recipients,” Pat says. “It’s important to put a name with a face because that’s what we’re all about — aiding the students with their collegiate careers. If they’re athletes, that’s a bonus.”
Don, an owner of CCI Corporation, retired upon the sale of the company in 2008. However, the Hardins’ schedule shows no signs of slowing down. They are still active members of Asbury United Methodist Church and strongly support many other civic organizations such as the Parent Child Center of Tulsa. Other ventures include part ownership in Tulsa’s WNBA team, the Tulsa Shock.
“Our philanthropy efforts are based on faith, children’s issues, education and athletics,” Pat says. “Through our involvement at TU, we can combine a lot of those initiatives.”
The ultimate sports fans, Don and Pat follow as many Golden Hurricane teams as possible, a luxury not available at Don’s alma mater of Georgia State. However, the Hardins also are proud of TU’s high academic standards.
“TU is a special university. It’s small and kind of the underdog, competing with bigger schools in every way,” Don says. “But that’s what we like about it. TU can hold its own on the athletic field or in the classroom.”
In recognition of their outstanding contributions, TU is pleased to recognize the Hardins with the J. Paschal Twyman Award.
“We are honored to receive this award named after J. Paschal Twyman who was a great leader for TU and whose legacy continues through the years,” they said.
Year-round, the Hardins enjoy cheering on the Golden Hurricane and supporting TU’s continued enhancements across campus.