University of Tulsa Law Receives $1 Million Gift for New Professorship

The University of Tulsa's College of Law is celebrating a remarkable milestone following a generous gift of $1 million from the Cresap Family Foundation. This significant contribution will be utilized to establish the Philip J. and Monece S. Eller Endowed Professorship in Complex Transactional Law.

This endowed position symbolizes both the long-standing relationship between the Eller family and the university as well as the foundation’s commitment to bolstering legal education in Oklahoma. Phil Eller, a distinguished graduate of the University of Tulsa, co-founded the law firm Eller Detrich in 1979. His professional journey has included tenure as an adjunct professor at the College of Law, where he imparted valuable knowledge on commercial real estate and complex transactional law. Alongside him, his wife, Mece Eller, also holds degrees from UTulsa, further underscoring their deep-rooted connection to the institution.

The Cresap Family Foundation, managed by Denny, Gail, and John Cresap, emphasizes a vision of philanthropy focused on enhancing the quality of life for residents in Oklahoma and beyond. Their decision to donate reflects the profound impact Phil has had professionally and personally. John Cresap commented, "The foundation is excited that this professorship will not only enhance the College of Law's curriculum but also improve student employability in an increasingly competitive legal landscape."

The new endowed professorship will focus specifically on preparing students for careers in complex transactional areas such as mergers and acquisitions as well as commercial real estate. This initiative is anticipated to greatly bolster the College's ability to attract renowned faculty and legal scholars, ensuring students receive top-tier education that prepares them for successful careers in law.

In an expression of gratitude, Phil Eller remarked, "Mece and I are sincerely grateful for the close friendship we share with the Cresap family. This tremendous gift is poised to foster long-term positive effects on the College of Law."

With the Cresap Family Foundation’s mission aimed at advancing educational opportunities, healthcare, youth welfare, arts, and humanities, this donation stands testament to a culture of giving that prioritizes community improvement.

Rick Dickson, the Interim President of UTulsa, expressed his deep appreciation for this significant contribution. "We are profoundly grateful to the Cresap Family Foundation for enabling UTulsa Law to continually draw and retain exceptional faculty members. Our goal is to ensure students have unfettered access to professors who influence not just by sharing knowledge but by inspiring excellence in their careers. Recognizing Phil and Mece Eller is indeed appropriate, as they epitomize committed loyalty and service to the university."

This generous donation is expected to make substantial improvements not only in educational quality at the University of Tulsa's College of Law but also in the broader legal community by fostering a new generation of well-prepared legal professionals.

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