The University of Tulsa’s Office recently released bios of students who will be honored for outstanding achievements at the university’s homecoming. Garland High School graduate, Danita Mathew, biochemistry major, is a member and leader of various campus organizations including Peer Health Educators, The Society of Women Minorities in Medicine, Peer Mentors, Future Alumni Council, TEDxUTulsa and American Red Cross.
“The opportunities provided to me at TU helped me realize that public health was my passion, allowing me to transcend beyond the walls of the university to serve the community,” Mathew said. “I realize how much the opportunities at Tulsa University have grown my scientific abilities, leadership skills and global perspectives.”
Mathew added that she wants to use the skills that she has built in her TU experience to continue growing as a leader in healthcare as a future physician and contribute to further research in the field of public health.
“Ultimately, I want to use these experiences to give back and connect with future students through mentorship as an alumna to show them that they, too, can change the world,” Mathew said.
About the University of Tulsa
The University of Tulsa fosters a diverse campus life that gives students close connections with faculty who are leaders in their fields. It is a Top 100 private research university and No. 79 among all best value universities in the U.S.
University History
The University of Tulsa began in 1882 as a small Presbyterian School for Indian Girls in Muskogee, Indian Territory. In 1894, the Board of Home Missions of the Presbyterian Church elevated the academy’s status. At that time, it was chartered as Henry Kendall College. The name honored the first general secretary of the Home Missions Board. Classes began Sept. 12, 1894.
The school’s land was later sold because of financial difficulties, and the college moved to Tulsa in 1907. A few years later, a new college was proposed for Tulsa. It was to be named after oilman Robert M. McFarlin. However, Tulsa wasn’t large enough for two colleges. So, Henry Kendall College officials proposed that the contemplated McFarlin College and Kendall College become one institution. The name would be “The University of Tulsa.” A charter was approved in 1920. TU now operates as an independent, nondenominational university.