NEWS
NORMAN, OKLA. – The University of Oklahoma is proud to announce a transformational $6 million gift from Oklahoma entrepreneurs and philanthropists Leo Mingee and Lauren Von Mingee, who have generously established a scholarship for first-generation students at the Price College of Business.
The Leo Mingee and Lauren Von Mingee First-Generation Business Scholars Fund will provide significant resources for business majors who are the first in their families to attend college, offering the kind of support that allows students to find their career callings without experiencing financial strain. The new fund is the largest scholarship endowment dedicated to supporting first-generation students at OU.
“The Mingees’ remarkable generosity provides our students with both tremendous financial support and the invaluable affirmation that someone believes in their potential,” said OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. “Lauren’s personal story shows future and present generations of entrepreneurs that it’s possible to make a difference for your community at any stage of your career, no matter your background, and that generosity is as valuable an asset as business acumen. Price College’s first-generation students will be inspired by her journey and thrive with her support.”
Lauren Von Mingee is owner and founder of Quintessa Marketing, a company that matches personal injury attorneys to clients. While her company is now tremendously successful, Lauren did not begin her career with much guidance and instead relied on her passion, determination and hard work to achieve her entrepreneurial dreams.
The Leo Mingee and Lauren Von Mingee First-Generation Business Scholars Fund reflects Leo and Lauren’s desires to share their own stories and support students who are forging their own paths through higher education. Eligible students will be able to receive the scholarship during all four years of their undergraduate experience at OU.
"I built Quintessa without a degree, but I know education changes lives. Today, we're creating opportunities that will echo through generations," said Lauren Von Mingee. "Our mission is to eliminate financial barriers to as many students as possible and allow them to dream bigger than they ever imagined."
The family’s gift is part of the university’s broader Lead On campaign, which seeks to raise
$500 million for student support. Contributions like the Mingees’ gift play a critical role in reaching and surpassing ambitious goals like this one. To date, donors have cumulatively contributed $327 million toward student support, a sum that will allow countless current and future students to experience an exceptional OU education.
The gift also fits into the Mingees’ expansive entrepreneurial and philanthropic ethos, which has driven them to donate 50% of their company’s profits to charity and to advocate for equal opportunity employment. These principles are reflected in Leo and Lauren’s vision for the scholarship, which will academically empower students, leave them with a profound sense of community responsibility and entrepreneurial spirit, and help them learn from Leo and Lauren’s journey to success.
About the University of Oklahoma
Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. As the state’s flagship university, OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation. OU was named the state’s highest-ranking university in U.S. News & World Report’s most recent Best Colleges list. For more information about the university, visit www.ou.edu.
About the OU Foundation
The University of Oklahoma Foundation is an independent charitable organization that facilitates and manages philanthropic gifts to support the University of Oklahoma. With a culture of integrity, skill and persistence, we align the passions of donors and our alumni with the indelible mission of the University of Oklahoma.
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