Collins College of Business Magazine

[ alumni News ] Historic scholarship established in honor of alumnus Dex Brown (BSBA '11) was a fun-loving hard worker with an endearing personality and countless friends from all walks of life. Dex was only about a year into a promising career in the energy industry when his life was cut short in a traffic accident June 2, 2012. He was 24. His tragic passing triggered a groundswell of sadness and support among his peers from TU's Energy Management program who wanted to honor Dex's life. Friends, alumni and students of the program rallied to create a scholarship in his name. The gifts ranged from $100 to $5,000. In only a matter of weeks, the scholarship fund reached $30,000. It is unheard of for students to raise this amount of money in such a short amount of time, according to development officials with TU. It's a testament to the lives Dex touched. "So many people loved Dex. It was just a reflection of how many people cared about him," said David Korell (BSBA '10), who helped organize the effort with fellow alumni Alex Peyton (BSBA '11) and Cole Carter (BSBA '11). "It was a tragedy, and people wanted to commemorate his life. He was an amazing person, and we are going to miss him." The Dex Brown Energy Management Memorial Scholarship will aid select Energy Management students each year at TU. At the annual Energy Management banquet in October, a toast was made in Dex's honor and even more funds were placed in Dex's motorcycle helmet on stage in a symbolic gesture to one of his favorite hobbies. Growing up in Pryor, Dex started riding dirt bikes at an early age with his father. Together, they would hit the trails and soak up the natural beauty around them. One of their favorite places to go was Taylor Park, Colorado, near the top of the Rocky Mountains. "We just did so much together," said Robert Brown. "I didn't just lose my son. I lost my best friend." The only thing they enjoyed more than riding dirt bikes was taking them apart, as well as other motorized toys. When Dex was 14, they completely rebuilt a CJ7 Jeep and later got into boats and diesel truck racing. Good with both his hands and his head, Dex excelled in high school. He was accepted into The University of Tulsa and was challenged by the rigorous academics. His work ethic, common sense and positive attitude carried him through. Upon graduation, Class Notes 1970s Don M. Powers (MBA '72) an Edmond, Okla. attorney, received the George Washington Honor Medal from the Freedoms Foundation of Valley Forge for his active support of the U.S. Constitution. Powers also presented his "Liberty & Freedom" lecture series covering the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution in Edmond. Don and his wife, G. Kay Powers, are managers of Powers at Law, LLC. Hank Haney (BS '77) wrote a book, The Big Miss: My Years Coaching Tiger Woods, about his years as Woods' swing coach. {24} Calvin Moniz ('06, '08), David Korell ('10), Ted Jacobs, Robert Brown (Dex's father) and RoseMary Brown (Dex's mother). he had a job waiting for him in the energy sector where he worked as a landman for about a year until his untimely death. His mother, RoseMary Brown, said in his short time on earth, Dex was able to positively impact so many lives. In the months following his passing, she said many people have told her that "Dex was my best friend." Dex's vast friendships and love of life become apparent when you visit the new Dex's Mexican Grill across the street from The University of Tulsa campus. RoseMary and a daughter opened the restaurant in Dex's honor. It's frequented by TU students, professors and people who never knew Dex. It's a place that allows Dex's uplifting spirit to continue. "He had strong Christian values and always put others before himself, with no expectations in return," said his mother. "He was sincerely a true friend to all. Never said a bad word about anyone. He didn't care what age, race, religion or gender ... All were treated equal by him. I believe Dex knew what his purpose was on earth, he had a specific destiny to fulfill and, he did just that." For more information on making a contribution to the Dex Brown Scholarship Fund please contact Calvin Moniz at calvin-moniz@ utulsa.edu, or 918-631-3111. ■

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