A gift of $50,000 has established the Judge Charles "Buzz" Goodwin Scholarship Fund with the hope that it will inspire other contributions honoring the former Western Oklahoma judge.
NORMAN – The University of Oklahoma Foundation has received a $50,000 gift to establish an endowed scholarship for OU College of Law students. The namesake gift was made in memory of the Honorable Charles “Buzz” Goodwin, a graduate of the OU College of Law who spent 24 years in western Oklahoma as a district judge. Goodwin died in 2017 after a lauded career as a lawyer and judge serving Western Oklahoma.
The donor who established the scholarship was a friend and former classmate of Judge Goodwin who made the generous gift with the hope that it may encourage others to honor him with additional contributions. The OU College of Law has set a goal for the fund to reach $125,000 by Aug. 1. The OU Foundation has established a giving link to simplify giving for those who wish to contribute directly to the scholarship fund (see below).
“Throughout his career, Judge Goodwin was widely respected for his earnest commitment to advancing justice and serving his community,” said OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. “This scholarship established in his honor is a testament to his character and ensures that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of law students.”
The scholarship endowment agreement allows the OU College of Law dean and the college’s scholarship selection committee to determine each year how best to use the funds, which could include recruitment, reward, financial need or some other individual student need. Priority consideration will be given to students from Judge Goodwin’s judicial district, including Ellis, Roger Mills, Beckham, Washita, Harmon, Greer and Custer counties. Additionally, priority consideration will be given to students who express a desire to practice in Western Oklahoma.
“Through this endowed scholarship, we are able to honor the kind, community-centric memory of the Honorable Charles L. ‘Buzz’ Goodwin,” said OU College of Law Dean Katheleen Guzman. “This generous gift affords access to a premier legal education to students who might otherwise have been unable to attend, and enhances our ability to support the next generation of lawyers and leaders committed to the justice and fairness marking Judge Goodwin’s legacy.”
Goodwin was born in Clinton, Oklahoma. He received his juris doctor from OU in 1962. He returned to Clinton and spent many years serving his hometown as a city councilman, city attorney and mayor. Goodwin loved the rolling hills of Western Oklahoma, where he chased quail, raised horses and enjoyed fishing for catfish. He was a tireless champion of both the Clinton Red Tornados and Oklahoma Sooners sports teams.
Goodwin worked to support and advance the justice system, serving as a practicing lawyer for 24 years and then, as district judge for 24 years from 1986 to 2010. During that time, he also served as a mentor to many other lawyers and judges. It is hoped that others who benefited from his counsel and friendship will contribute to the scholarship, thereby serving even more Western Oklahoma student beneficiaries. Judge Goodwin revered the United States Constitution and the men and women of the bar who spend their careers working for the fair and just administration of the law. As a judge and peer, he earned the affection and acclaim of lawyers across the state.
To make a contribution to the Judge Charles "Buzz" Goodwin Scholarship Fund, visit link.ou.edu/BuzzGoodwin or mail a check, made payable to the OU Foundation with “Goodwin Scholarship” in the memo line, to P.O. Box 258856, Oklahoma City, OK, 73125-8856.
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To learn more about the University of Oklahoma Foundation, visit www.oufoundation.org.