ADA, Okla. – East Central University alumnus, Donald Orr, is set to be honored at ECU’s Evening of Honors and Recognition, May 1 at 6 p.m. in the ECU Foundation Hall, located inside the Chickasaw Business & Conference Center.

A 1966 graduate of Sulphur High School, Orr enlisted in the U.S. Navy after graduation and served until 1969, the same year he enrolled at ECU.

Orr graduated from ECU in 1973 with honors, earning a Bachelor of Science (B.A.Sc). in Accounting. He would later earn his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certificate in 1975.

Following the completion of his education, Orr was hired by Peat Marwick Mitchell & Co (currently KPMG), remaining there from 1973-1978 and leaving as Tax Manager.

In 1978, Orr joined Finley & Cook, PLLC in Shawnee, Oklahoma, where he would spend the remainder of his career. Over the course of 35 years, he played a vital role in the firm’s growth and success, ultimately serving as Managing Partner. Upon his retirement in 2013, the firm had grown to employ more than 200 individuals.

Throughout his career, Orr remained actively involved in the accounting profession. He served as president of the Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants from 2005-2006 and chaired numerous committees, including the Tax Committee and Accounting Careers Committee. In recognition of his contributions to the profession, he was inducted into the Oklahoma Accounting Hall of Fame in 2008.

Orr also contributed his time and expertise on a national level through the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, serving on numerous committees and acting as a liaison with the AICPA Council for the Oklahoma Society of CPAs. He also served as chairperson for the Tax Practice Guides Task Force.

A dedicated supporter of ECU, Orr has remained engaged with his alma mater through a variety of leadership roles. He served as president of the ECU Alumni Association and as chairman of the ECU Foundation Board. Additionally, he played an active role in recruiting ECU graduates for positions at both Peat Marwick Mitchell & Co. and Finley & Cook. His family also shares a strong connection to the university, as his daughter, Leah O’Rorke, earned her Master of Education from ECU.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Orr has demonstrated a strong commitment to civic and charitable service. He served on his church board for a number years and taught an adult Sunday school class. He has also been involved with the Shawnee Rescue Mission and served as a certified search and rescue member with the Minuteman Disaster Response Team.

Orr currently serves on the board of Bethany Children’s Health Center, where he is a member of the executive committee and serves as chair of the finance committee. In this role, he has been involved in a major $170 million outpatient building project.

Orr considers his greatest personal achievement to be his family. He and his wife, Loma, his childhood sweetheart, recently celebrated 56 years of marriage. Together, they have two children, Leah and Dillon, and five grandchildren.

To purchase tickets for ECU Evening of Honors and Recognition, visit tinyurl.com/9ckajkf7 or contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@ecok.edu or at 580-559-5724. Advanced tickets are recommended.

-ECU-