Douglas N. Schantz, right, presented James McFarland with a gift of $25,000 for the Tulane Energy Institute at a reception on March 4.
Douglas N. Schantz, president of Sequent Energy Management, died in New Orleans on March 5 after apparently falling accidentally into the Mississippi River.
Schantz, who served on the board of the Tulane Energy Institute, had been in New Orleans to present a gift of $25,000 to the institute as well as award two scholarships to Freeman students seeking careers in the energy industry.
Schantz, a Tulane parent, was largely responsible for establishing the close relationship that exists today between Sequent and Freeman. In 2006, Sequent began actively recruiting Freeman students for positions in the company, including its prestigious rotational program. Over the last four years, Sequent has hired eight Freeman School graduates, more than any other energy company. Schantz also served as a guest speaker, sharing his insights and experience with students.
Since 2007, Sequent has donated more than $100,000 to the Tulane Energy Institute in addition to sponsoring a scholarship program for students seeking careers in the energy industry. Six Freeman students have earned the $2,500 scholarships over the past four years.
“Doug had the vision of building a truly outstanding long-term, mutually beneficial business-university partnership,” said James W. McFarland, executive director of the Tulane Energy Institute. “He understood that we had to engage a significant number of people from Sequent/AGL and Tulane in a broad range of activities. Doug’s leadership resulted in the creation of a partnership that we use as a role model in working with other companies. Doug generously shared his wisdom, energy, advice and time with us, but most importantly Doug was a great friend.”
Schantz is survived by his wife, Lori E. Schantz, and three children, Michael B. Schantz, Brittany E. Schantz (BSM ’10) and Matthew P. Schantz. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Texas EquuSearch. Donations may be made online at http://texasequusearch.org.
