University Community Remembers the Legacy of Alumnus Charles Scharlau

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Charles Scharlau

Charles Scharlau, a beloved alumnus and friend of the U of A, passed away on June 18, 2021, at the age of 94. He was proceeded in death by his wife of more than 50 years, Clydene, who passed away in 2012.

U of A System President Donald R. Bobbitt, who holds the Charles E. Scharlau Presidential Leadership Chair, said, “My wife, Susan, and I were saddened to learn about the passing of the late Charles E. Scharlau. He and his late wife, Clydene, were generous benefactors and dedicated countless hours of volunteer service to many causes at institutions and organizations across the UA System. Charles was an outstanding and thoughtful chair and member of the Board of Trustees, and the UA System will continue to benefit from his legacy of service. We will truly miss his presence in our lives and the genuine kindness that he always displayed. 

“Charles was known for many things – his business acumen, philanthropy and service to Arkansas. But his most important attribute to those close to him was his devotion to his family and many friends. I learned countless lessons from Charles over the years, the most important of which had nothing to do with my position as president. He was an individual I continue to try to emulate, though I frequently fall short.”

Charles Scharlau (left) and his lifelong friend, Charles Stewart at the Golden Gala.

Scharlau grew up in Mountain Home and joined the Marines when he was 17. He was a World War II veteran and utilized the G.I. Bill to earn a law degree from the School of Law at the U of A in 1951, where he met his college roommate – and lifelong friend – Charles Stewart. “The Charleses,” as they were affectionately called by the law school, regularly attended the Golden Gala, which celebrated alumni who had graduated in the last 50 years or more. Stewart passed away in February 2021, but their friendship was a testament to some of the lifelong friendships that have developed through the school.

Dean Margaret Sova McCabe reflected, “I met Charles Scharlau at my first Razorbacks football game,where I quickly learned of his passion for not only football, but the university and its law school. He made us feel so welcome in Fayetteville. Charles was a joy to see at gatherings – he always had an encouraging word or sage advice. We will miss him very much and deeply appreciate his longstanding support for the law school.”

Scharlau became the first lawyer employed at Arkansas Western Gas Company and eventually served as vice president, president and chief executive officer before retiring in 1998. In his 47 years with the company, he helped build Arkansas Western Gas into Southwestern Energy Corp., taking it from a small distribution company to one of the nation’s leaders in exploration and natural gas providers.

His involvement on and off campus was unmatched. He served as a member of the U of A Board of Trustees from 1997 to 2007 and was the board chair for the 2005-2006 academic year. He also served two terms as president of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and three terms as chair of the board of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce. 

At the U of A’s Fayetteville campus, Scharlau served on the Board of Advisors, the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century Steering Committee, the UA Foundation Board, Razorback Foundation Board, the Campaign Arkansas Steering Committee and the Campaign Arkansas Committee for the Honors College. He was a past president of the Arkansas Alumni Association, as well as a life member. 

He also received numerous awards for his dedication to the university and his success in business. In 1989, he was named the volunteer of the year, and in 1990, he received the Citation of Distinguished Alumni. In 2012, he received the Andrew J. Lucas Alumni Service Award and was inducted into the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame in 2017. In 2020, he was named the honorary degree recipient for Spring Commencement.

Charles and Clydene Scharlau were generous donors to the university and established the Charles E. and Clydene Scharlau Endowed Professorship in Chemistry in 2002, along with the Charles E. and Clydene Scharlau Endowed Acquisitions Fund for the School of Law and the Charles E. and Clydene Scharlau Endowed Acquisitions Fund for the University Libraries. Scharlau consistently supported the chemistry and biochemistry department in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, as well as the School of Law Dean’s Fund for Excellence, the Sam M. Walton College of Business, the Speech and Hearing Clinic in the College of Education and Health Professions, University Libraries and the Chancellor’s Society. 

“Throughout his involvement with the university, Charles always remained dedicated to our advancement efforts,” said Mark Power, vice chancellor for advancement. “He encouraged us and supported us in many ways – especially through his philanthropy and his generous spirit. He was an incredible leader and pillar of our community, as well as a remarkable friend. He will be deeply missed.”

The Scharlaus were included in the Towers of Old Main at the gold level, and Charles was recognized as a Thoroughred for his 17 years of consecutive giving to the university.  

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among fewer than 3% of colleges and universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.