Scott Oki, a retired Microsoft executive, announced on Apr. 2 a significant gift to support the J. Fleming Norvell Golf Scholarship at Augusta University in honor of his late friend, J. Fleming Norvell.
The donation is intended to help future student-athletes at Augusta University and pays tribute to the long-distance friendship between Oki and Norvell, which was rooted in shared values and a mutual love for golf.
Oki recalled their first meeting through service on the National Science Center board, despite living on opposite sides of the country. “Maybe it was that southern hospitality he had going on, but, boy, I’ll tell you, Fleming was a great ambassador for Augusta,” Oki said during a February Zoom call. He described Norvell as gracious and respectful: “He never spoke badly about anyone or anything. There was a lot of respect there.” The two bonded over rounds at Augusta National Golf Club after Norvell invited Oki to play following board meetings.
Norvell’s legacy includes his dedication to God, family, community, investment business expertise spanning five decades with Robinson-Humphrey Company, and deep involvement with Augusta University’s golf programs—helping establish its women’s team and supporting the construction of the J. Fleming Norvell Golf House.
Oki also has strong ties to philanthropy and education through initiatives like Densho: The Japanese American Legacy Project—a digital oral history project he founded after retiring from Microsoft—and several educational endowments honoring those who influenced his life path. “My life post-Microsoft has been mostly nonprofit philanthropic,” said Oki.
Reflecting on why he supports scholarships like this one honoring Norvell’s memory at Augusta University, Oki said: “I believe education is a bedrock for society.” He hopes recipients will appreciate both their opportunities and the example set by community leaders such as Norvell.
