The Texas A&M University – Mays Business School recently received the largest financial commitment in the school’s history—a $25 million promise from the Mays Family Foundation.
The Mays Family Foundation has made a lifetime financial commitment of $47 million to the university, which began with a $15 million commitment in 1996 which led to the changing of the business school’s name.
The new $25 million commitment will open a number of new doors of opportunity for Mays students. The gift will establish the Lowry Mays Entrepreneurial Leadership Academy program as part of the Center for New Ventures and Entrepreneurship, which will help support several components of Mays’ commitment to innovation education. This will also aid in expanding the school’s headquarters, the Wehner Building, as well as increasing study abroad opportunities.
The Mays Family Foundation dates back to 1994 and was established by Lowry Mays, a 1957 graduate of the business school at Texas A&M, and his wife Peggy. After graduation from Texas A&M, Mays went on to be founder of Clear Channel Communications. He has also demonstrated a continued engagement with the business school, serving two non-consecutive terms on the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents.
As a result of their giving, the school was able to create the Peggy and Lowry Mays Impact Award, and named them as its first recipients. The award continues to honor those who have positively impacted the school through their leadership and generosity.
“Lowry Mays is a great example of Mays Transformational Leaders: Responsible, ethical leaders with entrepreneurial mindsets and vision, who have strong business competencies and personify selfless service,” said Eli Jones, Dean of Mays Business School. “We continually strive to live up to the honor of bearing his name.”