Largest donation in Mays Business School history to expand programs for future students

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) – The Mays Business School received its largest single donation in history Friday of $25 million.

The funds are from the school’s namesake, Lowry May’s, family foundation. The Mays Family Foundation and Lowry Mays ‘57 have been instrumental in making the business school what it is today and will be in the future.

New construction will be getting started with the donation for a new building. This will house expanded graduate programs, support increasing enrollment and enhance current programs.

Highlighted most Friday was the ability of this donation to propel the school to the top of national lists.

“I think about what it takes for a business school to rise to the top, you’ve got to have the best students. We have that,” Mays Dean Nate Sharp said. “You’ve got to have the best staff and faculty and we have that. You’ve got to have the best former students who believe in the vision and that’s really what today was about. We’ve brought together all of the ingredients that represent what it takes to move this business school to the top in our country and we’re excited about heading there.”

Presenting the donation was Lowery’s daughter, Kathy Mays Johnson and her daughter. The pair received multiple standing ovations during the announcement.

“Dad always credited A&M really as the most influential, playing the most influential role in his life. He always believed that. He learned here and it’s solidified his core values and the education he learned allowed him to go on and to be successful,” Mays Johnson said.

Also in attendance were Texas A&M System Chancellor John Sharp and Texas A&M Foundation President Tyson Voelkel.

“What makes a university excellent is philanthropy and that’s what Lowry’s doing with this business school. He vaulted it early on, beginning in 1996, to one of the best in the country. Before this is over with, he’ll make it the best,” Sharp said.

“I think philanthropy is all about the future because you believe in the possibility that maybe other people can, and if you’ve got a vision and the ability to help others and bring light to the world, that’s what this gift is all about. It’s about a brighter future for everybody that’s involved in business for the state, nation and world,” Voelkel said.

The Mays family has now donated a total of $72 million to Texas A&M.