Houston Couple Gives $6 Million to Engineering, Football

“My mother was a lifetime educator – the first of four educators in the family,” he said referring to his sisters, who, like their husbands, are all Lamar graduates. “I’ve been very fortunate, and part of being very fortunate is to give back. That is what today is all about.”

Lamar has been through some tough times, Smith said, “but it’s moving now like it’s never moved before. Just to be part of that is very, very exciting for us. What Jack has done with this department has been fantastic. The growth rate is great. I’d put Lamar engineering graduates up against anybody from any university.”