‘One Spirit, One Vision’

Dallas couple commits
$1 million to Texas A&M
   


Sondra and Ronald L. Skaggs of Plano have committed a $1 million deferred gift to Texas A&M University to benefit the College of Architecture, the Corps of Cadets and The Association of Former Students.

The gift will establish the Sondra and Ronald Skaggs '65 Endowed Fund, which will support graduate fellowships for architectural study abroad; the Sondra and Ronald Skaggs ’65 Endowed Commandant's Discretionary Fund for the Corps of Cadets; and, through The Association of Former Students, the Sondra and Ronald Skaggs '65 Endowed Opportunity Awards.

Ronald Skaggs, who received bachelor's and master's degrees from the College of Architecture, is chairman of HKS Architects in Dallas.

“By providing international learning opportunities for our students, Ron and Sondra's generous gift advances the college's global agenda,” said J. Thomas Regan, dean of the College of Architecture. “Study abroad programs provide unique experiences, widening our graduates' global perspective and better preparing them to positively impact the world's built environment.”

“Texas A&M has affected our lives in so many ways. This commitment allows us to give something back,” said Ronald Skaggs, who is also a fellow in the American Institute of Architects. “What makes Texas A&M special, in addition to what you learn in the classroom and the architecture studio, is the ‘other education’ — life outside of the classroom and as former students. That is so much a part of the Aggie experience.”

He holds the designation of outstanding alumnus of the College of Architecture and is a director of the Association of Former Students. He received his bachelor's degree in 1966 and master's in 1967. In 1972, he joined what was formerly Harwood K. Smith and Partners, and established the firm's specialized focus in health care. Today HKS is one of the largest health-care architects in the United States.
     The Skaggs' gift will be included in Texas A&M's “One Spirit One Vision” Campaign. The campaign's goal is to raise $1 billion to support Texas A&M University's Vision 2020 strategic plan while sustaining the institution's distinct “Aggie Spirit.”

— The End —

January 11, 2005