News Summary
Merrilee Kick, a Texas Woman’s University alumna and founder of BuzzBallz, has donated $30 million to the university, marking the largest gift in its history. This donation will rename the business college to the Merrilee Alexander Kick College of Business and Entrepreneurship and support new initiatives focused on innovation and entrepreneurship. The contribution will help establish a new institute, create programs, and construct a dedicated business college building, enhancing education and opportunities for future female leaders in business in Texas.
Texas has become the center of a transformative donation in higher education as Merrilee Kick, a Texas Woman’s University (TWU) alumna and entrepreneur, has pledged $30 million to the university’s college of business. This historic contribution marks the largest donation in the university’s history, outpacing the previous record of $15 million established by the Doswell Foundation.
The announcement came during a meeting of the Texas Woman’s governing board, where it was revealed that the college will officially be renamed the Merrilee Alexander Kick College of Business and Entrepreneurship on August 9, 2023. This renaming highlights Kick’s dedication to fostering a new era for female entrepreneurship and innovation.
The significant funds will be utilized to establish an institute focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship, create an endowed chair, and implement an entrepreneur-in-residence program aimed at providing invaluable mentorship to students. The donation will also accelerate plans for the construction of a new building that will serve as the first dedicated physical space for the college.
Kick’s journey into entrepreneurship began with her MBA thesis at Texas Woman’s University, which laid the foundation for her successful venture, BuzzBallz. Since its inception in 2009, BuzzBallz has gained recognition as the only woman-owned distillery, winery, and brewery combination in the United States. Before transitioning into the beverage industry, Kick worked as a high school teacher, a background she credits for her entrepreneurial success.
The new college building, which is expected to break ground in the spring of 2025, will incorporate modern learning spaces, including finance labs, analytics labs, and virtual reality labs. These facilities are designed to enhance students’ learning experiences and prepare them for careers in an evolving business landscape.
The entrepreneur-in-residence program will serve as an essential component of the college’s offerings, affording students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and valuable insights from established professionals in the field. This initiative is expected to fortify the bridge between academic learning and practical application in the business world.
Kick’s vision extends beyond this substantial donation; she aims to inspire and educate future generations, underlining the pivotal role of education as a pathway to success. The funding provided by her donation will not only elevate the institution’s profile but also seek to recognize and promote women’s contributions to business and innovation.
The TWU business college, which was founded just seven years ago, aims to enhance its identity and visibility through this remarkable gift. The college has set ambitious goals to nurture aspiring entrepreneurs and equipped future leaders with the skills they need to thrive in a competitive marketplace.
In addition to her contributions to TWU, Kick has indicated plans to continue her philanthropic support in other sectors, including science education and various entrepreneurial programs. Her ongoing commitment aligns with her family’s legacy of promoting education and supporting learning initiatives.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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- D Magazine
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- Google News: Merrilee Kick
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