Peggy and Rowley Mays
Photo provided
Laurie Mays, the 1957 graduate of Texas A&M University and for whom the school’s business school was named, died today at the age of 87.
With a BS in Petroleum Engineering from Texas A&M, Mays was the founder and CEO of Clear Channel Communications. He devoted himself to supporting his alma mater and from 2003 he served as president in 2005, and served two terms on the Texas A&M University System Board of Trustees (1985 he served in 1991 and he served in 2001). from 2007) served non-consecutively.
“A really big tree fell down in Aggie Forest today,” said John Sharp, president of the Texas A&M University System. “We will never forget what he did for Aggieland.”
Texas A&M’s business school was renamed Lowry Mays College & Graduate School of Business in 1996 following a $15 million gift from Mays. The college he changed the school name to Mays Business School again in 2002. In 2017, the Mays Family Foundation contributed an additional $25 million. Both gifts were part of a $47 million lifetime giving.
When the second major donation was announced, Mays said, “We are honored to have supported the school’s vision of fostering global prosperity… (and) developing transformative leaders and entrepreneurs.” We will tackle the challenges of spirit and innovation.”
M. Katherine Banks, president of Texas A&M University, said: He truly embodied Aggie’s core values. The Mays family has had a tremendous impact on his School of Business, providing countless opportunities for students and faculty. Aggies is proud to continue his legacy of leadership and service. ”
Maze Business School has grown to be one of the nation’s leaders, with several programs ranked among the top 20 nationally. In 2009, his $7.5 million donation supported a number of donated faculty chairs, including the Benton Cocanougher Chair, named after the business school’s dean and professor emeritus. Another outcome of Mays’ support was the establishment of the Mays Innovation Research Center, which seeks to understand the nature of innovation and how it can benefit society.
Eli Jones, professor of marketing, former dean of the Mays Business School, and chair of Peggy Mays Distinguished Scholarship, said it was an honor to meet both Mays and his wife, Peggy, who passed away in November 2020. Said he was thinking
(lr) Eli Jones, professor of marketing and former dean of the Mays Business School. Laurie and Peggy Mays. Benton Cocanoger, former dean of Mays Business School; His Jerry Strawser, associate dean of graduate programs, professor and his KPMG chair of accounting, photographed on the evening of the award of the same name in May, 2017.
Mays Business School
“Lowry and I developed a professional relationship that led to a close personal friendship. In fact, I became close to the entire family, including Peggy, who now chairs Peggy Mays Distinguished Scholar.” “I remember Lowry and Peggy hosting us in San Antonio over the years for future business honors. “He was a great contributor to the Mays Business School and was honored to know Laurie. My wife Fern and I send our hearts and prayers to the Mays family upon hearing of his passing.”
Mays Business School Interim Dean Ricky Griffin said: Without him and their support, we wouldn’t be where we are today.My heart goes out to the Mays family on the passing of Lowry. ”
In 2010, the Board of Directors of the Texas A&M Foundation awarded Mays the Sterling C. Evans Medal for his philanthropy to the university. Mr. and Mrs. May’s Business As a result of her service and generosity to the school, in 2017 Peggy and Rowley Her May’s Impact Awards were created and presented to the couple. and strong leadership.
