2023 Archive

Thank you to TXST alumni, Tish and Don Stricklin for committing a planned gift to the Stricklin Family Endowed Scholarship in Athletics at Texas State University. Your endowment provides needed support for football student-athletes who have distinguished themselves both academically and athletically through teamwork and perseverance. You are positively changing the lives of our students for the future.

This generous gift qualifies you as a Texas State Hero. Heroes was established in 2006 to honor those who have given $1 million or more to our university. You truly exemplify what it means to be a Texas State Hero. Thank you for your inspiring and generous leadership and for all that you continue to do to make what’s NEXT possible for students at TXST.

Margie Buckingham has committed a gift to the Texas State University that will honor her late husband, Dr. Doug Tolbert. The gift will benefit students enrolled in the School of Art and Design by providing them with an exceptional array of equipment, tools, and literature that will elevate their development as artists, designers, and thinkers.

Originally from California, Doug earned his Ph.D. in Genetics at the University of California-Davis and led a successful career as a software engineer. Doug developed an interest in ship modeling and nautical studies while living near a sailing base, after which he enrolled in wood-turning lab classes. His love for the “Age of Sail” and a business trip to London opened the door to the National Archives, where Doug tapped into his research skills to prepare for ship modeling projects. Alongside, Margie nurtured his creative spirit, accompanying him on cruises to visit the ports where ships of interest were moored.

Margie and Doug moved to Texas to retire in Southwest Austin. Doug constructed an expansive 2500-square-foot workshop on their property, amassing an impressive collection of tools and literature on woodworking. When Margie began to search for a new home for Doug’s equipment where it would be appreciated and utilized, her niece Caroline suggested she look no further than Texas State.

A Studio Art major pursuing a BFA with Teacher Certification, Caroline recognized the mutually beneficial opportunity to honor her uncle’s creative legacy and enhance the School’s facilities, housed in the Joann Cole Mitte and Sabinal buildings. Dr. Beth Thomas, Director of the School of Art and Design, points out that a gift of this kind can be transformative in students' education, and gives them the additional opportunity to connect with members of the community who care deeply about the education and training of artists and designers. The new equipment will be used by many of the 980 students who regularly compete and exhibit their work regionally and nationally; alumni go on to graduate study in top graduate art programs and careers in the arts and design in Texas and nationwide.

Texas State University is grateful for the gift and for Margie's commitment to supporting the future of design and the arts. 

Big thanks to Fielding Pittman, a TXST 2011 graduate and former Bobcat pitcher! Your thoughtful gift to Texas State University will make a visible impact on our baseball facility. The Bobcat Ballpark Player Development Center will greatly enhance the experience for our future baseball student-athletes. Your dedication proves that the spirit of TXST NEXT in athletics never quits!