Endowed by David and Lisa Alderson, and Mark and Claudia Griffin, the Alderson & Griffin Center fosters innovation and collaboration by offering networking opportunities that connect students, alumni, and business leaders, addressing key issues in family business and entrepreneurship, and bridging theory with practice to provide valuable insights.

Made possible by a gift from longtime Texas Tech supporter and community bank executive J. David Williams, and his wife Amanda, the E.W. & J. David Williams Institute for Community Banking & Finance supports the Rawls College's thriving banking and finance programs. It complements the Area of Finance, the Excellence in Banking Program, and the School of Banking, aiming to gain national recognition for its contributions to education, research, outreach, and advocacy in the fields of finance and community banking.

Numerous foundations, individuals, banks, and professional associations have dedicated resources in support of developing the next generation of banking professionals. The establishment of this program marked a pivotal shift in the philanthropic philosophy within our community, inspiring a broader vision of giving. It encouraged everyone to consider how their collective contributions can create a lasting and transformative impact.

The Georgie G. Snyder Center for Human Skills in Business was established in 2003 through a generous gift from GEICO Chairman and CEO William B. Snyder, who graduated from the Rawls College of Business in 1955. The Snyder Center provides a variety of services to help students strengthen their communication, critical thinking, and team leadership skills in preparation for successful careers in business. In 2024, the Snyder Center worked with more than 2,700 Rawls College students and awarded more than 40 microcredentials.

Housed within the Alderson & Griffin Center, this series is made possible by a gift from McCoy's Building Supply. It features discussions on innovation, leadership, and succession planning, among other key family business topics.

In March 2019, the Scovell family made a generous gift, renaming the Rawls Business Leadership Program, with the goal of empowering students to sharpen their leadership capabilities. The program creates a dynamic learning experience designed to equip students with practical knowledge and real-world experiences to excel in leadership roles.

A significant gift from Terry and Susan Lyons renamed the School of Accounting, honoring their commitment to excellence in accounting education and their desire to support future leaders in the field.

These permanent funds generate distributions to fund scholarships, faculty support, capital projects, programs, or other purposes specified by the donors who establish them in perpetuity. Endowments allow donors to name the fund and create a lasting legacy. Once an endowment is established, anyone may contribute to the fund. Often, family and friends make tribute gifts because they believe in the cause or program the endowment supports.

The Endowment Process

• A donor makes a charitable gift to the Texas Tech Foundation of at least $50,000. This is the endowment principal. Donors may pledge this over five years.
• The gift is invested through the Texas Tech Foundation, Inc. [501c3] long-term investment fund. A 1.2 percent annual fee supports the management of the funds.
• Every year, the fund distributes 4.5 percent. The endowment generates spendable income that is distributed according to the donor's wishes specified in the endowment agreement.

All gifts to the Rawls College—whether through annual giving or current-use funds—are powerful drivers of innovation, opportunity, and excellence. Each plays a distinct yet complementary role in supporting our mission.

• Annual Giving provides steady, unrestricted support that fuels the college’s most essential needs—scholarships, faculty development, student programs, and more. These often recurring gifts from alumni and friends create a reliable foundation, enabling the Rawls College to plan confidently and respond to ongoing priorities.
• Current-Use Funds offer immediate, flexible resources that can be fully spent as they are received. Like endowment gifts, they may be unrestricted or designated for a specific initiative or program. These funds allow donors to see the impact of their support in real time. A current-use fund may be established with a minimum commitment of $5,000, payable over five years.

These one-time gifts, recurring contributions, and pledges help the Rawls College reach new heights of excellence. Consider making a recurring gift to support our high-priority funding initiatives.

It doesn’t take great wealth to make a transformational gift—only a little planning. Planned gifts allow you to be part of the Rawls College's legacy, sustaining its mission while benefiting you and your family.

Gift plans can include various financial and estate tools to help you meet your philanthropic goals. Planned gifts can include bequests, retirement accounts, life insurance, charitable gift annuities, and mineral interest.

The Matador Society

By taking part in planned giving, you gain exclusive membership in The Matador Society—a group that honors alumni and friends who want to make a lasting impact through their financial plans, reflecting Texas Tech’s early matador traditions.

Members are listed in the organization’s membership roll and invited to an annual event for the duration of their gift. All planned gift donors are invited to join, regardless of gift size.

Donations come in many forms and are not limited to cash. Examples of gifts are listed below. Donors are encouraged to seek guidance from financial advisors and tax accountants or to call the Rawls College Office of Development to maximize philanthropic impact.

• Cash
• Stocks, bonds, and securities
• Bequests from wills and trusts
• Property and real estate
• Commodities
• Royalty payments
• Retirement accounts
• Donor-advised funds
• Other assets and property such as artwork or historical artifacts

Many companies offer matching programs to amplify your contribution. Some match gifts dollar-for-dollar, while others may double or triple the amount.