Texas Tech University

Alumni and Partners Donate Over $315,000 in Two Recent Scholarship Fundraising Events

Over 500 people attended the events and helped grow support for student scholarships.

Jacob Gordon | May 9, 2024

The Jerry S. Rawls College of Business recently hosted two scholarship fundraising events in Dallas and Fort Worth and received over $315,000 from sponsorships, ticket sales, auction gifts, winning bids, and in-room donations.

"Every year, DFW alumni and our partners in the community come together to raise scholarships for students attending Rawls College from the Fort Worth and Dallas areas," said Maggie Baker , director of development. "It's always special to see everyone working to make the event such a success and to see both returning guests and new friends show their generosity."

Maegan McGill , director of engagement and external relations, echoed Baker's sentiments.

"These events are excellent for fostering community engagement, showcasing the impact on education, and providing networking opportunities to express gratitude to supporters while advancing the Rawls College of Business's mission," said McGill.

Fort Worth Wreck 'Em Round Up

The Wreck 'Em Round Up featured 33 items up for auction. One of the biggest ticket items, donated by Jarrod and Amanda Upton, included an all-access pass for four nights at Ranger Ridge. In total, the event added nearly $89,000 for student scholarships.

"I think the closeness of the alumni in the Fort Worth market allows these events to feel more personal," said Riley King, 2024 chair of the Wreck 'Em Round Up. "Fort Worth is a tight-knit community. The Rawls event gives the Fort Worth alumni a chance to dedicate their efforts to a place that they love, helping establish a legacy from home."

The 37 th Annual Rawls College Scholarship Event was held in Dallas on May 2 at The Rustic with over 285 guests. The co-title sponsors for the event were PlainsCapital Bank and Reese Marketos, and the evening included entertainment from The Ray Johnston Band with Jake Ryan as the opening act.

There were 30 items up for bid in live auctions, including a two-night stay for two at the Ritz-Carlton Las Colinas, which was donated by Katie Roach. Nearly $52,000 was added to the scholarship endowment for students from Dallas attending Rawls College.

"The coolest thing about volunteering for this event is seeing past recipients of the scholarships attending the event," said Chris Roach, who served as co-chair of the event with King Scovell and Ben Jackson. "All the young prominent leaders in our business community are already finding ways to engage and give back. Rawls is a special place for students and alumni, and I love being a part of that."

While no major fundraising events are planned in the upcoming months, both Baker and McGill encourage alumni to look for more events this fall. Rawls College will host events across the state, and alumni are encouraged to attend the upcoming Rawls College tailgates each home football game this season on campus.

See more images from the Fort Worth and Dallas events.

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