This April, the Jerry S. Rawls College of Business hosted two scholarship fundraising events in Dallas and Fort Worth, generating funds from sponsorships, ticket sales, auction gifts, winning bids, and in-room donations.

The Fort Worth Wreck 'Em Roundup took place April 10 at the River Ranch Stockyards. With more than 215 guests in attendance and Double Eagle as the title sponsor, the evening featured live entertainment by Texas country singer-songwriter Ray Johnston.

The auction showcased 30 items up for bid, with one of the biggest ticket items, donated by Roe Patterson and Troy Robertson, being the Fort Worth Rodeo Suite Package, which included 16 tickets and four parking passes for a weeknight performance at the 2026 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo at the Dickies Arena. By the end of the evening, the event raised more than $75,700 for student scholarships.

Later that month in Dallas, more than 250 people attended the 38th Annual Dallas Scholarship Event at The Rustic. The co-title sponsors for the event were PlainsCapital Bank and Joel and Mary Reese, and the evening included entertainment from The Motion Band, a Dallas-based cover group known for playing hits across a wide range of genres.

Guests bid on 43 auction items, including the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor Helmet, contributed by Sharon and Steven Ellis. In total, the event added nearly $45,000 to the scholarship endowment for Dallas-area students attending the Rawls College.

Maegan McGill, senior director of engagement and external relations at the Rawls College says the scholarship events are something their team looks forward to every year.

“We have a unique role in getting to see it all come full circle—from planning and fundraising to hosting and connecting with alumni and ultimately seeing the impact on our students back on campus,” McGill said. “It’s incredibly special to witness that full journey and see how our alumni are making a lasting difference in the lives of current students.”

Much of these events' success would not have been possible without our volunteers’ dedication. Special thanks to Sharon Ellis, chair of the Dallas committee, along with co-chair Adam Cathey, and Fort Worth chair Travis Thompson. These leaders, alongside fellow committee members, played a vital role in helping our development team identify event partners and secure standout items for the silent auctions.

View photos of the Dallas and Fort Worth events.