The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) announced Thursday that it is naming its newly acquired stadium the Robert and Janet Vackar Stadium. The naming, which was granted in perpetuity, is in recognition of the Vackars’ unwavering support of the football program when it was only a vision and their longstanding generosity to the university, including a new $20 million gift that was also announced Thursday.
The Robert and Janet Vackar Stadium will serve as the home of the upcoming Vaqueros Football program and will also host a variety of other university events. Both announcements were made during a press conference held on the newly named stadium field.
“Supporting the establishment of a college football program isn’t just about the game; it’s about investing in the future,” Robert Vackar said. “By pouring into the lives of young people through both education and athletics, we ensure they have the tools to succeed and a college experience that attracts new talent to our area and encourages residents to stay here. Retaining students in the Rio Grande Valley not only builds up our community but also fosters major growth and opportunity for generations to come.”
Robert and Janet, both natives of the Valley and the owners and principal dealers of the Bert Ogden Auto Group, were raised by parents who owned local businesses, instilling in them the values of hard work, volunteerism and giving back to the community. United by a shared commitment, they are passionate about empowering students to achieve their educational goals.
UTRGV President Guy Bailey expressed profound gratitude for the Vackars’ long history of friendship and visionary support of the university, which currently serves more than 30,000 students.
“Robert and Janet Vackar’s remarkable generosity and steadfast commitment to UTRGV exemplify the spirit of philanthropy and community leadership,” Bailey said. “Their transformative support will have a lasting impact on our university, empowering us to enhance educational opportunities and enrich the lives of our students for generations to come.”
Unrivaled Generosity
The Vackars’ philanthropy extends to numerous scholarships at UTRGV, and in recognition of their exceptional generosity, the College of Business was renamed to the Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship in 2016.
Bailey said Robert and Janet Vackar’s steadfast support for UTRGV from its inception has laid the foundation for the university’s remarkable journey and current success.
“Their visionary contributions, which started just a few months after our university’s opening, not only provided financial support but also bestowed instant credibility upon our institution,” Bailey said. “Their early investments helped put UTRGV on the map and set the stage for our ongoing growth and impact. Their ongoing dedication continues to shape the trajectory of our university.”
About UTRGV
UTRGV was created by the Texas Legislature in 2013 as the first major public university of the 21st century in Texas. This transformative initiative provided the opportunity to expand educational opportunities in the Rio Grande Valley, including a new School of Medicine, and made it possible for residents of the region to benefit from the Permanent University Fund — a public endowment contributing support to the University of Texas System and other institutions.
UTRGV has campuses and off-campus research and teaching sites throughout the Rio Grande Valley. UTRGV enrolled its first class in the fall of 2015, and the School of Medicine welcomed its first class in the summer of 2016.
