Pub. 59 2018-2019 Issue 2

24 J imMcNatt and his family recently became the largest contributor in history to his alma mater, the Uni- versity of North Texas. Jim, a TADA leader for decades, along with his wife, Linda, and brother, Al, and his wife, Darlene, have supported north central Texas institutions and charities to bring benefit and hope to literally thousands of its citizens – especially young people and students. Jim received UNT’s highest honor last spring. In presenting the Wings of Eagles Presidential Award, UNT Vice President and Director of Athletics, Wren Baker, said, "It’s hard to put into words the impact the McNatt family is having on the University of North Texas. At every turn and every project they contribute, many times without being asked. I’ve never left a conversation with Jim, Linda, Al or JimMcNatt Northwood University Education AwardWinner Darlene where they don’t ask what they can do to help the University. We are grateful for their support, friendship and leadership as we continue Building Champions and Preparing Leaders at UNT.” Jim replied, "Al and Darlene, along with Linda and I, are extremely happy to help in building on the positive momentum of Mean Green football and the entire North Texas athletics department,” Jim said. “We consider this an investment in a school that has given so much to all of us. Athletics is an important part of the overall student experience, and its success can create a sense of pride for alumni around the entire country. We hope this gift will aid in that success for generations to come.” Northwood Universit y has now recognized Jim McNatt for his remarkable support of education, andNorthwoodPresidentDr. Keith Pretty has this to say about Jim and his wife, Linda: “With a family background in the automotive industry of more than 60 years, James McNatt has leveraged his business success to support and advance education at his alma mater, the University of North Texas (UNT). With gifts totaling more than $6 million, James McNatt and his wife Linda have made an immediate impact through their generosity supporting a variety of programs at the University of North Texas including athletics, logistics, National Merit Finalists and autism research. In 2018, Jim and Linda contributed $3 million to UNT to build a new indoor athletic facility and other capital improvements for the university. Additional gifts were given to create and fund the Jim McNatt Institute for Logistics Research, the McNatt Col lege of Busine s s Gr aduate Fel lowship, the Linda McNat t Master’s International Sustainable Tourism Graduate Fellowship, the