For Immediate Release – Lawton, OK, May 29, 2016
Cameron University receives Triple Crown
donations
Cameron University has received Triple Crown donations toward construction of the new McMahon
Centennial Complex from Roberta Vowell, T.J. & Pat Henry and Barbara Hughes. All are members of CU’s
President’s Partners.
“We are deeply grateful for Mrs. Vowell, Mr. and Mrs. Henry and Mrs. Hughes, who have each made a
significant investment in our students,” Ross said. “Their support will help provide the complete collegiate
experience to Cameron students and offer a community venue unmatched in southwest Oklahoma.”
Roberta Vowell, Lawton, has been a prominent supporter of Cameron University for many years. Her late
husband, Dr. Bobby Gene Vowell, taught at CU from 1964 until 1996 and also served as Dean of the
School of Science, Mathematics and Technology. In November 2006, Mrs. Vowell joined friends and family
to establish the Dr. Bobby Gene Vowell Endowed Lectureship in the Physical and Biological Sciences.
T.J. and Pat Henry, Lawton, are avid supporters of CU and education in general. Mrs. Henry is a member
of CU’s Centennial Commission and also serves on the White House Commission on Presidential
Scholars. She was honored with CU’s Distinguished Service Award in 1986.
Barbara Hughes, a retired school teacher now living in Arlington, TX, is a CU alumna. During her tenure,
she was active in the Home Economics Student Association, Delta Kappa Gamma, a member of the
“Wichita” staff, and was elected ROTC Queen as well as Basketball Queen.
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TRIPLE CROWN, page 2
Contributions at the Triple Crown level allow donors to make a significant commitment to the campaign and
spread the donation over a three-year period at a rate of $1,000 per year.
The McMahon Centennial Complex, located in the heart of campus, will provide a modern location for
students to study, dine, interact and relax. The state-of-the-art complex will feature a student union, student
activities areas, meeting rooms, an art gallery, dining areas and community spaces for students to make
lasting memories. The complex will not only serve Cameron students but will also serve the community for
a variety of functions. The second floor of the state-of-the-art complex will house a ballroom with seating for
400 connected to a balcony that will overlook the Bentley Gardens, another campaign initiative.
Construction on the complex is targeted for Fall 2009.
More than $11.6 million has been contributed or pledged to Cameron’s Changing Lives campaign since its
launch in January 2006.
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PR# 08-116
Editors and Broadcasters: For more information, contact Janet E. Williams, Director
of Media Relations, in the Office of Community Relations at 580.581.2611.