Posted 11:13 pm Monday, December 03, 2012
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SFA set to recognize its outstanding donors
Staff Reports
Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches will honor some of its outstanding donors this week during its 24th annual SFA Gala.
Gala honorees include Shelby County Judge Rick Campbell; Nacogdoches businessmen Jim, Tom, John and Bob Kingham; and the late Cecil Richey Jr., an SFA alumnus and longtime East Texas educator.
"Support from donors and special friends like the ones being honored this year is crucial to the success of SFA and its students, and we look forward to honoring their commitment to the university at the upcoming gala," Jill Still, SFA vice president for university advancement, said in a university news release.
The gala cocktail reception begins at 6 p.m. Saturday in the Grand Ballroom of the Baker Pattillo Student Center.
A candlelight dinner will follow at 7 p.m.
RICK CAMPBELL
Born and raised in Center, Rick Campbell graduated from Center High School and earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from The University of Texas at Tyler.
Campbell, who is a Shelby County judge, later worked in his father's company before starting his own Port-A-Cool business, according to a news release.
A loyal supporter of many SFA programs, he has contributed to the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, the Nelson Rusche College of Business, the Richard and Lucille DeWitt School of Nursing and the Department of Athletics.
His involvement has included other organizations such as Shelby Savings Bank Board of Directors, Center ISD board of trustees, Ducks Unlimited, Rotary International, the Bone Hill Foundation and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
He also has worked as a volunteer firefighter for 25 years, according to the news release.
Campbell and his wife, Rachel, are longtime members of many conservation organizations as well. They attend Center Christian Fellowship and have five children and five grandchildren.
JIM, TOM, JOHN AND BOB KINGHAM
Born and raised in Nacogdoches, the four Kingham brothers represent the fourth generation in their family to own and manage J.E. Kingham Construction Co.
Jim, Tom and John graduated from SFA, and Bob attended Texas A&M University.
At age 13, each brother started working in the family construction business, which is now in its 117th year, according to the news release.
Under their leadership, the company has grown to become one of the largest and most successful building construction companies in the state, according to the news release.
Their parents, Jim and Beth Kingham, also are SFA alumni and were among the earliest members of the Stephen F. Austin Society.
Jim, Tom, John and Bob are proud to be supporters of SFA and to continue their parents' legacy of giving back to the university that has helped shape the lives of the entire Kingham family, according to the news release.
CECIL RICHEY JR.
The late Cecil Richey Jr., an SFA alumnus, was a dedicated East Texas educator, who served the West Rusk County Consolidated Independent School District as a teacher and principal for 38 years.
A Rusk High School graduate, he earned a bachelor's degree in history from SFA in 1948.
In addition, Richey was a fourth-generation farmer and cattleman, working first for his parents and later for himself, according to the news release.
He was a past director of the Cherokee County Farm Bureau, a member of the Texas Retired Teachers Association, and longtime board president for the Mays Cemetery in New Salem.
Richey taught Bible class for 50 years at Reklaw Church of Christ where he was a lifelong member, according to the news release.
An avid education supporter, he quietly helped many deserving students pursue higher education.
He was a trusted friend and valued mentor to many, according to the news release.
A generous gift from his estate will fund annual scholarships for high-achieving students in the West Rusk and Rusk school districts who wish to attend SFA.
OTHER HONORS
In addition to honoring donors, the university will present two faculty achievement awards to recognize innovation and excellence in teaching and research, according to the news release.
Fred J. Allen, professor of music and director of bands, will receive the 2012 Faculty Achievement Award for Teaching.
Dr. Nathan Nabb, associate professor of music/saxophone, will be honored with the Faculty Achievement Award for Research.
Event tickets are $175 for orchestra seating and $125 for ballroom seating. Gala proceeds will help build a permanent endowment to honor faculty achievement.
For more information about the gala or to purchase tickets, call 936-468-5406.
