LU receives $5 million gift from Sheila and Walter Umphrey
Lamar University announced today a $5-million gift from Sheila and Walter Umphrey. The gift is the largest in the university’s history, officials said.
In recognition of the gift, Lamar University will name its newest campus building the Sheila Umphrey Recreation Sports Center.
“This is a wonderful gift,” said James Simmons, president of the university in Beaumont, Texas. “A gift of this magnitude helps raise awareness of Lamar University.
“We are so grateful and appreciative of Sheila and Walter Umphrey’s leadership in stepping forward to further Lamar’s growth through this unprecedented, transforming philanthropy,” Simmons said.
The gift is a bright spot at the end of one of the toughest years in the university’s history. A direct hit by Hurricane Rita left the campus badly damaged on Sept. 24, but, after weeks of intensive restoration work, the university showed resilience by reopening Oct. 19 enabling its December graduates to complete their degrees on time.
Construction continues on the $19-million recreation sports center, with opening projected in the fall of 2006. The state-of-the-art facility encompasses the landmark McDonald Gym, with spectator seating for volleyball and basketball games. The renovated areas and new construction will include 13,000-square feet of cardiovascular and free-weight training, a 1/10 mile walking/jogging track, a 40-foot climbing wall, basketball, volleyball and badminton courts, a wellness and fitness center, health food café and juice bar, lounge areas with pool tables, air hockey, foosball, video games and TV.
“It is really going to be a wonderful facility, absolutely incredible,” Sheila said after reviewing plans with Simmons.
“I wish more people could see the changes to the campus and the wonderful new buildings that are there — the residence halls, the dining hall and, soon, the recreation sports center,” Sheila said. “Jimmy and Susan Simmons have put so much into making Lamar bigger and better.”
Simmons said: "We expect this facility to become a real centerpiece of campus life.”
“Private gifts can be transformational for a university,” Simmons said. “The generosity the Umphreys have shown enables us to continue to provide the quality education our students deserve and need to become globally-minded graduates destined to lead in their chosen professions. It also helps make it possible for Lamar to make lasting contributions to the region and to the world through its many outstanding programs, research and graduates.”
Sheila Umphrey owns The Decorating Depot Inc., a residential and commercial interior design business in Pt. Neches and is active in many local civic organizations.
Walter Umphrey is senior managing partner of Provost & Umphrey Law Firm. Born in Port Arthur, Texas, Walter received a football scholarship to Southern Methodist University, then completed undergraduate studies at Baylor University. In 1965, Walter received a law degree from Baylor Law School before returning to Southeast Texas to join the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office as a prosecuting attorney and ultimately chief felony prosecutor.
The Umphreys are noted contributors to important causes, from protecting Texas wildlife to the creation of Southeast Texas’ newest cancer institute, the Walter Umphrey Cancer Center, located in Port Arthur.
