12/06/2013 12:00:00 AMGroup recognizes donors whose contributions have a deep and lasting impact. Featuresgiving impactstory Members of the Founder's Circle gathered at The W in Dallas in November. (Photo by Michael Clements)   When the University of North Texas was founded on a dusty prairie in 1890, few could have guessed that it would grow to be the economic, academic and cultural engine of the North Texas region. Today, members of the university's Founder's Circle help ensure UNT's continued success story by generously supporting initiatives that enhance the student experience as well as the university's reputation for excellence — from scholarships to first-rate facilities to faculty research. The Founder's Circle comprises the university's top three donor recognition societies — UNT's McConnell, Matthews and Kendall Societies — for individuals who have made cumulative lifetime gifts to the university of $250,000 or more. "UNT's Founder's Circle donors have given the kinds of gifts that make the university's continued growth and success possible," says President V. Lane Rawlins. "These gifts help us reach new heights in student and faculty excellence and set a precedent for future generations. And they send a bold message that an investment in UNT is an investment in one of the most economically and culturally significant regions in the country." Members of the Founder's Circle gathered for a dinner in November at The W Hotel in Dallas to learn about the university's progress in key initiatives such as student scholarship, alumni and regional engagement, and research Michael Monticino, UNT vice president for advancement, thanked them for their continued commitment to UNT. "Your profound generosity — not only in terms of dollars, but also in your engagement with us and your genuine desire to lift up this institution — allows us to provide transformational experiences for our students," he said. The Founder's Circle supports the university, touching every college and school and numerous programs across campus. The group's members have endowed scholarships and fellowships, supported the arts and athletics, helped fund new facilities such as the Business Leadership Building and Apogee Stadium and advanced some of UNT's most innovative endeavors. Founder's Circle member Charldean Newell ('60, '62 M.A.), UNT Professor Emerita of public administration, supports many university initiatives, from the UNT libraries to athletics to student scholarships. She says private philanthropy helps UNT grow in size, program breadth and excellence. "As an alumna, former faculty member and administrator, I know what a great university UNT is, and my Mean Green blood leads me to be supportive," she says. "I want UNT to remain an institution where any student can become the first college graduate in his or her family, and where research and service programs will help solve problems." Monticino says support from Founder's Circle members is a testament to their belief in UNT supporting its students. "Private giving allows UNT to offer life-changing opportunities to our students," he says. "And it continues into those students' careers and communities once they graduate." Recognition Societies The Founder's Circle consists of three recognition societies — the McConnell Society, the Matthews Society and the Kendall Society. Each is named for a former president who left a deep and lasting impact on UNT, just as members of the Founder's Circle have with their support. The McConnell Society The McConnell Society recognizes those with contributions of $1 million or more. Horace and Euline ('74) Brock Don ('52) and Ruth Buchholz Kristin Farmer ('95) Anne Fields Alan and Shirley Goldfield Ernie Kuehne ('66) Sue Mayborn Jim McIngvale Bryan Milner ('00) Ken ('60) and Gayle* Murphy Ken ('66) and Ann Newman Robert A. Nickell ('68, '82 M.B.A.) G. Brint ('88, '88 M.S.) and Amanda Ryan John ('72) and Lindy ('72) Rydman C. Dan ('62) and Le'Nore Smith Ed ('60) and Nikki Smith Charn ('73 M.B.A.) and Uraratn Uswachoke Paul Voertman ('47) and Richard Ardoin* Leroy ('50, '52 M.S.) and Wanda Whitaker Bill* and Margot Winspear The Matthews Society The Matthews Society recognizes those with contributions between $500,000 and $999,999. Byron ('78 M.B.A.) and Marilyn Baird Nancy Dedman Nancy B. Hamon* Francis Kostohryz Charles* and Peggy ('61) Ladenberger Patty and Don Lovelace Charles Onstead* Fred ('47) and Patsy Patterson Jerry ('62) and Judy ('62) Pinkerton Bobby ('69) and Phyllis ('71) Ray Nicholas ('61) and Anna Ricco Robert and Virginia Toulouse The Kendall Society The Kendall Society recognizes those with contributions between $250,000 and $499,999. Christopher ('88) and Sue Bancroft Mercedes Bass Charlie Bond ('59) Janet and Frank ('63) Bracken Elinore and Benjamin Brown Dan Cathy Mack* and Linda Christian Col. Guy Cloud Glenn ('85) and Brenda Gomez Tony ('61) and Toppy Goolsby Bob ('61) and Fran Kimmel Janice and A. Frank ('56) Kubica Elaine Mathes Jean and Richard "Mac" ('54) McCrady George ('69, '73 M.B.A.) and Nesha ('73) Morey Ben ('67) and Margaret Morris Charldean Newell ('60, '62 M.A.) Charles Nobles ('54) Sara Sue and Don ('63) Potts Bob and Bette Sherman Marc Smugar Frank ('44) and Connie Spencer* Charlotte ('69) and Terry ('67, '68 M.B.A.) Strange Gayle ('67) and Virgil ('68) Strange John and Bonnie Strauss Ross Vick Jr. Fran Vick ('00)*Deceased Visit Give to UNT to learn more about how private support helps students reach their potential and helps UNT achieve its goals of being a top research institution offering the best undergraduate education.