Accounting Department Naming Underway
Nearly $7.5 million is pledged and committed toward a $10 million fundraising campaign to name the Department of Accounting in honor of James Benjamin, department head since 1982.
Denise and David Baggett ’81 and Ernst & Young contributed lead gifts of $2 million each, while other supporters include KPMG LLP, Deloitte, Karen Pape ’80, Karen and Rodney Faldyn ’88, Becky ’76 and Monty Davis ’77, Lina and Kenny Lawson, Marian ’82 and Willie Langston ’81, Wanda and Lou Paletta ’78, Kay ’02 and Jerry Cox ’72, Tracy and Randy Hale '85, and Mark Kelly '79.
Benjamin, the Deloitte Foundation Leadership Professor, was chosen as a namesake because of his dedication to students. “Jim’s personality, business savvy and leadership skills would have made him very successful in the corporate world,” said David Baggett. “Fortunately for me and thousands of other accounting and business graduates, Jim dedicated his career to our success.”
Half of the Baggetts’ donation will create a matching gift fund to encourage other donors to contribute to the cause. Funds will enable the department to recruit outstanding faculty, develop international opportunities for students to learn global accounting practices and support high-impact educational programs.
“While I am gratified to be part of the growth and success of the accounting program,” said Benjamin, “I have always recognized that our growing reputation was a product of exceptional students and talented faculty.”
To make an endowed gift of $25,000 or more to support the naming initiative, contact Brian Bishop ’91 at (979) 862-3615 or bbishop@txamfoundation.com. Give online at give.am/JamesBenjamin.