Distinguished donors to be celebrated at 34th annual SFA Gala

NACOGDOCHES, Texas -- Stephen F. Austin State University will recognize several prominent donors who have supported the institution during the 34th annual SFA Gala, slated for Saturday, Jan. 25, in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Grand Ballroom.

Hosted by the SFASU Foundation, the annual black-tie event honors generous benefactors to the university; showcases the impact of their giving on the students, faculty, staff and programs; and reiterates the need for the university's endowment.

The 2025 honorees, inducted into two of the university's three tiers of giving, are Teresa Jill Adams of Knott, L.D. and Johnnie McWilliams of Timpson, Betty Oglesbee of San Augustine, and the Charles and Lois Marie Bright Foundation of Nacogdoches.

Citizens 1st Bank is the title sponsor for the event. Since 1920, Citizens 1st Bank has emphasized good customer services and conservative banking practices to support the banking needs of residents of East Texas.

Fredonia Society Inductees

Teresa Jill Adams

Teresa Jill Adams came to SFA from Knott as a passionate young artist in the spring of 1977. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1979, and during her time as a student, her original passion for illustration and painting evolved to encompass studies in lithography, silk screening and printmaking.

Adams obtained a master's degree in elementary education with a specialization in reading and taught general education, reading and fine arts to elementary students for more than 30 years. Her love for art and art education has been expressed through her involvement in numerous school art programs, most notably in her establishment of the Teresa Jill Adams Foundation, which primarily supports art education and other charitable organizations. She has set an outstanding example for SFA students and alumni through her career achievements, her generosity, and her manifest dedication and loyalty to SFA.

On Jan. 30, 2023, the former SFA board of regents expressed its admiration, gratitude and high regard for Adams by naming the art gallery in the Griffith Fine Arts Building the Teresa Jill Adams Art Gallery.

L.D. and Johnnie McWilliams

L.D. and Johnnie both finished high school in Timpson then received their bachelor's degrees from SFA in 1964 and 1965, respectively. They followed that with master's degrees in 1966, L.D. in biology and Johnnie in education, and were married in August 1965.

As part of their continued investment at SFA, L.D. and Johnnie have endowed three scholarships over the years. Two were in the College of Sciences and Mathematics, and the third was in the James I. Perkins College of Education. They also are involved in the SFA Alumni Association and serve as alumni ambassadors.

After graduating from SFA, L.D. worked as an instructor at SFA and Blinn Community College, and Johnnie taught in Redland, Brenham, Wells and Nacogdoches. They then moved to Lake Jackson in 1969, where L.D. served as a professor and department chair for biology, as well as division director for science and mathematics at Brazosport Community College for more than 32 years. Johnnie eventually served as an assistant principal then principal at Bess Brannen Elementary for a total of 20 years.

From the time of their graduation from SFA, the McWilliams have invested in the education of students through their careers, giving and involvement. After retirement, they moved back home to East Texas in 2001, where they have enjoyed traveling the world visiting every continent. They can also be found at Lumberjack ballgames supporting their alma mater.

Betty Oglesbee

The Oglesbee family is thrilled to provide scholarships and resources for pre-health, culinary and history programs at SFA. Betty Oglesbee and her late husband, John H. Oglesbee Jr., have four sons, Dr. John Oglesbee III, Vance Oglesbee, Chris Oglesbee and Forrest Oglesbee.

Betty and John did not attend SFA, but they are long-time supporters of the university. Residing 35 miles away in San Augustine, Betty and John frequently visited the campus for historic presentations, research in special collections, fine arts events, athletic games and other gatherings. They both graduated from The University of Texas at Austin, as did their sons. While at UT, Betty was a scholar, graduating summa cum laude, and served as president of her 1955 graduating class.

Betty was involved in a variety of civic commitments over the years, including San Augustine County's Historical Society, Chamber of Commerce, Garden Club, County Historical Commission, public library, Boy Scouts, Main Street Advisory Board and independent school district foundation.

Betty and the San Augustine County Historical Society have been actively involved in saving and promoting the development of the 1721 Mission Nuestra Senora de los Dolores de los Ais, supported by Sen. Robert Nichols and Rep. Trent Ashby. Betty was honored by Gov. Greg Abbott with the Governor's Award for Historic Preservation in 2017.

An article in Texas Monthly stated that Betty is sometimes described as San Augustine's "matriarch." She is fondly known as "Mama Betty" by her family, which includes nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and many others. She is a life-long member of the San Augustine Methodist Church.

Stephen F. Austin Society Inductees

The Charles and Lois Marie Bright Foundation

The mission of the Charles and Lois Marie Bright Foundation is to provide assistance to duly-qualified public and private foundations and charities, as well as governmental organizations located primarily in Nacogdoches County. Assistance to these foundations and charities provides relief for the poor and disadvantaged; helps maintain and build public buildings, monuments and works; and supports the advancement of education, science and combating community deterioration.

Graduating from Nacogdoches High School in 1945, Charles was drafted into the army to serve as a military police officer during World War II and as a driver and typist for editor and author William F. Buckle Jr.

After the war, Bright flourished as an inventive entrepreneur who crafted an outboard motor and boat business and was instrumental in developing and patenting the famous Loco Lure for avid anglers.

Later, Charles and his brother, N.G., formed Bright Coop Company, which revolutionized the manufacturing of poultry transportation equipment. University of Colorado's Dr. Temple Grandin, leading animal welfare advocate at the time and U.S. government-appointed auditor, approved the unique "Bright" cage unloading system as the predominant chicken coop system used in the United States. The Brights created a lasting legacy through their lifetime of hard work, kindness and integrity.

Over the years, the Charles and Lois Marie Bright Foundation has generously supported SFA through initiatives for capital improvements, as well as investments in academic programs and scholarships.