WT Natural Sciences Gala Honors Pantex, Past Faculty

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, [email protected]

CANYON, Texas -West Texas A&M University's first Natural Sciences Gala paid tribute to the region's leading scientists of the past, present and future.

First Choice Awards in Natural Sciences were presented to Pantex and to all past faculty members of the Department of Chemistry and Physics and the Department of Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences from the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences .

Past faculty were represented by Dr. Flavius Killebrew, a former WT biology professor and administrator; Dr. Donna Byers, a former WT biology professor; and Dr. David Sissom, a professor emeritus of biology and former administrator.

Proceeds from the March 7 banquet benefit academic scholarships for current and future students to WT's natural sciences program. Funds raised at the event will be matched by up to $100,000 through the College's annual share of the late Dr. Paul Engler's historic $80 million gift to the University.

In 2017, Engler and the Paul F. and Virginia J. Engler Foundation agreed to donate $1 million a year for at least 80 years to both the University's Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences and the Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business.

"This matching donation will help our attendees and sponsors double their impact, allowing the next generation of scientists to succeed in their chosen fields," said Dr. Kevin Pond, dean of the Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences.

Pantex was honored for its longstanding support of the University and its natural sciences program.

"Pantex has consistently demonstrated its commitment to WT by generously providing its time, expertise and financial resources to support academic and research programs in our departments," Yarbrough said. "Pantex employes also actively volunteer their time to offer educational and workforce development programs to WT students."

Pantex recently opened the Palo Duro Research Facility on WT's Canyon campus. It houses approximately 15 members of Pantex's research- and-development group, with more than 7,500 square-feet dedicated to research and lab areas plus office space.

Past faculty members were honored for their "outstanding contributions to the natural sciences through exceptional teaching, research and service for more than 100 years," Yarbrough said.

"These dedicated individuals demonstrated a commitment to excellence in education, innovation in research, and a passion for inspiring the next generation of scientists through their time and tenure at WT," Yarbrough said. "Their efforts have not only enhanced students' academic experience but also advanced knowledge and understanding of the natural world."

WT's efforts to recruit, retain and reward exceptional students is a centerpiece of the University's long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World .

That plan is fueled by the historic One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which reached its initial $125 million goal 18 months after publicly launching in September 2021. The campaign, which is now winding down, has raised more than $175 million.

About West Texas A&M University

A Regional Research University, West Texas A&M University is redefining excellence in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus, as well as the Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center in downtown Amarillo. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT boasts an enrollment of more than 9,000 and offers 66 undergraduate degree programs, including eight associate degrees; and 44 graduate degrees, including an integrated bachelor's and master's degree, a specialist degree and two doctoral degrees. WT recently earned a Carnegie Foundation classification as a Research College and University. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 16 men's and women's athletics programs.

Photo: Pantex was honored with a First Choice Award in Natural Science by West Texas A&M University's Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences at a March 7 gala. Pictured are, from left, Kevin Baird, Mary Baird, Casey Kaplan, Kevin Kaplan, Alex Guglielmetti, Adam Guzman, Laura Bailey, Ottis Scrivner and Martin Amos.

-WT-