The people behind the place-names
When you walk around Southwestern's campus, you encounter people's names. Some names are there because they are being remembered for some contribution they made to the institution or something they were involved with in the history of the University. Some names are there because they (or a foundation named after them) helped pay for the place that bears their name. The entries in this theme work to find out more about the people behind the names.
Who Was Red McCombs?
Understanding how McCombs’ name came to be known on the Southwestern campus, and across the state of Texas
Billy Joe (more commonly known as “Red”) McCombs was renowned for his philanthropy to various educational institutions across the state of Texas, funded by the profits of his work in the oil and gas, automotive, and sports industries. This entry focuses on McCombs’ path to philanthropy through his…
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Who was Ernest L. Clark?
Harmony in adversity: Remembering Clark's enduring impact on Southwestern.
In the storied history of Southwestern University, Ernest Louis Clark, Sr. (July 4, 1947 – June 3, 2023) stands out as a significant figure whose legacy extends beyond his personal accomplishments. His journey as the University's first Black student and graduate exemplifies courage, talent,…
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F. A. Mood Obelisk
The Mood Obelisk was constructed in the late 19th century, and serves as a reminder of Southwestern’s founder, Francis Asbury Mood. The monument does not occupy a significant place in current student collective memory, and as such, the ethical questions brought about by Mood’s complicated role in the university’s history and memory remain largely unresolved.
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Who was Lois Craddock Perkins?
Exploring the Life of the Woman who Inspired the Chapel
Lois Craddock Perkins, after whom this chapel is named, was born in 1887 in China Springs, Texas. She attended Southwestern University from 1908-1911. As a student, she was a part of the Youth Women’s Christian Association, or Y.W.C.A., and was involved in the Bible study and finance portions of…
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Who was Ernest L. Kurth?
A Complex Legacy of Philanthropy and Segregation
Ernest Lynn Kurth, a pivotal benefactor and figure at Southwestern University, represents a complex legacy intertwining considerable philanthropy with staunch segregationist views. His remarkable contributions to the University are contrasted by his resistance to racial integration, reflecting the societal tensions prevalent during the Civil Rights Era.
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Who was Isaac Joel McCook?
The original inhabitant of the Old Field House in its original location, before it was even just the Field House.
Isaac Joel McCook (usually referred to as I. J. McCook) was Southwestern’s Business Manager (later Vice President of Finance) from 1929 to 1968. He also served on the Executive Committee for several years, acting as its Secretary for many of those years. He served the University during some of its…
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Who was Margaret Root Brown?
A Southwestern Alumna, Philanthropist, and art patron whose legacy permeates the campus.
Margaret Root Brown was born on July 21, 1895 in Taylor, Texas, to James Leper Root and South Carolina Root. She had two older siblings, Daniel Root and Florence (Florra) Root Cody, who both attended Southwestern University alongside her. During her time at the University, Root Brown joined Alpha…
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