Ralph and Erma Lowe Chair in Texas History

$1.5 million gift establishes state's first chair of Texas history

A $1.5 million gift by Fort Worth native and businesswoman Mary Ralph Lowe will establish an endowed chair of Texas history at TCU. The position is the first of its kind at any Texas college or university. The gift was announced during an Oct. 18, 2002, reception at the Dee J. Kelly Alumni and Visitors Center on the TCU campus.

The Chair, named after Ms. Lowe's parents, will be known as the Ralph and Erma Lowe Chair of Texas History. A search committee has already been formed to locate a nationally recognized teacher and scholar to fill the position.

"We are delighted that Mary Ralph has chosen TCU as the home of this wonderful tribute to her parents," said TCU Chancellor Michael R. Ferrari. "Because of the Lowe Chair, the highest caliber of teaching and scholarship in Texas history will always be a part of TCU and continue the legacy of Ralph and Erma Lowe."

"This generous gift is the first step towards enhancing TCU's reputation as a noted center for the study of the history and culture of the Lone Star State," said Mary Volcansek, dean of TCU's Addran College of Humanities and Social Sciences. "Mary Ralph Lowe's contribution will benefit TCU and the people of Texas for many years to come."

The announcement ceremony underscored the ambitions and importance of preserving Texas history, as Weatherford-based cowboy musician and balladeer Don Edwards performed classic western music from the past. Edwards, whose work has kept vital Texas' Western folksong traditions for the past two centuries, called the endowment "a godsend to those of us who understand that we have to look back into our history to know what the present day means."

Ms. Lowe is president of Maralo LLC., located in Houston. Ralph Lowe was a "Texas wildcatter" who earned a reputation as one of the state's most respected members of the oil and gas industry. Among his many other entrepreneurial enterprises were farming, ranching, real estate and thoroughbred racing. Erma Lowe was a committee civic volunteer and philanthropist, known for her tireless efforts on behalf of Cook's Children's Medical Center and numerous other charities. She also served on the TCU Board of Trustees and was an Honorary Trustee for more than two decades. Both were avid supporters of Horned Frog athletic teams.