Texas Woman’s University announced this week that they have received a record $30 million gift to support its college of business from Planoite Merrilee Kick.
Kick has had a diverse career. From owning and operating a marketing company, becoming an editor of ScreenTalk Magazine, working as a news anchor for CBS Radio, teaching business at Plano West Senior High School and finally founding pre-mixed cocktail giant BuzzBallz, she has left a mark on various industries. Kick is also an alum of the university, where she received her MBA in 2009.
“This gift affords us an opportunity to shine a huge light on the innovation and business acumen women bring to the table in our globally competitive economy,” Texas Woman’s Chancellor Carine Feyten said. “I am doubly pleased that this extraordinary gift comes from Merrilee, a shining example of our pioneering spirit and an alumna who has risen to the level of entrepreneurial titan.”
The gift is set to fund an institute focused on innovation and entrepreneurship, an endowed chair and an entrepreneur-in-residence program, all in Kick’s name. According to the university, the gift will also fast-track plans to construct a new building for the college, and the TWU governing board is set to approve a new name for the college of business in her honor on Friday, August 9.
“I am profoundly moved by Merrilee Kick’s exceptional generosity in making this gift and am thrilled that she shares our vision for elevating the college of business by educating primarily women in business and entrepreneurship,” said business college Dean Rama Yelkur. “The Merrilee Alexander Kick College of Business and Entrepreneurship will undoubtedly add greater value and visibility, significantly amplifying our mission and impact on the future of business education.”
The donation also doubles the university’s prior largest donation. A little over a year ago, the Dallas-based Doswell Foundation gave $15 million to establish an aviation program, which begins classes this fall, according to the university.
Kick’s time at TWU served as more than just a diploma — her master’s thesis was the basis for the business plan that led to the creation of BuzzBallz/Southern Champion. According to a news release, the business was the only woman-owned distillery/winery/brewery combo in the U.S. when it launched later that year.
“My MBA from TWU enabled me to write a solid business plan for what became BuzzBallz, a billion-dollar company,” Kick said. “As a former educator and child of educators, teaching the next generation is important for our future. As my parents said, ‘A good teacher makes a difference.’ I have had some good teachers — and parents — who really cared about me and my success, and I am committed to make that happen for others, to make the world a better place.”
Though Kick sold the company in May to Louisiana-based Sazerac, she remains BuzzBallz CEO.
