Donors Honored at Bowers Stadium Suite Unveiling

Donors Honored at Bowers Stadium Suite Unveiling

Donor support continues to drive innovation and advance Sam Houston State University. This impact was evident on July 30, when the university recognized donors behind the named spaces in the newly renovated Bowers Stadium press box.

Following the stadium’s official ribbon-cutting, the event provided donors and special guests with an opportunity to tour the new club level, view the named suites and celebrate the role that private support played in bringing the project to life.

Named areas throughout the facility include individual suites, the main concourse and the elevator lobby. Each space reflects a donor’s personal connection to Sam Houston and continued investment in the university and Bearkat Athletics.

Vice President for University Advancement Matt Bethea welcomed guests and expressed gratitude to the donors for contributing to a facility that enhances the game-day experience while demonstrating SHSU’s continued growth.

“A name placed within this facility is not only a sign of generosity. It is a statement of belief,” Bethea said. “It says, ‘I believe Sam Houston has an important future, and I am willing to help build it.’”

Many of the individuals recognized maintain longstanding affiliations with the university as alumni, former student-athletes and consistent supporters. Their involvement has included service to the Alumni Association, mentorship of students and continued investment in programs across Sam Houston.

University President Alisa White thanked the donors for entrusting the university with their names and becoming part of Sam Houston’s continuing legacy.

“When you carry the name of Sam Houston State University, it’s more than a name. It’s a legacy,” White said. “Thank you for helping us build this legacy here.”

Bearkat quarterback and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee member Landyn Locke provided the student perspective. Locke, who joined Sam Houston State University in January 2025, spoke on behalf of the football program, thanking donors for their commitment to student-athletes and expressed the team’s excitement about competing in the new facility.

“It’s not just a stadium to us,” Locke said. “It shows the commitment y’all have provided, not only for football, but for all of Bearkat Athletics.”

After the program, guests toured the named suites, viewed the field and campus from the club level and gathered for photos and refreshments.

The unveiling provided an opportunity to recognize the names now displayed throughout the facility - and the donors whose support is helping Sam Houston provide new experiences for students, alumni and Bearkat fans.

Donors recognized during the unveiling included Trey White ’21, Brian Starr ’02, Ray Burgess ’75, Chris deMilliano ’02, Kendall Cason ’07, Sam Thigpen, Duke Austin ’92, Bryan Osterhaus ’89, Charlie Amato ’70 and Gary Dudley ’69.