Defining Generosity

Even before the late John R. Hill Jr. ’44 learned the core values at Texas A&M University, he was an avid believer in the power of giving back. His late wife, Peggy, also an advocate of generosity, was dedicated to community service in every way possible. The Hills became a model for their children, teaching them that giving back with their time, talents and treasures was a staple value.

Dedicated Service

John served in the U.S. Army in the 88th and 326th Glider Infantry of the 13th Airborne Division in the European Theatre in World War II. After completing his mission, John’s intellectual curiosity and desire to learn led him back to Texas A&M University, where he received a degree in civil engineering. John joined his father after graduation at Gifford-Hill & Company, a large-scale construction materials business, as an engineer before climbing the ranks to become the company’s first vice president in 1958 and chairman of the board in 1977.
 

John was a lifelong learner who devoted time to reading and education daily. His daughter, Cynthia Landen, shared that her parents’ gifts to Evans Library and Texas A&M University Press embodied her father’s love for learning and created a legacy for upholding quality education. “My dad believed in the power of education to change lives. His gifts were a tangible way to support that belief,” Landen said.

The Hills’ gift to the Corps provides unrestricted funds to support the goals and objectives of its Enhancement Plan, a project to improve cadets’ learning experiences, provide financial assistance, support recruiting efforts and maintain outstanding facilities.
 

Everlasting Impact

The Hills’ gift is a powerful testimony that giving to Texas A&M can have a long-term impact for donors and the university. The $990,000 they invested in the charitable remainder unitrust in 1987 paid them 5% annually for 32 years. Even after those generous payments, the trust nearly doubled, and the remaining gift totaled $1.7 million. Of that, $1.1 million will provide the university with financial support for years to come. The remainder will benefit Highland Park Presbyterian Church and the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas.

Generosity and outreach were embedded in Peggy and John’s DNA. They believed their obligation in life was to help the next person in line be successful. “Growing up, we saw our parents as role models,” recalled Landen. “They emphasized unconditional love and generosity, and that’s what defined them.”

To learn more about making a planned gift that can benefit you, your family and the university, contact Kevin Westerman '11 at the bottom of this page.