Valero Energy Foundation – the philanthropic arm of Valero Energy Corporation – on May 22 pledged $1 million to a San Antonio-based university just two weeks after the school suffered a devastating fire at its historic main building.
Our Lady of the Lake University’s 112-year-old, stone-covered main building was engulfed in flames on the evening of May 6, forcing many students and staff members out of dorms, classrooms and offices. Since then, the university has received a wave of support from students and patrons eager to rebuild and renew the institution’s commitment to higher education.
The $1 million pledge – presented at a press conference by Debbie Hevner, Valero Vice President of Human Resources, Payroll and Benefits; Ruth Pina, Director of Staffing & Employee Services; and Sylvia Rodriguez, Community Relations Manager – is the largest major gift received by Our Lady of the Lake since the fire. The university now must develop a rebuilding plan as more than 68,000 square feet of classrooms, labs, offices, cafeteria, kitchen and residences were affected. In addition, the basement of an adjoining building sustained heavy water damage. In total, more than 100 staff and faculty members were displaced along with 35 students.
The university intends to use Valero’s gift to restore the main building and support future development of the university. The work is expected to last at least two years.
“Valero’s $1 million pledge comes at a defining moment,” said Dr. Tessa Martinez Pollack, President of Our Lady of the Lake University. “It inspires our creativity to strategically advance as a private Catholic university with a long history of quality and service to students from all backgrounds.”
Our Lady of the Lake University was founded in 1895 by the Congregation of Divine Providence and stands today as a co-educational liberal arts institution with an enrollment of approximately 2,800 students. The university offers 56 bachelor’s degree programs, 48 master’s degree programs and two doctoral degree programs. Academic degree programs are offered in the arts, sciences, business, education, professional studies and social work.
During the press conference, Hevner said Valero is proud to support higher education and be an equal partner in answering the calls for help in the community. The Valero Energy Foundation gave more than $11 million to worthy causes in 2007, including a $5 million to the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio for transplant research and education.
“The Valero Energy Foundation has been a longtime supporter of education and agencies that strive to improve people's lives,” Hevner said. “From children, to students, to families, to senior citizens, our company's Commitment to the Community is a key part of our culture at Valero, and we are happy to pledge our support to OLLU as they rebuild this historic part of their campus.”
Valero CEO Bill Klesse echoed Hevner’s pledge of support for a university that serves as an alma mater to many Valero employees.
“We are so proud to be able to support Our Lady of the Lake at this time,” Klesse said. “The university gives nearly 3,000 students a solid foundation and a path to career success. Many of our employees are graduates, and we’re pleased to be able to help restore this fine building.”
Pollack said she is hopeful that others in the business community will respond as Valero did, supporting a historic part of San Antonio and the educational community.
“I feel confident others will follow Valero’s lead,” she said.