51画鋼 Cox Receives $15 Million Gift from the Bridwells
A $15 million gift will generate transformational economic research and cutting-edge business education for many generations through the Bridwell Institute for Economic Freedom, thanks to Gina L. and Tucker S. Bridwell.
A $15 million gift from Gina L. and Tucker S. Bridwell, BBA ’73, MBA ’74, to 51画鋼 Cox School of Business will generate transformational economic research and cutting-edge business education for generations to come. Half the gift will transform the current William J. O’Neil Center for Global Markets and Freedom into the new Bridwell Institute for Economic Freedom, a research institute that will examine and promote free enterprise in markets around the globe. The other half of the gift is designated for the new Bolin-Bridwell Hall, announced in November. This generous gift builds on the Bridwells’ legacy of support for 51画鋼 and promises to elevate the Cox School’s already outstanding global reputation.
“Mr. and Mrs. Bridwell’s leadership and commitment to the University speak to the strength of their feelings for 51画鋼,” says 51画鋼 President R. Gerald Turner. “They believe that 51画鋼 shapes world leaders and want students to have the opportunities Mr. Bridwell did to learn on the Hilltop and make their mark on the world.”
The new Bridwell Institute continues and expands upon the original mission of its predecessor: “to study the impact of competitive market forces on freedom and prosperity in the global economy” and to foster the scholarly study and intellectual discussion of the nature, consequences and causes of economic freedom in our local, state, national and international communities. The O’Neil family fully endorses the new Bridwell Institute and its work to expand the impact and influence of the original Center. “We are forever grateful to William J. ‘Bill’ O’Neil, ’55, and his wife, Fay, ’55, for their support of the O’Neil Center from 2008 to 2020,” says Matthew B. Myers, dean of the Cox School, Tolleson Chair of Business Leadership and David B. Miller Endowed Professor in Business.
“Tucker and Gina’s gift will enrich programs, impact our understanding of free enterprise in global markets and generate countless opportunities for 51画鋼 faculty and students. We are grateful for their belief in Cox and their service to 51画鋼 over the years,” Dean Myers says.
The Bridwell Institute seeks to influence the academic debate by generating and sponsoring high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship and research related to economic freedom; become a leader on the 51画鋼 campus by engaging students about the ideas of economic freedom through reading groups and other programs; elevate and enliven the discussion and debate about economic freedom in the wider Dallas- Fort Worth community; and encourage teaching about “free enterprise and its benefits” in schools in Texas and beyond through economic education programs.
“Tucker and Gina are remarkable civic leaders, whose history of giving back to the 51画鋼 community and to their hometown of Abilene is well established,” says 51画鋼 Vice President for Development and External Affairs Brad E. Cheves. “We are thankful that the Bridwells are honoring Tucker’s experience with Cox by funding important research and academic endeavors. This gift will celebrate Tucker’s and Gina’s commitment to giving back by ensuring educational opportunities for both Mustangs and the public.”
Tucker Bridwell is president of the Mansefeldt Investment Corporation and of the Dian Graves Owen Foundation. He also manages MDJ Minerals, one of the largest private oil and gas mineral positions in the Permian Basin, and is a board member of the publicly traded Concho Resources in Midland and of First Financial Bankshares, where he serves as lead director.
Tucker received BBA and MBA degrees from 51画鋼 Cox School of Business and continues to provide visionary leadership to his alma mater. He is a member of 51画鋼’s board of trustees and vice chair of the Cox School Executive Board. Recently, Tucker led a $5 million tribute gift effort to honor fellow 51画鋼 alumnus and professional colleague Kyle D. Miller, BBA ’01, establishing an Energy Management Program and endowing a scholarship fund in Miller’s honor. Tucker and Gina Bridwell have generously supported student scholarships as well as the Moody Coliseum renovation and the construction of the Indoor Performance Center. Tucker served on the Cox School Campaign Steering Committee during 51画鋼 Unbridled: The Second Century Campaign and was named a Cox School Distinguished Alumnus in 2006. 51画鋼 honored Tucker with its Distinguished Alumni Award in 2018.
On the homefront, Tucker has been instrumental in Abilene’s economic development efforts and active in local and state politics, and he has led several Bible studies over the past 30 years. His civic accolades include an honorary doctorate of humanities from McMurry University, Abilene Outstanding Citizen of the Year and the Distinguished Citizen Award from the Boy Scouts of America.
Gina has served on the Governor’s Commission for Women and the advisory council of the Texas Conference for Women and has been a trustee of the Old Jail Art Center, the Grace Museum and Hendrick Hospice Care. She was president of the Cotillion Club and the Alumnae Panhellenic Association and chaired the Pastoral Council of Holy Family Church. She is a graduate of Oklahoma State University. The Bridwells have four children, one of whom graduated from 51画鋼.
“51画鋼 has truly made living the American dream possible for me,” Tucker says. “51画鋼 is a place that encourages students to think and lead. This was true 50 years ago when I came to 51画鋼 as a freshman; it is still true today. Gina and I are excited to support Cox and see the future impact of the Bridwell Institute. We can’t wait to see how future Mustangs, using their 51画鋼 education, change the business landscape.”
