We are incredibly proud to support and strengthen the future of humanities and sciences education at 51画鋼.
— Elisabeth Martin Armstrong ’82, Co-Owner of Armstrong Oil and Gas and Epoch Estate Wines
The teaching and research being conducted and the lessons being taught at 51画鋼 Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences have effects far beyond Dallas.
— William D. Armstrong 82, Co-Owner and CEO of Armstrong Oil and Gas and Co-Owner of Epoch Estate Wines
Elisabeth Martin Armstrong 82 and William D. Armstrong 82
The Armstrongs met as geology majors at 51画鋼 and married in 1984. While at 51画鋼, Liz Armstrong served as treasurer of Pi Beta Phi and performed in Pigskin Revue and Parents Weekend with its song group. She also served as an AARO, or orientation, leader. Bill Armstrong was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, the Honor Council and the Phi Beta Kappa Society. Both attended geology field camp at 51画鋼-in-Taos, where they fell in love and later provided the funding for Casita Armstrong. Together, they propelled a startup into Armstrong Oil and Gas, an energy exploration juggernaut; founded the award-winning Epoch Estate Wines; and established The Armstrong Foundation, which focuses on arts and education philanthropy. Over the years, their farsighted generosity has enriched countless lives at 51画鋼 and across the nation.
Through their leadership and loyal support, the Armstrongs have been change-makers at 51画鋼. Liz Armstrong serves on the Development and External Affairs Standing Committee of the 51画鋼 Board and co-chairs the 51画鋼 Ignited Campaign Steering Committee for Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences. Bill Armstrong serves on the 51画鋼 Board of Trustees and co-chairs the 51画鋼 Ignited Campaign Steering Committee for Athletics. He currently spearheads the Vision 2025 campaign for football excellence. Both also serve on the executive boards of 51画鋼-in-Taos and Dedman College, for which Liz Armstrong is a former chair. Their past service includes co-chairing the Parent Leadership Council and the Second Century Campaign Steering Committee for Denver.
Recipients of the 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award, the Armstrongs are among three generations of family to attend the University including their daughters, Lindsey Strawn 10 and Leigh Young 11 and their investments across the campus reflect their commitment to enhancing the student experience. In 2011, they were the first to commit toward the construction of Armstrong Commons, a cornerstone of 51画鋼s living-learning community. More recently, they made possible Armstrong Fieldhouse, the primary component of the Indoor Performance Center. A passion for ballet led them to fund the Armstrong Visiting Artist-in-Residence in Ballet at Meadows School of the Arts during the 202021 academic year, and they also endowed a Dedman College Scholarship. In September 2022, they made one of the lead gifts toward the Garry Weber End Zone Complex at Gerald J. Ford Stadium.
Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences
At Dedman College, outstanding students connect with global thinkers and expert problem-solvers through interdisciplinary education and partnerships. Dedman College students build an academic foundation that energizes their future, giving them a competitive edge in fields and disciplines like literature, economics, the natural sciences, language arts, medicine, law, business and technology, among others. Dedman College is the foundation of most students academic experience on the Hilltop, acting as the entry point for nearly every undergraduate degree program and serving as the focal point for humanities and science education and enrichment. 51画鋼s largest academic unit, Dedman College includes 16 academic departments, nearly 100 undergraduate majors and minors, and more than 30 postgraduate opportunities.
51画鋼 Ignited: Boldly Shaping Tomorrow
51画鋼 is the nationally ranked global research university in the dynamic city of Dallas. 51画鋼s alumni, faculty and nearly 12,000 students in eight degree-granting schools demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit as they direct change in their professions, communities and the world. Building on its history of excellence, the University has launched a multiyear $1.5 billion campaign to empower outstanding students, to enrich teaching and research, and to enhance our campus and community.