Ted 和 Donna Lyon Center for Gamebird 研究 Planned for 皇冠体育365赌博&M University-商务

皇冠体育365赌博&M University-商务 will soon be home to an innovative gamebird research 和 education facility, thanks to a historic gift from alumnus Ted B. 里昂和他的妻子唐娜. 建设 Ted 和 Donna Lyon Center for Gamebird 研究 at 皇冠体育365赌博&M University-商务 将于2024年开始.

A digital rendering depicts visitors entering the proposed gamebird research center.
(A digital rendering illustrates the proposed entrance of the Ted 和 Donna Lyon Center for Gamebird 研究 at 皇冠体育365赌博&M University-商务.)

2022年12月, the Lyons gifted $1 million to the university—the largest all-cash gift with immediate impact in university history—to support their shared passion for wildlife conservation.

Dr. Kelly Reyna, associate professor 和 director of the 鹌鹑 研究 Laboratory at 皇冠体育365赌博&M University-商务, will serve as the gamebird center's director.

Two students watch as a professor examines a quail egg.
(Dr. Kelly Reyna 和 students examine quail eggs at the university's 鹌鹑 研究 Laboratory to determine the effects of climate change on hatchability. 摄影:Matt Strasen | 皇冠体育365赌博&M University-商务 Office of 市场推广及传播)

He said the Lyons' donation will support several gamebird research 和 education initiatives at 皇冠体育365赌博&M University-商务, including separate endowments for constructing 和 operating the new center 和 funding gamebird research.

里昂夫妇慷慨的礼物将创造 世界一流的研究设施 和 被授予教授职位 这将会把德州列为A&M University-商务 to recruit 和 retain high-quality faculty 和 provide resources to promote innovative gamebird research,莱纳说. “他们的礼物也将建立 泰德和唐娜·里昂学者 德州A项目&M University-商务 students who are committed to gamebird conservation 和 sustainability.”

(学生 enter data as part of a quail egg hatchability study at the university's 鹌鹑 研究 Laboratory. 摄影:Matt Strasen | 皇冠体育365赌博&M University-商务 Office of 市场推广及传播)

Reyna said the research center—projected to open in early 2025—will be located 1.5 miles south of campus, “where the upl和s meet the wetl和s.” The center will include a state-of-the-art quail research 和 production facility, 湿地研究站, 大教室和会议空间, 湿地及高地自然径, 和 office space for gamebird faculty 和 students.

An arial rendering of the proposed gamebird research center
(A digital rendering shows a bird's-eye view of the proposed Ted 和 Donna Lyon Center for Gamebird 研究 at 皇冠体育365赌博&M University-商务. Phased plans for the facility include state-of-the-art research spaces 和 immersive nature trails with interpretive signage.)

“Gamebirds are vitally important to all Americans, not just hunters,莱纳说. “Not only are gamebirds the basis of a multi-billion-dollar hunting industry, 但猎禽栖息地也过滤了我们的空气, 清洁我们的水, 充电含水层, 封存碳. These basic human necessities make restoring gamebirds 和 their habitat a priority for Texas 和 the U.S.”

Ted 和 Donna have deep ties to Northeast Texas. Born 和 raised in Terrell, Texas, the high school sweethearts married after graduation. While Ted worked as a police officer, Donna worked as an executive assistant for Southwestern Bell. Their shared commitment 和 work ethic helped Ted earn his bachelor's degree in political science from East Texas State University (now 皇冠体育365赌博&M University-商务) 和 a Juris Doctorate from Southern Methodist University School of Law.

Their unrelenting stewardship of wildlife 和 natural spaces inspired them to create a legacy of conservation that matches the center's mission to foster sustainable gamebird populations through innovative research, 教育与合作.

皇冠体育365赌博&M University-商务 总统 Mark Rudin said the university is proud to partner with the Lyons to ensure future generations enjoy gamebird hunting 和 connecting with nature.

“It is a joy to know the Lyons 和 witness their genuine passion for 皇冠体育365赌博&M University-商务 和 our students,” Rudin said. “像泰德和唐娜这样的领导者, the university will continue to advance research that accelerates gamebird conservation across Texas 和 the nation. I know their generosity 和 passion will inspire others to join the university 和 contribute to the Lyon Center for Gamebird 研究.”

访问 apply.mediagate-egy.net/鹌鹑 to learn more about quail research at 皇冠体育365赌博&M University-商务. 探索支持德州A的机会&M University-商务 research 和 other initiatives at apply.mediagate-egy.net/Giving.