VISION DOWN THE FIELD

In November 2021, Karen Cramer pledged $5 million in support of construction of a new stadium on Texas Wesleyan’s historic campus. Cramer’s generous commitment is the first leadership-level gift received for the stadium, which will be named in her honor.

Board of Trustees in 1972, was named Alumnus of the Year in 1975, and became board chairman in 1976. Karen Cramer’s grandmother, Quilla Viola Umstead Shawver, graduated in 1917, when the university was known as Texas Woman’s College (you can read more about that era in the Fall 2021 issue of Wesleyan). Karen’s mother, Elizabeth Shawver, was 15 years old when she started at Texas Wesleyan. She studied home economics before the program was closed during World War II, when she transferred to Southern Methodist University. In addition to Cramer’s gift, Moritz Dealerships pledged

“Karen’s generosity exemplifies the kind of philanthropy a gift of $2.5 million in December 2021 in support of the that allows institutions like Texas Wesleyan University to stadium project. Moritz Dealerships’ contribution brings continue to provide the environment of excellence that we the total raised to $7.5 million. In honor of this significant strive for,” said Texas Wesleyan Board of Trustees Chairman contribution, the field house at the new stadium will be Glenn Lewis ’81. “Mere words are not sufficient to express named for Moritz Dealerships. our gratitude.” “The impact of previous philanthropy from Moritz

A campus-based stadium has been in discussion Dealerships and the Moritz family has already been lifesince 2017, when football returned to the university changing for many of our students,” said President Slabach. after a 76-year hiatus. Now in its fifth “Moritz Partners has been season, Texas Wesleyan football has “The impact of previous a faithful sponsor for our brought heightened media attention to campus, increased school spirit, and philanthropy from Moritz annual Wesleyan 5K race since the inaugural event in 2016. bolstered both recruitment and diversity. But the stadium project will benefit more than football. “The new stadium will positively affect all aspects of our Engage 2025 Strategic Plan by enhancing student, alumni and community engagement and spurring further economic development along Rosedale Street by bringing more Dealerships and the Moritz family has already been life-changing for many of our students.” – President Frederick G. Slabach Additionally, John David and Leslie Moritz have a deeply held passion for helping young people, and they have demonstrated this each year by providing scholarship support to Texas Wesleyan students. It is my honor to witness their people to our neighborhood,” said Texas generosity firsthand. We have Wesleyan President Frederick G. Slabach. “It also will so much to be thankful for because of donors like the Moritz generate a revenue stream to sustain our athletics programs family and Moritz Dealerships.” through usage fees from outside organizations. We are In addition to sponsoring the annual Wesleyan 5K and excited about this development for our Polytechnic Heights providing scholarship support, the Moritz family also made a community and are incredibly thankful for Karen and her leadership-level gift to the Nick and Lou Martin University outstanding support.” Center campaign in 2017.

When Cramer joined the Texas Wesleyan Board of “Moritz Dealerships and the Moritz family are appreciated Trustees in 2016, she continued her family legacy of and known in Tarrant County and the greater metroplex commitment to education in Southeast Fort Worth and for their generosity and community leadership,” said Vice at Texas Wesleyan University. Karen’s father, Judson A. President for Advancement Jerri Schooley. “Having the Cramer HON ’79, graduated from Polytechnic High School Moritz name associated with Texas Wesleyan is a privilege and enrolled at Texas Wesleyan as part of the Civil Pilot and honor. It’s a partnership we are immensely grateful for Training Program. He later joined the Texas Wesleyan and highly value.”