“Now it’s lawns and well lit entrances, to their brick work and craftsman-style. Mike hopes his work will help to create a “main drag” for A&M-Commerce, a step that would both strengthen the area’s standing as a college town and entice future students to become Lions.
“I love Commerce. Mike’s wife Jeanenne, class of 1966, took on an integral role in the management of Oglesby & Associates, Inc. after teaching for a few years in the Dallas ISD. Now she works alongside Mike, helping him select new projects and manage other rental properties in Commerce. “I have enjoyed returning to Commerce,” Jeanenne said. “I love seeing the university’s growth and the diversity of students. The campus has never looked so good as the result of all the new buildings, landscaping and maintenance.” As winners of the Commerce Beautification Award, Mike and Jeanenne have contributed greatly to the university aesthetics with an array of newly built and renovated rental properties that have improved the neighborhoods and have added to the overall beauty of the campus. With an eye for green building practices, Mike works to include energy-efficient “low-e” windows, insulation and HVAC units into every new project and renovation he takes on.
20
“Jeanenne and I build homes we would be proud to live in,” Oglesby said. “We’re happy to contribute in a way that makes Commerce a more attractive place for people to work, live and study.” For Hoyle and Ann (Oglesby) Julian, however, giving back to the university involves less brick and mortar, and more books and tutoring; gifts they feel will pay dividends for generations. “The tutoring started with one of the football players, Dan DeVega,” Hoyle said. “He needed some help with math, so I started meeting with him a few days a week. Eventually, the coach asked me to take on a few more of his players. I think I’ve had a lot of success working with them because they know I’m there because I want to help, not for money.” For both Ann and Hoyle, having the ability to meet one-on-one with students for tutoring or advising, and seeing the lights go on is one of the highlights they believe makes A&M-Commerce so unique. It’s that love and respect for the university’s heritage that also brings the Julians back to campus for nearly every university theater production, concert and athletic event. For Hoyle, however, it’s a love for a university he never thought he’d attend. “I never planned to go to college,” Hoyle said. “I thought I’d be a welder, but when I fractured a bone in my hand, I knew I had to try for something else. Then my dad had a stroke, so I had to stay close to home and tend our dairy farm in Sulphur Springs. A&M-Commerce was close by, so it made the most sense.”
Their latest project on Monroe Street, Oglesby Plaza, was completed this summer and included a 2400 square foot mixed-use development across from Prairie Crossing with both retail space and apartments. He also constructed a new 1300-square-foot home across the street.
A lot has changed since the Julians attended, but they embrace it nonetheless. “Every building on campus has air-conditioning now,” Ann said. “The only air-conditioned building we had was the student center. Every Monday night we had square dancing at the SUB. Everyone showed up and had a fun time.”
“Ideally we will fill the space with a restaurant that caters to college students,” Mike said. “I’d like to see a restaurant move in that has a bistro feel, something that will take advantage of the outdoor seating in front of and alongside the building.”
“We have so many fond memories of this university,” she said. “Now it’s just an honor for us to give back.” w
Each of the Oglesby’s properties adds a welcome charm to the neighborhoods surrounding campus, from their nicely manicured
Learn more about the Oglesby’s and other distinguished alumni at pride.tamu-commerce.edu
Texas A&M University–Commerce ~ Pride Magazine