Year In Review: Robert & Janet Vackar

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Athletic Department is taking a look back at a historic calendar year through a series of stories titled, “Year In Review.”

Robert and Janet Vackar, both natives of the Valley and the owners and principal dealers of the Bert Ogden Auto Group, were raised by parents who owned local businesses, instilling in them the values of hard work, volunteerism and giving back to the community.

United by a shared commitment, they are passionate about empowering students to achieve their educational goals. The Vackars’ contributions to UTRGV extend beyond the football field as they provide numerous scholarships for students at UTRGV.

UTRGV President Guy Bailey expressed his gratitude for the Vackars’ contributions that started nearly 10 years ago as UTRGV opened its doors for the first time in 2015, in a press release from UTRGV Athletics on March 21, 2024:

“Their visionary contributions, which started just a few months after our university’s opening, not only provided financial support but also bestowed instant credibility upon our institution. Their early investments helped put UTRGV on the map and set the stage for our ongoing growth and impact. Their ongoing dedication continues to shape the trajectory of our university.”

In 2016, the UTRGV College of Business was renamed to the Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship as a recognition of their exceptional generosity.

On March 21, 2024, UTRGV announced the naming of Robert & Janet Vackar Stadium, in perpetuity, for their longstanding generosity, including a new $20 million gift. To learn more about Robert & Janet Vackar Stadium, click here.