DENTON, Texas — BuzzBallz Founder and CEO Merrilee Kick has gifted her alma mater, Texas Woman's University (TWU) in Denton, Texas, a record-setting $30 million to support its College of Business.
This donation comes just over a year after the Doswell Foundation gave $15 million to the university to create an aviation program, according to a news release.
Kick, a former Plano West Senior High School teacher, earned her MBA from TWU in 2009 and her master's degree thesis was for the business plan that led to the beverage company Buzzballz, which became the only woman-owned distillery/winery/brewery combo in the U.S. when it initially launched, according to a news release.
“My MBA from TWU enabled me to write a solid business plan for what became BuzzBallz, a billion-dollar company,” Kick said. “As a former educator and child of educators, teaching the next generation is important for our future. As my parents said, ‘A good teacher makes a difference.’ I have had some good teachers — and parents — who really cared about me and my success, and I am committed to make that happen for others, to make the world a better place.”
The $30 million donation will go towards the College of Business, an endowed chair and an entrepreneur-in-residence program. In addition, this money will help expedite the construction plans for a new building for the college, all of which will have her name attached to it.
TWU officials are ecstatic about the large gift and feel it gives them the ability to continue to grow and expand their campus.
"This gift affords us an opportunity to shine a huge light on the innovation and business acumen women bring to the table in our globally competitive economy," TWU Chancellor Carine Feyten said. " I am doubly pleased that this extraordinary gift comes from Merrilee, a shining example of our pioneering spirit and an alumna who has risen to the level of entrepreneurial titan."
In May, Kick sold her company to Louisiana-based Sazerac, which is the world's largest privately held spirits company, according to the news release. However, she continues her role as the CEO of Buzzballz.
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