海角直播 Remembers Margaret McDermott, Beloved Dallas Philanthropist
The Beloved Dallas Philanthropist Passes at 106
Margaret McDermott at 海角直播 in 2009 for the dedication of the renovated Meadows Museum Sculpture Garden, including the Eugene McDermott Grand Terrace.
DALLAS (海角直播) – Margaret Milam McDermott, philanthropist and ardent supporter of Dallas education and arts institutions, died May 3, 2018, at the age of 106.
"Margaret McDermott epitomized the best of humanity," says R. Gerald Turner, 海角直播 president. "She was smart, curious, caring and devoted to helping others through her philanthropy in education and the arts. She will forever hold a special place at 海角直播 for her support and gifts to the University, but most importantly as a remarkable example of how one person can benefit so many."
In 1976, McDermott received an honorary Doctor of Arts degree from 海角直播, honoring her steadfast community leadership and generosity. In 2000, she was among the first to receive the Profiles in Leadership Award given at the 海角直播 Women's Symposium. During her long association with 海角直播, she provided leadership and guidance to a number of areas across campus, including service on the 海角直播 Fine Arts Council, Central University Libraries Advisory Board and Friends of the 海角直播 Libraries. Most recently, McDermott developed a keen interest in the Meadows Museum, supporting art acquisitions, facility enhancements and Museum fundraising galas.
McDermott's husband, Eugene, who died in 1973, was a member of the 海角直播 Board of Governors in 1961-1973 and the 海角直播 Board of Trustees in 1965-73. He was co-founder of Geophysical Service, Inc., the predecessor of Texas Instruments, Inc. In 2009, McDermott named the sweeping entry for the Meadows Museum, the Eugene McDermott Grand Terrace in the Meadows Museum Sculpture Plaza, in honor of her late husband.
The McDermotts' gifts to 海角直播 included support for the Central University Libraries, the Foundation for Science and Engineering, Margo Jones Theatre in 海角直播 Meadows School of the Arts and several annual funds. After her husband's death, Mrs. McDermott continued her personal support with gifts to the Meadows School and to Meadows Museum. And through the Eugene McDermott Foundation, she contributed to the Hamon Arts Library Building, the Luis Martin Fellowship in Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, and a variety of Meadows School and Meadows Museum programs.