Do you ever wonder about the people for whom buildings on TWU campuses are named?

Here’s an easy one — Who hasn’t heard of T. Boone Pickens?

The TWU T. Boone Pickens Institute of Health Sciences – Dallas Center opened in February 2011, combining the university’s Parkland and Presbyterian sites into one building in the Southwestern Medical District. It’s named for the famed Texas oilman, entrepreneur and philanthropist who donated $5 million — then the largest gift in TWU history — to the building’s fundraising campaign.

Pickens’ gift was made through The T. Boone Pickens Foundation, established in 2006 with a focus on philanthropic contributions to health and medical research, treatment and services, entrepreneurship, kids at risk, and more.

At the TWU Dallas building’s grand opening, Pickens described the center as “the premier nursing institution in the United States.”

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This is the fifth story in an occasional series on the history behind TWU buildings.
Previous stories:
Part I — Stoddard Hall
Part II — Student Union
Part III — Blagg-Huey Library
Part IV — Stark and Guinn residence halls