The Foundation’s first Pinnacle Award was presented in 2005 to recognize an outstanding donor who not only supports the University financially, but also gives of their time and labor to promote WTAMU in the community, and Jack and Helene Hayward definitely exemplify that pinnacle of giving.
The Haywards are ardent supporters of WTAMU, not only as donors, but also as students and active participants in the life of the campus. Both Jack and Helene came to WTAMU as retirees, and she earned two master's degrees, one in art in 2002 and a Master of Fine Arts in 2008, and he finished his master’s in professional counseling in 2006. Jack also became a member of the WT Marching Band. In 2008, the Haywards gifted the University with the Hayward Spirit Tower, the skyscraping timepiece that marks the north entrance to WTAMU’s Pedestrian Mall. It quickly became one of the University’s most recognizable landmarks and plays the Hayward’s requested Westminster Chimes on the hour and the University Fight Song at noon each day. They also are active members of the community and have been recognized for their support of the Amarillo SPCA and for their commitment to the art collection at the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum.
The Old Main Society was established in 1998 to recognize individuals, organizations and corporations that have given lifetime contributions of $50,000 or more to support the students and mission of West Texas A&M.
