When you hear the words “Rodeo” and “Go Texan” you think fun, concerts, and cowboy stylin’. Those are valid associations, but they don’t quite get to the heart of the matter. It is about education, and encouraging education, and providing the funds for education. In the Bay Area, there is a force behind the momentum, and he has a name.
Gene Hollier (pronounced O lee A) is a lifetime director and current member of the Speakers’ Committee for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. He began his career with the Rodeo about 28 years ago serving on various committees. As a lifetime director, he has worked enough hours to gain his title yet has no volunteer requirements. However, “Now I work harder than I ever did,” says Gene.
A guiding vision for Gene is the education of our youth, and his involvement has implemented growth in both scope and dollars throughout his years of service. His partner, Emmeline Dodd, is also a lifetime committee member with the Rodeo and shares Gene’s vision for education. She is a former university professor and still works on the Rodeo Merchandise Committee. “Education is a huge part of our lives,” says Gene.
In 1999 Gene organized the Trail Boss Program for the NASA/Clear Creek/Friendswood Go Texan Committee. NASA was added to the Go Texan committee name, which traditionally is named for the school districts that are receiving Rodeo scholarships, because NASA was already a huge supporter. It was a natural step to combine fundraising efforts.
As liaison between the various presidents of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the directors of Johnson Space Center (JSC) for 15 years, Gene is instrumental in keeping communication and involvement flowing between the huge organizations. Today, he sits on a couple of boards at JSC, to represent the Rodeo.
In 2011, total educational support generated by the Rodeo was $8.8 million. At any given time, there are over 2,000 students in Texas schools on these scholarships. The NASA/Clear Creek/Friendswood Go Texan Committee’s contribution to the scholarship amount has grown to at least six-$16,000 four-year scholarships awarded every year. A minimum of one student per each high school in the represented districts receives the award. Most years they award between nine and eleven scholarships.
Gene’s background as an air force fighter pilot, and then as military attaché to the country of Thailand and other diplomatic duties has given him a breadth of experience and cemented his love of education and the opportunity it affords. This translates into a creativity that he has applied to his involvement with the Rodeo. When Gene began work with the Go Texan committee, he had an idea for raising seed money towards the scholarships. He approached 300 businesses, asking for a donation of $5,000 up front. Seven businesses said yes. Four of those original seven are still active. Gene created the name “Charter Trail Bosses” for those donors and “Trail Bosses” for additional donors at that level. The second tier of donors gives $2,500 each year. They are called “Ranch Hands.” This year there are 13 Trail Bosses and 17 Ranch Hands for the NASA/Clear Creek/Friendswood Go Texan Committee.
The benefits for Trail Bosses and Ranch Hands include tickets to Go Texan fundraising events, such as the Go Texan Fashion Show (now in its 46th year), and free advertising. Some donors give service and goods and these are called “in kind donations.” Cash donors receive donor badges that provide access to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo events.
Since 1999, the NASA/Clear Creek/Friendswood Go Texan Committee has raised $1.3 million towards the support of scholarships for Bay Area youth. Gene says one of his highest privileges is to be present when the Metro scholarships are presented at the high schools. Aside from full ride scholarships offered by the military academies, the Go Texan scholarships are often the highest amount awarded. Gene also gives his time at the local elementary schools. Thirty times a year, a group of 25 speakers will show up at a school, by appointment, and make presentations to the various classes. Clowns, animals, and anything youth capturing is employed to inspire the students. “It’s all about the Rodeo,” says Gene.
Two other projects that Gene mentioned were the Longhorn Project and the Texas Aerospace Scholars program. The Longhorn Project is a joint effort between NASA, Clear Creek I.S.D., the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and the Texas Longhorn Breeders Gulf Coast Association of America. It includes a 53-acre site on Johnson Space Center property that allows students to learn all aspects of science, agriculture, and animal care. The Texas Aerospace Scholar program allows Texas students to study online and apply for a one week internship at Johnson Space Center to learn while rubbing shoulders with astronauts and aerospace engineers.
Gene is also involved in other scholarship and education fundraising events. The Clear Creek Education Foundation Board for Clear Creek I.S.D. raises funds for various teacher projects not funded in their budget. The Board presents these awards by a “Surprise Patrol” that arrives with a giant check and a group of smiling board members to Clear Creek I.S.D. teachers. Last year they awarded $65 thousand in grants.
An interesting anecdote about Gene is that he went from military work to the business world quite successfully, in the home security business. While living in Hawaii, after being promoted to running and developing his business there, he was approached to appear in the television series, “Magnum, P.I.” He had an eight year run with the show in consistent guest appearances where he often ended in a gun fight with the star, Tom Selleck.
Gene Hollier is a man who believes in education and promoting education, and he lives this out in real time.
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