Dunnams honored with naming of Lamar University College of Business wing

Lamar University (LU) has named a wing of the Galloway Business Building in honor of Myrna ('67) and Milton Dunnam, recognizing the couple's longstanding commitment to the university and students in the College of Business.

The Dunnam Wing houses classrooms used by business students and students from across the university. The naming recognizes the couple's support of scholarships, student programs and other initiatives aimed at strengthening the student experience.

Myrna Dunnam's connection to LU began as a student. She graduated in 1967 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing before earning a law degree from the University of Baltimore and establishing a family law practice in Baytown.

Milton Dunnam worked for NASA contractors at Johnson Space Center and contributed to several Apollo missions, including Apollo 13.

Myrna Dunnam has served on the College of Business Board of Advisors since 2011 and was recognized as a Distinguished Alumni in 2022.

At the naming ceremony, Lamar University President Jaime Taylor praised the Dunnams' professional accomplishments and their continued commitment to LU.

"Together, they represent the values we admire most in our alums: hard work, achievement and service," Taylor said.

Taylor said the couple's involvement extends beyond financial support. The Dunnams regularly attend football games, alumni gatherings and campus events and spend time visiting with students.

"Their investment in Lamar has always been about the people and about helping students succeed," Taylor said.

Dean Joby John also recognized Myrna Dunnam's longtime service to the College of Business advisory board.

"Most of you may not know, but Myrna is on our advisory board and has been on our board for about 15 or 16 years now, and she hasn't missed a single meeting since I've joined," John said.

The couple's scholarship endowment is intended to help students who otherwise might not have the opportunity to attend college. Myrna Dunnam said the couple chose to focus their giving on the College of Business rather than spread their support across the university.

"We wanted to not spread things out. We wanted to concentrate our efforts to help people," she said.

The scholarship is not limited to students with top grades.

"It's not just for the A students; it's for the C students too," Dunnam said. "We want to give everybody a chance."

Dunnam said the couple hopes the scholarship will have an impact that extends beyond individual recipients.

"There will be generational, exponential change in their life and the generations that follow them," she said.

The Dunnams also hope their support encourages other Lamar University alumni to become more involved with the university.

"We appreciate this recognition, but it's not really about us," Dunnam said. "We want hope. It inspires more people to participate with Lamar with their time, toil, talent and money."

Taylor said the Dunnam Wing is a fitting tribute because of the number of students who will use the space in the years ahead.

"Years from now, thousands of students will pass through the Dunnam Wing," Taylor said. "As they learn, grow and prepare for their future, they will benefit from the generosity and vision of Myrna and Milton Dunnam."

To learn more about the College of Business, visit http://www.lamar.edu/business.