The Davidson Family

C.J. "Red" Davidson

The Davidson Family Charitable Foundation was chartered in January 1962. The original founders were C.J. Davidson of Fort Worth, H.W. Davidson of Midland and B.C. Davidson of San Antonio. It was operated on the belief of C.J. Davidson — "to whom much is given, much is required."

The Davidsons' contributions to the college include a $10,000 music scholarship in 1979; a $25,000 C.J. "Red" Davidson Scholarship established in 1984; and a $50,000 general academic scholarship given in 1985. In 1991, the Foundation's contribution of $25,000 helped establish the college's Aviation Maintenance Technology program. The Davidson Lecture Hall in the Health Sciences Building was named in honor of Mr. and Mrs. H.W. Davidson in 1993.

The Davidson's legacy didn't stop there. Steve Davidson joined the MC Foundation Board in 1982 and served as vice president from 1985-88 and as president from 1988-93. During his presidency, the Chaparral Circle Endowment Fund was launched. Over the years, that fund has benefited greatly from the generosity of the Davidson family.

In May 1996, Steve Davidson and Susan Davidson McClenahan of the Davidson Family Charitable Foundation announced the endowment of the Davidson Distinguished Lecture Series with a gift of $250,000. The principal funds the series in perpetuity, and only the dedicated interest is used twice each year to bring the finest minds in the world to our community.

Also in that month, dedication ceremonies were held to honor the family with the naming of the Davidson Family Health Sciences Building, which was officially dedicated by then MC Board President Parker Humes, who praised the family, saying, "I admire nothing more than people who make a difference. MC President David Daniel also praised the family's continuing support of Midland College, and their history of giving.

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