$30 million gift to education from Merrilee Kick a former public high school teacher-turned-entrepreneur

Merrilee Kick, the founder of BuzzBallz has gifted her alma mater, Texas Women’s University $30 million.

A former public high school teacher, Kick become one of America’s richest self-made women after selling her ready-to-drink cocktail business, BuzzBallz, for at least $500 million.

Texas Woman’s University is the nation’s largest woman-focused institution.

In 2021, total student enrollment from its campuses in Denton, Dallas and Houston exceeded 16,300.

Texas Woman’s is recognized for its contributions and leadership in the health sciences, education, business, arts and sciences. The university offers student support, small class sizes and campus esthetics more typically found at a private university. The university’s Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership focuses on increasing opportunities for women in business, politics and public policy and student leadership.

Male students have been admitted to the university’s graduate programs since 1972 and undergraduate programs since 1994. Texas Woman’s prides itself on providing students with a well-rounded education predicated on experiential learning, service, health and well-being, and integrity.

Respect for diversity in all dimensions (U.S. News & World Report ranked the university tied for fourth in the nation for diversity in 2021) and a safe campus environment (Texas Woman’s is among the safest campuses in the nation) are among the hallmarks of a TWU education.

The university consistently is recognized as Military Friendly.

Committed to transformational learning, discovery and service in an inclusive environment that embraces diversity, Texas Woman’s inspires excellence and a pioneering spirit.