Sid W. 理查森

Philanthropy, 1912

Sid W. 理查森 was born in Athens, Texas on April 25, 1891. After spending a year at Baylor, he attended Simmons College from 1911 to 1912. 在西蒙斯, he and President Sandefer developed a special relationship that remained important to Sid throughout his life.

He left HSU and began what would be a life-long career in the oil business. In 1933, he was able to turn his oil business into a booming enterprise through the use of a small investment and a friend with drilling expertise. From that point forward, his hard work, in addition to his ability to build relationships with people of all walks of life, turned almost every business undertaking into success. He served as president of Sid 理查森 Gasoline Co. in Kermit, Texas, Sid 理查森 Carbon Company in Odessa, Texas, and Sid W. 理查森, Inc. 在沃斯堡. He also worked in the cattle industry, building large cattle and ranching operations.

Throughout his life, 理查森’s concern was for how his financial success could benefit others. He began the Sid 理查森 Foundation in 1947, and through it, was able to quietly and generously contribute to those who needed his help. His philanthropy extended to churches, 学校, and hospitals throughout the country, and particularly benefited the areas of education, 医疗保健, human services, and the arts throughout Texas.

In 1968, Hardin-Simmons University dedicated the Sid 理查森 Science Center, the result of a large gift from the Sid 理查森 Foundation in honor of 理查森. When asked to describe his own business philosophy, 他说, “I guess my philosophy of business life is: Don’t be in too big of a hurry, don’t get excited, and don’t lose your sense of humor.” 理查森 died quietly in his sleep after a full day of work on September 30, 1959.

Inducted on April 5, 2002.