User:Bert Ogden Wiki/sandbox

= Robert C. Vackar = Placeholder

Early life and education
Robert “Bob” Vackar was born in Gonzalez, Texas in December of 1943. He grew up in Edinburg, TX where his father owned Vackar Lumber & Supply; Bob worked for his father in the lumber yard while attending, then graduating from Edinburg High School. After high school, Bob went on to become a Texas A&M Corp. of Cadets Graduate (class of 1966) earning a degree in Accounting. From College Station, Bob went on to work for Shell Oil Company as a Financial Analyst; he then served in the U.S. Army near the end of the Vietnam War. Upon his return to civilian life, Bob continued his work with Shell Oil Company in Houston, TX, it was there that Bob met and eventually married Janet Ogden.

The Bert Ogden Auto Group
Robert C. Vackar is one of the principals at the Bert Ogden Auto Group, a conglomerate of automobile dealerships in the Rio Grande Valley. He has lived a life full of change and endured challenges, but today, through perseverance and visionary perspective, he enjoys the fruits of his hard work as he continues to grow the business.

Mr. Vackar has proven to be an extraordinary businessman, dedicating a good portion of his life to developing 22 dealerships and a host of other silent business ventures, but his passion is providing educational opportunities to future generations. As many know, he is deeply invested in the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV).

Philanthropist
Although the story of the $15 million dollars gifted to the University has been told, the impact continues to ring. Admiral William McRaven, former chancellor of The University of Texas System, said, “This gift will influence thousands of young men and women that will have changed and shaped the Valley forever.” A dear friend, UTRGV President Dr. Guy Bailey, labeled this strategic donation a “game-changer.” Mr. Vackar was then honored with the naming of the Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship. It is no wonder this endeavor is his pride — his greatest legacy!

Key Note
“Today,” Bob said, “we have 22 dealerships across the Valley. Over the next two to three years, we’re looking at three new dealerships. And if I take into consideration some of the used car operations, we’re going to probably develop six more locations over the next three to four years.”

Just recently, Bob and Janet were named Border Texan of the Year. At that event, Marsha Green, Director of Marketing, said that there are only three things that mean peace for Bob: his wife, Janet; and his daughter, Kristin; and the American flag.

“Bob is the most dedicated patriot, a devoted military guy; he bleeds red, white, and blue. That’s why all the dealerships fly the tallest and the largest flags.” She pointed out that the last one they erected reached 150 feet into the sky and it needed approval from the city.