News Releases 2008

LeTourneau University awarded the Henry O. Gossett Award for Community Partnership to Texas Bank and Trust board chairman and CEO Rogers Pope, Sr. Thursday, Nov. 6, at a scholarship banquet in the Solheim Arena at the university’s main campus in Longview. Pope was recognized for his support for the university and his commitment to local scholarships for students.  LETU President Dr. Dale A. Lunsford presented the award.

Pope served on LETU’s Board of Trustees for eight years, with one term as chairman. He has participated in every capital campaign conducted by the university since 1992. Most recently he served as the honorary co-chair of the largest campaign in the university’s history, the campaign to build the S. E. Belcher Jr. Chapel and Performance Center. His leadership on behalf of LETU has been instrumental in the growing partnership between the community and the university. Additionally, he has lent his name and influence to encourage others to become partners with the university. 

Pope is recognized for his quality character and integrity. He has served on numerous boards and committees in the community and at the state and national level, including with the Texas Bankers Association, the American Bankers Association, Texas Baptist Financial Services, American Heart Association, and the Longview Partnership, which awarded him the Chairman’s Award.    

Pope serves as a deacon in his church and has provided outstanding leadership for Texas Bank and Trust, which has been recognized at the state and national level as it celebrates its 50 ^th anniversary in business. 

The Gossett Award was named for the late Henry O. Gossett, who was a LeTourneau University supporter and founding president of the president’s Advisory Council. Gossett retired from the oil and gas business and continued in active involvement with the university until his death in 2007. He was a benefactor for a number of LeTourneau projects. The Gossett Award is presented annually to those who have been instrumental in strengthening the tie between the university and the Longview community through their service.