CHILL OUT

AN EMBLEM OF HONOR:

Robert C. Vackar and Janet Ogden Vackar’s spirit of community and compassion.

By Dr. Kimberly Selber

Robert C. Vackar and Janet Ogden Vackar are a testament to the transformational power of philanthropy. Their contributions have left an indelible impact on communities throughout the Rio Grande Valley. Their journey from successful business owners to generous supporters in their region provides a blueprint of service and giving.

The Vackars’ legacy stems from their thriving business, founded as an auto group by Janet’s father, Bert Ogden.

Starting as a single dealership in the 1960s by Ogden, the Vackars expanded the business to represent a multitude of automotive brands across numerous locations. Their exceptional business acumen led to significant success, allowing them to give back to their community. However, the Vackars’ story is not just one of business growth and success but also a testament to their commitment to the Rio Grande Valley and its residents.

Monument to Service

A monument to honor the legacy and military service of the founders of the Bert Ogden Auto Group, Bert Ogden, and his son-in-law, Robert C. Vackar, was recently unveiled at the group’s state-of-the-art Cadillac facility in Edinburg. The monument, a surprise project kept under wraps until its unveiling, is a visible testament to the dedication, vision, and commitment that have made the Bert Ogden Auto Group a household name in the auto industry.

Both Bert Ogden and Robert Vackar are veterans who served their nation with honor in the Korean and Vietnam wars, respectively. Their military service was a foundation for their shared values of hard work, commitment, and integrity, attributes that resonate in the business today. They firmly believed in giving back to their community and ensuring that their employees, particularly those who served in the military, were recognized for their contributions.

Designed with a keen eye for detail, the monument incorporates elements representing the Cadillac brand; it features the letters V and O for Vackar and Ogden, subtly blending the founders’ names with the brand they worked so tirelessly to build.

In a special ceremony honoring the veterans within the company, particularly those with over two decades of service, each received a commemorative brick identical to those used in the construction of the monument’s floor. This gesture was not only a token of recognition for their service but also a symbolic affirmation of their place within the Bert Ogden family.

Tragically, Bert Ogden and his wife Dorothy passed away in a 1992 car accident when a driver being pursued by police lost control of their vehicle.

Lifelong Commitment

Further elevating the unveiling event was the presence of Texas State Representative Terry Canales, who presented a resolution from the Texas House of Representatives of the 87th Texas Legislature honoring Robert and Janet Vackar for their lifelong commitment to philanthropy in the Rio Grande Valley.

“Robert and Janet Vackar have demonstrated a lasting commitment to making the Rio Grande Valley a better place for all,” Canales read. “And in doing so, they’ve earned the deepest respect and appreciation of their fellow residents.”

This gesture underscored the profound impact of the Vackars’ generosity, which extends far beyond the confines of their business. The Vackars’ most significant philanthropic contributions are perhaps best manifested in their support for education. They firmly believe that quality education is

pivotal for social and economic growth. They have donated significantly to institutions like the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) to provide scholarships for local students. The Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship at UTRGV is named in recognition of their generous support, embodying their commitment to fostering the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs.

Robert C. Vackar and Janet Ogden Vackar’s philanthropy embodies the spirit of community and compassion. Their enduring commitment to the Rio Grande Valley has fostered an environment of growth, progress, and community spirit. Through their numerous philanthropic endeavors, they truly are pillars of the community, helping to shape a better, more vibrant future for the Rio Grande Valley. Their legacy continues to inspire others, proving that the spirit of giving can indeed create profound, positive change.