All You Need is Love: A Tribute to Lou Ann and Mike McKinney

The Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History proudly presents: All You Need is Love: A Tribute to Lou Ann & Mike McKinney at the Miramont Country Club on Friday, January 10, 2025. The evening will begin with cocktails at 6 pm followed by dinner at 7 pm. It is a wonderful opportunity to thank them for all of the outstanding support they have given our community over the years. It will be an evening filled with great food, humorous and entertaining stories, music, and fun.

Reserved tables are selling quickly; individual rickets are $250 and guests may call the Museum and request individual tickers. Cancellations do occur and sears will become available through January 10.

Can't attend, but want to honor Lou Ann & Mike? Contributions to the Museum in their honor will be recognized at the event.

Tickets are also on sale for a stunning David Yurman pearl and silver necklace with a 20" chain & 18K gold toggle and matching bracelet, valued at $3600 and donated by David Gardner's Jewelers.

The drawing will take place at the Tribute on January 10. Attendance is not required to win. Tickets are $50 each or 5 for $200, and can be purchased online, at the Museum, and at the Tribute.

Please join us to honor Lou Ann & Mike! Call the Museum to reserve a table or seat and/or pay by credit card: 979-776-2195. Checks may also be mailed to: BMNH, Attn: Tribute to Lou Ann 8 Mike, 3232 Briarcrest Drive, Bryan, Texas 77802.

"Lou Ann & Mike represent the best of the Brazos Valley. Their loving and generous contributions make our community a better place to live," said Deborah Cowman, Executive Director of the Museum. "Their commitment, enthusiasm, and kindness is contagious. Were proud to honor them for all they've done to improve our community's quality of life."

Lou Ann has shown remarkable leadership in health & welfare issues, as a devoted Aggie Mom, and as an extraordinary volunteer in many community organizations. Mike's distinguished career as a physician and in many critical public servant leadership positions, including his years as Chancellor at Texas A&M University System is also inspirational.

Together, they are an amazing team, who continue to volunteer time and resources to numerous community activities.

While Chair of the Leon County Child Welfare Board and the Leon County Health Resource Commission, Lou Ann worked on behalf of foster children and underserved communities. She was also a founding member of Tender Loving Care Volunteers, University of Texas Health Science Center. Her activities include Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley Board Member, Fun For All Playground, past FASO Board Member, and Chair of Aggie Parents Football Club. She received the Woman of the Year Award from Centerville Camber of Commerce, the Volunteer Spirit Award from Memorial Herman Volunteer Board in 2005, and was a H.E.A.R.T. honoree in 2010. She was also recognized by the Prenatal Clinic as a "You're the Tops," Woman of Distinction in 2020.

In addition to his years of service as a health care provider and policy expert, Mike has also held corporate and government leadership positions, working tirelessly for Texans without a voice. He was a Texas State Representative from 1984-1991, receiving numerous awards during his tenure; served as Texas Commissioner of Health and Human Services; and as Chief of Staff for Governor Perry.

He was appointed Chair of the Texas Pharmaceutical Initiative in 2024 by Governor Abbott. He also received the University of Texas Medical Branch's highest honor, the Ashbel Smith

Distinguished Alumnus Award.

​He was appointed Chair of the Texas Pharmaceutical Initiative in 2024 by Governor Abbott. He also received the University of Texas Medical Branch's highest honor, the Ashbel

Smith Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Both Mike and Lou Ann served the Texas A&M University System from 20062011, Mike as Chancellor and Lou Ann as First Lady of the System. Together they promoted the Texas A&M University System's universities and state agencies and hosted countless special occasions.

Lou Ann & Mike bring energy, commitment, and passion to all they do and their generosity and kindness continues to demonstrate the great love they freely give to the Brazos Valley. The Museum is proud to honor them for all they do for our community.