Benefactors | UTSA | UTSA | University of Texas at San Antonio

Our Benefactors, Margie & Bill Klesse

From their first meeting in the cafeteria at the University of Dayton, Margie and Bill Klesse have had chemistry – and together, the chemistry student and chemical engineering major have created a formula for personal and professional success that has positioned them among The University of Texas at San Antonio’s greatest champions.

With a long history of supporting higher education, the Klesses and their Klesse Foundation have funded numerous scholarships and valuable chemical engineering equipment at UTSA.

In recognition of their transformational $20 million gift to the university in 2021, The University of Texas System Board of Regents approved the naming of UTSA’s newly formed division that brought together academic programs in engineering and the designed environment as the Margie and Bill Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design .

This historic naming is a testament not only to the Klesses’ generous philanthropy but also to their inspiring business and civic leadership.

Bill, began his career as a trainee for Diamond Shamrock in 1969, now Valero Energy Corporation, and moved up the ranks retiring as chief executive officer and chairman in 2014 after nearly 46 years with the companies. Now, he shares his expertise by serving on the boards of such organizations as Occidental Petroleum Corporation, Briscoe Western Art Museum, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, Christus Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital of San Antonio Foundation and University of Dayton Board of Trustees.

While Bill was continuing his career, Margie was building a most significant portfolio of selfless service to organizations throughout the city, among them the Mays Cancer Center Board of Governors for UT Health San Antonio, Friends of Hospice San Antonio, San Antonio Library and Ronald McDonald House.

Despite these many accomplishments, the Klesses’ greatest creations are their three daughters – Laura, an MD/PhD specializing in pediatric oncology; Julie, a pediatrician; Allison, a veterinarian – and their nine grandchildren.

“Your aid has motivated me to persist even in hard times and shows me that hard work pays off”

“I plan on inspiring future women everywhere to pursue a higher education, and it is through your support that this will be made possible.”

“The assistance that your scholarship provides me allows me to come one step closer to my goals.”

“The endowment funds will allow me to continue providing research opportunities to students and supporting activities for their professional development.”

“I am extremely grateful for the support provided by the Klesse Fellowship, which gives me the resources needed to further expand my research in biophotonics to address critical issues in biomedical applications.”