David W. Killam Announces Endowed Speaker Series for TAMIU at Recent Mr. South Texas Luncheon

The enduring philanthropic commitment of David W. Killam and the Killam Family has added a new chapter to its legacy with the announcement of his intent to launch an Endowed Speaker Series at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU).

Killam shared the news at the recent Mr. South Texas Luncheon at the Laredo Country Club hosted by the Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association which honored him as the 2025 Mr. South Texas.

The longtime TAMIU champion and partner said the new Endowed Lecture Series will explore the intersection of innovative thinking, public planning, and enhanced quality of life.

“We want to look at clear, relatable examples of these intersections, such as those leading to the historic development of the Pearl District in San Antonio. We hope these opportunities encourage all Laredoans to work together to secure a shared and successful future,” Killam explained.

TAMIU interim president Juan J. Castillo lauded Killam’s generosity and shared vision.

“We deeply appreciate this future-focused investment and the legacy of shared vision that David Killam and the Killam Family have long brought to our campus.  From the land donation that made our campus possible to ongoing programmatic and scholarship support, the Killam family has helped shape destinies for all our students and graduates. We look forward to developing the Series for implementation next Fall and hosting and welcoming important conversations to help Laredo grow and prosper,” Castillo said. 

Killam was born and raised in Laredo and is the son of the late Sue and Radcliffe Killam and grandson of the late Hattie and O.W. Killam.

He attended Laredo schools through the ninth grade, then graduated from the Taft School in Watertown, Connecticut. He graduated from the University of Texas in Austin, later completing the Texas Christian University Ranch Management Program.  He is the Managing Partner of Killam Oil Company.

The Killam Companies have thrived in South Texas since 1920 when O. W. Killam, founder and patriarch of the family-owned company, began exploration in the promising Texas oil industry. Killam Companies have since expanded to encompass commercial, industrial and residential development while exercising mindful philanthropy focused on encouraging the continued growth and prosperity of the city they proudly call home – Laredo.

 For additional information on the developing new Speaker Series, contact Rosanne Palacios, TAMIU vice president for Institutional Advancement, rosanne.palacios@tamiu.edu, call 956.326.2178 or visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, Suite 262.

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