Bound by a purpose
Neighbors and fellow UNT alumni have quietly supported UNT creativity for decades
Paul Voertman (from left) and Ray and Georgia “Billie” Gough all attended UNT in the 1940s. Since then, they have tirelessly supported UNT students’ creatvity.
There are numerous benchmarks at a university that build its history, character and legacy. Most of those moments are tied directly to the people who have made their marks over the years – in this case, over decades.
Working often with the UNT Foundation, Ray and Georgia “Billie” Gough and Paul Voertman have faithfully supported art programs at the University of North Texas for more than 65 years. They all graduated from UNT in the 1940s – Ray in 1940 (he earned a master of arts the next year), Billie in 1946 and Paul in 1947.
Their shared moments include attending numerous gallery openings and lectures. And chats over the garden wall. They have been next-door neighbors for more than 40 years.
What passions have connected them to UNT all these years?
“It has always been about helping shape really talented young people for the future – challenge them to think and to be something more than they are today,” said Ray.
“We always gave every moment we could to the students who sought out our advice – we still do,” said Billie, Ray’s wife of 60 years. “They often needed to have an advocate outside of themselves to confirm a great idea.”
The test of that effort is in the achievements of the students, many of whom have gone on to wonderful careers in the arts. The Goughs today support the Ray and Georgia Gough Fund for Design Education in Interiors, Crafts and Related Disciplines, which annually provides funding for the Gough Lecture Series. The series brings an expert from the interior design profession to lecture and share cutting-edge ideas with students.
The Goughs continue giving to the university that has meant so much to them for six decades.
Voertman, whose family store set the standard for excellence in Denton for many decades, brought a level of culture to the community through the books, art and home accessories he and his partner, Richard Ardoin, purveyed from around the world. Voertman also created a forum for the art students to share and showcase their works. The annual Voertman Art Competition is in its 62nd year.
He supports many passions at UNT — art, music and the humanities through endowed scholarships and major gifts like the new Wolff organ installed in the Murchison Center for the Performing Arts.
“The creative mind of an individual must be allowed to grow unfettered, with no boundaries,” he said. “Once you start putting conditions on learning, it is no longer learning – just responding.”
He remembers many of the works that have been honored at the art show: “To see the talent of so many young people is really astounding. I am proud to have played a small part.”
Talk over the garden wall often centers on the amazing people who have given of themselves while at UNT – and speculation on those to come. They remember friends who are now gone: Flip Higgins, Mack Vaughan and Rob Erdle.
They confidently agree that there will be many to follow who will continue to espouse creative ways to teach about excellence.
This story originally appeared in the fall edition of the College of Visual Arts and Design newsletter, Avant-Garde.
