Lubbock Christian University is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a dear friend and community member, Anthony “Tony” R. Gullo of Magnolia, TX on June 16, 2024.
Tony, along with Dolly, his wife of 71 years, were champions of Lubbock Christian University, with a deep commitment to its students and the LCU experience. After bringing their granddaughter DeLena (Waldrum) McEwen (‘00) to move into Katie Rogers Hall as a first-year student in 1996, Dolly and Tony decided to invest heavily in projects to further beautify and enhance LCU’s campus, starting with the commissioning of two bronze statues of the Chaparral, LCU’s mascot, in the center of the campus mall and on the university’s front lawn, right off of 19th Street.
“Two of Tony Gullo’s greatest loves were his Savior and his family,” shared LCU President, Dr. Scott McDowell. “We celebrate his heavenly reward, and the LCU community mourns with the Gullo family over their loss. Tony and Dolly Gullo have been wonderful friends of the university and have been so incredibly generous. Their greatest desire has always been to enhance the student experience and to assist in campus beautification efforts. Look in any direction on the campus, and you will see their immeasurable influence and amazing generosity.”
The Gullos’ incredible generosity has been an investment that has had a transformational impact on both the appearance of LCU’s campus and the lives of its students. Beyond the statues, they brought enhanced lighting and walkways to campus, and spearheaded the addition of The Fountains on the Mall. They funded the Gullo Recital Hall in the Wayne and Yvonne Hinds Music Center, which opened in 2021, generously funded the Christa Dobbs Center for Business, and chose to honor the memory of their late daughter and her love of tennis by naming LCU’s new tennis facility the Penny Gullo Tennis Center.
Most recently, the Gullos were instrumental in bringing to life LCU’s newest student living space, Gullo Hall, giving the lead gift for the project. Gullo Hall opened this past spring.
“I have had the honor of knowing Mr. Gullo for more than a decade in my role at Lubbock Christian University,” shared Raymond Richardson, Vice President of University Advancement. “Mr. Gullo met every moment, every encounter, every meeting, every event with overwhelming joy. The spirit of the LORD was alive in Mr. Gullo and this manifest through his smile, generosity, and where he spent his time…with family and friends. I am a better person today for having Mr. and Mrs. Gullo in my life because how they lived out The Gospel in their everyday lives.”
Tony was an entrepreneur in all aspects of life. His first job was on the Alaskan pipeline in the 1950’s and he led the Gullo Auto Group with dealerships in Texas and Louisiana. Tony’s entrepreneurial spirit extended beyond his dealerships into his car museum and extensive classic car collection, the Christmas spirit and joy he shared with his community in decorating their home in Magnolia, Christmas for Kids and Learning by Earning programs in Montgomery County, and countless other amazing projects he led.
Tony and Dolly have been active members at the Magnolia Church of Christ, demonstrating the importance of their faith as they served God’s Kingdom through their home church and their community. Both Tony and Dolly desire for people, young and old, to come to know God and live a life that honors Him. At the heart of each of their many investments at Lubbock Christian University has been the goal to create comfortable and inviting environments where young people can seek and find a relationship with Jesus.
President McDowell remembered, “Tony has been so helpful to me in my time as president—he was always available to offer encouragement and advice. He was an incredibly joyful person who loved to laugh, and I will always treasure the memories of his engaging story telling. He will certainly be missed.”