Darlene Simpson Gives Wisely with Appreciated Stocks

Darlene Simpson began her relationship with Midwestern State University in the 1980s when she moved to her husband’s hometown, Electra, Texas. After a successful career as one of few female engineers of the era, she earned a teaching certificate from MSU and taught math and science in the Burkburnett and Electra schools.

Over the years she and her late husband, Tex Simpson, built a portfolio of stocks. Now she makes gifts to MSU with those appreciated assets playing an important role in enhancing the learning opportunities for faculty and students in the McCoy College of Science, Mathematics and Engineering and for the adult learners in the Lifelong Learning Center (LLC).

“I give because it feels good to give. I like to imagine the impact I have on people,” Darlene said, adding that she remembers the scholarships she received while in college. The tax benefits of transferring appreciated stocks directly to MSU is an added bonus.

Darlene earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering in the 1970s. Before she moved to Electra, she worked at Rockwell International in the B-1 Division and Atomics International Division on the Clinch River Breeder Reactor Project.

After retiring, Darlene enrolled at MSU to take geology courses. She has since taken every geology class at MSU and moved on to biology courses. In 2018 she joined the LLC as a charter member and has participated as a student and a teacher. She’s also a perennial Gold medal winner at the monthly Trivia! Competition at the LLC.