Our Stories  

Kathy Acock

Construction trail-blazer Kathy Acock is supporting
a new generation of industry leaders
 

The year was 1969. Rock-n-roll fans flocked to Woodstock, the first man landed on the moon, and—in Houston, Texas—Gordon Kovich and his wife Viola founded Alpha Building Corporation. Today the business, whose repertoire includes work for the U.S. military, NASA and The University of Texas at San Antonio, is led by their daughter Kathleen Acock, who now serves as CEO. It is a full-fledged corporation with 15 offices across Texas, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Kansas.

 “The company has been blessed with lots of success,” said Acock. “We’ve been fortunate to work with many great companies and organizations who have been mentors to us.”

Acock, who first began as a purchasing clerk in her father’s business, worked her way up the ranks, proving herself to her father and others in an industry dominated by men. She helped develop a progressive marketing strategy, introducing the family business to architects, engineers, and other potential clients. Her efforts resulted in long-term deals with all major military bases in San Antonio.

As a result of the new JOC contracts, Alpha relocated to San Antonio in 1990, and have managed projects for many area institutions, including UTSA where they helped install the Rowdy Statue and restore the iconic Sombrilla Fountain. The family tradition continues at Alpha as son Jonathan Rogero was recently named president.

In addition to leading the business, Acock also serves on the UTSA Development Board, and works with the College of Architecture, Construction and Planning (CACP) advisory group to help prepare the next generation of construction professionals. She is also a member of the President’s Associates, which supports student needs.

Acock, who in 2009 set up a $100,000 scholarship for CACP students, is taking her support even further. She has purchased a life insurance policy to fully fund the Kathleen Acock Endowed Professorship in Construction Science, helping the college to attract and retain distinguished faculty. She has also established a gift annuity to support the Kathleen Acock Endowment for Construction Science. With these estate gifts, Acock also now a member of the Sombrilla Society, comprised of donors who make a place for UTSA through their will, trust, or other deferred gift.

“If you have a desire to give, then UTSA has so many ways for you to do so,” said Acock, who praises UTSA Vice President Marjie French for helping her connect with the university. “For me, I completed my first scholarship gift in annual installments, over a period of several years. In no time, the scholarship was funded and helping so many students. I get to attend the scholarship awards and meet the students who benefit and I am always struck by their gratitude and commitment to finish college and make their mark on the world.”

-Yvonne Zamora Byrd