The family of the late Don Dwyer, Sr., a Waco, Texas, franchise entrepreneur who established several international service brands, has donated $100,000 to support an annual scholarship at the University’s Titus Center for Franchising.
Since the Titus Center opened in 2017, three students have earned a concentration in franchising, and another 30 students are registered in the franchise courses.
“Our family is excited to support students with motivated, entrepreneurial spirits as they pursue excellence at this fine Christian university,” said Dina Dwyer-Owens, daughter of the late Don Dwyer, Sr. and brand ambassador of Neighborly. “We cannot imagine a better way to carry on the Dwyer legacy than by helping to pave the way to success for the future leaders of franchising.”
Prior to his death in 1994, Dwyer established The Dwyer Group, franchisor of several home-service businesses including Mr. Rooter, Mr. Electric, Rainbow International Restoration and others. Recently, a private equity firm acquired The Dwyer Group, and its name changed to Neighborly. The company now supports 22 franchise brands.
“Don Dwyer loved franchising and especially loved teaching people how to use franchising to build wealth and create happiness,” said Dr. John P. Hayes, Titus Chair for Franchise Leadership and director of the Titus Center. “We are honored that the Dwyer family chose to extend Mr. Dwyer’s legacy at the Titus Center where we teach the same principles that he valued as a franchisor.”
For many years, Hayes was a member of The Dwyer Group’s board of directors and an advisor to Dwyer.
Because of the family’s generosity, one student will receive the Don Dwyer Franchise Scholarship each year to study franchising at PBA, Hayes said. Endowed scholarships allow PBA to remain competitive by offering additional funds above and beyond those available through government grants, loans or merit awards. The principle funds invested in scholarship endowments remain intact. Only investment earnings are used for student scholarships, thus creating a legacy that continues far into the future.
The Titus Center in the Marshall E. Rinker Sr. School of Business is one of the few places in the world where students can prepare for a career in franchising. The program was endowed with a $1.5 million contribution by franchise entrepreneur Ray Titus, founder of United Franchise Group in West Palm Beach, Florida.
The Titus Center is one of the University’s six Centers of Excellence. The others are The Gregory Center for Medical Missions, LeMieux Center for Public Policy, Rinker Center for Experiential Learning, Center for Integrative Science Learning and Center for Biblical Leadership.
Photo: Don Dwyer, Sr. was a Waco, Texas, franchise entrepreneur who established several international service brands such as Mr. Rooter, Mr. Electric, Rainbow International Restoration and others.
