As published in the UTB/TSC Orange and White (Summer 2001)

Homebuilder Neal Simmons feels he owes his successful business to the many hardworking families of modest means for whom he has built thousands of affordable homes.

Now he gives back to his customers, in part, by his service on UTB/TSC’s Development Board.

“On a daily basis we see the need for the majority of the citizens to have the opportunity to get out of their present condition by getting a good education,” said Simmons, 74, who built his company El Valle Homes, with a high school education and an advanced degree in life experiences.

“My wife Lourdes and I have chosen to try to give something back. Not only our time, but also financial support to the university. Not only now but in the future. That’s the way we can best serve those people who have done business with us over the years and to whom we owe a lot.”

A native of Gonzales, Texas, Simmons launched El Valle Homes after working his way up in the construction business across the state. His company now develops some 300 residential sites and constructs about 100 homes a year in the Brownsville area.

Simmons describes himself as a “firm believer” in education. As a member of the Development Board, he works to build financial support for the university with an eye toward long-term goals.

“I feel that the single most important thing we’ve got going for us is the university and what it is doing for our young people in this area,” he said.

Former chairman of the board of Valley Regional Medical Center, Simmons also served as chairman of its building committee. His public service also includes involvement with the Boy Scouts, and as a trustee of First United Methodist Church in Brownsville. He also was a director on the national level of the National Association of Homebuilders.