February 20, 2025
East Texas Baptist University recognized the J. E. and L. E. Mabee Foundation as the 2025 ETBU Good Samaritan Award recipient on Thursday, February 20, at the Great Commission Center on ETBU's campus. Inspired by the parable in Luke 10:25-37, the Good Samaritan Award & ETBU Scholarship Dinner celebrates individuals and organizations who exemplify the spirit of "loving your neighbor as yourself."
"The Mabee Foundation has been a cornerstone of Christian higher education, providing challenge grants that help institutions grow and thrive. Their commitment has allowed schools like ETBU to expand facilities, enhance academic programs, and serve students for generations to come," ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn said. "ETBU is honored to recognize the J. E. and L. E. Mabee Foundation with the 2025 Good Samaritan Award for its unwavering commitment to serving others and supporting Christian higher education. John and Lotte Jane Mabee believed wealth should be used to uplift others. As Mr. Mabee once said, 'People with money often make the mistake of keeping it too long. We wanted to do as much good as possible while we were living.' Their legacy continues to inspire transformative philanthropy today."
Established by John and Lotte Mabee in 1948, the J. E. and L. E. Mabee Foundation has provided more than $1.5 billion in support of organizations that reflect their passion for improving education, health, and social services. Born on a dirt farm, John Mabee – through hard work, determination, and shrewd investments – rose to become incredibly successful. Together with Lotte, they used their wealth to invest in the growth of countless organizations and communities. Throughout the years, thousands of ETBU students have benefited from the support of the J.E and L. E Mabee Foundation.
"We live in challenging times. It has often been difficult, sometimes even fearful, to stand up for what is right and true. Yet, we must stand firm," John W. Mabee, Chairman of the Mabee Foundation said. "There was a conversation earlier about "mission drift." I am proud to say that the Mabee Foundation has remained true to its original purpose. Institutions like East Texas Baptist University are increasingly rare in their commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. East Texas Baptist University is a beacon of light. Over the years, I have had the privilege of witnessing many places where people are doing good work, but there are only a few institutions left that truly stand for Jesus, for Christ, and for the whole Word of God."
As an institution, ETBU is committed to preparing students to follow the Mabee Foundation's example of "loving your neighbor as yourself." Now, under the direction of Executive Director Michael Goeke, the J. E. and L. E. Mabee Foundation embodies the parable of the Good Samaritan as it provides millions of dollars annually to non-profit organizations in six states.
McKool Smith served as the presenting sponsor for the Good Samaritan Dinner, and principal attorney Sam Baxter led a question-and-answer session with the Honorable David Folsom.
Judge David Folsom served as a United States District Judge, Eastern District of Texas, from April 14, 1995, to March 17, 2012. Judge Folsom was nominated by President William Jefferson Clinton on October 6, 1994, and received his commission on March 17, 1995. Judge Folsom presided over cases in the Texarkana, Marshall, and Sherman divisions and served as Chief Judge of the Eastern District of Texas from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2011. During his 17-year tenure, Judge Folsom conducted over 250 trials, presided over hundreds of patent cases, and held approximately 75 claim construction hearings.
The Good Samaritan Award & ETBU Scholarship Dinner was an evening of celebration, reflection, and commitment to the values of service and generosity. ETBU expressed gratitude to all attendees as they honored the enduring impact of the J. E. and L. E. Mabee Foundation.