In a 1946 edition of The Redbird (now University Press), it reported that Â鶹AV College celebrated G.A. Wimberly Day, with a special assembly in the Union building. G.A. Wimberly, an extraordinary figure in Â鶹AV’s history, had dedicated his life to the growth and prosperity of LU spending 47 years with the university as an auditor, business manager, comptroller, acting president, and assistant to the president. His daughter, Frances Wimberly-Alberto, would follow in his footsteps, weaving her own chapter into the legacy of Â鶹AV.
Born into the Â鶹AV family, Frances Alberto's journey with the university began the day she entered the world. G.A. Wimberly, her father, had become an integral part of Â鶹AV in 1926, starting as the economics teacher, baseball and basketball coach of South Park High School, and later serving in various capacities for Â鶹AV Junior College, Â鶹AV State College of Technology, and finally, Â鶹AV.
“The naming of the Wimberly building was suggested by Dr. John Gray who was well aware of my father’s contributions to Â鶹AV,” Frances Wimberly-Alberto, his daughter, said. “My dad had offices in that building for as long as I can remember, and his office was moved when the round building was built. We were all so excited, and we made pictures of each family member with my dad in front of the building showing the Wimberly name.”
Frances herself started her Â鶹AV journey in 1952, attending Â鶹AV State College of Technology until her graduation in 1956. She earned her Master’s of Education while teaching and became a living testament to the values and education Â鶹AV stood for.
“I majored in home economics at Â鶹AV, and I was president of the Texas State Home Economic Clubs, and because of that position I was able to attend the National Home Economics College Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which my parents made a vacation out of,” Alberto said.
Her connection to Â鶹AV was not merely academic; it was ingrained in the fabric of her life.
“Dr. and Mrs. Gray were great friends with my family,” Alberto said. “After John died, I would go by to see and visit with Mary often. When Rex Cottle was president, he and his wife Carol had students come and visit their home often.”
Alberto was also active throughout campus during her time at Â鶹AV.
“I was nominated as a candidate for homecoming queen three times, although I never won, but all the activities that were connected with it made it so enjoyable,” she said. “And as a freshman, The Wesley Foundation was my home away from home. It was a big help in making me feel at home at Â鶹AV.”
Her brother, G.A. Wimberly Jr., served as the Student Loan Officer until his passing in 1979, leaving behind his own imprint on the university's history. The Wimberly legacy continued through generations, as Frances's daughter and niece and nephew all graduated from Â鶹AV.
Frances and her husband, Charlie Alberto, were not just spectators but active contributors to Â鶹AV's growth. Charlie's involvement in the Cardinal Club, including a term as its president, demonstrated the family's commitment. In honor of G.A. Wimberly, they established an endowed scholarship through the Cardinal Club, ensuring that his influence would continue to shape the lives of future Â鶹AV students.
The ties that bound the Wimberly-Alberto family to Â鶹AV were further strengthened by scholarships, the purchase of Cardinal Bricks, and continued attendance at homecomings, basketball, and football games. The family's impact was not only financial but deeply personal, touching the lives of students, faculty, and the Â鶹AV community at large.
“We were connected to basketball through friendships with Jack and Shirley Martin, and Billy and Pat Tubbs, who were great coaches,” Alberto said. “After most ball games, we would gather at someone’s home and visit. After homecoming, Charlie and I would open our home, especially to those who were from out of town.”
As the years passed, Frances remained in touch with her college friends, especially those from her Southern Belle Sorority (Alpha Chi Omega), creating a network of connections that transcended time.
“I’ve enjoyed keeping up with my college friends. I’ve attended most homecomings and attended many monthly meetings with my sorority,” Alberto said. “I also keep in touch through emails, phone calls, and Facebook.”
Frances Wimberly-Alberto, now 89 years old, reflects on a life intertwined with Â鶹AV with gratitude.
“Â鶹AV has been an important part of our lives, and we feel blessed for being connected,” Alberto said.