Marilyn Augur has long been committed to fostering positive change and supporting individuals and families in need.
From shattering glass ceilings in male-dominated industries to establishing a family foundation that addresses basic human needs, Marilyn’s journey exemplifies how determination and generosity can shape generations. Her recent estate gift to Vail Health’s Eagle Valley Behavioral Health (EVBH) further demonstrates her lifelong dedication to making a difference.
A Pioneering Career Woman
Growing up in East Texas and Arkansas, Marilyn’s ambition led her to pursue a degree in mathematics. After college, she became the first female college graduate hired at an insurance company in St. Louis. Balancing a personal life with her career, she eventually moved to Dallas and started a family.
At 50, Marilyn’s thirst for knowledge drove her to earn an MBA. “She was the first in her class. She forgets to tell people that because she’s so humble,” said Margaret Hancock, the oldest of Marilyn’s three daughters.
Soon after, she and Margaret worked together to establish the Marilyn Augur Family Foundation, which would go on to support the Vail Health Chaplaincy and Spiritual Services program and many other causes such as water, education, prison ministry, medical care, and food security.
A Family Tradition of Giving
Marilyn’s philanthropic spirit is deeply rooted in her family history. Her grandfather set up a foundation benefiting education, specifically phonetic reading. When he passed away, the foundation’s corpus was given to Texarkana College for the construction of The Palmer Memorial Library. Marilyn’s father supported arts and education, while her mother provided hands-on aid to families in need.
This family ethos of giving continues to be passed down through the Marilyn Augur Family Foundation. Margaret added, “She created something called family funds. When a grandchild turns 16, they have a small stipend that they can designate to a worthy cause.” The family also gives back through mission trips to the Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Chicago.
Embracing The Vail Valley
Marilyn’s connection to Vail began in the 1980s when she first started skiing here. Since the late 1990s, she has spent half of each year in Vail with her family, developing a strong connection to the community and embracing the mountain lifestyle. She enjoys skiing and playing cards and games with family and friends. Her house is often filled with visiting loved ones. “I spend a lot of time with family,” she shares.
Commitment to Behavioral Health
Marilyn has long been frustrated by insurance companies’ reluctance to cover mental health services, a challenge she encountered as the first female president of the Baylor Foundation for Baylor Scott & White Health.
When she learned about Vail Health’s initiatives, including actively pushing for mental health parity, health insurance reform, and improved behavioral health Medicaid reimbursement, she was inspired to make a planned gift to support EVBH’s efforts.
“I thought it was one of the most effective programs I’d heard of in a long time,” she said of her decision to include EVBH in her estate plans. “They’ve accomplished the big things, and while I may not be able to do something big on my own, I can add to their initiatives. I think that’s what they need – a lot of people adding on to make a real difference.”
To learn more about giving options that meet your specific needs and goals, please contact Foundation@vailhealth.org or 970.569.7766.
I just hope to help people keep going.”Marilyn Augur