PHILANTHROPY

A Legacy of Giving Back

Sam Mahrouq is a self-made business titan whose journey from Jordan to the American heartland echoes the allure of Dallas – the iconic television show that shaped his childhood dreams. From humble beginnings, he built a billion-dollar empire that spans automotive, finance, fintech, technology, insurance, and real estate industries.

Yet, Sam’s true legacy lies in philanthropy. In 2020, the Arlington Museum of Art recognized Sam and his wife Rania’s $550,000 donation, the largest single gift in the museum’s history. This transformative contribution enabled the museum to retire its mortgage and lay the foundation for future growth. In gratitude, the AMA’s mezzanine level is named the Sam Mahrouq Family Gallery.

The Arlington Museum of Art champions art education and community engagement, offering world-class exhibits featuring artists such as Jackson Pollack, Rembrandt, Toulouse Lautrec, Keith Haring, and Ansel Adams. Sam’s donation will help to further position the museum as a premier arts destination in the region.

“True leadership means giving back.”
Sam Mahrouq

In 2019, the University of Texas at Arlington’s College of Business unveiled the Sam Mahrouq Financial Markets Lab. Sam’s $500,000 donation covered the lab’s construction, 10 Bloomberg terminals, technology, furniture, and scholarships for the “Student Managed Investment Fund.”

The lab is a testament to Sam’s vision of nurturing the minds and spirits of future innovators. It features a ticker-tape board displaying up to the minute stock prices and three 75-inch video boards with financial news, stock options and market indices. Students are now able to access near real-time financial market data in every asset class, including fixed income, equities, foreign exchange, commodities, and derivatives in all markets, industries, economies, and geographic regions.

Inspired by his father, a hardworking school principal and part-time trader, Sam says: “I would not have been as successful if I had not been introduced to trading early. I want to provide tools for students to become intrigued and energized with buying and selling.”

“In my conversations with students, I emphasize hard work and integrity. I want them to always look toward the future.” 

 Sam Mahrouq

In Sam’s world, giving embodies a lifelong drive to create positive change in the world and uplift those in need. His philanthropy epitomizes diversity and empathy. Guided by a profound awareness of local needs and a broad global perspective, his efforts enrich the lives of countless individuals in his local community and beyond.

From bolstering local schools and supporting faith communities to tackling homelessness, empowering youth, aiding veterans, and participating in global aid programs, Sam’s contributions exemplify a practical approach to addressing societal challenges. Even in celebratory occasions like Independence Day parades, Sam’s commitment to civic welfare resonates strongly, evident in his backing of local law enforcement programs and humanitarian initiatives.