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Houston’s growth has been shaped by visionary leaders whose contributions span medicine, education, and culture. Albert B. Alkek, a Texas oilman and philanthropist whose name graces some of the city’s most impactful institutions, including the Alkek Velodrome, a unique gem in Houston’s sporting landscape.
Albert B. Alkek: From Modest Beginnings to Monumental Legacy
Albert Billy Alkek was born on July 23, 1909, in Houston, Texas, to Jacob Anton Alkek and Zaheyah “Mary” Hyak, both of Lebanese descent. His family later moved to Victoria, Texas, where Albert grew up in a household of six children. The Alkek and Hyak families had immigrated from Tripoli, a Mediterranean seaport in what was then Syria (now Lebanon), and established themselves in Texas through grocery and dry goods businesses.
Early Life and Education
Albert’s upbringing was modest. His father reportedly doubted his potential, once saying Albert would “never amount to anything.” Yet, with a $250 loan from his father, Albert launched his journey into the oil business (a loan he repaid with interest)
He briefly attended Saint Mary’s University in San Antonio but dropped out to pursue opportunities in the burgeoning Texas oil industry. This decision would prove pivotal.
Career in Oil and Business
Alkek began his career in the 1930s with Pierce Petroleum, where he worked for 17 years. When Pierce was acquired by Sinclair Oil Corporation in 1948, Alkek’s new boss, Harry Sinclair, helped him form the Sinclair Alkek Company. Together, they built Texas’s first petroleum products pipeline, a major milestone in the state’s energy infrastructure.
In 1952, Alkek bought out Sinclair’s interest and renamed the company Alkek Oil Corporation, headquartered in Houston. His business acumen and risk-taking earned him a reputation as a successful wildcatter, stock trader, and entrepreneur. By the late 1980s, Forbes estimated his net worth at $310 million, and by 1993, he was listed as the fourth-richest Houstonian.
Philanthropy and Legacy
Alkek’s success in business was matched by his passion for philanthropy. He believed wealth should be used to benefit others, famously saying, “You can’t wear but one suit, and you can’t eat but three meals a day. What are you going to do with your money except help others?”
His charitable giving focused on medicine, education, and community development, with major donations to:
- Baylor College of Medicine – $25 million
- Texas A&M University – $22 million for the Albert B. Alkek Institute of Biosciences and Technology
- MD Anderson Cancer Center – $30 million for the Albert B. and Margaret M. Alkek Hospital
He also supported the Houston Grand Opera, Museum of Fine Arts, and numerous educational institutions across Texas.
In 1995, upon his passing, the Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation was established to continue his philanthropic mission. Today, it remains a major force in supporting research, education, and the arts throughout Texas
Albert B. Alkek: A Philanthropic Force
Born in 1909, Albert B. Alkek built his fortune through oil, gas, and real estate investments. Through the Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation, he directed millions toward medical research, education, and community development across Texas. His name is prominently associated with institutions like MD Anderson Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, and Texas State University.
Alkek’s vision was clear: to fund projects that would outlive him and improve lives for generations.
The Alkek Building at Baylor College of Medicine
One of his most significant gifts was to Baylor College of Medicine, where the Albert B. Alkek Institute of Biosciences and Technology supports cutting-edge research in genetics, cancer, and infectious diseases. His donations helped fund laboratories, scholarships, and research initiatives that continue to shape the future of medicine.
The Alkek Hospital at MD Anderson Cancer Center
Another major contribution was to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, where the Albert B. and Margaret M. Alkek Hospital stands as a beacon of hope for cancer patients. This facility is known for its advanced treatment capabilities and compassionate care, made possible in part by Alkek’s generosity.
Beyond Medicine: Education and the Arts
Alkek’s philanthropy extended beyond healthcare. He supported Texas State University, where the Albert B. Alkek Library serves as a central hub for learning and research. His gifts also reached into the arts and humanities, funding programs that enrich Texas’s cultural landscape.
The Alkek Velodrome: Houston’s Cycling Landmark
A Track Built for Champions
The Alkek Velodrome, located in Cullen Park in West Houston, was built in 1986 and remains the only velodrome in Texas. It’s a 333-meter concrete track with steep banking 33 degrees in the turns and 9 degrees on the straights designed for the unique sport of track cycling.
From its inception, the velodrome has been a hub for elite competition. It hosted the 1988 Olympic Trials, the U.S. Olympic Festival in 1986, and numerous national championships. International teams, including Australia’s Olympic squad, trained here before the 1996 Atlanta Games, setting records that still stand today.
A Community Anchor
Beyond elite racing, the Alkek Velodrome has become a cornerstone for youth development and community cycling. Under the leadership of Kathy Volski and later the Greater Houston Cycling Foundation (GHCF), the velodrome has nurtured junior cyclists through camps, clinics, and racing leagues. Riders as young as 8 have trained here, many going on to win national medals.
The velodrome also hosts regular Friday Night Racing, Time Trials, and Cyclocross events, making it a year-round destination for cyclists of all levels.
Resilience and Revival
In 2017, Hurricane Harvey caused severe damage to the facility. Thanks to community support and a successful fundraising campaign, the velodrome reopened the following year, continuing its mission with renewed energy.
A Legacy That Lives On
Albert B. Alkek passed away in 1995, but his legacy continues through the Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation, which supports initiatives in science, education, and the arts. In Houston, his name is a reminder of how one person’s vision and generosity can shape a city’s future.
Whether you’re walking through the halls of MD Anderson, studying at Baylor, or exploring the Alkek Library, you’re experiencing the enduring impact of a man who believed in building something greater than himself.
