John “Jeff” F. Fort III, a long-time supporter of the Center for Big Bend Studies (CBBS) at Sul Ross State University, will be conferred with an Honorary Doctorate degree in Humane Letters at commencement exercises on Friday, Dec. 13, at 5:30 p.m. at the Pete P. Gallego Center.

The resolution was presented to the Texas State University System Board of Regents last summer underscoring Fort’s significant support, generosity and his continued philanthropy.

“Mr. Fort has been the Center for Big Bend Studies’ most consequential supporter for over two decades. He has graciously opened his properties, provided critical financial resources and actively promoted our programs to the public and local land stewards while remaining an active scholar in anthropology,” the resolution reads. “Mr. Fort’s dedication to the State of Texas and Higher Education has profoundly impacted the lives of West Texas residents and SRSU students. His commitment to the Center and his land, which he affectionately calls ‘an outdoor laboratory,’ has enriched the region by providing unique and invaluable insight into the past inhabitants and environment.

Fort was born in New York City in 1941 and grew up in Maryland, just outside of Washington, D.C. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from Princeton in 1963, and his master’s degree in Industrial Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1966.

He served as the president of Simplex Wire and Cable Company and as the president, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Tyco International. He retired in 1993, but remained on the board, later serving as the interim president, CEO and chair from 2000-2001.

He was a chairman of several private equity companies based in New York and a member of several New York Stock Exchange companies, including Dover Corporation, Roper Technologies, Scott Paper Company and Kimberly Clark.

Fort first came to the Big Bend region in the 1990s and immediately fell in love with its beauty. He purchased his Pinto Canyon Ranch and contacted CBBS when he discovered a significant rock art site while exploring. Later, he allowed the center unrestricted access to thousands of world-class archaeological sites—most of which he found himself.

Fort helped CBBS to develop its charitable status, enabling gifts from the Brown Foundation totaling more than $3.5 million. He has personally contributed approximately $2 million and has facilitated additional support exceeding $5.6 million.

“Your unwavering dedication to uncovering hidden archaeological sites in the Chihuahuan Desert has not only enriched the field of anthropology but also shed light on how humans have adapted and thrived in such an exacting environment,” wrote SRSU President Carlos Hernandez in his announcement to Fort. “Your contributions to SRSU and the Center for Big Bend Studies are a testament to your passion and commitment to understanding the forgotten chapters of Big Bend history.”

The ceremony will be livestreamed on YouTube at https://youtube.com/live/MetxBYGgKrg?feature=share.

For more information, email cbbs@sulross.edu.