Janet Ogden Vackar is a prominent businesswoman and philanthropist in the Rio Grande Valley.
“I was born in Weslaco and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, where my parents, Bert and Dorothy Ogden, established the Bert Ogden Auto Group with a Pontiac, Buick, and GMC dealership in Edinburg. Growing up in this environment, I developed a deep appreciation for the automotive industry and the importance of community engagement,” Vackar said.
Her dedication to the Valley is evidenced by the variety of organizations and schools she has sponsored throughout South Texas. One such partnership is her relationship with Covenant Christian Academy.
Covenant Christian Academy (CCA), located in McAllen, Texas, is a private educational institution dedicated to providing a holistic education rooted in a biblical worldview. Established in 1995, CCA serves students from early childhood (K2) through high school, emphasizing academic excellence intertwined with Christian principles. In alignment with its mission to equip learners for excellence, embrace biblical principles, and empower servant leaders for Christ, CCA offers a comprehensive curriculum that integrates faith and learning. The school’s programs are designed to develop the whole person — mind, body, and soul — preparing students for both academic success and moral integrity.
Nearly a decade ago, Covenant Christian Academy CEO Dr. Milton Gonzalez met Janet Vackar in a hospital elevator during a moment of shared crisis. She was there comforting two young women whose father was in critical condition, and Dr. Gonzalez was there to pray for another family. That brief encounter, followed by a simple message through Facebook Messenger offering prayer, became the beginning of a God‑ordained relationship.
As the Bert Ogden Auto Group grew, Janet reflected on her father’s influence: “Continuing my father’s legacy is both an honor and a profound responsibility. He laid the foundation with values of integrity, hard work, and community service,” she said.
In the years that followed, Bob and Janet Vackar sowed the first seeds into a tuition scholarship fund that blessed multiple families. As Janet witnessed the school’s growing vision, she felt led to do more — personally funding and championing the launch of the high school, now named in her honor: The Janet Vackar Distinguished Leadership High School at Covenant Christian Academy. Her generosity helped secure dual accreditation and establish a dual enrollment partnership with South Texas College.
“While expanding the Bert Ogden Auto Group has been a significant accomplishment, I take immense pride in our philanthropic endeavors. But nothing beats the achievement of seeing the strong woman and mother my daughter has become and getting to enjoy the blessing of being a Nana to the most amazing four grandchildren!” she said.
Most recently, Bob and Janet Vackar donated an additional eight acres of land adjacent to another eight‑acre property already owned by the school, located just across the street from the current campus. This generous gift has made it possible to begin planning for a brand new high school facility, with the project currently in the design phase and scheduled to open its doors by the end of 2026.
Beyond her remarkable generosity, Vackar is a beloved presence on campus — she often speaks at chapel, reads stories in classrooms, and even brings puppets to preschool to put on skits for the little ones. “Community involvement is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that investing in our community fosters growth, unity, and a brighter future for all residents,” she said.
The student body at CCA has benefited greatly from Vackar’s generosity and will continue to do so for decades to come. From funding the new high school to spending countless hours pouring into the littlest CCA students, her presence and unwavering support have created a legacy of love in action — one that will shape leaders and strengthen families for generations.
Reflecting on her journey, Vackar offered this advice to future entrepreneurs:
“For aspiring entrepreneurs, I emphasize the importance of resilience, community engagement, and connecting with your team in a way they know they are valued. Building strong relationships within your community and understanding the needs of your customers are foundational to long‑term success.”
Janet Vackar’s generosity has helped build more than just a school — it’s helped shape a community. Her legacy lives on in every student she’s encouraged, every family she’s supported, and every act of love she’s quietly offered. The future of the Rio Grande Valley is brighter because of her unwavering commitment to serve.
