Unlocking Potential

No one understands the value of a UT education quite like a Texas Ex. Through the Texas Exes’ Opportunity Scholarships initiative, generous alumni invest in the next generations of Longhorn leaders who come from groups traditionally underrepresented on campus. 

Last fall, Todd Maclin, BBA ’78, along with his family, established an Opportunity Scholarship endowment to cover tuition and fees annually for two Black business students from the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Those students will also receive a unique and invaluable benefit — direct advice and support from the Maclins, including access to their personal and professional networks.  

“In my experience there is no greater game-changer than a good education,” Todd said. “I recognize the privileges I’ve received, and I value them. I also recognize other people haven’t had the same. If you have relationships that can help you throughout your life, it makes a difference.”  

Guy Watts, B.A. ’70, JD ’71, first connected UT and diversity in 1958, when he came to campus for a debate tournament and became the state champion through his passionate advocacy for the respect of Black citizens. Now the head of a family including three generations of Longhorn lawyers, Guy is growing their legacy by supporting Black students from the Coastal Bend who are earning their JDs or Ph.D.s in the School of Law and College of Liberal Arts. The Guy Watts Endowed Scholarship was established through a $1 million estate gift.  

Challenge Accepted

More than 125 generous donors have accepted the Texas Challenge to invest in UT’s high-potential students from low- and middle-income families. Since 2019, they have created new scholarship endowments with a total impact of more than $45 million after the Challenge’s 1:1 match. Members of the Class of 2024 are the first to benefit from these donors’ generosity.

“I’m the first in my family to leave El Paso in pursuit of higher education, and my scholarship is a reminder that taking that chance was the right decision. My scholarship donors were generous enough to fund my dreams of becoming a lawyer and a writer, and I won’t take that opportunity for granted.” — Leah Piñon, Class of 2024, Paul and Tish Szurek Endowed Scholarship
— Leah Piñon, Class of 2024, Paul and Tish Szurek Endowed Scholarship

Success for Every Student

College enrollment is down nationwide, especially among low-income students and students of color. But thanks to a long-term vision for student success — and the support of generous donors — The University of Texas has bucked that trend. In 2020, UT reached its highest ever four- and six-year graduation rates. The university also enrolled one of its largest ever freshman classes and increased enrollment of low-income, Pell Grant-eligible students. Last fall it was recognized with the prestigious Seal of Excelencia, granted to just five colleges and universities committed to the success of Latinx students.

“This success reflects the hard work of our outstanding students, who come to Austin from a diverse range of backgrounds but are united in their ability to thrive and excel once they get here,” said President Jay Hartzell. “Behind them stand thousands of faculty and staff who share in their accomplishment.”