A Legacy of Longhorn Pride

Rex Tillerson’s long history of support for UT is anchored by a formative experience in the Longhorn Band, his commitment to Texas Engineering and his vision for the future.

The Heartbeat of Game Day

On a sunny September day in Austin, friends and alumni of the Longhorn Band gathered to celebrate the legacy of Vincent R. DiNino, the beloved mentor and visionary leader who directed the Showband of the Southwest for three decades.

Vintage photos of band director
Vince DiNino and Rex Tillerson.

Among them was Rex Tillerson, B.S. ’75, former U.S. secretary of state, energy industry leader and University of Texas at Austin Distinguished Alumnus. As part of a strong family legacy of Longhorn Band members, Tillerson helped fund a new bronze statue of DiNino’s likeness standing tall on the top rung of the directing ladder. Before unveiling the statue, located outside the Etter-Harbin Alumni Center, he shared the impact “Mr. D” made on him. In addition to inspiring Tillerson with his thoughtfulness and uncanny memory for details about his band members and their families, Mr. D taught him important life lessons.

As a freshman in the percussion section, Tillerson once was singled out during practice for not keeping up with Mr. D’s famously challenging tempo changes. Mr. D explained that while the drums might have appeared to be a simple job, it wasn’t one to be taken lightly.

“He was known for bringing the discipline to the band,” Tillerson said. “He demanded excellence and he got excellence. I learned from him that there is no position or person in the band that is unimportant. That’s true in families, in companies and wherever you are in life. Everyone is important and has their role to play.”

Among them was Rex Tillerson, B.S. ’75, former U.S. secretary of state, energy industry leader and University of Texas at Austin Distinguished Alumnus. As part of a strong family legacy of Longhorn Band members, Tillerson helped fund a new bronze statue of DiNino’s likeness standing tall on the top rung of the directing ladder. Before unveiling the statue, located outside the Etter-Harbin Alumni Center, he shared the impact “Mr. D” made on him. In addition to inspiring Tillerson with his thoughtfulness and uncanny memory for details about his band members and their families, Mr. D taught him important life lessons.

As a freshman in the percussion section, Tillerson once was singled out during practice for not keeping up with Mr. D’s famously challenging tempo changes. Mr. D explained that while the drums might have appeared to be a simple job, it wasn’t one to be taken lightly.

“He was known for bringing the discipline to the band,” Tillerson said. “He demanded excellence and he got excellence. I learned from him that there is no position or person in the band that is unimportant. That’s true in families, in companies and wherever you are in life. Everyone is important and has their role to play.”

Vintage photos of band director Vince DiNino and Rex Tillerson.

Backing the Band

Mr. D’s role in shaping Tillerson into the person he is today has motivated his generous support. The Rex W. Tillerson Longhorn Band Endowed Excellence Fund provides $3 million in support, ensuring that the Showband of the Southwest’s storied legacy is self-sustaining and maintained for future generations. A separate $3 million Rex W. Tillerson Endowed Engineering Band Scholarship will pay full tuition and fees for eligible engineering students, combining Tillerson’s love for the Longhorn Band with his consistent efforts to keep Texas Engineering on top.

Before he rose through the ranks at ExxonMobil, Tillerson earned his engineering degree at UT, and credits the University with preparing him for a long career in the petroleum industry and U.S. government. For many years, he has supported the Cockrell School of Engineering — a top-ranked engineering school and the No. 1 engineering program in Texas — and continues to take his dedicated philanthropy to new heights. UT President Jim Davis describes Tillerson as a “Texas success story” who worked his way to the pinnacle of achievement and now serves as an example of leadership for the next generation.

“Rex Tillerson’s generosity will create opportunities for more of our students to succeed on their own journeys.”

Jim Davis, UT President

Backing the Band

Mr. D’s role in shaping Tillerson into the person he is today has motivated his generous support. The Rex W. Tillerson Longhorn Band Endowed Excellence Fund provides $3 million in support, ensuring that the Showband of the Southwest’s storied legacy is self-sustaining and maintained for future generations. A separate $3 million Rex W. Tillerson Endowed Engineering Band Scholarship will pay full tuition and fees for eligible engineering students, combining Tillerson’s love for the Longhorn Band with his consistent efforts to keep Texas Engineering on top.

Before he rose through the ranks at ExxonMobil, Tillerson earned his engineering degree at UT, and credits the University with preparing him for a long career in the petroleum industry and U.S. government. For many years, he has supported the Cockrell School of Engineering — a top-ranked engineering school and the No. 1 engineering program in Texas — and continues to take his dedicated philanthropy to new heights. UT President Jim Davis describes Tillerson as a “Texas success story” who worked his way to the pinnacle of achievement and now serves as an example of leadership for the next generation.

“Rex Tillerson’s generosity will create opportunities for more of our students to succeed on their own journeys.”

Jim Davis, UT President

Rex and Renda Tillerson International Engineering Education Leadership Program

Provides $5 million to engineering students
seeking study abroad opportunities.

Prepares 500 students annually for leadership and problem-solving
through study abroad and exchange programs.

Helps ensure financial barriers don’t prevent the best and brightest engineering
students from engaging in world-class training and experiences at UT.

Empowering the Next Generation

Supporting transformative programs is important to Tillerson. With an eye to the future, Tillerson believes that increasing public understanding of civic engagement, history and philosophy is crucial for building a healthier democracy. That’s why he is investing $5 million in the Rex W. Tillerson Endowed Dean’s Chair to support students, faculty, programs, facilities and operations at UT’s new School of Civic Leadership.

The school welcomed its inaugural class this fall. The civics honors program is designed to equip students for leadership roles in a variety of potential careers in legal professions, national security, public service, science and technology and more. With an emphasis on academic rigor, practical application and a comprehensive curriculum that includes a capstone thesis, internship, foreign language sequence and electives, the School of Civic Leadership prepares its students for lives filled with impact and purpose.

“We need more leaders with values and a breadth of knowledge, whether in the public sector, private sector or nonprofit. They need to be prepared to have strength of conviction to stick to their values, because those values will be tested.”

Rex Tillerson, B.S. ’75

Empowering the Next Generation

Supporting transformative programs is important to Tillerson. With an eye to the future, Tillerson believes that increasing public understanding of civic engagement, history and philosophy is crucial for building a healthier democracy. That’s why he is investing $5 million in the Rex W. Tillerson Endowed Dean’s Chair to support students, faculty, programs, facilities and operations at UT’s new School of Civic Leadership.

The school welcomed its inaugural class this fall. The civics honors program is designed to equip students for leadership roles in a variety of potential careers in legal professions, national security, public service, science and technology and more. With an emphasis on academic rigor, practical application and a comprehensive curriculum that includes a capstone thesis, internship, foreign language sequence and electives, the School of Civic Leadership prepares its students for lives filled with impact and purpose.

“We need more leaders with values and a breadth of knowledge, whether in the public sector, private sector or nonprofit. They need to be prepared to have strength of conviction to stick to their values, because those values will be tested.”

Rex Tillerson, B.S. ’75