From the President

Photo: Wyatt McSpadden

As another academic year begins, I love to see everyone back on campus. There is a palpable excitement in the air here in Austin. As the flagship university of Texas, we understand that this is not just a state, but a state of mind — something that Steve and Melinda Winn not only embrace but also hope to preserve for future generations. The generous gift of the Winn Family Foundation will create and support a new field station in Dripping Springs. Our field station network is dedicated to understanding ecosystems across our state, studying interactions between living things and their natural environments.

UT is committed to conservation through education not just for students, but through outreach and programming for everyone. We want to remind people that although Texas can seem almost invincible, we need to be wise stewards of this iconic place. Through generous gifts like those of the Winn family, we can make sure that generations of Longhorns will enjoy all that Texas has to offer.

In this issue you will also read about the research fund established by Bob and Kathy Smith. Cancer has touched their lives in a very profound way and has influenced their desire to increase medical research and education at the Dell Medical School Department of Oncology and the UT Austin Livestrong Cancer Institutes. It is a reminder that difficult times may offer us a way to create a better life for others.

The generosity of these two families is only a small sample of the transformative gifts that are an investment in the future of our University. The passions and interests of Longhorns, friends and families continue to inspire excellence on the Forty Acres. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to UT Austin.

Jay Hartzell, President
The University of Texas at Austin
Ed and Carolyn Hyman Presidential Leadership Chair
Trammel Crow Regents Chair in Business