Angela Crates didn’t graduate from The University of Texas at Austin, but ask anyone who knows her, and they’ll tell you she’s a Longhorn through and through. And while the proud Longhorn mom has endured a difficult two years with her three daughters, Angela is excited about their future — and the role UT is playing in it.

“My husband John passed away just before COVID, so it’s been a rough couple of years,” Angela shares. “John was involved in the Family Leadership Council, and today I’m pursuing a certificate for data science and business analytics through the McCombs School of Business.”

Angela’s two older girls, Chandler and Cameron, are current students at UT, and their younger sister Campbell was a part of UT’s high school program. Angela sees her participation in giving a vital part of her girls’ — and all UT students’— success.

She shares, “The truth is, sometimes parents are doing an amazing thing just by writing that tuition check. It’s a big commitment! But for those parents who can give more, it shows that you support your child’s specific degree program, and it helps meet the increasing costs for a university like Texas to stay competitive and provide all students with the quality education they deserve.”

Angela continues, “There are so many different places parents can give to at UT. No matter what you give or where you give, you can feel good knowing that your investment matters. It takes all of us to make the student experience that much better.”

Finally, Angela shares why she’s excited to partner with UT. “Parent participation in giving is looked at when schools are considered for other resources. And the closer you have to 100% parent participation, the more likely the school is to receive those resources — resources that will benefit every Longhorn. So our participation matters, and it’s what makes UT a university of the first class.”

Angela Crates is just one example why The University of Texas is on its way to becoming the world’s highest-impact public research university. But it’s also members of the Longhorn Nation like you who are vital to empowering UT students and faculty to change the world. Thank you for your ongoing support through your time, talent and resources!