Changing the World

Lucky to Help

Legendary economist and Longhorn Ed Hyman helps lead the charge to restore the iconic Tower at the heart of the Forty Acres.
UT Tower lit up at night

Restoring the Tower at the Heart of Campus

Since its completion in 1937, the Tower has been an iconic symbol of Longhorn pride and place. Now, friends of the University like Ed Hyman are coming together to help restore, revitalize and reimagine the Tower and surrounding grounds — ensuring that this icon can continue to shine its burnt orange light for the next 100 years.
Ed Hyman

Ed Hyman

On a warm day on the Forty Acres in November of 2023, Ed Hyman walked on stage to accept the prestigious Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Texas Exes. “When I graduated from UT, I got the ’67 Cactus yearbook and discovered I’d been selected for the outstanding student of the year award,” he said, after thanking his wife, President Hartzell, and the whole Longhorn community. “I was stunned — so proud — and that award has stayed with me ever since then. This distinguished alumnus award more than 50 years later is my bookend. It completes my life, and now I can rest.”

World-Class University; World-Class Economist

Whether or not Ed Hyman will rest is an open question, although he’s certainly earned some R&R after a five-decade career that’s won him accolades like this one from the Institutional Investor: “It is a truth universally acknowledged that Edward S. Hyman Jr. is Wall Street’s greatest living economist.” And with more than 40 years ranked as the world’s No. 1 economist, that’s no exaggeration.

It all started here at The University of Texas at Austin, where he pursued a degree in engineering. “As I got into my four years at UT, something amazing started to happen. Increasingly I felt like I could accomplish anything I wanted to accomplish,” he said. From diligent studying in the Tower library to community activities with his Greek brothers, Hyman’s time at UT left a lasting impression that informed his career and propelled his success.

“I’m really good at what I do. And I love what I do. Lucky me!”

Supporting an Iconic Symbol

From ascending the ranks to his long tenure as chairman of Evercore ISI and vice chairman of Evercore, institutions that are consistently leaders in global economic forecasting, Hyman’s working style has remained consistent and has earned him praise from press, colleagues and the public alike. His open, friendly communication paired with his comprehensive yet digestible presentation of information has kept him at the top of his field — and carries over into his philanthropic giving.

Ahead of the UT Tower’s first-ever renovation, Hyman made a leadership gift to support the vision for restoring this iconic Longhorn symbol. “Over time, I’ve developed a real affection for The University of Texas,” he said. “It’s a great school, great institution, with great students and a great faculty. It’s been very rewarding, and the connection just keeps getting stronger.”

When asked about giving to the Tower project, in characteristic clear and compelling Ed Hyman fashion, he explained: “I love the school. The Tower needs renovating. They asked me.”

“The Tower embodies all the great things you feel about the University. Stepping up to support the Tower restoration was an easy decision for me. Everyone — students, prospective students, visitors — sees this iconic symbol, and today it needs some TLC. I feel lucky to be able to help.”
Ed Hyman, B.S. ’67
As Hyman finished his Distinguished Alumnus Award acceptance speech, he shared with the gathered attendees, “When I was walking around the campus today I was thinking, that feeling of being able to accomplish anything is what this place is all about. What a gift! Every time I looked at the Tower, I felt that the eyes of Texas were upon me.

“I want to give back to UT a fraction of what it’s given me.”

a Tower
b Tower

Our Tower: The Next 100 Years

We are embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime venture to restore, revitalize and reimagine the Tower for Longhorns today and for generations to come. Find out more and add your support at tower.utexas.edu.

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