What starts here impacts future generations. University of Texas at Austin alumnus Phil Canfield, BBA ’89, credits the McCombs School of Business for his successful career as a private equity investor. Thirty years after graduation, Phil, along with his wife Mary Beth, invested $20 million in the future of UT’s Business Honors Program, now named in their honor.

“The Canfield Business Honors Program is increasing our global impact,” says Lillian Mills, dean of Texas McCombs. “These students really want to go change the world — in Texas, in the U.S. and globally.”

The Canfields’ world-changing gift supports student scholarships, enhances programming and boosts recruitment efforts to attract a diverse community of learners, scholars and trailblazers to the Forty Acres. By opening doors for future Longhorns and keeping top talent in Texas, the Canfields have generated opportunities for students to chase their passions, create businesses and innovate alongside leading-edge companies.

This video is part of World-Changing Gifts, a series highlighting the impact of transformational investments made during UT’s What Starts Here fundraising campaign.