Philanthropic Philosophies

As students at The University of Texas at Austin, Louise Richman, B.A. ’69, and Dennis Griffith, B.S. ’70, had experiences that shaped their philanthropic philosophies. Their happy memories of UT have inspired them to show their support for future Longhorns in multiple ways. “We didn’t have children, so now we’re adopting the entire University,” Dennis jokes. They have created the Edgar Dennis Griffith and Louise Talley Richman Chair for Chemical Engineering in the McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, as well as the Louise Richman and Dennis Griffith Endowed Scholarship for the Longhorn Band.

The Difference Donors Make

Louise majored in Romance languages in the College of Liberal Arts. She remembers how tight money was for her then. “Every day for lunch, I spent 25 cents for a cheese enchilada and a cup of coffee.” Her work-study assignment with the Office of Financial Aid helped her realize others also had financial struggles, giving her insight into the needs of students and the generosity of donors who supported students’ academic goals. “I got to see where the scholarship money was coming from,” Louise recalls. “I was always so impressed by the donors’ generosity. Oh, the hundreds and thousands of students those scholarships helped! And I was envious. I wanted to do that someday too.”

Dennis was destined to study chemical engineering at UT. He followed in the footsteps of his father, who was a graduate school classmate of Johnny McKetta, the department’s namesake since 2012. Dennis joined the Longhorn Band in his sophomore year and was treasurer of the Student Engineering Council, a position that opened his eyes to how important support was to cash-bare organizations and the significant impact even a few dollars could make. “We had a common room in the basement of Taylor Hall. As treasurer, I helped bring in vending machines and one of the very first microwave ovens. I mean, this was new high technology!” Dennis recalls.

Meeting Up — and Meeting Goals

Dennis and Louise met on a blind date, invited to dinner by mutual friends. They quickly felt a connection and discovered they shared similar backgrounds, including both being born at St. Joseph Medical Center in Houston. Shortly after they met, Dennis took a job in Saudi Arabia, and five years into their relationship, the couple married while Dennis was on leave. “We honeymooned in London and Paris,” says Louise. “I took one plane back to Houston; Dennis took another back to Saudi Arabia.”

Despite that early separation, the couple has been together in every other respect, supporting each other in their personal interests throughout their 41 years of marriage. Louise has cheered on Dennis, who plays French horn as a member of the Longhorn Alumni Band, and Dennis has encouraged Louise’s interest in municipal affairs, including serving as mayor of Spring Valley Village, Texas, from 1994 to 2002.

Dennis and Louise also see eye to eye on their philanthropic goals; a conversation with members of UT’s Gift and Estate Planning team helped them develop an action plan to achieve their objectives.

“We all make choices about what to do with our money,” says Louise. “Dennis and I have talked about our philosophy with respect to philanthropy and donations. My overall thought is that you can always give a little bit to an organization, no matter how little you have. Dennis emphasizes educating future leaders of Texas industry and government. The gift officers we spoke with were very helpful and strategic in merging our thoughts and coming up with a plan that was very satisfying for both of us.”

For Dennis and Louise, making a difference to others makes a difference to them. The couple takes great satisfaction in knowing their gifts are having an impact now and will continue to do so in the future. “We’re enjoying the benefits of our great education,” says Dennis, “and we really want to pass that same opportunity to future generations. Our real goal is to inspire others to support the University too.”