听
Success in听Hand
Alumni Association gift boosts University endowment by more than $2 million
Spring 2012 · Comment ·
Elizabeth Lepe believes there is no higher calling than to serve others in need. When she completes her master鈥檚 degree this year, the graduate student plans to help those with mental health problems.
鈥淭his gift reflects the deep commitment our alumni have to ensuring that UT Arlington ranks among the best in the world in supporting our students.鈥�
Lepe鈥檚 career goals received a boost when she was one of three recipients of the Simmons-Blackwell Endowed Scholarship for the 2011-12 academic year. Established by longtime Alumni Association supporters Thomas Simmons 鈥�72 and Linda Blackwell Simmons 鈥�77, the scholarship benefits first-generation college students.
A native of Mexico and the first in her family to attend college, Lepe was so appreciative that she gave the Simmonses a gift at the annual dinner honoring Alumni Association scholarship recipients.
鈥�I just wanted them to know how much their support means to me,鈥� she says. 鈥淏ecause they cared enough to give back, I will be able to fulfill my dreams of assisting people with mental illnesses.鈥�
The Simmonses were moved to create their scholarship by friends and fellow UT Arlington supporters. But it鈥檚 the ongoing connection with students that keeps the couple knitted to their alma听mater.
鈥�I told Elizabeth, 鈥榊ou are so deserving,鈥� and she said, 鈥業鈥檓 just a reflection of you,鈥� 鈥� Thomas Simmons says. 鈥淭hat was very rewarding.鈥�
The independent, nonprofit supports 31 scholarships, including the Simmons-Blackwell award. Last fall the association announced a major gift that will increase the University鈥檚 endowment by more than $2 million. The gift means that $1 million previously held by the association for scholarship support will double through the University鈥檚 Maverick Match program, which leverages natural gas royalties to encourage new endowments and greater philanthropic support.
鈥�This gift reflects the deep commitment our alumni have to ensuring that UT Arlington ranks among the best in the world in supporting our students,鈥� says Lora J. Malone, the association鈥檚 executive director. 鈥淚t signals that our Alumni Association members are aligned with the strategic mission of the University.鈥�
The association dates to 1920 and has long focused on connecting alumni with their alma mater while supporting students and enhancing their educational experience. The association encourages membership at a variety of levels, from annual members to lifetime members who have made major commitments to endowed funds that support scholarships.
Linda Blackwell Simmons says alumni support can provide the margin of excellence for UT Arlington and its students. 鈥淎ll great universities have involved alumni and strong alumni associations,鈥� she听says.
It鈥檚 because of these involved alumni that students like Elizabeth Lepe can make the world a better place.