After two record-setting years of philanthropic support for The University of Texas at Dallas, nearly 200 donors, alumni, corporate partners and friends gathered to celebrate on campus at the Davidson-Gundy Alumni Center.
At the 2019 Celebration of Support, President Richard C. Benson applauded all those who had collectively contributed $238.5 million over the past two years. He noted the wide-ranging impact that donors have at UT Dallas — on student scholarships, faculty and research support, the construction of state-of-the-art academic space and transformative gifts of art.
“Our rapid rise is a direct result of your support and contributions,” said Benson, who is the Eugene McDermott Distinguished University Chair of Leadership. “None of these amazing things would be possible without you, and I am grateful for everything you do for our University.”
Mike Brodie BS’76, chair of the UT Dallas Executive Board, also thanked supporters and reminded them of the many ways the University makes a difference in the community through education, entrepreneurial innovation and clinical care.
“Each of our lives has been transformed in some way by UT Dallas,” he said. “However you were affected by this University, I am grateful that you have chosen to give back. You are transforming the lives of future generations who will benefit from this University just as you have.”
The annual celebration, which last year featured the renaming of the Margaret McDermott Mall and Trellis Plaza, held a special surprise for attendees.
At the conclusion of his remarks, Benson revealed a video feed of Reunion Tower in downtown Dallas, which was illuminated for the evening with images commemorating the University and its 50th anniversary.
“For the next couple of years, we are really going to show off the incredible things happening at UT Dallas,” Benson said. “There’s no better place to show off in Dallas than Reunion Tower.”
Amid the music provided by the Texas Instruments Jazz Band, dancing guests kicked off the celebrations and looked toward a bright future for the University.
