Category Archives: Endowments

Support Knowledge, Inspire Futures: Year-End Giving to UT Libraries

As the calendar readies its turn toward a new year, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on the causes that inspire us—those that ignite curiosity, foster innovation, and unite communities. The University of Texas Libraries stand as a pillar of these values, shaping lives and driving academic excellence.

Your year-end gift to the Libraries is more than a donation; it’s a profound investment in education, discovery, and the transformative power of knowledge. Contributions help sustain vital resources, from state-of-the-art technology to groundbreaking collections, ensuring students and scholars can achieve their potential.

Why Give?
Giving is more than generosity; it’s about creating meaningful impact. A tax-deductible year-end gift to UT Libraries aligns your philanthropic vision with your financial goals while making a lasting difference.

This year, there’s a unique opportunity to honor a leader who has exemplified these values. As UT Libraries prepares for the retirement of Director Lorraine J. Haricombe in 2025, we celebrate her extraordinary legacy with the creation of the Lorraine J. Haricombe Distinguished Lecture Fund.

A Legacy of Inspiration
The Distinguished Lecture Fund will support an annual speaker series, bringing renowned experts to campus to inspire critical thinking, enrich dialogue, and showcase the breadth of UT Libraries’ resources. This enduring initiative reflects Lorraine Haricombe’s commitment to curiosity, diversity, and community engagement.

Your contribution to this fund ensures that her vision continues to uplift students, faculty, and the broader Austin community for years to come.

Be Part of Something Bigger
Join us in supporting a legacy of learning and discovery. Whether you’re reflecting on the libraries’ impact on your life or investing in a brighter future for others, your year-end gift can help UT Libraries thrive.

Visit the UT Libraries Giving Page to make your contribution today. Together, we can honor a visionary leader and champion a future where knowledge knows no bounds.

New Endowments Bolster Visiting Scholars at the Benson Collection

This summer, two new endowments were established to support scholars working with the Benson Latin American Collection, strengthening research into Latin American, Latina/o, and Mexican American history.

The María Lugones Research Fund, created in memory of María Cristina Lugones—an Argentine feminist philosopher, activist, and professor—was established by her colleague, Professor Joshua Price. The fund will provide support for projects related to Latin America, Latina/os in the U.S., and the Black diaspora in the Americas. Eligible recipients include PhD students, activists, and established scholars from around the world, with priority given to those utilizing the María Lugones papers.

Additionally, the Montejano Benson Collection Research Award was created by Dr. David Montejano and Veronica Montejano to support visiting researchers focusing on Mexican American history. Dr. Montejano, reflecting on his own experiences at the Benson, said, “Over the past forty years, I have enjoyed countless days at the Benson doing research. I could not have written my trilogy on Texas history and politics without the Benson. With this modest endowment, I wish to encourage continued research into Mexican American and Latino history.”

Both endowments will receive matching funds from the Ann Hartness Benson Collection Matching Fund, further expanding their impact. These funds are expected to be accessible soon, depending on payment schedules and investment outcomes.

We eagerly anticipate the meaningful research these new funds will make possible.

To contribute to either endowment, please contact Libraries’ Development Officer Claire Burrows, claire.burrows@austin.utexas.edu.