On April 13, 2023, the McCombs School of Business welcomed student scholarship recipients and supporters to the First Annual Scholarship Appreciation Dinner. Aside from providing an opportunity for connection, it was also a chance to honor the late Red McCombs, whose legacy continues to inspire generosity, especially toward students.

Twice a year, the Longhorn community rallies friends, family, and the community for 40 hours to crowd fund for its favorite schools and initiatives across the University. This year, Forty Hours for the Forty Acres took place from April 12 through April 13, with 13 McCombs affiliates participating.

It all started with a little wooden box. Janet (BS Education ’71) and Garth Bates (BBA ’71) fell in love with The University of Texas at Austin, and each other, as students from 1967-71 during the height of the Vietnam War. Despite on-campus protests and political division, the high school sweethearts excelled in their studies, she as an elementary education major and he as a business major at the McCombs School of Business. Years later, as they raised their young family, the couple made their first contribution of $250 and became among the first members of the Chancellor’s Council.