Living Tribute Program
Tribute Opportunities
The Living Tribute Program is a unique and lasting way to celebrate a loved one while promoting the continued transformation of the University campus for generations of students to enjoy.
The University offers multiple tribute opportunities which provide support for the care and maintenance of our magnolias, bur oaks, native vegetation in the stone planters and the reflecting pools.
The Gift of a Tree
Give the gift of a tribute tree to memorialize a loved one, commemorate a special occasion (wedding anniversary or milestone birthday), or honor a personal accomplishment or retirement.
Each tribute tree gift includes:
- A plaque by the tree with the name of the person(s) or entity honored.
- Recognition on our Living Tribute Program website and on the online interactive map.
Bur Oaks on the Circle
The 33 bur oak trees lining the traffic circle are a welcoming sight for everyone entering campus via the main Campbell Road entrance.
- Available for Naming: 15
- Minimum Gift: $5,000
Bur Oaks Tributes
- In memory of Charlotte M. Bowling
- In memory of Susie Strzelec Buda
- Class of 2009
- In honor of Kyle Edgington PhD’13
- Curt Eley
- McDermott Scholars Nate Fairbank BS’15 and Nancy Fairbank BA’17
- In honor of Dr. Donald A. Hicks
- Joyce R. Johnson BGS’83 and Bruce C. Johnson MA’84
- In honor of Dan Johnson
- In memory of Hudson Aaron Moncrief
- Amanda Rockow MA’12 and Jeff Rockow
- In honor of Colleen Brown Smith
- Susan Rogers and Doug Swanson
- Allan A. Saxe *
- In honor of Hobson Wildenthal
- In memory of Dr. John Wiorkowski
- In memory of Scott Wuensch
- In honor of Chief Larry Zacharias
* Deceased
Magnolias on the
Margaret McDermott Mall
A total of 116 magnolias flank the reflecting pools, extending the full length of the mall. As the trees mature, they provide welcome shade from the Texas sun.
- Available for Naming: 96
- Minimum Gift: $10,000
Magnolia Tributes
- In memory of Jimmy Alcorn BS’80
- In honor of Judy Barnes
- In honor of President Richard C. Benson
- In honor of Brian J. L. Berry
- In honor of Paula Bratt
- In memory of Dr. Cyrus D. Cantrell III
- Stefanie and Aaron Conley
- Susan and David Daniel
- G6 Hospitality
- Calvin D. Jamison Sr.
- In honor of Dr. Scherry Johnson
- In memory of John Forrest Kain
- In memory of Dean Bert Moore
- James and Patricia Mitchell
- Stephanie and Philip Ritter
- In honor of Judy Snellings
- Claudia Tatum
- Hobson Wildenthal
- In memory of Victor Worsfold
The Gift of a Stone Planter
Each stone planter gift includes:
- A plaque in the stone planter with the name of the person(s) or entity honored.
- Recognition on our Living Tribute Program website and on the online interactive map.
Stone Planters on the Circle
The stone planters are prominently located at the head of the Margaret McDermott Mall. Each planter is encircled in limestone blocks and measures more than 26 feet across. The planters are filled with native red yuccas, providing a colorful and welcoming statement to campus visitors.
- Available for Naming: 4
- Minimum Gift: $50,000
A Gift of Reflection
Each reflecting pool gift includes:
- A brass plaque on the south end of the reflecting pool with the name of the person(s) or entity honored.
- Recognition on our Living Tribute Program website and on the online interactive map.
Reflecting Pools on the
Margaret McDermott Mall
The reflecting pools formed the central core of the enhancement project, stretching from the Naveen Jindal School of Management, pass the Student Union, ending at the Eugene McDermott Library. The total length of the pools exceeds 600 feet. In times of drought, the pools can be drained to reveal a surface that resembles a dry Texas creek bed.
- Available for Naming: 3
- Minimum Gift: $100,000
Reflecting Pool Tributes
- Eugene McDermott Scholars Program Alumni Association
- Thomas and Lily Rhodes
Tribute Map
Interested in a Living Tribute gift?
All naming gifts require a formal agreement between the donor and UT Dallas. Donors may fulfill their gift over a pledge period of up to two years.
Diana Aguirre
Director of Development
Donor Engagement and Strategic Initiatives
972-883-6944