Keeping a Son’s Memory Alive

Two new endowments in the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics will honor the legacy of Colton William Roberts, a former student in the school who was tragically killed by a driver under the influence days before the beginning of his junior year. Established by members of Colton’s family, the Colton William Roberts Scholarship for Geosciences and the Colton William Roberts Distinguished Professorship in Natural Sciences and Mathematics will fund generations of students and faculty exploring a field that captured Colton’s passion during his lifetime.  

According to his mother, Tanya Roberts, Colton was magical.  

“He was always curious, and he maintained that kind of childlike curiosity and wonder,” Tanya said. “He was the kid that wouldn’t fight with other people. Never wanted to. He was the one who didn’t squash the spider on the playground but rather studied it.” 

His father, Bill Roberts, loved his son’s ability to care for others. 

“One of the things that really stood out to me about him from an early age was the way he loved and valued people,” Bill said. “He had a genuine feeling of empathy for others.” 

Growing up in Austin, Texas, the son of two hiking enthusiasts and a father with a biology background, Colton immersed himself in the awe of the lush trees and serene waters that define Central Texas. 

“Every weekend we’d go out somewhere and talk about the trees,” explained Bill. “He loved parks, like National Parks, and their nature trails. His favorite was probably either Big Bend or Rocky Mountain.” 

One of Tanya’s favorite memories with her son was when he skipped school in his senior year to hike Big Bend National Park with her. 

“We rode donkeys when we were there and crossed over at the Boquillas Crossing,” Tanya said. “His donkey would not listen to him and did whatever it wanted to do. And Colton was just cracking up the whole time. He wasn’t frustrated by the animal, rather he was delighted in it. His donkey had its own agenda and opinions, and Colton was content to just see how their day unfolded together.” 

When Colton enrolled at The University of Texas at Dallas, he initially thought he’d pursue a degree in psychology and came in with an undeclared major. After he discovered that he could get a job in environmental science with a geosciences degree, he decided to follow his passion and declare his major.  

In August 2021, as the leaves of Central Texas were preparing for their big temporary change from vibrant greens to the striking yellows, oranges and reds Colton came to love, the Roberts family would forever change. 

A few days before he would make the trip north to UT Dallas for the fall semester, Colton was driving to a friend’s house when he was hit and killed by an intoxicated driver. The man behind the wheel already had two prior DWIs when he sped without his headlights on, crossed over into oncoming traffic and struck Colton.   

Devastated, Bill and Tanya knew they had to honor Colton in a way they thought he would want to be remembered. 

“I couldn’t see Colton’s education dollars being spent on anything but education,” Tanya said. “It was very important to me to be able to do something that let him have an impact in his field because he was ready to be a warrior for the environment and I felt like when we can still raise geologists, he can still contribute to conservation by inspiring other people.” 

In December 2021, the paperwork for an endowed scholarship to the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics was finalized. Both Tanya and Bill wanted to expand the scholarship, so they increased the endowed scholarship fund to $60,000. Bill also donated a $1 million planned gift to the University that will endow a distinguished professorship within the school. 

“He was my only child,” said Bill. “There wasn’t an issue of having an estate for other children. I wanted to honor the work that he didn’t get a chance to do. I wanted to try and see some of that happen.” 

With combined efforts from both parents, Colton’s fraternity, Chi Phi, other family members, donors and organizations on campus, the value of the Colton William Roberts Scholarship for Geosciences now stands at around $100,000. 

Dr. David Hyndman, dean of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and the Francis S. and Maurine G. Johnson Distinguished University Chair, is a hydrogeologist at heart. He shares Colton Roberts’ passion for geosciences. 

“Colton will forever be remembered here in our school,” said Hyndman. “The impact that his legacy will have on our students will be transformative. This scholarship will inspire students to make a deeper connection to their work as they are not only accomplishing their goals, but also those of Colton. We thank the Roberts family for their generous donations.” 

The Roberts family plans to continue fundraising efforts for the scholarship fund. 

“I would love for the fund to become large enough that it can give more support,” Tanya said. “That’s a way to contribute to the things that Colton would have been working on himself. I think Colton would be excited for that.” 

Bill and Tanya want to keep their son’s presence alive. 

“When you lose a child, you don’t want them to be forgotten,” Bill said. “We want his name to continue since he won’t get a chance to grow up and have children of his own to do that. Donating has been a way to maintain his memory. It’s important to us that he isn’t lost.” 

To contribute to the Colton William Roberts Scholarship for Geosciences, please visit https://giving.utdallas.edu/coltonroberts.   

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