Rex Tillerson, former U.S. Secretary of State and UT alumnus, pledged $16 million to UT, supporting the School of Civic Leadership, Cockrell School of Engineering and Longhorn Band, according to a Sept. 17 UT news release.

“Having the support from our … distinguished alumni is an extremely important part of creating opportunities for students,” said Justin Dyer, dean of the School of Civic Leadership. “Secretary Tillerson has benefited from his education here at UT, and I think he’s grateful for that and wants to give back, and this gift will continue that legacy.”

Tillerson graduated from the University in 1975 with a degree in civil engineering while being a percussionist in the Longhorn Band. He later served as the 69th U.S. Secretary of State from 2017 to 2018, after multiple decades at energy company Exxon Mobil. 

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“Being in the Longhorn Band gave me 350 instant friendships,” Tillerson said to UT News. “UT prepared me well for my career. The role of the University and the Cockrell School will continue to grow in importance, supplying talent necessary to face future challenges in science and engineering.”

Tillerson’s gift includes a $3 million scholarship that covers full tuition and fees for engineering students in the Longhorn Band, a $3 million endowment for the band itself and a $5 million fund for engineering study abroad opportunities. His contribution also established an endowed dean’s chair in the School of Civic Leadership, providing long-term resources to financially support students and faculty.

“There are many students who don’t participate in the summer abroad because they don’t have the financial means to do so,” said Roger Bonnecaze, dean of the Cockrell School. “This will basically open up the possibilities for those students.” 

Jerry Junkin, Vincent R. DiNino Chair for the Director of Bands, said almost one quarter of the Longhorn Band are engineering majors. Gifts like Tillerson’s will directly support these students, who juggle demanding engineering coursework and extracurricular commitments, allowing them to continue participating in the band while pursuing their degrees, Junkin said. 

“Truly great people want to help maintain the things they love, and I think it’s a great example for our students,” Junkin said. “They’re at the beginning of their life journey, and if they can reach the position where they might be one day able to help these things that they love so much … then I think by example, these gifts show what the possibilities are.”