Why I give
Major Joe H. Giles, Sr., MSSW ’65
“It is with gratitude that I support the Steve Hicks School of Social Work. I recall the two-story World War II building and helping carry a paraplegic class member up the stairs; professor Laura Lee Pederson’s decorative orange; professor Charles Laughton (the image of a movie actor of the same name); acting dean Anne Wilkins and her sharp wit.
It was while regional director of Child Welfare in El Paso that I was able to be a catalyst in the establishment of the first child-abuse-prevention program in the Army. As a result, I was asked to return to active duty and returned in 1986. Through The Alcalde and The Utopian, I have watched the expanding impact of social workers around the world. Thank you.”
Why your support matters
Luan Tran, John and Jennifer Gates Endowed Scholarship in Social Work
While volunteering at a student-run clinic that serves homeless individuals in Austin, social work student Luan Tran noticed that socks were frequently listed on donation requests. He decided to create Socks for the Sole, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that raises funds to purchase socks for the homeless. He hopes Socks for the Sole inspires other students to make a positive impact during their time on the Forty Acres.
Tran said that receiving the John and Jennifer Gates scholarship was a great source of affirmation for him.
“The scholarship has helped reaffirm that I am indeed going on the right path with my career and that my achievements are being noticed,” Tran said. “I am deeply grateful for this support, and I hope to return this investment in me back to society once my studies are over.”
Giving back to the community you come from
Denise O. Nixon Scholarship in Social Work
In 2016, Denise and Ray Nixon created a fellowship for eight social-work, master’s level students from the Dallas area. The Nixons, who are from Dallas, want to share their passion for giving back to the community you come from. They have since extended their generosity through the creation of the Denise O. Nixon Endowed Scholarship, which will support Steve Hicks School of Social Work students for generations to come.
Denise studied psychology and social work at UT Austin and started as a case worker in her native Dallas, knocking on doors and connecting families to much needed resources. This experience fueled her passion for helping low-income communities. She and Ray continue to make a difference by supporting nonprofits such as Serve West Dallas and volunteering with multiple local organizations. Denise seeks to live by her favorite mantra: “Unity in diversity with humility.”
An investment in our collective future
Leslie and John David Moritz Endowed Scholarship in Social Work
The moment Leslie and John David Moritz learned of the Steve Hicks Matching Challenge, they knew it was time for their family to do its part.
“This very generous challenge leverages new funding to enhance educational opportunities for more students in pursuit of a degree in social work. We need more educated professionals working for social change. We consider this endowment an investment in our collective future,” they said.
Their advice to social work students? “Embrace this remarkable educational opportunity in a nationally recognized social work program: study hard, get your degree, and then go make a difference in this world. Help as many people as you can.”
Serving the needs of individuals with mental illnesses
Utley Education Foundation Endowed Scholarship in Mental Health
Through her involvement with the Mental Health Association in Texas, Ann K. Utley saw the need for well-trained, passionate social workers that can provide services to individuals with mental illnesses.
“Steve Hicks has been a long-time friend. When he committed to invest in social work students at UT Austin, the board of the Utley Education Foundation wanted to honor this commitment and help support students dedicated to the field of mental health and mental illness,” Utley said.
Utley hopes that the students benefiting from this endowment will help individuals with mental illnesses live joyful, fulfilling, and productive lives. Her advice to students is, “Be a mentor to those you serve and allow them to be a mentor to you.”