Spirit of Texas
Before there was a State of Texas, there was the Spirit of Texas ~ a spirit of adventure, a pioneering spirit of forward thinking, of stamina and perseverance, of staying in for the long term ~ a spirit of courage embodied in a tough and tenacious people who were not afraid to take risks or face tough odds ~ a spirit of determination, creativity, and the belief that dreams could be achieved. That spirit has shaped what is now the great state of Texas and has pushed the state to a prominent position in the global community. Today, Texas is very much engaged in painting its self portrait on an international canvas.
Many images come to mind when the citizens of the world think of Texas. Longhorn cattle grazing contentedly on open range ~ throngs of rabid football fans cheering for their favorite team ~ brilliant sunsets that set the sky ablaze with electric, glowing color ~ towering skyscrapers that house thriving innovative businesses and powerful financial institutions ~ the rush and press of commerce in the Houston ship channels ~ the proud history of NASA and the Johnson Space Center ~ oil erupting from the flat, dry land of West Texas ~ bluebonnets shimmering along state highways. Texas has become a giant of industry - agriculture, manufacturing, biotechnology, oil and gas, geology, venture capital, finance, shipping and commerce. Texas is also a giant in the field of higher education. Texas is a big, bold state, culturally and economically diverse, and The University of Texas and Texas A&M Systems are major contributors to the State's stature.
According to a study conducted by the Institute for Economic Development at The University of Texas at San Antonio, UT System institutions contribute $4 billion annually to Texans' incomes and provide a statewide impact of 215,700 jobs. From excellence in higher education to innovation in medical and scientific research, the 15 institutions of The University of Texas provide a broad base of resources and produce world class doctors and nurses, geophysicists and electrical engineers, architects and actors, legislators and litigators, diplomats and politicians. Students trained and educated at these facilities move forward to change the economic and cultural fabrics of Texas and the world, developing cutting edge medical advancements, producing thriving businesses, studying and improving urban infrastructure and rural ecology, and shaping public policy.
The great state of Texas was born of the spirit of its fearless, pioneering people and that same intrepid and tenacious spirit is seen today in the UT System's students and faculty, resulting in a well-deserved reputation for academic excellence and world class accomplishments in science, medicine, arts and academia.
Endowment funds provide essential support and underpin the work of all of the UT System institutions. The Board of Directors and staff of The University of Texas Investment Management Company are proud to be a part of the "Texas Story" by managing the endowment funds to not only meet today's needs but to help increase endowment assets to meet the needs of future Texans as well.
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