In George Kozmetsky's 16 years as dean, he touched many lives. We'd love to hear about your memories with the dean and how he impacted your education or professional career. Please use the Add Comments button below to share your experience with others.

Dear McCombs Alumni: In October 2008, the University of Texas at Austin announced publicly the Campaign for Texas, a $3 billion comprehensive fund raising effort. Approximately 25% of the fund raising target is designated for all graduate and undergraduate scholarships.

The new 40 Acres Scholarship Program will count for $150 million of the overall goal, and will be dedicated to undergraduate scholarships. This program was developed to recruit exceptional students and future leaders by providing a full endowed scholarship for their entire four-year UT Austin education.

We are happy to announce the newly created George Kozmetsky 40 Acres Scholarship, which honors Kozmetsky’s legacy as a former dean of the Business School and founder of the IC2 Institute. Please consider contributing to this scholarship in the memory of George Kozmetsky to continue his tradition of philanthropy and support for students at the business school.

“He was absolutely and hopelessly in love with The University of Texas… he was a great man who truly made a difference… his stamp is on most of the successes that we have in the state of Texas, not just the University.” - Red McCombs

George Kozmetsky, the technology visionary and former dean of UT Austin’s McCombs School of Business (1966-1982) and the founder of IC2 Institute (1977), changed the school’s culture permanently by creating an environment of overall academic excellence that helped propel the school into the national ranks. An entrepreneur, scholar, investor and philanthropist, Kozmetsky helped lay the groundwork for Austin’s high-tech boom in the 1990s.

“There’s no question that his guidance was instrumental in our early success, and his affiliation gave us a measure of credibility that a new and unproven company could otherwise never have achieved.” - Michael Dell

Dean Thomas Gilligan has highlighted scholarships as a top priority in the school’s strategic plan. Your investment in the future of UT Austin’s McCombs School of Business will ensure its continued excellence, competitiveness and prominence on a national level. Plus, you will help recognize exceptional students, enriching their lives and nurturing their development as future leaders.

“Scholarships enrich the student experience and increase the opportunities for success while solidifying McCombs’ prominence on a global level. Thank you for helping to keep our best and brightest students in Texas, which strengthens our economy and advances the University’s mission to transform students’ lives for the benefit of society.” - Thomas W. Gilligan, Dean and Centennial Chair in Business Education Leadership

Dean Gilligan and the McCombs School of Business have committed to funding an identical 40 Acres Scholarship, thereby leveraging each dollar donated into two 40 Acres Scholarships for these exceptional and deserving students.

“Whatever I have accomplished is the result of being an American, plus great good fortune. I had wonderful parents. I have had a wife and children who were always with me, an excellent education, wise mentors, friends who inspired and supported me, exciting entrepreneurial ventures and the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge programs and projects that link the academic, business and government sectors for the general welfare.” - George Kozmetsky

Recipients of the George Kozmetsky 40 Acres Scholarship will possess extraordinary intellectual abilities and the capacity to motivate and lead fellow students. They will demonstrate initiative, perseverance, empathy for others and overall good citizenship. These transformational scholarships will provide tuition, fees, books and living expenses, along with organized summer experiences. As a full package, they will enhance the ability of UT Austin to attract and retain the most talented students. With your help, we can honor Kozmetsky’s legacy and transform students’ lives for the benefit of society. To date, $150,000 has already been raised to support this effort.

“Mrs. Kozmetsky and I feel very strongly that individuals who have been so privileged ought to contribute to society.” - George Kozmetsky

Please consider making a contribution to the 40 Acres Scholarship Program in honor of George Kozmetsky now by selecting "40 Acres Scholarship – Kozmetsky" within the pull-down menu on our secure online giving form.

For questions please contact Lori Bolding at (512) 475-9679 or lbolding@austin.utexas.edu or Mary Ann Maltz at (512) 475-8179 or maryann.maltz@mccombs.utexas.edu. Best regards,   Rudy Garza, MBA ’91 Fred B. Hegi, Ph.D. ’70 Shawn Hurwitz, MBA ’89 Admiral Bob Inman, BA ’50 Laura J. Kilcrease, MBA ’92, Endowed Fellow, IC2 Cappy McGarr, MBA ’77  Charles S. Teeple, IV, BBA ’66, MBA ’70