Grand Tribute
1895 Society event fetes president, donors.
Spring 2013 · Comment ·
A decade of unprecedented growth in enrollment, research activity, philanthropic support, and the physical campus is cause for celebration and for recognition of those who made the achievements possible.
With a theme of “Triumph + Tribute,” the annual 1895 Society gala honored retiring President James D. Spaniolo for his leadership and the donors whose generosity has helped fuel UT Arlington’s progress.
Held in March at College Park Center, the event featured a video tribute to President Spaniolo as well as a virtual choir video with faculty, staff, students, and community members singing a modified version of the Beatles’ “With a Little Help From My Friends.”
“I’ve always wanted to make a difference in the lives of people around me,” Spaniolo said during remarks to the more than 300 attending. “I’m very gratified to know that together, working with all of you, we have contributed to changing the perception of a great university and strengthened its capacity to do even more.”
Provost Ronald Elsenbaumer announced the creation of the James D. Spaniolo First Generation Scholarship Endowment to support students who are the first in their families to attend college. The fund already has received commitments of nearly $250,000, and these gifts will double through the University’s Maverick Match program.
The evening also featured a dinner and reception celebrating the contributions of 1895 Society members, who annually contribute $1,000 or more to UT Arlington. Membership in the society, named for the year the University was founded, reached a record high last year.
“We have demonstrated over the past nine years that we are a university that could, can, and will,” said Spaniolo, who will retire May 31. “There are no limitations on what we can achieve and what we can be if we truly commit ourselves in common cause and give our very best to this life-changing institution.”
