Austin, Texas, September 22, 2025
News Summary
Former U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has made a generous donation of $16 million to the University of Texas at Austin, targeting three main areas: the School of Civic Leadership, the Cockrell School of Engineering, and the Longhorn Band. The funds aim to support educational programs, scholarships, and opportunities for students and faculty. Tillerson acknowledges the critical role that his time at UT Austin played in shaping his career, particularly in engineering and business, and aims to contribute towards fostering leadership, innovation, and community at the university.
Austin, Texas
Former U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has donated $16 million to the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin). The donation aims to bolster three key areas at the university: the School of Civic Leadership, the Cockrell School of Engineering, and the Longhorn Band.
The monetary breakdown of Tillerson’s donation includes $5 million for the School of Civic Leadership, which will be utilized to support students, faculty, facilities, and operations. Additionally, $5 million is designated for the Cockrell School of Engineering, primarily to fund study abroad opportunities for engineering students. Furthermore, $3 million will contribute to maintaining the legacy of the Longhorn Band, while the remaining $3 million is earmarked for scholarships benefiting eligible engineering students who are also members of the Longhorn Band.
In discussing the impact of his contribution, Tillerson emphasized the role that the Longhorn Band played in his time at UT Austin, noting the friendships he formed through the organization. He also recognized that the education and training he received at the university were instrumental in preparing him for his successful career in engineering and business. Tillerson pointed out that he believes the university, particularly the engineering school, will be pivotal in tackling future scientific and engineering challenges.
Rex Tillerson graduated from UT Austin with a B.S. in Engineering in 1975. His professional career began at Exxon USA as a civil engineer, where he eventually ascended to the position of chairman and CEO. Tillerson also served as the 69th Secretary of State from 2017 to 2018 during the administration of President Donald Trump.
UT Austin President Jim Davis recognized Tillerson as a “Texas success story,” expressing appreciation for his generous contributions that will positively impact future generations of students. The announcement of the donation was made public on Thursday.
This substantial donation not only reinforces Tillerson’s links to the university but also highlights the ongoing importance of support for educational programs and initiatives that foster leadership, innovation, and community through music and engineering.
Key Details of the Donation
- Amount Donated: $16 million
- Donation Breakdown:
- $5 million to the School of Civic Leadership
- $5 million to the Cockrell School of Engineering
- $3 million for the Longhorn Band legacy
- $3 million for scholarships for eligible engineering students in the Longhorn Band
- Background: Tillerson graduated from UT Austin in 1975, began his career at Exxon USA, and served as Secretary of State from 2017 to 2018.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did Rex Tillerson donate to the University of Texas at Austin?
Rex Tillerson donated $16 million to the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin).
What will the donation support?
The donation will support three areas: the School of Civic Leadership, the Cockrell School of Engineering, and the Longhorn Band.
What is the breakdown of the donation amounts?
The breakdown of the donations includes $5 million to the School of Civic Leadership, $5 million to the Cockrell School of Engineering, $3 million for the Longhorn Band legacy, and $3 million for scholarships for eligible engineering students who are members of the Longhorn Band.
What did Tillerson credit UT Austin with?
Tillerson credited UT Austin with preparing him well for his career and stated that the university will play a crucial role in addressing future challenges in science and engineering.
Donation Details Chart
| Area of Donation | Amount |
|---|---|
| School of Civic Leadership | $5 million |
| Cockrell School of Engineering | $5 million |
| Longhorn Band legacy | $3 million |
| Scholarships for Longhorn Band members | $3 million |
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Additional Resources
- Spectrum Local News
- Wikipedia: Rex Tillerson
- CBS Austin
- Google Search: Rex Tillerson donation
- Houston Chronicle
- Google Scholar: Tillerson donation UT Austin
- Texas Monthly
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rex Tillerson
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rex Tillerson Financial Profile
- Google News: Rex Tillerson UT Austin
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
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