Philanthropic Philosophies

Dennis and Louise met on a blind date, invited to dinner by mutual friends. They quickly felt a connection and discovered they shared similar backgrounds, including both being born at St. Joseph Medical Center in Houston. Shortly after they met, Dennis took a job in Saudi Arabia, and five years into their relationship, the couple married while Dennis was on leave. "We honeymooned in London and Paris," says Louise. "I took one plane back to Houston; Dennis took another back to Saudi Arabia."

Despite that early separation, the couple has been together in every other respect, supporting each other in their personal interests throughout their 41 years of marriage. Louise has cheered on Dennis, who plays French horn as a member of the Longhorn Alumni Band, and Dennis has encouraged Louise's interest in municipal affairs, including serving as mayor of Spring Valley Village, Texas, from 1994 to 2002.

Dennis and Louise also see eye to eye on their philanthropic goals; a conversation with members of UT's Gift and Estate Planning team helped them develop an action plan to achieve their objectives.

"We all make choices about what to do with our money," says Louise. "Dennis and I have talked about our philosophy with respect to philanthropy and donations. My overall thought is that you can always give a little bit to an organization, no matter how little you have. Dennis emphasizes educating future leaders of Texas industry and government. The gift officers we spoke with were very helpful and strategic in merging our thoughts and coming up with a plan that was very satisfying for both of us."

For Dennis and Louise, making a difference to others makes a difference to them. The couple takes great satisfaction in knowing their gifts are having an impact now and will continue to do so in the future. "We're enjoying the benefits of our great education," says Dennis, "and we really want to pass that same opportunity to future generations. Our real goal is to inspire others to support the University too."