Student veterans and staff on Campbell-Williams Field with Coach Steve Sarkisian (middle)
By Heather Miller
This fall term, there have been many great conversations with donors, alumni and parents about how their philanthropy will directly support students and impact their student experience on the Forty Acres. November was a month of celebrating veterans and highlighting the important work of Veteran and Military Affiliated Services (VMAS) in the Office of the Dean of Students for helping our student veterans thrive at UT Austin.
It is fitting to highlight some of the philanthropy designated to our student veterans. This includes a special campaign that was launched in honor of Veterans Day. The online giving campaign began the week leading up to Veterans Day and raised more than $3,000 to support the programs and services provided by VMAS.
November also marked a busy time for VMAS awarding scholarships. Through the generosity of individuals and foundations, VMAS provides scholarship support to student veterans through the following:
- The Andrew T. Huoni Memorial Endowed Scholarship
- The Ingram Lee Endowed Scholarship
- The Jean Perkins Foundation Veteran Scholarship
- The Sgt. Tyrell Seth Williams, USMC Endowed Scholarship
- The Bryant and Shari T. Truitt Veterans Scholarship
This fall marks the first time the Andrew T. Huoni Memorial Endowed Scholarship was awarded. A special presentation was held on Nov. 22 to recognize both the donor, Tammy Huoni, and the recipient, Thomas Averill. Averill is a senior applied movement science/strength and conditioning major and an Active Duty Marine Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) attending UT Austin under the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP). Tammy Huoni created this scholarship in honor of her late husband, Andrew, who was a U.S. Marine, UT Austin alumnus and general manager of the Campus Computer Store. Read this donor's heartfelt story behind creating this scholarship.
Finally, the Jean Perkins Foundation once again awarded a generous grant of $325,000 that will provide 55 deserving student veterans with a scholarship of $5,000. Additional funds are allocated as emergency funds help students with urgent needs.
If you would like more information on how to support our student veterans or want to connect VPSA Development to alumni or friends who may be interested, please contact me.