Rozanne Rosenthal, B.S. ’74, and Billy Rosenthal, BBA ’72, pose in front of the UT Tower, which was lit in their honor January 16, 2024, in recognition of their $25 million gift to the McCombs School of Business. (Photo courtesy of Chris Lammert Photography)
Learn More About the Rosenthals
On January 16, 2024, the McCombs School of Business established its first named academic department, thanks to a generous $25 million gift by Rozanne and Billy Rosenthal of Fort Worth, Texas. The newly named Rosenthal Department of Management will continue to inspire students to develop management, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills. The landmark gift will enable the department to increase its efforts around research, students, faculty, and academic innovation.
To mark the occasion, The University of Texas at Austin and McCombs hosted a series of events, beginning with a naming ceremony and celebration in the Hall of Honors where Dean Lillian Mills and President Jay Hartzell shared their admiration for the couple and their appreciation for their generosity.
The Rosenthals were welcomed by a crowd of more than 100 people as they entered through a balloon tunnel in the Hall of Honors, where a light reception followed the name plaque reveal of new signage for the newly minted Rosenthal Department of Management. The Longhorn band and cheerleaders capped off the event with a rendition of The Eyes of Texas and the UT Fight Song.
“Rozanne and Billy embody what we mean when we say, ‘What Starts Here Changes the World,’” Hartzell said later that evening. “This department is the epicenter of the University’s efforts that prepare students to be leaders in their communities and their chosen fields and through public service.”
Following the ceremony, a reception was held in the Main Building next to the UT Tower, followed by a dinner where a bespoke box containing messages of thanks from McCombs faculty and students was presented to the couple.
“Over the past few years, as I’ve spent time with Rozanne and Billy, I’m so impressed by their humility, their thoughtful connection and commitment to community, and of course this monumental contribution, not just with us, but to Texas Business,” said Mills. “I’m so happy that the Rosenthals’ vision matches [McCombs’] and our trust and belief in the management department.”
Phil Canfield, benefactor of the Canfield Business Honors Program toasted the couple, saying, “It’s so appropriate that the first named department is the department of management. That’s where you learn to lead, that’s where we learn to be part of a team, and how to work with people. That’s really special.”
The evening concluded with a surprise lighting of the UT Tower in honor of the Rosenthals. Friends and family were invited to join the couple for photos with the Tower in the background.
VIEW PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT HERE
A gift to support the McCombs School is a great way to invest in student success. Contact our development department to learn how you can leave a legacy that will Change the World.
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