Michael Moore, BBA ’84, and Kathleen Moore, BBA ’84, have been consistent supporters of McCombs as well as other campus initiatives throughout the years. One area that is close to their hearts is the ability to ensure students have the tools they need to achieve their goals and dreams beyond college. Here, they talk a little about their desire to give, why student success is important and their love for all things UT.

Q: What motivates you to contribute to your alma mater?

MM: We appreciate the chance to give back to the McCombs School and the University of Texas. We have always loved the University. I am a third generation Longhorn, our kids are the fourth generation, and we are brain-washing the next generation to ensure they will be the fifth.

Q: What inspired your most recent support initiative, he Kathleen and Michael Moore Endowed Excellence Fund for Student Success?

MM: We have always been big supporters of the McCombs School since we graduated in December of 1984. I recently retired and we were interested in doing something for the school. But we wanted to do something that would be more impactful than just another scholarship.

Q: And that is how you became familiar with McCombs Success Scholars?

MM: We visited with Dean Mills and during our talk, I mentioned my involvement with an organization in Denver called “Minds Matter of Colorado” that is focused on mentoring high-achieving, low-opportunity high school students to get them into college. It is very high-touch, high impact, effective, and rewarding for both the students and volunteers.

Dean Mills explained how Success Scholars is a similar, but more advanced, program directed at similarly situated students. One of the anxieties of Minds Matter was saying goodbye to our students at graduation from high school.  Our mentors usually stayed in touch for years after. But the program was finished. In a fashion, Success Scholars carries on the mission to see them through college. It felt like a good fit.

Q: How do you think these programs shape the future and change the world?

MM: We think these types of programs create distinct value in education.  Our society makes enormous outlays for the education of our youth, from pre-K thru graduate school.  But it takes intentionality to see that students enjoy the fruits of that investment.  We can’t just offer it up and expect them to do it all on their own.  Sometimes it takes “hand-to-hand combat”.

For many students, particularly those who have had less opportunity, we must help them see where their dreams can take them. Then, guide them in forming their goals to realize their dreams. These steps must be addressed early in their college journey to successfully move them from being a student to pursuing a career. Success Scholars is addressing that need.

Q: How does it feel to know that your contribution may be changing a life?

MM: We love knowing that we have helped students to do more than just go to college but helped them to finish college and live a fruitful life. And we love The University of Texas.

 To learn more about the McCombs Success Scholars and how you can support student, faculty, and facilities, contact the McCombs Development office at development@mccombs.utexas.edu.