The Lola Wright Foundation The Division of Diversity and Community Engagement recently received a generous gift from the Lola Wright Foundation to provide computer and technology equipment in its Community Engagement Center located in east Austin. Thanks to this gift, the Community Engagement Center is able to provide east Austin residents with convenient and accessible computer access at no charge. The Lola Wright Foundation was incorporated in 1954, founded by Ms. Johnnie Wright in memory of her mother. The Lola Wright Foundation has provided gifts to organizations in the Austin area for more than 50 years, strengthening local social service organizations by responding to emerging community needs. The Foundation has been a long-time supporter of the Greater East Austin Youth Association, Caritas, the Capital Area Food Bank, Hospice Austin, and Any Baby Can. Travis County District Judge Wilford Flowers, an unassuming man known for his integrity and fairness, is the president of the Lola Wright Foundation board of directors. Judge Flowers clearly enjoys his volunteer position with the foundation. “It’s gratifying to be involved with a group of individuals who are positively impacting community needs and improving lives through the funds provided by the Foundation,” he said. Judge Flowers’ work with the Foundation is a change of pace from his career in the criminal justice system. Flowers became a judge on October 1, 1987, and shortly thereafter became a board member of the Lola Wright Foundation. “I was fortunate when I was invited to join the board,” said Flowers, who has since been appointed a lifetime member of the Lola Wright Foundation board. Over the past 20 years, the Lola Wright Foundation board has responded to the changing needs within the community. “With the advent of gang issues, we saw the rise of grant applications to address this challenge. We then began to receive funding requests focusing on assisting children in crises,” he explained. The Foundation’s current collaboration with UT Austin’s Division of Diversity and Community Engagement—through its Community Engagement Center— is one more example of the Lola Wright Foundation’s consistent ability to form effective partnerships to help meet local community needs.
DDCE Advisory Council
Building Relationships to Achieve the Mission The University of Texas at Austin seeks to establish itself as a national leader in the areas of diversity and community engagement. The 17 community leaders that comprise the DDCE Advisory Council generously volunteer their time to secure the necessary financial resources to advance the Division’s vision. Through Advisory Council members’ active efforts as advocates for the Division and its strategic initiatives, long-term partnerships are being developed statewide, nationally, and internationally. UT alumnus Hector DeLeon serves as chair of the advisory council. DeLeon has served the university in a number of capacities—he was a member of the Commission of 125 and president of Texas Exes. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Law School Foundation. DeLeon is past chair of the College of Education and the College of Law advisory councils. “My service on the advisory council is sparked by a deep and abiding commitment to the mission of The University of Texas to provide a world-class education to those fortunate enough to be part of the UT campus,” said DeLeon. “An integral part of any world-class education is diversity in the curriculum offered and in the student body. The quality of education made available on the UT campus is enhanced by the diversity of its faculty and student population.” This team of dedicated ambassadors serves in an advisory function to Dr. Gregory J. Vincent, vice president for Diversity and Community Engagement. “What is impressive about this group of individuals is the breadth of their knowledge around diversity and community engagement issues and their commitment to making the world a more equitable place,” said Dr. Vincent. “They are not content with the status quo, and each has made an impact for the betterment of society.” Ms. Sylvia Acevedo
Dr. Sharon Justice
Austin, TX
Austin, TX
Mr. John A. Adkins
Dr. Marcus Martin
Houston, TX
Dallas, TX
Mr. Byron Anderson
Mr. Howard D. Nirken
Houston, TX
Austin, TX
Ms. Claire Babineaux-Fontenot
Mr. Liam O’Rourke (Ex Officio)
Bentonville, AR
Austin, TX
Mr. Stephen C. Beasley
Senior Pastor Joseph C. Parker, Jr.
Houston, TX
Austin, TX
Ms. Carla Ann Blumberg
Mr. Keshav Rajagopalan
Austin, TX
Austin, TX
Mr. Hector DeLeon (Chair)
Dr. Garrett W. Scales, Jr.
Austin, TX
Austin, TX
Ms. Tamla Groce
Mr. Robert E. Shook, III
Houston, TX
Austin, TX
Dr. James L. Hill
Ms. Carole L. Zoom!
Austin, TX
Portland, OR
Mr. Jodie Jiles Houston, TX
t h e u n i v e r s i t y o f t e x a s at a u s t i n
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