Recognition societies honor and thank donors whose generosity has helped secure UT Dallas' future.
Support from alumni and friends has earned UT Dallas a place among our nation’s top research institutions. The University is pleased to recognize the philanthropic contributions that have played a key role in the development of this young university.
The Love Jack Society recognizes alumni and friends who give $1,000 and above to any UT Dallas school, center or program.
The Love Jack is one of the most iconic features of the UT Dallas campus. The 10-foot-tall steel “Jack,” created by American modernist sculptor Jim Love, came to UT Dallas in 1976 and was immediately dubbed Love Jack by admiring students. The name has endured.
The Legacy Society pays tribute to individuals who make a gift to UT Dallas that lives on after their lifetime. Legacy Society members most often contribute through a planned gift in their will or trust. Others establish charitable gift annuities, which pay them income for life; some name UTD as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy or retirement account. Learn more about legacy giving. View members
The Comet Whoosh Society honors the annual loyalty of alumni donors at any giving level. Four membership levels highlight years of consecutive giving.
| Contributors | 2-4 years |
| Associates | 5-9 years |
| Partners | 10-19 years |
| Champions | 20+ years |
Why Comet Whoosh?
Some people “Hook ’em.” Some people “Gig ’em.” Comets “Whoosh!”
UT Dallas began teaching the Comet “Whoosh” at new student orientation in 2005, and it’s now embraced as the symbolic gesture for all students and alumni.
The Trellis Society recognizes faculty and staff who make a gift to any UT Dallas school, center or program. This includes gifts made through the State Employee Charitable Campaign to the Academic Bridge Program or to the Callier Center for Communication Disorders.
In addition to the 5,000 trees, five reflecting pools and many walkways, a key feature the UT Dallas campus is the beautiful, massive steel trellis. Adjacent to the Eugene McDermott Library, the trellis is 165 feet wide, 146 feet long and 25 feet tall, and the Margaret McDermott Trellis Plaza serves as an anchor and central element of our campus.
The UT Dallas Laureates and Founders Society pays very special tribute to individuals, companies and foundations achieving distinguished lifetime giving to UT Dallas, inclusive of both cash gifts and the value of any gifts-in-kind. Founders are donors recognized as having given $100,000 or more. Laureates, the most prestigious honor bestowed upon donors, have contributed $1 million and above.