R. Carter Pate MS’03 helped secure UT Dallas’ eligibility for matching gifts from PwC. Using this support, he helped fund the first scholarships for accounting students in the Naveen Jindal School of Management.

During the planning phase of the inaugural Comets Giving Day in 2017, Pate realized the importance of inspiring greater participation from his fellow alumni and forging stronger connections with the University’s corporate partners.

“Alumni giving is important to the rankings — even if it’s $20 a month or whatever you can afford,” said Pate, a 2015 UT Dallas Distinguished Alumnus.

As a retired PwC executive, Pate is well aware of the decades-long relationship between his former employer and the Jindal School. PwC has hired student interns and over 100 graduates from UT Dallas, supported University programs and provided expert speakers for campus events. Thanks to Pate’s lobbying efforts with the company, PwC is now extending their support by matching donations to the University from current and retired employees, up to $10,000.

Pate was quick to put these new matching funds to use in helping make the first Comets Giving Day a success. By offering a challenge to his fellow alumni with a personal gift matched by PwC, Pate was able to secure $50,000 in new donations. Those donations formed the bedrock for a 1-to-1 match by the Jindal School Dean’s Fund, creating a $100,000 endowment that will provide up to five $1,000 scholarships annually for Jindal School accounting students.

As alumni and corporate sponsors come together on behalf of UT Dallas, Pate sees a reciprocal benefit for those who participate in partnerships aiming to build the University’s success.

“You’ve paired yourself up with the UT Dallas brand, so it elevates your own personal achievement to be an alumnus of this school,” he said.