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Connected to the Community
UT Tyler’s R. Don Cowan Fine
and Performing Arts Center,
opened in 1997, brings a wide
array of cultural entertainment
through special events,
Performing Arts Series,
Broadway Series,
Braithwaite Series,
Distinguished Lecture Series
and the Arts in Education Series.
Some 26,000 patrons attend
the performances annually.
In the past decade, community support has
blossomed for UT Tyler building efforts
and new programs.
“Ten to 20 years ago, the campus was on
the edge of town unknown,’’ Dr. Lunsford
said. “Many people in the community didn’t
even know where it was. But now with
changes like the R. Don Cowan Fine and
Performing Arts Center and athletics, the
university is more connected to the
community.’’
Riter said the recent growth and success of UT
Tyler has helped to broaden ownership of the
school to the community. “There is a certain
amount of excitement that comes with being
involved with the growth of a university. That
enthusiasmand excitement is infectious.”
Robert and Mary Irwin, who gave a major
gift toward construction of the baseball/
softball complex for the Patriots, said their
involvement was an investment in the
university and the community.
“We felt like this would attract a lot of
good students for the university and give
the students something to be a part of.
They can follow the team’s success,” Mr.
Irwin, a Tyler businessman, said. “We are
also hopeful that it will encourage other
people in the community to get involved
…and it is a facility that other teams in the
region could use. Just watching all the
progress take place makes me very proud to
be associated with the university.”
Mrs. Irwin said, “For supporters to be able
to see things accomplished in their lifetime
is really special. It is very meaningful to see
and experience the joy of watching these
young men and women on the field.”
Riter’s family has strongly supported UT
Tyler for many years. “It goes back to my
dad,’’ he said of A.W. “Dub” Riter Jr. “The
driving factor for our family in providing
financial support, time and effort is our
love for young people and our belief in seeing
young people have opportunities for
education. Whether a two-year or fouryear
institution, when young people have
the opportunity to pursue dreams, it
permeates their lives and families. And it
really comes back to Tyler and East Texas.
Education helps make a better quality of
life here for all.”
From building funding to endowed scholarships
and chairs, community leaders and
government officials have worked closely
together to provide opportunities for UT
Tyler’s students. Local and state leaders attribute
a big part of this increased partnership to
President Mabry.
“As UT Tyler has become a beacon of excellence
in our region, RodMabry has provided
a quiet but steady hand to a growing school,’’
Nelson Clyde IV, publisher of the Tyler
MorningTelegraph, said. “The future of UT
Tyler as a key to education and the arts is
bright for all East Texans. Rod is an outstanding
advocate of a dynamic and wellrounded
university.”
State Rep. Leo Berman said, “The double
digit growth experienced by The University
of Texas at Tyler during the period of Dr.
Mabry’s presidency can be directly attributed
to Dr. Mabry himself. His character
and integrity and the respect he has earned
from the Tyler and East Texas community
and within The University of Texas System
are beyond reproach.
“Finally, he has created an image in Tyler of
a great academic institution, on a beautiful
growing campus site, that would enhance
the educational credentials of any student
fortunate enough to graduate from UT
Tyler. He has put his heart and soul into
UT Tyler,” Berman said.
State Sen. Kevin Eltife said, “Dr. Mabry
has done an outstanding job at UT Tyler
over the last 10 years.We have seen incredible
growth and expansion at the university.
“It is a pleasure to work with him and his
staff as we all continue to work toward
providing a quality education for students
at UT Tyler.”
Because of the cultural, entertainment and
business benefits of a thriving university,
UT Tyler impacts the entire community,
Riter said. “There is a certain amount of
pride in our local educational institutions.
Even though you love where you graduate,
the community where you live and raise
your family is pertinent to today. The quality
of those institutions plays a big role in
your quality of life and impacts where you
will spend the rest of your life.”
Ratliff said, “A university of this caliber is
also a magnet for economic growth. It
improves the climate for business and
industry to come into the area.”
More Stories
- President's Letter
- Around Campus
- Focus on: Faculty
- Focus on: Alumni
- Focus on: Benefactors
- Focus on: Students
- Patriot Athletics Season Highlights
- Class Notes
Special Section: UT Tyler Research
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