News Summary
The University of Texas at Austin has been granted a $20 million donation from philanthropist Mindy Hildebrand to bolster the MBA program at the McCombs School of Business. This significant investment aims to enhance leadership skills and create a more competitive environment for future business leaders. In honor of this contribution, the MBA program will be renamed the Hildebrand MBA Program, which will also feature the establishment of the Hildebrand MBA Excellence Fund to support scholarships and professional development opportunities for students. The Hildebrand family’s continued support reflects their commitment to educational excellence in Texas.
Austin Welcomes a Boost to MBA Education with a Generous Gift
Big news is coming from Austin, Texas! The University of Texas at Austin has just received a whopping $20 million donation from local civic leader and philanthropist, Mindy Hildebrand. This generous gift will go straight to the MBA program at UT’s prestigious McCombs School of Business.
Enhancing Leadership Skills for Future Business Leaders
The aim of this donation is crystal clear: Mindy Hildebrand wants to enhance the MBA program, making it more competitive while also providing invaluable leadership skills for its students. As someone who has been a long-standing supporter of UT, she knows just how vital this program is for the future business leaders of Texas. With options available in Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Houston, it is tailored to meet the needs of students across the state.
The Hildebrand MBA Program
In recognition of this generous donation, the MBA program will now proudly bear the name Hildebrand MBA Program. This marks a significant step forward for the program, and it’s bound to attract even more talented individuals eager to get a top-notch business education.
A Legacy of Giving
Interestingly, this isn’t the Hildebrand family’s first act of generosity towards UT. Back in 2017, the Hildebrand Foundation offered a $25 million donation to UT’s Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering. Clearly, the Hildebrand family is committed to ensuring that the University of Texas remains at the forefront of educational excellence.
Who are the Hildebrands?
For those of you not familiar with the Hildebrand name, let’s dive a little deeper. Mindy Hildebrand serves as the president of the Hildebrand Foundation, while her husband, Jeffery Hildebrand, is the founder and executive chairman of Hilcorp Energy Co.. Jeffery has gained recognition on the Forbes list, consistently being named one of the richest individuals in Houston, with a net worth of approximately $7.6 billion as of October 2024. No wonder their philanthropic efforts have made such a huge impact!
Funding Future Scholars
This new funding will establish the Hildebrand MBA Excellence Fund, aimed at supporting matching campaigns that raise scholarships for full-time MBA students. Students fortunate enough to receive these scholarships will be known as Hildebrand Scholars. The fund isn’t just limited to full-time MBA programs, either; it will also support working professional and executive MBAs.
Broadening Opportunities
One standout feature of the fund is its commitment to providing personalized leadership opportunities, mentorships, hands-on experiences, and workshops for all MBA students. This will be an excellent way for students to gain real-world skills that will pay off in their future careers.
A Family of UT Graduates
The Hildebrands are a family of Longhorns! Mindy graduated with a degree in Business Administration back in 1986, and both of her sons are also graduates of the University. John Thomas earned a Master’s in Finance in 2022, while Jeffery is currently pursuing a full-time MBA himself. Their commitment to the university is evident, and it’s no surprise that they would continue to invest in its future.
A Community-Oriented Approach
The Hildebrand family has a well-documented history of philanthropy in the Houston area as well. Not only have they contributed to the transformation of Memorial Park, but they’ve also invested in various educational institutions. Their impact doesn’t just stop at the university level; it spills over into the community, enhancing the lives of many.
More Exciting News for Mindy Hildebrand
As if her donations weren’t enough, it has also been announced that President Donald Trump nominated Mindy Hildebrand to serve as the U.S. ambassador to Costa Rica. It looks like her commitment to service and leadership is gaining national attention, and she’s sure to make waves in any position she takes on.
Support for Local Businesses
Mindy is not just a philanthropist; she’s a businesswoman too! She opened River Oaks Donuts, which has quickly become a favorite local spot in Houston. This blend of entrepreneurship and philanthropy puts her family right in the heart of the Texas business community.
So there you have it, folks! The Hildebrand family is making waves in the education sector, and their latest gift to the University of Texas will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on future business leaders. The Hildebrand MBA Program is set to shine, thanks to their generous support!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- PaperCity Magazine
- Wikipedia: Mindy Hildebrand
- Forbes: Jeffery Hildebrand
- Encyclopedia Britannica: MBA
- NSU Demons
- Google Search: Hildebrand family
