Longhorn's Gift Helps Others Have a Voice

Michael Lang, BBA '67, JD '70, sums up his life's work in one word: improbable. He has stuttered for more than 65 years yet managed to thrive as an attorney — a profession that prizes eloquence.

"When I was a child we learned to read by reading aloud, but I couldn't say 'Jane' or 'John,'" Michael remembers.

He persevered, and the Fort Worth native excelled at The University of Texas at Austin. His fear of being ostracized was always present, but through courage and hard work, Michael's career soared. He served as an attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice Second Appellate District and was a partner in one of the nation's leading law firms.

Today Michael enjoys living in San Diego with his wife, Tami. In 2013 he met Dr. Courtney Byrd, a Moody College of Communication professor focused on stuttering treatment and research. Michael developed a deep passion for Dr. Byrd's work. To support it, he and Tami made an amazing gift to create the Michael and Tami Lang Stuttering Institute (LSI). The Langs also established a gift through a trust that will give them income for life and support the institute beyond their lifetimes.

Led by Dr. Byrd, LSI is the nation's first nonprofit within a university devoted to stuttering intervention and research and the only specialized research center to provide treatment free of charge. Since it opened in 2014, it has helped more than 1,500 children and adults.

"This is the best investment I have ever made and the return is immeasurable in terms of the lives that have been changed," says Michael.

Dr. Byrd adds, "With the Langs' support, we have empowered people who stutter to speak confidently, advocate meaningfully and communicate effectively."

Additional Update:

Inspired by the initial investment of Michael and Tami Lang and the work of the Lang Stuttering Institute, Arthur M. Blank, co-founder of The Home Depot, and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation have established a legacy grant for UT to create a worldwide center for stuttering education, research, clinical training and treatment.

Your Opportunity

Charitable trusts of all sizes can support you and provide for Moody's future. Contact our experienced team at no obligation at the Gift and Estate Planning Team at 512-475-9632 or giftplan@austin.utexas.edu.