Ready to Help

When Terry Startzel, B.A. ’76, MSW ’85, was a graduate student at The University of Texas at Austin, he was awarded the Charles W. Laughton Endowed Presidential Scholarship. Receiving the scholarship was an honor that he continues to value today. It also inspired him and his wife, Jeanne, to establish a fellowship and give through their estate plan to support outstanding graduate students within the Steve Hicks School of Social Work.

Terry and Jeanne met at their local YMCA. “When she accepted my invitation to attend a three-hour  Japanese, subtitled film, I knew I had found my future wife,” Terry shared. And he was right. In 1987 they got married at the Caswell House and stayed in Austin to raise their daughter until Terry was transferred to Colorado for work.

An Appreciation for Lifelong Learning

Throughout his career, continuing to learn was important to Terry. “I was never afraid to take on a role I wasn’t qualified for on paper. Every new role allowed me to expand my skill set.”

His passion for learning served him well and he retired from Visa as a chief systems architect. Jeanne worked for the American Cancer Society as the vice president of corporate relations for the High Plains division.

Terry and Jeanne support UT beyond the fellowship that they established. “UT provided me with numerous opportunities to explore and discover myself academically during my undergraduate and graduate years,” Terry said. “I feel deeply moved to support UT and the School of Social Work for everything these institutions gave me. And through our gifts, Jeanne and I can help graduate students enter the workforce ready to help individuals, families and communities enhance their well-being.”

Make an Impact With Your Generosity

Join Terry and Jeanne in supporting the Steve Hicks School of Social Work. Contact the Gift and Estate Planning Team for no-obligation help at 512-475-9632 or giftplan@austin.utexas.edu.