A Worldly View

Tom Ward

Tom Ward, College of Liberal Arts '54

Tom Ward, College of Liberal Arts ’54, is helping to ensure that UT graduates are prepared to become the next generation of world leaders.

“The College of Liberal Arts gave me a broader view of the world. And while the professors taught me history, government and philosophy, they also gave me insight on how to lead a meaningful life,” Tom said.

An Austin native and lifelong Longhorn, Tom was recruited by the Foreign Service a few years after he graduated. He spent 20 years in Southeast Asia and Africa. That time helped him realize that we are all connected.

Tom set up two endowments to benefit COLA. The Tom and Martha Ward Endowment funds research for doctoral students who specialize in Asian studies. His other endowment, the J. Thomas Ward Chair in International Relations, will transform the International Relations and Global Studies Program.

“I choose to support the College of Liberal Arts and students interested in international relations because UT can train leaders to create a global strategy, in conjunction with the international community, to address the problems facing us. Our 21st century challenges in addition to Covid-19, include terrorism, nuclear proliferation, climate change, migration, cyberspace and international economic issues. They can best be dealt with by U.S. leadership and international cooperation,” Tom shared.

It is because of the leadership and support of alumni and friends, like Tom, that UT students will change the world.

Abisai Perez

Abisai Perez, Department of History Ph.D. candidate '22

“The generous support provided by the Tom and Martha Ward Endowment allowed me to present my first conference paper at the University of Cambridge and to better my understanding of the first contacts between Philippine people and the European empires. — Abisai Perez Zamarripa, Department of History Ph.D. candidate '22

Make a Statement for UT

If you have any questions about how you can leave your mark at UT, please contact the Gift and Estate Planning Team at giftplan@austin.utexas.edu or 512-475-9632.