We are halfway through the Best in Texas Campaign. Thanks to everyone who has made a contribution so far to the McCombs School. Dallas/Fort Worth was in the lead for the past two weeks, but San Antonio bounced back and is currently leading with a 16% increase in alumni participation since June 1. Overall, there has been a 10% increase in alumni participation in Texas!

How do we compare to other schools in Texas?

1) College locale: Austin has it all--live music, art, outdoor activities, 6th Street, Salt Lick. Austin definitely has more to offer than just the local Dixie Chicken joint.

2) Football teams: The Longhorn Football team easily surpasses the other Texas teams in strength, strategy, skill and spirit, as evidenced by the number of Longhorn wins.  

3) Academics: In the latest survey by the National Research Council, seven doctoral programs ranked in the top 10 in the nation, and 22 departments ranked in the top 25. Among Texas colleges and universities, The University of Texas at Austin ranked No. 1 in 30 of the 37 fields in which it was evaluated.

4) Alumni Participation: UT Austin excels in so many ways, but one area where we are not number one is alumni participation. Currently only 6% of alumni contribute to the McCombs School. As you can see from the chart below, other Texas schools easily surpass us in this area. The good news is this is something that we, as alumni, have control over.  

A gift of ANY AMOUNT will count towards participation. McCombs is above and beyond in so many areas of comparison. Please join us in our efforts to make the McCombs School the clear leader in alumni participation, too! Best in Texas Campaign Overview:

• What: The Best in Texas Campaign, a friendly competition to determine the “best” McCombs alumni chapter in Texas
• When: June 1, 2010-August 31, 2010
• Who: Anyone with an affinity for The University of Texas at Austin and the McCombs School of Business, but especially McCombs alumni
• How: Donate online or mail this pledge form to McCombs (address included on form) 
• Why:   
  • To increase alumni participation rates, which factor into national rankings, and to raise money for McCombs in the face of budget shortfalls
  • To win an Access McCombs event in your city
  • To win a pair of Longhorn football tickets
  • To win a football autographed by Mack Brown

Join in making a contribution today and show your support for the McCombs School, students and faculty!