Supercharged John Goodenough Professor, inventor

Spring/Summer 2012 9 Wanted: scientists Freshman Research Initiative aims to close competitive gap

To remain competitive in an increas- Austin’s College of Natural Sciences is to go on to graduate school. For ingly technology-based global economy, revolutionizing first-year education, minority students, retention rates the U.S. needs more scientists. One bringing real-world research into the skyrocket. FRI more than doubles the path to creating more of them is classroom from Day One. graduation rate for Hispanic students. straightforward: Start them early. “This program allows us to take all Fulbright Scholar Neima Briggs That shouldn’t be much of a surprise, that is awesome about Texas as a re- credits FRI with inspiring him to go to but, traditionally, cutting-edge univer- search university and directly impact medical school, author a journal sity research has been the province of the education of undergraduates,” publication, work on a joint project a few upperclassmen, graduate said FRI Director Sarah Simmons. with the University of North Texas students, and faculty. Not anymore. The old model was partly a The Freshman Research Initiative numbers game. Principal inves- (FRI) in The University of Texas at tigators — faculty members who head research labs — are able to accommodate just a few undergraduate researchers at a Letter from the time. But throw in doctorate- executive director level scientists (known as “research educators”), graduate students, and peer mentors Love your gadgets? to work with the fledgling Thank this donor researchers, and there is Have you ever used a laptop computer, enough supervision and mobile phone, or iPod? Then John inspiration to go around. Goodenough has touched your life. A FRI was born in 2005 with mechanical engineering professor at UT, 45 students. Today more than Goodenough helped launch the wireless revolution with his development of the 600 students participate each rechargeable lithium-ion battery. This year, with a waiting list of World War II veteran speaks to the Texas more than 150. Over six years, Leader about science, spirituality, and more than 2,100 freshmen his decision to give to the university. have participated. See Page 4 to learn what’s next for this With FRI, research becomes world-class inventor. Then turn to Pages 6 a class that students take for and 7 to read about other faculty and staff credit, not another extra- Students in the Freshman Research members who believe in UT so strongly Initiative conduct real-world curricular activity they have research under the guidance of that they’ve included what they love at the to find time for. That opens up doctorate-level scientists. university in their estate plans. research for a diverse group of Those are just some of the stories you students. (Twenty-five percent can read about in this edition of the Texas of students entering the program are Health Science Center Institute of Leader, the gift planning publication of first-generation college students, and Cancer Research, and apply for the the University Development Office. We’re 25 percent are Hispanic, the fastest- Fulbright. proud to bring you stories about how UT growing ethnic group in Texas.) “The FRI first opened the doors and and its people are changing the world. “For the first time, with FRI, we then provided all the resources and And we’re excited to share tips about how you can do the same. have a real way to tap the brain empowerment necessary,” he said. pool that is available across Texas,” Those interested in supporting Simmons said. FRI may contact Joe Youngblood at FRI participants are more likely [email protected] or Laura Hansen Dean than their peers to go on to complete 512-475-7085. Executive director of gift planning degrees in science. They’re more likely

2 learn more about gift planning at www.giving.utexas.edu/giftplanning UT Today

Far Left: Assistant Professor John Zhang is researching the early detection of cancer. Left: Professor Grady Rylander, right, and postdoctoral researcher Jordan Dwelle demon- strate how glaucoma- detection technology is used on a patient.

The next great cure Why it just might come from the Forty Acres

Medical advances at The University Known as the “silent thief of sight,” could allow doctors to bypass surgery of Texas at Austin are changing the glaucoma is the second-leading cause and instead repair damaged blood world. University researchers are of blindness worldwide, largely because vessels simply by injecting a lipid- taking aim at such threats as cancer, the disease is often not detected until encased substance into a patient. glaucoma, heart disease, and depres- it is already advanced. Working along- Once inside the body, the substance sion. Read on for examples of the side a team of graduate students, stimulates cell growth and spurs the groundbreaking medical research Professors Thomas Milner and Grady growth of new blood vessels from being conducted at UT. Rylander are helping develop pre-existing ones. John Zhang, assistant professor of technology to detect glaucoma much Professor Namkee Choi received a biomedical engineering, is working earlier than the current gold-standard grant from the National Institutes of to improve early detection of cancer diagnostics used in clinics. The Health to study how to treat home- through a simple blood test that researchers have created a device bound adults with depression. Her could be applied universally. His that is able to show and measure idea: Use the Internet to connect research combines unique, disposable changes in the eye that can’t be seen patients and psychotherapists. The pilot microchips with a special microscope through current detection methods. program provides laptop computers that can precisely measure tumor Cockrell School of Engineering to homebound patients, allowing markers. He is also developing new researchers have demonstrated a them to connect with therapists via technology that acts as a sort of GPS new and more effective method for Skype, a free videoconferencing system for cancer surgeons. The regrowing blood vessels in the heart program. Nationally, depression instrument guides doctors during and limbs — a research advancement affects more than 6.5 million of the surgery, enabling them to see in real that could have major implications 35 million people age 65 years or older, time whether all of the cancerous for how we treat heart disease, the according to the National Alliance on tissue has been removed, and leading cause of death in the Western Mental Illness. Rates are higher arsha M iller M arsha S mith, S : M arjorie eliminates the usual 24-hour wait to world. The treatment method developed among those who are homebound

photo learn results after a biopsy. by Assistant Professor Aaron Baker or ill.

learn more about gift planning at www.giving.utexas.edu/giftplanning 3 Pioneering portable power Supercharged was just the beginning for this professor and donor by angela curtis

Take a quick look around. “When the faculty give, it shows Goodenough said. You’re probably within arm’s length that they believe in the institution,” Goodenough and his wife, Irene, of a John Goodenough invention. he said. “I wanted to set an example.” have created several charitable gift Goodenough, a mechanical engineering Goodenough’s gifts to the university annuities benefiting their endowment. professor in UT’s Cockrell School of benefit the John B. and Irene W. With a charitable gift annuity, you Engineering, helped launch the wire- Goodenough Endowed Research make a gift to the university and in less revolution with his development Chair in Engineering, which supports exchange receive a fixed income for of the cathodes of the rechargeable a high-pressure lab in the Texas life. Goodenough likes the security lithium-ion battery, which powers our Materials Institute. The lab measures of knowing he can count on those mobile phones, laptop computers, pressures as high as those found in payments for medical and other iPods, and other portable electronic the Earth’s lower mantle. expenses. And he likes knowing that devices. Temperature is the variable most after his lifetime the money will be

Honored in 2011 as a UT Austin commonly used in materials testing. used the way he wants. N guyen T hao Inventor of the Year, Goodenough has The lab adds pressure as a variable, Goodenough, who turns 90 this found that his inventions aren’t the allowing researchers to explore summer, still teaches and still invents. only way he can change the world. He’s properties of materials not seen under He’s still dedicated to finding new also a donor to the university, giving normal conditions. ways to store energy. both outright gifts and establishing “I thought the university needed “The next important problem we future gifts to support a lab at the this kind of infrastructure if they’re need to solve is energy independence,”

Texas Materials Institute. going to be a research university,” he said. “We need to wean ourselves shot: group B rown, M arc photo:

4 learn more about gift planning at www.giving.utexas.edu/giftplanning from dependence on foreign oil, and to win the war by myself, but it was “The only thing they tell me that I

we need to reduce CO2 emissions into important that I do my job to the best have left is theology.” the atmosphere. of my ability.” He’s only half joking. “That is why I work in the energy Individual excellence is important, “If I were to retire from the university, area — because I believe it’s something too. The university’s well-rounded I would then go to writing in another that cries out for a solution and it’s education — emphasizing both the venue entirely,” he said. “I would be not going to be an easy thing to solve. humanities and the sciences — pre- tempted to actually take that step into We’d like to be able to use the wind pares students not only for careers but theology.” and the sun as sources of energy, but also for life, Goodenough says. He doesn’t see it as much of a leap. we can’t do it without energy storage.” “There’s a difference As a scientist, Good- That’s where Goodenough comes between being trained enough believes in in. His latest work focuses on the and being educated,” “I think my talent the laws of nature, fundamental properties of transition- he said. has been to create but he also believes metal oxides as well as their use in Goodenough was in the laws of a batteries and fuel cells. educated. He studied an environment in higher power. He Goodenough first developed the the classics in second- which other people has written a paper, cathodes used in lithium-ion batteries ary school — he can “Under the Judgment while a professor at England’s Oxford still rattle off a string can be creative.” of the Holy,” explor- University. Before heading the of canonical Latin ing that idea. inorganic chemistry lab at Oxford, quotations — then shifted to math as “We have to understand the moral Goodenough worked at MIT’s Lincoln an undergraduate. After the war, he principles that govern life as well as Laboratory, where he was on the team started fresh with a challenging new we have to understand the physical that developed the first random discipline: physics. Goodenough’s principles,” he said. access memory for computers. He retired from Oxford and in Dr. Goodenough, 1986 joined UT, where second from right, he continued to improve and UT Vice President for lithium-ion batteries, Research Dr. Juan patenting a lighter, Sanchez, right, join Hydro-Quebec longer-lasting version representatives in (intended for use in announcing a power tools and electric patent partnership. vehicles) with UT and the Canadian company Hydro-Quebec. Goodenough is clear: He doesn’t work alone. His teams include post- doctoral researchers, students, and visiting scientists. He compares himself to the conductor of a symphony. “I think my talent has been to create specialty — materials science — Being spiritual isn’t just about an environment in which other blends elements of engineering, judgment, though. It’s also about people can be creative,” he said. chemistry, and physics, so he’s had gratitude and wonder. He developed a strong appreciation to pick up engineering and chem- “All I can say is a mysterious hand has for teamwork while serving as a istry, too. opened doors one after another as were meteorologist during World War II. “I went from the classics to needed, for which I am most grateful,” “As a soldier, I was one fellow in a mathematics to physics to chemistry he said. “And you can interpret that in great machine,” he said. “I wasn’t going to engineering,” he said. any way you like.”

learn more about gift planning at www.giving.utexas.edu/giftplanning 5 The ultimate vote of confidence For some employees, UT is more than a livelihood; it’s a cause

UT employees make their living at the university, yet some turn around and return part of their income to the university. Here we look at UT employee donors, what inspires them, and why they believe so much in The University of Texas.

Jim Boon The Jim Boon Forty Acres scholarship proceeds will go directly to the university quickly found two more enthusiastic upon his death. About a decade ago, then-Texas Exes donors, Boon and his wife, Betty. The The Diehls’ gift will be split between Executive Director Jim Boon started couple are leaving money to the Boon their great loves on campus, with his noticing that UT was losing academic scholarship in their wills. portion going to the College of Liberal superstars to other “I hope the scholarship is going to Arts to support graduate students and top universities. be around forever and continue to hers to the UTeach program in Liberal “It’s not unlike impact the lives of a lot of students,” Arts, where she taught for 11 years. recruiting a star he said. “I hope it will stir some other The University’s UTeach programs in athlete or anything people to think about their own gift Natural Sciences and Liberal Arts else,” he said. “If we and estate planning.” train future secondary teachers in the want the very best subjects they will teach. students, we need to “I have a strong commitment to be recruiting them.” Randy and Mary Diehl public education, and I feel UTeach is So Boon came up a great way to further this commitment,” with a big idea: cre- As dean of UT’s College of Liberal she said. ate the university’s Arts, Randy Diehl has seen firsthand first four-year, full- the impact of giving to the university. ride merit scholarship. And thus the He sees it in the caliber of students Forty Acres Scholars Program was and faculty he can recruit. He sees it born. In addition to tuition, fees, room, in the quality of the programs he can board, and books, the scholarship provide. includes funding for three summers’ Diehl shares those observations as worth of enrichment activities — he travels throughout Texas and including service learning, study beyond encouraging UT alumni and abroad, and an internship. This year’s friends to support the university. But inaugural class has 10 scholars, and in the end, they motivated him. next year’s class will have 15. Boon “Going out and talking to donors and hopes to keep increasing the number having such a tremendous response, I of scholars every year. felt a sense of inspiration,” he said. “I Boon has since retired from the talked it over with Mary, and we both Before joining UTeach – Liberal Texas Exes and become executive agreed that giving was something we Arts, Mary Diehl taught Spanish in director of the Texas Exes Scholarship wanted to do.” the public schools for 24 years. Foundation, where he still works to Diehl and his wife, Mary, have des- The Diehls came to Austin 37 years ensure the success of the Forty Acres ignated the university as beneficiary ago when he joined the faculty as a Scholars Program. When Boon stepped of his retirement plan. If he dies first, psychology professor. Through the down last year after 17 years at the the proceeds will create a charitable years, Diehl watched UT rise from a helm of the Exes, alumni paid him the gift annuity that provides a gift to the very good regional university to a ultimate tribute: They established a university while making annual great world-class university. He Forty Acres scholarship in his name. payments to her. If she dies first, the decided he never wanted to leave.

6 learn more about gift planning at www.giving.utexas.edu/giftplanning “From the beginning, it was some- Band. He has also included a gift to The Perrys married in 1963 when thing I was constantly reminded of — the university in his will and has cre- she was program director at the that people connected to the institution ated a charitable trust that provides Student Union and he was an Austin were committed to building excellence him with income now and gives a gift attorney. Sam still recalls being — and that impressed me,” he said. “I to UT after his death. wowed by Shirley Bird at a party five just wanted to be part of that.” “I can’t take it with me, so I’m giv- decades ago. ing while I’m still here — and it’s fun “She charmed my socks off,” he Vincent R. DiNino doing it,” he said. said. “I was so snowed I called her the next day for a date.”

Shirley Bird Perry Writing the epitaph of someone as Janeka Rector colorful and energetic as longtime UT When UT College of Communication administrator Shirley Bird Perry was alumna Janeka Rector thinks of her a tall order, but her husband found a alma mater, she thinks of opportunity. way to capture her essence: “57 years’ “Education just opens the door,” devotion to The University of Texas.” she said. “You meet so many people “One of the overriding things about and you get exposed to so many inter- Shirley Bird was her intense — and I esting ideas that you can’t help but be mean intense — love for and devotion changed by being here.” to The University of Texas at Austin,” Now a staffer on the Gift Planning The Longhorn Band wasn’t much Sam Perry said. team who handles data and informa- when Vincent R. DiNino took over as Sam Perry decided his wife’s tion management, analysis, and its first full-time director in 1955. tombstone should also list some of reporting, the More than half a century later, DiNino’s the more prominent posts she had 2004 radio- influence still lingers. held during her tenure here — director television-film “You ought to leave it better than of the Texas Union, vice president, graduate de- you found it, which is what I hope I senior vice president, and vice scribes her did,” DiNino said of his 20 years as chancellor of the UT System. work at The band director, which saw the band Also a UT alum — the 1958 educa- University of grow from a ragtag group consisting tion graduate received the Distinguished Texas at Austin only of white males to the renowned Alumnus Award from the Texas as a dream job. “Show Band of the Southwest.” During Exes in 2005 “Even when DiNino’s tenure, the band began — Shirley Bird you have got admitting women and people of Perry died of deadlines and color, enforced strict standards for cancer in you’ve got all this stuff piling up on musicianship and marching, and 2011. She your desk, at the end of the day you retired its “high school band style” loved all remind yourself that you’re not just uniforms in favor of today’s cowboy things burnt there for you, you’re there for 50,000 style. It began playing many of the orange, but students,” she said. “It’s pretty good tunes that are still favorites to this day one particular motivation.” — “Texas Fight,” “Grandioso,” and passion was Rector decided to give to the “The Wabash Cannonball.” university his- College of Communication — by DiNino, who still directs “The Eyes tory. When designating UT as the beneficiary of of Texas” at home football games, Sam Perry dies, proceeds from their her retirement plan — because she only grows more committed to the joint retirement accounts will benefit wanted to make a difference. success of the Longhorn Band. the Shirley Bird Perry Endowment “I thought about the fact that there Through the years he has established Fund for University History. Shirley aren’t a lot of people who look like me several charitable gift annuities Bird was instrumental in preserving who have their hands in shaping how supporting both student and faculty much of the University’s history this college works,” she said. “It hit bandleaders. He established a chair through the UT Oral History Project, me one day: I’m one of those people for the director of bands and a which recor who can do something.” professorship for the director of the ded the memories and achieve- Longhorn Marching and Concert ments of the institution’s leaders.

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Last Word Sample will language Wondering how to include Help UT, help yourself the university in your will? Tax benefits set to expire Dec. 31, Here’s the language we suggest: I hereby direct $ (or but gifts before deadline will qualify percent of my residual estate) in cash, securities, or other property to the Board Many federal tax provisions are set to 2012 is a great year to pay off multiyear of Regents of The University of Texas expire on Dec. 31, 2012, unless the U.S. pledges, to make several years’ worth of System for the benefit of The University of Congress acts to extend the provisions annual gifts, and to make the gift you Texas at Austin. past Jan. 1, 2013, or otherwise amends have always dreamed of making to The the provisions. Some of these provisions University of Texas at Austin. For those This gift shall be for the further benefit of may enable you to support what you love considering converting a traditional IRA [college, school, unit] at The University of Texas at Austin at a to a Roth IRA, the extra income reported and shall be used to lower out-of-pocket cost. could be partially offset by the itemized [purpose] . During 2012 all taxpayers, regardless charitable deduction without fear of losing As with any decision involving your assets, we urge you of the amount of their adjusted gross some or most of the deduction. to seek the advice of your professional counsel when income, may claim all of their otherwise Contact the gift planning team for considering a gift to The University of Texas at Austin. allowable itemized charitable deductions. information about the many ways you can But as the law is currently written, on Jan. support The University of Texas at Austin. 1, 2013, taxpayers whose adjusted gross You can contact the team at 866-488-3927 income exceeds a specific dollar amount (toll free) or at 512-475-9632. will lose part of their otherwise allowable This information is not considered tax, legal, or itemized charitable deductions for every financial advice. Please consult your CPA, attorney, dollar that their adjusted gross income or other professional adviser before making any exceeds the specific dollar amount. financial decisions. Cover: Professor John Goodenough helped develop the rechargeable lithium-ion battery, but his contributions don’t end there. He’s TEXAS LEADER • Spring/Summer 2012 • INFORMATION REQUEST FORM also a donor to The University of Texas at Austin. Thank you for your interest in supporting The University of I would like information about: Story inside. Texas at Austin. If you would like additional information, please ¨¨ Charitable gift annuities. Texas Leader is published each spring and fall visit giving.utexas.edu/giftplanning, call toll free 866-4UTEXAS for members of the Texas Leadership Society ¨¨ Giving directly from my IRA. (866-488-3927), email [email protected], or complete and other alumni and friends of The University this form and return it in the enclosed prepaid envelope. ¨¨ How to include UT Austin in my will. of Texas at Austin. To submit story ideas, com- ments, questions, and address changes, please ¨¨ I have already included UT Austin in Name: use the reply form and enclosed envelope, call my estate plans. us toll free at 866-4UTEXAS (866-488-3927), or email [email protected]. Address: ¨¨ Other Editor: Angela Curtis Art director: Kevin Rathge Email: Graphic design: Dana Taylor Production: Von Allen

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