Catalysts for Global Opportunity: Judy and Bill Bollinger Transform UT’s Impact
- Apr 13, 2020
If anyone knows the importance of international experience, it is Judy and Bill Bollinger (B.B.A. ’78, M.B.A. ‘80). After their own study abroad experiences as undergraduates in France, the Bollingers spent their celebrated careers almost entirely abroad, from London to Singapore and many places in between. Their lifelong passion for global engagement inspired them to support the growth and success of students at UT Austin.
“To give Texas students the best shot possible at success, not just in Texas but in the world, you have to equip them with an international perspective.” — Bill Bollinger
The Bollingers have been a catalyst in advancing the university’s mission. During his tenure on UT’s International Board of Advisors, Bill spearheaded the establishment of the President’s Award for Global Learning and Global Professional Training: East and Southeast Asia. Judy continues to serve as vice chair of the Advisory Council of the Harry Ransom Center, which preserves treasured literary works thanks to support from donors such as the Bollingers. They also funded immersive U.S. cultural experiences for international graduate students at the LBJ School of Public Affairs.
Their many contributions to the university are driven by their belief that intercultural experience is essential to success in an interconnected world.
“When [reflecting on] the problems that Judy and I have had to deal with, whether we’re managing employees from multiple different cultures or dealing with complex financial markets, you need all hands on deck, you need all perspectives, you need people with different points of view and different expertise, and you have to have the humility to listen to them,” Bill stated.
“We’re going to have to come up with very complex solutions that take into account so many different points of view because there's so many moving parts to the greatest challenges that we face, whether it's in the state of Texas or in the country or globally.”
The Bollingers’ transformative initiatives have inspired students and faculty members to advance learning through interdisciplinarity while being globally engaged. They have touched the lives of so many by fostering intellectual inquiry, personal transformation, and cross-cultural communication. Their invaluable support is cultivating the next generation of leaders who will address the world’s most pressing challenges.
“It’s very important for young people to become aware of the world, be a part of the world, and understand the good, the bad, and the risks so they can shape the outcomes for themselves, their families, the state, and the country,” said Judy. “The University of Texas cannot prepare future Texas leaders unless they are prepared to engage with the world.”
While their professional achievements have enabled the Bollingers to give back to the university in ways that will have a long-lasting impact, both Judy and Bill encourage UT’s emerging leaders to take it one step at a time. They advise students to do every task, no matter how small, to the best of their ability, seek mentorship, and not shy away from failure.
For UT Austin, the Bollingers see a future full of global connections. Their hope is for the university to continue providing students the best academic experience possible, fostering innovation through interdisciplinary collaboration, advancing the global reach of UT’s research and creative impact, and preparing leaders with the experience, knowledge, and tools to positively shape the future.
“To give Texas students the best shot possible at success, not just in Texas but in the world, you have to equip them with an international perspective,” asserted Bill.
Thanks to the generosity and passion of the Bollingers, as well as donors and alumni like them, the university ensures that “what starts here changes the world.”
