The UT Tower will shine with burnt orange lights Thursday, October 14 in honor of Kenneth M. Jastrow, II and Susan Thomas Jastrow, who are receiving the Santa Rita Award, the highest honor bestowed by the UT System Board of Regents.

The Jastrows are longtime supporters of Texas higher education and The University of Texas at Austin, and the Board unanimously voted to honor them.

As alumni of UT Austin, the Jastrows have a long history of leadership and service to the 40 Acres. They consistently advocate for improving access to quality higher education opportunities in Texas, and their generous contributions include the establishment of numerous endowments and the support of capital projects and major development campaigns at UT Austin.

“They step up to the call of duty whenever they are asked – and even before they’re asked – to further and deepen the impact of their beloved alma mater,” Board Chairman Kevin Eltife said. “Together, Kenny and Susie Jastrow have made the state of Texas a better place for the next generation of students. Their commitment to higher education has truly been their life’s work.”

The Santa Rita Award recognizes individuals or organizations that have made extraordinary, transformational contributions to UT institutions and demonstrate a deep commitment to higher education and service to the University of Texas community.

Since the creation of the award in 1968, the Board has presented the Santa Rita Award to 27 individuals and one organization.

The award shares a name with Santa Rita No. 1, the first producing oil well on University Lands in West Texas. The well struck oil in 1923, jumpstarting the Permanent University Fund, a unique funding source that continues to benefit UT & Texas A&M institutions today.