Bert “Tito” Beveridge, founder and master distiller of Tito’s Handmade Vodka, received degrees in geology and geophysics from The University of Texas at Austin. “The education I received at UT changed the course of my life. When you study geology, you study all the sciences. It opened my eyes to what an incredible gift it is to be alive. I value this education to this day and am forever grateful to The University for enriching my life experience in so many ways,” said Tito Beveridge. “Giving back to student-athletes complements the support we provide to science research at UT. We hope this gift helps Longhorns excel both on and off the field throughout their lives, that they find something they love to do that they are good at and that they share these passions and talents with their communities.”
Beveridge’s belief in giving back is the backbone of Tito’s and is exhibited through its giving arm – Love, Tito’s. Tito’s numerous investments in UT, which total $7 million to date, include funding for high-end equipment to further enable structural biology research at the College of Natural Sciences, as well as support for development of predictive models and strategies to control the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses. Tito’s also supported the development of low-cost medical technology through a cross-campus collaboration among the engineering and medical schools, as well as the Del Valle ISD Literacy First program — provided in partnership with UT’s Charles A. Dana Center — which received funding to deliver literacy tutoring services to young children. Other UT investments include scholarships for civic engagement studies in the Plan II Honors program, as well as research support on optimization of the microbiome to promote a healthy digestive system and possibly aid in the development of new antibiotics.
“Tito and his team at Love, Tito’s have been incredible supporters of the university,” said UT President Jay Hartzell. “Whether they are helping our Population Health faculty improve outcomes for the community, investing in opportunities to serve and protect our community from COVID, or advancing student opportunities across the Forty Acres, they have helped fuel our vision to be the country’s highest impact public university. They understand the special role that athletics play in the fabric of our university, and I’m deeply grateful for this investment that will support our student-athletes in their pursuit of college degrees and championships.”
The men’s and women’s basketball and rowing practice facility will be located adjacent to the new Moody Center and is scheduled for completion in summer 2022.
Source: News release
