AUSTIN, Texas—The University of Texas at Austin celebrated three individuals, two nonprofits and a family for their commitment to education and service to the Hispanic community at an awards ceremony at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center in Austin.

More than 200 people attended the Oct. 3 ceremony sponsored by the Office of the President and the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement.

Two people received the Community Leadership Circle Award: David Garza, owner of Garza Design & Construction and Dr. John Hogg, physician and Austin Radiological Association partner. Jody Conradt, former head women’s basketball coach for UT Austin, received special recognition as a founder of the Neighborhood Longhorns Program, which celebrates its 20th anniversary as an educational incentive program for students in grades 2-8 at Title I schools in the Austin Independent School District. The nonprofits, Con Mi MADRE and the Tejano Monument, Inc., received Community Partnership Awards.

The vision of Con Mi MADRE, a Central Texas nonprofit that receives in-kind support from The University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work, is to increase the representation of Hispanic girls in higher education through education and social support services to the girls and their mothers.

Now in its 20th year of service, Con Mi MADRE provides activities that are designed to keep the girls on track to graduate by supporting their ability to maintain good grades and helping them plan and apply for college and other post-secondary opportunities, along with providing the mother/daughter team with activities to create a strong relationship.

The family of Severiano (“S.A.”) and Viola Garza, both alumni of UT Austin, received the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Legacy Award for their long-time support and leadership to the university.

“These men and women are not only highly accomplished in their own rights in commerce, education and medicine, but they also actively serve on boards, committees, and organizations charged with improving our communities,” said Bill Powers, president of The University of Texas at Austin. “They provide a wonderful example of leading through service for the next generation.”

Dr. Gregory J. Vincent, vice president for diversity and community engagement, said, “This year’s honorees are pillars in the Austin community and in the state. By working on behalf of others, the Community Leadership Award honorees enrich our lives with their dedication to education, the arts and Texas culture.”