Houston couple commits $500,000 to Texas Athletics

Ginne and Matthew Mendez have pledged $500,000 to the Longhorn Foundation, the fundraising arm of Texas Athletics, in a multi-year gift supporting University of Texas student-athletes. The donation adds to the couple’s longtime UT ties and comes as Texas is drawing national attention after its comeback win over Ohio State.

Why it matters: - The $500,000 pledge adds private support for University of Texas student-athletes and the athletics program. - The gift also reflects continued donor momentum around Texas Athletics as the program draws heightened attention.

What happened: - Ginne and Matthew Mendez committed $500,000 to the Longhorn Foundation, the official fundraising arm of Texas Athletics. - The Houston couple made the gift as a multi-year commitment. - The announcement came after the Mendezes attended Texas’ comeback win against Ohio State, a game that helped propel the Longhorns to the No. 1 national ranking. - Matthew Mendez graduated from UT in 2008 with a degree in government.

The details: - The pledge supports Texas student-athletes and the athletics program. - The Mendezes are new donors to the Longhorn Foundation. - The couple is being recognized through the United Texas Circle, the philanthropic giving society for supporters making significant multi-year commitments to Texas Athletics. - Matthew Mendez said the gift reflects a shared appreciation for academia and athletics and a desire to give back to the university. - Ginne Mendez said the family’s pride in UT and enjoyment of Longhorn athletics made the gift a natural fit. - The couple spent substantial time in Austin while dating and early in their marriage. - Their attachment to Austin helped inspire the name of one of their two sons, Austin.

Between the lines: - The Mendezes are expanding their UT support from alumni affinity into formal philanthropy. - The gift also connects Houston business and civic leadership with Texas Athletics at a time when the program’s profile is rising. - Matthew Mendez founded Houston-based Mendez Law Office, PLLC in 2017 and serves as the firm’s founding attorney. - Ginne Mendez serves as operations director for the practice. - Matthew Mendez serves on the board of My Connect Community, a Houston nonprofit focused on strengthening communities and improving economic opportunity. - The couple also supports organizations including Houston Children’s Charity and the Texas Access to Justice Foundation.

What's next: - The Longhorn Foundation will count the Mendezes among supporters making significant multi-year commitments to Texas Athletics. - The couple said they plan to stay active in Houston’s UT alumni community while maintaining ties to the university and its athletics program from their hometown. - Texas Athletics stands to benefit from the added financial support as the program continues its current run.