The funds will create endowments in astronomy, engineering, and fine arts. Looking back, Bettye and Bill remember how, as undergraduates, UT represented to them a new world of opportunities. Both grew up in Littlefield, a Texas Panhandle town that was coincidentally founded by George W. Littlefield, one of the University's most generous benefactors. UT itself had eight times the population of Littlefield, but we knew we would be here for a while. Austin and the University are about diversity and intellectual freedom, which is what makes living here so appealing to us.
Small towns are so homogenous.
It's fun to meet people with different ideas, and there are thousands of them here. When they made their gift to the University, the Nowlins wanted to distribute it in a way that would reflect their interests while meeting key programmatic needs. To spend more time with their three daughters, Bill gave up his position as National Instruments' chief quality officer several years ago but remains a member of the board of directors. Bettye's commitments include serving on the Austin Community Foundation's board of governors. In addition to their numerous local involvements, the couple travels the world pursuing their interests in art and astronomy.