Austin News

Teresa Lozano Long, a philanthropist and community activist who spent most of her life pushing forward education and arts causes in Austin, passed away at the age of 92. 

Long was born in South Texas, earned a doctorate in health and physical education from the University of Texas, and settled in Austin for the majority of her remaining life. Teresa and Joe Long were brilliant philanthropists who gave millions to various causes in the area and were also beloved friends of various members of the community. She was awarded the National Humanities Medal by President Donald Trump in 2019, recognizing her lifelong commitment to helping her community. 

Community members and city officials have publicly mourned the loss of Long, who was considered a giant in the community and whose contributions to the community are immeasurable. 

"Teresa Lozano Long, and her husband Joe, opened doors to worlds that would otherwise have been unavailable to so many," Austin Mayor Steve Adler said. "I close my eyes and can feel the warmth that would come with her smile and support. Austin has lost one of its royalty."

One of Long's most notable contributions was a $20 million donation that went toward the construction of the Long Center for the Performing Arts, a facility that helps community members gain access to the resources they need to participate in the performing arts. 

“Teresa Lozano Long is an example to us all in her generosity and steadfast support of education and the arts," Virginia Garrard, director of LLILAS Benson Latin American Studies and Collections, said. "In particular, the consistent contribution of Dr. Long and her husband Joe R. Long as benefactors and supporters of the Institute of Latin American Studies has created rich and significant educational opportunities for countless students, many of them Latinos, and has had an enormous and positive impact in scholarship on Latin America, with benefits far beyond our campus.”

Peers and colleagues have come together in recent days to remember her and honor her memory.

"Dr. Teresa Lozano Long passed away today," Myra Leo, the chairwoman on the advisory council to the Teresa Lozano Long Institute of Latin American Studies at UT Austin, tweeted. "Lots of beautiful comments and articles soon on the passing of an absolute legend!"

This week, various organizations and individuals will pay tribute to Long, who was an invaluable part of the Austin and Latin American community.