The Litzinger Family

A Father’s Legacy, A Smarter Way to Give

“I’m just a tugboat pulling the big ships out to sea” is a phrase you could often hear from former business professor, Dr. William Litzinger. Dedicated to helping students succeed in higher education, Litzinger saw his role as a catalyst for young people making positive changes in the world after receiving their college degrees. A first-generation student himself, it was incredibly important to him that all students who wanted to attend school were given the opportunity to do so. With this in mind, Litzinger’s three children, Linda, John, and Jill created The Dr. William D. Litzinger Endowed Memorial Scholarship in 2013 for first-generation students in memory of their beloved father.

Growing up, the Litzinger family relocated every couple of years as their father moved up the academic ladder, eventually finding themselves in San Antonio, Texas. Upon arriving in the Alamo City in 1973, Litzinger helped to establish what is now UT San Antonio’s Carlos Alvarez College of Business by composing the very first class of faculty members in the college’s division of management and marketing. He also served as the director of the Roadrunner Athletic Committee and played a large role in establishing UTSA basketball. With his deep involvement in and passion for collegiate learning, Litzinger taught Linda, John, and Jill that higher education was the ultimate ticket to a better life.

“Growing up, there was not a question of whether or not any of us would attend college, but we also knew that with the cost of education, not everyone necessarily has the opportunity to go to school. Dad was first generation himself, so he was very passionate about educational opportunities for all at The University of Texas at San Antonio. He wanted to encourage students, especially first-generation students, that they could make it even when they thought they couldn’t.” —Dr. Jill Grimes, M.D., Litzinger’s youngest daughter

Litzinger made such a positive impact on others in his life that his funeral in 2013 was packed with not only family and friends, but also with former colleagues and students. All came to celebrate his memory dressed in college-spirit attire to honor his life’s work and passion. Following the service, Linda, John, and Jill wanted to find a way to honor their father and, without hesitation, decided to create an endowed student scholarship in his memory.

All three siblings continue to give annually to The Dr. William D. Litzinger Endowed Memorial Scholarship, united by a shared commitment to honoring their father’s legacy. For Jill and her husband, Drew, that commitment has evolved into a more intentional and consistent approach to giving—one that allows them to support the scholarship year after year with ease.

“My husband loves the financial side of things. With the help of our advisor, we realized that using a donor-advised fund was a smarter way for us to give. It was easy to set up, and once it was in place, continuing to support my dad’s scholarship each year became incredibly simple, and it’s a win-win for everyone!” —Dr. Jill Grimes

By giving through their donor-advised fund (DAF), Jill and Drew can focus on what matters most—carrying forward their father’s passion for education—while knowing their gifts are making a lasting impact for future students.

“Ultimately, our goal is to build the scholarship to a level where it can fully support a student’s education. It’s so important to give. We want everyone who wants to go to college to be able to go.” —Dr. Jill Grimes

Looking back, Jill notes that her only regret is not starting the scholarship sooner. At the time, she didn’t realize how easy it could be to create an enduring legacy or to continue supporting it year after year in a meaningful, manageable way.

“I do wish our dad could see all of the students who are receiving opportunities in his honor. But with this scholarship, I truly see a little piece of him living on. It feels like he’s still here.” —Dr. Jill Grimes

Inspired to Give Smarter?

Like Jill and Drew, many donors are discovering how easy it can be to give intentionally through a donor-advised fund. DAFs can be established with the help of a financial advisor and allow donors to support the university year after year in a way that aligns with their philanthropic goals.

The University of Texas Foundation offers simple options for donors to create a donor-advised fund so they can recommend gifts to support scholarships and other priorities at UT San Antonio, along with other causes dear to them.