Linda Montgomery

An Enduring Commitment to Educational Opportunity

Linda Montgomery ’87 understands that the value of an education doesn’t end at graduation. For her, it is a foundation that continues to unfold across a lifetime.

“When I think about my degree, I truly cannot put a price on it,” Linda said. “You don’t realize it at the time, but the value of what you learn keeps growing. That is why it felt important to me to give back in a way that could keep helping others.”

Linda returned to college while raising her children, building her schedule around family life. She graduated in 1987 with a degree in political science from what is now the College of Liberal and Fine Arts (COLFA), shaped by an education that taught her to think critically, write clearly and remain curious long after graduation.

Her connection to the university deepened through service on the UT San Antonio Alumni Association Board in the early 2000s and has continued in other volunteer leadership, giving her a broader view of the university’s mission and the dedication required to support the students it serves.

“Being involved allows me to see how much care goes into fostering student success,” she said. “Those experiences deepen my appreciation for everything the university does.”

Driven by that appreciation, Linda decided to make a lasting difference for the university’s future. In 2014, Linda established a planned gift by designating UT San Antonio as a beneficiary of her retirement plan to support COLFA. It was a step she describes as both meaningful and straightforward.

“It was surprisingly simple to set up,” she said. “I was able to designate a percentage to the university, and it felt reassuring to know that my support will continue to benefit students for generations to come.”

In recent years, Linda adopted a “blended giving” approach, pairing her long-term legacy commitment with current support. Since the university is eligible for Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD), she now makes gifts directly from her IRA to UT San Antonio. This tax-savvy strategy allows her to satisfy her annual Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) while immediately supporting the programs she loves.

“There is a real sense of comfort in these decisions,” she said. “Making a QCD to UT San Antonio from my IRA helps students succeed today. And by naming the university as a beneficiary later, I’ve ensured I can make a positive difference for years to come.”

Her generosity also reflects her commitment to the full student experience. A longtime Roadrunner Football season ticket holder, she has been intentional about investing in women’s athletics through UT San Antonio’s Title IX Opportunity Fund, inspired by her daughters’ experience in collegiate volleyball.

“I hope students know that if they have the desire to learn and grow, there are people who believe in them and want to help them succeed,” she said. “Education opens doors in ways you don’t see right away, and that opportunity can truly change the course of a life.”