Student Giving
Geo Tu
Geoffrey Tu, BS ’08 — Geo to his family and friends — had his pick of electrical engineering graduate programs to choose from as a senior in the Cockrell School of Engineering. He knew the quality of his UT education was a big factor.
The Houston native decided to donate through Thank You, Alec!, a student-led offshoot of the Friends of Alec annual giving program that channels donations back to engineering students. “It just felt right,” he says.
“People in the Cockrell School are like a family, so it definitely provides a good feeling to improve the experience for future students who may be our younger siblings and friends. I’m on my way to a good career. Why wait until then to give?”
Since earning his degree, Tu has finished his first year of grad school at USC and is currently enjoying a summer internship with Texas Instruments in California. After completing his master’s degree he will begin his career. Returning to school for an MBA a few years down the road is part of his plan, as is marrying his girlfriend, fellow engineering graduate Heidi Gensler, BA ’08, BS ’08.
Geo Tu may not fit the profile of the average UT donor. But who wants to be average? Giving is not unlike saving, says the 24-year-old, and starting young is a great way to make it a habit. “The earlier you start saving, the better you get at it. It’s the same with giving to the things that are important to you.”
