New Chess Endowment
March 22, 2023
Donation Creates Chess Endowment
University of Texas at Dallas supporters Rodney and Tracey Thomas have made a donation that will create The Perihelion Fund, the first endowment ever established for the UT Dallas chess team.
“The chess team is part of the fabric that makes UT Dallas special,” said Jim Stallings, director of the UT Dallas chess program. “This generous gift from the Thomases will help this program continue to thrive and grow.”
Rodney Thomas has been involved with the chess program for several years as a member of the chess advisory committee. He said he and Tracey were pleased to support the growth of UT Dallas and its chess team.
“In addition to providing general support to the Chess Program, the Perihelion Fund is designed to inspire and facilitate collaborations with the UT Dallas chess team,” said Thomas. “The University shines brightest when its various schools, departments and centers work together to achieve ambitious goals.”
The UT Dallas chess team has won national and international titles and regularly represents the University in the Pan American Intercollegiate Championship and the Final Four of Chess. The UT Dallas team has appeared in 16 of the 20 Final Four tournaments.
In addition, the chess program offers the open-access chess club and chess in education initiatives, including online instruction for academic credit and summer camps.
This support comes after the recent launch of New Dimension: The Campaign for UT Dallas this past Spring. The effort aims to raise $750 million to help attract talent to North Texas and providing educational opportunities for the best and the brightest students.
Alumni and community supporters are able to contribute towards the UT Dallas chess program. For additional information, contact Dane Richardson.