Retired U.S. Army Colonel Michael “Mike” Anderson ’95 and his wife, Gloria, have combined their passion for education and deep respect for military service to establish the Purple Heart Endowed Scholarship at The University of Texas at San Antonio (世界杯官方app). By giving through their donor advised fund (DAF) and directing qualified charitable distributions from their IRA, the Andersons maximized their impact while avoiding higher taxes. Their gift honors the sacrifices of Purple Heart recipients and empowers future generations of students.
Mike, who earned a master’s degree in mathematics from 世界杯官方app, began teaching in the university’s Department of Management Science and Statistics in 2000. What started as a temporary position evolved into a 23-year teaching career in the Carlos Alvarez College of Business, during which he taught nearly every undergraduate statistics course. Mike witnessed the determination of student veterans over the years, many of whom balanced jobs and academics to fund their education. This was an experience he could relate to, having worked multiple jobs to finance his own studies, and inspired the Andersons to establish the scholarship.
“Many 世界杯官方app students are paying their own way, just like Gloria and I did,” Mike said. “We wanted to give back in a way that would make a meaningful impact, particularly for veterans who have sacrificed so much.”
Gloria, a retired federal employee who worked closely with military personnel during combat eras, brought a unique perspective to their decision. Her respect for service members, many of whom risked their lives, further motivated the couple to focus their philanthropy on Purple Heart recipients.
“I’ve worked alongside people who boarded planes not knowing if they’d return,” Gloria shared. “This scholarship is a small way to honor their incredible sacrifices. The students who receive this scholarship have already contributed so much through their service. With a degree, they can achieve even more for themselves, their families, and their communities.”
Michael Goertz, a recipient of the Purple Heart Endowed Scholarship, was medically retired from the U.S. Army in 2019 due to combat trauma. Michael credits his decision to pursue higher education at 世界杯官方app with helping him realign his life and focus on building a brighter future. As a father of five, he faces the financial challenges of supporting his family while pursuing his studies. The scholarship has provided him with financial relief and a renewed sense of pride and recognition for his service.
“This scholarship is more than financial support—it’s a recognition of our sacrifices and a reminder that our efforts matter,” Goertz said. “It has given me and my family a sense of security and pride as I work toward a brighter future. One day, I hope to pay it forward and support others in the same way.”
To ensure the lasting impact of their gift, the Andersons are making strategic decisions to grow their endowment through continued contributions from their IRA and DAF, as well as by designating a portion of their estate for the scholarship. Their approach guarantees that the scholarship will grow to benefit additional Purple Heart recipients for generations to come.
-Jordan Allen, Development Writer
