UTA Athletics lands $500K gift from alumnus

Former student-athlete David Daniel’s gift continues historic two-year fundraising run for Athletics

Wednesday, Nov 19, 2025 • Drew Davison : Contact

UTA Director of Athletics Jon Fagg, alumnus David Daniel, Deputy Athletic Director for Development Ira Childress" style=" height:530px; width:942px" _languageinserted="true" src="https://cdn.prod.web.uta.edu/-/media/project/website/news/releases/2025/11/jon-fagg_david-daniel_ira-childress.jpeg
UTA Director of Athletics Jon Fagg, alumnus David Daniel, Deputy Athletic Director for Development Ira Childress. (UTA Athletics)
The University of Texas at Arlington has received a $500,000 commitment from alumnus and former golf student-athlete David Daniel ('83 BS, Management)—one of the largest unrestricted pledges in the department’s history.

“I love UTA and I’m thankful to be able to help the Athletics Department,” Daniel said. “It’s exciting to see the success in athletics fundraising. I’m happy to be able keep things going with my latest gift.”

Daniel’s gift will support the Athletics Excellence Fund, ensuring that student-athletes have the resources they need to succeed on the field and in the classroom.

“We are very grateful for David’s continued support of UTA Athletics,” UTA Athletics Director Jon Fagg said. “This amazing gift will have a tremendous impact on our student-athletes, coaches and staff for years to come.”

Arriving on campus in the early 1980s, Daniel received a degree in management and was an integral member of the UTA men's golf team. A Fort Worth native, he has been a passionate supporter of UTA and the Athletics Department for many years, including consistent philanthropic support.

Daniel’s pledge continues a record-setting era for UTA Athletics, raising nearly $8 million in the last 18 months. The Maverick Club, which drives philanthropic support for UTA Athletics, saw a 102% increase in annual fund contributions this past year, while major gift fundraising jumped 152% and there was a 280% increase in total dollars raised.

About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)

 

Celebrating its 130th anniversary in 2025, The University of Texas at Arlington is a growing public research university in the heart of the thriving Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. With a student body of over 42,700, UTA is the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System, offering more than 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Recognized as a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA stands among the nation’s top 5% of institutions for research activity. UTA and its 280,000 alumni generate an annual economic impact of $28.8 billion for the state. The University has received the Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and has earned recognition for its focus on student access and success, considered key drivers to economic growth and social progress for North Texas and beyond.