Celebrating Friendship, Advocacy, and Impact: Friends of the Libraries Brunch Highlights UTA’s Vision for an Empowered Future
UTA Libraries recently hosted a brunch to reopen the Friends of the Libraries group on May 13 at the elegant Sanford House in downtown Arlington. The event served as a joyful celebration of friendship, philanthropy, and the Libraries’ transformative power to enrich lives across campus and throughout the broader community.
The morning’s program opened with a reflection from Jennifer Lane, Director of Grants and Assessment, who framed the tone for the event with a powerful meditation on the essence of friendship.
“Being a friend means being an advocate—offering support, understanding, and encouragement while championing another person’s cause,” Lane shared. “Let’s celebrate the impact of our collective generosity and the bright future we can build together.”
Dean of Libraries John Wang visits with members of the Friends of the Libraries group at a brunch event held in May at the Sanford House.
This spirit of advocacy and generosity is at the heart of UTA Libraries’ mission, which continues to evolve in service of student success, research excellence, and community engagement. UTA President Dr. Jennifer Cowley highlighted the Libraries’ essential role in supporting student success and driving community innovation. From cultivating collaborative spaces to making education more affordable through Open Educational Resources (OER), the Libraries are helping break down barriers to access.
“One of the things we’ve really focused on at UTA is ensuring affordability and access,” Cowley said. “Our Blaze Forward Program has made it possible for 49% of our undergraduate students to attend at no cost—and that number will grow to 65% this fall. Beyond tuition, we know the cost of living and textbooks adds up. Last year, we helped save students over $6.5 million in textbook costs.”
Dr. Cowley also highlighted the Libraries’ recent designation as a Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC)—a milestone that further expands UTA’s capacity to support entrepreneurship and intellectual property development throughout the region.
“With this designation, UTA Libraries now supports innovators across the Metroplex through every stage of the patenting process,” she said. “It’s one more way we’re expanding our reach and empowering ideas.”
UTA President Dr. Jennifer Cowley visits with members of the Friends of the Libraries during a brunch held at the Sanford House in May.
A tangible example of that impact can be seen in the Libraries’ collaboration with Arlington Baptist University to preserve the unique history of Top O’ Hill Terrace—a once-notorious Prohibition-era casino turned academic landmark. Through digitization efforts, UTA Libraries are helping preserve and make accessible a vital chapter of local heritage.
Dean of Libraries John Wang expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Friends of the Libraries for their continued support and shared several ways they can help the Libraries continue to grow and thrive.
“First, continue to be our friends—advocating for us and connecting with others who share our values,” Wang said. “Second, consider joining or helping us build our advisory board to guide strategic initiatives in student success, research and cultural preservation. And third, volunteer your time and talent—there are countless ways we can come together through shared purpose.”
Dean of Libraries John Wang answers questions from members of the Friends of the Libraries group during a brunch event held in May at the Sanford House.
Dean Wang also spotlighted recent milestones, including the acquisition of 12 rare and distinctive collections, the strategic expansion of general materials to meet faculty and student needs, and undergraduate research that has earned recognition from prestigious institutions such as NASA.
“One of you recently told me, ‘Texas is not just a place on the map. It’s a state of mind,’” Wang reflected. “Your gifts and support have helped me understand what that truly means. Together, we have a bright future.”
Peter Zhang, Associate University Librarian, visits with members of the Friends of the Libraries during a brunch held at the Sanford House in May.
As guests raised their glasses in toast to friendship and shared purpose, the day’s spirit was clear. The Friends of the Libraries are pivotal to fueling academic excellence and shaping a better, bolder future for the research community.
“There are no words to fully express our appreciation for your time, care and trust,” Wang said. “Let’s enjoy this brunch as a celebration of our friendship, our shared mission, and the future we are building—together.”
Dean of UTA Libraries John Wang gave a toast at the Friends of the Libraries Brunch held at the Sanford House in May.
At UTA Libraries, we are proud to serve as a hub where knowledge, collaboration, and community converge. To our Friends—thank you. Your generosity powers student success, deepens discovery, and continues to shape a brighter tomorrow.
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