• The UT Dallas community took part in a photo saluting the three founders of the University Cecil H. Green, J. Erik Jonsson and Eugene McDermott at the dedication of Texas Instruments Plaza.

Students, faculty, staff and University supporters took part in the third annual Founders Day, celebrated on Oct. 28 on The University of Texas at Dallas campus. 

University President Richard Benson and Texas Instruments CEO Richard K. Templeton dedicated Texas Instruments Plaza, a newly renovated area on the east side of Founders Building that includes green spaces, water fountains and seating areas. 

Founders Day marks the day in 1964 that the Founders Building was dedicated at what was then the Graduate Research Center of the Southwest. Eugene McDermott, Cecil Green and Erik Jonsson established the center because they wanted to nourish the engineering talent at their firm, Texas Instruments. 

“I believe that Mr. McDermott, Mr. Jonsson and Mr. Green would be proud — proud of the company they founded, proud of the University that they envisioned, and proud of the continued collaboration first crafted decades ago,” Benson said. “Yes, the bond between Texas Instruments and UT Dallas, the bond that we celebrate today, remains stronger than ever.” 

The UT Dallas community enjoyed a sunny day on the North Mall, complete with food trucks, giveaways and entertainment. Texas Instruments offered technology demonstrations in the Founders Building atrium. Templeton also gave a distinguished lecture for the 30th anniversary of the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science