Honoring Dr. Teresa Lozano Long at Our First Annual Community Day
In case you haven’t heard… we’re having an open house!! On Saturday, September 9th, we’re flinging the doors open and pulling out all the stops to make this FREE community bash one for the ages. Come hang out with us for the day and…
- Explore the Long Center, inside and out (sit in a seat you’ve never sat in before)
- Get inspired by a new community organization (there are so many!)
- Enjoy performances, games, and even food trucks (there’s something for everyone)
- and have a whole lotta of fun while you’re at it
Since this is our 15th Anniversary – yes, it’s been 15 years since the Long Center first opened its doors in 2008 – we could think of no better reason to honor half of our founding duo, Dr. Teresa Lozano Long, who passed away in 2021. Her vision and legacy have inspired countless organizations, educational programs, arts & cultural initiatives, and individuals over the years. Thanks to Terry and her husband Joe R. Long, the Long Center exists today for us all to enjoy.
We’re excited to share more about this powerful, inspirational woman ahead of honoring her at our first annual Community Day.
So, why Community Day?
We believe that Austin arts are better together, and the post-pandemic collective experiences of arts orgs, music venues, and cultural hotspots really drove this idea home.
Terry also believed in the power of the arts and the importance of equal access to marginalized communities. So, while we revel in this milestone of 15 years serving the Austin arts scene, we’re also looking at how the Long Center can expand what we do and innovate on what we’ve done, inspired by Terry’s passion and devotion.
From traditional performing arts to hyper-local creativity, we’re looking to a horizon that’s always sunny and has room for everyone. Who wouldn’t want to celebrate that??
The Skinny on Teresa Lozano Long
A Strong, Smart, Texas Woman
Growing up on her parents’ dairy farm in South Texas, Terry was valedictorian of her high school class at the age of 16. She went on to get her Bachelor’s, Master’s, and doctoral degrees from UT Austin, becoming the first Hispanic woman to earn a doctorate in health and physical education from the University (wow).
She was inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame in 2010, and as an organization with an all-female trio of Board Officers and a mostly-female executive leadership team, we think it’s pretty cool that her name is on the building.
National and Local Advocate
Chances are, if it’s an arts org in Austin, Terry probably supported it. Not only was she appointed to the National Council advising the National Endowment for the Arts in 2002 (that’s like the biggest federal support that the arts can get), but she also tirelessly advocated nationally and locally for cultural institutions and initiatives of all types.
Giving the lead gift that built and established the Long Center for the Performing Arts, together with her husband, Terry championed so many organizations throughout the community, a few of which will be participating in Community Day. Look out for performances by Austin Soundwaves, Austin Classical Guitar, Ballet Austin’s Rhythm on Stage, musicians from Austin Symphony Orchestra, and Austin Opera.
Arts and Education for All
There can’t be a mention of Dr. Long without highlighting her humanity. Her special combination of positivity, dedication to giving back, and strong belief in the idea that everyone deserves access to arts and education made her a pioneer in the field of philanthropy. In 2019, she was honored with the National Humanities Medal in a White House ceremony.
The organizations that bear her name now are direct results of this belief and strong reminders of the Longs’ legacy of support in which they’ve donated millions to create a better world. We’re honored to be one of them:
- Teresa Lozano Long Institute of Latin American Studies at UT Austin
- Long School of Medicine at UT Health – San Antonio, named for Dr. & Mr. Long
- The Long Foundation, supporting Austin area arts, education, and Latino youth, and later expanding to institutions across Texas
- And of course, the Long Center for the Performing Arts
Ready to Celebrate?
We think we’ve made our case! Look out for more ways we’ll be highlighting the vision & spirit of Dr. Long at our first annual FREE Community Day plus open house details, teasers, and more on how we’ll cheers to 15 years.
At the Long Center, we’ve always got a new partnership or something cool we know you’ll want to check out! Find and follow us @longcenter on your social media platform of choice, and we’ll see you real soon.
