The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Longhorn Foundation donor spotlight: Dr. and Mrs. Dan Toney
12.14.2010 | Longhorn Foundation
Dec. 14, 2010
The University of Texas has a power and pride that runs deep through multi-generational Longhorn families. Once students from this university become parents and grandparents, they pass dedication and loyalty through their bloodlines.
Dr. Dan and Linda Toney are examples of true "orangebloods." Dr. Toney is a 1964 graduate and now practices medicine as an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor in Tyler, Texas, where his is also president of the local Longhorns Club. He and his wife Linda, also a UT graduate, raised two daughters, both of whom attended Texas. In fact, the Toney's son-in-law is also a UT grad.
"We have orange running in our blood through and through," Dr. Toney said.
Dr. Toney said that his love of Longhorns sports began at the Texas vs. Oklahoma football game in the fall of 1958, two years before he walked onto the 40-acres for his first year of college. He said that it was an incredible atmosphere, and he loved watching Rene Ramirez run the football. He also mentions how much fun it was to watch former Texas greats like Tommy Nobis and Earl Campbell play, and counts seeing the Longhorns stop Alabama quarterback, and now NFL Hall of Famer, Joe Namath at the goal line to seal the 21-17 win in the 1965 Orange Bowl as one of his favorite memories.
Since their graduation, and since the inception of The Longhorn Foundation, the Toney's have used their generosity to ensure the Texas Football program remains as an elite force across the country. They were among the earliest donors, after already being very involved with the Texas Exes. Dr. Toney remembers that former UT football coach David McWilliams traveled to Tyler to explain the concept of The Longhorn Foundation, and Dr. Toney liked what he heard.
"I wanted to be involved, and I liked having availability for football tickets," Dr. Toney said.
For UT Athletics to not only exist, but to prosper, it takes many special people -- people who spread their love and loyalty for The University of Texas to their children and grandchildren, just like Dr. Dan and Linda Toney.
"The University of Texas has been a great and meaningful place for our entire family," Dr. Toney said.