The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Legends and landmarks: Frank Denius
07.20.2010 | Texas Athletics
July 20, 2010
Jason Womack, Texas Media Relations
Pride, honor and service represent the spirit of The University of Texas, and when looking for an embodiment of this spirit, look no further than Frank Denius.
As a lawyer, philanthropist and war hero, Denius has dedicated his life to worthy and noble causes, including one of the greatest conflicts in the history of the United States. Born in Galveston in 1925, Denius was 16 years old when the United States was thrust into World War II. The following year he answered his country's call to arms.
"In 1942, America was at total war, and all of my friends my age where either being drafted or volunteering for service," Denius says.
At 19, Denius was among the American heroes to land on the beaches of Normandy, thus beginning his pivotal role in the European campaign. After fighting overseas, including action in the Battle of the Bulge, Denius returned home to the United States in 1945 as one of the most decorated soldiers of World War II.
Discharged later that year, Denius immediately enrolled at UT, seeking his degree in law and business.
"The opportunity to attend The University of Texas was a tremendous enhancement to my life, both economically and otherwise," Denius says. "It enhanced my legal education and gave me a wide variety of friends and acquaintances across the state."
Upon graduation, Denius went on to work for the law firm of Looney, Clark and Moorhead.
In 1952, Denius joined the newly created Cain Foundation as director of the organization. Created by Denius' uncle, Wofford Cain, the foundation has grown to be a reputable civic organization, giving scholarships and grants to many universities in the state of Texas and helping fund academic medical research. Denius has remained with the Foundation ever since, and currently serves as President and Chairman of the Board.
"Over the years, it's been very important to the Foundation to carry out the objectives of the family," Denius says. "We have funded a lot of medical research in higher education, and right now medical research is our greatest area of grants."
In 1976, Denius opened his own law firm. Denius' law offices are still located in downtown Austin, and he continues to practice law today.
"Looney, Clark and Moorhead was a tremendous law firm. Working for them was an opportunity for me to generally practice law," Denius says. "At that time, we really didn't specialize, so I had a wide variety of clients. I had a basic practice in just about every field of law when I opened my office in 1976."
In repayment for his dedicated service throughout the years, Denius has received several honors from The University and other organizations, and holds the distinct privilege of having two landmarks on the Forty Acres named in his honor -- one for his dedication to The University and its athletics program, the other for his service to his country and its veterans.
In 1994, with help from the Cain Foundation, Denius made a generous contribution to The University in order to help build a new outdoor practice facility for the Longhorns football team. In appreciation for his efforts, the Board of Regents named the facility in his honor -- the Frank Denius Fields.
"It was tremendous honor, and quite a privilege to have the practice fields named for me," says Denius, who has been a regular visitor at football practice since Darrell Royal first invited him in 1957. "It's a great honor for me and my family, and we're just proud that it's named for us."
One of Denius' proudest moments came on Veterans Day 2009, as UT Athletics officially dedicated the new Frank Denius Memorial Plaza, located at the northwest corner of the stadium grounds. The plaza, which includes flower beds in the design of a longhorn steer, showcases an original bronze tablature displaying the names of all students and faculty who sacrificed their lives during World War 1.
The event also unveiled a bronze sculpture resembling a "Doughboy" soldier in the middle of the plaza. Denius has served on the Veteran Relations Committee for The University for more than a decade, and the Doughboy sculpture includes a fitting tribute from the man who has worked so hard to insure that America's veterans will always be appreciated: "In glory and with eternal gratitude to all veterans whose legacy is our freedom." -- Frank Denius
"The plaza confirms the spirit I have for our university and its relationship to the sacrifices that its students and faculty have made over the many years," Denius says. "I'm just extremely proud to have the plaza named after me, and it will forever memorialize the stadium that we now call Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium."
In 2006, the Texas Board of Regents honored Denius once again by presenting him with the Santa Rita Award, an award given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the UT System and who show a deep commitment to higher education and serve as an example of selfless, spirited service.
In 2008, Denius was presented with the National Patriot Award by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society in appreciation for his esteemed contributions to society. The awards banquet was scheduled on the same day as the Longhorns' home football game against Missouri. Denius made to trip to Dallas to receive his distinguished award, ending a 65-year home game attendance streak. While Denius was away from the game in body, he was present in spirit, and kept up with is beloved Longhorns by periodically asking others around him to check on the game's score.
Denius continues to be a loyal fan of the Longhorns today, and still follows UT Athletics with the same enthusiasm he held as a student. He remains a valued guest during all team practices, and continues to attend all UT home football games.
Denius proudly serves on several committees for the Texas Exes organization, and is a member of the Board of Directors for the University of Texas Foundation. He also serves on the Longhorn Advisory Foundation and the University of Texas Development Board.
"The University of Texas is a great academic university, and anyone who attends and graduates from The University has a tremendous education," Denius says. "It's just academically superb, so anyone graduating from The University is a tremendous addition to our society, not just in Texas, but in the world as well."
