January 28, 2025
On Friday, January 24th, the Butler School of Music joined forces with the broader University of Texas community to celebrate the life and contributions of one of its most devoted supporters, Joe R. Long. The event honored Long’s 95th birthday, recognizing his profound impact on the university and the Butler School of Music.
Born in San Antonio in 1930, Joe Long has witnessed some of the most transformative events in modern history, from the Great Depression and World War II to the moon landing and the rise of the digital age. Long’s professional journey began as a Military Police Officer during the Korean War. After his service, he worked as a salesman and high school teacher before discovering his true passion at the University of Texas School of Law, where he earned his law degree. His distinguished career and philanthropic efforts have earned him numerous accolades, including the Law School’s Honorary Order of the Coif Award in 2003, the UT Distinguished Alumnus Award, and the Presidential Citation Award.
Past University President Larry Faulkner and Mary Ann Faulkner listen to a toast about Joe Long
The celebration kicked off at the University’s School of Law, where a gathering of university administrators, deans, directors, a past president, friends, and family paid tribute to Long. The event featured heartfelt speeches and many impromptu toasts for a man whose generosity has touched nearly every corner of the Forty Acres.
Teresa Lozano Long Institute of Latin American Studies director Adela Pineda Franco gives a toast to Joe Long
Following the reception, guests made their way to Bates Recital Hall for a sold-out performance by the Miró Quartet. Before the concert, the Butler School of Music director, Susan Thomas, took the stage to highlight Long’s pivotal role in making the event possible. Long’s philanthropic support has been instrumental in endowing faculty positions, including that of renowned pianist Anton Nel (who performed in the concert), and in providing critical funding for the Miró Quartet, paving the way for their continued success.
Joe Long waving to the crowd on stage at Bates Concert Hall
The celebration took a festive turn when a birthday cake was brought onstage, prompting the entire audience to join in a rendition of “Happy Birthday,” accompanied by Anton Nel and the Miró Quartet. The quartet’s violist, John Largess, then shared a personal anecdote, revealing that the evening’s repertoire was specially chosen in honor of Long’s favorite pieces. Largess explained that the selections were inspired by the countless times the quartet had performed for Long in his living room over the years.
The crowd singing Happy Birthday to Joe Long
The concert featured Franz Schubert’s Quartettsatz in C Minor, D. 703, Ludwig van Beethoven’s String Quartet in E Minor, Op. 59, No. 2, and Antonín Dvořák’s Piano Quintet No. 2 in A Major, Op. 81.
Miro quartet violist John Largess speaks about how much Joe Long means to him and the quartet
The celebration of Joe Long’s 95th birthday was a testament to his enduring legacy and unwavering commitment to the University of Texas at Austin and the arts. Through his generosity, Long has not only enriched the lives of countless students and faculty but has also ensured the continued success of programs like the Miró Quartet at the Butler School of Music. As the evening concluded with music, laughter, and many, many choruses of “Happy Birthday, Joe,” it was clear that Joe R. Long’s impact extends far beyond the Forty Acres.