From Moody College of Communication

Austin in the ’70s was buzzing with history in the making: Vietnam War protests, the newly minted 18-year-old vote and political upheaval. Journalism felt electric with purpose. All this as a young Bill Mintz walked into Journalism 322 at the University of Texas—taught by the legendary Griff Singer—and found himself swept up in the fast-paced, boots-on-the-ground world of The Daily Texan.

“It was immersive—four days a week, six weeks straight,” Mintz recalled. “I was hooked.”

For student journalists like Mintz, The Daily Texan offered a front-row seat to it all.

“There was no shortage of stories,” Mintz said. “And expectations were high.”

That pressure-cooker of a newsroom gave Mintz the foundation for what would become a long and successful career in journalism, writing for major outlets like the Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express-News, with stints in both Texas and Washington, D.C. But despite the bylines and accolades, one thing lingered in the back of his mind for decades: he never officially earned his degree.

“Not finishing my degree was a regret,” he admitted. “It didn’t hold me back professionally, but it always stayed with me—it was personal.”

Fast-forward to today, and that unfinished chapter has a new ending. Mintz crossed the stage at graduation this spring-more than 50 years after first enrolling at UT.

His return to the Forty Acres didn’t begin with a quest for closure, but with a gift: a $250,000 donation to the Texas Student Media Excellence Fund—the largest individual alumnus contribution in the organization’s history.

“It all started with that conversation,” said Gerald Johnson, Moody College’s executive director for innovation and partnerships. “When I was talking to Bill about his gift, he casually mentioned that I probably noticed he never technically graduated. I hadn’t, but when I shared that with Cassandre, she said, ‘You know we can fix that, right?’”

Cassandre Alvarado, senior associate dean for undergraduate education and teaching excellence, jumped into action.

“I pulled up his record, and he was right there,” she said. “So we built a plan and got him enrolled.”

Although it’s rare to work with a student who last attended in the Nixon era, Alvarado and her team specialize in helping students reclaim unfinished dreams. Using archived course catalogs and current equivalents, they created a custom roadmap for Mintz.

But Mintz’s impact on the Forty Acres goes far beyond his own story. His generosity will support Texas Student Media in powerful ways—from boosting student wages and funding travel, to elevating broadcast quality with cutting-edge HDR cameras, or even launching a new media entity.

“We are equally blown away by Bill’s generosity and excited about the opportunities this gift creates,” Johnson said.

The same spirit that inspired Mintz to support student journalism also drives his nonprofit work. In 2015, he founded Freewheels Houston, which provides bicycles to refugees who have resettled in the city.

“I’m an enthusiastic biker—it’s always been a big part of my life,” Mintz said. “When I learned that many refugees had no way to get to work, school, or medical appointments, I knew I had to do something.”

He started by asking his church for help. That first year, Freewheels donated 12 bikes. In 2024, they gave away more than 700.

Even with his hands full running a nonprofit, Mintz carved out time to finish the final coursework required to graduate. This spring, he donned his cap and gown and walked with the class of 2025.

“I have to pinch myself,” he said.

To anyone who’s ever left college with unfinished business, Mintz has a message: It’s never too late.

“If you’re thinking about going back, reach out. The team at Moody College is truly here to help.”

Alvarado echoed that sentiment, hopeful that Mintz’s journey will inspire others.

“This is what we’re here for,” she said. “To support people on their educational journey—whenever they’re ready to come back. Seeing students walk that stage? That’s the joy of this work.”

Mintz knows the media landscape has changed dramatically since his days at The Daily Texan. But the mission, he says, remains the same.

“The tools are different, but the core values of journalism—seeking the truth, telling the story—those haven’t changed,” he said. “For students at Moody and Texas Student Media today, the opportunity to learn, grow, and do real work is still here. You just have to dig in and take advantage of it.”

And after half a century, Bill Mintz proves that some stories are worth the wait.

Article by Megan Radke, Communications Manager, Moody College of Communication

Photos by Lizzie Chen