DALLAS, Oct. 24, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Dallas Holocaust Museum/Center for Education and Tolerance will honor Gregory L. Fenves, 29^th President of the University of Texas at Austin, at its annual Hope for Humanity Dinner on Wednesday, October 24, 2018, at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas.

Hope for Humanity is the largest fundraiser for the Museum and is dedicated to honoring local Holocaust survivors and paying tribute to an Upstander whose actions personify the Museum's mission to teach the history of the Holocaust and advance human rights to combat prejudice, hatred, and indifference.

President Fenves will be honored with the Hope for Humanity Award for prioritizing student success, interdisciplinary research, and diversity and inclusion since taking office in 2015. By introducing and expanding mentoring programs and incentive-based scholarships targeted to help students who need it most, UT Austin's graduation rates are now at record high levels.

"The Museum is honored to present this year's Hope for Humanity Award to President Fenves for his unparalleled commitment to the wellbeing and inclusion of students of all backgrounds," said Mary Pat Higgins, President and CEO of the Dallas Holocaust Museum. "Greg is a shining example of an Upstander, someone who stands up for others and does what is right no matter the cost."

Diversity and inclusion are cornerstones of Fenves' vision for higher education. In 2015, his administration successfully defended UT Austin's admissions practices before the U.S. Supreme Court in the landmark ruling, Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin, which enabled UT Austin to continue recruiting a diverse student body, so that all students have the educational benefits of a diverse learning environment.

"On behalf of The University of Texas at Austin, I am proud to receive this year's Hope for Humanity Award," said President Fenves, "because it serves as a testament to the hard work and success of an entire university. At UT, we have the finest students, faculty members, staff members and alumni in the country. This award is a reflection of their collective accomplishments."

About the Dallas Holocaust Museum/Center for Education and Tolerance
The Dallas Holocaust Museum's mission is to teach the history of the Holocaust and advance human rights to combat prejudice, hatred, and indifference. For more information, please visit DallasHolocaustMuseum.org.

SOURCE Dallas Holocaust Museum/Center for Education and Tolerance