Q&A with Linda Gardner and Fred Alsup

After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin, Linda Gardner and Fred Alsup found a new home in Dallas and at SMU. Since 1994, they have spent decades volunteering and giving to the University community and to future generations. Professionally, Gardner became a law librarian and Alsup founded an executive coaching and management firm. The couple has designated a substantial portion of their estate plan to benefit the Meadows Museum and students who study Spanish art there.

Your relationship with SMU began through the Meadows Museum nearly 40 years ago. What first inspired you to get involved with the museum and the University, especially as non-alumni?

Linda: I wanted to get involved. I came across a little article in The Dallas Morning News about volunteering, and I noticed an ad for an art museum close to my home featuring Spanish art. I was intrigued to find something I was so interested in and delighted to become a docent.

Fred: My connections to SMU began by taking graduate computer science classes. Additionally, the University library was a great resource during my work travels, providing great works to read, long before we had e-books. That led me to become a member of the Friends of SMU Libraries.

Linda, you’ve been a docent at the Meadows Museum since 1994. What has your experience been like, and why do you feel the museum is important to your life and to residents of and visitors to the city of Dallas?

Linda: I found it fulfilling to learn at the museum and give tours. Since I am an introvert, the museum offers opportunities to interact with people of all kinds that would not have happened otherwise. Beyond that, the Meadows Museum is so special for the community because it is one of the great museums of Spanish art.

You’ve chosen to give the bulk of your estate to SMU, specifically to support the graduate students studying art held by the Meadows Museum. What motivated this generous gift to the museum, and what do you hope to see accomplished through it?

Linda: I’ve gotten so much enjoyment out of being associated with the Meadows Museum and want to share that experience with other people. Over the years, I hope that our contribution will enable students to visit and take advantage of opportunities to learn more about the art in the Meadows Museum.

Planned giving can be a sensitive topic, especially for younger donors. What advice do you have for donors who are considering or would like to participate in this kind of gift?

Fred: One thing we hope people take from our example is that you don’t have to have great wealth to make a big impact if you follow Warren Buffett’s prescription about saving and investing for the long term.

Linda: All gifts are helpful to cultural institutions like the Meadows Museum. The distinguishing feature of a planned gift is its sustainability; we hope the impact of our gift will continue forever.