Perron Family Establishes First Endowment for UT San Antonio Young Artist Programs
Patricia Quintana-Perron, partner at Forvis Mazars, LLP , and her husband, Patrick Perron, made a $25,000 gift to establish their family’s endowment for the Teen Studio Intensive initiative, marking the first endowment ever created for one of The University of Texas at San Antonio’s Young Artist Programs.
The couple also contributed a combined $45,000 for program expenses and endowment, to the initiative over the last few years. Together, their gifts provide both long-term and immediate support for a program that has become deeply meaningful to their family.
The inspiration for their giving began with their daughter, a 15-year-old artist who first participated in children’s art programs through the former Southwest School of Art at age 7. As she continued into middle school programming, she found a creative community at UT San Antonio that encouraged her talent and helped her connect with other young artists.
“My daughter is a natural artist, and she has been drawn to art since she was very young,” Patricia said. “Through the program, she found friends, mentorship and people who were like-minded, and that kind of environment meant a lot to her.”
As Patricia and Patrick learned more about the program, they saw an opportunity to expand access for young artists across San Antonio. Patricia said the endowment was especially meaningful because she understands how financial barriers can affect a student’s ability to participate in programs that nurture their interests and talents.
“Knowing there are young artists who may not otherwise be able to afford this kind of opportunity touched my heart,” Patricia said. “This gift is a way to make sure more students have access to the encouragement, instruction and creative community that can make such a difference at that age.”
Their support for the Teen Studio Intensive builds on a broader relationship with UT San Antonio. Through Forvis Mazars, Patricia has helped support the Carlos Alvarez College of Business and its accounting programs. The firm is involved in career days, campus presentations and student engagement opportunities, and many of its interns come from UT San Antonio.
That connection is also strengthened through Patricia’s Forvis Mazar’s partner, Nancy Ehrlich Ozuna ’93 MPA ‘95, a UT San Antonio alumna and a vice chair of the UT San Antonio Development Board. Through Ozuna’s leadership and the firm’s ongoing engagement, Forvis Mazars has built strong ties to the university, its alumni network and its students.
Through their giving, Patricia and Patrick hope to encourage others to see the arts as an investment in San Antonio’s young talent.
“I hope other business and community leaders see the investment we can all make in our city and in young people who already have drive and talent,” Patricia said. “Programs like this can help foster those gifts and carry that talent deeper into San Antonio.”
Years from now, Patricia said she hopes the endowment will be measured by the students who were able to participate, the opportunities created and the stories that emerge from the program.
