American Magazine: August 2014

where we are
Richard Tagle
CAS/BA ’94, CAS/MA ’96
CEO, ANDY RODDICK FOUNDATION
Working for one of the world’s most famous tennis
players sounds like a grand slam gig. Turns out it’s even
more rewarding when that athlete is working just as
hard as you to improve the lives of thousands of children.
Since becoming CEO of the Andy Roddick Foundation
in July 2013, Richard Tagle has helped shepherd the
organization’s grants, programs, and partnerships.
Founded by the 2003 U.S. Open champion nearly 15 years
ago, the organization—which supports after-school and
summer programs for students across Austin—has raised
about $12 million since its inception. It focuses on
out-of-school time, the hours when students are at risk
of losing academic skills, being a victim of violent crime,
gaining weight by not being physically active, and
engaging in risky behaviors.
“The foundation’s mission is to create opportunities
for young people to succeed and thrive,” says Tagle.
In 2012 alone, the foundation provided 165,579 hours
of care, tutoring, sports camps, and education; 7,700
school uniforms; and 4,292 meals and snacks. Next year,
it will open the Sports and Learning Center to give
youngsters a safe space to learn and play.
Born and raised in the Philippines, Tagle came to the
United States when he was 16. In Washington he served
as CEO of Higher Achievement, an academic program
for middle school kids designed to get them on a college
track. He loved the job, but after a total of 27 years in
Washington, he was ready for a change.
“Austin is exciting, dynamic, and growing,” he says.
“It’s trying to be a social entrepreneurship capital in
additional to being the live music capital of the world.”
With about 6,000 nonprofits in the area—and at least as
many musicians—it’s coming up aces.
PHOTOS BY ALISON NARRO
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS
MeLisa Creamer, CAS/BA ’06, doctoral candidate,
School of Public Health. A Michael and Susan Dell Health
Scholar, she worked on the 2012 surgeon general’s report
on preventing tobacco use among youth.
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
Hailey Woldt, SIS alumna, research analyst. The former
2008–2009 Ibn Khaldun research fellow works on the Texas
Emerging Technology Fund, created in 2005 by Governor
Rick Perry to foster innovation and development.
TEXAS DEMOCRATIC PARTY
Ada Ortega, SOC/BA ’12, regional press
secretary and Latino media coordinator.
The broadcast journalism major manages
¡Pa’delante Tejas!, an online campaign aimed at
Hispanic voters—a group key to turning Texas blue.
AMERICAN.EDU/ALUMNI 45