In November, the Center for Greater Southwestern Studies lost a great friend with the passing of Dianne Garrett Powell at the age of 81. The daughter of Jenkins and Virginia Garrett, two of UTA’s greatest benefactors, Dianne shared their love of cartography, and a deep commitment to making UTA Library’s Special Collections home to one of the most important map collections in the world.

The roots of the Garrett family’s connection to UTA began half a century ago, when Jenkins Garrett, an avid collector of Texana and U.S.-Mexico War materials, donated more than 10,000 items to UTA, a bequest that formed the core of the Central Library’s newly created Special Collections division.  The family’s support of UTA continued with the founding of the Virginia Garrett Cartographic History Library four years later, consisting of thousands of maps and atlases focusing on Texas, Mexico, the Gulf Coast, the Caribbean and Africa.

Continuing in her parents’ footsteps, Dianne was a past president of the Texas Map Society and was deeply involved in continuing their legacy at UTA. “Dianne Powell was a wonderful friend and supporter of UTA Libraries Special Collections,” retired UTA Libraries Cartographic Archivist Ben Huseman remembers, “energetically and faithfully continuing the pattern that her father and mother set for involvement in philanthropic endeavors. Like her parents, she deeply loved Fort Worth and Arlington, San Antonio, Texas, their histories, and their place within the world, Ben said. “Dianne was a marvelous leader and organizer, serving on boards and in volunteer positions, contributing excellent ideas and wise opinions. I hope she will always be remembered at UTA Libraries’ Special Collections among its finest and most ardent champions.”

An adventurous traveler, Dianne explored the world with her husband of 31 years, Boone Powell, architect and past president of the San Antonio architectural firm Ford, Powell, and Carson. She is survived by her husband, her sister Donna, her brother Jenkins, children Holt Vaughan and Vanessa McQueen, and nine grandchildren.

To honor Dianne’s memory, her family has requested that any gifts be directed to UTA Libraries. These gifts will support students and enhance the learning environment at UTA, ensuring that her passion for education and the preservation of history lives on. Contributions can be made through the university’s website.