Philanthropist Joe Long Has Died at 96
The Austin lawyer and financier left a lasting mark on the city's performing arts and medical education landscape.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Philanthropy
Joe Long, the Austin lawyer and philanthropist who transformed local cultural and academic life, has died at age 96. Along with his late wife, Teresa Lozano Long, he directed over $150 million toward Texas nonprofits and universities.
Why it matters
The couple's extensive legacy in Austin includes major support for the Long Center for the Performing Arts and the Long School of Medicine. Their contributions have shaped the city's physical infrastructure and academic opportunities for decades.
The Longs directed over $150 million toward Texas nonprofits and universities, including a $10 million permanent scholarship fund for Hispanic students. These donations supported critical local anchors like the Long Center and the school of medicine.
The players
Joe Long
An Austin lawyer, banker, and philanthropist who founded his own law firm and supported major cultural and educational institutions.
Teresa Lozano Long
The late wife and philanthropic partner of Joe Long who was central to their collective charitable work.
Austin Symphony Orchestra
A local performing arts organization that Joe Long served as president.
The details
A lawyer by trade, Joe Long founded his own law firm and established two Austin banks, First State Bank and Community National Bank. His civic engagement included serving as president of the Austin Symphony Orchestra and receiving the Texas Medal of the Arts in 2005. His philanthropic efforts often focused on long-term institutional support rather than transient projects.
Timeline
Joe Long was born on January 13, 1930.
He and Teresa Lozano Long received the Texas Medal of the Arts in 2005.
Teresa Lozano Long died in 2021.
Joe Long died on October 7, 2026.
The Texas Context
The Longs' support for the performing arts and medicine parallels the trajectory of other legacy donors who helped define Austin's modern cultural identity. Their 2005 recognition with the Texas Medal of the Arts marked the culmination of their influence on the state's public institutions.
Residents will continue to see the couple's impact through the operations of the Long Center and the ongoing support provided by the permanent scholarship fund for Hispanic students. These institutions remain active fixtures of the city's academic and arts community.
The takeaway
Joe Long’s career serves as a significant example of how private financing built much of Austin’s current performing arts capacity. Watch for potential announcements from the Long Foundation regarding the future of their scholarship and institutional grants.
Further reading
For more on the city's history of private contributions to public spaces, explore our Philanthropy section.
