At Maxwell Locke & Ritter, community has always been at the heart of who we are. Since the firm’s beginning, founding partners Earl Maxwell, Tom Locke, and Mark Ritter believed that active involvement in the communities we serve is essential to long-term success. That belief became a foundational value of ML&R and remains central today, rooted in honoring our commitments to our people, clients, and community.
One of the most meaningful ways the firm continues this legacy is through our longstanding support of the Austin Community College (ACC) Foundation. Over the years, ML&R has proudly funded two endowed scholarships at ACC in honor of our founding partners, helping support students pursuing higher education at one of Central Texas’ most important educational institutions. These scholarships are designed to remove financial barriers and open doors to opportunity for future leaders in our community.
A Legacy of Leadership and Service
The connection between ML&R and ACC runs deep, particularly through founding partner Earl Maxwell. Earl was actively involved in ACC Foundation Board leadership for many years, dedicating his time and expertise to advancing educational access throughout the region.
ACC serves more than 70,000 students annually, offering college credit courses, continuing education, and workforce training programs that prepare students for in-demand careers across Central Texas. It is also the number one transfer institution to both UT Austin and Texas State University, playing a vital role in shaping the future workforce of our community.
Through our endowed scholarships, ML&R continues the founders’ vision of investing in education as a pathway to personal success and regional growth.
Continuing Our Commitment to Central Texas
Each year, ML&R receives updates from the ACC Foundation highlighting the students who benefit from our scholarships. Along with award details, the Foundation shares personal notes from recipients, offering a firsthand look at how these funds are changing lives.
The recipients’ stories remind us why ML&R’s founders placed such importance on education and community involvement. Through these endowed scholarships, the firm is honoring Earl, Tom, and Mark’s legacy while actively investing in the future of Central Texas.
Each student supported through ACC represents the ripple effect of that investment, creating opportunities for families, strengthening the workforce, and building a stronger community for years to come.
We are grateful to the Austin Community College Foundation for their partnership and for sharing these updates each year, and we are incredibly proud to see the lasting impact of our founders’ vision in action.
