Dear UT University Communications, The Daily Texan, and UT Leadership:
I am writing to share news of a deep loss to the University of Texas community and to suggest a way we might honor one of our distinguished alumni. On April 15, 2026, Former U.S. Ambassador D. Bruce Wharton passed
away at the age of 72.
Bruce was a 32-year veteran of the U.S. Foreign Service, a recipient of the Edward R. Murrow Award, and reached the highest tiers of American diplomacy as Acting Under Secretary of State. But before his global career took him from
Latin America to his service as U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe (2012–2015), Bruce was a foundational member of the Shakespeare at Winedale program. I had the privilege of performing alongside him in 1979, and I have remained a part of that community through my
own participation in 1980, 1981, and 1989, and through subsequent reunion events.
It has been notable to see the profound and widespread tributes to Bruce in the Zimbabwean press, where he was regarded as a pillar of decency and generosity. His passing has yet to be recognized by any major American news outlet,
however, or even the U.S. State Department, so far as I know
There is a unique opportunity here for the University of Texas—specifically the Daily Texan and University Communications—to lead the way in commemorating a life that so perfectly exemplifies the
Longhorn spirit. This is a story of a student who shared his powerful voice with us in a theater barn near Round Top and later used it to represent the United States with grace and distinction on the world stage.
Since I first reached out to the Texan on April 20, a beautiful and extensive tribute has been published by the Public Diplomacy Council of America, featuring testimonies
from more than 30 former ambassadors, senior State Department officials, career Foreign Service officers, and Zimbabwean citizens: Remembering
Bruce Wharton .
I am sharing this news with both the Daily Texan and University Communications in the hope that our campus media might be the first in the United States to properly document Bruce's legacy. Between
the archived Winedale programs on our own servers and the availability of local sources like Robert Faires (former Arts Editor of the Austin Chronicle
and Bruce’s Winedale classmate in 1978), the story is ready to be told with the local texture and depth it deserves. Robert's contact number is 512-567-5228 (Call or Text). Founding director of Shakespeare at Winedale, Professor Emeritus of English James
B. Ayres, may be reached at [email protected] or
[email protected].
Bruce Wharton’s life was defined by what has been called his "warm humanity" and "quick wit." It would be a kind of homecoming if his home university were the one to first share his story with the American public.
I am available at 202-763-3307 or [email protected] to facilitate introductions or provide further background.
Sincerely,
Mike Godwin
Former Editor-in-Chief, The Daily Texan
UT Law Class of 1990
Plan II Class of 1980
