Texas Exes: How Alumni Keep the Spirit Alive Beyond Graduation
Texas Exes, the alumni association for the University of Texas at Austin, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Longhorns worldwide. Established in 1885, this organization has grown to become one of the largest alumni networks in the nation, boasting over 110,000 members. Texas Exes unites former students and friends of the university, fostering a passionate community that strengthens UT Austin's legacy and celebrates its rich traditions.
The association plays a crucial role in keeping the Longhorn spirit alive long after graduation. Through various events, programs, and initiatives, Texas Exes provides alumni with opportunities to stay connected to their alma mater and fellow graduates. From hosting tailgates at the Alumni Center to organizing chapter meetings across the globe, the organization ensures that the burnt orange flame continues to burn brightly in the hearts of UT Austin's former students.
History and Mission of Texas Exes
The Texas Exes has been a vital part of the University of Texas at Austin community since the late 19th century. This alumni association connects former students worldwide and promotes the university's interests.
Founding and Growth
The Ex-Students' Association of The University of Texas, now known as Texas Exes, was established shortly after the first class graduated in 1885. It grew rapidly, becoming one of the largest alumni associations globally. Today, Texas Exes has chapters in 69 Texas cities and most U.S. states.
The organization's reach extends internationally, with members spread across numerous countries. This growth reflects the expanding influence of UT Austin graduates worldwide.
Goals and Objectives
Texas Exes aims to unite alumni and friends around the world. It creates a passionate voice that strengthens the university and promotes alumni accomplishments. The association celebrates Longhorn spirit and traditions, fostering a sense of community among graduates.
A key objective is keeping alumni connected to their alma mater. Texas Exes organizes events, provides networking opportunities, and offers various benefits to its members. The organization also supports current students through scholarships and mentoring programs.
Texas Exes works to enhance UT Austin's reputation and advocate for its interests. It serves as a bridge between the university and its former students, ensuring continued engagement and support.
Membership and Community
Texas Exes offers various ways for alumni to stay connected and engaged with the University of Texas community. Members gain access to exclusive benefits, events, and networking opportunities.
Becoming a Texas Ex
Joining Texas Exes is straightforward for UT graduates. The organization boasts over 120,000 members, with 100,000 Life Members. Life Membership provides the highest level of support, funding an endowment for alumni connections and student scholarships.
Texas Exes offers different membership tiers to suit individual needs. Members receive the official University of Texas Class Ring and can participate in traditions like Texas Fight Rally and Orange and White Welcome.
Chapters and Global Reach
Texas Exes extends its reach through numerous chapters worldwide. These chapters organize local events, foster networking, and maintain Longhorn spirit across the globe.
The Texas Exes Houston Chapter is one of the most active groups. It hosts regular gatherings and supports community service initiatives in the area.
Alumni can find chapters in 176 countries, ensuring a connection to UT no matter where they live. These groups help maintain the strong bond between graduates and their alma mater.
Alumni Records and Engagement
Texas Exes maintains comprehensive alumni records to facilitate communication and engagement. This database helps the organization keep alumni informed about university news, events, and opportunities.
The Alumni Center serves as a hub for Texas Exes activities. It hosts various events and provides a physical space for alumni to gather on campus.
Texas Exes offers programs like Alumni College, which allows graduates to continue their education through specialized courses and lectures. These programs keep alumni intellectually engaged with the university long after graduation.
Programs and Scholarships
Texas Exes offers a range of programs and scholarships to support UT Austin students and alumni. These initiatives foster academic excellence, personal growth, and lifelong learning opportunities.
Forty Acres Scholars Program
The Forty Acres Scholars Program is Texas Exes' flagship merit-based scholarship. It aims to attract top students to UT Austin by providing comprehensive support.
Recipients receive full tuition coverage, living stipends, and funds for enrichment activities. The program focuses on three core tenets: community, connection, and discovery.
Scholars engage in personal development opportunities alongside their academic pursuits. They participate in exclusive events and connect with alumni mentors.
The selection process is highly competitive, seeking passionate individuals who embody UT Austin's core values.
Supporting Academic Success
Texas Exes administers over 300 named scholarship funds, making it one of the largest alumni association scholarship programs in the country.
In the 2017-18 academic year, Texas Exes awarded $3.9 million to 650 UT students. These scholarships range from general awards to those honoring specific individuals or groups.
Local Texas Exes chapters also contribute to student support. For example, the Dallas Chapter has awarded both general and named scholarships to deserving students.
The scholarship program has grown significantly since its inception in 1899 when the first $100 award was given.
Lifetime Learning Opportunities
Texas Exes provides continuous learning experiences for alumni long after graduation. These programs keep graduates connected to the university and each other.
Offerings include lectures by UT faculty, workshops on various topics, and travel programs that combine education with exploration.
Alumni can access exclusive online resources, including webinars and digital archives of university publications.
Texas Exes also organizes networking events, allowing members to expand their professional connections within the UT community.
Events and Traditions
Texas Exes organizes various events and upholds cherished traditions that keep alumni connected to their alma mater. These activities foster school spirit and create lasting memories for Longhorns of all generations.
Annual Celebrations
Texas Exes hosts several annual celebrations that bring alumni together. The Texas Fight Rally ignites school spirit before major football games. Orange and White Welcome introduces new students to university traditions.
Texas Independence Day on March 2 is marked by alumni gatherings worldwide. Longhorns meet to share meals and reminisce about their time on the Forty Acres.
The association also coordinates class reunions, allowing graduates to reconnect with former classmates and relive their college experiences.
The Great Texas Exit
The Great Texas Exit marks a significant milestone for graduating seniors. This tradition celebrates their transition from students to alumni.
The event typically includes:
Distribution of Texas Exes membership packets
Photo opportunities with fellow graduates
Special speeches from university leaders
Live music and entertainment
The Great Texas Exit helps new graduates feel connected to the broader Longhorn community as they embark on their post-college journeys.
Camp Texas and Student Programming
Camp Texas is a leadership retreat for incoming freshmen. It introduces new students to university traditions, history, and values. The program helps build connections among incoming Longhorns before they arrive on campus.
Activities at Camp Texas include:
Team-building exercises
Discussions with faculty and alumni
Learning UT cheers and songs
Exploring career opportunities
Texas Exes also supports various student programs throughout the year. These initiatives aim to enhance the undergraduate experience and prepare students for life after graduation.
Advocacy and Support
Texas Exes plays a vital role in advocating for the University of Texas at Austin and supporting student development. The organization's efforts focus on strengthening the university's mission and fostering alumni engagement.
Supporting Student Development
Texas Exes offers numerous programs to enhance student growth and success. Scholarships provide financial assistance to deserving students, helping them pursue their academic goals. Mentorship initiatives connect current students with experienced alumni, offering guidance and career insights.
The organization also hosts networking events, allowing students to build professional connections. These gatherings create opportunities for internships and job placements. Texas Exes supports various student organizations, promoting leadership skills and community involvement.
Alumni Advocacy Efforts
Texas Exes leads advocacy initiatives at state and national levels to benefit UT Austin. The organization works closely with university administrators to understand policy implications. This collaboration ensures informed decision-making on issues affecting students and faculty.
Members actively communicate with policymakers to champion the university's interests. Texas Exes organizes advocacy conferences, equipping alumni with tools to effectively support their alma mater. The group also mobilizes its extensive network to raise awareness about higher education challenges.
Through these efforts, Texas Exes amplifies the university's voice in legislative matters. This advocacy work helps secure resources and support for UT Austin's continued growth and success.
Alumni Resources and Benefits
Texas Exes offers a wealth of resources and benefits to its members. These include valuable networking opportunities, access to university resources, and exclusive travel programs.
Career and Business Networking
Texas Exes provides robust networking platforms for alumni to connect professionally. The organization hosts regular networking events in major cities across the country. These gatherings allow former Longhorns to build business relationships and explore career opportunities.
Online networking tools complement in-person events. Members gain access to an exclusive alumni directory, making it easy to find and connect with fellow graduates in their industry or region.
Texas Exes also offers mentorship programs. Experienced alumni can guide recent graduates and students as they embark on their careers. This support helps maintain strong connections between generations of Longhorns.
Online University Library Access
Members enjoy continued access to the University of Texas library system. This benefit extends the academic resources available to alumni long after graduation.
The online library provides access to thousands of academic journals, research papers, and digital books. Alumni can stay current in their fields or explore new areas of interest.
Database subscriptions typically unavailable to the public are accessible to Texas Exes members. This resource proves invaluable for those pursuing advanced degrees or conducting professional research.
Travel and Leisure Programs
The Flying Longhorns Travel Program offers unique travel experiences for Texas Exes members. These curated trips combine leisure with educational components, often led by UT faculty members.
Destinations span the globe, from European river cruises to African safaris. Each journey provides opportunities to explore new cultures alongside fellow alumni.
Members receive priority booking and special rates on these exclusive trips. The program also organizes domestic excursions, including tours of historical sites and natural wonders within the United States.
Texas Exes partners with hotels and resorts to offer discounted rates to members. These deals extend to popular vacation spots and business travel destinations alike.
Communications and Publications
Texas Exes utilizes diverse communication channels to keep alumni engaged and informed. These efforts include a flagship magazine, social media platforms, and virtual educational programs.
The Alcalde Magazine
The Alcalde, founded in 1913, serves as the primary print publication for University of Texas alumni. Published six times annually, this award-winning magazine reaches over 100,000 Texas Exes members. Its content focuses on campus news, alumni achievements, and university developments.
The magazine's nonpartisan editorial policy ensures balanced coverage of UT-related topics. Both print and digital versions are available, catering to different reader preferences. The Alcalde plays a crucial role in maintaining alumni connections to their alma mater.
Social Media Presence
Texas Exes maintains active accounts on major social platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. These channels provide real-time updates on campus events, alumni gatherings, and university achievements.
Social media enables two-way communication between the organization and its members. Alumni can share their experiences, network with fellow graduates, and stay informed about UT news. The diverse content strategy includes photos, videos, and interactive posts to boost engagement.
Virtual Lectures and Webinars
To cater to alumni worldwide, Texas Exes offers a range of virtual educational programs. These online events feature distinguished faculty members, successful alumni, and industry experts. Topics cover various fields, from academic research to career development.
Virtual lectures and webinars provide accessible learning opportunities for graduates unable to attend in-person events. These programs often include Q&A sessions, allowing participants to interact directly with speakers. The digital format also enables recording and archiving for on-demand viewing.
Charitable Work and Contributions
The Texas Exes organization plays a vital role in supporting the University of Texas through charitable contributions and community service. Members' annual dues are considered charitable donations, with 80% being tax-deductible.
These contributions help fund various initiatives that strengthen the university and its community. The Texas Exes allocate resources to scholarships, academic programs, and campus improvements.
Many alumni make additional gifts beyond their membership dues. These extra donations allow the Texas Exes to expand their support for UT and its students.
The association also encourages community service among its members. Alumni participate in volunteer activities that benefit both the university and the broader Austin community.
Texas Exes chapters across the country organize local service projects. These initiatives help alumni stay connected to their alma mater while making a positive impact in their communities.
The organization's fundraising efforts extend to major campaigns as well. The Texas Exes are actively involved in UT's largest fundraising drive, "What Starts Here," aiming to enhance key programming areas.
Through these charitable works, the Texas Exes demonstrate their commitment to preserving and strengthening the University of Texas legacy. Their efforts ensure that future generations of Longhorns will benefit from a thriving academic community.
Campus and Landmarks
The University of Texas at Austin boasts iconic landmarks that hold deep meaning for alumni. These spaces embody the Longhorn spirit and serve as gathering places for generations of students and graduates.
The Iconic Forty Acres
The Forty Acres forms the historic core of UT Austin's campus. This area includes the original 40-acre plot donated for the university's establishment in 1883.
Key buildings like the Main Building and Tower stand at its center. The Tower, illuminated in burnt orange for special occasions, remains a beloved symbol for Longhorns worldwide.
The Etter-Harbin Alumni Center, located on the Forty Acres, provides a home base for Texas Exes. Alumni gather here for events, meetings, and to reconnect with their alma mater.
Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium
Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium serves as the heart of Longhorn football traditions. Opened in 1924, it has grown to seat over 100,000 fans.
The stadium hosts spirited game day rituals. Alumni join students in singing "The Eyes of Texas" and flashing the "Hook 'em Horns" hand sign.
Recent renovations have modernized the facility while preserving its historic character. The stadium continues to draw alumni back to campus, fostering lasting connections to UT Austin.
