AUSTIN, Texas—Students of all ages are encouraged to attend UT Interactive, the biggest open house in Texas, to learn more about the power of higher education and possibilities for their own lives. More than 400 programs, activities and exhibits that illustrate the University’s educational, research and cultural resources will be free and open to the public on The University of Texas at Austin campus from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 6.
We are looking forward to welcoming the schoolchildren of Texas to our campus for UT Interactive,” says UT President Larry R. Faulkner. “I believe the more than 400 activities we scheduled have the potential to inspire every child to reach higher, to explore further and to encounter new interests in the world of knowledge and discovery. Besides, it’s going to be a lot of fun!”
Visitors will be able to view world-famous art works and historical treasures, see some of the University’s best instructors in action, participate in hands-on arts and educational activities, attend panel discussions on a variety of contemporary issues, see and sample futuristic technology, learn about cutting-edge research from the scientists themselves, test themselves against Longhorn athletes and marvel at the exciting projects being done by UT students.
Visitors also can take behind-the-scenes tours of University facilities, explore one of the world’s largest academic libraries and learn how to connect to UT’s extensive online resources.
Highlights include demonstrations of cutting-edge research such as the electronic tongue developed by UT researchers, discussions led by members of the Academy of Distinguished Teaching, virtual tours of faraway lands and times, the chance to learn new languages and skills, a job fair and the opportunity for prospective students to learn more about college life.
In addition, a free mini-Kerrville Folk Festival on the grounds of the Center for American History will feature Glen Alyn, Wayne Hunt, Jimmy LaFave, Christine Albert, Chris Gage and Butch Hancock. The center, which holds the world’s largest collection of Texana, also will feature a one-day exhibition of the Alamo memoir, a Mexican soldier’s account of the battle of the Alamo and the death of Davy Crockett. Other Alamo memorabilia, including Santa Anna’s battle plans and the oldest photograph taken in Texas, also will be displayed on the anniversary of the fall of the Alamo (March 6, 1836).
A landmark exhibition of works by David Douglas Duncan, the most decorated combat photographer of the century, will debut at the LBJ Library and Museum on March 6. Duncan is best known for photographing the Japanese surrender aboard the U.S.S. Missouri in 1945. The exhibition includes powerful works from World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, as well as revealing photographic portraits of Duncan’s good friend, Pablo Picasso. Duncan will be in attendance at UT Interactive to be honored by the U.S. Marine Corps.
UT Interactive also marks the Texas debut of the Suida-Manning art collection of 700 Old Masters paintings recently acquired by the University. Selections from this outstanding collection will go on display at the Blanton Museum.
Every UT college and department is participating in UT Interactive, and many departments are working together to produce programs. Many UT Interactive activities relate to four interdisciplinary themes — Growing Texas and Beyond, Living Forever, Designing our World and Transforming our Future — while others help visitors Explore the Universe of Texas. The campus will be color-coded and staffed with several hundred student volunteers to help visitors find the themes and programs that interest them. Information booths will be located across campus to assist visitors.
Faulkner encourages all Texans to visit the UT campus to learn more about their University. “The University of Texas at Austin is home to a world of knowledge and discovery,” he says. “I welcome all of Texas to UT Interactive on March 6, 1999, to take advantage of more than 400 events all across campus — and to enjoy a celebration of learning. Come visit the largest academic enterprise in Texas, experience something new, and make yourself at home. This university belongs to you!”
Information about parking and programs is available in English and Spanish through the UT Interactive hotline, 512/232-9999. A complete schedule of events is available online at www.utexas.edu/events/utinteractive.
