AUSTIN, Texas—More than 3,500 University of Texas at Austin junior and senior undergraduates who have a grade point average of 3.5 or better will be honored by the University community in ceremonies Saturday (April 15) at the Bass Concert Hall. The 52nd Honors Day Program begins at 2 p.m.
For the past few years, UT administrators have been reviewing and changing the ceremony to make the event a more memorable and meaningful experience for students. The Honors Day convocation includes ceremonial elements such as an academic procession, orange and white honors cords worn by students, heraldic banners, inspirational messages and celebratory music. Honors cords are being worn by students for the first time. They are provided as a gift to student scholars by the University Co-op.
Lawrence W. Speck, dean of the School of Architecture, and honors students Chris R. Frei of San Antonio and Nina Bhatia of Arlington will make brief remarks. Frei is a third-year pharmacy student who has served as Pharmacy Council president and chair of the college’s Academic Integrity Committee and its Service Committee. Bhatia, a senior humanities major, is a UT ambassador for Team Texas and a member of the Friar Society and the Orange Jackets.
In a special presentation, 328 students honored for perfect grade point averages of 4.0 will be invited to the stage to receive commemorative medallions from academic deans. All student honorees are encouraged to invite their faculty to join them in the procession and to be seated with them at the convocation.
Introduced in 1948, Honors Day is the occasion when students who have achieved academic excellence are honored by administrative officials, academic deans and members of the faculty. It serves as an important prelude to Commencement. Held for the first time on April 2, 1949, in Hogg Memorial Auditorium, Honors Day was initiated under President Theophilius S. Painter “to recognize those students who have excelled in scholastic work.”
Students of high academic achievement who are recognized at Honors Day fulfill the following criteria:
- Have a grade point average of 3.5 to 3.9 (College Scholars) or 4.0 (Distinguished Scholars) in their UT Austin course work.
- Have earned 60 credit hours, a minimum of 30 at UT Austin, excluding transfer hours and advanced placement.
- Have enrolled in the spring 2000 semester for a minimum of nine undergraduate hours, with the exception of graduating seniors.
- Have registered within the 1999 calendar year.
- Have not yet received a degree.
UT Austin President Larry R. Faulkner will make introductory and closing remarks.
A reception for all honor students and their guests will follow the ceremony in the Performing Arts Center plaza.
In addition to the 2 p.m. convocation, a number of the University’s colleges and schools will hold special ceremonies for their students. The Main Building Tower will be lighted orange in the evening to salute student honorees.
