AUSTIN, Texas—The Eyes of Texas, a song they can expect to hear regularly after they move to Austin, welcomed incoming freshmen from the Rio Grande Valley last week who will be attending The University of Texas at Austin during the fall semester.
Singing of the song has become a tradition during "Send-Off" celebrations, such as the ones held in Brownsville on June 26 and McAllen on June 27, to introduce new students and their parents to representatives of the UT Austin community. Dr. Larry R. Faulkner, president of UT Austin, led a delegation of representatives from the offices of admissions, housing and food, and student financial aid who answered questions about the University and campus life. A representative of The Texas Exes alumni organization also participated in visits to both cities.
The "Send-Off" events also provide an opportunity for Faulkner and other UT Austin representatives to hear the concerns and suggestions of local educators, community leaders and other constituents in the community regarding the future of higher education in Texas.
Dr. Bob Galvan, assistant vice president with the Office of the Vice President for Community and School Relations, said the tradition of "Send-Off" celebrations began in the Rio Grande Valley several years ago. Alumni chapters in other cities liked the concept, and during the past few years’ similar celebrations have been started in Laredo, El Paso, Dallas and other cities.
