AUSTIN, Texas—“The Eyes of Texas” was reaffirmed by the University of Texas Board of Regents today (May 8) as the official song of The University of Texas at Austin.
Singing “The Eyes of Texas” at sporting events, alumni meetings and other gatherings of students and Texas Exes has been a tradition since the song was written 100 years ago by John Lang Sinclair, a member of the varsity band. This year’s centennial anniversary of that song inspired the idea of asking the Board of Regents to reaffirm “The Eyes of Texas” as the official song of The University of Texas at Austin, said Jim Boon, executive director of the Texas Exes alumni organization.
Boon said some Texas Exes worked with Dr. Larry R. Faulkner, president of The University of Texas at Austin, and Dr. Teresa Sullivan, executive vice chancellor for academic affairs at University of Texas System, to present it to the Board of Regents for consideration as a resolution.
The resolution reads:
“Whereas, ‘The Eyes of Texas,’ written by John Lang Sinclair with the encouragement of Lewis Johnson, was first performed on May 12, 1903, at the Hancock Opera house in downtown Austin;
“Whereas, ‘The Eyes of Texas’ is a treasured tradition for the community of The University of Texas at Austin, linking together generations of students, faculty, staff and alumni; and
“Whereas, ‘The Eyes of Texas’ is a symbol of The University of Texas at Austin, sung in celebration of the university’s academic and athletic achievements in its pursuit of excellence;
“Therefore, On the occasion of its centennial anniversary, be it known that ‘The Eyes of Texas’ is reaffirmed as the official song of The University of Texas at Austin.”
Boon said the song’s anniversary provides an opportunity to celebrate a tradition.
“Any living alumnus who has shared in singing this song knows it is a common bond that we all have,” said Boon. “This is a great opportunity to celebrate not only what it means to us individually, but also the fact it is a 100-year-old tradition.”
Boon said the Texas Exes will celebrate the centennial at 6 p.m., Monday, May 12, in the Etter-Harbin Alumni Center, 2110 San Jacinto St., with some birthday cake and a special performance by a student choral group.
For more information contact: Robert D. Meckel, 512-475-7847.
