AUSTIN, Texas—The traditional “Gone To Texas” festivities welcoming new students to The University of Texas at Austin will begin at 8 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 26 on the Main Mall of the campus.
The celebration provides a festive occasion for incoming freshmen, transfer and graduate students to meet their peers and learn campus traditions. The celebration also introduces them to student leaders, key faculty and administrators and representatives of many student organizations.
“Gone To Texas is the first time new students get to see the community aspect of this university and it’s a great way to welcome them in and begin the relationship,” said Katie King, a law school student and last year’s president of Student Government.
Acrobatic cheerleaders, a Chinese dragon dance, a gospel choir and a finale by the Longhorn Band will provide entertainment at the annual event, which always is held the evening before university students begin their first day of classes. Adding rhythm and unusual sound to the event will be an appearance by the Potheads, a group of students who perform using household pots, pans, trashcans and other items as their musical instruments.
“The university is a large community and we are delighted to welcome our newest members,” said Steve Parks, director of production in the Office of Public Affairs. “We plan to show them the richness and the diversity of the university in many aspects. At ‘Gone To Texas’ these newcomers will learn more of what it means to be a Longhorn.”
In its ongoing support of campus traditions and events, the University Co-op sponsors Gone To Texas and also provides 4,000 Gone To Texas T-shirts each year for new students.
The annual welcoming event is based on a chapter in the history of the migration to Texas. More than 100 years ago, as adventurers pulled up stakes seeking a fresh start, three letters etched on old homestead doors revealed their destination. “GTT” was written on the doors of people indicating they had gone to Texas.
The “Gone To Texas” celebration will be available via webcast this year and may be viewed online at the Gone To Texas Web site.
For more information contact: Robert D. Meckel, Office of Public Affairs, 512-475-7847.
