AUSTIN, Texas—New students beginning the fall semester at The University of Texas at Austin will be treated to “Gone to Texas,” a welcoming celebration beginning at 8 p.m., Aug. 24 on the Main Mall of the campus.
The event featuring performances and introductions to student leaders, key faculty and administrators traditionally is held the evening before the first day of fall semester classes. It provides a festive occasion for incoming freshmen, transfer, graduate and law students to meet their peers and learn campus traditions.
“There is no better way to get excited about coming to the greatest university in the nation than by attending Gone To Texas,” said Brent Chaney, incoming student government president. He said the incoming students should prepare for amazing educational experiences.
Student performing groups will provide a sampling of the diverse opportunities that exist for new students to become involved in campus life. They include: The Roustabouts, Nritya Sangam Indian Dance Troupe, Innervisions Gospel Choir, The Ransom Notes and Ballet Folklorico. Tales of campus traditions will be interwoven into the program as will “on-the-spot” interviews with academic deans. The finale will include the Longhorn Band and a large Texas Flag being dropped over the front of the university’s Main Building.
“Gone to Texas is a campus tradition that helps our new students to find out what it means to become a Longhorn,” said Dr. Larry R. Faulkner, president of the university. “It’s also an opportunity for freshmen to learn that even though UT is a big place, we share a strong sense of community.”
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 webcast this year and may be viewed online.
For more information contact: Robert D. Meckel, Office of Public Affairs, 512-475-7847.
