New students entering the fall semester at The University of Texas at Austin are welcomed in grand style during the traditional Gone to Texas celebration on the university’s Main Mall.
The annual program on the evening before classes start highlights what it means to be a Longhorn and the academic mission of the university. It includes special guest speakers, live performances and a finale featuring the Longhorn Band.
Gone to Texas introduces new students, including incoming freshmen, transfer, graduate and law students, to the traditions of the institution and core purpose, values and honor code of the university.
The theme is based on a chapter in the history of the migration to Texas. More than 200 years ago, as adventurers pulled up stakes seeking a fresh start, three letters etched on homestead doors revealed their destination. “GTT” was written on the doors of people indicating they had “Gone to Texas.”
The event, presented by the Office of the President with support and sponsorship by the University Co-op, features greetings from student leaders and university officials, including President William Powers Jr. It includes performances by student groups showcasing the diversity of the university community and the range of opportunity available to students. Short video productions by student winners of the GTT Video Contest are shown.
