EVENT: New students arriving at The University of Texas at Austin will gather Tuesday, Aug. 27, in front of the Tower to celebrate “Gone To Texas,” a celebration that introduces new students including incoming freshmen and transfer, graduate and law students to the traditions of the institution and its core purpose, values and honor code.
WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 27, 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: The Main Mall on the south side of the university’s Tower.
BACKGROUND: “Gone To Texas” will include live performances, the official welcome by Provost Designate Greg Fenves, presentation of the “Gone to Texas” video contest finalists and announcement of the winners, special guest speakers and presentations, and a finale featuring the Longhorn Band.
The university’s schools and colleges also have scheduled programs earlier in the evening to welcome new students and introduce them to fellow students, faculty members and staffers. A list of the pre-event activities by schools and colleges is available online at http://www.utexas.edu/events/gtt/schedule.php.
The first “Gone to Texas” welcoming event on campus was held in 1997. The event’s theme is inspired by a chapter of Texas history. About 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.”
As a part of the program, the university’s Tower will be lit a bright burnt orange to celebrate the arrival of the newest adventurers who have gone to Texas.
Details about “Gone To Texas” are available at utexas.edu/events/gtt.
