It’s impossible to comprehensively capture the vitality of The University of Texas at Austin. But we’re giving it a shot with this year-in-review, starting with the 13 most-read stories of 2013.
It just so happens that this collection covers much of what makes the Forty Acres special: generous contributions that will expand our educational capacity (#1, #8, #9); the very best teachers in the state (#2, #13); students, young (#2, #3) and even younger (#5), embarking on grand adventures; and marvelous discoveries that literally change our understanding of the universe (#11).
It’s been an unforgettable year here’s to many more to come.
2013’s Must-Read Headlines
“Much Ado About Who: Is It Really Shakespeare?”
New York Times, Aug. 12
Professor Douglas Bruster confirms that five pages in a 16th century Thomas Kyd play were actually written by Shakespeare.
“GPS flaw could let terrorists hijack ships, planes”
Fox New, July 26
Todd Humphreys and a research team from the Cockrell School “spoofed” a yacht using a custom-made GPS device.
“Charting a Course”
Inside Higher Ed, Aug. 15
President Bill Powers outlines UT’s principles for online and blended learning.
“Scientists confirm most distant galaxy ever”
CNN, Oct. 25
Discovered by UT astronomer Steven Finkelstein, the galaxy is a window into the past.
“Supreme Court Rules On Affirmative Action Case”
Huffington Post, June 24
The Supreme Court declined to make a decision in the case of Fisher vs. the University of Texas at Austin, sending the case back to a lower court and leaving the state’s narrow consideration of race and ethnicity intact for now.
UT’s 13 Most Popular Stories of 2013
1. Dells’ Foundation Invests $50 Million in UT Med School
The Dell Medical School, as it will be known, is one of several investments the Dell family foundation has made at UT and in Central Texas.
2. 68 Must-Read Books for Incoming Students
On Aug. 27 incoming students will meet some of their professors for the first time during Freshman Reading Round-up, a campus-wide book club. Need a read? Get the list here.
3. Class of 2013: What Starts Here Changes the World (Seriously)
Meet some outstanding members of the Class of 2013: After watching each video you’ll have no doubt that Longhorns are world-changers. Hook ’em!
4. The Truth About Bevo and 9 More UT Facts
In honor of the inaugural Longhorn Traditions Week, learn about the greatest UT legends.
5. Welcome to Campus, Everyone!
It’s time for Explore UT 2013! Come on down to the Forty Acres and dive into a learning adventure. Check out the schedule of activities and join us March 2.
6. The Psychology of Home Decor
Is your bedroom scattered with laundry? Adorned with photos? Do you and your partner have equal closet space? Read more about what couples’ homes reveal.
7. President Encouraged by the Supreme Court’s Ruling
President Bill Powers responds to Supreme Court decision on UT Admissions policy. Read the full statement here.
8. Rowling Family Gifts $25 Million to McCombs School of Business
Rowling Hall will house business school graduate programs, expand teaching and meeting facilities at the ATandT Executive Education and Conference Center; add 525 new parking spaces.
9. Gates Opens Building, Talks Health
Bill Gates spoke with students for the opening of the Bill and Melinda Gates Computer Science Complex and Dell Computer Science Hall. Read more.
10. Five New Career-Boosting One-Year Degrees
What can you learn in a year? Plenty, it turns out. New one-year, highly specialized master’s degrees allow students to get in, learn a lot and leave with in-demand skills. Learn more.
11. Astronomers Discover Farthest Known Galaxy
Steven Finkelstein led a team of researchers who confirmed that Galaxy z8_GND_5296 is the farthest and earliest galaxy ever discovered. Learn more about this landmark finding.
12. High-Tech Tattoos Redefine Health Care Solutions
Bio-integrated electronic tattoos, which cling to the skin without adhesive and transmit vital signs wirelessly, are part of a health care revolution. Read more.
13. 26 Faculty Members Honored for Teaching Excellence
The 2013 winners of the Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Awards will be honored Wednesday for dedication to innovation in undergraduate instruction. See the list of 26 winners.
Your Favorite Instagram Images
Top Tweets
Texas defeats OU 36-20 in the #RedRiverRivalry. Let's bring home the Golden Hat to Austin! #HookEm #OUvsTEX
— UT Austin (@UTAustin) October 12, 2013
Congrats to Longhorn & @utexasgolf alum @JordanSpieth! He becomes youngest winner on PGA Tour in 82 years. #HookEm
— UT Austin (@UTAustin) July 15, 2013
#UTAustin up four places to 26th in world according to Center for World University Rankings http://t.co/671mEwNojc
— UT Austin (@UTAustin) July 3, 2013
Congrats to No. 1 @TexasVolleyball on their perfect Big 12 record this year! The first time in program history. #PointTexas
— UT Austin (@UTAustin) December 1, 2013
Happy Thanksgiving, Longhorns! pic.twitter.com/2eHqO7lQEz
— UT Austin (@UTAustin) November 28, 2013
Our Facebook fans were enthusiastic about news of the university being ranked 27th in the world in the 2013 Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings, a comparison of the world’s top 100 most powerful university brands. A Happy Mother’s Day post featuring a burnt orange bouquet was a big hit, along with another ranking: the Texas Longhorn named college football’s best logo.
Meanwhile on Tumblr, alumna astronaut Karen Nyberg’s social media posts from space, UT’s championship quidditch team and the new campus art installation from “sculptor of light” James Turrell were big hits.
And 2013’s most popular video: timelapse footage of incoming freshmen posing for an only-at-UT class photo:
You may also like:
College of Natural Sciences: Six Top Stories That Captured Imaginations Far and Wide
McCombs School of Business: The Big Ideas of 2013
LBJ School of Public Affairs: 13 Student Stories from 2013
School of Undergraduate Studies: Year in Review
University of Texas Press: Photo Books Make Numerous “Best of 2013” Lists
Blanton Museum of Art: Austin Chronicle Names “Lifelike” Exhibit #3 Visual Art Event in 2013
