“The University of Texas is now your alma mater. The Eyes of Texas will always be upon you.”
President Bill Powers to the Class of 2014
On Saturday The University of Texas at Austin celebrated the 131st Spring Commencement, sending 8,686 new Texas alumni into the world. Below, relive some of the highlights. See more university photographs in our Facebook album.
“Know that life is not fair and that you will fail often, but if take you take some risks, step up when the times are toughest, face down the bullies, lift up the downtrodden and never, ever give up if you do these things, then next generation and the generations that follow will live in a world far better than the one we have today and what started here will indeed have changed the world for the better.”
Keynote speaker Admiral William McRaven, BJ ’77, Distinguished Alumnus, commander of U.S. Special Operations, sharing life lessons learned from his Navy SEAL training
“Through his Great Society agenda, LBJ opened up the promise of America to all Americans. You are part of LBJ’s legacy and in this 21st Century in this time of rapid change America needs your talent. I have no doubt that in years to come you will stand in many great places. And you will have a chance to do enormous things for the people who need you.”
San Antonio mayor Julian Castro, addressing graduates at the LBJ School of Public Affairs
“Passion, persistence and mentorship. Remember those they will take you to the moon and back.”
Ingrid Vanderveldt, alumnus and Dell entrepreneur-in-residence, addressing McCombs School of Business graduates from the Master of Science in Technology Commercialization program
“If you want to be successful, you got to have ‘it.’ And if you know what it is, you gotta go for it. And if you don’t know what it is, you ain’t gonna make it. Good luck.”
Former head football coach Mack Brown, speaking to Department of Government graduates, quoting advice he heard former coach Darrell Royal give a somewhat bewildered young coach. Coach Brown assured the graduates they obviously have “it.”
