For generations of Longhorns, the Tower has been a place for milestones, from finding love on campus and getting engaged to cherishing memories of loved ones no longer with us. In honor of Valentine’s Day, here are a few Tower love stories.
Adam T. Schramek, JD ’01
“My wife, Chari Kelly, JD ’02, was a year behind me in law school. After I graduated and she was in her third year, I decided to propose. Since we are both Disney fans, I purchased a clear glass slipper and made a pillow stand for it. I then hired a student violinist from the Butler School of Music to learn ‘A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes.’
When the big night arrived, I told Chari that my law firm was having a recruiting reception at the Tower. As we approached, the strings began to play and the slipper appeared. At first, Chari thought we were just watching a student performance. Then I turned to her and said, ‘Go see if it fits.’ In disbelief, she went over and tried it on. It fit perfectly. I got down on one knee and proposed.
The Tower will always be a part of our personal fairy tale.”
Thomas Brocato, B.A. ’87
“One of my favorite, though bittersweet, memories of the Tower occurred on April 28, 2001. It was my father’s final visit to Austin. He was battling pancreatic cancer and passed away three months later, on July 27. My dad didn’t have the means to attend UT, but he loved the school, and he’s the reason I was able to attend and why I’m a lifelong Longhorn.
My parents lived in Beaumont and had come for the weekend. It was their 44th wedding anniversary. The Bob Bullock Museum opened that day, and we were among its first visitors. After lunch at Iron Works BBQ, we went to campus and were able to go up to the Tower observation deck. The space had been off limits since 1974, making it a truly special occasion.
I remember vividly my dad struggling on the final steps, but he didn’t give up. That remains the only time I’ve been to the top. The next day, he left Austin for the last time. That experience was deeply special to him and stays with me to this day.”
Kelly Mancuso, B.S. ’11
“My husband, Cullen Mancuso, B.A. and B.S. ’10, and I got to know one another in our Theories of Persuasion class. He proposed in 2013 at the top of the Tower, after secretly sending his brother to buy all the tickets for the Tower tour that day so we would have it all to ourselves. Everyone working at the Tower was in on it and told us that a sorority was supposed to be on the tour for Parents’ Weekend but had canceled at the last minute. I believed every word and was completely surprised when he popped the question.
We even had a Tower cake at our wedding in May 2014 and later loved taking our kids on weekend walks around campus. The Tower has truly been at the center of our life together.”
The Tower has stood as a witness to generations of love and cherished memories. With the Our Tower: The Next 100 Years restoration project, you can join the effort to restore, revitalize and reimagine our Tower for future generations. Make your gift today and be part of a living tribute to love, family and Longhorn traditions.
Do you have a favorite Tower memory? Please share it with us.
