Influencing the Longhorn Life Staff Newsletter
Published: May 7, 2025
Making a Difference: Programs
Finals season can be stressful, so our Division prioritized student health and well-being with a variety of end-of-semester traditions including study breaks, wellness activities and other resources. The Office of the Dean of Students, Disability and Access, Longhorn Wellness Center, Recreational Sports and University Unions all hosted events. Campus Events + Entertainment welcomed 450 students to the Chillfest Café – putting a new spin on this long-time event.
The Counseling and Mental Health Center also prioritized the well-being of staff during the busy end-of-semester period. They hosted the annual “Sundaes on Thursdays” for staff to relax and recharge.
The Office of the Dean of Students re-established Texas Roundtable, bringing together the presidents of University’s spirit organizations. They hosted Pancakes for a Purpose, a fundraiser supporting the UT Outpost – rebooting a campus tradition that previously honored the late former vice president for student affairs, Jim Vick. Interim President Jim Davis also met with them to discuss campus safety.
The University lit the Tower burnt orange to honor the Terry Foundation, which has awarded over $100 million in full-ride scholarships to UT Austin students since 1987. Founded by Howard Terry, BBA ’38, and his wife Nancy, the foundation continues to empower students. See the photos of Interim President Jim Davis joining current scholars, alumni and other leaders to celebrate this milestone.
Faculty and staff enjoyed movement-based activities, a free lunch and t-shirt at RecSports Recharge, presented by St. David’s Healthcare. The event gave participants the opportunity to unwind and relax with yoga and meditation sessions, access to the Climbing Wall and Golf+ Simulator, and various games and activities. See the photos.
The 15th annual Longhorn Run, held on Saturday, April 12, was sold out with a record-setting 8,000 registrants and attracted 415 volunteers on race day. After crossing the finish line, participants enjoyed access to a post-race party with recovery areas powered by Nike, music, snacks and giveaways. Check out the photos.
For 100+ years, Texas Parents has brought generations of Longhorn families together for Family Weekend to explore the Forty Acres with their students. Watch this video that recaps the excitement on campus.
Longhorn TIES celebrated Neurodiversity Celebration Week with events promoting awareness and acceptance of autism and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Highlights included tabling, a Neurodivergent Voices group, PowerPoint Night, faculty and staff reception, nutrition event with University Health Services, mixer, sensory-friendly movie screening, Longhorn SHARE Circle, and an Adulting 101 collaboration with the Center for Students in Recovery.
Campus Events + Entertainment hosted three new, unique events. Students enjoyed CAT-urday Night Live!, an improv comedy show; Taste of Tea, a sampling of teas from around the world; and Soulful Splatters, an art-centered event with free supplies. The team also ended the semester with their annual picnic.
Making a Difference: Spaces
The Cactus Café continues to bring students, faculty and staff together with the Quiz Bowl. In this trivia competition, 12 teams of three students and one faculty or staff member competed and the winning team was Christopher Leuck, named after the longtime Cactus staffer.
SHIFT has relocated to the third floor of the Student Services Building from the ground floor. This move supports the growing team and the continued expansion of the SHIFT Makers program.
Beginning May 12, the Center for Students in Recovery will relocate to the second floor of the William C. Powers, Jr. Student Activity Center from the Student Services Building. The center will reopen with summer hours starting May 20.
Making a Difference: Resources
For April’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Longhorn Wellness Center partnered with the Title IX Office and introduced new events, “Crafting and Consent” and a resource fair. These events focused on education, community building and supporting survivors through engaging activities and meaningful conversations.
The Longhorn Wellness Center has compiled wellness resource maps onto a single web page to make it easier for students to find this helpful information. The team works with the Student Health Advisory Committee to make updates that support students in improving their health and well-being.
Students pursuing careers in healthcare showcased their research projects at the 7th Annual Interprofessional Health Showcase. Healthyhorns staff mentored the students who represented University Health Services, the Counseling and Mental Health Center and the Longhorn Wellness Center.
The Office of the Dean of Students, SHIFT, Longhorn Wellness Center and University Unions supported students as they planned the Texas Interfraternity Council’s West Fest. Staff provided risk reduction training, safety messaging and hydration stations, and Campus Events + Entertainment’s Forty Acres Fest included a "West Fest Zone" for wristband holders.
The Sorority and Fraternity Life team supported students at the re-chartering ceremonies for the National Pan-Hellenic Council and Pi Kappa Phi, and the 40th anniversary of the founding of Beta Upsilon Chi.
Student Awards and Celebrations
Our Division team celebrated students at several award ceremonies and events this spring. Check out the photos and stories linked below.
- The 19th Annual Evening of the Stars recognized student organizations and 20 students received scholarships.
- The Sorority and Fraternity Life Awards highlighted achievements in the sorority and fraternity community.
- The Tower Awards honored excellence in volunteerism among UT Austin students, faculty and staff. See the photos.
- Recreational Sports awarded $51,500 in scholarships to 17 student employees. Meet the recipients.
- The Austin City Council recognized 32 health leaders for implementing healthy activities in their organizations.
- Texas Parents recognized the Outstanding Student Award recipients and finalists.
- The President’s Student Employee of the Year Award luncheon honored three Division student employees as finalists. Meet the finalists.
- University Health Services celebrated the Student Clinic Volunteers, Student Clinical Assistants and Student Administrative Assistants.
- The Center for Students in Recovery hosted an End-of-Semester Celebration for students and staff to come together, reflect on the year and celebrate their accomplishments as a community.
- The Office of the Dean of Students celebrated 100+ Coach UT participants and 200 graduating military and veteran students at end-of-semester events. Both events provided valuable professional development and community support, highlighting the achievements of students this spring.