#longhorns

[cgclarkphoto]

Longhorn cattle - cg photography

[everybittexas]

Every morning and every evening, longhorn steers walk up Exchange Street in Fort Worth like they own the place. Which, honestly? They kind of do. This is the Fort Worth Stockyards — and before it became a destination for tourists snapping photos from the sidewalk, it was the real thing. The Fort Worth Union Stockyards opened for business on January 19, 1890, covering 206 acres of working livestock infrastructure. And that was just the beginning of the operation's serious years. By 1886, four stockyards had already been built near the railroads in the area. The whole machine had been running in some form since 1866. Fort Worth didn't get the nickname "Cowtown" as a joke. It earned it through decades of actual cattle commerce — the kind where the smell hit you before the city did, where fortunes changed hands alongside livestock, and where the railroad made it all possible by connecting Texas ranchers to markets that would have otherwise been unreachable. Now here's where it gets interesting, and a little bittersweet: the Stockyards today consist mainly of entertainment and shopping venues built around the "Cowtown" image. The twice-daily longhorn parade is for tourists' enjoyment — the source material says so explicitly, without apology. Which raises a question worth sitting with: is that a corruption of the place's identity, or is it the place finding a way to survive? Because here's the other thing the source material drops quietly, almost as a footnote: these are the last standing stockyards in the United States. The last ones. Every other operation like this — gone. What Fort Worth has, even dressed up for visitors, is the sole survivor of an entire industry that shaped how the American West fed the rest of the country. The steers walking up Exchange Street twice a day aren't just a photo opportunity. They're a ghost of something enormous, still showing up on schedule. There's something very Texas about that. Refusing to let the thing die, even if keeping it alive means putting on a little bit of a show.

[utcampuslifeupdate]

Honoring Staff Impact on Students

Adrian Lancaster and Ryan Becerra

Some people shape campus life through connection. Others shape it through the systems, spaces and support that make everything work. Together, they help the Forty Acres feel like a place where students can grow, belong and thrive.

This year, two members of the Division of Student Affairs were honored in April with the President’s Outstanding Staff Award, each making a powerful impact in their own way.

Ryan Becerra, Recreational Sports For almost two decades, Becerra has been a steady force behind the systems that keep RecSports running. The gyms, the fields, the programs thousands of students rely on every week — Becerra’s leadership and technical expertise help make those spaces welcoming, reliable and full of Longhorn energy. Read his story: bit.ly/RyanOutstandingStaff

Adrian Lancaster, Longhorn Wellness Center Lancaster reimagined what peer support could look like on a campus this large. Through the Longhorn SHARE Project, he’s helped students find connection, community and care in ways that feel real and human. SHARE Circles, SHARE Communities, peer‑led programs — each one gives students a place to be seen and supported. Read Adrian’s story: bit.ly/AdrianOutstandingStaff

Different strengths. Different roles. One shared purpose: helping Longhorns thrive — on the Forty Acres and far beyond it. Congrats Ryan and Adrian!

[utcampuslifeupdate]

Celebrating 75 Years of Outstanding Longhorns

Texas Parents Outstanding Student Award Winners: Morgan Hernandez and Mercy Okougbodu

For more than seven decades, Texas Parents has recognized seniors who rise as leaders while thriving in a campus environment that prepares them to become productive citizens and future leaders.

This year’s honorees earned recognition on April 20 by demonstrating exceptional leadership, scholarship, character and service that reflect the values of UT Austin and the long tradition behind this award.

Recipients

Morgan Hernandez, Sociology major, College of Liberal Arts; Political Communication major, Moody College of Communication

Mercy Okougbodu, Public Health major, College of Natural Sciences

They each received a plaque, a brick paver at the Student Services Building and a $1,000 grant awarded to a registered student organization or campus program of their choice. These recipients join generations of alumni who shaped UT Austin through service, curiosity and a commitment to excellence.

Finalists

Luke Anderson, Plan II Honors major, College of Liberal Arts; Canfield Business Honors and Finance major, McCombs School of Business

Luisa Mao, Computer Science and Math major, College of Natural Sciences

Inaya Momin, Public Health major, College of Natural Sciences

John Zor, Government major, College of Liberal Arts

Congratulations to the recipients and finalists on this milestone anniversary. Check out the photos from the April awards luncheon here.

[utcampuslifeupdate]

Congrats to the 2026 Swing-Outs Winners

Award recipients celebrate leadership and tradition at the 2026 Swing-Outs awards ceremony.

This year’s Swing-Outs awards ceremony hosted by the Office of the Dean of Students on April 6 celebrated the students and student organizations whose leadership and service shape the Forty Acres. These recipients don’t just participate in campus life — they elevate it.

In a nod to tradition, the event now carries a name with deep UT Austin roots. Once known as Evening of the Stars, the ceremony reclaimed its original 1920s title, Swing-Outs. That was known as a historic moment when graduating seniors were honored before “swinging out” of campus and symbolically passing the torch to the next class. Reviving this name reconnects today’s Longhorns with a century-old legacy of student excellence.

Each recipient represents a story of dedication and impact setting the standard for what it means to lead at UT Austin, leaving a legacy that will inspire generations of Longhorns to come. Horns up to these outstanding student leaders and organizations!

Best New Organization

Texas Marketrics – Quantitative Finance

Best Graduate Organization

Women’s Law Caucus

Program of the Year (Registered Student Organization)

Students Expanding Austin Literacy

Program of the Year (Sponsored Student Organization)

University Residence Hall Association

Outstanding Student Volunteer

Kayla Nguyen, Mary Hunter

Collaboration of the Year

Austin Sunshine Camps at The University of Texas at Austin

Outstanding Commitment to Service

The E. Lee Walker Fellowship at Texas

Healthiest Organization

Hindu Students Association

Most Improved Organization

Texas Women’s Rugby

Most Spirited Organization

Texas Sweethearts

Most Outstanding Member

Neal Shearin - University Residence Hall Association

Most Outstanding Officer

Seun Lagbenro - Pharmacy Council

Most Outstanding Advisor

Karina Ogunlana - University Residence Hall Association

Texas Parents Outstanding Student Award

Morgan Hernandez, Mercy Okougbodu

Sorority and Fraternity Life Chapter President of the Year

Hari Mohil – Zeta Psi

Sorority and Fraternity Life Chapter of the Year

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Most Outstanding Organization

Seva Charities

[economynews]

Vols Put on Offensive Display, Clinch Series with 14-9 Win Over #3/4 Longhorns

Key Highlights Tennessee Vols defeat No. 3/4 Texas Longhorns with a score of 14-9 in Saturday night’s game. Trent Grindlinger had a standout performance, racking up four hits and blasting his seventh home run of the year. Evan Blanco pitched well for UT, securing the win with eight strikeouts over seven innings despite allowing five runs. The Vols clinched the series victory at Lindsey Nelson…

Vols Put on Offensive Display, Clinch Series with 14-9 Win Over #3/4 Longhorns

[utcampuslifeupdate]

Embodying a Former VP's Values through Service

Ashley Park, VP John Dalton, Stuart Vick Smith, Maryam Paykar (recipient)

Ashley Park’s journey to becoming a recipient of the inaugural Dr. James W. Vick Endowed Scholarship for Student Leaders began with a simple but powerful belief: connection can change lives.

A senior Biology major from Austin, Texas, Ashley has spent her years at UT Austin building bridges between generations and strengthening community health. She models the kind of compassionate leadership Dr. Vick championed throughout his career as Vice President for Student Affairs (1989-2005) and a mathematics professor (1970-2018).

Her most defining contribution grew from a moment of clarity. While volunteering in Austin, Ashley noticed how many older adults in nursing homes rarely received visitors — especially in facilities serving residents with behavioral health conditions, low-income insurance or histories of homelessness. At the same time, she saw many UT students eager to serve but unsure where to begin. “Loneliness is one of the most overlooked public health issues,” Ashley reflected. “I wanted to create something that didn’t just offer help, but offered presence.”

That vision became Texas Friendly Fridays, a weekly nursing home visitation program she founded, leads and also volunteers. Building the program required persistence and patience. The nursing home she hoped to partner with was undergoing leadership transitions, and establishing trust took months of steady communication and professionalism. Recruiting volunteers was equally challenging — not because students weren’t willing, but because Ashley emphasized consistency over convenience. She wanted volunteers who would return week after week, forming real relationships with residents.

Her persistence paid off. Today, Texas Friendly Fridays has grown into a close-knit community of dedicated volunteers who visit residents weekly, engage in conversations, play games and provide one-on-one visits to room-bound individuals. The group also hosts special events — dance lessons, painting sessions and scrapbook-making — bringing joy and creativity into a space that may feel forgotten. Many residents who were once quiet and reserved now greet volunteers with familiarity and warmth.

Ashley playing giant Uno with a resident from a local rehabilitation and skilled nursing center.

Ashley’s leadership extends far beyond this program. As a member of Longhorn EMS, she has served as a CPR and First Aid Instructor, Harm Reduction Instructor, Supply and Finance Chair, and Finance Liaison. Through her involvement, she’s teaching lifesaving skills and supporting the development of a 24-hour campus emergency response system. She also participates in the Texas Ecology, Evolution and Behavior Club, engaging in mentorship, research presentations and community-building activities.

“My father believed leadership was rooted in steady kindness, and Ashley reflects that quiet strength in how she serves others. Our family created this endowed scholarship in his honor to support students who continue nurturing community with intention,” noted Stuart Vick Smith, Dr. Vick’s daughter.

Reflecting on her efforts, Ashley added, “Leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice — it’s about being the most reliable presence.” After graduation in May 2027, Ashley will take a gap year before entering medical school, where she plans to specialize in surgery. She plans to work as an emergency medical technician or conducting cilia research in the Wallingford Lab while continuing projects with Dell Medical School physicians.

Maryam Paykar was also honored with this inaugural scholarship. You can read her profile here.

[utcampuslifeupdate]

Upholding a Former VP's Legacy through Leadership

Ashley Park (recipient), VP John Dalton, Stuart Vick Smith, Maryam Paykar

Maryam Paykar’s path to becoming a recipient of the inaugural Dr. James W. Vick Endowed Scholarship for Student Leaders is shaped by resilience, empathy and a steadfast commitment to service.

A senior Biology honors major from San Antonio, Maryam exemplifies the values Dr. Vick championed — integrity, compassion and a dedication to strengthening the UT community. He influenced generations of Longhorns as Vice President for Student Affairs (1989-2005) and a mathematics professor (1970-2018).

Her journey began long before she arrived at UT Austin. As an immigrant who came to the United States at eight years old, Maryam witnessed the challenges her family and others faced navigating unfamiliar systems. Those early experiences instilled in her a deep sense of responsibility. “Service isn’t about checking a box,” she said. “It’s about showing up for people in the moments when they feel unseen or overwhelmed.”

That belief has guided her involvement across campus. Through the Future Research Initiative, she mentored new researchers. As President of the Public Health Committee for UT Student Government, she collaborated with campus partners to address student health concerns. Her work with the Walker Fellowship allowed her to help design sustainable, community-centered solutions.

Maryam’s dedication to service extends into healthcare and volunteerism. At Dell Seton Medical Center, she supported hospital operations by facilitating communication between volunteers and staff. As a leader in the UT Senate of College Councils Undergraduate Research Committee, she helped organize the Capital of Texas Undergraduate Research Conference. She has also championed professional development as a Forté Foundation Campus Ambassador.

Compassion is especially evident in her work with vulnerable communities. As a counselor with Children’s Association for Maximum Potential, Maryam provided care for individuals with diverse needs. Through fundraising for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and St. Jude’s, she has raised over $10,000 for children battling cancer.

Maryam presenting her research on barriers to access in kidney transplantation.

One of her most meaningful contributions began at home. Volunteering at the refugee center that once supported her own family, Maryam served as a translator and advocate for newly arrived families. A pivotal moment came during a driving course she facilitated, when a refugee confided in her about his trauma and isolation. Supporting him taught her that service requires not only problem-solving, but presence. This insight later inspired her and her sisters to create Project Healthy Smiles, a nonprofit providing dental hygiene education to refugee families.

“My father taught us that empathy is a powerful force for change, and Maryam’s journey shows how deeply that principle can shape a community. Our family established this endowed scholarship in his honor to uplift students who lead with compassion,” shared Stuart Vick Smith, Dr. Vick’s daughter.

Reflecting on her experiences, Maryam noted, “Leadership isn’t about being in front — it’s about lifting others with you.” Following graduation in May 2027, she will attend medical school, specializing in reconstructive surgery. Her goal is to never lose sight of what it feels like to be on the patient’s side of care; she hopes to carry those experiences with her throughout her career.

Ashley Park was also honored with this inaugural scholarship. You can read her profile here.