UT Austin Campus Life Update

The Division of Student Affairs supports Longhorns with programs, services and facilities that enhance well-being, connection and confidence for success during college and beyond.

[utcampuslifeupdate]

A Lifetime of Service: Bob Childress Recognized with the 2026 Arno Nowotny Medal

One cannot talk about intramural sports on the Forty Acres without honoring the legacy of Bob Childress. Over a 44-year career at…

[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.

[utunions]

Celebrating Our Students: University Unions 2026 Awards

The University Unions Advisory Council hosted an awards luncheon Friday, April 17, in the William C. Powers Jr. Student Activity Center to honor student recipients of the J. J. “Jake” Pickle Citizenship Award, the PAL – Make a Difference Award and the William Andrew Smith Jr. GRASP Award.

Advisory Council Chair Cathy Sorsby presented the awards with members of the council in attendance, along with Vice President for Student Affairs John Dalton, University Unions leadership, award recipients and their friends and families. Members of the Pickle family, including Pegg Pickle, daughter of J. J. Pickle, Bergan Casey, his granddaughter, and Jaspreet "Rick "Pal also joined the celebration.

J. J. "Jake" Pickle Citizenship Award

Peggy Pickle, J.J. Pickle's daughter, Angelica Sharma (award recipient), Bergan Casey, J.J. Pickle's granddaughter, Jennifer Speer, AVP University Unions

This award was established in 1999 by the University Unions Advisory Council to honor the legacy of Congressman J. J. “Jake” Pickle. It is presented each year to a UT Austin student whose long-term contributions to campus life reflect the values of leadership, service and commitment that Congressman Pickle was known for throughout his career. The recipient of the Pickle Award receives $5,000, a certificate and a copy of Jake Pickle’s autobiography “Jake.”

The 2026 recipient is Angelica Sharma. Originally from Katy, Texas, Angelica has woven service, innovation and leadership into every part of her UT experience.

Through Hearts for the Homeless, Angelica helps provide free blood pressure and glucose screenings, wound care and vital health resources to people experiencing homelessness in Austin. After seeing firsthand that blood pressure checks alone were not enough, she trained as an EMT, expanded services to include wound care and blood sugar screenings, built partnerships with local nonprofits and grew the organization’s reach from two to seven screening sites. She has led efforts to provide bus passes, clinic information cards, winter care packages and culturally informed Spanish-language outreach that centers dignity and trust.

A computer science major, Angelica also leads ECLAIR, UT’s AI and robotics club, where she helped grow membership, launch student-led projects and create outreach events that inspire future engineers. Her work reflects the spirit of the J. “Jake” Pickle Citizenship Award through integrity, compassion and a deep commitment to public service.

Pal-Make a Difference Award

John Dalton, Vice President Student Affairs, Harshpreet Kaur (award recipient), with Jaspreet "Rick" Pal, Advisory Council Member

The Pal—Make a Difference Award was established in 2006 by Rick Pal, a proud UT alum from the Class of ’95. The award was created to encourage leadership and public service among our students. Each year, it is given to a student whose program or initiative has made a meaningful impact on campus or in the wider community. The recipient receives a certificate and $1,500.

The 2026 recipient is Harshpreet Kaur. Originally from Frisco, Texas, Harshpreet has used her time at UT to strengthen campus life through leadership in Campus Events + Entertainment (E+E) and Student Government.

From her first semester, she sought out opportunities to plan events, manage budgets and collaborate with peers, steadily building the soft skills that will support her future as a physician, including communication, empathy, problem-solving and teamwork.

Early on, she helped reimagine Chillfest into a multiroom experience that earned the Star Award for Innovation, then moved into officer and chair roles where she oversaw events, mentored coordinators and worked closely with campus partners. Under her leadership, Unwind events have expanded across campus, connected students with resources and created welcoming spaces to relax and build community. Her ability to contribute across multiple committees is impressive.

Her impact extends beyond E+E through her work with the Mental Health Agency in Student Government, where she helped provide culturally informed mental health resources and programming. Harshpreet’s dedication to service, community building and student well-being exemplifies the spirit of the PAL – Make a Difference Award.

William Andrew Smith, Jr. GRASP Award

Jackson Burford and Sienna Rossmiller, (award recipients) with Jennifer Speer, AVP University Unions, Rigo Gutierrez, Director of Student Programming, Cathy Sorsby, Chair University Unions Advisory Council

The GRASP Award—which stands for GRants for Active Student Participants—was established in 2006 through the generosity of the University Unions Advisory Council. In 2013, it was renamed the William Andrew Smith, Jr. GRASP Award.This award honors students who demonstrate strong leadership, a passion for campus involvement, and a commitment to service within University Unions and the Events and Entertainment organization.

The 2026 recipients of the GRASP award are Jackson Burford and Sienna Rossmiller.

The awardees impressed the committee with their leadership, commitment and enthusiasm through their work with the University Unions’ Campus Events + Entertainment organization. These students exhibit the core values of UT Austin, and the selection committee believes they will continue to positively contribute to the Unions and create opportunities for their peers.  

@utcampuslifeupdate

[utcampuslifeupdate]

Celebrating RecSports Finalists for the 2026 President’s Student Employee of the Year Award

Every year, 10 finalists are selected for the President’s Student Employee of the Year Award from hundreds of nominations. The award…

[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]

Honoring Decades of Longhorn Service

The University honored the recipients of the 2026 President’s Staff Awards in April, including recognizing 32 Division of Student Affairs staff for their length of service. Their combined 590 years of service have strengthened the campus community through mentorship, care, innovation and commitment to our students.

Among these honorees, a special congratulations goes to Alicia Garces, Associate Director of the Social Work Training Program at the Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC), for 50 years of service.

Alicia Garces, Counseling and Mental Health Center

Garces, who is also a 2012-2013 Texas Parents Staff Merit Award recipient, has spent decades helping generations of Longhorns thrive, leaving a legacy that continues to enrich campus life.

In her role at CMHC, Garces works closely with social work trainees as they learn to become counselors, guiding them as they build clinical skills and confidence in supporting students. “It is such a pleasure to see their excitement and to watch them be challenged as they learn how to support UT students who come in for counseling,” she shared.

Garces began her journey at the then-named Counseling Center as a trainee in 1994 and was hired the following year as a counselor. Over the years, she has served in multiple leadership roles, including supervisor and training director, helping shape the next generation of mental health professionals. Her commitment to mentorship has had a lasting impact on both trainees and the students they serve.

Reflecting on her career, Garces said, “I continue to enjoy seeing trainees graduate and grow into professional counselors.” After 50 years of service, her dedication to student well-being and professional development continues to strengthen the campus community.

Division Recipients of the President's Staff Service Awards

Counseling and Mental Health Center, Longhorn Wellness Center and University Health Services Alicia Garces, 50 Neeta Bhakta, 25 Chris Brownson, 25 Suzanne Ramirez, 25 Marla Craig, 20 Paul Gentle, 20 Adebanke Johnson, 20 Lee Warren, 20 Susan Hochman, 15 Joan Long, 15 Ronnie Ruiz, 15 Javier Ungo, 15 Renee Corcoran, 10 Adrian Lancaster, 10

Disability and Access Kelli Bradley, 15 years Emily Shryrock, 15 years

Office of the Dean of Students Joanna Pope, 20 years Jennifer Smith, 20 years Catherine Schlichting, 10 years Kelly Soucy, 10 years

Recreational Sports Rhonda Cox, 25 years E.J. Patterson, 20 years Manuel Torrez, 20 years

University Unions Kevin Ray, 25 years Ural Dewitty, 20 years Han Kim, 20 years Saray Lago, 20 years Erick Conde, 15 years Wade Requet, 15 years Sylvia Torres, 15 years Julie Wier, 10 years

Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs Jess Cybulski, 10 years

[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

[utcampuslifeupdate]

March/April 2026 - Campus Rec Magazine

Flip through the digital issue: Use the left and right arrow to navigate through the pages, or click the full-screen mode icon at the bottom

[utcampuslifeupdate]

Down under, Longhorns level up

UT Austin students compete against international teams in the 2026 Academic Esports World Tournament

[utcampuslifeupdate]

A paradigm-shifting community initiative dreamed up by Mindy Hildebrand is helping to change the culture of campus substance use from one of

[utcampuslifeupdate]

UT Outpost Opens New Location in Student Services Building

Serving the UT community for almost 10 years, UT Outpost broadens its impact and reach at its new location in the heart of the Forty Acres.

[utcampuslifeupdate]

New Scholarship Honors Former Vice President’s Legacy

Jim Vick, 2005

Former Vice President for Student Affairs Jim Vick led with integrity, service and a commitment to putting students first — from his time on campus until his passing in 2023. The Division of Student Affairs is honoring his legacy with the Dr. James W. Vick Endowed Scholarship for Student Leaders.  

Established by his wife Niki in 2024, this scholarship recognizes Longhorns who help transform lives for the benefit of society. It celebrates integrity, service and a drive to build a stronger UT community — just as Vick did as a mathematics professor and Vice President for Student Affairs. 

Howard Nirken, Kim Uhr Clark, Sean Petrie, Steven Farr and Vick in 1992 

During his tenure as vice president (1989-2005), Vick helped prepare students to thrive academically, socially and personally in a complex world. Now, many of those alumni are positive contributors to society, leading in education, public service, law, healthcare, business and philanthropy. He tackled complex challenges, like anti-apartheid protests and the 9/11 terrorist attacks, through partnerships with students, modeling how to problem solve, work together and develop great citizens.  

Vick (far left, back row) with generations of student leaders and staff at the Vice President for Student Affairs reunion in 2014 

Vick embodied this philosophy of prioritizing students – working personal and relational elements into his daily routine. Alumni fondly remember him as their “moral compass” and “the smiling spirit of the University.” He was there for them with his quintessential kindness, warmth and care, helping prepare the next generation of citizens and world changers. 

Gerardo Interiano and Vick at Forty Acres Fest in April 2003

Many of the students he influenced were members of student service or leadership organizations. Sophomores, juniors or seniors of any major who demonstrate meaningful service or involvement in registered student service organizations can apply before Feb. 16.

[utcampuslifeupdate]

2026 President's Exemplary Service Awards

Lisa Windel, Kennedy Grigsby, Vice President for Student Affairs John Dalton, Katelyn Rood and Kimberly Bird

Behind every breakthrough moment for our students, there are remarkable people quietly making it possible. The President’s Exemplary Service Award shines a light on those individuals whose dedication doesn’t just meet expectations, it surpasses them. The staff members are driven by an unwavering commitment to putting students at the center of everything they do.

The work of this year’s four honorees ripples in ways far beyond their job descriptions. Their colleagues nominated them for a reason, and their stories reveal the kind of impact that can transform lives.

Kimberly Bird Group Services Coordinator, Clinical Team Lead, Counseling and Mental Health Center

Kimberly Bird's motivation is grounded in delivering compassionate care to students through the group counseling progam. She also oversees and guides a crisis team, which allows students immediate support to crisis services. Kimberly leads with a resilience and calm that directly saves and improves the lives of students, while also being deeply committed to her colleagues.

During her four years on the team, Kimberly has poured hours into researching new initiatives to advance the group counseling program for students. She is directly impacting the lives of students through her investment in group counseling and by developing tailored, unique modalities and approaches to client care.

Kennedy Grigsby Senior Administrative Human Resources Associate, Recreational Sports

What sets Kennedy Grigsby apart is her steady commitment to people and process. She brings a level of care, consistency and follow through that students and staff depend on. Already making a big impact, Kennedy became a full-time employee in 2023 after graduating from UT, having worked as a RecSports student staff for 2.5 years.

Kennedy notices details others might overlook and resolves issues before they become problems. Students and staff trust her because she is patient, approachable and genuinely invested in helping them succeed. Kennedy takes time to train student employees in ways that prepare them for life after graduation, giving them real-world skills and encouraging them to step into professional roles with confidence.

Katelyn Rood Development and Events Program Coordinator, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs

When planning student events, Katelyn Rood looks through the lens of her own experience as a graduate student on the Forty Acres. Before taking on her current full-time role in 2024, she served as a graduate student assistant with the orientation team and interned with the Division’s Development team. Now, she is managing venues, vendors and planning (sometimes on tight timelines) to execute Division of Student Affairs events. 

Katelyn is known for her energy and enthusiasm as she partners across campus to build fun and meaningful experiences for students, staff and donors. She gives 100% to every task and works tirelessly behind the scenes to enhance the student experience.

Lisa Windel Patient Access Representative, University Health Services

For many UT students, visiting University Health Services is their first experience navigating healthcare on their own. Lisa Windel provides guidance to students, helping them with insurance and registration. She is a friendly face at the Allergy, Immunization and Travel Clinic front desk, even when situations are stressful or there are misunderstandings.

If a student misses an appointment, Lisa doesn't just mark them as a no-show. She checks their class schedule, then calls to get them rescheduled. Lisa then coordinates with clinic staff across the department to ensure everyone is on the same page. She is patient, kind and accommodating of student's personal lives, while also supporting her team for 27 years.

Congratulations to these Exemplary Service Award recipients who work day in and day out to put students first.

[utcampuslifeupdate]

2025-2026 Staff Merit Awards

Sarah Frey, Cecilia Lopez Cardenas, Vice President for Student Affairs John Dalton and Kelcy Meek

Every year, standout employees reshape the student experience in ways that cannot be ignored. Three members of the Division of Student Affairs staff are among those who did exactly that, going above and beyond to put students first and treat their work as a calling. Their colleagues took notice, nominating them for a Texas Parents Staff Merit Award. Discover how this year’s recipients are transforming everyday moments into lasting impact for Longhorns and the campus community.

Sarah Frey Manager for Prevention and Well-being, Longhorn Wellness Center 

Her drive to integrate student voices and think critically reflects a commitment beyond checking boxes — a quality that colleagues began noticing long before any formal recognition. Again and again, when a process or system needed deeper thought, people found Sarah Frey serving as a key contributor, quietly elevating the work with intention and care.

By combining strategic thinking with attention to detail, Sarah ensures student well-being initiatives are meaningful, data-driven and student-centered — demonstrating a deep commitment to improving our campus community. 

She is well-known for streamlining processes without losing sight of those impacted. Sarah led the development of a cohesive student staff onboarding series that aligns pratices and materials across Longhorn Wellness Center, Center for Students in Recovery and SHIFT. These areas support the overall health and well-being of students through programs, education, health messages, student engagement and collaboration.

Frey (center) with Longhorn Wellness Center staff at the 2024 Mindfulness Summit

When the team needed a project manager to develop the method for selecting new Longhorn Wellness Center health topics, Sarah volunteered and delivered a well-structured plan that helped the team meet project deadlines. 

Her leadership and vision are reflected in her growth over the last seven years from Health Promotion Coordinator to her current role. Sarah’s ability to listen, empathize and find solutions creates an environment where colleagues — up and down the organizational chart — feel valued and supported. 

Cecilia Lopez Cardenas Associate Director for Communications, Recreational Sports

Cecilia Lopez Cardenas’s journey is about transformation, from a first‑generation student who has grown into one of the most influential champions of the Longhorn experience. 

A double Longhorn graduate, her lifelong dedication to students embodies the spirit of service at UT Austin. From student leader and a Texas Parents Outstanding Student Award recipient to graduate student and Division employee for nearly 14 years, she consistently elevates the student experience on the Forty Acres. 

Cecilia embraces challenges, builds initiatives from the ground up and fosters collaboration. At the University Unions, she supported student organizations and events at the William C. Powers, Jr. Student Activity Center. She managed Hogg Memorial Auditorium and its student staff after it transitioned to the Division of Student Affairs from the College of Fine Arts. At Recreational Sports, she supported the Longhorn Run student-led committee and managed the Nike corporate partnership. 

Lopez Cardenas (front row, second from left) with the Recreational Sports student creative team 

Whether she is developing a digital strategy or leading her team, Cecilia approaches her work with empathy and an understanding of how communication directly impacts students’ sense of belonging and success. She is a strong advocate of including student voices to enhance communications. Her deep loyalty to Recreational Sports’ mission to enhance the well-being of all students by providing “education through recreation” sets her apart, inspiring the next generation of Longhorns.

Kelcy Meek Senior Events Manager, University Unions

There’s a certain kind of presence that quietly holds a community together — the person whose calm reliability, quick action and genuine care make even the most complex moments feel effortless. At the historic Texas Union, that presence is Kelcy Meek, the “face” of the hospitality team and the steady force behind countless events that shape the Longhorn experience.

For the past 3.5 years, she has become known for developing relationships with students to help them host successful events and acting quickly to ensure events run smoothly. Kelcy consistently makes herself available — in person, by phone or online — to support students, answer their questions and guarantee setups are ready for their events in a welcoming environment.

Meek (center) with the Longhorn Band at the 2024 Longhorn Lights Lighting Ceremony 

Kelcy stands out through her remarkable ability to execute complex events flawlessly while managing long hours and supporting high-profile clients including the Texas Exes Distinguished Alumnus Awards.

During a period of transition in the Texas Union, Kelcy became the backbone of the team, going the extra mile to serve clients and student workers, and train new staff. Even with a full event schedule, Kelcy sends birthday cards and encouraging messages to her student employees. Calm, reliable and committed, Kelcy consistently goes above and beyond.

Congratulations to these Texas Parent Staff Merit Award honorees who join a legacy of recipients who have been recognized for their outstanding contributions since 1998.

[utcampuslifeupdate]

Integrity and Service Celebrated with Justice Scholarship

Vice President for Student Affairs John Dalton, Former Dean of Students Sharon Justice and Pierre Odom

As a college student raised by deaf parents including a mother who is also blind, initiative and resilience have defined Pierre Odom’s path. His extraordinary accomplishments are being recognized with the Sharon H. Justice Leadership Scholarship.

“UT Austin gave me the space to learn and lead, but it is my responsibility to multiply those opportunities for others. Responsibility means acting with integrity and ensuring my work creates lasting impact beyond myself,” said Odom, a junior finance and government major from Austin.

Odom (right) tabling with Dillon Muckatira.

Collaborating with fellow Longhorns from different majors, classifications and backgrounds, Odom built Ascend Consulting Group into a 20+ member student organization with executive roles and projects involving UT alumni and tech startups. He co-founded BridgeAbility, a 40+ member organization dedicated to supporting students with disabilities and is a leader in his fraternity and business student organization. Additionally, he led his intramural soccer team to the semi-finals as captain.

Odom (bottom right) with his intramural soccer team at the semi-finals

Odom is among the 77% of UT students who participate in student organizations — 93% of those students say their participation helped prepare them for life after graduation. This student involvement is equipping future leaders like Odom — 87% of students who participate in student organizations say it helped them develop leadership skills. Additionally, 91% of these students say they strengthened their teamwork skills.

Odom volunteering at The Project.

Through academic competitions, Odom applied strategy learned in the classroom to real-world contexts. He also volunteered with The Project and serves children of deaf adults and victims of domestic abuse — joining the 64% of Longhorns who volunteer in the local community.

These are the life skills and values Justice helped foster as Dean of Students. Several Longhorn leaders created the scholarship in 2012 to honor her legacy of putting students first.

“Pierre demonstrates the kind of leadership that reflects the very best of UT Austin. His commitment to serving children of deaf parents and supporting fellow students shows both compassion and vision. He embodies the values we strive to instill — integrity, care for others and the drive to make a lasting difference,” noted Sharon Justice, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students (1985–2001).

Justice, Former Assistant Dean of Students Tany Norwood, Odom and Randi Shade, Student Government President 1987-1988 and one of the founders of the scholarship

Odom’s recognition affirms the power of student leadership at UT Austin, where Longhorns learn not only to succeed but to broaden opportunities for others. “UT has given me the ability to meet and impact many different groups of people. I want to keep expanding that experience,” he added.

Like many other Justice scholarship recipients, Odom will take his skills gained on the Forty Acres around the world. He’ll study abroad in Paris in Spring 2026, where he hopes to gain experience that will inform his future career in consulting and international affairs. Next summer, he’ll intern at Dell helping develop AI technologies through the company’s partnership with Nvidia.