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The Office of Admissions recruits prospective students by highlighting The University of Texas at Austin’s unique value, and by demonstrating why a UT degree will help them achieve their goals.

The team provides tours and info sessions to campus visitors, showcasing the University and helping prospective students and their families explore life on the Forty Acres.

They actively collaborate with colleges, schools, and campus partners to provide the best possible experience for students seeking to enroll at UT Austin, and they connect students with counselors who can answer questions and provide resources.

Admissions is responsible for processing and evaluating all aspects of a student’s application, and then holistically reviewing all students who have submitted a complete application to UT Austin for both freshman and transfer admissions. Finally, they make and then communicate admission decisions for all undergraduate students applying to UT Austin.

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Visit UT Austin

If you're a prospective graduate student, your next step should be on campus. Meet our faculty. Tour the libraries. Connect with a program. There's no better way to sample life at The University of Texas at Austin.

Plan Your Visit

Step 1: connect with your program.

At least two weeks in advance, contact the admission coordinator of the program you are interested in to schedule your visit. It's essential to connect with your program not only so you can meet faculty, students and staff, but also to gain a sense of the culture of the program.

Step 2: Meet Our Faculty

If you'd like to talk with a professor, contact him or her directly to set up an appointment.

Step 3: Talk to the Office of Graduate Admissions

If you have questions about the application process, stop by the Office of Graduate Admissions or contact them via email.

Campus Tours

The university's Visitor Center offers campus tours each week. A one-and-a-half-mile route takes visitors inside a classroom, through the LEED Gold-certified Student Activity Center and past the iconic Tower on a path that traverses its picturesque South Mall, with views of the Texas State Capitol.

Self Guided Tours

If you'd like to tour campus but can’t make it to the Visitor Center—or if you’d like a sneak peak—take advantage of one of these offerings:

• Graduate School Campus Tour
• 40 Acres Self-Guided Tour
• Virtual Tour
• Self-Guided Tour (PDF)

Plan a Visit

Tours & appointments.

Undergraduate College of Fine Arts Tours

Led by our student ambassadors and staff, these sessions are tailored for prospective undergraduate students interested in the college, including the School of Design & Creative Technologies. You’ll learn about the College of Fine Arts, get information about degrees, student resources, and the application process–with a bonus inside look at your department of choice.

• Register for a COFA Virtual Information Session
• Register for a COFA In-Person Tour

Graduate Tours & Appointments

Looking to schedule an individual tour or appointment to discuss the department’s graduate programs, labs and studio spaces, or the admissions process? Reach out at least two weeks prior to your planned visit, and our graduate coordinator will be in touch.

• Request Individual Graduate Tour

Undergraduate Admissions Appointment Requests

Looking to schedule an individual appointment or group tour to discuss the department’s undergraduate programs and admissions process? Please make your tour requests at least two weeks prior to your planned visit, and someone from our admissions team will be in touch.

• Request Undergraduate Admissions Appointment
• Email Us for a Group Tour

UT Tours & Information Sessions

The University of Texas at Austin’s main campus is home to amazing landmarks, beautiful landscapes, and endless resources for creative inspiration. UT’s virtual and in person tours provide a chance to learn about student life, events, academic programs, and what it means to be a Longhorn.

• Explore UT Austin Information Sessions & Tours

This downloadable PDF guide gives you a chance to explore some of our favorite classrooms, labs, and maker spaces used by all SDCT students without scheduling an official appointment.

Maps and Parking

View information about getting to UT Austin campus, where to park, and directions to the School of Design and Creative Technologies buildings.

SDCT Main Building and Facilities

UT Austin Main Campus Map

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• UTCS Direct

Schedule a visit

Get to know utcs.

To find available dates and to register for a virtual info session, visit College of Natural Sciences Virtual Information Sessions . 

In-person coffee chats and building tours are available on Mondays and Fridays.  Visit   College of Natural Sciences In-Person Information Sessions   to register.  Please note that we are not offering class visits or in-person advisor meetings during this time.  

Ambassador visits are designed for high school juniors and seniors.  During the Spring semester, priority is given to admitted students. 

Tour the Bill and Melinda Gates Computer Science Complex

Explore our building with a current student Ambassador. See the labs and other facilities enjoyed by UTCS students.

Meet with a Current Student

Speak with a CS Ambassador about their college selection experience, why they chose UT, how they transitioned to college, how they enjoy living in Austin, and what it's REALLY like to be a UTCS major.

Attend a Virtual Info Session

Review the curriculum and discuss special programs like the Turing Scholars Honors, Texas CSB, 5-Year Integrated BS/MS, and student organizations.

Ambassador Visit FAQs

Who should participate in an Ambassador visit? Students who are interested in pursuing a CS degree at UT Austin and are high school juniors or seniors. Please note that during the Spring semester, priority is given to admitted students.

Are parents and guardians welcome to accompany students on their tour? Yes! Parents and guardians are welcome to attend all components of an Ambassador visit.

Can I come on a day when your calendar does not show a scheduled visit? If you would like to visit campus another day, please let us know when you email, and we will do our best to arrange a visit another day. But, we cannot guarantee we can accommodate requests outside of our scheduled visits. 

Where is the Department of Computer Science (UTCS)?   UTCS is located in the new Gates Dell Complex (GDC), at 2317 Speedway, just south of 24th St.  We're in region 5 on the  campus map .  You can click on our region of the map for more details.

Where do we go once we find the Gates Dell Complex (GDC)?    The Ambassador office is in the academic suite, GDC 2.702.  It's on the right after you enter GDC (from Speedway).

Where can we park?    The closest  UT parking garages  are the San Jacinto Garage (SJG, in region 6 on the campus map), the Speedway Garage (SWG, region 1), and the 27th Street Garage (TSG, region 1).  Parking for 4-8 hours is $15.  The walk to GDC from the garages is about 10 minutes.  

Is there a bus from the airport to campus?    Capital Metro's  Airport Flyer #100  comes to campus from the airport, and leaves the airport every hour and half hour.  Exit the airport from baggage claim and you'll see the bus stop on the far right on the median.  The bus costs $1.50.  It will drop you off on the east side of the football stadium, a 10-minute walk to GDC.  The stadium is in region 8 of the campus map.     

What hotels are near campus?    There are lots of  hotels near campus .  Our zip code is 78712, which you can use to search your favorite travel website.

Is breakfast available nearby, if we arrive early?    Lucky Lab operates GDC's coffee shop, the Qualcomm Cafe.  O's Campus Cafe is in the O'Donnell Building (POB) just north of GDC.  There's also food options in the WCP Student Activity Center (WCP) southeast of GDC.

If you are planning a campus visit, you may find the following links useful:

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Engineering Buildings

Engineering campus map.

Interested in seeing what the Texas Engineering campus is like? There are several ways to visit the Cockrell School and UT Austin and learn more about our buildings and spaces, programs and resources, extracurricular and student group offerings, and life in Austin. Watch our Cockrell Campus Virtual Tour video, explore the engineering campus map, attend an information session, schedule a UT visit and more.

Info Sessions

UT Campus Visits

Prospective Undergraduate Students The Engineering Student Services office helps in all aspects of the student experience, with academic advisors and support staff, the scholarship and recruiting program, study abroad program, student life office, career center and broadening participation in engineering programs. Contact Engineering Student Services

Prospective Graduate Students Each of the Cockrell School's graduate engineering programs has a faculty advisor and administrative coordinator who are available to answer questions about a program and provide more information about what we're looking for in prospective graduate students. Contact a Graduate Advisor or Coordinator

Physical Address Cockrell School staff are currently working remotely Ernest Cockrell Jr. Hall (ECJ), 10th Floor 301 E. Dean Keeton St. Austin, Texas 78705 Contact Us page

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15 Places to Check out on Your UT-Austin Visit

By Emily Brehe

January 17, 2020

So you’re thinking about becoming a Longhorn? A campus visit should be your next step.

For advice on things to do on a University of Texas at Austin (UT-Austin) campus visit, we turned to the President of KD College Prep, David Dillard, UT ‘78, and Thomas Dang, current freshman at UT and former KD student. They each shared their favorite places on campus and insight on what makes each site an authentic piece of the UT-Austin experience.

Scheduling Your Visit

First things first—you need to schedule your UT-Austin campus visit .

A guided tour for prospective students gives families a chance to see various aspects of campus, ranging from campus hangout spots to classrooms to dormitories. Tours are usually led by current college students who can answer your specific questions about the school and tell you what to expect.

Remember to have fun, and don’t forget to look for these 5 Hidden Things to Spot on a College Visit .

UT-Austin offers a lot to do without ever leaving campus. You can spend hours exploring the campus’ variety of museums, landmarks, shops, and restaurants. Try to dedicate a full day to your tour in order to see all that the campus has to offer.

1. The UT Tower

History, Culture, Insta-worthy

The UT Tower , aka the Main Building, is hard to miss. The 307-foot-tall landmark can be seen from virtually anywhere on campus and is one of the most recognizable symbols of the university. At night, the tower is lit up to honor special occasions, such as a UT sports victory.

“During the first week of school, they light up the windows with the freshmen class’ graduation year. And then they’ll do the same thing when you graduate,” said Dang.

One hidden gem within the tower is the Life Sciences Library. It’s the original library on campus, and it has a Harry Potter vibe. Dang says it’s a great place to take photos for Instagram.

“Of course, you’ll have to stand on the front steps of the Tower to get your photo taken in front of the words inscribed there,” Dang said. “ …It’s one of the more Instagram-worthy spots on campus.”

During “Tower Tours,” visitors can view the campus from the Observation Deck, located at the top of the Tower. You may even catch a glimpse of Tower Girl , the building’s resident peregrine falcon.

2. Harry Ransom Center

Art, History

The Ransom Center is home to UT-Austin’s vast archive of manuscripts, rare books, art, film and more. The library houses famous pieces such as the Gutenberg Bible, Edgar Allen Poe’s desk, Albert Einstein’s unpublished notes, and original works by Frida Kahlo, to name a few.

Visitors can take a look at these rare items in the Reading and Viewing Room. If you’re interested in getting up close to these rare and historical materials, view the guidelines here .

3. Littlefield Home

The Littlefield Home is a Victorian house located north of the UT Tower. This historic building was home to Civil War veteran George Littlefield and his wife Alice, who reportedly still haunts the building. The two made significant contributions to UT-Austin in its early years, providing funds for the Main Building, the Littlefield Fountain, and the Littlefield Dormitory.

4. Little Campus

The Little Campus was built in 1857 and is home to some of the oldest buildings on UT-Austin’s campus. The facility predates the university by nearly 30 years.

Over time, this area has served as the Texas Asylum for the Blind, General George Armstrong Custer’s family residence, a barracks for World War I & II, the Texas Hospital for the Senile, and a men’s dormitory.

5. Blanton Museum of Art

Art, Coffee, Insta-worthy

If you like art, the Blanton Museum has it all. With a collection that ranges from ancient Greek pottery to digital comics, you’re bound to find something that piques your interest. You can also grab coffee or a sandwich at the museum’s cafe.

6. The Drag

Coffee, Food, Shops, Culture, Insta-worthy

UT-Austin has its own shopping and arts district on the edge of campus. Here, you can take Instagram pics next to murals, grab coffee at Lucky Lab Coffee Co. or Caffe Medici, pick up Longhorn merch at the University Co-op, or get queso at the Kerbey Lane Cafe—open 24/7.

“The Drag is the hub where students go after classes. It’s the ideal hang-out spot,” Dang said.

7. The Skyspace

Art, Insta-worthy

UT-Austin is home to one of Texas’ three Skyspace exhibits by artist James Turrell. “The Color Inside” is open to the public. Visit during sunrise and sunset to see color fill the space for about an hour.

“Sitting in this room will make you think about how we see things and how we think about color,” Dang said.

8. Scholz Garten

History, Food, Culture

Scholz Garten is a 150-year-old German restaurant and bar. A mix of college students and congressmen frequent this location, creating a unique atmosphere.

9. Dirty Martins

Want to grab a burger near campus? Try Dirty Martin’s (also known as Dirty’s). This old-school burger joint has fed college students for nearly 100 years.

10. Broken Spoke

History, Food, Dancing

After a long day walking around campus, you’re probably ready to kick off your shoes and get a little Footloose. Luckily, Austin has its very own Honky Tonk bar where you can learn how to two-step or catch a country music legend in the making. Check the calendar to see if there are any interesting events happening while you’re in town.

11. Home Slice Pizza

Food, Culture

Home Slice Pizza is one of the more student-friendly restaurants in Austin. It has a hipster vibe, and you can snag dinner for under $20. They have two locations and also offer delivery.

12. Ladybird Lake

While in Austin, you can choose from a wide range of parks, trails, and recreational activities. For those who love the outdoors, we recommend renting a paddle board or kayak at Ladybird Lake. You’ll fall in love with the breath-taking views of downtown Austin from the shoreside.

“There’s this really awesome trail. If you go in the morning, the water shimmers, and over the lake you can see the Austin skyline,” Dang said.

13. Zilker Park

Recreation, Insta-worthy

This 351-acre park is most well-known as the location for Austin City Limits Music Festival that occurs every October. Dang says that if you’re going to live in Austin, you have to check it out.

Barton Springs

Within Zilker Park, you’ll find this pool fed by an underground spring that keeps the water cool year-round. The pool itself has a lot of history and is home to Barton Springs Salamander, an endangered species.

“The water is very, very cold so a lot of people go here to swim. It’s really nice in the summer or fall,” Dang said.

14. South Congress Bridge

Large groups of locals and tourists gather at South Congress Bridge from around 7:30 to 8:30 pm to watch thousands of bats take flight . From March to November, these Mexican free-tailed bats congregate under the bridge. They fly out at night and feed on moths, mosquitoes, crickets, and other small insects.

15. Mount Bonnel

For an even better view of the city, we recommend taking the short trek up Mt. Bonnell. The paved trail is 0.3 miles long and will bring you the highest point in Austin.

“Once you hike up the trail, you have this wonderful view. If you go in the evening you can even see the sunset,” Dang said.

So, what’s next?

As you can see, there’s plenty to do on and off campus. After you’ve visited the college, it’s time to decide whether or not you want to apply. We offer college counseling services to help guide you through the college admissions process. Contact a campus near you to learn more.

Photos courtesy of Thomas Dang

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• Campus & Community : Campus Destinations

Campus Destinations

Spend just a minute on our campus and you'll quickly see how The University of Texas at Austin is an immense and beautiful world all its own. And with our dozens of museums, libraries, centers, institutes and special venues spread across the campus and the city, each with its own unique exhibits and programming, you'll never be bored. Designed to enhance the experience of not just current students, faculty, and staff but also community members and visitors from around the world, our many campus destinations will educate, delight and amaze.

Blanton Museum of Art

One of the foremost university art museums in the country, with the largest and most comprehensive collection of art in Central Texas.

Cactus Cafe

Located in the historical Texas Union, the Cactus is a live music listening room that showcases top local, regional, national and international acts.

Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium

One of the largest stadiums in the nation — and home to our beloved Longhorns football team.

Briscoe Center for American History

A leading history research center featuring rich collections on Texas and U.S. history.

Gregory Gym Aquatic Complex

An impressive aquatic complex with indoor and outdoor lap and leisure pools, a spa, deck space, and more.

Harry Ransom Center

An internationally renowned humanities research library and museum, providing unique insight into the creative process of writers and artists.

LBJ Presidential Library

An iconic presidential library and museum covering President Lyndon Baines Johnson's political career and American history.

Moody Center

Moody Center is a $375M, 15,000+ seat premier venue featuring over 150 nights a year of unique entertainment. Moody Center features the best and biggest names in the music industry while hosting The University of Texas Women’s and Men’s basketball games, family shows and other sporting and local events.

Stark Center

A museum and library dedicated to the study of physical culture and sports.

William C. Powers, Jr. Student Activity Center

A state-of-the-art, award-winning and environmentally friendly student gathering space.

Texas Science & Natural History Museum

A museum devoted to the natural sciences, exhibiting the university’s stunning biological and geological collections.

Texas Union

Our historic student union, serving as the university's "living room" since 1933.

UT Austin's most recognizable landmark and symbol.

Visual Arts Center

A vibrant and dynamic creative hub on campus with both exhibition and research space.

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Visit Plan II

Connect with Plan II Honors!  

High School Juniors and Seniors are invited to learn more about the Plan II Honors program.  There are several different ways to learn more about our program and application process.  Newly admitted High School Seniors will receive additional opportunities to engage with Plan II Honors (details available late February)

INFORMATION SESSIONS

Virtual sessions  via zoom:  register here.

January 24th  6pm (CST)

February 14th  6pm (CST)

April 10th  6pm (CST)

On campus sessions:  R egister here 

February 2nd  10am - 11:30am

February 9th  10am - 11:30am

March 29th  10am - 11:30am

April 12th  10am - 11:30am

Our Plan II Honors sessions (both virtual and in person) cover:  

• What is Plan II? and Plan II core curriculum
• Current Plan II student Q&A
• Double-major & dual-degree info
• Application process/Evaluation criteria
• Plan II student organizations & community   
• Study abroad
• Civic engagement and internships

Request a Plan II Class Visit!

Thank you for your interest in visiting a Plan II class! Spring class visits will end 4/12/24 to accomodate the final exam schedules of many of our classes.   Request a visit here:  https://forms.gle/SjGZXEthBNBjZsdf9   

IMPORTANT:   Preference will be given to High School seniors ADMITTED for Fall 2024 .  Please note that we do not offer classes in the evenings or on weekends. In addition - please plan to schedule your class visit at least 1 week in advance.  Unfortunately - we cannot accommodate class visits within the same week of a request.

For a description of the Plan II Curriculum, please visit: https://liberalarts.utexas.edu/plan2/curriculum/ For questions related to the application and admissions, please visit our prospective students page ( https://liberalarts.utexas.edu/plan2/prospective-students/ )

or contact Admissions Director Kerry Pasquale at [email protected]

Summer visits:

Plan II Honors discourages visits to campus during the summer or over Spring Break, when future students can't attend a Plan II class, meet Plan II Honors majors, meet with faculty or see campus in any way that will be helpful for a student considering college choices.  This is a really active, busy campus—during the long semesters.  In the summer there are a lot of relatively empty buildings on a hot and quiet campus.  A summer visit simply does not give a prospective student good information.  And that's true at the vast majority of college campuses nation-wide.   (Think about bringing prospective students to your high school for a visit in July….  What would they see?)  Only a visit during a long semester can really give a prospective applicant the full picture of what it might be like to be a student at UT Austin.  We cannot meet individually with drop-ins during the summer .

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UT Austin students protest school’s DEI layoffs amid state ban

Some 200 students at the University of Texas at Austin disrupted a virtual faculty council meeting conducted by university president Jay Hartzell on Monday to oppose the school’s decision earlier this month to lay off nearly 60 employees who worked in diversity, equity and inclusion-related positions on campus. 

When Hartzell and other university officials logged on to the meeting, they were met with scores of students, all sharing a black background that read “No DEI = Not Our Texas” in red letters. 

“We wanted to show them that we want transparency, we want communication from him, we want his support. We want him to address us and to clarify his questions about [State Bill] 17 compliance and the changes he’s been sweeping through our campus,” Christian Mira, of UT Austin’s Queer Trans Black Indigenous People of Color Agency, said of Hartzell. “If he’s going to claim that everything he does is for the students, it’s on our shoulders, it’s our burden to disprove that. We’re not happy with the direction the university’s going in.”

In a message to the school community on April 2, Hartzell announced that UT Austin would close its Division of Campus and Community Engagement and no longer fund programs or activities that support DEI, in accordance with SB 17 , a Texas law passed last June that essentially bans DEI efforts at higher education institutions . On Monday, he confirmed reports that 57 employees who worked in DEI positions had been laid off, with eight moved from the positions back to regular teaching jobs. A spokesperson for the university, Brian Davis, confirmed the numbers and, when asked about specific allegations from students and faculty, referred NBC News to Hartzell’s initial message to the university community. 

Hartzell wrote in his initial message that the university had begun a “multiphase process” to make changes required by the new law . As a result, UT Austin leaders have broadened some programs, redistributed others and closed DEI programs altogether.  

Critics of the layoffs said they were blindsided by the news and that Hartzell has not answered their many questions. 

“People are really frustrated. It feels really unfair,” Karma Chávez, the chair of the university’s Mexican American and Latina/o Studies program, told NBC News. “The folks that I’ve spoken to, I think, are mostly pretty angry. I think there’s also a sense of feeling pretty disillusioned with the workplace.”

Chávez said that those impacted by the layoffs are mostly people of color. “Largely those are Black and brown, queer and trans folks. It’s been pretty intense. It really doesn’t feel like the university has the back of anyone who used to do this kind of work,” Chávez said. 

The department that was shuttered provided resources for “those who may face the most significant challenges” in accessing education. In addition to layoffs, the university shut down several student support programs like Monarch, which helped undocumented students with college applications, financial aid and internships. The division also housed the Women’s Community Center, previously called the Gender and Sexuality Center, and it is not on the school’s list of programs to relocate, according to the Austin American-Statesman . The university’s beloved Multicultural Engagement Center , which students have called a “ home away from home ,” also shut down in January after SB 17 went into effect. 

Backlash to the layoffs and changes have been swift. A group of professors with the school’s chapter of the American Association of University Professors sent a letter to Hartzell last week demanding that the job cuts be reversed. The professors argued that the DEI layoffs were discriminatory and violated the employees’ right to freedom of expression. The Texas Legislative Black Caucus condemned the decision and the Texas NAACP released a statement asking for transparency from university officials and more information about the terminations. 

More on DEI at colleges and universities

• Bans on diversity, equity and inclusion may halt Latino progress in higher education
• Backlash in Texas as diversity initiatives put on hold in vast university system
• North Carolina university committee swiftly passes policy change that could cut diversity staff
• Texas A&M’s botched hire may be a sign for diversity education in the state's schools

Faculty members, students and staffers are calling for accountability and a reversal of the firings. Students have consistently spoken out against the shuttering of the programs they said supported them through college life. 

“It’s beyond Black and brown students. It’s also students who have disabilities who are sad. There are students who represent different genders and sexualities who are sad,” graduate student Zion James told NBC News. “Overall, the campus morale is sad. We don’t know what to do. We don’t know where to go, or how to move forward.” 

James lamented losing staff and faculty who he’d come to call mentors and friends. “I feel like I’m being robbed of my family,” he said. 

On April 8, a week after Hartzell’s initial message, at least 100 students gathered for a demonstration on campus with signs like “Not Our Texas,” condemning the DEI changes. At least 500 students, staff, alumni and campus organizations signed a letter demanding transparency from university and state officials on the matter. 

“That there is a very present and active student body of marginalized students who are not just going to sit here and accept these changes that are happening without our buy-in, without our consent, without at least attempted collaboration,” said Amanda Garcia, a member of Texas Students for DEI , 

Texas follows Florida to become the second state in the country to ban DEI initiatives in higher education. The Texas bill, which went into effect on Jan. 1, states that DEI promotes “differential treatment” on the basis of “race, color, or ethnicity,” a common talking point of conservative activists working to end the programs in several industries. 

In the weeks since the UT Austin changes, about 20 staff members at the University of Texas at Dallas were also laid off to comply with the law, according to the Dallas Morning News .  

Chávez and Mónica Jiménez, assistant professor of African and African Diaspora Studies at the university, were among a group of UT Austin professors who spent months pushing back against SB 17 during the last legislative session. Jiménez said university officials met with groups of faculty and others who opposed DEI changes. She said officials told them that the university would move employees into other positions, restructure departments and rename programs and divisions but implied that people would not lose their jobs. 

“To hear now, four months after implementation, after people have already done the hard work of learning new jobs and put into new positions, that they were going to be let go anyway, it’s been really frustrating for all of us on campus,” Jiménez said. 

Chávez shared similar sentiments.

“They did say, ‘We’re going to do everything possible to make sure — that’s not our goal here to make anyone lose their jobs,’” Chávez recalled. “I never felt really confident about that, but I wanted to be able to take them at their word. Now it’s clear they were lying.”

Char Adams is a reporter for NBC BLK who writes about race.

Earth Day ATX 2024

• Presented By: Huston-Tillotson University
• Dates: April 20, 2024
• Location: Huston-Tillotson University
• Time: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
• Price: Free

Join us for the Earth Day ATX Festival at Huston-Tillotson University on Saturday, April 20th, from 12 PM to 5 PM. This family-friendly event features an array of activities including live music, food, and kids’ activities. Explore exhibits, panels, and special features like the AISD electric bus, personal interviews with mayoral candidates, and life-size interactive walkabout puppets. The festival is open to the public and focuses on local initiatives and sustainability. For more details, visit www.earthdayaustin.com.

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Published April 18, 2024 By: Jeremy Simon

2024 Reunion Shows High Attendance, Giving

Texas Law welcomed returning alumni on April 12 and 13, offering them a chance to reunite and remember with friends and faculty alike.

Reunion  is about people, and the 800 attendees who gathered this year brought all their energy and enthusiasm to the proceedings. Alums included everyone from federal judges to heads of nonprofits to professors to public servants to partners and associates at both big and small firms.

Alums emphasized how meaningful the experience was. “Attending reunion back where it all started—away from daily practice and rhythmic life —helps us all reflect on how far we’ve all come, what new interests we’ve developed, and, concurrently, what hasn’t changed one bit,” said Poorav K. Rohatgi ’14, class co-chair and a white-collar criminal defense attorney with Gerger, Hennessy, Martin & Peterson in Washington, D.C.

For attendees, seeing friends was often a big draw. “You have to keep in touch with all of your classmates,” advised Sylvia Burks ’84, partner at Burks Johansson in San Francisco.  “ Make connections and keep those connections that are valuable to you—and not just valuable from a professional perspective, but also from a personal perspective.”

Others also emphasized the value of law school friendships. “I have good friends from law school who I kept up with,” said Tom Cason ’09, partner at Blackwell, Blackburn, Herring & Singer LLP in Dallas, including three of his groomsmen and all his golfing buddies.

“Law school was the best three years of my life,” he added.

Weekend of Celebration  

This year’s reunion honored classes with years ending in “4” and “9” from 1959-2019. 

On Friday evening, the honored classes of 1959, 1964, and 1969 celebrated their reunion parties at the Driskill Hotel. Meanwhile, other alumni and their guests enjoyed a kickoff dinner on the Four Seasons lawn. There was also a reunion party that night for the honored class of 1974 at the Four Seasons.    

Law school “was a wonderful time with wonderful people—dear, dear people,” said Gerald Hilsher ’79, retired shareholder at McAffee & Taft in Tulsa.  The gathering on “the Four Seasons lawn was just so much fun to get back together with folks.” 

Beginning Saturday morning, alums and their guests gathered at the law school to enjoy faculty presentations, the dean’s address, lunch on the lawn, school tours, and family entertainment. The day’s soundtrack included children playing, laugher, and friendly conversation between law school classmates — and new friends from different classes who met for the first time as members of the extended Texas Law family.

“I was excited to come back to Austin and see a bunch of people I went to law school with and who went to law school before me to hear their advice, as I’m in my third year of practice,” said Anelis Villarreal ’21, associate at Baker & McKenzie LLP in Houston.

Leadership donors attended a reception with Dean Bobby Chesney that afternoon. In the evening, reunion parties for the honored classes of 1979-2019 took place at various locations around town.

For some alums, the law school has changed significantly from their time there. “It’s far more student-oriented,” said Lawrence Fischman ’64, shareholder at Glast Phillips & Murray PC in Dallas.  “ Back then, the student lounge was maybe 10 by 10 feet with a couple of bridge tables.”

Of course, legal technology has changed, too. “When I first started out, the only accessories in the courtroom were spittoons,” Fischman quipped of his legal career beginnings.

There were nods to missed classmates, as well. The Class of 1974 dedicated a bench on the north side of the law school to beloved friend and classmate Jane Hayman ’74, who passed away in October 2022. The bench dedication offered a chance to shed tears and share some fond memories of Hayman’s devotion to her law school community. The “best friends” bench is a fitting tribute to someone for whom the law school meant so much.

The passing of friends made attending reunion even more important for some attendees. “I lost my best law school buddy last year,” said Cynthia Jackson ’79, retired employment lawyer. “I recently lost two more friends, and I didn’t want to miss out on seeing other friends.” 

Looking Back 

Despite changes in the legal profession, alums acknowledged how their education at Texas Law continues to serve them. 

“Law school offers a framework of thinking about how to understand the laws” even as they change, said Greg Sapire ’94, a shareholder with Maynard Nexsen PC in Austin. “And I got that foundation from The University of Texas School of Law.”

Cheryl Barber ’84, associate general counsel at USAA in San Antonio, recalled that her professor were skilled lawyers who shared their wisdom with students. “You learned how to think critically because that’s what lawyers do,” she said, noting an emphasis that went beyond simply memorizing. “They did a good job teaching us how to analyze problems and come up with solutions,” she said. “It was a good experience. That’s why I came back.” 

But it wasn’t always easy.  

Law school “was intimidating, and a lot harder than I thought it would be,” said Andy Kerr ’74, partner at Clark Hill PLC in San Antonio. “But I finally got adjusted and graduated. It did work out great. And I’ve been very fortunate in the years since graduation,” he said. “When I was here, I had great professors, great people who I made friends with, and it was just a great experience.” 

Generous Giving 

In a bit of informal reunion competition, the Class of 1974 raised the largest dollar amount for Texas Law scholarships (over $242,000) thanks in part to also having the highest percentage of class participate in giving back (over 33%). The Class of 1994 raised the second-largest dollar amount for scholarships (over $134,500), while the Class of 1999 saw the second-highest percentage of donors (27%). The Class of 2014, meanwhile, registered the largest percentage of alums for reunion.

“Lawyers are very good and generous people. If you look at any kind of charitable group, lawyers always give a lot of money to it,” said Lee Yeakel ’69, a retired judge and current senior counsel at King & Spalding LLP in Austin. “Lawyers are really very caring.” 

Through their collective efforts, the honored classes raised a combined $779,115 towards class scholarships.

“Reunion 2024 saw some of the highest attendance and fundraising in the history of Texas Law reunions,” said Lorraine Sarles ’09, the school’s director of reunions. “We are thrilled so many alumni returned to celebrate and had such an incredible time.” 

Additional reporting by Tenley Jackson and Sam Jefferson.

View Reunion Photos in Flickr

More photos to come!