The Best Texas Exes Stories of 2013

By Alcalde Staff in Blog, Special on December 23, 2013 at 11:46 am | 1 Comment

A look back at the Longhorn newsmakers, groundbreakers, and viral sensations of an unforgettable year.

It was an undeniably big year on the Forty Acres. From impeachment hearings and court cases to artistic and academic triumphs, there were a lot of stories that challenged, entertained, and informed UT alumni this year—including some major shake-ups in the athletic department.

This year we worked to tell stories of interest to Texas Exes in new and useful ways. Here are a few of our favorites.

Challenges and Changes

The University made headlines across the country and around the world this year. Higher education observers and politicos watched as UT fought a Supreme Court challenge to its admissions policies and a UT System regent was investigated for allegedly conducting a “witch hunt” against the president of UT-Austin. Everyone (it seems) watched as head coach Mack Brown announced the end of his 16-year career at Texas. Here are some of this year’s most important stories.

• Supreme Court Sends UT Case Back to Lower Court
• TXEXplainer: The Wallace Hall Hearings
• Mack Brown Resigns as Head Coach of Texas Longhorns

People and Purpose

Everyday, students and ex-students create new ideas, influence the world around them, and help those in need. Back in April, a Texas Exes family found the support of the Longhorn community after the Boston Marathon bombing. Still others put wildly popular (and critically acclaimed) creations into the world. These are some of the most fascinating Longhorns of 2013.

• ‘We Thought He Was Gone’: A Longhorn Parent’s Nightmare in Boston
• UT Student’s Viral Hit Is the Darker Side of Disney [Watch]
• Did This Alum Write the Great American Novel? [Podcast]

Research and Exploration

From laboratories and classrooms to the field, a core function of the University is discovery. This year, we honored those who inspire their students and make big—really big—discoveries. We even explored ourselves, sharing one amazing field trip with Alcalde readers. Here’s a sample of the new frontiers Longhorns explored this year, and the professors who inspired them to explore.

• A Classroom at the Edge of the World [Interactive]
• The Miracle of Flight
• The Texas 1o: UT’s Most Inspiring Professors (Click here to nominate your favorite professor for the 2014 Texas 10)

Longhorn Pride

Keeping Exes connected to their alma mater also means sharing the best of Texas. From a nostalgic yet informative look at the flora and fauna on campus to the power of scholarships, we worked to share all that makes UT special. We even included a couple of Longhorn football greats for good measure.

• Forty Acres Field Guide [Interactive]
• Texas Exes Awards Record $2.53 Million in Scholarships to UT Students [Infographic]
• Longhorn Legends: The Skinny Post

Photo by Marsha Miller courtesy The University of Texas at Austin.

Tags: 2013, Fisher, mack brown, wallace hall