Generations of Longhorns Share Their Alumni Center Wedding Stories
Nestled along the shady banks of Waller Creek and standing proud in the shadow of its towering big brother, Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, the Alumni Center has long served the University as a bustling hub of Longhorn activities. Studying, tailgating, and socializing keep the campus spot buzzing throughout the school year. But for many alumni, the Etter-Harbin Alumni Center is more than a place to open a textbook or enjoy some pregame revelry—it’s been the backdrop to one of life’s most meaningful moments, marriage. Whether exchanging vows beneath the century-old cypress trees or tearing up the dance floor in Connally Ballroom, many Longhorns have celebrated their nuptials at the home of the Texas Exes.
“People really love their school,” says Rachel Levy, general manager of Rosemary’s Catering, the Alumni Center’s longtime catering partner. “And alumni will often do anything they can to feel connected to the University following graduation.” Levy says the Alumni Center hosts about a dozen weddings or receptions a year: “It’s a hidden gem. If you’re looking for a beautiful ceremony spot that is outdoors in the downtown vicinity, this is it.” Levy says that another special perk is that the space is totally customizable, and these walls have seen just about every Longhorn tradition brought to life—from surprise Bevo appearances to raucous wedding processions soundtracked by the Longhorn Band.
We asked alumni to share their Alumni Center wedding memories, and the stories did not disappoint.
Greg Shrader, BS ’74, MA ’82, and Laura Thomas, BS ’74, Life Members
May 18, 1974
How We Met: On a blind date
First Dance: We skipped the dancing and went straight to the cake and punch.
“When it came to walking across the graduation stage or walking down the aisle, we opted for the latter. On Graduation Day, we were married in University United Methodist Church on the Drag. The wedding party then crossed campus for our reception at the Alumni Center. Laura’s mother, Charlotte Wigzell Logan, BA ’46, Life Member, sponsored us in renting the reception room for $50, plus the $10 janitorial fee. The oaks outside the Alumni Center served as the backdrop for most of the wedding photos. The shade made standing outside in gowns and tuxedos bearable. After cake cutting, champagne punch, and conversation, we dashed down the steps of the center and sped down San Jacinto to begin our life together, one that is still being celebrated more than 51 years later.”
Dana Sellers, BS ’75, and Gene Sellers, BA ’74, JD ’77, Life Members
May 23, 1975
How We Met: High school sweethearts
The Bride Wore: A handmade lace dress from Mexico
“Our family has celebrated two generations of wedding receptions at the Alumni Center so far. The first was just over 50 years ago. It was an incredibly stormy day in Austin. We had friends who tried to drive in from Houston and had to turn around because the highway was flooded. We had relatives who drove from Eagle Pass only to have their car windows blown out by hail. But we made it to the church and tied the knot before making our way to the Alumni Center for our reception.
In 1975, the Alumni Center was much smaller than it is today, and, in those days, receptions were simple. We served cake, popcorn (my favorite food), champagne, and what we called ‘killer punch’ which was sangria with a little extra kick. My mother surprised Gene by serving nachos, too. Nothing fancy, but I guess it stuck: We just celebrated our 50th anniversary.
Much to my delight, our son Baine, BA ’09, and his wife Sara, BS ’10, Life Members, decided to have their wedding reception at the Alumni Center, too. On November 22, 2014, the weather was once again stormy, but the wedding was beautiful. Sara had placed photos of our wedding and her parents’ wedding on tables where guests had cocktails and appetizers. It was really something to see photos of our celebration in that same room 39 years before. Who knows … maybe the next generation will celebrate at the Alumni Center, too.”
Mollie Romness, BA ’03, and David Romness, BS ’02, Life Members
March 10, 2007
How We Met: At Gregory Gym
On the Menu: A UT Tower groom’s cake
“My husband and I held our wedding reception at the Alumni Center. David was a student employee of the Texas Exes so was very familiar with the space and the people there. We are both Texas Exes and had many Longhorns in attendance at our wedding. Of course, we sang “The Eyes of Texas” together at one point.
Longhorn football is a huge part of my family, as my brother Richmond McGee, BS ’06, was a member of the 2005 National Championship team. We loved that the Alumni Center is across the street from the stadium, which was a very special place for my family and me. While dating, David and I attended every football game, home and away, during the season leading up to the National Championship—what a way to get to know my family well!”
David Onion, BS ’86, and Susan Onion, BS ’86, Life Members
March 12, 1988
“Since 1965, the Etter-Harbin Alumni Center has been more than just a building—it’s been a heartbeat. A place where stories start, friendships rekindle, and memories get made. One of the most unforgettable moments for my wife and me? Our wedding reception. That night was magic. And get this—our celebration was the last hurrah before the building went through a major renovation. We danced the night away with family and friends on Saturday, and by Monday morning, the walls were coming down. I like to think we threw such a good party, the place just had to be rebuilt.
Peggy Berry, BBA ’79, and John Berry, BBA ’77, JD ’80, Life Members
May 31, 1980
The Bride Wore: Her mother’s wedding dress and grandmother’s antique lace veil
Fun Detail: Former Longhorn Band director Vincent R. DiNino played in a small orchestra at the wedding.
“According to Roy Vaughan, Life Member and former executive director of the Texas Exes, ours was the first wedding held at the Alumni Center. John was president of the Longhorn Band and a law student, and I was president of the Texas Union Board of Directors and Texas Union Program Council. Our first date was serving as ushers for the Distinguished Alumnus Awards ceremony. After our wedding we moved to Tyler, where we have lived and raised our family. Sadly (written with a smile), our son, Parker, said his blood ran crimson and went to the University of Oklahoma, and our daughter, Anne, graduated from Texas A&M. There is hope that one of our granddaughters will attend Texas!”
Carole Knippa Morgan, BA ’71, and Larry Glenn Morgan, BJ ’72, Life Members
May 12, 1973
First Date: We piled into a car with friends and headed to Laredo for a fun time.
On the Menu: A wedding cake with fresh flowers
“The Alumni Center was a great choice for our reception following the wedding at University Methodist Chapel. Larry had worked in the Chancellor‘s Office while a student and still gratefully relays the story of how they held his position for his return from Vietnam in 1969. Our wedding reception at the Alumni Center was very casual, especially by today’s standards. We were close to the 100 guests and spent the time visiting.”
Amy Ehlert Treviño, BS ’03, Life Member, and Mark Treviño, BBA ’04
June 10, 2006
First Dance: "I Believe in You" by Don Williams
On the Menu: Wedding cake served with Blue Bell ice cream to honor the bride’s Brenham roots.
“The Alumni Center has held a special place in my heart since childhood. I grew up tailgating there before Longhorn games with my parents, grandparents, neighbors, and family friends. From the earliest visits, it felt like home. Years later, the Forty Acres would become the backdrop to one of the most meaningful chapters of my life—meeting Mark. When it came time to choose a wedding venue, the decision was effortless. The Alumni Center wasn’t just nostalgic—it was the perfect meeting point between our hometowns: San Antonio and Brenham.
Our celebration was filled with the people who meant the most to us—my Pi Beta Phi sisters (who wore burnt- orange bridesmaid dresses, of course), Mark’s Silver Spur brothers, and many fellow UT alums. And in true Longhorn fashion, Bevo himself made an unforgettable appearance at the reception. UT gave us more than an education—it gave us lifelong friendships, cherished memories, and, most importantly, each other. Our story began on the Forty Acres, and to this day, every chapter still has burnt orange in it. We wouldn’t have it any other way."
Sharon Mathews, BS ’79, and Greg Mathews, BBA ’80, Life Members
June 1, 1980
How We Met: Delta Upsilon and Alpha Phi socials
On the Menu: Finger sandwiches that were scarfed down quickly!
“My husband and I were engaged for only one month. I graduated from UT in December 1979, but I stayed in Austin to work and to be near him. As his May 1980 graduation approached, I told him that if we weren’t going to get married, I was going to move home. Greg said that he needed a job before we could get married. Happily, he soon received an offer. Greg’s degree required a week-long geology field trip after classes ended in May, and then he was to be in the wedding of our friends Pam Ferguson, BBA ’80, and Alan Blackburn, BBA ’79, in San Antonio on May 31. The very first day we could marry was Sunday, June 1—the day after their wedding.
It is not easy to have a church wedding with just one month’s notice, and it’s especially not easy on a Sunday. However, the wonderful minister at Tarrytown United Methodist agreed to marry us in their chapel. We had never met him nor set foot in that church previously. It is also not easy to find a reception venue on one month’s notice. Luckily, Greg’s roommate worked part time at the Alumni Center, and he was able to secure it for us. We were thrilled. Our reception included a receiving line, a champagne fountain, and a table full of presents. We were especially happy with the $100 in cash that one relative handed us at the reception. This June, we celebrated our 45th anniversary. Thank you, UT and the Alumni Center!”
Joe Robertson, BA ’16, and Tori Robertson, BS ’14, Life Members
November 23, 2019
First Dance: “Hallelujah I Love Her So” by Ray Charles
Fun Detail: We left the reception wearing Stetson hats and riding on a horse-drawn carriage—in true Texas style.
“We met at UT in 2011 and began dating our freshman year. When it came time to choose a wedding venue, the decision practically made itself. The Alumni Center was more than a beautiful space—it was symbolic. Tori’s parents met attending UT Medical School, while Joe’s parents both earned national championships for the University’s swim team—a program Joe’s grandfather, Tex Robertson, BS ’42, Life Member, founded in 1935. Following the ceremony at Tarrytown United Methodist Church, guests made their way to the Alumni Center, where Rosemary’s Catering wowed with an incredible spread: a meat carving and veggie station, a taco bar, and— the culinary highlight—a seafood ceviche bar complete with ice sculptures. The night’s soundtrack came courtesy of Hot Sauce ATX, a band near and dear to us, as they had played countless events in our college days. Now we live in Austin with our 2-year-old daughter, Hallie, our baby boy, Brooks, and golden retriever, Atty. We hope to be back on campus as parents in 2041. Hook ’em!”
ILLUSTRATIONS: Alessandro Gottardo
PHOTOS: Courtesy of alumni wedding contributors
