The University of Texas at Austin is a world-class institution with a long and storied history.
As one of the largest universities in the United States, UT Austin has accumulated a wealth of fascinating facts over its 140+ years.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most interesting and little-known details about the university, from its iconic landmarks to its notable alumni and unique traditions.
Whether you’re a current student, prospective applicant, or simply someone curious about UT Austin, you’re sure to learn something new.
History of University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin was established in 1883, following a long history that began with the idea of a public university in Texas, mentioned in the 1827 Mexican constitution.
After Texas gained independence, the 1876 Texas Constitution mandated the creation of The University of Texas.
The university opened its doors on September 15, 1883, with just one building and 221 students.
Over the years, it has grown into a leading research institution, now serving over 51,000 students across 18 colleges and schools, and is recognized as the flagship of the University of Texas System.
With that said let’s have a look at some interesting facts about The University of Texas at Austin;
1. UT Austin was established in 1883 with just one building, eight professors, and 221 students.
2. The university’s official colors are burnt orange and white, which were first used in 1885 after a local store owner suggested the colors because he had a lot of those colors in stock.
3. UT Austin is home to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum, which houses historical documents, artifacts, and exhibits related to the life and legacy of President LBJ.
4. The university’s mascot is the longhorn, and Bevo, the live longhorn mascot, is a beloved symbol of UT Austin.
5. The UT Tower, standing at 307 feet tall, is one of the most iconic monuments on campus and is lit up orange after every sports win with a number “1” on each side to show UT pride.
6. The Harry Ransom Center, an archive, library, and museum, holds one of the 49 Gutenberg Bibles that exist in the world today.
7. UT Austin has one of the largest university libraries in the United States, with close to 10 million volumes, making it the 7th largest college library in the country.
8. The university is home to the Blanton Museum of Art, which showcases a diverse collection of art, ranging from ancient to contemporary pieces.
9. UT Austin is known for its top-ranked academic programs, consistently ranking among the best in various fields of study.
10. The university has a strong athletic tradition, with its sports teams, known as the Texas Longhorns, achieving success in football, basketball, and other sports.
11. UT Austin has a vibrant music scene, with the Butler School of Music and the Texas Performing Arts contributing to the city’s reputation as the “Live Music Capital of the World.”
12. The university offers a wide range of student organizations and clubs, allowing students to engage in extracurricular activities that align with their interests.
13. UT Austin is a leader in research and innovation, actively promoting interdisciplinary collaborations to address societal challenges and advance knowledge in various fields.
14. The university is located in the vibrant city of Austin, Texas, known for its live music, outdoor activities, and thriving tech industry.
15. UT Austin has a rich history, with the Texas Constitution of 1876 mandating the creation of “The University of Texas” for the promotion of literature, arts, and sciences.
16. The university’s motto, “Disciplina, Praesidium, Civitatis,” captures the spirit of public service and leadership that has been a part of UT Austin since its earliest years.
17. UT Austin was the first university in Texas to be invited into membership by the Association of American Universities (AAU) in 1929.
18. The university has been home to intellectual giants like historian Walter Webb, folklorists J. Frank Dobie and Americo Paredes, and Nobel laureate biologist Hermann Muller.
19. UT Austin receives about $800 million a year for research, much of it from federal sources, led by the Department of Defense.
20. The university has built some of the world’s fastest computers and is a charter member of a consortium building the world’s largest telescope.
21. UT Austin was the first flagship university in the former Confederacy to admit black students in 1950.
22. The university has been affiliated with 13 Nobel Prize winners, 25 Pulitzer Prize winners, three Turing Award winners, two Fields Medal recipients, two Wolf Prize winners, and three Abel Prize winners.
23. UT Austin has also been affiliated with three Primetime Emmy Award winners, and as of 2021, its students and alumni have earned a total of 15 Primetime Emmy Awards.
24. The university is home to the Domino, the campus cat, who can be spotted sitting on the grass near the Flawn Academic Center (FAC) in West Mall.
25. According to campus legend, if you spot the Albino Squirrel on your way to an exam, you will get an A!
26. The Littlefield Fountain, located on the South Mall, was built to commemorate UT students and alumni who died during World War I.
27. The original school song was “Jolly Students of the Varsity” written by John Lang Sinclair and Lewis Johnson, but a year later, “The Eyes of Texas” was written, which has been the school’s song ever since.
28. The Hook ’em Horns hand signal was introduced in 1955 during a pep rally by head cheerleader Harley Clark Jr. and was later recognized as the Top College Hand Signal by Sports Illustrated.
29. The Bevo mascot earned its name during a 1915 football match-up against the Aggies, when the Longhorns changed the 13-0 score to a B, the hyphen to an E, and added a V before the 0, resulting in Bevo.
30. The clock tower on campus has a prominent role in the film “My All-American,” which tells the inspiring true story of Freddie Steinmark, a UT football player, and showcases the university’s rich football history.
31. The university’s campus is home to many native animals, including a falcon living on top of the UT Tower, referred to as Tower Girl, who normally lays eggs every year that have the potential to hatch in April or May.
32. The First Photograph by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce, one of the earliest forms of photography taken with a camera, is housed in the Harry Ransom Center.
33. The LBJ Library holds over 45 million pages and many more artifacts about the LBJ administration.
34. The Littlefield Fountain is now the home to the majority of graduation pictures as students jump in with their stoles on and often champagne in hand, yet another UT tradition.
35. The university’s campus is home to seven museums and seventeen libraries.
36. UT Austin operates various auxiliary research facilities, such as the J. J. Pickle Research Campus and the McDonald Observatory.
37. The university has won four NCAA Division I National Football Championships, six NCAA Division I National Baseball Championships, and thirteen NCAA Division I National Men’s Swimming and Diving Championships.
38. UT Austin has claimed more titles in men’s and women’s sports than any other member in the Big 12.
39. The university has a global network of nearly half a million alumni.
40. UT Austin is both a community — more than 51,000 students in 18 colleges and schools, their teachers, researchers and staff — and a nation, Longhorn Nation.
41. The university’s research expenditures totaled $1.06 billion for the 2023 fiscal year.
42. UT Austin is the largest institution in the University of Texas System, with 52,384 students as of Fall 2022.
43. The university has been affiliated with famous alumni such as Mathew McConaughey, Kevin Durant, and Ricky Williams.
44. The Big Bertha drum, weighing over 500 pounds and measuring eight feet in diameter, is almost a century old and is used at UT Austin sporting events.
45. Smokey The Cannon, built in 1953, is shot every time the Longhorns score a touchdown during football games.
46. The university’s campus is known for its beautiful architecture, including the iconic UT Tower and the Littlefield Fountain.
47. UT Austin is committed to providing a world-class education and fostering a vibrant campus community that celebrates diversity, innovation, and excellence.
Conclusion
The University of Texas at Austin stands as a beacon of academic excellence, cultural richness, and vibrant community spirit.
With its storied history, impressive research initiatives, and diverse student body, UT Austin continues to shape the future of education and innovation.
The fascinating facts highlighted in this article only scratch the surface of what makes this institution truly unique.
From its iconic traditions and renowned alumni to its commitment to public service and leadership, UT Austin embodies the spirit of the Longhorn Nation.
As the university evolves and grows, it remains dedicated to fostering an environment where students can thrive, explore their passions, and make meaningful contributions to society.
Whether you are a current student, an alumnus, or simply a curious observer, the legacy of UT Austin will undoubtedly continue to inspire and engage for generations to come.
