TowerTalk

I want to share a new video with you about the Powers Fellows. As some of you may already know, the Powers Graduate Fellowship Program was created in 2009 from a generous donation through the Foundation for Global Sports Development via Dr. Steven Ungerleider. These fellowships are among the most prestigious awarded by the Graduate School, providing a financial package of $36,000 over 12 months. Powers Fellows, currently numbering 23, are among the academic elite on our campus.

I’m honored to be associated with this effort, and I think you’ll find this video inspiring.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbabDbj0kNg&feature=player_embedded

Hook ’em Horns,

At the 2012 University of Texas Awards Dinner

On Wednesday night I had the honor of recognizing 13 members of the UT family with prestigious awards on behalf of the University. The Tower glowed orange in their honor as well. The recipients were …

Presidential Citation
To recognize the extraordinary contributions of individuals who personify the University’s commitment to transforming lives

• Jay Boisseau, the highly successful director of UT’s Texas Advanced Computing Center
• John Massey, a business executive whose generosity has made an impact in our schools of law, business, and education
• Charles Tate, an investment banker whose many areas of service to the University include the Commission of 125 and the board of UTIMCO
• Barbara White, who stepped down as dean of the UT School of Social Work last summer after 18 years of leadership

Civitatis Award
To recognize outstanding faculty citizenship

• Martha Hilley, a tremendous teacher of piano pedagogy and active member of the UT community who next year will take her second turn as chair of the Faculty Council

Arno Nowotny Medal
For contributions to student life

• Jeanne Carpenter, the recently retired director of University Health Services and associate vice president for student affairs
• Shirley Bird Perry, a senior vice president, vice chancellor of the UT System, and director of the Texas Union, who passed away in 2011

President’s Associates Teaching Excellence
For outstanding teachers in the colleges of Liberal Arts and Natural Sciences

• Caryn Carlson, Psychology
• Alan Friedman, English
• Theresa Jones, Psychology
• Naomi Lindstrom, Spanish and Portuguese
• Elizabeth Stepp, Mathematics
• Hannah Wojciehowski, English

These are the kind of people who make The University of Texas the special place it is day in and day out. My profound thanks and congratulations to them all.

Hook ’em Horns,

From left, me with UT deans Greg Fenves of Engineering,
Tom Gilligan of Business, and David Laude of Natural Sciences

Many of you, especially in the Houston area, know how much fun the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is.

But you might not realize that it’s also a huge supporter of The University of Texas. Over the years, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has awarded scholarships enabling 1,289 students to attend UT Austin. These scholarships total more than $15.5 million. Currently, there are 390 students on campus receiving $785,000 because of the generosity of this organization.

In addition, I was surprised Tuesday night, during their annual UT Day reception, to receive $285,000 worth of donations to UT from five past chairmen of the livestock show and rodeo: Louis Pearce, Don Jordan, Mike Wells, John O. Smith, and Paul Somerville.

In addition to them, I want to thank the current chairman, Steve Stevens, for his support and for hosting many of us Tuesday night.

For 80 years, this has been far more than just a rodeo and livestock show. It’s an event that really makes a difference, and not just in Houston but across the state and around the world.

Thank you again, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Hook ’em Horns!