The UT Tower will shine with burnt orange lights and the number “23” on its sides on Tuesday, August 27 to welcome new students and the Class of 2023 to the Forty Acres.

Along with Mooov-In, Horns Up Night, and Party of the Plaza, Gone to Texas is part of Longhorn Welcome, a series of events for students at the start of a new academic year.

The Tower will turn orange during Gone to Texas as the Class of 2023 gathers together for the first time. Held each year the evening before classes begin, Gone to Texas kicks off the academic year with a brilliant showcase of the university’s spirit and traditions, showing new students firsthand what it means to be a Longhorn.

This university is the place for you to discover yourself, to learn about what inspires you, to meet so many others who will encourage your dreams… and to achieve more than you ever thought possible.”

—President Gregory L. Fenves to the Class of 2023

The next time the Tower will display “23” on its sides and be drenched in burnt orange lighting, the Class of 2023 will be gathered on the Main Mall for Commencement.