UT Tower lit burnt orange in the night sky

Established in 1883 as a University of the first class, we have been educating Texans and serving our state with pride for 142 years. An excerpt from Jim Nicar’s post on his UT History Corner blog today reads:

One hundred and forty-two years ago, the University of Texas opened not to the blare of trumpets and fanfare, but to the chatter of neighs and whinnies.

It was a sunny, sticky, Saturday morning, September 15, 1883, when nearly 300 persons gathered at 10 a.m. for the opening ceremonies of the new University. The men dressed in dark three-piece suits and popular bowler or derby hats, while the women donned colorful bustle dresses with matching, fashionable headwear.

The group assembled in what was the unfinished west wing of the old Main Building and sat on chairs arranged on a makeshift floor of undressed lumber, surrounded by unpainted walls. The incomplete windows were open to the elements, which required the day’s speakers to compete with the brays and snorts – and odors – of the many horses hitched outside.

Continue reading: One Hundred Forty-Two

As we light the Tower in all burnt orange tonight in celebration, learn more about our once-in-a-lifetime venture to restore, revitalize and reimagine the UT Tower to keep it standing tall for the next 142 years and beyond: tower.utexas.edu.