You may already know that Texas McCombs has the top-ranked graduate accounting program in the nation, but did you know these fun facts about The University of Texas at Austin? Keep reading to learn more about the 40 Acres!
Tower Girl near her nest on top of the UT Tower
1. TOWER GIRL
The University’s campus is home to many native animals, including our very own falcon living on top of the UT Tower. Referred to as Tower Girl, she was discovered by the Biodiversity Center whose group of scientists and students study species and land use in Texas. She normally lays eggs every year that have the potential to hatch in April or May! The eyes of Tower Girl are truly upon you. Read about Tower Girl.
The Gutengerg Bible – Photo Credit: https://www.history.com/news/7-things-you-may-not-know-about-the-gutenberg-bible
2. THE GUTENBERG BIBLE
The Harry Ransom Center, an archive, library, and museum, holds 1 of the 49 Gutenberg Bibles that exist in the world today. Explore one of the first books created with moveable type.
Meet Domino, the FAC cat!
3. DOMINO THE FAC CAT
Domino, the campus cat, can be spotted sitting on the grass near the Flawn Academic Center (FAC) in West Mall. Many UT students, including a UT professor, take care of Domino with cat food and lots of petting.
Hear from fellow Longhorns about their love for Domino!
While on campus, keep an eye out for the Albino Squirrel
4. THE LEGEND OF THE ALBINO SQUIRREL
Squirrels are very common creatures around campus, but one particular squirrel is hard to find: The Albino Squirrel. According to campus legend, if you spot this special squirrel on your way to an exam, you will get an A!
Joseph Nicéphore Niépce’s First Photograph – Photo Credit: https://www.hrc.utexas.edu/niepce-heliograph/
5. THE FIRST PHOTOGRAPH
The First Photograph by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce is one of the earliest forms of photography taken with a camera. It’s hard to see the image at first glance, but a deeper look shows a residence area in France. The Harry Ransom center purchased the photograph in 1963.
The LBJ Library is a sight to see! Photo Credit: https://www.goodfreephotos.com/united-states/texas/austin/the-great-at-the-lbj-presidential-library.jpg.php
6. LBJ LIBRARY
UT houses one of the 14 Presidential Libraries called the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library administered by the National Archives and Records Administration. Within its walls, the library holds over 45 million pages and many more artifacts about the LBJ administration. Check it out online!
The infamous Littlefield Fountain – Photo Credit: https://fineartamerica.com/featured/littlefield-fountain-on-ut-austin-campus-karen-stephenson.html?product=art-print
7. LITTLEFIELD FOUNTAIN
This beautiful fountain located in South Mall was created to honor the memory of students and alumni who lost their lives during World War I. It is now the home to majority of graduation pictures as students jump in with their stoles on and often champagne in hand; yet another UT tradition.
Find out more about its history.
The famous burnt orange Longhorn logo!
8. THE ORIGIN OF BURNT ORANGE AND WHITE
In 1855, two students stopped by a store to purchase ribbons to hand out to the crowd during a game. When they arrived, the store owner only had the colors orange and white most of in stock. It wasn’t for another 73 years, in 1928, that UT declared orange and white as the official school colors.
Read more about this legendary story.
The UT Tower lights up the night – Photo Credit: https://alcalde.texasexes.org/2013/01/why-is-the-tower-orange-now-you-can-find-out/
9. THE UT TOWER
Originally built as a library and standing at 307 feet tall, the UT Tower is one of the most iconic monuments on campus (and on any U.S. campus!). The Tower lights up orange after every sports win with a number “1” on each side to show UT pride, and it was first lit during the 1937 football season. Learn more about the Tower!
