Austin, TX

The University of Texas began as a concept, “Cultivated mind is the guardian genius of democracy.” Those words directed to Congress by Republic of Texas President, Maribeau Lamar, would later become the basis for the University of Texas motto, “Disciplina Praesidium Civitatis”.

Nicknamed the “Father of Texas Education”, Lamar convinced Congress to set aside land for public schools and two universities. Although the land was set aside in 1839, Lamar’s vision would not be realized for several decades. In 1871 Texas A&M was established but it would be another 12 years before the University of Texas officially opened its doors. It was on this day, September 15th, of 1883 that those doors opened, marking this as the 124th anniversary of the University of Texas.

The original faculty consisted of 8 professors, 4 assistants and a proctor and there were 221 students in the first session. Attendance rose steadily over the subsequent years but it took a Supreme Court decision in 1950 before African American students were allowed to enroll.

Today the University of Texas is one of the largest universities in the United States. From it’s humble beginnings, it has grown from it’s original 8 professors and 221 students to a 350-acre main campus with 21,000 faculty and staff, 16 colleges and schools and almost 50,000 students.

In celebration, you’ll find the Tower all decked out in orange today.

Now & Then: A photo tour of UT through the ages.

Other articles in this series:
University of Texas: Famous Alumni
University of Texas: Trivia

UT, University of Texas, Austin, Birthday, 124, Mirabeau Lamar