The Communication Council boasts some notable alumni, but the history of its origins begs a bigger question about the legacy of organizations at the University of Texas. 

Communication Council was one of the last councils established at UT. First featured in The Cactus Yearbook in 1968, Communication Council actually started in 1966. The humble beginnings of the organization are a likely reason why it wasn’t officially featured until two years after its founding. 

One alum of the council is Cassandre Alvarado, senior associate dean of undergraduate education at Moody College. Alvarado joined Communication Council in fall 1993 as a sophomore studying journalism and public relations. 

“I had served as an orientation advisor, and the president of Comm Council, Mike Stopper, worked with me, and he was like, ‘You should think about joining Comm Council,’” she said. “So, I joined.” 

While Communication Council today sponsors different committees, including Moody Magazine, in the 90s, it had what could be argued as the precursor to this magazine: A newsletter committee. 

“One of the committees was the newsletter and I know I was on the newsletter committee,” said Alvarado, as she thought back to her time as part of the council. “It was a printed newsletter, and it went out twice a semester to undergrads. It was about eight pages, folded and black and white with pictures.”

Though time can change many things, she said the positive energy of the council is a hallmark. 

“That's always been a feature of Comm Council; it's been a very welcoming and supportive organization, and so students make and sustain connections with each other,” Alvarado said. 

Filling in the gaps to search for more information about Communication Council and its past proved harder than expected. The only information around was through word of mouth of people currently in council or alumni. The lack of archives and knowledge of the council is a common theme for many collegiate organizations.

It seems as though many organizations are always on the brink of disappearing as members continue to graduate, and a previously strong executive board can shift to one that struggles with member retention. It can be seen in organizations like the Texas Undergraduate Venezuelan Association, which appeared for a couple of years, but has been inactive since 2022. Some organizations may return or relaunch, such as BurntXOrange, which Moody Magazine highlighted in its fall 2023 issue. 

But Communication Council continues to be a mainstay. 

Alvarado reflected on the ways Communication Council now informs her work today. 

“Comm Council taught me so much about understanding and interfacing with academic leadership,” Alvarado said. “Being on Comm Council helped me learn about how universities work, and in doing so, actually piqued my interest in being more engaged and involved in universities down the road.” 

Alvarado said she recognizes that her ability to connect with students ties back to her time in the council. 

“Fast forward now, 32 years, and what it's given me is a reminder that when I solicit the feedback of students, I'm more able to represent the best interests of students. It really is kind of a full circle moment for me,” she said. “It helped grow me into a leader, and gave me confidence in ways that I didn't even know I needed.”