By Achiraya Kurth, Vice Chair 

LONGHORNS SHINE AT THE SUMMER OLYMPICS

Moody College made its way to the Summer Olympics! As the Games kicked off July 26 in  Paris, we cheered on one student and six alumni representing us on the world stage.   

The Longhorns alone brought home 16 total metals, including six gold, seven silver and three bronze. According to UT Athletics, if Texas were competing as its own country, it would have ranked 16th among all nations for total medals, and tied for 14th with gold medals earned. Texas celebrated its fourth-most medals in Olympic history and the most since the 2004 games.  

Advertising alumna Alison Gibson competed in women’s diving, Communication and Leadership alumni Carson Foster and David Johnston in men’s swimming, Communication studies alumna  Kaitlin Knifton in women’s rowing, Advertising junior Luke Hobson in men’s swimming, Communication Studies alumna Rhasidat Adeleke in women’s track and field and Communication and Leadership alumna Stacey Ann Williams in women’s track and field. Their  dedication and performances brought pride and excitement to the entire UT community. 

LONGHORNS AT THE WHITE HOUSE

UT’s Rowing and Volleyball teams took center stage at the White House’s NCAA Champions event on July 22, celebrating their stellar NCAA Championships from the 2023-24 academic year. Texas standouts Ella Swindle (Volleyball) and Lanie Nitsch (Rowing) represented the Longhorns, enjoying a day that included an exclusive tour of the White House and a symphony orchestra performance on the South Lawn. Vice President Kamala Harris, standing in for President Biden, praised the athletes for their “grit and determination.” This marks the Rowing team’s third  national title in four years and the Volleyball team’s second consecutive championship win.  Hook ‘em, indeed!

TOWERING AMBITIONS: UT’S ICON GETS A MAKEOVER

UT has unveiled plans for a $70 million renovation of its iconic Tower. The project, set to begin in January 2025, aims to restore the Tower’s exterior, including limestone masonry, windows and the observation deck. Interior enhancements will revitalize key spaces such as the ground floor, 27th floor and observation deck. The landscaping around the Tower will also be updated to create welcoming spaces for students and visitors. The renovation is expected to be completed by March 2027, and made possible by donations, the Permanent University Fund bond and the Available University Fund.

LUCKY LAB BREWS UP AT MOODY

Exciting news for coffee lovers at Moody! Lucky Lab Coffee Co. is now serving its beloved drinks and pastries at new locations across campus. Starting this fall, students can enjoy Lucky Lab’s offerings at the G. B. Dealey Center for New Media (DMC) and the Jesse Jones Communications Building A (CMA). These spots are perfect for Moody students wanting to grab a quick coffee on the way to class. Lucky Lab also has cafes in the Gates-Dell Complex and Jackson Geological Sciences Building, making it easier than ever to get your caffeine fix. Online ordering is available for those on the move. 

MOODY ALUMNI LEAD THE WAY IN BUSINESS

Moody College alumni are making waves in the business world, with 20 of the Longhorn 100 companies founded by Moody graduates. Topping the list is WisePies Pizza, co-founded by communication studies alumna Season Chavez. Chavez credits her communication skills learned at Moody for the success of their frozen pizza business, now available in 35 states.  

Coming in at No. 8 is TicketCity, founded by advertising alumnus Zach Anderson. TicketCity sells tickets to around 100,000 events annually, from local concerts to major sporting events like the French Open and the Olympics. Anderson highlights the value of relationships and networks fostered during his time at Moody.  

Forcura, a health technology company founded by communication studies graduate Craig  Mandeville, also made the list. Mandeville attributes much of his business success to the debate and public speaking skills he honed at Moody.  

Other Moody-founded businesses recognized include BeatBox Beverages, Galaxy Technology Hires, and Stems Floral Design, showcasing the diverse impact of  Moody graduates across various industries.