Dear readers,

As I write my second and final letter to Moody Magazine readers, it is truly bittersweet. I began this position over the summer filled to the brim with ideas and nerves and eager to transform Moody Magazine. Now, with the Fall copy sitting next to me and the final draft of the Spring issue ready to send to print, I can’t help but smile at how much this publication – and the people behind it – have grown. 

At the start of this semester, it was clear this staff was bringing something new to the table. Our first pitch meeting was full of energy, with ideas that stood out from years past. Though each concept was different, they all shared a common thread: exploring the passions of Moody students and faculty beyond the classroom. 

That connection brought to mind the University of Texas at Austin’s slogan, “What Starts Here Changes the World,” a reminder that a Texas education extends far beyond campus. From that idea, Out of Office was born. The staff set out to tell stories about how Moody students and faculty use their experiences to make an impact in their communities. 

Some stories highlight students applying their skills in real-world settings, from competing in the National Student Advertising Competition to reshaping the sidelines of women’s sports through journalism. 

Others explore how students spend their time outside academics — whether that means picking up a newspaper or playing an instrument. To capture another side of Moody, reporters also connected with faculty and alumni to cover two notable book releases. 

Some initiatives from our Fall issue stuck around, including our Moody Magazine Student Film Competition, where we feature one winning student’s work, and our Hear from a Peer series, where we share advice from four inspirational, fellow Longhorns. We also began new, student engagement-based endeavors, like a “Song of the Semester” voted on by Moody students. 

I feel incredibly lucky to have worked with this uniquely ambitious staff, and I’m grateful to have witnessed each reporter fully immerse themselves in their work. While it’s hard to say goodbye, I am thrilled to see what the future holds for Moody Magazine and the talented staff behind it. 

A massive thank you to our Communication Council Advisor, Dean Kyle Clark, and Associate Director of the Moody Writing Center, Professor Emily Quigley, for their continued support every step of the way. 

Enjoy reading, and follow @utmoodymag on Instagram for behind-the-scenes sneak peeks! 

Warmest regards,

Sydney Webb