Texas Blazers
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Texas Blazers is an honorary service organization at The University of Texas at Austin. Members are chosen from the UT Student Body for their leadership, commitment to service and academic achievements. Texas Blazers are marked for their service to both the University and Austin communities. The Texas Blazers serve as hosts for receptions at The University of Texas and as mentors at Johnston High School in east Austin. The Blazers are led by an elected Chair and eight other executive board members. Their sister organization is the Orange Jackets, with whom they share hosting responsibilities.
Purpose
The purpose of the Texas Blazers is threefold:
1) Support the greater Austin community through volunteerism.
2) Uphold and promote University of Texas spirit and traditions.
3) Serve The University of Texas by exhibiting campus leadership while maintaining high standards of academic excellence.
History
The Texas Blazers were founded on September 7, 1994, on the patio of the Texas Union by a group of men who were dissatisfied with other male service organizations on campus. The founding members wanted to create an organization committed to a more "hands-on" approach to service that included high standards of academics, leadership, and spirited support of the University. The founders also desired the Texas Blazers to be an organization that was more representative of the student body than many of the other service organizations for men. These student leaders came from various student organizations across campus to perform service for the UT and Austin communities. Finally, the founding members desired an organization free of hazing and other activities unbecoming of a quality student organization.
Upon the suggestion of Richard Reddick, in 1994 the Texas Blazers began their relationship with Johnston High School in east Austin. While they originally began by mentoring at Johnston, current Texas Blazers mentor, tutor, and assist Johnston students with the college application process.
In their first year, the Texas Blazers were recognized for their outstanding service, winning "Most Outstanding Service Organization" at the annual UT Swing-Out Awards. In the spring of 2003, the Texas Blazers continued upon their past achievements and were named the "Most Outstanding Organization" by the UT Leadership Board at the Swing-Out Awards.
In 2007, the Texas Blazers created the "Texas Blazers Endowed Scholarship" at The University of Texas. The endowment allows for an annual scholarship for a graduating student from Johnston High School, helping to create a closer relationship between Texas Blazers, Johnston High School, and The University of Texas at Austin.
Past Texas Blazers Chairs
| Year | Chair |
|---|---|
| 1994-1995 | |
| 1995-1996 | |
| 1996-1997 | |
| 1997-1998 | |
| 1998-1999 | |
| 1999-2000 | |
| 2000-2001 | Tim Rybacki |
| 2001-2002 | Brian Wisnoski |
| 2002-2003 | Nolan Fields |
| 2003-2004 | Tommy Vanelli |
| 2004-2005 | Chaitanya Indukuri |
| 2005-2006 | Matthew Tabbert |
| 2006-2007 | Andrew Limmer |
| 2007-2008 | David Yount |
