Friday, April 27, 2012
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Current students don’t have to wait to join Texas Exes Brittany Lamas Longhorn Life
Many young Longhorns dream of the day they can join the Texas Exes and put one of those sweet license plate frames on their car. Some may not realize they don’t have to wait to graduate to become a part of the organization. The largest student organization on campus, the Texas Exes Student Chapter (TESC) is a part of integral Texas traditions and helps students have a smooth transition to Texas Exes after graduation. “TESC upholds and promotes some of the University’s oldest and best-known traditions and connects students to the valuable network of University alumni,” said Katie Lauck, the organization’s advisor. The organization hosts events for students like the annual networking and etiquette event, Food for Thoughts. It also keeps up with a Career Network database compiled of Texas Exes, and the networking events give students the chance to connect with former Longhorns who are now employers. The student chapter has no GPA, college requirements, or attendance requirements. Students must pay an initial fee of $20 to join, and after can either pay $70 for fouryear membership, or $20 in dues each year. “The money covers the cost of the various benefits and our events,” Lauck said. After joining, members receive a packet usually containing a t-shirt and some other TESC gear as well as a benefits key card that provides discounts at local stores in categories including health, electronics, and food. “Twenty dollars sounds like a lot, but that is all you
pay for the whole year and the money goes towards supporting our programs,” said Meghan Wied, student chapter president. “After you receive your membership packet with your t-shirt, discount tag, free gift and you attend at least one event, it’s already almost paid for itself!” TESC is also responsible for the production of the annual Torchlight Parade, Hex rally, and Orange and White Welcome every fall semester. If students are interested in getting involved with planning and being a part of those events, members can go to the weekly meetings, and get updates through Facebook, Lauck said. “Through the rallies, you get to gather with other Longhorns, current, previous, and prospective, and cheer on your team, and through networking, you see alumni who give back because of what this University has given them,” Wied said. After graduating, students can choose to upgrade to Texas Exes and receive a discount on the membership fees. “When students graduate, we encourage them to join the Texas Exes Alumni Association,” Lauck said. Texas Exes strongly encourages new grads to get involved with a Texas Exes chapter in their area, she said. With a database of 450,000 members Texas Exes has not only local and national networks, but also an International network to keep Longhorns connected as well as a Special Interest Network that connects specific types of former students. Lauck said, “Becoming a member of Texas Exes when a student graduates is the best way to stay connected to the University and its resources.”
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Getting involved on campus hook ‘em: Students gather in the EtterHarbin Alumni Center on campus for the annual Class Ring Ceremony, hosted by Texas Exes Student Chapter. TESC also organizes the Torchlight Parade and Orange and White Welcome every fall semester.
Rachel lau Longhorn Life