Orange Jackets (OJs) stands as an inclusive service organization at the University of Texas at Austin, catering to women and non-binary individuals. Established in 1923, this honorary service group, recognized by their distinctive orange vests, brings together leaders from diverse majors and aspects of campus life. The Texas Blazers, the male counterpart, shares in the commitment, serving as official hosts for on-campus events and conferences.[1][2][3]

Accomplishments

The Orange Jackets are known for their volunteer efforts and service projects on campus and in the community.[4]

In 1926, they started the Women's Self Government Association, a now-retired governance body, which addressed women's issues in college environments. Other notable contributions include the implementation of police call boxes across the university campus[5] and starting fundraising efforts for Voices Against Violence,[6] a UT program offering sexual assault counseling and education, after federal funding for the program was cut. The Orange Jackets began the initiative to erect the first female statue at the University of Texas. Barbara Jordan[7] was selected because of her civil rights activism, political accomplishments, and connection to the university.

Roles and Responsibilities

As official hosts of the university, Orange Jackets are called upon to host special guests and donors on campus. The Orange Jackets are also one of many student organizations allowed on the field during UT football games. During campus events, Orange Jackets members wear burnt orange vests with a white “T” inscribed on the side pocket, a uniform they receive as a symbol of their membership after completing their Tappee year (first year of membership). OJs have been using this emblematic vest since the University of Texas versus Oklahoma University football game held on November 17, 1923.[3][8]

Notable alumnae

References

  1. ↑ "City, university, corporate groups unite to ensure safety of West Campus residents". Austin City Connection. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved March 31, 2016.
  2. ↑ "UT Austin Now & Then: Orange Jacket, 1976". The University of Texas at Austin. November 13, 1996. Archived from the original on April 23, 2016. Retrieved March 31, 2016.
  3. 1 2 3 "The Orange Jackets". Texas Legacy Support Network. Retrieved August 28, 2023.
  4. ↑ "Naked City". The Austin Chronicle. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  5. ↑ "College of Communication - Events". Archived from the original on October 12, 2006. Retrieved December 18, 2006.
  6. ↑ "Recognizing The City of Austin, Capital Metro, AT&T;, and Cingular For Working With Orange Jackets To Promote Safety In West Campus By Creating Emergency Callboxes For Students". Archived from the original on April 1, 2007. Retrieved March 31, 2016.
  7. ↑ Lindberg, Catherine. "Barbara Jordan statue's 10-year anniversary commemorated by UT Orange Jackets". The Daily Texan. Retrieved October 5, 2023.
  8. ↑ "About OJs". Texas Orange Jackets. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
  9. ↑ "Two Austin Girls Named Mortar Board Officers". Austin American-Statesman. May 18, 1955. p. 20 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. 1 2 3 "Donning the Orange Jacket | Texas Exes". www.texasexes.org. Retrieved October 5, 2023.
  11. ↑ "Senate Transcript, May 11, 2011". The Texas Tribune. September 20, 2017. Retrieved August 28, 2023.
  12. ↑ "State senator traces success to years spent on Forty Acres". The Daily Texan. Retrieved October 5, 2023.
  13. ↑ "Karen Elliott House Presented with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award by Marquis Who's Who". 24-7 Press Release Newswire. Retrieved October 5, 2023.
  14. ↑ Kolechta, Allie. "UT organizations rally to rename Student Activity Center". The Daily Texan. Retrieved October 5, 2023.
  15. ↑ Ashcraft, Michael (April 12, 2019). "Rising rapper overcame Muslim family opposition to follow Jesus | God Reports". Retrieved October 5, 2023.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.