Texas Cowboys

Texas Cowboys is an honorary service organization at the University of Texas in Austin.

Mission

To serve the University of Texas at Austin by promoting the spirit and high ideals of the Texas Cowboys, fostering positive relationships among all members of the University community, and assisting in the guidance of the campus Cowboy organization.

History

In 1922 the University of Texas found itself in need of a men's service organization. Two men, Arno Nowotny, then head cheerleader, and Bill McGill, president of the Longhorn Band, began working together to recruit dedicated men who could not only lead but who could also serve.

Forty men from all aspects of campus life were chosen by McGill and Nowotny to be the first Texas Cowboys. Throughout its many years of existence, becoming a Texas Cowboy became a high honor. Such honor developed due to the accomplishments of its members and from the organization's tradition of service and spirit.

In 1995, the registration of the Texas Cowboys as a campus organization was cancelled following the accidental death of one of its members and a determination by the University administration that the organization had violated the University's hazing policies. Through the efforts of the Texas Cowboys Alumni Association, the campus organization has been reestablished with the expressed mission "to represent and serve the University of Texas at Austin with spirit, character and leadership."

1922: The University of Texas found itself in need of a men's service organization. Two men, Arno Nowotny, then head cheerleader, and Bill McGill, president of the Longhorn Band, began working together to recruit dedicated men who could not only lead but who could also serve. Forty men from all aspects of campus life were chosen by McGill and Nowotny to be the first Texas Cowboys. The Texas Cowboys quickly establish themselves as The University's premier service organization.

1954: The Texas Cowboys begin their involvement with the Austin Association for Retarded Citizens (ARC). Over the past 50 years The Cowboys have contributed with their time and over $250,000.

Also that year "Smokey", the original UT cannon, is presented to The University by The Texas Cowboys.

1963: The Cowboys fire Smokey during the Austin Ceremony after the death of President John F. Kennedy. On the Monday following the assassination, Smokey fired a 21 gun salute to the fallen President. It was the climactic moment in a public Ceremony in front of The State Capitol.

1968: Smokey II is created and serves The University well until 1988.

1989: Smokey III, a civil war replica cannon standing six feet tall and weighing 1,000 pounds, is constructed and is currently in service.

1995: The Texas Cowboys Alumni Association is created.

2004: The Texas Cowboys Alumni Association, in conjunction with the Texas Exes, construct the only structure on The University of Texas campus named after a student organization - The Texas Cowboys Pavilion.

Distinguished Alumni

*Bob Armstrong - Former Under Secretary of Interior, Former Texas Land Commissioner
*Lloyd Bentsen - Former Secretary of the Treasury, Former United States Senator
*Jack Blanton - Former Member, Board of Regents, University of Texas
*Dolph Briscoe - Former Texas Governor
*Earl Campbell - Heisman Trophy Winner
*H. Scott Caven, Jr. - Current Chairman, Board of Regents, University of Texas System
*Denton Cooley - Renowned Heart Surgeon
*Doug English - Detroit Lions
*Don Evans - Former Secretary of Commerce, Former Chairman, Board of Regents, University of Texas
*Joe Greenhill - Former Chief Justice, Texas Supreme Court
*John Hill - Former Chief Justice, Texas Supreme Court, Former Texas Attorney General, Former Texas Secretary of State
*Tom Landry - Former Head Coach, Dallas Cowboys
*Thomas Lumpkin - Former President, Gulf Oil
*Wales Madden - Former Member, Board of Regents, University of Texas
*David McWilliams - Former Head Football Coach, University of Texas
*Tommy Nobis - Atlanta Falcons
*Patrick Oxford - Former Member, Board of Regents, University of Texas
*Howard Richards - Former Member, Board of Regents, University of Texas
*Ricardo Romo - President, University of Texas at San Antonio
*Barefoot Sanders - Retired Chief Justice, United States District Court
*Allan Shivers - Former Texas Governor
*John Singleton - Retired Chief Justice, United States District Court
*Sam Sparks - Federal Judge, United States District Court
*Robert Strauss - Former Ambassador to the Soviet Union, Chairman, Democratic National Committee, Chairman, Carter Presidential Campaign
*Dr. James Willerson - President, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston