JANUARY 29, 2020 — The University of Texas System has recognized UTSA with a prestigious Chancellor’s Excellence Award for the university’s outstanding slate of special events in celebration of its 50th anniversary.
UT System’s top honor for Excellence in Special Events, the award acknowledged the exceptional teamwork involved in the execution of over 25 events throughout 2019 in commemoration of the university’s first five decades. The events entailed coordination from multiple UTSA departments and were attended by thousands of individuals, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, community partners and elected officials.
The award was presented during UT System’s annual Advancement Academy on Dec. 10. UTSA Assistant Vice President for Leadership Strategy CeCe Griffin accepted the award on behalf of the university.
“This prestigious award is a direct reflection of the passion our UTSA community has for our rich history and bold future ahead.”
—CECE GRIFFIN, Assistant Vice President for Leadership Strategy
“This prestigious award is a direct reflection of the passion our UTSA community has for our rich history and bold future ahead,” said Griffin. I am so proud of what we were able to accomplish together. It was a true team effort. The level of excellence and collaboration required to coordinate this unforgettable series of events was inspiring, and we are so honored that UT System recognized our collective efforts.”
UTSA’s award highlighted four signature 50th anniversary events:
- The UTSA Golden Gala honored the university’s rich history and five decades of extraordinary success. The event brought together over 600 alumni, donors and friends of the university to celebrate the vibrant future of UTSA, resulting in over $500,000 raised for student scholarships
- UTSA’s 50th Anniversary Commemoration at The Alamo gathered San Antonio’s elected and community leaders together with the Roadrunner community to pay homage to the university’s founding at the same historic location 50 years prior. Notable attendees included two of UTSA’s founders and the sons of three additional founders. The event featured remarks by Texas first lady Cecilia Abbott and Hope Andrade of the Alamo Endowment Board of Directors, among others
- The UTSA 50th Anniversary Scholars Speaker Series served as the university’s gift to the San Antonio community. The series, which featured monthly talks by UTSA’s most distinguished faculty regarding their cutting-edge research, was met with enthusiastic crowds of 85–130 guests who eagerly learned from each scholar at unique venues throughout the city.
- UTSA’s BestFest is an annual public festival hosted for the student body each fall during Homecoming Weekend. The 50th anniversary edition of BestFest, held in fall 2019, included musical entertainment from a Grammy Award–winning artist and an impressive commemorative fireworks display.
⇒ Watch video of UTSA’s 50th anniversary commemoration at the Alamo.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the way so many of our staff, faculty and students came together to produce a world-class series of events in honor of UTSA’s 50th,” said President Taylor Eighmy. “The Chancellor’s Award is a testament to the incredible amount of hard work and team spirit that went into the planning and execution of these commemorations. They illuminated just how far UTSA has come in 50 years, and our bold, bright future ahead.”
