The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College are proud of their 75-year history and the many traditions that have evolved over the years. TSC and its partner UTB have gone through many changes during the last 75 years and its traditions have also changed. Many former students remember some traditions fondly; many traditions have been changed to meet the current student needs.  The following is a list of some past and present traditions of this institution.

 

President’s Reception – The President of Texas Southmost College hosted a reception for students at the beginning of the Fall semester.  This tradition started in 1956 and ended in 1991.  On August 31, 2001, the President’s Reception was brought back as part of this year’s anniversary celebration.

 

Faculty Tea (Women’s Tea) – Women faculty were invited to have tea with the president of the college.  At this function, women faculty wore white gloves.  The reception later evolved to include all members of the faculty. This tradition appears to have started in 1956 and the last record of it taking place is 1970.

 

New Students Party – From the 1950s to the mid 1960s, this tradition welcomed new students with a party/dance.

 

Fall Sophomore Formal Dance and Spring Freshman Formal Dance –  In the 1950s and 1960s students enjoyed many opportunities to dance and party.  Every fall semester, the sophomore class held a formal dance to be followed in the spring semester with a formal dance by the freshman class.

 

Shipwreck Dance, Valentine’s Day Dance, Veteran’s Dance, and Halloween Party – These dances begin during the 1950s and faded away in the late 196’s.  The Halloween Boo Bash and Halloween Havoc have replaced the Halloween Party.

 

Bougainvillea Ball – This became THE DANCE as all other formal dances phased out.  It is believed to have started in the 1940s and it still takes place today during the Spring semester.  It is a formal dance where UTB/TSC students invite high school seniors. A Bougainvillea Queen and King are crowned.

 

Splash Day – This was a very popular tradition among students and faculty alike. It started in the fall of 1970 and ended in 1988. It was a gathering at South Padre Island where students and faculty played games and enjoyed music.

 

Miss TSC – This tradition took place between 1975 and 1983. It was combined with a fashion show and student elections. It eventually evolved into the Miss TSC Beauty Pageant.

 

Miss TSC Beauty Pageant – The winner of this contest was the TSC representative in the Valley-wide beauty pageant, which eventually competed in the State beauty pageant. This event took place from 1984 to 1991.

 

Cabaret – Students participated and competed in this tradition, which took place on campus during the fall semester.  The yearbooks show that Cabaret started in 1978 and ended in 1991.  Currently, the style show sponsored by the Office of Student Activities every year evolved from this tradition.

 

Octoberfest – This tradition begin in 1973 and ended in the late 1980s. In was a carnival-like event with food music and games.

 

Welcome Week – This tradition has gone through many changes through out the decades.  It has taken place in one form or another since the 1950’s. It currently consists of a week at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters where many activities take place for the students.  The purpose of it is to welcome students to a new semester, provide pertinent information and create excitement amongst the student population with fun activities.

 

Veteran’s Day – In November of every year, an event to honor U.S. veterans is held. It is an event designed to instill patriotism and teach students about the sacrifices of veterans.

 

Charro Days – Since the inception of Brownsville’s Charro Days in the 1930s TSC and now UTB have participated in this event. Students, faculty and staff dress in traditional charro outfits, participate in the annual charro days’ parade or sponsored activities on campus.

 

Mr. Amigo Visit to UTB/TSC – Every year, as part of the Charro Days Festival in Brownsville, a Mexican national is recognized as Mr. Amigo.  UTB/TSC is one of the stops of Mr. Amigo. As part of Mr. Amigo’s visit, UTB/TSC showcases the talent of its students in a two-hour program.  Mr. Amigo has visited UTB/TSC since 1974.

 

Charro Days and Mr. Amigo Campus Parade – As part of the festivities prior to the Mr. Amigo visit to the UTB/TSC campus, a parade is held.  University departments as well as university groups, school district bands, and bands from high school in Mexico participate in a parade that runs along the paseo. This tradition was started in 2000.

 

Tamalada – In December of every year, the President hosts a reception for faculty and staff as part of the holiday season. Traditional tamales are served.

 

Awards’ Night – Every year during the spring semester, a ceremony honoring outstanding students in all academic disciplines is held and hosted by the President.  Students and their families are invited and recognized individually.

 

Field Day – This tradition takes place during the fall semester and all faculty and staff are invited to participate. Usually on a Friday, it is an afternoon of games and fun.

 

Posada/Pastorela – A tradition that started in 1993 by the Club Cultural Latinoamericano and has become very popular in the community.  It is held every first Friday of December and consists of three parts: Procession, Pastorela, and Posada.  The main attraction is the Pastorela, a play by students where good triumphs over evil.