Phi Kappa Psi - University of Texas

Texas Alpha is yet again reaching new heights this year! This latest class brings our chapter to over 160 members, all without Austin Community College students, a zero-tolerance policy on hazing and no hard alcohol at our events. With our strong rush process, we have a better sense of diversity in terms of backgrounds, hometowns, majors and even out-of-state students that are often overlooked by other fraternities. We strongly encourage every member to get involved in other organizations, causes and programs on campus. Texas Alpha members are proudly involved in a variety of campus organizations, ranging from religious to academic, as well as professional. Some of our members have even started their own business organization, which is now a recognized UT student organization, the Longhorn Investment Team, which is rapidly growing on campus and gaining notoriety. This year we will also have more intramural teams than ever before, including two separate fraternity league football teams. But possibly our favorite addition to Texas Alpha was the return of Bermuda Formal last semester! Our chapter leadership, committee heads and brothers are excited about this year and seizing every chance to raise Texas Alpha to be the best fraternity at UT. Amici, William Ellis Chapter President The undergraduate chapter turned a tent on the sport court into a Tiki hut with a sand floor for the Bermuda Party. UNDERGRADUATE MEMBERS FOCUS ON CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT Football is a Texas tradition, and no one does it better than us Longhorns. Every time we step foot in the Darrell K. Royal stadium, we feel it, that infectious surge of camaraderie. But how much do you know about the history of the Longhorn tradition? Big Bertha Standing over 10-feet tall, Big Bertha has been an unmistakable part of the Longhorn band for more than 60 years. Did you know that she was originally made for the University of Chicago? Bertha didn't make her way to Austin until 1955, 30 years after she was created. Longhorn Hand Sign It was in that same year, 1955, that the "Hook 'em Horns" hand sign was unveiled by head yell leader, Harley Clark. Fostering support for the upcoming UT versus TCU game, Harley announced he had something new for the students of UT – their very own hand sign. The crowd went while and while TCU ultimately defeated UT, this new tradition was all that would be remembered. Continuing the Tradition Beyond Austin There are countless professional athletes who made their start here at The University of Texas. From baseball to basketball to football, UT recruits top talent who, despite their time here often being short, remain Longhorns no matter where they go. To name a few: Baseball: • Roger Clemens • Burt Hooton • Dennis Cook Basketball: • LaMarcus Aldridge • Kevin Durant • LaSalle Thompson Football: • Cedric Benson • Earl Campbell • Ricky Williams • Vince Young As alumni of The University of Texas, we know that the sports and the university go hand in hand. It keeps us coming back to campus, and when we do, we're reminded of our time not only as students, but active members of Texas Alpha. Keep the Longhorn tradition going as alumni and brothers of Phi Kappa Psi – join your brothers for a game next time you're in Austin. REMEMBERING THE LONGHORN TRADITION BREAKING DOWN WHAT DEFINES SPORTS CULTURE AT UT ALPHA AVALANCHE | TEXAS ALPHA | PHI KAPPA PSI | | FALL EDITION 2019

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