Student Organizations Honored for Philanthropy and Service
Student organization members beneath the lit tower on Oct. 26
The bright lights of the stadium and the orange glow of the UT Tower shined brightly on six philanthropic and service-based student organizations this October. This show of gratitude highlighted student groups who do so much for the community through specific causes.
On Oct. 1, the university invited students representing the organizations onto the football field during halftime of the UT-West Virginia game. Then on Oct. 26, the university lit the UT Tower in their honor.
“It was special because it made us feel seen for the work we do to make a change. It’s really rewarding to use my time to directly work with communities and try to make it better. It’s a long-term goal of mine to make an impact on society,” said Maanasa Ravipati, Global Medical Training’s fundraising coordinator.
Maanasa Ravipati (far left) with Global Medical Training members in Dominican Republic March 2022
Ravipati, a junior psychology major on the pre-med track from Dallas, joined Global Medical Training to get a hands-on glimpse into the medical profession. Students with the organization travel to rural areas in Latin American countries to volunteer and assist doctors and nurses.
Another group that was recognized, Texas 4000 for Cancer, coordinates a 4,000+ mile bike ride from Austin to Anchorage to raise money for cancer support services and research. Bella Mendes, a senior sociology major from Chicago, has bonded with her fellow riders and found her community on campus.
Texas 4000 members on the Summer 2022 ride to Alaska
“Especially being from out of state and with the COVID pandemic my freshman year, everything felt out of place, but since starting with Texas 4000, it’s narrowed things down. It’s so cool to find like-minded, passionate people,” said Mendes, Texas 4000’s summer team lead gearing up for her first ride this summer.
This recognition effort celebrates how these students are living the Longhorn life every day. Through these student organizations, they’re learning who they are, who they want to become and seeking opportunities to change the world. In addition to Global Medical Training and Texas 4000, the university recognized Seva Charities, Texas MEDLIFE, Texas Sunshines and United Mission for Relief & Development.
Student organization members on Campbell-Williams Field on Oct. 1
“These organizations represent the incredible passion and hard work that Longhorns do for others. They give so much because they care,” said Associate Dean of Students and Director of Special Projects Susan Buckenmeyer.*
Find your lifelong friends and make your mark by joining one of these organizations or exploring the 1,000 student organizations on campus. Learn how student organizations can help you make it your Texas by visiting HornsLink.
*The Office of the Dean of Students and Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost developed the application process and convened a committee to select the winners. The application for this recognition was open to all student organizations that have a targeted mission to fundraise or volunteer to raise awareness for a particular non-profit or cause. The non-profit or cause had to be consistent and could not be a mix of different causes. Only registered student organizations could apply, not ones sponsored by departments or offices.
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