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Gov. Preston Smith signs the bill creating UTSA into law in 1969.
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That same day, Smith also signed the Institute of Texan Cultures over to the UT System.
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The signing event is held at a ceremony in front of the Alamo.
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Dewey Davis, UTSA's first faculty member, teaching on the first day of classes in 1973.
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One eager students lugs a typewriter around for his classwork.
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UTSA's first classes are held at the Koger Center, near Loop 410 and Babcock Road.
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Paul Bartlett teaches an accounting course.
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While students study at the Koger Center, construction is under way on the new campus.
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he new campus takes shape with the Humanities-Business , Library-Administration, and Arts buildings at top, Physical Plant on the far left, and Physical Education and Convocation buildings in the foreground.
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As construction advances, the columns that will hold up the Sombrilla can be seen in the background.
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President Peter Flawn speaks with students during registration in 1974.
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President Flawn and Dean Dora Grossenbacher welcome first undergraduate student Margaret Aguilar.
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Pat Graham, assistant dean of students, gives guidance during first registration day in 1975 on the new campus.
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Students line up to get a seat in courses during registration.
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A student asks questions about courses during registration.
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Old-style class registration could be overwhelming at times.
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Students check posted listings of course offerings for the upcoming Fall 1975 semester.
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Students get in some sketch time outside the Arts Building near some ongoing construction.
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Strolling through Sombrilla Plaza after bookstore shopping.
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The bookstore offers up T-shirts with UTSA's first logo.
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Mike Tidwell, the first student government president, discusses plans for a student constitution.
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Students prepare to cast their votes on elements of a student constitution.
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Cascarones have been a favorite bit of fun since the first Fiesta UTSA in 1978.
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A member of the Alumni Association hands out pins to promote Fiesta UTSA.
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At the first commencement, on August 20, 1974, Edward D. "Doug" Hodo, dean of the College of Business, hoods Susan Bolado, who became the first student to graduate from UTSA.
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Students dance in Sombrilla Plaza in May 1977 at Beer Bust, a university-sanctioned party that was a precursor to Fiesta UTSA and Best Fest.
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A live band performs for students in Sombrilla Plaza in May 1977 at Beer Bust, a university-sanctioned party that was a precursor to Fiesta UTSA and Best Fest.
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Students dance in Sombrilla Plaza in May 1977 at Beer Bust, a university-sanctioned party that was a precursor to Fiesta UTSA and Best Fest.
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Professor Richard Tangum and student Dixie Watkins use a telephone modem to log into a computer at UT Austin for research.
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President James Wagener meets new university mascot Rowdy the Roadrunner.
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A roadside billboard shows support for UTSA at the close of its inaugural basketball season in 1982.
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Members of the first men's basketball team show their San Antonio pride.
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Making a shot in play against the Baylor Bears.
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Rowdy supports UTSA groups taking part for the first time in the Battle of Flowers parade.
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Members of the volleyball team.
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Rowdy fires up the crowd.
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A volleyball player leaps to return the ball.
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Delta Kappa Sigma and Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity members help to prepare for a bonfire.
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Mr. and Ms. UTSA light the bonfire at a pep rally.
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With the bonfire in the background, cheerleaders perform for the crowd.
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Construction of buildings along Paseo del Sur in 1985.
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Students move into the first dorm, Chisholm Hall, in 1986.
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Dean Grossenbacher and President Wagener officially open the new University Center.
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Students hang a sign to let everyone know the University Center is open.
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President Wagener and staff join the fun, including having a beer, at the Roadrunner Roost in the new University Center.
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The new University Center becomes a popular gathering spot.
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President Wagener and his wife help celebrate UTSA's 20th anniversary.
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A rollerskate-powered Rowdy holds a poster promoting 1982’s Fiesta UTSA.
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When the Humanities-Business (now the McKinney Humanities) Building originally opened, its ceiling held a transparent skylight.
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A couple of students grab something to drink at the Roadrunner Roost.
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Sombrilla Plaza is the playground for students enjoying events at the fifth Fiesta UTSA.
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Students at Fiesta UTSA in 1982 enjoy some tasty turkey legs.
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More than 350 participants, including pets, took to the track for the UTSA Women's Walk for Athletics, on April 29, 1989, raising $25,000 to help fund scholarships for women's athletics.
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The ITC is home for new classes being held in downtown San Antonio.
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Fulfilling the need for expanded campus housing options.
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Students show their strong support for Roadrunner football in 1993.
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Workers tackle construction of an expansion of the University Center.
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Construction is under way on the Downtown Campus along Durango Street.
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All dressed up for Halloween at the University Center.
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Students celebrate the opening of the expanded University Center.
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The expanded UC makes room for students hold a dance.
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Construction continues in 1996 on the Downtown Campus.
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Catching some study time on the Downtown Campus.
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A pep rally in the expanded University Center.
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Enjoying the food on offer at the booths at Fiesta UTSA in 1998.
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Legendary Spurs player David Robinson visits UTSA to talk with students.
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UTSA plays host to the NCAA Final Four tournament in 1998.
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James Pinkard takes new students on a tour of campus during 1993's Summer Orientation.
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President Ricardo Romo helps break ground for Phase III of construction on the Downtown Campus.
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New graduates move their tassels at commencement in 2001.
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Rowdy poses for the one of the many photo shoots that he's always in demand for.
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Students enjoy the refreshing experience of gathering around Sombrilla Fountain in 2004.
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Student show off their entry in the golf cart parade at homecoming in 2005.
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Climbing the rock wall in the Recreation and Wellness Center.
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Grabbing some group study time in Sombrilla Plaza in 2008.
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UTSA welcomes new football head coach Larry Coker in 2009.
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Rowdy revs up the crowd at a home basketball game in 2009.
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Roadrunners take on their first football practice in 2010 after UTSA announces it will add the sport.
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Roadrunners take on their first football practice.
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Fans gather before UTSA's first football game in 2011.
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Fans gather before UTSA's first football game.
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President Romo arrives for the first Roadrunner football game.
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The Spirit of San Antonio marching band take the field at the Alamodome before the first game.
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President Romo tosses the coin ahead of first game play.
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The marching band plays halftime during the first game.
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Students rally in the Alamodome on September 3, 2011, to cheer on the Roadrunners in their first NCAA football game.
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Members of UTSA's cheer team enter the field at the Alamodome before an October 2017 football game.
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A band plays for the crowd celebrating the 20th anniversary of Downtown Campus on November 13, 2017.
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Fireworks help mark the celebration of the 20th anniversary of Downtown Campus on November 13, 2017.
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President Taylor Eighmy snaps a selfie of himself and the graduating class at commencement in August 2017.