UTSA Day at the Capitol connects students, educators and elected leaders

Students, faculty and staff attended UTSA Day at the Capitol, a full day of events designed to highlight the university’s Tier One research and student success initiatives with state lawmakers.

FEBRUARY 24, 2023 — On February 22, UTSA celebrated its role as a driver of economic prosperity and workforce development for Texas with a day of activities at the Capitol in Austin.

Students, faculty and staff from the university traveled up Interstate 35 for UTSA Day at the Capitol, a full day of events designed to highlight the university’s Tier One research and student success initiatives with state lawmakers.

“UTSA Day at the Capitol provides an opportunity to share the university’s rapid, upward trajectory with state leaders and decision makers by showcasing the positive impact UTSA has on our local and regional economies,” said Jason Hassay, UTSA associate vice president for government relations. “Recent developments, such as achieving Carnegie R1 and opening our new School of Data Science, are just two examples of how UTSA is advancing Texas’ national research reputation and building the talent pipeline for the workforce of the future.”

“UTSA Day at the Capitol provides an opportunity to share the university’s upward trajectory with state leaders.”

UTSA’s delegation participated in the presentation of two resolutions—one in the House and one in the Senate—commemorating UTSA’s accomplishments and bright future.

Participants kicked off the day with a cybersecurity showcase for legislators and their staff. Attendees enjoyed a showcase of marque programs and cutting-edge research at UTSA, demonstrating the university’s national leadership in advancing information security.

Later that morning UTSA’s delegation participated in the presentation of two resolutions—one in the House and one in the Senate—commemorating UTSA’s accomplishments and bright future. UT System Chancellor James B. Milliken joined UTSA President Taylor Eighmy and the UTSA delegation as the university was recognized.

At midday, student musicians from the UTSA School of Music entertained Capitol staff and visitors with mini-concerts in the Rotunda and Extension Open-Air Rotunda. Performing groups included a saxophone quartet, a percussion ensemble and a classical guitar duo.

Students from the UTSA School of Music entertained Capitol staff and visitors with mini-concerts in the Rotunda.

UTSA students, staff and leadership covered the Texas Capitol end-to-end in the early afternoon, visiting the offices of elected officials to share UTSA background materials and some Roadrunner spirit.

Later that day, a research showcase provided legislative members and their staff with a midafternoon break with some intellectual stimulation. During the showcase attendees enjoyed displays and demonstrations illustrating the disruptive, life-changing research happening at UTSA.

The day concluded with a reception for elected officials, legislative staffers, Austin-area alumni and higher education stakeholders to celebrate UTSA’s many recent accomplishments and bold future.

— Drew Vincent