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Upon its founding in the late 19th century, the University of Texas rendered Austin – a locale largely tied to state politics at the time – a regional center for higher education.
After the state constitution mandated that Texas establish “a university of the first class,” an 1881 election decided the site. The Main Building’s cornerstone was laid the following year, and classes commenced in the fall of 1883.
In the ensuing 140 academic years, notable alumni have included folks from all walks of life, including singer Janis Joplin, baseball pitcher Roger Clemens, news anchor Walter Cronkite and former First Lady Laura Bush.
– Hannah Van Sickle, The 100 Companies