Orange Jackets
Projects
The Orange Jackets Tappee Class of 2009 decided to highlight the inspirational journeys of women at the University of Texas. We often hear of remarkable Longhorn women receiving awards and recognition for their outstanding achievements. It is inspiring to see such phenomenal women and hear about their accomplishments; however, what we lack is an appreciation for the story that lies behind it all. We Rose: Stories of Longhorn Women is a journal that highlights the journey of eight amazing UT women. We hope that their stories will empower young girls everywhere to follow their dreams and to make their own stories count.
The 2007 Tappee class decided to create a financial literacy project benefiting the greater Austin community. "Pennies Make Sense" was the culmination of the Tappees' hard work: a workshop paid for by extensive fundraising to cover all the event costs. The members of the Tappee class worked with groups around Austin to create a curriculum and find teachers for the classes. The Tappees promoted the event around the city at locations such as grocery stores, churches, and banks. Once the "Pennies Make Sense" Workshop was over, the Taps partnered with different financial literacy groups around Austin to promote good budgeting and smart financial planning.
We Rose Publication
Barbara Jordan Statue Project
Pennies Make Sense
The Orange Jackets Tappee class of 2002 knew almost immediately the kind of project they wanted to plan and execute. Its members noticed that the University of Texas campus did not have a single statue of a woman over its entire 40 acres. Seeking to remedy this inequality, the Tappees decided on a noteworthy Texas woman who deserved a statue on this campus: Barbara Jordan.
Barbara Jordan, a native Houstonian, was the first African American woman to serve in the Texas State Senate and later became the first African American woman from a Southern state to serve in the United States House of Representatives. Following her career in politics, Jordan became a faculty member of UT's LBJ School of Public Affairs, where she taught classes on ethics until her death in 1996. After choosing their exemplary female role model, the 2002 Tappees worked closely with the Cesar Chavez Statue Project, Student Government, and the Texas Legislature to begin the long process of bringing Barbara Jordan's statue to campus. The Barbara Jordan statue was unveiled during the spring of 2009 in the Battle Oaks located on the corner of 24th St. and Whitis St.
