Draft:Texas Spirits

• Comment: This is the third time you've resubmitted without any meaningful improvement. This wastes the time of volunteers who were nice enough to review your drafts and is seen also as WP:GAMING the system and isn't tolerated. Sulfurboy (talk) 03:26, 5 August 2026 (UTC)

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Texas Spirits is a non-binary and women’s spirit and service organization at the University of Texas at Austin. Founded in 1941, the organization focuses on promoting university spirit and service within the University of Texas community. The organization’s traditions and identity center around school pride, community involvement, and its signature burnt orange scarves.

History

Founding and early traditions (1941)

Texas Spirits was founded in 1941 with the goal of promoting spirit throughout the University of Texas and the surrounding community. The original 30-member organization held private meetings in restaurants and sorority houses, where members gathered to celebrate university traditions and foster school pride.

Early members wore ghost-like costumes, including hoods, masks, and sheets, during gatherings. Members lit red candles and sang to football players in an effort to encourage success for the Longhorn football team. These early traditions reflected the organization’s original emphasis on school spirit and athletic support.

Throughout its history, Texas Spirits became involved in campus traditions and university events. Members participated in activities such as painting windows along The Drag, the area of Guadalupe Street adjacent to the university campus, to promote athletic events, university activities, and Longhorn spirit.

Traditions and identity

Texas Spirits’ identity is closely tied to its traditions, many of which reflect the organization’s Halloween-inspired origins. A defining symbol of the organization is its burnt orange scarf, which members wear as a representation of their connection to Texas Spirits and the University of Texas. The scarf has become one of the organization’s most recognizable traditions and serves as a visual symbol of membership.

Texas Spirits has received recognition for its contributions to campus spirit and involvement, including being named the Best Spirit Organization at the University of Texas at Austin’s annual Swing Out Awards in 2025, and multiple years before. The award, presented by the Dean of Students, recognizes registered student organizations that demonstrate consistent engagement with the university community, promote Longhorn pride, and contribute to campus traditions.

New members of Texas Spirits are traditionally known as Weenies, a name that reflects the organization’s historical connection to Halloween.The term originates from the organization’s early traditions and the date on which members were originally tapped into Texas Spirits.

The organization’s mascot Casperella, affectionately called by members as "Caspy" is a rag doll that embodies Texas Spirits’ unique traditions and Halloween heritage.

The organization’s values are reflected in its motto: “Spirit, Love, Service, & Friendship.” Through its traditions and activities, Texas Spirits emphasizes connection among members while supporting the broader University of Texas community.

Service and philanthropy

Texas Spirits participates in service initiatives and philanthropic efforts benefiting the Austin community. The organization’s primary philanthropic focus is Saint Louise House, an Austin nonprofit organization that provides affordable supportive housing and resources for women and children experiencing homelessness. Through fundraising events, community activities, and volunteer opportunities, Texas Spirits supports Saint Louise House’s mission of helping families achieve long-term stability.

Band Jam

Band Jam is Texas Spirits’ largest annual philanthropic event. Established in 1995, the charity concert raises funds and awareness for Saint Louise House. The event features musical performances and brings together members of the University of Texas community in support of the organization’s service efforts.

Dine and Dance

Beginning in 2025, Dine and Dance became a benefit concert hosted collaboratively by Texas Spirits and Delta Upsilon. Held once each semester, the event features local musical performances and a potluck dinner contributed by members of both organizations, with proceeds supporting Saint Louise House.

Bake a Difference

Bake a Difference is a weekly fundraising initiative in which Texas Spirits members prepare and sell baked goods to University of Texas students, with donations benefiting Saint Louise House.

Membership and Leadership

Texas Spirits maintains a selective membership process rooted in the organization’s traditions of university involvement, service, and community. While the recruitment process preserves elements of tradition and mystery, membership is open to all undergraduate students at the University of Texas at Austin.

The organization’s leadership structure reflects its historical identity, with the student executive board known as the Ghost Council and individual officers referred to as Haunts, on theme with the organizations Halloween roots. These positions oversee various aspects of the organization, including operations, service, philanthropy, and member engagement

Alumni

Texas Spirits alumni have gone on to pursue careers and leadership roles across a variety of fields, including business, public service, science, education, and the arts. The organization maintains connections with former members through its alumni network and recognition of its longstanding traditions.

Notable alumni include Megan E. Ortiz (B.S. ’09), who was recognized as a recipient of the Outstanding Young Texas Ex Award for her professional achievements, community involvement, and service to the University of Texas.

See also

• University of Texas traditions
• University of Texas Longhorns

External links

• Official Texas Spirits website