To: Texas Cowboy Alumni 
From: CORBY ALFRED, President of the Texas Cowboy Alumni Board of Directors 

What a great time to be a Texas Longhorn!
I am honored to serve as your newly elected TCAA Board President, and I’m proud to report that the state of both the TCAA and the student organization is strong—growing in reach, deepening in impact, and united by a shared commitment to The Cowboy Way.

As I write this letter, I find myself reflecting on my time on campus as a Texas Cowboy. I could not have anticipated the profound impact this organization would have on my life, and I suspect many of you feel the same. Since our founding, our history has included both notable accomplishments and periods of challenge that required thoughtful reflection. Through those moments, we have continued to evolve—ensuring the Texas Cowboys embody our core values while serving the University of Texas and the greater Austin community.

Our motto—“Give the best you have to Texas and the best will come back to you,” has no expiration date. Our board members, advisory members, and alumni consistently answer the call, and it truly takes a collective effort to move this organization forward. Thank you for your dedication and continued support.
We owe a debt of gratitude to Past Presidents Brian Antweil, Matt Mackowiak, and John Thompson for their leadership in rebuilding our foundation following our return to campus in 2023. The relationships they strengthened with the University and the Office of Student Affairs remain critical to our success today. I would also like to recognize Executive Director Eddie Lopez, whose steady leadership continues to strengthen the TCAA’s engagement with both the student organization and the University. Thank you, Eddie.

I’m pleased to be joined by our new TCAA Executive Officers—Will Rogers, Hudnall Shannon, and Javier Alarcia. I look forward to serving alongside them and appreciate their commitment. Together, we will remain focused on three primary priorities:

1) Supporting the Student Organization and Strengthening Our University Partnership
For the first time since returning to campus, we are fully represented with 125 Texas Cowboys across the student body. Interest continues to grow, with this spring’s applicant pool increasing by 53%, nearly 200 candidates competing for 25 Newman positions.
Our strength lies in the continuity of institutional knowledge, sustained through the engagement of our board and alumni. In the absence of a perfect system to transfer knowledge and processes between student classes, we play a vital role in preserving best practices and ensuring consistency from one semester to the next. As part of our return, the TCAA committed to remain actively involved in organizational oversight and member selection to maintain that continuity.
Having participated in the selection process, I can attest to the exceptional caliber of applicants—it makes each decision incredibly challenging. Thank you to Selection Co-Chairs Robert Solimani and Bernardo de Alba for their leadership, and to the many alumni who contributed this spring. We encourage continued alumni involvement and welcome those interested to reach out.
The Texas Cowboys philanthropic partnerships with UT Elementary and Rosedale School continue to expand and make a meaningful impact, exemplifying the Texas Cowboys’ commitment to service. Recent media coverage showcasing this work may be viewed here. Robust communication remains a priority and the student organization will be setting up a recurring newsletter to the TCAA. Stay tuned for their first update and to hear about the amazing work these men are doing to reaffirm their standing as the most distinguished men’s organization at the University of Texas.  

2) Tower Renovation Capital Campaign
Momentum is building as we refine the vision for this once-in-a-generation opportunity. Through this capital campaign, the Texas Cowboys are poised to help shape the future of one of the most iconic landmarks on the Forty Acres.
In late 2024, the TCAA entered into a memorandum of understanding with the University to support a $30 million UT Tower renovation. Following a leadership transition as Jim Davis took over the President’s Office, the project is now positioned for long-term success through a strengthened partnership with the University. Together, we will leverage their fundraising expertise and resources to maximize our impact.
This year marks the launch of our 10-year, $30 million capital campaign—an investment in the future of the UT Community. These funds will restore and reimagine the historic Tower and Main Building, enhancing key interior spaces while introducing new welcoming and gathering areas. The campaign will also reinforce our endowment and broaden support for scholarships, equipment, philanthropy, and TCAA operations.
We are especially grateful to Kent Lance for leading this effort alongside the University, as well as the alumni who have helped advance it. As plans continue to develop, opportunities will include naming rights within the Tower, along with recognition through digital displays, storytelling installations, and alumni plaques.
We invite you to join us in this transformative campaign to strengthen the future of the Texas Cowboys and cement our legacy in the heart of the University of Texas! Additional project details and information on how to support this effort will be shared in the coming months, alongside updates from TCAA leadership at our upcoming regional alumni reunions. Dates and locations to follow. 

3) Alumni Engagement
We are fortunate to have a strong and connected alumni base, and we are committed to creating more opportunities to engage—both socially and professionally. As we often tell our Newman, we encourage you to “show up and show out.”
University leadership will be joining us this year to provide updates on the Tower Renovation Capital Campaign and answer questions.
Our annual Alumni Reunion Weekend will take place October 23–24, as Texas hosts Ole Miss in Austin. We invite all Texas Cowboys and significant others to join us for a cocktail reception on Friday evening at the Headliners Club, followed by a gameday gathering at the Texas Cowboy Pavilion on Saturday, beginning three hours prior to kickoff.

2026 Regional Reunions:
We will also kick off regional alumni events this spring, with gatherings scheduled for May 6th in Dallas and May 7th in Houston. Additional details—and more opportunities to connect in other cities—will be shared soon. RSVP: https://forms.gle/Hk2VzdHygpdHNGE8A

Finally, a piece of exciting news: the creation of Smokey IV! After 38 years of exceptional service, Smokey III will be retiring from active duty. The TCAA Board has commissioned Smokey IV, which will retain its Civil War–era chassis while incorporating key upgrades to improve reloading speed, simplify maintenance, and enhance reliability. Completion is expected in late summer, and we are working closely with the athletic department to identify a game day for the official debut

Thank you again for your continued support of the Texas Cowboys. I look forward to all we will accomplish together in the year ahead.
 
Hook’em, 
 
Corby Alfred
Texas Cowboys Alumni Association President 
Newman, Fall 2001/Foreman Spring 2003
Austin, TX