It was a normal Wednesday night until suddenly the UT Snapchat story blew up with videos of Matthew McConaughey right in West Campus. McConaughey graced Rio Grande Street with a visit to the Tejas house to deliver a speech to a crowd of students and faculty.
Matthew McConaughey being introduced at the Tejas house.
It turned out to just be the latest Tejas Coffee -- a weekly event with the distinction of being the longest-running distinguished speaker series at UT. Each week Tejas, an all-male spirit organization founded in 1924, brings speakers to its West Campus house, allowing as many members of the public to attend as it can fit.
"From time to time, notable speakers reach out to Tejas looking for a platform to connect to students," said Connor Hughes, Tejas Coffee coordinator and vice president. He said McConaughey, in this case, wanted a chance to interact with and inspire students.
"[McConaughey] was very engaging and cared a ton about answering the students' questions," Hughes said.
Tejas Coffee speaker Lance Armstrong.
In the past, Tejas has hosted speakers including Longhorn coaches, university administrators, professors, local entrepreneurs and student performers. This semester alone, Tejas has hosted Lance Armstrong, UT President Gregory Fenves, presidential candidate Martin O'Malley and restaurateur Patrick Terry of P. Terry's. These events have given students the ability to interact on a deeper level with professionals that inspire them in many different ways.
President Fenves at his first Tejas Coffee event.
Hughes said Tejas plans to continue to reach out to high-profile speakers. "We have had great speakers this entire semester and look forward to a great semester this spring," Hughes said.
