ALUMNI
Tower Fellows Alumni Programming Expands
Since the inaugural 2018 cohort, Tower Fellows have consistently celebrated the strength of our community, united by a shared commitment to a "kind and curious" network. Today, we are proud to offer enhanced pathways that keep our alumni deeply connected to both the Program and each other.
International Travel Experience
In May 2026, the Tower Fellows Program instituted its first international excursion. Tower Fellows from across the cohorts were invited to participate in a 10-day journey through the enchanting islands of the ancient Mediterranean, Malta and Sicily.
Our Fellows explored the intersection of history, culture, and innovation of several UNESCO World Heritage Sites and engaging directly with the layered stories of these regions by:
We are now planning our Summer 2027 trip, in which new, current, and former Tower Fellows will be invited to participate in this upcoming travel adventure.
In May 2026, the Tower Fellows Program instituted its first international excursion. Tower Fellows from across the cohorts were invited to participate in a 10-day journey through the enchanting islands of the ancient Mediterranean, Malta and Sicily.
Our Fellows explored the intersection of history, culture, and innovation of several UNESCO World Heritage Sites and engaging directly with the layered stories of these regions by:
- Visiting the impressive 16th-century fortifications in Valletta, Malta
- Standing in the megalithic temples of Hagar Qim and Ġgantija, some of the oldest freestanding structures in the world (older than the pyramids)
- Witnessing the remarkably preserved mosaics at Villa Romana del Casale
- Experiencing Siracuse, Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples, and Taormina’s Greek theater overlooking Mount Etna
We are now planning our Summer 2027 trip, in which new, current, and former Tower Fellows will be invited to participate in this upcoming travel adventure.
Digital Platform
As our alumni network expands globally, bridging the distance between our Fellows and the Forty Acres is more important than ever. To keep our community seamlessly connected to campus and to one another—regardless of zip code—we have launched a dedicated digital platform featuring interactive discussion boards, online event hubs, and streamlined communications.
For Fellows residing outside of Texas or internationally, staying engaged with the Tower Fellows community is now easier than ever.
As our alumni network expands globally, bridging the distance between our Fellows and the Forty Acres is more important than ever. To keep our community seamlessly connected to campus and to one another—regardless of zip code—we have launched a dedicated digital platform featuring interactive discussion boards, online event hubs, and streamlined communications.
For Fellows residing outside of Texas or internationally, staying engaged with the Tower Fellows community is now easier than ever.
UT M.D. Anderson Cancer Center President Peter Pisters speaks with the Tower Fellows about the center's future collaborations with UT Austin.
Distinguished Speakers Series
Each semester, the Tower Fellows Program hosts approximately 25 distinguished faculty members and industry experts for conversations on their research and timely global topics. Ranging from discussions on national security and artificial intelligence to the art of jazz, these sessions expose Fellows to a diverse array of disciplines.
To foster continued intellectual engagement and cross-cohort rapport, former Tower Fellows are invited back to attend two Distinguished Speaker luncheons each semester. Alumni receive the full speaker lineup in advance, allowing them to select their preferred dates and plan their visits to Austin.
Each semester, the Tower Fellows Program hosts approximately 25 distinguished faculty members and industry experts for conversations on their research and timely global topics. Ranging from discussions on national security and artificial intelligence to the art of jazz, these sessions expose Fellows to a diverse array of disciplines.
To foster continued intellectual engagement and cross-cohort rapport, former Tower Fellows are invited back to attend two Distinguished Speaker luncheons each semester. Alumni receive the full speaker lineup in advance, allowing them to select their preferred dates and plan their visits to Austin.
Tower Fellows receive a behind-the-scenes tour of UT Austin's Bass Concert Hall.
Special Events and Socials
Former Tower Fellows are invited each semester to re-engage with the current cohort through exclusive, behind-the-scenes tours, signature campus events, and intimate social gatherings.
A calendar is provided in August and January for each semester's activities.
Former Tower Fellows are invited each semester to re-engage with the current cohort through exclusive, behind-the-scenes tours, signature campus events, and intimate social gatherings.
A calendar is provided in August and January for each semester's activities.
Social Membership or Third Semester Experience
For Fellows seeking to engage beyond our two-semester experience, the customizable nature of the program allows for flexible extensions through coursework or social membership.
Social Memberships: Former Tower Fellows can maintain active participation in program activities without enrolling in classes. This option is ideal for those continuing a campus project, as it includes full access to campus resources. To keep this experience intimate, social memberships are capped at five alumni per semester.
Third Semester of Coursework: Tower Fellows looking to deepen their academic pursuits can elect to take a third semester of full-time or part-time coursework.
Alumni are welcome to return for a social membership or an additional semester of study whenever it best fits their schedule. Extended semesters do not need to directly follow the initial program year.
For Fellows seeking to engage beyond our two-semester experience, the customizable nature of the program allows for flexible extensions through coursework or social membership.
Social Memberships: Former Tower Fellows can maintain active participation in program activities without enrolling in classes. This option is ideal for those continuing a campus project, as it includes full access to campus resources. To keep this experience intimate, social memberships are capped at five alumni per semester.
Third Semester of Coursework: Tower Fellows looking to deepen their academic pursuits can elect to take a third semester of full-time or part-time coursework.
Alumni are welcome to return for a social membership or an additional semester of study whenever it best fits their schedule. Extended semesters do not need to directly follow the initial program year.
Are you ready to join our community?
The Tower Fellows Program offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in the UT Austin community, audit world-class courses, and join a distinguished cohort of lifelong learners.
Learn more and apply for the next Tower Fellows cohort.
The Tower Fellows Program offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in the UT Austin community, audit world-class courses, and join a distinguished cohort of lifelong learners.
Learn more and apply for the next Tower Fellows cohort.