H I S T O R Y

The Texas Blazers was founded September 7, 1994, on the patio of the Texas Union by a group of men who wanted to create an organization committed to a “hands-on” approach to service that included high standards of academics, leadership, and spirited support of the University. The founders also desired the Texas Blazers to be an organization that was a strong representation of the student body in order to better serve the University. These student leaders came from various student organizations across campus to perform service for the UT and Austin communities. Finally, the founding members desired an organization free of hazing and other activities unbecoming of a quality student organization.

Upon the suggestion of Richard Reddick, in 1994 the Texas Blazers began their relationship with Johnston High School (now known as Eastside Memorial High School) in east Austin. While they originally began by mentoring at Johnston, current Texas Blazers mentor, tutor, empower, and assist Eastside Memorial HS students with the college application process.

In their first year, the Texas Blazers was recognized for their outstanding service, winning “Most Outstanding Service Organization” at the annual UT Swing-Out Awards. In the spring of 2003 and 2014, the Texas Blazers continued upon their past achievements and were named the “Most Outstanding Organization” by the UT Leadership Board at the Swing-Out Awards.

In 2007, the Texas Blazers created the “Texas Blazers Endowed Scholarship” at The University of Texas. The endowment allows for an annual scholarship for a graduating student from Eastside Memorial High School, helping to create a closer relationship between Texas Blazers, Eastside Memorial High School, and The University of Texas at Austin.