The Student Endowed Centennial Lectureship (SECL) was established in 1983 by eight organizations to bring outstanding lecturers to campus. The SECL was intended to be a gift from students and faculty in commemoration of the 100th birthday of The University of Texas at Austin. The University, through the Centennial Teachers and Scholars Program, matched the funds raised by students.

The original eight members of the SECL were the Orange Jackets, Mortar Board, Omicron Delta Kappa, Friar Society, Texas Spirits, Texas Posse, Texas Silver Spurs, and the Texas Cowboys. The membership of Omicron Delta Kappa and Texas Posse have since been replaced by the Texas Blazers and Student Government. In addition, the Cabinet of College Councils selects three representatives to sit on the SECL Committee, and the Cabinet Chair serves as a non-voting member. Currently, the SECL is officially sponsored through the Dean of Students Office, and the Assistant Dean for Campus and Community Involvement serves as the committee's advisor.