Yep, we used to be a secret organization....
Founded in 1941 as the Texas Spooks by Grace Doss and Wanda Lee Turner, the organization's intent was to promote spirit around the university and the community. The name Texas Spooks was originally chosen to reflect the organization's secrecy. The 30 member organization would secretly meet in restaurants and sorority houses dressed in the "ghostly garb" of hoods, masks, and sheets. The members would light red candles and sing to the football players in order to "spook" away any bad luck.
Here are just a few of the highlights and changes made to our organization over the years....
* 1941: Texas Spooks was founded by Grace Doss and Wanda Lee Turner.
* 1956: Service became a vital part of the organization (as it has remained to this day).
* 1966: Officers changed their names to "Haunts," and the Executive Board, "Ghost Council."
* 1970: "Ghoulfriend" (big /lil sis) match up began to help new members become more involved.
* 1988: The signature burnt orange scarf was adopted as part of the uniform.
* 1993: The decision was made to change the name of the organization from Texas Spooks to Texas Spirits to more accurately describe the purpose of the organization. The other two nominees were Texas Espys and Texas Haunts.
* 1995: Texas Spirits adopted Band Jam as our annual benefit concert to raise money for the Make-A-Wish foundation. The most recent Band Jam raised a generous $20,000 and granted four wishes!
* 2001: Texas Spirits teamed up with Tejas to make the flashcard section at the UT football games.
* 1999, 2004, 2005, 2006: Texas Spirits received four Swing Out Awards for Best Social Organization on campus (2004) and Best Spirit Organization (1999, 2005, 2006)
*2008: Texas Spirits voted to become a four-year organization and released the following mission statement: "Texas Spirits recognizes that a strong organization must adapt to changes in the environment. Extending our membership will enhance our leadership, recruitment, unity, and presence on campus. Although this change alters the structure of our organization, it also ensures our cherished traditions will be passed along more accurately each year. By extending membership, Texas Spirits hopes to strengthen its four pillars of Spirit, Love, Service, and Friendship for generations to come."
Even though we are no longer a secret organization, Texas Spirits still lives by its original intent: to promote spirit around the university and the community. Thanks to our outstanding members, ability to adapt to change, and dedication, Texas Spirits remains one of the premiere spirit organizations on campus.