TEXAS
STUDENT
MEDIA
EXCELLENCE FUND
Carrying the 125+ year legacy forward.
SINCE 1894
Texas Student Media (TSM) provides practical learning experiences and leadership opportunities to students of all majors. Since 1894 when the Cactus Yearbook was founded, students have gained a wide range of skills in news, design, sports, management, music, advertising, comedy, marketing and business operations. By creating content distributed via print, television, radio and digital platforms, students inform, entertain and represent the student voices of The University of Texas at Austin community. Alumni who have graduated from programs all across campus often share that their time spent with TSM was their most meaningful experience at UT, preparing them for their professional and personal lives beyond college and helping build lifelong friendships. They have gone on to become corporate executives, attorneys, medical professionals, entertainment producers, and media experts among other careers.
TSM is an auxiliary enterprise of the University, reporting via the Moody College of Communication. It is governed by an 11-member board of operating trustees, with six student members elected by the student body, three faculty members and two media professionals. Student managers of the legacy media units, including editors and station managers, are appointed by the board, except The Daily Texan editor-in-chief, who is elected by the student body. These student managers serve as non-voting board members, as do other student leaders, the TSM director and representatives from Student Government and the Office of the Dean of Students. Throughout each academic year, more than 1,500 students participate in TSM, alongside 15 professional staff members.
BY THE YEARS
1894
The Cactus Yearbook is the oldest publication at The University of Texas at Austin
"The Daily Texan gave me clips that I was able to use for getting internships and jobs and helped me get into the highly competitive broadcast news program."
"I learned real-world experience in a control room and networking. I was very prepared in my first job at a national television network, and the connections from TSTV allowed me to grow my career."
"The community was absolutely the most valuable part. Getting to work and learn with like-minded people who also had a drive to create was a gift."
Would you like to add your TSM experience? Tell us about your time here!
LETTER FROM LEADERSHIP
Dear Distinguished Texas Student Media Alumni,
It’s an honor to connect with you as I reflect on how far Texas Student Media (TSM) has come, thanks to the vision and dedication of alumni like you. Your contributions, both personal and collective, have built the extraordinary reputation that TSM enjoys today, and I’m proud to play a role in carrying our 125-plus year legacy forward.
Over the past decade, TSM has pivoted from a story of crisis to one of resilience, innovation and growth, but at the heart of it all is our unwavering mission: to amplify and support student voices.
IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS
UT AUSTIN AUDIENCE SERVED
53,000+
STUDENTS
20,000+
EMPLOYEES
ANNUAL PARTICIPATION
1,500+
STUDENTS
INDUSTRIES ENTERED
NEWS MEDIA
HUMAN RESOURCES
MOVIE PRODUCTION
UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION
TV PRODUCTION
POLITICAL POLICY ANALYSIS
TEXAS LEGISLATURE
OIL & GAS
LIVE SPORTS PRODUCTION
EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY
GLOBAL INNOVATION
BIOLOGY
INTERNATIONAL TOURISM
MARKETING
GRAPHIC ARTS
BOOK PRODUCTION
PSYCHOLOGY
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
VIDEO GAME PRODUCTION
CHEMISTRY
MEDIA RELATIONS
GEOLOGY
CORPORATE HEALTHCARE
MEDIA LAW
26
PULITZERS AMONG ALUMNI
A DECADE OF FINANCIAL SUCCESS
$1,264,972
TOTAL PROFIT/ADDITION TO RESERVES
OVER 10 YEARS
"I was fortunate to learn from and work with ridiculously talented people in my time at the Texan and on the radio. Rarely since have I been surrounded by people as professional, motivated and driven as was the case then."
"Working at KVR/TSTV was a complement to my journalism classes and gave me so much hands-on and practical experience. I went to internships much better prepared because of my experience with TSM."
MEDIA ENTITES
THE DAILY TEXAN
Since 1900, The Daily Texan has been the TSM flagship, and today it is one of the most honored and recognized student-produced newspapers in the country.
After having learned different aspects of the business — from news, entertainment and sports writing to photography and multimedia to editing and design — graduates go on to highly successful careers in all areas of media and beyond. The Daily Texan consistently wins regional, state and national awards, including the Texas Associated Press Managing Editors College Newspaper of the Year (Daily), and counts 26 Pulitzer Prizes among its world-renowned alumni.
Students, scholars, business leaders and other members of the community favor The Daily Texan as the best source for news at The University of Texas at Austin. The editorial team regularly breaks big stories that are picked up by other major news outlets, and its coverage has brought light to issues over the years to ultimately affect change in campus policies.
The print edition publishes twice a week, and the digital newsletter is distributed five days a week, with other special editions as news and events warrant and a 24/7 website thedailytexan.com. More than 100 of the student positions are paid, and the editor-in-chief and managing editor additionally receive partial in-state tuition scholarships.
"The Daily Texan was a solid foundation that allowed me to continue my work as a photographer and do so successfully for years to come."
"Working on The Daily Texan was the single best experience I had as a writer in college. The student editors who reviewed my articles gave me immediate feedback, and I will always remember how much better my work was after going over my articles with editors."
"I got to enjoy the best that UT can offer: the finest in gear and technology, access to the best stories, and the wisdom, leadership, competition, and camaraderie provided by my fellow staffers. And we never thought of ourselves as beginners who should defer to the professional news organizations we frequently worked alongside; we strived, always, to outdo the seasoned veterans in our midst if we could."
"At The Daily Texan I began to learn how to work — to meet high standards, take the product seriously and have a good time in the process. Friendships from those days endure, including a friendship that has turned into 34-plus years of marriage and two children."
"Working at The Daily Texan while pursuing my degree taught me how to do research, think critically, write about events objectively and pursue the truth. I was an only child and somewhat introverted. Reporting brought me out of my shell and taught me confidence."
KVRX RADIO
With a mission to play “none of the hits, all of the time,” KVRX Radio serves as the ultimate source for local, independent and unique music and information programming in Austin. KVRX broadcasts on 91.7 FM from 7 p.m. to 9 a.m. on weekdays and 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. on weekends, plus around the clock via HD Radio and kvrx.org.
KVRX maintains a substantial repository of new music, including genres such as hip-hop, blues, jazz, folk, country, techno and metal, as well as several talk shows. Listeners typically enjoy at least five different genres and at least two Texas bands each hour.
The station’s team of volunteer DJs is supported by paid student participants who gain experience in areas such as management, programming, promotions, fundraising, production and event planning. The station manager receives a partial in-state tuition scholarship.
"I loved working at KTSB back in the day, as a DJ and producer of a weekly interview show. Music has always been an important part of my life, and it was so much fun to be a part of that community."
"It made for a great experience at the University. A lot of good times and good memories."
Texas Student Television
Texas Student Television is the nation’s only student-run, FCC-licensed, digitally-broadcasting television station, producing up to 20 original series per year. Featured programming includes original shows spanning news, sports and entertainment.
Viewers can watch TSTV 24 hours a day over-the-air on channel 32 via digital antenna and on dorm cable channel 15.1. It’s also available through cable in many student housing properties near campus. Live streams, new episodes and archives are available any time online at watchtstv.com.
The station’s team of volunteer producers is supported by paid student participants who gain experience in areas such as news, programming, entertainment, management, sports, promotions and production. The station manager also receives a partial in-state tuition scholarship.
"The opportunity to hit the ground running and immediately start producing TV shows as a freshman was incredibly valuable."
"The hands-on experiences and the people I met were absolutely the most important part of my time as a student. Saying ‘yes’ to all events whenever possible helped me connect with others, understand the ‘how’ of the video production world and gain the knowledge I needed to obtain positions in the media world after graduation."
"(I learned) how to work
on a deadline and the importance of preparation. I realized that I can get more done in a short amount of time than I thought I could if I need to."
CACTUS YEARBOOK
The Cactus Yearbook is the University’s oldest publication, annually recording campus and Austin-area memories since 1894. The cherished, student-produced keepsake serves as a time capsule, featuring the biggest stories and best photography of the year.
The yearbook is consistently recognized for excellence in regional, state and national contests. The students who create the yearbook engage with UT’s student and campus community to chronicle the University’s history, looking back at the biggest games and competitions, holiday celebrations, cultural events, academic and leadership standouts and the stories that made the headlines over the year. The editorial team provides a view into the many ways students collaborate for learning, fun and building toward a better future.
The paid student participants work on the Cactus throughout the year, gaining experience in photography, writing, editing, layout, graphic design, promotions and marketing. The editor receives a partial in-state tuition scholarship.
"Serving as editor was an indescribably valuable experience for me as a young person hoping for a successful career."
"As an international student, my participation allowed me a deeper insight into American, Texan and University culture."
TEXAS TRAVESTY
The Texas Travesty has served as the University’s student-produced humor magazine since 1997. The largest college humor publication in the country, the Travesty publishes six times a year and consistently posts material online via texastravesty.com and social media. The Texas Travesty entertains the campus by providing satirical material created by students interested in humorous writing and art.
Students learn skills in writing, editing, photography, videography, layout, design, event planning and publication distribution. The editor receives a partial in-state tuition scholarship.
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"When I was at UT, online journalism was really starting to evolve and have more of a presence in media. I loved getting my feet wet with KVRX, and I had a great time with my radio show over the years."
"The Texas Travesty was invaluable to me."
BEVO VIDEO PRODUCTIONS
Bevo Video Productions is a fast-paced, student-driven video production company, tailor-made to serve the needs of all on-campus clients at UT. Working under professionals with dozens of years of experience, UT students develop original on-air content, edit, shoot, produce, write and develop graphics for shows that run the full professional gamut of content offerings, including the game day video production at more than 150 UT home games. Other projects include films, academic presentations, event recaps, social media clips, live streams, editing services and other post-production work. Since its founding in 2019, BVP has provided invaluable experience to hundreds of students going into television, film and related fields.
"Working with Bevo Video Productions has been a great experience for me. Through BVP, I was able to get the right experience and make the right connections to allow me to work professionally in live sports."
"Working for Bevo Video Productions provided me with invaluable real-world work experience at various sporting events and live productions on campus. BVP expanded my knowledge of professional camera equipment and gave me an inside look at how live events were produced."
THE DRAG AUDIO
The Drag Audio Production House is the first and only of its kind nationwide on a college campus, with an express purpose to develop the next great generation of podcasters. Built by students, professors and Moody College alumni, The Drag has already placed a podcast within the top 20 in all genres on the Apple Podcasts charts and continues to expand into the leading edge of podcasting with new shows, hosts and initiatives.
The Drag’s student staff has grown by more than 900 percent since its foundation in 2019 and now produces everything from true crime to investigative narratives to climate change to entertainment offerings and more. The programming ranges from long-form podcasts that guide listeners through a complex narrative to conversational podcasts bringing insights, humor and need-to-know information, to oral history projects ensuring important stories live on. The Drag has also partnered with departments and initiatives across campus to produce original podcasts to promote the work of the University’s students, faculty and staff.
The podcasts are written, reported, hosted, mixed and edited by students and available for free on all major listening platforms. You can also find them on thedragaudio.com.
"I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with hosts, producers, journalists, clients and advertisers, gaining valuable insights into various facets of the industry."
"I’ve gained knowledge and training in podcasting, specifically gaining insight into the technical and logistical aspects of the medium."
TEXAS CONNECT
Texas Connect is the magazine for and about staff and faculty at UT Austin. Publishing two times a year, this upscale, glossy magazine features stories of the people who power the University, new programs and events on campus and important Longhorn milestones. Student writers, designers and photographers produce the content, alongside staff from Texas Student Media and the Office of the President. Stories can also be found online at texasconnect.utexas.edu.
"Texas Connect gave me a professional and creative space to learn the ins and outs of magazine design. Seeing the finished designs in the printed issues was unforgettable knowing I had a hand in the production process."
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BURNTXORANGE
BurntXOrange is an online, student-run magazine and the University’s only long-form lifestyle publication. The digital site shines the spotlight on ways to explore and enjoy Austin and UT, combining the buoyant, lively entertainment writing from Burnt X’s past with Orange Magazine’s free-spirited, artistic article-fed roots. The content focuses on trending news and life and arts, with features such as food and drink, pop culture, nightlife, shopping, film, gaming, music, fitness and everything on life’s margins. Content lives on burntxorange.com.
"To me, working at BXO means having community and freedom. I’ve found a group I really resonate with, and I have the freedom to pursue journalism in a way that’s authentic to me."
"I think journalists often have to compromise when they’re joining a news organization, however regardless of my level of expertise, BXO has always allowed me to pursue the stories I want, while helping me make them the highest quality possible."
TOWER & BRIDGE COMMUNICATIONS
The newest experience offered by Texas Student Media, Tower & Bridge Communications is The University of Texas at Austin’s only student-run, full-service advertising, marketing, events and public relations agency. A collaboration with Moody College of Communication’s Stan Richards School of Advertising and Public Relations, the agency provides real-world experience in account management, PR, social media, content creation, analytics, advertising and events. Find out more at towerandbridge.agency.
"Being a member of Tower & Bridge has been one of the most impactful aspects of my college experience, providing me with invaluable industry experience and leadership skills. It’s unique to have the opportunity to partner directly with a client and collaborate with four peers to build compelling media campaigns."
"Tower & Bridge has been an amazing opportunity for me to gain hands-on experience in the field of advertising/PR and has taught me the value of managing client relationships. As a member, I was able to work directly with clients while also being able to network with advertising agencies and other companies."
"My time in Tower & Bridge has been such an incredible experience to build community, gain a deeper understanding of the world of advertising/PR and put my learning into practice with the hands-on work that we do."
BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
The experience Texas Student Media provides to students of all majors helps prepare them for life beyond college, regardless of their career path. Beyond the student-run content creation, multi-media production and agency management, opportunities are available for students to participate in various roles in the TSM business office that support the overall media operation.
Students work under the guidance of marketing, sales and operations professionals, honing their skills in business communications, sales, project management, design and distribution. Together with the Advertising Sales staff, students gain hands-on experience developing new business, scheduling appointments, providing marketing recommendations, preparing proposals, managing accounts, negotiating and fulfilling agreements, managing creative materials, supporting accounting processes and more.
Other student roles include design and layout alongside Creative Services professionals, social media management, coordinating a social influencer program and supporting product circulation and distribution together with the Operations team.
TSM also manages multiple events throughout the year in partnership with different departments and groups across campus, providing students with experience in sponsorship and event space sales, on-site logistics, customer relations, lead generation, marketing and publicity.
"Being a Marketing Specialist was a broad role and allowed me a lot of flexibility. In class, I was the novice learning, but in this role, I had a great opportunity to be the professional."
TEXAS STUDENT MEDIA STAFF
Gerald Johnson
Executive Director for Innovation and Partnerships
Since 2014
Emily Cohen
Director for Marketing, Agency and Advertising Operations
Since 2016
Will Parchman
Director
Since 2023
Tillie Policastro
Senior Graphic Designer
Since 2018
Frank Serpas
Assistant Director for Business and Media Operations
Since 2000
Peter Chen
Print Adviser
Since 2015
Marlies Arevalo
Manager for Advertising and Product Strategy
Since 2021
Danny Patterson
Account Manager
Since 2022
Chance Weick
Media Account Executive
Since 2022
David Schneider
Managing Director of Bevo Video Productions
Since 2019
Matt Lennon
Bevo Video Productions Producer
Since 2021
Jordan Knul
Broadcast Adviser and Bevo Video Productions Producer
Since 2024
Katey Psencik
Managing Director of The Drag Audio
Since 2023
Emily Quigley
Editor of Texas Connect Magazine
Since 2019
Jason Lihuang
Digital Operations
Since 2021
LETTER FROM LEADERSHIP
Dear Distinguished Texas Student Media Alumni,
It’s an honor to connect with you as I reflect on how far Texas Student Media (TSM) has come, thanks to the vision and dedication of alumni like you. Your contributions, both personal and collective, have built the extraordinary reputation that TSM enjoys today, and I’m proud to play a role in carrying our 125-plus year legacy forward.
Over the past decade, TSM has pivoted from a story of crisis to one of resilience, innovation and growth, but at the heart of it all is our unwavering mission: to amplify and support student voices. Whether through The Daily Texan, Cactus Yearbook, KVRX, Texas Student Television, The Drag Audio Production House, or our expanding creative services and event offerings, every piece of our work is designed to create space for students to learn, create and express themselves. The voices of students — doing the work you once did — are at the core of everything we do, and we are committed to ensuring that future generations of Longhorns have the same opportunities to grow through TSM’s hands-on, professional experiences.
This period of growth hasn’t just been about producing more media; it’s also been about securing the financial foundation needed to ensure the long-term sustainability of TSM’s mission. We’ve diversified our revenue streams, from successful advertising and creative services to the expansion of UT Marketplace and other events. These efforts have enabled us to increase student participation by 60% and raise student wages by 113%. The portfolio of student experiences has doubled from five to 10 distinct units, ensuring that our opportunities mirror the rapidly evolving media of today. Approximately 2% of the entire UT student body — nearly one in every 50 students — is actively engaged in TSM, developing skills that will benefit them long after they leave the Forty Acres.
We’re proud of these achievements, but we know the work is never done. To continue supporting student voices, we’ve been diligently building up TSM’s financial reserves over the past decade. Today, we’re ready to put those reserves to work — or as we say, put our money where our mouths are — by investing them into a University-held quasi-endowment* fund. This strategic move will generate interest at an annual rate up to 5%, providing a sustainable, long-term source of funding to support TSM’s operations and student programs.
This is where you come in. We want to invite you to partner with us in making this vision a reality. As part of our commitment to the future of TSM, we will match the first $1 million in alumni donations to create a Texas Student Media Excellence Fund, effectively doubling the impact of every gift. Your contribution, combined with TSM’s own investment, will directly benefit students by supporting their work, enhancing their wages and giving them the tools they need to succeed. Every dollar you give will go toward amplifying student voices and ensuring that TSM remains a vital and integral part of the UT experience.
This initiative isn’t just about funding; it’s about creating a lasting impact. Whether it’s providing equipment for student projects, funding travel for on-the-ground coverage, enhancing professional development programs, or launching new student-driven media properties, the funds raised through this matching endowment will be dedicated to the heart of the student experience at TSM.
We’re thrilled to share some incredible news — our first transformational gift toward this vision has arrived. Bill Mintz, a former Daily Texan reporter from the 1970s who went on to a distinguished newspaper career in San Antonio, Houston, and Washington, D.C., and later at Apache Corporation, has generously donated $250,000 to the Texas Student Media Excellence Fund. This is not only the largest single alumnus gift in TSM history but also means we’re already 25% of the way to our $1 million goal. Just one year from now, the impact of this investment will be tangible: The earnings could launch and sustain a new student media entity, purchase three HDR cameras to elevate our broadcast quality, or enhance student wages and travel opportunities — including the ability to send reporting teams to four playoff games. Bill’s gift sets the stage for what’s possible, and with your help we can do even more.
This is your chance to help future students thrive. Your contribution to the Texas Student Media Excellence Fund will empower TSM to continue its crucial work of supporting student voices, providing professional media experiences, and fostering the next generation of leaders in journalism, media, business and communication. I invite you to join us in investing in a future where TSM can amplify every student’s voice and ensure that the impact of student media at UT endures for generations to come.
If you’d like to learn more about how you can contribute to this exciting initiative or want more information on the Texas Student Media Excellence Fund, please reach out to me or the Moody Development team. Together, we can continue to make TSM a transformative part of the UT student experience! More information can always be found at SupportStudentVoices.org.
Thank you for being an integral part of TSM’s past, present and future. I look forward to partnering with you to help us write the next chapter in this incredible journey.
Gerald Johnson
Executive Director for Innovation
and Partnerships; Director for Texas Student Media
Moody College of Communication
Since 2014
Sam Provenzano
Director of Development
Texas Development
Moody College of Communication
Lucy Allman
Senior Director of Development
Principal Gifts
Moody College of Communication
Amy Gogolin
Chief Development Officer
Moody College of Communication
Donate now, and your gift will be matched by Texas Student Media.
* What is a “quasi-endowment”?
A quasi-endowment is a flexible fund that allows TSM to match your donation while retaining the option to access the entire investment, if needed. While our goal is to never draw from the principal, this structure provides us with the flexibility to navigate any future challenges in an ever-evolving media landscape, ensuring the long-term sustainability of TSM’s operations and student programs. Alumni donations to the donor-funded TSM Excellence Fund cannot be accessed and will yield annual spendable earnings for TSM in perpetuity.
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