Student Profile: Under the Texas Cowboy Hat
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December 21, 2012
Cowboys are a part of Texas' legend and lore—not just on the open range, but also on the UT football field.
The Texas Cowboys are seen on TV during Longhorn games shooting off Smoky the Cannon, sporting their famous and memorable outfits, but off the gridiron they are known for their extensive service work for The University of Texas at Austin and the community.
“Give the best you have to Texas and the best will come back to you” is the Texas Cowboys’ motto, which has been fully adopted by PGE senior student, Grant Miller. The Texas Cowboys were established in 1922 by two men, Arno Nowotny, head cheerleader, and Bill McGill, president of the Longhorn Band, as an all-male organization dedicated to service.
The Texas Cowboys membership is quite exclusive with only 25 students accepted every semester to join the organization. Highly respected UT alumni have worn the cowboy hat, including Dolph Briscoe, Jack Blanton and Colt McCoy.
“Most people think we are just Cowboys at a football game, but our work extends much further than the cannon,” said Miller. “Joining the Texas Cowboys has been extremely rewarding as we are active in the community; I feel enriched by every service project.”
Miller joined the organization his junior year, and is now in his fourth semester. When he is not studying for petroleum engineering exams, he devotes most of his volunteer time to serving as a teacher aid for The Arc of the Capital Area, an organization creating opportunities for adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“The kids’ faces light up when I walk into the room wearing the Cowboy gear,” said Miller. “The engagement factor is quite high and it actually promotes learning.”
In addition to his time with The Arc, Miller helps host two fundraising events on campus to support the organization – the Harvest Moon, a famous fall concert, and the Spring BBQ.
While The Arc is the group’s signature non-profit, the Texas Cowboys attend many other charity auctions to raise money for other deserving organizations, including Ronald McDonald House Charities of Austin and Central Texas and the Lone Star Paralysis Foundation.
“One of my favorite auction moments was the opportunity to go on stage and sing with country music superstar, Keith Urban,” said Miller. “He was naturally intrigued by our Cowboy look, so a group of us acted as the back-up entertainment.”
Miller will graduate in May 2013, but he won’t be hanging up his cowboy boots. The Texas Cowboys have an extensive alumni connection. There is a dedicated “Cowboys Pavilion” across from the football stadium, which brings together decades of Cowboys to share their experiences within the organization before UT home football games.
To learn more about the Texas Cowboys or to apply for a coveted position, visit the Texas Cowboys website.
