Meet William

Name: William Bacon

Hometown: Falls Church, Virginia

High School: George Mason High School

Major: Anthropology & History

Expected Graduation: May 2008

A Special Place in My Heart

I was born in northern California and lived there until I was nine years old when I moved to Washington, D.C. because of my father’s job. My mother’s family is from Texas so the state has always had a special place in my heart. In fact, my great-great-great grandfather helped found the first free public school in Texas, right here in Austin in the mid-nineteenth century.

Limitless Opportunities

I chose to come to UT Austin because of its outstanding academic reputation in history and across the board, as well as for the almost limitless opportunities on campus. As a UT student, you can learn about anything you want to and become involved in any area you are passionate about.

Pushing the Bounds of Knowledge

I was fortunate enough to participate in a Maymester program (a unique study abroad program at UT) at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China during the summer of 2007.

The Beijing Maymester was led by Dr. Peter Trubowitz in the Department of Government, who taught the program’s course on U.S.–China Relations. For the 20 students in the program it was a truly eye opening experience about the culture, economy, and people of China. We were able to learn from preeminent Chinese guest lecturers, visit numerous industrial facilities throughout China, and travel extensively by train across the Middle Kingdom. Being able to learn in a small class setting with Dr. Trubowitz, a leading scholar on U.S. foreign policy, was a tremendous experience. Dr. Trubowitz’s course and knowledge of China as we explored the country helped convince me to hopefully return there next year as a Fulbright scholar. The intellectual doors opened by programs, like the Maymesters at UT, gives students and faculty the opportunity to explore the world and push the bounds of knowledge normally available to the typical undergraduate.

Contributing to the UT Community

Becoming involved with Liberal Arts Council, the official student organization for the College of Liberal Arts, has been a transformative experience for me. As president, I serve as a liaison between 14,000 liberal arts students and the college administration. I meet with alumni donors, deliver speeches to incoming students, and manage an organization of 100 members with a budget over $15,000. My time in the council has given me the chance to help make the College of Liberal Arts a better, stronger place for me and my fellow students. The council has given me the opportunity to contribute to the UT community in ways I never imagined. Regardless of your interests I think it is important to give back to the university, and I encourage new UT students to get involved and help make their university a better place.

Giving a Little Back

The Texas Blazers is a male-service organization of accomplished students on the 40 Acres who work extensively in the Austin community at Johnston High School in East Austin. In addition, the Blazers serve the university by hosting numerous events for the president along with the Orange Jackets, our sister organization. Many of my best friends have come from my involvement as a Blazer. I would recommend that every UT student make time for service to the community. As students, we are given so much, the least we can do is give back a little, and make lifelong friends in the process.

Living Away from Home

I lived in a dorm for two years. I will always remember my view from the 21st floor of The Castilian, a privately owned dorm just across the street from campus. I would go to bed each night with a fantastic view of the UT Tower. I was offered “supplemental housing” on campus; basically a converted study lounge in Jester so I decided to live in a private dorm which gives you the same kind of community you have on campus dorms along with the convenience of food and activities like those found on campus. In my opinion, every UT student should live in a dorm for two years. This is where you adjust to living away from home and make friends. Keep your door open, let your floor neighbors drop in and say “hi.” After living in a dorm for two years I moved into an apartment in West Campus, a few blocks from the 40 Acres. Living on your own is also a great experience, but I would recommend staying within walking distance of campus so you can easily stay involved and not waste time traveling.

A Fantastic Time to be a Longhorn

Winning the 2006 Rose Bowl and the BCS National Championship was an amazing experience and a fantastic time to be a Longhorn. As much as academics is at the heart of life on campus, football is a part of UT life that should never be missed. Going to games each fall is one of the most memorable parts of one’s time on the 40 Acres. There is nothing like being in the stands of Royal-Memorial Stadium with 86,000 fellow Longhorns cheering the team on. Buy season tickets and a LASP (Longhorn All Sports Package) for football and come out to the games. You are not a true UT student until you have made it to a football game. Oh, and never willingly miss a game!

Send William an e-mail at wbacon@mail.utexas.edu