Round Up

A sea of neon hit West Campus this weekend with the arrival of Round-Up! All weekend ladies represented Texas Spirits with glow in the dark tanks and tees, neon fanny packs, knee high socks, and LED projection cups that shined "Can you handle your Texas Spirits?" The crawfish, slip n slides, and live music from performers like Josh Abbott Band made for two wonderful days in the warm Texas sunshine. 

As the sun set, Spirits got ready for concerts at different fraternities like Three 6 Mafia, J. Cole, Ying Yang Twins, Chiddy Bang, and Chip Tha Ripper. It was yet another memorable and fun weekend with Texas Spirits at the one and only University of Texas!

Tap-Out Spotlight!

Meagan Sanders, a Spring 2009 weenie, has truly embodied Texas Spirit’s four pillars of Service, Love, Spirit and Friendship.  Meagan found her home in Spirits and then went on to become Service Haunt. She will employ these same qualities in the world of teaching elementary school after graduating in May.

Meagan held the position of Service Haunt in 2010. She speaks about her experience with honest gratitude; “Service has always been something that I loved doing. There's nothing better than helping our world become a better place by serving others and the community. Our philanthropy, Make A Wish, really touches my heart because I absolutely adore children. One of my favorite things was the success we had at Band Jam. We were able to grant three children's wishes, and that in itself is an amazing feeling and accomplishment! And little things such as delivering Valentine's Day cards to the Elderly Home and seeing their faces light up, and being involved in Race for the Cure to fight cancer are some of my favorite memories.”

            Meagan lives with four other spirits and the friendships she has made  will hold a special place in her heart as she ventures into life after college, “I came to UT with a few friends, and I'll now I'll be leaving with lifelong friendships that were developed in Spirits.”

            To younger Spirits, Meagan emphasizes Love: “Cherish every minute of being a Spirit because it goes by fast! Before you know it, you're a graduating Senior. Spirits has been the best part of my college experience by far! So, enjoy the memories, make lifelong friendships, and stay involved!”

Meagan Sanders has been an incredible asset to Spirits; her empathy and love of service made her an incredible Service Haunt in 2010.  We can’t wait to see how she makes the lives of her pupils and the world a greater place. Thank you so much Meagan, good luck out there, & CIWY. 

Intramural Softball

This past Wednesday, March 23, a team made of members of Spirits and Tejas played their first Intramural softball game.  Girls representing Spirits included Neven Simpson, Bridget Dunn, Alex Janecka, Meagan Sanders, Maysie Ocera, Caroline Suter, Shannon Funke, and Hook ‘Em Haunts Gabe and Andrea.  

Team “Sprejas” dominated the game, and the opponent decided to give up after only three innings.  Meagan pitched an impressive game, as the other team was only able to score one run.  Our team, on the other hand, racked up to 11 points and came out victorious!  Congrats to all players & we look forward to seeing your continued success out on the IM fields!

Spirit and Weenie of the Week!

This week's Spirit of the Week was Mackenzie Neel!

Hometown: New Braunfels
Major: Public Relations
Thing you can't go a day without: GUM!!! addicted...
Song you wish would start playing through the walls as you enter a room: Well every time Buttons by Pussycat Dolls comes on, I HAVE to hit the dance floor :)
Animal you feel you most resemble/would want to be: I think I most resemble a Macaw because they are so brightly colored [you will always see me in the boldest outfit at the party] and they live in the coolest places ever!
Favorite male actor: Hands down... Daniel Craig as James Bond!!!
One word to describe Texas Spirits: supercalifragilisticexpialidocious- basically one word doesn't do it...
Next time you see me ask about: singing & traveling
PS- I'm a second degree black belt!

And now.... Weenie of the Week: 

Veronica Seng!

Name: Veronica Seng
Hometown: Houston
Major: Business and Asian Studies
Thing you can't go a day without: my iPhone
Song you wish would start playing through the walls as you enter a room: What the Hell  
Animal you feel you most resemble/would want to be: monkey  
Favorite male actor: James Franco!!
One word to describe Texas Spirits: family :)
Next time you see me ask about: Student Government 

You girls are amazing, keep up the great work!

Tap-Out Spotlight!

Kira Swaby is a Spring 2008 Weenie tapping out and graduating this semester. She is a Human Development and Family Sciences major. Kira served as Spirit Haunt 2009, using her lively and warm attitude to help Weenies become a part of the Texas Spirits family.  Additionally, during her six semesters as a Texas Spirit she has been a part of Band Jam Committee and Newsletter Committee among other things.

As a previous Spirit Haunt, Kira’s favorite event is Initiation because it gave her the opportunity to watch the Weenies she spent so much time with truly enter the organization. “I loved my own initiation and loved having the opportunity to be a part of my Weenie’s experience”. The bond we share within the sisterhood is extremely meaningful to Kira and the thing she loves most about Spirits are “all things creepy and secretive."

Her last advice to leave with Spirits and Weenies? “Get Involved! You get from Spirits what you give to it”

Good Luck and C.I.W.Y Kira, we are so lucky to have you as a part of our organization!

Former Spook Recognized in the Daily Texan

Congratulations to a former Spook, Senator Florence Shapiro, for being recognized in the Daily Texan. We are honored to call you one of our own!

See the article here. 

Explore UT

This year for Explore UT, which took place on March 5th, Texas Spirits participated in the Texas Exes "Horns Homecoming" that took place in the Texas Exes Alumni Center. The Spirits booth featured a Pin-the-Horns-on-Bevo game that was fun for all ages. Other booths involved in the Horns Homecoming included face-painting and balloon animals. Spirits had a blast playing with kids this afternoon and helping them play the game. Hook 'Em even wanted to take a try (see below)!

Explore UT is the "biggest open house in Texas" and is a great opportunity for members of the community, students, and parents to come out and get a first hand experience with everything UT has to offer. To learn more about Explore UT visit the following link. 

Weenie Beanie!

March 2nd marked the day of one of our favorite Texas Spirits traditions.... WEENIE BEANIE! That's right ladies, the one and only day where you get introduced to your Ghoul Family. To find their family, Weenies first find their bag of goodies which includes a costume that is someway linked to the costumes of the rest of their family. After getting decked out in whatever their soon to-be Ghoulfriend decides, the Weenie then goes on a hunt for their costume's pair. Once found, they know they've found the ultimate prize - a Ghoul Family. Spirits have gotten really creative in their costume designs. To see for yourself many Ghoul Families are featured below. 

Weenies anxiously wait for the signal to go find their Ghoulfriend.

Jelly Beans!

Care Bears 

DRAGON

Two Ghoul Families joined this semester and formed one big Ghoul-fam flock!

Milk & Cookies

Starbucks

Tiffany & Co.

The day was a huge success as everyone got to know new Spirit sisters a little bit better. After Weenie Beanie, many Texas Spirits went to Pluckers or other various places for their first Ghoul Family dinners. As each family welcomed a new member, many family traditions began to be passed down in the beginning of new long lasting friendships.

Tap-Out Spotlight!

Betty Mathew, future esteemed dentist, is a Biology major with an option of Neurobiology. She will finish this arduous undergraduate degree in May of 2011, a feat worth mentioning as many are daunted by the amount of work her degree requires. She truly exemplifies dedication. Betty has carried this trait into our organization, earning the honor of Best All-Around Spirit award in the past. 

She hopes to pursue a job in the dental or healthcare field, but would not mind working in a quaint coffee shop as a barista on her year off. For those of you that know Betty, a barista position would be a tribute to a faithful companion, as coffee has been a trusty pal throughout her undergraduate years. In essence, Betty hopes to experience more of the real world, rather than looking textbook filled glasses, in hopes trying brand new contacts, liberating from academia for a little while.  

So her advice for her fellow Spirit sisters would to "always have a positive attitude, as it will result in the beautiful memory and the positive impact that our organization will and has had on lives. Remember why we join and how we felt that fateful day… keep the momentum going girls, even when times are tough." Betty knows what it feels to be bogged down by school and all the external factors that we call college that is why she looked forward to winter formals, as it always guaranteed a good time. She will never forget Halloween of her weenie semester, hopping from party to party to party, joined to the hip with all her weenie sisters. Spirits brought a balance into Betty’s life that was much needed, and hopes that it will be lasting memory for all of you that it was for her. She will surely be missed. 

Texas Spirits Run to Fight Cancer!

Many Texas Spirits including Weenies, Actives, current and former GC members and Alumni accomplished an enormous goal this past February by completing the LIVESTRONG Austin Half Marathon benefitting the Lance Armstrong Foundation. In total, there were 11 current members representing Texas Spirits during the race.  

Neven Simpson post-race

Cancer has affected so many people’s lives, including members of Texas Spirits, so the Austin Half Marathon was an incredible opportunity to give back to the Cancer community and honor loved ones who have fought or are currently fighting the disease. “Thinking about the impact cancer has not only had on my own life, but on so many others' lives, kept me going throughout the race,” said current Public Relations Haunt, Spring 2010 Weenie, Neven Simpson.  “The amazing atmosphere” was another big motivation during the race according to current Weenie, Lane Follmar.  Spring 2010 Weenie, Leah Spector, agreed by saying that “seeing all the LIVESTRONG survivors and supporters out there also really pushed me to run for those who cannot."

Simone Schroeder ran in memory of a family member

Many Spirits who ran the half marathon thought that it was something that they would never accomplish in their lifetime while other members who were already avid runners built on what they were already doing, but both groups had a difficult time finding hours in their already hectic days to train for the race. Current Weenie, Alysse Fisher said, “Sometimes it got really difficult because tests would pile up and I wouldn't have time to run or I'd just have to make time.” Despite the time it took to train for the marathon, many of the runners felt great during the whole race. For many of the girls, the hardest part of the race were the hills they came into contact with. Enfield road was one of those hills and it was even more difficult because it was around the 12-mile mark of the race. Shea Craig, a Spring 2009 Weenie, remembers that “the most difficult part of running the race was the hill on Enfield Road. Oh my gosh, talk about hard! I swear it was an 85 degree incline.” Other girls agree by simply saying “Enfield” was the most difficult part of the run. Referring to the Enfield hill, Fall 2009 Weenie, Sam Anderson said that “It took so much effort and hard work to run, however, finishing that hill was one of my proudest moments.”

Sam Anderson pre-race

Another great aspect of the race for Sam was the fact that “Austin is beautiful, running makes [her] happy, and it's all for a good cause.” Spring 2010 Weenie, Diana Johnson said that the best part of the race was, “the feeling when I finally finished! I was so tired, but also really excited that I had done something that I had never tried before.” 

The best part of the half marathon was one of a more personal and emotional level for Spring 2008 Weenie and former 2009-2010 Service Haunt, Gloria Chan. “Hands down, the best part of running the half-marathon was that my daddy could come see me run the race in honor of his battle against cancer. Throughout my dad's cancer diagnosis, I always try to remain composed and not get overcome by negative emotions, so I really hadn't taken a moment to truly soak in his long journey until the morning of the race, when on my "In Honor of Card", I could write "Survivor, December 2010" under my dad's name.”

Through all of the ups and downs of completing the Austin Half Marathon, Spirits runners proudly recognized that their hard work and effort was for an amazing cause, the fight against cancer. Texas Spirits Alumnae, Spring 2008 Weenie and 2009-2010 Hook ‘Em Haunt, Kaitlin Kauffman, completed the full Austin Marathon and was also the creator a LIVESTRONG team, “Team TEXAS FIGHT” in which many of the Spirits runners were a part of. TEXAS FIGHT members were each committed to individually fundraising $500 for LIVESTRONG. Spring 2010 Weenie, Leah Spector, said that joining “Team TEXAS FIGHT,” contributed a lot to her half marathon experience. “I feel like I did some good for others and hopefully helped make a difference for those living with cancer.” In total, the team raised $5,435 for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Neven Simpson was the team's top fundraiser raising $1,110 in total, more than double of what she originally committed to raising! 

Alysse Fisher & Leah Spector post-race

Spring 2009 Weenie and 2010-1011 Hook ‘Em Haunt, Shannon Funke was also a member of “Team TEXAS FIGHT.”  When one of her best friend’s mom recently passed away from Leukemia, the team took on a whole new meaning to her. Shannon said, “Throughout the run I thought of her every step of the way and completing the half marathon meant being part of something that will hopefully one day find the cure to this horrible disease.”

Texas Spirits prides itself on taking part in Austin’s community service.  The LIVESTRONG Austin Marathon and Half Marathon was a great way for Spirits to give back to those who are fighting and who have fought Cancer, those who have loved ones involved with Cancer and simply those who have dedicated their lives to eventually curing this disease. Whether they participated in running the race, raised money for the cause, volunteered during the race or even cheered on our fellow Spirits sisters, Texas Spirits came together on February 20th to fight against Cancer!

Congratulations to all of the current and former Texas Spirits members who completed the Austin Marathon or Austin Half Marathon! What an incredible accomplishment!

Lane Follmar post-race

Current members to complete the race: Simone Schroeder, Neven Simpson, Gloria Chan, Shannon Funke, Shea Craig, Sam Anderson, Leah Spector, Diana Johnson, Sarah Propst, Lane Follmar, and Alysse Fisher

Diana Johnson post-race 

A special thanks to Alumnae (Spring 2008 Weenie and 2009-2010 Hook ‘Em Haunt) Kaitlin Kauffman for creating the LIVESTRONG “Team TEXAS FIGHT” which raised $5,435 for the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

UT Baseball vs. Stanford

This past Friday, Texas Spirits attended an exciting Texas baseball game against Stanford University. The fabulous sunny weather added to a victorious 4-3 win against the Cardinals. Hook ‘Em!

At the conclusion of the game, Spring ‘10 representative, Alex Janecka, participated in the "Power in the Park Challenge" put on by UT Athletics and competed against other spirit group representatives to see who could hit a baseball as far as possible, best-outta-three style. Although, Alex didn't win the competition, she really knocked it out of the park. Alex's participation in this event helped to get over 49 Texas Spirits out to the baseball game last Friday - what a fantastic showing! Great job, Alex! 

Texas Spirits at the Stanford Baseball Game

Our lovely batter Alex Janecka (right) before the big game

Tap-Out Spotlight!

This week's Tap-Out spotlight is Kristine Rivera. 

Kristine is a talented business major, advancing her prestigious career through a marketing internship at National Instruments. She is dedicated to her future, securing job offers and interviews, leaving much of her peers in awe. 

Kristine is a proud member of the Spring ’09 class and is planning on graduating in May of 2011. As her graduation date nears, Kristine is preparing to work as a consultant for some big firm, as to which firm, she is yet to decide. 

For the remaining active of Spirits, she says, “You get out as much as you put in.. take advantage of every service and social event,” a motto much in tune with her lifestyle. Her favorite Spirits’ event would have to be the Senior Bartab. Not only was it the first of many Senior Bartabs to come, it was an opportunity to spend time with all her friends, as often times it hard to get everyone together to celebrate an amazing ending to her college career. 

Finally, her favorite Spirit memory would be the selection of Julie Reyes and Taylor Foreman as Best Ghoulfriend Pair. They represent her Ghoulfamily very well, and she is so proud of them. Kristine is an excellent example of how to handle college. Balancing endless papers and assignments but still finding the time to let live and dance the night away. It will be no surprise for our organization to hear a lot about the sensational Kristine Rivera in the future as she leaves college and begins making her mark on the world.

Project 2011

On Saturday, February 26th, Texas Spirits teamed up with many other UT student organizations to help put on Project 2011. Boasted as “UT’s biggest day of Service,” Project 2011 did not disappoint. It was awesome to see so many students come together and provide a fun, safe environment for the neighborhood kids to come and play. Every year, Project 2011 (2010, 2009, etc.) takes place at a different high school so that UT students can reach out across the city of Austin. This year’s event took place at Lanier High School in North Austin.

Texas Spirits contributed this year by hosting a cookie-decorating booth. Many of the cookies were homemade by Spirits (shoutout to Karen Osegueda for making the best whole-wheat sugar cookies any of us have ever tasted!). One Spirit claims the best part of her day was when one little boy in particular (shown below) shyly walked up to the table to decorate a cookie. He started with a snickedoodle cookie and absolutely smothered it with white icing and probably 5 tablespoons of sprinkles; then, when we thought he was finished, he grabbed the chocolate icing and attempted to spread it on top of the sprinkles (which didn’t go to well). To top it all off, he squirted two little dollops of yellow and red icing in the center of the heavily decorated cookie and then walked off. He was definitely the Picasso of cookie decorating and put us all to shame!

Examples of other booths at the event included one put on by the UT Pharmacy School. They focused their efforts on health awareness by providing free blood pressure, body fat percentage, BMI, cholesterol, and blood glucose readings. Although Spirits had all eaten quite a few cookies with tons of icing, they did not shy away from supporting the Pharm school’s efforts. It was especially fun seeing everyone’s blood glucose readings after eating so many cookies!

Weenie O'Ahu

Aloha to the new WEENIES! 


On February 19th, Spirits, Tejas, and friends came out to congratulate and welcome the new Spring '11 Weenies. The dance floor was packed with people dressed in colorful Hawaiian shirts and hula skirts. Everyone dub-stepped and dougied as DJ Dub Zero worked his magic. 

At the stroke of midnight, the long awaited Weenie dance made its premiere! The Spring '11 Weenies showed the crowd that nobody but them could "Do It Like This" with the help of the musical stylings of the Black Eyed Peas and the wonderful choreography of Megan McKinney and Christine Laramy. 

The celebration was a success and a great kick off to the beginning of an epic and memorable Weenie semester! Special thanks to Tejas for hosting Weenie O'ahu and Jeff Zhao for being an awesome DJ!

Spirit of the Week!

This week's Spirit of the Week was Karen Osegueda!

Hometown: Clear Lake City (Houston area)
Major: Civil Engineering Honors
Thing you can't go a day without: sweets of any kind!
Song you wish would start playing through the walls as you enter a room: Lion Man by Mumford & Sons (go listen to it!!)
Animal you feel you most resemble/would want to be: penguin for sure.
Favorite male actor: Ryan Reynolds
One word to describe Texas Spirits: passionate
Next time you see me ask about: concrete (JK!) Ask me about anything and I promise to talk your ear off!

Blurb about from Karen:
"I'm a Senior, Fall 08 Weenie & was Royal Spirit Haunt in 2009 - I absolutely love Spirits with all my heart (especially my ghoulfam)! I love learning (weird I know) & trying new things more than anything in this world! Baking is one of my all-time favorite hobbies, as well as painting, running and trying different wines/cheeses.

P.S. If you're a weenie or a JI and I don't know you yet...let's fix that asap. Even if I don't have you for an active adventure, you should hit me up on facebook and we hang out anyways!"