the friar society
The oldest honor society at
The University of Texas at Austin.
The Friar Society has existed since 1911 and is dedicated to recognizing students, faculty, and staff who have made lasting and significant contributions to The University of Texas at Austin.
✓ history
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Join Our Community of Contributors.
The Friar Society looks for Longhorns going above and beyond for others in their community.
01
History
The organization was founded in 1911 and became Co-Ed in 1972. Since its inception, Friars have met each semester to deliberate upon, honor, and recognize formally at a reunion breakfast its newest members of the organization.
02
Service
While there are no requirements upon being inducted into the organization to maintain a service-minded life, alumni on their own accord, continue to be active members in investment, philanthropic, and giving opportunities in the State of Texas and beyond.
03
Honor
Every Friar swears an oath upon induction to continue living with honor, dignity, decorum, and integrity as they navigate their lives and leadership opportunities after their time at The University of Texas at Austin is up.
A multi-generational network, with over 1,000 members and counting
The Friar Society is objectively one of the most diverse organizations at The University of Texas in both age, race, and socioeconomic background. Every Friar, however, is committed to making The University of Texas at Austin a better place than they found it.
Fall Reunions
In addition to honoring new members at our fall reunions, we honor and recognize a staff member who goes above and beyond for their students at UT-Austin with The Tany Norwood Award.
Spring Reunions
At our spring reunion, we continue to honor and recognize new student members, but we additionally honor a professor with The Friar Centennial Teaching Fellowship.
Testimonials from our community
“Mentorship is the soul of leadership—the commitment to pass on lessons learned and to give an azimuth, example, and hope.
It portends badly for leadership, for the Friars, and for our Nation if we lose this capacity for empathy,
listening respectfully, humility, and understanding. The good society is not a zero-sum game.”
Terry Quist – Friar Spring 1978
Adjunct Professor, Georgetown University
Division Chief, NG-J24 (Counterintelligence and Security) at National Guard Bureau Joint Intelligence Directorate (J2)
