2019 Fall

North Texan Fall 2019
Tree roots

Cover story

Tenacity Takes Root

In the midst of life-leveling events, five UNT alums found strength in determination. Then, hope bloomed.

Written by: Erin Cristales

#Cover Story, #Features, #2019 Fall

Joe Greene (mosaic of UNT photos  and photos courtesy of the Pittsburgh Steelers)

Alumni Spotlight

Joe Greene

The football legend's reputation looms large on the UNT campus, where he's made a lasting impact.

Written by: Meredith Moriak Wright

#Features, #2019 Fall

sky

Research Feature

Clearing the Air

UNT researchers working to combat air pollution with innovative solutions.

Written by: Jessica DeLeón

#Department of Biological Sciences, #Research, #College of Arts & Sciences, #Department of Studio Art, #Features, #Department of Geography, #College of Visual Arts and Design, #2019 Fall

UNT's Welcome Center, the new "front door" to the university

Facilities

Power of Place

As UNT's creative and scholarly footprint grows, so does the campus.

Written by: Amanda Fuller

#Spaces, #Features, #2019 Fall

UNT President Neal Smatresk

From Our President

Strategizing Strengths

UNT's creative, caring and tenacious DNA sets the stage for continued excellence.

#From Our President, #2019 Fall

Mason Fine

Mean Green

Fine Possibilities

What else is left for the Mean Green quarterback before he moves on to his next chapter?

#Athletics, #Mean Green Athletics, #2019 Fall

Alumni books

Home and Place

UNT alumna Sarah Broom ('02) wins praise for her memoir, "The Yellow House."

Written by: Jessica DeLeón

#Books, #Department of Anthropology, #Journalism, #Books, #College of Health and Public Service, #Frank W. and Sue Mayborn School of Journalism, #2019 Fall

Pictures from the summer of 1969

Expert Take

Summer of 1969

Woodstock, the moon landing, the Stonewall Riots: 1969 was a notable year, to put it mildly.

#Department of Communication Studies, #College of Science, #Online Extras, #2019 Fall

Senior media arts student Tanner Matthews operates camera equipment during the summer's TV pilot class.

Student Experience

Learning by Doing

UNT's media arts students learn about the filmmaking process by creating their own TV pilot.

Written by: Jessica DeLeón

#Media Arts, #Television & Film, #Frank W. and Sue Mayborn School of Journalism, #2019 Fall

Emma and Kathy Earhart

New Students

UNT a Family Affair for Mom, Daughter

Kathy and Emma Earhart start university life together as biology majors.

Written by: Erin Cristales

#Department of Biological Sciences, #College of Arts & Sciences, #Campus News, #2019 Fall

Illustration depicting a figure using a light bulb, symbolising an idea, as a megaphone

New Students

Advice to My Freshman Self

Alums offer a few pieces of wisdom to UNT's largest-ever freshman class.

#Campus News, #2019 Fall

Nicole Bereolos

Innovation Spotlight

Chronically Caring

Clinical health psychology alum counsels people with chronic illness.

Written by: Erin Cristales

#Features, #2019 Fall

Augustine Uzor

Perspective

Between Two Worlds

UNT studio art graduate student uses painting to express his journey as an immigrant.

Written by: Erin Cristales

#Department of Studio Art, #Features, #College of Visual Arts and Design, #2019 Fall

Morgan Kainu

Star Student

Blazing a Unique Research Path

UNT undergrad Morgan Kainu explores the anthropology of outer space.

Written by: Erin Cristales

#Star Student, #College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, #Campus News, #Department of Anthropology, #2019 Fall

Horacio Casillas works on pottery

ONLINE EXTRA

Home Is Where the Art Is

Horacio Casillas ('18 M.F.A.) fell right into place as an artist-in-residence at The Epic.

Written by: Brittney Dear

#Department of Studio Art, #Online Extras, #College of Visual Arts and Design, #2019 Fall

Joe Scott

ONLINE EXTRA

Ask Him Anything

Alum Joe Scott's ('98) interest in making movies and comedy turns into a popular YouTube channel.

Written by: Madeline Greene

#Online Extras, #Department of Media Arts, #2019 Fall

Legacy Families

Footsteps Followed

Drew Springer Jr.'s love for UNT has extended to his son, his grandchildren -- and beyond.

Written by: Erin Cristales

#Legacy Families, #Legacy Families, #2019 Fall

Domingo Garcia

Alumni Profile

Opening Doors

As national president of LULAC, UNT alum Domingo Garcia helps others achieve the American dream.

Written by: Jessica DeLeón

#Political Science, #College of Arts & Sciences, #Department of English, #Department of Political Science, #Alumni Profiles, #2019 Fall

katy Beth Irwin McGahey ('17) and Ryan McGahey (’17, ’18 M.B.A.) got engaged at UNT's Hurley Administration Building.

ONLINE EXTRA

The Place for Love

UNT played a significant role in the relationship of this alumni couple — including their proposal.

Written by: Jessica DeLeón

#Online Extras, #2019 Fall

Alumni at the National Memorial for Peace and Justice.

Alumni Spotlight

Bringing History Home

Alumni seek to memorialize Denton County lynching victims through the Community Remembrance Project.

Written by: Erin Cristales

#Social Impact, #Department of History, #Online Extras, #2019 Fall

Chris Lee proposes to Karen Alday at the UNT pedestrian bridge.

ONLINE EXTRA

Crossing the Threshold

Chris Lee ('17) proposed to girlfriend Karen Alday ('16) at special campus spot.

Written by: Erin Cristales

#Alumni Life, #Love Stories, #Online Extras, #2019 Fall

Alumni Profile

Radical Hope

UNT alumna Stephanie Hawley serves as Austin ISD's first chief equity officer.

Written by: Amanda Fuller

#English, #Social Impact, #College of Arts & Sciences, #Department of English, #Alumni Profiles, #2019 Fall

Michael Mairs

ONLINE EXTRA

Gaming for Good

UNT sophomore turns a dorm-room hobby into a platform that raises money to fight cancer.

Written by: Scott Brown

#Department of Communication Studies, #Online Extras, #2019 Fall

Mentors and mentees meet as part of UNT's Professional Leadership Program

ONLINE EXTRA

The Business of Success

For 25 years, UNT's Professional Leadership Program has helped students excel in their careers.

Written by: Brittney Dear

#G. Brint Ryan College of Business, #Online Extras, #2019 Fall

Rows of cupcakes

Dining

Kitchen West Goes Allergen-Free

You won't find milk, eggs, fish, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, soy or shellfish at Kitchen West.

#Campus News, #2019 Fall

Miguel Acevedo

Innovation

$2.5M Grant for Food Insecurity Research

Regents Professor Miguel Acevedo will dig deep into food-energy-water systems.

#Department of Electrical Engineering, #Campus News, #College of Engineering, #2019 Fall

Jamie Raybourn competing

Extracurriculars

World Champions

UNT students win top honors at Taekwon-Do competition.

#Campus News, #College of Information, #College of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism, #2019 Fall

Huseyin Bostanci - Associate Professor of Engineering Technology

Innovation

Oxygen for Astronauts

A UNT College of Engineering team is working to make space exploration a little easier.

#Campus News, #Department of Engineering Technology, #College of Engineering, #2019 Fall

1964 UNT cheerleaders

Dialogue

1964 Cheerleaders

Reader recalls a fun but busy year.

#Dialogue, #Letters, #2019 Fall

Margot Lee Shetterly

Conferences

Journalism Greats

This year's Mayborn Literary Nonfiction Conference was themed "Justice in America."

#Campus News, #Frank W. and Sue Mayborn School of Journalism, #2019 Fall

Community involvement

Art for Everyone

An old ice cream truck serves as a studio for UNT alumnus Arnoldo Hurtado.

#Department of Art Education and Art History, #Visual Arts and Design, #Department of Studio Art, #Visual Arts, #2019 Fall

Dialogue

Wonderful Memories

Readers share thanks for reinforcement of great memories from UNT.

#Dialogue, #Letters, #2019 Fall

Bob Brown

Outstanding Staff

Top Honor

Bob Brown, UNT's senior vice president for finance and administration, receives business award.

#Campus News, #2019 Fall

Musical Talent

Mysterious Pull

UNT alumnus Scott Mulvahill finds big success with challenging instrument.

#Music, #Music, #College of Music, #2019 Fall

Charla Marchuk

Dialogue

Disaster Recovery

Reader enjoys "Building Resiliency" feature in the summer issue.

#Dialogue, #Letters, #2019 Fall

Movie music

Violin King

UNT College of Music faculty member Scott Tixier plays on "The Lion King" soundtrack.

#Music, #Music, #College of Music, #2019 Fall

Saket Thapliyal and Jessica Reeder

Research

CAAAM Receives $10 Million in Funding

The Legislature recognized the additive manufacturing center's dedication to developing the future.

#Campus News, #College of Engineering, #2019 Fall

Documentary Honor

Boots, Beer and Baseball

Two UNT media arts majors fell in love with a town -- and so did the judges of a statewide contest.

#Media Arts, #Television & Film, #Culture, #Department of Media Arts, #2019 Fall

UNT environmental science students work in The Pecan Creek Pollinative Prairie at Discovery Park with Dr. Jaime Baxter-Slye.

Research

Buzz-Worthy Development

UNT is adding Elinor Lichtenberg, a bee expert, to its biology department.

#Department of Biological Sciences, #College of Arts & Sciences, #Campus News, #2019 Fall

April Becker

Outstanding Faculty

Powe Recipient

Behavioral science assistant professor April Becker wins award for stroke recovery assessment.

#Campus News, #Department of Behavior Analysis, #College of Health and Public Service, #2019 Fall

Coast photo of albatross with researcher in the distance

Research

Making Waves

UNT's Sub-Antarctic Biocultural Conservation Program in Chile received a 2019 Ocean Award.

#Campus News, #2019 Fall

Abraham Benavides and Chandra Carey

Outreach

Helping the Homeless

A $400,000 grant leads to the expansion of UNT's Healthy Community Collaborative program.

#Campus News, #College of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism, #2019 Fall

Credit card

Research

Foiling Theft

UNT's Cyber Forensics Technology Lab develops technology to fight credit card theft.

#Campus News, #Department of Criminal Justice, #College of Health and Public Service, #2019 Fall

The UNT ESports league hosted Battle of the Dorms during Eagle Insomnia in the University Union during First Flight Week.

Extracurriculars

Good News for UNT Gamers

UNT Esports recently announced $20,000 in scholarships for its members.

#Campus News, #2019 Fall

Crystal UNT alumni awards

Award winners

Soaring Eagles

Alumni Association honors graduates for their outstanding careers and service to UNT.

#Alumni Life, #UNT Alumni Association, #2019 Fall

Lifelong learning

Curious Minds, Adventurous Hearts

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute offers classes and trips for those 50 and better.

#OLLI, #2019 Fall

UNT students

UNT Alumni Association

Student Experience

UNT students can join the alumni association while in school, with their own unique activities.

#UNT Alumni Association, #UNT Alumni Association, #2019 Fall

Mark McLellan

Innovation

New Vice President of Research

Mark R. McLellan is chosen to oversee research and innovation at UNT.

#Research, #Campus News, #2019 Fall

Rudi Thompson

Innovation

Water Conservation

The Environmental Education Initiative receives a $2.25 million grant renewal through 2024.

#Campus News, #College of Science, #2019 Fall

Faculty books

Darwin, Shakespeare and Zen Chanting

UNT professors Ricardo Rozzi, Jacqueline Vanhoutte and Stephen Slottow release new books.

#Books, #Books, #2019 Fall

Lucky the Squirrel with passport

ONLINE EXTRA

Eagles Abroad

This summer, students spread their wings by taking part in UNT's various study abroad trips.

Written by: Madeline Greene

#Online Extras, #2019 Fall

Fashion design students seated at a table

Giving Impact

Inspiring Future Talent and Fashion History

Donations help Texas Fashion Collection grow its digital archives.

Written by: Amanda Yanowski

#Visual Arts and Design, #Department of Design, #College of Visual Arts and Design, #2019 Fall

A silent disco at Eagle Insomnia

Opening Shot

An Eye-Opening Experience

Eagle Insomnia welcomed Eagles back to the nest with a festive, fun-filled night in the Union.

#Essays, #2019 Fall

Ladder

Forward Thinking

How Do You Climb Out of a Creative Rut?

Two UNT alumni and a professor reveal their strategies.

#Music, #Theatre, #Visual Arts and Design, #2019 Fall

James Meernik

ONLINE EXTRA

Supplying a Lesson in Peace

Political science professor inspires students with outreach project to Colombia.

#Online Extras, #Department of Political Science, #2019 Fall

UNTOLD Stories

UNTOLD STORIES

UNTOLD Stories

Tell us your tales of being a UNT student, faculty/staff member or alum.

#2019 Fall

Chandler Foreman, Lauren Taylor and Natalie Merrell

Winning women

Mean Green Reigns

Three UNT students use their crowns to spread messages of service and inclusion.

Written by: Melisa Brown

#Online Extras, #2019 Fall

Homegrown Holiday Hits

Playlist

Homegrown Holiday Hits

Check out our alums' inventive holiday songs on this special playlist.

Written by: Jessica DeLeón

#2019 Fall

Rows of cupcakes

Dining

Allergen-Free Holiday Hosting

Kitchen West supervisor Amber Duncan dishes on dining that’s suitable for all guests.

Written by: Erin Cristales

#Online Extras, #2019 Fall

Brad Leali, sitting at the piano with his saxophone

alumni spotlight

Music and Memories

Professor's exceptional musical journey leads to Gospel Meets Jazz.

Written by: Erin Cristales

#jazz studies, #Music, #College of Music, #Alumni Profiles, #2019 Fall

Stephanie Henry-Ricchi ('19) struggled early in life. But education, including that she received at UNT, helped pave the way to a brighter future.

Alumni Spotlight

Learning the Hard Way

After a lifetime of trauma, alumna finds a home — and renewed purpose — at UNT.

Written by: Erin Cristales

#Department of Sociology, #Online Extras, #2019 Fall