Travis Imken, an aerospace engineering major and member of the Longhorn Band, is looking forward to graduating this May from The University of Texas at Austin. It's been a long road to this milestone — one that began before he even applied to the university.
As a junior in high school, Imken joined thousands of visitors at Explore UT, the annual open house held each spring at The University of Texas at Austin. It was the first time he was able to truly experience the university and its offerings, and for Imken, Explore UT made his decision to go to The University of Texas at Austin easy.
"Growing up, I always had a passion for atmospheric and space flight, and the only two schools in Texas that have aerospace engineering programs are UT Austin and A&M," said Imken. "I decided to visit both universities and compare their programs.
"The atmosphere at Explore UT was warm and friendly, and I was able to tour their laboratories, speak to student organizations, and interact with students and advisers who could answer all my questions about college life and their aerospace engineering program. The culture at UT was extremely inviting, and I knew immediately it was the place for me."
Imken's experience epitomizes what Explore UT is about. This year's open house — featuring activities, events and exhibits that highlight outstanding teaching and research on campus — will be held Saturday, March 3, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Explore UT is one of only three mega open houses offered by universities in the United States. The program, in its 13th year, provides a plethora of learning opportunities for schoolchildren, parents and teachers during its spectacular 400-plus event day. Nearly 400 school buses will bring in middle and high school students from across Texas to experience the Forty Acres.
The Cockrell School hosts more than 20 percent of the campus activities, aiming to excite K-12 students about engineering and encourage admitted students to pursue the field at The University of Texas at Austin.
"Explore UT made all the difference for me," said Imken. "It was a great way for a prospective student like me to see what university life is really like and what to expect. I know that it has been just as inspiring and motivating for countless other students over the years."
Read complete Explore UT coverage on the university's Web site.
Portions of this story courtesy of Amy Crossette.
