News

Behind the Magic:

Summer in Texas draws families looking for excitement, and from the 1960s to the late 1980s, that meant road trips to the state’s famous theme parks: Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington, the beloved AstroWorld and WaterWorld in Houston.

Reviving the Land:

Texans have cultivated the land for generations, engaging in subsistence farming and growing cash crops for their livelihood. As spring arrives, Texas farmers gear up to harvest specific crops and sow seeds for a fall yield.

Texas is in Full Bloom with a Sea of Colorful Wildflowers

A sure sight on any springtime road trip is a field full of Texas bluebonnets stretching toward the horizon, sprinkled with white, pink, yellow, and orange wildflowers. Families trek to Hill Country fields to snap portraits among the blooms, a seasonal tradition as Texan as a bowl of chili or the Alamo itself.

Spring Break road trip uncovers history and culture on Highway 87

In 1979, Terry Allen wrote, “As close as I’ll ever get to heaven is making speed up Ol’ 87.” I’ve been traveling up Highway 87 since my family bought property in Mason County in the early 1990s. Despite making this trip often, I’ve never taken the time to explore Fredericksburg and Mason.

Shape the Future of UTSA Libraries: Share Your Feedback and Win Big!

From March 17 to April 11, UTSA students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to participate in the biannual LibQUAL+ survey, offering an opportunity to share valuable feedback on the UTSA Libraries' services.

Texas Chili

What’s the real story behind our iconic state dish? The debate over what truly belongs in a bowl of Texas chili may never be settled, but its rich history is filled with fascinating stories. Chili’s evolution is as complex and layered as the dish itself: a blend of cultural fusion, entrepreneurial ingenuity, necessity, and a passion for great flavor.

Celebrating Texas Sounds

The UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures is proud to collaborate with Jason Longoria, a San Antonio native and Texas music history expert. Drawing on his extensive knowledge of genres ranging from western swing to blues to the Westside sound, Longoria will explore and document the vibrant San Antonio music scene, uncovering untold stories, rare insights, and historical perspectives. His contributions will be featured in a monthly music series on the ITC’s social media channels.

UTSA Libraries announces 2024-25 Adopt-a-Free-Textbook grant recipients

UTSA Libraries has announced the recipients of its 2024-2025 Adopt-a-Free Textbook grants, which aim to save students nearly $240,000 by adopting, adapting, or creating free and low-cost course materials. The 13 awardees span disciplines like Russian, education, history, and environmental science. Since 2016, the program has saved students over $12 million, advancing affordability and inclusivity in education. Faculty projects include using Open Educational Resources (OER), no-cost materials, and custom-designed resources to enhance access and reduce costs for students.

CEDISH Hosts Roundtable on Documenting LGBTQ+ Oral Histories and Community Archives

UTSA’s CEDISH will host a November 21 roundtable on preserving LGBTQ+ voices through ethical oral history archiving.

UTSA’s Mexican Cookbook Collection joins Google’s digital cultural revolution

UTSA's Mexican Cookbook Collection joins Google Arts & Culture's Latino Heritage exhibit, showcasing rare cookbooks and recipes.

Mexican American Studies professor talks music and empowerment

UTSA Libraries' Pizza & Research event features Rachel Yvonne Cruz exploring music’s role in challenging patriarchy, sexism, and colonialism through her personal and academic journey.

Welcoming Bianca Alvarez as Head Curator

The Institute of Texan Cultures (ITC) is happy to announce the appointment of Bianca Alvarez as the new head curator. As a UTSA alumna and former faculty member, Alvarez brings a wealth of experience and a deep connection to the San Antonio community.