The Year in Tower Lightings: 2025

From celebrating the inauguration of the 31st President of UT to 6 SEC Championships, this year brought many opportunities for the Tower to shine brightly.

Since 1937, the Tower has commemorated milestones of all types. From athletic championships and academic achievements to the inauguration of James E. Davis as the 31st president of UT, there were plenty of reasons to celebrate this year, and the Tower was there to capture it all. Here are some Tower lightings to remember from 2025.

James E. Davis Inaugurated as the 31st President of UT

On Oct. 22, the Tower lit up in burnt orange with a "31" on one side to celebrate the inauguration and investiture of James E. Davis as the University's 31st president.

2025 Presidential Citation Awards

In February, a burnt orange Tower honored the 2025 recipients of the Presidential Citation Awards, an annual award given to those who personify the University's commitment to transforming lives. This year's honorees were John L. Adams, Amir Husain, The Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchison and Sam L. Susser.

Celebrating 50 Years of Transformational Support from The Cockrell Foundation

To honor The Cockrell Foundation's legacy of giving, which now amounts to more than $100 million over 50 years, the Tower lit up with "100" on each side.

Longhorns Beat Aggies at Home, 27-17

The day after Thanksgiving this year, the Longhorns defeated Texas A&M at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, handing the Aggies their first loss of the season.

SEC Championships

This year, six athletic programs took home conference championships: Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving, Women's Basketball, Men's Tennis, Rowing and Baseball. To celebrate each SEC championship, the Tower is lit entirely in burnt orange.

National Championships

Along with winning their respective conference championships, both Softball and Men's Swimming and Diving went on to claim the national championship. Each year in honor of NCAA championships, the Tower lights up from to