Introduction
Texas Southern University (TSU) is a public, historically black university located in Houston, Texas. It was founded in 1927 and has since grown to become one of the largest and most diverse institutions of higher education in the state. TSU has a rich history and is home to a number of interesting facts and traditions that are worth exploring. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at some of the fun facts about Texas Southern University.
Fun facts about Texas Southern University
TSU is a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund
Texas Southern University is a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, which is a non-profit organization that supports and represents the 47 public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the United States. The fund was established in 1987 and is named after Thurgood Marshall, the first African American to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. The Thurgood Marshall College Fund provides scholarships, internships, and other educational opportunities to students attending HBCUs.
As a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, TSU is able to offer its students a wide range of resources and support services that help them succeed academically and professionally. The fund also helps TSU build partnerships with other HBCUs and organizations that share its mission of promoting diversity and inclusion in higher education.
The TSU band is known as “The Ocean of Soul”
The Texas Southern University band, known as “The Ocean of Soul,” is one of the most recognizable and popular marching bands in the country. The band was founded in 1969 and has since become known for its high-energy performances and innovative musical arrangements.
The Ocean of Soul has performed at numerous events, including the Super Bowl, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the Honda Battle of the Bands. The band has also been featured in a number of movies and television shows, including “Drumline” and “Glee.”
In addition to its musical accomplishments, The Ocean of Soul is also known for its community service work. The band has been involved in a number of charitable initiatives, including providing aid to victims of Hurricane Katrina and participating in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.
TSU has a strong athletics program
Texas Southern University has a strong athletics program that includes teams in basketball, football, baseball, and other sports. The university is a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and has won numerous championships in various sports over the years.
One of the most notable athletes to come out of TSU is Michael Strahan, who played football for the university before going on to have a successful career in the NFL. Other notable TSU alumni include former NFL player Yancy Thigpen and former NBA player Robert Reid.
In addition to its athletic achievements, TSU is also known for its commitment to academic excellence. The university has a number of academic support programs in place to help student-athletes balance their academic and athletic responsibilities.
TSU is home to the Mickey Leland Center
The Mickey Leland Center is a research center at Texas Southern University that is dedicated to addressing issues of global concern, such as hunger, poverty, and health disparities. The center was established in honor of Mickey Leland, a former U.S. congressman who was a strong advocate for social justice and humanitarian causes.
The Mickey Leland Center conducts research in a variety of areas, including sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and global health. The center also offers educational programs and outreach initiatives that promote awareness and action on these issues.
TSU has a vibrant student life
Texas Southern University has a vibrant student life that includes a wide range of clubs, organizations, and activities. The university has over 100 student organizations, including cultural clubs, academic clubs, and special interest groups. There is truly something for everyone at TSU.
In addition to its many student organizations, TSU also hosts a number of events and activities throughout the year. These include Homecoming, which is a week-long celebration that includes a parade, a football game, and various other events, as well as the TSU Spring Fest, which is a festival that features live music, food, and other entertainment.
The university also has a number of amenities on campus that make it a great place to live and study. These include a state-of-the-art recreation center, a student center that includes a food court and a game room, and a library that has over 1 million volumes of books and other resources.
TSU is committed to sustainability
Texas Southern University is committed to sustainability and has taken a number of steps to reduce its environmental footprint. The university has implemented a number of energy conservation measures, such as installing energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems, and has also implemented a campus-wide recycling program.
In addition to its energy and waste reduction efforts, TSU has also taken steps to promote sustainable transportation. The university has a bike-sharing program that allows students to rent bicycles for short trips around campus, and has also implemented a carpool program to encourage students and staff to share rides.
Conclusion
Texas Southern University is a vibrant and dynamic institution that is committed to academic excellence, diversity, and social justice. From its strong athletics program to its commitment to sustainability, TSU is a university that is making a positive impact on its students, its community, and the world. Whether you are a student, an alum, or simply a fan of higher education, there is plenty to admire and appreciate about Texas Southern University.