University of Texas School of Law - Peregrinus Yearbook (Austin, TX)

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Sunflower Began as Law School Protest The Sunflower Ceremony is a unique tradition which stemmed from a disagreement over academic regalia in the University’s early years. Although no caps and gowns had been worn from the founding of The University of Texas in 1883 till the turn of the century, a salesman at that time persuaded the senior class to adopt the tradition. Not having been consulted on the decision, the law students refused to comply on the grounds that caps and gowns were inappropriate for a professional, non-academic school. Faced with an ultimatum from University officials, the students finally agreed to wear white suits and chose the sunflower to represent their distinctive insignia. The sunflower was chosen because, like lawyers, it is widely distributed throughout the world, and it turns its face to the light of the sun just as the lawyers turn their faces to the light of justice. The use of the sunflower has not only survived, but is one of the school’s most cherished traditions. TOP RIGHT: With diligent research Dean Sutton introduced each fall graduate with an anecdote gleaned from their Law School career. BOTTOM RIGI IT: Gretchen Rimes beams with pride as her husband receives his sunflower. 24 — Sunflower Ceremony

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Special Programs The Law School Foundation helps sponsor special conferences and seminars for the continuing legal education of the state legal profession. Not all of these programs are held in Austin, and some involve only faculty participation, not Foundation support. Among the programs held during the past year were: Media and the Law. February 9. Austin; Corporate Counsel Institute, March 5-6. Houston; Mortgage Lending Institute, September 20-21, Austin; Conference on Immigration and Naturalization, October 4-5, San Antonio; Conference on the Handicapped. October 15-16, Austin; Tax Conference, October 24-26. Austin; Conference on the Legal Aspects of Agriculture, November 1-2, Dallas; and the Products Liability Conference, November 8-9, Austin. TOP: Experiences as an appellate judge are shared with students in Judge God-bold's talk. BOTTOM: The Chicano Law Students Association played host to a speech by U.S. Attorney Tony Canales. Special Programs — 23

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The Sunflower Ceremony Is a Family Affair The Sunflower Ceremonies are small friendly gatherings — a time to meet friends’ families and spouses and a time to say good-bye to friends and colleagues. Although law school is a highly competitive environment, most students leave with a sense of regret and a little apprehension over the imminent bar exam and a new, highly competitive working environment. Most socializing comes at the cookie and punch reception afterwards, which the faculty wives help organize. There are a few tears, but also many smiles, especially from proud parents. No matter what the grade average or the job waiting, these graduates have survived three arduous years and have gained a new understanding of the way our system of justice works. TOP LEFT: Travis Miller introduces his family and guests to the rest of the audience. BOTTOM LEFT: Gina Lackey receives her sunflower from Dean Munneke as another fall graduate and head quizmaster, Gwen Sommer. looks on. Sunflower Ceremony — 25