Swing-Out Awards
Swing-Outs, a revived Texas tradition, is an evening dedicated to honoring the standouts of our campus community. Formerly known as Evening of the Stars, we honor our history by returning to the event's original 1920s name and format, when graduating seniors were honored before "swinging out" of campus and passing the metaphorical torch to the juniors.
Award nominations for all awards are open in late fall and early spring each year.
The ceremony is open to all UT students, student organization members, and those who support them. Award nominators, family members, and organization advisors are welcome.
2026 Honorees
Congratulations to the 2026 honorees for their outstanding leadership and contributions to their campus and local communities.
View the full list of winners and finalists.
View more photos from the event.
Event Details
Date: Monday, April 6, 2026
Location: The Union Ballroom | 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Questions? Contact us at awards@austin.utexas.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Swing-Out Awards?
Swing-Outs is an end-of-year celebration and awards event honoring leadership, service and spirit of students at UT Austin. They originate from various areas of Dean of Students such as Student Organizations, Sorority and Fraternity Life, Volunteerism and Service Learning and other areas of the Office of the Dean of Students. The night will consist of a ceremony in Hogg Auditorium where a number of awards will be presented. Guests will then move over to the Union Ballroom for the afterparty which will include more award announcements, food, a mocktail bar, music and more.
Why were the Swing-Out Awards created?
Swing-Outs was the name of a student award ceremony that started in the 1920s to recognize the outgoing leadership of various student organizations as the "swung out" of UT Austin and welcomed the incoming officers stepping into their new roles. A ceremonial passing of bluebonnet chains was a part of this ceremony. In 2026, a century after its creation, we are bringing back Swing-Outs as our departmental award ceremony, replacing our annual Evening of the Stars event in recent years.
Who can attend?
Swing-Outs highlights outstanding registered student organization members, student leaders, and involved students on campus. It's especially important for award nominees, finalists, and honorees to attend in person. Invitations are open to all UT students, student organization members, and staff and faculty who support them.
When is Swing-Outs?
Swing-outs were held on Monday, April 6 at 6:30 p.m. with doors opening at 5:30 p.m.