Social Events

	Annual Barbeque Each fall, FSEL hosts a barbeque dinner for students, faculty, and alumni. During the event, the new graduate students are introduced to the FSEL family and awards are given for exceptional achievements.
	Football Challenge Another fall ritual is the touch football game between the returning and incoming graduate students. The first game was held in 1984, and the returning students remain undefeated.
	Team Photos
	J. Neils Thompson Golf Tournament The J. Neils Thompson Golf Tournament is held each spring. Teams of four compete using a scramble format. Beginners and advanced players are encouraged to play. The tournament was first held in 1994.
	Annual Picnic and Softball Game Near the end of the spring semester, the students, faculty, and staff meet at Walnut Creek Park in north Austin for a softball game and picnic. The picnic is a great place to relax before final exams and gives everyone an opportunity to socialize with the students who are graduating in May.
	Recruitment Weekend Each spring, the faculty in Structural Engineering and Materials invite top applicants to the graduate program to Austin. The visiting students are paired with current graduate students, who serve as hosts. During the weekend, the visiting students learn about the graduate program, meet the faculty, tour the facilities at FSEL, and explore Austin.
	Conventions and Alumni Receptions Throughout the year, FSEL faculty, graduate students and alumni attend conventions and conferences to present current research work and exchange information with professionals concerning the status of scientific and technical developments in the structural engineering discipline.
	STEER Reunion Graduate students organized the first STEER in 1985 as a forum to discuss contemporary issues with practicing engineers. The event was enormously successful, and subsequent reunions have been held to commemorate significant events in the structural engineering department.
	Tailgate Graduate students gather behind the Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Building for tailgate celebrations before most home football games. The events are informal.