Thomas Brocato, B.A. ’87
“One of my favorite, though bittersweet, memories of the Tower occurred on April 28, 2001. It was my father’s final visit to Austin. He was battling pancreatic cancer and passed away three months later, on July 27. My dad didn’t have the means to attend UT, but he loved the school, and he’s the reason I was able to attend and why I’m a lifelong Longhorn.
My parents lived in Beaumont and had come for the weekend. It was their 44th wedding anniversary. The Bob Bullock Museum opened that day, and we were among its first visitors. After lunch at Iron Works BBQ, we went to campus and were able to go up to the Tower observation deck. The space had been off limits since 1974, making it a truly special occasion.
I remember vividly my dad struggling on the final steps, but he didn’t give up. That remains the only time I’ve been to the top. The next day, he left Austin for the last time. That experience was deeply special to him and stays with me to this day.”