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Spring 2023

Step onto campus.

For more than half of first-year Horned Frogs, the student-led campus tour is where it all begins.

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More in Campus News: Alma Matters

Seeing the iconic TCU brick in person and walking through the Campus Commons for the first time can be magical moments for prospective students and their families.

See for yourself! Click here for a virtual campus tour.

by Abby Hoffacker Graphic Design by Kim Baker

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If there are no visit dates that match your availability or all of our tours are booked, we encourage you to visit campus for a self-guided tour . Visitors are always welcome to stop by the Office of Admission to say hello and ask questions and we will provide you with materials to walk yourself around campus.

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CAMPUS TREES SELF-GUIDED AUDIO TOUR

For the sixth consecutive year, TCU has earned Tree Campus USA recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation. The national program, launched in 2008, honors colleges and universities and their leaders for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and staff in the spirit of conservation.

TCU values its diverse species of trees and its sustained commitment to maintaining and restoring campus ecosystems. The over 3,200 trees on campus truly make a positive impact on the attractiveness and charm of our campus and provide much-needed shade.

Learn more about the trees on our campus by taking this new, self-guided audio tour. To learn about a specific tree on the tour, please click the tree’s name below the map.

• Chaste Tree 
 (Vitex agnus-castus)
• Southern Magnolia 
 (Magnolia grandiflora)
• Rose of Sharon Althea 
 (Hibiscus syriacus)
• Crape Myrtle
 (Lagerstroemia indica)
• Texas Live Oak 
 (Quercus virginiana)
• Chinese Pistache 
 (Pistacia chinensis)
• Yaupon (
Ilex vomitoria)
• Pecan (
Carya illinoinensis)
• Caddo Maple
 (Acer barbatum [saccharum] var. Caddo)
• Chinkapin Oak 
 (Quercus muehlenbergii)
• Cedar Elm (
Ulmus crassifolia)
• Desert Willow (
Chilopsis linearis)
• Possumhaw Holly
 (Ilex decidua)
• American Sycamore
 (Platanus occidentalis)
• Texas Mountain Laure l
 (Sophora secundiflora)

Audio tours narrated by:  Todd Boling, Deepti Chadee, Yvonne Giovanis, Reece Harty, Danielle Hoefeld, Joe LeConte, Lea McCracken, and Erin Wilson

Hands That Shaped History

From the Cold War to Carnegie Hall, Van Cliburn was a classical music icon of the 20th century. Drag to Explore our interactive timeline mapping out the landmark events of his lifetime.

A Piano Star is Born

A Budding Virtuoso

Leaving for Juilliard

Winning the Leventritt

“Is He The Best...?”

A Household Name

A Frightening Halt

The First Van Cliburn International Piano Competition

An Unforgettable Duet

Calling Cowtown Home

Moscow Nights in Washington

Hometown Hero

Rildia Bee's Birthday Bash

The Passing Of Rildia Bee

Presidential Medal of Freedom

National Medal of the Arts

A Lasting Legacy

1934 A piano star is born

Van Cliburn is born and soon to discover his gift in piano

Harvey Lavan, “Van" Cliburn, Jr. was born in Shreveport, Louisiana to Rildia Bee O’Bryan and Harvey Lavan Cliburn, Sr. on July 12, 1934. When Van was six, his family moved to Kilgore, Texas following Van’s father’s job in the oil industry.

Van Cliburn with his mother and father

Piano runs... In the Family

At age three, he began taking piano lessons from his mother. Van’s mother, Rildia Bee, was an accomplished pianist who studied under Russian concert pianist Arthur Fridheim. This is one of the earliest connections Van has to his many ties in Russia.

1947 A Budding Virtuoso

Van's teenage years as a growing pianist

Establishing a reputation as a piano virtuoso, Van won his first competition by the age of 12. At age 13, Van debuted as a concert pianist with the Houston Symphony Orchestra after winning a statewide piano competition. After turning 14 years old, Van performed at Carnegie Hall for the first time.

1950 Leaving for Juilliard

Texas-born and New York-bound

Graduating high school at the age of 16, Van began studying piano under renowned instructor, Rosina Lhévinne at the Juilliard School in New York. Rosina Lhévinne’s impact on Van’s performance and style greatly influenced his career.

1954 Winning the Leventritt

Van meets near impossible standards as a pianist

In the six-year span between 1952 and 1958, Van won all but one competition he entered including: G.B. Dealey Award from the Dallas Symphony and the Kosciuszko Foundation Chopin Scholarship. Of the awards received, the most noted recognition is the prestigious Leventritt Award. The Leventritt Competition was a highly coveted international competition for pianists and violinists. Known for its high standards, the Leventritt award was not always awarded. If the judges felt the standard was not achieved, no award was presented.

1958 "Is He The" Best...?"

Van Cliburn goes to Moscow a Texas pianist and comes back to the United States a national hero.

In 1958, the first International Tchaikovsky Piano Competition was held in Moscow. Following the launch of Sputnik, the Tchaikovsky competition was created so the Soviet Union could display their superiority in the arts as well as space exploration. Fifty pianists from 19 countries went to Moscow. One was Van Cliburn.

"Then Give Him The Prize!"

Under the playing style of Russian Romantics, Van played Tchaikovsky No. 1 and Rachaninoff No. 3 in front of Russian judges. It was the perfect storm of Van’s playing style, personality, looks, Texan charm and near spiritual connection with Russian culture that culminated this iconic performance.

When the judges were expected to announce the winner, the judges sought permission of Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev to give first prize to an American. "Is he the best?" Khrushchev asked. "Then give him the prize!"

1958 A Household Name

Van Cliburn returns to the United States a national hero

After winning the first International Tchaikovsky Piano Competition in Moscow, Van was instantly recognized as a hero. Van returned home to a ticker-tape parade in New York City, an honor never before given to a classical musician. Time Magazine made Van the cover on the issue Time: The Texan Who Conquered Russia. Van Cliburn's recording of Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 was the first classical album to go platinum.

An American Superstar

Van made multiple television appearances including a performance on Steve Allen’s prime time TV series and the famous game show, What’s My Line? Van signed an exclusive contract with RCA, and won the 1958 Grammy Award for Best Classical Performance.

1960 A Frightening Halt

A near tragic occurrence

As Van continued booking performances across the world, in 1960 he contracted a finger infection that started in his cuticle. After a botched temporary fix to continue performing, Van’s manager noticed the swelling in his finger and wrist and rushed him to the hospital for surgery. The surgeon was able to diagnose and mend the serious infection that, left untreated, could have cost Van his hand, part of his arm, and his career.

1962 The First Van Cliburn International Piano Competition

Preserving a legacy through the international love of piano

Initially held in Ed Landreth Auditorium at Texas Christian University in 1962, the first Van Cliburn International Piano Competition featured the brightest young classical pianists from across the world. The competition was established to preserve Van’s legacy demonstrating how classical music can inspire across the globe.

A Western Town

The Van Cliburn International Piano Competition is widely considered to be the world’s foremost piano competition. It is also a reflection of the surprisingly abundant growth of the arts in Fort Worth, by tradition a “western” town.

Van with the First Van Cliburn International Piano Competition winner, Ralph Votapek (USA)

1962 An Unforgettable Duet

One of Van's happiest moments

On his 1962 tour back to the Soviet Union, Cliburn’s mother, Rildia Bee, performed during his encore in Moscow. She played Moszkowski and Liszt to an uproarious crowd. Rildia Bee taught Van from a young age, as well as teaching other children in the 1930’s. She was very talented herself, having studied under Russian concert pianist Arthur Friedheim (who had studied under Franz Liszt). Some say if she had been born in a different time, she could have been as successful as Van. “That was one of the happiest nights of my life,” Van stated about that night.

1985 Calling Cowtown Home

Van purchased the Fort Worth Westover Road mansion for himself and his mother, which became their permanent residence. The home was previously owned by Kay Kimble. Van had been living in a hotel in New York for years with frequent visits to Texas.

Van decided to buy a permanent residence in Fort Worth for his mother so they could live together.

1987 Moscow Nights In Washington

Van Cliburn returns from a 10-year break to perform at a nuclear summit for Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev

After nearly 10 years without performing, Van Cliburn made an appearance in Washington for the 1987 nuclear summit for Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev. Van Cliburn performed after the two political leaders made their state dinner toasts for a full audience in the East Room of the White House. "My relationship with the Russians was personal, not political," Van Cliburn explained in an interview once that, "I felt at home with these people."

Triumphant Return

After his performance at the White House, Van was invited to open the 100th anniversary season at Carnegie Hall kickstarting his return to performing.

Van's performance capped off a three-day summit on reducing nuclear arms, President Reagan hosted a lavish estate dinner to honor Soviet Union President Mikhail Gorbachev and his wife Raisa. When Van performed "Moscow Nights" at the dinner, the Gorbachevs broke out in song.

1990 Hometown Hero

In October 1990, Van returned to his hometown of Kilgore, Texas for the 60th anniversary of Kilgore’s gold rush. While there, he gave his first solo, public performance in 10 years. He arrived 45 minutes late to a sold out show to tumultuous applause and played five encores for a loving audience.

Van continued meeting with old friends and fans for hours after the performance and ended late into the night and early morning by seeing organist James Lynn Culp perform at a local church. The following morning, Van was interviewed live on Good Morning America .

1990 Rildia Bee's Birthday Bash

Van pulls out all the stops to give his mother a 94th birthday she would not forget

Van hosted Rildia Bee’s birthday at the Fort Worth Club with 600 guests attending. John Giordano and the Fort Worth Symphony played while Roberta Peters sang.

1994 The Passing of Rildia Bee

In the late 80s, Van Cliburn moved home to Fort Worth, Texas, to live with his beloved mother, Rildia Bee O'Bryan Cliburn until she passed away in 1994. She was more than a parent and instructor to Van; he often referred to her as his best friend. Rildia Bee had an enormous influence on his relationship with music – the way he played the piano, his polite mannerisms, and his humble and serving nature.

Patriotic Pianist

Van's rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner is heralded as an important moment in the history of the stadium. Watch the performance here.

On Opening Day in 1994, Van opened the new Ballpark in Arlington with his rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner accompanied by the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra.

2003 Presidential Medal of Freedom

Van received this medal from President George W. Bush in 2003. The Nation’s highest civilian honor, awarded to those who "have made exceptional contributions to the security or national interests of America, to world peace..."

Throughout his life, Van performed for every U.S. President from Dwight D. Eisenhower to Barack Obama.

Global Glory

Van didn't just receive praise from his home country, but continued to be awarded in his beloved Russia, given The Order of Friendship of Peoples by President Vladimir Putin in 2004.

The Friendship of Order of Peoples rewards, "Russian and foreign nationals whose work, deeds and efforts have been aimed at the betterment of relations with the Russian Federation and its people"

2011 National Medals

On March 2, 2011, Van received the 2010 National Medal of the Arts from former President Barack Obama. It is the highest award given to artists and arts patrons by the United States government. The medal is awarded to those who "are deserving of special recognition by reason of their outstanding contributions to the excellence, growth, support and availability of the arts in the U.S."

2013 A Lasting Legacy

On February 27, 2013, Harvey Lavan "Van" Cliburn Jr. passed away of bone cancer at 78 years old. He was buried in Greenwood Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Fort Worth. A dear friend of over 20 years, Thomas L. Smith, spoke of Van at his funeral, "Van's death is a crater-sized void that is felt around the world. But for me it is the loss of my soulmate, the deepest friendship. My gratitude is boundless."

Van continued playing music until his final days. "Classical music, classical art is forever."

Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU

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The Board of Trustees of Texas Christian University announced at their fall meeting that the concert hall in the new TCU Music Center will be named the Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU to honor the memory of the beloved concert pianist and Fort Worth legend. The concert hall will be part of the new $53 million TCU Music Center, which is set to open in fall 2020.

Gifts totaling $10 million from a group of donors who were close with Van Cliburn made the naming possible.

“We are grateful to this group of donors for this historic gift to the School of Music to honor Van Cliburn and ensure the success of this important project,” said Chancellor Victor J. Boschini, Jr. “Van’s superb artistry will always have a place in the hearts of music lovers at TCU, Fort Worth and beyond.”

David and Dana Porter of Fort Worth led the fundraising effort to name the concert hall in support of the overall campaign to build a world-class music facility. “Dana and I are delighted to be part of the effort to name TCU’s new concert hall after Van Cliburn,” said David Porter. “It is fitting given the long association between Van and TCU dating back to the first Van Cliburn Competition   hosted at Ed Landreth Hall. Fort Worth was blessed to be home to Van, and the Van Cliburn Concert Hall will be a continuation of that blessing for performing arts at TCU and in Fort Worth.”

Richard Gipson, interim dean of TCU’s College of Fine Arts , said, “Showcasing TCU’s commitment to excellence in music education, the hall’s uniquely intimate connection between performers and patrons will enable us to continue presenting TCU’s extraordinary talents as well as inviting internationally renowned musical artists to engage with the TCU and Fort Worth communities.”

This new intimate hall, with a little more than 700 seats wrapping fully around the hall, is designed acoustically as a grand concert hall, with similar acoustical volume to mirror concert halls with double to triple this seating capacity. The acoustical environment is adjustable, so it can be tuned, depending on the nature of the performance.

In addition to having a very wide range of adjustability in reverberation, the acoustical scale can be adjusted by lifting some of the suspended ceiling panels. The hall’s walls and roof are heavy masonry construction to support a rich warmth of tone and strong bass response as well as to ensure that noise from outside the hall will not be audible

inside the hall. The mechanical systems are designed to be silent in operation, allowing performers the greatest possible dynamic range of artistic expression, perhaps causing the audience to hold their breaths during particularly quiet and delicate passages.

The new Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU is designed to showcase the School of Music’s   nationally recognized and award-winning student ensembles, including the TCU Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Concert Chorale, Percussion Ensembles and Jazz Ensembles, among others. The concert hall is the heart of the new TCU Music Center and the emerging TCU Creative Commons, which will create a dynamic presence not just for TCU students, but also as TCU welcomes performances from around the world.

The Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU will take its place as a unique concert venue in the city of Fort Worth with its size, scope and design. The concert hall will become a destination for extraordinary artistic experiences, immersing the audience in the performance, feeling as if they are participants in the world-class music-making occurring on stage.

Van Cliburn won the hearts of music lovers across the world in 1958 when he became the first American to win the Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Piano Competition , in Moscow. He was awarded the 2010 National Medal of Arts for his contributions as a pianist in the history of music, and as an ambassador for American culture. Since his historic victory at the first International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow, Cliburn reached across political frontiers with the universal message of beautiful music. The concert hall also will include a small, museum quality display of Cliburn’s life and music.

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BYU Maintaining Regular Contact with Texas Athlete Jacobe Hayes

Casey lundquist | jun 30, 2024.

• BYU Cougars

Last week, Texas athlete Jacobe Hayes trimmed his list of top schools to six and BYU made the cut alongside TCU, Wyoming, San Diego State, North Texas, and Stephen F. Austin. Hayes, who plans to make his college decision either at the end of July or near the start of August, is still in touch with BYU after receiving an offer from the Cougars in December. We caught up with Hayes to get an update on his recruitment.

BYU was the first school to offer Hayes a scholarship back in December. "BYU was my first offer and getting that first one was everything," Hayes said.

After BYU offered, his recruitment remained relatively low-key throughout the Winter. In the month of June, his recruitment really started to accelerate. He picked up an offer from UTEP at the beginning of the month. Then UNLV and Wyoming followed suit. He picked up his second Big 12 offer a few weeks ago when TCU offered him a scholarship. During the recruiting process, Hayes also picked up competing offers from Arkansas State and Miami (OH).

BYU has stayed in touch while other schools are entering the picture. "I hear from BYU almost weekly," Hayes said. "I believe I should be coming on a visit soon."

The end of June and most of July is a dead period, meaning coaches can't visit recruits and recruits can't take campus visits. The dead period ends on July 25th, so the next chance for Hayes to take a visit would be at the end of July.

Hayes was offered by BYU's defensive staff back in December and he confirmed that he is being recruited as a defensive back. He's been a standout wide receiver during the course of his high school career in Mansfield, Texas. As a wide receiver, he is explosive with the ball in his hands and he is always a threat to take it the distance. He is only 5'10, but he is fast and fearless going over the middle and able to absorb contact. As a punt returner, he can shake arm tackles and make people miss in space.

@coachcilumba pic.twitter.com/3y4K1YAB80 — d1_c19 (@JacobeHayes) January 14, 2024

On what will be the most important factors in his college decision, Hayes identified three things:

1. Great coaching staff & great relationships with the staff 2. Great school for what he hopes to study - Kinesiology 3. Great atmosphere - a good place to be in and be around

BYU put themselves in a good position by identifying and offering Hayes first. They will have to continue to make him a priority and get him on campus to put themselves in the best position to land his commitment.

CASEY LUNDQUIST

Casey Lundquist is the publisher and lead editor of Cougs Daily. He has covered BYU athletics for the last four years. During that time, he has published over 2,000 stories that have reached more than three million people.

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