Jacqueline Magno
Jacqueline Magno and Her Legacy
By Tenley Jackson | Social Media Intern
May 26, 2023
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Here at the Student Affairs office, commencement season is a storm of hectic anticipation and preparation. It’s our biggest event and, accordingly, the most complicated to pull off.
So, in spring of 2021, when someone made the innocent suggestion to our team that, along with the added stress of pandemic recovery, we should make tiny graduation caps for each of the turtles in the pond, the answer was a hard no.
In compromise, social media intern Jackie Magno simplified the suggestion as a celebratory poster of a turtle wearing a graduation cap. This was the birth of Theo, the beloved unofficial mascot who is an integral part of our College of Liberal Arts family. Over the last few years, Jackie’s evolved design of Theo has starred on social media content, stickers, socks, magnets, bags, and more.
“I am very grateful that my metaphorical cartoon son has been widespread throughout the college,” said Jackie. “It’s a real honor that people find joy in Theo’s cute little face.”
The social media team at the 2023 COLA Commencement.
Now, Jackie is an accomplished UT alum— and we are so lucky to have this lasting stamp of her legacy, reminding our community that you will always find purpose in your passions.
When I first joined the Student Affairs team, I was honestly intimidated by Jackie. After all, by her senior year, she was the lead producer for People of Liberal Arts, the creator of the college’s mascot, and basically a legend to myself and Nidhi, the newest interns.
Quickly, Jackie smiled away any fear I had. She was welcoming, patient, and supportive, modeling not only how to be a good employee and teammate, but how to be a good friend. Jackie’s story leads us towards empathy, both for ourselves and others.
“POLA has made me more understanding of the fact that everyone is on their own individual journey, which isn’t inferior or superior to another person’s.” Jackie said, “Everyone’s individual passions are valid, and everyone’s individual field of study and career journey will look very different from each other's. That doesn't make any of those career paths any less valuable, meaningful, or important.”
Along her personal journey, Jackie recounted the support systems that lifted her up and matched her own amazing levels of energy and empathy.
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Jackie and her former supervisor, Katie Lathrop, at the COLA Love Fest.
“One of the people who has had the most impact on me has been my supervisor, Ms. Katie Lathrop.” Jackie attributed, “Coming into this job, I was very much doubting myself in terms of what I wanted to do with my life. Katie is always my #1 hype woman. She always makes time and prioritizes listening to her students. I didn't grow up with an older sibling, but I could imagine that that is what it would be like.”
As Jackie mentions experiencing sibling-like connections in the college, I’m reminded of the space she built for us. Jackie truly created a family where each student can feel heard, empowered, and loved.
“I look up to all the interns that I’ve worked with,” she said. “I feel like we have created a small, tight-knit family within our social media team. It is a special place. I have never met anyone like y'all, and I don’t think I ever will again.”
Truthfully, this special place, not just in the Gebauer building but throughout the whole college, would not be possible without Jackie’s embrace. She continually uplifts every student to take control of their own journey and own their passions unapologetically.
“To everyone who’s pursuing a liberal arts degree,” Jackie said, “I want you to know that no matter how strange, niche, or unheard of your passions and interests are, they are important and meaningful.”
As we say “see you later” to Jackie and her time as a UT student, we reflect on the positivity, assurance, and care that she has given to the college. In addition, we are excited to share her last big project with all of you: the redesign of the College of Liberal Arts logo.
“This opportunity was absolutely crazy,” Jackie said, “because I remember sitting in orientation in 2019 and being given a pop-socket, a t-shirt, and a sticker with that exact logo that I would redesign four years later.”
Jackie has secretly worked on the new logo throughout the past semester. The project was a true labor of love.
“I was so scared to do it,” she admitted. “But at the same time, I was also really excited to be able to dedicate many hours of work to a final design for this college that means so much to me and has given me a second family.”
With the new design’s exciting release this week, Jackie expresses her hopes for her last signature on The Forty Acres.
“I hope that other students are able to see it and find a little bit of joy in the college that they go to,” she said. “Because this college means so much to me— it means everything.”
While we’re sad to see Jackie go, we are ecstatic for her graduation and know she’ll continue to spread joy and create meaningful change anywhere she goes. As for what’s next, Jackie has already started her new position as Advancement Coordinator at The Girl’s School of Austin.
It’s been an honor to know and work with Jaqueline Magno. You can check out her beautiful logo design on our Instagram, and please leave her a comment if you want to congratulate her or give thanks for all she has done for COLA.
Next time you see Theo on any of your college’s swag, check for Jackie’s name in his shell. Her impact is everywhere.