In memory of Haruka Weiser, several community members will be recognized with Community Impact Awards for their service to our Longhorn Community
Austin, Texas, September 30, 2021 — Each year, SafeHorns honors the legacy of Longhorn Haruka Weiser, by recognizing community members that shine their light and positively impact the Longhorn community & beyond.
This year at our 5th annual West Campus National Night Out, October 5th, we will recognize those that came together quickly to serve the community during Winter Storm Uri.
Hundreds of students served thousands of bottles of water, supplies and assisted with water distribution throughout Austin for those in need. Michael Huff also served thousands of Texans by providing free meals to those impacted by the storm.
We are grateful for your servant hearts, answering the call to help others and shining your light to the Longhorn Community, Austin and Texas.
We are honored to recognize the following community members:
Kacey Vandervort, Longhorn Alumna UT21
Kevin Robbins, Associate Professor of Practice at the University of Texas at Austin
CK Chin
Michael Huff
Colt McCoy
Charafoudine Nassor, University Co-op
Richard’s Rainwater
Please join us at our annual SafeHorns West Campus National Night Out, Tuesday October 5th at Dobie Twenty21 rooftop park to recognize these incredible members of our community who have shined their light and made a difference in our community. Recognition ceremony at 6:45pm, event is 6pm – 8pm.
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SafeHorns is a non-profit organization comprised of concerned parents, students, stakeholders, and citizens committed to improving safety at the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) and surrounding neighborhoods where students live. The on-campus sexual assault and murder of UT Austin Freshman Haruka Weiser, in April 2016 opened the eyes of students and parents to deficiencies in safety and security on and around campus leading to the creation of SafeHorns later that year.
SafeHorns identified safety shortfalls on campus including lighting and call boxes; researched and advocated for golf carts on campus for safe late night travel; and donated $2,400 to Sure Walk to support the purchase of additional carts. Additionally, SafeHorns successfully lobbied the Austin City Council to include West Campus (WC) as part of the city’s Homeless Outreach Street Team.
May 1, 2017, UT Austin Freshman, Harrison Brown, was fatally stabbed and three others injured in an on-campus assault. This tragedy resulted in SafeHorns creating the “Report for Harrison” campaign, designed to highlight the need to report all crimes immediately.
SafeHorns successfully championed a three-year effort for Austin to improve lighting in WC, the most densely populated area of the city and where the majority of UT Austin students live. Two studies later, the city approved a funded plan in 2019 to bring lighting in WC up to code.
SafeHorns fosters and promotes a positive relationship among UT Austin students and the University of Texas Police Department and the Austin Police Department through annual events including National Night Out, Queso with a Cop, and Pizza with Police. Efforts continue towards improved communication as it relates to student notifications of crime on and around the campus and a Faculty, Staff, Student and Significant Other Opt-In immediately following initial crisis text alert.
SafeHorns is committed to improving the safety for UT Austin students, faculty, staff, and visitors on and around campus through on-going advocacy, strategic planning, and implementation.
Media Contact:
(512) 387-1441
mediarelations@safehorns.org
