Astronaut, aviator, and author Mark Kelly spoke about America’s future at Tuesday night’s Maverick Speakers Series lecture in Texas Hall. Commander Kelly is the husband of U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.

Emmy winner Jeff Corwin has been working for the conservation of endangered species and ecosystems around the world for nearly three decades, but he is best known as the host of the Animal Planet show The Jeff Corwin Experience.

R&B singer Aaron Neville and jazz great Ellis Marsalis showed why they are music legends Tuesday night at College Park Center. The duo performed and spoke about their musical lives for the last Maverick Speakers Series event of the academic year.

For one night in November, College Park Center transformed into an oversized comedy club. As part of the Maverick Speakers Series, Saturday Night Live star Seth Meyers entertained a sold-out crowd with an hour-long stand-up routine.

Started in 1980 to celebrate the opening of Maverick Stadium, Bed Races is one of the oldest traditions on campus. The theme for this year’s annual race and activities was “A Blue Carpet Affair” and participants were encouraged to dress the part. The event also includes costume competition, group photos, games, novelties, field goal kicking competition and music entertainment.

Political commentator Cokie Roberts discussed the recent presidential debate, getting out the vote, and what voters want at the 2012–13 Maverick Speakers Series program Oct. 4 at Texas Hall.

Sports journalist Frank Deford shared his thoughts on sports writers vs. editor and sports as a unifying element in life for the first program in the 2012–13 Maverick Speakers Series. He spoke Sept. 25 at Texas Hall.

Maverick Stampede (Welcome Week) is the official kick-off to the new academic year. During Welcome Week, which coincides with the first week of classes, students experience a number of fun and exciting programs centered on integrating new and returning students back to campus; including MavsMeet.

MavsMeet, the New Student Convocation, is a formal assembly commemorating the beginning of the academic year. The event took place in College Park Center. This major academic event honors all undergraduate and graduate students, but particularly new UT Arlington students. Faculty, staff, alumni and parents are also welcome to attend.

Jeb Bush talks about his policies on education reform while governor of Florida. His visit to the UT Arlington College Park Center marks the last offer Maverick Speaker’s Series for the 2011–2012 season.

Unparalleled excitement envelopes Commencement ceremonies at The University of Texas at Arlington as the spring Class of 2012 became the first to walk across the stage at UT Arlington’s striking new College Park Center. Adding to the festivities, actor and education advocate James Franco offered inspirational advice at this year’s Graduation Celebration.