Top 20 of 2020
What were the top TCU News stories of 2020? If you guessed COVID-19, you’re right. The global pandemic dominated national headlines this year, as well as our very own. From COVID testing and a safe return to campus, to other topics like the new Race & Reconciliation Initiative and TCU’s climb in national rankings, here’s a look at the top TCU News stories from 2020.
Nov. 12
The No. 1 news story of the year was TCU’s announcement that free COVID-19 testing would be available in November as students prepared to go home for the winter break and faculty and staff made plans for Thanksgiving. Testing is free for all students, faculty and staff, and is open to the community. (Testing dates have been extended; visit Curative.com for the latest availability and open dates).
Page views: 17,408
June 19
TCU’s first announcement that it would host a free COVID-19 testing site on campus during the summer is a close runner-up. The site was a Texas National Guard mobile coronavirus testing site, managed by the Texas Division of Emergency Management and in collaboration with Tarrant County Public Health.
Page views: 16,974
May 29
Chancellor Victor J. Boschini, Jr. announced changes to the university’s fall 2020 semester calendar and introduced the “TCU Connected Campus” – an initiative to address safety and prepare for and reimagine what the approaching school year would look like for the Horned Frog family as the global pandemic evolved.
Page views: 11,573
April 1
The announcement that TCU would suspend the requirement of standardized tests for students who are currently high school juniors or those expected to enter college in Fall 2021 was welcomed news for high school students and their parents. A national story by CNN on April 24, stated, “Texas Christian University was one of the first schools to extend the [May 1 decision] deadline to June.” Heath Einstein, dean of Admission, said in the story that TCU Admission remained focused on alleviating stress for students and families during this time.
Page views: 6,465
June 30
As anticipation grew for the upcoming fall semester and a return to campus, TCU shared initial health and safety guidance for students’ safe return to campus. The plans, which were outlined in a video produced as part of the university’s public health initiative, gave students and their families a clear vision of what to expect on campus.
Page views: 5,430
April 30
After moving all classes online in March due the pandemic, Chancellor Boschini announced that the university intended for students to safely return to campus for the fall 2020 semester, with a planned start date of Aug. 24. In the announcement he said, “The health and safety of our students, faculty and staff is our responsibility and our highest priority. As an institution of higher learning, we also must preserve our academic environment, the intellectual advancement of our students and safely provide all that the TCU experience promises.”
Page views: 5,360
June 25
In a proactive move to decrease risk to the campus community by reducing travel and limiting the number of large indoor gatherings, the university announced in June that traditional fall activities would not be held in person. As a result, Alumni Relations and Student Affairs came up with several creative ways for Horned Frogs to celebrate virtually, connect with new and old friends and maintain honored traditions.
Page views: 4,758
July 18
In what proved to be an inevitable decision, TCU announced July 6 in a video message from Chancellor Boschini that the university’s Aug. 8 commencement ceremonies could not be hosted due to the surge of COVID-19 cases across the country. The university followed up with plans for a virtual celebration and online festivities to honor May and August 2020. Chancellor Boschini praised the graduates’ resiliency and said, “while we can’t laud their many accomplishments and milestones in person right now, we can celebrate them online.”
Page views: 4,464
June 29
Opening campus during unprecedented conditions, the TCU Dining team implemented numerous adjustments to quickly adapt and serve the campus community in order to keep them both fed and safe. Jude Kiah, assistant vice chancellor of Student Affairs Administration, answered questions about what faculty and staff could expect for fall dining options.
Page views: 3,135
Aug. 3
The university announced its plan for an all-Class of 2020 ceremony – including graduates from May, August and December – in May 2021. “We want to ensure that every 2020 graduate has the opportunity to walk across the stage, when it is safe to do so,” Chancellor Boschini said.
Page views: 3,051
Sept. 14
Our first non-COVID-related story in our top stories featured TCU rising 17 spots in the 2021 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings. TCU tied at No. 80 on the list of Best National Universities. “I’m especially proud of the rise in TCU’s peer assessment score, which shows that the work of our talented faculty and staff is being recognized by our industry,” said Chancellor Boschini.
Page views: 2,995
July 14
Entering Fall 2020, one thing was for sure: things would look different around campus. TCU shared two video messages to assist students and families as they navigated the unchartered waters. One highlighted what to expect in student life and the other detailed plans for fall academics. The videos, which were also shared on social media, collectively garnered more than 13,000 views on YouTube.
Page views: 2,911
Sept. 24
Health officials advised that flu shots were paramount to community health this year, and TCU Nursing rose to the occasion. The program employed extra measures to make sure the season’s flu clinic was convenient and safe.
Page views: 2,799
Aug. 10
A highlight at the start of each fall semester is the presentation of the Chancellor’s Staff Award for Outstanding Service and the Michael R. Ferrari Award for Distinguished University Service and Leadership, and this unique semester was no different. These awards formally recognize faculty and staff for their commitment to and demonstration of the university’s goals and values.
Page views: 2,631
Sept. 5
The Princeton Review’s 29th annual college rankings confirmed what we already knew: TCU has great dorm life! TCU ranked No. 4 for Best College Dorms and Best Quality of Life in The Best 386 Colleges, 2021 Edition. “After being on multiple other college campuses, I definitely see how incredible the dorms at TCU really are,” said Avery Foster, a sophomore communications major.
Page views: 2,519
Aug. 7
The Mary Couts Burnett Library was excited to open its doors and welcome Horned Frogs back to campus. And judging by its place in the most-read stories, Horned Frogs were excited to be welcomed. The library implemented new guidelines to Protect the Purple and keep students healthy, safe and connected.
Page views: 2,435
Aug. 6
National headlines in 2020 were certainly also dominated by race relations and social justice. TCU was proud to share a positive one when students, faculty and staff were invited to sign their name on the END RACISM sidewalk mural by TCU student Kellton Hollins.
Page views: 2,281
July 18
An unprecedented health crisis left many with questions, and Dr. Jane Torgerson, medical director for the Brown-Lupton Health Center, was there to answer and to help keep the Horned Frog community healthy. She addressed questions about how the Health Center is adapting and serving students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Page views: 2,211
July 15
The Board of Trustees and Chancellor’s Office announced a joint initiative to study the university’s historical connections to racism, slavery and the Confederacy. Unanimously supported by all members of the Board, the undertaking to review, understand and transparently share information about the university’s history will make TCU a stronger institution as we plan for the future.
Page views 2,128
Aug. 5
In a year where physical health took a front seat, TCU was determined that mental health wouldn’t be relegated to the back. Eric Wood, director of counseling and mental health at TCU, shared tips about staying mentally and emotionally fit during the COVID-19 crisis and finishing 2020 as a strong Horned Frog community.
Page views 2,127
