In a celebration of literature, biodiversity, and Texas’ natural beauty, the Libraries hosted a literary salon in Houston on Monday, February 24, featuring acclaimed author and UT Austin professor David M. Hillis. The event, generously hosted by Tom and Reggie Nichols—former Libraries Advisory Council members and proud UT alumni—highlighted UT Libraries’ role in supporting critical research and advancing fundraising initiatives.

The evening centered around Hillis’ latest book, Armadillos to Ziziphus: A Naturalist in the Texas Hill Country, a deeply personal and scientifically rich exploration of the Hill Country’s diverse landscapes. Guests received copies of the book and were treated to a special reading of the chapter The Last Wild River, in which Hillis wove together the history of the Lower Pecos River with his own experiences.

Armadillos to Ziziphus was named grand prize winner at the 2024 Hamilton Book Awards.

Vice Provost Lorraine Haricombe welcomed attendees and invited them to browse a curated selection of materials from the Life Science Library, showcasing works on Texas’ biodiversity and environmental history.

Hillis, who serves as director of the Biodiversity Center at UT Austin’s College of Natural Sciences, is renowned for his contributions to evolutionary biology. A MacArthur Fellow and member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, he has discovered numerous species, including Austin’s iconic Barton Springs Salamander. His book reflects his lifelong passion for conservation, encapsulated in his belief:

“The more we understand and experience nature, the more of it we will appreciate, and the more we will seek to protect it for future generations to enjoy.”

The evening reinforced the Libraries’ commitment to fostering intellectual engagement while celebrating the invaluable research and scholarship at The University of Texas at Austin.