A letter from the chair of the Department of Human Development & Family Sciences, Stephen T. Russell, and the director of the Priscilla Pond Flawn Child & Family Laboratory, Amy Bryan. 

Today marks the 91st anniversary of the Priscilla Pond Flawn Child and Family Laboratory – our UT Lab School. Since 1927, our work to help people understand, appreciate, and apply the science of child development has meant dozens of multifaceted research studies; hundreds of thriving children and families across the decades; and an enduring legacy of undergraduate and graduate leaders applying the science of child development. We are proud of the difference we have made in the lives and trajectories of Longhorns by offering them opportunities to observe and participate in the education of generations of local children.

Countless graduates have applied their learning across diverse fields to improve the lives of children and families. Their accomplishments demonstrate that what starts here truly changes the world. 

Last year, we connected with many of you during our 90th anniversary celebration. We visited with UT alumni, individuals who attended the Lab School as children, and some people who fell into both categories. We also had some nice media coverage from this milestone year, showing how our earliest values and practices – especially our approach to educating young children – remain true today. It is our hope that we are connected with more of you than ever before. 

Through the extraordinary vision and generosity of the Flawn family, we recently received a meaningful gift that will lay the foundation for a bold endowment goal leading up to our centennial. The University provides the framework for our laboratory, but the sophistication of our program can only be achieved through the support of donors and campaigns like this one. As you make philanthropic plans, please keep us in mind. And, if you're interested in learning more about the future of our program, email us at ppfcfl@utlists.utexas.edu. We'd love to talk with you!  

Thank you for being part of our community. We look forward to staying connected with you this year and beyond.