TASSCC History

TASSCC has a rich history that parallels the growth of information technology in the state of Texas. From its very first meeting as the "Texas Association of State Supported Computer Centers" in 1974 to its most recent Annual Conference in Houston with over 400 attendees, TASSCC has grown as our use of computers and networks have grown. Below are some of the TASSCC highlights for each of the last 4 decades.

1970's

February 1974 - Durwood Henderson from the West Texas State University Data Processing Center includes a note on the formation of a "..an association for state educational data processing management" in the SCOPE publication published by the Systems Division of the State Auditors Office
April 1974 - The first meeting of a collection of interested data processing directory. 17 people attended
August 1974 - A set of by-laws developed and adopted at first formal meeting. TASSCC, originally the Texas Association of State Supported Computer Centers" is born.
January 1977 - The first TASSCC Topics Newsletter published. Articles included
- Illegal Use of Social Security Number Now a Crime
- You're Working Too Hard
- Management Tips from a Programmer
August 1977 - Gary Hammon labored hard in preparing for the first TASSCC Annual Meeting.
1978 - First non-university leader, Roy Hill of MH/MR was elected president.

Third Thursday Phenomenon

Late in the Summer of 1975, four data center directors from the Austin area met "secretly" at the old Christie's Seafood restaurant on Town Lake. It's now the site of the Hyatt Regency. The purpose was to join forces and discuss how to counter the supposed procurement harassment from the State Board of Control and the Systems Division of the State Auditors Office. The meet occurred on a Thursday and it happened to be the 3rd Thursday of the month. That was adopted as the code word and regular monthly meetings followed. Since secrets seldom remain secret long in Austin, other local DP staff began to attend. Finally, even staff from the SBOC and the Systems Division showed up. Over time the agendas shifted, but the meetings persisted. The gavel was passed alphabetically based on a time worn list and by some miracle the 3rd Thursday luncheon occurred every month for over 17 years. Today, the TASSCC Board meets every 3rd Thursday.

1980's

1983 - Number of Directors increased from two to four to facilitate overlapping representation from both agencies and universities
1985 - The Squier Personal Computer Training Seminars (sponsored by TASSCC in MH/MR facilities) was significant in the introduction of microcomputers into the agencies.
1986 - TASSCC Disaster Recovery Committee develops plans that would eventually be adopted by AITC as state standards.
1988 - Number of Directors increased again from four to six to accomodate membership by telecommunications representatives
August 1988 - TASSCC changed to mean Texas Association for State Supported Computers and Communication
Increased vendor participation contributes to the growth and strength of TASSCC

1990's

Winter 1993 - A history of TASSCC developed by Bill Grabo
Fall 1998 - TASSCC enters into relationship with Strategic Partnerships as management company. TASCC Topics newsletter reintroducted
August 1999 - TASSCC Board votes to have all future annual summer conferences outside of the Austin area
TASSCC Vision - To be recognized as the best forum for advancing cooperation, innovation, education, excellence, and sound public policy in the application of information and communication technology to the provision of public service.

2000's

TASSCC Annual Conference attendance grows 50% from 2004 to 2008