From the President
We are halfway through the 175th year of this historic institution. There is so much happening on campus, it is impossible to capture it all in one letter. We have, however, tried in this edition of Austin College Magazine to give you a glimpse of the energy and excitement felt all across ‘RooNation as we remember our history and heritage, celebrate the present, and anticipate all of the opportunities the future holds…
A Homecoming to Remember
Photography by Cristan Gutierrez ’24, Nicholas Hummert, Alyssa Vyrva ’24, and Cary S. Wacker
…Homecoming & Family Weekend 2023 to be especially memorable, bringing together ’RooNation for a grand campus celebration of people, stories, and a vision for the next chapter of this historic institution…
EXPLORE. BELONG. MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
By Leigh-Ellen Romm
While Austin College marks its 175th year, the timeline teems with the lives of thousands of alumni who have experienced an Austin College education—from Joab H. Banton, the first graduate in 1854, to Cynthia Y. Zapata, the most recent in May 2023…
A Greener Campus: Environmentally sensitive updates throughout the Austin College grounds amplify the commitment to sustainable practices such as preventing erosion and planting butterfly habitat. Dry streambeds, installed in summer 2023, combine form and function to create dramatic vistas and control heavy rainwater runoff. See more on the new landscape on The Girl on the Mall.
New Master’s Degree Helps Meet Growing Healthcare Need
By Leigh-Ellen Romm
In October 2023, the new Austin College Master of Medical Science-Physician Assistant degree program received provisional accreditation and began admitting applicants for the first class to matriculate in June 2024. With just two years of post-graduate study and successful completion of licensing exams, the graduates of the new program will be PAs who can diagnose, treat, and follow up with patients while working with a supervising physician…
‘We plan to make an impact’
By Cary S. Wacker
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is halfway around the world from Sherman, Texas, but it no longer seems as remote for seven students. The first-ever group of Austin College Climate Ambassadors traveled there in December as official observers to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (also known as COP28)…
Austin College Meets the Moment
By Cary S. Wacker
The founders of Austin College could not have seen where science would be today, but their endeavors certainly foreshadowed the College’s commitment to science education as part of a robust liberal arts curriculum…
Creativity on Display in Art Showcase
Photos by Alyssa Vyrva ’24
Celebrating the rich and diverse creative talent of individuals on campus, the Art and Art History Department curated and displayed ART 175: Faculty and Staff Art Showcase…
Solstice Calendar, the massive stone sculpture by John Van Alstine installed in front of Abell Library in 1986, represents both art and science in its function as a solar calendar. The stones also beautifully symbolize the passage of time, a thought very much on the minds of ’RooNation during this 175th year.
Photo by Cary S. Wacker
Austin College Honors the Beauty and Strength of Diversity
On the morning of Commencement 2023, graduates assembled on Windsor Mall with the common joy of young people celebrating a big achievement. Among the billowing robes, more than 70 students were set apart with colorful regalia that represented and honored their unique family or cultural identities…
Long Shot Leads to Adventure & Opportunity
By Willa White ’24, Contributing Writer
“Coffee in one hand, Confidence in the other” is the caption on the mug my mother gave me my first year of college. It sums up my life. When I applied for the Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service, I knew I was a long shot—1,800 applicants, 100 recipients. I don’t attend an Ivy League institution. I’m not a National Merit Scholar. But, I’m confident. I’m resilient. I’m persistent…
Veterans Bring Experience to ’Roo Athletics
Leadership, collaboration, and communication are the important skills these veterans say they bring to Austin College athletics. After first serving their country, they’re now working toward degrees at Austin College and participating in team sports…
This ’Roo Rules the Pool
By Laura Veach
Sammi Thiele ’24 has made history during her undergraduate career at Austin College. As a regular on the Dean’s List, her academic achievements are worthy of note, but her accomplishments in the pool will be remembered long after she graduates. As a junior, Thiele broke the SCAC Championship 100M backstroke record with a 56.22 time, qualifying her to compete at the NCAA Division III National Championships…
Research Benefits Faculty & Students
By Laura Veach
Dr. Aaron Harrison, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, says lessons in the classroom are just part of the teaching and learning experience…
…Austin College faculty members’ research projects and fine arts performances allow them to pursue specific interests, enhance current classroom offerings for students, and contribute to the body of knowledge in their areas of expertise…
…When Dr. Renee Countryman was named Richardson Chair for the Center for Research, Experiential, Artistic, & Transformative Education (CREATE) in 2021, her goal was to make the most of the program’s resources…
Using Critical Thinking to Harness the Power of AI
By Kayla Brooks, Contributing Writer
…So, what’s the deal with AI—artificial intelligence—anyway? Is it scary? Revolutionary? Both? Past TEDxAustinCollege speaker Devin Gonier ’09 defines artificial intelligence in its simplest terms…
The Girl on the Mall
By Laura Veach
During fall of 2023, Caroline Clure became a familiar figure seated in the middle of Windsor Mall while drawing the east end of the campus corridor. Just one human figure is drawn into the entire project…
Duhaime Retires After 45 Years
By Leigh-Ellen Romm
Dr. Ricky Duhaime, music faculty member since 1978 and Mildred S. Mosher Professor of Music, retired from a distinguished career in May 2023 as one of the College’s longest-serving professors. Although that step has granted him time to pursue some special projects, Duhaime is still present and influential in Craig Hall, where he teaches applied music lessons…
- Bulletin Board
- Class Notes
- Outstanding ‘Roos Inducted to Prestigious Academy
- Regional Magazine Recognizes ‘Roadhouse” with AC Ties
- Alumna Invents Game-Changing Medical Advice
- Fall 2023 Alumni Speakers
- 8th Annual Conference: TEDxAustinCollege
- Honoring our Sports Legends
- Distinguished Alumni Awards
- Alumni Bookshelf
- ‘Roo-Mates
- Joeys
- ‘Roo Legacies
- In Memoriam
In Other Words – A Short History of a Special Place
By Marc Parrish ’92
Austin College celebrates its 175th year in 2023-2024. AC’s longevity is one that few Texas institutions of higher learning can match. Indeed, the average age of all Texas colleges is barely half of the 175 years Austin College has witnessed since its 1849 founding by Reverend Daniel Baker.
