Three alumni were added to the Distinguished Alumni rolls of the College during Homecoming 2022. The individuals are recognized for excellence in their profession and in their communities and for modeling the spirit of service and broadened perspective fostered by Austin College.
Aldo Billingslea ’87 (MA ’88)
Aldo Billingslea has been a full-time faculty member at Santa Clara University since 1988 and is the William J. Rewak Professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance. He has been honored for work in the classroom, on the stage, and for his outreach service to disadvantaged students in the community.
A professional actor and member of the Screen Actors Guild and Actors Equity Association, Aldo has performed to much acclaim in the Santa Clara and Bay areas of California, as well as in theatres across the nation.
Aldo and his wife, Renee, and their daughter, Trinity, live in Santa Clara, California.
Steven Pounders ’81, M.D.
Steven Pounders continues a successful practice in internal medicine with a specialization in AIDS/HIV. He has worked at major Dallas hospitals and his private practice has been a clinical training site for future medical practitioners from several metroplex universities. At a 30-year career celebration four years ago, Steven received a Special Recognition Proclamation from Dallas city officials for his service to the community.
He has received many honors and accolades for his work as both a scientist and humanitarian in service to the LGBTQ community and the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Steven and his husband, James O’Reilly, live in Dallas.
Ting Sun ’87, Ph.D.
Ting Sun has more than 30 years of experience in the world of education, particularly in charter school program quality and reform. She earned a Ph.D. in Education at the University of California at Davis.
Ting served as a Program Consultant at the California Department of Education’s Charter Schools Unit, and in 2015, she became a member of the California State Board of Education, appointed by Governor Jerry Brown. Ting co-founded the Sacramento-based Natomas Charter School, serving as its Education Programs Director, and later, its Executive Director.
Active in her community, Ting has received many honors, including being named a “Woman Who Means Business” by the Sacramento Business Journal.