Austin College Homecoming and Family Weekend 2017 was amazing! So many alumni friends returned to campus to spend time together; several groups celebrated anniversaries, milestones, and events. Numerous families were just hanging out with their new ’Roos.
As I watched these many relationships, it was apparent to me that the key to the magic of Austin College is the people. You can see the perpetuities of the magic revisited again and again in each smiling face, each strong hug, each proud parent, each loving ’Roo student’s interaction.
For alumni, Austin College is a safe place to be happy, young, and connected with so many wonderful memories and friends from our time here. I observed that this is as true for new alumni coming back to campus for the first time as it is for the Golden ’Roos, who have celebrated 50 years since their graduation.
Reflect back on your years at Austin College for a moment. Think about your groups and associations and your ties to them today. They are still here for you to reconnect with and contribute to! The Greek groups are strong, and many are building robust alumni and alumnae networks. The athletics associations are stellar and sponsor so many awesome events. The letter associations bring alumni together to sing and to talk about the law, service, education, health and science, theatre, and diversity in so many ways. The opportunities for alumni to mentor students abound! There is no limit to the representation of our truly amazing network of productive, giving alumni.
One can never have too many friends in this world, and those we made at Austin College are some of the most special. Don’t lose that connection. We can all be part of the alumni network and promote ‘friend raising’ in the community simply by renewing our associations and relationships.
The magic of Austin College really is global as it flows through the friendships, associations, and people who remain a part of this stellar organization and alumni community. Renew your ’Roo friendships through ‘friend raising;’ be engaged alumni; be part of the Austin College magic; be blessed.
Jeanne (Holland) Thoes ’84
Alumni Board President