In a departure from the traditional gender-specific titles of Homecoming king and queen, Austin College students this year voted for a Homecoming Court and then a High Court, the top two vote getters, regardless of gender. The 2021 Homecoming High Court Royalty are seniors Sarah Schuster and Claudia Theriot.
- See the Homecoming Court photos!
President Steven O’Day and his wife, First Lady Cece O’Day, congratulated the winners with scepters as Michael Deen, dean of students, made the announcements during halftime of the football game.
Sara Schuster ’22 from McKinney, Texas, is completing a major in chemistry and minors in biology and Spanish. Sara is vice president of administration for Campus Activities Board, philanthropy chair for Omega Zeta sorority, vice president of the Austin College Golf Club, a ’Roo Navigator Fellow for the Admission Department, and a member of the Senior Committee.
Claudia Theriot ’22 from Boerne, Texas, is in the Master of Arts in Teaching program. Claudia is involved in Omega Zeta sorority and Students Today/Alumni Tomorrow and is a Posey Leadership Fellow. She also works as an intern for the Institutional Marketing and Communications team.
Members of the Homecoming Court:
Mariam Abeje ’22 from Murphy, Texas, who is completing a major in healthcare administration and a minor in chemistry. On campus she is involved as a Peer Tutor and a member of Senior Committee member, as well as a member of Students Today/Alumni Tomorrow. She is vice president of Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity.
Allyson Doan ’22 from Houston, Texas, who is completing a major in public health and minors in biology, chemistry, and communication. Allyson is involved in Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, serves as a Public Health ambassador, is vice president of Students Today/Alumni Tomorrow, and is vice president of the Pre-Health Society.
Carlos Estrada ’23 from Selma, Texas, who is completing a major in neuroscience and a minor in chemistry. He is an officer in Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, a member of Pre-Health Society, a First-Year Seminar Leader, and vice president of the Student Body.
Hersh Patel ’22 from Richardson, Texas, is completing majors in biochemistry and business finance. He is service chair for Zeta Chi Beta fraternity, a member of Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, and on the Service Station Board.
Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, global awareness, pre-professional foundations, leadership development, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 40 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 50 percent of students identifying as persons of color. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and an expert faculty of more than 100 educators allow a 12:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. Related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Austin College cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. The College, founded in 1849, is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.