Dear ’RooNation,
I like quotes. I like how a single sentence or two captures the essence of something, makes you see something in an entirely new way, or simply inspires. I am writing this letter as the new year begins, and the quote above appeared on my daily calendar. I was struck by it because not only does it speak to the promise of a new year, but it also seems to capture the spirit of this issue of Austin College Magazine, where we celebrate the adventures of a year. All across ’RooNation, on campus, in Los Angeles, and even extending into space, members of the Austin College community are doing new things, breaking new ground, inspiring!
I am constantly amazed at what our students, faculty, staff, and alumni are accomplishing. In the pages ahead, you’re going to see and read about some of those things. The women’s water polo team scored a first by winning the Collegiate Water Polo Association Division III championship. First-generation students are forging new paths for themselves and their futures with the help of dedicated people and programs at the College and the financial support of generous donors.
Our students are collaborating with NASA, using the largest research telescope in North Texas to discover new exoplanets. Student musicians and vocalists, most of whom aren’t even music majors, joined with other community members to perform the breathtakingly beautiful Gloria in D Major, RV 589, by Antonio Vivaldi. Cody McCasland ’24 is pushing his limits as a swimmer, not because he will become a professional athlete, but because the life lessons he learns in the pool shape the person that he is and will help him achieve his goals as a medical professional.
There is inspiration throughout ’RooNation—an entire community embarking on voyages of discovery inspired by their experiences right here at Austin College. All of the examples in the pages that follow display the magic of an Austin College education. Our students and alumni are not defined just by their majors and minors. They are so much more. They are communicators, servant
leaders, team members, and collaborators. They are adaptable, creative, and empathetic problem solvers. They are fascinating people with varied interests. Simply put, they are inspiring, just like a good quote.
What will inspire us next? Read on!
Sincerely,
STEVEN P. O’DAY, J.D., L.H.D.
President
Austin College