AUSTIN COLLEGE
Traditions
The list of Austin College traditions— and the memories they inspire—is endless.
Here are a few traditions that unite us as ’Roos.
Opening Convocation kicks off the new academic year each fall.
A favorite tradition at Commencement is the inclusion of bagpipers as part of the processional.
The Austin College mace is carried by the College marshal during academic processions.
Unique Traditions
The freshman class photo is a tradition, sometimes with the students arranged in the shape of ‘A’ or ‘AC.’ As evidenced from photos going back decades, student groups from earlier eras had the same idea.
Above: Freshman class, August 2024; Right: Freshman class, August 2023; Top right and below: Student “A” Association; Bottom right: Austin College Marching Band
Special occasions, such as birthdays, are often celebrated with a friendly toss in the fountain by fellow students. We found evidence of this tradition in the 1965 Chromoscope.
Traditions of Service
Service has been a longstanding tradition of Austin College, evident through annual events such as First We Serve, GreenServe, Great Day of Service, JanServe, Alternative Spring Break, and more.
Alpha Phi Omega (APO) service fraternity hosts ’RooBoo, an annual fall event for the community and students.
Fun Traditions
Some traditions are reserved for certain classes, such as Monte Carlo night, an opening-of-school event for first-year students, and the Senior Toast.
Finals breakfast is about more than fueling up students for exams. Faculty and staff standing in to serve food to students makes this a fun way to celebrate the end of each semester together. At the December 2024 meal, a performance by Band on Grand, featuring faculty and staff musicians including President O’Day on guitar, was a crowd-pleaser.
New Traditions
The new Austin College Commons space just north of Wright Campus Center and the addition of crimson Adirondack chairs along Windsor Mall have revived the heart of campus as a place to study, socialize, or relax—creating new memories and traditions.
The new Austin College Commons space just north of Wright Campus Center and the addition of crimson Adirondack chairs along Windsor Mall have revived the heart of campus as a place to study, socialize, or relax—creating new memories and traditions.
The Veterans Day Roll Call ceremony honors veterans with connections to Austin College.
Declaration Day, the day sophomores and transfer students officially declare majors and minors, is commemorated with an Austin College challenge coin. Students receive a second coin at the Senior Toast, which they are encouraged to give to someone who has made an impact during their college journey.
Noteworthy Events from 2024
Photo By Nicholas Hummert
Austin College buried a time capsule in May 2024 to commemorate the College’s 175th year. The time capsule will be opened in 2074, 50 years after its burial. Heidi Rushing ’04 (left), Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, and Nia Carter ’25 (right), 2024 Student Assembly President, are pictured assisting President O’Day with the burial.
Students, faculty, and staff gathered across campus to watch the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. At this location, they experienced 99.8% totality and were able to see the phenomenon using proper telescopes and special AC branded eclipse glasses.
Photo By Jayni Gogineni '27
The City of Sherman is in the midst of rapid growth and change, yet local favorites remain at the heart of its unique character and charm. Whether you graduated 5 years ago or 50 years ago, you may find some of your favorite haunts on this hand-drawn map, created by Maddie Wilson ’23, to highlight some current student favorites for shopping, dining, and recreation.
Cut it out, color it in, and keep it handy as a guide to rediscovering Sherman’s beloved local treasures on your next visit!
Curiosity can take you anywhere
This year, Austin College launched a new website at austincollege.edu. Inspired by a clean, modern aesthetic and committed to an accessible, mobile-first user experience, the redesign provided an opportunity to take a fresh look at the Austin College visual brand.
When you visit the new website, the phrase “Curiosity can take you anywhere” welcomes you. Our curiosity took us back into old issues of the Austin College Chromoscope yearbook to explore the evolution of our visual brand over the years. Do you recognize your favorite logo or monogram?
Official Austin College Logos – Past & Present
1950s - 1980s
1970s - 1980s
1984 - 1994
1994 - 2009
2009 - present