2026 Issue
Winsdor Mall in the Evening
Photo by Kendall Katusak ’22
From the President
“Serving as the President of Austin College has been the honor and privilege of a lifetime. Over these last nine years, I have been humbled by the depth of love that so many have for Austin College.”
...Serving as the President of Austin College has been the honor and privilege of a lifetime...
The 'Roo Connection
’Roos are characterized by qualities that make them engaged citizens and mindful individuals. Here are a few photos from 2025 that highlight ’Roos connected by compassion, dedication, community, exploration, fellowship, and leadership...
Shared Legacy
Celebrating 150 Years in Texoma
By Laura J. Veach
Amid a flurry of growth and development in the Texoma area’s population, industry, and infrastructure, in 2026, Austin College celebrates 150 years* of calling the region home. Following a devastating yellow fever epidemic in Huntsville, Texas, the College moved operations to Sherman in 1876—the year the telephone was invented and the United States celebrated its centennial. Since then, local industries have varied as widely as the areas of study at Austin College and the region itself has continually transformed, but the symbiotic relationship between college and community endures.
Community Connections
By Tori Walters
Austin College has called Sherman home for 150 years—and over that time, the relationship between the College and the Texoma community has remained deeply intertwined. One of the hallmarks of an Austin College education is participation in community life, which includes some of Sherman’s most enduring arts institutions, such as the Sherman Community Players (SCP) and Sherman Symphony Orchestra (SSO). The relationships between these institutions and the College have been fostered and sustained by faculty, staff, alumni, and students alike.
Finish Strong
The Legacy of President Steven P. O’Day | The 16th President of Austin College
By Laura J. Veach
In 2017, Austin College welcomed Steven and Cece O’Day as the College’s 16th President and First Lady. Their time at Austin College has been constructive, literally and figuratively. One of President O’Day’s first priorities was launching the public phase of a comprehensive fundraising campaign, POWER Austin College, and indeed he started strong. By November 2019, the College had reached 89% of the ambitious $125 million campaign goal. O’Day outlined his vision behind POWER Austin College at the time, saying, “In this campaign, we are working to raise the funds needed to continue the transformational experience today and into the future. We need to support and enhance the scholarships, programs, and facilities involved in educating the whole student—mind, body, and spirit. These experiences are, after all, the essence of an Austin College education.”
Zauk Circle: A Revitalized Gateway to Austin College
By Tori Walters
The story of Zauk Circle begins with the legacy of Margaret Binkley Zauk Collins, tireless volunteer and benefactor of the College who dedicated much of her life to its growth and success...
Campus Enhancements for Student Life
By Joshua Sylvé
Those who have visited the Austin College campus recently (or enjoyed the beautiful campus photos in the pages of this magazine) have likely noted the many enhancements and renewal work that have taken place over the past several years to refresh the buildings and grounds...
And...
By Tori Walters
Of all the decisions made during the college experience, the area of study on which to focus is often the most significant. When multiple academic interests arise, there is no “either/or” with Austin College students, only “and.” The focus on not being too focused often leads Austin College graduates down unique career paths that draw on their unique intersection of interests.
Connecting With the World Around Me
By Jasmine Galdamez ’26
Finding my footing at Austin College as a first-year student was a bit of a challenge. I was now five hours from home with no familiar faces around me and a whole new life to build outside my home in Lubbock. I remember wondering when things would feel normal to me, when I would feel at home...
S’More Experiences for Girl Scouts
By Laura J. Veach
When former CEO of Girl Scouts of America Sylvia Acevedo was presented with the Austin College Posey Leadership Award in 2023, the spark of collaboration was lit between Girl Scouts Northeast Texas (GSNTX), their STEM Center, and Austin College. In summer 2025, that spark ignited in the form of a summer Girl Scout camp hosted on the Austin College campus with classes taught by Austin College faculty...
Outside the Classroom
By Tori Walters
Across every discipline at Austin College, faculty are finding creative ways to immerse students in hands-on environments that deepen understanding and spark curiosity. Whether that means debating bills under the Capitol dome, digging up fossils, or collaborating with local nonprofits, these experiences show students that education is not just something you study—it’s something you do...
Full Circle
Alumni serve as preceptors, mentoring Austin College Master of Medical Science-Physician Assistant students.
By Laura J. Veach
Years after their own time at Austin College, 30 alumni are exemplifying the tenet of servant leadership by hosting and mentoring Master of Medical Science-Physician Assistant (MMS-PA) students for their clinical rotations...
Beyond the Boards
Michelle Filander Takes on New Role as Athletic Director
By Joshua Sylvé
Approaching the Austin College campus along Grand Avenue, a bright wave of alternating crimson and gold street pole banners guides visitors to the Wortham Center where they are welcomed for the first time. Nearing campus from the west along Brockett Street, guests are greeted by a massive banner hung across Jerry E. Apple Stadium, boldly announcing that they have entered the “Home of the ’Roos.”...
A Family of Friends
By Joshua Sylvé
Those who grew up with siblings know what it means to share—old clothes, secret routes to school, scary stories. Having someone who understands us, who walks a path similar to our own, means we have a sidekick during all of our victories and a cheerleader when things don’t go as expected...
Convergence of Creativity
Art Department Faculty Design Mural for TI
By Tori Walters
There’s been a lot of buzz about the investment Texas Instruments (TI) is making in Texoma and the opportunities that might bring to the community. One unexpected opportunity to connect Austin College and TI came in the form of an installation in the new TI building in Sherman by two faculty members in the Art Department.
Austin College Adds New Bachelor of Science in Engineering Program
By Laura J. Veach
On April 17, 2025, Austin College held a press conference announcing the addition of its new Bachelor of Science in Engineering program. After several years of offering a pre-professional track, students can now graduate fully prepared for engineering internships, full-time jobs, and graduate school.
Annual Inspiration
By Laura J. Veach
Since 2006, the annual award now known as the Austin College Posey Leadership Award has honored an outstanding individual who has demonstrated the principles of servant leadership...
...The inaugural Austin College Posey Leadership Award was presented to Wendy Kopp, founder of Teach For America, in 2006. Twenty years later, the list of luminaries who have received the Award and the $100,000 prize it carries is a who’s who of impressive names and important causes. While they represent many different fields, the recipients have in common that they are global citizens who have applied their leadership talents to make a positive impact on society. Interacting with these inspiring individuals can influence Austin College students to strive to do the same...
- Bulletin Board
- ’RooNotes
- A Letter from Brent Barry ’88
- ’Roos Recognized as Community Leaders
- Classroom to Clinic
- TEDxAustinCollege 2026
- Alumni Bookshelf
- Distinguished Alumni & Volunteer Awards
- ’Roo Legacies
- Honoring Our Sports Legends
- ’Roo Mates
- Joeys
- In Memoriam
The journey of every Austin College student is impacted by the service, sacrifice, and generous support of generations past, and those contributions ripple into the success of each new class. Growth starts here, and your generosity helps students achieve their full potential, imagine new futures, and reshape the world for the better. Connect your legacy to the students of today and make a lasting difference in the lives and careers of Austin College’s next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers. Make a gift today!
In Other Words: A Message from the First Lady of Austin College
By Cece O'Day
...Steven is getting asked a lot lately about what he’s most proud of. Doubtless, there’s a response to that question elsewhere in this magazine. What I’m most proud of is us—the Austin College community—and that last word is really important. Community. We are a community, and we embrace all of the facets of all of our students...
The Austin College Commons
Photo by Kendall Katusak ’22