Student Assembly president Clarissa Caballero Pinedo ’19 and vice president Laurel Hagge ’19 are settling into their new leadership roles as Spring Term 2018 gets underway. The new leaders, whose offices continue through December 2018, share a goal to increase student involvement in Student Assembly.
Having females as the top student body leaders at Austin College is certainly nothing new, but it is particularly interesting this year as the College begins its celebration of 100 years of co-education. The first women were officially admitted to the College in 1918 at the height of the women’s suffrage movement.
Today’s women leaders have some specific goals for their time in office. “I want to increase involvement by being transparent about the work being done, revamping the living units since the majority of students live on campus, and to continue the current momentum of capital improvements on campus,” Clarissa said.
Laurel, who has been a member of Student Assembly since her freshman year, agreed saying, “I encourage all students to voice their opinions about our campus and see the difference they can make.”
Clarissa said, “Having a small campus has allowed me to make meaningful connections in the local community as well as long-lasting relationships with faculty, students, and staff.” A three-year member of Student Assembly, Clarissa also is involved across campus as a resident assistant, president of the Catholic Students Association, an intern for the office of Public Affairs, an Admission Office tour guide, and a member of the Students Today Alumni Tomorrow ambassador program.
Clarissa is a junior majoring in psychology, with minors in education and Spanish. After completing her Austin College degree, she plans to go to graduate school to become a bilingual educator and to advocate for minorities furthering their education. She is the daughter of Eva and Raul Caballero of Dallas, Texas.
Laurel is a member of the KangaRAAS competitive Indian dance team, Think environmental group, and Alpha Phi Omega national service fraternity. Through her varied activities, Hagge demonstrates her appreciation for the accepting community and diverse cultures of Austin College. She says she hopes to help boost school spirit and publicize what Student Assembly is accomplishing.
A junior majoring in chemistry and public health, Laurel has discovered a passion for research at Austin College and hopes to attend graduate school and conduct research in chemistry after completing her Austin College degree. She is the daughter of Melvin and Linda Hagge of Round Rock, Texas.
Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, international study, 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 40 percent of students representing ethnic minorities. A residential student body of approximately 1,275 students and a faculty of more than 100 allow a 13:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. The College is related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA) and cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. Founded in 1849, the College is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.