Austin College announces that the 2023-2024 Academic year will be our 175th —a milestone we proudly celebrate as the oldest college in Texas operating under its original charter and name.
Join us to Explore. Belong. Make a Difference.
At 175, we are proud of our diverse and dynamic group of people – alumni, students, faculty and staff – who make up ’RooNation. We are people who are eager to learn and who want to make a difference in the world. This year, we have extra gratitude for the strong foundation and longevity of this institution. We are grateful for the traditions and proud of the growth of Austin College as an innovative leader in higher education.
We will mark this milestone with a variety of events and celebrations throughout the year, from Opening Convocation in August through Commencement in May.
Celebrating our Alumni
Alumni whose college experience and professional achievement embody the Explore. Belong. Make a Difference. theme will be featured as speakers at on-campus lectures and academic conferences, many of which are open to the public.
Brittnay Connor '14
Bilingual teacher to 5th/6th grade new immigrants; Chicago School District
"...My study abroad and Fulbright experiences gave me the tools I needed to specialize in the educational needs of the students I currently teach..."
Pranav Sheth '18
Consultant aligned to Accenture's Supply Chain & Operations
“Austin College's comprehensive curriculum and leadership opportunities imparted me with the skills that allow me to bring value to my Fortune 500 clients..."
Wyatt Hill ’21
Ph.D. student studying politics at the University of Dallas;
preparing to be a Political Science professor
"Austin College is where I formulated my dreams of the career I want and the person I want to be..."
Emma Chalott Barron ’18
Legal Assistant at Silhol Law, Dallas, Texas
"...The internship opportunities through the Austin College Center for Southwestern & Mexican Studies helped me expand my network in Dallas and facilitated my connection with mentors and friends in the area..."
Associate Professor at Paul Quinn College
Dallas, Texas
"...I learned how to learn, and I love learning. So instead of saying, 'I will be this or I will be that'—I said, 'I can be anything.'..."
Geoff Westcott ’08
Founder/Owner of Brockett Street Capital
Jessica Westcott ’09
CFO & COO of Stellar Service Brands
“...There’s something very unique about the education you receive at Austin College that will pay dividends into the future regardless of where you decide to go with your career...”
Make a Difference Days
We know that members of ’RooNation are already making a difference in their communities through service, and we want to highlight the impact of those efforts by counting them up. We have set a goal of 175,000 collective hours of community service for the year, and are asking all members of ’RooNation to participate.
- On-campus, the Service Station Board coordinate their community service efforts for students
- The Austin College Alumni Board members will coordinate “Make a Difference Days” for alumni & friends in their communities to participate together in community service events.
- Green Serve, on April 20 will be an opportunity for faculty, staff, and folks in the North Texas area to join students in environmental focused community service projects around Grayson County.
- AND, all members of the Austin College community can submit their own independent community service hours so that we can count them toward our collective goal.
Submit community service hours
In late October, a self-guided walking tour will be available to all campus visitors. The 12 tour stops across campus feature QR codes directing guests to historical photos and stories that give a view into life at Austin College from past decades.
175th Year Celebration Dinner
Homecoming and Family Weekend, November 3-5, 2023, will feature several events around the milestone including the 175th Year Celebration Dinner, hosted by President Steven P. O’Day on Saturday, November 4. The dinner is open to alumni, students, family members, and invited guests from the community.
