What is the Austin College Alumni Board (AC AB)?
The Alumni Board is a collection of volunteers that serves as the governing body of the Austin College Alumni Association.
The voting members of the Alumni Board are comprised of approximately 40 at-large members from various class years, geographic locations, and backgrounds as well as representatives from the Austin College Special Associations, the President of the Greek Alumni Council, and a representative of the student body. Non-voting members include representatives from the Austin College Alumni Engagement Office and honorary members elected by the Alumni Board.
The Alumni Board seeks to promote the interests of the alumni, the College, and the current students in several ways, such as the following:
- Helping plan and advertise college-related events for alumni;
- Expressing the ideas, opinions, and concerns of Austin College alumni;
- Raising awareness of the mission and programs of the College, including programs in which alumni can participate; and
- Honoring faculty, staff, and alumni who have distinguished themselves in their field of endeavor.
The Alumni Board meets three times per year. Its committees meet between full board meetings to work on various projects.
Serving on the Alumni Board is a wonderful way to engage, or perhaps re-engage, with Austin College. Membership also provides an opportunity to reconnect with old friends and Austin College alumni from other eras.
If you are interested in serving on the Alumni Board, there are typically a few openings each year. You may nominate yourself or another alum via nomination forms provided at the top of this page.
For more information, please write to alumniboard@austincollege.edu.
Alumni Board Members
Luis Acosta ‘87
Member since 2017 Occupation: Administrator, Aldine ISD Luis is the son of Luis Acosta, MD and Lesvia Acosta. While at Austin College, Luis majored in Biology and Mathematics. Luis was a member of the Spanish Club and a member of Chi Delta Eta Fraternity. After College Luis worked as a research assistant in Houston and… [Read More]
Stephanie Almanza ’11
Member since 2020 Occupation: Spanish Teacher, Greenhill School Stephanie has been working as a foreign language teacher since graduating from Austin College. She started her career teaching English in Ecuador. Back in the States, Stephanie has worked in San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas. Across these three cities, Stephanie has taught ESL and/or Spanish to every… [Read More]
Kathy Aubrey ‘69
Member since 2016 Occupation: Retired Kathy (Pearce) Aubrey graduated with a B.A. in Art in 1969 from Austin College, where she was an active member of Delta Phi Nu. There, she met her best friend and husband, Richard “Don” Aubrey ’69. Their only child, Amy Aubrey, and son-in-law, Cullen Chandler, Ph.D., are both 1996 graduates… [Read More]
Catherine Ayeni ‘07
Member since 2020 Occupation: Attorney, Catherine G. Moran, Esq. Senior SoulCycle Instructor, SoulCycle Inc. Catherine graduated from Austin College in 2007. During her time at Austin College, she majored in English and served as Co-Captain of the Austin College Women’s Basketball Team. She was very active in Black Expressions and the Posey Leadership Institute. After… [Read More]
Alyssa Banta ‘90
Member since 2019 Occupation: Commercial and Residential Property Owner & Photographer and Writer, Rent Historic Fort Worth, LLC and Panther City, LL Alyssa Banta purchases real estate within two miles of downtown Fort Worth, rehabilitates the properties, restores them and rents them to people who appreciate living in quirky and beautiful spaces. She up-cycles, shops… [Read More]
Cindy Bean ’75
Member since 2018 Occupation: Retired, Austin College Cindy utilized her Sociology degree in the Social Work field then connected with Sherman ISD as a substitute teacher when her children were in school. In 1995, she began a 16 ½ year adventure in the Austin College Alumni Office. Since retirement she has enjoyed the world of… [Read More]
Clint Buck ‘07
Member since 2016, President Occupation: Attorney, Branscomb Law Clint Buck graduated from Austin College with his B.A. in 2007, double majoring in music and sociology. Throughout his enrollment, he participated in several organizations, including the Posey Leadership Institute, Student Assembly, Sherman Symphony Orchestra, Austin College Concert Band, Greater Texoma Jazz Ensemble, Gamma Gamma Gamma fraternity,… [Read More]
Chris Burke ‘89
Member since 2018 Occupation: Realtor, Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty Chris Sevin Burke ’89 has been a member of the Alumni Board since 2018 and has enjoyed engaging with other alumni and giving back to the College. Currently she is the Homecoming Chairperson. She is a member of Kappa Gamma Chi Sorority and the KRX… [Read More]
Clarissa Caballero ‘19
Member since 2020 Occupation: Spanish Teacher, Frisco ISD While at Austin College, Clarissa majored in Psychology, double minored in Education and Spanish and completed her Masters in Teaching. In 2018, she served as Student Body President and in 2019 was chosen to be the Student Commencement Speaker. Throughout her enrollment, she became an intern for… [Read More]
Hillary Luckett Clark ‘09
Member since 2020 Occupation: Attorney, LeCrone Law Firm Hillary Luckett Clark obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Austin College in 2009. She graduated from Texas Tech University School of Law with dual J.D. and Master of Public Administration degrees in 2012. She returned to Sherman as an associate attorney with the LeCrone… [Read More]
Dean Colbert ‘88
Member since 2020 Occupation: Director of Athletic Services, Aldine Independent School District Dean Colbert is a Director of Athletic Services in the Aldine Independent School District in Houston, Texas. Colbert is a 1988 graduate of Austin College where he majored in Business Administration and Physical Education. While at Austin College, Colbert was a member of… [Read More]
Karen Edwards-Key ‘09
Member since 2019 Occupation: OB/GYN Physician, North Texas Ob/Gyn Karen graduated from AC in 2009, majoring in Biology and minoring in Spanish. While at AC, Karen was a Resident Assistant in Caruth Hall, served as the Elections Chair on Student Assembly, and was a member of Alpha Phi Omega. Following graduation from AC, she completed… [Read More]
Erik Engen ‘86
Member since 2017 Occupation: U.S. Department of Homeland Security Plano Senior High School; Austin College: Political Science and Spanish; Former Grayson County Democratic Chairman; Texas Attorney General’s Office; Texas Senate; U. S. Department of Defense, U. S. Navy, Judge Advocate General Corps; U. S. Small Business Administration, Office of Disaster Assistance; U. S. Dept of… [Read More]
Tom Garrison ’96, MAT ‘98
Member since 2018 Occupation: Principal, Jesuit College Preparatory School Tom Garrison received a B.A. in 1996 and an MAT in 1998, both from Austin College. He began teaching English at Jesuit in 1998, served as assistant principal of academics 2003-2011, and as principal 2011-present. While at Austin College, Tom was active in Lambda Chi fraternity,… [Read More]
Charlotte Marx Harper ‘89
Member since 2020 Occupation: Deputy Division Chief, Opinion Committee, Office of the Attorney General Charlotte graduated Austin College in 1989 with a double major in Political Science and Religion. After a short span of employment in Washington, D.C. with a national trade association, she returned to Texas to attend and graduate from Baylor Law School… [Read More]
Jana Harrison ‘89
Member since 2019 Occupation: Dentist, Millennium Dental Jana Harrison is a first generation college graduate who completed her undergraduate degree with a B.A. in Biology from Austin College. During her time at AC she participated in several organizations and served as vice-president of the Alpha Delta Chi sorority. Since her graduation she has maintained her… [Read More]
Polly Butler Harrison ‘94
Member since 2018 Occupation: Director of Theater, Wylie High School, Wylie ISD I am married to a fellow AC grad and we have 3 teenage sons, twins that are 17 and a younger one that is 13. I am the Director of Theatre at Wylie High School and when not directing students, I seek out… [Read More]
Aryn Hays ‘14
Member since 2017 Occupation: Process Development Engineer II, Cree, Inc. Aryn Hays graduated from Austin College in 2014 with a major in Physics and minor in Mathematics. During her time at Austin College she was a member of Alpha Delta Chi, Zeta Chi Beta and the Society of Physics Students serving as the organization’s president… [Read More]
Al Hockaday, Jr. ‘76
Member since 2017 Occupation: Manufacturing Representative; Sports Official; Professional Santa Claus; Professional Easter Bunny; Substitute Teacher, Hockaday & Associates Manufacturing Representative since 1977. Sports official since 1968. Professional Santa since 2017. Professional Easter Bunny since 2020. Substitute teacher since 2020.
Umair Karim ‘12
Member since 2020 Occupation: Finance Manager, Tomball Auto Group Umair was born in Saudi Arabia, but his heart landed in Sherman, TX in 2008 when he started at Austin College. He was a fish out of the desert and made the most of his time at AC as a member of the Gamma Gamma Gamma… [Read More]
Caitlin Larsen ‘10
Member since 2020 Occupation: Construction Lawyer, Allensworth Law I’m a corporate attorney living the Hill Country dream! After enjoying my time at Austin College as a Sumner scholar, Alpha Delta Chi sister and Jordan Language House resident, I graduated in 2010 with an international relations degree and a Spanish minor. A 2013 graduate of South… [Read More]
Janet Moody Melton ‘85
Member since 2013 Occupation: Educator, Retired Janet Moody-Melton, Ph. D. retired in 2020 after 34 years in education. Janet is a ‘86 Austin Teacher Program graduate. She began teaching in the Fall of ‘86 on the Northside of Fort Worth teaching First Grade. Over the next several years, Janet taught a First/Second grade mixed age… [Read More]
Mary Helen Neal ‘66
Member since 2017 Occupation: Retired School Psychologist Mary Helen has deep Roo roots, following her father (’36) and older brother (’63) to AC. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and was active in the Student National Education Association, Collegiates, and Alpha Delta Chi. She was also on the homecoming court. Later, she earned… [Read More]
Laura Streater Riehm ‘87
Member since 2018 Occupation: Skin Deep Laser MD At AC I loved serving on SDB (Student Development Board) and was a Delta (and Kappa & Lambda Chi by association). I spent my Junior year in Cambridge, England where I was on the rowing team and spent Christmas, Easter and summer breaks trying to meet up… [Read More]
Tim Smith ‘13
Member since 2020 Occupation: North Texas Regional Director, Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial Tim Smith is a Denton native at heart but grew up in a military family as his father served 24 years in the Air Force. His family finally settled in Denton in 2003 where he graduated high school and then attended Austin College, graduating… [Read More]
Casey Titus ‘09
Member since 2017, Secretary Occupation: Director of Admissions, Lamar High School (Houston ISD) Casey is the daughter of Jack (’72) and Mary Titus. Casey majored in History with a minor in Political Science and completed her Masters in Teaching in 2010. During her time at Austin College she was Katy ‘Roo, a member of the… [Read More]
Lori Rogers Walker ‘86
Member since 2017 Lori has a degree in Communication Arts from Austin College in Sherman, Texas. Following graduation, she served as the Deputy Chief of Staff to Congressman Tom DeLay, Senior Director to US Senator John Seymour, District Director/Campaign Manager to Texas State Senator Jane Nelson, and Chief to Denton County Judge Andy Eads. Lori… [Read More]
Wayne Whitmire ‘92
Member since 2017 Occupation: Financial Services – Corporate Strategy, Transamerica Wayne Whitmire has over 25 years of exemplary management experience in mid-sized to Fortune 25 Financial Services companies. As a leader in strategic business planning with Transamerica, Mr. Whitmire leverages expertise in project management, operations, entrepreneurship, technology commercialization, and communication, in strategic planning functions and… [Read More]
Jack Wylie ‘88
Member since 2018 Occupation: Benton-Luttrell Jack H. Wylie joined fellow alumnus Roger Luttrell at the Benton-Luttrell Company after a 30-year career as an educator and coach. Jack resides in Van Alstyne and is a native Texan having been born and raised in Athens. He attended Austin College earning Bachelors’ and Masters’ degrees. Jack has 3… [Read More]
Melida Ailshire ‘06
Honorary Member since 2017 Occupation: Owner, J-Talk Services, Translations & Interpreter Services
Jenny King ‘92
Honorary Member since 2017 Occupation: Director, Public Affairs, UT Southwestern Medical Center Jenny King has more than 24 years of professional and volunteer experience in public and community affairs, PR/marketing, program development, and business development. An accomplished leader, Jenny is a connector and networker between people, businesses and the community. Her volunteer work includes service to… [Read More]
Nick Pernick ’18
Member since 2021 Medical Student, UT Southwestern Nick Pernik graduated from Austin College in 2018. While there, he enjoyed being involved in the Tri-Gamma fraternity, Pre-Health Society, and Acumen, the college’s research journal. After graduation, he matriculated to UT Southwestern Medical School where he is currently a fourth-year medical student pursuing a career in neurosurgery.
David Savage ’07
Member since 2021 Physician, Scripps Health David Savage is a physician at Scripps Health in LaJolla, CA. He grew up in Lindale, a small East Texas town, and chose Austin College because of its friendly community, its liberal arts curriculum, and its reputation for pre-medical preparation. He was a member of the AC Concert Band… [Read More]
David Stone ’75
Member since 2021 Former Wealth Management Specialist, Stone – Dobbs Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors I was born (May 5, 1948) David Graham Stone in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, and spent the first six years of my life as an Army brat on the East Coast. Grew up in La Jolla, California,… [Read More]
Executive Committee:
Jack Wylie ’88, President | Chris Sevin Burke ’89, Second Vice President |
Casey Titus ’09, First Vice President | Wayne Whitmire ’92, Secretary |
Members:
Luis Acosta ’87 | Al Hockaday, Jr. ’76 |
Stephanie Almanza ’11 | DeAndre Holmes '15 |
Kathy Aubrey ’69 | Robert Scott Howard '81 |
Catherine Ayeni ’07 | Umair Karim ’12 |
Alyssa Banta ’90 | Karen Edwards-Key ’09 |
Cindy Curtis Bean ’75 | Caitlin Larsen ’10 |
Javier Berrones ‘16 | Barron Lozano ’84 |
Darryl Blackburn ‘83 | Janet Moody Melton '85 |
Clink Buck '07 | Mary Helen Neal ’66 |
Chris Sevin Burke ’89 | Mark (Nick) Pernik |
Clarissa Caballero ’19 | Laura Streater Riehm, MD. ’87 |
Hillary Luckett Clark ’09 | David Savage '07 |
Dean Colbert ’88 | Tim Smith ’13 |
Erik Engen ’85 | David Stone '75 |
Rebecca Franklin ’18 | Blake Utter '07 |
Tom Garrison’96 | Gabriel Vasquez ’11 |
G. Kerby Haltom '85 | Lynn Northcutt Vega '85 |
Charlotte Marx Harper ’89 | Lori Rogers Walker ’86 |
Jana Harrison ’89 | Wayne Whitmire ’92 |
Polly Butler Harrison ’94 | Jack Wylie ’88 |
Aryn Hays ’14 |
Honorary Members:
Melida Ailshire ‘06 | Jenny King ’92 |