Compiled by Mike Davis, Associate Director of Marketing and Communications.

International and National Media Highlights

Capitol Weekly | August 16, 2023 
California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks ’02 is highlighted in this article, discussing his many political achievements. He attended Austin College for his undergraduate degree before pursuing his law degree at Loyola.

The Conversation | August 4, 2023 
Dr. Aaron Harrison, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, discusses the real story behind the film Oppenheimer. The main character, J. Rober Oppenheimer, is recognized as the father of the atomic bomb, and his work still influences how scientists think about the structure of molecules today.

Newswires | August 22, 2023 
Alexander J. Lazar ’90 M.D., Ph.D., was announced as the winner of the prestigious Certificate in Risk Governance award by the DCRO Institute, the world’s leading source of risk governance training.

Northern Illinois University | August 8, 2023 
Hope Bess Wilson ’01, MAT ’02, has been named as the new chair of the Special and Early Education Department (SEED) at Northern Illinois University. Prior to this, she held multiple roles at the University of North Florida.

Youth Today | August 14, 2023 
Gary Ivory ’89, President and CEO of Youth Advocate Programs Inc., spoke on helping young people to overcome obstacles in the criminal justice system to go on to lead successful lives.

Dallas and Regional News

Celina Record | August 10, 2023 
Marvila Dunnam ’00 is celebrating 22 years as a teacher for Celina ISD. Dunnam is a Celina ISD triple threat: in addition to teaching there, Dunnam is also a graduate of Celina High School and has children attending schools in the district.  She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree and Master of Teaching degree at Austin College, then also earned her Master of Education degree in 2020 from The University of Texas at Tyler.

Kiowa County Press | August 4, 2023 
Dr. Aaron Harrison, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, discusses the July 2023 film Oppenheimer, and how the real-life scientist helped contribute to the basis of modern quantum chemistry.

The Stanly News & Press | August 1, 2023 
Jamond Pinkney ’26 is a member of a panel of four college students in the Stanly Dreamers program in Stanly County, North Carolina, who recently spoke to high school graduates to share experiences for the future.

Texas Metro News| August 6, 2023 
Dr. Betty Hill Stewart is highlighted in this group of local superb women for her accomplishments as Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs at UNT Dallas. She previously served as the department chair and a professor of chemistry at Austin College.

UCLA | August 23, 2023 
The Austin College men’s water polo team topped the eastern division of the Collegiate Water Polo Association Men’s Varsity Top 20 Preseason Poll.

Local Media Highlights

Herald Democrat | August 29, 2023 
Thirteen members of the Austin College women’s water polo team collected national academic honors as they were named All-Academic by the Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches.

Herald Democrat | August 24, 2023 
High temperatures opened the door for a historic event in the history of Austin College football. Due to concerns about the heat, this season’s inaugural game start time was moved to 7 p.m., taking advantage of the newly installed lights at Apple Stadium and making it the first night game on campus in the history of the program.

Herald Democrat | August 18, 2023 
Austin College began its 175th academic year at Opening Convocation on August 21 in Wynne Chapel. The convocation event honored the incoming class of first-year students, transfers, and seniors.

Herald Democrat | August 8, 2023 
Tyler James ’22 represented Austin College at the American Southwest Conference, which recognized 40 Austin College football players as Distinguished Scholar-Athletes for the 2022-23 academic year.

KTEN | August 18, 2023 
Austin College began the fall semester of its 175th year. The current student body totals approximately 1,200 people, with approximately 350 of these being first-year students.

KTEN | August 16, 2023 
Jacob Alonzo ’25 commented on the importance of showing up to connect with local politics at a recent informational session at Grayson College, led by U.S. Representative Pat Fallon (R-District 4).

KTEN | August 4, 2023 
Matt Finke ’10 and David ‘Scooter’ Means ’09 were inducted to Austin College’s athletic hall of honor. The two honorees played sports together from Little League, to Denison High School, and on to the football team at Austin College.

KXII | August 31, 2023 
Dr. Steven Goldsmith, Professor of Biology, discussed the dangers of deadly bacteria and amoebas that could be present in large bodies of water as temperatures soar.

KXII | August 28, 2023 
Dr. Ruchan Kaya, Assistant Professor of Political Science, discussed the benefits and drawbacks of the independent electrical power grid in Texas.

KXII | August 21, 2023 
Austin College’s first-year and transfer students participated in the First We Serve event on campus the day before classes began. Together they were able to prepare 30,000 meal kits for people experiencing food insecurity.

KXII | August 21, 2023 
Austin College welcomes 350 first-year students as they moved into their dorm rooms to begin the next chapter of their education. This move-in day marks a major milestone for the new students and parents.

Blogs and Online Media

Austin College | August 21, 2023 
Austin College announces the beginning of its 175th academic year at Opening Convocation on August 21, at 7 p.m. in Wynne Chapel. The convocation event traditionally honors the incoming class of first-year students, transfers, and seniors. Classes begin Tuesday, August 22.

North Texas E-News | August 21, 2023 
Austin College announces the beginning of its 175th academic year at Opening Convocation. As the oldest college in Texas operating under its original charter and name, Austin College marks the milestone with the theme Explore. Belong. Make a Difference.

North Texas E-News | August 2, 2023 
The Austin College Athletics Department and the Alumni “A” Athletics Association Board held its annual Legends Weekend on July 28-30, 2023, to induct seven athletes into the Hall of Honor and name the recipient of the Coach Joe Spencer Award for Meritorious Service and Lifetime Achievement in Coaching.

North Texas E-News | August 8, 2023 
Henry H. Bucher Jr., Faculty Emeritus in Humanities, penned an op-ed piece discussing the proposed Black history curriculum in Florida. 

News 'Roos Can Use

The Chronicle of Higher Education | August 23, 2023 
ChatGPT may be a helpful tool in some circumstances, but it can’t be a solid research assistant. This article discusses the limitations of using this AI tool in higher education.

The Chronicle of Higher Education | August 21, 2023 
Students can struggle to find the right path while pursuing their education, but meeting with professors to discuss concerns and opportunities can make a significant difference.