New students, new additions, new year!
The start of the 166th academic year at Austin College was ushered in August 27th with the usual formality of Opening Convocation, but the broad smiles of students and faculty processing into Wynne Chapel revealed the excitement of the evening for entering freshmen, transfer students and the Class of 2015. All students began classes the following day; nearly 1,350 students are enrolled for the new academic year.
Each year, the freshman class banner is presented to two representatives of the class: the first student to secure a spot in the class and the student with the largest legacy line of alumni in their family. In 2014, Lauren Wulz, a graduate of Plano West Senior High School, was the first to send her deposit for enrollment, and Katie Barber of Bonham was the legacy connection, with both parents, a great uncle, an aunt and older sister Jessica '16 attending Austin College before her. Alumni Board president Kirsten Brandt James '85 presented the flag to the freshmen.
President Marjorie Hass's convocation address, "Let Your Softness Shine," encouraged students to pursue their Austin College experience with the challenge to do some things outside their strengths, try something new, to "improve even in the areas in which you are already great, and even in the areas you think are hopeless." [READ: Dr. Hass’s full address.]
Students are returning to exciting additions on campus, including a beautiful new study commons inside Abell Library, an authentic Moot Courtroom inside the library for the College’s new Law Advocacy Programs, remodeled bathrooms in Clyce Hall, and new academic programs. The College also welcomes several new faculty for the coming year.
Athletic programs are back in action for the fall season. Football, volleyball, and men's and women's soccer have full schedules, and this year all 14 of our 'Roo teams will be sporting new Adidas uniforms. [WATCH: Check out the big reveal of the football and men's soccer uniforms!]
'Go Roos!
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Expect a call!
Student callers working on the yearly "Phonathon" have long been a tradition on college campuses--including at Austin College--but this year's calling program will have a new twist. Thirty-two students will be working in the newly-created Austin College Outreach Program inside Wortham Center--where they will be connecting with prospective students as well as potential donors.
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The program is a joint venture between the Institutional Enrollment and Institutional Advancement divisions. While a portion of the Center's outgoing calls focus on student enrollment, other calls are directed toward alumni and parents--and giving to the College. Raising money for scholarships will be the primary focus, and the work of the student callers will help achieve one of the goals identified in the new Austin College Strategic Plan: making Austin College even more affordable and its opportunities more accessible to all talented students. Thanks to our many scholarship donors, Austin College is welcoming one of its largest classes of incoming freshmen this fall. Every gift matters, and you can also make your gift online.
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A full slate of Arts & Ideas
Theatre. Music. Art. Lectures. Each of these is a gateway to the Austin College campus, as students, faculty, and community friends attend the variety of offerings presented each semester. This year, dozens of events are already on the calendar, and for the second year, the College is publishing a comprehensive Arts & Ideas brochure. The event listings are updated frequently online as well, so check often for the latest additions to the performance and lecture schedule. We hope to see you on campus!
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