88S31169 BPG-D
By: Springer S.R. No. 70
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Austin College is kicking off the celebration of its
175th academic year during the fall 2023 semester; and
WHEREAS, The oldest college in Texas operating under its
original charter and name, the school was established in Huntsville
in 1849 by Dr. Daniel Baker, a Princeton-educated Presbyterian
missionary; two presidents of the Republic of Texas, Sam Houston
and Anson Jones, served on the original board of trustees; the
institution was named after "the Father of Texas,"
Stephen F. Austin, and funded by a gift from his sister, Emily; and
WHEREAS, Records indicate that the first graduating class in
1854 was comprised of two students; the early years were full of
challenges, with the Civil War, a rocky economy, and three yellow
fever epidemics that swept through the city; as a result, Austin
College moved to Sherman in 1876; it began to admit women in 1918,
and in 1930, it merged with a women's school, Texas Presbyterian
College; and
WHEREAS, Beginning in the postwar years, Austin College
extensively reviewed the traditional liberal arts curriculum and
explored innovations; in 1972, it adopted a comprehensive
educational program that has continued to shape much of the
academic development in the ensuing years; the next decade brought
a new master plan, and iconic Sherman Hall underwent a
$1.37 million renovation; and
WHEREAS, The college celebrated its sesquicentennial in 1999
and signaled its ongoing commitment to progress through a
$120 million campaign; it experienced record enrollment as it
continued its tradition of excellence; in 2009, the school welcomed
its first female president, Dr. Marjorie Hass, and since 2017, it
has been ably led by its 16th president, Steven P. O'Day; the
current enrollment of 1,300 includes students from Texas and 13
other states, as well as Mexico, Germany, the United Kingdom,
Thailand, and Vietnam; while maintaining its covenant relationship
with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the campus offers a
nonsectarian education that fosters understanding of the world's
many religious, philosophical, and cultural traditions; and
WHEREAS, Throughout its history, this noteworthy institution
has provided young scholars with a rich environment for personal
and intellectual growth, preparing them to make a positive
difference in Texas and the world beyond; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 88th Texas Legislature, 3rd
Called Session, hereby commemorate the 175th academic year of
Austin College and extend to all those associated with this
noteworthy institution sincere best wishes for the future; and, be
it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the college as an expression of high regard by the
Texas Senate.