SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 70
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 State of Texas, 88th
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 from the
Texas Senate.
Springer
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on November 2, 2023.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate