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
		________________________________
		President of the Senate
		I hereby certify that the
		above Resolution was adopted by
		the Senate on November 2, 2023.
		________________________________
		Secretary of the Senate
		________________________________
		Member, Texas Senate