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