Sherman, Texas -- Austin College students, faculty, and staff celebrated with friends and families of the Class of 2026 degree candidates at Commencement on Saturday, May 23. Seniors, faculty, and Trustees processed onto Clyde L. Hall Graduation Court to conclude the 177th academic year and celebrate the students’ achievements.
Baccalaureate services were held Friday in Wynne Chapel. Music, scripture, and prayers rounded out the service.
Two honorary doctorates were bestowed during the ceremony. Rev. Mary Lydia “Mally” Baum, Senior Minister at Trinity Presbyterian Church in McKinney, Texas, was presented with an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree. Cecelia “Cece” O’Day, First Lady of Austin College, lifelong educator, and advocate for student-athletes, received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
Student speaker Will Woulfe ’26, selected by his classmates, spoke on the topic of “goodbyes,” and encouraged his fellow graduates to appreciate that goodbyes often mark the start of something new.
President Steven P. O’Day, who himself “graduates” to retirement at the end of the academic year, presented the Commencement Address, “Begin a New Chapter.” In his address, O’Day told graduates, “It will not simply be your GPA or resumé that defines your impact on this world. It will be how you apply what you’ve learned here, the lives you touch, the truths you stand up for, and the legacy you leave behind.”
The Graduates
Family and friends gathered on the graduation court to celebrate the reading of graduates’ names including five Master of Arts in Teaching degree candidates, 33 Master of Medical Science-Physician Assistant degree candidates, and 257 Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degree candidates. Each candidate shook hands with President O’Day and was hooded by two faculty members, then returned to their seats as new alumni.
Students were recognized for high academic achievement with Latin honors and participation in the Departmental Honors Program. Those designated Summa Cum Laude earned a grade point average of 3.85 or higher on a 4.0 scale, Magna Cum Laude earned 3.70 to 3.84, and Cum Laude earned 3.5 to 3.69. Departmental Honors students are invited by faculty members to complete and defend an honors thesis in a particular department.
Dr. Elizabeth Gill, Vice President for Academic Affairs, also announced two special awards, the J.C. Kidd Scholarship Medal and the J.M. Robinson Memorial Scholarship Medal. “Each year, the faculty selects two outstanding scholars in the graduating class for special recognition by the Board of Trustees,” she said. “The awards are made, with no distinction between them, on the basis of the student’s entire academic record as reflected on the transcript, the balance in course distribution, cumulative grade point average, and credits earned.”
The Kidd medal is made possible through the generous gift of a Houston resident in memory of his friend J.C. Kidd and was first presented in 1940. The Robinson medal is given in memory of Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Robinson of McKinney and was first presented in 1935. The Kidd Recipient for 2026 is Coral Cohen. The Robinson Recipient for 2026 is Ismael Jasso.
All who completed the requirements received their diplomas “with all the rights and privileges appertaining thereto,” as granted by Board of Trustees Chair L. Scott Austin ’83, J.D. Tassels were turned, mortarboards were tossed skyward, and the event closed with an encouraging word from Alumni Board President Casey Titus Lonnecker ’09, and the traditional singing of “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” by members of the A Cappella choir.
Master of Arts in Teaching candidates are listed alphabetically, along with their hometown, area of teaching specialty, and parents’ names.
Michael V. Hare of Waco, Texas, Grades 4 through 8 Mathematics. Parents: Frank and Jenn Hare;
Maggie Lee Reed of Lubbock, Texas, Early Childhood through Grade 6 Generalist. Parents: Peter and Tricia Reed;
Jackson Blake Rennie of Euless, Texas, Grades 7 through 12 History. Parent: Ashley Rennie;
Hailie Rae Swiatkowski of Mundelein, Illinois, Grades 7 through 12 Mathematics. Parents: Jodi and Sean Swiatkowski;
Courtney Siobhan Wise of Pottsboro, Texas, Grades 7 through 12 History.
MASTER OF MEDICAL SCIENCE-PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT:
The 2026 Master of Medical Science-Physician Assistant candidates are listed alphabetically, along with their hometown.
Sisnios Abebe of Plano, Texas;
Zaineb Akbar of Frisco, Texas;
Allison Barnes of Colleyville, Texas;
Carmen Briles of New Braunfels, Texas;
Evelyn Dao of Sugar Land, Texas;
Shania Ford of Killeen, Texas;
Antonio Forty of Buda, Texas;
Samantha Alexis Fulton of Mustang, Oklahoma;
Nicholas Powell Griffin of Sherman, Texas;
Quinn Elise Helm of Decatur, Texas;
Jeri Donna Holman of Dallas, Texas;
Jennifer Juarez of Irving, Texas;
Ann Constance Kauffman of Wayne, Illinois;
Sarah Elizabeth LaFrance of Crandall, Texas;
Bianca Becho Montemayor of Pearland, Texas;
Sofia M. Munoz of Royse City, Texas;
Betty Ngoc Nguyen of Garland, Texas;
Tyler O’Brien of Littleton, Colorado;
Paige Patrick of Lewisville, Texas;
Addisyn Rose Pennings of De Pere, Wisconsin;
Danielle Maxine Prince of Sealy, Texas;
Jennifer Jia Qian of Plano, Texas;
Briana Liz Sanders of Austin, Texas;
Savannah La’ren Silvestry of Hutto, Texas;
Haleigh Annette Smith of Leawood, Kansas;
Alexis Sutter of San Antonio, Texas;
Alissa Nicole Tolbert of San Antonio, Texas;
Torie Alyssa Torrence of Fort Worth, Texas;
Russell Vittrup III of Haslet, Texas;
Caroline Faith Wolov of Rockwall, Texas;
Kathryn Elizabeth Woodruff of Denison, Texas;
Emma Grace Zentner of Allen, Texas;
Maryam Ziaei of Allen, Texas.
BACHELOR OF ARTS AND BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREES:
The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science candidates are listed alphabetically along with their hometown, major(s) and minor(s) completed, and parents’ names. All Austin College undergraduate students must complete a major and a minor, or two majors. Some students combine fields of study to create an individualized major, with faculty guidance and approval, suited to their specific areas of interest.
Eleven students in the class have earned Departmental Honors. The designation “Honors in” listed below with academic departments indicates successful completion of the Honors Program. These students were invited by faculty, based upon excellent research potential and exceptional performance, to complete a senior thesis. Each student has defended the thesis in an oral examination administered by the student’s thesis committee.
Justin Patrick Ajdukovich of Plano, Texas, Major: Business Administration; Minor: Environmental Studies. Parents: Geoff Ajdukovich and Jesseca Silva-Ajdukovich;
Karina Alvarez of Denison, Texas, Major: Business Studies; Minor: Nonprofit Organizations & Public Affairs. Parents: Ruben and Andriana Karina Alvarez;
Jason Joel Amaya of Denton, Texas, Major: Business Finance; Minor: Accounting. Parents: Silvio and Mayra Amaya;
Shambhavvi Sai Anand of Irving, Texas, Major: Biology-Molecular/Cellular; Minor: Data Science & Analytics. Summa Cum Laude. Honors in Biology. Parents: Muruganandam Sivaraju and Geethanjali Sivasubramanian;
Austin Joseph Anguiano of Austin, Texas, Major: Communication; Minor: Kinesiology. Parents: Stephen and Michelle Anguiano;
Luken Arritola of Garland, Texas, Major: Neuroscience; Minor: Chemistry. Parents: Todd and Rebecca Arritola;
Margarita Esperanaza Avila of San Antonio, Texas, Major: Art; Minor: English. Parents: Antonio Avila and Jessica Marrufo;
Caleb Anthony Balderas of Azle, Texas, Majors: Business Administration and Political Science. Parents: Carlos and Cori Balderas;
Luis Estevan Balderas Jr. of Mission, Texas, Major: Kinesiology-Exercise Science; Minor: Chemistry. Magna Cum Laude. Parents: Luis and Maria Balderas;
Lola Grace Barcus-Schafer of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Majors: Communication and Media Studies; Minor: French. Magna Cum Laude. Parents: Scott Schafer and Jennifer Barcus-Schafer;
Kaitlyn Barrett of Franktown, Colorado, Major: Biology; Minor: Spanish. Cum Laude. Parents: Adam and Holly Barrett;
Nicholas Andrew Bates of Alvin, Texas, Major: Kinesiology-Exercise Science; Minor: Psychology. Cum Laude;
Caitlyn Riley Benson of Sherman, Texas, Majors: Neuroscience and Public Health;
Alejandro Beracochea of McKinney, Texas, Major: Business Administration; Minor: Spanish. Parents: Juan and Cassidi Beracochea;
Anushka Bhogal of Little Elm, Texas, Majors: Public Health and Healthcare Administration;
JonAustin M. Blaine of The Colony, Texas, Major: Engineering Physics; Minor: Computer Science. Parents: Kevin and Wendy Blaine;
Camila Bocanegra of Mesquite, Texas, Majors: International Business and Economics. Summa Cum Laude. Parents: Sergio Bocanegra and Yesika Gonzalez;
Jackson Gabriel Bowman of Plano, Texas, Majors: Biology and Environmental Studies. Parents: Norman and Brenda Bowman;
Gavin Austin Brady of Aledo, Texas, Major: Kinesiology; Minor: Public Health. Parents: David and Candis Brady;
Jimmie Hunter Brannen of Spring, Texas, Majors: History and East Asian Studies; Minor: Anthropology. Parents: Jason and Sabrina Brannen;
David Jefferson Brewer III of Farmersville, Texas, Major: Business Finance; Minor: Accounting. Parents: David and Misty Brewer;
Jacqueline Nicole Bridgeford of League City, Texas, Majors: Neuroscience and Psychology. Parents: Jeffrey and Jennifer Bridgeford;
Selina Alicia Brooks of Glenn Heights, Texas, Major: Biology; Minor: Chemistry. Parents: Morris Brooks and Cher Richardson-Brooks;
Yakari Sadaya Brown of Houston, Texas, Majors: Art and East Asian Studies;
Elijah Matthew Budd of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Majors: Business Administration and Classical Civilization. Parents: Matthew Budd and Thaleaha Goldsmith;
Angelia Carol Butler of Southlake, Texas, Major: English-Creative Writing Emphasis; Minor: German Studies. Summa Cum Laude. Parents: Angelia and David Butler;
Faith Adelaide Butler of Krum, Texas, Major: Kinesiology-Exercise Science; Minors: Psychology and Spanish. Cum Laude;
Char’Jee Caldwell of Conroe, Texas, Majors: International Economics & Finance and East Asian Studies;
Barrett Riley Calhoun of Denison, Texas, Major: Kinesiology; Minor: Psychology. Parents: Rick and Carla Calhoun;
Joshua A. Campbell of Cypress, Texas, Major: Neuroscience; Minor: Philosophy. Parents: Tracy G. Campbell and Julie Lambert;
Pablo Izaiah Cantu of Kingwood, Texas, Major: History; Minor: Education. Parents: Vanessa Cantu and Jessie Garcia;
Devon Mae Carrillo of Katy, Texas, Major: Biochemistry; Minor: Psychology. Magna Cum Laude. Honors in Chemistry.Parents: Cesar and Jackie Carrillo;
Jonas Riley Ceballos of McKinney, Texas, Major: Kinesiology; Minor: Business Studies;
Chandler Jill Chambers of Fort Worth, Texas, Major: English; Minor: Education. Parents: Yohna Chambers and Robert Cone;
Ridge Austin Chaney of Melissa, Texas, Major: Business Finance; Minor: Accounting. Cum Laude. Parents: Ricky Alan and Athena Cox Chaney;
Mohana Dyuti Chintalapaty of Frisco, Texas, Major: Psychology; Minor: Philosophy. Parents: Sreedhar Chintalapaty and Padmini Gollapalli;
Sam Clairmont of Houston, Texas, Major: Psychology; Minor: Biology. Parents: Alexander and Lee Ann Butler;
Allison Katherine Clark of Fort Worth, Texas, Majors: Computer Science and Business Administration;
Coral Cohen of Plano, Texas, Major: Psychology; Minors: Spanish and Education. Summa Cum Laude. Parents: Eyal and Kornelia Cohen;
Selah Coleman of Houston, Texas, Majors: Kinesiology-Exercise Science and Art. Magna Cum Laude. Parents: Anthony and Erin Coleman;
Tessa Lee Contreras of Carrollton, Texas, Major: Kinesiology-Exercise Science; Minor: Psychology. Cum Laude. Parents: Lisa and Richard Contreras;
Benjamin Nicholas Cordell of San Antonio, Texas, Major: Healthcare Administration; Minor: Psychology. Parents: Larry Cordell and Dulce Zelaya-Cordell;
Lucia Costantino of Richardson, Texas, Major: Storytelling: Minor: Communication. Magna Cum Laude. Parents: Joseph and Rose Costantino;
Andrew Jake Cowin of Sherman, Texas, Major: English; Minor: Media Studies. Summa Cum Laude;
Tanley Danielle Coykendall of Rockwall, Texas, Major: Kinesiology-Exercise Science; Minor: Education. Cum Laude. Parents: Timothy and Tonja Coykendall;
Taryn Gail Coykendall of Rockwall, Texas, Major: Healthcare Administration; Minor: Biology. Parents: Timothy and Tonja Coykendall;
Lily Wren Dashner of Austin, Texas, Major: Psychology; Minor: Sociology. Parents: Chrystal Webb and Abram Christian Dashner;
Christopher A. Davis of Pottsboro, Texas, Major: Philosophy; Minor: Political Science. Summa Cum Laude;
Nicholas Ryan Denbo of Commerce, Texas, Major: Kinesiology-Exercise Science; Minor: Psychology. Parents: David and Lisa Denbo;
Evan M. Dennis of McKinney, Texas, Major: Psychology; Minor: Religious Studies. Cum Laude. Parents: Ron Self and Evelyn Self;
Bianca Stephanie Dickinson of Anna, Texas, Major: Music; Minor: Sociology. Parents: Blanca and Stephan Dickinson;
Bonnie Dong of Reno, Texas, Major: Public Health; Minor: Music. Parents: May Chen and Mike Dong;
Daisy Donjuan of Plano, Texas, Major: Political Science; Minor: Nonprofit Organizations & Public Affairs. Parents: Guadalupe and Juana Donjuan;
Mary Clare DuBose of Fort Worth, Texas, Major: Computer Science; Minor: Psychology. Cum Laude. Parents: Steven and Lee DuBose;
Tanner Slade Dudley of Pottsboro, Texas, Majors: Computer Science and East Asian Studies. Magna Cum Laude. Parents: Christopher and Tanya Dudley;
Deron Achaw Dwomo-Bediako of Murphy, Texas, Major: Biology-Molecular & Cellular; Minors: Spanish and Neuroscience. Cum Laude. Parents: Daniel Bediako and Betty Dwomo-Bediako;
Corbin Aaron Dymek of Celina, Texas, Major: Computer Science, Minor: Mathematics. Summa Cum Laude. Parents: Ryan and Amber Dymek;
Pedro Antonio Echeverria of Irving, Texas, Majors: International Economics & Finance and Political Science. Parents: Rene and Rosario Echeverria;
Adan David Escalante of McKinney, Texas, Major: English; Minor: Kinesiology. Parents: Michelle and Theodore Escalante;
Kien Essey of Mt Pleasant, Utah, Major: History; Minor: Political Science;
Emma Elizabeth Fendley of Paris, Texas, Majors: Psychology and Spanish. Cum Laude. Parents: Clifton and Melissa Fendley;
Alicia Alejandra Flores of New Caney, Texas, Major: History; Minors: Social Justice and Spanish. Magna Cum Laude. Parents: Gabriel and Ana Flores;
Nancy Esmeralda Flores of Marietta, Texas, Majors: Art and Spanish. Magna Cum Laude;
Felix Florez III of Cypress, Texas, Major: Business Administration; Minor: Accounting. Parents: Felix and Jeanette Florez;
Tori Margaret Fowler of Red Oak, Texas, Major: Public Health; Minor: Kinesiology. Parents: Scott and Maggie Fowler;
Scott Matthew Frisbie of Lavon, Texas, Major: Mathematics; Minor: Education. Parents: Scott and Kimberly Frisbie;
Jasmine Marie Galdamez of Lubbock, Texas, Majors: Political Science and History. Minor: Spanish. Summa Cum Laude. Parents: Jason Holloway and Valerie Holloway;
Bianca R. Gallegos of Sandia Park, New Mexico, Major: English; Minor: Education. Honors in English. Parents: Jason and Yvette Gallegos;
Dulcie Isis Garcia of Frisco, Texas, Majors: Psychology and Theatre. Summa Cum Laude. Parents: Daniel and Rani Garcia;
Greyson Andrew Gaworecki of Taylor Lake Village, Texas, Major: Political Science; Minor: Environmental Studies. Cum Laude. Parents: Andrew and Leslie Gaworecki;
Kidus Getenet of Allen, Texas, Major: Business Administration; Minor: Kinesiology. Parents: Gebermariam and Bekele Getenet;
Nicholas J. Giambalvo of Allen, Texas, Major: Computer Science; Minor: Data Science & Analytics. Cum Laude. Parents: Bill and Alisha Giambalvo;
Emma Jo Gibson of Crockett, Texas, Majors: Biology and English. Magna Cum Laude. Parents: Jo and Michael Gibson;
Maggie Michelle Giokas of Pearland, Texas, Majors: Biology and Spanish. Parents: Angelo and Carrie Giokas;
Alexander L. Girolet of Burleson, Texas, Major: Kinesiology-Exercise Science; Minor: Chemistry. Magna Cum Laude. Parents: Lionel and Julie Girolet;
Ruth Gonzalez Saldana of Houston, Texas, Major: Psychology; Minor: Kinesiology. Parents: Monica and Leonel Saldana;
Tanya Gonzalez of Sherman, Texas, Majors: Political Science and Spanish. Parents: Luis Gonzalez and Raquel Salvador;
Eliza Gorrosquieta of Houston, Texas, Major: Theatre; Minor: East Asian Studies. Cum Laude. Parents: Francisco Gorrosquieta and Olga Gorrosquieta;
Prana Govindacharyula of Plano, Texas, Major: Media Studies; Minor: Communication. Parents: Suma and Raghuram Govindacaryula;
Timothy Hill Gracey of Waxahachie, Texas, Major: Business Finance; Minor: Communication. Parents: Tim and Jewel Gracey;
Samantha Grace Graham of Denison, Texas, Major: Kinesiology; Minor: Biology. Summa Cum Laude. Parents: Anthony and Barbara Graham;
Jack Matthew Graman of McKinney, Texas, Majors: International Economics & Finance and Political Science; Minor: German Studies. Summa Cum Laude. Parents: Jason and Aimee Graman;
Eliazar Greer of Plainview, Texas, Major: Theatre; Minor: Creative Writing. Summa Cum Laude. Parents: James and Karen Greer;
Sophia Marie Gustafson of Sherman, Texas, Major: Political Science; Minor: English. Summa Cum Laude. Parents: Carrie and Joseph Cernero;
Gabrial Haggerty of Humble, Texas, Major: Business Administration; Minor: East Asian Studies. Parents: Michael and Tameka Haggerty;
Nabiha Uzra Hasan of Coppell, Texas, Majors: Neuroscience and Psychology; Minor: Theatre. Parents: Mirza Hasan and Siyyada Bokhari;
Michaela Grace Hautzinger of Aubrey, Texas, Major: Business Administration; Minor: Social Justice. Parents: Kevin and Lacey Hautzinger;
Demi Alma Audrey Held of Keller, Texas, Major: Engineering Physics; Minor: Spanish. Parents: Fred and Lina Held;
Kelly Annette Hernandez of Dallas, Texas, Major: Biology-Molecular & Cellular; Minor: Chemistry;
Roy Herrera of Spring, Texas, Major: Business Finance; Minor: Accounting. Summa Cum Laude;
Devin Daniel Holcomb of McKinney, Texas, Majors: Business Finance and Economics. Parents: Ronnie Holcomb and Kelly Kerrane-Holcomb;
Jasmine Halle Houston of Missouri City, Texas, Major: Communication; Minor: History. Parents: Jamal and Reba Houston;
John Michael Hubenak of Sugar Land, Texas, Major: German; Minor: Art. Parents: Glenn and Pamela Hubenak;
Jordan Landry Hudgins of Wylie, Texas, Major: Psychology; Minor: Biology. Magna Cum Laude. Parents: Sherman and Vanessa Hudgins;
Tristen Elijah Huff of Farmersville, Texas, Major: Media Studies; Minor: History. Parents: Daniel and Nuria Huff;
Jimena Edith Ibarra of Dallas, Texas, Major: Spanish; Minors: Education and Accounting. Parents: David Ibarra and Juana Sanchez.
Jacob Nathaniel Jackson of Crowley, Texas, Major: Business Administration; Minor: Kinesiology. Parents: Anthony and Natalie Jackson;
Maggie Morrison Jackson of Uvalde, Texas, Major: Spanish; Minors: Biology and History. Parents: Thomas and Jerrie Jackson;
Elizabeth Leigh Jacobs of McKinney, Texas, Major: Psychology; Minor: Religious Studies. Cum Laude. Parents: John and Stefanie Jacobs;
Ismael Jasso of Irving, Texas, Majors: Computer Science and East Asian Studies; Minor: Mathematics. Summa Cum Laude.Parents: Maria Garibo Arevalos and Ismael Jasso;
Jacob Robert Johnson of Eastvale, California, Majors: Business Administration and Kinesiology-Sports Management; Minor: Leadership Studies. Cum Laude. Parents: Robert and Jeannine Johnson;
Macey Alisle Johnson of Houston, Texas, Majors: English and Media Studies. Summa Cum Laude. Honors in Media Studies. Parents: Robert and Robin Johnson;
Caleb Martin Jones of Tyler, Texas, Major: Kinesiology-Exercise Science. Minor: Biology. Parents: Mark and Joni Jones;
Margaret Frances Jones of Frisco, Texas, Major: History; Minor: Education. Parents: Jeremy Jones and Abigail Parker;
Kyra Naryse Kasper of Bee Cave, Texas, Major: Psychology; Minor: Biology. Parents: Timothy and Elizabeth Kasper;
Nayan Kondapalli of Pflugerville, Texas, Majors: Biochemistry and Business Finance. Cum Laude;
Cameron Ellis Kongamnach of Rowlett, Texas, Major: Biology; Minor: Political Science. Parents: Nicholos Kongamnach and Mia Siller;
Kate Kovandzic of Dallas, Texas, Major: English-Creative Writing Emphasis; Minor: Business Media Studies. Parents: Tomislav Kovandzic and Lynne Vieraitis;
Amaan Chan Lackan of Fort Worth, Texas, Majors: Business Administration and Economics. Parents: Nuha Alavi and Darren Lackan;
Aaron Lam of McKinney, Texas, Major: Biology-Molecular & Cellular; Minors: Chemistry and Public Health. Parents: Wing Lam and Hui-C Shieh;
Ryan Scott Laventure of Chandler, Texas, Major: History; Minors: Education and Political Science. Cum Laude. Parents: Eric and Kimberly Laventure;
Christian Van Le of Allen, Texas, Major: Biochemistry; Minor: Psychology. Summa Cum Laude. Parents: Cyndi and Nam Le;
Alyssa Briana Lemus of Missouri City, Texas, Major: Business Administration; Minor: Political Science. Parents: Seth Lemus and Juliana Reyes;
Cassidee Nicole Levine of Richmond, Texas, Major: Psychology; Minor: Education. Summa Cum Laude. Parents: Allen and Samantha Levine;
Kaylee Grace Lewis of Grapevine, Texas, Major: Psychology; Minor: Education. Parents: Gregory and Cynthia Lewis;
Brenna Nicole Light of Sherman, Texas, Majors: Political Science and English. Parents: Cary and Marla K. Light;
Elliott Jane Logan of Garland, Texas, Major: Psychology; Minor: Neuroscience. Parents: Mark Buchanan and Misadah Alvarez;
Ashley Eileen Lopez of Van Alstyne, Texas, Majors: Business Administration and Political Science. Parents: Edward and Juanita Lopez;
Sebastian James Loredo Awmiller of Leander, Texas, Majors: Philosophy and Political Science & Economics. Parents: Carlos Loredo Ritter and Ginger Awmiller;
Ethan Todd Lowery of Forney, Texas, Major: Healthcare Administration; Minor: Biology. Parents: Jason and Darci Lowery;
Renata Loyo Perez of McKinney, Texas, Majors: Media Studies and Communication; Minor: French. Parents: Manuel Loyo Serrano and Maria Perez Maltrana;
McKenna Jo Malone of Denton, Texas, Majors: Business Finance and Economics. Parents: James and Melissa Malone;
Madison Nicole Manning of Plano, Texas, Majors: Engineering Physics and Business Finance; Minors: Leadership Studies and Mathematics. Magna Cum Laude. Parents: Rick and Melanie Manning;
Ryan Gage Mark of Albany, Texas, Majors: Computer Science and Business Finance. Cum Laude;
Coby Martin of Allen, Texas, Major: Business Administration: Minor: Accounting. Parents: Jimmy and Megan Martin;
Matthias Martinez of Houston, Texas, Major: Kinesiology; Minor: Leadership Studies. Parents: Chris and Mari Martinez;
John-Michael Manuel Mata of Seguin, Texas, Major: History; Minor: Education. Parents: Vanessa Martinez and Juan Mata;
Brooklyn Rose Matthews of Conroe, Texas, Major: Business Finance; Minor: Art. Magna Cum Laude. Parents: Timothy and Kelly Matthews;
Avian Anthony McCain of Ravenna, Texas, Major: Psychology; Minor: Religious Studies;
Taylor Nicole McClain of McKinney, Texas, Major: Psychology; Minor: Anthropology. Parents: Jerry and Melanie McClain;
Colin William McFarland of Double Oak, Texas, Majors: Biology and Environmental Studies. Parents: Jonathan and Kristen McFarland;
Kaden Thomas McFarland of The Colony, Texas, Major: Mathematics; Minor: Education. Parents: Allen and Suzanne McFarland;
Andrew James McInnis of Mansfield, Texas, Major: Computer Science; Minor: Sociology. Parents: Michael and Christi McInnis.
Cody McIntyre of Azle, Texas, Major: Business Finance; Minor: Accounting. Parents: Shawn McIntyre and Amber Holsomback;
Kaitlyn Alexis McKee of Harlingen, Texas, Major: Art; Minor: Education. Cum Laude. Parents: Kristin McKee and Jerry McKee;
Madison Rae McPherson of Anna, Texas, Major: Political Science; Minor: Psychology;
Larry Mejia of Houston, Texas, Major: Engineering Physics; Minors: Mathematics and Spanish. Parents: Delfino Mejia and Olga Castellano;
Joshua Alan Melvin Jr. of Smyrna, Tennessee, Majors: Biology and East Asian Studies. Parents: Joshua Melvin and Toccara Melvin;
Jeremiah Patrick Mettler of Manitou Springs, Colorado, Major: Psychology; Minor: German. Parents: Michael and Ana Mettler;
Keylan Grey Minnis of Denison, Texas, Major: Business Administration; Minor: Communication;
Grace Miriam Mei Moothart of Melissa, Texas, Majors: Psychology, Business Finance, and Kinesiology-Sports Management. Summa Cum Laude. Parents: Curt and Heather Moothart;
Maxwell Thomas Mundorff of Huntsville, Texas, Major: Engineering Physics; Minor: Mathematics. Parents: Kevin and Vinessa Mundorff;
Viviana Bernadette Murphy of Trenton, Texas, Major: Psychology; Minor: Philosophy. Parents: Virgil and Esmeralda Murphy;
Isaac Daesung Myung of McKinney, Texas, Major: Public Health; Minor: Chemistry. Summa Cum Laude;
Natalie Polina Nechamkin of Melissa, Texas, Majors: History and Political Science; Minor: Classics. Parents: Samuel and Melissa Nechamkin;
Jack H. Nelson of Aubrey, Texas, Major: History; Minor: Education. Parents: Charles and Michelle Nelson;
Samuel Tilden Nesmith of Fort Worth, Texas, Majors: Business Administration and Economics.
Taylor Sage Newton of Coppell, Texas, Major: Biochemistry; Minor: Spanish. Cum Laude. Parents: Courtney and Jennifer Newton;
Vernon Cho Hsuan Ng of Plano, Texas, Major: Biology-Molecular & Cellular; Minor: Art. Cum Laude. Parents: Sheng Huei Ng and Yat Lau;
Chasity Kieu Trinh Nguyen of Arlington, Texas, Major: Biology; Minor: Art. Cum Laude. Parents: Mary and Tuan Nguyen;
Joseph Nguyen of Richardson, Texas, Major: Public Health; Minors: Biology and Chemistry. Summa Cum Laude. Parents: Thomas Nguyen and Hang Dao;
Mekhi Anthony Nicholson of Fort Worth, Texas, Major: Business Administration; Minor: Nonprofit Organizations & Public Affairs. Parents: Craig and Monique Nicholson;
Peyton Matthew Nielsen of Forney, Texas, Majors: History and Political Science. Magna Cum Laude;
Kayn Onggosanusi of Coppell, Texas, Major: Psychology; Minor: Chemistry. Cum Laude. Parents: Eko and Yenny Onggosanusi;
Chizuruoke Samuel Onyedim of Abuja, Nigeria, Majors: Computer Science and Economics. Magna Cum Laude;
Henry Fieldon Ormond of Roanoke, Texas, Major: Business Administration; Major: East Asian Studies. Cum Laude. Parents: Andrea and John Ormond;
Yair Adonis Palacios of Houston, Texas, Major: Computer Science; Minor: Communication. Parent: Berlyn Flores;
Alexandria Palmer of Canyon Lake, Texas, Majors: Psychology and Art. Parents: Jon and Shannon Palmer;
Jeannine Yanel Paredes of Dallas, Texas, Major: Anthropology; Minor: Biology. Parents: Karla and Fausto Paredes;
Miles A. Parish of San Antonio, Texas, Major: Kinesiology-Exercise Science; Minor: Biology. Parents: Michael and Kelly Parish;
Ethan Rohit Paspula of Murphy, Texas, Major: Healthcare Administration; Minor: Data Science & Analytics. Parents: Raja and Jeeni Paspula;
Isha Mehulkumar Patel of Irving, Texas, Majors: Public Health and Kinesiology-Exercise Science. Parents: Mehul and Bina Patel;
Krish Ravindu Patel of Euless, Texas, Majors: Economics and Business Administration; Minor: Leadership Studies. Parents: Amit and Anjeli Patel;
Siya Rajesh Patel of Irving, Texas, Majors: Kinesiology-Exercise Science and Public Health. Parents: Rajesh and Kirti Patel;
Ethan David Pearce of Meridian, Idaho, Major: Studies in Mathematical Economics; Minor: Humanities Studies. Parents: Drew and Laura Pearce;
Gracy Cindy Peng of Celina, Texas, Major: Business Finance; Minor: History. Magna Cum Laude. Parents: Yungcai Peng and Cindy Chen;
Tony Earl Penson Jr. of Jacksonville, Texas, Major: Engineering Physics; Minor: Mathematics. Parents: Byron McCuin and Rachael McCuin;
Jennifer Nicole Perez Garcia of Fort Worth, Texas, Major: History; Minor: Biology. Parents: Juan Perez and Jenny Garcia;
Mikayla Nichole Perkins of Rancho Cucamonga, California, Major: Art; Minor: Anthropology. Parents: Jennifer Perkins and Kesha Horton;
Toan Thanh Duong Pham of Pearland, Texas, Major: Media Studies; Minor: Creative Writing. Parents: Minh and Chan Pham;
Brayden Gage Phillips of Sachse, Texas, Majors: Business Administration and Economics. Parents: William and Lori Phillips;
Jacob Brian Pickens of Denison, Texas, Major: Psychology; Minor: Anthropology. Cum Laude. Parents: Ernie and Kathy Pickens;
Megan Alexandra Pickens of Denison, Texas, Major: Anthropology; Minor: Political Science. Cum Laude;
Madeline Kate Pieper of San Antonio, Texas, Major: Mathematics; Minor: Education. Summa Cum Laude. Parents: Jim Pieper and Maggie Guist.
Jorge Antonio Pineda of Brownsville, Texas, Majors: Computer Science and Psychology. Cum Laude. Parents: Tony and Nancy Pineda;
Jamond Lauerence Pinkney of Albemarle, North Carolina, Major: Anthropology; Minor: Creative Writing. Parents: Twana and Pernell Pinkney;
Brooke Celeste Poarch of Garland, Texas, Major: Healthcare Administration; Minors: Sociology and Art;
Kevin Lionel Polio of Tomball, Texas, Major: Biochemistry; Minor: Psychology. Parents: Jose Polio and Rosibel Segovia;
Jacqueline Delane Ponder of Austin, Texas, Majors: Neuroscience and Business Administration. Cum Laude. Parents: Wes Ponder and Tara Ponder;
Zaria Elaine Porter of McKinney, Texas, Major: English; Minor: Education. Magna Cum Laude. Parents: Kevin and Michelle Porter.
Josef Byron Potter of Dallas, Texas, Majors: Economics and Anthropology. Summa Cum Laude. Parents: Edward and Carolyn Potter.
Nia Azure Pouncy of Dallas, Texas, Major: Biology; Minor: Spanish;
Avery Rague of Jonestown, Texas, Major: Communication; Minor: Media Studies. Parents: Mark and Julie Rague;
Erika Yanet Ramirez of Sherman, Texas, Majors: Economics and Political Science. Magna Cum Laude. Parents: Jose and Maria Ramirez;
Thomas Nesbit Razim of Austin, Texas, Major: History; Minor: Political Science. Parents: Edward and Genevieve Razim;
Lupita Maria Valdez Reel of Lake Jackson, Texas, Major: Political Science; Minor: Nonprofit Organizations & Public Affairs. Parents: Jeremy and Kenda Campbell;
Warren Anthony Reine IV of Richmond, Texas, Major: Environment & Society; Minor: Kinesiology. Parents: Warren and Maya Reine;
Abbey Rae Rennaker of Sachse, Texas, Major: Biology; Minors: Art and Environmental Studies. Summa Cum Laude. Parents: Paula Cates and Robert Rennaker;
Leobardo Renteria-Leyva of Princeton, Texas, Major: Business Finance; Minor: Accounting. Parents: Isabel Renteria and Marcial Renteria;
Matteo Riccelli of Lissone, Italy, Major: International Relations; Minor: East Asian Studies. Summa Cum Laude. Parents: Calara Putti and Massimo Riccelli;
Carolyn Reese Richmond of Austin, Texas, Major: Public Health; Minor: Spanish. Parents: Aimee Richmond and Margaret Richmond;
Aisha Rico of Dallas, Texas, Majors: Economics and Psychology. Parents: Cesar Gonzalez and Zaira Bernal;
Nahomy Josseline Rivero Vega of Mabank, Texas, Major: Business Administration; Minor: Nonprofit Organizations & Public Affairs. Parents: Ernesto Rivero and Gladys Vega;
Aven Walker Roberts of Dallas, Texas, Major: Psychology; Minors: Spanish and Art. Magna Cum Laude. Parents: Matthew and Tami Roberts;
Liam Roberts of Rescue, California, Majors: Computer Science and East Asian Studies. Parents: William and Julie Roberts;
Emily Rodríguez-Zúñiga of Cedar Creek, Texas, Majors: Political Science and Spanish; Minor: Sociology. Parents: Miguel Rodríguez and Martha Zúñiga;
Seth Rader Rodriguez of Seguin, Texas, Major: Mathematics; Minor: Accounting. Parents: John and Stephanie Rodriguez;
Erica Grace Romm of Denison, Texas, Major: English-Creative Writing Emphasis; Minor: Music. Summa Cum Laude. Honors in English. Parents: Doug and Leigh-Ellen Romm;
Katherine Grant Rossley of Dallas, Texas, Major: Neuroscience; Minor: Chemistry. Magna Cum Laude. Honors in Neuroscience;
Gregory Luke Daniel Rostyne of Denison, Texas, Majors: Music-Performance and Business Administration. Parents: Greg and Darla Rostyne;
Nicholas John Ruggiero of San Juan Capo, California, Major: Chemistry; Minor: Biology. Cum Laude. Parents: Anthony and Gail Ruggiero;
Marleni Ruiz-Gorostieta of Austin, Texas, Majors: Economics and Healthcare Administration; Minor: Spanish. Cum Laude. Parents: Ubaldo and Marlen Ruiz;
Rachel F. Sadler of Marquez, Texas, Major: Mathematics; Minor: Education. Summa Cum Laude. Parents: Clinton and Shelly Sadler;
Monserrat Salinas Morales of Elgin, Texas, Major: Business Finance; Minor: Accounting. Cum Laude. Parents: Santos Salinas Ugarte and Dora Morales de Paz;
Keelyn Catherine Salisbury of Allen, Texas, Major: History; Minor: Political Science. Parent: Elizabeth Salisbury;
Eliel Sandoval of Magnolia, Texas, Major: International Economics & Finance; Minor: Accounting. Parents: Hector and Nayeli Sandoval;
Akshayashri Saravanan of Keller, Texas, Majors: Business Finance and Economics. Parents: Saravanan Gurusamy and Vijayalakshmi Kariamal;
Rashad Daric Satchell Jr. of Waco, Texas, Major: Business Finance; Minor: Accounting. Parents: Tiffany and Demond Rumph;
Blazyn Sky Saxon of Athens, Texas, Major: Business Finance; Minor: Accounting. Parents: Dennis and Amanda Harp;
Aiden Richard Schnurr of Richardson, Texas, Major: Business Administration; Minor: History. Parents: Jimmy and Cari Schnurr;
Rania Zoya Shaik of Georgetown, Texas, Majors: Political Science and Anthropology. Cum Laude. Honors in Anthropology. Parents: Rafhee Abdul and Farzana Shaik;
Saylem Trinity Shamburger of Trenton, Texas, Major: Computer Science; Minor: Philosophy. Parents: Traci and Joseph Shamburger;
Alyssa Rose Sharp of Howe, Texas, Major: Music-Music Education; Minor: Education. Parents: Sandra and David Sharp;
Benjamin Watson Shegon of Trophy Club, Texas, Majors: Biology and Business Administration. Summa Cum Laude. Parents: Mark and Tina Shegon;
Shea Simmons of Coppell, Texas, Majors: History and Computer Science. Magna Cum Laude. Parents: Michael and Whitney Simmons;
Emma Rae Sinclair of Adkins, Texas, Major: International Political Economics; Minors: Sociology and Music. Parent: Amy Reznicek;
Simran K. Singh of Allen, Texas, Majors: Public Health and Kinesiology-Exercise Science; Minor: Psychology. Honors in Public Health. Parents: Mandeep Singh and Arwinder Gill;
Blake Edward Skipworth of Van Alstyne, Texas, Major: Business Finance; Minor: Accounting. Parents: Denise and Jay Skipworth;
Mel Smith of San Angelo, Texas, Majors: Biology and Environmental Studies. Parents: Dowlan and Gretchen Smith;
Timothy James Smith of Grand Prairie, Texas, Majors: Environmental Studies and Spanish; Minor: Biology. Parents: Eric and Reace Smith;
Wesley Isabel Smith of Lorena, Texas, Majors: Biology and Environmental Studies. Parents: Michael and Corry Smith;
Cayden Scott Snelgrove of Kemp, Texas, Major: History; Minor: Education;
Sam Ryan Spencer of Rockwall, Texas, Major: Neuroscience; Minor: Chemistry. Cum Laude. Honors in Neuroscience;
Jack Wells Stack of Concord, California, Major: Kinesiology; Minor: History. Parents: Dennis and Diane Stack;
David John Stanford of Dallas, Texas, Majors: History and Business Administration. Parents: John and Susan Stanford;
Lauren Marie Stark of Fort Worth, Texas, Major: History; Minors: Education and Psychology. Summa Cum Laude. Honors in History. Parents: Jeffrey and Marcella Stark;
Austin Glenn Stephenson of McKinney, Texas, Majors: Kinesiology and History; Minor: Education. Parents: Glenn and D’Anne Stephenson;
Brian Keith Strange II of Allen, Texas, Major: Biochemistry; Minors: Nonprofit Organizations & Public Affairs and Spanish. Parents: Rosemary and Brian Strange;
Neha Suratran of Frisco, Texas, Major: Computer Science; Minor: Data Science & Analytics;
Carson Thomas Sutherland of Celina, Texas, Major: Computer Science; Minor: Data Science & Analytics. Parents: Tom and Jill Sutherland;
Arturo Rogelio Tarin of El Paso, Texas, Majors: Psychology and Philosophy. Parents: Arturo and Jessica Tarin;
Tracee Raemon Tarleton of Fort Worth, Texas, Major: English-Creative Writing Emphasis; Minor: Media Studies. Parents: Gerald and Ava Tarleton;
Chloe Marie Taylor of Lake Dallas, Texas, Major: Art; Minor: Psychology. Magna Cum Laude. Parents: Christina and David Taylor and Jessica Taylor;
Travis W. Teague of Pottsboro, Texas, Major: Kinesiology-Exercise Science; Minor: Pre-Health Science. Cum Laude. Parents: Windell and Vicki Teague;
Christopher Blake Teichmann of Amarillo, Texas, Major: Biology-Molecular & Cellular; Minors: Classics and Chemistry. Magna Cum Laude. Honors in Biology. Parents: Conan and Laura Teichmann;
Daniel R. Terry of Burleson, Texas, Major: Kinesiology-Exercise Science; Minor: Education. Parents: Karin and Ross Terry;
Stephen Tripp Thoms of Powderly, Texas, Major: Kinesiology-Exercise Science; Minor: History. Parents: William and Lindsay Thoms;
Nicholas Brian Tignor of Lucas, Texas, Major: Business Administration; Minor: Accounting. Parents: Brent and Kristie Tignor;
Lauren Michelle Trott of Krugerville, Texas, Majors: Psychology and Kinesiology-Sports Management. Magna Cum Laude. Parents: Robert and Margaret Trott;
Autumn Ryann Vance of Collinsville, Texas, Major: English; Minor: Education. Summa Cum Laude. Parents: William and Tabatha Vance;
Diocelina Vences of Missouri City, Texas, Majors: Public Health and Spanish. Parents: Esmeralda Vences Correa and Salomon Vences Munoz;
Kellen Vickery of Dripping Springs, Texas, Major: Environmental Studies; Minors: Biology and Art. Parents: Robert and Marisa Vickery;
Matthew Kenneth Vorderbruggen of Allen, Texas, Major: Kinesiology-Exercise Science; Minor: History. Parents: Christine and Jason Vorderbruggen;
Aidan Key Wade of Flower Mound, Texas, Major: Kinesiology; Minor: Economics of Sport. Parents: Charles and Shanasi Wade;
Christopher P. Walstad of Highland Village, Texas, Major: Mathematics; Minor: Data Science & Analytics. Magna Cum Laude. Parents: Jason and Jennifer Walstad;
Katy Jay Warren of Houston, Texas, Major: Kinesiology-Exercise Science; Minor: Art. Parents: Jon and Stacy Warren;
Emeri Daun Watson of Paris, Texas, Major: Business Finance; Minors: Accounting and Leadership Studies. Summa Cum Laude.Parents: Pat and Sheila Watson;
Pierce Riley Wear of North Richland Hills, Texas, Major: Environmental Studies; Minor: Psychology;
Brice Arthur Weinstein of Richardson, Texas, Major: Business Finance; Minor: Accounting. Parents: Brad and Keri Weinstein;
Hannah Wilemon of Dallas, Texas, Major: Art; Minor: Theatre. Summa Cum Laude. Parents: Corby and Kim Wilemon;
Marques Williams of Louisburg, North Carolina, Major: Communication; Minor: East Asian Studies;
Trinity Williams of Howe, Texas, Major: Psychology; Minor: Public Health. Cum Laude;
Samuel Bruce Wilson of Plano, Texas, Major: Business Administration; Minor: Data Science & Analytics. Parents: Russell and Lisa Wilson;
Adeline Edythe Hebel Woodward of Frisco, Texas, Majors: Art and Psychology; Minor: Mindfulness & Health Studies. Summa Cum Laude. Parents: Martin and Heather Woodward;
William Joseph Woulfe of Richardson, Texas, Majors: Biochemistry and Public Health. Magna Cum Laude. Parents: David and Allison Woulfe;
Lillith Grace Young of Cedar Park, Texas, Major: Psychology; Minor: English. Parents: Clinton and Dawn Young;
Eric Zuniga of Carrollton, Texas, Major: Business Finance; Minor: Data Science & Analytics. Parents: Luis and Maria Zuniga.
Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, pre-professional foundations, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 44 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 50 percent of students identifying as persons of color. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and an expert faculty of more than 100 educators allow a 11:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. Related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Austin College cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. The College, founded in 1849, is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.
