Sherman, Texas — Austin College recognized its 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award and Service Award recipients at a celebratory dinner on Friday, November 15, 2024. These honorees have distinguished themselves in their professions and in their communities, exemplifying leadership and ethical standards in their interactions. Throughout their lives, they model the spirit of service and broad-mindedness that is fostered by the Austin College educational experience. Distinguished Alumni provide support and advocacy for the College and its mission.
Presented with Distinguished Alumni awards were:
Squire Booker ’87 is an Evan Pugh Professor of Chemistry at Penn State, where he was named a Howard Hughes Medical Investigator in 2015 and received the Faculty Scholar Medal in 2016. His distinguished career includes fellowships from the NSF and NIH, over 30 scholarly publications, and awards such as the Presidential Early Career Award in Science and Engineering.
Holly Mace Massingill ’94 has guided clients—for over 20 years—through home buying, earning numerous accolades, including Austin Board of Realtors Volunteer Advocate of the Year in 2022. A former Austin College Trustee, Holly endowed the Mace Massingill Scholarship and has actively supported Kappa Gamma Chi since 2020.
Robin Reynolds ’74 spent 24 years at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, creating programs like CARTI Kids and Knitting for Noggins, which benefit pediatric patients and their families. She expanded volunteer services and holiday support initiatives, making a lasting impact in her community.
First Decade Awardee, Suzanne Timmerman ’15, works as the U.S. Department of State Office Management Specialist and has served in embassies in China, the Congo, and Barbados. She’s contributed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility initiatives, earning multiple honors for her service and linguistic abilities in English, French, and Mandarin.
Two Service Awards were also given:
Ginny Harleston ’79, honored with the 2024 Heywood C. Clemons Volunteer Service Award, has dedicated years to Austin College in areas from alumni engagement to East Texas student recruitment. Her community service also extends to the League of Women Voters, local PTA, and her church.
David Turk, Executive Director of Facilities, received the 2024 Cindy Curtis Bean Service to Alumni Award. Since 1997, he has overseen campus maintenance and led numerous campus renewal projects, helping keep Austin College’s grounds beautiful and welcoming.
Austin College President Steven O’Day presented the awards in a ceremony with family and friends in attendance.
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 13:1 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.
