Sherman, Texas -- Austin College hosted a farewell celebration on Friday, April 24, to share their appreciation and well wishes for President Steven P. & First Lady Cece O’Day in their upcoming retirement at the end of the 2025-2026 academic year.
The Austin College community returned to campus in full force to say an early goodbye to the O’Days. The celebration started in Wynne Chapel, where representatives of the College and the Texoma region toasted the O’Days for their impact on the College and the greater Texoma community.
“It didn’t take long to realize that your contributions to the College are so much more than that of a First Lady,” said Executive Director of Student Success and Transition Traci Howard Moore of Cece. “You are a fierce supporter and a relentless challenger. You care for students, their wellbeing, their success…and it shows."
“What defines Steven is not just his credentials or his title, it’s his character,” said Sherman City Manager Dr. Zachary Flores. “Thank you for your leadership for our community. What you’ve done here at the College and the relationship that you’ve worked for with our city, we could not be more appreciative,” said Sherman Mayor Shawn Teamann. Chair of the Board of Trustees Scott Austin ’83 said, “I have found [Steven] to be a prudent, careful, thoughtful leader, but someone who is also strategic, forward thinking, creative, and relentless in his desire to bring to Austin College what is in the best interest of the entire community.”
A catered picnic dinner was held on the Commons, where various student organizations provided lawn games for attendees to enjoy. Dessert was served in the newly renovated O’Day Honors Court, which was dedicated during the celebration.
The event concluded with a final performance from President O’Day with the Band on Grand.
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 45 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 an 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.
