Austin College is Ranked No. 1 in the Nation
for Undergraduate Study Abroad
November 24, 2008 -- SHERMAN, TEXAS -- Austin College was ranked No. 1 in the nation for its study abroad participation rates among baccalaureate institutions, according to the Open Doors 2008 report released November 17 by the Institute of International Education (IIE). This is the third top ranking for Austin College in the past five years, with the others coming in 2004 and 2006.
Over the last decade, an average 70 percent of Austin College students have studied abroad, exploring more than 50 countries on six continents. However, for the past year alone, Austin College was cited as one of 18 institutions in the nation to send more than 80 percent of their students abroad. On a percentage basis, such high participation rates make Austin College the top study abroad institution among public and private colleges and universities in the state of Texas.
According to the November 17 IIE rankings release, “While large institutions dominate in terms of absolute numbers of their students going abroad, many smaller institutions send a higher proportion of their students abroad.” The IIE data includes formal semester and year-long study abroad programs as well as short-term study.
The IIE report also highlighted a growing national trend in study abroad participation by American students, which increased 8 percent nationally in the past academic year. Again, Austin College outpaced the national trend, with the number of its students studying abroad in the fall 2008 term increasing 29 percent compared to 2007 despite the economic downturn.
“I am pleased to see Austin College maintain its strong national ranking as study abroad becomes an increasingly important aspect of American higher education,” said Austin College President Oscar C. Page. “News like this validates our commitment to providing a quality liberal arts education that is global in its focus.”
This sentiment is echoed by Truett Cates, director of study abroad for Austin College and a professor of German. “At Austin College, we see supporting and enhancing students’ international experiences as a key part of the broader mission of liberal education to train tomorrow’s global citizens.” He added, “Education ultimately is about transformation, and we take the transformation that comes with purposeful study-abroad experiences as one of the most meaningful ones available to undergraduates.”
In addition to semester or year-long programs, study abroad takes many forms at Austin College, including January Term and internship programs, as well as service opportunities. For instance, 10 Austin College students worked this summer in Ethiopia, Ghana, Guatemala, Pakistan, Peru, and Russia as the College’s first Global Outreach or “GO” Fellows. The GO program was established by the Todd and Abby Williams Foundation of Dallas and provides financial assistance for students to work on non-profit community development and service projects abroad. Other students travelled to places such as Vietnam through a vocational internship program funded by the Lilly Endowment.
“Global understanding is embedded in the mission of Austin College, and our success with study abroad complements the academic curiosity and service orientation of our students, since many of our students combine their academic experiences with service projects throughout the world,” President Page said.
The Open Doors report is published annually by the Institute of International Education, with funding from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The IIE release and the 2008 rankings can be found at IIE’s Web site.
About Austin College
Austin College is a leading national independent liberal arts college located just north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas. Founded in 1849, making it the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original charter and name, the college is related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA). Recognized nationally for academic excellence in the areas of international education, pre-professional training, and leadership studies, Austin College is one of 40 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges that Change Lives.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Friday, December 5, 2008
Haney joins Coventry City FC
Senior Tommy Haney will travel to England in January as part of Austin College's Jan Term program. Haney was awarded an internship with the Championship side Coventry City Football Club. Haney will spend the better part of January working with the club in all facets, with a focus on commercial and marketing with the club. Haney is a History major with a minor in Religion. More to come on this later.
Tommy is the second player in a year to gain an internship with a professional side. Junior Alex Dawson, Spring, TX, spent the summer with FC Dallas of the MLS.
Castillo Named SCAC Newcomer of the Year
Castillo Named Newcomer of the Year
SHERMAN, Texas – Austin College men’s soccer player Luis Castillo has been named the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Newcomer of the Year in addition to being selected as a Second Team All-SCAC performer, the conference office announced today.
Castillo, a freshman midfielder from Kingwood, led Austin College and all first year players in the SCAC with seven goals and 18 total points, and led the conference in total shots with 77 and shots-per-game with 4.53 on his way to being tabbed as the SCAC’s top newcomer. Three of Castillo’s goals were game-winners.
Castillo played in 17 games this season, starting 15 and established himself early as one of the team’s top scoring threats and displayed superior control with the ball in the midfield. Castillo put a team high 36 shots on goal and scored an overtime game-winner during the course of the season.
Castillo either scored or assisted on a goal in nine of the team’s 18 games on the year, including getting a goal and an assist in a huge 3-2 win over conference rival DePauw University. Castillo is a graduate of Kingwood High School and played club soccer for Texas Heat.
Austin College athletic teams participate as a member of the NCAA Division III and the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference.
About Austin College
Austin College is a leading national independent liberal arts college located just north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas. Founded in 1849, making it the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original charter and name, the college is related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA). Recognized nationally for academic excellence in the areas of international education, pre-professional training, and leadership studies, Austin College is one of 40 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives.
Jeff Kelly
Sports Information Coordinator
Austin College Kangaroos
P: 903 813 2275
F: 903 813 3196
www.austincollege.edu
Our Seniors
This fall we lose 6 seniors from the Austin College Soccer family. Each one has had an impact on this program over their time with the program. Each embraced my tenure with Austin College Soccer and has been essential in the transition. I owe each of them an enormous amount of thanks for their dedication to what this program is aiming to achieve. No doubt they have helped towards the right direction.
Ian Keeble, Grapevine, TX, had to endure what no senior should have to in their final year of collegiate soccer. Ian had knee surgery over the summer with the plan of being 100% in early September. However complications ensued and despite playing in two games to start the season, Ian had to have season ending surgery in mid-september. Despite this he was at all of our training sessions supporting the boys. Ian was a 3-year starter for the Roo's spending time in the midfield and defense. Thanks Ian.
Matt Dickinson, Paris, TX, is the type of worker and personality that every coach wants on his team. In the summer before his junior season I called Matt up to tell him that he was moving from part-time goalkeeper to full-time. He took it in stride and instantly became one of our hardest workers in training. By mid-season he was a part-time starter and had earned the confidence of his teammates. As a senior, Matt was challenged by Grant Gosselin for playing time. Yet he continued to push in training and 6 games in had earned a starting spot. Finishing the fall with 8 games played on the season. Thanks Matt.
Miguel Lopez, Sherman, TX, came out for the team this fall as a walk-on in his final year at Austin College. Miguel immediately had an impact on training with is work-ethic. We wish him all the best. Thanks Miguel.
Nico Ayala, Dallas, TX, is another player that came out for the team this past spring after playing as a freshman. Nico brought a needed flair to the team as well as exceptional ability. Nico, despite the layoff, earned himself a starting role on the team this fall as an outside midfielder. Nico finished the season playing in 14 games, starting 4. Thanks Nico.
Miles Vaughn, Grapevine, TX, is one of those players that keeps the team running. He has a work-ethic that never stops and an attitude to win...every time. Miles was a four-year starter for the Roo's...starting all 18 games from his center midfield position as a senior. Miles spent last spring studying abroad in Spain for the semester and came into the fall with a focus to get this team over the hump...he did. Thanks Miles.
Tommy Haney, Wylie, TX, has been as influential has anyone in making my transition as good as possible. He embraced my vision and was, without a doubt, our off-the-field leader over the past year. Tommy, a four year starter, started 16 of the 18 games played this fall in leading our defense from his centerback and left back positions. Tommy was named to the All-SCAC Sportsmanship Team for 2008. Thanks Tommy.
Ian Keeble, Grapevine, TX, had to endure what no senior should have to in their final year of collegiate soccer. Ian had knee surgery over the summer with the plan of being 100% in early September. However complications ensued and despite playing in two games to start the season, Ian had to have season ending surgery in mid-september. Despite this he was at all of our training sessions supporting the boys. Ian was a 3-year starter for the Roo's spending time in the midfield and defense. Thanks Ian.
Matt Dickinson, Paris, TX, is the type of worker and personality that every coach wants on his team. In the summer before his junior season I called Matt up to tell him that he was moving from part-time goalkeeper to full-time. He took it in stride and instantly became one of our hardest workers in training. By mid-season he was a part-time starter and had earned the confidence of his teammates. As a senior, Matt was challenged by Grant Gosselin for playing time. Yet he continued to push in training and 6 games in had earned a starting spot. Finishing the fall with 8 games played on the season. Thanks Matt.
Miguel Lopez, Sherman, TX, came out for the team this fall as a walk-on in his final year at Austin College. Miguel immediately had an impact on training with is work-ethic. We wish him all the best. Thanks Miguel.
Nico Ayala, Dallas, TX, is another player that came out for the team this past spring after playing as a freshman. Nico brought a needed flair to the team as well as exceptional ability. Nico, despite the layoff, earned himself a starting role on the team this fall as an outside midfielder. Nico finished the season playing in 14 games, starting 4. Thanks Nico.
Miles Vaughn, Grapevine, TX, is one of those players that keeps the team running. He has a work-ethic that never stops and an attitude to win...every time. Miles was a four-year starter for the Roo's...starting all 18 games from his center midfield position as a senior. Miles spent last spring studying abroad in Spain for the semester and came into the fall with a focus to get this team over the hump...he did. Thanks Miles.
Tommy Haney, Wylie, TX, has been as influential has anyone in making my transition as good as possible. He embraced my vision and was, without a doubt, our off-the-field leader over the past year. Tommy, a four year starter, started 16 of the 18 games played this fall in leading our defense from his centerback and left back positions. Tommy was named to the All-SCAC Sportsmanship Team for 2008. Thanks Tommy.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Oglethorpe 4 - AC 1/ AC 1 - Sewanee 0
We flew out of DFW to Atlanta on Thursday morning after a very positive week of practice. This was an important week for us, as we knew how important it would be to end the season on a high note. Once we arrived in Atlanta we went directly to Oglethorpe's campus for a light practice session and to get acquainted with the field. After this we checked into our hotel, went out for dinner, and then turned in early after a long day of travel.
Our kick-off for Friday with OU was scheduled 12:30EST. OU has had a bit of a down year due to some injuries throughout the fall, however they are a well coached team and we knew this would not be an easy game. It wasn't. Our mindset for the week after the Rhodes game, was to battle tooth and nail for everything...back to our blue collar work ethic. That didn't happen in the first half. OU came out in a hurry, high pressured everything, and we didn't match that. OU would control the possession the entire first half, and we never attempted to settle things on our end. This has been our issue all fall. OU would strike first in the 29th minute, and then score two more in the next 10 minutes to go up 3-0. Senior Miles Vaughn (Grapevine, TX) would keep us from being shut-out in the first half scoring off an assist from freshman Robert Lamilla (Coppell, TX). We would be down 3-1 at the half...and a man down. Junior Grant Gibson (Clinton, MS) would be shown a straight red with 9 seconds to play when the official determined he took a man down going to goal.
Our halftime talk was reminiscent of several others we have had this year. I won't give details, but I wasn't pleased. We came out to start the second 45 much better and controlled much of the possession, despite being a man down. We had several good opportunities to add to the score, but didn't finish our chances. OU would capitalize on our numbers late in the half, to end the game 4-1. Not how we wanted to do it. I give OU credit, they did what they needed to do, and would end their season with another upset on Sunday beating Colorado College 3-1. We now had to travel to Sewanee for an early match on Sunday morning.
We left Atlanta on Saturday after getting a good meal on Friday night at the Cheesecake Factory. It was about a two and a half hour bus ride to Sewanee, which sits on a mountain outside of Chattanooga, TN. It was beautiful that time of year, with the leaves changing. We checked into our hotel and then went to campus for a light practice, had a good meal that night, and then in early as our game on Sunday was scheduled for 10am. This had to be done so both our game and the women's game could be played and ensure that we make it to Nashville to catch our flight home.
Sunday morning we had the boys meet in a pavilion by the hotel for a light breakfast...bagels, bananas, etc. Too early of a game for a heavier breakfast. We then headed to campus.
Our game started in a flurry, with neither team wanting to concede anything to start. Both programs were battling for an 8th place finish in conference, and to end the season on a good note. AC did control much of the possession in the first half and having the edge on shots as well. Despite that, we would go into the half tied at 0-0.
To start the half, we pressed to get a goal early, and we did. Junior captain Alex Dawson (Spring, TX), would find freshmen Luis Castillo (Kingwood, TX) for his team leading 7th goal of the season and the eventual game winner. Sewanee would definitely put us on our heels at times, but the boys played like we have wanted all year, pure blue collar, and conceded nothing to finish. This would be freshmen GK Grant Gosselin's (Phoenix, TX) 4th shutout for the year, and the teams 5th. A great way to finish, getting 3 points on the road, and ensuring our 8th place finish in conference.
Our kick-off for Friday with OU was scheduled 12:30EST. OU has had a bit of a down year due to some injuries throughout the fall, however they are a well coached team and we knew this would not be an easy game. It wasn't. Our mindset for the week after the Rhodes game, was to battle tooth and nail for everything...back to our blue collar work ethic. That didn't happen in the first half. OU came out in a hurry, high pressured everything, and we didn't match that. OU would control the possession the entire first half, and we never attempted to settle things on our end. This has been our issue all fall. OU would strike first in the 29th minute, and then score two more in the next 10 minutes to go up 3-0. Senior Miles Vaughn (Grapevine, TX) would keep us from being shut-out in the first half scoring off an assist from freshman Robert Lamilla (Coppell, TX). We would be down 3-1 at the half...and a man down. Junior Grant Gibson (Clinton, MS) would be shown a straight red with 9 seconds to play when the official determined he took a man down going to goal.
Our halftime talk was reminiscent of several others we have had this year. I won't give details, but I wasn't pleased. We came out to start the second 45 much better and controlled much of the possession, despite being a man down. We had several good opportunities to add to the score, but didn't finish our chances. OU would capitalize on our numbers late in the half, to end the game 4-1. Not how we wanted to do it. I give OU credit, they did what they needed to do, and would end their season with another upset on Sunday beating Colorado College 3-1. We now had to travel to Sewanee for an early match on Sunday morning.
We left Atlanta on Saturday after getting a good meal on Friday night at the Cheesecake Factory. It was about a two and a half hour bus ride to Sewanee, which sits on a mountain outside of Chattanooga, TN. It was beautiful that time of year, with the leaves changing. We checked into our hotel and then went to campus for a light practice, had a good meal that night, and then in early as our game on Sunday was scheduled for 10am. This had to be done so both our game and the women's game could be played and ensure that we make it to Nashville to catch our flight home.
Sunday morning we had the boys meet in a pavilion by the hotel for a light breakfast...bagels, bananas, etc. Too early of a game for a heavier breakfast. We then headed to campus.
Our game started in a flurry, with neither team wanting to concede anything to start. Both programs were battling for an 8th place finish in conference, and to end the season on a good note. AC did control much of the possession in the first half and having the edge on shots as well. Despite that, we would go into the half tied at 0-0.
To start the half, we pressed to get a goal early, and we did. Junior captain Alex Dawson (Spring, TX), would find freshmen Luis Castillo (Kingwood, TX) for his team leading 7th goal of the season and the eventual game winner. Sewanee would definitely put us on our heels at times, but the boys played like we have wanted all year, pure blue collar, and conceded nothing to finish. This would be freshmen GK Grant Gosselin's (Phoenix, TX) 4th shutout for the year, and the teams 5th. A great way to finish, getting 3 points on the road, and ensuring our 8th place finish in conference.
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