Texas State University renames 2 residence halls after pioneering women of color

SAN MARCOS, TX— Texas State University renamed two residence halls on its San Marcos campus in honor of pioneering women of color in the school’s history.

Angelina Hall is now First Five Freedom Hall in honor of the five black women who entered the state of Texas in 1963. San Gabriel Hall is now Elena Zamora O’Shea Hallnamed after the first known Latina to attend college in 1906.

Residence halls are located at 951 Moore St. The State of Texas will hold a name change ceremony on Friday, November 12 at 10 a.m. The surviving members of the first five and representatives of the families of the winners will be present.

These latest name changes are part of an ongoing effort by the state of Texas to recognize diversity throughout the school’s history.

RELATED: Texas State University puts diversity first by accepting name submissions for residence halls

The State of Texas previously named two streets on its Round Rock Campus Adolfo Barrera Drive and Elvin Holt Drive to honor Adolfo “Sonny” Barrera, a former administrator, for his work in multicultural programming, and Elvin Holt, the English Department’s first black teacher, for his work in developing multicultural programs .

The State of Texas established its Naming Working Group in September 2020 to “recognize the contributions of distinguished personalities from the Hispanic/Latin and Black communities to the university”.

The task force solicited more than 40 suggestions for names of students, faculty, staff, and alumni across the state of Texas, then forwarded those recommendations to the Council for Inclusive Excellence for reviews and comments. A final list of names was presented to Denise M. Trauth, President of the State of Texas and the presidential cabinet for the final selection.

9-year-old twins seeking adoptive family to care for them

As Texas Aims for Global Manufacturing Dominance, It Faces a Big Hurdle

A WWII veteran tours Austin from the plane that led the D-Day invasion of Normandy

Austin ISD enrollment plummets again, district set to lose millions in funding