Hardin-Simmons University will not have classes on Oct. 11 for its annual B.W. Aston Fall Break.
Fall Break is celebrated in memory of Fort Worth native Dr. B.W. Aston. Dr. Aston came to HSU in 1967 and retired in 2001 after 35 years of teaching. After battling illness, Dr. Aston passed away in 2010, but his legacy and impact lives on here at HSU.
Dr. Aston made a difference in the students’ lives at HSU. He understood the stress leading up to midterms and identified with the pressure put on students. He advocated for a fall break for students, which served as a vital pressure release. Upon his death, HSU dedicated the school holiday in honor of their beloved faculty member.
Dr. Aston held several leadership roles at HSU, including faculty president, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, director of the Rupert Richardson Research Center and director of the Abilene Photography Collection. He was also awarded faculty member of the year for the 1989-1990 academic year.
He reflected his passion for history through his contributions at HSU. In 1972, Dr. Aston graduated from Texas Tech University with a Ph.D. in history. Later in his career, Dr. Aston was named a senior professor of history.
Dr. Aston was director of the West Texas Historical Association at HSU. Following his retirement, Texas Tech University now hosts this museum which became part of the Southwest Collection.
He reflected his passion for history by stating, “Everything is local history. If you’re in Rome and you’re studying Roman history, then you are studying local history. It’s all about perspective.” Dr. Aston was a travel enthusiast visiting all 50 states and 70 different countries.
One of his lasting traditions is Western Heritage Day. Dr. Aston was an advocate for this day of teaching western history to future generations.
Dr. Aston valued the importance of a good education. In 2002, he set up the Lillie and B. W. Aston Endowment for Phi Alpha Theta. This is an available scholarship opportunity for history majors. It gives students an opportunity to present at professional conferences and lowers their cost of schooling.
The Brand Source:
(The Brand (Abilene, Texas.),Saturday, Oct. 15, 2021)
History Source
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