‘A TRULY HISTORIC OCCASION:’ TXST renames 2 residence halls after trailblazing women

Texas State University renamed two residence halls Friday after six women who made history while attending the school.

Angelina Hall was renamed to the First Five Freedom Hall, honoring the first five Black women who integrated Texas State in 1963 — Georgia Hoodye Cheatham, Helen Jackson Franks, Gloria Odoms Powell, Dana Jean Smith and Mabeleen Washington. San Gabriel Hall was renamed to the Elena Zamora O’Shea Hall, recognizing the first Latina student to attend Texas State in 1906.

“It is truly a historic occasion,” Texas State President Denise Trauth said during a ceremony held Friday. “This is just a wonderful day at Texas State because we have the privilege today of recognizing some of the most important trailblazers of our university.”