Hometown Alum: Austin, Texas

Jaime Winston BA ’22, Marketing & Communications

Austin, Texas, photo courtesy of Adobe StockSheree Naugle BS ’97 grew up in Corpus Christi and moved back to Texas to be near family after earning her master’s at Utah State. She and her husband, Mike, chose the capital, Austin, for its outdoors, dynamic restaurants, and music scene.

Now, 25 years later, she works in pharmaceutical sales. She says she’s been fortunate to work with companies that help improve patients’ lives. Off the clock, she enjoys tacos al pastor at Guerro’s, strolling around Lady Bird Lake, and swimming at Barton Springs Municipal Pool. And she has many more places and activities to recommend.

Why you should visit Naugle in Austin:

Music

Austin’s music scene earned it the nickname “The Live Music Capital of the World.” Naugle enjoys intimate performances at The Continental Club and Saxon Pub, and recommends the Moody Center for larger touring acts. In addition, Naugle plays rhythm guitar at The Jam Room music school. “I have loved living out my rock star fantasies while meeting really cool people from all walks of life,” she said.

Sheree Naugle, photo courtesy of Sheree NaugleSports

For many years, Austin lacked a professional team. That changed when Major League Soccer club Austin FC arrived in 2021. “The games are a lot of fun,” Naugle said. While many Austinites cheer for the University of Texas, Naugle refrains since her husband graduated from Texas A&M. “If you’re familiar with the rivalry, you know,” she said.

Daytrip

A short road trip offers more fun. Naugle recommends heading south to float on the Comal or Guadalupe River on a hot day, north to visit Georgetown’s historic city square and shops, and west to Fredericksburg for its many wineries and vineyards.

Austin Facts

  • Austin was first established as “Waterloo” in 1839.
  • Willie Nelson helped shape Austin’s music scene. The city honors him with a permanent statue and a boulevard named after him.
  • Music artist Nelly and actress Dakota Johnson were born there.
  • Three rare species of salamanders call Austin home: Austin blind salamander, Barton Springs salamander, and Jollyville Plateau salamander.
  • Weber State Study Abroad brought students to an immersive media experience at the South by Southwest film festival in Austin last March.

 

WSU graduates in Texas can join the Texas Regional Alumni Network to meet and reconnect with other alumni.

To find your network, visit alumni.weber.edu/ran.