T e x a s W e s l e y a n U n i v e rFall s i2012 ty OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF TEXAS WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY
South Entrance
The Rosedale
Renaissance Transformation begins in spring 2013
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PRESIDENT Frederick G. Slabach
Contents 1
Letter from Texas Wesleyan President Frederick G. Slabach
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Fort Worth Sister Cities & Wesleyan Music Collaborate in Fabulous Trip to China
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“Smaller. Smarter.” Hits the Big Time
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10 11
12 13
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Rosedale Renaissance Project: A Four-Part Transformation Begins with Street Improvements J.E. & L.E. Mabee Foundation of Tulsa Issues $500,000 Challenge Grant to the Rosedale Renaissance Project Adding Public Art to Rosedale will be Sweet Indeed Using Microbiology to Help Make Food Safer
Texas Wesleyan Alumnus Tommy Elliott ’76 Honored by FWISD with his own Field of Dreams
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Women’s Golf Tees Off its Inaugural Season
21
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23
24 25
28 31
A Kind of Prodigy
Texas Wesleyan Joins Sooner Athletic Conference
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Chuck Burton Deborah Roark David Casstevens Ken Roberts John Fisher Paul Sturiale Laura J. Hanna Darren White
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Two Universities Create Partnership to Form Texas A&M University School of Law at Texas Wesleyan University
On The Cover
EDITOR Laura J. Hanna
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2012 Alumni Medal Awards
Playmarket 2013
Letter from Alumni Association President David D. Martin MBA ’04 Skating Principal on a Roll
Texas Wesleyan Alumna Wins Tony for Porgy and Bess Alumni News
In Memoriam
Gift Continues Educator’s Legacy
Dear Alumni & Friends, I am pleased to report that U.S. News & World Report once again ranked Texas Wesleyan University in the #1 tier of regional universities in the West. Just as important, our 2013 ranking is higher than each of the previous two years. On the heels of that announcement, Texas Wesleyan was named to the Military Friendly Schools® list by Victory Media. We take pride in helping America’s military service members, veterans and spouses succeed in the classroom and beyond. Clearly, this indicates that Texas Wesleyan is moving up in the world. But it’s not just the experts that are taking notice. Our total enrollment this fall is 3,204, the third highest enrollment in Texas Wesleyan’s history. Undergraduate applications are up 40 percent, and new undergrad enrollment is up 21 percent. With 412 residents, our dorms are 100 percent full. This is the highest number of students living on campus in recent history. But we have even bigger plans for Texas Wesleyan. Our master campus plan and the East Rosedale Street Project will combine to improve our student services, our campus entrance, and our community (see page 8). And to ensure that all of North Texas is getting the word, we’ve embarked on the largest advertising campaign in Texas Wesleyan’s history. Even our brand identity – which most think of as our logo, but it is so much more – has been enhanced to reflect the quality that is inherent in a Texas Wesleyan education. As we enter the holiday season, we are thankful for all that we have and all that we have to offer.
COPY EDITOR Janna Franzwa Canard
PHOTOGRAPHY Glen E. Ellman Paul Sturiale
Chuck Greeson
OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT AND ALUMNI RELATIONS 817-531-4404 | 817-531-7560 (fax) alumni@txwes.edu
Wesleyan is an official publication for alumni and friends of Texas Wesleyan University. It is published in the fall and spring by the Texas Wesleyan University Office of Marketing and Communications. The views presented are not necessarily those of the editors or the official policies of the University. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Barry Baker ’84 Patsy Clifford ’55 Karen Cole ’99 MBA ’04, vice president Martha Cole ’62 Michael Denis ’74 Martha Earngey ’77, secretary Presley Hatcher ’74 Syndi Hillberry ’86 Hayden Lackey ’08 David D. Martin MBA ’04, president Gladys Moore ’73 Cindy Olivera ’08 Sharon Roberson-Jones ’96 Glen Tuggle ’85, treasurer Jorge Vivar ’76 Kathy Walker ’97 Jerry Wood ’69 Ben Younger ’63
My family and I wish you a joyous holiday season. May we look forward to a new year filled with promise and opportunity for all.
EX-OFFICIO MEMBER Dr. Carl G. Schrader, Jr.
Sincerely,
TEXAS WESLEYAN STAFF Joan S. Canty, vice president for university advancement
Tribute Gift Recognition
Designs for a new entryway to the Texas Wesleyan University campus are under consideration. The one on the cover is a conceptual design proposed by Freese and Nichols as part of the University’s master plan. The renderings on the cover and on pages 8 to 11 are used courtesy of Freese and Nichols.
DESIGN J.O.
Gina Phillips ’97 MSP ’07, director of development and alumni relations
Frederick G. Slabach President
DeAwna Wood ’05, assistant director of alumni relations John M. Veilleux MBA ’04, vice president for marketing and communications Chuck Burton, assistant vice president for marketing and communications Laura J. Hanna, director of communications Wesleyan WWW.TXWES.EDU
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Feature Story
Fort Worth Sister Cities & Wesleyan Music Collaborate in Fabulous Trip to By John Fisher
CHINA
View of downtown Guiyang
The Great Wall of China
The Wesleyan Chamber Singers made a momentous occasion even more memorable.
They were part of a 71-person delegation to witness the official signing of a Sister Cities agreement between the cities of Fort Worth and Guiyang, located in the Guizhou province of China. Led by Director of Choral Activities Jerome M. Bierschenk, the Wesleyan Chamber Singers performed the “Star-Spangled Banner,” which was followed by singing of the Chinese national anthem by the Guizhou University choir. Later that evening, the Wesleyan Chamber Singers performed a full-length concert, alternating selections with the Guizhou University choir, in a special citywide concert at Guiyang’s Grand Theatre – the largest commercial performance venue. Bierschenk and Music Chairman John Fisher led the Wesleyan entourage and were joined by 41 members of the Sister Cities
Wesleyan Chamber Singers at official signing ceremony - Guiyang Sheraton Hotel
delegation from Fort Worth for an eight-day trip through China. As guests of the mayor of Guiyang, the group was treated to a VIP experience, including five-star hotels, sumptuous meals, and first-class amenities throughout the trip. The Sister Cities delegation was headed by Texas Sen. Jane Nelson and Fort Worth City Councilman Dennis Shingleton, who repeatedly expressed their appreciation and thanks to Texas Wesleyan and said what good ambassadors the students and faculty had been. They were particularly impressed with the Wesleyan Chamber Singers evening concert, which concluded with “Going Home” by Dvorak.
John Fisher and Miao ethnic peoples’ costumes
As a bonus, on the return trip through Beijing, the students had eight hours to visit Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and a portion of the Great Wall of China before a farewell Peking duck banquet and their return to the United States the next day. They truly felt humbled to have been a part of this unique and fabulous cultural experience.
Chairman Mao Cultural Building, Guiyang Jiaxiu Tower - Zhucheng Square, Guiyang
2012 City - Beijing 2Stone lion } Wesleyan protecting theFALL Forbidden
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Feature Story Lights, camera, action! Texas Wesleyan students and faculty were recruited to appear in the television spots. The “shoot” took place on campus, and students experienced a rare opportunity to witness commercial production from both behind and in front of the camera.
Texas Wesleyan’s bold new marketing campaign is off and running.
“SMALLER. SMARTER.” HITS THE BIG TIME
Although the finished ads are only 15 seconds long, the production took the better part of a day. Casting calls, direction, and long breaks in between shots were all taken in stride. The finished results accurately depict the close faculty-student interaction that is the hallmark of a Texas Wesleyan education. So when people ask you about your school, smile with pride and say:
More than 4 million viewers see us on TV. Another 3.5 million see us on the road. And there’s more.
Texas Wesleyan University: Smaller. Smarter.
See for yourself! Texas Wesleyan is coming on strong in North Texas. In September, the University launched the largest marketing campaign in its history. And for what is believed to be the first time ever, Texas Wesleyan is reaching prospective students using television commercials. Six different “spots” began this fall and will air again in the spring. The campaign extends to billboards strategically located throughout Fort Worth and Dallas, 60 programs of study ads on online radio giant Pandora, and aare completely redesigned website. JUST The BeGinninG. IT BEGINS WITH STRATEGY
The no. 1 consideration when selecting a university is academics. That’s true whether you have a passion for a particular course of study or if you are still unsure which major best matches your interests and goals.
Positioning is everything
at Texas Wesleyan University, learning goes beyond classrooms and labs. one-on-one instruction from faculty who care about your success is at the heart of a Wesleyan education. all students get a challenging academic experience. But thanks to intentionally small class sizes, professors not only know you by name, they know when you need help staying on track. our students are:
Office of Admissions
1201 Wesleyan Street Fort Worth, Texas 76105
Long before the official launch of the campaign, Texas New graphic standards were developed in consultation Wesleyan’s Office of Marketing and Communications with J.O., a prominent advertising agency founded by and the Office of Enrollment and Student Services Jennifer Oliver Henderson ’96 (see page 20). Based on • in other countries experiencing new cultures. teamed up to research an effective enrollment strategy.• Performing the research findings that prove Texas Wesleyan’s small and producing student-written plays. Noel-Levitz, a leading higher education consultant, size is a strength, the agency developed the unique • Participating in undergraduate research projects. added the expertise needed to complete a market“Smaller. Smarter.” positioning statement. What interests you? chances are we have it. not to mention lots of based study that provided the framework for powerfulstudent activities and athletics as well as financial aid opportunities. Texas Wesleyan’s signature logo was also modernized brand positioning. to lend a more contemporary look and feel. This new visual identity delivers a first-class image that is as John Veilleux, vice president for marketing and communications, said the initial market research rich in appearance as the message is in relevance. And revealed that only 25 out of 100 people in the collegeto make sure our message resonates with a youthful bound audience had even heard of Wesleyan. audience, cutting-edge TV ads were produced by Concussion, another award-winning ad agency. “We’re going to change that,” Veilleux said. “As our recruiters go out into the community, we want to know that people already have a sense of who we are before Above: Smartphones are everywhere, and our ads are there. our recruiters get in front of them.” Right: (Top) Our website is redesigned to offer a first-class user experience. (Left) Direct mail targets individual prospects while billboards (right) reach the masses. (Bottom) From NFL Football to Saturday Night Live, from ABC to MSNBC and Comedy Central, our TV ads are arguably the most distinctive college spots running.
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View the TV commercials at www.txwes.edu/brand Hear the Wesleyan story told firsthand at www.txwes.edu/smarter
Learning doesn’t just happen in The claSSroom Smaller. Smarter.
Ranked in the #1 tier of regional universities by U.S. News & World Report
Feature Story
T
he Texas Wesleyan University Board of Trustees has approved a letter of intent for Texas Wesleyan University and Texas A&M University to enter into a strategic partnership that would provide premier legal education in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex for decades to come. Under the proposed multimillion dollar agreement, the school would be known as the Texas A&M University School of Law at Texas Wesleyan University. “Last October, Texas A&M System Chancellor John Sharp approached me about a unique strategic partnership,” Texas Wesleyan President Frederick G. Slabach said in a press conference at Texas Wesleyan School of Law on June 26, 2012. “After months of careful consideration, we both consider this to be a mutually beneficial collaboration with limitless possibilities.” Among the future offerings would be a joint law school JD/Texas Wesleyan MBA program and also a Texas Wesleyan undergraduate/ law school 3+3 program. These new programs exemplify how the partnership would allow for the development of collaborative academic programming that will have a lasting impact on students. “In creating the Texas A&M University School of Law at Texas Wesleyan University, we are finally expanding the Texas A&M brand into the field of law with a focus on emerging fields that require a growing legal expertise,” Chancellor Sharp said.
Two Universities Create Partnership to Form
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Texas A&M University School of Law at Texas Wesleyan University } Wesleyan FALL 2012
Above: Texas Wesleyan President Frederick G. Slabach and A&M Chancellor John Sharp at joint press conference.
In a press release, Texas A&M University President R. Bowen Loftin praised the new arrangement, saying, “Expanding Texas A&M’s graduate professional programs is one of the key tenets of Vision 2020,
and the Metroplex would lay claim to an institution poised for first-tier status. And Texas Wesleyan would gain new academic programs that drive our vision of preparing motivated students for graduate school.”
our long-range plan to become one of the country’s top 10 public institutions by the year 2020. If you look at the top universities – our peer institutions – most of them have a law school. “We see [this] announcement as the next step in Texas A&M’s dramatic evolution from its beginnings as a regional, military-focused institution into one of the nation’s largest and most prestigious comprehensive universities in a short period of four decades.” Under the agreement, Texas A&M would acquire ownership and operational control of the law school as a going concern and all faculty and staff of the law school would be employees of Texas A&M. Texas Wesleyan University would retain ownership and control of the law school building and four city blocks of land at the downtown Fort Worth campus and would lease the facilities to Texas A&M. “The synergy of this strategic partnership is extraordinary,” said Kenneth H. Jones, Jr., chairman of Texas Wesleyan’s Board of Trustees. “Texas A&M stands to benefit from an already established, ABAaccredited law school. Fort Worth
On June 29, 2012, the Texas A&M University Board of Regents, in an 8-0 vote, authorized the chancellor of The Texas A&M University System and the president of Texas A&M University to take any and all action to investigate and pursue a potential affiliation with Texas Wesleyan School of Law and to request approval of the partnership from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. In addition, Texas A&M and Texas Wesleyan will be providing notification to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, as well as seeking acquiescence from the American Bar Association. The presidents of the two universities appointed a Strategic Partnership Academic Coordinating Council to advise them on additional collaborative academic initiatives that would serve the students of each campus. President Frederick G. Slabach served as dean at Texas Wesleyan School of Law from 2003 to 2006 and has remained a professor of law from 2006 to present. John Sharp was appointed chancellor of The Texas A&M University System by the Board of Regents on Sept. 6, 2011. The agreement is expected to be executed June 1, 2013. To see the press conference, go to http://txwes.edu/tamu.
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Cover Story
Methodist Conference Center Includes Bishop’s Office The new $3 million Central Texas Conference Service Center will be a 15,000-square-foot office building on the south side of the 3200 block of East Rosedale. The University will be the sole owner of the property, with the Central Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church as the sole tenant. The building will house the Central Texas Conference Center for Mission Support, the Center for Evangelism and Church Growth, the Center for Leadership, and the Office of the Bishop.
Rosedale Renaissance Project: A Four-Part
Transformation Begins with Street Improvements
R
This partnership benefits not only the community as a whole, but also Texas Wesleyan students. Through interaction and partnership with faculty, the Central Texas Conference Service Center will advise preministerial students in preparing for seminary studies, as well as advising other students for careers in lay ministries.
32 Million for East Rosedale Street Improvements
s t e r l i n g i$l l u s t r a t i o n
enovating and enhancing East Rosedale Street in front of Texas Wesleyan University are just the beginning.
The Rosedale Renaissance Project is a $6.5 million multifaceted project designed to leverage more than $32 million in private and public funding for the benefit of Southeast Fort Worth and Texas Wesleyan University.
The $15.5 million first phase of the East Rosedale Street Improvements Project calls for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the stretch between U.S. 287 and Miller Avenue. A portion of that ($1.875 million) involves significant renovation and enhancements to four blocks adjacent to the University.
The four main components of the project are East Rosedale Street improvements, United Methodist Church Central Texas Conference Service Center (to be located across from campus), a “front door” entryway to Texas Wesleyan, and a Business Incubator Center.
Construction will begin in spring 2013 and will include many major improvements: promenade-style sidewalks, extensive landscaping, street lights and benches, curb extensions, additional stoplights, and pedestrian crossing areas. Two new roundabouts – one at Rosedale and Mitchell and one at Rosedale and Ayers – will add aesthetic appeal and additional landscaping opportunities. At the Mitchell location, a public art installation will be at the center of the roundabout. (See page 11 to read more about the artist.)
The Center for Mission Support trains pastors and laity to minister to the economically disadvantaged. Helping
each conference church have a vital congregation is the primary focus of the Center for Evangelism and Church Growth. With the Center for Leadership, the conference will have improved facilities to train both clergy and laity for significant leadership positions in local churches and the conference overall.
Opening the “Front Door” to Wesleyan Creating an inviting “front door” main entrance to the campus will provide a clear direction for visitors and prospective students. Oftentimes, those who are new to campus will drive by without realizing that they were supposed to turn to get to the University. Located at the intersection of East Rosedale and Vaughn streets, the new campus entryway will create a classic look that would include a clock tower – see proposed rendering on the magazine cover – plus a horseshoeshaped drive, expanded parking, stone monument signs, landscaped medians, and additional lighting.
Central Texas Conference Service Center
This $1.3 million project offers an exciting opportunity to work in tandem with local entities through a private–public partnership that allows the University to take advantage of considerable cost savings because the work is scheduled to be completed in tandem with the Rosedale Street improvements.
Wesleyan Students to Benefit from Business Incubator Center This project entails a $400,000 renovation of a historic building located on the south side of Rosedale. The renovated building will house a new Business Incubator Center, which will be managed by the University’s School of Business Administration faculty. Texas Wesleyan students would have the opportunity to work as interns and provide business consultation services to assist area entrepreneurs in creating and growing their businesses.
A conceptual rendering of what East Rosedale might look like when work is completed
East Rosedale Project Timeline Jan. ’12
Jan. ’13
Jan. ’14
Jan. ’15
Survey IMPORTANT DATES: • Feb. 21, Citizen Advisory #1 • March 22, Citizen Advisory #2 • April 17, Public Meeting #1 • May 31, Citizen Advisory #3 • Sept. 13, Public Meeting #2
concept prelim / final design right-of-way utility design
utility relocations bid / award construction through fall 2014
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Cover Story
J.E. & L.E. Mabee Foundation of Tulsa Issues $500,000 Challenge Grant to the Rosedale Renaissance Project Oct. 9, 2012 – Oct. 1, 2013 At an Oct. 9 meeting, the J.E. & L.E. Mabee Foundation of Tulsa, Okla., considered and approved a proposal requesting a challenge grant for two of the components of the Rosedale Renaissance Project: the United Methodist Church Central Texas Conference Service Center and the campus entryway. Together, the two projects total $4,365,636.
the project’s total cost in one year’s time in order to then be granted the gift. The deadline is Oct. 1, 2013.
Learn How You Can Help
Need more information on how you can become a part of this exciting Rosedale Renaissance Project and the Mabee Challenge? Contact Joan S. Canty, vice president for advancement, at 817-531-4411 or jcanty@txwes.edu.
Education Building. In the 1980s, the Foundation provided challenge
By Laura J. Hanna
grants in support of the construction
“What’s in a name? that which we call a rose
of the Armstrong-Mabee Business Texas Wesleyan has successfully
Center and the Brown Lupton
fulfilled Mabee Foundation
Campus Center.
projects. Most recently, the Foundation gave the University $450,000 in August 2009 after fundraising was completed for the Center. In 2004, the Foundation’s challenge grant of $213,428 assisted with the renovation of the Poly UMC
The Mabee Foundation was formed in 1948 by John E. Mabee and his wife, Lottie E. Mabee, with its office in Tulsa. As stated in its charter, the purpose of the Foundation is to aid Christian religious organizations, institutions of higher learning, hospitals, and other organizations of a general charitable nature.
Fabric of Frisco - Photo by Donna L. Dobberfuhl
By any other name would smell as sweet …”
challenges for several campus
Jack and Jo Willa Morton Fitness The Foundation’s challenge grant of $500,000 requires that the University raise $3,865,636 toward
Adding Public Art to Rosedale will be Sweet Indeed
Such were the ponderings of author William Shakespeare in the late 16th century.
About the Artist
Donna L. Dobberfuhl, a studio sculptor based in San Antonio She works in a linear fashion, preferring to create one project at a time, even though she sometimes works on as many as three at once. For largescale brick projects such as the Rosedale sculpture, she carves in a studio in Nebraska. Her public art includes a wide array of subjects: veterans, wildlife, and religious figures. Dobberfuhl’s sculpture installations appear across the country, from Bellingham, Wash., to Biscayne, Fla., to New York City. Her work can be found throughout North Texas, including the Veterans Monument in North Richland Hills and the Fabric of Frisco.
In 2012, artist Donna L. Dobberfuhl wondered what the meaning is behind the name Rosedale. Was it a family name? Was the street named for a woman called Rose? Dobberfuhl, the artist selected for the East Rosedale Public Art Project, likes to incorporate historical significance to her artworks. Although no definitive answer emerged, the quest for discovery led Dobberfuhl to a “botanicals” theme, which was the basis for her design approach for a sculpture to be placed in a roundabout at Rosedale and Mitchell. She developed several concepts and narrowed to two – The Stamen and The Spire, 34’ and 30’ tall sculptures made of carved brick, mosaic and stainless steel components. Both ideas incorporate botanical elements. Either would be constructed with a 6” interior steel column surrounded by the brick base. “The weight of these towers starts at 22,000 pounds,” Dobberfuhl said.
National POW Memorial - Photo by Eric Leonard
To produce art of this magnitude, she works with a brick mason and an engineer. She carves the brick while it is still wet and has to calculate for shrinkage, which is generally 3 to 5 percent, but can be as much as 10 percent, depending on the specific type.
The Next Steps According to Anne Allen, FWPA project manager, a final rendering will be presented to the art commission in November and then the artist will begin creating a three-dimensional model. The sculpture installation is slated for fall 2014, when the East Rosedale Street improvements are finished.
She has a Master of Fine Arts from the Graduate School of Figurative Art of the New York Academy of Art and is a member of the National Sculpture Society and the Association of Consultants for Liturgical Space.
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Dobberfuhl’s sculpture will be installed in the center of the new roundabout at the intersection of Rosedale and Mitchell.
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Student Life
Using Microbiology to Help Make Food Safer
A Kind of
Prodigy
By Darren White
Angela Roberts, assistant professor of biology, is working with undergraduate students on hands-on food safety research projects.
H
ere’s a topic you might know a little about: Food. But how do you know that the cantaloupe you’re slicing up or the burger you are about to eat is safe? Angela Roberts, assistant professor of biology, knows. She is a microbiologist who studies food safety. Roberts is Texas Wesleyan’s co-principal investigator under a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant worth $2.5 million, split between seven universities. This is the grant’s second year. The program speaks to the need for more people – especially those with doctorate and master’s degrees – to work in food safety. As part of the grant, she also holds a workshop that provides area high school teachers with food safety lesson plans.
Food safety experts are sometimes detectives who use research to find the root of the problem. They might study the data – using modern tools like DNA fingerprinting – to discover a plant worker’s gloves are causing the problem, or maybe even floor mats in the plant. Why does that matter? “We would all like to eat, confident that we’re not going to vomit,” Roberts said. Roberts’ scientific desires didn’t begin with food safety. A Montana native – miles away from any ocean – she wanted to be a marine biologist. But as she became more involved with her undergraduate studies at St. Mary’s College of California and her graduate work at Cornell University, microbiology – and food safety – began to interest her. “I had the experience we’re trying to give to our students,” Roberts said. “I worked on a microbiology research project one-on-one with a faculty member. It changed my life.” She says that time at St. Mary’s – a small school – is one of the reasons she prefers the learning culture of Texas Wesleyan. “Faculty mentorship is really critical for a student,” Roberts said. “In science, it increases their persistence. It’s the epitome of active learning.”
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After winning biology awards, Truc Nguyen ’12 is preparing for medical school. By Darren White
You could call Truc Nguyen a renaissance man – but that wouldn’t be quite accurate. Yes, he’s a biology graduate, and he’s currently applying to medical schools. And yes, he’s a musician who taught himself guitar and has been studying piano for about eight years. And yes, he also “dabbles in poetry” and enjoys the work of masters like Robert Frost and Edgar Allan Poe. “I always want to call him a prodigy,” Bruce Benz, professor of biology, said. “He does so many things very well.” But talk to Nguyen – or ask anyone who knows him – and it’s his focus on learning about medicine that stands out. Maybe it runs in the family. His father, Trung Nguyen, is a general surgeon in Fort Worth. Or maybe it is because he’s been intrigued by medicine since he was a child. As a Boy Scout, he was very interested in first aid and the medicine and chemistry merit badges. Whatever the
reason, Nguyen says he feels a desire to do something valuable for the community. As a biology major, Nguyen was beyond impressive. He won first place in the microbiology poster competition at the Beta Beta Beta National Biological Honor Society in Puerto Rico in May. He was the top senior in his class. He was a critical thinker who thrived at Texas Wesleyan. “If you give Truc something to do,” Benz said, “he’s going to find a way to do it.” Nguyen said Texas Wesleyan empowered him to learn and grow. The diversity of discipline his biology professors had, allowed him to approach problems from different angles and to succeed as an individual. “The faculty at Texas Wesleyan helped from day one,” Nguyen said. “They helped me realize what it would take to get in to medical school.” Thanks to the help of Texas Wesleyan, Nguyen said, he hopes to be helping others very soon.
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Athletics
Texas Wesleyan Alumnus
Texas Wesleyan Joins
Tommy Elliott ’76
Sooner Athletic Conference By Laura Hanna
Texas Wesleyan student-athletes will soon be spending less time on the road. With a move to the Sooner Athletic Conference in the 2013-2014 academic year, Rams will be competing in a more geographically friendly conference, which is based in Oklahoma City. Texas Wesleyan University and two other Texas schools – Northwood University and Southwestern Assemblies of God University – are all longtime members of the Red River Athletic Conference and are making the shift to SAC next year. Texas Wesleyan, as well as Northwood and SAGU, have enjoyed their tenure with RRAC, but are looking forward to what the new relationship will offer, President Frederick G. Slabach said. “This move isn’t just about joining a more competitive conference,” Slabach said. “The closer proximity of other conference schools gives our student-athletes the benefit of spending more time in class and less time on the road.” Having 10 schools in the SAC means the conference will be able to advance two teams out of the conference to post-season competitions.
Honored by FWISD with his
The athletics department fields teams in baseball, softball, volleyball, and men’s and women’s teams in basketball, track and field, cross country, soccer and golf. The women’s golf team is a new addition for 2012-2013. All of these sports are a good fit for the new conference, Trachier said. “The competitive environment in the Sooner conference is demanding,” Slabach said. “But we look forward to the challenge.” SAC Commissioner John Hudson said the conference is delighted with the additions of these three great institutions and believes the move creates one of the strongest conferences in the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics). Current SAC schools are John Brown University, Mid-America Christian University, Oklahoma Baptist University, Oklahoma City University, St. Gregory’s University, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, and Wayland Baptist University.
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By Paul Sturiale
John Brown University Mid-America Christian University Northwood University Oklahoma Baptist University Oklahoma City University Southwestern Assemblies of God University St. Gregory’s University Texas Wesleyan University University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma Wayland Baptist University
RED RIVER
ATHLETIC CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS The Rams first year in the RRAC was 2002-2003. Men’s Soccer: 2005
“This is an exciting time to be a Ram,” Athletic Director Steve Trachier said. “We have garnered numerous championships in the RRAC and we look forward to competing in another conference.”
own Field of Dreams
2013 CONFERENCE
Women’s Soccer: 2005, 2006, 2008 Men’s Cross Country: 2011 Women’s Cross Country: 2011 Men’s Basketball: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 Baseball: 2007, 2010 Softball: 2012 Women’s Track and Field: 2012 Men’s Golf: (RRAC did not hold a golf conference championship in 2003)
2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 In addition, the Rams won the RRAC All-Sports Award in 2010-2011 and 2011-2012.
The Fort Worth Independent School District recently joined hundreds of friends, family, colleagues and former players to celebrate Tommy Elliott’s retirement after serving 30 years as Arlington Heights High School’s head baseball coach. Elliott joined the FWISD shortly after graduating from Texas Wesleyan in 1976 with a B.A. in English. FWISD capped the retirement ceremonies by renaming AHHS’s baseball field the Thomas Ray Elliott Field of Dreams. The event included accolades from U.S. Rep. Kay Granger and Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price, as well as stories and mementos from colleagues, family and former players. In addition, Elliott received a commemorative bat signed by present and former players.
he did things the right way. And those are lessons that I tried to pass along to my teams,” said Elliott, who joked that during his four years as a Ram pitcher “I probably set the career school record for number of walks.”
Elliott was honored by the Texas Wesleyan Alumni Association in 2011 with its prestigious O.D. Bounds Award. The award is presented annually to commemorate lifetime achievements and the distinguished way an alumnus represents the University and the Alumni Association. During his career, Elliott consistently led his teams deep into the state’s baseball 4A division playoffs, including winning the state championship in 1996. Elliott credits his career success (730 wins – 305 losses) to former Texas Wesleyan Baseball Coach Larry Smith, whom he described as “a structured, stern disciplinarian” who helped a lanky, left-handed pitcher understand what sports and winning the right way were all about. “He knew how to organize things. He had structure and organization, and
Elliott’s career included stops as a general sports and baseball coach at three FWISD schools before being named head baseball coach at Arlington Heights High School in 1982. During his stint at Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School, he met his wife-to-be, the former Marjie Smith, a 1975 Texas Wesleyan graduate. Though they never met while at the University, she watched him pitch several Ram games. She remembers that he was
“too tall and skinny. But then we met later and started seeing each other.” She counts herself and their two daughters, Kayla and Katie, as Elliott’s “number one lifelong fans.” Prior to the ceremonies, Tommy mingled easily with the crowd, frequently exchanging hugs, well wishes and old war stories. It was a warm, sunny day that was perfect for looking back at 30 years of dedication and service to his school and his teams. Is there a special memory? “No. You can’t just sit there and quantify and qualify one special moment. It would more likely be a total body of work. Working with kids year in and year out,” Tommy muses. “I get a lot of 30 to 35 and 40 to 45 year olds coming back to the school and commenting how being in school and being on the team has been such a positive influence in their lives. I’d like to think that I’m part of that equation. We’re all components of it.” It also was a day for looking ahead, which he intends to start doing after the reality of retirement sets in. “It’s uncharted waters, a new experience. We’ll just have to wait and see,” he said. “But I see myself as continuing to be involved in education. We’ll just have to see how it works out.”
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Your Donation Makes a Difference.
Women’s Golf Tees Off its Inaugural Season By Ken Roberts
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ou can tell a lot about a person just from playing a round of golf with them, contends Head Women’s Golf Coach/Assistant Athletic Director Kevin Millikan. So when he was starting the women’s golf program at Texas Wesleyan from scratch, Millikan sought opportunities to get on the course with potential recruits. For a high school senior hoping her talent is good enough to earn a spot on a university golf team, a round of golf with the coach can be intimidating. “I try to put them at ease because golf is a really difficult sport,” Millikan said. Unlike basketball or other team sports where one player’s weakness may be compensated by another player’s strength, that’s not true with golf. “It’s just you and the course, and it’s a game where you can evaluate players based on their scores,” Millikan said. But, it isn’t the score he’s concerned about when he and a recruit play a round. In fact, Millikan may not even keep score. “I’m more concerned about their tendencies and the way they approach the game. Are they confident and self-reliant? “I look for the makings of a competitor and whether or not I think they will be a good fit for my coaching style and a good fit for Wesleyan. I also try to determine if they’re willing to put in the time and effort to get better.” A good fit with the coach and university and a willingness to work hard are characteristics all intercollegiate coaches seek in their recruits. When you’re starting a new program, those traits are especially important because there is not a core of experienced student-athletes to mentor new recruits and help them transition from high school to intercollegiate competition.
Jessica Liptak
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To meet the challenges that come with beginning a new program, Millikan put together a team of 11 women, four sophomores and seven freshmen. They
Join the President’s Council.
came from as far away as Ramona, Calif., and West Monroe, La. Most are from Texas, including Wesleyan’s first-ever women’s golf recruit, Jessica Liptak. Liptak hails from nearby Haslet, a small community north of Fort Worth. “I first met Jessica through The First Tee of Fort Worth – a youth golf program – where she was one of their earliest members,” Millikan said. Home-schooled through high school, Liptak’s involvement in The First Tee allowed her to meet the state’s P.E. requirements. Millikan said she has “quite a bit of competitive experience” gained through junior tournaments. She also participated in high school tournaments with students from public and private schools. The First Tee was also the catalyst for Liptak’s interest in Wesleyan golf. The men’s team volunteered at The First Tee events in recent years and provided tips and instructions to the young golfers, Liptak said. Through the men’s team’s association with The First Tee, she learned about the program’s success and wanted to help build a similarly successful women’s program. As the team’s first-ever recruit, Liptak has been placed in the position of de-facto representative for the new program. “Jessica really impressed me,” Millikan said. “She is very knowledgeable about the game. She is also a well-rounded person. She’s interested in art and photography, and she served in leadership roles with The First Tee and represented them at national events.” “I am very honored to be the first person in the program. I’m really looking forward to the future of our team. I knew it would be special when I decided to come here and, so far, it’s been great,” Liptak said at the conclusion of the fall season.
“Giving back to Texas Wesleyan is my way of giving back to all the professors, staff and fellow colleagues there who encouraged me to do well with my business ventures, while doing good in the community. My successes are because of the experiences and relationships I’ve formed through my years at Wesleyan and beyond.” Jennifer Oliver Henderson ’96 2012 Wesleyan Service Award Winner
The President’s Council represents Texas Wesleyan’s leadership donors who annually give $1,000 or
more. The Council is made up of Wesleyan alumni, parents and friends who believe in and support the University’s mission. Members forge a special relationship with the University. Benefits include: • Invitations to special events held at Texas Wesleyan throughout the year • A spring luncheon with the president in celebration of membership in the President’s Council • Listing in the University Honor Roll • A personalized brick in the Donor Brick Walkway • Texas Wesleyan car decal and magnet
Donate today at www.txwes.edu/makeagift
For more information on the President’s Council, contact Christine Spencer at 817-531-5803 or cmspencer@txwes.edu
Alumni 2012 Medal Awards Texas Wesleyan Honors its Best & Brightest at Annual Dinner
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By Ken Roberts
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of the year award
Dr. Rufus ’51 and Mrs. Juanell ’52 Earl
Awarded to an outstanding alumnus or alumna whose service and loyalty to the University, community involvement and personal accomplishments merit the honor. In the early 1950s, students Rufus Earl and Juanell Gilmore met on the Wesleyan campus. She was majoring in education and he in math. It was the start of a love affair—with each other and with their University—that would last a lifetime. And longer. Rufus graduated in ’51 and went to work as an aircraft mechanics instructor in Wichita Falls, and Juanell had one more year to complete before graduating. Rufus returned to campus several times that year to see Juanell, marking the beginning of many trips they would make to their alma mater over the next 60 years. Following her graduation in ’52, Juanell accepted a teaching position in Clifton, doubling the distance Rufus had to drive from Wichita Falls to see her. To eliminate the long hours on the road and interminable days spent apart, Rufus, quite naturally, asked Juanell to marry him. She said yes and they wed in 1953. Soon after they were married, Rufus enrolled in the Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas and Juanell taught in that city’s schools. The Earls returned to Fort Worth after he completed dentistry school. She continued teaching, and he started his dental practice that would last 23 years.
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The Earls credited Texas Wesleyan with establishing a love of learning and providing an educational foundation that made it possible for them to enjoy productive, successful careers. So impactful were their undergraduate years, the Earls endowed the Rufus H. and Juanell G. Earl Scholarship Fund that provides, and will continue to provide, scholarships for students “studying education and who have promise and potential, but would not be able to pursue a college degree without the benefit of this type of support.” It was not uncommon to see the Earls on campus. Earlier this year they attended ceremonies during the presidential inauguration of Frederick G. Slabach, and they were regulars at the Alumni Reunion Weekend events and participated in last spring’s reunion. In August, shortly after the Earls were notified they had been named this year’s Alumni of the Year award recipients, Juanell died unexpectedly. The love Rufus and their daughter, Rhonda, have for Juanell continues. Just as their love for Wesleyan continues and will perpetuate indefinitely through the scholarship that bears their name.
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istinguished alumni award
Alumni
Max Wayman ’74
Awarded to a Texas Wesleyan graduate whose achievements have distinguished him or her in a broad (national or international) sense. Max Wayman leads a life to rival that of Agent Carl Hanratty - the federal agent Tom Hanks portrayed in the 2002 movie, Catch Me If You Can. But instead of being a fictional composite, Wayman’s adventures are very real. He attended Wesleyan on a dual baseballbasketball scholarship, with the hope of becoming a professional baseball player. That changed when a recruiter from the U.S. Treasury Department came to campus looking for just the right person to join the ranks of federal agents. The recruiter found Wayman, and Wayman found his calling. His athleticism served him well during the Secret Service’s rigorous 22-week basic training. Wayman achieved expert level marksmanship, and learned self-defense and karate. He also learned how to analyze financial transactions, search and seizure techniques, and how to locate hidden assets. His career began as a special agent in the criminal division of the Internal Revenue Service. Because the Secret Service is also part of the Treasury Department, he served on the
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esleyan flame award
details of President Jimmy Carter during his 1980 re-election campaign and presidential candidate Walter Mondale in 1984. Following Wayman’s career as a federal agent, he founded Max M. Wayman & Associates Inc. in 1985. From his Fort Worth office, his work has taken him to five continents, sometimes traveling to perilous locations and uncertain situations. On a case in South America, armed military personnel guarded him as he investigated an embezzlement that siphoned $1 billion from a bank. The trail in this case led him to the Island of Curacao. It’s a small island, and the driver who picked up Wayman at the airport had recently chauffeured the primary suspect. Piecing together clues from his investigation and what he was able to discern from the driver, Wayman put his hands on a briefcase containing records that had been deleted from the bank’s computer. Standing beside him through all his adventures is Wayman’s wife of 30 years, Michelle. They have two adult children, Preston and Chelsea.
Dr. Ron Ballard
Presented to a current faculty or staff member whose commitment and dedication to the University and its students exemplifies the Wesleyan mission and traditions. In the early 1970s, while serving as a religion lecturer at Emory University’s Oxford College in Atlanta, Ga., Dr. Ron Ballard was a recurring cast member on the television series, Planning for Tomorrow, which was produced at Channel 5 in Fort Worth. Ballard, whose intellect and expertise in biblical studies is combined with a sincere, approachable personality, caught the attention of leaders at Wesleyan and TCU during his trips to Fort Worth. After interviewing, he opted for a faculty position with Wesleyan in 1971.
a period of time. The University even loaned him to the Association of Higher Education in North Texas for a year when he served as that organization’s vice president.
“I just felt I was a good fit at Wesleyan. I’m an ordained Methodist minister and I knew many ministers throughout the Methodist Conference,” he said.
Regardless of the title on his office door, Ballard has always been a Wesleyan ambassador. The combination of intellect and personality that first caught Wesleyan’s attention has made him a sought-after speaker. Churches, corporations, members of Congress, and higher education conferences have asked him to deliver keynote speeches, lead seminars and workshops, and facilitate international dialogue. They seek his diverse expertise in biblical studies, the Middle East, ethics, and interpersonal relationships.
The religion professor has been called to serve in several capacities during his 40 years at Texas Wesleyan. Roles such as dean of the School of Science and Humanities and assistant to the president for United Methodist Relations took Ballard out of the classroom for
Although Ballard enjoys the lecture circuit, and he was honored to serve as dean and assistant to the president, his star shines brightest in the classroom. “The main purpose and real thrust of my career is being a professor. That’s what I enjoy.”
From the New York reading of Certificate of Death: standing Chase Burnett ’10, Michael Kreitzinger ’10 and Cari Watson; seated Ben Phillips ’09 and Alfredo Martinez ’09
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onorary alumni award
Dr. Carl Schrader
Awarded to a non-alumnus whose contributions to students, alumni and the life of the University merit special recognition.
Dr. Carl Schrader has been doing it all – serving as educator, mentor, advisor, advocate and friend – for Texas Wesleyan almost 50 years. A former English professor, his career began in 1965. After a brief hiatus in the late 1960s to pursue a Ph.D., he returned to Wesleyan in 1971 and stayed until his retirement in 1999. He sponsored student organizations, including Sigma Tau Delta, the English honor society; Alpha Chi, an academic honor society; and Sons of Sakkara, a local social and service organization that predated the arrival of Greek fraternities and sororities on campus. He was also the founding faculty advisor for Wesleyan’s chapter of Alpha Phi Omega, a national service fraternity. Despite his extensive participation outside of the classroom, he always kept his English students and instruction as his top priorities. “I always looked forward to coming to work. The students, the interaction with faculty, and the subjects I taught. Every day was enjoyable,” Schrader said. The enjoyment he received from teaching was evident to his students who, on several occasions, awarded Schrader the Order of the Golden Rule recognizing “faculty who go above and beyond.” Schrader’s contributions to the University continue in retirement. Since 2006 he has served as the faculty representative on the Alumni Association Board of Directors. He is also a standing member of a small, informal group of alumni and former faculty who meet for lunch the first Friday of every month at Julie’s Fresh Kitchen, a Fort Worth restaurant owned by alumnus Jody Helton ’79. His students were such a big part of his professional life, Schrader said, that seeing them now, as adults pursuing their own careers, makes him as proud as a parent.
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esleyan service award
Jennifer Oliver Henderson ’96 Awarded to a Texas Wesleyan graduate whose service to the University and its alumni has contributed specifically to the success of the Alumni Association and its programs.
For Jennifer Oliver Henderson, Texas Wesleyan has long been an important part of her life. While pursuing a fine arts degree, Henderson worked on campus during her freshman year. Little did she know, the people she was meeting and the things she was learning – in the art studio, classrooms and campus offices where she worked – would influence and motivate her long after graduation. The professors and staff members who mentored her continue to inspire her professionally as a marketer and designer, and personally as a painter. Following graduation, Henderson found success in the highly charged world of professional advertising. She relished the energy and excitement, but she wasn’t completely satisfied with the direction her career was taking her. That changed suddenly with a single phone call from her alma mater. Would she be interested in being the art director for the University? The move would provide her the opportunity to return to the campus she loved and work with her creative inspirations. Henderson jumped at the chance. And before long, she was promoted to director of communications. “I’m so glad I did. Working at Wesleyan really helped me to grow up professionally. My co-workers gave me a sense of responsibility and professionalism. They trusted me and gave me lots of opportunities and experiences,” she said. “The people who surrounded me at Wesleyan were very supportive. Really, they were like a family. They helped mold me into who I am today.” Today, Henderson is the owner of J.O. (formerly JODesign, LLC), a growing Fort Worth public relations and marketing agency. She is also embarking on a new venture developing a separate not-forprofit entity to serve J.O.’s expanding list of nonprofit clients.
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Playmarket 2013
oung alumni achievement award Mark Ma ’04
Awarded to an undergraduate alumnus or alumna within 10 years of graduation to recognize outstanding personal or professional achievement.
“Be very respectful of those who teach you: your elders, your teachers and your professors.” Those words, delivered from his father years ago, remain audible to Mark Ma today. They motivate him to give back to the University he credits with helping him succeed as a student and as a business leader. Ma serves as the chief executive officer of ALEG Inc., a Dallas-based fertilizer company intent on expanding the use of organic agricultural fertilizers. Ma’s company is developing fertilizers that improve soil conditions and increase drought tolerance. Working farms across the United States serve as the labs and proving grounds for the fertilizer. Following 2011’s recordbreaking heat wave and the persistent drought, ALEG’s fertilizers are outperforming other products. Farmers are experiencing faster crop growth and increased per-acre yields despite the uncooperative climate. Born in the People’s Republic of China, Ma has facilitated travel for faculty and students studying abroad. He also lends his global expertise to the International Studies program. Because Wesleyan spent time and energy cultivating him as a student, Ma said he takes very seriously his responsibility to give back to the University. One professor in particular, Dr. Ibrahim Salih, made a life-altering impact on Ma during his sophomore year. Ma was tardy to one of Dr. Salih’s classes, and he soon received a handwritten note from the professor telling Ma he was a good student, but that if Ma was late again, he would drop him from the class. Ma said that one gesture caused him to become more mature, responsible and disciplined. The very qualities now pushing Ma to develop better farming practices that benefit earth and its inhabitants.
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heatre Wesleyan’s Playmarket has been part of the regular season since 1999 and has showcased more than 20 original scripts, both on campus and in New York. Last year, the opening production of the 2011-2012 season was Lycanthrope by alumnus Chuck Fain ’11, the 2011 Playmarket winner. Lycanthrope was first presented as a reading in New York and then given a full production on campus during the fall semester. This year, Theatre Wesleyan is continuing its tradition of showcasing original work by students and alumni with two productions. Certificate of Death, by alumnus Walter Wykes ’92, was presented Nov. 8-18, 2012, in the Thad Smotherman Theatre. This original script was the winner of the Wesleyan Playmarket in 2009 and initially received a reading at
Rattlestick Playwrights Theater in New York’s West Village. The November production here on campus featured student actors, designers and technicians and was directed by theatre Professor Connie Whitt-Lambert. The search for the 2013 winning script, which will be the second production, is currently under way. Students and alumni submitted scripts through
Nov. 15, and the winning script will be announced in March 2013. This original script will then be presented by the theatre department in New York in May. For more about Theatre Wesleyan’s Playmarket, please visit the department’s website at www.txwes.edu/playmarket.
Make plans now to join the fun at the 2013 Alumni Reunion! April 19-20 | Texas Wesleyan University Historic Campus
All alumni are invited to help celebrate these class anniversaries: 2008, 2003, 1993, 1988, 1983, 1973, 1963 (Golden Anniversary) and 1953.
Return • Remember Reconnect
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Skating Principal on a Roll By David Casstevens
Photos courtesy of Fort Worth Star-Telegram/Joyce Marshall
Dear Fellow Alumni,
I bring you greetings from the members of the Alumni Association Board of Directors. Fall has arrived and we are enthusiastic about the school year as there are many great things happening at our alma mater. We are very excited about the East Rosedale Street Project, which will enhance the Rosedale corridor from Highway 287 to Stalcup Road. The project will bring many changes to the look of Texas Wesleyan, including a new entryway to the University at Rosedale and Vaughn. In addition, new retail shops adjacent to the campus are anticipated. The Alumni Association hosted a day at the Rangers Game on Sept. 16, and despite the rain delay, everyone had a great time at this sold-out event. If you were unable to attend, we hope you will join us next year. Be sure to save the date for these upcoming events. On Nov. 11 at 4 p.m., the association will host a cookout for students at the SUB on campus. The association will participate in the annual Fort Worth Parade of Lights with a Texas Wesleyan-themed float on the evening of Nov. 23. We always need volunteers to help us build the float. If you are interested in participating, please contact the alumni office. Plans are under way for the spring reunion to be held Friday and Saturday, April 19-20. I am confident that this year’s reunion will be bigger and better than ever! The GOLD (graduates of the last decade) alumni group continues to host mixers and is having great success in staying in touch with recent graduates. You can always check the alumni website for all of the wonderful happenings at Texas Wesleyan.
Hole-in-one winner Ken Bounds (son of O.D. Bounds), at left, and Ben King ’94 (who donated the prize) at the O.D. Bounds golf tournament in September. The 15th annual O.D. Bounds Golf Classic featured an auction for a golf outing with golf legend Lee Trevino HON ’81. This is the second consecutive year that Trevino has participated. Proceeds from the auction are split between the Lee Trevino Endowment for Golf at Texas Wesleyan and the Fort Worth Junior Golf Association.
Hemmle’s novel mode of travel reflects who he is – an efficient, energetic, slightly quirky educator on the go.
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hen Al Hemmle ’89 played third base at Texas Wesleyan, he fielded a variety of hit balls – bunts, popups, line drives, one-hoppers – with practiced ease and grace. Today the 50-year-old principal at Midlothian High School might describe himself, in an infielder’s terms, as a slow roller, although that’s not entirely accurate. During class periods, when the mallsized campus isn’t clogged with the foot traffic of 2,300 students, Hemmle will swing his arms and sway side to side, quickening his pace, and sail freely, happily, up and down the shiny linoleum-floored hallways. On roller skates.
Please join me in thanking President Slabach and members of the Texas Wesleyan campus community for their support of the Alumni Association. Additionally, a great big THANKS to the members of the Texas Wesleyan University Alumni Association Board of Directors for their generous contributions of time, talent and financial support.
Hemmle stays on his feet, most of the time.
This is an exciting time to be a part of Texas Wesleyan University. I look forward to seeing you soon.
But Hemmle is resilient, and not easily embarrassed.
With Ram pride,
David D. Martin MBA ’04 Alumni Association President
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Son of Tournament’s Namesake Wins Hole-in-One Prize
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“He’s had his share of gravity events,” Superintendent Jerome Stewart said, smiling.
For several years he patrolled the 540,000-square-foot campus on foot, logging up to six miles per day. On skates he discovered he can go from one end of the school to the other – a half mile – in a fraction of the time it took him to walk.
“I know it’s a bit unconventional,” Hemmle said. “But kids need to know that you don’t have to fit a certain image. Not everybody has to conform to the norm. You are who you are. Be yourself. Kids see me [on skates] and maybe think, ‘Hey, he’s not a stuffed shirt.’” A former star athlete at Arlington Sam Houston High School, Hemmle received a baseball scholarship to Wesleyan. He played three seasons (1981-1983) under Rams coach Frank Fultz. Realizing his chances of playing professionally were slim, he dropped out of school, over the objection of his step-father. Three years later, after working a variety of construction jobs, Hemmle had a heart-to-heart talk. “What am I good at? What am I passionate about?” he asked the searching face in the mirror. “Teaching and coaching are the same thing, in my mind.” Hemmle returned to Wesleyan, married, and in 1989, at age 27, earned his undergraduate degree in physical education. He began his rewarding career in education in Midlothian as a sixth-grade science teacher and coach. After earning a master’s degree at Texas A&MCommerce, he then received his doctorate from Nova Southeastern University.
Summer before last, the principal opened a closet at the high school and found a pair of used roller skates. He tried them on. Surprisingly, they fit, like Cinderella’s glass slipper. As a youth Hemmle spent every weekend night at Big Wheel Skateland, where he and friends skated for hours.
Hemmle had this sudden brainstorm. Why not wear them at school? When the father of three shared his plan with wife Kara, she gave him this you’re-joking-right? look. Kara Hemmle is an insurance/ benefits specialist at the school district and handles workers’ compensation claims.
Hemmle never got to turn a double play in the major leagues, although he did face pitching great Roger Clemens in college – “I struck out three times.” But he is a happy man. “This is the best job I’ve ever had,” said the principal, glancing at his pair of size 9 1/2 skates. “Some people give me this funny look, but that’s okay. The older I get the less I care about what other people think. There is some freedom in that.”
Hemmle served as a middle school principal and assistant superintendent before being named principal at Midlothian High School six years ago.
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Wins Tony for Porgy and Bess “As soon as the presenter said ‘The’ I started screaming because I knew we won,” Meredith Lucio ’93 said recalling her reaction to winning the American Theatre Wing’s 2012 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical. Lucio, a producer of The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess, said months after winning the award in June, “I look at my Tony and I just giggle.” She can giggle now, but the night of the awards show was very “nerve racking.” While honored to be a part of a nominated musical, Lucio thought Porgy and Bess was an “underdog” and unlikely to take home the Tony. Other nominees in the Best Revival category were Evita, Follies and Jesus Christ Superstar; with Follies having already won multiple theatre and industry awards leading up to the Tonys. “Everyone who worked on Porgy and Bess had this sense and hope and belief in our show, but we knew the odds were against us,” she said. Long before its name was called at the Tonys, even before the show opened, there was controversy about taking this revered American opera, written by George and Ira Gershwin in 1935, and adapting it for a 21st century Broadway audience. Eight-time Tony Award winner Stephen Sondheim actually took to the pages of The New York Times to express his displeasure with efforts to update the musical. Despite, or perhaps because of, the controversy, the revival took renewed inspiration from the novel that inspired the Gershwin brothers, Porgy, written in 1925 by DuBose Heyward, and Porgy and Bess returned to Broadway in 2011. A new generation of theatergoers was introduced to Heyward’s story and the Gershwins’ musical score.
This was not Lucio’s first time to experience Porgy and Bess. Touring Russia with the Wesleyan choir in 1993 she fell in love with the show’s music. Performing with various city orchestras in that nation, songs from Porgy and Bess were featured in the choir’s repertoire. One maestro was so moved by the beauty of Summertime, the show’s signature song, he had the choir sing it a second time during the performance. When asked to join the Broadway revival’s production team, Lucio recalled how much she loved performing the songs at Wesleyan and couldn’t refuse the opportunity. An experienced actor, Lucio said “producing is gratifying in such a different way. It sort of defined me and found me. And, once it found me, I knew it was something I’d love.”
Alumni News 1950s Don Benton ’52 was honored for his years of ministry and service at the 90th anniversary celebration of the founding of the C.C. Young Retirement Community on Oct. 16. He was also a recipient of the “Centennial History Maker” awards from SMU on Oct. 25. B.J. Stiles ’54 was editor in residence at Boston University School of Theology throughout the month of October 2011. While there, he carried out research and wrote about his eight years as editor of the award-winning Motive magazine.
Frankie (Norcross) Russell ’60 received her third consecutive Top Recruiter of the Year Award for her district at an Avon President’s Club Tribute held in Corpus Christi. While maintaining an Honor Society level of sales for the last seven of her nine years with the company, she also reached Advanced Unit Leader with 40+ representatives in her unit.
Jerry Weaver ’62 and his wife, Celia, took a 12-day tour of Scotland and Ireland. The scenery and sites were amazing, and they even saw the Loch Ness Monster. Bill Leonard ’68 delivered the Ray Frank Robbins Lecture at Samford University in March.
1970s
U.S. News & World Report Gives Top Regional Ranking to Texas Wesleyan For the third consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Texas Wesleyan University in the #1 tier of regional universities in the West.
“This reflects not only on our institution, but also on the faculty and staff who are at the heart of our university,” Texas Wesleyan University President Frederick G. Slabach said. “U.S. News & World Report ’s external validation reflects the quality of our programs and the commitment of those who implement them.”
Debbie Biondi Brangan ’76 retired after 36 years of teaching and coaching at Boswell High School in the Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD. FWISD celebrated Tommy Elliott’s ’76 retirement after 30 years with Arlington Heights High School by renaming the school’s baseball field the Thomas Ray Elliott Field of Dreams.
1960s
Producing Porgy and Bess was like “creating a universe,” she said. “You see this world flourish because you brought it to the stage. It’s a microcosm of a village. Everyone is working together: stage managers, actors, the writer, director and producers, to create this show. “For one brief shining moment, no matter how long it lasts, we created this really beautiful thing.”
Rev. Raymond H. Lowe ’74 M.Div. was called to be the transitional senior pastor at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Glennville, Ga.
Thomas Calhoun ’70 was recently voted president elect of the Association of Black Sociologists at their annual meeting in Denver in August. Tom also serves as interim dean and professor of sociology at the College of Liberal Arts at Jackson State University in Mississippi.
freeze on homestead property tax of the elderly and disabled in Texas. Steve ’78 and Diane ’78 Pokluda retired from teaching at the end of the 2012 school year. Steve retired from Fort Worth ISD and Diane from Crowley ISD. Michael Skipper ’78 produced a show called Re-Animator The Musical at the New York Musical Theatre Festival. It is based on a 1980s cult horror film classic and features George Wendt. The show moved to Scotland for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August. It ran for six months in Los Angeles last year winning the LA Weekly Award for Best Musical of the Year among other awards. George Warner ’79 was named a 2012 Five Star Wealth Manager. His selection was a result of research including a regulatory and consumer complaint review and an evaluation of objective criteria associated with wealth managers who provide quality services to their clients.
1980s David Gauvey ’76 received an award from the Fort Hood commanding general for Volunteer of the Year. He was recognized for his work with Santa’s Workshop and his devotion to volunteer and serve the III Corps and Fort Hood community. Gary Cox ’78 recently published On Track Job Search Book: One Stop Resource for the Serious Job Seeker. He hopes “this book acts as a clear guide for the job seeker trying to cope with an increasingly volatile job search environment.” Publishing this book is one of Gary’s many accolades. Gary’s father, G.D. Cox, also graduated from Texas Wesleyan with a degree in science and education. Lacey Freeman ’78 MAPC ’05 received her LPC-I and is proud to have received both her undergraduate and master’s degrees from Texas Wesleyan. Jack Lewis ’78 served in the USAF at Carswell AFB, Fort Worth. He was quality control manager at Howell Instrument and retired after 37 years. Jack was elected to Haltom City Council in 1979 and served as council member and mayor for 13 years. He was then elected to the Texas Silver Haired Legislator in Austin for four years and introduced the current
Rev. John Kent Berry ’82, elder and member of the Central Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church, recently retired from the USAR as a lieutenant colonel and is currently the pastor of the Valley Mills and Cayote United Methodist churches. Rev. Berry’s daughter, Brittany, transferred from Hill College to play volleyball for the Lady Rams this fall. Dr. Victor Test ’86, who was honored as Alumnus of the Year last fall, presented the commencement speech to our May 2012 graduates at the Fort Worth Convention Center. Ann (Diakis) Shaw ’87 recently opened Shaw’s Patio Bar & Grill in Fort Worth, and the bar is finally open. Amenities include six TVs, beverage and food service, great staff, nonsmoking environment and lots of specials!
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Alumni Trustees for the FWISD Board of Education approved the selection of Joe Ralph Martinez ’89 as the representative for the newly created District 8. Ralph was administered the oath of office by School Board Executive Secretary Faye Daniels and took his seat at the beginning of the session.
1990s Sam Hatcher ’91 is designing a 43,000square-foot interactive facility for SEGA and the BBC. Next he’s off to the Captain Morgan Visitors Center on St. Croix immediately followed by a two ocean flight to Hawaii to play with a Sesame Street Exhibit in Oahu. After that, he will oversee an installation of Disney’s latest retail offering at the SkyTree Tower in Tokyo.
Development and Mentorship Program for Theater Resources Unlimited. The PDMP was established in 2007 to provide mentorship opportunities for aspiring professional producers. Michael Rose ’94 published a book, ROE Powers of ROI-The Ultimate Way to Think and Communicate for Ridiculous Results. He is currently booking speaking engagements and his book can be found on Amazon.com, 800-CEO-READ and his website.
The group of Wesleyan alumni above reminisced by the cottonwood tree on campus that was saved by the students from being cut down when they attended Wesleyan. Thanks to Carol Pollard ’92 for sharing. Meredith Lucio ’93 received a Tony Award at the 66th annual Tony Awards ceremony on June 10 for Best Revival of a Musical, The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess. Meredith was one of the producers of the show. She is currently working on two productions: Grace on Broadway, starring Paul Rudd, Michael Shannon and Ed Asner; and Bedlam Theater Company’s rotating repertory of Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw and Hamlet by William Shakespeare off Broadway. Meredith is also the program director of the Producer
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William Giron ’97 was honored at the annual Forty Under Forty awards ceremony on May 23, hosted by the Fort Worth Business Press. Katherine Krieger ’98 received a master’s degree in public administration from the University of New Mexico (where she currently works) and was inducted into Pi Alpha Alpha, the National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration. She applied for a presidential management fellowship and was selected as one of 1,200 semifinalists from more than 9,000 applicants. While she did not make the final cut, she enjoyed the experience. Sandy Myers M.Ed. ’98 is proud to share that her son, Chris, signed his first Broadway contract! He finished the Mama Mia national tour on Aug. 27 then flew to New York to start rehearsing on Aug. 31.
Kris LaMorte ’92 recently played the role of Stanley in The Glass Menagerie for the Tennessee Williams Festival in New Orleans and directed Born Yesterday for Delgado Community College.
Bob McIntire ’90, Michele (Bodine) McIntire ’90, Carol Pollard ’92, Beth (Sills) Miller ’92, Robin (Thompson) Husband ’92, Jill (Crane) Kersh ’92 and Jamie Deel ’91
UIL one-act play Cockeyed Kite directed by Christy and Stephanie Carlberg ’07.
Jennifer Sullivan ’98 teaches fifthgrade math at Brawner Intermediate in Granbury, Texas, where she resides with her husband, Frank, of almost 11 years, and her two daughters, Katherine and Emily. Jan Pettigrew Wilde ’94 made her belly dance debut on May 6 at Fort Worth’s Mayfest as part of the Texas Belly Babes, directed by Nacheska Gentry-Combs, owner of Over the Top Costume Shoppe and Dance Studio in Southlake. Jan danced as a beginner student in the event and was thrilled to celebrate in Mayfest’s 40th celebration. Amy Tate-Almy ’95 was ordained a deacon in full connection with the United Methodist Church at the annual conference in Waco on June 5. She graduated from seminary in 2000 and has spent recent months in an intensive residency program. Christy (Davidson) Collard ’96 is proud of her theatre students at Aledo High School who entered Dallas Summer Musicals’ first-ever High School Musical Theatre Awards with Fiddler on the Roof. The cast and crew were nominated for all but one category, including Best Musical. With 15 awards and 30 schools competing (mostly 5A schools in Dallas), Aledo HS walked away with three that night: Best Supporting Actor, Best Featured Actor, and the entire cast and crew won Best Ensemble. The Aledo theatre students also competed at state competition with their
Kristina (Adams) McQuaid ’00 and husband Declan McQuaid celebrated their 10-year wedding anniversary in April. The couple also welcomed a daughter in May. She weighed 7 pounds, 12 ounces and was 21.75 inches long. Daphne Brookins ’01 was appointed by Gov. Rick Perry to the Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities. The committee is devoted to enhancing the quality of life for Texans with disabilities. Brian Matlock ’01 made partner with Rothstein Kass last month. Brian is responsible for the Commercial Services group in the firm’s Dallas office and serves as one of their energy practice leaders for both public and private companies. Nellie Lucano ’02 is proud to announce that her daughter, Stormie Santiago, is attending Texas Wesleyan this fall and majoring in music education. Stormie recently graduated cum laude from Southwest High School. Doris McKelvey M.Ed. ’02 had her first book signing at Hastings in Longview on April 14.
Ginny Hoelscher ’06 married Andy Johnston on April 1 at the YWCA in Fort Worth. The couple now resides in Saginaw, Texas. Lisa Ramos BBA, MBA ’06 and Kevin Doskocil ’09 participated in the BNSF United Way Golf Tournament and showed their Wesleyan pride as they promoted the University. Aledo High School theatre students competed at state competition with their UIL one-act play Cockeyed Kite directed by Stephanie Carlberg ’07 and Christy (Davidson) Collard ’96. Tanisha Sherrie Gaylord ’08 graduated from the University of Phoenix on June 2 with an M.S. in psychology.
James M. Lind ’03 received his doctorate from UNT. He is currently teaching at TCC and serves as the choir director at Polytechnic United Methodist Church.
Brian Reagan ’03 and his wife, Jill, welcomed their baby girl, Lainey Grace Reagan, via adoption, on Aug. 16. She weighed 5 pounds, 5 ounces. Brian also won the YMCA-McKinney Father of the Year award for 2012 and finished #1 in the nation for sales for the Better Business Bureau in fiscal year 2012.
Kevin Doskocil ’09 and Lisa Ramos BBA, MBA ’06 participated in the BNSF United Way Golf Tournament and showed their Wesleyan pride as they promoted the University. Ben Phillips ’09 appeared in Jubilee Theater’s production of the musical Company from July 13-Aug. 12 and directed Arsenic and Old Lace at the Plaza Theatre Company in Cleburne from Sept. 14-Oct. 13. Lashay (Simon) Faulk ’10 received her Certificate of Training in IT Fundamentals Basic from the U.S. Air Force Training School at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi.
2000s Andrea Cedillo, daughter of Jerry ’00 and Alice ’96 MSC ’08 (Garcia) Cedillo, was awarded the Ella McFadden Endowed Scholarship at Freshman Scholarship Day. In June, Andrea graduated from Fossil Ridge High School and traveled to Mbabane, Swaziland, with Fort Worth Sister Cities. She is majoring in biology at Texas Wesleyan this fall in the hopes of pursuing a career in the medical field. Her parents are proud she will be a second generation Texas Wesleyan graduate.
Robert A. Fitzpatrick ’06 recently started his own law firm, practicing criminal defense in Tarrant, Dallas, Collin and Hood counties.
Lark Wallis Johnston ’03 is the new education director for Stage West and is the booking coordinator for its traveling children’s show, A Kite’s Tail.
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram published a feature article about letters written by the great-grandfather of Louella Baker Martin HON ’03, which were showcased in the Galveston Exhibit at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History.
Alma Arriaga ’99 and her husband, Raymond, welcomed their third baby. Nicolas Leo Arriaga was born on May 12 at 2:36 p.m. in Austin, Texas. Nico Leo weighed 6 pounds, 5 ounces and was 20 inches long. He joins big brother Ray and big sister Julia.
DeAwna Wood ’05 performed at the State Fair of Texas on the Chevy Main Stage with her band, Maiden Texas, on Oct. 3.
Julie Murphy ’10 is excited to share that she has just signed with Molly Jaffa of Folio Literary Management as a young adult writer. Shay (Dial) Johnson ’05 and her husband welcomed their baby boy, Sylvester Jewel Johnson, III, into the world on May 5. He weighed 6 pounds, 6 ounces and was 19.5 inches long.
Joakim Soederbaum ’10 is currently at the top of his class at Texas Wesleyan School of Law and recently received a full tuition scholarship for his remaining two years at the law school.
Michelle Yates M.Ed. ’10, a science lab specialist at Coder Elementary School in Aledo ISD, was named one of two 2012 Region XI Teachers of the Year at a special awards banquet in August. Andrea Gonzales ’11 was on the front page of the Panorama. This was her first published article for her art work. She is currently working on her largest mural yet in a private home. Alejandro Hukill-Arias ’12 married Dana Duryee on July 14. He was also recently promoted to campaign assistant for state Rep. Lon Burnam.
James M. Dunn ’53 and Bill J. Leonard ’68 Making News at Wake Forest Bill J. Leonard ’68, professor of church history, has been named as the first James and Marilyn Dunn Chair of Baptist Studies at the Wake Forest University School of Divinity. Dunn was the founding dean of the School of Divinity. The established chair honors James M. Dunn ’53, resident professor of Christianity and Public Policy at the Wake Forest University School of Divinity, and his wife. Both have been active supporters of the divinity school, and James Dunn, longtime leader of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty and the Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission, joined the faculty in 1999.
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Alumni
In Memoriam
1930s
1960s
Lamartine Storey ’36, Aug. 10, 2012, Dallas Lamartine graduated from Texas Wesleyan in Fort Worth. She married the love of her life, Leland Storey, in 1933. As a substitute teacher for many years in the Highland Park elementary schools and a member of several clubs, she made many lifelong friends and cherished each of them deeply. She loved greatly and was greatly loved.
Betty L. Hodges ’62, July 15, 2012, Granbury Betty graduated from Texas Wesleyan with a Bachelor of Science degree. She taught school at Granbury ISD for 27 years. She had been a member of Granbury First Baptist Church since 1953, where she was very involved in the activities. Betty loved basketball and baseball, enjoyed blue grass music and traveling in Colorado. But her favorite thing was spoiling her grandchildren.
1940s
Juanell Earl ’52,
Leonard C. Radde ’58,
Aug. 19, 2012, Gatesville
May 24, 2012, Cleburne
Juanell “Mama Nell” Earl, 81, of Turnersville and Fort Worth, passed away Sunday, Aug. 19, 2012. Juanell was a 40-year breast cancer survivor. She was born Nov. 24, 1930, in Turnersville, to Douglas and Grace Rice Gilmore and married Rufus Earl ’51 in 1953. Juanell was a 50-year member of Order of the Eastern Star, The Woman’s Club and First United Baptist Church of Fort Worth. She also enjoyed being involved in the Dental Auxiliary, serving as state president from 1990-1991. She taught school in Clifton, Dallas, and Fort Worth. Recently, Juanell and Rufus endowed a substantial scholarship at Texas Wesleyan for students in the School of Education. The Earls received the Texas Wesleyan Alumni of the Year award at the Medal Dinner on Oct. 19. Juanell and Rufus enjoyed attending Wesleyan events, especially the annual spring reunion and musical. Juanell enjoyed organizing Earl family gatherings and Thanksgiving reunions. She was a loving wife and mother, and she will be dearly missed.
Dr. Leonard Carl Radde died Thursday, May 24, 2012, in Fort Worth. Leonard was born in Big Spring on Sept. 27, 1935, to Sam and Doris Radde and was the grandson of pioneer West Texas ranch families. Leonard graduated from high school in Meridian, attained an associate of agriculture degree from Tarleton State University, his American Farmer degree from Future Farmers of America, a bachelor degree from Texas Wesleyan University, a master of theology from Southern Methodist University, and a doctor of ministry from Drew University. Leonard’s life vocation was in ministerial service to the United Methodist Church. He served the following appointments: Turnersville, Bluff Dale, Morgan-Kopperl, Meadowbrook (associate), CovingtonOsceola, Ash Crescent, Springtown, Gordon-Santo, Itasca, Coleman-Novice, Ennis, Killeen, Burleson, Meadowbrook, and St. Mark Cleburne. Leonard retired from the active ministry in 1996. He served in a variety of positions with the Central Texas Conference: Council on Finance & Administration, statistician, Conference Personnel Committee, Conference Council on Ministries, Conference Committee on Communications, Conference Board of Trustees, Conference Board of Global Ministries, Committee on Education, UMCOR Disaster Response, Volunteers in Mission, Task Force on Evangelism, Board of Pensions, Board of Evangelism, Committee on Town and Country Work, and the boards of Walls Hospital and Aldersgate Enrichment Center. Leonard organized the Central Texas Chapter 16 of the National United Methodist Campers serving as wagonmaster and national president. Leonard traveled on five continents visiting Methodist mission projects. He also pioneered TV broadcasting of worship services for 11 years in three churches with more than 30,000 viewers weekly. Memberships included Lions Club (50 years) and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. Other interests: watercolor painting, aircraft piloting, RV camping and ranching.
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Benjamin Thomas Tribble ’48, March 19, 2012, Burleson Tom graduated from Texas Wesleyan in 1948 with a degree in religion. He married Jeannine Forston on Aug. 18, 1950, in Bardwell. Tom served as a Methodist minister for 46 years. He proudly served on the alumni board at Texas Wesleyan University. Tom was an eternally optimistic man who was greatly loved by his family and many friends. Claude T. Brockette ’49, July 17, 2012, Houston Claude entered Texas Wesleyan College and graduated in 1949 with a degree in history and physical education. While at Wesleyan, he met and married Bennie Lee Darby ’48. After his retirement from Geico in 1991, he achieved his American dream, living on his farm in Grandview, raising Black Angus cattle and later miniature donkeys.
1950s
Donald B. Copeland ’66, March 13, 2012, Fort Worth After Donald served four years in the Air Force, he attended Texas Wesleyan, where he was named Outstanding Business Student in his senior year. He was elected president of Phi Beta Lambda while at Wesleyan. Donald was co-founder and retired president of R&D Plastics. Since semi-retiring in 2003 he worked brokering thermoplastic resins with American Polymers Corporation in Akron, Ohio. Lynne Marko ’67, July 11, 2012, Fort Worth Lynne spent approximately 20 years working in the retail advertising field as a layout artist and copywriter. Her second career began after age 40, working with her husband in the lodging industry. Her pastimes were mainly seeing movies, reading, cooking, and keeping up with the news, especially watching Montana Public Television.
John L. Friday ’56, July, 27, 2012, Fort Worth In 1952, John accepted a scholarship from Texas Wesleyan College to play basketball. It is there he met Frances Gee, and after graduating with his B.A., they married the next day at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Fort Worth. In 2011, Coach Friday was inducted into the Nolan Hall of Fame.
Carter L. Lambertson ’69, March 24, 2012, Lipan Carter was the owner and operator of Lambertson’s General Store in Lipan for 35-plus years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge for many years and was a Scottish Rite Mason. Carter served his community very well and was a people person. He was very generous in helping many organizations.
Martha A. Schow ’58, April 29, 2012, Houston Martha went into business full time specializing in antique china. Over the next 30 years she became widely known as “The Antique Haviland China Lady,” developing a faithful following of friends and antiques lovers all across Texas. While at Texas Wesleyan, she enjoyed basketball and theatre. Martha was also a recipient of the Golden Shears Award.
1970s Sharon Basden Frankenfield ’70, June 2, 2012, Fort Worth Sharon’s passion was teaching and she taught for the last 18 years at All Saints’ Episcopal School. She loved her students and they loved “Dr. B.” The light of her life was her son, Chris, and her husband, Gary Frankenfield ’71.
Zachary C. Tucker ’76, May 1, 2012, Denton Zachary was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity and learned that people can care for one another. Zach was an active member of the Texas Wesleyan Alumni Association, serving on the alumni board and attended the annual reunion every spring. He spent the past years in the banking industry in Denton and was an active member of many local organizations. Gary Shippy ’79, March 28, 2012, Fort Wayne, Ind. Gary graduated from Texas Wesleyan College and played four years of baseball. He enjoyed coaching his sons in basketball and baseball. Gary was inducted in the Wall of Fame at Garrett High School. He also enjoyed fishing, golfing, taking care of his blue birds, and was passionate about his landscape. Gary loved his little granddaughters and was so proud of his sons.
1990s Frank P. Gloss ’96, July 27, 2012, Knoxville, Tenn. Frank was a nurse anesthetist working at Fort Sanders Hospital in Knoxville. He was an active member of Concord Yacht Club and a former member of the Atlanta Kayak Club. Frank maintained a relationship with his high school swim team and enjoyed frequent reunions. While living in Jackson Hole, Wyo., Frank was a ski instructor.
2000s Madelynn Brooks ’01, Aug. 12, 2012, Dallas Madelynn earned her bachelor’s degree from Baylor University and obtained a master’s in education from Texas Wesleyan University. Madelynn taught home economics and English as a second language at both junior high and high school levels. She was known for her book reviews, church work and sewing skills.
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Your planned gift benefits generations.
Gift Continues
Educator’s Legacy By Ken Roberts
Educator. Civil rights leader. Humanitarian.
H
azel Harvey Peace made a lasting impact on Fort Worth during her life. So important and far-reaching were her contributions that Texas Wesleyan awarded her an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters in 1972.
“For 35 years, the Texas Wesleyan faculty, staff and especially its students have been my family and a major part of my life. It only makes sense for me to remember my family in my estate planning as well as yearly in my annual fund gift. Family is everything.” Joe “Pro Joe” Brown Dean of Freshman Success
By naming Texas Wesleyan as a beneficiary in your will or establishing
a planned gift, you can provide long-term benefits for generations to come. To learn more about how your gift can make a difference in the lives of our students, contact: Mac McLain Director of Major Gifts 817-531-4494 lmclain@txwes.edu
Hazel Harvey Peace
vice president for advancement. Mrs. Peace asked that the scholarship be awarded to a freshman or undergraduate student, preferably a Texas resident, and someone in need of financial aid.
Education was always at the center of Mrs. Peace’s life. Born in 1907, she graduated from what was then called Fort Worth Colored School at the age of 13.
“Consider how important her gift is,” Canty said. “Because she stipulated that it go to undergraduate students with financial needs, the Hazel Harvey Peace Scholarship will help make it possible for so many students to attend Texas Wesleyan.”
She left Fort Worth the following year, headed to Washington, D.C., and enrolled in Howard University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education. Just 16 years old and with an education degree in hand, Mrs. Peace returned to Fort Worth and the high school she attended – but this time as a teacher.
Louis “Mac” McLain, director of major gifts, said gift bequeaths to the University are extremely beneficial. They can be used in many ways to support the University and its students, including underwriting scholarships or building upon the University’s endowment.
At the time, her African-American students were not allowed to visit the public library; so she took it upon herself to acquire books for her students.
“Planned giving is the easiest way to give to Wesleyan,” McLain said. It’s as simple as stating in your will that a designated dollar amount or percentage of your estate be given to the University.
Today, in stark contrast and as a testament to the societal and educational changes Mrs. Peace not only witnessed but also helped bring about, the Fort Worth Public Library’s Hazel Harvey Peace Youth Center honors her life’s work educating and nurturing children. Upon her death in 2008, just shy of her 101st birthday, Mrs. Peace left a gift of $350,000 to Texas Wesleyan, thus ensuring her contribution to education in Fort Worth will continue. Mrs. Peace made exact bequests to her alma mater, Howard University, and the Fort Worth Library Foundation. Wesleyan’s first Hazel Harvey Peace Scholarship will be awarded for the 2014-2015 academic year, said Joan Canty,
To learn more about how you can make a lasting gift to Texas Wesleyan, contact McLain at 817-531-4494. “We always encourage people to contact us because it helps us to get an understanding of how the giver wants the gift to be used,” McLain said. “This ensures Texas Wesleyan’s actions best reflect the donor’s wishes.” Unquestionably, the Hazel Harvey Peace Scholarship represents its namesake’s wishes. “Look at what we’ll be able to do with this scholarship and what it means for students,” Canty said. “You can do amazing things by making an endowment gift to Texas Wesleyan.”
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Upcoming Events
Tribute Gift Recognition
November
A gift to a charitable organization is a wonderful way to recognize someone of importance in your life. Texas Wesleyan is honored to receive gifts in memory or honor of alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends. These gifts acknowledge the relationship individuals have with the University and the community. We are pleased to recognize these gifts and the role each honored person and donor has in the lives of our students. We gratefully acknowledge the following donors for their tribute gifts received from 4/1/12 through 9/30/12.
IN HONOR OF
IN MEMORY OF
Dennis Camp ’64 to the Wesleyan Fund Ben ’63 & Kaye Younger
Gene Burge ’54 to the Wesleyan Fund, Basketball Restricted, Athletics Expansion Fund, New Campus Entryway Project Ann Burge ’54
Class of 1942 to the Tribute Scholarship Fund Margaret A. Kimmins ’42 Wallace Graves (posthumously) to the Wesleyan Fund Ben ’63 & Kaye Younger Silas ’65 & Linda ’65 Hughes to the Wesleyan Fund Ben ’63 & Kaye Younger Larry ’63 & Carolyn ’63 Kitchens to the Wesleyan Fund Ben ’63 & Kaye Younger
Fred & Ruth Darnell to the Carol Corley Library Employee Fund Steve & Tish Deffenbaugh Brad Denson to the Carol Corley Library Employee Fund Steve & Tish Deffenbaugh Alta Lewis Dollar ’66 to the Alta Lewis Dollar Endowed Scholarship David Dollar ’85
Rev. Frank Leach ’53 to the Alumni Association Fund Ann Burge ’54 Patsy Warren Clifford ’55 Bill ’57 & Linda Lee ’02 Hailey David ’00 & Synthia ’86 Hillberry Gina Phillips ’97 MSP ’07
Gary E. Shippy ’79 to the Baseball Program Dr. Carl Schrader Gary E. Shippy ’79 to the Wesleyan Fund Larry Zerante ’78
Rev. Elden D. Traster to the Elden Traster Scholarship Fund Craig Lidell
Lewis Marchbanks ’64 to the Wesleyan Fund Ben ’63 & Kaye Younger
Rev. Frank Leach ’53 to the New Campus Entryway Project Alumni Association
Rev. Wesley Williams to the Wesleyan Fund John W. Williams ’71
John Rudolph ’63 to the Wesleyan Fund Ben ’63 & Kaye Younger
Rev. Frank Leach ’53 to the Tribute Scholarship Fund Dr. Jay ’64 & Mrs. Millie L. Beavers Gene & Mary ’60 Chamness Karen Cole ’99 MBA ’04 Robert ’62 & Anneta ’60 Conway Jerden ’68 & Edna Davis Gilbert ’44 & Dorris ’47 Ferrell Barbara Leach John ’59 & Linda Maddux Polytechnic United Methodist Church Glen Tuggle ’85 University United Methodist – Sterck Sunday School Class
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A Festival of Lessons & Carols, Polytechnic United Methodist Church, 7 p.m. Fall 2012 Robing Ceremony, Polytechnic United Methodist Church, 11 a.m. Fall 2012 Graduation Commencement, Fort Worth Convention Center, 4 p.m.
February 14-24 Theatre Wesleyan presents “Dead Man’s Cell Phone” by Sarah Ruhl, Thad Smotherman Theatre, call 817-531-5867 for show times 1 19
Christine J. Houghton to the Carol Corley Library Employee Fund Bob & Shirley Corley
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2 14 14
Gary E. Shippy ’79 to the Wesleyan Fund Maureen T. Shippy
John Maddux ’59 to the Wesleyan Fund Ben ’63 & Kaye Younger
Kaye Younger to the Wesleyan Fund Ben Younger ’63
December
March
Michael Snelson to the Carol Corley Library Employee Fund Steve & Tish Deffenbaugh
Bill ’62 & Pat ’63 White to the Wesleyan Fund Ben ’63 & Kaye Younger
Theatre Wesleyan presents “Certificate of Death” by Walter Wykes, Thad Smotherman Theatre, call 817-531-5867 for show times
Tim Russell ’64 to the Wesleyan Fund Wanda Russell ’64
Jana Eudy Graves to the Carol Corley Library Employee Fund Steve & Tish Deffenbaugh
James ’03 & Richard ’04 Lind to the Tribute Scholarship Fund John & Barbara Lind
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GIFTS IN KIND Neal Cornett Martha Earngey ’77 Presley Hatcher ’74 David D. Martin ’04 Anna Mumford ’80 Carol Sullivan Glen Tuggle ’85 Kathy Walker ’97 Charles & Barbara Weidler Erwin C. Whitney
17th Annual President’s Honors Concert, Nicholas Martin Hall, 7:30 p.m. Guest Recital, Ava Pine, soprano, Nicholas Martin Hall, 7:30 p.m.
April 18-21 19-20 30
Theatre Wesleyan presents the 59th Annual Spring Musical “Into the Woods” Book by James Lapine; music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Thad Smotherman Theatre, 7:30 p.m. All Alumni Spring Reunion Historic campus – events begin Friday, continuing on Saturday at 8:30 a.m. and throughout the day, ending with the evening musical and Afterglow party Wesleyan Chorale Concert, Nicholas Martin Hall, 7:30 p.m.
May 10 11
Spring 2013 Robing Ceremony, Polytechnic United Methodist Church, 11 a.m. Spring 2013 Graduation Commencement, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2 p.m.
For a full list of events, go to www.txwes.edu/calendar
Mark Your Calendar!
You don’t want to miss these basketball events! Dec. 1, 4 p.m. Texas Wesleyan vs. Huston Tillison in the Clifford Classic Dec. 15, 4 p.m. Texas Wesleyan vs. University of St. Thomas in the Burge Alumni Classic
1201 Wesleyan Street Fort Worth, Texas 76105-1536
The President’s Honors Concert A showcase of our talented music students Friday, March 1, 2013 | 7:30 p.m. Nicholas Martin Hall Reception to follow in Lou’s Place
For more information, call 817-531-4404.