The Baylor Line -- Winter 2016

F N E O ETI ote TIC ME tV NO IAL en EC SP em ttl Se

the

A

Baylor Line P

G

, M A N 0 , 1 TO 30 IL IL O H C A W

R

WINTER 2016

Magazine of the Baylor Alumni Association

Where Have All the Baptists Gone?

Why the numbers have been in decline at Baylor for decades and what it means moving forward

24

1948 Men’s Basketball Team Trip to the Finals C1r2_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 1

40

Cruising Waco’s Newest Restaurant Row

44

Advice for Financing a College Education

3/22/16 10:46 AM

About the Settlement Vote The BAA Board of Directors has called a Special Meeting of members for 10:00 a.m. on April 30, 2016, at the Waco Hilton, 113 South University Parks Drive. The purpose of the meeting is to allow members to vote on a Resolution recommending amendments to the organization’s Certificate of Formation and Constitution and Bylaws.

Every active BAA member is eligible to vote. In addition, any individual whose BAA membership lapsed at any point between the Transition Agreement vote on Sept. 7, 2013, and April 1, 2016, will be eligible to vote IF the individual renews his or her membership prior to 11:59 p.m. (Central) on April 18, 2016.

BAA members are not required to attend the meeting in person to vote. Online voting is available prior to the meeting. Active members who have not voted online may vote in person at the meeting. Lapsed members will NOT be able to renew their memberships and vote at the Special Meeting.

The Resolution to be considered by the membership amends the BAA’s governing documents to achieve the following: The BAA will remain an independent, non-profit entity and preserve its own assets, organizational, and governance structure, but it will change its name to “The Baylor Line Foundation.”

The statement of the purposes of the BAA will be amended and will include such purposes as publishing The Baylor Line magazine, connecting and communicating with Baylor alumni, and granting scholarships to students of Baylor University.

The governing documents will be amended to remove sections that relate to regional alumni chapters, internal committees and certain events that the BAA no longer conducts or provides and to include the language now preferred by the Internal Revenue Service for charitable organizations exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

We anticipate the Election Site will open on or about April 4, 2016, and close on April 27. You may vote by going to the BaylorAlumniAssociation.com website and clicking on the VOTE HERE button. You will need your voting codes, which has been or will be mailed to you, to access the site.

We have created a page on our website to provide you with additional details on the settlement. You can go to our

C2r2_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 2

website and click on the Settlement Details button at the top of the right-hand column of any page, or read Tom Nesbitt’s President’s Letter on page 2 of this magazine or the summary of the proposed amendments on page 7.

There is one question on the ballot: With respect to the Resolution proposed jointly by the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors of the Baylor Alumni Association, amending the Association’s governing documents in accordance with the terms of the negotiated settlement agreement to end the litigation with Baylor University, how do you vote? ____ Yes, I approve the Resolution. ____ No, I do not approve the Resolution Here’s how the online voting will work: We are sending one mail piece to each BAA-member household, regardless of whether both spouses are Baylor graduates.

Active members (Life and Annual members): You will receive a letter in the mail from the BAA c/o Election-America with either one or two voting codes, based on the marital information we have in our database. It does not matter who uses which code.

If you are married but only received one code, please call (866) 384-9978 (toll free) and we will provide you with a second code.

If you are divorced or your spouse has passed away, please do not use the second code. If you are divorced and your spouse is the Baylor grad, please make sure he/she gets a code and let us know so we can update our database (that also goes for those of you whose spouses have passed away).

For Lapsed Members, the process is essentially the same.

You will be able to vote, but the vote will not be counted unless you renew your membership by April 18, 2016.

You can renew your membership on our website (there’s a button on our home page that will take you to our renewal page). If you are close to the deadline, you should pay with a credit/debit card or call our offices and let us process the transaction. If you are paying with a check and it has not arrived in our office by April 19, your vote will not count.

3/22/16 6:15 PM

rs! ars Bea Ye the wn Do

low fel on 0 es 5 at E pd G 5 u PA 24 E ss S E mi n’t Do

IN THIS ISSUE W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 , VO L . 7 8 , N O. 1

30

12

24

content

2

Best Possible Outcome Reasons to vote YES on the bylaws changes.

4

The Baylor Experience Peter Osborne on when editing a magazine becomes personal.

6

40

Final Coda for ‘God’s Bandleader’ Buckner Fanning’s love affair with San Antonio ends on Valentine’s Day.

8

Letters

12 Getting to Know...

20 In Case You Missed It (COVER, ABOVE): STANISLAV FADYUKHIN/GETTY IMAGES

24 The Comeback Kids A look back at the 1948 men’s basketball team improbable ride to the finals.

30 Where Have all the Baptists Gone?

Should a big decline in Baptist students and faculty concern the Baylor Family?

40 Menu Madness Waco embracing I-35 development just outside of Baylor’s walls.

44 Avoiding the Student-Debt Trap Practical advice for financing a college education.

50 Down the Years 68 Look Back BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

01r1_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 1

the

Baylor Line Vol. 78, No. 1 Published by the Baylor Alumni Association since 1946 EDITOR/CMO Peter Osborne Peter@BaylorAlumniAssociation.com ART DIRECTOR John Sizing jspublicationdesign.com COPY EDITOR Savannah Rudkin ’13 CONTACT INFO General: The Baylor Line P.O. Box 2089, Waco, TX 76703 Phone: (254) 732-0393 Letters & Comments: BaylorLine@BaylorAlumniAssociation.com POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Baylor Line,

P.O. Box 2089, Waco, TX 76703

winter 2016

THE BAYLOR LINE

1

3/21/16 9:31 PM

message from the president

Best Possible Outcome Reasons to vote YES on the bylaws changes By now, I hope you have familiarized yourself with the settlement agreement that the BAA and Baylor University signed on March 7, 2016. If you have not heard about it, I urge you to go to our BaylorAlumniAssociation.com website and click on the Settlement Details button in the right-hand column. At that site, you’ll find my original letter to members, a copy of the settlement agreement, and other materials that will help you better understand the agreement. Now, I write to ask you to vote to approve the Resolution unanimously adopted by the BAA’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors recommending amendments to the organization’s Certificate of Formation and Constitution and Bylaws that are necessary to finalize the settlement of the lawsuit.

Unlike the Transition Agreement, which I vigorously opposed and was rejected by BAA members in a vote at Waco Hall in 2013, With this this settlement agreement does not lawsuit behind us, we abolish the BAA or require us to turn look forward to ushering our $5 million endowment over to the in an exciting new chapter University. Rather, the BAA will live on as an independent, not-for-profit for our members and for entity in control of our own operaBaylor, an institution tions. The BAA will continue to conwe all hold dear nect, engage and inform Baylor alumni, award scholarships to deserving children and grandchildren of Baylor graduates and, most importantly, continue to add transparency to the Baylor family dialogue by publishing The Baylor Line magazine with editorial and operational independence bolstered by an agreement more solid than the current license agreement.

Under the settlement agreement, the BAA will change its name to The Baylor Line Foundation – and will not hold itself out as an “alumni association.”

But this agreement also ensures that the thousands of proud alumni who have purchased Life Memberships over the years will continue to receive the benefits that come from that long-term commitment, including their lifetime subscription to The Baylor Line.

The settlement agreement will also usher in a new era of governance at Baylor University. Under the agreement, all Baylor alumni will now have the right to vote in elections to name three members of the 2

the baylor line winter 2016

02_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 2

Board of Regents to full voting seats. Never before in Baylor’s history have the alumni had the right to directly elect members to the Board of Regents. This part of the settlement is something the BAA could never have achieved in court. This is happening only because Baylor agreed to it to resolve the litigation. These new Alumni-Elected Regents will have the same rights and duties as all other voting regents, and will bring fresh, new ideas and opinions to the Board – something we believe is critical to a healthy and successful Baylor going forward.

Finally, the University will pay the BAA $2 million to use in any way that furthers the organization’s charitable purposes, including awarding scholarships, publishing The Baylor Line, securing a new location for our headquarters, and communicating with alumni. In exchange, the BAA will waive its rights to a replacement for the Hughes-Dillard Alumni Center, which was razed by Baylor in the summer of 2013.

BAA Director Tony Pederson, who is a former executive editor of the Houston Chronicle and is currently The Belo Foundation Endowed Distinguished Chair in Journalism at SMU, said: “The BAA’s greatest contribution to Baylor has been its publication of The Baylor Line. Not only has the magazine been noted for its journalistic excellence, it has provided a strong and independent voice for the university’s alumni. This agreement preserves The Baylor Line and that voice in what should be a never-ending conversation about what is best for Baylor.”

BAA Director and former U.S. Ambassador Lyndon Olson said of the agreement, “This is a creative and visionary agreement because it preserves the BAA’s existence and strengthens its independent voice; gives all alumni a powerful role in the governance of the university; and honors the university’s desire to unify alumni programming in the Baylor Network. It is a rare thing for institutions to go to war and for everybody to come out a winner. Here, I believe everybody wins.”

Now, all BAA members get to have their say. In order to finalize the settlement, the BAA must implement a few amendments to our Certificate of Formation and Constitution and Bylaws. Otherwise, Baylor can void the settlement agreement. As I noted before, BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

3/21/16 9:04 PM

the Resolution proposing amendments to BAA’s governing documents were unanimously approved by the BAA’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors and are supported by Baylor President Kenneth Starr and the Baylor Board of Regents. The proposed Bylaws amendments are: • The BAA will remain an independent, non-profit entity and preserve its own assets, organizational and governance structure, but will change its name to The Baylor Line Foundation.

• The statement of the purposes of the BAA will be updated and will include such activities as publishing The Baylor Line magazine, connecting and communicating with Baylor alumni, and granting scholarships to students of Baylor University.

• The governing documents will be amended to

remove sections that relate to regional alumni chapters, internal committees and certain events that the BAA no longer conducts or provides and to include the language now preferred by the Internal Revenue Service for charitable organizations exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

The BAA is proud of its long and storied 157-year association with Baylor University. With this lawsuit behind us, we look forward to ushering in an exciting new chapter for our members and for Baylor, an institution we all hold dear. We are eager to move forward together – united as one Baylor family – and hope you’ll vote YES for the Resolution.

Sincerely, Tom Nesbitt ’94, BAA President

The 2013 Transition Agreement

2016 Settlement Agreement

The BAA would have completely dissolved and its bank accounts, property, activities and name would have been turned over to Baylor. Simply put, the BAA would have gone out of existence forever.

The BAA will live on. The BAA will continue to exist as a fully independent 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, but it will change its name to “The Baylor Line Foundation.”

The BAA would have been dissolved and ceased to operate.

The BAA, under its new name, will connect and engage and inform Baylor alumni and award scholarships to deserving children and grandchildren of alumni. It will retain full operational control of its own affairs, but it will not hold itself out as an “alumni association.”

The BAA would not have published the Baylor Line magazine. The Baylor Line magazine would have been turned over to something called the “Baylor Line Corporation,” which was a non-existent legal entity which had no governing board, no by-laws, and no plan indicating how it would be structured or who would have had editorial control over it. The Transition Agreement would have permitted Baylor to control editorial content of the Baylor Line. Even if a new “Baylor Line Corporation” had been created, it likely would have been created and controlled by the very people who tried to dissolve the Baylor Alumni Association.

The BAA, under its new name, will continue to publish the Baylor Line magazine with even greater editorial control and operational independence than before and under an agreement more solid than the current license agreement.

The Transition Agreement provided no consideration for the demolition of the Hughes-Dillard Alumni Center.

Baylor will pay the BAA $2 million, which funds the BAA may use in any way that furthers its charitable purposes, including awarding scholarships, publishing the Baylor Line, communicating with alumni or new space for a headquarters.

Provided for the selection by Baylor officials of one non-voting “Alumni Regent.”

Provides for the election by Baylor alumni of three full voting Alumni-Elected Regents.

Number of Regents: 1

Number of Regents: 3

Regent would have been non-voting.

All three Alumni-Elected Regents will be voting members with full rights and duties of all other voting regents.

The Alumni Regent would have been selected by the Board of Regents and an alumni advisory committee controlled by the Baylor VP for Alumni Relations – currently Tommye Lou Davis.

The first three Alumni-Elected Regents will be selected by consensus of BAA and BOR to serve staggered terms and, at the end of those terms, to be re-elected or replaced through open voting by all Baylor alumni.

The non-voting alumni regent would have served a single one-year term.

After the staggered first terms of one, two, and three years, the three Alumni-Elected Regents will serve three-year terms and be eligible like other Regents to serve three consecutive terms.

The non-voting alumni regent would have been subject to veto and removal by the other Regents.

The Alumni-Elected Regents can be removed only for cause with a right to submit unfair removal to an arbitration panel. This ensures that the Alumni-Elected Regents do not serve at the pleasure of the other Regents.

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

03_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 3

winter 2016

the baylor line

3

3/21/16 9:05 PM

editor’s letter

The Baylor Experience Is it OK to weigh the good versus the not-so-good in public?

Much of what I HAVe been writing about lately just became very personal. My son, Max, is a high-school senior who’s interested in a career in video and audio production, and he was notified of his acceptance with this photo in mid-January.

So while we’ve been printing the magazine you hold in your hands, my family has been faced with the choice of hometown Baylor and its terrific Film and Digital Media program (not to mention proximity to mom’s great cooking and his canine best friend) versus a bigcity public school with a strong, similar program and cheap access to professional sports and desirable internships.

The other school has its list of very strong selling points. He definitely would not be settling.

So I’ve been asking — thanks in part to our student-debt columns from Robert Cloud and Richard Fossey: Is the Baylor Experience and long-term career impact worth a price tag that will likely be around $25k higher per year after merit scholarships? Good schools know their advantages, and the other school hammers home the message of students leaving with little to no debt.

That resonates with my son after watching his older brother struggle to pay off his loans.

To our surprise, our Baylor tour made very few references to the school’s Christian identity, although I guess you could argue that most people considering Baylor already know that. We did get to tour the other cathedral (McLane Stadium) and walk onto the field.

I asked Professor Barry Hankins ’78, MA ’83, about our tour experience when I interviewed him for the cover story. He told me, “If Admissions doesn’t talk much about religion, it’s because they don’t want to scare anyone away. When I came to look at Baylor from Michigan, it was because I wanted to play basketball in warm weather. I was told that the Christian atmosphere is there on campus if you want it and if you don’t, it won’t bother you much. My former roommate was also from Michigan and stayed in Texas, and he says he feels more of a religious identity now than we did when we were students.”

4

the baylor line winter 2016

04r1_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 4

In my job, I see how much you all love Baylor, regardless of where you side in the BAA-Baylor dispute. I see how loyal you are. We take great pride in our long-time role of trying to protect the Baylor Experience and all the things that make this university special. Frankly, the way Baylor Admissions told Max he was accepted is very, very cool and is far better than any of the college acceptances that my two older sons received.

My goal over the past 16 months has been to re-engage our membership and chart a path forward. I think we have been pretty successful, given the situation. We’ve received scholarship donations, sustaining gifts, new memberships, and new Life Memberships from well over 100 people who are not on our board.

We’ve re-energized renewals of annual memberships. We quadrupled the number of different people who visited our website over 2014 and more than doubled the number that visited in 2013 in the midst of Transition Agreement discussions and votes. Last year, more than 4,000 members — and often many more than that — read each of the 25 Between the Lines e-newsletters.

We’re trying some different things in this issue.

We’ve added some tributes, eulogies and newspaper articles, to remember Bears who have passed away. I’d love to publish more in future issues. We’re printing some Reader Letters, both pro and con, about our decision to put Republican Congressman Trey Gowdy on our cover at the same time that his Benghazi subcommittee was questioning Hilary Clinton. We’re reprinting and updating some of the stories we’ve done on the website (e.g., our Getting to Know profiles of interesting alumni) for this publication, which has much higher readership. In response to feedback we receive from our reader survey this past fall, we’ve devoted more space to current happenings at Baylor.

Finally, I want to clarify our thinking behind this issue’s cover story. There are times when we highlight campus issues that the university isn’t sharing with the Baylor Family or media in an effort to give you a BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

3/21/16 9:35 PM

chance to provide your thoughts. It’s not about intentionally putting the university in a negative light, but about celebrating the Baylor Experience and asking questions when tradition is put at risk.

That is why I decided to write about the decrease in Baptist enrollment over the past two decades. I saw the statistics on Baylor’s website and every single person I shared them with found them interesting and deserving of scrutiny and context. Some of the reasons for the decline are demographic; others are a direct result of decisions made during the Herbert Reynolds and Robert Sloan administrations. I want to thank the University for cooperating in helping me put together the article. It is a better piece for their participation, but it will be wasted effort if it doesn’t start a discussion.

I’ve found that our members and visitors want to talk about these issues. They don’t always agree, but generally speaking, I think they’re being civil to each other. On the BAA website, we frown on anonymity, because people tend to be more civil when their

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

05r1_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 5

It’s not about intentionally putting the university in a negative light, but about celebrating the Baylor Experience and asking questions when tradition is put at risk.

identity is known and comments aren’t made secretly behind someone’s back.

Please let me know at peter@ BaylorAlumniAssociation.com how we can best serve you, about people and topics you’d like us to cover. I hope you’ll talk about these stories when you get together with friends and fellow Bears, that you’ll participate in the ongoing and robust online dialogue, and that you’ll share your accomplishments and news with us through BaylorLine@BaylorAlumniAssociation.com.

Sic ‘Em! Peter osborne P.S.— This issue was at the printer in mid-February, but we held it in hopes we could include information about the settlement agreement. That delay also allowed us to add Carey Newman’s wonderful eulogy of the Rev. Buckner Fanning ’49 on page 6.

winter 2016

the baylor line

5

3/21/16 9:36 PM

Buckner Fanning (1926-2016)

Final Coda for ‘God’s Bandleader’ Buckner Fanning’s love affair with San Antonio comes to an end Buckner Fanning (1926-2016) died late in the evening Valentine’s Day. The four decade–long pastor of Trinity Baptist Church in San Antonio, he may have been the closest thing to a parish priest the Baptists will ever know.

Buckner took God and gospel with him wherever he went.

If the mayor needed an invocation at a Chamber of Commerce luncheon, he was there to offer it. If some tragedy befell the city and it was in need of prayer, Buckner was there to pray it. If the opening of some new San Antonio golf course needed a blessing, Buckner was there to give it. Buckner didn’t just lead a church; Buckner was a pastor to the city.

Buckner was larger than life. He was possessed by something bigger than himself. He loved his wife, Martha. Boy, did he ever, each and every one of their 66 years together. He loved his family—sons, Mike and Steve, and daughter, Lisa, their wives, husband and his five grandchildren. The yearly Fanning vacation to Hawaii was sacred.

Buckner loved San Antonio, even when doing so wasn’t popular. Of course, this kind of love got him into trouble. He had little patience for narrow-minded thinking and even less for hard-heartedness. Buckner loved without asking questions, without prerequisite and without regard. His love of people was not only infectious; it was out-and-out reckless.

I first learned about Buckner’s irresponsible love as a poor, struggling graduate student. At the invitation of Mike, Buckner’s son and my friend, my wife and I spent a long weekend in Buckner and Martha’s modest home.

6

the baylor line winter 2016

06r1_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 6

On the Saturday night, Buckner suggested dinner at an Italian restaurant.

Buckner waltzed into the busy bistro as though he owned the place. It did not take long for me to realize that he did. Buckner was at home everywhere

Buckner loved without asking questions, without prerequisite and without regard.

His love of people was not only infectious; it was out-andout reckless. he went. In God’s name and with God’s very presence, he made everyone feel at home.

He went to the back of the building, waved his arms about, and several tables miraculously were drawn together into a whole. There were only six of us, or so I thought; little did I know what was about to happen.

Soon, the tables were filled with

people. Other patrons recognized Buckner, and our conversations were interrupted repeatedly. It was exactly the way he wanted it. Buckner had many friends, and it seemed that no one was a stranger to him. Food, wine. More food, more wine. Lavish, loud and full of laughter. Joy reigned.

It was an amazing night; one I remember clearly. For Buckner, however, it was just another chance to celebrate.

Why merely read about Jesus’ kingdom parables when you can live them?

That was the first time I met Buckner Fanning. Happily, it was not the last. A 20-year conversation about God and God’s kingdom ensued. Though separated by miles and years, we exchanged many letters and books.

His mentorship in my life made me truly one lucky dog.

Early in my teaching career, I became the interim pastor of a church in Stuart, Fla., about an hour’s drive from my home in West Palm Beach. I had signed up for Trinity’s tape ministry, and thus each week, like communion, I would receive a cassette of one of Buckner’s sermons. On the way up to Stuart each Sunday, I would listen to his latest.

Buckner had the most melodic, warm, assuring voice. Thick like maple syrup, it was as inviting as it was firm.

There was nothing hesitant or halting about his speech. His voice was rich; it reverberated with the timbre of God’s love.

Buckner’s chiseled facial features formed a perfect mate for his long, flowing black hair. His olive skin needed no sun. He looked good in a suit. (Admittedly, he was more at home in a polo, BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

3/21/16 9:02 PM

SUMMARY OF THE RESOLUTION PROPOSED FOR APPROVAL

BY THE MEMBERSHIP shorts and leather Top Siders.) He preached without notes. He preached without a pulpit. Buckner craved and thrived on intimacy and immediacy.

One particular Sunday morning as I headed up I-95, I popped the cassette into my Honda’s dash. Buckner was preaching on the prodigal son from Luke 15. He preached about the prodigal son, yes. But the sermon really was about God’s prodigal love—how God loves recklessly, indiscriminately and forever.

I will confess to changing my sermon that morning. There was no way I was going to offer up the paltry thing I had concocted in my study. No. I shamelessly stole Buckner’s. Truth be told, I have preached that sermon countless times over the last 20 years.

His sermon on Luke 15 is my mostpreached sermon.

Buckner ended that sermon with an image that serves a coda for his entire life. He did not finish with easy rhetorical chestnuts about a younger son’s repentance, an older son’s resentment or even a father’s forgiveness. He focused on the overlooked party. He described in detail that long, lavish party God wishes to throw for any and all. I can still hear him whispering, “Don’t miss the party!”

Buckner sure didn’t. He reveled in it every day he drew breath. If his life was anything, it was 89 years of an open invitation to join him in living God’s party. Buckner was indeed larger than life, for Someone larger than life lived in and through him.

Late Valentine’s Day, I am pretty sure, Buckner waltzed into his true home, waved his arms about, invited everyone in sight, and ordered up a table full of wine and food.

Buckner Fanning, God’s bandleader—exactly the way God wanted it.

—Carey C. Newman is director of Baylor University Press in Waco, Texas. A version of this article originally appeared in the Baptist Standard.

Se front e inside votin cover for gp detairocess ls

The Resolution unanimously adopted by the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors of the Baylor University Alumni Association on March 15, 2016, and proposed to the membership for approval (hereafter referred to as the “Resolution”) amends the corporation’s Constitution and Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation as follows: Substantive Changes Related to the Settlement The name of the corporation is changed to “The Baylor Line Foundation.”

(Bylaws Art. I, Sec. 1 and Articles of Incorporation Art. I) The purposes of the organization are amended to include the following: “To provide the support of benevolent, charitable, and educational undertakings by publishing the Baylor Line Magazine, granting scholarships to students of Baylor University, and connecting and communicating with Baylor alumni. It shall be the object of the Baylor Line Foundation to inform and to foster a spirit of loyalty, service, and fraternalism among the alumni and former and present students, faculty, or anyone who evidences or has evidenced a genuine interest in Baylor University.” (Bylaws Art. I, Sec. 2 and Articles of Incorporation Art. IV).

Eliminates three standing committees (Membership, Alumni Chapters and Constituencies Committee, Programs Committee, and Alumni Council Committee) because the work of those committees is either unnecessary (for example Alumni Chapters and Alumni Council) or is already being undertaken by other committees and deletes the article dealing with Baylor Alumni Chapters, which will be deleted because it is a function the organization has not carried out in recent years and does not presently intend to carry out in the future. (Bylaws Art. VI and VII).

• •

•

Non-Substantive Changes to Align with Developments in the Law Articles of Incorporation

• A new Article Five of the Articles of Incorporation includes language required

• • •

by the Internal Revenue Service prohibiting private inurement to any member, director or officer, limiting activities intended to influence legislation, and prohibiting political activity and others activities inconsistent with those defined in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Article Six becomes Article Eight and is amended to provide that the number of directors of the corporation shall be defined by the corporation’s bylaws and shall never be less than three (3). This comports with the organization’s historic practice.

Article Five becomes Article Seven and is amended to change the corporation’s mailing and physical addresses and to change the name of the corporation’s registered agent.

Article Eight becomes Article Six and is amended to provide that, if the organization is dissolved at a later time (dissolution is not contemplated now or at any time in the foreseable future and would require a 2/3 vote of the membership), the organization’s assets shall be distributed to one or more organizations exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Bylaws Article III, Section 5 is amended to permit the Board of Directors to designate and supervise the methods of voting at Annual and Special meetings of the membership from among those methods already authorized in the Bylaws.

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

07r2_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 7

3/22/16 10:45 AM

IN RESPONSE

Baylor Line the

Great People, Great Memories, Great Issue

To let another day go by—to let this weekend pass without writing to tell you what a wonderful edition you produced on behalf of what we alums hold dear would not be just an oversight—it would be a sin.

We are Baylor graduates, Baylor Bears, green and gold through and through. You are her voice and our information source. You are the vigilantes for the Christian values and ethics that ‘light the ways of time’.

You presented well in the Fall Issue of the Baylor Line the Baylor we know, the Baylor we espouse, the Baylor we advocate to our grandchildren, great grandchildren and the generations that follow. Having this FACT FINDER issue appear in our mailboxes this week gave back what we thought had ( Rep. Trey Gowdy ’86) been lost in the shuffle of power. Inside the pages we thrilled to the warm, familiar Down the Years columns and the well-written, super-interviews 26 14 2 Down you did with Distinguished Alumni. I especially delighted in those I the Years Returns! knew: Gil Strickland, Jerry Marcontell and certainly, Grant Teaff, Mister Baylor himself!

Thank you, Tom Nesbitt, for your excellent writing and succinct coverage of the issues at hand. Thank you, Peter Osborne, for refocusing us all on the Baylor we once knew—the Baylor we only dreamed of attending ‘one day’. Just looking back on those dreams creates an unmistakable case of the warm-fuzzies for me!

Thank you, most of all, that you stand firm, confident, never-to-be shaken, holding high the Truth of God for our alma mater.

Magazine of the Baylor Alumni Association

FALL 2015

has spent his entire career on a mission to find the truth

+

Transparency, Truth, and the Soul of BU

Distinguished Alums’ Paths to Success

Coach Grant Teaff: A Legend Looks Back

Alumni happenings, milestones & final farewells

REITA REA HAWTHORNE ’58 Waco

TO THE EDITOR lease cancel my subscription to The Line and my membership in the alumni association. After generating sympathy and understanding from me in the long battle with the Baylor administration, you threw it all away by featuring Trey Gowdy, one of the country’s most divisive and radical political figures at the moment, on the cover of the current issue of The Line.

I am sure some readers appreciate the bullet points in the article quoting Gowdy’s angry polemical statements about Obama administration officials and policies. I am not among them.

What’s more, your timing could not have been worse, with the magazine arriving a day after Gowdy’s embarrassing performance as chair of the House committee on Benghazi.

Fact Finder Rep. Trey Gowdy ’86 has devoted his life to finding the truth as a prosecutor, a district attorney, and now high-profile congressmen.

Could he be Baylor’s first Supreme Court justice?

P

THE BAYLOR LINE winter 2016

08_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 8

BILL CLARK/GETTY IAMGES

8

“I have no friends to reward and no foes to punish. We’re going to go wherever the facts take us. Facts are neither Republican nor Democratic, they are facts.”

8

THE BAYLOR LINE fall 2015

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

For goodness sake, even the politically divisive president of Baylor

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

Trey Gowdy ’86 remembers stepping onto the Baylor campus in August 1982 and not knowing a soul. As his dad pulled off in the pickup truck to head back to South Carolina, he felt an overwhelming sense of it being time to grow up.

“It took less than 24 hours to meet wonderful folks, many of who are still my friends today,” says Gowdy. “Pledging a social-service fraternity (Kappa Omega Tau), also enabled me to meet a wonderful group of men, many of whom I still keep in contact with today. College is that time you hopefully transition from being a teenager into the beginnings of an adult and Baylor made the transition easier with the quality of the student body, the professors, and others who are part of the Baylor family.

I just wish we had been better at sports because I would have prolonged my college experience a couple of extra years just to watch Coach Mulkey take the Lady Bears to an NCAA Championship.”

Gowdy, who turned 51 in August, is a third-term congressman from South Carolina and a widely praised former federal prosecutor who spent six years in the 1990s on cases ranging from narcotics trafficking rings and bank robberies to child pornography and the murder of a federal witness. He gained fame for the successful prosecution of J. Mark Allen, a bank robber who was one of “America’s Most

fall 2015

THE BAYLOR LINE

9

recently apologized in The New York Times for his treatment of the Clintons BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

2/8/16 6:46 PM

“THE BEST TEACHERS COACH THEIR STUDENTS AND THE BEST COACHES ARE GREAT TEACHERS.”

in the 1990s. How could The Line have such a serious lapse in judgment and good taste?

TOM BELDEN, BA ‘70 Editor, The Lariat 1969-70 San Antonio

A

—COACH GRANT TEAFF

26

THE BAYLOR LINE fall 2015

I

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

09_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 9

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

fall 2015

...

THE BAYLOR LINE

27

truth, and remembering what Baylor comparing it to The Association of University represents must never be lost Former Students and Texas A&M but in the shuffle to shine as an athletic powthat hasn’t helped much since A&M erhouse, attract more high GPA/ACT/ isn’t a Christian university. So I’ve SAT students, and wow the world with given up trying to take sides and I our fabulous buildings. I am not knocksupport you both. I admire Ken Starr, ing athletics, an academically able stulove the university, and have always dent body, or the fabulous changes that supported the BAA. I thought this have transformed the appearance of the latest Baylor Line was excellent, great campus, but we must not let the powers writing by you and Tom. The letters that be forget who we have been since made many good points. Too bad you 1845, who we should be now, have gotten feedback critical and who we can be in the of you featuring someone future if the school who is “partisan”.

‘We must not let the remains transparent, I am guessing those powers that be forget honest, and same people didn’t committed to mind when Ann who we have been since our purposes!

Richards graced 1845, who we should be now, By the way, the cover of the and who we can be in the future since February Baylor Line! Or if the school remains transparent, 2011, I have made they just want my concerns mush, I say don’t honest, and committed known to Mr. Ken be lukewarm but to our purposes!’

Starr with a number be balanced. Thank —Ann Garner Sullivan ‘61 of letters. As of today, y’all for your persenot one of my letters has verance and for keeping been acknowledged. us informed. Praying for a peaceful resolution.

ANN GARNER SULLIVAN ‘61 Sic ‘Em.

Spring, TX

ASHLI (HAVENS) POLING ‘93 College Station

BETH PEDISON GIBSON ‘89 Gloucester, VA

’m a Bear married to an Aggie and have tried to make sense of this rift by

The s e talk r Lin r, Baylo of Fame FF, A all T TE to H N A h H GR st coac C A te CO grea r— BU’s d teache n —a me ti ll a of

DAVE EINSEL

s a secondary ed/journalism and English major who has spent my professional career in private and government communications, I did not think the article about Trey Gowdy was partisan. When people in politics are interviewed, the resulting article is naturally going to reflect their political views because it should reflect who they are. The Baylor Line has also reported on my friend Melissa Rogers (Pres.

Obama’s director of the Faith-based Office) and many other outstanding Democrats in a similar manner.

The Trey Gowdy article and the others in the latest issue were some of the highest quality I’ve seen in some time from either Baylor publication, and I encourage you to keep ‘em coming.

I also thought Tom Nesbitt’s message was brilliant. The line about “Is McLane Stadium so shiny and grand, are back-to-back Big 12 football championships so gratifying, that Baylor no longer believes it necessary to honor its commitment?” was amazing. I certainly believe that Drayton McLane for one would support integrity in this and every instance.

And finally, although I don’t see many Baylor alumni up here in Eastern Virginia, the ones I have spoken with are strongly behind the BAA. I hope this is encouraging, and please advise how we alumni can help more. Thanks for all you are doing to stand for what is right with excellence and honor.

R

ead every word of the Fall Baylor Line. Keep ’em coming.

Providing transparency, telling the

I

thought the article on Trey Gowdy was well done. I did not know he was a Baylor grad until the article. I did not find it political or partisan. I also agree with Ann Garner Sullivan’s comments. winter 2016

THE BAYLOR LINE

9

2/8/16 6:46 PM

in response m a il: Baylor Line, P.O. Box 2089, Waco, TX 76798-7116

E-Mail: BaylorLine@BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

Letters should include name, address, and class year and may be edited for length, clarity, or civility.

I, too, have written Ken Starr several times since his arrival on campus, all with no response.

Rev. Terry Neel ‘81 Kingsville, TX

I

thought the article on Gowdy coming out the day of his interrogation of Hillary Clinton showed a bias towards his brand of attack politics and the Republican Party. It would be wise for the BAA to steer clear of puff articles on anyone actively involved in the presidential race as candidates (Rand Paul) or people who attack candidates from either party even if they went to Baylor.

The BAA needs all of its members not just the Republican ones.

Bruce Cofer ‘69 Waco

Editor’s response to Mr. Cofer: Thank you for your comment. Please keep in mind that the interview was conducted during the summer. The issue was actually scheduled to be mailed in early October but some production issues delayed it. Please also keep in mind that members have been receiving the magazine over a two-week period, with many of them receiving it a week before the hearing and others receiving it this week (and probably next). But I do understand your point and appreciate your willingness to make it in this forum.

I

read the Trey Gowdy article the day the magazine arrived. I was surprised & interested to discover that Trey Gowdy was a Baylor grad. The article was well written & Gowdy came across as a dedicated & honest & even self-effacing public servant with a sense of humor. The idea that the article was biased in any way never entered my mind.

When I became aware of the controversy over the article I re-read

10

the baylor line winter 2016

10_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 10

it carefully, and again I didn’t see the problem. The article didn’t endorse Gowdy’s views, it just reported them.

Even Hillary has admitted her private email server was “a mistake,” and no one doubts that Obamacare turned out to be more complicated than advertised.

No one assumes that all BU alumni think alike on any topic, but we should all be capable of reading about other viewpoints without feeling attacked.

Articles drawing attention to prominent Baylor alumni, whatever their po-

‘No one assumes that all BU alumni think alike on any topic, but we should all be capable of reading about other viewpoints without feeling attacked.

Articles drawing attention to prominent Baylor alumni, whatever their political stripe, should be included as a matter of course in the Line.’

—Bette McCall Miller ’67

litical stripe, are inherently interesting to other alumni and should be included as a matter of course in the Line.

Bette McCall Miller ‘67 Pittsburg, TX

C

ongressman Gowdy’s well written article did reveal a prominent Baylor Bear! I had no idea and the fact that I personally admire him has nothing to do with the facts of the article.

When Governor Ann Richards stepped up to assist Baylor with the entry into the Big 12 I appreciated a prominent Baylor Bear helping all of us even though I was on the opposite side of the political spectrum. We have so much to be thankful for by being a Baylor Bear

and should not get our nose out of joint just because one of our number appears to be different.

Besides, isn’t this why our Baylor Alumni Association is fighting to keep our voices. We should never try to silence our members or former students with the use of “crossing the line into politics.” Every statement, action or position will be deemed by someone as crossing the line. So what! Great article and thank you.

W. Harold Martin, CIC, ‘73 Billy Martin Insurance Agency Tyler, TX

Y

ou have chosen a very polarizing political figure to feature on your fall cover, especially with the attached statement that Trey Gowdy “has spent his entire career on a mission to find the truth.” There are many who have challenged that description, and I believe accurately based on his recent actions as chairman of the House Select Committee on Benghazi. But neither of our political viewpoints should matter when it relates to university affiliation. Mixing politics into your publication raises questions about how the Association is going about serving its purpose and objectives. I do not approve of using this magazine to further the political career and agenda of a person just because he is a Baylor graduate.

I believe that whoever made the decision to feature Mr. Gowdy and to allot six pages of photos and print space to his interview has shown extremely bad judgment. Alumni though he may be, he currently does not represent a particularly positive or inspiring image for Baylor University and its values.

I believe that choosing such a controversial person to feature and then presenting an article that appears to have been written by his public information staff rather than by someone with an independent perspective on the BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

2/8/16 6:46 PM

success is a combination of a little bit of talent, working hard, and driving toward goals.

D i st i n Gu i s h e D a lu M n i aWa r D W i n n e rs u p Dat e , pa rt i i / by Peter Osborne

LERA RILEY ‘70 Phoenix, Arizona

R

ead the article with interest. I was one who did not know Gowdy was a Baylor alum. When I read the article partisan politics never entered my mind.

ROBERT W. BRYANT ‘58 Richardson, TX

Paths to Success

Some of our most successful alumni reflect on their Baylor experience, what’s inspiring them, and how they say “no” nicely

I

n the past two issues of The Baylor Line, we’ve caught up with past winners of the BAA’s Distinguished Alumni Award. We wondered whether they have common traits or experience— beyond their time at Baylor. One thing we realized was that many tend to have been successful in multiple careers, so we asked what it takes to accomplish that.

“It’s a combination of a little bit of talent, working hard, and driving toward goals,” says Gerald haddock ’69, J.D. ‘71.

Gil stricklin ’57 agrees with the importance of hard work and having goals: “There must be an unshakable belief in the mission to be accomplished. Through dedication and tenacity, with hard work, you can continue in a spirit of entrepreneurship that is anchored in courage above fear of failure, with faith to succeed.”

After a bit of thought, Dr. Jerry Marcontell ’56, M.D. ’63, references Ecclesiastes 9:10, which says, “Whatever your hands find, do with all your might.” “Everything I’ve tried to do, I’ve engaged it passionately,” he said. “I’ve had a long career in medicine and it’s impossible to do it well if you don’t have passion. I’ve always been able to sleep well at night -- I made the best decision at the time with the information I had. Leave your best game on the field. You can outthink me, you can out-heritage me, you can out-

14

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

11_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 11

GeralD haDDoCK entrepreneur (and a Whole lot More)

Gerald Haddock ’69, J.d. ’71, Has worn plenty of hats over his career. He made partner in the Houston office of Fulbright & Jaworski llp. He served as counsel to the Fort worth-based Bass family and was richard rainwater’s chief negotiator and lead transactional attorney. co-founder, ceo and coo for crescent real estate equities, which acquired BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

san. It is disappointing that others have tried to make this a political issue rather than simply acknowledging an outstanding Baylor alum who has brought honor to Baylor through his outstanding service. As a Baylor grad (B.A. 1971, M.S. 1972) and the parent of a Baylor grad (Reagan, 2005) I am very proud of my fellow graduate, Trey Gowdy, and what he has accomplished. I am also proud of you for writing and sharing this article. It is my hope that we can recognize excellent service without putting a political stance on it.

GARY L. SHORT ‘71, PH.D. Superintendent, Southwest Preparatory School District Executive Director, Southwest Winners Foundation San Antonio

P

lease accept my thanks and appreciation for your article on Trey Gowdy. This was an excellent article about a Baylor alum in whom all the Baylor Family should be very proud.

Trey has been an outstanding servant of the people in South Carolina and in the Congress. His tremendous service as a federal prosecutor and circuit solicitor has been widely acknowledged and highly praised by people from all political spectrums. He is a politician in whom we can place a great deal of trust because he actively searches for the truth regardless of where it leads. As Southern Baptists, my family members have been ardent supporters of his “prolife plus” philosophy. My entire family was saddened to hear that some of our alumni felt like your article was parti-

the baylor line fall 2015

spend me, but you can’t outwork me.” educator Gerald Cobb ’50 thinks success has more to do with process. “I have discovered that the higher you go in administrative careers the more the job descriptions become similar,” he said. “The job of a top administrator is to establish goals, develop strategic plans, make assignments, and evaluate results.”

Maj. General (ret.) David rubenstein Ma ’89 drew his answer from literature: “To be successful in one’s life pursuits – personal and professional – requires a certain degree of doggedness, persistence and guts. It’s also important that you’re in charge of you. As the 12 dwarves sing to Bilbo Baggins in “The Hobbit:” ‘The greatest adventure is what lies ahead. Today and tomorrow are yet to be said; the chances, the changes are all yours to make. The mold of your life in in your hands to break.’”

And with that, on to the interviews.

dAn BryAnt

“facts” about Mr. Gowdy was wrong.

There are certainly hundreds of alumni whose stories are more compelling and less self-serving than Mr. Gowdy’s and certainly more worthy of inspiring Baylor students and alumni to get involved in public service, whether as a career or as a volunteer.

I am disappointed that the overall message, starting with the Editor’s Letter, seems to be an endorsement of Mr. Gowdy’s message and activities by the Alumni Association. I believe that a reevaluation is needed of how you choose people for profiles in your magazine and what message you communicate in the articles about these people. If you do not, then I do not wish to remain on your mailing list.

—Gerald Haddock ‘69

I

enjoyed your and Tom’s articles in the fall 2015 edition of The Baylor Line. I am dismayed at what Baylor is doing to the BAA—I was in law school, because of disruption, with both Dillards. Then again, as a Progressive Democrat, I have for a number of years felt I have no voice in matters Baylor. I did graduate in 1967 with a BA in English and with a JD in 1973 (spent a couple of years in the United States Marine Corps). One of my daughters, Vanessa, graduated in 1996.

I really enjoyed reading about Carroll Dawson, and the others, of course. Car-

roll coached me on the 1963 men’s freshman team. I thought Trey Gowdy’s self- proclaimed mission for truth is laughable, but do understand giving a prominent politician and Baylor graduate some favorable press—read The Believing Brain. I haven’t given tons, just a graduate English stipend and some to the English department, but I am a loyal Baylor alumnus and have so enjoyed The Baylor Line over the years. Good luck to you and Tom in keeping the BAA alive and well. If there is anything specific I can do to help you and Tom, let me know. Again, I am a loyal alumnus, albeit a liberal one. Thanks for considering my email and you are welcome to pass it on to Tom. GLYNN GILCREASE ‘67, JD ‘73 Tempe, Arizona

I

enjoyed the Fall 2015 Baylor Line Magazine very much. My one complaint is that I don’t think it appropriate to include the entry for 1964 in “Down The Years” of the homosexual marriage of J.M. Herrington. I hope Baylor (and the Alumni Association) still stands for the Biblical principle of marriage as the union of one man and one woman.

Thank you.

MARK BRAGG ‘79 Houston

winter 2016

THE BAYLOR LINE

11

2/9/16 5:20 PM

My creative process begins with…Looking!

—Carol Lee Pryor Brosseau ‘03

Two best pieces of advice: To always remember someone’s name, and there is no room in this world for shy people.

—Miller Gaffney ‘02

12

the baylor line fall 2015

12_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 12

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

2/8/16 6:42 PM

Over the past six months, the BAA has been introducing members to interesting Baylor alumni through our Getting to Know posts on our website. Here are edited updated and versions of some of those mini-profiles. If you’re interested in reading longer versions or keeping up with new ones as we publish them, just go to our website and click on this button.

G N I T T GE W O N K o t

or ne

by Pe te r O sb

The Glamour Girls Miller Gaffney ’02 and Carol Lee Pryor Brosseau ’03

MILLER GAFFNEY ’02 AND Carol Lee Pryor Brosseau ’03 hosted “Art Breakers” this past fall on the Ovation cable channel. The show focused on their worlds as art brokers who connect buyers, collectors, and artists.

“The show provides viewers with a rarely seen, behindthe- scenes look at the art world,” says Gaffney, who splits her time between New York and her native South Carolina.

“We show you what the business side of the art world is like and how we go about curating and commissioning artworks for our clients.”

The pair filmed four episodes that aired throughout October on Ovation, which is home to nearly 50 million subscribers and champions artists through the Ovation Digital Arts network. Reviews were positive, with the Wall Street Journal referring to the series as “perfection” and the pair as BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

13_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 13

“Babes in Galleryland,” and TV Insider including them in a list of New Realty TV Shows You Don’t Want to Miss.

The pair met in 1999 in a freshman English class, bonded, and rushed Kappa Kappa Gamma together. The rest, as they say, is history. The pair developed the idea of the series, took it to a producer and filmed it, and ultimately took it to Ovation. Brosseau described the networks offer as the perfect marriage of concept to an audience that is passionately interested in the arts. Episodes followed the pair as they searched for original art to satisfy actor and businessman Mario Lopez’s new brand of tequila; a client’s desire for bathroom art; and a Nevada couple’s desire to outfit a home that they called Shangri-Las Vegas. No word as of midJanuary on whether the show will be renewed.

“We’re so fortunate to be able to share our passion and what we do on a daily basis,” said Gaffney, who has appeared on the PBS series Antiques Roadshow and starred in Market Warriors.

In 2006, Gaffney founded the Miller Gaffney Art Adviwinter 2016

THE BAYLOR LINE

13

2/10/16 1:35 PM

hello, my na m sory in New York to collaborate with private and corporate collectors on appraisals, acquisitions, divestitures, and management of fine art collections. Her Baylor degree is in public relations and political science, and she is also a graduate of Sotheby’s Institute of Art. Brosseau, who received her BA in art history from Baylor, is also a graduate of Sotheby’s and has been a gallery director, auction house specialist, and a contemporary artist’s studio manager. The two joined forces in 2013 to guide clients through the world of art collecting.

Which Baylor professor had the greatest impact on you and why?

Brosseau: Dr. Karen Pope in the Art History department.

I took a lot of my classes for my major with Dr. Pope, and traveled with her to Paris and Chicago to study art. She made studying art great fun, and a week does not go by that I don’t recall her saying, “Art History is a giant puzzle, and as art historians, we constantly keep looking for pieces to fit together.”

Gaffney: Tommye Lou Davis, Latin Teacher and Sorority Advisor. As a freshman, thousands of miles away from home, she always made me feel like family.

Tell me one thing that’s not on your resume: Brosseau: My dad was in the car business, and I had to work in the dealership every summer. One summer I was a mechanic’s assistant changing oil and brake pads.

What’s your superpower? Brosseau: I can look at a bowl of peanut M&Ms and pick out the ones missing the peanut.

It’s a cool party trick, but rarely comes in handy.

Gaffney: Incredible memory. I have a photographic memory. I can instantly tell when clients rearrange art in their house, small details, or the clothes I wore to something. Beneficial with the art world.

careers with notes of thanks, certificates, recognition at a companywide meeting, perhaps even a year-end cash bonus.

Teacher of the Year Dr. Diane Porter Patrick ‘66

Dr. Diane Porter Patrick ‘66 has a school named after her.

Diane Patrick Elementary opened this past fall in the Arlington School District in north Texas, and the school’s namesake feels inspired by the 800 “amazing kids” who attend the school – 95 percent of whom are economically disadvantaged.

“I get goosebumps every time I drive by or walk in,” says Patrick, who seemed to be fighting emotion a number of times during a phone interview last week. “I’ve devoted my entire adult life to education. This is such an honor to experience and the best part is I’m not dead.”

So what does it take to get a school named for you? In the case of Dr. Patrick, who received her master’s and Ph.D from the University of North Texas (in 1969 and 1999, respectively), it’s a 25-year career focused on education and elected public service that includes 12 years on the Arlington Board of Education (four as president); four years on the Texas State Board of Education; and eight years in the Texas Legislature.

Since retiring from the Legislature in January 2015, she’s

My creative process begins with… Brosseau: Looking!

Gaffney: Hot tea and complete silence.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten? Gaffney: Two

best pieces of advice: To always remember someone’s name, and there is no room in this world for shy people.

What advice do you/would you give to young college graduates:

Gaffney: Stay close to your friends. No matter what success you reach in life, you need your network of friends for support. Nurture those friendships and don’t lose touch with your friends with your success and busy life.

All of us have been praised for something great we’ve done in our 14

the baylor line winter 2016

14_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 14

Dr. Diane Patrick celebrates her 50th anniversary with husband Dr. Ned Patrick ‘67, DDS ‘71, and Dr. Dean Posey ‘77, her minister at Trinity United Methodist Church.

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

2/8/16 6:42 PM

A ME IS ... been busy teaching at UT-Arlington and Dallas Baptist University, traveling, and playing with her “seven beautiful and sweet grandchildren.” She and her husband Dr. Ned Patrick, ’67, DDS ’71 celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in December. The couple has two children, Craig ’92, JD ’95 and Claire, who attended Texas A&M. Patrick says she stops by the school every couple of weeks (“I don’t want to wear out my welcome.”). Diane Patrick Elementary has the kind of challenges that many Texas public schools face: the mobility of students among schools makes it challenging to provide consistency and districts where the vast majority of students live in poverty.

“When a family’s biggest concerns are food, shelter, and other basic needs, it’s hard to focus on reading books and encouraging an academically rich learning environment.”

With classes ranging from Pre-K to 6th, Diane Patrick Elementary is focused on the STEM curriculum (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and houses two science labs, a robotics lab, a 3-D printer, and broadcast facilities. What Patrick found truly impressive, however, was the school’s combined Christmas Program and Science Night.

“Every classroom was making musical instruments and then interacting in the auditorium with the students who were performing,” she recalls. “At one point during the performance, they introduced me and afterward a young lady came up and shook my hand and said, ‘Thank you for being here. It means a lot to us.”

As Patrick reflected on her path to this point, she says she “always wanted to be a teacher. I even made my two little sisters play school and library all the time.”

Which Baylor professor had the greatest impact on you and why? Robert Packard, because he convinced me that

I could do well in physics, which I found to be a very challenging course.

The most memorable thing that happened to me at Baylor was… My second year at Baylor I fell in love with Ned,

my husband of now 50 years.

What’s your superpower? Empowering others.

My creative process begins with…Why Not? What one word or phrase would you use to describe yourself? Energetic!

One cool thing that’s on my bucket list is… Go on a

photography safari in Africa.

Do you have a prized possession? Hundreds of saved letters from family and friends that date back to my early childhood and include love letters between my then future husband Ned and me.

One place I find overrated is… Disney World.

One of the great satisfactions of my life has been: Seeing others I’ve mentored become successful.

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

15_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 15

GETTING to KNOW

Socks for Sale Matt McClard ’00

THE GOAL IS SIMPLE for Matt McClard ’00: Own the sock drawer.

Dallas-based Foot Cardigan, which sends subscribers a pair of colorful, boldly patterned socks every month, took a huge step toward that goal when it hit the jackpot on an episode of ABC’s Shark Tank that aired October 9, 2015. Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer/Senior Art Director McClard and CEO Bryan Deluca went in asking for $250,000 in exchange for 10 percent of the company and walked out with an investment from Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and guest judge Troy Carter for $250,000 for 20 percent of the company.

“We were scared that we would not come across as good guys or normal human beings,” McClard says of facing six billionaire investors and entrepreneurs known for being – well, let’s call it “direct” with their feedback. “Lori backed out right away and we thought, ‘OK, here we go.’ But then we got four offers and we could not have hoped for a better outcome.”

The show was taped close to Father’s Day, and the 15-minute segment was edited from more than 75 minutes in front of the five judges. “It’s one thing to get the commitment,” McClard said. “Then you have to go through the process of making the deal – there are lots of term sheets and lawyers and back and forth. It took a long time.”

McClard says Foot Cardigan will use the money for customer acquisition and inventory.

“They’re not exciting things, but it’s the lifeblood of the company,” McClard says. “We want to build a cult following and be able to deliver the product.”

In the first two months since the show aired, Foot Cardigan’s subscriptions doubled to nearly 14,000, and the company increased its full-year revenue estimates from $1.5 million to between $2 million and $2.5 million.

So why did McClard and Deluca hit a home run when many others end up with no offers and a lot of criticism from the judges?

“Shark Tank is a TV show for entertainment, so the extension of our combined goofiness (the pair wore tear-away pants to show off the socks) translated well to the show, and you have to prove you’re a company worth investing in,” McClard said. “You have to know your numbers backwards and forwards. The judges may not agree with your business model but they will respect you.” winter 2016

THE BAYLOR LINE

15

2/8/16 6:43 PM

hello, my na m How did your Baylor Experience shape your life? Like most freshman, I remember heading to Baylor having no idea what life would be like there. By the end of Welcome Week though, I had made too many friends to count. Many of which would become pledge brothers. Kappa Omega Tau showed me how to be a strong member of a team while still having a great time. Something I cherish getting to do every day. I was able to study art and graphic design all of which has been invaluable to get to where I am today. Being around creative people every day, all day, was so good for me as an individual. I think being in that environment really shaped what kind of career I wanted to have. Most of all I met my smart and beautiful wife at Baylor (Karen Barker McClard ’01). The perfect marriage of a KOT and Pi Phi. Karen has worked to become the best pediatrician in Dallas, not to mention putting up with me on a daily basis.

The most memorable thing that happened to me at Baylor was… Ok, this one is easy. My senior year I was a float

chairman for KOT. Not only did my co-chairs and I make the best float the Baylor Homecoming parade has ever seen, but we also took the first step toward the Triple Crown KOT would win later that year.

What’s your superpower? Uni-tasking, or the ability to only concentrate on only one thing at a time. Like all superpowers though, this might be my greatest weakness.

You obviously get lots of requests for your time. How do you decide which ones to do and what’s your approach to saying no? Lists are the gateway drug to pro-

ductivity. Get a list of things you need to do. Order that list by priority and start checking things off. Nothing feels better than marking things as done. I almost always start with saying no, then work my way towards saying yes. And while this is not always the most popular response it does give you time to think things through. Under-promise, over-deliver.

However, sometimes you just have to say yes. Be generous, but protective with your time.

Who’s your role model and why? Neil Degrasse Tyson. I love the way he takes super complicated concepts and boils them down. Not only in a way we can understand, but in a way that makes them special and personal.

If I could have one meal from the road again: The breakfast Fried Rice Moco from Aloha Mixed Plate in Maui, Hawaii.

Born to be Wild Kirsten Dickerson ’95

Most successful people have an Ah-ha moment, that “thing” that sets them on a new path.

For Kirsten Dickerson ’95, it was a 2007 mission to India 16

the baylor line winter 2016

16_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 16

Kirsten Dickerson and her filmmaker husband live a “minimalist” lifestyle in a trailer on 25 acres — with alpacas.

with her Hollywood, CA, church. Dickerson had been splitting her time between working with her filmmaker husband as art director and costume designer during by day and volunteering with the homeless at night. When her group met with three non-profit organizations focused on at-risk women and children in India, Dickerson saw the opportunity to use her talents and drive to fill a need.

“It was a case of my passion and work colliding,” she said.

“This gave us an opportunity to help women from challenging backgrounds – some HIV positive, some in prostitution since they were 14, some from extreme poverty. I think the most effective way to alleviate cycles of poverty is through the education of children as well as the empowerment of women through skills training and sustainable income opportunities.”

And thus was born Raven + Lily, an ethical fashion and lifestyle brand dedicated to empowering women through deBaylorAlumniAssociation.com

2/8/16 6:43 PM

A ME IS ... sign. Austin-based Raven + Lily is growing at a 60 percent-70 percent annual rate, with the company recording $1.5 million in sales in 2015. The company has been selling its collections of apparel, jewelry, and accessories online and through distributors, but will open a retail store in north Austin at the Domain’s Rock Rose retail phase in April.

By the end of 2016, the company will operate 17 artisan partnerships in 10 countries: Ethiopia, Kenya, Guatemala, Pakistan, India, Malaysia, Cambodia, the United States, Peru and Haiti. Dickerson’s work of passion has evolved from a non-profit in Los Angeles to a for-profit “B Corporation.” It helps employ 1,500 marginalized women at fair-trade wages to give them access to a safe job, sustainable income, health care, education, and “a real chance to break the cycle of poverty for themselves and their families.”

In Ethiopia, Raven + Lily is helping HIV-positive women by giving them jobs making jewelry from bullet casings and coins – a project that was highlighted a few years back by Fast Company magazine. Dickerson also speaks with pride and joy about the company’s first partnership with an Indian woman named Ferdoz, who was married at 14 and whose husband left her after the birth of her fifth daughter.

“That’s like a death sentence in India, but she and her oldest daughter worked hard, created our most successful collection of wood and leather jewelry, and now employ 200 women,” Dickerson said. “Women [in her village] no longer mourn when girls are born, and she has sent all her children to school.”

Which Baylor professor had the greatest impact on you? Blake Burleson. I went on the first Baylor in Africa

summer program in 1994 led by Dr. Burleson. I studied world religion and African Lit during that program and was exposed to some incredibly challenging and inspiring experiences.

He’s always been encouraging and supportive of my curiosity to learn about other cultures and reconcile my faith with what I see happening globally.

The most memorable thing that happened to me at Baylor was… My parents divorced when I was at Baylor and

it was an incredibly difficult and painful season of life. My roommates were the most supportive and incredible friends who helped me survive that season and actually thrive and grow as a Christian through the pain…I also took off a year from Baylor to participate in an outreach to students in Estonia after the Iron Curtain fell. It was a profound experience, and my best friends from Baylor surprised me with a visit during their Spring Break. Best memory ever!

Tell me one thing that’s not on your resume: I am talented at bird calls.

How do you approach making decisions? I try to listen, ponder, and pray about big decisions. Sometimes I need time to mull things over and I usually talk to my husband (also a Baylor grad) about everything! If I have to make a quick deciBaylorAlumniAssociation.com

17_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 17

GETTING to KNOW

sion, then I go with my gut. I try to practice God’s presence at all times and respond to his gentle leading of my heart and mind.

I get exercise by… Cleaning up after our farm animals and working out on the land. I hate going to gyms. I love being outside with my animals and land. I also like to swim and hike.

My favorite app is… Instagram. It’s a love/hate relationship.

Do you have a prized possession? Not really…maybe my farm animals. I would say my family but I don’t really possess them but they are the most valuable for sure. I don’t really attach to “stuff.” We sold most of our belongings recently and neither of my parents are living. I like being free from stuff in general. (“I live in a trailer on 25 acres with alpacas.”)

Dream Lover Marissa Marquez ’04

MARISSA MARQUEZ ’04 continues to find ways to align her work life with what she loves to do away from the office.

She recently took a new job as the senior employee relations specialist at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston.

“Given my volunteer experience with various child welfare organizations, I felt like Texas Children’s Hospital’s mission was in line with my passion for assisting children in any way possible,” she said recently. “While I may have a small role in the organization, I know my work is going towards providing the best care possible to children, which is the ultimate goal and a great feeling.”

Before joining Texas Children’s Hospital, Marquez was as an Assistant City Attorney with the Houston Legal Department’s Office of the Inspector General. She moved to Houston in March 2014 from Austin, where she had been the Deputy Senior Legal Counsel for the Commissioner Representing Employers at the Texas Workforce Commission – the first Latina attorney to work in that office. In that role, she advocated for employers during the unemployment claim appeal process; traveled throughout the state to talk to employers about their policy handbooks; and helped produce the Commissioner’s quarterly newsletter, Texas Business Today.

Marquez, who received her J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law, spends a lot of free time working with foster children, but the list of places where she has helped at-risk children and families is staggering. Over the past few years, winter 2016

THE BAYLOR LINE

17

2/8/16 6:44 PM

hello, my na m she has volunteered with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children; worked with undocumented young people through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals; assisted as a Spanish translator at local free legal clinics, and has served as both a Court Appointed Special Advocate and on the board of Strong Start, an Austin non-profit that works to prevent child abuse by assisting at-risk families.

A native of Laredo, TX, Marquez’s maternal grandparents were migrant workers who taught her the value of hard work.

She was first exposed to public service at Baylor as the Public Service Chair for the Hispanic Student Association, where she organized regular volunteer trips to a Waco Head Start program. The National Head Start Association honored her in its July 2015 newsletter.

How did your Baylor experience shape your life? Baylor taught me to be kind and give back. When I was

trying to decide where to go to college, people asked why I’d go to Baylor as a Latina since there’s not a huge Latino student population. But it was a great campus, small classroom settings, and you get to know your professors. You’re not just a number. I met some of the nicest people who reminded me about the importance of doing good, about giving back to the community.

What are you feeling particularly passionate about these days? I’ve always been passionate about foster youth,

but I am passionate about helping youth in general. No matter what I get involved with, it always seems to be about youth.

Right now, I’ve taken up cycling as my cause to focus on and am a board member of BikeHouston, which is a non-profit uniting people who care to make the greater Houston area bicycle-friendly. Part of my focus as a board member is helping kids live a healthier life and on making streets safer for Houston families by advocating for dedicated bike lanes.

How do you define success? It sounds corny, but I think that if you make a difference in any cause, do something positive, or change a person’s life for the better – that’s success.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten? As bad as things may seem – and sometimes when

it rains it pours – don’t ever give up. Everything I’ve ever achieved is because I gave it my all and really worked hard.

What’s inspiring you right now? I really was inspired by a TED talk by Angela Lee Duckworth on a study why some Chicago public school students did better academically than others. I just finished “The 5 Levels of Leadership: Proven Steps to Maximize Your Potential,” by John C. Maxwell, and I’ve gotten involved in a mentorship program through GovLoop, a social network that connects more than 150,000 federal, state, and local government innovators. They accepted 60 of the 400 applicants nationwide for their mentorship program and I’m learning a lot from my mentor, an attorney who works for the federal government, in Washington, D.C. 18

the baylor line winter 2016

18_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 18

Keeping the Faith René Maciel, MS ’91

YOU CAN’T SAY René Maciel, MS ’91, doesn’t have audacious goals.

The president of Baptist University of the Américas (BUA) in San Antonio recently took on the role of president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas (Texas Baptists) and he defines success in that role as “bringing unity to Texas Baptist life.”

The numbers indicate what a challenge that will be. There are 2 million Texas Baptists in 5,300 autonomous congregations statewide that are affiliated with the group. Those 2 million people speak 69 different languages and many bring different ideas to the table.

“The denomination is on a downward spiral,” he said last week. “Texas Baptists have a unique opportunity for a common mission and purpose.”

Maciel will juggle the responsibilities of guiding the Texas Baptists with his day job, which this year will include a transition to a new campus for a school committed to “training cross-cultural Christian leaders in the Hispanic context.” It’s a full plate, but one that will include the opportunity to preach in churches across Texas.

Maciel points out that more people attended the Hispanic Baptist convention than came to the Texas Baptist convention.

He also says there is a great opportunity to “celebrate” the 28 affiliated Baptist ministries, including hospitals, seminaries, universities, and child-care organizations, that call Texas home.

“As Texas Baptists reach out and share the gospel of Jesus Christ, we have the opportunity to do that with an untapped ministry,” Maciel says, referring to the growing demographic of Hispanic Texans that is dominated by Catholics. However, many within that group may have strayed or been involved in name only, so the Texas Baptists have an opportunity to “minister and care for them.”

“If we’re not doing Hispanic ministry in this state, then we really don’t have a purpose,” he added.

Maciel has been involved in Texas Baptist life for 29 years.

He earned his bachelor’s degree from Hardin-Simmons and his master’s in education from Baylor. He also played basketball in Brazil and Central America with Campus Crusade for Christ. In 2007, Maciel left his position as assistant dean for Administration and Academic Services at George W. Truett Theological Seminary to join BUA as president. He previously worked for Baylor Admissions and led Hardin-Simmons’ Admissions department. Maciel also served at the New Mexico Baptist Children’s Home in Portales, New Mexico and recently served 10 months as interim pastor at First Baptist Church of Castroville, where he and his family have been BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

2/8/16 6:44 PM

A ME IS ...

GETTING to KNOW

As Texas Baptists reach out and share the gospel of Jesus Christ, we have the opportunity to do that with an untapped ministry.

—René Maciel, MS ’91

Maciel with Sabrina, wife of 31 years

members for nine years.

At a time when other Texas religious universities have seen falling percentages of Baptist enrollment and rising tuition, BUA managed to hold steady at 80 percent and keep costs low in an effort to limit the amount of debt students have when they leave school.

Maciel says BUA is accomplishing its mission of graduating students with little or no debt by keeping costs down. He recognizes, however, that he’s attracting a culturally different type of student than the ones that are going to schools with athletic programs and a broad range of academic programs.

Which Baylor professor had the greatest impact on you and why? Dr. Hulitt Gloer. He was a pastor’s pastor. I

used to go to his office and just sit and talk. I travel with him to monasteries in New Mexico almost every May. Tell me one thing that’s not on your resume. That I’m not Dr. Maciel. I’ve been so busy and involved, I never got a doctorate.

What’s your superpower? My relationship with Jesus.

How do you decide which requests for your time to do? I’m very high energy. I say yes to preaching opportuni-

ties. The other requests have to sound interesting.

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

19_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 19

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? From

my dad: Stay in the Word.

My creative process begins with…A lone time with God. It all flows from what God intends and enables us to move forward and be proactive rather than reactive.

What one word or phrase would you use to describe yourself? Would others use the same phrase? Encourag-

ing and motivating. Yes. One thing that’s overrated is… the ocean. I’m not a sand and beach guy. I grew up in New Mexico; I like mountains.

My favorite app is… The NIV Bible. I open it every day.

BibleGateway.com – a searchable online Bible.

What’s on your bucket list? Go the base camp at Mount Everest – but no higher. I’d also like to run a marathon; I’ve run a lot of half-marathons.

What is the best gift you’ve ever received? Sabrina, my wife of 31 years.

What advice do you give young people? Take initiative and be motivated. If I’m hiring someone, I want the person to be driven and knocking on my front door and excited about working here. BL

winter 2016

THE BAYLOR LINE

19

2/8/16 6:44 PM

in case you missed it

Athletic success helps fundraising success, panel says

T

he presence of ESPN Game Day on campus for the Oklahoma game, a national television audience for many of this season’s games, and a dominating performance in the bowl game could translate into more donations to the university, if past form holds true.

Athletics are “the window by which the world looks at your university,” said former Baylor football coach Grant Teaff. Teaff participated in a panel at the Baylor Institute for Faith and Learning’s annual Symposium on Faith and Culture, which drew about 350 attendees from across the country from Nov. 20

the baylor line winter 2016

20_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 20

5-7 to hear 120 presentations.

This year’s theme was “The Spirit of Sports” and featured a Higher Education and College Athletics panel that included Baylor President Ken Starr; Coach Teaff, who recently retired as the executive director of the American Football Coaches Association; Nina King, deputy director of athletics for Administration/Legal Affairs at Duke University; Dutch Baughman, former Division 1A Athletic Directors’ Association executive director; and moderator L. Gregory Jones, senior strategist for Leadership Education at Duke Divinity School, who was recently named senior advisor in the Baylor Institute for Faith and Learning.

The panelists agreed on

the value of athletics to higher education, with Baughman rolling out a list of reasons that sports are not at odds with a university’s fundamental vision.

“It is the reason that alumni will come back,” Baughman said. “Eighty percent of donors started through athletics. It’s a rallying point for students, and applications increase with a successful football program.”

Teaff added, “You cannot put a price tag on the value of the exposure schools are getting from TV,” which drew a big grin from Starr. “It opens a spigot of alumni investment across the entire school.”

King described athletics as the “front porch of the school,” uniting alumni and providing an education for kids who might not otherwise get it.

“People don’t realize that these young people are getting a double major in Academics and Athletics,” King said.

She went on to explain that employers want to hire student-athletes because of their understanding of teamwork and their work ethic.

After noting that there are 22 references to athletic competition in the Bible, Starr said athletes graduate at higher rates than non-athletes. He recalled that when he took his current job, he asked a prominent alumni for some advice and was told, “Win some football games.”

“Donations go up when football does well,” Starr said, adding that athletic success provides people from different backgrounds with a “lingua franca” of sorts, a common language that they

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

2/8/16 6:25 PM

Trevathan resigns provost role, stays on as professor can share over coffee or at the start of a meeting.

Starr pointed out that he is proud that Baylor’s annual athletic banquet is a celebration of academics rather than accomplishment on the field, adding that what keeps him awake at night is the continuing challenge of “victory with integrity” and building a culture of compliance and integrity at a time where the NCAA rules book now stands at over 400 pages and has gone through many iterations.

We have to get past a world where in the eyes of the NCAA “a bagel is a snack but a bagel with cream cheese is a meal,” he concluded.

Campus Carry: Baylor Decides to Opt Out

D

oes the constitutional right to selfpreservation override a university’s right to ban weapons on their campus in the name of public safety? That’s the question facing Texas private universities as they consider whether to opt-in to the new campus carry law that will go into effect this August.

Baylor announced in mid-February that it would join more than 20 other schools in opting out, a decision previewed in November by President Ken Starr at the Texas Tribune Higher BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

21r1_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 21

Education Symposium.

“My own view is that it is a very unwise public policy, with all due respect to those who feel strongly [and] very, very rooted in constitutional values as they see them,” Starr said. “We’re here as seats of learning, and I do not think this is helpful.”

In the spring of 2015, the 84th Texas Legislature passed SB11. The bill requires public institutions of higher education to permit students and faculty to carry a gun if they have the Concealed Carry Handgun License, meaning they’d have to be at least 21 and pass the state’s rigorous licensing and training program to carry a gun on campus.

There has been ongoing debate since the law passed, over the locations of gun-free zones and where guns are allowed in certain buildings on the campuses of the public universities that must implement the legislation.

“I think it’s not likely we will satisfy everybody,” said Texas A&M President Michael K. Young at a faculty senate meeting in October. “Everybody on campus will not be the only groups we want to satisfy.”

Many public universities’ Presidents and Chancellors have created committees to determine how their schools should implement the legislation.

The discussion continued at the symposium as to whether Baylor should implement the legislation. Texas Senator Brian Birdwell (R-Granbury), author of the bill, whose district includes the greater Waco area and Baylor University, said, “The right to self-preservation is a God-given right, just as freedom of speech is…These are 21-year-old citizens of this state and we ought to treat them as the adults they are.”

President Starr countered by noting that students are still discovering who they are as individuals, and that to give them the great responsibility of concealing a gun on campus would not be wel-

Baylor announced Jan. 12 that Dr. Edwin Trevathan has resigned as executive vice president and provost just eight months after taking the position.

He will stay at the university as a Professor of Neuroscience.

After prayerful consideration and consultation with my family, we have decided that the position of executive vice president and provost at Baylor University is not a good fit for us,” Trevathan said in a statement released by the university.

Dr. Trevathan replaced Dr. Elizabeth Davis, who left Baylor to become the 12th president of Furman University. Davis announced her resignation in March 2014, and President Ken Starr announced Trevathan’s appointment in December 2014 after a nine-month global search that involved many members of the Baylor Family.

“I know that Ed and his family have come to this judgment after a great deal of thought and prayer, and so I respectfully accept their decision,” said President and Chancellor Ken Starr in the university’s statement. “We have benefited from so many of Ed’s talents, including his wonderful creativity and analytical skills, as well as his vast experience in sponsored research, medicine and science. We are grateful for his dedicated service to Baylor University and the manner in which he has helped position us for future success.”

Starr has appointed Dr. Todd Still, holder of The Charles J. and Eleanor McLerran Delancey Chair of the Dean of Truett Seminary and professor of Christian Scriptures, as interim provost while Starr and his staff search for a permanent replacement.

winter 2016

the baylor line

21

3/21/16 9:34 PM

in case you missed it

coming to most. He said students and faculty would feel “less safe if weapons were brought onto campus,” adding that Baylor campus law enforcement officials are not in favor of allowing guns.

The BAA’s posts on the topic on both our website and Facebook attracted a lot of discussion in late November. Two dozen members commented on the Line Notes blog and two Facebook posts attracted 184 Likes and more than 170 comments within 72 hours, with approximately 60 percent of the comments taking the opt-out side.

Last fall the Baylor Student Senate tried to pass legislation that would allow Campus Carry-like provisions to be put into place, but after passing the Senate, the Student Body President at the time vetoed the legislation.

You can still join the discussion on our website.

Around the Quad •

Baylor received an ‘A’ from the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) in its rating of whether schools require seven key subjects: Composition, Literature, Foreign Language, US Government or History, Economics, Mathematics, and Science. Baylor requires six of seven; Rice got an F (0 of 7), while SMU got a C (3 of 7).

Baylor ranks first among the na-

•

22

the baylor line winter 2016

22_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 22

tion’s law schools (ahead of Yale and Harvard) as the law school with the highest percentage of “Super Lawyers” among its alumni. National Jurist magazine judged lawyers based on peer review, awards received, and community service undertaken in naming Super Lawyers. Baylor Law School Dean Brad Toben, JD ’77 noted that the Princeton Review has called Baylor Law “the Marine Corps of law school” for its focus on discipline and workload demands.

Baylor Student Publications was chosen for 18 national awards, receiving five best-in-the-nation awards for individual student journalists. The Baylor Lariat, Focus Magazine, BaylorLariat. com, and Roundup Yearbook were recognized as top news outlets in their fields for the 2014-15 school year, and the Lariat was named one of the top 10 collegiate newspapers by the Associated Collegiate Press and College Media Association.

Baylor’s tennis facilities (the 12-court outdoor Hurd Tennis Center and six-court Hawkins Indoor Tennis Center ) were named the best in the country by Tennis magazine. SMU and Texas A&M also finished in the top five.

Baylor’s Board of Regents voted to rescind the honorary degree that it awarded to comedian Bill Cosby in 2003.

Baylor is one of 13 major colleges working with Fox Sports University to establish social-connection portals that links students through social media and

•

•

• •

create a foundation for career-building networking. Baylor is in its third year in the program, which partners with prestigious journalism and business schools, as well as public relations and sports management programs.

A team of Baylor researchers is working to develop technology that will enable health care providers to identify individuals who may be at increased risk for life threatening falls or accidents.

Research involves tracking movements during daily physical activities. Preliminary research is being done in a lab where a test subject wears a body suit equipped with sensors.

“What the full-body suit allows us to do is monitor the body’s position and motion while we are simultaneously monitoring the electromagnetic signals so we can correlate the body’s positions with those magnetic signals,” said Dr. Brian Garner, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at Baylor.

Garner has teamed up with Dr. Yang Li, associate professor of electrical engineering, and Dr. Garrison Benton, an orthopedic surgeon at Baylor Scott & White Hospital on the research.

Baylor’s School of Engineering and Computer Science received a grant from Halliburton to support the development of a Learning Resource Center that will aim to increase retention and graduation rates among undergraduate engineering and computer-science students. Halli-

•

•

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

2/8/16 6:26 PM

Homecoming Celebration BAA members and their families braved heavy rains and descended onthe Texas Sports Hall of Fame for the BAA’s Annual Tailgate. They were surprised by Baylor coaching legend Grant Teaff who stopped by to sign copies of his Baylor Line article and talk about past Homecomings.

burton also provided continued funding for “Ladies & Legos,” a program that engages women in STEM fields.

Officials with the ministry of religious activities for the Cuban Communist Party’s Central Committee granted Baylor’s Truett Theological Seminary permission to establish a broad-based partnership with three Cuban Baptist seminaries and authorized Baylor University Press to provide a basic theological library for every Christian seminary student in Cuba.

Baylor was recognized by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education for its conservation and recycling practices, which range from erecting energy-efficient buildings to planting community gardens and encouraging students to take shorter showers.

The national Campus Kitchen Project has recognized the Baylor Campus Kitchen program as an example of best practices and plans to include it in an upcoming publication that will reach nearly 50 member schools throughout the country. Campus Kitchen volunteers at Baylor work to improve health and fight hunger by diverting food waste from dining halls, growing food on campus, and preparing meals for local agencies that feed the hungry.

Baylor’s Board of Regents announced the first phase of a planned golf-practice facility next to the Willis

•

•

•

•

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

23_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 23

Family Equestrian Center on University Parks Drive that will be named in honor of the late Billy Williams ‘63, who, along with his family, provided a multi-million-dollar gift for the project. In other board action, Regents approved restoring the Dallas-based Louise Herrington School of Nursing as a freestanding academic unit.

The Bears will host the National Collegiate Acrobatics & Tumbling Association (NCATA) National Championships April 16-19, 2016 as reigning national champs. Baylor also hosted the event in 2012.

Baylor Institute for Air Science is offering a new major in aviation administration to provide a curriculum for students interested in working for the business side of aviation. The program is part of the Hankamer School of Business.

The Baylor Psychology Clinic is partnering with McLennan County to offer psychological assessments and counselling services to local indigent health care clients. This is the first time the county’s Indigent Health Care program and the clinic, established in 2005, have partnered to offer the services to residents.

Baylor’s Fashion Merchandising programs have been ranked first among all private schools and 12th overall for all schools by fashion-schools.org, a website that serves as a resource for anyone

•

•

•

•

interested in a degree in fashion design.

In addition, Baylor’s Apparel Design and Product Development program is ranked 21st in the nation and third in the region. These programs are part of the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Baylor’s chapter of Mortar Board has been awarded the Silver Torch Award from the Mortar Board National College Honor Society. Mortar Board is a national honor society that recognizes college seniors for outstanding achievement in scholarship, leadership, and service.

USA Today focused on the BU Applied and Athletic Performance department in a Sept. 4, 2015, article titled “At Baylor, getting football down to a science.” The article said “Baylor’s embrace of technology is intended to place the program on a different plane than the rest of the Football Bowl Subdivision.”

A land-swap proposal that would give a cleared Floyd Casey Stadium site to the city and give Baylor University a site near McLane Stadium for a new sports-medicine “center of excellence” is on track for approval in early 2016, according to an article in the Waco Trib.

The Gathering on the Brazos, a national grassroots movement to cut across racial, socioeconomic and denominational divides with a worship and prayer service will return to McLane Stadium on Palm Sunday, April 9, 2017. BL

•

•

•

•

winter 2016

the baylor line

23

2/8/16 6:26 PM

24

the baylor line fall 2015

24_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 24

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

2/8/16 6:22 PM

the

The 1948 Men’s Basketball Team fell short in the National Championship game against Kentucky but captured the hearts of fans across the country

jeff milner/getty images (left)

Comeback

Kids BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

25_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 25

winter 2016

the baylor line

25

2/8/16 6:22 PM

b

by Ryan Sprayberry

Baylor students and alumni have been treated to a whirlwind of athletic success over the past several years. With Kim Mulkey’s Lady Bears gunning for a third national title in a decade, a football team defying the odds and climbing to new heights, green and gold programs are on the rise. Baylor’s equestrian team brought homw a NCEA Championship in 2012 and is highly ranked this year, while the Baylor acrobatics and tumbling team claimed its first National Title in 2015. Last year, men’s tennis finished in the Final Four, women’s tennis made it to the Elite Eight and women’s golf finished second in the NCAA tournament. Without question, this is a great time to be a Bear.

The 2016 men’s basketball team has fans everywhere on the edge of their seats, daring to hope and dream. Since 2008, Baylor has made the NCAA Tournament five times. During that span, the Bears have gone to three Sweet 16’s and two

Elite Eights. Pretty impressive considering that from the first Baylor basketball season in 1907 to 2007, the team made it to the NCAA tournament just four times. However, one of those four teams did something no Baylor men’s team has done since – they made it to the National Championship game.

The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament began in 1939.

The Tournament’s early format only allowed for eight teams, meaning the Southwest Conference could get at most one team into the bracket each year. Fortunately, the SWC appeared in every tournament except one from 1939 to 1948, with the Bears representing the conference in 1946.

During this early era of basketball, placement within the NCAA Tournament bracket had everything to do with geography and nothing to do with a team’s quality. There were no seeds, as schools were expected to play other teams from their area to be named the champion of that region. For example,

photographs courtesy of texas sports hall of fame

Off to the Tournament: The 1948 men’s basketball team poses with the Southwest Conference championship trophy as they get ready to head to Dallas to play Arizona for the right to play in the Final Four.

26

the baylor line winter 2016

26_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 26

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

THE 1948 MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM GOT FAR-

2/8/16 6:23 PM

Senior guard and Olympian Jackie Robinson

the first tournament in 1939 saw Utah State, Oklahoma, Oregon and Texas play in the West Regional. After defeating Texas and Oklahoma, Oregon was crowned as the Western Basketball Champion – the best team West of the Mississippi.

Western teams dominated the early years of the tournament with Oregon, Stanford, Utah, and Wyoming winning titles. With such stiff competition, the Southwest Conference failed to build a profile as a basketball conference. From 1939 to 1947, the SWC never made it past the second round of the Tournament.

But, in 1948, that would change.

The 1947-48 season opened with Baylor making a trip to California to play in the Rose Bowl basketball tournament and the Bears emerged as the champions. Baylor would charge through the SWC, finishing with a record of 11-1. By now, the Bears were a household name in the Southwest, but the name “Baylor” meant little or nothing to most of the East Coast.

With a SWC title in hand, the Bears would have to beat the Arizona Wildcats in a best-of-three series to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament. during the Bears’ conference championship season in 1946.

Just three years prior, Baylor finished the 1944-1945 season Despite being named All-SWC for a second straight year, Roba horrifying 0-17 under Coach Van Sweet. Down but not out, inson suffered a sophomore slump during the 1946-47 season, the Bears were determined to rise again. When R.E. “Mr. Bill” and the team finished with an 11-11 record. At the close of 1947, Henderson, took over in 1945, he brought vision and new life the team came together and prepared to make history. to the program. In 1945-46, the Bears went 25-5 (11-1 in SWC) As the regular season wound to a close, the Bears travelled and made their first NCAA appearance. Henderson’s key to to Dallas to face the Arizona Wildcats. Despite losing in their success was recruiting. The coach looked past deficiencies in first match up of the season, the Bears would not be defeated size and speed to find players committed to strong defense by their Western opponent again. In a two-game sweep, and teamwork.

Baylor defeated Arizona 65-59 and 64-54 to advance to the Seeking promising new players who exhibited these qualiNCAA Tournament. ties, Henderson hit the recruiting trail. After World War The first round of the Tournament saw the Bears II, the Southwest Conference suspended a rule reface off against the Pacific Coast Conference (now quiring freshmen athletes to sit out a season. As the Pac-12) champion, the University of Washa result, Henderson was highly interested in ington. The Huskies were favored coming into several members of team from Paschal High the game and lived up to the hype in the first School in Fort Worth, the state champions of half. Washington built a 17-point lead and Texas. things looked pretty grim for the Bears.

Paschal had made waves during the 1944Coach Henderson had developed a nervous 45 high school basketball season. The team habit of untying and retying his shoes during easily won the district and city championships critical games and the first round of the 1948 behind the play of senior guard Jackson “Jackie” NCAA Tournament was no different. After Robinson. Robinson, set the city record for the game one of Baylor’s players, Bill Dewitt scoring in a single game and single season Coach Henderson, recalled, “Mr. Bill tied the heck out of his shoes during his senior year before astounding aka “Mr. Bill” to Baylor in that game.”

Austin crowds at the state championship students and fans.

As it turned out, Henderson had no reason tournament. to be nervous – the team rallied and defeated Washington in a To the surprise of many, Henderson managed to sign classic, 64-62. highly pursued recruits Robinson and his teammates Ralph Baylor found Kansas State waiting in the NCAA semiPulley and Bill Johnson. The young trio became key members finals. Playing on their home turf in Kansas City, K-State was of what would become the most successful men’s basketball largely considered the best team in the West and was heavily team in Baylor’s history. favored against a supposedly outmatched Baylor squad.

Robinson earned All-SWC honors as a true freshman BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

27_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 27

winter 2016

the baylor line

27

2/8/16 6:23 PM

In New York, the Bears pose with the NCAA Tournament second-place trophy as they prepare to return home to Waco as the second best team in the nation.

Again the Bears fell behind by double digits during the first half. Again, the Green and Gold staged another brilliant comeback. When the final buzzer rang, the Bears had defeated Kansas State 60-52. A mere three years after that miserable 0-17 season, the Baylor Bears were the Western Champions.

After the game, the team wasted no time in heading to the train station. There was no time for celebration; there would be no delay making it to New York for the Championship game against Adolph Rupp and the University of Kentucky at Madison Square Garden.

One of the Paschal trio, Pulley, recalled years later, “There was no ceremony or anything; we just had to run

The Baylor Family and Texas were ablaze. For the first time ever, Baylor would have a shot at winning a national title. for the train. I don’t even know if there was a trophy or, if there was, who got it.”

The Baylor Family and Texas were ablaze. For the first time ever, Baylor would have a shot at winning a national title and, also for the first time, the Southwest Conference would be represented in the NCAA Tournament’s championship game.

Not to be left out, Baylor fans back in Waco immediately began organizing a travel party. Ultimately, two groups – one group of 27 boosters and another group of 28, mostly students – made their way to the airport for a flight to Nashville and then on to New York. While the plane of 27 eventually 28

THE BAYLOR LINE winter 2016

28_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 28

touched down in New York through poor visibility and weather (the pilot was an accomplished WWII vet), the students never made it past Nashville, as their pilot was concerned with the weather reports and kept his plane grounded.

One of the boosters, Sarah DeWitt, sister of player Bill DeWitt, remembered the fever that had caught hold of Baylor in an article she wrote for The Baylor Line in 1948, “Waco and Baylor followers were wild with delight, as no athletic team in Baylor history [had] made such a showing and no Southwest Conference basketball team had ever had the opportunity to play in the National

Championship contest.”

As it turned out, Baylor fans weren’t the only people excited about the trip. When the fans climbed off their plane in New York, Paramount News cameramen were waiting to catch footage of the Texas “cowboys.”

The news crew wasn’t disappointed as many of the Baylor party were dressed in cowboy boots and Stetson hats. One of the more prominent boosters, Waco jeweler Isie Fred, was wearing green and gold from head to toe and sporting a deputy sheriff’s badge. The group boarded a chartered bus and headed downtown to the Paramount Hotel where both the travel party and the team would be staying.

After a brief reunion at the hotel between the two groups, everyone headed to Madison Square Garden for the title match.

The Kentucky squad was a formidable opponent, having garnered the nickname, “The Fabulous Five.” The Kentucky Wildcats were also described as “tree-top tall” — a significant issue for Henderson’s Bears who didn’t have a single player over 6’ 3”. In fact they were, at that time, the smallest basketball team to ever advance to the NCAA finals.

DeWitt would later write in her Baylor Line article that the atmosphere at Madison Square Garden was electric.

“Its hugeness and showy-ness was a thrilling sight for the fans. . .[Baylor fans] created quite a stir among New Yorkers BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

2/8/16 6:24 PM

with their war-whoops and cowbells. A number of times the Garden was filled with the strains of ‘That Good Old Baylor Line.’”

In fact, 17,000 spectators showed up to watch the match, an impressive turnout for a game where the closest school was over 700 miles away. Coming even further was Texas Governor Beauford Jester. Although he was a graduate of the University of Texas, Jester came to fully support the Bears and was hoping to see a Texas team crowned as the best in the country.

Taking the court, the Baylor squad encountered something new and unusual in the match — billowing clouds of smoke Robinson remembered in a 2003 interview, “It seemed like there were 19,000 fans and they were all smoking. We could barely see the other end of the court, and at halftime our lungs were hurting with all that smoke.”

Whether it was all the smoke or just poor play, the Bears fell behind early. Baylor fans held their breath hoping the team had one last miracle comeback in them. Alas, it wasn’t meant to be as Rupp and the Wildcats pulled away to win 5842. The title was the first for Kentucky and Rupp, although he would win three more over the next 10 years.

Henderson and the Bears were awarded a second place trophy, still the best men’s basketball finish in school history.

Legendary AAU and Olympic coach Bud Browning claimed that Henderson’s job in getting the Bears to the Final, “was not only the greatest coaching achievement in America in 1948, but the greatest job of coaching in the history of the game.”

Henderson, always modest, was quick to squash any such notion. During the banquet in Waco honoring the team after their return from Madison Square Garden, Henderson said, “Coaches always get far too much credit when they win and too much criticism when they lose.” Mr. Bill was happy for the celebration to focus on his team and its achievements.

Jinx Tucker, the Waco Tribune-Herald’s Sports Editor at the time, had the privilege of following the team throughout the tournament. His final words in recollecting the journey would still make Baylor fans proud today, “In Kansas City and New York, this Baylor team gave the school and the city of Waco more favorable publicity than any athlete in the history of the Lone Star State.”

Of course, the story didn’t end there for everyone. Thanks to the team making it to the Championship, Baylor was slotted as a contestant in the Olympic trials.

In the first game, Baylor pulled off a remarkable upset defeating New York University, the #1 ranked team in the East. Many believed NYU was the best team in the country or at least second best behind Kentucky. After Baylor’s victory, many New Yorkers said, “Baylor was just four inches short of being #1 in 1948” – a reference to the Bears’ small stature.

In the collegiate finals of the Olympic Trials, Baylor got a BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

29_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 29

At the Paramount Hotel, many of the Baylor party were dressed in cowboy boots and Stetson hats. One of the more prominent boosters, Waco jeweler Isie Fred, was wearing green and gold from head to toe and sporting a deputy sheriff’s badge.

second shot at Kentucky, but fell again 77-59. After falling to the semi-professional Denver Nuggets in the third-place game by a 73-64 score, Baylor went home with a fourth-place medal in the 1948 Olympic trials.

However, Browning, who would coach the 1948 US Olympic basketball team, took notice of Jackie Robinson. Robinson became a unanimous selection to the ’48 Olympic team and Baylor’s first Olympian. He would become the first athlete from Fort Worth to claim a gold medal, after the team finished a perfect 8-0, outscoring opponents 524-256.

While Robinson would miss his senior season at Baylor after the discovery of a calcium deposit in his knee, Henderson would help the Bears to shares of the 1948-49 and 1949-50 SWC Titles. The Henderson-led Bears would make a return trip to the Final Four in 1950, but fail to make it to the Finals.

Henderson would continue to coach the Bears until retiring after the 1960-61 season with a career record at Baylor of 201-233 over 18 seasons, thanks to a few rough seasons that were more than offset by three NCAA tournaments, including two Final Four appearances, four Southwest Conference titles; and the critical recruitment of Jackie Robinson, who changed the perception of the program.

Coaches with losing records are rarely remembered fondly, but Henderson has remained an exception to the rule. In fact, none other than Dave Campbell once ranked the 1948 Bears as the greatest sports moment in the history of Baylor athletics. While the Green and Gold seem to reach new heights in athletics every year, there’s no doubt the ’48 team will always hold a special spot in the memories of Baylor Alumni and fans. BL Ryan Sprayberry ‘ 12 is the exhibits and collections manager for the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in Waco. This is the second in what will be a recurring feature in the Baylor Line on Baylor Sports Legends in the TSHOF. winter 2016

the baylor line

29

2/8/16 6:24 PM

Where Have All the Baptists Gone

by Peter Osborne

?

Why W hy the numbers have been in decline at Baylor for decades — an

30

THE BAYLOR LINE winter 2016

30_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 30

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

2/8/16 6:17 PM

KIRSTEN DICKERSON ‘94 may be the poster child for the “new reality” for churchgoers, including Baylor students and alumni.

“I was christened in the Lutheran church, confirmed in the Methodist, and then baptized in the Baptist church in college — so that’s when I became Baptist,” says Dickerson, founder and CEO of Austin-based fashion retailer Raven + Lily. “But I haven’t identified myself as a Baptist since. We have attended a variety of churches based on where we lived.

Most are more modern or non-denominational though we did a stint at Hollywood Presbyterian. My husband is actually an ordained Baptist, but we started/planted a non-denominational church in Hollywood over 10 years ago. We currently attend a church in Austin called Vox Venaie, which is Evangelical Covenant. I don’t really pay attention to denomination as much as the heart of the church.”

Back in 1991, around the time Dickerson entered Baylor, nearly half of the students on campus described themselves as Baptists to the admissions office when they applied.

Today, the number has fallen to just over 30 percent, with only 27 percent of the current freshmen declaring the university’s founding denomination. In real numbers, with a total enrollment that has increased nearly 42 percent from 11,682 to 16,577, university figures say that there are 4,992 Baptist students at Baylor today, compared with 5,754 in 1991. By comparison, Catholics have increased 69 percent, to 15.9 percent (now at 2,632 from a starting point of 1,099 in 1991).

— and what it means moving forward

Gallup Editor-in-Chief Frank Newport ‘70 says the most plausible explanation of the shrinking number of Baylor students who self-identify as Baptists is the simplest: The percentage of the overall population who identify as Baptists has decreased. There are fewer

31_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 31

STANISLAV FADYUKHIN/GETTY IMAGES

While the number of Baptists on Baylor’s campus has apparently fallen, nobody is quite sure what the “real” number is. The university doesn’t formally track the spiritual journeys of the students. There is no intuitive way for students to let Baylor know that they’ve changed their affiliation — and probably no incentive to do so. Neither is there a way to determine the number of students who checked the Baptist box when they applied in hopes that might help their case for admission.

2/8/16 6:17 PM

Baptists in the United States, hence fewer to form the pool of applicants, admittees and enrollees.

But at Baylor, that decline has been exacerbated by a combination of factors that include the 1990 charter change, which limited the number of Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT)-elected trustees and infuriated conservative Texas Baptists; by philosophical changes toward recruiting nonBaptist students and faculty that began with President Robert Sloan and his Baylor 2012 initiative; and by sharp increases in tuition over the past decade that have made it more difficult for middle-class Baptist families to choose Baylor over less expensive alternatives.

The decrease in Baptist full-time faculty has been less precipitous — a 20 percent drop since 1992 to 41.9 percent from 51.8 percent — while the percentage of Catholic faculty has increased from 6.8 percent in 1992 to 12.3 percent, with the raw numbers going from 40 to 126 because of the growth of the overall size of the faculty.

Additionally, Baylor’s Board of Regents voted in February 2011 to amend the university’s bylaws to allow up to 25 percent of the board to include fellow Christians who are active members of a church in a historic Christian tradition other than Baptist. The University declined to say how many non-Baptists currently serve on the board.

At the heart of the decline is a simple question for Baylor leaders: Was the decrease in Baptist enrollment inescapable,

Denominational Identity Takes a Hit at Baylor

— — — — —

60%

Baptists Catholics Methodists Presbyterian Non-Denominational

40%

20%

0% 1991

32

1997

2003

THE BAYLOR LINE winter 2016

32_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 32

2009

2015

intentional, or just a by-product of the other changes? Does it really matter in 2016, with: • Record undergraduate enrollment of 14,189, up from 13,859 students in fall 2014.

• Overall minority enrollment at 34.4 percent • A seven-percentage-point increase in fall-to-fall retention among Baylor freshman (with this year’s numbers at a record 88.9 percent).

• Unprecedented interest from out-of-state students: Nearly 30 percent of current enrollment of U.S. citizens came from outside Texas, up from less than 20 percent between 1998 and 2009. The current roster of 4,799 non-Texans is nearly double the 2,434 who came in from other states in 2002.

Does fewer Baptists overall mean fewer Baptists at Baylor?

Let’s start with the overall numbers.

In the big picture, Gallup data trends show the percentage of 18+ American adults who explicitly identify themselves as Baptists between 1992 and today has gone from as high as 20 percent down to 13 percent today. Looking at just those who identify themselves as “Southern Baptists,” the percentage has gone from 10 percent down to 3 percent during the same time frame. Those who self-identified in the “Non-Denominational” category have gone from 1 percent in 1992 to 5 percent of the population today.

The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) remains the largest Protestant denomination in the United States with 15.5 million members, down from a peak of 16.3 million in 2003.

The SBC lost more than 200,000 members in 2014, the biggest one-year decline since 1881 and the eighth consecutive year it dropped. The pace of annual decline is accelerating and with the SBC seeing the lowest number of baptisms since crossing the 300,000 mark in the late 1940s, a resurgence seems unlikely at this point.

The American Religious Identification Survey, conducted by a Trinity University research team, posted numbers that showed 32 percent of Texas adults as Baptists in 1990 and 20 percent as Baptists in 2008. Though that may be more a reflection of statewide population growth outstripping statewide Baptist growth, says Clay Price, a longtime BGCT data analyst who says there may be no simple way of determining the change in Texas Baptist numbers.

But staffers at the BGCT and the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention (SBTC) wonder how the SBC can be so precise with its data. The problem, say the BGCT’s Price and the SBCT’s Gary Ledbetter, is that fewer than 50 percent of their members provide annual membership data (e.g., attendance, baptisms, and Sunday School attendance). The problem is compounded by the fact that the BGCT lost 1,200 affiliated congregations to the SBC-affiliated SBTC when it was formed in 1998 and that many Texas Baptist churches are members of BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

2/8/16 6:17 PM

Kirsten Dickerson in east Africa, “I don’t really pay attention to denomination as much as the heart of the church.”

both conventions, making data analysis even more difficult.

Of the BGCT’s 5,333 affiliated congregations, only 857 have reported membership data every year from 1994 to 2004. For those churches, membership has actually increased since 1994 from 854,174 to 920,092. But the BGCT also reports that it has 2.1 million members, down 500,000 from 2.6 million in 1994 after adjusting its data for the loss of congregations to the SBTC. The numbers say that “Southern Baptists in Texas [both state conventions] increased by 462,000 between 1990 and 2010 – a 14 percent increase,” says Price, who concedes that organizations like his have to extrapolate some data. “However, the state population grew a whopping 48 percent during those 20 years. For Texas, the issue is not so much a declining Baptist population as much as it is an exploding population that has greatly reduced the portion of the population that is Baptist.”

“A large percentage of our new churches are ethnic – they’re small with no infrastructure, run by part-time pastors with full-time jobs and who are hard to contact,” says Ledbetter in explaining the challenges gathering data. “I still have to say that our numbers are too soft to know [whether] we are trending upward or downward. The SBTC church count is a solid, well-managed number netting upward at about 50 per year (2544 currently) but we also see broadly that a high percentage of our churches are not growing (older, rural, transitioning). If we are growing, it is, as you heard from BGCT, more slowly than the population. But it may be that whatever BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

33_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 33

decline we might see in numbers is not so much in attendance as it is in membership. Many who no longer occupy our membership rolls or who self-identify as a “none” never were regular attenders or significantly engaged.”

“I came out of the Church, where we don’t think as much about data,” says Baylor Chaplain Burt Burleson ‘80, who has been in his current role since 2007 after 12 years as pastor of DaySpring Baptist Church in Waco. “We really don’t have good data that informs what changes students may make while they’re at Baylor. We do have a broad understanding, however, about the spiritual experience that students have or can have because we’re with them and know them and because we are doing assessments on various programs in Student Life that are targeted toward specific outcomes.

Because students migrate and move and change and come and go here and there, it would probably be more helpful to talk to them a decade after graduation as they look back on their time at Baylor than to ask them at some “point” while they’re at Baylor where they are spiritually.”

When Burleson attended Baylor in the 1970s, he says it felt like his classmates were all on similar journeys, with it seeming like 80 percent were Texas Baptists. In fact, one of his classmates was Catholic, but they never talked about it.

“Baby Boomers saw lines. Everyone else’s religion was just a little bit off. It’s not that way now,” Burleson says.

“Today, it’s common to talk to Protestant students about their faith and see that they don’t use the denomination as a noun.

Protestants don’t have a sense of institutional loyalty like we winter 2016

the baylor line

33

2/8/16 6:18 PM

“Protestants don’t have a sense of institutional loyalty like we once did – and that’s a blessing in a way,” says Baylor Chaplain Burt Burleson ‘80.

once did — and that’s a blessing in a way. They’re exposed to lots of different views.”

Are “Labels” less important these days?

So where have all the Baptists gone? Perhaps they’ve just taken a side step over to the non-denominational side of the aisle — or perhaps away from the church completely. Today, more than 22 percent of Baylor students self-identify as NonDenominational.

At Baylor, calculating the number for “non-denominational” growth comparisons isn’t simple. Over the years, the school has changed its categories and phased out a category called “Not Specified,” which could include a group that is just protective of their privacy. If you include as Non-Denominational anyone who characterized themselves over the years as Christian Non-Affiliated, Non-Denominational, Christian Church, Interdenominational, Other Than Listed, or Evangelical, the percentage was less than 10 percent prior to 2005; although, the Not Specified category prior to 2005 hit double digits and could have been Non-Denominational.

In addition, back in 1991, the university didn’t even capture data on students who might fall into the Non-Religious category. The reasons behind the fact that the Non-Religious group now stands at 4 percent in 2015 – one out of every 25 students at an “unapologetically Christian” school may be a question for a different day.

“There’s a consensus among scholars that denominational identity has vastly declined in America over the last 50 years,” 34

the baylor line winter 2016

34_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 34

says Dr. Barry Hankins ’78, MA ‘83, a Baylor history professor and co-author of the 2015 book, “Baptists in America.” “It’s caught up with our mobile society. In the past, if you moved, you found the best Baptist church. Now you look for something close to you. It’s now more about differentiating yourself as to whether you’re conservative, moderate, or liberal.”

Dr. Daniel Bagby ’62, MS ’64, has been Minister of Pastoral Care at River Road Church, Baptist, in Richmond, VA, since 2011 and was the pastor of Seventh and James Baptist Church in Waco for nearly 17 years.

He thinks “changing needs” are the reason for the shift.

“The Baptist label means less and it’s the same across denominations,” Bagby says. “It’s less important these days to describe oneself as Southern Baptist, and less important to attend church. In the 1990s, 70 percent to 80 percent of the new people joining my church were Baptists. Now it’s 50 percent.

And it’s the same for those who are going to other churches.

People just want to know if a particular church meets their needs. I’m seeing a lot more couples who come from different denominations and are looking for a place where both can connect.”

Hankins says that “Lots of kids come to Baylor believing what Baptists have always believed — conversion, daily walk with Christ, Bible reading, prayer, going on missions — but their families were taking them to some sort of generic evangelical Bible church because of denominational identity.

They believe the same things as Baptists but happen not to be Baptists.”

Baylor Professor Byron Johnson responds to a Pew Research study which determined that a whopping 44 percent of Americans have left the faith affiliation in which they were raised, a finding that many people in the media immediately claimed meant religion is on its deathbed, that atheism is on the rise, or that people are becoming less religious.

“That doesn’t mean they have left their faith altogether,” Johnson told the National Press Club during a November 2015 panel. “We look at that study and say that it is a phenomenal thing that people would switch churches.”

What’s going on with Admissions?

Enrollment is a function of three steps in the application process: (1) composition of the pool of applicants; (2) composition BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

2/8/16 6:18 PM

“Baby Boomers saw lines. Everyone else’s religion was just a little bit off. It’s not that way now.” —Baylor Chaplain Burt Burleson ‘80 of the pool of those accepted; and (3) composition of the pool of those who enroll for classes.

Baylor declined to provide numbers around the percentage of Baptist applicants at each of those points in the process.

But a review of the Baylor Institutional Research and Testing (IRT) report for the current freshman class shows that only 32.1 percent of the 2,954 self-described Baptists who were accepted by Baylor chose to enroll. That compares with 38.2 percent of the 1,929 Baptists who were accepted in 2005, the earliest data available on the IRT website. While the numbers show a fairly substantive decrease, it should be noted that the overall enrollment (also known as “yield” rates for 2015 and 2005 were 24.2 percent and 31.2 percent, respectively (with the Baptist numbers included).

At a time when Baylor is trumpeting its stronger freshman class, it is worth noting that the university continues to acknowledge that it’s losing gifted students to other schools.

“In my generation, if you were a Baptist kid in a Southern Baptist church across the south and you were really bright, you wanted to go to Baylor,” says Ella Wall Prichard ‘63, a member of the Board of Regents from 1992 to 2001. “At the most, you might have gone to Vanderbilt or Duke. Now they go to Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, etc.”

That view is supported by a statement that accompanies the data that Baylor IRT publishes on Non-Enrolling Accepted Students. In nine of the past 11 years, Baylor says “students who were accepted but did not enroll at Baylor had higher entrance test scores and high school percentiles than those students who did enroll.”

It should also be noted that Baylor is doing very well with its alumni’s children and grandchildren. Within this year’s freshman class, nearly 31 percent reported a legacy connection to Baylor, up from about 28 percent a year earlier. Most of the people interviewed for this story agree that members of the Baylor Family understand and see the value of a Baylor education. Whether they can afford it, with tuition, fees, and room and board heading toward $53,000 next year, is a different question.

René Maciel, MS ‘91, president of both the Baptist General Convention of Texas and Baptist University of the Américas in San Antonio, thinks the cost of attending schools like Baylor is a primary driver of the decrease in Baptist enrollment.

“I’ve watched every Texas Baptist school drop in numbers and percentage of Baptist students,” he says. “We’ve priced ourselves out of Baptist kids. Even though the quality of education at these schools is incredible, it’s a challenge for Baptist families to invest because of costs per year of tuition.”

When Maciel was director of student services and then Assistant Dean for Administration and Academic Services at the George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor from 1999 to 2003, he saw students from Baptist schools arrive with BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

35_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 35

$40,000 to $60,000 in debt and then doubled that as they studied to become a pastor. With tuition continuing to skyrocket at many schools, the problem continues to grow.

“I’ve seen many of them get out of the ministry because that debt became a burden that impacted their ability to take care of their families,” Maciel says.

Maciel worked in Admissions at Baylor from 1985-1990, during which time he talked to dozens hopeful applicants.

“They would tell me in the summer that they really wanted to go to Baylor and couldn’t wait to apply. Later, they’d tell me they got in and couldn’t wait to go but it depended on what the university would give them for financial aid. Then I’d run into them and they’d tell me they were going somewhere else, perhaps to a community college.”

“I’d have similar conversations with their parents, many of whom were pastors and many of whom also graduated from Baylor. They’re all excited about what’s going on at Baylor, but they know their pastor salary isn’t going to pay for it. They talk about it and pray about it, but they ultimately decide they have to go somewhere else.”

In February 2011, the Board of Regents endorsed a plan to increase scholarships awarded to the children of Baptist ministers and missionaries (up to $5,000 each) and said they expected to award more than $500,000 per year. Beyond those grants, the university offers a range of scholarships to Baptists, from matching church and state Baptist convention scholarships (up to $1,000) to educational assistance to Baptist students preparing for careers in church-related vocational ministry (20 percent of tuition for undergraduate hours).

Baylor spokesperson Lori Fogleman says Baylor advertises in several publications in Texas and around the country and the Admissions team attends more than 500 college fairs and high-school visits across the country and world – and rallies in the spring at large churches in the top 10 Texas markets as well as Denver and southern California. And the success of Baylor’s athletics program certainly attracts its share of Baylor Nation fans.

Fogleman says the university has made “a concentrated effort over the past decade to strengthen our faith commitment.”

She cites an increase in Baylor’s student mission trips that also are tied to their academic experience, such as business students working with small businesses in Uganda, Rwanda, and Zambia, and increasing research productivity by bringing in more outstanding scholars who also believe in involving undergraduate and graduate students in their research.

“During this same period, we have planned for and transformed our campus, and I believe that is one of the reasons for the increased popularity of Baylor as a college choice,” Fogleman adds. “Athletics has been incredibly helpful in bringing attention to Baylor because of its success, but during this time of tremendous growth, we also greatly enhanced our student life and academic experiences. We’ve created a multitude winter 2016

the baylor line

35

2/8/16 6:19 PM

“We’ve priced ourselves out of Baptist kids.” —René Maciel, MS ’91, President, BGCT, President, Baptist University of the Américas of new academic programs, and we’ve added more than a half-billion dollars in new and renovated facilities, including three new residential communities and new buildings for the sciences, law, theology, and business.”

Baylor’s success cannot be denied, but those new facilities comes at a price. Minimal endowment growth continues to impact the cost of tuition. Paying long-term debt depends on continued fundraising success. Baylor’s tuition has steadily grown, rising 32 percent since the 2011 school year, but Baylor leadership says they want to keep future rate increases at no more than 4 percent. President Ken Starr has consistently said the the solution to reducing the cost of tuition is increasing the endowment which is currently at $1.2 billion, up from $871 million when he took office in 2010. Starr told the Waco Trib last year that the goal is to hit $2 billion with an emphasis on attracting more endowed scholarships. Under his leadership, the school completed a $100 million scholarship campaign well before its scheduled end date.

Others point out that significant increases in Texas’s Hispanic population could be a driver in the increased Catholic enrollment at Baylor. Maciel recalls that as one of the few Hispanics on President Herbert Reynolds’s staff in 1985, Reynolds asked him how Baylor could attract more Hispanics.

“I told him to tell me about our Hispanic vice presidents, about our Hispanic faculty, about our Hispanic staff,” Maciel says. “When Hispanics came to visit Baylor, they didn’t see any Hispanic faces. And then I introduced my dad [Eleazar Maciel ‘52] to Dr. Reynolds and he became the first Hispanic Regent.”

Hankins says he thinks “Baylor is a decision of faith for a

minority of people. We really don’t know why kids go to the schools they do for the reason they do. We certainly know that football success drives applications. The spike we’ve seen in applications is not likely driven by religion.”

Rebranding: The move to a “Christian university in the Baptist tradition” For some, the importance of being Baptist became less important than being “Baptistic,” a phrase that was often used by President Sloan and those committed to a different trajectory for Baylor. While not everyone agrees on the concept of “Baptistic,” few would argue that the focus on being Baptist at Baylor has changed.

In an effort to broaden its appeal beyond its historic Baptist base, the university launched a rebranding effort.

The charter change and the split in Texas Baptist churches, along with the emergence of Baylor 2012, Sloan’s controversial 10-year strategic plan, led to the university becoming more “intentionally Christian,” with a greater emphasis on hiring explicitly Christian professors who could help the university achieve its goal of being a top-tier research university, regardless of denominational affiliation.

“Over the last 20 years, Baylor has rebranded itself as a Christian university in the Baptist tradition more than as a Baptist university,” Hankins says. “We’ve even changed the language. It goes back to the 2012 project. We have lots of young people on this campus who are not Baptists, but they are committed Christians, including Catholics. They want to go to a Christian school and see Baylor as a place they’d like to go to for that reason.”

Is THE CAMPUS MORE “RELIGIOUS” TODAY THAN

B

aylor Chaplain Burt Burleson, who oversees students’ spiritual journeys as Dean of Spiritual Life, says he’s not sure he can answer that particular question and others agree that it may be unanswerable.

“It’s different religiously. I think there’s much more intentionality around many parts of the community.

I believe that leadership at Baylor became much more international about exploring the commitment to and depth of a candidate’s Christian faith as a part of the hiring process. I think we’re imagining more about what it

36

the baylor line winter 2016

36_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 36

means to be a Christian university.

We’re trying to bring everyone into the conversation. As an old Baylor guy, I kind of bowed up at first, but it became very exciting.”

Baylor History Professor Barry Hankins is more definitive with his answer: “Yes, there are more faculty engaged in scholarship on religion than ever before. There are faculty in history, sociology, political science, literature, and, of course, religion, for whom the study of religion is their life’s work.

This has made Baylor one of the most exciting places to be in the country for scholars of religion.”

But does scholarship on religious subjects necessarily make a faculty more religious? Older alumni recall their professors in their Baptist churches on Sunday teaching Sunday school, serving as ushers and deacons, and singing in the choir. And students were in church on Sunday during a time when Baylor was clearly far more conservative than it is today.

Those alumni also remember a four-semester chapel requirement and two semesters of religion. Today, at a time of growing religious diversity, the issue of even twice-weekly mandatory chapel for freshmen re-

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

2/8/16 6:19 PM

20

AN

Burleson sees it as a reflection of a changing profile with strong students and worldwide recruiting.

“I don’t recall knowing an international student when I was here,” he says with a smile. “I think it’s been deliberate and intentional. It’s a broader recruiting effort, trying to reach scholars and go worldwide. It’s not just a more ecumenical experience.”

Indeed, Baylor hired a professional enrollment management company, Noel-Levitz, during the Sloan years that drove higher inquiries and applications. It was during this time that the term “Baptistic” emerged to broaden the applicant pool.

Burleson remembers hearing people talking about becoming a world-class university and asking, “What is wrong with the way we are now?”

“When Baylor rebranded as a Christian university, it suddenly became appealing to non-Baptist evangelicals in other parts of the country,” Hankins says. “We got onto their radar.

Baylor began placing ads in Christianity Today, which is largely a magazine of Midwestern and Northern evangelicals.

We were marketing ourselves in ways we had never before bothered to.”

More students come from out of state. Back in 1997, 78.7 percent of Baylor’s 12,472 students came from Texas; today, that number is 74.8 percent — an increase of 2,262 to 4,799 non-Texans. Where Illinois and Washington State didn’t appear on 1997’s Top 10 States of Origin list, Illinois ranked fourth on this year’s list.

Former Provost Emeritus Donald Schmeltekopf ‘62 says that by the end of his 12 year tenure in 2003, Baylor was “recruiting new faculty members exclusively on the basis of

Baylor’s identity as a premier Christian university. The ‘Baptist tradition’ part was usually understood, but that was not the lead argument for attracting faculty and students to come to Baylor. Most people tended to know from Baylor’s reputation that we were historically Baptist. What we needed to make clear by the year 2000 was that we were going to be a Christian research university, and that Baylor was uniquely positioned to be the only such university in the Protestant orbit.”

“Baylor is a long way from ever not being viewed as a Baptist university as long as it remains intentionally Christian,” says Hankins. “The focus must be on intentionally cultivating its religious identity or its religious identity won’t last long because the forces of higher education push toward a secular position.”

He points to a lot of schools founded as denominational or Christian, including Duke, Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Vanderbilt, and Emory, that have little religious identity left.

“If you don’t intentionally hire professing, practicing Christians you’re not going to have a very Christian university within about one generation,” Hankins explains.

Charter Change, Split in Texas Churches Leads to Baylor Becoming More “Intentionally Christian”

“Prior to 1991, Baylor was essentially a Baptist university,” says Schmeltekopf. “About half of its student body was Baptist and about half of its faculty members were Baptists.

In addition, its governing board was totally Baptist and all were from Texas. The charter change of September 21, 1990, was the catalyst for the changes.”

Burleson, who described himself as “an old, moderate

20 YEARS AGO? gardless of their religious affiliation is somewhat troubling for Burleson, who describes himself as “a Baptist whose basic core conviction is you can’t coerce faith. It’s different for academic subjects. But Chapel is different because we’re praying. It’s worship.”

But Burleson is testing “alternatives” to the historic requirement of two semesters of Chapel with a limited number of students, adding that “the great majority of students will attend University Chapel, but there are a limited number who can receive one of those credits through alternatives that are led by my office [including]

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

37_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 37

small groups or daily prayer services in our campus chapels.”

In the final analysis, Burleson says the university’s goal is to “grow in its understanding of how to be faithfully Christian and yet minister to and welcome students who are coming from different religious cultures. As a University, we’re asking what it means to offer hospitality in the name of Christ; we’re into a new day of trying to crack that nut.”

Baylor’s cross-cultural ministry includes interfaith dialogue with students from all other traditions. “Our work in the chaplain’s office is a part

of a larger movement on the campus related to Global Engagement and Cultural Competency goals,’ Burleson says.

“We want them to know we’re trying to understand and be with them, which is the essence of compassion,” he told the Waco Trib.

Burleson says his team has a “ways to go to institutionalize that. But we’re not beating people over the head with the Bible. But as Baptists, we ought to all squirm a bit about making people come into places where we pray.”

winter 2016

the baylor line

37

2/8/16 6:19 PM

38

the baylor line winter 2016

38_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 38

Dr. Barry Hankins, “In the past, if you moved, you found the best Baptist church. Now you look for something close to you.”

started noticing but I don’t think [the leaders] would have said that being ecumenical was critical as it relates to the student population, and that they had to do this with respect to faculty.”

But Schmeltekopf says that these numbers were not cause for discussion or concern.

“Those of us in the administration were aware of the shifting numbers, but with the adoption of Baylor 2012 in 2001…we needed to recruit the finest students and the finest faculty possible, and if that meant bringing in more non-Baptists, so be it. In fact, what we found was that serious non-Baptists, such as other evangelicals and Catholics, were immensely attracted to Baylor because we were committed to becoming a first-rate Christian university, and, not surprisingly, our Baptist principles strongly contributed to this ecumenical approach.”

Burleson concedes that “all that was troublesome for a lot of Baylor. They asked whether we would lose our great teachers because now they’d have to publish or perish. It was the financial model — we never borrowed money for buildings.

So it was all of that and people were very anxious — even if they were thoughtful.”

Burleson adds that it was a question of “spiritual disposition” in the days before the hiring of Sloan to replace Herbert Reynolds as Baylor’s president.

“We’d wonder if there was a fundamentalist behind this bush or that bush, and then Robert comes in and says we’re going to change this and change that,” Burleson says. “And many people worried about whether he was going to turn us into a Bible college. There was a lot of fear, which made it difficult to consider new things.”

The apparent end result was a shift in thinking and conversation across campus.

“I meet amazing kids and faculty and they’re so excited to be able to have conversations about their faith,” Burleson says.

“They can begin to wonder about what faith looks like for an economist, think about the purpose of an economy from a Christian perspective. Might a Baylor student and their degree equip them for that conversation differently from an A&M degree?”

eric guel

Baptist who was pastoring people on both sides,” said people were “battle-weary” at the time he became chaplain, adding that his pastoral experience relative to Baylor 2012 was as a pastor in Waco as the university was reimagining its mission and dealing with the turmoil of that.

“Texas, North Carolina, and Virginia were the only states that did not fall to fundamentalist takeover. One of the reasons Texas didn’t fall was because Baylor and BAA were in lockstep,” Burleson says. “You have to remember that in the 1980s, if you came from a conservative background, you would come to Baylor and say, ‘wow, we can ask questions and we can think and we can disagree with our pastors’ and we got a broader understanding of not only Baptist faith but the Gospel. It was freeing and it got us excited…and then here come the fundamentalists taking over all these institutions.”

Hankins agrees that “one of the main reasons Baylor became more intentionally Christian — in fact the whole 2012 project — was because of the charter change. President Reynolds said there was no way he would allow this university to go off in the direction of secularism. That’s what normally happens. Once the university loses its ties with its sponsoring denominational body, one generation later it has almost no identity.”

But the change came at a price.

“Texas Baptist pastors felt Baylor pulling away from Baptist principles and that spooked them,” Maciel said. “They didn’t fully understand that Baylor wasn’t pulling away. They were protecting themselves from takeover.”

Relationships with the conventions have yet to recover.

“Baylor lost the SBC connection with the charter change, and the SBC lost, in some people’s view, “its crown jewel,” former Regent Prichard said. “Fundamentalist leaders never forgave Herb Reynolds and John Baugh, and the throngs of students who came from conservative Baptist megachurches in Dallas and Houston dwindled.”

Some of those interviewed for this article argue that Baylor operated for a long time under the belief that academic scholarship didn’t have a lot to do with Christian faith. The introduction of Baylor 2012, they say, represented the first integration of Christian faith with academics.

“The two places to look for serious Christian scholars were the Catholic Church and the Reformed/Calvinist tradition,” says Hankins. “Those two areas had the deepest history of intellectual engagement at all levels and Baylor recruited there.”

This was particularly true for departments being asked to start PhD programs that began hiring distinguished professors in an effort to attract graduate students.

“Would the creators of 2012 have anticipated this blue line” of decreasing Baptists, asks Burleson. “They were pretty much Baptist. When I came here in 2007, I do remember people started noticing and remember a conversation that we need to work harder to get some Baptists in here. People

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

2/8/16 6:20 PM

“If you don’t intentionally hire professing, practicing Christians you’re not going to have a very Christian university within about one generation.” — Dr. Barry Hankins ’78, MA ‘83, Baylor professor and co-author of the 2015 book, Baptists in America So does the sharp decrease in Baptists matter?

Are we in a good place?

Burleson says Baylor is ending up in a good place, even though he recognizes there have been bumps along the way.

“I wouldn’t say that it doesn’t matter, but I don’t find myself carrying a lot of angst about that,” he explains. “I think there are less Baptists to go around and as the competitiveness of getting into Baylor goes up, there are more people coming in from other places. There are just more people applying. But I don’t find myself waking up and feeling burdened about that.

What is God calling me and calling us to do? Baylor has a unique opportunity; I don’t think what we’re trying to do has ever been done.”

Hankins suggests that “some people do care. My take is that the primary opposition to 2012 was (1) the concern that integration of faith and scholarship and being more intentionally Christian was a move toward fundamentalism and (2) that becoming a research university would damage Baylor’s emphasis on teaching.”

“In my view, the first of those concerns was simply unwarranted. If Baylor were to move toward fundamentalism, the first thing it would do is fire, not hire, Catholics, and put an emphasis on hiring fundamentalist Baptists. As to the second concern, I believe it was warranted as a concern but hasn’t happened. Virtually all the professors hired at Baylor in the past 12 years are publishing scholars. If they weren’t, they wouldn’t get tenure and would be gone after six years…

Virtually every Christian scholar I meet across the country is excited about what has happened at Baylor and love to come on the faculty here.”

Dr. Bagby says the trend could be concerning to almuni, who value tradition and the spiritual repution of the school.

“Does it matter? It depends on your generation,” he says.

“My parents both went to Baylor and for them fidelity and faithfulness was important, so yes, it would matter to them.”

Schmeltekopf believes it is critical that Baylor sustain a strong Baptist connection, largely because such a tie helps contribute to its faithfulness as a Christian university.

“The capacity of Baylor to become an ever-stronger Christian university depends, in part, on a core of Baptist leaders who find their religious identity in what we might call ‘bigtent orthodoxy,’ a grand tradition that embraces both religious freedom and historical Christian teaching,” he says. “This tradition has produced a distinct culture at Baylor and a large community of support that depends, in part, on our Baptist faith and heritage. Perhaps the best way to summarize this perspective is to say that Baylor remains Baptist-related while clearly welcoming to Christians of all sorts who seek a serious educational alternative to the prevailing anti-religious ethos of BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

39_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 39

our age.”

Fogleman says “not one student should come through on an official visit and not leave knowing that Baylor is unapologetically Christian and that the university’s Christian mission is central to their entire education.”

Dickerson says that encountering Baylor’s diversity as a student set her on the path to her current career as CEO of an ethical fashion and lifestyle brand dedicated to empowering women through design.

“I volunteered at Mission Waco and traveled internationally,” she says. “I explored my faith as a college student, grew spiritually, and then applied it in a world context. My faith had never been stronger, but it didn’t fit into a traditional Baptist church.

“I definitely became more liberal socially in my faith but am still conservative theologically if that makes sense. So I love diverse churches that are actively involved in the arts and social justice, with a community that really accepts you as is.

We love churches that practice some of the ancient liturgy, something we didn’t have in our modern Baptist experience.

Nothing formal or stuffy, just meaningful and rich.”

And perhaps that means she’s had the kind of spiritual journey over these past two decades that Burleson and his predecessors dream of shepherding. BL

Let’s Talk We invite you to join the conversation on the BAA website about whether declining percentages of Baptist students and faculty at Baylor “matter.”

•

Are you part of the growing number of people who see denominational identity as less important?

Was the decrease in Baptist enrollment inescapable, intentional, or just a by-product of the charter change, implementation of Baylor 2012, and rising tuition?

Have these trends strengthened the Baylor Family and Baylor Experience?

How do you see the future for Baylor as a “Christian university in the Baptist tradition?”

• • •

Please share your thoughts on this article, on this issue, and whether you’d like to see more stories like this in the Baylor Line through either the Comments on our website or with an e-mail to BaylorLine@BaylorAlumniAssociation.com. Please provide your name, YOG, and location when posting.

winter 2016

the baylor line

39

2/8/16 6:20 PM

MENU M A

McLane Stadium and growth of both Baylor and downtown Waco drive interest in I-3

40

THE BAYLOR LINE winter 2016

40_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 40

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

2/8/16 6:05 PM

M ADNESS

st in I-35 restaurant row between South Fourth and Eleventh Streets

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

41_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 41

winter 2016

THE BAYLOR LINE

41

2/8/16 6:06 PM

f

by Peter Osborne

42

the baylor line winter 2016

42_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 42

potle Mexican Grill, Wok Box, Pie Five Pizza, Jersey Mike’s Subs, and Steel City Pops have signed on as tenants with three more retailers to come.

“The majority of these people have another location and they’ll look elsewhere if they’re successful here,” said Bland Cromwell, a partner at Coldwell Banker Commercial – Jim Stewart Realtors, which is bringing in Freddy’s and Panera Bread and working on a new Raising Cane’s for the area.

Cromwell says it’s not just the frontage road along the Interstate that’s benefiting from the move away from old housing and hospitality.

“That part of I-35 is seeing 110,000 cars per day; the amount of traffic is insane and growing,” he said.

“I think everything will be redeveloped from Fourth Street to Eleventh and from the Interstate back to Franklin with commercial, retail, and student housing.”

Josh Carter ’99, who works with Cromwell at Coldwell Banker Commercial, expects to see more growth as developers assemble the lots and move the residential zoning to commercial.

“You need an anchor to drive more development.

There’s the stadium, they’re building an urgent care center next to Twisted Root, and Magnolia Market just opened,” says Carter who moved from Dallas to go to Baylor and remained after graduation to raise a family.

“It can’t be all fast food. You need to backfill the space and you need diversity beyond the restaurants.”

Magnolia Market, the converted Brazos Valley Cotton Oil Mill at 601 Webster Ave., has quickly become

all photographs by rod aydelotte

For years, some of the most visible landmarks on the west side of Interstate 35 across from Baylor were the Clarion Hotel Waco and the campuses of University High School and Sul Ross Elementary School. That stretch of road is almost unrecognizable now, as a result of the rapid redevelopment. Heavy demolition and construction are turning the area between South Fourth Street and South Eleventh Street along the frontage road into Waco’s newest Restaurant Row. Baylor alumni returning to school can now find Waco’s first In-N-Out Burger alongside new restaurants Freddy’s Steakburgers, Twisted Root Burger Co., and Chick-fil-A already open along the strip, with more hot dining spots on the way.

For some eateries, the new sites are a second or third location in Waco. Others are the result of developers accumulating enough property to develop on coveted Interstate space or a recognition of Waco’s growing positive visibility between the opening of McLane Stadium and the popularity of HDTV’s Fixer Upper TV series.

“Waco hadn’t embraced I-35 development like other large cities had embraced their interstates,” says Whitney Richter, business development and marketing manager for the Greater Waco Chamber. “McLane Stadium has increased Waco’s visibility, which encouraged developers to look at Waco because Waco was investing in itself.”

“There was a lack of underutilized commercial space, a lack of accessible high-quality retail space. It just wasn’t the highest and best use,” says Scott Rodgers, VP of leasing for Dallas-based DuWest Realty, which is developing the space where the 148-room Clarion Hotel stood with a 16,000 square foot center called Bear Grounds Plaza that is being anchored by the In-N-Out and CVS. “I live in the Greenville area of Dallas and it has 20 different dining options,” Rodgers said. “You go in and you’re not sure where you’re going, but you have choices. Baylor is important to the equation as is all the development of housing in the area. Walkability is key.”

So Chick-fil-A has opened its new restaurant on the site of the former Sul Ross Elementary School and Twisted Root now occupies the former Texas Playhouse building. Site work has begun on Bear Grounds Plaza and leasing is nearly complete thanks to “staggering interest,” according to Rodgers. Chi-

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

2/8/16 6:06 PM

There are those who may not be excited to see Baylor’s skyline with this many fast-food restaurants, but this growth is encouraging other growth in the area: “Everyone sees what everyone else is doing andsays we have to do something too,” says Scott Rodgers of DuWest Realty in Dallas.

ground zero for the home-furnishing empire of Chip and Joanna Gaines, the hosts of HGTV’s Fixer Upper TV show. Since opening in late October, traffic around Magnolia Market has choked the neighboring streets with an estimated 15,000 shoppers per week.

Resulting inquiries seek to determine how best to deal with a lack of on-site parking. That study is looking at all of downtown with a special emphasis on the areas around the convention center and Magnolia Market.

The proposal by Dallas-based Catalyst Urban Development to develop the city’s Brazos Commons Riverfront, a 17-acre site that includes the Waco Downtown Farmers Market offers other exciting possibilities. Plans for “Brazos Promenade” include four-story buildings in the blocks around Webster Avenue and University Parks Drive for hundreds of residential, restaurant, office, and retail units, with a 150-unit “enhanced service” hotel next to the new BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

43_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 43

Interstate 35 bridges. The proposal also includes a boat-accessible restaurant on the hotel’s first floor, boat slips, a “waterfront tavern on the green,” and extensive parklike spaces along the river that could host concerts and other activities as well as the Downtown Farmers Market.

Dave’s Burger Barn owner Tim Quiroz ’09 told the Waco Trib in late December that he’s planning to open a second location at 18th Street that he calls a “food-court restaurant” that will include a Dave’s Burger Barn and three other restaurants under one roof with a central dining area.

With In-N-Out and CVS open and the rest of Bear Grounds Plaza scheduled for completion by third quarter, Carter says he expects a “lot of announcements” over the next few months.

“Everyone sees what everyone else is doing and says we have to do something too,” Rodgers said. BL winter 2016

the baylor line

43

2/8/16 6:07 PM

Practical Advice for Financing a College Education

Avoiding the studentz z z z debt ztrap z z

by Robert C. Cloud and Richard Fossey

A

44

the baylor line winter 2016

44_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 44

gualtiero boffi

mericans have accumulated a total of $1.3 TRILLION in student-loan debt, the nation’s second largest category of consumer debt, surpassed only by home mortgages. About 41 million people have college loans, and most are able to make their monthly loan payments. But, as the New York Times recently observed, about 10 million people have either defaulted on their student loans or are delinquent in their payments. Several million more have obtained economic-hardship deferments that excuse them from paying down their loans until they can get on their feet financially; but for most people who have these deferments, student-loan balances are getting larger due to accruing unpaid interest.

How can people avoid falling into the studentloan trap? What can they do to plan their college

experience so that they graduate with a worthwhile degree without being burdened by a stack of unmanageable student loans? In this article, we offer practical advice about how to finance a college education without becoming buried by a mountain of student-loan debt.

Determine the cost-benefit ratio for the degree you are seeking and do not borrow more money than you can reasonably handle when you take your first post-graduate job. First, prior to enrollment, a student should make a reasonable estimate of what his or her first post-graduate salary will be. For example, someone enrolled in a teacher-preparation program can expect to get an entry-level teaching job in a Texas school district that pays about $45,000 a year. Financial experts recommend that such a person borrow no more than $45,000, about the amount of the graduate’s first-year salary.

Of course, many college freshmen will find it

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

2/8/16 6:00 PM

45_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 45

2/8/16 6:01 PM

difficult to estimate the salary of their first post-graduate job.

Many first-year students have only a vague sense of their career goals, and some may plan to go to graduate school immediately upon graduation. Nevertheless, people with no clear sense of their career path would be foolish to borrow $100,000 to obtain a liberal arts degree.

Do not enroll in a for-profit college. Although there are exceptions, most for-profit colleges charge roughly twice as much for an undergraduate degree as public institutions. And the data are clear that people who graduate from for-profit institutions have higher student-debt loads and higher studentloan default rates than graduates of public or private colleges and universities. Students who seek vocational training can generally acquire it at a public community college at a cost far below what for-profit vocational training schools charge.

Very rarely will it make financial sense for an individual to complete a degree or certificate from a for-profit institution if a comparable credential can be obtained at a nearby public (or even private) college or university.

Do not finance your college education by taking out loans from a private bank or lending institution. Most

students obtain their college loans through the federal student aid program, but some students finance their studies by taking out loans from private lenders, including the banks.

According to the Wall Street Journal, students borrowed $6.9 billion from private lenders to finance their postsecondary studies in 2013.

Taking out private student loans is often a bad practice. Interest rates are generally higher for private student loans than

Student debt rises as loan default numbers fall

by Peter Osborne

A

s Professors Fossey and Cloud point out, an increasing number of high school seniors choosing their colleges and current students considering graduate school are looking beyond questions about their time on campus and contemplating the potential debt that awaits them upon graduation. Additionally, an increasing number of publications are using Student Debt metrics to drive their rankings of colleges.

In one such high-profile survey that puts a major emphasis on student debt, Baylor ranked 197th of 650 schools on Forbes’ list of America’s Top Colleges 2015, which was published in July. Forbes partnered with the Washington, D.C.-based Center for College Affordability and Productivity (CCAP) for the list, which measures “output” over “input.” That means they care less about what gets a student into college and more about what students are getting out of the college.

A Nov. 6, 2015, post on the BAA website explains why Baylor ranked where it did. “Student Debt” represented 25% of the rankings and the category where Baylor scored lowest was Debt Default

46

the baylor line winter 2016

46_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 46

Rate, which were based on federal numbers for graduate students that show higher levels than many of the university’s peers in Texas. The 3-year cohort default rate is the percentage of a school’s borrowers who enter repayment on certain Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program or William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program loans during a particular federal fiscal year (FY), October 1 to September 30, and default or meet other specified conditions prior to the end of the second following fiscal year.

Baylor has historically declined to provide loan-default numbers for loans taken by its undergraduates, which many experts say trend higher at most institutions, and declined to provide them for this story. In Baylor’s case, the DOE numbers are getting better, which bodes well for next year’s Forbes rankings, but the figures were based on only 2,615 students in repayment.

However, an improved ranking would not necessarily mean that Baylor alumni are having fewer struggles with their debt across the board. Cloud and Fossey argue that the DOE three-year default rate is a poor measure for determining the percentage of students who are actually paying back their

student loans.

So how big is the problem facing recent graduates?

“Millions of people have obtained economic-hardship deferments or loan-repayment forbearances that excuse them from making student-loan payments,” said Fossey. “These people are not counted as defaulters even though they are not making studentloan payments. Nevertheless, most people who select these options will see their loan balances go up due to accruing interest.”

Likewise, about 3.9 million people have signed up for long-term incomebased repayment plans that lower their monthly loan payments but extend the repayment period from 10 years to as long as 25 years.

“Forbearances, economic-hardship deferments and income-based repayment plans give student borrowers short-term relief from their studentloan burdens,” Fossey said. “Unfortunately, most borrowers who select these options will see their loan balances grow larger over time because their monthly payments are not large enough to cover accruing interest. In other words, their loans will negatively amortize.”

According to a recent Brookings In-

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

2/8/16 6:01 PM

the rates offered under the federal student-loan program, and most private lenders do not offer economic-hardship options for borrowers if they get into financial trouble and need a temporary deferment from their monthly loan payments. Moreover, most private lenders will require a co-signer to guarantee repayment, and that means the co-signer will be liable to repay the student loan if the student defaults or falls behind on monthly loan payments. And, thanks to legislation passed in 2005 at the behest of the banking industry, student loans taken out at private banks are just as difficult to discharge in bankruptcy as loans financed by the federal government.

Some students take out private loans without realizing that the terms and interest rates may be less favorable than federal loans. Indeed, as Forbes Magazine pointed out not long ago, some students don’t know the difference between public and

stitution report, negative amortization has surged across all sectors of higher education in recent years. In fact, 57 percent of student-loan borrowers from the FY 2012 cohort saw their loan balances increase two years after beginning the repayment phase due to accruing interest (Table 8). Among students who had attended “select” institutions like Baylor, about a 36 percent saw their loan balances go up two years after beginning the repayment phase of their loans.

But is that a temporary problem or something more?

The Department of Education recently released data through its interactive College Scorecard that shows that 87.7% of Baylor alumni with federal student loans have not defaulted and have seen decreases in their loan balances over the first five years since entering repayment, and the number increases to 90.6% if you look at their payments over the first seven years after entering repayment. The numbers exclude enrolled students and military deferment from calculation.

By comparison, the repayment rates for similar populations at SMU, Texas A&M, UT-Austin, and Texas Christian are slightly higher, and Rice alumni

47_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 47

private loans. And some students obtain private loans because they missed the deadline for filing a federal student-loan application.

Only rarely will it make sense for a student to supplement federal loans with private loans. Students who determine that a private loan is the only feasible way to finance their college education should seriously consider postponing their enrollment for a semester in order to obtain a federal loan. They should also consider going to a community college for a year or two and then transferring to the four-year college of their choice. Increasingly, savvy students are getting their basic undergraduate courses out of the way at a community college and then transferring to a four-year college to complete their academic major.

Repayment Rates and Median Starting Balances for Graduates

Five Year

Seven Year

Starting Balance

Baylor

87.7%

90.6%

$25,281

SMU

89.1%

92.3%

$22,500

TCU

90.2%

92.3%

$22,500

Rice

96.2%

97.2%

$8,413

Dallas Baptist

75.2%

84.0%

$23,430

Texas A&M

91.8%

94.4%

$19,253

UT-Austin

90.3%

93.3%

$22,165

Source: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/. Starting Balance represents the original amount of the loan principal for students who completed their degree.

are repaying at a 96.2 and 97.2% rate, respectively.

Compounding that, the median amount of the loan principal upon entering repayment are higher for Baylor graduates ($25,281) compared with its peer schools in Texas, according to the DOE/College Scorecard data.

What is the significance of this development? Simply this: Although three-year default rates are going down for every sector of higher education, the number of students who are making no student-loan payments or payments too low to reduce accruing interest has gone up. All these people

will find it more difficult to ultimately pay off their student loans because their loan balances are getting larger with each passing month—not smaller.

For its part, Baylor seems aware of the problem, as evidenced by the growth of its Baylor Bound partnerships that enable students to start at lowercost community colleges and then transfer to Baylor. Additionally,Student Financial Services has a free financial education program called Financial Foundation to provide resources and coaching to Baylor students.

2/8/16 8:24 PM

Do not ask parents or relatives to co-sign your student loans. Most private lenders will not issue a student

loan without having a financially stable parent or relative co-sign the loan. The co-signer is legally responsible to pay back the loan should you default or even if you die before the loan is paid off. And a co-signor will find it just as difficult to discharge a co-signed student loan in bankruptcy as the student who benefited from the loan. Although loving parents and relatives are often willing to co-sign student loans, a student should never ask anyone to do that. Indeed, a student who must obtain a co-signed student loan to finance college expenses is probably enrolled in the wrong program or failed to adequately examine other student loan options. In our view, there are few exceptions to this rule.

Do not borrow more than you need to finance your college education and live a minimal lifestyle. At one time,

most students took an implicit vow of poverty while they attended college. They lived in dormitories, often sharing a room with at least one other student; they ate in student dining halls; and they drove old cars if they owned a car at all.

Today, many college students live more affluently than the students of their parents’ generation. Upscale student housing now surrounds most college campuses, which may include swimming pools, tennis courts, and plenty of parking for late-model expensive cars. Many students take advantage of study-abroad opportunities that allow them to spend a semester in London, Madrid, or perhaps Paris. Often students borrow more than the cost of room, board, and books when they attend college. They borrow enough to live like they want to live after they graduate from college and have a job.

But every dollar that is borrowed must be paid back with interest. Students should borrow the absolute minimum they will need to complete their studies and obtain a degree. Many of those who borrow extravagantly will find their post-degree lifestyle constrained considerably because their loan payments will be so large that they do not have enough discretionary income left over to purchase a house, buy a car, or start a family.

Aggressively seek scholarships or institutional financial support. Many young people believe that their financial

future will be assured if only they can get into an elite college, and some are willing to borrow an unlimited amount of money to finance their education at an elite private institution.

In many instances, however, private colleges and universities have scholarship aid available, and students should ex-

plore scholarship opportunities aggressively. On average, private American colleges are now discounting their published tuition rate for incoming freshman students by 40 percent or more. No one wants to pay full price to attend a prestigious university and then find out that scholarship assistance or a tuition discount was available.

Work part-time while in college if it makes financial sense. A generation ago, when college tuition rates were

much lower than they are today, students could quite literally work their way through college by taking summer jobs and working part-time during the academic year. And that strategy may still work for some students.

But today, the cost of getting an undergraduate degree is much higher than it was just 10 or 15 years ago. It may not make financial sense for a college student to work part-time at a minimum-wage job, if the job interferes with studies or causes a student to extend a four-year undergraduate program by one or two years.

So students should do a careful cost-benefit analysis regarding part-time work. Sometimes a part-time job can provide a student with excellent on-the-job experience and even lead to a full-time job after graduation. Other times, part-time work simply lengthens the college experience, thus making it more expensive.

Conclusion

It is true of course that young people go to college to broaden their minds and develop themselves intellectually. But they should never forget that choosing a college is a matter of maximizing opportunity and minimizing risk. Years ago, when college tuition prices were relatively low, the financial consequences of making a bad choice regarding a college education were not serious. But today, a four-year degree from an elite private university can cost nearly a quarter million dollars, and almost no one can afford to attend such an institution without taking out loans or getting a substantial scholarship.

Federal student-loan money is readily available, but it must be paid back and paid back with interest. Choosing the wrong college, choosing the wrong academic major, or making the wrong decision about how to pay for a college education can lead to financial catastrophe. And—unlike other forms of consumer debt—bankruptcy may not be an option for students who accumulated too much student-loan debt and find themselves unable to pay it back. BL

Robert C. Cloud (left), MS ’66, EdD ’69, served as president of Lee College in Texas for ten years and as vice president and Dean at two other Texas colleges before joining the Baylor graduate faculty in 1988. He serves as a professor of higher education and as chair of the Department of Educational Administration.

Richard Fossey (right), who has his JD from the University of Texas School of Law and his EdD from Harvard, is a Paul Burdin Endowed Professor of Education at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

48

the baylor line winter 2016

48_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 48

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

2/8/16 6:02 PM

BAYLOR ALUMNI

FREE POPCORN WITH BAA MEMBERSHIP CARD

DINE-IN MOVIE THEATRE | RESTAURANT | BAR | LIVE MUSIC PATIO | EVENTS

DINE-IN THEATRE FIRST RUN MOVIES CLASSICS TUESDAY THROWBACK THURSDAY

RESTAURANT & BAR

EVENTS

KITCHEN HOURS: MON-FRI 11-2 & 5-CLOSE SAT & SUN 11-CLOSE HAPPY HOUR 5-7 BRUNCH HOURS: SUN 10-2

LIVE PATIO MUSIC BIRTHDAY PARTIES PRIVATE DINNERS WEDDINGS

WACOHIPPODROMETHEATRE.COM

49_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 49

2/8/16 6:02 PM

Down the 50

years

the baylor line winter 2016

50_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 50

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

2/8/16 5:51 PM

dow n t h e y e a r s

1940s Joe Spivey ‘48 and his wife Joan celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on Oct. 3, 2015,

practice in Dallas and Lindale. He

‘65, a longtime professor who

also served his country in the U.S.

has devoted his career to improv-

Army Reserve, retiring after 30

ing the design of complex sys-

years as a colonel.

tems for performing challenging

Donald Schmeltekopf ‘62

tasks across such areas as vision,

at the Fiesta House in Waco.

has written “Baylor at the

childbirth, and NASA life-support

Joe is a retired ExxonMobil Corp.

Crossroads, Memoirs of a Pro-

systems, received the university’s

executive. Joe and Joan are long-

vost.” Schmeltekopf was provost

Meritorious Achievement Award

time members of First United

from 1991 to 2003 and his book

in the category of Contributions

Methodist Church of Waco, crea-

looks at several key moments in

to the Professions: Research.

ted the Joe and Joan Endowed

the university’s path to becoming

Scholarship Fund at Baylor and

a Christian research university.

Diane Porter Patrick ‘66 has been honored for her years

Chaplain (Major) Perry W.

of public service in education by

Medallion Fellowship.

Polk ‘62 was named Chaplain of

having the new Diane Patrick El-

1950s

the Year for 2015 at the Civil Air

ementary School in Arlington, TX,

Patrol California Wing Confer-

named in her honor. Patrick left

ence in Newport Beach last

the Texas House of Representa-

‘55 has published

September. He served as the

tives in January after eight years

“Hermeneutics of

California Wing Deputy Chaplain

and previously served on the

Hymnody” through

and Travis Composite Squad-

Arlington ISD Board of Trustees

Smyth & Helwys,

ron 22 Chaplain. He is a Civil Air

for 11 years and Texas State Board

and also delivered a paper on

Patrol Mission Chaplain, Master

of Education for four years.

that topic to the International

Chaplain and has earned the

Conference of Hymn Societies at

Level IV Paul E. Garber Award.

recently celebrated the 50th

Cambridge University.

Effective October 1, he has been

anniversary of his ordination.

reassigned to be the Deputy

Cleaver, who is the director of

Hill celebrated their 55th wed-

Chaplain for the Civil Air Patrol

distance education and profes-

ding anniversary on Dec. 23, 2015.

Pacific Region, which encom-

sor of Biblical Studies at Baptist

John spent 33 years in federal

passes the five Wings bordering

Missionary Association (BMA)

service, serving six years as an

the Pacific Ocean and Nevada.

Theological Seminary, changed

active-duty Naval officer, 16 years

The primary duty of the Region

his plans of becoming a dentist

in the Naval Reserve, and then 11

Deputy Chaplain is to be dean

to surrender to the call of the

years as a special agent with the

of the annual region chaplain’s

Lord to the ministry. In 1977, he

Office of Naval Intelligence. The

staff college. Chaplain Polk is

was the first chaplain appointed

Hills have two children and three

the Interim Rector at Grace

by the BMA of America to serve

grandchildren.

Episcopal Church in Fairfield, CA,

in the U.S. Army.

1960s

and Chaplain for Paradise Valley

were recently inducted into the

Scotty Gray

John David Hill ‘59 and Gloria

John Roppolo ‘61 has been

Estates retirement community.

Dr. Harry “Fred” Tibbals III

Dr. Tony Cleaver ‘66, MS ‘88,

Dr. Ronald C. Auvenshine ‘66 was awarded the Humanitarian Award of the American

named Volunteer of the Year by the City of Carrolton, TX. He is

Gary Jackson accepting award.

secretary of Metrocrest Services, Baylor classmates from the

a member of the Historic Pres-

Sixties gathered to celebrate

ervation Advisory Commission,

the Arlington ISD’s honoring

Carrollton’s representative to the

Diane Porter Patrick ‘66 by

Dallas County Historical Com-

naming an elementary school

mission, and works with many

after her. The group toured

other organizations.

the school and went to lunch afterward.

Gary Jackson, LLB ‘62, received the 2015 Lindale ISD Distinguished Alumni Award.

Jackson has served as city judge of Arlington, TX; a trial attorney for the U.S. Justice Department; and as an attorney in private

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

51_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 51

winter 2016 the baylor line

51

2/8/16 5:52 PM

d own the years

Academy of Craniofacial Pain (AACP) at the annual Scientific

1970s Bob Simpson ‘70 received

Meeting on August 31, 2015. Dr.

Honor. Sadler served as Wayland

Basketball Coach and Athletic

Faculty Athletics Representa-

Department for the Edinburg

tive for 15 years and held several

CISD. Joe recently retired from

Auvenshine also received the

the Fort Worth Chamber of

offices in the National Associa-

public education after a 37-year

AACP’s Distinguished Service

Commerce’s High Impact Legacy

tion of Intercollegiate Athletics,

career as a teacher, coach, and

Award in 2009.

Award for his extensive renova-

receiving several awards for his

athletic director.

tions of many historic downtown

teaching and athletic involve-

Bell ‘68 was named outstanding

Fort Worth buildings, including

ment. He was public address

‘77, was named the 2015 Distin-

alumna of the Department of

most recently the former Star-

announcer for Wayland Athletics

guished Alumnus by McLennan

Library Science at Sam Houston

Telegram building at Seventh and

for 13 years.

Community College. Uptmore

State University. She has retired

Taylor streets. He is the third per-

to half time as professor of library

son to receive the award, among

of the Bell Nunnally & Martin

corporate training at MCC and

science at SHSU, where she

the chamber’s top honors.

law firm in Dallas was selected

has also served on MCC’s board

served as department chair.

Simpson owns MorningStar Oil

for inclusion in The Best Lawyers

of trustees (1980-94) and as

& Gas in Fort Worth and is also

in America 2016 for his work in

the executive director of the

MSED ‘70, received the Commu-

a co-owner of the Texas Rangers

Health Care Law.

McLennan Community College

nicator of the Year Award from

baseball team.

Dr. Mary Ann (Fitzgerald)

Patsy Watson Thomas ‘68,

Dr. Joel Gregory ‘70, PhD

the Greater Fort Worth Chapter

Barrett Richards ‘72, JD ‘73,

Karrin Ford ‘73 has been named an assistant profes-

Danny Uptmore, MBA

is the executive director of

Foundation (1995-2000).

Georgia Crump, JD ‘78, a

of the Public Relations Society

‘83, has been installed as the

sor of music at Sul Ross State

principal with Lloyd Gosselink

of America in early November.

holder of the newly established

University, after spending a year

Rochelle & Townsend in Austin,

Thomas is the president of Men-

George W. Truett Endowed Chair

at Baylor as associate professor

was recognized in Best Lawyer’s

tal Health Connection of Tarrant

in Preaching and Evangelism at

from 2014-15.

2016 listing of The Best Lawyers in

County.

Baylor’s George W. Truett Theo-

Dr. Michael Attas ‘69, chief

Marcia Kuszmaul ‘74 and her

America in the category of Energy Law.

logical Seminary. The chair was

husband are now the propri-

cardiologist at Baylor Scott &

made possible by a gift from First

etors of Juneberry Lodge, a bed

White Hillcrest Medical Center

Baptist Church of Dallas, where

and breakfast in Homer, Alaska.

operating officer of Louisiana

for 20+ years and founding

Truett served for 47 years as its

Marcia former was a marketing

Heart Hospital in Lacombe,

director of Baylor’s Medical Hu-

pastor.

leader at World Vision in Federal

LA. He was previously COO at

Way, WA, and at Microsoft in

University Hospital and Clinics in

Redmond, WA.

Lafayette, LA.

Dr. Dennis Spence ‘70 has

manities program, received the

Glenn Craig ’79 is now chief

university’s Meritorious Achieve-

retired after 35 years as an oral

ment Award in the category of

and facial surgeon in Tyler, TX.

Contributions to the Professions:

After completing dental school

celebrating his 20th anniver-

now the federal magistrate for

Medicine.

at UT Health Science Center in

sary with First Baptist Church of

Chattanooga, TN. He has previ-

Houston in 1974, he served as an

Amarillo and was profiled in the

ously worked for the Fleissner

has been named

Air Force Captain for two years

Amarillo Globe-News.

firm in Chattanooga, Miller and

chairman of Baylor

and built a private practice.

Alan Beason

Judy Cleveland Owens

‘76 received the

Jim Turner ‘69

Scott & White

Howard Batson, DPhil ‘75 is

Chris Steger ‘79, JD ‘83, is

Martin, and Coca-Cola.

1980s

‘71 has retired after 27 years

Harry J. Harwick

directors. Turner also served as

with Belton Independent

Lifetime Achieve-

Baylor Scott’s chairman for 15

School District, most recently

ment Award from

months following the land-

serving as administrator of the

the Medical Group Management

F. Austin University’s board of

mark merger between Dallas’

Belton Educational Enrichment

Association at its national con-

regents. Blair was previously

Baylor Health Care System and

Foundation. She is now serving

ference in Nashville. Alan is CEO/

a regent for the University of

Temple’s Scott & White Health.

as activities director at the Bel-

Administrator of Cardiovascular

Houston System from 2008-13,

Turner has served on the Baylor

ton Senior Activity Center.

Consultants in Shreveport, LA.

serving as chairman the last two

The award recognizes individuals

years. She is also chairman of

Health’s board of

Brandon Janes ‘72, an at-

Scott & White Health board for

Nelda (Luce) Blair ‘80 has been appointed to Stephen

14 years. He is principal stock-

torney for Jackson Walker LLP in

for contributions to healthcare

Conroe ISD Education Founda-

holder and chairman of JLT

Austin, was selected for inclusion

administration, delivery, and/or

tion and owns her own firm, The

Beverages LP, which has invest-

in the 2016 Best Lawyers in Ameri-

education in their careers.

Blair Law Firm PC.

ments in automotive, banking,

ca in the area of corporate law.

Dr. Paul Sadler ‘72, PhD ‘91,

insurance, real estate, and soft

Joe Filoteo ‘77, MS ‘78 was

Ed Bashaw ‘80, MS ‘82, MBA

recently recognized by State

‘91, will step down from his role

drinks. He led Dr Pepper Bottling

Dean of the School of Religion

Representative Terry Canales

as dean of the Arkansas Tech

Company of Texas to be the

and Philosophy at Wayland Bap-

with a proclamation honoring

University College of Business

largest independent soft-drink

tist University, has been inducted

Joe’s 31 years of service and

to return to full-time teaching

bottler in America.

into the Wayland Athletics Hall of

accomplishments as Head

as of July 1, 2016. He joined the

52

the baylor line winter 2016

52_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 52

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

2/8/16 5:52 PM

dow n t h e y e a r s

Arkansas Tech faculty as dean and professor of marketing in summer 2010.

Bob Roberts MPA ‘81

F o n d fa r e w e l l / 1 9 2 7 — 2 0 1 5

Dr. Stuart Chilton ‘50 Dr. Stuart Chilton passed away Oct. 18, 2015, at the age of 88 in

received a lifetime achieve-

Stephenville, TX. Classmate William Horick wrote this tribute of a

ment award for accounting from

friend who was president of his junior class at Baylor, a journalism

Arkansas Business. Roberts is

major, and a retired university professor and administrator.

senior vice president and chief financial officer of Baptist Health,

“A Tribute to Mr. J-Blurber”

Arkansas’s largest not-for-profit,

Saying goodbye to a dear friend is hard, extremely so. Thus I want to remember Stuart Chilton

full-service hospital system.

in a very special way. That’s quite easy, and I’m doing it in this snippet. I think Stuart would like

Brandon Janes ‘81, an attorney for Jackson Walker LLP in

this word because he wrote a lot of snippets for his hometown newspaper.

That talent was predictable because Stuart was a journalism major at Baylor University. He

Austin, was selected for inclu-

was a member of the class of 1950, the first big post-WW2 class, led by veterans who swarmed

sion in the 2016 Best Lawyers in

the small Baylor campus. Like myself, Stuart was a Navy veteran and we linked up as class-

America in the area of commer-

mates. And now it has been 65 years since the class graduated, which is to say, Stuart admired

cial litigation.

longevity.

Sheryl (Harris) Stalvey

But it was in our retirement years where our friendship truly blossomed. By then Stuart

‘81 has been reappointed to

had true status as a journalist and educator. Through his J-Blurbs, Stuart developed a ay to

Georgia’s Professional Standards

communicate with his old journalism classmates. The endeavor was a fireball of success. We

Commission. She is a sixth grade

got together for luncheons, homecoming embraces, and e-mail words of wisdom. We kept our

reading teacher at Willie J. Wil-

showboat traversing the river of time for many years.

liams Middle School in Moultrie, GA. Dr. David Fleeger ‘81 received the Philip R. Overton Award for

In those latter years, Stuart treasured his membership in the “Old Goats Club,” a group of senior-age coffee swiggers that at one time included the legendary Hugh Wolfe. They traded tidbits of information with each other — some of it even useful.

But it was football that truly cemented my friendship with Stuart. We kept each other filled

outstanding leadership and

with hot “toddies” of gridiron hoopla. From Stuart, I learned about the big winning era of the

support of health care quality

Stephenville Yellow Jackets under Coach Art Briles. And when Coach Briles came to Waco as

improvement in Texas from the

head coach of Baylor football, Stuart and I knew our beloved Bears were about to bask in clover.

TMF Health Quality Institute.

And so they have.

Fleeger served as TMF board chair from 2013-15 and has been in private practice since 1991. He

But Baylor has also spiraled to new heights in academics and research with a mushrooming enrollment.

So Stuart was highly proud of his Alma Mater. Indeed, I suspect that Stuart will find that

is board-certified in colon and

the fair meadows of Heaven are laced with green and gold. He will miss the Reunion Dinner of

rectal surgery and is president

the Class of 1950 this year at the Baylor Homecoming. But I know he will be with us in spirit.

of the Central Texas Colon and

And we’ll salute him for the better Homecoming he now enjoys. Thanks for the many delicious

Rectal Clinic in Austin.

memories, Mr. J-Blurber.

Donna (Blair) McGinnis, MBA ‘81, is now director of finance and accounting at Camillus Hall, a faith-based nonprofit that addresses the needs of the poor and homeless in Miami.

Dr. Lynda McKnight ‘82 is directing her eighth production for Houston’s Opera in the Heights.

“The Medium” opened Oct. 30.

McKnight also directs with the University of Houston’s Morres Opera Center and serves as a faculty member in Vocal Studies and Opera. A soprano, McKnight made her stage debut with the Metropolitan Opera in 1991 and

Stuart Chilton drives a 1926 Model T Ford in the 2010 Stephenville July 4th parade.

has sung professionally with

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

53_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 53

winter 2016 the baylor line

53

2/8/16 5:52 PM

d own the years

markyablon@gmail.com.

opera companies and orchestras

ing investment opportunities in

tian philosophy and ethics. Dr.

throughout the world.

the aerospace, industrial, and

Blount previously taught at Dallas

business services sector. Tom

Theological Seminary, Criswell

was installed as 2015-16 Chair-

was appointed interim dean of

was most recently chairman,

College, and Southwestern Bap-

man of the Independent Bankers

the School of Natural and Social

president, and CEO of American

tist Theological Seminary.

Association of Texas during the

Sciences at Texas Wesleyan

Airlines.

Dr. Ricardo E. Rodriguez ‘82

Laura Lee Pirtle ‘87, of Pros-

Parker Neel ‘84 was named

Rogers Pope Jr. ’89, JD ’92,

association’s 41st annual conven-

per, TX, has become an indepen-

tion in Galveston. Pope is vice

2015 Businessperson of the Year

dent travel agent with Intele-

chairman and CEO of Texas Bank

ed judge of Bexar County Court

by the Laredo (TX) Chamber of

travel and has started Castles,

and Trust Company in Longview,

#10 and is now hearing primarily

Commerce. He shared the award

Cruises, and Culture Travel.

a $2.2B community bank operat-

civil cases. She is completing

with his late father George Neel

her 22nd year as a judge, having

Jr. ’51, who passed away in March.

ing editor of The Reporter, a daily

served in Bexar County Court #8

The pair ran the family business,

newspaper in Vacaville, VA. Matt

and as a visiting judge.

Neel Title Corp., which has been

has worked for the publication

has joined Carolina One Real

in business for 90 years.

for the past 25 years.

Estate Services in Charleston, SC,

University.

Karen Crouch ‘82 was elect-

Steven C. Cur-

Sarah Sumner

rall ‘82 became vice

Matt Miller ‘87 is now manag-

ing in 21 locations throughout northeast Texas.

Jennifer Packard Pratt ’89

Wes Brazell ‘88 is now chief

as a sales associate. Pratt, who

president for aca-

‘85 has written

financial officer for TearLab Corp.

received her degree in Fashion

demic affairs and

“Angry Like Jesus:

in the D/FW Metroplex. He most

Design, also owns a jewelry-man-

provost at SMU on

Using His Example

recently was CFO of Academic

ufacturing business.

Jan. 1, 2016. Currall

to Spark Your

Partnerships and also worked for

Anne-Marie (Miskovsky)

becomes SMU’s chief academic

Moral Courage,” which will be

25 years at Alcon Laboratories in

Lemieux ‘89 was elected to

officer as the University begins its

released Nov. 1, 2015. Sumner is

a variety of roles.

the Douglas County (Colorado)

second century of operation. He

the founder of Right On Mission,

will oversee all aspects of aca-

a grassroots movement that

Thetford ‘88 retired this year af-

than 67,000 students for the

demic life, including admission,

strives to build integrity in the

ter more than 26 years of service

next four years. Anne-Marie and

faculty development, libraries,

church.

and has continued to serve the

her husband, Doug Lemieux ‘88,

Air Force as a civilian analyst. His

have two children. Hannah is a

Grant Teaff and Donell Teaff

the curriculum and study abroad.

USAF Colonel (Ret.) Jeff

School Board. She will serve more

He will supervise SMU’s seven

‘86 were recognized as Leg-

wife, Cheri (Michael) Thetford

sophomore at Baylor and Jack is

degree-granting schools and

endary Mentors as part of the

‘87, is an Air Force a civilian con-

a junior in high school.

will hold departmental appoint-

university’s Meritorious Achieve-

tracting officer. They currently

ments in three of them. Recently,

ment Awards presentation.

reside in Warner Robins GA. Their

1990s

Currall served as senior advisor

Grant is the winningest coach

daughter Ashley is a sophomore

for strategic projects and initia-

in Baylor football history while

at Baylor. Cheri and Jeff can be

‘90, JD ‘93, an attorney for

tives to the UC Davis chancellor.

Donell served 10 years as a Baylor

reached at jlthetford@gmail.com

Provost Umphrey in Beaumont,

He previously served as dean of

Regent and was president of the

Scott Wallace ‘88, JD ‘91, has

TX, was selected for inclusion in

the Graduate School of Manage-

Baylor Roundtable.

Jane (Swearingen) Leger

been named executive partner of

the 2016 Best Lawyers in America

Captain David K. Weiss ‘86

Holland & Knight’s Dallas office.

based on her work in plaintiffs’

is the new commanding officer of

Scott was also recognized in the

personal-injury litigation.

Cunningham Goad ‘82 are

Naval Hospital in Bremerton, WA.

2016 Best Lawyers in America in

on the move again. Alan is with

He previously served as Com-

the practice area of banking and

‘90 is now principal at Austin

KPMG in the Department of

mand Surgeon within the U.S.

finance law.

Elementary School in Pecos, TX.

Professional Practice. They now

Africa Command and has served

reside in New York City.

in a number of other military as-

his first semester of law school

signments.

in August 2015 at the University

ment at UC Davis.

Alan Goad ‘82 and Chrisann

Dr. Pam (Robinson) Durso

Dr. Carey Adams, MA ‘86,

‘83, PhD ’92, was honored with

Mark P. Yablon, ’88, began

Alicia (Bullinger) Mitchell

She has been teaching elementary students for 22 years.

René Maciel MS ‘91 has

of Arkansas at Little Rock Bowen

become president of the Baptist

a Lifetime Achievement Award by

has been named vice president

School of Law. He and his two

General Convention of Texas.

Christians for Biblical Equality. A

of academic affairs at Font-

youngest daughters, Reagan

President of Baptist University of

Lawrenceville, GA, resident, she

bonne University in St. Louis. He

and Lilly, moved from McKinney,

the Américas since 2007, Maciel

is executive director of Atlanta-

was previously provost and vice

TX, to Little Rock so he can earn

recently served 10 months as

based Baptist Women in Ministry.

president for academic affairs at

his J.D. degree in three years. He

interim pastor at First Baptist

Armstrong State University.

wants to continue working with

Church in Castroville (TX). Before

entrepreneurs and the middle

taking the BAU job, he served

Thomas Horton ‘83 has be-

Dr. Douglas Blount ‘86, MA

come a senior advisor in Warburg Pincus’s Industrials and Business

‘88, has joined the faculty of the

class. Mark can be reached at

at Baylor’s Truett Theological

Services Group, where he will

Southern Baptist Theological

5400 Chenonceau Blvd, Apt.

Seminary, as director of student

assist in identifying and evaluat-

Seminary as professor of Chris-

#632, Little Rock, AR 72223 or

services and as dean of admis-

54

the baylor line winter 2016

54_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 54

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

2/8/16 5:53 PM

dow n t h e y e a r s

the Southwest Conference Hall

as Baylor Associate Dean and

ment Awards presentation. Sue

of Fame. After college, he played

Director of Central Libraries to

is the president and owner of

attorney for Provost Umphrey in

for the Pittsburgh Steelers for

become Dean of Libraries at

Mayborn Enterprises, which

Beaumont, TX, was selected for

five years, before he was traded

Georgia State University. Steely

played a major role in the building

inclusion in the 2016 Best Lawyers

to the Dallas Cowboys, where

had been at Baylor since 1999.

of the Sue and Frank Mayborn

in America for his representation

he became a key member of the

Natural Science and Cultural His-

of plaintiffs in personal injury and

secondary that won back-to-

tory Museum at Baylor.

product-liability litigation.

back NFL championships. He

sion and academic services.

Darren L. Brown, JD ‘91, an

Dori (Dennis) Moorehead ’91 is now president and chief executive officer of the Ocean

retired in 1995 after two seasons with Tampa Bay. John D. Rainey ‘93, MBA

Kevin Heintzman ‘97, MBA

Institute in Dana Point, CA, and

‘95 has been named chief finan-

‘98, and his wife Katrina of

previously served as the ex-

cial officer for PayPal following its

Flower Mound, TX, announced

ecutive director of the California

separation from longtime partner

the birth of Luca Heintzman,

Museum in Sacramento.

eBay. Rainey came to PayPal

born August 5, 2015.

Michael McLendon ‘91, dean of the Baylor School of Educa-

Kelly P. Dunbar

from United Airlines, where he served as vice president and CFO.

‘97, MA ‘99, has

Rebecca (Harris) Burkes,

been promoted

leaders who have been ap-

JD ‘93, has been named deputy

to partner in the

become the new lead pastor at

pointed to the Texas Commission

director of the Department of

Washington, D.C. of-

First Baptist Church of Midway in

on Next Generation Assessments

Arkansas Heritage.

tion, is among 15 state education

Dr. Paul Sands, PhD ‘01, has

fice of WilmerHale. He is a mem-

Waco. He joined First Woodway

Amy Leigh Tarter ‘93 has

ber of the Litigation/Controversy

from Spring Hill Baptist Church

Eliska Smith ‘92

opened Yoga Pod, a spa-like stu-

and Government and Regulatory

in Mobile.

has been appointed

dio concept in Waco. A part-time

Litigation Practices.

as provost of Texas

lecturer at Baylor, Tarter’s partner

State Technical College (TSTC) cam-

and Accountability.

puses in Abilene, Breckenridge,

Major Geoff Bailey, M.Div.

Victor Boutros ‘98, a trial at-

‘01, D.Min. ‘08, was recently de-

in the venture is long-time Waco

torney in the U.S. Department of

ployed to Afghanistan where he’s

businessman Don Moes.

Justice Human Trafficking Pros-

serving as the Senior Chaplain for

ecution Unit, was named Baylor’s

United States Forces - Afghanistan at Bagram Airfield.

Hunter M. Barrow ‘95 has

Brownwood, and Sweetwater.

been elected a director of the

Young Alumnus of the Year. He is

She previously served as TSTC’s

Baptist Foundation of Texas and

recognized as one of America’s

Jeremiah Mayfield JD ‘02,

statewide public relations officer.

will serve a three-year term. He

leading criminal and civil rights

an attorney with Thompson &

also was named a “Local Litiga-

attorneys.

Knight in Dallas, has been recog-

Nikki Mundkowsky JD

Chip Gaines ‘98 and Joanna

‘93 has been appointed to

tion Star” in Texas by Benchmark

preside over a new court created

Litigation 2016. Barrow is a

Gaines ‘01, were recognized as

work in the M&A--Middle Market

solely to handle Child Protective

partner in Thompson & Knight’s

Baylor’s Alumni of the Year for

field in the 2015 The Legal 500 US

Services cases. Mundkowsky, a

Trial Practice Group in the Firm’s

their work as stars of the HGTV

Directory published by Legalease.

Gatesville attorney who special-

Houston office.

show Fixer Upper and for the

izes in family law and cases

Billy Ray ‘95 and Dawn Ray

nized as a Leading Lawyer for his

Adam English,

opening of their new Magnolia

PhD ‘03, has been

Market at the Silos in Waco.

named Department

involving neglected and abused

‘98 were presented the Pro

children, will handle CPS cases in

Ecclesia award as part of the

McLennan and Coryell counties.

university’s Meritorious Achieve-

‘99, JD ‘05, was promoted to

ment Awards presentation for

partner at Haynes and Boone,

sity’s College of Arts & Sciences.

throracic surgeon and a professor

their work as missionaries serving

LLP. Highsmith is a member of

Dr. English is known as one of the

at the University of Washing-

ISIS refugees in northern Iraq.

the Bankruptcy and Business

world’s leading authorities on the

ton, is among an elite group of

They currently work with World

Restructuring Practice in the

history of Saint Nicholas and was

surgeons at seven institutions

Orphans to meet the needs of

Dallas office.

the 2013 recipient of the Dean’s

nationwide testing what some

600+ refugees just 75 miles from the frontlines.

2000-2005

Excellence in Research award.

call a “heart in a box,” a device

Dr. Jason Smith ‘93, a cardio-

that can preserve a heart await-

Dr. Beth Allison Barr ‘96, an

Autumn D. Highsmith

of Religion chair in Campbell Univer-

John Morrison,

Michael DuBois ‘00 has been

BBA/ MTAX ‘03,

ing transplant for up to 11 hours.

associate professor of History at

named president of DuBois Furni-

has been appointed

Thomas Everett ‘93, who

Baylor and a Resident Scholar at

ture, which has two locations in

executive director

was a two-time football All-

Baylor’s Institute for Studies of

Waco and Temple.

American and the first winner of

Religion, has joined the roster of

the Jim Thorpe Award as a senior

the Anxious Bench bloggers.

in 1986, has been inducted into

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

55_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 55

Jeff Steely ‘96 left his post

of the Alaska Trust

Sue Mayborn ‘01 received the

Land Office (TLO) by Governor

Pro Texana award as part of the

Bill Walker. Morrison has been

university’s Meritorious Achieve-

instrumental in transforming the

winter 2016 the baylor line

55

2/8/16 5:53 PM

d own the years

TLO into a sophisticated fixed

profiled elsewhere in this issue in

asset manager and investor.

the Getting to Know section.

Evan K. Hall ‘04, JD ‘07, was

Prior to becoming the execu-

f o n d fa r e w e l l / 1 9 2 9 — 2 0 1 5

Stanley Williams ‘51

tive director, Morrison served as

promoted to partner at Haynes

Waco Tribune Herald Sports

home in Waco. He starred

Chief Administrative Officer and

and Boone, LLP. Hall is a member

Editor Brice Cherry wrote the

for the Bears during one of

Deputy Director of the TLO. The

of the Investment Management

following tribute to Baylor

the most successful eras in

TLO is charged with stewardship

Practice Group in the Dallas and

football great Stan Williams,

school history, helping the

of and maximizing revenue from

Austin offices.

who died Sept. 13, 2015.

Bears reach the Orange Bowl

Robert Askins

the 1MM-acre corpus of Trust

his senior year of ’51.

Land located across Alaska and

‘04 the playwright

currently three additional states.

for the Tony-nom-

became Wide Receiver U,

tain of that team along with

inated Broadway

Stan Williams made his

Williams, remembered his

production of Hand

case as one of the top pass

friend as “a great player, but an even greater man.”

Kenna Archer ‘04, MES ‘07 has published “Unruly Wa-

Long before Baylor ever

ters: A Social and Environmental

to God, is working with HBO on a

catchers in school history.

History of the Brazos River.”

half-hour comedy called Brother-

Williams, a 1951 All-

Jason Hill, JD ‘04, a princi-

Gale Galloway, co-cap-

“When Coach (George)

hood that takes place at the

American for the Bears and

Sauer named Stanley Wil-

pal in the Austin law firm Lloyd

largest Baptist university in the

a 2003 inductee into the

liams as co-captain in ’51,

Gosselink Rochelle & Townsend,

world and focuses on “a young

Texas Sports Hall of Fame,

and then he announced me

was recognized in Best Lawyer’s

man who joins a secret organiza-

died Sunday at age 85 at his

as the other co-captain in

2016 listing of The Best Lawyers in

tion that has two goals – party

America in the category of Water

harder than anyone else and

Law.

write the funniest, most incisive

Todd W. Ferguson ‘04, MA

campus humor magazine in his-

‘13, and a doctoral candidate

tory,” according to The Hollywood

in sociology in the College of

Reporter.

Pam McKown, MS ‘04, was

Arts and Sciences, was the lead author for a Baylor study that

highlighted in the Waco Trib

indicates that U.S. counties

for co-founding a non-profit

with more beautiful weather

organization called Take Heart

and scenery have lower rates of

Ministries that supplies free hy-

membership and affiliation with

gienic items, including a month’s

religious organizations. The study,

supply of pads, tampons, bottled

“The Natural Environment as a

water, granola bars and cleansing

Spiritual Resource: A Theory of

wipes.

Regional Variation in Religious

2006-2010

Adherence,” is published in the

Whitney Wichkoski Ellis ‘06

journal Sociology of Religion.

T.J. Turner,

and Daniel Ellis ‘07 of Waco

JD ‘04, has been

announceed the birth of Future

reappointed to the

Baylor Bear Clay Henry Ellis on

Texas Real Estate

Oct. 3, 2014.

Dr. Sumith Rao Madhavar-

Commission by Gov. Greg Abbott for a term set

apu ‘06 has joined Connecticut

to expire Jan. 31, 2021. T.J. is a

Children’s Medical Center divi-

partner at Cain & Skarnulis PLLC

sion of hospital medicine, where

in Austin.

he completed his pediatric

Matthew Fry ‘04 was pro-

residency.

Dr. Walter

moted to partner at Haynes and Boone, LLP. Fry is a member of

Jackson, EdD

the Capital Markets and Securi-

‘06 became the

ties practice group in Dallas.

superintendent of

Marissa Marquez ‘04 is now

the Brenham ISD

a Senior Employee Relations

in March and now leads the first

Specialist at Texas Children’s

public school district in Texas

Hospital in Houston. Marissa is

(est. in 1875).

56

the baylor line winter 2016

56_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 56

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

2/8/16 8:26 PM

dow n t h e y e a r s

the next breath, it was one of

Williams chose Baylor over

day,” Galloway said. “He caught

league,” Galloway said. “Stanley

the greatest thrills of my life,”

other offers from the likes of

the ball like these great Baylor

was married, so off he went.”

Galloway said. “I always tell

SMU, Rice and TCU. During his

receivers they have now.”

people that Stanley represent-

four years at end, he tallied 65

ed the good guys on the team,

catches for 1,029 yards and 11

played one season for the 1952

In 1996, the Saskatchewan

and I represented the outlaws.

touchdowns, all school records

Dallas Texans, the city’s first

Roughriders named him to

There wasn’t a finer man than

at the time. As a senior, he was

professional football team.

their Plaza of Honor.

Stanley, either as a young man

selected as a first-team All-

Then he ventured off to the

or a grown man.”

American by legendary sports-

Canadian Football League,

his football cleats for the final

A native of Putnam, Wil-

Following college, Williams

Williams made the CFL allstar team twice in five seasons.

In 1957, Williams hung up

writer Grantland Rice and the

which in some ways was a more

time, then returned to Waco.

liams and his family moved

Football Writers Association of

attractive option than the NFL

For 52 years, he worked at

to Cisco during his youth. He

America. He was later named

at the time.

Kendrick Tire and AutoCenter

developed into an all-state

to the Southwest Conference

talent for the Cisco football

all-decade team for the 1950s.

squad, and also met his future wife Barbara there.

“Not all of us could, but Stanley could have played to-

“The NFL was still kind of

in downtown Waco, earning a

struggling in those days, and

reputation for superior sales

you could make 50 percent

and customer service.

more money in the Canadian

“There wasn’t a finer man than Stanley, either as a young man or a grown man.”

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

57_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 57

fall 2015 the baylor line

57

2/8/16 5:54 PM

of ion g t 1 al etin ciaD 7670 u e so TB TX n An ip M i Astime aco, , W h rs umn, 2016enue, e b Al e 11 Av em lor y, Jun ustin M ay rda 4 A u 72 e B Satome, h r t od pp Hi

Keep in touch Mail this form to “Down the Years,” P.O. Box 2089, Waco, TX 76703.

You can also e-mail news to BaylorLine@BaylorAlumniAssociation.com or use the online form at https://btl.bayloralumniassociation.com/story-ideas/ Unless you request otherwise, the information you provide may be used in the Baylor Line or our twice-monthly Between the Lines e-newsletter. When taking and sending a digital photograph, please use high-resolution setting format if possible. And when sending from your mobile device or e-mail, send the largest file.

NAME________________________________________________________________ First

Maiden

Last

CLASS YEAR(S), DEGREE(S) _______________________________________ *SPOUSE’S NAME ______________________________________________________________ First

Baylor Alumni Association Directors and Officers OFFICERS: PRESIDENT: Tom Nesbitt ’94 (Austin) – tom@bayloralumniassociation.com TREASURER: James Nelson III ’04 (Waco) – jim@bayloralumniassociation.com SECRETARY: Emily George Tinsley ’61 (Houston) – emily@bayloralumniassociation.com PAST PRESIDENT: Keith Starr ’83 (Tyler) – keith@bayloralumniassociation.com

Is your spouse an alumnus? _____________

Maiden

Last

Class year(s), degree(s) _______________

_________________________________________________________________________________________ Address _________________________________________________________________________________________ City State Zip _________________________________________ Home phone number

____________________________________________ E-mail address

Please do not print my mailing address in the magazine.

Please do not print my e-mail address in the magazine.

Please do not include my news in an online publication.

DIRECTORS:

Sharon McDonald Barnes ’78, ’80 (Rosharon) *Jan Huggins Barry ’72 (Arlington) *Babs Baugh ’64 (San Antonio) *Marie Brown ’92 (Aubrey) *George Cowden III ’76, JD ’79 (San Antonio) Carroll Dawson ’60 (Houston) Scott DeShazo ‘93 (Austin) Jack Dillard ’72, JD ’73 (Austin) Luke Dow ‘91 (Austin) Wayne Fisher ’59, JD ’61 (Houston) *David Hudson ’77, MBA ’78 (Dallas) Roland Johnson ’76, JD ’79 (Aledo) Shelba Shelton Jones ’76 (Dallas) Thomas “Mac” Jones ‘95 (Austin) *David Lacy ’79 (Waco) John Mabry Jr. ’92, JD ‘95 (Waco) *David Malone ’73 (Austin) Dr. Brandon Miller ’94 (Oshkosh, WI) *Matt Miller ‘57 (Houston) Robert Morales ’93 (San Angelo) Jackie Baugh Moore ’86 (San Antonio) *James Nelson ‘68 (Austin) James Nortey ’08 (Austin) Fred Norton ’80, JD ’83 (Texarkana) *Lyndon Olson Jr. ’76 (Waco) *Tony Pederson ’73 (Dallas) J. Rice ’75 (Dayton) Nicole Williams Robinson ’97 (Garland) *Stan Schlueter ’69 (Austin) *Stacy Sharp ’76 (Amarillo) Justin Sieker ’10 (Dallas) L. Wayne Tucker Jr. ’85, MBA ’86 (Dallas) David Vanderhider ’06 (San Antonio) Dr. James W. Vardaman ’51 (McGregor) Allen Vaught ‘95 (Dallas) Lela Wallis ’94 (Round Rock) *Chad Wooten ’03 (Waco) * Executive Committee Member

NEWS (feel free to be chatty; we’ll edit as needed)

ADDRESS CHANGE?

 Address change only

 Name change

 Both

_________________________________________________________________________________________ Previous name _________________________________________________________________________________________ Old Address _________________________________________________________________________________________ City State Zip * If you are divorced from a Baylor alum, help us correct our records by attaching an updated address for your former spouse.

58r1_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 58

3/21/16 9:27 PM

dow n t h e y e a r s

Emily Chapman-Richards

assistant for the Baylor men’s

vidual and team championships.

at ConocoPhillips in Bartlesville,

‘07 has created the Red Bus

basketball program under coach

In the 2004 Olympic Games in

OK.

Project with her brothers, using a

Scott Drew.

Athens, Williamson led the U.S.

red double-decker bus to travel

Kristen Mainor ‘10 and

to college campuses across the country over the past three years

Elizabeth Ann Clark ‘13 mar-

4x400-meter gold-medal relay

ried David Ray Webster ‘05 on

graduate student Allen Mom

team and also earned gold med-

May 9, 2015 in West, TX. Elizabeth

‘10 have been recognized by

als at the 2005 and 2007 World

is working toward her Physical

encouraging students to raise

the Texas Association of School

Championships, running the third

Therapy career by obtaining her

money for orphans using items

Psychologists (TASP) for their

leg of the 4x400-meter relay.

PTA certification. David, who

they have in their closets and

outstanding performance in the

drawers. She was featured in a

practice and study of school

BaylorProud article at Baylor.edu.

psychology. Mainor, who is the

T. Hunter Lewis ‘07, JD

Sarah Irvine ‘11 is now an HR Coordinator at GM Financial.

played on Baylor’s club baseball team, is working at a private

Laurel Witt ‘11 has announced

director of the behavioral and

her engagement to Jeffrey

‘10, has rejoined Orsinger, Nelson,

educational services division

McGregor, a Texas Tech grad.

Downing & Anderson as an

of the Baylor Center for Devel-

Laurel is the associate registrar

associate in the Dallas office.

opmental Disabilities, received

of the National Cowgirl Museum

Hunter is a family-law litiga-

the title of Outstanding School

and Hall of Fame in Fort Worth.

tor and appellate attorney. He

Psychologist-Specialist Level,

focuses on divorce; child custody,

while Mom was recognized at

2012

possession and support mat-

Outstanding Graduate Student-

ters; complex marital property

Specialist Level.

aerospace company as a mechanical engineer.

Allison Temnick ‘12 worked with Robert Griffin III’s non-

division; pre- and post-marital

profit Family of 3 to raise $28,520

agreements; questions of pater-

through an online fundraising

nity; and LGBT-related issues.

website to repair a disabled

Brittany Elizabeth Blum

Waco veteran’s home. Family of

‘08 has announced her engage-

3 matched donor pledges tied

ment to John Cain Sargent.

to the number of points (49) Baylor scored during the Russell

Brittany, who earned her BBA in Sports, Sponsorship, and Sales

Cayla Wright ‘10 married

Athletic Bowl on Dec. 28 against

Marketing from the Hankamer

James Welsh III, on July 11, 2015,

the University of North Carolina.

School of Business, recently

in Houston. The ceremony was

Temnick, a graduate student at

joined John’s photography busi-

held at Second Baptist Church,

Notre Dame, studies different

ness in Dallas.

followed by a reception at the

ways professional athletes can

Hudiburg ‘14 (Hon-

Houston Museum of Natural

champion their causes.

ors) married

Melinda Corin Hudson

2014 Emily Kate

Cory Duncan, MBA ‘12, has

Larson McShan

‘08 married William Matthew

Science where guests enjoyed

Nolen on May 16, 2015, in Estes

Dr Pepper floats. Cayla works

bought a long-vacant structure

Park, CO. Melinda is a CPA with

at Goldman Sachs in its Private

in the 700 block of Waco’s Wash-

Myers and Stauffer LC in Denver.

Wealth Management division.

ington Avenue and will move

in Oklahoma City. Emily is a

Amanda

Matthew Shipes ‘08, is a

Wayman ‘14 on May 23, 2015,

his Wildland Supply Co. to the

third grade teacher at Oran M.

technical sergeant and eupho-

Crunk

building and offer another 10,000

Roberts Elementary School in

niumist with the Ceremonial

Westerfeld

square feet for use by tenants

Houston and Larson is attending

Brass group of the U.S. Air Force

’10, MSed

with a passion for the inner city.

the University of Texas School

Band. He is part of the American

’13, mar-

Anntasia (Anna) Copeland

of Dentistry at Houston as a

Tuba Quartet, which is made

ried Todd

‘12 is now an Enforcement Officer

second-year dental student.

up of members from President

Westerfeld

at the U.S. Environmental Protec-

Obama’s U.S. Marine Band, the

on Jan. 24,

tion Agency in the D/FW area.

‘14 has been named

2013

to the 2015-16 USA

U.S. Air Force Band, and the U.S.

2015. The couple live in Waco.

Army Band

2011

Will Phipps ‘09 has been named executive director of the

Darold Williamson ‘11 has

Kehri Jones

Bobsled National

Carley White ’13 is now an E-

Team. Jones was

Ministry Specialist at Park Cities

a sprinter on the Baylor women

Presbyterian Church in Dallas.

track and field team.

newly formed Greater Waco

been inducted into the San Anto-

Sports Commission. Phipps

nio Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of

Dustin Rutledge ‘13 is now

returns to Waco from Valparaiso

2016. Williamson entered Baylor

HR Analyst for Digital Networking

Baylor chapter of Uplifting

University, where he was director

in 2002 and won four NCAA track

at NXP Semiconductors.

Athletes, which held a Touch-

of operations under Bryce Drew.

titles, 13 All-American honors,

He spent four years as a student

and 13 Big 12 Conference indi-

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

59_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 59

Levi Norwood ‘14 led the

Kendra (Collette) Robert-

down Pledge Drive during the

son ’13 is now a revenue analyst

Texas game on Saturday, Dec.

winter 2016 the baylor line

59

2/8/16 5:55 PM

d own the years NON-ALUMNI ADMINISTRATORS, FACULTY AND STAFF

5, at McLane Stadium. The

Lauren Bagwell ‘15 deliv-

event was a signature fund-

ered a TEDxKids talk at SMU in

raiser of the Uplifting Athletes

October called “Let’s Flip the

nationwide network of 25

Golden Rule about her struggles

college football chapters led by

with binge eating disorder since

Christopher B.

for products like Xbox Kinect that

student-athletes.

seventh grade.

Howard has been

need to take user limitations into

named the eighth

account.

Dolores Lozano ‘14 of Hous-

Maria Medel ‘15 of Spring,

ton is the new assistant track

TX, is now executive assistant

and field coach at Duchesne

to the CEO at Viswa Lab Corp.

Baylor Regent

president of Robert

interaction usage for users with chronic pain-related diseases.

His research will impact the mainstream consumer market

Assistant Profes-

Morris University, effective

sor of Chemistry Bryan

February 1, 2016. Dr. Howard is

Shaw’s discovery of evidence

She is also a marketing consul-

selected to be a violin soloist

currently president of Hampden-

of leukocoria (i.e., “white eye”)

tant for ESPN Deportes.

for the Temple (TX) Symphony

Sydney University in Virginia and

through the use of amateur

Spencer Drango ‘14, an

Orchestra. Gomez is also serving

will become Robert Morris’s first

digital photography has resulted

offensive tackle for the Baylor

as first-chair violinist and concert

African-American president. He

in the creation with Associate

football team who is working on

master for both the Baylor and

has served on the Baylor Board of

Professor of Computer Sci-

his MBA at Baylor was named to

Temple symphonies and as an

Regents since 2013 and is in the

ence Greg Hamerly of a new

the Associated Press first-team

intern for the Waco Symphony.

midst of a three-year term.

diagnostic tool that enables

All-American team for the sec-

He will be pursuing his master’s

ond straight year and was also

degree at Baylor after graduation.

Ricardo Gomez ‘15, has been

Academy of the Sacred Heart.

named to the 2015 Academic All-

Thompson and Knight LLP

Baylor Regent William “Bill” Simon received national attention on Nov. 3 after crash-landing

earlier diagnosis and treatment of retinoblastoma.

Distinguished Professor

America first team by the College

has announced that four of its

a plane on a highway in front of

of History Philip Jenkins has

Sports Information Directors of

attorneys with Baylor under-

an Arkansas high school after the

written a new book, “The Many

America. He was also a finalist

graduate degrees have been

aircraft’s oil system failed. Simon,

Faces of Christ,” which refutes

for the Outland Trophy.

selected for The Best Lawyers in

who led Wal-Mart’s U.S. op-

many basic assumptions about

America 2016 publication:

erations from 2010 to 2014, was

the Lost Gospels. He argues that

flying from nearby Bentonville to

dozens of alternative gospels

office, Tax Law, Trusts and

Waco, where he was scheduled

not only survived the canoniza-

Estates

to teach a business class at

tion process but in many cases

Baylor that day.

remained influential texts within

Denise Gomez ‘14 is now a

Mike McCullough ‘60: Dallas

Research Assistant for Baylor Scott & White Health in Waco.

David Shih ‘14 has been

Debbie Alsup ‘79: Austin

promoted to Youth Development Specialist at Communities in

office, Appellate Practice,

Schools of the Heart of Texas in

Commercial Litigation.

lard’s Inc. Madison Powell ‘15 has gotten a communications job with the U.S. Department of Home-

Vincent Cronin, Ph.D, award-

office, Corporate Governance

bing” has gotten a lot of national

winning professor

Law

attention. Short for phone snub-

of geology at Baylor,

Tajwar Majeed ‘15 is now Junior’s Sales Manager at Dil-

the official Church.

Professors James Roberts and Meredith David on “phub-

Geoff Long ‘86: Houston

Waco.

2015

Research by Marketing

Terry Simmons ‘97: Dallas office, Trusts and Estates

Alumni Whose Graduation Dates Were Not Available

was selected by the

bing, phubbing is the act of using or being distracted by your cell

American Geosciences Institu-

phone while in the company of

tion and the National Association

your spouse or significant others.

of Geoscience Teachers, as the

BaylorProud has more on the

new editor for the AGI/NACT

coverage and the research.

Laboratory Manual in Physical

land Security in Washington, D.C.

Richard Davis is part of a

Dave Rosselli became vice

Geology. This lab manual was

Caleb Warren ‘15 will spend

Dallas-based investment group

president for University Develop-

first published in 1986 and has

the next six months in East Asia

that has opened Urban Air

ment on Nov. 2. Rosselli comes

been adopted by 300+ institu-

“sharing the hope of Jesus with

Trampoline Park in Waco, next to

to Baylor from the University of

tions in more than 40 states.

university students.” He is a

Richland Mall.

Southern California, where he is

Sandra Underwood

member of First Baptist Church of Woodway in Waco.

Elisabeth Brimberry ‘15 is

Priest and husband Larry celebrated their 50th anniver-

Dr. Heidi Bostic, chair of

executive director of institutional

the modern language and

advancement.

cultures department and French

Dr. Michael Poor, assistant

professor, who will be leaving

now an Emergency Room Regis-

sary with family and friends

professor of computer science

Baylor in June to become Dean

tered Nurse – Extern at Method-

on Oct. 24, 2015. Sandra was a

in Baylor’s School of Engineering

of the College of Liberal Arts at

ist Health System in Dallas.

social worker in Elder Services at

and Computer Science, has

the University of New Hampshire,

MHMR before her retirement as

received a $158,000 grant

was named the Texas Foreign

the Director of Sport Manage-

the marketing director for Interim

from the National Science

Language Association’s Higher

ment at the Colleton River

Health Care Agencies in Waco,

Foundation to fund his research

Education Administrator of the

Plantation in Bluffton, SC.

Bryan, and Austin.

on the exploration of gestural

Year.

Stephen Minnaar ‘15 is now

60

the baylor line winter 2016

60_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 60

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

2/8/16 5:55 PM

dow n t h e y e a r s

Dr. Ted and Judy Pow-

nosed with Marfan syndrome, a

Nashville, this past August. She

students won awards at the

ers celebrated their 70th

potentially fatal genetic disorder,

will travel across the country to

American Society of Interior

wedding anniversary on Sept.

days before he was projected to

speak and volunteer with various

Designers Texas Chapter Student

11, 2015. Dr. Powers retired three

be a first-round NBA draft pick

organizations including the Boys

Design Competition in October.

years ago after 60 years with

in 2014.

and Girls Club of America.

Chelsea Millan, Kristina Scott,

Baylor, where he is Professor

Senior Laura Lonardi was the

Rachael Lanier, a junior

and Mary Catherine McK-

Emeritus of Health, Human Per-

first female recipient of the Tom

economics major, placed first in

night, earned first place in the

formance, and Recreation. The

Cousins Award, which recognizes

an essay competition sponsored

Collaborative Design category.

Powers have five grandchildren

the male and female collegiate

by the Values & Capitalism

Natalia Vazquez received first

and four great-grandchildren,

golfer who excels in academics.

Project of the American Enter-

place in the Hand Rendering cat-

with one on the way. Dr. Powers

Lonardi was named the Big 12

prise Institute for Public Policy

egory and third place in the Hand

received the BAA’s Retired Fac-

Women’s Golf Scholar Athlete

Research in Washington, D.C. The

Drawn Perspective category.

ulty Award in 2001 and its Alumni

of the Year, recorded three top-

competition asked entrants from

Kristina Scott came in second

by Choice Award in 1986.

10 finishes during the 2014-15

Christian colleges to offer moral

place in the Multi-Family/Group

season, and organized a youth

defenses of the free enterprise

Living category.

ies dedicated classroom space

caddie program in her hometown

system.

in memory of Dennis Campbell,

of Verona, Italy, to raise funds and

who passed away earlier this

awareness for Dravet syndrome,

volleyball player, broke the Guin-

Hillis Scholar in Biomedical Sci-

year. Campbell joined Baylor in

a rare form of epilepsy.

ness World Record for most

ences Program. The program,

signatures on a piece of sports

named for Dr. William B. Hillis

The Baylor University Librar-

2006 and served as senior aca-

Naya Johnson, a senior point

Twelve Baylor students have

Jana Brusek, a sophomore

been selected for the William

demic consultant in the Electron-

guard, set the Baylor and Big 12

memorabilia, when she was the

‘53, is designed to recognize

ic Library. He was instrumental in

single-game assist mark with 19

516th signer to a giant inflatable

high-achieving undergraduate

the design, implementation, and

to lead the Lady Bears basketball

football at the D/FW Airport

pre-health students and better

maintenance of technology in

team to a 105-46 win over Mc-

while she and her teammates

equip them for the competitive

learning spaces across campus.

Neese State on December 12.

awaited a flight to Ohio.

application processes for both

Ellen Filgo, a reference librar-

Junior wide receiver Corey

graduate programs and medical

ian at Baylor, has created the

Coleman made Baylor history

school. The first 12 Hillis Scholars

Waco Diaper Bank to help low-

when he won the school’s first

are David Crawford (Flower

income families running short of

Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s

Mound, TX), Kyra Curtis (Colo-

diapers between paychecks or

top receiver. Coleman, who has

rado Springs, CO), Appie Ghali

trying to stretch their supply by

announced he will declare for the

(Arlington, TX), Alice Knaeble

deferring diaper changes. The

NFL draft once the season is over,

(Stillwater, MN), Alexa Larsen

project is underwritten by the

also was named to the Associ-

Episcopal Church of the Holy

ated Press first-team All-Ameri-

Spirit.

can team. He has 74 catches for

first U.S. high schooler to break

(Tucson, AZ), Mallory Myers

1,383 yards and a nation’s best

10 seconds flat in the 100m, the

(Aurora, CO), Jeremy Sieker

20 touchdown receptions prior

world’s junior record holder at

(Denver), Jonathan Siktberg

to the team’s Dec. 29 bowl game

100m, and the NCAA collegiate

(Nashville, TN), Mary Taylor

senior University

against North Carolina. He now

record holder at 100m (not to

Tillman (Aledo, TX), and Sarah

Scholar, is one of

holds Baylor’s single-season

mention co-bronze medalist in

Tucker (Houston).

only 32 American

touchdown reception record and

recent World Championships),

Three students from Bay-

the career record with 33.

went pro Oct. 14 after striking a

lor’s Honors Program, Brenna

FUTURE ALUMNI Jacob Iman, a

university students, the only

Junior nose tackle Andrew

(Hawthorn Woods, IL), Isaac Sprinter Trayvon Bromell, the

Lill (Austin), Austin MacDonald

deal with New Balance. He will

Haffey, Sam Still, and Isaac

receive a 2016 Marshall Scholar-

Billings was named to the

remain enrolled at Baylor and fin-

Lill , have released their debut EP,

ship, which he will use to study at

Associated Press first-team All-

ish his degree, but will no longer

“Sketches,” which is available on

Oxford University. Imam studied

American team and declared for

participate in the track and field

iTunes and CD Baby online. They

at Oxford during the spring

the 2016 NFL Draft.

program.

met during an impromptu jam

one from a Texas university, to

2015 semester and also held

Sophomore Aleena Garcia is

Lauren Cox, the nation’s top

during a summer Honors College

a summer research internship

one of the nation’s few female

basketball recruit, announced

at Oxford’s Centre for Muslim-

high-school coaches, serving as

that she will sign with the Lady

Christian Studies.

an assistant at Waco’s Live Oak

Bears. This will be the second

Classical School.

time the Lady Bears have landed

Isaiah Austin has been named National Walk Ambas-

Freshman Kolby Kayworth of

sador for the Marfan Foundation

Lorena was crowned America’s

in Houston. Austin was diag-

National Teenager 2016 in

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

61_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 61

the No. 1 recruit, the first being Brittney Griner in 2009.

Four Baylor interior design

Line Camp.

Keep in touch

Mail to “Down the Years” P.O. Box 2089, Waco, TX 76703.

E-mail news to BaylorLine@BaylorAlumni Association.com

winter 2016 the baylor line

61

2/8/16 5:56 PM

d own the years

OBITUARIES

grandchildren, and great nieces

degree from Baylor in Education

Suzanne Barker Roberts ’65. Dot

and nephews.

and English and was a member

is survived by her sister, several

Carleen Bright

Virginia Mitchell Fitzhugh

and president of the University

nieces and nephews, and many great-nieces and nephews.

‘36 passed away

‘39 passed away Nov. 28, 2014 at

Urbanites. She taught third grade

Oct. 21, 2015, at the

the age of 99. She was an active

at La Vega, married William Har-

age of 100. She was

member of St. Alban’s Episcopal

old Taylor Jr. in 1946, and raised

‘49 passed away Aug. 13, 2015, in

the only woman to

Colleen Ward Hightower

Church and enjoyed a rich social

four children. After 14 moves, she

Austin. Colleen was a member of

serve on the 15-member Charter

life in Waco for more than 65

had moving down to a science.

Mu Phi Epsilon music fraternity.

Commission to write the original

years. She is survived by a total of

She married her second husband,

She studied organ under Dr.

charter for the city of Wood-

five children (and their families)

Jack Martin SoRelle in 1987 and

Robert Markham and received

way and was later elected to

with two husbands: son William

they enjoyed traveling across the

her Bachelor of Music degree in

the Woodway City Council, on

H. Smith; daughter Ginny Smith

country and across Texas; Mary

organ performance. She married

which she served for 30 years,

Blakley; son Tim Fitzhugh; daugh-

Nell kept a large Texas map with

Jack E. Hightower ‘49 and JD ‘51

20 as mayor pro tem. She also

ter Randy Ford; and daughter

pushpins in all the Texas towns

in 1950 and was the organist in

taught for 30 years, first at A&M

Wendy Crowley.

they visited. She is survived by

the First Baptist Churches of

her sister, four children and their

Tulia, Vernon, and Austin for a

Treasure Thomas Malone

Consolidated Elementary School and later at Alamo Heights in

‘40, MS ‘72, passed away Aug.

families, including 11 grandchil-

combined 53 years. She was the

San Antonio. The 16-acre Carleen

30, 2015, just a few weeks after

dren, eight step-grandchildren,

mother of Ann Hightower ‘75,

Bright Arboretum was named in

her 98th birthday. She served in

and three great-grandchildren.

Amy Hightower Brees ‘79, and

her honor.

a number of leadership positions

Evelyn Whitener Woodruff

Dorothy Campbell ‘48

Alison Hightower Suttle ‘82.

Dr. E.C. “Jack” Aldredge,

with the Austin Avenue United

passed away Oct. 14, 2015 in

’39 passed away on Dec. 2, 2015,

Methodist Church. She did

Dallas at the age of 91. Dot was

DDS ‘49,passed away Oct. 11,

at the age of 98. Evelyn taught

graduate study at Duke Univer-

baptized by Dr. George W. Truett

2015, at the age of 92. Jack, who

at every level and retired after

sity and the University of Texas,

and was the roommate of Ann

graduated at the top of his Baylor

serving as principal at Grady and

and traveled to Ireland, Italy,

Vardaman (later Ann Miller, rec-

Dental School class, had a dental

Pilgrim Elementary schools in the

Hawaii, Sweden, and England

ognized as one of Baylor’s great

practice in Marlin, TX, from 1949

Houston ISD. She was a charter

after her retirement. She is sur-

professors). She was a student

to 1974. He was a past president

member of the Baylor University

vived by daughter Kathy Whitehill

of Dr. A.J. Armstrong and earned

and board member of both the

Women of Houston Association.

and sons John and Mark Malone

her B.A. and teaching certificate

Marlin ISD school board and

She is survived by son Therbert

and their families, including four

from Baylor. Dot lived in Houston

the Marlin Chamber of Com-

Woodruff Jr. and his wife Kathy;

grandchildren.

after graduation for 61 years and

merce. He was preceded in death

was well known in the oil and gas

by his wife, Jo Lynne Morgan

Mary Nell SoRelle ‘45 passed

son Sidney Woodruff and his wife Julie; daughter Charlotte Bobbitt;

away on Aug. 30, 2015, in San

industry and as a patron of the

Aldredge, five siblings, and one

and numerous grandchildren,

Antonio at the age of 90. Mary

arts. She and her sister moved

granddaughter. He is survived

nieces and nephews, great

Nell received her bachelor’s

to Dallas to live with her niece,

by his sons John and Stephen and their families, including two granddaughters, three great-

f o n d fa r e w e l l s / g e n e va h u g h e s ’ 3 1 & M c d o n a l d “ d o n ” h e l d ’ 3 3

granddaughters, and one greatgrandson.

Baylor’s two oldest alums passed away in late summer and early fall in 2015.

Thomas T. Martin ‘49 of San Angelo, TX, passed away Nov. 24,

Geneva Hughes ‘31 of Waco died on Oct. 17 at the age of 105. She taught in Coleman, Brownwood,

2015, at the age of 91. In addition

and 1st through 5th grade Music in the Marlin public schools for more than 50 years. She graduated the

to graduating from Baylor, Tom

year the then-Baylor President Samuel Palmer Brooks delivered his famous Immortal Message where

also held master’s degrees from

he said “to you I hand the torch.” Geneva was a lifelong member of Delta Kappa Gamma and many

Southwestern Baptist Theologi-

other organizations. She loved playing bridge and wrote out a cookbook in longhand for her daughter,

cal Seminary and Presbyterian

daughter-in-law, and granddaughter that they still use. She was an accomplished pianist and played at

School of Christian Education.

several churches. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. S.W. “Sid” Hughes, and her parents and

He served in a variety of pastoral

sister. She is survived by her children, Mac and Maria Drews, and their children and grandchildren.

roles in Malakoff, TX; Austin, Richmond, VA; San Marcos; and

McDonald “Don” Held ’33 passed away Aug. 11, 2015, in Billings, MT, where he and his wife Beverly had lived for 45 years. Beverly passed away eight months before Dr. Held, who was also 105 and is survived by five children, seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Dr. Held was born Oct. 14, 1909 and Mrs. Hughes was born Feb. 6, 1910.

Galena Park. Survivors include several nieces and nephews.

Hazel Beth McCall ’50 passed away Oct. 2, 2015, at the age of 85. Her teaching career

62

the baylor line winter 2016

62_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 62

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

2/8/16 5:56 PM

dow n t h e y e a r s

took her first to Bay City, Texas,

including four granddaughters,

JD ‘55, of Dallas

Baptist Church of Waco, where

and then to Waco ISD, where

six grandsons, and four great-

passed away Oct.

she taught Sunday school. She

she taught school for 38 years

grandchildren.

23, 2015, at the age

led the creation of the Children’s

Mary Jane Ai-

of 84. Skip attended

Building and oversaw its cur-

Year in 1970. She was elected

ken Stopschinski

Baylor on a basket-

riculum. She is survived by her

to the Waco Women’s Bowling

Sternberg ‘52, MA

ball scholarship and

husband, Aaron Lee Thomas,

Association Hall of Fame and to

‘54, passed away

served in the military after gradu-

three sons (Lloyd, Mark, and

the Texas Horseshoe Pitchers As-

August 28, 2015 at

ation. He joined the Dallas office

Glenn) and their families, and

the age of 84. Jane taught harp

of Arthur Young in 1960 and

three siblings and their families.

in her private piano studio for 30

became a partner in just 10 years.

‘51 passed away Sept. 13, 2015, at

years and bred and raised dogs.

By 1980 he was the partner in

‘56, MBA ‘65, of

the age of 85. Stan chose Baylor

She and her first husband Hank

charge of the Tax Department in

Waco passed away

over SMU, Rice, and TCU to play

Stopschinski raised five children

the Dallas office. He married Les-

Nov. 24, 2015, at

football because of its Christian

who were involved in a variety

lie Finks, his former tax accoun-

the age of 79. After

foundation. He caught 65 passes

of activities that took advan-

tant, following his retirement in

for 1,029 and 11 touchdowns over

tage of Jane’s sewing skills. In

1990. They enjoyed traveling and

Navy’s Officer Candidate School.

his four years and was named

1995, Jane moved to Waco and

visited 104 countries together. He

He retired as a Commander after

first-team offensive end on some

married Daniel Sternberg, dean

is survived by Leslie, his beloved

serving in the reserves for 17

of the most prestigious All-

of the Baylor School of Music

wife of 25 years, two brothers,

years. Richard began a long and

American teams. After college,

and leader of the Waco Sym-

a sister, and their families and

distinguished career at Baylor in

Stan played one season as both

phony Orchestra. She was very

loved ones

1968, first as a faculty member

a defensive back and end for the

involved with the symphony and

original 1952 Dallas Texans and

volunteered at the senior center

Sept. 1, 2015, at the age of 85

Hankamer School of Business for

then five seasons in the Cana-

teaching computer classes and

after a long illness. Brocato, who

20 years, and finally as the Vice

dian Football League. He received

at the Waco Meals on Wheels.

played football in the 1950s at

President of Development for 10

a number of post-career honors,

Jane crossed the Atlantic once or

5-foot-11 and 185 pounds, made

years. Richard is survived by his

including selection to the Baylor

twice a year for the past 15 years.

all-conference as a linebacker

wife, Terry, who he met while on

Hall of Fame, Baylor Legend, and

She loved spending summers in

at Baylor and was drafted into

active duty in Long Beach, CA;

Texas Sports Hall of Fame. Stan

Hanigsen and passed away in a

the NFL. Longtime Arlington,

three children and their spouses;

is survived by Barbara, his wife of

hospital near her summer home

TX, resident and Tennessee

three granddaughters; and many

67 years; two daughters, Barbara

there, with her oldest daughter

Titans scout, Brocato spent 40

other family members in Craw-

“Barbie” Williams Ryan Kuntz

Suzanne by her side and Mozart

years with the Houston/Tennes-

ford, TX and southern California.

and Sally Williams Morris, and

playing in the background. She is

see franchise, holding the title

their families; son Danny Charles

survived by her five children and

of scouting consultant for the

Schmidt Jr. ’57, MA

Williams and his family; and four

five grandchildren.

Titans at the time of his death.

’63, of Seven Lakes,

He was a candidate on multiple

NC, died at home

and was named Teacher of the

sociation.

Stanley Neal Williams

grandchildren.

John Scott “Scotty” Woods

Richard Scott

graduation, he atten

C.O. Brocato ‘53 passed away

for nine years, as the Dean of the

William Fred

Jr. ‘52 passed away April 3, 2015.

occasions for enshrinement in

JD ‘51, passed away Aug. 19, 2015,

He worked for Gulf Oil, Butler

the Pro Football Hall of Fame

the age of 80. His high-school

at the age of 86. Bill, who was

Manufacturing, Bank of the

as a contributor. In his obituary,

teaching career spanned 40

preceded in death by Roberta, his

Southwest, and was director

former Dallas Cowboys player

years and four states, Kentucky,

wife of 64 years, and his parents,

of personnel services for the

personnel director Gil Brandt said

Ohio, Illinois, and the last 20

was an outstanding tennis player

Baylor College of Medicine from

“I don’t know if I’ve ever met any-

years in Moore County, NC. He

at Waco High and also competed

1964 until his retirement in 1994.

one tougher.” Brocato was a 27th

specialized in Advanced Place-

throughout Texas in UIL Debate

A native Houstonian, Scotty is

round draft pick of the Chicago

ment European History, world

Tournaments. He served during

survived by his wife of 55 years,

Cardinals in 1953, but left after

history, and world cultures. His

the Korean Conflict in the U.S.

Joyce Annette Woods; daughter

only a week in training camp to

wife, Jean, says Baylor history

Air Force in the Judge Advocates

Shauna Woods Schiwitz ’83 and

start a career in coaching and

professor Dr. Ralph Lynn inspired

Division. Upon returning to Waco,

son John Scott Woods III ’84,

scouting.

Bill, who combined creative

he opted to go into the insur-

MBA ’86, and their families, which

ance business with his father,

include four grandchildren and

passed away Oct. 9, 2015 at the

strong academic background

Arthur W. Bailey and became a

two great-grandchildren. Scotty’s

age of 82. She taught elementary

and won many teaching awards;

noted state and national leader

mother, Carrie Cain Woods, was

school for more than 20 years in

sponsored the Mariemont HS

in the profession. Bill is survived

a 1920 Baylor graduate, and both

the Waco and Midway Indepen-

Environment Group and Key Club

by three sons, Roy, Wesley,

sisters were Baylor grads too.

dent School Districts and was

at Pinecrest High School; and

John B. “Skip” Parker ‘53,

a devoted member of the First

coached many athletic teams,

Arthur William Bailey Jr. ‘51,

and Hatch and their families,

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

63_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 63

on Sept. 9, 2015, at

Margaret Jan Thomas ‘54

teaching techniques with a

winter 2016 the baylor line

63

2/8/16 5:56 PM

d own the years

Rex Staley Whitaker ‘65,

including the award-winning

class ever, the Waco High School

as a corrections officer, grant

golf teams. Bill is survived by his

Class of 1955.” Charles founded

writer, a purchaser for the Texas

JD ‘69, passed away Sept.

wife Jean; two children (Sorien

the Redwoods lumberyard in

Department of Criminal Justice

1, 2015 at the age of 72. He

and Kirk); Sorien’s husband Kirk

1965 and operated it until his

in Huntsville. He taught English

earned his bachelor’s degree

Brenneman; and two grandsons,

retirement in 2005. Charles is

as a second language at Sam

in mathematics and practiced

Ethan and William Brenneman.

survived by Mary Wood Evans,

Houston State University, was

law with Naman, Howell, Smith

his wife of 56 years; his son

the founder of the Thoreau

& Lee for more than 40 years

Fort Worth passed away April 22,

Charles and daughter Angela;

Woods Unitarian Universal-

before retiring as a senior part-

2010, at the age of 73. He was a

and their families, which include

ist Church of Huntsville, and

ner to practice with his son at

member of the Taurus Society at

three grandchildren.

started Habitat for Humanity

Baird, Crews, Schiller & Whitaker,

in Walker County. He is survived

where he was of counsel until his

W. Clark Campbell ‘58 of

Edwinna Kirk-

Baylor and retired from the First National Bank of Fort Worth in

patrick Janert

by his devoted wife of 33 years,

death. Rex also taught Securi-

1990. At the time of his death,

‘61 passed away

Beth (Drake) Williamson ’62, his

ties Law at Baylor Law School as

he was the world’s longest-living

Sept. 27, 2015, a

brother George Williamson, a

an adjunct professor. Survivors

survivor of pancreatic cancer

few weeks short of

sister-in-law: Lanelle Williamson,

include Marilyn, his wife of 51

and was survived by his wife,

her 76th birthday. A resident of

nieces and nephews, and great-

years; and daughters Lisa and

Lori, and one son, Christopher.

San Antonio, she was a teacher

nieces and great-nephews.

Kristi and son Mark and their

Richard

for nearly 35 years in Colorado,

Billy Williams ’63 passed

Lee Clark ‘59,

including 34 years on Lackland

away Dec. 14, 2015 at the age of

JD, passed away

Air Force Base. Edwinna is

74. A great benefactor to Baylor,

Aug. 24, 2015, at

survived by her husband of 51

Williams lettered in football in

man Gray, JD

the age of 78. Dick

families, which include nine grandchildren.

Melvin Nor-

years, Gerald “Jerry” Janert; and

1962 and joined First National

‘66, passed away

played for Baylor in the 1957

brothers-in-law Rob and Ron

Bank of Fort Worth’s executive

Oct. 10, 2015, at

Sugar Bowl, going on to play

Janert and their families.

training program after gradua-

Don Michael Hamm

professionally for the Toronto

the age of 74. A

tion and went on to a 26-year

longtime San Angelo resident

Argonauts and the Calgary

‘61, passed away on Dec. 14,

career at Owens Corning,

and prominent defense attorney,

Stampeders in the CFL. Follow-

2015, in Houston at the age of 77.

moving from field salesman to

Gray was described as “full of

ing his football career, Dick ob-

Mike was an attorney and CPA in

executive vice president for the

life, really kind of larger than life

tained his law degree and served

private practice from 1974 until

building materials division. In

[with] a big heart” by Fred Brig-

as Assistant District Attorney in

his retirement, and was known

1991, Williams and two associ-

man, his law partner and friend.

McLennan County and worked in

for his ability to handicap horse

ates purchased Chicago-based

Gray attended TCU on a football

private practice with his father

races (including hitting “the big

Liquid Container LLP, where as

scholarship and received his

and later with his son. Dick’s

one” with the lone winning Pick

president he oversaw its expan-

Juris Doctor degree from Baylor.

obituary said he “loved his home

Six ticket in 1992). Mike married

sion from a regional manufac-

One of his great passions was

in Waco, his condo in Vail, vaca-

Madeline McDermott on Feb.

turer to a national presence in

the rodeo and he actively sup-

tioning in Cancun, Mexico every

29, 1972, with an anniversary

the plastics packaging industry

ported and volunteered with

winter for his wife and daugh-

every four years (his idea). Mike

before selling the company in

the San Angelo Stock Show and

ter’s birthday, family gatherings,

is survived by wife Madeline,

2011. Williams was named to

Rodeo.

grandkids’ ballgames, skiing with

niece Gabriela Hamm Jackson

the Baylor “B” Association’s Wall

his buddies in Vail, playing gin

and a host of friends. Friends

of Honor in 2012. He and wife

‘67 passed away Nov. 16, 2014,

rummy with his great buds at

may contact Madeline at 7400

Elaine provided the lead gift for

in Houston at the age of 69.

Ridgewood Country Club in the

Clarewood Drive, #705, Houston,

the Williams Family Soccer and

Dan served in the U.S. Army for

19th Hole daily, and sitting on

TX, 77036.

Olympic Sports Center (which

two years, including an assign-

opened in October 2015) and

ment in Germany where he used

Stuart Williamson

the deck of his home relaxing

Mark Daniel “Dan” McLean

and looking out at the lake. Dick

‘62 passed away Feb. 6, 2015,

committed in October 2015 to

his language skills to monitor

also loved golf, loved his friends

at the age of 74. Stuart, who

another multi-million-dollar gift

radio broadcasts of the Russian

dearly, and loved his [Waco HS]

received his degree in Religion,

for a golf practice facility near

military from East Berlin. He then

class of 1955.” Dick is survived by

proudly served in the Peace

campus. Williams and his family

spent the next 30 years teaching

Sandra, his wife of 51 years; his

Corps in the Philippines from

also established two endowed

foreign language at Blinn College

daughter Christi and son Rich-

1962 to 1964 and as a chaplain’s

scholarships at Baylor. Billy

in Brenham, TX and North Harris

ard; and two grandchildren.

assistant in the U.S. Army in

is survived by his wife Elaine;

County Community College.

Vietnam 1967-68. He received

three children (Zach, Libby, and

He is survived by his brothers,

away Sept. 1, 2015 at the age of

a master’s degree from the

Andrew) and their families; and

Rod McLean of Waco and Jim

78. Like Dick Clark (above), he

Episcopal Seminary of the

many other family members and

McLean of Richardson, TX.

graduated from “the greatest

Southwest in 1969. He worked

friends.

Charles Evans III ‘59 passed

64

the baylor line winter 2016

64_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 64

Kenneth “Ken” McFarland

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

2/8/16 5:57 PM

dow n t h e y e a r s

Stockdale ‘68 passed away

two children (Lindsey and Leah)

is survived by a long list of family

and her sister and brother-in-law

Oct. 20, 2015, at the age of 70

and their families, including

members.

Connie Kissel Schroeder and Phil

at his home in Denton. Ken was

three grandchildren.

Baylor’s quarterback from 1963

Charles Langlotz ’70 of

Charles Loyd Ivy ‘72 of

Schroeder of Garland; and two grandchildren.

Gatesville, TX, passed away

Kathi Lou Couch ‘78 passed

to 1967, and married his high

Waco passed away Nov. 2, 2015,

Nov. 27, 2015, at the age of 65.

school sweetheart Kathryn Lee

at the age of 71. Charles worked

Charles began his career with

away Sept. 18, 2015 at the age

Smith in December 1967. Af-

as a school business administra-

the National Bank of Gates-

of 60. Kathi was a journalism

ter graduation, Ken and Kathy

tor for 30 years, continuing to

ville while in high school and

teacher for 34 years, at La Vega,

moved to Fayetteville, AK,

keep books and taxi around his

continued there after gradua-

Midway, Smithson Valley, and

where Ken coached under the

grandkids following retirement.

tion. He and his wife Melinda

Flower Mound high schools. She

legendary Frank Broyles at the

He is survived by his wife, Lisa;

worked with his parents for 18

loved making greeting cards

University of Arkansas. He was

three daughters (Melinda, Lori,

years at the Western Auto Store

and calendars with personalized

a Realtor for many years and

and Triniti) and a son (Alec) and

in Gatesville, before returning to

photos for family and friends

received the Lifetime Achieve-

their families; four grandchildren;

banking in 1990, first with Guar-

and she loved photography.

ment Award from the Greater

and his mother and sister.

anty Bank and Trust Co./Extraco

Kathi is survived by her children

Banks and then in 2005 as man-

Kristin Couch-O’Brien and Jared

Denton-Wise County Associa-

Cheryl Anderson Clark ‘70,

tion of Realtors in 2013. Ken is

MA ‘96, of Waco passed away

ager of Educators Credit Union.

Couch and their families; her

survived by his wife of 48 years,

Nov. 18, 2015, at the age of 67.

Charles is survived by his wife of

father Edwin Kuehl and step-

Kathy, and by his three children

She was the first librarian of the

38 years, Melinda; two sons and

mother Diane Kuehl; her brother

and grandchildren.

Lake Air Branch of the Waco-

their wives; three grandchildren;

and sister and their families; and

McLennan County Library and

his mother and his sister and

was looking forward to the birth

Jeanne Thomp-

worked at Baylor before teaching

brother-in-law.

of her first grandchild, Madelyn

son MSED ‘68

art and English in the McGregor

Barby Anna (Parrish) Wil-

passed away Oct.

and Waco Independent School

liams ‘75 of Waco, passed away

14, 2015, five days

Districts. She co-managed the

Nov. 13, 2015, at the age of 59.

‘79, passed away Oct. 22, 2015

after her 95th birthday. Jeanne

Anderson/Clark Gallery, a family-

Barby was an active Athenian

at the age of 69. Kay’s ancestors

graduated from Kansas with a

owned business in the 1980s,

(now Kappa Kappa Gamma)

were the founders of St. Joseph,

BA in music and later earned her

before returning to teaching

and a Baylor Beauty at Baylor,

MO, where she grew up and met

MA in counseling from Baylor.

and working as a technology

where she met her future hus-

her future husband, Jim Curry,

She retired from Waco ISD in

specialist for the Waco ISD.

band, Dale Williams. As newly-

a professor of political science

1980 after 30+ years of service.

She was preceded in death by

weds, Barby taught 5th and 6th

at Baylor. Kay earned her real

Jeanne was a 50-year charter

her husband, Winston B. Clark,

grade in Bosqueville while Dale

estate broker’s license in 1978,

member of the Delta Kappa

and is survived by her son and

attended Baylor Law School.

opened Kay Curry Realtors, and

Gamma Society International, a

daughter and her step-daughter

She was a co-founder of Waco

sold hundreds of properties over

service organization for women

and three grandchildren.

Baptist Academy and served

the next 36 years. She is survived

as board president. The school

by her husband; her children, Dr.

Katherine

educators. Her husband “Tom-

Emelda Bentley

“Maddy” O’Brien.

Kay Landis Curry, MS

my” Thompson was chairman

‘72 passed away

presents the Barby Williams

Douglas Curry of Ladue, MO, and

of the Psychology department

Oct. 6, 2015, at the

“Faithful Servant Award” and

Dr. Mary Curry Dickerson of Ba-

at Baylor and passed away sud-

age of 85. A sur-

scholarship each year. She also

ton Rouge, LA, and their families,

denly in 1979. She is survived by

vivor of the brutal

owned the Roots Boutique in

including five grandchildren; two

four children and their families,

Japanese occupation of the

downtown Waco. She is survived

sisters, and a host of other fam-

including four grandchildren,

Philippines during World War II,

by her husband of 40 years, Dale;

ily members.

nine great grandchildren and her

Emelda was a beloved elemen-

two children and their families,

Deborah Kay Hahn ‘80 of

sister and her family.

tary-school teacher in a number

including three grandchildren;

Waco passed away Dec. 1, 2015,

of school districts including

and her mother and sister.

at the age of 57. Debbie graduat-

Martha Lynne Walker Wetzig ‘69 of Grapevine, TX,

Midway and Waco. She worked

Nita Carol Kissel Fanning

passed away Oct. 30, 2015, at

as a consultant and supervisor

‘76, JD ‘78, passed away Aug.

Herring School of Nursing, where

the age of 68. Martha received

at Baylor after retirement and

21, 2015, at the age of 61. She

she was a member of Alpha Tau

the Ross Perot Education Award

as president of Delta Kappa

practiced general and family

Delta and Sigma Theta Tau. She

for Excellence from Baylor,

Gamma, the professional honor-

law in Waco through her private

worked at both Providence and

taught in the Dallas area public

ary society for women educa-

practice and her work with Legal

Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center

schools for more than 20 years,

tors. Emelda was preceded

Aid. She is survived by her chil-

in Waco during her career as an

and was named Teacher of the

in death by her husband, Maj.

dren, Aaron (and wife Nicole),

RN. She is survived by cousins

Year in the Midlothian School

Marvin Bentley (USAF Ret.), her

Bret, and Arden Fanning; her

along with countless treasured

District. She is survived by her

parents, and her 11 siblings. She

brother, Andrew Kissel of Dallas

friends.

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

65_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 65

ed with honors from the Louise

winter 2016 the baylor line

65

2/9/16 5:35 PM

d own the years

Professor Elden Bar-

a prince of a guy,” Nesbitt recalls.

2015, at the age of 69. Lari, who

always provide the deceased’s

“He would recognize us and talk

earned both her bachelor’s and

rett passed away Oct. 24, 2015,

graduation year from Baylor,

to us during games after that

master’s degrees in education

at the age of 76. Dr. Barrett

particularly if they were not

summer. Very sad to know that

from Baylor, was a junior high

served as a faculty member in

a BAA member or their inform-

he is gone.”

school teacher in the West In-

Baylor’s School of Education

dependent School District, and

for nearly 30 years and retired

Please note that we cannot

Patsy Sue Anderson of

ation is not available on the Baylor website. We apologize

Dallas passed away Oct. 4, 2015,

also taught in Waco and Riesel.

in 2011 as Professor Emeritus

and mean no disrespect.

at the age of 73. After Baylor,

She loved race cars and held the

of Curriculum and Instruction.

Patsy moved to Dallas and was

title for the NCCC Drag Racing

He served in a variety of public

turner

the director of medical records

Record Holder. Lari is survived

school positions before begin-

passed away Aug.

at Parkland, then Medical City

by her husband, Thomas Niles,

ning his career at Baylor, and was

15, 2014 in Los

Hospitals; she later retired

two children, seven grandchil-

known as an authority on asser-

Angeles at the

from Walls Regional Hospital in

dren, and her mother and two

tive discipline. He is survived by

age of 77. Wayne

Cleburne, TX. She is survived by

brothers.

his wife, Shirley, and two children

Wayne Cruse-

Former State

majored in journalism at Baylor

son Steven Anderson; his wife,

after serving with the 3rd Marine

Brandi; and a grandson, Nash

Senator Chris

C.W. “Wally” Christian,

Aircraft Wing at El Toro in the

Anderson.

Harris passed

professor emeritus of Religion,

away Dec. 19, 2015,

passed away on November

at the age of 67.

30, 2015, at the age of 88. Dr.

and their families.

late 1950s. His career spanned

John William Garibay of

four decades in the television

Mountain City, TX, passed away

and movie industry, holding cue

Nov. 18, 2015, at the age of

A graduate of the Baylor Law

Christian was a member of

cards, writing screenplays, cre-

75. One of 10 children, Johnny

School, Chris served Tarrant,

Baylor’s religion faculty for more

ating the TV game show Gambit,

served in the Texas National

Denton, Johnson, Parker, and

than 40 years, and was a central

and writing Farrah Fawcett’s

Guard and worked and retired

Dallas counties over the course

figure in the early history of the

final episode of Charlie’s Angels.

from Fiesta in Houston after 15

of his 28-year career as a state

department’s PhD program.

Wayne is survived by Elisabeth,

years of service as a receiving

lawmaker. When he retired in

He “worked with many gradu-

his wife of 22 years; his sister

manager. He is survived by six

2013 he held the record for

ate students in the areas of

and brother; his son Ashley and

sisters and numerous nieces and

longest-serving Republican in

modern theology and published

daughter-in-law Angela Rus-

nephews.

the Texas Senate. He was chair-

important work on the 18th/19th

Michael Cuscurida passed

man of the Senate Administra-

century theologian Friedrich

grandsons, Caleb and Cade;

away Dec. 18, 2015, at the age of

tion Committee for five terms,

Schleiermacher,” according to

four step-children and 10 step-

89 in Waco. Michael, who earned

was the Senate President Pro

Department of Religion Chair

grandchildren.

his Master’s and PhD in Organic

Tem in 2001, and headed com-

W.J. Bellinger Jr., who added that

Chemistry from Baylor, worked

mittees on jurisprudence and

he also influenced many under-

McNamara

with Texaco Oil in Austin for

economic development. After

grads through his Old Testament

passed away Sept.

most of his career as a research

his passing, he was praised by

Survey course. He is survived by

1 at the age of 67.

chemist and earned more

University of Texas-Arlington

Betty Purvis Christian, his wife of

Mike served as

than 100 patents. His obitu-

President Vistasp Karbhari as

63 years; four children, including

Deputy U.S. Marshall for 34 years

ary in the Waco Trib notes that

“more than a friend of UTA…he

two sons and two daughters;

and was chief investigator of

he was invited to New York to

was an integral part of the UTA

five grandchildren; and a number

the McLennan County District

have lunch with the corporate

vision and we will never forget

of other relatives and friends.

Attorney’s office at the time of

president after receiving his

his contributions to us.” Harris is

his death.

100th patent and was told by his

survived by his wife, Tammy, and

passed away on November

mother that it seemed like a long

five children.

18, 2015, at the age of 92. She

sell Cruseturner of Waco; two

Michael Patrick

Former Baylor Basketball

Yvonne Cates Garrett

player Michael Battle passed

way to go for lunch. Mike was a

away August 23, 2015, at the age

member of the Boy Scouts of

of 56. A prolific dunker, Battle

America and stayed best friends

was a member of the Trinity

with many of his fellow Scouts

passed away Oct. 13, 2015, at

co-founder of the Hankamer

Valley High School Hall of Fame

over the years. He is survived

the age of 84. Armitstead was

School of Business and former

in Athens, TX. He played for

by his sister, Sister Jo Ann

a professor of history at Baylor

Baylor Trustee) finished his de-

Baylor from 1979-81, and worked

Cuscurida, Daughter of Charity,

from 1961 to 2002. He is survived

gree. She was a charter member

at the Dallas Bulk Mail Center

in Evansville, IN, by longtime

by his two daughters and his

of the Baylor University Women

for 30 years. BAA President Tom

friend, Madeline Kosler and over

brother. Baylor alumni saluted

of Houston Association and a

Nesbitt recalls the Baylor Bas-

100 other family members.

Professor Armistead on the BAA

1986 Alumni by Choice honoree.

Facebook page in a post that

Yvonne taught Sunday School

was published on Oct. 15.

for 35 years at South Main Bap-

Lari Stoermer Niles of

ketball Camp one summer when Battle was a counselor. “He was

66

West passed away Dec. 19,

the baylor line winter 2016

66_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 66

FACULTY AND STAFF Professor Paul Armitstead-

taught at Baylor while her husband, Vernon G. Garrett Jr. (known by many as Mr. Baylor,

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

2/8/16 5:58 PM

dow n t h e y e a r s

tist Church in Houston, wrote a

f o n d fa r e w e l l / 1 9 3 1 — 2 0 1 5

for the Baptist Standard for 10

Robert Cortes Sr., MS ‘86

years. Yvonne is survived by her

Robert Cortes Sr. passed away February 13, 2015, at the age of 83.

children, Beth McCarty and hus-

BGCT President Kathy Hillman eulogized him in the Baptist Standard

band Barry; Dana Werner and

on March 20, 2015.

number of books, and also wrote

husband Dennis; Doug Garrett; Richard Garrett and wife Cath-

Non-Christians felt Robert Cortes’ aura of peace and faith. His bright

erine; 10 grandchildren; a great

smile drew many to him. Roberto’s life began in Monterrey, Mexico. He grew

granddaughter; and many, many

up in a Christian home, attended school, became a successful accountant and married. But

friends and other relatives.

God’s call changed everything. In 1956, Robert and his wife, Cary, emigrated to the United States

Dr. Diana Garland, founding dean of the Baylor University

so he could prepare for ministry. They both studied at Tennessee Temple College. In Chattanooga, he also served as an associate pastor.

School of Social Work and wife

Upon graduation, the Cortes family moved to Texas, where Robert became the full-time

of former Baylor interim Presi-

minister of Primera Iglesia Bautista de Belton, which ordained him. Seeking additional study, he

dent David Garland passed away

earned an master’s degree in religion at Baylor. He served as pastor of Hispanic congregations

Sept. 21, 2015. To honor her ser-

in Odem, Edroy and Refugio, and he worked with Elmin Howell to involve his churches in Texas

vice to the school, Baylor’s board

Baptists’ River Ministry.

of regents renamed the School of Social Work in her honor in

In 1969, God called Robert and the Cortes family back to Monterrey to be missionaries and to pastor Primera Iglesia Bautista and Iglesia Bautista Berea.

April. For a more detailed chron-

He planted churches throughout Mexico and for almost a decade also taught elementary

icle of her life and contributions,

school. He further extended God’s reach through an international radio ministry that continued

you can read the article about

35 years. For eight years, he wrote

her in the most recent issue of

“Lo que la Biblia enseña” or “What the

the Baylor Magazine or on the

Bible teaches” for El Norte, a newspa-

Baylor website here.

per widely read in Mexico and Spain.

Agnes Marie McNeill passed

God uprooted Pastor Cortes again

away Sept. 23, 2015, at the age

in 1978. The Southern Baptist Home

of 92. She retired in 1987 from

Mission Board through Rice Temple

Baylor’s Biology Department

Baptist Church asked him to begin a

where she was a secretary to

chaplaincy program for international

many different professors.

patients at Texas Medical Center in

Retired Professor Elden

Houston. He served as senior chap-

Barrett of Lorena passed away

lain at M.D. Anderson, Hermann and

Oct. 24, 2015 at the age of 76.

Methodist hospitals. In retirement,

Dr. Barrett served as a faculty

Chaplain Cortes’ witness continued as

member in Baylor’s School of

he turned every conversation naturally

Education for nearly 30 years,

to Christ.

When he died, his two sons and

after serving as a principal at Lorena High School, Midway

daughter streamed the memorial

Elementary, Midway High

service to his churches in Mexico at

School, and La Vega Elementary.

their request.

Baylor Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education Wesley Null wrote a lovely eulogy in the Waco Trib. Survivors include his

in the School of Music, passed

Gibson moved to Waco so Pete

Gilliam, a former member of the

wife, Shirley; son Kevin Barrett

away on Nov. 8 at the age of 59.

could complete his theol-

Waco City Council, longtime

and his wife Ly; daughter Krista

She is survived by her husband

ogy degree. At the time, she

local grocer, and later a Baylor

Barrett, field education program

of 42 years, Steve; sons Chad,

volunteered for the campaign to

Bookstore employee. She is

manager in the Diana R. Garland

Matt, and Andy; two grandchil-

construct Baylor Stadium. After

survived by her sons John and

School of Social Work; grandson

dren; her mother, and six siblings.

Pete’s death, she spent 21 years

James Gibson and their families,

as a records administrator in

which include two grandchildren.

David Barrett; and two siblings

Betty Jane “Janie” Gilliam of Waco passed away Dec. 24,

Baylor’s Financial Aid Depart-

Linda Stewart, a longtime

2015, at the age of 88. She and

ment. During her time at Baylor,

administrative professional with-

her first husband, Culver “Pete”

she met and married Melvin

and their families.

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

67_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 67

winter 2016 the baylor line

67

2/8/16 5:58 PM

OK BACK A LOOK BACK A LOOK BACK A LOOK BACK A LOOK BACK A LOOK BACK A LO

1994 graduating class.

Happy Birthday, Truett!

25 years preparing students for the ministry ON MARCH 2, 1991, George W. Truett Theological Seminary received its official charter, leading the Baylor Board of Regents to name a 15-member Board of Trustees to assess the feasibility of moving forward.

From that point, things moved quickly, from a July 1991 organizational meeting to create a statement of purpose to the May 1993 decision to open the seminary for the 199495 school year with 51 students.

The seminary’s namesake, Rev. George W. Truett, was a beloved pastor and a common household name for many practicing Baptists.

After graduating from Baylor in 1897, having served as pastor of East Waco Baptist Church for four years to help pay for school, he was called to pastor First Baptist Church of Dallas, the world’s largest Baptist church, where he stayed until his passing five decades later in 1944.

Twenty-five years after receiving its charter, Truett Seminary is remembering its first home on the second floor of the educational building of the First Baptist Church in Waco and its move eight years later, in 2002,

68

THE BAYLOR LINE winter 2016

68_BaylorLine_WIP16.indd 68

to its current location in the Baugh-Reynolds Campus, which is across from Russell Hall and includes a 550seat chapel, teaching chapel, and library with more than 1.5 million volumes.

The seminary’s first home revived memories for many Baylor alumni and faculty when classes for ministers were held 1950

by Rev. B.H. Carroll, then pastor of First Baptist Church, in his study.

The seminary’s first graduating class earned their Baylor diplomas in May 1997, and the 1,000th graduate crossed the stage just 15 years later in 2012. Today, Truett Seminary’s community averages 360 students, including 21 faculty members. Dr. Todd Still, a New Testament scholar and faculty member, succeeded Dr. David Garland as Truett’s fifth dean in June 2015. —Emily Knaub ‘16 What are your Truett memories? Please go to our website where we have posted a copy of this article, or send your thoughts to BaylorLine@BaylorAlumniAssociation.com.

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

2/8/16 5:48 PM

A Lo

C3_BaylorLine_WIP16.indd 3

2/8/16 5:49 PM

the

Baylor Line Baylor Alumni Association P.O. Box 2089, Waco, TX 76703

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID BAYLOR ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Become a member of the Baylor Alumni Association!

BaylorAlumniAssociation.com Call us toll-free at 1-888-710-1859 Contact us by e-mail Letters to the editor: BaylorLine@BaylorAlumniAssociation.com

Mark Your Calendar—Don’t Forget!

Annual Membership Meeting of the Baylor Alumni Association Saturday, June 11, 2016, time TBD, Hippodrome, 724 Austin Avenue, Waco, TX, 76701

their support for Muslims at the school and in the community. “We want them to know we’re trying to understand and be with them, which is the essence of compassion.”

C4r1_BaylorLine_WI16.indd 4

ROD AYDELOTTE

CELEBRATING FAITH— Baylor Chaplain Burt Burleson ’80 hosted a gathering in mid-December of more than 300 students to promote spiritual unity and show

3/21/16 9:00 PM