WINTER 2009/2010
pres·i·dent
(prěz’ ĭ-dənt, -děnt’) n.
the chief officer of a corporation, company, institution, university, or similar organization usually entrusted with the direction and administration of its policies.
President’s Perspective Few university presidents get the chance to return to a previous place of service to begin, again. Nine months ago, I was honored to be invited to return to the Forty Acres. This was a totally unexpected blessing at this point in my life. What a tremendous privilege it is to return to this great institution where Carol and I wore freshmen beanies back in the mid1960s and where I served as president and chancellor from 1991 to 2003. Thomas Wolfe penned the words, “You can’t go home again.” Well, Carol and I have “come home again,” and we are most grateful for the opportunity for a second tour of duty at Hardin-Simmons University. In this issue of the Range Rider, several HSU graduates and former students are featured in stories that chronicle their careers as university presidents. I know that all those featured would agree that the university presidency is the greatest job in the world! How exciting it is to spend each day surrounded by energetic, hopeful students, intelligent and creative faculty, and dedicated, optimistic staff. And if that were not enough, the university president’s spirits are regularly buoyed by encouragement from alumni and generous friends who give sacrificially to undergird the institution’s worth. Another great blessing that comes from service as a university president is the thrill of participating in visioning, goal-setting, and implementing strategic plans that lead to the realization of university dreams. In 1980, Mark Victor Hansen, coauthor of the best-selling Chicken Soup for the Soul book series, wrote a book titled Future Diary. When speaking to students, I often quote from Hansen’s book to underscore the importance of goal setting in personal success. Hansen quoted J. C. Penney who once said, “Give me a stock clerk with a goal, and I will give you a stock clerk who makes history.” While this simple statement has great application in the area of personal success, Penney’s observation also has relevance to institutional success. I submit that a university with goals is a university that “makes history.”
I am looking forward to the coming months as Hardin-Simmons University determines a new set of goals and dreams for its future. As this Range Rider goes to the printer, our institution is embarking on a new journey of visioning and strategic planning for the great successes that are ahead of us. This will be an exciting journey as we “make history” together. I thank God for the exceptional opportunity to lead HSU, once again. I pledge to all HSU alumni, former students, faculty, staff, and current students that I will give my best efforts to enhance the institution’s regional and national prominence, garner unprecedented resources for programs and facilities, and add value to the Hardin-Simmons experience. This institution has weathered storms and enjoyed great successes since its founding in 1891. Throughout the years, Hardin-Simmons has remained true to the mission of its founders and held fast to its commitment to be a community dedicated to providing excellence in education enlightened by Christian faith and values. Over the last decade, HSU has made extraordinary progress in expanding its physical plant, building endowment to record numbers, expanding its academic programs, and rising in regional and national recognition. And now, HSU is positioned for continued growth and expansion. As we enter the second decade of the twenty-first century, there is a positive, anticipative atmosphere on campus. The HSU community is already crafting worthy goals and aspirations. The Board of Trustees, faculty, administration, and student body of HSU are ready for new challenges, successes, and accomplishments. Working together with thousands of engaged alumni and a host of supportive and encouraging friends, the university is poised to achieve unprecedented success. I predict that by the year 2020, HSU will have achieved a myriad of its dreams for the future!
HARDIN-SIMMONS UNIVERSITY
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Hardin-Simmons University’s mission is to be a community dedicated to providing excellence in education enlightened by Christian faith and values.
Departments inside front cover
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President’s Perspective A word from HSU President Dr. Lanny Hall.
Editor’s Corner A conversation with our readers. Alumni Accolades The 2009 Hall of Leaders inductees and award recipients for Keeter, Distinguished Alumni, Outstanding Young Alumni, and Logsdon Awards. Alumni Notes A message from your alumni director, Britt (Yates) Jones (B84) and an opportunity to catch up on alumni events. Sports Report Keep up with those HSU Cowboys and Cowgirls! Campus News Catch up on news from the campus and meet new faculty and staff. Development News A word from VP for Institutional Advancement Leland Harden (B84) and updates on scholarships. Folks & Facts Class notes from your friends. Friends We’ll Miss Memorials to those we’ve lost.
Special Sections 5 2 50
Paths to the Prairie Devotional
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Features Dr. Lanny Hall (X68) President of Hardin-Simmons University.
Dr. Mark Foley (B72) President of the University of Mobile.
Dr. Robin Baker (X77/M82) President of George Fox University.
Dr. David Smith (B74) President of Brewton-Parker College.
René Maciel (B81) President of Baptist University of the Americas.
Past Presidents of HSU Photo depiction of HSU’s historical presidents.
Editor’s Corner Letter from the Editor In this issue we will look at the lives of several HSU alumni who have become university presidents. Each man has a different story to tell, but within each story, there is a thread that leads back to the ultimate planning of God. His hand is evident in the lives of these men as He has prepared them over time to be the leaders they are today. The job of university president is, above all else, a responsibility to send tomorrow’s leaders into the world prepared to make a difference. And for Christian universities, that goal is doubly important. Christian universities must prepare leaders who lead with the values of Christ. A daunting task, but one that each of these men rises to every day. I hope you enjoy meeting these men and come away with a deeper respect and gratitude for the enormous contribution university presidents make in the development of our society.
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On the Cover
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The HSU Presidential Mace is a symbolic representation of the authority and responsibility held by the university’s president. The mace was originally a weapon of offense and was carried into battle by medieval bishops. Later, the mace began to have a ceremonial function, though it was still intended to provide protection, usually to the king, and was carried by sergeants-at-arms within the royal bodyguard of French and English monarchs. Today, the mace is a symbol of authority as well as a visual representation of the idea of academic freedom. The university mace was presented to Dr. Lanny Hall at his presidential installation during the 2009 Convocation ceremonies. The mace is 42 inches in length with a staff made of fluted walnut. The durable wood is symbolic of the enduring dream of the founders of HardinSimmons University. Range Rider Magazine
Brenda Harris (B10) Director of Publications & University Editor
Cast in bronze and mounted on both sides of a circular walnut surround is the University Seal. The seal, designed by Dr. Ira Taylor, former head of the Department of Art, contains the name of the school in raised lettering along with the year the school was founded, 1891. In the center is an open Bible representing the Christian foundation of the institution and the continuing commitment to Christian principles. Resting on the Bible is a torch, emblematic of the enlightenment afforded through education. The cross of the risen Savior has been placed over the torch, symbolic of the priority and sovereign rank of Jesus Christ in our lives.
Letters to the Editor Your Opinion Goes Here...
Send in your comments about the current issue of Range Rider, what topics you’d like to see in future issues, or about anything you’d like to discuss. Tell us what you like (or don’t like) about the Range Rider. Tell us what your experience at HSU meant to you. Tell us what you’d like to see happening on the campus. Ask questions. Get involved in a conversation about your school. Send your email to rangerider@hsutx.edu or mail to Letters to the Editor, Range Rider, HSU Box 16120, Abilene TX 79698-6120. Editor’s Note: We took this note to heart and are working to bring more variety to the alumni section photos. I could make explanations that would sound like excuses, so I will just say, we hear you and will work on it! “Several years ago I was looking through the Range Rider, of course paying closest attention to the information listed about alumni from my graduating year or the years closest to it, when I saw the name of one of my dearest friends while I was at HSU. “She was in my wedding, and I was in hers. We had spent many, many hours together. After she had married, they moved from Abilene, and we had eventually lost touch with one another. Well, there she was in the Range Rider along with her email address. I was so excited that I immediately emailed her. “She emailed back, and we have not lost touch with one another again. This was such a blessing to us, and the Range Rider made it happen. Thank you!” ~ Melissa (Martin) Milliorn (B93)
Winter 2009/2010 |
“First, I would like to say how much I enjoy the Range Rider, from front to back each issue that I receive. The quality and production of the magazine is impeccable, and it makes me proud to say this is my university magazine. I enjoy each story and feature, and the design is incomparable to any other university magazine I have ever seen. I appreciate all the hard work and dedication that I know you devote to this magazine. “Each issue, though, I am disappointed in the alumni section photos. I can pick up any issue from years past, turn to that particular section, and see the same pictures of the same alumni year after year. I live in the Abilene area, and many of my friends who are alumni attend almost every alumni and university event. I don’t see their faces in these pages. The same alumni events, show the same alumni, year after year. “Please understand that I love the Range Rider and look forward to the biannual issue that we receive at our home. I will always continue to support and love the university that my husband and I graduated from. I only wish that the alumni section and its pictures were a reflection of the quality and variety of the rest of the magazine. Thank you again for this beautiful magazine, and keep up the great work. HSU appreciates all you do!” ~ Sincerely, A Concerned Alumna
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Leaders Hall of
The Hall of Leaders was established in 2001 to honor those whose service and distinguished accomplishments exemplify the values and character of Hardin-Simmons University. Made possible by the generosity of Doyle and Inez Kelley, the Hall of Leaders is housed on the first floor of the Skiles Social Sciences Building.
Helen Jean (Bond) Parks BA 1948 English
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Helen Jean (Bond) Parks attended Abilene High School where she worked on the student newspaper. Her plans for a career in journalism were interrupted her senior year at HSU when the Lord called her to vocational Christian service. Helen Jean graduated magna cum laude from HSU in 1948 with a BA in English, minoring in journalism. She attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, earning a Master of Religious Education degree in 1951. In her second year of seminary Helen Jean made a decision for foreign missions. In 1952, Helen Jean married Keith Parks, and in 1954 shortly after the birth of their first son, Helen Jean and Keith were appointed by the Foreign Mission Board as missionaries to Indonesia. During their 14 years in Indonesia, while Keith served on the faculty of the Baptist Theological Seminary of Indonesia, Helen Jean worked in small churches training Indonesians as teachers, she taught music and religious education at the seminary, led the Indonesian seminary choir, and held conversational English classes with Muslim faculty wives of the Diponegoro State University. Helen Jean and Keith returned to the U. S. in 1968 when Keith became the Mission Board’s area director for Southeast Asia. He later became division director of mission support, then served as president of the Foreign (now International) Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention and then as global missions coordinator with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. During this time, Helen Jean found herself uniquely related to the Mission Board as an
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unofficial representative. In her role, she spoke in churches, at student and various meetings, and led seminars throughout the United States on missions, prayer, and the Christian life. She visited countries around the world to learn, to meet local Christian leaders and people, and for mutual encouragement with missionary families. In 1983, she authored a valuable book on intercessory prayer for global missions titled Holding the Ropes. In 1987, Helen Jean was awarded the HSU Distinguished Alumni Award, and in 2007, she was honored by the Logsdon School of Theology with the Jesse C. Fletcher Award for Distinguished Service in Missions.
James Barlow Simmons (1827-1905) HSU Benefactor
James B. Simmons graduated from Brown University in 1851, and studied at Newton Theological Institution, near Boston. Also in 1851, he married Mary Eliza Stevens, and in 1854, their son Robert was born. While at Newton, Simmons also served as pastor of Third Baptist Church in Providence. In 1857, the young family moved to Indianapolis where Simmons took the pastorate at First Baptist Church until 1861 when they moved to Philadelphia to work in the Fifth Baptist Church. In 1867, he was appointed corresponding secretary of the American Baptist Home Mission Society, where he confronted the condition of the four million slaves freed at the Civil War’s end who were living in poverty and needing education and other advantages. His first effort as secretary was to establish a
Christian school for freed men in Richmond, Virginia, the capital of the Southern Confederacy. Simmons ultimately helped to establish an additional six similar schools in the South. After retiring in 1874 from his position as secretary for the Mission Society, he pastored Trinity Baptist Church in New York City for the next eight years. He was then elected as field secretary for the State of New York by the board of the American Baptist Publication Society, raising funds for Bible and mission work. In 1890, he was contacted by the trustees of Abilene Baptist College (now HSU) for his assistance in raising funds for the completion of the school’s first building. Dr. Simmons was so impressed with his visit to the proposed location of the school, that rather than seek funding from other sources, he gave from his own pocket. He saw a great potential in the fertile West Texas location, and in addition to the $5,000 in cash originally given in 1890, Simmons, his wife, and their son over time gave to the school donations in excess of $20,000. Mary Simmons passed away two years after the college opened and was the first to be buried on its grounds. Simmons died in 1905, and was buried on the campus next to his wife. It was his desire that even their “very ashes may witness for Christian Education.”
William Parker “Dub” Wright (1905-1985) HSU Trustee 1945-1976
Daniel John Yeary BA 1961 Bible
With a desire to pursue the ministry, and an invitation from HSU Coach Sammy Baugh to play football, Dan came to HSU in 1957. At HSU, Dan lettered in football, was president of the Baptist Student Union and Student Government, sang in A Capella Choir, and served as a BSU Summer Missionary to Hawaii in 1959. A knee injury in his second year ended Dan’s football career, but did not hamper his path to the ministry. While continuing his studies at HSU, he served as assistant pastor and minister to youth at Colonial Hill Baptist Church in Snyder and later as assistant pastor and youth director at Southside Baptist Church in Abilene. In 1961, Dan married fellow HSU student Melinda Millican (X61). The young couple started their ministry at Sagamore Hill Baptist Church in Fort Worth, while Dan completed his Master of Religious Education degree at Southwestern Seminary from 1961 to 1965. Dan and Melinda’s first two children were born during his time at seminary, and after graduation in 1965, the young family moved to Kentucky where Dan was an associate in the Baptist Student Department of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. He served as university minister at First Baptist Church in Lubbock, Texas, from 1967 to 1972, then became associate pastor of South Main Baptist Church, ministering to students and single adults and assisting the pastor in the preaching ministry. In 1975, Dan assumed the pastorate of University Baptist Church in the Miami, Florida, suburb of Coral Gables. After 18 years at Coral Gables, having added more than 3,000 members to the congregation there, Dan accepted the call in 1993 to pastor North Phoenix Baptist Church in Phoenix, Arizona. Dan continues to lead North Phoenix, one of the nation’s largest congregations, with strong programs designed to develop the faith and effectiveness of the Christian. He was received an Honorary Doctorate from HSU in 1996 and was named the 2003 HSU Distinguished Alumnus. Dan has been a sought-out speaker across the nation, and in 2008 led the benediction at the Republican National Convention. Dan has written two books, Make Up Your Mind published in 1990, and Direct Access: The Doctrine of the Priesthood of the Believer published in 1988. Dan has also collaborated on other books and written for Homelife Magazine. Winter 2009/2010 |
W. P. “Dub” Wright attended the University of Oklahoma to study medicine before changing to business administration and transferring to Baylor University. In 1927, economic constraints forced Wright to give up his college career, and he began work for Gulf Oil Corporation in Waco as a service station attendant. After a variety of promotions over the next several years, culminating as marketer in charge of sales for the north half of Texas, he resigned his salaried position and purchased the Gulf Oil Corporation distributorship in Abilene in 1935. He married Lillian Bruyere in 1929, and in 1933, the couple started their family with the birth of son, William Jr. “Bill.” Daughters Gayle and Linda followed soon after. Wright served as director of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce from 1939 to 1941 and from 1944 to 1946. As chairman of the Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee from 1941 until 1945, he spearheaded efforts to see that Camp Barkeley was located near Abilene during World War II. The military installation injected an additional million dollars into the local economy, providing a cushioning effect against drought common to the area. In 1955, Wright partnered with his son to form Western Marketing Inc., a firm with wholesale and retail gasoline operations throughout the Abilene area and truck service centers in three states. When Abilene set out during the early days of the Korean War to secure a military installation, Wright was automatically a leader for the project. The connections he had developed in securing Camp Barkeley for the area paid off, and Abilene was chosen as the site for Dyess Air Force Base.
Wright was on the HSU Board of Trustees from 1945 to 1976, and served 15 years as chairman—the longest tenure of any HSU chairman. His chairmanship, which included all the presidency of Dr. Rupert N. Richardson, was a time of great advancement for the school. Dub Wright died on June 20, 1985.
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Alumni Accolades 2009 Alumni Service Award
The John J. Keeter Jr. Alumni Service Award is the highest alumni honor HSU can bestow. It is presented to the alumnus/a who has contributed the most in his or her field of endeavor toward the betterment of HSU or who has rendered the greatest service to the university. Awards have been made yearly since 1943 and are selected by a set committee whose members are established by a campus leadership role.
Joe Sharp
BA 1958 Mathematics With a quiet strength of character, HSU Trustee Joe Sharp has supported his alma mater for more than 50 years. He has served on the Board of Trustees for 13 years and is currently chair of the Budget and Audit Committee. He is a past member of the HSU Board of Development, a lifetime member of the Presidents Club, and continually serves as an alumni volunteer.
Alumni Award N o m i n at i o N S
As an HSU Trustee, Joe has held offices as chair, vice chair and assistant secretary, and secretary. Joe also served as vice chair for the Presidential Search Committee and presided over the 2001 inauguration of Dr. Craig Turner, 14th president of HSU. Joe retired from his 30-year career as a geophysicist in 1997. He and his wife, Lynn (Miller ’58), live in Granbury, Texas, and are active members of First Baptist Church, where he is a deacon, teaches adult Sunday school, is a member of the choir and praise team, and serves on various committees. The couple have two daughters and three grandsons. jlsharp@windstream.net.
The Alumni Service Award is given in honor of John J. Keeter Jr. This award of merit is the highest alumni award possible and is given to the alumnus who has contributed the most in his/her particular field of endeavor toward the betterment of the University or who has rendered the greatest services directly or indirectly to HSU. The Distinguished Alumni Award goes to those whose personal and professional accomplishments are exemplary of the ideals and aims of the University, and thus bring honor to HSU. The Outstanding Young Alumni Award is presented to graduates who have attained outstanding achievements in their fields of endeavor, have graduated in the last 20 years, and are not older than 45. The Athletics Hall of Fame honors former athletes or coaches who, while at HSU, made a significant contribution to HSU and the athletic program. To be eligible, the nominee must have been away from HSU a minimum of 10 years.
Please submit nominations to: Alumni Awards Committee, HSU Box 16102, Abilene, TX 79698; alumni@hsutx.edu; FAX 325.670.1574. In order to provide the selection committee with sufficient information to make award decisions, it is the responsibility of the nominator to provide complete biographical information as well as a thorough description of the nominee’s award qualifications. Nominations are considered in early spring.
| Winter 2009/2010
Questions? Please call 800.460.3908 or 325.670.1317, or submit online at http://www.hsutx.edu/alumni_friends/opps/nomination.
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Distinguished Alumni Awards This award, given since 1970, is presented to alumni whose personal and professional accomplishments are exemplary of the ideas and aims of the university and thus bring honor to HSU. Honorees are selected by a committee of campus leaders.
Jack Graham
BBS 1974 Sport, Fitness, Leisure Science
BS 1972 Bible
Harvey Catchings went directly from being a student at HSU to the floor of the NBA, answering the call as a thirdround draft pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1974. Harvey played 11 seasons in the National Basketball Association from 1974 to 1985 for the Philadelphia 76ers, the New Jersey Nets, the Milwaukee Bucks, and the Los Angeles Clippers. During his HSU basketball career, he scored 1,281 points and pulled down 837 rebounds. As a 6-foot, 10-inch center from Jackson, Mississippi, and Weatherford Junior College, Harvey was named Honorable Mention All-America in 1972, Third Team All-American in 1973 and again in 1974. Known for his defense and rebounding, he was in the top 10 in blocked shots on five occasions during his NBA career. He finished with averages of 3.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.7 blocked shots in the NBA. His NBA statistics include scoring 2,335 points, 3,839 rebounds, and 1,227 blocked shots. He also played an additional year with the Segafredo, Italy, team. After retiring from the NBA in 1985, Harvey was the spokesperson for the NBA Stay In School program and spent several years with the NBA in mentoring and career guidance capacities. In 1997, he embarked on a career in fund-raising and advertising for corporate and nonprofit clients. He established Harvey Catchings Promotions in 1992, which he developed into the largest minority-owned promotion company in Illinois by 1997. In 1997, Harvey joined Chase Manhattan Mortgage as a senior loan officer. Today with over 20 years of sales and marketing experience in the sports, education, and promotions industry, he is with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage in their Reverse Mortgage Division which services the financial needs of seniors over the age of 62. Harvey has served on the board of directors of the Black United Fund of Illinois, Small Fry International, Young Professionals of Jackson Park, Interfaith Housing Center, Childserv, the American Cancer Foundation, and the Little City Foundation. Harvey currently lives in Houston and has five children and seven grandchildren. hcatchings2002@yahoo.com
Dr. Jack Graham is pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, one of the nation’s largest congregations, with a membership that has more than tripled since he began his tenure in 1989. With an expository preaching style, his ministry of evangelism and discipleship is geared toward strengthening individuals and families through the proclamation of the Word of God. Under his direction, Prestonwood’s current membership of 28,000 continues to grow with five weekend worship services, a midweek Bible study, more than 100 Bible Fellowship classes, and multiple outreach and community ministries that influence thousands. In 2006, the church added a second location, Prestonwood North, in an area 20 miles north of Plano. As a student at HSU, Graham was a member of Tau Alpha Phi and Student Congress, played varsity baseball from 1968 to 1972, was president of his sophomore class, served on the BSU Executive Council, and was listed in Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities. He met his wife, Deborah (Peters B72), while both were students at HSU, and they were married in 1970. Graham was ordained to the ministry in 1970, and after graduating from HSU in 1972, attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary where he earned a Master of Divinity degree in 1976 and a Doctor of Ministry degree in 1980. While in seminary, Graham was an associate pastor at Sagamore Hill Baptist Church in Fort Worth, the same church he attended during his youth. He then pastored churches in Oklahoma and the First Baptist Church in West Palm Beach, Florida, before accepting the pastorate at Prestonwood. Graham served as president of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) from 2002 to 2004 and as president of the SBC Pastors’ Conference in 1992. Graham has authored numerous books, and he and Deb founded PowerPoint Ministries in 1994, taking the message from the Prestonwood pulpit to the world through broadcasts, online sermons, and email messages. The couple live in Frisco, Texas, and have three children and one grandson. jgraham@prestonwood.org.
Harvey Catchings
Jack Graham
Winter 2009/2010 |
Harvey Catchings
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Alumni Accolades | Winter 2009/2010
Outstanding Young Alumni Awards Banquet Friday, April 9, 2010 7 p.m. $18 Johnson Building Hardin-Simmons University Campus Contact the Office of Alumni Relations for Tickets 325.670.1317 800.460.3908 alumni@hsutx.edu
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Outstanding Young Alumni 2010
The Outstanding Young Alumni Awards are presented to graduates who have attained outstanding achievements in their field of endeavor, community, state, or nation. The awards go to young alumni who have achieved a significant level of distinction or have brought extraordinary benefit to mankind, and symbolize the spirit and manner of today’s HardinSimmons graduate. Nominees must have graduated from HSU no more than 20 years prior and not be over the age of 45 at the time of selection. Recipients are selected by a standing committee. (See sidebar for event details.)
Brad Butler, MD BS 1997 Dr. Brad Butler is a practicing anesthesiologist in Longview, Texas, where he is a partner with Anesthesia Consultants of Longview at Good Shepherd Medical Center. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology, and is a specialist in cardiovascular and general anesthesiology. Brad is a recognized leader in organized medicine, having been elected and appointed to local, state and national positions as well as serving as an expert panelist for the Texas Medical Board. Brad has also volunteered his services over the years at free clinics and on medical mission trips. A decorated flight surgeon in the Air Force Reserves, Brad has deployed in support of contingency operations to both Europe and the Persian Gulf. He currently serves as deputy chief of aerospace medicine of the 433 Airlift Wing at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. He and his wife, Audra (Haveman X99), have two children, Benjamin, who is four, and Olivia, born in 2009. bbutlermd@yahoo.com.
James Christoferson BBS 1997 James Christoferson has worked for United States Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison in various roles since 2003, including serving as her deputy chief of staff, running the day-to-day activities of the senator’s DC office, meeting with Senate staff, and overseeing the appropriations process for teh senator. Early on, as a legislative assistant in her office, he focused on economic development and state projects. Later, he became legislative director, and in 2007, was promoted to deputy chief of staff. During his tenure in the U.S. Senate, he has assisted communities affected by hurricanes Rita and Ike, and has taken part in the passing of
several of Senator Hutchison’s initiatives. James initially moved to DC in 2002 to serve as legislative policy director for the Texas Office of State-Federal Relations. His role included monitoring federal congressional initiatives and reporting back to state government leaders on congressional developments. Prior to moving to the nation’s capital, Christoferson lived in Austin, where he worked for the Texas Department of Economic Development. While with the state agency, James served as both special projects director and as director of the Office of Defense Affairs. He and his wife, Rachel (Whelan B98), live in Washington, DC. christofersons@earthlink.net.
Michael McCown BM 1997 Michael McCown is a tenor in the ensemble of the Frankfurt Opera in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, where he lives with his wife, Barbara. He has been with the company since fall of 2000. Before he went to Germany, he was an apprentice with Utah Opera in Salt Lake City. Michael received a Master of Music degree from New England Conservatory in 1999 after completing the Bachelor of Music degree at HSU in 1997. Since leaving HSU, Michael has added almost 60 roles to his repertoire, playing everything from shepherd boy to evil henchman. The roles he has sung span the breadth of the opera repertoire including, among others, roles in Monteverdi’s Orfeo and L’incoronazione di Poppea, Normanno in Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor, Basilio and Don Curzio in Mozart’s La nozze di Figaro, Tybalt in Gounod’s Romeo et Juliet. Wagner roles have included both Walther von der Vogelweide and Heinrich der Schreiber in Tannhäuser, and Augustin Moser in Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg. He has sung the roles of Rector Adams in Britten’s Peter Grimes, Prior Walter in Angels in America by Peter Eötvös, and Duke of Cornwall in Reimann’s Lear, which was recorded live and released on Oehms Records. Michael is the son of HSU graduates Palmer (B61) and Patsy (Jones B62) McCown. almuccio@yahoo.com.
Logsdon School of Theology 2009 Distinguished Alumni Werth Mayes
Daniel Lee Wooldridge
MDiv 1998 After graduation from Tarleton State University in 1988 with a BS in agriculture business, Werth Mayes and his wife served as house parents at Hendrick Home for Children in Abilene. In 1991 he began his first pastorate at Knapp Baptist Church in Knapp, Texas, where he served until 1994. He then pastored churches in Weinert and Rotan, Texas, before accepting a staff position with Logsdon School of Theology in 2001. He served as director of student recruitment and resources development at Logsdon and then director of placement and congregational resourcing until 2007 when he returned to a full-time pastorate. During his tenure at Logsdon, he also served as bivocational pastor of Lakeside Baptist Church, Breckenridge, Texas. Werth currently is pastor of the Cowboy Church of Erath County, near Stephenville. Werth and his wife, Sadie, have two daughters and live in Stephenville, Texas.
MA Religion 1988 Dan Wooldridge graduated from Howard Payne University (HPU) in 1974 with a major in Bible and a minor in history. His first pastorate was at Immanuel Baptist Church, Talpa, in Coleman County, Texas, from 1972 to 1974. He also pastored Texas churches in Richland Springs, Mason, and Baird. In 1981 he enrolled with the first group of students to pursue the Master of Arts in Religion degree at HSU. During 1982, the Logsdon School of Theology was established, and Dan, working as a graduate assistant, provided a strategic role in the development of the program. Dan has been pastor of Crestview Baptist Church in Georgetown, Texas since 1995, has served as an adjunct professor at HPU, and has actively pursued a ministry dedicated to foreign missions. He has also served on the executive board of the Baptist General Convention of Texas since 1974, Dan and his wife, Shannon, have three children and live in Kingsville, Texas.
Jesse C. Fletcher Award for Distinguished Service in Missions 2009 W. O. “Wimpy” and Juanita Harper
the Harpers, including daughter, Elizabeth who was born in Nigeria, settled in Dar es Salam where the mission headquarters was established. Tragedy struck in 1958 during a family outing when the 37-year-old Wimpy drowned while swimming in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Tanganyika (now Tanzania). After Wimpy’s untimely death, Juanita returned to the states with their three children where she worked for the Corpus Christi Baptist Association as administrative secretary for the director and was later Christian social ministries director for the association. In 1981, Juanita returned to foreign mission service in Nairobi, Kenya, as assistant to the area director for eastern and southern Africa. Harper’s extensive biography, Wimpy Harper of Africa, was written by Dr. Jesse Fletcher, HSU president emeritus, and published in 1967.
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Winfred Ozell “Wimpy” Harper and his wife, Juanita (Taylor), met and married while students at HSU, both graduating in 1946. Wimpy received a BA in Bible and religious education with a minor in speech, and Juanita earned a BA in business administration with a minor in economics. After graduating from HSU, Wimpy completed a BDiv at Southwestern Seminary before the young couple was appointed by the then Foreign Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention as missionaries to Nigeria in 1950. Working with as many as 50 churches in an area, Wimpy encouraged and equipped African leaders for ministry. The family later moved to Okeho, where Wimpy served as associational advisor for two Nigerian Baptist associations. The last phase of his missionary career was spent in east Africa, where he was part of a three-man team scouting out locations to build a hospital, to establish schools, and to prepare the way for churches to be built. Among the first Southern Baptist missionaries in east Africa,
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Alumni Notes Connected for Life
| Winter 2009/2010
“If my son Bill was graduating today with this class of Hardin-Simmons Cowboys, I’d want someone to say to him and to you: don’t forget this place and don’t forget these people.” My ears perked up. This is exactly what I hope HSU alumni, no matter their age, take to heart. Rev. Stan Allcorn, pastor at Abilene’s Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, was speaking during the morning commencement exercises this past May. He went on to say:
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Four years ago you made a decision. You chose to come to Abilene, Texas, and to make Hardin-Simmons University your alma mater. You could have gone other places— Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Austin. In the providence of God you came here, and you graduate today a Hardin-Simmons Cowboy. Pastor Jack Ridlehoover was pastor of Pioneer Drive for 29 years. About seven years ago, he went to the African nation of Tanzania to help disciple and mentor some African pastors there. One day he was in a remote Tanzanian Village thinking how far from Abilene and family and the familiar he was when he happened to glance at the back window of one of the few cars in that village. There he noticed a purple and gold decal which read: Hardin-Simmons University. He later discovered the vehicle was being driven by a journeyman missionary who was, of course, an HSU graduate. When you cross this stage today and then leave this campus, you will be adding your life to that purple and gold stream of men and women that has, for 117 years, flowed from this place to impact and influence our world for good, for God, and for His Kingdom. And, that’s what the mission of this place is all about. But, as you walk forward, don’t walk out on this place. Remember Hardin-Simmons University. Cherish and, over the years, continue to nurture the relationships and friendships you have made here. Relationships with classmates and faculty and staff. These caring professors have invested part of their lives in you. They won’t forget you. They want to see you excel out there as
you have here, and to continue to grow in Christ-like character. The elderly Apostle John wrote in his final letter: “I have no greater joy than this: to hear of my children walking in the truth.” (III John 4). So walk forward, Class of 2009, but do not walk out on this place. Give a care for Hardin-Simmons University. Pray for her. Correspond with her. Return for Homecoming and special events as often as you can. Be a good steward of the education you have received by continuing to love God with your mind. And in answer to the question “Why are you living?” I hope Bill would say, and I hope you would say, as did the Apostle Paul, “For me to live is Christ,” which I believe involves living for others. Congratulations Cowboy Class of 2009! Saddle up your horses. You’ve got a trail to blaze!
I think Pastor Stan covered everything, don’t you?
Britt (Yates) Jones (B84) Asst. Vice President for Advancement Director of Alumni Relations brittj@hsutx.edu
Here’s another way HSU continues throughout my life. I was able to attend the 2009 triennial convention of Sigma Alpha Iota (the professional music fraternity on our campus) where I met up with two current HSU students, Kassia Jackson and Abigail Michel, and alumnae Karen (Swartz) Kimball (B63), vice chairman for SAI Philanthropies, Inc.
New Student Orientation
Alumni Ice Cream Social The Abilene Area Alumni Chapter again hosted an Ice Cream Social for New Students, involving over 70 alumni in this Wednesday night (9 p.m.!) activity in August 2009.
Janis (Jensen B69) and Bill (B71) Altom serve up conversation, ice cream, and signatures.
Tommy Walden (B61) dishes out a welcome to a new HSU student.
John and Judy (Wilcoxen) Powell (both B71) help sell the HSU Alumni Association’s HSU Spirit Shirts and sign beanies.
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Bringing and serving ice cream to the newest HSU students are Jeff Lee (B05), Joel (B08) and Ashley (Hawthorne B06) Wood, Jay (B06) and Kristen (Aguilar B05) Patterson.
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After participating in Have Your Hand in Something Big, a sophomore-only event hosted by the Alumni Association, Brandon Lyman, Garrett Dowell, Aaron Hill, and Carson Wheat quickly made their way to Java City where their purple hands entitled them to a free treat.
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Katie Culpepper reaches into a bowl of purple liquid for her HSU Official Ring key chain.
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Tiffany Hambrick, Tracy Hobson, Katey Collier, Sean Shelton-Harris, Seth Tate, and Brody Powell show off their HSU Official Ring key chains that they retrieved from a dog bowl filled with purple liquid. In a few years, just before they graduate, they will receive the real thing—their own Official HSU Ring.
Sarah Leathers fishes her Official Ring key chain out of purple liquid.
Moonbeam Tracy Burr, Kristen Tucker, and Josh Greer happily anticipate becoming alumni in a few months. All three graduated in May 2009.
Phil Ashby (B80), vice president for celebrations, visits with a student about the Alumni Association.
Grad Finale is a fair designed to help students take care of all their pre-graduation business in one location and in short order. Jostens, the company who supplies the HSU Official Ring, underwrites the twice-yearly event.
Dayna (Birtell) Huffington (B02), a member of HSU’s Board of Young Associates, congratulates a soon-to-be-alumna.
New York Alumni Event
New York alumni and friends celebrated with Ashley (Allen) Huston (B09) as she was honored as the Honda Award Female Athlete of the Year at a special HSU reception in New York City. From left to right are Roy Juarez (B09), John Vanderpoel (B49) and his granddaughter Caitlyn and daughter Amy, former faculty member Robert Brooks (behind Rev. Vanderpoel), Wally Sherertz (B63), Aaron Hajart (B01), Michael Hamlet (B85), Ashley Huston and Lance Huston (B09), Dean Nolen (B89), former staff member Carolina Modenessy-Mahomar, Raimundo Penaforte (B86), and Jose Mahomar.
Ex-Cowgirls
Texas Music Educators Association
Among the over 70 HSU alumni and friends attending the 2009 HSU reception during the Texas Music Educators Association were Jenni (Kennedy) Purser (B06), Joy (Welsh) Brooks (B06), Jenny (Ussery) Mauterstock (B05), Adam Poyner (B05), Roxie Keenan (B05), Jonathan Jones (B05), and Amanda (Perez) Etter (B05). During their annual summer brunch, Ex-Cowgirls members look through memorabilia collected through the year. Pictured are Phyllis (Gandy) Ewing (B60), Dr. Virginia (Hawkins) Connally (B33), Virginia (East) Nollner (B43), and Loleta (Ubben) Treadwell (B43).
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Artist Reception
In September 2009, the HSU Board of Young Associates hosted a Meet the Artist reception for member John Frost (B96) (left), whose work was on exhibit at the Old Jail Art Center in Albany as part of the Cell of One’s Own series. Among those attending the event were BYA members Kirk Hancock (B01/ M03) and Tim Dunn (B98/M00/M03).
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BYA Meets the Challenge!!
Board of Young Associates Fundraising committee leaders Eddie Crowell (B99), Jennifer Woodard (B02), and Justin Furnace (B01) celebrate after the members met a $500 challenge that was matched twice over, resulting in $1,500 for the Tomorrow’s Leaders Today scholarship fund.
Alumni Celebrate with New Grads
Siblings Richard Hess and Crystal Hess pose while pointing to their names on the Alumni Wall while their dad snaps a photo.
Stephanie Harvell (Alumni Office student worker) and Young Associates Stephanie Rollins (B05) hand out HSU Alumni window decals to new graduates.
Christina (Nolan) Dooley (B98/M06), Board of Young Associates member, passes out programs to parents and other family members at commencement ceremonies.Â
Candidates for Graduation Receive Class Ring as Gift
Deserea Chapman (B09) rings the bell during the March 2009 Official Ring Rally. Range Rider Magazine
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Showing off their brand-new HSU Official Rings, received at the Ring Rally prior to their May 2009 graduation, are Kimberly Caddell, Amy Brewer, Tracy Burr, and Melissa Hastings.
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50th Reunion Brings New Friends, Golden Memories
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Bobby Pangle visits with a member of the Cowboy Band.
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Edgar Dennis came to HSU in the 1950s on a football scholarship. Oddly enough, Dennis never played a single game of football. Instead, he played a trumpet in the Cowboy Band. Dennis says it just seemed like that would be a lot of fun, so he gave up the football scholarship. Pete Hart arrived on campus as a longshot football team walk-on. He made the team and became a star player for legendary coach Sammy Baugh. Even though Edgar and Pete were both on campus at the same time as students, it would be 50 years before they would actually meet. They were among the 100 or so 1959 HSU graduates and spouses who returned to campus in April 2009 for their Golden 50th Class Reunion and a celebration of the annual Founders Day Observance. Reunion events kicked off on Monday with registration and a reception followed by a trolley tour of campus. Many of the class come back annually for Homecoming, but those who haven’t seen the campus for a while were astonished at the growth, and planned growth, of university facilities. The afternoon concluded with an informal mini-concert by the Cowboy Band. The class gathered for dinner that evening led by emcees and classmates Bill Ballinger and Johnny Jones, who were the 1959 Student Council president and vice president, respectively. Alumni had the spectacular challenge of summarizing the last 50 years of their lives in one minute. During the evening, Britt (Yates) Jones (B84), director of alumni relations, inducted the class members into the HSU Golden Lariat Society.
Tuesday included a special 1959 Class Reunion program in Behrens Auditorium. Classmate, pastor, college teacher, and former army chaplain, Jerry Poteet, spoke to the golden grads and assembled students. Following his address, HSU students presented the 71st annual Founders Day tribute to some of the early day leaders and benefactors of the university. At the Golden Reunion Luncheon each class member received a Golden Reunion plaque and University Seal medallion from HSU Alumni Association president and Abilene attorney Chris Carnohan (B75) and HSU Provost Bill Ellis (B75). Unique for this reunion was the opportunity to obtain a specially commissioned, limited edition class coin featuring the old Cowhand statue which stood in front of Abilene Hall for many years. Proceeds from the sale of this coin were merged with donations made by class members to the 1959 Legacy Scholarship Fund which totaled $3,391. Edgar Dennis, who is now a rancher in Dimmitt, was clearly pleased when the former football star he remembered, Pete Hart, arrived for the tour of the White Horse facilities. Pete and Edgar reminisced on how students from the campus got around Abilene in the 1950s. Pete recalls, “We used to wait on a bench in front of HSU on Hickory. People would stop and give us a ride downtown. Then to get back, we would wait on a bench just outside of Mac Eplen’s Restaurant across from First Baptist Church. Again, people would stop and bring us back to the campus.” Pete still lives in Abilene and teaches at both the Middleton and the Robertson prison units.
Carolyn (Boling) and Jerry Poteet and Tawana (Thompson) and Bill Hindman listen to the guide while touring the HSU campus via trolley.
Class of 1959 Scholarship Tops $3,000 Members of the HSU Class of 1959 gave generously to their scholarship fund, exceeding expectations and surpassing totals posted by the three previous Golden Reunion classes. The fund is currently at $3,391, and donations are still being accepted. Current and future students will benefit from these gifts through the new Alumni Legacy Scholarship program. Bob Stalcup gets a chuckle out of someone’s comments during the Golden Reunion Banquet.
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Edgar Dennis, Pete Hart, and Phil McFadden enjoy touring the White Horse Barn.
See page 53 for information on the upcoming Class of 1960 Golden Reunion. Range Rider Magazine
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Posse Kids Club Members The Posse Kids Club is one of the neatest clubs here on the HSU Range—and you are invited to join! We are sure you will make a great range hand for the club this year and look forward to including you in the fun. Some of the exciting items planned for you this year include a membership kit complete with your own membership card, cool stickers and buttons, an HSU Bookstore coupon, a subscription to the Posse News, a card on your birthday, and free admission to the Posse Kids Corral at HSU’s Homecoming, plus an HSU Posse Kids t-shirt and this year’s cool Posse Kids Gift. And you get all this for only $15
Sign Up Today! If you are age 11 or younger, ask your mom or dad to fill out this form and mail it in right away. Posse Kids Club HSU Box 16102 Abilene, TX 79698 800.460.3908 Fax 325.670.1574
# OF CHILDREN_________ X $15 = $______________________ T-SHIRT SIZE: ❑ 2-4 ❑ 6-8 ❑ 10-12 ❑ 14-16 ❑ ADULT S ❑ ADULT M ❑ ADULT L
Plan Ahead!
Homecoming 2010 October 14-17 Plan On It!
ALUMNI EVENTS CALENDAR March 2 & 4 15-19 25 & 26 26 30 & 31
June FAFSA Workshop for Prospective Students Spring Break (campus closed 18-19) Official Ring Rally & Presentation Ceremony Cowboy Friday for Prospective Students Grad Finale for Graduating Seniors*
April 4 Easter 9 Board of Development Spring Meeting 9 Hall of Leaders Luncheon 9 Outstanding Young Alumni Awards Dinner (7 p.m.)* 9 & 10 Board of Young Associates Spring Retreat 15 Western Heritage Day 19 & 20 Golden Class Reunion (1960)* 20 Annual Founders Day Observance (9:30 a.m.) 23 Spring Round-Up for Prospective Students 30 Faculty/Staff Appreciation Event*
11-12 Cowboy Band Mather Years Reunion
July 23 & 24 Board of Young Associates Summer Retreat * To help with any of these alumni events—or those yet to be planned— please contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 800.460.3908 or alumni@hsutx.edu.
Watch for Alumni Events Coming to a Town Near You… Not only are we continuously working to add to and improve the events we host for alumni on campus, but in 2009-2010 we are also working hard to bring alumni events to you. Watch www.hsutx.edu/alumni for upcoming information, and be sure to mark hsutx.edu as a safe domain in your email inbox. Complete University Calendar Online at www.hsutx.edu (click on Calendar)
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7 Cowboy Friday for Prospective Students 8 Commencement & Graduation Celebration* 31 Campus Closed for Memorial Day Range Rider Magazine
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Sports Report
By Chad Grubbs
Track (NCAA Champion) For a first-year program, the HSU track team had a tremendous amount of success. Both the men and women had several athletes do well throughout the season, and Ashley Huston (pictured at left) had one of the best seasons ever by a Division III track athlete. The men’s season was highlighted by Brendon Kelso who won the ASC javelin title with a throw of over 199 feet, which qualified him for the NCAA meet. He was the lone Cowboy to advance to the NCAAs. Huston won the NCAA indoor national championship in the pentathlon and was fourth in the high jump. She did even better at the NCAA outdoor meet as she was the NCAA champion in the high jump and heptathlon and seventh in the long jump. She earned five All-American medals on the year. She was named the National Field Athlete of the Year by the National Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association, was named the American Southwest Conference Female Athlete of the Year, and NCAA Woman of the Year Nominee, and received the Honda Award that is given to the top Division III female athlete in all sports.
Baseball (ASC West Finalists) The Cowboys went into the 2009 season with several question marks. After a slow start and an 11-10 record, HSU rolled off wins in 13 of the next 18 games, finishing second in the American Southwest Conference West Division. The season ended with a thrilling three-game series against UT-Dallas in the ASC Championship Series. If there was a theme for the Cowboys this season, it was the Home Run. The Cowboys set a non-scholarship-era record with 66 home runs. Regan Dixon set a school non-scholarship-era record with 16 home runs and 56 RBIs. He was named All-American for his efforts. Matt Roam and J. T. Armstrong also hit double digits in home runs with 10 each. Kyle Barton had a stellar senior season as he went 9-1 with five saves on the mound. He was named the ASC West Pitcher of the Year. He also became the Cowboys record holder in career wins with 20. Overall, the Cowboys finished the year with a record of 25-18 and advanced to the ASC Championship Series. HSU will return six position starters next season along with most of the pitching staff.
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Softball (ASC Semifinals)
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After a down year in 2008, the 2009 version came right back and posted a 31-12 record on the year and won the American Southwest Conference West Division. An exciting aspect for the future is that all 17 players will return for next year. Courtney Clark led the way for the Cowgirls as she was named the ASC West MVP. She hit .447 with eight home runs and 32 RBIs. She was also named AllRegion athletically and academically and was the ASC Scholar-Athlete of the Year in softball. Taylor Namey was the ASC Freshman of the Year after a stellar season. She set a new HSU record with 14 home runs and 51 RBIs. She was also an All-Region
selection. Sarah Shurbet had a solid freshman campaign in the circle going 15-3. The Cowgirls advanced to the semifinals of the American Southwest Conference Tournament and appear to be back on track to having one of the top teams in the West Region.
Men’s Basketball The Cowboy’s 2009 basketball team had a new coach and basically a new team with only two returning starters. They posted a 9-16 record for the year and finished tied for fourth in the ASC West. Coach Craig Carse brought an entertaining brand of basketball to Mabee Complex as the Cowboys set game and season school records for 3-pointers attempted. The team set the ASC mark for 3-pointers made in a game at Schreiner (with 21) and for attempts (with 66) in that same game. Carse came to HSU right before school started last year, and now with a year to recruit, he has brought in eight freshmen for next season along with several holdovers from last season. With their quick-pace style of play which recruits enjoy, it’s anticipated that the Cowboys will become one of the top teams in ASC in the near future.
Women’s Basketball (ASC finalists) The Cowgirl’s basketball team had another banner season going 22-6 overall in 2009 and advancing to the championship game of the American Southwest Conference Tournament. Sophomore center Lindsey Newcombe had a record-setting season as she set the school and American Southwest Conference records for rebounds (385) and blocked shots (83) in a season. She also set the school single-game rebounding record with 23 against Mary Hardin-Baylor. She was named the American Southwest Conference West Division Co-Player of the Year for her efforts. Senior Mollie Brawner had a breakout season in her first
season as a starter. She shot 45 percent from 3-point range. She tied the school record with nine 3-pointers in a game. Haylee Allen had a strong season for the Cowgirls and was named the Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
Golf The HSU men and women 2008-09 golf teams were young, and it was a long year for both. Neither team advanced to the ASC Championships for the first time in school history. The highlight for the women’s team was Ashley Jacques’ third-place finish at the LeTourneau Invitational. The Cowgirls played most of the spring with just four players as top player Ashley Luecke decided to concentrate on academics after the fall semester. The men’s team played a young team for the spring, and freshman Kelci Gonzalez and sophomore Aaron Bradshaw each had a top-10 finish in the spring.
Tennis All good things have to come to an end, and for the first time since 2001, the Cowboy tennis team did not win the American Southwest Conference West Division. The Cowgirls did, however, extend their streak of winning the West to 11 straight seasons. Lisa Mertz had a great season for the Cowgirls and was selected as the ASC West Player of the Year. She was also named an Academic All-District selection and as the ASC ScholarAthlete for tennis. She helped lead the Cowgirls to the American Southwest Conference finals. The Cowgirls return all six singles players for next season, so they should be in contention for the ASC title once again. The men also have a very young team that loses only one senior, and all six regulars in the lineup return as five of the top six players were either freshmen or sophomores. Andy Cairens, who played No. 1 singles, was named the ASC Sportsmanship Athlete of the Year.
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Sports Report
Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees The Athletics Hall of Fame honors former athletes and coaches who made a significant contribution to HSU and the athletics program. They are selected at least 10 years after completing their HSU playing career (after five years for coaches), by a committee including current and former HSU athletes from various sports. Nominations are accepted year-round.
Micky Davis Brewer, BS 1997/MPT 1999 Basketball
Collin McCormick, BBS 1995 Football
Brewer came to HSU from Abilene Wylie and played basketball for the Cowgirls from 1995 to 1998. She started 92 games in her career, and remains the fourth all-time leading scorer in HSU history with 1,478 points. She also ranks fourth in career rebounds, third in blocked shots, 10th in assists, fifth in free throws made, and third in field goals made. Brewer was named as the TIAA Freshman of the Year. In her sophomore season, she was named Academic all-American. The following year, she was selected all-American Southwest Conference and was again named to the Academic all-American squad. In her senior campaign, Brewer helped lead the Cowgirls to an ASC Championship while she was enrolled in Physical Therapy school at HSU. She is the only student athlete to date to simultaneously attend PT school and compete for an athletics team.
McCormick was one of the first great players for the Cowboy football team after its revival in 1990. The Mesquite, Texas, native played from 1991 to 1994 and excelled as a slotback, putting up many records that still stand today, including most receptions in a game, season, and career. He was the first player of the Jimmie Keeling era to be named all-American. McCormick was a four-time all-TIAA performer at slotback and as punt returner. In 1993 he was also the nation’s eighth-leading punt returner. His 90-yard punt return for a TD in a 1992 game tied the school record held by Wilton “Hook” Davis. McCormick also holds the record for most catches in a game, setting a single game scoring record with 26 points. He led the Cowboys into the playoffs three times, including the NAIA Semifinals in 1993.
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Doyle Brunson, BS 1954/MEd 1955 Basketball & Track
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One of HSU’s most decorated athletes, Brunson had an immediate impact on the track team his freshman year. He arrived in spring 1951 from Sweetwater (Texas) High and placed in the mile run in every meet including a third-placed finish at the 1951 Border Conference meet. He also played on the freshman basketball team. As a sophomore, Brunson scored 151 points for the basketball team, placed second in the mile, and ran on the fourth-place mile relay team at the BC track meet. The following year, Brunson again placed second in the mile at the BC meet. However, it was in basketball where he really excelled, assisting HSU to win the Conference championship and enter the NCAA Division I playoffs. Brunson scored 412 points and was the only HSU athlete in any sport to be named the MVP of the Division I Border Conference.
Morris Southall, BS 1947/ME 1953 Football Southall, a native of Vernon, Texas, was a member of the 1946 football team that posted an 11-0 record and defeated the University of Denver 20-0 in the Alamo Bowl. After leaving Hardin-Simmons, Southall spent over three decades as an assistant coach with Gordon Wood B38/M52. At Stamford High School, the two of them won consecutive state championships in the 1950s. Later, Wood and Southall combined to win seven state championships in their 26 years at Brownwood High School. In 1973, Southall was inducted into the Texas High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor. He is also a member of the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame (1994).
Campus News Logsdon School of Theology Adds Doctor of Ministry Degree Because of the great challenges ministers face today, a new degree is now offered by Logsdon Seminary at HSU. The new Doctor of Ministry degree is about teaching pastors how to handle issues from crisis and counseling to focusing on a vision for their churches. “The Doctor of Ministry degree offers the most advanced preparation for ministry,” says Dr. Tommy Brisco, dean of the Logsdon School of Theology. “Those who qualify to enter the program must have a Master of Divinity degree or its equivalent and a minimum of three years of ministry experience.” He explains, “The unique combination of ongoing ministry experience and a previous degree provides a wonderful platform for advanced study that benefits both ministers and the churches they serve.” According to Brisco, “The Doctor of Ministry degree provides ministers with an opportunity to develop new insights and skills for effective church leadership in a rapidly changing world. The curriculum integrates Scripture, worship, spiritual formation, and theological reflection as students address real life ministry under the supervision of gifted faculty mentors and field supervisors.”
Dr. Bob Ellis (B77), associate dean for Logsdon Seminary, adds, “Our churches reflect the culture; this degree gives pastors the tools and insight to understand cultural changes and how to minister to them.” “For instance,” says Ellis, “Abilene is one of the places where hundreds of refugees are brought to resettle. The community has received more than 400 refugees from places like Burundi, Africa, through the International Rescue Committee, and they are finding their way into local churches. Ministering in a changing cultural context is one of many reasons ministers seek fresh ideas in theology and ways to integrate new thinking into the churches they serve.” The degree will take about three years to complete. “Ministers may come from all over the country for this kind of training,” says Ellis, “so you have to be able to deliver instruction in weekend and week-long seminars scattered through the year, with the minister going home and using the ministry setting as a laboratory. That also means,” he adds, “having to recruit and train field supervisors who can engage and challenge the Doctor of Ministry students while in their own communities.”
Welcome to the Forty Acres! New Faculty and Staff
Donna Hall
Crystal (Broadstreet) Schmidt (B08)
University Police Officer
Executive Assistant to the President
Dr. Larry Baker
Rick Hammer
Enrollment Services Office Manager/ Receptionist
Professor of Pastoral Ministry & Director of Doctor of Ministry Program
Asst. Professor of Biology
Timothy Schmidt (B06) Anderson Residence Hall Director
Daniel Brockhan
Stephanie Hernandez (B07) Digital Archives Assistant
Pamela Sites
Evening Library Supervisor
Dr. Jason King (B99/M02)
Social Work Department Secretary
Asst. Professor of English & Director of Basic Writing
Janlyn Thaxton
Instructor of Nursing
Director of Public Relations
Mitchell Ezell
Dr. Carol (Knight) Layton (B75)
Kaily Tubbs
Maintenance Technician
Professor of Educational Studies
Administrative Coordinator, PHSSN
Dr. Robert Fink
Jeremy Maynard (B08)
Dr. Thomas Wier
Assistant Professor of Education
Research Center Supervisor, Library
Associate Professor of Economics
Jay Gardner
Tammi Outlaw
Maintenance Technician
Records Assistant, Registrar’s Office
Paul Garrett (B07/M08)
Zachry Pickelman (B07/M09)
Assistant Facilities Coordinator
Asst. Men’s Basketball Coach
Cynthia Castel
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Montray Amos
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Campus News Stars of the Purple and Gold 2009
Faculty and Staff Honored for Loyalty, Longevity, and Christian Ideals
Before school is out each spring, the HSU Alumni Association honors the university faculty and staff members with the presentation of service pins and awards during the Faculty and Staff Appreciation Dinner, themed “Stars of the Purple and Gold.” Dr. Jesse Fletcher, HSU president emeritus, told employees attending the dinner that the service pins and plaques, as well as the dinner, are gifts from the alumni and friends of HSU who have made special donations toward the annual event. The tradition of the service pin began 42 years ago under the presidency of Dr. Elwin Skiles. “This year, about 50 service pins were awarded in five-year increments,” explained Chris Carnohan (B75), president of the Alumni Association. Awards were also presented to former faculty and staff members, as selected by the HSU Fellowship, the HSU
Mark Ouimette, professor and head of geological and environmental sciences, was selected as Faculty Member of the Year, and Gracie Carroll, associate vice president for academic advising and retention, was selected as Staff Member of the Year.
organization of former employees. Margaret Forrester was chosen as Former Staff Member of the Year. Although retired after 38 years as an assistant in the business office, Margaret often assists in various campus offices. Selected as Former Faculty Member of the Year was Dr. Julian Bridges, professor emeritus of sociology, who retired in 2004 after 31 years at HSU.
Thank You
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The following HSU alumni and friends made this appreciation dinner possible through their donations: Al Adams Sarah Allen Georgiana Arakaki Phil & Cathy Ashby Don & Deborah Ashmore Bill & Michelle Bailey Bobby & Karen Bammel Bob & Dorothy Barnes Jackie Barron Stan & Betty Blevins Gayle & Janice Bowen Jimmy & Jody Braswell Carolyn Bray Elsie Bree Julian & Charlotte Bridges Rocky & Judy Brooks Tommy & Donna Broyles Brad & Audra Butler Brian & Linda Cargile Rob & Linda Carleton Chris & Kristen Carnohan Sam & Gracie Carroll Rita Carter Ty Carvalho Don & Camellia Childress Pleas & Sandra Childress J. L. & Diane Cole Royce & Hope Cook Vance & Mary Cooksey Brian & Karen Corley James & Beth Cosper Gene & Barbara Currie
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Jim & Gail Curtis Joe & Barbara Darnall Lee David Tim & Jennifer Dunn Niles & Laura Dunnells Jack & Leona Ellison Leighton & Laura Flowers Margaret Forrester Wayne Franke David Garrett Jimmy & Annelle Gault Patricia Gillespie Pete & Carlene Golson Rob & Julie Goodenough Jeff & Marilyn Goodin Beau & Melissa Green Norm & Shirley Grimmett Lawson & Jane Hager Bob & Carol Hamner Dot Harper Earl Harrison Jim & Wilma Heflin Judy Hibbitts Eleanor Hiebert Alex & Starr Hoffman Zelma Hunt David & Britt Jones Jimmie & Susan Keeling Roxie Keenan Bill & Bonnie Kiker Don & Karen Kimball Allen & Dorothy Kiser
Martha Lacewell Hank & Karen Landsgaard Truett & Harriet Latimer Eduardo & Abbe Leal Jay & Lisa Lester Joan Lewis Bob & Louise Lockhart Billie Martin H. S. Mayfield Richard & Patt Merchant Tom & Susan Meyer David & Elaine Miller Gerrell Moore Watson & Shirley Moore Tommie Moore Wilford & Bernice Moore Ty & Linda Morris Dan & Tracy Munton Billy Bob & Pat Neff Doug & Elizabeth Worley Dennis & Janelle O’Connell Mark & Nina Ouimette Rudy & Mary Lou Palmer Dottie Parker Keith & Helen Jean Parks Taylor & Jaunice Paul Clifton & Jo Ann Poe Steve & Anne Post Harold & Susan Preston Rosa Lee Prichard Sarah Pruitt Mark & Lauren Puckett
Ron & Sandi Rainwater Taylor & Libby Rankin Milton & Rebekah Redeker Charles Robinson B. L. & Hywanah Russell Steve & Marsha Rutland Robert & J’Lyn Ryan Kelly Rypkema Herman & Norma Schaffer Gayland & Donna Seaton Larry & Joanna Shampine Sam & Peggy Shields Emmett Shockley Ellen Simmons Dick & Jolene Sollivan Charles & Carlene Spicer Kent & Tammy Stallcup Jim & Peggy Sturrock Jason Taylor Jimmie Kate Taylor James & Georgie Teel Warren & Laura Thaxton Bill & Jessie Thorn Bill & Lois Wallace Paul & Delores Washburn Howard Wilkins Don & Pam Williford
News Highlights
Visit the campus news archives at www.hsutx.edu/news for details on these stories and more.
Internationally Acclaimed Cellist Holds Master Class on Campus January 23, 2009 Matt Haimovitz, from the Schulich School of Music in Montreal, Canada, led a master class in cello on the HSU campus in January.
Artist with Dark Edge Comes to Lecture Series February 4, 2009 Melissa Miller, nationally acclaimed artist, was the featured speaker during the Guy Caldwell Western Heritage Lecture Series in February.
Earth-Threatening Asteroid Discovered in Workshop Led by HSU Associate Professor February 5, 2009 A teacher fulfilling continuing education requirements at a workshop on asteroid searches led by Patrick Miller, associate professor of mathematics, discovered a previously unknown near-earth object.
HSU Chapel Service Visited by 19th Century Mentor of C. S. Lewis February 25, 2009 Actor Daniel Koehn portraying Scottish novelist and pastor George MacDonald, captivated the chapel audience with a sermon from the 1800s.
Texas Association of Schools of Art Conference Held at HSU March 25, 2009 Nationally known artist Mary McCleary was the keynote speaker for the Texas Association of Schools of Art Conference co-hosted by the HSU Art Department.
One Mission Postponed; One Neighborhood Revitalized
April 7, 2009 Women in Ministry conference was held on the HSU campus, purposing to provide support for the many women who minister in hundreds of Baptist churches around the state.
Ethics and Race: Topic of T. B. Maston Lecture Series on Christian Ethics April 10, 2009 Dr. Emmanuel McCall, founding pastor of the Fellowship Group in Atlanta, Georgia, was keynote speaker for the annual T. B. Maston Lecture Series in April.
Unusual Maymester Class: Navajoland May 18, 2009 Students traveled to Fort Defiance, Arizona, for a cultural study with Dr. Joanne Roberts, head of the HSU Sociology Department, and Melissa (Martin) Milliorn (B93), assistant professor of social work.
Dyslexic Students Still Slipping Through Unnoticed May 27, 2009 The Center for Language and Literacy, led by Dr. Collene (Williams) Simmons (B71/M76), associate professor of education, held a conference on campus to help teach teachers of dyslexic students.
A Cacophonous Twist and Shout Session Teaches Teachers How to Relate to Their Students June 4, 2009 More than 200 teachers from across Texas attended the teachers’ conference led by Eric Jenson, author of several books on how the brain works.
Gifted and Talented Students Challenged by Threshold June 25, 2009 Threshold, the summer enrichment program for gifted children, was held in July. This year’s themes were “The Mysteries of Man” and “The Audacity to Change the World.”
Friday Night Lights In October, Student Activities sponsored a fireworks display and concert on the HSU campus.
HSU Ranked in Top Ten “Great Colleges to Work For” in the Nation July 10, 2009 HSU was named one of the best colleges to work for in The Chronicle of Higher Education.
Seasoned Academic Leader Finds New Opportunity July 29, 2009 Dr. Bill Ellis (B75), HSU provost, accepted the presidency of Howard Payne University in July.
Experienced Educator and Theologian to Lead Academics in Interim July 30, 2009 Dr. Don Williford, professor of New Testament, accepted the responsibility as interim vice president for academic affairs.
HSU Named a “Best in the West” University July 30, 2009 HSU was named one of the best colleges and universities in the West according to The Princeton Review.
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March 31, 2009 The Physical Therapy Department’s annual mission trip to Mexico was postponed this year due to safety issues. Instead, the department reached out to the Northpark neighborhood surrounding HSU.
God’s Word Spread by Two Genders: Workshop Helps Women Called to Ministry
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Development News
A Word from the VP for Institutional Advancement
We were just back from our honeymoon, and my bride, Elise, was anxious to get the rose we bought into some dirt. For newlyweds, setting up a home together presents many challenges. For Elise, a home had to include roses. She has always had a romance with roses. Teas, hybrid teas, English, musk, antique—you name the breed and she’ll tell you something about its history and her favorite rose within it. Since we lived in a flat in San Francisco, growing roses in the foggy summer conditions in planting boxes on a rooftop deck presented plenty of challenges. Rust, mildew, black spot; you name the malady, and we probably had to deal with it. After months of toil, her roses began to flourish. She decided to take one of her roses to a meeting of the San Francisco Rose Society in Golden Gate Park. The bloom itself was magnificent, but the foliage was showing some of those nasty problems. She felt so bad about the foliage that she completely removed all of it, denuding the stem.
Upon reviewing her rose, the moderator of the meeting complimented the bloom’s fragrance, color, and shape. He then asked the group what was wrong with it. The answer was, “it has no leaves.” The consensus was that it is better to have leaves even if they are not perfect. Roses will have these problems. As humans we are all tempted to hide our imperfections. Feeling like we must only present a perfect image, we try to hide our flaws. Isn’t it great that God knows our flaws, in perfect detail, and loves us anyway? We are forgiven; we are loved; we are accepted into his grace. At HSU, we have an incredible faculty and staff who know that our mission is to mold students into the Christian leaders of tomorrow. We have imperfections, and they have imperfections, but God loves us anyway and equips us to further His Kingdom. Your gifts help make that happen every day. It’s great to be a part of Hardin-Simmons!
Leland Harden (B84) Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Why We Give
Pat (B55) and Gayle Sanders Pat Sanders says the best thing that happened to him because of HSU was meeting his wife of 57 years, Gayle. Pat and Gayle both grew up in rural Texas communities that are barely blips on the map, Pat in Denton County and Gayle in Coleman County. They both ended up in Abilene, Pat to attend HSU and Gayle to work at First State Bank. They met while attending First Baptist Church of Abilene and were married during Pat’s sophomore year. Because he was married and working as many hours as possible, Pat wasn’t as involved on campus as some students. However, he developed a strong love for the university because of faculty members like Billie Lacy, Lena Ford, and Euell Porter.
Pat never even heard of Hardin-Simmons until after graduating from high school and moving to Fort Worth. There, he attended church with someone who told him about HSU. Pat was only able to attend HSU because of scholarships he received. While initially coming to HSU with the desire to be in the ministry, Pat ended up with a degree in education and teacher certification. He taught in public schools for 29 years, most of that time in high school. Gayle had a successful banking career that spanned 49 years before her retirement. The Sanders have been loyal HSU donors for many years, established an endowed scholarship for ministerial students, and have included the university in their estate plans. When asked why they give to HSU, Pat quickly says, “Because it’s a Christian institution and I’m grateful that they gave a country boy like me the opportunity to get an education that I would not have gotten otherwise.” He adds, “I don’t know where I would be if it weren’t for HSU.”
Student Tells Scholarship Donors She will be a Teacher Because of Their Help “Everything I am, and everything I hope to be, is because of the Lord’s blessings in my life. These blessings are in the form of my mother, Hardin-Simmons University, my wonderful professors, and the people who feel the need to give to a college student with whom they have never met.” Those are the words of HSU senior Alexis Smith as she spoke in front of a gathering of about 200 scholarship donors and student recipients at the annual Donor/ Recipient Appreciation Luncheon, where students who receive endowed scholarships are paired with the person who gave the scholarship money to help with their education at HSU. Alexis is an education major from Haskell, Texas, who has a passion for teaching special-needs children. “Because of the support from my professors and the wonderful scholarship donors, I will have a career doing what I love,” Alexis told the audience. She went on to explain that her interest in specialneeds children stems from two sources, one of which is her mother. “I remember playing games at home like ‘Let’s see who can find the most change,’ just so we could go buy milk. Even though we were very poor, I never knew it because my mother was so incredible. She helped me learn to read at a very young age. I know she had to be exhausted from raising two children and trying to keep food on the table while paying for her own education so
Jackie Moritz, donor of the Thomas E. Moritz Memorial Scholarship, with recipient, James Moore, a marketing major graduating in 2010.
Senior Alexis Smith (left) with friend Melissa Dorr.
she could help special-needs children in school.” The second source for Alexis’s interest in specialneeds children is her own disability. Alexis lost her hearing when she was a young girl. “Three weeks ago I was fitted for new hearing aids so that I can hear my students. Because of your giving spirit, I am free from college debt and have been able to afford doctors’ visits and the financial upkeep of having hearing aids.” Alexis is one of 95 scholarship recipients who got the chance to meet the donor of one of their scholarships at the annual luncheon. In addition to the $1.2 million in endowed scholarships, HSU students who are new or returning and pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree, receive an additional $6 million in institutional academic scholarships for their education at HSU.
Dr. Angela Nicolini, donor of the Edward M. Wooten III Memorial Scholarship, and recipient, ZaVious Robbins, a marketing major.
“I pledge to work hard to see that the value of your diploma continues to grow. This is an institution on the move. Let us keep dreaming big dreams.�
Lanny Hall President, Hardin-Simmons University Ex 1968 By Brenda Harris
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t was a warm spring day in 1965 when Lanny Hall met his first university president. He had come to the HSU campus with his girlfriend (later to be his wife), Carol Bardin, and her family for a preview event. Carol was considering HSU for a college home. As the visitors stood outside Behrens Auditorium, a long black car slowly drove up. The driver lowered his passenger window and asked, “Are you folks visiting the campus?” He then proceeded to offer the group directions and introduced himself as James Landes, the president of the university. This meeting left a lasting impression on young Lanny, who would later become the 13th and now the 15th president of HSU. Over the years as he has served as a university president at three different Texas Baptist schools, Lanny Hall has worked to show that same hospitality and warmth in countless encounters with campus visitors. Carol enrolled at HSU in 1965 and Hall followed her in 1967. The two had met at a church youth camp in 1962, and he began writing her that summer. Over the next several years, their friendship blossomed into romance, and the couple married in 1968. Also in 1968, Lanny and Carol transferred to North Texas State University (now the University of North Texas) in Denton. It was at North Texas that Hall first thought about the possibility of becoming a university professor or administrator. That goal solidified into an aspiration for
a university presidency much later, though. He explains, “Later, a layman in our church, Dr. Don Anthony, president of the Northeast Campus of Tarrant County Junior College, visited with me about the opportunities of service in college administration. It was not until I was elected to the Texas House of Representatives and began to interact with numerous college presidents that I began seriously considering the college presidency as a goal in my life.” Even though his time as a student at HSU was short, it was a positive experience, and he was able to reconnect with some of his professors when he returned to HSU as president in 1991. He recalls, “I was positively influenced by Dr. Zane Mason. I loved his teaching style, his use of humor in the classroom, and the formal way in which he approached the teaching of history. After I became a high school teacher, I wrote to him to thank him for his influence. I told him that I modeled my teaching after his. One of the special blessings of my life was to get to know him personally during my ‘first tour of duty’ with HSU.” Dr. Elwin Skiles was the first president Hall observed in action, and he was quite impressed by Skiles’ ability to connect with students. Hall remembers, “He was statesman-like. I was impressed with the way he interacted with students at the reception he and Mrs. Skiles hosted in the president’s home (now Compere Hall) at the corner of Hickory and Ambler.” Hall continues, “I saw Dr. Skiles preside in chapel. He Winter 2009/2010 |
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always began the service by quoting Psalm 118:23-25, ‘This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.’ While the students may have seemed tired of that routine recitation, it remains a special memory today.” Hall was born in Fort Payne, Alabama, where his father worked as a foreman in a sock mill and his mother was a substitute teacher. When he was in the first grade, his parents moved the family to Fort Worth, and Hall graduated from Haltom High School in the Birdville Independent School District. He began to have an interest in politics early on. His mother, although not political herself, encouraged Hall to be aware of and have an interest in significant political events. Hall notes, “I was 11 years old when John F. Kennedy was elected. My mother made sure I was aware of the importance of that election and encouraged me to watch the coverage of the Kennedy and Nixon presidential campaigns, as well as the Kennedy inauguration on our black-and-white television.” It wasn’t all politics for Hall, however. He played center and defensive end for his high school football team, and a little-known skill of Hall’s is music. He muses, “I like to play the guitar and sing. I was lead singer and rhythm guitarist in a rock band for a short time while in high school, and was in a folk-rock singing duo, The Leelan Singers, in high school and college.” Hall and a high school friend who went to McMurry University when Hall came to HSU, played at church fellowships, corporate banquets, and other venues around the Abilene and Fort Worth areas. “We even sang ‘Born Free’ at the HSU University Queen Coronation in 1967.” Also while in high school, Hall served as president of student council and of his junior class. Not surprisingly, he was voted Most Likely to Succeed. And succeed he did. During his 39-year career in government and education, Hall has served as a public school teacher, a Congressional aide, special assistant to the U. S. House Majority Leader, a lobbyist, a businessman, and a threeterm member of the Texas House of Representatives (19791984). Education has always been an important factor in
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September 2009, Hall said, “I pledge to work hard to see that the value of your diploma continues to grow. This is an institution on the move. Let us keep dreaming big dreams.”
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Hall’s political pursuits. Hall says, “God has blessed me with such an interesting career! A highlight moment was standing with Texas Governor Mark White in 1985 on the lawn of the Governor’s Mansion as he signed the bill into law creating a public health insurance program for retired teachers and other retired school employees. That bill, enacted while I was serving as director of governmental relations for the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, was the culmination of many months of hard work.” Hall often terms himself a “recovering politician” who remains very interested in government and history. Those were his teaching fields when he began his career as a high school teacher, and he hopes to have the opportunity to teach and lecture in the area of legislative process in his “spare time.” With his sights squarely focused on the future of Hardin-Simmons University, Lanny Hall is a man with a mission—a man with a plan. At his installation during HSU’s 119th convocation ceremony in
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“I show up—every day—fired up by the idea of preparing highly motivated and highly talented men and women of vibrant faith in Christ for entry into the workforce in a wide variety of vocations. I believe this is how the world will be changed.”
Mark Foley President, University of Mobile BBA 1972 General Business By Brenda Harris
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
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12-foot metal, sculpted cross, intricately entwined in bronze vines and hammeredthin leaves, stands on a hill near the dining and residence halls of the University of Mobile in Mobile, Alabama. It is surrounded by a rock garden featuring large boulders which provide a resting place for visitors. The cross was designed and built by the university’s president, Dr. Mark Foley, and a member of their board of trustees, Jim Daniel. Metal sculpting has been a garage hobby for Foley, building many small crosses for his wife and family over the years. But he wanted to share his faith on a grander scale and to create a place for quiet reflection at the university he leads. After meeting Daniel, who is the CEO of a metal fabrication firm, he found the perfect opportunity to do so. “I wanted us to have a visual representation of our place as a faith-based university, a piece of structural art that immediately says, ‘this place is of Christ.’” Before each work session, he and Daniel began with prayer. This is not an uncommon practice for Foley. He begins each work day, each meeting, each project in prayer. “The most important aspect of my work is prayer. This is God’s business. He is discovered through prayer, and through that process, he shapes my thoughts and guides actions
which lead to the development of the university. Faculty, students, staff, external constituents, and the programs which touch them are all under the umbrella of the one most important aspect—prayer.” Mark Foley grew up in Wichita Falls, Texas, and came to HSU in 1968. There was never a question as to where he would attend college. Hardin-Simmons University was a family legacy. His father, Robert Foley, received a BA in business administration in 1943 and was on the Board of Trustees from 1971 to 1976. His brother, Peter, also attended, earning a BA in Bible in 1982. Peter met his wife, Janey (Hardin B83), while they were both students at HSU. While enrolled at HSU, Mark was active in Alpha Kappa Psi and Student Congress, was listed in Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities, and was Nix Hall president his junior year. Before graduating in 1972, Mark married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn (Hardeman) in 1971. The couple met as youth at First Baptist Church in Wichita Falls. Marilyn, who took a couple of classes at HSU, completed her bachelor’s degree in education at Midwestern University. The family was complete by 1980, having added daughter Molly and son Rob. Winter 2009/2010 |
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In 1973, Mark became a member of HSU’s Board of Young Associates. Foley had worked for his father’s business, Foley Sand and Gravel Company, through high school as a bookkeeper and driver, and after earning his business degree from HSU, he returned to his father’s company as operations manager. He later operated his own truck stop business from 1979 until 1986 when he moved to New Orleans and enrolled in New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS). Why, 14 years after graduating from HSU with a BBA, did Foley return to school? It was to fulfill a burning desire to make a spiritual difference in the lives of others. “From my mid-20s, my spiritual interests had been focused on spiritual development and discipleship. I found that my talent, time, and energies were tuned to such activities, primarily in and through our church home, First Baptist Church, Wichita Falls. At the same time, I was also involved in a business related to the trucking industry. Our family was invested in our church and in Wichita Falls, and as far as I knew, that was where we would live, raise
our children, and finish our lives.” But in the early 1980s, Foley’s desire intensified to be more fully engaged in Christian spiritual development work. “I sought counsel from an older friend, a dedicated Christian in the oil business, about what to do with the tension I was experiencing between the unfulfilling work of running a business and the very fulfilling work of encouraging other Christians.” In one of their meetings, his friend asked him to describe what it was that he did best, and his response was focused on abilities and activities related to ministry. His friend’s next question was, “You have just described what could be the work of a minister. Why are you in the truck stop business?” Foley says, “Great question! It was a transformational moment that God used to affirm his design in me. From that moment, I resolved to fully pursue that design.” That included selling the business and determining how the ministry could be done as a lay person in a para-church model. At 35, he had no intention of leaving Wichita Falls or of engaging in any further education, but he sought counsel among other respected older Christian friends about how to proceed. “God was
And it altered the way he thinks about students. “It was a life-changing event. In a third of a lifetime, I will be an old man. My opportunity to influence the world in which she will emerge will be over. When my children were born, I knew I had the time to shape their environment and see them into their adulthood.” He told the graduates, “I will now have to rely on you to influence the world. Most of you will be in the rank and file of social order. I really need for you to do it well. And the only way you will be able to do this is through your relationship with God through Jesus.” These graduates are the fruit of Foley’s endeavors. He says the most enjoyment he receives from his job happens each year when he stands on that stage in May handing diplomas to graduates, telling each one: “Now, go change the world.”
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leading, but I was not particularly pleased with where he was taking us. The counselors to whom I talked said that I needed to go to seminary. So, I kept looking for other counsel.” After seven respected men said exactly the same thing—the seventh being Landrum Leavel, his former pastor and then president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary—he reluctantly agreed to visit New Orleans. “Upon arrival for our visit, Marilyn and I were impressed by God’s Spirit that NOBTS was the next destination in our journey. We sold the business, leased our home, packed up the things and the babies, said goodbye to family and lifelong friends, and moved to New Orleans.” After a year there, he was offered a position in the school’s development office. He learned the business of higher education in several roles at the university. “The interesting part of the story is that God has never assigned me to be the pastor of a church, but he has combined the roles of business, ministry, counseling, and higher education administration in interesting ways. He has placed me in positions, as a church lay-leader, as a professional counselor, as a graduate school administrator, and, now, as a college president and state denominational leader to engage discipleship in a grander scale than I could ever imagine.” Foley earned both a Master of Divinity degree and a PhD in psychology and counseling at NOBTS. He was simultaneously employed there most of that time in several capacities, eventually becoming executive vice president. In 1998, he was asked to become president of the University of Mobile. During his tenure there, he has led the university to a culture based upon the intentional integration of faith, learning, and leadership. When asked what he feels makes him good at his job, Foley remarked, “I show up—every day— fired up by the idea of preparing highly motivated and highly talented men and women of vibrant faith in Christ for entry into the workforce in a wide variety of vocations. I believe this is how the world will be changed.” When Foley’s first granddaughter was two months old, he led the commencement address to the 2006 class at the University of Mobile with a charge for them to take on the responsibility of making the world a better place for the future of his granddaughter. He said the birth of his granddaughter changed the way he views world events, American culture, and family life. It changed the intensity and focus of his prayer and framed afresh his scrutiny of the Scriptures.
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“It was through these experiences the Lord gave me a heart for leading a school that wanted to keep Christ at the center of everything they were about.�
Robin Baker President, George Fox University Ex 1977 and MA 1982 History By Kimberly Hawkins
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magine a typical student life center, complete with students, coffee, and mailboxes. You have your arms full of books, blearily searching for a caffeine fix after that 8 a.m. biology lab. As you wander toward the coffee bar, your brain suddenly jumps awake as a stream of water pelts the side of your face. Expecting to see the jokester from your Wednesday afternoon history class, you find instead Dr. Robin Baker, the president of George Fox University, armed with a Super Soaker. From all outside appearances, he might seem like your typical university president, but Dr. Robin Baker is unique in his own right. Preferring to keep a casual and comfortable environment, Robin interacts with students, professors, and staff on a first-name basis. He feels it’s important to create a sense of community and teamwork among faculty, staff, and students. He is also persistent in making sure his staff and students stay on their toes. The students at George Fox are prompt to remember Robin as an active foe in the snowball fights that take place on the lawn. Robin sets the bar high for university presidents and approaches the presidency from a unique angle. “I’m not into hierarchy. I’m much more interested in connecting with people.” He gets involved with the students on a casual level, and is intent on building relationships with
the student body. He participates in the annual two-mile run with the girl’s basketball team at the beginning of every season, running undefeated for the past 10 years. While maintaining a sense of community on campus, Robin also has serious goals in mind. George Fox is interested in expanding academic degrees in healthcare, building a new athletic complex, adding new sports programs, and increasing the number of international students through their study abroad programs. And, along with all private Christian schools, George Fox is always searching for new ways to make education affordable, but high quality. Robin is adamant in his desire for George Fox to be a community that educates students well in an environment that nurtures their faith. Robin articulates this desire through a statement by C. S. Lewis: “I believe in Christianity as I believe the sun has risen, not only because I see it but because by it I see everything else.” The integration of faith and learning is absolutely essential to Robin. “I do not want my Christian testimony to be confined to the chapel or worship hall—it needs to be a part of everything I do.” Robin recalls the influence of HSU professors in the development of this mindset. One was Dr. Larry Brunner, who continues at HSU as a professor of English. Requiring a paper a week in freshman composition, Dr. Brunner constantly challenged him to improve his writing and his Winter 2009/2010 |
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thinking. “I credit Dr. Brunner for making me a more effective writer and communicator,” says Baker. Robin fought hard for Dr. Brunner’s approval, and has carried this tradition of setting high standards for students into his own classrooms. Another influence on Robin was Dr. Zane Mason. “He was an excellent historian who made faith commitments an essential part of his telling of history.” As a freshman in 1976, Robin enrolled at HSU on a basketball and ROTC scholarship. His first week on the Forty Acres was traditional for an HSU student—complete with New Student Orientation and the purple and gold beanie. After a year, Robin transferred and finished up his undergraduate degree at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, graduating with honors in 1980. Robin vividly recalls sitting in Dr. Mason’s and Dr. Madden’s offices at HSU and talking about history and people. The mentoring relationships these professors developed with Robin brought him back to HSU to complete a master’s degree in history in 1982, when he was named an outstanding graduating student.
After completing his master’s degree at HSU, Robin went on to Texas A&M for his doctorate in history. It was there that the influence of C. S. Lewis and the other writers of the Inklings Society became known to him. He recalls being part of a traditional Bible study at Texas A&M in the early 1980s. Graduate students in that group brought up Lewis’s ideas and sparked Robin’s interest in their writings. For the first time, the idea that your mind could be captured by Jesus left an indelible impression on Robin. His favorite writing by C. S. Lewis is a sermon, “The Weight of Glory,” which Robin refers to often when giving speeches. He passes on the challenge of Lewis’s idea that we have never conversed with mere mortals. “What we are creating and doing here will forever echo in eternity.” Robin continues to be influenced by C. S. Lewis and the Inklings Society. He finds inspiration from these authors who were facing the modern academy at a time when it was crucial to determine what it meant to be a Christian in the academic environment. After Robin completed his PhD, he got a job
teaching at Wheaton College in Illinois. While serving as a professor there and then at other institutions, Robin gained an interest in leading and developing at a faith-based institution. “It was through these experiences the Lord gave me a heart for leading a school that wanted to keep Christ at the center of everything they were about.” These days, Robin is a long way from the redbricked Forty Acres of HSU. He and his family live in Newberg, Oregon, where it rains most of the year. Robin comments, “There are some months you never even see the sun!” Making time to spend with his wife and three children is important to Robin. They enjoy time together in the green, mountainous outdoors of Oregon. They go on hikes and get away to a cabin in southern Oregon located on the shores of a creek. Even though he lives many miles away from Abilene, the impressions professors left on him during his time at HSU are close to his heart. “What I took away from the professors at HSU helped form my character and vision of what God was doing in my life for a lifetime. That’s why HSU is a place worth investing in—because it helps students become ambassadors for Christ.” And don’t worry—Robin is always sure to keep his water gun stowed safely away when important donors come to visit. Winter 2009/2010 |
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“I am most proud when I have the privilege of conveying degrees and diplomas to several hundred students. That is the moment when you realize the significance and potential of Christian higher education.”
David Smith President, Brewton-Parker College BA 1974 Speech/Bible By Brenda Harris
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needed in order to consider the appropriate setting for higher education. I probably began thinking of a career in Christian higher education at that point.” Once Jackie completed her degree, the young couple moved to Ft. Worth where David completed a Master of Divinity degree at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1978. David pastored churches in Texas and New Mexico from 1975 to 1981 when he, Jackie, and newly added family members son Tim and daughter Alida, returned to Abilene where he became director of admissions at HSU. Not only did Smith’s wife graduate from HSU, his daughter Alida (B02) and son-in-law Matt Barnes (B01) are also grads. “Jackie and I truly enjoyed the four years Alida spent as a student at Hardin-Simmons. She worked in admissions, served as the Cowboy mascot, and met her husband at HSU. Alida and Matt were married in Logsdon Chapel. Those memories just cement our affection for our alma mater.” It was during his time in the Hardin-Simmons Admissions Office that the idea began to solidify that Christian university administration was his vocational calling. “When I left HSU in 1985, it was to enter a doctoral program at Peabody College of Vanderbilt University which, I thought, might lead to a Christian college presidency.” He was right. It did eventually lead to a Christian
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s president of Brewton-Parker College in Mount Vernon, Georgia, David Smith is a long way from the West Texas ranch near Quanah where he grew up. He came to Hardin-Simmons University in the late 1960s as a member of his high school debate team to participate in the HSU debate tournament during both his junior and senior years. After spending this time on the campus, HSU stood out as he decided on a university home. “I considered several other schools, but my calling into Christian service and my relative familiarity with HSU factored into my decision.” In 1971, Smith met Jackie (Rainwater B75), and the couple married in 1974 while both were students at HSU. He had planned to focus on pastoral ministry, but those plans were altered shortly after graduation. “Throughout my college and seminary training, I felt my vocational pursuits would focus on pastoral ministry. However, I stayed at HSU after graduation because my new bride, Jackie, still lacked a year of schooling at HSU to obtain her bachelor’s degree.” So, while Jackie completed her degree, David became a student recruiter with the Admissions Office, working with Ed Jackson, Bill Jennings, Reba Boyd, and others. “I found that I thoroughly enjoyed working with students and families, providing them with the information they
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college presidency—in 1998 he became president of Brewton-Parker College. Prior to accepting the position as president, he was dean of admissions at Belmont University in Nashville from 1985 to 1992 and then director of development there from 1992 to 1994. In 1994 Smith became vice president for institutional advancement at Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, Texas. As president at Brewton-Parker, Smith keeps a busy schedule that pulls him away from the campus a good deal, visiting with institutional benefactors, alumni, denominational officers, and various agencies and commissions that are integral to the work of the college. When he is on campus, his days are filled with email, appointments, lunch meetings, more meetings, more appointments, meetings with various campus committees or boards, and then more appointments. “Around 4:00 p.m. I try to return phone calls and deal with administrative staff members. When everyone else leaves the administration building around 5:00 or 5:30, I answer
correspondence and formulate written responses to the meetings and appointments of the day. I also read and answer mail at that time.” He’s normally home around 6:30 or 7:00, but there are often further social obligations in the evening hours. Smith says no two days are ever the same. “I find that I still have sufficient time for rest and spiritual restoration, and I’m also able to spend time with my wife, family, and friends.” Smith believes that in his role as president it is important for him to listen carefully to the voices of all constituencies as he sets the tone and the vision for the college. “If I want others to show commitment and prioritize Brewton-Parker College, then I must illustrate those traits. In my public and private discussions I am responsible for casting a vision that includes the goals and aspirations of those affiliated with the school.” Smith points out that none of his work is done in a vacuum. “One of my HSU mentors said that a mark of leadership is discovering which direction people are moving and then rushing to the forefront
which I had helped raise funds and finalize plans, and when goals that solidified the futures of the universities for which I worked were completed.” But he says proudest moments happen twice a year at commencement. “I am most proud when I have the privilege of conveying degrees and diplomas to several hundred students. That is the moment when you realize the significance and potential of Christian higher education.” David and Jackie live in Mount Vernon, Georgia, but enjoy getting away to the mountains. “Even though we live an hour from Savannah and the Atlantic seaboard, Jackie and I own a home in Cloudcroft, New Mexico, where we try to spend a few weeks a year with family and friends.”
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so that you can lead them there. There is some truth to that.” Ever faithful to his alma mater, Smith attributes much of his success to HSU. “Much of what I have contributed to my posts of leadership in my career was learned during my student days at HardinSimmons University. I learned there about the responsibility of completing what you begin, about the exhilaration of accomplishment, and about applying the universal ethic of Christian living in all aspects of my existence. I learned of the joy of continually learning and of disciplined scholarship.” The deeper root of his success lies within his faith. “I also firmly believe the promise inherent in Philippians 4:13, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’” Smith takes pride in the accomplishments to which he has contributed. “I recall wonderful moments of elation when my staff and I experienced enrollment increases at HSU and at Belmont University, when I joined supporters of Wayland and Brewton-Parker in completing new facilities for
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“My parents taught me to be a servant-leader. I spend my days here trying to model this to my students and to the people who love this university.�
René Maciel President, Baptist University of the Americas BBS 1981 Religion & Church Recreation By Janlyn Thaxton
R
1981 he had earned a bachelor’s degree, double majoring in religion and church recreation. He went on to Baylor to earn master’s degrees in education and educational psychology. He also has a wealth of experience in the top levels of university administration. After his 1981 graduation from Hardin-Simmons, he worked as a recruiter and an admissions counselor at HSU before becoming director of admissions. He also served as an admissions counselor at Baylor, as chief administrator of New Mexico Baptist Children’s Home in Portales, and as director of student services at Truett Seminary in Waco. Maciel arrived at BUA at a historic time. With a new 80-acre campus under construction, he faced some unique challenges. “We continue to grow because of a vast need to serve the Hispanic community with higher education,” he says. “At BUA, we are training poor people who need a college education. Because of that, we keep our costs very low, $170 per semester hour.” Maciel continues, “At that rate, we have to be donor-driven to keep the doors open. It is a must for this university to keep finding scholarships and more money for work study for students.” He adds, “This university exists to inform and empower servant leaders so they can meet the vast human needs in the world around them.” Maciel recalls that he learned about service from the example set by his parents. “I’ve never known them when they were not serving someone’s needs,” he says. In the two years Maciel has been at Baptist University Range Rider Magazine
Winter 2009/2010 |
ené Maciel is the kind of university president you’ll find chatting with students in the cafeteria, serving on the lunch line, or helping set up for events at the school. Maciel is president of one of the most unusual and diverse Baptist institutions in the country. Baptist University of the Americas is 85% Hispanic, 5% African-American, and 9% Anglo. “Forty percent of our students fall below the poverty line,” says Maciel. “We get students here that other universities do not consider.” Maciel may be a bit unusual himself. He says he does not speak Spanish that well, and he does not have a PhD. In fact, when he was first approached as a candidate for the president’s job at Baptist University of the Americas, he turned them down. “I am grateful for your call,” he remembers saying, “but I am not the right person for the job.” He got that call while he was serving as assistant dean at Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University. Although Maciel was reluctant, the BUA trustees thought differently. Teo Cisneros chaired the BUA presidential search committee, and he knew Maciel had, in his words, “a sincere love of the church and was dedicated to the mission of God in the world.” In an article that appeared on the website of the Baptist General Convention of Texas two years ago, Cisneros said, “René is a visionary and an innovative leader with broad knowledge of the systems that build great universities.” Maciel was a student at HSU in 1976. He says he came to play basketball and golf on a scholarship. By
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of the Americas, enrollment has soared, increasing an average of 20 students per year, from 43 in 1999 to a fall 2009 record enrollment of just over 257 students. The university has also raised more money this past year than ever before. “I can’t take any credit for this,” he says modestly. “The mission and purpose of this institution is to fill a need for education among Hispanic people. God has put us here to serve that need.” Maciel credits a former president of HSU in setting a great example for developing and building relationships, and the relationships he has with his students are among the most important to him. “If I am not building relationships in my institution, it would be hard to build them outside my school,” says Maciel. “That’s something I learned from President Jesse Fletcher when I was a student at Hardin-Simmons and later when I worked at HSU. I watched him build rapport and great relationships. Friendship, contacts, and relationships build great universities.” “My office is in the center of campus, and I try to be visible,” he says. “We hold an annual event called La Mesa del President, the President’s Table. I will be out there to pour coffee for students and connect with them. This is an invaluable opportunity for me and the university.” Another important issue to Maciel is assimilation, as he calls it. “Our university needs Hispanic trustees and members of the administration. We must have people who look like the students, who understand and know them.” “This is a growing need,” he says. He cites examples of pastors calling the university in search of students to hire—students who can help their churches understand the growing culture around them. “I learned in my time recruiting students to HSU of the inherent need for them to feel included and a part of the university. I really think God was preparing me at Hardin-Simmons for this role I am in now,” he says. “My parents taught me to be a servant-leader. I spend my days here trying to model this to my students and to the people who love this university.” Maciel’s parents, Elva and Charles Maciel, live in Abilene where Charles pastors Ambler Baptist Church. Maciel and his wife, Sabrina (Dunham B85), who is a speech pathologist, have two daughters, Brianna and Carmen.
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The list continues…
Other University, College, and Seminary Presidents who are HSU Alumni William Ellis, BA 1975, Howard Payne University, 2009-present Eddie Hadlock, BS 1967, North Central Texas College, current David Hales, BS 1966, College of the Atlantic, 2006-present Tony Celelli, BBS 1993/MDiv 2000, South Texas School of Christian Studies, 2005-present Jeff Iorg, BA 1980, Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, 2004-present Paige Patterson, BA 1965, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2003-present Bill Crews, BA 1957, Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, past president Joseph Ilori, MA 1970, Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, past president Bill Thorn, BA 1948, Dallas Baptist University, past president Nathan Ivey, BS 1948, four universities in Colorado, Michigan, and Illinois, retired Homer Taylor, BS 1958/MEd 1963, Texas State Technical College, retired Bryce Jordan, Ex 1948, Penn State, deceased Gerald Martin, BA 1948, Hannibal-LaGrange College, deceased
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I want to be a university president when I grow up!
48 Range Rider Magazine
Gracie Carroll, associate vice president for academic advising and retention, offers the following advice to those who aspire to ascend to the position of a university president and wonder how to get there: As an undergraduate, study anything you like and excel in this academic program. Enroll in graduate school, leading to a PhD or EdD, the common pathway to this position. Though academic backgrounds of college presidents vary, a PhD in liberal arts may give you a slight upper-hand. After completing your graduate studies, concentrate on obtaining experiences—specifically in higher education. Start by having a successful college
teaching career. Nurture professional relationships. See if you yearn for more leadership by becoming involved in administration. The initial goal should be in becoming a department chairperson, then a dean, eventually securing a vice presidency position (typically, the vice president of academic affairs). Along this journey, it could prove beneficial to have published several scholarly articles. One cannot be in a hurry to be president—it takes a great deal of time. Lastly, I would recommend to consider what comes after presidency since the “shelflife” of a college president averages seven to ten years.
Dr. George O. Thatcher 1894-1898
Dr. O. C. Pope 1898-1901
Rev. C. R. Hairfield 1901-1902
Dr. Oscar H. Cooper 1902-1909
Dr. Jefferson Davis Sandefer Sr. 1909-1940
Dr. Lucian Q. Campbell 1940 (acting president)
Dr. William R. White 1940-1943
Dr. Rupert N. Richardson 1943-1953
Dr. Evan Allard Reiff 1953-1962
Dr. George L. Graham 1962-1963 (interim)
Dr. James H. Landes 1963-1966
Dr. Elwin L. Skiles 1966-1977
Dr. Jesse C. Fletcher 1977-1991 2008-2009 (interim)
Dr. Lanny Hall 1991-2001 2009-present
Dr. W. Craig Turner 2001-2008
Past Presidents of Hardin-Simmons University
Rev. W. C. Friley 1892-1894
REFLECTIONS a devotional
by Dr. Kelly Pigott, HSU Chaplain Illustration by Salvador Torres (B07)
“…James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means Sons of Thunder)...” Mark 3:17 (NIV)
God at Play
then you finish off with saying orange.” (ROTFL, ROTFL.) Throughout the conversation she doesn’t stop laughing, and I, being the mature, logical one, attempt to explain how the joke is to be told so that it’s funny. Actually, in her little childlike mind she’s thinking, “Stop. You’re killing me. You’re so clueless.” And she’s right. The joke is actually on me. So what happens to us that the older we get, the less we see the humor in the world? And if God is really old, does that mean He’s too serious to laugh? Apparently, there are a lot of people out there who think so. I once sent a query to a serious Christian magazine for an article I wanted to write about the humor of God. I found places in the Bible where I thought God was, well, quite funny. Rather quickly I got a response back. And not the typical, “Thanks, but no thanks.” This editor felt it necessary to correct my heresy. He went through my entire outline and wrote far more words than I did at each point as if he was on a very holy mission to show me how absolutely wrong I was. According to him, God does NOT have a sense of humor. I’ll bet the scientists have given up waiting to put a check mark by his name. Why is it that we have no problem looking to see where God is at work in the world, but we resist looking to see where He is at play? To me, both are equally important. For God’s humor is everywhere. And if you are having difficulty seeing it, I suggest hanging around those fresh from his creative hands. Even stuffy scientists have noticed that children seem to be on to something. Dr. Kelly Pigott is HSU’s chaplain and assistant professor of theology. For more articles like this one, visit his website at www.kellypigott.com. Winter 2009/2010 |
Recently a group of serious-minded scientists set out to count how many times different age groups laughed. The scientists, sporting lab coats, thick glasses, and neatly combed hair, sat upright in hard-backed chairs holding padded notebooks and mechanical pencils. They watched a group of children at play in a sand box. Every time one of the kids chuckled, his assigned scientist placed a small check mark next to the subject’s name. This went on for hours. The scientists then went into the native habitats of other age groups, like night clubs, soccer fields, and cafeterias. After they gathered all the data, entered it into sophisticated and expensive computers, applied statistical formulas actually using functions like sin and cosine, they printed out tables and charts, created nifty animated graphics, and published long, boring articles in stuffy academic journals. They then announced to the world that it appears, based on their exhaustive study, that the older we get the less we laugh. Based on my casual and far less expensive observation, I think they’re right. For example, my daughter loves to tell knock-knock jokes. And even though it’s the same one, having to do with oranges and bananas, she laughs every time. Here’s a sample of our conversation. (Giggle.) “Knock knock.” “Who’s there?” (Giggle, giggle.) “Orange.” “Don’t you mean banana?” (Giggle, giggle, giggle.) “NOooouu! Knock knock.” “Who’s there?” (Guffaw.) “Orange.” “OK, orange who?” (Guffaw, guffaw.) “Orange you glad I didn’t say banana again!” “But you didn’t say banana. I said banana.” (ROTFL.) I try to explain, “I don’t get it. You didn’t say it right. You’re supposed to say banana first, several times, and
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Paths to the Prairie Elizabeth (Herndon) Dennington B82 My family was very poor. It just wasn’t in the cards for me to attend college, much less to attend the university of my dreams. My family was strong in faith and values but short in finances, so it came as a tremendous blessing when I realized that my dream to earn a degree to teach children could become a reality. My friend, Sue Tarrant, talked me into applying to HSU, and God worked out the rest. To reduce expenses, I lived at home my freshman year. I was able to move onto campus my sophomore year by working in the business office after classes. Then I would drive across town to check groceries until 10 at night at Super Duper, which was owned by James and Cindy Parker, friends from my church family at First Baptist Church. I worked my way through school, going on grants, scholarships, and then loans for the part that wasn’t covered. I graduated with my Bachelor of Education degree in August 1982. After graduation, I quickly interviewed and got my first job as a speech/language pathologist in Mabank, Texas. This year, I completed my 27th year of teaching in the special education field in Red Oak, Texas. I have never forgotten my days at HSU. I love to show my pride for my alma mater, and wore my HSU polo shirt for our last Spirit Shirt Day at work. My co-workers were jealous because I was the best dressed that day—hands down. ediane78@yahoo.com.
Folks&Facts Editor’s Note: In an effort to differentiate between bachelor’s and master’s degrees earned, we have changed the formatting of class years to reflect the following: B = Bachelor’s Degree Earned at HSU M = Master’s Degree Earned at HSU X = Ex Student; No Degree Earned at HSU Other abbreviations: BOT = HSU Board of Trustees BOD = HSU Board of Development BYA = HSU Board of Young Associates All cities are in Texas unless otherwise noted. Email addresses are included whenever possible.
jmclaughlin22@verizon. net. O Victoria Simons (B) and her husband, Elmo, live in Bryan; victsimons@aol.com.
1949
Ted Smith (B) sponsors a child for the South Texas Children’s Home Ministries and has traveled with the Home on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic. Ted lives in Kerrville.
This issue contains submissions received in the Range Rider Office before October 13, 2009.
1931
1954
1943
1947
John (B) and Moveta (Wallace B) McLaughlin live in Garland;
Ron (B) and Ann (Hohertz B56) Bates live in San Angelo where Ron is the high school choir director and assistant principal; ronannsa@ suddenlink.net.
1955
Jack Stuard (B) was inducted into the Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009. He and his wife, Pat, live in Abilene.
1956
Duane Blair (B) was named Outstanding District Representative of the Year for 2009 by the Sons of the Republic of Texas. He and his wife, Edyne, live in Ft. Worth; dbpaper@ sbcglobal.net. O Bill Millican (B) has retired after pastoring for 51 years. He and his wife, Darlene (Phillips B59), will continue to minister at their present church in Florida; darscc@ tampabay.rr.com.
Recognition Lunch with HSU’s President Reunion Memories Banquet Exclusive Cowboy Band Concert Guided Campus Bus Tour 70th Founders Day Observance Chapel Assembly Program Hardin-Simmons welcomes the Class of 1960 back to campus for a Golden Reunion celebration. If you are a graduate of 1960, a student who began in 1954, or have friends in this class, please make plans to attend. Faculty and staff who were on campus in 1960 are welcome. Complete registration and hotel information was mailed earlier this winter and is available online at www.hsutx.edu/alumni.
1958
Dub (B58/M62) and Betsy (Polk B59) Pierce celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Jan. 31, 2009. Both retired from Abilene ISD where Dub was a teacher/coach, and Betsy served as secretary for the superintendent of schools and the AISD School Board. The couple have four children, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild; bdpierceabi@aol.com.
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Warren “Camp” Wilson (X) was named to the 75th Anniversary All-Sun Bowl team on July 3, 2009. Warren played football for the HSU Cowboys before joining the army in 1943.
April 19-20, 2010
1952
Lucian Rudd (B) is retired and now serves as interim pastor at FBC Rankin. He and his wife, Betty, live in Midland; lrudd4@grandecom. net.
Willie Mae McCormick (M31), who died in 2007 at the age of 98, was posthumously honored by the Euless Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association in November 2008 with the dedication of a tree and the placement of a bronze plaque in front of the Euless Police Department. She was the first woman to serve on Euless’s city council in 1973, serving 12 years, and was mayor pro tem from 1975 to 1985. In 1980 a city park was named for her. She was well known throughout her life for writing notes of encouragement.
Class of 1960 Golden Reunion
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1961
FOLKS & FACTS
1999 Logsdon Distinguished Alumnus and BOD member Dr. Stan Blevins (B) observed his 50th year as a Southern Baptist pastor on July 19, 2009. He and his wife, Betty (Westfall B61), live in Lubbock; stanbet@suddenlink.net. O Leroy Hicks (B) and his wife, Billie Sue, live in Blanco after retiring as an auditor with Travelers Insurance in 1993 and then serving 14 years with the Mission Service Corps North American Mission Board. They have three children and six grandchildren. O Joseph Williams (B) is a retired management analyst and stays involved with the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He and his wife, Diane, have four grandchildren and live in Hawthorne NV; williamsj@gbis.com.
1963
Ann (Smith) Heinrichs (B) lives in Oklahoma City OK where she enjoys her daughter and two grandchildren, friends, and gardening; annsmith1942@yahoo.com.
1964
Louanne (Worley) Stephens (B) portrays Lorraine Saracen on the TV series Friday Night Lights, which has been renewed for two additional seasons; mamalou8@aol.com.
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1970
Terry (Self) McNew (B) is a private certified language therapist after having taught elementary school for 15 years and then homeschooling her two sons. She and her husband, Jim, live in Granbury; jimmcnew@gmail. com.
1971
Martha (Chollar B) and Don Tenan (X71) live in Rowlett where Don is the store manager for Jos. A. Bank Clothiers, and Martha is the lab manager at Baylor Medical Center. They have two sons and four grandchildren; mstenan@yahoo.com.
1972
Sydna (Alvis) Hall (B) and her husband, Kenneth, live in Round Rock; sydnahall@austin.rr.com. O Robert Presley (B) retired as the deputy superintendent of the Hays CISD in June 2008. He currently works parttime for Comal ISD in New Braunfels; rpresley1@satx.rr.com.
Susan (Grantz) Cox (B) and her husband, Randall, live in El Paso; csc1950@gmail.com. O 1978 Distinguished Alumnus Jeter Fulbright (B) is retiring after 37 years of service in law enforcement and security management. He and his wife, Sandra, live in Lubbock, and have two children and one grandson; jsf1987@att.net. O Jimmy E. Parker (B) recently joined Abilene Banking Center as vice president. He and his wife, Mary, live in Abilene.
1968
1973
1965
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M74) began his 30th year as the director of the Abilene Community Band in March 2009. His wife, Merry Sue (Howard B70), a fourth grade teacher at Dyess Elementary, also participates in the band. Joe was the Mann Middle School band director from 1971 to 2008 and currently teaches music at Bonham and Reagan elementary schools. The couple live in Abilene; joseph.stephens@abileneisd.org.
Cindy (Parker B) Parker retired in May 2008 after 40 years as a public school therapist. She continues to work part-time for the school. She and Jim (B73) have three children, six grandchildren, are now greatgrandparents, and live in Abilene; cinjim_2000. O Joe Stephens (B68/
Larry Wolz (B73/M74) was honored in May 2009 at Abilene’s 16th annual Spotlight on Teachers. Larry is professor of music history and voice and head of the department of music history and literature at HSU; lwolz@ hsutx.edu.
1974
Norman Winter (B) published his newest book, Captivating Combinations: Color and Style in the Garden, in April 2009. He is a horticulture specialist at the Mississippi State University Extension Service. He also writes a weekly syndicated column on gardening. He and his wife, Linda, live in Brandon MS.
1975
Pamela (DuVall) Boubel (X) and her husband, Gary, live in Anchorage AK and have raised four children; pamboubel@gci.net.
1976
Dennis (B76) and Pam (Mahood B76/ M99) Austin recently celebrated Pam’s retirement after 20 years of teaching private kindergarten; kinder@pdbc.org. O Rodney Sumner (B) recently completed his 33rd year in the field of public education. He is currently superintendent of schools for Spearman ISD. He was named Region 16 Superintendant of the Year for 2007. He and his wife, Penny, live in Spearman and welcomed their first grandchild in May 2009; rod. sumner@region16.net.
1977
Patti (Easley) Boswell (B) and her husband, Charles, live in Rose Hill KS; patboswell@aol.com.
1979
Carol (Evans) Bramlett (B) and her husband, Ken, live in Conroe with their two sons, Robert (13) and Brian (11). Carol teaches high school math; hkwb@consolidated.net. O Tim Owens (B) has moved from the pastorate of First Baptist Bryan to the church where he first preached, First Baptist Church in Grandfield OK. He will serve as senior pastor there while teaching music at the elementary and high schools. He and his wife, Debra (Thetford B79), live in Grandfield OK; tim@fbcbryan.org. O Steve Simpson (B) was named the College and University Athletic Trainer of the
Year for NCAA Division II. Steve is assistant athletics director for sports medicine at Tarleton State University. He and his wife, Ramona, have two sons and live in Stephenville; simpson@tarleton.edu.
1982
Jay Moore (B82/M96) recently wrote and directed the video documentary series History In Plain Sight which traces the route and history of what is now US Highway 80 and Interstate 20. Jay and Laura (Warren B86) live in Abilene; jay.moore@abileneisd. org. O Deann (Buske B) and Rick Styles celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 6, 2009. Rick is a former vice president for advancement at HSU. The couple live in Georgetown; rms1313@aol.com.
1983
Kathryn (Anaya) O’Neill (B) and her husband, Tim, live in New Boston; kathy-oneill@earthlink. net. O Terrance Taylor (B) and his wife, America, live in Orlando FL; newyeartnt@yahoo.com. O Bobbidee (Duck) Thompson (B83/M95) was named the High School Teacher of the Year by the Jim Ned Valley Chamber of Commerce. She has been teaching speech and drama at Jim Ned High School in Tuscola for 17 years; bthompson@jimned.esc14.net.
1984
Resa (Kidd) Reedy (B) has been selected to be part of the Leadership Texas Class of 2009. She will explore five Texas cities and learn about them from experts, city leaders, and officials. Resa is a pharmaceutical sales specialist. She and her husband, Randall, live in Abilene.
1985
Jennii (Bennett) Kamesch (B) and her husband, Joseph, live in Sanger where Jennii is area director of purchasing for Pulte Homes, Inc. They have two children, Betty Lou (12) and Olivia Ingrid (8); jek33@airmail. net. O Paige (Pierce) Robinson (B) and her husband, Matt, live in Abilene where she received a Teacher Tribute in April 2009. She has taught first grade for the past 21 years and is now teaching second grade. O A. J. (B) and Michelle (McDonald B90) Smith live in Alabaster AL. A. J. is an adjunct professor of church history at Liberty Theological Seminary in Lynchburg VA. The couple have five children; ajsmith@sevenspringschurch.net.
1987
John Kross (B) is an independent agent for AFLAC. He and his wife, Kellie, live in Southlake; john_kross@ us.aflac.com. O Russell Middleton (B) was named associate director for congressional affairs for the Farm Credit Administration where he will serve as an advisor to the director of congressional and public affairs. He lives in Alexandria VA with his wife, Renata, and two children. O Nancy (Ibison) Pirtle (X) is currently the president of the Parent Teacher Friend Organization at East Texas Christian Academy. She and her husband Hunter (B87) have three children and live in Tyler; npirtle1966@yahoo.com.
1988
Jeff Adams (B) was ordained to the ministry Aug. 30, 2009, at First Baptist Church, Katy. Jeff and his wife, Sheri (Styles B88), have two children, Aaron and Jaclyn, and Sheri teaches kindergarten; jadams@ fbckaty.com. O Greg (B88/M90) and Donna (Hernandez X75) Smith live in Brazoria where he is the senior pastor of First Baptist Church. The couple have two children, Lauren and Caleb; greg_donna_smith@hotmail. com.
1989
Melody (Baker X) and Dennis Garrett (B) live in Owasso OK with their three children, Matthew, Jacob, and Bryan. Melody is a symphony musician, teaches private violin lessons, and is a Glyconutritionist wellness consultant; melodygarrett@cox.net. O Gen. Jose Mayorga (M), commander of the 36th Infantry Division at Austin’s Camp Mabry, has been named Texas adjutant general by Gov. Rick Perry. O Tom Thompson (B) is director of music and fine arts ministries for First United Methodist Church in Pasadena where he was named 2008 Pasadena Musician of the Year. Tom lives in Pearland; tom@ ttsmonline.com.
FOLKS & FACTS
1990
Michael Davis (B) was named Coach of the Year after his Plains team won the title for All-South Plains Class 1A Basketball Team in April 2009.
1991
Nora (Smith) Gale (X) and her husband, Nick, live in Idaho Falls ID with their two sons, Vance (6) and Grayson (2); sweetpeanora@ yahoo.com. O Monte Garrett (B91/ M00), director of choral activities at Howard Payne University, conducted the HPU concert choir in a CD recording, When I Survey, a collection of arrangements of and compositions based on hymns, that was released Jan. 6, 2008. O Troy Hinrichs (B) was promoted to professor of criminal justice and political science at California Baptist University. He, his wife, Paige, and their children Joshua (9), Sabrina (6), and Zachary (4), have moved to Riverside CA; landstuhl68@ sbcglobal.net.
1992
David (B) and Tracie (Huff B96) Ertelt live in Morrison CO where David works for the US Dept. of Energy as a Macintosh specialist. Tracie homeschools their 13-year-old daughter Allison; tertelt@sbcglobal.
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Carl Schwartz (B) lives in The Woodlands where he is a senior geologist for AES Holdings. He and his wife, Pam, have two children, Matthew (8) and Stephanie (6); kenschwartzmail@gmail.com.
1986
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net. O Amy (Brueggeman) Jones (B) and her husband, Timothy, now live in Austin; adjones0220@yahoo.com.
1995
Joseph Marney (B) is looking to reconnect with classmates. He can be contacted at My.Own.Particular. Idiom@earthlink.net or king.of.the. who@earthlink.net. O Ginger Martin (B) lives in Odessa where she is the head choir director at the junior high; gingermartin72@live.com.
FOLKS & FACTS
1996
Jennifer (Melgar) Coleman (B96) and her husband, Jonathan, welcomed daughter Tori Madison on May, 18, 2009. Tori joins sister Kayle (11) and brother Hunter (4). The family lives in Bay Minette AL; Jenn2nc@ aol.com. O Christy (McCarver) McCallum (B) and her husband, Luke, live in Justin where she teaches kindergarten at Liberty Christian School and is an independent private piano teacher. The couple have one son, Gage (7); lukenchristy@juno. com. O BYA member Jenni (Sims) Pulley (B) and her husband, Steve, welcomed daughter Camryn Claire on July 16, 2009. Older sisters are Peighton (7) and McKenzie (5); jpulley@hotmail.com.
1997
Jeff (B) and Monica (Caldwell B98) Irving live in Bryan where Jeff is a major in the Army and attends graduate school at the Bush School at Texas A&M University; monicairving@yahoo.com.
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1998
56 Range Rider Magazine
Erin (Bost) Fisher (B) and her husband, John, welcomed their third son, Isaac, in May 2007. Isaac joins brothers Ethan and Titus. The family recently returned to Texas after living in County Galway, Ireland; txbonnet1976@yahoo.com. O Erin Fleming (B) and her husband, Ross, live in El Paso where she teaches 6th grade English. The couple have four sons, Grant (7), Gage (3), Garrett
(2), and Grayson (1). Erin would love to hear from old friends; erfleming0747@sbcglobal.net. O Gene Kirkpatrick (B) was recently named the athletic director for Andrew College in Cuthbert, GA. He has been the college’s head athletic trainer for eight years; trappergene@hotmail. com.
1999
Misty (Gowin) Braly (B99/M01) and her husband, Russell, welcomed daughter Hallie on Nov. 6, 2008. The family lives in Albany; rmbraly@ sbcglobal.net. O Robert Klick (B) lives in Weatherford where he works as a financial representative for Northwestern Mutual; coachk2575@ aol.com. O Todd (B) and BYA officer Kathryn (White B99) Mitchell welcomed son, Judson Thomas, on April 13, 2009. Older sister is Emily (2). The family lives in Abilene; gateway@gatewaycabling.com.
2000
Asst. professor of communication Dr. Joseph Bailey (B) and his wife, Crista (Schwalk B00), welcomed twin boys, Judah Clark and Micah Levi, April 2, 2009. The twins join big brother, Luke; jbailey@hsutx.edu. O BYA member Chad Collins (B00/M02) and his wife, Sarah, live in Manvel with their children, Braeden (6) and Aniston (2). Chad is district sales manager for Sanofi-Aventis Pharmaceuticals; c had m . co l l i ns @ s a no f i - ave n t is . com. O Michell (Norman) Larsen (B) and her husband, Benjamin, live in Okinawa, Japan, where Michell works as a civilian contractor for the Navy hospital and Benjamin is in the Air Force. The couple have two daughters, BreAnn (18) and Rachel (5); michell.larsen@yahoo. com. O Melanie Standridge (B) married Ray Ocana on Feb. 13, 2009; The couple live in Lago Vista; tilewholesaler@yahoo.com.
2001
Ramey (B) and Rebecca (Abbott B) Goushey live in San Antonio
where Ramey teaches music in Northside ISD; rameygoushey@att. net. O Patrick Middleton (M) lives in Ft. Worth; texasislandstyle77@ yahoo.com. O Tami Sims (B) completed an MA in English at Stephen F. Austin State University in May 2009; tamoshanter75@hotmail. com. O Charles (B) and BYA member Monica (Sidwell B) Yaple welcomed son Daniel Richard on March 17, 2009; monicayaple@hotmail.com.
2002
Michelle (Ballard B) and Matt Humber (B94) and their daughter Savannah (3) live in Rockwall where Michelle teaches pre-K at Lake Pointe Church; philippians4_@yahoo. com. O Viviana Mora (B) lives in Sachse where she teaches private piano lessons at Ballard St. Music Academy; vmora64@gmail.com.
2003
Alan Conway (B03/M06) has served in the Army Reserve since 2002, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant and performing two tours of duty in Iraq. He was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat in July 2009. He currently lives in Lucas; alan.c.conway@us.army. mil. O Ashlee (Gault) Johnson (B) teaches kindergarten at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church Child Development Center. She and her husband, Ben (B04), live in Abilene where he is director of housing at HSU; johnson. sjes@nts-online.net.
2004
Jeffrey (B) and Stephanie (Crow X02) Ballew live in Ft. Worth with their son Jacob who was born April 3, 2005; jab350@aol.com. O Robert (B05) and Amanda (Nolen M04) Bowen welcomed daughter Kayla Grace on Oct 8, 2009. She joins big brother Alexander (2). Robert completed a master’s in lighting design in May 2008, and Amanda is an associate psychologist at Brenham State School. The family lives in Brenham; bloundie277@hotmail.
2006
com. O Melia McFarland (B04/M06) is a marketing communications specialist for EECU in Ft. Worth. She is also an adjunct professor of English composition at Tarrant County College; mmcfarland483@hotmail. com. O John Roaten (B) has graduated from medical school and started his residency in orthopedic surgery. He and his wife, Gail, live in Lubbock; john.roaten@ttuhsc.edu. O Chris Shannon (B) married Stephanie Lloyd on Feb. 21, 2009. The couple live in Temple.
Brent Eaton (B) married Jordon Lott on May 20, 2009. The couple live in Abilene; futdoc831@yahoo. com. O Kim Pharaoh (B) lives in Odessa where she is a production analyst for BP America; kimberly. pharaoh@gmail.com. O Hope (Souter) McNeil (B) is a children’s minister at Westbury Baptist Church in Houston; hopemceil@wbchouston. org. O Amber (Henson B06/M08) and Danny Ruth (B07) live in Plano; amberhenson@gmail.com.
2005
2007
Travis Craver (B) married Caroline Korky (B08) Aug. 8, 2009. The couple live in Abilene; c_korky@yahoo. com. O Ryan Conner (B) lives in Dallas where he is a sales systems engineer for Storage Assessments; ryan.conner@storageassessments. com. O Faith Feaster (B) graduated from law school and passed the Texas Bar Exam in the fall of 2008. She is an associate at a law firm and lives in Roscoe; faithfeaster@ yahoo.com. O Wayne Holder (B) lives in Temple where he works for KWTX Media; wwholder188@ hotmail.com. O Lisa Law (B) is a new member of the HSU Board of Young Associates. Lisa lives in Norman OK where she is the associate pastor of childhood education at FBC Norman; lisal@fbcnorman.org. O Michael Payne (B05/M09) currently works for the Mission of Communities in Schools of North Texas. He and his wife, Alyssa (Lesinski X06), live in Ft. Worth; houseofpayne13@ hotmail.com.
Andra Boxberger (B) lives in Grapevine; andreabox@gmail. com. O Delena (Swearington) Caspell (B) and her husband, Andy, live in Abilene with their children, Shaelee and Maddox. Delena is a PE aid at Bowie Elementary school, while Andy continues his education at HSU; delena.caspell@abileneisd. org. O Chris Garner (B) married Erin Bell on May 2, 2009. The couple live in Novi MI; chrisgarner57@yahoo. com. O Roy Lehman (B) married Jessica Shurtleff (B06) on Aug. 29, 2009. The couple live in Temple; jessicarshurtleff@yahoo.com. O Vanessa Morales (B) married Chad Smith in 2006. She recently graduated from the Hands-on School of Massage. The couple live in Tyler; vsmith_tx17@ yahoo.com.
2008
Cali Ayers (B) married Nickolas Rose on May 16, 2009. Cali is completing the master’s program in speech/ language pathology at Texas Tech; lornaayers@sbcglobal.net. O Chase (B) and Kassie (Hudson) Gassaway (B) live in Austin where he is employed by Riverbend Church; kassie_g@bodybusiness.com. O Lee (B) and Lacey (Westmoreland B09) Ramse live in Abilene where Lacey is an IDD service coordinator for the Betty Hardwick Center, and Lee is a manager at AT&T; laceywestma@ gmail.com. O Geoffrey (B) and Sarah (House B09) Turner live in Abilene; geoff_21_hi@yahoo.com. O Peenie Walker (M) was recently featured in Benefits Selling Magazine where she describes her job as an HR manager at HSU; pwalker@hsutx.edu.
2009
Stephanie Freeland (B) married Brandon Blackburn Dec. 20, 2008, in Logsdon Chapel. Stephanie is the daughter of Karen Freeland, admin. assistant in the HSU Physical Therapy Office. The couple live in Abilene; stephalynne88@yahoo. com. O Elizabeth (McWilliams) Brown (B) lives in McCamey and teaches second grade; mrspaulbrown@gmail.com. O Marci Johnson (B) lives in Stamford with her daughter Breanna Lyn (5); breannalynmom@yahoo.com.
Wait! Don’t throw away your old Range Rider. Recycle It! Use it to share the exciting news about HSU. Leave a copy in the waiting room at your office. Or perhaps in the waiting room of doctors, dentists, hair salons—the list is limited only by imagination. Even consider taking it to a local high school, nursing home, or church. Or include it with your paper recycling materials.
FOLKS & FACTS
1929
Elizabeth (Porter) Jennings (B), the last surviving charter member of the HSU Cowgirls, in June 2009, celebrated her 102nd birthday. Celebrating with her are Carolyn (Calvert X69) Newman, daughter Janice Asbury (former HSU trustee), granddaughter-inlaw Aloma Asbury and son Caleb, and Bennie Mouser. Elizabeth lives in Abilene.
FOLKS & FACTS
1957
Ken Lowry (B) placed second in the Winter 2009 Christian Choice Book Awards for his book Not Many Wise Are Called. He and his wife, Deany (Gandy X55), live in Houston; cwitnessc@sbcglobal.net.
1960s The annual Circle K Football Players and Friends Turkey Hunt and Get Together at Jim Steadman’s ranch at Ft. Phantom was held May 2, 2009. Circle K was a fraternity during the 1950s and 1960s. Front Row (L-R): Oren McGrew (B63/M65) Abilene, Danny Vaughn Dallas, John Tom Murray (B64) Arlington, Paul Murrey (B64) Kaufman, Jim Steadman (B63) Abilene, Billy Jeffries (X60, retired HSU faculty) Abilene, Don Marler (X63) Dadeville AL, Bud Crow (B63) Plano. Back Row (L-R): Jeff Goodin (B60/M73 retired HSU golf coach) Abilene, Walter Coffman (B65) Tuscola, Tom Lovvorn (B65) Abilene, Bill Trainham (B63) Lubbock, Burl Magee (B67) Weatherford, Richard Newman (B63) Anson, Jim Birdwell (B65/M72) Greensboro NC, Jim Williams (X62) Coahoma, Buddy Everett (B62) Lubbock, Doyle Edmiston (B60) Roscoe, Jerrol Newman (B63) Cantonsville MD, Pete Hart (B59) Abilene. Not pictured: Bill Voss (B61) Abilene and Tom Echols (B62) Snyder.
1960s
Duane Lindsey (B65) shared a photo of five of his fellow graduates who got together in Temple in July 2009. Left to Right: Duane Lindsey (B65) Waco, Jim Kerby (B64) Temple, George Loutherback (B64) Waco, John Willis (B65) Austin, and Joe Foster (B66) Oklahoma City OK; dlindsey321@sbcglobal.net.
| Winter 2009/2010
HSU trustee Ann (Bryant B65) Lindsey is hoping for her grandchildren to become future HSU Cowboys. Left to right, Abby Meletio and Jonathan and Steven Rountree.
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1970s Nine 1970’s era Cowboy Band members and their wives got together at the Ft. Worth Cats baseball game on May 15, 2009. Jim Jones (B75), HSU director of financial aid, reports, “Frankly we didn’t watch much of the game, but we had a great time catching up with one another.” Attending were David (B76) and Cindy (Rentschler B76) Morgan, Thad and Sharon Byers, Don (B77) and Debbie (Mayhall B77) Pesnell, Dan (B78/M79/M85) and Brenda (P’Pool B79) Gideon, David (B74) and Elaine (Fikes B73) Miller, Jim (B75) and Nancy (McNair B75) Jones, Chester “C. A.” Jenkins (B74), Bill McClure (X73), and Wally York (X74).
FOLKS & FACTS
1984
Ann (Howard) Whitaker (M) released her new book Dog Nanny, set in Abilene and Waco, in June 2009. Ann retired from teaching and moved to Waco in 2002 with her husband Bill; whitakerism@sbcglobal.net.
1992
Cliff Lea (B) released in July 2009 his book Give Me Your Heart written about his father, Dr. Tommy Lea. Cliff is senior pastor of First Baptist Church, Leesburg FL. He and his wife, Suzy (McCurdy B91), live in Leesburg with their three sons; clifflea@ fbcleesburg.org.
1992
Michael Milstead (B) and his wife, Allison, welcomed daughter Macie Faith on Dec. 1, 2008. The family lives in Grand Prairie; milsteadslp@rocketmail.com.
1950s - 1990s
Winter 2009/2010 |
The Cone Family has been busy adding future Cowboys and Cowgirls to the family. Steve (B90) and Joanna (Horn B92) Cone adopted two-year-olds, Emily and Elizabeth, from Russia in January 2009. On April 28, 2009, BYA member Dave (B99) and Stephanie Cone welcomed adopted son Evan Samuel, born Oct. 11, 2008. Michael Cone (B97) and his wife, Michele, welcomed daughter Ashlynn Joy on July 20, 2009. The children are joined in the photo by their cousins Audra and Olivia Jones, daughters of Cindy (Cone B83) and Gary Jones. Also in the photo are proud grandparents Don (B57) and Betty Cone. Contact Steve & Joanna at sjcone23@yahoo.com; David & Stephanie at pinecone127@hotmail.com; Michael & Michele at conem@cfbisd.edu; Cindy & Gary at garyjonesandfamily@yahoo.com; and Don & Betty at donandbettycone@hotmail.com.
Range Rider Magazine
59
1997
FOLKS & FACTS
1995
Bryan (B95) and Elizabeth (Wagner B97) Adams welcomed son William James on March 12, 2009. He joins big brother, Luke Jacob (named after former HSU professor Dr. Kenneth Jacobs). The family lives in Houston where Bryan works as an intellectual property attorney and Elizabeth is a part-time speech-language pathologist; adams-bryan@sbcglobal.net.
| Winter 2009/2010
1999
60 Range Rider Magazine
Troy Roberts (B99/M08) married Elizabeth Heyer (B05) on Jul 4, 2009. Troy is an assistant principal at Grand Prairie ISD and Elizabeth is an athletic trainer in Grapevine-Colleyville ISD; elizabeth.roberts@gcisd.net.
Christina (Millar) Hutton (B) took this picture of the HSU music faculty in the spring of 1997 shortly after passing her music comps. She and her husband, Jonathan, live in Abilene. First row: Celeste (Myall) McAlexander, Dr. Larry Wolz (B73/M74), Dr. Sylvia McClain; 2nd row: Dr. Jaynne Middleton
1998
Meredith (Lee B) and Stephen Aim (B06) welcomed their third son, Titus Phillip, on Aug. 11, 2009. Titus joins big brothers Caleb and Micah. Meredith is the coordinator of graduate admissions at HSU; maim@hsutx.edu.
2000
Sarah (Loving) Adams (B) and her husband, Jerry, welcomed twin daughters, Rachel Noel and Hannah Grace, on March 20, 2009. The girls join big brother, Daniel Nathan, born March 2, 2007. The family lives in Lubbock; smloving@yahoo.com.
2000
Bryan (B) and Lisa (Burney B) Chamness welcomed daughter Hayden Kate on May 20, 2008; lisaburney@hotmail.com.
2000
Deanna Julian (B) recently released her debut album Wake Me, Shake Me. She has begun her third contract with Princess Cruises and continues to travel with her job through the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, and Alaska; deannajulian@yahoo.com.
FOLKS & FACTS 2000
Kama (Vardeman) Massmann (B) and her husband, Ben, welcomed son Dietrich Benjamin on Sept. 25, 2008. The family lives in Fairview were Kama is a stay-at-home mom; mexicokama@hotmail.com.
2002
BYA member Erin (Maddox) Tooley (B) and her husband, Brett, welcomed son Joseph on April 3, 2009. He joins big brother Matthew. The family lives in Irving; brettanderin@verizon.net.
2003
Phil (B) and Courtney (Morrison B) Cochran welcomed daughter Callie Reagan on Aug. 7, 2009. Callie joins big brother Carson. The family lives in Abilene. Proud grandmother is Nancy Morrison, assistant in the Institutional Research Office at HSU; philcochran@hotmail. com; court.cochran@gmail.com. Winter 2009/2010 |
2003
BYA member Johnny (B) and Tricia (Seay B) Knowlton welcomed son David Jeffrey on May 11, 2009; triciaknowlton@yahoo.com.
Range Rider Magazine
61
2003
FOLKS & FACTS
Jeremy Smith (B) and his wife, Kristin, welcomed twins, Eric Dane and Aden Glen, on Jan. 10, 2008. Eric was named in loving memory of Eric D. Alvarez, who was killed tragically in a rollover accident on Nov. 6, 2005. Smith and Alvarez were members the HSU Cowboy baseball team. Alvarez received his degree from HSU posthumously on May 13, 2006. Jeremy coaches football and is head baseball coach at Brownwood High School; jg_smith@hotmail.com.
2004
Rad Eicke (B) and his wife, Faith, welcomed their third child, Jess, on Aug. 8, 2008, joining siblings 2006 Braeden and Alice; badrad@nts- Mitchell (B06) and Amanda (Perez B05) Etter welcomed Owen Lee on Nov. online.net. 24, 2009. The couple live in Abilene where Mitchell is band director for Clack Middle School and is working on his master’s degree in gifted education at HSU; maetter@gmail.com.
2006
| Winter 2009/2010
Matt Epperson (B), in July 2009, led his team from Austria into Europe’s biggest American football game. Matt lives in Amarillo; eppe7hsu@yahoo.com.
62 Range Rider Magazine
2005
Jenner York (B) married Josh Dearmore on Jan. 3, 2009. The couple live in Houston; jenni824@yahoo.com.
2007
Tim and Christina Van Dorf (both B) welcomed son Trevor James on July 6, 2009; christinavandorf@yahoo.com.
2006
BYA member Shae (Sims B) and Tyler (B07) Moses welcomed daughter Anslee Elyse on Jan. 22, 2009; shea.moses@gmail.com.
2008
Crystal Meneses (B) was crowned Miss Lone Star State on June 6, 2009, and represented Texas in the 2009 Miss America Pageant. Crystal lives in Sweetwater where she teaches second grade; sunshine8186@hotmail.com.
2006
Melissa McClanahan (B06/M07) married Wade Floyd on June 6, 2009. The couple live in Graham; romans12_3@hotmail.com.
2008
Randy Snyder married Shanna Smith (both B08) on May 16, 2009. The couple live in Abilene where Shanna is the heritage tourism and special projects coordinator for the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau and Randy is employed with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Both are working toward master’s degrees at HSU; randysnyder@hotmail.com; shanna@ abilene.com.
2009
Kalli Donaway (B) has been appointed to the executive board of the Texas Speech-LanguageHearing Association, a position she will hold for the two years of her graduate studies at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center; kallind1@cox.net.
FOLKS & FACTS
Wanted Alumni News
New address, new job, new spouse, new baby, or award—anything significant you’d like to share with your classmates? Send your news with the information requested below. (Space is limited, but we’ll do our best!) If possible, include a recent photo with your name and address written lightly on the back (or scan as a tif file at 300 dpi). Send to: Range Rider, HSU Publications Office, HSU Box 16120, Abilene, TX 79698; FAX 325.670.1263; rangerider@hsutx.edu. You can also update your information online, www.hsutx.edu/alumni_friends/forms/update_info.php.
My Name
Degree/Year
Address
City/State/ZIP
Phone
Website
Business Name/Address My Title News
I am interested in helping with any alumni activities and/or student recruiting in my area.
WHO DO YOU KNOW? Please also use this form to share good news about other HSU alumni.
RRW09/10
Friends We’ll Miss
Editor’s Note: Our goal is to include the spouse and all HSU alumni among surviving family members listed. Please contact the Office of Alumni Relations if you have additional information you can share about our alumni, so that we may update our records. This issue contains entries received in the Publications Office before October 13, 2009. Abbreviations: B = Bachelor’s Degree Earned at HSU M = Master’s Degree Earned at HSU X = Ex Student; No Degree Earned at HSU
1929
1946
1930
1948
Lt. Gen. Oscar Senter (X) 4/19/09. Clarence Self (X) 3/16/09. Survivors include daughter Shirley (Self) Shuffield (X57).
1931
Laura (Barnett) Harris (X) 9/27/09. Survivors include husband, Chester. O Ruth (Corley) Spencer (X) 7/18/09.
1935
Margaret (Upshaw) Cox (B) 5/1/09.
1937
Pauline (Dillingham) Peay (B) 5/30/09.
1939
John Edwards (X) 9/14/09. Survivors include wife, Elaine. O Mary Worthy (B39/M52) 9/7/09.
1940
Woody Coots (X) 8/14/09.
1941
J. B. Gibbs (B41/M51) 4/5/09. Hall of Fame 1993. Survivors include his wife, Winnie. O Omer Hyde (B) 3/22/09. Survivors include wife, Neva.
1942
Edward “Sonny” Compere (X) 3/20/09. Survivors include wife, Jean, and daughter, Susan (B72). O Mary (Crosby) Davis (X) 3/8/09. O Rev. Connell Taylor (B) 8/24/09. BOD. Survivors include wife, Jimmie Kate (Tartt Richards B40).
BOT = HSU Board of Trustees BOD = HSU Board of Development BYA = HSU Board of Young Associates
Sue Hooker (B) 8/2/09. Carol (Reeves) Bell (B) 6/1/09. O Juanita (Holland) Bennett (B) 2/12/09. Survivors include her husband, Billy. O James Carpenter (X) 6/7/09. O Molly (Hinds) England (B) 4/3/09. O Murray Martin (X) 4/25/09.
1949
Lora (Haynes) Bennett (B) 4/23/09. O David Garrett (B) (Hon Doc 1977) 7/19/09. Survivors include his wife, Juanita, and daughter, Lisa. O Roy Harrell (B) 3/15/09. Survivors include his wife, Helen. O Mr. R. W. Hook (M) 6/15/09. O Mr. Billy Mathis (B) 2/2/09. Survivors include his wife, Erma. O L. R. McCormick (B) 9/7/09. Survivors include his wife, Edith (Evans X49). O Dorothy McIntosh (B) 4/20/09.
1950
Edwin Bell (X) 2/6/09. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy. O Rita (Branscum) Carter (B) 9/19/09. O Bill Clark (B) 6/24/09. O Lora (Senter) Fugitt (X) 9/22/09. O Mary (Nelson) Hefley (B50/M55) 9/21/09 at the age of 101. O Travis Hendrick (B) 3/24/09. Survivors include his wife, Betty (Love B50). O George Jackson (X) 6/18/09. O Tad Kikugawa (B) 10/8/09. Survivors include his wife, Elinor. O Shirley (Guest) McDonald (X) 2/13/09. O Earl Rowan (B) 4/5/09. Survivors include his wife, Katie (Bassinger B49).
1951
Corrine (Akins) Pinson (B) 2/24/09. Survivors include her husband, Don.
Dr. Richard Ballard (B) 3/3/09. Survivors include his wife, Ann. O Marda (Carlile) Gamble (X) 9/24/09. O Grayce (Fields) Stuckey (X) 4/4/09. Survivors include her husband, Art. O Larry Wartes (B51/M66) 9/1/09. Survivors include his wife, Joyce (Hale X52), and son, Alan Wartes (HSU football offensive coordinator). O Bill Wood (B) 5/29/09. Survivors include his wife, Jean.
1945
1952
1943
Dr. Ben Bowden (X) 8/16/09. O Juanita (Oliver) Skelton (B) 5/28/09.
1944
Gordon Asbury (B) 7/16/09. Survivors include his wife, Janice. O Jackie Brasher (B) 3/24/09. O Cordelia (Kesler) Carter (M) 3/12/09. O Rev. Coy Finley (B) 5/3/09. Survivors include his wife, Florence. O Anna (Nelson) Pechin (M) 5/1/09. O Walter Webb (B) 6/24/09. Survivors include his wife, Frances (Goldsmith B44).
Winter 2009/2010 |
Lavaughna (Roberts) Allen (X) 9/11/09. O Ruby (Davis) Day (X) 6/15/09. Survivors include her husband, Bill. O Doris (Brown) Lambert (X) 3/6/09. O Elouise (Brewster) Rieff (B) 3/12/09. Survivors include her husband, Henry.
Range Rider Magazine
65
Dorothy E. (Carney) Maupin Registrar 1968-1976 B63/M68
Dorothy Elizabeth Maupin died March 4, 2009, at the age of 95. Maupin was born in Gadsden, Alabama, on November 29, 1913. In 1940 she married William C. Maupin, who preceded her in death in 1998. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Julie Maupin and two grandchildren. Maupin completed high school in Chatanooga, Tennessee, and was a graduate of Judkins Commercial College in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. She came to HSU as a non-traditional student in 1959, earning the Bachelor of Arts degree in 1963 and the Master of Arts degree in 1968. She was a member of the National Honor Society in high school, graduated from HSU magna cum laude, and held memberships in Alpha Chi, Sigma Tau Delta, and Pi Gamma Mu. Maupin became registrar in 1968 after completing her master’s degree. She began in the Registrar’s Office as a student worker in 1959, advancing to assistant registrar in
1953
Lester Harold “Billy” Black (X) 5/21/09. O Norma (Attebery) Morgan (B) 7/18/09. O Kay (Johnson) Parrott (B) 10/13/09. Survivors include her husband, Johnny. O Pauline (Williams) Wright (B) 8/10/09.
1954
Donald Adams (B) 3/10/09. O Thomas Copeland 4/17/09. Husband of Mary Nell (Bowen X54) and father of Dr. Tom Copeland, assoc. professor of psychology & director of Honors program at HSU. O Theiss Jones (X) 2/25/09. Survivors include his wife, Suzie. O Gene Kelley (B) 8/5/09. Survivors include his wife, Betty.
1955
Gwen (Parrot) Gray 5/20/09. Survivors include her husband, Eddie (B54/M57).
1956
Rhea (Averett) Cathey (B) 8/8/09. Survivors include her husband, Bill (B58). O Dr. Billy Nail (B) 6/30/09. Survivors include his wife, Glenda. O Parilee (Nelson) Tidenberg (B) 3/13/09. O Pete Vletas (B) 9/18/09. Survivors include his wife, Martha (West B55).
1957
| Winter 2009/2010
Margaret (Scott Lain) Baird (B) 5/13/09. O James Dewbre (B) 8/19/09. O Jimmy Hill (X) 9/7/09. O Jakie (Simpson) Mosley (B) 3/10/09. Survivors include her husband, Marvin (B58).
66 Range Rider Magazine
1958
Shirley (Sizemore) Frey (B) 9/24/09. Survivors include her husband, Richard.
1963 when she completed her bachelor’s degree. As registrar, she often reminded her student workers that she, too, began as a student worker. She served on the Auditing Committee and the Articulation Committee of the Texas Association of College Registrars and Admissions Officers. Maupin retired from HSU in 1976 and moved to Corsicana, Texas, with her husband when he retired as director of the Abilene YMCA. She was a devoted and active member of Abilene’s First Baptist Church.
1959
Stan Nolen (B) 8/13/09. Survivors include his wife, Linda. O Kenneth Payne (X) 6/26/09. O Lonnie White (X) 2/18/09. Survivors include his wife, Judy (Perrin X62).
1960
Barbara (Haddock) Brown (B) 4/5/09. Survivors include her husband, Earl (B60). O Reta Faye Cook (B60/M67) 3/2/2008. Survivors include her brother, Earl Cook (B53/ M59) and his wife, Betty (Bostic B60), her sister Sue (Cook B72) Gresset, nephews Randy Gressett (B81), Tommy Gressett (B86), and Jon Cook (B86), and her niece Emily (Cook B88) Drinnon. O Brenda (Owens) Butler (B) 8/10/09. Survivors include her husband, Jim (B60). O Glenodean (Green) Trainer (B) 3/20/09. Survivors include her husband, J. C. (B64). O Don Weaver (X) 8/14/09. Survivors include his wife, Glenda.
1961
John Phillips (B) 3/20/09. Survivors include his wife, Barbara (Anderson X61).
1962
Rev. William Irwin (X) 9/23/09. Survivors include his wife, May Marie (X59), daughter Cheryl (Irwin X75) Morrow and her husband, Michael (X80), and his daughter Monica Irwin (B83).
1963
Virginia Sadler (B) 2/12/09.
1964
Jo (McKinney) Brown (M) 6/15/09. Survivors include her husband, Malcolm. O Juanita (Moreland) Harris (B) 3/15/09. O John Huntley 7/24/09. Husband of Barbara (Kinsey B64).
1966
Frances (Barton) Alexander (X) 9/15/09. O Delbert Brewster (B) 5/28/09. Survivors include his wife, Elwana. O Rev. Jack Mints (B) 3/7/09. Survivors include his wife, Carolyn. O Dr. Richard Neidhardt 8/20/09. Husband of Frances (Elam M66).
1968
Anne (Etheridge) Earles (M) 6/25/09.
1969
Kirk Lindsey (B) 6/10/09. Survivors include his wife, Cynthia. O Mamie (Green) Lytle (B) 2/14/09. Survivors include her husband, R. G. O Debra Macomb (B) 5/9/09. O Thomas Rogers (M) 9/20/09.
Elizabeth (Mustian) Franklin (X) 7/15/09. Survivors include her husband, Jim. O Kathleen (Shell) Scott (B) 7/12/09. Survivors include her husband, Walter. O Sarah (Payne) Young (B72/M80) 6/8/09.
Gregory Richter (M) 8/7/09. Survivors include his wife, Debra.
1997
Jimmy York (B) 2/8/09. Survivors include his wife, Tricia.
1998
Chadwick Harmon (X) 9/14/09.
Wayne Isbell (M) 9/20/09. Survivors include his wife, Jessie. O Cliff McClellan (B) 5/30/09. Survivors include his wife, Vicki (Mathiews X).
2007
Randy Eaton (M) 9/3/09. Survivors include his wife, Paula.
Friends of the University Lavelle Whitehorn 9/27/09. Mother of Dr. Michael Whitehorn, senior vice president for student development, and grandmother of Heidi (Scheetz) Forbes (B95) and Chris Scheetz (B95).
taught in public schools and for the U. S. military. He came to HSU in 1986 from Bentley College in Waltham, Massachusetts, where he had taught since 1975. After retiring from HSU in 1991, Walker was a frequent visitor to the campus, commenting that the HSU faculty were the most cohesive group he had ever been associated with.
Winter 2009/2010 |
Weldon Walker, former Johnson Chair of Accounting, died February 4, 2009, at the age of 81. Walker was born November 23, 1927, in Plainview, Texas, to Roy H. and Blanche Walker. He was a member of the Oldham Lane Church of Christ in Abilene. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marilyn, two sons, two daughters, and 11 grandchildren. Walker earned BBA and MEd degrees in 1950 from North Texas State University, an MBA from West Texas State University in 1955, and completed his PhD at the University of Missouri in 1968. Walker began his college teaching career in 1955 at Arkansas Polytechnic College in Russellville, Arkansas, and later taught at schools in Missouri, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and Tennessee. He also
1989
Debby (Hill) Schweers (B) 7/20/09. Survivors include her husband, Walter.
1972
Johnson Chair of Accounting 1986-1991
Daniel Alvis, son of John (B) and Susan Alvis II 9/22/09.
1994
Denny McFarland (X) 7/2/09.
Weldon H. Walker
Robert Culpepper (B) 9/27/09. Survivors include his father, Troy (B51), and his brother James (X81), as well as nieces, Katie and Melissa Culpepper, both current HSU students. O Darlene (Seber) Hall (B) 6/6/09. Survivors include her husband, Norman.
1985
1971
Joni (Carter) Peden (B) 4/26/09. O Lisa (Nichols) Simpson (X) 5/28/09.
1979
Friends We’ll Miss
Mark Ward (M) 5/4/09.
Johnny Cornelius (B70/M73) 8/13/09. O Lowry Morgan (X) 6/19/09. O Monty Stem (X) 10/13/09. Survivors include his wife, Rosalie.
1977
Sylvia (McKee) Forrester 4/11/09. Wife of Michael Forrester (X78) and daughter-in-law of Margaret Forrester, retired business office assistant at HSU.
1981
1970
1975
1978
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Glen Burroughs
B49/M50 HSU Trustee 1978-1981 HSU BOD 1997-2009
| Winter 2009/2010
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68 Range Rider Magazine
Glen Burroughs died April 14, 2009, at the age of 83. He was born October 2, 1925, in Silver Valley, Texas, to Randolph and Ruby Burroughs. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Virginia (Randel B50), their three children, and nine grandchildren. Glen came to HSU in 1947 after serving three-and-a-half years in the Air Force as a B29 navigator during WWII. He received a BA in 1949 and an MA in 1950. He met Virginia when they were both students at HSU, and the couple married in 1950. As an undergraduate student, he played varsity basketball and was a student leader. As a graduate student, he was a part-time basketball coach. Burroughs began his career in the oil industry in 1950 with Sunray Mid-Continent Oil Company in Abilene. In 1967 he became vice president and manager of exploration for Sunray DX Oil Co. In 1968 Sunray merged with Sun Oil Company, and Burroughs became vice president of the DX Division of Sun. In 1975, he was appointed president of Sun and a year later was named president of Sun
Production Company. Upon his retirement from Sun Oil in 1984, Glen became a consultant to the Baptist Foundation of Texas in the oil and gas division and also served as a member of the Baptist Foundation’s Advisory Committee. He was a member of and served in executive capacities in a number of petroleum industry associations. Burroughs served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher in his church and was a member of the Dallas Citizens Council. He served on the HSU Board of Trustees from 1978 to 1981 and was a member of the HSU Board of Development since 1997, having served as chairman. Burroughs was a member of the Presidents Club and served on the committee to select trustees. He also served on the Search Committee to select Dr. Jesse Fletcher as president to succeed Dr. Elwin Skiles. In 1978 he received the Distinguished Alumni Award from HSU, and in 1982 received the John J. Keeter Jr. Alumni Service Award. In 1996, HSU conferred upon him an honorary doctor of humanities degree, and in 2005, Burroughs was inducted into the HSU Hall of Leaders. To contribute to the Glen Burroughs Endowed Memorial Business Scholarship, send your gift to HSU Box 16100, Abilene, TX 79698, or contact Wayne Roy at 325.670.2132 or wroy@hsutx.edu.
Doyle Kelley
BBA 1951 HSU Trustee 1991-1997 HSU BOD 2000-2008
To contribute to the Scholarship Fund of the Kelley College of Business at Hardin-Simmons, send your gift to HSU Box 16100, Abilene, TX 79698. Or contact Mike Hammack (B85/M87) at 325.670.1278 or mhammack@hsutx.edu.
Winter 2009/2010 |
Robert Doyle Kelley passed away October 14, 2009, after a long illness. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Inez (Tucker X51), two sons, two daughters, and seven grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Zelda Williams (B53) of Fort Worth and Billie Jean Baird (B55) of Irving. Kelley was born in the farm country around Lamesa, Texas, December 6, 1930, to Robert and Nora Kelley. After graduating from Lamesa High School in 1947, he entered HSU and became a member of the Cowboy Band. He met Inez while both were students at HSU, and the couple married in 1951. While a student at HSU, Kelley was active in the Rodeo Association, intramural football and basketball, the Business Administration Club, and the Lamesa Club. After working for his father’s Studebaker dealership, Kelley joined Shell Oil, working from 1954 to 1961. Then he launched his own commercial finance company, KBK Financial, Inc. For over three decades at the helm of his own company, Kelley led the business to major successes. He sold KBK in 1992 to form a new company, KelleyTucker Inc., and became a private investor.
He also devoted time to philanthropic interests that included the Boy Scouts, Boys and Girls Country, which named him an honorary life director, and HardinSimmons, where he served on the Board of Trustees and the Board of Development. In 1998 he received the university’s John J. Keeter Jr. Alumni Service Award, and was honored with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in 2000. Upon his establishment of an endowment for the university’s business school, it was renamed the Kelley College of Business. Throughout his life Kelley was a devoted Baptist church member, serving on the deacon boards of the First Baptist Church of Midland, Tallowood Baptist Church, and Second Baptist Church in Houston. Kelley was an inveterate bookworm, loved biographies, books on business and investing, and amassed a world-class English Bible collection that included first editions of the King James Bible. In 2007 he donated an ancient Torah scroll to the Hardin-Simmons University Richardson Library.
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John C. Campbell Emeritus Professor of Organ BA 1957
| Winter 2009/2010
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Only weeks after being honored in April 2008 with a gala recital performed by some of his former HSU organ students, Dr. John C. Campbell was diagnosed with cancer. Despite aggressive treatment, he succumbed to the disease on March 4, 2009. A celebration of his life was held at First Baptist Church in Abilene on March 7, featuring music played by many of Dr. Campbell’s former students. Dr. Campbell was honored in subsequent weeks with memorial dedications of musical events throughout Abilene. The Big Country Chapter of the American Guild of Organists dedicated its Lenten recital series to his memory, and the recitals were played on instruments Dr. Campbell helped secure for Abilene: the Nichols and Simpson organ at First Baptist Church, the VisserRowland organ in Logsdon Chapel at HSU, and the new Patterson Memorial organ in Woodward-Dellis Recital Hall at HSU. John Coleman Campbell was born July 1, 1935, in Hereford, Texas, and began playing the organ in his father’s church at the age of 13. After graduation from Polytechnic High School in Ft. Worth, he enrolled at HSU, studying piano with Thurman Morrison (B37) and organ with T. W. “Jack” Dean (B37) and Edward Wetherill. At HSU, he served as organist for university chapel services and accompanied the concert choir as well as faculty and student performances. As a student, he was a member of the Cowboy Band and served for a time as organist at First Baptist Church. After five years of service as a Navy pilot, Campbell pursued graduate study in organ at the University of Oklahoma, studying with Mildred Andrews while earning his MM degree. Campbell taught three years at Berea College in Kentucky before taking a leave of absence to work on his DMA degree at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. There he studied with Russell Saunders. In addition to his doctoral degree, he was awarded a performer’s certificate in organ and performed Norman Dello Joio’s Antiphonal Fantasy with the EastmanRochester Symphony Orchestra. During the academic year 1969-70, Campbell received a grant from the German
Academic Exchange Service to study organ with Michael Schneider and harpsichord with Hugo Ruf at the Staatliche Hochschule für Musik in Cologne. Campbell joined the faculty of the School of Music at HSU in the fall of 1971, and at the same time, became organist at First Baptist Church in Abilene. He retired as professor of organ and church music and university organist in 1999 but continued teaching organ part-time during the 1999-2000 academic year. He also remained an active supporter of the School of Music through the School of Music Foundation. He retired briefly as organist at First Baptist during renovation of the sanctuary there but returned in 2006, presiding over the magnificent new Nichols and Simpson organ until his death. Dr. Campbell is survived by his wife, Lillie, his sons, Russell and Matthew, and his sister Wanda Baker (X56). Lillie Campbell has established the Dr. John C. Campbell Endowed Memorial Scholarship for Organ Majors. Should you desire to honor Dr. Campbell with a gift to this scholarship, please mail your check to HSU Development Office, Box 16100, Abilene TX 79698, or call Cheryl Purcell at 325.670.1371 to make a gift by credit card.
Wesley S. Coffman
Emeritus Professor of Music Wesley Surber Coffman was born June 17, 1927, in Ardmore, Oklahoma, to George Wesley Coffman and Mayme Rebecca Surber and died September 13, 2009, in Dallas, Texas. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Elaine Russell Coffman (former interlibrary loan and educational librarian at HSU), and their son, two daughters, two grandchildren, and a great-grandson. Coffman retired as dean of the School of Music at HSU in 1995 after having served on the faculty since 1981. In 1991, Coffman was named the first Logsdon Professor of Church Music at HSU. Coffman served as minister of music and teacher at Second Baptist Church and School, Houston. He was interim music minister for three churches in the Dallas area and at First Baptist churches in Tallahassee, FL, and Sherman, TX. Coffman served in the U. S. Navy during World War II, and from 1946 to 1949, was organist-choirmaster at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Ardmore, Oklahoma. He was later a music faculty member (chairman of the music department and chairman of the arts division) at Dallas Baptist University for 12 years. Early in his career, he was choral director of Sherman Texas High School. Coffman earned the PhD degree in music education from Florida State University in 1968 and the Bachelor of Music degree in church music (1950) and the Master
of Music Education (1953) degree from the University of North Texas, Denton. During the summer of 1958, he attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary as a special student in church music. Coffman came to HSU from the University of Texas at Arlington. He was a leader in music on the state and national level, including the presidency of the Texas Music Educators Association and past church music chair of the Texas Choral Directors Association. He was editor of The Choral Journal, a publication of the American Choral Directors Association. He also served as music director for HSU’s weekly chapel program during his tenure at HSU.
Winter 2009/2010 |
To contribute to the Dr. Wesley S. Coffman Endowed Music Scholarship, contact Cheryl Purcell at 325.670.1371 or mail your check to HSU Development Office, Box 16100, Abilene TX 79698.
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Kenneth R. Jacobs Emeritus Professor of History MA 1970
| Winter 2009/2010
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72 Range Rider Magazine
Dr. Kenneth R. Jacobs died February 11, 2009, at the age of 75. He was born July 9, 1933, in Franklin, North Carolina, to Floyd S. and Wilmer M. “Angel” Jacobs. Jacobs is survived by his wife of 47 years, Marilyn (Page M70). After graduating from Franklin High School in 1950, Jacobs joined the U. S. Army, serving for four years during the Korean Conflict. In 1967, he earned a BA degree in history from Quincy University in Illinois and a year later took a job teaching history in Sweetwater, Texas, while studying at HSU. He completed a master’s degree in history at HSU in 1970. He taught survey history classes at Texas Tech University while working on a doctorate, which he completed in 1977 after studying under the eminent historian Dr. Earnest Wallace. He accepted a position as assistant professor of history at HSU in 1977 and was named the R. N. Richardson Chair
of History in 1991. Jacobs retired in 1998 after serving 21 years on the HSU faculty. He became associate editor of the West Texas Historical Yearbook in 1978, and was named editor of the journal in 1985. Jacobs published several articles on Texas history in professional journals, and in 1984 co-authored a book about Abilene, Texas, The Future Great, with Drs. B W Aston and Fain Downs. In 1990 Jacobs edited a new edition of the book by his mentor Dr. Rupert N. Richardson (longtime HSU professor and former HSU president, B1912), The Comanche Barrier. He held memberships in the American Historical Association, Phi Alpha Theta, The Southern Historical Association, The West Texas Historical Association, and the Texas Historical Association. During his career at HSU, Dr. Jacobs was named REATA Professor of the Year in 1987 by students, Cullen Professor of the Year (teaching award) in 1988, and Professor of the Year by students in 1989. In 1997, the All School SING was dedicated to him. Jacobs was the original faculty sponsor of the Theta Alpha Zeta fraternity. An endowed professorship honoring Dr. Jacobs has been established by those who hold Dr. Jacobs in the highest regard and who want to do something special to honor him. If you would like to contribute in funding this professorship, gifts may be mailed to Kenneth R. Jacobs Endowed Professorship, Hardin-Simmons University, Box 16100 Abilene, TX 79698. Gifts may also be made by credit card online at www.firstgiving.com/hardin-simmons. For more information, contact Cheryl Purcell, asst. vice president for development, at 325.670-.371 or cpurcell@hsutx.edu.
HARDIN-SIMMONS UNIVERSITY
winter 2 0 0 9 / 2 0 1 0
Staff Editor-in-Chief Leland Harden (B84) Vice President, Institutional Advancement 325.670.1376; lharden@hsutx.edu Editor Brenda Harris (B10) Director of Publications/University Editor 325.670.1262; bharris@hsutx.edu Alumni Editor Britt (Yates) Jones (B84) Asst. VP for Institutional Advancement Director of Alumni Relations 325.670.1317; 800.460.3908; brittj@hsutx.edu Editorial Assistant Kimberly Hawkins (B07) University Communications Project Coordinator 325.670.1231; khawkins@hsutx.edu Art Director Scott Burkhalter (B99) Senior Graphic Designer 325.671.2140; sburkhalter@hsutx.edu
Range Rider is the official publication of HardinSimmons University for its alumni and friends. Published biannually by the HSU Office of Publications, Abilene TX. Postage paid at Abilene TX and additional mailing offices. Opinions expressed in Range Rider are those of the individual authors and subjects and do not necessarily reflect the views of the university administration, faculty, or students. No portion of this magazine may be reprinted without the express written consent of the editor. rangerider@hsutx.edu POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Range Rider, HSU Box 16120, Abilene TX 79698-6120. (USPS 455-360)
Board of Trustees Hilton Hemphill (B63), Chair Glen Bratcher (B57), Jimmie Cantrell, George Gaston, Brent Gentzel (B91), Roy Graham (B63), Dale Haralson (B59), Renée Heathcott, Kay Henard, Ron Howell (B52), Tina Hunter, John Hyde (B64), Jerry Joplin (B81/M83), Ann Lindsey (B66), Joe Martinez (B57), Allan Meador (B78/M82), Karen Muñoz, Annette (Cravey) Patterson (B72), Jan (Evans) Patterson (B78), Jerry Phillips (B67), Jud Powell (B76/M78), Jerry Sawyer, Norma (Willingham) Schaffer (X63), Glen Schmucker (B76), Lila Senter, Joe Sharp (B58), Guinn Smith, Ivan Smith (B68), Bubba Stahl (B84), Rick Strange (B82), Melinda (Offner) Stricklin (B83), Michael Waters, Rob Wiley (B87), Will Wilkins (B61), Clinton Wolf (B50). Board of Development Truett Latimer (B51), Chair Committee Chairs: Mark Layton (X71), Academic Foundation; Karen (Swartz) Kimball (B63), Alumni Involvement and Retention; Jack Preston (B60), Annual Giving; Dan Munton (B91), Athletics; Joe Weir (B95), Media Relations Advisory; Jeff McMillon, Scholarship and Financial Aid. Alumni Association Board of Directors Officers: Steve Post (B85), President; Chris Carnohan (B75), Immediate Past President; Phil Ashby (B80), VP for Celebrations; Linda (Davis) Cargile (B82), VP for Homecoming; Rosa Lee (Hemphill) Prichard (B58), VPs for Special Projects; Roxie Keenan (B05), Chaplain; Emily (Hagar) Clancy (B95), Secretary. Student Positions: Erica Fairbanks (B11), Allison Lovejoy (B12). Three-Year Directors: Nancy (Kesler)Day (B69), Jeff Goodin (B60/M73), Nancy (McNair) Jones (B75), Kevin Orr (B88). Two-Year Directors: Thompson Kidd (B98), Denise (Greene) Duchesneau (B77), Angela (Colson) McKnight (B04/M08), Marsha Pruet Hammack (B86). One-Year Directors: Joe Melson (B88), Phyllis (Gandy) Ewing (B60), Laura (McBeth) Thaxton (B51/M68). Board of Young Associates Officers Clint Buck (B99), President; Tim Dunn (B98/M00/M03), President-Elect; Corissa Smith (B02/M03), Vice President; Kirk Hancock (B01/M03), Vice President; Kathryn (White) Mitchell (B99), Vice President; Christina (Nolan) Dooley (B98/M06), Secretary; Jennifer (Mitchell) Dunn (B99/M01); Chaplain, Louis Revor (B93), Parliamentarian; Jenni (Sims) Pulley (B97), Immediate Past President.
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of Americans over the age of 60 have No estate plan - No will, No living trust - Nothing! Are you in the minority or majority? A proper estate plan:
• At a minimum, consists of a simple will and/or revocable living trust. • Ensures that you have control of where your assets will go. • Allows you to look after family members. • Gives you a creative way to support charitable causes.
A bequest in your will or trust is one of the simplest way to make a charitable contribution. If you have a will or trust, consider making Hardin-Simmons University a beneficiary. If you don’t have a will or trust, you need one! Contact us at 325.670.1278 or visit our newly designed planned giving website at www.hsutx.edu/plannedgiving to learn more about wills, trusts, and other estate planning matters.