of the
GemHills The Alumni Magazine of Jacksonville State University Vol. XIV, No. 2
JSU President William A. Meehan, Ed.D., ’72/’76 Vice President for Institutional Advancement Joseph A. Serviss, ’69/’75 Alumni Association President Don Killingsworth, ’99/’01 Director of Alumni Affairs and Editor Kaci Ogle, ’95/’04 Art Director Mary Smith, ’93
Dr. William A. Meehan, President Dear Alumni,
Staff Artists Erin Hill, ’01/’05 Graham Lewis, '07 Emma Cahill Chris Davis
As we celebrate the 125th anniversary of Jacksonville State University, all associated with JSU can take great pride in what the University has become. From humble beginnings as the State Normal School, Jacksonville is now recognized as a distinguished selective regional institution of higher education in the state of Alabama dedicated to the needs of its diverse student body. With your help, the next 125 years at JSU will be even greater. The fall brings an air of excitement to campus. This year Family Day activities will be held in conjunction with Homecoming on October 18th. Kickoff is set for 4:00PM and at halftime, you will be introduced to our outstanding alumni award winners and the 2008 Homecoming Queen. See page 16 for more information and make plans to come back to campus for our 125th anniversary celebrations.
Staff Writers Bethany Harbison, ’07 Photographer Steve Latham
Homecoming Weekend
16
As always, we have many outstanding alumni who are featured in this edition. On page 22 find out how one of our criminal justice graduates, Kathy Maltagliati, is recovering national archives through her work as a criminal investigator. One of our 1949 graduates, Mr. E. C. Wilson, recently participated in an Honor Flight program dedicated to World War II veterans. Read this interesting story on page 26. On page 6 you will meet Mr. Donald Martin and his family. Mr. Martin is the new president of the JSU Foundation. In the sports section, you will learn that our gamecock student-athletes are not only performing on the field but excelling in community service and sportsmanship as well. You can also find out how you, as alumni and friends, can become more involved with the alumni association. The “With Alumni” section has information about upcoming chapter events and reunions. There are many avenues for you to get involved. The capital campaign has had great success and will wrap up its efforts, reaching its $25 million goal this December. As always, we couldn’t have done it without the support of our donors. Read about the campaign efforts beginning on page 50. I hope you enjoy this issue and I look forward to seeing you on campus again soon!
Sincerely,
William A. Meehan, President
Departments Special Agent Maltagliati
22
Honor Flight
26
2 Gamecock News 8 Sports 15 Alumni of the Year 16 Homecoming Weekend 22 Special Agent Maltagliati 26 Honor Flight 34 With Alumni 39 Alumnotes 50 Capital Campaign News
Gem of the Hills is published by the Division of Institutional Advancement, 700 Pelham Road North, Jacksonville, Alabama 36265-1602.
© 2008 Jacksonville State University Phone: Fax: Email: Website:
877-JSU-ALUM or 256-782-5404 256-782-5502 alumni@jsu.edu www.jsu.edu/alumni
On the cover: #4 Daniel Jackson, #16 Kenny Walker, #28 Michael Johnson, Chad Hoffman (cheerleader) Alumni Association Executive Officers: Don Killingsworth, ’99/’01, president; Sarah Ballard, ’69/’75/’82, past president; Emily Bonds ’87, vice president; Chris Reynolds,’85, treasurer; Nancy Turner, recording secretary; Kaci Ogle, ’95/’04, executive director; Alan Renfroe, ’88/’07, assistant director.