Founders Day Convocation
Honored Alumni Trailblazers
Dr. O’Connell Cancer Research
McMURRY UNIVERSITY FALL/WINTER 2018
1923
2023
FROM THE PRESIDENT As we move into the 95th anniversary of McMurry and the launch of our Centennial Era, we will be celebrating the many people, events and memories that make McMurry unique leading up to our Centennial Celebration in 2023. The five yearly themes - McMurry Discovers, McMurry Creates, McMurry Inspires, McMurry Innovates, and McMurry Celebrates - will highlight our progress and growing prominence in leadership, innovation, creativity and service. This is the year of “discover”. This issue of the Messenger will focus on stories of students, faculty and alumni who have discovered new technologies, international opportunities, passions and the foundation for success. This year McMurry University is ranked #1 in the State of Texas for highest percentage of graduates with jobs 10 years after graduation by Zippia, and the 12th best among all public and private universities in Texas by College Consensus. In addition to McMurry being recognized as a top tier institution in the Western Region by US News and World Report for the twenty-third consecutive year, the university also saw an enrollment increase for a fourth continuous year to 1,145 students. A recent partnership with the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) grants qualified McMurry students the opportunity to enter the TTUHSC’s Master of Public Health program after three years at McMurry. After going through years of transition back into NCAA Division III, this fall marked the first participation in post-season competition by a War Hawks’ team since the spring of 2012. Five of McMurry’s fall sports qualified for ASC championship post-season play in fall 2018. The academic excellence, continued enrollment increases and creation of new partnerships are all examples of the developing momentum of McMurry University. On to victory and on to the Centennial!
SANDRA S. HARPER, PH.D. PRESIDENT
PRESIDENT
Dr. Sandra S. Harper
FALL/WINTER 2018
VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS/ DEAN OF THE FACULTY
Dr. James Hunt VICE PRESIDENT FOR ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT
A PUBLICATION OF McMURRY UNIVERSITY
David Heringer VICE PRESIDENT FOR FINANCIAL AFFAIRS
Lisa Williams
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VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT
Debra Hulse ’80 DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS
Sam Ferguson UNIVERSITY CHAPLAIN & DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS LIFE
Rev. Marty CashBurless ’78 EDITORIAL OFFICE
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PUBLISHER
Matt Tate EDITOR
Alaisha Montanez ’11 ART DIRECTOR
Matt Tate DESIGNER
Craftsman Printers, Inc. PHOTOGRAPHERS
Matt Tate Dave Beyer David Christianson Tiffany Cotton CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Kathy Hemsworth Julie Monroe Wendy Taylor-Tanielian Alaisha Montanez ’11 Dave Beyer 1 McMurry University #938 Abilene, Texas 79697 325-793-4610 mcm.edu marketing@mcm.edu THE MESSENGER is published by McMurry University. ©2018 McMurry University. The views and opinions presented in this publication are not necessarily those of the editors or the official policies of the University. TO UPDATE YOUR ADDRESS: 325-793-4750 goodnature.patricia@mcm.edu
DEPARTMENTS 2 Around Campus 25 Alumni and Friends Corner 26 Class Notes 28 Athletics 30 Friends We’ll Miss SUPPORT 22 McMurry Fund ALUMNI PROFILE 31 Dr. Bill Dulin
6 HOMECOMING 8 CHANGING THE WORLD 1 2
WELL-KNOWN RESEARCHER
16 DR. O’CONNELL CANCER RESEARCH 4 HONORED ALUMNI: 2 TRAILBLAZERS
SOCIAL.MCM.EDU
McMURRY UNIVERSITY mcm.edu 1
Around Campus
1. McMURRY RECEIVES THIRD NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR EXCELLENCE McMurry University continues to be nationally recognized for academic excellence. In addition to its recent recognition as #1 in the State of Texas for highest percentage of graduates with jobs 10 years after graduation by Zippia, McMurry has been named the 12th best among all public and private universities in Texas by College Consensus. The Top Consensus Ranked Colleges & Universities list is a best schools ranking that is designed to show prospective college students where their top choices rank across the board. The College Consensus ranking of best colleges and universities combines data from the most respected college ranking publications and the most reliable student review sites online. In addition, College Consensus, a new college review aggregator, has recognized McMurry as a top 20 university nationally in their survey of the Best Colleges for Veterans for 2018. McMurry is ranked #19 nationally, joining other universities such as Texas A&M, Purdue, University of Southern California and The Ohio State University in the Top 20. 2. McMURRY UNIVERSITY PROUDLY HOSTS BARKSDALE TROPHY As a longtime community partner of Dyess Air Force Base, McMurry University was chosen as a community host of the Barksdale Trophy. The Barksdale Trophy is a community support award presented by the US Air Force Global Strike Command to the community that best supports its base. The award was instituted in 2017 and Abilene is the first community to win the award in Global Strike. Due to the overwhelming support by McMurry and others in the community, Abilene was selected as the recipient of the award. McMurry University is the first local university to host the award and was also the first local university
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to establish a partnership with Dyess in 1960. “McMurry has a rich history with Dyess,” said Rosemary Wallace, director of the McMurry-Dyess Air Force Base Program at McMurry University. “Over the years we have been very privileged to receive numerous accolades, but the opportunity to host the Barksdale Trophy is even more special because it is an honor which crosses different entities throughout the Abilene community. It is a reminder
Around Campus
McMurry Ranked
#1 IN TEXAS For Highest Percentage of Graduates with Jobs 10 Years After Graduation
McMurry Ranked
12th BEST
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Among All Private and Public Universities in Texas
McMurry Ranked
#19 NATIONALLY Best Colleges for Veterans 2018
that nothing is ever accomplished alone.” McMurry accepts full tuition assistance at $250 per credit hour for active duty members of the military and established the BlueStreak Program which is designed to help active duty members quickly complete the general education courses component of the Community College of the Air Force. Members also have the opportunity to apply this coursework toward a four-year undergraduate
degree from McMurry. Classes are available to personnel in various ways: on campus, online and on base as an average of six professors travel to base to offer courses per semester. Active duty military members are not the only ones who benefit from a partnership with McMurry, active duty family members receive a 30% discount on tuition. McMurry is also a proud Yellow Ribbon school in serving the veteran population. Active duty, veterans and active duty family members currently make up 14% of the student population for McMurry’s fall semester. “McMurry and Dyess Air Force Base have had decades of successful partnering on higher education for those stationed at Dyess,” said Gray Bridwell, chairman of the Military Affairs Committee. “It’s a partnership to be commended.” The Barksdale Trophy was presented to Dr. Sandra Harper on September 13. The trophy was displayed throughout the month and into the month of October in the Welcome Center.
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Around Campus
3. THE ACCREDITATION PROCESS Every ten years, institutions within the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools – Commission on Colleges must undergo a process of reaffirmation of accreditation. This body, which is responsible for accrediting the 795 institutions in the southern region of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia, is generally referred to as SACSCOC or the Commission. Beginning at the start of the 2017 fall semester, McMurry embarked in earnest on a yearlong process to prepare its comprehensive compliance report to the Commission. The University submitted the report to the Commission in September of 2018 and now awaits the report to undergo reviews by two separate committees. The first committee will conduct an off-site review of the report and provide feedback to McMurry near the end of November. The second committee will conduct an on-site visit during March of 2019 and will eventually make a recommendation on McMurry’s accreditation status to the Commission. The Commission will decide on McMurry’s reaffirmation in June of 2019. The relationship between McMurry and the Commission is based on integrity and trust and emphasizes collaborative engagement throughout the process. The reaffirmation process is important in that accreditation allows institutions to award federal financial aid to students. Institutions may operate without accreditation, but doing so is extremely difficult and expensive without federal assistance. Accreditation ensures that institutions meet minimum standards of quality. It also instills confidence in the public that an institution has in place appropriate governing structures and fiscal controls, has academically qualified faculty along with sound academic programs, and possesses the academic, physical, and support resources necessary to “challenge students to examine our complex world from multiple perspectives in preparation for lives of leadership, service, and professional success.”
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4. CAMPUS RENOVATIONS Over the summer, several new construction projects were completed. The Perch Students recently led a campaign for an upgraded area in the campus center asking for new furniture and a more tech friendly space. The Perch, as it will now be known, has received an updated look with new carpet and high tech furniture and work stations. Our thanks to Frances “Weeze” Daniel ’38 for her generous gift to transform this area. A wall in The Perch will be dedicated to honoring The Windjammers featuring a collage of newly re-framed artwork. New Sidewalk After McMurry Student Government received a request last year from the student body for improved sidewalks in front of the Cooke Classroom Building and near the campus apartments, MSG worked to ensure that this project be addressed. The new sidewalks were completed in August and have improved not only the sidewalks but also the view from the southeast side of Campus. Improvements were made from Old Main to the Maedgen parking lot, having extended the walkways and upgraded lighting fixtures, as well as the sidewalks through the campus apartments. Kimbrell Arena The Kimbrell Arena floor received a facelift over the summer, as a new and modern design helped infuse an additional dose of War Hawks’ pride into McMurry’s home court for volleyball and basketball. The revamped design – created by men’s basketball coach Zach Pickelman, women’s basketball coach Brittany Densman-Roes and volleyball coach Cammie Petree - has a brighter field and features a darker wood-tone War Hawk within each three-point area. The center-court pays tribute to our school history with the traditional block “McM” logo. The
Around Campus
In support of the Centennial Era Celebration, the University has added a few themed upgrades. In front of the University on Sayles, you will now find banners on the lampposts that once lie bare. Similar banners can also be found on the posts around the McMurry Court parking lot and in front of the Campus Center celebrating the Centennial Era. Our Centennial Era reflects our past and celebrates the future. We will continue to discover, create, inspire, innovate and celebrate by ensuring a world class education for our students of today and tomorrow.
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baseline areas honor arena namesake – and all-time winningest coach – Hershel Kimbrell, while the floor itself bears the signature of another McMurry coaching legend, dedicated as “Ron Holmes Court” back in January of 2012. The project is the result of the exceptional work of Quality Hardwood Floors, Inc. out of San Marcos. Centennial Updates McMurry is celebrating its 95th anniversary this year and will launch the celebration of its Centennial Era on September 20th.
Innovation Room The “Corndog Lounge” in Cooke has been renovated into an Innovation Lab for the Johnson School of Business. During the summer, walls were knocked out between the current room, an adjacent bathroom and storage room creating the new 14x24 foot space. The Innovation Room now has three white boards and a specialized 4x8 foot table for student brainstorming and creation complete with eight portable chairs. The room also boasts amenities such as two workstations with a stateof-the-art MAC and a similar PC desktop computer, a couch, two stuffed chairs, a color printer, a 3D printer, a microwave, coffeemaker, and refrigerator. The room is equipped with an ID card reader at each entrance so students can use the room 24/7. Late night students can use the Innovation Room to continue working when the library closes at midnight. The goal of the room is to provide a space for students to meet, talk and discuss innovative ideas for projects, businesses and socially responsible activities for the benefit of McMurry, Abilene and other communities. The new Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship will make extensive use of the facilities to enhance education in small business and building sustainable organizations.
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WAR HAWK STYLE
CELEBRATING 95 YEARS We want to thank alumni, friends, families and visitors for celebrating the Centennial Era and 95 years at McMurry with us this year during Homecoming weekend! Tipi Village, the bonfire, the football game, the 50th Anniversary class induction, the 60th Anniversary of the physics program and many more events made for an exciting three days on campus. We hope you make plans now to join us next year from October 24-26, 2019.
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International Studies Spark Curiosity, Independence
For some, it signaled a continued love of travel. For others, it marked their first airplane flight. With a variety of experiences and expectations, several McMurry students packed their bags and passports this summer for international academic programs. Most discovered they brought back more self-knowledge than souvenirs. “A big thing about studying abroad, aside from just being able to see cool things or meet new people, is that you face a lot of challenges like getting lost, or missing your train, or whatever problems people face, and you have to figure it out because there’s no one there to figure it out for you,” said Hope Rouse ’19, who studied at Harlaxton College in Lincolnshire, England through a partnership with the University of Evansville. “Now that I’m back, if I encounter a problem, I know I can figure it out because I problem-solved liked nobody’s business while I was over there!”
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That collective benefit of academic knowledge, global awareness and self-confidence occurs frequently with international programs. It’s one of the reasons Dr. Paul Mason, dean of McMurry’s Johnson School of Business, became a fan and is building international business credit opportunities for McMurry in conjunction with the University of North Florida. Mason believes working with established programs will build crucial expertise for designing a program to enhance McMurry’s own curriculum. To increase interest in initial international offerings, Mason cultivated scholarship opportunities to financially open doors for business programs in Rosario, Argentina and Paris, France. He also dedicated time to promoting the values of international learning experiences. “It’s a great tool for the students to sell themselves,” said Mason. “It helps them gain confidence. It gives them a different perspective. They can talk about how they met people from other cultures and that they understand the world better as a consequence.” Lynn Bandora ‘21, who as a finance major entering her sophomore year, was not only the
Lynn Bandora ’21
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youngest participating McMurry student, but also one of the youngest attending the Rosario program. Bandora initially had no intentions of participating in the program and only attended an information session to keep a friend company. Although she found the possibility of travel and learning about new cultures appealing, she didn’t feel it was realistic at this stage of her academic life. However, she was quickly enthralled with the possibilities and enrolled for summer sessions in Latin American economics and Latin American business. She spent part of her summer learning first-hand about economic realities in a country that saw its 12-month inflation rate surge to 29.5 percent - one of the highest in the world - during her stay. This made a lasting impression on the young student who dreams of one day using her studies to work with international refugees. The unfolding financial crisis in Argentina also opened the eyes of Bandora’s roommate, Brandi Wilson ‘19, a business student in McMurry’s online program, who will graduate next year. “Living here in Abilene, Texas, I’d heard the word ‘inflation’ my whole life. Now, think about how exponential it is there and how you could raise a family never knowing how much money you have week to week, even if you have the same amount of bills in your hand,” said Wilson, who works full time and is raising a family while completing her studies. “I have a greater appreciation – not that everything we have here is perfect financially. I’ve always taken for granted that peace of mind when I put money in the bank that it’s not going to be stolen or worth less a month from now.” Although not in an area of distinct economic challenges, Bethany Malcolm ‘21 was a continent away overcoming a different obstacle: the French language. The McMurry junior attended courses in European Marketing, European Human Resource Management, French language and French culture. And although she anticipated learning French from scratch would be difficult, she found the course was a well taught challenge. It left her better able to
Hope Rouse ’19
“It helps them gain confidence. It gives them a different perspective. They can talk about how they met people from other cultures and that they understand the world better as a consequence.”
navigate her new surroundings, while offering the aspiring entrepreneur a good foundation for future use. Trips such as these will be requirements for all McMurry students enrolling in its new international business degree program. However, Dean Mason sees the experiences, skills and confidence the programs bring as a career-building differentiator for students seeking other degrees as well. Mason noted that enrichment through international studies might not only be limited to current students in the future. He believes the courses also hold value as continuing education for alumni. “There’s no such thing as a 100 percent domestic business,” Mason said. “You’re going to get raw materials or semi-furnished goods from abroad, sell abroad, or have customers abroad. As a consequence, if you’re located in New York City or Miami or West Texas, knowing more about the way business is conducted abroad is going to improve your ability to interact with foreign suppliers and foreign customers. That’s invaluable.”
Hope Rouse ’19
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WELL-KNOWN RESEARCHER With More Than 100 Patents Received Strong Foundation For Career At McMurry
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r. David Carver ’74 is known for his strong research abilities. The chemist has more than 100 patents, 33 patent topics and is recognized for his role in pharmaceutical development and alternative energy technologies. Carver, one of the top graduates from Cooper High School in Abilene was looking for a place to further his education. The aspiring chemist met Dr. W. Norton Jones who proposed a scholarship package enticing enough to get Carver to attend McMurry University. “Dr. Jones took the time to help me. He saw my potential and wanted to help me expand on it,” Carver explained. “All the professors in the chemistry department were wonderful. One advantage of being at McMurry is that the professors want to focus on their students while at the larger universities the students are secondary to the professors’ own advancement.” It was his time here at McMurry that gave him the foundation for success. He credits Dr. David Klassen, Professor of Chemistry, as the professor who has had the most significant impact on his life and his career. “Besides helping me achieve my goals in the lab, Dr. Klassen helped me through some very trying times in my life while I was in college.”
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While at McMurry, Carver learned research techniques that helped him as he went on to graduate school and then started his career.
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Because of Klassen being so understanding and supportive, Carver was able to excel and build a strong foundation in research, which he uses today in his role as chief scientist at Carver Scientific, Inc., in Louisiana. Founded by Carver, Carver Scientific focuses on the “innovative materials, processes, and technologies that bring change to the way electricity is generated, managed and stored.” While at McMurry, Carver learned research techniques that helped him as he went on to graduate school and then started his career. “Dr. Klassen helped me maximize my learning experience in the lab. I learned techniques that have proven beneficial,” he said. “And, that background helped me as I went on to graduate school and when I started my career. His teaching went far beyond the classroom and has stuck with me.” After graduating from McMurry, Carver went on to receive his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Virginia Tech. As one of the top graduates in his field in the United States, he was awarded the opportunity to be a post-doctorate fellow with the National Institute of Health at Colorado State University from 1979 to 1981. He credits the excellent science faculty and chemistry professors in helping him build a strong foundation in research. While here, he said he had ample opportunities in the lab, and he was guided by great teachers who really cared about his success in school as well as in life. He describes the overall undergraduate learning experience as being “efficient and extremely beneficial on many levels.” “All of the science professors believed in helping us to reach our full potential and to see the opportunities that were out there in life,” he explained. “They provided a strong foundation
in research, so we could pursue our own paths in chemistry. Because of that foundation, I was able to do well in graduate school and in my career.” He said Dr. Klassen went a step above and beyond, helping him stay focused and get on the right path to success. Carver said the science professors took a “young, arrogant kid” and turned him into a researcher who continues with his work today. “The science department consisted of a super group of teachers who were extremely helpful in shaping and expanding the horizon,” he noted. “They really made a difference in the lives of their students and wanted their students to make the most of their experience. Their students were their priority.” Throughout the duration of his career, Carver has founded several companies, including a small pharmaceutical company, NaPro Bio Therapeutics. NaPro introduced paclitaxel, the top-selling cancer drug at the time, which is the best known naturalsource cancer drug in the nation. He stayed with the company until it employed about 55 people then it became traded publicly. He then went on to start an analytic instrumentation liquid chromatography operation, which he led 12 years before selling it and moving to his current venture. Carver Scientific is founded on the technologies that Carver invented. His current company consists of a team of individuals Carver compiled that have the experience critical to the innovation and commercialization of the new energy technologies that the company will introduce. What lies ahead for Carver? He plans to spend more time in the lab focusing on new energy technologies that will impact energy storage and generation in the future. “McMurry offers great opportunities,” he concluded. “It is a place to learn and grow up at the same time. It gave me much more than four years of education. It provided opportunities that allowed me to continue with my research and my goals. Thanks to a top-notch science department, I got on the right track.”
Throughout the duration of his career, Carver has founded several companies, including a small pharmaceutical company, NaPro Bio Therapeutics. NaPro introduced paclitaxel, the topselling cancer drug at the time, which is the best known natural-source cancer drug in the nation.
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Dr. O’Connell
CANCER RESEARCH DISCOVERED AT McMURRY
Helping To Develop the Next Generation of Cancer Researchers and Healthcare Providers Dr. Malaney O’Connell ’10 attributes her passion for cancer research to her undergraduate years at McMurry. She entered college unsure of a career path, but was quickly drawn to biomedical science through her involvement in student research. Now, having earned her doctorate in cancer cell biology from UT Galveston, O’Connell is back at her alma mater as an assistant professor of biology. She is helping to develop the next generation of cancer researchers and healthcare providers with the same skill sets and strong foundation in science that she was offered as a student. “I fell in love with teaching during graduate school,” says O’Connell. “I knew I wanted to be in the classroom, and I wanted to do really good research at the undergraduate level.” Dr. O’Connell is convinced that quality scientific research can be done at smaller universities and that such settings often provide opportunities for enhanced collaboration and teamwork among the various faculty and departments. She believes the tight knit community and supportive environment at McMurry were foundational to her own academic success.
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Abilene hosted its first interdisciplinary symposium on cancer and biomedical research. Dr. O’Connell considers this increased awareness to be a valuable asset for cancer research in the region and believes partnerships will develop that will only serve to enhance educational opportunities.
“I developed all the fundamental skills I needed for cancer research while I was at McMurry,” says O’Connell, emphasizing that those skills included not just laboratory techniques, but the ability to think critically as well. “I can credit all of that to McMurry and my liberal arts education.” With the help of her colleagues, Dr. O’Connell is now working to establish an undergraduate cancer research program that moves science majors through the steps of building solid benchtop science skills to the development of individual honors thesis research projects. These would then potentially culminate in journal publications. “The students range from freshman to seniors, and the idea is that they will grow with their projects,” says O’Connell. “Our hope is that we can set them up for the next step of getting a job or having a leg-up in the graduate or medical school application process.” According to O’Connell, acquiring these research skills as undergraduates, accompanied by the distinction of being published in the scientific literature, can determine whether or not an application is seriously considered or simply passed over. Dr. O’Connell’s research is part of a team effort and frequently overlaps with projects going on in other McMurry departments. Her group is attempting to understand how a specific type of collagen (a structural protein in the body) is involved in metastatic breast cancer. Their research is performed on cancer cell lines originally developed by Dr. Paul Pyenta, Associate Professor of
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Biochemistry and Biophysical Chemistry – the same cell lines that Dr. O’Connell worked with during her own undergraduate years. Dr. O’Connell’s lab has also tested compounds isolated through the work of Dr. Hyunshun Shin, Professor of Organic Chemistry, and her students, to determine if they had any effect on collagen expression in the breast cancer cells. Dr. Shin approaches cancer research from a drug development standpoint, and seeks to identify molecules that will target specific cancer cell processes and inhibit cell proliferation. Like Dr. O’Connell, she understands the value of students being able to link the science they learn in the classroom to real world applications through undergraduate research. After beginning her teaching career, Dr. O’Connell quickly discovered that Abilene was becoming a hub for cancer research, and that
Jacob Hubbard ’19, Dr. Malaney O’Connell ’10, Kelsey McKiernan ’18
Dr. O’Connell’s research is part of a team effort and frequently overlaps with projects going on in other McMurry departments. many outside the McMurry campus were doing strong work in the field. She began to connect with other scientists and physicians associated with the Hendrick Health System, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Hardin-Simmons, and Abilene Christian University. “All these meetings started happening, one by one,” says O’Connell. “We started to realize that there are a lot of us who do cancer research in Abilene.” This discovery of like-minded researchers led to informal monthly meetings to discuss
their work, and last April, Abilene hosted its first interdisciplinary symposium on cancer and biomedical research. Dr. O’Connell considers this increased awareness to be a valuable asset for cancer research in the region, and believes partnerships will develop that will only serve to enhance educational opportunities. “We hope to be able to trade students and share facilities, and we hope to collaborate and support each other on future projects.,” she says. “It’s really, really exciting!”
Dr. O’Connell quickly discovered that Abilene was becoming a hub for cancer research, and that many outside the McMurry campus were doing strong work in the field.
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cMurry celebrated its 95th year with Founders Day Convocation on September 20th. Led by McMurry students bearing centennial themed banners and a drumline for the special occasion, the faculty processional marched across campus and into Radford Auditorium for the convocation address given by McMurry graduate and former Board of Trustee chair, Chuck Fallon ’85. Following the convocation, McMurry students continued the celebration of the 95th year with lunch from local food trucks on the quad. This year’s convocation marks the beginning of McMurry’s Centennial Era.
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THE McMURRY FUND
“Because of your gifts to the McMurry Fund, I’ve been able to discover my McMurry experience. Because of how the fund helps students like me, I’ve been able to see the value of giving back to McMurry.” – Kylie Fonville ’20
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McMurryAthletics
McMurryfootball
McMurryclassrooms
Newstudents
’ s t a wh Volunteerboards
McMurryrenovations
TRENDING ON SOCIAL MEDIA
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>>Patricia Bennett Crowley (Georgetown, Texas) graduated from McMurry in 1958 with a degree in Business Administration. She is married to Weldon Crowley and daughter of Dr. Gordon Bennett, former University president. >>Frances (Weeze) Hill Cooper Daniel (Abilene, Texas) earned a Bachelor of Science from McMurry in 1938. Weeze established an endowment in her family’s name.
Dr. Sandra Harper and Francis “Weeze” Hill Cooper Daniel
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cMurry is where it is today because of key individuals who shared a passion, who believed in the mission of this university, and who have given sacrificially to ensure its prosperity for today and years to come. These trailblazers are alumni of McMurry whose lifetime giving has exceeded $100,000. They are transforming this university, and we are pleased to solidify their place in McMurry’s history as the first class of McMurry alumni Trailblazers to be presented maroon blazers. >>Mary Esther Paquet Bynum (Richardson, Texas) received her Bachelor of Science in Education from McMurry in 1952 and has established several endowments at the University. >>Dr. Weldon S. Crowley (Georgetown, Texas) graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English from McMurry in 1957. Weldon is a former member of the McMurry Board of Trustees.
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>>Holland B. Evans, Jr. (Waco, Texas) graduated from McMurry in 1966 with a Bachelor of Business Administration and is a former member of the Board of Trustees. >>Chuck Fallon (Pinecrest, Florida) graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from McMurry in 1985 and has served as chair of the Board of Trustees. >>Dr. Jolynn Galvin (Albuquerque, New Mexico) is a 1975 graduate of McMurry. Jolynn is a former member of the McMurry Board of Trustees. >>John Hendrick (San Diego, California) graduated from McMurry in 1973 with an accounting degree. John has served on the Board of Trustees since June 2013. >>Sara Hudman Graham (Abilene, Texas) graduated from McMurry with her Bachelor of Arts in English. Sara has served on the Board of Trustees and has established several endowments. >>Melody Hunt (Abilene, Texas) earned her BBA from McMurry in 1979 with a marketing concentration. She is a former member of the McMurry Board of Trustees. >>Austin T. Pittman (Edina, Minnesota) received his Bachelor of Science degree from McMurry University in
“Trailblazers” of the McMurry community were presented with a maroon blazer by McMurry President, Dr. Sandra Harper.
1991. He served as former chair of the McMurry Board of Trustees.
endowments and funded the Barbara Seidel Swagerty Tennis Center.
>>Gary Pittard (Tyler, Texas) is a 1969 McMurry graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration.
>>Don Taylor (Avoca, Texas) received a Bachelor of Science in physical education in 1956 and has established several endowments at McMurry.
>>Lee Ann Gooch Pittard (Tyler, Texas) is a 1968 ex of McMurry and is married to Gary Pittard. >>David Shoup (Carlsbad, New Mexico) earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from McMurry in 1991. He currently serves on the McMurry Board of Trustees. >>Morris B. “Sam” Smith (Fort Worth, Texas) graduated from McMurry in 1966 with a Bachelor of Business Administration and currently serves on the Board of Trustees. >>Bishop Dan Solomon (Boerne, Texas) graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from McMurry in 1958 He became Bishop in Residence at McMurry until his retirement in 2015. >>Marcia Solomon (Boerne, Texas) is a 1963 ex of McMurry. She lives in Boerne, Texas with her husband, Bishop Dan Solomon. >>Barbara Seidel Swagerty (Abilene, Texas) received her Bachelor of Science from McMurry in 1956 and her Masters in 1958. Barbara has established several
>>Grant Teaff (Waco, Texas) is a 1956 physical education major and served as head football coach and track coach for six years. >>Dr. Ralph Turner (Tyler, Texas) graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry in 1973. A former trustee, he and his family have established several endowments at McMurry. >>Karen Turner (Tyler, Texas) is a 1974 ex of McMurry and is married to Dr. Ralph Turner. >>Sharon Garrison Walker (Austin, Texas) earned her Bachelor of Science in elementary education from McMurry in 1971. >>Dr. Arthur Woods (Jackson, Tennessee) earned his Bachelor of Arts in biology at McMurry in 1973. >>M. Lynn Varner Yearwood (Saint Louis, Missouri) earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from McMurry in 1969. Lynn currently serves as chair of the McMurry Board of Trustees.
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Alumni Class Notes
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1950s
1. Bill Moore ‘68 and Trish Garrison Moore ‘69 celebrated their 50th anniversary on April 12, 2018. They were surrounded by their family that included Bill’s brother Mike, also a former McMurry student. Bill is in the McMurry Athletics Hall of Honor, and is also the son of Wilford Moore who coached at McMurry and for whom the football stadium is named. They are the grandparents of 9 grandchildren.
1970S
Maci McIlhany Shannon ‘03 was named the 2017-18 District Educator of the Year for Eanes Westlake ISD in Austin, Texas. Maci is a fifth grade teacher at Eanes Elementary School.
2. John Rodriguez ex ‘74 was drafted into the military following his first year at McMurry and served from 1972 to 1992. Mr. Rodriguez is the Founder/ President of a national non-profit organization, The F.L.A.G. (Fly, Lower, And Gather) Program. They travel throughout the nation and teach youth the proper etiquette, respect, protocol and procedures that our national and state flag(s) deserve. Learn more about the organization at theflagprogram.org
9 1980S
3. Ray Winkles ‘85 retired from the Wichita Falls School District after 29.5 years. Enjoy your retirement, Ray!
1990S
4. Jozette Hampton Jenkins ‘93 was named head women’s basketball coach at Palestine High School in Palestine, Texas. Congratulations Coach!
2000S
5. Darcell Edwards ‘05, former track & field standout at McMurry, was inducted into the Big Country Hall of Fame in May. Congratulations Darcell! 6. Bryn Hill Dodd ‘05 was named as an honoree for 2018 Odessa Under 40. She rectly become the director of the Parent Power program with Centers, which provides free parenting classes once a week, where she specializes in providing therapeutic services to victims of trauma. Congratulations Bryn!
2010S
7. Dr. Jonathan Urbanczyk ‘11 was honored with the Veterans Administration Outstanding Resident 26 THE MESSENGER FALL/WINTER 2018
Pictured are former McMurry coach Barbara Crousen, along with teammates Jason Reeves, Cody Brotherton, Jerrod Cook, and Cheyenne Oldham Wuthrich
Award in Internal Medicine at the Temple VA hospital. Jonathan graduated from the University of North Texas - Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine with his medical degree in 2016. 8. Alexandria Empson ‘12 was named Director of Veteran Services at the COMMIT Foundation in September. The COMMIT Foundation focuses on changing the way highly talented veterans think about transition and creating serendipity for them by fostering mentorship, networking, and inspiration. Congratulations Alexandria! 9. Daniel and Natalie Zipprian ‘12 welcomed their first child, Scarlett Stormye Zipprian, born February 28th, 2018. Congratulations! 10. Nicole McGunegle ‘14 She married Jacob Herrera on February 9, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. They currently reside in Elko, Nevada where Nicole works as a full-time MedSure nurse at the hospital, and he works for the Union Pacific Railroad. Congratulations Nicole and Jacob! 11. Manny De Los Santos ‘19 has been named the Curator of Fun Learning Experiences at the Center for Contemporary Arts. Congratulations, Manny!
Alumni Events
McMURRY SERVES McMurry Serves is a one-day, nationwide event where students, alumni, and members of the greater McMurry community come together and participate in community service projects. Our 2019 event will be on Saturday, February 16th. For more information, visit our webpage alumni.mcm.edu/mcm-serves
NIGHT OF DISTINCTION Join us on campus Friday, April 12 as we celebrate alumni achievement at CELEBRATING ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT our new signature alumni awards event. We hope to see you there! McMURRY UNIVERSITY’S
SPRING ALUMNI WEEKEND Have you ever spent time thinking about how you’d love to come back for Homecoming and visit with classmates, friends and fellow alumni, but just never have the time or freedom of schedule to do so? We’ve got the perfect solution! Join McMurry alumni back in Abilene this April (2019) and celebrate our third Spring Alumni Weekend! For more information, visit our webpage at mcm.edu/ spring-alumni-weekend. For an up-to-date calendar of all alumni events and activities, please visit join.mcm.edu/home. We hope you’ll join us for an alumni event soon! McMURRY ALUMNI AWARDS Do you know alumni who should be honored for their dedication to McMurry, their professional accomplishments, and/or their selfless service? Nominate them for one of our awards at: alumni.mcm.edu/awards
McMurry Serves 2018
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MCMURRY ATHLETICS HALL OF HONOR ENSHRINES ITS CLASS OF 2018 The McMurry University Athletics Hall of Honor welcomed its 34th class of inductees on September 6th. Eight members were added as a part of the Class of 2018: BARBARA CROUSEN (Track & Field Head Coach) Barbara Crousen has the distinction of being the first female coach – in any sports and at any NCAA level of competition - to lead a men’s team to a national championship, after guiding McMurry to the NCAA III Outdoor National Championship in 2008 and again in 2012.
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2008 MEN’S TRACK & FIELD TEAM The 2008 team joined its coach, Barbara Crousen, for induction in the Hall of Honor Class of 2018. The squad is the first-ever team in McMurry University school history to bring a national title back to Abilene.
JOHN THOMAS (Football) John Thomas played four seasons (1958-61) for McMurry, two seasons each under coaches Tommy Ellis and Grant Teaff. Thomas was selected as a first team all-American offensive lineman as both a junior and senior, by Williamson Mid-Bracket. Thomas was picked by the Houston Oilers in the 11th round of the 1962 NFL draft. He was the 87th player selected, overall. Thomas was inducted into the Big Country Hall of Fame this past May. TRACEE NIELSEN (ELLWEIN) (Volleyball) Nielsen played four seasons for McMurry, 199394 and 1996-97. She was a member of McMurry’s American Southwest Conference championship team of 1997. McMurry had a combined record of 77-43 during her tenure. Nielsen was second team all-ASC in 1996 and first team in 1997, when she was the ASC co-MVP. She was also an ASC academic all-conference honoree in 1996. DARCELL EDWARDS (Women’s Track & Field) Darcell Edwards had one of the most-storied track and field careers in McMurry history. Edwards won a total of six NCAA Division III national championships in the long and triple jumps, the most by any female athlete in McMurry track and field history. Overall, Edwards earned a total of 10 All-America honors during her career. She still holds the long and triple jump records – both indoor and outdoor – at McMurry. Edwards was inducted into the Big Country Hall of Fame this past May.
history of giving to McMurry Athletics over the years. Among their philanthropic endeavors to McMurry was the matching gift challenge for $200,000 in 2018. The Bob and Clara Brown Award is the fifth McMurry Hall of Honor recognition Grant Teaff has received. Previously, he has been inducted individually as a player/coach, as well as a part of three teams: 1953 football (player), 1961 track and field (coach) and 1963 football (coach).
Athletics
GRANT TEAFF BEYOND THE GAME AWARD SSGT. JEREMIE BORDER (posthumously) – U.S. Army SSgt. Jeremie Border – a former McMurry football player - was killed in action in Afghanistan on September 1, 2012, while serving his country in Operation Enduring Freedom. Border was a 2006 graduate of McMurry. Border was honored posthumously with the inaugural Grant Teaff Beyond the Game Award. This award was instituted to recognize a former McMurry athlete who - while perhaps not producing Hall of Honor-worthy statistics and accolades on the field of competition – has brought prestige, dignity and honor to the University through other areas of their life after graduation. All Hall of Honor members are available here: http://mcmurry.touchpros.com/Home3.aspx
RORY PEACOCK (Football/Track & Field) Peacock was one of the finest wide receivers to ever wear the Maroon & White. Peacock amassed 2,634 receiving yards, second on McMurry’s all-time list. He still holds the McMurry record for career receiving touchdowns at 40. BOB & CLARA BROWN AWARD Grant & Donell Teaff – Grant and Donell Teaff received this well-deserved recognition for their
Darcell Edwards and our Director of Athletics Sam Ferguson
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Friends We’ll Miss Stacy Horton Sanchez ’07 Stacy Horton Sanchez, 34, passed away on September 22, 2018. Stacy began her time at McMurry University in 2002 and quickly became busy in the art department as the 2003 winner of the Perry Bentley Community Foundation Art Scholarship. She graduated in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts with a focus in education and immediately went to work as an art teacher at Wylie High School. Stacy loved her community and was involved in various organizations including The Center for Contemporary Arts, Abilene Derby Games, and many more. She served as the regional director for Visual Art Scholastic Event for the last several years and was named the 2017 Wylie Teacher of the Year. Shortly before her passing, Stacy was awarded the 2018 Texas Art Education Association Senior High School Educator of the Year. Stacy has exhibited in Abilene at the McMurry Amy Graves Ryan Fine Arts Gallery, Art Crush Art Gallery, the Center for Contemporary Art and various other area exhibits. Her art students have also exhibited in the Gypsy Ted Gallery at McMurry University. Each year during Dia de Los Muertos, Stacy collaborated with McMurry Professor Kathie Walker-Millar to bring McMurry art education students to visit Stacy’s high school art classes. Stacy had a passion for art and teaching and was a huge inspiration to her students. Evelyn Kirby Evelyn Kirby, 91, former employee and good friend of the University, passed away on Sunday, October 14, 2018 after a short illness. Evelyn’s sister and brother and law were Irene and Clifford Trotter ‘51. Clifford worked for McMurry and served as District Superintendent for the Northwest Texas Conference. Evelyn’s nephew is Jim Kirby ‘54, Distinguished Alumnus of McMurry and retired dean of SMU’s Perkins School of Theology. Evelyn manned the McMurry University switchboard for several years and was the “voice” of McMurry to those calling our main number. She retired in 2014. Letha Lee Mauldin ’50 Letha Lee Mauldin, 88, passed away on Tuesday April 24, 2018. Letha, a member of T.I. P., Chanters, and Wah Wahtaysee, was the widow of the late Rex Mauldin ’50, a long-time Methodist minister. The Mauldin’s, who met at McMurry University and
30 THE MESSENGER FALL/WINTER 2018
married in 1950 shortly after their graduation, had four of their five children graduate from McMurry: Mark Mauldin ’73, Alan Mauldin ’77 and Gary Mauldin ’79 and Joy Henderson ’11. Rex and Letha were well beloved by many McMurry alumni and friends and were generous supporters of the University for over 30 years. Ronnie Dale Stice ’70 Ronnie Dale Stice, 69, died Wednesday, June 6, 2018. Ronnie was a regular at many McMurry events, actively supported the McMurry Fund and McMurry Athletics and was very active at St. Paul United Methodist Church. Having been a loyal donor to the University since 1982, Ronnie was a member of the J. W. Hunt society, which recognizes donors for 25 plus years of continuous giving.
In Memoriam Helen Benson ‘56 of Merkel, TX died June 24, 2018.
Odean Murphree of Abilene, TX died April 6, 2018.
William Burke ‘63 of Abilene, TX died July 23, 2018.
James Phillips ‘68 of San Angelo, TX died April 21, 2018.
Clinton Gayle ‘71 of Colleyville, TX died May 10, 2018.
Elvin Read ‘72 of Wichita Falls, TX died April 19, 2018.
Carl Hallmark ‘64 of Abilene, TX died September 9, 2018.
John Richey ‘63 of Breckenridge, TX died April 30, 2018.
Nelda Walker Holt of Wichita, KS died May 11, 2018.
Linda Carver Rushing ‘64 of Abilene, TX died August 31, 2018.
William Martin ‘49 of El Paso, TX died May 11, 2018.
George Buz Sawyer ‘61 of Abilene, TX died May 9, 2018.
O.A. McBrayer ‘45 of Odessa, TX died July 1, 2018.
David St Jean ‘98 of Abilene, TX died August 4, 2018.
Harry McCormick ‘49 of Levelland, TX died May 13, 2018.
Betty Sedberry Steward ‘60 of Levelland, TX died August 23, 2018.
Ann Menefee ‘42 of Tulsa, OK died April 19, 2018.
Ira Williams ‘67 of Albuquerque, NM died June 25, 2018.
James Merrell ‘71 of Colorado City, TX died April 21, 2018.
IMPACTING THE LIVES OF STUDENTS THE DR. BILL DULIN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Dr. Bill Dulin
Dr. Bill J. Dulin (1935-2015) always aimed a little bit higher. The first in his family to go to college, his excellence in academics earned him a Ph.D. degree in mathematics from Louisiana State University. In 1971, Dr. Dulin was recruited to head the Department of Mathematics at McMurry University. Later, he also served terms as chair of the Science Division and chair of the Department of Computer Science. For 29 years, Dr. Dulin taught at McMurry and positively impacted the lives of countless students. His family recalled his passion for mentoring students: “Bill liked helping students become successful in their mathematics classes. He was particularly proud of his honors degree students for their work to prepare and present their research projects.” To honor his memory, the family created the Dr. Bill Dulin Memorial Scholarship. Dr. Dulin’s family knew that he wanted to give back to McMurry University as a way to support its continued success.
He felt that McMurry University was special for its collaborative and close-knit culture, where both faculty and students could thrive. According to his family, “Bill admired McMurry for encouraging its faculty in their efforts towards providing a high-quality education, in addition to supporting their research. He appreciated the opportunity to teach for an institution that valued students by providing them with classes in which they could interact with their fellow students and where their professors knew their names and needs.” The award is intended for a student studying mathematics or mathematics education who shows great potential. In 2018, the Dr. Bill Dulin Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Emily Fisher ’20 majoring in mathematics and minoring in general business and sports management. “I’m so grateful to have been chosen as the recipient of the inaugural Dulin Memorial Scholarship,” Emily Emily Fisher ’20 said. “I’m blessed to have the opportunity to attend McMurry and this scholarship helps me, as well as my family. Thank you so much!”
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Consider Rolling Over Your IRA Today! By taking a distribution from your IRA this year, you will likely pay more in taxes and may even be in a higher tax bracket. Rolling over part of you IRA’s “required minimum distribution” or RMD to McMurry University can help to reduce your tax bill while supporting the University. An IRA Charitable rollover gift can benefit both you and McMurry’s mission! Contact your IRA Administrator to get started with you gift. While you will not receive an income tax deduction, you will not pay taxes on any distributions made to McMurry. Please inform us of your plans so we use your gift in a way that means the most to you. Debra Hulse | 325-793-4761 | hulse.debra@mcm.edu
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