Chieftain Spring 2008

SPRING 2008

mcmurry’s newest

MUST-HAVE ACCESSORY THE McMurry University m a g a z i n e f o r a lu m n i & f r i e n d s

Students around McMurry are putting the new MOVE initiative, which puts a laptop in the hands of every incoming freshman, to good use in the classroom.

THE McMurry University m a g a z i n e f o r a lu m n i & f r i e n d s

SPRING 2008 Publisher McMurry University Relations Office Box 938 McM Station Abilene, Texas 79697 Editor-in-Chief Nancy Smith ‘79 Editor Gary Ellison Lori Thornton Alumni Editor Greeley Myers ‘93 Art Director Sheila Kitts ‘01

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We’re Dressing for Success From the President

IMAGINE-Shaping the Future

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Enhancing Academic Achievement

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Developing a Faculty for the 21st Century

Photographers Amber Gilbert Sheila Kitts Jennifer Nichols

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Contributing Writers Gary Ellison Sheila Kitts Greeley Myers Kyle Robarts Nancy Smith Erin Stevens ‘06

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Creating an Ideal Environment for Living and Learning Building on our Strength in Science and Math Athletics Update

Friends & Family

©2007

2007 Distinguished Alumni Class Notes Friends We’ll Miss

See page 30 for photos from Homecoming 2007!

Home

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McMurry PRESIDENT and OFFICERS McMurry PRESIDENT and OFFICERS Dr. John H. Russell Dr. John H. Russell

Lisa Lisa Williams Williams

Dr. Beverly Dr. Beverly Lenoir Lenoir

SteveSteve Crisman Crisman

PRESIDENT PRESIDENT

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Road

Race

PRESIDENT FOR FINANCIAL AFFAIRS VICE VICE PRESIDENT FOR FINANCIAL AFFAIRS

PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS VICE VICE PRESIdenT FOR INSTITUTIONAL PRESIdenT FOR INSTITUTIONAL VICE VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS ADVANCEMENT ADVANCEMENT

Dave Voskuil

Dave Voskuil

VICE PRESIDENT FOR ENROLLMENT VICE MANAGEMENT PRESIDENT FOR ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT

BradBrad Poorman Poorman

PRESIDENT FOR INFORMATION VICE VICE PRESIDENT FOR INFORMATION & & Support SERVICES Support SERVICES

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Dressing for

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Success

n the world of high fashion, style experts agree that wearing the proper accessories “makes the outfit.” When first entering a crowd of people, it is often one’s fashion accessories that attract our attention—a woman’s perfectly matched heels and handbag or a man’s strikingly-contrasted “power” tie.

Often, the small details create a powerful first impression. To the observer, the perfectly accessorized ensemble sends a message that indicates pride in who we are and a sense that we know where we’re going. We exude a self-confidence that others want to emulate. Often underrated, fashion accessories can make the common, unique and the average, extraordinary. The attention to detail in dress enhances one’s best qualities and creates a memorable persona. By the same token, a lack of attention to dress does little to create a lasting impression.

What implications does “dressing for success” have in the world of higher education? Like a basic, unadorned, uninteresting, off-the-rack suit, many universities do not make a lasting impression…as they provide a practical college

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education that culminates in a functional set of skills, often too generic to ensure success in a chosen career. What makes a university unique, highly effective and memorable?

It is the extras, the trimmings, the accessories!

McMurry has established its niche over the years as a small university, rooted in Methodism, dedicated to providing an exceptional education, and committed to creating a sense of belonging among the family of learners who have chosen to call it their home away from home. McMurry recognizes the importance of focusing attention on the “extras” to ensure growth and continued excellence.

Our students face a future that is highly competitive and extremely challenging. The University is embarking on a Capital Campaign designed to provide an educational environment which is technologically stimulating and academically unsurpassed. The Campaign is focused on providing state-of-the-art facilities, recruiting world-class faculty and students, and ensuring a learning environment necessary to prepare exceptional young leaders for success in a rapidly-changing world. Achieving the goals of this campaign will require the involvement of many people—alumni and friends who are visionary and passionate about shaping the future of McMurry for a new generation of learners. Those who have invested in this campaign understand the importance of the “extras,” and they are committed to ensuring that McMurry continues to “put its best foot forward” as the University

nears its centennial celebration in 2023.

As a reminder of the importance of this Campaign, we wear a lapel pin. Just as fashion accessories complete an outfit and send a message, the Shaping the Future lapel pin complements everything we are doing at McMurry University to ensure our Campaign’s success and to send a message that we have pride in who we are and confidence in where we are going. The Shaping the Future lapel pin is the perfect “must-have” accessory for trend-setters who understand that the goals of this Capital Campaign will be a reality only if passionate visionaries give of themselves and their resources to make it happen. Join us in our commitment to Shape the Future and wear your pin proudly. You’re sure to be sporting the latest fashion trend ever introduced by the region’s “best-dressed” university.  Look throughout this issue for quotes from McMurry faculty, staff and administrators telling why they’re proud to wear their “Shaping the Future” campaign pin.

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Dinner Celebration To mark the campaign launch of

“McMurry University-Shaping the Future” Guest Speaker Chuck Fallon ’85 President of Burger King North America Thursday Evening, the Thirteenth of March at Half Past Six O’Clock Abilene Civic Center Annex 1100 North Sixth Street, Abilene, Texas If interested, call (325) 793-4602. Seating is limited.

Not able to join us for the Celebration?

Join us live online at www.mcm.edu/celebration/

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from the president dr. john h. russell

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ou may have noticed a new accessory on the lapels of our faculty, staff, alumni and friends of McMurry University. The new Shaping the Future lapel pin is the visual symbol of our commitment to provide our students, faculty and staff the best higher education experience available as we travel the road to our Centennial in 2023.

This is a pivotal point—a defining moment— in the history of McMurry University. We have repositioned and strengthened our university so that, assuredly, it is better equipped to educate the next generation of young people. But we foresee even greater achievements for our university. While maintaining its core values, McMurry is prepared to thrive and progress in a world that is global, diverse and technological—and in a world that desperately needs teachers, nurses, entrepreneurs, scientists, Christian parents and productive citizens.

McMurry is more than simply a campus of buildings and classrooms, a curriculum, and a community of students and faculty members.

McMurry is all those things and more, because the “experience” at McMurry is what counts!

We are engaged in the learning and development of our students, but students pursue more than an education at McMurry. Students seek an experience, and they evaluate their college careers on the total experience defined by curriculum, a quality faculty, the personalities of fellow students, financial aid and personal service from staff. They will forget the minor disappointments along the way, but they will remember for perhaps a lifetime the experiences they have, the friends they make, their favorite classes, a particular seminar or service-learning opportunity and professors who made a difference. Their experience at McMurry must continue to have at its core a strong academic program, but we must reach a new level of collaborative engagement of “Team McMurry” to develop, refine, reinforce and market their overall experience.

McMurry will celebrate its 100th year in 2023. Each

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of us—alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff, friends and trustees—is invested in our future. Each of us must feel ownership in our vision. What is our vision for this university as it prepares for its second century? A vision inspires and motivates us, and it becomes our calling. It’s what we stand for.

We envision an experience for our students molded

“It is a chance to give something back to the University. As a staff member in the Financial Aid Office, I see that we have students in need of assistance. I am proud to not only be a member of the staff, but also proud to be a McMurry Alum.”

- Johnna Bolden, Assistant Director of Financial Aid

The McMurry University of 2023 will feature non-traditional learning opportunities and collaborative partnerships which will be defined by the following strategies: • Students in cohort groups or communities will live together in residence halls or special living modules and take classes together.

• Our commitment to asynchronous learning modes will be demonstrated through classes available on the internet and mini-term experiences. These non-traditional learning opportunities, along with our mission trips, provide great prototypes for what we hope will become a graduation requirement.

• The integration of wireless tablet personal computers for each of our students, which began in 2007, dramatically enhances opportunities for our creative faculty members to organize and conduct their classes.

• Enriched opportunities for our students will be provided through collaborative programs co-sponsored by the higher education institutions of Abilene, along with partnerships with local school districts. by programming that cultivates leadership, excellence and virtue. We envision an experience shaped by our core values. And we are challenged daily to make this vision and these core values come alive for each student.

• McMurry must also strengthen its relationship with the United Methodist Church and successfully deliver its curricula to an increasingly diverse campus.

mcmurry’s vision statement

• The formation of research centers, especially in science and mathematics, will support and enhance the learning of math and science, both

McMurry University cultivates leadership, excellence and virtue in every student every day.

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“I am proud to wear my Shaping the Future pin because it shows my commitment to making McMurry University a better place to work, learn and grow.” - Debbi Lehr, Special Events Coordinator “A good feeling comes about if we truly believe in a cause and act upon it.” - Craig Roberts, Director of Environmental Services

from the president

at the college level and in high schools and middle schools.

• The development of other centers for undergraduate research will be provided through the McMurry University Research Institute.

With a clear sense of purpose and process, we manifest our willingness to devote full energy and resources to achieving our vision—a vision that is perhaps more aggressive than our traditions have tended to be. We acknowledge a need to attract new resources to make this possible. Our vision will be a dynamic guide for developing, allocating and 6

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managing resources to make our goals a reality.

When McMurry opened on September 20, 1923, no doubt these ideals were vitally important and descriptive of the McMurry experience for our first students: discover, lead, reach, inspire, serve, welcome, achieve, challenge, learn, cultivate. We must ensure that they remain important and descriptive for the students who enroll at McMurry 100 years later, on September 20, 2023.

I hope you will be inspired by our vision, by the stories in this issue of the Chieftain, and by the Shaping the Future Capital Campaign we are embarking upon. We invite you to “wear the pin” with us as we prepare to shape McMurry’s future. 

for more information about the campaign, visit www.shaping.mcm.edu “We live in a rapidly changing and highly competitive world where consumers focus on value. The Capital Campaign will allow McMurry to continue offering a ‘Best Value’ education to our students!”

- Rich Brozovic, Instructor of Computer Science “I’m proud to wear this pin because it shows that I’m proud to be a part of shaping the future here at McMurry.”

- Felicia Paredez, Secretary for the School of Social Sciences and Religion “Count me in for the Capital Campaign. I don’t want to miss the opportunity to help McMurry get the facilities it needs.”

- Bob Gillette, Associate Director of Library Services

McMurry’s Shaping the Future Campaign focuses on four primary areas that reflect the priorities of the University and a balanced campaign. In the following pages, we’ll explore the different areas and how they will enhance the McMurry Experience for our students.

Responding to the national need for graduates in science and math $20 million

Refining the McMurry Experience through facility improvements and construction $17 million

Increasing endowments for merit and need-based scholarships to attract exceptional students $6 million

Creating endowed chairs for recruiting and retaining outstanding faculty members $10 million M c M urr y U niversit y

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enhancing academic achievement

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o reach one’s goal of earning a baccalaureate degree requires a huge commitment of time and resources. College tuition is a substantial investment for most families. McMurry has always offered financial support, and the majority of students who enroll at this institution receive some type of assistance. It is the commitment of the University that exceptional students from all backgrounds should have the opportunity to attend McMurry, regardless of socio-economic status. With the availability of federal and state financial aid, as well as private scholarships, no student should be prohibited from receiving a college degree. Through the Shaping the Future Campaign, McMurry will increase its current endowment by $6 million for academic merit and need-based scholarships to help academically-qualified students attend McMurry. In addition, funds will be utilized to enrich students’ educational experience through travel opportunities and mission trips.

Specifically, the $6 million endowment will be designated as follows: 1) $2.8 million to create endowed scholarships—a commitment to excellence • Scholarships will be designated for the School of Arts and Letters, the School of Business, the School of Social Sciences and Religion, the School of Education and the School of Natural and Computational Sciences • Scholarships will be designated by the President to address evolving opportunities

2) $2.4 million to create endowed need-based scholarships to support student tuition assistance—a commitment to access 3) $800,000 to create endowed scholarships to support mission and interdisciplinary student trips—a commitment to academic achievement beyond the classroom

Weighing all the available options and determining the best “fit” in a college home is often one of the most difficult decisions one will have to make. For Jennifer Wells, the choice between Vanderbilt University and McMurry class of ‘11 University ultimately came down to where she felt most at home. “At McMurry, everyone spoke to me as I walked through campus, professors wanted to get to know me, and the atmosphere was very non-threatening.” She added, “Both schools provide an outstanding education, but without a sense of comfort in my surroundings, I probably would have had a difficult time.” Her choice was McMurry, but without the scholarships that she was awarded here, Jennifer would have had to go elsewhere.

JenniferWells

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“We are excited about the positive energy on campus and want to continue to do our part to support the University.

It is fantastic that both the departments we work in had 100% participation in the Shaping the Future Campaign.

Go McMurry!” - David Chandler, Cross Country/Track Coach and Janet Chandler, Assistant Registrar

Ninety-three percent of McMurry students minor in Criminology. A receive some type of financial aid, often in the form committed student, her of scholarships. According to Jennifer, “In all honesty, career goals are to attend if I had not received a scholarship, I would not be at law school and become McMurry. Vanderbilt offered me a full scholarship for an attorney. Jennifer is my education, and even though McMurry was a better committed to success fit, I would not have been able to afford it.” Jennifer also on the basketball court, added, “The money I received allowed me to have my as well as in the classroom. Jennifer said of her team, choice in my education and my future.”

“Coach Snow and Coach Densman not only know their When Jennifer made her decision to attend game, but they are two of the best people I have ever McMurry, her dad, who had not yet visited the had the privilege to meet. My teammates truly exemplify campus, was apprehensive about her choice. When what it means to be student athletes.”

Jennifer and her parents arrived on campus, there were Jennifer has just completed her first semester and upperclassmen “Tribe Guides” on hand has proven to be a very good student. She to welcome them and help with the “In all honesty, if I had not balanced a hectic basketball schedule and move-in process. Of that experience, a full class load, including several honors received a scholarship, I courses. “The most challenging course Jennifer states, “The day we arrived, my would not be at McMurry. I took last semester was Dr. LeMasters’ dad understood why I chose to come to school at McMurry…it felt Vanderbilt offered me a Honors Introduction to Christianity,” like home.” shared Jennifer. “Dr. LeMasters was a great full scholarship for my Through the Shaping the instructor. He truly wanted his students to education, and even Future Capital Campaign, expand our knowledge and not simply meet we will be able to help more though McMurry was a a general education requirement.” Jennifer students like Jennifer Wells. better fit, I would not have went on to praise some of her professors, The Enhancing Academic saying, “I am very appreciative that the been able to afford it.”

Achievement focus of our McMurry faculty does not just teach for campaign will set aside $6 a paycheck; they really care about their million to raise the current endowment and students and want them to succeed.” increase the University’s capacity to award Jennifer is one of many successful students on more merit and need-based scholarships McMurry’s campus. Despite other responsibilities, for high-achieving and deserving students. difficult situations and financial constraints, these Even with rising education costs, it is the students are committed to completing their education. commitment of McMurry University that Many would not be able to attend McMurry without students never be prohibited from attending scholarships and other forms of financial aid. The Capital because of financial constraints.

Campaign will provide greater opportunities, through Jennifer Wells, like many other merit and need-based scholarships, in order that every McMurry students, needed financial student we attract is able to graduate from the university assistance to attend the college of her of his or her choice, without undue financial burden. choice. Raised in a middle-class family in In continuing to focus on increasing our scholarship San Antonio, Texas, she is the oldest of endowment, we can continue to attract outstanding three children. She is currently a freshman, students like Jennifer Wells—and that is a goal that is majoring in English and Sociology with a worthy of our highest priority and greatest effort.  M c M urr y U niversit y

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McMurry students are already succeeding…

The proof can be found… on the stage of our theatre,

in the halls of Ryan,

I.G.S., a play written by McMurry University senior theatre major Taylor Compton, has been selected by the Texas Educational Theatre Association as one of two winners at the college/university level in the annual TETA Playwriting Competition. The play was performed by a cast of McMurry students in January at the annual TETA Theatrefest Convention in Dallas, where Compton participated in a discussion of the script and was recognized for his work.

Five McMurry University music students attended the Texoma Region National Association of Teachers of Singing Conference and Auditions last semester in Dallas, Texas. Three of the students were named semi-finalists in the competition: Freshman women semi-finalists, Lindsey Williams of Greenville and Cecilia Martinez of Sweetwater. Lindsey Gallegos of Eastland, Texas, was a semi-finalist in the Junior Women category.

in the classrooms of the education building, Tasha Diamond has been named the EDICUT Pre-Service Teacher Award winner. The winner must have been admitted to the Teacher Education Program on his, or her, campus and must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or above. The winner must also demonstrate leadership on campus and in the community. Additionally, the honoree must also provide evidence of personal attributes associated with outstanding character.

and around our track.

Sophomore Carla Lewis and sophomore Ken Wheeler were named 2007 ASC Cross Country Distinguished Scholar-Athletes.

Both men’s and women’s crosscountry teams have a GPA average of over 3.0. The women’s team ranks in the top 20 GPAs in the nation.

Students are earning honors…

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individually,

as well as in teams.

Leonor Javier, a freshman music major, won second place in the Oklahoma Flute Society Collegiate Competition. The finals included a doctoral student, two students working on their masters degrees, two upperclassmen and Leonor.

Student teams from 19 Texas independent colleges and universities competed in a day of lively debates during Ethics Match “Ethics in Business,” a program of the Texas Independent College Foundation (TICF). Students Sarah Gentry, Linda Koenen, Tim Hinson and Chris Wold from McMurry received the second place plaque and a $750 grant.

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“I am happy to support the Capital Campaign because of what McMurry has done for me and meant to me. I want to make a difference in the lives of students and I think the Capital Campaign is one way to achieve that.” - Janet McMurray ’96, Head Athletic Trainer

enhancing academic achievement

They are being honored… for their character,

and their public spirit,

Jennifer Farrer, Tarra Richardson, Jason Owens and Eric Chacon were honored at the 51st Annual Youth Appreciation Reception on Thursday, November 15, 2007, hosted by the Abilene Breakfast Optimists. This event recognized students on the basis of citizenship, character, leadership, scholastic achievement and community service.

Kayla Saunders, psychology major, is a recipient of the Pauline B. Simpson Scholarship awarded by Harmony Family Services. In celebration of the non-profit agency’s 40th anniversary, the Board of Directors founded the scholarship in 2006 to benefit junior and senior university students who are pursuing a career working with at-risk children and families.

and they are going on to do great things.

Jessica Lynn Barnes, senior religion major, has been admitted to the prestigious Princeton Theological Seminary, where only one out of four applicants are admitted.

…with the resources provided by the Shaping the Future Capital Campaign, our students’ opportunities for success will be even greater.

“Education is a good return for your money and McMurry students are a worthy investment.”

- Rachel Atkins, Director of Financial Aid

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Bynum Miers Feature & Endowment Focus with BynumMiers Capital Campaign Co-Chair

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Bynum Miers is an Abilene businessman and philanthropist who has been a member of the McMurry family for many years. A 1959 McMurry alumnus, he is the owner of Miers Cattle Co. and serves on the boards of several major Abilene non-profits and companies. Additionally, he has served as chairman of the McMurry Board of Trustees.

“I am proud to invest in our University, especially our students!

- Lori West, Financial Aid Representative

enhancing academic achievement

“There aren’t many areas in life more worthy of your financial support than the field of education and the spread of knowledge.”

- Bynum Miers

Like many independent four-year universities, McMurry’s budget is currently driven by tuition.

How would a major increase in the permanent endowment affect future tuition decisions?

With a tuition-driven system, every student is not only paying his or her own way, but also is financing our future. As McMurry continues to grow its endowment, it will be less dependent on tuition, thereby benefitting both the current and future students and the University.

In what other ways would McMurry be affected by a strong endowment?

One of the first questions I get from prospective donors is, “How is the University doing financially?” With a very strong endowment, I can answer that McMurry will continue to be stable and sound amidst the economic ups and downs of our national economy. A strong endowment allows us to present a strong case for giving to the University. 

How does a strong endowment result in a better learning environment for our students?

A strong endowment allows us to seek grants and gifts from major corporations and private foundations, as well as individuals. This funding provides the needed tools to keep McMurry sound, provide students with the best possible education and strengthen McMurry’s financial future.

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creating an ideal environment for living and learning

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rue learning takes place through a combination of classroom learning and the practical application of theoretic principles. McMurry University is committed to providing an interdisciplinary educational environment that combines classroom instruction with enrichment experiences, thus providing a laboratory for examining and practicing classroom concepts. McMurry believes that social and cultural interaction and leadership opportunities are additional aspects of learning to be included in the education of the whole person.

Through the Shaping the Future Campaign, McMurry will explore new ways to instill learning, to expand growth opportunities and to ensure excellence in our students—for today and tomorrow.

Achieving this goal will require the funding of seven objectives: 1) $1 million to endow initiatives to enhance spiritual development—through scholarships for the Institute of Discipleship, Academy for Faithful Ministry and cohort religious life groups and programs 2) $7.3 million to support healthy student lifestyles—through the expansion of the Student Wellness Center and improving facilities for intercollegiate and intramural sports 3) $2 million to build a center for leadership, excellence and virtue—to support centers for service, discipleship and leadership 4) $700,000 to develop the McMurry Undergraduate Research Institute (MURI)—to support interdisciplinary undergraduate research opportunities for McMurry students 5) $2 million for additional Radford Auditorium renovations—to provide increased opportunities for student performances, religious celebrations, academic presentations and community events 6) $2.3 million to renovate Bynum Band Hall—to increase use and enhance music learning and performance 7) $1.7 million to construct a welcome center—to provide a warm and receptive area to welcome campus visitors

If you’ve been on campus and have had the opportunity to look into the faces of McMurry students, you may have seen a future doctor walking into the science building or a kindergarten c l a s s o f ‘ 0 9 teacher entering Old Main. When you look into the faces of McMurry students, you see the promise of future leadership. McMurry is a university committed to creating principled and impassioned leaders of tomorrow. The Shaping the Future Capital Campaign’s focus on creating an ideal environment for living and learning provides a very

KelseyHeinrich

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rare opportunity for us as alumni and friends to be involved in leadership development, and in changing the lives of the students who live and learn here every day—students like Kelsey Heinrich.

Currently a junior at McMurry, Kelsey grew up in Carlsbad, New Mexico, and had a very close relationship with her family. Her dad is a veterinarian, and her mom is a hard-working housewife. Kelsey’s older and younger brothers both chose to go to college in Kansas. Her older brother’s decision to go to Kansas State continued a tradition that started with her grandfather and father. But Kelsey felt that a large state school was not the right fit for her. Growing up in the Methodist Church,

“I believe God calls me to minister in many ways. Investing my time and money to shape the future of McMurry is included in that call.” - Dee Ann Curry, Instructor of Communications

Kelsey had heard of McMurry and knew that it was a small school; she applied and was accepted before she had even visited the campus. “After I received my acceptance letter, I went to look at the campus and I remember walking through the quad thinking, ‘This is going to be my home for the next four years.’ It was very calming and peaceful knowing that.” She went on to say, “McMurry is the only place I applied, and it is the only place I needed to apply, because it is definitely where I was supposed to be.”

Kelsey is a member of the Religious Life Council and is a junior class senator for McMurry Student Government; she serves as a Tribe Guide and a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Kelsey is also actively involved with the Campus Activities Board and the Chapel Design Team, and she sings regularly in chapel. Kelsey is well-liked by her classmates and was named sophomore and junior class favorite.

Kelsey plays intramural sports, so she has a stake in the Capital Campaign focus on the addition of the new wellness center and upgrades to the athletic facilities.

“Our Wellness Center is nice,” said Kelsey, “but it is a bit small and sometimes it gets really crowded. Having more space would allow us to have more variety when we work out.” She added, “The new football field has definitely benefited the entire student body, not just football players. And with the addition of the fog lights, it has made it a safer place to “I went to look at the play at night.” Concentrating on providing functional campus and I remember and attractive athletic and walking through the recreational facilities will quad thinking, ‘This is ensure that McMurry is able to attract and retain outstanding going to be my home students like Kelsey. for the next four years.’

Another objective of It was very calming and the Capital Campaign is to peaceful knowing that.” designate funds to enhance the spiritual development of students, focusing on Religious Life activities like retreats, seminary tours and mission trips. Kelsey agrees with the emphasis placed on making these opportunities more readily available. “With additional funding,

mission trips could be more affordable, and scholarships could be given to those students who feel led to go.”

It is clear that Kelsey is a leader on this campus, and McMurry is committed to attracting and developing more young leaders—students who will ‘Shape Our Future.’ When we prepare and retain student leaders like Kelsey Heinrich, we are paving the way and cultivating a new generation of tomorrow’s leaders. 

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developing a faculty for the 21st century

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cMurry has been fortunate in attracting faculty members who possess a passion for the subject matter they teach. An even greater source of pride is the ability of our gifted faculty to be able to impart their subject matter and their passion for learning to the students they teach. They engage students in an intellectual environment, both inside and outside the classroom, and are committed to getting to know their students and developing a personal relationship with them. Cultivating a reputation for having a high-quality faculty is an important factor in any university’s ability to recruit quality students.

McMurry finds itself constantly engaged in the competitive process of recruiting and retaining outstanding faculty members. The Shaping the Future Campaign will create endowed positions, which will help McMurry retain its current faculty leaders and attract new faculty members. Named chairs bring honor to faculty members and to the named benefactors who support the University.

Funding for the recruitment and retention of faculty will be designated as follows: 1) $9 million to create six $1.5 million endowed chairs

• One endowed chair for each of the five academic schools: School of Arts and Letters; School of Business; School of Education; School of Natural and Computational Sciences; and School of Social Sciences and Religion • One at-large endowed chair to be designated by the President to address evolving opportunities

2) $1 million to create a faculty development endowment to support initiatives in teaching and learning

Possessing a passion for teaching in an academic culture that cares about student success is descriptive of the McMurry academic community.

Students are attracted to a faculty member who possesses a passion for teaching that permeates everything he does. When this same professor takes a personal interest in the students, he is a tremendous asset to any university. Dr. John Eric Swenson, Assistant Professor of Psychology, has

Dr. John EricSwenson a s s i s ta n t p r o f e s s o r o f p s yc h o lo g y

a deep passion for teaching and an unconditional love for his students. “What I do in the classroom is only a small part of what my role is on this campus,” he shares. “My real joy comes in seeing

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young men and women grow—not only in knowledge, but in character, and most importantly, in their Christian faith.”

Dr. Swenson received his undergraduate and master’s degrees from Abilene Christian University and his doctorate from The University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee. He worked in private practice in New Braunfels, Texas and served as an adjunct professor at Texas State University before joining the faculty at McMurry University in 2005.

John Eric and his wife, Ronda, have a two-year-old son named John Eric IV and are expecting another baby in August. Dr. Swenson and Ronda are very active in the lives of McMurry students. They lead a Bible study in their home twice a month, and Dr. Swenson is credited with developing a campuswide Prayer Initiative. He helps plan monthly prayer breakfasts, and he collects and edits prayers

“McMurry has done its part in shaping the nation since 1923, and through good management it is in better shape now than ever to transform the future. It’s a product I believe in and is a place where people matter.” - Don Frazier, Professor of History

submitted on the Prayer Initiative website. Beginning next year, Dr. Swenson will serve as the President of the Christian Association for Psychological Studies, a professional organization with over 2,000 members around the world.

Empowering professors like Dr. Swenson to do what they do best is a top priority of the Shaping the Future Capital Campaign. McMurry must rise to the challenge of recruiting and retaining outstanding faculty members.

Attracting more faculty members like Dr. Swenson will give McMurry a competitive edge over other universities. Through the Campaign, endowed faculty positions will ensure that McMurry retains quality faculty and attracts new talent. Students will benefit from accessibility to outstanding faculty members drawn to McMurry through the establishment of endowed faculty chairs. In addition, students will benefit financially. Dr. Swenson states, “The more endowed

chairs you have, the less in faculty salaries you have to pay out of the operating budget on a month-tomonth basis, which means more funding for student scholarships.” Nine million dollars received from the campaign will be used to create six chairs endowed at $1.5 million each. An additional $1 million will be used to create a faculty development endowment scholarship initiative in teaching and learning. According to Dr. Swenson, “In my mind, it brings an element of prestige to a university and the various academic departments within a university. This is appealing to students and their parents.”

Dr. Swenson is one of many faculty members at this University who love what they teach and who express a genuine concern for their students. Many professors share Dr. Swenson’s sentiments when he says, “My favorite part of teaching involves mentoring students.

I love visiting with students outside of the classroom about academics, but more importantly, I enjoy visiting with them about life and their futures. It does not get any better than this!”

Students at McMurry University feel extremely fortunate that Dr. Swenson made the decision to come to Abilene. When observing his interaction with students, you sense a relational exchange that transcends the academic into something more profound.

“In a Christian University, I think it is important to have students think critically about how a Christian worldview relates to what they are learning in the classroom, and in turn, how and what they are learning relates to the world at large. As a faculty member at McMurry, I have an incredible opportunity to shape young people’s lives.” Through the success of the Shaping the Future Campaign, future generations of McMurry students will thrive in a nurturing and challenging academic environment in which Dr. Swenson and his colleagues have felt called to dedicate their lives. 

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building on our strength in science and math

O

ver the past fifty years, McMurry University has earned an outstanding reputation for high acceptance rates of its students into medical, dental and graduate school science programs. Committed faculty have utilized innovative approaches in teaching methodology. Through inquiry-based learning, students become participants, not spectators, in science.

In a highly-technological world where scientific research introduces medical breakthroughs at an accelerated rate, there is a growing national need for college graduates in science and math. Building on McMurry’s strength in this area will propel the University into an elite tier of undergraduate institutions and will prepare students to become national leaders in natural and computational sciences.

Through the Shaping the Future Campaign, $20 million will be invested in designing and building a distinctive academic facility featuring state-of-the art technology in classrooms and laboratories. The architectural design and functionality of structure will make this facility a cornerstone in the recruitment and retention of outstanding science and math faculty and students. It will allow for the diversification of teaching methods and will provide new opportunities for interdisciplinary teaching and student achievement. McMurry’s campaign emphasis in this area will position the University to become a flagship institution in science, math and healthcare-related fields.

In a world where the concepts of science and faith are viewed at times in contradiction with each other, Dr. Richard “Max” Wynn ’80 believes that science and faith reflect each other. In fact, Dr. Wynn states that “discovering truths through science is like praise and adoration for God.” In a Christian university like McMurry, this philosophy makes the role of science a very important component in the mission of higher education. Dr. Wynn continues, “We can understand something about the nature of God in the discovery of truths about nature, and communicating those truths provides hope for the world we live in.”

The complementary nature between science and faith has always been a part of Dr. Wynn’s life. When facing a decision regarding where to attend college, he recognized two important facets of his life—his faith and his desire to understand

Dr. MaxWynn’80

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“I support the McMurry Shaping the Future Campaign because over the past 15 years, I have witnessed many positive changes on the campus in terms of scholarships, improved facilities, faculty opportunities and a stronger financial stance. We have the momentum to continue to move forward, and it is our responsibility to embrace the challenge and continue to support the future of McMurry University.” - Perry Kay Haley-Brown, Dean of the School of Education

“A quality science facility becomes pivotal because it provides students the opportunity to perform research that will ultimately help doctors to understand the cause of certain diseases.” He shares his belief that “building such a facility can propel an institution like McMurry.”

the laws of nature. Because of the outstanding reputation of McMurry’s science department, Wynn chose to attend McMurry. “I was looking for a small place because I did not want to be just a number, but I also wanted a place that offered an outstanding education.”

Soon after arriving at McMurry, Dr. Wynn learned an important lesson about his professors—one that he has carried with him his entire life. “I learned that my professors at McMurry had a vocation, namely their job, and an avocation, an emphasis on Christian service to those around them.” He believes that the blending of academic emphasis and care and concern for others is what makes McMurry a special place. “We encourage our students to become life-long learners, but at the same time, we instill in them an attitude of Servant Leadership.”

An important aspect of the Shaping the Future Campaign is “Building on Strength in Science and Math.” The development of a premier science and math facility will position McMurry to answer the need for more graduates in science and math.

Dr. Wynn believes in the importance of this facility and its potential for positively impacting the future. “Investing in such

an effort will attract more students to the University,” he states, “and those students will be able to contribute to scientific research.”

An example that Wynn points to is the research that will help solve diseases like cancer. “A quality science facility becomes pivotal because it provides students the opportunity to perform research that will ultimately help doctors to understand the cause of certain diseases.” He shares his belief that “building such a facility can propel an institution like McMurry.”

When asked what he would say to alumni about the upcoming Campaign, Wynn states, “there is a place for you.” He encourages all McMurry alumni to remember their experiences as students. “For many of us, who we are and what we have become can be attributed to McMurry,” he states, and he emphasizes the importance of getting involved. “Now we have the opportunity to give back. Collectively, we can do a lot.” Dr. Wynn reminds everyone that even though we might not be able to give a large amount, participation at all levels is necessary for the success of the Shaping the Future Campaign.

He believes that alumni involvement demonstrates a commitment to providing students with access to a quality education, a memorable undergraduate experience and a successful future. 

“Our world view has been turned upside down and inside out, but Jesus’ VISION is still 20/20.

We need to support McMurry as it continues to present that vision to the postmodern world.”

- Dr. Russell Meier, Visiting Professor of Sociology

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Q& A

with

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Dian Owen Stai co-founded Owen Healthcare Inc. with her late husband, Jean Owen. She serves on the board of directors for First Financial Bank of Abilene, First Financial Bankshares Inc., and was named one of Savvy Magazine's Top 60 Businesswomen in 1988, 1989 and 1990. She has also been selected as one of Working Woman’s Top 25 Business Women in America in 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996. She was inducted into the Texas Women's Hall of Fame in 1997 and was named one of the ''Leading Women Entrepreneurs of the World.''

DianStai

Capital Campaign Co-Chair

“I am excited about a new science building that fosters an interdisciplinary environment. The most exciting advances in science today are not happening within the discipline so much as they are happening in the nexus between the disciplines.”

- Alicia Wyatt, Assistant Dean of the School of Natural and Computational Sciences

building on our strength in science and math

“Supporting the campaign is a wise investment—in our young people, in McMurry and in our world.”

- Dian Stai

McMurry has been known for its strong preprofessional programs in the sciences. How would the Shaping the Future campaign enhance this reputation?

In order to enhance McMurry University’s excellent reputation for preparing students to succeed in medical-related careers, we must continue to give our students the best—in equipment and facilities, in teaching excellence and in quality of life on campus. In this age of increasing knowledge and changing technology, McMurry must invest in the future of our students.

The Sciences at McMurry have a long history of professors who are both great teachers and great researchers. How will the addition of a new facility help McMurry continue this tradition?

bring both strong research and teaching skills to their profession. In order to be competitive in the future in attracting the best teachers and researchers available, we at McMurry need to offer strong professional and financial incentives, which this campaign will provide.

What do you see as the future of the Science programs at McMurry?

McMurry’s future in the sciences and mathematics is bright! With the support of alumni and friends who believe in McMurry’s mission to give our students the best opportunities available to succeed in the 21st century, we can ensure that McMurry will continue to have a great reputation for preparing young men and women for futures in the sciences. 

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Campaign Cabinet dian stai Campaign Co-Chair

bynum miers ’59 Campaign Co-Chair

Abilene/Cherry Springs, Texas

Abilene, Texas

ralph j. turner, m.d. ’74 ’76 Alumni Chair Dallas, Texas

holland evans ’59 Leadership Gifts Chair Houston, Texas

bishop dan solomon ’58 Pacesetter Gifts Chair Abilene, Texas

tucker s. bridwell Major Gifts Chair Abilene, Texas

donna dougherty ’78 Communications Co-Chair Abilene, Texas

philip lemasters, ph.d.

Faculty/Staff Chair Abilene, Texas

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morris b. “sam” smith ’66 Chairman of the Board Ft. Worth, Texas

grant g. teaff ’56 Communications Co-Chair Waco, Texas

sara graham ’63 Communications Co-Chair Abilene, Texas

herman lloyd Special Gifts Committee Co-Chair

Abilene, Texas

billye proctor shaw Awareness Committee Chair Abilene, Texas

robert “bobby” miers Prospect Review Committee Chair Abilene, Texas

raymond mcdaniel jr.

Named Gifts & Recognition Committee Chair Abilene, Texas

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For the full athletics update, please visit us on the web at www.mcm.edu/athletics/.

ATHLETICS UPDATE FALL BRIEFS

Football Head Coach Donny Gray and the McMurry football team went 2-8 in Gray’s first year as head coach after spending six seasons as an assistant. McMurry defeated Austin College and Howard Payne in 2007 and saw five defensive players make the all-conference squad. Junior free safety Trey Brown, senior punter Bert Green, and junior linebackers Andrew Wallace and Gene Vogelman were each named to the all-ASC Second Team.

Junior linebacker Joe Alexander made the honorable mention squad.

Dusty Thornhill finished second all-time on career receiving yards (2,298) and touchdown receptions (24).

Volleyball The McMurry Volleyball team made a

remarkable turnaround from 2006 to 2007. Second-year coach Jason McAden was named the ASC West Division Coach of the Year for helping the team make a 13-win swing from 2006 to 2007. McMurry went 19-10 overall and won its first-round match of the ASC Tourney against East Texas Baptist.

Sophomore transfer Terah Brown was named the ASC West Division Player of the Year and Danielle Kelton and Shannon Higgins were each named allconference. Brown became the first McMurry player in school history to earn all-region honors after earning honorable mention all-South Region honors.

Cross Country McMurry’s men and women had another successful cross country season in 2007. Both teams finished in second place at the ASC Championships. Head Coach David Chandler also saw two men earn all-region honors at the NCAA Regional meet in Newport News, Virginia.

Sophomores Ken Wheeler & Brad Mullens each finished in the top 35 at the regional meet to earn the honors for the second-straight season.

Men’s and Women’s Soccer Both soccer programs

had the hard task of putting together teams in a very short time. After a five-month vacancy for the men’s team and a sixth-month gap between women’s coaches, Tim Grove and Stan Levrets were hired to fill the voids for the men’s and women’s teams, respectively.

Grove and the men went 3-9-2 on the season, including a win over Mississippi College at home when the Choctaws were the first-place team in the ASC. Freshman Jesper Sehested was named the ASC Freshman Defensive Player of the Year.

Levrets and the women’s team were winless in 2007 but did record one tie against Schreiner. Jessica Martinez was named academic all-conference.

WINTER UPDATES

Men’s Basketball McMurry’s men started the 20072008 season with a 3-game win streak. However, through the next six games, McMurry couldn’t win its fourth of the season. The six-game skid was the longest losing streak since the 1990-91 season.

The team began to show promise at the start of 2008, beating Concordia-Texas, the second-place team in the ASC West Division, and then beating the No. 4 team in the nation with a win over Mary HardinBaylor on January 19.

For the full athletics update, please visit us on the web at www.mcm.edu/athletics/.

ATHLETICS UPDATE Women’s Basketball The women’s basketball team

began the season ranked No. 11 in the NCAA Division III by D3Hoops.com after its second-straight NCAA Tournament appearance in 2006-2007. The team posted a 13-1 record through a win over Mary Hardin-Baylor and was ranked No. 7 in the nation through January 21.

Head Coach Veronica Snow also began her collegiate head coaching career with the fastest start in McMurry history. Snow was hired in April to replace Sam Nichols, who retired with 199 career wins.

Senior center Tarra Richardson, pictured below, has re-written the McMurry record books, but in 2007-2008 she’s working on breaking ASC career records for scoring, rebounding, games played, games started, field goals made and field goal percentage. She’s on pace to break all the above records in the month of February.

Swimming Head Coach Bev Ball and the McMurry

swim teams continue to swim competitively as an independent team in the NCAA Division III. The men’s and women’s teams enjoyed success in November and December, defeating several NCAA Division II and III schools.

In February, McMurry will compete in a conference meet for NCAA Division III Independents in Elsa, Illinois. Sophomore Craig Osterman is the men’s top swimmer, while junior Marlee Hager, the holder of six individual school records, is the women’s top swimmer.

SPRING PREVIEW

Baseball McMurry could

be looking forward to one of its most exciting seasons in a while. After an average start in 2007, McMurry won 14 of its last 21 games before falling in the ASC Championship game to Texas Lutheran.

In 2008, McMurry returns two all-Americans as seniors—Brent Voorhees and Derek David return as corner infielders. David was honored by D3Baseball. com as an all-American, as well as by the ABCA, while Voorhees was a second-team all-America selection by D3Baseball.com. Voorhees will get a chance to become the ASC’s all-time homerun king in 2008; he trails the ASC record by just three homers.

Golf Both the men’s and women’s golf teams saw national rankings in the teams’ non-traditional seasons in the fall of 2007, and will look to carry momentum into the spring season.

The men are coming off a national tournament appearance in 2007 and will look to make a move nationally again. Head Coach Russ Evans will lead the men, who are looking for their first ASC Championship since 2004, while the women are still looking for their first conference crown in school history.

Tennis The McMurry women’s tennis team’s 2007

season gave the program its first-ever postseason appearance in the ASC. The women, under head coach Mark Hathorn, not only made the tournament but beat LeTourneau in the first round before falling to HardinSimmons.

Track The McMurry track teams are often

considered a threat in the outdoor season, but in 2008 head coach Barbara Crousen also wants to see McMurry make a move in the indoor season. Zach Shew earned all-America honors in the indoor season in 2007; however, Crousen said that several have the opportunity to succeed in indoors in 2008.

Hanneus Ollison, Bert Green, John Mikalik and Chris Kelley will all be back to defend their national title in the 4x100-meter relay after winning it in May. 

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mark your CALENDAR 2008 Capital Campaign Kickoff Celebration March 13

Spring Break March 17 - March 21

Easter Holiday March 21 and 24

Classes Resume March 25

Early Registration March 25 - April 4

Preview March 29

Chanters Concert April 1

Big Event

T.I.P. Sing Song

Summer Session II

Homecoming

April 12

July 7 - August 8

Final Exams

Classes Begin

(no classes on Friday) October 23 - 26

May 5 - 9

July 7

Commencement

Vision Quest

May 10

August 20 - 24

May Term 2008

Residence Halls Open for Freshmen

May 12 - May 30

August 20

Classes Begin

Academic Advisement

May 12

Memorial Day Holiday

August 22

Summer Session I June 2 - July 3

July 4th Holiday

April 5

Registration for Spring Semester begins November 3

Thanksgiving Recess November 26 - 28

Classes Resume Final Examinations

August 22

Fall Semester August 25 - December 12

Fall Convocation

July 4

October 24

December 1

Registration

May 26

Board of Trustees Meetings

December 8-12

Commencement December 13

September 2

Help create scholarship opportunities for our students with a gift to the McMurry Fund!

Yes, I would like to contribute to the success and future of McMurry students through the McMurry Fund!

Please make your check payable to McMurry Fund and send it with this form to Institutional Advancement, McMurry Station Box 938, Abilene, TX 79697. Thank you!

I am making a pledge of $____________ with $___________ to be paid now and the balance to be paid  Annually

 Semi-annually

 Quarterly

To make a gift using a credit card, please visit www.mcm.edu/give/ and click on the Give Online link.

Name _ ________________________________________________________________ Address_ _______________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip___________________________________________________________

Join the other McMurry alumni on MySpace at www.myspace.com/mcmurryalumni/

FRIENDS & FAMILY

Dear Alumni and Friends, Greetings once again from the Office of Alumni Relations. This is a tremendous time to be an alumnus or alumnae of McMurry University, as we are entering into a transformational time in our history with the Shaping the Future Campaign. As you have read through the pages of the Chieftain, the efforts of this capital campaign will positively impact the lives of our students in many different ways.

From increasing student scholarships to endowing faculty chairs and improving our science facilities, our students will receive the benefits of this campaign for years to come.

As an alumnus or alumnae of McMurry, you can be proud of the leadership of our administration, Board of Trustees, Alumni Board of Directors and the Campaign Cabinet, whose efforts have placed McMurry in a position to achieve incredible success.

As exciting as all of this sounds, the true success of this campaign lies with each one of us. So I would like to take this opportunity to encourage you to become involved with our effort. I ask you first to become more involved with your alma mater and take the opportunity to learn about what we are trying to accomplish and where McMurry is headed in the future.

Over the next year there will be many opportunities, wherever you may live, to learn about the Shaping the Future Campaign. We are in the process of organizing alumni volunteers in different regions throughout Texas and the country. With the help of these volunteers, regional events will be held where you will see first-hand

how this campaign will impact the lives of our students.

Once you have the opportunity to learn about what we are going to be able to accomplish, I am confident that you will want to be involved in achieving this goal.

I know many of you may be thinking that most campaigns rely on large gifts to reach its goal. While these types of gifts are necessary, it takes the support of all of our alumni.

The collective gifts of all alumni will make it possible to reach the goals that we have set for this campaign. In previous editions of the Chieftain, I have challenged our alumni to become more involved with McMurry in many different ways, and you have responded!

Over the last two years, attendance at alumni events and Homecoming has increased, and alumni giving to our McMurry Fund has significantly increased during this fiscal year. Thank you for your response and efforts!

I know that McMurry means so much to all of us.

This is an exciting time because this campaign is just the beginning. By being involved in any way that you can, you become part of something truly special—shaping students’ lives. By shaping our future, we will be able to express our pride in what McMurry has meant to us in the past and what it has the potential to be in the future.

Ala Cumba!!

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FRIENDS & FAMILY

McMurry Sundays

Upcoming McMurr y Sundays March 30 - First UMC, Plainview, TX April 13 - St. Paul UMC, Amarillo, TX

Founded by the Northwest Texas and New Mexico Annual Conferences in 1923, McMurry continually strives to maintain and enrich its connection to the United Methodist Church.

The Office of Alumni Relations informs United Methodist churches about McMurry University, encourages support from our United Methodist constituency and furthers the enrollment of United Methodist students. These students who receive a McMurry education are equipped to lead, serve and understand the responsibility of being an educated Christian.

You can help us recruit these students and spread awareness of McMurry by inviting a McMurry representative to visit your church for a McMurry Sunday.

McMurry Sundays are designed to bring students and staff to the local church as aids in the Sunday Worship Service. Representatives from McMurry are available to provide children’s sermons, McMurry Moment, musical specials, scripture readings and provide brochures about our Methodist connection. We would love to schedule a McMurry Sunday at your church! Please contact the Office of Religious Life at (325) 793-4776.

The Office of Alumni Relations celebrated Valentine’s Day with a collection of alumni love stories that bloomed on the McMurry campus. Thank you to everyone who submitted their story and helped make McMurry Merge a success!

“One day while running around the track, I ran up behind her and tugged down on her shorts. They didn’t come down luckily but it sure did scare her. We only knew each other’s name and she didn’t like the fact that I tried to pull her shorts down. She didn’t care for me much after that and the second semester was pretty strained....”

- Excerpt from the story of Michael ’95 and Stacie Abers ’95 Ramage

Want to read more?

To receive a story booklet, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (325) 793-4608 or stevens3@mcm.edu (booklets are limited).

Or, read the stories online at www.mcm.edu/newsite/web/alumni/mcmurry_merge.htm 28

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FRIENDS & FAMILY

2007distinguishedalumni The McMurry University Distinguished Alumni Dinner, held on October 4, 2007 in the Garrison Campus Center, honored long-time Abilene teacher and counselor, Mable Phillips ’34, and Houston businessman, Holland Evans ’66.

Mable Phillips ’34 was born in Andrews, Texas on August 8, 1912. The Phillips family settled in Abilene in 1924 and began a long history with McMurry University. Six of the Phillips’ children attended McMurry and four of them, including Mable, graduated.

After graduating from Abilene High School, Phillips enrolled at McMurry in the fall of 1930. With the assistance of McMurry’s President, Dr. J.W. Hunt, she was enrolled in a government work program and was placed as an employee at McMurry’s Library. By working at the library to pay her tuition, Phillips graduated from McMurry in 1934.

While at McMurry, Phillips was a member of T.I.P. Women’s Social Club and Wah Wahtaysee. She served as the Secretary of McMurry Student Government and was a member of the War Whoop and Totem staff. As a senior, she was selected as Senior Class Favorite and served as a Senior Class officer.

After graduating in 1934, Phillips began a forty-four year career in education, serving in a variety of positions—as

a teacher, librarian and school counselor. She served children in many communities across Texas including Iatan, Rotan, Colorado City, Iraan and Merkel. From 1947 to 1949, Phillips returned to McMurry and served as the Assistant Librarian. She finished her distinguished career as a counselor at Franklin Junior High from 1958 to 1978.

A life-long Methodist, Phillips has been a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Abilene since 1924. She has served the church by teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She has also served as chairperson of many committees, and she currently serves as the Archivist at St. Paul.

Holland Evans ’66 graduated from Richardson High School in 1962.

Interested in playing basketball in college, he was a “walk on” to the McMurry basketball team, playing for Coach

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FRIENDS & FAMILY Kimbrell from 1962 to 1964.

While at McMurry, Evans was also involved with Ko Sari Men’s Social Club, where he served as Counselor in 1966 and as Men’s Intramural Council President in 1966. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from McMurry University in 1966 with a major in marketing.

Evans earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Texas Tech University in 1968 with an emphasis in marketing. He also received a Master of International Management from the Thunderbird School of International Management in Glendale, Arizona, in 1973 with an emphasis in international marketing and German, and specializing in what later became the European Union.

Evans was a Lieutenant in the U. S. Army from 1968 to 1971. After completing Field Artillery Officer Candidate School, he held staff positions in Heidelberg, Germany (Deputy Chief of Staff – Personnel) and Long Binh, Vietnam (Aviation Data Analysis Center).

From 1973 to 1978, he worked as a Trade Specialist with the U. S. Department of Commerce in Oklahoma

City, Oklahoma. In this position he served as an export marketing consultant to exporters throughout the state of Oklahoma and managed a satellite office for this federal agency. Holland and his wife, Floy, moved to Houston in 1979 where he joined the private sector, working for Hydril Company as International Marketing Administrator from 1979 to 1983.

In 1983, Holland and Floy Evans started a familyowned business, Evans and Wood & Co., Inc., in Houston. Evans and Wood is a federally-licensed international freight forwarder, customs broker and logistics company, with offices in Houston, Dallas, and El Paso, Texas, and agents around the world. Holland serves as Chairman and President of the company.

Evans served as a part-time adjunct professor at the Houston business campus of LeTourneau University from 1996 to 2004, teaching the undergraduate International Business class. He has served as a member of the Houston District Export Council from 1980 to 2000 and has been a member of the CEO Roundtable of the Greater Houston Partnership since 1996.

Evans served on the McMurry University Alumni

Distinguished Alumni Recipients Mable Phillips and Holland Evans with Dale Evers, Alumni Association President

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FRIENDS & FAMILY Association Board of Directors from 1990 to 1999, serving as President from 1996 to 1999. He has served on the McMurry University Board of Trustees from 1996 to 1999 and from 2001 to the present. Evans currently serves as First Vice-Chair of the Board and heads both the Buildings and Grounds and Membership and Nominations Committees. 

Know an outstanding alum?

Nominate them for the Distinguished Alumni Award!

Achievement in Profession

Achievement beyond what is normally considered successful in their particular field Service to Community

Service in leadership roles that truly make their communities a better place Service to McMurry

Support the University financially within their means, time serving in various capacities on boards, recruiting efforts, attendance at events, volunteer leadership Service to Church

Active beyond regular attendance, taking on leadership/volunteer roles

If you know a McMurry alum who fits the above criteria, please fill out the form below and send to: McMurry Alumni Association, Box 938 McMurry Station, Abilene, Texas 79697.

Your Name______________________________Phone Number_____________________ Name of Nominee_ ________________________________________________________ Address of Nominee________________________________________________________

Fall08

Please attach an explanation of why you nominated this person for the Distinguished Alumni Award. Please refer to the criteria above when writing your reasons.

Phone Number of Nominee__________________________________________________ M c M urr y Uyou niversit y 31 Thank for your nomination!

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October 23 – 26, 2008 Details and information will be coming soon!

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FRIENDS & FAMILY

Front Row (L-R): John Curry, Glenda Heist Feris, Deenie Chancellor Duncan Back Row (L-R): Larry Roten, Clark Walter, Jerry Duncan, Tom Jordan, Richard Crowell

Front Row (L-R): Elizabeth Johnson Burleson, Opal Longino, Patsy Kirk Edens, Lucille Rucker Chessmore, Juanita Rucker Marshall, Kathryn Gardner Morrison, Helen Johnson Collins Back Row (L-R): Harold Longino, Clifford Howell, Walter Chalcraft, Preston Clark, Bob Curry, Herman Hill, Melba Rucker Boozer, Cyril Stone

Front Row (L-R): Robert Washam, Barbara Wilson Washam, Patsy Bingham Birge, Ernest McGaughey, Joann Killingsworth Hale, Robert Whitis, Billy Carmack, Don Mawson, James Glasscock Middle Row (L-R): Keith Wiseman, Pat Kelley Watkins, Gus Wilson, Mary Marcom Vines, Wendell Hess, Joyce Gound Barnes, Shirley Nobles Jones, Stella Bergen, Lucy Kennedy Temple, Orland Gilbert Back Row (L-R): Weldon Crowley, Bill Houston, Tommy Watkins, Crandall Young, Lee Stephenson, Bud Reynolds, Herschel Roach, Ezra Corley, Bill Temple, Ray Martin and President John Russell 36

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From the Alumni Association Wow! What a wonderful homecoming. The excitement around campus was awesome.

If you were not here, we missed you and hope you will join us for Homecoming 2008, The Village Beckons, when we celebrate McMurry’s 85th birthday. Our Alumni Affairs Committee has been hard at work for this year’s homecoming festivities. In the near future, you will receive e-mails from the Alumni Relations Office regarding events that will occur throughout the weekend, so plan now to join us for a great time rekindling friendships with college friends.

As you have read in this issue of the Chieftain, McMurry is embarking on a $53 million capital campaign. Funds raised through this campaign will be used for renovations to our facilities, construction of new buildings, curricular innovations and new scholarships. The Shaping the Future Campaign is designed for all alumni, whether you are a seasoned financial supporter or a first-time contributor. It is not necessarily the size of the gift—all contributions are important.

When you are contacted in the future, please remember how McMurry helped to shape your future. This is an excellent time to make a financial contribution—we want future McMurry students to enjoy the same quality of education as we did.

Societal changes, technological innovations and global competition have placed huge demands on our University, and if we are to maintain our current level of excellence, we all have to step up to the plate and support the goals of this campaign. Future students deserve it.

As of this writing, over $20 million in gifts have already been contributed to this capital campaign. On March 13, 2008 we will gather at the Abilene Civic Center to celebrate our progress and to invite others—alumni and friends of McMurry—to join us in Shaping the Future. I hope to see you there.

Ala Cumba, Dale Evers ’82 Alumni Association, President

FRIENDS & FAMILY

1952

Jeanne Unrue Lange ’52 currently lives in Marion, Iowa. After graduating from McMurry in 1952, Jeanne taught 2nd grade for two years in Abilene. She married Herbert M. Lange in 1954. Her brother, Duane Unrue, built many buildings on the McMurry campus. Herb and Jeanne moved to Iowa, where he worked as a school psychologist. They have 3 children: Lisa, Kathryn and Kurt. Herb passed away in 2004. She now lives next door to her daughter, Lisa and Glenn Wiltgen, and has seven grandchildren and one great-grandson. Jeanne would love to hear from other alumni.

1962

Mary Sue Nance Henry ’62 turned 100 on October 21, 2007. She graduated from McMurry University in 1962 while teaching full-time in Rule, Texas. At the time, she was caring for her invalid mother and putting her daughter, Ann ’61, through McMurry after her husband, Robert, died in 1959. She has been a member of First Methodist in Rule since 1929. She grew up in Lueders and lived in Rule until 1987 before moving to Amarillo.

1967

Helene Crenshaw Caton ’67 was recently honored as Teacher of the Year in the Moriarty Municipal School District. She and her husband, Bobby, are living in Champaign, Illinois, while their daughter and son-inlaw have post-doctorate positions at the University of Illinois.

Richard Parks ’67 is currently semi-retired after 25 years of teaching in Plainfield, New Jersey, and 5 years as the Chapel Administrator at Princeton University.

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FRIENDS & FAMILY He now lives in San Diego, California, where he is the organist at the Mission Hills United Church of Christ.

1970

Margaret (Peggy) Parrott Aguirre ’70 and husband, Gus, will be living in Australia for the next two years.

He will be an EHS Consultant with Alcan, and Margaret will be an audiologist with the Northern Territory Health Service.

1975

Cliff Gardner ’75 and his wife, Kathye Hardwick Gardner, ex ’75, currently live in Blanco, Texas, where Cliff is the Superintendent of Schools for Blanco ISD. Kathye is an elementary teacher at Rebecca Creek Elementary School.

Judy Griffin Hardy ’75 recently retired after 34 years in education, the last 14 with the TDCJ Windham Division. She now volunteers at her youngest son, Marc’s, elementary school, where he is in the third grade.

1981

Leslie Burrus ’81 and his wife, Carla ’81, have moved to Lubbock, Texas, after seven years in France serving as missionaries at a Christian camp. Les is working in real estate with WestMark Realtors. Their daughter, Laura, 23, is working in Austin. Ashley, 21, is a student at South Plains College. Claire, 16, is attending Lubbock High School. Their long-term goals are to continue short-term mission trips by returning to France and other countries.

1983

Reed Criswell ’83 has won an honorable mention in an international poetry contest affiliated with Writing.com for a poem titled “A Psalm of Anger.” His short story, “Finding the Morning,” will be published in January by a new Web-zine titled The Far Side of Midnight. He works as a multimedia coordinator at Duke University Divinity School.

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1987

Nita Keesee ’87 is currently serving as Northwest Regional Director of TCTM, as Instructional Specialist at Craig Middle School and as a math consultant for Abilene ISD. Mary Lynne Smith Thompson ’87 lives in McPherson, Kansas, where she is enjoying life with her 16-year-old twin sons, Cody and Cade, and husband, Chad. Their family has grown with the marriage of Chad's daughter and the birth of a grandson, Channing. Mary practices as a registered dental hygienist and enjoys consulting in dental offices. She recently achieved an advanced certification from the Academy of Laser Dentistry and writes articles for dental publications.

Becky Williams Moody ’87 received a B.S. in Education and became a Qualified Mental Retardation Professional (QMRP) at Disability Resources, Inc. in Abilene. She is married to Gene Moody and has four children–Andy, Laura, Neeca and Kaitlyn.

1990

Todd McAlister ’90 recently completed a 10-month deployment to Iraq with the U.S. Naval Reserve, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 28. During the mobilization, NMCB 28 constructed, repaired and maintained Forward Operating Bases for the Al Anbar Province of Western Iraq, which benifited the U.S. Marines, the Iraqi Army, Iraqi Police and the local population.

Todd also received the Navy Achievement Medal during his deployment. Todd, Tara, Curran, 14, Grayson, 12, and Emery, 7, live in Leander, Texas, where Todd is the Executive Director of the Texas Air Conditioning Contractors Association. 

FRIENDS & FAMILY 1993

Sarah Ford Wilson ’93 earned her bachelor’s degree in Spanish from McMurry in 1993 and her master’s degree in Spanish from the University of New Mexico in 1996. She moved to Canyon, Texas, in 2000 and began a career teaching in Canyon ISD. While in Canyon, she reconnected and married her high school sweetheart Dr. Brian Wilson, who has his own dental practice there. They proudly announce the birth of their daughter, Madeline Elaine Wilson, who was born July 9, 2007. Sarah feels blessed to be a stay-at-home mom. 

1994

Brandy Gothard ’94 is the new athletic trainer at Lake Travis High School in Austin, Texas. Previously, he was at Waller, Texas, for 10 years. His children, Aspen, 6th grade, Autumn, 4th grade, and Copeland, kindergarten, are all doing well. 

y r r u M Mcin

Paradise Travel with McMur ry Baseball to Hawaii!

1996

Alice Savage Tuckness ’96 and husband, John, are the parents of a son, Jacob Edward, born June 1, 2007. Alice recently resigned as a kindergarten teacher with the Comal School District to stay home with Jacob. She is working out of her home as a Property Manager for Parrot Realty Inc. of Canyon Lake/New Braunfels.

1997

Molly Blackman Morris, ex ’97 reports that a group of former Delta Beta girls got together recently in Fort Worth to catch up with each other. The group, as seen in the adjacent photo, included (L to R) Ginger Looney Morrison `00, Molly Blackmon Morris ex `97, Kasi Read Baudo `98, Angie Powell Bloodworth `99 and Amanda Ham `00. 

Come Join McMurry In Paradise!

Travel with the McMurry Baseball Team as they play in Hawaii in February of 2009. The dates of the trip are February 1116, 2009. Come relax, visit with fellow alumni and cheer on McMurry!

If you are interested please contact Greeley Myers in the Alumni Relations Office at 325-793-4603 or myers.greeley@ mcm.edu. Details of the trip, including the cost, will be made available soon.

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FRIENDS & FAMILY Heidi Syfrett ’97 reports that it is never too late to follow your dreams. Heidi joined the National Guard in February of this year and returned from Basic Training in Fort Jackson, South Carolina. She is a single mother of three children, Daniel, 9, David, 7, and Gabrielle, 3. 

1998

Kiera O’Connor Biery ’98 and her husband, Jason, proudly serve in the U.S. Air Force. They have recently moved to England and are now stationed at RAF Mildenhall.

Darren Riffe ’98 and Emily (Harris) Riffe ’99 welcomed home their son, William Quinn Riffe, on May 2, 2007. He weighed 2 lbs. 11 oz. and was 14.75 in. long. They currently live in Pearland,

Texas, just outside of Houston. 

1999

Kirsten Anderson ’99 is the Academic Advisor at Texas A&M University-Kingsville San Antonio System Center.

Jessica Thompson ’99 graduated with a Ph.D in Higher Education on December 14, 2007.

2000

Andrea Leigh Pobanz ’00 recently accepted the position of Director of Music and Liturgy at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Los Alamos, New Mexico. She regularly performs with area choral ensembles and is in demand as a choral educator in West Texas area schools.

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Gina Vandiver, ex ’00 recently completed the Triple Ironman Triathlon, which consisted of a 7.2 mile swim, a 336 mile bike ride and a 78.6 mile run. Out of 19 starters, she was one of fifteen who finished the race. Gina finished the entire race in 44 hours and 55 minutes, which beat the previous female course record by 7 hours. Kudos to Gina as she was the youngest female to finish the Triple Triathlon in the United States.

2002

Traci Stout Walker ’02 and David ’01 had a baby girl, Tyler Ann Walker, born on July 30, 2007.

2003

Elaine Dispo ’03 received her Master of Arts degree in Communication Systems Management from Angelo State University in 2006 and relocated to San Francisco to join the leadership team at Banana Republic, a division of Gap Inc., where she has been employed since 2000. She will soon return to Texas to put her MA to use by teaching for the Communications and Creative Arts Department at South Texas College in the Rio Grande Valley.

2004

Tiffany Brubaker Bush ’04 and Jason Bush ’03 were married on July 14, 2007.

Staci Pappas ’04 will be getting married to Daniel Patyrak on April 5, 2008.

2005

Roger Nicolas ’05 was accepted into the Texas Game Warden Academy, which began October 1, 2007.

Following the academy, which will last approximately 7 months, Roger will accept an assignment somewhere in the state as a Texas Game Warden.

2006

Jackline Andrews ’06 is currently attending graduate school in Family Psychology at Hardin-Simmons University.

FRIENDS & FAMILY Jason Gazaille ’06 and Andrea Clayton ’07 were married Saturday, December 8, 2007. Jason is a personal banker for First National Bank Sweetwater and Andrea is a teacher with Sweetwater ISD. 

Coyne Flatt ’07 and Sara Vawter Flatt ’07 were married July 21, 2007. Coyne works with Dell Computers and Sara teaches at McGregor Elementary School. 

2007

Frances Arias ’07 works as the Workforce Investment (WIA) Youth Career Consultant for the South Plains Worksource Office in Lubbock, Texas.

She counsels at-risk students between the ages of 14 and 21. She helps students get the training and skills they need for success in the workplace and in specific careers in which they have taken an interest. She also counsels soon-tobe or recent high school graduates regarding steps to take to get into college (i.e. talking to admissions counselors, as well as helping them get financial aid).

Fall08

Name_________________________Maiden Name__________________ Address ______________________________Graduation Year___________

The Alumni Relations Office and your former classmates are always eager to know what you are doing and where you are doing it.

Let us know about your life, your career, your family and other news by sending this form (with a photo!) to: Alumni Relations Office, Box 938 McMurry 41 M c M urr y U niversit y Station, Abilene, Texas 79697.

City ___________________________ State _____ Zip_______________ Phone_________________ Email Address__________________________ Notes of Interest:_ ____________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ M c M urr y U niversit y

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The Official Ring of McMurry University.

“A school ring is a visible symbol of the commitment to undertake and complete a monumental task—recognized by all with whom the graduate comes in contact. In another sense, the school ring is a constant reminder to its wearer of the knowledge, skills and relationships cemented during the university experience.”

- Dr. John H. Russell, McMurry President

The official ring is reserved exclusively for alumni and enrolled students in good standing who have achieved at least 60 credit hours.

For ordering information, visit the Alumni & Friends section at www.mcm.edu, or call 1.866.BALFOUR (1.866.225.3687).

(REF CODE: 3040 (BK06248-16/TX2702)

FRIENDS WE’LL MISS Robert C. Adams ’62 of Snyder, Texas, died September 27, 2007.

Margaret Smith Medley ex ’31 of Abilene, Texas, died August 2, 2007.

Catherine L. Jones Baldridge ’32 of Austin, Texas, died November 1, 2007.

Kristin R. Mitchell ’04 of Abilene, Texas, died December 2, 2007.

Tommye M. Boothe of Abilene, Texas, died October 31, 2007.

Blake Alan Nichols of Midland, Texas, died July 31, 2007.

Clara Brown of Abilene, Texas, died September 25, 2007.

Shane A. Brue ’90 of Big Spring, Texas, died November 10, 2007.

James Caswell of Dallas, Texas, died October 22, 2007.

Geneva R. Davis of Amarillo, Texas, died August 4, 2007.

Joye A. Arey Dyess ’39 of Tampa, Florida, died July 31, 2007.

Mamye Germann of Abilene, Texas, died October 11, 2007.

Betty L. Holle Griffin ’62 of San Antonio, Texas, died September 27, 2007.

Charline Ely Harless ’36 of Bedford, Texas, died August 24, 2007.

John A. Harris ex ’57 of Amarillo, Texas, died September 6, 2007.

Elizabeth Parker Hogsett of Marble Falls, Texas, died August 27, 2007.

Wanda Lou Yarbrough Holland of Lubbock, Texas, died November 26, 2007.

Sara G. Greer Kimble ’62 of Granbury, Texas, died September 14, 2007.

George Leitner, of Abilene, Texas, died November 22, 2007.

Iva Dell Conway Lively of Clyde, Texas, died January 4, 2008.

Gene McGehee ’43 of Manvel, Texas, died December 29, 2007.

Charles H. Mote ’57 of Mineral Wells, Texas, died August 7, 2007.

Margaret Oliver died November 16, 2007.

Jim L. Pierce ’76 of Roswell, New Mexico, died September 6, 2007.

John W. Polk ’53 of Abilene, Texas, died September 12, 2007.

Kent Potts of Clyde, Texas, died November 13, 2007.

Gene Shackelford ’71 of Giddings, Texas, died December 15, 2007.

Mary C. Daniel Stone ex ’46 of Abilene, Texas, died November 12, 2007.

Frances M. Carr Thomas of Abilene, Texas, died December 24, 2007.

Ginger Thornton of Abilene, Texas, died December 25, 2007.

Ruth Wells of Dumas, Texas, died August 15, 2007.

Carol Weyant of Odessa, Texas, died December 19, 2007.

Winston A. Whitt ’87 and Zenaida Miras Whitt of Lubbock, Texas, died October 19, 2007.

Charles W. Wilkinson ’63 of Freeport, Texas, died August 25, 2007.

Ruth M. Wilson ’62 of Abilene, Texas, died January 2007.

Gusolyn Yarbrough ’44 of Abilene, Texas, died August 10, 2007.

Obituaries Clara Brown

Clara Seher Brown of Abilene passed away on Tuesday, September 25, 2007. Mrs. Brown was born March 18, 1914, to Margaret and Jacob Seher of Fresno, California.

Clara and Robert Brown were married on November 11, 1938 in Abilene, Texas. Preceding Clara in death were her husband in February 1994 and her five brothers: Jake, Ray, Edward, Floyd and Walter.

Clara and Bob Brown spent their early years of marriage on the family ranch just north of Tye, Texas.

In 1950, they moved to Abilene where they were active members of St. Paul United Methodist Church. Clara was a long-time member of the Abilene Woman’s Club, Abilene Garden Club and P.E.O. Her heartfelt sense of responsibility and commitment to fully giving herself in

everything she did will always be remembered by those whose lives she touched. Clara loved both travel and the environment, which she endeavored to protect and cherish.

Clara Brown is survived by her daughters, Barbara Miers and husband, Bynum, of Abilene and Nancy Brown of Arroyo Grande, California; as well as grandchildren, Bobby Miers and wife, Sarah, Jay Miers and wife, Kim, and Shannon Miers and wife, Jamie; and great-grandchildren, Robert Miers and wife, Samantha, Jeremy Miers and fiancée, Cindy, Samuel Miers and wife, Chelsea, Alyssa Miers and Landon Miers. She is also survived by a sister, Lillian Seher of Ventura, California; two brothers, Roy Seher and wife, Pat, of Eureka, California, and Clarence Seher and wife, Madge, of Salmon, Idaho; and sister-inM Mc cM M urr urr yy U U niversit niversit yy

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FRIENDS WE’LL MISS law, Mary Ann Seher Doyle of Tacoma, Washington.

Clara and Bob Brown were longtime friends and supporters of McMurry University, the West Texas Rehabilitation Center, Sears Methodist Retirement System, Abilene Garden Club, P.E.O. Noah Project and many other charitable institutions.

George Leitner

George Newton Leitner died November 22, 2007. George was the husband of Tommye Ann Leitner, who currently serves on the McMurry University Board of Trustees.

George was born November 3, 1926 in Arcadia, Florida.

He graduated from the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, in June 1948, and was a fighter pilot in the Korean War, flying 100 missions. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.

George moved to Abilene from Dallas in 1958 to open Abilene’s first NYSE brokerage firm, Schneider, Bernet and Hickman. He retired from Merrill Lynch in July 2000. He married Peggy Winfrey in June 1948 and had four children. He married Tommye Ann Moore in October 1988. He is preceded in death by one daughter, Marian Leitner Schmidt. He is survived by his wife, Tommye Ann; one son, George William Leitner and wife, Pam, of Santa Fe, New Mexico; their children, Nick and Julia; a daughter, Garrie Leitner of East Greenwich, Rhode Island; a daughter, Susan Blume and husband, Arthur, of East Greenwich, Rhode Island; their children, Joshua and Zachary; a step-daughter, Mara Barham and husband, Brett, of Odessa, Texas; their children, Nick, Cooper and Molly; a step-son, Doug Moore and wife, Stormy, of Sunnyvale, Texas.

Mary C. Daniel Stone ex ’46

Mary Corinne Daniel Stone was born on October 25, 1918, to Robert Walter and Clara Olive Barber Daniel in Cisco, Texas, and died Monday, November 12, 2007.

Mary graduated from Abilene High School. She

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married the Rev. Dr. Richard Cyril Stone ’46 whom she met at St. Paul United Methodist Church while they were still students at McMurry College, now McMurry University. While he pursued his education, she settled in to rear a family in a series of parsonages and added to her education as the opportunity came, studying at Texas Western University (now University of Texas at El Paso) and Southern Methodist University.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her four brothers: Paul, Rankin, Charles C. and Judge J. Neil Daniel. Also preceding her were two sisters, Fern, who died in infancy, and Laura Daniel Brashear.

Besides her husband, she is survived by their seven children: Martha Jeanne and husband, Graham Bridges, Elizabeth Ann and husband, Girvin Harkins, Mary Frances and husband, Walter Bains, Richard Cyril Stone Jr. and wife, Carol, Robert Edward and wife, Cynthia, Sarah Margaret (Sally) and husband, Phillip Sneed, Russell David and wife, Sheryl. There are 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and a loved sister-in-law, Frances Hill (Weeze) Daniel.

Hazel Hamilton Weaver ’28

Hazel Hamilton Weaver, age 98, of Lewisville, Texas, died February 5, 2007.

Hazel Hamilton Weaver was born August 30, 1908 in Dexter, New Mexico to the late Ulysses S. and Edith O. (Starr) Hamilton. She attended public schools in Carlsbad, New Mexico, and Abilene, Texas.

She graduated from Abilene High School and received degrees from McMurry College (1928) in Abilene and Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls. In 1930 she and Joe Weaver were married in Abilene, Texas. He preceded her in death on June 29, 1982.

Joe and Hazel had two children: M.J. Jr. and Helen Irene. Helen (Weaver) Elrod died in 1977. After Helen’s death, Joe and Hazel were blessed to raise Glyn Elrod, their grandson.

Hazel was a teacher for 32 years and held positions

FRIENDS WE’LL MISS in Ballinger, Tahoka, Seymour, Cisco, and Olney. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and was very active in several organizations. She was a member of the Music Club, the Beta Sigma Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, the Hamilton Hospital Auxiliary, the Altruistic Club and a teacher of the Bryan-Drum Sunday School Class for many years. After retiring from teaching, she was the church secretary in the Cisco United Methodist Church for two years. Upon returning to Olney, she was assistant secretary of the First United Methodist Church in Olney and in 1982 became secretary, retiring in 1991.

She is survived by one son, Joe Weaver, and wife, Pat, of Hurst, Texas; a grandson, Glyn Elrod, and wife, Cindy, of Lewisville, Texas; four other grandchildren, Rick Weaver, Randy Weaver, Terry Suagee and Penni Penick; eleven great-grandchildren; and five great-great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Allen R. Grove Jr. and Elwood Grove. She is survived by her husband, David Weyant of Odessa; daughters, Janet Weyant of Odessa and Amy Weyant of Fairfax, Virginia; brother, Warren Grove of Odessa; sisters-in-law, Sarah Grove of Odessa, Donna Grove of Alexandria, Pennsylvania, Lori and husband, Rick Maki, of Denver, Colorado, Jane and husband, Rudy Deutschmann, of Boulder, Colorado, and brother-inlaw, Tom Weyant, of Holland Patent, NY. 

Carol Weyant

Carol E. Weyant of Odessa passed away Wednesday, December 19, 2007. Carol was the wife of David Weyant ’70, who is a former member of the McMurry University Board of Trustees and the mother of Amy Weyant ’95, who previously served as Director of Admissions at McMurry University.

She was born on December 2, 1942, in Aitch, Pennsylvania, to Allen R. and Olive Grove. She married David Weyant on December 19, 1964 in Alexandria, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Juniata Valley High School. With her husband, she lived in communities in Pennsylvania including Clearville, Bloomsburg and White Haven. They came to Texas in 1977 and worked at churches in Iraan, Kermit, Odessa, Monahans, Wickett, El Paso as well as Hobbs, New Mexico. She worked for Rye Supply Company in Iraan and for Permian Mack/Bruckner’s Truck Sales and Services in Odessa for 15 years. She was a member of the Dorcas Circle at Highland United Methodist Church, sang in the choir and enjoyed jigsaw puzzles.

CO R R E C T I O N

The McMurry University Alumni Relations Office would like to sincerely apologize to Connie Parmelly Petree ’65. In the Fall 2007 issue of the Chieftain, we incorrectly noted her death. We sincerely apologize to Connie and her family for this error.

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Help us recruit the class of 2012!

Volunteer your time by…

Contacting Students and Encouraging Them to Enroll Attending College Fairs Helping with McMurry Sundays Attending McMurry Preview Days Sharing Your McMurry Experience with Prospective Students Attending McMurry Information Sessions Referring a Student to McMurry Please contact the Office of Admission to volunteer today!

Amy Richardson, Office of Admission richardson.amy@mcm.edu or 1-800-460-2392

Thank you to all these alumni who have given their time to spread the McMurry spirit across Texas!

Cort Arthur Carrie Bierck Lane Boyd Tamra Boyd Adam Burns

Office of University Relations Box 938 McMurry Station Abilene, Texas 79697

Mike Carr Bo Evans Holland Evans Orland Gilbert Bob Gillette

John-Paul Huber Meredith Jacobsen David Johnson K.O. Long Gene Maxwell

Janet May Chris Montoya Sandy Pappas Staci Pappas Derrell Patterson

Bobby Ramage Jennifer Ross Nicole Salerno Travis Smith Jesse Suffield

Jana Vise

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Lubbock, TX Permit No. 49