Texas Techsan July/August 2019

TECHSAN

JULY/AUG 2019

texas

VOLUME 72, NUMBER 04 // THE MAGAZINE FOR TEXAS TECH ALUMNI

J U LY/A U G 2 0 1 2

A Look Inside the National Ranching Heritage Center at Texas Tech University // Official Texas Tech Class Rings Serenaded by Victory Bells // Meant to be a Thespian

Native Texan

Todd Gregory produces high-end vodka using Texas-grown black-eyed peas.

18PERB10010 CW 2018/04

Texas Tech Alumni Association partners exclusively with Liberty Mutual Insurance to help you save up to $782 a year on auto and home insurance.1 You'll also have access to many other benefits.

5 4

AUTO

|

Contact me for your free quote.

Exceptional Service Join thousands of satisfied customers of Liberty Mutual Insurance.2 Whether you're in an accident or just need some advice, know we'll always be on call for you.

Superior Benefits Enjoy a number of superior benefits, such as 24-Hour Claims Assistance, Accident Forgiveness,3 Roadside Assistance,4 and Better Car Replacement.TM5

HOME

|

RENTERS

|

UMBRELLA

|

First Name For your free quote, Last Name call 1-888-828-4694 orTitle visit

Address 1 Address 2 LibertyMutual.com/TexasTech.

City, State Zip (P) Phone Email Address Client #5811 Client #5811 License # [Add number here if in CA or MN; If not, DELETE ALL TEXT]

MOTORCYCLE

|

CONDO

|

WATERCRAFT

Average combined annual savings based on countrywide survey of new customers from 1/1/15 to 1/29/16 who reported their prior insurers' premiums when they switched to Liberty Mutual. Savings comparison does not apply in MA. 2Based on Liberty Mutual Insurance Company's 2014 Customer Satisfaction Survey in which more than 81% of policyholders reported their interaction with Liberty Mutual service representatives to be “among the best experiences" and “better than average." 3Accident Forgiveness not available in CA. Terms and conditions apply. 4Coverage is provided on the optional Towing & Labor coverage endorsement. Applies to mechanical breakdowns and disablements only, and may be subject to limits. 5Optional coverage in some states; availability varies by state. Eligibility rules apply. Coverage provided and underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance and its affiliates. 175 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116. 2018 Liberty Mutual Insurance 18PERB10010 CW 2018/04 This organization receives financial support for offering this auto and home benefits program.

1

Burkhart Center Launches Mobile Outreach Clinic for Autism

Jennifer Hamrick

Assistant Professor, Department of Educational Psychology and Leadership

The Burkhart Center for Autism Education and Research is launching a mobile autism clinic to bring assistance to underserved, rural communities in West Texas. Board certified behavior analyst Jennifer Hamrick will travel throughout West Texas to meet with families who do not have the means to access much-needed resources for their children with autism. She, along with members of her team, will determine their individual need and let them know the Burkhart Center is a resource they can use no matter their location.

12

A LOOK INSIDE THE NATIONAL RANCHING HERITAGE CENTER AT TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY The past is brought to life on the Texas Tech campus through the NRHC’s outdoor museum of historic ranch structures and indoor exhibits.

DEPARTMENTS

20

23

30

A new element has been added to the tradition surrounding the Official Texas Tech ring ceremony.

Todd Gregory went from international banking to distilling top-notch vodka with his Fort Worth-based company, BLK EYE Vodka.

Brad Leland ’81 has had a varied and exciting career in theatre and on the screen since his time as a student.

OFFICIAL TEXAS TECH CLASS RINGS SERENADED

BY VICTORY BELLS

NATIVE TEXAN

THINKING BIG 6 // THROUGH THE ARCHES 8 // SPORTS 36 // ASSOCIATION NEWS 40 // ALUMNI NEWS 42 // STUDENT SPOTLIGHT 56

MEANT TO BE A THESPIAN

TECHSAN texas

VOLUME 72 , NUMBER 04

J U LY/A U G 2 0 1 2

photo on cover by Jeremy Enlow/Steel Shutter // TODD GREGORY SHOWS OFF A TEXAS WORK OF ART AT HIS BLK EYE VODKA DISTILLERY IN FORT WORTH. photo on these two pages by Wyman Meinzer // SANDFIGHTER.

letters VOLUME 72, NUMBER 03

About an Open Letter

MAGAZINE STAF F

Hi, Curt, my name is Jack Schneider. I received my Ph.D. in English from Tech in 1977. After reading your letter to Coach Beard in the TECHSAN and noting your reference to your English professor father, I’m thinking that you may have been fortunate enough to be Tom Langford’s son. If that is indeed the case let me know because I’d like to tell you how wonderful I think your dad was. By the way, nice article and congratulations on your position. Beard is special, and I’m happy that we’ll be able to keep him for a while at least.

Regards, J Schneider

Publisher, Curt Langford ’90, ’97 Editor, Jean Ann Bowman Cantore ’84, ’87 Associate Editor, Jennifer Bell Ritz ’94, ’95 Intern, Maeley Herring

DESIGN Amanda Sneed ’07 Hartsfield Design, Lubbock, Texas

ADVERTISING Kristina W. Butler ’04, ’18, Vice President for Marketing Texas Tech Alumni Association 17th & University/P.O. Box 45001 Lubbock, Texas 79409 Phone: 806.834.1218 Email: kristina.w.butler@ttu.edu

P RINTER

Get a first-glimpse of the next magazine before it hits mailboxes Interact with Techsan editors and other alumni

like us on Facebook!

Texas Techsan magazine

Behind the scenes look at some of the features

AL UMNI ASSOC IATION EX EC UTIVE BOA RD Barry Street ’79, Kress (Chair) John W. Redmon ’71, The Woodlands (Past Chair) Bill Brown ’74, ’76, Austin (Chair Elect) Mike Gayler ’81, Fort Worth (Endowment Trust Board & Alumni Finance Chair) Curt Langford ’90, ’97, Lubbock (President & CEO) David Y. Low ’87, ’03, Lubbock (CFO)

C

BOARD OF DIREC TORS

M

Allison Sandefur, Student Alumni Representative Liz Bates ’90, San Angelo Mandy A. Carr-Johnson, Ph.D. ’94, ’95, ’99, Highlands Ranch, Colo.

Chris Chapman ’94, Irving R. Heath Cheek ’03, Dallas Missi Currier, Ph.D. ’08, ’09, ’16, Carlsbad, New Mexico Randy Golden ’77, Dallas ReBecca Heidelberg ’00, Midland Staci Hernandez, M.D. ’99, ’03, Georgetown Carey Hobbs ’58, Waco (Athletic Council Representative) Tom Hutton, M.D., Ph.D. ’68, Fredericksburg Travis Isom ’10, Lubbock Chris Jones ’68, ’74, Lubbock Mark Jones ’79, Brady David King ’74, Tyler Leah McCoy ’04, Washington, D.C. Amy Gunter McLane ’97, Salado David A. Miller ’71, Horseshoe Bay Nathan P. Nash ’05, Dallas T. Kevin Nelson ’92, ’96, Amarillo Vicki Vannoy Nixon ’73, Lubbock Rebecca Ramirez ’01, ’05, Lubbock Rhonda L. Rhodes ’88, Englewood, Colorado John C. Sims ’65, Lubbock (Legal Counsel) Russell Webb ’91, Flower Mound Morris E. Wilkes, ’75, Lubbock Tyler Young ’06, ’11, Lubbock

Your child can continue your Texas Tech legacy.

The Red Raider tradition doesn’t have to end with you.

TTU K-12 provides flexible full-time and part-time academic solutions to help your child achieve their goals, including competitive scholarships to Texas Tech University.

“What stood out to me about the curriculum is that it is so robust. There is no question she is getting an awesome education.”

Texas Techsan is the official publication of the Texas Tech Alumni Association and Texas Tech University. The Texas Techsan (USPS #021-676) is published bimonthly and mailed to members of the Texas Tech Alumni Association. Editorial and advertising offices: McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center, 17th & University/ P.O. Box 45001, Lubbock, TX 79409-5001.

Telephone (806) 742-3641; fax (806) 742-0283; e-mail jean.ann.cantore@ttu.edu. Periodical postage paid at Lubbock, Texas, and additional offices. Send alumni news information to jennifer.ritz@ttu.edu. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Texas Techsan Magazine, P.O. Box 45001, Lubbock, TX 79409-5001 or by email to paige.m.kohout@ttu.edu.

- Kelly Seal-Nyman, Texas Tech alumna and mom to TTU K-12 student Tenlee

Learn more at k12.ttu.edu/techsan (800) 692-6877 | ttuk12@ttu.edu

Craftsman Printers, Ltd., Lubbock, Texas Published by Texas Tech Alumni Association

@TexasTechK12

We welcome story ideas in writing. We do not accept unsolicited manuscripts.

©2019 4

///

TECHSAN

texastechalumni.org

www.TexasTechAlumni.org

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

thinking big ULLEN K AT IE F

CU RT LAN G FOR D, PR ESI DE NT & CEO

Every Red Raider Has a Story IT WAS PUB L I S HED more than a decade ago, but Seth Godin’s “All Marketers Tell Stories” is every bit as relevant today as when it first hit the shelves.

Godin’s wisdom has cultivated a national following with other writings such as “Tribes,” “Linchpin,” “The Dip” and a daily marketing blog that provides continual, valuable perspective.

“Consumers believe stories,” Godin writes.

“Without this belief, there is no marketing. A marketer can spend plenty on promoting a product, but unless consumers are actively engaged in believing the story, nothing happens...The only way your idea will spread is if you tell the truth. And you are telling the truth when you live the story you are telling– when it’s authentic.”

This story sentiment is not unique to Godin as many other popular authors have written similar books on the subject, including Simon Sinek, Malcolm Gladwell and Guy Kawasaki. The story theme applies to our mission at the Texas Tech Alumni Association. Members are our consumers actively engaged as believers of the Texas Tech story. This publication is committed to telling the truth about Texas Tech, and living this truth through the university’s stories and those of our graduates.

Graduates investing in a Texas Tech ring are wearing their Red Raider story wherever they go. We value our relationship with those who believe what we believe, and we strive to be authentic without having to say so.

When I moved into the CEO office, the walls were full of holes from all the certificates, awards and plaques Dr. Bill Dean had amassed over his prestigious 40-year tenure, so it was time to repaint.

Though we chose to stay with the same color for three of the walls, I elected to paint one wall red and stenciled on it the thought “Every Red Raider Has A Story.” It’s a personal reminder the Texas Tech Alumni Association exists to connect, inspire and love” our Red Raider Family...that we envision our members living their legacies of pride, loyalty and tradition...and that we support our university, build relationships and foster growth.

How do we do this? Too many ways to document in this column, but a couple to note include support for the Office of Admissions’ spring Raider Roadshows and Summer Showcase. Raider Roadshow is a highly effective recruiting/onboarding strategy where the Texas Tech story is taken and told to emerging high school grads and community college transfer students in Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, El Paso, Houston, McAllen and San Antonio.

6

///

TECHSAN

texastechalumni.org

Raider Road Show welcome event at the Westin Galleria Hotel in Dallas.

A record number of students participated this year helping to strengthen Texas Tech’s overall enrollment. Attending several of these shows alongside local alumni chapter volunteers made me want to enroll at Tech all over again! I encourage our readers in these regions to experience one of these events in person, as it will help you relive your time on campus and stoke your pride in Texas Tech. Many alumni parents attend with their son or daughter interested in becoming second-gen and third-gen Red Raiders.

Additionally, TTAA membership helps support Summer Showcase, where our admissions team hosts high school and community college academic counselors from every region in Texas and throughout the country to develop a better understanding and appreciation of Texas Tech—most who have never been to Lubbock before. These advisers become advocates and spreading the word about the opportunities prospective students have at our university. The combined reach of potential students through Summer Showcase is estimated at two million. Raider Road Show and Summer Showcase are two highly effective programs your membership assists the university with, above and beyond the academic scholarships we provide.

TTAA ANNOUNCES NEW MEMBERSHIP STRUCTURE

We’re a growing organization with a purpose, grateful for our members and the annual support they provide at all levels. As we approach our Centennial, the Alumni Association’s $100 Century level is now our foundation for membership, with those graduating in the last five years still able to join at our $50 Young Alumni level. While we welcome gifts of any amount, we’re challenging our existing $50 Loyalty level members to elevate their giving to the Century level or higher. Renewing jointly still offers your spouse a complimentary membership, and monthly installments may be applied.

While some may ask about the tangible benefits of membership, or “what they get out of the deal,” belonging to an alumni association is not a product for sale. It’s an investment in a relationship with those who choose to contribute to a story they believe in. The relationship is symbiotic, but it’s up to us to amplify our story in such a way that draws more Texas Tech believers to our cause. There are perks to membership, such as receiving this publication, but the primary benefit of belonging is being a part of a story bigger than ourselves—that being the school we love and believe in.

There are fewer than 30 fully independent, self-governing alumni associations in the country, and your TTAA is one of them. We’re in rare company

and compare favorably with our alumni peers. Being independent of the university has advantages, as every dollar we generate for Texas Tech didn’t cost Texas Tech a dollar to generate.

That said, my directive is to strengthen our support through increased membership and revenue. Because you are reading this as an engaged contributor, you belong to a core of believers helping us help our alma mater. Your sustained membership leads to stronger retention and thus a stronger association of graduates, of all ages, generously giving back.

Our last issue included the TTAA Annual Report documenting our combined achievements. This association tells the Texas Tech story and the stories of our graduates. We will continue to tell these stories to spread the good word and to bear our banners far and wide. We couldn’t do this without members such as you being a part of the bigger story.

TTU SYSTEM EXPANDS WITH VET SCHOOL APPROVAL

On June 4, I attended the Quarterly Business Briefing in the Metroplex hosted by the TTAA Dallas Chapter. This event has been taking place for more than 10 years now and is very popular with our Dallas-area alumni. A powerful message was delivered by Chancellor Tedd Mitchell on the heels of the latest legislative session. Mitchell stressed to the group that Texas Tech is a much different university than it was just one year ago, stating that this last legislative session in Austin was the most consequential for our university in the past 50 years. This dates back to 1969 when the Texas State Legislature formally voted Texas Technological College to Texas Tech University and the establishment of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.

Today, our expanding TTU System continues to make strides with legislative support for the much-heralded TTU School of Veterinarian Medicine. Gov. Gregg Abbott’s pending signature of House Bill 1 represents a major achievement in response to the needs of our state and nation with an innovative program to address the critical shortage of veterinarians and to increase access to affordable education in Texas.

Because of the combined efforts of our university leadership, elected representatives and strategic advocacy by our alumni, plans are now underway to admit the inaugural TTUVetMed class in fall 2021. Texas Tech University President Lawrence Schovanec and Chancellor Mitchell will be submitting a combined university system update to our members in the next Texas Techsan.

RED RAIDERS SPRING FORWARD WITH SUCCESS

Texas Tech continued to enjoy its most successful spring season of sports on the heels of the school’s first-ever Final Four and National Championship appearance in March. The women’s softball team coached by Adrian Gregory experienced one of their best seasons on record and Wes Kittley’s men’s track team captured the Outdoor National Championship with record performances in Austin. Texas Tech is only the second Big 12 school to claim a national title in track and field. And at press time, Tim Tadlock’s baseball team hosted its nationally leading fourthstraight NCAA Regional and back-to-back Super Regional, capped off with a come-from-behind, series-winning victory over conference rival Oklahoma State. The win secured Texas

Brent Rice ’89 attended the Raider Road Show in Dallas along with his son, Garrison, who will be a second-gen Red Raider.

Texas Tech University Regent and former TTAA National Board Member Ginger Kerrick spoke at the El Paso Raider Road Show. An El Paso native and NASA Flight director, Kerrick told the story of her time at Texas Tech and how it paved the way for her personal and professional success. At the event, she posed with Raider Red and her friend Sam Davis.

Tech’s fourth overall and second-straight trip to the College World Series in Omaha over the last six years.

PASSING OF JUNIOR ARTERBURN

I was sad to learn in May that Junior Arterburn had passed away at 89. Those who knew Junior know how big a heart he had for Texas Tech and for all those he and his surviving wife, Joyce, served throughout the years. Junior quarterbacked the Red Raiders to our first Border Conference championship and bowl victory in 1951. His 622 yards passing that year were among the school’s highest for 25 years. He and Joyce are the only couple to have been inducted into the Texas Tech Hall of Honor. In later years, Junior worked in undergraduate recruitment and admissions and eventually retired as director of Graduate Admissions.

J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 19

///

7

through the arches COM PI LE D BY MAE LEY H E R R I N G AN D J E N N I FE R R ITZ

PEOPLE THE 58TH MASKED RIDER WAS UNVEILED AT THE TRANSFER OF REINS CEREMONY APRIL 19. LYNDI STARR , the 57th Masked Rider from Mount Vernon, Texas, and senior studying agricultural communications passed the title to EMILY BRODBECK . Brodbeck is a graduate student in the College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources majoring in Wildlife, Aquatic and Wildlands Science and Management. She has been riding horses and competing as an equestrian since the age of five, earning 15 American Quarter Horse Association all-around titles. During her time at Texas Tech, Brodbeck has been involved with the Texas Tech Equestrian Team, Red Raider 4-H Club and Texas Quarter Horse Youth Association. She previously served as a Masked Rider assistant and Field Safety Team member, and she currently works as the on-site resident at the Texas Tech Equestrian Center and volunteers as a teaching assistant for horsemanship courses. Starr made a record number of 323 appearances, greatly surpassing the next highest number of appearances set by previous riders. Brodbeck has big boots to fill as she starts her journey as the 201920 Masked Rider.

Masked Rider Emily Brodbeck.

OUTGOING RAIDER REDS JOHN BROWN AND LANCE LEBRON WERE REVEALED AT THE ANNUAL PASSING OF THE GUNS CEREMONY APRIL 19. The two Saddle Tramps and their assistants attended 570 on- and off-campus appearances, including sporting events and visits to schools, fundraisers and celebratory events. Brown is an industrial engineering major from Melissa, Texas. Lebron is a Restaurant, Hotel & Institutional Management major from New Braunfels, Texas. The Raider Red mascot was created in the 1970s after the Southwest Conference passed a rule prohibiting live animal mascots from attending out-of-town games. Raider Red now represents the university at out-of-town sporting events.

Lance Lebron, left, and John Brown, right.

8

///

TECHSAN

texastechalumni.org

TEXAS GOV. GREG ABBOTT APPOINTED THREE NEW MEMBERS TO THE TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY SYSTEM BOARD OF REGENTS: GINGER KERRICK, MARK GRIFFIN AND DUSTY WOMBLE. The new regents’ terms are set to expire on Jan. 31, 2025.

Kerrick, from Webster, Texas, is a flight integration division chief for NASA. She is a member of the Society of Women Engineers, volunteer coordinator for Triumphant Tails, Inc. and is the annual emcee for the Galveston Polar Plunge benefitting Special Olympics. Griffin, from Lubbock, is the president and member of the general counsel of The Griffin Companies and Pro Petroleum Inc. He is a member of the Texas Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors, State Bar of Texas and Lubbock County Bar Association, director of the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance, and former director at Plains Capital Bank. Womble, from Lubbock, is a board member and former executive vice president of Tyler Technologies. He currently manages multiple private businesses and real estate, and he is a member of the Rawls Business School Advisory Board, the Texas Tech Foundation Board and its Executive Board. The three appointees replace Tim Lancaster, John Esparza and Rick Francis.

NEWS

From left, Griffin ’79, Kerrick ’91, ’93 and Womble ’81 were sworn in May 16 by Board of Regents Vice Chair J. Michael Lewis.

TEXAS TECH’S HUMANITIES CENTER WELCOMED RENOWNED ACTOR B.D. WONG AS A PART OF THEIR 2018-19 THEMED EVENT SERIES TITLED PLAY. The events include a guest lecture series, an interactive kiosk exhibit, a museum exhibit, a film series, a reading colloquium, visiting scholars and an interdisciplinary conference. BD Wong, from TV’s “Law & Order: SVU” and HBO’s “OZ,” spoke about “Play(ing) as Serious Work” and his success as an actor on April 13 at LHUCA’s Firehouse Theater. This was a free event that welcomed the public to attend and support.

NEAL HINKLE

Actor B.D. Wong

From left are Abigail Swingen (board member), Allison Whitney (interim co-director), B.D. Wong, Michael Borshuk (interim co-director), Emily Skidmore (board member), Kent Wilkinson (board member)

J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 19

///

9

through the arches

AUTUMN ARTHUR

TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY CELEBRATED ARBOR DAY WITH AN ANNUAL EVENT HOSTED BY STUDENT UNION & ACTIVITIES ON APRIL 26. The Arbor Day event provided Tech students, faculty and staff the opportunity to work together to beautify the campus, build a sense of community and receive recognition by planting plants around campus. The event also featured live music, free food and shirts to those who participated. This tradition started in 1937 when Texas Tech President Bradford Knapp dedicated one day every spring to beautify the campus and involve the people that make up the Tech community.

Because funds were mostly used toward the buildings, Knapp wanted to increase the appeal of the landscape surrounding these buildings. On the first day of this annual event, 20,000 trees were planted.

Students prepare the ground for planting shrubs.

KATIE FULLEN

ERIKA CHEVEZ

Student Alumni Board students working Pot-a-Plant activity at Arbor Day.

Student Alumni Board students plant geraniums.

10

///

TECHSAN

texastechalumni.org

UNITED SUPERMARKETS WAS RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR $1 MILLION CONTRIBUTION TO THE TEXAS TECH SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. Texas Tech University System Chancellor and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center President Tedd L. Mitchell, M.D., and other officials celebrated the grocery chain’s support of the veterinary education initiative at an official ceremony on March 29. United recognizes the role the vet school will play in ensuring the health of the industry through its efforts to improve veterinary care across the country.

The financial gift supports the construction and development of the building and provides student scholarships.

BRIEFLY NEAL HINKLE

TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY AND SOUTH PLAINS COLLEGE SIGNED AN AGREEMENT THAT WILL PROVIDE A CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT AND ALTERNATE ADMISSIONS PROGRAM FOR THOSE WHO WERE NOT INITIALLY ACCEPTED INTO TEXAS TECH. The memorandum of understanding, formerly known as the “Texan to Red Raider” program, will provide students alternative pathways that guarantee admission to Texas Tech upon successful completion of program requirements. In the Texan to Red Raider program, students take 12-15 credit hours at Tech while simultaneously taking 39-42 credit hours at SPC. Participating students also receive privileges at Tech including athletic event tickets and access to the university’s Robert H. Ewalt Student Recreation Center.

The Texas Tech Alumni Association honored seven faculty members with the New Faculty Award at the Faculty Honors Convocation April 17.

Top, from left, are Jesse Jou, assistant professor, Department of Theatre & Dance, J.T. & Margaret Talkington College of Visual & Performing Arts; Michael Guillemette, Ph.D., assistant professor, Department of Personal Financial Planning, College of Human Sciences; and Grant M. Tinsley, Ph.D., assistant professor, Department of Kinesiology & Sport Management, College of Arts & Sciences.

Bottom, from left, are Kristine Stiphany, Ph.D., assistant professor, College of Architecture; Sheima J. Khatib, Ph.D., assistant professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering; Curt Langford, president and CEO, Texas Tech Alumni Association; and Jon McNaughtan, Ph.D., assistant professor, Department of Educational Psychology and Leadership, College of Education.

Not pictured is Sasha Protopopova, Ph.D., assistant professor, Department of Animal & Food Sciences, College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources.

SAM DANIELS

Texas Tech alumna Susan Graham, a worldrenowned mezzo-soprano whose numerous honors include a Grammy, Musical America’s vocalist of the year and an Opera News award, seated, center, was honored with a brunch at the home of Jerry & Susie J. Wilson, D.M.A., in Dallas on April 6. Attending the brunch were Noel Zahler, D.M.A., dean of the J.T. & Margaret Talkington College of Visual & Performing Arts, and members of the college’s Dean’s National Council of Advisors, along with their friends and spouses.

The previous evening, Graham headlined a concert at the Myerson Symphony Center in Dallas to benefit the Talkington College of Visual & Performing Arts School of Music Building Fund.

Graham performed a variety of selections with the Texas Tech University Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Maestro Philip Mann.

J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 19

///

11

J.J. GIBSON MEMORIAL PARK THE J.J. GIBSON MEMORIAL PARK, NAMED IN HONOR OF THE MEMORY OF LONGTIME 6666 RANCH MANAGER, IS LOCATED IN FRONT OF THE DEVITT-MALLET MUSEUM BUILDING AT THE NATIONAL RANCHING HERITAGE CENTER. THE EIGHTEEN LIFESIZED LONGHORN STEERS WERE PLACED TO REPRESENT THE OPENRANGE ERA OF THE WEST. EACH STEER CARRIES THE BRAND OF ITS DONOR AND WERE DEDICATED TO THE NRHC ON SEPT. 19, 2003.

12

///

TECHSAN

texastechalumni.org

NATIONAL RANCHING H E R I TA G E C E N T E R AT T E X A S T E C H U N I V E R S I T Y

BY MAELEY HERRING PHOTOS BY JOHN WEAST

J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 19

///

13

The National Ranching Heritage Center has easily become one of the most iconic and legendary establishments in Lubbock, Texas. Covering 19 acres of the Texas Tech campus, the museum restores and preserves the history of ranching heritage spanning through many regions of Texas. The center chronologically walks visitors through historic structures from ranches all across Texas, ranging from the late 1700s to the mid-1900s. Each structure tells an incredible, unique story— housing the memories, the trials and the traditions that each family has encountered throughout history.

Grover E. Murray, Ph.D., Texas Tech president from 1966-1976, was instrumental to the establishment of the NRHC, as well as a key part of many initiatives for the university as a whole. Murray was inspired by an outdoor museum he visited in Norway, sparking an idea to create a place that captured the same feelings of history and heritage in ranching. From that moment forward, he sought the idea of building an entire outdoor piece that really focused on semi-arid lands, the bulk of Texas Tech and Lubbock’s surrounding ecosystem.

Murray joined forces with William Curry Holden, Ph.D., history professor and a mover and shaker on campus who started the Texas Tech museum and initiated many great things for Texas Tech. Together, they reached out to the largest, most influential individuals within the area’s ranching industry. They formed a committee with the mindset of building what they called a ranch headquarters. However, once word spread about this group’s endeavors, there was a tremendous amount of interest and support.

Ranchers and landowners from many different areas offered structures from their ranches to be preserved. In order to keep the history diverse and nonrepetitive, the committee came up with a strategy to select structures that represented different time periods throughout history. They created a timeline, starting in the 1700s and eventually moving to modern times.

14

///

TECHSAN

texastechalumni.org

EL CAPOTE CABIN (1838) EL CAPOTE WAS CONSTRUCTED IN 1838 DURING THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS AND WAS LOCATED EAST OF SEGUIN, TEXAS, NEAR THE GUADALUPE RIVER. THE STRUCTURE WAS DEDICATED TO THE NRHC ON OCT. 26, 1975, AND WAS DONATED BY GILBERT M. DENMAN JR. REPRESENTING THE ARCHITECTURE OF EARLY FRONTIER CABINS, EL CAPOTE SEQUESTERS THE MANY MEMORIES AND HARD TIMES OF THE FAMILY WHO RESIDED THERE.

6666 BARN (1908) THE 6666 BARN WAS BUILT IN 1908 IN GUTHRIE, TEXAS, BY ONE OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL AND PROMINENT CATTLE RANCHERS IN TEXAS, SAMUEL BURK BURNETT. THE STRUCTURE HOUSED SOME OF THE FINEST BLOODLINES OF AMERICAN QUARTER HORSES AND REPRESENTS, TO THIS DAY, THE REPUTATION OF THE RANCH’S IMPACT ON THE CATTLE INDUSTRY. THE BARN WAS DONATED BY ANNE W. MARION, BURK BARNETT’S GREAT-GRANDDAUGHTER, AND WAS RESTORED IN 1981 TO BE USED FOR SPECIAL EVENTS AT THE NRHC.

J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 19

///

15

“The ranching heritage center is important to Texas Tech University because we serve as an important front door,” NRHC Executive Director Jim Bret Campbell ’96, ’97 says. “People come and interact with the university in many different ways, whether they’re coming for a sporting event or simply taking a tour of the campus. But for a lot of people who may not have Texas Tech ties, the heritage center serves as an attraction that people travel across the world to see. Because of the center, we are able to expose people to Texas Tech, to Lubbock and to the South Plains… that might not otherwise be interested in this particular school.

“Ranching was and is important to this area and Tech’s mission to serve the community of West Texas while preserving ranching heritage and promoting today’s modern ranching industry. The Ranching Heritage Center partners with many colleges and departments across campus to tell the story of ranching.”

With a goal of introducing people to the rich ranching heritage of this area, the NRHC hosts key events throughout the year. Ranch Day is held during the spring and gives the center an opportunity to show the various activities related to the ranch. About 300 volunteers and 25 student groups contribute to the event, helping to educate the public about ranching. The next large event is Summer Stampede, a western art and gear show and sale featuring 30 premiere western artists. It’s a fundraiser for the NRHC, and all proceeds benefit the programs and services they provide. The annual membership meeting is another special event for Ranching Heritage Association members.

16

///

TECHSAN

texastechalumni.org

“Because of the center, we are able to expose people to Texas Tech, to Lubbock and to the South Plains… that might not otherwise be interested in this particular school.”

- JIM BRET CAMPBELL

BARTON HOUSE (1909) NAMED AFTER ITS ORIGINAL OWNERS JOSEPH JAMES BARTON AND HIS FAMILY, THE TWO-STORY, 10-BEDROOM HOME WAS A STAPLE STRUCTURE IN THE SHORT-LIVED TOWN OF BARTONSITE, LOCATED 6 MILES NORTH AND 8 MILES WEST OF ABERNATHY, TEXAS. THE QUEEN ANNESTYLE HOUSE WAS DEDICATED TO THE NRHC ON MAY 14, 1983 AND WAS DONATED BY JOSEPH BARTON’S DAUGHTERIN-LAW, JOSEPHINE WADDELL BARTON.

ROPES DEPOT (1877) LOCATED ON LAND DONATED TO THE SANTE FE RAILWAY BY THE SPADE RANCH IN ROPESVILLE, TEXAS, THE ROPES DEPOT WAS ESSENTIAL TO THE GROWTH OF THE COMMUNITY AND RANCHING INDUSTRY. SANTE FE RAILWAY, IN RETURN FOR THE 85 ACRES GIVEN TO THEM, BUILT THE DEPOT, AN AGENT’S HOUSE AND STOCK PENS. THE STRUCTURE WAS DEDICATED TO THE NRHC ON SEPT. 18, 1982, AND WAS DONATED BY ADELE T. MCGINTY.

J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 19

///

17

Ranch Day Annual Meeting and Golden Spur Award

Summer Stampede

Candlelight at the Ranch

18

///

TECHSAN

texastechalumni.org

There are currently more than 1,300 RHA members from 37 different states who support the center in Lubbock. This meeting is a chance to discuss business and socialize, but it is also when the National Golden Spur Award is presented. The Golden Spur, presented by the RHA, the American Quarter Horse Association, the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, the Texas Cattle Feeders Association and Texas Farm Bureau, is the highest honor given to an individual who has made significant contributions to the ranching industry. Candlelight at the Ranch is an annual event held at the beginning of December. The NRHC considers this event a kickoff to the Christmas season, and it has become a South Plains tradition for thousands of people each year.

“Ranching was and is important to this area and Tech’s mission to serve the community of West Texas while preserving ranching heritage and promoting today’s modern ranching industry.

The Ranching Heritage Center partners with many colleges and departments across campus to tell the story of ranching.”

- JIM BRET CAMPBELL

To learn more about the National Ranching Heritage Center, visit its website: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/nrhc/

J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 19

///

19

Official

TEXAS TECH RINGS

by

SERENADED VICTORY BELLS

By Texas Tech Alumni Staff | Photos by Katie Fullen

20

///

TECHSAN

texastechalumni.org

For the last 20 years, the Texas Tech Alumni Association has hosted Official Texas Tech Ring Ceremonies in the McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center. This tradition continued April 22-25, but this spring’s events became even more meaningful with the introduction of a new ritual associated with the rings.

On the morning of Monday, April 22, the spring class of Official Texas Tech Rings was the first ever paraded from the Alumni Center and into the East Bell Tower of the Texas Tech Administration Building. There the Saddle Tramps rang the Victory Bells over the rings to honor and connect symbolically the recipients with past, present and future ring bearers.

With each pull of the chain that rings the bells, a student’s academic accomplishments were recognized.

With each pull of the chain that rings the bells, a student's academic accomplishments were recognized.

The Alumni Association restored the university’s ring tradition in 1999, and it has become one of the most prominent collegiate ring traditions in the country.

“The Texas Tech Ring Ceremony has become a highly anticipated event,” says Mandy Wiley, director of affinity programs. “Entire families attend to watch students receive their rings, and people have traveled great distances to be there. Each year, attendance grows, which means more people are interested in being part of this special tradition.”

Having instituted academic requirements for the ring, as well as official ring ceremonies, the tradition of placing the rings in the Bell Tower makes it an even more compelling event.

The Bell Tower is one of the university’s most recognizable symbols from the outside, but the inside is equally steeped in university tradition. The storied 105 steps up the tower require that “extra step up for victory.” The tower is full of Texas Tech history and memorabilia, thanks to the Saddle Tramps, who are the longtime caretakers of this campus landmark.

J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 19

///

21

I think that's what the ring symbolizes. And I think I realize that more than ever after participating in this event.

In fact, in 2016, the Saddle Tramps initiated a project to update the Bell Tower to celebrate the 80th year of the Saddle Tramps and 40th year of the High Riders. They started the tradition that each year’s street banners flown on University Avenue were supplied to the tower by the Texas Tech Athletic Department, along with custom banners created by Saddle Tramp alumni.

“Placing the rings in the tower and the Victory Bells ringing over them is now part of the story,” Curt Langford, president and CEO of the TTAA, says. “The bells have rung for our athletic victories forever. Now, when someone earns the right to wear his or her Texas Tech ring, it’s an academic victory.

The thought here is to have bells ring in honor of each recipient.”

The processional started at the large bronze ring sculpture, known as “Two Tons of Tradition,” just outside of the Alumni Center, where they then received a police-escorted journey to the tower.

Accompanying the rings were students and their family members, Saddle Tramps and Raider Red. Students on hand for the event noted not only how excited they were to receive their rings, but also to participate in this new ritual. They said it made the upcoming ceremonies even more special.

“The (Texas Tech) ring symbolizes your hard work,” says Stacey Cain, a senior who attended the procession of the rings and received her ring that evening. “It symbolizes all the hard times. Crying in the library. All the stress. All the things we put ourselves through as students because when you go through college, you’re not just a student. You’re a young adult. You have to fail, and you have to learn from it and then succeed. I think that’s what the ring symbolizes. And I think I realize that more than ever after participating in this event.”

Having rings in the tower is now part of the tradition that will inspire even more graduates to recognize the significance of having the Victory Bells commemorate their success.

“Those who were here and saw the rings in their boxes will know where their rings were today and what took place with them in that bigger box.”

Langford says “So, their experience will be memorable. We look forward to having even more students and more alumni wanting to be a part of the ring tradition.”

The Official Texas Tech Ring symbolizes academic achievement. The ring design is reserved exclusively for individuals who have successfully met the university's requirements. It provides a tangible connection for those who are graduating, and the visual continuity serves as an exclusive link with graduates in years to come.

To learn more about the ring, please visit texastechalumni.org/ring.

22

///

TECHSAN

texastechalumni.org

Native Made with Texas-grown non-GMO black-eyed peas and corn, this smooth small-batch vodka offers aficionados not only a premium spirit, but also a Lone Star original.

TEXAN

By Jennifer Ritz Photos by Jeremy Enlow and Amanda Sneed

J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 19

///

23

The vast

vegetable garden stretched a quarter-mile down a red dirt field, nestled amidst thousands of acres of cotton and milo. It was an every-summer thing for the Gregory farm that lay near the West Texas town of Petersburg: a mammoth garden so plentiful it fed the family of five and also allowed friends and neighbors time to pick for themselves.

A typical day would find Todd Gregory ’85 and his two brothers working on the family’s cotton farm, then later harvesting veggies in the scorching heat.

“I never was fond of picking green beans,” remarked Todd. “I didn’t mind black-eyed peas, because they grow near the top of the plant.”

A bachelor’s in agricultural economics earned him an indoor career—banking—far removed from the sandy Texas fields of his youth.

If young pea-picking Todd had been told, “Someday you’ll become an executive vice president of an international bank, managing more than 500 employees and hundreds of millions of dollars,” he might not have believed it.

While he was at the peak of his banking career in 2014 with the Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi, if he had been told, “Soon you’ll circle back to working with black eyed peas,” he would’ve likely replied, “Never.”

And yet, here he is, along with business partner and distiller Scott Billings, creating some of the highest quality craft vodka on the market— and it’s made using black-eyed peas.

Todd’s career spanned three decades and was spent in major cities across America at three different banks: JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (1985-2005); Countrywide Bank, Bank of American Corporation (2005-2008) and MUFG Union Bank, NA; Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ (2008-2015). His job descriptions varied, beginning with credit training and executive management positions and culminating as an executive vice president and managing director of the Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi.

24

///

TECHSAN

texastechalumni.org

If you live near Fort Worth, or are planning a visit, you can tour the distillery.

Visit www.blackeyed.vodka. to see available dates. Todd and Scott also open the distillery to volunteers who wish to help bottle the vodka.

GRAIN

to GLASS

I wound my way through central Fort Worth, in search of the old two-story brick No. 5 fire station that houses BLK EYE Vodka. Just west of Interstate 35 and in the Historic Southside, the neighborhood is a mixture of industrial and commercial structures with its fair share of vacant lots, awaiting new construction.

When I approached the distillery’s red front door, I peered upward and noticed the STATION No. 5 carved above the door, and one story above that, at the peak of the building, another carving—1911—indicating the year the building was constructed.

Even the building is a Texas classic.

When Todd opened the door to greet me, the scent of blackeyed peas rolled over me. I was lucky enough to show up on a day Scott was starting a new batch of vodka. Todd showed me the enormous totes of black-eyed pea flour, which each hold 2,000 pounds. The peas are grown around Olton, Texas, purchased wholesale from the Redwine family, and crushed in Muenster, Texas, at Muenster Milling.

As Todd and I walked through the distillery, I noted the clean but worn concrete floors that once hosted scurrying firemen and their horses, wagons and eventually their lumbering red engines, a striking contrast to the collection of great, pristine stainless-steel fermentation tanks and copper column stills, each one responsible for another step in the complicated distillation process. As I climbed the metal stairs to peer into a vat of black-eyed pea and corn mash, Todd explained how he and Scott came to own BLK EYE Vodka.

Firemen used to slide down through this opening on a pole to quickly reach the first floor—today, a copper column still rises through the hole.

“There was a mother and son from Muleshoe who grew black-eyed peas,” he says. “During a particularly bad year, they had the idea to take their failing crop and use it to make vodka. They moved here to Fort Worth to expand their company, but ran short on resources. A real estate broker friend of mine presented me with the opportunity to purchase the business.”

Having just retired from a high-stress career, Todd mulled the idea over with long-time friend and neighbor Scott—the biggest question was whether they wanted a post-retirement career. Todd spent his 30 years in banking in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas and Houston—transferring and traveling to and from some of those cities more than once—so the idea of staying home in Fort Worth and just relaxing was tempting.

For about a minute.

Idleness was never in Todd’s nature, and the originality of this business resonated with him. The two decided they wanted to make a go of it. Once the partners procured the company, Scott attended distilling school at Moonshine University in Louisville, Kentucky, and now handles the production side, and Todd handles the marketing and distribution side.

J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 19

///

25

Drink Your Peas!

It’s an innocuous little thing, the blackeyed pea. Long revered in the South as good luck if consumed on New Year’s Day, the pea is really a bean from the cowpea family. Brought to the Southeastern United States from West Africa by slaves, the sun-loving plant is hardy, requiring minimal water.

The black-eyed pea has nourished both humans and livestock throughout lean times in America’s history. While the black-eyed pea is a staple today in many recipes served south of the Mason-Dixon line, its appearance in vodka is a Texas original.

26

///

TECHSAN

texastechalumni.org

BLK EYE Bloody Rim Glass First

BLK EYE John Daly

1 ¼ oz BLK EYE Vodka

Ice Glass First

4 Dashes Lime Juice

1 ¼ oz BLK EYE Vodka

2 Dashes Cholula Chili Lime

1 ¼ oz Lemonade

2 Dashes Worcestershire Sauce

1 ¼ oz Sweet Tea

Top with Zing Zang

Garnish: Mint

Rim: Halo Del Santo Garnish Suggestions: Pickled Okra, Tabasco Spicy Green Bean, Jalapeno Stuffed Olive, Jalapeno Bacon

BLK EYE Dirty Martini 1 ¼ oz BLK EYE Vodka Spec’s Olive Juice (Dirty or Extra Dirty to taste) Garnish: Olive

J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 19

///

27

THE HEART

Message in a Bottle: Each year Todd and Scott select a Texas artist to create a label for BLK EYE vodka. Last year’s label was designed by Fort Worth landscape artist Pat Gabriel and the 2019 label was produced

by Nancy Lamb, a Fort Worth-based painter known for her whimsical style.

28

///

TECHSAN

texastechalumni.org

of the MATTER

The two men have inarguably taken a great idea and improved it. Hold a BLK EYE Vodka bottle and you’ll quickly note it’s slick and sharp and striking. Turn the bottle, read the back label, and you’ll see that you really are holding a native Texan in your hands—a true grain-to-glass product.

The grain-to-glass movement is a burgeoning one—rooted in the belief there are superior liquor production methods. Grain-to-glass follows the bootprints of the farm-to-table trend, which means foods are locally sourced and responsibly grown, often by small-scale producers.

BLK EYE Vodka has ridden into Texas on a wave of conscious consumerism. Owners Todd and Scott ensure their product lives up to their buyers’ high expectations by creating a superior vodka.

When producing vodka (or any liquor), there are several stages prior to the distillation phase, which is the final step. The first is to produce a mash, by mixing enzymes and grains, in this case black-eyed pea and corn flour, and applying heat. The second step is adding yeast for fermentation. Steps one and two result in a fermented wash that must be distilled.

The distilling does not produce vodka; rather it separates the ethanol, which is the desired portion of the solution, from the undesirable liquids in the wash.

The wash is heated during the distillation process, and the resulting steam is captured and collected. Different temperatures collect different components— from methanol (which should never be consumed) to acetone, acetaldehyde and acetate—which are discarded.

This distillation process boils down to three important components.

“During the high proof run you have three parts: the heads, the hearts and the tails,” Todd explains. “We do a hard cut on the heads and tails throwing them completely away. We put only the best part of the run in our product, which is the hearts. Most people throw all or most of the heads away, while a large percentage use all of the tails in the product or use the tails to start the next batch. Especially in vodka. We don’t use any of either.”

Because they produce from grain to glass and keep only the hearts, BLK EYE Vodka is a rarity in the vodka market. Where most others source out-of-state grain neutral ethanol to produce their product, Todd and Scott offer a sweet spot in a bottle.

Todd and Scott sample vodka that is coming out at 190 proof. They monitor the batch every 15 minutes during this high proof run to ensure there are no heads or tails—the undesirable portions—included. This is the point at which the “hearts” are captured, which is what makes BLK EYE Vodka exceptional.

Because they produce from grain to glass and keep only the hearts, BLK EYE Vodka is a rarity in the vodka market. Where most others source out-of-state grain neutral ethanol to produce their product, Todd and Scott offer a sweet spot in a bottle.

J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 19

///

29

meant to be a

Thespian

By Jean Ann Cantore

B

rad Leland traces his love of theatre to when he was a five-year-old living in Japan with his parents.

“My father was in the military, and when we lived in Japan, I had a pet monkey named Miko,” Leland says. “There were no other American kids around. When I played in the front yard with that monkey, the Japanese people would line up along the fence to watch me. That’s when I started entertaining people.

“When we moved back to the states, we landed in California and spent our first day at Disneyland. My dad had bought me a cowboy outfit, complete with the hat and six-shooter. I wore it to Disneyland, and when my parents, grandparents and I went to the Crazy Horse Saloon, I volunteered to get on stage. I sang ‘Davy Crockett’ and then took a Japanese bow because that’s all I knew how to do.

“I like to say I’ve been living in Disneyland my whole life.”

The veteran character actor is enjoying a long career on stage, in film and on TV with too many roles to list. His first film was “Silverado.” Other roles include those in “Hancock,” “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” with Jessica Biel, and “Love and a .45 with Renee Zellweger, as well as scores of madefor-TV movies and miniseries.

He is perhaps best known for playing Buddy Garrity, the overly zealous football booster in the movie “Friday Night Lights” and the TV series of the same name. However, that’s just one role in Leland’s many-faceted repertoire.

He also has fond memories of working with respected actors Kurt Russell, John Malkovich and Mark Wahlberg on “Deepwater Horizon,” a film that had a profound influence in his current career direction.

Recently, he’s played opposite Julia Louis-Dreyfus in “Veep,” Amy Poehler in “Parks and Recreation” and Timothy Olyphant in “Justified.”

He appeared on “Walker, Texas Ranger” for seven years. He recurred as a guest star on “CSI: Miami.” He just finished wrapping three movies, “The Orphan Train,” “The Great Alaskan Race” and another football-themed movie in which he plays the lead, “The Last Whistle,” to be released on NETFLIX June 28.

30

///

TECHSAN

texastechalumni.org

SERGIO GARCIA

As Ebenezer Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol,” Dallas Theater Center, 2018

J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 19

///

31

L

ubbock, Texas, is important to Leland. He was born in the Hub City. After his father’s military service took the family overseas, they moved back to Lubbock, where he had an idyllic childhood full of family, friends and fun.

“My father, Bill Williams, attended Texas Tech, where he played basketball in the 1950s,” he says. “He was the manager of the first cable television company in Lubbock in the 1960s. My mother, Shirley Smith Williams, owned a dance studio in Lubbock.

“My granddad was Marlin R. ‘Red’ Smith, a civil engineer who helped found the engineering firm Parkhill, Smith & Cooper in Lubbock in 1945,” he says. “He served as city engineer and as city manager for Lubbock. In fact, he was responsible for the red bricks that pave Broadway and other downtown streets.”

Leland attended Atkins Junior High School, where he made a group of friends who continue to get together and support each other today.

“I’m like a brother from another mother to Brad,” says Bruce Williams, a Midland attorney, former classmate and longtime friend. “Brad was a pole vaulter at one time, and that’s what I did. He also played basketball, pitched for Pony League, played golf, was first-string football and a student officer.

“To be a pole vaulter, you have to be crazy fearless. It’s a fast sport that combines strength and coordination. Of course, anyone who would put all their marbles in theatre is crazy fearless. Brad did anything he did well. He practiced and was very serious about everything he did, including theatre.

He has this tenacious way about him and was going to make it work.

“All the guys who met at Atkins still stay in touch and get together. We had a motto, ‘The A Way’ at school. Brad does things ‘The A Way.’ That’s a perfect motto for Brad. He even had 20 hot orange (school color) hats embroidered with ‘The A Way’ and gave one to each one of us.

“I’ve never met a more loyal person. Brad is not any more than he was or is. He’s just the same.”

Brad’s family moved to Plano when Leland after his ninth-grade year. He graduated from Plano High School.

During high school, the actor played football until he injured his knee. He was on the team that won the state championship in 1972. When that blown-out knee ended his athletic career, he turned to his other extracurricular activities—choir and theatre.

As Buddy Garrity, with Jeff Rosick as Buddy Garrity, Jr., in the TV series “Friday Night Lights.”

NBCUNIVERSAL/ GETTY IMAGES

32

///

TECHSAN

texastechalumni.org

“He practiced and was very serious about everything he did, including theatre. He has this tenacious way about him and was going to make it work.” -BRUCE WILLIAMS

COREY CROUSER COREY CROUSER

Leland had one school in mind for college—Texas Tech University. He still had family and friends in Lubbock.

“In the 1960s and 1970s, the theatre department at Texas Tech was tremendous,” he recalls. “You learned from old-style directors and new people. It was a time of revolution in music, theatre, dance.”

He notes that he took seven years to graduate because he wanted to keep performing in plays.

“I would just take a class or two so I would be enrolled in college and eligible to audition,” he says. “I got my feet wet in all kinds of plays. My grandmother had a boarding house at 18th and V, and I lived there and managed apartments in college. I also worked at a savings and loan and at Fat Dawgs.”

He and fellow actors created an improv act called “Caught in the Act.” He also opened a talent agency called Southwest Talent and Productions that would locate talent for local TV commercials.

He was active in the Lubbock Theatre Centre, which was on Avenue P before it moved to the old Lindsey Theatre on Main Street.

“I was the managing director for the Lindsey Center for Performing Arts,” he says. “We had Texas Tech graduate actors such as Barry Corbin and G.W. Bailey perform there. Then we also started a cabaret theatre at the Hilton Hotel, where we performed ‘Godspell.’

“My first professional acting job, for which I was paid, was at the Hayloft Dinner Theatre in Lubbock.”

Leland married his college sweetheart Freda Ramsey, also an actor, in 1978. They became parents of two girls, Thea, a registered nurse, and Leah, a dancer who performs and teaches dance and Pilates.

As Frank Smith in “The Orphan Train.”

J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 19

///

33

O

KAREN ALMOND

TAGE PLANTELL

As Frank Smith.

As Ebenezer Scrooge.

f course, Leland’s acting chops and ability to transform himself into a variety of characters appeal to producers and directors. Yet, his friendly, easy style is another reason Leland is sought-after and has had so many roles. He also is a favorite among other actors.

“Brad is one of our best character actors, probably in the Top Five,” says Rex Linn, probably best known for playing Frank Tripp in “CSI: Miami.” “When I first met him, I really resented him because he always got the parts I was up for, but now we’re really close friends. I’m proud that he’s been able to stay at home in Texas and stay busy. He’s an anomaly; most successful actors have to be in L.A. or New York.

“More importantly, though, he is a good human being. He’s compassionate and has a big heart. He’s the biggest teddy bear I’ve ever met. I just love him. I’ve known him for 30 years, and he hasn’t changed.”

In addition to his kindness, Leland is known for having a great sense of humor. Other actors describe how much fun they have with Leland on the set.

“I couldn’t have had more fun on ‘Friday Night Lights,’ and a lot of it was due to Brad,” says Kyle Chandler, who plays Coach Eric Taylor in the series and just completed two ‘Godzilla’ movies and the series ‘Catch—22.’ “Brad is a force of nature, and he’s what my dad would call ‘good people.’”

Actor Ashley Dulaney is a colleague and a fan of Leland’s.

“My family and I are huge ‘Friday Night Lights’ fans, so when I found out my story arc on ‘Justified’ would mean acting in

34

///

TECHSAN

texastechalumni.org

scenes with Brad Leland, I was beyond excited,” Dulaney explains. “On set he was so kind and such a joyful person to be around. It was my first recurring role on television and having him there, and making the experience so wonderful is something I will always remember.”

Adds film director and producer Jason Ancona, who worked with Leland on “MONA,” “I loved working with Brad. His charisma on and off screen kept the entire cast and crew smiling. He’s a giving actor—making it easier for other actors to play along with his performance. It was a pleasure working with someone as talented as him. And also, such a good guy.”

Others view Leland as a role model, as well as a model human being. For example, Jeff Rosick, who plays Leland’s son on the series “Friday Night Lights,” praises Leland for caring about others. Rosick also acts alongside Leland in other productions, including the upcoming “The Great Alaskan Race.”

“Brad’s the rare kind of professional who goes the extra mile and then some,” he says. “The guy made sure he was there waiting for me, on my first day of shooting, just to ensure I felt welcome and part of the cast and crew. Now, 10 years later, I call him for advice and shoot the breeze. So, yeah–I guess he’s all right.”

“Doing something new and keeping my eyes open is how I’m learning new things. There’s so much opportunity now.

You can learn from young people and old people. Young people are inquisitive and open to new ideas.” -BRAD LELAND eland says he has learned that if you want to do something, you should just go for it. That attitude has allowed him to soar as an actor, director and producer.

“That’s when the good things happen,” he explains. “Doing something new and keeping my eyes open is how I’m learning new things. There’s so much opportunity now. You can learn from young people and old people. Young people are inquisitive and open to new ideas.

“The last project I finished was the movie ‘The Last Whistle.’ The director, Rob Smat, was young and called me and asked what I wanted on the set. I said, ‘Let’s have no cell phones; let’s actually talk to each other.’ He agreed, and we did that, and it was a blast.”

Smat returns the accolades.

“Never before as a film director had I had the opportunity to collaborate with a performer like Brad, who has as much history on camera as experience on stage.

Brad brought vivid life to his character, collaborated with me at all moments, and was kind to fellow cast and crew.”

“The Last Whistle” has a message deeper than its football theme. Leland explains that it portrays a serious health issue facing young athletes every day– cardiomyopathy. Every three days, he notes, a kid in America dies from heartrelated sports issues. The majority of victims have no clue they have an issue until they suffer a heart attack or stroke.

“We’re trying to raise awareness with this picture,” he says. “Parents need to be sure kids are ready to play—get them checked out. They need more than just a physical; they need a heart exam that can detect heart defects and other problems.”

BRIAN M. TANG

L

As Coach Victor Trenton in “The Last Whistle.”

A

ll those experiences and skills Leland amassed during his time at Texas Tech and in Lubbock have given him a broad spectrum of opportunities in the entertainment world. In addition to acting, he has been working as executive producer with close friend and colleague Derek Horton, also a Texas Tech and Cornell graduate, in their company KILDEE Productions. They are currently in preproduction on a sweet love story about family and redemption to be shot in Texas.

“Things in the business are different now,” he says. “Technology has made it possible to produce television and film in original and inexpensive formats. You don’t have to be in Los Angeles or New York anymore.’

Leland’s career has allowed him to stretch his creativity by playing characters in various time periods and locations. From playing the director of the CIA in the French TV series “Le Bureau Des Légendes,” shot in Paris, to a Boy Scout leader in Oregon in a pilot for which he was executive producer, called “Camp Abercorn,” Brad continues to try new projects. Some roles are serious and realistic, some border on fantasy, and some are real people. Connecting with the audience, regardless of the role, is what drives him.

In speaking with Leland about his immediate goals, it is clear that working with his team of partners and his agent to create new and unique films, while diving into the production and financing aspects of the ever-changing entertainment world, will keep him young and fresh in the new climate. It’s keeping that kid in Disneyland alive and grateful to move forward, create and find the magical relationship between the business of entertainment and the joy and art of it.

“We are always looking for those brave souls who want to take this miracle ride with us,” he says.

J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 19

///

35

sports COM PI LE D BY J E N N I FE R R ITZ

Texas Tech Spirit Squads Win Big in Pom and Cheer National Championships

BY AMANDA CASTRO-CRIST

THE T EX A S TEC H Pom and Co-Ed Cheer squads earned first-place wins at the NCA & NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championships in Daytona Beach, Florida.

When the Texas Tech University men’s basketball team entered the court in Minneapolis during the first-ever trip to the Final Four in program history, they were cheered on by another group of national champs: members of Texas Tech Spirit Program’s Pom and Co-Ed Cheer squads.

The squads competed April 5 at the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) & National Dance Alliance (NDA) Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championships in Daytona Beach, Florida. The Co-Ed Cheer Squad took first place in the Co-Ed Cheer category, while the Pom Squad finished in first place in the Division IA Pom category and second in the Division IA Dance Jazz category. The Pom Squad also won the choreography award in both categories for each routine.

TEXAS TECH POM AND CO-ED CHEER SQUAD This is the second national title for Co-Ed Cheer. The squad won the national championship for the first time in school history in 2017 and has finished in the top three for the past decade.

“This team was something special from the very beginning,” said head cheer coach Bruce Bills. “I knew they had it skillwise, but they also had the team dynamic.

They love and support each other, and I knew we could overcome anything. Team chemistry matters so much when you’re trying to put a team together, and each of these student athletes pushed the others to be better and worked that much harder.”

This is the fourth national title and third consecutive year the Pom Squad has returned to Lubbock as national champions.

36

///

TECHSAN

texastechalumni.org

The squad finished first in jazz in 2017 and 2018 and first in pom in 2018, the first year they competed in the pom category.

“It feels really good for these students to be rewarded for all the hard work they put in all season,” said Pom Squad Coach Erin Alvarado. “I think it’s all been extremely overwhelming, but in a good way.”

After the preliminary round of competition on Thursday, Texas Tech entered Friday finals in the lead in co-ed cheer, with a top score of 96.97, and in pom, with 95.69 points. In jazz, pom entered the final day of competition in second place with a score of 96.51, just behind Brigham Young University, which scored 97.71.

Texas Tech Announces Basketball Ring of Honor Class the heroes and legends of Texas Tech Basketball were permanently enshrined in the Texas Tech Ring of Honor. The Ring of Honor consists of an elite group of players and coaches that have made outstanding contributions to Texas Tech Basketball and will have their names permanently etched in United Supermarkets Arena.

ON MARC H 4,

The 2019 inductees include: Rick Bullock - Men’s Basketball Marsha Sharp - Lady Raider Basketball Andre Emmett - Men’s Basketball Sheryl Swoopes - Lady Raider Basketball Dub Malaise - Men’s Basketball Carolyn Thompson - Lady Raider Basketball Jim Reed - Men’s Basketball This group of former Tech basketball players, as well as Sharp, will join current members Donny Anderson, E.J. Holub, Dave Parks, Gabe Rivera and Zach Thomas, who represent the football wing of the Ring of Honor.

“These Ring of Honor inductees will be a tremendous addition to the legacy and heritage of Red Raider Basketball,” Director of Athletics Kirby Hocutt said.

“The careers of those that we will celebrate in this Ring of Honor brought national recognition to this university and left an incredible mark on our basketball programs.

Their names will become a permanent fixture inside United Supermarkets Arena so that all who enter will be reminded of their outstanding contributions to Texas Tech University.”

The induction ceremony luncheon took place at 11:30 a.m. on March 4 at the Overton Hotel and Conference Center Ballroom.

2019 TEXAS TECH RING OF HONOR INDUCTEES RICK BULLOCK

Bullock was named the Southwest Conference Player of the Year two times in his Texas Tech career and recorded 50 double-doubles, 2,118 points and 1,057 rebounds as a Red Raider from 1973-76. A San Antonio native, Bullock averaged 19.8 points and 9.88 rebounds per game and also had 142 blocks. He is third all-time in program history in points, rebounds and blocked shots.

He was a two-time Associated Press All-America honorable mention selection as a junior and senior, a threetime Universal Sports All-America and earned USBWA All-District two times. Bullock, who had 10 straight

From left: Matthew Bullock, Nathalie Bullock (representing Rick Bullock), Dub Malaise, Jim Reed, Andre Emmett, Sheryl Swoopes, Marsha Sharp, Carolyn Thompson.

20-plus point scoring performances during his senior season, was named a Southwest Conference First-Team selection as a sophomore, junior and senior after earning second-team honors as a freshman for the Red Raiders. A 6-foot-9 center, he was named the SWC Freshman of the Year for the 1972-73 season and was the SWC Tournament MVP as a senior in 1976.

Bullock, who was inducted into the Texas Tech Hall of Fame in 1985, scored a career-high 44 points as a senior against Arkansas and had a career-high 22 rebounds against Adams State on Dec. 2, 1974. He was selected by the New York Knicks in the 1976 NBA Draft.

ANDRE EMMETT

Emmett is the all-time leading scorer in program history with 2,256 career points from 2001-04. A Dallas native, Emmett finished his career scoring 17.6 points per game and with 765 rebounds, 201 assists and 164 blocks. He earned All-America honors during his senior season, was a two-time NABC All-District First-Team selection and three-time Big 12 All-Conference First-Team member.

Emmett was named the Big 12 Player of the Week six times in his career and is second in program history with 10 games with 30 or more points. He would record 16 double-doubles as a Red Raider, including seven during his senior season. Emmett, who was 882-for-1,765 (50 percent) from the field in 128 games, scored a career-high 34 points against Missouri on Feb. 9, 2003 and finished his junior season averaging 21.8 points per game. A 6-foot-5 guard, he is the all-time leading scorer in conference play for the Red Raiders with 1,112 points and 17.7 points per game.

He was selected in the NBA Draft by the Seattle Supersonics in 2004 and has played professionally for the past 25 years. He was inducted into the Texas Tech Hall of Fame in 2018.

DUB MALAISE

Malaise was a two-time Associated Press All-America and was named the Southwest Conference Player of the Year as a junior where he averaged 23.8 points per game. An Odessa, Texas native, Malaise averaged

J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 19

///

37

sports program-best 20.3 points per game and finished with 1,420 career points over a three-year career with the Red Raiders from 1964-66.

Malaise owns the single-game program record by scoring 50 points against Texas on Feb. 19, 1966 and scored over 40 in a program-best four games. A 5-foot-11 guard, he completed his Texas Tech career as a three-time SWC first-team selection and with 13 games scoring over 30 points which is also the program’s record.

He would finish his career making 452 free throws and with an 82.2 percentage from the free-throw line.

Malaise helped lead the Red Raiders to the SWC championship in 1965 and has been inducted into the Texas Tech Hall of Fame and the SWC Hall of Fame.

JIM REED

Reed is the all-time leading rebounder in program history, was named Texas Tech’s first Associated Press All-America selection and earned Border Conference Player of the Year during his career. A Pine Bluff, Arkansas native, Reed played for the Red Raiders from 1953-56 and completed his career with 1,689 points and 1,333 rebounds. He helped lead Tech to Border Conference championships in 1954, 1955 and 1956 and is a member of the Texas Tech Hall of Fame.

Reed averaged 14.03 rebounds per game, including securing a career-high 16.28 as a junior for the Red Raiders. He owns the single-game record with 27 rebounds in games against Texas and Eastern New Mexico and would have six games with 20 or more rebounds in his career. A 6-foot-4 forward, Reed scored a career-high 41 points in a game at Furman and averaged 22.3 points per game as a junior and 20.9 in his senior season.

He averaged 17.8 points per game which is 10th in program history in scoring after leading the team all four years he was with the program. Reed was inducted into the Texas Tech Hall of Fame in 1967 and was selected by the St. Louis Hawks in the 1956 NBA Draft.

MARSHA SHARP

Sharp spent 24 seasons at the helm of Lady Raider Basketball. She is the winningest coach in school history with a 572 wins, becoming just the 22nd Division I coach to reach 500 wins. She led the Lady Raiders to the 1993 National Championship, the only national championship in Texas Tech history. Her squads went to four Elite Eights, 11 Sweet 16s, and 18 NCAA Tournaments.

She led Texas Tech to five SWC regular season championships, three SWC tournament titles, three Big 12 regular season championships and two Big 12 tournament titles over her career. Sharp coached a National Player of the Year in Sheryl Swoopes, two Kodak All-Americans, and 11 All-Americans.

For her outstanding career, Sharp has been inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame (1999), the Texas Sports Hall of Fame (2000), the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (2003) and the Texas Tech Hall of Honor in 2017. She was a two-time National Coach of

38

///

TECHSAN

texastechalumni.org

the Year, five-time Southwest Conference Coach of the Year and two-time Big 12 Coach of the Year.

SHERYL SWOOPES

Swoopes played just two seasons at Texas Tech and is the most decorated athlete in Texas Tech history. Along with the National Championship crown, Swoopes guided the Lady Raiders to the Southwest Conference regular season and tournament championships and the national championship crown her senior season and was named the Naismith College Player of the Year and the WBCA Player of the Year.

She averaged 28.1 points per game that year, which ranked second nationally.

As a Lady Raider, Swoopes set 30 different women’s basketball records, including four Final Four records, three NCAA tournament records, four NCAA championship game records and eight Texas Tech school records, including the single-game school record for points (53), which still stands. Her No. 22 jersey was retired on Feb. 19, 1994. Following her collegiate career, Swoopes was one of the first players to sign a WNBA contract when the league was created.

In 2003, Swoopes was inducted into the Texas Tech Hall of Fame for her outstanding career with the Lady Raiders. Most recently, she was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. With her induction into the National Basketball Hall of Fame, Swoopes became the first Texas Tech basketball player – men’s or women’s – to achieve this honor.

CAROLYN THOMPSON

Thompson played four seasons at Texas Tech from 1980-84. When she graduated from Tech, she was a three-time All-American and All-Southwest Conference Player and remains as the record holder for career points by a men’s or women’s basketball player at Tech with 2,655.

She ranks second in points per game with 21.9.

Thompson set a total of 18 records at Tech, including field goals made (1,013), field goal attempts (1,944), and rebounds (1,247). She scored at least 600 points in each of her four seasons.

On Jan. 3, 1985, she became the first Lady Raider to have her jersey retired. Thompson was inducted into the Southwest Conference Hall of Fame in 2014 and the Texas Tech Hall of Fame in 1997.

ENJOY RESPONSIBLY © 2017 Anheuser-Busch, Bud Light® Beer, Houston, TX | 100% of Bud Light Special Edition Texas packaging is brewed in Houston, TX.

association news COM PI LE D BY J EAN AN N CANTOR E

1 1. The Masked Rider attended a meeting of the Abilene Chapter of the Texas Tech Alumni Association hosted by Scott Dueser at his home on May 14. Dueser is a member of the Alumni Association National Board of Directors.

Special guests included Head Football Coach Matt Wells.

2

2. The large crowd at Dueser’s home heard from Coach Matt Wells and presented scholarships to area students entering Texas Tech University.

3. Stephanie De Leon, vice president of San Antonio Chapter, pinned Raider Red with his first Fiesta medal at the Raider Roadshow in San Antonio on March 24. The commemorative medals honor Texas Tech for the annual Fiesta each spring in San Antonio.

3

4. U.S. Rep. Jodey Arrington ’94,’97, right, visits with Texas Tech Alumni Association President & CEO Curt Langford, center, and Barry Brown ’89, vice president of The Alpine Group Governmental Relations Consultants in Arrington’s Washington, D.C., office May 16. Brown served as 2005 chair of the Alumni Association National Board of Directors.

6

5. The newly established Childress Area Chapter held its inaugural scholarship dinner on April 29 at the 501 Winery in Childress. Guy Loneragan, BVSc, Ph.D., professor of food safety and public health, spoke to the crowd about the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine.

5

6. Red Raiders in the Houston Chapter met at The Patio on Richmond to cheer on the Red Raiders in the game April 8. From left are Houston board members Travis McClelland and Blake Bravo, Patio host Nell Rojas, board members David Ladewig, Mackenzie King and Ben Sample and Patio host Jared Glowacki.

7. The Concho Valley Chapter held a game-watching party at Shenanigans Sports Bar in San Angelo on April 6, the first night of the Final Four, when Texas Tech beat Michigan State.

40

///

TECHSAN

texastechalumni.org

4

7

RATED ONE OF THE

TOP ten CITIES WITH THE

BEST TRAFFIC

WITH AN AVERAGE OF ONLY

10 hours PER year.

-CNBC

LUBBOCKEDA.ORG 800.687.5330 • 806.749.4500 | LUBBOCK, TEXAS

alumni news COM PI LE D BY MAE LEY H E R R I N G

A G LI M PS E AT TE XAS TEC H’S H E R ITAG E

In the 1949 “La Ventana” yearbook, students are shown dressed to the nines for the Oct. 22 Texas Tech Homecoming win against the University of Arizona, 27-7.

Texas Tech renews its Border Conference rivalry against Arizona this year.

42

///

TECHSAN

texastechalumni.org

BOOKS PAUL H. CARLSON, PH.D. (Ph.D. ’73 History) Ransom Canyon, Texas, has published a book with Clint E. Chambers titled “Comanche Jack Stilwell: Army Scott and Plainsman.” Paul received the Rupert N. Richardson prize from the West Texas Historical Association for his book about legend, Simpson E. “Jack” Stilwell who made his mark on American history during and after the Civil War. The authors find primary and secondary sources that reveal the unvarnished truth and remarkable facts about Stilwell, beginning with his start as a teenage runaway then following his involvement with the Santa Fe Trail to his later positions as a lawyer, judge, U.S. marshal, hangman and associate of Buffalo Bill Cody. Paul is the director of the Center for the Southwest at Texas Tech, as well as, a historian, former professor and former assistant chairman of the Department of History at Tech.

His wife is Ellen.

AMY DAUGHTERS (BBA ’91 Management) Centerville,

Ohio, published a humorous time travel book, You Cannot Mess This Up: A True Story That Never Happened. The author’s 46-year-old self is transported back to her childhood home where she is forced to interact with her family as they existed in 1978. As her 10-year-old self, she spends 36 hours studying her family and family’s friends in a different light. Amy has been a freelance writer, focusing mostly on college football, for the past decade. She and her husband Willie have two sons.

1971 JAMES L. “JIM” STUART (BBA Advertising)

Albany, Texas, has been selected executive director of Abilene Preservation League, a non-profit organization that promotes and facilitates the preservation of Abilene’s historical structures. In this position, Jim is in charge of administering and directing program planning, public relations, marketing communications, fundraising and many other functions. Prior to working for APL, he co-founded Stuart Bacon Advertising and Public Relations, serving for 15 years as the chief executive. Jim was a recipient of the Professional Ethics Award from the Bob Schieffer College of Communications at Texas Christian University in 1998, and he was later honored as an outstanding alumnus of the College of Media and Communications at Texas Tech.

1973 EDWARD S. “EDDIE” SMITH, III (BS Agricultural Economics) Floydada, Texas, has been honored with the Texas Agricultural Cooperative Council Cooperator of the Year Award for his exceptional service, leadership and legacy within the cooperative and agricultural industry. Eddie has served as a director of Floydada Cooperative Gin, board of directors member of Plains Cotton Cooperative Association and chairman of PCCA. His innovations, dramatic changes and policy debates on national and international levels have guided the PCCA’s success throughout the years. Eddie is also a past chairman and long-time director of Cotton Inc., where he has served as treasurer, secretary and vice chairman, as well as completed the National Cotton Council’s Cotton Leadership program. In 2010, he was

elected chairman of the National Cotton Council and is a current delegate for the council, serving on the Environmental Task Force committee. He has been a member of the Blue-Ribbon Farm Bill Committee of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, vice chairman of NCFC’s Trade Working Group and a director of the Texas Agricultural Cooperative Council. His wife is JENNISU WOOD SMITH (BSE ’73 Elementary Education).

1974 TRENT E. EMMETT, M.D. (BA Chemistry) Abilene, Texas, has recently retired from Hendrick Medical Center after 20 years of service. After graduating from Texas Tech, he continued his education at UTMB Galveston where he completed medical school and his residency in anesthesiology. Trent then worked for Shannon Medical Center in San Angelo, Texas, from 1982 until his position at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene. His wife is JACQUELINE M. “JACKIE” EMMETT (BS ’76 Medical Technology).

1975 JOHN E. CORNELY, PH.D. (MS Zoology) Larkspur, Colorado, is a board member of the Association of Retired U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Employees and a member of the USFWS Heritage Committee. He chairs the Oral History Subcommittee and has completed more than 100 oral history interviews. John also serves as the senior conservation adviser for the Trumpeter Swan Society. His wife is BEATRICE J. CORNELY (BA ’75 Spanish).

1977 ROBERT “BOB” S. SHAPARD (BBA

Accounting) Dallas, Texas, is the current CEO and chairman of the board for Oncor Electric Delivery. Bob regulates electricity that operates the largest distribution and transmission system in Texas. He is also an advocate of The Cooper Institute, which strives to promote life-long health and wellness through the latest scientific findings and proactive solutions to improving population health worldwide. Bob served

J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 19

///

43

top-level members

A SPECIAL THANK YOU FOR THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT

The Honorable Ginger ’92 & Mr. T. Kevin Nelson ’92

Mr. Jeffry ’11 & Mrs. Julie Brunson

Ms. Marcia J. Newton

Mr. Ronald ’73 & Mrs. Rebecca Bryant

Mrs. Jan W. Baca ’70

Mr. Thomas ’95 & Mrs. Tonya Patterson ’95

Mr. Ronald ’72 & Mrs. Shelley Buckalew

Dr. Bryant ’95 & Mrs. Whitney Bonner ’96

Mr. Stephen ’90 & Mrs. Christina Poore

Mr. Kevin & Mrs. Cathy Bunch

Mr. Christopher ’95 & Mrs. Sabrina Brawley ’94

Mrs. Mary Jo Price ’53

Mr. Randy & Mrs. Kristina H. Butts ’01

Lt. Col. Mark ’83 (Ret.) & Mrs. Diane Bryant

Mr. Ben ’76 & Mrs. Jeannie Ralston ’77

Mr. Larry ’57 & Mrs. Patricia Byrd

Mr. James & Mrs. Julie Cardwell

Dr. Nancy Ruff ’69

Mr. Thomas & Mrs. June Cameron ’64

Mr. Scott ’84 & Mrs. Pamela Cawthron ’86

Mr. W. Joseph ’78 & Mrs. Susan Sammons ’78

Mr. Ben ’77 & Mrs. Marsha Campbell

Mr. Donald ’82 & Mrs. Vicki Chenault ’82

Mr. Robbie ’79 & Mrs. Kathleen Sartain ’79

Mr. Scott ’88 & Mrs. Tricia Campbell ’88

Mr. Robert ’91 & Mrs. Kristy Copeland ’90

Mr. Kenneth ’69 & Mrs. Judy Schilling

Mr. Adan ’02 & Mrs. Carmen Cano

Mrs. Margaret P. Cowden

Mr. John ’68 & Mrs. Diane Scovell ’68

Mr. Joe ’64 & Mrs. Jo Canon ’66

Mr. Jason & Mrs. Robin Elliott ’95

Mrs. Karen Seaberg ’69

Mr. R. Don ’66 & Mrs. S. Kay Cash ’67

Mrs. Helen J. Geick ’61

Mr. Kenneth & Mrs. Catherine Sheffield ’79

Mr. Donald ’69 & Mrs. Robbie Champion ’69

Mr. David ’74 & Mrs. Janis King

Mr. Jim ’74 & Mrs. Alice Skinner

Dr. W. Evan ’07 & Mrs. Vicki Chaney

Mrs. Peggy B. LaFont ’61

Mr. Lucian ’74 & Mrs. Kristin Smith ’76

Mr. Mark A. Cina ’75

Mr. Rowland C. Lawson ’84

Mr. Tom ’75 & Mrs. Melinda Stacy

Mrs. Peggy Clark ’64

Mr. George & Mrs. Linda McMahan

Mr. Chase T. Street ’05

Mr. Bobby D. ’73 & Mrs. Rhonda Clifton

Mr. Michael J. McVean ’84

Mr. Dale ’65 & Mrs. Cheryl Swinburn

Mr. Robert ’87 & Mrs. Margaret Cobb ’86

Mr John ’72 & Mrs. Cindy Middleton

Mr. Max ’67 & Mrs. Doris Swinburn

Mr. David ’91 & Mrs. Marquel Copple

Mr. William R. Moler ’88

Mr. David F. Thomas ’83

Mr. Boyd ’90 & Mrs. Teri Cowan ’89

Mr. Glenn D. Moor ’84

Mr. Fred ’71 & Mrs. Pam Underwood

Mr. Holt ’00 & Mrs. Kaye Cowden ’18

Mrs. Joyce Perkins ’64

Mr. Tommy W. Velasquez ’93

Col. Jimmy D. Cox, (Ret.) ’63

Mr. Michael ’98 & Mrs. Rebecca Pubentz ’99

Regent John ’68 & Mrs. Lisa Walker

Mr. Brenton ’96 & Mrs. Carrie Croley ’95

Mr. John ’71 & Mrs. Ann Redmon ’71

Mr. Geoffrey ’97 & Dr. Leslie Wayne ’02

Dr. Charles ’76 & Mrs. Salty Cruser

Ms. Anita R. Smith ’63

Mr. Edward ’64 & Mrs. Linda Whitacre ’65

Mr. Charles ’59 & Mrs. Barbara Cummings

DIAMOND [$5,000+ ANNUALLY]

Mr. Marlis E. Smith ’54 Mr. Barry ’79 & Mrs. SuDeline Street ’79

GOLD [$1,000-$2,499 ANNUALLY]

Mr. Ronald ’75 & Mrs. Barbara Cummins Mr. William ’72 & Mrs. Ann Daniel

Mr. Randall ’86 & Mrs. Dona Vines ’84

Mr. James D. Abbott ’48

Mr. Jim & Mrs. Mary Alice Daniel ’78

Capt. John (Ret.) ’62 & Mrs. Ann Woody (Ret.)

Mr. Joe ’60 & Mrs. Nancy Abston

Mr. Cody ’11 & Mrs. Ashley Davis ’12

Mr. Kevin L. Acosta

Mr. Kenneth ’84 & Mrs. Lisa Davis

Mr. Chip ’93 & Mrs. Tiffany Adami ’92

Mr. Sean ’86 & Mrs. Donna Davis

Mr. Barney ’75 & Mrs. Kandy Adams ’75

Mr. Darrell Adams ’81

Dr. Miles & Dr. Audra Day ’99

Mr. Grant F. Adamson ’81

Mr. Robert ’95 & Mrs. Keeley Adcox ’95

Dr. Bill ’61 & Mrs. Peggy Dean ’66

Mr. Patrick C. Bryan ’06

Dr. R. G. “Wick” ’58 & Mrs. Janna Alexander ’58

Mr. Todd ’86 & Mrs. D’Aun Denton

Mr. Steve ’83 & Mrs. Elizabeth Burleson ’84

Mr. Robert & Mrs. Janis Allen

Mr. Richard ’89 & Mrs. Stacey Derr ’88

Mr. Ralph ’59 & Mrs. Kay Campbell

Mr. Timothy ’80 & Mrs. Kandee Allen

Ms. Jane B. Dickson ’74

Ms. Maria R. Carter ’87

Mr. Ronald ’79 & Mrs. Deidra Althof

Dr. Michael ’73 & Mrs. Ginger Doherty

Mr. Eugene ’66 & Mrs. Carole Chambers

Mr. Jeffrey ’80 & Mrs. Cynthia Anderson ’78

Mr. Jim ’70 & Mrs. Patti Douglass ’85

Mr. Tim ’81 & Mrs. Annette Culp ’81

Mr. James ’71 & Mrs. Janet Anderson ’73

Mr. Michael B. Dowell

Mr. Mike ‘74 & Mrs. Celia Davis ‘74

Mr. Steve ’70 & Mrs. Barbara Armstrong ’69

Mr. John ’66 & Mrs. Edie Downs

Mr. Enoch ’60 & Mrs. Frances Dawkins

Mr. Chris ’84 & Mrs. Terry Aulds

Mr. David ’82 & Mrs. Allison Doyle

Mr. Ralph G. Goodlet, Jr. ’82

Mr. Charles ’73 & Mrs. Leslie Baker

Capt. David ’82 & Mrs. Paige Drake

Mr. J. Todd ’85 & Mrs. Nancy Gregory

Mr. M. Todd ’91 & Mrs. Amy Barnes

Mr. Scott Dueser ’75

Mrs. Geneva Griffin ’51

Mr. Vernon Bartley ’85

Mr. Norman Dyer ’51

Mr. Will ’69 & Mrs. Karen Hagood ’71

Dr. Carl & Mrs. Robin Beard ’12

Mr. Robert ’72 & Mrs. Bonny Eakens

Mr. Bob & Mrs. Nancy Hayter

Mr. Joe ’69 & Mrs. Patricia Beaty ’75

Mrs. Jan M. Elliott

Mr. H. Wayne Henry ’75

Mr. Phillip ’78 & Mrs. Sherry Bell ’77

Mr. Michael ’73 & Mrs. Patty Erspamer ’74

Mr. Bob L. Herd ’57

Francille Bergquist, Ph.D. ’68

Mr. C. Robert ’69 & Mrs. Lee Fabling

Mr. Michael Herd ’10 & Ms. Whitney Wolfe

Mr. Oran ’71 & Mrs. Linda Berry ’70

Dr. Francisco ’67 & Mrs. Sharon Figueroa

Mr. Thomas ’95 & Mrs. Stephanie Hilbun ’95

Mr. Brent ’87 & Mrs. Tonya Bertrand

Ms. Sammie N. Fowler Saulsbury ’58

Dr. William ’74 & Mrs. Joann Hinchey

Mr. Ronny ’94 & Mrs. Jennie Bevers

Regent L. Frederick ’78 & Mrs. Ginger Francis ’79

Mr. Thomas ’70 & Mrs. Leslie Hix ’71

Mr. John B. Billingsley, Jr. ’61

Mr. Ricky & Mrs. Melinda Gaddis ’84

Mr. Jeffrey ’80 & Mrs. Karlene Holloman

Mr. Robert & Mrs. Stephanie Billstone ’95

Mr. Joe ’84 & Mrs. Linda Garner ’83

Mr. Don J. Howe ’71

Mr. William Bomberger ’79 & Ms. Sharon Simandl

Mr. James ’72 & Mrs. Dinah Gaspard ’72

Regent Chris ’91 & Mrs. Robin Huckabee ’92

Mr. Lynn ’84 & Mrs. Susan Bourdon ’84

Mr. Christopher ’07 & Mrs. Mary Gellner ’05

Mr. Tom ’87 & Mrs. Jerri Jacobs

Mr. Samuel ’74 & Mrs. DeLilah Boyd

Mr. Benjamin ’08 & Mrs. Kiley Gergen

Mr. Parker ’97 & Mrs. Victoria Johnson

Mr. Bennie ’65 & Mrs. Mary Brigham ’66

Mr. Bryan ’73 & Mrs. Nancy Gossett

Mr. Mark ’94 & Mrs. Cynthia Key

Mr. Larry ’69 & Mrs. Judith Britton

Mr. Robert ’70 & Mrs. Diane Gossett ’71

Mr. Lanny ’77 & Mrs. Joni Layman ’79

Mr. Alan Brown ’69

Mr. Jeremy ’99 & Mrs. Lauren Gott

Mr. Layne ’88 & Mrs. Cindy Levine

Mr. Bill ’74 & Mrs. Karen Brown

Mr. Robert W. Graves ’70

Mr. Bob ’70 & Mrs. Jo Mayo ’71

Mr. Eddie ’60 & Mrs. Billie Brown

Mr. Thomas ’64 & Mrs. Mary Ann Green ’64

Mr. Michael ’67 & Mrs. Barbara McKenzie ’68

Mr. Jackie & Mrs. Candace Brown ’80

Mr. Kyle & Mrs. Ashlee Groves ’07

Dr. Aaron ’64 & Mrs. Sherri McNeece

Mr. Robert ’59 & Mrs. Elena Brown

Dr. Dan & Mrs. Terri Guy ’73

PLATINUM [$2,500-$4,999 ANNUALLY]

Dr. Nadim ’88 & Mrs. Christine Haddad

Maj. Gen. Thomas & Lt. Gen. Wendy Masiello ’80

Mr. Alan ’75 & Ms. Kathy Sales ’74

Mrs. Kathy E. Hager Roberts ’72

Mr. Mark ’73 & Mrs. Annette McCloy

Mr. Herschel ’81 & Mrs. Anne Sanders

Mr. Luke ’00 & Mrs. Beth Haile

Mr. Mark ’86 & Mrs. Kelly McCormick ’90

Mr. Richard Scales ’60

Mr. Rickey ’74 & Mrs. Sherrie Hale

Mr. Brian ’75 & Mrs. Wetonnah McCoy

Mr. Ryan ’01 & Mrs. Mindy Schneider ’02

Regent Ron ’68 & Mrs. Nancy Hammonds

Mr. Paul ’81 & Mrs. Karen McDonald ’81

Mr. Ken & Mrs. Cortney Schwalbe ’99

Chancellor Emeritus Kent R. Hance ’65

Mrs. Beverly McDuff ’54

Mr. Ricky ’81 & Mrs. Lori Scott ’80

Mr. Keith ’68 & Mrs. Glenda Hansen

Mr. M. Ryan ’98 & Mrs. Kathleen McKenzie ’04

Mr. Jerry ’60 & Mrs. Sue Selfridge

Mr. Jeffrey ’80 & Mrs. Sarah Harbaugh ’80

Mr. Kevin ’73 & Mrs. Karen McMahon ’73

Mr. Thomas ’77 & Mrs. Pamela Sellers ’77

Dr. John ’99 & Mrs. Nancy Hardy ’99

Mr. Tom ’67 & Mrs. Carol McMorris ’67

Mr. Joe ’89 & Mrs. Brooke Shannon ’88

Mr. Owen ’73 & Mrs. Lois Harrison

Mr. Robert ’84 & Mrs. Anne McNaughton ’76

Mr. David ’71 & Mrs. Patsy Sharbutt

Mr. Jim ’83 & Mrs. Susan Hart ’83

Mr. Philip ’84 & Mrs. Lamar Meaders ’83

Mr. Tracy & Mrs. Pamela Sherman ’89

Dr. Robert Hart ’80 & Dr. Susan Nelson

Dr. John Menzies ’75

Mr. Josh M. Shuster ’00

Mr. Tim ’51 & Mrs. Tommie Hatch ’51

Ms. Patsy H. Middleton ’57

Dr. Kevin ’95 & Mrs. Tisha Sieck

Mr. Mark & Mrs. Karen Havins ’93

Mr. Raymond ’60 & Mrs. Hilda Mikolajczyk

Mr. Gary ’79 & Mrs. Tammy Skrehart

Mr. Daniel ’81 & Mrs. Nita Heinchon ’81

Mr. Jacob ’01 & Mrs. Erica Miller

Mr. Kenneth L. Slack, Jr. ’71

Mr. Lloyd ’79 & Mrs. Cheryl Helms ’78

Mr. Lon ’71 & Mrs. Gertrude Miller ’65

Mr. Lesley ’86 & Mrs. Amy Smith

Mr. Brent & Dr. Bralie Hendon ’12

Mr. Steven ’74 & Mrs. Jan Miller

Mr. Bobby ’80 & Mrs. Sabrina Smith

Mr. Alan ’64 & Mrs. Cassandra Henry ’67

Mr. Royce ’76 & Mrs. Judy Mitchell

Mr. Drue ’93 & Mrs. Jill Smith ’92

Mr. Chad ’99 & Mrs. Heather Henthorn ’00

Mr. Robert ’78 & Mrs. Sara Moeck ’81

Dr. Wade ’98 & Mrs. Esther Smith

Mr. Richard ’73 & Mrs. Emilee Hervey

Mr. Dudley ’52 & Mrs. Patty Montgomery

Mr. Robert ’82 & Mrs. Tabitha Smith

Mr. Robert W. Hodge, II

Mr. Joshua ’04 & Mrs. Kristin Moose ’04

Mr. William ’55 & Ms. Sally Snyder

Mr. Gregory ’86 & Mrs. Lori Hoes

Mr. Dennis ’70 & Mrs. Diana Morris ’72

Mr. Bryan ’80 & Mrs. Sheri Springston ’81

Mr. Ted ’77 & Mrs. Joellen Hogan ’76

Mr. Thomas ’79 & Mrs. Laura Morris ’80

Mr. Stephen ’74 & Mrs. Kathy Stallings

Mr. Robert ’60 & Mrs. Kyle Hood

Mr. Samuel ’99 & Mrs. Leslie Morris

Mr. David L. Stoneking ’77

Mr. Stan ’86 & Mrs. Whitney Horton

Mr. Kevin G. Morton ’83

Mr. Larry ’70 & Mrs. Linda Strickland

Mr. Michael & Mrs. Pamela Hughes ’80

Mrs. Janet G. Moseley ’65

Mr. Lance ’99 & Mrs. Dawn Taylor ’00

Mr. Jimmie ’56 & Mrs. Betsy Hunt

Mr. Tommy ’75 & Mrs. Debra Mrazek ’81

Ms. Jennifer L. Taylor ’99

Mr. Steve ’71 & Mrs. Debbie Hurt ’72

Mr. James & Mrs. Cheryl Nail ’99

Ms. Allison L. Thompson ’02

Mr. Rex ’78 & Mrs. Nancy Isom ’80

Mr. Jerry ’81 & Mrs. Shelli Nevans

Mr. Fred ’68 & Mrs. Kay Timberlake

Dr. O. Wayne ’61 & Mrs. Pat Isom

Mr. Lyndel ’55 & Mrs. Billie Newsom

Mr. Ellis ’67 & Mrs. Marsha Todd ’65

Mr. Kenneth ’97 & Mrs. Kendal Jastrow ’98

Mr. Coby B. Nichols ’98 & Mr. Armando Pando

Mr. Mitchell ’82 & Mrs. Tonya Toups

Mr. Steven ’96 & Mrs. Lesley Jeffcoat ’96

Mr. Benny ’74 & Mrs. Vicki Nixon ’73

Mr. James ’65 & Mrs. Susan Turley

Mr. Roger ’74 & Mrs. Deni Jeschke

Mr. Michael ’85 & Mrs. Melanie Norton ’86

Mr. Chance ’08 & Mrs. Kim Turner

Mr. Jeremy ’00 & Mrs. Trina Johnson ’99

Mr. Kenneth ’74 & Mrs. Deborah Norvell

Mr. Jerry ’68 & Mrs. Diane Turner ’68

Dr. Thomas ’73 & Dr. Susan Johnson

Mr. David ’07 & Mrs. Odalis Ortiz

Mr. Jimmy ’00 & Mrs. Kristina Vallee

Mr. H. David Jones ’69

Mr. David & Mrs. Selena Overholt ’02

Mr. Bobby G. Waddle ’55

Mr. R. Hamlin ’96 & Mrs. Amy Jones ’95

Mr. John ’71 & Mrs. Cynthia Owens ’73

Mr. Daniel ’79 & Mrs. Bredgitt Walker

Mr. Troy ’57 & Mrs. Lona Jones

Mr. Bob J. Paradiso ’79

Mr. Herman ’92 & Mrs. Marcia Walker ’94

Mr. Van J. Josselet ’74

Mr. Paul ’05 & Mrs. Rebecca Pardaen

Mr. Ben ’76 & Mrs. Patricia Wallace

Dr. Pedro N. Juri ’79

Mr. Paul ’82 & Mrs. Crystal Parkinson

Mr. Corey ’95 & Mrs. Tracey Waller ’93

Mr. Phillip ’09 & Mrs. Kara Danielle Kahlich

Mr. Roberto ’93 & Mrs. Denise Pena

The Honorable T. John ’64 & Mrs. Elizabeth Ward ’86

Mr. Frankie ’85 & Mrs. Marion Karvas ’87

Mr. Gary R. Petersen ’68

Mr. Stanley ’77 & Mrs. Teresa Waters

Mr. Michael & Mrs. Tracy Kiefer ’87

Mr. Mike ’79 & Mrs. Martha Petraitis ’81

Mr. Dan ’61 & Mrs. Molly Webster

Maj. Anthony D. Killa (Ret.) ’95 & Mrs. Angela Hartman-Killa (Ret.)

Mr. Steve ’93 & Mrs. Stacey Phillips ’93

Mr. James ’80 & Mrs. Susan Wedel ’83

Mr. Truitt ’00 & Mrs. Kay Kimbrough ’01

Mr. David & Mrs. Lugene Pickering ’77

Mr. James ’91 & Mrs. Cheryl Werner ’91

Mr. M. Chris ’84 & Mrs. Betsy Kirksey ’83

Mr. Gregory ’96 & Mrs. Heather Prather

Mr. Michael ’93 & Mrs. Teresa West

Mr. Gaylon ’57 & Mrs. Barbara Kornfuehrer

Mr. David ’91 & Mrs. Cindy Proctor ’90

Mr. David ’64 & Mrs. Carla Wight

Dr. John ’00 & Mrs. Emily Kuczek

Mr. Scott ’80 & Mrs. Carroll Pullen

Mrs. Mary B. Wilkinson ’77

Mr. Brandon ’01 & Mrs. Sheri LaBonte ’97

Mr. Terry ’69 & Mrs. Mendy Putman ’81

Mr. D. Andy ’91 & Mrs. Camille Williams

Mr. Brandon ’01 & Mrs. Heather Lairsen ’01

Mr. Gil ’82 & Mrs. Ann Radtke

Mr. Billy ’79 & Mrs. Kelly Williams

Mr. Greg & Mrs. Melanie Lane ’90

Mr. Sean ’05 & Mrs. Corrie Rae ’05

Mr. Bryant ’61 & Mrs. Brenda Williams

Mr. Jon-Paul ’00 & Mrs. Melissa Lascalere

Mr. Samuel M. Ray, IV ’66 & Mrs. Sandra L. Ray

Mr. Tom ’85 & Mrs. Molly Williams ’84

Mr. Douglas ’94 & Mrs. Carol Lathem ’94

Mr. B. Jack ’72 & Mrs. Janet Reed ’71

Ms. Mary Jane Williamson ’62

Mr. Ryan ’01 & Mrs. Mindy Laudermill

Mr. Steve ’72 & Mrs. Barbara Reichmuth

Mr. W. Eric ’92 & Mrs. Jackie Wilson

Mr. Jeff ’89 & Mrs. Meghan Lawlis

Mr. Sam & Mrs. Jaque Rich ’72

Mr. Donald ’82 & Dr. Tanya Wood ’99

Mr. Robert & Mrs. Kelly Leach ’78

Mr. David ’82 & Mrs. Jill Ricks

Dr. Gary B. ’73 & Mrs. Sheryl Wood

Mr. Geoffrey ’93 & Mrs. Caroline Lochausen

Mr. Walter ’60 & Mrs. Joyce Rinehart

Mr. Lee ’87 & Mrs. Tammy Wright

Mr. Chris ’93 & Mrs. Stacy Loveless ’92

Dr. T. ’89 & Mrs. Michelle Robinson

Mr. Randy ’68 & Mrs. Sharon Wright

Mr. Jeffrey ’93 & Mrs. Dacia Lowrey

Mr. Keith & Dr. Brooks Rogers ’87

Dr. Scott ’87 & Mrs. Lenore Wyrick

Mr. Ronald & Mrs. Eleanor Luke ’77

Ms. Terry L. Rolan ’85

Mr. Jeff Yarbrough ’82

Mr. P.A. ’73 & Mrs. Bridget Lyon

Mr. Robert & Mrs. Susan Rose ’76

Mr. William ’95 & Mrs. Jennifer Young ’96

Dr. Julio ’82 & Mrs. Dolores Madrigal

Mr. David ’89 & Mrs. Kim Rottino

Mr. W. Brad Youngblood ’74

Mr. Jack & Mrs. Patsy Martin ’76

Mr. John ’88 & Mrs. Elise Roueche

*As of May 21, 2019

alumni news as a chair for the capitol advocacy event in Austin, where the institute pushed for physical education funding and public health initiatives. His wife is Laura.

for assistance in Ethiopia, he and his team of doctors, nurses, dentists and community members travel to make human connections and help villagers. His wife is Emily.

1986

1988

J. MOODY ALEXANDER, D.D.S. (BS Zoology) Arlington, Texas, has been selected to receive the 2019 American Association of Orthodontists Humanitarian Award for the impact he has made on the community outside of his normal practice, Drs. Alexander Orthodontics. He is involved in Gospel City Church, Pantego Christian Academy, Alliance for Children, Dental Health Arlington and Mission Arlington, as well as many other organizations. Moody started EthiopiaSmile to improve the basic living conditions, medical and dental care for villagers in Ethiopia after he and his wife adopted three children from there. Seeing the growing need

PENNY T. LINSENMAYER (BA History, English) Bellaire, Texas, has joined Taylor English Duma, LLP as a partner in the firm’s corporate practice group based out of Houston, Texas. Taylor English, originating in Atlanta, Georgia, is a full-service law firm that provides clients counsel in solving problems and achieving goals.

With more than 15 years of experience practicing law, Penny will further the firm’s presence in the Texas legal market.

Prior to joining Taylor English, she was the owner of her own practice, providing legal services including commercial contract

drafting, review and negotiation to a broad range of clients. Her husband is Bryce.

1991 DAVID C. FRAZIER, ED.D. (BS Agricultural Education, MS ’97 Agricultural Education) Stephenville, Texas, has been inducted into The Texas A&M University System 2019 Chancellor’s Academy of Teacher Educators. The academy recognizes individuals who make significant contributions to teacher education. David joined Tarleton State University’s faculty in 2013 as an associate professor of agricultural education and consumer sciences. He has taught 24 courses at Tarleton and served as a master’s thesis chair or committee member for nearly 70 graduate students. David has also authored several refereed journal articles relating to agricultural education, presented at more than a dozen conferences and brought in more than $190,000 in grant

We meet with every participant one on one, face to face, every single year Taking care of your people

SAM LAW 401(k) SPECIALIST 806-687-6700

www.samlaw.com

support@samlaw.com

Securities offered through Registered Representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser. Sam Law Financial and Cambridge are not affiliated.

46

///

TECHSAN

texastechalumni.org

NECTAR OF THE GODS. HEAT-FORGED IN THE SCORCHING TEXAS SUN, ONE BARREL AT A TIME. It’s hotter than hell in Texas, and we like it that way. Because while we’re sweatin’ like dogs, our bourbon is getting pushed deeper and deeper into our white oak barrel’s pores, soaking up its buttery caramel and vanilla flavors, amber color, and earthy texture. When it does eventually cool down, the bourbon escapes the wood and returns to the inside of the barrel, taking these delicious flavors along with it and transforming the liquid into the Nectar of the Gods. #S A L U D

DRINK LIKE AN ADULT ™

garrisonbros.com

©2019 Garrison Brothers Distillery

LUBBOCK, TEXAS

800.766.8041

ALDERSON.COM

806.763.8041

alumni news funding. He is the author of the Texas FFA National Officer Candidate Study Guide and serves as a steadfast supporter of FFA. David has received numerous awards including the Barry B. Thompson Excellence in Service Award from Tarleton in 2015 and the 2019 Faculty Excellence in Student Success Award at Tarleton.

1994 GREGORY A. GORMAN HERNÁNDEZ

(BA History) Atlanta, Georgia, owns SSD Demolition and Environmental with his brother. The company was founded in 2007 and is one of the largest minorityowned, civil construction companies in Georgia. They work with large-scale demolition and abatement projects in both the commercial and government sectors.

Gregory’s company has recently completed two phases of work for a major renovation project at State Farm Arena in Downtown Atlanta, home of the Atlanta

Tradition

Hawks Basketball Club. His husband is Charles Ballard.

1997 JENNIFER J. “JENNY” MEHLOW (BA Public Relations) San Diego, California, has been promoted to senior public relations production representative for San Diego Zoo Global. She is a key member of the communications team for the SDZG and works with ranging media outlets to spread stories of how the organization is trying to end extinction of plants, animals and habitats worldwide. Jenny has more than 15 years of experience in communications, working for agencies and in-house PR departments in Austin, Boston and San Diego.

1998 KEN W. GASSIOT, PH.D. (BSRHM

Restaurant, Hotel, Institutional Management, M.Ed. ’03 Early Childhood,

Camaraderie

Ph.D. ’12 Higher Education) Statesboro, Georgia, has been named associate vice president for student engagement at Georgia Southern University. In this position, he oversees the rec center, student activities, multicultural affairs, student union, fraternity and sorority life, leadership and community engagement, and student media. Ken is also involved in the Division of Student Affairs and leads strategic plans and assessment efforts.

His wife is KIMBERLY M. GASSIOT (BS ’98 Early Childhood, M.Ed. ’03 Language/ Literacy Education).

2002 LLOYD A. LIM, JR. (BA Political Science) Spring, Texas, has been promoted to partner at Reed Smith LLP in the firm’s Houston office, where he was previously counsel. Reed Smith is an international law firm dedicated to helping clients advance their businesses within energy and natural resources, entertainment and media,

Success

Support Red Raiders. Hire Red Raiders. www.HireRedRaiders.ttu.edu J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 19

///

49

alumni news

Joy Daniel ABR, CRS,GRI

806.535.1206

jdaniel@westmarkrealtors.com choosejoydaniel.com

EW

2019 S

TB

S

FLEXIBLE. AFFORDABLE. ACCREDITED.

BE

PROFESSIONAL MBA

INCETON REV PR I

USIN

WEEKEND CLASSES COMING TO

MARBLE FALLS Attend classes just 1 Saturday & Sunday /month Learn to use data analytics to guide your business decisions Face-to-face and online coursework 50

///

TECHSAN

texastechalumni.org

RawlsMBA.com

OL

JARROD A. UPTON (BBA Marketing, MS ’10 Marketing, MS ’10 Personal Financial Planning) Colleyville, Texas, has joined Herbers & Company as chief operating officer and senior consultant in their Dallas office. He brings more than 16 years of experience in management strategy, client experience, operations, training and consulting advisory firms from start-ups to multi-location/multibillion dollar firms. Herbers & Company provides management and strategy consulting solutions to the financial advisory industry. They have worked with more than a thousand advisory firms throughout the last 17 years. Jarrod has also been selected to serve on the Board of

#WreckEm #LiveLoveLubbock #WestTexasRealtor #TexasTechAlumna

THE

financial, health care, life sciences and transportation industries. Lloyd is a member of the Financial Industry Group which focuses on representing secured lenders, landlords, post-petition lenders, asset purchasers, bondholders and other unsecured creditors. His wife is DANA M. LIM (BA ’02 Political Science).

ESS SC

HO

DA

THE TEXAS TECH ALUMNI ASSOCIATION INVITES YOU TO CELEBRATE OUR

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI 2019 HONOREES

JOHN CARTER F. SCOTT DUESER KELLY MARBLE 2019 Distinguished Alumni Dinner Friday, Sept. 6, 2019

$800 - Table of 8 $80 - Individual Tickets

PURCHASE TICKETS & LEARN MORE

at texastechalumni.org/DA.

2019-20 SEASON

MASTERWORKS SERIES Opening Weekend: SEDUCTIVE CLASSICS Fri. & Sat. | Sept. 27 & 28, 2019 Bandini Chiacchiaretta Duo

Anderson | Blue Tango Piazzolla | Four Seasons of Buenos Aires Sibelius | Symphony No. 1, Op. 39, E minor

AN AMERICAN IN PARIS! Fri. & Sat. | Nov. 8 & 9, 2019 Kimberly Sparr, viola

Gershwin | An American in Paris Brahms (arr. Berio) | Viola Sonata, Op. 120, No. 1 Kodály | Dances of Galanta Hindemith | Symphonic Metamorphosis

GRIEG’S BELOVED PIANO CONCERTO Fri. & Sat. | Jan. 17 & 18, 2020 William Westney, piano

Sibelius | Karelia Overture, Op. 10 Grieg | Piano Concerto, Op. 16, A minor Prokofiev | Symphony No. 5

RAVISHING RACHMANINOFF

Fri. & Sat. | Feb. 28 & 29, 2020 David Itkin, guest conductor Amit Peled, cello Dvořák | Cello Concerto, Op. 104, B minor Rachmaninoff | Symphony No. 3

TCHAIKOVSKY VIOLIN CONCERTO Fri. & Sat. | April 24 & 25, 2020 Chee-Yun, violin

FALL SOUND! CHAMBER Tue. | Nov. 19, 2019

HOLIDAY CHAMBER

Tue. | Dec. 17, 2019 with The LSO Brass Quintet

WINTER SOUND! CHAMBER Tue. | Feb. 4, 2020

BONUS CONCERTS

Tchaikovsky | The Tempest: Fantasy Overture Tchaikovsky | Violin Concerto, Op. 35, D major Stravinsky | Petrouchka

MUSIC OF LED ZEPPELIN Call 806.762.1688

Fri. | Oct. 18, 2019

Visit LubbockSymphony.org All dates and concert information are subject to change.

NIGHT AT THE MOVIES Fri. | May 8, 2020

alumni news Trustees for Covenant Christian Academy in Colleyville. His wife is AMANDA M. UPTON (MBA ’10 General Business).

2003 R. HEATH CHEEK (BA Political Science) Dallas, Texas, has been named to the 2019 Texas Rising Stars list for the sixth consecutive year. This list recognizes lawyers across more than 70 practice areas who are 40 years old or younger or in their first 10 years of practice. Heath is a partner at Bell Nunnally’s Litigation group, where he focuses on trials and disputes. He represents Fortune 500 companies to start-up businesses and high-net-worth individuals in several industries. He has served in various leadership positions for the Dallas Museum of Art, State Fair of Texas Development Association, Republican Lawyers of Dallas and Christian Legal Society. Heath is also a member of the Texas Tech Alumni Association National Board of Directors.

52

///

TECHSAN

texastechalumni.org

alumni news His wife is ANDREA E. CHEEK (BA ’07 Public Relations).

KIMBERLY “KIM” M. HOLDRIDGE (BA Food

Technology, MS ’05 Food Technology) Granbury, Texas, and her husband, Brent, have started Monarch Ranch, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a compassionate care home for those at the end of their life. Their goal is to rally the community to provide the necessary human and financial resources needed to provide a home which will welcome the terminally ill and their families, so they can be surrounded by trained volunteers who will provide support in many different areas.

2004 ERIN SMITH (BS Applied Science) Houston, Texas, is the co-owner—along with husband Patrick Feges—of Feges BBQ in Houston, Texas, and one of the founding members of I’ll Have What She’s Having. IHWSH is a Houston-based organization that raises

funds to support medically uninsured women in culinary and hospitality fields by covering their healthcare needs. The organization’s mission is to educate the community on the multiple barriers women are faced with when trying to maintain their health and well-being. IHWSH strives to identify with non-profit partners to promote women’s health while raising funds and awareness, and they also partner with professionals in science, medicine, sports and the arts to highlight the women ready to advocate for high quality, affordable health care for women.

2005 RYAN J. BLAIR (BS Personal Financial Planning) Prosper, Texas, has been promoted to managing director and principal of SFMG Wealth Advisors. SFMG Wealth Advisors is a leading independent fee-only firm serving families through personalized planning services. Ryan joined the firm 13 years ago and has previously served

on the executive committee. In his new position, Ryan will continue with his prior responsibilities as well as serve a diverse group of clients. He is currently on the Sci-Tech Discovery Center board in Frisco, Texas, and is a member of the Financial Planning Association, National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, National Association of Charitable Gift Planners and the Dallas Estate Planning Council. His wife is SHANNA S. BLAIR (BFA ’06 Visual Studies).

KRISTOPHER D. HILL (BBA Management) Dallas, Texas, has been named to the 2019 Texas Rising Stars list for the sixth consecutive year. This list recognizes lawyers from across more than 70 practice areas who are 40 years old or younger or in their first 10 years of practice. Kristopher is a partner at Bell Nunnally, practicing in the Litigation and the Labor, Employment and Benefits groups. He focuses on complex and high-stakes business disputes, trials and arbitrations matters, as well as confidentiality agreements, business

J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 19

///

53

alumni news FIGHT, MATADORS, FOR TECH! divorces, fiduciary duties, trade secrets, oil and gas investments and construction defects. He also advises employers and employees regarding terms of noncompete agreements and related departing employee issues. His wife is MICHELLE M. HILL (BBA ’05 Finance, MBA ’06 General Business).

2008

SONGS OF LOVE WE’LL SING TO THEE

BEAR OUR BANNERS FAR AND WIDE

EVER TO BE OUR PRIDE FEARLESS CHAMPIONS EVER BE STAND ON HEIGHTS OF VICTORY

STRIVE FOR HONOR EVERMORE.

LONG LIFE THE MATADORS!

ARIANA LOERA (BBA Accounting)

Lubbock, has been promoted to vice president of First United Bank, a subsidiary of Plains Bancorp, Inc. Prior to this position, she served as an accounting manager for the bank. Ariana has 16 years of experience in the financial industry, all of which has been committed to First United Bank.

MEGAN N. PRICE (JD Law) Dallas, Texas, has been named partner with Dix Fisher Financial Consulting Group of US Capital Advisors. The group is a financial management team that aims to provide coordinated, comprehensive financial planning beyond simply managing investments.

Megan has worked in the financial services industry since 2005 in various capacities and has been with the Dix Fisher Financial Consulting Group for the past five years.

She is heavily involved in serving clients and deepening those relationships while also managing internal operations for the team’s business matters. Her husband is MARK A. PRICE (BBA ’08 Management Information Systems).

REALTOR, GRI, CRS

David Rayburn drayburn@westmarkrealtors.com

806.441.0123

PURCHASE TECH PHOTOS

2010 LENA B. LAURENZO (BA Psychology) Houston, Texas, has been named to the 2019 Texas Rising Stars list for the third consecutive year, indicating that she is among the top 2.5 percent of attorneys in Texas under the age of 40 or have been in practice for 10 years to be recognized.

She currently works as an associate for the Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Sorrels, Agosto & Aziz Houston-based personal law firm. During the course of her legal career, Lena has exclusively practiced personal injury and maritime law, successfully litigating numerous cases representing individuals and families who have been injured or killed by the negligence of others.

54

///

TECHSAN

texastechalumni.org

THE DAILY TOREADOR AND LA VENTANA Visit www.dailytoreador.com and click on Buy Photos

alumni news

In Memoriam CHARLES “LEN” AINSWORTH ’53, ’58, ’63, Lubbock, died

March 6. In 32 years at Texas Tech, he served as professor of education, associate dean of the graduate school, associate vice-president and interim vice-president for Academic Affairs, and vice-provost for Academic Affairs. He was named a Distinguished Alumnus of Texas Tech University College of Education in 1995. He is survived by his wife, PEGGY L. AINSWORTH ’58.

RONALD LANCE BAILEY ’87, Lamesa, Texas, died Feb. 9.

He is survived by his wife, Sherry.

JESSICA FAYE BUTLER ’12, Lubbock, died April 20.

H. MAC COOPER ’70, Lubbock, died March 26. He served as a

former staff member at Texas Tech and is survived by his wife, Rebecca.

SARAH GRACE DEARMOND , a current student at Texas Tech

University from Seabrook, Texas, died Feb. 24.

ROBERT T. “ROBIN” DARSEY, JR. ’67, Afton, Texas, died Feb. 10. He is survived by his wife, BEVERLY A. DARSEY ’71.

ARIEL FERNANDEZ ’99, Lubbock, died Feb. 17.

EDWIN RAY “POPPY” FOSTER, JR. ’59, Lubbock, died March

6. He is survived by his wife, Mary Alice.

L. DONALD “DON” GARTH ’55, Lubbock, died April 13.

He is survived by his wife, Martha.

CAMRYN ANN GAUGER , a current student at Texas Tech

University from Schertz, Texas, died March 10.

TRENT JAMES GLASER ’07, Wolfforth, Texas, died Feb. 19.

He is survived by his wife, Brent.

STEVEN NATHANIEL GREENWOOD ’02, Dallas, Texas,

died March 20.

BARBARA GAIL HOUSE, PH.D. ’70, ’75, ’79, Lubbock, died

Feb. 25. She was recognized as a Distinguished Alumna of the College of Human Sciences in 1989. She also served as assistant dean of the College of Home Economics.

WENDELL HOWARD ’61, Lubbock, died March 15. He is

survived by his wife, Sandy.

GREGORY DAN “GREG” JOHNSON ’96, San Anotnio, Texas,

died March 6.

CHAD DAVID KANE ’00, ’03, Wellington, Texas, died March 9.

He is survived by his wife, CHRISTY L. KANE ’00, ’02.

ZOE MERRIMAN KIRKPATRICK ’56, Post, Texas, died March 29. She is survived by her husband, JACK G. KIRKPATRICK ’56.

CAROLE ANN JACOBS LAWSON ’59, McKinney, Texas,

died April 2. She is survived by her husband, Paul.

BOBBY GENE LEE ’55, Levelland, Texas, died Feb. 27.

He is survived by his wife, Janice.

JUDY LYN LOVE ’72, Montgomery, Texas, died April 7.

She is survived by her husband, EARL L. LOVE ’75.

DOUGLAS RICHARD “DOUG” LOWE ’57, ’58, Clarendon,

Texas, died Feb. 13.

BRUCE D. MATTSON, ED.D. , a former faculty member at Texas

Tech University from Oak Harbor, Washington, died Jan. 26.

He served as a Professor Emeritus of educational psychology and leadership within the College of Education. He is survived by his wife, Lou. (His son, Bruce D. “Doug” Mattson, Jr., ’73, also survives him.)

JULIA ANN VAUGHAN MCCOMAS ’89, Shallowater, Texas,

died April 6.

ARRON JEROME MCCONIC ’06, Lubbock, died Feb. 19.

MICHAEL PERRIN MCDERMETT ’71, Navasota, Texas,

died Feb. 25. He is survived by his wife, Georgia.

DAN W. MCDOWELL ’66, Amarillo, Texas, died April 2.

He is survived by his wife, Joy. GEORGE G. MCDUFF ’58, Lubbock, died March 14.

He is survived by his wife, BEVERLY J. HUTCHESON MCDUFF ’54.

JOAN MILTON MCMILLION ’84, Lubbock, died Feb. 19.

JAMES FABER MCNALLY , a former faculty member at Texas

Tech, died March 15. He was inducted into Tech Athletic’s Hall of Honor for his service as a swimming and diving coach. As an associate professor, he taught classes in health, physical education and recreation. He is survived by his wife, Tamara.

ELIZABETH ANNE ORR ’67, Dallas, Texas, died Feb. 25. She is survived by her husband, JAY BRYANT ORR ’68.

ESOSA OYEMWENSE , a current student at Texas Tech

University died Feb. 15.

RUSSELL DEAN PETTIT ’65, Lubbock, died Feb. 15. He served

as an associate professor emeritus of range management within the Department of Natural Resources Management from 1969 until his retirement in 1989.

GARY DAN POPE ’68, Lubbock, died April 11. He is survived

by his wife, Sharon.

CHARLES GRANT PORTER ’65, North Richland Hills, Texas,

died March 11. He is survived by his wife, Patsy.

LAURA BETH HALL PURCELL ’49, Lubbock, died April 10.

IDA SMITH RHODE ’64, Lubbock, died March 12.

JAMES VANCE SCOGGIN ’58, Lubbock, died April 8.

BRETT L. SMITHERS ’03, Meeker, Colorado, died Jan. 5.

TRENT KELLY STAGGS ’03, Fort Worth, Texas, died March 3.

He is survived by his wife, PAIGE STAGGS ’97.

HARVEY CECIL TUBB ’49, Brownfield, Texas, died March 2.

He is survived by his wife, Billie Jo. RICHARD SCOTT UNDERWOOD ’89, Big Spring, Texas,

died Feb. 15.

THOMAS CLINTON VANCE ’62, Houston, Texas, died March 27.

He is survived by his wife, Judy.

TERRY LEE WANSLEY ’74, Memphis, Texas, died Sept. 18,

2017. He is survived by his wife, Jane.

MARSHA ANN DOWDY WILKES ’60, Lubbock, died April 13.

MARY JOAN WHITLEY ’60, Watauga, Texas, died April 6.

J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 19

///

55

student spotlight COM PI LE D BY J EAN AN N CANTOR E

CODI CLARK/TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY

Tesfaye and Groznik.

MAX GROZNIK , a political science and history double major,

and FIKER TESFAYE , a sociology major, became National Round Robin debate champions after they won each parliamentary debate they entered at the National Round Robin tournament in March at the University of California-Berkeley.

T H E T E X A S T E C H University Meat Animal Evaluation Team won the National Meat Animal Evaluation competition for the fifth time in school history April 1 in Oklahoma City. Texas Tech finished first or second in six of the seven divisions, taking first place in beef evaluation, market animal division and meats division.

Three members of the team finished in the top 10 individually, led by junior KADE CLAPPER , who finished second with 2,231.333 points, taking second in sheep evaluation and finishing in the top 10 in beef evaluation, the market animal division and the meats judging division.

Senior KOBY VALENTINE took third with a first-place finish in swine evaluation and a third-place spot in the meats division.

Senior CALEY ELLINGTON finished sixth.

APRIL MOLITOR , senior, took first place in the meats division and fifth in beef evaluation; AUSTIN WALTER , junior, finished third in beef evaluation and fourth in the breeding animal division; TANNER BARNES , senior, placed fifth in market animal division. RAFE ROYALL , senior, finished seventh in both market animal division and sheep evaluation; TAYLOR PERRYMAN , senior, placed eighth in market animal division. ALLIE MARTIN , junior, was sixth in sheep evaluation.

Other members of the team are BAILEY SAMPER , senior; BEN MILLS , senior; CASE HENDRIX , junior; COLLIN CASS , junior; DANIEL YOUNG , senior; DEREK SHARP , junior; GRAYSEN GILBRAITH , junior; HANNAH CRAUN , senior; REAGAN LANGEMEIER , senior; THACHARY MAYER , senior; TRAVIS TILTON , junior; and TREVOR ROSSO , junior.

T EX AS G OV. G REG Abbott has appointed LAUREN MCKENZIE as the student representative to serve on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Her term is from June 1, 2019, to May 31, 2020. She is an undergraduate student in human sciences scheduled to graduate in May 2020. She recently was appointed as the director of political affairs for the Student Government Association. She was chair of the College of Education Committee and vice chair of the Academic Committee in TTU’s SGA. McKenzie currently serves as president of Delta Gamma Fraternity. She is a membership committee member of the President’s Gender Equity Council’s Women’s Leadership Initiative and has served as a student member of the Student Union Advisory Board. McKenzie has received President’s List and Dean’s List recognition for academic excellence from 2016 to 2020.

56

///

TECHSAN

texastechalumni.org

TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW

PEYTON STEELE , a Jerry S. Rawls College of Business energy commerce student, was awarded the highly competitive 2018-2019 Dallas Association of Petroleum Landmen Scholarship, which is presented to one student at Texas Tech University and one at the University of Oklahoma. During his first year of college, Steele successfully managed a rigorous academic schedule while playing football for Texas Tech. Steele retired from football at the end of his 2018 semester to focus on academics. He accepted a 2019 summer internship position at Concho Resources in Midland.

From left are Harrison, Voeller and Payne.

T H E T E A M OF JORDAN HARRISON ,

second-year law student; TYLYNN PAYNE , second-year law student; and AMANDA VOELLER , third-year law student beat 25 other teams to win Texas Tech Law’s 45th national advocacy championship at the National Gaming Law Moot Court Competition on March 3, 2019 in Las Vegas.

SA VE THE

DA TE FOR OUR FALL EVENTS

31

06

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

FRAZIER ALUMNI PAVILION OPEN HOUSE Tour and hang out in the newly expanded pavilion prior to the football season opener against Montana State.

TOP TECHSAN LUNCHEON Help us celebrate four TTU staff members who display extraordinary work proficiency and an attitude of team spirit within the Texas Tech family.

06

18

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI DINNER Join us as we honor John Carter, F. Scott Dueser and Kelly Marble.

Purchase tickets and learn more at texastechalumni.org/DA.

FRAZIER ALUMNI PAVILION RIBBON CUTTING Take part in a special dedication to commemorate the expansion of the Frazier.

18

19

OCTOBER

OCTOBER

A MATADOR EVENING Save the date and watch for the announcement of the 2019 Lauro F. Cavazos and Distinguished Service award recipients.

2019 HOMECOMING GAME Make the trip to Lubbock to gather with fellow Red Raider alumni, fans and friends to cheer on TTU against Iowa State.

LEAVE YOUR LEGACY BRICKS, PAVERS & MARKERS

You’re one of us and we want you to help us build on tradition as we expand the Frazier Alumni Pavilion. Leave your lasting legacy at the place thousands of Red Raiders call home for gameday.

A place where memories are made. A place where spirit and tradition live on campus.

With a gift of only $300, you can have your name set in stone in one of the bricks that surround the pavilion. Bronze pavers, caststone walkway markers, column markers and other recognition pieces are also available.

To participate in this building campaign, visit www.texastechalumni.org/frazier-expansion.

FRAZIER ALUMNI

PAVILION E X PA N S I O N

For more information, or to discuss a gift toward the project, please contact Chris Snead at (806) 834-3419 or chris.snead@ttu.edu.