ALUMNI

Alumni find new ways to connect virtually

When faced with adversity, alumni office finds new opportunities

Just as it did the rest of the world, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the Texas Wesleyan Office of Alumni Relations to rethink its way of doing business. For an office whose sole purpose is to connect with TXWES alumni primarily through in-person events, the shutdown of society provided a major challenge. Plans that were already well in motion for the Alumni Reunion Weekend in the spring of 2020 were quickly canceled and fingers were crossed for only a brief hiatus.

As the shutdowns persisted, the alumni office worked hard to stay in touch with alumni by sending relevant information such as mental health tips, home workouts and spotlights to help support alumni-owned businesses. But even the most well-planned email campaign can’t replace live, personal connection. The alumni office began to explore virtual events and how alumni could log on from home and stay connected to the university.

More interactive events such as bingo nights and advice panels for recent graduates proved successful as well. The alumni office began to see that these virtual events were not just a stopgap, but that the unique format allowed a broad range of program options and, most importantly, alumni from across the globe were able to be more involved with their alma mater. The virtual programming culminated in the Alumni Reunion of 2021, a week that included 13 virtual event opportunities for alumni. From yoga to informational sessions to happy hours, there was truly something for everyone. Alumni from as far away as Geneva were a part of this unique reunion experience.

With the rise of platforms like Zoom, it was becoming easier to find ways to meet and gather virtually.

Other past virtual events have featured in-depth looks at departments and programs throughout TXWES. The permanent art collection, the theatre and music departments, as well as the university archives, have all been featured. These events allowed faculty and students to share their experiences at TXWES and highlight the unique and positive things that are happening on campus. In addition to alumni, parents, students and even prospective students joined these informative sessions.

As the world has slowly returned to face-to-face interactions, alumni events have followed suit. But one thing is certain, virtual events are here to stay. The challenge presented by the pandemic has opened up a world of new possibilities for bringing alumni together – which is, after all, what alumni relations is all about.

Connect with Texas Wesleyan alumni at txwes.edu/alumni

Retiring faculty and staff reflect on favorite memories at TXWES

We reached out to some retiring faculty to reflect on their experiences teaching at Texas Wesleyan

Jerry Bierschenk

Professor of Music, Music Department Chair

What did your time at Texas Wesleyan mean to you?

My time at Texas Wesleyan was a very special way to end my teaching career. I have taught every grade level from elementary, to middle school, to high school – my career as an educator would certainly not have been complete without my time at Texas Wesleyan University. I have had the opportunity to try and make a difference in the lives of many people of all ages. I have tried to instill in my students an understanding of the importance of lifelong learning. “There's always more!” has been my mantra – regardless of what you have learned, there is ALWAYS another level and something new to discover. Everything you learn leads you to something else new, which leads you to something else new, etc. It all has to do with keeping your mind open and learning HOW to think so you can SEE what your next learning opportunity is.

What is a favorite memory from Texas Wesleyan?

I have two favorite memories – one being the choir trip to China. What a life-changing experience it was for us to TRULY experience another culture through the performance and sharing of music. Another favorite memory will be the inauguration of President Slabach. It was a fitting celebration, and a wonderful display of all of the best that Texas Wesleyan has to offer. It was a privilege to be able to contribute our music to the festivities.

Jeffrey DeLotto

Professor of English

What did your time at Texas Wesleyan mean to you?

Wesleyan was my home for almost 38 years, in almost every sense of the word: the university supported and encouraged my pursuits, my goals, my interests. When I developed an interest in creative writing, the administration, my dean, the president(s), urged me to write, to research, gave me time off to compose and do background study, provided financial support and rewards to publish and participate in conferences – I could ask for no more. As I often told students, I did not go to work – I went to campus, I went to the university, I went to do and be who I was, and that is a fortunate opportunity.

What is a favorite memory from Texas Wesleyan?

My favorite memories, and I can't just choose one, are robings and returns. My most rewarding successes have been when my students succeed, especially when they don't need me any longer. And when a student chooses me to robe him or her, without any pressure or requirement, acknowledging that I had something significant to do with that student's success, that is the reward I value. One student whispered to me onstage, when I expressed my gratitude for believing I had helped and inspired her, “more than you will ever know.” And when a student comes back after years, to remind me of what they had sought or gained, I am grateful for the belief that I made a positive difference. What more can I wish for?

Bruce McDonald

Professor of Religion

What did your time at Texas Wesleyan mean to you?

I taught at Texas Wesleyan University for 26 years. I took a year off after finishing my Ph.D. and needed it to get rested up! I then began as an adjunct professor and moved on up. I tend to be a cautious person, but after three weeks of teaching courses in New Testament and also World Religions, I found myself saying to myself, “It’s going to work.” After 26 years, I still agree! I love teaching and hope to keep on doing it ex-officio, as it were.

What is a favorite memory from Texas Wesleyan?

Getting the Golden Shears award several times was always a high point, since I certainly wasn’t expecting it! Also, the

two-piano recitals I did with Dr. John Fisher were always rewarding. I was always honored, too, when students asked me to perform their wedding ceremonies, which I did on numerous occasions.

Ron McManus

Professor of Religion

What did your time at Texas Wesleyan mean to you?

As a Wesleyan graduate (I graduated in 1970), when I joined the faculty in 1979 it was a true feeling of coming home.

What is a favorite memory from Texas Wesleyan?

One of my favorite memories was when I was a new faculty member. I would go to the faculty club and just sit back and listen to the discussions. It was a time of expanding my curiosity. New books, articles and topics were available to me. It was exciting. I also enjoyed team teaching experiences.

What values or life lessons did you impart on your students?

I approached teaching as a responsibility of trying to create a community of learners. I encouraged students to ask questions. Like Socrates, I see the questions as important, and often more important, than the answers.

What are your plans for retirement?

Read, get back to golf, and paint.

Bill Newton

Professor of Education

What values or life lessons did you strive to impart on your students?

My intent was to always treat my students as adults who were in charge of their own path. I always challenged them to be “good consumers of information,” to not believe everything they see, hear or read without verification.

What is a favorite memory from Texas Wesleyan?

There are many. One of my favorites was during my first semester when a student asked me to robe her and another student donated to a scholarship in my name.

Paul and Judy Andrews give back with generous estate gift

TXWES honored by Andrews estate gift

Texas Wesleyan University has received a $1 million bequest from the Estate of Paul E. Andrews Jr. supporting endowed scholarships in the School of Business Administration.

Paul and Judy Andrews have been generous supporters of Texas Wesleyan University, most recently donating $2 million toward construction of the Nick & Lou Martin University Center. The ballroom in the Martin Center is named in honor of Paul and Judy Andrews and the couple were also awarded honorary doctorates of Humane Letters from Texas Wesleyan University in 2017 to celebrate their impact on the Fort Worth community and their enthusiasm for student success.

Paul Andrews HON ’17, who passed away in February, was named the 2011 Fort Worth Business Executive of the Year at the Fort Worth Business Hall of Fame, presented by Texas Wesleyan, Fort Worth Business Press and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce to celebrate his significant contributions to business in Fort Worth. Andrews was the founder and CEO of TTI Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company, specializing in the distribution of electronic components. During his 50-year tenure, Andrews led the company from humble beginnings to a billion-dollar global business with 7,000 team members worldwide.

In 2020, the Fort Worth Chamber awarded Andrews the Susan Halsey Executive Leadership Award in recognition of his leadership excellence in business within the Fort Worth metro area.

“Texas Wesleyan University is touched to be the beneficiary of such a meaningful gift by a beloved member of our family of supporters,” said President Frederick G. Slabach. “The School of Business Administration was of particular interest to Paul, and it is an honor to know his legacy will continue to impact generations of future business professionals and the communities they will one day serve.”

CLASS NOTES 1970s

Tom Fegan ’78 recently published his first book, Panther City: Stories of Crime Set in Fort Worth, Texas.

1980s

Tim Martinez ’83 was promoted to vice president of Major Gifts & Planned Giving at Legacy Community Health in Houston. Martinez has worked at the nonprofit health care agency since 2009.

1990s

Cindy Blevins M.A. ’91 retired after 30 years in education and is now running Course for Life Ministries, which provides Christian curricula. She and her husband are writing a book called Team Marriage: A Game Plan for Winning Marriage, set for publication in 2021.

Rachel Griffin Baughman ’98 is a new member of The Texas Lyceum, a distinguished, collaborative group of professionals who focus on constructive responses to national and state issues.

Blythe Gaissert ’98, a nationally acclaimed mezzosoprano, has released her debut solo album, Home. The album consists of eight world-premiere recordings, written expressly for Gaissert.

2000s

Anael Luebanos ’09 MBA ’09

was reelected to represent his district on the Fort Worth ISD School Board.

Brian Matlock ’01 MBA ’01 was recently named the national industry partner for BKD National Commercial Services Group.

Courtney Kimberly Radcliffe ’01 was named the executive director of the Mary I. Gourley Scholarship Foundation.

Sandy Martinez Russell ’01 is the newest chair for the Fort Worth chapter of the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas for the 2021-2022 term. Cristal Galvan Hernandez ’00 serves as vice chair of development, Sandra Garcia ’02 MBA ’09 as state chair elect, and Jeanette Martinez Paz ’12 as the state treasurer. The group’s purpose is to promote the advancement of women through education and personal and professional development.

Karen Surita ’01 was named manager of the Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention Team at Texas Department of State Health Services. As manager, Karen will be responsible for coordinating state efforts to test, treat and prevent the spread of STDs.

Autumn Kraus J.D. ’05 was named the Sam Winstead Volunteer of the Year for the T. Boone Pickens YMCA in Dallas. Kraus is a forensic litigation valuation services partner at Whitley Penn, LLC.

Alexandra Martin ’05 started a new position as director of development at Carroll Education Foundation.

Kevin Doskocil ’09 participated in the U.S. Amateur Golf Championship qualifier at Dallas National Golf Club.

2010s

Joette De Fratus ’10 welcomed a baby boy in March.

Matthew Trammell ’10 was named the Kiwanis Woodrow Counts Junior High Teacher of the Year at Shackelford Junior High in Arlington ISD.

Ashly Spencer ’11 Ed.D. ’19 was named the Instructional Technology Specialist of the Year by the Texas Computer Education Association. Dr. Spencer works for Kennedale ISD.

Marlynn Tatum ’11, a teacher in Arlington ISD, was selected as a 2021 recipient of the Kiwanis Special Recognition Teacher of the Year.

Mattie Parker J.D. ’12 is the newly elected Fort Worth mayor.

Thomas Vasquez ’12 and wife Lisa welcomed a baby girl in May.

Lucas Hoss ’13 graduated from the Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Academy in Quantico, Virginia, in May.

Elsa Torres ’13 M.S. ’19 welcomed a baby girl in March.

Tricia Howard ’14 was the subject of a February podcast episode and article for Cybercrime Magazine.

Travis Smith MBA ’14 received his Master of Science in analytics from Texas A&M in May. Alexander Lopez ’17 will be the new choir director at Marine Creek Middle School in Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD for the 20212022 school year.

Cheryl Rogers ’17 M.Ed.

’19 teaches third grade at International Leadership of Texas, East Fort Worth campus, and she shows her students her Ram Pride!

Artaya Brown M.S. ’18 was a presenter at a recent conference for the Texas Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

Justin Arth ’19 signed with the Peach State Cats of the United Arena League while he continues to train for the NFL.

The following teachers were named Teacher of the Year at their respective campuses in Fort Worth ISD: Kimm Payne (Alternative Teaching Certification ’92), Tanglewood Elementary; Deborah Johnson ’98, Carter Park Elementary; Joe Gonzalez ’01, Sam Rosen Elementary; Matthew Huitt ’03, H.V. Helbing Elementary; Melissa Owens ’03, Alice Carlson Applied Learning Center; Diana Pios ’04, Diamond Hill Elementary; Olivia Olalde ’11, Alice D. Contreras Elementary; Tina Rundles ’12, East Handley Elementary; Alando Moore ’14, Western Hills Elementary; Angelica Ortiz ’18, George C. Clarke Elementary; and Anthony Smith-Wright ’19, Eastern Hills Elementary. Texas Wesleyan is proud of these alumni and all that they are accomplishing in the community.

2020s

Donovan Isom ’20

participated in the Texas Tech NFL pro day in April.

Thomas Moore ’20 and Cristian Barajas ’19 represented the RAMily as they graduated from the Fort Worth Police Department civil service academy in March.

Lauren Garza ’21 was recently hired at Circle Theatre in Fort Worth.

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REMEMBRANCES

Paul Andrews HON ’17

Paul Eugene Andrews Jr., entrepreneur, mentor, philanthropist, husband, father and loyal friend, passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 27, 2021. He was 78. Paul was born in Fort Worth, Texas, to Paul Eugene Andrews Sr. and Angelyn Scoma Andrews and attended Arlington Heights and went on to the University of Texas and Texas Christian University. In May of 1967, Paul met the love of his life and future bride of 50 years, Judy Elaine Hansen.

In 1971, with Judy’s help and $300, Paul founded what would become TTI Inc. at the kitchen table of their apartment. Paul was determined, possessed a strong work ethic and learned through the years to be fair, friendly and firm. Paul built TTI into a global electronics distribution powerhouse before it was sold to Berkshire Hathaway in 2007. Paul took an active role in the community and believed his success enabled him to make a difference in peoples’ lives. While Paul publicly supported a number of organizations, much of his philanthropy remained private. He was particularly fond of Texas Christian University, Texas Wesleyan, the University of Texas at Arlington, the Presbyterian Night Shelter, the Fort Worth Zoo, Trinity Valley School, University Christian Church, Union Gospel Mission and All Church Home. Paul’s continuing legacy lives on in the thousands of lives he touched. He lived a life of honor and humility which belied his success.

Beverly Sone Smith

Beverly Sone Elbert Smith, 90, passed away Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021, in Fort Worth, Texas. She was born in 1930 in Panhandle, Texas, to the late Dr. Law Sone Sr. and Vivian Sone. Beverly grew up on the campus of Texas Wesleyan College in Fort Worth with her family where her father served as president for over 30 years. She graduated from Poly High School in 1948 and SMU in 1951. She married Ernest M. Elbert of Wichita Falls.

They settled in Fort Worth in 1963 where they raised their three children Leslie Elbert Hill, Ernest Elbert Jr. and Leigh Elbert Winker. In 2008, she married Dr. Lamar Smith with whom she enjoyed her last decade of life as they traveled, especially enjoying Israel and the Grand Canyon. Those who knew her well would describe her as a woman of grace, generosity and kindness. She was ever optimistic, sharp minded and possessed a wonderful wit. She was an encourager and always saw the best in her friends and family. She could light up a room with her smile and sparkling eyes.

Devoyd Jennings ’71

Devoyd “Dee” Jennings, 73, passed away on Saturday, July 24, 2021, at his home in Fort Worth, Texas. He was born on Sept. 10, 1947, in Los Angeles, California, to William and Margaret Robinson Jennings.

Devoyd grew up in Fort Worth, Texas. He graduated from I.M. Terrell High School and went on to attend Tarrant County Community College and Texas Wesleyan University where he received a bachelor’s degree in marketing. He began working for Texas Electric (TU Electric) as a consumer specialist in 1973, he retired after 27 years. Devoyd was involved in many civic organizations including president/ CEO of Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce, board member of Texas Wesleyan University, member of the Texas Association of Business, and he was an honoree of Fort Worth’s “Devoyd Jennings Day.”

Devoyd successfully collaborated on various ventures throughout Fort Worth. He was successful in having his elementary school, G.W. Carver, refurbished, and it now houses the Fort Worth Housing Authority. This also led to the reopening of I.M. Terrell High School as an elementary school and the I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM and VPA. He was instrumental with the Black Chamber of Commerce to establish two emerging leadership programs, Paths Forward and Black Resourceful Innovators Developing Generations of Excellence (BRIDGE). Both were designed to develop leaders for the organization and the city of Fort Worth.

Devoyd was happily married to Gwen Barbee for 41 years. He enjoyed listening to jazz music, playing basketball, being an active alumnus for his I.M. Terrell class of 1966 and Texas Wesleyan University.

Glen Tuggle ’85

Glen David Tuggle, 58, of Haslet, Texas, passed away May 6, 2021. Glen was born in Fort Worth to the late John David Tuggle and his wife, Jo Ann Ross Tuggle, on Jan. 11, 1963. No doubt Glen was above average intelligence, as evidenced in his work as a senior principal consultant – public sector, but his ministry on earth was caring for others with his extreme generosity fueled by his larger-than-life heart.

He loved the outdoors: hunting, fishing, camping and trail rides; he was a patron of the arts, with season tickets to Bass Hall, Casa Mañana, the Fort Worth Symphony, and many others. Glen supported the Humane Society, the Arthritis Foundation, and many benevolent causes. Glen also loved sports, especially his Texas Rangers. He loved everything Fort Worth and everything Texas, most especially Texas Wesleyan University. He graduated from Texas Wesleyan University in 1985 with a BBA in accounting.

He subsequently served on the Texas Wesleyan University President’s Council, the Alumni Board of Directors as member, treasurer, vice president and president, chair of the alumni scholarship process, reunion class agent, participant in the Rosedale Renaissance Campaign, and was the recipient of the 2017 Wesleyan Service Award. Glen was also a member of the Texas Baptist Business Officers Association, Chief Business Officer of Wayland Baptist University 1989-1991, and the President’s Development Council at Howard Payne University.

STAY UP TO DATE WITH ALUMNI

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ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Trista Allen ’98

Immediate Past President

Jay Beavers ’64

Don Boulware ’64

Patricia Castillo ’97 MBA ’08

Branigan Contreras ’15

Sergio De Leon ’98

Teri Flores ’97

Emily Fowler ’01

Jennifer Harrison ’20

Julian Hobdy ’18

Jason Jones ’01

Margi Kluck ’79

Terri Kane ’98 ’15

René Lawson ’81

Veronica Martinez ’81

Secretary

Julie McCurley ’06

Eric Montoya ’07 M.Ed. ’15

President

Kathryn Narumiya ’04

Jennifer Sando ’02

Karen Surita ’01 Vice President

Jen Swenson ’02

Jorge Vivar ’76

Immediate Past President

Brandon Weaver ’00 MBA ’00

Dan Whitsell ’73

Penny Wilbanks ’05

Vernon Wright ’93

Treasurer

TO HONOR A RAM IN WESLEYAN MAGAZINE

please email alumni@txwes.edu.