TROY Magazine - Winter 2016

MAGAZINE Winter 2016

TROY family celebrates the success of the Building Beyond Boundaries Capital Campaign Meet TROY’s 2015-16 Alumni of the Year SR-71 pilot recalls record-breaking career TROY expert analyzes North Korea’s H-bomb claims

Troy University Magazine Winter 2016 Executive Editor Donna Clark Schubert Editor Samantha Johnson Art Director Rob Drinkard (’09) Copy Editor Emily Price (’09) Contributors Reba Allen (’75), Matt Clower (’04), Tom Davis (’81), Andy Ellis, Clif Lusk, Jane Martin (’97, ’99), Greg Phillips (‘06), Adam Prendergast, Emily Price (’09), Jonathan Sellers (’07, ‘11), Josh Yohn (’07, ’14) Photographers Kevin Glackmeyer, Mark Moseley (’97, ’99) Printer Interstate Printing and Graphics Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. Senior Vice Chancellor, Advancement & Economic Development Maj. Gen. Walter D. Givhan (USAF, Retired) (’89) Associate Vice Chancellor, Development Dr. Jean Laliberte Associate Vice Chancellor, Marketing & Communication Donna Clark Schubert Director, Alumni Affairs Faith Ward (’81, ’87) Director, Marketing Samantha Johnson Director, University Relations Matt Clower (’04) President, Troy University Alumni Association Bob Boothe (’63, ’78) Troy University Magazine is published three times a year for the alumni and friends of Troy University. For more information, contact the Office of Marketing and Communication at: 256 Adams Administration Building Troy, AL 36082 Phone: (334) 670-5830 Fax: (334) 670-3274 E-mail: troymagazine@troy.edu Troy University Magazine welcomes comments, ideas and suggestions from readers. Editors reserve the right to decide if letters to the editor will be published and to edit submissions for content and length.

Copyright 2016 by Troy University, all rights reserved.

Troy University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist and doctoral degrees.

Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Troy University. The Commission is to be contacted only if there is evidence that appears to support an institution’s significant non-compliance with a requirement or standard.

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FEATURED STORIES ON THE COVER

9TROY'S EXPERT RESPONDS TROY’s Dr. Daniel A. Pinkston analyzes

North Korea’s H-bomb claims

TROY students Raja Mendadala of India, Sierra Clark of Vestavia, Alabama & Caroline Clark of Rehobeth, Alabama

11 ALUMNI OF THE YEAR Troy University honors four Alumni of the Year as a part of its Homecoming celebration

13 BUILDING BEYOND

BOUNDARIES

The Troy University Capital Campaign surpasses goal

15 FAST E R T HAN A

S P E E D I N G BU L L E T”

SR-71 pilot Ed Yeilding recalls his record-breaking career

IN EVERY ISSUE 4TROY’s TORCHLIGHT DNP program

graduates celebrate success

7 CHAPTE R NEWS Vietnam alumni dinner Internationally renowned sculptor Hou Bau Zhu is responsible for the Trojan Warrior statue that overlooks the field of play in Veterans Memorial Stadium.

17 ATHLETICS Two join TROY’s

Baseball Hall of Fame

19 ALUM NOTES News from TROY alumni

FROM THE DESK OF THE CHANCELLOR Since our founding, Troy University’s faculty members and administrators have worked to bring new academic opportunities to Trojan Warriors around the globe. In 2009, history was made when TROY introduced its first doctoral degree, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). The University’s second doctoral degree, the Ph.D. in Sport Management, launched in 2014.

In this edition of TROY Magazine, you’ll read about the changes happening within these highly celebrated programs. You’ll learn of TROY DNP graduates who are changing the face of healthcare and nurse education, thanks to the training they’ve received at Troy University. Also, you’ll read about the excitement our new Ph.D. in Sport Management has created for students and instructors alike.

We also report in this issue the great news of the successful completion of the “Building Beyond Boundaries” capital campaign that raised $258.3 million. One of our most successful alumni, Dr. Manley Johnson (‘73), prominent economist and former member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, served as Chair of the campaign and deserves the thanks of his University. The funds we raised for capital projects and scholarships will benefit students for generations to come. These extramural dollars are crucial to the success of Troy University. Our end-of-campaign dinner on Nov. 13 was a great celebration, and I thank all those who contributed.

The heart of a University is found in its students and alumni, and this issue profiles four Trojans who were named Distinguished Alumni of the Year for 2015: • James “Booty” Bruce, class of 1977, General Manager of Horn Beverage Company; • Stein Ove Fenne, class of 1993, President of Tupperware North America and Canada; • Anita Griffin, class of 1966, teacher of students with special needs, Montgomery County School System; • Charles Monk, song producer and writer in Nashville.

This is a distinguished group of alumni, and we are proud to continue the 60-year tradition of honoring these outstanding Trojans. To date, we have honored 143 alumni of the year!

In closing, Trojan alumni should know their alma mater has enjoyed an exciting fall term. The Troy Campus is experiencing record enrollments, and this freshman class is outstanding. The decision by our Board of Trustees to raise admission standards twice in the last seven years is paying dividends. We have the best qualified students and the strongest faculty in our history, and our campuses across Alabama have never been more beautiful. Please keep in touch with us by submitting the news about your career and family milestones to the Troy University Magazine at troymagazine@troy.edu.

Sincerely,

Jack Hawkins, Jr., Ph.D. Chancellor

3 · TROY Magazine

4 TORCHLIGHT

Associate Professor/ BSN Coordinator Kelli Cleveland (‘96, ’06, ‘11) uses her Doctor of Nursing Practice to help prepare new classes of future TROY nurses.

TROY's DNP program sees continued growth, produces leaders In 2009, Troy University Associate Professor/BSN

also become more adept at guiding students through their

Coordinator Kelli Cleveland (‘96, ’06, ‘11) and seven of her

DNP synthesis projects. Each DNP student completes a two-

fellow classmates made Troy University history when they

year, evidence-based clinical project that improves outcomes

became TROY’s first class of doctoral students.

for their patients, health care organization or community.

Two years later, the class of eight stood in front of their

Many of our students have published their project results in

families, instructors and peers and received their Doctor of

well-respected professional journals and have presented their

Nursing Practice degrees—the first TROY doctoral degrees to

projects at national and international conferences.”

ever be awarded.

“It was exciting to be a part of that first class and know the program has continued and that it is going to keep on going,” Cleveland said. “It has grown by leaps and bounds in such a short period of time.”

Since celebrating the success of its first doctoral candidates

Cleveland said having her DNP has added value to the services she provides as a TROY educator as well as a family nurse practitioner.

“Although it was tough, I believe my DNP has made me a better practitioner, and it allows me to help my patients even more than I was able to before, and in an academic setting, I

in 2011, TROY’s DNP program has seen great success with

feel like I’m able to teach better,” she said. “…It allows you to

its enrollment numbers continuing to climb and graduates

not only learn more, but [also teaches you] how to learn more.”

making impressive contributions within the fields of medicine and nurse education.

The DNP program is now offered to students in two formats.

The post-BSN to DNP program caters to students who have

Spurlock said 60 students are enrolled within the College of Nursing’s DNP program for the spring of 2016 —a testament to the success of the program and its highly regarded graduates.

“We currently have more than 50 DNP graduates who serve

graduated with their bachelor’s in nursing and requires a

as advanced nurse leaders in a variety of settings, including

minimum of 70 successful credit hours and 1,000 clinical

hospitals, provider clinics, universities and colleges, the U.S.

hours. The post-MSN to DNP program allows students with

military and in private industry,” Spurlock said. “Our DNP

their master’s in nursing to complete 35 successful credit

graduates have crafted policy initiatives that have impacted

hours and 1,000 clinical hours to earn their DNPs.

the health of many, especially in rural communities in the

DNP Program Coordinator Dr. Amy Spurlock said she’s

South, and many have gone on to teach nursing. …The success

amazed at the positive changes she’s seen during the

of our graduates continues to provide evidence of the quality

program’s first six years.

of TROY’s DNP program.”

“We revised our BSN-DNP curriculum so that students could graduate in three years full-time,” Spurlock said. “We have TROY Magazine · 4

TROY’S first Ph.D. program attracts quality students In 1997, Shane Tatum graduated from Troy State University, and the New York Times wrote about the World Wide Web for the first time, calling it a map to the buried treasure of the Information Age. Little did Tatum imagine that, a fleeting 22 years later, he would be enrolled at his alma mater once again. This time, he is studying online to earn a Ph.D. in Sport Management—a field that, in the same time interval, has grown from a $121 billion industry to a $435 billion industry.

The Alabama Commission on Higher Education approved TROY’s Ph.D. in Sport Management in 2014. It is the first such program to be offered online in the United States. The program’s online format provides convenience and flexibility for working professionals like Tatum who hope that the degree will open doors to executive positions in higher education or the sport industry.

“We are the trail blazers,” Tatum said. “It is stressful because you want to make sure you do your best and also make the University proud as well as people who have worked hard in getting this program here. I feel it will be a great accomplishment to know that I have a terminal degree and that I have gone as high as I can go in this academic profession.

“This program meets my needs in the form of being able to have a full-time job and still take classes. The classes have been great. …All of my undergraduate and graduate classes were in class, so [online study] has been something to get used to, but the instructors have been very helpful in the process, and the content has been informative and interesting.”

Dr. John Miller, coordinator of the Ph.D. in Sport Management program within the College of Health and Human Services, said the 11 members of the inaugural class were carefully selected.

Miller said he and his fellow instructors are utilizing many of TROY’s technological services

Shane Tatum (‘97, ‘10), inaugural Ph.D. class member and current TROY director of health and wellness

to help students feel comfortable with their classmates and the subject material.

“We use WebEx as often as we can,” he said. “That way, we can have all the students see each other, visit with each other and talk.

It’s not that much different than having someone in class.”

Miller said he has high hopes for TROY’s Ph.D. program as well as Tatum and his classmates. “I was pleased with the interest we received,” he said. “We were selective, and we were able to bring some very good students into the Ph.D. program. They’re bright, energetic and insightful.”

Alumna takes lead of 100-plus year old club TROY alumna Joy Farmer

accomplished women from different areas who are connected

the 2015-2016 president

to Duke and enjoy developing friendships and sharing

of Campus Club, an

activities,” Dunlap said. “I’ve been fortunate to be a part of

organization for Duke-

many strong women’s organizations over the years including

affiliated women entering

Kappa Delta Sorority, which I pledged at Troy University.”

its 2

nd

century. Duke

a professor at Duke Law School, and they are both actively

hundreds of women who are

engaged with law school students, including hosting a class in

Duke alumnae, faculty, staff,

their home.

While at TROY, Dunlap was president of Kappa Delta,

continuing education adults

co-founder and president of University Dancers and active

and volunteers. Members

in Angel Flight. A magna cum laude graduate, Dunlap was

can choose from more than

recognized as Leader of the Year.

30 different interest groups, three spotlight club-wide events a year and a high-profile speaker’s luncheon.

5 · TROY Magazine

Her husband, retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Charlie Dunlap, is

Campus Club connects

spouses of faculty/staff,

Joy Dunlap (‘81)

“Campus Club includes a broad base of talented and

Dunlap (’81), was elected

A TROY Trojan for more than 40 years, Head Athletic Trainer Chuck Ash (‘79, ‘80) has spent almost a quarter century overseeing the well-being of TROY athletes. Ash (left) was honored by the TROY Athletics Department during TROY’s game against Georgia Southern on Nov. 14. Ash has served as an athletic trainer at TROY since 1987 and has served as head athletic trainer for 24 years. In this capacity, he has been a health-care provider for thousands of studentathletes, collaborator for countless sports medicine physicians, mentor to hundreds of athletic training students and friend to many. Ash retired from his full-time position at the end of November.

TROY unveils scholarship for military families; provides up to 50% off tuition

TROY has been in partnership with the Department of Defense for more than 65 years.

For more than 65 years, Troy University has been committed

Hawkins said the Military and Family Scholarship will make

to serving the educational needs of active-duty military and

earning undergraduate and graduate degrees more affordable

veterans. With the creation of the Military and Family Scholarship

for military families.

in the fall of 2015, the University took an unprecedented step to

“We believe in making education affordable for our students,”

extend this support to the spouses and dependents of active

he said. “With this scholarship, military families will have

duty military, National Guard and Reservists.

opportunities they’ve never been afforded before.”

The Military and Family Scholarship, offered for the first time

“This is a further demonstration of Troy University’s

on Jan. 1, 2016, caps the cost of tuition for active duty military

commitment to those who serve and those who support those

and National Guard and Reservists, as well as their spouses and

who serve,” said Dr. Don Jeffrey, Vice Chancellor for Military

dependents, at $250 per credit hour. The scholarship is available

Affairs. “This program is designed to make higher education

to all who meet the criteria and will result in tuition discounts of

more affordable and more accessible to currently serving

up to 50 percent.

members of America’s military.

“We are glad to provide this new scholarship opportunity

“Reducing the cost of higher education and easing some of

to our country’s service men and women and their families,”

the financial pressure felt by our service members is an important

Chancellor Jack Hawkins, Jr., said. “We believe in taking care of

component of the University’s mission to serve the needs of our

those who keep our country safe, and behind every good soldier

military and their families.”

is a devoted family.”

TROY Magazine · 6

7 CHAPTER NEWS

Dr. Earl Ingram, Senior Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor, and Luther Strange, Alabama Attorney General, help celebrate the inaugural meeting of TROY’s Vietnam Alumni Chapter.

TROY celebrates first Vietnam alumni gathering Troy University alumni gatherings are as old as the University

The program included a welcome from Son and a

itself, but recently the University’s newest alumni chapter

presentation from Vice President Pham Thi Tuyet outlining

broke new ground by holding the first alumni dinner in Hanoi.

the goals and objectives of the chapter for the benefit of

The TROY Vietnam Alumni Chapter instituted this latest

the graduates. He said the key goals of the chapter include

Trojan tradition in conjunction with annual graduation

providing networking opportunities, raising money for

ceremonies at three Vietnamese universities—Hanoi University

scholarships and seeking community service projects to help

of Science and Technology, University of Economics and

bring the chapter’s members together. Each alumnus gave a

Business in Hanoi and Saigon Technology University—

personal introduction as part of the program.

according to Nguyen Tuan Son, chapter president. The event was held at Lotus Buffet in Hanoi.

Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor of Troy University, said the

“The evening was regarded by all alumni as a great success, raising awareness and building up extensive networks,” Son said. “Thank you to all those who kindly support the alumni

alumni dinner—held 12 time zones away from Troy, Alabama—

chapter’s activities, enabling us to support generations of

underscores the international mission of the University and

professionals and businessmen and ensuring excellence in the

proves the Trojan spirit is found worldwide.

global economy.”

“Our alumni across Vietnam are proud of their TROY degrees

Troy University began offering degree programs in Vietnam

and planned this event to share their pride with our newest

in 2004. In 2008, TROY became the first U.S. university

graduates,” Dr. Hawkins said. “This is a great way to build a

to offer the baccalaureate degree in Vietnam. This year’s

chapter in a country where few of the graduates will ever have

commencement ceremonies saw 139 students receive TROY

the opportunity to visit Alabama. It was an outstanding event.”

degrees. Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange was the keynote speaker at all three commencement ceremonies.

7 · TROY Magazine

While surrounded by Wisconsin fans during an away TROY football game, Adam Shores (’98) and fellow TROY Delta Psi Chapter of Sigma Pi fraternity brothers were met with a welcoming sight—two men sporting TROY gear. Striking up a conversation, the group of ‘90s-era TROY Sigma Pi brothers found out they had more in common with their new friends, Bryan Helms (’78) and Harold Tynes (’78). Helms and Tynes were members of the same TROY fraternity. “It was just so amazing that in a sea of 60,000 Wisconsin fans, two groups of fraternity brothers were able to connect with each other,” Adam Shores said.

From left: Harold Tynes (‘78), Phil LaPrad (’99), Jason Shores (’95), Adam Shores (‘98), Bryan Helms (‘78) and Tim Yandell (’97)

River Region Kappa Delta alumnae (from left) Barbara C. Grimes (‘79), Susan G. Miller (‘79), Barbara F. Harrington (‘77) and Ginny O. Campbell (‘78) were part of the Katydids team that participated in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer in Montgomery on Halloween day.

Birmingham alumni chapter raises money for Al Lucas scholarship fund The Birmingham Chapter of the TROY Alumni Association

“Al Lucas exemplified the characteristics of a student-

raised $3,800 for the Al Lucas Endowed Scholarship fund with

athlete,” chapter president Paul Elliot said. “He loved athletics,

a golf tournament in October at the Pine Tree Country Club in

but knew his studies came first. He served his community

Birmingham.

and the Lord. He expected the best of himself and others. He

Al Lucas, a Trojan standout defensive lineman who graduated

excelled on the football field and in life. Recipients of the Al

in 2000 and garnered the Buck Buchanan Award as the top

Lucas Memorial Scholarship will reflect Al’s ideals and carry on

defensive player in Division I-AA, died in 2005 as the result of a

his legacy of excellence.”

spinal cord injury he suffered as a member of the Los Angeles

The chapter hopes to raise $25,000 to endow the

Avengers arena football league. Lucas had been an NFL free

scholarship. Donations to the scholarship fund may be made to

agent with the Pittsburg Steelers and the Carolina Panthers

the Troy University Foundation.

before joining the Arena Football League for the Tampa Bay Storm, and later, the Los Angeles club.

TROY Magazine · 8

TROY faculty member says North Korea likely exaggerating claims for domestic reasons

by Greg Phillips

Dr. Daniel A. Pinkston

9 路 TROY Magazine

North Korea’s claims of successfully testing a hydrogen bomb may be aimed at bolstering domestic support rather than intimidating international rivals, a Troy University international relations expert suggests.

Reports surfaced recently that North Korean leadership claimed to have successfully detonated a hydrogen bomb in an underground test, a claim that, if true, would represent a major step up in the country’s nuclear capabilities.

With international analysts skeptical about the official report of the test, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his regime may have exaggerated their nuclear capabilities in order to build support within the country’s borders.

“My gut feeling is that it’s probably directed toward internal domestic purposes,” said Dr. Daniel A. Pinkston, a University lecturer who previously served as Northeast Asia Deputy Project Director for the International Crisis Group in Seoul. “But that’s often overlooked in international circles, with people looking for other reasons or taking it as a threat against President Obama or the United States.”

Because North Korea operates under a two-track approach of developing its economy and its nuclear program, a major development such as a nuclear fusion bomb would be a potentially valuable tool in building confidence in the leadership.

“Maybe the leadership believes they have to shore up their coalition support by demonstrating this rapid development in the nuclear area,” Pinkston said. “By passing these milestones and having success in these types

of developments, these achievements can be used to bolster support for the regime.”

If North Korea is lying in order to impress or intimidate its international competitors, it’s unlikely to succeed.

“I think it’s foolish, because the analysts, the scientists and researchers who analyze the data on this, are very knowledgeable. They’ve got very sophisticated techniques,” Pinkston said. “I don’t think you can bluff these international specialists and get away with it.”

Pinkston doubts North Korea poses any immediate military threat to the U.S. or its allies.

“I don’t see North Korea initiating a war like they did in June 1950, because they would lose that war and they know that,” he said.

The U.S. relationship with North Korea draws parallels to the Cold War. “We have to realize we are probably engaged in the long haul in a game of coercion with North Korea,” Pinkston said. “We played this game for decades with the Soviet Union, so we have a lot of experience with this. The U.S. and its allies have an enormous amount of resources, a huge advantage over North Korea, so they have to array their forces in all capabilities of government, military, economic sanctions, nonproliferation, counter-proliferation, export controls and so forth to minimize this threat.”

Pinkston is a lecturer in international relations at TROY’s teaching site at the Yongsan Garrison in Seoul. Previously he was the Northeast Asia Deputy Project Director for the International Crisis Group in Seoul, and the director of the East Asia Nonproliferation Program at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies. Pinkston received his Ph.D. in international affairs from the University of California, San Diego, and he has a M.A. in Korean studies from Yonsei University. He is the author of The North Korean Ballistic Missile Program, and has published several scholarly articles and book chapters on Korean security affairs.

He also served as a Korean linguist in the U.S. Air Force.

TROY Magazine · 10

Alumni of

James “Booty” Bruce James “Booty” Bruce, a 1977 graduate, is general manager

Stein Ove Fenne Stein Ove Fenne is a 1993 graduate of the Sorrell College

of Horn Beverage Company, Inc. He is actively involved with

of Business and is president of Tupperware North America.

Ducks Unlimited, the National Wild Turkey Federation, is a

He is a trustee of the Boys and Girls Club of America,

member of the Pike Medical Foundation and is a Rotarian. He

Southeast Region and is a member of the board of directors

is a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon and was an Alpha Delta

of the SunTrust Bank of Central Florida. In 1993, Fenne was

Pi Big Brother while in school. A lifetime member of TROY’s

recruited to the Norwegian Armed Forces and graduated

Alumni Association, Bruce’s generosity has been felt by TROY

from the Royal Norwegian Air Force Academy in 1996. During

Trojans for more than a quarter of century. Bruce, a TROY

his 10-year military career, he held several senior positions

Athletics fan, is known for his dedication to his alma mater and

including marketing director, deputy-director general and

supports his TROY Trojans at home and on the road. A member

was co-chairman for the NATO Visual Information Group. He

of the Pike County Alumni Chapter and a Trojan Warrior, Bruce

helped organize the NATO Open Up Initiative “Strategies

and his wife, Elisa, a 1985 alumna, have two daughters—Alex

for Democratic Control of Armed Forces” in 2002. He joined

and Daisy.

Tupperware Brands as a strategic planner and held a number of senior management positions including regional vice president in the U.S., managing director of Tupperware Nordic and Baltics and vice president of U.S. and Canada. He and wife, Trude, have four children—Josefin, Aedan, Nathaniel and Ayla.

11 · TROY Magazine

the Year

Anita Griffin Anita Griffin, a 1966 secondary education alumna, also holds

Charles Monk Charles Monk is dubbed the “Honorary Mayor of Music Row”

a master’s degree in special education and learning disabilities

in Nashville, Tennessee. He has been involved in numerous

from TROY. She is a 36-year veteran of Montgomery County

areas of the entertainment industry including acting, record

Public Schools where she teaches students with special needs.

production, song writing and has signed such greats as Randy

Griffin is district chairman-elect of the Southeast District of

Travis, Kenny Chesney, Aaron Tippin, Holly Dunn and Jim

the Alabama Alpha Delta Kappa honorary organization for

McBride. In 1983, he founded the publishing company Monk

women in education. In 1972, she was named to Outstanding

Family Music Group. In 2014, Monk was inducted into the

Leaders of American Education, and in 1974, she was selected

Alabama Music Hall of Fame, and he is a 2015 nominee for

an Outstanding Young Woman of America. She is a lifetime

both the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame and the Country Radio

member of the TROY Alumni Association, secretary of the

Hall of Fame. His entertainment career began in the mid-1950s

Montgomery Metro Alumni Chapter and is a member of both

sweeping floors of Geneva’s WGEA radio and working a full-

the Emerald Coast and Trojan Tailgaters alumni chapters.

time shift at WTBF radio during his attendance at Troy State

She is a member of the TROY Shield Society and is a Trojan

University. He and wife, Royce, have four children—Charles

Warrior. She resides in Pine Level and has one daughter, Anissa

“Chip” Jr., Collins, Capucine and Cami.

Ratulowski, son-in-law Joe and grandchildren Joey and Carter Ratulowski and Courtney Durden.

To learn more about the annual recognition of outstanding alumni and to make a nomination, contact Alumni Affairs at 334-670-3318.

TROY Magazine · 12

Attendees of the Building Beyond Boundaries Capital Campaign Celebration cheer as Troy University Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., announces the campaign’s grand total of $258.3 million. The event celebrated almost 10 years of fundraising and generosity from TROY donors.

Building Beyond Boundaries Capital Campaign surpasses goal, raises $258.3 million To a drumroll provided by the Sound of the South pep band,

more. We have already achieved great things as a result of this

Troy University Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., revealed the

campaign, and these funds will go a long way toward making us

University’s Building Beyond Boundaries Capital Campaign had

the university we aspire to be.”

surpassed its goal, raising $258.3 million. The announcement came during a banquet on Nov. 13. “Tonight’s celebration is about a campaign that was successful in achieving a record level

Sen. Gerald O. Dial, president pro-tem of the University Board of Trustees, stressed the impact the campaign has for students.

“In the final analysis, the campaign is all about our students,”

of support. I’m proud of this success and very proud of all of

Dial said. “At every graduation, I watch students walk across that

those who contributed to this effort,” Dr. Hawkins said.

stage, and I am confident Troy University has provided them

Senior Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Economic

with the education they need to make their dreams come true.

Development Walter Givhan pointed to the many projects that

We have a duty to every generation of students to make sure

have already been funded by money raised through the campaign.

their university has the resources to best serve them.”

“This campaign is tremendously important,” Givhan said. “It

The Building Beyond Boundaries capital campaign launched

shows the dedication of the Trojan nation, and we have already

in 2006 with a goal of $100 million in traditional fundraising and

seen the benefits of this campaign. The funds raised in this

$100 million in grants and sponsored programs. Alumnus Dr.

campaign are not something that we are waiting to tap; we have

Manuel H. Johnson served as chair of the campaign, while Dr. Earl

already seen the campaign’s impact through the facilities, the

V. Johnson and Dr. Harrell McKinney served as co-vice chairs.

programs, the scholarships, the All-Steinway piano initiative and 13 · TROY Magazine

Named sixth top J-school in the country Hall School of Journalism and Communication students gain practical experience in the TrojanVision television studios using state-of-the-art equipment made possible by the Troy University Building Beyond Boundaries campaign. The Hall School also hosts more than 500 high school students each year who come to TROY to learn about academic and hands-on opportunities.

(Left) Students in TROY’s innovative geomatics program are the beneficiaries of the investment made in them by the estate of alumnus Elbert A. Botts. “Uncle Elbert believed in education and felt that [his college education] allowed him to become as successful as he was,” said Elbert Botts’ nephew Nathan Botts.

(Above) “TROY is helping make my dreams a reality.

The commitment to excellence in everything they do cannot be paralleled. It is an honor to be part of the TROY family, and I can’t wait to see what the future has to offer.” - Madi Anderson TROY Magazine · 14

Faster than A Speeding bullet:

Troy trojan recalls record-breaking career

By Emily price

Flying faster than a speeding bullet in a shape-shifting plane at the edge of Earth’s atmosphere sounds like a science fiction novel to most people.

However, for SR-71 Blackbird pilot and TROY alum Lt. Col. Ed Yeilding, USAF Retired, traveling at three times the speed of sound was a regular day at the office.

Introduced to the world in the mid-1960s, the sleek, black, titanium design of the SR-71 Blackbird was created to complete important reconnaissance missions during the Cold War. 15 · TROY Magazine

Flying at 80,000 feet above the Earth at speeds up to Mach 3.3, the Air Force’s Blackbirds photographed and monitored military activities of other countries that posed threats to the United States.

“I remember when [Lockheed aeronautical engineer] Kelly Johnson announced its existence in 1964,” Yeilding said. “I was 15 years old at the time and thought, ‘Man, I’d like to fly that airplane someday.’”

After approximately 10 years of service as a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force, Yeilding,

then 34, was selected to begin training as a SR-71 Blackbird pilot—a dream realized almost a year after earning his master’s in management from TROY while stationed at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Georgia. “[My TROY degree] played an important part in my life,” Yeilding said. “Who knows, I might not have gotten to fly the Blackbird had I not gotten that master’s from TROY.” In the six years he spent behind the Blackbird’s controls, Yeilding flew missions around the world and was later asked to teach new SR-71 pilots.

Lt. Col. Ed Yeilding, USAF Retired

• Fighter pilot, SR-71 Blackbird pilot/instructor, test pilot, commercial pilot

March 6, 1990, Transcontinental Speed Record:

• 23 years of service – Air Force

City-to-City Speed Records:

• Alabama Aviation Hall of Fame (’07) • 14,000+ flying hours

• TROY master’s degree in management

• Coast to Coast: 1 hour 7 minutes and 53.69 seconds

• Los Angeles to D.C.: 1 hour, 4 minutes and 19.89 seconds • Kansas City to D.C.: 25 minutes and 58.53 seconds

• St. Louis to Cincinnati: 8 minutes and 31.97 seconds

On March 6, 1990, the Florence, Alabama, native was given a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity—the chance to pilot a record-breaking, transcontinental flight that would also serve to retire the SR-71 Blackbird from its military service.

At the request of the Smithsonian Institution, the Blackbird would fly from its base in Palmdale, California, out over the Pacific Ocean and speed its way to its permanent home in Washington, D.C., where it would become a main attraction at the National Air and Space Museum.

Teamed with Reconnaissance Systems Officer (RSO) JT Vita, Yeilding navigated the Blackbird from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean setting a new transcontinental speed record and three city-to-city speed records along the way.

Flying coast to coast in 1 hour, 7 minutes and 53.69 seconds, Yeilding said it was bittersweet to see the journey end.

“When we landed, we were excited, of course, because we’d just flown the world’s fastest, highestflying airplane and set some official

aviation records… yet at the same time [we were] feeling sad because that was going to be our last flight in the Blackbird and the last time the Blackbird would ever fly,” he said.

“We think of the record as the Blackbird’s record. We were just lucky enough to be the crew. It was really important to us that we well represent the hundreds of dedicated Americans who designed and maintained, supported and flew the airplane during its 25 years of service.”

TROY Magazine · 16

17 ATHLETICS Pierce, Riddle inducted into Baseball Hall of Fame The TROY baseball program has a rich history of success dating back to the origins of the program, and many of those who helped mold the program over the years have been enshrined into the TROY Baseball Hall of Fame. That group grew by two this fall as former head coach Bobby Pierce and Betty Riddle, the wife of legendary TROY head coach Chase Riddle, were welcomed into the exclusive club.

“Mrs. Riddle and Coach Pierce are very special people,” TROY Head Baseball Coach Mark Smartt said. “They are a big part of TROY, and to be the head coach to induct them into the Hall of Fame is really special to me.”

Pierce coached TROY for 13 seasons and retired following the 2015 season. He is TROY’s all-time wins leader with 450 in his Trojan career, and his TROY teams won four conference titles. He led TROY to four NCAA Regional appearances, and he coached 18 All-Americans in his 13-year tenure.

Betty Riddle was heavily involved with the program during the 12-year tenure of her husband, and she continues to support the program today. She participated in the on-field celebration following Pierce’s 435 th career victory last season as Pierce broke her husband’s career wins mark at TROY.

Coach Mark Smartt embraces Betty Riddle during the TROY Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Coach Mark Smartt presents Betty Riddle with a collage at the ceremony inducting her late husband, TROY baseball coach Chase Riddle, into the TROY Baseball Hall of Fame.

Former Coach Bobby Pierce (left) and Coach Mark Smartt (right) celebrate Pierce’s 13-season career as head coach at the TROY Baseball Hall of Fame ceremony.

17 · TROY Magazine

Osi Umenyiora celebrates as he is inducted in the New York Giants Ring of Honor. Umenyiora also celebrated All America honors following his senior season at TROY in 2002. He is a member of the Troy University Sports Hall of Fame.

Osi Umenyiora inducted into the New York Giants Ring of Honor One of the all-time greats in both TROY and NFL history, Osi Umenyiora was immortalized in New York Giants history on Oct. 11 when his name was added to the Giants Ring of Honor alongside such greats as Bill Parcells, Frank Gifford, Tuffy Leemans, Phil Simms and Lawrence Taylor.

Umenyiora retired in August following an 11-year NFL career that saw him win a pair of Super Bowl titles with the Giants and earn All-Pro distinction twice. He finished his career with 435 tackles, 85 sacks, 35 forced fumbles, 14 fumble recoveries and an interception. Umenyiora was the NFL’s most dominant pass rusher during the 2005 season as he led the league with 14.5 sacks over 16 games.

The Giants, who selected Umenyiora with their second-round pick of the 2003 NFL Draft, has a long history of drafting and signing players from TROY. In fact, three former Trojans—Lawrence Tynes, Jerrel Jernigan and Umenyiora—all played for the Giants when the team won Super Bowl XLVI. Umenyiora signed a one-day contract with the Giants in order to retire with the team after playing his final two years in the league with the Atlanta Falcons. He finished his career fourth in Giants history with 75 of his 85 sacks in a New York uniform.

As a TROY Trojan, Umenyiora earned All-America honors following his senior season in 2002. One of the trailblazers on TROY’s path to the Football Bowl Subdivision, Umenyiora recorded 20.5 tackles for loss and 15 sacks during his All-America season. The tackle for loss total was a TROY single-season record while his sack total was the second-highest in the country.

Umenyiora was a part of two Southland Football League Championship teams, helping the TROY Trojans win titles in their final two seasons in the league in 1999 and 2000. He was then a part of a 2001 team that went 7-4 in its inaugural season as an FBS member.

The London, England, native has returned home and is working for the NFL as a special ambassador to the United Kingdom. Umenyiora is working with the league in an attempt to help grow the game overseas, including breaking down games for the BBC. A member of the Troy University Sports Hall of Fame, and now the New York Giants Ring of Honor, Umenyiora’s legacy and impact will be known by fans throughout the college and professional world.

TROY Magazine · 18

19ALUM NOTES ’60

John P. Cross (‘66 ) will release his

Superintendents of Alabama’s District III Superintendent of the Year. She has been an elementary teacher for 14 years, a school principal for 5 years, and she

400-plus member organization that

has served as the Superintendent of

connects women of the Duke University

Education for Geneva County Schools

community.

since 2012.

Mark Moseley (‘97, ‘99)

next “Just Go!” travel book in 2016.

has rejoined the Troy University

Home-based in Atlanta, Georgia, Cross

family as TROY’s newest Photography

has traveled to all seven continents

Coordinator. Moseley’s career has

and some 70 countries. His latest book features Mexico.

included a decade of photography and

’70

fine art, and his talents will now be shared by telling the stories of TROY supporters, employees and students— past, present and future.

Roger Buterbaugh (‘98) serves as Deputy Chief of Staff G1, chief

Brian Bode (‘82 ) has been appointed to the position of controller at Park University in Parkville, Montana.

Prior to his selection in August, he was vice president of student and administrative services, dean of

human resources officer, for the U.S. Army Security Assistance Command in Huntsville. He recently was honored

by Columbus State University with the 2015 Distinguished Military Alumnus in Military Service Award.

financial and administrative services and associate provost at Kansas City Community College in Kansas.

He previously was controller at the University of Saint Mary in Kansas and

Mary Swindle Massey (‘77) was awarded the Doctor of Education from Nova Southeastern University in June, with an instructional leadership major and a minor in early childhood education. Her dissertation, “The

chief financial officer for Demolition Interior Specialists in Missouri. He holds the Master of Business Administration from TROY and is a retired Army lieutenant colonel.

Todd Hutsko (‘87) recently joined

Impact of Training Teachers in Multiple-

Fleet Laboratories as vice president

Intelligences Instructional Strategies,”

of sales. He previously served as vice

focused on Howard Gardner’s “Theory

president of U.S. sales and interim chief

of Multiple Intelligences” and its

customer officer for GlaxoSmithKline

potential to transform conventional

Consumer Healthcare.

education.

’80

’90

David Alexander III (‘93, ‘00)

was recently appointed police chief for the city of Pensacola, Florida, the first

John P. Browning (’99) has been elected to the board of directors of the Downtown Mobile Alliance and has been appointed to the Mobile Public Library Board of Trustees. Browning is a Mobilebased partner in the law firm of Burr & Forman LLP.

African American to hold the post since the department formed in 1821.

Tricia Black (‘93) is the executive director of Spirits of Athens, a Main Street program dedicated to the

Joy Farmer Dunlap (‘81), Duke Campus Club president, hosted Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James as keynote speaker for the 19 · TROY Magazine

revitalization of historic downtown Athens in Limestone County.

Becky Birdsong (‘96, ‘11), superintendent of Geneva County Schools, has been named the School

’00

Phil Sutton (‘01) has been

appointed to the Technical College System of Georgia board by Gov. Nathan Deal. Sutton is chief administrative officer of Kubota Manufacturing and Kubota Industrial Equipment. He is a U.S. Air Force veteran and a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

Dr. Sharon Wilkie (‘05) has been named assistant professor of teacher education in the School of Education at Bob Jones University. She previously served as an adjunct professor.

Greg Phillips (‘06) has joined TROY University Relations as University Relations Coordinator. Prior to rejoining the Troy University family, Phillips spent 8 years reporting for the Dothan Eagle where he covered hard and feature news.

Bridget Coleman (’07) is now the activities director at Beacon Children’s Behavioral Health in Luverne, Alabama.

Denise Bradberry Curtis (’08) recently began her career as the community manager for Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce in Fairhope, Alabama. Prior to beginning her new position, Curtis worked as an executive producer at Local 15 in Mobile, Alabama.

Malerie Sanders Hill (‘09, ‘11) has joined the TROY Marketing team as the Special Projects Coordinator. Prior to stepping into her new position at Troy University, Hill put her TROY bachelor’s

Thanks to the generosity of alumnus Wade Hall (‘53), Troy University is the recipient of original Usonian house plans drawn by world-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Taking part in the brief ceremony are (from left) Senior Vice Chancellor Walter Givhan, Greg Swem, representing donor Wade Hall, Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., and Lenita and Donald Hall, Wade Hall’s brother.

and master’s degrees to work as an account manager in the private sector.

’10

Ryan Hayden (‘10) has been named Director of Marketing and Sponsorships

at Nichols College. He previously served as Assistant Sports Information Director.

Britney Gooden (’10) has recently

Micah Mae Godwin, daughter of Kelly and Adam Godwin, was born November 22, 2015. Kelly (‘02) serves as Assistant Attorney General in Alabama and Adam, TROY All-American baseball player (‘05), is a player-coach with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.

joined the WFLA News Channel 8 team in Tampa Bay, Florida, as one of the station’s newest news producers.

Micah Grimes (’10) has recently stepped into the role of social media strategist for NBC News in New York City, New York. Prior to beginning his career with NBC News, Grimes worked for ABC News in New York.

Mackenzi Hicks (’10) is now the noon show producer for CBS 46 in Atlanta, Georgia. Hicks began her career in the Northwest where she earned two Emmy nominations for her work.

Celeste Betton (‘11) of Ozark appeared as a contestant on NBC’s “The Voice,” a national voice competition that features celebrity judges.

TROY Magazine · 20

Breena Nicole Martin, daughter of Jane (’97, ’99) and Richard Martin, was born September 2, 2015.

Aiden Taylor Hill, son of Malerie (Sanders) (‘09, ‘11) and Brandon Hill, was born July 31, 2015.

Gabbi Anne Moseley, daughter of Conni (’98, ’09) and Mark (‘97, ‘99), was born February 6, 2015.

Beau Carter Campbell, son of Stephanie (Carter) (‘04) and Christopher Campbell (‘07), was born December 7, 2015.

Colton Lane Byrd, the grandson of Reba Allen (‘75), was born May 29, 2015. Colton is the son of future TROY Trojan Desiree Stewart and Andrew Byrd.

Nix Pugh, son of Kady (Edwards) (‘12) and Tyson Pugh (‘08) was born June 11, 2015.

21 · TROY Magazine

Tyler (Snell) Collins (‘11) recently wrapped up a four-book deal with Harlequin Intrigue. She’s also penned episodes 2 and 7 of an eight-part FBI thriller series released by Harlequin on Jan. 12, 2016.

Jarrod Johnson (‘12) has been named Office Manager at Lyncoach Truck Bodies in Troy, Alabama.

IN REMEMBRANCE Troy University Alumni

Stacy F., Alumnus MBA. Accounting.

Jeffery Biggs (‘97) Ed Dunbar (‘77) Wade Hall (‘53) Donna R. Murphy (‘92) Kristin Rebecca Ricks (‘09) Donna R. Murphy (‘92) James Robert Whitman (‘58, ‘80)

WEDDINGS AND ENGAGEMENTS Troy University Alumni Stephanie Terrell (’09) to David Whitney Haley Lorraine Odom (‘09) to James Michael Rodgers (‘07) Kelsey Minor to Carson Howe (‘14) Shelby Smelley to Parker Warren (‘15) Courtney Driggers(‘15) to Clint Pugh (‘06)

Retired Army Major Michael LaChance (’82) died on Oct. 14 in San Antonio, Texas. A Vietnam veteran, he was Foreign Area Officer for Latin America Affairs for the Army and had served two tours of duty in Vietnam, the last as an infantry aviator for the 1st Cavalry Division. Following his Army retirement, LaChance served as a city manager for several cities in Maine and Michigan before moving to Texas where he and his wife, Ava, worked to establish the Alamo State Alumni Chapter and where Ava worked for TROY in the San Antonio location. He held the Master of Management/ Administration degree.

TROJAN WARRIORS PAY IT FORWARD For more than a century, TROY Trojans like Stacy Faison have helped provide opportunities and lessons to those following in their footsteps.

Today, you are a part of that legacy.

You know better than anyone that TROY is a top-notch university guiding students to achievement; it’s an institution with a rich history of success. By investing in TROY, your gift will inspire students to find their Warrior Spirit and to do more than they ever thought possible.

You can begin your TROY legacy today by:

· · Purchasing a brick on the Troy Campus’ Graduate Walk of Honor, · Purchasing a Fraternity Brick, · Purchasing a Rosa Parks Brick, · Joining or renewing your Alumni Membership. · and more.

Donating to TROY’s Annual Fund Campaign,

troy.edu/donors

Hear from Stacy and other alumni at troy.edu/myspirit.

Ballard & Strother Stephens, daughter and son of Ashlee (Faust) (‘05) and Kevin Stephens, were born August 19, 2015.

TROY Magazine · 22

TROY UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE ALUMNI AFFAIRS OFFICE TROY, AL 36082

Shelby S., Alumna Psychology. SGA. Greek.

WAR R IORS T H R I V E

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With a proud history of helping students achieve their career goals, TROY was one of the first universities to offer online learning. Whether you’re learning online, in class or a blend of both, Troy University gives you the education, flexibility, and personal attention you need to succeed. Do what you love, and be great at it. That’s the Trojan Warrior Spirit. © 2016 Troy University

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