UMHB Life | Spring 2012

How

Cru are

YOU?

How Cru are YOU? PLUS: Student Union Building and stadium groundbreaking | Band trip to China | Charter Day 2012

B I G P I C T U R E | A band member plays the fight song on the marching French horn during a Crusader football game. In 2008, the band moved to the Couch Cru section of the stands.

This greatly increased the spirit and energy in the student section, since students can now enthusiastically sing along with the fight song during the games.

UMHBLIFE S P R I N G 2 012 | V O L U M E 31, N U M B ER 3

PRESIDENT Randy O’Rear, Ed.D. EDITOR-IN- CHIEF Paula Price Tanner, Ed.D. EDITOR Jennifer Meers Jones ’08 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Nicole Johnson ‘13 Lindsay Schaefer Landrum ’12 James Stafford PHOTOGR APHERS Abigail Davidhizar ’12 Jennifer Meers Jones ’08 Randy Yandell ’99

UMHB LIFE IS PUBLISHED THREE TIMES A YEAR

BY THE DIVISION OF COMMUNICATIONS AND SPECIAL PROJECTS. UMHB Box 8431 900 College Street Belton, Texas 76513 1-800-727-UMHB life.umhb.edu

Letters and comments can be sent to: jjones@umhb.edu

ALUMNI LIFE IS COMPILED BY THE OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS. Please send any information for publishing or change of personal information to: Alumni Relations UMHB Box 8427 900 College Street Belton, Texas 76513 a2 UMHB LIFE

Or update online: alumni.umhb.edu alumni@umhb.edu

UMHBLIFE S P R I N G 2 0 1 2 | VOLUME 31, NUMBER 3

D E P A R T M E N T S 3 | C A M P US L I F E Groundbreaking for the Student Union Building and football stadium, band trip to China, and more

F E A T U R E S H OW C R U A R E YO U? |14 The ultimate guide to everything Cru, including: YO U H AV E 15 C R U S A D E R S I N YO U R

12 | AT H L E T I C L I F E Men’s basketball team hosts first round of playoffs, Javicz Jones named south region defensive player of the year, and more

FA M I LY |15 YO U F E L L I N LOV E H E R E |16 YO U C H OS E T H E N A M E C R US A D E R S |18

13 | P H I L A N T H R O P Y The James A. “Buddy” Davidson Charitable Foundation of Midland gives $1 million to equip high-tech simulation labs in the new nursing education center.

22 | A LU M N I L I F E Check out what’s happening in the lives of alumni and their families— plus profiles on Rob Dubois ’07; Greg Weghorst ’03; and Arla Ray Tyson

YO U K N OW T H E M A N B E H I N D T H E C R US A D E R M A S COT |19 E VO LU T I O N O F T H E CO UC H C R U |20

O N T H E COV E R | Senior Abigail Davidhizar shows her Crusader spirit with the traditional “C” hand sign.

P H O T O BY R A N D Y YA N D E LL

BRANDON RODRIGUEZ

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RENDERING COURTESY OF POPULOUS

McLane family makes largest gift in UMHB history for new stadium On March 4, university officials announced Elizabeth and Drayton McLane, Jr., and their family had made the largest gift in the history of Mary Hardin-Baylor for the university’s new football stadium, which will be named Crusader Stadium.

“When Elizabeth and Drayton first learned that the university was considering an on-campus football stadium, they immediately expressed an interest in the project and became our greatest champions for making this dream come true,” said President Randy O’Rear. “The new stadium, with its connection to a new student union building, will transform the student life experience at Mary HardinBaylor. The university has been richly blessed by the friendship and generosity of the McLanes for many years, and we could not be more grateful to Elizabeth, Drayton, and their family for making this transformational gift.”

Temple businessman Drayton McLane, Jr., and his wife, Elizabeth, are well known in Central Texas for their commitment to community organizations and philanthropic activities. Drayton is chairman of the Temple-based McLane Group and is former CEO and chairman of the Houston Astros Baseball Club.

“Elizabeth and Drayton McLane have supported Crusader football from day one when a gift from the family helped pay for equipment and the team’s first set of uniforms in 1998,” said Pete Fredenburg, head football coach. “This stadium is going to move our program to a new level of prominence, and it would not have come to life without this generous gift from the McLane family.

Their generosity is amazing, and it is hard to find words to adequately express how grateful we are to this wonderful family.”

Crusader Stadium will be built on University Drive in the heart of the campus.

The stadium has been designed in tandem with a new three-story student union building that incorporates views of the playing field throughout the facility.

The stadium will be the first permanent home for the Crusader football team, which has played at Belton High School’s Tiger Field since its inaugural season in 1998. The program rapidly achieved national prominence and has posted an impressive 133-33 win-loss record in 14 seasons. Construction of the stadium began in March, and plans call for the complex to be complete in summer 2013.

“We decided as a family that we wanted to help UMHB build an on-campus football stadium because we believe that athletic programs play a fundamental role in tying the student body to the university and strengthen school spirit. We love supporting UMHB because the university is committed to Christian values, and Christian values have been important to the McLane family for generations. Our son, Drayton III, is a member of the UMHB Board of Trustees; he and his wife, Amy, and their sons Drayton IV, Brooks, and Walker, and our son Denton and his wife, Amy, and sons Jeff and Jake join us in our continued support of Christian higher education at Mary Hardin-Baylor.

We are excited about the momentum and direction of the university and want to be a part of what it can accomplish.”

—Elizabeth and Drayton McLane, Jr.

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Dannyelle Turner was named assistant controller in December. Turner came to UMHB in June 2011 as senior project accountant, after serving as controller for Royal Seating LLC in Cameron. Turner’s primary job duties now include managing the daily operations of the accounting department, including accounts payable, general ledger, fixed assets, and project accounting.

Turner graduated from UMHB in 2002 with both a B.B.A. in accounting and an MBA. She earned her certified public accountant license in 2004.

She and her husband, Nick, have two boys, Tug and Ty, and live in Little River-Academy.

Jeff Shinn was promoted to Cru football offensive coordinator in January.

Shinn recently completed his sixth year as a full-time assistant coach and also served as head coach of the junior varsity program. Prior to that, he worked as a student and graduate assistant coach for four seasons.

Before joining the coaching staff, Shinn spent four years as the starting fullback for the Cru, where he scored the first touchdown in the history of the UMHB football program. He graduated from Mary Hardin-Baylor in 2004 and completed work on his master’s degree in 2007. Shinn and his wife, Beth, have one daughter, Charlie Joy.

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JENNIFER JONES

A ROU N D CAMPUS

Ceremony kicks off student union building, stadium construction The university held a special groundbreaking Friday, Feb. 3, to kick off construction of its new football stadium and student union building. The event was attended by an estimated 500 people. Guests were welcomed by the pep band, cheerleaders, and members of the Crusader football team.

President Randy O’Rear started the event by tracing some of the history of the UMHB football team, which in its 14 years of existence has won or shared nine American Southwest Conference championship titles and included more than 200 All-American players.

“Our football program has a proud past and enthusiastic goals for the future, but there has been one thing missing: a home stadium to call our own,” O’Rear said. “Today we begin a new chapter in the history of Cru Football.”

Vice President of Student Life Byron Weathersbee discussed the role that the new student union would play in the lives of students.

“A building like this is a unifying force that brings students together,” Weathersbee said. “It provides a forum for divergent viewpoints and creates an environment where everyone feels welcome.”

Head Coach Pete Fredenburg was joined at the podium by coaches and players from the last decade and a half of UMHB football. He looked back on his first meeting with Dr. Jerry Bawcom and athletic director Ben Shipp to discuss starting a football program at the university. “At that point they didn’t have helmets, they didn’t have uniforms, but they had a dream,” Fredenburg said.

The new stadium and student union building will be built near the center of the campus on University Drive, adjacent to the Frank and Sue Mayborn Campus Center. The combined cost of the student union building and the football stadium is expected to be more than $50 million. The timeline for the project calls for the complex to be completed by the summer of 2013.

“The building of these two projects is not only an accomplishment, but also a commitment to keep working toward our goal of becoming the university of choice for Christian higher education in the Southwest,” O’Rear said.

Board of Trustees Chair Mike Harkrider fist pumps football players at the groundbreaking ceremony for the student union building and stadium.

Texas Rangers outfielder David Murphy featured as chapel speaker

JENNIFER JONES

David Murphy, outfielder for the Texas Rangers, was the guest speaker at chapel Wednesday, Jan. 18. “One of the things we’ve tried to do with chapel is to bring in speakers who are living out their ministry in a variety of vocations,” Vice President for Student Life Byron Weathersbee said.

Murphy is part of the “I Am Second” movement, which brings together actors, athletes, musicians, and everyday people who have made a commitment to live their lives for Christ.

“I would not be here if it wasn’t for God,” Murphy said. “He gave me my talent, He gives me every opportunity—whether it be going to the big leagues, having my first major league hit and home run, to the point where I have now played in two World Series. I am not the most well-spoken person; I do not have a background in seminary. And yet I am being used by God for a purpose.”

Murphy, a native Texan from Houston, has been a professional baseball player since being picked up by the Boston Red Sox in the first round of the 2003 draft. Just over two weeks after his major league debut, Murphy hit his first MLB home run against the New York Yankees in Yankee Stadium.

Less than a year later, Murphy was traded by Boston to the Texas Rangers.

He has been with the team ever since. He has been a key player in both the 2010 and 2011 post seasons, which saw the Rangers reach the World Series for only the first and second times in franchise history.

“It would be great if everyone knew me as David Murphy, the All-Star, or David Murphy, the World Series Champion, but I’ve set my priorities straight,” Murphy said. “I’d love to be looked at as David Murphy, Man of God.”

Heather Green was promoted to Student Success Specialist in the Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) in January. Green had served as secretary at the CAE since November 2010. She grew up in Temple and graduated from UMHB in 1998 with a degree in psychology. She is married to Chris Green, who serves as a resident director in Independence Village. They have three daughters, Desiree, 21; Gabbie, 19; and Michelle, 17.

Dani Beth Crosby was named assistant director of alumni relations in February. Crosby is a 2009 graduate of UMHB with a bachelor’s degree in music education.

She served for the past two years as assistant director of the early learning center at Hawaii Kai Church in Honolulu. While at UMHB, Crosby was active in Student Foundation, One Voice, Miss MHB, Stunt Night and Phonathon. She was chosen to portray Mary in the Easter Pageant in 2009.

JENNIFER JONES

Klopack crowned Mr. Crusader Knight After being announced Mr. Crusader Knight 2012, junior Ryan Klopack (pictured) joins the other 20 contestants to lead the audience in singing the school song. Klopack represented the junior class in the event, held in W. W. Walton Chapel Feb. 17-18. This year’s theme, “Heartthrobs,” included a variety of dances and videos inspired by heartthrobs from Brad Pitt to Ty Pennington. Other award recipients included Beau Styne (the Timothy Award), Jon Michael Toler (Judges’ Choice Video), Taylor Holleyman (Best Interview), and Christian Hernandez (Best Strut).

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A ROU N D CAMPUS Cody Fredenburg was named to the Cru football coaching staff as offensive assistant in January. Fredenburg returns to his alma mater after a two-year stint as the running backs coach at Stephen F. Austin University. He started his coaching career as a student assistant coach at UMHB and was part of the coaching staff during the Cru’s Stagg Bowl run in 2004. As a student, Fredenburg spent four seasons as UMHB’s starting quarterback.

Fredenburg graduated from UMHB in 2004 with a degree in exercise and sport science and earned a master of science in coaching from Southern Mississippi University in 2009. Cody is the youngest son of head coach Pete Fredenburg. He and his wife, Lindsay, have a son, Abbott.

Dr. Colin Wilborn was named dean of the graduate school in January.

He had served as interim dean of the graduate school since July 2010. Wilborn has worked at UMHB since 2006 and served as director of the master of science program in exercise and sport science for the past five years. Wilborn earned his bachelor’s degree from UMHB in 2001, and his master’s and Ph.D. from Baylor. He and his wife, Andra, have a daughter, Ainsley, and live in Belton.

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University’s 167th year celebrated On Feb. 1, 1845, before Texas was even a state, a charter was granted by the Ninth Congress of the Republic of Texas and approved by President Anson Jones to establish the Baptist university that would eventually become the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and Baylor University. Although Charter Day celebrations have evolved over the years, one thing remains consistent. The first day of February is always a special day set aside to celebrate Mary HardinBaylor’s rich heritage.

This year’s events began with the traditional laying of the wreath on Judge Baylor’s grave. Immediately following, students, faculty, and staff gathered in the Mabee Student Union Building for a campus-wide birthday party. Students donned birthday hats, sang “Happy Birthday,” and enjoyed cupcakes. A drawing was held for three $100 gift cards from the names of students who participated in a UMHB history trivia game.

Assistant Director of Campus Activities Jeff Sutton said this year’s birthday party was student-led and organized.

“The birthday party was planned by our Campus Activities Board, which is a student group that organizes events for our student body,” he said. “The purpose of the event was to celebrate the university’s heritage and tradition.

It was a way for students, faculty, and staff to remember where UMHB has come from and celebrate where it is going.”

Clockwise from top left: Members of Student Government Association and Student Foundation join the president and first lady in prayer before laying a wreath on Judge Baylor’s grave; the university community celebrated the college’s 167th birthday with a party in the Mabee Student Union Building; Randy and Julie O’Rear blow out the candles on the birthday cupcakes, held

by Student Foundation member Anna Payne; Campus Activites Board member Allison Toy laughs with friends while handing out cupcakes; many students, including Tariekus Ellis, stopped by the SUB for a cupcake and to play XBOX Kinect before 1:00 classes.

H E A R D @UMHB // We asked the Class of 2012 what words of wisdom they would give to this year’s freshman class.

Setting priorities and time management are the keys to surviving college. Life is all about balance. Study hard and break out of your comfort zone and enjoy it while you can. Be spontaneous and relish in the college experience. Four years will go by more quickly than you realize.

— NAOMI ROMO

Enjoy every day because one day you’ll have to grow up.

— PANCHO GUTIERREZ

Study now, socialize later.

— BRIT TNEY K AISER

JENNIFER JONES

Learn discipline. Do your papers, assignments, and readings when they are assigned, then you can have fun and not stress the night before.

— ANDREW KESTER

You don’t have to be involved in everything. Staying plugged in to a few things that you are most passionate about is what makes your college experience worthwhile and builds friendships that last for a lifetime.

— REBECCA WIDMER

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N EWS BRIEFS // A website was recently created to keep the campus community updated about new developments in the Campus Master Plan projects. The site includes renderings, plans, and information about each of the planned facilities, as well as links to news stories about them. Visitors can also view live construction cameras at the building sites for the football stadium, student union building, and the art and nursing facilities. Continuing updates are available at www.umhb.edu/masterplan.

Enrollment sets new records The university saw the largest spring enrollment in its 166-year history, up 129 students for a total of 2,854 students. Students also registered for more hours, and more students are living on campus than during any spring in university history. According to Gary Lamm, associate vice president for enrollment management, “Our record spring enrollments have come as a direct result of our record fall enrollments. UMHB is no longer the best kept secret in Texas.”

JENNIFER JONES

Campus Master Plan website launched

Library research workshops provide resources for community This spring, Townsend Memorial Library offered a series of workshops discussing everything from graduate research to utilizing apps for scholarly research. “Our goal was to showcase ways that research can be streamlined, easier, and more efficient,” said instructor and librarian Paige Alfonzo, who developed and facilitated the workshops.

Alfonzo added that there is still time to sign up for the two workshops scheduled for April: Web Tools (offered online April 9, and in person April 19) and Publishing Your Research (offered April 24).

“If you’ve ever wanted to use your phone to record a lecture, find the best resources for publishing your research, or utilize software that organizes and generates your citations, then these workshops are for you,” Alfonzo said.

Dr. Christie Bledsoe, whose doctoral students attended a session about copyright and library resources, said the workshops help keep students updated about new research techniques. “Library services have changed with new technologies. Our graduate students benefited from hearing about advancements in research and technology. These web tools facilitate student research. It is a wonderful resource for our students,” Bledsoe said.

The workshops are available both in person and online, and are open to faculty, staff, students, and the general public. To register and view dates and times, please visit bit.ly/townsendworkshop or email Paige Alfonzo at palfonzo@umhb.edu.

Career services site links students to employers With the launch of the Cru Connection website, the UMHB Career Center is able to further meet the needs of students, alumni, and employers by streamlining functions related to finding full and part-time employment, internships, volunteer services, and more. Students and alumni have 24/7 access to search for jobs, send online inquiries, and manage multiple resumes, cover letters, and other documents. Employers can quickly and easily post jobs on campus, receive online applications from the system, and sign up for career fairs. For more information, please visit careerservices.umhb.edu/cru-connection.

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Trish Stewart Woods ’03 named alumni board president

EV EN T S @UMHB // Mary Hardin-Baylor alumni will gather at the following special events in the days to come:

B Y PAU L A P R I C E TA N N ER The UMHB Alumni Association welcomed a new president in January, and she has wasted no time in charting a path for alumni to get involved with their alma mater. It’s not that Trish Stewart

university—fine arts, nursing, athletics, student life—that it is easy to find a project that is meaningful to you.

“When we give back to UMHB in any of these ways, we are supporting the university’s efforts to help young people find their purpose in Christ,” Trish says. “That’s something we all can get excited about.”

RACHEL PARKHURST

Woods ‘03 doesn’t have enough to do already; after all, in addition to serving as marketing coordinator for a software company in Dallas, she and her husband, Terrance, have two young sons at home—Tate (age 4) and Timothy (4 months). But Trish is clearly committed to all things UMHB, and she believes alumni can play an important role in helping the university reach its goals for the future.

“The Alumni Board has been studying the strategies outlined in the Campus Master Plan and discussing how we can be involved in the changes taking place,” Trish says. “There are so many ways that alumni can help.

“Every time I have the opportunity to talk to another graduate about what’s going on, I tell him or her, ‘You can help by sharing with others all the great things that are happening now at UMHB. You never know when that message is going to be relayed to a student who is thinking about college, and you just might end up recruiting someone to attend!’

“I also encourage graduates to come back to the campus, to experience the excitement of what is going on firsthand,” Trish continues. “Charter Celebration Weekend, Homecoming, athletic events—they all are great opportunities to see what’s happening and share in the excitement.

“And finally, I encourage graduates to help construct one of the great new facilities now underway by making a financial gift toward one of the projects. The new facilities are going to improve so many areas of the

EASTER PAGEANT ALUMNI R ECEPTIONS APR IL 4, 2012

Join other alumni at the Musick Alumni Center and Museum at the Parker House, for receptions immediately following each performance of the rd 73 Annual Easter Pageant.

CHARTER CELEBR ATION WEEK END APRIL 20-21

Participate in Midnight March, Robing, Senior Ring Ceremony, alumni chapel with awards, student entertainment, class reunions, and the 50-year reunion of the Class of 1962.

ALUMNI BOAR D OF DIR ECTORS AND YOU NG ALUMNI BOAR D JOINT MEETING JUNE 9, 2012

Both boards will meet to discuss the ongoing role of the alumni association in the growth of the university.

HOMECOMING WEEK END OCTOBER 19-20, 2012

Join your friends for Stunt Night, the Pep Rally and Burning of the Letters, and a Dessert Party, then gather on Saturday to cheer the Cru to a football victory against the Hardin-Simmons Cowboys!

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Quoted

Jazz Ensemble performs in China

“This tour to China allowed me to experience a completely different culture, and what better way to do that than with the people I’m closest to at the university! It was thrilling to perform for thousands of people, and also have the opportunity to develop lasting connections with students at the various universities where we were invited.”

— C H R I S T I N E M A R R E R O, senior music performance major

The UMHB Jazz Ensemble traveled to China for a 10-day performance tour March 8-18. The ensemble, comprised of 19 instrumentalists and one vocalist, was invited by three international colleges in Guilin, Wuhan, and Chongqing.

Dr. Stephen Crawford, director of percussion studies and music history, joined the ensemble as a faculty artist during the tour.

During the 10-day tour, the ensemble performed six formal concerts for over 9,000 people and visited each of the three colleges’ English speaking classes. “Not only was this a great opportunity for our students to interact with the Chinese students, but it also allowed the Chinese students to practice their English speaking skills,” said Nils Landsberg, assistant professor and athletic bands director.

For this tour, the Jazz Ensemble formed a unique partnership with Jupiter Band Instruments and Mapex Percussion, who provided the ensemble with all necessary instruments at each performance venue so that the group did not have to transport instruments throughout the tour. Jupiter Band Instruments also sent an entire set of instruments to UMHB earlier this year so that the ensemble could practice and rehearse on the horns that they would be performing on while in China.

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Social Work Pinning, Lord Conference Center, 7:30 p.m.

Education Pinning, Manning Chapel, 7:30 p.m.

Nurses Pinning, W. W. Walton Chapel, 7 p.m.

Spring Commencement, Bell County Expo Center, 10 a.m.

Minimester registration & classes begin Senior Saints Summit Memorial Day (campus closed)

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may

EVENTS CALENDAR 4 4 4 - 14 18 - 28 18 - 29 30

Summer I & II Advising and Registration Summer I classes begin (day and evening) Swim Camp – Session I Swim Camp – Session II Youth Summer Musical Camp (ages 12-20) Youth Summer Musical Camp Performance, CAC Temple, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

LAUREN JONES

Hot off the PRESSES //

Quilt Crawl draws visitors to museum B Y N I CO L E J O H N S O N ’13

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Youth Summer Musical Camp Performance, CAC Temple, 2:00 p.m.

Summer II additional registration Summer II classes begin (day and evening) July 4th holiday (campus closed) All-State Choir Camp (high school choir students) Drum Major & Color Guard Camp Swim Camp – Session III

august

july

This past January and February, museums across Central Texas opened their doors for the Great Bell County Quilt Crawl. The event was a countywide exhibit of historical quilts held at seven different locations, including the UMHB Musick Alumni Center and Museum at the Parker House.

The UMHB museum featured more than 40 quilts, bedspreads, rugs, handkerchiefs, pillows, and crocheted collars. Each display told a story connected to the university. Two quilts were emphasized as the museum’s centerpieces.

One is a keepsake collage of shirts entitled “UMHB T-shirt Quilt” while the other is a family heirloom entitled “9-Patch Touching Stars.” Both are a representation of UMHB’s past and present and are owned by grandmother/ granddaughter duo, Nelda East Sanders ’54 and Kristal Varnell ’07.

The first was made in 2011 by Varnell. It is a patchwork of T-shirts she acquired during her years in college. The second quilt, “9-Patch Touching Stars,” was made in 1845 by Mary Sloan. It was a wedding gift for her son, then handed through the generations while being preserved with love and care. More than 150 years later, it was given to Varnell’s grandmother Nelda Sanders. Sanders explained the quilt is connected to UMHB because the university was officially chartered the same year the quilt was made.

Museum Curator Betty Sue Beebe said the exhibit has drawn people from across the state to UMHB. “We’ve had groups drive in from Marble Falls, and two ladies from Evant came for the third time last Saturday. These are all people who would not normally visit the museum, but they are interested in this exhibit. The level of interest has really surprised me. It has been a great tool for sharing the history of UMHB with the public,” Beebe said.

Townsend Memorial Library Director of Learning Resources Denise Karimkhani recently completed an index to a local history book, Bell County Revisited: an Informal Pictorial History of Bell County, written by Martha Bowmer and published by the Temple Jaycees in 1976. She had previously prepared indexes for After Seventy-Five Years (published in 1920 to celebrate Baylor Female College’s Diamond Jubilee), The Parker Years (a biography of former UMHB president Bobby Parker), and a thesis entitled Mary Hardin-Baylor College, 18451937. “I prepare these indexes as a service to the university and to the local community,” Karimkhani said.

“At the library, we receive numerous requests from alumni who want a photograph or information on a relative who attended the college. The indexes have proven very useful as a finding aid.” The indexes are available in the library’s special collections for use by patrons. The Bell County Revisited index is also available to purchase for $10. For more information, contact Karimkhani at 254-295-4636 or dkarimkhani@umhb.edu

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University housing opens Fall advising & registration Fall classes begin

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N EWS BRIEFS // Jones named south region defensive player of the year Junior linebacker Javicz Jones was voted D3football.com South Region Defensive Player of the Year. Jones, a junior linebacker from Katy Morton Ranch High School, shattered his own UMHB and American Southwest Conference single-season record with 141 tackles this season. Jones becomes the third UMHB player to win D3football.com South Region Defensive Player of the Year honors, joining Jerrell Freeman (2007) and Eric Henri (2008).

Crusaders recognized with ASC West basketball honors Junior Brian Todd was voted West Division Defensive Player of the Year, and sophomore James Allen was named Co-Sportsmanship Athlete of the Year for the ASC West this spring.

Also drawing accolades were Marlon Miller (ASC All-Conference Team and First Team, All-West Division), Kitrick Bell (All-West Division Second Team), and seniors Sterling Phillips and Greg Wiernas (Honorable Mention, All-West Division Team).

Men’s basketball wins ASC west; Deweese is Coach of the Year The Crusader men’s basketball team posted the best regular season record in school history, easily winning the ASC West Division title with a record of 24-1, only to have hopes for a championship dashed in a pair of heartbreaking postseason games.

By late in the season, the team had earned a number five national ranking in the D3hoops.com Top 25 Poll, and UMHB was chosen to host both the American Southwest Conference Championship Tournament and the first two rounds of Senior Greg Wiernas shoots to help the Crusaders to a 90-87 win over the the NCAA Division III National ChampiMcMurry Warhawks in February. onships. But a semi-final loss to McMurry University in the ASC tournament nixed the Crusader’s dream of a conference crown, and the team’s postseason play ended with a 68-66 loss to Trinity in the opening round of the playoffs.

The team’s superior play during its regular season brought year-end accolades for Head Coach Ken Deweese, who was voted American Southwest Conference West Division Coach of the Year for the fifth time in the last six years. In the 2011-12 season, Deweese guided the men’s team to its fifth NCAA Division III Coach Ken Deweese Tournament appearance in six years

Cru football advances to national quarterfinals The Crusader football team finished the 2011 season with a 12-1 overall record. The Cru went 8-0 to win the ASC title.

UMHB advanced to the National Quarterfinals before falling to Wesley College 27-24. The Cru joins Mount Union as the only two Division III programs to win at least one playoff game in each of the last eight seasons.

s Se ve n play er to th e w er e nam ed eg ion Team All-So ut h R

FIRST TEAM J A V I C Z J O N E S (junior linebacker) D A R I U S W I L S O N (junior running back) N A T E M E N K I N (senior offensive tackle) M I C H A E L C O L E S (junior offensive guard) T A R I E K U S E L L I S (senior kick returner)

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SECOND TEAM C H R I S B R E N T (senior defensive tackle)

THIRD TEAM G E O F F M Y L E S (junior kick returner)

B Y PAU L A P R I C E TA N N ER The directors of the James A. “Buddy” Davidson Charitable Foundation of Midland announced in February that they had approved a grant of $1 million for the purchase of equipment in the university’s new Isabelle Rutherford Meyer Nursing Education Center. The grant will be used to purchase high-fidelity patient simulators for several clinical laboratories and a hospital simulation suite in the new center.

The foundation is the legacy of James A. “Buddy” Davidson, a Midland businessman who began his career as a landman and went on to establish his own oil and gas firm. Though he had no affiliation with UMHB during his lifetime, he and his wife, Sandra, became acquainted with the work of the university when they were patients at the nearby Scott & White Hospital in Temple.

“Buddy was impressed with the nurses who took care of us at Scott & White,” recalls Mrs. Davidson, “and when he visited with them, he learned that they were graduates of the UMHB nursing program. He told me that he wanted to do something to help the College of Nursing at UMHB. The foundation was formed to continue his charitable support of the causes he believed in, and in 2005 a grant was awarded to UMHB to establish a scholarship for nursing students.”

The James A. “Buddy” Davidson Endowed Nursing Scholarship has helped many students pursue their degrees in nursing at UMHB. The foundation’s latest gift will enlarge its circle of support by providing equipment that will be used by every student in the UMHB nursing program.

The grant will be used to equip two large clinical skills labs with computerized Sim Man mannequins. The high-fidelity “patients” will be programmed to manifest a variety of symptoms and to respond to care, both through vital signs and vocal responses. The grant will also help equip a hospital simulation suite that will include video cameras in every room, to record student responses as they offer care to the “patients.”

“We are very grateful to the James A. ‘Buddy’ Davidson Charitable Foundation for its generous support of the new nursing education center,” said Dr. Randy O’Rear, UMHB president. “The equipment provided through this grant will elevate an already outstanding program to new levels of excellence. Our students’ work with these simulators will help them act quickly and accurately when they encounter the situations in real life. Through the use of this equipment provided by the Davidson Foundation, our nursing students will develop the skills needed to provide the highest level of care for their patients.”

COURTESY PHOTO

James A. ‘Buddy’ Davidson Charitable Foundation grants million for patient simulators

James A. ‘Buddy’ Davidson

“Through the use of this equipment provided by the James A. ‘Buddy’ Davidson Charitable Foundation, our nursing students will develop the skills needed to provide the highest level of care for their patients.”

— DR. R ANDY O’REAR

P H I L A N T H R O P Y

13

HOW CRU Sharon David

Matt Joy James

You have a

Cru

bucket list

The essential campus activities every Crusader must experience before graduation day arrives

Get dubbed a Crusader forever On the last night of Welcome Week, a special candlelight ceremony is held at Luther Memorial.

During the event, the president and vice presidents dub all incoming students “Crusaders forever.�

Ring the Sophomore and Senior Bells The Sophomore Bell is located in the tower of Luther Memorial. The Senior Bell is in the Senior Bell Plaza, in front of Hardy Hall. Students ring the respective bells at the conclusion of special events such as the Dubbing Ceremony and Midnight March.

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ARE YOU? 15 You have

Crusaders

in your family

JENNIFER JONES

Dani Beth

Learn the words to “Up With the Purple” Only alumni and seniors can sing this traditional song, which means undergrads have three years to make sure they know the words by heart.

Be a part of Couch Cru Students and alumni are automatically members, so make sure to join in with our spirit group during football and basketball games.

Continued on page 21

B Y JA M ES S TA F F O R D

Matt Crosby ’01 is choral director and an assistant professor in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. He is also an alumnus of the university—along with more than a dozen members of his family.

“I can remember coming to my sister Sharon’s recital on campus as a kid,” Crosby said. “She was the first person I can remember coming to UMHB. I saw her experience, and I knew I wanted to go here.”

He was not alone. His niece Rebekah Crosby Deris ’99 had enrolled a few years earlier. “I thought it was really cool for him to come when I was there.

We went to breakfast. We got to spend a lot of time together,” she said.

For other members of the Crosby clan, the draw of UMHB was related to the strength of some of its specific departments.

“I just knew that I wanted to study music and that Mary Hardin-Baylor had a strong music program,” Matt’s brother, James ’97, said, “and with Matt now being a professor there, how full circle is that?”

For at least one Crosby, the choice to attend UMHB was not as simple. As a high school senior, Dani Beth Crosby ’09 was all but enrolled at another Baptist university when her uncle Matt called her.

“He basically pleaded with me to just come and look at UMHB,” Dani Beth said. “I went because I loved my uncle, but I fell in love with the atmosphere.”

She remembers walking the campus, sitting in on a few of the classes that Matt was teaching and hearing the One Voice choral ensemble sing.

“Looking at how much fun they were having, that was big,” Dani Beth said.

Before long, Dani Beth had auditioned for and been accepted to the group herself. Shortly thereafter she withdrew her housing application from the other university and joined the long line of Crusader Crosby’s before her.

In addition to Matt, Rebekah, James, and Dani Beth, that line includes Deborah Crosby Ford ‘88, Sharon Crosby Westerfeld ‘91, Joy Daugherty Crosby, Mary Crosby Nolte, Joseph Crosby, Allye Guthrie Crosby ‘11, Philip Crosby, Bethany Crosby, Sarah Fahauer Crosby, and Karrie Coffield Crosby.

Coming to UMHB is one family tradition that does not appear to be coming to an end any time soon.“My oldest son is a freshman at Belton High School,” James said. “He has already told me that he wants to go to UMHB.”

F E A T U R E S

15

You fell in

love here

In the 1950s, Leroy and Jean Kemp fell in love on campus—and years later, each of their three sons met their wives at Mary Hardin-Baylor Fifty-seven years ago, a family began all because two people fell in love at UMHB. Some may call it a tradition, but to the Kemp family it was a coincidence that three sons followed in their parents’ footsteps and met and married women from the university.

The year was 1954. Leroy Kemp was tall and had dark brown hair, and the girl was charming and beautiful. He had noticed her while attending First Baptist Church in Belton and realized he wanted to take her out on a date.

“I kind of liked her looks and was kind of attracted to her,” Kemp said.

He decided to write Jean Wyatt, asking her to accompany him to the 4th of July Belton rodeo that summer.

She was a student at Mary HardinBaylor College, and he was attending Baylor University.

He pulled up in front of Stribling Hall in his 1952 black Ford sedan and waited for his date to be called down.

“Back then you had to have a formal letter from your parents saying you had permission to date a certain young man,” Jean said. “That night I was brought down by the dorm mother for my date.”

The rules were a little different in 1954 from what they are now. The freshmen women had one weekend night and one weekday night per

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month that they could go out. They had to be back by 8:30 p.m. during the week and 11 p.m. on the weekends, and there was no exception for the Kemps’ first date.

“It got closer to 11 p.m. that night, so I called the dorm mother to ask permission if we could stay out a little later,” Leroy said. “She said no. Bring her in.”

Jean remembers being embarrassed that night and thought he would never ask her out again. Little did she know, Leroy was smitten.

Due to the strict rules and the distance, they wrote many letters.

However, there was an exception to the curfew. If the women were attending a church service, they were allowed to be back in the dorm 15 minutes after the service ended.

“So that summer we went to a lot of revivals and church services because we weren’t allowed to see each other besides that,” Jean said.

By fall they were in love, and Leroy proposed to Jean in the car in front of Stribling Hall, after a date. It wasn’t until Thanksgiving that he put a ring on her finger.

The couple married 11 months after their first date on June 3, 1955, in the mission church of FBC Belton where Leroy was pastoring. He led that church for six years and would

LINDSAY LANDRUM

B Y L I N DS AY S C H A EF ER L A N D R U M ’12

later become the pastor of First Baptist Church in Belton.

Jean said, “Our reception was in Hardy parlor. It was a beautiful Victorian parlor with beautiful furniture from wall to wall, and they had a bridal room for the girls to get ready in.”

Little did they know that later all three of their sons would follow in their parents’ footsteps and find their own true loves at UMHB. Their oldest son, Paul, attended Baylor University. However, one weekend while he was home visiting, Leroy introduced him to Cindie Mays Kemp ’83, a UMHB student who would later become his wife. Their youngest son

Mark ’87 met his wife, Annette, while they were both students at UMHB. Resident Director of Huckins Tim Kemp ’87 is their middle son and shares a love story similar to that of his brothers and parents. Tim met his wife Donna Shrider Kemp ’86 in 1983 while singing in the New Edition ensemble, the precursor of One Voice.

“I came to Belton to visit a friend. I was walking up to Burt, and a beautiful girl walked by. I told myself, ‘I am going to marry that girl one day,’” Tim said. “My second semester at UMHB, she showed up in New Edition.”

They got to know each other over the year while touring and sing-

ing but were not allowed to have a relationship because of club rules.

“We wanted to date each other but couldn’t. That next semester she stopped being a part of New Edition, and we started dating,” he said.

Thirty-one years after his parents’ first date, Tim’s first date with Donna began at Stribling Hall.

“The first time I asked her out was to an event on campus, but she turned me down because she already had a date,” Tim said. “Not too long after that she came to me and asked me to come over to Strib. Our first real date was watching The Wizard of Oz on the couch in Stribling.”

Today Dr. Leroy Kemp teaches in University of Mary Hardin-Baylor’s College of Christian Studies, and Dr. Jean Wyatt Kemp ‘56 teaches in the College of Education.

The Kemps didn’t plan on having UMHB so connected to their family’s existence. It simply happened.

“It’s just one of those things. Our lives have been tied to Mary HardinBaylor for a long time. Mom has worked here. Dad has been on the Board of Trustees as a chairman,” Tim said. “Our lives have grown up on this campus, and it just seems kind of fitting that we would find people here to marry.”

F E A T U R E S

17

You chose the name

BY J EN N I F ER M EER S J O N ES ’0 8

Crusaders

In 1968, basketball coach Carole Smith ’65 selected a nickname for her team.

Little did she know that name would become the official school mascot.

When you drive around campus, evidence of the Crusader mascot is everywhere, from the road sign marking Crusader Way to the Cru Athletics emblems adorning the sports complexes to the Crusader statue outside Mayborn Campus Center.

For Dr. Carole Smith ’65, all of this takes on a special meaning, because she was the one who chose the name “Crusaders.”

As a student, Smith played nearly every sport offered at the college, from basketball to badminton to table tennis.

“In those days our athletic department was divided into intramural and extramural sports,” she said. “Intramural sports were played within your own school. The dormitories had teams, and often the Big and Little Sister classes were combined for teams. The extramural teams played other schools, including Temple Junior College, Hill Junior College, and Baylor.”

The extramural teams were identified by the school name but did not play under

a nickname, have a mascot, or even play in the school colors.

“We had red tops and we furnished our own black shorts. Purple and gold were our school colors, but our uniforms were red because we didn’t have the budget for anything else.”

After graduating, Smith went on to earn her master’s degree from Texas Women’s University, then returned to Mary Hardin-Baylor as a physical education instructor and basketball coach. It was during this time that she was instrumental in establishing the Texas Commission for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (TCIAW), which organized women’s athletic teams across Texas for intercollegiate competition. This commission was a historic move away from extramural sports and into intercollegiate athletics as we know it today. This move, Smith said, is what inspired the name Crusaders.

“We needed—I hate to say a mascot because we didn’t really have someone dressed as a Crusader—but we needed an identifying name,” she said. “We weren’t just Basketballers or Volleyballers, we weren’t the extramural track team, we were the Crusaders.

I decid decided to pick Crusaders because we had been crusaders cr in establishing intercollegiate athletics for women

and getting away from this intramural/extramural thing. We really were crusaders, from that standpoint.”

The athletes first played under the name Crusaders during the 1968-1969 season. Smith said the new name established a greater sense of team pride, inspiring game day rituals such as cheering “Charge!” as they broke out of huddles during competitions.

Despite the enthusiastic reception from student athletes, the majority of the student body didn’t immediately identify themselves as Crusaders, according to Vicki Higgason McKay ’71.

“The new mascot was unveiled with almost no fanfare; in fact, I barely remember it,” McKay said. “To put things in perspective, I was the editor of The Bells at the time, and I don’t even remember doing a story about it.”

The Board of Trustees voted to accept Crusaders as the official school mascot in May 1975. From those humble beginnings, the Crusader took its place on the Mary Hardin-Baylor campus, giving fans a mascot to cheer for at athletic events and eventually giving all students a term with which to identify themselves.

“It is pretty incredible to see how the Crusader mascot started and where it is today,” Smith said. “The Crusader has really taken on a life of its own.”

You know the man behind the

Crusader mascot

Exactly who is this masked man doing back flips and crazy dance moves during football and basketball games? UMHB Life investigates.

B Y JA M ES S TA F F O R D He steals the show at athletic events and pep rallies, but who is the man behind the CRUnk mask?

Larry Stitle may not look like a cheerleader, but at 6’ 6” he looks every bit the basketball player that he was throughout his high school career, even winning the state championship his junior year.

“I wanted to be a mascot in high school, but I was always playing basketball,” Stitle said.

While competing in the university’s intramural leagues he met and befriended last year’s mascot, Sam Williams. It was Williams who pursuaded Stitle to try out for the role of the mascot, who is known on campus as “CRUnk.” Stitle’s tall build, positive attitude, and strong work ethic made him a shoe-in for the position.

Each summer the Cru cheerleaders and the mascot attend a cheerleading and mascot camp at SMU. There Stitle learned what it meant to be a mascot and sharpened his performance skills.

“I consider myself an outgoing person,” Stitle said. “I really need to get out there and do something, and this was something I had always been interested in.”

He learned that being a mascot is not easy. “A mascot has to make their actions larger than life, because the

costume is bigger than life,” explains Sue Weaver, director of campus recreation. “There is a mystique about mascots, because they never reveal their true faces. Mascots are not allowed to speak, so they have to be very animated, to convey what they want to say.”

Stitle stepped into his new persona last fall, at the beginning of football season. One of the players for whom he cheered was his CRUnk predecessor, Williams. Since every part of his body is masked by the costume, few people realized that there was a new CRUnk in town until he and Sam appeared side by side on the playing field.

“Sam was exceptional, a great mascot, a great dancer,” Stitle said. “I am a tall, lanky guy, and I am not as good a dancer. I can’t be Sam. I have to do my own thing.”

“Larry’s done a fantastic job of stepping in and creating his own CRUnk personality,” says Weaver. “He’s an incredible athlete, and it shows when he performs.

“The mascot has to monitor the pulse of what is happening in the game as

well as in the stands,” Weaver says. “It takes a special person to do this. Larry knows how to work with the fans, with the players, and with the referees. He makes it all look fun and easy—and that takes a special gift.

F E A T U R E S

19

You know the evolution of Cru spirit B Y L I N DS AY S C H A EF ER L A N D R U M ’12

In the ‘80s they carried a drum and supported the basketball team. In the ‘90s they sat on couches and cheered on the soccer team. Today they fill the stands in the end zones of football games and shake noise makers. These are the groups that have championed the Crusader teams through the years.

Phi Tuba Luba began in the mid‘80s with a group of male students who were searching for something fun to do on campus. They were originally called the “Tube Brothers” because the members would wear sleeves cut from a Polo-style shirt over their heads.

Kelly Boggs ’85 played a key role in the brainstorming and early stages of the group.

“You would pull the “tube” down around your ears and all your hair would poke out of the top. Hence we called our group the Brotherhood of the Tube,” he said. “The moniker

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Phi Tuba Luba emerged from The University of Houston basketball team known as Phi Slamma Jamma. Since UMHB had no fraternities, we came up with Phi Tuba Luba. It seemed appropriate at the time.”

In the beginning, the members of the group wished to be anonymous and often wore Groucho Marx glasses or ski masks. This trend soon faded and turned into everyone dressing as ridiculously as possible. From leather vests and motorcycle helmets to cutoff shorts and ties, members made quite the entrance when they paraded into the basketball gym.

Senior Vice President for Administration and Chief Operating Officer Dr. Steve Theodore was an original member of this spirited group.

“We were a group of loud, obnoxious, goofy, funny, UMHB enthusiasts who just wanted to have fun and show our love for our university,” he said.

In its prime, Phi Tuba Luba consisted of about 20 to 30 students who stood in the stands with noisemakers, drums, and horns to cheer on The Cru. They also stole the spotlight

during half time and timeouts with their circus-like entertainment.

“We would lead cheers that we made up and spell out UMHB on the floor with our bodies,” Theodore said. “At half time, we would throw jello squares into each others mouths from one end of the court to the other. We did a lot to try and get the crowd involved.”

John Hobson, class of ‘86, really gave the group leadership and inspiration which helped to liven up the basketball games.

“At 5’ 7” I would never be able to dunk a basketball, but I always wanted to,” he said. “One game during halftime I had Gregg Fore get on his hands and knees at the free throw line; in front of him, Mikey Groseclose faced the basket with his hands on his knees. Running from half court, I stepped across their backs and jumped to the rim. I made it on the first attempt, and it just became a routine I did every game after that.”

From playing “Three Blind Mice” on kazoos when a bad call was made to shouting “Joust ‘em, Crusaders, joust ‘em,” Phi Tuba Luba brought much excitement to campus while it lasted.

It is unclear what specifically caused the end of Phi Tuba Luba, but once the original members graduated, the group soon faded out. Other spirit groups emerged (notably the Bleacher Creatures), but they were short-lived.

Little did they know at the time, but in the early ‘90s when a group of guys

brought a couch to the soccer game to support their friend, they would be starting a tradition that would be later known as the Couch Cru. Dean of Students Ray Martin remembers the beginning stages of the group. “There was a group of about eight to ten guys who carried couches from their apartments to the soccer field,” he said. “They would barbecue, sit on the couches, and yell for their friends.”

With the addition of Crusader football in 1998, the Couch Cru evolved into more of an organized group.

“In the fall of 1999, we carried couches to Belton’s Tiger Field,” Martin said. “This group really brought and continues to bring the spirit and love of the university together.”

Over the next decade, the Couch Cru became well-known as one of the most enthusiastic spirit groups in Division III. The group, which was officially chartered as a student organization in 2004, has always offered open membership to any student who wants to join in during games. Students have always taken great pride in creating outrageous costumes—from purple

and gold capes to head-to-toe body paint. The crazier the outfit, the better.

Before 2007, approximately twenty 55-gallon barrels and a couple of couches lined the end zone at each home football game. Large crowds of students gathered to pound on the steel drums with baseball bats, boat oars, or frying pans. In 2007, the American Southwest Conference required all fans, barrels, and couches move ten yards behind the end zone due to safety concerns. As a result, the Couch Cru evolved yet again, with most students now sitting in the stands behind the end zone and shaking noise makers while the team is on defense.

Today Couch Cru still stands strong supporting all athletic teams at the university. With the building of a football stadium on campus, school spirit will undoubtedly continue to grow.

“There will be a rejuvenation in UMHB pride and athletic support,” Martin predicts. “We are expecting a huge increase in game day attendance and a return to the early days of Couch Cru. With a stadium located right in the heart of campus, it will be exciting to see what new traditions emerge.”

2005

Cru

bucket list Continued from page 14

Win the Stunt Night blanket, which is awarded annually to the class that wins judges’ choice for best skit. Bonus points if your class wins possession of the blanket more than once.

Find out if Presser is really haunted. The legends have spooked generations of students.

Whether it is reports of seeing a young woman in the fifth floor windows or hearing organ music playing from the empty building late at night, students have always loved a good ghost story.

“I want to hear the school song!” This statement must be boldly declared while standing on a chair in the middle of Hardy cafeteria, with your ‘Crusader C’ held high in the air.

Be “that guy in the Quad with a guitar.”

Or the girl in the Quad listening to the guy with a guitar. Does it get any more college than that?

Sport a beard for Easter Pageant. For guys, this is usually consists growing out facial hair for at least a month prior to the performances. For girls, the beard is of the faux variety applied on show day.

Go to Pancake Supper during finals. Nothing better than being served a late-night breakfast by your professors, President O’Rear, Shawn Shannon, and the like!

F E A T U R E S CAROL WOODWARD

21

A happy graduate celebrates the moment at the conclusion of the winter Commencement on Dec. 9, 2011.

A LUM N I LIFE Kay Anderson was inducted into the Pi Gamma Mu Hall of Fame in October. She served as the international honor society for social science’s first female president from 1996-2002 and sponsored UMHB’s Texas Zeta chapter for over 25 years. She may be reached at andersonpk@att.net.

’63

Susan Brewer is the head volleyball coach at Bellville High School.

In her 35th year as the head coach, Susan has been awarded the Texas UIL Sponsor’s Excellence Award and the American Volleyball Coaches Association’s National High School Coach of the Year Award. As the AVCA’s National High School Coach of the Year, Susan was given the opportunity to coach 12 All-American high school athletes from across the United States to a victory in the Under Armour All-America Volleyball Match held in conjunction with the

’77

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NCAA’s Volleyball National Championship in December in San Antonio. In addition to these honors, Brewer and her Bellville volleyball team have won nine state volleyball championships, three state semifinals titles and two state quarterfinals.

Patricia Archilles earned her pediatric nurse practitioner MSN degree from Texas Woman’s University in May. She is employed by Cook Children’s Physician Network in a primary care location in Bedford. She may be reached at archilles@ sbcglobal.net.

’79

’84-’86

Keith Evans completed a Master of Divinity degree with chaplaincy concentration through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary in May. He also recently completed a hospital chaplaincy internship and a full year residency program with the Baptist Health System in San Antonio. Keith and his wife, Cyndi

Reese Evans ’87, have moved to Casper, Wyo., where Keith is serving as the staff chaplain at Wyoming Medical Center.

They may be reached at 4730 S. Oak St., Casper, WY 82601 or cyndilu911@gmail.com.

’85

Kelly Boggs was named director of public affairs for the Louisiana Legislature.

He is the editor of the Baptist Message, the official news journal of the Louisiana Baptist Convention. His wife, Mindy Slack Boggs ’83-’86, is the executive assistant to the dean of students at Louisiana College.

’88

Elizabeth Davis Gautreau is attending a mission trip to Ghana with other social workers to help with a mental health crisis.

Got news?

Alumni Life reports news received Oct. 15, 2011, through Feb. 15, 2011. If you have news to share, send it to: Alumni Relations, UMHB Box 8427, 900 College Street, Belton, Texas 76513 or alumni@umhb.edu.

To make a memorial gift, please contact: Development, UMHB Box 8433, 900 College Street, Belton, Texas 76513.

’99 JENNIFER JONES

Billye Wiggins Rhudy graduated from Amarillo College with an A.A.S. in Mortuary Science in December 2010.

She is employed as a funeral director and embalmer at Scott’s Funeral Home in Gatesville.

She is a licensed professional counselor at LakePointe Church in Rockwall.

’95

Ima N. Garcia has been selected as one of two 2011 Nurses of the Year by the Leukemia Research Foundation. The award was presented at the foundation’s 65th annual medical awards luncheon. The award, presented annually since 1996, was created to recognize hematology-oncology nurses who give their time, compassion, and heart each and every day to those touched by leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancers. Ima has been a nursing professional for more than 16 years.

She is a nurse practitioner at University of Chicago Medical Center where she manages the most difficult patients with hematological malignancies: those for whom a stem cell transplant is the best chance for a cure or those for whom standard therapy has failed.

’04-’08

Jerrell Freeman signed a contract with the National Football League‘s Indianapolis Colts in January. He played linebacker for UMHB before signing with the Canadian Football League’s Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2008.

’08

Bob Hargrove ’08 was recently featured in the Temple College Visual Arts Gallery. The exhibit, titled “SIT NOMINE DIGNA,” is the Salado-based artist’s first professional solo show since graduating from UMHB. The exhibit featured photographs, jewelry, and oil-on-canvas paintings by Hargrove.

Jessica Morgan graduated from UMHB in August with a bachelor of science degree.

Helping her celebrate were her sister Katelyn, her parents, Lee ’86 and Karen Jez Morgan MEd ’91; her grandmothers, Carolyn Sparks Morgan ’77 and Evelyn Voitas Jez ’76, great aunt Mary Ann Morgan ’75, aunt Lynne Morgan Wilde ’89 and uncle Brad Wilde ’93.

’11

Lauren Piercey has volunteered as a youth worker with Youth for Christ since August at St. Mary’s Church in Nunthorpe, United Kingdom.

Kyle Tubbs accepted the call to be associate pastor at Trinity Baptist Church in Sweetwater. He is pursuing a PhD in leadership studies at Dallas Baptist University.

Kyle and his wife, Kaily Luckett Tubbs ’09, live in Abilene.

Jeanette Peterson was named Pearland Independent School District’s Outstanding New Teacher of the Year in January. She is the choir director at Berry Miller Junior High School.

’10

W E D D I N GS Jay Garlyn Shelton ’01 to Ana Alecia Torres, Oct. 22, in Mission. Jay is attending Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene pursuing a degree in geology.

ALUMNI L I F E

23

Cheryl Gilchrist ’03 to Randy Moran, Dec. 17, in Thorndale. Cheryl is a teacher and head volleyball coach at Whitney Independent School District, and Randy is a technician at Bird-Kultgen Ford.

Jenna Kaci Fritsch ’07 to Garrett Chayse Quarles, Oct. 15, in Austin. Jenna is employed as a marketing coordinator for Colliers International Real Estate Firm, and Garrett is employed as a fabrication supervisor at Hoover Material.

Haley Walker ’07 to Chad Meyer, July 10, in Grapevine. Haley is the human resource manager for Active Network’s faith market, and Chad is a software engineer for Active Network.

Chad Zenner ’08 to Amber King, June 25, in Fredericksburg.

Lauren Pearson ’10 to Scott Picard, Nov. 18, in Katy. Scott is a construction project manager, and Lauren works in admissions at Houston Christian High School.

Ray Ramirez ’10 and Valarie Wylie ’10, Dec. 19, in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Ray is employed by AT&T as a network engineer in Dallas, and Valarie is employed by Baylor University Medical Center as a registered nurse in Dallas.

Shannon Reuben Woodruff ’10 and Holly Louise Gaskamp ’10, Aug. 6, in Austin.

Shannon is a second-year PhD student in chemistry at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, and Holly is a multimedia designer at Symon Communications.

Left to right: Ryan Eastman ’08, Jenna Felechner Hickman ’09, Haley Walker ’07, Grant Hickman ’07, Katie Speckman Cobbs ’07, Natalie Johnson Morphew ’07, Bruce Cobbs ’07, Erin Edwards ’07, and Michaela Killingsworth Lindsey ’07

Left to right: Daniel Green ’10, Craig Jenkins ’09, Matthew Hanson, Spencer Woodruff, Shannon Woodruff ’10, Holly Gaskamp Woodruff ’10, Joanne Blackwell, Jillian Pedersen ’09, Cassie Michels ’11, and Stephanie Moon ’10 Bobby Dwayne Bruce ’11 and Courtney Alise Dunnahoo ’10, Oct. 22, in Gatesville. Bobby is employed by Scott & White Memorial Hospital Intensive Care Unit, and Courtney is employed as a marketing coordinator at Hope for the Hungry.

BIRTHS Sherry Emery Morgan ’75, MEd ’84, announces the birth of her grandson, Nabor Joseph Leal, Jan. 5.

Marty Garcia ’96 and his wife, Julie, announce the birth of their daughter, McKenzie, in January. She joins big sister Gabriella.

Marty is the girls’ athletic coordinator and head girls’ basketball coach for Saginaw High School, and Julie is a senior manager in human resources for Healthpoint Biotherapeutics.

Glenna Roscoe Pearce ’97 and her husband, Will, announce the birth of their son, Samuel Mather, Aug. 13. His name means “God has heard.” Proud aunts are Kathlee Roscoe ’99 and Rhonda Roscoe ’02. After 11 years of teaching in the public school system, Glenna is thankful to be a stay-at-home mom. She may be reached at glennapearce@hotmail.com.

Lois Petrie Fulton ’99 and her husband, Harry, announce the birth of their daughter, Eve Ruthmarie, Oct. 7. Lois graduated in 2007 with an MBA in 2010 from Tarleton-Central Texas, and a M.Ed. from Texas A&M UniversityCentral Texas. She teaches in Killeen Independent School District.

Jef ’01 and Annette Roby Sims ’99 announce the birth of their daughter, Aubrey Faith, Jan. 19. She joins big sister Addison Grace, who is four years old.

Roger ’01, MS ’04 and Valerie Adams Hampton ’98 announce the birth of their son, Marcus Lee, June 19. He joins big brother Matthew Alec and big sister Madelynn Grace. Roger is a software developer for Professional Datasolutions, Inc., and Valerie is a stay-at-home mom.

Brooke Dahlquist Hollatz ’05 and her husband, Jake, announce the birth of their daughter, Eden Catherine, Nov. 1. Jake is in the EdD program at UMHB. Jason ’02 and Audrey Moore Mayo ’06 announce the birth of their daughter, Sydney Faith, July 5.

She joins big brother Jase Aiden. Jason is an administrator with Belton Independent School District and is working on his Doctorate of Education at UMHB. Audrey teaches in Killeen ISD. Michael Craig ’04 and Andrea Weldy McCann ’05 announce the birth of their son, John Patrick, Mar. 31, 2011. He joins big brother James.

Barbra Davis Toner ’04 and her husband, Phillip, announce the birth of their daughter, Katelynn Faith, Nov. 8. She joins big brother Jett Elijah. They may be reached at 303 Houghton Ave., Marlin, Texas 76661.

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Cowboy Up For Rob Dubois ’07, ministering to the working cowboy is not just a job description; it is a way of life

BY JENNIFER MEERS JONES ’08 while visiting his grandparents’ ranch in the Panhandle.

“I would visit them any time I got the chance. There were usually horses to ride, and we always had the place leased to someone to run cattle. Although I didn’t grow up being a cowboy, I always wanted that lifestyle. I never dreamed it would become reality for me.”

After graduating from high school, Dubois said he felt led to attend UMHB. “I had begun writing music and felt the Lord was going to use me through my music. I wanted to not only write a catchy hook but also have songs that were biblically accurate. That’s why I decided to major in Christian ministry.”

Dubois had many opportunities to develop his musical abilities as an undergrad, including leading worship for FOCUS, the Wednesday night worship service on campus. His passion for music is what ultimately led him to Top Hand.

“Six years ago, I was put in touch with the cowboy church through my father-in-law, Billy Edwards, who is a pastor in Hewitt. The pastor starting Top Hand told him they were praying for God to send someone who could lead the music for their new church. Billy told him, ‘I think I know just the guy.’”

Dubois soon began working at Top Hand as the part-time music minister. Two years ago he assumed the role as the church’s full-time associate pastor.

“My job description is pretty broad. I write music

for Sundays and lead worship. I help direct our arena ministry, and I preach from time to time. However, my favorite thing about my job is getting to cowboy every day.”

Depending on the day of the week and time of year, that could mean punching cows at a local sale barn, gathering cattle to be shipped to a feedlot, or training horses.

“The bottom line is I have found it a whole lot easier to talk to a cowboy about the Lord while leaning on a fence at the sale barn or riding through the brush hunting escaped cattle, rather than in a church. Working alongside them gives me the chance to share the Lord with them.”

Dubois said his experiences at UMHB prepared him for this unique role in ministry.

“Though most Christian studies graduates probably aren’t saddling horses and working cattle every day, our goals are the same: to minister to others with the love of Christ. UMHB prepared me to effectively do just that.”

Rob Dubois ’07 on his horse Flip-Flop at Dove Creek Ranch, outside Valley Mills.

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COWGIRL AT HEART PHOTOGRAPHY

While other College of Christian Studies graduates are dressed in suits and ties and pastoring congregations sitting in church pews across the country, Rob Dubois ’07 is pulling on a pair of boots and spurs each morning to minister to cowboys as he works the cattle.

It’s all in a day’s work for the associate pastor of Top Hand Cowboy Church in Valley Mills.

The church, which was founded in 2006, is a part of the American Fellowship of Cowboy Churches, which is supported by the BGCT. Every Sunday morning a group of about 250 meets together in a barn to worship together.

“The goal of the cowboy church is to reach the lost for Christ. Our target is the working cowboy and anyone who can relate to the rural western culture,” Dubois said, explaining that services are extremely laid back, with most people dressed in jeans, boots, and hats. Hymns are ‘countrified’ with cowboy folk style mixed in, baptisms take place in a horse trough, and boots are passed around instead of offering plates. Where a traditional church may have a recreational gym for community outreach, Top Hand has a rodeo arena where they put on events during the year to attract the community.

Dubois grew up in Arlington, Texas, and had never been to a cowboy church before visiting Top Hand six years ago. As a child, the only exposure he had to cowboy culture was

Ashton ’09 and Rachael Heffer Reynolds ’09 announce the birth of their daughter, Ellasyn Victoria, April 13, 2011.

Charles ’04 and Amanda Norton Turner ’04 announce the birth of their triplets, Charlotte Elizabeth, Malachi William, and John Bear, on Mar. 4, 2011.

Rebecca Nibbe Sims ’06 and her husband, Aaron, announce the birth of their son, Eli Wesson, May 5.

Ashley Rose Kintigh Stroud ’07 and her husband, Brandon, announce the birth of their daughter, Chloe Annabelle, Jan. 28.

Elise Arellano ’08 announces the birth of her daughter, Eliana Elisia, Aug. 14.

Kristin Bauer Housley ’09 and her husband, Randy, announce the birth of their son, Nathan James, Dec. 9. Kristin teaches for Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City School District, and Randy is a manager.

Rodgers ’09 and Rachel Atkinson Kahindi ’04 announce the birth of their son, Benjamin Richard, Sept. 15. He joins big brother Nathanael. The family will be moving to Kenya to establish a children’s home with Maisha Kamili and may be reached at rachel@maishakamili.org.

Bridgette Coleman Melton ’09 and her husband, Phillip, announce the birth of their daughter, Hope Stella, Aug. 12.

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D E AT H S Adelle Davis Whitt ex ’34, Nov. 17, in San Angelo. She retired from General Telephone Company of the Southwest as file methods administrator. She was a volunteer for the credit union movement in the 1940s and 1950s and organized seven credit unions. Adelle was a member of First Baptist Church, the Pocahontas Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Concho Valley Telephone Pioneers, and NARFE. She was past president of the San Angelo B&PW Club.

LaNelle Lanier Turner ’36-’38, Dec. 18, in Liberty Hill. She taught in Oatmeal and Alpine. She was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church in Alpine.

Leila Routh Arnett ’37, Nov. 21, in Louisville, Ky. She was secretary for the Baptist Sunday School Board in Nashville. She was a member of Crescent Hill Baptist Church where she served for many decades in the nursery, and was a member of the Agape Sunday School Class. In Nashville she sang in a trio with lifelong friends, and in later years she enjoyed participating with her church’s “Singing Seniors.” After spending many years typing dissertations and theses for seminary students, she taught English in the Jefferson County Public Schools until her retirement from Southern Middle School in 1984. Leila was active with the John Marshall Chapter of the DAR, Crescent Hill Women’s Club, and Friendship International.

Madge Crow Loomis ’39-’40, April 7.

She was a member of the Central Christian Church Sooner Sunday School Class for over 50 years. She was the longest living past president of Enid Junior Welfare League, and a member of and past president of PEO Chapter Q for over 60 years.

She became a real estate agent at the age of 65 and began her career with Garner Agency then moved to Coldwell Banker, where she worked until she was 88 years old. Madge was once named Realtor of the Year in Enid.

Grace Freeman Meece ’39, Dec. 19, in Weatherford, Okla. She began teaching in Vernon and later taught in the Victory and Grandfield school systems, where she retired after 35 years. She was a member

of First Baptist Church of Grandfield and Emmanuel Baptist Church of Weatherford, Okla.

Kenneth Shackelford CB ’39-’41, Feb. 9, in Odem. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Odem for over 50 years and most recently attended Calallen Baptist Church. Kenneth worked for John W. Hardwicke in the vegetable processing business before opening his own business.

He owned Shackelford Seed Company in Odem for over 50 years, retiring at the age of 85. He sold cotton seed, grain sorghum, and fertilizer. He also owned Shackelford Insurance Company for many years. His wife, Marjorie Shackelford, may be reached at P.O. Box 436, Odem, Texas 78370.

Mary Alice Smirl Odom ’49, Nov. 28, in Flower Mound. She was the sister of Martha Smirl Cooper ’51.

Charles I. Wright, Oct. 8, in Alpine. He was the husband of Mary Raney Wright ’49.

E. Al Gilliland, July 5, in Harlem, Ga. He was the husband of Doris Swafford Gilliland ’50.

Lillian Hicks Gunn ’53, Dec. 18, in Bryan.

She worked for Shell Oil Company and Goodyear while her husband, Curtis, served in World War II. She taught school in Jarrell, Aldine, and Madisonville. She established the special education program in Aldine, Madisonville, North Zulch, and Lola. After she retired, Lillian volunteered for the Madisonville Chamber where she was awarded Woman of the Year.

Anne Perdue Herrscher ’54-’55, Oct. 11, in Dallas. Her mother was Maude Carter Perdue ’23, who is deceased. Anne worked as a teacher, mother, and executive director of Old City Park. She retired in 1996 as senior philanthropy officer from the Meadows Foundation. She held board positions with the HPPC Foundation, Dallas Woman’s Club, the SMU Annette Simmons School of Education, SMU Alumni Board, and Presbyterian Hospital. She was a member of the Dallas Junior League, Dallas Garden Club, Dallas Historical Society and Kappa Kappa Gamma Society. Anne later worked as philanthropy consultant for the Hillcrest Foundation, which honored her in 2005 with a donation in her name to SMU for education in servant leadership and learning differences.

Tommye Sartain Pickett ’56-’58, Nov. 28, in Tyler. She was a speech pathologist at Rusk State Hospital. She was a member of the Cherokee County Republican Women’s Organization, East Texas Speech and Hearing Association, Texas Speech and Hearing Association, Beta Sigma Phi, and Board of

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Sports buff Greg Weghorst ’03 lives out his dream job as assistant commissioner of the American Southwest Conference B Y J A M E S S T A F F O R D In November, the Crusader football team defeated Texas Lutheran University to win its seventh straight conference championship. Not surprisingly, a lot of attention and praise went to Coach Pete Fredenburg and his players. Few stopped to consider the man handing Fredenburg the trophy.

Greg Weghorst ’03 did not always know what he wanted to do, but he was certain that his dream job would have to involve sports. A career as a professional athlete looked unlikely (though he is quick to point out that in college he and his intramural softball teammates were two-time champions), so Weghorst turned to journalism and the student newspaper.

“I have really fond memories of late nights writing for The Bells,” Weghorst said. “It helped me a lot. I had never really done much writing before that, and it gave me a chance to write different kinds of articles.”

One of the greatest advantages of his position at The Bells was that it allowed him to build important relationships, especially with the staff of the university’s athletic department.

“I got to really know Jon Wallin, UMHB’s sports information director,” Weghorst said. “That relationship led to me interning under him during my senior year.”

Weghorst’s work on the student paper helped him land a job at the Temple Daily Telegram after graduation. He worked for the paper nearly three years. Then one day he got a call from his mentor, Wallin.

“He had gotten wind that there was a position opening up at the ASC, and he tipped me off to it.”

Weghorst was hired as the director of media relations for the American Southwest Conference (ASC) in 2006.

In 2010 the title and scope of his position was expanded. Along with managing the conference’s media relations, Weghorst would take on the role of assistant commissioner of the American Southwest Conference.

With the new job, Weghorst was now responsible for handling the ASC’s award programs, as well as managing all of the conference’s championship events.

“I handle everything from making

sure the conference website is up-todate to picking the players of the week,” Weghorst said. “Anything statistical, every game and box score goes through me.”

So does his background as a Crusader make it hard to remain unbiased, overseeing the conference in which his alma mater competes?

“I have learned over the years, especially working for the paper, how to be neutral towards Mary Hardin-Baylor,” Weghorst said. “I do get teased about it, though. It is hard not to get happy about UMHB’s success.”

Impartiality aside, when asked for the favorite memory of his time with the ASC, Weghorst doesn’t hesitate.

“Being at home in front of UMHB and being able to hand that conference championship trophy to Pete Fredenburg,” he answers. “Seeing a team come to fruition like that was great.”

It was, like many others for Weghorst, a good day to come to work.

“Every day I know that my job is going to revolve around sports. It gives me energy knowing that sports are not a hobby. It is what I do.”

COURTESY PHOTO

Greg Weghorst ’03 (center) presents Coach Pete Fredenburg with the ASC conference championship award at the end of the 2009 season.

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Directors of Heritage Center of Cherokee County. Tommye was a member of First Baptist Church Rusk, where she was instrumental in starting the prayer room.

Meals on Wheels, Scott & White Hospital Auxiliary, League of Women Voters, and Reach to Recovery. Marilyn was a 38-year member of Grace Presbyterian Church.

Ruth Flores Barnard ’58, Sept. 4, in Dallas.

She spent over 30 years as a teacher in the Mesquite Independent School District. The majority of that time was spent as a writer, producer, and director in the Mesquite ISD television department. After retirement, she became active in the White Rock Republican Women’s Club and served one term as president of the group. She also served one term as the 16th District Representative in the Texas Federation of Republican Women. She enjoyed her association with the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, where she volunteered and served as president for one term.

Philip Dunham ’75, Dec. 30, in Temple.

He served in the U.S. Army and was an art professor at UMHB for 22 years.

Winston L. Kinsey ’62-’63, Jan. 9, in Deep Gap, N.C. He taught at Appalachian State University for 35 years and was a former assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. He was a Watauga County Commissioner for six years and a member of First Baptist Church. Winston was a mason and a member of Ashlar Lodge #373 AF & AM. He was the husband of Barbara Bone Kinsey ’62-’64.

Kay L. Cox ’66, Dec. 18, in Killeen. She retired after teaching at Copperas Cove High School. She was a member of First Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School and was chairperson for the Intercessory Prayer Ministry. She was a charter member of Skyline Baptist Church in Killeen. She was a member of Texas State Teachers Association and a past member of Delta Kappa Gamma, Royal Academia at UMHB, First Families of Texas, and the Daughters of the Republic of Texas.

Frances Royal Foley ’69, Nov. 7, in Hillsboro. She opened Foley’s Private School in 1959 and later taught at Fairview and Mae Stevens Elementary. She taught first grade in Copperas Cove for 26 years. Frances was a member of the American Association of University Women, Delta Kappa Gamma, Eastern Star, Daughters of the American Revolution, and a lifelong member of the Church of Christ.

Mickie Kay Schroeder ex ’71, Nov. 11, in Temple. She taught elementary school in Killeen Independent School District at West Ward. After retiring from teaching, she earned her realtor’s license and established Mickey’s Rentals. She spent the last 25 years selling real estate and managing rental properties.

Marilyn Reveley Brewer ’74, Dec. 6, in Temple. She was a volunteer with

Wanda Sharrock Ingram ’78, Oct. 24, in Lubbock. She retired from Texas Utilites in 2000, after serving as a training supervisor for 20 years. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Lubbock.

Paula Bromser Galvan ’82, Sept. 22, in Gatesville. She was a member of the management staff at Bon Secours Hospice in Richmond.

Wilhelmenia Adams Howard ’82, Dec. 21, in Temple. She began her employment with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in 1985 as an administrative technician at the Mountain View Unit in Gatesville. She was promoted to associate clinical psychologist in 1986. She was then assigned to the Gatesville Unit (now Crain Unit) as an associate clinical psychologist.

She was promoted to assistant warden of the Gatesville Unit in 1993 and in 1994 was promoted to senior warden and opened the Nathaniel J. Neal Unit in Amarillo. In 1999 she was assigned as warden of the Price Daniel Unit in Snyder and returned to Gatesville in 2004 as senior warden of the Murray Unit. In 2005 she became the senior warden at the Plane/Henley Complex in Dayton. Whilhelmenia was selected to receive the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award for Criminal Justice in 2011.

Wallace L. Longoria, Nov. 16, in Pearland.

He was the father of Loretta LongoriaRusso ’82 and husband of former trustee Edith Longoria, who may be reached at 2627 Lazy Bend St., Pearland, Texas 77581.

Melissa Knight ’85, Oct. 26, in Corsicana.

She taught special education for 13 years at Blooming Grove Independent School District.

Russell Crosby, Dec. 2, in Gatesville. He was the father of Deborah Crosby Ford ’88, Sharon Crosby Westerfeld ’91 and her husband, David Westerfeld ’95, James Crosby ’97 and his wife Joy Daugherty Crosby ex ’93, Matthew Crosby ’01, Mary Crosby Nolte ex, Joseph Crosby ex; and grandfather of Rebekah Crosby Deris ex, Dani Beth Crosby ’09, Allye Guthrie Crosby ’11, Philip Crosby ex, Bethany Crosby ex, Sarah Fathauer Crosby ex and Karrie Coffield Crosby ex.

Darlene Hickey ’89, Nov. 27, in Killeen.

She worked for many years as a dialysis nurse.

Harold P. Rose, Dec. 13, in Temple. He was the father of Dyna Rose Bailey, MEd ’92.

Mary Louise Arrington Birkelbach ex, Jan. 7, in Georgetown. She was a retired teacher.

Gwendolyn Frazier Grossman ex, Jan. 24, in Temple. She worked as a unit clerk for Scott & White Memorial Hospital for 14 years and was a member of Taylor’s Valley Baptist Church.

Ruth Henderson Smith ex, Jan. 12, in Lubbock. She was a homemaker who was involved in many church and civic activities. Ruth was a member of St. John’s United Methodist Church, the Lubbock Junior League, Lubbock Civic Ballet, and the CF Chapter of P.E.O. Coye Ann Thompson Tow ex, Dec. 2, in Huntsville. She was active in her church and in Bible study fellowship.

Mary E. Mayhew, Feb. 3, in Corpus Christi.

She was a UMHB faculty member from 1946-1947.

Ralph W. “Doc” Widener, in Dallas. He was a UMHB faculty member from 1968-1972.

Mattie R. Powers, Oct. 23, in Temple. She was a former UMHB staff member.

Nora M. Stafford, Dec. 15, in Harker Heights. She retired in 2007 after serving as the chairman of the English department at UMHB for 22 years. Memorials may be made to the UMHB scholarship fund.

ME MO R IALS Elizabeth Alexander Ruth Tucker Hess William Bachus, Jr. Peggy Hayes Craik Kenneth Baker Kent Owens Kerry & Kathy Owens Riley & Carolyn Allison Owens Mary Crafton Baker Peggy Bass Albin Ruth Flores Barnard Dr. Joyce E. Williams Rose Marion Walker Barren Marjorie Adair Kay Anderson

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From the stylish hats to her beautiful rendition of the Centennial Song, Tyson-era students remember their charming first lady, Arla Ray Tyson

BY JENNIFER MEERS JONES ’08 When students remember former first lady Arla Ray Tyson ’39-’40, one word frequently emerges: elegance.

“In the 1950s, the style was very glamorous, with beautiful hats, matching gloves, shoes, and purses.

Mrs. Tyson always dressed in the latest styles, and her hats were always a statement. The girls looked to see what her hat would be for Charter Day or Easter. It was never a disappointment,” Julia Amason Walker ’60 said.

Mrs. Tyson was first lady from 1954 to 1966 when her husband, Dr. Arthur K. Tyson, was president of Mary Hardin-Baylor College. Each year, she sponsored the freshman class, hosted numerous parties and receptions at the president’s home, and transported students to cultural and religious events. In the summer, she enjoyed taking the college girls to the corner drug store in downtown Belton for banana splits at the soda fountain.

Walker, who was part of a singing group that represented the college at recruiting events, has fond memories of traveling to the performances with the Tysons. “She always introduced us with such pride,” Walker said. “We were little girls whose life experiences had been very sheltered and simple. She made us feel like we were the featured performers on a splendid stage.”

Mrs. Tyson was a lifelong singer who frequently joined the students to sing the college songs after Sunday lunch.

“Sundays were a special time at MHB. After church all the girls gathered in Hardy Parlors, where there was a grand piano. We formed a large circle and sang college songs. Mrs. Tyson had attended MHB and was always a part of the circle when she and Dr. Tyson joined us for lunch,” Walker said.

Kay Anderson ’63 recalls the sophistication the Tysons brought to special occasions on campus.

“I will always remember the statuesque, dignified, evening gown clad Mrs. Tyson on the arm of tuxedoed Dr. Tyson as they led the

Grand March into the dining room for the Christmas Dinner,” she said. “We were always in awe of the couple, especially at this event. We all dressed up for the dinner, congregated downstairs in Hardy, and then followed the Tysons up the stairs and into the dining room.”

Judith Odom Norris ‘66 said she will never forget the warmth Mrs. Tyson showed each student.

“She made us, as students, feel welcome, even though I felt she was way above us because she was the president’s wife. It was so warming when she invited me over to have tea with her in her warm kitchen in the winter when the north wind seemed to whip through the walls. Those were special times for me.”

Mrs. Tyson passed away at the age of 89, Sept. 7, 2011, in Lancaster.

Norris, who stayed in touch with the former first lady over the years, said during their many visits Mrs. Tyson always shared precious memories of her time at the university.

“The college was special to her right up to the very end of her life,” Norris said. “She was always keeping up with what was happening and wanted to give to the school’s many needs. She truly was a great first lady and lives on in the hearts of many of us from the Tyson era.”

Left to right: President and Mrs. Tyson sing A Bicycle Built For Two during the 1955 Senior Carnival; a former UMHB student (’39-’40) and graduate of East Texas Baptist University (’51), Arla Ray Tyson taught more than 20 years in Belton, Dallas, Marshall, and San Antonio. She is survived by her son, Morris.

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In memory: Marion Barren Rose Marion Walker Barren ’47 passed away Dec. 27, in Houston. She was born June 14, 1926, in Lubbock, and graduated from Houston’s Reagan High School. Marion attended Mary Hardin-Baylor College and graduated in 1947 as class president. Further studies included work at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and the University of Houston. She was a teacher in Houston ISD for 11 years and at the Kinkaid School for 20 years, where she received the Columbiana Award for Outstanding Teacher in 1991. Her involvement at UMHB was far-reaching: she served on the Board of Trustees three times and was president of the Alumni Association from 1984-1987. She also served as permanent class president of the Class of ‘47, was on various committees including the Sesquicentennial Committee, and was a featured speaker at homecoming and chapel events. She was named Outstanding Alumna in 1988. Marion was an active member of First Baptist Church, Huntsville, and a 23-year member of South Main Baptist Church of Houston where she taught the Reba Class and was an ordained deacon.

Amy Bawcom Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Bawcom Betty Sue Craven Beebe Betty Donnelly Bell Jean Goode Black Mary Roberts Bull Kaylan & Robert Caballero Fayly Hardcastle Cothern Ruby Virginia Hardwick Davis Eleanor Evans Gwen & Clark Findley Caro Ann Germann Anita Newell Green Janell Huey Hobbs DJ Reinhard Hogwood Dr. & Mrs. H. Gene Kimes John & Barbara Lewis Jean Madeley McDonald Dr. & Mrs. Randy O’Rear Marietta Parker Eva Slover Sanderlin Mr. & Mrs. Harold E. Selke Pat Lockridge Shannon Carol & Alan Smith Barbara J. Stafford Mary Stiles The Reba Sunday School Class at South Main Baptist Church - Houston The Shirl Sunday School Class at South Main Baptist Church - Houston The Kinkaid Lower School Cindy Thompson Marilyn Valka 30

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Winona M. Wilkinson Mary Winn Tim & Brenda Wren Ruth DeYoung Bedell Bumgardner, Morrison & Company, L.L.P. Amy Blundell Dave D. & Beverly Oyler Joan Barnes Brace Gary & Elaine Lund O’Neal Rhonda Bunn UMHB Faculty Assembly Janice Muehlstein Caldwell Jerry Caldwell Lee Roy Calhoun Mary Virginia Jones Calhoun Mary Frances Clark Mary Grant Kominowski Rev. Billy Clarke Nell Adair Corzine Irene Clarke Ingle Dr. Patricia Ingle Gillis John Collier Kerry & Kathy Owens Riley & Carolyn Allison Owens Julia Amason Walker Carroll Cooper Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Bawcom

Russell Crosby Amy Bawcom Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Bawcom Denise Karimkhani Dr. & Mrs. Randy O’Rear Kerry & Kathy Owens Riley & Carolyn Allison Owens Marshall, Penny, Margaret & Ross Renfro Kenneth & Velva Schrader Riddle UMHB Faculty Assembly Phil Dunham Amy Bawcom Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Bawcom Betty Sue Craven Beebe Charles Crabtree Gilda Traywick Crabtree Denise Karimkhani Dr. & Mrs. Randy O’Rear Kerry & Kathy Owens Riley & Carolyn Allison Owens Dr. Thomas Preston Edwards W. George Bartels, MD Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Bawcom Bev Carr Cliff House Council of Co-Owners, Inc. Tonya Clifton Dana Kelsey Donnie & Laura Pearson Pitchford Ed & Ann Webb Karen Wilcox Dr. & Mrs. Thomas Preston Edwards Shirley Lopasky Ardell Neelen Kinder Farris Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Bawcom Dr. Iva Mildred Fussell Colonel & Mrs. Thomas W. (Janet Dalton Byrne) Otto, Jr. and Reverend Dr. Karin Kay StorkWhitson on behalf of The Baylorian and the Historical Phila Society Gladys Lipscomb Weaver Dr. Martha Villalobos Galligan Robert L. Galligan Rev. E. Al Gilliland Betty Sue Craven Beebe Dr. & Mrs. Randy O’Rear Natha Wetzel Grigsby Denise Karimkhani Gwen Grossman Kent Owens & Darius Kerry & Kathy Owens Riley & Carolyn Allison Owens Bill Guthrie Carilane Newman Vieregg Mr. & Mrs. Joe N. Guthrie Deborah Guthrie

Mildred & Clyde Ham Debbie Ham Fletcher

Kara Maclin Julia Amason Walker

John L. Hancock Betty Sue Craven Beebe Julia Amason Walker

Malcolm McKay Michael L.K. & Catherine Burkett Cornelio

Lorene Henderson Kerry & Kathy Owens Riley & Carolyn Allison Owens

Keith McPherson Betty Jo Sanders

Sheri Owens Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Bawcom

Grace Freeman Meece Karen Antwine

Dr. Bobby E. Parker Herb Brubaker Mr. & Mrs. James D. Isaacks, Jr.

Ruby Hill Riley & Carolyn Allison Owens Edward Ellis Hogwood, Jr. DJ Reinhard Hogwood Keith & Pam Hogwood Wilson Keith Howard Carilane Newman Vieregg Jan Jones Julia Woodyard Nation Rev. J. T. Littlejohn Mildred Dicus Walker Wallace L. Longoria Craig Cook Marietta Parker Patricia Carole Luther Glenn & Brenda Glass Hagler

Mary Jean Ross Milford Julia Woodyard Nation Bobbie Thorn Murray Peggy Bass Albin Stephanie Barth Nash Laura Nash Collins Dorothy Lane Niesen Norman A. Niesen J. W. Norris Dr. & Mrs. J. A. Reynolds Mary Alice Smirl Odom Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Bawcom MaryAnn Lyons Griffin Paul & Margaret Mascorro

Sue Quesenbury McBrayer Dr. & Mrs. Randy O’Rear Marietta Parker Dr. LuOuida Vinson Phillips Pat Lockridge Shannon Florence Simons

Stacey Price Preston Glenna Roscoe Pearce Jack Riehm & Joe Sheperd Carilane Newman Vieregg Edith Harper Roberts M. L. Roberts, Jr. Rev. Miller Robinson Rev. Ed L. & Ann Spivey Sharla Rogers Kerry & Kathy Owens Riley & Carolyn Allison Owens Cynthia Russell Denise Karimkhani

D. L. Shannon Russell H. & Linda Williams

Pete Wood Carilane Newman Vieregg

Doris Stoneham Shannon Dillard & Karolyn Norwine Whitis

Dr. Charles I. Wright Mary Eva Raney Wright

John H. Shannon, Sr. Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Bawcom Pat Lockridge Shannon

Zachariah Matthew “Zach” Wright Barbara Lyon Thomas

Alice Bagby Smith Dr. & Mrs. Jimmye S. Hillman Dr. Nora M. Stafford Amy Bawcom Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Bawcom Peggy Hayes Craik Denise Karimkhani Dr. George Musacchio Dr. & Mrs. Randy O’Rear Riley & Carolyn Allison Owens Marietta Parker Mary Skaggs Lee Stafford Family

Jaclyn Zabcik Larry Dean Zabcik

HONORARIA Marjorie Elam Bailey Mrs. Cash (Lou Beth) Birdwell Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Bawcom JoAn Musick Dillard

Louis C. & Sammie Sullivan Talley Their four children – Bob, Sammie Lou, Lee, and Martha

Betty Sue Craven Beebe Jan Evans Thomas Dan K. & Debby Utley

Rev. & Mrs. Elvie S. Taylor Dolores Rae Petteway

Bobby & Edna Penny Bridges Russell Bridges Shirley Cowan Sommer

Wilfred (Tim) Timmerman Randi Carter

Dr. Edna Penny Bridges Carol A. Treible

Janice L. Tolls, RN Lisa Tolls

Glenda Bundick Nancy Tucker Paul

Miriam Tormollan Denise Karimkhani Mary Louise Price Tye Netta Lou Hubbard Jarrett Arla Ray Tyson Peggy Bass Albin Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Bawcom Mary Grant Kominowski Julia Woodyard Nation

Class of 1947 Mary Roberts Bull Class of 1951 Shirley Huckabee Kirk Class of 1981 Donna Simmington Painter Martha Smirl Cooper Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Bawcom

Dr. & Mrs. William H. Vann Mary Roberts Bull

Wallace & Patsy Davis Mark & Betty O’Hair Anderson

Emily Walther Amy Bawcom Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Bawcom Peggy Hayes Craik Dr. & Mrs. Randy O’Rear Riley & Carolyn Allison Owens Marietta Parker

Reina I. Davison C. Loren Vandiver, CPA

Nettie Hodge West Lucinda Wilcoxen

Martha White Farris Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Bawcom

Helen Wilson Harris Jan Evans Thomas

Bill & Christel Wilson Janice Andrews Diane E. Gryseels

Dorothy Jean Reinhard Hogwood Cindy Taylor Keith & Pam Hogwood Wilson

Wesley & Lydia Winkler Gina Agold Krause UMHB LIFE | S P R I N G

Drs. Paul & Eva Dyke Eva Audine Webb McBeth

Elizabeth “Tim” Timmons Glazener Joan Marlowe Myrah Jo Ann Reinhard Smith

Dr. Delbert Williams Carol A. Treible

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Kenneth & Betty Payne Huber Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Bawcom Kathy Huber Pat Lockridge Shannon Chris Weathers Westbrook Ginger Layne Amy Bawcom Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Bawcom Ron & Evelyn McNeill Nicholas & Jennifer Meers Jones Julie Wheeler O’Rear Jim & Charlotte Wheeler Dr. Randy O’Rear Jerry Nell Parker W. A. “Buck” & Linda Prewitt Jeff W. Smith Dr. Lucia McClure Tipton Marietta Parker Mr. & Mrs. James D. Isaacks, Jr. Jan Evans Thomas Carolyn Pruitt Mr. & Mrs. Bobby D. Bridges Dr. Kay Schwertner Psencik Marjorie Frank Ferrill James Randig Sharon Randig Lauren Rodriguez Kimberly Werner Mouser Pat Lockridge Shannon Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Bawcom June Reagan Caldwell Joan Marlowe Myrah Rex Shannon Dillard & Karolyn Norwine Whitis Sammy Smith Betty Sue Craven Beebe Sara Pearson Smith Donnetta Baggett Byrd Chad & Alisha Osborn Thielepape Bill Thielepape Diane Thompson, CPA James M. & Mary V. Wilson Dr. William Pennington Vann Mary Roberts Bull Julia Amason Walker Jan Evans Thomas Chris Weathers Westbrook Elizabeth “Tim” Timmons Glazener Doris Watters Wood Jane Wood Randy Yandell Kim Kittredge Yandell

“The support I’ve received through scholarships has ensured I have the best experience and the best education possible.”

Taylor Barnard is a junior with a double major in finance and accounting, pursuing a five-year MBA. He was born and raised in Brownsville, Texas, and graduated as valedictorian of his senior class. Mary Hardin-Baylor’s small, Christian atmosphere was what initially attracted him to the university. The scholarships he was offered, however, are what made it possible for him to attend.

“My dad is in commercial real estate, so he gets paid on commission. Ever since 2008, things have been tough on my family financially,” Taylor said. “So when UMHB offered me the valedictorian scholarship, which basically pays a little less than half of my tuition, it was just a tremendous blessing.”

Taylor has also received a number of other scholarships which, along with a work-study position, help cover most of his tuition costs.

“I am extremely grateful because I realize that the quality education I am getting is worth far more than the cost of tuition.

Your support has helped make my college experience the best it can possibly be.”

Change a life for the better.

UMHB Box 8433, 900 College Street, Belton, Texas 76513, or make your gift online at www.umhb.edu/giving

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