UMHB Life - Summer 2021

Graduating international students share their journeys at UMHB P A G E 10

UMHB'S FIRST PANDEMIC ● ASC CHAMPIONSHIPS ● BRIDGING THE GLOBAL GAP

P L AY DAY | St u d e n t s t a ke a b r e a k to d e s t r e s s f r o m s t u d y i n g d ur i n g t h e a n n u a l P l ay D ay. T h i s ye a r ' s e ve n t i n c l u d e d m u s i c , s p o r t s , i n f l at a b l e s , f o o d t r u c k s , a n d g o at yo g a!

UMHBLIFE S U M M E R 2 021 | V O L U M E 41, N U M B ER 3 PRESIDENT Randy O’Rear, Ed.D. ’88 EDITOR-IN- CHIEF Rebecca O'Banion, Ed.D. ’93 EDITOR Christi Mays GR APHIC DESIGNER Lauren Mendias PHOTOGR APHERS Josh Gonzalez Olivia Champion Joseph Salazar Marsha Chitwood Randy Yandell ’99 Blair Dupre ’18 UMHB LIFE IS PUBLISHED THREE TIMES A YEAR

BY THE MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT. UMHB Box 8431 900 College Street Belton, Texas 76513 1-800-727-UMHB go.umhb.edu/life

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UMHBLIFE S U M M E R 2 0 2 1 | VOLUME 41, NUMBER 3

D E P A R T M E N T S

2 | C A M P US L I F E Intramural fields to get face-lift thanks to $1 million gift.

5 | AT H L E T I C S

F E A T U R E S G E T T I N G D OW N TO B US I N ESS |8 MCOB brings global experiences to campus despite COVID-19 limitations.

CHAMPIONS! UMHB athletics bring home multiple ASC titles this season.

O N LY I N A M E R I C A |10 International students share what life is like at UMHB.

6| PHIL ANTHROPY Purple Gives Gold raises donations for scholarships.

P LU GG I N G I N TO M I N I S T R Y |14 Students engaged in local ministry prove to be a win-win for both student and church.

A L ESS O N I N F LU e n c y |18 COVID-19 wasn't the first pandemic to lock down campus.

O N T H E COV E R | C h i n e s e s t u d e n t Xu e Q i " V i d i a " L u h a s e n j oy e d t h e m a ny n e w e x p e r i e n c e s s h e ' s h a d t h e l a s t four years at UMHB while getting a degree in mathematics.

Photo by Blair Dupre ’18

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CAMPUS L I F E

It's "Crunch" Time $1 million gift to help upgrade intramural fields Thanks to the generosity of Carol and Paul “Crunch” McClinton, friends from Waco, UMHB will upgrade its intramural fields over the next several months.

The McClintons committed a $1 million gift toward converting the fields from natural grass to artificial turf. Other improvements will include new field lighting, a pavilion, and permanent striping for the recreational sports played on these fields. This project began in May with expected completion in early fall.

While exploring different ways the family could make an impact, the McClintons became aware of the significant role the intramural fields have on student life at UMHB and the need for upgrades. The university has a robust intramural program with

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over 1,000 students participating each semester.

“Carol and I are so blessed to partner with UMHB in supporting its work instilling Christian principles through recreational opportunities,” said Crunch. “We are excited to see this facility used for God’s glory.”

In addition to the scheduled intramural activities, the fields are used for exercise and sport science classes, student life events, and unstructured student recreation. After being presented with this opportunity, Carol and Crunch decided to make an investment to bless the students of UMHB. Crunch’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident as he started his first business selling snacks off a pushcart in his

In recognition of a $1 million gift from Carol and Paul "Crunch" McClinton, the upgraded recreation space will be named the McClinton Family Intramural Fields, including the Crunch Time Pavilion, which is shown in this rendering.

dorm in college. This operation eventually became Automatic Chef, which reached $5 million in annual sales before being sold in 1987.

He and Carol have been married for over 55 years, and together they grew over 30 businesses while raising a family. Their daughter, Melinda, is a 1992 graduate of UMHB, and it is because of her positive experience they were inspired to make a major gift to impact students today.

In recognition of their gift, the upgraded recreation space will be named the McClinton Family Intramural Fields, including the Crunch Time Pavilion.

This project will further enhance the student-focused activity zone on campus.

CAMPUS L I F E

Christian Service

Three seniors recognized for Christian leadership

Pictured, seniors, Hannah Bryant, Emilee Peloquin, and Kaysie Sparks are recognized with this year's Gary & Diane Heavin Servant Leadership Award.

UMHB honored seniors Emilee Peloquin, Hannah Bryant, and Kaysie Sparks with the Gary and Diane Heavin Servant Leadership Award during the final Chapel service this semester.

The award recognizes the extraordinary time and energy students devote to ministry and community service during their time at UMHB. The award is named for Mr. and Mrs. Gary Heavin of Waco, who established a generous endowment at UMHB to fund this recognition annually. The honor includes a $1,000 cash award for each student, a portion of which could be donated to an organization of choice.

Peloquin is majoring in health science, with a concentration in pre-physical therapy. She is the daughter of Heath and Jennifer Peloquin

of Keithville, La. She was a leader for the Big Event, worked for the Easter pageant, and is a member of Student Foundation. She worked as a teaching assistant for UMHB’s biology department and as a student worker for the development department. She was inducted into the Gamma Beta Phi National Honor Society. Peloquin is giving a portion of her award to the Andrus Family Mission which helps orphaned children in Kenya.

Bryant is a speech communication major with a 7-12 teaching certification. She is the daughter of Charles and Susan Bryant of Plano.

While at UMHB, Bryant has worked on the steering committees for Missions Emphasis Week, the Psalm 139 Event, and Welcome Week. She has

volunteered as a small group leader for revival and as a Cru leader during Welcome Week. Bryant also worked on the lead team for Delight Ministries and as a site leader for the Big Event.

She served as a cast member for both Stunt Night and the Easter pageant.

Bryant was team captain of the UMHB Speech Cru and of the National Christian College Forensics Association, where she was the national champion in the 2020 poetry contest. She was a junior class senator and vice president for the Student Government Association. She was as a student worker for alumni engagement and serves as a college ministry leader for DNOW at First Baptist Church in Plano. She is a member of the Alpha Chi College Honor Society. Bryant is giving a portion of her money to Hope House.

Sparks is a mass communications, public relations major. She is the daughter of Jacob and Katherine Sparks of Empire, Colo.

While at UMHB, Sparks has been a Big Event site leader, a SearchCru member, and president of SEPA, the Student Event Planners Association.

She was host for Crusader Knights and represented Lord Hall in the Miss MHB contest in 2019, winning best interview in the competition. She went on to become the director of the Miss MHB contest in 2020. As a Welcome Week Cru leader for the last three years, Sparks served as a captain in 2020, and as the head captain this past year. Sparks is the host of CruNews, and has served as the social media student worker at the alumni engagement office since 2018. She is donating a portion of her award to the Child Advocacy Center of Central Texas.

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CAMPUS L I F E

Service to a Community UMHB Nursing students help with administering the COVID-19 vaccination to Bell County residents

UMHB nursing students gained valuable clinical experience while helping in the COVID-19 county-wide mass vaccination efforts with Bell County Public Health District.

Each Wednesday this semester, first and second-year students helped administer the immunizations, experiencing first-hand public and community health nursing, and working as a team with county public health professionals and emergency medical service personnel.

Dr. Tamara Andrews, an associate professor of nursing, said the students enjoyed the experience.

Many of her students commented

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to her: “I’m sometimes not very social, but I loved talking with the patients” and “everyone is so nice and so excited to be getting the vaccine.”

“Students are also commenting on how confident they feel after an eighthour shift of giving IM (intramuscular) injections,” she said. “Giving medications the IM route is less common in the hospital setting, so this group of students is gaining valuable experience.”

The vaccination opportunity also allowed students to apply multiple professional and public health concepts that are included in the bachelor of science in nursing curriculum, said Dr.

Michele Hackney, dean of the UMHB Scott & White School of Nursing.

“I am excited and proud that UMHB nursing students and faculty can serve the community in such an impactful way,” Hackney said.

“By making vaccine administration a priority clinical learning experience for our students, we are part of ensuring that all residents of Bell County can be vaccinated quickly.”

Far left: UMHB nursing student Claire Camp participates in a COVID-19 mass vaccination event with Bell County Public Health under the supervision of Dr. Tamara Andrews, associate professor. Top right: Nursing student Bryanna Wilkerson prepares a patient’s arm before administering the COVID-19 vaccination.

UMHB A T H L E T I C S

Champions!

Football, basketball, cross-country, volleyball, golf bring home ASC title wins

This spring, UMHB athletes brought home American Southwest Conference championship team titles in football, women’s basketball, volleyball, women’s cross country, and men’s golf, plus three individual wins in men’s golf, women’s golf, and cross country.

In March, UMHB football finished the spring season (which was postponed from fall due to COVID-19) 5-0 overall to win the 16th conference championship in program history. It was the first time in league history that the ASC moved to divisional play in football for the spring season.

The UMHB women’s basketball team stunned the No. 2 team in the country, East Texas Baptist University, to win its second consecutive ASC

Pictured from top, American Southwest Conference championship winners for football, women's basketall, women's cross country, (not pictured, men's golf and volleyball) and individual golf winners, Ari Saldana and Sydney McConnell.

championship.

The women’s cross country team made history by claiming the program's first ASC championship this spring. The Cru women edged out UT Dallas to win their first conference title in the 6K event, with UMHB sophomore Holly Dasher of Katy winning the individual championship at the meet. Dasher became the first UMHB runner to win an individual conference championship after running a career-best 23:34.8 and beating the second-place runner by nearly 23 seconds. The Cru program was restarted three years ago after a 17-year absence.

In April, the women’s volleyball team swept an undefeated UT Dallas squad to win the ASC Volleyball

Championship. They also finished fourth in the country in the final AVCA Top 25 Poll for the highest final national ranking in the Division III era of program history.

The UMHB men’s golf team captured the program’s eighth conference title and freshman Ari Saldana of Edo, Mexico, won the individual title with a final round of 70, edging out UT Dallas by one stroke to win the sixth ASC individual title in Cru men's golf history.

In women’s golf, freshman Sydney McConnell of Tyler won the individual championship at the ASC Championship Tournament, with a final round of 74, edging out UT Dallas by one stroke. The team took second place at the tournament.

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

Glaske named UMHB's AVP of Fundraising

Purple Gives Gold raises $195,000 for scholarships A total of 237 donors gave gifts during the fifth annual Purple Gives Gold Campaign, helping raise $195,081 in donations for scholarships. The event was held April 7.

“We are beyond grateful for everyone who participated in this year’s event,” said Vice President for Advancement Dr. Rebecca O’Banion. “We are so blessed to have so many people participate, especially during a year that has been challenging for so many.

We’re excited that over the last five years the day of giving has continued to grow which means more scholarships for students.”

Student Foundation, a student organization that works with the fundraising and alumni engagement departments, hosted the event, which aims at educating students about the many gifts made each year.

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"Thank you so much for being the reason I was able to attend UMHB,” said senior nursing major Emily Gillispie.

“Without your help, I wouldn't have been able to go to college, meet my friends, and attend nursing school."

Currently, about 90 percent of UMHB students receive some form of financial aid, much of which is in the form of scholarships.

This year brought in 15 first-time gifts. Brad '08 and Ashley '10 Norris challenged their fellow alums to give in this year’s drive, and matched gifts with a $25,000 pledge.

“Each gift impacts the lives of current and future students and is a tangible example of the belief we have in our students,” O’Banion said. “Without scholarships, we simply would not be able to provide enough financial aid for deserving students who really need it.”

Tucker Glaske was named associate vice president of fundraising in April.

Glaske has served as a fundraiser since June of 2012, and was promoted to senior director of development on June 1, 2020.

He has a proven track record in meeting and exceeding his goals in fundraising throughout his time at UMHB, culminating in raising $1.4 million this past fiscal year.

“I am confident the fundraising department will reach an even higher level of excellence and creativity under Tucker’s leadership,” Vice President for Advancement Dr. Rebecca O’Banion said.

Originally from Tyler, Glaske graduated from Grace Community High School. He came to UMHB in 2008 and graduated with a bachelor in business administration in 2012 and a master’s in business information systems in 2016.

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

Merging Divisions

O'Banion promoted to lead two merged divisions

Dr. Rebecca O’Banion, who has served for nearly 15 years in leadership positions at UMHB, was named the lead for the newly formed advancement division, which merges the development division with the former communications and special projects division.

The new division now includes four renamed and redefined departments: fundraising, alumni engagement, marketing and communications, and records and gift management.

“This reorganization is a natural step since many of the divisional functions already align, and the staff work on projects together frequently,”

Banks receives high honor from Walmart UMHB Board of Trustees Chair Vince Banks recently received the Market Manager of the Year Award for the West US Business Unit Division of Walmart Stores Inc. Banks, who has worked for Walmart for 35 years, was selected out of all other market managers in Texas, plus 20 other states.

“I was surprised, of course, but also very humbled and honored to represent my team in this way,” said Banks, who is in charge of 12 Walmart stores. “It a great honor for my team of over 3,200 hardworking associates

Dr. Rebecca O'Banion said President Dr. Randy O’Rear. “The newly-formed division will collectively share the UMHB story, plan and execute outstanding alumni and university-wide events, present opportunities for donors to help advance the mission and vision of UMHB, and elevate our brand both internally and externally.”

O’Banion has served as vice president for development since 2014.

to be recognized for their hard work during an unprecedented year.”

Banks is a 1984 UMHB graduate with a degree in business administration and management, and has served on the board of trustees for seven years. He was honored with the 2017 Distinguished Alumni Award, which recognizes people of integrity and stature and who demonstrate pride in their alma mater through their profession and community.

“I am so grateful for the impact that UMHB had on my life,” he said. “It’s an honor to represent the university that impacted my life in such a positive way, and I feel I have a responsibility to do anything that I can

Since December, she has filled in as interim vice president of communications and special projects when Dr. Paula Tanner retired after 19 years at UMHB. O’Banion’s prior service at UMHB includes eight years as director of alumni relations, one year as associate vice president for development, and almost six years as vice president for development.

“We are excited about this opportunity to work closely with each other elevating the UMHB brand, engaging our alumni, and inspiring new donors as we pursue our vision to become the university of choice for Christian higher education in the Southwest,” she said.

O’Banion earned her doctoral degree in higher education administration from UMHB in 2014. She also holds a master’s degree in human services-executive leadership from Liberty University and a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science from UMHB.

Vince Banks to impact the lives of our students in a positive Christian way.”

He and his wife of 36 years, Barbara, have three adult children, Brielle, Jason, and Vincent.

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Getting down to

Business McLane College of Business brings global experience to campus.

In the midst of all the limitations COVID-19 presented this past year, UMHB business professors have found innovative ways to bring the international business world to campus during a time when students couldn’t see the world.

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Remote International Internships

Since international business students weren’t able to make their annual treks to places like England and Lithuania for the study abroad program, Dr. Michelle Reina arranged to make international internships available for students so they could work remotely with global organizations.

“We’ve had students doing international internships for the past few years,” explained Reina, who is a professor and study abroad coordinator for the McLane College of Business. “Since they haven’t been able to travel abroad for the past year, I wanted them to have an opportunity to gain some experience and build their resumes before graduation.”

Reina partnered with an agency called Kaya Responsible Travel that provides remote international internships. Students are placed with organizations abroad based on their area of study and interest, Reina said.

This semester, Sean Reid interned with Urban Life Edible Gardens & Landscaping in South Africa, which specializes in developing urban farming and landscaping for personal, business, and community use. His focus was helping with marketing, social media, and special projects.

Madison Warner interned with VNP Group, the first and leading e-commerce group in Vietnam.

Her project was focused on vatgia.com and designing a drop-shipping workflow for their large corporate clients.

Abigail Johnson was placed with an organization in Morocco called The Voice of Amazigh Women, a women’s rights advocacy organization that works with women who suffer from discrimination.

A typical week for the students consisted of a check-in meeting with the country director, a meeting with their supervisor, a cultural workshop to learn about the country’s culture, and a weekly chat with a person their age who lives in the country.

“They seemed to enjoy the experience!” Reina said.

Students “meet” famous meme creator

Dr. Jim King’s Culture and Global Business class was supposed to go on a study abroad trip to Morocco this year, but the trip was canceled. Thanks to Zoom, he was still able to treat his students to guest speakers from all over the world. This semester, King had about 20 speakers from several countries, including six from Morocco. One of the guest speakers was actually a student his 2007 study abroad class met during a trip to Morocco 14 years ago.

“I took a team of four business students to Morocco in 2007 to train Moroccan university students on how to support microenterprise development training,” explained King, who is a professor and graduate program director. “Three Moroccan university students were assigned to hang out with my four US students, and they became great friends.”

King was able to arrange for several of his students from the 2007 class to also be on the Zoom call with the Moroccan guest speaker. “It was the first time they had seen each other in almost 14 years, so it was pretty cool to see!” he said.

For his Global Social Enterprise class, King had some unique Zoom presentations, including Justin King, who works for Saudi Aramco in Saudi Arabia, and Jimmy Dorrell, the founder of Mission Waco/Mission World and pastor of the Church Under the Bridge in Waco.

“He talked about creating for-profit revenue streams in a not-for-profit organization,” King said. “We also talked about how COVID-19 has hit not-for-profits and social enterprises.”

One of his most notable guests was Nick Sawhney, the creator of a viral inauguration meme of Bernie Sanders that was widely shared on social media platforms.

Sawhney, an IT graduate student at New York University, experienced instant fame when he released a Bernie Sanders mittens meme generator.

“The big takeaway from this is that I got lucky with a really funny thing that people happened to like, which allowed me to escape the imposter syndrome," Sawhney said, explaining that the “imposter syndrome” is a sense that some people “don’t belong” in a particular industry which can make them second guess their ability and hold them back from pursuing their dreams.

Lithuania and UMHB

This past semester, Associate Dean for McLane College of Business Larry Locke offered an international business law class at UMHB in which half the students were from UMHB and the other half were from LCC, which is located in Klaipeda, Lithuania. Locke has been working for the last five years with LCC International University (formerly Lithuania Christian College) as a faculty member and research fellow.

“The provost at LCC and I came up with this idea last fall to offer this spring,” Locke said. “It is the first effort for us, but we are hopeful to repeat it in the future.

My initial impetus was that we had business majors, especially international business majors, in our college who could not travel abroad due to COVID.” All of the class meetings were on Zoom and were held synchronously at 8 a.m. for UMHB students, which was 4 p.m. in Lithuania. The students were paired into two-person teams for presentations and other group projects so that they got a chance to work with someone on the other side of the Atlantic. Students on the LCC side were from Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Lithuania, and Nigeria.

“They did extremely well in the class, as did our UMHB students,” Locke said, even though there were several challenges to work through. Locke explained that LCC uses a different form of syllabus and learning management system. The university also had a different spring break, and their daylight savings time was two weeks after ours. Students also read from two textbooks (one from the US and another from the EU).

“Making the class look like one class to the students was quite a challenge,” Locke admitted, saying he often ended up doing a lot of work twice. “But just having the opportunity to hear each other’s questions and assumptions about the world was invaluable. They also became friends, and one of our UMHB students set up an online birthday party for one of the LCC students! In the end, McLane College of Business really brought the world to campus in a time when students couldn’t see the world.”

F E A T U R E S

9

Only in

America B Y CHR ISTI MA Y S

International students share what life was like as a new student at UMHB. In China, it’s pretty much unheard of to go barefoot outside. It’s considered taboo, unsanitary, and even rude. Even indoors, most Chinese people swap their shoes at the entrance to don a pair of slippers.

So when Chinese student XueQi “Vidia” Lu came to U M H B, one hot summer afternoon, she saw some students outside walking around barefoot. She was intrigued.

“It was really funny to me because I had never seen someone walk without shoes in China,” she said.

She wanted to try it! So, she slipped off her shoes and sauntered out onto the blacktop. Even though it was the middle of a hot Texas afternoon and the asphalt was scorching, Vidia says it was worth it. It’s one of many new things she’s experienced the last four years as an international student,

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graduating this May with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. Each year, as many as 100 students from every corner of the world come to U M H B to study. Like Vidia, many of them cherish the memories they make here.

BUILDING BRIDGES

Coming to the U S for her college education was never on Vidia’s radar while growing up in China. That changed one day when two U S professors visited her high school. She was fascinated to learn that students can change majors after enrolling in college—something that is fairly difficult to do at a Chinese university.

“I wanted to find the best major for me— something that I loved, and that would help me find a job after graduating,” she said.

WHERE'S THE BEEF?

XueQi "Vidia" Lu hangs out at her favorite restaurant, Miller's Smokehouse, where she says there is "no better sauce!"

“I'm a member of the U M H B family, and U M H B is my home!

I really want other international students to feel like that.”

— XueQi "Vidia" Lu

Vidia set out to learn more and discovered U M H B’s math program. While checking out Belton online, she also learned that numerous barbecue joints surround the university, and she was sold! “Only in America can you get sauce like this. There is nothing better than the sauce at Miller’s!” she said of the iconic barbecue hangout in downtown Belton.

For most international students, coming to America is an eye-opening experience—getting comfortable with the language, learning the culture, adapting to the heat, and getting out of comfort zones.

“The first semester I was here was not that bad because I was in E SOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), and I hung around other Chinese friends,” she said.

“I didn’t really interact with a lot of other people.”

But during her second semester, when she began taking regular college classes, Vidia quickly realized she was in for a challenge.

“It was so difficult because I didn’t practice English a lot my first semester,” she said.

“The second semester, I was sitting in the classroom, and I didn’t know how to speak to others. Everybody was talking, and I was just sitting there. I could feel the gap. I was so nervous.”

Vidia also had to learn how to make friends.

“I didn’t know how to make friends because in China we just study, study, study,” she said. “We woke up at 5:30 and studied all day and went to sleep at 11:30. So you don’t have a lot of time to make friends.”

She joined the Baptist Student Ministry and attended its many fellowships and Bible studies, which proved to be the perfect place to practice English. As she became more comfortable, she wanted to make it easier for other international students to interact with American friends, so she started a club called CRU Bridge to help bring international and domestic students together. “It gives students, no matter where they are from, a way to make friends and get out of their comfort zones,” she said.

When Vidia was a sophomore, she decided she wanted to serve as a CRU leader at Welcome Week. She loved teaching the incoming students about all things U M H B, and cherished experiencing the traditional Welcome Week activities right along with her group—especially the Dubbing Ceremony.

“I had tears in my eyes! I was really excited!” Vidia said when she was “dubbed” a “Crusader Forever.” “I’m a member of the U M H B family, and U M H B is my home! I really want other international students to feel like that.”

F E A T U R E S

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Shreya Pullamchetty

Dominic Palesch

‘BIGGER IN TEXAS’

As for Shreya Pullamchetty of India, she quickly learned that the saying “everything is bigger in Texas” may be true, especially when it comes to smiles and the Texas sky.

“In India, if you are walking, people don’t greet each other. Everyone is busy, and they have their own lives,” said Shreya, who graduated this May with a master’s degree in information technology.

“People greet you here. That was definitely new to me! It was really shocking to me to see this, and so now I smile all the time to greet everyone too.”

The smiles weren’t the only things bigger here.

Shreya said she felt as if the “sky was closer” in Texas. She remembers the first time she felt the Texas sun beating down on her with intense heat and humidity. It was suffocating compared to the balmy 82-degree average for July back home in Bangalore.

“I literally felt like the sun was kind of melting my skin,” she said.

After getting her undergraduate degree in India in 2014, before coming to UMHB, she worked a few years as a data analyst where she got experience using English with her US clients.

She felt she didn’t struggle with the language when she came here; however, the food was a different story. When she first arrived, she was

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disappointed to learn that the Indian food at Texas restaurants was quite different than the food at home: “not a lot of spices and not that fresh.”

But she and her cousin, who is also a student from India, quickly figured out how to get the ingredients they needed to cook Indian food here, as well as Chinese and Italian dishes.

Shreya admits that she has discovered a few American dishes she loves, like chicken wings and barbecue chicken. As for getting involved, Shreya worked a few semesters as a graduate assistant.

She has loved every minute of her experience here and would choose to do it all over again if given the opportunity.

“It has been a beautiful experience, and everyone needs to know about UMHB because it would be a great experience for them,” she said.

“I received great support from all the professors.

I literally look at Dr. (Jim) King like a father-figure because he’s been there throughout my UMHB journey. I would especially like to thank him.”

NEW TRADITIONS

Even though Dominic Palesch of Germany had never stepped foot on campus as a new international student almost six years ago, he felt comfortable the minute he arrived. That’s because he had lived in Houston as an exchange student during

part, is probably the better fit for me. Being here has helped me find who I really am. I’ve just grown so much here.”

LIVING THE DREAM

Dhedeepya Panjala

his junior year of high school, so he already knew what to expect as far as culture, food, and weather go. Additionally, he had a friend who went to high school in Houston who was also attending UMHB. He loved being involved on campus and was part of TriBeta, worked backstage for Crusader Knights, and was part of the Campus Activities Board. He became so comfortable with the English language that his German accent is now hard to detect, and he worked as a writing tutor at the Writing Center.

There were some traditions and customs he has learned to love since coming here, like Homecoming.

“Everybody here knows what Homecoming is, but we don’t celebrate that in Germany,” he said.

“The alumni are still engaged with their schools, but there is less fanfare about it.”

Dominic came here as a biology major for his undergrad and loved UMHB so much that he stayed another year and a half to get a master’s degree in information technology, which worked out nicely for him since he hopes to pursue a doctorate and one day work in something like bioinformatics. Now that he has graduated, he is looking for a PhD program but he definitely plans to stay in the United States after he is done with his schooling.

“There’s nothing stopping me from going back home,” he said. “I just think the US, for the most

It’s the same feeling Dhedeepya Panjala had as she finished up her master’s degree in information technology at UMHB in the fall of 2017.

Originally from India, Dhedeepya now lives in Dallas and is working as a senior business intelligence analyst for Acxiom Corporation.

“On my first visit to UMHB, I was proud, cheerful, and thrilled,” she said. It wasn’t difficult for her to learn and accept the culture, she said because her professors and friends helped her feel so comfortable.

“The first few days at UMHB were a bit challenging to learn and understand American accents, culture, communication with people, and new skills and technologies,” she said. “But the faculty and people working at UMHB created a friendly environment which made me feel secure.

They were mindful of international students in the classroom, and incorporated ways to help them adapt to the new educational system which was key to UMHB teaching.”

She says she carries all the learning experiences she adopted at UMHB and has implemented them in her professional jobs since graduating.

“UMHB helped me learn and achieve my dreams,” Dhedeepya said. “Now, I can proudly say that I am working in a company with people I thought I could never be equivalent to. Now, I confidently say I came from a place where I depended on my parents to being independent and looking after myself.”

Even though, at some point in the future, Dhedeepya says she may move back to her hometown and create her own business so she can be closer to family and friends, she will always be a Crusader for Life.

"I totally admire the college and will recommend it to many of my juniors and friends.

I am proud to be in the UMHB Crusader family!" she said. "It’s a feeling that I will never experience in my life again!”

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ENGAGING•COMMUNITY•SHARING BLESSED•WORSHIP•SPIRITUAL FAITH•OPPORTUNITY•LEADERSHIP

Plugging

MINISTRY MINISTRY Engaging in local ministries proves to be a win-win for students and churches.

BY CHR ISTI MA Y S

E

ver since Thomas Kinnin was a little boy, he's loved telling people about Jesus. He viewed the elementary playground as his personal "evangelical center," where he constantly talked to other kids about the Bible. This earned him the nickname "preacher boy." And he loved that.

When he came to UMHB, he knew he wanted to do something in the ministry but struggled with what that might look like.

One weekend on a visit back home to Early, Texas, he talked with some friends who had once claimed to be Christians in high school but had left the faith when they went to college.

"My heart was crushed," Thomas recalls. It was then he realized that God was calling him into youth ministry.

"I wanted to guide students to God authentically and help students in middle and high school, so it would be harder for them to let go of their faith when they got to college," Thomas said. "I began to volunteer in youth ministry, and I enjoyed it, and it never felt like work. That's when I knew this is what I needed to do."

Even though he hasn't finished college yet, he is already living out his calling as a youth pastor at First Baptist Church Holland. The junior Christian ministries major is responsible for leading the Wednesday

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night services with students and oversees the Sunday small groups for middle and high school students.

"I think it's extremely important for college students to engage with a church because it can show them so much about themselves and aid them on their spiritual journeys," he said. "I know it is cliché, but I feel like the students teach me just as much as I teach them."

He says his work at the FBC Holland has helped prepare him to be a future church leader and given him a front-row seat to witness his students grow in their faith.

"It is so fun to see them grow spiritually. I am able to see the transformation that Jesus can bring in a student's life," he said. "I don't do any of the heavy lifting. I am just required to bring them to the feet of Jesus, and He does the rest."

Thomas is one of the dozens of UMHB students who serve in area churches as youth ministers, worship leaders, musicians, audio/lighting technicians, and more.

Dr. Bill Carrell, who teachers the Introduction to Christian Ministry course, requires all his students to engage in some type of ministerial work at least two hours each week either through a church or in a church-related benevolence ministry in the community.

"In the class, we cover the theology of ministry, calling to ministry, ethics in ministry, and the practice of ministry; however, the only way to truly learn how to minister is by actually engaging in ministry," said Carrell.

P

A CALLING TO MINISTRY Photographed (l-r); Thomas Kinnin, Sammy Castaneda, and Hannah Glass

Some students are quick self-starters and are already volunteering or even employed by local churches. Other students have a more difficult time plugging into churches and ministry when they first come to campus.

Carrell says the requirement for each student to be involved in a ministry gives the student the incentive to get involved and to volunteer.

"By engaging in a local ministry, students can better explore their callings and clarify what God is ultimately leading them to do," said Carrell, who also leads the Vocaré initiative, which helps students find a deeper understanding of their calling.

Marcy Mynatt, an adjunct professor of Christian Studies, says students pursuing a calling to ministry often come to UMHB with "rose-colored glasses."

"Some students discover through their church work that they are called to church vocational ministry. Others find they are more suited for teaching, missions, or the secular workforce," she said. "We try to help students see that all Christians are called to ministry, but that calling can be lived out in many different ways."

UMHB has earned a reputation among the community churches who have come to trust the type of

students UMHB attracts, Mynatt said.

"Our students bring a deep love for God and a heart overflowing with a desire to serve," she said. "Our students multiply the work that churches can do, as well, and our students are truly valued by these churches who experience great joy in seeing our students succeed."

For senior Hannah Glass, who is a double-major in art and Christian studies, getting involved in a church is essential to the college experience, she believes, even for students not planning to go into ministry.

"Whenever you leave high school, there's a lot of uncertainty and doubt, especially in your faith," said Hannah, who has worked as an intern worship pastor at Canyon Creek Baptist Church the last couple of years.

"In the United States, we see numbers of Christians dropping in this age range," said Hannah. “Getting involved in a ministry as a college student surrounds you with people who are all there for the same purpose.

They're all there to love the Lord and learn more about Him and have community. If you have the opportunity to serve in any capacity, you'll be blessed beyond all measure. Plus, it doesn't feel like work!"

As a worship intern, she gets to help plan the worship

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services. A couple of Sundays each semester, she even gets to take the reins and lead. She's not a huge fan of public speaking, but singing and playing music comes naturally.

"It's a little bit scary sometimes, being in front of a bunch of people," she said. "But at the same time, I remind myself that we don't have to worry about anything because we're just out there worshiping the Lord. And there's a comfort in that. It's just an honor to praise Him on Sunday together with an amazing group of people.

As long as I place my hope and trust in the Lord, He takes care of the rest."

When Hannah first came to UMHB, she was an education major. But just days before her first class started, she felt the Lord tugging on her heart. She changed

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her major to Christian Studies and began "pursuing her passion."

Being a worship leader at her church has been a "blessing."

"It has allowed me to apply the knowledge I'm learning through my courses to a real-life church setting," she said.

Dr. Robert Pendergraft, assistant professor of church music, estimates that at least 20 or more UMHB students are working at local churches in any given semester.

"That number doesn't surprise me, though," he said.

"If we're serious about integrating faith and learning in the classroom, then our students will go out and serve the local church with their gifts and abilities that they are

“Having students like Thomas at the church infuses energy, enthusiasm, and a zeal for serving the Lord that is an encouragement to many.”

— Dr. Frank Teat Pastor of First Baptist Church Holland

honing while at UMHB." He said the local churches view UMHB as a place where skills and philosophy intersect, and churches are excited to engage our students.

"For the student, it is an opportunity to take what they have learned in the classroom and apply it in a practical setting while working with professionals in the field," Pendergraft said. "For churches, it gives an infusion of youth and ability that may be missing in their congregations."

Working and volunteering at local churches also give students a heart for service.

"It allows them to develop a pattern of service while they're in college that we hope will go with them upon graduation," he said.

For Dr. Frank Teat, pastor of First Baptist Church Holland, having students like Thomas at the church infuses energy, enthusiasm, and a "zeal for serving the Lord" that is an encouragement to many.

"It truly is a joy to have someone like Thomas on staff here and to be able to watch God work through him, and many others is a powerful encouragement to me as a pastor," Teat said. "It drives me to desire to be even more faithful in the passing on of experience and wisdom from the Lord that others have poured into me through the years."

Having college students involved in ministry is a win-

win, said Dr. Tim Marrow, interim pastor for First Baptist Church Moffat. Not only does it help the college student gain valuable experience, it also helps supply a never-ending pool of energetic young workers to help in the church.

"It's an investment in both the church's life and the student's life, which is the greatest investment, to me, because it's an investment with the kingdom," he said.

"These students are impacting eternity."

Last year, Marrow hired UMHB student Sammy Castaneda as the church's youth minister.

Just as Thomas Kinnin loved "preaching" to his playground buddies, Sammy did too, and was always sharing the Bible with his friends.

He says one of his goals as a youth minister is to always be available to his students. When he was growing up, his church went through five youth pastors from his seventh- through 12th-grade years.

"Part of my call to ministry is because of what I lacked growing up," he said. "I want to amend that if I can."

When Marrow offered Sammy the job, Sammy wasn't even 20 yet. Sammy let the fear of doubt get the best of him, and debated if he should take the position.

"I've always felt like I'm unworthy of the things that I'm given and think, 'I'm not worthy. I haven't done enough yet. I haven't earned this spot yet. I don't think I can do it,'” Sammy said. “Then, a friend told me, 'Sammy, you're never going to feel worthy. You're never going to feel like you know enough. So, get over yourself!'"

Sammy said he turned his trust to God, and he has "loved every day since."

With a youth group that started with only three students, Sammy’s group now has nine regulars, and sometimes the classes push 14 or 15—many of whom have never been to church.

"It's been a testament to how the Lord uses us to bring about the change," said Sammy.

It's been an immersive experience that has helped prepare him for his future, he added.

"It's tough to know when God is speaking because it's really hard for people just to stop and listen," he said. "This has given me the tools I need to be flexible and know when God's speaking.”

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B Y C HR I S T I M AY S

COVID-19 wasn't the first pandemic to lock down campus and recommend safety precautions, such as wearing masks and social distancing.

A similar lethal epidemic swept through campus, ironically almost exactly 102 years ago to the day the COVID-19 virus shut down campus in March 2020 during spring break; it was the 1918 influenza, also known as the infamous Spanish flu.

Then known as Baylor College for Women, in 1918, campus enrollment was about 600 women. In the time span of about three months, more than 400 of those students, plus 50 faculty and staff, contracted the 18

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deadly disease that was wiping out millions worldwide. Thanks to the revolutionary efforts of Dr. Jacob Moore "J.M." Frazier—rightfully known as a legend in his own time—not a single student or teacher perished during the horrific epidemic that is thought to have killed upwards of 50 million people worldwide "From a statistical standpoint, mortality rates for Spanish flu were in excess of 2.5 percent. With that in mind, we would expect to see at least 10 to 12 deaths based on the number of cases on campus," said Blaine French, an assistant professor in the physician assistant program. "To put it in perspective, the city of Temple simply stopped counting fatalities but reported they had to purchase 1.5 additional acres (to accommodate all the burials). God has an amazing way of showing His grace, and I think that

sparing the students and faculty at UMHB was a clear sign of that."

Frazier was the campus physician and a professor at Baylor College for Women for 40 years. According to his autobiography, From Tallow Candle to Television: An Autobiography of Dr. J.M. Frazier, on Sept. 26, 1918, he diagnosed the first two women to bring the virus to campus. The first strain hit in March of that year but wasn't particularly deadly. The second wave came in the fall and hit with a vengeance. The two students lived in separate residence halls on campus, and before Dec. 4 of that year, the flu had spread to more than 450 students and teachers.

Even though 19 of his patients developed pneumonia and one or two had pleurisy, Frazier wrote he "counted it a blessing to report that I had not a single fatality."

"My success under Providence lay in the fact that I had absolute control of the situation," he wrote. "We removed every girl from the dormitory on a stretcher and rigidly enforced a recumbent position until the temperature was normal for 48 hours. Liquid nourishment, lots of fluids, lemonade, water, and buttermilk, after the preliminary mild purgative, usually castor oil, composed each patient's diet."

Pneumonia cases were treated in well-ventilated rooms with even temperatures inside Luther Hall; the patients were well-fed and kept under rigid care for a week after the crisis. No patient was discharged until she or he had a normal pulse, temperature, and respiration.

Just like the COVID-19 virus has proven to spread easily, Frazier wrote that the worst feature of Spanish flu was its "extreme infectiousness."

"Every nurse (16 of them), every nurse's aide (student volunteers), and every patient or friend who hovered over a sickbed came down with the 'flu' as it soon came to be called," he wrote.

In the first week of September, Texas newspapers, including the Temple Daily Telegram, reported that an epidemic was likely. By the third week of that month, Belton and Temple health officers began ordering school, church, and store closures, and theater performances and sporting and social events were canceled.

By mid-October, newspaper articles said Bell County was in a "deep crisis," and every precaution was being

PRECAUTIONS AGAINST INFLUENZA Influenza is spread through discharge from the eyes, nose, and mouth.

Avoid persons with coughs and colds.

If obliged to cough or sneeze yourself, when near another person, turn the face or cover the mouth and nose with a handkerchief: such handkerchief should afterwards be sterilized by boiling or be destroyed.

Avoid common drinking cups.

Do not stand close to another person while conversing and do not talk directly at them.

Discharges from the mouth are disseminated while talking.

Avoid poorly ventilated rooms and see that living and sleeping quarters are well ventilated.

Avoid crowds, especially within doors.

Spend as much time as possible in the open, especially in the sunshine.

Dress warmly, avoid "wet feet." Keep regular hours.

G. L. Angeny, Captain, (MC) U. S. Navy, Senior Yard Medical Officer.

; FLU PREVENTION Opposite page, a typist in New York City wears a face mask to protect against the Spanish flu pandemic in 1918, while Seattle police officers wore masks made by the Red Cross. Photos courtesy of the US National Archives.

Above,The US Navy issued this flyer during the influenza pandemic that began in 1918.

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taken to get it under control. On Frazier, who lived to be 85, Oct. 15, there were 100 new grew up in Central Texas and cases overnight, and "newspapers graduated in 1876 from Waco filed daily with obituaries and University (now known as Bayheartbreaking stories of lives gone lor University) with a bachelor's too soon" of a virus that didn't degree before heading to the discriminate against age, social University of Pennsylvania to earn status, or race. Even though prohis medical degree. jections in the rest of Bell County Working at Presbyterian Hospiwere bleak, Frazier managed to tal, he was assigned as an "assistant keep things under control at the physician to the poor." As a young college. physician, Frazier recalled what he French told his students that described as his "baptism of fire" there were not many diagnostic when he had to handle his first tools or treatment options for the serious epidemic—a scarlet fever sick in 1918. outbreak.

"Penicillin wasn't discovered Frazier found his way to Belton until 1928, and lab testing was in 1894 when he took the poDr. Jacob Moore "J.M." Frazier limited," he said. "Dr. Frazier was sition of college physician and largely restricted to what he could professor. He also had a private see or hear on a physical exam medical practice in town. Frazier “(Dr. Frazier) didn't see and managing symptoms." had three sons and four daughters, patients just for illnesses.

French claims Frazier was "one and all of his daughters graduated of those rare people who looked from Baylor College for Women.

He believed so much in beyond the present to what could His bout with scarlet fever in preventative medicine, he Pennsylvania be and made it happen." proved to be the first didn't bill them at all.”

Frazier was captivated by the of many epidemics he would enrelatively new field of "preventive counter during his years as a phy— Blaine French medicine" and taught his students sician. In fact, during his 40 years assistant professor about anatomy, physiology, and of health supervision at UMHB, he hygiene. experienced four serious epidemics.

In his book, Frazier wrote that his The first was an outbreak of typhoid salary was sufficient to allow him to meet with his pafever, which occurred soon after he arrived in Belton. tients "not just when they were sick but also to address From October to December, 37 cases developed, some their overall health." very serious with intestinal hemorrhaging and other "He didn't see patients just for illnesses," French told complications. While three rooms on the third floor of his class. "He believed so much in preventative mediLuther Hall were set aside for sick girls with the dormicine, he didn't bill them at all. He very much believed tory mother acting as nurse, Frazier continued to search that an 'ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." the campus for the infection source. He finally discovFrazier's efforts may have helped pave the way for ered a rusted sewage pipe near where the dining hall's the monumental gains researchers and physicians have milk crocks were sunned and aired. The vessels became made in preventative medicine. French said some of contaminated, and all who drank milk were exposed to these gains include regular vaccinations for many childthe disease. Over the Christmas break, workers replaced hood illnesses, which previously resulted in significant the pipes, and the ground was disinfected. When the injury or death for a large portion of the population. girls returned, not another case developed.

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The second sudden and near-tragic epidemic was an outbreak of scarlet fever a few years later. By working all night, Frazier was able to determine seven infected students. He immediately isolated them and closed their dormitory for disinfection.

"Another epidemic was averted," he wrote in his autobiography. "Some of these were very sick girls, but all recovered, and no new cases developed."

The third was the Spanish flu, and the fourth epidemic he recorded on campus was Vincent's Angina, or "trench mouth," as it was nicknamed during World War I. For the first 10 days in June of 1921, Frazier treated and isolated 67 cases of trench mouth among the students.

At a medical convention later that year, Frazier shared a paper of his experiences with the disease. A newspaper reporter wrote that "kissing was probably the means for the rapid transmission of the infection," and the story spread through the United Press.

Frazier later wrote that he regretted the unsought notoriety that he brought upon the student body and added that he later determined that "much kissing in farewells and greetings was the mode of transmission."

He was also happy to report that even though some cases were very sick, there were no fatalities and no ill effects from the outbreak.

Dr. Jacob Moore "J.M. Frazier" (front row, second from right) is seen in this 1913 photograph with the Baylor College of Women faculty, led by President John C. Hardy (center).

Pictured at right, a photo in the US National Archives dated Sept. 13, 1918, shows a nurse wearing a mask to protect against the "Spanish flu," which killed more people than any other illness in recorded history.

"These epidemics were the highlight, and I had about every form of human ill on the calendar in between," Frazier wrote. "But fortunately, nothing that common sense and science were not able to handle."

In a letter written for the Frazier Memorial Health Center building dedication, the unknown author described Frazier as being "born a physician both to the body and to the soul."

"He had a genuine attitude of non-self-aggrandizement and gratitude, coupled with a humility not often found among men; an insatiable hunger for knowledge, and considered it essential that he study to show thyself approved unto God." The letter went on to say that Frazier's "close friendship with Dr. Townsend, Dr. Hardy, and the loyal faculty saw his beloved college through many crises which involved his valued experience, not only in medicine, but in philosophy and psychiatry, and above all his unshaken faith in God and the destiny of the school."

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ALUMNI NOTES

PASSION FOR SERVING Peggy Leitch '78 helped open the doors of the Mercy Clinic in Fort Worth, where she has volunteered full-time the last 10 years.

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PEGGY LEITCH ‘78

Deep Devotion

Peggy Leitch lives out her passion for serving others as the volunteer CEO of a community clinic At Mercy Clinic in Fort Worth, Peggy Leitch says she has the “best of both worlds.” She sees unsaved people experience God’s transforming love while their physical well-being is improved.

“I’ve seen the hand of God throughout my experience here,” she said.

When Peggy was a nursing student in the late ‘70s at UMHB, she said she never thought her future included volunteering as a full-time CEO for 10 years at a community clinic: “But I have been blessed by the ability to pursue this passion,” said the 1978 graduate, who has volunteered as the executive director at Mercy Clinic since it opened its doors in 2011. Mercy Clinic’s mission is to share the love of Christ with the community while providing primary medical and basic dental care to uninsured adults.

“God led me to this position and allowed me to focus my passion for others in this setting,” said Peggy, who has always been deeply committed to helping people. “I see the provision and sovereignty of the Lord through this ministry, which gives me an overwhelming sense of being a small part of a plan that God is directing.”

The path that led her to her position as volunteer CEO began years ago when she started helping at Travis Avenue Baptist Church in Fort Worth. As a member there,

"God led me to this position and allowed me to focus my passion for others in this setting."

—Peggy Leitch ’78

she has assisted in countless community ministries—helping in the food pantry, distributing clothing, coordinating Bible studies, and providing child care. She was also often asked to share her nursing knowledge as a consultant. That’s when she discovered a lack of access to routine medical care for the people she encountered, typically because of a lack of finances or insurance.

When the opportunity came along to facilitate medical and dental care to the uninsured, she felt uniquely qualified because of her love for the Lord, her desire to share the Gospel with others, and her training as a nurse.

In 2011, she attended a meeting

to help form the Mercy Clinic of Fort Worth and was asked to lead the organization. To get the clinic up and running, she supervised every aspect of the establishment— from renovating the building to obtaining the 501(c)(3) status to ordering supplies and equipment to recruiting volunteers. She also assisted the clinic’s volunteer medical director in writing the clinical plan and helped with fundraising to get—and keep—the doors open.

It’s been 10 years now, and she has worked full-time (some weeks, double full-time) to make the clinic a success. In her duties now, she is responsible for the day-today operations for every aspect of the clinic, which sees about 2,000 patients each year, as well as hosting health fairs and other initiatives that reach hundreds of people with the love of Christ.

“Each time I give a tour of the clinic and recount all that has happened over the last 10 years, I am encouraged by the evidence of the faithfulness of God,” she said.

Today, the ministry is completely funded by donations. A few administrative positions are salaried; however, Peggy, who says she is blessed to be married to her supportive husband, Bruce, has always chosen to defer her salary. continued on page 28 ALUMNI L I F E

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IN MEMORIAM 1940s Johnnie Maxine (Carradine) Cone ’42, Dec. 16, 2020, in Victoria, Tex. She attended Mary Hardin-Baylor College in Belton, where she had a friend who introduced her to her husband, Willie Cone. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English in 1942, and they married Nov. 20, 1943. She had many friends at First Baptist Church in Conroe, where she was a member of the Live Wires senior group.

Peggy (Dean) Hill Been ’45, Oct. 4, 2020, in Granbury, Tex. She attended and graduated from Mary HardinBaylor College in 1945 with a teaching degree in home economics. She graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1947 with a master’s degree in church education. Peggy often sang in choirs and as a soloist.

Many people requested her talents for weddings, funerals, and special occasions. She married Autry Been on April 10, 1948. After retiring from teaching science at Medina Valley ISD and Harper ISD, Peggy and Autry traveled the world on many exciting trips and enjoyed their family outings.

Peggy was loved and will be missed by so many.

Nell Hall (Holt) Prather ’48, Dec. 30, 2020, in Leland, Miss. She received a bachelor’s degree in music education from Mary Hardin-Baylor

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College in 1948. She married Carey Prather in Crowley, La., moving to Leland in 1963, where they were farmers. She was a member of Fairview Baptist Church and was a volunteer at Autumn Leaves Nursing Home, where she led a Bible study for more than 20 years.

Hilda Rose (Seely) Barton ’49, Jan.20, 2021, in Loving, Tex. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Mary Hardin-Baylor College in 1949. Rose met Grady, her future husband, while they were teaching in Burnett, Tex. Rose was an English teacher. She loved teaching and all things writing, poetry, and literature. Rose, known as a powerful prayer warrior, believed that she should pray about everything, and that the prayer shouldn’t end until there was a breakthrough. Her legacy lives on in the thousands of lives who were touched by her love, prayers, and the Godly example she exhibited each day of her life.

1950 s

Joan (Burton) Messer Cox ’50, Nov. 14, 2020, in Belton, Tex. Joan trusted in Jesus Christ and was saved at a revival in 1937 under a brush

arbor at Taylor’s Valley Baptist Church, where she maintained membership her entire life and taught Sunday School classes for 55 years. After graduation from high school, she continued her education at Mary Hardin-Baylor College. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education in 1950 and was the first in her family to graduate college, fulfilling a dream of her father, who proclaimed Mary Hardin-Baylor College to be “just this side of heaven.” Her college experience at UMHB remained special to her for her entire life. She volunteered at UMHB and endowed a scholarship that helped many young girls financially who wanted to pursue a Christian education. She received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2006. After college, she married W.A. Messer, who tragically died in an earthen dam collapse in 1954. Joan taught in the BISD district for 16 years, endearing herself to many students who could always count on her for solid instruction, a Christian witness, and a smile.

In 1967, she married Joseph Donald Cox. She traveled with Don to many US Navy bases around the country and supported his ministry as a chaplain.

She served the Lord at Taylor’s Valley as a beloved Sunday School teacher.

Joan’s Christian example lives on in the lives of those she touched in her family, church, and school. Memorial donations may be made to the Joan Burton Scholarship Fund at UMHB.

Patsy "Pat" C. Pittman ’51, Jan. 2, 2021, in Nacogdoches, Tex. She attended Mary Hardin-Baylor College, where she studied sociology and psychology, graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree. As a choir member at South Side Baptist Church of Fort Smith, she met the love of her life 1st Lt. William “Bill” Pittman. Pat’s first job outside of the home was as a social worker at the Mexia State School. Later she became the physical education, health instructor, and cheerleader sponsor at Mexia Junior High, where she taught for many years. She also served on the Gibbs Memorial Library Board. Her favorite activities were teaching Sunday School and First Place, and singing in the choir at First Baptist Church. She also served as the president of the American Optometric Association Auxiliary from 1986 to 1987.

Mary Virginia (Jones) Calhoun ’54, Nov. 17, 2020, in Temple, Tex. She trusted Jesus as her Savior when she was nine. She graduated from Fort Smith High School in 1951 and came to Texas that fall to Mary HardinBaylor College. During the freshman reception that year, she met the love of her life, Lee Roy Calhoun of Temple.

She graduated in 1955 with a Bachelor of Arts in English. Mary was a member of TSTA, CTA, Bell County Retired Teachers Association, and the Betty Martin Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was an active member of First Baptist Church,

Temple, including volunteering for Sunbeams, vacation Bible school, Sunday school, and WMU. She enjoyed reading, collecting dolls, and working on genealogy. Memorials may be made to UMHB. Fannie (Beal) Larson ’54, Oct. 17, 2020, in Alvin, Tex. She graduated in 1954 from Mary HardinBaylor College.

While in college, some of her best life-long memories were of dormitory life and the friends she made. She often spoke about her years at MHBC. This place of Christian higher education was very special to her. “Through the Gates and Through the Years” there was always a special place in her heart for UMHB. During two summers, she worked as a missionary for the Southern Baptist Home Missions Board. She spent the summers in Wichita, Kansas, and New Mexico, teaching children about the love of Jesus Christ. Fannie began her career as a teacher and later worked as an administrative assistant for Mutual of Omaha, where she retired. She was a woman of amazing faith who read her Bible daily, even up until the week before her passing. While she will be missed by so many, we know that she is with Jesus Christ in her heavenly home.

Jean (Huyck) Lyles ’55, Dec. 1, 2020, in Tyler, Tex. Jean went to junior college in Augusta for one year, transferred to Furman University for one semester, and then followed her heart to Texas to Mary Hardin-Baylor College to be closer to her future husband. She served as president of her junior class and

was president of the student body her senior year. She graduated with honors in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science degree. In 1952, Jean met her husband, Tom, at Ridgecrest Baptist Camp near Asheville, NC, where they served as counselors for the summer.

They were involved in both Grace Community Church and Green Acres Baptist Church through the years, leading Bible studies and teaching Sunday school. Jean’s passion was teaching others about God’s word and His love and forgiveness.

1960 s

Nancy Kay Green ’63, Jan. 1, 2019, in Marshall, Tex. She graduated from Mary Hardin-Baylor College in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Miss Green was a second-grade teacher at Wakefield Elementary for 25 years. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Sherman.

Ann (O'Quinn) Powell ’64, Dec. 7, 2020, in Yoakum, Tex. She graduated from Mary Hardin-Baylor College in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication. Her senior year, she served as the Stribling House Council Religious Chair, was a member of the Historical Phila Society, The Bells staff, and was presented the F.B. Russell Journalism Award.

She loved teaching and journalism.

She retired after 30 years of teaching in Corrigan-Camden ISD. She was a faithful follower of Jesus and was avidly involved in Bible studies, church activities, gardening, and spending time with family. She was a member of Austin Street Baptist Church. She loved people, and her life was lived with Heaven in mind.

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Sandra Sue Owens ’64, Oct. 19, 2019, in Killeen, Tex. Sandra and Harvie E. Owens were married on Aug. 18, 1961, and she graduated from the Mary HardinBaylor College in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Sandra taught in the public school system in Valley Mills, Copperas Cove, and Killeen. She also worked with her husband on their many personal and business projects.

Sandra was devoted to her family and friends.

Dr. Estela (Pena) Malouf ’68, Jan. 2, 2021, in Tomball, Tex. She graduated from Mary HardinBaylor College in 1968 with her Bachelor of Science degree. She was an incredible Christian, wife, mother, and educator. Her legacy will be remembered fondly.

1970s

Norman Linwood Baker Jr. ’70, Nov. 28, 2020, in Garland, Tex. He graduated from Mary Hardin-Baylor College in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Norman was a Christian, and he served in the US Army.

Ann (Cross) Wallace ’72, Jan. 8, 2021, in Temple, Tex. She married Dr. Tracy Irvin Wallace in 1951. She graduated from Mary Hardin-Baylor College in 1972, majoring in English, history, and religion. She was a member of ACBL since 1962, earning a Life Master’s degree and a Bronze Life Master’s degree. She has held all

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offices at Oak Park United Methodist Church at least once.

William E. "Bill" Brodie ’72, Jan. 10, 2021, in Temple, Tex. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Mary Hardin-Baylor College in 1972. He taught school in Temple, Rogers, and Brazosport. He was a lifetime member of First United Methodist Church in Temple. He was a member of the Optimist Club, where he was past president and lieutenant governor; Boy Scouts of America as assistant scoutmaster; Texas State Teacher’s Association; and SPJST Lodge No. 87.

Diamantina (Tina) L. Contreras ’73, Dec. 6, 2020, in San Antonio, Tex. She attended Mary HardinBaylor College and graduated in 1973 with a bachelor's degree in education.

In 1987, she married Roger Contreras and gained two daughters. Tina was a highly respected educator for over 30 years until retiring in 2005 from the San Antonio ISD. She was a devout Catholic who volunteered for many years as a CCD teacher at St. John the Evangelists Catholic Church. Tina was loved and adored by her family, friends, and coworkers and will be dearly missed.

Augustine Ann Hancock ’79, Dec. 26, 2020, in Arlington, Tex. Tina attended UMHB, where she graduated with a degree

in psychology in 1979. Tina moved to the Dallas/Fort Worth area and held various positions over her professional career. She was awarded the Distinguished Performance Award in 2018 from Allstate Insurance, where she served as a claims specialist at the time of her passing. Her sweet smile and selfless spirit will be missed by her family and all who knew her.

Elizabeth "Carolyn" (Burris) Parks ’79, Dec. 3, 2020, in Temple, Tex. After graduating from high school, she married Billy Wayne Parks in Olney, Tex. They moved to Temple in 1976, where she continued her education and graduated from UMHB in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. Carolyn was a teacher at Academy ISD for more than 20 years. She truly loved teaching children. Carolyn was a member of Taylor’s Valley Baptist Church in Temple and had previously served as the church pianist for 25 years. Carolyn enjoyed traveling, visiting museums, and learning about cultural history.

Carolyn loved the piano and played it daily, filling her home with beautiful music.

Judy Ann (Henry) Johnson ’79, Dec. 22, 2020, in Temple, Tex. She received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from UMHB and worked as a teacher for 25 years, retiring from Rogers ISD in 2002. She was a dedicated member of Immanuel Baptist Church, volunteered with Operation Christmas Child, and had the opportunity to visit Tanzania to hand out shoeboxes

to the children. She also volunteered with Aware Central Texas, where she assisted in creating Education for Hope. Judy married the love of her life, David Johnson, on June 24, 1966, at Heights Baptist Church in Temple and this year celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary.

Robert Edward Hankamer ’79, Nov. 19, 2020, in Georgetown, Tex. Bob joined the US Army and served in Germany. After active duty, he married Doris Helen Birdwell on Nov. 24, 1960. During their stay in Puerto Rico, the family was part of a small Southern Baptist group that helped build a mission church for area Puerto Ricans and residing Americans who worked in the area. Returning to Texas in 1970, Bob joined the start-up team of Mobil Chemical in Temple.

In 1979, Bob completed his degree in business administration at UMHB. Upon his retirement in 1998, Bob was Mobil Corporation's SW Region Recycle Representative. Bob was also a 32nd degree Mason. He was a member of Crestview Baptist Church in Georgetown, Tex.

1990s

Tense (Nabours) Tumlinson ’90, Aug. 6, 2020, in Cameron, Tex. She earned her Bachelor of General Studies degree from UMHB in 1990. Tense served for many years as a health administrator at Texas Instruments and Wilsonart in Temple. Tense was a co-founder of the Cameron Emergency Medical Service and became the

first female certified rifle, pistol, and shotgun instructor in Texas. She was also a longtime member and Sunday school teacher at the First United Methodist Church of Cameron. Tense was happily married to Jack Warfield Tumlinson for 59 years.

Patsy Elizabeth (Davis) Jones Ex ’91, Jan. 22, 2021, in Shreveport, La. Patsy attended UMHB, majoring in music. While at UMHB, she was a member of the Choraliers and Mary Hardin-Baylor College Chorus. Patsy married the love of her life, Marvin Lynn Jones. Patsy was employed by Dunn & Bradstreet as a secretary and at Swepco as a secretary in the engineering department. She retired from the State of Louisiana as a clerk for the child protective services department. Patsy and Marvin were faithful members of Highland Baptist Church and then later First Baptist Church of Shreveport. They were members of the choir at both churches. Patsy's beautiful voice was her gift from God, and she faithfully used it to serve Him. Kuodi Jian ’92, Nov. 27, 2020, in Woodbury, Minn.

Kuodi graduated from UMHB in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

While a student at UMHB, he attended the International Bible Class at First Baptist Church Belton, where he became a Christian and was baptized.

Karen Joyce Jay ’95, Sept.

16, 2018, in Arlington, Tenn.

Karen graduated in 1995 from UMHB with her Bachelor of Business Administration degree.

Tommy Bert Handley ’96, Jan. 13, 2021, in Wichita Falls, Tex. He joined the US Army in 1971 and was first stationed in Korea, where he met the love of his life, Suk K. Ko. After 21 dedicated years of service, he retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 3. He was a decorated veteran who received the Legion of Merit Award.

He then earned a bachelor’s degree in education from UMHB in 1996.

He taught for 10 years in the Rio Grande Valley while also completing his master’s degree in counseling. He was a vice president at the juvenile detention center in Edinburg, Tex., where he offered guidance to troubled youth. With his passion for the military and mentoring, he relocated to Wichita Falls and was the education counselor on Sheppard Air Force Base. With a deep faith in Christ, he continued to serve the community through volunteer work at his church, the local soup kitchen, and Meals on Wheels.

Clyde Jones, Oct. 20, 2020, in Belton, Tex. He enlisted in the US Navy and served in the Pacific on the USS Stevens DD-479 during World War II. After being honorably discharged

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in 1946, Clyde moved to Belton to build the family business, Continental Belton Company. Clyde owned and operated Mohawk from 1958 to 1985, and in 1988, along with his two sons and grandson, founded Belltec Industries Inc. in Belton. Clyde was married to his beloved wife, Elizabeth "Libby" (McGuyer) Jones. He was an active member of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars, serving as commander of the Belton VFW in 1950, and was instrumental in the acquisition and construction of the current VFW post on IH 35 in Belton. Clyde was recognized as a guardian member of the Belton Boy Scouts of America.

He was president of the Bell County Junior Youth Fair and Livestock Show in 1976 and 1977 and president of FEMA (Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association). Clyde and his wife were longtime members of the First Baptist Church in Belton, where they supported JAIL Ministries and Christian Farm/Treehouse Ministries. Clyde was a longtime supporter of Christian education and contributed in many ways to UMHB, serving on the board of trustees from 1977 to 1986. He

also served on the Belton City Council for nine years and was elected as the mayor of Belton in 1982, 1983, and 1984. He served on the Bell County Tax Appraisal Board from 1988 to 1995 and later served as the liaison tax officer for the appraisal board.

Memorials may be made to UMHB. Joe Henry Bunch, Dec. 12, 2020, in Georgetown, Tex. Joe began a career with the Texas Railroad Commission, which would span 34 years from 1953 to 1987. When he retired, he started his own petroleum consulting business in 1988. He was president of the Fleur de Lis chapter of the Huguenot Society, honoring the Huguenots who emigrated to America in the 18th and 19th centuries searching for religious freedom. He was also a member of Sons of the American Revolution and Sons of Confederate Veterans. Joe was also fortunate to have the privilege of providing an endowed scholarship

in nursing to UMHB, from which six generations of his family graduated.

He was also an active member of First Lockhart Baptist Church, which he had attended as a boy.

Florence Fay Simons, Jan. 16, 2021, in Cortland, Ohio. Florence's life was dedicated to music, and she touched the lives of many people by sharing her talents of playing anything with a keyboard, but her true love was the organ. Florence taught all levels of music at many places, including UMHB. She had an overlapping career for 31 years as an associate organist at First United Methodist Church in downtown Dallas, including 12 years serving as secretary for the church's education division. Florence received many accolades in her life, and she was the 2003 inductee into the UMHB Walter Gilewicz Hall of Fame.

Deep Devotion

continued from page 23

The clinic has 150 volunteers on its roster, including clerical workers, pharmacists, physicians, and dentists, who share their time and knowledge with others.

“Working alongside a community of other caring individuals brings great joy,” Peggy said. “I see this joy in the lives of our patients and our volunteers.”

Since early last summer, her clinic began collaborating with a national pharmaceutical company to provide COVID-19 testing.

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At the small facility, in the first six months, workers facilitated the administration of more than 15,000 tests.

“The reduction of the burden on local hospitals and the management of the spread of the disease has been mitigated through our partnership,” she said.

Peggy cherishes the time she was at UMHB, which undeniably helped prepare her for the work she’s doing. While working toward her bachelor’s degree in nursing at UMHB, she received

several awards, including the Laura Cole Award, which is presented to a senior nursing student based upon scholarship, leadership, and service.

“At the time I received the award, I recall that it was given to the nursing student who most exemplified a life devoted to Christ,” she said. “It is my honor to try to fulfill that ideal every day.”

MEMORIAL GIFTS October 15, 2020 - February 2, 2021 Erman James Ables Dr. Kerry and Kathy Owens Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens

Mr. and Mrs. Hudson Adams Mary Ann Adams Thurlow

Margie Bennett Dr. Jerry and Vicky Bawcom Sue May Kent Owens Dr. Kerry and Kathy Owens Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens

Mr. and Mrs. Russell Adams Mary Ann Adams Thurlow

Ann Binder Drs. Seth and Jane Witcher

Lawton Albin Peggy Bass Albin Betty Bass Hiles Duane, Stephanie, and

Hannah Hiles Anita Dusek Hoelscher

Denise Bowles Matthew and Kristen Bowles-Johnson

Sybil Leonard Armes Dr. Jerry and Vicky Bawcom Gerald Arnold Kent Owens Dr. Kerry and Kathy Owens Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Ramona Caldwell Barlow Betty Reinhard Hamilton

Donnie Brentham Dr. and Mrs. Randy O’Rear Shirley Cowan Sommer Bobby Bridges Dr. Jerry and Vicky Bawcom Michael and Cathy Burkett Cornelio Mark Cain Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens

Dale Bass Carolyn Allison Owens

Virginia Jones Calhoun Peggy Bass Albin Betty Bass Hiles Marshall and Penny Renfro

Howard and Velma Thill Bass Peggy Bass Albin

Ted Channing Carolyn Allison Owens

Babs Baugh Dr. Jerry and Vicky Bawcom Dr. Rebecca O’Banion Dr. and Mrs. Randy O’Rear

Joan Burton Messer Cox Mark and Betty O’Hair Anderson Drs. Dudley and Vivian Baker Dr. George Bartels Dr. Jerry and Vicky Bawcom Mary Sandlin Billeck Chuck and Candice Button

Jimmy and Fran Callahan Bob and Mayelle Carlisle Louis and Charlynn Casey Barry and Judy Couch Texas Chemical Council Covington Real Estate, Inc. James O. Cure Lon and Cathy Jones Curtis Jane Pirtle Dominguez Walter and Judy Fisher Nancy Garner and Family Rebecca Garth Joe and Corliss George Scooter and Patty Golden Allen and Linda Hallbauer Leonard and Anna Sue Hargrove William L. Hargrove Chad and Kristi Hobbs and Family Ken and Melva Garner Hobbs Edward Jones Patton and Elayne Kaufman Drs. Leroy and Jean Wyatt Kemp Terry and Rosalie Kettler Christy Kianes-Edward Jones Jim and Laurie Kiniry Kitchen Sunday School ClassBelton First United Methodist Church Sam and Karen Listi Griff and Kathy Lord Billy and Cherry Lewellen Luker Max and Mary Lou Marks Julie Moore Frank and Judy Norman Dr. Rebecca O’Banion Jeana O’ Brien Dr. and Mrs. Randy O’Rear Don and Judy Owens Mary Nell Pirtle Mark Pittman Arthur, Chloe, and Adeline Potts Neale and Debbie Potts Bob and Becky Prasatik Prater & Ridley Attorneys Don Al and Linda Ringler Terry and Myrna Rosser Buddy and Medra Stewart Dr. and Mrs. Steve Theodore

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Dennis and Ann Turk Frank and Marilyn Schmidt Turner Don and Leslie Ward Marvin and Juanita Weir Bobby and Patty Potts Wilson

Chris Cummins Joe and Corliss George Dae Locklear Dr. and Mrs. Randy O’Rear

Alta Hargreaves Edwards Betty Reinhard Hamilton Jim Fitzhenry The Butz Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Drayton McLane III Michael Fowler Robert and Edie Cornett King Ruth Stribling Fowler Dr. Jerry and Vicky Bawcom Lee Ellis (Mike) Garner Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Barbara Moncrief George Betty Reinhard Hamilton

Violet Hart Dr. Kerry and Kathy Owens Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens

Gary Lange Kent Owens Dr. Kerry and Kathy Owens Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens

Dr. Daniel Holcomb Dr. Kerry and Kathy Owens Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens

Paul D. Hurt Camille Fisher Missy Rico Amy Vollet Delma Garner Jacks Juanita Blanton Randy Campbell and Family Robert and Melanie Hilburn Suzie Kimball Dorothy Minten Esther Minten Janie Minten Dr. and Mrs. Steve Theodore William and Tammy Zagorski Judy Henry Johnson Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Clyde Jones Griff and Kathy Lord Dr. Rebecca O’Banion Jane Wade

Judy Gottschalk Carolyn Allison Owens Joyce Bingham Goza Billy and Patsy Houston Charles and Rose Galvaiz Meade Billie Evelyn Graham Peggy Bass Albin

James “Dan” Keath Marilyn Mogford Kenneth and Pat Rochat Drs. Seth and Jane Witcher Jeannette Mayfield Kelley Dr. Dillard and Karolyn

Norwine Whitis

Sarah McGlamery Grantham Lester Grantham

UMHB LIFE | S U M M E R

Monty LaBay Cliff Whittingstall

Mary E. Hicks Rev. Weldon Hicks

Camille Munk Dillard North Texas Group Business Section

of the AAFCS Ron and Pat Robinson

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Mike Gunter Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens

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Joseph Lee Dr. Jerry and Vicky Bawcom Peggy Lewis Dr. Kerry and Kathy Owens Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Dr. Shirley Mackie Mary Ann Adams Thurlow Joseph Mankawich Robert and Edie Cornett King Dwain and Bobbie Skinner Marshall Cynthia Schwertner Jackson Dr. Robert Mastin Drs. Seth and Jane Witcher Leila May Kent Owens Dr. Kerry and Kathy Owens Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Mary Sue Quesenbury McBrayer Debbie Quesenbury Dorothy Miller Kent Owens Dr. Kerry and Kathy Owens Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens John and Alice Minten Dorothy Minten Esther Minten Janie Minten

Natha McMinn Mitchell Lloyd Wayne Mitchell Jr. Dr. Rebecca O’Banion Shirley Stender Nolte Betty Reinhard Hamilton Frank O’Banion Edna O’Banion Guy and Stephanie O’Banion Dr. Rebecca O’Banion Carolyn Burris Parks Darius Moore Kent Owens Dr. Kerry and Kathy Owens Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens JoAnn Sterling Poole Lisa Lagrone Ruth Turner Lagrone Ann O’Quinn Powell Jean Becker

Dixie Murr Kaye Dr. Rebecca O’Banion Ken and Velva Schrader Riddle Drs. Bob and Grace

Richardson Whitis Joe Ralston Kent Owens Dr. Kerry and Kathy Owens Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Dr. J. A. Reynolds Ralph and Shirley Clarke Montgomery Al and Cheryl Rash Moore

John H. Shannon Sr. Dr. Donald and Patsy Deere James Smith Dr. Jerry and Vicky Bawcom Dillard and Karolyn Norwine Whitis JoAnn Reinhard Smith Betty Reinhard Hamilton Mary Smith Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Norm Spoon Drs. Seth and Jane Witcher

Eugene Sayler Doris Parmer Sayler

Lexi Dunigan Waters Thomas Waters

Betty Jo Schwake Kent Owens Dr. Kerry and Kathy Owens Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens

Bill White Kent Owens Dr. Kerry and Kathy Owens Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens

HONORARY GIFTS Amy Bawcom Mark and Betty O’Hair Anderson

Dr. Sonjanette B. Crossley Eddie Abercrombie

Dr. Jerry Bawcom Mark and Betty O’Hair Anderson

Sharon Crane Davis Amy Bawcom

Lou Beth Bailey Birdwell Julia Alexander Debbie Burns Suzanne Graham Troy and Joy Hensarling Nancy Diane Lovell David and Donna Kay Wright

Dr. Wallace and Patsy Davis Adult 5 Sunday School Class First Baptist Church Belton Jesse and Karen Forgy

Dr. Edna Penny Bridges Austin Community Foundation Calvin and Donna Graham Lee

Don Guthrie Drs. Seth and Jane Witcher

Dr. Cliffa Foster Bill and Lynn Johnston

Roger and Valerie Adams Hampton Thomas and Diana Hampton John Hancock Mark and Betty O’Hair Anderson D.J. Reinhard Hogwood Betty Reinhard Hamilton Hadleigh Keath Drs. Seth and Jane Witcher Bud and Mary Jane Morgan Lou Beth Birdwell Mary Jane Morgan Sue Dance

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Dr. and Mrs. Randy O’Rear Jimmy Hausenfluke Jeff Smith Marietta Parker Mark and Betty O’Hair Anderson Rebeka Retta Bethany Carter Lara Enzor Danielle Hudspeth King Brenda Shoemake Jane Wilson

UMHB LIFE | S U M M E R

Ruby Lee Wyche Thomas John Thomas

Jarrard Secrest Jerry and Ann Secrest

Patricia Lockridge Shannon Randall and Diana Marino Bassett Dr. Donald and Patsy Deere

Charles and Lucienne Von Gonten Matthew and Kristen Von Gonten

Cynthia Doherty Shisler Richard Shisler

Hershall Seals Mark and Betty O’Hair Anderson

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Dr. Ariane Secrest Jerry and Ann Secrest

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Dr. Paula Price Tanner Jennifer Ramm

Dr. Mark Weatherly Dr. Craig and Megan Hammonds Russell and Angel Foster Weir Marvin and Juanita Weir

M

adi Young’s dream was to follow in her mom’s footsteps to be a pediatric nurse.

“I grew up watching her use her gift of caring for others,” said Madi, who graduated in May with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. “The example she set grew my love for nursing and is the reason I decided to pursue it in college. I love what I am learning and how we get an opportunity to be a part of the physical and spiritual healing in people’s lives.”

Madi says the scholarships she received at UMHB allowed her to pursue her dreams at the university where the Lord called her to go.

“Not everyone gets the opportunity to learn about what they love surrounded by an amazing community of believers. Thankfully I did, and this scholarship has allowed that to be possible,” she said.

Madi chose UMHB because of the strong community the students have created through the many student organizations. Plus, the small town of Belton reminded her of what she loves about her hometown of Rockwall.

“I wanted to go somewhere that had an excellent nursing school because I knew that was the career I wanted to pursue,” said Madi, who plans to move to Lubbock to work after graduation. “I have loved my experience at UMHB these past four years. My teachers were wonderful, and always cared about my education, as well as my life and growth while in college. The Scott & White School of Nursing has been life-changing!”

Madi Young '21 BS in Nursing Rockwall, Texas

900 College Street • Belton, Texas 76513

Electronic Service Requested

Due to COVID-19 safety concerns,

UMHB will not be hosting Charter Celebration this Spring.

We look forward to the day we can all be together again!

if you are a member of the

Class of 1970 or 1971,

june. to celebrate your 50-year reunions.

we will be hosting a reunion dinner in

You will receive more information from the alumni office in the months ahead!