University of Mobile Magazine Spring 2012 Issue

SPRING 2012

Volume 2, Issue 1

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President | Dr. Mark Foley Vice President for Institutional Advancement | Mr. Brian Boyle Editor | Lesa Moore Copy Editor | Kathy Dean Graphic Designer | Jay Adcock, JWACreative.com Staff Designer | Susie Simmons Staff Writers | George Kamel, Ted Mashburn, Shannon Mason, Amy Wright Class Notes | Allison Nelson Photographers | Dan Anderson, G.M. Andrews, Ben Finch, Kate Reali Mercer, Doug Mitchell, Grace Phillips, Ashley Shelton Editorial Office University of Mobile Magazine 5735 College Parkway Mobile, Alabama 36613 Phone: 251.442.2210 Fax: 251.442.2512 www.umobile.edu Email: umobilemagazine@umobile.edu University of Mobile Magazine is published by the University of Mobile Office of Institutional Advancement, and is distributed free of charge to alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the university.

Issues may be viewed online at www.umobile.edu.

Postmaster: send address changes to Office of Institutional Advancement, University of Mobile, 5735 College Parkway, Mobile, AL 36613.

SPRING 2012

FEATURES

28

A Transforming Power

Condoleezza Rice on Education & Democracy

36 Dreams Fulfilled

Reflections of Founding President Dr. William K. Weaver Jr.

44

Developing Potential

Twelve23 Education Alliance Equips Educators

48

True Spin

52

Ready For Anything

56

When God Calls

2 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2012

COVER STORY

University of Mobile School of Education

28

36

48 52

44 56 56

DEPARTMENTS

ALUMNI

4

President’s Message

62

Alumni Spotlights

6

University News

16

Giving

64 62 Creel 63 RamRun 64 Finch 66 Bethea 68 Nicholas 68 Jones

87

Vice President’s Message

67

66

Alumni Coordinator’s Message

70

Class Notes

72

Honor Roll of Donors

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A Word from the President

The Territory Ahead

By Dr. Mark Foley President, University of Mobile “Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established.”

Proverbs 16:3 (NASB)

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university committed to the Lord – this is the story of the University of Mobile. Look back at the past 50 years since its founding, and there can be no doubt that the hand of the Lord is upon this school. What today is a thriving university with nearly 1,800 students was once little more than a hope and dream, envisioned by people of faith.

As the celebration of our 50th anniversary draws to a close, it is fitting to reflect on what an awesome undertaking it was to build a college from scratch.

In a series of columns in this issue, in which founding president Dr. William K. Weaver Jr. recalls the early years of this school, he wrote, “God’s leadership and His blessing upon the founding of Mobile College have always been evident.”

It wasn’t so long ago that our 880-acre campus was wooded land in the middle of nowhere. There was no road to the school, merely some lines on a map that showed the possibility of a clear path. It took vision, fortitude, and, most importantly, faith, to turn the wilderness into a land of promise for generations of students.

What lies in the territory ahead? What challenges and opportunities will be ours as we move forward? Today people of faith continue to commit the works of this place to the Lord as we follow our strategic plan, 2020 Vision, which establishes a path through the territory ahead. Within these pages we celebrate the accomplishments of alumni, students, faculty, staff, trustees and friends who are working every day toward our goal of becoming a nationally recognized leader of the revitalization of Christian faith and character in America.

Most importantly, we continue to commit ourselves and the work of the University of Mobile to the Lord. Under His guidance our plans are being established and we step with confidence into the territory ahead.

Hold on tight,

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Learning | Faith | Leadership

How will you know what college is like?

Visit Campus!

Earn a $2000* scholarship by attending a University of Mobile Visit Day!

Schedule your Visit Day today at www.umobile.edu/visit

800.WiN.Rams | 251.442.2222 umobile.edu facebook.com/umadmissions twitter.com/umenrollment youtube.com/universityofmobile *A $2000 scholarship is available to new traditional undergraduate students who attend a UMobile Visit Day, apply for admissions, and enroll at UMobile. This scholarship awards $250 per semester for up to 8 consecutive semesters, excluding the summer semester. Only one UMobile Visit Day Scholarship is available per person.

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University News

Christmas Spectacular 2011 The University of Mobile Center for Performing Arts 2011 Christmas Spectacular was attended by audiences of more than 6,500 Nov. 30-Dec.1. The ninth annual event, held at Dauphin Way Baptist Church, featured more than 250 musicians in a musical extravaganza that has become a “must-see” experience of the Christmas season in Mobile, AL. The diverse sounds of musical ensembles including the Voices of Mobile, Impact, Sounds of Mobile, RamCorps, a live orchestra, and the A Cappella Choir ushered in the Christmas season with renditions of “O Holy Night,” “Little Drummer Boy,” and “Feliz Navidad,” as part of a program of sacred and secular Christmas favorites.

For information on future performances, contact the Center for Performing Arts at 800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2420. m

Photos by Dan Anderson

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University News

‘Listening Room’

Features Original Songs

by UMobile Artists Original songs by University of Mobile students and alumni were featured at the 2nd annual “Listening Room” hosted by University of Mobile Campus Life Nov. 11 in Ram Hall. The full performances are available on the UMobile Campus Life Vimeo page.

Featured performers included current students Denver Hawsey and George Kamel, and former students Samuel Gregg and Joe Langley. Each artist performed a short set of original songs for the crowd of 250+. Free Moka’s coffee, hot chocolate and cheesecake were provided for all attendees, courtesy of the Campus Activities Board.

For information on future Listening Room events, contact the UMobile Campus Life office at 251.442.2563.m Photos by Grace Phillips

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University News

Legacy of Liberty: UMobile Students Visit Washington, D.C.

Twenty University of Mobile students encountered the legacy of liberty up close during a fall trip to Washington, D.C., as part of a course titled, “American Politics: Social and Religious Heritage.” The course was directed by Dr. Julie Biskner, assistant professor of political science, and Dr. Lonnie Burnett, professor of history.

In addition to touring the major monuments of the nation’s capitol, students heard from world-changing leaders in private meetings with Congressman Jo Bonner, Senator Jeff Sessions and Ryan Messmore of the Heritage Foundation.

Included in the students’ itinerary were the Pentagon, the Capitol building, Arlington National Cemetery, the National Archives and several Smithsonian museums. Each stop conveyed a different part of American heritage and the foundation of liberty that pervades it.

Jessica Catlin, a junior political science major who plans to attend law school, said, “I loved being on the steps of the Supreme Court. It reminded me how close I am to entering that world, and encouraged me to keep preparing to make a difference there.”

For Joshua Barber, a junior theology major and history minor, visiting the

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capital city made the legacy of liberty come to life.

Barber said that visiting places like “the Lincoln Memorial, a monument to the exercise of liberty that we’ve been entrusted with; and the Holocaust Museum, which displays what happens when liberty is taken away, I was challenged to consider, ‘what are we going to do with our liberty?’”

Whether in the classroom or on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, these UMobile students are empowered through their

education and Christian worldview to preserve the legacy of liberty in their future careers, homes and lifestyle.

Through visiting the monuments of the nation’s heritage, students were reminded that liberty itself is more than a monument – it is a movement that requires the devotion and active preservation by American citizens.

“I wanted to go because I cherish the liberty that I have, and I wanted to understand the responsibility we have as free men and women,” said Barber. m

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University News

UMobile Opera Theatre’s Comic Masterpiece ‘Die Fledermaus’ The University of Mobile Opera Theater presented Johann Strauss’ comic masterpiece Die Fledermaus (The Bat), on Feb. 16 and 17.

Set around a masked ball, Die Fledermaus was transplanted from its origins in Vienna to modern-day Mobile during Mardi Gras. Originally written in German, this production was performed in English featuring student singers and a mix of student and professional orchestra members led by Maestro Robert Seebacher, music director and conductor of the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra in Tennessee and the Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra. Stage direction was by Dr. Patrick Jacobs, associate professor of music in the UMobile Center for Performing Arts.

For information on future UMobile Opera Theatre performances, contact the Center for Performing Arts at 251.442.2420. A RamTV video report is posted on UMobile’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/universityofmobile. m

Photo by Dan Anderson

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Photo courtesy of Mobile Press-Register

Center for Leadership’s Joe Savage Featured Speaker at Alabama Superintendents Conference Dr. Joe Savage, director of the University of Mobile Center for Leadership and Twelve23 Movement, was a featured speaker at the School Superintendents of Alabama Legislative Conference Feb. 8 in Montgomery, AL. Savage, an author of two books and speaker to more than 1,800 audiences, brought an inspirational message on problem-solving leadership to the superintendents in attendance.

“Educators, in my estimation, are the most influential people in our country. The Center for Leadership and Twelve23 Movement are committed to transforming our nation by developing leaders. I’m honored to have the opportunity to encourage such influential community leaders,” Savage said.

The Center for Leadership facilitates the Twelve23 Education Alliance, whose goal is to empower its members to become the best and most responsible educators and influencers in America.

According to Dr. Faron Hollinger, director of the Twelve23 Education Alliance and retired superintendent

of the Baldwin County Public School System, the Center for Leadership and Twelve23 Movement “offer a focal point for leaders to come together and strive to make improvements in the community, state and nation through leadership.”

Dennis Coe, president of the School Superintendents of Alabama, said, “I believe that our nation is rapidly approaching a moral crossroad of historical proportions.

The direction we take will depend greatly upon the leadership of our country. America was created with the belief of a Sovereign God. The return to this core belief and basic moral and ethical standards will be imperative if our country is to survive. The Twelve23 Movement offers a prime opportunity for us to return our country to ‘One nation under God’. I hope you will join me and Dr. Savage as we take a stand for our country!”

For more information, visit www.twelve23.org or call the Center for Leadership at 251.675.7551. m

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University News

it, and that is exactly what I intend to do as I work with these children as well as during my time as Miss UM,” she said.

The first runner-up for Miss UM was Kimberly Smith, freshman communication and vocal performance major from Mobile.

The second runner-up was Brooke Sanders, freshman sociology major from Headland, AL. The recipient of the Miss Congeniality award was Malory Green, junior intercultural studies and English major from Priceville, AL. m

Musical Theatre Major Addison Garner Crowned Miss University of Mobile 2012 Addison Garner, a sophomore from Opelika, AL, majoring in musical theatre, was crowned Miss University of Mobile on Feb. 4.

Garner will go on to compete in the Miss Alabama pageant in June at Samford University in Birmingham, AL. “I am so proud of all of the contestants and feel so blessed and privileged to get to represent them as well as the University of Mobile,” Garner said.

In addition to being crowned the winner, Garner was the recipient of the Talent, Swimsuit, and People’s Choice awards.

Her main goal as Miss UM is to promote her platform, “The Power of a Mentor.”

“I want to bring awareness to the true power and impact that we have on the lives of children and how important it is that we become mentors in these kids’ lives,” Garner said.

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Garner plans to continue her work with the Music in Action program affiliated with UMobile and its RamKids and Center for Leadership programs.

Through Music in Action, Garner and other students teach children in Mobile area schools how to sing and dance, as well as introduce them to a variety of forms of music.

“Being a musical theatre major, I have enjoyed seeing the light in these kids’ eyes as we teach them and introduce them to the arts as well as open doors for opportunities that may help them in succeeding in life,” Garner said.

Garner strives to live by this quote from Marcia Wieder, founder of Dream University: “Fill your life with as many experiences of joy and passion as you humanly can. Start with one, and build on it.”

“I have always tried to leave my little corner of the world better than I found

Candidate Forum Hosted by UMobile Center for Leadership The University of Mobile Center for Leadership hosted a Candidate Forum on Feb. 27 in Ram Hall. The following races were represented: Mobile County Commission, Public Service Commission, Congressional District 1, Chief Justice State Supreme Court, and Alabama State School Board District 1.

Quin Hillyer, nationally syndicated columnist and writer-in-residence for UMobile, served as emcee. Dr. Lou Campomenosi, adjunct instructor at UMobile and Tulane University, served with UMobile students on a moderator panel.

For more information, contact the Center for Leadership at 251.442.2555. m

University News

History Professor Dr. Lonnie Burnett Featured on Civil War Panel Dr. Lonnie Burnett, professor of history and chair of the Social and Behavioral Sciences Department at the University of Mobile, participated on a panel discussion about the American Civil War at the Alabama Department of Archives and History in Montgomery Feb. 25.

The program, “Making Sense of the American Civil War,” featured six historians selected from around the state in a forum-style discussion. The gathering was the kick-off to a statewide Civil War reading and discussion series sponsored by the Alabama Humanities Foundation in conjunction with the national Civil War sesquicentennial. m

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Athletic Training Students Respond to Emergency During Clinical Experience University of Mobile Athletic Training Education Program students applied their classroom knowledge in a real-life emergency situation during Fall 2011 semester.

While participating in a clinical experience course at a local high school under the supervision of Director of Athletic Training Dr. William Carroll, six UMobile athletic training students were notified of a person in the stands who had lost consciousness.

The UMobile students sprang into action, checking vital signs, treating for shock and working to stabilize the stricken individual until emergency crews arrived.

“Without the quick and knowledgeable response of these athletic training students, the outcome could have been much more dire,” Carroll said. The student responders were Chris Blount, Jordan Meadown, Fernando Paiva, Ambria Phillips, Rebecca Vice and Land Vukadin.

The UMobile Athletic Training Education Program in the School of Education includes rigorous academic coursework paired with hands-on supervised clinical experiences. For more information about UMobile’s Athletic Training Education Program, call 251.442.2324. m Photo by G.M. Andrews

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University News

University of Mobile Business Students Learn Value of Volunteering in Hands-on College Course Photos courtesy of Ashley Shelton

University of Mobile senior Ashley Shelton learned a valuable lesson in her Students in Free Enterprise business class.

“Just a few people can make a huge difference,” said Shelton, president of the university’s SIFE team.

She is one of about a dozen students who volunteer at Dumas Wesley Community Center’s food pantry, a project of Ashland Place United Methodist Church. It was while helping collect, organize and distribute food to the 60 to 100 families each week that rely on the pantry that students realized there was also a need for clothes, shoes and blankets.

They applied for a grant, renovated a room at the community center and transformed it into a clothing donation center. Each Thursday from 10 to 11:30 a.m., UMobile students staff the Clothing Closet and work in the food pantry.

SIFE sponsor Amy Gatlin Taylor, assistant professor of business and economics in the UMobile School of Business, said the point of the SIFE class is to give students an opportunity to use the business skills they have learned and apply them in a real-world scenario.

“We use these business skills to develop outreach programs that help improve the quality of life and standard of living for the people in need in our community. This course in an extension of our university’s ongoing commitment to Christian service,” Taylor said.

Other projects the entrepreneurial students are doing during the school year include a Hope for the Homeless clothing drive, hosting a fundraiser and

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volunteering weekly at the Dumas Wesley food pantry, holding a Christmas party at a senior center, working with Keep Mobile Beautiful at an electronics recycling event, and coordinating the School of Business portion of the university-wide Project Serve day of volunteering in which more than 100 college students washed vans, trimmed bushes and cut grass, cleaned rooms, repaired and updated Dumas Wesley’s computers, and entertained senior citizens.

Davis Pilot III, graduate assistant in the UMobile School of Business, said a $1,500 grant from the Walmart Women’s Economic Empowerment Project Partnership helped the students renovate the room at the community center. St. Paul’s Thrift Shop in Daphne, AL, donated hangers and clothing racks, and students gathered donations of clothing from UMobile faculty and staff, among others.

“The Clothing Closet is still in its infancy, and already we can tell that it is going to make a difference. Coupled with the food pantry, the Clothing Closet will allow low-income families to have extra money to spend on things that can improve their quality of life and increase their standard of living,” Pilot said.

Kate Carver, executive director of Dumas Wesley Community Center, 126

Mobile St., said the center had received sporadic donations of clothes, but there was no time, money or manpower to oversee a clothing closet.

“As soon as the University of Mobile students knew there was a need, they ran with it. Everyone has been so kind and so professional, and they are really passionate about what they are doing.

I’ve been really impressed with the way the program has turned out,” Carver said.

In addition to weekly hours open to the public, the Clothing Closet maintains a special relationship with the adjacent Sybil H. Smith Family Village, a transitional housing program that helps homeless families establish and maintain self-sufficiency. Residents often arrive at the Village with little more than the clothes on their backs.

“Your old suit may be the missing piece to helping someone land a job, earn a living wage and support their family,” Carver said.

The University of Mobile SIFE program is part of a larger worldwide effort to build a network of business professionals and industry leaders to create positive change in communities through

business principles.

SIFE was founded in the United States in 1975 as a non-profit organization and has expanded to become the premier business and higher education network with operations in 39 countries around the world. In the U.S., nearly 600 active universities with more than 20,000 student participants present the results of their projects in regional and national competitions evaluated by business leaders who serve as judges.

Last year, UMobile’s new SIFE team was named Rookie of the Year and first runner-up in their category in regional competition. This is the second consecutive year the university has offered SIFE as a class.

Weston Mason, a senior accounting major and vice president of UMobile’s SIFE team, said, “As a SIFE member, I am humbled to witness the work God has done and will continue to do through this clothing closet.”

For information about the UMobile SIFE program, contact the UMobile School of Business at 251.442.2409 or email ataylor@umobile.edu. m

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Giving

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Inspired to

Excellence F

red Rettig was worn out. The owner of Rettig’s Auto Body in Mobile, AL, had heavily invested his energies and finances into developing a business creating and selling car accessories, and success seemed just around the corner when QVC featured them on the home shopping channel in 2008.

But the start-up failed, and his marriage was struggling.

“I got to a place that was really tough,” Rettig recalled. “I think the Lord said I needed to do some internal soul-searching.”

That’s when he purchased design plans for the Penobscot 14, a 14-foot-long wooden boat featured in WoodenBoat Magazine.

Somewhere along the nine-month process of revising plans, selecting woods, painting, carving, thinking and praying, Rettig realized he was creating something special.

“When I was a child, I remember my dad said, ‘If you are going to do something, do it with excellence,’” Rettig said.

By Kathy Dean

Photography by G.M. Andrews

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Giving

“I tell people who come to the boat that you are looking at the hand of God. God inspired me to do this boat.” Fred Rettig

There were times when he didn’t know what to do, and he asked the Holy Spirit to guide him. Sometimes it seemed as if boat builders of yesteryear were whispering in his ear, a connection to long-ago craftsmen of a nearly lost art.

The result is “Tenderness,” a handmade boat that has won first place in every wooden boat show in America that Fred and his wife, Barbara, entered.

This Penobscot 14 was custom built using fine woods from around the world.

The hull is lapsided with French plywood made of West African okoume wood. The stringers and transom are made of cedar from the United States. The centerboard box is Philippine mahogany, the seats are Honduran mahogany and the gunnel is out of Brazilian leopardwood. All of the fasteners are hidden beneath the trim mouldings. The scallop-shaped oar boxes were crafted out of Honduran mahogany found in Rettig’s father-in-law’s workshop and were made in his memory. The brass fittings were custom-designed and handmade by Rettig.

Painting the boat took over 200 hours using epoxy and polyurethane paints. Approximately 1,200 hours were dedicated in building this boat. It was completed on June 20, 2009.

“The name ‘Tenderness’ was inspired from a time when I needed a word that would help me to become more sensitive to the needs of my wife, Barbara. The word was ‘Tenderness,’” Rettig said.

“While building this boat, I realized it was a tender and I thought about the little boats that tend to the needs of larger craft. This word reminded me how important it is to pay attention to details; the details of building a boat and the

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details of building a strong marriage. I feel the name is a perfect dedication,” he said.

Today, the boat is on display at the University of Mobile’s Harrigan Center.

Rettig said the boat is special, and he wanted to donate it to a place that is special, as well. Proceeds from the sale of “Tenderness” will be used toward funding a scholarship in the Rettigs’ names, according to UMobile President Mark Foley.

Foley first saw the boat in 2009 at a faith-based arts and entertainment event in Mobile.

“I remember being stunned by the

beauty of the craftsmanship,” Foley said.

He and Rettig became friends through participating in a men’s Bible study.

Giving his creation to the University of Mobile is fitting, Rettig said, because the boat has been a ministry as well as a reminder of the creativity of God. “I tell people who come to the boat that you are looking at the hand of God. God inspired me to do this boat,” he said.

“I decided I wanted to build a boat one day, and the Lord helped me build this boat. And there you have it.”

When he won a trophy at the prestigious WoodenBoat show in Mystic, CT, Rettig said, “God showed

of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.”

Rettig said he wants to encourage UMobile students and others to aim for excellence.

“Do not be satisfied with anything short of excellence, whether it be your fun or your work. Give it all you’ve got,” he said.

Rettig said the lessons he learned at the feet of God while he was building the boat remain – patience, excellence, tenderness, openness to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

“The boat was a life-changer for me at the time when I needed it. It was a gift to me from God, and I wanted to give this gift to the university,” Rettig said.m Fred Rettig with “Tenderness” on the University of Mobile campus.

me how to do this.”

At shows across the nation, people were drawn to the boat by its beauty.

Rettig said God has blessed him with the ability to know when a person needs a word of encouragement or prayer, and many people were prayed for at the boat.

“It became a ministry,” he said.

Rettig said he hopes the boat inspires people to dig deeper, work harder and not be satisfied with “okay.”

“We serve a God of excellence,” he said.

“I hope it inspires people to excellence, to call on the Creator and say, ‘show me how to be creative, or how to do my life’s calling with excellence, to give me the strength and knowledge to do what I don’t know how to do.’”

Now, Rettig has turned his artistic talents to making wooden bowls. His “broken bowls” (www.brokenbowls.com)

are unique pieces with knots and holes in them that lend them beauty.

“These bowls are like peoples’ lives. The holes represent the voids in their lives, the pain and loss.

Only God can fill these holes,” he said. The very thing that is beautiful about broken people are the holes, he added, because when the scars, hurts and disappointments of life are put in God’s hands, He can make something beautiful out of them.

The scripture that he puts on his pieces is Isaiah 61:3: “and provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit

For information about “Tenderness” or to learn how your unique gift may benefit the University of Mobile, contact the Development Office at 251.442.2497.

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Giving

Investing in the Future A Family Legacy of Giving

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By Kathy Dean

s bankruptcy administrator for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Southern District of Alabama, Travis M. Bedsole Jr. sees the devastating effect on families of poor decisions and bad investments. So when he talks about the value of investing in the lives of University of Mobile students, it is with the experience of one who knows a good thing when he sees it.

“There are problems in our society, and we have the opportunity with the next generation to remedy that.

We can change society by affording young people an opportunity to better themselves and to better society. To have an opportunity to study in a faith-based institution gives you a leg up on the rest of society,” Bedsole said.

To accomplish that, Bedsole and his wife, Susan, established the Travis M. Jr. and Susan D. Bedsole Endowed Scholarship Fund at the University of Mobile. In doing so, they are part of a legacy of giving that began with Travis’ great-uncle, J.L. Bedsole, and continued with Travis’ father, T. Massey Bedsole Sr. “It is very rewarding to follow in the footsteps of my great-uncle and my Dad. At the same time, it is daunting. I think to have that legacy is a real responsibility, and I don’t take it lightly,” Travis Bedsole said.

The Bedsole family legacy is intertwined with the life of the University of Mobile. In fact, the family’s involvement is pivotal to the growth and development of the school.

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Travis and Susan Bedsole

“Mr. J.L.,” as he was known, was the first chairman of the school’s Board of Trustees, as well as the first to receive an honorary doctorate.

A member of the 1959 steering committee charged with raising funds to establish Mobile College, Mr. J.L. was also one of the school’s most influential benefactors. J.L. Bedsole Library, dedicated in 1971, is a physical reminder of his generosity.

His interests and influence in the community and throughout the region were broad. A businessman and director of First National Bank of Mobile for over 50 years, Joseph Linyer Bedsole served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Howard College, now Samford University;

organized the first Mobile Community Chest, which later evolved into the United Way of Southwest Alabama; and was chairman of the campaign to raise the original $2 million to build Mobile Infirmary at its present site.

His lifelong emphasis on education and economic development led to the formation of The J.L. Bedsole Foundation in 1949, which was fully funded after his death in 1975 at age 94. Today, his great-nephew Travis Bedsole is a trustee of the Foundation, which awards grants to organizations throughout southwest Alabama and provides scholarships through The J.L. Bedsole Scholars Program for students with leadership potential who demonstrate financial need, many of

How To Create an Endowed Scholarship whom are University of Mobile students.

“During his life (J.L. Bedsole) demonstrated strong and devoted Christian commitment through successful business ventures, outstanding community leadership, love and service to his church, concern for his fellow man, and a desire to leave the world better than he found it,” said a resolution passed by the Mobile College Board of Trustees in 1975.

Mr. J.L. and his wife, Phala Bradford Bedsole, had one son, Joseph Linyer Bedsole Jr., who was killed in action over Germany in 1944. Their lives are honored through two endowed scholarships: the Joseph Linyer Bedsole Jr. Endowed Scholarship provides financial aid to students majoring in business, and the Phala Bradford Bedsole Memorial Scholarship for Nursing supports students in that field.

Mr. J.L. took a keen interest in his nieces and nephews, one of whom was T. Massey Bedsole, a Mobile attorney and World War II veteran.

Massey Bedsole served as a trustee of the University of Mobile from 1969 until his death in 2011 at age 93.

Like his uncle, Massey Bedsole was a leader in the community. He was a partner in the law firm of Hand,

One of the most rewarding gifts one can make is toward the establishment of an endowment.

When you create or add to an endowed scholarship, you have an opportunity to honor a loved one, encourage study in a profession, assure the growth of a program, and directly affect the lives of students who otherwise might not have the opportunity to study, learn and grow at the University of Mobile.

Approximately 80 percent of the university’s students receive scholarships funded by the university itself, and only 14 percent of those receive funds from endowed scholarships. Currently, about 190 endowed scholarships have been established at the University of Mobile. At present, the university has about $12-$14 million in endowments, most of which are used to fund scholarships.

That number needs to grow, according to Bill Hart, senior development officer for charitable estate planning at the University of Mobile.

“Growing the endowment is an important way to increase financial stability and allow the school to be less dependent on unpredictable sources of revenue during times of economic uncertainty,” Hart said.

With an endowed scholarship, the university invests your donations. The J.L. Bedsole interest earned is used to provide scholarships, as well as to reinvest and grow the endowment. The endowment must reach $10,000 before scholarships may be awarded from the proceeds.

A minimum donation of $5,000 is recommended to start an endowed scholarship.

Additional funds can be added throughout the years. Endowed scholarships may also be part of an estate plan, such as the Olson-Barnes Endowed Scholarship Fund for students majoring in education, established with a gift of $258,400 from the estate of teacher Edna Evelyn Olson.

Whether it is the creation of a specific scholarship fund for talented students, support for distinguished and dedicated faculty members through professorships and chairs, or support for a specific program’s long-term endeavor, an endowed gift makes a long-term impact that strengthens the University of Mobile.

Endowed gifts make a lasting impact on the university and leave a legacy of generosity for generations to come.

For more information on how you can start or add to an endowed scholarship, contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at 251.442.2906 or email bhart@umobile.edu.

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Giving “There are problems in our society, and we have the opportunity with the next generation to remedy that. ” Travis Bedsole

Arendall, Bedsole, Greaves and Johnston and was president of the Mobile County Bar Association. He served as a chairman of the UMobile Board of Trustees and a Life Trustee, as well as an original trustee of the Julius T. Wright School for Girls in Mobile and a trustee of the University of Alabama.

Massey and his wife, Martha, established the T. Massey and Martha J. Bedsole Endowed Scholarship and continued to contribute to it. Their scholarship is designated to help high achieving students of outstanding Christian character who have ACT scores of 30 or better and grade point averages of 3.5 or above.

Today, Travis Bedsole continues the legacy with his deep interest in the University of Mobile, its mission and its students. Like his father and great-uncle, he is a philanthropist and leader in the community, giving his resources, time and energy.

But, he says, the time for his generation to make a difference is coming to a close.

“Susan and I feel at our age it is time to do something for the next generation. If we can do something to help a student go to the University of Mobile that wouldn’t otherwise be able to attend, it warms our hearts,” he said.

Bedsole said getting to know students who are recipients of his family’s endowed scholarships is rewarding. He recalled one young lady who came to the school as a shy person who did not have many advantages in life.

22 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2012

George W. Bush: ‘God is Good – All the Time’

T. Massey Bedsole

“I watched her mature over those years into a young lady ready to go out in society and earn her own way.

I could see the caring, the warm arm put around that student by faculty and staff,” he said.

He is impressed with the faithbased education that the University of Mobile provides. Last spring he addressed business students in Ram Hall during Financial Literacy Month,

giving them an insider’s view of personal financial management from a perspective of Christian stewardship.

That idea of Christian stewardship, so woven into the fabric of the Bedsole family legacy, is at the heart of Travis’ and Susan’s support of students at the University of Mobile.

“We try to make a difference,” Travis Bedsole said. “We’re blessed to be able to do that.” m

Golf ad

The 15th Annual University of Mobile Classic, presented

by Catfish Junction, was held Thursday May 3, 2012 at Lakewood Golf Club in Point Clear, Alabama. Golfers enjoyed a great day on the greens, lunch by Catfish Junction, and awards and prizes. Thanks to all who participated and sponsored this successful event.

For information on future golf tournaments, contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at 251.442.2917 or visit www.umobile.edu/mobileclassic.

23 umobile.edu 25

Giving

24 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2012

In September 2010, our Dr. B was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)… a fatal disease that attacks the body in a progressive way bringing on muscle atrophy and resulting ultimately in death, usually by respiratory failure.

I

By Dr. Ted Mashburn t is a cruel disease, made all the more inhumane by the fact that the patient normally is totally aware of all the deterioration that takes place within the body.

There really is nothing good to look forward to with ALS, save death.

And if there is any

comfort in Dr. B’s untimely death, it was this: he was spared a great deal of suffering and this would have included also the suffering of his family. He died while still able to enjoy some real quality moments with family and friends, which he did traveling up to Prattville with his son, Erich, having Christmas with his family, and even eating a full meal.

Yes, Erich reported that Dr. B literally stuffed himself the night before he died. That has to be a miracle, because in my 27 years of being his colleague and attending parties, luncheons, and fellowship meals with him, I never saw

Photo by Doug Mitchell

him eat a thing, save a carrot.

With Dr. B’s diagnosis and subsequent orientation to the disease, he started his journey towards death. He called and asked me to conduct his funeral; I agreed and so shortly thereafter received an email attachment of the entire service, word for word, including prayers, hymns, and scripture readings, everything but the message. I’ve conducted many funerals but none with such attention paid to details by the person to be commemorated.

Along the journey, some important public events took place in Dr. B’s life.

In November 2010, there was a Boar’s

umobile.edu 25

Giving

Head Reunion in which some 200 former students gathered and went through the Festival that Ken and Colleen started in 1971 and performed for some 30 years. At this reunion, the university announced its intentions to name the choir room in honor of Kenneth and Colleen Bergdolt. Last March, First Baptist, Chickasaw held a wonderful celebration to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Dr. B’s service as minister of music.

A month later his colleagues at the University of Mobile published a Festschrift, a book, in his honor. A short while after that, the University of Mobile held a reception in Dr. B’s honor and is now renovating the choir room. I know that Ken appreciated all of these honors and accolades by the people with whom he worked and by the institutions he served. It had to be deeply satisfying to be recognized by peers and employers, alike.

Last July, I set up a meeting with Ken in order to ask a few questions.

In all, there were 24 questions dealing with the areas of vocation, ministry, faith, and illness. Ken answered nearly all of the questions during a marathon 2+ hour meeting. Late that night I received a call from him suggesting that some answers had been a bit premature and needed revision—Would I send him a copy of the questions so that he could begin his deliberations. Thus began weekly visits at his home or on the telephone during which time Ken would talk about provisional responses. I gave him deadline after deadline; he solicited the services of his wife, Colleen, and then Erich as general editor, but the questions only raised more questions, which is probably the point of a good question, in the first place. Dr. B. led me to believe that these questions were very important, 26 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2012

Boar’s Head Festival, 1999

perhaps his last word and testament, and that he had to get them right.

After all, we were talking about the truth, that wonderful, liberating, and most sacred element in life. It had to be right. Who could impose a deadline on the truth? I didn’t.

Needless to say, he never completed that assignment totally, but what he gave to me was vintage Bergdolt— thoughtful, measured, honest, challenging, and liberating. And I do so treasure those times listening to him.

Ken seldom wanted to talk about the disease. When I brought it up, he would move the conversation quickly to what I was reading in class or Bonhoeffer or Plato or some other classic work; or he would simply counter the conversation with a

comment about “pushing on” and that meant for me also to push on to another subject. I think his journey of dealing with that dreadful disease serves as a shining example for us all of courage under extreme pressure, dignity in the midst of disability, and grace in suffering. Surely, his life echoed the words of St. Paul, who in the midst of his own suffering, experienced these words from God: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Dr. B was, is, and forever will remain a presence at UMobile. His theatrics in the classroom have now become legend: lecturing from atop a grand piano or inside the audio cart; circumnavigating a room, reversing his coat inside out, or sitting cross-

Dr. Kenneth and Colleen Bergdolt Choir Room Renovation Fund legged on the floor, all the while never missing a beat of the lecture; he smoked chalk, chewed pen caps, ate carrots, and hardly ever tied his tie; he was known to break out in song, piano, dance, or German. And everyone loved it, whether they understood or not. It was part of the Bergdolt mystique.

What I know was that Dr. B was best in the classroom, combining erudition with levity, academics with playfulness, all the while placing himself squarely within the JudeoChristian tradition. He was also the best person I’ve ever been around, honest, caring, questioning, affirming, humble, disciplined, gregarious—and one who had no enemies or detractors.

He will be sorely missed.

There will be days in the future when members of the Honors faculty come to class with ties untied, and some freshmen will want to know “what’s up with that?”—at which point, someone will tell them about this wonderful, big-souled, charismatic, eccentric, little man known affectionately by all as “Dr. B.” The legend continues.

(Dr. Mashburn is associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and professor of humanities.) m

To contribute online, please visit www.umobile.edu/BergdoltChoirRoom.

You may also contribute by calling the Office of Institutional Advancement at 251.442.2212 or 800.WIN.RAMS. Checks may be mailed to the address below with “Choir Room Renovation” stated on the check: University of Mobile Office of Institutional Advancement 5735 College Parkway Mobile, Alabama 36613

umobile.edu 27

28 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2012

T

By Kathy Dean he University of Mobile is educating the optimistic leaders of the future, former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice

said at the 7th annual University of Mobile Leadership Banquet on Nov. 10.

It is an education based on faith and reason that is

transformative as young leaders work for a world not as it is, but as it should be.

“Whenever we’re pessimistic or down a little bit about whether or

not it’s possible to get to the world as it should be, while living as it is, I would just suggest that we think about the many, many times when the impossible seems inevitable in retrospect,” Rice said.

She spoke about the transformative power of education and democracy to an audience of about 900 at the gala event in downtown Mobile at the Arthur R. Outlaw Convention Center. Students from the Center for Performing Arts entertained the audience, which included World War II veterans from Honor Flight South Alabama; community, faith and business leaders; alumni; donors; and faculty, staff and students.

The annual banquet supports the university’s scholarship fund. It provides the money the university uses to offer institutional scholarships – those funded each year by the university and not through specific ongoing endowments, grants or loans. Past speakers have included former President George W. Bush, former Speaker of the U.S. House of

Representatives Newt Gingrich, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, former Georgia Governor Zell Miller, and New York Times best-selling author Andy Andrews.

Photography by G.M. Andrews umobile.edu 29

“That’s what places like this are in the business of doing – transforming lives.” Dr. Condoleezza Rice

UMobile Developing Servant Leaders

Rice said education is the great equalizer, and the University of Mobile is developing servant leaders who can be the optimistic leaders of the future.

“That’s what places like this are in the business of doing – transforming lives. Not just giving people a way to get a job, but giving people whole new horizons of who they might be and what they might do. Here at the University of Mobile, and other colleges of faith, (students) are taught to make that transforming leap through both faith and reason, that faith and reason are not enemies of one another. That, indeed, we are called to love the Lord God with our hearts and our minds, by Scripture,” she said.

Rice added, “Because the students here are taught to bring faith and reason together, they have a firm foundation not just of knowledge but of how to use that knowledge in a way that will advance the human condition. That is why the work that is done to make them servant leaders is also so important.”

Rice said the nation is going through difficult times, but she is encouraged because young people at the University of Mobile and across the nation are understanding that they

30 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2012

Q A with & Condoleezza Rice

By Kathy Dean should be devoted to something bigger than themselves.

“Our job is to tell them that it’s alright to want to think of and work for a world not as it is, but a world as it should be,” she said.

“If you are educating young people in faith and reason, educating them in servant leadership, educating them in the transforming power that that brings, then you are also educating the optimists of the future. The Lord knows we need optimism,” she said.

Witnessing Extraordinary Events

Rice spoke about the challenges facing the nation and the world.

“We are witnessing extraordinary events,” she said. “9/11 changed our concept of security. The global financial and economic crisis changed our concept of prosperity. But there is no more compelling change than what we are seeing in the streets of the Middle East, as men and women demonstrate once again that democracy, the desire to be free, is indeed a universal value.

That men and women everywhere desire to be able to say what they think, to worship as they please, to be able to educate their girls and their boys, to be free from the knock of secret police at night, and to have the dignity that comes with having those who would govern you have to ask for your consent.”

Rice said the hard work of democracy is just beginning in the Middle East.

“Democracy is the hard work of enshrining freedom in a set of institutions that can protect it,” she said. A stable democracy requires that there be no tyranny by the majority, that the strong will not exploit the weak.

Former Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice told University of Mobile students that her Christian faith is inseparable from the decisions she makes, and is the source of her optimism in the face of difficulties.

A deeply religious person whose father and grandfather were ministers, faith is “so integral to me that I don’t even think of it as inseparable from anything that I do or any decisions that I make,” Rice told more than 400 students gathered for a Q&A session on campus at Ram Hall prior to the 7th annual University of Mobile Leadership Banquet on Nov. 10, which supports the school’s scholarship fund.

Students used social media including Twitter and Facebook to ask questions of Rice, a native Photography by G.M. Andrews of Birmingham, AL, who became the first black woman to serve as Secretary of State during the administration of President George W. Bush. Rice, now a political science professor at Stanford University, fielded questions ranging from her most embarrassing moments to the one word she would want to be remembered by – “perseverance.”

The freewheeling discussion was moderated by Campus Life Director Neal Ledbetter, in an event punctuated with laughter and applause. … faith is “so integral to me Responding to a question about how that I don’t even think of it as faith factored into her role as Secretary inseparable from anything that I of State, Rice said, “It’s not that you say ‘well, is this the right thing to do?’ It’s do or any decisions that I make” that you ask for guidance, are always aware that you have a higher power to which to appeal.”

She said faith makes you recognize how very fortunate and blessed you are, and to care about people who are not as fortunate or blessed.

“The best part about being a person of faith is that I could be continually optimistic even in hard times. When you go through very difficult times, I don’t know how people who can’t appeal to that Holy Spirit get through those hard times. I know as (Abraham) Lincoln said, ‘There are times when you have times where you have nowhere else to go than your knees.’ That is very deeply ingrained in me.”

She encouraged students to use their college years to discover what they are passionate about.

“You have one really important task while you’re in college, and that is to find what you’re passionate about – not what job or career or major you want, but what are you passionate about?”

She told students to keep searching until they discover their passion and “when you find your passion, don’t let someone else define it for you by saying ‘you ought to be (this) because of your race, color, background or circumstances.’”

Then, “once you have found something you love, put your heart and soul into working and being really, really good at it,” she said.

umobile.edu 31

“Democracy is only as strong as its weakest link.

That is where people like you – places like this university – come in.” Dr. Condoleezza Rice “Democracy is only as strong as its weakest link. That is where people like you – places like this university – come in. In strong democracies, it isn’t the government that really holds the people together. It is, instead, civil society, a communitarian spirit, an understanding that the rights of the individual are critical to freedom and democracy,” she said.

Compassion of America

Rice said Americans are perhaps the most individualistic people of the world, yet also the most philanthropic and compassionate.

“Nothing of real value in this country, whether universities or

A Testament of Hymns

Assistant Professor of Music Duane Plash regards his commission to create and perform a concert piano solo for Dr. Condoleezza Rice as “the highest honor imaginable.”

The University of Mobile commissioned the piece, “A Testament of Hymns,” as a gift for Rice following her speech at the 7th annual University of Mobile Leadership Banquet. UMobile President Dr. Mark Foley presented Rice with a framed copy of the original arrangement, as well as the musical score.

Plash said the arrangement includes three of Rice’s favorite hymns: “I Need Thee Every Hour,” “His Eye is on the Sparrow” and “In the Garden.”

The piece is played “con dolcezza” – with sweetness – and a nod to Rice’s first name.

Plash said arranging “A Testament of Hymns” for Rice, who is also a concert pianist, is “the honor of a lifetime.” As Plash performed the piece on a grand piano on stage, Rice quietly sang the words to “In the Garden” as she listened.

Plash, a native of Mobile, has taught at the University of Mobile since 1993, and has been a fulll-time faculty member since 1999. He instructs sophomore and junior level theory classes, and private piano students.

He holds degrees from The Florida State University and Southwestern Seminary. After graduating from FSU , he served in the military three years, stationed in Germany. During this time he directed the 7th Army Soldiers Chorus, Heidelberg, performing concerts for military, German civilian, and international audiences alike.

He has worked in several churches along the Gulf Coast with a variety of responsibilities. At the present time he is organist/choir director at St. Paul’s Lutheran (ELCA), where he has ministered since 2006. American Guild of English Handell Ringers Inc. and Lifeway Christian Resources have published numerous arrangements and original compositions of Plash.

32 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2012

Q&A

Find a role model and mentor, she said. “Nobody does it completely on their own…

Your role models don’t have to look like you. If I had been waiting for a black female Soviet (expert) role model, I’d still be waiting,” she said.

Below are excerpts from more questions and answers during the student session:

hospitals, can really exist without that philanthropic spirit,” she said, adding that Americans have a responsibility not only to be strong, but to be compassionate and help those who are weaker.

Our nation’s compassion comes from many sources, she said.

“It comes, perhaps first and foremost, from what I have called our great national myth. That myth is that you can come from humble circumstances and do great things.

It doesn’t matter where you came from; it matters where you’re going.

Because we believe that, because we understand that you are not trapped in your circumstances, (the U.S.A.) has been a place to which people have come from all over the world to be part of that experience.”

There is another source of the nation’s compassion, and that is America’s great faith traditions, Rice said.

“I am a Christian, and in my tradition, in our tradition, every individual is worthy. If you are a child of God, then it doesn’t matter whether you are rich or if you were born on the right or wrong side of the tracks, you are worthy. Since every human life is worthy, every human life is also worthy of compassion – not by the state, but by the citizens who make up that communitarian spirit within our country,” she said.

Education is Transforming

Rice spoke of the transformative role education had in her family’s life.

She told of her paternal grandfather, John Wesley Rice Sr., a sharecropper’s son in Eutaw, AL. “When he was a young man of 19 or 20 years old, he decided he was going

Q: How did growing up in Birmingham during the Civil Rights Movement shape your future as a leader?

A: Birmingham was the most segregated big city in America when I was a child. Daily life was completely segregated. I did not have white classmate friends until we moved to Denver when I was 12. I couldn’t go to a restaurant or movie theatre, but I lived in a community where parents and teachers had extremely high expectations of the students.

You were told you will have to be twice as good, as a matter of fact, not of debate. And there are no victims – don’t think of yourself as one. You may not be able to control your circumstances, but you can control your response to circumstances.

Even though our horizons were limited, I couldn’t have a hamburger at Woolworth’s, but I could be President of the United States. So I became Secretary of State. Whatever circumstances you find yourself in, you do have to search for the opportunities, first and foremost through education.

Q: Looking back on your college experience, what advice would you give a college student trying to figure out what to do and trying to enter the workforce?

A: I hope you’ve found what you really love, then take it one step at a time. It is not necessary to know at 21 what you will do at 35. Don’t try to plan out every step of your life…get your first job – not the first job that will lead you to do the next four jobs, but something that will give you a set of skills that you didn’t acquire previously, then put your heart and soul into that first job. Then see where that first job leads, then there will be a second job, and somewhere along the way you have established a career, but it’s because you’ve taken it one step at a time….You want to demonstrate that you can carry out the responsibilities of that first job, then your level of responsibility will grow and grow and grow. Worry less about where you’re going to end up and concentrate on getting those first couple of experiences that will get you on that good path.

Q: What is the most embarrassing moment that ever happened to you while you were serving as Secretary of State?

A: I’ll give one that was serious, and one that was not so serious. I’ll start with the one that was not so serious, but it could have been. I was with the President and Foreign Minister of Iceland, who had come to sign an agreement about moving American military planes out of Iceland. It had been a big mess and a long process, but they showed up to sign the agreement. I started to speak and said, “I am so grateful for the President and Foreign Minister of Ire – Iceland.” In order to recover, I said, “I so much look forward to visiting Iceland,” so then I had to visit there later because I said that I would. But in this job, you often fear that you will get off that plane after so many hours of travel and accidentally say you’re in a country that you’re not in.

Now for the more serious one. It happened during an event that you’re all familiar with here - Hurricane Katrina. I was the new Secretary of State and I had been in office about nine months. I had worked like a dog, traveled all over the world, and I was so tired. I had planned to go to New York for three days in late August to visit friends, go to the tennis championships, see Spam-a-Lot, and shop for shoes. It was a little vacation I had planned.

Then the hurricane came up and I did what I thought the Secretary of State needed to do, which was to provide a way to graciously receive donations from other countries.

Afghanistan gave us $100,000. We could’ve said we didn’t need it, but I found a way for us to receive that support. I made sure our passport offices were set. Then I got on a plane and went to New York.

As I got on the plane and pictures rolled across the screen, it occurred to me that I should have never left Washington. Comments were made about me being at Spam-a-Lot while all of this suffering was going on. I thought, “How could you have been so stupid?

What are you doing?” So I went back to Washington, and eventually came here to Mobile to check on people and express the administration’s concern. I had gotten trapped in a

umobile.edu 33

“Someone will lead. I believe, very strongly, that it had better be the United States of America that does…”

Dr. Condoleezza Rice

34 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2012

view of myself as the foreign policy person, forgetting that I had these other roles. So that’s something that I’m still not very happy with myself about.

Q: What was your most embarrassing moment with President George W. Bush?

America Must Lead

to get ‘book learning.’ He asked where a colored man could go to college and they responded ‘Stillman College,’ about 30 miles away. He saved up his cotton and went to college. After the first year, it was used up. To pay for his second year, he asked how the other young men were paying.

“He was told, ‘They have what’s called a scholarship. If you wanted to be a Presbyterian minister, then you could have a scholarship, too.’

Granddaddy Rice said, ‘That’s exactly what I had in mind,’ and my family has been college educated and Presbyterian ever since,” Rice said as the audience laughed.

Rice said her grandfather was on to something.

“He knew that education was going to transform him into somebody that he had never been. He was not going to transform himself alone, but generations after him. Indeed he did – his son, my father, became a teacher and minister. His daughter would become a Victorian scholar. Our family set sail for heights that John Wesley Rice Sr. would never have foreseen, but he knew that education would be transforming for him.”

Q&A

Rice said the world has been shocked, is chaotic, and cries out for leadership.

“Someone will lead. I believe, very strongly, that it had better be the United States of America that does…it is absolutely critical that this country which is, after all, the most compassionate, the most generous, and the freest on the face of the earth, will also be the most powerful. I firmly believe that, once again, we will make the impossible seem inevitable in retrospect,” she said.

Rice thanked the audience for supporting the University of Mobile and working on behalf of students who will one day change the world.

“There is nothing like the opportunity to shape young minds, and you do it in the best possible way, by teaching them, by educating them, by giving power to them to exist and to work in a community of faith and reason.

“One day, they will show you that they will not accept the world as it is. And having done that, they will remake the world as it should be,” she said. m

A: I think with the President, it wasn’t an embarrassing moment, but maybe the girls and women in the audience will understand better than the rest of you. We were going to a big dinner in Mexico City. I was wearing a black suit and black hose. (Then-Secretary of State Colin) Powell looked at me and said, “you have a run in your hose.” Ladies, you know that feeling. The President said, “How long will it take you to change?” I responded, “Oh, maybe five minutes.” So I went to change, came back and, there are the President and Powell standing with arms crossed, waiting on me. I said, “That’s just what it means to have a female National Security Advisor, get used to it.”

Q: Where do you see U.S. and Chinese relations in 20 years?

A: The best thing we can do is have a cooperative relationship with the Chinese, want them to be successful, and strengthen (our) relations with Asian allies. Since the real difference between the U.S. and China is our domestic system – the Chinese are not a democracy but authoritarian – (we need to strengthen alliances with) other countries that share our interest in democracy prospering in Asia as a way to make sure the rules of the game in Asia are built by democracy.

Q: What’s playing on your iPod right now?

A: I have really eclectic and broad taste in music. I love Brahms and Mozart. I love very hard rock like Led Zeppelin and Cream. I also like rhythm and blues – I’m a big fan of the Gap Band and Earth, Wind and Fire. You will find all of that on my playlist.

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umobile.edu 35

Reflections of Founding President

Dr. William K. Weaver Jr. “To be the founding president of a new college is an awesome responsibility.”

Dr. William K. Weaver Jr.

How do you start a college from scratch?

Dr. William K. Weaver Jr. wasn’t sure.

I

t was just a tremendous challenge,” he recalled recently.

“There was nobody you could talk to about starting a college. You just knew what all had to be done, and I wasn’t sure I could measure up to it.”

With wife Annie Boyd Parker “B” Weaver at his side, the founding president of Mobile College/University of Mobile accepted the challenge. He led the college from 1961 to his retirement in 1984, when he was named chancellor. Mrs. Weaver started the Mobile College Auxiliary, which hosted fundraising events and provided support to the school and students until the 1990s. She died in 2008, and Dr. Weaver lives in Daphne, AL, near daughter Anne and son-in-law Tom Davis.

In 2003 and 2004 he wrote a series of articles for the Ram Report campus newsletter that told the story of the early years of Mobile College. It was a story he loved to tell, and tell again. It is a great story, and one worth repeating as the University of Mobile celebrates its 50th anniversary.

“I see a great future ahead,” he said then, adding that the growth and achievement of the school has been more than he could have hoped for.

“In many ways, it has even surpassed our earlier dreams and expectations.

36 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2012

umobile.edu 37

“In many ways, it has even surpassed our earlier dreams and expectations. The thing about dreams is, when one is fulfilled, two others come up in its place.” Dr. William K. Weaver Jr. The thing about dreams is, when one is fulfilled, two others come up in its place. So I’m still seeing some of my earlier dreams fulfilled today, and I still have a lot of dreams for this school,” he said.

Here is how the story began, in the words of the man who made so much of it happen: January 20, 2003 How do you start a new college?

That question kept going through my mind in April 1961 when I became president of a college that had no campus, no buildings, no library, no faculty, no students -- no problems.

(They were all to come later, especially the problems.) I was told that there had not been a new four-year college chartered in Alabama in more than 50 years, and I knew that Alabama Baptists had not started a college in more than 100 years.

For many years some of the Baptist leaders in Mobile dreamed of having a Baptist college in Mobile. I do not know just when that dream was born, but in 1946 the State Baptist Convention was considering combining Howard and Judson Colleges with the possibility of locating the new school in some city other than Marion or Birmingham.

The long-time dream then became a vision, and a beautiful site was offered along with some other considerations if the school would locate in Mobile.

Later, the Convention determined to leave the two schools in Marion and Birmingham. But the dream of a college in Mobile did not die!

On June 3, 1952, a motion was approved by the Mobile Baptist Association to establish a junior college in Mobile, and a little later trustees were elected and studies went forward. Soon it was realized that 38 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2012

assistance from the State Convention would be necessary if an accredited college was to be founded. On July 15, 1957 a committee of nine was appointed to study the possibility of establishing a college in Mobile, and I was asked to serve as chairman.

The committee secured the services of an outstanding educator, Dr. Orin Cornett, to make a feasibility study. When his final report was issued, he was on the staff of the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare. In this report he stated, “There are few, if any, metropolitan areas of the size and importance of Mobile in the United States in which there is so limited an opportunity for higher education.” The report also expressed the opinion that the State Convention could well support such an undertaking.

At the annual meeting of the Convention in 1950 a recommendation was adopted which stated that the Convention would “establish and operate in the Mobile area a co-educational college (initially a junior college) which, in order to assure accreditation, shall be an affiliate of one of its existing accredited institutions -- and which might bear the name Mobile College.”

This was contingent upon the people of the Mobile area raising $1.5 million in cash and/or in three-year pledges. At the 1960 Convention it was reported that a little more than $2 million had been pledged. The Convention voted to establish a school to be named “Mobile College” which would probably be separate from either of the other schools.

This is only the beginning…

March 10, 2003 When the Alabama Baptist State Convention during its 1960

Convention approved the founding of Mobile College, a Steering Committee of nine was named and given the responsibility of choosing a president, selecting a campus site and developing plans for its development.

Two sub-committees were appointed: one, a presidential search committee and the other, a site selection committee. As chairman of the Steering Committee, I made numerous visits to Mobile and, on one occasion, was asked to come to Mobile to look at several sites which the Committee had under consideration. We were to meet at the Battle House Hotel early one morning. When I arrived, I was met by Mr. J.L. Bedsole who asked me to meet with the Presidential Search Committee to be brought up to date on their work rather than tour the sites that day.

As soon as the Committee assembled, Mr. Bedsole began to outline qualifications and other considerations the Committee had set for their search and stated that they had considered a number of men for that position. He then gave me a great shock when he said, “The Committee is in full agreement that you are the man to be the first president of Mobile College.” It took a few moments for that to sink in. From my boyhood days I had dreamed of many different things I thought I would do, but never in those dreams, or nightmares, did the idea of being college president appear. For more than 10 years I had been pastor of a great church in Sylacauga, and my family and I were extremely happy there. I responded by expressing gratitude for the confidence shown by the Committee, but told them I now needed time to pray about this and to talk with my family and a few friends as I sought God’s leadership. They agreed that I could

take whatever time necessary, for they also wanted to be sure of God’s leadership.

This was not going to be an easy decision. My family and I had developed deep roots in Sylacauga, and it was the only home our daughter Anne had known.

After much prayer and discussion, we felt this was God’s will for our lives, so I gave an affirmative answer. On April 1, 1961, I officially became president of what was to become Mobile College.

During my years as president, I would sometimes say to students, “If you want to be a college president, do what I did -- start one.”

George F. Wood, a prominent Mobile attorney, who was serving on the Steering Committee and later served for many years as a trustee, prepared the charter. On Nov. 14, 1961, the Convention formally approved the establishment of Mobile College, adopted its charter and elected a Board of Trustees of 21 persons.

We learned that Gov. John Patterson was to be in Mobile on Dec. 12, 1961 so arrangements were made for him to sign the charter at that time. George Wood, my 10-year-old daughter Anne and I met with Gov. Patterson in his motel room for this very significant event. Thus, on that day, the State gave official recognition to the founding of Mobile College.

The trustees held their first meeting on Jan. 19, 1962 at which time J.L. Bedsole was elected chairman and T.T. Martin vice chairman. Several very important actions were taken at that

meeting including the adoption of a campus plan which anticipated more than 20 buildings and an eventual enrollment of two to three thousand students. The birth of the college was drawing nearer day by day.

April 7, 2003 God’s leadership and His blessing upon the founding of Mobile College have always been evident. This was especially true in regard to securing land for the campus.

Over a period of several months the Selection Committee visited many sites in Mobile and Baldwin counties.

The first one selected was across the street from the present location of the University of South Alabama.

Since that site was not as large as the committee desired, an approach was made to the Mobile County School Board to see if they would lease acreage across the street where athletic fields could be built. They not only agreed to do so, but indicated they would give a 99-year lease, at a very reasonable charge, on as many acres as desired so that the entire campus could be built on their land. This idea was accepted until someone raised the question of the “separation of church

and state.” Then it was rejected.

Several years later that property became the location for the University of South Alabama.

The search continued. Jay Altmayer, a very public-spirited friend, offered to give the college any 200 acres of land he owned in the Eight Mile area and to sell additional acreage for much less than the then-appraised price. This was to be the largest gift the college had received up to that time.

We discovered that beautiful Chickasabogue Creek flowed south of this site, and we felt it would be desirable to have the campus border on that creek. Scott Paper Co. owned the acreage we desired and agreed to sell us 200 acres at the appraised price of $200,000. We simply did not have the funds to make such a purchase at that time. Fortunately, someone in studying a land map noted that the creek also flowed west of our site. To our surprise and pleasure we learned that the land belonged to Loper Lumber Co. A short time before, Mr. Loper had told me that if we located in the Eight Mile area, he would give us any 50 acres of his land we might choose, and would also give us an umobile.edu 39

“Sept. 9, 1963 was the day on which dreams of thousands were realized when 181 students were admitted as members of the Charter Class. “ Dr. William K. Weaver Jr. additional 50 acres in another area.

We bought 75 acres of Altmayer land to connect with the Loper tract which gave us creek frontage. Other land was given and a few more acres were purchased, increasing the size of the campus to 400 acres.

Several years later I received a call from an official at Scott Paper Co. who asked, “Are you still interested in the land you talked to us about some time ago?”

I replied, “Interested, yes -- able, no.”

He then said, “How would you like it as a gift?” I almost fainted! Not only did they give us the 200 acres but added 65 more to their gift.

Following the advice of a forester, we sold some timber off our land at a very good price. A right-of-way was also sold to allow a gas line to be brought across our property. In selling the right-of-way, I suggested they could show that they would be good neighbors by making a generous gift to the college. Some days later the representatives returned with two checks -- one to purchase, one a gift.

Land given to us which was not a part of our campus was also sold, and those funds were credited to campus purchase. Our campus then consisted of 665 acres with a net cost of a little less than $25,000. Additional land has since been added so today the campus consists of approximately 800 acres.

Through all of this, I continued to see God at work.

April 21, 2003 After the site for a campus was selected, there were still problems to be faced. The first major problem was access to the land. Again we continued to see the hand of God at work. Mobile County officials agreed to build a new road, College Parkway, which would border our land. Even 40 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2012

with that it was still difficult to get to the campus since the interstate had not been complete and Industrial Parkway was just a line on a planning map.

There was also the need for water, and the Mobile Water and Sewer Board met this need by agreeing to build a sub-station nearby to provide water for the school and others in the area.

Basic plans for the campus were adopted and an architect was employed to design a building which initially would house everything necessary for a college program. The first floor would house administrative offices. The library would be located in the north wing, a small auditorium in the south wing and a snack shop just behind the auditorium.

(In showing the plans to one of the few employees we had at that time, I referred to the location of a snack bar.

Immediately he responded, “This is a Christian institution. We can’t have a bar on this campus.” Immediately the name was changed to “snack shop.” I used to remind students that we did not even have bars of soap in our restrooms!)

The second and third floors contained classrooms, faculty offices, rooms for teaching music, science labs and an area designated for teaching physical education.

It is impossible to convey the excitement of people in this area over the founding of this new school. A dedication service was held on Friday, Sept. 6, 1963 with approximately 2,000 people present, and it was estimated that 5,000 visited during an “open house” held the following Sunday. Another evidence of the pleasure of the community over the opening of our school was a 14-page Mobile College section in the Mobile Press-Register on Sept. 1, 1963, which contained 81 congratulatory ads by

business, churches and institutions.

In preparation for the opening of the school, a college seal was designed. It was developed from one designed for use in the initial financial campaign which featured a torch extending above and below a round seal.

Those features were retained along with the joined hands in the center of the seal which were to represent a denomination and a community working together to establish and support the school. This also was to denote the spirit of friendship and concern which was to be a vital part of campus life. The words “Mobile College” were inscribed above and below the hands, and encircling the seal were the words of the Psalmist, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Psalm 111:10) Two stars were placed in the circle to represent aspiration and guidance, and the torch was to represent the truth. The words “Chartered in 1961” appear in the block on the lowest part of the torch.

Unique in design, the seal has since been refined for the University of Mobile, but still carries the same basic design.

Sept. 9, 1963 was the day on which dreams of thousands were realized when 181 students were admitted as members of the Charter Class. They were greeted by six administrative officers and 12 full-time, well-qualified faculty members. Although no housing was available on campus, eight Alabama counties and five states were represented in the student body. Thus a college was born, and only God knew what blessings would be ahead.

The University of Mobile is further evidence of how God works in order that “great oaks from little acorns grow.”

September 8, 2003 Forty years ago (Sept. 9, 1963) Mobile College admitted its charter class of 181 students. This was the realization of the dreams, prayers and support of thousands of people in the Mobile area as well as those of many thousand Baptists throughout the state of Alabama. The following statement was taken from my report to the Alabama Baptist State Convention that year. “September 9, 1963 has become one of the great dates in Alabama Baptist history. It will also be an important date in the history of higher education in this state. This was the day on which students were admitted to the first new college established by Alabama Baptists in more than 120 years, and the first four-year college to be chartered in the State of Alabama in 57 years.”

While the campus consisted of 400 acres, only one building, known as the Administration-Classroom Building (now Weaver Hall), had been erected at that time. The building stood at the top of a red mud hill on which very little grass was growing, and there were no trees along the drives or on the large area cleared for buildings. Only freshmen-level courses were offered that year, taught by an outstanding faculty of 12 men and women. Dr. Gene Perkins is the only member of that first faculty still teaching here today. (Editor’s note: Dr. Perkins retired in 2011.) Additional faculty members and courses were added each year so that in 1967 a full four-year program was offered.

The students that first year were among the brightest and most innovative students to be found on any college campus. They took Sharing fun times very seriously the responsibilities given to them in establishing various student activities and traditions. Early

Dr. William K. and “B” Weaver

in the year a student government association was formed. Thomas Strong of Bay Minette (who became Dean of Students at the University of Alabama) was elected as the first president and was the only freshman to hold that position. Maroon and white were chosen as the school colors. Students elected the ram to be mascot. When this became known, a friend of the college gave the students a beautiful young ram which they named Ramses I. He quickly became a campus pet and was often brought to the front of the building so that students could see him and pet him.

Although the student body was comparatively small, the students decided to publish a newspaper and wanted a name for it to be suggestive of the Mobile area. A committee recommended that it be called THE JUBILEE, since this is the name given to the strange phenomenon of nature which takes place in Mobile Bay when thousands of fish and other sea creatures move on shore. However, the name did not become final until a study of the word was made which revealed that it derived from the Hebrew word “yobel” meaning

“ram’s horn.” It was a perfect name for the paper of a school with a ram as its mascot. “Rampage” was the name given to the annual. Volume I was published at the end of the first year.

The students wanted to start a tradition of having a Thanksgiving Feast on campus and, since the only food service on campus that year was a snack shop, students brought “covered dishes” from home. Tables were placed down the main hall of the administration building. The food was served in the snack shop which was located at the south end of the building. This practice was followed for many years with commuting students bringing food from home and the campus food service providing food representing the boarding students. After a few years the tables reached from one end of the hall to the entrance of the library area at the north end of the building. It soon became necessary to move the Thanksgiving Feast to the gymnasium, where it was held for several years before being discontinued.

Our students have always been very creative, and many different activities umobile.edu 41

“… those students were not to be deterred. They went into the woods, cut a tall, slender tree, erected it in front of the cafeteria and hung a flag on it.” Dr. William K. Weaver Jr. continue to become traditional because of their efforts. As has been true since the opening of our school, visitors to our campus still remark about the quality of students who attend here, especially mentioning their attractiveness and friendliness.

November 3, 2003 Mobile College began its second year (1964) with an enrollment of 291 students. This was most gratifying since that was very near the projected enrollment goal of 300. Another encouraging fact was that 284 of the 291 students were registered as fulltime students. In order to meet the needs of our second-year students, the curriculum was enlarged and the faculty increased to 21 full-time and two part-time members.

Two dormitories and a dining hall were completed prior to the opening of school that fall. Now there were four permanent buildings on campus.

With dormitories available, more students from outside the Mobile area were able to attend our school.

In addition to students from other areas of Alabama, nine states were represented in the student body.

Providing grants and loan funds for deserving students has always been a priority. The first privately funded endowment was established by his mother in memory of Frank F. Smith Jr., a young man who had planned to enter the first class but was killed in an automobile accident prior to the opening of school. The family has continued to contribute to this fund, and it is now an endowed scholarship fund in his name. Today (2003) there are approximately 125 endowed scholarships held by the university. There is still a great need for additional endowed scholarships.

During the first year a “major crisis” 42 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2012

arose in the library area. A separate thermostat had been installed for the library wing. The librarian was cold-natured, so she would turn the thermostat up, but very soon thereafter a student would turn it down. This continued to be a problem until I learned about it. I contacted the company which had installed the system and asked that they set the temperature at a comfortable setting and then disconnect the thermostat.

This they did, and from that time forward everything was great. The librarian continued to turn it up and the students continued to turn it down. Though nothing actually changed, everyone seemed to be happy!

January 12, 2004 Under the leadership of Mrs. Weaver and with the valuable assistance of several other ladies, the Mobile College Auxiliary was organized and held its first meeting on April 10, 1964. Just prior to open of school that Fall, the Auxiliary gave a welcome dinner for the faculty and staff at historic Oakleigh Mansion.

The first project of the Auxiliary was to provide robes for the 40-member college choir that year (1964-65).

During the next 10 years, more than 1,200 ladies had held membership, and for the next 30 years the Auxiliary made many significant contributions to the College and its students.

Also, early in the history of our school a number of leading business and professional men of the community were invited to become members of the “Honorary Fellows of Mobile College.” For many years these men played an important role in the development and support of the school. One of their most enjoyable activities was the annual luncheon

they gave honoring the male graduates. This made it possible for the students to meet many community leaders and enabled the men to view firsthand some results from their support.

In recognition of his important leadership role in the establishment of Mobile College, and of his service as their first chairman, the trustees vote to name the AdministrationClassroom Building for Mr. J.L. Bedsole. After being informed of this action, Mr. Bedsole requested that it not be done. When the trustees stated that they had already acted, he responded by saying that if they did not name the building for him, he would give $200,000 toward the construction of a library building which could bear his name. The vote to change the name of the building was unanimous!

A major landscaping program was begun which continues today.

At that time there were no trees and very few shrubs had been planted.

Gifts of azaleas, camellias, and other shrubs greatly assisted in this effort.

Many beautiful dogwood trees were growing naturally along both sides of the entrance road. All of this helped as we sought to meet our goal of “Building the Campus Beautiful in the Deep South.”

April 19, 2004 Probably nothing is as meaningful or as exciting to a college student as graduation. This was especially true in 1967 when the charter class of our school was to be graduated. Beginning that year and for a number of years thereafter, graduation exercises were held in the evening in front of the Administration Building. One of our greatest concerns was that the weather would be good, so I called the

ministerial students together and told them that their major final exam was to pray for good weather!

The weather was beautiful on May 12, 1967 when 66 members of the charter class gathered in the cafeteria and from there began the processional across campus. It was about dusk when the march began, and it was a sight which no one present would ever forget. A baccalaureate service had been held on the previous Saturday, and for many years this service was a part of our graduation program.

From its founding, one of our major goals was to receive accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. A tremendous amount of work on the part of faculty and staff had been put forth in this effort.

In December 1968, I attended the annual meeting of the association where an announcement would be made regarding our accreditation. The interest on campus was so great that an amplified telephone system was set up in the auditorium so I could call back and immediately inform the college family of the decision. When I announced the good news, I could hear shouts and applause from those

who were listening.

This action meant that members of the first class, which graduated the year before, would also be considered as having graduated from an accredited school. It was a great day!

In November of that year the H. Austill Pharr Gymnasium was dedicated. The building was designed to provide facilities for the physical education program of the college and for intramural sports. The building was made possible by funds provided by the Baptist State Convention and by funds raised by the Honorary Fellows Organization of the college and named in memory of one of our founding trustees. Later, with some necessary renovations, it became the home of The Rams.

The net increase of 60 students in 1968 was the largest increase since the opening of the school. Construction of new buildings continued, library holdings were increasing and students that year came from 26 counties in Alabama, nine other states and two other countries. It could truly be said that “Mobile College was on the ‘grow.’”

September 7, 2004 Early in the life of our school a number of students became concerned because there was not a flagpole on campus. Certainly this had been on our “want list” for some time, but there were so many needs that took priority over the flagpole. However, those students were not to be

deterred. They went into the woods, cut a tall, slender tree, erected it in front of the cafeteria and hung a flag on it.

I did get the “message,” but funds were still not available for the flag center we all desired.

Their next approach was to tell me they had found a man who would give them enough pipe to make a tall pole on which a flag could be hung.

I could not approve that since it was not the quality I felt we needed.

However, we did ask the architect who designed our first building to design a flag center which could be built when funds were available.

Mr. Ben Copeland, principal of Satsuma High School, came to talk to me about a possible memorial to his wife. Since I was off campus, he talked to Dean Eugene Keebler who suggested several possibilities before showing him a sketch for a flag center.

Mr. Copeland liked that idea and agreed to fund this project.

The flag center was designed with three poles. The center pole was to fly the American flag, one would fly the state flag and third would fly the newly designed Mobile College flag.

When I returned to campus, I was greatly pleased to have this news. It had a special meaning for me since Mr. Copeland had been superintendent of the Talladega City School System when I was a student and had signed my high school diploma. Soon after I came to Mobile he had invited me to address the graduating class at Satsuma High School, which was the first of a number of times I would have that privilege at other schools.

Once again, a dream of some of our very alert students became a reality! m

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F

by Amy Wright Photo by Kate Reali Mercer

or Dr. Faron Hollinger, coordinator of the University of Mobile Center for Leadership’s Twelve23 Education Alliance, education is about developing potential, both personally and professionally.

Hollinger’s heart for developing others has motivated his career of more than three decades as a teacher, school psychologist, administrator, and superintendent. Twice Named “Superintendent of the Year” by two separate organizations for his outstanding service as superintendent of Baldwin County Schools, Hollinger’s leadership has impacted others across the state of Alabama and beyond.

In 2011, Hollinger redirected his skills and experience to a new outlet: the Twelve23 Education Alliance.

“I read in the paper one day about Dr. Joe Savage and the new Center for Leadership at the University of Mobile, and I decided to write a letter of congratulations to Dr. Savage, wishing him well and offering my assistance however it could be needed,” Hollinger said.

At the time, Hollinger didn’t know that Savage and UMobile President Dr. Mark Foley had targeted seven cultural domains of influence in which the Center for Leadership would become involved.

Savage said, “Education was one of the top areas that we wanted to try to influence. We knew God had to raise up the right people to help us make an impact on the field of education, particularly within the public school sector.”

Within a week of asking God to bring the right person to lead the education initiative, Savage received Hollinger’s letter.

44 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2012

umobile.edu 45

“… the University of Mobile became a gateway to the career that I pursued for the rest of my professional life.” Dr. Faron Hollinger Photo by G.M. Andrews

“I immediately knew he was our guy,” Savage said.

Foley, Hollinger, and Savage met for lunch and shared their common vision to encourage educators with spiritual, professional and personal support.

“And, as they say, the rest is history,” said Hollinger.

Today, the Twelve23 Education Alliance influences hundreds of educators every week via an online devotion written by Hollinger. In addition, Hollinger and Savage have reached thousands of educators across the state of Alabama through presentations on leadership development specifically for those in the education sector.

Through the Gateway Hollinger’s lifelong ties to the Baldwin County, AL, educational system were established when he was a young man.

“My mother was treasurer and comptroller of the Baldwin County school system for 42 years. She served five superintendents, and I was blessed to get to know many of those men,” he said.

After completing a degree in criminal justice and sociology, Hollinger worked for the State Department of Mental Health for two years before his relationship with the Baldwin County school system brought him back to his roots in education.

That’s when Hollinger came to the University of Mobile, then Mobile College, to gain academic credentials for the education profession.

“I had been acquainted with the school for some time,” Hollinger said.

“But the University of Mobile became a gateway to the career that I pursued 46 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2012

for the rest of my professional life.”

Following his certification studies at UMobile, Hollinger continued his graduate studies in special education, and later finished his doctoral degree in educational psychology from the University of Alabama.

Looking back, Hollinger sees how his studies in leadership and educational planning were God’s way of preparing him for the future.

Hollinger’s career included teaching, psychology and administration roles in education systems for more than 30 years. He served as superintendent for two separate terms in Jasper, AL, then Baldwin County, from which he retired in 2010. Today, Hollinger is an educational consultant and coordinator of the Twelve23 Education Alliance.

“Being part of the Education Alliance has been a tremendous enrichment for me, and I hope it has enriched the lives of others, as well,” he said.

Leading the Way The Twelve23 Education Alliance has teamed up with the South Alabama Research and Inservice Center (SARIC) to bring the message of encouragement and leadership development to educators across the state. Hollinger, Savage and his brother, Phil, a 20-year NFL executive, led a series of staff development presentations for educators through SARIC’s support.

After Eric Mackey, executive director of the State Superintendents of Alabama (SSA), heard a presentation by the Twelve23 Education Alliance, they were invited to speak at the State Superintendents’ Conference.

“The University of Mobile Center

for Leadership is an excellent delivery model for providing faith-based support for today’s educational leader.

Now, more than ever, our schools need structure, discipline, and a return to teaching moral and ethical values.

The (Education Alliance’s) beliefs and leadership modules provide today’s educational leader with the guidance and support necessary to return our schools back to being the cornerstone of democracy in our country,” said Dennis Coe, president of the SSA. In the future, the Twelve23 Education Alliance hopes to expand its offerings to encourage and develop more leaders at a deeper level, through writing, speaking, building relationships, and individual coaching.

Ultimately, the Twelve23 Education Alliance is about encouraging others to make an impact in their workplace, community and nation by equipping teachers, parents, and administrators in their Christian faith and professional responsibilities so they can lead others – and their schools – to reach their God-given potential.

“We have an opportunity to make an enormous impact by simply bringing people together, particularly those with faith in Christ, and helping to encourage and motivate them to apply their faith to their daily practice in the classroom,” Hollinger said. “An openness to see where God is leading us is critical to the Twelve23 Education Alliance. He opens the door, He just wants us to be ready.”

To sign up for Dr. Hollinger’s weekly devotions, schedule a speaker for your event, or find more information about the Twelve23 Education Alliance, visit www.twelve23.org or call the Center for Leadership at 251.442.2555. m

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48 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2012

By George Kamel

It’s Tuesday night and students are arriving at Ram Hall.

Some carry journals and Bibles, while others simply carry the questions on their hearts.

T

hey come to hear words that may be encouraging, surprising, or, at times, difficult to accept. They come to sing songs of praise and worship, to share their struggles and fears, to study and learn about faith, life, saving grace and hope from a singular authority: the Holy Bible.

In a world where many college students look to pop culture and the media for answers to life’s issues, biblical guidance is necessary to bring it all into perspective.

Enter: True Spin.

True Spin is University of Mobile’s campus Bible study in Ram Hall, where about 300 students and faculty gather every Tuesday night to study the Bible and examine topics through a biblical lens.

The study is about taking an introspective look at your faith and the culture around you, and injecting a God-breathed, biblical worldview into it, according to Neal Ledbetter, umobile.edu 49

director of campus life.

Ledbetter started True Spin in 2003 as a place for students who have genuine questions about the Bible and Christianity to find answers in a supportive environment. No question is off limits, and the answers are honest, biblically based and thought-provoking.

Student Government Association President Kris McAuley, a senior communication major, said, “It’s instruction; it’s applicable and relevant to what I face as a college student. It’s something you can apply and carry out in your everyday life.”

True Spin also incorporates a time of student-led worship, ranging from contemporary songs to ancient hymns. Many Christian recording artists have also led the students in worship over the years, including Phil Wickham, Charlie Hall, Gungor, All Sons & Daughters, NeedToBreathe, and Chris & Conrad.

The opportunity to help lead 50 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2012

Photos by Dan Anderson

worship through music is part of what attracts Olivia Maddox, a junior human performance and exercise science major.

“It is an opportunity for me to get close to people on campus, build relationships through that, and hear really good teaching,” Maddox said.

The content is extremely intentional, and Ledbetter chooses relevant topics that are personal, practical and

engaging. A group of 15 to 20 students provide him with feedback as he develops topics, helping him hone in on the heart of the issue and find out what students are really asking questions about in their own lives.

A new way students can engage in the discussion is through their cell phones. By texting a number projected on-screen, students can anonymously ask questions they’re struggling with

as Ledbetter answers on the spot.

When True Spin began in 2003, it was small enough that a student could simply interject to ask questions. As Ledbetter explains, “The text-in is to keep it feeling as though there’s a small, personal nature to it.”

Ledbetter wants these nights to be a catalyst for discussion that continues on long after the night is over: “Hopefully True Spin is just the conversation starter; I hope they go and discuss it after the fact.”

Indeed, these series do spark discussion and resonate with students in a practical way. After Ledbetter’s series “Perfect,” McAuley viewed his faith in a new light, saying, “For me, the story of Jesus has become so much more effective realizing that I’m not perfect and I don’t have to be perfect in order for Him to come to me.

God came to me in my sin, not in my perfection.”

Maddox had a similar experience, recalling a concept that resonated with her: “It’s how you respond to failure that’s important.”

The newest series dives into “Christian Campus Problems,” which Ledbetter sums up as “the mile-wide and inch-deep theology” that many students have.

“We’re talking about basic theology and basic biblical belief, but repackaging it in a different way,” he said. Many major issues covered include the nature of worship, evangelism and church.

True Spin also provides many opportunities for students to get plugged in to leadership and service, whether it’s helping with set-up and tear-down, special events, music, or production elements such as sound, lights, media and video.

As the new UMobile Center for Leadership grows, President Mark Foley and Ledbetter want to bring in communicators who can show students how to use their influence

“Hopefully True Spin is just the conversation starter; I hope they go and discuss it after the fact.” Neal Ledbetter

now and after they graduate.

Former Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice was the first in the Influence Lecture Series, when she fielded students’ questions in an exclusive UMobile student event in Ram Hall prior to the university’s Leadership Banquet that raises scholarship funds.

Guest speakers this spring semester included Jon Acuff, author of “Stuff Christians Like” and “Quitter;” and Mike Foster, author of “Gracenomics” and founder of People of the Second Chance.

Whether it’s influence, Christian campus problems, or perfection, True

Spin’s ultimate goal remains the same: to tackle the tough issues that college students wrestle with – not with canned “status quo” answers, but with a reasoned study of the scriptures.

D.J. Giaritelli, a junior communication major from Portland, OR, sees True Spin as “broken people coming to a common place, and hearing how they can grow in their faith.”

Ultimately, Ledbetter desires one thing from True Spin: “I want the students to connect with the content.

At the end of the day, I want them to own their faith and apply it.” m

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READY FOR

Anything University of Mobile School of Education

By Lesa Moore

Inspiring young children and teenagers to learn on a daily basis is just one of the priceless accomplishments of talented, caring teachers in our school systems today.

T

o these educators, this responsibility is more than just a job – it is a calling that requires ample preparation and experience.

In the University of Mobile School of Education, this preparation goes beyond the required “classroomready” standards and focuses on a circle of caring that challenges teachers to take a personal interest in the success of every student.

Dr. Sue Gober, director of professional laboratory experiences and professor of education, said the “circle of caring” starts in the college classroom.

“It’s about relationships,” she said. “We believe that building relationships comes first, then the learning occurs. Learning occurs in

relationships. If you genuinely care about the student as a person, then he or she will learn to care about you.

When students care about you, they don’t want to disappoint you and will work really hard. Students feel the caring, and they love that my door is always open to come in and talk. They don’t need to make an appointment.”

This concept is based on her belief that teaching should be sincere and that it is important to take a personal interest in students’ success. Gober not only practices this in the classroom, but is also known to attend her students’ baseball or softball games and regularly saves newspaper articles for them in which they are featured.

“Isn’t that what Jesus did on earth?” she continued. “He built relationships.

Our role is to do the same.”

Photo by Kate Reali Mercer

52 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2012

This is a common theme among all faculty in the School of Education, and it is a model that students are encouraged to take with them into their own classrooms when they graduate.

“The University of Mobile School of Education is unique for two main reasons - the personal attention provided by the faculty and staff and the abundant opportunities for practical, in-school experiences,” said Sarah Becky Spain, a 2011 graduate in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. “Not a day goes by in my current job that I do not attribute some skill that I use to one or both of these facts. I am thankful to have had professors who not only took time to plan meaningful classes, but who made themselves available outside of

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Photos by Dan Anderson

Dr. Peter Kingsford leads class discussion.

class to answer questions or provide advisement. In fact, many of the faculty members who have guided me throughout my education are still guiding and encouraging me today.”

As Miss University of Mobile 2010 and a member of Sounds of Mobile in the Center for Performing Arts, Spain was involved in many activities during her years at UMobile. She is currently teaching kindergarten at an elementary school in Brentwood, TN. “I am so thankful that the School of Education provided opportunities throughout my coursework to visit a myriad of schools for in-school experiences,” she continued. “By being immersed in a variety of school settings, I learned how to adapt and communicate in diverse situations.

When I share about my experiences at UMobile with my current coworkers, they are astounded to hear about the opportunities I had. I simply smile and say, ‘There’s really no place like it.’”

Dr. Peter Kingsford, dean of the School of Education, agreed that there is great value in field experience and says UMobile is requiring college students to spend much more time in the schools and at an earlier stage in their college career.

“We have a heavy emphasis on spending time in the schools,” 54 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2012

said Kingsford. “People need to understand that this major is not easy.

Most students come here because it is a calling. We get them into the schools early in their sophomore year to help them make sure this is what they want to do. We don’t want them to wait three years until their student teaching experience to find out this is not the career for them.”

Students must document over 200

“People need to understand that this major is not easy.

Most students come here because it is a calling.”

Dr. Peter Kingsford

hours of field experience before their student teaching begins. Gober has the responsibility of placing each of these students in a variety of schools.

“This experiential learning definitely helps our students become ‘classroom ready,’” said Gober.

“Before they graduate, our students have the real-world training they need to succeed.”

According to Kingsford, this experience includes everything from observation to assisting students with assignments to actually teaching lessons.

“When their student teaching time begins in their senior year, they are more prepared to take over the class,” explained Kingsford. “For four of the 18 weeks of the student teaching semester,the student teachers are totally responsible for the planning and instruction. Our student teachers become part of the faculty, even going to faculty meetings and PTA events.”

Kingsford has been teaching at the University of Mobile for the past 15 years and has been dean since 2004.

Since he has been at UMobile, the School of Education has added a night program for undergraduate adult students and become the only college in the area to offer a program for Head Start. This program allows Head Start teachers to earn a bachelor of science degree in Early Childhood Education in order to fulfill a governmentmandated requirement. The first class to graduate in the Head Start program will be in May 2012.

In addition to program enhancements, Kingsford has also helped facilitate a heavy emphasis on the use of technology in the classroom. Stephanie Hulon, assistant professor of education, teaches UMobile students how to incorporate this technology into elementary and high school classrooms. Among the technology that is emphasized includes teacher blogs, utilizing smart boards, video, and internet resources.

“Twenty-first century teachers need to know how to effectively use technology in the classroom,” said Hulon. “This means that teachers are using technology tools to encourage collaboration, to challenge students

Dr. Sue Gober advises a student.

to think critically, to engage students in problem solving, and to foster meaningful learning experiences for all students.”

The University of Mobile School of Education offers majors in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Human Performance and Exercise Science (HPES), and Athletic Training. Teacher certification is also available for Elementary, Early Childhood, and secondary education majors in the fields of biology, English language arts, history, mathematics, social sciences, music (K-12), and HPES (K-12). While Kingsford said the largest area of growth is in the Early Childhood area which covers 4K through 3rd grade, many students are choosing to double major in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, which certifies teachers through grade six.

“By adding only six more hours of classes, students can earn a degree in both Early Childhood and Elementary Education,” he said. “This makes them more marketable.”

Faculty also encourage students to continue with school to earn their master’s degree right after graduation, rather than waiting. Students may pursue a master’s degree in Early Childhood, Elementary Education or a combination of the two. An alternative graduate program is also available for students who majored in something other than education, but have now decided they would like to teach.

“Principals prefer to hire teachers with master’s degrees, and it also results in higher pay,” explained Kingsford.

Though he has seen many changes over the years, Kingsford said the favorite part of his job is still graduation day.

“It really chokes me up a little bit watching those students at graduation,” he said. “Each one of them is a story — I know the struggles they have gone through over the last four years and then all of a sudden they graduate cum laude. It really makes an impact on you.”

Kingsford credits the success of

the education program to the quality faculty, who are all former classroom teachers who bring a wealth of experience to the college classroom.

“We eat lunch together every day and share stories of students.

It is more than just teaching in the classroom, our faculty get personally involved,” Kingsford said.

This approach definitely seems to be working. The State Board of Education has rated UMobile’s School of Education with a “4.0 A” for the last four years, the highest ranking possible. These high standards are translated into successful graduates.

Former Miss UM and 2010 graduate Jaye Herrod began teaching elementary music at Saraland Elementary after graduation and was named Teacher of the Year during her second year of teaching. She currently lives in North Carolina where she teaches third grade during the day and sixth grade chorus, musical theatre, and piano after school, while attending seminary classes in the evening.

“The University of Mobile School of Education thoroughly equipped me to be an effective teacher by encouraging me to set high standards for myself,” said Herrod. “They emphasized the value of godly character and a good work ethic, which sets you apart in most school environments. At UMobile, I was taught to change lives to change the world, and as a teacher, I am privileged to do that daily.”

The caring portrayed through faculty in the School of Education comes full circle as UMobile’s graduates enter the workforce not only “classroom ready,” but ready for all life has to offer. m

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56 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2012

GOD CALLS WHEN

By Kathy Dean

In Dean Parker’s high school yearbook, his principal wrote that the young entrepreneur always had a phone with him and, one day, would own a phone company.

Today

, the 37-year-old is founder, president and CEO of Callis Communications, recognized as one of the top telecommunications/unified communications companies on the Inc. 5000 list for four consecutive years. A leading provider of cloud communications services for key business markets across the Southeast, Callis has ranked as high as the 32nd fastest growing company in the United States and was named 2011 Small Business of the Year by the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce.

Parker, a trustee of the University of Mobile and chair of the board’s Development Committee, is quick to point to the source of direction in his life.

“When God calls you to do something, my answer is never going to be ‘no’ – it’s going to be ‘when?’” Parker said.

“When” is usually “now” for this energetic and enthusiastic entrepreneur who started his first business in high school selling waterless car wash products.

“If you can sell waterless car wash, you can sell anything,” Parker said with a laugh.

Photography by Kate Reali Mercer

umobile.edu 57

“I went from Mark Foley investing in me to turning around and now I’m investing in the University of Mobile.”

Dean Parker

Dean and Joanne Parker with children, from left, Lauren, Jody, Trey and Zachary.

As a student at Liberty University, he earned a bachelor’s degree in just three years while also running student activities for the school and managing a budget of $1 million.

Newly married and just out of college, Parker decided to sell cars while waiting for his wife, Joanne, to finish her student teaching. His plan was to go to California and work in a booming dot-com company. Then a customer saw something special in this young man and asked Parker a life-changing question.

“Are you really doing this for the rest of your life?” asked Kevin Demery, then a 36-year-old vice president at General Electric.

“He offered me the job of a lifetime,” Parker recalled. Right after college, Parker was running distribution for GE in 14 states. Within 58 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2012

two years he received two promotions and managed a $130 million distribution channel in North America.

Taking a Risk “Success to me was getting a good job after college, but God had a bigger job,” Parker said. It was one that came with risks – a new city, a financial investment, a leap without any safety net except the assurance that God was calling him to something different.

At the age of 24, Parker left a secure and growing career with Ericsson (which had purchased the division from GE in 1988) and moved in 1999 to Mobile, AL, to start and run a paging provider, Allpage. He and Joanne knew one person in the city.

“It was a surrender for us.

Everybody we knew in corporate

America said we were crazy,” he said. They were investing in a mature technology, and change was happening rapidly. He figured he had three to four years to make enough money to justify his investment, then find a direction for the company that would allow it to grow with new technology.

“Six months into it, cheap cell phones came out, and that drove into our market,” he said. As his competitors went bankrupt, Parker was able to pick up some of their remaining clients.

But four years into the new business, he was earning one-third of what he had made at GE/Ericsson.

“I knew we had to energize and innovate ourselves,” he said.

He turned to his customers and asked them to describe their biggest communications problems. He discovered that companies needed a knowledgeable and reliable partner that could provide them a costeffective path to the next generation communications technologies that would allow them to grow their businesses.

In 2005, Allpage transitioned from paging-only services to a hosted PBX telephony service delivered by “voice over IP.” The name is significant in that “Callis” means “path” in Latin, reflecting the company’s desire to provide businesses with a clear pathway to superior technology

Dean Parker, right, runs Callis, one of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S.

solutions and customer support.

In 2009, Callis developed into a cloud-based unified communications company, providing hosted PBX, cloud-based telephony, data, security, email and collaboration services throughout the Southeast.

A founding member of the Cloud Communications Alliance, Callis currently serves over 500 customers through the region.

The UMobile Connection Just over a year after arriving in Mobile, Parker was attending a banquet at Dayspring Baptist Church, where he had been named the youngest deacon to serve. Mike Blaylock, then vice president for development at the University of Mobile, spoke at the event. The two met and a friendship began.

Through Blaylock, Parker met UMobile President Mark Foley. Soon,

Parker asked Foley to mentor him, to help him become the husband, father, CEO and the godly man he desired to be.

They met once a month, sometimes once a quarter. Part of his “assignment” was to watch The Cosby Show. They would talk about the principles exhibited in the wholesome family television show, how they applied to Parker’s life, and the challenges of being a man of God in a fallen world.

As his knowledge of the University of Mobile grew, so did his interest in becoming a part of the university’s mission. As his business was expanding into new areas, one of his first customers was UMobile. In 2004, Callis was chosen to put in the infrastructure for wired and wireless internet in the new Samford Hall campus residence and to replace the university’s aging phone system

with their unified communications solution.

Today, Callis provides UMobile with phone and data services, such as Fiber and unified communications, as well as wireless internet throughout the campus. Parker said the university’s early investment in Callis Communications’ services, as well as Foley’s personal investment in his life, were pivotal. In 2007 he joined the UMobile Board of Trustees, becoming one of the youngest members, and serving as chair of the Development Committee.

The Mentorship Circle Parker said, “I went from Mark Foley investing in me to turning around and now I’m investing in the University of Mobile. People talk about mentorship and assume it is from the top down. I believe mentorship is a circle, that when you umobile.edu 59

“Success is not judged by money – it is judged by the number of lives you have touched.” Dean Parker

receive, you also give back.”

He has seen that principle in action.

When management changed at GE and the division was sold to Ericsson, Demery, who gave Parker his first dream job, was himself job-hunting.

He first found a position in Detroit working for Parker’s father, and eventually became the vice president of marketing at Callis.

Parker said the idea of mentorship as a circle essentially is living your life so that you are a part of the story of the lives of those around you.

“Success is not judged by money – it is judged by the number of lives you have touched,” he said. “At the end of the day, that’s what life is about.”

As CEO of Callis, Parker said his job is to provide inspiration and vision, and to drive change. As a member of the UMobile Board of Trustees, he sees his role as supporting, encouraging and investing in a school that has taken a stand as a distinctively Christian university that can change the world.

“As we continue to embrace the things that define us, God will open doors to the people with the checkbooks and the physical resources that can help us expand,” he said.

The Millennial Generation is looking for value and differentiation, he said, and UMobile is providing the kind of experience they seek.

Parker said he wants to be part of the growth of UMobile. His involvement ranges from financial contributions and Board service as an advisor and strategic planner to using his influence to open doors of opportunity and introducing the school to other business leaders who also have a heart for God and for being part of something significant.

Each Fall semester, Callis employees 60 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2012

are on the UMobile campus, helping students unload cars and move into campus housing. It’s a mandatory event, and one that Parker believes is a fresh reminder for employees that investing in the lives of others honors God. A Life of Obedience In the summer of 2009, Parker noticed that college friend Ken Coleman was on Facebook. The host of Catalyst and the Catalyst Podcast, Coleman has interviewed hundreds of celebrities, and his “One Question with Ken Coleman” audio blog has attracted more than 50,000 visits in less than a year. As a reporter for Comcast Sports and Atlanta’s ESPN radio affiliate, he has interviewed some of sport’s biggest personalities.

“God said, ‘go see him.’ A week later we were sitting at dinner in Atlanta and he was telling me about his dream to start a TV show called ‘Life is Sport,’ where he would interview sports figures and find out what drew them to their sport. I pulled my checkbook out and said, ‘I am in!’ I thought that God’s purpose was for me to be a business partner with Ken to develop Life is Sport,” Parker said.

Episodes of the show were taped and aired. Tony Dungy, an evangelical Christian and the first AfricanAmerican head coach to win the Super Bowl when the Indianapolis Colts defeated the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI, was scheduled to be a guest.

“Tony was telling us his story of adopting four kids after having three biological kids,” Parker said. Dungy talked about the children waiting for adoption, and how if just one family for every three churches would adopt a child, all the children would

find homes.

With three children already, Parker said he had never thought about adoption. He tentatively brought the idea up to his wife. He was surprised at her reaction. She said God had told her eight months previously to adopt a child. She had asked God to put that desire in her husband’s heart if that was His will.

They are in the process of adopting 4-year-old Zachary. The television show featuring Dungy was the last episode of “Life is Sport.” God’s purpose, Parker said, was bigger than a television show.

“If God tells you to do something, don’t ask ‘why’ – that kept people out of the Promised Land. If God tells you to go, then go. It’s going to be amazing, and I have a little boy whose life is going to be changed because of it,” he said.

Keeping it Real Living the life that God has called you to live, being a positive part of the stories of others’ lives, and making an impact through your walk and talk – these things are important to Dean Parker.

“We have to be careful that we don’t live our normal life and compare it to somebody else’s highlight reel,” he said. Keeping it real – being vulnerable – opening your heart and following God – these are the things that change lives.

“To be able to say, ‘this is what I did and lives were changed for it’ is better than any paycheck you can have,” Parker said. “At the end of the day, hearing ‘well done, good and faithful servant’ is extremely important to me.” m

m

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Alumni

Coming Home

By Alison Fanning Creel ‘97

My heart was thumping with excitement as our family took Saraland exit 13. Nearly two decades ago I had taken this exit for the first time as a very nervous and intimidated high school senior. Now with my husband and three daughters in tow, I was coming home to my beloved University of Mobile.

I couldn’t help but well up with pride as we were greeted by a now-columned Weaver Hall standing majestically against the Mobile sky. As we rounded the corner, “Mac the Ram” stood stoically as if to welcome us back. The campus was new and fresh, yet old and familiar with precious memories flooding my mind at every turn.

As I wandered through Weaver and Martin Halls, every classroom door held behind it a special remembrance.

I couldn’t help but think that those of us who walked these hallways so many years ago somehow have an advantage over those just beginning the journey. This student body doesn’t have Mobile College t-shirts in their closets or remember when Ingram Hall was the “new” dorm. They don’t have the benefit of Dr. B lecturing from atop his desk while tying… and untying… his neck tie. They will have no memories of costume fittings for the Boar’s Head festival, or of working puzzles with Aunt B in the dorm lobby.

Most will never have the pleasure of an impromptu chat with Dr. Weaver as they stroll to class, or the fun of giving Mr. Shoemaker a hard time. These moments are forever engraved on my heart.

Walking back across campus I couldn’t help but smile as students were gathered at the fountain… some studying, one playing guitar, another praying… each making their own special memories. That’s when I realized that while the University of Mobile has progressed through the years, it has not left the rest of us behind in a cloud of nostalgia.

Rather it has built upon the foundations that each of us helped put into place when WE were the ones lifting up prayers next to that fountain.

Those prayers for our campus have not gone unheard.

They are answered with every student who comes behind us praying for the same things. And, although all of our experiences may be different, at the core nothing has changed. We are bound together by our love for God, for our university, and for a good Spring Hill beatin’! We are alumni. We are family. We are the University of Mobile.

GO RAMS! m

62 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2012

“As I wandered through Weaver and Martin Halls, every classroom door held behind it a special remembrance.”

Alison Fanning Creel

Adam and Alison Creel with daughters Anna, Audrey and Adeline

Ram Run 2012 Although a little rainy, it was a wonderful 70 degrees for the March 31st Ram Run on the University of Mobile campus. This first Ram Run was a huge success with 57 runners participating.

The n

5K RamexRt is June 2 un 3

Winners for the Ram Run include: rd in Female Overall - Kelsie Ruff, 23:44 7:39 Visit wwPwelham, Alabam a. .umobile Male Overall - Daniel Whelan, 20:17 6:32 for detail.edu/ramrun Female Masters Overall - Maureen Van Devender, 24:13 7:48 s!

Male Masters Overall - Mark Habib, 21:40 6:59 Female Grand Masters overall - Claudia Miller, 33:09 10:41 Male Grand Masters overall - Ron Mitchell, 24:11 7:48 Male Senior Grand Masters Overall - Richard Lenz, 28:45 9:16 More runner times can be viewed at www.productionsbylittleredhen.com. We are especially thankful for our title sponsor, Acosta Sales, as well as Food for Less, DEX Imaging, McNellage and Assoc., Inc., AllState (Martin Dorsett), Chick-fil-A, Surgical Association of Mobile PA, Speaks & Associates Consulting Engineers, Inc., and Anesthesia Services PC. Thanks to all our alumni and friends who participated this year! For information on the UMobile Ram Run and other alumni events, contact the Office of Alumni at 251.442.2226. m

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Alumni

Unexpected Opportunities Shaping a Life, Shaping a University Benjamin Finch ‘02

By Amy Wright When John Benjamin Finch ’02 strummed his first note in Weaver Auditorium as a freshman, he didn’t know how unexpected opportunities like this one would shape the rest of his life.

Neither did he know how his life would later shape the University of Mobile, once Finch’s education and life experiences had equipped him in a unique way to reinvest in his alma mater.

In 1998, the freshman marine science major had learned a few guitar chords and worship songs with a guitar he received for Christmas. While walking to class one day, the school’s campus minister “handed me his guitar and literally pushed me out on stage to lead worship for chapel that day. I had never even played the guitar in public,” said Finch.

But that day was only the beginning for Finch. He continued to lead worship on a regular basis at UMobile and in church ministry. His life’s calling became increasingly clearer when he took a theology course, which prompted him to change his course of study to religion and communication.

“I had become a Christian during my senior year of high school and I was eager to know more about my own conversion,” said Finch. “I realized that I couldn’t see myself studying anything else. (My studies in religion) really helped nourish my soul.”

Though the shift from marine science to religion and communication was also unexpected, it served as the launching pad for Finch to enter church ministry.

There, he recognized his core purpose: “to connect with people.”

Learning and Leadership Finch’s passion for people motivated

64 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2012

him to become a worship leader and college pastor. That is, until another unexpected opportunity presented itself.

“I just began to feel a sense of discontent. I became eager to connect with people who will never be in the presence of a church. I want to be a godly influence in people’s lives, and in the marketplace,” said Finch.

So following his completion of a master’s of divinity program, Finch shifted his focus to leadership.

“I think people are realizing that it’s great to be well gifted, and to know your trade, but you have to work with people and know how to lead them in order to accomplish your goals,” he said.

That realization jump-started Finch’s consulting career. Following doctoral studies in leadership, he began traveling across the country to teach organizations how to become healthy.

Many of the struggling practices Finch encountered became thriving businesses in his wake. Eventually, Finch turned the organizational health curriculum he developed into a book titled, “A Remarkable Practice: Developing Leaders Personally and Professionally.”

Drawing from his background in music, Finch’s book compares the organization to a song. “All good music has a good melody. An organization’s melody is its purpose and mission that influence everything that it does,” he said.

“If you get away from the melody, then your song becomes something other than it was intended to be.”

In the book, Finch explains that a healthy company culture keeps the “song” in harmony because everyone is doing their part to keep the “rhythm” of the organization steady.

By leading others to lead as well,

Finch’s professional consulting role became another note in Finch’s personal melody that is driven by his mission of connecting with people in the marketplace.

Finding His Rhythm “I’ve always wanted to do things with excellence. It’s about creating work that honors God, our Creator,” Finch said.

So Finch began developing curriculum for use in church ministry. “I wanted to help people learn how to approach Scripture so it can build their faith in an engaging way,” he said. The curriculums he formed out of that desire, called “Connected to Jesus,” and “Connected to Ministry,” were taught at numerous student conferences and events.

Though Finch’s influence was rapidly expanding, he encountered his share of frustrations.

“I struggled because I had so many friends who knew what they wanted to do and they did it, but I felt like I had occupational ADHD. I didn’t know what in the world my life was going to end up like. There were times of frustration and disappointment because I wasn’t always able to use the things God gifted me with, but as I’ve grown into that, He has brought so many more opportunities my way,” Finch said.

Even through his occasional disillusionment, Finch kept listening to the melody – the mission – God had given him.

Through the counsel of a friend from UMobile, Finch realized that he was trying to define his calling instead of letting his calling define him.

That’s when Finch and his wife, Joy Baldwin Finch ’04, decided to take a leap of faith. Though he continued in

church ministry as a volunteer, Finch moved into full-time entrepreneurship, starting two businesses: Ben Finch Photography and The Visible Group: A Marketing & Design Firm.

“It made no sense whatsoever to the traditional mind. It was a tough economy and we had just had our first child, but it made us trust God when we wanted to trust ourselves,” he said.

Making a Reinvestment Soon thereafter, Finch’s marketing and design firm led him back to the beginning of his career path – the University of Mobile.

After seeing some of Finch’s work, Vice President for Institutional Advancement Brian Boyle scheduled a meeting to discuss a redesign of the school website, including its logos and brand identity.

In the end, Boyle chose Finch’s “Visible Group” to undertake the project.

“We were impressed with the creativity and quality that Ben brought to the project,” Boyle said. “Beyond that, working with a graduate was a great experience. Ben understands what makes the University of Mobile special, and he has a real desire for other students to share that experience. The result is a website that reflects well on the university, and an updated logo and brand identity that is fresh and inviting to prospective students.”

Finch was humbled by the opportunity. “I just wanted to be a small part of the difference that UMobile is making. I couldn’t have chosen an organization more dear to my heart or one that I was more eager to reinvest back into. I love that UMobile is making such a difference in students’ lives. My life is forever enriched by the impact the university has had on me, both personally and professionally.”

Today, Finch’s businesses are thriving.

“I’m finally enjoying the career of my dreams. I’m connecting with people,” through photography, the graphic arts, and various other communication

outlets, he said.

In addition to a fulfilling career, the Finches have three children – Brennan, 3, Knox, 2, and newborn Molly Claire.

Finch is constantly finding new ways to influence others. In 2008, a journey to Israel yielded a collection of stunning photos that became his next published work, “Israel: A Photographic Journey.” Today, his photography blog, benfinchphotography.net, reaches tens of thousands of people in almost 60 countries.

Looking Back, Moving Forward Finch’s far-reaching influence is rooted in deep faith that was cultivated at UMobile.

“The faculty was especially influential in their guidance through their teaching, and their classes played a big role in forming my beliefs. I was truly

challenged in my faith and gained a solid grounding in the tenants of Christianity,” he said.

The relationships he built at the university are still intact. “Many of my dearest friends are those I went to college with. I still talk to many of them on a regular basis,” he said.

President Mark Foley even officiated the Finch’s wedding ceremony. “Getting to know the Foleys was just a privilege,” Finch said.

Through those relationships “and through many of my classes, God gave me a heart for people and the courage to share the Gospel with them,” he said.

It’s Finch’s heart for people that motivates every step of his journey.

Though his life has been full of unexpected changes and challenges, his story resounds to the tune of perpetual growth. Reflecting back on the day he nervously strummed his guitar in Weaver Auditorium, Finch said, “You’re going to grow at UMobile.” m umobile.edu 65

Alumni

Making A Difference Erin Bethea ‘04

By Shannon Mason A successful acting career might be measured by the many millions of dollars made from your movies, or how many times your picture makes the cover of the tabloids.

UMobile alumna Erin Bethea ‘04 has a different definition of success.

“To me, the definition of success is ‘Have you made a difference?’” Erin said.

Erin recalled a night when she and her husband, Bill Shafer, were at a screening for the new movie “October Baby.” After the movie, a firefighter recognized her as the lead actress in “Fireproof.” With tears in his eyes, he approached her. He told her how much the movie impacted his life and helped save his marriage.

“There is nothing more powerful than being part of something that people saw and were saved, and marriages were saved,” Erin said.

Erin got her start in the University of Mobile Upper Room Theatre, in the small black-box theatre on the second floor in Martin Hall. The intimate atmosphere taught her how to be authentic in her film acting career when the camera moves in for close-ups.

After Erin graduated, a huge shift happened for her professionally. She transitioned from a musical theatre major who wanted to be on the Broadway stage, to an entertainer at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL. Then her big break came: she was cast for the lead role opposite veteran actor Kirk Cameron in the movie “Fireproof.”

The success of Fireproof has opened doors to other movie roles, and has given her opportunities to speak to others about the movie, her faith, and her call to an acting career.

Over the last eight months she has filmed five movies.

They are faith-based or inspirational family drama movies.

In August of 2011, she shot “The Heart of Christmas” with Matthew West and Candace Cameron Bure that was featured on the Gospel Music channel. Two movies she recently finished shooting are “Amazing Love” and “This Is Our Time,” both of which will be released on television.

“Amazing Love” is a modern-day story of Hosea. It follows five friends on a weekend camping trip with their youth group leader and his wife. The story teaches them about faith, commitment and love.

“This Is Our Time” is about several friends who are graduating from college and getting ready to face the challenges of the world. It also sheds light on a leper colony called “Embrace

66 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2012

a Village” outreach in Chennai, India.

“What is neat about this movie is that we are actually working and filming at the leper colony in Chennai, India. Being able to combine acting and filmmaking while getting to do great work with this leper colony is amazing,” said Erin.

The success of “Fireproof” and the impact of its message of the sanctity of marriage has led to speaking engagements for Erin.

“I always wondered how I would combine my love for

Erin Bethea on location in Chennai, India, with J.J. Dalrymple, who plays her husband in the film This Is Our Time.

“To me, the definition of success is ‘Have you made a difference?’” Erin Bethea

performing arts and making an impact on the world,” she said.

Public speaking has allowed her to make this happen.

In May of 2012, she will travel to Johannesburg, South Africa to speak at a four-day Women’s Conference where Beth Moore spoke two years ago.

Erin said that, in addition to preparing her for an acting career, the University of Mobile helped her evolve spiritually into the woman she is today.

“There is a deeper reason for choosing a school like the University of Mobile; there is more here than just an education or a sports program. It molds you into the person you are intended to be, to change lives to change the world,” she said.

Erin said she is especially proud of how the Center for Performing Arts has grown, and the leadership and integrity that the University of Mobile stands for.

To this day, when she returns to UMobile to visit faculty

and staff, she is still captivated by the campus and memories such as laying on the soccer field because it was the best place to look at stars, and doing a scavenger hunt for one of her roommate’s birthdays. Erin said she “cherishes these experiences and the lifelong friendships that continue to be important.”

Erin said the opportunities she has been given are beyond what she ever thought they would be. As her life takes her to many different places, she remembers what Dr. Foley told her at graduation when she walked across the stage, “Now go and change the world.” She hopes to continue doing just that through her acting and sharing of her faith with people she meets along the way.

“My goal is to be the light in a dark place in Hollywood. It’s always good to add that one more voice,” Erin said. m

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Alumni

Tony Nicholas

Class of 1996 Major: Business Administration Owner, The Hungry Owl Eatery

Tony Nicholas with Adam Richman, host of the Travel Channel’s Man vs. Food Nation.

Tony Nicholas learned real-world principles about small business management during his years at the University of Mobile.

Now, he uses those same ideas to run his real-world business, the Hungry Owl Eatery, which made big news on the Travel Channel’s Man vs. Food Nation.

After graduating with a business administration degree, continuing to culinary school and becoming Emeril Lagasse’s saucier, Nicholas returned to Mobile, Alabama to open his own restaurant. Today, the Hungry Owl Eatery is a landmark of Gulf Coast cuisine.

Nicholas still remembers the personal attention he received from professors in the School of Business. According to Nicholas, their practical wisdom helps his business to succeed on a daily basis. m

68 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2012

Tara Greene Jones

Class of 2002 Major: Art Missionary, International Mission Board When Tara Greene Jones went on a University Missions trip to Japan as a student, she didn’t expect to return home with a lifetime calling.

Following her graduation with a degree in art from UMobile, Jones returned to Japan for a two-year term, where she worked as a graphic designer and missionary. Today, Jones, husband Jared, and their two daughters are in Japan as career missionaries with the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Not only did Jones discover her calling through her time at the university, but the education and discipleship she received prepared her spiritually for full-time mission work. Today, she uses the practical skills and spiritual depth she gained at UMobile to disciple new Japanese believers.

Because her life was changed at UMobile, Jones is changing lives today. m

A Word from the Alumni Coordinator

Allison Nelson Alumni Coordinator Class of 2006

I have the best job in the world, and that is to serve as your University of Mobile Alumni Coordinator! Staying connected to UMobile is important to me and my husband, Kris Nelson ’01.

We enjoy bringing our sons Logan, 4, and Lawson, 2, to campus often to experience athletic and arts events. It means so much to us to walk around campus with our family, remembering the fun times of our college years and seeing the many ways our campus continues to grow.

I want to suggest some ways you can stay connected to UMobile.

First, please “like” the University of Mobile Alumni Facebook page for updates on alumni events and special information.

Then, visit the UMobile website at www.umobile.edu for the latest campus and athletic

news, reconnect with faculty and staff, and see the latest improvements to campus.

Next, plan a trip to see us! I would love to meet you, take you on a campus tour, buy you lunch in our newly renovated food service areas, and give you a gift. So, if you plan to vacation at the beach or just want to stop by and visit UMobile, please contact me at anelson@umobile.edu or 251.442.2226 so I may arrange your visit.

Finally, if you have high school students in your family, church or neighborhood who are looking for a college, please bring them to UMobile. A campus visit can make them eligible for a Visit Day scholarship and start them on the road to joining you as a UMobile graduate! m

umobile.edu 69

Class Notes

Class Notes ‘60s

George Vogtner ‘67 – Retired Project Manager of Ingalls Shipbuilding. He is adapting to being retired, enjoying traveling and spending time with their grandchildren. He was also a part of the Charter Class at the university.

Joel Bailey ’69 – Recently earned the title of Qualified Kingdom Advisor from Kingdom Advisors, which is a group of committed Christian Financial Professionals who have met high standards in training, integrity, character and competence.

‘70s

Linda Stewart Etheridge ’72 – Retired in 2010 after serving 38 years as a Mobile County Public School System Guidance Counselor.

Sharon Chandler Junco ‘75 – Graduated in 1975 with an A.D.N. and 1977 with B.S. in nursing. She went to work in ICU in Tuscaloosa from ’75 to 2002. She then became a travel nurse, working in the ER and ICU, and has traveled to Tennessee, Florida, Montana, Oregon, Alaska and Washington. Sharon is now in Washington where she is in charge over the ER. Richard Green ’76 - Recently received a job in Florida as a Chaplain for Bay Pines VA Healthcare Systems. He is married to Janice Duke Green ’76 and has three children.

Gerald Craft ’77 – Retired from the U.S. Army and now enjoying traveling and visiting family. He has spent six months in England where he was pastor at the English Baptist Church and plans to return for another six months later this year.

‘80s

Steven Dease ’83 – Works with the International Mission Board since June 1993. He has served in Uruguay since Dec. 7, 1994, as Uruguay Affinity Mobilizer.

70 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2012

Fritz Wilson ’83 – Works with the Florida Baptist Convention as the Team Strategist Disaster Relief & Recovery. He has served in leadership roles with Sept.

11 in New York, Florida hurricanes, Haiti earthquake, 2011 Alabama tornadoes and numerous other small disasters in Florida and around the world.

Nona Phillips Flythe ’84 – Started her own company, Flythe Nursing Consultants, seven years ago as way to pay for her daughter’s horse habit. She has been blessed each year with business doubling, and tripling this past year.

Nona now has a business that supports four different nurses with different needs.

Her company supports Assisted Living Facilities with professional RN support.

Libby Sutherland Headley ’87 – Accepted the position of Clinical Nurse Educator at Providence Hospital in November 2011. Specialties include oncology, pulmonary, palliative care, neurology, urology and nephrology. She is enjoying this next step in her career as a nurse and graduate of UMobile.

‘90s

Brett Burleson ‘93 – Earned degrees from Southwestern Seminary and Southern Seminary. He has ministered in South Florida and Western New York. His family is now back in Mobile, AL, where he is the lead pastor at Dayspring Baptist Church.

Michael Higgins ‘95 – Began serving as a Staff Attorney in the chambers of Chief Justice Chuck Malone of the Alabama Supreme Court in September 2011.

Merline Wright Rocker ‘95 – Works with Clarke County Board of Education as a counselor. She taught kindergarten for 11 years and now serves as the Guidance Counselor at Joe M. Gillmore Elementary School in Jackson, AL. Jay Jerrell ’98 – Moved to Forth Worth, TX with his family in January 2006, where he completed his Master of Arts in Church Music in December 2009. Jay and his wife, Jill Nahrgang ‘01, and their two children now live in Daphne, AL, where

he serves as the Worship Pastor at Faith Family Fellowship.

2000s

Cynthia Naugle Clement ’06 – Recently promoted as the Evening and Technical Director for the prime-time newscasts for WALA Fox 10. Cynthia has also worked with WKRG (Channel 5) and WPMI (Channel 15) in Mobile, AL. Jordan Van Matre ’07 – Completed law school and started a career working as a Junior Associate at Robert J. Semrad & Associates, LLC in Atlanta, GA. Stephanie Barnes ’08 – Serves as the Children’s Pastor at Mars Hill in Mobile, AL for the last 3 years. She also designs costumes for the Upper Room Theater and the Opera at the university.

Stephen Edwards ’09 – Works with the International Mission Board serving in Africa. He will be there for two years.

Deborah York ‘10 – Returned to UMobile to pursue a Master’s in Marriage and Family Counseling. She is also pursuing her own outreach ministry called “Divinely Connected” where she will be able to give back to the community.

Deborah is writing a book that she hopes to complete within the next month.

Births

Maryann Bruns Dean ’04 and Kevin Dean announce the birth of their first child, Tyson Marx. He was born May 31, 2011 at 5:10 p.m.

Tyson was 8 lbs. and 21.5 inches.

Christin Kelly Bumstead ’01 and Michael Bumstead were blessed with their first child, Collins James,

We want to hear from our Alumni!

on June 11, 2010. Collins was 10 lbs. 5oz. and 22 inches.

Brett Chancery ’08 and Jennifer Coale Chancery ’11 announce the birth of their daughter, Anna Trea, on Aug. 20, 2011.

Lee Harper ’09 and Laura Ashley Ingram Harper ’10 proudly announce the birth of their first child, Holland Grace, on Sept. 13, 2011 at 10:35 a.m.

Holland was 7 lbs. 7 oz. and 19.25 inches.

Melissa Fisher ’09 announces the birth of her daughter, Melina Andrea, on Sept. 27, 2011 at 6:24 p.m. She was 7 lbs., 7 oz. Melina shares the same birthday as her grandmother.

Matt “RoRo” Spradlin ’04 and Taylor Hall Spradlin ’05 welcomed their first child, Bodie William, on Dec. 19, 2011 at 3:19 p.m. Bodie was 6 lbs. 11 oz. and 19.5 inches.

To receive a free subscription to the University of Mobile Magazine, visit www.umobile.edu/subscribe.

Marriages Lauren Burnett Wetzel ’09 was married to Cody Wetzel on Oct. 3, 2009. They live in Andrews, TX.

Would you like to be included in a future edition of Class Notes? Just send us the latest information on you and your career accomplishments, weddings, births, and/or adoptions. High resolution (300 dpi) photos may be emailed to umobilemagazine@umobile.edu; please include your contact information in the email. Class Notes are printed on a space-available basis.

Mr. Mrs. Ms. Miss Dr. Name____________________________ Maiden Name_____________________ Spouse Name_____________________

Taylor Lee Phillips Ledbetter ’09 was married to Neal Ledbetter on Sept. 10, 2011. Neal Ledbetter is Director of Campus Life at UMobile.

They live in Mobile, AL. Amanda Green Clonts ‘08 was married to Michael Clonts on Feb. 18, 2012.

They live in Colorado Springs, CO.

UMobile Graduation Year____________ Major____________________________ Degree Earned_ ___________________ Home Address ________________________________ City_ ____________________________ State_ _______ Zip_________________ Country__________________________ Home Phone______________________ Cell Phone________________________ Email Address ________________________________ Employment Information: Company_ _______________________ Title_____________________________ Address__________________________

Anniversaries Elizabeth Autry Jernigan ’85 celebrated her 50th wedding anniversary with her husband, Jim, on July 1, 2011.

SPRING 2012

________________________________ Work Phone_ _____________________ Other Information: _________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ Please list any news you would like to share with us.

Copy and fax this form to 251.442.2512 or mail to: University of Mobile Alumni Office 5735 College Parkway Mobile, AL 36613 Or submit the online form at www.umobile.edu/ClassNotes

umobile.edu 71

Honor Roll of Donors January 1, 2011-April 30, 2012 Torch Society $25,000 and above A. S. Mitchell Foundation Alabama Baptist State Convention Mr. David S. Barringer, Jr. Crampton Scholarship Endowment Trust Florence Foundation Dr. & Mrs. Mark R. Foley Mr. & Mrs. Allen Fonde Mr. & Mrs. Bill Ingram J. L. Bedsole Foundation Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation Dr. E. Grace Pilot Mr. & Mrs. W. Davis Pilot, Jr. Regions Financial Corporation Mr. & Mrs. Juan C. Romero The Estate of Karlene F. Farmer The SSI Group, Inc. Mr. Donald F. Williams

Trustee’s Circle $10,000-$24,999 Aghorn Energy, Inc. Mr. & Mrs. Thomas P. Boyle, Jr. Mr. Gabi Constantine Ms. Joyce Fisher Mr. Kenny Harris Dr. & Mrs. Fred G. Lackey National Management Resources Corp.

Mr. & Mrs. Dean N. Parker, Jr. Dr. & Mrs. Yetta G. Samford, Jr. Scott Bridge Co., Inc. Mr. & Mrs. Benny C. Snow Mr. Harold Sorrells Mr. & Mrs. Paul A. Stanley State of Alabama, Dept. of Finance Dr. & Mrs. Larry Turner

Honorary Fellow $5,000-$9,999 Alabama Assoc. of Independent Colleges & Univ Atmore First Assembly of God Baptist Foundation of Alabama Mr. & Mrs. Joel Bullard Mr. & Mrs. Frank C. Daniels

72 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2012

Mrs. Elizabeth Dodd Mrs. Patricia H. Dorsett East Memorial Baptist Church First Baptist Church Atlanta First Baptist Church of Odessa, Texas G. A. West & Co., Inc. Hickory Hammock Baptist Church Mr. Kenneth Hughes Dr. & Mrs. Jimmy Jackson Mr. & Mrs. Carl E. Johnson Kernan Boulevard Baptist Church, Inc. Ms. Billie R. Kohen Luke 4:18 Fellowship Dr. & Mrs. Robert B. McGinley Mr. & Mrs. Pat Nelson Mrs. John T. Northrop Oakland Baptist Church Mr. John M. Plunk Rikard Charitable Trust Dr. John Runda Sherwood Baptist Church Mr. Fred Solomon Southern Nuclear Operating Co. Volunteers of America, SE Dr. & Mrs. James L. West Dr. Joseph F. West Whitney National Bank Mr. & Mrs. Fred H. Wilson

President’s Club $1,000-$4,999 Alabama Power Company Alabama Republican Party Army Aviation Center Athens First Baptist Church AUSTAL USA Mr. & Mrs. Al Balderas BASF Corporation Terry Batchelor Mr. Wayne Batt BBVA Compass Bank Mr. & Mrs. Joseph L. Bedwell Bellevue Baptist Church LTC & Mrs. Jeff C. Bergdolt Boca Raton Community Church Mr. & Mrs. Brian P. Boyle Mr. Kent Brooks Mr. & Mrs. William G. Buchanan Ms. Lynne Burkart Mr. & Mrs. Fred Burke, Jr.

Calvary Baptist Church Camden Baptist Church Christ the Redeemer Church, Inc. Christian Supply Cinco Baptist Church Mr. Michael Clarke College Park Baptist Church Dr. & Mrs. Harold R. Collins Community Bible Church Community Foundation of South Alabama Mr. & Mrs. Kamal Constantine Major General & Mrs. J. Gary Cooper Mr. & Mrs. Daniel A. Cowart Ms. Melonee Crews Cross River Church Mr. & Mrs. James E. Daniel Dauphin Way Baptist Church Mr. & Mrs. Randall M. Davis Dayspring Baptist Church Mr. Glenn Deaton Decatur First Baptist Church Mr. Robert Decker Mrs. W.C. Dobbs Don Gordon Construction, Inc. Downtown Fellowship Church Mrs. LuAnne Dunn Eagle Heights Church Eastern Shore Baptist Church Dr. Audrey C. Eubanks Excel Baptist Church First Baptist Church - DeFuniak Springs First Baptist Church Conroe First Baptist Church Downtown Fort Myers First Baptist Church Hendersonville First Baptist Church Jacksonville First Baptist Church of Canton First Baptist Church of Crestview First Baptist Church of Fairhope, Inc. First Baptist Church of Fort Lauderdale First Baptist Church of Gillis First Baptist Church of Leroy First Baptist Church of Natchez First Baptist Church of Vicksburg, MS First Baptist Church of Wilmer, Inc. First Baptist Church Olive Branch First Baptist Church Tillman’s Corner First Baptist Church Tullahoma First Baptist Church Woodstock, GA First Baptist Jackson First Community Bank

Captain & Mrs. James F. Fisher, Jr. Foley First Baptist Church Follett Higher Education Group Forrest Daniell & Associates, P.C. Dr. & Mrs. Roderick S. Fox Mr. Brian Freeman Fresh Anointing House of Worship Geyer Springs First Baptist Church Mr. Thomas Gober & Dr. Sue Gober Mr. Wayne Gordon Grand Bay First Baptist Church Mr. & Mrs. David J. Grizzle Grove Hill Baptist Church Gulf Fastener, Inc. Gulf Shores First Baptist Church Gulletts Bluff Baptist Church Mr. William C. Hannon, II Hargrove Engineers & Constructors Heights Baptist Church Heritage Church of God Hillcrest Baptist Church Hixon Enterprises Mr. Jim S. Holland, Sr. Mr. William C. & Dr. Nancy Huff In Touch Ministries Industrial Valve Services, Inc. Innerarity Point Baptist Church Iron City Baptist Church Island Winds East 406 Jamfest Events, LLC Johnson, Slaughter, Elder & Northcutt, P.A. Joseph N. Langan Charitable Trust Judson Baptist Church Ms. Kay M. Keel Mr. Larry Keeton Mr. Alex H. Kendrick Mr. & Mrs. R. Don Kennedy Kirby Woods Baptist Church Mr. & Mrs. William Bibb Lamar, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Thomas W. Leavell Mr. & Mrs. Neal Ledbetter Mr. Mark Leousis Liberty Baptist Church Lifeway Dr. Edward H. Litton Mr. & Mrs. Henry E. Lowery, Jr. Macedonia Baptist Church Mr. Danny Manning Mr. C. Scott Markle Mr. & Mrs. Clint Matthews Dr. & Mrs. Robert H. Maxwell

Linwood & Debora McClain Rev. & Mrs. Brad McClain Mr. & Mrs. Roger E. McConnell Ms. Doris I. McDill Mr. & Mrs. W. Kenneth McElhaney, Sr. Ms. Sherry S. Melton Mr. & Mrs. Oscar Miskelly Mobile Infirmary Medical Center Mobile Rock & Gem Society Moffett Road Baptist Church Mr. Roger L. Mott Mt. Hebron Church Ministries, Inc. National Christian Foundation of Alabama New Life Baptist Church Dr. & Mrs. John Nixon, Jr. Ms. Cindy S. Norris North Jacksonville Baptist Church, Inc. Northwest Florida State College Foundation Olive Baptist Church Opp First Baptist Church Orange Beach United Methodist Church Pathway Ministries Dr. Keith J. Peevy Dr. Hazel A. Petersen-Walter & Mr. Homar Walter Mr. Mark D. Pressley Prestonwood Baptist Church Ms. Jennifer B. Rankin Ms. Gwyn T. Rawls Mr. & Mrs. Louis Reno, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Rigney

Mr. Jerimeh Roach Mr. Russell D. Roberts Roberts Charitable Foundation Mr. & Mrs. William T. Robinson Mr. Dennis W. Rogers Safe Harbor United Methodist Church Sandy Ridge Baptist Church Satsuma First Baptist Church Mrs. Marlene B. Sauer Sav A Life, Mobile, Inc. Scotch & Gulf Lumber Company Mr. & Mrs. Robert M. Seaborn, Jr. Second Baptist Church Mr. David P. Shepherd Shindler Drive Baptist Church Ms. Angie Short Mr. Wayne Sirmon Mr. & Mrs. Paul W. Skelton Smith, Dukes & Buckalew, LLP Snow Road First Baptist Church Spanish Fort Methodist Church Springhill Automotive, Inc. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church State Farm Companies Foundation Mr. & Mrs. W. Sandy Stimpson Sugar Hill Church T & B Associates The First Baptist Church Philadelphia, MS The Mosow Family Foundation The National Christian Foundation Tibbie Baptist Church Mr. & Mrs. Bobby E. Tidmore Mr. David M. Todd

umobile.edu 73

Honor Roll of Donors

Tractor and Equipment Company Wade Baptist Church Walt Massey Automotive, Inc. Mrs. Debbie R. Ward Dr. Mabel Ward Mrs. Joan C. Watterson Dr. William K. Weaver, Jr. Westside Baptist Church Ms. Amy Wildman Ms. Cheryl Smiley Williams Willis North America, Inc. Woodlawn Baptist Church Woodridge Baptist Church

Dean’s Circle $500-$999 Alabama Power Company Mr. Dillard Allen Ms. Norah Lee Allen Arab First Baptist Church Ariton Baptist Church Azalea Baptist Church Mr. & Mrs. Owen Bailey Ms. Beverley A. Baker Baldwin Baptist Association BankTrust Mr. & Mrs. Paul S. Barnett Robert and Jennifer Bartlett Mr. & Mrs. Edward Baxley Mr. & Mrs. George M. Beck Belle Aire Baptist Church Bethel Baptist Church Ms. Patricia Beyer Mr. C. Earnest Boshell Bradfordville First Baptist Church Brookhaven High School Band Boosters Mr. & Mrs. Charles D. Brown Ms. Cassandra Bryant Mr. Donald W. Byrne Cayman Islands Baptist Church Celeste Road Church of God Chevron Humankind Matching Gift Program Chickasaw First Baptist Church Mr. Bradley W. Collier Mr. David J. Conner Mr. David Conway Mrs. Lenora B. Cook Creola First Baptist Church Mr. Steven G. Crowell Cullman Overhead Door & Glass, Inc.

74 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2012

D Bark Associates Mrs. Violette H. Darnell DEX Imaging of Alabama, LLC Mr. & Mrs. Martin E. Dorsett Dr. & Mrs. James Draper Mr. Daniel Dudenhoffer, Jr. Dr. & Mrs. William E. Dumas Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Dunning Eastside Baptist Church Ms. Shelia Eaton Education Music Association Mrs. Connie W. Elmore Mr. Mark C. Espy Sr. Faith Academy of Mobile, Inc. Farmstead Baptist Church Ms. Joyce M. Fewox First Assembly of God, Grand Cayman First Baptist Church of McIntosh Flomaton First Baptist Church Mrs. Shirley J. Foley Mr. Samuel Fowler Fred Bugg & Son Mr. Jim I. Ginnings Mr. & Mrs. Joshua D. Givens Mr. Daryl Gomien Mr. Billy Gorham Ms. June Gruver Mr. & Mrs. Carlton Hardman Mr. Tim Harford Mr. Bill F. Hart Mrs. Kathryn O. Hawsey-Lambert Helmsing, Leach, Herlong, Newman & Rouse

Mr. Kent Hendricks Hickory Grove Baptist Church Ms. Patricia Holcomb Mr. & Mrs. Ronnie Holladay Mr. & Mrs. William H. Huff, Sr. Mr. & Mrs. A. Pharr Hume Ms. Sherrie K. Hunter Infirmary Foundation Mr. Grover T. Jacobs Mr. Chester Johnson Mr. Vivian G. Johnston, Jr. Just for You Mr. Maged Kamel Ms. Geanette Kelley Mr. Kenneth King Mr. Robert Lane Living Word Church, Inc. Mr. Vincent Lursen Marcus Pointe Baptist Church Mars Hill Ministries Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast Ms. Hope McFadden Mrs. Courtney T. McGowin Mr. Edgar McGraw Mrs. Jane McKeon Mercedes-Benz of Mobile Mobile Baptist W.M.U. Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence S. Morgan Mr. & Mrs. William Morris Nelson Plumbing Mr. & Mrs. John A. Nicholas Mr. & Mrs. Billy Nichols

Mr. Kevin Norris, Sr. Oak Grove Baptist Church Ms. Kristin A. Oliver Dr. Cecil L. Parker Jr. Dr. & Mrs. W. Rick Payne Mr. & Mrs. Frank Person Mr. & Mrs. Will G. Phillips PJ Lumber Company Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Nieves M. Plumlee Mr. & Mrs. Bill Prentiss Ms. Amber Ramsay Mr. Dale M. Reynolds Rocky Bayou Baptist Church Rocky Knoll Baptist Church Rev. Emmett P. Roper Samuel I. Newhouse Foundation Semmes First Baptist Church Seven Hills Baptist Church Dr. & Mrs. Phillip Shouppe Silverhill First Baptist Church Mr. Greg Simmons Mr. Lonnie Skinner Mr. Louis Skinner Mr. Darrell W. Smith Sonshine Enterprises Ms. Gloria Stringer The Trust Co. of Sterne, Agee, Leach, Inc. Theodore First Baptist Church Mr. Paul Carey Thompson Mr. & Mrs. H. W. Thurber, III Ms. Taylor Troha Ms. Patty Vernado Ms. Toni B. Vines Dr. Howard S. J. Walker, Jr. Ms. Marjorie H. Walsh Washington Baptist Church Mr. Robert C. Weaver Mr. & Mrs. Charles F. Westover Ms. Shirley Wilkerson Mr. Michael W. Williamson Mrs. Albert F. Willis Dr. & Mrs. Dale Younce

Benefactor $150-$499 4-S Farms Mr. & Mrs. Ed Ahrens Ms. Sandy Akers Aliceville First Baptist Church Mr. & Mrs. Billy Anderson

Anesthesia Services, P. C. Ms. Janet T. Bailey Mr. William J. Bailey Ms. Elsa Bari Ms. Linda L. Barrett Mr. Jeff Barton Ms. Madge Becton Mr. John C. Bell Mr. Matthew Bell Mrs. Colleen Bergdolt Dr. & Mrs. Donald K. Berry Bethlehem Baptist Church Mr. & Mrs. Warren Biegler Mr. & Mrs. Jim Bingaman Mr. & Mrs. E. E. Bishop, Jr. Mr. Jon Ray Bishop Dr. & Mrs. James E. Blackman, Jr. Ms. Judy Blackmon Boca Raton Christian School, Inc. Mrs. Mary A. Boresky Mrs. Cathy Boyett BP Fabric of America Fund Mr. & Mrs. Thomas M. Bramlett Dr. & Mrs. Roger Breland Brewers Memorial Church Ms. Barbara Britton Mr. Frank D. Brown Mr. Michael Burke Dr. & Mrs. Lonnie A. Burnett Burns, Cunningham & Mackey, PC Ms. Jackie C. Byrd Mr. Jerry & Dr. Mary Jane Byrd Ms. Sharon B. Byrd Mr. & Mrs. Thomas M. Callan Ms. Ann W. Carns Mr. Mark Cates Centerpointe Assembly of God Mr. Joe Chaisson Mr. & Mrs. Daniel B. Chancey Mr. & Mrs. Robert L. Chastain Chick-fil-A - Dauphin Street Mr. Charles W. Clement Mr. William E. Clonts Mrs. Jonna Conway Cornerstone Schools of Alabama Inc. Cottage Hill Baptist School System Mr. & Mrs. Chadwick P. Counselman Rev. & Mrs. Timothy M. Cox Creola Assembly of God D & K Men’s Discounters, Inc. Ms. Kelli Daniels Mr. James I. Davidson Jr. Dr. Gamil S. Dawood

DeKalb Baptist Association Mr. Kevin Dempsey Ms. Marie T. Dixon Mrs. John Donnaway Ms. Jacqueline Dotschkal Ms. Jill Dozart Ms. Laura Beasley Driver Dr. William T. Dunn Eastern Hills Baptist Church Mr. & Mrs. John H. Echols Mr. Doug Eden Ms. Bonnie G. Elkins Neil & Lauren Elmore Mr. Charles D. Enfinger Enon Baptist Church Mr. & Mrs. Troy L. Ephriam Estate of Charles B. Arendall, Jr. Ms. Lynne Evans Ms. Rachael W. Faught Ms. Viva Dean Faught Dr. & Mrs. Larry Felkins Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund Mr. Bruce Finley & Dr. Jane Finley First Baptist Church of Eclectic First Presbyterian Church Camden Ms. Jacqui Floyd Ms. Debbie Foster Mrs. Joeann S. Foster Mr. Tom Fouts Ms. Mary B. Fowler Ms. Stella J. Fowler Franklin House of Prayer Rev. & Mrs. Travis Free Ms. Carolyn B. Freeman Mr. Chris Fuchs Fulton Road Baptist Church Mr. William L. Gafford III Mr. Kevin Gibson Mr. & Mrs. Phillip Gilbert Mr. Bill Givens Mr. William Godshall Ms. Connie Goldman Mr. J. C. Goldman, Jr. Ms. Angela W. Golfos Ms. Leona M. Gonzales Ms. Carol P. Goodloe Gospel Lighthouse Assembly of God Grace Fellowship Assembly of God Mr. & Mrs. Don D. Greene Ms. Patricia L. Gruver Mrs. Lenora S. Hamrick Mr. & Mrs. Terry H. Harbin Mr. Hugh E. Hardaway Sr.

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Honor Roll of Donors

Mr. & Mrs. Robert L. Harris Ms. Donna Head Mrs. Karen P. Hicks Mr. & Mrs. Charles E. Hill Mr. & Mrs. Lyman Holland, Jr. Mr. Mark Holland Mr. Lavoyd Hudson Ms. Jane C. Hughes Mr. & Mrs. Pfilip Hunt, Jr. Hurricane Baptist Church Dr. & Mrs. Clark G. Hutchinson In the Midst Ministries, Inc. Insurance & Investment Consultants, Inc. Interstate Heating & Cooling, Inc. Ms. Nanette Isenhour J. Baker Farming Ms. Ursula A. Jeffcoat Mr. & Mrs. B H Johnson Jr. Mr. Dale W. Johnson Mr. Patrick Judge K M Busby Insurance Karat Patch Mr. & Mrs. Steven A. Kelley Dr. & Mrs. Peter Kingsford Ms. Edna P. Kynard Ms. Veronica W. Lachappelle Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Lassiter Ms. Alyssa K. Laswell Ms. Becky E. Lawrence Lifespring Community Church Ms. Wendy Lipham Lipsey Middle School PTA Mr. & Mrs. David Lober Mr. Christopher E. Lovely Ms. Sandra Lunceford Ms. Karla Luttrell Mrs. Linda Malloy Mr. Danny O. Manning Ms. Lynn Manus Mrs. Maarah B. Marks Mrs. Doraine P. Mayo Mr. James McBride, Jr. Mr. Gordon B. McBryde Mr. C. Dennis McCann Ms. Yvonne McCauley Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth P. McCormick, Jr. Mr. Mike McElhaney Dr. & Mrs. Richard F. McElhaney, Sr. Mr. John R. McNeil Mr. Bubba McNellage McNellage & Associates, Inc. Metal Shredding Solutions LLC Mike Potts Logging 76 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2012

Dr. Pamela B. Miller Ms. Susan Mitchell Mobile Fixture & Equipment Mr. & Mrs. Leland T. Moore, Sr. Mr. & Mrs. Jay Moore Mr. Robert E. Morrow Ms. Lorraine Myers Dr. Sidney W. Nichols North Peachtree Baptist Church North Shelby Baptist Church

Mr. Paul Nugent Ms. Catherine G. Odom Orange Beach First Baptist Church Ms. Jennie B. Osborne Osborne’s Jewelers, Inc. Mr. & Mrs. Robert F. Owens Ms. Faynell Painter Ms. Beverly Parker Mr. & Mrs. Jim Patterson Mr. Michael Peaden

Mr. Charles Pemberton Ms. Lisa Pigott Pipes, Hudson & Watts, L.L.P. Dr. & Mrs. Leon Pirkle Ms. Mary Jane Pointer Mr. Smitty Powell Providence Property Management Ms. Cheryl L. Rankin Rev. & Mrs. Allen M. Ray Ms. Joan Reagan Mr. & Mrs. Fred Rettig Mr. Charlie Rickett Rev. & Mrs. Max Roden Ms. Linda W. Rogers Mr. & Mrs. Gregory B. Saad Ms. Julie Salmon Mr. Ronald Sanders Saraland Ministerial Association Saraland United Methodist Church SBS Farm Service, Inc. Mrs. Hans Schneider Mr. John K. Severn Mr. Tom Sharp Shiloh United Methodist Church Mr. & Mrs. John R. Shirley, Jr. Mr. Walter L. Shuler Silveira Farms Ms. Susie Simmons Mrs. Deidre C. Skelton Mr. David G. Smith Mr. Dwight L. Smith Ms. Aline Snellgrove Ms. Jacqueline L. Stearns Mr. Gordon S. Stimpson Jr. Ms. Joan Strandberg Ms. Jean Street Ms. Liv S. Sunde Surgical Association of Mobile, P. A. Mr. & Mrs. Bobby Sutterfield Mr. & Mrs. Mark Swanzy Mr. & Mrs. Christopher T. Sylvester Mr. & Mrs. Davie J. Taulbee, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Ruben Teague The Dobbs Law Firm Ms. Deanie W. Thompson TKM Construction, LLC Mr. Jimmie Todd Town of Silverhill Training in Mission Evangelism Mr. & Mrs. Jimmie Travis Mr. Thomas R. Ulmer Volkert & Associates, Inc. Mr. Nicholas A. Vrakelos

Mr. J. Douglas Ward Ms. Cassie Watson Ms. Linda Z. Watson We Care Program Ms. Shirley A. West Westside Baptist Church Ms. Marilyn W. White Mr. Ryan K. Whitfield Mr. & Mrs. William E. Whitfield, III Ms. Alicia G. Whitley Mr. & Mrs. James C. Wilkerson Mr. & Mrs. Ray Wilkins Wilkins Miller Hieronymus, LLC Ms. Betty A. Williams Ms. Carmen B. Williams Mr. & Mrs. Mike Williams Mrs. Sarah B. Witherspoon Mr. & Mrs. Chris J. Wohlwend Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. Wojohn Ms. Laura S. Wolf Mr. & Mrs. B. Maxwell Woodruff, Jr. WOW Lodge Ms. Argeline Yarbrough Ms. Donna S. Yawn

Friend $20-$149 Mr. Brian Aaron Ms. Imojean Abbott ACH Construction, Inc. Ms. Eloise R. Adams Mr. Max C. Adams Ms. Toshika Adams Ms. Betty Addie Ms. Sheila B. Aguilar Mr. & Mrs. James H. Allen Mr. Joseph E. Allen Mr. Joshua C. Allen Ms. Jane M. Allgood Ms. Mary Beth Allison Ms. Kathryn Allred Mrs. Gwinelle P. Allums Mr. & Mrs. Donnie Aman Ms. Anna Anderson Ms. Janna L. Anderson Mrs. Mary I. Anderson Ms. Regina B. Anderson Mrs. Mary E. Andry Ms. Judith B. Ankiewicz Mr. & Mrs. Matthew H. Appleby Mr. Steven C. Applegate

Ms. Ann Armstrong Ms. Kellie A. Armstrong Mr. & Mrs. Henry F. Arnold Ms. Louise Arseneault Dale Ash Ms. Jody W. Atchison Ms. Katherine A. Atkins Ms. Judy Aucoin Ms. Rosemary Austin Mr. & Mrs. James W. Averett Ms. Noel Awad Ms. Mary Bacon Mrs. Marilyn Baggett Mr. Henry Bailey Mr. John Bainbridge Mrs. Georgia Baker Mr. David W. Baldwin Ms. Mary Anne Ball Ms. Patricia H. Ballew Ms. Gwen Barefield Ms. Diane Barefoot Ms. Carrie R. Barger Ms. Kimberly Barnett Rev. & Mrs. Rick Barnhart Ms. Kathleen B. Barnum Ms. Kathleen A. Barr Mr. Myron A. Barr Mr. James E. Barrett, Jr. Mr. Jonathan Barron Mrs. Emily H. Bass Dr. Bassam A. Bassam Ms. Annie R. Batchelor Ms. Melanie N. Battles Mr. Mike Baugh Ms. Peggy Baxley Mr. Leroy Beale Ms. Heather R. Bearden Dr. Patricia Beare Mr. Joseph Beasley Mr. William K. Beatty Ms. Sue Beaty Ms. Chelsea D. Beck Ms. Kathy A. Beck Mr. Kevin A. Beck Mr. Ronald Beckham Ms. Lucille L. Beckner Ms. Ginger D. Bedsole Ms. Elaine Beech Ms. Jacqueline H. Belser T. L. Bender Bent A Farms Mr. & Mrs. E. Erich Bergdolt Ms. Linda Bergey umobile.edu 77

Honor Roll of Donors

Ms. Verdina Bilbrey Ms. Elizabeth N. Bishop Mr. Jay R. Bishop Mr. Joel Bishop Mr. & Mrs. Billy Black Ms. Elizabeth A. Black Ms. Jennifer C. Black Mr. Matthew W. Blackerby Mr. Lyn Blair Ms. Nancy D. Blake Ms. Joey Blount Mr. & Mrs. Carroll E. Blow, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. H. E. Bolton, Jr. Mr. John Michael Bond Mrs. Rufus Bond Ms. Susan Bond Ms. Lee Bonds Mrs. Stacy Bonner Mr. Timothy J. Bonvillain Mrs. Sheila C. Booker Ms. Leeann J. Bookout Mr. & Mrs. Jerry M. Boone Ms. Shelley A. Boozer Mr. Stephen Borona Ms. Lila Boswell Ms. Darla Bowen Ms. Thelma M. Bowen Ms. M. Elaine Bowers Ms. Rosemary P. Bowman Ms. Carlene Boyce Mr. George W. Boyer Ms. Aimee Boykins Ms. Audra K. Braddock Mr. William Bradshaw Ms. Dana P. Brady Mrs. April C. Brannan Mr. Joseph L. Brasher Mr. & Mrs. Louis Braswell Ms. Pamela Bratcher Mr. & Mrs. John R. Breland II Mr. Douglas Bridell Ms. Linda S. Bridges Mr. Robert Bridges Ms. Twila Bridges Mr. Larry D. Bright Mr. Mark A. Brixey Mr. Mark A. Brixey Ms. Lindsey Broadus Ms. Elaine Broom Mrs. Mary C. Broussard Mr. Mack Browder Mr. & Mrs. Franklin D. Brown

78 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2012

Mr. Gene Brown Ms. Gladys Brown Mr. Jonathan Bruce Ms. Kathleen L. Bruno Mr. & Mrs. John G. Bruns Mr. Hugh Bryan Ms. Julie A. Bryan Ms. Pamela S. Bryars Ms. Emma L. Buckler Mr. Edward Buckner Mr. Josh G. Bugg Ms. Pauline C. Bugg Mrs. Stephanie Bumpers Mr. Austin Burch Ms. Jennifer L. Burcham Ms. Evelyn Burckhart Mr. Mark S. Burge Mr. & Mrs. Greg Burgin Mr. Cecil V. Burhenn Mr. Craig Burkhardt Mr. & Mrs. Gregory A. Burleson Ms. Teresa Burns Rev. & Mrs. Art Burroughs Mr. Robert Burton Ms. Lauren Busby Ms. Sonya L. Busby Ms. Pat Butler Ms. Teresa Ann Butler Mrs. William M. Butler Ms. Nancy C. Butterworth Ms. Danielle S. Buxton Ms. Shannon Cabaniss Cahaba Heights Shoe Repair Ms. Jennifer Calahan Mr. William A. Calvert Mr. & Mrs. Joe Camp Mr. Michael Campbell Ms. Fannie S. Cannon Mr. Mark Cannon Mr. Christopher Capasse Ms. Nancy B. Capasse Ms. Pamela D. Capps Mr. Monroe G. Caraway Mr. & Mrs. Steven Carey Mrs. Brenda B. Carlisle Mr. & Mrs. Charles E. Carmichael Ms. Jenny H. Carney Ms. Meagan E. Carney Ms. Morgan Carnley Mr. Charles C. Carr Ms. Dianne Carriveau Ms. Lynn C. Carroll

Ms. Mildred C. Carroll Mr. William A. Carroll Rev. J. Roy Carter Ms. Judy Carter Mr. Julian C. Carter, Jr. Ms. Hollie Cartledge Ms. Betty S. Carver Ms. Susanne S. Cashman Ms. Annamarie Cassis Ms. Deborah P. Castelin Mr. Cameron Cauley Ms. Justine D. Cauley Mr. Newal S. Cauthen Centre for the Living Arts Mr. Fred W. Chandler Mr. Jeff Chandler Ms. Hattie Chapman Ms. Cindy Chastain Ms. Cynthia L. Cherry Ms. Judith A. Cherry Ms. Kenya F. Chestang Mr. & Mrs. Leonard D. Chilton Ms. Anette Christopher Mr. & Mrs. William D. Clanton Mr. Jimmy Clark Ms. Sandra K. Clark Mr. Zachary Clark Ms. Kim Clayton Mrs. James L. Clayton Mr. & Mrs. Thomas B. Clement, Sr. Ms. Doris V. Clever Mr. Harwell E. Coale, Jr. Mr. Dale L. Cobb Ms. Tammie W. Coburn Cockrell’s Eastern Shore, Inc. Mrs. Amanda J. Coggin Ms. Betty B. Coker Ms. Cheryl Colbey Ms. Courtney Colbey Ms. Dianne J. Colburn Ms. Christy Coleman Ms. Linda P. Coleman Ms. Petriva W. Coley Ms. Selma T. Collier Mr. Joshua S. Collins Ms. Rosa I. Colon Comprehensive Behavioral Service South, LLC Ms. Jean Conaway Mr. Joseph Connally Mr. Herbert L. Conner

Mr. Maury Conner Ms. Kerry A. Connolly Miss Rhema J. Conrad Ms. Deborah Anne Cooper Mr. Hal Cooper Ms. Priscilla P. Cooper Mr. Eric Copeland Ms. Vivien Corley Ms. Trina D. Cornett Ms. Nancy F. Council Ms. Donna J. Counselman Ms. Elaine H. Cox Ms. Karen S. Cox Mr. Jeffrey J. Crapper Mr. A. Bruce Craven Mrs. Mary G. Creamer Mr. Jerry L. Creel, Jr. Ms. Julia S. Crews Ms. Tina Crigger Ms. Sheila B. Crim Mr. John Croom Mr. Robert J. Crow Mr. John Crowder Ms. Lora Crowley Ms. Sandra F. Cruikshank Mr. Marl M. Cummings III Ms. Sarah Cunningham Mr. Alan B. Curlee Ms. Mary Jo Curlette Ms. Cheryl Currey Ms. Yolanda O. Curry Dr. & Mrs. Terry H. Cutrer Ms. Pauline B. Dale Mr. Denis J. Dalisky Ms. Elizabeth M. Dalisky Ms. Jacqueline Danner Mr. David L. Darnell Ms. Annette Daugherty Ms. Sheila C. Davidson Mr. B. R. Davis Mrs. Barbara F. Davis Mrs. Brandy L. Davis Ms. Brenda Davis Ms. Cathy A. Davis Ms. Cathy S. Davis Ms. Cheryl M. Davis Mr. & Mrs. Clint Davis Ms. Mary B. Davis Mr. & Mrs. Michael Davis Mrs. Patricia D. Davis Mr. & Mrs. Scott Davis Mr. & Mrs. Thomas H. Davis, Jr.

Ms. Tracy A. Davis Mrs. Wanda A. Dawson Mr. James D. Day Ms. Lacey Deal Ms. Carla Thompson Dean Mr. Chip Dean Mr. Daniel Dearborn Ms. Rebekah D. Dearborn Mr. Terry Joe Debrow, Sr. Mr. Leonard Decker Ms. Sarah Decker Ms. Frances C. Dees Mr. Sumter C. Degaris Ms. Margaret B. Delancey RN Ms. Neill DeLaney Mrs. Doris B. Delmarter Ms. Joyce E. Dempsey Ms. Sue Denson Mr. Franklin Dent Ms. June M. Denton Ms. Barbara DeShazo Ms. Janice O. Deuel Ms. Marion L. Dick Mr. Joseph R. Ditsworth Mr. Brantley C. Ditto Ms. Doris Dixon Ms. JoAnn Dixon Doctors Office LLC Mr. & Mrs. Jerry W. Eady Ms. Maggie Doggett Ms. Edmeleta Eason Mr. & Mrs. William L. East Side Mental Health Center Donaldson Mr. Adam Easterling Ms. Amy T. Dorminey Ms. Cindi S. Edalgo Ms. Tammy O. Dorsett Ms. Linda Eddy Mr. Bashier T. Doss Ms. Cheryl A. Edgar Ms. Anna Doswell Ms. Faye Edmondson Mr. & Mrs. Sam Doswell Mr. George D. Edwards Ms. Myrna J. Dozier Mr. Martin Edwards Mr. & Mrs. William E. Drew, Jr. Mr. Edward M. Egbert Ms. Kathryn L. Driskill Mrs. Kirsten Eggleston Mrs. Vicky S. Driskill Mr. Brad Eidson Ms. Betty J. Duckworth Ms. Debora Elder Ms. Rebecca A. Ducote Mr. Darrell R. Eller Mr. & Mrs. Gilbert F. Dukes, Jr. Ms. P. J. Elrod Ms. Melanie K. Dunagan Mrs. Janet Harrison English Ms. Rebecca T. Duncan Ms. Donna M. Ercums Ms. Tanya B. Dunnam Mr. Gregory Ergle Mr. Troy R. Duppenthaler Ms. Sharon R. Erwin Mr. David Brian Dye Ms. Carol B. Esco Ms. Sara Dye Ms. Pauline S. Essary Ms. Jessica Dykes Ms. Anita C. Etheredge Ms. Marilyn D. Dykes Ms. Valarie B. Etheridge E. Kenneth Aycock, P. C. Mr. Ernest K. Eubanks

Mr. & Mrs. James D. Evans Mr. & Mrs. William H. Evers Ms. Valerie V. Faddis LTC James F. Fagan Mr. Keith Fagundes Ms. Shirley Fagundes Ms. Laura M. Faile Mr. Ray M. Faircloth Ms. Donna E. Falta Ms. Monique J. Farrier Miss Debby Faught Ms. Kelly Favors Ms. Suzanne D. Fazenby Mr. Ernest Feller Ms. Becky Ferguson Ms. Teresa S. Fett Ms. Rebecca Fields Mr. William L. Finch Ms. Margaret A. Finegan Ms. Cory Finke Ms. Anna Finkle Mr. Dennis Fisher Mr. & Mrs. Herbert B. Fisher Mr. Patrick Flanagan & Dr. Elizabeth Flanagan

Mr. Oscar Flarity Ms. Paula Flarity Mr. Thomas L. Fletcher Ms. Ina Flowers Ms. Nancy L. Flowers Mrs. Nona P. Flythe Ms. Reyne S. Foley Mr. Perry Forbes Ms. Tracie B. Ford Mr. & Mrs. Mark L. Foreman Mr. & Mrs. Marty Forsyth Ms. Shirley Fortenberry Ms. Diana Friend Foster Mr. William D. Fox Ms. Jean L. Frazer Mr. Jared H. Freeman Dr. Thomas B. Friman Mr. & Mrs. Spencer C. Frost, III Ms. Avaughn Frye Ms. Rhonda L. Fryer Mr. Douglas M. Fuller Mr. Rudolph Fulmer Mr. & Mrs. Walter C. Fulton Mr. Gerard P. Galle, Jr. Rev. & Mrs. Carl Gallups

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Ms. Gina M. Gallus Mr. Dwight L. Gamble Ms. Dorothy S. Gandy Mrs. Carol Gangwer Ms. Jackilyn R. Garner Ms. Linda L. Garner Mr. Eugene F. Garthwait Ms. Lindsey Gay Ms. Cari G. Gelderman Ms. Manal R. Ghobrial Ms. Anna M. Giaritelli Mr. Anthony J. Giaritelli Ms. Mary Giaritelli Mr. Joseph Gibbons Ms. Janis Gibson Gilbert Auto Supply Ms. Beatrice Giles Mr. James Gillespie Mr. Billy N. Gilley Mrs. W. E. Gilliland Ms. Audrey M. Gillis Erie D. Girald-Maldonado Mr. Youssef R. Girgis Mr. & Mrs. William J. Glazner Mr. Robert Goddard Ms. Elaine Godwin Ms. P. J. Godwin Miss Amy L. Goff Mr. Jacob M. Goforth Ms. Carmelita M. Gonzales Mr. William E. Goodwin Mr. Jay Gordon Grace Sunday School Class Mrs. Carrie Graham Rev. & Mrs. Glenn Graham, Jr. Ms. Jessica Goddard Graham Ms. Nancy G. Graham Mr. Peter L. Grant Mr. Steven B. Grant Mr. Micah Gray Ms. Kimberly L. Grayson Richard & Marilyn Grayson Ms. Heather Green Ms. Joy C. Green Ms. Pamela Terry Green Mr. & Mrs. William L. Green Mrs. Dorothy H. Greene Greensboro Baptist Church Ms. Mildred N. Griffeth Mr. Mark Griffin Ms. Burnis Griffith Ms. Kristen Griffith

80 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2012

Mr. Hugo B. Griggs Ms. Kimberna M. Griggs Ms. Sally T. Griggs Mr. Randy Grimes Mr. Tommy T. Gross Mr. Richard Grove Ms. Beverly L. Gualandri Ms. Vanda G. Guffey Dr. Paul T. Gully Ms. Martha F. Gund Ms. Sandra A. Gunter Ms. Clara S. Gutermuth Ms. Holly Guthrie Ms. Ann M. Gwin Ms. Mary J. Haag Ms. Nagwa Habashy Ms. Debbie G. Hadley Mr. Michael K. Hadley Mr. Gilbert A. Hage Hairmasters Mr. & Mrs. Heyward Hall Ms. Julia E. Hall Mr. R. B. Hall Ms. Sandra Hall Mr. & Mrs. Winthrop M. Hallett, III Mr. John C. Hancock Ms. Rhonda J. Hancock Mr. William Hand Ms. Erin L. Hankins Ms. Sheri P. Hanna Ms. Anita F. Hardy Ms. Christina Hare Mr. Jeremy Harford Ms. Bridgette N. Harris Ms. Cynthia A. Harris Mr. Eric Linn Harris Mr. & Mrs. Frank A. Harris Mr. Jeff Harris Ms. Shanmekia R. Harris Ms. Stephanie Harris Mrs. J. Fred Harrison Mr. & Mrs. Robert L. Harrison Mr. J. Stephen Harvey Mr. Cedric J. Hatcher Mr. Alex Haupt Ms. Courtney Haupt Mr. Grover Havens Ms. Heather Hayes Ms. Mary Ann Hayes Ms. Mary Beth Hayes Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Hayes

Mrs. Sandra G. Hayes Mr. James Haynes Ms. Barbara E. Head Ms. Glenda H. Hebert Ms. Jan T. Hedgecock Mr. Kenneth E. Hedgecock Ms. Andrea Helbling Ms. Sandra K. Heller Ms. Sally P. Helmchen Ms. Kimi Helms Ms. Nancy E. Helton Mr. Josh Hembree Ms. Michele D. Hemming Mr. Jeffery L. Hemp Ms. Joann Hemphill Mr. Jeffrey Henderson Mr. & Mrs. Wayne W. Henderson Ms. Sybil M. Hendricks Ms. Debbie A. Hendrix Ms. Julie S. Henning Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Henry Ms. Tiffany L. Henry Ms. Karen Herfurth Ms. Melinda H. Hernandez Ms. Danila E. Hernandez-Reese Mrs. Diane Herrington Mr. Allen Herrod Ms. Jaye E. Herrod Mrs. Allison M. Hester Mrs. Jerri Ann Hester Mr. Donald M. Hey Ms. Billie H. Hiatt Ms. Deanna Hickman Ms. Joan B. Hicks Mr. William K. Hicks Ms. Kimberly Higgs Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Hilbun Mr. James Hildreth Mr. & Mrs. Bill F. Hill Ms. Nicole L. Hill Hillcrest Baptist Church Mrs. Shannon C. Hillier Mrs. Susan L. Hines Ms. Barbara Hinshaw Ms. Heather Hise Ms. Carol Hodgson Ms. Catherine Hoepfer Ms. Margaret K. Hoffert Hoffren Landscape and Maintenance Mrs. Nancy Hogan

Ms. Barbara Holland Ms. Heather L. Holland Ms. Jane Holland Mr. Windell E. Holley Mr. Charles Hollingsworth Mr. Hal Holloway Mr. Jack Holloway Mr. Byron Holt Ms. Kala Holt Mr. Michael W. Holtzapfel Mr. Kenneth Hopkins Mrs. Sonia A. Hoppe Mr. Timothy J. Hornyak Ms. Peggy Horton Ms. Virginia R. Hovell Mr. Chris Howard Dana M. Howell Ms. Diana L. Howell Ms. Kathryn B. Howell Ms. Teresa Howell Mr. Timothy L. Hubbard Ms. Jo’An Huber Ms. Tiffany J. Hudgins Dr. Sharon Hudson Mr. Melvin D. Huett Mr. Hal Huggins Ms. Ashley N. Hughes Ms. Pam Hughes Mr. & Mrs. Christopher G. Hume, III Ms. Kristi Hunter Ms. Loretta Hurst Ms. Donna Husbands Mr. Doug Hutto Mr. Larry Hyatt Mr. Hollis Hyde Mr. Michael Ianitello Ms. Marcelle Ibrahim Mr. Samy H. Ibrahim iGive.com Holdings LLC Mr. & Mrs. Herndon Inge Ms. Sarah Inglis Mrs. Joyce O. Inman Mr. Al Jackson Ms. Ashley D. Jackson Ms. Brenda Jackson Mr. Charles A. Jackson Mr. David Jackson Ms. Jan Jackson Ms. Laurie M. Jackson Mrs. Lisa B. Jackson Mr. Tim Jackson

Ms. Valerie T. Jackson Mr. Will James Jackson Ms. Kristie Jacksone Ms. Sylbia C. Jacobs Mrs. Dawn L. James James V. Roberts PC Ms. Mary E. Jenkins Rev. & Mrs. David M. Johnson Ms. Donna Lauren Johnson Dr. & Mrs. Howard M. Johnson, Jr. Ms. Jana B. Johnson Dr. & Mrs. Randy Johnson Mr. Ronnie G. Johnson Ms. Tammy Johnson Ms. Traci S. Johnson Mr. Benjamin Mark Jones Jr. Ms. Deanna K. Jones

Ms. Irma J. Jones Mrs. Jennifer Jones Ms. Kimberley E. Jones Mr. Robert Jones Rev. & Mrs. Ronald E. Jones Ms. Toni Jones Mr. William Jones Mrs. Amanda M. Jordan Mr. & Mrs. Daniel W. Jordan Ms. Latasha Jordan Mr. Michael David Jordan Jr. Mrs. Elizabeth J. Kaiser Mrs. Kathryn Kay Mr. Ronnie Keahey Ms. Carrie B. Keebler Ms. Flossie H. Keeton Mr. Louis Keeton Ms. Charlene Keim

Mrs. Gary P. Kelley Miss Johanna L. Kelly Ms. Ann Kilgore Ms. Marilyn Killian Mr. Jay Kimbro Ms. Ann L. King Mr. & Mrs. B. Franklin King, III Ms. Carol S. King Ms. Jennella H. King Ms. Melissa W. King Mr. Roy E. King Ms. Beverly Ann Kirby Mr. Hal Kitchings Jr. Mrs. Teresa M. Klapal Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan A. Knappenberger Ms. Brenda H. Knopes Mr. Edwin Knowles

Ms. Frances E. Kocher Ms. Susan Kolish Mrs. Shelvia A. Koontz Ms. Georgia A. Krahn Mr. Scott Kramer Ms. Ann H. Kreitlein Ms. Dana Kritner Ms. Brenda L. Kronmiller Ms. Belinda S. Kuhn Mr. Tommy C. Ladnier Lagniappe P. C. Mr. Don Laing Ms. Susan Lamar Mr. Richard Edwin Lamberth Mr. Tom Lammert Ms. Kendra Lane Mrs. Beverly G. Langer Mr. Richard Langer

2011PkwyMchn&MtlAD_Layout 3 1/20/11 11:16 AM Page 1

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Honor Roll of Donors

Ms. Sherry Langley Mr. Billy Langly Ms. Judith A. Lanier Mr. Harold Larsen Mr. & Mrs. L. Keville Larson Mr. Don Lauderdale Mr. Donald Lawrence Mr. & Mrs. James R. Lawrence Ms. Lisa W. Lawrence Ms. Shelley P. Lawrence Lawrence & Lawrence, PC Mr. William Lawshe Ms. Kelly Lawson Ms. Carol E. Leatherman Mr. Fouad Lebbos Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Lee Mr. Vincent Lee Mr. Richard A. Leedy Ms. Kim M. Lehr Ms. Lisa Leinhos Ms. Cynthia C. Lensing Mr. Richard M. Lenz Ms. Amanda K. Leonard Mr. Michael Lester Mrs. Mona P. Lester Ms. Carla C. Lett Mr. Thomas Leverett Mrs. Mary Levert Mr. Billy L. Levitt Ms. Peggy B. Lewis Lifeway Community Church Mr. & Mrs. Anderson Ligon, Jr. Ms. Lesley M. Lile Ms. Gloria Lilley Mr. Randy Linder Ms. Gail Lindsey Mr. & Mrs. Mark T. Lippold Ms. Novella D. Lofton Mrs. Vivian S. Lofton Ms. Rodeaner Lynn Lofton-Byrd Mr. & Mrs. Joseph L. Lomax Ms. Donna F. Long Ms. Katherine Looney Mrs. Levonia Looney Mr. John R. Loper Mr. & Mrs. Larry Lord Loris & Edge Law Firm Love Sunday School Class Mr. Ted J. Lovelace Mr. Tony Lovelace Mr. Gary Lucas Ms. Marcia S. Lucas

82 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2012

Dr. & Mrs. William R. Lucas Mr. & Mrs. Steve Luckey Mrs. Jacqueline Lum Ms. Dorothy M. Lumley Mr. Robert E. Lusk, Jr. Ms. Paige Luttrell Ms. Shirley Lyle Ms. Linde F. Lynn Mr. & Mrs. Gaylord C. Lyon, Jr. Lyon Fry Cadden Insurance Agency, Inc. Mrs. Patricia M. Lyon Mr. James Mabrey Ms. Nancy E. Machen Ms. Adrienne D. MacKay Ms. Donna H. Mackin Mrs. Paul V. Macon Ms. Anna I. Maddox Mr. & Mrs. Robert S. Maddox Mr. Thomas Maggart Ms. Linda S. Mallory Ms. Donna J. Malone Mr. & Mrs. William C. Malone, III Ms. Denise M. Mardenborough Ms. Sheila Marler Mr. & Mrs. Jere W. Marques Dr. & Mrs. Charles Marston Mrs. Marjorie C. Martin Ms. Martha J. Martin Mr. Owen Martin Ms. Sharron J. Martin Ms. Thelma E. Martin Mary T. Procovich Insurance Ms. Abigail Mason Ms. Valerie V. Mason Mr. D. C. Massey Ms. Gwen Massey Ms. Debbie Mathews Mr. Robert J. Mathias Ms. Kelsie Matthias Mrs. Debra Mayes Ms. Kathryn G. Mayfield Ms. Eugenia McCartney Ms. Charleen E. McCauley Mr. Christopher M. McCauley Mr. Miles T. McCauley McClendon Farms Mr. & Mrs. Thomas E. McClure Ms. Rita S. McConn Mr. & Mrs. Joe C. McCorquodale, III Mr. & Mrs. Mahlon McCracken

Ms. Betty S. McCraney Mr. & Mrs. Brantley D. McCulley Ms. Debbie McDaniel Ms. Mary L. McDill Mr. Mark E. McDuffie Mr. Robert McElhaney Ms. Winifred McElhaney McElhaney Plumbing Mr. John M. McElwee Mr. Frank McFadden Mr. Billy M. McFadden, Sr. Ms. Velita S. McFarland Ms. Carol McIlwain Ms. Jill McIntyre Mrs. Dorothy S. McKean Mr. Ben M. McKibbens Mr. & Mrs. Kevin R. McKinney Mr. & Mrs. Jerry McKnight Ms. Carla G. McLain Ms. Shannon F. McLain Rev. & Mrs. Dusty McLemore Dr. & Mrs. Mike McLemore Ms. Holli R. McLeod Ms. Eugenia McMahon Mr. Patrick J. McMahon Mr. & Mrs. Randy E. McManus Ms. Denise F. McMillan Mr. & Mrs. Terry McMullen Mr. William R. McNair Ms. Betty C. McNeil Mr. Charles E. McNeil, Jr. Mr. Ryan McPhail Ms. Judi McQueen The Honorable Ferrill D. McRae Ms. Daisy E. McVay Mr. Michael S. McWaters Mr. Hugh A. McWhorter, Jr. Ms. Margaret A. Meador Ms. Tynee Merwin Mr. Donald Mesler Mr. & Mrs. Mark D. Messick Ms. Linda Michalak Mr. Clarence A. Miller Ms. Erin Miller Mr. J. Paul Miller Mrs. Jacqueline R. Miller Ms. Virginia Cranfill Miller Ms. Julie Millet Ms. Christi Millo Mrs. Carmelita Millsap Ms. Laura C. Mitchell Mr. Nick Mitchell

Mr. Sammy Mixon Ms. Elizabeth Mize Mobile Airport Authority Ms. Ann Modica Mr. John Michael Mohney Mr. Charles Montz Ms. Patricia V. Moody Ms. Sharon Moody Mr. Forrest A. Moog Mr. Gary L. Moon Mr. Michael J. Moore Ms. Rosemary S. Moore Mr. Steve Morelock Ms. Beulah Morgan Mr. Adam W. Morris Ms. Alfreda J. Morris Ms. Amber C. Morris Ms. Laverne R. Morris Mr. & Mrs. Harris V. Morrissette Dr. & Mrs. Robert E. Morton Mr. Billy Mosley Mr. Eric J. Mosley Ms. Darlene Moulder Ms. Margaret K. Mount Ms. Rene P. Mouton Ms. Debbie L. Moyer Mrs. Rachel J. Mudrich Mr. Leo C. Mueller, III Ms. Natalie K. Mulhall Mr. W. Allen Murphy Ms. Linda Murray Ms. Angela R. Mustin Mr. Ray C. Myers Mr. Russel Myles Mr. Atef S. Nagib Nails By Sisters LLC Nash Construction, Inc. Ms. Ruth Nastase Mr. & Mrs. Glen W. Nations Ms. Kyla Elise Navarre Ms. Ramona Navis Mr. Norman C. Neill Ms. Rebecca Neill Mrs. Gwendolyn Nettles-Buckley New Hope Baptist Church Mr. Kenneth Newman Ms. Patricia B. Newman Ms. Jeannie Newsom Ms. Kristie Newsome Dr. & Mrs. J. Larry Newton Mrs. Heather Nezat

Nicholas Foods Inc. Ms. Chelsey Nichols Mr. Lester Nichols Ms. Britni C. Nicholson Ms. Patricia A. Nolan Mr. Gary B. Nolen Mr. Ronnie Nordan Mr. R. Scott Norton Mr. Alain Nshamamba Ms. Trena Null Mrs. Shana B. Nunn Ms. Nola Nuti Mr. Stanley R. Nyce Mr. Ronald O’Neal Mr. & Mrs. William O’Neal Ms. Zelda Oates Ms. Ursula Odom Ms. Roena Oesting Mr. James C. Oliphant Mr. & Mrs. Michael W. Oliver Mrs. Kimberly W. Overmeyer Ms. Joy Gabel Owenby Ms. Tiffany R. Owens Mr. Angelo Pacchiana Mr. Treii M. Pace Ms. Margaret J. Pack Mr. Artis Palmer Ms. Hannah Parden Mr. David Parker Mr. & Mrs. Cecil Parmer Mr. Leon Parnell Ms. Laura A. Parrott Ms. Bettye Abercrombie Parsley Mr. Brantley H. Parsley Sr. Mr. John V. Patton Mr. Kyle Patton Ms. Jacquanna Paul Mr. Daniel S. Payne Mr. Melvin Peacock Ms. Winnell Peacock Ms. Judy Pease Ms. Donna Peck Mr. & Mrs. E. B. Peebles, III Ms. Sharli Pennington Ms. S. Michelle Pennington Mr. & Mrs. Jack C. Perkins Mr. & Mrs. Brian P. Person Ms. Brooke Peters Ms. Carol J. Peterson Ms. Margaret Petty Mr. Vincent Phelan Ms. Carol Philips

Mr. & Mrs. Reginald E. Phillips Mr. & Mrs. Tony C. Phillips Ms. Leslie A. Pickette Ms. Deborah C. Pierce Ms. Jessica L. Pike Ms. Cassie Pinkston Ms. Amy Pipes Mr. Wes Pipes Mrs. Ashley Crow Pittman Ms. Dorothy M. Pittman Ms. Marty J. Pittman Ms. Jacquelyn H. Poche Ms. Marcy Points Ms. Sandra L. Points

Mr. Gregory Poos Ms. Bonnie Pope Ms. Louise L. Pope Ms. Terri Pope Ms. Barbara E. Porter Mrs. Rochelle J. Porter Rev. Gregory T. Pouncey Mr. A. Keith Powell Ms. Amelia B. Powell Mr. Charles R. Powell Ms. Dornishia L. Powell Ms. Sara J. Power Dr. Les P. Pratt Prattville First Baptist Church

Mr. Henry Prentice Ms. Beatrice B. Prewitt Rev. & Mrs. John W. Price Ms. Lynn E. Principe Mr. John D. Propp Ms. Terri Pruett Dr. Virginia L. Quandt Mr. Jared Quidley Mr. Marion A. Quina, Jr. Mr. Mark A. Quinn Mr. & Mrs. James D. Quinnelly Ms. Betty E. Ragsdale Ms. Jackie A. Ramer Ms. Rebekah Ramer

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Ms. Susan Ramige Ms. Luana Granger Ramsey Mr. James Thomas Rankin Ms. Ellen M. Rauscher Ms. Dawn C. Rayner Mr. Charles Reaves Ms. Fredia Reaves Mr. Ralph Reaves Mr. & Mrs. Gerald E. Redmon Ms. Sharon K. Reece Mr. David W. Reed Mr. Byron Register Ms. Barbara Rehwinkel Ms. Sharon Reynolds Mr. Ray L. Rials Mr. Aaron Richardson Mr. Sanford Richardson Ms. Laura Rickman Miss Temperance Rider Ms. Ann A. Riedel Mr. Gregory F. Rippey Ms. Amanda Roach Robert Goldman LLC Ms. Dale Roberts Ms. Jira Q. Roberts Ms. Madonna Roberts Ms. Mary Ann Roberts Ms. Rhea B. Roberts Mr. & Mrs. David A. Robertson Ms. Ella R. Robertson Ms. Martha C. Robertson Ms. Beebe T. Robinson Mr. Charles B. Rodning Mr. Thurman Roe Mr. Thom Rogers Mrs. William A. Rogers Rogers & Willard, Inc. Ms. Linda Roquemore Ms. Carol A. Rost Mr. Tyler Rounsaville Capt. & Mrs. John T. Rouse Mr. Charles R. Rowe Mrs. Gloria C. Rowe Ms. Katherine L. Roy Ms. Ruth Royal Mr. Manny E. Ruiz Mr. David M. Rummage Ms. Mary H. Rushmore Mrs. Ann F. Russell Ms. Robin K. Russell Ms. Ruthie Russell Ms. Alba J. Russo

84 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2012

Mr. Brantley Rutz Mr. Stephen G. Ryer Mr. James E. Rylee S & N, LLC Dr. & Mrs. Mazen N. Sahawneh Mr. Samy Saleeb Mr. & Mrs. William H. Saliba Mr. & Mrs. Pete Sanchez Mrs. Sheila A. Saucier Mr. Billy W. Savage Mr. & Mrs. Phil C. Savage, Sr. Ms. Glenita J. Sawyer Mr. Terry H. Sawyer Mrs. Marsha R. Scarborough Ms. Merry Ann Schell Mr. Steven L. Schieferstein Ms. Marilyn S. Schmacker Mr. Benjamin P. Schrubbe Ms. Catherine L. Schubert Mrs. Miyoko Scoggin Ms. Jaclyn E. Seabrooke Ms. Darlene Sealls Mr. George T. Searcy Jr. Mr. Ashraf S. Selim Ms. Cynthia C. Sellers Mr. Reed Sellers Mr. & Mrs. Edwin Sells Mr. William Britt Sexton Mr. Daniel Seymour Mr. & Mrs. W. G. Shackelford, Sr. Mrs. Carol B. Sharp Mr. Alfred Sharpe Mr. Richard F. Sharpe Dr. & Mrs. Mike Shaw Ms. Gayle Shelley Ms. Catharine C. Sherman Mr. & Mrs. Tim Sherrer Dr. & Mrs. Mark Shirey Mr. John Shirley Ms. Maria L. Shiyou Mr. Harold L. Shontz Mr. Larry Shows Mr. Patrick G. Shubird Mr. James Shuman Ms. Jasmine A. Simien Mr. Richard Simonds Ms. Sandra P. Sinclair Ms. Betty Singleton Ms. Kristy Singleton Ms. Karen L. Skinner Mr. John Skipper Mrs. Kathryn P. Skipper

Ms. Myra Strom Mr. Hunter Slaton Ms. Mersina P. Stubbs Small Family Trust Ms. Robin E. Studdard Ms. Cynthia W. Smallen Ms. Nona R. Suggs Mr. Basil C. Smith Mr. Shane Sullivan Ms. Elizabeth M. Smith Ms. Elizabeth A. Sutcliffe Ms. Erin C. Smith Mr. & Mrs. David C. Sutton Ms. Kristi Lee Smith Ms. Vonda S. Sutton Mr. Marshall Smith Ms. Karen F. Swanson Ms. Renee’ Smith Colonel Richard W. Smith, Retired Mr. & Mrs. Clay Swanzy Mr. Lawson L. Swearingen Rev. & Mrs. Robert Smith Mr. & Mrs. William A. Ms. Treva A. Smith Swinney Jr. Ms. Aimee E. Snead Ms. Tampa M. Sykora Ms. Dotti Snell Mr. & Mrs. Phillip A. Snodgrass, Jr. Tallassee Septic Tank Ms. Erin Talley Mr. Daniel L. Soliday Mrs. Debra H. Tanner Mr. & Mrs. J. H. Sorrells Ms. Charlotte L. Tate Mr. Benjamin Tyler Sory Mr. Davie J. Taulbee, III Ms. Sarah Becky Spain Mr. Davie J. Taulbee Sr. Mrs. Mary Ann Sparenberg Ms. Kathy Taunton Ms. Peggy J. Sparks Ms. Chanel R. Taylor Mr. Richard W. Sparling Jr. Ms. Dana B. Taylor Mr. Samuel Spates Ms. Dana G. Taylor Mr. Richard Spears Ms. Lillie K. Taylor Ms. Michal A. Spencer Ms. Martha F. Taylor Ms. Lesa C. Spicer Mr. & Mrs. Will E. Taylor Ms. Judy A. Spinieo Ms. Teresa S. Taylor Mr. Jack Sproles Ms. Charen K. Teague Ms. Carol Sprunger Ms. Sandra M. Tew Spy Screen and Image Printing The Arnold School Miss Aleeshia M. Staley of Alabama, Inc. Mr. William R. Stanton The Center for Reproductive Mr. Dennis Stastka Medicine PC Dr. & Mrs. Dwight M. Steedley Ms. Julisa D. Theodore Ms. Lisa M. Steele Mr. Keith C. Thomas Ms. Linda Steiert Ms. Stacey D. Thomason Mr. Matt Stein Dr. & Mrs. Selden H. Stephens, Jr. Dr. Dick Thomassian Ms. Irene Thompson Ms. Penni N. Steverson Ms. Jayne Thompson Ms. Christie Stewart Ms. Betty P. Thornton Ms. Doby Stewart Mr. Bradley C. Threadgill Ms. Sheena M. Stewart Mrs. Jessica F. Tims Ms. Elissa R. Stillings Mr. James Tingler Ms. Nedra G. Stimpson TLB Enterprises, Inc. Ms. Jennifer Stinnett Ms. Colleen K. Totsch Ms. Rebeca Y. Stober Mrs. Angela Tracy Ms. Elaine Stockdale Ms. Amy E. Trammell Ms. Susan Stoddard Mrs. Martha Jane Trawick Ms. Marion V. Stoltenberg Ms. Phyllis S. Trawick Ms. Bettye Stone Mr. Thomas B. Traylor Ms. Jill Stricklen Ms. Michelle R. Tredway Ms. Marilyn Stringer

Ms. Lois True Mr. & Mrs. Rick True Ms. Desiree R. Truett Ms. Kathy Trull Mpunga B. Tshimanga Ms. Camille B. Turner Mr. Matt M. Turner Ms. Morgan Turner Ms. Patricia Turner Mrs. Sheila K. Turner Mrs. Kimberly Turner-Williams U. S. Bankruptcy Administrator Mrs. James D. Urban Ms. Mary Ann Urban Mrs. Sharon H. Urquhart Ms. Maureen Van Devender Ms. Hailey VanKeuren Ms. Amanda S. Vernon Ms. Reba Vernon Mr. Wayne A. Vickers Mr. Richard Steve Vickery Mr. Louie Doug Vines Ms. Ann Volker W. Jason Northcutt DMD, P. C. Mr. Wallace Wade Ms. Harriett Wahler Mr. Jamie Waite Ms. Nell Waldrop Ms. Bridgett R. Walker Ms. Dara Walker Ms. Dawn R. Walker Mr. Ralph Walker Ms. Teresa L. Walker Mr. Robin G. Wall Ms. Carletta B. Wallace Ms. Allison J. Walley Ms. Sandra S. Walley Mr. Frank Walls Ms. Mable S. Walls Ms. Kay R. Walsh Tim & Joan Walsh Ms. Mary Jane Ward Ms. Yvonne A. Ward Mr. James Warden Ms. Bryanna M. Warwick Ms. Regina H. Washburn Mr. Charles A. Wassermann Ms. Audra Kylie Watkins Ms. Sarah N. Watkins Mr. William K. Watkins Ms. Sheila A. Watson Mr. Thomas H. Watson

Mr. Tom Watson Mrs. Anna Weaver Ms. Ashley L. Weaver Ms. Karmen Webb Ms. Rebecca Webb Webb Living Trust Mr. Travis Webster Ms. Jennifer L. Weed Mrs. Ann Wehby Mr. Sidney G. Weinacker Mrs. Meaghan M. Weir Ms. Daisy M. Welch Ms. Patricia M. Weldon Mr. Geordy M. Wells Ms. Nicole M. Wells Mr. Wesley T. Wells Wenona Baptist Church Ms. Lori L. Weseman Ms. Debbie Westfall Ms. Charlotte Westry Mr. James Wetherbee Mr. & Mrs. Bret Whatley Ms. Meagher L. Whigham Ms. Judith A. Whims Ms. Cheryl Whitaker Mr. Adam White

Mr. David E. White Ms. Dorothy P. White Ms. Georgia White Ms. Jenean M. White Miss Traci N. Whitehurst Dr. & Mrs. William E. Whitfield, Jr. Ms. Louise Whitman Mr. Kenneth Whitton Ms. Barbara Wiggins Mrs. Cheryl E. Wiggins Ms. Margaret S. Wiggins Ms. Kimberly P. Wilbanks Ms. Elizabeth Faye Wilkins Mr. & Mrs. Robert D. Wilkins Mr. Daniel I. Williams Ms. Delores R. Williams Mr. James Williams Mrs. Joanne S. Williams Ms. Lisa L. Williams Ms. Lynn Williams Mr. Ray Williams Ms. Renee Williams Ms. Robbie Williams Ms. Shira Williams Ms. Alice H. Wilson Mrs. Sandra C. Wilson

Ms. Toni L. Wilson Rev. & Mrs. S. Adrian Wingate Ms. Mary M. Winget Mr. Brett A. Winkenweder Mr. Stanley E. Winter, Sr. Mr. Buddy Wood Ms. Judith M. Wood Ms. Sonja K. Wood Ms. Gracie Wooddy Ms. Myra E. Woodham Mr. Joey R. Woodruff Ms. Betty Woodward Mrs. Cheryl Workman Ms. Rita K. Wright Ms. Carol J. Wrinn Mrs. Gail B. Yance Ms. Annette Yancey Mr. Bryan K. Yeager Ms. Beverly A. Younce Ms. Willenia V. Young Ms. Denise D. Youngblood Ms. Enen Yu Mr. Victor Zaki Ms. Gail Zeigler Mr. Claude W. Zerby

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86 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2012

A Word from the Vice President Brian P. Boyle Vice President for Institutional Advancement Class of ‘94 Dear Fellow Alumni, There is a special mix of emotions when you come home to the place you grew up. For so many of us, the University of Mobile is that place.

I encourage you to come home and reunite with those meaningful memories from the past, while experiencing the exciting things that are happening here today. From concerts to athletic events, from lectures to art exhibits, come be a part of what’s happening on campus.

If you can’t make it back to campus, then be a part of some of the events that take place off campus like Ram Run, the University of Mobile Golf Classic, and the annual Leadership Banquet.

Whether you’re looking to simply walk around and visit the places of your fondest memories, or you just want to see all the ways your alma mater has grown up, come home to the University of Mobile.

Brian Boyle P.S. Do you have an idea for an alumni event on campus?

Tell us about it at umobilemagazine@umobile.edu. You can also view this and past issues online, or sign up for a free subscription, at www.umobile.edu/magazine.

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88 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2012