University of Mobile Magazine Spring 2013

SPRING 2013

Volume 3, 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 Writers | Steve Carey , Will Drake, Kayla Dutruch,

Ashley Holmes, Ted Mashburn,

Shannon Mason, Nancy Snodgrass, Trey Taulbee Class Notes | Allison Nelson Photographers | Dan Anderson, G.M. Andrews,

Bethany Bear, Steve Carey,

Todd Douglas, Kayla Dutruch,

Ben Finch, Harrison Hughes,

Doug Mitchell 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.

ON THE COVER Tim Tebow at University of Mobile Leadership Banquet.

Photo by G.M. Andrews SPRING 2012

2 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013

FEATURES

30

COVER STORY

Influence

A Conversation with Tim Tebow

38 Living History

Dr. Lonnie Burnett ‘79

44

Girls Got Game

A Game Plan for Life

50

The Bridge

Plant a Church in a City, Plant a Church in the World

54

And The Greatest of These is Love

Great Love Stories Begin at UMobile

64

Whodunit? Forensic Science Class

38

30

DEPARTMENTS

ALUMNI

4

68

6

20 91

President’s Message University News

70

71

Giving

72 20

54

50

44

64

Campus Corner Campus Closeups Alumni Notes Alumni

26

A Word From Advancement

72

74

72 Kamel 74 Harbison 76 Scott 77 Melton 77 Lamar

78

Class Notes

80

Honor Roll of Donors umobile.edu 3

A Word from the President

By Dr. Mark Foley President, University of Mobile

B

“

uilding the campus beautiful in the Deep South,” as founding president Dr. William K. Weaver Jr. described it back in the 1960s, is an ongoing process. As the campus grows and changes, so do the needs for classroom space, student activities areas and athletic facilities.

Our new Campus Enhancement Project is meeting those changing needs by making more efficient use of space in our existing facilities without new building construction. The project is also revitalizing and protecting the beautiful oak trees that give our campus drive such an impressive and welcoming entrance.

The Campus Enhancement Project has three main objectives: • Maximize use of existing academic spaces.

• Produce needed transformative aesthetic and functional enhancements in selected campus facilities.

• Develop an enhanced sense of value among students, prospective students and friends.

Here is what you will notice when you drive on campus: • An inventory has been made of the large oak trees on campus, and many are in poor health. Pruning and deep root fertilization is bringing them back.

The next step will be to construct a retaining wall along the front drive to handle erosion issues around the roots. Beautiful lamppost-style lighting will be added along the drive.

• The Ben May Building in the Academic Park is being renovated to create five classrooms and 10 offices for academic use.

• The student/staff fitness center will eventually move to Bedsole Commons on the first floor of J.L. Bedsole Library, which now also houses the bookstore, Java City coffee shop, a copy center and study area with computers.

• The baseball locker room facility is complete and erosion control will begin.

• The outdoor swimming pool renovation includes resurfacing the pool, new decking, repainting the fence and adding steps. Restrooms will be added at a later date.

• A new irrigation system and landscaping has been added at the ram statue.

I invite you to visit the campus and see for yourself the most “campus beautiful.”

Hold on tight,

4 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013 2012

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!

Visit days are available any weekday – just call for an appointment Schedule your Visit Day today at www.umobile.edu/visit

800.WiN.Rams | 251.442.2222 | umobile.edu facebook.com/umadmissions youtube.com/universityofmobile

twitter.com/umenrollment pinterest.com/umobile

*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. umobile.edu 5

University News

University of Mobile 10th Annual

Christmas Spectacular Video Goes Viral The University of Mobile 10th annual Christmas Spectacular reached a national audience when Fox News Channel aired clips from “Carol of the Bells” on Fox & Friends First, Greta Van Susteren, The Five, Fox News & Commentary, and posted online on Fox Nation.

The comedic “12 Days of Christmas” performed by the 12 Men of Mobile also gained national attention when it was posted on Fox Nation and commented upon by Fox News & Commentary’s Todd Starnes.

Nearly 105,000 people have since viewed 2012 Christmas Spectacular videos posted on the university’s YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/ universityofmobile. An hour-long, high quality HD video was televised internationally on satellite and locally during the 2012 Christmas season. The video features highlights of the popular production, which was held Nov. 30 through Dec. 2 at Dauphin Way Baptist Church in Mobile. To order a DVD, visit www.umobile.edu/ChristmasSpectacular or call 251.442.2420.

More than 8,000 people attended the three-night event, and doors were opened for the community during the dress rehearsal as well in order to accommodate all who have made Christmas Spectacular part of their annual celebration.

An excerpt from “Carol of the Bells” was aired on Fox News Channel’s The Five and

6 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013

Greta Van Susteren’s show On The Record on Tuesday, Dec. 18 and Wednesday, Dec. 19, during Fox & Friends First.

The hour-long DVD aired locally in the Mobile Gulf Coast area on Christmas day, Dec. 25, on WALA Fox10 at 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. It also aired on WHBR TV33 on Dec. 22, 23, and 24; and on the local Trinity Broadcasting Network at various times.

Sherwood Baptist Church’s The Sherwood Channel, Mediacom Channel 15, aired the

performance in the Albany-LeesburgSylvester-Poulan-Dawson, Georgia areas on Dec. 24, 25 and 26. It also aired internationally throughout the season on satellite stations Cornerstone TeleVision and The Walk TV (formerly Legacy TV). m

Photos by Dan Anderson

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University News

New Athletic Logo Reflects Rams’ Competitive Edge The University of Mobile has unveiled a new athletic logo for the NAIA powerhouse Rams.

The logo is featured on the university’s new website at www.umobile.edu. The charging ram’s head logo was selected by the UMobile Athletic Department and designed by Jay Adcock with JWA Creative under the direction of the UMobile Marketing and Public Relations Department.

The image is in keeping with the Rams’ winning program, which is home to eight NAIA national championships with 107 All-Time NAIA Scholar-Athletes, 61 conference championships, and 310 All-Time NAIA All-Americans. The Rams program is also a recognized Champions of Character program emphasizing five core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership.

The University of Mobile fields men’s teams in baseball, basketball, cross-country, golf, soccer and tennis, and women’s teams in basketball, cross-country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis and volleyball. m 8 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013

m

University of Mobile Unveils New Website The University of Mobile announces its new website at www.umobile.edu.

The new site features easier navigation, dynamic photography of campus life and information about upcoming events. The site also includes quick ways to schedule a campus visit, post updates from alumni, keep up with championship

athletics and more. Design and implementation was completed by nvisionative and University of Mobile alumnus Ben Finch.

The update enhances opportunities for current and prospective students, parents, alumni, donors, sports fans and others to connect with the university. m

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University News

Ember Langley Crowned Miss University of Mobile Ember Langley won the 2013 Miss University of Mobile pageant and will represent the University of Mobile for the upcoming year.

Langley, a sophomore communication major from Fairhope, AL, performed a song from “Candine” for her talent at the Feb. 2 event held at the Saraland Performing Arts Center.

The Miss University of Mobile pageant is an official qualifier sponsored by Miss America, giving Langley the opportunity to participate in the Miss Alabama pageant in June.

“I am looking forward to everything that comes with the experience of being Miss University of Mobile. I am so excited and feel so privileged to represent UMobile in June at Miss Alabama,” said Langley.

“Making appearances will be fun because I will have the chance to meet new faces and make new friends,” continued Langley. “It will be awesome to talk to prospective students about the University of Mobile and talk about the Miss UM program.”

First runner-up is Adrienne Smith, a sophomore early childhood and elementary education major from Gilbertown, AL. Smith also won the swimsuit competition.

Second runner-up is Chelsea Seitz, a sophomore music major from Mobile, AL. Seitz also won the talent portion of the contest.

Miss Congeniality is Holly Dunnam, a junior early childhood and elementary education major from Mobile, AL. m 10 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013

Photo by G.M. Andrews

University of Mobile Artist-in-Residence Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva Named Steinway Artist Steinway & Sons, makers of the world’s finest pianos, announced that University of Mobile Artist-in-Residence Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva has been named a Steinway Artist. She joins a distinguished international roster of Steinway Artists

and past musical greats such as Irving Berlin, Cole Porter and Sergei Rachmaninoff.

Onalbayeva is the first Steinway Artist selected from her home country of Kazakhstan. m

Don’t Miss Next Year’s

For information contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at 251.442.2917 or visit www.umobile.edu/mobileclassic.

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University News

University of Mobile Memorabilia in Time Capsule Sealed for 50 Years in The Timbers

By Will Drake A time capsule located in the floor of the University of Mobile’s newest residence hall, The Timbers, will be opened in 50 years for coming generations of students to see memorabilia from the first five decades of the school’s existence.

SGA president William Dorminy and student leaders Jessica Catlin and Jeremy Crews placed the items in the time capsule and sealed it in February 2013.

University of Mobile Board of Trustees, student leaders and members of the faculty and staff gathered previously during fall semester to view artifacts and dedicate The Timbers, which opened in 2012. The new residence hall is a threestory, 39,918 square-foot building. It has 24 apartments that house four students each. The dorm includes a common living area, a lobby, and laundry rooms at the end of each hall.

The Timbers is the latest of three residence halls built during the tenure of UMobile President Dr. Mark Foley as the Christian school has strategically aimed to increase on-campus enrollment.

“As a student, I am honored to be a part of an historical event for our campus in this dedication,” Dorminy said during the ceremony. “My hope is that the next 50 years would build off the foundation set by the faithful men and women who have made the University of Mobile such a great environment for students to learn, grow and be equipped to change the world around them.”

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Photos by Dan Anderson

Dr. William K. Weaver Jr. was founding president of Mobile College in 1961, which inducted its first class in 1963 and graduated its first class in 1967.

More than a half-century later, UMobile has grown from 400 to 880 acres, offers housing to 655 on-campus residents, and teaches approximately 1,800 students per year.

Included in the time capsule were 60 photos featuring the groundbreaking of Mobile College, original faculty and staff, the first graduating class in 1967, the 50th anniversary faculty in 2011, the 2012 President’s Cabinet, Miss UM 2012, the 2012-2013 SGA president and Dr. Mark Foley at the time capsule dedication in November 2012.

Also included are the first yearbook of Mobile College in 1964, an Urban Plunge T-shirt, a stuffed ram mascot, a UMobile class ring, a tie chain worn

by Dr. Weaver, a cell phone used in the 1990s, a Dr. Mark Foley twelve23 Movement CD, an NAIA uniform patch, October 2012 Board of Trustees booklet, ‘It’s Time’ book by Dr. Mark Foley, a University of Mobile lapel pin, a Voices of Mobile flash drive, a UMobile shaker, Mobile College Homecoming 1987 mini megaphone, a Weaver Hall ornament, a Vision 2000 coaster, a baseball signed by current student athletes and various promotional brochures used throughout the history of the University of Mobile. m

University News

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University News

Photo by Doug Mitchell

14 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013

Profs Write of Connections Between Faith & Arts

By Kayla Dutruch Essays by University of Mobile’s Dr. Stephen Schuler, associate professor of English, and Dr. Bethany Bear, assistant professor of English, are featured on the award-winning Christian blog “Transpositions.”

The essays are featured in the Domestic Arts Symposium on the site associated with the Institute for Theology, Imagination, and the Arts at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. The blog’s goal is to create a connection between Christian theology and the arts through many modern leaders, thinkers, writers and artists.

Transpositions was voted runner-up Best Christian Blog in 2011 by Christian New Media Awards.

Schuler’s article, “Reclaim, Restore, Redeem,” on Transpositions is about his love of restoring old tools and using wood to build new things. He began building when his store-bought bookshelf almost collapsed on his growing pile of books. Schuler and his wife bought some wood and various tools to build a bookshelf of their own that would be sturdier than the previous one.

Schuler shares his love of restoring old tools with his children. They help him in his workshop and love working with the tools.

“An old tool may appear hopeless when grime covers every visible surface and all moving parts are seized with rust, but with enough time and care, many tools can be brought back to life. Each old tool, each discarded log, is an opportunity to redeem a little piece of creation,” Schuler said in his essay on Transpositions.

Photo by Bethany Bear

Shuler’s essay can be found at http:// www.transpositions.co.uk/2013/02/ reclaim-restore-redeem/.

Bear’s article, “To Feel Even As I Once Knew,” on Transpositions is about how she is a spinner, weaver, and seamstress like the women she has read about in literature.

She began to craft as a teenager, not truly knowing why, other than she wanted to be useful.

Bear crafted her way through graduate school, helping her get through the stress and workload.

When she read about these women

that crafted, it connected her faith and profession.

“Perhaps most importantly, I work wool, flax, or cotton with willing hands because I hope these ordinary, ancient practices, like prayer itself, will draw my heart toward Christ, who is the comfort of all good grandmothers, the bridegroom of the noble wife, the master of Lady Philosophy, and the source of true wisdom,” Bear said in her essay on Transpositions.

Bear’s essay can be found at http:// www.transpositions.co.uk/2013/02/tofeel-even-as-i-once-knew/. m umobile.edu 15

University News

RamCorps & Welsh Revival On Mission To Jamaica

By Will Drake University of Mobile’s RamCorps and Welsh Revival instrumental ensembles experienced the beginning of a new year in a new world during winter break, allowing children in Jamaica to experience a new world, too.

RamCorps, led by Kenn Hughes, and Welsh Revival, directed by Steve Dunn, both assistant professors of music in the UMobile Center for Performing Arts, traveled to Jamaica during the New Year holiday to share their love for Christ and for the music that He inspires in them.

RamCorps has a tradition of serving others in face-to-face environments, and their trip to Jamaica was no different.

Although they led the local church in music-based worship, RamCorps and Welsh Revival removed themselves from the stage and made Jamaican citizens the stars of their trip.

“The City of Montego Bay and the surrounding areas are hungry for something that will last, something eternal,” said RamCorps trumpeter Ben Stith, junior math major from Birmingham, AL. “The area is desperate for people to take a stand for honesty, integrity, love and Christ.”

RamCorps did, and their endeavor began before they left American ground.

“In August, RamCorps began meeting every Monday to pray and prepare our hearts for Jamaica,” said Ryan Schoch, junior worship leadership major from Warner Robins, GA. The early start for RamCorps signified that they were serious about the aid they could provide to Jamaica, an attitude not uncommon for University of Mobile students.

“My goals for the trip were to draw nearer to God and to serve,” said Leslie Ann Godwin, junior music education and

16 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013

vocal performance major from Pensacola, FL. “Each day, I felt a strong dependence on God.” After arriving in Jamaica, the students were eager to work, but were unsure of the tasks at hand. “I did not expect any physical work to be involved. I thought it was going to be just performances,” said David Haney, sophomore sociology major from Semmes, AL. The value and necessity of physical aid was not lost with the students, however.

“I felt an overwhelming sense of God’s presence,” continued Godwin.

“Not only in the music, and taking it to a foreign country, but also in serving others and investing in the lives of the people there.”

To help the community, the students mixed and poured concrete, painted, and cleaned the local church, reestablishing a home in which the citizens could worship. They ensured that relationships were built with the citizens by dancing and singing with them, and even showing them how the instruments worked. They also played alongside a local youth band, sharing with them in worship and celebration.

Many members of RamCorps chose to be baptized as a sign of a rededication to the purpose that God has for their lives.

“I waded into the water and got baptized again as a declaration to the Lord that I surrender to Him,” said Loni Taylor, freshman music education major from Jacksonville, FL. She added, “God

didn’t work on us just as individuals, but as a community.”

RamCorps accomplished their goals to change the lives of the Jamaican citizens because they worked as a team, a mentality promoted widely at UMobile.

The team mentality is reflected in the way RamCorps operates, as explained

by Hughes, who is the director of instrumental studies, Jazz Band and RamCorps at the Christian university.

“RamCorps brings together 25 brass and percussion musicians in a unique explosion of music and theater. It is an intense, choreographed musical experience achieving high levels of excellence in performance,” Hughes said.

University of Mobile Wins National Marketing Awards

Photos by Harrison Hughes

Their discipline and dedication learned through diligent practice and choreography allowed RamCorps to change lives to change the world, he said.

“Our purpose was to glorify God by serving Westgate Hills Baptist Church and invest into the lives of Jamaicans in Montego Bay,” said Hughes. “Eight Jamaicans that we know of prayed to receive Christ.”

They are not unaccustomed to lifting others’ interests above their own to change lives. The 25 members of RamCorps, five members of Welsh Revival and Hughes will perform approximately 80 concerts this academic year, an incredible number of shows for students who must also attend class and submit homework. Yet, the students under Hughes were focused on their most important goals.

“Lives were changed,” said RamCorps member Jayme Snellgrove, 2012 graduate and biology major from Headland, AL. “The most exciting part of this whole process is that it is not finished.” m

The University of Mobile received national awards for its website, magazine, Leadership Banquet and other marketing materials in the 28th Annual Educational Advertising Awards competition sponsored by Higher Education Marketing Report.

The Educational Advertising Awards is the largest educational advertising awards competition in the nation, according to Higher Education Marketing Report. This year, close to 3,000 entries were received from more than 1,000 colleges, universities and secondary schools from all 50 states and several foreign countries.

Entries were judged by a national panel of higher education marketers, advertising creative directors, marketing and advertising professionals and the editorial board of Higher Education Marketing Report.

The University of Mobile competed against colleges and universities with enrollments of less than 2,000.

The university received four Silver Awards, one Bronze Award and two Merit Awards.

Silver Awards were given for the website, www.umobile.edu, created with nvisionative and The Visible Group; University of Mobile Magazine, external publication category, the 2013 Leadership Banquet, total public relations campaign and the Leadership Banquet brochure, brochure category, all with JWA Creative.

A Bronze Award was given for the Visit Day Invitation, direct mail advertising category, with JWA Creative.

Merit Awards were given for the Charitable Estate Planning newsletter in the newsletter category, and the Project Serve Logo in the logo/letterhead design category, both with JWA Creative.

The award-winning materials were produced by the UMobile Marketing and Public Relations Office, a department of the Office of Institutional Advancement under the direction of Brian Boyle, vice president. Lesa Moore is executive director of Marketing and Public Relations. Kathy Dean is director of media relations. Other team members include Susie Simmons, Shannon Mason and Nancy Snodgrass. m umobile.edu 17

University News

Vocal Students Take Top Awards at Alabama NATS Student Auditions

By Ashley Holmes Vocal students from the University of Mobile won top awards at the 2013 Alabama National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Student Auditions.

At the Student Auditions, singers perform and receive written feedback about their performances, as well as get to meet and hear other singers.

This year, the University of Mobile Center for Performing Arts/School of Music was well represented at the state competition and four students received awards in their categories during the Feb. 15-16 competition in Tuscaloosa, AL. Mary Laura Boyett won first place in the Fourth Year College Women category, performing “Mi Chiamano Mimi” from La Boheme by Giaccamo Puccini. She plans on pursuing a career in opera, and says that winning competitions such as the Student Auditions is a great addition to a singer’s portfolio.

“When you audition for roles, they look at your experience in competitions as well as roles you’ve performed,” says Boyett. “So it’s just another great step forward in pursuing that as a career!”

Boyett is a junior vocal performance major studying under Dr. Kathryn Hedlund, instructor of voice.

Another of Hedlund’s students, Hillary Vest, won first place in the Second Year College Women category. Vest, a sophomore vocal performance major, says she enjoyed getting to meet other students from different schools, as well as getting to know her fellow UMobile

18 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013

From Left: Shadoe Valentin, Hillary Vest, Mary Laura Boyette, Bethany Polinkas

students better.

Vest says, “It was an encouraging experience musically, and the judges gave helpful critique that will be valuable when continuing to pursue a degree in voice.”

For the competition, Vest performed “Batti, batti, o bel Masetto” from Don Giovanni by W.A. Mozart.

Shadoe Valentin, a senior vocal performance major, won first place in the Advanced College Musical Theater Men category. Valentin performed “I am Adolpho” from the musical The Drowsy Chaperone, written and composed by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison.

“It’s always interesting to see students from other universities and their teachers,” he says. “It’s great to see the different techniques that are being taught to other students.“ Valentin studies in the studio of Dr. Patrick Jacobs, associate professor of music and chair of Vocal Studies and Opera.

Bethany Polinkas, a senior musical theatre major studying under Darla Earnest, adjunct instructor of voice, won second place in the Fourth Year College Musical Theater Women category.

“It was nice because it helps us see more of who we’re going to be competing against for jobs when we graduate,” says Polinkas. “It also brings our school together and helps us support each other.” For the primary auditions, Polinkas chose to sing “I Will Prevail” from the Frank Wildhorn musical, Wonderland.

Placing in a category at the Student Auditions is not only an accomplishment for the students, but also is an accomplishment for the school they represent, say UMobile professors.

Winning at the competition is a direct reflection of the students’ hard work and dedication, as well as the skill and passion invested in students by their professors.

Jacobs spoke highly of all the students representing UMobile.

“I’m very proud of not only the way our students sang, but how they interacted with each other and the singers from other schools. They were kind, professional, and supportive. Our university was very well represented by these fine young men and women,” Jacobs says. m

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Giving

Yetta Samford A Life Invested

By Kathy Dean

I

ntegrity, character, love of family, fairness. These are traits that students at Opelika High School in Alabama learn about through their Character Education Program.

The 2009-10 course guide profiled hometown heroes whose lives exhibit inspiring character and influence.

The man they read about is Yetta G. Samford Jr. It’s a name familiar to the University of Mobile family. A founding trustee of Mobile College, Samford is a past chairman of the school’s Board of Trustees, named a Life Trustee in 1992, and awarded the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters in 2001.

Samford Hall, the first of three new residence halls constructed during the past eight years, is named in his family’s honor. The Mary Austill and Yetta G. Samford Endowed Scholarship expands the couple’s influence to generations of students who benefit from a UMobile education.

The Character Education Program study guide quotes Samford’s law partner and former Lee County Circuit Judge John Denson II: “Yetta has devoted a huge amount of time and effort to the benefit of many individuals, his community, his state and country.”

Leading in Tough Times With more than 50 years of involvement in the life of the University of Mobile, Yetta Samford’s influence

20 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013

is immense. His courtly southern gentleman manner and his quiet leadership helped guide the university and its presidents through smooth waters and a few rough winds.

“We’ve had some tough times,” he recalled recently. He was a member of the Board when Baptist-funded Mobile College was first opening its doors – and the state-funded University of South Alabama opened just a year later. While the competition was initially a setback for the private school, ultimately both institutions thrived.

One of his brightest moments came in 1998 as he served as chairman and the Board tapped Dr. Mark Foley to be the third president of the university.

“The best thing I ever did was to be a part of that committee. We are just so grateful to the Lord for bringing him,” Samford said.

Creating Opportunity Samford said he welcomed the opportunity to be on the ground floor of starting Mobile College.

“I believe young people should have an opportunity to get an education. If I can help them, I love to be able to do that,” he said.

He and his wife, Mary, took a personal interest in creating educational opportunities for students through the creation of the Mary Austill and Yetta G. Samford Endowed Scholarship.

“I feel it’s important for young people

to have an opportunity to learn. If we can invest in their lives, it’s very rewarding to me,” Samford said.

Return on Investment Julisa Theodore ’11 was awarded the Samford scholarship each of the four years she attended UMobile. Now a graduate student at the University of South Alabama working on a master’s degree in sociology with plans to become a sociology professor, she was involved in activities, ministries and service projects throughout her UMobile career. She teaches Zumba exercise classes at Light of the Village, a Christian ministry in the inner city of Mobile where she volunteered as a UMobile student.

None of it would have been possible without the Samfords’ help.

“Having this scholarship meant that my sister didn’t have to find a way to pay for me to go to school. She dropped out of college twice to take care of my little sister and me when our parents died, Mom in 1998 and Dad in 2004. She hasn’t been back to finish yet,” Theodore said.

“Mr. Samford, thank you so much for offering me a scholarship at UMobile!

My family and I greatly appreciate your contribution to my education,” she wrote.

Serving with Distinction From senior class president in high school to Life Trustee at UMobile and past Board chairman and trustee emeritus at the University of Alabama

Yetta and Mary Samford

Dedication Ceremony

where he graduated from law school, Samford has served with distinction in a variety of areas.

A native of Opelika, AL, where he served as chairman of the Opelika Board of Education, Samford’s dedication to his community was celebrated when the city’s sports complex was named after him “to reflect not only his lifelong dedication to his hometown, but also his status as one of Alabama’s most outstanding leaders,” according to his profile in the Character Education Program.

He served as a B-17 pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, earned a Bachelor of Science in 1947 from Alabama Polytechnic Institute (Auburn University) and graduated from law school at the University of Alabama in 1949. He was admitted to the Alabama Bar and U.S. District Court Middle District of Alabama in 1949, the U.S. Court of Appeals Fifth Circuit in 1961 and U.S. Court of Appeals Eleventh Circuit in 1981. He maintains an office in

the law firm of Samford & Denson, LLP, in Opelika.

He served in the Alabama Senate during 1958-1962, representing Lee and Russell counties. He was a board member or director in numerous areas, including the Business Council of Alabama, Alabama State Chamber of Commerce, Alabama Board of Corrections and Alabama State Docks Advisory Board. He was a director of Torchmark Corp., West Point Pepperell Inc., chairman of the Board of Directors of Farmers National Bank of Opelika, and a member of the Alabama Academy of Honor.

Dr. Mike King, executive pastor of First Baptist Church of Opelika where Samford has been a lifelong member and influential leader, said Yetta and Mary are “the model of a godly, Christian couple.”

King said Samford has served more than 60 years as a deacon, with more than 30 years as a church trustee.

“Any time Yetta was in the room, the professionalism and wisdom was just elevated,” King said. With Samford in attendance “here at church, at deacon’s

meetings or trustee meetings, you just knew you would always get the best.”

Reflection When Samford Hall was dedicated April 25, 2005, UMobile President Dr. Mark Foley expressed appreciation to Yetta and Mary for the couple’s many years of dedication and support to the university.

Several Mobile-area students told the Samfords how the new residence hall impacted their decision to live on campus.

The school’s Voices of Mobile ensemble performed as students stood by with 101 pots of ivy to be planted in the courtyard, representing the 101 beds in the residence hall.

As the ceremony progressed, so did construction work on another residence hall a few hundred yards away – Karlene Farmer Faulkner Hall. Since then, another apartment-style complex has been opened for upperclassmen, The Timbers.

Samford said he is happy to be part of the school’s success.

“It’s done mighty well,” he said. m umobile.edu 21

Giving

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N

By Steve Carey

estled among the stately pines and oak trees on the University of Mobile campus is one of Alabama’s unique educational experiences – the Albert S. Dix Outdoor Rock and Mineral Museum.

About 60 rock and mineral specimens, part of a large collection of rocks and minerals donated to the university in 1982 by the late Mobile physician, rock collector and lapidarist Albert S. Dix, occupy a threeacre site near the university’s rustic Dwight Harrigan Forest Learning Center. Originally established in the area between Ram Hall and Ingram Hall near the current location of the metal cross-and-vine sculpture “I Am the Vine,” the museum was relocated rock by rock to its current location and reopened to the public in 1987.

Transporting a lifetime of collecting rocks and

Photos by G.M. Andrews

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Giving

minerals from Dr. Dix’s home to the university (then Mobile College) was no easy task, and it took the combined efforts of the college’s staff, science students and members of the campus club football team to get the job done.

It took years of planning between Dr. Dix, the Department of Natural Sciences and public school officials to make the museum a reality.

In the early years, science professor Dr. Thomas Bilbo had the responsibility of establishing and maintaining the outdoor museum. Many were the days one could see Dr. Bilbo, equipped with only a shovel and a

wheelbarrow, moving specimens into position or improving museum trails. On good days, a few student “volunteers” were recruited to assist in the project.

Much thanks must go out to Dr. Bilbo, now retired, and all the others whom, despite variegates in the weather, yellow jackets, briars and weeds, worked hard to make the original Albert S. Dix museum a reality.

After the museum was moved to its current location, oversight of the museum fell to me and the Natural Sciences Department. At this time the museum was expanded both in area and numbers of specimens on display.

Jackie Brown, then a teacher at Clarke

Photo by G.M. Andrews

24 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013

Middle School (now Clarke-Shaw Middle School), was instrumental in developing interpretive information and establishing the initial layout of the museum.

Today, a winding, self-guided pathway leads museum visitors past common and not-so-common rocks and minerals including a boulder-sized specimen of corundum weighing over 900 pounds. Examples of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks are on display as are important ore-bearing minerals and those used in the jewelry arts. Ore-bearing minerals on exhibit include hematite (iron), sphalerite (zinc), chalcopyrite (copper), bauxite (aluminum), and galena (lead).

One of the more unusual rocks on display is unakite, a semiprecious stone composed of pink, green, and colorless minerals that takes a good polish and is used to create jewelry, polished spheres and carvings.

Museum visitors can see large specimens of petrified wood and numerous examples of rocks and minerals that have played an important role in the development of Alabama’s mining and manufacturing industries, both past and present.

The museum serves as an outdoor classroom for UMobile students taking courses in earth science, many of whom are majoring in teacher education.

Students gain hands-on experience creating new interpretive materials including trail guides, interpretive kiosks and self-quiz stations. Biology students are also involved in identifying and labeling the trees and shrubs within the outdoor rock and mineral museum as part of establishing a campus arboretum.

The museum also serves elementary and secondary private and public school students from Mobile and surrounding counties studying rocks and minerals, geology and environmental stewardship.

Complementing the outdoor

Steve Carey, left, receives a donation from the Mobile Rock & Gem Society, presented by Phil Kaiser.

Photo by Kathy Dean

mineral display is a collection of fossils, semiprecious minerals, gems and crystals housed within the Harrigan Center building. Special exhibits within the Harrigan Center include dinosaur bones and skin impressions, a collection of Alabama petrified wood and fossils and a display dedicated to the rocks and minerals of the Bible. Visitors to the outdoor museum are welcome to view the exhibits inside the Harrigan Center which are housed in lighted display cabinets just inside the building’s main entrance.

Dr. Dix recognized the need for teachers at all levels to have examples of rocks and minerals in their classrooms for student study. To make Dr. Dix’s dream a reality, the UMobile Natural Sciences Department has prepared and donated collections of rocks and minerals to earth science teachers in Mobile, Baldwin and Washington counties. Additionally, UMobile faculty members have conducted workshops for earth science teachers and made rocks and minerals available for study by students preparing to enter earth science competitions such as the National Science Olympiad’s Rocks

Photo by Steve Carey

and Minerals event.

Plans for future additions to the outdoor museum include construction of a formal entryway and placement of educational kiosks highlighting important mineral uses, the role of minerals in Alabama’s economic development, and how minerals impact our daily lives. A picnic area and pavilion are planned for those wishing to take full advantage of the museum’s attractive outdoor setting.

The Albert S. Dix Outdoor Rock and Mineral Museum is indebted to The Mobile Rock & Gem Society that has contributed much monetary and volunteer support, but more is needed to realize the museum’s full potential.

Construction materials including lumber, nails and screws are needed to construct the entryway, kiosks and pavilion.

Monetary donations will help purchase new signs and brochures. Landscaping plants such as azaleas and camellias

are needed. Persons or organizations interested in donating to the museum should contact the Development Office at 251.442.2497 or give online at https:// giving.umobile.edu.

The Albert S. Dix Outdoor Rock and Mineral Museum and the indoor display in the Harrigan Center comprise one of the largest rock and mineral displays in south Alabama. Both collections are designed to accommodate the needs of school groups, nature enthusiasts and individuals having an interest in geology and earth science.

The museum is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday when the university is in session.

Admission is free. Car and bus parking is next to the museum.

Steve Carey is an associate professor of biology at the University of Mobile. His varied interests include storm chasing, photography, cave exploring and collecting rocks and minerals. m umobile.edu 25

Giving

Telfair J. and Ida Belle Mashburn

26 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013

By Dr. Ted Mashburn

My mother, Ida Belle Turberville Mashburn, was a country girl from Monroe County. A country girl with taste and dignity; puritan through and through, but with an astute eye toward social justice, though she didn’t know it was called that. It was “farm wisdom” to her – and it went like this: you got along with everyone who worked the land; you helped them and they helped you – color didn’t matter. She was long integrated in her being, while living squarely in a segregated south.

She possessed the most amazing capacity for work that I’ve encountered.

Up at 4:30 each morning, paper, breakfast, and devotional with Dad, and off to the garden until she literally was drenched in her own perspiration. It was a daily baptism, and she relished every moment of it. Mother met God every morning in her garden. He gave her the strength to keep those weeds out so that she reaped bountiful harvests in order to share with friends, neighbors and even occasional sojourners. She worked that garden until cancer took her at age 93.

My father, Telfair James Mashburn, the judge, was also from yeomanry stock out of Escambia County. He loved this

country, the law, his family, God, people and Alabama football, not necessarily in that order. He read his Bible daily and taught the adult men’s Sunday School class for 65 years (he used to say jokingly that his students graduated to heaven).

He never wore his religion outwardly and was suspicious of those who did. He trusted his soul to no person, institution, creed, or even a book, save God. His faith was simple: pray to God daily, read the Bible daily, go to church, be honest, help others and do what is right.

He always spoke his mind – in church, in court, in politics, in social situations, in the home. He was disarmingly honest.

It probably cost him an election or two,

but that really never mattered. Truth always took precedence over success; honesty outweighed orthodoxy. Some might say (some did say) my dad had a big mouth. But his heart was even bigger. He was comfortable with all kinds of people; he was at home in the mansion hall, the city hall, the fellowship hall and the pool hall. Humble, hospitable, a law and order person, but gregarious through and through. He loved life, didn’t mind being on the edge, at times, but would look you squarely in the eye and tell you the truth, whether you liked to hear it or not. He finally succumbed to the vicissitudes of life at age 96.

Photo by G.M. Andrews

umobile.edu 27

Giving

Both of my parents believed in travel and education and saw to it that their children had ample opportunities for both. It is little wonder that all three of their children ended up with graduate degrees – two became university professors and one a professional musician.

When my mother died in 2000, my father wanted to do something in honor of her. After family consultation, we decided to establish the Telfair J. and Ida Belle Mashburn Scholarship. It would be used to promote the area which was at the core of our family, the Humanities – namely, philosophy, theology, literature, music and law. In a real sense, my parents are continuing to do for others what they did for us, though granted at a smaller level...but hopefully, over the years that level will continue to increase.

What we, as donors, are doing is very, very important. Ninety-six percent of University of Mobile-enrolled students receive some form of financial assistance.

Eighty percent receive institutionally funded scholarships – that is, merit, talent and/or athletic awards. And 14 percent receive funded/endowed scholarships. There are currently 190 endowed scholarships at the University of Mobile and the number continues to grow. For some students, these scholarships make the difference between coming to the University of Mobile or not. For others, it means the difference in the hours they have to spend working outside jobs in order to remain at UMobile. And for all, it means having to borrow less money from parents and/or lending institutions.

I have had the privilege of working closely with the recipients of endowed scholarships. The investment we are making in these students is among the best investments we will ever make.

Investing in people makes all the difference in the world. I am absolutely

28 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013

confident that the endowed scholarship students are among the best we have, and that the education our students receive at UMobile will prepare them not only to meet the challenges of the 21st century, but will enable them to address the four fundamental relationships in life: relationship to God, relationship to others, relationship to the world and relationship to one’s self.

Because of endowed scholarships, many students can rest more comfortably knowing that they have people, outside of their family, who are investing in them, believing in them and wanting them to be successful in life. Donors, you too, can rest more comfortably knowing that you are doing a good thing. Thank you for your commitment to quality Christian education and for your investment in the most precious and important resource we have – our young people. m

Dr. Ted Mashburn is associate dean of the University of Mobile College of Arts and Sciences and professor of Humanities.

“The Telfair J. and Ida Belle Mashburn scholarship touched my life in a way that no other scholarship did. I was blessed to receive several scholarships throughout my college career, but most of them I earned in some way, whether through grades, scores, or something I did. The Mashburn scholarship, however, was given to me as a gift, and by the very person who continues the Mashburn legacy, Dr. Ted Mashburn. This man taught my very first class on my very first day of college, and he was a faithful teacher and mentor in the four years that would follow. Receiving a scholarship... from a person that I knew and who cared for not only my education, but for my life...made the gift all the more precious. Knowing I was receiving a gift not only from him, but one given in honor of his parents, reminded me constantly of the Scripture: ‘To whom much is given, much is also required.’

This scholarship was a great gift, and one that I strove to honor as a student, and now strive to honor as a teacher, by giving my best.”

Kala Holt ’12 Humanities Teacher, Bayshore Christian School

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By Kathy Dean

Tim Tebow loves to win. Specifically, he loves the game of football.

He’s passionate about it, willing to sacrifice for it with hard work, sweat, blood, time, effort – whatever it takes to be the best.

But there is something – some One – that he loves more.

Photos by G.M. Andrews

30 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013

umobile.edu 31

“I think the greatest thing to do in life is play football, but at the end of the day, if that’s what I’m known for, my life would be a tragedy” Tim Tebow

“I think the greatest thing to do in life is play football, but at the end of the day, if that’s what I’m known for, my life would be a tragedy,” the Heisman Trophy winner told an audience of more than 1,800 at the 8th annual University of Mobile Leadership Banquet in April.

“When people talk about me when

32 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013

I’m gone, I hope they never mention football,” he said. “I hope they mention that I loved Jesus, and I loved others.”

Evening of Influence University of Mobile President Dr. Mark Foley summed up the message of the annual fundraising banquet in one word: Influence.

“Tonight is about influence – the capacity or power of an individual to effect the actions, behavior and opinions of others,” Foley told the audience filling the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center on the waterfront in downtown Mobile on April 18.

Quarterback Tim Tebow, whose athletic success and outspoken Christian faith has made him “one of the most influential persons in American culture today,” captured the attention of a nation “by careful stewarding of his skill and talent as an athlete, and his unwavering conviction to honor God,” Foley said.

Performances by Voices of Mobile and the University of Mobile Jazz Band entertained the crowd while showcasing exceptionally talented

Extending the Influence

students from the UMobile Center for Performing Arts. A video featuring University of Mobile alumni, posted online at www.umobile.edu/ magazine, shared individual stories of the influence the university has had in the lives of graduates, and how they are using their influence by “Changing Lives to Change the World.”

Lightning Round The atmosphere was casual. Tim Tebow sat, relaxed, microphone in hand, on a sofa before the single largest crowd ever assembled for a fundraising event in the history of the University of Mobile.

Sitting across from him in club chairs were the evening’s hosts, Senior Bowl Executive Director Phil Savage and UMobile Director of Campus Life Neal Ledbetter. The duo asked questions, including some that had been tweeted earlier in the week by UMobile students.

Ledbetter’s “lightning round” of questions – that last year prompted former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to tell students that her iPod playlist included Brahms, Mozart, Led Zeppelin and Cream – had Tebow laughing so hard at one point that he couldn’t answer.

Tim Tebow’s influence is immense, UMobile President Mark Foley said at the 8th annual University of Mobile Leadership Banquet.

So is the influence of a Christian university committed to preparing graduates to be people of faith with an understanding of responsibility to God, to others and to selfsacrifice as a foundational principle of a healthy society.

“I want you to understand that is the purpose and will continue to be the purpose of the University of Mobile,” Foley said. “It matters not the contrary opinions of government or the prevailing winds of society. This is where this institution will stand. And we will say so proudly and without hesitation.”

Speaking passionately and pausing after each word, Foley declared, “We. Will. Follow.

Jesus Christ.”

The banquet hall exploded in applause.

Foley said the university is dedicated to graduating: • Men and women who have mastered a body of knowledge according to their discipline of study or their choice of profession; • Who know how to think; • Who know what they believe and why they believe it, and; • Who have the willingness and the skill to use their influence in appropriate and effective ways to change the world around them.

Foley used the example of the type of influence one high school teacher would have during a 15-year career, with 8 contact hours per day and 35 individual students encountered each hour, for five days a week during a nine-month school year.

Multiply that by the 75 education majors who graduate each year from the university, 20 years, 13 dedicated faculty members and the result is 1.2 bilion points of influence in America and around the world.

Expand that to other disciplines in the university with a total of about 400 graduates a year, and you have “the intentional expansion of the culture of Christ through succeeding generations of graduates in a work force,” Foley said.

Foley asked each high school student in the audience to stand.

“You came to listen to a hero. I want to show you how to become a hero. Because I know what can happen in your lives at the University of Mobile, and because I know what can happen through your lives in the years to come, I want to invest in you,” he said.

Foley announced that each high school student attending the Leadership Banquet would be offered a $20,000 scholarship to be among the next generation of UMobile graduates who are “Changing Lives to Change the World.”

“It matters not the contrary opinions of government or the prevailing winds of society. This is where this institution will stand.

And we will say so proudly and without hesitation.”

Dr. Mark Foley

umobile.edu 33

us all together and he says, ‘Okay guys, it doesn’t matter if you win or lose, it’s only about having fun.’

“I was so stunned. I went up to him and I pulled on his shirt and said, ‘Coach Langley, you’re wrong! It’s only about winning – that’s when you have fun.’”

Tebow said the coach walked over to the first base dugout, looked up in the stands, and called Tebow’s father down, saying, “Mr. Tebow, I think we have a problem with your son.”

“Dad’s like, ‘Oh really? What’s the problem,’” Tebow recalls. “The coach says, ‘He’s overly competitive.’

“My dad said, ‘Okay, I’ll go talk to him.’ And he walks down to first Ledbetter: “If you could be any superhero other than Tim Tebow or Jesus, who would it be?”

Eventually, Tebow was able to stop laughing long enough to respond that he guessed it would be Superman.

The last lightning round question elicited a more serious response.

Ledbetter: “Will we see ‘Tebow for President’ anytime soon?”

Tebow: “I don’t know what my future holds, but I am very ambitious – I have a lot of goals. Whatever I can do to impact the world, whether it’s politics or not, however I feel I can make an impact, that’s what I’m going to do.”

Competitive Nature Phil Savage said Tebow is “one of the great champions of American sports. He has a singleness of purpose, he’s tough, he’s smart, and he has not nor will he ever give up.”

Asked what drives him so much, Tebow said his family has always been extremely competitive and, as the baby in a family of five siblings, “I

34 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013

had to win just to get food off the table from my brothers and sisters.”

One of the earliest examples of that competitive spirit came at his first organized sporting activity when he was 4 years old.

“I was playing for the White Sox on their t-ball team,” Tebow said. “I show up to the game, and I’m so excited; I can’t wait to play. Our coach gathers

base. I’m standing on first base and he comes over and leans down and says, ‘Timmy, it’s okay. He just doesn’t understand,’” Tebow said.

Later in the outfield, he would catch balls and throw them to first base, where the first baseman would miss or drop them. So little Timmy started fielding the balls, then running to first base to tag the runner out.

Q&A “God didn’t give me athletic ability to brag about myself – He gave it to honor Him.” Tim Tebow

By the third inning, Coach Langley called him over, told him he was doing great, but he needed to throw the ball to first base.

“I said, ‘Why? He can’t catch it,’” Tebow said, as the audience laughed.

Tebow said he looked forward to going to church on Sunday mornings as a child, particularly so he could ask people to guess how many home runs he had hit the Saturday before, or relate how well he had played.

Even at age 4 or 5, it’s easy to become self-centered and proud, he said.

So each week, his mother had him memorize a Bible verse on humility.

“As I began to grow up, it started to take hold in my life and I started to understand. God didn’t give me athletic ability to brag about myself Photo Danit Anderson – He by gave to honor Him,” Tebow said. “He could take it away at any time. So yes, I’m competitive, I’m passionate, I love it – but it can be gone at any time.”

Lasting Impact The intimate living-room setting on the platform set the stage for an evening filled with moments where Tebow seemed to be speaking personally to each individual in the room. Asked about being a leader and role model, he said he accepts that role as a “huge responsibility” to be a person who is far from perfect, but is trying to live his life the right way.

He wants to be a person that a parent can hold up as an example to

their child as someone who loves the Lord and is trying to honor the Lord in everything he does.

“I’m also here to say that you’re a leader, you’re a role model,” he said, leaning forward to address the audience. “Why? Because there’s probably someone in your life that’s watching you. It may be a friend, it may be a co-worker, it may be a neighbor, it may be a family member – but someone’s watching you. That makes you a leader. That makes you a role model.

“The question is, where are you leading them and what type of role model are you?” he asked. “I think that’s a question we all have to ask ourselves, because there is someone that is watching all of us. So ask yourself, ‘Is that person’s life better because they know us, or is it worse because they know us?’”

The Real Winners Shortly after winning the Heisman Trophy his sophomore year at the University of Florida, Tebow had the opportunity to travel to Thailand and speak to 400 missionaries serving in southeast Asia, including his sister.

The son of missionaries who served in the Philippines, Tebow wondered on the flight over what he could share.

“I’m a 19- or 20-year-old playing a silly game called football. These are missionaries who are putting their lives on the line every single day for the Gospel, for the cause of Christ.

What do I have to share with them?”

What They Said…

And What They Did Each year, the annual University of Mobile Leadership Banquet is said to be the best one ever.

“How will UMobile ever top this?” they said when former U.S. President George W. Bush spoke about life in the White House and the tough decisions that he made, when former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice discussed foreign policy and how her decisions are rooted in her faith.

This year was no exception. Here’s how the evening impacted just a few of the more than 1,800 in the audience, including coaches and high school student-athletes who attended the event as part of the university’s Athletic Initiative.

Some of the most inspiring moments happened after the stage lights were unplugged and the tables were cleared.

One father who sat at a banquet table with his two young sons said the “Conversation with Tim Tebow” continued later that night in their home, becoming a conversation about faith. As a result, this father led his two sons in prayer as they accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Others said:

• “In football, it is hard not to hate the opposing team, to get angry at them.

Tebow helped me realize that isn’t right and that showing faith in sports is a big deal.” Pate Dickerson, high school senior.

umobile.edu 35

he thought.

He recalled the verses his mother had made him memorize, specifically Matthew 23:12, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

The missionaries were humbling themselves and serving, not so people would give them a pat on the back or say “good job,” but because they truly wanted to make a difference, he thought.

“I told them, ‘If the world could see you through God’s eyes, you would be the ones winning the Heisman Trophy, not me. Not me. I play a silly game called football, but you are pouring your life into what matters every single day, and that’s what makes you great.”

Tebow called making money and being famous “fake success.”

“If we really want to be great, we’re going to humble ourselves and serve those around us. I think that’s when you get the biggest blessing, when you’re serving those who can never do anything for you, who can never repay you.

“Every single day when I woke up when I was a boy, I said I wanted to be great. I never woke up and said, ‘I can’t wait to be average.’ What can you do to be great? Serve those around you, and you will be great,” he said.

A Little Courage, A Little Boldness “Sometimes in life we do something very little to show a little courage, a little boldness – and it’s amazing what

36 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013

God can do with it,” Tebow said.

For him, that meant a decision in college to use a silver Sharpie marker to write Phil 4:13 on his eye black, referencing the verse: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

In the 2009 BCS Championship Game, he wrote John 3:16 on his eye black. He said God put it in his head and heart to use that verse, which is “the essence of our Christianity and our hope.”

The verse was the highest-ranked Google search term over the next 24 hours, generating over 94 million searches.

Handling Adversity On the football field in college, as a professional football player with the Denver Broncos and the New York Jets, in everyday life, there is adversity. When faced with adversity, Tebow turns to Scripture.

“I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know Who holds my future. Regardless of the obstacles, regardless of the tribulations,

regardless of the trials, God’s not going to let me go, and He’s not going to let you go,” Tebow said.

“If there’s a lot on your plate – that’s good! It means He believes in you and He trusts you. He’s given you the strength to carry out that mission. So if you’re going through something tough, it’s okay, you’ll get through it, because God’s got your back.

“That’s how I get through it, having peace, having comfort, having hope, because I know God’s never going to leave me, and He always has a plan for you, a plan for welfare and not for calamity, a plan for a future and a hope,” he said.

A Life of Significance Tebow said playing football is just a little part of the many things he would like to do with his life. Among those are helping children through the Tebow Foundation and the Tebow CURE Hospital in the Philippines, the nation in which he was born.

He said he wants to be an encouragement to others, just as more than 130 people were an encouragement to him moments before the banquet began.

“I probably had in that line the

• “I felt like Tebow was really relating to the audience. He is such a leader. I want people to see that I love the Lord like Tim does. He showed that winning is not all that matters.” Holly Hawkins, high school sophomore basketball player at Presbyterian Christian School in Hattiesburg, MS, whose coach brought the girls’ basketball team to the event.

• “The event motivated me to strive for a platform I can use to impact people for Christ,” James Boudreaux, high school senior football player.

most people I’ve taken pictures with say they were praying for me. I want to let you know I really appreciate that. You never know what that can do for someone,” he said.

Tebow said loving what you do, being passionate about it, and being willing to sacrifice for it make all the difference in being successful.

What is it, he asks, that you love, are passionate about and willing to sacrifice for?

“How often do we give our lives to something that’s going to last forever?

How often do we give our lives to something that’s eternal?” he asked.

“Impacting lives. Sharing the Gospel. Sharing your faith. When we love that, when we’re passionate about that, when we’re willing to sacrifice for that – because far beyond winning games, that’s what truly matters,” Tebow said. m

• “This is our school and this is our home, so to be asked to represent it is something that is an honor not just because we have a celebrity like Tim Tebow coming to speak, but because we get to show what our school has worked toward and what we have worked toward as individuals and as a group,” Jennifer Gonzalez, UMobile junior music education major, member of Welsh Revival which performed for arriving guests.

• “He has an incredible story and testimony to inspire each and every one of us.” Ember Langley, Miss UM 2013, opening the banquet in prayer.

• “The frenzy for sports is not limited to our region. It’s a national frenzy. But it doesn’t matter what the venue is that brings people together. To him (Tebow), football is a pulpit. To me, a university presidency is a pulpit. Whatever it takes to spread Christ into the hearts and minds of the nation,” Dr. Mark Foley to reporter covering the event.

(Reporting by Will Drake, Kayla Dutruch and Ashley Holmes)

umobile.edu 37

38 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013

I

By Kathy Dean

t’s 8 a.m. on Tuesday and Dr. Lonnie Burnett is full of energy, in constant motion at the head of the classroom in Martin Hall. That’s a marked contrast to the sleepy-eyed freshmen and sophomores straggling in and plopping backpacks on the floor beside desks in History 201: U.S. History up to 1876.

“I’m a notorious morning person, and these kids at 8 a.m. are zombies,” the history professor joked later in his office down the hall.

This day, he moves from one side of the room to the other, words rapidly tumbling one after another in an excited rush to relay a story of people risking their lives for freedom. The Battle of Bunker Hill, the Olive Branch Petition, the Declaration of Independence … these are topics that students have heard before.

But never quite like this.

Photo by G.M. Andrews

umobile.edu 39

“I want them to see a connection somewhere, that the past matters and affects us still.” Dr. Lonnie Burnett

This is history with passion. It’s the story of painters depicting battlefield scenes so as to win the propaganda war at home and abroad. It is a group of successful men making a strategic decision to write a letter addressed to “The King’s Most Excellent Majesty” with the full expectation that King George III would ignore it and a revolution would begin.

The more Burnett reveals, the more these names become men who put their families and livelihoods at risk for harm once a signature was affixed to a page. They were people whose neighbors may see them as traitors, who didn’t have the luxury of knowing their uncertain future one day would be studied in a free nation

by a group of students in Martin Hall.

The atmosphere in the classroom changes. Hands are raised, questions asked, discussion begins. History – that lifeless list of dates and names – is beginning to take shape into something more.

From the front of the room, Burnett sees history come to life in the minds of his students.

“I want them to see a connection somewhere, that the past matters and affects us still,” he reflected later.

“That’s what history does – it gives us guidance for the future.”

History, he said, matters.

A Personal History Lonnie Burnett has lived his entire life less than 15 minutes from the University of

Mobile campus. As a child, he rode his bicycle on trails in the woods, camped beneath the trees, and watched over the years as construction crews raised building after building. He taught his daughter how to drive a car in the same parking lot on campus where his father taught him.

His love of history was born in the stories his father, Robert K. Burnett, told him of World War II – earning a Bronze Star and Purple Heart, parachuting behind enemy lines in France on D-Day, and fighting in the Battle of the Bulge.

Burnett saw what he could do with that curiosity about the past through the example of high school history teacher Calvin Crist who became a role model as a teacher passionate about his subject and caring for his students.

A self-described “natural ham,” Burnett set his sights on standing in front of a history class and bringing history to

Photo by G.M. Andrews

40 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013

Robert K. Burnett

life through his gift of speaking and engaging audiences. But a “C” in Dr. Hazel Petersen’s introductory education class at Mobile College caused him to question his calling.

As Dr. Petersen-Walter now remembers it, there was no question in her mind that Burnett was a born educator.

“If I saw real potential in a student, I called them in for conferences. Lonnie and I had a nice discussion.

He said he didn’t know if he could do it or not. I assured him that he could, because I knew he had the potential. He set realistic goals. He worked hard.

From an average student as a sophomore, he graduated receiving the divisional award in education.

“I am just so proud of what he has become,” said Petersen-Walter, retired dean who served in a variety of academic capacities during her years at UMobile.

Burnett graduated from Mobile College with a bachelor of arts in

1979. His wife of 32 years, Lynne, graduated from UMobile in 1996, and daughter Lauren Burnett Wetzel graduated from UMobile in 2009.

He taught regular and honors U.S. history at the high school and middle school levels in the Mobile

umobile.edu 41

“Dr. Burnett encouraged me to pursue my dreams of working on Capitol Hill and showed me through example that one’s chosen profession can become a source of happiness.” Kristen Morris ‘07

County Public School System from 1980 to 2004, serving as chairman of the history departments at Semmes Middle and Satsuma High schools.

After earning a Master of Arts from the University of South Alabama, he taught several years as an adjunct history instructor at UMobile, retired from the public school system at the age of 46, and focused on his second career as a college professor and author.

He served as visiting assistant professor of history at the University of Southern Mississippi in 2002, where he earned a Ph.D. Burnett came to UMobile in 2005, eventually becoming chair of the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences and a full professor.

In 2012 he gained tenure and a new assignment – assistant vice president of Academic Affairs for planning and evaluation. While continuing to teach one history class, Burnett is charged with leading the university’s Quality Enhancement Program (QEP), a critical part of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools reaccreditation process.

His energy and intelligence, obsessive attention to detail and planning, quick wit and genuine interest in everyone he meets made him an obvious choice to head up the SACS requirement to develop a university-wide plan for improvement in an academic area that involves the entire campus.

42 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013

The university has chosen to focus on improving students’ writing skills through the development of Writing Intensive Networks, or WIN. Burnett said the need to improve writing skills and critical thinking is a nationwide need in this college-age generation whose primary means of written communication is text messaging.

The WIN project is being developed now and will ultimately expand and redefine how the university teaches writing intensive courses.

Burnett is excited about the challenge of engaging students, faculty, staff, trustees, donors and university friends in the project. He’s also realistic about the stresses that come with developing such a plan, measuring its effectiveness, and implementing it across all disciplines.

Perhaps the real reason he was given this assignment, he said with a laugh, is “I think they thought I could organize this and the faculty wouldn’t kill me.”

A Passion for People Dr. Billy Hinson, retired chair of the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, said Burnett “gets along with everybody” and in 2006 was voted “Favorite Professor” by the student body.

Kristen Morris ’07 is part of history in the making in Washington, D.C., as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives staff. Burnett taught her at Satsuma High School as he was

winding up his first career as a high school history teacher, then again in his second career as a professor at the University of Mobile.

“Dr. Burnett often says, ‘I don’t just teach history; I teach life.’ That could not be more true,” Morris said. “Dr. Burnett encouraged me to pursue my dreams of working on Capitol Hill and showed me through example that one’s chosen profession can become a source of happiness.”

Matthew Mitchell ’10 took six or seven classes under Burnett, who also served as an advisor for the social sciences major.

“I loved having him as a teacher,” Mitchell said. “He was passionate about the subject matter and he brought a certain level of enthusiasm to every class, even those 8 a.m. classes when we students didn’t exactly match it.”

As a freshman, Mitchell said he thought Burnett’s 5:30 a.m. office hours were “ridiculous.”

“By my senior year, I was working full time and taking classes when I could, so I cherished the fact that my advisor was one of the few awake on campus at that time of day. He was always welcoming, eager to help me figure out what classes I needed to take and what forms to fill out so I could claim my diploma. He’d ask me how work was going and life in general.

“I guess during those meetings I saw Dr. Burnett more like a friend

than simply an ‘advisor,’” said Mitchell, married to Lisa Mitchell and now a social service caseworker with the Alabama Department of Human Resources in Hayden, AL. Junior English major Will Drake said Burnett is extremely knowledgeable about the classes he teaches, “but he also allows his students plenty of space to resolve answers to their own questions. He revels in the opportunity to learn alongside his students and to see them relive history with him. He is light-hearted and humorous while he teaches, and he includes the funniest stories to help us remember the content.”

Colleague Dr. Julie Biskner, assistant professor of political science, said Burnett has a way of storytelling that harkens to the tradition of the classic Southern storyteller.

“Anything is interesting because of the way he tells about it,” she said. “Students love taking his class, specifically because he tries to find the elements of history that appeal to people, to make them see it’s not dry words on a page. He sees the funny side of life, and he shows that to them.”

Leadership in Action Burnett has compiled an impressive scholarly research record. He has published two books with the University of Alabama Press, “Henry Hotze: Confederate Propagandist,” and “The Pen Makes a Good Sword: John Forsyth of the Mobile Register.”

He has written numerous articles, book chapters and reviews, and received the university’s Mitford Ray Megginson Research Award in 2006. He served as Faculty Council president for three years, has chaired several university committees,

Dr. Lonnie Burnett with daughter Lauren on her graduation day.

organized events such as Patriot’s Day, and for the past five years served as head graduation marshall.

In department meetings, Burnett’s ideas were usually the ones embraced, such as establishing the annual Billy G. Hinson Lecture Series that brings nationally respected speakers to campus to present lectures on southern historical topics.

He believes community service is a vital outreach of the university.

He serves on the Saraland Board of Education, is a member of the Board of Directors for the Alabama Historical Association, and is on the Board of Directors for the Alabama Men’s Hall of Fame.

A member of First Baptist North Mobile, Burnett has taught adult Sunday School classes since he was a student at the university.

‘I Love This School’ With his personal history so intimately entwined in the history of the college, it’s no wonder Burnett

loves the school.

He has his own humorous stories to tell of the university’s history – such as the time the topic in chapel was stewardship.

“Somebody got the bright idea to teach us heathens about stewardship.

They passed the collection plate. The religion students were usually on the first few rows, and they were more righteous than those of us on the back.

By the time it came to the back row, people were taking money out of the collection plate. That lesson lasted about two weeks,” he said.

His work is fun, he says, and so is history.

“If you can’t make history fun, you can’t make anything fun,” he said.

“History is not just an old, old book.

It’s your life – your family.

“I’ve never left this place,” he added. “It’s kind of a family thing.” m

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44 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013

By Lesa Moore

With three national tournaments, one Final Eight, and two Sweet Sixteens in the last three years, the ladies from the University of Mobile women’s soccer team are making their mark. Add an overall count of 50 All-Americans and it is clear that these years of success are no accident. It’s all part of the plan.

Photo by G.M. Andrews

umobile.edu 45

Setting Goals When Brian Person’s brother, Joel ’02, encouraged Brian to spend his last year of eligibility playing soccer with him at the University of Mobile, it was definitely a change of scenery – and temperature – from his home in Alaska. It did not take long, however, for him to fit right in.

He met, and later married, Kasie Balderas Person ’01, earned his Master of Business Administration at UMobile in 2002 and spent several years as a graduate assistant and then assistant coach for the men’s soccer team. He became the assistant coach for the women’s soccer team in 2004

46 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013

and took over as head coach in 2007.

“It is such a blessing to coach here,” said Brian. “I came here because of the incredible opportunities – being at a Christian school that is competitive and supportive of athletics. I fell in love with it.”

He began his collegiate playing career at Central Washington University and eventually finished at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks where he graduated in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in exercise science. He is an active member of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and has spent 12 summers working with the regional Olympic

Developmental Program. He was named Southern States Athletic Conference Women’s Soccer Coach of the Year in 2011.

Coach Person leads his team by emphasizing a specific plan for the way they practice and compete, the way they respond to circumstances and the way they interact with others.

“All I have to give is all I have” – that’s their team motto. And that is the sacrificial commitment that is expected from these young women – and lived out by their coaches and mentors.

“We operate with Christ as the center,” Brian explained. “Our plan is first and foremost to show Christ’s love and, from that perspective, this environment is very unique. We provide great resources to become competitive and attract students with good character. Soccer is a great sport, but it is also much more than that.

We work really hard toward our goals and strive to do everything with excellence.”

Katherine Compton, a freshman from Pell City, AL, said, “Person is the best coach that I have ever played under.

“His love, knowledge and enthusiasm for the game makes the atmosphere one of intensity and excitement and hard work. He is the perfect balance of fun and serious...

But by far, the best thing is knowing that he cares even more about our spiritual growth than anything else,” she said.

Olivia Maddox is a senior from Auburn, AL. “I know that he (Coach Brian) genuinely has our best interest in mind...I can see his relationship with Jesus on and off the field,” said Olivia.

“He implements prayer before and after every session, but it’s how he

“He is the perfect balance of fun and serious...But by far, the best thing is knowing that he cares even more about our spiritual growth than anything else.” Katherine Compton

acts during the session that speaks to us more. How he responds to failure is Christ-like. He represents his Lord very well and gives the credit where it’s due.”

Responsibility The intense mental, emotional and physical challenges that college-level athletes face require strict focus and daily commitment.

“Fortuntely, when you hold high expectations of work ethic as a coach, the players begin to hold themselves to the standard as well,” Brian explained.

Soccer practice alone requires three to five hours every day and more on game days. Players are expected to meet physical standards in the weight room, make required twomile run times, and pass an aerobic and anaerobic mixed fitness test.

Team members spend much of their summers preparing to pass required individual standards on fitness tests at the beginning of preseason as well.

“They have high demands on their time,” Brian continued. “Because of this we try to allot enough free time to accomplish good grades and invest in friendships. The balance between that and preparing enough for soccer is a challenge. Everyone must be personally responsible, but also responsible for those around them as a team.”

Brian credits Kasie with a major impact on the team’s success.

“Kasie is an important part of the team. Having a female presence really makes the girls and their parents more comfortable being away from home,” he said.

“I see my role as the mom of the team,” said Kasie. “My first goal is to support Brian, but I am also there to mentor these girls. I see this as an opportunity to influence them in this part of their life and to share the love of Christ with them while they are at college trying to figure out their purpose in life and God’s plan for them.”

From a practical standpoint, Kasie helps the team, and Brian, with administrative functions. Players stay at the Persons’ home from time to time, especially during preseason or holidays. Since they miss the meal service

times in the cafeteria on home games, Kasie provides meals for them after each game. This is ironic since Kasie first met Brian when she and a friend were cooking meals for the soccer players back when she was a student at UMobile.

“I think I was destined to cook for soccer teams,” she laughed.

“Kasie is our ‘Mom away from Mom’,” recalled Olivia. “She has been an incredible example to me personally. Even though she has two

Mentorship While Kasie Person may be cheering on the team from the sidelines during the games, her role is much more hands-on off the field.

umobile.edu 47

takes great pride in their program and the facilities in which they work. The players even enjoy a state-of-the-art surround sound which encourages dance parties during pre-game preparation and post-game victory celebrations.

“My favorite thing about playing soccer at UMobile, apart from just being able to play the sport, is game days!” exclaimed Olivia. “Campus Life does an amazing job of letting people on campus know when the games are and getting them there.

Our fans are awesome! They come with horns and bells, all painted up.

The support here is unbelievable, especially for women’s soccer.”

young children of her own, she still makes time to invest in our lives. She is always serving us, whether it is cooking dinner for us so that after the game we come to an awesome homecooked meal, sending us encouraging text messages or asking us how things are going. She has always been there the last four years.”

“Kasie is an amazing example of obedience to the Lord, and is one of those people who I know I could go to for absolutely anything,” said Katherine. “She is always ready to give sound, Biblical advice in any situation, she prays over us, leads us in Bible study every week, and even opened her house to us when the hurricane came through a few months ago.”

“In our weekly Bible studies, I want to teach the girls what it looks like 48 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013

to have daily time in the Word and hearing from the Lord,” explained Kasie. “When they leave here, I want them to be equipped with what it takes to meet with the Lord daily.

“It is hard for parents to let girls go far from home. We are blessed to have these girls come here and want to be good stewards of the people He has entrusted to us. It is a big responsibility, and we are honored to have them here.”

Game Days When the Lady Rams soccer team is not on the field practicing on their top-class Bermuda-grass fields, you may find them in their locker room preparing for the game by going over videos on the 40-inch flat-screen TV. The women’s soccer coaching staff

Family Matters Brian likens a team to being part of a family, and emphasizing this to his team is a priority from day one.

Whether it is working together on the field, serving together at various schools, homeless shelters or other mission opportunities, or enjoying campus life events together – they remain a team.

“We solve problems like a family,” said Olivia. “We live together like a family, we work together like a family, we eat together like a family. We have our moments, but what family doesn’t? The coaching staff has always reminded us that we are part of the bigger family – the University of Mobile family. We don’t just represent ourselves, but the entire school.

That has been emphasized since my freshman year.”

“I came in as a scared little freshman, met the most incredible people I’ve ever known, and feel like I have grown more than I could’ve imagined,” said Katherine. “The seniors on this team have poured into me and taught me what it means to

University of Mobile Women’s Soccer Sacrificial Commitment Photos by G.M. Andrews

“All I Have To Give Is All I Have” We Are A Family First We choose relationships regardless of circumstance and we proactively resolve conflicts.

Philippians 2:4 1 Corinthians 12:25-27

be a leader on and off the field, what it means to work hard and most importantly what it means to seek the Lord.

“Whether it was offering advice and encouragement on the field, letting me cry on a shoulder when I got really stressed, or getting me involved with a local church, they (seniors) have become like a group of big sisters to me.”

The women’s soccer players come from all over the southeast, and as far away as places such as California, Arizona, Washington and Canada.

Brian says although it is always a little different with new girls coming in each year, the standards typically remain the same.

“My favorite thing about coaching is the day-to-day interaction with the players,” said Brian. “You may not see it every day, but looking back over the last four years, I can see how they each have grown as a player and a

We Compete We choose to work hard; We improve through determination and perseverance to overcome obstacles.

Colossians 3:23 James 1:2-4

person. It is gratifying to know you may have had a part in that.”

The plan that the coaching staff has implemented in the women’s soccer program include lessons that continue to make them successful on the field and provide a practical guide for their careers and personal life in the future.

“I’m super thankful for the coaching staff and their influences that they have had in my life,” said Olivia.

“I’m thankful for the student body, Campus Life and their unwavering support the past four years. But more than anything, I am thankful to God because out of all the places in the U.S. He could have chosen to send me, He allowed me to come to Mobile. I know it was not by accident. The Lord has been some kinda good to me.” m

We Control Our Attitude We choose humility; We give respect; We do not complain; We remain positive.

Philippians 2:3 Philippians 2:14 We Take Responsibility We choose individual responsibility and team accountability.

James 5:16 Proverbs 27:17 We Forgive Because We Are Forgiven We choose to learn from mistakes and hold no grudges.

Ephesians 4:32 Colossians 3:12-13

umobile.edu 49

50 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013

T

he Bridge started as an experiment – a new type of mission trip that partners University of Mobile students with church planters in a major metropolitan city in the United States.

Like the new church plants it was designed to help, this week-long mission trip is challenging students to live out their faith among people from a variety of cultures and all walks of life.

The Bridge started in 2006 after a student approached Neal Ledbetter, director of Campus Life, with the idea of using spring break to help a church plant in Maryland. Ledbetter took the idea and pitched it to other students.

“We wanted to see if it would work,” Ledbetter says.

Although Campus Life trips scheduled during school breaks had previously been unsuccessful, students were excited about working with a church plant in a major city.

“We already had a weekend regional trip with Urban Plunge and

By Trey Taulbee international trips all over the world, and this filled a gap that we had not explored,” he says. “Instead of a traditional mission trip, we wanted to help a young church with whatever they needed.”

That spring, 30 UMobile students took their talents and gifts to Kent Island, MD, learning about church planting in an urban context. Since then, over 200 UMobile students have ministered and learned through The Bridge experience.

A Big World According to Campus Life Coordinator for Campus Ministries Megan Hunter ‘10, The Bridge teaches students how to meld theory and application.

“The purpose is to take the knowledge they get in the classroom, and see it lived out with people that are practicing it every day,” she says.

“Church planting is ‘let me come to you and let me reach you.’”

Hunter recalls her first Bridge

experience in Boston as a student.

“I learned everyone has to be the Church,” says Hunter. “You don’t have to have an established building and church staff to perform ministry tasks.”

Hunter’s passion for missions led to multiple trips all over the world with Campus Life and the School of Christian Ministries.

After graduation, as an employee at her alma mater, she planned and implemented the same trips she traveled as a student. Currently, Hunter coordinates training, logistics, and ministry contacts for all Bridge trips, in addition to other local and international trips.

“From my experience in Boston, I understand the importance of mobilizing others for trips,” she says.

“I get joy out of seeing a student go on a mission trip for the first time.”

Currently, multiple Bridge trips are offered during the year. Cities are determined by student feedback and ministry opportunity. Students on The

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52 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013

By George Kamel Bridge have traveled to cities all over the United States, including Seattle, Portland, New York, Salt Lake City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Boston and San Francisco.

While these cultural hubs provide an obvious experiential draw for students, there are deeper needs within these cities that challenge students to wrestle through their faith.

“We want to find cities that are appealing,” says Hunter. “But we also want to find the least-reached places and unreached people groups often found within these cities.”

For many students, this is a first-time experience in a large, multicultural city. Hunter believes this experience is valuable for growth and perspective.

“Students learn that everything isn’t about them and the world is much bigger,” she says. “It gives you more appreciation for your own city, and your need to minister in your city.”

One recent alumnus recognized this need and followed God’s call to the city.

Answering the Call Jacob Fowler ’12 went on a Bridge trip in Spring 2011 and worked with Grace Toronto, a church plant in the heart of downtown Toronto. Fowler and his team performed much-needed

ministry tasks and received personal investment from church leadership.

Most importantly, Fowler recognized the intersection of his passion and God’s calling.

“Before going to Toronto I had heard people say, ‘If you reach the city, you can reach the world,’” says Fowler. “Once I was in Toronto, I saw this as a reality.”

Grace’s ministry approach was intriguing to Fowler. He says, “They weren’t seeking to simply bring people to a service, they wanted to go to the people – to be disciples where God had already placed them and to live for Christ in everyday life.”

This experience led Fowler to pursue church planting with Mosaic Church in Chicago, IL, immediately following his graduation. As associate pastor/church planter-in-residence, Fowler is preparing to establish another church within the Chicago community.

“I attribute much of where I am now to what God started in my heart through that trip,” says Fowler. “God showed me: plant a church in the city, plant a church for the world.”

Cultural Engagement Referring to each trip as “a spiritual formation opportunity,” Ledbetter seeks to challenge students in their

faith – both internally and externally.

“We will continue to challenge students to not only see what they contribute, but also what they can learn,” he says. “Our students need to encounter people of different faiths in order to know how to share their own faith and communicate the Gospel.”

As UMobile presses forward into greater cultural engagement on the national scale, Ledbetter believes The Bridge will play a crucial role in preparing students for the future.

“Our students are going to graduate, and they’re going to work in those environments around people from all walks of life and faith,” he says. “The more that we can expose them to these environments, the more prepared they will be to engage the culture.” m umobile.edu 53

54 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013

Great Love Stories Begin at UMobile

By Kathy Dean

I

Tom said. “There were t was the fall of 1964. no hamburger joints or Linda Boykin Lyles fast food places to hang ’67 was beginning out in.” her sophomore So when the campus year as a member Circle K service club of the charter class hosted a Halloween at the new Mobile College, party on campus, and Tom Lyles ’68 had just everyone came. Tom started his freshman year. and Linda decided to They had seen each go together, and that other around campus – first date eventually led something that wasn’t hard Tom & Linda Lyles, 2013 to 46 years of marriage, to do at a school with one three sons and four grandchildren. classroom building and two “It’s a wonderful place to meet a dormitories.

Tom & Linda Lyles, 1966 spouse,” said Linda, adding that the “Back in those years, while Linda and Tom lived on Christian university attracted students everybody was around everybody,” campus and worked in the cafeteria who shared many values in common.

Tom recalled. “We were all to help with college expenses. The Today they live in Daphne, AL, where congregated on one floor for classes. community around Mobile College he is retired after 36 years in the Even though we had different wasn’t as developed as it is today railroad claims business and she is a disciplines, we were all taking classes around the University of Mobile. former teacher. together.”

“It was a wilderness out there,” The Lyles’ romance was among the Most of the students commuted,

umobile.edu 55

Kerry & Barbara Kelly, 2013

Kerry & Barbara Kelly, 1976

first of many love stories that began at what used to be known as “the little college in the woods.” While each story of first dates and wedding proposals is unique, the common bond of the MC/UMobile experience is the thread that ties them together throughout the decades.

All In The Family Alumni records indicate there are more than 600 couples in which both spouses have a degree from MC/ UMobile. Many more marriages occurred when spouses met one another through the school, and one spouse holds a UMobile degree. Then there are families like the Kelleys, where UMobile was a common factor in two generations of marriages.

Kerry Kelley ’79 and Barbara Fore Kelley met in 1973 through the music program, although both remember it slightly differently. Barbara recalls the music majors meeting in Dr. B’s (Kenneth Bergdolt’s) choir and history class. Kerry says it was in Robert Sawyer’s music theory, a course legendary for its difficulty.

“It was tough, but having that good-looking redhead sitting in front of me made it more endurable,” Kerry said with a laugh.

Like many couples, the dating period wasn’t always smooth sailing.

56 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013

“He was the fickle one and was always trying to make sure we were meant to be together,” Barbara said.

“He may kill me for saying this, but we actually got engaged at one point” and broke it off.

Eventually, they resumed dating and married in December of 1975.

They had been in and out of school, and Kerry was a student while Barbara was taking a break when Dr. B decided to take the MC touring choir to England for its first overseas choir tour. Barbara had been a choir member previously, and Dr. B invited her to learn the music so she could join Kerry on the trip.

Kerry said a unifying factor in their relationship was the desire to serve the Lord with their musical talents, and MC was the perfect place to hone those skills.

“The school was still pretty new at the time,” said Kerry, minister of music and senior adults at Friendship Baptist Church in Grand Bay, AL. “It was a growing experience. I thought it was some of the best years of my life. I had been to two other universities and been unhappy. When I came to Mobile College, it felt like home.”

UMobile played a role in the marriage of their son, Steven Kelley ’07, to Morgan Custred Kelley ’06.

The two business majors had known each other since 9th grade, but didn’t start dating until Steven began

hanging out at a Saraland coffee shop that remains a favorite for UMobile students, Moka’s Coffee House.

Morgan’s parents had just opened Moka’s, and she was managing the store. Because of UMobile they had the same friends, had taken the same classes, knew the same professors. Today, Steven works a few doors down from Moka’s as location manager at the AT&T store.

Debra & Danny Chancey, 1987

Providential Class Break Debra Harmon Chancey ’80 & ’86 and Danny Chancey ’79 first met at MC in 1978 taking the same English class and working together in the Student Education Association. When they graduated, they went their separate ways.

Six years passed, and Debra was taking a class at the school to complete her master’s degree while Danny was taking a French course. When Debra’s class was dismissed for break, she

Debra & Danny Chancey, 2013

spotted Danny at the water fountain on the second floor of Weaver Hall, and they began talking about old times.

They married a year and a half later.

Now, Debra is a full-time assistant professor and Danny is an adjunct professor in the School of Education.

“We feel that God used our experiences at UMobile to reveal His will for our lives, both professionally and personally,” Danny said.

Darlene said.

They married June 11, 1983 and live in Mobile.

Today, Darlene is assistant to the registrar at UMobile and Michael is a programmer/ analyst. Their UMobile connection includes Darlene’s mother, retired UMobile administrator Doris Wilkins

Darlene & Michael Smith, 2013

’83, and four of their five children who either graduated, are attending or are soon to enroll at the school – plus a 7-year-old who fully expects to follow in the family tradition.

Darlene & Michael Smith, 1983

Commuting Couple Darlene Wilkins Smith ’83 and Michael Smith ’82 were commuter students who met during Michael’s senior year when they had two classes together. On campus they often met at the snack shop located at the south end of Weaver Hall.

“They had amazing french fries!”

Love at First Sight For Shannon Arnold ’94, it was love at first sight when he saw Rachel walking across campus. Rachel Meadows Arnold ’93, first noticed Shannon seated in front of her at orientation in Weaver Auditorium. She remembers turning to the girl sitting next to her and commenting, “That guy in front of us seems really cool and has great hair!”

But it took their roommates,

Richard “Richie” Sego ’93 and Julie Crews Sego working behind the scenes to speed up the courtship.

“I remember the first time I saw Rachel walking across campus and, believe it or not, I am telling you that I felt impressed by God, Him telling me, ‘Shannon, that’s the girl you are going to marry!’” Shannon said.

He ran to the cottage where he lived with five other guys, including Richard.

“I remember telling them, ‘Hey guys, I just saw the girl I am going to marry, and I would like for us to pray together about this!’” Shannon recalled.

Richard asked him the girl’s name, and Shannon didn’t know.

His roommates started laughing, but then joined him to pray before going outside to look for the girl wearing red sweat pants. They saw Rachel near the girls’ dorm, and Richard realized she was roommate with his fiancée, Julie.

Richard, now senior pastor at Airline Baptist Church in Gainesville, GA, remembers, “There was definitely a mutual attraction going on, and Julie and I were trying to expedite it.”

Richard and Julie began arranging get-togethers, including one special meeting at the Caf. With both

Shannon & Rachel Arnold & family

umobile.edu 57

couples sitting at a table, Julie asked what Shannon thought was “a very weird and awkward question – ‘Hey Shannon, what type of girl do you want to marry?’”

Shannon said he felt like he was about to tell the girl he knew he was going to marry the most important thing in his life, and he was determined to tell her the truth, even if it scared her away.

“The woman that I will marry will have to know for certain through prayer that she is called to be a pastor’s wife,” Shannon responded.

He didn’t know it, but three months before coming to Mobile College, Rachel had walked down the aisle of her church to answer the call to be a minister’s wife.

After graduating from Mobile College (Rachel) and University of Mobile (Shannon), they married and have three children. Shannon is senior pastor at Lander Valley Baptist Church in Lander, WY. Not only has the marriage been strengthened throughout the years – so have the college friendships.

“God used Richie and Julie Sego to help the hopelessly devoted. They are our lifetime friends to this day,” Shannon said.

Best Friends Brian “Odie” Crisman ’97 and Sonya Gibson Crisman ‘97 know exactly when they turned the corner from “best friends” to dating, and they have the official photo to prove it.

Spring Banquet 1993 promised to be fun. The off-campus event featured a catered meal and dancing, and Brian and best friend Sonya had agreed to go as ”just friends.”

Then, three days before Spring Banquet, Brian’s girlfriend from Texas broke up with him.

58 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013

Brian & Sonya Crisman, Spring Banquet 1993

“I was heartbroken and my best friend came to comfort me,” Brian wrote on the Lynwood Baptist Church Brian & Sonya Crisman, 2013 website, where he currently serves as pastor of worship in Cape Girardeau, molded us for each other,” Brian MO. wrote. “She’s my soulmate.”

“We sat on the front steps of my campus house (girls were not allowed World-Changing Experiences inside – it was a Baptist school!) and Katherine Inge Bradley ’99 she consoled me with sweet words expected a University Missions trip and side hugs,” he wrote. “Now I to be world-changing – but she didn’t know that inside she was smiling expect that to mean she would meet and just a bit giddy. She confesses to her future husband, Clayton, while also feeling a little guilty, thinking that all of her praying about our relationship had finally worked, and now I was upset!”

After the dance came The Kiss in front of Sonya’s sister’s apartment door. It happened on April 3, 1993, just a few hours after the Spring Banquet photo was taken.

The next January, he took Sonya back to the apartment door where her sister once lived, reenacted their first kiss, and proposed. They were married Katherine & Clayton Bradley, 2013 Dec. 30, 1994. teaching Vacation Bible School to Today the music education missionary kids (MKs) in Argentina. graduates have five children. Brian, The son of missionaries, Clayton who concentrated in trumpet, leads was home from college and worship and Sonya, who concentrated volunteered to help the UMobile in voice, assists. mission team.

“There is no one like her, and there “We worked together the whole is no doubt that God created and

“We still laugh about it to this day – who takes a girl to a beauty pageant for a first date?”

Robyn Cates

week and spent just about all our waking hours together getting to know each other. When I came home from the trip, we kept up by email and phone calls,” Katherine said.

“From the day I met him until the day we married, we only spent a total of six weeks in each other’s presence.

So here we are almost 14 years and two children later,” in Wellford, SC, she said, where Katherine works from home doing medical transcription and Clayton is a data/voice tech.

Trey & Robyn Cates & family, 2013

Matchmaker, Matchmaker Trey Cates ’98 and Robyn Blakeney Cates ’97 met briefly in the fall semester of 1995. But it wasn’t until a few months later, as a work-study student in the education trailer, that Robyn said she was “whining to a few faculty members about there not being any guys on campus I wanted to date.”

Since UMobile professors are nothing if not resourceful, Drs. Mashburn, Schaefer and Buaas pulled out their gradebooks and started going down their lists of all the males

in their class.

“We whittled down their efforts to five guys, and Trey’s name was on the list,” Robyn said. “All the professors had chimed in by this point, and the list was typed up and posted on the wall of the trailer.”

A month later, with only a few chance encounters between them, Robyn saw Trey in the parking lot in front of the education offices. Spring break was coming up and she had a carload of girls who were riding with her to Huntsville, AL. She knew Trey lived in Birmingham, so she asked if he would be willing to follow them at least that far.

“On the day of the trip, I put my roommate in Trey’s car to find out one thing – who was he taking to Spring Banquet? He told her he wanted to ask me! So at our first stop, I traded places with my roommate and had her take over driving my car,” Robyn said.

The expected invitation didn’t happen. They had a great conversation, talking about their testimonies and what they felt God was calling them to. At the last possible break before Trey had to make his turn toward home, she climbed back into her car feeling a little let down.

“We got a few miles down the interstate, just minutes before his exit, Trey pulled up beside me – and yes, we were going about 70 mph during this part. Through the window I could see him mouth something that looked like, ‘Will you go to the Spring Banquet with me?’ I mouthed back ‘Yes!’ and then he was gone,” she said.

Since Trey played drums for the ensemble Vision and had a concert

the next weekend, their first date prior to the banquet was to the Miss University of Mobile Pageant.

“We still laugh about it to this day – who takes a girl to a beauty pageant for a first date? I’m glad I said yes, because that date led to many more, an engagement where a few members of Vision serenaded me in a restaurant, and a lifetime of ministry together. We’ve been married for over 15 years and are serving God in Vermont,” Robyn said.

Jay & Jill Jerrell & family, 2013

A Dreamy Proposal Jay Jerrell ’98 and Jill Nahrgang Jerrell ’01 met in 1997 during his senior year and her freshman year.

Every afternoon at 4:45 p.m., Jill would go to the mailroom in Weaver Hall to pick up mail for the Oakdale Children’s Center, where she was a work-study student. Jay’s job in the mailroom ended at 4:30 p.m., but he would stick around an extra 15 minutes each day so he could see and talk to Jill.

Fast-forward to 2001. Jay was working in Birmingham and driving down on weekends to see Jill. One weekend, she told him about a dream she’d had. They were in a clubhouse with white lights all around. He got down on one knee, popped the question, but the ring he pulled out

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was made of paper. In the dream, Jay started laughing and saying it was just a joke.

“She didn’t know it at the time, but she had just told me how to propose,” said Jay, worship pastor at Faith Family Fellowship in Spanish Fort, AL, and president of the University of Mobile Alumni Association.

The last weekend of March 2001, after the Spring Formal, Jay drove Jill back to campus, past Lyon Chapel and down to the Harrigan Center.

“As we approached, I turned into the gravel parking lot where, out on the edge of the woods, we saw something unusual,” Jay said. “There was a soft glow emanating from the trees.”

Blankets hanging over clotheslines were arranged to form four walls.

Inside, hundreds of white lights zigzagged overhead.

“It’s your clubhouse,” Jay told Jill.

The ring he presented her was real.

They married Dec. 1, 2001, exactly one year after their first date.

What God Has in Store When Allison Trotter Nelson ’04 started dating Kris Nelson ’01 during her freshman year, it didn’t take her long to realize he was going to be the man she would spend forever with.

“Of course, I never let him know that. He had to work hard to prove that he was in this for the long haul!” she said.

She loved hearing Kris play guitar and sing at 24/7, the weekly campus worship service.

“I looked forward to that service each week not only to see a ‘Cutie’ play, but to freely worship with other believers on campus,” she said.

Allison and Kris married Dec. 28, 2002, the fall of her junior year. Today, she is director of alumni relations

60 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013

Kris & Allison Nelson & family, 2013

for UMobile and Kris is director of Residential Life.

Power Outage Sparks Interest Matt “RoRo” Spradlin ’04 and Taylor Hall Spradlin ’05 had been in a cell group together during their first year at UMobile, but that experience

haven’t we hung out before?’”

After consulting mutual friends to find out if there was a mutual interest, “I remember walking around the loop together and asking her out on our first date next to the fountain between Weaver and Martin halls,” Matt said.

Their first date was in Gulf Shores following the Campus Ministries/ Campus Life Leadership Retreat.

“Thankfully, there was a second date – the Spring Formal – and many more dates to follow. Two years later I proposed to Taylor at the very same spot that I asked her on our first date, and we have been married for six wonderful years,” said Matt, pastor of students at Woodlawn Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, LA. Taylor is an orthodontic assistant and mother to their 14-month-old son, Bodie.

Matt & Taylor Spradlin, 2013

didn’t spark an interest in dating.

What did, however, was a power outage on campus one night.

“We, along with some mutual friends, were playing cards and hanging out in the lobby of Arendall Hall,” Matt said. “I’m not sure exactly what clicked that night, but I remember thinking, ‘I sure do like hanging out with this girl – why

Andrew & Megan Desko & family, 2013

Road Trip Romance It was a spontaneous road trip to New Orleans with a group of classmates that brought Megan Dean Desko ’08 and Andrew Desko ’08 together.

“We talked about our lives, laughed together, and found out quickly that we greatly enjoyed each other’s

“A lot of things I learned there reinforced my faith and taught me how to be stronger in my faith.”

Brittney Mims Flowers

company,” said Megan. “We were practically inseparable on the trip, and were officially a couple by the time we got back home.”

For the next three and a half years of college, their relationship grew as they worked together as resident assistants, worshiped together at church, learned together in their theology classes, and had fun together hanging out on campus.

“I remember the hardest part of college was having to say goodnight to her when I dropped her off at her dorm and had to walk back to mine,” Andrew said.

They married two weeks after graduating and now live in Wake Forest, NC, with their 2-year-old daughter, Sarah Grace. Andrew is studying at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and is a shift supervisor at Starbucks, and Megan is a special education teacher’s assistant working with autistic children.

Off to a Slow Start “I wish I could tell people a fun story about how I met my husband the first time, but we really have no idea,” said Rebecca Capone Johnson ’08. She and husband Tim Johnson ’08 probably met in 2005 during one of the school’s many events, in the Caf, or through mutual friends.

Later, Rebecca would learn that Tim had a bit of a crush on her during school. But it wasn’t until a few years after college that they were at the Mobile Greek Festival enjoying gyros and Greek music when their mutual friends decided to sit together.

“Over the loud music, Tim and I exchanged, ‘Hey, aren’t you…?’ and then had an awkward conversation about weddings, where he assumed I had asked him on a date. He assumed wrong, and we laughed. He later

Tim & Rebecca Johnson, 2012

contacted me and asked for a ‘real date.’ The rest is history, as they say,” Rebecca said.

They married on March 24, 2012 and started a new adventure by moving to Georgia and accepting positions at Sherwood Baptist Church where Tim is youth worship leader and Rebecca handles marketing, social media and web.

So each day, he wakes up to what he believes is Valentine’s Day in 2012.

“I don’t know what I would have done if he did not remember me. I’m so thankful he has memories of me.

He remembers how we met, how we fell in love, our wedding,” Brittney said.

Some of their UMobile memories include Clark’s experience as a Rams cheerleader, and theatre major Brittney performing in the Upper Room Theatre as Ouiser Boudreaux in “Steel Magnolias,” Miss Peg Flannery in “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” and Abbie Brewster in “Arsenic and Old Lace.”

“One of my fondest memories was being able to come see Brittney doing what she loved and was so good at.

Her acting was amazing,” said Clark.

“Having those memories is part of what keeps me moving forward. Since

Precious Memories Sitting on the covered swing by Martin Hall, asking questions about favorite colors and Clark & Brittney Flowers, 2013 what they wanted I am unable to make new memories of to be when they grew up – these our life together, all I have are the past memories are especially precious to memories. Being able to remember Brittney Mims Flowers ’09 and how great things were helps me to Clark Flowers. know how great things are and are Precious memories – because a fall going to be.” from a ladder at the restaurant where They married Dec. 5, 2009, and he worked left Clark with a head moved to Birmingham near family. injury and debilitating short-term Then came the accident. memory loss. He remembers his life The days following were terrifying. up through the day of the accident “It was a process where I could on Feb. 13, 2012. After that, nothing.

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“I walked up to give her a hug, and I have no idea how it happened, but our lips accidently touched each other.

I said, ‘Did you try to kiss me?’” Randy Jordan ’06 see his memory fading pretty quickly,” Brittney said. “It was scary for him because he knew what was happening. It was completely out of your hands – you don’t know how to fix it, and no one else knows how to fix it.”

Now their normal day begins at 5 a.m. for Brittney, who wakes Clark up and gives him the opportunity to tell her what day it is. He responds that it is Valentine’s Day. He is expecting to wake up in their apartment with a neck brace from his accident.

Instead, he wakes up in their house without a neck brace. Brittney asks if he remembers that he fell, had a concussion, and now has amnesia.

She tells him the day and date. He is shocked and confused, in disbelief.

She makes sure he understands what she has told him, then gets ready for work and school.

Clark writes emails to himself at the end of each day with notes and the high points of what his “yesterday’s” self wanted his “today’s” self to know.

The injury has left him unable to work, but he is now able to drive a car, run errands, and cook and bake.

Their unusual story brought the couple to the attention of celebrity chef Rachael Ray. The Flowers told their story to a national audience on the Feb. 14, 2013 Rachael Ray show. (http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/ show/segments/view/big-surprisesweethearts-who-face-incrediblechallenge/) Brittney, 26, and Clark, 29, know they have a big challenge in their marriage – but they have faith and strength to walk this path day by day.

“A lot of things I learned there (at UMobile) reinforced my faith and taught me how to be stronger in my faith. When this happened, through my upbringing and things I learned,

62 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013

my faith didn’t waiver,” said Brittney, who minored in theology.

Clark, also, draws strength from his faith.

“For Clark to face what he does every day, to not be afraid to go to bed every night, he has the strongest faith.

He may not remember yesterday, but he knows who holds tomorrow,” she said.

Randy & Amanda Jordan, 2009

Practice Makes Perfect Pharr Gym is home to Rams winning basketball and volleyball programs – and the place where many a winning romance began.

For Amanda Howard Jordan ’09 and Randy Jordan ’06 and ’09, one particular practice session stands out – although both remember it a little differently.

“We actually saw each other at the gym during basketball practice,” Randy said. “She saw me and (later that afternoon in the Caf) said she liked the way I looked.”

Amanda laughed, and said it was actually during her volleyball practice and Randy was playing basketball

with some friends.

“I didn’t like him in the beginning, to tell you the truth. We had personality conflicts. We were both captains of our teams, and I thought he was arrogant. I didn’t talk to him, and he didn’t talk to me,” she said.

But proximity helps friendships grow, and student athletes spend a lot of time in close proximity at the gym.

Randy said at the time they started noticing one another, he wasn’t looking for a relationship. He was in his senior year, taking 21 hours and playing basketball. In August they became friends. By December they started spending more time together.

“For her birthday on Jan. 3, we were out celebrating and we accidently kissed,” Randy said.

Accidently?

“I walked up to give her a hug, and I have no idea how it happened, but our lips accidently touched each other. I said, ‘Did you try to kiss me?’

She said, ‘No, you tried to kiss me!’ I looked around and there were a lot of people around, so we walked outside and kissed. From that point on, we were inseparable,” Randy said.

Randy remembers when he realized he truly loved Amanda. They were going to Bayou Sara Baptist Church, and it was in the middle of the praise and worship service when he looked at Amanda.

“She was so deep into the song and praising, and I thought, ‘Man, I love this girl,’” he said.

They married April 3, 2009 and live in New Orleans with their family where Randy is a special agent with the FBI Ram Fam Family Adrienne Sanders McCulloch ’10 and Chandler McCulloch ’10 are expecting their first child in

Chandler & Adrienne McCulloch, 2013

September, making the couple a true Ram Fam Family.

They met during Ram Rush, when new students are placed in “Ram Fam” groups for orientation.

“We were in the same Ram Fam group and the romance started from there,” Adrienne said.

During Ram Rush of their senior year, Chandler bounded on stage at the Jon McLaughlin concert in Ram Hall. Right there, at the same event where he and Adrienne first met, he proposed.

Now, Adrienne and Chandler are the married couple living in The Timbers, UMobile’s new apartmentstyle residence hall, where she is a Residential Life coordinator.

MC/UMobile: A Home Built With Love Not all friendships bloom into love, and not all romances become marriages. Not everyone meets their spouse on their college campus, and

not all stories end happily ever after.

But some do.

The 1984 Rampage yearbook staff wrote of a campus home filled with love, where: A house is just a house without at least one person to claim it, bring love into it, and make it a home. As more people enter the house, more love fills it. The same applies to Mobile College.

Without students, these buildings would be just that – buildings. But Mobile College is certainly more than that. It is a home with a family of more than 1,000 members who claim it as “theirs” and overfill it with the love that makes it Mobile College.

Great life stories begin at the University of Mobile. Great loves do, too. m umobile.edu 63

64 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013

By Renee Busby Reprinted with permission, Mobile Press-Register

U

niversity of Mobile students arriving for their science lab class found yellow crime scene tape covering the door.

Inside, there were muddy footprints, bullet casings, shards of glass, blood

stains and a white powder that appeared to be cocaine in a toolbox.

It was a make-believe crime scene, and it was all part of an assignment in UMobile’s new Forensics Science class. The students’ job was to analyze the evidence, determine what had occurred and solve the case.

Professors Gail Shelly and Larissa Walker are team-teaching the upper level course for juniors and seniors.

Forensics studies are much in demand at schools and colleges, thanks to television series like Fox’s Bones and CBS’ CSI. On the first day of class, students were required to do a DNA analysis, determine the blood type of the perpetrator, analyze the muddy footprints, dust for fingerprints and examine a glass bottle that was broken. They also photographed the scene and bagged evidence.

“There’s definitely been at

Photo by Kathy Dean

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Photo courtesy of Mobile Press-Register

“There’s definitely been at least one person injured,” said Gabriel Denton, a senior and chemistry minor who needed the class to fulfill his required curriculum.

“You see the drama side on TV, but it’s really cool to see the science side,” said senior Callie George, a pre-med major.

Senior biology major Molly Ward said the assignment “was a lot more realistic that I anticipated, with blood everywhere and broken glass.”

Shelly and Walker attended a National Science Foundationsponsored workshop in Forensics Science at Williams College in Massachusetts to become forensic investigators.

“We tested different types of glass, made casts of shoe prints, learned how to lift fingerprints, typed blood, analyzed DNA, made casts of tool marks, examined ballistic evidence, tested body fluids for drugs and adulterants and did presumptive drug testing from samples found at the crime scene,” Walker wrote in a journal that she kept.

In the class at UMobile, students function in the same way as real-life forensic experts, according to Walker.

“Throughout the semester, the students will analyze a variety of evidence, and through critical thinking and deductive reasoning, they will hopefully answer the ultimate forensic question: Whodunit?” wrote Walker in her journal at the university’s web site. m

66 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013

Excerpts from “Investigating Forensic Sciences” Online Journal

Photo by Kathy Dean

August 30, 2012 Dr. Larissa Walker

October 2, 2012 Dr. Larissa Walker

“Dr. Shelly and I were excited about meeting our forensics class for their first lab on Monday, but we were in for quite a surprise when we got to campus that morning. Apparently, news had traveled fast about the new course, and someone broke into the chemistry lab during the weekend to steal evidence that we had collected from other cases. What the thief doesn’t know is that he or she now has 20 intelligent and eager forensic investigators hot on their heels! Our students were up to the challenge of processing the crime scene, and they are determined to find out who interrupted our first forensics lab!”

“In lab today, our investigators-in-training got to try their hands at a forensic science technique that is very romanticized in many TV shows: dusting for fingerprints. The proper collection of fingerprints at a crime scene and subsequent comparison of those prints to extensive databases of known prints is at the heart of almost any forensic investigation. Fingerprints are crucial in linking a perpetrator to the crime scene because they have both class and individual characteristics. In general, there are three types of ridge patterns that may be found on human fingerprints: arches, whorls, and loops. However, the number and arrangement of these patterns, as well as any other unusual features, make every fingerprint unique to an individual; even identical twins do not share the same fingerprint patterns.”

September 17, 2012 Dr. Gail Shelly “Last week, the U of M forensic scientists were introduced to several suspects via ‘Police Reports.’ Evidence from these suspects was submitted to the lab, and their task was to compare soil evidence found at the crime scene with soil samples from the suspects. The soil from muddy shoe prints left at the crime scene was compared to two soil samples found in a car belonging to suspect ‘JA.’ Apparently this suspect kept a pretty dirty car, because soil was found on both the driver’s side floorboard as well as the passenger floorboard. The police also found a shoe print outside of Weaver Hall, and collected soil from that area. The four soil samples were examined and their physical characteristics were documented. An astute Forensic Examiner (Gabe) noted that two of the four samples were very similar in color, so we really didn’t need to test the others. In the interest of ‘Science,’ we tested all four samples anyway.”

October 17, 2012 Dr. Larissa Walker “The students discovered first-hand over the past couple of weeks that firearm and tool mark identification is much more difficult in real life than it is on TV. The forensic specialty of firearm identification focuses on trying to determine the specific firearm from which specific ammunition was discharged. Since many crimes involve one or more guns as a weapon of choice, being able to identify the actual weapon used is of vital importance in linking a suspect with the crime scene.”

“The students discovered first-hand over the past couple of weeks that firearm and tool mark identification is much more difficult in real life than it is on TV.” Dr. Larissa Walker

Photo courtesy of Mobile Press-Register

October 30, 2012 Dr. Gail Shelly

December 9, 2012 Dr. Gail Shelly

“Our intrepid students were presented with bloody evidence from our suspects, and also tested blood collected from the crime scene.

Their tasks in today’s lab were two-fold – to do ‘presumptive testing’ on the evidence (a pair of jeans, a T-shirt and a towel) to see if the stains were really blood or paint, or ketchup, and to do blood typing on samples from our suspects as well as samples from the crime scene. The presumptive test that they used is a classic test that you may have seen on TV, the ‘Kastle-Meyer test.’ A sample is smeared on a sterile cotton swab, and a drop or two of ethanol is added to solubilize the blood. A few drops of a solution of phenolphthalin (reduced phenolphthalein) are added, followed by a drop or two of a hydrogen peroxide solution. If the sample contains hemoglobin (i.e. it is blood) the swab turns pink, and the investigator says, in a very serious voice, ‘It is blood.’”

“In the wee hours of August 27, the campus police received a call from a member of the University’s janitorial staff, reporting a break-in on the 3rd floor of Weaver Hall. They arrived to a scene of utter disarray – the normally orderly Organic Lab was a mess, with broken glass, bloody footprints, bullets and bullet casings, tools with possible bloodstains and a tool box labeled ‘Drug Evidence Locker’ that had been broken open, the lock lying next to it on the floor. A white powder was spilled out of a plastic evidence bag and a ‘bloody’ trail led from the box to the rear door of the lab. A crumpled note left on the floor, and the lack of damage to the lab doors, led investigators to believe it had been an ‘inside’ job.

The goal of the Forensic lab team was to collect, process and test the evidence at the crime scene and determine who committed this crime....

It was an extremely busy semester, and each student criminalist has submitted a final lab report that included descriptions of the evidence, the tests run on the evidence, an analysis of each of the suspects, and a conclusion.”

To read the complete online journal, visit umobileforensicscience.wordpress.com.

November 12, 2012 Dr. Larissa Walker “Last week, the students had to analyze evidence that is literally invisible to the naked eye…DNA. Perhaps more than any other type of evidence, DNA has changed the world of forensic science by giving investigators a way to link a suspect and a crime scene together beyond the statistical probability of a random match. Traditional fingerprinting is in second place because analyzing the unique number and arrangement of patterns (whorls, loops, arches) can also provide individual characteristics.”

umobile.edu 67

Campus Corner

The Timbers UMobile’s newest residence hall was completed November 2012. The Timbers is a three-story, 39,918-squarefoot building with 24 apartments.

Each apartment houses four students with private bedrooms, two shared bathrooms, a kitchenette and common living area. A lounge on the third floor features a kitchen area and large-screen television.

Photos and memorabilia from the first 50 years of the university were displayed in the first-floor lobby at the dedication Oct. 23, 2012. These items were placed in a time capsule and buried in the lobby to be opened on the 100th anniversary in 2061.

The Timbers was built to accommodate the growing need for on-campus housing. The completion of the apartments brings on-campus housing to 655.

School officials anticipate more residence halls will soon be needed as UMobile’s on-campus student population continues to increase. m

68 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013

Photos by G.M. Andrews

umobile.edu 69

Campus Closeups

Can you guess where these places are located on campus?

(Answers on page 89)

2

1

4

70 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013

3

Alumni Notes

Visit UMobile!

As you are making your spring and summer vacation plans to visit the Gulf Coast, make it a point to visit your alma mater!

Many things have been added to the campus, from the latest dorm (The Timbers), to the new coffee shop (Java City). I would love to show you around campus and treat you to a cup of coffee or a bite of lunch. If you are not able to visit campus, you can stay connected through the university’s website at www.umobile.edu or the alumni Facebook page.

Don’t forget to show off your school spirit! Alumni shirts, cups, and decals are available to help spread the word about all the good things happening at your alma mater. You can contact me at anelson@umobile. edu, if you are interested in receiving any of those products.

For those living in the Birmingham, AL area, we would love to see you at the UMobile Ram Run at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, AL on June 22nd.

Visit www.umobile.edu/ ramrun for details.

You can stay connected through the university’s website at www.umobile.edu or the alumni Facebook page.

Go Rams!

Allison Nelson ‘06 Director of Alumni Relations 251.442.2226 anelson@umobile.edu

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Alumni

Pursuing A Dream George Kamel ’12

By Trey Taulbee

A self-proclaimed “modern-day, renaissance man,” George Kamel has dabbled in a multitude of artistic pursuits. From his early days as a skateboarder on the streets of Boston, MA to his teenage years performing covers on YouTube, Kamel has always dreamed of being heard and making a difference.

Because of relationships made at the University of Mobile, this dream is becoming a reality.

Southern-Drawn Kamel moved from Dedham, MA, a suburb of Boston, to Mobile in January 2010 to attend the University of Mobile.

Kamel traded his mother’s baklava for barbeque and sweet tea, welcoming the southern culture’s charm and hospitality.

“I immediately fell in love with the South,” says Kamel. “The rich tradition, the barbeque, the sweet tea, the warm climate, the slower pace, the friendly people – coming from Boston, it was a whole new world, and a wonderful change of pace and environment.”

Kamel recalls his first impressions of UMobile as “family-like.”

“It had a very warm, tight-knit community,” says Kamel. “There’s a family atmosphere that you just can’t find at many larger colleges.”

Prior to enrolling at UMobile, Kamel attended a large, public institution in Boston, but found that UMobile’s Christian foundation inspired him to excel academically and artistically in a different way.

“I felt like I was a part of something bigger than myself, within a supportive community that doesn’t just encourage you, but challenges you as well.”

72 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013

Inspired Experiences Kamel taught himself how to play the guitar and began writing songs by the age of 15. Prior to attending UMobile, Kamel had released two albums: one as part of the folk-rock group Meadowlarks and a solo album under the moniker Lapsley.

But better songwriting days were yet to come.

“I really found my artistic voice at UMobile,” says Kamel.

As a student, Kamel began playing in local venues and coffee shops, garnering the attention of UMobile students and other local musicians. In the fall of 2011, Kamel was a featured

student artist at “The Listening Room,” a singer/songwriter night that showcases UMobile student talent in Bedsole Commons. Kamel considers it “the perfect environment” for people to hear original music on-campus. Yet his favorite event to play was COVERS, a traditional UMobile talent showcase that gives students the opportunity to perform their favorite song to a standing-room-only crowd of peers in Ram Hall.

“The level of production and talent is of the highest quality, and that makes for an incredible event for the students,” says Kamel.

Kamel was involved in multiple

“I felt like I was a part of something bigger than myself, within a supportive community that doesn’t just encourage you, but challenges you as well.”

George Kamel ‘12

leadership opportunities through the Campus Life office. He served as a member of both the Campus Activities Board and Publicity team, producing video content and designing events for the student body. He also worked part-time in the university Marketing and Public Relations Office, writing press releases and producing RamTV, an online newscast distributed through multiple university channels. Kamel successfully balanced these leadership roles with his studies, earning the President’s Award (4.0 GPA) and the area award in Communication upon graduation.

But beyond his educational achievements, Kamel believes the greater investment lies within the relationships he developed at UMobile.

“UMobile really invests in their

students, so you not only leave with a degree, but with incredible experiences, mentors, and friends,” he says.

These relationships inspired Kamel to step out and pursue his dream of recording an album of original songs.

Making an Album In February 2012, his last semester, Kamel began recording his first fulllength album, “The Great Coward.”

Because the time and financial commitment would be so great, Kamel turned to Kickstarter, an online fundraising platform for writers, artists, musicians, and filmmakers.

He needed to raise $2,500 in 21 days.

He raised $3,631.

Due to the support of his friends and fellow students, and some generous social media activity, Kamel’s dream became a reality.

“Most of my support, both financially and personally, was coming directly

from these students that had really become family to me,” says Kamel. “I was speechless.”

In June 2012, Kamel released “The Great Coward.” Since the release, his music has been purchased from listeners all across the world. The album garnered special attention when the nationally published magazine “American Songwriter” chose his song, “Mockingbird,” as first place in their November/December songwriting contest.

Kamel won a guitar and a full-page feature in the magazine.

“I still can’t believe it actually happened,” says Kamel. “It really encouraged me to pursue my dreams and hammer home the idea that anything is possible if you just put yourself out there and work hard.”

Inspired Confidence When Kamel is not working, he likes to spend his free time writing songs and playing shows in the Mobile area. But in the near future, Kamel plans on moving to Nashville, TN for creative pursuits.

Wherever he goes, Kamel believes the relationships he developed with faculty, staff, and students at UMobile have prepared him to succeed.

“They really challenged and stretched me, encouraging me to use my talents to create and develop content that inspired and encouraged everyone around me,” says Kamel. “I can proudly say that UMobile has instilled a confidence in me that I can go out and change the world, knowing that every little dent counts.” m umobile.edu 73

Alumni

16 Days Winning the World for Christ Seth Harbison ‘08

By Shannon Mason 16 days. This was the number of days the eyes of the world focused on the 2012 Summer Olympics and London, England, the city hosting the Olympics.

UMobile alumnus Seth Harbison ’08 was there, aiming to win something more important than a gold medal.

Seth is a youth minister at Cross Creek Community Church in Hokes Bluff, AL. He married his wife, Brittany Shears, a week after graduating from the University of Mobile in 2008. They have a 1-year-old son, Jay Reid.

Seth and nearly 200 people, including his brother, Micah, were given the opportunity to team up with the LWSCI, Lay Witness for Christ International, to bring the good news of salvation through Christ to the Olympics.

“The world is kind of coming to you,” Seth said.

With a platform this tremendous and having access to some of the world’s greatest athletes, they took the opportunity to be a global witness for Jesus Christ in London.

People from every faith and belief heard the Gospel preached through the members of their team. They distributed hundreds, if not thousands, of Christian tracts everywhere they went. They held several events in parks for children alongside Bruce Crevier, four-time Guinness World Record holder for basketball spinning and founder of Spintacular, a traveling basketball show featuring Bruce, his wife Diane and their 12 children. They even had opportunities to preach the Gospel on the subways and lead over 20 people to Christ.

One moment that touched Seth and his brother was the chance to share Christ with a woman on the street corner

74 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013

Seth, Brittany and Jay Harbison

beside a park. Her name was Keri.

Seth recalled, “As I had the opportunity to share the message of hope in Christ to her, she listened as to signify that it was what she had been waiting to hear all of her life.”

From the moment she accepted Christ, she lit up immediately and the glory of Christ’s forgiveness was all over her, he said.

As they left, Micah handed Keri a Bible and wrote her name in it. What happened next was unexpected, but one of the most amazing things Seth

had ever seen.

They looked over to the park bench where Keri was sitting and noticed she had her Bible out and was sharing Christ with another lady who had just sat down beside her. This scene reminded Seth of the initial freedom and excitement one feels when first coming to Christ.

“Through her actions, Keri was calling us out as Christians to not just live in the hope we have in Christ, but to share that hope with others without excuses, yet with urgency,” Seth said.

One unexpected moment in particular

“I was encouraged to know that some of our own athletes were representing not only the USA, but fighting for the hope that we do, indeed, still live in a Christian nation.”

Seth Harbison ‘08

Seth Harbison in London, England

Micah Harbison, Keri, and Seth Harbison

encouraged Seth. It was a night he attended a worship service at Hillsong Church London.

As they stepped into a theater, temporarily converted to a church on Sundays, and began to lift up the name of our God, Seth said an overwhelming sense came over them that this is what heaven is going to be like.

“People from all over the globe together for one common purpose,

eternal worship to our everlasting Father,” said Seth.

As the service continued, the pastor encouraged everyone in the room to pray for someone around them. Seth felt a hand on his shoulder and thought nothing of it. After the service closed, he noticed the people behind him were Americans and the woman who had prayed for him had just the night before won a gold medal on the USA women’s

basketball team.

“I was encouraged to know that some of our own athletes were representing not only the USA, but fighting for the hope that we do, indeed, still live in a Christian nation,” Seth said.

Seth said his Olympic experience was “amazing, life changing and eye opening.” People from all over the world are looking for truth he said, and the urgency for us, as Christians, to go and tell them, is greater than ever.

Seth’s eyes were first opened to missions during his first international mission trip to Chile with Dr. Dale Younce, professor of Christian Ministries.

Seth said it was an experience he will always remember and it shed a new light in him. He is thankful for the staff and professors at the University of Mobile for pouring into his life and teaching him to strive for excellence and fulfill the Great Commission. m umobile.edu 75

Alumni

Transforming Art Matt Scott ‘07 Kristen Albert Scott ‘05

By Trey Taulbee Matt Scott ’07 came to the University of Mobile in 2003 as a young worship leadership major sensing a strong calling to ministry through music.

What he received was far more than a degree.

Matt met Kristen Albert ’05 on move-in day in 2004.

“I was helping new students move in and I suddenly found myself standing in the dorm room of a strikingly beautiful girl I’d never seen before,” says Scott.

They began dating and were married in March 2007. Matt became the student minister at Shiloh Baptist Church in Saraland, AL, and Kristen worked as an enrollment counselor at UMobile. It was during this time that they began creating art together using the mediums of music, photography and carpentry.

In 2008, Matt enrolled in the Master of Divinity program at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Hamilton, MA. In addition, he began writing songs and working as a ministry development associate for Leadership Transformations, an organization assisting leaders and teams in their spiritual formation, discernment and renewal. Kristen cultivated her gifts in photography and thrived in portrait, lifestyle and wedding photography.

The Scotts were yearning for an outlet to share their art with others. They decided on the 2654 Project, the street number of their first house together in Mobile.

76 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013

“You never really know how people will respond to your art,” says Scott.

“But we launched The 2654 Project in 2011 as an effort to let the world see the beautiful things we are trying to capture and create.”

Samples of their work are on their website, www.the2654project.com.

Matt reflects on his time at UMobile as one of strong encouragement and transformation. As member of Center for Performing Arts worship ensemble Impact and Campus Life Campus Ministries Team, Matt led worship all over the southeast at retreats, conferences and Disciple-Nows. He also remembers the countless faculty members and administrators who encouraged his spiritual formation and development.

“I would say that the entire UMobile community helped shape and mold me into the person that I am today,” says Scott. “I thank God for that...and I’m grateful for the UMobile experience. It continues to be a wonderful gift to us.”

Currently, Kristen is a successful wedding and lifestyle photographer in the New England area. Matt recently released his debut album, “Poets and Saints” in January 2013. The album contains historical hymns that have been repurposed to reflect the southern musical styling that Matt

experienced in his youth.

“Art is a tremendous gift to the world – one that’s meant to be shared, rather than hoarded,” says Scott. “We simply want to encourage others to share their creative expression with a world that longs to behold that which is beautiful and true.” m

Following Her Dream Cheree Melton ‘09

By Kathy Dean The rigorous education that Cheree Melton received as a biology major at the University of Mobile paved the way for post-graduate work as a lab instructor for microbiology, anatomy and physiology, and biology. It also prepared her to become a research assistant for an orthopedic surgeon. But it was the encouragement and faith that UMobile professors had in her own abilities that gave Cheree the confidence to follow her dream of becoming a physician.

Now in osteopathic medical school, Cheree continues to live out her Christian faith through volunteer work such as organizing a clothing drive for

a local soup kitchen. She meets weekly for Bible study with other members of the Christian Medical and Dental Association, and enjoys her photography hobby during breaks from medical school.

In all that she does, Cheree says she tries to stay true to UMobile’s philosophy of “Changing Lives to Change the World.”

In her pursuit of becoming a physician, and in everything she does, Cheree wants to exemplify the core values consistent with the Christian worldview she learned as a student at the University of Mobile. m

Reprinted with Permission from Business Alabama Magazine, May 2013 Issue.

Lamar to Lead Mobile Office of ServisFirst Bibb Lamar ‘71

Newly named CEO of ServisFirst’s Mobile operations Bibb Lamar.

Longtime Mobile banker Bibb Lamar has been named president and CEO for Mobile operations of Birmingham-based ServisFirst bank. Lamar retired in March as president of Mobile-based BankTrust, when it was sold to Trustmark, based in Mississippi.

ServisFirst is “the epitome of what I believe in as far as a community bank,” says Lamar. “We don’t have a brokerage; we don’t sell insurance.” Instead the bank focuses on handling deposits and loans and prides itself on local decisionmaking

and same-day service.

And he says he’s pleased with the bank’s emphasis on technology that allows for good service with one main office in a city and just a couple of branches.

And if that main office doesn’t provoke a sense of déjà vu, nothing will. In his new role with a new bank, he’s going right back to the former BankTrust headquarters. www.BusinessAlabama.com m

Photo by Todd Douglas

umobile.edu 77

Class Notes

‘60s

Charles Covington ’67 – Began a career with International Paper Company in August 1968 and worked there until January 2003. Charles currently resides in Winter Park, FL with his wife, Sandra Rush Covington ’74. He was president of the Senior Class of ’67.

Thomas Lyles ‘68 – Married to Linda Boykin Lyles ’67 and retired from CSX Transportation as Claims Manager.

David Johnson ’69 – Retired from the Mobile County Public School System and is now interim pastor of Manor Baptist Church in Mobile, AL. He is married to Kay Griffin Johnson.

‘70s

Bob Barnard ’72 – Has been an active agent for 40 years with State Farm Insurance. He is a representative of Alabama Silver-Haired Legislature, District 105. Bob is a retired Lieutenant of the United States Navy. He is active in the Tea Party Movement and staunch supporter of the Second Amendment.

Tim Lacey ’78 – Has served as minister of music at Winfield First Baptist Church since July 1996. He has one daughter, Kristi, adopted in 2004 from the Ukraine.

Charlie Brown ’79 – Married Mary in June 2006 and worked with the Mobile Press Register for 26 years. Charlie entered UMobile’s graduate program in October 2012 pursuing a master’s degree in marriage and family counseling. He is currently serving on UMobile’s Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Jo Ann Williams Miller ’79 – Married J. Michael Miller in 1980. Jo Ann has taught in Mobile County Public Schools and a private school in Louisiana and has served as a church pianist in Mobile and Louisiana churches. She had the opportunity to serve as pianist for the late Dr. Kenneth Bergdolt at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Mobile, AL.

78 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013

‘80s

Paul Conrad ’80 – Will mark his 24th anniversary as minister of music at First Baptist Church Crestview in June 2013.

Paul plans to retire in fall of 2014. After he retires, he will have served 44 years in the ministry.

Ron Griffin ’80 – Has pastored two Southern Baptist churches over the past 27 years. He is currently pastor of First Baptist Irvington, where he has been since 2001. In 2008, he published a book

by McFarland & Co. Inc. titled, “The 11th Alabama Volunteer Regiment in the Civil War.” In 2011, Ron received his Doctor of Ministry from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

Scott Morris ’81 – Serves as executive editor of the Times Daily in Florence, AL. He and staff writer Robert Palmer were awarded the prestigious Carmage Walls Commentary Award by the Southern Newspaper Publishers Association in October 2012. The award was presented for “superior opinion writing.” Morris said his interest in newspaper work began at UMobile “when some friends and I were allegedly involved in an underground newspaper there,” an experience that sparked a long-lasting interest in writing.

Wanda Allen Dawson ’84 – Serves as an administrative assistant at AkzoNobel.

Wanda has been married for 24 years and has two sons, both attending UMobile and pursuing degrees in music.

Bridget Conway Rose ’88 – Serves as director of academic success and instructor in the core curriculum at Samford University in Birmingham, AL. She edited a collection of prayers in 2012, “Prayers of the People,” that was published by Insight Press.

‘90s

Jason Lee ’91 – Works at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary where he is a professor of historical theology. Jason has been named dean for the School of Biblical and Ministry Studies at Cedarville University, where he will begin working

in August 2013.

Lisa Deeds Ripple ’95 – Has worked as an ADN at Providence Hospital for 20 years. Lisa has been married for 19 years and has two children, ages 17 and 14.

Chad Counselman ’96 – Owns Counselman Automotive Recycling, LLC. This year he and his wife, Rachel Bevins Counselman ‘01 will celebrate 14 years of marriage. Rachel is an adjunct professor at UMobile. They have one daughter, Emily, who is 11 years old.

Kristi Brown Wooldridge ’97 – Received her Master of Arts in English from National University, and is now working on her education specialist degree. In 2007, Kristi was nominated for Teacher of the Year. She has been teaching since 1997.

2000s

Monica Cook Aplin ’03 – Has just celebrated her 12th wedding anniversary with husband Erik Aplin. Monica is a library media specialist at Mobile County Public Schools for Magnet School of Math, Science and Technology. She will return next fall to UMobile to receive an educational specialist degree in educational technology.

Jeremy Overstreet ’09 – Married Laura Champion Overstreet on Oct. 16, 2010.

Jeremy has owned Living Water Christian Bookstore since March 2012. In February, he and his wife started an adoption process for a child in Ethiopia.

Sarah (Libby) Coburn Driskell ’10 – Was 48 years old when she received her degree from UMobile. She is now 51 years young and in her third year of teaching at Castlen Elementary School in Grand Bay, AL, where she attended school when she was a child.

Jennifer Gardner McGinnis ’10 – Married Patrick McGinnis in June 2011. She works at UMobile as an administrative assistant in the School of Education. Jennifer will receive her master’s in elementary education in May 2013.

We want to hear from our Alumni!

Births Bekah Metts Braden ’10 and Drew Braden ’07 announce the birth of their first child, Maggie Rose, on Nov. 21, 2012. She was 6 lbs.

8 oz. and 21.5 inches.

Adam Gully ’07 and Amanda Renee Gully ’12 proudly announce the birth of their first child, John Castle, on Feb. 13, 2013. He was 5 lbs. 5 oz. and 18 inches.

Ashley Gully See ’04 and Stephen See welcomed their second child, Addison Kate, on Feb. 27, 2013. She was 7 lbs. 13 oz. and 19.5 inches. Addison has a big brother, Ethan, 2.

T. J. Joy ’08 and Malyssa Markel Joy announce the birth of their first child, Madelyn Michelle, on April 4, 2012. She was 8 lbs. 1 oz. and 20 inches.

Seth Naugle ’04 and Amanda Lott Naugle ’04 welcomed their second child, Loretta Elizabeth, on March 13, 2012. She was 6 lbs. 8 oz. and 20.5 inches. She has a big brother, Cooper, 5.

Anna Jones Nelson ’10 and Jacob Nelson proudly announce the birth of their first child, Oliver Allen, on Dec. 14, 2012 at 7:50 p.m. He was 7 lbs. and 19.5 inches.

Rachel Shepherd Wade ’05 and Daniel Wade announce the birth of their second child, Claire Elizabeth, on Oct. 20, 2012 at

12:40 a.m. She was 8 lbs. 7 oz. and 20.5 inches. She is welcomed with love by her big brother, Jackson, 3.

Matt Wilson ’02 and Michelle McBenge Wilson ’02 proudly announce the birth of their third daughter, Jianna Love, on Sept.

13, 2012. Jianna shares a birthday with her mommy. She was 7 lbs. and 20 inches.

Jianna has two big sisters, Jess, 5, and Miriam, 3.

Marriages Britney Barentine Allen ‘09 married Brett Allen on Oct. 13, 2012. They live in New Orleans, LA.

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_____________________ UMobile Graduation Year____________ Major____________________________ Degree Earned_ ___________________ Home Address ________________________________ City_ ____________________________ State_ _______ Zip_________________

Jared Freeman ’11 married Laura Grace Freeman on Nov. 3, 2012. They live in Prattville, AL.

Country__________________________

Meredith Middlebrooks McDuffie ‘10 married Thomas McDuffie on Oct. 27, 2012. They live in Saraland, AL.

Employment Information:

Justin McGehee ’11 married Courtney Colbey McGehee ’12 on Dec. 1, 2012.

Justin is an admissions counselor and Courtney is a campus life coordinator of Residential Life at UMobile. They live on campus.

Nick Weaver ’11 married Bryley Sanders Weaver ’12 on Jan. 12, 2013. They live in Saraland, AL.

Home Phone______________________ Cell Phone________________________ Email Address ________________________________ Company_ _______________________ Title_____________________________ Address__________________________ ________________________________ 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 79

Honor Roll of Donors January 1, 2012 – April 30, 2013 Mr. Rocky McGarity Torch Society Dr. Rita Miranda $25,000 and above Oakland Baptist Church Runda To purchase an advertisementDr. inJohn upcoming issues Alabama Baptist State Convention Mr. Carl A. Rush Mr. the David University S. Barringer, Jr. of Mobile Magazine, of please Scott Bridge Co., Inc. contact Chick-fil-A, Inc. Mr. Roswell Sloan, Jr. Brian Boyle, vice president forDr.institutional Crampton Scholarship Endowment Trust Joseph F. West First Baptist Church of Odessa advancement, at 251.442.2287 Mr. Fred H. Wilson Florence Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Allen Fonde Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation Dr. E. Grace Pilot The SSI Group, Inc. Mr. Robert E. Wojohn

Trustee’s Circle $10,000-$24,999 A. S. Mitchell Foundation Aghorn Energy, Inc. BB&T Bullard Automotive Mr. Joe Cherry Mrs. Elizabeth Dodd Energy Land Management Ms. Joyce Fisher Dr. & Mrs. Mark R. Foley Mr. Kenny Harris Mr. Bill Ingram Dr. Fred G. Lackey National Management Resources Corporation Mr. Wayne Sirmon Mr. Paul A. Stanley Dr. & Mrs. Larry Turner UM Student Government Association

Founders Society $5,000-$9,999 Alabama Association of Independent Colleges & Universities Mr. Mike A. Atkins Atmore First Assembly of God Mr. Frank C. Daniels Mrs. Patricia H. Dorsett East Memorial Baptist Church First Baptist Church Atlanta Heritage Church of God Hickory Hammock Baptist Church Mr. Kenneth Hughes Mr. B. Kevin Inlow Mr. Danny Manning

80 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013

President’s Club $1,000-$4,999 Akribos Consulting Group, Inc. Alabama Power Company Andalusia First Baptist Church Athens First Baptist Church Mr. Owen Bailey Ms. Beverley A. Baker Mr. & Mrs. Al Balderas Baptist Foundation of Alabama Mr. Wayne Batt Battlefield Parkway Church of the Nazarene Mr. & Mrs. Edward Baxley Bay Minette First Baptist Church Ms. Marva Bell Boaz First Baptist Church Mr. C. Earnest Boshell Mr. & Mrs. Thomas P. Boyle, Jr. Rev. Cleveland C. Brown Mr. & Mrs. William G. Buchanan Budweiser-Busch Distributing Co., Inc. Ms. Lynne Burkart Dr. Lonnie A. Burnett Bush Hill Presbyterian Church Calvary Baptist Church Camden Baptist Church Carterville Baptist Church Cayman Islands Baptist Church Central Baptist Church Century Bank Champion Forest Baptist Church Chevron Humankind Matching Gift Program Chickasaw First Baptist Church Christopher Mullenix, DMD, MD Clarke Venable Memorial Baptist Church Dr. Harold R. Collins Community Bible Church Community Foundation of South Alabama Mr. David J. Conner Mr. Kamal Constantine Cullman Overhead Door & Glass, Inc. Dallas Bay Baptist Church Crossroads Baptist Church Mrs. Violette H. Darnell

Dauphin Way Baptist Church Mr. Randall M. Davis Dayspring Baptist Church Don Gordon Construction, Inc. Downtown Fellowship Church Eastern Shore Baptist Church Enterprise First Baptist Church Mr. Josue Espada Dr. Audrey C. Eubanks First Assembly of God Butler Bay Minette First Baptist Church First Baptist Church of Bonifay First Baptist Church of Blountstown First Baptist Church of Scottsboro First Baptist Church of Laurel First Baptist Church - DeFuniak Springs First Baptist Church Albany First Baptist Church Montgomery First Baptist Church of Biloxi First Baptist Church of Crestview First Baptist Church of Fairhope First Baptist Church of Gillis First Baptist Church of Gulf Shores First Baptist Church of Lufkin First Baptist Church of Natchez First Baptist Church of Okeechobee First Baptist Church of Prattville First Baptist Church of Wilmer First Baptist Church Tillman’s Corner First Baptist Church Woodstock First Baptist Church Jackson First Baptist North Mobile First Community Bank Captain James F. Fisher, Jr. Foley First Baptist Church Follett Higher Education Group Forrest Daniell & Associates, PC Dr. & Mrs. Roderick S. Fox Friendship Baptist Church G. A. West & Co., Inc. Mr. Thomas Larry Gattis Gilliam Springs Baptist Church Dr. Sue Gober Mr. Wayne Gordon Greene & Phillips Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church Gulf Fastener, Inc. Snow Road First Baptist Church Gulf Packaging, Inc. Hand Arendall, LLC Hardy Street Baptist Church Mr. Bill F. Hart Haven Woods Baptist Church Heritage Baptist Church, Cantonment Heritage Baptist Church, Montgomery Hillcrest Baptist Church, Pensacola

Hillcrest Baptist Church, Enterprise Mr. Ronnie Holladay Mr. & Mrs. Patrick L. Howley Industrial Valve Services, Inc. Innerarity Point Baptist Church Ino Baptist Church Iron City Baptist Church Ms. Elizabeth M. Jenkins Mr. Carl E. Johnson Ms. D. J. Johnson Mr. Harvie C. Jordan, III Mr. Maged Kamel Mr. Larry Keeton Mr. Donald P. Kelly, Jr. Ms. Billie R. Kohen BankTrust Mr. William Bibb Lamar, Jr. Mr. Brian Landers Mr. & Mrs. Neal Ledbetter Liberty Baptist Church Luke 4:18 Fellowship Mr. Vincent Lursen Macedonia Baptist Church Madison-Ridgeland Academy Mr. Louis Mapp Mr. C. Scott Markle Marshall Baptist Association Mrs. Cathy A. Matthews Dr. Robert H. Maxwell Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast Mr. Linwood McClain Rev. Brad McClain Mr. Stephen McCrory Ms. Doris I. McDill McDowell Knight Roedder & Sledge, LLC Mr. W. Ken McElhaney, Sr. Dr. Robert B. McGinley Ms. Lea A. McLaughlin Mrs. Elizabeth Ann Miskelly Mr. & Mrs. Oscar Miskelly Mobile Rock & Gem Society Morningside Baptist Church Morrison Heights Baptist Church Mr. Jerry Mott Mr. Roger L. Mott National Christian Foundation of Alabama Mr. & Mrs. Patrick A. Nelson, Sr. Mrs. Lynn D. Nielsen Dr. Erik C. Nilssen Dr. John Nixon, Jr. North Jacksonville Baptist Church North Shelby Baptist Church Northland, A Church Distributed Olive Baptist Church Opp First Baptist Church

Paramount Baptist Church Mr. Dean N. Parker, Jr. Pathway Ministries Dr. Hazel A. Petersen-Walter Ms. Theresa Diane Phillips Pine Terrace Baptist Church Pinson First Baptist Church Ms. Mary K. Plumlee Point Clear Insurance Services, LLC Providence Church of God Ms. Jennifer B. Rankin Rechoboth Baptist Church Mr. Louis Reno Mr. Douglas Rigney Mr. Russell D. Roberts Roberts Charitable Foundation Mr. & Mrs. William T. Robinson Rock Creek Baptist Church Rocky Knoll Baptist Church Royalty Products, Inc. Safe Harbor United Methodist Church Salem Baptist Church Mr. Robert M. Seaborn Second Baptist Church of Griffin Senior Bowl, LLC Mrs. Melanie M. Sharpless Sherwood Baptist Church Ms. Frances R. Shockey Silas First Baptist Church Smith, Dukes & Buckalew, LLP Spanish Fort United Methodist Church Springhill Automotive, Inc.

Stapleton Baptist Church State Farm Companies Foundation Mr. Clifford M. Street, Sr. Mr. Christopher Taylor The Ashbee Group @ Wells Fargo Advisors The First Baptist Church of Pinson The First Baptist Church Philadelphia, MS The Mosow Family Foundation Mr. David M. Todd Trinity Baptist Church Victory Health Partners Walt Massey Automotive, Inc. Dr. Mabel Ward Mr. Robert C. Weaver Dr. William K. Weaver, Jr. White House Fork P. H. Church White Oak Baptist Church Mr. William E. Whitfield, III Ms. Amy Wildman Mrs. Albert F. Willis Willis of Alabama, Inc. Worthy Grand Matron Mr. Elias J. Zambrano

Dean’s Circle $500-$999 Abundant Life Assembly Mr. Ed Ahrens Ms. Sandy Akers Alabama Power Company

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Honor Roll of Donors

American Rental & Power Equipment, Inc. Aramark Ariton Baptist Church Azalea Baptist Church Bancorp South Mr. James M. Barnes BASF Corporation Mr. & Mrs. George M. Beck Mrs. Ann Bedsole Mrs. Karen L. Bell Mrs. Diane S. Black Dr. & Mrs. James E. Blackman, Jr. Mrs. Mary A. Boresky Rev. Glenn F. Bryars Mr. and Mrs. Fred Burke, Jr. Mrs. Teresa B. Callan Ms. Marilyn Cash Celeste Road Church of God Mrs. Brenda Chastain Christ Covenant Church Christian Life Church Citronelle First Baptist Church College Park Baptist Church Cottage Hill Baptist Church Mr. Wayne W. Cotton D Bark Associates DEX Imaging of Alabama, LLC East Bay Electric Company Rev. Rick Evans Dr. Jane H. Finley First Assembly of God, Grand Cayman First Baptist Church of Mobile First Baptist Church of Leroy Flomaton First Baptist Church Mrs. Shirley J. Foley George/Greene Baptist Association Mr. Jim I. Ginnings Mr. Billy Gorham Government Street Baptist Church Mrs. Amber Hammond Mr. Tim Harford Harvest Church Mrs. Mary A. Harwell Ms. Kathryn O. Hawsey Mr. Kent Hendricks Ms. Patricia Holcomb Mr. Jim S. Holland, Sr. Mr. Nicholas H. Holmes, Jr. HPI, Inc. Mr. A. Pharr Hume Ms. Sherrie K. Hunter Immanuel Baptist Church Joseph N. Langan Charitable Trust Just for You Mr. Alex H. Kendrick Kushla-Bethany Baptist Church

82 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013

Lakeview Baptist Church Leeds First Baptist Church Liberty Baptist Church Mars Hill Ministries Mrs. Gale S. McCain Mr. Edgar McGraw Ms. Dorthea D. McMahon Mrs. Elizabeth Megginson Mobile Baptist W.M.U. Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence S. Morgan Mt. Hebron Church Ministries, Inc. New Grace Christian Church Mrs. Maureen Nichols Odessa Christian Faith Center Ministries Dr. W. Rick Payne Mr. Frank J. Person Mr. Will G. Phillips PHS Choir Booster Club Nieves M. Plumlee Mrs. Denise C. Privette RLX Media LLC Royal Products, Inc. Ms. Doris Ruff Ms. Julie Salmon Sandy Ridge Baptist Church Mr. Todd Seaborg Shoal Creek Baptist Church Dr. & Mrs. Phillip L. Shouppe Mr. Paul W. Skelton Mr. Gordon S. Stimpson, Jr. The First Baptist Church of Satsuma The National Christian Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Bobby E. Tidmore Dr. Howard S. J. Walker, Jr. WalMart Ms. Marjorie H. Walsh Mrs. Debbie R. Ward Rev. Kevin C. Wilburn Ms. Gail S. Yacko Dr. Dale Younce

Benefactor $150-$499 Alaska Baptist Convention Aliceville First Baptist Church Anesthesia Services PC ASMS Foundation Baldwin Baptist Association Baptist Student Union Missions Ms. Elsa Bari Mr. Robert F. Barnes, Jr. Ms. Martha E. Barton Mrs. Marie Batson Bayless Highway Baptist Church

Mrs. Roxann Beaty Rev. Mike Bedford Ms. Susan A. Berner Mr. James W. Berrian Beulah Baptist Church Mr. John E. Bible Bible Fellowship Church Big Lake Baptist Church Mr. & Mrs. Jim Bingaman Boca Raton Christian School, Inc. Mr. Lindsey C. Boney, III Mr. S. D. Brackin Mrs. Lisa A. Bradford Ms. Mendy G. Bradley Mr. Thomas M. Bramlett Mrs. Cynthia W. Brannon Ms. Laurie Brasher Dr. Roger Breland Mr. Charles D. Brown Mr. & Mrs. Glen R. Brown Ms. Miranda Brown Mr. & Mrs. John G. Bruns Mrs. Kelly I. Buck Mr. Michael Burke Burns, Cunningham & Mackey, PC Rev. Art E. Burroughs Mr. Ken Busby Mr. Kenneth Bush Ms. Sharon B. Byrd Colonel W. E. Callender, Sr. USA (Ret.) Mrs. Carol M. Camp Mr. Brandon Campbell Mrs. Diann Carithers Mr. M. Dock Carriker Ms. Marilyn Carroll Central Christian School Ms. Jeanette S. Chastain Mr. & Mrs. Thomas M. Chavis Mr. Kevin P. Cherry Chick-fil-A - Dauphin Street Chick-fil-A Bel Air Mall Chickasaw Chamber of Commerce Mr. & Mrs. Paul E. Chitty Church on the Eastern Shore Cleveland Heights Baptist Church Ms. Lisa Coburn Mr. & Mrs. M. Shane Cockrell Ms. Nicole Cohron Ms. Rhonda R. Cole LCDR John G. Collins Mr. Kevin Copeland Cottage Hill Baptist School System Mr. Jim R. Counce Covenant Church of Mobile Ms. Brenda B. Covington Mr. & Mrs. Stan Cowling

Mr. Logan Crane Mr. Terry Crane Ms. Lola Crawford Ms. Melonee Crews D & K Men’s Discounters, Inc. Mr. Scott Davis Mrs. Sue Davison Dr. Gamil S. Dawood DeKalb Baptist Association Mr. Martin E. Dorsett Ms. Cheree A. Douglass Dr. & Mrs. William E. Dumas Mr. Brett Dungan Mrs. Patricia L. Dunn Eastern Hills Baptist Church Ms. Cindi S. Edalgo Ms. Bonnie G. Elkins Mr. Ricky W. Ellison Mr. Charles D. Enfinger Enon Baptist Church Ms. Catherine Eubanks Mr. Arthur D. Evans Ms. Lynne Evans Faith Academy of Mobile, Inc. Dr. Larry Felkins First Baptist Church of Albertville Five Star Heating & Cooling, Inc. Mr. Tom Fouts Mr. Chris Fowler Ms. Mary B. Fowler Mr. Gerard P. Galle, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Craig C. Gault Mr. Joshua Giles Mr. Bill Givens Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Givens Ms. Judy Gladden Mr. J. C. Goldman, Jr. Ms. Leona M. Gonzales Ms. Leslie T. Gordon Mrs. Theresa A. Gordon Gospel Lighthouse Assembly of God Hand Arendall, LLC Mrs. Laurie Ann Haney Mrs. Julie L. Hare Mrs. Gay Harris Ms. Sarah S. Hartley Mr. & Mrs. Charles W. Hawk, Jr. Mr. Robert A. Hayes Mr. Charles E. Hill Mr. & Mrs. Lyman Holland, Jr. Hope For Your Future, Inc. Miss Callie Howell Mr. William C. & Dr. Nancy Huff Mrs. Donna Hughes Hughes Cremation Center and Funeral Services Mrs. Sylvia C. Hunter

Dr. Clark G. Hutchinson In the Midst Ministries, Inc. Ingomar Baptist Church Insurance & Investment Consultants, Inc. Mr. Darby Jernigan Mr. Dale W. Johnson Dr. Randy Johnson Mrs. Trudy C. Jones Ms. Donna L. Jordan Mr. Joseph F. Lester, Jr. Mr. Louis Keeton Mr. & Mrs. Steven A. Kelley Ms. Emily Kelly Miss Johanna L. Kelly Ms. Lisa A. Kiger Mrs. Judy H. Kinard Mr. Brady D. King Ms. Denise F. King Mr. Roy E. King Kingswood United Methodist Church Mr. Paul A. Kiszla Mrs. Elaine Kyser Ms. Becky E. Lawrence Lebanon Presbyterian Church Mr. Tofey J. Leon, III Mr. Mark Leousis Mrs. Cynthia P. Lober Mr. Teddy G. Love Mr. Christopher E. Lovely Mrs. Virginia W. Lovering Mr. Henry E. Lowery, Jr. Ms. Tisa Lucas Ms. Jannah Lyons Mr. Danny O. Manning Martin Capital Management LTD Mary G. Montgomery High School Ms. Darla Matthews Mr. James McBride, Jr. Ms. Ansley McDaniel Mrs. April McGuff Mr. & Mrs. Bubba McNellage McNellage & Associates, Inc. Mr. & Mrs. Mark D. Messick Metal Shredding Solutions, LLC Mrs. Linda D. Miller Mrs. Sharon M. Moore Ms. Teresa Moravec Morningside Baptist Church Mr. Robert E. Morrow Mrs. Debbie Moye Ms. Meredith M. Nations Mrs. Marty A. Naugle Mr. A. Farrar Nettles Dr. & Mrs. William O’Neal Old Shell Road School of Creative & Performing Arts

Orchard Baptist Church Mr. & Mrs. Robert F. Owens Ms. Angela M. Parks Mr. Brantley H. Parsley, Sr. Mr. Tyrone Parten Ms. Amy Patterson Mrs. Lisa L. Patterson Ms. Sardenia L. Peacock Mrs. Susan K. Peacock Mr. David Pence Mr. Charles Perry Ms. Gaynelle S. Phillips Mrs. Renee Phillips Ms. Lisa Pigott Mr. Herald G. Polinkas Mr. Smitty Powell Mr. & Mrs. Bill Prentiss Presbyterian Christian School, Inc. Pure Barre Mrs. Michelle M. Quimby Mrs. Jana Rainwater Ms. Donnette Rakestraw Mrs. Holly E. Randall Ms. Cheryl L. Rankin Mr. Gary S. Rayburn Mr. Gerald Everett Redmon Mrs. Lesa Reed Mr. Harold Reid Reynolds Ms. Benita Richey Ms. Linda W. Rogers Ms. Sandra S. Rogers Miss Kristen Roper Rush Plans, Inc. Saraland Ministerial Association Saraland United Methodist Church Mr. & Mrs. Terry Sasser Mrs. Hans Schneider Mr. Johnny E. Sellers Ms. Christie Seward Mr. Larry Sharkey Mr. Tom Sharp Mr. Edward Shipman Mrs. Mary R. Shirey Mr. David G. Smith Mr. Fred Solomon Mrs. Mary H. Sowder Ms. Melinda Stanley Mr. Roy B. Stewart Surgical Association of Mobile, P.A. Ms. Michelle Suther Dr. Brad Swiger Dr. Cecil R. Taylor Mrs. Delillah Taylor The Bug Stop The First Baptist Church of Orange Beach The Magnolia Springs Wesleyan Church

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Honor Roll of Donors

The Villas at Gulf Breeze, Inc. Theodore First Baptist Church Miss Melissa G. Thomas Mr. & Mrs. David G. Thornton Threaded Fasteners Charitable Foundation Three Fingers, Inc. Ms. Lisa Tidwell Mr. & Mrs. Jimmie Todd Town of Silverhill Troy First Baptist Church Ms. Sara R. Truett Ms. Cathy E. Walker Ms. Carletta B. Wallace Mr. Neal Wallace Ms. Nettie W. Weber Mr. Sidney G. Weinacker Wellston Title Company, Inc. West Mobile Baptist Church Westside Baptist Church of Jacksonville Mr. & Mrs. James C. Wilkerson Mr. George Williams Dr. & Mrs. Doug Wilson, Jr. Mr. Ben F. Windham Mr. B. Maxwell Woodruff, Jr. WS Management Consultants, Inc. Mr. & Mrs. James R. Youmans, Jr.

Friend $20-$149 4-S Farms Mrs. Betty D. Abrell Mr. Joe Ackerman Mrs. Carol F. Adams Ms. Toshika R. Adams AIS, Inc. Mr. Franklin R. Alexander Ms. Anna L. Allen Mrs. Connie Allen Mr. Joshua C. Allen Ms. Kim Allen Ms. Margie A. Allen Ms. Mary Beth Allison Ms. Kathryn J. Allred Mrs. Gwinelle P. Allums Mrs. Debra K. Amesbury Mr. & Mrs. Harry O. Amos Mrs. Amy S. Anderson Ms. Anna Anderson Ms. Kelly Anderson Mrs. Lesley G. Anderson Mrs. Mary E. Andry

84 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013

Ms. Judith B. Ankiewicz Ms. Deborah G. Anthony Ms. Billie Archer Mrs. Elizabeth J. Archer Mr. Marlon D. Archer Ms. Ann Armstrong Mrs. Diane C. Arnold Ms. Tara E. Arnold Mr. Robert Askelson Asta G. Vazquez, Inc. Ms. Jody W. Atchison Ms. Katherine A. Atkins Ms. Rosemary Austin Ms. Noel Awad Mrs. Marilyn Baggett Mr. Douglas Bagley Mrs. Georgia Baker Mrs. Joyce D. Baker Mr. Estrellita A. Balicanta Mrs. Betty S. Banks Ms. Lissa N. Bardin Mrs. Mary Jill Barfoot Mr. & Mrs. Mark A. Barnes Ms. Linda M. Barnett Ms. Kathleen B. Barnum Mr. Myron A. Barr Mrs. Janice Barrow Mr. Robert A. Bartlett, Jr. Mr. Jeff Barton Ms. Annie R. Batchelor Mrs. Henry E. Baxley Bay City Tool and Repair Company, Inc. Mrs. Sonja P. Beam Mr. Joseph D. Beasley Ms. Sue Beaty Mrs. Genette Beauchamp Mr. Justin Beck Ms. Kathy A. Beck Mr. Kevin A. Beck Mr. & Mrs. Joseph L. Bedwell Mr. Richard F. Beirne, IV Mr. John C. Bell Mr. Ryan Bell Ms. Susie Bell Mrs. Virginia A. Bell Ms. Jacqueline H. Belser Ms. Mary C. Belser Ms. Arlene M. Benge Dr. & Mrs. Donald K. Berry Beulah Baptist Church Ms. Chereta A. Beverly Ms. Michele B. Bible Ms. Brenda K. Bingham Mr. Joel A. Bishop Ms. Elizabeth A. Black

Ms. Jennifer C. Black Ms. LaJuan Black Mrs. Nancy W. Black Ms. Amelia B. Blackwell Mrs. Carrie Blair Ms. Nancy D. Blake Mr. & Mrs. H. E. Bolton, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Jackie N. Bolton Mrs. Sheila C. Booker Ms. Leeann J. Bookout Mr. Stephen Borona Ms. Lila Boswell Ms. Peggy Bourland Ms. Darrell E. Bourne Ms. Darla Bowen Mr. Travis Bowen Ms. Rosemary P. Bowman Ms. Carlene Boyce Mr. & Mrs. Brian P. Boyle Mr. Jon K. Brackin Ms. Patsy J. Brackin Mr. Boyd L. Bradford Mr. & Mrs. Larry D. Branning Mrs. Angel N. Brannon Ms. Marlene L. Brannon Mrs. Sandy Brannon Mrs. Carol W. Branyon Mr. Luke Brekke Mrs. Diane S. Brim Ms. Jordan Brixey Mr. Frank Lruesi Brock Ms. Bonnie L. Brooks Mrs. Darla Brooks Mr. James Stephen Brooks Ms. Nancy L. Brooks Mrs. Theresa A. Brooks Ms. Ashlee Mosley Brown Ms. Lorna B. Brownlie Mrs. Sandra D. Brubaker Mr. J. H. Bryan Ms. Julie A. Bryan Ms. Sheila M. Bryan Ms. Betty Woodham Bryant Ms. Carolyn S. Bryant Mr. R. Wayne Bryant Ms. Pamela S. Bryars Ms. Nancy J. Buckelew Mrs. Susan K. Buffkin Mr. Robert S. Bufkin Mr. & Mrs. Josh G. Bugg Mr. Mark S. Burge Ms. Shelia Burger Mrs. Deneice Burgner Mrs. Phyllis A. Burke Mr. J. Rhett Burleson Ms. Kathy Burleson

Mr. Victor Burt Ms. Lauren K. Busby Ms. Sonya L. Busby Dr. Jeff W. Bush Mrs. Lacey D. Bussie Mr. Charles R. Butler, Jr. Mr. James H. Butler Ms. Pat Butler Ms. Teresa Ann Butler Mrs. William M. Butler Mrs. Dana H. Butterworth Ms. Nancy C. Butterworth Mrs. Jacqueline M. Byrd Ms. Melanie S. Byrd Mr. Jose Genaro Cabrera Ms. Jennifer Calahan Ms. Gail C. Caldwell Mrs. Sue Callaham Ms. Joyce S. Cameron Ms. Jody W. Campbell Ms. Fannie S. Cannon Mr. Paul D. Cantrell Mr. Christopher M. Capasse Ms. Erma V. Capello Ms. Ashley Caples Mr. Steven Carey Ms. Judy T. Carlis Ms. Jenny H. Carney Mr. Charles C. Carr Ms. Dianne Carriveau Mr. William A. Carroll Ms. Sunny Ann Carvalho Mr. Larry W. Carver Ms. Susanne S. Cashman Mr. Cameron Cauley Mr. Jeffrey M. Caviness Central Baptist Church Mrs. Laura Chabowski Rev. David Chambers Ms. Hattie Chapman Mrs. Shirley Chappell Mr. Jermaine Chastang Ms. Cynthia L. Cherry Mrs. Anna E. Clark Mr. Hoyt J. “Brent” Clark Ms. Ingrid B. Clark Ms. Josephine Clark Mrs. Nicki Clark Mrs. Tara K. Clark Mr. Zachary L. Clark Ms. Angela Clausell-Borders Mrs. Sharron Clover Mr. Harwell E. Coale, Jr. Mr. J. Alex Coblentz Mr. Stephen E. Cochran Cockrell’s Eastern Shore, Inc.

Mrs. Amanda J. Coggin Ms. Dalene S. Colbath Mrs. Debbie Coleman Ms. Petriva W. Coley Ms. Elyn Collier Ms. Patsy Y. Collins Mr. Robert L. Collins Mrs. Thelma K. Collins Ms. Alli Colquett Comprehensive Behavioral Service South, LLC Miss Katie Compton Mrs. Katie Conklin Ms. Elizabeth Leigh Conn Ms. Joan D. Conn Mr. Joseph Connally Mr. Matthew Conway Ms. Amy Cook Mrs. Jessica M. Cooney Ms. Deborah Anne Cooper Ms. Dollee Cooper Mr. Hal Cooper Mr. & Mrs. William T. Cooper, Jr. Ms. Anna Elizabeth Counce Ms. Betty Counce Ms. Brenda J. Counce Mr. David J. Counce Ms. Nancy F. Council Ms. Donna J. Counselman Ms. Mary Cowan Ms. Cindy Lee Cox Mr. Craig B. Cox Ms. Karen S. Cox Ms. Karen Cox Mrs. Brenda Lee Craig Mr. Kevin Crain Ms. Carolyn F. Cramer Mr. Jeffrey J. Crapper Ms. Shemeca R. Crawford Mr. Jerry L. Creel, Jr. Ms. Tina Crigger Ms. June J. Criswell Mr. John T. Croft Mrs. Alisa W. Crosson Mr. Robert J. Crow Ms. Sandra F. Cruikshank Ms. Shameka Carter Crusoe Ms. Jullian Crutchfield Mr. Russ Cunningham Mrs. Joyce Cuny Mr. Alan B. Curlee Ms. Yolanda O. Curry Mrs. Edith K. D’Amico Ms. Pauline B. Dale Ms. Jacqueline Danner Mr. David Darnell

Mr. William S. Darsey, Jr. Ms. Annette Daugherty Mrs. Sherri Daull Ms. Amy E. Davis Ms. Brenda Davis Ms. Carley V. Davis Ms. Elisabeth Davis Mr. M. Scott Davis Mrs. Marsha C. Davis Ms. Mary B. Davis Rev. Odie Davis, Jr. Mrs. Patricia D. Davis Ms. Sarah Kate Davis Ms. Tracy A. Davis Mr. Warner A. Davis Ms. Brancie Dawson Mrs. Wanda A. Dawson Ms. Jessica Day Ms. Valerie J. Day Mr. Jeff Deakins Ms. Carla Thompson Dean Ms. Susan Dean Mr. Daniel A. Dearborn Mr. Terry Joe Debrow, Sr. Ms. Sarah M. Decker Ms. Frances C. Dees Ms. Jennifer Degaris Mrs. Dail W. Deitrick Mr. Daniel D. Delcamp Ms. Lorna M. Delisser Mrs. Terry W. Delker Ms. Cathi DeLoach Mr. George Dembski Mrs. Ashley L. Deming-Waslo Ms. Angie Demouy Mrs. Kenya P. Dennis Ms. Kimberly Dennis Ms. Sue Denson

Mr. Franklin Dent Mrs. Julie M. Denton Ms. Janice O. Deuel Ms. Sharron Deuel Mrs. Ellen T. Dewberry Ms. Sandra Dick Mr. Ken J. Dickey Ms. Jane H. Dickson Ms. Kimberly O. Dismukes Ms. Brenda J. Dixon Ms. Karen E. Dixon Mr. Joseph V. Dobbs Ms. Carolyn J. Dompier Mrs. Lisa Dooley Mr. William Dorminy Ms. Harriette H. Dorosin Dr. G. Wayne Dorsett, Jr. Ms. Tammy O. Dorsett Mr. Bashier T. Doss Ms. Anna E. Doswell Mr. & Mrs. Kelley Douglas Ms. Sadie Douglas Ms. Erin E. Downs Mr. Clarence E. Drakes Ms. Mary K. Duggar Mr. Thomas Duke Rev. H. Haskell Dunn Mrs. Barbara L. Duren Mrs. Amanda Dye Mr. David Brian Dye Ms. Mimi Dye Ms. Sara Dye Ms. Marilyn D. Dykes Ms. Sandra H. Dykes E. Kenneth Aycock, PC Mr. Jerry W. Eady Ms. Candace Early East Side Mental Health Center

Mr. & Mrs. James K. Easter Mrs. Jean Easterling Mr. Bernie Eaton Mrs. Erin Echols Ms. Patty J. Eddins Ms. Linda Eddy Ms. Frances Edwin Mr. Edward M. Egbert Ms. Debora Elder Mrs. Mary Beth Elkins Mr. H. Dan Ellis Mrs. Teresa K Elmore Mr. T. G. Emmons Ms. Magen E. Englett Mrs. Janet Harrison English Ms. Karen Heath Entrekin Ms. Dee J. Espey Ms. Pauline S. Essary Mrs. Nicole Eubanks-Lambert Ms. Bonnie Evans Ms. Valerie V. Faddis Ms. Jesslyn Fagundes Ms. Laura M. Faile Falbo’s Family Karate Ms. Donna E. Falta Ms. Monique J. Farrier Mr. Joel L. Farrow Miss Debby Faught Mr. Thomas Faught Ms. Kelly Favors Mr. Timothy R. Fendley Ms. Anna Ferguson Mr. William L. Finch Ms. Amy Fineburg Ms. Cory Finke Ms. Martha E. Fisher Ms. Amber N. Fleming Ms. Martha Fleming

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Ms. Robin S. Fleming Mr. Bobby Fletcher, Jr. Ms. Sherry Flowers Mr. & Mrs. Mark L. Foreman Ms. Sophia Forsley Ms. Diana Friend Foster Mr. Samuel J. Fowler Ms. Debbie Foxhall Mr. Ronald l. Fradenburg Ms. Jean L. Frazer Ms. Carolyn B. Freeman Dr. Thomas B. Friman Mrs. Hazel C. Frost Ms. Rhonda L. Fryer Ms. Norma A. Fulford Mr. David Fulton Mrs. Leah S. Funderburk Mrs. Kathy S. Galloway Mr. Thomas W. Gamble Mrs. Carol Gangwer Mr. Cleveland D. Gantt Mrs. Dana Gardner Ms. Jackilyn R. Garner Mr. John W. Garner Mr. Randy Garner Mr. Wiley J. Garrett Mrs. Marsha R. Garza Mrs. Darla Gates Ms. Elly Gay Mr. Michael E. Gentry, Jr. Ms. Callie I. George Ms. Manal R. Ghobrial Ms. Anna M. Giaritelli Mr. Anthony J. Giaritelli Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Gibbons Ms. Janis Gibson Ms. Cierra Giles Ms. Kathryn S. Giles Mr. Billy N. Gilley Ms. Audrey M. Gillis Mrs. Diana Jean Ginn Erie D. Girald-Maldonado Mr. Youssef R. Girgis Ms. Geraldine Givens Mrs. Opal Givens Ms. Louella Glavin Mr. D. Brian Glazner Ms. Carol Glidewell Mr. Earl Gochey Mrs. Kathleen R. Godsoe Mrs. Betty M. Godwin Mr. Clifford R. Godwin Mrs. Eveline L. Goff Ms. Connie Goldman Mrs. Tonya Gollotte Ms. Pamela F. Gordon

86 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013

Ms. Kimberly Goza Grace Sunday School Class Mrs. Carrie E. Graham Rev. Glenn Graham, Jr. Ms. Jessica Goddard Graham Ms. Kim R. Graham Mrs. Mary H. Graham Ms. Shelby Graham Ms. Elena N. Grana Mr. Steven B. Grant Mr. Richard Grayson Ms. Joy C. Green Ms. Patricia A. Green Mr. & Mrs. John H. Greene, III Ms. Danielle Greer Ms. Denise B. Greggs Mr. John R. Greggs Mrs. Cynthia I. Gregory Ms. Paula Griffin Ms. Amanda Grigg Ms. Kimberna M. Griggs Mr. Eldon D. Griner Ms. Lori A. Grubb Ms. June Gruver Dr. & Mrs. Paul T. Gully Ms. Martha F. Gund Ms. Sandra A. Gunter Mrs. Holly H. Guthrie Ms. Mary J. Haag Ms. Nagwa Habashy Mrs. Tonja D. Hagamaker Mrs. Suzanne C. Hagan Mr. Gilbert A. Hage Ms. Cindy B. Hall Dr. David C. Hall Ms. P. Ashleigh Hall Mrs. Clara L. Hamilton Mr. L. Hamlin J. A. Hamman Mr. J. Fenton Hammerly, II Ms. Bobbie Hancock Ms. Rhonda J. Hancock Ms. Gayle Hanks Ms. Lorraine Harbin Ms. JoAnn J. Hardin Mr. Jeremy C. Harford Mrs. Sandra C. Harmening Mrs. Joyce C. Harper Mrs. Julie E. Harper Ms. Bridgette N. Harris Mrs. Dorothy I. Harris Mr. Eric Linn Harris Mr. & Mrs. Frank A. Harris Ms. Stephanie A. Harris Mr. Robert E. Harrison Mr. Robert L. Harrison

Mr. J. T. Hart, Jr. Ms. Leslie K. Hartsfield Mrs. Carolyn Hartsook Mr. Logan Harvey Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Harwell Ms. Diana Hase Mrs. Rose M. Hatchett Ms. Juanita Jones Hatten Ms. Amy R. Hauerstein Mr. Alex Haupt Ms. Courtney Haupt Mr. Timothy A. Hawsey Ms. Mary Ann Hayes Mrs. Sandra G. Hayes Ms. Kim Heath Mr. Benjamin Hedrick Ms. Sally P. Helmchen Ms. Nancy E. Helton Mr. Joshua B. Hembree Mr. Jeffrey P. Henderson Dr. Jerry M. Henry Mr. Jim Herdt, II Ms. Melinda H. Hernandez Ms. Danila E. Hernandez-Reese Mrs. Diane Herrington Mr. Allen Herrod Mrs. Debbie Hester Mr. Donald M. Hey Ms. Deanna D. Hickman Mrs. Hilda Hicks Mrs. Maria L. Hicks Mr. William K. Hicks Ms. Kimberly Higgs Ms. Carol Hodgson Ms. Tanisha Hoeft Ms. Dana H. Hof Hoffren Landscape and Maintenance Mr. Bob Hogan Ms. Tammy D. Hogan Ms. Regina L. Holberg Mrs. Karol Lee Holifield Mr. & Mrs. Jerry R. Hollingsworth Ms. Johnna Hollingsworth Ms. Charlotte Holloway Ms. Emily A. Holloway Mr. Gary L. Holloway Mr. Hal Holloway Ms. Ashley Ruth Holmes Ms. Kala M. Holt Mrs. Jayne Hornsby Mr. Timothy J. Hornyak Dr. Evon G. Horton Ms. Kendell C. Horton Mr. Coy E. Hosmer Ms. Dixie D. Hoven

Ms. Dana M. Howell Ms. Diana L. Howell Mrs. Kellie W. Howell Mrs. Kelly N. Howell Ms. Teresa Howell Mr. Edward I. Hubbard Mr. Timothy L. Hubbard Mrs. Diane C. Hudson Dr. Helen Huff Mr. Richard Huff Ms. Pam Hughes Mr. Thomas Garrett Hughes Mr. Christopher G. Hume, III Ms. Michelle Y. Hunter Mrs. Cynthia A. Hurst Ms. Loretta D. Hurst Ms. Donna Husbands Mr. Derek L. Husmann Mrs. Elizabeth Hutcherson Ms. Marcelle Ibrahim Mr. Samy H. Ibrahim iGive.com Holdings, LLC Ms. Sarah A. Inglis Ms. Harriett M. Isaacson J. Rodger’s Bar-B-Que Mr. Al Jackson Miss Emily Jackson Mr. Will James Jackson Jackson Memorial Baptist Church Ms. Kristie Jacksone Ms. Sylbia C. Jacobs James V. Roberts, PC Ms. LaShawn M. January Miss Andrea R. Jemison Mr. & Mrs. Jay M. Jerrell Mrs. Cary F. Jessee Mr. & Mrs. B. H. Johnson, Jr. Mr. Christopher S. Johnson Ms. Daphne L. Johnson Rev. David M. Johnson Ms. Donna Lauren Johnson Ms. Hope M. Johnson Dr. & Mrs. Howard M. Johnson, Jr. Mrs. Jana B. Johnson Mrs. Janet Johnson Mrs. Marsha A. Johnson Mrs. Richard T. Johnson Ms. Bailey Erin Jones Mrs. Capri B. Jones Ms. Chelsea L. Jones Mr. Clayton Jones Ms. Diane M. Jones Ms. Harthuya W. Jones Ms. Irma J. Jones

Ms. Janet R. Jones Ms. Lakisha Jones Ms. Mary E. Jones Ms. Sandra G. Jones Mr. William K. Jones Mrs. Amanda M. Jordan Mr. Donald R. Jordan Ms. Latasha M. Jordan Mr. Marc Joseph Ms. Alison Kearley Ms. Carrie B. Keebler Ms. Brenda F. Keel Ms. Flossie H. Keeton Mrs. Hildegard M. Keith Mr. Roland A. Kidd Ms. Gennie A. Kilgore Mrs. Lynn S. Kilgore Mr. B. Franklin King, III Ms. Kathleen Mackey King Ms. Kelly King Ms. Mona L. Kizer Mrs. Denise Knappenberger Ms. Janice K. Knight Ms. Brenda H. Knopes Mr. Edwin Knowles Mr. Steven R. Knowles Ms. Margie Kohn Ms. Daren Kouser Ms. Ann H. Kreitlein Ms. Melinda J. Krise Ms. Dana Kritner L A B Enterprises L D Holt & Associates, PC Ms. Veronica W. Lachappelle Ms. Karen L. Ladnier Lakeside Baptist Church Mr. Seth Lamb Lamb Stone Company Ms. Chanda T. Lambert Ms. Sherri Lambert Mr. Richard Edwin Lamberth Mr. Tom Lammert Ms. Jean S. Lang-Sylvester Mrs. Beverly G. Langer Ms. Sherry Langley Ms. Vicki L. Lankford Mr. L. Keville Larson Mrs. Jana’ Lassiter Mr. Larry Laster Laurie’s Herbs and Plants Mrs. Carol Lauten Mrs. Margaret R. Law Mr. & Mrs. James R. Lawrence Ms. Shelley P. Lawrence Lawrence & Lawrence, PC Ms. Kelly Lawson

Mr. Fouad Lebbos Ms. Hester J. LeBlanc Ms. Julia R. Ledbetter Mrs. Tracey D. Ledford Ms. Buffy Lee Mrs. Emmali Lee Mr. J. Ryan Lee Mr. Vincent B. Lee Mr. Richard A. Leedy Ms. Lisa K. Leinhos Mr. Richard M. Lenz Ms. Amanda H. Leonard Mr. Michael Lester Mr. Billy L. Levitt Mrs. Linda H. Lewis Ms. Gaye Taylor Lindsay Mr. & Mrs. Mark T. Lippold Mrs. Darla Danette Litaker Ms. Jessica Lloyd Mr. Skip Lloyd Mrs. Vivian S. Lofton Ms. Rodeaner Lynn Lofton-Byrd Mr. Joseph L. Lomax Ms. Donna F. Long Ms. Epsie G. Long Ms. Elizabeth B. Looney Ms. Katherine M. Looney Loop Vending, Inc. Mr. & Mrs. Larry Lord Love Sunday School Class Mr. Ted J. Lovelace Ms. Margo D. Lowe Ms. Chandra J. Lucas Ms. Marcia S. Lucas Ms. Dannie Luker Ms. Lenora Luker Mr. Robert E. Lusk, Jr. Dr. Michael B. Lyons Ms. Annie M. Mabry Ms. Anna I. Maddox Mrs. Teresa Maguire Mr. James F. Mahan Mr. Raphael A. Maharaj Maherg Enterprises, LLC Mrs. Betty Malone Ms. Sylvia V. Malone Mr. & Mrs. William C. Malone, III Ms. Sue Ellen Mann Ms. Lynn Manus Mrs. Jane L. Maples Ms. Treniece J. Marben Mr. Jere W. Marques Ms. Miriam A. Marrisette Mrs. Eileen M. Marsh Mrs. Anita P. Martin Mr. Clint Martin

Mr. & Mrs. John S. Martin Mrs. Kathy Martin Ms. Martha J. Martin Mr. Owen Martin Mrs. Sarah J. Martin Mary T. Procovich Insurance Mr. John Weston Mason, II Ms. Valerie V. Mason Ms. Veronica S. Masters Mr. Craig Mathews Ms. Lawanda Mathews-Guy Mrs. Angela T. Mauldin Ms. David May Mrs. Sabrina May Mrs. Bo McAlpine Mr. Kristopher W. McAuley Ms. Crystal E. McCants Mr. Miles T. McCauley Mr. Vincent T. McClung Mr. Mahlon P. McCracken Mr. Jerry N. McCreless Mr. & Mrs. Brantley D. McCulley Mrs. Voncile McCutcheon Ms. Debbie McDaniel Ms. Gay McDaniel Mr. W. Frank McDaniel Mr. William McDaniel Ms. Chelsea M. McDill Ms. Crystal McDonald Mr. Mark E. McDuffie Mr. Philip John McEachern Ms. Charlotte Hudson McFadden Ms. Velita S. McFarland Ms. Judy F. McGeary Mrs. Courtney McGehee Ms. Jennifer McGhee Mrs. Jennifer G. McGinnis Miss Mia N. McGriff Ms. Kim W. McGuire Mrs. O. M. McKeithen Mrs. Patricia N. McKelvain Mr. & Mrs. James E. McKinley Ms. Shannon F. McLain Ms. Lisa P. McLaughlin Rev. Dusty McLemore Mr. Patrick J. McMahon Mr. Randy E. McManus Mr. and Mrs. H. C. McNeill Mrs. Terry L. McNemar Mr. & Mrs. Ryan McPhail Mr. Larry S. McPherson Ms. Judi McQueen Mrs. Karen A. McVay Mrs. Lucy C. McVay Mr. Michael S. McWaters Mr. Hugh A. McWhorter, Jr.

Ms. Bobbie M. Meacham Ms. Dura Meherg Mrs. Rose P. Melton Mr. Shane Mendenhall Ms. Taylor Mendenhall Mr. Jeff L. Menefee Mr. & Mrs. James E. Messer, Jr. Ms. Brandy L. Mickles Dr. Alan W. Miller Mr. Clarence A. Miller Ms. Erin Miller Mr. J. Paul Miller Mrs. Jenny C. Miller Mrs. K. W. Milligan Mrs. Ashley L. Milner Mr. Larry F. Moak Mobile Insurance Agency Mr. John Michael Mohney Mr. Charles Montz Mrs. Alisha Moody Mr. Douglas L. Moody Mr. Forrest A. Moog Ms. Courtney M. Moore Ms. Denise G. Moore Mr. & Mrs. Leland T. Moore, Sr. Mrs. Avery Morris Ms. Ruthaleen Morrow Mrs. Patricia M. Morse Dr. Robert E. Morton Ms. Laura Katherine Moseley Mrs. Ruth I. Moulton Mrs. Rachel J. Mudrich Mr. Leo Mueller Ms. Natalie K. Mulhall Mrs. Donna W. Mullins Mr. H. Rickey Mullins Mrs. Charlotte W. Murphy Mr. W. Allen Murphy Ms. Linda Murray Mrs. Ruth Myers Mr. Atef S. Nagib Ms. Ruth Nastase Ms. Kyla Elise Navarre Ms. Ramona Navis Mrs. Janie Neese Ms. Kandy W. Negus Mr. Norman Neill, Sr. Mr. Norman C. Neill, Jr. Ms. Rebecca Neill Mrs. Terri A. Nelson Mrs. Gwendolyn Nettles-Buckley New Hope Baptist Church New Iberia Wealth Advisors Mr. Kenneth Newman Mr. Richard L. Newton Ms. Rachel B. Nicholas

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Nicholas Foods, Inc. Ms. Chelsey N. Nichols Ms. Britni C. Nicholson Ms. Jennifer Nickless Ms. Gloria J. Nobinger Mr. Austin Nolan Mr. Lynne Nolen Mr. & Mrs. Van Normand Mr. Alain Nshamamba Ms. Trena Null Dr. William A. Nutt Ms. Brenda O’Daniel Mr. William O’Guynn Ms. Kristen R. O’Keefe Oak Park Church of God Mr. Junior Ray Odell Ms. Marie Odom Mrs. Sally Oliveira Mrs. Barbara W. Oliver Ms. Jennie B. Osborne Mrs. Brenda C. Outlaw Mrs. Kimberly W. Overmeyer Ms. Shirley M. Overmier Ms. Malori J. Padgett Ms. Hannah Painter Ms. Melanie D. Painter Mr. Frank T. Panczyszyn, Jr. Mrs. Steve Panjic Ms. Hannah E. Parden Ms. Leslie Paredes Mr. Adam C. Parker Mrs. Carolyn A. Parker Mr. Craig Parker Mr. & Mrs. Allan Parks Ms. Lynn Parmer Ms. Bethany L. Parnell Mrs. Shirley L. Patrick Mr. Paul B. Patterson Mrs. Randi R. Patterson Mr. John V. Patton Mr. & Mrs. Kyle F. Patton Ms. Regena B. Payne Mr. William Casey Pearson Mrs. Wendy K. Pendry Ms. Sharli Pennington Ms. Kathleen Penton Ms. Holly L. Peppers Mr. & Mrs. Brian P. Person Peter’s Rock Temple Church of God in Christ Mr. Thomas J. Petoskey Ms. Cindy Phillips Ms. G. A. Phillips Ms. Grace E. Phillips Mrs. Jessica Odom Phillips Ms. Suzanne E. Phillips

88 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013

Ms. Deborah C. Pierce Pierrettes Mardi Gras Society, Room #11 Mr. Walter D. Pilot, III Ms. Amy Pipes Mrs. Charlene Pipkin Mr. Ryan L. Pippin Dr. Leon Pirkle Mrs. Ashley Crow Pittman Mr. Tyler Plumlee Mrs. Claudia D. Pluta Ms. Mary Jane Pointer Mr. Jonathan P. Polinkas Mrs. Wanda Pollard Mrs. Cynthia B. Pollitt Mrs. Mona L. Ponder Ms. Bonnie Pope Ms. Louise L. Pope Mrs. Patricia W. Pope Ms. Jessi L. Potter Mr. Charles R. Powell Mr. John H. Powell Ms. M. S. Powell Ms. Sara J. Power Mr. Henry Prentice Mr. Patrick T. Preston Ms. Beatrice B. Prewitt Prudential Cooper & Co., Inc. Mr. Jared L. Quidley Mr. Marion A. Quina, Jr. Mrs. Elaine B. Raby Miss Caryn S. Rainey Ms. Rebekah R. Ramer Ms. Susan M. Ramige Mrs. Lynne B. Randall Miss Teshay A. Rankins Mr. Kevin P. Rawls Rev. & Mrs. Allen M. Ray Ms. Tonia Ray Ms. Virginia A. Rayburn Mrs. Sonja V. Rea Redd Pest Control Company of Gulfport, Inc. Ms. Sabina L. Redding Ms. Sarah A. Redditt Mr. James Regg Ms. Afsaneh T. Regimand Ms. Linda L. Reimer Ms. Staci D. Reis Ms. Christine M. Rhinesmith Mr. Dale E. Rice, Jr. Mr. Larry J. Rich Ms. Rhonda Richburg Mrs. Jennie L. Riley Mr. Gregory F. Rippey Mr. William M. Roach

Ms. Jessica Robbins Mr. David M. Roberts Dr. Faye D. Roberts Ms. Jira Q. Roberts Ms. Madonna Roberts Mrs. Ardyth K. Robertson Ms. Martha A. Robertson Mrs. Audra G. Rogers Rev. Clyde D. Rogers Ms. Linda Roquemore Mr. Tyler Rounsaville Capt. John T. Rouse Ruby Tuesday Saraland Mr. Manny E. Ruiz Mr. W. E. Rush Mr. Walter N. Rush, Jr. Ms. Mary H. Rushmore Mrs. Ann F. Russell Ms. Robin K. Russell Mr. Vincent A. Russo Mr. Brantley L. Rutz S & N, LLC Dr. & Mrs. Mazen N. Sahawneh Mr. Judson G. Saiter Mr. William H. Saliba Ms. Betty H. Sanchez Ms. Bryley A. Sanders Mrs. Sheila A. Saucier Mr. Phil C. Savage, Sr. Mrs. Shelia C. Scarborough Ms. Cyndi Schaefer Ms. Merry Ann Schell Ms. Marilyn S. Schmacker Ms. Ina E. Schmidt Mr. David W. Schoch Mrs. Sue Schoonhoven Ms. Catherine L. Schubert Ms. Ailene W. Schulte Mrs. Miyoko Scoggin Ms. Patricia A. Scott Mr. Ashraf S. Selim Mr. Kenneth W. Sellers Mr. Reed Sellers Mr. Edwin R. Sells Mr. John K. Severn Mrs. Linda D. Sforzini Mr. Arvind Shakya Mr. Richard F. Sharpe Mr. Benjamin Shea Ms. Ashley Shelton Mr. & Mrs. Byron E. Sheppard Ms. Laine I. Sheppard Ms. Catharine C. Sherman Mr. & Mrs. John R. Shirley, Jr. Ms. Maria L. Shiyou Mr. Harold L. Shontz

Mrs. Dana R. Shrimplin Mr. Patrick G. Shubird Mr. Walter L. Shuler Mr. Alfred M. Sibley Mr. Jeff Sibley Mr. John Scott Silveira Ms. Susie Simmons Ms. Carol E. Simon Ms. Hayley Simpson Mr. Michael Sims Mrs. Wendy Sims Ms. Sandra P. Sinclair Ms. Karen L. Skinner Mr. Hunter Slaton Ms. Charlotte L. Slaughter Ms. Roberta F. Slay Mrs. Carol G. Slivka Mr. Basil C. Smith Mrs. Bessie P. Smith Mrs. Dawn P. Smith Mrs. Diane A. Smith Ms. Erin C. Smith Ms. Glenda D. Smith Ms. Juanita Smith Mrs. Mary Lou Smith Mrs. Pamela R. Smith Mr. Preston Colby Smith Ms. Renee’ Smith Smith Clay Silver Co., LLC Mr. & Mrs. Phillip A. Snodgrass, Jr. Something Special Deli, Inc. Mr. & Mrs. J. H. Sorrells Mr. Benjamin Tyler Sory Mrs. Mary Ann Sparenberg Ms. Lesa C. Spicer Ms. Traci A. Spiller Ms. Sarah Spires Ms. Beverly Springer Mr. Jack Sproles Ms. Deborah H. Stabler Mrs. Anne T. Stafford Mrs. Gayle C. Stasiak Mr. Dennis Stastka Mrs. Adele D. Steen Ms. Kathryn Steffanetta Mr. Matt Stein Mrs. Betsy Stephens Ms. Sonya Stephens Mr. William Keith Stephens Ms. Mary Steudle Mr. Charles Stevenson Mr. Clark Still Ms. Elissa R. Stillings Ms. Gloria E. Stimpson Mr. Michael Corey Stinger Ms. Jennifer Stinnett

Ms. Marion V. Stoltenberg Ms. Raven Stone Mrs. Terry W. Stutzman Ms. Lori M. Suggs Mrs. Ola R. Sullivan Ms. Emily L. Sumlin Ms. Cynthia Summersgill Mr. Dennis Sumrall Ms. Elizabeth A. Sutcliffe Ms. Rose M. Sutphin Mr. David C. Sutton Ms. Vonda S. Sutton Mr. & Mrs. Clay Swanzy Mr. & Mrs. Michael A. Szymanski T. E. Hughes & Associates, Inc., Int’l.

Mr. Sidney L. Tadlock Ms. Rashmi Tandukar Mrs. Debra H. Tanner Mr. Davie J. Taulbee, III Mr. Davie J. Taulbee, Sr. Dr. & Mrs. James C. Taylor, Jr. Mrs. Jarrell Taylor Ms. Pamela L. Taylor Ms. Patricia Templeton Mrs. Betty O. Thomas Ms. Denise Nicole Thomas Ms. Tanya Thomas Ms. Deanie W. Thompson Mr. Delos A. Thompson, Jr. Mrs. Lina Thompson Mr. Paul Carey Thompson Ms. Judith E. Thornton Ms. Allison W. Thurmond Ms. Elizabeth Tichenor Ms. Katie Rachel Tillman Mrs. Jessica F. Tims Mrs. Denise Tisdale Ms. Stephanie Tomita Mr. Todd O. Torgersen Mr. Troy M. Tortorich Ms. Kathryn Tovey Ms. Lori M. Towery Ms. Elizabeth Towey Ms. Judy G. Toy Mrs. Angela Tracy Ms. Amy E. Trammell Mrs. Martha Jane Trawick Ms. Phyllis S. Trawick Ms. Michelle R. Tredway Mr. & Mrs. Rick True Ms. Jamie Truitt Ms. Camille B. Turner Ms. Cecille K. Turner Mr. Josh Turner Mr. Matt M. Turner Mrs. Kimberly Turner-Williams

Mr. John C. Turpin Mr. Don W. Tuttle Mrs. Connie Uzel Mrs. Janet T. Valentim Ms. Marilyn Van Bemen Ms. Maureen Van Devender Ms. Hailey VanKeuren Mrs. Kris Vastbinder Mr. Timothy Cole Vaughan Ms. Rosemarie Vaughn Ms. Hannah Veazey Mr. Bob Velaski Ms. Amanda S. Vernon Ms. Rachel Vice Ms. Rebecca Leigh Vice Ms. Tracy Vice Mr. David L. Vinson Mr. Nicholas A. Vrakelos W. Jason Northcutt DMD, PC Ms. Ruth Walker Ms. Allison J. Walley Ms. Sandra S. Walley Ms. Kay R. Walsh Mrs. Renee Walsh Mr. Tim Walsh Mr. Charles C. Ward Ms. Donna C. Ward Dr. & Mrs. Claude Warren, III Ms. Gyzelle Warren Ms. Lynn Warren Mr. Michael Warren Ms. Shannon Waskom Ms. Beverly Watson Mrs. Juanita Goodman Watson Ms. O’Sheia T. Watson Ms. Jana Weaver Mr. Patrick E. Weaver Mr. J. Truett Webster, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Joseph S. Wehby Ms. Patricia M. Weldon Ms. Nicole M. Wells Ms. Pamela J. Wells Ms. Tomasina S. Werner Mr. Gary A. West, Sr. Mrs. Linda J. West Ms. Charlotte Westry Ms. Abigail B. Wetherington Ms. Grace Dean Whatley Ms. Elaine R. Whigham Ms. Meagher L. Whigham Mrs. Ann P. White Mr. Cody A. White Ms. Dorothy P. White Mrs. Susan H. Whitehead Mr. Ryan K. Whitfield Ms. Dedra D. Whittenberg

Mrs. Cheryl E. Wiggins Ms. Margaret S. Wiggins Ms. Patricia A. Wilcox Mr. Jack L. Wilderson Ms. Jackie Wiley Ms. Stacey L. Wilken Ms. Allie Wilkerson Mr. Connie G. Wilkerson Mrs. Donna K. Wilkins Wilkins Miller Hieronymus, LLC Ms. Denise Y. Williams Mrs. Donna M. Williams Ms. Janice Marie Williams Ms. Kimberly T. Williams Ms. Lynn C. Williams Ms. Margaret N. Williams Ms. Melanie W. Williams Ms. Melinda Rena Williams Ms. Shira B. Williams Mr. Julius C. Willie Mrs. Julia J. Wilson Ms. Karen Wilson Mr. & Mrs. Tallie Wilson, Jr. Mr. Clifton Winbush

Ms. TaQuisha Winbush Rev. S. Adrian Wingate Ms. L. S. Witbeck Ms. Ann C. Witt Mr. C. Wayne Wood Mr. Eugene Wood Mr. Harold B. Wood Mrs. Ferris E. Woodard Woodridge Baptist Church Ms. Betty Woodward Mr. Paul Woodyard Ms. Amy R. Wright Ms. Elizabeth L. Wright Mr. & Mrs. Wilton Wright Ms. Carol J. Wrinn Mr. Matthew Wyse Mrs. Gail B. Yance Ms. Donna S. Yawn Mr. Bryan K. Yeager Mr. Michael S. Young Ms. Shelia Young Mr. Victor Zaki Mr. Claude W. Zerby

Campus Closeup Answers: 1. “I Am The Vine” Cross Sculpture near Ram Hall 2. Stained Glass Window in Martin Hall 3. UMobile clock located along the path on the north side of Weaver Hall 4. Oakdale Education Building Mural

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University of Mobile Office of Institutional Advancement

Brian Boyle Vice President for Institutional Advancement 251.442.2497 bboyle@umobile.edu

Claude Bumpers Development Officer for Business and Government Relations 251.442.2587 cbumpers@umobile.edu

Bill Hart Senior Development Officer, Charitable Estate Planning 251.442.2223 bhart@umobile.edu

Hali Givens Director of Development for Special Projects 251.442.2212 hgivens@umobile.edu

Tonya Gollotte Director of Annual Giving 251.442.2917 tgollotte@umobile.edu

Allison Nelson Director of Alumni Relations 251.442.2945 anelson@umobile.edu

Robert Bartlett Development Officer for Community and Foundation Relations 251.442.2286 rbartlett@umobile.edu

90 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013

A Word from Advancement

“My, How This Place Has Grown!”

I hear it all the time. I hear it from old friends who have come back to visit after spending many years away. I hear it from more recent graduates who’ve returned to visit the place they called home during their college years. But regardless of who says it, the sentiment remains the same: pride in their Alma Mater. It’s simply hard to believe how much our “little campus in the woods” has grown.

Have you been back for a visit lately? If not, let me encourage you to do so. With so many new things to see on campus (the J.C. Romero Hitting Facility, the Bedsole Commons, the Tom Cherry Jazz Room, the Baseball Fieldhouse, the Dr. B Choral Hall, The Timbers student housing complex, and facelifts for many of the older buildings), along with some of the same familiar faces that you’ll remember, coming back to UMobile for a visit will give you that same sense of pride. Come home, and see how the University of Mobile has grown.

Brian Boyle Class of ‘94

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5735 College Parkway Mobile, Alabama 36613

92 University of Mobile Magazine | SPRING 2013