ACU Today Winter-Spring 2016

A CU T ODAY

Winter-Spring 2016

A bilene Chr isti a n Uni v er sit y

Songbird

Jeannette Lipford’s career as voice coach comes full circle and helps Mary Poppins soar at Homecoming

Holy Lands / Biblical Scholarship



Alumni Awards



Wildcat Stadium



Dr. Jack White



ElderLink

From thePRESIDENT

ACU Today is published twice a year by the Office of University Marketing at Abilene Christian University, Abilene, Texas.

STAFF

T

wice a year, the Texas Supreme Court hits the road, most often to visit an esteemed law school so the public has an opportunity

PAUL WHITE

to sit in on proceedings typically held in a building on the state Capitol grounds in Austin.

Boyd and Schubert It was a high honor for ACU’s Hunter Welcome Center to be the host site for oral arguments in two cases in mid-November, and a homecoming on two fronts. Jeffrey S. Boyd (’83), one of nine justices on the court, was proud to show off his alma mater to colleagues. It also was fitting for the court to learn more about the legendary Jack Pope (’34), who was among the longest-serving justices in Texas history.

“ACU rolled out the purple carpet,” as Justice Jeffrey Brown described our hospitality, which included displays with fascinating artifacts from Pope’s life and legal career. ACU’s legacy in producing public servants is second to none, and our Pope Fellow Program bears the name of one of the most important and brilliant jurists Texas has ever known.

The health of Judge Pope, age 102, did not allow him to be present with us this fall. But if had been able to attend, he would be thrilled to revisit one of the three defining influences of his life, as he described them in 2005 for the university’s Centennial: “My faith, my precious wife, my Abilene Christian education.”

“ACU made me,” Pope went on to say about a university to which he felt he owed a great debt. He donated his professional papers to Brown Library and sold his historic family ranch so proceeds would benefit ACU and “give them enough money to help others get the same education I did.”

This fall, Pope would have seen one of our biggest freshman classes in years with record ethnic diversity, new degree programs being created, and construction work on three new science buildings. He would have heard about the growth of online graduate programs through ACU Dallas and our first team championship since returning to the Southland Conference and NCAA Division I membership.

He would have found an Abilene Christian where all students are welcome, where faculty and staff build quality interpersonal relationships with students from around the globe, where we prepare graduates to make a real difference in the world, and where we celebrate alumni who model lives of selfless servant-leadership.

You’ll read about all that – and more – in this issue of ACU Today.

I am thankful for your continued investment in our Vision in Action projects to construct academic buildings and stadiums that are changing the face of ACU and helping us build community among people of faith who share Justice Boyd’s and Justice Pope’s enthusiasm and gratitude.

Your generosity – in dollars and students – empowers our work and makes our mission possible.

DR. PHIL SCHUBERT (’91), President The mission of ACU is to educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world.

Editor and Graphic Designer: Ron Hadfield (’79) Assistant Editor: Robin (Ward ’82) Saylor Associate Editor: Katie (Noah ’06) Gibson Sports Editor: Lance Fleming (’92) Contributing Writers This Issue: Paul A. Anthony (’04), Grant Boone (’91), Isabel Brindle, Sarah Carlson (’06), Judy Chambers, Katie (Noah ’06) Gibson, Rendi (Young ’83) Hahn, Dr. Mark Hamilton (’90 M.Div.), Kari Hatfield, Chris Macaluso, Deana (Hamby ’93) Nall, Adam Nettina (M.A. ’17) Contributing Photographers This Issue: Josh Barrett, Shawn Best, Brian Blaylock, Jonathan Bloom, Steve Butman, Richard Carson, Lindsey (Hoskins ’03) Cotton, Jeremy Enlow, Gerald Ewing, Jason Flynn, Lisa Helfert, Rachael Hubbard, Jason Jones, Jeremiah Karr, Sean Kilpatrick, David Leeson (’78), Kim Leeson, G. Newman Lowrance Antony Matula, Carissa Martus (’07), Clark Potts (’53), Gary Rhodes (’07), Debbie Riggs, Dr. Nil Santana (M.A. ’00), Kevin Tavares, The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, U-M Photography, Paul White (’68), Dr. Steven Ward (’92), Tim Yates, Rick Yeatts Contributing Graphic Designers / Illustrators This Issue: Greg Golden (’87), Bobby Gombert (’93), Nancy Halliday, Holly Harrell, Todd Mullins, Amy Willis Proofreaders: Paul A. Anthony (’04), Vicki Britten, Amber (Gilbert ’99) Bunton, Rendi (Young ’83) Hahn, Scott Kilmer (’01), Bettye (McKinzie ’48) Shipp

ADVISORY COMMITTEE Administration: Suzanne Allmon (’79), Dr. Gary D. McCaleb (’64), Dr. Robert Rhodes Advancement: Jim Orr, J.D. (’86); Billie Currey, J.D. (’70), Sarah Carlson (’06) Alumni Relations: Craig Fisher (’92), Jama (Fry ’97) Cadle, Samantha (Bickett ’01) Adkins Marketing: Jason Groves (’00) Student Life: Chris Riley, J.D. (’00), Prentice Ashford (’13) Ex-officio: Dr. Phil Schubert (’91)

CORRESPONDENCE ACU Today: hadfieldr@acu.edu ACU Alumni Association: alumni@acu.edu Record Changes: ACU Box 29132, Abilene, Texas 79699-9132, 325-674-2620

ON THE WEB Abilene Christian University: acu.edu ACU Today Blog: acu.edu/acutoday Address changes: acu.edu/alumni/whatsnew/update.html ACU Advancement Office (Exceptional Fund, Gift Records): acu.edu/give ACU Alumni Website: acu.edu/alumni Find Us on Facebook: facebook.com/abilenechristian facebook.com/acusports Follow Us on Twitter: twitter.com/acuedu twitter.com/acusports Follow Us on Instagram: instagram.com/acuedu

ThisISSUE

2 Horizons 8 Holy Lands / Biblical Research at ACU 16 Mitchell Headlines Alumni Award Winners 22 Vision in Action Update 28 2015 Outlive Your Live Award: Jack White 34 Flock Management: ElderLink

A house sparrow rests on the wing tip of a bronze angel at the Jacob’s Dream sculpture site. (Photograph by Rendi Hahn)

ON THE COVER

Jeannette (Scruggs ’50) Lipford’s portrayal of the Bird Woman in Mary Poppins, the 2015 Homecoming Musical, brought the house down for audiences in the Abilene Civic Center. See story on page 80.

(Photograph by Paul White)

32 ACU 101 38 #ACU 40 The Bookcase 42 Hilltop View 46 Academic News 50 Campus News 54 Wildcat Sports 59 Your Gifts at Work 60 EXperiences 80 Second Glance

OUR PROMISE

ACU is a vibrant, innovative, Christ-centered community that engages students in authentic spiritual and intellectual growth, equipping them to make a real difference in the world

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

1

G. NEWMAN LOWRANCE

2

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

HORI Z ONS ACU’s NFL pedigree on display in late-season game Four Wildcats were on the same field when Cleveland traveled to Kansas City to play a Dec. 27, 2015, game in Arrowhead Stadium, where Browns wide receiver Taylor Gabriel (’14), running back Daryl Richardson (’14) and running backs coach Wilbert Montgomery (’78) visited running back Charcandrick West (’14) in a game between the AFC rivals.

West helped the resurgent Chiefs to the playoffs, leading the team in rushing after an injury early in the season to Jamaal Charles.

Wildcat football greats Richardson, Gabriel, West and Montgomery pause for a portrait following a Chiefs-Browns game in Kansas City.

G. NEWMAN LOWRANCE

West

G. NEWMAN LOWRANCE

G. NEWMAN LOWRANCE

Gabriel and Montgomery

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

3

HORI Z ONS Handing down history, from one legend to another

STEVE BUTMAN

One of the most poignant moments of the April 10, 2015, dedication of new Elmer Gray Stadium was a ceremonial baton relay reuniting notable coaches and student-athletes who have represented the Wildcats in track and field. The only media representative honored was Bill F. Hart (’52), the Texas sportswriting icon who for years chronicled athletics at his alma mater for the Abilene Reporter-News.

Steadied by his wife, Linda, Bill stood and handed the baton to 11-time world-record-holder and 1988 Olympic pole vaulter Billy Olson (’78), whom Hart wrote about many times during a career spanning five decades for Texas newspapers in Abilene, San Angelo, Lubbock and Temple. Both men are members of the ACU Sports Hall of Fame and Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame.

Hart died at age 83, 12 days after the Gray Stadium ceremony.

See his obituary on page 78.

4

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

5

6

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

HORI Z ONS Wildcat Week welcomes freshmen to campus Sporting a new name and a new format, Wildcat Week – previously known as Welcome Week – is still a fun and sacred time for new students at ACU to get to know each other and their university. The Office of Student Life organizes Wildcat Week, which allows students to “build friendships with future classmates while experiencing the traditions of ACU, learning what it truly means to be a Wildcat,” according to acu.edu/wildcat-week. Students enjoyed some traditional activities, such as intramural football and volleyball, but also ventured downtown to watch a movie at the historic Paramount Theatre and enjoy a street party, among other experiences from Tuesday through Saturday of the week before classes began Aug. 24, 2015.

PAUL WHITE

Dr. Richard Beck (’89), professor and chair of psychology, spoke to freshmen at the Candlelight Devotional in Beauchamp Amphitheatre on Tuesday night (Aug. 18, 2015) of Wildcat Week.

PAUL WHITE

The city of Abilene closed Cypress Street downtown for the Class of 2019 to enjoy a party catered by food trucks.

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

7

H LY For ACU biblical scholars like Dr. Mark Hamilton, stepping back in time is the key to better understanding God’s plans for our future

LANDS STORY BY PAUL A . A N T HON Y

PHOTO GR A PH Y BY JON AT H A N BLO OM

8

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

DS

See Bonus Coverage at acu.edu/acutoday Dr. Mark Hamilton pauses while exploring Old Jerusalem in Fall 2014 during his semester of research at the Albright Institute.

D

r. Mark Hamilton’s life could be described as a series of choices few others would have made.

As a 7-year-old, he pored over his mother’s

old history textbooks from college.

As an Abilene Christian University graduate student studying abroad in Jerusalem, he and a classmate, Samjung Kang, had their first date at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

And on the way back to their group’s hotel, passing the Albright Institute of Archaeological Research, he turned to her and said that he hoped one day to come back and study there.

“I guess we have an unusual story,” Hamilton (’90 M.Div.) says now, reflecting on more than 25 years as an Old Testament scholar and the husband of Dr. Samjung Kang-Hamilton (’88 M.R.E.). “I’ve lived in it so long, I don’t really think of it as unusual.”

Last year, Hamilton’s journey to nearly opposite sides of the globe on a two-semester sabbatical – Jerusalem in the fall and Seoul in the spring – was another chapter in a life of scholarship that has influenced numerous ACU Bible, theology and divinity students.

And it was the fulfillment of a dream born as an ACU graduate student and expressed to his future

wife as they walked the streets of Jerusalem in 1987 – that he might someday be invited to study at the Albright Institute, one of the world’s most famous and important places for research on the Ancient Near East.

As the institute’s Seymour Gitin Professor, Hamilton in Fall 2014 continued his ongoing research on the concept of kingship in ancient Israel and Judah. He wrote his Harvard University Ph.D. dissertation on the subject and is returning to it in an upcoming book.

The Albright Institute, founded as the American School of Oriental Research in 1900, is named for the famed archaeologist and biblical scholar William F. Albright.

It played a significant role in uncovering the Dead Sea Scrolls in the early 1950s and each year sponsors about 20 visiting Fellows from around the world whose studies involve the history of the Ancient Near East, whether that be history, archaeology or biblical studies.

While there, they have access to AIAR’s library, as well as significant historical and literary collections from nearby sites, including a Dominican monastery whose library Hamilton said he found particularly useful.

“I guess to some people it sounds very boring, sitting around in the library all day,” Hamilton said, “but to me it was really a godsend to be ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

9

Humble

During the course of his 26-year career doing biblical research and traveling to the Middle East, professor emeritus of Bible Dr. Bill J. Humble (’48) collected ancient oil lamps dating back to 440 B.C. Humble (pictured above) donated to the university his impressive collection, which fills two large display cases in the Hall of Servants of the Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building, where Humble taught in the College of Biblical Studies.

“

Every sentence that came out of his mouth was a sound bite I took to heart.”

– DR. ROB HOMSHER, ON THE INFLUENCE OF HIS ACU PROFESSOR, DR. MARK HAMILTON

JEREMY ENLOW

10

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

able to be there to think and work.”

Library work was only a part of the trip, however. The visiting Fellows received guided tours of major archaeological excavations such as Tel-Megiddo, the famed Armageddon of Revelation and, because it sits at a major crossroads, the site of major battles for centuries – from Pharaoh Thutmose III’s campaign against the Hittites in the 15th century BCE to the Allied offensive against the Ottomans in 1918.

Standing on the mound, atop thousands of years of buried history, Hamilton could see in the distance Nazareth, where Jesus was raised. Nearby were unearthed stables that may have belonged to Solomon or Ahab, two legendary kings of ancient Israel.

Another tour took the Fellows to Lachish, the second-largest city in ancient Judah and the site of a brutal Assyrian siege in the empire’s ultimately aborted attempt to overthrow Jerusalem.

Recent excavations have unearthed royal architecture from the Judaic monarchy, with implications that Hamilton said he has included in his forthcoming book.

“I’ve really been more interested in Israelite political thoughts and religion, and how those interact,” he said, “and how those changed over time.”

The fellowship was something of a homecoming for Hamilton. In 1987, in the process of earning two master’s degrees from ACU, the Arkansas native and Freed-Hardeman University graduate was one of 15 students to spend a semester in Jerusalem as part of a study abroad program led by Dr. Wendell (’45) and Betty (Billingsley ’45) Broom.

Among his classmates on the trip was Kang, an Oklahoma Christian graduate from the tiny Korean island of Jeju. The couple got to know each other, and eventually Hamilton asked Kang on a date. He took her to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built over the place where church tradition holds Jesus was buried. Then they got some pizza.

They were married in 1989, shortly before moving to New

ministry at Abilene Christian.

The couple moved to Abilene in 2000, when Hamilton joined the faculty in ACU’s College of Biblical Studies. Since then, he’s become “a world-class scholar, who also is a devoted churchman and an excellent teacher,” said Dr. Ken Cukrowski (’84), dean of the college.

Along the way, Hamilton has influenced students to dive deeper into the same historical world that

The Hamiltons revisited in 2015 the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the hallowed site of some of Jesus’ most important moments on earth – and their first date.

England for ministry and doctoral work, first she at Columbia University, then he at Harvard University.

“We honeymooned, finished class, graduated and moved to Connecticut, all in August,” Hamilton recalled.

“Then Samjung started her doctoral program at Columbia. Nobody told us it was a bad idea, so we did it.”

Kang-Hamilton now has two doctorates from Columbia and is an adjunct professor of religious education and children’s

fascinated him from his earliest memories – the world that produced the Bible.

Dr. Rob Homsher (’03) said Hamilton is a key reason why he became a scholar whose work is helping to reshape assumptions about how Canaanite civilization developed in the centuries before the arrival of the Israelites in the historical record.

“Every sentence that came out of his mouth was a sound bite I took to heart,” Homsher said,

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

11

scholarship at

I

n the Hall of Servants, which runs down the middle of the Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building, stand several columns of bricks rescued from the wreckage of the original Administration Building from ACU’s original North First Street campus.

On one of the bricks is a plaque dedicated “to Bible faculty past, present and future.”

“The first time I saw that, that really stuck to me,” said Dr. Mark Hamilton (’90 M.Div.). “As faculty in the College of Biblical Studies, we have a tremendous opportunity, we have a tremendous calling, we have a tremendous responsibility to serve as scholars and teachers and church people. It’s sobering but it’s also exciting.”

For nearly 110 years, ACU’s Bible faculty have sought to bring together academic scholarship and ministry, forging a single discipline where many see a stark divide.

In the 1920s, president Jesse P. Sewell brought George Klingman to campus to serve as head of the Bible program and tasked him with setting up the first graduate program in Bible among colleges affiliated with Churches of Christ.

In short order, Klingman brought in William Webb Freeman, one of the most learned people in the Stone-Campbell Movement. The initiative was short-lived, ended by financial difficulties and the distrust many in Churches of Christ had at the time for biblical scholarship.

Nevertheless, the pattern was set. After World War II, as ACU

12

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

exploded in growth, so too did the Bible department, under the leadership of Charles Roberson and his student and successor, Dr. Paul Southern (’30). Rather than shying away from the latest scholarship, Roberson engaged it – and encouraged his students to do likewise. As a result, Southern in 1948 became the second ACU professor to earn a doctorate, followed in short order by fellow Bible faculty Drs. Frank Pack, JW Roberts (’42), Woodrow Wilson, J.D. Thomas (’43) and LeMoine Lewis (’36).

This generation of Bible faculty laid the groundwork for some of the most well-known biblical scholars the university has ever produced.

Lewis’ influence was especially notable, according to an academic history of the college written by Dr. James Thompson (’64), professor emeritus of New

Testament and scholar-in-residence.

The Harvard graduate and beloved church history professor encouraged his students to follow him to the elite divinity school, and several did, including Drs. Everett Ferguson (’53) and Abraham Malherbe (’54).

Ferguson returned to his alma mater in 1962, and throughout a more than 40-year career has become an internationally renowned church historian recognized for his work in translating Gregory of Nyssa’s Life of Moses, who served as president of the North American Patristics Society, and published more than a dozen books. He also served as editor of the 18-volume Studies in Early Christianity and the Encyclopedia of Early Christianity.

Ferguson wrote his Life of Moses translation in 1974 with classmate and former ACU George Klingman, founding Bible department dean at ACU in 1906-08 and again in 1917-23, was no stranger to exploring the Middle East.

ACU Bible faculty in 1965, pictured in front of Hardin Administration Building, included some of the Stone-Campbell Movement’s most noted biblical scholars and authors. Altogether, the men in this group photo also had preached for 606 years.

colleague Malherbe, who became a world-renowned scholar of the New Testament, especially the letters of Paul, after he left ACU for Dartmouth College in 1969 and ended up at Yale University shortly after. While still a graduate student at Harvard, Malherbe in 1957 co-founded Restoration Quarterly, the first academic journal to explicitly serve Churches of Christ.

The 1950s also produced future ACU faculty members and scholars Drs. John Willis (’55) and Dr. Tony Ash (’59 M.A.), Willis joined in the faculty ranks by Dr. Thomas Olbricht. With Ferguson and Malherbe, this group of professors from the 1960s and early 1970s influenced numerous scholars and ministers, said Thompson, himself a protege of Malherbe.

“In my opinion, the 1960s were the glory days of ACU biblical scholarship,” said Thompson, who retired in 2014 as the Onstead Chair for Biblical Studies and is a recognized authority on the ethics of Paul.

Along with Ferguson, Willis became ACU’s most notable scholar after Malherbe’s departure, publishing prolifically on the Old Testament throughout his career, which is in its 45th year.

In recent decades, under the leadership of its deans Dr. Ian Fair (’68) and Dr. Jack Reese (’73) – and now Dr. Ken Cukrowski (’84), who studied under Malherbe at Yale – the College of Biblical Studies

has again produced a plethora of faculty members who are recognized as significant scholars in their fields. Among them: • Dr. Doug Foster, professor of church history and director of the Center for Restoration Studies, has long been recognized as one of the leading voices of the Stone-Campbell Movement, representing Churches of Christ around the globe at interfaith gatherings, and co-editing the Encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell Movement and The Stone-Campbell Movement: A Global History. He began teaching at ACU in 1991.

• Dr. Jeff Childers (’89), Carmichael-Walling Chair for New Testament and Early Christianity, is one of only a handful of Syriac scholars in the world, publishing English translations of the four Thompson, Childers gospels as preserved in the ancient Middle Eastern language. He joined the faculty in 1996.

• Dr. Fred Aquino (’89), professor of theology, is a philosopher and theologian who has co-edited the Oxford Handbook on Epistemology of Theology and written several works on the Catholic theologian John Henry Newman since joining ACU in 1998.

• Dr. James Thompson, who is editor of Restoration Quarterly

and author of numerous books and commentaries. His The Church According to Paul was named 2015 Book of the Year by the Academy of Parish Clergy.

Newer faculty members hired in the past 10 years include Dr. Vic McCracken (’99 M.Div.), assistant professor of theology and ethics, who recently edited the book Christian Faith and Social Justice: Five Views; and Dr. Curt Niccum (’92 M.Div.), a textual research specialist who has edited a portion of the Dead Sea Scrolls and contributed to the International Project of the Text of Acts.

Hamilton, meanwhile, in 2009 took the lead in publishing a massive one-volume commentary on the Bible. The Transforming Word runs more than 1,100 pages, with entries from 52 contributors compiled during seven years of work.

“It was a huge job,” Hamilton said. “If I had known everything in the beginning that I knew at the end, I wouldn’t have done it. You hope it’s of use to people, and that people find value in it.”

As an unapologetically academic work that nevertheless seeks to be “a source of healing for all who read the Bible,” The Transforming Word was written by men and women whose “interest in the Bible ... connects to an active faith.”

In that way, it perhaps serves as a testament to the decades of scholarship and ministry that led to its creation.

“You see a high level of commitment” in the College of Biblical Studies, Hamilton said.

“People who could be doing this somewhere else are doing it here because they believe in the mission.”



ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

13

ADAM PRINS

adding that early in his college career, Hamilton had forwarded an email describing an opportunity to participate in an excavation at Tel-Megiddo the next summer.

“That was a major life-changing experience for me that would not have occurred if not for him.”

As an ACU-connected scholar doing research in the Middle East, Homsher follows not just in Hamilton’s footsteps but in those of Dr. John Willis (’55), the renowned ACU professor of Old Testament who has frequently visited Israel.

As his career has developed, Homsher has begun showing how the mud bricks used in ancient construction and excavated today can help shed light on technological advances in a society. Although archaeologists for generations had thought ancient Canaanite culture grew more sophisticated because of ideas exported from the north, Homsher’s research has joined others’ in calling that assumption into question and arguing the process may have been gradual and internal instead.

Now as a faculty member himself – serving as college Fellow in the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations at Harvard – Homsher said he seeks to connect the ancient with the living.

“Nothing is new,” he said. “None of our 21st-century problems are new to us. They are in a way, but we’ve always faced environmental changes.

We’ve always asked questions about what is just. People have always discussed science and religion.”

In much the same way, Hamilton

Homsher

and Kang-Hamilton have sought to make the often-difficult questions surrounding biblical studies and theology easier to grasp for their students.

it’s Bible “orWhether church history or

concepts in concrete situations.

“He talks about dead people,” Kang-Hamilton said with a laugh, “and I talk about living people.”

They had time to reflect on their partnership in Jerusalem last fall, while Hamilton studied at the Albright Institute. Kang-Hamilton joined him for a portion of the time – including their 25th anniversary, which they spent revisiting the site of their first date.

Together they sat at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, reflecting on their journey together.

“That was the beginning of our commitment,” she said. “After 25 years, we came back with gratitude.”

With the end of the semester, the couple spent a month in Abilene before flying out again, this time to Seoul, where she taught classes at Korea Christian University and he did the same at three Seoul-area colleges.

The contrast was stark. Jerusalem’s tension was replaced

by Seoul’s bustle.

From months of quiet study and reflection at the Albright Institute, the couple was thrust into the packed subways of a 25-million-strong metropolis.

Often, Hamilton and Kang-Hamilton taught students from elsewhere in Asia, future ministers who upon graduation would return to refugee camps and communities of deep poverty. The experience, Hamilton said, struck home the point that theology and ministry cannot be separated.

“Doing ministry and doing theology is not just the work of the privileged,” he said. “It’s the work that really matters for suffering people.”

whatever the field is, we’re trying to serve God with our minds and our hearts, so we can serve better with our hands and our feet.”

14

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

– DR. MARK HAMILTON

Each May, they team-teach a class called Teaching Scripture in Contemporary Contexts – a subject born of discussions in their living room about the need for ministry students to be able to apply academic

That sort of holistic approach is what drew them to ACU in the first place, he said.

“The reason we do scholarship is because we’re people of faith seeking greater understanding,” he said.

“Whether it’s Bible or church history or whatever the field is, we’re trying to serve God with our minds and our hearts, so we can serve better with our hands and our feet. Scholarship and service are all of a piece. There’s no conflict between them.”

After spending the better part of nine months on the other side of the globe, Hamilton and Kang-Hamilton returned to Abilene in June.

For the boy who loved learning about other cultures so much that he pulled his mother’s history textbooks off the shelves, for the student who told his girlfriend on a date that

he wanted to study at the Albright Institute for Archaeological Research, for the professor who stands on a hill in the middle of a valley and imagines the chariots of Thutmose III overrunning their Hittite foe, it was the experience of a lifetime.

“I guess I was a pretty nerdy second-grader,” he says with characteristic understatement.

“I’ve never outgrown that.”

One of the current research projects of Dr. Curt Niccum (’92 M.Div.) is an assessment of an Ethiopic version of the Novum Testamentum Graece Editio Critica Maior – one of two rare prayer books from the 1600s (seen below) donated to Brown Library’s Milliken Special Collections by Nelson Coates (’84). They are written in Ge’ez, an ancient priestly language.



JEREMY ENLOW

See Bonus Coverage at acu.edu/acutoday

Dr. Mark Hamilton retraces steps of ancient people at the Byzantine-era Negev city of Avdat, an archeological site in the desert south of Jerusalem. The movie Jesus Christ Superstar was largely filmed there in 1972 and it was declared a World Heritage Site

by UNESCO in 2005.

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

15

S T OR Y BY DR . M A R K H A M I LT ON PHOTO GR A PH Y BY JON AT H A N BLO OM

A

utobiography is a tricky business, especially for professors. Not many car chases or scaling of mountains for those of us who teach Old Testament history. Creating space for careful thought requires the cultivation of routine,

and routine is the bitter enemy of exciting autobiography.

Fall 2014 was a welcome change of pace for me, as Paul Anthony describes so well in the printed edition of ACU Today. I served as the Seymour Gitin Professor at the Albright Institute for Archaeological Research (aiar.org) in East Jerusalem.

Sy Gitin was the longtime director of the Albright and one of

BC 1

Winter-Spring 2016

î‚ś

ACU TODAY

the most illustrious archaeologists of the past generation, known especially for his excavations at Ekron, the northernmost city of the Philistines. It was an honor to receive a senior fellowship bearing his name.

The Albright Institute, in turn, is named for the great Syro-Palestinian archaeologist William F. Albright, whose influence has been felt far and wide for many decades.

It was a tremendous privilege.

What does the holder of a fellowship at a research institute like the Albright do for four-and-a-half months?

I lived at the Albright Institute, which is just a couple of hundred yards north of the wall of the Old City of Jerusalem.

The current massive walls of Jerusalem were built by Suleiman

BONU S C OV E R AGE

Dr. Mark Hamilton walks across the ruins at Avdat, a Byzantine-era city in the Negev, a desert area south of Jerusalem.

ACU TODAY

î‚ś

Winter-Spring 2016

BC 2

the Magnificent in the early 1500s, but it’s still possible to see at their base portions of earlier ramparts built back through the centuries to Herod the Great and even, in a few places, the Hasmoneans of the second century B.C. The space within the wall is a jigsaw puzzle of buildings old and new, with streets often near where the Romans put them centuries ago.

The new city extends for many miles in every direction, but in our neighborhood, one could still see glimpses of what Jerusalem was like a few centuries ago.

In our research center, several Albright Fellows lived in dormitorylike conditions – private rooms with a bathroom down the hall – a situation conducive for work as well as building new friendships.

These fine colleagues, men and women, came from the U.S., Britain, Hungary, China and Malaysia, and universities such as Wesleyan, Johns Hopkins, Chicago, Harvard, Miami (Ohio), British School in Athens, and Northeast Normal University in Jilin, China.

They worked on projects ranging from Mycenaean pottery to Iron Age Israelite seals to Middle Kingdom Egyptian texts. Each day, we discussed our work and other interests. Each semester the Albright represents a great community of young and not-soyoung scholars – from those writing Ph.D. dissertations to more senior scholars – who genuinely enjoyed each other’s company and learned from each other.

My objective was to write and read, all day, every day. The Albright has a fine library of its own, particularly for the archaeology of Palestine/Israel, but three blocks away is Ecole Biblique et archaeologique française (ebaf.edu), one of the half-dozen best theological libraries in the world, a Dominican house of study BC 3

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

renowned for its scholarship.

My project is a book I’m writing on the idea of God as king. It’s a theme I’ve been working on for several years and hope to finish in the next year or so.

This topic has fascinated me for a long time because it is so central to the teachings of the Bible. God’s kingship is rooted in a story of defending the weak from the strong. It centers around Zion, a place emanating complex ideas. And its story is performed in worship as well as other aspects of life. Many biblical texts address this theme. What’s more, the idea of God’s kingship has a curious interplay with ideas of human kingship, and thus human power and the accumulation and use of power. As the Bible developed over time, the close connection between human and divine kingship, which was taken for granted throughout all ancient Near Eastern cultures, became more loose and conditional.

Eventually, the tradition simply turned the human king into a divine one: the messiah.

That long, complex history is the basis of my book.

I also had many wonderful opportunities to tour. This was an exciting thing to do because all of the Albright Fellows are scholars and most are archaeologists (with a few of us biblical people thrown in to liven things up!). We had the privilege of touring ongoing excavations usually led by each site’s primary excavator or his or her most senior assistant. This is not a run-of-the-mill, touristy sort of excursion.

During these trips we examined the current and past digs at Lachish, Megiddo, Shechem, Ashkelon and Ashdod, among very famous sites. Some less famous but still interesting places were the Nabataean sites of Mamshit and Avdat in the south. The Nabataeans

Dr. Mark Hamilton stands on the wall of the Old City of Jerusalem, looking south from the Jewish Quarter.

ACU TODAY

î‚ś

Winter-Spring 2016

BC 4

BC 5

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

Dr. Mark Hamilton tours a Byzantine church in Mamshit, in the southern Negev.

were an Arab tribe that controlled much of southern Israel and northern Arabia until the Romans annexed their kingdom in the second century A.D. Their king, Aretas, is mentioned in 2 Corinthians 11:32.

Perhaps the most instructive tours were ongoing digs around Jerusalem itself, particularly in the City of David just south of the current city walls. Excavations there have found more than a dozen layers of the city, from the Turks back to the Canaanites. For example, some of these recent excavations have shown the importance of the city during the Davidic monarchy, when 21 consecutive kings, from David to Zedekiah, reigned over the House of Judah for about 400 years.

This fascinating semester reminded me that the work of scholars is something that happens in community. A given individual can be an expert on a very small set of things, but he or she will need to learn about other things from other people. No one gets to be an island. All of us depend on a much wider community of people who are interested in our work.

Scholarship serves several publics, not just the guild of people who learn all the same languages and historical evidence, but a much larger group of people who benefit from their work. There are many roles to play.

As a professor of Bible, I am grateful to be part of a community of professors, students, alumni and friends who care about the Bible in its original settings and all the others in which it has brought life to people through the centuries.

Who needs car chases and mountain peaks when you can have that? î‚ś

Hamilton is ACU’s Robert and Kay Onstead Professor of Old Testament.

ACU TODAY

î‚ś

Winter-Spring 2016

BC 6

BC 7

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

Dr. Mark Hamilton explores a Byzantine-era building in the Negev city of Avdat.

BELOW The view from inside a tomb in Avdat.

ACU TODAY

î‚ś

Winter-Spring 2016

BC 8

Many of Dr. Mark Hamilton’s hours were devoted to reading and writing in the Albright Institute’s library.

BC 9

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

BC 1 0

BC 1 1

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

The Hamiltons walk along the Via Dolorosa in the Old City of Jerusalem.

ACU TODAY

î‚ś

Winter-Spring 2016

BC 1 2

EliseMitchell

2 0 1 5 OU TSTA N DI N G A LUMN A OF TH E YE A R

JEREMIAH KARR

By Deana Nall

ACU trustee Elise (Smith ’83) Mitchell is a motorcycle enthusiast who enjoys the open road.

16

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

Outstanding Alumnus of the Year

Provides timely recognition of the lifetime achievement of an individual who has brought honor to ACU through personal and professional excellence and service to the university, the church or the community.

Young Alumnus of the Year

Recognizes professional achievement and/or distinguished service to the university. To be eligible, a recipient must not have reached 40 years of age at the time of nomination.

Distinguished Alumni Citation

Recognizes distinctive personal or professional achievement that has merited the honor and praise of peers and colleagues.

networks are established. Success is redefined. People are touched, encouraged and celebrated. Leadership stories are written. Basically, if you’re going to be part of Mitchell’s vision, hang on. It’s going to be one amazing ride.

Mitchell’s own leadership story is something instilled in her from birth, cultivated during her time as a student at ACU and lived out in her work at her award-winning company. She continues to write it every day.

“I believe leaders are given opportunities to make things happen and do good for others,” Mitchell said.

“We’re in that position all the time.

I want my leadership legacy to be one that reflects God’s blessings and love for others.”

Mitchell started Mitchell Communications Group – a public relations agency based in Fayetteville, Ark. – in 1995, and the company’s client list soon grew to include the corporate giants headquartered in northwest Arkansas: Walmart, J.B. Hunt and Tyson Foods. Others, such as Procter & Gamble, Sam’s Club and Hilton Hotels, eventually came on board as clients. As the company grew, Mitchell expanded its offices into New York and Chicago. Today, Mitchell Communications Group is known as a leading force within the public relations field.

The agency was named 2011 Small PR Agency of the Year in the PRWeek annual awards program, and in 2013, Mitchell was selected PR Professional of the Year in the same competition. Most recently, the company became part of Dentsu Aegis Network, a global organization functioning in 124 countries that helps clients establish consumer relationships through marketing and communications strategies. Mitchell is currently working to build a PR capability for Dentsu Aegis.

Although typical days don’t really exist for Mitchell, she can be found in one of her company’s offices in Fayetteville, New York or Chicago. As she works with teams on client business or plans, strategies and future-oriented activities on behalf of the agency, a list of questions stays at the forefront of her thoughts: Where are we growing next? Where is the market headed? Which trends are on the horizon? With an eye out for other PR agencies the company could buy and add to its portfolio, Mitchell also interacts with other CEOs from within the Dentsu Aegis Network.

“I like to stay close to other leaders and figure out ways to collaborate,” she said. “We learn from each other, and that’s one of the JEREMIAH KARR

Abilene Christian’s 109-year history is distinguished by the accomplishments of graduates who take to heart the university’s mission, using their God-given talents as servant-leaders around the world.

eep within the corporate culture of Mitchell Communications Group lies a running joke: If CEO Elise (Smith ’83) Mitchell walks into your office and says, “I’ve got a crazy idea,” your best bet is to run from the building.

When Mitchell gets ideas, amazing things happen, and they happen quickly. Companies are born. Global

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

17

Mitchell displays her alumni award certificate on Alumni Day, Feb. 15, 2015, alongside alumni relations director Craig Fisher (’92) and president Dr. Phil Schubert (’91).

PAUL WHITE

18

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

– ELISE MITCHELL

PAUL WHITE

powerful advantages of being in a global network. We’re able to learn from and share with other global leaders. That’s one of the things I enjoy the most.”

Eager to share her experiences and wisdom, Mitchell is writing a book to be published this fall by McGraw-Hill to address a common problem faced by today’s business leaders: how to be a destination-focused, goal-oriented leader while not missing the ride of your life along the way.

Hers began when she was still in high school in southern Illinois.

At the time, Mitchell planned to become a trial lawyer. But one conversation in P.E. class initiated a shift in her plans. A friend had just returned from a college visit and told Mitchell about public relations, a career she had learned about on the trip. Mitchell was intrigued and began researching the field and exploring college degrees.

“The more I learned, the more I fell in love with it,” she said.

As graduation neared, Mitchell prepared to begin her college career at the University of Illinois. Even though her two older brothers had gone to ACU, Mitchell wanted to stick closer to home and attend the same university with many of her high school friends. Her parents asked her to consider ACU, but her mind was made up.

“They finally bribed me with a plane ticket to Abilene and said, ‘Just go visit,’ ” she said.

During that weekend, Mitchell took in as much of the college experience as the short time frame would allow. She toured the campus, stayed in Nelson Hall and visited the then-new and state-of-the-art Don H. Morris Center, which housed the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication and its public relations program. Mitchell was impressed with all of it. But more than anything, she was blown away by the people she met.

“I just fell in love with the people,” Mitchell said. “You pick a school not just for the academics, but for the people and the opportunities you will have to get a start in life and go into the field you love.” From that weekend on, Mitchell knew she was developing a passion for public relations, and that ACU was where she would grow this passion into a career. Once she arrived on campus that fall, she threw herself into classes and campus life. She carefully chose activities that were not only fun but provided her with invaluable experience. She worked at KACU, as a copy editor for the Prickly Pear student yearbook and served as Sing Song co-chair – the latter a role that would prove invaluable in helping her learn how to plan special events.

Within the walls of the Morris Center, Mitchell encountered a rich academic environment with challenging coursework and top-notch professors and facilities. She grew particularly close to department chair Dr. Charlie Marler (’55) and Dr. Cheryl Mann Bacon (’76), who was a graduate student at the time. Although she didn’t realize it then, Abilene Christian was equipping Mitchell with much more than just business know-how.

“

I was too young to know it then, but now I give so much credit to ACU for starting me off in the right way. That’s when I started to think about how I could intersect my faith with my work, and be someone who is able to live a godly life and hopefully bring light into the workplace.”

Mitchell set her shoes aside to be photographed with her former ACU roommate, Janie (Oliver ’83) Coggins, on Alumni Day, Feb. 15, 2015.

“ACU helped prepare me spiritually to be a leader of faith,” she said. “I was too young to know it then, but now I give so much credit to ACU for starting me off in the right way. That’s when I started to think about how I could intersect my faith with my work, and be someone who is able to live a godly life and hopefully bring light into the workplace.”

Building a PR agency from the ground up is tough. But even during her company’s early years, Mitchell believed in finding a way to give back. As a child, she was taught by her parents to save some of her allowance to give to God, and her conviction to give has only grown since then.

“I’ve always wanted to be a good steward of what God has given me,” she said. “We have the opportunity to build a measure of wealth in our careers, so it’s important to foster an attitude of giving in the later years of your career, and that’s when it really gets fun because you can give more.”

Throughout her career, Mitchell has stayed close to ACU by serving on its Board of Trustees, as well as JMC’s Visiting Committee, hiring its public relations majors as interns and its graduates as employees. She’s always been committed to giving back to the university that gave her so much, and she eventually had the opportunity to give to ACU students in a way that would benefit them for years to come.

Bacon, now JMC department chair, had dreamed for years of a student-run advertising and PR firm on campus to give students realworld experience. Mitchell, ever mindful of the ways ACU and the JMC department had invested in her as a student, loved the idea so much that she helped fund the establishment of the agency. A couple of years later, after Mitchell sold her company, she was able to permanently endow the agency. Students in ACU’s Ad/PR program were so moved by Mitchell’s generosity that they voted to name the firm Morris & Mitchell to honor her, as well as former ACU president Dr. Don H. Morris (’24) and his late grandson, JMC graduate Don T. Morris (’91).

Mitchell, who first noticed Morris’ name on JMC’s building during that weekend visit in high school, now shared this honor with him. It was almost too much for her to take in, she said.

While attending the ribboncutting when the firm opened in Fall 2010, Mitchell was

overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of the students and what this agency would mean to them as they prepared for their own careers.

Returning to work the next week, Mitchell couldn’t get the experience out of her mind.

“Being a giver changed me,” she said. “I felt empowered that my giving could change so many lives. The students were so excited about Morris & Mitchell and what it could do for them. I wanted the people in my company to feel the same way – to know how it feels when your giving impacts others for good. I thought, ‘What if we could empower the people here to give on our time, and on our dime?’ ” So Mitchell started Ignite, a program within her company in which employees are divided into teams, and given a certain amount of money and time to go into the community and perform random acts of kindness. The teams then return to the office to share their experiences.

“And sure enough, it changes us as a team and as individuals,” Mitchell said. “We want to share with people in the community who need us to be a light in their lives.”

Mitchell’s philosophy of paying it forward didn’t stop there. When Bacon heard about what Mitchell was doing, she started a similar program in the JMC department.

“A PR professional who is ethical and effective has an obligation to the greater good,” Bacon said. “The Public Relations Society of America code of ethics addresses that.

Elise really personifies it. She wants to do what’s best for the greater good.”

Bacon believes Mitchell is a model ACU graduate.

“She has been generous with her time and has supported us through all the years of her career,” Bacon said. “I cannot think of a single thing we would ever ask of an alum that she hasn’t done for us. I’m deeply grateful to her for that. Every time she comes back to campus, I am so proud of her, and for who she is, even more than all of the things she’s done.”

To Mitchell, it’s all part of a fantastic ride, a concept she takes literally. Her husband is an avid motorcyclist. After getting on the back of his bike in 2008 for a trip through the Alps, she learned how to ride, too. “The first day, we got on and took off, and I was absolutely hooked,” she said. “It’s such an exhilarating experience. It was through motorcycling that I really thought more deeply about the destination and the journey of my life.”

Mitchell’s commitments to ACU keep her returning to campus often, and to her, going back feels like coming home.

“It’s wonderful to come back on campus and engage with students,” she said. “I feel excited about the future of these young people who are learning how to build a career and build a life for themselves, but also are listening to God’s calling at the same time. The impact ACU can have really is amazing.” 

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

19

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI CITATIONS

By Katie Noah Gibson

Reg Cox

JOSH BARRETT PAUL WHITE

sk any minister or church leader if their congregation strives to help the local community, and the answer will be “yes.”

But for many churches, it’s a struggle to reach beyond their own doors to find out where help is truly needed, and how they can effectively partner with other community organizations.

Reg Cox (’84), longtime minister of Lakewood (Colo.) Church of Christ, has worked hard to solve that puzzle, creating a broad network of church and other local leaders in the Denver area.

The group has tackled community problems, raising money to restore a derelict elementary school sports field and launching a program to provide shelter for homeless people during winter months. Cox is enthusiastic about the possibilities when leaders from churches, schools, local government and nonprofit organizations approach 20

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

a problem together.

“Churches exist for their community, not the other way around,” says Cox, who is transitioning away from full-time church work to serve as the official City Connector for Lakewood. “I hope what we and others like us are doing will be a model for church leaders everywhere. We have an opportunity to link the agents of good in cities together, remove barriers to serving and establish sustainable strategies that can change the world.”

“Reg is forging new ground for how our churches can make an impact,” says Craig Fisher (’92), ACU’s director of alumni relations and annual projects. “His vision to connect community leaders to make a real difference, to change and improve people’s lives, is inspirational.”

Cox insists he doesn’t deserve all the credit. “When you experience

Kent (’03) and Amber (Carroll ’06) Brantly, ACU’s Young Alumni of the Year, were profiled in our Spring-Summer 2015 issue of ACU Today; please see their story in our online version at issuu.com/abilenechristian

service with other Christians and with dozens of other organizations in your city, the experience is exhilarating,” he says. “When we operate in silos, churches or other service-minded groups are rarely effective in creating sustainable, comprehensive or consequential change. But when we reach across to serve with others in a spirit of partnership and commitment to the common good, almost anything is possible.” 



JEREMY ENLOW

RICHARD CARSON

t’s a familiar story: young professionals, fresh out of school and often carrying significant student loan debt, struggle to establish themselves in their chosen careers. Professional support and connections can be hard to find. Drs. Dave (’98) and Amy (Berry ’95) Fuller are helping fill that gap for ACU students and alumni in the Houston area.

Amy, a graduate of ACU’s marriage and family therapy program, co-founded Fuller Life Family Institute in 2012 to meet a pair of related needs: access to high-quality therapy for low-income residents of Houston, and a place for newly minted therapists to earn their practice hours for licensure.

“ACU prepared me well academically,” Amy says, “but I didn’t have much professional support afterward, when I was working to earn my hours for licensure. Now Dave and I both try to mentor and provide support for younger people in our professions.”

That support takes a slightly different form for Dave, a physician-scientist specializing in head and neck cancer research. An assistant professor of radiation oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, he supervises a research lab with frequent opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.

“It’s really rewarding,” Dave says of the mentoring work he does in the lab. “You have these enthusiastic kids who are exploring a career, and if you can give them a positive early experience, that’s huge.” His ACU interns have earned a stellar reputation, often outperforming students from Ivy League universities.

“Amy and Dave are a remarkable couple,” says Carri (Teague ’88) Hill, ACU’s university relations manager in Houston. “They have such a heart of service, and they believe in passing on what they’ve received.

They are inspiring.”

Both Fullers frequently attend ACU events around the Houston area, building and maintaining connections with young alumni.

“It’s tough getting started professionally nowadays,” Dave says. “People from ACU went out of their way to be helpful to Amy and me because we had that connection. So we feel compelled to do the same thing for other people.”

Now that’s a story worth repeating.

hen Abel Alvarez (’82) first came to ACU, he wasn’t sure he’d be able to stay. The son of Mexican immigrants, he was the first of his siblings to attend formal school (starting at age 10, in McAllen, Texas). At ACU, Alvarez received scholarships and grants to help pay for his education, but he was barely able to make ends meet.

“I took all kinds of odd jobs on campus,” Alvarez says. “I mowed lawns, washed cars, but I still owed the school $600.”

Through his work on campus, Abel had befriended Willie (Pritchett) Witt, wife of Dr. Paul Witt (’22), longtime chair of ACU’s chemistry department.

“She went to the school and paid my bill,” Alvarez recalls. “I was so moved by that generous gesture.”

Today, Alvarez is the longtime minister of Harvey Drive Church of Christ in McAllen, where he serves a congregation of about 125 members. His work and ministry have taken several forms: preacher, counselor, community outreach activist and ACU’s unofficial representative in McAllen. For 30 years, he has worked with staff members in ACU’s admissions and financial aid offices to send talented students from the Valley to Abilene.

“Every time I send a student there, it’s an investment in turning around a life,” Alvarez says.

“An ACU education is a way for these students to defend themselves in this world. They won’t have to repeat their parents’ cycle of poverty and despair. It’s very gratifying to be a part of that.”

The ACU connection also has had tremendous impact in the McAllen Independent School District, where Alvarez’s wife, Diane (Palmer ’82), teaches fifth grade. When Apple began partnering with K-12 school districts to integrate its technology into classrooms, Alvarez lobbied for MISD to invest in mobile devices. The district’s TLC 3 program (Transforming Learning in the Classroom, Campus and Community) has put more than 27,000 mobile-learning devices in the hands of all students and teachers in the district.

“Abel has been an incredible ambassador for ACU and a champion of education in the Rio Grande Valley,” says Kevin Campbell (’00), chief enrollment officer at ACU. “The students he sends here bring perspectives and life experiences that enrich our community. Many of these students have been wonderful ambassadors for ACU.” 

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

21

EXCEPTIONAL | ACU’s Vision to become the premier university for the education of Christ-centered global leaders means building upon areas of strength and distinctiveness, and delivering a unique, Christ-centered experience that draws students into community.

Wildcat Stadium will bring football back on campus after 50 years

BY SARAH CARLSON

C

lad in his Wildcat football uniform, sophomore De’Andre Brown looks into the camera and asks a simple, direct question: “Will you be a part of the team?” Then, with a flash of the ACU Wildcats logo, the teaser video ends and cheers erupt in Moody Coliseum.

Shown at Chapel both the Friday and Saturday of Homecoming, the video was both a call to action and a reason to celebrate: the long-awaited on-campus football stadium is close to becoming a reality.

22

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

Being part of the team is more than donating to the final fundraising push for the stadium; it is recognizing that having a stadium will only enhance the visibility and academic standards of an already-premier university.

Imagine, as ACU director of athletics Lee De Leon often does, a sea of purple-clad fans walking across campus – not driving across town – to cheer on their Wildcats. Imagine Homecoming football games played at home for the first time in more than 55 years. Imagine gameday, as ACU knows it, forever changed.

“The new stadium is really going to be a tipping point for an incredibly bright future for ACU athletics,” De Leon said. “It will become a rallying place for our students, faculty, staff and alumni, and a place where we can really celebrate the uniqueness of ACU. We’re going to build a stadium everyone can be proud to call home.”

Part of the Vision in

HKS ARCHITECTS

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

23

24

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

HKS ARCHITECTS

Action initiative, the venue (which will seat up to 12,000 fans) will anchor the north side of campus just as the new science facilities – the Robert R. and Kay Onstead Science Center, Halbert-Walling Research Center and the Engineering and Physics Laboratories at Bennett Gymnasium – anchor the south.

A lead gift from April (Bullock ’89) and Mark Anthony (’86) kicked off the fundraising campaign, and momentum built this fall with the unveiling of new renderings for the stadium from HKS Architects as well as the launch of the online giving site, wildcatstadium.com.

Now, the goal line is in sight: Thanks to generous donors, funds raised so far allow the university to begin construction, said Jim Orr (’86), vice president for advancement.

ACU will officially break ground for the stadium at a ceremony Feb. 19, 2016.

“We’re exceedingly grateful to the donors who have committed to helping us put our vision into action by giving to the stadium campaign,” Orr said. “Fundraising for this project will continue, and we’re confident donors at all levels will continue to make their mark on Wildcat Stadium.”

The website makes it easy to give at any amount, he said, adding that donations of $100 or more will be recognized at the site. Sponsorships of seats as well as stones in the stadium’s west entry, called Wildcat Way, also are available.

“An on-campus stadium for ACU will be a game-changer for not only our football program but the many ways we can use it to build community among students and alumni,” said president Dr. Phil Schubert (’91). “It will be exciting to see it become a reality, and it will be a fantastic new venue for

To leave your mark on Wildcat Stadium and help us cross the goal line, visit wildcatstadium.com.

ACU will be a game-changer for not only our football program but the many ways we can use it to build community among students and alumni.”

– DR. PHIL SCHUBERT

degree when they compete. If they leave ACU without graduating, the university may face penalties.

Student-athletes who transfer to Abilene Christian are held to the same expectations.

The degree has to be the ultimate focus, Gilmore said, so recruiting is focused not only on finding talented student-athletes, but finding those who can meet ACU’s academic standards for admission, fit with the Christ-centered focus of the university and ACU athletics, and also successfully complete a degree.

Because the Wildcats are in the Southland Conference and play much larger universities, often on regional

STEVE BUTMAN

on-campus “ Anstadium for

people in Abilene and West Texas to enjoy as well.”

Don (’90) and Wynn (Bradley ’92) Heyen are two of the alumni who have sponsored seats in honor of their children, Abby (’19) and William.

“We believe in the mission of ACU,” Don Heyen said, “and the new stadium will be a nice addition to the campus. We wanted to do something special for our children for Christmas, so we decided to contribute to this project in honor of them.”

The new renderings detail a three-level tower complete with press box, club and suite seating, concession stands, an HD video board and, pending fundraising, a south end zone complex to house all football operations and sports medicine facilities. The stadium has been a desire of ACU sports fans, staff and student-athletes since long before ACU’s transition to NCAA Division I affiliation. But the stadium and Division I do complement each other, De Leon said.

“The stadium shows our commitment,” he said. “It shows the NCAA we’re putting our money where our mouth is and investing our resources to provide a Division I experience for our students and our fans.”

With the Division I affiliation come higher academic standards and strict progress-toward-degree guidelines for student-athletes, said Lisa Gilmore, associate athletics director for student-athlete welfare.

The NCAA mandates that studentathletes only have five years to compete for four seasons of athletic eligibility and graduate, and its Academic Progress Rate measures eligibility and retention to ensure student-athletes are earning a

Site work on Wildcat Stadium began Dec. 14, 2015.

or national TV, ACU is enhancing its visibility with prospective students who are not only looking for a Division I institution but who can academically handle attending one.

“In athletics, we have the unique platform to help put ACU on the map,” De Leon said. “Imagine if our men’s basketball team makes it to March Madness, and when people fill out their brackets, they pick ACU. Imagine if our baseball team makes it to the College World Series. Imagine if our football team beats Baylor.

Imagine what kind of exposure that would give ACU. “When athletics wins,” De Leon said, “the whole university wins.” 

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

25

26

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

Robert R. and Kay Onstead Science Center Update Construction of the front of the Robert R. and Kay Onstead Science Center, formerly the Foster Science Building, is now complete.

Giant screens in the lobby display striking visuals related to the sciences that can be seen through the center’s equally giant windows. At night, the light from these screens shines onto the center’s front steps and The Quad, an outdoor common space dedicated in honor of Ray ’49 and Kay (Dollar ’49) McGlothlin. (Read more about The Quad and its dedication ceremony on page 52.) Science classes are still being held in Onstead as the Halbert-Walling Research Center is built next door. Once Halbert-Walling is complete in Fall 2016, classes will move into the new building and the remainder of Onstead’s 85,000 square feet will be renovated. Onstead will house classrooms, labs and offices for the four ACU science departments – biology, chemistry and biochemistry, engineering and physics, and mathematics.

STEVE BUTMAN

Halbert-Walling Research Center Update The first beams of the new Halbert-Walling Research Center, between Phillips Education Building and Nelson Hall, where Chambers Hall previously sat,​w ​ ere raised in early December.

The 54,000-square-foot center will provide​​ modern​​laboratory space for cutting-edge research, as well as space for students and faculty to collaborate and interact inside and outside the classroom.

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

27

Dale and Rita Brown Outlive Your Life Award

First announced in May 2011, the Dale and Rita Brown Outlive Your Life Award recognizes individuals who have created a lasting effect on the lives of others. The award takes its name from Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make a Difference, the 2011 book by minister Max Lucado, a 1977 ACU graduate and best-selling Christian author. In its pages, Lucado challenges readers from all walks of life to take what God has given them and help others.

This award is designed to recognize all types of servant leadership, including civic and community contributions, meeting spiritual or physical needs, producing changes with generational impact, helping redirect the course of people’s lives, and inspiring others to make an eternal difference. Recipients may be alumni or friends of the university.

2015

4 OUTLIVE

Y O U R L I F E AWA R D

Jack White

BY SA R A H C A R LSON

A

sk friends and family members to describe Dr. Jack White (’71) and their responses will have a similar theme: He’s a wise and faithful servant – at home, at church and at work – who can always be relied upon to lend a helping hand or ear when someone needs it.

White humbly and humorously deflects such praise: “I never considered myself to be as smart as some people think,” he said. “I think some of the things I come up with are just plain old common sense.”

Nevertheless, he was flattered to receive the fifth Dale and Rita Brown Outlive Your Life Award, which recognizes servant leadership by alumni and other members of the ACU community, for his life serving others in South Central Los Angeles as a minister, attorney and teacher.

He described being recognized by his alma mater during May 2015 Commencement as “elevating.”

The honor came barely six months after his wife of 43 years, Dr. Rubin “Ruby” Eloise (Glover ’71) White, died from colon cancer. He shows the framed certificate he received to

28

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

friends, not to brag about himself, but to brag about ACU. “I say, ‘Look, there is a place where you don’t have to be the genius of the hour,’ ” he said. “You just use what you learn for the good of the people, and stand for the good of the people, and love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.’

I just think that’s a nice idea.”

ACU chose the right honoree for the Outlive Your Life Award, said Jack White II, White’s son, who attended Commencement along with other family members, including White’s daughter, Corolar (White ’01) Schultz.

“It’s a testament to him, and it’s a testament to ACU because that was his foundation,” White II said. “It’s a testament to the God we serve that a man from humble upbringing in Baton Rouge, La., who was raised by a single mother, could get an undergraduate degree from an institution like Abilene Christian, go on and get two advanced degrees, and have two children who got advanced degrees and are contributing to their communities.

That alone is outliving his life. It really shows how strong our God can be.”

A POSITIVE OUTCOME

Jack and Ruby met at Southwestern Christian, a historically black college in Terrell, Texas, where they were named “Mr. and Miss SWCC.” They graduated with associate’s degrees and transferred to ACU in 1969.

Only seven years had passed since the school was integrated and its first black undergraduate students, Dr. Billy Curl (’64) and Larry

JASON FLYNN

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

29

4

Bonner (’64), arrived. Progress was underway – but slowly.

“I have to say, yes, there were some people there that did not appreciate blacks at all,” said White, who recalled instances of overt racism such as Ruby being told by a professor she would never receive an A grade in that class – even if she earned one – and that a B, for her, was good.

Yet White also recalls acts of kindness and being inspired by members of the ACU and Abilene community, such as Dr. Tony Ash (’59), professor of Bible, missions and ministry; the late Dr. Clyde Austin (’53), professor of psychology; and John Allen Chalk, minister at Highland Church of Christ, and his wife, Sue. They and others helped Jack and Ruby feel loved and welcomed, he said, and he doesn’t carry any bitterness toward those who didn’t.

“I would attribute a positive outcome and positive attitude to the positive people Abilene [Christian] decided to hire,” White said. “Abilene was a much greater blessing because of the good people who were there than it was a curse because of the bad people who were there.”

The couple graduated in May 1971 30

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

– Jack with a bachelor’s degree in Bible and psychology, Ruby with a bachelor’s degree in education, graduating magna cum laude – and were married that June.

The Whites moved to California, where Ruby earned a master’s and doctorate in education. Jack served in ministry at several churches in the L.A. area while in law school.

He earned his juris doctor and worked for many years in various departments at Edison South Utility Company, meanwhile earning his MBA, and later went back to full-time ministry. He has taught at churches and workshops across the country and serves as an elder at Upland (Calif.) Church of Christ.

White came out of retirement to teach at Sierra High School in San Bernardino, Calif. As chair of the technical subjects department for the continuation school, he oversees essentially everything from the arts to computer science to physical education. The work isn’t easy, but it’s rewarding.

“I enjoy taking a student who thinks he could never learn something and showing him how to learn,” he said. “I think that’s my greatest calling: I teach kids how to learn. I let them see someone who

JASON FLYNN

PAUL WHITE

has been where they are, who is professional, and who understands what it’s like to be an underdog.”

He may change courses again some day, he said, but it won’t be to stop serving others. His son already tried to get him to relax, saying as much when they were together this fall.

“I told him selfishly, ‘I wish you wouldn’t do that. I’d love for you to be able to use that time and relax,’ ” White II said. “He listened to me, and then he said, ‘You know, son, I can appreciate that perspective.

But I have to stand before God. And I can do this, and I need to be able to say to Him that I did with what You gave me what I could.’ ” 

SHOW YOUR TRUE COLORS FREEING P P I H S

o de mo c c k ou t o r p e r E nte AY ” at ch e D r O f T e e r “AC U o re ceiv ou t on y g n i p . s h ip x t o r d e r ne

campusstore.acu.edu

ACU101 Any proper introduction to Abilene Christian University – the gist of our new ACU 101 feature in each issue – must include Sing Song.

The brainchild of innovator Dr. Bob Hunter (’52), it was introduced as a campus-wide “Sing Song contest” designed to encourage student organization participation and demonstrate that ACU is “the Singing College.”

The wildly popular event has been entertaining audiences and engaging students each February since 1957.

The upcoming edition, featuring more than 1,500 students, will be the event’s 60th anniversary.

Here’s what you need to know.

1969 The first major event in new Moody Coliseum is Sing Song. The audience is electrified by freshmen performing a “Wizard of Oz” act and introducing choreography by swinging their arms and marching in place.

1966 Student participation grows to near 800.

The first Sing Song is held Feb. 14, 1957, with Hunter as director, Lewis Fulks (’48) as technical director, William J. Teague (’52) as master of ceremonies and 22 vocal groups comprising 403 students. A crowd twice the capacity of 1,200-seat Sewell Auditorium shows up for free seating; half are turned away. Galaxy and the junior class are inaugural winners.

1962 Sing Song relocates to the 1,800-seat Abilene High School auditorium and sells tickets ($1) for the first time. They sell out in five hours, so dress rehearsal tickets (50 cents) are created to keep up with public demand.

1964 A second show is added to accommodate ticket demand.

32

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

1971 Sing Song is broadcast on local TV again, with Vonda Kay Van Dyke, Miss America 1965, as celebrity guest singer on Friday and Saturday nights. Mayor J.C. Hunter Jr. proclaims Feb. 19 as Sing Song Day in Abilene.

1970 The Saturday night show is broadcast live on KTXS-TV, featuring pop music star Pat Boone as celebrity host, along with his wife and four daughters (including future Grammy winner Debby Boone). Students vote to donate more then $11,000 in ticket proceeds to a Campus Beautification Project to enhance landscaping around new buildings such as the coliseum, campus center and library.

1976 Today’s three-show format is introduced: Friday night and twice on Saturday.

1975 In response to students disgruntled about a canceled concert, Students’ Association president Kelly Utsinger (’75) calls for a boycott of Sing Song.

The university says if students choose not to participate, adjustments will be made in the show. They vote to participate, however, and perform to the largest audience in Sing Song history.

The stage is set Other than its founding, no decision has had more impact on the event than Hunter’s suggestion to remove seats from Sections P, Q and R of the coliseum in 1971 to create a tiered area for performances. The first permanent Sing Song stage was born.

1983 Elaborate staging and concert lighting are introduced to the show, while complex choreography and costume changes become the norm for groups.

2012 Staging for Sing Song groups begins in the various gyms of the Money Student Recreation and Wellness Center, adjacent to Moody.

1987 Sophomores (Class of 1989) introduce the use of electric lights built into costumes as Broadway Bumblebees.

2000 Awards are created to honor two Sing Song legends: longtime vocal coach Jeannette (Scruggs ’50) Lipford and founder Hunter.

2015 For the first time, the freshman class forms two groups to compete in the Mixed Voices category.

2007 Online ticket sales begin at acu.edu/singsong and an “audience favorite” vote is tabulated through online voting for the first time.

2014 Student participation swells to 1,500.

2010 A Give-Back Program is introduced, with winning groups designating a charity to receive $1,000 in their name. Sing Song trophies (to winners of Men, Women and Mixed Voices categories) are first awarded.

Watch the ACU Today blog for more Sing Song history at blogs.acu.edu/acutoday

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

33

ElderLink keeps church leaders on top of their pastoral game B Y

34

Winter-Spring 2016

î‚ś

ACU TODAY

G R A N T

B O O N E

Siburt

positions, including patriarch of its popular ElderLink ministry, the late Dr. Charles Siburt Jr. (’68) had a way of seeing things church leaders in the midst of crises couldn’t.

Driven by his own experience as a preacher and elder and his deep love for people in those roles, Siburt’s knack for correctly diagnosing congregational concerns and his willingness to put all involved parties on the chopping block earned him two widely used nicknames: The Church Doctor and Chainsaw Charlie. A rare eye condition limiting his vision seemed only to sharpen his insight.

“He had the remarkable ability to size up a situation in a sentence or two to get to the crux,” remembers ACU chancellor Dr. Royce Money (’64), who in 1988 brought Siburt onto ACU’s full-time Bible faculty. “But it was always couched in love and concern.”

Dr. John Knox (D.Min. ’03), preaching minister for Granbury (Texas) Church of Christ and a former student of Siburt’s, was one of the countless church leaders who benefited both from his mentor’s gentle bedside manner and his sawtooth’s sting.

“He could make you feel like you were the best minister God ever created,” recalls Knox, “yet at the same time had no tolerance for self-pity. Charlie could tell church leaders things about themselves that were very painful to hear.

I quietly cringed more than once during meetings with Charlie and my leaders. But in response, those leaders would thank him and ask when he could come back.

They intuitively sensed he had the health of the church in mind.”

Siburt’s personal conversations and consultations with leadership teams helped to make him aware of unique needs and challenges faced by elders, and in 2000 he responded by launching ElderLink. Now celebrating its 15th anniversary, the program brings church leaders from across the country for a series of conferences to equip and encourage them as they shepherd their flocks.

“Ministers often get a chance to do continuing education work, but a lot of times elders and lay leaders in congregations are invited to do things for which they haven’t really had any basic training. ElderLink really fits that bill,” says Dr. Carson Reed (’95 D.Min.), ACU vice president for church relations, assistant professor in the Graduate School of Theology and executive director of the Siburt Institute for Church Ministry.

Steve Watkins, a program manager for an IT company, attended his first ElderLink conference in 2011, a year after becoming a shepherd at Fairfax (Va.) Church of Christ.

“Stepping into this role, I thought I understood what I was getting into,” Watkins says. “It’s almost like getting married. All of a sudden you think, ‘I wish someone had told me this beforehand!’ So many unexpected things.

To go to ElderLink and hear an elder from North Carolina, one from Georgia and one from Mississippi struggling with some of the same issues, it was a relief to know it’s not just us in northern Virginia.”

Steve Rogers, an elder at Central Church of Christ in Amarillo, Texas, and a frequent ElderLink participant, takes it a step further.

“I believe the greatest challenge to church leaders is the absence of a pastoral guidance source,” Rogers says.

“Church leaders are expected to be strong, wise and

BOBBY GOMBERT

ne of the keenest observers and trusted guides in Churches of Christ was legally blind.

But in a quarter century at ACU and from a variety of

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

35

encouraging to their congregations, and we readily accept that responsibility. But occasionally our emotional and wisdom tanks are drained and we have limited resources for renewal.”

Reed says it’s incredibly difficult for elders to be on the top of their game after working 50-60 hours a week, then gathering to pray and discern what’s going on in their congregation or to practice pastoral care for members who also are living frenetic lives.

“These folks are doing that with not a lot of training or preparation,” he says. “They have gifts of leadership or pastoral care or teaching, but those haven’t necessarily been trained or developed or nurtured.”

What began as a single ElderLink event in Dallas 15 years ago has grown into a series of conferences across the U.S. and several in Brazil. Nearly 9,000 have attended the more than 50 ElderLink conferences, the most recent in January in Houston.

Each year’s series has a theme – the one for 2015-16 is “Revitalizing Churches” – with a program of presenters and topics based on the host location’s demographics and contemporary relevance. Such topics include worship practices, gender leadership, conflict resolution, spiritual formation, and reaching the Millennial generation.

“Ultimately, we hope to connect church leaders with resources to help them and their churches be healthier,” says assistant director of church relations Karissa Herchenroeder (’06).

“It’s exciting to not only help build a strong program with a lineup of Herchenroeder talented speakers for each event, but also to simply create a space for leaders and their spouses to learn from and encourage one another.”

For Rogers, what he has witnessed between sessions has been just as formative as what he has heard from presenters.

“The overriding strength of ElderLink,” Rogers says, “is the sharing of experiences and the fellowship with others who have a common point of service.”

“Sometimes,” Reed says, “the best thing that happens is an elder from one church gets to sit at a lunch table with elders from three other churches, and they begin to share a few stories and say, ‘Oh! You too!’ There’s a sense of camaraderie and sharing in this crazy but holy calling to help lead a church that blesses elders by simply being together with other leaders.”

What church leaders won’t hear at an ElderLink conference is what they should believe about any issue, regardless how hot its button. That principle is of 36

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

particular significance to ACU’s faith heritage and precisely what Siburt intended.

“Charlie focused his training,” Money says, “not on specific issues but how to recognize the process and to recognize the dynamics of what was happening.

He would teach them how to think spiritually and how to exercise enough self-control so as not to get sucked into the situation and become part of the problem.

If Charlie has left a lasting contribution in the shepherding resource area, I think it would be this: Instead of the quick answers, he taught them how to think spiritually and objectively.”

“Churches of Christ have always believed and tried to practice autonomy,” says Reed, “so there is a great breadth of practice on a lot of issues. Our primary task with ElderLink is not to tell leaders what to think about gender or worship practices or how to do outreach in their communities but to say, ‘Here are the resources for you to work through to get to the answer as you seek to be faithful to what God is calling you to do in your congregational context.’ ” That focus on helping leaders think well rather than telling them what to think has attracted the attention of other faith traditions. While ElderLink focuses primarily on congregations within Churches of Christ, the conferences are open to anyone.

“We’re in a season as a university negotiating what it means to be faithful to our historic roots within Churches of Christ,” Reed says, “even as we welcome and invite other people who are looking for Christian education and who have deep Christian commitments who come from a variety of traditions. And in reality, that journey is so dear and near to the core of what it means to be Churches of Christ that it’s not surprising to see it actually happening.

We have a new event in Indianapolis this spring, and we’re consciously reaching out to Christian Churches, who are like our first cousins in the faith. We share a kind of common governance, and they’re wrestling with the same kinds of things.”

The Siburt Institute is adding that April 2016 conference in Indianapolis (the 11th city to host an ElderLink event) because a group of churches in that area asked for it and agreed to partner financially. Other expenses are covered by registration fees. ElderLink determines where to stage its conferences each year both by request and when the staff senses a need.

No matter how Churches of Christ may look today from when ElderLink was launched in November 2000 or may look 15 years from now, Reed believes there

will always be a place for ElderLink’s unique focus and function.

“The need for strong, godly persons of character to lead churches has not changed,” Reed says. “I think Christianity finds itself a little more beleaguered and struggling to find its way in North American culture.

I sense a growing sense of urgency on leaders to lead well for the sake of the kingdom. And so conversations on what it means to be a church on mission become more present.

I think there’s a deep and abiding place for ElderLink to create this space for conversations to happen. In fact, it raises for us, ‘How could we do more? How could we come alongside elder groups and not just provide one day a year but create ongoing resources for the kinds of conversations that they’re having in their congregations?’ ” Siburt Institute associate director Curtis King (’83) believes the full impact of ElderLink may never be truly measured. “One individual informed me that his father, an elder at a small rural congregation, would attend

ElderLink reflects Siburt’s vision, ACU’s heart Dr. Carson Reed said it with a chuckle, but wasn’t kidding.

“We have a whole staff of people doing what Charlie did by himself,” says the executive director of the Siburt Institute for Church Ministry about the program’s namesake, the Reed late Dr. Charles Siburt Jr. Established shortly after Siburt succumbed to cancer in 2012, the institute is the umbrella organization for the events, resources and services offered to ministers and other church leaders by the ACU Office of Church Relations, for which Siburt was the vice president for many years. A few of those resources include:

• ElderLink – A series of conferences equipping and encouraging elders and other lay leaders.

• Ministers Support Network – Weekend sabbatical retreats designed for ministry couples in need of renewal, reflection and discernment.

• char.is – A website hosting critical, contemporary

conversations through invited posts and online essays.

• Ministers’ Salary Survey – An annual nationwide

survey measuring minister compensation packages,

ElderLink each year and collect all of the handouts,” King says. “The materials would then serve as a guide for many of the elders’ conversations until the following year.”

In 2012, through failing health and impaired eyesight, Siburt caught King a glimpse of what would become the umbrella organization bearing his name. He sat in on some of the planning sessions led by Money, who became the Siburt Institute’s founding director and remains actively involved in its operation.

“Charlie is one of the biggest visionaries I’ve ever seen,” Money reflects. “And people smile when I say that.

It seems as though in a way God compensated, using one handicap to bring out another talent. He was building the elder’s spiritual tool kit. That’s what ElderLink was originally intended to be and what it still is today.” 

acu.edu/siburt-institute

as well as each person’s years of experience, educational background and other characteristics.

• MinistryLink – A Web-based service for ministers looking for jobs and churches in need of ministers.

The founding director, ACU chancellor Dr. Royce Money, brought Siburt onto the Abilene Christian faculty in 1986 and was part of the team to hire Reed as the institute’s executive director in 2014.

Reed also is the O.L. and Irene Frazer Chair for Church Enrichment in ACU’s Graduate School of Theology. He has served churches and universities in Georgia, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Indiana, Kansas, Texas, Honduras, Scotland and England.

“I think Charlie and Carson are very much alike in their approach to this,” Money says. “What we’ve done is bring all of these congregational care services under one tent. Charlie thought Carson would be a great person to bring into this kind of environment, and just by the Lord’s guidance and providence we were able to do that.”

“We’re looking for more ways to expand that work,” Reed adds, “between best practices in leadership on one hand and spiritual formation and vitality on the other. Where those two things meet is sort of the sweet spot for what we’re trying to do.” 

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

37

#ACU Madison

October 25 at 5:03 p.m.

When you walk back into your hall from break and the RA says “welcome home” #theACUdifference

FOX23 Farron Salley October 20 at 7:14 a.m.

It feels so good to be back at work! I spent the weekend visiting my alma mater, Abilene Christian University. I had a great time reinvigorating that school spirit with old friends and visiting the places where I found solitude and “planned out my life.” I never could’ve imagined that at this point in my career I’d be working with such amazingly talented and hard working people.

Once upon a time, I told myself that the only college I would go to was a college that spelled my name right on all the junk mail that they sent me (this was during my rebellious years where I told myself I would NEVER go to ACU). Coincidentally, ACU was the only school that spelled my name right in any of the emails or letters that they sent me and I only noticed a few months ago. A few months ago, I wasn’t ready to know that ACU was absolutely the school for me, but after quite a journey and the Lord practically screaming at me “YOU ARE GOING TO ACU”, I have been officially accepted into the ACU class of 2020!!

Go wildcats #acu20 #gowildcats

Geneva Gigi Thomas October 16 at 9:39 p.m.

While in line at Ross I spotted two girls, one with an #ACU hat on … I go to the car and my battery is dead. I run back inside and introduce myself and ask if they can give me a jump … needless to say #acudifference is alive in Abilene! Thanks Kathryn and Josie! #acuhomecoming2015 #alwaysanadventure

Tricia Badillo

October 19 at 7:31 p.m.

Love this! #ACU get ready - Anastacia Badillo is ready to change the world for the Lord!

Kevin Bain

September 15 at 7:20 a.m.

Just tried to swipe into the student wellness center with a Subway gift card and if that’s not a prophetic mistake, I don’t know what is.

Katie Marak

September 10 at 9:35 a.m.

Beyond blessed to go to a school where we get to come together once a day and worship our God together as a community. #theacudifference

Jessi

December 29 at 2:20 p.m.

Accidentally hot glued my hair together when trying to make the first sing song costume.

Don’t worry girlz, ur in gewd handz.

L. Roberts

October 9 at 2:37 p.m.

Luke Schumann

October 1 at 7:43 a.m.

So we’re talking about Jude in my Epistles class today, and I needed to fix my commentary ...

Soooo proud of @fishnnette!! I can’t wait to see what great things God has in store for her! #ACU

Jonathan Smith

September 24 at 11:16 p.m.

Hannah Jones

February 13 at 2:13 p.m.

If im being honest, I think Sing Song is my favorite Holiday.

38

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

Staying up til 1am sharing testimonies and talking about life w/ the bros. #theACUdifference

Abbey Bildstein

December 8 at 9:17 a.m.

Because why wouldn’t you play quidditch on dead day?¿ #theacudifference

We love our followers on social media. Here are just a few of the posts by and about Wildcats.

Megan Lewis

Lydia Miranda

September 20 at 9:17 a.m.

October 15

That moment when President Schubert comes and talks to you at the Abilene airport. wonder where he is going! #acu

I was emotionally stable today until my professor sent me an email telling me she was thinking about me and praying for me. #acudifference

Wildcats at Baylor Medical Center orientation! – with Brittany Gilmore, Breanna Barrow, Kendra Unamba, Nerchi Nermal and Rebecca Leggett.

Emily Justice Jeff Boyd

October 13 at 1:14 p.m.

Another future great ACU attorney!

October 11 at 7:46 p.m.

Hey ACU if you’re ever feeling down go watch people dodge the sprinklers on the Lunsford at night

Daniel Zepeda

October 16 at 11:39 a.m.

Great getting to meet @ManningUp38 today at his jersey retiring. One of ACU’s all-time best. Congrats. #ACU

Abigail Moses

August 17 at 4:47 p.m.

I wonder how many new freshman parents are forcing their children to a Jacob’s Dream photo shoot tomorrow? #ACU #wildcatweek

LiveBeyond April 5

#ACU nursing school faculty and students take care of the sick in #Haiti #LiveBeyond

Whitney Gaines 44 weeks ago

Tiffany Tyler Tacker I met Valerie Hays Felty during Welcome Week @ the huge Twister game in Moody Coliseum. Her roommate didn’t show and mine was a night owl. In that huge coliseum, our shoes were right beside each other!

22 years later we are still best friends #acuroomies

Carlie Shirk September 24

Just wanted to share with my ACU family a life transforming moment that happened last week on the 18th at Jacob’s Dream! Can’t believe tomorrow makes a week! Thank you for each and every prayer this is lifted for the students here, the financial support, and the love shown to the students here by soo many people! You played a valuable part in my baptism and I say thank you! We have amazing alumni (as well as current students) here at ACU!

I’ll never forget our first date on April 22, 2009 and will always remember our wedding day on April 22, 2012. So thankful we met at the most special place in the world! #ACULoveStory

Andrew Collins July 13 at 7:00 a.m.

Every ACU student’s goal shouldn’t be to graduate, but to have at least one conversation with Bob Hunter.

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

39

TheBOOKCASE Along the Way

Glory Days

CONVERSATIONS ABOUT CHILDREN AND FAITH

LIVING YOUR PROMISED LAND LIFE NOW

By Dr. Ron Bruner (’10 D.Min.) and Dr. Dana (Kennamer ’81) Pemberton ISBN 978-0891124603 • 272 pages acupressbooks.com

By Max Lucado (’77) ISBN 978-0849948497 • 272 pages thomasnelson.com

A book for parents, grandparents, teachers, friends, ministers and leaders – in careful yet understandable dialogue – about nurturing children spiritually.

The multiple-time best-selling author marks his 30th year of publishing with encouragement for readers to champion obstacles in their lives and relationships by realizing what God has already overcome on their behalf.

There Was an Old Dragon Who Swallowed a Knight

A History of Churches of Christ in Cuba

By Penny Parker Klosterman (’77) ISBN 978-0385390804 • 256 pages randomhousekids.com A book for children ages 3-7 takes them on a fun trip to the Middle Ages to visit a dragon that gobbles everything in sight.

Divine Collision AN AFRICAN BOY, AN AMERICAN LAWYER AND THEIR REMARKABLE BATTLE FOR FREEDOM

Archer, a veteran missionary who coordinates Spanish-speaking ministries for Herald of Truth, looks at the growth of churches in Cuba before and after the Revolution.

The Key Place AN ORDINARY PLACE TO MEET AN EXTRAORDINARY GOD

By Jim Gash, J.D. (’89) ISBN 978-1-6179-5671-3 • 300 pages worthypublishing.com

By Gene Shelburne (’61) ISBN 978-0-89112-606-5 • 208 pages leafwoodpublishers.com

Pepperdine University law professor Gash – a former ACU quarterback – finds himself in Africa defending a courageous Ugandan boy languishing in prison and wrongfully accused of two murders.

The longtime (46 years) minister of Anna Street Church of Christ in Amarillo, Texas, writes about the retreat spot each of us needs where God whispers in our ears and tugs at our hearts.

Finding Their Voices

Called for Life

SERMONS BY WOMEN IN THE CHURCHES OF CHRIST

By D’Esta (Guild ’68 M.A.) Love ISBN 978-0-89112-588-4 • 253 pages acupressbooks.com A book recording history-making words spoken by 29 women – 12 of whom are ACU graduates – from pulpits across the U.S. and Canada. It also recognizes the churches and institutions welcoming these women, providing space for their voices to be heard.

The Calling of Ella McFarland

By Linda Brooks Davis (’68) ISBN 978-1-941291-22-1 • 376 pages mountainviewbooks.com Davis’ award-winning book is about the faith and family of a young woman in 1905 Oklahoma who aspires to be a teacher but is faced with difficult choices about her career in a time when women’s voices were silenced in public and often stifled at home.

40

By Timothy Archer (’84) and Jose Antonio Fernandez ASIN B00XI0QFDK • 122 pages heraldoftruth.org

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

HOW LOVING OUR NEIGHBOR LED US INTO THE HEART OF THE EBOLA EPIDEMIC

By Kent Brantly, M.D. (’03) and Amber (Carroll ’06) Brantly with David Thomas ISBN 978-1601428235 • 240 pages waterbrookmultnomah.com Two courageous and faithful ACU grads recount their harrowing encounter with the Ebola virus.

The Brantlys are our 2015 Young Alumni of the Year.

The God Who Saves AN INTRODUCTION TO THE MESSAGE OF THE OLD TESTAMENT

By Dr. Glenn Pemberton (’85) ISBN 978-0891124825 • 384 pages acupressbooks.com A textbook presenting the powerful story, woven throughout the diverse texts of the Old Testament, of a God who is in love, not just with Israel, but with all of His creatures, especially the poor and powerless.

Selections of books about Abilene Christian University or those written, edited, compiled or contributed to by ACU alumni, faculty, staff and students

Abilene A to Z

Love on the Mend

A BOOK ON ABILENE HISTORY AND CULTURE FOR YOUNG READERS

A FULL STEAM AHEAD NOVELLA

By Glenn Dromgoole and Jay Moore (’94) ISBN 978-0891123965 • 64 pages acupressbooks.com

By Karen (Gaskin ’93) Witemeyer ASIN B00NJ0TUQI • 112 pages bethanyhouse.com

A former Abilene Reporter-News editor and longtime Abilene historian partner on a children’s book designed to acquaint youngsters with Abilene history and culture in a memorable format.

After serving as a doctor during the War Between the States, Jacob Sadler wants nothing more than to establish a quiet country practice in rural Texas.

But he knows he’ll never find peace until he buries the pain of his past.

A Worthy Pursuit

Texas Prison Break

By Karen (Gaskin ’93) Witemeyer ISBN 978-0764212802 • 352 pages bethanyhouse.com

By Dr. Preston Harper (’59) ISBN 978-1503566514 • 266 pages xlibris.com

Best-selling Christian romance novelist Witemeyer writes about a teacher protecting a young girl from a bounty hunter and asks: Can two enemies learn to trust each other before they both lose what they hold most dear?

A sixth novel by Harper, professor emeritus of English, this book is an action-packed mystery about a wounded Army veteran who escapes from prison to prove his innocence regarding the murder of his fiancee and help find her previously unknown assailant.

The Bible in Ethiopia

The Victory Lap

THE BOOK OF ACTS

GROWING OLD WITH GOD

By Dr. Curt Niccum (’92 M.Div.) ISBN 978-1610977357 • 366 pages wipfandstock.com

By Billie (Wesley ’66) Silvey ISBN 978-0890986141 • 168 pages 21stcc.com

The Ethiopic version provides a window into the state of the Greek Bible as it circulated in East Africa at the end of the fourth century, an extremely important but often misunderstood witness to the early transmission history of God’s Word.

Silvey writes about our need for each other, to be involved with life and to prepare for death, and the legacy we leave behind. She explores what it means to treasure life, feel gratitude to God and the people around us, and adjust well to retirement.

Instruction Shall Go Forth

Luke for You

STUDIES IN MICAH AND ISAIAH

By Galen Harrill (’89) ISBN 978-1478757344 • 190 pages outskirtspress.com

By Dr. John T. Willis (’55), edited by Dr. Timothy M. Willis (’09) and Dr. Mark W. Hamilton (’89 M.A.) ISBN 978-1620329894 • 368 pages wipfandstock.com The collected essays of Willis on Isaiah and Micah are highly valued by scholars. He is the Burton Coffman Distinguished Professor of Biblical Studies at ACU.

Plain Language and Ethical Action A DIALOGIC APPROACH TO TECHNICAL CONTENT IN THE 21ST CENTURY

By Dr. Russell Willerton (’94) ISBN 978-04157041040 • 222 pages routledge.com An excellent source for practitioners developing plain-language technical content and for content strategists in fields such as health literacy, technical communication and information design.

A veteran minister-missionary helps readers envision themselves in the people Jesus encountered in Luke’s gospel. Those asking questions about love, forgiveness, suffering and the meaning of life are challenged to look at them through the minds of the proud, the powerful, the wealthy, the dispossessed and the social outcasts.

Rio Grande Valley ABC

By Rickey E. Pittman (’92) ISBN 978-1941879009 • 32 pages riverroadpress.com Rio Grande Valley, the southernmost tip of Texas, is featured in this children’s book with maps, cities, animals, historical figures and Mexican-Texan folklore. Children learn their ABCs while searching for alphabet cows hidden among the pages. Pittman is an award-winning author, storyteller and folk singer.

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

41

HilltopVIEW

For the latest visit acu.edu/news facebook.com/abilenechristian twitter.com/acuedu

BY ROBIN SAYLOR

instagram.com/acuedu

Education experts provide rankings, kudos

An artist’s rendering of part of the new development on the northeast corner of campus.

Development planned for The Village at Allen Ridge The Village at Allen Ridge, a master-planned development announced by ACU in Summer 2015, could soon become a signature entryway into Abilene as well as a convenient venue for upscale shopping, dining and entertainment near the university.

Located at the intersections of Ambler Avenue, Interstate 20 and Judge Ely Boulevard, the 95-acre

development would be a super-regional shopping, leisure, hotel and residential village with an impressive amenity package including a cinema, a 50-acre park with trails, and waterfront dining on a small lake.

The site was previously the home of ACU’s historic Allen Farm and is just northeast of where the university plans to begin constructing an on-campus football stadium in 2016.



ACU remains one of “America’s Best Colleges” in the latest rankings

by U.S. News & World Report, Forbes and The Princeton Review, and has added another accolade for innovation.

U.S. News added the category “Most Innovative Schools” for 2016 and ranked ACU No. 2 among regional universities in the West.

Only 18 regional universities – and just 61 in the nation – were honored for “making the most innovative improvements in terms of curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology or facilities.”

In overall rankings, ACU remains in the Top 20 regional universities (West) as determined by U.S. News in its “America’s Best Colleges” guide and is listed on the U.S. News best-value list of “Great Schools, Great Prices.”

ACU also ranked No. 7 on the list for “50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities in the U.S.” by Christian Universities Online. For the second year, the university was named among “Best Colleges for Veterans.” 

acu.edu/aboutacu

BY T HE NUMBE RS

48

Number of students in the ACU School of Nursing’s first graduating class in May 2015. More than 50 other students are majoring in nursing, two years after the school was started. Previously, ACU students attended the intercollegiate Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing with others from Hardin-Simmons and McMurry universities. Texas Tech University and Cisco College also have nursing schools in Abilene.

42

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

1,071

Freshmen enrolled in Fall 2015, the second biggest entering class in ACU history. They were part of a 12th-day enrollment of 4,544, an increase of 123 students over 2014.

The uniform number of Wildcat great Danieal Manning, the fourth in ACU football history to be retired. Others include quarterback Jim Lindsey (10), running back Wilbert Montgomery (28) and wide receiver Johnny Perkins (44). See story on page 55.

George taught at ACU from 1969-2001, serving as professor and chair of the Department of Music, and orchestra director. In the 1970s he directed the Hilltoppers, a troupe of talented musicians who performed around the world with shows for the USO and U.S. Department of Defense.

ACU TEDxACU gears up for 2016

Purchase tickets today for 60th annual Sing Song at acu.edu/singsong

George saved his last score for granddaughter’s Sing Song club act

46,649 1,200 The largest attendance for an ACU football game was in Honolulu’s Aloha Stadium in 1980, when the Wildcats played the University of Hawaii. Head coach Ken Collums’ team opens the 2016 season in Colorado Springs, Colo., at the 46,692-seat home of the Air Force Academy, for a game with the Falcons of the Mountain West Conference.

ACU students, faculty and staff who registered in a 2015 Delete Blood Cancer drive led by Olympic gold medalist Earl Young (’62). Volunteer registrants submitted to a swab test sent to a national lab and registry that matches potential donors with those in need of a bone marrow transplant. Young’s life was saved in 2012 by such a donation from Christine Waag of Offenburg, Germany.



tedxacu.org

GERALD EWING

has written close to 60 music scores for several class acts and social clubs GATA, Galaxy, Frater Sodalis and Pi Kappa, including winning arrangements for Sigma Theta Chi nine of 10 years from 2002-10.

George came to ACC in 1957 as a transfer student from Cisco College. He recalled the first Sing Song. “A very young William J. Teague (a 1952 graduate who later became ACU’s ninth president) was the master of ceremonies, filling in with dialogue while the groups would take their place on the stage of Sewell Auditorium,” he said.

Sing Song celebrates its 60th anniversary in February 2016. See ACU 101 coverage on pages 32-33. 

JEREMY ENLOW

B

eloved professor emeritus of music Dr. Ed George (’61) has been arranging award-winning tunes for almost as long as Sing Song has been around. He wrote his first musical arrangement for Frater Sodalis men’s social club in 1958, the second Sing Song performance in ACU’s history.

George had intended his 2014 arrangement to be his last, but he had a good reason for returning in 2015 to create one final music score that will stand as perhaps his most meaningful. He wrote it for his granddaughter, senior Lydia Miranda of women’s social club Alpha Kai Omega (pictured above with George).

Throughout nearly six decades, George

TEDxACU is selecting a lineup of thought-provoking speakers for its second annual conference, set for Feb. 27 in Fulks Theatre.

The 2016 event will feature speakers and performers addressing “20 Questions” intended to ignite curiosity and inspire action, said Dr. Lauren (Smith ’05) Lemley, assistant professor of communication and director of TEDxACU. “Last year’s TEDxACU talks have been viewed more than 50,000 times on YouTube in the past six months, and we’re aiming to build on that success with an even more dynamic group of speakers for 2016,” she said.

In addition to last year’s inaugural conference, TEDxACU hosted a youth event Nov. 14, 2015. Local teenagers were invited to view a live stream of the TEDxYouth conference in New York City and to participate in discussions.

460

Number of Harold’s Pit Bar-B-Q sandwiches served Oct. 8, 2015, at ACU’s Family First Fun Night. Before closing his famous Abilene eatery in 2011, the musical talents and tasty fare of Harold Christian (above) were staples of the ACU Hill experience. He still brings his food back for special occasions. Family First is a new program providing resources and activities to strengthen the families of faculty and staff.

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

43

“Once upon a time, it was orange. Then they started running against Abilene Christian.

And you know what it’s called now? It’s called burnt orange.”

– Earl Young (’62), 1960 Olympic champion, chiding former Texas Longhorn competitors in the room about their well-known school color at his Jan. 9, 2015, induction to the Texas Track and Field Coaches Association Hall of Fame. In this image from 1960, Young beats runners from Texas, Michigan and Ohio State in a quadrangular meet at the original Elmer Gray Stadium, with a standing-room-only crowd watching.

“

Q UO TA BL E S “

I definitely see bureaucrats who don’t see the big picture and don’t understand that religion contributes to our society.

It might not always contribute to the tax base, but it does good for our people.”

– Attorney Lori (Halstead ’01) Windham in an interview with The Hill about how her faith helps shape her work as senior counsel for the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, Dec. 9, 2014.

‘Giving back’ has become a trite cliche, uttered by celebrities coached by their PR aides. But there are people who actually do it – not just with money or a photo op playing ball with some kids but by giving their time and, even, their very lives. I want all of them assembled at the White House, as is done for the Super Bowl champs, or marched down Broadway in a blizzard of ticker tape, or merely remanded to our individual places of honor – nagging consciences asking nagging questions: Why them? Why not us?”

– RICHARD COHEN, editorial writer for The Washington Post, in a column March 20 about the selfless heroism of Ebola survivor Kent Brantly, M.D. (’03). Brantly has been to the White House several times since recovering from the illness, and was saluted there Oct. 29, 2014, by President Barack Obama with other survivors and health care professionals.

“

On a whim, I Googled the distance from ACU to New York City (1,730 miles) and it got me thinking about how far I’ve traveled – geographically, intellectually, spiritually – since I was a freshman theatre major. That journey was facilitated in no small part by the education and support I received at ACU. Now, I get to make the 1,700-mile trip back, and hopefully bring some of my favorite things about Broadway to the university and department that gave me so much, and that still hold a very dear place in my heart.”

– Ben Jeffrey (’06), in a Q&A on the ACU Today blog about his Nov. 10, 2015, one-man cabaret show, 1,700 Miles to Broadway. See page 45.

44

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

Dr. Marcus Nelson (’94), who leads the Laredo (Texas) Independent School District, delivered the address to the 2015 graduating class at May Commencement in Moody Coliseum.

Nelson was named Superintendent of the year by the Texas Association of School Boards. He was ACU’s Young Alumnus of the Year for 2013 and received its Grover C. Morlan Medal in 2009.

Campus Voices

PAUL WHITE

Noted author and missional leadership expert Reggie McNeal spoke Nov. 9, 2015, at ACU at CitySquare as part of the Siburt Institute for Church Enrichment’s Equipping for Ministry Seminar.

McNeal presented McNeal “Developing Kingdom Leadership” to elders, ministers and other church leaders. His latest book is Kingdom ​ Come: ​Why ​We ​Must ​Quit ​Our ​Obsession ​ Over ​Fixing ​the ​Church ​and ​What ​We ​Should ​ Do ​Instead.

Motivational speaker Gabe Salazar presented in Chapel on Sept. 15, 2015, as part of Hispanic Heritage Month.

The Halbert Institute for Missions hosted Dr. David Livermore during its spring semester Broom Colloquium, Feb. 25-26, 2015. His book, Leading with Cultural Intelligence, was named a bestseller in business by The Washington Post. He’s president and partner at the Cultural Intelligence Center in East Lansing, Mich., and a visiting research fellow at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.

Former Herald of Truth televangelist John Allen Chalk was the guest speaker Sept. 21, 2015, at the Friends of ACU Library Summit Luncheon.

Fort Worth medical missionary Randy Brown, M.D. (’94), spoke in Chapel on Sept. 30, 2015.

LiveBeyond founder David M. Vanderpool Jr., M.D. (’82), spoke to students Oct. 12-13, 2015, in a Chapel Forum and a School of Nursing chapel.

Don Borut, former executive director of the National League of Cities, was on campus March 2-3, 2015, to meet with students and speak at a luncheon sponsored by ACU’s Center for Building Community. Borut led the NLC for 22 years before retiring. He is secretary general of the North American Section of the United Cities and Local Governments.

Oxford University theologian Dr. Anthony R. Cross spoke Oct. 13, 2015, on baptism in a lecture sponsored by ACU’s Center for Heritage and Renewal (CHARIS).

Vanderpool Jr.

Matt Rose, board chair of BNSF Railway Company, was the College of Business Administration’s spring Distinguished Speaker Series presenter April 7, 2015. His wife, Lisa, founder and president of the 501(c) Rose (3) projectHandUp, and founder and board president of The Gatehouse in Grapevine, Texas, was the fall presenter Oct. 29.

Ben Jeffrey (’06) presented 1,700 Miles to Broadway, a one-man cabaret show Nov. 10, 2015, in Fulks Theatre to benefit Lights Up! fundraising for the Department of Theatre. Jeffrey has played Pumbaa in Broadway’s megahit The Lion King since 2010.

Former NFL defensive back Danieal Manning (’07) spoke in Homecoming Chapel on Oct. 16, 2015, before serving as Grand Marshal of the Homecoming Parade the next day. Tulsa, Okla. minister Mitch Wilburn (’90) was the Saturday Chapel speaker. See story about Manning on page 55.

Christian singer-songwriter Ben Rector was ACU’s guest performer April 27, 2015, in a concert at Abilene’s historic Paramount Theatre.

Mikado Hinson, director of player development at Texas A&M University and former chaplain for the Houston Rockets, was keynote speaker for ACU’s end-of-year athletics banquet May 4, 2015.

Acclaimed interior designer Holly Hunt, a native of Anson, Texas, was on campus May 4, 2015, to speak at a luncheon sponsored by ACU’s Center for Building Community. She also visited with interior design majors.

PAUL WHITE

Emory University theologian Dr. Tom Long spoke on campus June 22, 2015, in a “Preaching in More Than One Voice: Addressing the Multiple Needs of Congregations Today” workshop sponsored by ACU’s Siburt Institute for Church Ministry.

Wilburn

Lark E. Mason Jr., owner and founder of iGavel.com, an international fine-arts and antiques auction site, spoke Dec. 1, 2015, to students and civic leaders at a luncheon sponsored by ACU’s Center for Building Mason Community. Mason is frequently seen on PBS’ Antiques Roadshow as an expert in Chinese art and antiquities.

Economist Dr. Ken Elzinga spoke to students in classes and in Chapel on Oct. 30, 2015. Elzinga, the Robert C. Taylor Professor of Economics at the University of Virginia, was featured in ACU’s Centennial Speakers Series in 2005.

Melissa Zaremba, who for nine of the last 14 years was a performer with New York’s Radio City Rockettes, is an adjunct dance instructor in the Department of Theatre this semester. She teaches ballet, tap Zaremba and jazz classes at ACU and served as choreographer for Mary Poppins, the 2015 Homecoming Musical.

Popular blogger Jamie Wright, who writes “Jamie, the Very Worst Missionary,” talked about “Missions, Justice and Social Media” on Oct. 28-29, 2015, as featured speaker at the Broom Colloquium, hosted by the Halbert Institute of Missions (now a fall semester event).

ACU Startup Week, hosted by the Griggs Center for Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy, brought a panel of successful entrepreneurs to campus Nov. 16-20, 2015, to network with students. They included Darbie (Wilson ’03) Angell, founder of Cru Dinnerware; Randy Brewer (’93), owner of Revolution Pictures; Jarrod Brown (’00), president and co-founder of Mission Lazarus; Luke Hejl (’01), co-founder of Social Factor; Toby Thomas, founder of EnSite Solutions; Elise (Smith ’83) Mitchell, founder and CEO of Mitchell Communications Group and CEO of Dentsu Aegis Network; and Shannon (McKnight ’92) Wilburn, co-founder of Just Between Friends franchise.

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

45

AcademicNEWS

For the latest visit acu.edu/news facebook.com/abilenechristian twitter.com/acuedu

BY ROBIN SAYLOR

instagram.com/acuedu

An artist’s rendering of the new location for ACU Dallas in Addison.

Learn more about ACU graduate programs at acu.edu/grad

BRANDI JO DELONY

ACU Dallas finds a home in Addison on one of most-traveled roadways in the Metroplex ACU Dallas has a home. The university has leased a location in Addison, south of President George Bush Turnpike and north of Interstate 635. The building at 16633 Dallas Parkway is visible from the Dallas North Tollway and is centrally located for students in the Metroplex.

Renovations are nearly complete on 25,000 square feet of office and classroom space, said Jay Goin (’91), executive vice president for ACU Dallas. Staff began moving into the facility in mid-January, he said.

The new campus serves as a home base for the university’s expanded 46

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

selection of online degrees, including the much sought-after Master of Business Administration degree and ACU’s second doctorate, an Ed.D. in organizational leadership.

Online classes already have started for several other graduate programs, including the Master of Marriage and Family Therapy, Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Christian Ministry. Students also are enrolling in an online Master of Education program that began in January. Other new programs are in development and will be announced soon, Goin said.

“ACU Dallas is an expression of the university’s 21st-Century Vision, to become a premier institution for the education of Christ-centered global leaders by expanding our educational reach and influence nationally and internationally,” said Dr. Stephen Johnson (’90), vice president of academic affairs for ACU Dallas. “Already, in our first full year, we are enrolling new students from Seattle to Boston, from California to Florida, and most states in between.” 

UNDE RGR A DUAT E RE SE A RC H

Lytle leaves COBA deanship for two new ventures



The olinguito, as illustrated by acclaimed wildlife artist Nancy Halliday, was photographed by Dr. Tom Lee and his students months before its discovery was announced to the scientific world in 2012.

Dr. Tom Lee’s research with undergrads in Ecuador yields a second significant mammal species discovery

T

o the untrained eye, one Andean water rat looks much like another. But to biology professor and chair Dr. Tom Lee, who has studied this particular group of aquatic mammals for years, the differences between species are subtle but apparent.

A paper published this summer in Zoological Studies confirms the discovery made by Lee and his colleagues from ACU and Ecuador in the Andes Mountains: a new species of water rat, Neusticomys vossi.

It’s the second mammal species Lee and his students have helped discover since 2010, when they identified Caenolestes sangay, a shrew oppossum later described in the Journal of Mammalogy. And in 2012, Lee and his students photographed an olinguito several months before its discovery by other scientists was announced at a press conference at the Smithsonian Institution.

Lee has been taking his undergraduate students to South America’s tropical cloud forests on bi-annual research trips for 15 years. The ACU teams work closely with researchers from the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador.

“The help of our Ecuadorean colleagues is invaluable,” Lee said. “They help us with permits, travel arrangements, translation – everything. It’s been a real blessing to build those relationships.”

While the new rat closely resembles a related species, Neusticomys monticolus, its genetic data identified it as a distinct species.

Dr. John Hanson (’98), a former student of Lee’s, conducted a genetic analysis on the new species and co-authored the Zoological Studies paper.

“The field work I did with Tom helped me develop and hone my love of nature,” said Hanson, who manages a molecular research lab in Lubbock. “It also connected me to

researchers who I went on to work with in graduate school, and people with whom I currently interact and collaborate.”

Lee’s ACU undergraduate researchers on the trip included Dr. Neal Platt (’06) and Grant Goodwiler (’05), along with Ecuadorean student Diego Alvarado.

“These water rats are hard to catch,” Lee said. “I only get to keep a specimen if we catch two or more – the other one stays in Ecuador – so I was excited to catch this one.”

The rats normally feed on aquatic insects, but the researchers use bait composed of peanut butter, oats, bananas and vanilla extract to lure them.

Once the researchers make it back to Abilene after a month of remote Neusticomys fieldwork in South vossi America, they conduct genetic analysis on the specimens. He keeps samples of the species he has discovered in the university’s extensive natural history collection.

Many students who work with Lee go on to pursue graduate work in biology, earning master’s or doctoral degrees. Both Hanson and Platt said their trips with Lee sparked their interest in further work in the field.

“My research interests are diverse, but I am specifically interested in how transposable elements, also known as jumping genes, alter genome structure over time,” said Platt, a postdoctoral research associate at Texas Tech University. “My interest in graduate school and subsequent research in mammalian genomics is a direct result of my time with Dr. Lee.” DR. TOM LEE

PAUL WHITE

After 16 years as dean of the College of Business Administration, Dr. Rick Lytle will take on two new roles, as founding director of ACU’s new Center for Leadership and Faith Development and as CEO of CEO Forum Inc., an organization focused on spiritual development of business leaders around the world.

His COBA deanship will conclude in Spring 2016, and a national search for his successor has begun.

Lytle, who joined ACU’s faculty in 1991, has been involved with CEO Forum for a decade. The organization comprises approximately 225 Christian CEOs and senior executives who serve companies with at least $100 million in revenue such as Procter & Gamble, Walmart, ExxonMobil, CitiCorp and Ritz Carlton, among others.

His new role includes developing a mentoring program Lytle allowing seasoned Christian executives the opportunity to mentor the next generation of leaders.

A portion of a major gift from alumni Mark (’86) and April (Bullock ’89) Anthony will fund COBA’s new center, through which Lytle will continue to direct the college’s Distinguished Speaker Series and its popular Leadership Summit retreat for students each January in Colorado. He also will continue as professor of marketing.

– KATIE NOAH GIBSON ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

47

ACADEMIC DIGEST Linsey Thut, senior convergence journalism major, won first place in breaking news, and Denzil Lim, senior convergence journalism major, won first place in in-depth reporting March 27, 2015, in regional competition from the Society of Professional Journalists.

The Optimist also won 29 awards, including five first-place honors, in Texas Intercollegiate Press Association competition April 9-10.

Dr. Jeff Childers (’89), the CarmichaelWalling Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity in the Graduate School of Theology, lectured at the Norwegian School of Theology’s Dec. 10-12, 2014, Childers conference on “The Bible as Notepad.” The international conference focused on ways in which ancient Bibles were read and edited by actual users over the centuries.

Smith (left) and Hester

PAUL WHITE

Professor of theatre Adam Hester (’77) and Mark Smith (’98) – as psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud and author C.S. Lewis, respectively – co-starred in Freud’s Last Session at ACU Theatre (Aug. 13-15, 2015) and Atlanta’s The Legacy theatre (Sept. 18 - Oct. 4).

Morgan (right) served as on-site coordinator for ACU’s Study Abroad center in Oxford, England, from 2003-12.

RONNIE RUIZ

The Council for Christian Colleges and Universities awarded a three-year research grant to Dr. Ronald Morgan (’98), ACU professor and chair of history, that will result in a book based on his study of “Evangelical Protestantism and Social Change in 21st-Century Brazil.”

48

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

ACU’s Dr. Dana (Kennamer ’81) Pemberton received the Texas Association for Colleges of Teacher Education (TACTE) Annual Leadership Award for “significant contributions to the educator preparation Pemberton process in Texas.”

She is professor and chair of ACU’s Department of Teacher Education and has served in several TACTE Executive Board roles, including president in 2011-12.

A recent gift to the College of Business Administration created the Bill Fowler Endowed Professorship and the Jozell Brister Endowed Professorship.

Fowler came to ACU Fowler in 1984 as assistant vice president for finance, became assistant professor of accounting in 1991 and served from 1992-2004 as chair of the Department of Accounting and Finance. Brister began work at ACU in 1980 Brister and has been assistant to the provost and COBA associate dean in previous administrative roles served while teaching economics classes.

Alikay Wood (’15) of Sacramento, Calif., won first place in fiction and nonfiction writing, and Stephanie Martin (’14) of Cheyenne, Wyo., won first place for poetry writing in the 2015 Texas Association of Creative Writing Teachers contest.

The ACU chapter of Sigma Delta Pi, a national Hispanic honor society, was named a National Honor Chapter for the third consecutive year.

The ACU chapter was one of only 12 of more than 600 chapters around the country chosen for national recognition.

The ACU chapter of Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization, or CEO, was named best chapter in the nation at the national conference Nov. 6, 2015. CEO is a global entrepreneurship network with more than 20,000 students and 200 chapters. Last year, the ACU chapter ranked No. 2 in the nation.

Abilene Christian also won the best chapter business for its Wildcat Ventures.

New faculty added for 2015-16 school year Abilene Christian University has 261 full-time faculty members with 86 percent of those who are tenured or on tenure track holding terminal degrees. The following were added to the faculty for the 2015-16 school year: • Annie (Allison ’07) Bane, instructor of kinesiology and nutrution • Leslie Boiles (’99), visiting instructor of nursing • Dr. Catherine Candler, professor of occupational therapy • Dr. Kelli Bryant Gibson (’04), assistant professor of historical theology • Kim (Molleur ’05) Hardin, instructor of teacher education • Dr. Lori Houghtalen, assistant professor of engineering • Dr. Keonghee “Kay” Jang, assistant professor of social work • Amy Kalb, instructor of social work • Dr. Dennis Marquardt, assistant professor of management sciences • Amy McLaughlin-Sheasby (’15 M.Div.), instructor of Bible, missions and ministry • Dr. Kayla Mennenga (’10 M.M.F.T.), assistant professor of marriage and family therapy • Dr. Brad Rix (’93), associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry • Dr. Caleb Robinson (’09), instructor of biology

• Michael Rogers, instructor of music • Rebecka Scott (’15 M.A.), instructor of language and literature • Donna Walls, assistant professor of occupational therapy • Dr. Todd Womble (’08), assistant professor of language and literature • Dr. Richard Wright (’86 M.A.), associate professor of New Testament

Study Abroad in Montevideo becomes homestay in format

A

CU’s Study Abroad program in Latin America will become a homestay program beginning next fall, said Stephen Shewmaker (’91), executive director of the university’s Center for International Education.

The Casa ACU facility the university has leased for 15 years in Montevideo, Uruguay, will be returned to the El Chana Church of Christ, based upon a mutual agreement. Future students will stay with host families.

“The program at Casa ACU will always be an important chapter in the ACU Study Abroad history,” Shewmaker said. “At the same time, I am excited by the possibilities a new location and operational model will bring to our students and faculty.”

Dr. Paul Roggendorf, assistant professor and director of world languages in the Department of Language and Literature, will serve as program coordinator in Latin America. 

Will Mack (’13) was one of ACU’s students who spent a semester living and learning in Montevideo, Uruguay. For more about ACU Study Abroad programs, visit acu.edu/studyabroad.

NIL SANTANA

Heacock Business Award helps COBA students engage in experiential learning opportunities ACU’s College of Business Administration is sold on the energy created when its students experience lessons in a non-traditional setting.

“That’s when the sparks fly,” said assistant dean Tim Johnston (’79).

The new Heacock Business Award provides additional opportunities for those sparks to fly. The $5,000 award can be used for Study Abroad or other experiential learning opportunities offered by COBA – from a Wall Street lesson in New York City, to entrepreneurship courses in Austin

and the Silicon Valley, to working with the nonprofit CitySquare in Dallas tackling problems of urban poverty. Other COBA trips take students to Honduras, France, Seattle, San Francisco, China, Australia and Oxford, England.

The award also may be used to attend Leadership Summit, held each January in the mountains of Colorado. Students and leaders from business, ministry and government participate in a week-long retreat allowing time for lectures, case studies, meals and hikes together to

discuss the topic of leadership in the home, workplace and communities, Johnston said.

The award is funded through a gift by the late Virginia Heacock, a woman who never had the opportunity to attend college but wanted to see that others could.

Heacock’s 41 years at ExxonMobil in Houston, starting as a telephone operator and rising through the ranks into administration, gave her the ability to provide ACU students with a chance to fulfill the college dreams she had been unable to pursue. 

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

49

CampusNEWS

For the latest visit acu.edu/news facebook.com/abilenechristian twitter.com/acuedu

BY ROBIN SAYLOR

instagram.com/acuedu

Best-selling author, alum Lucado donates his archives to Brown Library

50

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

“

KAREN JAMES

Max Lucado (’77), one of the most prolific and best-selling Christian authors in history, has chosen ACU’s Brown Library as the repository for materials documenting his career as a missionary, evangelist and writer.

Eighty boxes of manuscripts, journals, artwork and personal correspondence arrived June 1, 2015, and others will be added as Lucado’s career continues.

“I love Abilene Christian. Scarcely a week passes when I don’t tell some story about how my life was changed during my days as a student,” said Lucado, who was the university’s Outstanding Alumnus of the Year in 2003 and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the university.

“ACU has had a profound influence not just on me but my children.

“And so it was a very easy decision to do this. It is heartening to think that some of these materials might encourage somebody else in their faith, or lead someone to discover the great grace of God, how God forgives all our sins and the incredible privilege we have to be His servants,” Lucado said.

The idea for a Max Lucado Collection was initiated in 2011 by ACU archivist Dr. Carisse Berryhill, who believes church historians and writers will be inspired by Lucado’s personal faith story, the thought process evident in his reflections and the teamwork required to produce decades of best-selling books for Thomas Nelson, an imprint of HarperCollins Christian Publishing.

“Writing well is a spiritual discipline,” said Berryhill, associate dean for digital initiatives, special collections and university archives.

Lucado was keynote speaker at the 1999 National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. Others featured at NPB events have included humanitarian Mother Teresa, singer-songwriter Bono, British prime minister Tony Blair, bestselling author Eric Metaxas and neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson.

It was at ACU that I was found

by Christ; I don’t think I found Him, I think He found me and literally re-routed my life and my family’s for generations.

I pray these papers can show some of that story to someone who needs a discovery of grace.”

“Max’s manuscripts demonstrate that working hard at the craft of writing in the service of God is a form of obedience which requires not only individual talent but a collaborative community. Christians can approach their own gifts – whatever they are – in that spirit.”

Lucado’s first book, On the Anvil, was published in 1985.

It and more than 31 others have combined to sell more than 97 million copies – and 125 million products overall – in 43 languages.

His newest book is Glory Days: Living Your Promised Land Life Now.

– MAX LUCADO

He and his wife, Denalyn (Preston ’79), were missionaries in Brazil before he joined the ministry staff of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio in 1988. Two of their three daughters, Jenna (Lucado ’06) Bishop and Andrea Lucado (’08), also are ACU graduates.

“It was at ACU that I was found

by Christ; I don’t think I found Him, I think He found me and literally

INNOVAT I V E A C U



– RON HADFIELD

Watch our next issue for an inside look at ACU’s new Max Lucado Collection.

FREEPIK

re-routed my life and my family’s for generations. I pray these papers can show some of that story to someone who needs a discovery of grace,” Lucado said.

A native of Andrews, Texas, he has been named one of the most influential leaders in social media

by The New York Times, “America’s Best Preacher” by Reader’s Digest and “America’s Pastor” by Christianity Today.

“The Lucado Collection will reside as part of the Milliken Special Collections and Archives at ACU, a treasure trove of Restoration Movement history, tracing the development of an American religious tradition that has shaped the faith of people around the world,” said Dr. John Weaver, ACU dean of library services and educational technology.

“Max has provided a gift that will document our times through the work of one of Christianity’s most influential communicators. We are grateful for his trust and thankful for his generosity,” Weaver said.

Berryhill said the library is actively processing the collection, and parts of it will be on public display and available to students and professors studying the craft of religious non-fiction, fiction and children’s writing.

“I really don’t see this as a gift to ACU. I see it as a gift from ACU to me,” Lucado said. “The kindness of the university to store the material, to categorize it, to display it – that just means everything.”

Publishing blends tradition, innovation

W

ith the rise of the Internet, digital publishing and new electronic formats to deliver all kinds of information, the death of “traditional” books has been widely discussed. But to paraphrase Mark Twain, reports of the book’s demise have been exaggerated. A small but stalwart number of university presses – including ACU Press – is living proof.

Founded in 1984, ACU Press is one of only seven Christian members of the American Association of University Presses (AAUP), a list that also includes Baylor, Notre Dame and Fordham universities. During its first two decades, the press published an average of four books a year, with a focus on material related to Churches of Christ and aimed at church and university audiences. Since reorganizing in 2005, the press has published 280 books.

“Part of our mission is to introduce new readers to the heritage of Churches of Christ, so we publish authors from ACU as well as the broader Stone-Campbell tradition,” says press director Dr. Jason Fikes (’92), who assumed his current role in February 2015. “However, this stream flows both ways. As a flagship publisher within our heritage, we also introduce writers from diverse Christian backgrounds to our readers.”

The press houses two distinct imprints. The ACU Press imprint focuses on academic titles in the areas of church history, theology, Christian education and the humanities. Leafwood Publishers, a general trade imprint, publishes titles by and for a broader Christian audience: memoir, devotionals, Bible studies and other books on Christian living. “Our readership is more than Churches of Christ,” Fikes says. “We are looking for engaging, practical content that will help our readers grow in their faith.”

Both its extensive catalog and its distribution belie the operation’s small size.

More than 590 churches, 230 colleges and universities, and 6,000 churches worldwide buy books directly from ACU Press. Its products also are available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Lifeway Christian Stores and other major retailers. Although e-books make up a small percentage of most university press sales, ACU Press is digitizing its older titles, both to preserve them historically and to give readers access to these titles via their e-readers. The press also is partnering with Adobe Inc. on a new digital publishing interface to eventually allow for interactive streaming of books, author interviews and other content. Fikes says he is “excited that ACU Press has the opportunity to lead out as a digital publisher.”

In December 2014, as part of an administrative reorganization, ACU Press merged with the Brown Library and moved its offices across Campus Court to the main library building. Fikes says he can already see the good of the move: “We are now more accessible to the faculty and noticed by the student body.” The press’ new location also will facilitate collaboration with faculty and staff members in the library, the AT&T Learning Studio and the Adams Center for Teaching and Learning.

With a more central location, fresh opportunities for creative partnerships and its ever-expanding catalog of books in a range of disciplines, ACU Press is not only surviving in the digital age, but thriving.  – KATIE NOAH GIBSON acupressbooks.com leafwoodpublishers.com

blogs.acu.edu/specialcollections

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

51

The Quad dedicated to Ray and Kay McGlothlin Jr. (From left) ACU board chair Dr. Barry Packer (’78), Ray McGlothlin Jr. (’49), Kay (Dollar ’49) McGlothlin and ACU president Dr. Phil Schubert (’91) at The Quad.

STEVE BUTMAN

If Kay (Dollar ’49) McGlothlin gets her wish, students will one day know the new space on campus officially named The Quad as “The Friendship Quad.”

“Friendships developed on campus can bring you joy your entire life,” she said through her daughter Danna (McGlothlin ’80) Oliver on Nov. 6, 2015, at the dedication ceremony for The Quad, an outdoor gathering space in front of the Onstead Science Center on the south end of campus, named for Ray (’49) and Kay McGlothlin.

Kay encouraged students to put friendships at the top of their priority list while at Abilene Christian, recalling fondly her move to Abilene for school in the 1940s, where she formed lifelong friendships. It was fitting she focused her message toward students; the McGlothlins are longtime ACU supporters who for years have welcomed students into their hearts and home.

An outgrowth of the Vision in Action initiative, The Quad was created with students in mind as a gathering place to relax and find inspiration, president Dr. Phil Schubert (’91) said

at the dedication ceremony.

“It couldn’t be named for two better people,” Schubert said.

“Ray and Kay are two of the most hospitable and generous people I’ve ever met, and they’ve given generously of their time and resources to bless ACU students for decades. Their contributions have truly shaped this university in unprecedented ways. They’ve been a blessing to so many, myself included.”

Ray served on the ACU Board of Trustees for almost 40 years beginning in 1964 – including a decade as chair – playing an instrumental role in the development of the university. Kay was one of the founding members and longtime leaders of Women for ACU. They are

devout members of Hillcrest Church of Christ, where they are active with the Hillcrest Singers.

The Quad’s proximity to ACU’s state-of-the-art science facilities will reflect the McGlothlins’ years of connection with faculty and students in the sciences, Schubert said. Student-designed features for The Quad will include walkway lights programmed to detect motion and illuminate when passed, and a sculpture in honor of the McGlothlins’ love of music.

Adam Starbuck, junior information technology major from Pflugerville, is helping design the technology for the lights along with Austin Welborn, sophomore marketing major from Thibodaux,

institutions care deeply about the students and develop relationships with those students to help ensure their success.”

Before arriving at Abilene Christian in 2012, Garrett served as senior vice president for academic affairs at Oklahoma Christian University and was an executive with Walmart Stores Inc. for more than a decade.

“It’s been a privilege to work with Allison, and we’ve been blessed by her remarkable leadership over the past four years,” said ACU president Dr. Phil Schubert (’91). “I feel certain she will bring great value to Emporia State over the years ahead, just as she did at ACU.”

Meyer receives youth ministry award

CAMPUS DIGEST Garrett named president of Emporia State Abilene Christian University executive vice president Dr. Allison Garrett has been named president of Emporia (Kan.) State University, effective Jan. 4, 2016.

“One of the things that attracted me to ESU is that, in many ways, it seems similar to one of the things I love about ACU,” Garrett said. “Faculty Garrett and staff at both

52

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

Dr. Jan Meyer (’87), dean of leadership development and executive director of ACU’s Center for Christian Service and Leadership, was recipient of the Big Don Williams Lighthouse Award from the National Conference on Youth Ministry for her “relentless commitment to the Meyer ministry and mission of

Texas Supreme Court Justice Jeffrey S. Boyd (’83)

vowel – the letter ‘E’ specifically.

The original plan was to name the area McGlothlin Quad, he said, but learning this, the McGlothlins requested their name not be so prominent. The wording was changed, but not in time for custom letters to arrive by the dedication, meaning a temporary ‘E’ was used for the ‘The’ in the sign.

“This only demonstrates Ray and Kay’s humility,” Schubert said.

“Their servant hearts are what we cherish and what we celebrate here today.”

Oliver echoed this sentiment, acknowledging he knows it can be hard, especially for the McGlothlins, to be the receivers of a gift and not the givers. “It’s your turn to receive,” he told them, “so the rest of us can get a blessing in giving.” 

– SARAH CARLSON

PAUL WHITE

drawing teenagers and families to live as followers of Jesus Christ.” The late Williams (’59) worked in ACU Admissions in the 1980s and was a pioneer youth minister in Churches of Christ.

Upcoming ElderLink events Several ElderLink conferences for church leaders have been scheduled for 2016 with the theme “Revitalizing Churches: Seeking God’s Preferred Future in a Troubled World”: Feb. 27 (South Plains Church of Christ, Lubbock), April 23 (North Central Church of Christ, Indianapolis, Ind.) and April 30

Kent Brantly, M.D. (’03), was the featured speaker Aug. 24, 2015, at Opening Assembly, where he received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from his alma mater.

(Georgetown Church of Christ, Georgetown, Texas). See related story on pages 34-37.

PAUL WHITE

La., and art and design professor Dr. Nil Santana (M.S. ’00). The students work with Santana in the Maker Lab, a hands-on lab space in Brown Library, and Starbuck said he loves the opportunity it provides for him to create and imagine new ways of designing.

“This space represents the meeting of art and science, and I’m so thankful ACU is a place that supports such innovation,” Starbuck said at the dedication.

Alyssa Wilder, sophomore biology major from Everman, spoke at the dedication and on behalf of the student body thanked those who donated and worked to create The Quad.

“As a biology major, I spend a lot of time in this area,” Wilder said.

“I can’t wait to be able to step out of class and take a break in such a beautiful space.”

The Quad is bordered by the Onstead Science Center, the Hardin Administration Building, Zellner Hall, the Phillips Education Building and the Halbert-Walling Research Center. “We bought you a lot on the nicest neighborhood on campus,” son-in-law Eric Oliver (’81) said to Ray and Kay, with a laugh.

Schubert joked early on about attendees having the opportunity to buy a

Texas Supreme Court visits campus for first time Texas Supreme Court Justice Jeffrey S. Boyd (’83) enjoys traveling with his fellow jurists as they take their sessions on the road. But his trip in November was especially memorable as it brought him back to his alma mater.

“The court travels to hear oral arguments outside of Austin twice each year, and I am always proud to see the court introduced to communities around the state,” Boyd said. “This time, I was doubly proud, not just to introduce the court to ACU but to be able to introduce ACU to the court.”

The Supreme Court justices heard oral arguments in two cases during a public session in ACU’s Hunter Welcome Center on Nov. 13, 2015, that was attended by about 500 people. The nine justices also met with students and local attorneys during their two-day visit to Abilene.

“The court had a great visit, and several of my colleagues have expressed how wonderfully the people of ACU welcomed us,” Boyd said.

Dr. Neal Coates (’87), professor and chair of ACU’s political science department, organized the visit.

“I can enthusiastically say it was a wonderful event for ACU to host the court,” he said. “The proceedings were very interesting and educational, the justices were so approachable, and the reception and lunch were a very good way to connect a West Texas audience with the court.” 

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

53

WildcatSPORTS

For the latest visit acusports.com facebook.com/acusports twitter.com/acusports

BY LANCE FLEMING AND CHRIS MACALUSO

instagram.com/acusports

Alexandria (705) and Michaela (706) Hackett helped lead ACU to its first Southland Conference team championship since rejoining the league and beginning its four-year transition from NCAA Division II to Division I.

BRIAN BLALOCK

JEREMY ENLOW

Hackett sisters walk on, then help ACU run away with Southland cross country title About the only way you can tell identical twins Alexandria and Michaela Hackett apart is the freckle on the former’s right cheek.

The juniors from Cranston, R.I., are helping the ACU women’s cross country team separate from the rest of its peers.

With Alexandria finishing first (by a whopping 31 seconds) and Michaela seventh, the Wildcats won the Southland Conference title on Oct. 30 in Huntsville, Texas. It was ACU’s first league crown in any sport since rejoining the Southland in 2013.

Not bad for a couple of walk-ons whose freshman seasons, unlike Michaela’s birthmark, had no particular distinguishing characteristics.

“I wasn’t serious about running,” said Alexandria. “I was just kind of doing it for fun. Our performances weren’t that great.”

In fairness, neither were ACU’s expectations. But their fellow freshman Diana Garcia-Munoz, who was on scholarship, performed at a high level, finishing as ACU’s No. 2 54

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

runner that season. And the Hacketts couldn’t help but notice.

“Diana definitely helped me,” Alexandria said, “because I was just chasing her during the runs. I made a decision that I wanted to be good. I found a new love and passion for it.”

With that old flame rekindled, the Hacketts hit the road and put their home track and field advantage to use in the summer before their sophomore seasons.

“Living in Rhode Island,” says Michaela, “we could run in the middle of the day because of the perfect weather. And there are hills, which are better for training.”

Cross country is an eight-week sport that runs from the beginning of the fall semester through the end of October. That schedule demands athletes train on their own and return to school ready to hit the ground running. In 2014, ACU track and field head coach Keith Barnier could quickly tell the Hacketts had and others hadn’t.

“They saved our season,” Barnier said unequivocally. “As walk-ons, they

came back in better shape than some of our scholarship runners, which elevated the whole team’s intensity and expectations. Now they’re propelling us to new heights.”

Led by Alexandria’s three individual wins, the Wildcats claimed three team titles in Fall 2015 and finished in the top three at elite meets hosted by Texas A&M University and the University of Arkansas.

Unlike most ACU teams during this four-year transition period into Division I, cross country can compete for the conference crown because the winners in those sports do not automatically advance to the NCAA playoffs. That gave the Hacketts and their Wildcat pack something significant to shoot for. And they hit their target.

But these twins haven’t peaked.

With the Hacketts, Garcia-Munoz and all of their top runners returning in 2016, the Wildcats figure to be the frontrunners for an identical finish next season. 

– GRANT BOONE

Calvin Cooley and Teresa (Rubart) Grounds took part in a Q&A at the event with other ACU Sports Hall of Fame inductees.

Manning is fourth Wildcat to have football jersey retired



PAUL WHITE

Athletics director Lee De Leon, Danieal Manning and head football coach Ken Collums

PAUL WHITE

Danieal Manning (’07) experienced several Homecomings on the football field for the Wildcats, but the one he may remember most came a decade later.

The finest defensive back to ever play for ACU, Manning earned 12 All-America citations despite opponents steering their offenses and kicks away from him during the 2003-05 seasons in which he starred.

But he couldn’t avoid attention in October 2015, when he was inducted to the ACU Sports Hall of Fame, spoke at Homecoming’s Friday Chapel, served as grand marshal of the Saturday parade and had his No. 11 jersey retired.

He is only the fourth former Wildcat football player to be honored with the latter, joining Jim Lindsey (No. 10, 1967-70), Wilbert Montgomery (No. 28, 1973-76) and Johnny Perkins (No. 44, 1974-76).

Coaches had not issued his No. 11 jersey to any player since he turned pro in 2005.

Following his junior year, Manning became the second-highest NFL draftee in ACU history when the Chicago Bears made him their top pick – and the league’s 42nd overall – in 2006.

As a rookie, he started all but two of the Bears’ games en route to Super Bowl XLI. He signed as a free agent with the Houston Texans in 2011, helping them win their first AFC South title (2012) and make two trips to the playoffs before retiring in 2015 after nine standout NFL seasons.

Seven inducted to ACU Sports Hall of Fame One of the most distinguished classes in the 30-year history of the ACU Sports Hall of Fame was inducted Oct. 16, 2015: Calvin Cooley (’62), Don Drennan (’58), Teresa (Rubart ’77) Grounds, Brek Horn (’02 M.Ed.), Mike Lively (’78), Danieal Manning (’07) and Jared Mosley (’00).

From 1958-61, Cooley was one of the top collegiate hurdlers in the nation. He and Wildcat teammates Dennis Richardson (’63), Bud Clanton (’62) and Olympian Earl Young (’62) set a world record of 1:22.6 in the 880-yard relay in the 1961 Texas Relays. Cooley lost only one hurdles race as a freshman and two as a sophomore, and set the national freshman record of 22.6 in the 220-yard low hurdles.

The 23rd recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, Drennan was ACU’s third director of athletics. During his tenure (1988-90), the baseball program was revived and construction began on Crutcher Scott Field.

He also had a distinguished career in ACU’s Business Office, taught accounting and served as the institutional representative to the NCAA. Grounds was the first superstar of Wildcat women’s basketball.

Nearly 40 years later, she is still ACU’s career leader in rebounds (1,194), rebounds per game (12.7) and rebounds in a game (29). She was the first woman in Wildcat history to lead her team in scoring and rebounding all four seasons.

None of Horn’s seven Wildcat

women’s volleyball teams won fewer than 18 matches in a season, and five won at least 23.

She compiled an ACU-best 173-69 record in seven seasons (1999-2005), including the only two LSC titles in program history, back-to-back regional tournaments and a 31-match winning streak.

One of the top defensive linemen in Wildcat football history, Lively was a four-year letterman who twice earned all-LSC honors.

He helped his team to a 9-2 record and Shrine Bowl win over Harding University in 1976 and a NAIA Division I national title in 1977.

Manning was a three-year starter (2003-05) who became ACU’s second-highest NFL draft choice (42nd pick by the Chicago Bears in 2006) after earning 12 NCAA Division II all-America citations. As an NFL rookie he started 17 of the Bears’ 19 games and helped lead them to Super Bowl XLI. He ended his nine-year NFL career with the Houston Texans in 2015 after helping them earn two trips to the playoffs.

During Mosley’s tenure as the seventh director of athletics in ACU history (2004-14), the Wildcats won 10 national, 20 regional and 46 LSC titles.

Following a standout career as an ACU basketball player, he guided the athletics program to NCAA Division I affiliation and a return to the Southland Conference before becoming CEO and president of the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. 

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

55

Collums honors scholarship for injured freshman Hall

J.R. Hall

Collums said. Within hours of hearing about Hall’s accident, Collums had a decision to make: pull Hall’s scholarship and offer it to another student-athlete, or honor the commitment to someone with a slight chance to ever suit up for his team.

It was a gut-wrenching decision, one made all the more challenging because of Collums’ need for talented players as it transitioned to Division I. In the end, the coach couldn’t get past Hall’s zeal for life, his Christian faith and his love for ACU. After prayer and reflection, Collums found the decision not so difficult.

“To me, he was an ACU Wildcat,” explained Collums. “When he came out here on his visit he said, ‘Coach, I’m in. This is what I want to do and who I want to be.’ He embodies who we are.”

Mike Overton, who coached Hall

On Sept. 10, 2015, Abilene Christian became the only member of the Southland Conference for which Nike is the exclusive manufacturer of game uniforms, practice gear, sideline apparel and other equipment. ACU joins Texas, Baylor, TCU and SMU as the only Lone Star State universities to team with the sports apparel and equipment giant.

ACU director of athletics Lee De Leon said Abilene Christian’s brand was attractive to Nike as well. The Wildcats represent one of intercollegiate sports’ longest-running success stories: 64 national championships,

56

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY



– ADAM NETTINA

SEAN KILPATRICK

SPORTS DIGEST Nike strikes five-year deal with ACU

JEREMY ENLOW

Scholarships are the lifeblood of most NCAA Division I football programs, especially ACU’s.

More than just a contract between student-athletes and universities, they symbolize something far more important in the context of life: an agreement between institutions and students to walk side-by-side, in good times and bad.

Feb. 2, 2015, marked one of the worst of times for J.R. Hall, a standout senior cornerback at Mesquite (Texas) Horn High School, who broke multiple vertebrae and suffered extensive nerve damage in his spine during a car accident. Hall, who’d verbally committed to play football for ACU earlier that winter, had just one thought in mind when he finally regained consciousness: “I didn’t get to sign.”

He wasn’t alone in his anxiety.

More than two hours away, Wildcat head football coach Ken Collums learned the question was not whether Hall would sign to play football at ACU, but whether or not he would even walk again.

“The more information we received, the worse it was,”

at Mesquite Horn, was astonished by Collums’ commitment. He said the very act of honoring a scholarship under similar circumstances is almost unprecedented for Division I universities in ACU’s position.

“It shows the character and the commitment – and the value system – they’re holding true to as a Christian school,” Overton said.

The move shouldn’t come as a major surprise for those familiar with the way Collums runs his program.

It’s his way of walking the talk, an embodiment of committed Christian relationships between faculty and students, coaches and players.

“When these guys get here, they’re ours,” Collums explained.

“When he made the commitment to come here, pretty much he was ours, we were his, and now let’s start doing life together.”

216 conference titles and the growing reputation of ACU graduates in the sports business world, such as Emmy Award-winning CBS Sports golf and football producer Lance Barrow (’78).

Another ACU grad, former Wildcat pole vaulter Tobie Hatfield (’87), leads Nike’s design staff in the company’s Innovation Kitchen at its world headquarters in Beaverton, Ore. The Nike contract begins July 1, 2016, and follows a current three-year agreement with Adidas.

Whiteside pursues Calgary quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell in a July 24 game.

Whiteside helps Ottawa to CFL playoffs While several former Wildcats were making their marks in the National Football League in 2015 (see pages 2-3), defensive lineman Aston Whiteside (’12) was a standout in the Canadian Football League. Whiteside was among team leaders in sacks for the Ottawa Redblacks before a season-ending knee injury

SP OR T S ROUNDUP

Baseball, softball venues switch from natural grass to AstroTurf fields



Football • Plagued by injuries, the Wildcats finished 2015 at 3-8 overall and 3-6 in the Southland for their first losing record in 10 years.

• ACU snapped a season-high six-game losing streak Nov. 14 in its home finale vs. Southeastern Louisiana University when quarterback Parker McKenzie tossed a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jamie Walker on fourth down with 22 seconds left.

• Freshman cornerback Jabari Butler’s six interceptions were the Jabari Butler most by a Wildcat since Danieal Manning (’07) in 2003.

• Sophomore linebacker Sam Denmark was named Southland Conference Football Student-Athlete of the Year. He led the Football Championship Subdivision and the league in tackles, and has a 3.75 GPA in engineering.

Denmark earned first team all-Southland honors with Butler, who was named Freshman of the Year.

JEREMY ENLOW

Twenty-five years after its diamond was carved from a wheat field near campus, the home of ACU baseball is undergoing another major transformation.

This fall and winter, Crutcher Scott Field – along with nearby Poly Wells Field for women’s softball – is trading its dirt and turf playing surface for an artificial one.

Thanks to the generosity of donors and the effects of an unrelenting drought, both venues will feature an AstroTurf playing surface by the time each team’s 2016 season begins.

The technology behind AstroTurf always has been innovative, but it has come a long way since the 1960s, when Bonneau Houston’s Astrodome became the first major sports venue to feature it. Today, it can be found in collegiate baseball stadiums across the Big 12, Big Ten and Atlantic Coast conferences, and on MLB fields in Tampa Bay and Toronto.

ACU, however, will have one of the few collegiate softball fields with an entirely synthetic playing surface. Work began in early November at both Wildcat venues.

“This is a game-changer for us,” said head coach Britt Bonneau. “We will now have a field we can use year-round for teaching and coaching. We normally took eight weeks off to plant the rye grass we played on each spring. Now we can practice longer into the fall. It also will help us attract and enroll even more of the top student-athletes in the nation.”

The baseball team opens its home season Feb. 19 with The University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley and the softball team does the same March 5 against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

Cross Country • Junior Alexandria Hackett was named Southland Athlete of the Year for winning the conference individual title in addition to two other races during the regular season. Aubrey Till received Freshman of the Year honors and Keith Barnier was named women’s Coach of the Year.

• Junior Diana Garcia-Munoz earned first team All-Southland honors for the second straight season after placing fourth at the conference championship race, while a second team citation was presented to Hackett’s twin sister, Michaela, who placed seventh.

• The ACU men finished ninth for the second consecutive season at the Southland meet with 250 points – a 24-point improvement from the previous fall. In the final race of his collegiate career, fifth-year senior Daniel Block posted an 8K time of 26:01.7 to lead all Wildcat runners.

Soccer • ACU placed third in the Southland Conference at 7-2-2 for its third-consecutive winning season in as many years, rallying from a 1-6-1 start to finish 8-8-3 overall.

• Freshman forward Dylan Owens and junior defender Kelsie Roberts were voted second team All-Southland.

Owens was a nominee for Southland Player and Freshman

Daniel Block

Dylan Owens

JEREMY ENLOW

in September. His team, however, finished the regular season in first place in the CFL East Division and advanced to the league’s 103rd Grey Cup championship game on Nov. 29, when it lost to the Edmonton Eskimos, 26-20.

Whiteside was named CFL player of the week in late July.

JEREMY ENLOW

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

57

For the latest visit acusports.com facebook.com/acusports twitter.com/acusports instagram.com/acusports

Women’s Basketball

of the Year after leading the Wildcats with 18 points on six goals and six assists.

• The Wildcat offense ranked No. 1 as a team (conference games only) in shots (227), points (70), goals (26) and assists (18), and their defense allowed the third-fewest goals (12) in conference play while outscoring opponents by an average of 1.27 goals per game.

Volleyball RICK YEATTS

• The Wildcats finished 2015 at 9-20 overall but 9-7 in Southland play, tied for fourth place with McNeese State University. ACU’s nine wins were its most since re-joining the league in 2013 and included a 6-2 home record.

• Madison Hoover, Jennifer Loerch and Sarah Siemens finished their careers ranked among Wildcat career leaders. Hoover ranks second with 1,742 digs, Loerch is eighth with 1,369 kills and Siemens is fourth with 3,644 digs.

Madison Hoover

Golf

Tennis

Men’s Basketball • ACU had a 7-10 overall record in mid-January.

Perhaps its most impressive early season performance was a 108-100 double-overtime loss at Colorado State University. The Rams won 27 games last year and were receiving votes for the Associated Press Top 25 when ACU visited Nov. 24.

• The Wildcats made a five-day team trip in August to Costa Rica, where they played two exhibition games, directed a basketball camp and played with children at the Obras del Espiritu Santo orphanage.

58

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

JEREMY ENLOW

• Several Wildcats captured women’s championships in Fall 2015 at the Grand Canyon Invitational, led by junior Erin Walker, who won both the Flight 1 singles crown and doubles title alongside sophomore Whitney Williams. On the men’s team, freshman Joshua Sheehy won the Flight 1 singles title against 15 competitors.

Sophomore Paul Domanski was tops in Flight 3 singles, while in doubles, the teams of Nico Agritelley and Henry Adams, and Cole Lawson and Sebastian Langdon won the Flight 1 and 2 doubles titles, respectively.

• Agritelley, a junior, won the consolation title at the ITA/USTA Texas Regionals, defeating opposition from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Lamar University and Southern Erin Walker Methodist University. He and Sheehy also reached the doubles semifinals of the Midland Racquet Club Collegiate Invitational, losing to a nationally ranked duo from the University of New Mexico. Agritelley and Sheehy went on to represent ACU at the ITA/USTA All-America Championships in Tulsa, Okla., where they went 1-1.

• Senior Kaysie Hermsdorf and sophomore Lucile Pothier each won two main draw singles matches to reach the Round of 32 at the ITA/USTA Texas Regionals in College Station. Pothier finished the fall season with a 9-3 singles record and won the Air Force Invitational’s Flight 1 doubles title with Williams.

• Texas Tech University transfer and sophomore Hunter Holman went 5-1 to win the consolation finals at Boise State University’s Dar Walters Classic.

• ACU was in first place (5-0) in the Southland early in the 2016 spring semester. The only two blemishes on its 14-2 overall record were road losses to Kansas State University and Texas Tech University. Head coach Julie Goodenough entered the season with a record of 345-251, including 56-31 in three years with the Wildcats.

• Junior forward Suzzy Dimba was named second team preseason All-Southland.

She ranked among 2014-15 conference leaders in scoring (11.6 points per game), rebounding (8.6), assists (2.6) and double-doubles (10).

• The Wildcats received the title of All-Academic from the Golf Coaches Association of America. Eight ACU golfers recorded a grade-point average of 3.20 or better during Spring 2015, led by 4.0 student-athletes Kyle Kennedy (finance) and Brandon Stites (accounting). Dillon Vaughn was named a Cleveland Golf/Srixon All-America Scholar after recording a 74.8 scoring average to go along with his 3.7 cumulative GPA.

• Junior Ryan Beatty tied Vaughn for the team’s lowest scoring average at 74.09 through four Fall 2015 tournaments. Beatty fired a team season low 6-under 66 during the second round of the Air Force Academy’s Gene Miranda Invitational to finish 12th overall at 2-under 214. He also tied for ninth at the Bayou City Collegiate Championship (2-over 218) and tied for 14th at The Grove Intercollegiate (5-over 149). Beatty led the Wildcats this fall with 31 birdies.

Baseball • The Wildcats’ 2016 home season includes games with perennial NCAA tournament participants Dallas Baptist University (March 29), TCU (April 19) and Texas Tech University (April 26).

Softball • The Wildcats begin their 2016 season playing in tournaments at Texas State University, Louisiana Tech University and The University of Texas at Austin. ACU has two non-conference games scheduled with the Longhorns plus a home-and-home series with Texas Tech University and a single home game with Baylor University April 27 at Poly Wells Field.

Track and Field • The Wildcats started their indoor season in mid-December at Texas A&M University’s Reveille Invitational, their first of three trips to College Station. They also will make multiple trips to Texas Tech University. ACU’s outdoor schedule includes stops at TCU, the Texas Relays in Austin and the University of Oklahoma’s John Jacobs Invitational.

YOUR GIFTS AT WORK

Amount committed to ACU’s endowment as part of the Partnering in the Journey campaign between June 1, 2010, and Sept. 30, 2015

Minimum amount required to create a restricted endowed scholarship ($10,000 is required for an unrestricted endowed scholarship)

Total donors giving to ACU’s endowment as part of the Partnering in the Journey campaign between June 1, 2010, and Sept. 30, 2015

Amount per month you can give to build a $10,000 unrestricted endowment in just five years

Recent scholarship endowments created • • • • • • • • •

Charles and Janis Black Teacher’s Endowed Scholarship Maurita J. Dietz Memorial Endowed Scholarship George A. Klingman Endowed Scholarship Mark Lewis Endowed Scholarship Howard and Lanita Smith Memorial Endowed Scholarship Susan Teague Reid Endowed Scholarship Tolleson Scholars - COBA Endowed Scholarship John and Geneva Tubbs Memorial Endowed Scholarship Greg and Diane Vick Endowed Scholarship

To create your own endowed scholarship or contribute to an existing one, see acu.edu/giveonline or call 800-588-1514.

RACHAEL HUBBARD

Burgners dedicated to paying it forward

Five years.

That was the timeline Daniel and Emily Burgner Daniel (’10) and Emily (Hood ’11) Burgner set for themselves: Fund an unrestricted endowed scholarship of $10,000 in five years.

The Burgners weren’t even “the Burgners” at the time Daniel created the Rhonda Holder Endowed Scholarship in Fall 2012 – they were only engaged – but they both say they felt strongly about embarking on the joint financial commitment before they’d said their vows.

They married in Fall 2013. They fully funded the endowed scholarship in Fall 2015 – two years ahead of schedule.

“Neither of us would have been able to attend Abilene Christian University without scholarships and financial aid, and we were so blessed by those gifts,” Emily said. “ACU changed our lives. We believe in the work that God is doing at ACU. We don’t see our giving as a sacrifice. Yes, we still have student loans and bills to pay. But God has blessed us with everything we have, including our ACU education, and we have to give back.”

Now retired, Rhonda (Boyer ’72) Holder was a longtime administrative coordinator in the Department of Political Science and a mentor to Daniel. Keeping with tradition of honoring ACU staff members who influenced their lives, the Burgners recently created the Mark Lewis Endowed Scholarship in honor of Lewis (’95 M.M.F.T.), associate dean of students and one of Emily’s mentors.

Daniel and Emily said they chose to fund endowed scholarships because they directly benefit students, and as benefactors, they are able to know which students specifically receive aid from their endowment. Contributing to ACU’s endowment also ensures their gifts keep on giving.

Every year, a portion of the interest generated from ACU’s endowment provides money for endowed scholarships. As the endowment grows, the percentage grows. As of Nov. 30, 2015, the university’s endowment had a value of $361.8 million.

“That number may be huge, but gifts to the endowment or ACU in general don’t have to be,” Daniel said, adding even $10 given goes a long way.

“ACU is more diverse and academically challenging than ever before,” he said, “and our gifts are a vote of confidence in the direction ACU is going.”

Emily agreed.

“We have to keep giving back,” she said, “so others have the same opportunities we did.”

– SARAH CARLSON 

DID YOU KNOW?

The youngest donors to an endowed scholarship were ages 9 and 12. Owen and Riley Fisher, now 11 and 15, gave to the Judy Fisher Endowed Scholarship, named in memory of their grandmother.

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

59

facebook.com/abilenechristian twitter.com/acuedu instagram.com/acuedu

EXPERIENCES 1965 Submit your news online at blogs.acu.edu/acutoday/experiences or use the EXperiences card in each issue of the magazine.

Deadlines: ACU Today is published two times a year. Because of printing deadlines, your news could be delayed by one issue.

In Memoriam: It’s best for a member of the deceased’s immediate family to submit notification, preferably with a copy of the official published obituary.

Contact information: To help ensure the privacy of our alumni, as of this issue, ACU Today no longer shares email and postal addresses of those whose self-reported news appears in EXperiences. If you would like contact information for someone listed here, call 800-373-4220 or email alumni@acu.edu for assistance.

1956

Radell (Winton) Jean is retired from Halliburton and lives in Duncan, Okla.

seven grandchildren, and are active members of the Buena Park (Calif.) Church of Christ. They live in La Palma, Calif.

1957

1963

Bryan and Carolyn (Dorr) Teagle celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary Aug. 19, 2015.

They live in Missoula, Mont.

1959

Bob and Darlene (Lovelady) Davis celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Sept. 4, 2015. They have three children and

Russell O. Vail (’63) won the 3000-meter race walk in 28 minutes, 11.03 seconds for the men’s 70-74 age group in the March 8, 2015, USA Track and Field Michigan Open/Master’s Indoor Track and Field Championships in Ann Arbor, Mich.

He also finished second in the shot put (23-3.5).

Russ lives in White Lake, Mich.

Charles and Shirlynn (Calhoun) Beason celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary June 5, 2015. They live in Forney, Texas.

1966

Billie (Wesley) Silvey has published her eighth book, The Victory Lap: Growing Old With God. She taught a class on the book at the 2015 Pepperdine Lectures. She lives in Los Angeles, Calif.

1970

Scott Ferguson has retired after a 40-year career in commercial real estate finance. He and his wife, Vickie, have moved to Angel Fire, N.M.

1971

Charolyn (Monroe) Alexander lives in Denver, Colo., with her husband, Howard Alexander.

Vicki (Frossard) Campbell and her husband, James Campbell, have retired and moved to Georgetown, Texas.

1972

David “Ray” Weyandt has retired from United Parcel Service after 40 years. He lives in Murphy, Texas.

PAUL WHITE

See more images from Homecoming 2015 at issuu.com/abilenechristian

60

KeeAna Ward, a junior member of women’s social club GATA, marched in the 2015 Homecoming Parade.

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

BONU S C OV E R AGE

Willie the Wildcat greets spectators during the Homecoming Parade on Saturday morning.

PAUL WHITE

ACU TODAY

î‚ś

Winter-Spring 2016

BC 1 3

PAUL WHITE

During Chapel on Saturday, ACU president Dr. Phil Schubert (’91) accepted from David (‘95) and Jennifer (Prill ‘96) Meredith a check for $6.6 million as the Reunion Class Gift for 2015.

BC 1 4

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

Guest speaker on Friday at Homecoming was former NFL star Danieal Manning (’07), who served as grand marshal of the parade, was inducted to the ACU Sports Hall of Fame and had his No. 11 jersey officially retired.

See story on page 55.

PAUL WHITE

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

BC 1 5

Sophomores Laurie Beth Chalk (left) and Briana Bellow (center) perform with their Sigma Theta Chi women’s social club pledge class during the Homecoming Parade on Saturday morning. Their club’s float theme was “Bringing Siggie Sunshine Since 1969.”

PAUL WHITE

BC 1 6

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

BC 1 7

PAUL WHITE

LEFT: The pledges of men’s social club Frater Sodalis celebrate the club’s tradition of drinking milk with their Homecoming Parade float.

BC 1 8

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

The women of GATA pay tribute to their social club’s history as fans of ACU Athletics.

PAUL WHITE

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

BC 1 9

PAUL WHITE

The Homecoming theme of “Celebrate Your Story” asked participants in the parade to pick individual themes to note the history of ACU, social clubs and campus organizations.

The pledges of women’s social club Ko Jo Kai honored the long purple line of ACU alumni by dressing as graduation caps; their float was a giant Willie the Wildcat donning similar headwear.

BC 2 0

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

PAUL WHITE

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

BC 2 1

Students, alumni and other friends packed Moody Coliseum for Chapel on Saturday at Homecoming.

Members of the 2015 Homecoming Court pictured on the front row included (from left): April Young, Amy Stornello, Maci Smith, Shannon Motz, Stephanie Jordan and Alex Abston. Not pictured: Chera Chaney, Rachel Lopez De Castilla, Courtney Roberts, Courtney Spink and Mandy Stratton.

PAUL WHITE

BC 2 2

Winter-Spring 2016

î‚ś

ACU TODAY

Those in the front row included (from right): 2005 Coming Home Court members Allison (Sevier) Blessing, Moriah (Steward) Farmer and Lydia (Spies) Robey. Not pictured: Misty (Wilcox) Lackey, Amanda (Thompson) Libby, Laci (Bills) Newhouse, Jenny (Fullerton) Thompson, Rosalyn (Perry) Haug, Jenni Kripner and 2005 Coming Home Queen Nichelle Wall.

ACU TODAY

î‚ś

Winter-Spring 2016

BC 2 3

Beautiful October weather brought out fans in droves to watch ACU play Sam Houston State University in Shotwell Stadium at Homecoming.

BC 2 4

Winter-Spring 2016

î‚ś

ACU TODAY

JEREMY ENLOW

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

BC 2 5

JEREMY ENLOW

BC 2 6

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

JEREMY ENLOW

Morgan Knight, a sophomore, leads ACU’s student cheering section, Wildcat Reign, during the Homecoming game with Sam Houston State University.

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

BC 2 7

BC 2 8

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

JEREMY ENLOW

New inductees to the ACU Sports Hall of Fame were introduced to fans at Shotwell Stadium on Saturday.

FROM LEFT: Jared Mosley (’00), Mike Lively (’78), Brek Horn (’02 M.Ed.), Teresa (Rubart ’77) Grounds and Don Drennan (’58). Not pictured: Danieal Manning (’07) and Calvin Cooley (’62). See story on page 55.

Senior tight end Jamie Walker catches a 7-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter of ACU’s 49-21 loss to Sam Houston State University in the Homecoming game at Shotwell Stadium.

JEREMY ENLOW

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

BC 2 9

PAUL WHITE

Members of the Big Purple Band entertain the Homecoming crowd from their seats in Shotwell Stadium.

They performed “Ode to Joy” at halftime.

INSET: Sophomore Megan Cooper plays bass clarinet in the Big Purple Band.

BC 3 0

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

JEREMY ENLOW

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

BC 3 1

PAUL WHITE

Senior wide receiver Jonathan Epps caught four passes for 38 yards in the loss to Sam Houston State University.

INSET: Senior Chera Chaney was selected by students as 2015 Homecoming Queen.

JEREMY ENLOW

BC 3 2

Winter-Spring 2016

î‚ś

ACU TODAY

Montgomery works with sophomore wide receiver Maurice Ways prior to a game this fall in Michigan Stadium.

U-M PHOTOGRAPHY

From Abilene to Ann Arbor, football, coaching and ACU are in Derron Montgomery’s genes The Montgomerys may not be football’s first family, but they have earned several seats at its holiday dinner table for grownups.

Derron Montgomery (’11), who inherited more than a few football genes from his father, is the latest to find himself on a national stage, thanks to his work as a first-year graduate assistant coach at the University of Michigan.

It’s clear the son of ACU great Wilbert Montgomery (’77), who is in his 27th season of playing and coaching in the NFL, has been listening when his father speaks about the nuances of the game.

“My father taught me that to be a great coach, you have to be willing to work to help figure out what helps your players learn the system the best,” Derron said while preparing for a Big Ten rival game in October.

“To be a great coach, you must first become a great teacher and understand that it’s not about how much you know as a coach, but how much they can learn and understand as players,” he said. “You have

to know how much your players can and cannot handle.”

Four Montgomery brothers – Wilbert, Cleotha (’78), Fred and Tyrone – played in the NFL. Wilbert (1973) and Cle (1977) led ACU teams to NAIA national championships and are members of the university’s Sports Hall of Fame. Wilbert was the Philadelphia Eagles’ career rushing leader when he retired in 1985 and has since enjoyed a career coaching some of the NFL’s top running backs for St. Louis, Detroit, Baltimore and now Cleveland. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1996.

Derron was a promising wide receiver for Iowa State University (2006-09) until four knee injuries ended his playing career in college and he transferred to ACU to complete his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. For three seasons he helped Wildcat coaches Chris Thomsen (’00 M.Ed.) and Ken Collums with everything from filming practice and games to working with wide receivers.

He served as a football graduate assistant at the University of Miami (Fla.) in 2014 while finishing a master’s degree. When former Stanford University and San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh was hired at Michigan in December 2014, Derron’s reputation, experience and football pedigree – his father helped win Super Bowl XLVII as an assistant coach for Harbaugh’s brother, John, with the NFL Ravens – earned him an invite to work on Jim’s new staff in Ann Arbor.

Derron’s football-playing ambition was dashed, thanks to injury. But his coaching dream lives on, fueled by the energy of the revitalized Wolverines, the winningest college football program of all time. He marvels at hearing 110,000 screaming fans most Saturdays in The Big House, where people know a successful football tradition when they see one.

That’s something yet another Montgomery family fellow knows better than just about anyone in the business. 

– RON HADFIELD

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

61

Margot Iris Wiebe, daughter of Mark (’02) and Jocelyn (Reese ’03) Wiebe of Lubbock, Texas.

BORN TO BE A WILDCAT The Alumni Association will send a FREE Wildcat BabyWear T-shirt to the alumni parents of each newborn or adopted infant in your family!

Complete the EXperiences news card and mail it to us, or complete the info online at blogs.acu.edu/acutoday/experiences.

In-focus, high-resolution digital images (minimum file size of 500kb; use your camera’s highest quality setting) of alumni children wearing their Wildcat BabyWear should be emailed to babywear@acu.edu. Call 800-373-4220 for more information.

62

Eleanor Grace Woodrow, daughter of Chris (’07) and Brooke (Holland ’07) Woodrow of Sherman, Texas.

Brock Henry Gibbs, son of Lucas (’08) and Rebecca (Steffins ’08) Gibbs of Abilene, Texas.

Brooks Garrison Brown, son of Barrett and Garen (Glasscock ’04) Brown of Scottsdale, Ariz.

Madelynn Jo Adams, daughter of Matt (’09) and Emily (Saller ’10) Adams of McKinney, Texas.

Korben Luke Hemness (left) and Thatcher Erik Hemness, twin sons of Taylor (’04) and Katie (Orr ’04) Hemness of Tyler, Texas.

Abigail Allyson Martin, daughter of Daniel and Rebekah (Smith ’00) Martin of Abilene, Texas.

Rosemary Kathleen Magers, daughter of Jeremy (’13) and Elizabeth (Saller ’13) Magers of Dallas, Texas.

Olivia Rose Hines, daughter of Bret (’08) and Catherine (Cortez ’08) Hines of Abilene, Texas.

June Kathryn Ann Garrett, daughter of John (’07) and Kim (Leedy ’09) Garrett of Mobile, Ala.

Lucy Overall (left) and her cousin, Elle Becera. Lucy is the daughter of Reid (’08) and Meriden (Layfield ’06) Overall of North Richland Hills, Texas. Elle is the daughter of Josh (’03) and Lauren (Layfield ’02) Becera of Keller, Texas.

Winter-Spring 2016

Jude Camden Ruiz, son of Justin (’09) and Maegan (Terrell ’11) Ruiz of The Colony, Texas.



ACU TODAY

Arthur Ian Travis, son of Dee (’06) and Lauren Travis of Nashville, Tenn.

Beckham Dendy Jones, son of Jeffrey (’02) and Alexis (Parrish) Jones of Euless, Texas.

Micah Olivia Reid, daughter of Caleb (’05) and Bethany (Knox ’05) Reid of San Antonio, Texas.

Callahan Marcus Cawyer, son of Chase (’08) and Taryn (’07) Cawyer of Temple, Texas.

Marlie Ruth McDonald, daughter of Kevin and Nathalie (Baugh ’98) McDonald of Houston, Texas.

John Allen Miles, son of Mike (’09) and Blythe (Peden ’10) Miles of Ames, Iowa.

Nathan Lee Whitaker (left) and his cousin, Micah Stephen Brown.

Nathan is the son of Aaron and Erin (Clardy ’06) Whitaker of Benbrook, Texas, and Micah is the son of Kyle (’01) and Jessica (Clardy ’03) Brown of Fort Worth, Texas.

Kennedy Standridge, daughter of Steven and Mendy (Wilson ’01) Standridge of Midland, Texas.

Jackson Ables, son of Jason (’07) and Elizabeth (Newman ’07) Ables of Grapevine, Texas.

Aria Bailey Carlile, daughter of Justin (’05) and Melinda (Bailey ’05) Carlile of Katy, Texas.

Sawyer Clark Tatum, son of Brandon (’07) and Megan (Blalock ’09) Tatum of Oklahoma City, Okla.

Jacob Bass, son of Benjamin and Anne (Killion ’01) Bass of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Tucker and Adelyn Schoen, twin son and daughter of Derek (’05) and Heather (Freeman ’05) Schoen of San Angelo, Texas.

Daphne Marie Schroeckenthaler, daughter of Tyson and Elizabeth (Canarsky ’05) Schroeckenthaler of Madison, Wisc.

Blais Baker, son of Joseph and Blair (Barkley ’04) Baker of Irving, Texas.

Chloe Elizabeth Doyle, daughter of Derrick (’02) and Robin Anne (Waller ’05) Doyle of Haltom City, Texas.

Everly Rene Rampy, daughter of Preston (’07) and Shelbi (Watten ’07) Rampy of Frisco, Texas.

ACU TODAY

Ana James Lea Brady, daughter of Branon (’05) and Jamie (Wallace ’09) Brady of Abilene, Texas.



Winter-Spring 2016

63

ACU NEWSMAKERS Stephanie (Smith ’02) Harrison of Fort Worth law firm Cantey Hanger LLP has been elected to membership in the Fellows of the Texas Bar Association based on her professional achievement and demonstrated commitment to the improvement of the Texas justice system.

Each year, just one-third of one percent of State Bar members are invited to become Fellows.

Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry appointed eight members to the Crime Victims’ Institute Advisory Council for terms to expire Jan. 31, 2016, including the reappointment of Richard Reynolds (’76) of Austin. Reynolds is founder and president of Affair Recovery, as well as a psychotherapist and owner of Crossroads Counseling.

CARISSA MARTUS

Odessa Permian High School associate band director John Carroll (’77) received the Marcia McEntyre Zafutto Hero Award on April 11, 2015.

The annual award from the Score a Goal for the Classroom Foundation honors an outstanding West Texas secondary music educator and is named for the late daughter of J.R. McEntyre, founder of the Permian High School band. Carroll has taught band for 38 years, 20 of them at PHS.

Nine music students and one local alumnus comprised the horn section for the Sept. 27, 2015, concert by the Grammy Award-winning Temptations in the Abilene Civic Center.

The group included sophomore Mary Potts and senior Abigail Kellogg (alto saxophone); sophomore Anna Lawson and Guy D. Gamble (’73) (tenor saxophone); junior James Nix (baritone saxophone); juniors Cedric Dario and Grayson Hancock, and sophomore Jordan Morris (trumpet); and sophomores Geoffrey Driggers and Noah Hancock (trombone).

They are pictured here with McKinley Jackson, music director for The Temptations and renowned composer/arranger for Marvin Gaye and other Motown performers.

Dr. Stanley Helton (’09 D.Min.) has been named president of Alberta Bible College in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He was previously minister of the Word at First Christian Church in Hammond, La., and is a Helton former dean of Western Christian College in Regina, Saskatchewan. He also has M.S. and M.Div. degrees from ACU.

Riley Lambert (’09) is rodeo events manager for RFD-TV’s The American. The former ACU basketball player is the son of Cody Lambert, vice president and livestock director of Professional Bull Riders Inc., and a member of the Texas Cowboy and Texas Rodeo Cowboy halls of fame.

Dr. Don B. Wilmeth (’61) received the 2015 University of Illinois Alumni Association Alumni Achievement Award. He is the Asa Messer Professor Emeritus at Brown University and editor of Palgrave Studies in Theatre and Performance History.

Wilmeth earned a Ph.D. from UI in 1964.

Matt Richardson (’95) is the new director of the Denton County Health Department in North Texas. He previously was the public health director for the city of Amarillo.

Martus Carissa Martus (’07), a music teacher at Quatama and West Union elementary schools in Hillsboro, Ore., was selected one of the 2015 Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellows. Every year, K-12 educators are encouraged to apply for this professional development opportunity allowing them to bring immersive geographic learning experiences back to their classrooms and communities. Martus traveled to China and South Korea on a Teacher Trek grant and shared her experiences afterward with her students.

Winter-Spring 2016

ANTHONY MATULA

Dwight Roberts (’74), president and CEO of the U.S. Rice Growers Association, accompanied American business leaders to Havana on a trip in April 2015 designed to explore trade possibilities in light of changing diplomatic relations with Cuba.

Former ACU trustee Janice (Munn ’68) Massey, M.D., received a Distinguished Alumni Award from Duke University’s Medical Alumni Association. She is professor of neurology, director of the Neuromuscular Service and the Duke Electromyography Laboratory, and co-director of the Myasthenia Gravis Clinic.

64

Illinois. From 2008-11, he was assistant to the chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.



ACU TODAY

In early May 2015, Gen. Paul Selva (’84 M.S.M.H.R.) was named vice chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

He was stationed at Dyess Air Force Base when he earned his master’s degree from ACU and most recently Selva was commander of U.S. Transportation Command at Scott AFB in

Award-winning Nashville actress Nan (Arnold ’75) Gurley played Mama Rose in Studio Tenn’s production of Gypsy. The role has famously been played on Broadway by Ethel Merman, Angela Lansbury, Patti LuPone, Tyne Daly and Bernadette Peters.

DR. STEVEN WARD

Brandon Smith (’08) is the new policy director for Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback. Smith earned his law degree from the University of Kansas and an LL.M. degree from The George Washington University Law School. He previously worked as an intern in the 2010 legislative session for Rep. Lance Kinzer as chair of the Judiciary Committee and as a law clerk in the Third Judicial District of Kansas. Since 2011, Smith has worked for the Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies in Washington, D.C.

Linda Brooks (’68) Davis received one of three Operation First Novel awards for 2014 from the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild. Davis’ inspirational historical novel, The Calling of Ella McFarland, is Davis spotlighted among those in The Bookcase on pages 46-47.

Lambert

Gaines

Lara (Seibert ’06) Young is a cast member of Broadway’s Chicago: The Musical. The Tony Award-winning production plays in The Ambassador Theatre and is the longest-running American musical in Broadway history.

Holly (Sparlin ’90) Sargeant was cast as Barbarina in The Marriage of Figaro at the New York Lyric Opera. The production was performed in Italian Aug. 28, 2015, in New York City.

Jars, a one-act play written by third-year University of Arkansas graduate student Brittany Taylor (’12) when she was an ACU undergraduate, was produced in April 2015 at the Manhattan Repertory Theatre in New York City, where Taylor directed it.

Tim Yandell (’85) has been named president of West Central Texas at Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star. He first became involved with the agency in 1999 as a board member and in his new role will oversee mentoring programs in Abilene, Stephenville, Brownwood and San Angelo.

Dr. Dickie (’67) and Onita (Touchton ’68) Hill were named Alumni of the Year at York (Neb.) College. Dickie is professor of kinesiology and Onita is former director of the Learning Enhancement Center. Both earned associate’s degrees from York, where they married before transferring to ACU. KIM LEESON

Clardy

Three alumni are running for state representative seats.

Former Wildcat basketball star Travis Clardy (’84) of Nacogdoches is running for re-election to a third term in the Texas House for District 11 in Nacogdoches.

Abilenian and former ACU director of athletics Stan Lambert (’74) is running in the Republican primary for the Texas District 71 House seat being vacated by Susan King and formerly held by Drs. Bob Hunter (’52) and Gary Thompson (’60).

Former Students’ Association president Charles Gaines (’10) is running for Arkansas state representative for House District 89, representing Springdale, near Fayetteville.

On Oct. 16, 2015, Abilene Christian Schools (ACS) named its Nancy Thompson Memorial Library after a 1959 graduate of ACU who was a longtime ACS teacher and elementary school principal.

She died in 2014 and was married for 56 years to Dr. Gary Thompson (’60), professor emeritus of political science.

GERALD EWING

Eean Cochran (’15) has been cast in the national tour of Mamma Mia, joining Brynn Smith (’13).

Jenavene (Hester ’09) Bazacas performs in the ensemble and as an understudy for Liesl and Louisa in the national Equity tour of The Sound of Music, directed by Tony Award winner Jack O’Brien. Shae Candelaria (’09) is stage managing the national tour of Guys and Dolls.

Wade Smith (’97 MBA) has been named senior vice president of transmission grid development for American Electric Power. A mechanical engineer, he was named president and chief operating officer of AEP Texas in 2010.

Jackson and Morrow Three-time Olympic gold medalist Bobby Morrow (’58) and the late record-setting coach Oliver Jackson (’42) were inducted Jan. 8, 2016, into the Texas Track and Field Coaches Association Hall of Fame along with Olympic gold medalists Carl Lewis, Rafer Johnson, Jim Hines, Jeremy Wariner and the late Mildred “Babe” Didrikson Zaharias, among others. Previous inductees from ACU are Billy Olson (’81), James Segrest (’59), Don W. Hood (’55) and Earl Young (’62).

ACU Sports Hall of Fame member and 1993 NCAA Division II national champion Jeev Singh (’93) has been named the Asia team captain for golf’s EurAsia Cup in January 2016. Former British Open champion Darren Clarke of Northern Ireland will captain the European team.

Leticia Ann (Guzman ’89) Ingram was named Colorado Teacher of the Year for 2015. She is an English language development coordinator, history and math teacher at Basalt High School in Aspen, Colo., who specializes in teaching English as a Second Language. Ingram earned a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s in religious education from ACU. James Blackwood (’64), former Abilene High School and ACU track and field standout, was inducted May 4 to the Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame along with former Texas Longhorn star quarterback Colt McCoy.

Former ACU trustee April (Bullock ’89) Anthony received the Innovator Award in October from the Healthcare Leaders Conference. A previous recipient of the award is Tennessee Sen. William H. Frist, M.D., former U.S. Senate Majority Leader. She is CEO of Encompass Home Health and Hospice, voted the No. 1 large company in the Dallas Morning News’ Top 100 Places to Work for 2015.

Former Wildcat tennis All-America Hans Hach (’13) and doubles partner Luis Patino advanced July 13, 2015, to the quarterfinals of the Pan Am Games in Toronto. In track and field competition at the Pan Am Games, Thomas Reyare Thomas (’14) of Trinidad and Tobago finished seventh in the women’s 200-meter dash. The 2012 Olympian and current assistant track and field coach at ACU later won a bronze medal for her country at the IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China, where she ran the third leg of the 4x100 relay, helping her team also set a national record of 42.03. Thomas also reached the semifinals of the 200 meters.

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

65

SERVING YOU ADVANCING ACU

WEST TEXAS AREA Greg Oglesby • AC • 325-674-2899, greg.oglesby@acu.edu Mark Rogers • AO • 325-674-2669, mark.rogers@acu.edu

AUSTIN AREA Tunisia Singleton • URM (Austin / Central Texas) 512-450-4329 • tunisia.singleton@acu.edu Don Garrett • AO • 325-674-2213, don.garrett@acu.edu Allison Self • AC (Austin / Central Texas) 325-674-2650 / 800-460-6228, aself@acu.edu

FORT WORTH AREA Brent Barrow • URM • 817-946-5917, brent.barrow@acu.edu Will Beasley • AC (Erath, Hood, Johnson, Somervell, Tarrant counties) 325-674-2650 / 800-460-6228, will.beasley@acu.edu Meredith Morgan • AC (Collin, Denton, Palo Pinto, Parker, Wise) 325-674-2650 / 800-460-6228, meredith.morgan@acu.edu Lance Rieder • AO • 325-674-6080, lance.rieder@acu.edu

DALLAS AREA Toni Young • URM • 214-402-5183, toni.young@acu.edu Savannah Smith • AC (Dallas, Rockwall, Ellis, Kaufman) 325-674-2650 / 800-460-6228, savannah.smith@acu.edu Meredith Morgan • AC (Collin) • 325-674-2650 / 800-460-6228 meredith.morgan@acu.edu Jacob Martin • AO • 325-674-2064, jacob.martin@acu.edu

HOUSTON AREA Carri Hill • URM • 713-582-2123, carri.hill@acu.edu John Martin • AC • 325-674-2650 / 800-460-6228, john.martin@acu.edu Eric Fridge • AO • 713-483-4004, eric.fridge@acu.edu

SAN ANTONIO AREA Kerry Stemen • URM • 830-388-0615, kerry.stemen@acu.edu John Mark Moudy • AC (San Antonio, South Texas) 325-674-2650 / 800-460-6228, johnmark.moudy@acu.edu Don Garrett • AO • 325-674-2213, don.garrett@acu.edu

66

F ai lnlt -eW W r - iSnptr ei nr g 2 20 01156

 

AACCUU T O D AAYY

KIM LEESON

Do you want to recommend a future student, volunteer, host an event or just learn more about how you can be involved with ACU where you live?

To help foster relationships with alumni and future students, ACU has assigned personnel from its Advancement and Admissions offices to major markets in Texas.

A university relations manager (URM) focuses on establishing relationships with churches, schools, alumni and other friends; an admissions counselor (AC) reaches out to future students and their parents; and an advancement officer (AO) assists prospective donors seeking an opportunity to contribute funds to ACU. Through this territory team approach, these dedicated professionals can provide exceptional service to those who contribute so graciously to ACU’s mission and 21st-Century Vision.

The Winklers volunteered to help represent their alma mater at a college fair program at Colleyville (Texas) Heritage High School.

Volunteering at college fairs takes little time but can change a student’s life To Megan (Haggerton ’10) Winkler, the interaction she and husband Jeremy Winkler (’12) had with a Fort Worth-area high school student while volunteering at a college fair one night seemed average – pleasant but unremarkable.

To that student, however, his meeting the Winklers was potentially life-changing.

Megan recalls answering some of the student’s questions regarding financial aid and degree plans, but mostly she and Jeremy described their ACU experience: a place where they made lifelong friendships with Christians and received a top-notch education.

At the end of the fair, the student returned to the ACU table with a message for the Winklers.

“He told us that after talking with us about everything ACU had to offer, he felt God put something on his heart that he was meant to go to ACU,” Megan said. “Moments like that are what make us thankful we had the chance to attend a university that is Christ-centered and focused on providing its students with opportunities to go out into the world and make it a better place.”

Alumni play an important role in representing Abilene Christian in their communities, volunteering to represent the university at hundreds of college fairs across the nation our full-time recruiters can’t attend, said Kris Evans, executive director of enrollment.

“The willingness of our alumni to share their stories and time to impact the lives of future Wildcats is one of the most important ways to give back to the university,” Evans said.

Volunteering also has a way of reminding alumni of how well ACU prepared them for their lives and careers.

“We left our first fair encouraged that we made the right

choice when we decided to attend ACU,” Megan Winkler said. “We were reminded of the value our experiences continue to add to our lives.”

‘Authentic testimony’

KIM LEESON

College fairs can be overwhelming to all involved.

Often conducted in school hallways, cafeterias and ‘I owe a lot to ACU’ gymnasiums, high schoolers and parents are presented with an abundance of education options in a short The process for volunteering at a college fair begins amount of time and a small amount of space. Making an with university relations managers (URMs), who approach impression is important, and Fields says his aim is to be alumni in their markets they think will do well interacting clear in his message and able to go more in-depth with with attendees and representing ACU. those interested.

Friendly, outgoing and positive are desired attributes, Common questions revolve around the different areas said Brent Barrow (’86), URM for the Fort Worth area. of study offered and how many students attend. Recently, Recent graduates make great volunteers because they construction of the new science and engineering facilities relate well with students. Parents of students who had a has been of interest to many, Fields said. Two years ago, positive experience also bring a helpful perspective, it was the move to NCAA Division I athletics. he said.

Parents tend to ask about test scores and “Age isn’t important,” Barrow said, financial aid; their children veer more “as long as the one volunteering toward campus life and what’s loves ACU.” available to do in Abilene.

The URMs give the “It’s fun to share my volunteer’s contact memories with people information to the Office who want to know a of Alumni Relations, more personal side to the where administrative ACU experience, ” said coordinator Suzanne Riley Thannum (’15), (Michna ’89) Sims a teacher in the Carroll and student employees Independent School compile a kit to send District in Southlake their way – ACU in who recently volunteered a box. They receive a at a college fair at Carroll tablecloth, mini tabletop Senior High School. banner, fact sheets, “I talked a lot about how I giveaways, a purple T-shirt love the intimate community to wear and a pre-paid Thannum volunteered to work at a at ACU, where you really feel college fair in the school district where package to mail everything a part of a family rather than just she teaches in South Lake, Texas. (minus the T-shirt) back. another face in the crowd.”

Sometimes, an admissions Likewise, in a crowd of counselor is present, especially at bigger attendees, ACU volunteers stand out for events. At others, it’s up to the volunteer to having lived the experience they are describing and field questions. If they can’t answer specific questions, are now working in the fields in which they studied. it’s OK – attendees can leave their information to be “I got to talk to one student who was interested in contacted by someone in Admissions. studying education,” Thannum said, “and I was able to Jared Fields (’08), who often volunteers at events in the go more in depth with her about how well ACU prepared Marble Falls area, doesn’t worry about not having all the me to work in a high-performing school district like answers, he said, adding that students and parents respect Carroll ISD. that volunteers have different day jobs and are doing this “It’s important to show prospective students how on their own time. well ACU prepares its graduates for their futures,” Fields describes his role as simply continuing his Thannum said. “I like being able to share my experience as ACU journey. an authentic testimony to that, and I think others should “I owe a lot to ACU and want to take advantage of any do the same. ” opportunity to tell people about it,” he said. 

– SARAH CARLSON

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

67

With a snow-white beard and jovial demeanor, Himes makes fast friends with fans.

Dr. Sid T. Womack has retired after 43 years in education. He has taught special education, elementary school, directed bands and been a professor of secondary education at Arkansas Tech University. His wife, Karen (King ’75) Womack, retired from public education in 2011 after 35 years. They live in Russellville, Ark.

1975

Kelly Utsinger is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. He is a shareholder in the Underwood Law Firm and lives in Amarillo, Texas.

KEVIN TAVARES

David Himes is a true believer in Santa Claus Though his full-time career is not playing a Jolly Old Elf, David Himes (’70) carries his Santa business cards year round. “I get ‘the look’ from children at every time of year,” he says.

That’s no surprise, because – even in a business suit as a direct marketing executive – Himes bears an uncanny resemblance to the real Mr. Claus.

“As I often tell people, there are only two choices when you look like I do: (1) shave, or (2) become Santa Claus,” he says.

He chose the latter.

Himes, who is chief operating officer for American Target Advertising in Manassas, Va., says he’s kept his full beard for more than three decades, since Labor Day 1981 to be precise.

“As I moved into my 40s, the red hair on my temple began to turn white, and I joked about becoming Santa Claus in my retirement,” he recalls. “Then, one day in 2004, a friend nearby called and asked if I would appear as Santa Claus at the Christian Weekday Program at Springfield United Methodist Church, where she worked. I said ‘yes,’ bought my first suit and made three appearances that year.”

Today, Himes is on his third 68

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

suit and makes Santa appearances about 40 times each holiday season, seeing 6,000-8,000 people at special events.

Some appearances are paid; others he does for free, including the Christian Weekday program at Springfield UMC; Breakfast with Santa at Andrews Air Force Base, Md.; and parties for various nonprofit organizations. He also rides through South Arlington, Va., with the Arlington County Fire Department, spreading Christmas cheer.

Before taking the role of COO at American Target Advertising, Himes ran his own consulting practice, and his resume includes an impressive list of clients – Pier 1 Imports, Procter & Gamble, American Express and Godiva Chocolatier, to name a few. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from ACU and is a 1998 recipient of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication’s Gutenberg award for distinguished professional achievement.

And these days, when he makes plans to meet someone for the first time, he tells them to just look for Santa Claus. 

– ROBIN SAYLOR

1978

Steven and Mary (Henry) Hodges both retired from the Abilene ISD in the summer of 2015. They live in Abilene.

Alan Scott passed his Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) test. He also holds a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) designation and has worked 37 years for Chevron. He and his wife, Cindy (Hutcheson ’87), recently moved to Richmond, Texas.

1979

Glenda (Barth) Lewis lost her husband, Randell, on Aug. 24, 2015. She lives in Allen, Texas.

Larry Forbes’ son, Mitch, was wounded while on patrol with the U.S. Army in Afghanistan. He has been released from Walter Reed National Medical Military Center and is undergoing physical and PTSD therapy.

Larry and his wife, Kathy (Greathouse ’83) Forbes, live in Arlington, Texas.

1981

Teri (Hamner) Norwood opened her own real estate firm in July 2013, specializing in residential and land sales. She and her husband, Chris Norwood, live in Gilmer, Texas.

1983

Kimberly (Hulme) Seale retired from the Plano ISD after 32 years. She and her husband, Gregory Seale, have moved to Whitewright, Texas.

1984

Jim Foster works in quality management at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. He lives in Rowlett, Texas.

1985

David and Kathryn (Stowe) Abston have moved to Rockwall, Texas.

1987

BORN To Sammy and Angela Shaw, a boy, Gilman, May 22, 2015. The family lives in Ovilla, Texas.

1988

Elva “Dinky” (Head) Emy graduated with high honors from the Bradford School of Pittsburgh with an associate’s degree in medical assisting management in 2011. She also earned high honors from Penn Commercial Business

ALUMNI CONNECTIONS and Technical School with a medical billing and coding specialist degree and CCS certification. She has moved to New Eagle, Pa.

1989

Galen Harrill published his first book, a study of Luke’s Gospel called Luke for You, in May 2015. He and his wife, Zlatka, live in Lancaster County, Pa., with their three children.

Cheryl (Anderson) Jones is vice president for human resources at BSA Health System in Amarillo, Texas. Her husband, Ken Jones, teaches social studies at Palo Duro High School.

1993

Lt. Col. Lewis Knapp earned a master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College and was assigned as chief of plans, analysis and integration at the 63rd Regional Support Command in Mountain View, Calif. He and his wife, Shelley, have been married for 21 years. Their daughter, Katie, is a freshman at ACU.

1996

Greta (Moody) Davis is a clinical assistant professor in the Southern Methodist University Department of Dispute Resolution and Counseling. She and her husband, Joe Davis, live in Richardson, Texas.

Lawrence Onyeugbo lives in South Amboy, N.J., where he works as a human resources consultant.

BORN To Darren and Marla Hughes, a boy, Ren, July 2013. The family lives in Murphy, Texas.

To Erika Chavez, a boy, Benjamin Adam, May 16, 2015. The family lives in Euless, Texas.

1997

Cathy (Cline) Lovato has three children and lives in Spanish Fort, Ala. BORN To Jason and Brigett Buckley, a boy, Jeremy Ryan, Nov. 23, 2010, and a girl, Journey Fayth, Dec. 4, 2014. The family lives in Newbury Park, Calif.

To Phil (’01) and Kim (Sneed) Stambaugh, a girl, Dianne Grace, Dec. 22, 2014.

1999

BORN To David and Kimberly (Westbrook) Winter, a girl, Elliott Malbyrn, June 30, 2015.

The family lives in Poteet, Texas.

To Doug and Carolyn (Davis) Teague, a girl, Carter Leigh, Dec. 1, 2014. The family lives in Sugar Land, Texas.

2000

Geneva (Stogsdill) Thomas has moved to Plano, Texas, with her husband, Anthony Thomas. She is the HUB communications coordinator for Hilti.

MARRIED Jon Adams and Sari Elliot, March 8, 2015.

The couple lives in Fort Worth, Texas.

Ryan Schoenfeld and Lindsay Perkins, June 27, 2015. The couple lives in Orange Park, Fla. BORN To Joseph Grubbs and Maggie Cashdollar, triplets, Michael “Cole,” Kenneth Joseph “Joey,” and Vera “Lily,” May 9, 2015.

The family lives in Austin, Texas.

To Tim and Melissa (Lindsey) Russell, a boy, Lincoln Timothy, Nov. 21, 2014.

The family lives in Fort Worth, Texas.

To Seth and Elaine (Duran) Summers, a girl, Caitlin, Nov. 20, 2014. The family lives in Abilene.

To Kyle and Jessica (Clardy ’03) Brown, a boy, Micah, July 14, 2014. The family lives in Fort Worth, Texas.

To Andy and Hilary (Heuerman ’03) Miller, a girl, Ansley Stella, Aug. 21, 2015. The family lives in Merkel, Texas.

2001

BORN To Jared and Kelley (Sneed) Senter, a girl, Reagan Janell, Aug. 6, 2015. The family lives in Hutto, Texas.

To Joe and Rachel (Cass) Varney, a boy, Josiah, April 23, 2015. The family lives in Fort Worth, Texas.

To Christopher and Emily Brown, a girl, Mira, March 7, 2014. They also have two sons, Huck and Clay. The family lives in Cedar Park, Texas.

To Matthew and Jessica Shaw, a boy, Westley, June 27, 2014. The family lives in Golden, Colo.

To Benjamin and Anne (Killion) Bass, a boy, Jacob, April 8, 2014. The family has moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

To Luke and Sara (Martin) Hejl, a girl, Layla Jane, Oct. 20, 2013. The family lives in Fort Worth, Texas.

ADOPTED

By Christopher (’02 M.A.) and Raina (Ullom) Horner, a girl, Alyssa Hope, Nov. 10, 2014. Alyssa was born Feb. 20, 2012, in Xiamen, China. The family lives in The Colony, Texas.

2002

BORN To Chris and Kelly (Harris) Baker, a boy, Reid Daniel, March 30, 2015. The couple has two other sons, Riley and Nathanael.

To Chris and Mauri (Marzolino) Westbrook, a boy, Samuel Phillip, Feb. 18, 2015. The family lives in Abilene.

To Dusty and Jordan (Smith ’01) Woodruff, a girl, Denley Joy, Oct. 16, 2014. The family lives in Athens, Ga.

2003

Travis and Kelly (Coffey) Burleson have moved to Penang, Malaysia, to teach at Dalat International School.

I

love this time of year.

It’s the time when we express thankfulness to one another and to our communities. For many of us, ACU is a place we hold dear because of the role it plays in our journey – a special place where we connected with friends, faculty and staff who shaped our lives.

Each year brings with it a new group of remarkable students, Fisher students who will one day be alumni who make a real difference in the world. Our alumni base is our biggest calling card; the men and women who attend ACU reflect the university’s stature as a premier institution of Christian higher education. Wildcats are leaders, and I am forever thankful to those who serve their alma mater by giving their time.

Alumni represent ACU at college fair programs, open their homes to prospective students, host events in their markets, hire our students as interns or provide alumni their first jobs, attend events to encourage others and cheer on their alma mater, and say “yes” when asked to volunteer.

Everywhere they go, they help us fulfill the university’s mission by sharing their respective ACU stories.

Our alumni network is vast and impressive, and we always need help making connections with more families that may be interested in ACU, developing relationships with churches and youth ministers, and connecting with high schools and their counselors. To those who help us make these connections and who stay engaged, thank you. To those interested in volunteering, come on down! Turn to page 66 to learn more about ways to advance ACU in your area.

Thank you for your dedication and passion, and for helping make ACU such an amazing community.

– CRAIG FISHER (’92)

Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Projects Director of University Relations

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

69

DAVID LEESON

Noel Smith (’98) gives a wet hug to his friend, Terry Thomas (’96), after being thrown in the GATA Fountain on his 23rd birthday in November 1995.

Evelyn Lynette Howard (’80) reacts to hearing her name in 1979 as the first African-American to be named Homecoming Queen at ACU. Her father, T.R. Howard, accompanied her to the halftime ceremony.

ODE TO College life features many memory-making moments filled with sheer joy. We’ve been collecting images of our ACU favorites through the years and want to share them with you in our online-only Bonus Coverage for this issue. Here are a few to get you started!

Slugging first baseman Brandon McNabb (’99) helped the Wildcat baseball team to the 1996 Lone Star Conference championship.

See more images at issuu.com/abilenechristian

70

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

GERALD EWING

CADE WHITE

Ove Johansson (’77) returned to Shotwell Stadium in 2001, 25 years after kicking a world record 69-yard field goal at Homecoming 1976. His teammates celebrated once more when he booted a 53-yarder during a halftime exhibition, matching his age at the time.

The freshman class in 1973 celebrated hearing news of its win in Mixed-Voices competition at Sing Song in Moody Coliseum.

They performed “You Must Have Been a Boogie Baby.”

BONU S C OV E R AGE

2001 Homecoming queen Shacie Rogers (’02) acknowledges Delta Theta sisters in the stands at Shotwell Stadium.

GERALD EWING

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

BC 3 3

BC 3 4

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

Friends greet junior Jason Anderson (in water) after his baptism by three roommates in a tank on the stage in Moody Coliseum. Anderson responded to an invitation by Max Lucado (’77) during “A Heart Like His,” the best-selling author’s series of lectures Oct. 6-8, 1997.

Four other students were baptized during the Spiritual Renewal Week event.

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

BC 3 5

GERALD EWING

BC 3 6

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

GERALD EWING

FROM LEFT Seniors Jessica (Masters ‘06) Rich, Taylor (Tuerck ‘06) Parrish, Courtney (Varner ‘06) Hernandez and Sarah Carlson (‘06) sing “Graduate, We Will” during Sing Song’s 50th show in 2006.

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

BC 3 7

Backstage during Sing Song 2014, freshmen Jared Agee (F) and Chris Kirklin (H) and sophomore Em Reader can’t contain their enthusiasm for performing in the February spectacle. Since it opened in September 2011, the various gymnasiums of the Royce and Pam Money Student Recreation and Wellness Center have served as the backstage headquarters for students preparing to enter and exit from the bright lights next door in Moody. Agee and Kirklin wore costumes representing characters on a typewriter keyboard, but all three wore their “Sing Song face” for the evening.

BC 3 8

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

JEREMY ENLOW

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

BC 3 9

GARY RHODES

BC 4 0

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

Dr. Carl (’52) and Smitty (Smith ’94 M.S.) Brecheen, and Gladys (Shoemaker ’52) and Dr. Paul Faulkner (’52) reminisce in the Teague Special Events Center about their 32-year career in ministry together teaching Marriage Enrichment Seminars around the world. Their final seminar was taught Dec. 2, 2006, in Abilene’s University Church of Christ. Carl and Paul met in 1948 as freshman roommates at ACU. The four were recipients in 2001 of their alma mater’s Christian Service Award.

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

BC 4 1

BRIAN SCHMIDT

BC 4 2

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

2008 Homecoming Queen Anna Peters (’09) is hugged by her mother, Karen, on the field at Shotwell (inset) and later, by classmates.

BRIAN SCHMIDT

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

BC 4 3

Cinderella (Wong ’00) was named 1999 Homecoming queen at halftime of the first American football game the accounting major from China ever attended. Her escort, the late Kenneth Sinclair (’65), helps her celebrate the good news. Lim was ACU’s first international student to receive the honor.

CADE WHITE

BC 4 4

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

College of Business Administration dean Dr. Jack Griggs (’64) has nearly as much fun hearing the Homecoming queen announcement as his daughter, Ashlie (’96 Griggs) Stegemoller, in 1995.

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

BC 4 5

CLARK POTTS

1978 Homecoming queen Suzy (Hooten ’78) Brownlee is greeted by friends.

1989 Homecoming queen Dena (Davis ’90) Counts celebrates with her father, Elton (’66), at Shotwell Stadium.

BC 4 6

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

2002 Homecoming queen Lindsey Cole (’03) gets a hug from Coming Home Court member Lori (Tate ’92) Jackson.

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

BC 4 7

ACU fans at an April 8, 1967, triangular track and field meet in old Elmer Gray Stadium cheer on their Wildcats as they compete against The University of Texas at Austin and Rice University.

BC 4 8

Winter-Spring 2016

î‚ś

ACU TODAY

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

BC 4 9

Teammates mob placekicker Ove Johansson (’77) at midfield following his world record 69-yard field goal Oct. 16, 1976, in front of a Homecoming crowd in Shotwell Stadium.

MILTON TAYLOR

Johansson signals the success of his epic field goal to the ACU student section while junior Tommy Smith (’78), Kenneth Hill (’80) and Mark McCurley (’77) begin to celebrate as well.

Smith (uniform number 60) was a junior offensive guard, Hill was a freshman tackle and McCurley (50) a senior center.

BC 5 0

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

MILTON TAYLOR

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

BC 5 1

Sophomore fullback Kelly Kent (left) receives the Outstanding Offensive Player award after rushing for 200 yards in ACU’s win over the Univesity of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in the 1977 NAIA Division I semifinal game in Shotwell Stadium. He repeated the honor in the next game, running for 158 more yards as the Wildcats won the national title in Seattle’s Kingdome. Kent died of a heart attack in 1979 at the age of 21. He was inducted to the ACU Sports Hall of Fame in 2004.

DAVID DILLARD

BC 5 2

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

DAVID KENT

Linebacker James Henderson (44), defensive back Jody Clayton (32), defensive back Ra’Shard Tinnon (25) and defensive end Cody Walton celebrate a defensive turnover and touchdown in a 1997 game against Southwest Oklahoma State University in Shotwell Stadium.

ACU TODAY

î‚ś

Winter-Spring 2016

BC 5 3

JEREMY ENLOW

BC 5 4

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

Wildcat volleyball players Erica Lambert (6), Lexi Mercer (4), Corrie Reeder (8), Madison Hoover (14), Sarah Siemens (2) and Jennifer Loerch (9) were on the court for the final point in ACU’s wild 3-1 win over Texas Tech University in Moody Coliseum on Sept. 10, 2013. The victory, before 1,300 excitable fans, was the university’s biggest during its move to NCAA Division I that fall.

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

BC 5 5

Nicodemus Naimadu (’08) crosses the finish line Nov. 17, 2007, after winning his unprecedented fourth NCAA Division II individual men’s cross country title.

STEVE NOWLAND / NCAA PHOTOS

BC 5 6

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

Amos Sang (’12), Eric Brown (’08), Julius Nyango (’10), Nicodemus Naimadu (’08), David Webster (’09), Serge Gasore (’03) and Philip Birgen (’09) celebrate winning ACU’s second straight NCAA national cross country championship, the Division II team title in Joplin, Mo., on Nov. 17, 2007.

STEVE NOWLAND / NCAA PHOTOS

JAMIE SCHWABEROW / NCAA PHOTOS

The 2006 team, with Naimadu again leading the way, won its first NCAA national team championship for head coach Derek Hood (’90). The meet was held Nov. 18 in Pensacola, Fla. Other team members were Julius Nyango (’10), Serge Gasore (’09), Laurent Ngirakamaro (’09) and Philip Birgen (’09).

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

BC 5 7

Delloreen Ennis (’99) is the only athlete to win all eight short-hurdle NCAA titles in a career (55 meters indoors and 100 meters outdoors, four times each). She added two other wins on 4x100 relay teams to give her an unprecedented 10 national championships. Ennis participated in three Olympic Games for her native Jamaica (2000 in Sydney, 2004 in Athens and 2008 in Beijing).

CADE WHITE

BC 5 8

Winter-Spring 2016

î‚ś

ACU TODAY

Jason Pearce (’99) celebrates his winning pole vault May 25, 1996, at the NCAA Division II outdoor track and field championships in Riverside, Calif.

CADE WHITE

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

BC 5 9

Teammates of Melissa Rodriquez (3) wait at home plate after her home run beat Southeast Oklahoma State University 12-10 in the 2008 Lone Star Conference Post-Season Tournament. The win was ACU’s third that day (May 2), each in the Wildcats’ last at-bat.

BRODERICK STEARNS

BC 6 0

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

BC 6 1

Kitten Klub members celebrate a Wildcat touchdown against McMurry College on Oct. 1, 1966.

BC 6 2

Winter-Spring 2016

î‚ś

ACU TODAY

Star guard John Ray Godfrey (’68) is carried off the court by fans after scoring 36 points in a 79-76 win Jan. 13, 1968, over nationally ranked Trinity College in Bennett Gymnasium.

His heroics as one of ACU’s and the Southland Conference’s top players earned him an invite to the 1968 U.S. Olympic Trials.

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

BC 6 3

Jennifer (Clarkson ’96) Frazier hugs teammate Shalonda Bowden (’98) as ACU captures the NCAA Division II South Central Region championship game in Moody Coliseum on March 9, 1996. The team advanced to the Elite Eight national tournament, where it finished third.

CADE WHITE

BC 6 4

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

MARRIED Sean Lee and Nicole Ashley, June 28, 2015, in Lubbock, Texas. They live in Lubbock.

BORN To Colt and Kristen (MacKenzie) McCook, a boy, Joshua Ryan, Sept. 11, 2015. The family lives in Westminster, Md. To Joe and Lauren (Mathews) Butera, a girl, Elise Austin, Jan. 16, 2015. The family lives in Kyle, Texas.

To Jarod and Ruth Jackson, a girl, Madison Paige, April 1, 2013. The family lives in Fort Worth, Texas.

To Daniel and Kathryn (Hancock) Bircher, a boy, Nathan Jack, Sept. 29, 2014. The family lives in Brenham, Texas.

To Jared and Stephanie (Wakley) Lee, a girl, Payton Grace, March 4, 2015. The family lives in Midland, Texas.

To Chris and Christina (Anderson) Maloney, a boy, Andrew Christopher, Nov. 7, 2014.

The family lives in Mineola, Texas.

To Mark (’02) and Jocelyn (Reese) Wiebe, a girl, Margot Iris, Oct. 11, 2014. The family lives in Lubbock, Texas.

To Ryan and Melissa (Bailey) Thuston, a girl, Isabella Bailey, May 15, 2015. The family lives in Houston, Texas.

To Micah and Ashley (Gregory ’04) Hinson, a boy, Wiley Tex, Oct. 1, 2015. The family lives in Denison, Texas.

ADOPTED

By David (M.Div.) and Cynthia (Gambrell) Kneip, two sisters, Rebecca Grace and Faith Elizabeth, Dec. 15, 2014. The family lives in Abilene.

2004

Marc and Jaelle (Carson) Baldwin live in Lockport, N.Y. Courtney (McInnis) Parrott is director of automotive advertising for the Houston Chronicle.

Her husband, Josh Parrott, was included on The Sporting News’ list of must-follow college basketball Twitter accounts. They live in Richmond, Texas.

BORN To William and Misti (Senterfitt) Ivie, a boy, Roman Jack, Aug. 22, 2015. The family lives in Bremerton, Wash.

To Trevor and Courtney Rose, a girl, Madeline Claire, Aug. 1, 2015. The family lives in Tyler, Texas.

To Connor (’08) and Kelly (Harper) Sloan, a boy, Lincoln Harper, May 11, 2015. The couple were married in March 2013. They live in North Richland Hills, Texas.

To Ryan (’00) Parrish and Billy Aaland-Parrish, a girl, Finley, June 29, 2012. Billy runs Parrish Photography. The family lives in Midland, Texas.

To Joey and Callie (Brown) Peacher, a boy, Finneas “Finn” Andrew, Feb. 5, 2015. The family lives in Hearne, Texas.

To Brian and Heather (Amend) Turley, a girl, Raelyn Sage, June 9, 2014. The family lives in Garland, Texas.

To Christopher and Garen (Glasscock) Brown, a boy, Brooks Garrison, Sept. 23, 2014. The family lives in Scottsdale, Ariz.

To Scott and Megan (Karcher) Harbin, a girl, Parker Anne, Jan. 22, 2015. The family lives in Abilene.

To Joshua and Nicole Wilkinson, a boy, Chase Thomas, Oct. 4, 2014. The family lives in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

To Kyle and Courtney (Mitchell ’06) Mayfield, a boy, Hudson Kyle, Sept. 8, 2014. The family lives in Nashville, Tenn.

ADOPTED

By Trevor and Courtney Rose, a boy, Henry Grayson, Feb. 19, 2015. The family lives in Tyler, Texas.

2005

Lori (Bredemeyer) Ryan became project manager for MDReview in Centennial, Colo.

She and her husband, John Ryan, moved in October 2015 from Minneapolis, Minn., to Englewood, Colo., with their son, Jacob.

BORN To Ryan and Rebecca (Templeton) McPhetridge, a boy, Colin Harmon, July 12, 2015.

The family lives in Houston, Texas.

To Alex and Whitney (Leininger ’09) Castro, a girl, Adelyne Willow Leininger Castro, Aug. 22, 2015. The family lives in Houston, Texas.

To Matthew and Misty (Mahaffey) Briggs, a girl, Maisie Emery, June 2, 2015. The family lives in Abilene.

To Jordan and Laura (Maloney) Pierce, a son, Austin Jamison, March 19, 2014. The family lives in Fort Worth, Texas.

To Jeremy and Adrienne (Forsythe) Fike, a boy, Elliott James, Feb. 1, 2015. The family lives in Richmond, Va. To Matt and Teri (Price) Hudson, a boy, Spencer Paul, June 12, 2015. The family lives in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

To Andrew and Melody (Willingham) Shaw, a boy, Van Walker, April 12, 2015. The family lives in Burleson, Texas.

To Brad and Janelle Benham, a girl, Henley Louise, March 28, 2015. The family has moved to Abilene, where Brad is an officer for The ACU Foundation.

To Paul (’04) and Sarah (Reid) Gibson, a girl, Emily Braxton, April 23, 2015. Sarah is an associate professor of communication at Lipscomb University. The family lives in Nashville, Tenn.

To Shey and Becki (Adams ’06) Howard, a boy, Ryan, June 27, 2015. The family lives in Marietta, Ga.

2006

Branon and Jamie (Wallace ’09) Brady live in Tuscola, Texas, and have a daughter, Ana. Branon is a physician’s assistant for Abilene Sports Medicine & Orthopedics.

BORN To Chris and Andrea (Ivester) Jackson, a girl, Hadley, Feb. 23, 2015. The family lives in McKinney, Texas.

To Dario and Andrea (Gallman) Spina, a boy, James Giuseppe, July 9, 2015. The family lives in Richmond, Texas.

To Jeremiah (’08) and Jamie (Pineda) Alam,

a boy, Josiah, Feb. 17, 2015. The family lives in Tomball, Texas.

To Samuel and Crystal (Hughes) Duran, a boy, Samuel David, Jan. 5, 2014. The couple were married in 2010. The family lives in Dallas.

To Reid (’08) and Meriden (Layfield) Overall, a girl, Lucy Lyn, July 5, 2014. The family lives in Chile.

To Grant (’07) and Laura (Patterson) Cunningham, a boy, Eli Graeme, March 14, 2015.

The family lives in Abilene.

To Bryan (’13) and Kara (Buckel) Rodriguez, a boy, Benjamin Walter, April 2, 2015. The family lives in Fort Worth, Texas.

To Sean and Lindsey (Walter) Cagle, a boy, Grayson Paul, Oct. 10, 2014. The family lives in Dripping Springs, Texas.

To Tres and Nikki (Walker) White, a boy, Landry Walker, May 28, 2015. The family has moved to Cleburne, Texas.

To Lance and Taylor (Tuerck) Parrish, a girl, Emberly Rae, Nov. 19, 2014. The family lives in Kennedale, Texas.

To Javin and Jaime (Graham) Walker, a girl, Gentry Lauren, Dec. 18, 2014.

To Glen and Kristi (Lippert) Burke, a boy, Levi Alexander, Nov. 29, 2014. The family has moved to the Cincinnati, Ohio, area.

To Joseph and Samantha Halbert, a boy, Hank, Nov. 28, 2014. The family lives in Round Rock, Texas.

To David and Stephanie (York) Prysock, a boy, Ezra Gabriel, Oct. 30, 2015. The family has another son and lives in Fort Worth.

2007

BORN To Brendan (’05) and Erin (Utley) Voss, a boy, Henry James, March 17, 2015. The family lives in San Antonio, Texas.

To Christopher (’08) and Julia (Armke) King, a girl, Clara Lynn, March 4, 2014. The family lives in Abilene.

To Stephen and Betsy (Noah) Brumley, a boy, Harrison Noah, Nov. 13, 2014. The family lives in Midland, Texas.

To Matt and Danielle (Williams) Russell, a girl, Riley Mae, Feb. 25, 2015. The family lives in Smyrna, Tenn.

To Jeffrey and Melissa (Landry) Stringer, a girl, Landry Olivia, March 5, 2015. The family lives in Lewisville, Texas.

To Brandon and Lisa (Hoogerwerf) Gililung, a girl, Raelyn Lee, Sept. 21, 2015. The family lives in Missouri City, Texas.

2008

BORN To Jesse and Nicole (Moore) Ogden, a girl, Kenzie, Nov. 4, 2014. The family has moved from Houston to Austin, Texas.

To Robert Walthour and Stephanie Jarvis, a boy, Xavier Walthour, Dec. 17, 2012. The family lives in Abilene.

To Dylan and Ashley (Sutphen) Delaney, two girls: Elliott Rose, Nov. 28, 2011, and Chloe Genevieve, Feb. 15, 2013. The family lives in Abilene, where Ashley works for the Abilene

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

71

PURPLE PEOPLE Whether flashing the W-C, handing out hugs or simply enjoying time together, Wildcats gather on campus and around the world to share their stories and celebrate their common love for each other and for ACU. Here are just a few images we’ve saved since our last issue. Share others with us at acutoday@acu.edu.

2

1

1) (From left) Junior Suzzy Dimba, senior Whitney (West) Swinford, junior Alexis Mason and junior Lizzy Dimba were among members of the ACU women’s basketball team who marched in the Homecoming Parade on Oct. 17, 2015.

2) U.S. Rep. Ted Poe (’70) hosted a breakfast reception July 23, 2015, for current students interning across Washington, D.C. They were joined in Poe’s Capitol Hill office by vice president for advancement Jim Orr, J.D. (’86), director of alumni relations and annual projects Craig Fisher (’92) and Honors College dean Dr. Jason Morris (’96 M.S.).

Others present included legislative aide Michael Edwards, Ashley Close (’13), junior Hope Stanphill, Savannah Hostetter (’15), senior Alexis Sauceda, Hannah (Orozco ’08) Grassie, Jason Grassie (’08), Ambyr Payne, senior Caleb Orr, junior Carolyn Heard, Kelly (Sargent ’05) Burns and Jenny (Dodd ’10) Close.

3

3) Professor of language and literature Dr. Steven Moore (left) leads a student worship team on Wednesday night (Sept. 28, 2015) of the 109th annual Summit in Moody Coliseum. Also pictured are senior Mabree Moore and Chistow Langston (’15). Theme speakers at Summit were Dr. Brady Bryce (’95), Dr. Richard Beck (’90), Dr. Chris Smith (’08), Amy Bost Henegar, Dr. Raymond Carr, Phil Brookman and Mike Cope.

4) San Antonio parents gather to pray over their sons and daughters July 28, 2015, at the Student Send-Off, an annual event held in each major Texas market before freshmen head to Abilene to begin school each fall.

72

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

4

5) ACU freshman Asia West was joined on campus by her mom, Mechele and dad, Victor, for Family Weekend, Oct. 18-19, 2015.

The Office of New Student Programs provided free family portraits, shot at the Jacob’s Dream sculpture site, for everyone. West is a digital entertainment technology major from Keller.

5

6) The family of Jack (’77) and Karen (Leith ’78) Rich gathered curbside on Campus Court to watch the 2015 Homecoming Parade. They were joined by their four children – Clay (’05), Mark (’05), Julie (’09) and Katie (’10) – daughters-in-law Jessica (Masters ’06) Rich and Tara (Conder ’04) Rich, and five grandchilden.

7) Gina (Gomez ’85) Harrison and her husband, Russ Harrison (’86) attended a reception at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio on Oct. 29, 2015, honoring former Highland Church of Christ minister Dr. Lynn Anderson (’90 D.Min.) and his wife, Carolyn.

8) Robert “Jerry” Strader Sr. (’52), Ray Hansen (’53) and Tom D. Smith III (’54) renewed acquaintances Oct. 16 at the 2015 Sports Hall of Fame Induction dinner in the McCaleb Conference Center.

6

7

8

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

73

Cultural Affairs Council and they both run a website design business called New Coast Media.

To Alan and Tracy (Schiebel ’06) Gower, a boy, Caleb, July 1, 2015. The family lives in Leander, Texas.

To Joshua (’07) and Allie (Rogers) Massingill, a girl, Zoe Claire, April 24, 2015.

The family lives in Cedar Park, Texas.

To Lucas and Rebecca (Steffins) Gibbs, a boy, Brock Henry, July 8, 2014. The family lives in Abilene.

To Stephanie (Brown) Berrie, a girl, Brooke, Oct. 13, 2009. The family lives in Abilene.

To Jason (’07) and Abby (Moore) Henderson, a boy, Declan, Oct. 6, 2014. The family lives in Meadows Place, Texas.

To Andrew and Beth Lee, a boy, Archer Grayson, Nov. 10, 2014. The family lives in Missouri City, Texas.

To Heath and JuliAnne (Corn) Huston, a girl, Everly Wren, Jan. 22, 2015. The family lives in Trophy Club, Texas.

To Luke and Tiffany (Polnisch) Luedke, a girl, Macy Lynn, June 3, 2015. The family lives in Katy, Texas.

To Reagan and Anna (Roempke) Morgan, a girl, Hallie Kate, Nov. 13, 2014. The family lives in Plano, Texas.

To Tad and Kaci (Flores) Allen, a girl, Rosemary Irene, May 1, 2015. The family lives in Temple, Texas.

To Joe and Kristin (Gillis) Wallace, a girl, Claire Elizabeth, Feb. 14, 2015. The family lives in Orrington, Maine.

To Jimmy (’02) and Teresa (Loucks) Lomax, a girl, Elisabeth “Ellie” Allison, Nov. 16, 2014.

The family lives in Carrollton, Texas.

To Jesse and Ashley (Barr) Olvera, a girl, Marlee Sloan, Jan. 25, 2015. The family lives in Abilene.

To Heston and Krystal (Edwards) Andrews, a girl, Nevaeh, Dec. 10, 2013. The couple married in 2011. They live in Fort Campbell, Ky. To George and Melina (Rangel) Mallard,

a boy, Josiah, Jan. 14, 2015. The family lives in Grovetown, Ga. To Adam (M.A. ’11) and Anna (Isenhower) Matthews, a boy, Carter Wayne, May 24, 2015.

The family lives in Brighton, Mich.

To Tanner and Blair (DeLaughter) Viertel, a boy, Lucas James, July 27, 2015. The family lives in Fort Worth, Texas.

To Chessley and Megan (Gibbs ’09) Cavitt, a girl, Ellisen May, Aug. 6, 2015. The family lives in San Tan Valley, Ariz.

2009

BORN To Kevan and Katie (Scott ’08) Kirksey, a girl, Logan Marie, May 30, 2015. The family lives in Tyler, Texas.

To Justin and Maegan (Terrell ’11) Ruiz, a boy, Jude Camden, May 6, 2015. The family lives in The Colony, Texas.

To Jared and Erin (Knight) Wessel, a boy, Rhett Rutledge, May 14, 2015. The family lives in Trophy Club, Texas.

To Patrick and Kendra (Heard) Drew, a boy, Emmitt Christopher, Jan. 26, 2015. The couple were married in Oct. 2012. They live in Farmers Branch, Texas.

To Phillip and Leah (Walter) Poarch, a boy, William, Nov. 6, 2014. The family lives in Abilene.

To Jeff and Kathleen (Stillwell) Campbell, a boy, Joshua Cade, July 29, 2014. The family lives in Colleyville, Texas.

2010

Sommerly Simser earned her M.F.A. in producing for cinema and television from Roget University in May 2015. She works for the show Total Divas, which airs on the E! Network, and lives in Burbank, Calif.

MARRIED Peter Hansen and Emily Garner, Dec. 31, 2014. The couple lives in Irving, Texas.

BORN To Jason and Casey (Monsees) Toy, a boy, Kevin William, May 4, 2015. The family

lives in Meadows Place, Texas.

To Scott (’05) and Ashley (Decker) Hughes, twin boys, James Arthur “Jim” and Timothy Allan “Tim,” March 7, 2015. The family lives in Fort Worth, Texas.

2011

MARRIED Thomas “T.J.” Goodwin Jr. and Caitlyn McCoy, July 11, 2015. Caitlyn earned her J.D. degree from Baylor Law School in May 2014.

They live in Addison, Texas.

BORN To Evan and Chelsea (Moore ’12) Umberger, a girl, Adelaide “Addie” Charis, May 16, 2014.

The family lives in Rowlett, Texas.

To Sam and Ashley (Ohlhausen) Hurley, a girl, Emerson Aleen, Jan. 15, 2015. Sam earned his M.S. in structural engineering from Texas A&M University and is an engineer at Hunt & Joiner. The family lives in Farmers Branch, Texas.

2012

BORN To Andrew and Andrea (Wilkinson) Hester, a girl, Brooklyn Faith, Sept. 24, 2015. The family lives in Addison, Texas.

2013

BORN To Jeremy and Elizabeth (Saller ’12) Magers, a girl, Rosemary Kathleen, Sept. 25, 2014.

The family lives in Dallas, Texas.

To Shawn and Mariah (Schultz) Bailey, a girl, McKinley Lynn, Oct. 6, 2014. The family lives in Garland, Texas.

2014

BORN To Justin and Sadie (Tiner ’15) Rosenquist, a boy, Thatcher Guy, Feb. 20, 2014. The family lives in Abilene.

IN MEMORIAM 1943

Willa “Louise” (Giles) Ballard, 92, died Aug. 28, 2015, in Abilene. She was born Sept. 21, 1922, in Granbury and grew up in Cleburne and Breckenridge. At ACU, she was active in the Ko Jo Kai social club and also met her husband, Manly Ballard. They were married Jan. 27, 1945.

He preceded her in death. Louise is survived by two sons, Brent (’69) and David Ballard (’71); four grandchildren, Amy Lopez (’98) and Christopher (’02), Wesley (’05) and Gregory (’10) Ballard; and four great-grandchildren.

1948

William E. Vaught, 86, died Dec. 9, 2014, in Dallas. He is survived by Virginia (Lee ’49) Vaught, his wife of 45 years; five daughters,

74

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

Paula (Vaught ’74) Chance, Vanette (Vaught ’75) Hutcheson, Susan (Vaught ’76) Clark, Tamara (Vaught ’80) Weaver and Kimberly (Vaught ’84) Hancock; 13 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

1950

Marylyn “Marilyn” (Money) Scott, 85, died Nov. 2, 2015, in Abilene. She was born Oct. 7, 1930, in Waco, graduated from Waco High School in 1946 and enrolled at ACU at age 15.

She later earned an M.Ed. and did post-graduate work in education. She married Bill G. Scott (’49) in 1951. She taught in Abilene ISD for 39 years, retiring in the late 1980s following a career in which she specialized in teaching physically and mentally disabled students. She was preceded

in death by Bill, her husband of 52 years; her parents, Charles (’46) and Bessie Lee (Mansfield ’22) Money; and a sister, Katherine (Money) Elder. Among survivors are her two daughters, Chandra (Scott ’88) Corse and Tiffany (Scott ’84) Freeman, and four grandchildren.

1951

Dr. Harvie Mac Pruitt, 84, died Aug. 5, 2015. He was born Nov. 29, 1930, in Lubbock and graduated from Lubbock High School. His preaching and evangelism career spanned six decades. He later served as a missionary in Frankfurt, Germany, and earned his master’s and doctoral degrees in education from Texas Tech University. He married Celia Ruth Ralstin in January 1958. Harvie served as a faculty

member and later as president of Lubbock Christian University. He is survived by two sons, a daughter and 12 grandchildren.

Beverly Jane Johnston, 84, died April 18, 2015, in San Antonio. She was born April 28, 1930, in Fort Worth and married Johnny Johnston (’50) in 1949. They lived in many places during Johnny’s career with the U.S. Army – he became a lieutenant general and eventually retired to San Antonio. They were married 63 years when he died in 2012. Beverly is survived by a son, Greg Johnston (’77); a daughter, Katherine Pittman; and other relatives.

Betty “Ann” (Ingram ’51) Fry, 85, died Oct. 23, 2015, in Abilene. She was born Sept. 1, 1930, in Parkersburg, W.V., and earned a bachelor’s degree in chemisty from ACU. She married Edward Neil Fry (’50) on Sept. 6, 1951. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frederick G. and Lillian (Fuchs) Ingram; and Neil, her husband of 58 years. Among survivors are daughters Lila (Fry ’74) Johnson and Susan (Fry ’76) Lankford; a son, Jay Fry (’85); a brother, Fred Ingram (’52); eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

1952

Fred Dean Collier, 90, died Feb. 19, 2015, in Fulton, Ohio. He was a U.S. Navy veteran who served in World War II and later worked as a farmer and a brakeman for the Illinois Central Railroad. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Barbara Jean (McAlister ’54) Collier; a sister; three sons; two daughters; 10 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

1956

Bert Nicolo Shipp, 85, died April 20, 2015, in Dallas. He was born and raised in Artesia, N.M., and attended ACU and Southern Methodist University. He worked at the Abilene ReporterNews and the Dallas Times Herald before spending 40 years in Dallas broadcast journalism as a longtime member and former president of the Press Club of Dallas. He married Shirley Ann “Shan” Upham in 1953. She preceded him in death in 2014. Bert is survived by two sons, Brett and Bruce Shipp; a daughter, Stefanie (Shipp ’77) Wray; and seven grandchildren.

1957

Joe Quinton Beck, 79, died Feb. 16, 2015, in Dallas. He was born July 8, 1935, in Rotan, Texas. He worked as a sportswriter for the Dallas Morning News and a staffer for the Republican Party of Texas before spending 17 years working in PR for the Atlantic Richfield Company. He is survived by a sister, five nieces and nephews, and other relatives.

1958

Norman Kenneth “Ken” Rideout, 84, died Feb. 9, 2015, in Chiang Mai, Thailand. He was born Aug. 22, 1930, in Detroit, Mich., and served as a missionary and church planter in Thailand for 44 years. Ken was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruth Ann Bailey Rideout; a son, Daniel Rideout; and a grandson. He is survived by his second wife, Sandra Womack Rideout; a

daughter, Brenda (Rideout ’75) Fairweather; two sons, Norman Rideout (’77) and David Rideout (’79); 19 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

1959

Foy Wallace Layton, 78, died April 4, 2015, in Mineral Wells. He married Martha Ward (’61) Jan. 23, 1959. He worked as a minister, mailman, school bus driver, real estate agent and high school football commentator in Coppell, as well as serving on many community boards and committees. He retired to Possum Kingdom in 1993. Foy is survived by his wife, Martha; three daughters, Deborah (Layton ’83) Birdsall, Sheri (Layton ’83) Moino and Michelle Owens; a son, Wallace Layton; 16 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

1961

George Albert Sowell Jr., 75, died June 28, 2014, in Cleburne. He was born Sept. 14, 1938, in Cleburne and married Meredith Dove (’64) April 13, 1963. She survives him, as do two sons, Lawrence Sowell (’88) and Lynn Sowell; a daughter, Lora Frasier; a sister; and two grandsons.

Dr. Elden R. Barrett, 76, died Oct. 24, 2015.

He was born Jan. 14, 1939, in West. He graduated from La Vega High School, earned a bachelor’s degree in education from ACU, a master’s from the University of North Texas and a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University. He had an accomplished public school career as teacher, coach and principal before beginning in 1982 a nearly 30year career as professor in Baylor University’s College of Education. He retired as professor emeritus of curriculm and instruction. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dock and Mae Barrett; and a sister, Jo. Among survivors are his wife, Shirley; a son, Kevin Barrett; a daughter, Krista Barrett; a sister, Kay Kines; and a brother, Boyd Barrett (’75).

1962

Linda (McPhaul) Davis, 74, died Dec. 26, 2014. She was born in Lubbock and grew up in Lamesa. After graduating from ACU, she taught high school in San Antonio and later lived in Austin and Fredericksburg. She was preceded in death by her husband and a son, and is survived by a daughter and two grandchildren.

Wanda Sue Patterson, 75, died May 6, 2015, in Irving, Texas. She was born Oct. 7, 1939, in Borger, Texas. After graduating from ACU, she worked for 20 years as a substitute teacher in the Irving ISD. Wanda is survived by her husband, Johnny Patterson (’62); two daughters, Erin (Patterson ’92) Hughes and Karin (Patterson ’92) Munro; a son, Lee Patterson; a sister; and three grandchildren.

1967

Jerry Allan Anderson, 70, died March 11, 2015, in Abilene. He was born July 9, 1944, in Ranger and grew up in Odessa. He played football at ACU and married Shirley Ann Riggs (’67) in 1965. They were named the university’s Outstanding Alumni Couple of the Year in 1972.

Jerry worked as an accountant with Ernst & Ernst, Condley & Company and Davis Kinard and Co. He later taught professional education courses and worked in audit restructuring and audit management in Boston and Kansas City.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley; a son, Scott Anderson (’91); a daughter, Jody Anderson; and nine grandchildren.

1970

James Kenneth Tountas, 66, died Dec. 25, 2014, in Bryan. He was born Sept. 17, 1948, in Waco and graduated from Richfield High School. He worked as a band director and music arranger for most of his career, and played in community bands. He is survived by his mother; a brother, Bob Tountas (’75); and other relatives.

Robert “Bob” Newton Allen III, 67, died April 17, 2015, in Abilene. He was born June 5, 1948, in San Angelo. During his career, he worked with the West Texas Central Council of Governments, Davis Kinard and Co., and Associated Publishing Company. He was a longtime member and elder of Highland Church of Christ, and a board member of many community organizations, including Christian Homes and Family Services, Faithworks of Abilene, the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council and United Way of Abilene. He received ACU’s Distinguished Alumni Citation in 2004. He is survived by his wife, Janice (Fogle) Allen, and three sons, Robert Allen IV (’03), Bryson Allen (’07) and Christopher Allen (’10).

1983

Vicki Wilkinson Fehr (M.Ed.), 64, died July 30, 2015, in Plano, as a result of injuries sustained in a plane crash. She was born May 29, 1951, in Dallas and earned a B.A. in psychology from Southern Methodist University.

She worked as an elementary school teacher and an educational diagnostician, diagnosing and teaching children and adults with neurological disabilities. She retired in 2006 from Hardin-Simmons University, where she was the director of the Dyslexia Center and coordinator for the Office of Disability Services. Her husband, Steve, died in the same plane crash that caused Vicki’s critical injuries. She is survived by two sons; two sisters; a brother; and three granddaughters.

1988

Parker Brent McFarlin died Oct. 29, 2015, in Hurst at age 49. He was born Nov. 18, 1965, in Arlington. He was vice president of operations for KPost Co. for the past decade, part of a long and successful career of management in the commercial roofing industry. He also was a trustee of Christian Homes and Family Services.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Marilyn Gay (Parker ’61) McFarlin; a son, John Park McFarlin; and a brother, Trey McFarlin (’84). Among survivors are his father, Robert Lee McFarlin (’62); his wife, Melanie (Truitt ’90); daughters Avery Janelle McFarlin (’19) and Marlee Faith McFarlin; and a step-brother.

Doy “Duane” Young Jr., 51, died March 7, 2015, in Springfield, Mo., of complications from

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

75

theme speaker in 2008. He received a Change the World Award from ACU in February 2006 during his alma mater’s Centennial Celebration and was a generous contributor to student scholarships benefitting the Partnering in the Journey Campaign. He served on executive committees of the World Convention of Churches of Christ and the European Evangelistic Society, and received Pepperdine University’s Distinguished Christian Service Award in 1993.

Garrett was selfless to the end of his life, donating most of his papers to ACU’s Center for Restoration Studies and his body to The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ouida; his parents, B.J. and Annie Garrett; five brothers; one sister; a son, Philip; and a daughter, Phoebe. Among survivors are a son, David Garrett (’81); one grandson; two great grandsons; and a brother, William J. Garrett. 

Dr. Leroy Garrett, pictured in 2013 at his beloved Singing Oaks Church of Christ in Denton.

KIM LEESON

Restoration Movement scholar, author Garrett preached unity Noted scholar, author and church historian Dr. Leroy Garrett (’42), who for more than 70 years was known widely for espousing unity among Christians and for coining the term “Stone-Campbell Movement,” died Sept. 29, 2015, at age 96.

A native of Mineral Wells, Garrett was the author of books including The Stone-Campbell Movement: The Story of the American Restoration Movement, What Must the Church of Christ Do to Be Saved? and his autobiographical A Lover’s Quarrel: My Pilgrimage of Freedom in Churches of Christ. He published the Restoration Review journal from 1952-92 and traveled to more than 30 nations during seven decades of ministry.

He earned graduate degrees from Southern Methodist University, Princeton Theological Seminary (Th.M.) and Harvard University (Ph.D.), was a professor of philosophy at four colleges and universities, and after retiring, an adjunct professor at three others. He also directed a Lilly Endowment project to teach philosophy to gifted high school students.

Garrett’s final address at Abilene Christian’s annual Summit was delivered in 2013; he was the event’s opening 76

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

Mabee led generous family foundation that changed face of ACU and West Texas Joe Mabee, whose generous family foundation provided lead gifts for constructing many of ACU’s major building projects for three decades, died Oct. 4, 2015, in Midland at age 84.

Abilene Christian knew him as longtime chair of the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation Inc., of Tulsa, Okla., whose more than $14 million in gifts from 1970-2008 made possible Brown Library, Mabee Hall, the Don H. Morris Center, Mabee Business Building, Teague Special Events Center, Williams Performing Arts Center, Hunter Welcome Center and major renovations to Foster Science Building.

But Mabee also was known as a West Texas visionary, a successful rancher and oilman, a member of the Petroleum Museum Hall of Fame, an Mabee expert aviator, and a philanthropist who helped build schools, hospitals and rehabilitation centers, theatres, libraries, museums, and contributed to other worthy causes in many Texas communities.

He served on ACU’s National Development Council and helped guide plans for the Design for Development Campaign. His great interest in World War II aircraft fueled his work as a leader in the Commemorative Air Force.

Among survivors are his wife, Van; sons Guy Mabee Jr. and John Mabee; daughters Gail Commagere and Leanne Wilson; 14 grandchildren; and 27 great-grandchildren. 

Callans were kings of Texas country docs

GERALD EWING

Chester “Maurice” Callan, M.D. (’52), died Aug. 10, 2015, in Rotan, Texas, at age 84. He represented the third generation of Callans to practice medicine in Rotan, following in the footsteps of his father, Dr. Chester Callan (’24), and his grandfather, W.W. Callan. His father was an ACU trustee for half a century – 1928-78 – and was featured in the 1948 Saturday Evening Post as “the Model Country Doctor.”

Maurice was born Nov. 21, 1930, in Stamford, Texas, and graduated from Rotan High School in 1948. As a student at Abilene Christian, he helped establish the university’s radio station, then KACC (now KACU).

He graduated from The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston in 1956 and returned to Rotan in 1957 to practice alongside his father. Maurice was a longtime elder at Rotan Church of Christ, where he established Operation Starfish to feed orphans in Zimbabwe and educate people there about AIDS. He served on the ACU One of Callan’s Alumni Advisory Board, was keepsakes was a horse-drawn carriage like a member of the Science one his grandfather used. and Mathematics Visiting Maurice posed in it for Committee, and retired this photograph in 2000. from his medical practice in 2015 after 58 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Chester Callan and Nadine (Martin ’27) Callan; two wives, Sarah Jane (Lear) Callan and Ruth (Payne) Callan; and two daughters. He is survived by his third wife, Dorothy “Glynetta” (Britton ’68) Callan; five sons, Robert Callan (’79), Larry Callan, Keith Callan, Randy Callan and Michael O’Briant; four daughters, Janet Branch, Kay Bourg-Prather, Patricia O’Briant (’77) and Andrea Dunham (’89); a brother, Jack Callan, D.V.M. (’54); a sister, Charlotte (Callan ’64) Lancaster; 20 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. 

Lipford gave voice to hospitality, the arts Former Abilene Christian Schools administrator and ACU fundraising professional Harold Thomas Lipford (’50) died April 18, 2015, in Abilene at age 92.

Lipford was born Sept. 28, 1922, in Fort Worth, where he graduated from Polytechnic High School in 1940. He was a sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II. Following the war, he served in Wiesbaden, Germany, in the Army of Occupation. He married Jeannette Scruggs (’50) on Sept. 3, 1948, in Abilene.

He attended Texas Wesleyan University and graduated from ACU in 1950 with a B.S.Ed. degree. He earned an M.Ed. in administration from The University of Texas at Austin in 1956 and an Ed.S. degree from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education and Human Development Lipford in 1970.

Harold taught English and music in the Ozona public schools from 1950-52, served as associate minister of the Columbus Avenue Church of Christ in Waco from 1952-61, and taught Bible and music at Lipscomb Academy in Nashville, Tenn., from 1961-66.

In 1966 he became an assistant professor of education and superintendent of ACU’s Campus School, and was named elementary principal and high school choral director in 1973-74 when it became Abilene Christian Schools. He joined ACU’s development and public relations staff in 1975 as regional director of development and the Annual Fund. For years he coordinated ACU’s Visiting Committee programs and its Christian Education Sundays program. He was honored as the university’s Outstanding Staff Member for 1985 and retired in 1992 as director of university campus events after 26 years.

He was grand marshal of the 1993 Homecoming Parade.

He was instrumental in establishing Mission Church in Abilene in the 1990s. Harold served as a deacon at Abilene’s University Church of Christ, where he and Jeannette have been longtime members. While an ACU student, he sang with the A Cappella Chorus and on the men’s quartet. He was active in ACU’s Alumni Choral Reunion, and he and Jeannette performed with the Over the Hilltoppers group at Abilene Christian’s USO Show at Homecoming 1990 in Moody Coliseum.

Harold and Jeannette are beloved by thousands of talented students who found in the Lipford home an open door, a welcoming spirit, a love for God, and deep appreciation for the musical and theatrical arts.

He was preceded in death by W.C. and Mabel Lipford; a brother, W. C. “Sonny” Lipford Jr.; a sister, Jo Evelyn Lipford (’53); and a daughter, Susan Lipford (’77). Among survivors are Jeannette, his wife of 66 years; daughters Cindy (Lipford ’76) Hudson and Amy (Lipford ’80) Wright; Croatian daughter Svjetlana Vuksic (’97); five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. 

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

77

lymphoma. He was born May 5, 1964, in Joplin, Mo., and owned a pizzeria in Springfield.

He is survived by his parents, a sister and other relatives.

1993

Douglas “Doug” Bryan Neece, 44, died Nov. 13, 2015, in Abilene following a battle with cancer. He was born Jan. 26, 1971, in Garland, and graduated in 1989 from Edmond (Okla.) High School. He was an all-state running back who played football at ACU while earning a degree in

business administration. He married Kim Bartee (’95) in 1994. Neece had been a certified real estate appraiser for WT Appraisal since 2007.

Survivors include Kim, his wife of 21 years; sons Drew, Dax, Brooks and Bennett Neece; his parents, Art and Jane (Berry ’65) Neece; and brothers Greg Neece and Brad Neece.

2006

Jeffrey Alan McCain, 30, died March 9, 2015, in Houston. He was born Oct. 2, 1984, in Irving and graduated from Liberty High School

in Liberty, Texas. At ACU, he was active in many campus groups and events, such as men’s social club Gamma Sigma Phi, Students’ Association, Spring Break Campaigns and Sing Song. He later lived in Dallas and The Woodlands, Texas, working in marketing and public relations and singing in area choirs. He is survived by his parents; his grandmother; four sisters; four brothers; and many other family members and friends.

ACU Remembers: Griffith, Hart, Lewis, Marcho, Mullins, Trevathan, Dunn, Bjorem, Enzor Karen Leigh (Wood) Griffith (’06), 62, died April 12, 2015, in Abilene. She was born Oct. 11, 1952, in Dallas and graduated from Abilene High School in 1971. She earned an Associate of Applied Science degree from Texas State Technical College in 1997 and a Bachelor of Applied Studies degree from ACU in 2006. While a student at TSTC, Griffith she served as Student Association vice president at the Abilene campus and president at the Sweetwater campus. Griffith was a longtime volunteer at Woodlawn Church of Christ, where she served as children’s minister. She began work at ACU in 1997 as a records specialist in the Registrar’s Office and was student services specialist in the Depot at the time of her death.

A highlight of her 17-year career on the Hill was being named ACU’s Outstanding Staff Member of the Year in 2001 for her devotion to customer service and to the Abilene Christian students who admired her personal and professional care for them. She was preceded in death by her father, Glynn Wood. Among survivors are her mother, Olivia; a daughter, Kristi (Griffith) Bearden; a son, Zachary Griffith (’07); a brother, Roger Wood (’76); sisters Kathy Cooke (’78) and Lisa Ortiz; and a grandson.

Award-winning sportswriter Bill F. Hart (’52), who wrote about ACU athletics for decades while forging a storied newspaper career in West Texas, died April 21, 2015, at age 83 in Baird. He was born in Abilene on July 20, 1931, graduated from Baird High School in 1948 and married Linda May (’55) on Aug. 17, 1956, in Megargel. The Hart Harts were longtime members of the Baird Church of Christ, where Bill served as an elder for many years. Hart was sports editor for The Optimist and on the staff of radio station KACC as

78

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

an ACU student, and taught classes in his alma mater’s Department of Journalism and Mass Communication in the late 1970s. He began work for the Abilene Reporter-News in 1973 following newspaper jobs in Lubbock, San Angelo, Temple and Binghamton, N.Y. He retired in 1999 after 47 years of full-time sportswriting but continued authoring a popular Sunday column for the Reporter-News until his death. Hart was inducted into the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame, the ACU Sports Hall of Fame and the Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame. He was an officer in the Texas Sports Writers Association who was known for his encyclopedic knowledge of high school football and track and field. He was sports editor during part of his Reporter-News tenure. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Willie Conner Hart; a brother, J.C. “Buddy” Hart (’41); and a grandson, Justin Travis Hart. Survivors include Linda, his wife of 59 years; daughters Cindy (Hart ’84) Hickerson and Marilu (Hart ’88) Hall; sons Dr. Charles Randall Hart (’86) and Keith Lee Hart; 10 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; six step-grandsons; one step-great-grandson; and a sister, Mary Jo (Hart ’37) Garner.

Dr. David Kenneth Lewis (’73), former assistant professor of Bible and director of ACU’s Center for Adolescent Studies, died July 10, 2015, in Grapevine at age 66. He was born Nov. 23, 1948, in Nashville, Tenn., and graduated from Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis, Ind. He married Pam Perry on April 23, 1970, in Fort Worth. Lewis earned Lewis two degrees from ACU – a bachelor’s in Bible and communication in 1973 and master’s in communication in 1975 – and a doctorate in marriage and family studies from Texas Tech University in 1987. He joined ACU’s faculty as a part-time instructor of speech in 1977 and became associate professor in Fall 1985. Lewis left ACU in 1996 to re-enter full-time ministry, and had been an executive, business and life coach in Keller since 2010. He was adjunct

professor of psychology at The University of Texas at Dallas from 1999-2004 and also taught at The King’s University at Gateway Church.

A leading Christian authority on adolescent psychopathology, he originated the concept of huddle groups for mentoring young people in churches and helped build ACU’s nationally renowned youth and family ministry program.

His ministry career spanned 35 years. Lewis directed ACU’s Center for Adolescent Studies and its annual Youth and Family Ministry Conference. He helped lead groundbreaking research to measure the influence of electronic media upon adolescent spirituality. He spoke at many conferences and workshops, wrote numerous scholarly articles and co-authored three books – Dying to Tell: The Hidden Meaning of Adolescent Substance Abuse; Shattering the Silence: Telling the Church the Truth About Kids and Their Sexuality; and The Gospel According to Generation X. Lewis also served in youth and family ministry at Abilene’s Highland Church of Christ and South 11th and Willis Church of Christ, Lake Highlands Church in Dallas, and Cross Timbers Community Church in Keller. While in Abilene, he was a marriage and family therapist at Cunningham and Associates, a therapist and director of religious life for Woods Psychiatric Institute, chair of the Abilene Educational Force on Substance Use, a consultant and teacher for Abilene ISD, and in private practice as a marriage and family therapist for 13 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Louise Truell Lewis. Among survivors are Pamela, his wife of 45 years; sons Christopher Lewis, David “Israel” Lewis (’93) and Jeremy Lewis (’98); a brother, Bobby Lewis; a sister, Billy Patton; and two grandchildren.

Marcho

Dr. Robert “Bob” Kent Marcho (’99 D.Min.), 72, died June 2, 2015, in Denison. He was born April 16, 1943, in Santa Monica, Calif., and grew up in Artesia, Calif. He attended San Diego State University, White’s Ferry Road School of

2010

Beverly Ann (Franklin) Brown, 43, died Sept. 30, 2015, in Clyde. She was born Feb. 15, 1972, in Abilene and graduated from Eula High School. She married James Brown in August 1998. He survives her, as do a son, Jarod Brown; her father; a brother; a sister, Elaine (Franklin ’84) Palmer; and other relatives.

OTHER FRIENDS

Wendell O. White, 76, died July 13, 2015.

He was born Sept. 26, 1938, in Coleman and

Preaching and ACU, and earned a doctorate from Fuller Theological Seminary. He married Alvadean Mashburn Jan. 15, 1969, in Reno, Nev. Marcho was an advisor and recruitier for ACU’s Graduate School of Theology from 1991-2004.

He is survived by his wife, Alvadean; two sons, Chris Marcho (’87) and Craig Marcho (’88); two daughters, Carrie (Marcho ’91) Sullivan and Amy (Marcho ’95) Fulcher; a sister; and eight grandchildren.

Jerry Neil Mullins (’52) died July 7, 2015, in Abilene at age 84. He was born April 27, 1931, in Crystal City and graduated from Valley Mills (Texas) High School in 1948. He married Mona Cox (’54) on Aug. 22, 1953. He was a standout football player at ACU, where he was captain, all-conference and honorable mention Little All-America. He earned an M.Ed from Mullins ACU in 1957. Mullins was a coach at Robstown (Texas) High School from 1953-56 before beginning a 35-year career at ACU as assistant football coach, assistant basketball coach, head golf coach, director of financial aid and assistant athletics director.

He also was the founding director of ACU’s Camp Wildcat and served as vice president of the Southland Conference. He was a longtime member of University Church of Christ, where he was an elder. He was preceded in death

by Mona, his wife of 60 years; his parents, J.E. and Mable Mullins; his sisters, Lynn (Mullins ’42) Rice and Jean (Mullins) Blackmon; and his brothers, Jake Mullins (’48) and Kenneth Mullins. Among survivors are his sons, Jerry Mullins Jr. (’77) and Lanny Mullins (’80); three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a brother, Don Mullins (’55).

Trevathan

Phyllis Ann Trevathan, 77, died July 28, 2015, in Louisville, Ky. She was born in Murfreesboro, Tenn., and earned a B.A. in music from Lipscomb University.

She married Charles Trevathan, J.D., in 1960, and the couple

worked for the Abilene ISD for more than 35 years. He was a longtime active member of the Highland Church of Christ.

Dr. William P. “Bill” Dukes, 94, died June 3, 2015, in Lubbock. He was born July 24, 1920, in Little Rock, Ark., and graduated from high school in East St. Louis, Ill. He married Janie Blake in 1942. Dukes studied at Jefferson College in Hillsboro, Mo., and served with distinction in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. He earned two Distinguished Flying Cross medals and other military honors. Dukes earned a

bachelor’s degree in military science from the University of Maryland in 1953 and an MBA in finance from the University of Michigan in 1958. He served as professor of naval science at Cornell University while working on his Ph.D. in business and finance. He then taught in the finance department at the Rawls College of Business at Texas Tech University for 45 years, earning recognition for his research and influence. Dukes was preceded in death by his parents; a brother; and two daughters. He is survived by his wife, Janie, and other relatives.

moved to Abilene in 1987. She worked in Career Services at ACU and sang with the Hillcrest Singers and the Classical Chorus of Abilene.

She was a dedicated volunteer and a mentor and friend to countless ACU students. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles, a former ACU general counsel, dean of students and sociology insturctor. She is survived by three daughters, Carol Turner, Karen (Trevathan ’92) Gunn and Julie (Trevathan ’93) Bowie; and five grandchildren.

Orchestra in London. She married Brent Bjorem (’94) on Feb. 26, 1996. She earned a bachelor’s degree in music performance from ACU, a master’s in music performance in 1996 from Hardin-Simmons University and a doctorate in piano performance and pedagogy in 2005 from the University of Oregon. She performed recitals and taught master classes around the world, and served on the music faculty of four colleges and universities, including ACU, where she was an associate professor. Among survivors are Brent, her husband of 19 years; a daughter, Kiana; her parents, Chew Soon and Chew Sew Kung; and brothers Paulson Kung and Jason Kung.

Ila Pauline (Witt ’44) Dunn, 90, died Nov. 7, 2015 in Abilene. She was born April 9, 1925, in Abilene and earned a bachelor’s degree in music (piano and violin). She married Dr. Floyd Warren Dunn (’44) on Oct. 27, 1944. She taught private violin and piano lessons since 1944 and part time in ACU’s Department of Music from 1968-90. She played in the Abilene Dunn Philharmonic Orchestra since 1950 and the Memphis (Tenn.) Symphony from 1960-65. She and Floyd made many trips to Thailand, where they mentored students and faculty at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok and at Chiang Mai University in Chiang Mai. She was preceded in death by Floyd, her husband of 69 years; her parents, Dr. Paul (’22) and Willie Lee (Pritchett ’22) Witt; and a sister, Dorothy (Witt ’54) Goodman.

Survivors include daughters Shirley Dunn (’70) and Nina (Dunn ’75) Dikin; a son, Dr. James Dunn (’71); a great-granddaughter; and a sister, Nancy Witt (’66).

Dr. Pauline (Kung ’93) Bjorem, 45, died Nov. 15, 2015, in Dallas after a long battle with cancer. She was born April 2, 1970, in Penang, Malaysia, and at age 14 became the first Malaysian to attend the prestigious Yehudi Menuhin School of Music in England. As a piano, violin and flute prodigy, she received the prestigious Martin Musical Scholarship Bjorem from the Philharmonia

Dr. Edwin H. Enzor Jr. (’59 M.A.) died Nov. 30, 2015, in Abilene at age 80. He was born Oct. 10, 1935, in Washington, D.C., graduating from Washington Lee High School in Arlington, Va., in 1955. He earned a B.A. in history from Lipscomb University in 1957, a master’s in communication from ACU and a doctorate in communication Enzor from Louisiana State University in 1964.

He married Norma Anders (’61) on Aug. 30, 1956, and she died Nov. 13, 2014. He married Susan Purrington (’72) in 2015. Enzor retired as professor emeritus of communication in 1998 after a 33-year career at ACU in which he served as assistant academic dean, chair of the Department of Communication and the Faculty Senate, and senior development officer. He preached full time for congregations in Texas, Virginia, Louisiana and Maryland. He served as vice president and president of Enzor Travel Service and president of Enzor Consulting Inc. In retirement, he was founder and board chair of Global Samaritan Resources. He received GSR’s inaugural Founders Award in 2012. He also served on the board of Jeremiah’s Hope and other nonprofit organizations. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin Enzor Sr. and Marinette (Loflin) Enzor; Norma, his first wife of 58 years; and a sister, Mary (Enzor) Davis. Among survivors are Susan, his second wife; a son, Brett Enzor (’88); a daughter, Lara Enzor (’90); an adopted son, Tangent Lin (’98); a stepson, James Vickers Jr.; and three grandchildren.

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

79

SecondGLANCE

See Bonus Coverage at acu.edu/acutoday

BY RON HADFIELD

The songbird who gives ACU voices their wings

PAUL WHITE

Walt Disney, the pioneering imagineer, had to artists (Grammy Award-winning Amy Grant is one) and, talk 83-year-old Academy Award winner Jane Darwell, like herself, music teachers and voice coaches who learn who had cardiac problems, out of retirement to play the to recognize and nurture talent.

Bird Woman in his 1964 sensation, Mary Poppins.

The poignancy, however, of the beloved voice professor Darwell, who won Best Supporting Actress in donning the rags and fingerless gloves of the Bird Woman, 1940 for The Grapes of Wrath, was a tough sell but went feeding imaginary pigeons on the steps of London’s on to melt Walt’s heart during “Feed the Birds,” one of St. Peter’s Cathedral, was as thick as the Cockney accent Poppins’ signature and Disney’s personal favorite songs. of Poppins’ chimneysweep co-star, Bert.

When invited by director Kari Hatfield to play the role “I stepped into a couple of rehearsals to watch her and in ACU’s recent Homecoming rendition of a Broadway got pretty emotional, not only by her performance, but by musical based on the iconic film, the depth of her life experience,” said 86-year-old Jeannette (Scruggs ’50) ACU Theatre professor and former Lipford acknowledges Lipford only needed her husband’s chair Adam Hester (’77). “It didn’t hearty cheers from a blessing and to pray about it. Harold take much for me to fill in the gaps Civic Center audience (’50), her spouse of 66 years, was between her life and the character. during curtain call. hospitalized and in failing health.

You couldn’t help but think of how Jeannette shared her invitation she has given words of life to with him and he laughed, “Well, so many people.”

Jeannette, I say ‘Go for it.’ ” A woman Backstage, she admits her who believes deeply in following thoughts ran from “What am I doing God’s lead, she prayed for direction. back here with all these kids?” to “I didn’t get any ‘No’s,’ ” she said.

“Keep focused; don’t miss your cue,” And while her beloved Harold to “Thanks, God, for letting me be a didn’t live long enough to see it in part of this.” And to no one’s surprise, person, so was born one of the most she nailed her notes, drew rousing memorable stage performances ever applause and standing ovations, and seen by the quarter-million people to advanced her Hilltop legend. watch a Homecoming musical staged “I love her stories and I love her

by ACU’s theatre department. advice,” said associate professor Matriarch is not too strong of a word for the role and department chair Dawne (Swearingen ’95) Meeks.

Jeannette has filled for the musicals since 1972, four years “I have never known anyone with such a profound faith. after she began teaching voice at her alma mater.

Her prayers are bold proclamations that stir your soul.

A faculty member in the Department of Music, She is sassy yet gentle. She is wise and dry witted. She her expertise made performances soar. The late Dr. Lewis believes in the importance of lifelong learning. She taught Fulks (’48), patriarch of today’s ACU Theatre, quickly me to sing like so many but more importantly, she taught realized her great skill. “If we didn’t have her help, the me to love, to listen and teach, and the importance of audience would notice the lack of vocal quality right giving back. I pray I can be her when I grow up at 86.” from the start,” he said in a 1975 interview.

Whichever superlatives describe an ACU musical’s Lipford’s tutoring of vocalists the last four decades heart, Lipford and her ministry of nurturing artists are extended to Sing Song, Summerstage, operas and untold surely its soul. numbers of music recitals. Her study and knowledge “The students are my birds to feed,” she said. “They of the human voice – how to train it, heal it and give it have tough choices and I want to encourage them in every wings – has few equals in higher education. But the lavish way I can. That song calls me to encourage everyone to Broadway-quality musicals, performed for thousands each help those who are hurting in any way.”

October, are where her student proteges, like P.L. Travers’ “She has been giving the words of Jesus to people all famous nanny, often take flight. Jeannette’s students have her life,” Hester said. “The Bird Woman was Jeannette become Broadway performers, studio musicians, recording feeding all of us around her.” 

80

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

BONU S C OV E R AGE

S T O R Y B Y K A R I H AT F IE L D P HO T OGR A P H Y BY PAUL W HI T E

M

Hatfield

Jeannette Lipford reaches to the heavens while singing “Feed the Birds.”

Jeannette Lipford’s Bird Woman portrayal in Mary Poppins blessed everyone

ore than one person, including orchestra conductor Dr. Steven Ward (’92), asked me to consider casting Jeannette (Scruggs ’50) Lipford as the Bird Woman in Mary Poppins.

Interestingly, each said the same thing but none of them knew the others had already

suggested it. I loved the idea and our faculty wholeheartedly agreed. Her answer: “Let me pray about it.”

Our initial idea was to double-cast the role with Jeannette and a student who would alternate performances. This was to take some pressure off Jeannette, and also to give a student another opportunity. However, as we went through the process, Kaitlin Sacco, the senior theatre major cast in the role, asked me if she could demote herself and serve as Jeannette’s understudy. Kaitlin believed Jeannette’s performance would be meaningful to everyone involved and she did not want to deprive anyone of the experience. To my knowledge, this is

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

BC 6 5

Mary (Mikayla Garren) and Bert (Joel Edwards) lead the chorus in “Jolly Holiday.”

the first time any of our students has humbly asked to step out of a role for such a selfless reason.

Jeannette was a great fit for many reasons. She has devoted her life to support ACU Theatre, mentoring many people and lifting all of us in prayer at some point.

It was my privilege to come to ACU to take on her role in our department, teaching private voice lessons to students and vocaldirecting most of the musicals.

Jeannette has guided me closely through this process and continues to do all she can to make me better at what I do – technically, practically and spiritually. There are days when it can be difficult to give my full attention, support and love during private voice lessons for up to 20 students each semester. Jeannette, however, has taught me how to do it with love and kindness extending far beyond the classroom.

We wanted her to play the Bird BC 6 6

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

Woman because of the message that role sends: it costs very little to give love but it is the most important investment in the world. Jeannette has been a guardian angel for many of us, covering each in prayer and wisdom. In Mary Poppins’ world, the Bird Woman is an angel in disguise, watching out for the hearts of the Banks family while using her quiet leadership to inspire true change.

I cannot think of a better fit for that role than Jeannette.

This experience also was special for us because it was the first Homecoming Musical Jeannette has attended without her beloved Harold in more than 40 years. Those of us blessed enough to have known him knew he would show up at the end of every rehearsal – about 10:30 p.m. – to sit and wait for Jeannette to finish her work so he could drive or follow her home. Mary Poppins was in memory of Harold, as well.

“Feed the Birds” was Walt

Disney’s favorite song because he loved its message. He was known to phone its composers, Richard and Robert Sherman, years after Mary Poppins was produced and tell them to “play it” – they knew what that meant and would begin while he listened: “Early each day to the steps of St. Paul’s, The little old bird woman comes. …” It’s a simple song but remains a gentle reminder of what is important in life, and that there is a world out there far bigger than each of us. The wisdom and experience in Jeannette’s voice proved a perfect vehicle for that message.

In rehearsals, Jeannette was always professional and precise.

Although she has performed on the ACU stage before, Bird Woman was her first role of this magnitude and the first time to perform on the Abilene Civic Center stage.

I know she was nervous but she worked diligently to learn her part.

Miranda West (Miss Andrew), Jeannette Lipford (Bird Woman) and Victoria Lee (Mrs. Banks) pose for a selfie in the dressing room.

Watching her learn the curtain call’s “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” choreography was a particular joy for me, and she was determined to get it right. I loved to observe her in the wings, practicing when she didn’t think anyone was watching.

As the voice of the Bird Woman, Jeannette was perfect from the first note. The cast sang through all the show’s music in our first week of rehearsals, before classes began in August. At the end of “Feed the Birds,” everyone fell completely silent, taking it in. It is one of the few times I have ever seen or heard that happen.

And they never lost their reverence for it, even in the hustle and bustle of an energetic musical like Mary Poppins. The cast was always busy backstage during this

song – many of them trying to change costumes and get into place for the next scene. However, they all were supposed to sing the a cappella section of “Feed the Birds” from offstage. I was nervous no one would get there in time, or would forget to do it, but the students loved watching Jeannette so much, they never missed their cue. It mattered to them to be present for that moment.

One of the things I loved most about having Jeannette in rehearsals was hearing her pray for the cast and crew. We pray before every rehearsal and every show, each person taking a turn to lead, but when Jeannette was present, I asked her to pray for us.

The way she talks to God is humbling and inspiring, because you can hear that it matters, that she knows He is listening. There is never any doubt or apathy in her voice. You also can hear how fiercely Jeannette cares about everyone in our theatre family. She makes us all want to have that kind of relationship with God. Homecoming is a highly stressful time for our students and faculty.

We work tirelessly for eight to 12 weeks, trying to pull something off that is larger than any one of us can handle. Our students are together almost 18 hours a day (through classes, rehearsals, work, etc.), and that constant proximity to each ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

BC 6 7

Mary Poppins (Mikayla Garren) returns in Act 2, startling onlookers in the park in “Let’s Go Fly a Kite.”

BC 6 8

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

other under that kind of stress can wear on us. They have to deal with illness, family tragedies and midterm exams. Students have to work very hard to keep up in their classes while balancing their rehearsal responsibilities. It is a lot to handle.

As a director it is difficult to even know about all of the things immediately working against the cast and crew, much less mentor everyone through them. It was such a blessing to know Jeannette was there in the same boat as the students. I knew that being backstage, she would hear about things before anyone else did and would already be caring for and praying for those who were hurting.

She provided a tremendous calming influence for the students. Her presence in this cast elevated us all. Challenges were still present and some people dealt with extraordinarily difficult things and at times, a lot of pain. But Jeannette was there to comfort, bless, listen and love, and that made all the difference.

She is my mentor as well, and as a vocal teacher and coach, Jeannette’s influence is huge. I have watched her teach many students and work as a vocal director with many casts. I have always been impressed by her ability to be firm and challenge each student to do better, but her deep empathy and love are what the student feels.

That builds a lot of trust. She never enables them to settle and does not accept excuses. She has built-in radar to know when to sit back and listen, encourage, support and pray, and when to cut through excuses to challenge a student to go beyond what he or she thinks they can do.

And I love that she never stops learning. She is always searching for new techniques to introduce to students. It inspires me to be that

kind of teacher myself.

Ben Jeffrey (’06), who plays Pumbaa in Broadway’s The Lion King, talks about how Jeannette not only taught him how to sing, but inspired his love for singing.

She teaches her students that their talent is a gift from God worth developing, a gift they can use to bless the whole world. It is an enduring lesson I have heard several of them recount. And it’s true.

I cried every time I heard Jeannette sing “Feed the Birds.”

She is everything I want to be.

I teach theatre because it is what I feel called by God to do, and it inspires me to see Jeannette on stage with her students. She is 86, the same age as my ailing grandmother, so that hits close to home. Hearing her voice blend with her students is an experience I will never forget. And seeing the joy on her face at the end of the song – when she and Mary made eye contact, and again when she looked into the heavens – always moved me beyond words. I loved hearing the audience react to those moments.

One night after the show, I heard a grandmother say to one of her grandchildren, “Jeannette and Harold sang in my wedding.”

I could hear how much that voice of love in her life meant to her, and I was thrilled we could provide a similar experience for the thousands of people who came to enjoy Mary Poppins, and our one-of-a-kind voice professor who has fed her little birds at ACU for decades.

Like many others I know, I want to be Jeannette Lipford when I grow up. 

Hatfield is associate professor of voice and movement at ACU, and directed Mary Poppins.

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

BC 6 9

BC 7 0

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

The Banks household – Ben Starkey (Mr. Banks), Victoria Lee (Mrs. Banks), Devin Smith (Michael Banks), Mariel Ardila (Jane Banks), Andrew Bullard (Robertson Ay), and Lauren Fertig (Mrs. Brill) – prepare for “Precision and Order.”

Irate bank customer Von Hussler (Joshua Alexander) confronts Mr. Banks (Ben Starkey) in “Precision and Order.”

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

BC 7 1

BC 7 2

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

Mr. and Mrs. Banks (Ben Starkey and Victoria Lee) celebrate George’s raise with the bank’s Board of Directors.

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

BC 7 3

BC 7 4

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

Mary Poppins (Mikayla Garren, center) tidies up the kitchen in “A Spoonful of Sugar,” to the delight of Robertson Ay (Andrew Bullard), Michael Banks (Devin Smith), Winnifred Banks (Victoria Lee) and Jane Banks (Mariel Ardila).

RIGHT: Mary’s kitchen work gets done “in a most delightful way.”

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

BC 7 5

Bert (Joel Edwards) impresses the crowd of chimney sweeps as he taps over the rooftops in “Step in Time.”

BC 7 6

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

Mary (Mikayla Garren) and Bert (Joel Edwards) reminisce during “Chim Chim Cher-ee.”

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

BC 7 7

BC 7 8

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

Bert (Joel Edwards) shares some of Mary’s magic with Michael (Devin Smith) and Jane (Mariel Ardila) before “A Walk in the Park.”

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

BC 7 9

Angry toys Teddy (Myles Colbert) and Valentine (Will McInerney) come to life to teach the Banks children a lesson in “Playing the Game.”

BC 8 0

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

BC 8 1

BC 8 2

Winter-Spring 2016



ACU TODAY

In “Anything Can Happen,” Mary (Mikayla Garren) teaches Jane and Michael (Mariel Ardila and Devin Smith) to reach for the heavens.

ACU TODAY



Winter-Spring 2016

BC 8 3

The reconciled Banks family waves goodbye to Mary Poppins.

BC 8 4

Winter-Spring 2016

î‚ś

ACU TODAY

Philanthropy MADE EASY, MEANINGFUL

Jeff, Braden and Randa Upp, and Sydney

eciding to give money to a charity should

be a thoughtful process. But actually making

the gift? No one said that has to be difficult.

That’s why Jeff (’86) and Randa (Nicholson ’88) Upp of Abilene have a donor-advised fund (DAF) through The ACU Foundation.

A DAF works like a savings account for giving; funds are invested alongside ACU’s endowment, and once a year, 5 percent (or more) of the funds are distributed with

50 percent of the proceeds going to charitable organization(s) of the Upps’ choosing. The remaining 50 percent goes to the university or ACU-sanctioned organizations.

With The ACU Foundation managing the fund and handling the administrative tasks, the Upps have the comfort of knowing their gifts are professionally managed and will benefit ACU and other philanthropic causes.

Contact The ACU Foundation today to learn more about donor-advised funds as a way to leave your legacy.

Hunter Welcome Center ACU Box 29200 Abilene, Texas 79699-9200

800-979-1906 • 325-674-2508 • theacufoundation.org • garrettd@acu.edu

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Abilene Christian University

Abilene Christian University ACU Box 29132 Abilene, Texas 79699-9132 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

C OMING UP Wildcat Preview Days for Future Students ................. February 19, March 28 Annual President’s Circle Dinner ..................................................... February 20 60th Annual Sing Song ................................................................. February 19-20 Alumni Day Luncheon......................................................................... February 21 Presidential Scholar Weekend .................................................. February 21-22 2nd Annual TEDxACU ..........................................................................February 27 Admitted Student Visit Day ..................................................... March 4, April 15 National SAT Test Dates ................................................March 5, May 7, June 4 Spring Break ...................................................................................... March 14-18 Maker Fest ................................................................................ March 31 - April 1 Wildcats Serving .......................................................................................... April 2

facebook.com/abilenechristian facebook.com/acusports

High School Scholars Day ......................................................................... April 8 National ACT Test Dates ............................................................. April 9, June 11 Class of 1966 Golden Anniversary Reunion ..................................... April 27-29 May Commencement ................................................................................... May 7 Wildcat Week (previously Welcome Week) ................................ August 16-20 Opening Assembly ................................................................................. August 22 Football Season Opener: ACU vs. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. ........ September 3 Family Weekend and Freshman Follies ................................... September 9-11 110th Annual Summit ................................................................ September 18-21 Homecoming 2016 .......................................................................... October 20-23

twitter.com/acuedu twitter.com/acusports

instagram.com/acuedu PAUL WHITE

Supreme Wildcats

Jeffrey S. Boyd (’83), second from right, helped his alma mater host fellow justices of the Texas Supreme Court when they met in public session Nov. 13, 2015, at ACU. The state’s top jurists did not deliberate long in learning the W-C. See coverage on the inside front cover and page 53.

(From left) John P. Devine, Debra H. Lehrmann, Don R. Willett, Paul W. Green, Nathan L. Hecht (chief justice), Phil Johnson, Eva M. Guzman, Jeffrey S. Boyd and Jeff Brown convened in the McCaleb Conference Center of ACU’s Hunter Welcome Center.