voices
THE MAGAZINE OF ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY’S ALUMNI ASSOCIATION WINTER 2016, VOLUME 16, ISSUE 1 ~ $6.00
UNITED IN SERVICE
A-STATE’S NEWEST GATHERING PLACE
At the 2015 Fall Commencement, Arkansas State debuted a new university mace. Click to see how alumni, faculty, students and staff collaborated to create this unique symbol.
in this issue: FEATURES:
10 UNITY PARK 12 THANK YOU 14 GAME CHANGER 16 A-STATE LANDMARK PREPARES FOR NEW PURPOSE A place united in service
Alumni gifts break records
Dream becomes reality
Wilson Hall renovation
18 FRATERNITY, EDUCATION INSPIRE PLANNED GIFT
Jerry Smith gives back
PROFILES:
04 STUDENT PROFILE 06 CAMPUS PROFILE 08 ALUMNI PROFILE
Hannah Robey
Brandon Kemp
Justin Patterson
DEPARTMENTS:
03 MY VOICE 28 THE LAST WORD
voices | 01
Margo AufderHeide Kagebein
Beth Smith, Executive Director A-State Alumni Association
voices The Magazine of Arkansas State University’s Alumni Association
EXECUTIVE EDITOR - BETH SMITH EDITOR - DIANA MONROE DESIGN - MARY R. WILLIAMS PRINTING - A-STATE PRINTING SERVICES
A-STATE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT - MARGO AUFDERHEIDE KAGEBEIN ‘76 VICE PRESIDENT - NONIE SHEFFIELD WIGGINS ‘83 SECRETARY - RUSTY CHAMBERS ‘89 PAST PRESIDENT - RICH CARVELL, JR. ‘91
BOARD MEMBERS JOHN BAINE ‘95
DALE MORRIS ‘70
CHARISSE M. CHILDERS ‘88
CHARLOTTE LUTES RAZER ‘86
JANET DAVIS EVANS ‘80
PAUL ROWTON ‘98
LYNN SITZ HOWERTON ‘90
BOB SCHOENBORN ‘67
JAJUAN JOHNSON ‘02
STEVEN SIGSBY ‘72
BOB MCCUISTON ‘65
MARK WEBB ‘89
RICK MILES ‘78
MIKE WILLIAMS ‘92
BRANDON MORRIS ‘08
PEGGY ROBINSON WRIGHT ‘96
STACY CRAWFORD ‘97 - EX OFFICIO
CHANCELLOR - DR. TIM HUDSON VICE CHANCELLOR UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT - DR. JASON PENRY
OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - BETH ASHCRAFT SMITH ‘82 DIRECTOR, ALUMNI RELATIONS - LINDSAY HARMON BURNETT ‘05 DIRECTOR, MEMBERSHIP - MARSHA MAYS CARWELL ‘05 DIRECTOR, AFFINITY RELATIONS - AMANDA MILLER MCDANIEL ‘93 ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT - CARISSA KIRK GRIFFIN
Voices is published three times a year by the Arkansas State University Alumni Association. Subscriptions are available through membership in the A-State Alumni Association. Single issues are available for $6 each. Editorial offices are located in the Cooper Alumni Center, 2600 Alumni Boulevard, Jonesboro, Arkansas. Our telephone number is (870) 972-2586 and our fax number is (870) 972-2039. MAIL CONTRIBUTIONS, LETTERS AND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: VOICES A-STATE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, INC. P.O. BOX 1990 STATE UNIVERSITY, AR 72467 WEBSITE: AStateAlumni.org
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EMAIL: Alumni@AState.edu
my voice:
MARGO AUFDERHEIDE KAGEBEIN ‘76
Click for more of Margo at commencement.
Life is unpredictable, isn’t it? If you are receiving this magazine, then you are probably old enough to have learned life is full of ups, downs and lots of curves! Like many of you, after graduation I married my high school/college sweetheart, raised three children, worked in the family business, volunteered in my church and community, and stayed very busy. But I also did something unconscious along the way. I kept in touch with some of the dearest friends ever from my wonderful years at Arkansas State University, while also keeping a loose connection to the university itself. I will admit to not always being the best at this, but whenever those friends and I did talk or send birthday/Christmas cards, the years in between seemed to melt away. Perhaps, you have experienced this. Fast-forward a few years (as they seem to do so quickly). My life has gone through those ups, downs, curves and changes, but is still so blessed, and I am more closely connected to the wonderful people at A-State again. I became a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors 12 years ago, and now have the opportunity to serve as its president for two years. In this capacity it has been an amazing, heart-warming experience reconnecting with so many people and making great new friends – fellow alumni from A-State. At Homecoming this year, John Bobango asked me how I got involved with Arkansas State again. It was an excellent and thought-provoking question we should probably ask ourselves more often, but the answer was simple – SOMEONE ASKED ME. I was invited back to attend a Wilson Awards ceremony, then asked if I would help form the Wilson Fellows. Asked to serve on the alumni board, my connections grew stronger and multiplied from there. How rewarding it has been, doing something outside of the norm, being part of something bigger, giving back to a place that meant so much to me. So here I am, inviting and asking YOU. By the time you read this we will have attended a bowl game with thousands of Red Wolves howling in the hotels, down the street and in the restaurants in New Orleans. I am inviting you to visit Fowler Center to hear a concert or watch a theatrical production and be amazed at the talent we have on campus. I am asking you to buy an A-State license plate and get a smug thrill out of how many others are out there now. Get in touch with your particular academic college or Greek organization to see what you can do to organize your own alumni friends. Call or send notes to potential students you know who can join the advanced academic minds that are choosing A-State for their education. Visit the campus and see for yourself the beautiful new buildings and landscapes. You will be very proud. Ultimately, life, with its twists and turns, is about the relationships you make – past, present and future. Don’t stop now. Get involved. Give back to your university for what it provided for you, and enjoy the rewarding results. I know I have.
Margo AufderHeide Kagebein, President A-State Alumni Association
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studentPROFILE HANNAH ROBEY
winter 2016 | 04
It was one of the most memorable plays in Arkansas State’s volleyball history. The A-State volleyball team was playing Texas State at the Convo on October 10. The team needed every point; there was no room for mistakes, and then it happened. Senior Hannah Robey had to chase a ball down deep in A-State territory; the ball was on course to be out when Robey stuck out her foot and kicked it back to another player on her team. It was a completely legal play that was able to send the ball over the net.
A native of Longview, Texas, Robey came to Arkansas State after transferring from Tyler (Texas) Junior College prior to the 2014 season, where she had tallied a long list of accolades – 675 digs and 65 service aces in the two years she was there. She helped the team to a fifth-place finish at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) national tournament and 32-6 record in 2012 before the team registered a runner-up finish in the NJCAA national tournament. She was also able to maintain a 4.0 GPA throughout her junior college career.
“WHEN IT HAPPENED
“Texas State is a big rival for us,” Robey explained. “For me, it meant even more because I knew a couple of people on their team. Between the momentum of the game and the adrenaline rushing through me, I faintly remembered the play. “When it happened I was not completely sure what I had just done, but I remember hearing the crowd erupt into a loud roar.”
I WAS NOT COMPLETELY SURE
WHAT I HAD
JUST DONE, BUT I
REMEMBER
HEARING THE CROWD
ERUPT INTO A
LOUD ROAR.”
The fans in the stands weren’t the only folks cheering about her kick save. The play was No. 4 on SportCenter’s Top 10 that night, and has garnered more than one million views, 7,350 likes and 9,300 shares on Facebook.
“I’m really not sure how to explain it,” she continued. “I hope it is an example of how much passion we have for the game and shows the amount of hard work our team puts into the game every day.” “Hannah is a hard-working young woman who never worries about getting the credit,” said A-State head volleyball coach David Rehr. “She is all about putting the team first and loves being part of something bigger. That’s kind of funny because of all of the ESPN accolades with the kick save that put her in the forefront.”
Robey came to Arkansas State and made an immediate impact on the 2014 squad. She played in all 31 matches and tallied the fourth-most digs on the team. This past fall, Robey has been instrumental in the team’s success for 2015. The undefeated conference run is the first since 1996 for the school, while the conference championship is the first since 2011 when the team was SBC West Division Champion. It is the first outright conference championship since 1998. The A-State volleyball team made it to the first round of the NCAA Tournament, in which Robey had two digs and an assist in her final match as an Arkansas State volleyball player.
The mathematics major, who is minoring in statistics, currently carries a 4.0 GPA; she plans to graduate in May 2016. Robey was also part of the first group of student-athletes to study abroad in Europe in the summer of 2015. We aren’t sure what the likelihood is of Robey making another kick save like the one she made last fall. There must be a mathematical formula to try and determine the possibilities; with her mathematic background, maybe she can figure the odds.
profile extra:
It’s become the most watched Red Wolves sports clip on the Internet.
Check out the play that made the SportsCenter Top 10.
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campusPROFILE
BRANDON KEMP ‘97
winter 2016 | 06
Ever wonder how important Arkansas State University’s outreach efforts are? Consider 2015 Arkansas Research Alliance Fellow Dr. Brandon Kemp as a perfect example. The Jonesboro High School graduate and A-State associate professor of electrical engineering had plans to attend college on the other side of the state. But a chance encounter during an on-campus outreach opportunity changed the future electrical engineer’s mind. “Like a lot of teens, math came easily to me,” Kemp explained. “I like solving problems and have a natural curiosity. I always thought I’d work in research and development in the private sector.” Kemp said he had been offered scholarships at multiple universities, but on a day when local high school students visited A-State, he met Dr. Robert Engelken, a professor in the College of Engineering. “I changed my mind, came to Arkansas State and was Dr. Engelken’s research assistant for four years,” Kemp said.
Today, all of the Master of Science in Engineering students are funded by research or teaching assistantships. Kemp’s research grants fund five of those students; teaching assistantships or research assistantships through other faculty research grants fund the other students. Kemp stays busy with research, administering programs,teaching nine hours and conducting three major research projects. He most enjoys conducting research with his master’s students and teaching undergraduates. “I try to mimic the style of my Ph.D. adviser at MIT,” he said. “I go into the classroom with no books. Classes are unscripted, so I try to be energetic, lively and very engaging with my students.”
“I GO INTO THE
CLASSROOM WITH NO BOOKS. I TRY
TO BE ENERGETIC, LIVELY AND VERY
ENGAGING
He graduated with an engineering degree from A-State. After earning a master’s degree at Missouri University of Science and Technology, he conducted knowledge-based designing at Lexmark for a time before he sold his house, quit his job and went to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to work on his doctoral degree.
To the lay person, Kemp’s research is nothing short of a Star Trek episode, and could change the course of physics. His work involves electromagnetic theory; he believes the Einstein-Laub Theory is incorrect. “What is the momentum of light?” is the question he is asking. Other projects include invisibility cloaking and geo-location. Another of his students is working with the concept of tractor beams – using light to pull as well as push particles.
WITH MY STUDENTS.”
He returned to Lexmark, but during all this time, he was keeping in touch with Engelken and Dr. Paul Mixon, associate professor of electrical engineering, about the engineering program at Arkansas State. Outreach paid off a second time for Arkansas State as the connection with his undergraduate mentor and Mixon brought Kemp home to Jonesboro in 2010. His goals were research and to build the Master of Science in engineering degree program. The Department of Transportation and the National Science Foundation funded the position through grants to A-State.
His work has been attracting attention. In 2012, he was awarded the National Science Foundation CAREER award, a $400,000 faculty development grant. Additionally, he was recently chosen as one of five people named to the Arkansas Research Alliance Fellows program. While these accolades are nice, he said he still ponders the future. “I’m interested in energy and momentum; I think about their research possibilities,” he said. All of this is now benefiting current Arkansas State engineering students who work with Kemp and his groundbreaking research, in part, because an A-State professor took the time to visit with a bright local student and change the course of his future.
profile extra:
Kemp’s commitment to students and including them in his research
is a hallmark of his teaching style. Look back at this MEASURE
Magazine feature on his work with Cheyenne Sheppard.
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alumniPROFILE
JUSTIN PATTERSON ‘05
Justin Patterson
winter 2016 | 08
When he graduated from A-State, Justin Patterson knew
fun,” Patterson said. “Once the judges tasted my dishes, I was
he’d need a job while pursuing his dream of a music career in
very confident.
Nashville. A friend of a friend hooked him up with a job in a “That’s one of the rewarding things about cooking for
catering kitchen and Patterson fell in love – with cooking.
people,” he continued. “When someone tastes something The Lepanto native and music major worked his way through
amazing, it’s hard for their face to lie, even though the show’s
several restaurants in Music City, USA, before deciding to
producers tried pretty hard to keep the secret of who won
pursue culinary school. At that point, he said, music “firmly
until the end of the show.”
took a backseat to cooking.” After school, Patterson and his wife moved to Little Rock where he worked as a sous and pastry chef. It was following the birth of his daughter he decided to strike out on his own. Luckily for an adoring public in Arkansas, it was then the Southern Gourmasian – Patterson’s food truck – was born. Patterson said his food is gourmet
“HE (CRIST) STRESSED
THE IMPORTANCE
OF CHOOSING A CAREER
Patterson was a hit; he won the $5,000 and said he got some great exposure for his business. He’s developed a loyal following and said
THAT YOU LOVED
he is now living a lesson learned
ABOUT ... HE TALKED
“He (Crist) stressed the importance of
AFFECT IT WOULD
were passionate about,”
from his adviser, Dr. Tim Crist.
AND WERE PASSIONATE
ABOUT THE PROFOUND
HAVE ON YOUR LIFE.”
choosing a career that you loved and Patterson explained. “He talked about the profound affect it would have on your life.”
Asian cuisine with a Southern twist. From his truck, he could be seen around the greater Little Rock area and, when he has a
To continue to grow his business, in addition to his food
catering booking, in different parts of the state. Word got
truck he’s opened a brick-and-mortar restaurant in Little
around and one day the producers of the Food Network
Rock. He said about half of his restaurant customers are a
contacted Patterson about competing on their upcoming
totally different crowd to those who visit the food truck, but
television show, “BBQ Blitz.” He was up for it.
he’s found that passion Crist lectured about a decade ago.
The Southern Gourmasian was pitted against two other area
“There are a lot of people who just weren’t able to find the
chefs for a chance at $5,000. Hosted by Arkansas native and
food truck or wouldn’t eat at a food truck; now we can capture
former NFL player Eddie Jackson, Patterson was confident in
that audience as well. I love having a food truck. It allows us
his preparation.
to do events and other things that just can’t be done with a restaurant, but a restaurant allows us a stable audience to build on. Plus, a restaurant gives us a place to get in out of the rain.”
“I just got out there and did what I do every day and had
profile extra:
Distinguished Alumnus Jim Callaway returned to A-State to speak to more than 1,200 new alumni at the 2015 Fall Commencement. Click to hear Jim’s keys to success.
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“What a fantastic addition to the landscape of this campus.” Those were the first words spoken by Chancellor Tim Hudson when he greeted a group of Arkansas State alumni, students and friends at the dedication of the new location of an expanded Unity Park on Homecoming morning, October 3. Unity Park is a gathering place for the student fraternity and sorority organizations that are members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). Because the footprint of the new Humanities and Social Sciences building encroached on the park’s original location at the intersection of Caraway and Aggie roads, the park was relocated into the heart of the Greek life area of the A-State campus.
Construction began on the new Unity Park area in July. The 60-foot diameter paved plaza is larger than the original space, with a bench for each group as compared to only three total at the previous location. The Batesville sandstone seatwall at the perimeter around the nine 30-foot flagpoles also includes nine red maple trees planted in line with each flagpole. “We never envisioned anything like this,” said 1976 alumnus Maurice Hopkins, who pledged Omega Psi Phi in 1973. “To see all the Greek fraternities have one place to meet – it’s just a blessing.” “The original Unity Park displayed flags representing the symbols and colors of eight NPHC fraternities and sororities active at Arkansas State at the time,” said Dr. Lonnie Williams, associate vice chancellor for Student Affairs. “The new
winter 2016 | 10
park added Iota Phi Theta, which was chartered since the first park’s dedication. [The original eight are Alpha Kappa Alpha, Alpha Phi Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, Sigma Gamma Rho and Zeta Phi Beta.] Unity Park now truly represents the ‘Divine Nine’ at A-State.” Alumna Jacquelyn Tabron Wade ’74 M ’89, said she and her sorority sister Phyllis Hammonds ’74 M ’75, were charter members of Alpha Kappa Alpha. “This means so much to see this, what we started, to mature to what it is today,” Wade said. Hammonds remembered selling the concept of having black sororities and fraternities to Dean Robert Moore, who was dean of students at A-State. She said
he was very supportive of the Greeks during his A-State tenure. “We consider all the girls who came after us our babies,” Hammonds explained. “We do our very best to nurture them to keep the legacy going on.” Dr. JW Mason, retired associate vice chancellor for administration and A-State alumnus, said he was present for the first Unity Park dedication. He chartered and was an adviser for the Phi Beta Sigma chapter at A-State until his retirement in 2013. “All the young men are really excited about the park and say it’s better than what we had,” he noted. “We have challenges from time to time,” Mason said, “but when we get to Unity Park, there’s a togetherness that we feel. We understand we all represent the same
thing; we’re all service organizations. We have more similarities than we have differences.”
“We have challenges from time to time ...but when we
The unusually windy day could not chill the warm hearts of those present for the dedication. Chancellor Hudson said he wanted to thank all who had a hand in “continuing this tradition of being inclusive, of understanding the importance of the past and looking toward the future.”
get to Unity Park, there’s a
Mason remembered the words of Dr. Wilbert Gaines, emeritus associate professor of physical education, who spoke at the first dedication and was present for the dedication of the new park.
service organizations. We
“This is Unity Park, that means when we get here, we’re all unified with one purpose, and that’s to provide service.”
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togetherness that we feel. We understand we all represent the same thing; we’re all have more similarities than differences.”
Dr. JW Mason, ‘74 MSE Click to see the rededication ceremony.
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In the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2015, Arkansas State University had a record amount of charitable gifts – more than $18 million. For the second consecutive year, A-State led the Sun Belt Conference schools in the percentage of alumni who give back. These photographs demonstrate some of the ways in which friends and fellow alumni have given back to the university.
We all can give back to the university – with our time, our talents and our treasure. Whether you support scholarships, program or service areas, or university athletics, please know we truly appreciate your investment in A-State students and in higher education.
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Scan to see more photos from the 2015 football season.
The completion of the Centennial Bank Stadium expansion project in September opened a new era of Red Wolves football. The amenities of the Johnny Allison Tower are state of the art. Arkansas State led the Sun Belt Conference in home attendance in 2015. Renewals for season football tickets are underway now. Contact the A-State Ticket Office at 870.972.ASU1 for more information.
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The oldest building on the A-State campus is getting a much-needed facelift, and for good reason. Named for one the early champions of what would later become Arkansas State University, Wilson Hall is being renovated to become a second location of the New York Institute of Technology’s College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM). “Until the fall 2015 semester, most every student has had a class in Wilson Hall since its opening in 1932,” said A-State Chancellor Tim Hudson. “We are happy to see the building continue to be a vital part of the campus with the beginning of this historic program.” After a fire destroyed the Administration Building of what was then known as First District Agricultural and Mechanical College, plans immediately were made to rebuild. R.E. Lee Wilson, who owned vast farming and business interests in Mississippi County and was a member of the school’s Board of Trustees, contributed money, labor and materials to the reconstruction. Wilson died unexpectedly before the building opened, so the building was named in his memory to honor his support for the school.
The three-story, Art Deco-style building saw the addition of four new stairwells during the 1960s and many interior reconfigurations during the last eight decades. It has been home to administration offices, the library, the College of Business, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the Colleges of Humanities and Social Sciences. Radio station KASU began its first broadcast in 1957 from Wilson Hall. With so much rearranging of the interior space, not a lot of architectural details of the interior were thought to have remained. But according to David Handwork, interim assistant vice chancellor for Facilities Management and A-State’s director of planning, design and construction, the renovators have been continually amazed by what they’ve uncovered. “The four stairwells used today were added in the 1960s,” he said. “In looking out of the east and west interior windows, we had noticed stairs that led up the outside of the building and stopped. “We discovered those stair towers led to the building’s entrances, which are now the doors for the mechanical rooms that regulate the building’s heat and air.” Other finds include a section of plaster crown molding that was discovered, but
winter 2016 | 16
could not be saved, an old radiator and two original windows – one in working order – on the first floor. The first floor north entrance still includes most of its marble-covered walls, as well as the distinctive vertical panel that notes the building’s dedication to Lee Wilson. Six of Wilson Auditorium’s original large light fixtures were saved years ago when Facilities Management was located in the old hangar building on campus. Handwork said when Facilities moved to its current location, five of the fixtures were hung from the building’s ceiling to protect them from breaking, while one remained wrapped and kept in storage. That one light has some work that must be done, but Handwork hopes it can be restored. “Our predecessors had the foresight to keep these beautiful lights,” he noted. “We are currently planning to hang the lights in each of the four stairwells, and shine either accent lights on the fixtures, or down through the fixtures.” Handwork said the construction crews have found other interesting items in the walls, including an A-State Herald newspaper from 1953 and a 1970s essay on campus parking.
The most exciting find, however, was on the building’s exterior. The metal panels below the windows had faded to a pale pink color and needed to be removed and repainted. “It was like uncovering treasure–we didn’t know what was there,” Handwork explained. The plain metal panels were covering stamped panels that matched the building’s Art Deco design. “Everybody got excited,” he said. “Whoever put those plain panels in place left us a nice surprise.” Handwork credits University Planner Bill Hall with finding an exterior paint for the panels that would match the building; the original stamped panels are now visible to the public. When renovations are completed in time for the August 2016 opening, the building will include several study areas on each floor, an auditorium, an OMM (Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine) laboratory, a gross anatomy laboratory, simulated emergency and operating rooms, a mock exam room, administrative and academic offices, a student lounge, a library and seminar rooms.
Hudson said having NYIT establish a location on the Arkansas State campus will impact the region in many favorable ways.
“This is an extraordinary,
“This is an extraordinary, transformative development for the citizens of Arkansas and the Delta, and for our institutions,” Hudson noted. “NYIT’s highly regarded osteopathic curriculum is a boon to our university, our community, and to all of the new medical students we will welcome to our campus.”
development for the
With an inaugural class of 115 students, NYITCOM at A-State will join the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences as the state’s only two medical schools. The Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) endorsed the launch at a meeting on December 6. Dr. Barbara Ross-Lee, who was NYIT’s vice president for health sciences, was named the College of Osteopathic Medicine’s dean last year, and Dr. Shane Speights of Jonesboro was recently named assistant dean. Hiring is ongoing, with an expected 80 faculty, staff and administrative positions to be filled within two years.
transformative citizens of Arkansas and the Delta, and for our institutions ... NYIT’s highly regarded osteopathic curriculum is a boon to our university, our community, and to all of the new medical students we will welcome to our campus.”
Dr. Tim Hudson, Chancellor Arkansas State University Click to watch video of A-State’s welcome to Jonesboro event for NYIT.
voices | 17
Like many children of his generation,
It was what else he learned and earned while
After college, Smith worked a short time for
Gerald P. ‘Jerry’ Smith was the first person in
he was at A-State that was to become more
Arkansas Power and Light before being drafted
his family to graduate high school; his parents
valuable to him than baseball.
into the military, where he served the next two
had both only completed school up to the
years. During that time, he got married and
eighth grade. Following his graduation from high
He came to the Jonesboro campus, not knowing
moved his family to St. Louis to work for
school, Smith left the family home in White
anyone, but during that freshman year he got
Aetna Insurance as a controller. Later in 1967,
Church, Mo., outside of West Plains, and headed
to know guys who were members of Pi Kappa
he began working for Honeywell in the
for St. Louis, where he got a job in a factory.
Alpha fraternity. He soon pledged the fraternity,
computer industry.
where some of the older members helped him After a summer of working, his factory
see the value of a college education.
supervisor asked when he’d be leaving to go to
After an extensive career in computer sales, moving to many different cities throughout
college; Jerry had no plans, but the man saw
He worked downtown at Eagle Department
the country, and raising his two daughters –
something in this recent grad and encouraged
Store and then at the Crane Corporation factory
Terry and Tracy – Jerry and his late wife moved
him to think about his future.
to put himself through school. He’d ride a
from Phoenix to the Heber Springs area and
bicycle to work and to school.
opened his own computer sales business,
A family friend drove Smith to the then-
Greers Ferry Corporation.
Arkansas State College because the school had
“Dean Robert Moore and Dr. W. W. Nedrow,
a baseball team, and Smith wanted to play
the Pike adviser, were good mentors to me,”
A few years later, Jerry was reunited with a
baseball. He enrolled, but his hopes of baseball
Smith said, noting they’d helped him apply
fellow A-State Pi Kappa Alpha member,
success ended after that first year because of a
for scholarships.
John Coffey.
shoulder injury.
winter 2016 | 18
“I had a phone call one day and saw the guy’s
Springs, a center of ASU-Beebe, after being
name,” Smith said. “I asked him, ‘Is this the
approached about a charitable investment.
“My Arkansas State
He was as surprised to talk with me as much as
Because he believed A-State gave him a good
education and my
I was to talk with him.”
foundation, he has made an irrevocable estate
John Coffey who was a Pike at Arkansas State?’
gift to establish a scholarship endowment at The two quickly caught up, re-establishing
the Jonesboro and Heber Springs campuses, as
their friendship. Together they developed
well as fund the Jerry Smith Family Pavilion at
another business, Exchange Capital, an
ASU-Heber Springs.
accounts receivable management and funding business based in Conway. Although
“My Arkansas State education and my fraternity
retired, Smith still maintains an interest in
experience were very important to me. I’m
the business.
happy to make this gift from my estate to the
fraternity experience were very important to me. I’m happy to make this gift from my estate
university that gave me so much.”
to the university that
Heber Springs areas, Smith became active in
To learn more about irrevocable estate gifts
gave me so much.”
his community through the local Rotary Club
and other forms of planned giving, visit
and as a member of the Red Apple Inn Golf
AStateGift.org or contact Erika Krennerich
Association. He also became active in the effort
Chudy at (888) 225-8343.
Living and working in the Greers Ferry and
to locate a sister campus of A-State in Heber
voices | 19
– Jerry Smith
See John’s presentation
Alumni Association Conveys 2015 Distinguished Alumni Honors John Bobango, Ron Miller and the late Ed Way were celebrated during a brunch at the Cooper Alumni Center and during the Homecoming football game, in which A-State’s Red Wolves defeated the Idaho Vandals. Learn more about these remarkable graduates below by accessing the video links to hear from John, Ron and Ed’s wife Dianna Way.
John A. Bobango
Arts and Sciences ‘78
Attorney John Bobango is chief manager of the Memphis-based Farris Bobango PLC, which also operates in Nashville, one of the most successful business law firms in the U.S. His achievements have brought him numerous accolades, including Memphis ‘Lawyer of the Year.’ Called a consummate professional, ardent public servant and impassioned volunteer by his peers,Bobango is a past member of the Memphis City Council, an advocate for several Mid-South causes and an outspoken proponent for A-State and his fraternity Pi Kappa Alpha, where he currently serves as international president.
See Ron’s presentation
Ron M. Miller
Education ‘59
Upon his commission as an Army officer following graduation, Ron Miller became a highly accomplished military pilot, flying a helicopter gunship during three tours of duty in Vietnam. His lengthy list of military achievements during his 20-year career includes two Distinguished Flying Crosses and two Bronze Stars, among many others. He was a presidential appointee as director of the Georgia Vietnam Veterans Leadership program, where he assisted thousands with employment, job training and small business assistance over a 13-year period. He is a vigorous supporter of the Beck PRIDE Center for America’s Wounded Veterans at A-State. He was inducted into ROTC’s Hall of Heroes in 2002, and into the Arkansas Military Veterans Hall of Fame in 2012.
J. Ed Way
Business ‘74
A native of Stuttgart, Ed Way parlayed his A-State education in business See Ed’s presentation
administration and his extraordinary talent for building personal relationships into a highly successful banking career. His last leadership position was Jonesboro market president for Centennial Bank. He was executive vice president and one of the pillars of Centennial’s predecessor institution, Liberty Bank of Arkansas, which originated and thrived in Jonesboro largely through his energy, dedication and talent. The College of Business named him 2014’s Business Executive of the Year. Additionally, he served as a president of the Red Wolves Foundation, president of Jonesboro Rotary Club and campaign chair for the United Way of Northeast Arkansas. Way died in 2015 and this award was presented posthumously.
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legacy society
Click to see video
NOVEMBER 12, 2015
bradbury art museum
Click to see video
AUGUST 25, 2015
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strong-turner alumni chapter potluck
student activity center ribbon cutting
DECEMBER 7, 2015
SEPTEMBER 10, 2015
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SAC hosted community event for USWNT
‘70/’75 football reunions 1975 photo here Andrew has this, just hasn’t been uploaded yet
hss building dedication
SEPTEMBER 18, 2015
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Click to see video
hall of heroes ceremony
OCTOBER 20, 2015
presentation at heroes day
OCTOBER 20, 2015
winter 2016 | 24
Click to see video
Click to see video
voices | 25
court of two sisters
Click to see video
DECEMBER 18, 2015
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new orleans bowl alumni tailgate
DECEMBER 19, 2015
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Click for New Orleans Bowl highlights
my voice:
BETH SMITH ‘82 BS, ‘03 MA
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
smitty@AState.edu
Dear Friends, They said it couldn’t be done, but we did it! The Red Wolves took over the Big Easy on our recent visit to the R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. Scarlet and Black were visible everywhere and enjoying all the amenities that New Orleans offers. The entire team at Centennial Bank was wonderful and hosted another great Friday night kick-off event for the weekend. We sold out the tailgate for the fifth consecutive year, hosting more than 1,000 people in the Superdome. And yes, I know there were some seating and food line challenges at the tailgate but we will get that corrected for 2016. A special thank you to everyone who made the trip to support our football team – we do have the greatest alumni and fans – YOU! The Alumni Association is implementing some improvements. We have just launched a new benefit, HotelStorm, that will enable you to secure discounts at hotels all around the world. More information is on our website, AStateAlumni.org. In February we will debut a new digital membership card. This app will enable you to have your card wherever you have your smart phone. It will also “alert” you when you are visiting a benefits partner and are eligible for discounts at that location. Membership Matters! Goodbyes are never easy but we had a very difficult one this month. Elaine Poynter ‘01 MPA, Director of Annual Giving, retired in January after more than 21 years of service to A-State. In addition to other duties, Elaine planned our annual phonathon campaign working with alumni, students, faculty and staff to provide support for academic programs. She touched thousands of lives each year in these efforts to provide the best opportunities for our students. Under her leadership A-State has set the record for the highest alumni-giving rate in the Sun Belt for the last two years. She is an exceptional colleague, and will be missed by all of us. I hope when you “Catch the Call” at this year’s phonathon in February you will make a gift so that we can continue this tradition. As this issue of VOICES is going to press, we have received notification that Gov. Asa Hutchinson has appointed alumna Stacy Crawford ‘97 to a five-year term on the ASU Board of Trustees. We look forward to working with Stacy in this new capacity and I also want to thank Charles Luter ’66, who has completed his term on the board. He has provided outstanding service and support for A-State and the Alumni Association. The ASU System campuses are seeing tremendous growth and having a dedicated and engaged group of trustees is a huge catalyst for making sure that each of us stays focused on moving our institutions forward. New Year, New Beginnings – let me know how we can continue to serve you better! Sharing your pride in A-State,
Beth Smith Executive Director Alumni@AState.edu winter 2016 | 28
Anonymous Donors Mr. Charles “Boe” Adams* & Mrs. Myrna Adams - 2004 Ms. Tina Adams - 2007 Mr. & Mrs. Tom Akers - 2007 Mr. Willie Allen - 2004 Mr. & Mrs. Howard Milton Alsey* - 1999 The family of Sam Angel - 2003 The family of Hale Arnold* - 1999 Ms. Margaret Imogene Baker* - 2015 Dr. Jahnae Barnett - 2006 Mrs. Mary Steed Beall - 2000 The Beck Family Foundation - 2007 Mr. Harry C. Belk* - 1999 Mr. Charles T. Blackburn* & Mr. Fred D. Blackburn - 2001 Mr. James Gordon Blankenship* - 2003 Mr. John C. Bolland - 2001 Mr. & Mrs. Curt Bradbury - 2001 Mr. & Mrs. Floyd Bruce* - 2001 Dr. Thomas A. Bruce & Mrs. Delores Fay Bruce* - 2001 Mrs. Alice Horn Bryant* - 1999 Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Burchfield - 2015 Mr. & Mrs. Bill Burleson - 2001 Mr. & Mrs. R.W. Butler* - 2001 Mr. & Mrs. Farel Byrd - 2000 Ms. Bernice Paden Caldwell* - 2015 Mr. & Mrs. Jim Callaway - 2007 Mrs. Sandra Curtiss Cherry - 2000 Ms. Mary Anna Chop* - 2004 The family of John T. Clements III* - 2007 Mr. & Mrs. Henry Ezra Coe* - 2003 Ms. Judy L. Cole - 2015 Mr. & Mrs. John Conner, Sr. -2007 Mr. & Mrs. John Conner, Jr. -2007 Mr. & Mrs. Darrell Cooper - 2001 Dr. Paul R. Copeland - 2004 Mr. & Mrs. George R. Cotton, Sr. - 2015 Dr. Ruth Couch* - 1999 Dr. Ed Coulter - 2007 Mr. Keith Crass* - 2005 The family of Mark Crow* - 2010 Mrs. Ruth O. Dacus* - 1999 Mrs. Mamie R. Davis* - 2015 Mrs. Jerusha Barton Davidson* - 1999 Mrs. Nathan Deutsch* - 1999 Mr. Bruce DeVore - 2015 Dr. Hazel Dickey & Mr. Franklin Dickey - 2001 Mr. & Mrs. Jack Dowell – 2007
It was mentioned that new copy would be coming to replace this ad. I have not received that at this point.
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Drabczyk* - 2006 The family of Mr. & Mrs. J. D. Dryer* - 2001 Dr. Peter Dykstra* & Mrs. Betty Dykstra - 2006 Mr. & Mrs. Edward R. “Bob” Earwood - 2003 Ms. Cathy Eoff - 2006 Ms. Nancy C. Everitt - 2006 Mrs. Ann Fildes* - 2006 Mr. William C. Emerson* - 1999 Mr. & Mrs. Thomas D. Fowler -2001 Mr. & Mrs. Wallace Fowler, Sr. - 2000 Mrs. Thyda Lee Fryer* - 2006 Mr. Jim Gaston* & Mrs. Jill Gaston - 2001 Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Gillam - 1999 Dr. David L. Goff & Mrs. Mary Ann Goff Jackson - 2007 Mr. Robert Grear* & Mrs. Wilma Grear - 2006 Mr. & Mrs. F. O’Neil Griffin - 2013 Mrs. Mildred Schutte Griffin* - 2005 Mr. & Mrs. Walter Grundon* - 1999 Dr. & Mrs. Michael Hagaman - 2007 Mr. Robin H. Hagaman* - 1999 Mr. & Mrs. Sherland Hamilton - 2001 Mr. Jake Hampton - 2010 Dr. & Mrs. George Harp - 2001 Mr. Guido Hassin* - 1999 Mr. Patrick Haynes - 2001 Mrs. Mary Alice Hoeper & Sons Charitable Trust - 2003 Mr. Phillip R. Horn* - 2006 Mr. Cass Hough* - 1999 The family of Mrs. Eunitha Steele Hout* - 2000 Mr. & Mrs. Markham Howe - 2015 Mrs. Marilyn Hummelstein - 1999 Mrs. Verona D. Hurd* - 2001 The family of Betty Jackson - 2006 Mr. Marlin D. Jackson*- 1999 Mr. & Mrs. Lynn Jenkins - 2006 Ms. Ruby Jewell* - 2015 Mr. & Mrs. Floyd Kauffmann* -2003 Mr. V. H. “Bud” Kays* - 1999 Dr. & Mrs. Shelvy Haywood Keglar, Sr. - 1999 Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Keller* - 2001 Dr. John D. Kelly - 1999 Mr. Guy King* & Mrs. Alice King - 2001 Mr. William F. Kirsch, Jr.* - 1999 Mrs. Emily Sloan Abernathy Kluge* - 1999 Dr. & Mrs. William Landrum - 2007 Ms. Eleanor Sanders Lane* - 1999 Dr. & Mrs. Tim Langford - 2005 Dr. Robert Leet-Corday* - 2003
Mr. Doyle Lewis* & Mrs. Pat McCrackin Lewis - 2015 Mr. Willard R. Litwiller & Ms. Lynne C. Litwiller – 2003 Dr. Laddie Logan* - 2015 Dr. Kathy White Loyd - 2001 Mr. & Mrs. Aaron Lubin - 2000 Mr. & Mrs. Harold Ludvigsen* - 2005 Mr. & Mrs. Dwayne LunBeck - 2006 Mr. Charles F. Luter - 1999 Mrs. Irene Garland Martz - 2007 Dr. & Mrs. Kyle McAlister - 2007 Mr. Van McClendon - 2015 Mr. Joseph McClure* - 2000 Mr. & Mrs. J. Leonard McDaniel - 2015 Dr. C. K. McFarland & Dr. Linda McFarland* - 1999 Dr. Bobby McGough* & Mrs. Geraljean McGough - 2013 Mr. & Mrs. Don McMullin* - 2001 Ms. Lela Mitchell* - 2001 Mrs. Claudia Dunn Mitts* - 2001 Mr. James D. H. Moore* & Mrs. Sally Moore - 2001 Ms. Sandra Morgan - 2013 Mrs. Willagene Moore* - 1999 Mr. & Mrs. Donald Morris* - 2007 Mr. & Mrs. Rhonald Morris* - 2007 Mr. & Mrs. Jake Morse - 2004 Mrs. Evelyn Motyka* - 2001 Dr. & Mrs. W.W. Nedrow* - 1999 Mr. John H. Neeley* - 1999 Dr. Luther Paden Neeley - 2003 Mrs. Edith Newton* - 2003 The family of Mr. Bill Nix* & Mrs. Alice Nix - 2010 Mr. Fred H. Pasmore* & Mrs. Jean McCarty Pasmore - 2003 Mrs. Wilma Pattee* - 2001 Mr. & Mrs. Peter Peitz - 2006 Mrs. Romelle Bornhoft Phillips* -1999 Mr. & Mrs. Howard Pierce* - 2003 Mr. William R. Pratt*, Mr. Richard L. Pratt* & Miss Jane M. Pratt* - 2004 Mr. William V. Pruett - 2007 The Honorable Judge Ann Lucas Pugh - 2015 Mrs. Charlotte Lutes Razer - 2000 Mrs. Dona M. Reng* - 2005 Mr. & Mrs. Steven Reynolds - 2007 Dr. & Mrs. William B. Richardson - 1999 Mrs. Millie Willett Riley - 2006 Mr. James H. Ringgold - 2001 Mr. Doyle Rogers* & Mrs. Josephine Raye Rogers - 2006 The family of Mrs. Christine Roller* - 2001
voices | 29
Mr. & Mrs. Louis Romero* - 2003 Dr. Ben Saltzman* - 2001 Mr. James & Mrs. Sharon Lott Sanders - 2010 Mrs. Josee Schliemann – 2001 Mr. & Mrs. Robert Schuchardt - 2000 Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Seitz - 2003 Ms. Brenda Shurley - 2000 Mr. Billy Shurley - 2000 The family of Mr. Jim Sloan* & Mrs. Betty Sloan* - 2010 Mr. Gerald P. “Jerry” Smith - 2015 Mrs. Lorena J. “Rockie” Smith* - 2003 Mr. William Vernon Smith* - 2000 Mr. Mabe Spurlock* & Mrs. Jerre Spurlock - 2006 Dr. Friedrich Stoll* - 1999 Mrs. Melda Strickland* - 2015 Ms. Nadia Price Bates Strid* - 2001 Mrs. Ruth A. Stringer* - 2015 Mrs. Alma Ashabranner Stroud* - 2013 Dr. Kenneth Swan - 1999 Dr. & Mrs. Lonnie Talbert - 2015 Mr. Norris Cunningham Taylor, Jr.* - 2013 Mr. James L. Thompson* - 1999 Mr. & Mrs. Mike Thompson - 2006 Mr. Don Tilton - 1999 Mrs. Gwendolyn Howell Tolliver* -1999 Mr. & Mrs. John Troutt - 2001 Dr. Rebecca Tuck & Mr. Sam Tuck - 2010 Dr. & Mrs. Joe Tullis - 2007 Mr. & Mrs. Joe Dan Tyler* - 2001 Mr. Chris Vanlandingham - 2015 Mr. and Mrs. James Vaughn* - 1999 Mr. Howell Vick* & Mrs. Corrine Vick - 2000 Dr. Robert Warner, Jr. - 1999 Mrs. Mildred Watson* - 1999 Ms. Herta A. Weber - 2006 Dr. John B. Webster - 2004 Drs. Rosalee & Raymond Weiss - 1999 Dr. & Mrs. Alfred Weitkamp* -2001 Mr. Lavon Wells* & Mrs. Mary Ellen Wells - 2005 Ms. Alice Westphal* - 2006 Mr. R. E. Lee Wilson* - 2000 Mr. John A. Woodside & Mrs. Donna Woodside* - 2001 Ms. Julie Wright - 2001 Mr. William R. Wright* - 2006 Mr. Robert W. Yates - 1999 Mrs. Lela Ziegenhorn* - 2000 * Deceased
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