Tech Action Spring 2013 Ben Rothwell, Terry Rothwell, Jim Murphy join Hall of Distinction. See pages 4-9.
Col. Carl Baswell inducted into Hall of Distinction. See pages 4-5.
Tech Action
Hall of Distinction inductees set example
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Tech Action
This issue of Tech Action includes the stories of our three 2013 inductees into the Arkansas Tech University Hall of Distinction — Jim Murphy, Ben Rothwell and Terry Rothwell. Each of them was born outside the state of Arkansas and found a new home as part of the Arkansas Tech Family. The three inductees utilized the skills and leadership abilities they honed at Arkansas Tech to go forth and prosper in their chosen career. Each of them has a passion for their alma mater and a strong belief in its mission. The Arkansas Tech Hall of Distinction recognizes the achievement and contributions of outstanding alumni and individuals closely associated with the university. That has always been and will always be the focal point of the Hall of Distinction. However, in recent years the Hall of Distinction induction ceremonies have brought an added benefit. Since 2006, Arkansas Tech has recognized its Hall of Distinction inductees at spring commencement. The opportunity for our graduates to be in the presence of and hear the life stories about our Hall of Distinction inductees is an inspirational testimony to a fact that has been proven time and time again — any dream is possible with an Arkansas Tech education.
tech
You might know an individual who deserves to be nominated for the Arkansas Tech Hall of Distinction. Nominations for the Arkansas Tech Hall of Distinction may be made by any graduate of Arkansas Tech, any current or former member of the faculty or administration of Tech, any currently enrolled full-time student at Tech or any member of the Hall of Distinction. Nominations may not be made by a family member of the nominee. No incumbent member of the Arkansas Tech Board of Trustees, faculty, staff or administration is eligible for nomination for any category of the Hall of Distinction. For more information about nominating an individual for the Arkansas Tech Hall of Distinction, call (479) 968-0242 or send e-mail to alumni@atu.edu. Congratulations to Mr. Murphy, Mr. Rothwell and Mrs. Rothwell, and thank you for allowing us to tell your stories. May your example of pride in Arkansas Tech inspire others and help ensure the continued prosperity of our university.
Kelly Davis ‘81 Director of Alumni Relations and the Tech Loyalty Fund
Alumni Association Board of Directors
President: Jim White ‘78
President-Elect: Todd Sweeden ‘76
Katherine Nunn Bowden ‘54 12/13
Jim White ‘78 12/13
Sandy Smith ‘86 12/14
Cody Hill ‘07 12/15
Sue Chiolino ‘68 12/13
Vickie Yates ’79 & ‘89 12/13
Matthew White ‘06 12/14
Sherry Nordin Polsgrove ‘81 12/15
Brenda Metcalf Hipp ‘63 12/13
Jim Higgs ‘73 12/14
Steve Kesner ‘77 12/13
Truman Hill ‘70 12/14
Cara Hammond Witherspoon ‘78 12/14 Dustin Parsons ‘10 12/15 Justin Price ‘01 12/15 Jared Wood ‘97 12/14
Tayler Melton ‘10 12/13
Sarah Beth Phillips ‘06 12/14
Leila Bean Alston ‘77 12/15
Melissa Owens Steeves ‘07 12/15
Todd Sweeden ‘76 12/13
Joshua Ray ‘06 12/14
Susan McIntyre Dunn ‘83 12/15
Kendall Tabor ‘89 & ‘92 12/15 Jimmy Rofkahr, Ozark Campus Rep.
catch up with an old friend today www.techties.atu.edu
Tech Action, Volume 49, No. 2. Arkansas Tech University Alumni Association, Alumni House, Russellville, AR 72801 Director of Alumni Relations & Tech Loyalty Fund Kelly Davis Coordinator of Young Alumni & Student philanthropy Alison Parks Taylor Coordinator of Alumni Communications & Activities Aaron Jones Alumni Office Administrative Assistant Terry Holland-Finley
Editorial Committee Kelly Davis, Jayne Jones, Julie Nebben Morgan, Susie Nicholson, Sam Strasner publications/creative Services Felisha Weaver Director of New Media Carrie Harris Phillips
Cover Photograph Steve Newby Contributing Photographers Liz Chrisman, Steve Newby, Tim Carr E-mail address alumni@atu.edu Web site www.techties.atu.edu
Tech Action is published quarterly by the Arkansas Tech Alumni Association, 1313 N. Arkansas Ave., Russellville, AR 72801. It is sent to alumni, parents, friends and faculty/staff of Arkansas Tech University. We welcome manuscripts and photographs from our readers. Please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you would like your originals returned. Parents, if your son or daughter attended Tech and is no longer living at this address, please notify our office of his or her new address. Address updates can be submitted to the Arkansas Tech Office of Alumni Services by calling (479) 968-0242 or by sending e-mail to alumni@atu.edu.
Alumni News
Schedule of Events Friday, Oct. 25
Saturday, Oct. 26
Homecoming Golf Classic Russellville Country Club
Alumni Gold Reunion - Class of 1963 Chambers Cafeteria
Ladies Luncheon & Champagne Bingo Lake Point Conference Center
Homecoming Tailgate Party Centennial Plaza
Hall of Distinction Reunion Dinner Lake Point Conference Center
Alumni T-Club Meeting Hull Building Letterman’s Lounge
Alumni and Friends Reception Lake Point Conference Center
Wonder Boys vs. Ouachita Baptist Thone Stadium at Buerkle Field
Spring 2013
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Visit www.techties.atu.edu or call (479) 968-0242 for more details.
2013 Arkansas Tech Football Schedule Thursday, Sept. 5 Saturday, Sept. 14 Saturday, Sept. 21 Saturday, Sept. 28 Saturday, Oct. 5 Saturday, Oct. 12 Saturday, Oct. 19 Saturday, Oct. 26 Saturday, Nov. 2 Saturday, Nov. 9 Saturday, Nov. 16
*at NW Oklahoma State *SW Oklahoma State *at Southern Nazarene at Nicholls State *at Arkansas-Monticello *Southern Arkansas (Family Day) *at Henderson State *Ouachita Baptist (Homecoming) *at East Central *SE Oklahoma State *Harding (Senior Day)
Alva, Okla. Russellville, Ark. Bethany, Okla. Thibodaux, La. Monticello, Ark. Russellville, Ark. Arkadelphia, Ark. Russellville, Ark. Ada, Okla. Russellville, Ark. Russellville, Ark.
7 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 3 p.m. 6 p.m. 3 p.m. 3 p.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m.
*Denotes Great American Conference game | Times are Central and are subject to change. | Home games are played at Thone Stadium at Buerkle Field All games broadcast in the Russellville area on KWKK 100.9 FM and around the world at http://athletics.atu.edu
2013 Hall of Distinction
Terry Rothwell Distinguished Alumna Terry Rothwell’s career in business
“Once a
is proof that even the grandest of
month I would
accomplishments can have modest
sit and use the
beginnings.
10-key adding machine,”
Armed with only a telephone, a
continued
Rolodex and a collection of 3” x 5”
Rothwell.
index cards, she founded a business
“That was
from her home in 1985.
what started me down the
Today, that business has grown to
business path.”
become Celerit, one of the premier technology firms in Arkansas and
Her father
a leader in data services for banks
also showed
across the United States. Rothwell
her the
serves as chief executive officer for
importance of
Little Rock-based Celerit, which
philanthropy.
counts seven of the 10 largest banks in the United States among its clients.
4
“My father was a very giving person,”
Tech Action
Rothwell’s ability to personalize
said Rothwell.
the world of information technology
“I saw that
has been among the keys to Celerit’s
from him. He
success.
was always feeding people and such.”
H of D Fun Fact Induction into the Hall of Distinction is the greatest honor Arkansas Tech may bestow upon an individual. Honorees are selected by the Board of Trustees.
teaching business education courses so that she and her classmates
“I was a novelty because I could barely spell computer,” said
Rothwell recalls Dr. Eldon Clary
Rothwell graduated from Fort Smith
could graduate — the program was
Rothwell. “I had this twangy Southern
Southside High School and enrolled at
discontinued the next year and later
voice. I started taking notes about
Arkansas Tech, where she was selected
returned to the curriculum.
anniversaries, how many kids, when
to the Athena Troop, chosen as a
the birthdays are for potential
charter member of what is now Zeta
Perhaps her greatest influence at
customers…and I would just keep
Tau Alpha sorority and named to the
Tech was Jean Murdoch, who served
calling back. I’ve waited three years
1972 Homecoming court.
on the Tech faculty from 1965-85.
to get into a client before, and I kept that client for 17 years.” Rothwell was born in Tulsa, Okla., and raised in Fort Smith. “When I was growing up my dad
“I was just always going to Arkansas Tech,” said Rothwell. “That’s
person,” said Rothwell. “She wanted
just the way it was. I knew they had
to make sure that each student was
a good business education program.
learning. She made time to visit with
I was blessed to have parents that
every student. Truth be known, I
could afford to send me to school.
could have developed this then…I don’t know, but I started doing this
had the first gas-and-go in Fort Smith and the first Icee machine in Fort
“(Murdoch) was a nurturing, caring
“Those were wonderful years for
as a student teacher and continue
Smith,” said Rothwell. “From the time
me,” continued Rothwell. “It helped
to do it to this day…I always made a
I was in the third grade, he made me
me develop a lot of the social skills
point to go by and at least tap each
do inventory with him.
that I have.”
student on the shoulder.
2013 Hall of Distinction “I continue that today with our
Celerit has been included
Arkansas Tech also added a
associates,” continued Rothwell.
among the top 500 women-owned
satellite campus in Ozark and
“Everyone wants to be noticed.
businesses in the United States by
acquired what is now known as Lake
Maybe some of that came from her.”
the Web site www.DiversityBusiness.
Point Conference Center during
com.
Rothwell’s tenure as a trustee.
Rothwell graduated from Arkansas Tech in 1974 with a
“She’s a human dynamo,” said
“I absolutely loved being on the
Bachelor of Science degree in
Mr. Rothwell when asked about his
board, and it’s a treasure forever,”
business education. She taught
wife. “She only sleeps a couple of
said Rothwell. “The camaraderie
business education in the Mountain
hours per night. That’s certainly
among the board members…it was
Home School District for six
one part of her formula for success.
pretty rare when any of us would
years, and in 1981 she married
She remains very involved in the
miss an event. We were a tight-knit
businessman George Benjamin
company. Terry has a sixth sense
group, and we still stay in touch. It
Rothwell.
about who people really are. She
was great to see the inner workings
will meet someone and tell me traits
of the school. Dr. (Robert C.)
about that person five minutes later
Brown’s economics background has
and assistance from her husband,
Four years later, with support
that it would take me months, if not
helped Tech tremendously.”
Rothwell founded Technetics
years, to figure out.”
Corporation.
Rothwell currently serves on the Mr. Rothwell says that even after
“Benny asked me if I thought
Arkansas Tech University Facilities
a quarter-century in the business
Foundation Board and on the
I could do this, and I said I didn’t
world, he can still see the educator
Arkansas Tech College of Business
know but that we would try,” said
in his wife on a regular basis —
Advisory Council.
Rothwell. “He thought that if we
including that habit of tapping
could have five consultants out
her students on the shoulder that
in the field, I could make $1,000 a
derived from Jean Murdoch.
month. That was going to be our vacation and spending money.” It soon became much more than that.
The Rothwells’ support of Arkansas Tech has included membership in the Century Forward
“The touching comes from her
Circle, the Heritage Society and
teaching,” said Mr. Rothwell. “It’s
the J.W. Hull Society as well as
powerful. She says she doesn’t
participation in the Return to Glory
like to talk and I know she doesn’t
capital campaign.
like to talk, but if you put her in In 2002, the business was
something close to a classroom
They were honored for their
rebranded as Celerit and it has since
situation with 40 or 50 associates,
many and varied contributions to
enjoyed more than a decade of
she gets very comfortable very
Arkansas Tech at Homecoming
growth and expansion. The company
quickly.”
2010 when the facility that houses
now has four divisions, and in addition to working with seven of
the College of Business and the Mrs. Rothwell was appointed to
the 10 largest banks in the United
the Arkansas Tech Board of Trustees
States, Celerit also partners with
by Gov. Mike Huckabee and served
community banks around the region.
on the board from 2003-08.
Academic Advising Center was named Rothwell Hall. The recognition is symbolic of everything that has made their lives
The publication Arkansas Business
She was chair of the Arkansas
fulfilling — business, people and
has designated Rothwell as a
Tech Board of Trustees in 2007 and
giving back.
“Technology Pioneer for Arkansas”
helped facilitate the construction
and as one of the top five business
of Norman Hall, Baswell Residence
executives in the state. Soiree
Hall, Thone Stadium at Buerkle Field
achieve something like this,” said
magazine has listed Rothwell as one
and the Chartwells Women’s Sports
Mrs. Rothwell. “We never even
of its “Top 25 Arkansas Women in
Complex during her time on the
thought about it. We just like to help
Business.”
board.
kids. That is what makes us whole.”
“We never dreamed we could
Spring 2013
5
2013 Hall of Distinction
Ben Rothwell Distinguished Alumnus To hear Ben Rothwell tell the story of Celerit, the banking data services
“He instilled in me a go-get-them attitude and a drive to keep pushing.”
company that he and wife Terry Rothwell have built over a span of three decades, is a study in humility.
are no words,” said Rothwell. “We both have a giving spirit. We get more
The Rothwells’ induction into the
joy and happiness out of giving than
Arkansas Tech Hall of Distinction on
receiving. Through our life, the people
May 11, 2013, took place at Tucker
at Tech have become a family, the
Coliseum — just a few hundred
people at work have become a family
inducted into the Arkansas Tech Hall
yards and two and a half years away
and our neighbors have become a
of Distinction, Mrs. Rothwell shared
from another emotional day for Mr.
family.”
insight on the role her husband has
Rothwell.
On the day they were both
played in building a genuine American success story. “I had the business background,
The naming of Rothwell Hall was On Oct. 16, 2010, he spoke of
gave me that confidence I could not
an appropriate honor for Mr. Rothwell
family and love for his alma mater on
given his success in business as well
a warm Homecoming afternoon.
as the many and varied ways that his
but until he entered the picture and
6
“What does it mean to me….there
family has supported Arkansas Tech. He told the assembled crowd
apply it,” said Mrs. Rothwell. “I still
that his wish was to offer future
However, as is often the case
don’t like to speak in public today. I
generations the same opportunities
among successful people, business
am more of a one-on-one person. But
that he and his wife found at
was not the first career path that
Ben Rothwell always pushed me to
Arkansas Tech.
Rothwell chose.
the front. The only arguments we’ve Tech Action
had in 30-plus years of marriage have
That was the day that Arkansas
A native of Baton Rouge, La.,
been over the fact that he will not
Tech formally dedicated the new
Rothwell grew up in Quitman. During
allow me to say that he had just as
home for its College of Business and
his time as a student at Arkansas
much to do with the success of our
Academic Advising Center as Rothwell
Tech, he served as class president
business as I did.
Hall.
and student senate president.
2013 Hall of Distinction “I’m proud of what I did here
Beginning with the founding
“I came to Tech with some
that year,” said Rothwell. “We
of the company in 1985, he aided
leadership skills that were just innate
re-wrote the student senate
his wife in building Celerit into one
and beyond those of my years,”
constitution. It had never been
of the premier technology firms
continued Rothwell. “Public speaking
re-drafted since Tech was founded.
in Arkansas and a leader in data
is natural for me. It’s because I
There had been amendments, but
services for banks across the nation.
learned to do it at a very young age
it had never been approached as an entire document. We were
and I’ve never had a fear of it.” Rothwell gave back to higher
able to get that passed by the
education when Gov. Mike
students.”
Huckabee appointed him to
and his wife is philanthropy. Their
Arkansas’ Blue Ribbon Commission
financial support of Arkansas Tech
on Higher Education.
has aided students from a variety of
Rothwell received bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and biology in 1975.
disciplines and left a lasting impact. A regular participant in the Arkansas Tech Homecoming
He was accepted into medical
Equally natural for Mr. Rothwell
Mr. Rothwell said the reason
Golf Classic benefitting the
his family supports the university
school and later pursued a career in
Arkansas Tech Alumni Association
is directly attributable to the
medical research.
Scholarship fund, Rothwell serves
leadership of the 11th president of
on the Arkansas Tech University
Arkansas Tech and his wife.
But eventually his attention
Foundation Board of Directors
shifted to the business world, and
and the Arkansas Tech College of
the result has been a successful
Business Advisory Council.
career in financial services and corporate management that has
“There’s no question that Dr. (Robert C.) Brown is a very, very intelligent man,” said Rothwell. “It
The Rothwells have also
is exceptional when someone does
maintained close ties with the
what their God-given talents want
Future Farmers of America through
them to do. Before Bob and Jill
the years. They have jointly been
Brown came to this school, I would
Rothwell served in leadership
given several Honorary Chapter
tell you that Arkansas Tech was
positions for Merrill Lynch, A.G.
Memberships. They were awarded
essentially bankrupt. How do you
Edwards and Ciba Vision.
the highest honor given by the
attract not just students, but quality
state FFA association, the Honorary
students, into that environment?
spanned more than 30 years. Early in his business career,
Rothwell says his early work in
given the highest award offered by
“We were blessed with a man
because of a natural gift for working
the national FFA organization, the
who had a very strong economic
with numbers, but there was still
Honorary American Farmer Degree.
background,” continued Rothwell.
something missing.
“That was the most important “The FFA is an organization
thing Tech needed at the time. But
that gave me leadership skills at
guess what? This man also has
a very young age,” said Rothwell.
a vision about where this school
“We had a very active chapter at
could go, and not only the vision,
Quitman. We won national awards
but the charisma and social skills
Rothwell. “I was ambitious and I
every year. Our advisor, Jim Dasher,
to implement his vision. Now
liked making money, but that wasn’t
saw something special in me. He
there’s a special person! Dr. Brown
life satisfaction. I had really buried
wanted me to go to the state FFA
and Jill have given everything for
myself in making money at the time.
convention and run for office when
the betterment of Arkansas Tech
That was all I wanted to do. But
I was a junior, but only to learn
students. Terry and I want to believe
when I met Terry…after I met her,
the process. Well, I went and got
that we have aided the fulfillment
I never dated anyone else. I found
elected. So, during my senior year
of Dr. Brown’s vision for the
out what my weaknesses are and
I spent a great deal of time on the
future of Arkansas Tech, and most
what my strengths are.”
road as a state FFA officer.
importantly, its students.”
everything. “I hadn’t found myself yet,” said
7
State Farmer Degree, and were later
the corporate world was enjoyable
A blind date in 1981 changed
Spring 2013
H of D Fun Fact The idea for the Arkansas Tech Hall of Distinction came from a student, Kenneth Crouch, in 1963. The first Hall of Distinction class was inducted in 1965.
2013 Hall of Distinction
Jim Murphy
Distinguished Alumni Service Some people are cut out to be a Wonder Boy for one year. Some people have what it takes to be a Wonder Boy for four years. Not Jim Murphy. Jim Murphy is a Wonder Boy for life. “It means everything,” said Murphy. “This is my extended family. This is home for me. I’ve had people ask me, ‘what is a Wonder Boy?’ It’s everything put together. It’s all of us helping each other. We still help old teammates when they are in need. The whole thing is that it’s family.” A 1971 graduate of Arkansas Tech University, Murphy sees his life as a journey of people and places. And what a journey it has been.
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Tech Action
Growing up in Victoria, Texas, Murphy was one of four children born to Johnnie and George Murphy. “They worked two jobs and raised four kids on a modest income,” said Murphy. “Our yard seemed to be the one where everyone gathered. I guess because they were always treated nice.”
H of D Fun Fact
There were also strong influences at school. Murphy was too young for first grade in public school, so he began his formal education in Catholic school.
The Distinguished Alumni Service category was created in 2005.
“Sister Mary taught love, caring and compassion,” said Murphy of his first grade teacher.
Past recipients have included Neil Jackson, Polly Bartlett and Dr. Jack Hamm.
Penmanship and the value of speaking a second language — Spanish, to be specific — were also drilled into Murphy at a young age by his teachers.
Then there was Quay “Buck” Miller, who had been an All-America lineman at the University of Houston and was Murphy’s high school football coach. “(Miller) kept me on the junior varsity for an extra year,” said Murphy. “He told me I had talent. He said, ‘let me work with you one more year, your technique will be improved and I’ll make you a good pulling guard.’ That paid off later.” Murphy’s father wanted him to attend Texas A&M University after high school, but instead he waited until his 18th birthday and signed up for the U.S. Air Force. Murphy took basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, and went on to attend personnel school in Greenville, Miss. Next came three years at Weathersfield Air Force Base in England, where Murphy played on the base’s football team under Major Jack Bailey and was an offensive guard on a United Kingdom championship team.
“Major Bailey left and came back to the United States before I did,” said Murphy. “He was stationed in Hawaii, and then retired in Fayetteville. He had played quarterback at the University of Arkansas. We remained close. He kept calling and writing while I was still in England, and he was telling me I could play ball at Arkansas. I didn’t really know anything about it, so when I was discharged from the Air Force I visited Major Bailey in Fayetteville.” Bailey introduced Murphy to Wilson Matthews, an alumnus of Arkansas Tech who had accumulated a legendary career as head football coach at Little Rock Central High School before moving on to become an assistant football coach at the University of Arkansas.
2013 Hall of Distinction Matthews told Murphy he was not big enough to play on the offensive line at Arkansas, but he knew of a place where Murphy could play and find success. “He said they’ve got a new coach at Arkansas Tech — Don Dempsey — and you need to go down there and see what they will do,” said Murphy. “So on my way back to Texas, I stopped and visited with Coach Dempsey. He introduced me to Coach (Don) Sevier. They asked me to come back in July for a tryout. I didn’t have anything to lose, so I went home to Victoria and worked for a few months. When I came back in July, they signed me to a four-year scholarship and I started at offensive guard for those four years.” Sevier, who stood 6-foot-7 and was a football and basketball letterman during his playing days at Arkansas Tech, served as Murphy’s position coach. “Coach Sevier was impressive,” said Murphy. “He was sitting at his desk when I went in to his office for the first time. He started to stand up, and he just went up and up and up. He stuck that big hand out that just engulfed mine. He was quite a man. He did a lot for me the four years I was here. He helped me in terms of improving my technique. One thing about playing for Don Sevier — you worked hard.” Murphy was a key contributor on Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference championship teams in 1968 and 1970. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Tech in 1971. And though his body and mind went on to a successful career in the insurance industry that continues to this day, Murphy’s heart never really left the campus.
“Tech became my family,” said Murphy. “With all the rest of my family being in south Texas and having been gone with the Air Force for four years, I knew more people in Russellville than I knew in Victoria. When I graduated from Tech, my dad asked me what I was going to do when I came back home. I told him I didn’t think I was coming back home. I was going to stay here.” Influenced by his father-in-law, C.R. Turner, along with Jerry Burns and Harold “LeLe” Bartlett — all of whom are in the Arkansas Tech Hall of Distinction — Murphy started volunteering to benefit the university. Murphy served on the Arkansas Tech Alumni Association Board of Directors from 1980-83 and again from 2008-10. He was president of the Arkansas Tech Alumni Board in 2011. “There is great work being done in terms of the alumni scholarship and the license plate campaign that makes it possible,” said Murphy. “I think the alumni association is a lot more active now than it has ever been. They have good leadership with Kelly (Davis) and it’s a pleasure to work with them. “Through being on the alumni board, you cross the generations and meet some people you’ve never been involved with,” continued Murphy. “You learn the things they appreciate about Tech.” Murphy has held membership on the Arkansas Tech Council of Professionals, the Arkansas Tech Centennial Committee and the Arkansas Tech College of Business Advisory Council.
He was a charter member and one of the driving forces in the creation of the Arkansas Tech Alumni T-Club for former studentathletes and coaches. He served on the Alumni T-Club executive committee from the inception of the organization in 2010 through 2012. Murphy is a member of the Arkansas Tech Green and Gold booster club and a member of the Loyalty Society in the Tech Loyalty Fund in recognition of his consistent support of the university. A participant in the Return to Glory campaign, the Hindsman Tower campaign and the Century Forward Circle campaign, Murphy serves on the Arkansas Tech University Connection committee through the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce and holds membership in the Arkansas Tech Heritage Society. He is also a former color commentator on radio broadcasts of Wonder Boys football. Murphy has served as an insurance agent in Russellville since 1972. He was president of TurnerDunn-Murphy Agency from 1978-92 and Dunn-Murphy-White Agency from 1992-2002. Today, he is a sales executive for Brown and Brown Insurance in Russellville. “All through this journey of people and places, there was always someone along the way that helped me out and did things for me,” said Murphy. “I don’t know exactly when it was, but I realized that it wasn’t them. It was a much higher power that was using those people. When I stumbled and got off the path, which we all do at times, it was His hand that put me back on the path and set me straight.”
Spring 2013
9
Alumni News
Lamoureux named presidential fellow Senator Michael Lamoureux
He was first elected to the
was named an Arkansas
Arkansas House of Representatives
Tech University Presidential
in 2002. He was re-elected in 2004
Fellow during commencement
and 2006, serving the maximum of
ceremonies at John E. Tucker
three terms allowed by state law.
Coliseum in Russellville on Saturday, May 11.
Lamoureux returned to the state legislature in 2009 as a
Lamoureux is serving as
member of the Arkansas Senate.
president pro tempore of the
He was re-elected in 2011 and
Arkansas Senate during the 89th
chosen by his fellow senators as
Arkansas General Assembly.
president pro tempore for the 89th Arkansas General Assembly.
Arkansas Tech President Dr. Robert C. Brown recognized
A native of Springfield, Mo.,
Lamoureux for his leadership in
Lamoureux moved to Dover shortly
the Arkansas legislature, noting
before he began kindergarten. He
that the recently completed
graduated from Dover High School
session resulted in tax reductions, a balanced budget and
and enrolled at Arkansas Tech, where his development
increased funding for higher education — including one-
was aided by involvement in such activities as debate
time general improvement funds in the amount of $3.4
team and Model United Nations.
million that will be used to help construct a new academic Lamoureux went on to earn his law degree from the William H. Bowen School of Law at the University of Lamoureux graduated from Arkansas Tech in 1997 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and political science.
Arkansas at Little Rock in 1999. He maintains a legal practice in Russellville.
DON’T DRIVE WITHOUT A LICENSE.
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The Ultimate way to show your Tech spirit is now available. This official Arkansas license plate shows the world where your school spirit is. Get yours for just $35 at any Department of Finance office in Arkansas or visit the link below. For every Tech license plate purchased, $25 goes toward the Arkansas Tech Alumni Association Scholarship Fund.
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10
facility at Arkansas Tech in Russellville. Tech Action
Alumni News
Breakfast and a Smile Arkansas Tech alumni and friends returned to campus during final exams for the spring 2013 semester to provide nourishment and an encouraging word for Tech students and faculty. Among those serving breakfast during finals were: Sabra Bartlett, Sabrina Billey, Linda Boyd, Barbara Braga, Sue Chiolino, Bill Davis, Don Davis, Lou Nell Davis, Samantha Dennis, Shirley Dodd, Baldy Faulkner, Travis Flower, Cassy Hewett, Linda Higgins, Jan Hill, Truman Hill, Vickie Johnson, Charla Keys, Liz Means, Jim Murphy, Sherry Polsgrove, Howard Ritchie, Paul Scheible, Jan Shaw, Nancy Shaw, Becky Smith, Steve Smith, Rachel Storment,
Sue Chiolino, Shirley Dodd
Jim Taylor, Carla Terry, Kao Vang, Aaron Watson and Megan Wyllia. To volunteer in future semesters, call (479) 968-0242.
Paul Scheible
Rachel Storment, Kao Vang
Spring 2013
Samantha Dennis, Megan Wyllia
11
Steve Smith, Becky Smith
Arkansas Tech plans Band Camp Reunion In the summer of
The 50th annual Tech
Band Camp Reunion Events
1964, Gene Witherspoon
Band Camp will include a
implemented a plan to
reunion for all Tech alumni
offer the first summer
and friends who have
music program at Arkansas
participated in the camp
Tech University for junior
over the years as well as all
Friday, July 12
high and senior high
Tech alumni who ever took
Alumni/Friends Reception
students from around the
part in the music program.
6:30 p.m. @ Lake Point
The reunion will take
Saturday, July 13
state. In the half-century since, many of the top music
place July 12-13 and will include social activities, a
educators in the United States have served on the
campus tour and a chance to perform at Witherspoon
faculty for Arkansas Tech Band Camp and the annual
Auditorium as part of a reunion ensemble.
program has provided thousands of young people with an introduction to the Tech campus.
Reading Band 3 p.m. @ Witherspoon Hall
For registration materials and more information, call Julie Nebben Morgan at (479) 968-0332 or send e-mail
This summer, that tradition will be celebrated.
Campus Tour 10:30 a.m. @ Young Building
to jmorgan@atu.edu. Registration deadline is July 5.
50th Anniversary Celebration 6:30 p.m. @ Lake Point
Today’s Tech
Clary, Cooper earn professor emeritus status Two men who gave a combined 77 years of service on the Arkansas Tech University faculty were honored with the title of professor emeritus by the Arkansas Tech Board of Trustees during its meeting on March 28. Dr. Eldon Clary, member of the Arkansas Tech education faculty from 1967-2012, received the title professor emeritus of secondary education.
Dr. Eldon Clary
Hal Cooper, member of the Tech music faculty and director of bands from 1979-2011, received the title professor emeritus of music.
Hal Cooper
12
Tech Action
Professor emeritus is noted in the Arkansas Tech Faculty Handbook as an honorary title that is “reserved only for those who have given extraordinary and outstanding service to the university over an extended period of years.” The first member of his family to attend college, Clary earned three degrees from the University of North Texas and interviewed to join the Arkansas Tech faculty during the final days of J.W. Hull’s administration as Tech president. During four-and-a-half decades at Arkansas Tech, Clary served the campus community as department head, head of secondary instruction, director of teacher education, head of curriculum and instruction and dean of both the Graduate College and the College of Education.
Clary was president of the Arkansas Association of Teacher Educators (AATE) in 1991-92 and a member of the AATE board from 1988-90 and 1992-93. He has rendered extensive service as a peer reviewer for The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. “I cannot adequately express how many hours Dr. Clary gave to Arkansas Tech and its students during his tenure as a faculty member,” wrote Dr. Annette Holeyfield, head of the Arkansas Tech Department of Health and Physical Education, in one of the letters supporting Clary’s nomination for professor emeritus status. “Arkansas Tech’s College of Education and Graduate College owe much to his vision and leadership. To hundreds of graduates, Dr. Clary is fondly remembered and associated with Arkansas Tech. Many are indebted to him for success in their career.” Cooper took the reins of the Arkansas Tech Symphonic Band and the Arkansas Tech Marching Band, known far and wide as “Arkansas’ Band of Distinction,” in 1979 and retired on Aug. 30, 2011. He has served as president of the Southwest Division of the College Band Directors National Association, a member of the Arkansas School Band and Orchestra Association as well as a charter member and president of the Arkansas Bandmasters Association.
Add One to the List, Please Our research and our memories failed us on one important matter when putting the winter 2013 Tech Action together. In addition to Michael Lamoureux, current president pro tempore of the Arkansas Senate, one more Arkansas Tech alumnus — Stanley Russ (photographed, right) — has held that position. Russ, who earned an associate’s degree from Tech in 1950, was president pro tempore of the Arkansas Senate from 1995-97.
A member and past president of Arkansas Phi Beta Mu, Cooper has played the role of district governor for Kappa Kappa Psi college band service fraternity. Cooper was named Arkansas Bandmaster of the Year in 1988, and he achieved membership in the American Bandmaster Association in 1992. Phi Beta Mu Arkansas Omicron Chapter elected Cooper to its hall of fame in 2013. The owner of two degrees from Henderson State University, Cooper was recognized by his alma mater as a distinguished alumnus in 2006. Cooper is one of only four individuals — the others are Marvin Williamson (1913-50), Gene Witherspoon (1950-79) and Dr. Christopher Anderson (2011-present) — to hold the title of director of bands at Arkansas Tech. “Hal Cooper serves as an ‘elder statesman’ for band in Arkansas,” wrote Anderson in one of the letters in support of Cooper’s nomination for professor emeritus status. “He is regarded as one of the most important band directors of his generation within Arkansas, and highly regarded on a national scale. His students are woven into the fabric of Arkansas public school bands to the point they nearly define bands in Arkansas. His influence remains as pervasive today as the day he retired from Arkansas Tech University.”
Today’s Tech
REACHING NEW AUDIENCES
Teachers in central, eastern Arkansas to benefit from LEAD 21 K-12 schools in central and eastern Arkansas will soon have enhanced leadership capacity because of a new program offered through Arkansas Tech University. LEAD 21 is a new initiative by the Arkansas Tech Center for Leadership and Learning that will make the Arkansas Tech Master of Education degree in educational leadership available to selected teachers in Pulaski County and the Delta region of Arkansas through a blended format of online course offerings and seminars. The program is made possible through a $996,682 grant from the Walton Family Foundation. “This program is designed to make the Master of Education degree in educational leadership from Arkansas Tech accessible to teachers from around the state who might not have previously had the ability to pursue it,” said Dr. Mary Gunter, dean of the Arkansas Tech Graduate College. “LEAD 21 will identify potential leaders in difficult to serve areas. Participants will commit to a rigorous two-year graduate program, and they will also make a commitment to remain as educators in Arkansas for two years after their graduation.” LEAD 21 will serve two cohorts of 20 Master of Education in educational leadership students each over the next four years. The first cohort will begin its studies in summer 2013. The second cohort will begin the program in summer 2014. Teachers interested in participating in the LEAD 21 program must meet the geographic requirements of the program, submit an application, take part in a writing assessment and be interviewed by representatives from the Arkansas Tech Center for Leadership and Learning.
“LEAD 21 will create a cadre of leaders that will help schools develop leadership capacity within their districts as positions become available,” said Gunter. “Our goal is to measure the impact of the program in both student achievement and building success.” Dr. Matt McClure, superintendent of the Cross County School District, will serve as coordinator and facilitator for the LEAD 21 program. “A key component to student success is having great school leaders,” said Kathy Smith, senior program officer at the Walton Family Foundation. “This program will provide important training and help keep those leaders in Arkansas.” Gunter said that in addition to covering the costs of tuition for LEAD 21 cohort participants, the funding from the Walton Family Foundation will also allow the Arkansas Tech Center for Leadership and Learning to employ a faculty member that will teach LEAD 21 students and serve as their advisor. “On behalf of the Arkansas Tech Graduate College, I express my appreciation to the Walton Family Foundation for its continued support of the Arkansas Tech Center for Leadership and Learning,” said Gunter. “LEAD 21 is an important program because it will increase the talent pool for educational leadership in our state. We are grateful to the Walton Family Foundation for making LEAD 21 possible.” Visit www.waltonfamilyfoundation.org to learn more about the Walton Family Foundation. Visit www.atu.edu/cll to learn more about the Arkansas Tech Center for Leadership and Learning.
Chadwick appointed department head of CLL Dr. Mona Chadwick, associate professor of educational leadership, is the new department head for
Prior to her time at Tech, Chadwick had a 29-year career as a public school teacher and administrator.
the Arkansas Tech Center for Leadership and Learning. Dr. Mary Gunter, dean of the Tech Graduate College, Chadwick has been a member of the Arkansas Tech CLL faculty since 2009.
will continue to serve as director of the Arkansas Tech CLL for partnerships and public school outreach.
Spring 2013
13
Today’s Tech
Sparks earns Young Award as top senior female She could not have known it then, but in many ways the
She was named SIFE member of the year in 2010-11
course of Amanda Sparks’ life in college and beyond was
and 2011-12, and she received the Billy Ramsey SIFE
charted by a brief meeting with a faculty member during her
Scholarship in 2012.
second week as a student at Arkansas Tech University. Thanks in part to Sparks’ leadership, SIFE/Enactus Four years later, Sparks’ journey has led to the 2013
at Arkansas Tech has won three consecutive region
Margaret Young Award as the most outstanding senior
championships through competitive presentations of the
female student at Arkansas Tech.
organization’s community service projects. SIFE/Enactus was named student organization of the year at Tech three
It all began early in the fall 2009 semester when Sparks
times during Sparks’ four years on campus.
was introduced to Dr. Linda Bean, associate professor of business at Arkansas Tech and Sam M. Walton Fellow for
In addition to the Margaret Young Award, Sparks owns
the Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) campus organization
something else that is coveted by seniors — a career
(now known as Enactus).
opportunity immediately following graduation. Sparks has been hired by Walmart to work out of its home office in
“I was vice president last year and president this year,
Bentonville in the merchant leadership program, which
and that involves a weekly meeting with Dr. Bean,” said
will prepare her to become a buyer for the world’s largest
Sparks. “She’s my support system here. She’s played every
retailer.
role for me. She’s been my shoulder to cry on and my psychologist. Just whatever I need, she’s there.”
“There is so much to do senior year, so not having to worry about finding a job has been a big relief,” said Sparks.
A native of Berryville, Sparks has served as president
14
Tech Action
“I received my offer before school started last fall. I don’t
and vice president of programs during four years of
know what I would have done this year if I had been worried
membership in SIFE/Enactus.
about that on top of everything else.”
Waters named Crabaugh Award winner Dacen Waters of Dover owns a 3.975 grade point
“It’s the final outcome of a lot of hard work,” said
average and he will soon hold degrees in mechanical
Waters. “I’ll have two degrees at the end of this, my
engineering and physics from Arkansas Tech University.
fraternity and an experience that not many others can say they’ve had. This award is a representation of all that
He has served an internship as a research associate
summed up into one.”
in the NASA Robotics Academy at the Marshall Space Flight Center. He can tell you about fluid equations for
Waters’ experience as a NASA intern in summer
current bearing electron shockwaves and the wonders
2012 allowed him to design and construct multiple
of interacting dark energy models. In other words, he
micro-friction test platforms to model small satellite
actually understands the science jokes on the popular
interactions in the flight robotics laboratory.
television series “The Big Bang Theory.” He performed that work alongside engineering But somehow, Waters has also made time to serve as president of the Interfraternity Council, director of
students from some of the most prestigious institutions of higher learning in the United States.
the GOLD Cabinet, co-executive director of the Greek Programming Board and as an officer for Alpha Tau Omega fraternity at Arkansas Tech.
“Last summer, I worked with an aerospace engineering student from MIT, and one of the other students in my academy was from Georgia Tech, one of the top
That combination of academic excellence and
engineering schools in the nation,” said Waters. “Going
campus leadership made Waters the winner of the 2013
into it I was a little bit intimidated, but when I got there,
Alfred J. Crabaugh Award for most outstanding male
I found that I was fully capable of meeting all of their
senior student at Arkansas Tech.
expectations. Arkansas Tech prepared me for that.”
Today’s Tech
Chambers Cafeteria expansion project underway Arkansas Tech University is engaged in an $8.7
It is named in honor of the Chambers family of
million renovation to Chambers Cafeteria that will
Danville, which has been represented on the Arkansas
yield a refurbished, 900-seat space for dining by Tech
Tech Board of Trustees for three generations — Judge
students during the fall 2013 semester.
John Ed Chambers (who served 1925-37, 1939-53 and 1955-63), John Ed Chambers II (who served 1965-67
Chambers Cafeteria was dedicated on the Arkansas Tech campus in February 1966.
and 1987-88) and John Ed Chambers III (who served 1994-99 and 2007-present).
Is the new MSBA degree right for you? There’s a new option for college
The curriculum and course
“From their knowledge base,
graduates from a wide variety of
schedule are planned such that
a graduate of this program would
backgrounds who want to sharpen
a student can go from beginning
be able to understand how to do
their business acumen while earning
the program to earning a master’s
budgets and how to hire, train and
a master’s degree.
degree in just 12 months.
motivate employees,” said Jones. “There are constraints that each
Arkansas Tech University
“Students in the Master of
member of the workforce operates
will offer course work toward a
Science in Business Administration
under. Our interest is providing
Master of Science in Business
degree program will experience a
a knowledge base that will allow
Administration degree for the first
graduate level of academic rigor
graduates the opportunity to move
time during the fall 2013 semester.
that will allow them to cover
up into a management role.”
in 21 hours what we normally The 30-hour program, which is
cover in about 45 hours at the
Visit www.atu.edu/gradcollege,
the first master’s degree offering
undergraduate level,” said Dr. Ed
call (479) 968-0398 or send e-mail
from the Arkansas Tech College of
Bashaw, dean of the Arkansas Tech
to gradcollege@atu.edu to learn
Business, is available for graduates
College of Business and professor
how to apply for admission to the
who earned their baccalaureate
of marketing.
Arkansas Tech University Graduate
degree in a discipline other than business.
College. Dr. Stephen Jones, associate dean of business and associate
The Arkansas Tech Master of
For more information about the
professor of management at
Arkansas Tech College of Business
Science in Business Administration
Arkansas Tech, will serve as faculty
and the Master of Science in
degree includes opportunities for
advisor for students enrolled in
Business Administration degree,
students to take courses through
the Master of Science in Business
visit www.atu.edu/business or call
online learning.
Administration program.
(479) 968-0490.
Spring 2013
15
Today’s Tech
Online program providing opportunities Amy Teetzen of Greenwood was running out of time to realize her dream of earning a college degree.
Accompanied by her parents, Teetzen participated in commencement ceremonies at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville on May 11. It was her first visit to campus.
She was frustrated by what she describes as “rigid schedules” at colleges and universities she had attended in the past.
Teetzen arrived early to drive around and view the physical presence of the university that was about to become her alma mater.
Married for three years with plans to soon move to Dallas, Texas, with her husband and begin a family,
She cited eight-week courses, the availability of
Teetzen was beginning to think she would have to
summer courses and academic advising via telephone and
wait until after she raised her children to complete her
e-mail from such faculty as Dr. Beth Giroir as major factors
baccalaureate degree.
in allowing her to complete her degree.
A life-changing suggestion from her great aunt, Tech
“(Giroir) spoke to me for an hour on the phone before
alumna Jane Stewart Ware, put Teetzen on track to earn
I even applied,” said Teetzen. “Dr. Giroir has always been
her Bachelor of Professional Studies degree from Arkansas
very available to help. She has even responded to my
Tech via the online Accelerated Degree Program.
questions on Sundays. I was able to finish my degree at Arkansas Tech two years earlier than I would have
“I had started to look at other options,” said Teetzen.
elsewhere.”
“My great aunt graduated from Arkansas Tech when it was a two-year college. Her three kids all went here. They strongly advised me to look into Arkansas Tech.”
16
Tech Action
To learn more about the Arkansas Tech Accelerated Degree Program, visit www.atu.edu/accelerateddegree.
Hayes crowned Miss Arkansas Tech 2013 Kristen Hayes of Ozark was
Hayes will represent Arkansas
crowned the 58th Miss Tech on
Tech in the 2013 Miss Arkansas
Feb. 22 during the 2013 Miss
Pageant July 14-20 in Hot Springs.
Arkansas Tech University Scholarship
Her platform is “Stay Alive: Don’t
Pageant at Witherspoon Auditorium.
Text and Drive.”
Daughter of Sheryl and Kevin
“One of my really good friends
Shepherd, Hayes won the Nona
was killed in 2007 because she was
Dirksmeyer Memorial Talent Award,
texting and driving,” said Hayes.
the Sandi Hodges Memorial Dance
“I felt that this was a wake-up call
Award and the lifestyle and fitness
and I needed to do something
swimsuit competition.
about it. That’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to make sure that
Hayes competed in the 2012
every person I come in contact with
Miss Tech Pageant and finished as
around the state of Arkansas knows
fourth runner-up. This time around
about the dangers of texting and
it was the 2012 Miss Arkansas Tech
driving.”
— Claire Hodgson of Russellville — placing the crown on Hayes’ head.
Dr. Jim Collins, professor of horticulture at Arkansas Tech, serves
“I wasn’t expecting it at all,” said Hayes. “It’s going to be an awesome experience. I am so excited and so ready.
as executive director and master of ceremonies for the Miss Tech Pageant.
I absolutely love Tech and I am honored to be able to represent our university.”
Delta Zeta sorority sponsors the event.
Ozark Campus
A JOB WELL DONE
Blondin moves on after seven years as Ozark chancellor Dr. Jo Alice Blondin, chancellor at Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus, has accepted the position of president at Clark State Community College in Springfield, Ohio, effective July 1, 2013. Blondin joined Arkansas Tech-Ozark Campus as its chief academic officer in August 2005. She was promoted to chancellor in June 2006 and has been instrumental in a period of growth at Arkansas Tech-Ozark Campus that has included an enrollment increase of 562 percent and the addition of 16 new academic and technical programs. “Dr. Jo Alice Blondin utilized her considerable talents and energy to create a learning environment that will benefit the students of Arkansas Tech-Ozark Campus for generations to come,” said Dr. Robert C. Brown, president of Arkansas Tech University. “Dr. Blondin represents the best in educational leadership because she is a devoted advocate for her students. We are saddened to see her go, but thankful for all of her efforts on behalf of Arkansas
Spring 2013
Tech-Ozark Campus.” During her time as chancellor at Arkansas Tech-Ozark Campus, Blondin oversaw the addition of Associate of Applied Science degree programs in fields such as business technology and allied health. In fall 2012, enrollment at Arkansas Tech-Ozark Students at Arkansas Tech-Ozark Campus may now
Campus exceeded 2,000 students for the first time ever.
study cardiovascular technology and prepare for careers as occupational therapy assistants and physical therapy
Also in 2012, the campus awarded 452 degrees,
assistants because of curriculum advances made during
reconfigured all of its programs to comply with Act 747
Blondin’s tenure.
of 2011, embedded environmentally-sound principles into all of its programs, implemented a comprehensive
Her vision also led to the addition of programs that are tied to the local economy, such as the decision to offer a
student retention plan and completed its first-ever capital campaign.
technical certificate in viticulture for individuals interested in careers in the wine industry, and the Ozark Campus
“Personally and professionally, the presidency at Clark
regularly sets up off-site training locations where displaced
State Community College is a great opportunity, and I look
workers can learn new skills for re-entry to the workforce.
forward to working with the board, faculty, staff, students and the community,” said Blondin. “I will truly miss the
Arkansas Tech-Ozark Campus has grown to oversee
Tech family and all we have accomplished together,
the Arkansas Tech Career Center near Russellville High
though the campus is positioned to continue fulfilling our
School as well as the adult education programs in
mission and providing students with the best education
Franklin, Logan and Johnson counties.
and training.”
17
Development Corner
18
Arkansas Tech University proudly announces Tech Action
the members of its Century Forward Circle. Their gifts and pledges of $10,000 each created an endowment that will allow Arkansas Tech to meet priority needs of the university for generations to come.
It’s Not Too Late There’s still room in the Century Forward Circle for you. To join, contact the Office of Development at (479) 968-0400.
Verlon Abram Lou & Travis Adams AMR Architects The Leon Anderson Family Nationwide Insurance Arkansas Blue Cross & Blue Shield Arkansas Orthopaedic Institute Dr. Russell & Nebe Allison Dr. Ed & Sara Bashaw Carl F. Baswell B.J. & Kristy Bayer James & Laurie Bibler Charles & Cynthia Blanchard Larry & Mary Branch Bridgestone Americas Dr. Robert A. & Jean Brooks Dr. Robert C. & Jill Brown William E. Browning, Jr. Michael & Sarah Carter Chartwells Laura Norman Colgan Jeffrey W. Cook Phillip & Lois Cox Cheryl L. Denton David & Shirley Dodd Irene A. Edgar
Entergy Elton & Deanna Epley J. J. “Jack” Faulkner Family In Memory Of Eunice Brownlee Ferguson Charles A. L. Fore & Jane Smallwood Fore Charles A. Frueauff Foundation Jacqueline Gardner Dr. Diane Gleason Frank Griffin Oil Co., Inc. Dr. Mary B. Gunter Suzanne & Bill Harmon Benny & LaVel Harris John G. & Carol Harris Tommy & Shelby Hillman Humphrey Funeral Service Jim Bob & Betty Humphrey Toland Grandchildren Of Vikki Johnson Tom & Jayne Jones Charles & Wilma Labahn Powell & Kaye McClellan Lloyd D. McDaniel Raymond C. Moll Johnny & Julie Morgan
David C. & Dana Quay Moseley Jim Murphy Susie & Dan Nicholson Julie Norman Jenifer Norman In Memory Of Robert Kelly Norman Sandra & Robert Norman The John Nutt Family Richard Perkins John & Karen Przybysz Ben & Terry Rothwell Chris & Beverly Shively Robert & Lisa Shoptaw Lemoyne & Jawanda Smith Jamie & Beth Sorrells T. L. Todd Sweeden Dr. H. Micheal Tarver Norris C. Taylor Estate Rick & Harriet Thone Tom & Mary Alice Tomlinson Doris & Barger Tygart John & Trudy Watson Leigh & John Whiteside John & Becky Womack
Development Corner
Class of 2013 Donates more than $2,000 to Tech Members of the Arkansas Tech University Loyalty Pacesetters Committee presented a gift of $2,036.74 from the Tech Class of 2013 to the Arkansas Tech Foundation at the Alumni House on May 9. The funds were donated by seniors at Arkansas Tech. The senior class gift program at Arkansas Tech is in its eighth year. Seniors at Arkansas Tech have donated approximately $12,500 to the Arkansas Tech Foundation over the past eight years as part of the Tech Loyalty Fund senior class gift campaign. The program is designed to begin a lifetime tradition of giving back to Arkansas Tech by encouraging seniors to make their first gift to the Arkansas Tech Foundation
The Loyalty Pacesetters Committee members present for the check presentation were: (back row,
before graduation.
left-to-right) Marvin Suggs of Rison and Bryan Ferguson Jayne Jones (photographed, front row, second
of Sherwood; (front row, left-to-right): Cat Singleton of
from right), vice president for development at Tech,
Paragould, Chelsea Lairamore of Van Buren, Marissa
accepted the donation on behalf of the Arkansas Tech
Reynolds of Benton and Aaron Wallis of Atkins.
Foundation. She offered appreciation to the Loyalty Pacesetters Committee and those who donated.
Reynolds and Wallis served as campaign co-chairs.
Tech Travel making big plans for 2014 Alumni and friends of Arkansas Tech University will
• Canyon Country (Arizona and Utah), March 2014
have an opportunity to visit locations domestic and
• European Tapestry Cruise, June 2014
abroad as part of the Tech Travel group in 2014.
• Exploring Seattle and Cruising Alaska, Summer 2014 • Islands of New England, August 2014
For more information about the following trips, call (479) 964-0532 or send e-mail to dqmoseley@atu.edu.
• Autumn in America’s Heartland, October 2014 • Christmas on the Danube, December 2014
IN MEMORY/HONOR OF (January 1, 2013 through March 31, 2013) The following individuals made gifts to Tech in memory or in honor of a friend or loved one In Memory of Don Burnett Stanley and Maysel Teeter
In Memory of Tomilea Cross John and Dean Strickland
In Memory of Margie Burris Johnny and Julie Morgan David and Dana Moseley
In Memory of Gerald Dickinson Chester and Nancy Key
In Memory of Savannah Hintze Jeffery A. Hale M.D.P.A. RHS After Prom Shoptaw Labahn and Company PA Wesley United Methodist Church
In Memory of Dan Cameron William and Carolyn Maestri
In Memory of Dianne Edwards Lyman and Carol Harris Christopher and Carrie Phillips
In Honor of Jessie Logan Shirley Leonard
In Memory of Evelyn Flower Bob Carney
In Memory of Dr. Larry Evans Brian and Jovie Swain
In Memory of Kevin Caughman Care Foundation Inc Thomas Dumas Howard and Micki Houston Jerry Jones Tad and Gayle Lowrey William and Carolyn Maestri Jerry and Mary Lou Oday Larry and Kari Prescott
In Memory of Col. James Giardina Kay Giardina
In Memory of Beverly Jackson Lyman and Carol Harris Christopher and Carrie Phillips
In Memory of Jim Hardin Ray Ward
In Memory of Jack Jones Lynn Hardin
In Memory of Judge W.R. “Bud” Harper Tom and Jayne Jones
In Memory of Wanda Langrell Janice Robinson
In Memory of Kathleen Hollabaugh Ray Ward
In Memory of Gordon McLerran Arnold and Katherine Bowden In Memory of Billy Ramsey Sarah Beckcom Melissa Steeves In Memory of Rick Redden Tom and Jayne Jones In Memory of Christina Stinnett Russellville Symphony Guild David and Betty Snellings In Memory of Chuck Willis William and Carolyn Maestri In Memory of Mike Womack Thomas Dumas Howard and Micki Houston William and Carolyn Maestri
Spring 2013
19
Class Notes Marriages Darla Jean Bryant (BIOL ’06) and Cullen Farr Anson were married on April 13, 2013. They live in Bryant.
Jennifer Tabor Cozens (SPH ’03) and Victor Cozens (HEPE ’03), a daughter, Lyla Grace, Aug. 27, 2012. Stephen Foster (FISH/WLDLF ’03) and his wife, Kelly,
Cara Slone (ENGL/CRWR ‘07 & M.S. CSP ‘12) and
a daughter, Abigail Madelyn, April 5, 2013. Abigail has
Brock Knight (ALUM) were married on March 23, 2013.
one sister, Emma (2).
Carolyn Kistler (HEPE ’08) and Brad Hottinger were
Yousaf Riaz (M.S. INFO TECH ’03) and his wife, a son,
married on March 2, 2013. They live in Russellville.
Abdullah Yousaf, Feb. 23, 2013. They live in Tucson, Ariz.
Alison Parks (ENGL ’08, M.S. CSP ’10 & M.S. EMHS ‘12) and Earnest Taylor (ELEC ENGR ‘09) were married
Ryan Davis (AGBU ’04) and Sarah Milam Davis (ECON
on May 4, 2013.
’08), a daughter, Claire Elizabeth, Jan. 31, 2013. Claire has one brother, Wyatt (2).
Lindsey Pender (CRWR EDU & ENGL EDU ’08) and John Hargis were married on Dec. 29, 2012. They live in
Tara Hawkins Dorminy (PSY ’04) and Michael Dorminy
Alaska.
(MGMT/MKTG ’05), a son, Jackson Hays, Feb. 6, 2013. Jackson has one sister, Hadley (2).
Lacey Thacker (CRWR ’10) and Scott Meislohn were married on March 19, 2012. They live in Maumelle.
Daniel Beam (PSY ’05) and Tasha Pack Beam (ALUM), a son, Eli Christian, Feb. 4, 2013.
T.J. Posey (MGMT/MKTG ’11) and Jenny Vining (ECED ’11) were married on April 27, 2013.
Pei-Yi Jones (M.A. ENLM ’08) and her husband, Kenneth, twin girls, Paisley and Keyleigh, April 4, 2013.
20
Tech Action
Ashley Marie Collins (BPS-PR ’12) and Jared Boyce
They live in Russellville.
Jones were married on Sept. 29, 2012. They live in Dover. Jessica Bilant Mearns (NURS ’09) and her husband, Joshua Merritt (MECH ENGR ’12) and Samantha Van
Daniel, a son, Lucas Duawn, March 28, 2013. Lucas has
Veckhoven (BIOL ’12) were married on July 14, 2012.
one brother, Brayden (13), and one sister, Sophia (3).
They live in Pine Bluff.
They live in Russellville.
Haley M. Larsson (HOSP ADMIN ’13) and Justin L.
Brent Ross (BIOL ’09) and Jessica Rudder Ross (MLED
Hopkins were married on March 9, 2013. They live in
’11), a son, Brody Charles, Feb. 26, 2013. They live in
Little Rock.
London.
Births Kimberly Ann Boone Shaw (BUAD ’93) and her
Ashley Watts Carr (MATH EDU ’10) and Dillon Carr (BUAD ’10), a son, Decklon Ray, March 1, 2013.
husband, Chris, twin boys, Fisher Wilkes and Turner Hayes, March 8, 2013.
Matt Goddard (MECH ENGR ’10) and Colleen Day Goddard (NURS ’11), a daughter, Kaley Nicole, Feb. 28,
Bryan Fisher (NAT SCI ’99) and Paige Cooley Fisher
2013. They live in Russellville.
(ENGL ’03), a son, Griffin Cole, April 4, 2013. Marika Moore Lederman (SOC ’09) and Ken Jeremy Saul (BIOL ’02) and Kate Jolley Saul (RPA ’04),
Lederman (CP-ETMB ’10), a daughter, Everi Louise,
a son, Lincoln Nathaniel, March 28, 2013.
March 12, 2013.
Lindsay Robinson Beaton (HEPE ’03 & M.Ed ’06) and
Kristen Bethea Weatherall (ECED ’10) and her
her husband, Kyle, a daughter, Anna Claire, March 31,
husband, Jonathan, a son, Braxton Glenn, Jan. 29,
2013.
2013. Braxton has one brother, Braden James (2).
Class Notes 1950s
1980s 1980s
Dr. Robert L. Jones (ECED ’50) was honored by
Mike Bartlett (HEPE ’85) was hired as head baseball
Mississippi State University when it dedicated the
coach at Stewarts Creek High School in Rutherford
Robert L. Jones Student Affairs Hall of Honor on
County, Tennessee.
March 20, 2013. Robert was hired as the first vice president for student affairs at Mississippi State
Randall Gray (M.Ed. ELED ’85) is retired from a
in 1967. He later served on the administration
teaching career in the Hector School District. He
and faculty at the University of Texas at Tyler from
raises beef cattle.
1984-2000. He is a professor emeritus at UT-Tyler and namesake for the annual outstanding student
James Myatt (AGBU ’86) was promoted to market
leadership award on that campus. Robert lives in
president for Cornerstone Bank in Berryville and the
Tyler, Texas.
eastern district of Carroll County.
Earnestine Strang Cuthbert (HOME EC ’59) and
Dr. Jeffrey A. Hale (PRE-MED ’87) has a private
her husband, Tom, have lived in Greenwood since
radiology practice in Russellville.
August 1995 after previously residing in Plano, Texas. She hopes to catch up with some of her home economics classmates and the friends she made while living in Caraway Hall at Arkansas Tech.
1960s Steve N. Wilson (BIOL ’67) was inducted into the
Sheila Jacobs (ENGL EDU ’88, M.Ed. ENGL EDU ’93, M.Ed. TLL ’06 & Ed.S ’11) was named principal at Russellville High School. Jovie Lynn Arbaugh Swain (BUED ’89) was promoted to director of international sales at Tyson Foods, Inc., in Springdale.
Trout Hall of Fame on April 20, 2013, at the Arkansas State University campus in Mountain Home. Steve is retired as director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
1990s Dr. Patrick Christiansen (PSY ’91) is chief executive officer for Inova Fairfax Medical Campus and
1970s
executive vice president for the Inova Health System in Virginia.
Dr. Kenneth Hamilton (BIOL ’71 & MED TECH ’73) enjoyed a varied career that included 12 years as
Grayson S. Hale (BUAD ’91 & ACCT ’95) was named
a dentist, seven years as a member of the faculty
the top business attorney in North Carolina for 2013
at Westark College and 15 years on the staff of
by the publication Business North Carolina. Grayson is
the Arkansas Fellowship of Christian Athletes. In
a founding partner of Morningstar Law Group.
retirement, Kenneth continues as volunteer head tennis coach at Greenwood High School, a position
Rodney Parks (ECON ’91) offered the spring 2013
he has held for the last 15 years. He and his wife,
lecture in the Arkansas Tech University College of
Ann, have three children and three grandchildren.
Business Distinguished Speaker Series on March 7. Rodney worked in the banking industry for 20 years
David Bartlett (ACCT ’74) was named Arkansas
before accepting his current position as director of
Bankers Association chairman for 2013-14. David is
development for Philander Smith College in Little
president and chief banking officer for Simmons First
Rock.
National Corporation. Sherry Sawyer (ART EDU ’93 & M.S.E. GTED ’01) C. Dennis Daniel (FISH/WLDLF ’75) received the
received the 2013 Arkansans for Gifted and Talented
2013 National Wild Turkey Federation Wayne Bailey
Education (AGATE) Educator Award. Sherry is a
Lifetime Achievement Award. Dennis is retired from
fourth-grade gifted and talented teacher in the
a career as a wildlife biologist for the USDA Forest
Russellville School District.
Service.
Spring 2013
21
Class Notes Rob Beadel (FISH/WLDLF ’95) was appointed to
Ryan Taylor (JOUR ‘03) earned two national awards in
a three-year term on the operating committee of
the 2013 Educational Advertising Awards sponsored by
Project Learning Tree, a national environmental
Higher Ed Marketing. Ryan is coordinator of information
education program coordinated by the American Forest
services for the Arkansas Tech Office of Admissions.
Foundation. Rob is director of forestry education with the Arkansas Forestry Association Education
Carrie Harris Phillips (JOUR ’05 & M.A. MMJR ’08)
Foundation.
received the 2013 CASE District IV Rising Star award. Carrie is director of new media at Arkansas Tech.
Dr. Shannon Snellings (CHEM ’95) was selected by her employer, Battelle, as one of 12 Women’s History
Courtney Spradlin (JOUR ’06) was featured in the April
Month honorees from around the country for 2013.
2013 issue of Editor & Publisher magazine as one of the
Shannon is a senior chemist for Battelle at the Pueblo
“Top 25 Under 35 to Watch.” Courtney is a reporter for
chemical agent destruction pilot plant in Colorado.
the Log Cabin Democrat in Conway.
Laura Binz (ELED ’96 & M.S.E. GTED ’07) completed
Elijah Blackburn (HIM ’07) was named director of
a four-year term on the Arkansans for Gifted and
health information management at Jefferson Regional
Talented Education (AGATE) board. Laura is a gifted
Medical Center in Pine Bluff.
and talented/advanced placement coordinator for the Magean Warnock-Brents (SOC ’07) is a child abuse
Russellville School District.
investigator and family service worker for the State Heather Simmons Keith (ECON ’99) was named first
of Arkansas. She is pursuing a master’s degree from
vice president and marketing director at MidSouth
Arkansas Tech.
Bank.
22
Tech Action
Cara Slone Knight (ENGL/CRWR ‘07 & M.S. CSP ‘12)
Ernest King (HEPE ’99) was promoted to head football coach at E.E. Smith High School in Fayetteville, N.C.
2000s
received the 2013 Jim Ed McGee Award for most oustanding student in the Arkansas Tech Graduate College. Leslie Miller Harris (JOUR ’08) earned a Master of
Curtis Traylor (AGBU ’02) teaches automotive
Public Service degree from the University of Arkansas
technology at Arkansas State University-Searcy.
Clinton School of Public Service on May 11, 2013.
Judi Moore (MGMT/MKTG ’03) of Teaff and Draughon,
Janna Hughes (MGMT/MKTG ’08) was named assistant
Certified Public Accountants, is an enrolled agent with
director of marketing and promotions for the University
the Internal Revenue Service.
of Arkansas Department of Athletics in April 2013.
SEE YOU AT THE BALL GAMES! All Arkansas Tech Alumni & Friends Invited Tech Night with the Travelers: June 28
Call (479) 968-0242 or e-mail alumni@atu.edu for ticket information.
Tech Night with the Naturals: August 2
Class Notes / Obituaries Jared Jones (MUED ’08) was named 2012-13 teacher
Kayla Waldrup (HEPE ’09) has qualified for the 2014
of the year at Washington Junior High School in
Boston Marathon. Kayla is graduate assistant for the
Bentonville.
Arkansas Tech cross country program.
Kaytie Farrell (M.S. CSP ’09) received the 2013
2010s
Dan Hallenbeck Service Award from the National
Brenda Tash (Ed.S. ’10) was hired as assistant
Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls
superintendent for curriculum and instruction for the
(NACURH). Kaytie is a residential life coordinator at
Jonesboro School District.
the University of Texas at Dallas. Larry T. Palmer (BPS-EC ’11) is working as a Molly Fleming (JOUR ’09) was hired by The Journal
substitute teacher for the Laramie County School
Record, a business newspaper in Oklahoma City. Molly
District in Wyoming.
covers stories related to commercial real estate, retail, entertainment and gaming.
Ashley Lyn Taylor (MATH ’11) is attending graduate school at Arkansas State University, where she
Sara Smith Tosh (PSY ’09) received her Master
studies math and college student personnel services.
of Science degree in psychology from Arkansas Tech University on May 11, 2013. Sara and Aaron
Liz Underwood (GRAPHIC DESIGN ’12) was named
Christopher Tosh (ELEC ENGR ’09) were married on
the 2012-13 outstanding graduate student in art at
Jan. 11, 2010. Aaron is an operator for Entergy.
Northwestern State University (La.).
tech
Friends We’ll Miss
Bonner Lewis Shinn (‘39) died March 21, 2013.
Etta Sue Lowe (’41) died March 17, 2013. Etta financed
Bonner joined the U.S. Naval Reserve and served as a
her education at Arkansas Tech with proceeds from her
psychiatrist treating service men and women in California
flock of turkeys that she developed as a member of 4-H.
during and after World War II and the Korean War. He
She went on to earn a master’s degree from the George
owned a private psychiatry practice in Oak Cliff, Texas,
Peabody College for Teachers and taught elementary
from 1954-90. Bonner lived in Dallas, Texas. He was 93.
school before marriage. She was later a homemaker. Etta lived in Quincy, Ill. She was 91.
Ellen Madeline Gorlinsky Hubbard (’41) died May 4, 2013. Ellen served in World War II for three years
Dr. Virginia Rhea Morris Levey (’43) died Sept.
as a supervisor in intelligence. Her varied career after
12, 2012. She earned a doctorate from Marquette
the war included work as an administrative assistant,
University and went on to serve as a faculty member
as a service supervisor for the Pacific Telephone and
at the University of Central Arkansas. Virginia lived in
Telegraph Company in Los Angeles, Calif., and as a flight
Conway. She was 88.
attendant. She taught fourth grade at Oakland Heights Elementary School in Russellville prior to her retirement
Robert Edward Apple (’47) died Feb. 16, 2013. Robert
in 1983. Ellen lived in Russellville. She was 91.
served in World War II as a member of the 1st Marine Division in the South Pacific. He went on to teach in
James M. Lipsey (’41) died March 28, 2013. Jim learned
schools and colleges in Arkansas and Florida for 18
to fly as a member of the civilian pilot training program
years and was the National Wildlife Federation South
while a student at Arkansas Tech. He served as a flight
Central regional executive for 20 years. Robert also
instructor for the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War
served as president and executive director of the
II. Jim went on to a career in radio, advancing to the
Arkansas Wildlife Federation and was a member of
rank of vice president at Learfield Communications
conservation committees appointed by Gov. Winthrop
before his retirement in 1992. He served two terms as
Rockefeller, Gov. Dale Bumpers and Gov. Bill Clinton.
lieutenant governor of the Kiwanis MO-ARK District. Jim
He is a member of the Arkansas Outdoor Hall of Fame.
lived in Jefferson City, Mo. He was 91.
Robert lived in Dardanelle. He was 87.
Spring 2013
23
Obituaries
tech
Friends We’ll Miss (Continued)
Remmel Charles Wilson Sr. (ENGR ’47) died April 17,
Margaret “Peggy” Hughey Duvall (EDU ’66) died
2013. Remmel was a two-year letterman in boxing at
March 20, 2013. She taught elementary school for 31
Arkansas Tech. He served in the U.S. Navy and went on to
years in the schools at Atkins, Morrilton and Hope. Peggy
a professional career that included work on behalf of John
lived in Russellville. She was 68.
Morel and Swift and Company, Halliburton and Arkansas Pollution Control. Remmel lived in Little Rock. He was 89.
Sylas Paul Conway (’73) died March 6, 2013. Paul was assistant finance director for the City of North Little Rock
Don Allen Burnett (‘48) died March 11, 2013. Don was a
for 18 years. He went on to open Crown Trophy of Cabot.
veteran of World War II and the Korean War, during which
Paul lived in Cabot. He was 61.
he served as a pilot aboard F-84 Thunder Jets. He was retired from a career as a small business owner. Don lived
James Philip Baugh (ART ’75) died Dec. 13, 2012. Jimmy
in Little Rock. He was 88.
served in the U.S. Navy and was employed by Dow Chemical for 31 years. He completed his career as a
Ralva Ray Bass (’51) died Feb. 18, 2013. Ralva served on
draftsman. Jimmy lived in Russellville. He was 64.
the USS McKee in the South Pacific as a member of the
24
Tech Action
U.S. Navy during World War II. He taught high school for
Dianne Siler Edwards (JOUR ’80) died April 3, 2013.
seven years before joining the faculty at the University of
Dianne worked at The Courier newspaper in Russellville for
Central Arkansas (then Arkansas State Teachers College)
more than two decades. In 2006, she created ABOUT the
in 1958. Ralva served as associate professor of physics
River Valley magazine and served as editor and publisher
and department chairman. He was also coach of the UCA
of the publication until her passing. Dianne lived in
bowling team for 13 years. Ralva retired from full-time
Russellville. She was 55.
teaching in 1991, but he continued to teach on a parttime basis for the next decade. He was named professor
Cheryl Denise Cochran Fields (EDU ’85) died
emeritus by the UCA Board of Trustees in 1992. Ralva
April 30, 2013. Cheryl taught first grade at Pyron
lived in Conway. He was 91.
Elementary School in Clarksville for 12 years. She was a member of the Arkansas Education Association. Cheryl
Jim Aikman (’52) died Feb. 13, 2013. Jim served in the
lived in Russellville. She was 51.
U.S. Army in Korea and Vietnam. He worked as a real estate agent and was past president of the Russellville
Kendra Louise Morton Abbey (ELED ’93) died April 15,
Board of Realtors. Jim lived in Russellville. He was 83.
2013. She taught at Pike, Cavanaugh and Cook Elementary Schools in Fort Smith for 16 years. Kendra lived in Fort
Joe C. Reese (’62) died March 13, 2013. Joe was an All-
Smith. She was 43.
Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference end for the Wonder Boys football program. He was selected by the Green
Joanne T. Prochazka (NURS ’93) died April 27, 2013.
Bay Packers in the 1958 National Football League Draft.
Joanne worked as a registered nurse in Arkansas until
He later went into coaching and was promoted to head
2011, when she moved to Georgia to continue her nursing
football coach, director of athletics and dean of students
career. Joanne lived in Russellville. She was 49.
at Hot Springs High School in 1978. He was president of the National Federation of Interscholastic Coaches in
Sharon Clyma Borengasser (’98) died Feb. 23, 2013. She
1989 and Arkansas Activities Association athletic director
worked at First National Bank in Fort Smith for 44 years,
of the year in 1991. Joe lived in Hot Springs. He was 77.
reaching the position of assistant vice president before her retirement. Sharon lived in Fort Smith. She was 66.
Edwin Lewis “Pal” Parker III (’64) died March 29, 2013. Pal served in the U.S. Air Force as a pilot for 15 years. He
Pamela Arlene Proctor (ECED ’12) died May 9, 2013. She
retired at the rank of major in 1970. Pal lived in Inverness,
was a custodial manager with the Hector School District.
Miss. He was 84.
Pamela lived in Hector. She was 53.
Tech Athletics
Golden Suns rule GAC basketball in 2012-13 A 10-point deficit with less than six minutes remaining in regulation of the Great American Conference Tournament championship game did not faze the Arkansas Tech Golden Suns. After all, they had already stared down and successfully overcome that situation once this season. Arkansas Tech won its first-ever GAC Tournament title in women’s basketball with a 70-66 overtime victory over the Southwestern Oklahoma State Bulldogs at Bruin Fieldhouse in Bartlesville, Okla., on March 10. The victory gave Tech a clean sweep of the 2012-13 GAC titles in women’s basketball. Coach Dave Wilbers and the Suns also won the regular season GAC title. The GAC Tournament championship game followed a similar script to the final regular season meeting between Tech and SWOSU. The Golden Suns overcame an 11-point deficit in the final five minutes to defeat the Bulldogs 82-76 in Weatherford, Okla., on Feb. 7.
The Golden Suns went on to reach the NCAA Division II Tournament for the 11th time since 1998. Minnesota State-Mankato defeated Tech 72-58 in the first round of the 2013 NCAA Division II Tournament.
Arkansas Tech trailed 56-46 with 5:49 left in the second half of the GAC Tournament final, but the Golden Suns rallied to earn their fifth conference tournament title at the NCAA Division II level.
Led by All-American Rosie Silva and three-time all-conference performer Jessica Weatherford, Arkansas Tech enjoyed its 23rd regular season conference title and its 31st 20-win season in women’s basketball during the 2012-13 campaign. Tech finished 23-7 overall.
Arkansas Tech was previously Gulf South Conference Tournament champion in women’s basketball in 1998, 2003, 2010 and 2011.
The Golden Suns rank among the top three women’s basketball programs in NCAA Division II in all-time wins (872) and all-time winning percentage (.791).
Spring 2013
25
Wonder Boys earn 5th straight NCAA berth Willie Kirkland GAC Newcomer of the Year
Head coach Doug Karleskint and the 2012-13 Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys basketball team overcame a seemingly endless string of injuries to reach the 2013 NCAA Division II Tournament. It was the fifth consecutive NCAA Division II Tournament appearance for the Wonder Boys. Arkansas Tech is one of just seven NCAA D-II men’s basketball programs with an active streak of five or more consecutive appearances in the national tournament. The Wonder Boys, who played much of the season with just eight healthy players, finished 18-12 overall and earned a share of the Great American Conference regular season title.
Did You Know? Arkansas Tech’s basketball teams have a combined overall record of 205-43 over the past four seasons. That is an .827 winning percentage.
Tech Athletics
REGION CHAMP
Surtevall makes Tech women’s golf history Rebecka Surtevall made Arkansas Tech University women’s golf history on May 6 by winning the NCAA Division II Super Region 3 individual championship at St. Joseph Country Club in St. Joseph, Mo. Surtevall posted rounds of 81-73-77 during the three-day tournament for a 231 total and a two-stroke victory over a field of 48 players. A sophomore from Stockholm, Sweden, Surtevall is the first Arkansas Tech women’s golf team member to win an NCAA Division II region title. She became the first Golden Sun to ever qualify for the NCAA Division II Women’s Golf Championships, and she finished tied for 12th in the nation during that event at LPGA International in Daytona Beach, Fla., May 15-18. The regional title was the third tournament victory of the season and the sixth career win for Surtevall, the two-time Great American Conference player of the year. Arkansas Tech finished seventh in the final team standings at the NCAA Division II Super Region 3 tournament. This year marked the first time the Golden Suns have earned a bid to NCAA Division II regional women’s golf competition as a team. Amy White is the head women’s golf coach at Arkansas Tech.
26
Tech Action
Wonder Boys win 12th conference golf title Arkansas Tech
Arkansas Tech’s
University is the
Graham Rucker finished
champion of men’s golf
tied for fourth in the
in the Great American
individual standings. He
Conference for 2013.
returned scores of 7171-78 for a 220 total.
Head coach Luke Calcatera and the
Jason Purdy (75-
Wonder Boys had team
77-75-227), Rowdy
scores of 296-293-
Garrett (80-73-79-232)
302 over the course
and Colton Dillard
of the 54-hole GAC
(83-83-78-244) also
Tournament at Hot Springs Country Club April 14-16. Arkansas Tech’s 891 team total was good for a one-
contributed to the Wonder Boys’ GAC championship. It is the first GAC men’s golf title for Arkansas Tech and
stroke victory over runner-up Southwestern Oklahoma
the 12th conference championship in Wonder Boys’ golf
State University (303-293-296-892).
history.
Tech was led to the 2013 GAC championship by Brian
Arkansas Tech won Arkansas Intercollegiate
Belz. The freshman from Hot Springs posted rounds of
Conference championships in 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969,
70-72-71 for a 3-under par total of 213 and the 2013 GAC
1970, 1984, 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995. The Wonder Boys
individual championship.
were Gulf South Conference champions in 2004.
Tech Athletics
Four win 2012-13 Tucker, Falls Awards Four Arkansas Tech studentathletes have been identified by the Tech Faculty Athletic Committee as the 2012-13 most outstanding senior student-athletes on campus. Brittany Ryan of Mena and Jessica Weatherford of Bonnerdale were named co-winners of the Jeanice Falls Award, while Graham Rucker of Hot Springs and Jared Williamson of Russellville were selected as co-winners of the John Tucker Award. This year marks the first time the awards have been named in honor of Falls, a 1938 graduate of Tech and long-time supporter of women’s athletics; and Tucker, who played football at Tech from 19191924, was a coach, administrator and faculty member at Tech from 1925-72 and is remembered as ‘The Original Wonder Boy.’
Ryan was a four-year letter winner for the Arkansas Tech volleyball program. She helped the Golden Suns win the Gulf South Conference West Division championship in 2010 as well as the Great American Conference regular season and postseason championships in 2011.
Weatherford was an All-GAC first team selection in 2011-12 and 2012-13 and an All-GSC West Division second team selection in 2010-11.
During her senior season, Ryan was All-GAC first team. She was AllGAC honorable mention as a junior in 2011.
He helped the Wonder Boys win the 2013 GAC Tournament championship and earn their first NCAA regional bid since 2009.
Weatherford earned four letters with the Arkansas Tech women’s basketball program and ranks 12th in school history in career scoring. The Golden Suns won two NCAA Division II South Region championships, four regular season conference titles and three postseason conference tournament championships during her career.
Williamson earned three letters with the Arkansas Tech men’s basketball program. He contributed to three regular season conference championships, three NCAA Division II Tournament berths and the 2012 GAC Tournament title.
Brittany Ryan
A four-year letterman, Rucker was named to the All-GAC second team in both 2011-12 and 2012-13. Jessica Weatherford
Graham Rucker
Jared Williamson
Williamson was All-GAC second team in both 2011-12 and 2012-13.
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Spring 2013
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Tech Action Arkansas Tech University Alumni Association Alumni House 1313 North Arkansas Ave. Russellville, AR 72801 Arkansas Tech University Alumni Association Volume 49 No. 2