Tech Action Winter 2010 Col. Carl Baswell inducted into Hall of Distinction. See pages 4-5.
Arkansas Tech celebrates the opening of Rothwell Hall. See pages 3-7.
Tech Action
Rothwell Hall: another milestone for Tech As Arkansas Tech has grown and prospered in recent years, there have been many milestones along the way.
Our engineering programs have new laboratory space in Corley Hall. Our Department of Speech, Theatre and
Journalism has a permanent home inside the Energy
I am reminded of this fact because right now, at this
Center. Construction is currently under way on an addition
very moment, we are at one of those special milestone
to McEver Hall for our science programs.
moments in Arkansas Tech history.
As you can see, these are special days at Arkansas
The opening of Rothwell Hall is truly something to be celebrated. The four-story, 60,000-square foot educational
Tech. And I haven’t even mentioned one of the best basketball seasons in school history!
facility is destined to become a landmark on our campus and a hub for learning and academic achievement.
If you haven’t been to campus in a while, come see us. I know you will be amazed.
Rothwell Hall provides unprecedented opportunities for the Arkansas Tech College of Business and the
If you can’t make it right now, please enjoy the photos
Arkansas Tech Academic Advising Center. It also gives us
and articles in this issue of the Tech Action and make
the ability to host a regional office of the Arkansas Small
plans to join us for Homecoming 2010 on Oct. 15-16.
Business and Technology Development Center.
As always, please contact our office at (479) 968-0242
The impact of Rothwell Hall reaches well beyond those programs. The added educational space had a ripple effect
or alumni@atu.edu if you have any questions about your alma mater.
across campus that has touched nearly every department and provided new opportunities for our students.
2
Best wishes for a productive (and hopefully warmer and drier) spring. We’ll see you on campus soon!
Tech Action
A variety of courses representing the great breadth of academic disciplines on our campus are taking advantage of the bandwidth and technology provided by Rothwell Angela DeWitt Bonds ‘95
Hall and its two floors of classroom space.
Director of Alumni Relations
tech
Alumni Association Board of Directors
President Howard Ritchie ‘70
President-Elect Jim Murphy ‘71
Past President Claude Smith ‘76
Kellye Holley Cannon ‘80 12/10
Donna Cotton Parker ‘73 12/10
Dixie Gossett ‘70 & ‘74 12/11
Leslie Miller Harris ‘08 12/12
Shirley Dodd ‘59 12/10
Chad Weisler ‘92 12/10
Tommy Johnston ‘91 12/11
Ronda Hawkins ‘92 12/12
Randy Joe Hamilton ‘76 12/10
Philip Alexander ‘89 12/11
Raymond Molden ‘96 12/11
Ann Irwin ‘83 12/12
Mike King ‘74 12/10
Doug Brown ‘06 12/11
Cara Hammond Witherspoon ‘78 12/11
Steve Pfeifer ‘71 12/12
Layton Lee ‘92 12/10
Jimmy Cunningham ‘75 12/11
John Carter ‘02 12/12
Kendall Tabor ‘89 & ‘92 12/12
Jim Murphy ‘71 12/10
Robert Ford ‘86 12/11
Molly Fleming ‘09 12/12
Angie Wyatt ‘03 12/12 Brian Bass, Ozark Campus Rep.
catch up with an old friend today www.techties.atu.edu
Tech Action, Volume 46, No. 1. Arkansas Tech University Alumni Association, Alumni House, Russellville, AR 72801 Director of Alumni Relations Angela DeWitt Bonds Coordinator of Young Alumni Alison Parks Coordinator of Alumni Communications and Activities Kelly Thornton Bostick Alumni Office Administrative Assistant Terry Holland-Finley
Editorial Committee Angela DeWitt Bonds, Jayne Jones, Julie Nebben Morgan, Susie Nicholson, Sam Strasner publications/creative Services Felisha Weaver Asst. Director of New Media Carrie Harris Phillips
Cover Photograph Steve Newby Contributing Photographers Steve Newby, Antonius Armand, Felisha Weaver 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.
Cover Story
Winter 2010
3
ROTHWELL... ss e n i s u B r HALL Opnedn MFoore! A
Cover Story
A NEW EXPERIENCE IN EDUCATION Rothwell Hall keeps Tech at forefront of innovation Arkansas Tech University’s new $9.9 million facility, Rothwell Hall, is open for business — and class. The newly constructed, four-story facility opened in January and is home to the Arkansas Tech College of Business, as well as a regional office of the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) and the Arkansas Tech Academic Advising Center. The 60,000-square foot, four-story building features two floors of dedicated classroom space, a financial trading lab complete with stock ticker, five computer labs, 314 total computers for student use, 12 academic advising offices and four conference rooms. It will serve as a hub for business professionals, students and professors and will elevate the classroom experience for business students by enabling them to work more closely with area business leaders.
4
Tech Action
Technology within Rothwell Hall will greatly enhance the research and distance learning capabilities for students and faculty on the campus. A state-of-the-art computer lab and a connection to the Arkansas Research and Education Optical Network (ARE-ON), a high-speed fiber based communications network, allows access to state, national and international networks and high-performance computing resources.
An oversized skylighted front porch provides space for prospective students to gather before touring the campus. Inside the main lobby, glass walls allow continuous views of the academic advising center and trading lab. The ticker tape in the trading room passes through the glass wall and continues into the lobby.
Designed by AMR Architects of Little Rock, the building gives the east entrance to campus a more urban feel.
On each floor the elevators open onto a lounge where students can study, charge their laptops and take breaks between classes. The building’s exterior uses the established material palette of the campus in new and innovative ways. “We have made a significant investment of time and funds to continuously improve our College of Business, from gaining AACSB (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) accreditation to upgrading technology,” said Tech President Dr. Robert C. Brown. “With the opening of Rothwell Hall, the College of Business now has the state-of-the-art facility to match its world-class faculty and students.”
Cover Story
“A Life Moment For us” Rothwell Hall symbolizes a family’s love for Arkansas Tech Ben and Terry Rothwell have demonstrated their affection for Arkansas Tech by giving of their time, giving of their abilities and giving of their resources to benefit students both today and in the future. Their commitment to advancing the mission of Arkansas Tech University received a permanent and visible tribute in January when it was announced that
Mr. Rothwell earned a Bachelor of Science degree
the new academic facility at their alma mater would be
in biology from Arkansas Tech in 1975. Mrs. Rothwell,
named Rothwell Hall in their honor.
the former Terry Tucker, is a 1974 Tech graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in business education.
“This is a life moment for us,” said Mr. Ben Rothwell. “We have deep roots at Arkansas Tech. Our families are
Mrs. Rothwell is founder and chief executive officer
intertwined with Tech. Terry and I both have brothers
of Celerit, an information technology and technical
and sisters who attended and graduated from Tech.
consulting firm that she established with her husband’s encouragement in 1985.
“We came from the median group of potential students for Arkansas Tech,” continued Mr. Rothwell.
The business began with a few note cards, a phone
“Terry and I are representative of the average Tech
and a computer consulting contract for two people.
student and the average Tech alumnus. We sought to
Today, the Little Rock-based company aids top
better ourselves through higher education. We chose
nationwide and community banks with core application
Arkansas Tech for our own reasons, and by doing so we
software, item processing services and network
became part of the fabric of Arkansas Tech for life.”
managed services.
Dr. Robert C. Brown, Arkansas Tech president, said that the facility will henceforth be known as
Mrs. Rothwell served on the Tech Board of Trustees from 2003-08, and she served as board chair in 2007.
Rothwell Hall in recognition of a “substantial long-term commitment to the university” by the Rothwells.
“We have as fine a student body as there is in the
state of Arkansas,” said Mr. Rothwell. “The students
“Ben and Terry Rothwell are among the most loyal
attending Arkansas Tech are the highest quality
and ardent supporters of Arkansas Tech University,”
students that the institution has ever had on its
said Brown. “They have given their time, their spirit and
campus. That comes from superior faculty and students
their substance to this institution. They have done so
who understand that Tech is about higher education.
out of love for their alma mater and because they have a genuine and abiding belief in the power of higher education.
“It all stems from Dr. Brown,” continued Rothwell. “His leadership and guidance of Arkansas Tech is spot on with our vision for Arkansas Tech. As he says, it is all
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, the faculty and
about the students. If we did not believe in what he was
the students of Arkansas Tech University, I offer my
trying to accomplish there, we would not have given
most sincere appreciation to Ben and Terry Rothwell,”
these funds. We agree with the direction, we already see
continued Brown. “Their generosity will benefit our
results and we love what we see. It is something that we
educational mission for many years to come.”
can, we do and we will continue to support.”
Winter 2010
5
Cover Story
Small businesses to benefit from Rothwell One of the many factors that separates
“Education and economic development
Rothwell Hall as an educational facility for
are irrevocably tied to one another,”
the 21st Century is the fact that it seeks
said Arkansas Tech University President
to engage the community and connect
Dr. Robert C. Brown. “We are pleased
today’s business leaders with the leaders of
to welcome this regional office to our
tomorrow.
Russellville campus and we look forward to a long and successful relationship with the Arkansas Small Business
That task will be accomplished through the Arkansas
and Technology Development Center.
Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) regional office, which is housed on the fourth floor of Rothwell Hall.
“We believe that this office could have a significant impact on the future economy of the Arkansas River Valley and provide outstanding opportunities for Arkansas
The ASBTDC represents a partnership between the U.S. Small Business Administration, the University of Arkansas
Tech graduates by encouraging and developing small businesses in the region.”
at Little Rock and other institutions of higher education in Arkansas. The center is dedicated to assisting new, existing and expanding businesses.
Among the services offered at ASBTDC regional offices are consulting, training and market research. Most services are offered free of charge.
The center at Arkansas Tech will serve Conway, Crawford, Franklin, Johnson, Logan, Pope, Scott, Sebastian and Yell counties.
6
Tech Action
There are approximately 1,000 such centers around the nation, including seven in Arkansas.
Reser chosen to lead ASBTDC office at Tech Jim Reser, the first director of the new Arkansas Small
His past community involvement in Colorado includes
Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC)
serving as president of the Rotary Club in Durango,
regional office at Arkansas Tech in Russellville, believes that
president of the Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce
rebuilding relationships will be the most important task in
and chairman of the Montezuma Community Economic
rebuilding the economy in the post-recession world.
Development Association.
“The biggest challenge for businesses is to connect
Reser graduated from Fort Lewis College with a
with customers and to make them feel comfortable doing
Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration
business with us again,” said Reser. “People are very
in 1975. He earned a Master of Science degree in
unsettled, and now is a time when trust needs to be rebuilt.
management and organization from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1992.
“One of the issues that the ASBTDC has developed as a high priority is getting people connected with their customers,” continued Reser. “Those relationships are
He said that the reputation of the ASBTDC was among the key factors in luring him to the Natural State.
what are most damaged during times of uncertainty. We want to work with businesses to help them rebuild those
“The Arkansas Small Business and Technology
relationships with their customers and to build new
Development Center system has a marvelous
relationships, sometimes outside our normal customer
reputation across the entire country for its high level of
base.”
professionalism, its terrific support of entrepreneurs and small business people and its ability to connect local
Reser comes to Russellville with 18 years of consulting
people with highly sophisticated resources for market
and business coaching experience, including seven years
research and financing,” said Reser. “It’s just a top-quality
as the center director for the Small Business Development
program, so it’s a privilege to be a part of that and to offer
Center at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colo.
that in this nine-county region.”
Cover Story
Talk about a good first impression New academic advising center helps assure new students Volumes and volumes have been written about the importance of first impressions. Tour the new Arkansas Tech Academic Advising Center inside Rothwell Hall and it becomes obvious that incoming students’ first impressions of the university will never be the same again. The 5,000-square foot center has 12 offices for academic advisors, a reception area capable of seating 50 guests, a state-of-the-art computer lab and space for student workers. It will serve as the new “front door” for Arkansas Tech students beginning their pursuit of a college degree and as a safe haven for current students in need of a helping hand. “It is an amazing facility,” said Linda Clarke, director of the Arkansas Tech Academic Advising Center. “I dare
Clarke said that among the biggest improvements in the new advising center over the old one in Bryan Hall will be increased privacy for students when visiting with an advisor and a greater level of visibility among the campus community.
say that no college in the state has an advising center this nice. This facility far exceeds anything we could have planned, dreamed or thought possible.
“This location is ideal because so many students from so many different departments will have classes in this building,” said Clarke. “We will be much more in the
“When an incoming freshman walks in here for the
central flow of students and that will increase our ability
first time, he or she will have to believe that there are
to help students. With this much space, we will be
great things going on at Arkansas Tech,” continued
able to expand our services in ways that even we can’t
Clarke. “Those freshmen are going to be awed.”
imagine right now.”
Tyler to retire as College of Business dean The opening of Rothwell Hall is a time of new beginnings for the Arkansas Tech College of Business, but it also marks the end of an era. Dr. Tom Tyler, dean of the Arkansas Tech College of Business and a member of the Arkansas Tech faculty since 1967, announced in November that he would retire at the end of the 2009-10 academic year. “It has been a very rewarding experience to observe the progress of this institution over four decades and to see the success of our many graduates,” wrote Tyler in his letter of retirement. “In looking back, I made a very wise decision in 1967 to join the faculty at Arkansas Tech.”
Winter 2010
7
Alumni News
Monts chosen to join Hall of Distinction Dr. Lester P. Monts, a 1970 graduate of Arkansas Tech,
He went on to earn a Master of Music degree from the
has been chosen for the highest honor that the university
University of Nebraska and a Ph.D. in musicology from the
can bestow upon an alumnus.
University of Minnesota.
Monts will be inducted into the Arkansas Tech Hall
Monts served on the music faculties at Edinboro
of Distinction during spring commencement exercises
University, the University of Minnesota, Case Western
on Saturday, May 15, at John E. Tucker Coliseum in
Reserve University and the University of California at
Russellville.
Santa Barbara before embarking upon a career in higher education administration.
Monts will be the 101st person inducted into the Arkansas Tech Hall of Distinction under the Distinguished Alumnus category. He will be the 165th individual in the Hall of
Today, Monts is senior vice provost for academic affairs and professor of music at the University of Michigan. Monts is a lifelong advocate of diversity in education.
Distinction, which also has categories for Distinguished
The first African-American to live on the Arkansas
Service, Distinguished Alumni Service, Outstanding Young
Tech campus, Monts played a key role in preparing the
Alumnus and Distinction in Intercollegiate Athletics.
University of Michigan’s 2003 affirmative action case before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Monts is a native of Little Rock. He graduated from Tech with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music education.
8
Tech Action
Monts and his wife, Jeanne, have three grown sons.
Alumni News
Eight elected to Tech Alumni Board Arkansas Tech University alumni have elected eight of their peers to represent them on the Arkansas Tech
• Ann Irwin (ENG ‘83) of Russellville; speechlanguage pathologist for Legacy Healthcare Services
Alumni Association Board of Directors. • Steve Pfeifer (RP ‘71) of Danville; retired from The latest additions to the Arkansas Tech Alumni
Danville School District
Board will serve a three-year term from January 2010-December 2012. They are:
• Kendall Tabor (MUS ‘89 & M.Ed. ‘92) of Russellville; music teacher for Wonderview School District
• John Carter (ECON ‘02) of Little Rock; vice president of commercial lending for Bank of the Ozarks
• Angie Wyatt (M.Ed. ‘03) of Clarksville; Clarksville Public Schools
• Molly Fleming (JOUR ‘09) of Benton; reporter for Benton Courier newspaper
Five individuals — Stan Graves, Alvin Lievsay, Stephanie Strack Mathis, Sharon Dixon Steele and Peggy
• Leslie Miller Harris (JOUR ‘08) of Van Buren;
Lawless Walter — rotated off the board in December.
teacher in Alma School District The end of the year also marked the end of Claude • Ronda Hawkins (BUAD ‘92) of Russellville; fuel program coordinator for WestAR Transolutions
Smith’s service as president of the Alumni Board. Howard Ritchie is the Alumni Board president for 2010.
Baldwin speaks to College of Business The Arkansas Tech
She was named Texas
University College of
Society of Certified Public
Business Distinguished
Accountants Accounting
Lecture Series welcomed Dr.
Educator of the Year in 1999.
Jane Baldwin to campus on Thursday, Nov. 12.
Baldwin received the
Baylor University Hankamer
A 1977 graduate of
School of Business Teaching
Arkansas Tech, Baldwin is
Excellence Award in April
the director of graduate
2004.
accounting programs and
professor of accounting at
“For me, teaching is a
Baylor University in Waco,
calling that was confirmed
Texas. She has served on the
when I taught my first class
Baylor faculty since 1981.
as an MBA student at Baylor,”
said Baldwin upon receiving
A native of Hot Springs,
the HSB Teaching Excellence
Baldwin earned a Bachelor of Science degree in
Award. “We give by teaching. But the very act of teaching
accounting from Arkansas Tech.
gives us back so much, inspiring us to teach better so we can give more.”
She went on to receive a Master of Business Administration degree from Baylor University and a Ph.D. from the University of Arkansas.
In November 2004, Baldwin was appointed to the Ernst and Young Teaching Fellowship in Accounting.
In 1991, Baylor business students presented Baldwin with the Most Popular Business Professor award.
The Arkansas Tech College of Business Distinguished Lecture Series is sponsored by Liberty Bank.
Winter 2010
9
Alumni News
Class of ‘59 gives Tech a new tradition It is part of the human condition to wonder what our legacy will be. At noon on Tuesday, Jan. 19, a group of Arkansas Tech University alumni had an opportunity to hear their legacy with their own ears. Members of the Arkansas Tech Class of 1959 reunion committee stood facing the south side of the Ross Pendergraft Library and Technology Center and heard the new electronic carillon bell system that they and their classmates made possible through their donations to the Arkansas Tech Foundation. The smiles on their faces told the story as they heard the system toll for the first of what will be thousands of times. The bells will chime at 15, 30 and 45 minutes after each hour, and they will ring at the top of each hour. The sound can be heard drifting over much of the university’s Russellville campus.
10
The system is currently set to play “Westminster Chimes,” Tech Action
but the computer-controlled system is capable of playing more than 2,000 different songs. “This gift is a demonstration of the deep affection and loyalty that the members of the Class of 1959 have for Arkansas Tech University,” said Angela Bonds, director of alumni relations. “Generations of current and future Tech students will have the common experience of hearing the chimes. We are very appreciative of the members of the Tech Class of 1959 for this thoughtful and meaningful gift to their alma mater.” Carolyn Leek Allen, Lou Nell McCraw Davis, Bob Edwards, Patsy Joyce Motley Miller, Van Tyson and Mary Ann Marrs Wilkins represented the Class of 1959 at the initial chiming of the bells. They were also members of the committee that planned the very successful Class of 1959 reunion at Homecoming 2009. Members of the reunion committee met at the Alumni House on a regular basis for several months leading up to Homecoming. They were greeted at the bell chiming and thanked for their gift to the university by Arkansas Tech President Dr. Robert C. Brown, Tech First Lady Mrs. Jill Brown and Bonds.
Today’s Tech
Tech reaches miilestone at fall graduation Arkansas Tech has now conferred more degrees during Dr. Robert C. Brown’s 16-year tenure as president
Tech awarded 724 degrees in 1993-94. In 2008-09, Arkansas Tech presented graduates with 1,434 degrees.
than it did in the 84 years before his arrival combined. “This achievement in producing high-quality Between the time it was created by Act 100 of the
graduates for our state is a milestone that all of our
37th Arkansas General Assembly in 1909 and the spring
faculty, staff, alumni and friends should be proud of,”
of 1993, Arkansas Tech awarded 16,477 degrees.
said Brown. “It is the result of strategic planning by our campus community, shared governance between
From the time Brown became president on July
our faculty and administration and an ability to attract
1, 1993, through fall 2009 commencement, Tech has
many of the brightest students in our state to Arkansas
awarded 16,622 degrees to its graduates.
Tech University.
That means that as of December 2009, 50.2 percent
“But more than any other factor, this achievement
of the 33,099 degrees that Arkansas Tech has awarded
is a testament to my faculty colleagues,” continued
have been earned during the Brown presidency. The
Brown. “Their commitment to excellence in the
number of degrees conferred at Tech on an annual
classroom and their determination to aid our students
basis has increased by 98 percent over the past 15
in persisting toward graduation create the foundation
years.
for all that we do.”
Watson honored by national organization Dr. John W. Watson, vice
Watson joined the Tech
president for academic affairs
faculty in 1978. From 2002-08,
at Arkansas Tech University,
he was dean of what is now the
has received the Mathematical
Arkansas Tech College of Applied
Association of America (MAA)
Sciences.
Certificate for Meritorious Service.
He was selected in June 2008
to succeed the retiring Dr. Jack
Watson was presented
Hamm as vice president for
with the award during a MAA
academic affairs.
conference Jan. 13-16 in San Francisco. He was selected for
In addition to his
the honor by the MAA Board
administrative role as vice
of Governors based on his
president, Watson also holds the
service contributions to the
rank of professor of mathematics
organization.
at Arkansas Tech.
Tarver named dean of Arts and Humanities Dr. H. Micheal Tarver, professor of history at Arkansas
As dean of the College of Arts and Humanities,
Tech, has been selected to serve as the new dean of the
Tarver will oversee seven departments — art, behavioral
Arkansas Tech College of Arts and Humanities.
sciences, English, foreign language, music, history and political science and speech, theatre and journalism.
Tarver joined the Tech faculty in 2002. He has been head of the Department of History and Political Science throughout his tenure with the university.
The College of Arts and Humanities offers 22 degrees and there are 87 faculty members on its staff.
Winter 2010
11
Today’s Tech
A HELPING HAND Pre-vet students give back It was a sound that any
They were greeted
Arkansan — even the furry,
by a dozen or so dogs
four-legged variety — could
of every shape, size and
easily identify.
background. Those canines
didn’t know it, but their
It was 11 days before
holiday season was about
Christmas and the pickup
to get much brighter
truck climbing the gravel
thanks to the hard work
road toward the Humane
and generosity of a group
Society of the Greater River
of Arkansas Tech students.
Valley location was driven
by Lisa Anderson, president
“I think I’m going to
Vet Club collected the food
Humane Society of the
of the Arkansas Tech
cry,” confessed Jan Plant,
over a period of two weeks.
River Valley have a space
University Pre-Vet Club.
director of the Humane
Faculty, staff and students
of 40 acres to explore,
Society of the Greater River
from across campus
but most of them seem
Chris Laughlin, a Tech
Valley, as the Tech students
contributed to the effort.
to prefer to stay close to
senior from Little Rock, was
began to unload the bounty
Plant as she goes about
her passenger. Courtney
from Anderson’s truck.
It was the second time
the daily chores of caring
Fisher, a Fort Smith native, Arkansas Tech junior and
12
treasurer of the Tech PreTech Action
Vet Club, followed close behind in her car.
The Arkansas Tech Pre-
that the Pre-Vet Club came
By the time they were
to the aid of the Humane
The dogs at the Greater
for them.
done, there were 700
Society of the Greater
pounds of dog food and a
River Valley. Club members
Plant when asked about
$120 donation to aid the
participated in a work day
the generosity shown by
approximately
at the location just south
the Tech students. “These
100 dogs under
of Hector on Nov. 14.
kids are just wonderful.
“I can’t believe it,” said
the care of the
We train our children, we
Humane Society
“When we came and
educate them and we hope
of the Greater
saw how many dogs they
they do right. It makes
River Valley.
had, we wanted to help as
you feel good and makes
much as we could,” said
you feel like we’ve done
“I was
Anderson. “They don’t
something right when you
astounded by
have a lot of funding, and
meet people like these who
how much food
it seemed like a natural
want to help.”
we collected,”
choice as something we
said Fisher. “This
should get involved with.”
will feed the dogs for about
Plant said that among
the items that the
Plant said that the
organization currently
a week, which
Humane Society of the
needs are blankets, dog
isn’t long, but it’s
Greater River Valley serves
beds, leashes, collars,
a week that the
an area that stretches
bleach, laundry detergent
dogs don’t have
from Fort Smith to Little
and the ever-present need
to worry about
Rock and from Dover to
of dog food.
going hungry
Danville.
and it’s a week that Jan doesn’t
For more information She purchased the
about how you can aid the
have to worry
property in February 2009,
Humane Society of the
about scraping it
and she moved there in
Greater River Valley, call
together.”
April 2009.
(479) 284-2222.
Tech Centennial
tech
Tech Timeline: 1979-93
Throughout the duration of the Arkansas Tech University centennial celebration, Tech Action will take a look back at some of the events that have shaped the institution during its first 100 years. In this issue, we look at 1979 through winter 1993. Winter 1979 Arkansas Tech (24-4 overall, 16-2 conference) wins its first AWISA conference championship in women’s basketball. The Golden Suns add AWISA titles in 1980, 1981 and 1982 before the NAIA adds women’s athletics before the start of the 1982-83 academic year. Fall 1980 Arkansas Tech tops the 3,000-student mark for the first time. 1982 Arkansas Tech student Elizabeth Ward is crowned Miss America. December 1982 A deluge of 10.8 inches of rain in a 24-hour period floods the campus and does $25,000 in damages. “Lake Wonder Boy” covers much of the west side of campus, and damage is done as far east as Tucker Coliseum. Fall 1983 Arkansas Tech wins the first of three consecutive AIC volleyball titles. Tech would go on to make it four years out of five by winning the 1987 AIC volleyball championship. 1985 Arkansas Tech University reorganizes its courses of study into five schools: the School of Business, the School of Education, the School of Liberal and Fine Arts, the School of Physical and Life Sciences and the School of Systems Science. In the years that follow, Tech adds one more school to its line-up: the School of Community Education and Professional Development. This system of organization would serve the university for a quarter-century. Winter 1985 Arkansas Tech (22-8 overall, 12-6 conference) captures its first AIC men’s basketball championship in 23 years.
Winter 1986 Arkansas Tech (23-3 overall, 17-1 conference) wins its first AIC women’s basketball title. The Suns go on to earn the AIC crown in nine of the league’s final 10 years before it dissolves after the 1994-95 academic year. Winter 1987 Arkansas Tech (29-7 overall) earns its first berth in the NAIA Final Four of the NAIA National Tournament for women’s basketball. The Golden Suns would return to the NAIA Final Four in 1988, 1989, 1992, 1993 and 1997.
William Lemley Faculty, 1967-92 & 2002
Winter 1988 Arkansas Tech (22-11 overall, 14-4 conference) wins the AIC men’s basketball title. May 1988 Corley Hall (named for Professor Dale Corley, teacher of accounting) is dedicated.
Gerald Edgar News Bureau/Faculty, 1957-86
March 10, 1992 Arkansas Tech captures its first-ever national championship when the Golden Suns basketball team defeats Wayland Baptist 84-68 in the finals of the NAIA National Tournament in Jackson, Tenn. The Golden Suns finish the season 35-1, including 29 consecutive wins to end the year.
Winter 2010
13
March 9, 1993 Carin Pinion makes a lay-up with 3 seconds remaining to give the Arkansas Tech Golden Suns a 76-75 win over Union (Tenn.) and a second consecutive NAIA national championship in women’s basketball. The 1992-93 Golden Suns were 31-5 overall. Winter 1993 Arkansas Tech wins the first of three consecutive AIC men’s basketball championships. The Wonder Boys were a combined 78-24 overall and 39-7 in AIC play during their championship seasons from 1992-93 through 1994-95.
Joe Foley Women’s Basketball Coach 1987-2003
Have you seen the new and improved TechTies? Check it out today. www.techties.atu.edu
Tech Centennial
LEGENDS OF THE HARDWOOD Arkansas Tech hosted the greatest collection of basketball talent and knowledge ever assembled on its campus during a reunion event in February. The Centennial Celebration of Tech Basketball brought former players and coaches from seven decades back to campus. The weekend included a reception at Lake Point Conference Center on Friday, Feb. 12, and a luncheon the following day at Chambers Cafeteria East Dining Hall. The reunion participants were recognized during halftime of the Tech basketball games against Harding on Saturday, Feb. 13, and Coach Joe Foley’s former Golden Suns had a breakfast at Lake Point on Sunday, Feb. 14. Donovan Horn, Don Sevier
14
Tech Action
Jimmy Cunningham, Mark Loris, Deward Dopson Wonder Girls Era Players
Jim Yeager, Lisa Vernon Bobby Stevens, Maxie Mathis
Tech Centennial
Travis Adams, Frank Nelson
Former Golden Suns Players
Winter 2010
Lynn Hindsman Hardin, Frank Davis
Coach Dopson’s Wonder Boys
Coach Hindsman’s Wonder Boys
Gray Townsend
15
Development Corner
Tech Loyalty Fund makes a difference every day The importance of the Tech
Those gifts are used to provide
We appreciate all gifts equally and
Loyalty Fund, Tech’s annual giving
scholarships, to equip labs, to
value your support regardless of the
program, cannot be underestimated.
upgrade computer capabilities in
amount. The fact that you faithfully
classrooms, to purchase sheet
give, at any level, shows your loyalty
music and departmental supplies,
and belief in the mission of Tech. If
mission is to encourage annual
The Tech Loyalty Fund
and to assist student projects and
you have not yet made your Tech
private gifts to support the students,
competitions.
Loyalty Fund contribution this
academic departments and collegiate programs of Arkansas Tech University during the current year.
giving year, you can do so online at All departments have benefited gifts for the University’s Greatest
The need for private funds is
givetotech.atu.edu.
from private support. Although your You may be able to maximize the
Need provide Tech the greatest
impact of your contribution if you
greater than ever. In addition to the
flexibility, you may choose to direct
or your spouse works for a company
Kristin Smith
annual direct-mail fund drive each
your contribution to the department,
that has a matching gift program.
Tech Loyalty Fund
year, the Tech Loyalty Fund
program, or scholarship of your
Many companies provide matching
Director
reaches out to alumni and friends
choice.
programs to encourage employees
every spring through the studentstaffed phonathon, and raises our
to support charitable and nonprofit The size of your gift isn’t what
organizations. To find out whether
students’ awareness of the need for
matters the most — it’s your
your company has a matching gift
private giving through the Senior Gift
participation. Support through annual
program and to access their form,
Program.
giving enhances the Tech student
click on matchinggifts.com/atu.
experience and adds value to your
16
To learn more about making a Tech Action
degree.
Tribute gifts (gifts made in memory
positive difference through the Tech Loyalty Fund, contact Kristin
or honor or someone) are a wonderful Many organizations, foundations,
Smith at (479) 968-0405 or
and corporations consider alumni
ksmith@atu.edu.
participation to be one indicator
Students today benefit from
When you make your gift, simply
of quality of the institution when
indicate whom the gift honors or
considering their investment in Tech.
memorializes and where you would
the support of alumni and friends who help provide them with an
way to remember someone special.
like us to mail a note recognizing the Prospective students and faculty
tribute gift. The following page has a
environment rich in opportunities
view alumni participation as a vote of
list of tribute gifts made to the Tech
through gifts to the Tech Loyalty
confidence in Tech when making their
Loyalty Fund in recent months
Fund.
choice of universities.
(through January 2010).
Tech Loyalty Fund picks Class of ‘10 Committee The Tech Loyalty Fund established a Senior Class Gift program in 2005 to heighten students’ awareness of the annual giving program prior to graduation with a goal of beginning a tradition of giving. The Arkansas Tech Class of 2010 committee members are: (back row, from left): Dustin Parsons, Kirsten Boyd, Cody McBride, Chyrl Plumb, Brad McBride, Jerry Bailey; (middle row, from left) Jemile Begmyradova, Autumn Laffoon, Tayler Melton, Tanna Bartlett, Taylor Gates, Sarah Curlin; (front row, from left) Jessica Bradshaw, Christina Keaster, Nikki Alderman, Savanna Knight and Kayla New.
Development Corner
IN MEMORY/HONOR OF (July 2009 through January 2010) The following individuals made gifts to Tech in memory or in honor of a friend or loved one In Memory of Charles Adcock Deward and Anne Dopson
In Memory of Eugene Grant Deward and Anne Dopson
In Memory of Bill Morris Deward and Anne Dopson
In Memory of Steve “Mick” Allan Travis and Mary Ann Arterbury David and Dorothy Fike Ward and Selma Ramsay Hugh and Mary Silkensen Omar and Patricia Smith
In Memory of Nadean Crawley Harder Vincent Harder
In Memory of Joyce Newsom Deward and Anne Dopson
In Honor of Suzanne Harmon Faye Crumpler Johnny and Julie Morgan
In Memory of John Nutt Deward and Anne Dopson
In Memory of Noel Baker Deward and Anne Dopson
In Honor of Bill Harmon Faye Crumpler Johnny and Julie Morgan
In Memory of Bill “Blackie” Benton Deward and Anne Dopson In Honor of Angela Bonds William and Delores Thornsberry In Memory of Daisy Briscoe Bill and Cecelia Rothert In Honor of Jill Brown Johnny and Julie Morgan Michael Robinson In Honor of Dr. Robert C. Brown Johnny and Julie Morgan In Memory of Terry Brown Deward and Anne Dopson In Memory of Kent Butler Deward and Anne Dopson In Memory of David Camfield Deward and Anne Dopson In Memory of Jim Cain Deward and Anne Dopson In Memory of Alta Chastain Deward and Anne Dopson In Memory of Larry Coombes Deward and Anne Dopson In Memory of Dale Corley Deward and Anne Dopson In Memory of Dr. Henri Crawley Vincent Harder In Memory of John Danner Bill and Emily Callan In Honor of Duane Dipert Carol Dipert In Memory of Billy Bob Elliott Deward and Anne Dopson
In Memory of John Heard Louella Jones In Memory of Sam Hindsman Deward and Anne Dopson In Memory of EE Hudson Toni Bachman Les and Annielaura Jaggers-Grady Tommy and Linda Richardson Robert Hays and Martha Williams Rita Young
In Memory of Jack Presley Deward and Anne Dopson In Memory of John R. Randolph, Sr. John Robert Randolph, Jr. In Memory of Donald Gene Ruff Deward and Anne Dopson In Memory of Mary Russ Deward and Anne Dopson In Memory of Bryan Simpson Deward and Anne Dopson In Memory of David Small Mittie and Chester Small
In Memory of Neil Jackson Ronald and Brenda Partin
In Memory of Bruce Smith Deward and Anne Dopson
In Memory of Voris Johnson Deward and Anne Dopson
In Memory of Loren Smith David and Dana Moseley
In Honor of Jayne Jones William and Delores Thornsberry
In Memory of Selma Smith David and Dana Moseley Hilda Turner
In Memory of James K. King Mike and Patsy King In Memory of Bill Lemley Deward and Anne Dopson In Memory of Charles R. Lestage Johnny and Julie Morgan In Memory of Bob Leuken Deward and Anne Dopson In Honor of Dr. David Long Scott and Teresa Hinnershitz In Memory of Herman Long Deward and Anne Dopson In Memory of Dr. John Martin Bob and Carolyn Edwards In Memory of Tom Massey Deward and Anne Dopson In Memory of Dr. Jim Ed McGee Johnnie and Carolee Hamilton
In Memory of JJ Faulkner David and Dana Moseley Ben and Amber Pinter
In Memory of Ellis McIntosh Deward and Anne Dopson
In Memory of Joe Fletcher Deward and Anne Dopson
In Memory of Louise C. Mobley Richard Mobley
In Memory of Christina Stinnett Judy Murphy Chris and Elizabeth Stinnett Pat Woodson Ruby Rigdon Peggy Dumont In Memory of Raymond “Coon” Tabor Deward and Anne Dopson In Memory of Bill Tygart Deward and Anne Dopson In Memory of Marion Underhill Deward and Anne Dopson In Memory of Sara Drue Watson Richard Mobley In Memory of Gene Wallick Deward and Anne Dopson In Memory of Charles Wilkins III Richard Mobley In Honor of Martha Williams Bob and Becky Townsell
Brick Program Reminder Leave your mark on the Tech landscape by purchasing your personalized brick through the Development website at http://givetotech.atu.edu. Order by May 1 to have your brick installed at Centennial Plaza by Homecoming 2010. For more information, contact Debra Fithen at (479) 968-0400 or dfithen@atu.edu.
In Memory of Robert Hays Williams Travis and Lou Adams David Bewley Boyd and Marlene Boen Leo and Michiko Bowman Larry and Mary Branch Lou Brookshear Gene Buinger Stephen and Barbara Carr Olen Churchill Richard and Mary Cohoon Barry Coplin Larry and Mary Nell Cotton Bill and Ann Davis Susie Deaton Scotty Douthit Robert and Susan Dunn Bob and Carolyn Edwards John and Penny Fox Roberta Gifford Diane Glowacki Diane Glowacki Patricia Hagemeier Donis Hamilton Joseph and Mary Helen Henry Tom and Jayne Jones John and Martha Kooistra John Krohn Fritz Kronberger and Sharon Trusty John and Kathryn Martin George and Carolyn McLellan Glenn and Virginia Morrison David and Dana Moseley David and Dana Moseley Thomas and Belinda Neal James Niven Richard and Sue Niven George and Betty Overbey Joyce Patton Ellen Paul Flave and Ella Ann Peters Paula Phillips Steve Pittman Nadine Rail Mary Ann Rollans Alton and Ann Rye Alton and Ann Rye Charles Rye Sheila Rye Clyde Scott LeMoyne Smith Gary and Peggy Stratton Amy Sutton Bob and Becky Townsell Bobbie and Verna Turner Mac and Donna Van Horn Marcia Van Horn Louise Watkins Roger and Jane Williams Larry and Sue Zimmerman In Memory of Auzie Wofford Deward and Anne Dopson David and Dana Moseley
Winter 2010
17
Class Notes Marriages Joe Buck Brunson (HEPE ’02) and Brittany Raeann Mainer (AAS-BST ’07 & BPS ’09) were married June 18, 2009. Joe is employed by County Line High School. Brittany works at Arkansas Tech-Ozark Campus. Wade Whittington (BIOL ’02) and Martha Patterson were married June 13, 2009. Wade is a chemist with Tyson Foods. They live in Fayetteville. Elizabeth Bowles (HEPE ’04 & M.Ed. PE ’05) and Austin Sharp were married Dec. 20, 2009. Elizabeth is pursuing a Ph.D. in health and human performance at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro. Rachael Elizabeth Hays (ECED ’04 & MTLL ’08) and Michael Lavell Hearndon were married June 6, 2009. Rachael is a fifth grade teacher at Austell Intermediate School in Atlanta, Ga. They live in Atlanta. Angela Rose Sidler (ECON ’04) and Matthew Alistar Satori were married Oct. 24, 2009. They live in Abilene, Texas. Aaron Joe Robertson (EAM ’05) and Jessica Lynn
18
Tech Action
Martindale were married July 25, 2009. They live in Bryant. Lee Daniel Green (RPA ’06) and Meagan Lucyle Zumwalt (RPA ’09) were married Oct. 17, 2009. They live in London. Benjamin David Hogan (MUED ’06) and Elizabeth Michele Virden were married June 20, 2009. Benjamin is a band director at Morrilton Junior High School. Brittany Jarnagan (MUED ’06) and Chase Jones were married Nov. 21, 2009. Brittany teaches music at Maddux Elementary School in West Memphis. They live in Marion.
JOIN US AT THE BALLPARK Tech Alumni Events
Andrea Elizabeth Bailey (HEPE ’07) and Justin W. Fournier (BSBA ’07) were married June 27, 2009. They live in Conway. Jacqlyn Mary McKeever (CREAT WRIT ’07) and Clinton David Lowrey were married June 13, 2009.
Night With the Northwest Arkansas Naturals: June 17 Night With the Arkansas Travs: July 29 Call (479) 968-0242
Michael Moats (HIST ’08) and Lynsey Thomas (MLED ’08) were married June 20, 2009. Lynsey teaches sixth grade language arts at Helen Tyson Middle School in Springdale. Michael is in law school.
Ashley White (ECON ’08) and Josh Hubbard were married Oct. 17, 2009. Brianna Green (REHAB SCI ’09) and Jordan Harris were married June 6, 2009. Brianna is employed by Ozark Guidance. They live in Springdale. Marika Ann Moore (SOC ’09) and Kenneth Britton Lederman were married Dec. 5, 2009. They live in Russellville.
Births Karen McClendon Sims (HIST EDU ’90 & M.Ed. ’06) and Robby Sims (BUAD ’92), a daughter, Annie Laura, Jan. 13, 2010. Loretta Stanton McKenzie (REHAB SCI ’91) and her husband, Craig, a son, Corban Blake, Sept. 17, 2009. Corban has a brother, Lance, and a sister, Katelyn. Chrystal Andrews Hall (BIOL ’96) and her husband, Matthew, a daughter, Mattie Suzanne, Nov. 6, 2009. Anthony Miller (ELED ’96) and his wife, Kimberly, a daughter, Riley Isabelle, Dec. 29, 2009. Clint Bell (MATH ’97) and Amy Curtis Bell (MGMT/MKTG ’98 & ACCT ’09), a son, Jonathon Matthew, July 21, 2009. Jonathon has a big sister, Laurie. Julie Wilkins Scott (MED TECH ’98) and her husband, Matthew, a son, Hogan Fletcher, July 13, 2009. Hogan has two brothers, Harrison (7) and Heath (4). They live in Russellville. Angela Kleck Harris (ELED ’01) and her husband, JaRon, a son, Jensen Tyler, Sept. 5, 2009. Jeremy Lawson (MGMT/MKTG /01) and his wife, Andrea, a son, Parker Cash, Dec. 2, 2009. Stewart McEntyre (MECH ENGR ’01) and Chrissy Weaver McEntyre (NURS ’02), a daughter, Kinley Reece, Nov. 6, 2009. Kinley has a brother, Brady (3). Melissa Allen (EAM ’02) and her husband, Mike, a daughter, Evelyn Virginia, Oct. 5, 2009. Evelyn has a brother, Andrew (4), and a sister, Isabel (3). They live in Richlands, N.C.
Class Notes Brock Wooldridge (ACCT & ECON ’02) and his wife, Laura, a son, Luke Purcell, Oct. 17, 2009. Brandy Young Crandall (HOSP ADMIN ’05) and her husband, Glenn, a daughter, Abigail Jane, April 8, 2009. Erik Enderlin (EAM ’05) and his wife, Tera, a son, Easton Brant, Dec. 13, 2009. They live in Kansas City, Mo. Heather Rood Ramsey (ART ’05) and her husband,
1970s Bob Baugh (HEPE ’73) retired from Merck on Nov. 1, 2009, after 27 years with the Fortune 500 company. Mark Eakin (ENGR ’75) joined Brown Engineers LLC of Little Rock as a senior project engineer. Steve Workman (MUED ’76) was named to the Oklahoma Music Educators Association Hall of Fame in January 2010.
Jason, a daughter, Dylan Ruth, Dec. 2, 2009.
1980s Ashley Archer Baker (GEOL ’06) and Brett Baker (BIOL ’07), a daughter, Belle Ashton, Dec. 31, 2009. Thomas Scott (MECH ENGR ’06) and Brook Moudy Scott (ECED ’07), a daughter, Briley Kate, Oct. 28, 2009. Bethanie Barton Tyler (MGMT/MKTG ’06) and her husband, Jake, a son, Connor Dalton, Sept. 10, 2009. Connor has a sister, Aubrey (2). They live in Appleton. Wilson Short (EAM ’08) and his wife, Adrienne, a son, Gene Weston, Jan. 31, 2010. Gene has a brother, Ramsay (4). They live in Dardanelle.
1950s
Kyle Parker (POL SCI ’80) was named vice chancellor for planning and technology at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith. Steve Anderson (HEPE ’81) represented Arkansas public school superintendents in the 2008-09 Texas Superintendent Leadership Academy at Lamar University in Beaumont. Tom Jones (AGBU ’82) was elected secretary-treasurer of Arkansas Farm Bureau. Winter 2010
John Carroll (AGBU ’83) was selected as one of five
19
new board members for Arkansas Farm Bureau. Jeananne Cooper Hawking (JOUR ’85) was named
Marion T. Mathis (AGBU ’56) and Treva Martin
director of sales and marketing at the Wyndham
Mathis celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary
Riverfront Hotel in North Little Rock.
on Aug. 22, 2009. Marion is retired from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services. They live in
Rayanne Story (PRE-PHARM ’85) is serving as
Mansfield.
president of the Arkansas Association of Health System Pharmacists.
George Dahlke (AGBU ’58) and Esta Mae Norman Dahlke celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary
Benny McClure (AGBU ’86) and Tara Givens McClure
on Sept. 5, 2009. George is retired from the Soil
celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on Oct. 4,
Conservation Service. They live in North Little Rock.
2009. They live in Springdale.
1960s Bill Bergen (MUED ’61) and Rebecca Hunt Bergen
Craig Rivaldo (BUAD ’87) was selected to serve on the first advisory board for Arvest Equipment Finance. He is Arvest executive vice president in Fort Smith.
(MUED ’61) celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Dec. 27, 2009. They live in Siloam Springs.
Give the gift of education
David Ward (ECON ’88) was named vice president for commercial lending at Bank of the Ozarks in Russellville.
Barbara Graves (’67) was elected vice chair of the advisory board for Centennial Bank in the Little Rock
Donna Rogers (BUAD ’89) joined United Federal Credit
region. She has owned Barbara Graves Intimate
Union as assistant branch manager for its Van Buren
Fashions in Little Rock since 1973.
location.
Visit www.atu.edu/givetotech to learn how you can contribute toward scholarships at Tech.
Class Notes 1990s Tressie Lambert Fowler (ELED ’94 & MSE GTED ’00) was accepted into the doctorate program at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock for fall 2010. She plans to pursue a degree in faculty leadership. Tressie teaches fourth grade for the Danville School District. Rhonda Horton (NURS ’95) was promoted to program director for Arkansas Hospice in Conway and Russellville.
Amy Turner Mersiovsky (NURS ’98) earned a Master of Science degree in nursing from the University of Mary Hardin Baylor in Belton, Texas, on Dec. 11, 2009. She accepted a teaching position in the nursing program at McLennan Community College in Waco, Texas. Allison Snider Smedley (RPA ’98) was named U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Southwestern Division Interpreter of the Year for her efforts to promote water safety.
2000s
Kevin Jones (ECON ’95) joined the corporate and
H. Wayne Young Jr. (HIST ’00) was elected as a partner
securities group of Jaskcon Walker LLP in Dallas, Texas.
at the law firm of Friday, Eldredge and Clark LLP. He is
Kevin is a graduate of the University of Arkansas School
practicing out of the Little Rock office.
of Law. Brock Holman (ACCT ’01) was named vice president of Marvin C. Horn (REHAB SCI ’96) was certified as an
finance at Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff.
alcohol and drug counselor. Luke Leeds (BIOL ’01) was named 2009 employee of the Brad Niemann (HIST ’96) of Cliff Goodin and Associates
year at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center in Russellville.
in Russellville was appointed to the Federal Taxation
20
Committee. The board consists of just 38 realtors from
Jennifer Scheible (NURS ’01) of Arkansas Hospice
across the nation.
Russellville was named education coordinator for the organization’s quality and education department.
Tech Action
Alan W. Todd (BUAD ’97) was promoted to captain in the U.S. Navy. He is currently serving in the Navy Reserves
John Carter (ECON ’02) was named vice president of
Civil Engineer Corps.
commercial lending for Bank of the Ozarks in Little Rock.
Class Notes Lance Carpenter (EAM ’03) is a finalist in a
Arlene Jakubec Cross (ACCT ’08) was hired as a staff
song-writing contest sponsored by the Nashville
accountant with Rasco Winter Abston Moore and
Songwriters Association International. He and Scott
Associates in Little Rock.
Tonkinson co-wrote a song entitled “I Would Be Too” that is one of 10 songs under consideration. The winner of the
Greg Dickerson (MGMT/MKTG ’08) joined the staff
competition will receive a mentoring session with a music
of Whitson-Morgan Motor Company in Clarksville.
publisher and tickets to attend the 2011 Country Music Adrienne Gautier Woods (HIST ’08) is attending the
Television Awards.
University of Arkansas School of Law in Fayetteville. Jessica Whiteaker (ACCT & MGMT/MKTG ’06) joined the
She and her husband, Jonathan, celebrated their first
staff of Engelkes and Felts LTD.
wedding anniversary on Feb. 28, 2010.
Amanda Strange (ACCT ’07) was promoted to senior
Brandon D. Faircloth (NURS ’09) joined the U.S. Army
status in the Fort Smith office of BKD LLP.
at the rank of Second Lieutenant on Dec. 19, 2009.
tech
Today’s Tech Ahrens crowned Miss Tech 2010 Freshman Lindsey Ahrens of Russellville was crowned Miss Tech 2010 on Feb. 26 during the 55th annual Miss Arkansas Tech University Scholarship Pageant at Witherspoon Auditorium. Ahrens will receive a two-semester tuition scholarship at Arkansas Tech and more than $3,000 in gift certificates from area businesses. She will represent Arkansas Tech in the 2010 Miss Arkansas Pageant July 14-17 in Hot Springs.
Winter 2010
21
Obituaries tech
Friends We’ll Miss
Jessie Vernon Harkreader (’30) died Jan. 22, 2010. She
Kathleen Louise Patterson Turner Dawson (’50) died
served as a school teacher in western Arkansas. Survivors
Dec. 27, 2009. Kathleen marketed her hand-made soaps
include her grandchildren, Alicia Dooly, Angela Wimberly,
and skin balms for many years on both the local and
Jamie Patterson and Andrea Nevel. Jessie lived in Barling.
national level. She also prepared income tax returns for
She was 99.
more than 50 years. Survivors include her sons, Jeffrey P. Turner, Alexander B. Dawson and Bruce C. Dawson;
Berniece Eidson Thompson (ELED ’35) died Dec. 19,
stepson, Jimmy Turner; stepdaughter, Janet Smalley;
2009. She was a school teacher and substitute teacher in
brother, James J. Patterson; and sisters, Alice Stroman,
Arkansas River Valley schools in the years following her
Grace McGehee, Elizabeth Milligan and Eleanor Hodges.
graduation from Tech. She and her late husband, Troy
Kathleen lived in Rison. She was 78.
Leon Thompson, lived around the United States before returning to the Russellville area for good in the 1970s.
Creed Carlton Tolson Sr. (BUAD/MKTG ’50) died Dec.
Survivors include her son, Dr. Troy L. Thompson II; and
4, 2009. He was a veteran of World War II, and he owned
sisters, Hilda Gill, Irene Henry and Sara McCormick.
Creed’s Drive-In in Russellville during the 1950s. He later
Berniece lived in Russellville. She was 95.
served as golf professional at Belmont Country Club in Fresno, Calif. Survivors include his sons, Creed Carlton
Elmo Browning (PRE-LAW ’37) died Feb. 23, 2010. He
Tolson Jr. and Thomas Judson Tolson. Creed lived in Hot
was a veteran of World War II, a graduate of the University
Springs. He was 87.
of Arkansas School of Law and retired from careers as an
22
Tech Action
attorney and owner/broker for Browning Forest Products.
Joe Wayne McCurdy (’61) died Dec. 18, 2009. He was a
He was a member of the Wonder Boys baseball team
lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He later had a career in the
during his days as a student at Arkansas Tech. The highest
construction industry in sales, home construction and the
annual giving level in the Tech Loyalty Fund is named the
design of houses. Survivors include his wife of 48 years,
Elmo Browning Society in his honor. He is survived by his
Bonnie McConnell McCurdy; daughter, Brenda McCurdy;
son, Bill Browning. Elmo lived in Little Rock. He was 93.
and son, Allen McCurdy. Joe lived in Dardanelle. He was 71.
Gladys Benham Wiechmann (HOME EC ’37) died July 2, 2008. She taught elementary school in Hobbs, N.M. for
James Deff Davis Jr. (RPA ’78) died Jan. 1, 2010. He was
33 years. She and her husband of 53 years, the late Carl
an inventor and U.S. patent illustrator. Survivors include
Wiechmann, owned Wiechmann Nursery in Hobbs for 50
his wife, JoAnne Davis; and daughters, Bonnie Hawthorne,
years. Survivors include her brothers, Glendon Benham
Delinda Goolsby and Regina Dalton. James lived in Dover.
and Cobb Benham; and sister, Pauline Eilers. Gladys lived
He was 64.
in Idalou, Texas. She was 93. Pete Vorster (ACCT ’82) died July 29, 2009. He was Cornie B. Curry Jr. (’46) died Nov. 17, 2009. He was a
employed as an auditor with the Division of Legislative
veteran of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam
Audit for the State of Arkansas for 22 years. Survivors
War. He retired from the U.S. Army in 1967 at the rank of
include his wife, Donna Carol Vorster; son, William Vorster;
major. Survivors include his wife, Patricia Hunter Curry;
daughter, Laura Vorster; mother, Anna Vorster Furstenberg;
daughter, Elizabeth Corley; and sisters, Virginia Rea and
stepfather, Adrian Furstenberg; brother, David Vorster;
Dixie Clem. Cornie lived in Booneville. He was 85.
and sisters, Debra Vorster and Joan Stone. Pete lived in Dardanelle. He was 55.
J.B. George (BUAD/MKTG ’48) died Oct. 24, 2009. J.B. was a veteran of World War II. He worked as personnel
Cindy Smith Konert (NURS ’90) died Nov. 25, 2009.
and safety manager for Bibler Brothers Lumber Company.
Survivors include her husband, Tom Konert; daughter,
Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Imodell George;
Meghan Konert; son, Jackson Konert; parents, Freta and
son, Rick George; and daughter, Teri Tolar. J.B. lived in
Herb Smith; and brother, Marquis Smith. Cindy lived in
Russellville. He was 85.
Van Buren. She was 44.
Obituaries Alan Cozart (’89) died Nov. 28, 2009. He was All-
Richard Tripp Taylor (ALUM) died Feb. 17, 2010.
America in 1989 as a member of the Arkansas Tech
Survivors include his father, Richard L. Taylor; and
basketball team. He helped Tech capture the 1988
mother and stepfather, Shirley and Dan Johnson. Tripp
Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference title and he was a
lived in Pottsville. He was 27.
two-time All-AIC selection. Alan was inducted into the Arkansas Tech Hall of Distinction under the Distinction in Intercollegiate Athletics Category in 2008. Survivors include his wife, Jeanne; daughter, Brittney Renee Cozart; son, Brantley Turner Cozart; stepsons, Hooper Vint and Pense Gammill; sister, Bradi Cozart; and mother, Molly Cozart. Alan lived in Bryant. He was 44. Janan Grace Hudson Taylor (ART ’92) died Dec. 19, 2009. She was a substitute teacher and volunteer at Center Valley Elementary School in Russellville. Survivors include her husband, Brent Taylor; son, Kyle Taylor; daughter, Morgan Taylor; parents, Don and Janie Bowden Hudson; sister, Linda Davis; and brother, Gary
Dr. John Lee Martin (FMR FACULTY) died Nov. 4, 2009. A veteran of World War II, John joined the Arkansas Tech faculty in 1983 and was department head for physical sciences from 1986-91. Survivors include his wife, J. Kathryn Martin; and children, William, John, Sally Elizabeth and David Paul. John lived in Russellville. He was 85. Dr. William C. Titus (FMR FACULTY) died Dec. 2, 2009. Bill retired from Arkansas Tech as an associate professor of psychology in 2005 following a 21-year career with the university. He served as a consultant for the Academic Partnership in Public Child Welfare, and
Don Hudson. Janan lived in Russellville. She was 42.
he gave of his time to train foster parents in a nine-
Ryan White (HEPE ’05) died Feb. 22, 2010. He was
Vonna F. Titus; and children, Andrea Swan, Christine
head baseball coach at Senatobia High School (Miss.). Ryan is Arkansas Tech’s all-time hit king in baseball. He notched 250 career base hits 2002-05. He also holds school records for career doubles (59) and career total bases (381). Ryan was the 2003 Gulf South Conference batting champion with an average of .446. Survivors include his parents, Jan and Tommy White. Ryan lived in Southaven, Miss. He was 27.
county region of Arkansas. Survivors include his wife, Titus and Patrick Titus. Bill lived in Hattieville. He was 56. Roy Bewley (FMR STAFF) died Dec. 9, 2009. He was a
Winter 2010
veteran of World War II and retired as director of ROTC building maintenance at Arkansas Tech. Survivors include his son, Don Bewley. Roy lived in Russellville. He was 94.
I would like to make a donation to the Arkansas Tech Alumni Association Scholarship:
$__________
I would like to make a donation in honor of __________________________________________________:
$__________
I would like to make a donation in memory of _________________________________________________:
$__________
Please make checks payable to the Arkansas Tech Foundation and write Alumni Scholarship in the memo field of the check. Donations may be mailed to the Arkansas Tech Foundation, P.O. Box 8820, Russellville, AR 72801
Name_________________________________________________ Tech major and year ___________________________________ (include maiden name if applicable)
Graduated or attended (circle one)
Spouse’s Name_______________________________________ Tech major and year ____________________________________ (include maiden name if applicable)
23
Graduated or attended (circle one)
let us hear from
Mailing address________________________________________ City__________________________ State_____ Zip __________ Telephone____________________________________________ E-mail ________________________________________ Occupation: His________________________________________________ Hers __________________________________________ News: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ mail class notes to Tech Alumni Office, 1313 N. Arkansas Ave., Russellville, AR 72801 or e-mail to alumni@atu.edu.
you
Tech Action Arkansas Tech University Alumni Association Alumni House Russellville, AR 72801 Arkansas Tech University Alumni Association Volume 46 No. 1
4,122
That was the attendance for the Arkansas Tech-Delta State basketball doubleheader on Saturday, Jan. 23, the largest crowd to ever watch Arkansas Tech basketball on campus. The Golden Suns and Wonder Boys swept the doubleheader, and both went on to earn GSC West Division titles. Visit www.athletics.atu.edu and www.arkansastechnews.com to find out how they fared in the postseason.