Westtexansummer2016 by West Texas A&M University

THE

WEST TEXAN

A PUBLICATION OF THE WEST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION • SUMMER 2016

A FOUNDATION FOR

FUTURE GROWTH Pat and Karen O’Brien mark a decade of growth and change at WTAMU

Story on page 16

DISTINGUISHED AND DYNAMIC WTAMU honors its 2016 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients. • Michael Merriman ’77 • Mila Gibson ’66, ’69

• Mike Mauldin ’78 • Bradley Garner ’78, ’79

Story on page 11

THE WEST TEX AN Dear Buff family,

lot about welcoming a new WT president and preparations to introduce him or her to our alumni

LISA INSALL ’93, ’01 A LUMNI RELATIONS COORDINATOR

around the country. We’re excited about

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION President President Elect Secretary

David Willis ’79 Zenobia Harris Bivens ’03 J’Lynn Newman Wheeler ’80

the future and hope you’ll be a part of a welcome event in your in the coming year.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

a personal note to Dr. O’Brien. Be sure to turn the

Board of Directors

pages to read more about how he and Karen have

J’Lynn Newman Wheeler ’80

community. Stay tuned—there will be a lot going on

That being said, I invite you to read along as I share

Zenobia Harris Bivens ’03 John Osborne ’94, ’95 Jesse Cross ’79 David Sims ’65 Natalie Jackson ’05 Ron Watts ’71 Cody Myers ’79, ’87 David Willis ’79

CONTENTS

future you will hear a

AMBER BUSTOS ’11, ’15 COORDINATOR FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

2016 Executive Committee

SUMMER 2016

In the not-too-distant

BECKY STOGNER D IRECTOR FOR ALUMNI RELATIONS AND UNIVERSITY ENGAGEMENT

BARBARA PALMER ’78, ’81 ASSISTANT DIRECTOR FOR ALUMNI RELATIONS AND UNIVERSITY ENGAGEMENT

•

FACULTY AND STAFF ACCOMPLISHMENTS

WT faculty and staff have received awards, published works and been elected to serve.

YOU DO WHAT?

The West Texan’s column featuring alumni with unusual jobs

BRINGING BACK BUFFALO STADIUM

Students vote to bring football back to the WT campus.

left their mark on WT. Dear Dr. O’Brien, Your decade of leadership at WT is truly appreciated. We will miss your trademark “Go Buffs” and

Activate your Alumni Association Membership online at buffalum.com. Follow us: twitter.com/wtalumni facebook.com/buffalum linkedIn: WT Alumni Association

Karen’s contagious laugh. Your strategic planning showed you were always thinking of our current and future students, our dedicated alumni, and you were ever-mindful of our promising future. Your presence at athletic events, fine arts programs and other University activities did not go unnoticed—

THE WEST TEXAN

our students know you truly care about them and

PHOENIX BANQUET

Alumni from near and far gather for the 53rd annual Phoenix Banquet.

DISTINGUISHED AND DYNAMIC

WT honors its 2016 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients.

A FOUNDATION FOR FUTURE GROWTH

Pat and Karen O’Brien retire after 10 years of service.

their success. Your support has enabled the Alumni

A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF WEST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY.

Association to grow and for your generous and dedicated support, we thank you. We are stronger

Executive Editor Becky Stogner Editor Rana McDonald Publisher Ann Underwood ’99

Writers Rana McDonald Darcy Lively ’99 Photography Rik Andersen ’89 Darcy Lively ’99

Art Director Catherine McGovern

because of your leadership at WT.

Production Karen Edwards

May God bless you in your retirement— and GO BUFFS.

The West Texas A&M University Alumni Association is a non-profit corporation organized for the benefit of WTAMU, a member of The Texas A&M University System. The WTAMU Alumni Association is located in Buffalo Courts on the WTAMU campus in Canyon, Texas. The West Texan is the official publication of the WTAMU Alumni Association. The magazine is published two times a year by the WTAMU Office of Communication and Marketing. Editorial offices are located in Old Main on the West Texas A&M University campus. Send alumni news information to rmcdonald@wtamu.edu. We welcome story ideas and suggestions. Postage is paid at Amarillo, Texas. Postmaster: Send address changes to The West Texan, WTAMU Alumni Association, WTAMU Box 60753, Canyon, Texas 79016 or visit BUFFalum.com to update contact information.

Becky Stogner Executive Director WT Alumni Association

UP AND RUNNING

Coach Darren Flowers is setting a pace for success with WT’s track and field program.

SPRING 2016 ATHLETIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS

The spring season proves successful for Buff and Lady Buff sports.

WHERE BUFFALO ROAM

WTAMU alumni have been busy winning awards and getting promoted. buffalum.com 1

WEST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

faculty and staff accomplishments WT faculty and staff members have received awards, published works and been elected to serve in various capacities.

The spring semester at WT saw several faculty and staff members retire after many years of service to the University. Kay Hagar ’79, ’94, retired at the end of March after 41 years with WT in positions ranging from director of residential living to assistant vice president of student life and student judicial affairs. Dr. Douglas Bingham, associate dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences and professor of biology, and Dr. Roy Thoman, professor of political science, both retired after the spring semester. Bingham joined the faculty in 1970 and had 46 years of service. Thoman came to WT in 1968 and retired with 48 years of service. Other retirees include Lynda Robinson, David Horsley, Shirley Plain and Cherel Park. The spring semester closed with the presentation of the annual Faculty Excellence Awards. The three faculty members recognized for their outstanding contributions to higher education were Dr. Tim Bowman, assistant professor of history, Intellectual Contributions; Dr. Tanner Robertson ’02, assistant professor of agricultural media and communication, Instructional Excellence; and Dr. Anne Macy, Edwards Professor of Finance, Professional Service. Crystal Bertrand ’92, ’94, instructor of dance, spent New Year’s Day in Pasadena, Calif., as choreographer of a blanket toss for the opening number of the 127th Tournament of Roses Parade. She has choreographed the famous toss for the outdoor musical TEXAS for more than 20 years. Dr. Timothy Bowman, assistant professor of history, is the author of Blood Oranges: Agriculture and Colonialism in the South Texas Borderlands, published this spring by Texas A&M University Press. The book traces the origins and legacy of differences between Anglo-Americans and ethnic Mexicans (Mexican nationals and Mexican Americans) in 20th century South Texas. Dr. Bruce Brasington, professor of history, also published a book this spring, Order in the Court, Medieval Procedural Treatises in Translation. The book is in the series Medieval Law in Practice, published by Brill. Brasington translates and comments upon the earliest medieval, Latin treatises on ecclesiastical legal procedure. Carol Lovelady was named interim director of the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum and began her new duties on May 16. She is filling the position vacated by Guy “Cliff” Vanderpool, who left in late April to take

a position at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art in Fort Worth. Lovelady, a longtime supporter of the museum, has served two terms on the museum’s board of directors and currently serves on the museum’s Long-Term Strategic Planning Committee. Dr. Elsa Diego-Medrano, assistant professor of education, is one of 10 faculty members in The Texas A&M University System named as a 2016 recipient of the Chancellor’s Academy of Teacher Educators. The Academy recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of teacher education and highlights the role of the A&M System in producing K-12 teachers for the state of Texas. She was recognized in March during the annual meeting of the Chancellor’s Century Council in Austin. Dr. Vaughn C. Nelson, professor emeritus of physics, and Kenneth Starcher ’80, ’95, instructor of engineering and computer science, are the co-authors of The Introduction to Renewable Energy, Second Edition. The book has the same multidisciplinary approach to exploring ways to generate more sustainable energy as the first edition but provides updated information on everything from bioenergy to climate change. Dr. William J. “Jim” Rogers ’74, ’76, professor of environmental science, is one of 12 faculty members in The Texas A&M University System named as a Regents Professor for 2014-2015. The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents designated Rogers and 11 other faculty members as Regents Professors and eight agency service, extension or research professionals as Regents Fellows. The program was established in 1996 to recognize employees who have made exemplary contributions to their university or agency and to the people of Texas. He was recognized at a special reception and dinner in February at Texas A&M University in College Station. Dr. Laurie Sharp is the new Dr. John G. O’Brien Distinguished Chair in Education. The chair was established in 2008 by members of the John G. O’Brien family, the Amarillo Area Foundation and the Don and Sybil B. Harrington Foundation to honor O’Brien and his dedication to public school education in the Texas Panhandle. Sharp comes to WT from Tarleton State University, where she served as an instructor and assistant professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. Lorna Strong, head of the Department of Sports and Exercise Sciences, was inducted into the Southwest Athletic Trainers’ Association (SWATA) 2016 Hall of Fame during the organization’s annual meeting July 21-23 in Arlington. She is a longtime active member of SWATA and has served at the local, state, district and national levels.

RUNNING FOR THE WIN

DESTINATION: JAPAN

GRAD’S GUIDE TO LIFE

WT’s Geoffrey Kipchumba was named the 2015 Lone Star Conference Cross Country Runner of the Year. Kipchumba, a sophomore from Kapsabet, Kenya, became the first All-American in WT men’s cross country history with his 20th place finish at the NCAA Division II Championships while leading the team to an 18th-place finish. He covered the 10,000-meter course with a personal-best time of 30:12.6. He is the second Buff to win the award and the first since Dylan Doss in 2013.

Trang Nguyen, a junior international business major at WT, is taking a big step toward her goal of being a professional entrepreneur as she traveled to Japan this spring as the recipient of a prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. Nguyen is one of approximately 800 American undergraduate students from 355 colleges and universities across the United States selected to receive the award. She is studying at Nagasaki Foreign Language University through Aug. 6.

The Alumni Association hosted its second “Grad’s Guide to Life: Things to Know Before You Go” in April to help near graduates navigate the real world. Six alumni speakers volunteered their expertise on topics ranging from buying a home and business etiquette to insurance and community involvement. The daylong event also included professional head shots and door prizes, and closed out with a cocktail hour for students, alumni and staff. Anyone interested in helping with next year’s event can contact Amber Bustos at abustos@wtamu.edu.

THE WEST TEXAN

COORDINATED EFFORT FOR PANHANDLE HEROES Five students at WT coordinated an intensive month-long campaign this spring titled “Connecting with Heroes” aimed at increasing understanding and assistance for more than 2,000 student veterans and their families in the Texas Panhandle. The campaign was a part of the 2016 Public Relations Students Society of America competition.

wtamu.edu 3

what?

you do

“

Walking into owning a restaurant can be daunting but having the extensive financial and accounting knowledge from my degree was a tremendous help. I am able to save tons of money by having the knowledge to do my own books and most of my own taxes. But above all, having my degrees gave me the confidence I need to be a good leader for my employees and hopefully my community.” — Angela Corpening

By Rana McDonald | Photography by Rik Andersen

ngela Corpening ’06, ’15, had planned on being a stockbroker but after watching a documentary one night she promptly ditched that plan for a totally different route. And she’s been serving up beer, burgers and live music ever since. Being a stockbroker seemed like a natural path for Corpening. She earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting at WT as well as a M.B.A., but a chance viewing of that film opened her eyes to exploring new possibilities. “One night I watched a documentary on octogenarians, and every one of the people being interviewed stated that their one regret was not taking enough chances. I didn’t want that same regret.” At the time, Corpening was working on her bachelor’s degree while waiting tables at the GoldenLight. It was a comfortable and familiar place to the Amarillo native as she often went there as a child with her grandfather to eat the restaurant’s tasty burgers. But she knew that the restaurant’s fourth owner, Marc Reed, was thinking about selling the GoldenLight, and she hated the thought of someone coming in and changing a place that felt like home to her. “I decided to go ahead and try and buy the GoldenLight,” she said. “It wasn’t an easy task being 26 with no money and no investors. I went to every bank in town and sold my business plan and myself

POWER POSTER WT graduate student Joshua Partheepan received a first-place prize in December at the National Conference on Recent Trends in Power Engineering for his poster presentation titled “Hydrogen Gas Turbine Power Plant as Frequency Control Regulator and Dynamic Power Generator for Maintaining Grid Stability and Power Quality.”

THE WEST TEXAN

accounting knowledge from my degree was a tremendous help,” she said. “I am able to save tons of money by having the knowledge to do my own books and most of my own taxes. But above all, having my degrees gave me the confidence I need to be a good leader for my employees and hopefully my community.” The GoldenLight is nationally registered as a historic building, and people from around the world have stopped by for the restaurant’s tasty fare and its

“

until I finally found one that would take a chance on me.” Yes, for the past 10 years Corpening has been the owner and proprietor of the GoldenLight Café and Cantina. She is the fifth owner of the oldest restaurant in Amarillo and the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the same location anywhere on Route 66. The GoldenLight opened in 1946, and it’s a piece of history that Corpening has embraced while improving food quality and service, adding an outdoor patio and

building on the Cantina’s legendary music venue. She manages an average of 17 employees while overseeing everything from menus and catering to booking local and out-of-town bands. It’s definitely a full-time job, and Corpening is quick to credit her education at WT. “Walking into owning a restaurant can be daunting but having the extensive financial and

Alumna Angela Corpening and the Goldenlight Cafe

PERFORMING ON THE NATIONAL STAGE A seven-member trumpet ensemble, under the direction of Dr. William Takacs, was selected to compete in the semifinal round of the 2016 National Trumpet Competition in March at Columbus State University in Columbus, Ga. Ensemble members include graduate students Payne Conner of Midland, Jacob Schott of Centennial, Colo., senior Blain Doggett of Midland, sophomores Jennifer Francis of Canyon and Jacob Sexton of Pampa and freshmen Aaron Herbert of Austin and Aaron Olson of McAllen.

Route 66 history. Plus, its stage has drawn musicians from near and far to make the Cantina one of the best live-music venues in Amarillo. Performers include everyone from Uncle Lucius, Cross Canadian Ragweed and Cooder Graw to The Gourds, Shinyribs and Eleven Hundred Springs. And Corpening has hosted numerous WT alumni events, not to mention various community fundraisers. Customers from Australia to Amarillo are drawn to its relaxed atmosphere, good food and cold beer. Corpening is grateful to be part of it. “The GoldenLight is pretty much what it is, which is what makes it so special,” she said. “My goal is to preserve its uniqueness while providing the best quality food and service I can.” She’s definitely doing that—and all without regrets for taking a chance.

It’s probably the most asked question at reunions and homecoming events—what do you do? Typical answers run the gamut from teacher to lawyer, but the West Texan staff thought it would be interesting to highlight those professions that are a bit different or unusual. If you have a fun, interesting and different job, let us know at rmcdonald@wtamu.edu.

SECOND IN THE NATION

SILVER BUFFALO AWARDS

The WT National Student Advertising Competition team, Buffalo Advertising, won second place in the nation in June at the American Advertising Federation’s ADMERICA national conference in Anaheim, Calif. Plus, Amanda Koontz, a senior advertising/public relations major from Canyon, received the AAF District 7 Bolton-MacVicar Best Presenter Award. The WT team created a written campaign proposal and 20-minute presentation for this year’s corporate sponsor, Snapple, to take the second-place berth. It was a history-making win for the team and the University.

Dr. J. Patrick O’Brien, University president, honored the WT Symphonic Band and the WT Chorale as recipients of the 2016 Presidential Order of the Silver Buffalo Award in April. Both groups were selected from blind auditions to perform at the annual conference of the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) in February. The band, under the direction of Don Lefevre, marked its 14th appearance at TMEA—a number unrivaled by any other university band to date. The WT Chorale, under the direction of Sean Pullen made its first TMEA appearance in more than 30 years. The group is one of only two university choirs selected to perform at the event. buffalum.com 5

B By Rana McDonald Rendering/Architecture Credits: SPM Architects

RINGING ACK UFFALO STADIUM

West Texas A&M University’s new stadium is scheduled to open in 2018, and the facility will be more than just a salute to the future of football at WT. It also will stand in honor of the past by bringing the popular sport back to campus and bearing a name that resonates with many former WT football players and students.

THE WEST TEXAN

I Shannon Richardson

West Texas A&M students vote yes for a new stadium. (Left to Right) Reece McKillip, Derek Vasquez, Edward Akinyemi, Kimber Harrison

n October 2015, the Student Senate passed a bill calling for a student body vote on the construction and funding of a new football stadium on campus. WT students were given two days in late March 2016 to vote online or at campus kiosks to decide whether the athletic fee should be increased for the addition of an on-campus football stadium on the north side of Buffalo Sports Park. In the vote, 787 (52.26 percent) students voted yes to the stadium, while 719 (47.74) voted no. Students also voted for a name for the stadium—The Stomping Grounds, Thunder Stadium or Buffalo Stadium—and Dr. J. Patrick O’Brien, University president, announced the selection at an event in early April. The winning name—Buffalo Stadium—won with 445 votes, followed by Thunder Stadium with 360 votes. The Stomping Grounds garnered 288 votes. Even though many of the students may not have realized it, the vote and the name Buffalo Stadium bring a bit of WT history and tradition back to campus. The stadium prior to Kimbrough Memorial Stadium was named Buffalo Stadium, and according to Tommie Thornburg ’57, the original Buffalo Stadium was located where the Sybil B. Harrington Fine Arts Complex now sits. It was built by the Works Progress Administration and at one time had a capacity of 7,000. Thornburg said the last game played there was in 1958. “That’s good (the new name),” Thornburg said. “It still holds tradition at West Texas.” Construction on the stadium is expected to begin in 2017, but first

wtamu.edu 7

University officials will begin working with a design team to develop a program of requirements that will outline in detail everything needed for the stadium. Once the program of requirements and general project cost are finalized, the project will go before The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents to move it from an unfunded project to a funded project.

“

This is a giant step forward for the University and the community — one that will be experienced by generations. I commend the leadership in student government as well as the pride and involvement in WT that the student body exhibited in casting their votes.” — Michael McBroom, director of athletics The new facility will be constructed just north of Jarrett Hall, where the current soccer/track field is located. The soccer/track field will be relocated just north of the current practice field. The 12,000-seat stadium will be a horseshoe configuration with the open end at the south end of the field. Concessions and restrooms will be scattered throughout. The stadium’s main press box will be located on the west side and will offer plenty of space for multiple broadcast teams. The east side entrance will house a spirit shop on game days. Tailgating will take place all across campus, but the most popular area will be the Grand Lawn just east of the stadium. A large video screen on the outside of the stadium will face the Grand Lawn for broadcasts of sporting events just prior to WT games. “This is a giant step forward for the University and the community— one that will be experienced by generations,” Michael McBroom, director of athletics, said. “I commend the leadership in student government as well as the pride and involvement in WT that the student body exhibited in casting their votes.”

Learn more about the stadium and how to get involved at wtamu.edu/BuffaloStadium.

BECOME A CONTRIBUTING MEMBER OF THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION TODAY. For more than a century, WT alumni have been dedicated to making the campus, community and world a better place. It comes from that Buff Pride we all feel for this wonderful institution—a pride built on memories, friendships, ethics and values. Buff Pride is the common thread that pulls us all together and strengthens the ties between generations of WT alumni.

VISIT BUFFALUM.COM Learn more about membership benefits Connect with Your Local Alumni Chapter • Update Your Information

Aerial View from Northeast, Buffalo Stadium THE WEST TEXAN

Strengthen your ties by making a gift to the WT Alumni Association and help us preserve the WT legacy that is as proud as the buffalo and as big as West Texas.

Distinguished Alumni Awards and Phoenix Banquet

Mike Mauldin ’78

Michael Merriman ’77

Mila Gibson ’66, ’69

Bradley Garner ’78, ’79

WT honors its 2016 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients. By Darcy Lively | Photography by Rik Andersen Special Design by Slate Group 9

1) Jack ’06 and Helene ’02, ’08 Hayward

6) Michael Merriman ’77 and Darrell Bledsoe

2) Jeannie Seivers, Mark Seivers, Michael Merriman, Jr. ’12

7) Lilia Escajeda and Jimmie Bender

3) Cathleen Tyson and Mila Gibson ’66, ’69

8) Shona Rose ’09 and Puff Niegos

4) Lyndi Williams, Rita Glenn, Alison Glenn ’06, and Shevon Moya ’04

9) Don Cantrell and Wyley Mauldin ‘63

5) Patricia Fischer, Doris Hill ’52, and Nancy Josserand

11) Arlene Pool and Marlies Ballengee

THE WEST TEXAN

10) Freda Powell, Yvette Henderson ’98, ’04, and Natalie Cantley

our West Texas A&M University alumni— an internationally recognized flutist, the founder of Amarillo Opera, a successful regional CEO and an award-winning music video producer and director—were recognized when the University presented its prestigious Distinguished Alumni Awards at the 53rd annual Phoenix Banquet in April on the WTAMU campus. The annual event is the University’s opportunity to recognize and honor the best of WTAMU’s alumni. The four honorees—Bradley A.

Garner ’78, ’79, Mila Gibson ’66, ’69, Mike Mauldin ’78, and Michael Merriman ’77—were selected for outstanding contributions to their professions and community from a field of many other successful nominees. This year’s recipients have achieved exceptional success in each of their respective professions since graduating from WT, proving that a degree from West Texas A&M University more than prepares students for rewarding and successful careers. buffalum.com 11

, , Bradley Garner 78, 79

, , Mila Gibson 66, 69

I N T E R N AT I O N A L LY A C C L A I M E D F L U T I S T

FOUNDER OF THE AMARILLO OPERA

TAMU alumnus Bradley A. Garner earned a bachelor’s degree in music in 1978 and a master’s degree in music in 1979. He is the first flutist to receive a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Juilliard School and has built a career as a world-renowned musician, respected teacher, talented recording artist and skilled clinician. He has played with the New York Philharmonic, the Cincinnati Symphony and as principal flutist with the Atlantic Sinfonietta, the New York Virtuosi, the Virtuosi Quintet and the 20th Century Chamber Orchestra. Garner also is the first American flutist to be invited by the Russian government to perform in Moscow’s Tchaikovsky Hall. “Even as a very young student, Brad was an outstanding flute player” said Dr. Terrance Milligan ’68, ‘71, University of Cincinnati Professor Emeritus and Garner’s junior high school band director. “Not just a technician, but a musician.” He has performed concerts, solo recitals and conducted master classes all over the world, inspiring audiences and students with “ his musicality and effortless

technique. He is a Yamaha performing artist and clinician and also finds time to serve on the flute faculty at The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Queens College, New York University and The Juilliard School. His students have been the beneficiaries of his talents, winning positions in orchestras, prizes in national and international competitions, college teaching positions and more. “Dr. Garner is one of the elite artist/teachers of flute in the world, and his record of student achievements is remarkable,” Randy C. Gardner, professor of horn and department chair at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, said. “He is a person of unquestionable integrity and cares very deeply for the many ways that West Texas A&M University shaped his personal development and professional success. Bradley Garner is an outstanding standard bearer around the world for WT.” “It’s an amazing thing I get to do, it’s a real gift,” said Garner. “And I couldn’t do it without the education I got from West Texas State.

BRADLEY GARNER, TO ME, HAS HAD THE

MOST BRILLIANT CAREER OF ANYONE THAT I’VE EVER KNOWN TO GO THROUGH THE

WT MUSIC DEPARTMENT” -DON LEFEVRE

THE WEST TEXAN

ila Gibson earned two degrees outreach programs and educational from WTAMU—a bachelor’s degree services. The opera company provides the in music in 1966 and a master’s Panhandle communities with plenty of degree in 1969. “I thought I would go to WT live, community-based productions, too. Its for a semester and learn all that my music first effort was “Madame Butterfly” with teacher, Elsa Porter had to teach me,” said Gibson as star, producer, director, costumer Gibson. “I got my bachelor’s and master’s and publicist. With a growing repertoire, from her, went off to other places to study Amarillo Opera soon outgrew its Amarillo with very famous people and they never College venue and today performs as came close to her. I never learned all that a resident company of the Globe-News lady had to teach.” Center for the Performing Arts. Music has always played an important “Mila is a leader in her industry, and role in her life and through the years those are the type of people that represent she has worked with, and influenced, our University well,” Jimmy Lackey ’85, generations of young performers. Gibson ’96, president and CEO of Kids, Inc., said. taught at WTAMU from 1979 to 1982 “When someone puts together something before joining the faculty at Amarillo like the Amarillo Opera, that’s pretty College, where she taught from 1982-2000. special. It’s good for our community, The talented singer has earned numerous it’s good for our region, it’s good for our awards and honors for her work, but it’s economy, and it certainly adds to our her dedication to the arts through outreach culture.” programs that has garnered praise from Although Gibson has retired to her communities across the Panhandle. Gibson hometown of Sweetwater, her influence founded Amarillo Opera in 1988 and and contributions continue to make a thanks to her efforts, everyone from adults difference throughout the Amarillo area. to school children got the opportunity to And her dedication to the arts continues experience the to be an joy and beauty important part of opera. Today, of her life. In “ I WOULD CONSIDER THE the Amarillo 2011 she was Opera serves appointed up to 500,000 to the Texas people annually Commission on TO through its the Arts by Gov. BE performances, Rick Perry.

AMARILLO OPERA

A HUGE SUCCESS, AND WE OWE THAT TO

MILA

”

-CATHERINE WINSETT

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, Mike Mauldin 78

, Michael Merriman 77

PRESIDENT AND CEO OF FIRST FINANCIAL BANK, HEREFORD

AWA R D - W I N N I N G D I R E C T O R A N D V I D E O P R O D U C E R

ike Mauldin earned a Bachelor of he became an ambassador to the banking Business Administration degree industry on state and national politics and in computer information systems the effects it has on financial institutions in 1978 and started his career selling and the customers served. He’s participated computers as a territory manager with in focus groups, task forces, committees and the Burroughs Corp. in Amarillo. That job more to ensure that every bank, from the proved to be his connection to the banking largest to the smallest, has a voice. industry and in 1979, Mauldin joined Mauldin also is an advocate and First State Bank of Tulia. His integrity supporter of his community and WTAMU. contributed to his reputation as a fair and “We try to be active and involved in every honest banker, and he landed in Idalou aspect of the community,” said Mauldin. “If as the president and CEO of Idalou State there is anything going on, we try to be a Bank. In 2002 he moved to Hereford and part of it.” currently serves as the regional CEO and He has been instrumental in bringing president of the Hereford region of First new businesses to Hereford in his role Financial Bank. as chairman of the Hereford Economic “I have had the privilege of working Development Committee. He’s also active with Mike for five years and have witnessed in the University’s annual FORE County firsthand his impact on our company, our Golf Tournament, where proceeds benefit customers and our community,” T. Luke student scholarships at WTAMU. Mauldin Longhofer ’04, executive vice president in often visits the campus to speak to students lending, said. “He is a tremendous leader of about banking. He has organized several our bank, and he is well respected among paid internships for WTAMU students his peers in the banking industry.” seeking careers His 35 years in the banking in the banking “ industry and industry was a guest includes speaker at this distinctive year’s Grad’s service to the Guide to Life, Texas Bankers speaking Association as about financial chairman of the AND THE TEXAS PANHANDLE ARE VERY board, where responsibility.

MIKE IS A

GREAT FRIEND & GREAT LEADER.

FIRST FINANCIAL BANK FORTUNATE TO HAVE HIM HERE” -JOHNNY TROTTER

THE WEST TEXAN

ichael Merriman, a veteran director and producer, earned a bachelor’s degree in Commercial Art from WTAMU in 1977. He started at an advertising agency in Amarillo in the late 1970s, and today Merriman is an award-winning director with extensive experience in commercials, music videos and documentaries. He has more than 200 music videos to his credit with such artists as Travis Tritt, Toby Keith and Trace Adkins and a 2002 Music Video of the Year Award for Brooks and Dunn’s “Only in America.” “Michael Merriman has produced and directed numerous videos for Gaither Music and our sister companies,” Bill Gaither, said. “His professionalism and creativity are tremendous assets through which Michael has helped us create meaningful, beautifully produced

programming that stands the test of time. He is always flexible and cool headed, truly a joy to work with and an outstanding force in the entertainment industry. We are grateful for every opportunity we have to partner with him.” In addition to numerous awards and nominations for his work in music videos, Merriman’s talent also has been recognized for his work in ad campaigns for Toyota, Tide, Saturn, NCAA basketball and more. His produced and directed documentaries have aired on PBS and include “He Touched Me, The Gospel Music of Elvis Presley,” “Kindred Spirits, Honoring the Songs of Johnny Cash” and “Elvis Lives.” “The most important thing I learned at WT was how to see as an artist,” said Merriman. “That got me my first job, and it’s still with me today.”

MICHAEL

“

IS SO CREATIVE, I THINK HE’S ONE OF THE

MOST TALENTED PEOPLE IN THE

VIDEO PRODUCTION BUSINESS THAT I’VE EVER MET ” -BILL CARTER

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FOUNDATION Future Growth

for

President J. Patrick O’Brien leaves a better WT after 10 years of service

By Rana McDonald | Photography by Rik Andersen THE WEST TEXAN

t had to have been a bit of a culture shock when Pat and Karen O’Brien moved to Canyon and West Texas A&M University in 2006. After all, the University’s new president and his wife were accustomed to the humid, jazz-infused city of New Orleans, where beads and Mardi Gras reigned, and jambalaya and crawfish were served. But the O’Briens embraced the culture of their new dry-as-a-bone town and found a way to mix the New Orleans culture with the beef-is-what-you-eat Panhandle. Mardi Gras beads appeared at Homecoming parades, and Louisiana chefs traveled to Canyon to teach cooking classes on the fine art of Cajun and Creole cooking. But most importantly, O’Brien pulled on some cowboy boots, donned a cowboy hat and got to work making WT the best it could be. And boy, did O’Brien work. His list of accomplishments over the past 10 years is nothing short of impressive. Expanded programs, national recognition and a growing student enrollment are only a few of the many things O’Brien focused on during his time here. The most visible example of O’Brien’s work is the campus itself. From Buffalo Sports Park to the Hayward Clock Tower, the WT campus reflects a true campus atmosphere. More than $150 million in campus construction, renovations and improvements have been completed during O’Brien’s tenure, and it’s a place students and alumni are proud to call home.

Pat and Karen O’Brien

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For the University to excel and continue to grow, you have to have good strategic planning. Dr. O’Brien is outstanding at that. It’s one of his greatest strengths.

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— Dr. Wade Shaffer, provost and vice president for academic affairs

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The change in the campus landscape has been drastic, but O’Brien didn’t limit his efforts to construction projects. He wanted even more for the school and community he had come to love. It all became part of a strategic plan and called for new academic programs, initial and renewed

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ook around this place. Look at the past 10 years, and I can talk as an alumnus of this University, and I can talk as a very proud faculty member of this University,” Dr. De’Arno De’Armond ’98, ’01, Edwards Professor of Financial Planning, said. “Just take a walk on campus and look at how amazing this place is.”

accreditations, national recognition and even a WT presence in Amarillo. “For the University to excel and continue to grow, you have to have good strategic planning,” Dr. Wade Shaffer, provost and vice president for academic affairs, said. “Dr. O’Brien is outstanding

at that. It’s one of his greatest strengths.” Strategic planning is definitely one of O’Brien’s strong suits as goal after goal became reality. Enrollment hit an all-time high with almost 9,500 students in the fall of 2015. WT not only has a presence in Amarillo, but will soon have its own stand-alone facility. New academic programs have been added, and initial accreditations have been achieved in business, communication, computer information systems, engineering, theatre and the graduate program in social work. The list goes on and on. “He’d start checking things off—we did that, we did that, we did that,” Michael McBroom, director of athletics, said. “And I stress ‘we’ because it wasn’t just one person. He’ll tell you that. It was a group of people—a lot of people— that bought into the vision that West Texas A&M University could be a great place.” O’Brien’s leadership over the past 10 years has definitely made WT a better place for students, alumni, friends and supporters. His tenure represents one of the most successful decades in the history of the University, and his retirement is well deserved after years of hard work.

Presidential Accomplishments Enrollment has grown from 7,412 in 2006 to 9,489 in 2015, marking the highest enrollment in WTAMU history. Established a presence in Amarillo with the WTAMU Amarillo Center in 2008 with renovations currently under way for a stand-alone facility scheduled for completion in 2017. New academic programs have been added —agricultural media and communication, civil and environmental engineering, public service administration and school psychology. Graduate programs in education and social work also have been added. The College of Nursing and Health Sciences was established in 2006, followed by the WTAMU School of Music and the School of Engineering and Computer Science in 2012. The Center for Learning Disabilities was created in 2013. A Teaching Excellence Center was established in 2009. In 2015 the College of Agriculture, Science and Engineering was reorganized as two separate units: the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences and the School of Engineering, Computer Science and Mathematics. Since 2012, WTAMU has been ranked in the first tier of U.S. News and World Report Master Level Universities and Colleges in the West, and ranked by The Princeton Review as one of the Best Colleges in the West. WTAMU’s on-line graduate programs in business, nursing and education have been highly placed in the U.S. News and World Report ranking of Online Graduate Programs. In addition WTAMU is consistently recognized by G.I. Jobs magazine and is designated as a Purple Heart University. WTAMU also was named by the Daily Beast as the 21st most beautiful university in the United States.

THE WEST TEXAN

Initial accreditation was achieved in business, communications, computer information systems, engineering, theatre and the graduate program in social work. Buff Promise was introduced in 2008 to provide financial aid to low-income students. The four-year graduate rate increased as the O’Brien administration established programs to assist at-risk students. University and Panhandle communities benefited from the Distinguished Lecture Series, Remnant Trust and Guest Artist Series. Completion of construction projects totaling more than $150 million—Buff, Centennial and Founders Halls, Buffalo Sports Park, Stanley Schaeffer Agriculture Learning Laboratory, the Bain Athletic Center, Charles K. and Barbara Kerr Vaughan Pedestrian Mall, Victory Circle, the UL Advanced Wind Turbine Research Facility and the Hayward Spirit Clock Tower. Plus, a number of renovations have updated facilities and improved technology. Renovations include Mary Moody Northen Hall, the Jack B. Kelley Student Center, the Classroom Center, Agricultural and Sciences Building, Virgil Henson Activities Center and turning the old Science Building into the School of Engineering and Computer Science. A partnership between WTAMU and the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Successful completion of WTAMU’s Share Your Pride comprehensive capital campaign in 2014, surpassing its original goal to raise more than $50,000,000 for program enhancement, scholarships and capital projects.

Q&A with President O’Brien Q:

As he prepares to close out his term as the University’s 10th president, O’Brien took some time to share some thoughts on his time at WT.

First of all, what are your retirement plans after WTAMU?

Karen and I plan to travel a lot. On our bucket list is a river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest; various road trips across the U.S.; and multiple cruise destinations. We plan to visit frequently with our sons and grandchildren in Alaska and with my sisters in Tennessee, Minnesota and Washington. We also plan to spruce up our house in New Orleans, garden a lot in the backyard, read all the books I have wanted to read for decades and relax. In between all that I want to continue to fast walk an hour or two each day.

What do you consider your biggest challenge while at WTAMU?

When I first arrived at WTAMU I found many individuals were satisfied with the status quo; they were comfortable with WTAMU as it existed. The status quo, however, was not acceptable to me. Higher education is one of the more competitive industries in the United States. To survive, let alone thrive, the culture of the institution has to be one that embraces continual improvement and innovation in and out of the classroom and embraces the effective utilization of learning and administrative technology, while maintaining its student-centered focus and excellence in education and research. The resistance to change had to be overcome.

What was your most rewarding experience here?

Seeing students succeed. I love participating in commencements and seeing the smiles of our graduates who just four years earlier entered WT with great anticipation and excitement. I love witnessing the excitement and joy of our student-athletes after they have just been victorious in a competitive event. Karen and I like to meet with music and theater students upon completion of a fabulous performance.

What is your greatest accomplishment here?

I believe that during my tenure we positioned ourselves to be competitive with any university in the nation. Although some programs were already nationally competitive when I was appointed president in 2006, we needed to become less provincial. The University community needed to come to the realization that we could compete with any other institution in the nation in terms of the recruitment of students, faculty and staff; in terms of the learning environment and education we provide

our students; and in terms of the quality of our graduates. I believe over the years we have developed as a destination, first-choice university.

During your tenure, the entire landscape of the campus changed. Is there anything else you wish you could have done before retiring? Sure, I would have loved to be at WT when the engineering building is totally renovated, when the agricultural sciences is completed, an on-campus football stadium is a reality; construction of the Amarillo Center is completed; 26th street is developed as a pedestrian mall; CAEP accreditation is achieved for education; new doctoral programs are added; and enrollment surpasses 15,000. But then when those projects/goals are completed, more would be added to the list—new residence halls, renovation of the Old Education building, a Health Sciences building, an Animal Sciences building, a Plant Sciences building, etc. At some point you realize that the projects you want to complete never end. It is time for Karen and me to retire and enjoy the fruits of our labor; and God willing, have many, many years to enjoy our retirement.

Ten years—when you first arrived at WT, did you ever think you would stay this long?

What do you hope your legacy at WT will be?

Any tidbits, fun memories or stories about WT you want to share?

When I was named president I was 60 years old and planned to serve for five or six years. However, I then fell in love with WT, its students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends. If I had been appointed president at age 40, I would have liked to have served 30 or more years.

When I accepted the position of president at WT, I was asked what I wanted to accomplish. My response was I wanted to leave WT better off than when I was appointed. I hope I am remembered for helping the university be perceived less as a regional university but rather a national university. I hope I am remembered for helping lay down a solid foundation for future growth of the university. And, I hope I am remembered for being student-centered.

I am most thankful to WTAMU for affording me the opportunity to perform the Harlem Shake and the Whip/Nae Nae in public in front of a lot of people. Proof is on YouTube! wtamu.edu

Coach DarrEn Flowers is setting a pace for success with WT’s track and field program.

Darren Flowers ‘09 Head Track and Field Coach

UP AND RUNNING By Darcy Lively | Photography by Rik Andersen

THE WEST TEXAN

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tarting from scratch is never easy.” A fact that became abundantly clear to Darren Flowers in 2008. After looking across Oklahoma and Texas for the right coaching position, Flowers was extended a graduate assistant opportunity at West Texas A&M University. His new found mission—to restart the WTAMU track and field team that had been discontinued in the mid-80s. “The way I saw it, it was a great opportunity to build something from the ground up, the way I wanted to do it,” says Flowers, ’09. Track and field had been absent from WT for more than 20 years. The University didn’t even have facilities at the time, much less any time-honored tradition. “Recruitment was tricky. Trying to talk students into believing in me and convincing them we would be successful was tough. It forced me to be a pretty good salesperson,” said Flowers. “Luckily we had a lot of great local students that came in and bought into the program, and brought a lot of community support for us as well. Getting the community excited about track and field at WT was a very important step.” Thirty-one students committed to joining the WT track and field team that first year, and they quickly went to work. “That group really set the tone for what we’re doing now.” From sprints to distance, field events to cross-country, Flowers was a one-man coaching show in the beginning. “In the first year I was the only coach for 20-plus events, it was tough.” His first three years at the helm, Flowers had a very young team that was just learning the ropes. “I wouldn’t say we were very good, we were decent.” But it was during that third season that some things began to click, and WT began to gain some notoriety in the Lone Star Conference track and field world. “Fortunately we had a few athletes those first three years that committed to WT and really put us on the map. They really helped propel us to a new level.” Once the athletes started to excel, Flowers says things really began to fall into place. “We finally made a breakthrough when that first class became seniors.

“ Now we’ve won three consecutive conference titles on the women’s side indoors and three consecutive cross country titles on the men’s side. We just keep getting better every year and that’s a real tribute to the belief that was put in us as a program early on.” — Darren Flowers THE WEST TEXAN

We won the indoor men’s and women’s title in the Lone Star Conference, and then we started breaking into the top 20 at the national meet, we had All-Americans in several events and we really started getting noticed at a national level.” Another thing started to happen when Buff track and field began to win. More local community members and WT track and field alumni started to reach out to Flowers. “I’ve heard from a variety of alumni that have said they are proud of what we are doing and express interest in reconnecting with the program. That brings us even more history and tradition to build upon.” Flowers says he loves to see alumni when they come out to the meets. “We’ve had a lot of alumni support. They come out to our track meets and yell for us, they volunteer, some are even officials.” With the performances that the Buff and Lady Buff track teams have been putting out the past few years, Flowers’ athletes are building plenty of tradition of their own. “Now we’ve won three consecutive conference titles on the women’s side indoors and three consecutive cross country titles on the men’s side. We just keep getting better every year and that’s a real tribute to the belief that was put in us as a program early on.” He admits that sometimes running track in the Texas Panhandle isn’t very easy, but Flowers says he likes that. “The climate makes our area a tough place to live sometimes, and it’s not always conducive to track and field, but it helps to create a sense of hard work and humility that I’m all about, and I preach it to my students all the time.” Of all of the places he could have landed, Flowers says he couldn’t be happier it was WT. “Even students that aren’t from here come in and they buy into it because they see that people here actually care about you here, you’re not just a number or a statistic. They care about your success, and I think that’s really unique to WT.”

2015 Inductees

Brad Bailey ’94

Tyler Cooper ’08

Brandie Green ’01

Football

Basketball

Dr. Russell Long former WT President 1994-2005

Legacy Award

40 Years Plus

Three Legacy Award recipients were recognized at the Hall of Champions banquet. Thom and Susan Hicks and Linda Elliott were honored for their lifetime contributions to the success and legacy of WT athletics.

40 Years Plus inductees to WT’s 2015 Hall of Champions are Harold Stuart (football) and Lanny Phillips (baseball). Stuart played for the Buffs from 1967-1971 and was named a Missouri Valley Conference Most Valuable Player. Phillips played Buff baseball and earned All-Missouri Valley Conference honors before the WT program was dropped. buffalum.com 23

7:30 p.m., Sept. 29-Oct. 1, and Oct. 5-8, 2:30 p.m., Oct. 2 A KCACTF Participating Production Happy State Bank Studio Theatre

Spring 2016 Athletic

Accomplishments

7:30 p.m., Nov. 10-12 and 16-19

7:30 p.m., Feb. 9-11 and 15-18

7:30 p.m., April 20-22 and 26-29

The spring season proved successful for Buff and Lady Buff sports.

2:30 p.m., Nov. 13

2:30 p.m., Feb. 12

2:30 p.m., April 23

A KCACTF Associate Production

Branding Iron Theatre and

Branding Iron Theatre

Photos by Rik Andersen and Courtesy of WT Athletics

Happy State Bank Studio Theatre

For more information, please visit wtamu.edu/theatre or email theaterboxoffice@wtamu.edu

Lady Buff Softball • NCAA Division II College World Series participant • Third Straight Lone Star Conference Championship • NCAA Division II South Central Regional Champions • Ranked No. 1 in the nation for eight weeks • Six All-Americans, seven All-Region selections • Kilee Halbert – D2CCCA South Central Region Pitcher of the Year • Lone Star Conference record 30-game win streak

LADY BUFF Golf • Qualified for first National Championship round since 2009 finishing 11th nationally (second national championship round qualification in program history) • Glory Jangthongsiri named WGCA Honorable Mention All-America • Whitlee Woods won Lone Star Conference Individual Championship THE WEST TEXAN

Baseball

• Won program first Lone Star Conference Baseball Tournament Championship • Qualified for third-straight NCAA South Central Regional • Went 36-20 on the year and 21-14 in Lone Star Conference play • Three different Buffs earned All-Region honors

Track & Field

Men • Finished eighth at the NCAA Championships • Duke Kicinski—national title in the discus and first WT athlete to achieve that honor • Daniel Gyasi—first WT athlete to earn two or more All-American honors in consecutive championship meet WOMen • Finished fourth at the NCAA Championships • Reached as high as No. 3 in USTFCCCA rankings • Rellie Kaputin—first Lady Buff to earn three All-American honors at the same championship meet

A MASTER’S DEGREE THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE Apply now, teach by next fall. Visit wtamu.edu/PACE for more information or call 806.651.2599.

’03 WHERE THE BUFFALO ROAM

class notes

Stan “The Lariat” Hanson is a member of the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2016. The wrestler hails from Borger and played football as a member of the West Texas State Buffaloes. He made his wrestling debut in 1976 with the World Wide Wresting Federation and from 1990-91, he made several appearances for World Championship Wrestling. After several years with the All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW), Hanson retired in 2001.

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Mila Gibson ’66, ’69, was honored in 2012 with a gift to the University to endow a scholarship in her name. Today, after three years of fund raising, the Mila Gibson Endowed Voice Scholarship has exceeded the $50,000 mark and stands at nearly $60,000 to benefit voice majors at WT. The scholarship was established to recognize and honor Gibson for her longtime support of the arts. The Rev. Buddy Wheat ’73, ’99, received his Doctor of Ministry degree in 2015 from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Mass. His thesis was titled “Doing All the Good We Can—Evangelically Renewing the Congregation of 21st Century Texas Through Revival and Reform.” Brent Childers ’79, is the new director of the Industrial Maintenance Program at Clarendon College. He has more than a dozen years of community college teaching experience and additional hands-on work experience to offer a unique perspective to the position.

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Mike Hodges ’85, was appointed postmaster March 3 for the city of Plainview, where he began his career with the U. S. Postal Service 22 years ago as a part-time city carrier.

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Dale Welch ’86, is the new vice president, specializing in agriculture lending, at the Happy State Bank in Dumas. He brings 10 years of banking experience to the job. He’s been a cotton farmer for 29 years and still farms on a limited basis.

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Cecilia Camarillo ’90, has been appointed vice president—accounting at Parsley Energy, Inc., an independent oil and natural gas company in the Permian Basin. She previously served as the company’s controller and will continue to manage the accounting, financial reporting and tax reporting activities. She joined the company in 2013.

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Jeffrey A. Mitchell ’00, director of construction and external maintenance for Toot’n Totum Food Stores, has joined 22 other volunteers on the Cal Farley’s Board of Directors to oversee the direction of the 76-year-old nonprofit.

THE WEST TEXAN

Wendy Lang ’08, is the new director of human resources for Douglas County in Minden, Nev. She began the new position in January after serving as the interim director since May 2015. She joined the county in January 2014 as a senior human resources analyst.

Steven G. Smith ’08, has been named the new vice president of business affairs at Amarillo College. He joins the college from Summit Truck Group, where he served as vice president of accounting.

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Dr. Suhas Vyavhare ’10, is the new AgriLife Extension cotton entomologist for the South Plains. He serves a 20-county area in the South Plains District and is housed at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Lubbock.

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Josh Kirkland ’11, former offensive coordinator for Westbury High School in Houston, has been named the new head football coach/athletic coordinator for Parkland High School in the Ysleta Independent School District.

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Jeffrey Snyder ’07, city manager of Plainview, was recently honored with the Credentialed Manager designation from the International City/County Management Association. He is one of more than 1,300 local government management professionals currently credentialed through the ICMA Voluntary Credentialing Program.

’08

Jeff Britten ’92, is the new laboratory manager for Amarillo’s Servi-Tech. He oversees the daily laboratory operations and manages a staff of approximately 20 people. Servi-Tech provides consulting services to farmers across seven states.

Jim Jeffers ’98, city manager for the city of Nacogdoches, has been reappointed by Gov. Greg Abbott to the Texas Municipal Retirement System Board of Trustees. The Board oversees the Texas Municipal Retirement System, which is responsible for providing a secure retirement benefit plan for more than 800 Texas cities. His term will expire Feb. 1, 2021.

Mary Bea Martin ’06, has joined the staff at the American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) as a member services specialist. AGA is a progressive beef cattle breed association representing 1,000 members and approximately 40,00 cows assessed annually in a performance-oriented total herd reporting system.

Chris Sams ’08, is portraying Coal House Walker in the national touring production of Ragtime. The production is not his first national tour or cruise-ship production, but he claims it is one of his favorites.

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Megan Wallace Elkner ’04, has been named dean of technical education at Amarillo College. She joined AC in 2009 as associate director of continuing education, promoted to director of the program in 2012 and recently was named associate dean before receiving her current appointment.

’08

Dr. J.D. Ragland ’90, a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agriculture and natural resources agent in Randall County, was recently named a Regents Fellow by The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents. He was recognized at a special reception and dinner Feb. 10 at Texas A&M University in College Station.

Gaylon Selman ’95, has been named head football coach at Randall High School in the Canyon Independent School District. He has been coaching at Randall for the last 15 years and moves into the head position after serving as the team’s offensive line coach.

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Dr. Joseph Callahan ’03, has been appointed as a new city council representative to fill a vacant Ward 4 seat by the Bartlesville City Council in Bartlesville, Okla. Callahan is director of fitness services at Phillips 66.

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Erin Jones ’13, is the new integrated pest management agent for Bailey, Castro and Parmer counties. She is headquartered at the AgriLife Extension Office in Bailey County. She works with area farmers to help find solutions to insect pest, weed and crop challenges. Abbey Coufal ’14, is the recipient of a Scholarship for Academic Excellence from Stephens, Anderson & Cummings of Fort Worth. Coufal is currently pursuing a law degree at Texas Tech University School of Law. Stephens, Anderson & Cummings created the annual scholarship as part of its continued commitment to the development and enduring success of university students in the state of Texas. William Cox ’14, was recently named the new fire chief for the Aransas Pass Fire Department. He started his career as a 15-year-old with the New Caney Volunteer Fire Department. He earned a bachelor’s degree in emergency management administration from WT and recently finished his master’s degree in public administration. Jessie Story ’14, is the recipient of the Dan Klepper Memorial Scholarship from the Texas Outdoor Writer’s Association (TOWA). Story was recognized at the association’s annual conference Feb. 25-28 in Kerrville. Story, a graduate student, was eligible for the scholarship through her work with Dr. Ray Matlack, James A. Davidson Endowed Professor of Wildlife at WTAMU, on PBS segments called Texas Wild. Christy Bear ’15, is the emergency management coordinator for Goliad County and the city of Goliad. The Goliad Office of Emergency Management focuses on emergency planning, preparedness, response and recovery for the community. Bear has 14 years of experience in fire, police and EMS communication and training and more than a decade of working in a management capacity. She also recently became a certified floodplain manager for Texas. Whitley Gammill ’15, is the new Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service family and consumer sciences agent for Hansford County. She plans to implement the Strong Women, Strong Bones program in Hansford County as well as programs on diabetes awareness and prevention, and Food for Families working with food banks and preparing dishes from what is provided. buffalum.com 27

in memoriam Geneva Schaeffer ’55, died April 17 at the age of 82. She was a lifelong supporter of the University and was the recipient of an honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Education degree at a special ceremony with family and friends March 30 in Amarillo. The degree recognized her significant and lasting influence in enhancing the quality of teacher preparation and excellence in education for the children of Texas as well as students at WT. C.C. “Bus” Dugger ’55, ’56, died April 8 at the age of 96. He was instrumental in the creation of Kids, Inc., in 1945 and served as the first coach for the organization. He was an educator, coach and world traveler. He retired as principal at Boys Ranch in 1982. Madeline Cox Hegi ’34, WT’s oldest known alumni, died March 7 at the age of 104. She retired from the Tahoka school system in 1974 but continued to work with youth into her late 90s. She influenced thousands of students through her long-time teaching career. Jerry Behrens ’62, ’65, died Feb. 4 at the age of 76. The sports legend was well known for his playing and coaching career as well as his years with Herff Jones. He was a standout football player at WT under Joe Kerbel. He coached football in Amarillo and at Odessa Permian before joining the coaching staff at WT. He was inducted into the University’s Hall of Fame in 1989. Dr. Lewis “Louie” Florence ’49, died Dec. 15 in Houston. He was a sax player who received a full scholarship to WT, and classmates remember him from school dances and the orchestra. Florence later earned a medical degree and practiced at Parkview Hospital in Houston and delivered approximately 12,000 babies in 54 years of practice.

A sampling of what people are saying online about WTAMU.

twitter (wtamu)_ Lady Buff softball finished the regular season with an astounding 50-2 record! @wtamu (April 25) @wtamu I made the right choice! #WTAMU20 @karabeara513 (April 25) #FinalsWeek is just around the corner! Luckily we have a @Starbucks on campus to keep you awake for all your finals. @WTAMU_Admission Phillips 66 presents $25,000 as a continuing commitment to engineering at WTAMU #wtamuengineering @wtamu (April 21) Big congratulations to the WT Enterprise Center for winning two international awards! @wtamu (April 20)

NOW OPEN

2503 4th Avenue Canyon, Texas 79015

ABC 7 Panhandle Spirit feature on Dr. Russell Long Great man and a great friend to the students. Dr. Long, thank you for your inspiration! KWTS: The One 91.1 would not have been a success without you, and our morning show was a blast because of you! PJ Bowles Thank you Dr. Russell Long you made a great president and leader. I enjoyed working with you and under your leadership.

Ronald Mashburn Shark Tank’s Robert Herjavec at WTAMU Oh wow that’s so awesome!!! Michelle Devers Norman WT students vote yes for new stadium This will be great for WTAMU in the long run. Glad to see that it’s happening. Evan Kolius

Wishing I was already at WTAMU because shack-a-thon looks like soooo much fun! 126 more days until I get to call Canyon home @MyAmy43 (April 20)

It will be nice, but nothing will ever beat the memories of Kimbrough Stadium! #GoBuffs Garon Dawn Lambert Stroud

Geoffrey Kipchumba and Blake Whalen both ran top ten times in WT history last night! @wtamu (April 15)

Btw, has anyone thought about people bringing in motorhomes for tailgating and staying on site for the weekend? Happens all the time at the big schools . . . Mary Hitchner Brister

Had a great time speaking @wtamu yesterday – what an energetic crowd! @robertherjavec (April 12)

Student referendum for new stadium Coach Joe Kerbel would love this! David S. Sims

WTAMU is amazing, that is all. @KTL_23 (March 24)

Do It! It will be a tremendous advantage for the university and the community. John Owens

Buff David Chavlovich just became the third WT player in program history to be named NABC All-American! #gobuffsgo @wtamu (March 23)

I am an alum and 100% behind this project! Will be great for the University, alumni, students and the community. Daniel Dalphine Contreras

I just want to be in college already. #WTAMU @Ailaina_Denny (Feb. 27) Enrollment is up across the board at #wtamu! @wtamu (Feb. 9) WTAMU leads the 2015 Lone Star Conference Fall Commissioner’s Honor Roll with a league high 182 student-athletes!

@wtamu (Jan. 21) THE WEST TEXAN

FACEBOOK.com/wtamu

O’Brien announces retirement I love Dr. O’Brien. He has represented the university well and worked in amazing ways to expand the university!!! And I’m proud to be a buff!!! Kathryn Radicke Dr. O’Brien improved the WT experience for visitors, students and alumni. The campus appearance, the academic achievement ...all are better because of his attention to detail and his love for the University. Cathy Teague wtamu.edu 3

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. Postage PAID Amarillo, Texas Permit 247 WTAMU BOX 60753 • CANYON, TEXAS 79016-0001 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED 806-651-2311 • ALUMNI@WTAMU.EDU BUFFALUM.COM