FALL 2008
Geology Rocks!
Read Greg Flournoy’s views on the importance of geology.
Mr. Holland’s Opus
Scotty Holland shares his lessons for success.
Unequaled Faith
Glen Burroughs follows God’s lead from Math to Basketball to Oil.
Presidential Search Update
Hilton Hemphill Chairman, HSU Board of Trustees
Although we were surprised and disappointed by the news that Dr. Craig Turner was leaving us to be nearer his grandchildren, presidential changes are part of life at a university, and they offer a time for renewal, reflection, and sometimes change. We considered the selection process as an opportunity to take HSU to an even higher level and embraced this opportunity with our collective love and sense of stewardship for the university. The change in leadership comes at a time when HSU is on very solid financial ground. Dr. Turner had completed all of his stated initiatives, and there is literally nothing for a new president to come in and “fix.” This is a dream position for the right person, and we are excited about finding the right individual to achieve the goals and aspirations of HSU at this time. At this writing, we are well into the process. We retained the services of the search firm Jon McRae and Associates, Inc. In June, Mr. McRae met with HSU staff and faculty in public and private forums and with other constituencies of the University to get a sense for our culture, values, and goals. Working together with the Search and Search Advisory Committees, the consultant put together a profile of the strengths and characteristics we seek in our new president. We’re currently reviewing applicant materials and will decide who we’d like to interview in person shortly. It is our hope that the finalists will be invited to visit the campus later this year. We ask that you continue to keep the Search and Search Advisory Committees in your prayers as we seek to follow God’s direction and to find His person. We hope to have good news for you soon.
On the Front Cover
Hilton Hemphill Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Core samples are drilled out of rock and removed for study by geologists and petroleum engineers to determine the reservoir properties of the rock. Mainly porosity (open spaces in the rock) and permeability (the ability of a rock to transport fluids) is determined by these studies. The tall core marked “23” is called a vuggy crystalline limestone. The large pores (called vugs) could hold a great deal of oil/gas, but extraction would be difficult because the vugs are not connected with each other (meaning oil/gas could not flow through it.) Vugs represent regions of the rock where pore fluids have dissolved away the limestone, leaving a small cavity in the rock. The small core is called fossiliferous brachiopod limestone. Here the rock is made up of a large number of fossils that have been naturally cemented together. In some cases fossiliferous limestones have been known to hold and produce oil and gas when the fossils have been dissolved away by pore fluids. Core samples and descriptions provided by Dr. Steve Rosscoe, assistant professor of geology at HSU.
HARDIN-SIMMONS UNIVERSITY
FA L L 2 0 0 8
Hardin-Simmons University’s mission is to be a community dedicated to providing excellence in education enlightened by Christian faith and values.
Departments
Features
inside Presidential Search Update front An update from the chairman of the Board of cover Trustees on the current presidential search efforts.
2 Editor’s Corner 4 Alumni Accolades
A conversation with our readers.
This year’s Hall of Leaders inductees, Honorary Doctorate recipient, and award recipients for Keeter, Distinguished Alumni, Outstanding Young Alumni, and Logsdon Distinguished Alumni.
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Geology Rocks!
Greg Flournoy shares his passion for geology and his views on the oil industry’s current economic situation.
12 Alumni Notes
A message from your alumni director, Britt (Yates) Jones ’84. Catch up on alumni events.
20 Sports Report
Keep up with those HSU Cowboys and Cowgirls! News about Track & Cross Country.
46 Development News
Mr. Holland’s Opus
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David “Scotty” Holland didn’t get where he is today by accident. He learned many lessons along the way and continues to give God the glory for his success.
Newly established scholarships and a word from VP for Institutional Advancement Leland Harden ’84.
49 Folks & Facts 60 Friends We’ll Miss Class notes from your friends.
Memorials to those we’ve lost.
Special Sections 6 38 39 40
History Mystery Paths to the Prarie Devotional Follow-up from Previous Issue
28 36
Unequaled Faith
Glen Burroughs’ near-death experience over the South Pacific helps set in motion his life and career ethics.
HSU’s Legacy of Oil Energy Saving Tips
Editor’s Corner
Letter from the Editor
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We’ve made some changes. I’m sure you’ve noticed the new size and texture of Range Rider. We’re also adding a feature with this issue to make our magazine a tool for conversation. You’ve listened to us, and now we want to hear from you. We’re adding Letters to the Editor and asking that you send in your comments about the current issue of Range Rider, what topics you’d like to see in future issues, or about anything you’d like to discuss. Tell us what you like (or don’t like) about the Range Rider. Tell us what your experience at HSU meant to you. Tell us what you’d like to see happening on campus. Ask questions. Get involved in a conversation about your school. In this issue, we’ve featured alumni from the oil and gas industry. And, before you scream “WHAT are you thinking?” let me explain . . . This industry affects us all every day. From buying gas for the lawn mower, to filling up a small car for $60, to the prices of bread, milk, and crackers, we’re all feeling the differences. It’s mid-August as I’m writing this, and I’m sorry to say I was excited this morning to see that gas prices are down to $3.51 a gallon. (What’s that say about perspective!?) The oil industry has had a substantial historical impact on HSU, as we discuss in The Legacy of HSU Oil on page 38. Our geology alumni faced difficult times during the oil crisis of the 1980s, and although many of us are suffering now, we can still celebrate with those who are doing well, and hear their views about what can be done to make things better. As the optimistic Greg Flournoy ’82 (page 34) points out, America is a great country, we have innovative people, and we’ll see this crisis through. We’re certainly not offering any solutions here, but we do know this: we’re all in this together, and as Christians, we have the advantage of facing this crisis with faith that God will provide “all our needs according to his riches in glory” (Phil. 4:19). I hope this issue will inform you, entertain you, and make you think. And, I look forward to beginning a conversation with you. You may email your comments to me at rangerider@ hsutx.edu with Letter to the Editor in the subject line or mail them to Letters to the Editor, Range Rider, HSU Box 16100, Abilene TX 79698–6100. It’s great to be at HSU!
Range Rider Magazine
Brenda Harris Director of Publications & University Editor
Your Opinion Goes Here... Talk to Us!
Send in your comments about the current issue of Range Rider, what topics you’d like to see in future issues, or about anything you’d like to discuss. Tell us what you like (or don’t like) about the Range Rider. Tell us what your experience at HSU meant to you. Tell us what you’d like to see happening on campus. Ask questions. Get involved in a conversation about your school. Send your email to rangerider@hsutx.edu or mail to Letters to the Editor, Range Rider, HSU Box 16100, Abilene TX 79698-6100.
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Leaders Hall of
The Hall of Leaders was established in 2001 to honor those whose service and distinguished accomplishments exemplify the values and character of Hardin-Simmons University. Made possible by the genorosity of Doyle & Inez Kelley, the Hall of Leaders is housed on the first floor of the Skiles Building.
John Powell Clayton
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BS 1964 (1943–2003) In 2002, Cornell University named John Powell Clayton an honorary visiting scholar in Near Eastern studies. Also that year, he was named a research scholar by the Institute of Religion and World Affairs at Boston University. John received HSU’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 1995. John earned a BS in religion from Hardin-Simmons, an MA in 1967 from Baylor University, and a BDiv from Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1968. In 1975, John earned a PhD from the University of Cambridge. He was the first American ever asked by Cambridge University to deliver the prestigious Stanton Lectures in Philosophy of Religion. Later, he headed the Religious Studies Department at the University of Lancaster. In 1998, John was named an honorary professor of religious studies by the University of Stirling, Scotland, and in 1999 was named an honorary professor of religious studies by the University of Lancaster, England. In 1997, John became professor of religion, chair of the department of religion, and director of the division of religious and theological studies at Boston University where he remained until his death in 2003.
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C. Moxley Featherston
BA 1935 (1914–1998) In 1967, Judge C. Moxley Featherston was appointed by President Lyndon Johnson as Judge of the United States Tax Court. He served in that capacity for 22 years, was elected by his peers to serve as chief judge for four years, and later became a senior judge. Moxley graduated magna cum laude from Hardin-Simmons and received a doctor of law degree from George Washington University. He was admitted to the District of Columbia Bar in 1939 and to the State Bar of Texas in 1940. He practiced general law in Hereford, Texas, for a short while before serving as attorney of the Department of Agriculture, handling litigation relating to the farm loan program. From 1942 to 1945, Moxley was an attorney for the War Relocation Authority and, in 1945, began service with the Tax Division of the Department of Justice, which was interrupted from 1949 to 1951 by his appointment as assistant general counsel for the Institute of Inter-American Affairs. With the Justice Department he served as chief of the Review Section from 1958 until 1964 when he became assistant for civil trials. In retirement, Moxley held a community service position as a law arbitrator for the City of El Paso, Texas, where he lived until his death in 1998.
BS 1976 Retired LTC Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch, a 20-year US Army veteran, is a HardinSimmons law enforcement graduate. She earned her commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Army through HSU’s Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) and became the first woman commissioned as an ROTC officer in the state of Texas. In 1996, Consuelo retired as a 20-year veteran, and founded Educational Achievement Services, Inc. Her work with EAS actualizes her personal dream and mission of preparing tomorrow’s leaders today. Her dedication to the underprivileged youth of America led her to work with over one million children, their parents and with educators. Consuelo encounters some of the roughest neighborhoods, similar to the one she was raised in, as she inspires the youth growing up in the barrios she visits. Consuelo has produced a well-received video titled Porque No—Why Not? that provides practical techniques to develop selfesteem and achieve personal growth. Her first book, Journey to the Future: A Roadmap to Success for Youth, was published in November 2003. She was the 1993 National Image Inc. Uniformed Services recipient for significant contributions to the nation in civil and human rights, race relations, equal opportunity, human resources, and public service.
Nita Mae (Boyd) Brooks Lewallen
BS 1948; MEd 1951 A brigadier general in the Texas Air National Guard, Jack T. Martin served in the Pacific throughout World War II, and as a veteran of more than 35 years in the US Air Force. In 1937, Jack enrolled at John Tarleton Junior College in Stephenville, Texas, on a basketball scholarship and entered the ROTC program. In January 1947, following service in the Texas Air National Guard during World War II, Jack entered HardinSimmons, again on a basketball scholarship, and earned a BS degree from HSU in 1948. Following his graduation, HSU appointed him as head basketball coach. At age 25, Jack became one of the few to coach a senior-college team never having coached in a high school or serving as an assistant, and was one of the nation’s youngest coaches in a major senior college. Jack earned an MEd from HSU in 1951. He continued as head basketball coach at HSU for three years before accepting the same position at Lamar University (then Lamar Tech), Beaumont, Texas, where he completed 25 more years as a head basketball coach. At the time of his retirement, he was the winningest active basketball coach in Texas according to Elmore Hudgins’ study, “Top Twenty Basketball Coaches.”
Marion B. McClure
BA/BM 1933 Cowboy Band Director 1934–1973 (1909-1973) “Prof” Marion McClure was named Bandmaster of the Year in 1971 by the Texas Bandmasters Association, and later that year received HSU’s Keeter Alumni Service Award. He was posthumously inducted into the Texas Bandmaster’s Hall of Fame in 1992. After graduation from HSU in 1933 with both BA and BM degrees, Marion B. McClure became director of the Cowboy Band in 1934. Except for military service during World War II, Marion continued as the Cowboy Band director until his death in 1973. His association with military bands continued for many years as a reserve army officer and he retired from the reserves as a lieutenant colonel. In the summer of 1946, Prof completed a master of music degree from VanderCook School of Music in Chicago, and in 1959, he did post-graduate work at Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. Marion composed HSU’s fight song, Parade of the Purple and Gold, and was present during the band’s longest parade march ever: the 17-mile trek through the streets of New York City for the National Championship Rodeo in 1934. Range Rider Magazine
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Ex 1943 In 1997, Nita Brooks Lewallen was inducted into the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, which recognizes “women who have distinguished themselves while exemplifying the pioneer spirit of the American West.” Nita enrolled at Hardin-Simmons University in 1940 and became one of the school’s first Six White Horse Riders. At the end of the 1940 semester, Nita withdrew from HSU due to the death of her mother, and then returned to the campus in 1941. From 1941 to 1943, she was named Freshman Favorite, found time to teach horsemanship while studying business administration, rode with the Six White Horses Team, and competed in rodeos. Through the 1950s, Nita trained and bred Thoroughbred and quarter horses. In 1983, Coax Me Chad, one of the horses Nita had bred, finished second in the Kentucky Derby. Her most successful horse, Sam Who, won six of 12 races in 1989. Twice named Texas Breeder of the Year by the Texas Thoroughbred Breeders Association, in 1990 Nita was appointed to the association’s board of directors. In 1992, she received the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders of America’s prestigious Texas State Breeder of the Year honor.
Jack T. Martin
Alumni Accolades
Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch
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John Crowe & Betty (Thornton) Crowe BBA 1956; BS 1955 Not only did John and Betty Crowe devote their time to HSU when they were students, they also have given of their time and talent to HSU since their graduations more than 50 years ago. While a student at HSU, John was involved in Alpha Chi, Pi Gamma Mu, was Student Council vice president in 1956, was named to Who’s Who, and graduated magna cum laude. In the HSU ROTC program, John was a member of the Pershing Rifles, received the Distinguished Military Student Award, and was the first HSU ROTC student given a regular army commission. Betty was a member of Future Teachers and the Colt Club, and served as sophomore social chairman and Senior ©Roberts Sttudio
Alumni Accolades
John J. Keeter, Jr. Alumni Service Award Class secretary. She was a member of both the Six White Horses Team and the Cowgirls. John’s contracting business, the Crowe Group, has constructed many of the buildings on the HSU campus. John also has contributed numerous personal hours to the continued development of HSU by serving as a member of the Board of Development from 1999 to 2008 and serving as an alumni volunteer. John and Betty are lifetime members of the Presidents Club. Betty, who retired in 2002 after teaching in the Abilene Independent School District for 35 years, is a former Board of Development member, a current member of the Academic Foundation and the Ex-Cowgirls Club. John and Betty have five children, 16 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
History Mystery
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Can you dig it, man? This photograph taken in the 1970s is of then-HSU president Elwin Skiles and four HSU students posing at the bell tower. Do you remember these groovy folks? Be the first to correctly identify all four students in the photo and receive a copy of Dr. Rupert Richardson’s history of HSU, Famous Are Thy Halls. One copy will be awarded for the first correct email response received and one for the first correct US mail response received. Send your identifications to Dr. Gary Lindsey, Richardson Library History Center, HSU Box 16195, Abilene TX 79698, or glindsey@hsutx.edu. Have a story about the students or the bell? Share with us at rangerider@hsutx.edu.
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The history and significance of the original campus bell is familiar to Hardin-Simmons alumni. Given to the school in its infancy by G. C. Bennett, the bell first appeared in the Old Main bell tower signaling to students and Abilenians alike the changing of classes and times of day. Simmons Science Hall’s construction in 1918–1919 on and around the site of Old Main necessitated the demolition of the bell tower. The bell was unceremoniously placed on the roof of the Science Hall, although it no longer pealed. Dissatisfied at and enticed by the bell’s neglect, students acted at various times and through sundry pranks to awaken the bell’s tolling. In one late night “extracurricular” excursion, students’ attempts to move it from the roof to the ground resulted in the bell’s cracking and it being forever silenced. Recognizing the bell’s significance, and as a fitting addition to her and the Simmons Round Table’s campus beautification efforts, Mrs. J. D. (Lucile) Sandefer and her son J.D. Jr “Jake” ’20 acquired the funds to build a tower on the front lawn upon which to place the bell as a permanent reminder of the university’s founding years and its traditions. The bell now silently testifies to the university’s birth and to Mrs. Sandefer’s love for Hardin-Simmons University.
Distinguished Alumni Awards Mr. Gene Adams BBA 1954/MA 1962
Gene Adams currently serves as president and founding chairman of the board of Baylor Bancshares Inc., a multibank holding company which he has built to four banks and four branch banks with nine locations. He established the company in 1979 after beginning his career in 1954 at Farmers and Merchants National Bank, Abilene (currently First Financial Bank, Abilene). Gene has now served as president of banks in Abilene, El Paso, Lamesa, Plainview, and Seymour. During his career he has been recognized as “an outstanding West Texas banker and businessman.” He is currently serving as chairman and vice chairman of the boards of four banks. In 1993, he traveled to Moscow while serving on an international committee invited by the Russian Bankers Association to help convert Russian banks to free enterprise system operation. He has also served on the boards of the Baptist Church Loan Corp. and the Federal Reserve Bank, and was an advisor to the US Comptroller of the Currency. While a student at HSU, Gene was involved in tennis and played on the 1953 national championship team. He was the 1953 Senior Class Favorite and Senior Class Treasurer. He has continued his involvement with Hardin-Simmons, serving two nine-year terms and twice as chair of the Board of Trustees. He is also a former member of the Board of Development and the Alumni Association Board. He received the Keeter Alumni Service Award in 1991 and in 2003 was inducted into the HSU Athletics Hall of Fame. He and his wife, Irma, have two adult children and are members of First Baptist Church of Seymour.
Mrs. Rebecca (Barlow) Jordan Ex 1966
Gene Adams
Mr. Joe Strickland BM 1976
How does one get from the small farming community of Rotan, Texas, to the US Capitol? Joe Strickland can explain that journey. His starting point was at HardinSimmons University. Joe’s career has been a mixture of music, travel, and reporting. Raised by a minister whose mission was to build new churches, Joe and his family moved from church to church and home to home throughout his childhood. While at HSU majoring in music, Joe traveled internationally with the Concert Choir and other HSU singing groups. By the time he graduated from HSU, the love of travel was deeply embedded in his spirit. In 1978, he and a partner opened Epic Travel, Inc. in Plano, Texas. For the next 10 years, he co-owned and managed this successful retail agency and arts and entertainment tour operation, traveling all over the world. In 1988 he sold the travel business and began training for his next career—in court reporting. Excelling at his new chosen profession, Joe moved, in only 10 short years, from working as a live on-air closed captionist for a local ABC affiliate in El Paso to become the chief reporter in the Office of Official Reporters of the US House of Representatives in Washington DC. Along the way, he served as a freelance court reporter in Washington DC, as an official reporter, then as the deputy chief reporter for the US House of Representatives. Joe recently moved from the suburbs of northern Virginia to the vibrant U Street Corridor in the District of Columbia.
Rebecca (Barlow) Jordan
Joe Strickland
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Rebecca Jordan has a passion “to help others find their own deep connection with a loving, faithful God.” She has accomplished her goal by sharing personal reflections of her own profound connectedness with God. Since leaving HardinSimmons in 1966, Rebecca has authored/co-authored 10 inspirational books, is a frequent guest speaker, and has been a newspaper columnist. While she continues to write, Rebecca also teaches a Bible study class at Highland Terrace Baptist Church where her husband, Larry ’67, is executive pastor. She and Larry lead marriage enrichment retreats and have co-authored Marriage Toners, Weekly Exercises to Strengthen Your Relationship. Rebecca has also taught at writers’ conferences, has been a church deaf interpreter, and has worked
with women’s ministry and discipleship. Her newest book is 40 Days in God’s Blessing: a Devotional Encounter, the second in a new 40-day devotional series. She also authored the best-selling Daily in Your Presence and Daily in Your Image, as well as At Home in My Heart: Preparing a Place for His Presence. Rebecca co-authored with four friends the Courage for the Chicken Hearted and Eggstra Courage for the Chicken Hearted series which has sold over 150,000 copies, has been translated in Korean, and published as a hardback collector edition for Guideposts. Rebecca and Larry live in Greenville, Texas, and have two married daughters and four grandchildren.
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Alumni Accolades
Outstanding Young Alumni 2008 The Outstanding Young Alumni Awards are presented to graduates who have attained outstanding achievements in their field of endeavor, community, state, or nation. This and each year, the awards go to young alumni who have achieved a significant level of distinction or have brought extraordinary benefit to mankind, and symbolize the spirit and manner of today’s Hardin-Simmons graduate. Nominees must have graduated from HSU no more than 20 years prior and not be over the age of 45 at the time of selection; recipients are selected by a standing committee.
Darren Allman BBS 1994
“Hardin-Simmons University has been a blessing to both my personal and professional life in so many ways. The alumni and faculty continue to be the cornerstone for my endeavors, and I am extremely honored to be considered for this award, given the number of outstanding people who have attended Hardin-Simmons.”
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Darren Allman, the 11th head football coach of Odessa Permian High School, is the first former Permian player to return to the school as head coach. He graduated from Permian High in 1987. In 2007, his third year as coach, he led Permian to the Regional Finals of the 5A state playoffs. In 2006, Darren was a semifinalist for the Gordon Wood Award, awarded to the most outstanding coach of the year by TexasHSFootball.com.
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He attended Texas Tech University before coming to Hardin-Simmons in 1989 where he joined the newly resurrected football program. He was team captain from 1990 to 1992, was named to the all-conference team as a defensive back each of those three years, and earned Conference Player of the Week honors twice in 1992. He was a member of Tau Alpha Phi fraternity and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Darren began his coaching career at HSU as the defensive backs coach for the 1993 national semi-finalist team, then coached at high schools in Cleveland, Brownwood, Temple, and Dallas Highland Park before going to Permian in 2005. Darren and his wife, Susan (Sloan ’93), have three children, Michael (9), Emily Elizabeth (6), and Abigail (2). Contact Darren at allmandl@ector-countyk12-tx.us.
Dr. Tracy (Sheehy) Manly
BBA 1993
“Hardin-Simmons is such a special place. The interaction between the faculty and students creates an amazing learning environment. I am grateful for the faculty members who invested themselves in me. It inspires me to do the same for my students.” After graduating from HSU, Tracy Manly went on to earn a master’s degree in accountancy and a PhD at the University of Arkansas. She currently is an associate professor of accounting and the A. Charles Funai Faculty Fellow at the University of Tulsa College of Business Administration. Tracy was named the 2008 Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants Outstanding Accounting Educator and was awarded the Mayo Teaching Excellence Award from the TU College of Business Administration for 2002–2003. She received the Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award from the International Section of the American Accounting Association in 2000. She has been published in the Journal of American Taxation Association, the Journal of Information Law and Technology and Oil, and Gas and Energy Quarterly. Tracy is a certified public accountant and a member of the American Accounting Association and the American Taxation Association. Tracy serves on the editorial board for the Journal of International Accounting, Auditing & Taxation. At HSU, she was involved in Sigma Alpha women’s social club, Student Congress, and Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity. She and her husband, Lee, have two children, ages five and two. They are members at First Baptist Church in Tulsa where Tracy and Lee have taught third grade Sunday School. Contact Tracy at tracy-manly@utulsa.edu.
Joe Weir
BA 1995
“Hardin-Simmons University helped me develop lifelong characteristics that I use today in business, fellowship, and family. The high quality of education and experience of life during my time at HSU has helped me to grow intellectually and create lasting relationships.”
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Joe Weir is currently the director of digital media for WFAA-TV, the ABC affiliate station for Dallas-Ft. Worth. He oversees an interactive sales team of five direct-account executives and 16 indirect-account executives. Joe also oversees a staff of seven for news and content on WFAA.com. In 1996, Joe joined Belo, the parent company for The Dallas Morning-News and WFAA-TV. From 1996 to 2000, he worked as an account executive for The Dallas Morning News and was named to the President’s Club for sales excellence in 1998 and 1999. In 2000, Joe moved to Belo Interactive (a newly formed division) as a senior online account executive. During his time there, Joe won Top Online Sales Awards four years running. In 2002 he won Belo’s Chairman Award and, to this day, is the only sales account executive to have won this high award. In March 2005 Joe joined WFAA-TV as the internet sales manager and was later promoted to director of digital media, overseeing both interactive sales and news content for the website. In 2007 several industry publications listed WFAA. com as one of the top revenue TV websites in the country. In 2008 the site won the prestigious Edward R. Murrow National Award for Most Innovative Television Website (Large Market) in the country. Joe has served on HSU’s Board of Young Associates where he was president in 2003–2004. He also served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors in 2000. Currently he is the chairman of the Media Advisory Committee of HSU’s Board of Development. He is a United Way volunteer, helping to raise money for local nonprofit organizations. Joe and his wife, Amy (Stendebach ’96), live in Colleyville, Texas, with their sons, Preston (7) and Bergen (2). They are members of First Baptist Church Euless where they serve in the children’s ministry. Contact Joe at jweir@wfaa.com.
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Alumni Accolades
Honorary Doctorate Rex Nutt
A compassionate healer and academic visionary, Rex L. Nutt brought relief to thousands through a long and distinguished physical therapy practice and as the moving force behind the establishment of the Physical Therapy Program at Hardin-Simmons University. During the 2008 Spring Commencement exercises, HSU conferred the honorary doctor of science degree to Nutt, a man who is an advocate of care for the disabled, a spiritual leader in his church, and has dedicated over 50 years to the profession of physical therapy. As the movement to develop a physical therapy program at HardinSimmons University gained momentum, Nutt served on the initial advisory committee; was instrumental in recruiting Dr. William Gould, the first department head; and personally acted as the initial director of clinical education to establish key clinical education sites for HSU students. Today, he continues to involve himself in classroom teaching and admissions interviews. Nutt holds a bachelor of science degree from Abilene Christian University, a master of science degree from Texas Woman’s University in Houston, Texas, and the certificate of proficiency from the Hermann School of Physical Therapy in Houston. Read more at www.hsutx.edu/news/FAF/story/1083.html.
Class of 1959 Golden Reunion
Hardin-Simmons welcomes the Class of 1959 back to campus for a Golden Reunion celebration. If you are a graduate of 1959, a student who began HSU in 1955, or have friends in this class, please make plans to attend. Faculty and staff who were on campus in 1959 are especially welcome. Complete registration and hotel information will be mailed in early spring and will then be available online at www.hsutx.edu/alumni.
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Monday-Tuesday, April 20-21, 2009 Recognition Lunch with HSU’s President Reunion Memories Banquet Exclusive Cowboy Band Concert Forty Acres Guided Bus Tour Founders Day Observance Chapel Assembly Program
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Logsdon 2008 Distinguished Alumni Dr. Tommy Culwell BA 1973
Dr. Tommy Culwell was called to vocational ministry at the age of 14. He enrolled at Hardin-Simmons University in 1968 to prepare for a life of stewardship and service. The double-major in Bible and speech preached at more than 70 churches before receiving his undergraduate degree in 1973. He later earned master of divinity and doctor of divinity degrees from Southwestern Theological Seminary. Culwell served in several pastorates before being called to his current ministry at Colonial Hill Baptist Church in Snyder in 1990. The church has since expanded its ministry through local apartments, missions in Vermont and Brazil, and a $1.3 million expansion project. Culwell personally led a mission team to Uganda in 1998. He served Texas Baptists through the Baptist General Convention of Texas’ Christian Life Commission from 1998 to 2004, and served on the Resolutions Committee from 2006 to 2007. Culwell and his wife, LaQuita, have two daughters, Amanda (Culwell) Wyatt, an HSU alumna of 2005 now teaching in the Kennedale Independent School District, and Laura, a freshman at HSU majoring in business management. Read more at www.hsutx.edu/news/FAF/story/1049.html.
Reverend Louis Johnson BA 1987
Louis Johnson answered the call to gospel ministry at the age of 16. After graduation from high school, Johnson was licensed to the ministry and began work as minister of youth. He was ordained and soon became the minster at Champion Baptist Church in Roscoe. He graduated from HSU summa cum laude while serving as associate pastor and minister of youth at First Baptist Church Clyde. In addition to serving as pastor of North Park Baptist Church in Abilene for the past 17 years, he has served as moderator of the Abilene Baptist Association and as a member of the Human Welfare Coordinating Board of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. He was president of the board of trustees of the Eunice Chambless Hospitality House, which ministers to families of prison inmates. In 1998, the Abilene Baptist Association honored his leadership by recognizing him as Pastor of the Year. He and his wife, Sherri Lyn, have two children, Kimberly and Timothy Joel. Read more at www.hsutx.edu/news/FAF/story/1049.html.
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Connected for Life
Dr. J.D. Sandefer Sr.
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In the Old Testament, to commemorate a significant act of God, an altar would be built to thank Him for that act. Afterward, if God’s people got in a difficult position, they could look back to that altar and be reminded of God’s power. We can recall points in HSU’s history that remind us of particular blessings God has bestowed on the university. One of my favorite keystone stories took place over 60 years ago. Dr. J. D. Sandefer Sr. (president 1909–1940) worked constantly to raise funds for the still-young Simmons, which was founded in 1891. By 1925, when the name was changed from Simmons College to Simmons University, the total assets of the school were valued at about $800,000 ($9,625,600 in today’s values), there was an income from a half-million dollar ($6,016,000 today) endowment, and student enrollment stood at about 1,300. Over the next few years, HSU and other church-related schools struggled to maintain enrollment since more and more students were attending the more recently opened state-supported schools. Not only did Simmons have a small enrollment and only private funding, children of preachers and missionaries were welcomed at a lower cost than other students. As the nation began to sink into a depression, the university was also affected. Most, if not all, of the trustees felt a personal responsibility to underwrite any school debts which could not be paid otherwise, to promote the school by letter and speech, to encourage financial interest from their friends, and to encourage prospective students to consider HSU. In 1931, the 26 trustees were personally carrying $140,191 ($1,726,000) in notes. They decided to ask the alumni to raise one-half of the school’s total indebtedness, approximately $157,000 ($1,933,000), and that the trustees would do their best to raise the other half. A “dollar-a-month” club was begun by alumni who agreed to send at least a $1 ($12 today) per month indefinitely to help decrease the school’s financial deficit. The school was forced to reduce faculty salaries by 10% for the year 1931–32, and the next year by 30%. Even at that, the school was able to pay salaries only five of the nine months that year.
By 1933, the school was in desperate financial straits. In August of 1933, despite their own individual financial struggles, 43 faculty and staff members chose to sign a statement which declared: Realizing the nature of the financial difficulties under which Simmons University has labored for the past few years and realizing further that the University will not be able to the meet the amount of salaries to employees and faculty which is past due, we, the members of the faculty and the employees of the Simmons University, hereby relinquish and contribute to the University all salaries up until August 31, 1933. They gave up a significant portion of their livelihood, forgiving the school what would amount to $495,700 in today’s dollars. President Sandefer was the first to sign. And he continued to work at raising money for the university. In 1934, Mr. and Mrs. John C. Hardin, a couple with no living children of their own, began the process of giving to Simmons what ultimately totaled almost one million dollars ($16 million today) from their ranching, banking, and oil exploration endeavors. The trustees elected to add the Hardin name to Simmons’ in recognition of this remarkable generosity which truly saved the school from extinction. The original statement signed by the faculty and staff in 1933 is on display in the Alumni Center. Like the altars of old, this document and the school’s current moniker remind me of how God, then as now, moved Hardin-Simmons University forward through the generosity of His people who love the school and firmly believe in an education enlightened by faith.
Britt (Yates) Jones ’84 Director of Alumni Relations
Much of this story comes directly from Yvonne Stackhouse (Hardin-Simmons University: A Centennial History), an invaluable reference for the Alumni Center.
HSU Official Ring Awarded to 232 May Graduation Candidates during March Ring Rally.
On April 1, 2008, the second annual Abilene Area Alumni Night at the Theatre brought guests to the HSU campus for dinner and a show. Titanic: The Musical received rave reviews. The four-course meal preceding the show featured recreations of entrees from the Titanic’s menus. The evening was a sell-out with more than 200 attending dinner and the show. Joe T. Garcia’s was the site of the April 29 Ft. Worth Area Alumni Chapter gathering. Attendees included alumni, prospective students, and parents. Musician Rebecca Lowrey ’05 set the tone of the evening with her jazz piano stylings. Leland Harden ’84, vice president for Institutional Advancement, gave the 78-member audience a strong list of HSU bragging points, and Dr. Craig Turner, HSU president, had everyone’s rapt attention with a memorable story from his childhood. James Cox ’54 and current student Krisi Johnson spoke eloquently about the chapter scholarship. Special thanks go to Shannan and Kellie (Brown) Goss, ’01 & ’02, and Phil and Jennette (Crouch) Briggs, both ’55, for their help. Houston Area Alumni and Friends made their way downtown to Birraporetti’s for a classic Italian pasta meal and great fellowship. The 70+ guests heard from HSU President Dr. Craig Turner and VP for Institutional Advancement Leland Harden ’84. A musical program was presented by professional musicians Christine Price ’89, Nicole (Kenley) Crowell ’97, Danny Sigmon ’97, Eddie Crowell ’01, along with Betsy Brown ’77. Underwriting and contact calls were provided by Doyle and Inez (Tucker) Kelley, both ’51; Scotty ’51 and Jacque Holland; Eddie and Nicole (Kenley) Crowell, ’01 and ’97; Bryan and Elizabeth (Wagner) Adams, ’95 and ’97; Mike and Marsha (Pruet) Hammack, ’85/’89 and ’86; Joe ’57 and Minnie Martinez; Truett ’51 and Harriet Latimer; Todd and Claire (Cannon) Gentzel, ’93 and ’95; Angela (Perfetti) and Zach Howard, both ’05; Julie (Lopez) Armstrong ’80; and John ’67 and Renee Wilson.
In June, the HSU Office of Alumni Relations joined with Abilene’s Pioneer Drive Baptist Church for a night at the movies. The Town & Country Drive-In with its two screens was the place to be for around 270 movie buffs who had the choice of watching either The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian or Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Some even stayed for the 11:30 showings of Made of Honor and Iron Man. Special thanks to Chris Stephenson ’02, sports/recreation minister at PDBC. Ex-Cowgirls held their annual Summer Round-up & Brunch on Saturday, June 28, in the Connally Missions Center on the HSU campus. The morning featured a musical program by current student Laura Clapp, HSU White Horse Rider. The 37 guests also enjoyed a special video recorded earlier this year showing the Cowgirl Stomp as performed by members of the organization. A new Ex-Cowgirl directory was presented by historian and editor Laura (McBeth) Thaxton ’51/’68. Surprised dedicatees were Dr. Virginia (Hawkins) Connally ’33 and Bee (Agnew) Shackelford ’41, long-time supporters of the Cowgirls and HSU. Both ladies served as presidents of Cowgirls their senior years and both have served as president of Ex-Cowgirls. Officers are Laura (McBeth) Thaxton ’51/’68, president, and Dorothy (Fouts) Presswood ’54, secretary.
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Around 100 Dallas Area Alumni Chapter members and guests met in the impressive Great Hall at Park Cities Baptist
Church on May 22 for a lovely Italian dinner. President Dr. Craig Turner and Leland Harden ’84, vice president for Institutional Advancement, spoke about current highlights and the future of HSU. A musical program topped off the evening, presented by Dr. Ron Blevins ’84, recording artist and assoc. pastor of business administration, First Baptist Church, Garland, and current student Marc Sanders, pianist for Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, Abilene. Special thanks to Will ’61 and Janice Wilkins for securing the location and taking reservations, along with Candy (Thweatt) Noble ’83 and Mylia (Gault) Roan ’98. Others helping make the evening a success included Pamela Culbertson ’79; Bill and Rhea (Averett) Cathey ’58 and ’56; Keith and Helen Jean (Bond ’48/’51) Parks; Bill Beavers ’00/’02; Rebecca (Butler) Brown ’99; Mae Houston-Lantrip ’47/’52; Karen (Swartz) Kimball ’63, Cindy (McGee) Blevins ’86, Erin (Maddox) Tooley ’02; Al Merchant ’76, and Justin Haigler ’97.
Alumni Notes Fall 2008
HSU hosted an afternoon of music and presidential comment in March at Abilene’s Wesley Court Methodist Retirement Community. An American Musical was presented by alumnae and college members of Sigma Alpha Iota. University President Dr. Craig Turner brought the 30 guests up to date on HSU happenings.
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Stars of the Purple and Gold
Farewell to Dr. and Mrs. Craig Turner.
Retirees David and Clara Stovall.
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Retirees Mary Frances Mihalakos, Lawson Hager, and Dr. Joe Darnall.
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Hardin-Simmons University honored its fine faculty and staff at the 2008 Stars of the Purple and Gold Dinner. Steve Post ’85 (Alumni Association Board member) hosted the evening and Dr. Craig Turner, university president, emceed as the Stars of the Purple and Gold settled in for an evening of recognition, celebration, reflection, and a few good-byes. Honored as Former Faculty and Staff Members of the Year were Dr. B W Aston and Mrs. Wanda Thweatt. The Staff Member of the Year honor went to Mrs. Stacey Martin ’96/’01, undergraduate director of academic advising. The recipient of the Faculty Member of the Year Award was Dr. Mary Christopher, associate professor of education and certification officer. Both honorees were selected for loyalty and service to Hardin-Simmons University, competence and dedication to responsibilities, high Christian
ideals, friendliness and willingness to work productively with everyone, and good rapport with HSU constituents. Given the enthusiastic response from the audience, the 2008 honorees were a popular choice. The evening ended with an emotional farewell to Dr. Turner. The Alumni Board, Staff Senate, and Faculty Council all presented special “remember us” gifts to our president of seven years, and wished him well as he takes over the leadership of Catawba College. The faculty presented two prints by local artists of scenes sure to recall the heritage and flavor of Abilene. The staff commissioned a sculpture by Steve Neves, assistant professor of art, based on the Browning theme, “Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp. Or what’s a heaven for?”
The following HSU alumni and friends made this appreciation dinner possible through their generous donations: Chesley Adams Georgiana Arakaki Randy & Jody Armstrong Bill & Sharon Bailey Bill & Michelle Bailey, II Emily Baker Bill & Sharon Ballenger Bobby & Karen Bammel Robert & Dorothy Barnes Matt & Alida Barnes Brian & Katrina Barrett Jacquelyn Barron Dorothy Bernson Ty & Kayla Bishop Joe & Susan Black Stan & Betty Blevins David & Minnie Boyd Jeff Brannon Carolyn Bray Ron & Brenda Bredemeyer Karan Breeden Julian & Charlotte Bridges Brandy Brooks Rocky & Judy Brooks David & Irene Brown Tommy & Donna Broyles Brad & Audra Butler Walter Bynum Frank & Billie Cadenhead Brian & Linda Cargile Rob & Linda Carleton Sam & Gracie Carroll Rita Carter Ty Carvalho
Breece & Melissa Higgins Alex & Starr Hoffman Barry Holland Larry Holmes Bob and Shirley Hunter John & Barbara Huntley Frances Isbell Stephen & Kelly Johnson Gary & Cindy Jones Kevin & Susan Kehl Bill & Bonnie Kiker Don & Karen Kimball Allen & Dorothy Kiser Chad & Alex Knudson Robert & Martha Lacewell Hank & Karen Landsgaard Abbe Leal Robert & Louise Lockhart Kenneth & Deany Lowry Frank & Darlene Loza Zane Mason John & Evelyn McAnelly Palmer & Patsy McCown Richard & Patt Merchant David & Elaine Miller Elizabeth Miller Matt & Delys Mitchell Mike & Rachel Monhollon Gerrell Moore Watson & Shirley Moore Ty & Linda Morris Garrett & Amanda Murphree Stacey Nash Billy Bob & Pat Neff Jim Nelson Kermitt & Gaye Newton Janelle & Dennis O’Connell Keith & Helen Jean Parks Coleman & Tracy Patterson
Robert & Margaret Casey Brent Casey James & Mickey Cassle Don & Falby Cauble Ronald & Sherri Collins Virginia Connally Royce & Hope Cook Vance & Mary Cooksey Brian & Karen Corley Greg & Robin Cunningham Gene & Barbara Currie Drew & Denise Daffron Krista Darnall Jo Dennis Roger & Lavonia Duck Niles & Laura Dunnells Julie Edwards J. L. & Sue Edwards Harold & Ann Elledge Fred & Phyllis Ewing Jeff & Jenny Fisher Jim & Shirley Flamming Denise Gardner David & Juanita Garrett Monte & Tricia Garrett Jeff & Marilyn Goodin Paul & Sarah Graham Norm & Shirley Grimmett Lawson & Jane Hager Mike & Tracy Hale Robert & Carol Hamner Bob & Linda Hanna Ted & Nell Hardy Earl Harrison Millard & Pat Heath James & Wilma Heflin Stanley Hejl Judy Hibbitts Debbie Hicks
Cynthia Pearson William & Lloydette Penhallegon Butch & Nan Pesch Don & Debbie Pesnell Clifton & Jo Anne Poe Michael Popino Bettye Porter Drue & Chris Pounds Harold & Susan Preston Sarah Pruitt Amanda Pullen Charles Robinson Valarie Scull Alice Scully Bee Shackelford Larry & Joanna Shampine Ellen Simmons Ron & Patricia Smith David & Jackie Smith Kimberly Smith John & Karen Snapp Dick & Jolene Sollivan Carlene & Charles Spicer Kent & Tammy Stallcup Connell & Jimmie Kate Taylor Bill and Jessie Thorn Bill & Wanda Thweatt Darrell & Ginger Vinson Weston & Charlotte Ware Paul & Delores Washburn Marjorie Watson Elreeta Weathers Bob & Betty Weissinger Jon & Linda Wheeler Stanley & Dorothy Whisenhunt Howard Wilkins Don & Pam Williford David & Regina Yarbrough
Board of Young Associates During the Board of Young Associates’ summer 2008 retreat, members were in stitches with laughter yet gained valuable tools during a professional development session with Kevin Tutt and Michael Daggs ’96/’00. A lively speed-networking hour let members get better acquainted with one another’s talents and businesses. During the retreat, members heard from Dr. Jesse Fletcher, HSU president emeritus; Leland Harden ’84, vice president for University Advancement; Dr. Bill Ellis ’75, provost; and Britt (Yates) Jones ’84, director of Alumni Relations. Dr. Tommy Brisco, honorary board member and dean of the Logsdon School of Theology, provided the Saturday morning devotional. During the course of the retreat, the board launched its three-year challenge, “Investing in Meaning,” to encourage members to choose three HSU-related goals to accomplish during the next 12 months. Members who meet or exceed the challenge will be recognized and will receive thank-you gifts. New members were welcomed to the board, including Alison (Newhouse) Ashmore ’04, John Frost ’96, Justin Furnace ’01, Mandy Hazzard ’04, Dayna (Birtell) Huffington ’02, Lisa Law ’05, Stephanie Rollins ’05, Larry Smedley ’05, and Monica (Sidwell) Yaple ’01. The HSU Board of Young Associates (BYA) is composed of alumni under the age of 40 who actively seek ways to serve Hardin-Simmons and further its mission to provide a quality Christian education. This group awards both the Tomorrow’s Leaders Today (TLT) Scholarship and the Erin Greer Memorial Scholarship. As a result of past and current efforts, $5,000 was divided between two TLT recipients for 2008–09, Caleb Groteluschen of Buffalo, Wyoming, and Melissa Dorr of Granbury. The Greer scholarship was awarded to Jennifer Rohrs of Irving. Also honored as Tomorrow’s Leaders were Abilenian Emma Ellis; Laura Newbrough of Sacramento, California; and Paige Morrison of Euless. The board provides members with training about the university’s internal processes and external needs. Committees focus on recruiting new students, pre-recruiting children through the Posse Kids Club, and raising scholarship funds. If you are interested in participating in the Board of Young Associates, you may contact Britt (Yates) Jones ’84 in the Alumni Office at brittj@hsutx.edu or board president Jenni (Sims) Pulley ’97 at jpulley@hotmail.com.
Officers for 2008–09 include immediate past president, Brian Kickhoefer ’92 of San Antonio; president, Jenni (Sims) Pulley ’97 of Keller; president-elect, Clint Buck ’99 of Abilene; vice presidents, Wayne Lisenbee ’97 of Abilene; Jon Sibert ’97 of Kerrville; and Jay Lester ’94 of Victoria; and secretary, Kathryn (White) Mitchell ’99 of Abilene.
Jenni (Sims) Pulley ’97 presented from the BYA a good-bye gift to Dr. and Mrs. Turner—a collection of children’s books to share with their granddaughters.
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Plan On It! ALUMNI EVENTS CALENDAR December
13 Commencement & Graduation Celebration* 22 Campus Closes for Christmas Break
January
5 Campus Offices re-open 12 Classes Begin 30 Cowboy Friday for prospective students
February
13 27 21 21
Alumni Reception, Texas Music Ed. Assn.; San Antonio* Cowboy Friday for prospective students Winter Preview for Prospective Students Alumni Assn. Board of Directors Meeting
March 9–13 20 26 27 27 31-April 1
April
3 3 3 3–4 9 10 12 18 20–21 24
May
Spring Break (campus closed 12–13) Junior Day, hosted by Enrollment Services Official Ring Rally & Presentation* Official Ring Rally & Presentation* Cowboy Friday for prospective students Grad Finale for May Graduates*
Board of Development Spring Meeting Hall of Leaders Luncheon Outstanding Young Alumni Awards Dinner (6:30)* Board of Young Associates Spring Retreat Western Heritage Day Campus Closed Easter Alumni Assn. Board of Directors Meeting Golden Reunion (Class of 1959)* Spring Round-Up for Prospective Students
1 Faculty/Staff Appreciation Event* 8 Cowboy Friday for Prospective STudents 9 Commencement & Graduation Celebration*
July
24–25 Board of Young Associates SummerRetreat
Plan Ahead!
Homecoming 2009: October 15–18
Watch for Alumni Events Coming to a Town Near You . . .
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Not only are we continuously working to add to and improve the events we host for alumni on campus but in 2008–2009, we are working hard to bring alumni events to you. Watch www.hsutx.edu/alumni for upcoming information and, in your email inbox, mark hsutx.edu as a safe domain.
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Complete University Calendar Online at www.hsutx.edu (click on Calendar) *To help with any of these alumni events—or those yet to be planned—please contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 800.460.3908 or alumni@hsutx.edu.
New Opportunities for Alumni Involvement Applications are up over 22%, and the academic credentials of new students are increasing too. Recruiting activities on campus and across the country are contributing to this success, as are HSU alumni who actively work to bring new students to HSU. Several new opportunities are available for those who are interested in helping HSU recruit and retain quality students. Alumni stories are being documented to give a “face” to our university and its graduates.
Legacy Story Book A collection of written stories is in the works—stories about memorable HSU experiences. You can tell about an occasion or person that helped shape your life, or something that was simply a lot of fun—we want all kinds of tales.
Legacy Video A video is also being developed from brief interviews with alumni (and other HSU friends). These two items will be shared with current students, prospective students, and alumni. An education at HSU changes lives. Tell us how it changed yours!
Howdy Parties In years past, HSU alumni have hosted summer parties for incoming students in their areas to help them get to know each other. A new plan calls for alumni to again host small gatherings (10–20 people) of new students, current students, and parents from either group, along with a few alumni, so the incoming students and their parents get a better sense of what they’ll find at HSU next fall. Recruiters and Academic Advising staff will invite the prospective and current students. Your job will simply be to provide a home or backyard (or even a church facility) and very simple refreshments like chips and soft drinks. Parties will be held between May and August on dates agreed on by the recruiter and participating alumni.
Alumni Chapter Scholarships I am pleased and honored that you have chosen me as the recipient of the 2008–2009 Hardin-Simmons University Ft. Worth Area Alumni Chapter Scholarship. Three years ago, my family and I traveled to Abilene for a volleyball tournament. My father was pouring concrete at the time for a man who had graduated from HardinSimmons University, and he had convinced my dad it was a special place. So, we stopped and looked around the grounds for a while. I felt a strong pull to be a part of that beautiful campus. Even though I visited several schools over the next few years, none of them evoked the feeling of belonging that I felt that day. This award confirmed my faith that God is guiding and providing for my every step. Thank you again for this wonderful and generous award. Sincerely, Melissa Molder The Ft. Worth Area Alumni Chapter has awarded their $2,500 scholarship to Melissa Molder, an incoming freshman from Weatherford. Special thanks to the selection committee—Bill Swank ’59, chair; Mark Fanning ’86; Lisa Law ’05; Kelly (Patterson) Farr ’84; and Jenni (Sims) Pulley ’97.
Advice for Students
Last year’s Alumni Chapter Scholarship recipient, Krisi Johnson of Saginaw, spoke during the spring Ft. Worth Area Alumni dinner. Krisi is pictured (right) with her parents, Carl and Cyndi Johnson, and (left) Bob and Rosalynn (Aurbach ’62) Eads.
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Remember those things you wish you had known when you were a student? You can help a current student by sharing advice and suggestions based on your own experience. Contributions will be collected and edited into a fun book to be distributed by the Office of Advising. It’s easy to participate in any or all of these opportunities! Access www.hsutx.edu/alumni/opportunities and select the link you’re interested in. Or mail your legacy story or student advice to alumni@ hsutx.edu or HSU Box 16102, Abilene, TX 79698. You can also call 800.460.3908 for a Howdy Party form or to sign up for the next Legacy Video shoot. Be sure to include your full name, class year, email and street address, and the best way to contact you by phone.
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Grad Finale Over 170 graduating seniors participated in the 2008 Spring Grad Finale. The buffet of information offered a quick and easy opportunity for students to pick up their caps, gowns, and other graduation essentials. The event was hosted by the Alumni Association in cooperation with Josten’s, and treated the busy students to snacks and beverages. Door prizes included gift cards to local businesses and restaurants. Alumni volunteers were on hand to welcome the future alumni and offer them the chance to buy their first HSU Alumni Spirit Shirts. The festive event continues to be a big hit with stressed seniors on their way to graduation.
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Graduation Celebration
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Young Associates and Alumni Association Board members and volunteers braved gusty May winds to host the Graduation Celebration and congratulate HSU’s newest graduates. Pictured are Eddie Crowell ’01, Kirk Hancock ’01/’03, Joe Melson ’88, Billy Bob Neff ’62/’67, Pat (Butman) Neff ’77, Mickey (Howell) Cassle ’65, Laura (McBeth) Thaxton ’51/’68, Wendy James ’99, and Christina (Nolan) Dooley ’98/’06.
Golden 50th Reunion Members of HSU’s graduating class of 1958 gathered April 16 and 17 for their golden reunion and a celebration of Hardin-Simmons University’s Founders Day. Over 70 alumni and spouses returned to the Forty Acres to see the changes 50 years can make (both with the university and in the lives of classmates), and to share stories, reunite with old friends, and have some fun. Things kicked off on Wednesday with registration and a reception in the Dyess Welcome Center, followed by a trolley tour of campus. Although many of the class members come back annually for Homecoming, others were astonished at the growth, and planned growth, of university facilities. The afternoon concluded with an informal mini-concert by the Cowboy Band. Wednesday evening the class gathered for dinner with emcee and classmate Vernon Scott. Scott was president of three banks in Dallas and Ellis counties and regional director for 19 banks before retiring in 2005 after a 46-year career. Alumni had the spectacular challenge of summarizing the last 50 years of their lives into one minute as each had an opportunity to participate in show-and-tell. During the evening, Britt (Yates) Jones ’84, director of Alumni Relations, inducted the class members into the HSU Golden Lariat Society and presented them with their exclusive society pin. Thursday began with breakfast and continued with a special 1958 Class Reunion Program in Behrens Auditorium. Classmate and evangelist Charles Massegee spoke to the golden grads and assembled students. Ordained at age 18, Massegee has averaged over 30 revival campaigns each year. He was elected president for an unprecedented three terms of the National
Conference of Southern Baptist Evangelists. Following his address, HSU students led in the annual Founder’s Day tribute to some of the early-day leaders and benefactors of HSU. Current member and former chairman of the HSU Board of Trustees, retired IBM executive and classmate Joe Sharp emceed the Golden Reunion Luncheon as each class member present received the official Golden Reunion Medallion from Leland Harden ’84, vice president for Institutional Advancement. Returning alumni brought photos, programs, and souvenirs from their days at HSU. The display was available for staff, faculty, and students to view in the Dyess Welcome Center on Wednesday; then it traveled to the various dinners and assemblies Wednesday evening and Thursday. Special thanks to the Planning and Program Committee, led by Rosa Lee (Hemphill) Prichard, Bobby Siltman, Peggy (McKibben) Swift, Bobby Bingham, Jan Briggs, Sarah (Willis) Herrington, Charles Massegee, Lloma (Poe) Jones, Beverly (Meador) Riley, Don Scargall, Vernon Scott, Bennie (Houston) Rogers, and Dub Pierce.
Freda (Wimberly) and Harold Seefeldt, ’46 and ’47, were recognized for their 13 consecutive years of invaluable volunteer service to the Golden Reunion and Golden Lariat Society.
Class of 1958 Scholarship Tops $6,000 Fall 2008 |
Members of the HSU Class of 1958 gave generously to their scholarship fund, exceeding expectations and surpassing totals posted by the three previous Golden Reunion classes. The fund is currently at $6,175, and donations are still being accepted. Class scholarship endowments fund legacy scholarships for the children and grandchildren of HSU graduates. Range Rider Magazine
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Sports Report by CHAD GRUBBS
With the type of success HSU’s athletic teams has had over the last several years, a down-year becomes inevitable. The 2007–08 season was that year. The future is bright, however, as all but one team made it to the conference tournament, and many of the teams are returning a strong nucleus and should be in contention for league titles in the 2008–09 season. The Cowgirl basketball team went 21–6 with all six losses to teams that went to the NCAA tournament. The Cowboy basketball team advanced to the semifinals of the ASC tournament. Both the men’s and women’s golf teams qualified for the ASC tournament and had solid showings with young teams. The tennis teams both advanced to the ASC finals and the baseball team went to the ASC playoffs for the fourth straight year, after a four-way tie for first place in the ASC West Division.
Women’s Basketball
The Cowgirls did not return any players who started more than half of the games the previous year and had their ninth straight 20-win season, which is the third longest streak in the nation. The Cowgirls had a solid season with nine new players on the roster and only two who had played significant minutes before the 2007–08 campaign. As the season went along, the team’s noticeable improvement hinged on the development of freshmen posts Lara Colsman and Lindsey Newcombe. Both played significant minutes, and Newcombe became one of the top post players in the conference in her freshman campaign. She finished the season as the team’s second-leading scorer at 12.4 points per game and averaged 8.5 rebounds per contest. Colsman became a solid contributor down the stretch of the season and will team with Newcombe to be a force in the paint for four years. Senior leaders Rachel Cisneroz and Shelby Hodges both had solid campaigns. Cisneroz averaged 12.4 points per game and was a second-team all-ASC West selection. Hodges averaged 6.5 points and 5.6 rebounds per contest. Ashley Allen, a transfer from UT-San Antonio, was the Cowgirls’ leading scorer and was named ASC West Newcomer of the Year. She was on the all-defensive team and was named second-team all-ASC West. Unfortunately, she tore her ACL in the conference tournament. The Cowgirls return three starters and eight of the top ten players who were in the rotation this year. With another solid recruiting class coming in, the Cowgirls will be the favorite to win the ASC West title and hopefully make it back to the NCAA tournament in 2008–09.
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Men’s Basketball
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The Cowboy basketball team had a season of firsts. They became the first HSU team to make back-to-back American Southwest Conference tournaments, became the first team during the Division III era to sweep McMurry, and had their first all-American in senior center Mardochee Jean. The Cowboys had an up-and-down 15–12 overall record, but finished third in the ASC West and advanced to the ASC semifinals for the second straight season. Not a bad season for a team that lost four starters from the year before. Jean was named the ASC West MVP and was named an all-American. He also became the ASC’s all-time leader in rebounds and blocked shots and became the only player in Division III history to have 1,250 points, 1,000 rebounds, 150
assists, 300 blocked shots, and 100 steals. The Cowboys will return four starters for the 2008–09 season and should be one of the favorites to win the ASC West.
Baseball
The Cowboy baseball team became the first HSU baseball team to win the ASC West title as there was a four-way tie for the top spot. HSU advanced to the ASC playoffs for the fourth straight season and finished its year with a 26–16 record. Senior Josh Alcorn was the lone first-team all-ASC selection for HSU, but nine other players were named either second team or honorable mention all-ASC. Kyle Barton and Wayne Pimpton were each named all-region selections. Barton was 6–1 on the year out of the bullpen and Pimpton led the team with 10 home runs and 38 RBIs. HSU returns six position starters for next season and should once again be among the favorites in the ASC West.
Softball
The Cowgirl softball team ended its year with a 16–18 record ending its two-year reign as ASC champions. The Cowgirls had 13 new players on the roster and eight of the newcomers earned either first, second, or honorable mention all-ASC West honors. Senior Sadye Hill was named a first-team all-American. She finished her career as the all-time leading hitter in the history of the ASC with a .472 batting average. She also finished second all-time in hits, home runs, and RBIs. She was named all-region all four years and was a three-time all-American. She is the second first-team all-American in Cowgirl history. Hill also set the school and ASC record for batting average in a season with her .527 mark. Freshman Laura Rawlings had a 12–10 record in the circle for the Cowgirls and was named all-ASC.
Tennis
All good things must come to an end. That is exactly what happened to the men’s and women’s ASC winning streaks this season as the women pushed to 75 straight wins and the men to 69 in a row, before each
fell to UT-Tyler in the ASC championship match. It ended the impressive run from 2000 for the women and 2001 for the men. That said, both teams still had solid seasons and each produced the ASC West Player of the Year. Senior Tracy Henington won her third straight MVP title and Ryan Waters won his second in a row for the men. The Cowgirls finished with a record of 12–7 and the men finished 11–7. Both teams return a good nucleus for the 2009 season as they hope to launch another long streak.
Golf
The men’s and women’s golf teams had good seasons with the men finishing sixth at the conference tournament and the women coming in with a fourth-place finish. Freshman Ashley Luecke was the highlight of the Cowgirl’s season as she placed third at the ASC championships to earn first-team all-ASC honors. She also had seven top-10 finishes on the year. She and Whitney Mitchell were named to the all-region team by the National Golf Coaches Association. For the men a couple of individual performances were the highlight of the season. Sophomore Brad Leeper led after two rounds at the UTD Invitational and eventually finished with a top 10 finish. J.C. Eagle led the Con-Can Invitational after one day, but ended up with a third-place finish. Fall 2008 |
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Track is Back
After a 40-Year Absence, Track & Cross Country Returns to the Forty Acres by CHAD GRUBBS
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For the first time since 1968, HSU now has a track team. Coach Rodney Smith has been selected to revive HSU’s track and field program, beginning competition in cross country in the fall of 2008 and track and field in the spring of 2009. “It is exciting to start a program,” said Smith. “This is a perfect place to recruit students to, and the opportunity for success is great. The success of the other programs helps a great deal in recruiting good kids to the school. “We have to get kids excited about coming here and wanting to compete,” said Smith. “We will bring in as many kids as possible this year, and eventually, I would like to have between 60 and 70 kids in the two programs.” Smith returns to Abilene with a lengthy background as both a track and field and cross country coach and also with time in the business world.
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He spent the last two and a half years as the head girls and assistant boys track coach and the head boys and girls cross country coach at Uvalde High School. Prior to that, he was in the construction business in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and previously was the head coach at Dalhart and Abilene Christian High Schools. He was an assistant coach at Abilene Christian for seven years and also was the head track and cross country coach at David Libscombe University in Nashville. Smith earned a master’s degree in education at Southern Arkansas where he was also the head cross country coach and assistant track coach. He did his undergraduate work at ACU with a double major in health and physical education. He and his wife of 27 years, Annette, have four adult children.
Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees The Athletics Hall of Fame honors former athletes and coaches who made a significant contribution to HSU and the athletics program. They are selected at least 10 years after completing their HSU playing career (after five years for coaches), by a committee including current and former HSU athletes from various sports. Nominations are accepted year-round.
Vince Langston, BBA 1988
Men’s Basketball, 1985–88 Vince Langston, a top recruit for the HSU basketball program, was selected by his teammates and the coaching staff during his sophomore season (1986) as the most improved player on the squad. During the 1986–87 season, Vince was selected as the Trans-America Conference Top Scholar Athlete for basketball. He was a second-team all-conference selection, one of the top rebounders in the conference, team Most Valuable Player, was selected the TAAC player of the week several times, and won the Glen Whitis “Hustling Cowboy Award” honor. During the 1987–88 season, Vince led the Cowboys to an 18–12 record while playing the likes of LSU, Florida State, and Notre Dame. His honors included TAAC Top ScholarAthlete Award for basketball, first-team all-TAAC, and second leading rebounder in the TAAC. He ranked 21st nationally in rebounding, and was the MVP of the MetroMobile Basketball tournament at UTEP.
Scott Forbes, BBS 1994
Football, 1990–93 Scott Forbes was a member in 1990 of the first HSU football team to return to the Forty Acres after a 27-year absence of football. In just their third year of existence, the Cowboys qualified for the NAIA playoffs and advanced to the quarterfinals. In 1993, the Cowboys were conference champions and advanced to the NAIA semifinals. Forbes holds an impressive defensive career record. He ranks first all-time at HSU in sacks with 24 and is second in tackles for loss with 40. He also is sixth in total tackles (249), seventh in unassisted tackles (111), and fifth in assisted tackles (111). Forbes was selected first team all-TIAA and was an honorable mention All-American selection.
Linda (Dulude) Jeffery, BBS 1996
Women’s Golf, 1992–95 It is not an exaggeration to say that Linda Dulude Jeffery is the most decorated women’s golfer in HSU history. The only four-time all-American at HSU, Linda was a member of the 1994 NAIA national championship team which finished with a winning score of 997. Dulude had a three-day total of 237 and finished third in individual scoring. She was also a threetime academic all-American. In her senior year the Cowgirls won five tournaments, defeating numerous scholarship schools. In 1995, the Cowgirls finished third in the NCAA Division II/III national championship tournament and second in the spring NAIA national championship tournament. In 2006 she was named the Air Force Female Athlete of the Year. Linda won the Women’s Golf Championship by 39 strokes and later won the Armed Forces Women’s Championship by nine strokes.
Rena (Lyman) Richardson, BBS 1994
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Women’s Soccer, 1990–96 Rena Richardson was a four-year letterman as a midfielder and served as team captain for four seasons at HardinSimmons. She was the team MVP in 1990 and 1993 and completed her career, ranked second on the school’s all-time scoring list, with 92 points on 35 goals and 20 assists. Richardson began her coaching career as the interim head coach at HSU and was named head coach the following season in 1994, serving for three years with an 11–9 overall record and a conference title in 1996. She was named the conference Coach of the Year that same season. Richardson then went to Texas A&M for two seasons as an assistant coach where the Aggies advanced to the NCAA tournament both years. She then spent two successful seasons as head coach of the University of Louisiana-Monroe and later as an assistant coach at the University of Alabama. Rena became the fifth head coach in the 17-year history of the University of Tulsa women’s soccer program in December 2003, with players who exceeded academically as well as on the field. She left Tulsa in 2007 to spend more time with her family.
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Mr. Holland’s
Opus
David “Scotty” Holland Ex 1951 Retired President & CEO of Pennzoil Exploration and Production Company
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B y D av e C off i eld
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Some years ago, Richard Dreyfus starred in a popular movie about a high school music teacher, a Mr. Holland, who constantly touched students’ lives through wisdom and discipline, but never quite finished his master composition—his opus. The underlying message of the movie was that the teacher’s real opus was his commitment to excellence and his lessons that prepared students for life. A young Abilene High School athlete, who later became the president and CEO of Pennzoil Exploration and Production Company, developed his own lessons for leadership and success, and together with his concern and philanthropy for Hardin-Simmons students, has established quite a composition of his own.
The Making of a Leader David “Scotty” Holland lettered in football, basketball, baseball, and track at Abilene High School in the late 1940s, and the legendary football coach Pete Shotwell introduced him to leadership. Early on, the coach saw leadership qualities in Scotty and challenged him, as captain, to motivate players, point out their mistakes, and applaud their exceptional plays. That challenge stayed with Scotty for life. He won the school’s Thornton Award, given to the top male athlete of the year, “which I still cherish above all other things, because it meant so much to a kid who had so little.” A number of colleges offered scholarships to Holland, but he based his choice on the reputation of HSU football and the opportunity to play under Coach Warren Woodson on the same field where gridiron greats Burl Troutman, John “Model T” Ford, Wilton “Hook” Davis, and Bob McChessney had played. The choice was providential. Just before high school graduation, on Scotty’s 18th birthday, his father died, leaving a wife and five children at home. The HSU scholarship offered Scotty a chance to attend college yet stay close to home and continue to help his family.
Lesson One: You Have to Finalize Something Before It’s Counted Scotty’s leadership training continued with HSU football. “Coach Woodson was quite a leader. He inspired us to do whatever it took to win. One of the best things I remember him saying was, ‘life is like football—you have to cross the goal line to win.’”
Lesson Two: Don’t Give Up During a varsity game with Texas Tech, Scotty went back to punt, took the snap, punted (barely), then fell flat on his back. He was relieved to see the ball cleared the line of scrimmage and rolled another 30 to 40 yards so that everyone was looking at the ball and not him. Despite the embarrassment, Scotty remained diligent. “The next time I punted in the game, I got off a beautiful punt that went out of bounds on the five yard line.”
Lesson Three: Teamwork Sports influenced much of Scotty’s life, and the lessons learned there carried over into his professional life. “Most decisions I made in my career were founded on hard work, honest application of each person’s input, and a sincere desire to excel at whatever we did.” Teamwork is another piece of Scotty Holland’s opus. “I’ve always tried to give credit to fellow employees and subordinates for any and all successes I’ve had.”
Lesson Four: Prayer Helps
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The Korean War interrupted Holland’s Hardin-Simmons education. He joined the U.S. Air Force and trained as an electronics and radio officer. Logging over 2,000 hours in B-25s, C-47s, and C-54s, he generally flew anti-submarine missions in the Gulf of Mexico. Like his coach and fellow oilman, Glen Burroughs ’49/’50 (see Burroughs’ story on pg 30), God lifted Holland to safety during an in-flight emergency. “On one training mission, we lost two engines to fire and were nearly back to the base when we lost another engine. After a quick discussion, we decided to come in with no engines and wheels up. One kid panicked and jumped out (he was killed). I bowed my head and prayed until the back door of the plane flew open with fire crews pouring water on us. The rest of us made it safely.” Prayer has been a constant in Scotty’s life. “The Christian atmosphere at HSU has always been an influence in my life. The students, teachers, teammates—we were all close because of our beliefs and values. God is and has always been there for Jacque and me. We pray and have fellowship to this day with our Christian brothers and sisters.” Range Rider Magazine
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David “Scotty” Holland
Scotty Holland periodically shares his time with HSU science students on field trips.
Lesson Five: Patience Pays Off Scotty met his future wife, Jacque, while they were students at Abilene High School. “When she walked into the classroom in 1947, I said to myself, ‘I want a date with her.’ We went to the same church, and she invited me to a picnic. Later I talked a schoolmate into changing places with me in high school assembly so I could sit next to her—and I’ve been there ever since.” The couple corresponded while Scotty was in the air force, and then dated and became engaged while he was on furlough. They were married, after their five-year courtship, in July 1952.
Lesson Six: Do What You Love and Give it Passion; God Will Do the Rest The early years in the oil business were not that hard, says Scotty. “I enjoyed every minute of it. We worked six days a week for as many hours as it took to get the job done. A desire to excel and succeed sustained me. Although I rose from the very bottom to the very top of my profession, I hope my legacy will always be that I was honest, fair, and succeeded in everything I did. I loved leading. I loved finding oil and gas; I’ll remember my first discovery forever.”
Lesson Seven: You Have to Apply Your Knowledge Through Hard Work Holland expresses an outward focus on helping others grow through hard work. “Young people need to learn to temper technical expertise with hard work. A lot of people today think that all they have to do is get an education and the future is theirs. That’s not true.”
Lesson Eight: Give Back to Those Who’ve Helped You
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Throughout his career, Holland has always carved out time to remain involved at HSU. He is a past chairman of the Board of Development, is on the advisory board of the Kelley College of Business, and was made an honorary “Trustee For A Day” in spring 2008. He is a recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award, an honorary doctor of laws degree, the Keeter Alumni Service Award, and is a Hall of Leaders inductee.
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“Although I rose from the very bottom to the very top of my profession, I hope my legacy will always be that I was honest, fair, and succeeded in everything I did.”
In 2000, the Hollands established a major endowment for the School of Sciences and Mathematics. The school is now known as the Holland School of Sciences and Mathematics in recognition of that gift. In January 2008, the Holland Health Sciences Building opened, a first-of-it’skind magnet school that prepares high school students for medical careers and adds needed lab space for the university.
Lesson Nine: Invest in the Future Holland has shared not only financially with HSU, but has also devoted his time to the growth of students. He periodically meets with students from the Holland School of Sciences and Mathematics on their field trips. And, during a particular trip he arranged for students, he led a personal tour of the energy exhibit he helped design at the Houston Museum of Natural History. In the oil industry, Holland looks at long-term strategies, not short-term fixes, and has extended that philosophy into his philanthropic endeavors. He views the contributions he has made to the education of students as a way to assist them in getting “their own start in life.” He sees his support of Hardin-Simmons University and the Geology Department as a source through which he can return both time and money to his profession of geology and to the youth of tomorrow. “There is a wonderful future in the energy business. Geology will always be with us. It’s a study of the earth. There will be a future for geologists in the water, geochemical, petro-physics, and geo-physics businesses for a long time to come.”
Completion With determination, dedication, and hard work, Scotty Holland has been a leader in all his endeavors. He perseveres in the present and gives of himself to the future, continually adding to his “opus.” ✯
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Unequaled
Faith
Glen Burroughs
BA 1949; MA 1950 Retired President of Sun Production Company
B y D av e C off i eld With one engine lost and a second running rough,
faith, and ultimately set his course in life. Glen and his crew had flown the 2,500 miles
Pacific. The young navigator gave locations to the
from Guam to Honolulu on a rest and relaxation
pilot every five minutes, silently praying for safety
trip and to pick up supplies for families who would
in between each radio squawk. It was 1946 and Glen
soon be coming to Guam. On the return trip, 1,500
Burroughs was nearing the end of his four-year tour
miles out from Guam, the bomber’s engine blew and
in the Army Air Corps as a B-29 navigator. As with
another was quickly going out. Not one to panic,
many young college men in the 1940s, World War
Glen’s calculations led them to their rocky landing
II interrupted his education. He had been attend-
at Kwajalein, where they spent the next week waiting
ing Tarleton Junior College in Stephenville, Texas,
for a new engine. “I knew we were in God’s hands,”
when the war broke out. Now he was facing a life-
says the now octanagerian, “and I knew He had a
threatening situation that would test his skills and
plan for my life.”
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the B-29 bomber dropped to 500 feet above the
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Glen Burroughs | Fall 2008
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From Basketball to Math to Oil At the end of the war, jobs were scarce and folks did what they could for entertainment. Independent cityleague basketball teams were formed that played anyone who would get on the court with them. After leaving the military in 1946, Glen played on one such city team. “We defeated the HSU varsity team, and the school offered us scholarships.” He came to Hardin-Simmons University and good things started to come his way. Glen was very much involved in campus life, played the odd game of dominos in Cowden Hall, and sneaked away to a few off-campus dances. But it was the woman he met on a double date who was to become a big part of his life for the next 58 years. “Initially Virginia and I double dated—I with her roommate, and she with a good friend of mine. So by the time she and I began to date in the spring of our senior year, I knew her pretty well. “We were engaged in three months and married in
six! I believe our marriage has been successful not just because of our commitment to each other, but our commitment to our Lord and His church—much of which was reinforced by HSU’s Christian ideals and Christian professors.” Glen completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at HSU, and it was during his graduate work that he began to plot his life’s course in earnest. “I made honorable mention on the basketball team one year, a pleasant surprise, and while working on my master’s degree in 1950, I coached the freshman team. One game, I found myself down on the court shaking my fist at the referee. Not that I’d been interested in a coaching career, but I knew right then that I was not cut out to be a coach.” That same year he also taught freshman math, trig, and algebra, attributing this opportunity to his mentor, Professor of Mathematics J.E. Burnham. But, Glen had another goal in mind. “I already wanted to work
Service to Others
in the oil industry, so when an opportunity to work as a draftsman at Pan American Production opened later that year, I took it. From there, I accepted a job at Sunray in the land department, beginning my career in oil.”
Faith at Work
A Man Following God’s Plan Charles Brinkley, a fellow Trustee in the 1978 presidential search, characterizes Glen this way: “While enrolled in Hardin-Simmons University, Glen was very active in giving his witness about what the Lord had done in his life. I found Glen to be a man who sought God’s leadership in every phase of his life. We traveled together and prayed together. Glen is not only an outstanding graduate of Hardin-Simmons, but an outstanding Christian businessman in every respect.” It would seem God had HSU in mind when He lifted that old bomber over the waves all those years ago. Glen Burroughs for many years has been serving HSU and leading her cause with the same faith, strength, and conviction he relied on during that significant day in 1946. ✯
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Glen rose through the ranks with Sunray and through their merger with Sun, becoming the president of Sun Production Company in 1976. The successes were many along the way, including several very productive combines in the Gulf of Mexico off-shore area, and a platform in the Santa Barbara Channel which produced over 34 million barrels. Consistently reflecting his faith, Glen led the company with integrity. “Because of the values emphasized at HSU, I was always careful to give correct and honest evaluations of oil and gas reserves, to have an open-door policy for all employees, and to try to understand both sides of an issue before making a decision.” He carried his concern for faith and values into retirement when he was approached by the Baptist Foundation of Texas to serve on its board. “Because I was a trustee at HSU and could not serve on two Baptist boards at the same time, I was asked to serve as a consultant in the BFT’s oil and gas division.” That service to Texas Baptists continued for 15 years.
Glen’s love for Hardin-Simmons University is unquestioned. He’s served as a member and vice chair of the Board of Trustees and as past president of the Board of Development, where he is a current member. He’s been a generous supporter of the university, and was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1978, the Keeter Alumni Service Award in 1983, and an honorary doctor of humanities degree in 1996. Burroughs served on the search committee that brought Dr. Jesse Fletcher to the HSU presidency in 1978, and recently offered his vision for the university under a new president. “I feel the size of HSU makes it very special because it makes possible personal relationships between professors and students. I hope HSU will always remain true to its biblical foundation and Christian values. I also believe it’s important for HSU to be on the cutting edge of new technology.” He encourages students to consider opportunities in the energy industry. “With oil prices where they are, technical people and land personnel are at a premium and can demand very good salaries and other benefits.”
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Geology Rocks! Greg Flournoy
BS 1982 Principal Geologist, Schlumberger Oilfield Services
B y B renda H arr i s
Dust stirs in the alley behind his house as
the dirt,” says Greg Flournoy, now princi-
a young boy pokes at clumps of dirt with pal geologist with Schlumberger Oilfield a stick. He responds to his mother’s call
Services.
for supper with a moaning yell, “Mom!
Growing up in Abilene and attending
Just five more minutes? It’s not dark yet.”
First Baptist Church, Hardin-Simmons
He’s searching for that perfect specimen
was the logical college choice for Greg. At
to smooth in the rock tumbler his mother HSU, he played in the Cowboy Band and gave him for his birthday.
was active in the Geology Department—a department that was much larger in the
On family trips to the lake or dove hunting,
’70s and early ’80s, populated with budding
my mom would usually find me digging in
oilfield geologists.
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“I was always looking for rocks—still am.
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Greg Flournoy | Fall 2008
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Difficult Times It was soon after Greg graduated that the oil crisis of the mid-1980s caused a drop in the number of students going into the field of geology, and Greg began his career in the oil business when it was at one of its lowest moments. “There was a gap in the 1980s when not many people were going into geology because of difficult times in the oil industry. Now a lot of geologists are nearing retirement age and their wisdom and knowledge-base is going to be lost if we don’t get more young people coming into the business to be mentored by these veterans.”
the swirls of lines on the contour maps. Once each semester, in a reservoir characterization class at Oklahoma University, Greg is asked to help students understand how to find additional stores in existing reservoirs where the oil and gas is stored. He also instructs them in the process of finding new reservoirs. Greg urges students with aptitudes for math and sciences to develop those skills. “We need these talents for the US to be competitive in the global market, and there’s a lot of opportunity for employment out there. America is in desperate need of new blood coming in to geology.”
Teaching Others
A Passion for His Work
Although a large part of Greg’s work involves sitting behind a desk at his computer terminal, he also gets to share his years of wisdom by mentoring new geologists coming into the field. His responsibilities at Schlumberger include teaching new field engineers about what happens to the data they send in via satellite from the field to the office. The data arrives for further processing and analysis, which is where Greg’s work begins—deciphering
Greg is passionate about geology. “It’s more than just rocks and oil and gas,” he explains. “Geology is the study of the Earth, its substances, shapes, processes, and history. And it also has a role in alternate energy sources such as wind and bio-fuels. Geology plays into whether an area is windy or not. Soil conditions, rain, and temperature affect the production of bio-fuels which are made from grain. Geology impacts everybody and touches everything.”
Greg especially enjoys helping his clients understand the data coming in from the logging trucks, helping them decide which directions to drill a horizontal well, or where to drill the next well. The technological advances made just in the time since he graduated from HSU in 1982 are amazing. “Back then, we didn’t even have cell phones, and now each of our logging trucks is equipped with its own satellite dish. We work in real time, viewing the data from the well as soon as it’s found. And I never even leave my building.”
Current Economic Issues
Solutions? “Our economy and way of life are possible from the use of hydrocarbons. To think we could wean ourselves from this plentiful and efficient source of energy any time in the near future is unrealistic. However, can we do a better job of using them more efficiently and in the meantime develop other sources of energy? Most definitely. There are lots of really smart people out there and with high oil and gas prices, there is more of an incentive to develop efficient uses and to work on alternative sources of energy. Demand drives the prices quite a bit and if we (the US) can reduce our consumption and develop our own resources to the point of not having to rely as much on foreign sources of energy, we will be better off in the long run. ‘Long run’ is the key phrase here as this will not happen overnight, but we are headed in the right direction. “And,” Greg concludes in his soft Texas drawl, “we’ll rise to the challenge. We always do. America is a great country.” ✯
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When asked what he sees as causing the economic difficulties the US is now facing, Greg explained, “Crude oil and natural gas are commodities traded not only in United States markets but around the world. Many factors within these markets influence the prices. Certainly supply and demand heavily influence the prices, but we’ve recently seen things like oilfield worker strikes, pipeline sabotage, Iran’s nuclear development and missile tests, hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico, and more normal—or even colder—winters in the U.S. and Europe. Anything that disrupts or is perceived to cause a disruption in supply anywhere in
the world will affect prices. We are truly global when it comes to energy.”
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HSU’s Legacy of Oil
Funding from oil has benefitted HSU since her early days, including John G. Hardin’s gift of nearly $1 million in 19341935, saving the life of the Depression-affected institution. A large portion of Hardin’s wealth came from the oil industry. Sid Richardson, an HSU student from 1911 to 1912, developed an oil company and in 1947 created the Sid Richardson Foundation so that his financial success could benefit others. He spent a lifetime in the oil business and became a major philanthropist. In 1968, the Sid Richardson Science Center, the result of a large gift from the foundation, was dedicated in Sid’s honor. J.D. “Jake” Sandefer II established Sandefer Oil Company which is now operated in Houston by his son, J.D. “Jakie” Sandefer III. Jake began his career in the oil business in the 1920s, and became a much-admired leader in the industry. He generously shared his wealth with HSU throughout his lifetime. The HSU bell tower is among the financial contributions Jake made to HSU. His son, Jakie, funded the Jake Sandefer Athletics Field House, which was dedicated in 1990 in Jake’s memory.
Eugene Holman, a 1916 HSU graduate, became president and chief executive officer of Standard Oil (now ExxonMobile) at the age of 33. His love for HardinSimmons was so evident, that after his death in 1962, Standard Oil established the Eugene Holman Memorial Scholarship Fund with a gift of $25,000 to the university. The scholarship fund was established by Standard “out of appreciation for what the university meant to the career of Mr. Holman and as a means of providing ‘opportunity for socially constructive and rewarding careers’ for deserving and financially needy students.” And, the largest gift to date HSU has received came from oil profits. In 2005 June Frost Leland bequeathed to HSU $10 million of her estate, which originated from oil and gas holdings she inherited from her parents.
A Dozen Energy Saving Tips 1. 4.
2.
3.
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Install a programmable thermostat. If you use it to set back the temperature by 10 degrees for eight hours every night, you’ll lower your heating bills by 10 percent. Plant a tree. One well-placed shade tree can reduce your cooling costs by 25 percent. For maximum benefit, place leafy shade trees to the south and west, and evergreens to the north. Add foam gaskets behind all outlet covers and switchplates, and use safety plugs in all unused outlets. These are prime places for outside air to leak into your home.
Check the exterior of your home for air leaks, especially around openings for water spigots, air conditioner hoses, dryer vents and gas pipes. Use caulk or expanding foam to seal spaces. Take showers, not baths. A five-minute shower will use about 7.5 gallons of hot water, while filling a bathtub can use up to 20 gallons. Fix leaky faucets, especially if it’s a hot water faucet. One drop per second can add up to 165 gallons a month—that’s more than one person uses in two weeks.
5.
6.
Making the Best Better Dr. Mark Ouimette, professor and head of Geological and Environmental Sciences, received the first-ever Holland Award of Excellence from the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), which was presented by David “Scotty” Holland. Ouimette, whose 14 years of hands-on teaching at HSU have given students an appreciation for fieldwork and an authentic context for geological sciences, says, “I am very honored to receive this award. I am truly thankful to Dr. Holland and the AAPG for making it available. The award is an affirmation of the learning environment we provide here at Hardin-Simmons. You won’t find the attention to detail directed toward a student’s future at any public institution like what we have here.” The award was established through the AAPG by Scotty and his wife, Jacque, to select high-achieving faculty members from the Holland School of Sciences and Mathematics for special recognition and award. Intended for professional development and enrichment, the purpose of the award, and the endowment that supports it, is to make the best in the classroom better at the Holland School of Sciences and Mathematics. The recipient of the award is selected by the dean of the Holland School of Sciences and Mathematics, and the dean determines the manner in which the funds will be used prior to the finalization of the award. Most of the award will go toward the purchase of much-needed equipment for the department, including a high-quality microscope and a digital visual device for lectures (known as ELMO), and the remainder will be used to send Dr. Ouimette to meetings focused toward Geoscience Department accreditation.
7.
8.
9.
10
. Keep lamps away from thermostats; the heat produced can cause your furnace to run less than needed or your air conditioner more than needed. Dust light fixtures regularly. A heavy coat of dust can block up to 50 percent of the light output. Turn off and unplug any electrical device that’s not being used. Many appliances, especially computers, televisions and VCRs draw power even when turned off.
11.
12.
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Use smaller kitchen appliances whenever possible. Microwaves, toaster ovens and slowcookers can use 75 percent less energy than a large electric oven. Clean the lint screen on the dryer every time you use the machine. A clogged lint screen can make your dryer use up to 30 percent more energy—and it can be a fire hazard. Use devices like dimmers, motion detectors, occupancy sensors, photocells and timers to provide light only when you need it.
Dr. Mark Ouimette receives the first-ever Holland Award of Excellence. Mark (left) is joined by his wife, Nine, and Jacque and Scotty Holland, who presented the award.
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Paths to the Prairie My story is one of almost... The summer before I was to enroll in college, our church in Hobbs, New Mexico, held a youth revival. Billy Bob O’Brien ’55 and Lonnie Kliever ’55 were the revival team from HSU. Lonnie was a Little Person with a tremendous speaking voice. I can still see him standing on a small box so he could be seen behind the pulpit. Bill’s solos were awesome. Their words and songs were such an inspiration. After the final service, we were attending a youth fellowship. They asked the seniors where we were planning to attend college. When it came to me, I answered Texas Tech. Lonnie’s eyes widened. He stood and began telling us why we should go to Hardin-Simmons. For the next hour, they both shared with us all the positive things about HSU. Then they prayed for our decision. I went home and immediately told my parents, “I have to go to Hardin-Simmons.” Bill and Lonnie exemplified the importance of sharing a positive word then covering it with prayer. I almost missed going to HSU. I almost missed all that God had for me from my experiences, relationships, and life’s teachings while there. I almost missed having my son and daughter graduate from HSU. I almost missed the joy of being able to attend the 50th reunion. Through the years, I have tried to follow Bill and Lonnie’s example. Several of our mission young people have been blessed by attending HSU. At the present time, I am speaking to and praying for my grandson. How great would that be! ~ Glenda Wages Tremaine ’58
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Send your HSU story to Box 16102, Abilene, TX 79698 or access www. hsutx.edu/alumni/opportunities and select My HSU Story. Be sure to include your full name, class year, email and street address, and the best way to contact you by phone.
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REFLECTIONS a devotional
by D r . K elly P igott, HSU C hapla i n I can’t fault the young worship leader for his approach. Contemporary worship has its roots in the revivalist tradition of the New Lights, echoes of which can be found in songs by Charles Wesley still sung today: “Christ the Lord is Risen Today,” and “Rejoice the Lord is King”—decidedly happy songs. But the psalmist also prayed, “My soul is cast down within me,” (Psalm 42:6a, NRSV). Jeremiah prayed, “Why did I come forth from the womb to see toil and sorrow, and spend my days in shame?” (Jeremiah 20:18, NRSV). And even Jesus prayed, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34, NRSV). For those of us who struggle to show up with a smile on our face at church all the time, you’ll be happy to know that the most popular type of psalm in the Old Testament is not a praise psalm, nor is it a thanksgiving. It’s a lament, or a prayer expressing deep sadness over a loss. But I doubt you will ever hear a worship leader stand up and cry out “Are you sad in God’s house today?!” Don’t get me wrong. Joy is great. But the point I’m trying to make is that worship doesn’t have to be mono-emotive. Jesus taught us that true worship is, well, true—in other words, authentic. Which means to make us cheer that we’re happy when we’re not may not be the best idea. We need to let go of the unrealistic expectation to always be joyful, as well as the guilt associated with those times when we leave our prayer closet feeling a little down. It’s perfectly OK to be sad. It doesn’t mean we are somehow less faithful. Because the point of worship is not to experience some sort of attitude adjustment, it’s to fellowship with God. And in order for that to take place, He wants us to be real.
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“But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him.” John 4:23 (NRSV) “Are you happy to be in God’s house today?!” the worship leader screamed into the microphone as he picked up his guitar bathed in the spotlight. Three attractive girls paraded out and picked up microphones and assumed the trance pose with bright smiles. The drummer pounded away on his set which launched the praise team into a pop-inspired song. I looked around at the very young crowd as it rose to its feet and began singing and clapping. Most of them, indeed, seemed happy to be in God’s house—but not all of them were glad, including me. To be honest, I felt uncomfortable with the way the worship leader phrased his question, which made it seem that if you weren’t happy to be in God’s house, then you weren’t going to be included. Because he was happy, the backup singers were happy, the drummer—well the drummer was in his own little world—but he seemed happy in it. And so if you wanted to be a part of this very spiritual group, you had to be happy, too. If you weren’t, then there was obviously something wrong with you. Go home and come back when you’re happy. OK, seriously, the worship leader didn’t say all that. He didn’t even think any of it, I’m sure. He was too busy being happy. And trying to get the crowd to be happy. But as I read about worship in the Bible, I discover that joy isn’t the only emotion expressed. On the contrary, hymns, songs, and prayers span the entire spectrum of human feeling, expressing anger, doubt, frustration, melancholy, ecstasy, fear, praise, as well as joy.
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More Military Folks and Facts A Follow-up to the Spring 2008 Range Rider Editor’s Note: We had a tremendous outpouring of response to the Spring 2008 issue of Range Rider which featured some of our HSU family in the military. We proudly share here with you updates we have received since the publication of that issue. Please continue to send in updates so that we may keep our records current.
Brig. Gen. (Retired) Ross H. Routh ’29 (Deceased 1907–1987)
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Brigadier General Ross H. Routh joined the Oklahoma National Guard in August 1930 and retired in June 1966. He was commissioned a second lieutenant, infantry, in February 1932, and continued to rise in rank until he reached brigadier general in April 1965. After the National Guard was federalized in September 1940, he served as finance officer of the 45th Infantry Division during World War II in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France, and Germany. In the Korean War, he was finance officer of the Eighth US Army. After the Korean War, he served for many years as US property and fiscal officer for Oklahoma before his final state position as assistant adjutant general of Oklahoma. In 1943, while a lieutenant colonel and the finance officer of the 45th Infantry Division, during an amphibious landing in Sicily, the division had a newsworthy experience. To quote from an article in the 45th Division News, November 27, 1943, “ . . . in the Sicilian landing, the money got wet and finance men stood guard over about a million dollars in once crisp, American bills, which they raked like leaves into the sun atop a roof at Vittoria.” After the money was dried by the sun, the Finance Section was indeed able to pay the troops on time. In retirement, Routh was highly dedicated to his family, taking pride in the various achievements of his four sons, and publishing five books of genealogy concerning the Routh and Wroe families in America. He died in 1987 at the age of 80. His wife, Fay (Campbell) Routh ’31, followed him in death in 2001.
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Elvin Mathis ’50, who earned a master’s degree in history from HSU, served in the US Marine Corps on Guam during World War II. He later taught history in several districts in Texas, retiring from Lincoln Junior High in Abilene where he now lives. Elvin shared with us a story about American children collecting scrap metal during WWII. His wife, Edith, and her family attended the Lowake school mentioned in the story. During WWII, one of the biggest supply needs for the war effort was metal to build ships and artillery. Recycled scrap metal was used as a quick source, and in 1942, the US Treasury Department, the US Office of Education, and the Wartime Commission initiated a program called “Schools at War.” The program was designed so that families, along with their children, could recycle goods for the war effort. School children all across Texas competed to see who could gather the most scrap metal. The first-place winners were the 32 students at Lowake School in northwest Texas. Together, the children first through eighth grade brought in pieces of outdated farm equipment totaling 107,000 pounds of scrap metal—an average of 3,343 pounds per student. The scrap iron was sold to shipbuilders for 42–1/2 cents per 100 pounds, and the money paid to the school was used to purchase war bonds to support the war. Because of gas rationing, all 32 students in the school were not able to go, but two of the students and their teacher traveled to Houston to participate in christening the S.S. Bigfoot Wallace on December 12, 1942.
Major John Conger McGraw ’52, late HSU professor of history, served in the US Army Chaplain Corps during World War II at Guadalcanal, Bougainville, and in the South Pacific. His wife, Winnie (Bennett) McGraw, and their daughterin-law, Janice (Grimsley) McGraw, were both 1954 HSU graduates. Their son, James C. McGraw III, DDS, attended HSU until 1954 and is now a professor at the University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Attorney Bob Moody ’52, served in the US Air Force as a JAG officer from 1955 to 1958. Bob is a member of the HSU Board of Trustees and the Cowboy Band Foundation. He is a former member of the HSU Board of Development. He and his wife, Charlotte (Lamb) ’53, live in Lubbock, Texas; charlambm@sbcglobal.net Colonel Glenn Bratcher ’57. Retired Marine Colonel Bratcher is a member of the HSU Board of Development, currently living in Washington DC; gbrat.dc@verizon.net.
LTC (Retired) Jeff Goodin ’60/’73, former HSU ROTC cadet, ROTC instructor, and retired HSU golf coach, served two combat tours of duty in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot and helicopter unit commander. Goodin retired from the Army in 1980. He and his wife, Marilyn (Searcey) ex ’62, live in Abilene; gomar123@msn.com. Colonel (Retired) L. Bryan Shelburne Jr. ’65, conductor emeritus of the US Army Band, was leader, commander, and principal musical director for seven performing groups. He was commandant of the US Army Element, Armed Forces School of Music, Norfolk, Virginia, 1977. He was the leader and commander of the US Army, Europe, Band and Chorus, 1980–1982, and officer in charge and director of the US Army Chorus 1982–1987. From 1987 to 1990 he was director of the US Military Academy Band at West Point. He was appointed conductor of the prestigious army band in 1990, only the sixth appointee to the position. In his decade as head of the band, Bryan conducted bandsmen in performances all over the world, including an international goodwill concert with the Soviet Union’s Navy Band in Stockholm, Sweden. He retired in April 2000. He was named a distinguished alumnus by HSU in 1990. Shelburne and his wife, Sareta (Kiser) ’63, live in Macon, Georgia; shelburneb@aol.com. Col. Jack Grogan ’67 served as an HSU ROTC band commander before his career in the US Army. He was as associate conductor of the Army Field Band, chief of Army Bands (Washington DC); staff band officer for the US Army Europe, commander of the US Army Band and Chorus (Heidelberg, Germany); commandant of the US Army Element, School of Music (Norfolk, VA); and deputy commander, US Army Field Band. Grogan completed his career as commander and conductor of the US Army Field Band in Washington DC. He retired in April 1999 as a colonel, the highest rank possible for a band officer. He was named a distinguished alumnus by HSU in 2002. He and his wife, Mary, live in Millersville, Maryland; jhgrogan@comcast.net. Major General Jose S. Mayorga ’89 is commander of the 36th Infantry Division of the Texas Army National Guard. He joined the Texas Army National Guard in 1982 after four years on active duty. His previous assignment was as deputy commander for support, US Army South. MG Mayorga is a registered professional engineer in Texas and is employed by the Railroad Commission of Texas. Mayorga, his wife, Maria, and their son Jose III live in Round Rock, Texas.
First Lieutenant Elizabeth Bridges ’05 deployed to Kuwait in May 2008 as a platoon leader for 2nd Platoon, 441st Medical Company out of Seagoville, Texas. She leads approximately 26 combat medics who provide 911 emergency medical services for the Country of Kuwait. This is her second deployment to the Middle East and her eighth year in the army reserve. While at HSU, she was a member of Love Company, Student Congress, and Alpha Psi Omega. During her deployment, she can receive mail at 441st Med Co, 2nd PLT, APO, AE 09366.
Faculty, Staff, and their Families in the Military
The late Sgt. Maj. A.L. Mosley taught ROTC at HSU from 1952 to 1960. He served in the US Army during WWII. Among his awards were the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. After retiring from the army, Mosley was the head of HSU’s Maintenance Department for 18 years. His daughter, Kay (Mosley) Lage ex ’63 and her husband Dean Lage ’69 live in Dallas and can be reached at hm4sellnow@aol.com. Family of Dr. Bernard Scherr, Associate Professor & Head of Department of Music Theory and Composition Father, Balzer Scherr: Army, Korea Brother, Lt. Col. Brenden Scherr: Army, Panama, Persian Gulf I, Currently Army Reserves Sister-in-law, Leah Scherr: Army Uncle, Matt Scherr: Army, WWII Uncle, Manuel Rosa: Army, Korea Uncle, Alex Scherr: Army Uncle, Joe Scherr: Air Force Uncle, Ed Scherr: Army Uncle, Jake Kraft: Army, WWII Cousin, Charlie Scherr: Army, Vietnam, Bronze Star, Purple Heart Cousin, Albert Scherr: Army, Vietnam Cousin, Harold Kraft: Army Cousin, John Kraft: Army, Iraq Cousin, Donald Scherr: Air Force Cousin, Chris Scherr: Army Cousin, Kevin Scherr: Air Force Cousin, Troy Vetsch: Navy Cousin, Joe Roth: Army, WWII, Purple Heart Cousin, Edward Roth: Army, WWII Cousin, Frank Scherr: Army, WWII
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Captain Kari Fletcher ’90, attended North Texas University after graduating from HSU and went on to complete law school in 1998 at Texas Tech Law School. She entered the US Air Force in 1999, and has served in JAG offices at Mountain Home, AFB, Idaho; Osan AFB, Seoul, S. Korea; Air Force
Academy, Colorado Springs, CO; Lajes AFB, Azores Islands, Portugal; and Ramstein AFB, Germany. She has had temporary assignments to NATO in Izmir, Turkey; Sarajevo, Bosnia; and recently to the NATO conference in Bucharest, Romania. In May 2008 she completed a master of international law degree at the University of Virginia. Kari has a strong HSU family legacy in her father, O.Wayne Fletcher, MBA 1989; mother Sonja Fletcher BBA 1990, and sister Kelly E. (Fletcher) Schurr BA 1987; flekar@msn.com.
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Lieutenant Colonel Tom Meyer ’88
LTC Tom Meyer ’88
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Lieutenant Colonel Tom Meyer ’88 is currently serving as the operations officer and third in command of the 470th Military Intelligence Brigade at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, where he supervises over 40 soldiers and department of army civilians. He is responsible for planning and coordinating army intelligence operations in support of United States Southern Command, and periodically assumes command of the brigade, which is comprised of over 1,200 soldiers and civilians. Meyer came to HSU in 1984 and joined Tri-College ROTC and the 490th Civil Affairs Company, army reserve. As a 20-year-old sophomore, he was selected cadet commander of the Tri-College ROTC program. In 1986, he was commissioned as a distinguished military graduate, putting him in the top 15% of ROTC graduates nationwide. He continued to serve in the army reserve until graduating in 1988. During his senior year at HSU, he served as president of Pi Gamma Mu. Upon graduation, he received a Regular Army commission and entered active duty. At that time only ROTC Distinguished Military Graduates and West Point graduates received Regular Army commissions. Meyer’s first assignment was in the Federal Republic of Germany. He served as an air defense artillery platoon leader, leading soldiers in combat during Desert Storm, and as a young 1st lieutenant, received a Bronze Star Medal for his contributions. In 1993, he transferred to military intelligence branch and was stationed at Ft. Lewis, where he served as an infantry battalion intelligence officer and commanded a company comprised of 150 soldiers. He was selected as one of four finalists (out of about 40 captains) within I Corps for the General MacArthur Leadership Award. Meyer notes that the army officer corps is a small, closeknit organization and the few HSU ROTC graduates share a unique bond. While serving our nation in the military, the lives of a few HSU alumni became intertwined. During his time in the army, LTC Meyer has made contact with a number of these alumni and others with connections to HSU’s ROTC program.
In Germany, he encountered several Tri-College graduates from ACU and McMurry as well as Major Ralph Nichols, a former HSU ROTC instructor who became his close friend and mentor. After moving to Ft. Knox, Kentucky, in 1997, Meyer and his wife, Susan, rekindled their friendship with Todd Johnston ’88, who was also an army captain stationed at Fort Knox, and his wife Tamela (Steele) ’88. They had lost touch with each other after graduation, but Susan and Tamela ran into each other at the Ft. Knox commissary and were happy to discover that they lived only blocks apart off post. Thanks to email, the Meyers and Johnstons keep up with each other, despite the Johnston’s move to Italy where Todd is a department of the army civilian employee and army reserve officer. Todd has completed numerous combat tours and deployments throughout the world, most recently serving in Afghanistan. In 1998, Meyer was promoted to major, and he and his family moved to Seoul, South Korea, in 1999. There, he served on the joint staff and as the executive officer of a military intelligence battalion. One day at the post gym, then-Major Meyer ran into Dave Wishart ’00, who had been commissioned in ’89 from TriCollege ROTC, left the active army in the mid-’90s, entered
“We fondly remember our days at HSU, because it is where God brought us together and gave us our first child. I proudly wear my HSU ring and take every opportunity to promote the university. My career has been intertwined with fellow HSU alumni, ROTC comrades and cadre. My days at HSU have had a profound impact on my life. HSU alumni are a minority within the army, and our numbers are getting smaller. We compete with officers who represent universities from throughout the nation to include West Point, and we do well. We excel because we received an excellent education and moral foundation at HSU.”
the army reserves and returned to Abilene. Wishart served as an infantry platoon leader during Desert Storm and commanded the 490th Civil Affairs Battalion (army reserve). In 2001, Meyer was selected to attend the command and staff College at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas; at that time, the Army selected only the top 50% in each year group by branch. Selection to the resident Command and General Staff Course was a critical step in achieving senior rank and increased positions of responsibility. After staff college, the Meyer family moved to Ft. Wainwright, Alaska, where Meyer served as the intelligence officer for the 172nd Light/Airborne Infantry Brigade. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel after 16 years of active service and received the Order of Saint Maurice, for distinguished support to the infantry. During his promotion ceremony, he gave credit to LTC Edward Leach, the professor of military science at
HSU during Meyer’s time in ROTC and the officer who commissioned him. After the ceremony, the 172nd Brigade Commander, Colonel Jim Palsha inquired how Meyer knew Leach. Palsha knew him as well. As a young NCO and member of the West Point band, Palsha was strongly encouraged by Leach to become an officer, and Leach commissioned Palsha upon his graduation from officer candidate school. Both Meyer and Palsha were amazed at how small the army really is and how one officer can influence so many lives. In 2004, the Meyer family moved to Ft. Sam Houston, San Antonio, where Meyer trained national guard brigades for deployment to Iraq and Kosovo. He was subsequently assigned to South Korea where he served as an advisor to the Third Republic of Korea Army (TROKA). He had the opportunity to dine with TROKA Commander, General Kim Kwon Jin, who is now the chairman of the Republic of Korea Joint Chiefs, the senior officer in the Korean Armed Forces. Meyer also toured areas along the DMZ that few Americans have ever seen. Meyer met his wife, Susan (Duckworth ’88), while they were both students at HSU. They have been married for 21 years, and have three children. Tom.meyer@us.army.mil
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Dr. W. Craig Turner Steps Down as 14th President B y D av e C off i eld
Dr. W. Craig Turner, Hardin-Simmons University’s 14th president, relinquished the position on May 31, 2008. Dr. Turner has become president of Catawba College, a private liberal arts institution located in Salisbury, North Carolina. “The two most important words in this transition are the names Payton and Madeline—the names of my granddaughters. This position is an opportunity to be near family, and that’s been the critical factor in this decision,” says Dr. Turner. Inaugurated on September 11, 2001, during the attack on the World Trade Towers, the Browning scholar presented a bold vision for the university during his inauguration address. “With all due respect to our friends and colleagues from other institutions in the state, my dream in 2001 is for Hardin-Simmons to become the best small Christian university in the Southwest.” In meeting and exceeding his goals to raise the endowment, establish an honors program, dedicate significant
“The two most important words in this transition are the names Payton and Madeline—the names | Fall 2008
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resources to community outreach, and improve spirit, pride, and ownership of the university by all its constituents, Dr. Turner not only moved Hardin-Simmons University into the top tier of peer universities, but to the top of all Baptist General Convention of Texas-affiliated universities of similar size. Although his legacy might be the financial strength and elite academic standing he brought to HSU, Dr. Turner insists that working with the university family has been his most satisfying accomplishment. “Just having the opportunity to work with people like the vice presidents, deans, directors, faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors— it’s been phenomenal. “That, by far, tops the chart in terms of accomplishments. We’re very proud of the endowment, and I was privileged to be a part of the beginning of the physical therapy program, the honors program, the leadership program—all great additions to the institution. But the things I’ll take away from Hardin-Simmons will be the relationships with the people.” Dr. Turner believes the University is well positioned for the next step, whomever steps into the position. “Dr. Hall built on what Dr. Fletcher did, I’ve had an opportunity to build on what Dr. Hall did, and that’s been a great stair-step progression to watch as the institution continues to grow and advance. There are some opportunities to grow some doctoral programs, for example in the School of Theology and perhaps a doctor of psychology, plus there are opportunities to work with health care—the sciences are looking for an undergraduate degree in health sciences that would help prepare people for a number of careers. I think the addition of the track and field program will bring some new students in, and that the oil boom will make our endowment grow, so the opportunities are very real and significant for the next step.” Dr. Turner, who joined Hardin-Simmons University’s administration and faculty in 1992, served as vice president for academic affairs from 1992 to 1996. He then became executive vice president and chief academic officer until
The Legacy Left by Dr. Turner becoming chief operating officer in June 2000. Dr. Turner was executive vice president and chief operating officer at HSU for a year before becoming the 14th president. Uncertainty can accompany any change in leadership, but Dr. Turner offered assurances that the succession will be virtually transparent to the Hardin-Simmons family. “HSU has a great board of trustees. They will be concerned that the institution continues moving in the direction it has been moving, and I’m sure they will look for a president who wants to continue the same kinds of growth, programs, and successes that we’ve had—probably a different vision, but the same general direction. The administrative council (the vice presidents) are all veterans committed to what they are doing. They love Hardin-Simmons, and they work extremely well together, so the day-to-day operations of the university are not going to change a bit—not even a small speed bump of change. “One thing the HSU family has to look forward to is that rejuvenation process which happens when new blood comes in. Someone else may bring in a little more energy and some fresh ideas, and we should welcome that. I know the HSU family will be supportive of the next person because they’ve been tremendously supportive of me—and I can’t thank them enough.” Near the end of his inauguration address Dr. Turner said, “Browning has written: ‘Would you have your songs endure, Build on the Human Heart.’ Hardin-Simmons is all about people and their dreams.” He will take those relationships and dreams with him as he leaves for Catawba. “I can offer nothing but thanks and best wishes, and I can promise that my prayers and support will continue here. Annette and I are leaving behind three endowed scholarships that we will continue to contribute to, because we very much believe in Hardin-Simmons and what it stands for. My time here has been so pleasant because of the support and encouragement the HSU family has given me, and I can only hope that I get a percentage of that at Catawba.”
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During almost seven years at the helm of Hardin-Simmons University, Dr. Turner’s achievements are formidable: ✯ The endowment and similar funds grew from $72 million to $125 million—ensuring the university’s financial stability regardless of national economic trends. Only Baylor University, among Texas Baptist Universities, has a larger endowment. ✯ Total enrollment reached record levels—2,435 last year—necessitating a move to managed growth as the university nears its enrollment cap and becomes more exclusive. Only 26% of students who applied to HSU were admitted in 2007 versus 54% in 2004. ✯ Establishment of the Honors Program and the Leland Honors Scholarships, fostering intense competition among the region’s top academic performers for admission to HSU. ✯ The Securing the Future campaign reached its goal a year early—more than doubling previous efforts with a total of $49.7 million in funds raised. ✯ The Skiles building, Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing building, the Alumni Wall, and the Holland Health Sciences building (a historic collaboration between a university and public school district to build a magnet school on a university campus), Linebery Boulevard, and the Linebery Clock Tower were all completed, and the Grape Street Athletic Complex is in the final phase of construction. As executive vice president, he was instrumental in the design and construction of the Connally Missions Center. ✯ Major renovations were completed to Caldwell Hall, Hunter Hall (converting the former lobby into the Dyess Welcome Center), Cowden-Paxton, Richardson Library, Sandefer building, and the university heating and air conditioning plant. Other refinements include relighting the campus, and the effluent water project. ✯ Establishment of endowments for the Kelley College of Business, the Cynthia Ann Parker College of Liberal Arts, the Shelton-Lacewell Endowed Chair in Physical Therapy, the Dodge Jones Chair in Reading Disabilities, and innumerable endowed scholarships. ✯ Establishment of Logsdon Seminary, including an extension campus at Wayland Baptist University; partnered with the Acton School of Business in Austin (an MBA program affiliated with HSU); secured reaccreditation for the university through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and accreditation for Logsdon Seminary through the Association of Theological Schools. Initiated quality enhancement initiative in ethics education for pre-professional degree programs, and laid the groundwork for a doctor of divinity and a bachelor of fine arts degree program.
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Development News
New Endowments and Scholarships Dr. Julian and Charlotte Bridges Endowed Sociology Scholarship
Students in the Cynthia Ann Parker College of Liberal Arts who have taken two or more courses in sociology under the head of the sociology department or in the sociology program are eligible for the scholarship. Dr. Julian Bridges came to Hardin-Simmons University in 1973 to head the Department of Sociology. He holds doctorates in Christian ethics and in sociology and is professor emeritus of sociology at HSU, where he taught over 7,000 students during 31 years. The author of four books and scores of articles, his avocation has been community. He has chaired and been a member of a number of nonprofit boards and served three years on the Abilene City Council. Dr. Bridges has taught in Costa Rica, Mexico, Spain, Tanzania, and Hong Kong. Charlotte Martin Bridges is a former elementary and English as a Second Language teacher for the Abilene Independent School District, as well as an active volunteer in the Abilene community. The Bridges are parents of three daughters and three granddaughters. Selection of the recipient(s) is to be made by the head of the Sociology Department in possible consultation with the other Sociology Department faculty. Priority will be given to students who have demonstrated compassion for others through community service. Students should demonstrate Christian character and be conscientious in their studies.
Grady and Evelyn Dorsett Endowed Scholarship
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Longtime members of First Baptist Church of Abilene, Grady and Evelyn Dorsett established this endowed scholarship benefiting the Irvin School of Education. The scholarship honors the couple’s two daughters, Dana Stevens and Terri Thompson; their daughter-in-law, Karla (Farris) Dorsett; and son-in-law, Steve Thompson, all of whom attended HSU. Recipients must be full-time education majors, maintain a 2.75 GPA, be a professing Christian, and maintain an active campus life. The recipient will be selected by the dean of the Irvin School of Education and the director of Financial Aid. The scholarship may be re-awarded annually, and the recipient must be in good standing, free from any disciplinary action.
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Fairy Orr Endowed Memorial Scholarship
Established in her memory by her husband Clarke Orr, this scholarship benefits students in the Cynthia Ann Parker College of Liberal Arts who are majoring in English. The recipient must maintain a 3.0 GPA, be a professing Christian, and be active in campus life. Fairy (Beam) Orr enrolled at Hardin-Simmons University in the fall of 1938. She majored in chemistry and played the trombone in the Cowgirl Band. She would have graduated in the spring of 1942 had not World War II interrupted her education. She married Clarke Orr and was occupied for almost three decades with raising their children, Suzanne Campbell ex ’67, Elizabeth Price ’74, and John ’80. Fairy eventually did resume her studies and graduated from HardinSimmons University in 1967 with a degree in English. Fairy Orr was a loyal alumna and friend of HardinSimmons until her death on October 24, 1998.
Shaelly Beth Rausch Endowed Memorial Scholarship
Established in her memory by her family, this scholarship benefits students in the Irvin School of Education. It will be awarded to an education major who is a professing Christian, has a disability (physical, learning, or mental), and demonstrate a significant financial need. They must maintain a 3.0 GPA. Shaelly Rausch was an Abilene native who taught English at A.J. Breismeister Middle School in Seguin, Texas, for seven years. She completed her master of education program as a reading specialist at HSU on April 21, 2006. Two days later she passed away due to complications with lupus, following a 16-year battle with the disease. Her degree was awarded posthumously with a special presentation during the 2006 Spring Commencement and was accepted by her brother David Rausch ’00 and sister Michelle Holcomb.
Shaelly was an advocate of the Lupus Foundation, president and member of Kappa Pi Gamma Sorority, and a Sigma Lambda Chi Little Sister. The Seguin Independent School District Teacher of the Year was a devoted Sunday School teacher at Faith Lutheran Church and a member of Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education. She spent much of her free time tutoring student athletes at HSU and creating amazing craft projects. Shaelly led a strong Christfilled life and was the ultimate example of grace and strength.
Elwin L. Skiles Faculty Development Endowed Fund
Earnings from this endowed fund will be used for faculty development and will be awarded by the provost. Among the many accomplishments of Dr. Skiles, the 11th president of HSU, was the establishment of the Cullen Fund for Faculty Development and Enrichment. The family of Dr. Skiles established this endowed fund in recognition of this significant accomplishment and in honor of his commitment to the HSU faculty. Dr. Skiles’ solicitation of financial backing for the Cullen Fund enables HSU faculty to enjoy funded sabbaticals, extended study, research grants, lectureships, and professional conferences. These opportunities contribute to the improvement of the professional resources and teaching effectiveness of faculty members.
Dr. Elwin L. Skiles served as president at HSU from 1966 to 1977, and was previously the pastor of First Baptist Church, Abilene. He is widely regarded to have been a dynamic force in Texas Baptist life for more than three decades. Dr. Skiles passed away in 2002 and is remembered in the naming of the Elwin L. Skiles Social Sciences Building.
Win Skiles Memorial Speakers Endowment
Earnings from the endowment will be used to retain selected speakers in varied disciplines who will bring instructional, informational, or inspiring messages to its audience. The endowment has been established by the family of Elwin L. “Win” Skiles Jr., the son of Dr. Elwin L. Skiles, the 11th president of HSU. Win Skiles, who was reared on the HSU campus, was a distinguished attorney. He served as chief of staff for US Senator John Tower and was executive vice president for Texas Instruments at the time of his death in 2001. Win Skiles implemented action from his personal estate that resulted in the construction of the Elwin L. Skiles Social Sciences Building. He intended this gift of love to honor the impact his father and mother had on the lives of generations of students at HSU.
Welcome to the Forty Acres! New Faculty and Staff Virginia Aguilar ’07, Digital Archives Assistant, Richardson Library
Dr. Gary Lindsey, History Center Supervisor, Richardson Library
Stephen Barrows, Co-Defensive Football Coordinator
Joseph McCormick, Assistant Facilities Coordinator
Lori Blake, Director of Institutional Research
Jay Niemann, Defensive Secondary Coach & Head Strength and Conditioning Coach
Nora Broadbent, Administrative Assistant to the Dean, Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing Troy Cartwright, Director of Technology Services
Bonnie Powell, Coordinator of Undergraduate Admissions, Enrollment Services
Maegan Couch, Records Assistant, Registrar’s Office
Shane Raymond, Desktop Support Technician, Technology Services
Dr. John Davis , Assistant Professor of Management, Kelley College of Business
Marcus Reyna, University Police Officer
Amy Davison, Administrative Assistant to the Dean, Kelley College of Business
Sam Shields, Head JV Defensive Line Coach Rodney Smith, Head Track and Cross Country Coach Donna Snook, Administrative Assistant to the Dean, Irvin School of Education
Megan Lee ’08, Human Resources/Accounting Assistant, Business Office
Steven Taylor, Maintenance Technician
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Kimberly Hawkins ’07, University Communications Project Coordinator
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Development News
A Word from the Vice President for Advancement
Every new school year is a time of anticipation; of hope. We see lots of bright new faces, all embarking on their college career. When I think of hope I’m reminded of Christmas 2003. My daughter Verity lost three or four teeth over the Christmas holiday that year. Her little brother Nathanael, who was about four at the time, was totally enthralled by the visits from the tooth fairy each night, and with the gold Sacagewea dollars left by the Cuspid Sprite. Toward the end of the holiday, as we were changing Nathanael’s sheets, I found nestled under his pillow a fossilized whale tooth. Nate didn’t have a tooth of his own to contribute, so he gave the only tooth he had; one he prized
greatly, for it was one of the only tangible relics of his fascination with dinosaurs that he owned. As I laughed and pondered that fossilized tooth, I was moved by the great anticipation and hope it represented for him. At HSU we are filled with anticipation and hope for this year and all those that follow. We have much to do to make an education enlightened by faith financially accessible to any who want to attend here. Please join us as we give of ourselves and as we walk in His light. Thank you for being with us on this journey.
Leland Harden ’84 Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Students Recognized as Servant Leaders
| Fall 2008
Receiving the first-ever Servant Leadership Awards are Lee Juan Xin and Kale Stephens. The award identifies and recognizes juniors who have demonstrated leadership in the areas of community service and ministering to others. The award promotes the ideals of servant leadership in the Hardin-Simmons University community. Each recipient receives a Max Greiner statue, The Divine Servant, and a cash award, a portion of which is designated to the charity of their choosing.
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Folks&Facts 1947
Fess Parker of Los Olivos CA was among the honorees at the 2008 Texas Film Hall of Fame in March 2007.
1949
Georgie (Williams) Teel and her husband, James ’50, each turned 80 in October and December 2007 respectively. They pastor at Oplin Baptist Church near Abilene. Georgie works as a volunteer at Hendrick Medical Systems in the Heart Cathetorization Lab and James is chaplain of Hospice of the Big Country, part of the West Texas Rehabilitation Center; Georgie@Bitstreet.com.
1952
Norma (Newman) Allgood recently retired after 50 years as a waitress. She is enjoying her three children, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Norma lives in Lindale TX and attends Turner Baptist Church in Wills Point.
1954
Sue (Barton) Bigari’s stepson, Steven Bigari, was a featured author in the January 2008 issue of Guideposts magazine. In the article, Steven shares his views about employee value as the owner of 11 McDonald’s franchises. Contact Sue at s33bigari@msn.com. ✯ Jackie (Cantrell) Garrison moved to Breckenridge TX after the August 2007 death of her husband, Jim.
1957
1959
George Patterson has retired after 50 years in ministry. He lives in Nacogdoches TX where he continues to be active in volunteer work in his church, his community, and at Stephen F. Austin State University. George, who is the proud father of four HSU graduates, is enjoying his retirement with family, bicycling, canoeing, traveling, gardening, and hearing from HSU friends; pagepatt@yahoo.com.
1962
Nan Campbell retired from Ector County ISD after 35 years of teaching. She has two children and four grandchildren. Her husband, Don, passed away in February 2006. Nan lives in Odessa TX and would like to hear from her HSU friends.
1966
Peggye (Newman) Baldwin retired in 2005. She and her husband, Gary, live in Houston and have one adult son; baldwinpeggye@sbcglobal.net.
1967
Cynthia (Bassett) Abbas, after leaving HSU, lived in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, for 19 years where she raised her three daughters and traveled extensively. She returned to the United States after Desert Storm and completed an undergraduate degree in journalism at the University of Oklahoma in 1991 and a juris doctor at the University of Denver in 1995. She practiced family law in the Denver area for 10 years, then moved to the Austin area to open a law firm specializing in elder and family law.
1969
Gary Bearden is a corporate travel agent for Travelocity Business and lives in Dallas; gary.bearden@gmail. com. ✯ Raymond Higgins, after graduating from HSU, served as a lieutenant in the US Army then attended Southwestern Seminary. He has since served as music minister in Texas and Maryland churches. Since 1991, he has been at Faith Baptist Church outside of Baltimore, and is missing his dear friends from HSU days; drhig@ faithbc.net. ✯ Larry Justice has completed 33 years as a campus minister, 30 of which were spent at Northwestern Oklahoma State University where he is also an adjunct professor of communication and humanities. He serves on several committees at NWOSU and is involved in events and study regarding northwest Oklahoma and its history. He and his wife, Debby, recently celebrated their 35th anniversary. They have two married sons and three granddaughters. Larry is looking forward to retirement in a few years when he will pursue two passions: writing about Oklahoma, and lowering his golf handicap; nwosubsu@alvant. alva.ok.us. ✯ Carolyn (Mullins) Pearson spent more than 14 years living in Germany where her three children were born. The family toured Europe, and Carolyn taught third grade. She has also taught in Texas, Virginia, and Arizona. Carolyn and her husband, George, now live in San Antonio where she serves her church teaching Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and playing piano. She enjoys her three granddaughters and playing piano for hymn-sings at her father-in-law’s assisted living
Fall 2008 |
Ken Lowry and his wife, Deany (Gandy ex ’57), of Houston recently went on their fifth mission trip to India where they attended three seminars for ministers
and visited local churches and an orphanage; cwitnessc@SBCglobal.net.
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home; pearsoncarolyn@sbcglobal. net. ✯ James Swann is currently first chair clarinet and assistant director for the Affton Community Band and for the University City Summer Band, and teaches private clarinet and saxophone at the B-Sharp Music School in St. Louis MO. He was a public school band director in Texas and Missouri for nine years before his 25-year career in computer technology, retiring in 2002. He and his wife, Debbie, live in St. Louis.
FOLKS & FACTS
1970
Lynne (Abney) Johnson retired from the International Mission Board and married Gary Johnson on Easter Sunday in 2003. She is the story line consultant for the GII video project and teaches the oral communication and Bible storying sessions for the Texas Great Commission Initiative. Lynne, who was honored with the HSU Distinguished Alumni Award in 2001, and Gary live in Portland OR; lynneabney@pobox.com. ✯ Buddy “Bunny” Norville has moved home to Munday TX where he started his own business, MunTex Wood Works. He was also appointed city judge in November; youwoodtwo@yahoo.com.
1972
Nancy (Williams) Pursell retired in October 2007 after working for the Department of Health and Human Services for 32 years. Her husband, Dale, retired from the Department of Commerce at the same time. They have moved to Raleigh NC to be near their grandson.
| Fall 2008
1973
50 Range Rider Magazine
Dixie (Versyp) Hoover was recently named to the position of site manager of the Confederate Reunion Grounds State Historic Site; hooverdf@aol.com. ✯ Steve Stege and his wife, Rhonda (Sutton ’75) have moved to Dallas where Steve is the new minister of education at First Baptist Church of Dallas. He will direct the educational staff from preschool through senior adults.
1974
Marven Weitzel has moved back to Texas after nine years in Port St. Lucie FL where he had worked as a database specialist for the Martin County Republican Executive Committee; marvenw@juno.com. ✯ Donna Williams received the President’s Meritorious Service Award in December of 2007 from Texas A&M University where she has worked for 18 years. She has also been appointed to the Chancellor’s Diversity Council for the Texas A&M System. Donna lives in College Station TX; donna@ disability.tamu.edu.
1975
Michael Cutts is a medical sales representative for Roche Diagnostics and lives in Fountain Hills AZ; mcutts@ cox.net. ✯ Mark Hundley recently left his career in public education as a high school counselor to build his private counseling practice and to focus on motivational speaking and writing. Mark lives in McKinney TX and would love to hear from anyone wanting to reconnect with him. His website is www. awakenassociates.net, and he keeps a blog at http://livinginthemeantimes. typepad.com; awaken2@tx.rr.com. ✯ John Hurt is living in Round Rock TX; johnh@austintx.net. ✯ Sarah (Brown) Stafford recently led two workshops at the 2008 Cooperative Baptist Fellowship General Assembly in Memphis. She and her husband, Allan, live in Garland TX; sstafford@ wilshirebc.org. ✯ Jeannie (Magers) Wesley is the ministry assistant to the senior adult pastor at First Baptist Church in Abilene; wesleyd983@aol. com.
1978
Leslie (Zimmerman) Courington received the Humanitarian of the Year award from Kelly Lane Middle School in the Pflugerville ISD in May 2008. She and her husband, Sammie ’89, live in Round Rock, TX; Leslie.Courington@ pflugervilleisd.net. ✯ Dennis and
Sharon (Etheredge) Cutbirth of Kempner TX welcomed their first grandchild, Cole Everett Williams, on March 4, 2008; proud aunt is Amanda Cutbirth ’05; sharoncutbirth@yahoo. com. ✯ Dan Gideon has accepted the position of CEO of HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital in Dallas. He and Brenda (P’Pool ’79) live in Irving TX and are near their children and grandchildren. Their daughter Tiffany (Gideon) Marconi ’03 manages a DNA Testing Service owned by Dan and Brenda. Dan continues to play saxophone at church and is trying to start another sax quartet, his fourth; dangideon@aol.com or brengideon@aol.com.
1979
Jim Patton graduated from Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University in May 2008. He currently is senior minister at Central Christian Church in Hillsboro. He and his wife, Patricia Wilgis-Patton ex ’79, live in Bynum, TX; RevnScoot@aol.com. ✯ Jim Whitlock has been working primarily in the insurance industry and recently relocated from Missouri back to Colorado Springs as the district sales manager for American Family Insurance; jwhitloc@amfam.com.
1982
John Yeary has been a financial consultant since 2007 for SSB Investment Professionals. He was a hospital administrator from 1984 to 2007. John and his wife, Tena (Patterson) ’81/84 live in Center TX; jmyeary@cebridge.net.
1983
Russell Miller recently completed a doctor of ministry degree from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington DC and continues as the minister of music and worship at First United Methodist Church in Boerne TX; rmiller@fumcboerne.org. ✯ Julie (Sanderson) Myers, MEd, and her husband, James, former professor of military science and management professor at HSU, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on
Dec. 22, 2007. They live in Stephenville TX.
1984
Russell Davis and his wife, Karen (Wheeler ’85), live in San Antonio TX where all three of their children were born. Russell works as an accounting manager with a property investment firm, and Karen teaches pre-school at a private Presbyterian school; kdavis21@ satx.rr.com. ✯ Karen (Mitchell) Smith became a freelance writer in October 2007. Her first book, Taking Charge: Your Life, Your Education, Your Career (TSTC Publishing), was released in May 2008. She is a monthly contributor for The Horseman magazine. She also writes website copy and other ad collateral for clients around the country. She has been married for 23 years to Greg. They have two children and live in Weatherford TX; ksmith517@gmail.com.
1986
After leaving HSU, JoNell Comegys served as an SBC Home Missionary for a year in Houston, then moved to Birmingham AL. She has lived in the Birmingham area for the past 21 years, working as a counselor in social service agencies serving youth in trouble. She earned a master’s degree in counseling in 1995; jonell4grace@aol.com. ✯ Glenda (Grubbs) Crowley is a vocational rehabilitation counselor at the Division for Rehabilitation Services. She is currently working on a master’s degree in vocational rehabilitation counseling at the University of North Texas, and lives in Henrietta TX with her two children; glendac831@aol.com. ✯ Greg Yarborough and his wife, Sandi, live in San Antonio where he is an executive director for USAA Property and Casualty Insurance. They have three children, Allison (17), Kyle (15), and Katie (13); gyarbrou@us.ibm.com.
Jeff Adams is now serving as the minister to young adults at First
1989
Penny (Smith) Davis and her husband, Darrel, formed Foundation Ministries (www.onlyfoundation.org) in 1999. They offer training in evangelism, revival speaking, concerts, and mission trip training and coordination. They are based out of Garner NC just outside of Raleigh. They welcomed daughter Rebekah Mae on Nov. 12, 2007. Big brother Jeremy (5) is already a great biblical scholar, having memorized over 30 verses. penny@onlyfoundation.org. ✯ Wenda (Richardson) McCutchan and her husband, Russell ’88, welcomed their first child, Samuel David, on Feb. 10, 2008, to their home in Fayetteville NC where Wenda opened a solo medical practice in 2006, and Russell works in construction; sharpiluvr@aol. com. ✯ Jason Rogers is a buyer for JCPenney. He, his wife, Patricia, and their four children live in Lewisville, TX; jasa_rogers@yahoo.com.
1990
Phil Wilson has resigned his position as Texas Secretary of State and has joined Luminant, a subsidiary of Energy
Future Holdings Corp., as senior vice president of public affairs. He has oversight of the company’s community relations, communications, regulatory, and government affairs efforts. He and his wife, Kristen (Kincaid ’90), have adopted a son, Christian; philwilson23@hotmail.com.
1991
Sheri (Pool) Dacon and her husband, Eric, welcomed son John Daniel to their home in Garland TX on Feb. 15, 2007; sheridacon@yahoo.com. ✯ Colleen (Nihill) Forde has been in the education field for 12 years and is currently the director of special education at Charter Schools USA. She and her husband, Collin, live in Palm Bay FL; cnihill66@hotmail.com. ✯ Laura Talamantes has been a teacher for more than 14 years, 12 of which she has spent teaching prekindergarten students. She has lived in San Antonio TX for 11 years and loves to travel abroad; lauratalamantes@nisd.net.
FOLKS & FACTS
1992
Julie (Springer) Dean worked as a physical therapist from 1996 to 2001 when she became a stay-at-home mom. Her husband, Darin, is in the Air Force. The family includes four children, Hanna (11), Jared (8), Jason (6), and Gabriella, born Sept. 2, 2007; djhjjdean@cox.net. ✯ A surprised Marian (Shelton) Graham was the winner of Ashley Furniture’s recent inaugural Best Big Country Teacher contest. Area students wrote letters nominating their favorite teachers, and Graham was nominated by 44 students. She received a $1,500 shopping spree from Ashley Furniture. Graham is in her third year teaching Spanish 2 and 3 at Jim Ned High School, having taught previously at Abilene High. Her husband, Mark ’92, is in his eighth year at Austin Elementary and his 17th year teaching Physical Education. Marian, Mark, and their two daughters live in Tuscola TX; grahamml@ hotmail.com. ✯ Angel Leonard
Fall 2008 |
1988
Baptist Church of Katy TX. His wife, Sheri (Styles ’88), continues to teach at their Katy neighborhood elementary school; jadams@fbckaty.com. ✯ Cindee (Davis) Appling and her family have moved to Crosbyton TX. Her husband, Mark, continues to farm, and Cindee stays busy at home. Bringing their brood to five is Ben Bradley, born in March 2006, who was adopted into their family in November 2007. The other Appling children are Will (18) Laurie (15), Christy (12), and Timothy (9). The family is also caring for an eight-month-old foster baby; macappling@texasonline.net. ✯ Mary (Wimberly) Sparks, after becoming a widow in 1999, started Different Road Ministries to help single parents and also educate churches on how to minister to young widows. Mary lives in Brenham TX with her children, James (18), Katie (16), and Jacob (13).
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FOLKS & FACTS
completed her chaplaincy residency at University of California-San Francisco, and has moved to Ashland OR to work in the creative arts for a season; avexclamation@yahoo.com. ✯ Michael Martin and his wife, Kathy (Williard ’92), live in Humble TX with their two children, Zane and Nate. Mike is a senior pastor at First Baptist Church of Huffman TX. Kathy is a teacher at Copeland Elementary School; pastor@ fbchuffman.org; momzn@yahoo.com. ✯ Betsy (English) Nanny is a teacher in the Crockett CCCISD and lives in Ozona TX; betsynanny@msn.com. ✯ Carrie (Smith) Ramirez is a community education program coordinator at North East ISD in San Antonio TX; lovelylibrolady@yahoo.com. ✯ Erik Teller and Catherine (Little ’03) were married Feb. 23, 2008, after running across each other on MySpace about a year and a half earlier. They live in San Antonio TX; eteller001@satx. rr.com; hsucat@hotmail.com. ✯ Mitzi (Credicott) Umstot recently remarried and has moved to Lubbock TX. She is a speech pathologist and rehab director for a rehabilitation company. Her husband, Mark, is a photographer. She has two daughters, Alex (9) and Taylor (8); mitzi@umstot.com.
1993
Melissa (Martin) Milliorn, assistant professor of social work at HSU and Alumni Association Board member, was elected as the Abilene representative of the Nominations Leadership Committee of the National Association of Social Workers/Texas Chapter. She will serve as NLIC representative of the statewide organization for a threeyear term; mmilliorn@hsutx.edu.
| Fall 2008
1994
52 Range Rider Magazine
Bruce Bundrant, after four and a half years working for GMR Marketing, has moved to Liverpool, England, where he is senior partnership manager with the Liverpool Football Club (soccer
to US readers) of the English Premier League. He manages the club’s current sponsors and develops new sponsor relationships; brucebundrant@hotmail. com. ✯ John Dawber is a major in the US Army. In 2006, he earned a master of policy management degree from Georgetown University. He and his wife, Jennifer, have one son, Ethan; johnaton.dawber@us.army.mil. ✯ Amy Wilson sings in the women’s trio, Fingerprints of Grace, with Jamie Belknap ’88 and Stacie Campbell. Amy has directed women’s retreats and also volunteers at her daughter Lexi’s musical productions, dance and piano recitals, and choir concerts. She also co-directs the Milam Mini-Minstrels kinder through third grade choir at Milam Magnet Visual and Performing Arts Elementary School. Amy and Jamie both live in Odessa TX; amylexitaz@yahoo.com.
1995
Kathryn Jones earned an MEd in counseling and human development from HSU in 2007. She is currently an associate clinical psychologist at Abilene State School; katjjones@clearwire.net.
1996
Bo Carrington, MBA ’97, and his wife, Connie ’00, welcomed son Harmon “Harm” Flinn on Jan. 17, 2008. He joins big sister Bristol Ryleigh (7) in their San Antonio home; bo_carrington@ sbcglobal.net; conniecarrington@sbcglobal.net. ✯ Steve Currie and his wife, Penny, welcomed daughter Anna Grace to their home in Austin on March 9, 2007; stephenandpenny@gmail.com. ✯ Holly (Berkley) Fletcher moved to Washington DC in 2003, completed a PhD in 2004, published a book in 2007: Gender and the American Temperance Movement of the 19th Century, and welcomed daughter Charlotte Ruth on March 9, 2008. Whew! Her husband, Kevin, is an economist with the
International Monetary Fund, and Holly works for the US government on Africa policy matters; holly_berkley@yahoo. com. ✯ Kim (Shipton) Hoffman is an occupational health nurse for RR Donnelley. She, her husband, Robert, and four-year-old daughter, Kasey, live in Sharon SC. She teaches the preschool class, is a member of the board of deacons, and the secretary/ historian for the Presbyterian women organization at her church. She was chosen in 2007 to be the Midlands Director/Membership Chair for the South Carolina State Association of Occupational Health Nurses. In the fall of 2008, she plans to continue her education at the University of South Carolina-Upstate to complete her RN to BSN; kimberly.a.hoffman@rrd.com or robertkimhoffman@bellsouth.net. ✯ Laura (Horne) Langley and her husband, Jonathan, recently returned to the United States after serving five and a half years in Western Europe with the International Mission Board. They live in Ft. Worth where Jonathan is working on an MDiv degree at Southwestern Seminary; lauraclangley@yahoo. com. ✯ Tonya (Ellis) Skeen and her husband, Dan, have relocated to the Miami area; tonya.skeen@yahoo. com. ✯ Barrett Walch is a finance manager for Deloitte & Touche. He and his wife, Tanya, live in Savannah TX; barrettwalch@hotmail.com. ✯ Lonai (Loos) Williams has been teaching first grade for the last 10 years, but will stay home with Braxten, who was born in March 2008, and to homeschool Kearsten (6). Her husband, Steven, is a nurse at Medical City Dallas. The family lives in McKinney TX.
1997
Brad Butler completed his MD in 2001 at Texas A&M. He currently is an anesthesiologist in private practice in Longview TX, and a flight surgeon in the US Air Force reserve. He and his wife, Audra (Haveman ex ’99), and
their son, Benjamin (2), live in Longview; bbutlermd@yahoo.com; butleraudra@ yahoo.com. ✯ Andrea Jackson has joined the Disability Resources Inc. staff in Abilene as a behavioral consultant. ✯ Danny Sigmon is the musical director of Imperial Performing Arts in Sugar Land TX. He is also the director of worship life at New Hope Lutheran Church in Missouri City TX; danielsigmon@aol.com. ✯ Kim (Lemons) Thompson is a stay-at-home mom in Ft. Worth with Riley (5) and Victoria (1), and is starting a small accounting practice. Her husband, Carey ex ’97, passed the Bar and is an attorney at a Social Security disability firm in Richardson TX; kimberlydawnthompson@gmail.com.
1998
1999
Jason Brower and his wife, Kristen (Clifton ’98/’00), welcomed daughter Hattie Beck on Feb. 16, 2008. She joins big sister Lilly Katherine (7). They live in Cypress TX where Jason is a probate attorney and Kristen is a physics teacher at Cypress Woods High School; browerk2000@yahoo.com. ✯ Stacey (Stutzman) Prillaman is currently an LPC with Cenpatico Behavioral Health. She and her husband, Michael, live in Manor TX; staceyprillaman@ yahoo.com. ✯ Emily (Copes) Rhodes completed a PhD in biology at the University of Texas Health Science Center where she is currently a scientist doing research in the genetics of bone diseases. She and her husband, Kevin, who is a dentist, have been married six years and have two daughters, Claire (3) and Allison (1). The family lives in San Antonio; mecopes@ hotmail.com. ✯
2000
Scot Barker is a financial advisor for Edward Jones Investments, living in Corpus Christi TX; scotbarker@gmail. com. ✯ Krystal (Butler) Barrera, a physical therapist, and her husband, David, have moved to Queens NY after living in Gauadalajara, Mexico, where David completed medical school in June 2008. They plan to return to Texas for residencies the summer of 2009. They have a one-year-old daughter, Raeli Anice; krystallbarrer@yahoo.com. ✯ Cory Butler and his wife, Meredith, live in Dallas, where Cory is the counseling minister to junior high students at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano. In 2005, he completed an MDiv and a master’s degree in educational psychology at Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor; cbutler@prestonwood.org. ✯ Brian Corley lives in
Austin with his wife, Karen; purplemonkeydw@yahoo.com. ✯ Dan Moates is the director of operations for DFW Building Maintenance. He and his wife, Alyssa, live in Allen TX with their new son, Ethan Daniel, born on Dec. 7, 2007; danielmoates@sbcglobal.net. ✯ Jill Reynolds is a college volleyball coach at the University of St. Thomas. She and her husband, Brandon, live in Baytown TX with their two children, Alaina (4) and Kinsey, who was born Dec. 13, 2007; coachreynolds@hotmail.com. ✯ Donald Tittle and his wife, Lisa, live in Grundy VA; dtittle@grundybaptist.org. ✯ Laine Walker received her master’s degree in educational administration in 2007 from Gwynedd-Mercy College and lives in Norristown PA; fiddlestixgal@yahoo.com.
FOLKS & FACTS
2001
Carolyn Bowers is a correspondence assistant with Focus on the Family and lives in Castle Rock CO; cmbowers@ lycos.com. ✯ Holly (Tippin) Conyers married Bryan on Dec. 15, 2007. Holly is a teacher and head softball coach in Andrews ISD where Bryan also works; htippin@andrews.esc18.net. ✯ Eddie Crowell is the executive director of Imperial Performing Arts and Sugar Land Opera of Sugar Land TX. His wife, Nicole (Kenley ’97), is the artistic director there and also is a visiting professor of voice at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville TX; eddiecrowell@msn.com. ✯ Erin (Allen) Gerlt is a stay-at-home mom, living in Oklahoma City OK with her husband, Chad, and their children, Max (9), Anna Kate (5), and Jake (2); eringerlt@gmail.com. ✯ Micha (Boyett) Hohorst and her husband, Chris, welcomed son August Henry to their home in Ardmore PA on June 25, 2008; micha@hohorst.net. ✯ Kate (Ehrie) Neeley and her husband, Jimmy ’07, welcomed son Jaxon Butler to their home in Round Rock TX April 21, 2008; kateneeley@yahoo.com ✯ Sandra
Fall 2008 |
Steven Able, after marrying in 2003 and moving back to his hometown of Alexandria VA was a youth minister for three years, and is now working for Fellowship of Christian Athletes. His wife, Heather (Borchers) ’01, teaches fifth grade at Hybla Valley Elementary; hsunited@comcast.net. ✯ Joyce (Pritchard) Bachert married Nathan on March 21, 2008, in Bloomfield NM; jpritchard@fms.k12.nm.us. ✯ Cynthia Kenemuth lives in Melbourne Beach FL with her husband, Michael, and their two daughters, Sabrina (5) and Ava (1). Cynthia is a stay-at-home mom and Michael is a chiropractor; kenmike2@yahoo.com. ✯ Justin Livengood married Priya Honeyman of Bakersfield CA in 2005. He has been at Mosaic LA since 1998 under Erwin McManus and will be returning to Central Asia in late 2008 for business development work; jlivengood@mail. com. ✯ Shelby Murphy has accepted a job with the Aspen Music Festival and School. He and his wife, Keri (Kinerd ’99) live in Carbondale CO; shelbymurphy@hotmail.com. ✯ Steve Parker is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Weslaco TX. He continues work
on his doctorate of ministry at Austin Presbytarian Theological Seminary; skparker76@sbcglobal.net.
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(Wood) Peoples completed an MDiv in 2007 at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. She and her husband, David, have two sons, David (3) and James (born Sept. 4, 2007). The family lives in Shrewsbury PA; sandrawpeoples@hotmail.com.
2002
FOLKS & FACTS
Bill Beavers and his wife, Teri, welcomed daughter Rachel Lynn on Feb. 22, 2008; bbeavers@cirroenergy. com. ✯ Brent Camp and his wife, Alison, welcomed their first child, Caden Thomas, to their home in Abilene on April 18, 2008. ✯ Keep up with Sarah Williams’ mission work at www.theforgottenafrica.blogspot.com.
2003
B. J. and Jessica (Vaclavik) Baldridge welcomed daughter Alaina “Lainey” Kate to their home in Abilene on Sept. 18, 2007; jesus8freak@yahoo. com. ✯ Rachel (Roberts) Hartgrove is a private-lesson music teacher. She and her husband, Matt, live in Rowlett TX with their daughter, Hannah Kathryn, born on July 5, 2007; musiclarinet81@yahoo.com. ✯ Allison (Rowan) Perkins married Aaron on Aug. 18, 2007. The couple live in Abilene; allison.perkins@yahoo.com.
2004
| Fall 2008
Fallon (Smith) Curry and her husband, Craig ’02/’05, are serving at First Baptist Church of Cisco TX. This summer Craig was the speaker at three camps and led a youth revival in Abilene. Fallon finished her master’s degree in Christian education at Dallas Baptist University and has been accepted by B.H. Carroll Theological Institute to begin work toward a PhD; craigandfallon@gmail. com. ✯ Michael Hull married Tabitha
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Bender on March 15, 2008. He earned an MA in political science in May 2008 and is now working on a PhD. The couple live in Lubbock TX; hulley22@ yahoo.com. ✯ James LaFollette is an accounting/tax analyst for Weatherford International Ltd. He lives in Houston TX; jsl86@yahoo.com. ✯ Aaron and Kristin (Jordan ’05) Shipley were married on Oct. 13, 2007, in Forney TX. The couple live in Waxahachie TX; kmichellej@hotmail.com. ✯ Jared Smith is an engineering scheduler for National Oilwell Varco, lives in Pampa TX, and is taking classes in drafting at Amarillo College. He earned a master’s degree from West Texas A&M in 2007 and an associate’s degree in accounting from Amarillo College in 2007; eighty_sevenred@yahoo.com.
2005
Kandi (Frazier) Austin has joined the staff at the Grace Museum in Abilene as special events coordinator; Kandi and her husband, Paul, live in Anson TX. ✯ Deborah Zeck has been chosen to participate in Cook Children’s Medical Center’s Child Life practicum. She will pursue a Child Life internship to become certified as a child life specialist; deborah.zeck@gmail.com.
2006
Mitchell Etter is the new head band director at Clack Middle School in Abilene after two years as assistant band director at Madison Middle School. Mitchell took his Madison band to UIL competition receiving superior ratings on stage and in sight reading the past two years. He and his wife, Amanda (Perez ’05), live in Abilene where she is the director of marketing at HSU; mitchell.etter@ abileneisd.org; aetter@hsutx.edu. ✯ Kyle Finleon is a buyer at Applied
Materials and attended US Navy Officer Candidate School in the summer of 2008. His goal is to become a US Navy SEAL; Kyle_Finleon@ yahoo.com. ✯ Leah (Derrick) McBain and her husband, Scott, live in Rowlett TX where Leah teaches at Carolyn Buckhair Elementary School. They welcomed daughter Isabelle on Dec. 6, 2007; ljayd83@hotmail.com. ✯ Travis and Tate (Tatum) Reid were married on Oct. 27, 2007. The couple live in Rhome TX; firstladytate@hotmail. com. ✯ Crystal Williamson completed a master’s degree in social work at the University of Texas-Arlington in December 2007, and is working at Cook Children’s Hospital in Ft. Worth; crystaljwilliamson@gmail.com.
2007
Cody and Abby (Horrell ’06) Neinast were married on July 5, 2008. Cody is currently a master of divinity student at Logsdon Seminary and the youth minister at Crosspoint Fellowship in Abilene, while Abby works as an admissions consultant for HSU and is pursuing a master of arts in family ministry degree; abbyneinastl@ gmail.com. ✯ Danny Ruth is an agent for Glynn Walker-State Farm Insurance and lives in Abilene; danny.ruth.qbxe@ statefarm.com.
2008
Shanna Smith began working with the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau as heritage tourism and special projects coordinator in May 2007; shanna.a.smith@gmail.com. ✯ Robert Hartman, band director at Anson High School, has been elected to membership in Phi Beta Mu, an international school bandmaster fraternity; hartman@anson.esc14.net.
This photo of the World-Famous Cowboy Band and Six White Horses Team was featured in the June 2008 issue of True West magazine.
Alumni News Wanted
FOLKS & FACTS
New address, new job, new spouse, new baby, or award—anything significant you’d like to share with your classmates? Send your news with the information requested below. (Space is limited, but we’ll do our best!) If possible, include a recent photo with your name and address written lightly on the back (or scan as a tif file at 300 dpi). Send to: Range Rider, Alumni Relations Office, HSU Box 16102, Abilene, TX 79698; FAX 325.670.1574; alumnews@hsutx.edu; 800.460.3908. You can also update your information online, www.hsutx.edu/alumni_friends/forms/ update_info.php
My Name Address Phone Business Name/Address News
Degree/Year City/State/ZIP Email
Fax My Title
Fall 2008 |
I am interested in helping with any alumni activities and/or student recruiting in my area. RRFA08
WHO DO YOU KNOW? Please also use this form to share good news about other HSU alumni.
Range Rider Magazine
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1972
Debbie (Tom) Keith lives in Port Orange FL where she teaches at Spruce Creek High School; DKeith39@aol.com.
1982
FOLKS & FACTS
Mike Schuler and his wife, Andrea, welcomed daughter Sarah Lynne to their South Padre Island TX home on March 1, 2008; pianomanmike@mac.com.
1954
Doyle Brunson hosted a reunion for 17 ex-basketball teammates from 1950 to 1954 at his Flathead Lake Montana home in August 2008. (Left to right, standing) Bob “Cowboy” Carlson, Wade Burroughs, Pete Murray, Jim Covert, John Whatley, Doyle Brunson, Delnor Poss, Barry King, Ben Benton, Larry Wartes, and Riley Cross. (Seated) Ray Hibler, Jay Cox, Larry Roberts, and Chester Lyssey. (Not pictured) Bryan Crow and Bob Tremain. Doyle recalls this reunion on his blog at www.doylesroom.com.
1985
Alex Vasquez was in Abilene on May 27, 2008, to present a $10,000 check from the Wal-Mart Foundation to the Friends Dewayne Beaty retired to Brownwood TX in 2006 after of the Abilene Public Library for the soon-to-be-opened serving in Baptist churches in Texas and Tennessee for 48 Mockingbird Branch Library. Alex is associate general counsel in the Legal Administration Division of Wal-Mart years; dcd.beaty@sbcglobal.net. Stores, Inc. and lives in Rogers AR.
1958
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1962
56 Range Rider Magazine
Sam Ligon and his wife, Nancy (Cartwright ex ’62), celebrated 50 years of marriage in June 2008. Sam has served churches in the ministries of music, education, and administration during the past 50 years in Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado. He is presently organist and music associate for Trinity Baptist Church in Kerrville, where they live. He and Nancy have participated in numerous mission trips to Mexico, Honduras, and Japan as well as home mission leadership conferences in Alaska, Texas, Georgia, South Dakota, Arizona, and Colorado. Nancy gives children’s educational leadership instruction to people preparing to teach first through sixth grades. They have three sons, Mark, Phillip, and Stephen, and six grandchildren.
2001
Ryan Smrkovsky and his wife, Angela, welcomed daughter Chandler Jane to their home in San Emily (Fanning) Wilson and her husband, Angelo TX on Feb. 18, 2008; ryansBen ex ’98, welcomed their third daughter, mrkovsky@yahoo.com. Becki (Zumwalt) Womble contin- Julia Rose, on Sept. 6, 2007, to their home in Jim ues her printing business, MidTex Thorpe PA. She joins big sisters Chloe (6) and Print Service, while her husband, Gracie (3); benandem@benandem.com. Rick ’87, is a new senior vice president for commercial lending at First-Lockhart National Bank. They live in Lockhart TX; becki@midtexprint.com.
1998
1990
2002
1999
Adam Brown and his wife, Shannon, Mark Jacobs and his wife, Tamra, welcomed daughter, welcomed son Landon Isaiah on Dec. Anne Louise, on March 12, 2007, to their home in Hermatage 22, 2008. Big brothers TN. He joins big sister, Logan. are Ben (4) and Sam (2); brownal77@gmail.com.
1995
2000 1997
Amy (Borgan) Scott and her husband, Charlie, welcomed daughter Berkley Ella on June 19, 2007, to their Midland TX home. After teaching elementary school for seven years, Amy is now a stay-at-home mom. Charlie is a mud engineer for MI Swaco; abcscott2007@gmail.com.
FOLKS & FACTS
2002
Shannon (Haddon) Hassell and her husband, James ’01/’05, welcomed their first daughter, Emma Grace, on Jan. 10, 2008. James is a pastor at First Baptist Church Tulia TX and Shannon is a stay-at-home mom and voice teacher; james_and_ shannon@hotmail.com.
Fall 2008 |
Jimmy York and his wife, Tricia (Duplechain ex ’96), welcomed their second son, Auston Luke, on March 31, 2008. Proud big brother is Braxton (3). Jimmy is the married life pastor at Fellowship Church in Corinth TX; jimmymyork@ yahoo.com.
Cooper Strange and his wife, Dear, welcomed son Chance on July 29, 2007. After a visit in the United States, the family returned to China with OMF International in the summer of 2008; cooper@chinacoop.net.
Kallie (Lisso) Collins and her husband, Chris ’07, welcomed son Carter on June 10, 2008, to their home in Clyde TX. Proud relatives include grandmother Janet (Conradt) Lisso ’74 and aunt Kammie Lisso ’08; kallie. collins@abileneisd.org.
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2003
FOLKS & FACTS
Candace (Simpson) Hanes and her husband, Perry ’02, welcomed son Caden Allen on March 3, 2008, to their home in Kaufman TX; candacehanes@embarqmail.com.
2005
Michael Payne married Alyssa (Lesinski ex ’06) on Aug. 18, 2007. Michael is working on a master’s degree in sports and recreation management at HSU; michael.j.payne@hotmail.com.
2007 2003
Rachel King-Howard and her husband, Nathaniel, welcomed daughter Preslee Elizabeth on May 27, 2008, to their home in Abilene. Preslee joins big brother, Parker (3); rachel.howard@att.net.
Delena Caspell and her husband, Andy, welcomed son Maddox Andrew on March 5, 2008. Delena is a stay-at-home mom in Abilene, working on her teaching certification to become an elementary physical education teacher; adscaspell@sbsglobal.net.
2007
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2003
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Will Tippen, MBA ’08, a member of the Board of Young Associates, was the first HSU student to complete the Acton School of Business program, graduating in May 2008 with a MBA in Entrepreneurship from HSU. Director of MBA programs, Dr. Nancy (Ellis) Kucinski ’83, HSU assoc. professor of management and Hemphill Chair of Business, (center) presented diplomas at the graduation ceremony. Will and his wife, Kaely (Blay ’03), live in Abilene; wtippen@gmail.com.
Stephanie Hernandez works at Disney World as a character actor; bizzy_t218@yahoo.com.
2007
Tyler and Shea (Sims ’06) Moses were married on Dec. 9, 2007, and were attended by (Row 1) Catie Bruner Weitkamp ’06, Lacy (Moses) Ruempolhamer ’02, Shea and Tyler, Jacy Moses, Preston Curry ’08, Kendall (Scott) Jones ’05, Josh Price ’08. (Row 2) Jaron Farmer, Trey Sims, Tate (Tatum) Reid ’07, Abby (Horrell) Neinast ’06, Norman Trinh ’07, Trevor Watson, Christen (Cowger) Leidner ’05, Becky (Smith) Evans ’05, Brian Peterson ’07, Nate Ruempolhamer. (Row 3) Amy Brewer ’09,Sarah Lucas ’08, Travis Reid ’06, Chelsea Seaton ’07, Julie (Cameron) Hay ’05, Jaymie Wade ’07, Rachael Tomko ’07, Libby (Connel) Gibson ’08, Ryan Gibson ’06, Craig Curry ’01. Tyler and Shea currently live in Abilene. Tyler graduated on Sept. 26 from the Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Academy; Shea.Moses@gmail.com.
2008
Martha (Bryan) Rau is pictured with her grandchildren after her May 2008 graduation from HSU. (Left to right) Jason David King, son of Jason ’99/’02 and Rachel (Rau ’03 ) King, and Alyson, Dylan (with Martha), Alexis, and Tristen Rau.
FOLKS & FACTS
2008
Fall 2008 |
Robert “Brian” Cole marks the fourth generation and one of many family members to graduate from HSU, including Lois (Bivens) Fletcher ’36 (maternal grandmother), Beulah Bivens ’48 (maternal great-grandmother) and her son Dr. Hollis Bivens ’48 (great-uncle), Marilyn (Fletcher) Cole ’69 (mother) Thomas Cole ’70 (father). Brian is pursuing a career in nursing. Brian recently photographed each of the family members’ names on the HSU Alumni Wall.
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Friends We’ll Miss Editor’s note: Our goal is to include the spouse and all HSU alumni among survivors listed. Please contact the Office of Alumni Relations if you have additional information you can share about our alumni, and we will update our records.
1932
Dorothy (Boyd) Albritton, Feb. 29, 2008. Martha (Rogers) Campbell, Nov. 9, 2007. Survivors include her daughter Martha Beld and niece Julia (Crawford) Brown ex ’71.
1934
Charles Peevey, Feb. 16, 2008.
1941
1955
Ann (Edens) Green, April 26, 2008.
1958
Robert Henthorne, May 12, 2008. Survivors include his wife, Jean. Doc McKay, May 8, 2008. Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth.
1944
1960
Helen McLeod, April 20, 2008. Survivors include her nephew John McLeod and great-nephew Trent Phillips ’98. Ex-Cowgirl.
Charlene (Kilgore) Archer (MBA ’74), May 3, 2008. Survivors include her son Kenneth.
1961
Bennie Rutherford, March 31, 2008. Wife of Van D. Rutherford ’61/’66.
1946
1963
1948
1969
1949
1972
1950
1980
Neva (Morrow) Carlton, March 8, 2008. Survivors include her daughter Elaine (Carlton) Shearer ’78.
Lois Rogge (MEd ’56), June 14, 2008. Survivors include her sisters Mildred Rogge ’51 and Vivian (Rogge) Proffitt ’55.
Pete Johnson, March 2, 2008.
Shelby Fancher, Feb. 27, 2008. Hazel (Fulton) Nunn, Feb. 17, 2008. Vaudaline (Rogers) Thomas, March 31, 2008. David Warren, May 12, 2008. Survivors include his wife, Mary Ellen (James) ’51.
1951 | Fall 2008
Bobbie (Bowdoin) Birchfield, May 3, 2008. Survivors include his brother Mack Bowdoin ex ’60.
Tommy Black, March 15, 2008. Survivors include his wife, Wanda, and brother James Black ’37. Mayme (Holcomb) Praytor, April 24, 2008.
Paul Jones, March 10, 2008. Survivors include his wife, Linda.
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1952
Gerald Matthews, April 3, 2008. Survivors include his wife, Bonnie (Bodine) ’52.
Darrell Dossey, March 27, 2008. Survivors include his wife, June.
Trish (Cates) Aurbach, June 4, 2008. Survivors include her husband, Dr. Fred Aurbach ’66.
Henry Payne, March 21, 2008.
Anna (Lockhart) Alexander, Feb. 26, 2008. Survivors include her children, Robert Alexander ’69, Ben Alexander ’74, and Ann Elliot.
1995
Cherie (Ganaway) Morris, May 8, 2008. Survivors include her sister Carolyn (Ganaway) Dowling ’04.
2004
Brian Black, July 16, 2008.
Thurman Lee Morrison (1917–2008) donated additional volumes to add to the Morrison Collection. The collection is now cataloged, and information from it has been used by scholars throughout the world. The Morrison family has suggested that any memorial gifts be directed to the Smith Music Library to honor Dr. Morrison. Funds will be used to purchase an important recent 15-volume Monument of American Music titled Music of the New American Nation. These scholarly editions of music from many early American tunebooks will perfectly complement research and study of many of the volumes in the Morrison collection. Contributions to this memorial fund may be sent to Dean Lawson Hager, School of Music and Fine Arts, HSU Box 16230, Abilene, TX 79698–6230, marked for Thurman Morrison Memorial Gift.
Fall 2008 |
Dr. Thurman L. Morrison, professor emeritus of piano and music history and official historian of the Hardin-Simmons University School of Music, died on March 12, 2008, at the age of 90. Morrison was born in Coleman, Texas, on July 11, 1917, and attended public schools in Coleman, Lamesa, and Abilene, graduating from Abilene High School in 1933. He studied piano at HSU with Dr. Irl Allison, founder of the National Guild of Piano Teachers. Even before he received his BM in 1937 from Simmons, he was teaching piano in the preparatory department at HSU. He became instructor of piano and music history in 1937 and taught at HSU continuously until his retirement in 1981, excepting interruptions for wartime service and graduate study. Morrison earned the MM degree at the University of Texas in Austin in 1947. Hardin-Simmons awarded him the honorary doctor of music degree in 1976 in recognition of his scholarship and teaching. Dr. Morrison was a pioneer in teaching music history with an emphasis on the importance of American music studies. Long before it was common in university curricula in the United States, he integrated American music topics into his general music history survey courses. Morrison’s book, Music at Simmons: The First Fifty Years, 1892–1942 (HSU Press 1974), is a model of thorough research and writing about a local history topic which correlates the local with American music history overall. As head of the Music History and Literature Department at HSU, Dr. Morrison was instrumental in building the HSU music library collection holdings in American music over the years. Throughout his career, he and his wife, Lucialis (Jones) ’46, collected hymnals and tunebooks, especially during their summer travels in New England. In 1990, the newly-formed School of Music Foundation purchased a collection of almost 1,000 volumes from Dr. Morrison, creating the archival special collection in the Smith Music Library called the Thurman Lee and Lucialis Jones Morrison Collection. In the years after Morrison sold the bulk of his collection to HSU, he continued to find and purchase additional volumes that he considered part of the collection and which he gradually gave to the music library. Since his death, the Morrison family has
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Dorothy Aileen Culpepper (1919–2008)
| Fall 2008
“Mother” to generations of HSU students, Dorothy Aileen Culpepper died March 29, 2008. A memorial service was held for her in HSU’s Logsdon Chapel. Miss Cul was a part of the HSU experience for more than six decades, cultivating relationships with HSU students, alumni, and friends. She arrived on the Hardin-Simmons University campus for the first time as a transfer student in 1938. After graduating in 1940 with a bachelor of arts degree in English, she taught and served as principal in the Ira Independent School District, then at Spur ISD. During World War II, she worked for Consolidated Aircraft in Ft. Worth. At the end of the war, she returned to her Anson home to teach. HSU President Dr. Rupert Richardson ’12 arrived at her doorstep soon after with an offer to become assistant to the dean of women at HSU. She had gained his respect, as well as that of Mary Head, dean of women, while working as a student floor chaperone. Miss Cul served first as assistant to dean of women and later as dormitory director for 11 years in Mary Frances Hall and 31 years in Behrens Hall. Although she had no children of her own, she was a mother figure to countless young girls, and served as counselor, nurse, chaperone, seamstress, and friend to generations of students who lived away from home for the first time. Daily, throughout her life, she wrote letters of encouragement, advice, counseling, congratulations, and good cheer to students, faculty, staff, and even those whom she didn’t know. A letter from Miss Cul has been a most treasured gift
62 Range Rider Magazine
to many recipients. After her retirement in 1985, Miss Cul stayed active on the campus with the University Women’s Organization, the Former Faculty Staff Administration Fellowship, and
working where needed. She was an active member of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church. In 1986, she was awarded the John J. Keeter Jr. Alumni Service Award, the highest honor given by the HSU Alumni Association. She was named Former Staff Member of the Year in 1993–94, and in 1998, the Aileen Culpepper Endowed Scholarship was established in her honor. In 2002 the HSU yearbook was dedicated to her, and in 2003, Hardin-Simmons awarded her an honorary doctor of humanities degree. Miss Cul surprised the university by leaving HSU her entire estate (estimated to be in the mid- six-figures) as an endowment for the maintenance and renovation of Behrens Hall. As frugal with money as she was mindful of her students, she managed her personal finances as a final gift of love to the university that had been so central to her life.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Behrens Dorm Lounge Refurbishment Project HSU Box 16100 Fall 2008 |
Abilene, TX 79698 Range Rider Magazine
63
GREATNESS. DEFINE YOURS HERE Dan Munton, M.D.
BS 1991, Hardin-Simmons University Physical Medicine & Rehab Physician, Texas Sport & Spine “Attending Hardin-Simmons University is one of the highlights of my academic career. I not only received a quality education which prepared me for medical school, but I also received a vast expanse of experiences which have prepared me for the circumstances of life. The professors I learned under and the friends I made while at HSU have forever influenced and touched my life. I will always be grateful for the spiritual and academic growth I experienced at Hardin-Simmons.”
Throughout its history, Hardin-Simmons University has been blessed to have touched the lives and to have been touched by the lives of exceptional individuals. Like the HSU graduate featured here, you too can define your future at Hardin-Simmons University. 877-GOHSUTX 2200 Hickory Street Box 16050 Abilene, Texas 79698 www.hsutx.edu
Oops! Corrections to Fall 2007 Issue
Page 52: Wayne Blankenship ’59 was mistakenly reported as retired pastor of Southmont Baptist Church in Denton. He is actually the retired associate pastor. Page 64: Moselle (Hutton) Jones ’54 reports, “The rumors of my death have been exaggerated. I’ve enjoyed some of the calls to check on me. Glenn ’54 and I are both doing well for our age.” Moselle can be reached at PO Box 34, Paducah, TX 79248.
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Corrections to Spring 2008 Issue
64 Range Rider Magazine
Page 2: E. C. Wallace received a BBS degree, not a BBA degree. Page 46: David “Scotty” Holland’s class year is 1951, not 1974. Page 60: Sue (Banks) Owen ’74, correct email address is sue_owen@mac.com. Page 61: Kyle Usrey ’78. His wife’s name is Trisa not Tina. Correct email address is kyle.usrey@friends.edu. Page 70: Diana ’05/’07 and Jamie Salinas’s daughter’s name is spelled J’Lee D’Shae, and Jamie is a current HSU student.
HARDIN-SIMMONS UNIVERSITY
FA L L 2 0 0 8
Fall 2008 Staff Editor-in-Chief Leland Harden ’84 Vice President, Institutional Advancement 325.670.1376; lharden@hsutx.edu Editor Brenda Harris ’11 Director of Publications/University Editor 325.670.1262; bharris@hsutx.edu Alumni Editor Britt (Yates) Jones ’84 Asst. VP for Institutional Advancement Director of Alumni Relations 325.670.1317; 800.460.3908; brittj@hsutx.edu Art Director Scott Burkhalter ’99 Senior Graphic Designer 325.671.2140; sburkhalter@hsutx.edu Front and Back Cover Photography Scott Burkhalter
Range Rider is the official publication of HardinSimmons University for its alumni and friends. Published biannually by the HSU Office of Publications, Abilene TX. Postage paid at Abilene TX and additional mailing offices. Opinions expressed in Range Rider are those of the individual authors and subjects and do not necessarily reflect the views of the university administration, faculty, or students. No portion of this magazine may be reprinted without the express written consent of the editor. rangerider@hsutx.edu POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Range Rider, HSU Box 16100, Abilene TX 79698-6100. (USPS 455-360)
Board of Trustees Hilton Hemphill ’63, Chair Bonnie Baldridge, Ron Blevins ’84, Jimmie Cantrell, George Gaston, Brent Gentzel ’91, Roy Graham ’63, Dale Haralson ’59, Kay Henard, Ron Howell ’52, Tina Hunter, John Hyde ’64, Mary Jacob, Jerry Joplin ’81/’83, Neal Lowry, Joe Martinez ’57, Allan Meador ’78/’82, James Parker ’51, Jan (Evans) Patterson ’78, Jerry Phillips ’67, Jud Powell ’76/’78, Jerry Sawyer, Norma (Willingham) Schaffer ex ’63, Glen Schmucker ’76, Lila Senter, Joe Sharp ’58, Ivan Smith ’68, Bubba Stahl ’84, Irving Stone, Rick Strange ’82, Melinda (Offner) Stricklin ’83, Rob Wiley ’87, Will Wilkins ’61, John Wilson ’68, Clinton Wolf ’50, Tom Womble ’65. Board of Development Truett Latimer, Chair Committee Chairs: Mark Layton ex ’71, Academic Foundation; Karen (Swartz) Kimball ’63, Alumni Involvement and Retention; Jack Preston ’60, Annual Giving; Joe Garvey ’53, Athletics; Joe Weir ’95, Media Relations Advisory; Bryan Finley ’82, Planned Giving; Jeff McMillon, Scholarship and Financial Aid. Alumni Association Board of Directors Officers: Chris Carnohan ’74, President; Linda (Ulmer) Perkins ’73, Past President; Debbie (Reeder) Harruff ’74, VP for Celebrations; Linda (Davis) Cargile ’82, VP for Homecoming; Billy Bob Neff ’62/’67 and Pat (Butman) Neff ’77, VPs for Special Projects; Sharon (Gillingham) Pezzarossi ’90, Chaplain; Kathy (Ensminger) Wright ’72, Secretary. One-Year Directors: Mickey (Howell) Cassle ’65, Dorothy (Houston) Kiser ’65/’92, Josué Martinez ’74, Frances (Kesner) Refroe ’60. Two-Year Directors: Vance Cooksey ’85/’87, Amanda (Perez) Etter ’05, Al Merchant ’76, Melissa (Martin) Milliorn ’93. Three-Year Directors: Joe Melson ’88, Maridell (Fisher) Fryar ’57, Phil Ashby ’80, Steve Post ’85. Young Alumni Outreach Director: Roxie Keenan ’05. Board of Young Associates Officers: Jenni (Sims) Pulley ’97, President; Clint Buck ’99, President Elect; Jay Lester ’94/’95, Vice President; Wayne Lisenbee ’97, Vice President; Jon Sibert ’97, Vice President; Kathryn (White) Mitchell ’99, Secretary; Jennifer (Mitchell) Dunn ’99/’01, Chaplain, Brian Kickhoefer ’93, Immediate Past President.
Please help us reduce waste and postage costs by making corrections beside your mailing label and returning it to the HSU Publications Office. Thanks! Name misspelled HSU Box 16100 | Abilene TX 79698-6100
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