President’s Report 2014-2015
ii | Fall 2015
www.hendrix.edu/giving
President’s Report
2014-2015
www.hendrix.edu
by the numbers: bill’s first year
2
message from the president
3
year in review
4
something to sing about
6
definitely mabee
8
plan a 10
professor, mentor, colleague, friend 11
taking advantage of higher aspirations 12
odyssey exemplars 14
family on the field 17
enrollment update 18
honor roll of donors 19
by the numbers:
Bill’s First Year Number of orange neckties owned before being announced as Hendrix president: 1
Number of times I said “Hendrix” in my inauguration speech: 64 Faculty members taken to lunch: 110 out of 120 Staff shadowing experiences, from Public Safety to housekeeping in Martin Hall: 6 Number of Godzilla figures in my office in Fausett Hall: 32 Number of classes visited: 13 Number of games and practices for our 21 men’s and women’s sports teams that I attended: 40 Alums and Hendrix friends I met on my statewide BBQ tour: More than 630 so far Number of times I’ve thanked my lucky stars that I am at Hendrix College: Too many to count! Number of orange neckties owned today: 31
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www.hendrix.edu
message from the president
What a Year! Like so many alumni and students, I will always cherish my first year at Hendrix. Whether I was collecting cardboard in a recycling dumpster, enjoying the beauty of our performing arts programs, or celebrating a championship victory, Hendrix has filled my heart – and seemingly every minute of my calendar – with joy. Before classes started this fall, we welcomed more than 400 new students to campus. The Class of 2019 includes the highest percentage of students from Arkansas in more than a decade. Many of these students chose Hendrix as a direct result of the new Hendrix Arkansas Advantage financial assistance program. We also have new students who benefited from our new Hendrix Aspire Scholarship partnerships with KIPP Delta High School and the League of United Latin American Citizens. This fall, we expanded the Hendrix Aspire Scholarship network to include the Arkansas Commitment program, Little Rock Central High School, Catholic High School for Boys, and Mount St. Mary Academy. The Hendrix Arkansas Advantage and Hendrix Aspire Scholarship programs represent our most significant investment in keeping Hendrix within reach of all bright and talented students. The day after fall classes began we announced the $26 million gift from the estate of Mary Ann Dawkins, the largest single gift to Hendrix. Her extraordinary generosity will support scholarships and promote college affordability. Mary Ann Dawkins was not a Hendrix alumna, but she was inspired by one of our most beloved traditions – the Hendrix Choir’s Candlelight Carol Service. Beyond the impact that her generosity will have on future generations of students, her gift is a powerful reminder of the importance of campus traditions. Everything we do, day in and day out, each semester, and every year matters.
We think it’s only fitting that we name this new facility the Mary Ann and David Dawkins Welcome Center in honor of Mary Ann Dawkins, whose first impression of Hendrix inspired her historic gift. We hope Mary Ann Dawkins’ story will inspire others to continue to support Hendrix. Every gift is important and worthy of our appreciation. The Honor Roll of Donors in this report recognizes our loyal supporters. From Move-In Day to Commencement, I am so grateful for the experiences I’ve shared with this incredible community. The accomplishments and excitement at Hendrix would not be possible without you. Thank you! Sincerely,
William M. Tsutsui President and Professor of History
In October, we received a $1 million challenge grant from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation to construct a new welcome center at the northeast corner of the campus. This new facility will create a warm and welcoming first impression for prospective students and visitors. www.hendrix.edu
President’s Report | 2014-2015 3
Year In Review 2014-2015 JUNE Nine Hendrix students travel to Kosovo on a mission trip sponsored by the Miller Center for Vocation, Ethics, and Calling.
The freshman-to-sophomore retention rate at Hendrix for fall 2014 is 87 percent, just shy of the College’s retention record of 88 percent.
The Hendrix College Biochemistry/Molecular Biology (BCMB) program is accredited by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) for a full seven-year term (June 1, 2014 to May 31, 2021).
JULY Hendrix College is among the top 300 colleges and universities in the U.S., Canada, and Great Britain selected for the 2015 edition of the Fiske Guide to Colleges. A record 88 Hendrix students get a hands-on look at the workplace through summer internships.
OCTOBER Four Hendrix Alumni receive Odyssey Medals: Interior designer Brad Ford ’89 for Artistic Creativity, Princeton Theological Seminary professor Dr. Elsie Anne McKee ’73 for Research, Pulaski County Judge F.G. “Buddy” Villines ’69 for Professional and Leadership Development, and Civic and Community Engagement professor and scholar Dr. Amanda Moore McBride ’93 for Service to the World.
NOVEMBER President Tsutsui is appointed to the board of directors of the Federation of State Humanities Councils.
AUGUST New students from 25 states and five countries arrive on campus as the Class of 2018 moves into residence halls to begin the 2014-2015 academic year.
From seeing Tolkien in new ways to learning about honeybees in Europe, Hendrix students and faculty will explore the world, serve others, conduct research and share their artistic talents – thanks to $86,497.64 in Odyssey grants to 31 projects. More than $2.8 million in Odyssey grants has been awarded since the program began in 2005.
U.S. News and World Report lists Hendrix College as the nation’s #1 “Up and Coming” liberal arts college in its annual college guide. 4 President’s Report | 2014-2015
www.hendrix.edu
DECEMBER The College introduces the Hendrix Arkansas Advantage program, which will cover 100 percent of demonstrated financial need for qualified Arkansas high school seniors enrolling for the fall 2015 semester. Hendrix College receives a five-year $500,000 grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc. to support a new Institute for Clergy and Civic Engagement (ICCE) at Hendrix. Hendrix is ranked 63rd on Kiplinger’s “Best Values in Colleges” list of private liberal arts colleges.
JANUARY Hendrix College is ranked #2 in a Money Magazine list of 20 Best Private Colleges for Merit Aid. Hendrix is ranked #3 in the nation for Best College Food by Cappex.com.
FEBRUARY President Bill Tsutsui receives the inaugural Bridges to Friendship Award from the Japan-America Society of Greater Austin (JASGA). Hendrix announces a new endowment fund honoring Campus Kitty Founder John S. Workman ’50. The Workman Summer Project Grant will provide funds for students pursuing careers in the United Methodist Church, social justice, the news media or writing.
APRIL William M. Tsutsui is inaugurated as the 11th president of Hendrix and the College celebrates with three days of activities leading up to the Inauguration Ceremony on Saturday, April 18. The Hendrix College Alumni Association presents the Distinguished Alumnus Award to Tom Courtway ’74 and the James E. Major Service Award to Laurie C. Smith during the 2015 Alumni Weekend. Forty-four engaged learning projects receive a total of $153,276.32 in funding bringing the total amount of Odyssey grants awarded to $2.99 million since 2005. Thirty-two students represent Hendrix at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) at Eastern Washington University in Cheney, Washington.
MAY Hendrix awards 296 bachelor’s degrees and 11 master’s degrees at the 131st Commencement on Saturday, May 16, 2015. University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service Dean James L. “Skip” Rutherford III was presented an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree.
MARCH
Ten Hendrix students spend Spring Break 2015 on a mission trip in New Orleans, Louisiana, sponsored by the Miller Center for Vocation, Ethics, and Calling.
www.hendrix.edu
President’s Report | 2014-2015 5
something to sing about $26 million gift will support scholarships
Dawkins retired from Coulson Oil Company, founded by her parents, after 41 years. She served as Corporate Secretary and previously served on the Board of Directors at Coulson Oil. She was on the boards of the Arkansas Oil Marketers Association and Mid-South Make-A-Wish Foundation and was a Special Olympics supporter.
August 26, 2015, will go into the history book as a BIG DAY for Hendrix College. That’s the day the Hendrix community came together to hear the announcement that the College had received a $26 milllion gift from the estate of Mary Ann Dawkins. The event began with a song – “Once in Royal David’s City,” to recognize the gift’s inspiration – and ended with a bang – an explosion of confetti as crowd members pulled “poppers” to celebrate the great news. Faculty, staff, students, trustees, media and friends of the College crowded into Trieschmann Gallery the day after fall classes began to hear the news and join the celebration.
Church in North Little Rock. After the performance she established the Dr. David and Mary Ann Dawkins Endowed Scholarship Fund at Hendrix in memory of her recently deceased husband. Mrs. Dawkins added to her scholarship fund periodically over the
“We are grateful, honored, and humbled by Mary Ann Dawkins’ extraordinary generosity,” said President Tsutsui. “This gift will help us continue to attract bright and talented students and keep the world-class liberal arts education and student experience at Hendrix within reach of all young people and their families.” Prior to the Dawkins estate gift, the previous largest gift to Hendrix was a $10.985 million grant from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation in 1998, which was used to complete a comprehensive renovation of science teaching and research facilities and to construct the new Donald W. Reynolds Center for Life Sciences.
The largest gift in Hendrix history will support scholarships, promote college affordability and launch the College’s fundraising effort to construct a new welcome center at the northeast corner of the campus. Dawkins, a United Methodist, who passed away in December 2014, wasn’t a Hendrix alumna or parent. Her first gift to the College was inspired by a Candlelight Carol Service she attended at First United Methodist www.hendrix.edu
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dawkins gift
next few years and received thank you notes from Hendrix staff and grateful students who benefited from her gifts.
Definitely Mabee
college gets $1 million challenge grant for new welcome center
Thanks to the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Hendrix College is closer to adding a new front door to the campus. The $1 million challenge grant will support the construction of the Mary Ann and David Dawkins Welcome Center at the northeast entrance to campus. The new Welcome Center will house the Hendrix Admission and Financial Aid offices, which are currently located in historic Ellis Hall, a 101-year old building at the south entrance of campus.
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The new center honors the extraordinary generosity of Mary Ann and David Dawkins. Earlier this fall, Hendrix received a $26 million gift from Mary Ann Dawkins’ estate to support scholarships, promote college affordability and launch the College’s fundraising effort for the new welcome center. Hendrix has now raised $4 million in gifts and pledges toward the new center’s $7 million total cost. The Mabee Foundation will award $1 million to complete the project if Hendrix raises an additional $2 million in new gifts and pledges by September 2016. “We are so grateful to the Mabee Foundation for their longstanding support of capital projects at Hendrix from the Student Life and Technology Center to the Wellness and Athletics Center,” said Hendrix President Bill Tsutsui. “Our growth and strength as an institution is a direct result of the Mabee Foundation’s generosity and commitment to the residential college experience.”
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welcome center features include: 16,800 square feet of space designed to comfortably accommodate the 5,000+ students and families who visit our campus each year Architecture draws upon features of Hulen Hall
“With the new Welcome Center, we will roll out the ‘orange’ carpet for future Hendrix students and their families,” Tsutsui said. “Our guests should be as excited about their first visit to Hendrix as our freshmen are when they move in … and as our alumni are when they reunite with classmates 50 years after graduation.” In addition to the new Welcome Center, the metal pedestrian bridge that has spanned Harkrider Street for decades will be refurbished and upgraded to complement the historic architecture of the Hendrix campus as
well as the new Welcome Center. The revitalized bridge will better connect academic, residential, student life, and wellness and athletics facilities between the east and west sides of campus, Tsutsui added. The project is anticipated to begin in late 2016, following the completion of the Mabee Challenge, and will be complete in spring 2018. To support the Mabee Challenge, contact Rev. J. Wayne Clark ’84 in the Office of Development at 501-450-1223 or clark@hendrix.edu.
Large, flexible, media-rich space at the heart of the building including lecture space (1,025 sq. ft.), gathering hall (1,320 sq. ft.), and reception hall (800 sq. ft.) that flows into a covered back porch Lecture, gathering and reception space that can be combined to host receptions, performances, and other campus events Green building, constructed to LEED standards Convenient guest parking Covered walkway from parking area offering easy access in inclement weather Private spaces for families to meet with counselors and financial aid officers.
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President’s Report | 2014-2015 9
faculty profile
Plan A
new five-year strategic plan focuses on core strengths, diversity & inclusion
graduation rate to reach 70 percent and the percentage of students completing internships and summer research experiences to reach 80 percent by 2020. Feeding the Core stresses faculty development and strengthening interdisciplinary connections and support for student and faculty research, as well as achieving modest enrollment growth with a goal of 1,500 students and the revitalization of the residential core of campus.
Last fall, Hendrix College alumni, faculty, staff, students, and Board of Trustees members came together to discuss their collective aspirations for the future of Hendrix. The result is a new strategic plan that will guide the College over the next five years.
Under Opening the Gates Wider, the College will focus on increasing diversity and creating a more inclusive campus community. The strategic plan calls for the percentage of students from underrepresented groups and Pell-eligible students to increase to 20 percent by 2020.
“The most important part of the process is the people. To be successful, the process needed to be open and inclusive with investment and perspective from all parts of our community,” said Hendrix President Bill Tsutsui, who led the strategic planning committee with Provost Dr. Terri Bonebright.
“In an era of intense marketing campaigns, proliferating educational fads, and ever shorter attention spans, there may be nothing more audacious for Hendrix than championing time-honored values, focusing on fundamental strengths, and affirming a formula for success that has served the college well for over a century,” said Tsutsui.
In addition to a strategic planning committee, eight working groups of alumni, faculty, staff, students and trustees looked at issues like career preparation, diversity and climate, interdisciplinary programs, new academic programs, the visibility of Hendrix in the local community and in Arkansas, and retention and graduation rates. The priorities in the strategic plan represent both bold ideas and bread-and-butter issues, Tsutsui said. The strategic plan’s goals and objectives are connected to three broad themes: Enhancing the Student Life Cycle, Feeding the Core, and Opening the Gates Wider. Enhancing the Student Life Cycle includes everything from recruiting prospective students to preparing graduates for life after Hendrix. The plan calls for the College’s four-year
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“Achieving our goals will not be easy … To remain an intimate, inclusive community committed to a demanding, personalized education in the liberal arts, Hendrix will have to resist all the forces in higher education and in American society pulling us to conform and compromise and dilute our mission and values,” he said. “We will need the collective passion and investment of all those who care about Hendrix to push ourselves to be the best we can possibly be and to continue to be among the country’s leading liberal arts colleges.” “Together, as an institution and as a community, we will preserve and strengthen the promise and the impact of a Hendrix education for future generations of talented students from Arkansas, across the country, and around the world.”
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Professor Mentor Colleague Friend dr. james m. jennings 1955 – 2015 The Hendrix College community was saddened by the loss of Dr. James Jennings, who passed away Oct. 27. Dr. Jennings joined the Hendrix faculty in 1992 and taught in the Education and History Departments. He was recently named the Cynthia Cook Sandefur Odyssey Professor for the “Above the Line Project 400” to continue working with public schools in the Arkansas Delta. Begun in 2007, the Above the Line Project targets elementary students who previously scored “below” or “below basic” on the Arkansas Benchmark Exam, a state-sponsored testing program. After three weeks of intensive remedial studies led by Jennings and a Hendrix student team, a majority of students’ test scores improved. Dr. Jennings held degrees from Northwestern University, the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and Vanderbilt University. “Dr. James Jennings was my professor, mentor, and colleague,” said Hendrix education professor Dr. Dionne Bennett Jackson ’96. “His life’s work will go on for years through the numerous individuals he influenced.” “Dr. Jennings was my first advisor, my best professor, and my career-long mentor,” said Amy Ruple Jordan ’95, assistant principal at Bob Courtway Middle School in Conway. “He inspired me to be the very best teacher I could be, and I am forever indebted to him.” www.hendrix.edu
“He set the example for what an educator should be and how they should act,” said Kathryn Elise Armstrong ’14. “I am grateful for his commitment to education and to putting students first.”
honoring his memory A celebration of Dr. Jennings’ life is planned on Saturday, April 16 as part of Alumni Weekend 2016. More details will be shared on the Hendrix website and in monthly alumni newsletters.
continuing his work With the full support of the Jennings family, Hendrix is establishing the Dr. James Jennings Hendrix Aspire Scholarship to support students from the Delta region of Arkansas. The College’s goal is to raise $100,000 in endowed scholarship funding to honor Dr. Jennings in perpetuity. To learn more about how you can be part of continuing Dr. Jennings’ work, contact the Rev. J. Wayne Clark ’84, Associate Vice President for Development and Dean of the Chapel, at clark@hendrix.edu or 501-450-1223. President’s Report | 2014-2015 11
arkansas advantage Representatives from Mount St. Mary Academy, Little Rock Catholic High School for Boys, Little Rock Central High School and the Arkansas Commitment program joined President Tsutsui in signing commitments to participate in the Hendrix Aspire Scholarship program.
Higher Aspirations hendrix aspire scholarships now available for federal pell grant-eligible students at partner institutions
Hendrix College will offer new scholarships to cover the full cost of attendance for Federal Pell Grant-eligible students from the Arkansas Commitment program, Little Rock Central High School, Little Rock Catholic High School for Boys, and Mount St. Mary Academy. The Federal Pell Grant Program provides need-based grants to low-income students to promote access to postsecondary education. The new scholarships, announced in October at the Darragh Center Auditorium at the Main Library in Little Rock, are part of the Hendrix Aspire Scholarship program established in spring 2015.
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“Hendrix Aspire Scholarships benefit students who have great potential and need the most support,” said Hendrix President Bill Tsutsui, who signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with representatives for each group. Hendrix will cover the full cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, on-campus housing and meal plans, for up to four students from each program. The college will also provide academic support services to ensure the recipients graduate in four years. “These scholarships are so important to us because they help us keep Hendrix affordable and increase the diversity of our student body,” said Tsutsui. “These partnerships reflect our shared mission to change lives through education, and we are excited to work together to make a liberal arts education at Hendrix possible for their students.” “We are grateful to our new partners for their confidence and trust in Hendrix and to our donors for their support to make Hendrix accessible and affordable to these students,” said David Knight ’71, chair of the Hendrix Board of Trustees.
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arkansas advantage
“The students who benefit from these scholarships will enrich our campus throughout their four years at Hendrix, and they will be great ambassadors for Hendrix as alumni and leaders in their communities and in their professions.” Through the Hendrix Aspire Scholarship program, Hendrix has partnered with the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) to provide scholarships for Latino and Latina students and with KIPP Delta Public Schools to provide scholarships for students from the Arkansas Delta. This fall, Hendrix enrolled one student through the LULAC scholarship and three KIPP Delta students, who were awarded Hendrix Aspire Scholarships.
new financial assistance program nets highest percentage of homegrown talent in a decade One hundred and sixty new students at Hendrix College (40 percent of the freshman class) benefited from the Hendrix Arkansas Advantage financial assistance program for in-state students. Launched last year, the Hendrix Arkansas Advantage covers 100 percent of demonstrated financial need for Arkansas high school seniors. Students must apply for admission to Hendrix and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered. Academic requirements include a 3.6 or higher GPA and 27 ACT or above or 1200 SAT or above. The Hendrix Arkansas Advantage will meet students’ full demonstrated financial need through all forms of financial assistance, including merit scholarships, need-based grants, federal and state grants, federal student loans and student employment. “Our goal was to send a message to Arkansas students that we are committed to keeping Hendrix within their reach financially,” said Hendrix President Bill Tsutsui. This year’s new student class includes the highest percentage of home-grown talent in more than a decade, and the average aid package for new students benefiting from the Hendrix Arkansas Advantage was nearly $40,000 in grant aid alone, not including loans or work study, he added.
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“It really helped make Hendrix one of my top choices when my options were so limited by the cost of college.” Will Gibson ’19 “Clearly, the Hendrix Arkansas Advantage surpassed our expectations, and we couldn’t be more pleased,” Tsutsui said. “It is so exciting to meet new students from Arkansas on campus and to hear how the Arkansas Advantage made it possible for them to be here.” Will Gibson ’19 of Rogers is one of the new students to benefit from the Hendrix Arkansas Advantage. He and his sister Aisling Gibson ’18 were raised by their grandmother, a retired English teacher. “Scholarships were very important in my college decision,” said Gibson, who is also a Service Scholar with the Miller Center for Vocation, Ethics, and Calling. “I honestly would not be able to go to Hendrix without the Arkansas Advantage. It really helped make Hendrix one of my top choices when my options were so limited by the cost of college.” The Hendrix Arkansas Advantage will continue this year for students enrolling at Hendrix in fall 2016. For more information on the Hendrix Arkansas Advantage, visit www.hendrix.edu/arkansasadvantage.
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odyssey exemplars
Alumni earn medals for service, research and art Hendrix College honored four outstanding alumni with the presentation of the Hendrix Odyssey Medal at a special
Awarded by the Hendrix College Board of Trustees, the Odyssey Medal is given to Hendrix alumni whose personal and professional achievements exemplify the values of engaged liberal arts and sciences education.
convocation on Oct. 22 14 President’s Report | 2014-2015
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odyssey exemplars
the 2015 odyssey medal recipients are: dr. omer l. shedd ’93 (service to the world) Arkansas native Dr. Omer Shedd graduated with distinction in chemistry from Hendrix College, where he received the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and the Hendrix President’s Medal. He received his medical degree from Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, where he completed his internal medicine internship and residency. Afterward, Dr. Shedd completed a cardiology fellowship and electrophysiology fellowship at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. Dr. Shedd is board certified in cardiology and cardiac electrophysiology and a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and the Heart Rhythm Society. He has helped to develop a robust electrophysiology program at Caromont Regional Medical Center in Gastonia, North Carolina. His expertise is focused on implantation, explantation and follow up of cardiac rhythm devices such as pacemakers, defibrillators, and heart failure devices. Dr. Shedd is also the president of Promise for Haiti, which supports the 65-bed Hospital Bienfaisance in Pignon, Haiti, with two high-quality operating rooms, and provides the community with nine elementary schools and a clean water project. As part of his role in PFH, he is developing a cardiology and pacemaker implant program for the poor
people in the country and is training Haitian physicians to perform the life-saving procedure. dr. john c. byrd ’87 (research) Dr. John C. Byrd is a nationally known researcher and clinical specialist in leukemia and other hematologic malignancies at The Ohio State University’s Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute; he is also the head of the Division of Hematology. He is a professor of medicine and medicinal chemistry and holds the D. Warren Brown Chair in Leukemia Research.
Dr. Omer Shedd ’93 (below) and Dr. John Byrd ’87 (above) spoke to biology and chemistry students at Hendrix and guests after receiving the Hendrix Odyssey Medal. Dr. Shedd received the Odyssey Medal for Service to the World. Dr. Byrd received the Odyssey Medal for Research.
After graduating from Hendrix, Dr. Byrd received his medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. His education and experience continued in hematology and oncology at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Johns Hopkins University before he moved to Columbus to join the faculty in Ohio State’s College of Medicine and Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Byrd has more than 325 publications in the area of leukemia and experimental therapeutics research. He runs a highly translational laboratory focused on drug development in CLL and related lymphoproliferative disorders. He has been
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President’s Report | 2014-2015 15
odyssey exemplars
part of the successful development of multiple acute myeloid leukemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemia therapeutics. At a national level, Dr. Byrd is the co-chair of the Leukemia Committee and Leukemia Correlative Science Committee in the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology and a member of the NCI Leukemia Steering Committee. Despite his passion for clinical and translational research, he continues working Elizabeth Ragsdale in the clinic providing care for patients with CLL Norton ’75 and Wendel and other types of leukemia.
Norton ’73 received the Odyssey Medal for Special Projects for their work in fine art conversation. Among their numerous projects, the Nortons refurbished the World War I Doughboy statue, which now resides in Young-Wise Memorial Plaza at Hendrix.
ferris wendel norton iii ’73 and elizabeth ragsdale norton ’75 (special projects) Elizabeth and Wen Norton co-founded Norton Arts, Inc., practicing fine art conservation. After Hendrix, the Nortons made their home in the Arkansas Ozark Mountains, where they raised their daughter, Vanessa, Hendrix Class of 2002. In 1989, the Nortons moved to New York City, where Elizabeth, a music major, became an administrator in a private Manhattan school and also sang as a member of the Oratorio Society of New York. Five years later, they returned to Arkansas and established their fine arts conservation company, while retaining professional and artistic ties to New York City. Elizabeth has served as board member for the Arkansas Education Association and the Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas (now Preserve Arkansas), as well as a Commissioner for Historic Arkansas Museum. Wen studied marble sculpting at the Art Students League in New York with Phillip Pavia, the last of the artists of the New York School. As a League Life Member, Wen works at the historic midtown facility, when in town. He also paints and sculpts at Cave Creek Studio and Lab on the May Family Homestead by the Buffalo National River in Arkansas Ozarks Mountains.
nominations for 2016 due dec. 31 Nominations for the 2016 Odyssey Medals are due Dec. 31, 2015, and may be emailed to president@hendrix.edu. For more information and a nomination form, visit www.hendrix.edu/odysseymedal. At this website, you will also find links to video of this year’s presentation and photos from the convocation on campus and evening reception in Little Rock honoring the medalists.
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www.hendrix.edu
field day
Family on the Field
celebrating the naming of crafton-faulkner field
It was a family affair on Sept. 12 when relatives of Leo “Hippo” Crafton Jr. ’49 and Winston “Preacher” Faulkner ’48 came together to celebrate naming the playing field at Young-Wise Memorial Stadium in honor and memory of the former student-athletes and lifelong friends. Family members joined donors Rush and Linda Harding of Little Rock for a barbecue lunch and photos in front of the plaques recognizing Crafton and Faulkner. A brief ceremony recognizing the Hardings and the Crafton and Faulkner families was conducted on the field during the pre-game activities. A new sign revealing the Crafton-Faulkner Field name was unveiled before the Hendrix Warriors took the field to face the Lyon College Scots for the first home game of the year (Hendrix won, 42-7). It’s fitting that the Crafton-Faulkner names are linked together on a Hendrix football field. Their friendship began on a Hendrix football field in the 1940s. Writer David McCollum told the story in an article published in Conway’s Log Cabin Democrat on June 19, saying it started like a blooper reel.
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“Hendrix College faced fourth down on its 8. Winston Faulkner, the Warrior center, snapped the ball over the punter’s head. A few minutes later, the Warriors faced fourth down again and an infuriated coach Ivan Grove moved Leo “Hippo” Crafton Jr. from guard to center. Almost on cue, Crafton also snapped the ball over the punter’s head,” McCollum wrote. “As the two linemen left the field, the G-rated translation from the legendary coach Grove was they were both useless.” Crafton and Faulkner later redeemed themselves on the football field and proved themselves far from useless as business and community leaders throughout their lives. Both of them also served as friends and mentors to Little Rock business leader Rush Harding. “Linda and I are so pleased to honor Mr. Crafton and Mr. Faulkner with this naming gift,” said Harding. “The Crafton and the Faulkner families have been instrumental in my development as a businessman and a member of the central Arkansas and Hendrix community.” A Conway native, Crafton, who passed away in 2000, was a World War II veteran and served as an Army Air Corporal. He was the longtime owner of United Motor Co. in Conway, a member of First Baptist Church, the Noon Rotary Club, a Mason and a University of Central Arkansas Bear Backer. President’s Report | 2014-2015 17
field day
The son of a Methodist minister, Faulkner graduated from Dardanelle High School and served in the United States Navy in the South Pacific Theater. At Hendrix, he earned all-conference football honors, served as student body president, and was named Outstanding Alumnus in 1974. He coached at Pulaski Heights Junior High School and Little Rock Central High School, served as First United Methodist Church in Little Rock’s activities director, and worked for TJ Raney & Sons (later Morgan Keegan) and Crews & Associates. Faulkner passed away in 2014. “The naming of Crafton-Faulkner Field connects the experience of our scholar-athletes with the legacy of two very special Hendrix graduates and community leaders,” said W. Ellis Arnold III ’79, Senior Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Dean of Advancement. “We are deeply grateful to the Harding family for their generous support and for their tribute to the Crafton and Faulkner families.”
Full of Class
class of 2019 brings increased numbers, academic quality and diversity On Move-In Day 2015, Hendrix College welcomed 412 new students (including 398 first-year and 14 transfer students) from 29 states, as well as China, Mexico, Pakistan, and Thailand. New student enrollment is up from 338 (315 first-year and 23 transfer students) last fall. Total student enrollment is 1,338 students for fall 2015. Classes at Hendrix began Aug. 25.
class of 2019 highlights: hh The top academic interests include biology, economics and business, English, pre-medicine, and psychology. hh The grade point average for the entering first-year students is 3.92 (middle 50%: 3.58–4.31) and the average high school rank is 16.60% (middle 50%: 4.19% – 23.79%). hh Average ACT score — 28.4 (mid 50%: 25 – 32); Average SAT score — 1209 (mid 50%: 1100–1330)
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hh 24 first-year students were valedictorians and 11 were salutatorians. hh 22.2% of the new fall class are underrepresented students from the United States: African American/Black – 5.6%, Asian — 6.1%, Hispanic/Latino — 6.1%, Multi-ethnic — 4.4%, and American Indian/Native Hawaiian — .1%. hh Gender representation of new students is 50.9% female and 49.1% male. hh 70 enrolling students have legacy ties to Hendrix, including parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles. hh 54 new students or 13.3% are United Methodists; 18.2% of the United Methodist students are from states outside of Arkansas. hh 57 Arkansas Governor’s Distinguished Scholars enrolled, compared to 41 in 2014. hh Four new students enrolled as a result of the new Hendrix Aspire Scholarship partnership with the League of United Latin America Citizens (LULAC) and the Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) Delta High School.
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Albert Raymond, Professor of Biology, Emeritus, and Associate Dean of the College (1952-1996) When ’57 Chevy’s were all the rage, you couldn’t own a car at Hendrix — but you (and everyone else) could count on seeing your grades posted outside Dean Raymond’s door. And he was always there to support you. If you cherish your memories of Hendrix, you can provide the same kind of memories for generations to come. A designated or planned gift provides life-changing experiences for students and it creates a legacy that will endure. Although the names and faces change over time, the memories remain. Share the gift of Hendrix memories. Support the Altus Bell Society.
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For more information, contact Lori F. Jones ’81, CFP® Director of Planned Giving 501-450-1476 or email JonesL@hendrix.edu www.hendrixaltusbell.org
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Hendrix College psychology professor Dr. Jennifer Peszka was named the 2015 Arkansas Professor of the Year by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. “Whether she’s teaching an introductory or an advanced course, Dr. Peszka’s dedication to her students’ success and her enthusiasm for her discipline have inspired hundreds of Hendrix students,” said Hendrix Provost Dr. Terri Bonebright. “She is nationally renowned for her research and has ignited a passion for research among countless students, including several students who have followed her example in the classroom and in the lab.”