L E TO U R N E A U U N I V E R S I T Y
GLOBAL INFLUENCE Enriching lives at LETU and abroad
SPRING 2015
a message from the president LETU is engaging internationally like never before. A 21st century college education today requires that our universities in America provide students with connections and understanding of cultures outside of our own. Technology advances through the Internet, Facebook and Skype, along with increased travel opportunities are making conversations and relationships around the world more accessible. This past academic year, LeTourneau University welcomed a record number of international students from more than 20 countries around the world.
on campus. We know that not every LETU student can spend a semester abroad, but those international students who come here provide our own students with a rich, diverse experience to see our world through new eyes. To encourage more international students to attend LETU and to pave the way for LETU students to study abroad, I visited several university presidents in South Korea this semester, building relationships and signing partnership agreements to widen our global reach.
These students bring with them diverse cultures, customs and cuisine, as well as the ability to become teachers for all of us about their lives and history.
Our faculty focus in this issue, civil engineering professor Dr. Stephen Ayers, comes to us from Dr. Lunsford, center, met with Rwandan students Charity Mutesi, left, his native Australia, and Tamara Birasa, right, to discuss the Walk to Remember. yet is involved in environmental water Usually at LETU, our faculty do much of the teaching, solutions research in Senegal this summer to ease human but this semester a group of our Rwandan students suffering in that sub-Saharan land. His goal is to help became our teachers, as they led a commemorative small farmers begin to lift themselves out of poverty walk to remember their countrymen lost during the through providing sustainable solutions for reaching and 1994 genocide in their homeland. The scars of that time using life-giving water to increase crop production. are still healing, but their perseverance and unity are inspiring. The students invited the Rwandan ambassador To whom much is given, much is required. God has to campus for the event, and she came from Washington, blessed LETU with people who have a host of God-given D.C. to participate. talents and skills with the knowledge to have a positive impact on the world, wherever they are. Our International Business and Business Leadership students grew in knowledge and understanding as they participated in an inaugural International Student Gala
Follow me on Twitter: @dalelunsford Facebook: www.facebook.com/dalelunsford Blog: letupresident.blogspot.com
O NW
“BEHOLD, NOW IS THE ACCEPTABLE TIME; BEHOLD NOW IS THE DAY OF OUR SALVATION.” —II Cor. 6:2
LETOURNEAU UNIVERSITY
DALE A. LUNSFORD, Ph.D. PUBLISHER JANET RAGLAND EDITOR IN CHIEF KATE GRONEWALD WRITER / EDITOR JON VASHEY CREATIVE DIRECTOR / GRAPHIC DESIGNER GAIL RITCHEY CLASS NOTES NIEMAN PRINTING PRINTING
Claiming every workplace in every nation as their mission field, LeTourneau University graduates are professionals of ingenuity and Christlike character who see life’s work as a holy calling with eternal impact.
CONTACT INFORMATION: WEB: www.letu.edu Email: NOW@letu.edu ADMISSIONS OFFICE PHONE: 800-759-8811 ALUMNI OFFICE PHONE: 800-259-5388 DEVELOPMENT OFFICE PHONE: 800-259-LETU
LeTourneau University is a Christ-centered, interdenominational institute of higher learning offering more than 90 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across a range of academic disciplines and delivery models. Students are enrolled in programs on ground at LETU’s residential campus in Longview, Texas, as well as hybrid and fully online options at educational centers in Dallas and Houston. Academic majors include aviation, business, communication, computer science, criminal justice, education, engineering, health care administration, nursing, human services, kinesiology, the liberal arts, psychology, the sciences and theology. NOW is published by LeTourneau University, 2100 South Mobberly, Longview, Texas 75607 w Sent free upon request to Editor, P.O. Box 8001, Longview, Texas 75607. w Postmaster: Send address changes to: NOW, P.O. Box 8001, Longview, Texas 75607. w E-mail us at NOW@letu.edu.
contents
4
A Walk to Remember
10
Expanding Relationships in Korea
12
International Student Gala
14
News and Notes
20
Students Benefit From Contributions
22
Giving In Honor & Memory
24
Faith at Work Summit in Boston
26
Faculty Feature: Stephen Ayers, Ph.D.
31
Class Notes
34
Mike Bishop: Serving Christ While Serving the Community
35
Katie Leatherwood: Serving in Latvia Through Prosthetics, Orthotics
Rwandan students at LeTourneau University organize an event to remember genocide Story by Christina Lane, Longview News Journal, used with permission. Photos by Janet Ragland, Jenna Pace & Michael Cavazos, Longview News Journal
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harity Mutesi was 2 years It's a loss she still feels every day, but old when genocide claimed the the loss isn't just for herself — it's for lives of nearly 1 million people in her country. She feels it most in April, her nation. the anniversary of the start of the 1994 Though she was young and does not Rwandan genocide. recall much about that time in Rwanda, But for Mutesi and millions of the LeTourneau University student Rwandans across the world, the month remembers her family fleeing to exile in also represents a time to come together Uganda. and celebrate the rebirth of their nation. She knows that all capable men were "We rose from ashes to a nation," begged to come back to Rwanda and fight Kwibuka 21 said. "Now, there is no more for the country as the rest ofRemember the world - UniteMutesi Renew Hutu; there is no more Tutsi. We are all largely turned its back to the bloodshed. Rwandan, and that is beautiful." And she knows she lost family in the fight.
21st commemoration of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide
Longview, TX 4 | NOW Magazine | Spring 2015
Rwandan students Charity Mutesi and Tamara Birasa organized the Walk to Remember.
100 DAYS After years of disputes between the Tutsis and the Hutus — two of Rwanda's social classes — Rwanda's leader, Juvenal Habyarimana (a moderate Hutu), signed an agreement in 1993 for a transition government that would include the Rwandese Patriotic Front, which consisted primarily of Tutsis. That angered Hutu extremists. On April 6, 1994, a plane carrying Habyarimana was shot down, killing him and all on board. Within an hour of the plane crash, the presidential guard, members of the Rwandan armed forces and Hutu militia groups set up roadblocks and barricades, and began slaughtering Tutsis and moderate Hutus. That started the genocide, which would last exactly 100 days, ending July 16, 1994. The genocide spread quickly, with statistics estimating that more than six men, women and children were murdered every minute of every hour of every day. The majority of the deaths were Tutsis and moderate Hutus. The United Nations estimates about 800,000 people died, while the Rwandan government puts the death toll at just more than 1 million people. During the genocide, some people fled the country, while others went into hiding in Rwanda.
Between 250,000 and 500,000 women were raped during the genocide, and of those, about 67 percent were raped by men who had HIV/AIDS as a weapon in the genocide, according to Amnesty International. The international community largely remained on the sidelines during the genocide as the Rwandese Patriotic Front fought back during the country's civil war. By early July, the Rwandese Patriotic Front had gained control over most of the country, and more than 2 million people, mostly Hutus, fled Rwanda, and brought an end to the war. FORGIVENESS AND HEALING Mutesi, a sophomore at LeTourneau University, Central African said people who left hiding South Ethiopia Republic Sudan places to help fight "just Democratic wanted to see it stop." da Republic an Ug of Congo Kenya "The whole world was Rwanda ignoring the fact that it Burundi was going on," she said. Tanzania LeTourneau University freshman Tamara Birasa, also from Rwanda, said even after the genocide ended, it still took a while
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m
So
for Rwandans to come out of hiding. For some it took days or weeks; for many it took months. "They could not believe it was really over," she said. Progressively, they came out of hiding from every place imaginable — from the trees to the waters, she said. Birasa, who was not born when the genocide happened, said that even in the early 2000s, fear still prevailed in the country. "Even in 2003, people were still scared of each other," she said. But that was also the year that things, ever so slowly, began to change as Rwandan President Paul Kagame ushered in a new era of forgiveness. In 2003, Kagame released 40,000 prisoners from
6 | NOW Magazine | Spring 2015
jail — prisoners who had admitted to their role in killing people during the genocide. "He introduced many activities. In one, people ask for forgiveness — those who killed people ask for forgiveness from the families of those who died during the killing," she said. With the act of forgiveness having benefits to the giver and the receiver, Birasa said it has helped the whole country to heal. "Now, Rwandans are more together as one. We are all Rwandans, and we are all working to help our country grow," she said. "We have one purpose and one goal now — to help our country." REMEMBERING THE PAST In their home country, Mutesi and Birasa were involved in organizations that worked to remember the genocide. Mutesi served with an organization called Never Again Rwanda, a human rights organization founded in response to the 1994 massacre that places an emphasis on youth as the future of a peaceful society. Mutesi's work took her into the orphanages of Rwanda to work with children and make sure they had everything they needed and did not feel out of place.
Birasa served with an organization called Peace and Love Proclaimers, which works to establish a positive change in the world through peace, unity and development. Peace and Love Proclaimers established Rwanda's annual Walk to Remember, an event in which residents and the government join together for a time of unity and reconciliation. The event is typically held between April 7-14, which serves as a time of remembrance for the country. During the event, thousands of people walk from the parliament building in Rwanda to the national stadium, where they gather for days of activities and to share their stories. From the president of the country to the poorest residents, everyone is united together for at least a few days, Mutesi said. "Through the horror and through the darkness that have been through, this is a moment to be together, a moment to not feel alone," Mutesi said. Birasa added that there are some people who are uncomfortable sharing their stories in such a large group setting. Around the same time, small groups gather throughout the country over a two-week period for a time to mourn and a time heal.
The City of Longview Mayor Jay Dean issued a Proclamation commemorating the Rwanda Genocide Survivor Visit April 11, 2015.
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This page: LETU students and guests met in front of the Speer Chapel to pray before the walk began. At left: LETU students, pictured here with Dr. Lunsford, donned event T-shirts in solidarity to remember the genocide. Lower left: Rwandan student Charity Mutesi was joyful to see the turnout for the event.
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ETERNAL FLAME No matter where Rwandans are in the world, Birasa and Mutesi each said, it is important to pause and remember the genocide every April. "We lost family members to the genocide. Wherever Rwandans are, it is important to remember the past," Birasa said. During Mutesi's freshman year at LeTourneau, she felt so moved to do something that she had a personal ceremony on her own in which she lit candles. Mutesi expressed excitement about being surrounded by many people from her home country during the event. Rwandans from East Texas, as well as from Houston and Dallas, were in attendance. Mutesi and Birasa said they hope the event will educate people here on what happened in their country. "Whenever we ask somebody here about Rwanda, they barely know anything about the country. They have heard of the movie, 'Hotel Rwanda,' but they only know the movie, and most of the time, they think it was fiction," Mutesi said. "We want people to know it was not fiction, and it was more than a movie. It was our lives." The candlelighting is one of the most significant aspects to the ceremony for Rwandans. It is something they do in their country, and it is what Mutesi did her freshman year on her own. "It is the light of eternity," Mutesi said. "The flatme means peace, it means hope, it means everything." Beyond spreading awareness in America, Mutesi said she also wants those in her home country to know she has not forgotten. "They may feel like I have come to the land of opportunities and that I have forgotten, but I can never forget," Mutesi said. "I still move with my country. I still move with my people. I want to make them proud. I still remember."
Rwandan Ambassador Mathilde Mukantabana, left, flew in from Washington, D.C. and was greeted by Longview city councilwoman Kasha Williams and LETU President Dr. Lunsford.
The ceremony ended with a solemn candle lighting to remember the lives lost during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.
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LETourneau Builds, Expands Relationships in
Korea Written by Janet Ragland. Photography by Alan Clipperton. tudies show that students who participate in international travel and study programs have a competitive advantage and expanded global perspective. Partnerships with colleges and universities abroad expand opportunities for students to travel and study abroad. In May, LETU President Dr. Dale A. Lunsford traveled to South Korea to build new relationships and strengthen old ones with several university presidents there. Lunsford traveled with LETU Chief Global Initiatives Officer Dr. Kelly Liebengood, Associate Vice President of Global Initiatives Alan Clipperton and Electrical Engineering Professor and Korean native Dr. Joonwan Kim to visit six separate universities.
Dr. Lunsford with Catholic Kwandong University President Dr. Myung-Hun Chun.
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Dr. Lunsford with Handong Global University President Dr. Soon Heung Chang.
“South Korea is a gateway into Asia, and it is essential for our graduates to be exposed to this region of the world,” Lunsford said. “And for students in Asia, a Christian university like LeTourneau University that is focused on STEM programs has much to offer.” Catholic Kwandong University They visited with Catholic Kwandong University President Dr. Myung-Hun Chun in Kangnung and had an opportunity to present LETU, talk about LETU’s graduate engineering programs and promote a dual degree program. They talked about developing a nursing license program and talked about LETU’s TEACH program for teacher education, as well as recruiting exchange students.
Dr. Lunsford with Daegu University President Dr. Duckryul Hong.
Dr. Lunsford with Hannam University President Dr. Hyung-Tae Kim.
Handong Global University In Pohang, they met the new president at Handong Global University, Dr. Soon Heung Chang, who is an MIT-educated nuclear engineer. LETU’s last partnership with this evangelical Christian school was signed in 2005, so while the group was there, LETU renewed its longstanding partnership agreement and discussed ways for further collaboration. HGU has about 3,600 undergraduate and 450 graduate students. Daegu University In Daigu They met for the first time with Daegu University President Dr. Duckryul Hong. LETU signed a partnership agreement with Daegu University, which has 17,500 undergraduates and nearly 2,000 graduates and is not affiliated with any religious organization. Hannam University They also visited President Dr. Hyung-Tae Kim at Hannam University, an evangelical school of about 12,500 undergraduates and 1,273 graduate students. The Hannam University president visited LETU last May, but it was Dr. Lunsford’s first opportunity to visit their campus and return the favor. Sungkonghoe University They signed a first agreement with Dr. Augustine Jungku Lee at Sungkonghoe University, which is an Anglican Church-related school of over 3,000 undergraduates and nearly 500 graduate students. They also met the dean of Student and International Student Affairs Dr. Daniel Seongchan Kim, whose son is studying electrical engineering at LETU.
South Korea is a gateway into Asia, and it is essential for our graduates to be exposed to this region of the world. – LETOURNEAU UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT DR. DALE A. LUNSFORD
Hanyang University They met with Hanyang University President Dr. Young Moo Lee in Seoul to learn more about the school and discuss ways we can work together. HYU is ranked 4th in Korea and about 250th around the world, with nearly 23,000 undergraduate students and over 6,500 graduate students. It has no religious affiliation. LETU has hosted and sent exchange students to and from HYU for more than a year. Before returning back to Texas, the LETU team also met in Seoul with former HGU president Young-Gil Kim, who is now employed with the United Nations. “We met with him to discuss ways in which LETU can partner with him in his new job with the U.N.,” Lunsford said. “He has been tasked with reaching out to higher education institutions to come up with creative solutions to some of the world’s most challenging problems. “ The trip was a great success for building relationships and expanding opportunities abroad.
Russia
North Korea South Korea
Japan
China
Dr. Lunsford in group picture Dr. Lunsford with Hanyang with Sungkonghoe University University President Dr. Young President Dr. Augustine Junku Moo Lee. Lee and others.
Dr. Lunsford with former Handong Global University president Young-Gil Kim in Seoul.
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Written by Janet Ragland. Photographed by Abbey Leonard.
P
aparazzi flashes, thumping cultural music, and dazzling red carpet smiles filled LETU’s Allen Family Student Center Great Room April 12 as the inaugural International Student Gala got underway. The student-led event brought together students from all over the world, as well as students in two of business professor Dr. Bob Wharton’s classes, to celebrate different cultures, food and native dress as students learned about and appreciated the diversity among countries around the world. Wharton brought together his International Business class and his Business Leadership class to plan, raise funds and host the event as a hands-on project to enable students to learn by doing. “We thought it would be successful if it attracted 80 guests, but it attracted 200!” Wharton said. “It was so much fun! Our business students were professional, organized and capable. It was just amazing how well it turned out!” Wharton assigned the Business Leadership class with the job of planning and fundraising for the event. They had to plan the event, develop a budget, raise $1,900 in funding, secure a catering contract, provide authentic recipes, do taste-testing, distribute invitations, select decorations, find music, organize a cultural dancing demonstration, and manage all the many other details and door prizes for the semi-formal event, which featured educational presentations made by members of the International Business class.
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“Our Business Leadership class goal was to create the gala to enjoy and celebrate the diversity on our LETU campus created by our international students,” Wharton said. The event provided International Business students a hands-on experience researching and learning about five specific countries and regions of the world, including Bahrain, Chile, Denmark, Rwanda and South Korea. Wharton’s students researched and developed their business plans throughout the semester to identify goods or services to launch in their assigned country. For example, presentations included developing a multiplex movie theatre in Bahrain, a mountain resort in Chile, a bicycle shop in Denmark, a security services company in Rwanda and a yogurt shop in South Korea. The students researched and presented their business and marketing plans at individual tables and booths celebrating each culture during the gala. To qualify for door prizes, guests had to collect five stars by visiting each of the five International Business booths to learn and engage with the business students about their business plans. The menu for the evening featured a special dish from each of the five countries and included Baba ghanoush (smoked eggplant) from Bahrain; empanadas from Chile; chicken, pea and carrot tartlets from the Netherlands; white bean dip on pita wedges from Rwanda; and Kimchi dumplings from South Korea. The guests arrived on the red carpet in their native country’s attire, and provided a fashion show during the event. Wharton said that based on positive feedback, he fully expects the event will become an annual affair.
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newsandnotes LONGVIEW CHAMBER PRESENTS DR. LUNSFORD WITH TOP AWARD LeTourneau University President Dr. Dale A. Lunsford was recognized for his community leadership by the Longview Chamber of Commerce, which awarded him the Chairman’s Award, the chamber’s top award, presented annually to a person who demonstrates dedication and vision for the Longview community. Lunsford has promoted growth and prosperity through his leadership service, from serving as chair of a mayoral task force to leading a committee in drafting a long-term comprehensive plan for the city. Lunsford was also the 2011-2012 chair of the Longview Chamber of Commerce.
LETU BREAKS GROUND ON NEW ATHLETIC FIELD HOUSE LeTourneau University broke ground on a new, 6,000-square-foot field house that will include a training room, a laundry room, a coach’s conference room and four locker rooms, with 129 locker spaces for student athletes in men’s soccer and baseball, as well as women’s soccer and softball intercollegiate athletics. Located in the Joyce Family Athletic Village on the south side of campus, the new facility is estimated to be completed by early fall.
LETU PARTNERS TO OFFER DUAL-CREDIT NURSING LeTourneau University and Pine Tree Independent School District in Longview, Texas, signed a partnership agreement to provide high school students with dual credit course opportunities in the health sciences that can lead students directly toward a nursing degree or other degree in the health sciences field. The program can save students thousands of dollars in college costs. Dual-credit courses are growing in popularity nationwide. High school students from 11 states are currently enrolled in LETU online dual-credit courses.
LETU TO LAUNCH NEW REMOTELY PILOTED AIRCRAFT AVIATION DEGREE LeTourneau University’s School of Aviation and Aeronautical Science is launching a new degree program this fall to train professional pilots to be leaders in the unmanned aircraft industry. The new program will enable pilots to fly, repair and program Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs) — also commonly known as drones or Unmanned Aircraft Vehicles (UAVs). The new degree program will provide a Bachelor of Science in Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems, with operations, maintenance and electronics concentrations. The program is under the direction of Ruedi Schubarth.
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DR. KRISTY MORGAN NAMED NEW DEAN OF STUDENTS Dr. Kristy Morgan is LETU’s new dean of students. She serves on the President’s Cabinet, the Provost Council and serves as senior leader over all of Student Life. Morgan earned her Ph.D. in counseling and student development in May 2012 from Kansas State University. LETU SPRING ENROLLMENTS UP, DUAL ENROLLMENTS INCREASE LeTourneau University’s Spring 2015 enrollment of 1,279 students on its residential campus was up 2.3 percent over the Spring 2014 enrollment of 1,250. The increase is attributed to a record year-to-year retention rate of 83 percent for freshmen who entered Fall 2013. LETU set a record enrollment in Fall 2014 for dual credit students, international students, graduate students and undergraduate engineering students.
LETU HOSTS FIRST TRAUMA & THEODICY CONFERENCE The LETU School of Psychology hosted a Trauma and Theodicy Conference featuring world-renowned trauma specialists Dr. Joseph Spinazzola and Dr. Jana Pressley. The three-day conference provided the opportunity for professional psychologists and counselors to earn up to 24 continuing education credits. BIOLOGY PROFESSOR SELECTED FOR HOWARD HUGHES GRANT LeTourneau University biology professor Dr. Greg Frederick and his students are conducting research that will become part of a study conducted by the Howard Hughes Medical Center in Maryland. The LETU students are working with viruses to kill bacteria that cause tuberculosis.
LETU NAMES DON EGLE NEW V.P. OF MARKETING LeTourneau University has named Don Egle (MBA, ABC, APR) to a newly created position as Vice President for University Marketing and Communications, effective May 4. Egle has 14 years of demonstrated success in marketing, communications and public relations. Reporting to the president and serving as a member of the senior management team, Egle will lead an integrated marketing effort that advances the university toward fulfilling its strategic vision. LETU NAMED 2015 TOP ONLINE MASTERS IN EDUCATION The college planning website BestColleges.com named LeTourneau University's online master's degree in education among the top in the nation. LETU was ranked 14th among 25 of the nation’s top programs, and was the only one in Texas on the list.
LETU AVIATION STUDENT RECEIVES $5,000 SCHOLARSHIP FROM RACING ACES Junior flight student Rachel Brandhorst received a $5,000 scholarship check from Racing Aces pilots Dianna Stanger and Joyce Wilson, who won the purse money by taking first place in the 2014 Air Race Classic, an all-female, four-day race covering nearly 3,000 miles across eight states last summer. The professional pilots chose Brandhorst to empower female flight students to realize their own dream of flight. Brandhorst grew up in Brazil as a child of missionary parents. Her goal is to serve as a missionary pilot in the Amazon region of South America.
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newsandnotes AVIATION STUDENT RECEIVES HOUSHMAND MEMORIAL GRANT LETU aviation maintenance student Rachel Brandhorst was selected to receive a $2,650 scholarship in memory of the late Logan Houshmand, an LETU alumnus who died in a motorcycle accident in June 2014. Logan’s parents, Mo and Maria Houshmand, presented the scholarship to Brandhorst. LETU ATHLETES VOLUNTEER, KEEP LONGVIEW BEAUTIFUL LETU soccer players helped Keep Longview Beautiful by picking up litter off the roadways around Longview, in celebration of National NCAA DIII Week to raise awareness for Division III. They also participated in the Longview Green and Clean Week. These service projects are part of our studentathletes’ commitment to give back to the community.
WOODEN TO RELOCATE TO MCKINNEY FACILITY Veteran LETU aviation faculty member Brad Wooden will relocate to McKinney, Texas, to lead the school’s new aviation program at the McKinney National Airport. LETU is offering a new, fully online bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management, along with dual-credit aviation courses for high school students. LETU will begin offering flight training at the McKinney facility in January 2016. STUDENTS RUN BUSINESS, DONATE PROCEEDS TO CHARITY LETU business students in Dr. Byron Lichtenberg’s entrepreneurship class developed a student-run business, “Sock ‘Em Socks,” and donated more than $500 in profits to the Highway 80 Rescue Mission. The sock business was part of a hands-on class project to do market research, write a business plan, forecast earnings, and then create and run a small business. They also donated their remaining sock inventory to the mission.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BILL PEEL EARNS DOCTOR OF MINISTRY Bill Peel, executive director for the Center for Faith and Work at LeTourneau University, earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological College in May. LETU AVIATION FACULTY LASTER WINS WIA GRANT LeTourneau University Director of Flight Operations Laura Laster was named the winner of the Women in Aviation International (WAI) 2015 Management Award and scholarship. Laster oversees all university flight operations, including managing the university’s flight training activities, planning and coordinating all flight instruction and supervising the school’s 11 flight instructors. She also serves on the dean’s leadership team for the School of Aviation and Aeronautical Science.
$20,000 IN FACULTY GRANTS AWARDED The LETU Provost's Office awarded $20,000 in grant money this semester to faculty members, from left: Ko Sasaki, $1,500 for Amtrykes and Mobility Impairment; Daniel Barnette, $1,500 for Parallel Computing Research; Vivian Fernand, $9,400 for Paper-Based Electrochemical Illicit Drug Detection Research; Vicki Sheafer, $ 1,400 for Using Service Learning to Teach Classic Learning Theories; David Dittenber, $4,900 for Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites Research; and Bruce Hathaway, $1,300 for Organic Chemistry with Commercial Microwave Ovens. 16 | NOW Magazine | Spring 2015
LETU STING FLIGHT TEAM RANKS 8TH IN THE NATION The LETU “Sting” Precision Flight Team ranked 8th in the nation at the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) national competition in May at The Ohio State University. Pictured at right, the team of Kyle D. Gould (pilot) and Cameron Laramee (co-pilot) ranked first in the nation in Crew Resource Management events. Laramee was ranked 2nd in the nation among top scoring male contestants and top scoring of all contestants. To qualify for national competition, the flight team won first place regionally in October.
LETU STUDENT MAKES MERCY SHIPS MODEL WITH 3D PRINTER LETU presented a 3-foot, 3D printed model of the Atlantic Mercy (working title) hospital ship to Mercy Ships during a special chapel during “GO WEEK,” formerly known as “Missions Emphasis Week.” LETU engineering graduate student Hans Nelson spent months constructing a 1:176 scale model of the Atlantic Mercy for Mercy Ships, a charity that provides free health care and community education in developing countries. The actual hospital ship will extend the length of about two football fields—making it the world’s largest private hospital ship, once completed.
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newsandnotes ENVOY BRINGS JET TO LETU TARMAC LETU flight students toured Envoy Air’s Embraer 145 jet on LETU’s ramp at Abbott Aviation Center, marking the largest aircraft to use the LETU ramp. The aircraft is 98 feet long and seats 50, with 2 pilots and one flight attendant. The jet is pictured in back of one of LETU’s Citabrias.
AIR RACE CLASSIC COMPETITORS TO RACE AS 'TEXAS TAILWINDS' Recent LETU aviation graduates Jovita Perez-Segovia and Rebecca Davidson will be the first team in history to represent LETU in the 2015 Air Race Classic, an all-female air race covering 2,500 statute miles across eight states. They will fly one of LETU’s Cessna 172 Skyhawks. ROCKWELL COLLINS DONATES $14,000 LETU alumnus Lawrence Robinson ('80), who is a senior engineering manager at Rockwell Collins, left, presented a $14,000 check to LETU Director of Office of Sponsored Programs Paul Boggs. The check is to support two $5,000 scholarships and provide $4,000 in lab equipment for electrical engineering labs.
TEXAS RANGERS OWNER RAY DAVIS SPEAKS AT LETU COMMENCEMENT Texas Rangers Major League Baseball team co-owner and chairman Ray C. Davis spoke at LeTourneau's two spring commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 9. Davis, a 1966 LETU business graduate turned Dallas oilman, told LETU graduates to read their Bibles daily and to find mentors to hold them accountable in life. Davis was elected to the LeTourneau College Board of Trustees, where he served from 1980 to 1991, providing leadership in a time of great advancement for the school.
LeTourneau University Mourns Deaths of Trustee Glaske, Longtime trustee Paul E. Glaske, 81, of Flint, Texas, died Jan. 30. Glaske first came to LeTourneau College in 1963 to serve as business manager, then as vice president for business affairs. He was recruited to oversee the company founded by LETU founder R.G. LeTourneau as vice president (1968-1971) and later its president (1971-1986). Glaske began serving in 1975 on the LeTourneau College Board of Trustees. He served as chair of the university’s board from 1988 to 1999, then later as treasurer of the board. Prior to retiring from his business career in 1999, he was CEO and chairman of Blue Bird Corporation, the nation’s largest bus manufacturer. The Paul E. Glaske Center for Engineering, Science and Technology and Glaske Drive on the LETU campus in Longview are named in his honor. In 2006-2007, Glaske served as chair of the LETU Presidential Search Committee that brought Dr. Dale A. Lunsford to become LETU’s sixth president. Glaske served in 2010 on the Trustee Committee for the university’s Strategic Plan. In 2011, he served as executive chairman of LETU’s successful, comprehensive $27.5 million “For Such A Time As This” fundraising campaign. PAUL E. GLASKE 1933-2015 18 | NOW Magazine | Spring 2015
LETU HONORS SAM FORRESTER WITH HENRY O. GOSSETT AWARD The university’s highest recognition given to members of the community, the Henry O. Gossett, Jr. Community Partner Award, was presented to Sam Forrester of Longview at the university’s scholarship banquet for his faithful service in strengthening the tie between the university and the Longview community. Forrester has served on the President’s Advisory Council for three years, once as president, and has brought many friends to LETU through his work in raising the level of LETU’s Scholarship Golf Tournament. Under his direction, the golf tournament has secured a record $55,000 in sponsorships and participation among local golfers, making it one of the premier tournaments in East Texas. Funding from the golf tournament benefits student scholarships.
GORDON FENNER FINALLY GRADUATES Retired business owner Gordon Fenner, 80, of Longview, (pictured at center) received the bachelor's degree in industrial design he earned from LeTourneau College in 1958 during a special chapel service April 17. Fenner had gone his entire career working in the trucking industry not knowing he had actually completed his degree. Fenner left school to take a promising job offer before applying for a degree audit. The school's registrar's office only runs a degree audit on those seniors who apply to graduate. Fenner, whose daughter was there to see him receive his degree, quipped, "Now I can go get a real job!" Photo courtesy of Kevin Green, Longview News-Journal.
Trustee Emeritus Chewning Trustee emeritus Dr. Richard “Dick” C. Chewning died Feb. 17. He was a university business professor who taught for 25 years at the University of Richmond and for 15 years as an endowed professor at Baylor University as the Harry and Hazel Chavanne Chair of Christian Ethics in Business. He searched God’s word for practical applications of biblical teaching to the field of business. His goal was for those in business to understand Christ’s mind as it applies to them who are called to the marketplace to work. The prestigious Richard C. Chewning Award was initiated in 1998 by the Christian Business Faculty Association to those who integrate biblical principles in business. The award was named after Chewning as the award’s first recipient. Chewining wrote the book “Business Through the Eyes of Faith.” His last book was titled “Becoming Partakers of the Divine Nature.” Chewing was a graduate of Virginia Tech, the University of Virginia and University of Washington, and did postdoctoral study at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. RICHARD C. "DICK" CHEWNING 1933-2015 LeTourneau University | 19
IN Honor & MEMORY After publishing the Fall 2014 issue of the NOW magazine, it was determined that our data search parameters were not capturing all gifts intended as honorary or memorial gifts for the 2013-2014 fiscal year. We have revised our process for gathering this data in the future and are publishing this revised list. We apologize for any concern or inconvenience this may have caused. Thank you to all who have given in recognition of others!
In Honor Of
Sid and Anna Lee Allen Howard & Peggy Coghlan
Dr. Bill Graff Tim & Susan Schroeder
Eric D & Daniel A. Parks John & Beverly Parks
Dr. Sara K. Wuenschel-Horn Nancy Wuenschel
Bryan Benson John & Kris Elmore Mary Jackson
Peter Hoewisch Thomas & Tricia Hoewisch
Dr. Steven Mason Randy & Lyn Mason
Randolph & Eve Wyers Patrick & Joyce Wyers
Dr. Renate Hood Christopher Adams
Sharon A. Myers Mike and Lisa Myers
Riley & Leslie Wyers Patrick & Joyce Wyers
Gwyneth Jones Ryan & Kelly Scott
Ryan Noel Richard & Pamela Noel
Grey and Suzanne York Patrick & Joyce Wyers
Dr. Paul Kubricht Harvey & Elaine Solganick
Jonathan Preu ('02) Mabee 1 Ryan & Kelly Scott
Dr. Lunsford Bob & Doris Parrott
Sharon Siske-Crunk James Siske
Class of 1988 James H. Siske Rita Courson Eric & Katherine McCrory First Baptist Church, Conroe TX Dale & Marsha Lunsford Linda Fitzhugh Howard & Peggy Coghlan
In Memory Of
Jim Ames Bud & Betty Otis
Mike Beltrani Margaret Merritt
Howard Anderson Henderson High School Class of 1956 Fred & Loma Holmes Charles Kemp Ann H. Lemon
Ken Bengston Robert & Joan Potter
Fred & Ruth Anderson WaterStone Terry Applegate A.P. & Suzie Merritt Judge Henry Atkinson Jr A.P. & Suzie Merritt Marjorie Anita Chance Bailey Jim & Gerrie Forbis Ronnie Quay Bardwell Tommy & Janet Merritt James W. Barrett Damian & Sarah Barrett Coach Steve Beacham Tim & Susan Schroeder Chris Becker Dick & Marsha Becker Charles & Barbara Stevens
Velma Benny A.P. & Suzie Merritt Marion Benson Sid & Anna Lee Allen Bud & Sammie Austin BankTexas John & Cheryle Barnes Belcher Bayou Farm Ramon Cantu Cameron Carlile Joel Carpenter Helen Carter Suzanne Cook David & Polly Dunlap John & Kris Elmore Mike & Linda Fitzhugh Holly P. Forbes Steve & Pam Gatton Henry & Evelyn Gor Fredna Harris James & Reyna Hortman Craig & Nancy Jackson Mary Jackson John & Eleanor Kirk Richard & Andee Lucas Dale & Marsha Lunsford Shawn Mowles NCIC Network Communication Intl
20 | NOW Magazine | Spring 2015
Bud & Betty Otis Judy Owens William & Leslie Patterson Clint & Kate Quinn James & Nancy Sawyer Nancy Starr Robert & Martha Steed The Ward Agency Thomas & Debra Visage David Witt Jonathan Bladel Bendt & Elaine Bladel Doris Busby Bolt A.P. & Suzie Merritt Scott N. Bowen Melody Bowen Roy & Marki Laughlin John H. Bowman Fredna Harris Cleveland "Cleve" Boyd Mike & Teresa Merritt Ken Branch Mr. & Mrs. Robert H. Allen Charlotte Branch Larry & Freda Brink WaterStone Charles Britain Johnnie Britain
Rhonda Brock John & Lesta Bauer
Marty Donner Donald & Cybill Beiler
Daniel Buist Barbara Buist
Jerry Eubanks A.P. & Suzie Merritt
Mrs. Jimmie L. Burton A.P. & Suzie Merritt
Charles Ferrell A.P. & Suzie Merritt
Juanita Cammack A.P. & Suzie Merritt
Eleanor Foster Bud & Betty Otis
E. Joel Carpenter V Good Shepherd Home
Rex French A.P. & Suzie Merritt
O.B. Buddy Chandler Tommy & Janet Merritt
Phyllis Fritsch Jerry Fritsch Gerald Hardy
Hunter Cippele Lola Sanders John Jay Clements A.P. & Suzie Merritt Odis Cochran Bud & Betty Otis Joan Barber Coyle Jim & Gerrie Forbis Margaret Estes Davis Judy Boeshart Bud & Betty Otis Enrich Oil Corp Frizzell families James E. DeYoung Jamie DeYoung
Preston Murdoch Geren Tommy & Janet Merritt Andy Gill A.P. & Suzie Merritt Paul Glaske Abbott Industries Inc. Chuck & Judy Bellatti Boon Calk Echols Coleman & Goolsby PLLC Richard & Bonnie Dial Dale & Marsha Lunsford Al & Nancy Mendez Lloyd & Karen Olsen Ping Inc. Stinnett & Associates TB Butler Publishing Co
Ho nor Roll of Giving Henry O. Gossett, Jr. Archie & Sally Barron Bennie T. Green Donald & Nancy Green Sarge Grey Paul Bennett Helen Griffin A.P. & Suzie Merritt Hazel Hickey John & Rose Fite Holly P. Forbes Cynthia Hellen Vicky E. Irwin Craig & Jeannie King Fred & Laura McKethan Richard & Sherry Molpus James & Nancy Sawyer Jack & Molly Sue Spear Carol Hill Jim & Gerrie Forbis Logan Houshmand John & Cheryle Barnes Kay Freeze Robert K. Gaddy Michael & Dana Gerold Julie Abigail Gutierrez Manuel S. Gutierrez Bruce & Mary Hinton Mo & Maria Houshmand Alan Howarter Jeffrey & Bonnie Hull Keri Lattery Nancy K. Lee Steve Mitcham Frankie Parson Sommerhalder Family Trust Leonda Todd William Bill Hughes A.P. & Suzie Merritt Toto Hymer Bud & Betty Otis Mike Jackson J. C. & Beverly Harder Russell David Jackson Tommy & Janet Merritt Justin Jenkins Audrey J. Goodman Eugenia "Gene" Lee Johnson Fredna Harris Bill Kielhorn Air Products Foundation Robbie & Joanna Allen American Welding Society District 7 Mark & Shelli Anderson Joseph & Elizabeth Bailey Bernard & Jean Banzhaf Bechtel Group Foundation Jimmie & Rita Bolton Peter & Sue Bradley
Paul & Margaret Broda Barney & Renella Burks John & Susie Busch Jon & Shanna Carruth Larry & Cathy Craig Jerry & Kate Cramblett Brian & Melodie Dobben James & Sue Etem Dave & Hilda Fyock Russell, Gilleylen, Freddie & Jan Hager Bruce & Pam Hallila David & Carolyn Hebble Dale & Rebecca Hill Dave & Mary Hoffman Jim & Glenda Hooker David & Peggy Horton Ralph House Illinois Tool Works Foundation David & Karen Johnson Betty Kielhorn Tom & Wendy Landon LETU Materials Joining Advisory Committee Lockheed Martin Corporation Robert & Laura McAfee Russ McClellan Mark McDowell Miller Electric Mfg. Co. Duane & Susan Miller Richard & Jo Miller Paul & Betty Monroe John & Mae Morton Tim & Carol Munsterman Walter & Linda Nekoroski Roger & Beverly Nelson Seth & Shiloh Norton Steven Obenour Roger & Dee Patrick Mark & Misty Pauling Joel & Anna Peterson Phillips Petroleum Foundation Barry & Susan Phillips Gregory & JoAnne Pike Robert & Lydia Rountree Jerry & Ethel Ruggles Wayne Salsman Brad & Teresa Shaw Robert & Sandra Shepherd Roger & Joyce Sherman Lynn & Jeanette Showalter Peter & Susan Strubhar Superior Fruit Equipment Phillip & Joyce Temple Michael & Martha Thomas Jason Trosen Jeff Trosen Keith & Cherri Trosen Kenneth & Angela Wagner Chris & Kristin Waskey Ted & Rose Wilkinson Kent & Ginny Wilson Paul & Belinda Wood Kappy Kolb A.P. & Suzie Merritt Kevin Kraft Jim & Gerrie Forbis
Claire Laird A.P. & Suzie Merritt
Jerry Pybas A.P. & Suzie Merritt
Matthew Schmidt Vern & Betsy Schmidt
Mom and Pop LeTourneau Bud & Betty Otis
Charley Rader Betty Rader
Don Scott Jan Scott
RG LeTourneau Arland Rusten
Robert (Bob) and Ruth Ralston Bob & Becky Dorn
Richard H. & Jacob A. LeTourneau Liela LeTourneau Louise LeTourneau
Twila Jean Ritchie Troy Ritchie
Kermit A. Seales Arcade Crossroads Church of the Nazarene Jimmy & Janet Seales
Roy LeTourneau Kay Miller Bud & Betty Otis Betty MacAskill Rod MacAskill Dr. Michael Carter Macey Sr. Tommy & Janet Merritt James Earl (Jimmy) Mankins A.P. & Suzie Merritt Virginia Mankins A.P. & Suzie Merritt Carl Manns Betty Manns Billie Burke Maxwell A.P. & Suzie Merritt Mike & Teresa Merritt Mystie McAlister Mike & Lisa Taylor John Arthur McDonald Lisa & Mike Taylor Dr. Kenneth McKinley Damian & Sarah Barrett Jim & Miriam Kibelbek Jimmy & Bonnie Lilley Jim McWilliams Tommy & Janet Merritt Mike Merritt Margaret Merritt Helen Miller David Witt Sue Mills Donald Mills Dr. Matthew C. Mireles Robert Whitfield G.H. Muir Sarah Muir Mr. & Mrs. E. D. Otis Bud and Betty Otis Charles Edwin Perkins Connie Ruth Perkins Sara & William Plunkett Paul & Martha Crump
Larry Rizzo Paul & Susan Grenon Earl Roberts Mary Armstrong Bud & Sammie Austin Alan Barclay John & Marsha Barrett Thomas D. Barrow Mark & Janet Boon Polly Brabham Richard J. Butler Edward & Elaine Carter Central Title Company Howard & Peggy Coghlan Bill & Wanda Dark Bob & Louise Dyer Kevin P. Eltife Beckie A. Fuller Albert & Joan Gray Kirk & Lynne Henderson Joe & Kay Hood Hugman Architecture & Construction, Inc. Jim & Tweet Hurst Simone F. Kibbe Longview 2020 Forum Richard & Andee Lucas Bob & JoRuth Maness Eugene & Nancy McWhorter Medmarc Insurance Group Al & Nancy Mendez Shawn Mowles Tom & Betty Nethery Paul Norton Bill & Sister Payne Pegues-Hurst Motor Co. Roy & Mary Price Betty Rader William & Kathryn Reagan Ann Riddle Richard H. Sale Margaret Saunders Larry & Nancy Starr Texas Bank and Trust Charles H. Wickersham Nona Roberts Charles & Vanora Roberts William "Bill" Robertson John & Cheryle Barnes Gordon W. Roesink Beverly Roesink Dr. David Lee Sadler A.P. & Suzie Merritt
Robert Selby James & Geraldine Roads Joe Sellars Bud & Betty Otis Amos Simmons A.P. & Suzie Merritt Ed & Hazel Sizemore Lisa & Mike Taylor Peter A. Skielnik Antoni & Betty Skielnik Herbert Spadey Mike & Teresa Merritt Jo Carol Spurlock Mike & Teresa Merritt Louise Stephens Mr. & Mrs. Gary T. Pearson Arthur Stoll Jimmie McKinley J.S. (Slim) Sullivan Jimmye Sullivan Myrtle Schaffer Talley Tommy & Janet Merritt Jane Terrell A.P. & Suzie Merritt Barbara TomberlaIn Tommy & Janet Merritt W.C Bill Trapp Jane Trapp Rev. H.H. Van Cleve Harold Van Cleve William VanPelt Dave & Sandra Sutter Dennis Lee Voelzke Steve & Melissa Voelzke Lucy Waller Dave Waller Sara Watkins A.P. & Suzie Merritt Billy Ray Wilson A.P. & Suzie Merritt Harold Boyce Wood A.P. & Suzie Merritt
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CAMPAIGN WRAP-UP
Students Benefit From Fund Contributions Written by Angie Bartel. Photos provided.
of LeTourneau University have many reasons to choose to give, and we know one reason that tops their list: the students. LeTourneau attracts students from all walks of life, each arriving with a different set of goals, hopes and dreams. Helping them achieve their hopes and dreams is what binds us all together. We will continue to focus on making an education at LETU affordable for all students. Because of the generosity of so many faithful supporters, LeTourneau University’s “For Such A Time As This” campaign officially has surpassed its $27.5 million goal!
CONTRIBUTIONS FOR SCHOLARSHIP AID IS AN ONGOING NEED. Scholarship aid was a key component of our recently successful campaign. Those contributions, no matter the size, have had a significant impact on students during this past 2014-2015 school year. Here are a few students who were blessed by our wonderful financial partners.
22 | NOW Magazine | Spring 2015
Maria Alchammas
Maria wasn’t your typical LeTourneau freshman. She and her mother and siblings arrived in Longview to live with her uncle in 2013. They are Syrians who found asylum in LeTourneau’s hometown. They left behind Maria’s father. Maria’s mother is unable to practice her vocation, doctor of pediatrics, in the United States. This left the family depending on the uncle to provide shelter and financial support. However, this didn’t stop Maria and her family from dreaming about a college education for her. And it didn’t stop LeTourneau from providing the scholarship support she needed. That support is only possible through the generosity of alumni, parents and friends. Following in her parent’s footsteps (her father is dentist), Maria is pursuing a career in the medical field. Good news for Maria’s family—her father was finally granted asylum and will be joining them in the next few months, God willing.
Morgan Weaver
JAck Woods
Growing up a few miles from LeTourneau, Morgan didn’t have to come far, but originally, he didn’t plan to come at all. As a high school senior, he felt he needed to go to a large state school because he thought that was where he could really live out his Christian faith and get out of the ‘Christian bubble.’ Fast forward: Morgan will serve as the 2015-2016 LETU Student Body President and says he knows now he needed to be in a Christian school to learn and grow spiritually in preparation for being a living testimony in the secular workplace. He also knows the engineering program at LeTourneau is ‘phenomenal,’ and he is more than prepared to be the best mechanical engineer he can be. “It has been a huge growing experience,” he said. “I have grown so much and feel ready for the future now.”
Growing up in Kissi, Kenya, Jack certainly had his own unique preparation for his journey to LeTourneau. Having been orphaned at the age of 5 when his mother died from AIDS, he was shuffled among family members. He landed with an uncle who worked with missionaries Gary and Judy Wood. His life took a dramatic turn as they fell in love with him and began the process to adopt him. Jack chose LeTourneau because he wants to work in the field of aviation. Through the generous support of donors, he received the scholarship aid that enabled the Woods family, living on a missionary salary, to send their son to a private Christian school. Just recently completing his second year at LeTourneau, Jack continues to feel the support he has received and is enjoying the friendships he has made and the incredible support of his professors.
Julia Thurber
Hannah Campbell
With one more semester to complete to receive her degree in mechanical engineering, Julia is so close to her goal—a goal that was interrupted her freshman year when diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease. But, God brought Julia to LeTourneau “for such a time as this.” The LETU community surrounded Julia with the love and support that she feels she would not have been a given at any of the other schools that she had considered attending. She said, “I had to allow others to do things for me. We need to be like that with God, as well. We need to be vulnerable because we need Him.”
Hannah comes to LeTourneau University from Ben Wheeler, Texas, by way of Brazil. She grew up in South America as a missionary kid. Along with a few other nursing students, she will be among the first to graduate from our newly accredited School of Nursing. She says her experience overseas has made an impression on her, and she hopes to travel and do medical missions trips working with kids, saying, “I love working with babies and children!”
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PRESENTS
SUMMIT IN BOSTON
W
Written by Janet Ragland. Photos by Amanda Battaglia.
hat does it look like for the gospel to permeate our lives — including our work? LeTourneau University’s Center for Faith and Work exists to explore that question and provide valuable mentoring and guidance to help Christians close the gap between the sacred and secular, to better connect Sunday worship and Monday work. “Learning to live out our faith at work can be perplexing without input from mentors, teachers, pastors, peers and role models to teach, encourage and challenge us to do our work for God’s glory,” said LETU Executive Director Dr. Bill Peel. “We must reclaim work as an honored way that we can glorify God and multiply workplace disciples.” To do that takes intentionality, which is why LeTourneau University’s Center for Faith & Work partnered last semester with two other universities to present the inaugural Faith@work Summit, attracting business, church and academia from around the world to discuss how we can correct the misconception that God is more interested in church than the workplace. The gathering was held in Boston and was sponsored by three universities: the Center for Faith & Work at LeTourneau University in partnership with the Mockler Center for Faith and Ethics in the Workplace at GordonConwell Seminary and the Center for Integrity in Business at Seattle Pacific University. 24 | NOW Magazine | Spring 2015
For two days, groups met to identify what was working well, the big challenges ahead, and what needs to be done to encourage ongoing workplace discipleship. The conference paid tribute to faith and work leaders of previous generations, such as LETU founder R.G. LeTourneau. “It is such a privilege to remind people of the key role our university’s founder played in the movement to take faith into business in the mid-twentieth century,” Peel said. “One prominent leader told me the Summit was the most important gathering to date in the faith and work movement.” LETU President Dr. Dale A. Lunsford, along with key administrators, also attended the Summit. “Billy Graham believes one of the next great moves of God is going to be through the believers in the workplace,” Lunsford said. “I am proud that LeTourneau University is taking a leadership role in this movement. Faith-work integration is part of the DNA of our university. I think Mr. R.G. would be proud.” Plans are already underway for a second Faith and Work gathering Oct. 27-29, 2016, which will be hosted by LETU at the Westin Gallery in Dallas. For more information on the conference, go to www.FWSummit. org. To learn more on faith and work, and to gain valuable insights into the Faith@Work movement, visit www.centerforfaithandwork.com, and subscribe to receive updates.
QUOTABLE TAKEAWAYS FROM THE BOSTON SUMMIT: Move beyond your career and walk in your calling. We must be convinced we have something to share, and we have to earn the right to be heard. — Ray Hammond
Above: Dr. Bill Peel spoke on faith conversations at work. Left: LETU Provost Dr. Philip Coyle, Aviation Dean Fred Ritchey and V.P. for Online and Graduate Enrollment Dr. Robert Hudson discuss faith/work integration.
To learn about faith at work, we need to study the Bible and ask how Christ would do our work. — Gloria Nelund The heavens declare the glory of God and so does our work. — Mark Roberts A faulty theology of work, vocation and mission is a significant contributor to the secularization of western society. — Paul Williams The Gospel changes everything, including our work. — Katherine Leary Alsdorf If we want people to pay attention to our faith, we must first pay attention to our work. — Bill Peel We all have common calling to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly before our God. — Gina Casey The purpose of business is about more than making money. Business schools must return to the responsibility of shaping character. — Al Erisman Compassion has an economic component. To love our neighbor means we need to create great jobs. — Tom Nelson
Above: LETU administrators attend session on higher education. Right: CIO Matthew Henry and board chair Pat Bertsche discuss work as mission. Below: Dr. Lunsford talked about how LETU integrates faith and work in higher ed.
Mission control, instead of damage control, is a much better way to approach business ethics. — David Gill
WANT TO LEARN MORE? Watch videos from the 2014 Summit by scanning this code or going to: http://bit.ly/FAWS14Vimeo
WHEN'S THE NEXT SUMMIT? For more information about the 2016 Summit on October 27-29, 2016, in Dallas, go to fwsummit.org
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Stephen Ayers, Ph.D. Engineering Water Solutions Written by Janet Ragland. Photography by Janet Ragland and Tom Barnard.
T
raveling through the Republic of Senegal, LeTourneau University civil engineering professor Dr. Stephen Ayers saw engineering needs everywhere he looked. “You see these things: busted roads, bad water, poor sanitation, no electricity,” Ayers said. “Those are all civil engineering problems. And we have an asset at LeTourneau University in our students—the ability to do engineering work. If we partner that with the correct needs on the ground, we can make a difference.” A native Australian, Ayers is the director of Engineering Water Solutions (EWS), an initiative of the LETU civil engineering program aiming to bring improved water solutions to remote farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. He led a team of five faculty and two students to Senegal at the end of May for two and a half weeks. Their goal was to drill two new water wells and install four water pumps in existing wells, including a main drinking well for the village of Poundium. “They were watering their crops with a bucket of water at a time,” Ayers said. “It was time consuming, inefficient, and it limited what they could grow. We want to help them grow just a little more—10 to 20 percent more—which would create a margin and income, and that would increase the security of their food and water supply.” Ayers said his first work with water issues in Senegal was to raise a shallow pond to enable irrigation a few years ago. The project had initially been led by LETU’s former engineering dean, but Ayers took over the project in 2011. Ayers’ vision is for more than just water pumps. He is developing an entire systemic solution to water issues in this sub-Saharan land to help advance these subsistence farmers and their community. The plan extends from digging wells, to pumping water, to storing water, to filtering and using it. It’s a very intentional strategy with a long-term goal.
The first part of the plan is extracting the unpotable irrigation water out of the ground for crops, but eventually they want to improve drinking water, because it is a major health issue. “Good quality drinking water minimizes risk of diseases, particularly stomach illnesses which can be life threatening in some of these environments,” Ayers said. The village built a new drinking well –an old-style, hand-dug well—which was just being finished when Ayers and his team were in Poundium last August. This
“We go and do these things because we are motivated by our love for Jesus, and we feel this is something we should be doing.”
26 | NOW Magazine | Spring 2015
—DR. STEPHEN AYERS year, they plan to put a new pump in it. “We are in year three of a five-year plan,” Ayers said. “On this trip, we are going to do a couple of initial trials on sand filtering to clean the water. It won’t be like a domestic U.S. water supply, but it will be better than what they are drinking.” He said tackling the irrigation issue first was intentional. “If you try to develop drinking water and get them on your system, and your system fails, that’s taking a significant risk with their lives,” Ayers said. “So, for irrigation, we can develop all the techniques and look into water quality and things like that in a reduced-risk environment. If worse comes to worse, they go back to developing crops at the level they had been. You don’t want people to die while you are developing your system.” Throughout the school year at the LETU campus in Longview, Ayers and his engineering students research and develop water drilling and pumping solutions, using the same kinds of raw materials that are found in Senegal. Then, the object of their trip in the summer is to discover if they can make their solutions work in
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Ayers was awarded the Robert H. Selby Teaching Award at the May 2015 commencement service. It is given to the premiere faculty member at LeTourneau University, as voted on by faculty across the entire campus. The Selby Award was awarded to Ayers “in recognition of effectiveness in teaching, dedication to LeTourneau University and Christian education, helpfulness to students, spiritual leadership, scholarship and professional development.”
Senegal. He said they buy all raw materials in-country there and even have the welding they need done there in Senegalese shops. “Once we find what works, we want to teach the people to make the parts and build micro businesses,” Ayers said. “That engenders sustainability. It’s not about how many wells we can build, but how can we teach them to do it for themselves. Our goal is to work ourselves out of a job.” At the far western edge of the African continent, Senegal is a “gateway to West Africa,” being bordered on the west by the North Atlantic Ocean with Mauritania to the north, Mali to the east, and Guinea and Guinea-Bissau to the south. “When you travel, you can’t ‘turn off’ who you are as a Christian,” he said. “We go and do these things because we are motivated by our love for Jesus, and we feel this is something we should be doing.” Ayers grew up in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia, an hour west of Brisbane. His dad was a civil engineer who originally worked with the state highway department before moving into academia. His mom was a physical therapist. He had a sister a year older, and a brother and sister who came three and six years after him. Following high school, he made his first trip to Texas. “My first impression of Texas was of the Hill Country because I attended a Bible School near San Antonio after I finished high school,” Ayers said. The principal of the Bible school was the first person to tell Ayers about LeTourneau University.
28 | NOW Magazine | Spring 2015
He looked into attending, but Ayers didn’t have the funding, so he went back to Australia where he earned his bachelor’s and doctoral degrees in Queensland. He then began working for a research group, Fiber Composite Design and Development (FCDD), doing structural product development. “My job in Australia was a lot of traveling and research and developing an international reputation,” Ayers said. “When I came to LeTourneau, my former colleagues said, ‘Your research career is over. You’ll never get to travel.’ It’s been surprising that, in the 11 years I’ve been here, I’ve traveled more, and I’ve been to places I’ve never dreamed of going.” Also, in a sweet twist of fate, that Bible school principal’s son later came to LETU and became one of Ayers’ engineering students. When Ayers first came to LETU on Aug. 1, 2004, the university offered no Bachelor of Science in civil engineering. He came as a mechanical technology professor, but over time, he was the catalyst to start the new civil engineering program. LETU has now just recently graduated its third class of civil engineers. Many have gone on to graduate schools, including Ohio State, Texas A & M, Arizona State and West Virginia. Others are working in different states for the Department of Transportation and private consultancies. Ayers says that with the way the industry is going, plans are to roll out two master’s degrees in civil engineering within the next few years. His vision is to ultimately offer a Ph.D. in engineering.
“I think this university is being uniquely positioned by God to have an impact on a society that is increasingly technological,” Ayers said. “If you are a great undergraduate institution, you have one sphere of influence, but if you have a great graduate program, it expands your voice.” Broadening educational opportunities for LETU students is a primary goal, but Ayers is also interested in training engineers in Senegal who will lead that country into the future. During last year’s trip, Ayers and LETU engineering professor Darryl Low hosted an inaugural professional development conference in Dakar, Senegal, for about 20 professional engineers, educators and banking professionals. Ayers was the keynote for a half-day session talking about leadership in engineering. This year, part of their trip to Senegal will be offering a multi-day leadership training for working professionals with an educational center on the ground. They also will be partnering with the Polytechnic University of West Africa, one of their elite institutions, to spend a day with Senegalese engineering students. “We go talk about what we do,” Ayers said. “One of the advantages for us is that we’ve built a civil program without spending millions of dollars. God’s given us a unique voice, and even though we have frustrations,
we can see there’s a bigger purpose in it.” Contacts on the ground in Senegal have begun an educational center that Ayers is hoping can be a location to extend LETU’s presence there. LETU faculty going this year will investigate the possible opportunity to offer LETU students a full semester of classes abroad in Senegal, where faculty could teach courses in engineering, language and cross cultural studies, and students could work on a service project to gain 12-15 credit hours during a full semester. “You have to remember sometimes that in the midst of all the daily struggles to get things done, there’s always this bigger purpose—that God’s at work and we are his instruments, and we get to be a part of that. “It’s been exciting to watch over the past five years and see God’s doing things—moving pieces around,” Ayers said. “It’s like I don’t have any idea what He’s doing and where it’s going to end up, I just know He’s doing something, and it’s awfully fun to be part of the ride!”
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classnotes MEMORIALS The loss of a loved one, friend or colleague often inspires us to ensure that their memory lives on. Many people find that supporting LETU is an ideal way to honor someone who has passed away. Gifts made "in memoriam" offer lasting honor to a loved one while providing family and friends with the satisfaction of knowing they have helped others. If you would like to give a memoriam to LETU, please call 1-800-259-5388 or donate online at www.letu.edu/give. The family will be notified of your generosity when a memoriam is made. Dave Whitten (’69 ME) died Feb. 23, 2015 in Rockledge, Fla. His is survived by his wife, Cheryl, children Scott and Alissa, and their families, siblings and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was a member of AO where he formed lifelong friendships that he treasured. Kevin Yapp (’85 CST) died February 9, 2015 in Portage, Mich., after being ill for the last four years. He is survived by his mother, Marianne Yapp; sister Kay (Dennis) Simpson and nieces and nephews. Seth Bloomquist (’04 MK) died Jan. 1, 2015, in Leander, Texas, after a sevenyear battle with cancer. Seth continually encouraged and ministered to others about the amazing work God was doing in his life. He is survived by his wife, Robin, children, Ann, Matthew, Joshua and John, his parents, brother and grandparents.
Dr. M. Deane White (Former Faculty’72-’81) died Apr. 10, 2015 in El Cajon, Calif. after a lengthy illness. He was known for his high standards, witty humor, his red pen and as a Delta Sigma Psi sponsor. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Dorothy, daughters Nicole Allen and Camille Clark and 5 grandsons.
BIRTHS
Michael ('08 MK) and Rachel (Swartzbaugh) ('07 ACCT/FIN) Gaines announce the birth of their second daughter, Madison Ailyene, born Oct. 23, 2014 in Houston, Texas. She was welcomed home by big sister, Emily (2).
Nicholas “Nick” Patinos (’13 AFML) and Heather Saboff became engaged over the Christmas holiday and will be getting married July 4, 2015. Nick is a Student Naval Aviator with the USMC in Corpus Christi, Texas. Aaron (’13 CMLC/BI) and Kristen (Huff) (’14 BYBS) Shelton, were married June 28, 2014. They live in Dallas, Texas, where Aaron is a Sales Specialist for Lowe’s of Central Dallas and Kristen is a student of Physical Therapy at Texas Woman’s University Dallas Campus.
WEDDINGS Philip (’06 ME) and Lydia (Fisher) (’07 BYBS) Rawson, were married Nov. 29, 2014. They live and work at Fort Lone Tree, a Christian camp and retreat center in Capitan, N.M., where Philip serves as maintenance director.
Freddie (’13 ISBS) Ritchey and Kaycie Crawford were married March 21, in McKinney, Texas. Freddie was recently promoted to account specialist with Fastenal in Sherman, Texas.
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classnotes CLASS NOTES 50s
John Deurwaarder (’52 IS) celebrates his 100th birthday with his wife, Alta, wearing their new LETU hats and showing their LeTourneau University blanket. John says he is proud of the university and its Christian stand.
Twin brothers, Larry ('63 IE) and Lloyd ('63 IE) Smith (and Lloyd's wife, Helen) were back on campus, for the 2015 Homecoming. Lloyd is an avid photographer and took a number of pictures while he was on campus. Please visit our LeTourneau Alumni Facebook page to see more Homecoming pictures.
60s David Scheevel (’64 MES) and wife, Maxine (Thorpe), celebrated their 50th anniversary Feb. 6, 2015, in Lynwood, Wash. They met at LeTourneau College in Sept. 1963.
Jim Lilley, (’63 BIBL) and his wife, Bonnie Miller, celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary June 2, 2015. They met after Jim hopped a ride with R.G. and Evelyn LeTourneau to Milwaukee, Wis., where R.G. had a speaking engagement. The LeTourneaus would let students fly aboard their A-26 airplane with them whenever their travels would take them to the cities where students had family, if they had an extra seat. After two years of dating via trips on the A-26, Jim and Bonnie were married in the Minntonka Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minn. Lilley currently serves on LETU’s Alumni Advisory Council.
Wayne Hansen (’65 ET) and wife Barbara celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Milford, Mass. They were married May 1, 1965, the day after graduation, with a number of LeTourneau classmates in their wedding party.
Larry Erb (’69 MT/BI) (pictured right) has been working with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) for some time, and in Nov. 2012, he was asked to chair the Telephone Television Center (TVTM) at the Cove, Ashville, N.C. This volunteer group answers phone calls to give spiritual help when Billy Graham Classics are aired. He also works as Chaplain for the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team and has been a National Ski Patrol Member for 45 years. He and his wife, Kay, live in Weaverville, N.C.
70s
Forty years ago (L-R) Phil Yorgey (’78 MT/ATBS), Rochester, N.H., Lee Beachy (’78 CHBS), Chichester, N.H. and Nate Saint (’78 MT/ATBS), Morgantown, Pa., finished their freshman year at LETU. The three recently gathered for the first of a series of 60th birthday celebrations!
80s Robert (Bob) Cochrum (’87 BUBS/ ATBS) is now teaching at the Aviation Institute of Maintenance. He and his wife, Lilian, live in Pembroke Pines, Fla.
32 | NOW Magazine | Spring 2015
Greg Bauer (’88 AMT), wife, Samyann, and sons Jake (10) and Nick (9), recently moved to McKinney, Texas. Greg is an Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor with Southwest Airlines.
90s Tim Holloway (’93 ATBS) and wife Denise have moved to Knoxville, Tenn., where Tim is a pilot for PSA Airlines. Michael Brown (’94 BUAU) has been promoted to the position of Oral Care Senior Retail Planning Leader with the Procter & Gamble WalMart Customer Team at the end of 2014. He is also involved in a local ministry, WorkMatters, which helps business professionals live out their Biblical faith in the workplace. He says, “It’s exciting to see how our Biblical Faith, built on truth, is impacting this market place with an eternal perspective.” Michael and wife, Ani, and their three girls live in Springdale, Ark. Jeffrey Waldrop (’95 ATFL) recently received a promotion to Affiliate Assistant Professor of Church History, Collection Development Librarian at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif.
00s
Stephen Casey (’03 HIPL) recently relocated his law practice in Round Rock, Texas. He continues to pursue defense of life cases.
Chip Glass (’04 BUDT) is running 260 miles across the state of Georgia as part of the 2015 Run for the Heroes, to honor selected military veterans and their families. The event benefits Houses of Heroes. Learn more at http://ow.ly/MOGJu.
Nathaniel Horton (’08 MJE) completed his Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering with specialization in Metals and Ceramics at Clemson University, Dec. 18, 2014. In addition, he was sworn into the U.S. Air National Guard, by his wife, Captain Kristen Horton, USAF, to begin training to become a Civil Engineering Officer with the MD Air National Guard. Nathaniel and Kristen live in Hampton, Tenn. Ben Luckert (’09 ACCT) recently passed the CPA Exam and started a new job with Oak Hill Advisors, as Fund Accountant. Ben and wife, Mandy, live in Aledo, Texas.
Stuart (’05 ME) and Mandy (Williams) (’04 ASAE) Asp, announce the addition of Aleeya Faith (4) to their family in 2013. Stuart recently graduated from Drexel University with a masters in Electrical Engineering. They live in Abington, Pa. Jonathan Wilson ('06 HIPL/BUBS) earned a Ph.D. in history from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University, May 2015. His dissertation examines American nationalism in the work of New York City writers during the early 19th century. He currently lives in Scranton, Pa. Sidney (Sid) Moore (’06 MBA) and wife, Beth, and daughters Julia (14), Emma (13), Shelby (11) and Cadie (7), recently moved to Maumelle, Ark., where Sid is the owner of Christian Brothers AutomotiveMaumelle.
Anthony “Andy” Reed (’07 BBA/’09 MBA) became the President and CEO of Texas People Federal Credit Union, Fort Worth, Texas, on Jan. 5, 2015. David Verbruggen (’11 AFPP) is joining the Nepal People’s Network in Nepal, India, on a mission trip from June to mid-July, going into hard-to-reach villages to share the gospel and help one of their pastors rebuild his home and church that were completely destroyed after the recent earthquakes.
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Every Workplace. Every Nation.
Mike Bishop: Serving Christ While Serving the Community Written and photographed by Janet Ragland.
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olice officers deal daily with elements of our society that most of us would choose to avoid. But career law enforcement officer and LETU alumnus Mike Bishop (2008 MBA) says his faith in Christ reminds him that even people who commit crimes are human beings, God’s children, deserving to be treated with dignity and respect. Mike has advanced through the ranks at the Longview Police Department in the past 26 years from
Police work is a calling. I knew it was my calling. patrol officer to assistant chief, and was recently named interim Chief of Police. “Police work is a calling,” Mike said. “I knew it was my calling. It takes a specific kind of person to deal with what officers see daily.” When Mike graduated high school in 1983, he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do, but he knew he didn’t want to follow his parents into factory work in their hometown of Newfane, N.Y. Instead, Mike joined the U.S. Air Force, getting his first taste of Texas heat at Lackland Air Force Base near San Antonio, where he pursued security police training. He served overseas doing flight line security for four squadrons (about 150 aircraft) at the joint British/American Royal Air Force Base in Upper Heyford, England. His next assignment landed him at Barksdale AFB in Bossier City as part of a Strategic Air Command. Honorably discharged in May 1989, he married his sweetheart, Amelia, and moved to Longview to work for the Longview Police Department. Today they have two grown sons and attend Greggton United Methodist Church in Longview. Mike’s career has been marked by growth and excellence. From patrol officer, police area representative and detective in the property division of the Investigative Services Bureau, he was promoted to sergeant in 2001, to lieutenant in 2003 and to assistant chief in 2011. 34 | NOW Magazine | Spring 2015
He is a master police officer who has worked in crisis intervention (hostage negotiation) and internal affairs investigation and has received commendations over the years including a civic achievement award, meritorious conduct award and supervisor of the year award. “It was never on my radar screen that I would be an assistant police chief, but over the course of my career, opportunities presented themselves,” he said. His MBA in Human Resources Management has helped him managing people, programs, budgets, and employee performance, he said. “I sought out the MBA from LeTourneau to help me be successful in the workplace,” he said. “I appreciated the Christian values applied to what I learned while I developed my leadership skills.” His faith helps him do the job every day. “Knowing Christ is with you when you are going into a dangerous or crisis situation is so important,” Mike said. “Having faith helps you when you get that call on the radio, especially knowing, at any time, it could be a life or death situation.” Mike says that while he doesn’t share Christ by preaching on the job, he has had opportunity at times to share his faith when others have asked. His faith makes him more patient with others and more empathetic, especially with crime victims, he said. Community service in civic organizations is another way Mike shares his faith. “Having the ability to reach out and assist individuals in their time of need is important to me,” Mike said. For 15 years, he has been a member of American Business Clubs (AMBUCS), raising funds to provide wheelchair ramps, college scholarships for physical therapy students and Amtrykes for children with disabilities. He also serves on the board for the Miracle League of East Texas, raising funds to build a baseball field for individuals with special needs. “My faith has helped me tremendously in my career,” Mike said. “The older we get the more we understand how our faith plays a role in who we are as a person and how we act. It’s almost as if your faith guides you in the direction He wants you to go.”
Every Workplace. Every Nation.
Katie Leatherwood: Serving in Latvia Through Prosthetics, Orthotics Written by Janet Ragland. Photographed by Whitney Brooks, Texarkana.
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eTourneau University seeks to provide life-changing experiences for its students—to help them find and pursue their passion to make the world a better place once they graduate, wherever God leads them. That’s exactly what LETU has done for Katie Leatherwood of Athens, Texas. Katie is moving this summer to Riga, Latvia, to use her skills in prosthetics and orthotics to provide services to people affected with disabilities through a mercy ministry of Bridge Builders International (www. bridgebuildersint.com). Katie is a 2009 LETU kinesiology graduate who was involved in a global prosthetics project at LETU that introduced her to the impact and need for prosthetics. She said the university’s message of “Every Workplace, Every Nation” emphasized to her the importance of missions. “I cannot thank my professors and the university enough for the impact they had on my life,” she said. Katie has been in practice for the past five years at Hanger Clinics in Texarkana and Plano, following her successful completion of her Certification in Prosthetics and Orthotics in graduate school. She explained that a prosthesis is a device that replaces a limb, while an orthosis is a devices that supports and stabilizes a limb that does not function properly. “The main goal of my ministry is not only providing a prosthetic or orthotic device,” Katie said. “Rather, it is investing in the lives of those affected by physical disability by empowering them through physical intervention, emotional encouragement and spiritual discipleship with the intentional demonstration of Jesus Christ.” Katie said she felt God call her to pursue fulltime missions about a year ago, after she had served a dozen times on short-term mission assignments to Latvia. She felt God was calling her to use her skills, knowledge and desire to promote disability awareness. She recognized God had provided her the opportunities and experiences to equip her for this definite and specific purpose.
She will be forming an educational collaboration with a local university’s prosthetic and orthotic department in Latvia and is excited to invest in authentic relationships with people there who are affected by disability and are often neglected. “Prosthetics and orthotics have given me the foundation to impact people’s lives physically,” she said. “Jesus has equipped me with the foundation to impact them spiritually.”
I cannot thank my professors and the university enough for the impact they had on my life. Because the Latvian health system is selective in providing prosthetic and orthotic care, Katie will provide adjustments and repairs, as well as new devices to those that would benefit but are not given the opportunity, while avoiding encroaching on private practices or governmental services that are offered. Eventually, she hopes to provide these services from a mobile clinic. “I believe God has blessed me with the skills in prosthetics and orthotics to use as a pathway to share His love and message,” she said. “I am driven by the conviction that everyone in Latvia, regardless of ability or disability, is Finland entitled to be Norway introduced to Sweden Christ.” Estonia Latvia
Russian Federation
Lithuania Belarus Germany
Poland Ukraine
You can findCzech out more about Katie’s ministry at Slovakia or send her an email www.bridgebuildersint.com to Katie@designedtolivelatvia.com. Austria Hungary
Romania
LeTourneau University | 35
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LETU Alumni Buzz Get Ready to Mentor a Fellow Yellowjacket! LAUNCHING IN FALL 2015
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Homecoming AND Family Weekend April 21-23, 2016
VineUp Career Mentoring Keep watching letu.edu/alumni for more details!