OUR CALLING, NOW AND ALWAYS:
BUILD PURPOSE. WITH
BUILDERS MEET OUR TEAM OF
LeTourneau University faculty and staff gathered for the annual State of the University gathering, which includes an address given by President Mason, the recognition of service awards, and communion, followed by lunch as an organizational community. This year, President Mason announced the theme of our on-going campaign: Build with Purpose. All faculty and staff received a commemorative, construction-grade, branded hard hat in acknowledgment of their critical role in our community of builders and in this campaign for the future.
LeTourneau University President Steven D. Mason, Ph.D., announces
Check
Homecoming
THE BUZZ
64
The LeTourneau Dome Tradition Lives On
Shovels and hard hats are some of our favorite signs of progress in this construction-loving community. Both showed up in mass in early November for the Health & Human Performance Air Dome groundbreaking ceremony.
Athletics Update
Celebrating our student-athletes and coaches with a strong fall finish, spotlighting Golf & Cross Country.
Our “Blueprint for Building”
The strategic schematic of the Build with Purpose campaign describes the investments that will capitalize on LeTourneau’s every-increasing potential impact in our world.
70 Purpose Required: Building Alumni Relationships that Last
Dr. Terry Zeitlow catches up with a group of AO alums who made a nonnegotiable commitment to get together after graduation and have done exactly that… every other year for the past 40 years.
76 Class Notes
Lasting connections & legacy—celebrate and honor classmates & fellow alums.
LETOURNEAU BUILT
46 Honoring Significant Service
This year, highlights include the retirement of Chancellor Dale Lunsford, Ph.D., and his wife, Marsha, recently honored at the Courson Society luncheon—a group named after Rita Courson, celebrating 50 years in the Office of Development.
50 A Reverent Farewell
The R.G. Memorial Student Center has officially been honored and decommissioned after 48 years of student life & learning, berm antics, and a surplus of fond memories.
56 Worthy of the Name: Roger Carr
The annual NIFA Planes & Pancakes fundraiser was topped with extra meaning this year: the unveiling of the future Roger Carr Aviation Maintenance Technician Center.
PRESIDENT
Steven D. Mason, Ph.D.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Roger Kieffer, Chair
Patrick Bertsche, Vice Chair
Tom Burt, Secretary
James Schreder, Treasurer
Dave Canche
Michele Charles
Titus Crabb
Alan Cumming
Dan DiFrancesco
Doug Douglass
Curt Fitchett
Gene Frost, Ed.D.
Bud McGuire, Trustee Emeritus
Larry Mercer, D.Min.
Michael Moss
Jason Muehlhoff
Nikita Mumphrey
James Nolt
Cy Oatridge
Henry Parrish
Rogers Pope, Jr.
Julia Reed
Mike Schutt
John Solheim
Wayne Steege
Merle Stoltzfus, Trustee Emeritus
Wayne Trull, Trustee Emeritus
Bob Walker
Howard Wilson
Ladina Wingert, Alumni Representative
NOW EDITORIAL 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 the Christian Polytechnic University offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs across a wide range of disciplines online and at LETU’s 196-acre residential campus in Longview, Texas, located 120 miles east of Dallas and 60 miles west of Shreveport, Louisiana. Academic majors include aviation, business, communication, computer science, criminal justice, education, engineering, human services, kinesiology, the liberal arts, nursing, psychology, the sciences and theology.
LeTourneau NOW is published by LeTourneau University, 2100 South Mobberly, Longview, Texas 75602. Sent free upon request to Editor, P.O. Box 8001, Longview, Texas 75607. Postmaster: Send address changes to LeTourneau NOW, P.O. Box 8001, Longview, Texas 75607. Email us at NOW@letu.edu.
CONTRIBUTORS
Terry Zeitlow
Dr. Terry Zeitlow has served as Vice President for University Development & Alumni Relations at LeTourneau University since 2017. He received his undergraduate degree from LETU, his master’s degree in Educational Administration from the University of Texas at Tyler, and his Ph.D. in Leadership from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. His professional career has focused in leadership and fund development work in Christian higher education and non-profit settings. He has been married to his wife, Jill, since 1987, and they have three daughters, all of whom attended LETU: Maggie, Mari, and Maycee.
Andrew Mindeman
As the Associate Director of Athletics for Communications at LeTourneau University, Andrew manages all communications for the athletics department, including all social and digital media, all athletics news media relations, and of course, the supervision of the data and sports information related to every athletic team. Andrew holds an undergraduate degree from Covenant University and a master’s degree in Sports Administration from Belhaven University.
A special thanks to the Build with Purpose Campaign Leadership Council (CLC):
Pat and Melanie Bertsche, Chairs
Aaron and Michele Abbott*
Titus and Daniella Crabb
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Donald K. Egle, Ph.D., APR, ABC
MANAGING EDITOR
Kate Day
CREATIVE DESIGNERS / PHOTOGRAPHERS
Sara Bryan
Karen Sanchez
CONTENT TEAM
Ronnie Holcomb
Briahnna Williams
Dale and Becky Hill*
Harold and Mary LeTourneau
Dr. Steven and Bonnie Mason
*Not Pictured
COPY EDITORS
Rebekah Browning
Mark Roedel
ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTORS
Gary Borders
ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTORS
Albert Brandt
Ally Busti
PRINTING
Midway Printing Press
FROM THE EDITORIAL TEAM
Welcome. When you turned the first page of this issue, you opened an invitation. Not an invitation to give, but an invitation to catch up on and join in on what God is up to— in and through and around LeTourneau University and all of the people connected to it: those who love it, learn from it, live on campus or around it, speak fondly of it, and believe in it (and, we hope, in those that don’t).
We in the marketing & communications hallway have an exceptional privilege—to create content promoting something we truly believe in. We’re a team of creatives called by the Ultimate Creator to share the truth of LeTourneau University in a way that, we pray, reflects the Truth itself. And in this season, in particular, we find deep meaning in the work, initiatives, conversations, and plans underway here.
This Fall/Winter 2024 issue of the NOW was created particularly for our alumni and friends who were unable to join us on campus for our Build with Purpose Homecoming and Build with Purpose Campaign kickoff events. Whether you were here or not, watched a livestream or not, had any idea these events were even happening or not, we are thrilled for you to be a part of it all.
The following pages were designed just for you, and in them you’ll find what we care most deeply about: building relationships; building future spaces and opportunities to provide unparalleled student experiences; building student-athletes who seek Divine purpose with as much grit as they seek DIII wins; building upon exceptional legacies of service—of our founders, campus leaders, and dedicated employees; building an
organizational culture where employees can bring the best versions of themselves to work every single day; and building a blueprint for the next era of Christian Polytechnic education.
In lieu of our traditional President’s Letter, we want to share every word of a profound moment on a profound day, and it’s this: Dr. Steven D. Mason’s Campaign kickoff speech. He shares, with true vision, heart, and conviction why a place like LeTourneau University matters, now more than ever. Why the world needs us. And why we need you.
May you genuinely feel ‘a part of’ this moment, and every initiative reflected in these pages. Because that’s what you are. Whether you just met LeTourneau, or whether we go way back, we are honored to join alongside you in seeking wisdom, discernment, courage, and conviction to participate in and serve a world that could use the kind of hope, inspiration, and loving conversations that point to The Only True Solution; the kind that LeTourneau University has spoken up about and into for nearly eight decades.
By the time you get to the back cover, it will be clear what’s important to us. We pray you know you’re on that list. As we write this, we’re heading into the holiday season, and oh how grateful we are for you and yours. We pray God’s abundant blessings will be constant and clear in your lives, no matter where life finds you as we close out the calendar year. And that this note is just one small mention in a meaningful ongoing conversation between us. Please don’t be a stranger—the best builds are yet to come.
OUR CALLING, NOW AND ALWAYS:
BUILD PURPOSE. WITH
It is my privilege and honor to be the seventh president of LeTourneau University, the Christian Polytechnic University. For over 78 years, LeTourneau University has been on the forefront of hands-on, applied, professional, technology-centric education, and yet all the while standing unwavering and unapologetic about the lordship of Jesus Christ over all and in all—from engineering to the arts, to athletics. From Him and through Him and to Him are all things.
We've been sending graduates to workplaces all over the planet for almost eight decades to be salt and light in an extremely broken and needy world. Our alums are doing incredible things around the world that fulfill our mission as an institution. We should be on the forefront of amazing technological advances.
Given our Christian Polytechnic mission, LeTourneau University is crucial—now, more than ever—within a world that is hungrier and more hurting and more broken than ever for the hope of the gospel in Jesus Christ.
IT’S A WORLD IN GREAT NEED OF HELP FOR HARNESSING TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT AND INNOVATION, BUT WITH WISDOM AND DISCERNMENT AND WITH A CLEAR VISION FOR HUMAN FLOURISHING.
Great things are happening with innovation and technology— incredible, remarkable things all around the world. We've been able to hear about some of those from our alums and things that you're doing even just today: medical breakthroughs and international commerce,
worldwide food distribution and environmental sustainability. The list goes on and on.
And it should, as co-creators, as image bearers of Jesus Christ.
WE SHOULD BE, ABSOLUTELY, AS HIS VICE REGENTS, LEADING THE WAY IN TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT.
So much good is being done.
AND YET, WHY IS IT THAT IN OUR MOST ADVANCED AND SOPHISTICATED AND PROGRESSIVE SOCIETY WE'RE MORE ANXIOUS THAN EVER?
Tim Keller's final book before he passed away, which came out about a year-and-a-half ago, is called Hope in Times of Fear. He declared today the ‘Age of Anxiety’. And in that book, he comments that for the last 200 years in the western world, we've been relying upon the promise that every generation will experience a better world than the previous one.
AND YET, NOT EVERYTHING IS BETTER… IS IT?
It was about that same time that Bill Gates declared the dawning of the ‘Age of AI’, which 18 months later now feels less of a novel thing to say. You see, the things that artificial intelligence can do are incredible. There are great and admirable uses of artificial intelligence and
technologists and AI developers are extremely optimistic about all the transformative, meaningful things that artificial intelligence will do for humanity. Ironically, however, it's those same leading technologists who have a palpable fear of AI gone wrong—AI gone rogue.
In June of last year, hundreds of AI executives and technologists gathered and signed a one-sentence statement, 22 words long, declaring that mitigating human extinction from artificial intelligence should be a global priority on the same scale as pandemics and nuclear war.
In July of last year, seven major AI companies gathered and issued a voluntary agreement on safety and transparency for developing AI.
Less than a year ago, October 30, 2023, G7 leaders issued a statement about the AI Hiroshima Process, coming up with international standards and a code of conduct for developing artificial intelligence and AI developers.
All of that is really good. All of that is well-meaning. But, the questions remain:
WHO'S TO SAY WHAT IS GOOD AND RIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL? BY WHOSE STANDARD WOULD WE OUTLINE HUMAN FLOURISHING? WHO'S TO SAY WHAT IS RIGHT IN THE END?
We have a great opportunity at LeTourneau University because it's never been more important than at this moment to relieve the fears of AI anxiety, the real fears of an AI apocalypse.
BUT THAT'S NOT THE ONLY FEAR THAT COMES WITH ADVANCING TECHNOLOGY.
Scientific American has just noted the rise of AI anxiety, and the World Economic Forum has noted something else. We've all heard about ‘FOMO’, the fear of missing out, but now there's a real fear of ‘FOBO’, the fear of becoming obsolete—the real and actual fears that our society has raised about the disruption to normal life that AI could create, about advancing technology suppressing human creativity, and about AI leading to massive unemployment and even to a dystopian world.
Did you catch the advertisement during the Olympics promoting Google's AI assistant called Gemini? The commercial, celebrating track star Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, depicts a father who is going to use an AI chatbot to write a letter from his 8-year-old daughter to her hero (McLaughlin-Levrone) because he needs a little help and thinks she does, too. The ad was immediately controversial upon release, stirring up angst regarding the fact that Google would extol the idea of having a chatbot write a letter in replacement of the natural raw expression of a young girl. So much so, that it only ran about halfway through the Olympic Games coverage before it was pulled completely.
YOU SEE WHAT WE SEE THROUGH THAT EXAMPLE, AND SO MANY OTHERS—THAT THERE'S A VERY IMPORTANT QUESTION THAT COMES WITH TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT: JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN, SHOULD YOU?
Values and wisdom are so important when developing technology because they're always lurking under the surface. And there are some admirable, valuable uses of AI and technology, but there also could be some foolish and dehumanizing ones.
Another danger of advancing technology is the idea that we're not even evaluating it at all. It's like asking the fish, ‘how's the water?’ And the fish responds, ‘what's water?’ It’s a danger that we don't even notice the technology around us.
We live in a world of digital natives. Just a few baseball seasons ago, Rodolfo Castro, at the time a shortstop for the Pittsburgh Pirates, was sliding into third and his iPhone flew out of his pocket. He was suspended by Major League Baseball and was highly apologetic. His defense? He shared he didn't even notice it was there.
YOU SEE, WITH ADVANCING TECHNOLOGY, THE QUESTION IS NOT JUST WHAT CAN WE DO WITH IT, BUT WHAT IS IT DOING TO US EVEN WHEN WE DON'T NOTICE IT?
Our own Billy Graham, if I can call him that, who was personal friends with R.G. LeTourneau and served on our Board of Trustees for many years, was way ahead of his time in commenting on the effects, the contradiction, and the ironies of our technological world—the great positive possibilities, and yet the dangers and the ways that it falls short. He said this in the mid-nineties:
“Have you ever thought about what a contradiction we are? On one hand, we can probe the deepest secrets of the universe and dramatically push back the frontiers of technology. We've seen miles down under the sea or galaxies hundreds of billions of years out in the future. But on the other hand, something's wrong.”
The problem is not technology. The problem is the person or persons using it, and there's something inside of us, something beyond our understanding, that yearns for God—for something more than we find in technology. What's great about LeTourneau University is that the world's challenges become our opportunities. We can be at the forefront of technological advancement and yet also extend the hope of the gospel for the human condition.
We need our graduates. We need LeTourneau University leading the way in technological advancement. We want our graduates to be able to earn the respect of their peers and to innovate and to lean into all the possibilities of technology, but while also fully able and equipped to negotiate a very complex world that needs the lens of scripture to define what it means to flourish—as a world and as human beings.
IF NOT AT LETOURNEAU UNIVERSITY, THEN WHERE?
We've come to a very important moment of LeTourneau's history, a very important moment that if we're going to keep our promise as the Christian Polytechnic University, if we're going to fulfill our calling as an institution, if we are going to advance the special way that we have been created as an institution—our founding, our DNA, our story, our saga— if we are going to maximize the impact to take LeTourneau University higher and farther for His kingdom's sake, then it's going to require a
transformational investment in God's work in this place. And that is why we're launching a truly ambitious campaign.
Because of our calling and this special moment of LeTourneau's history, I think we'll look back on this day and this time as an inflection point for the mission and ministry of LeTourneau University. It’s my pleasure to share with you the themes and the projects and the scope of this most ambitious campaign.
BUT LET ME FIRST LEND YOU A LITTLE BIT OF CONTEXT:
Surrounding the time of our 75th anniversary, we realized that it was time to embark upon a very ambitious campaign. And to do that we needed to be very intentional and strategic about how we were going to create the right projects, the right vision, for that campaign—prayerfully, thoughtfully, intentionally.
So, we began with what we called project discovery, and that was interviewing trustees and alums and getting a feel from them: what did they imagine, what did they see, and what would be the right things for LeTourneau University to pursue into the future?
Then we held two Council of 75 events, mini-conferences on our campus, six months apart, where we had eight breakout sessions. We invited 125 industry leaders and some trustees and faculty and alums. And we asked them the question, in light of the needs of our world:
WHAT IS IT THAT LETOURNEAU UNIVERSITY SHOULD INVEST IN?
What are the ways in which we are going to help meet the needs based upon our distinct calling and DNA? Through that process we developed notes upon notes and pages upon pages of feedback. And what emerged from that process over about an 18-month period was four themes, four ideas, that we’ve identified as four ‘bricks’ for building LeTourneau University.
THE FIRST BRICK FOR BUILDING IS TO STRENGTHEN OUR CHRISTIAN IDENTITY.
Not because LeTourneau University is weak. In fact, LeTourneau University is known for being a place that is unwavering in our Christian faith. But the fact of the matter is that the foreboding forces and external pressures are going to be not only strong now but getting ever
stronger. The encouragement to us was to anchor even more deeply and even more strongly than ever before. And that, of course, was nothing that surprised us from the feedback. We absolutely—above all else—will continue to be investing in our distinctly Christian mission.
THE SECOND BRICK FOR BUILDING IS TO DELIVER PREMIER LAB EXPERIENCES.
We're already known for being on the forefront of the handson, applied, professional, industry-centric kinds of learning where laboratory experiences are indicative across the curriculum. Yes, in engineering and aviation and computer science, but also nursing and education.
Across the board, what characterizes LeTourneau University, we can do and have done for 78 years, is giving our students the kind of real-world industry experience that equips them and prepares them to make a difference right away. The idea to continue to deliver premier lab experiences is going to require an investment in equipment and facilities and all the things that make and continue to maintain our labs as cutting edge.
THE THIRD BRICK FOR BUILDING IS TO ATTRACT, RETAIN, AND REWARD TOP CHRISTIAN FACULTY TALENT.
Almost always when we hear the impact of the LeTourneau University education, the first thing that alums say is this: ‘Individuals on that campus made a true difference in my life.’ ‘That professor who poured
into my life, yes, taught me everything I know about my discipline; but they also modeled the integration of faith, living, and learning.’
LeTourneau University is more competitive than ever as other schools are getting into the fields that we have naturally offered for many, many years—for decades. The competition is fierce, but we are ultimately an institution of people. That is our competitive edge. So, we must attract, retain, and reward top-notch faculty who are going to be using these wonderful premier labs to educate students in ways that only they can.
FINALLY, THE FOURTH BRICK FOR BUILDING IS TO ENSURE AN ACCESSIBLE EDUCATION.
Multiple forces threaten higher education opportunities for students. Economic conditions are placing higher education out of reach for some, and there are other forces out there, in legislation and otherwise, that could make a LeTourneau University education difficult to achieve for some students. We want nothing to come between a student who wants to be here and an amazing Christian Polytechnic University education. We want to double down on our student scholarships. We want to make it more possible for students, now more than ever, to come and be part of what we're doing here.
So, these four thematic bricks emerged through our research over that period: to strengthen our Christian identity; to deliver premier laboratory experiences; to attract, retain, and reward top-tier Christian faculty; and to ensure an accessible education.
In and through all of these themes, the main thing that came out of all of our research—with all of our alums and others—was this:
‘KEEP DOING WHAT'S MADE LETOURNEAU UNIVERSITY AN EXCEPTIONAL PLACE FOR OVER 78 YEARS BUT DO MORE OF IT.’
In response, we put together a blueprint, outlining those four pillars, and identifying 14 projects that we feel would help us keep our promises of those imperatives that came forth. Those 14 projects span from capital projects and buildings, to endowed funds and initiatives and other expendable funds.
In November of 2022, not even two years ago, the board of trustees approved this blueprint for building and these 14 projects worthy of being tested out in our quiet phase, our leadership phase—to see which
projects got traction and resonated with those who love LeTourneau dearly and are able to invest at a high capacity. Through that process, we came up with six priorities. We are going to get to all 14, but we realized the first six are really crucial.
THOSE SIX CRITICAL PROJECT PRIORITIES ARE:
First off, we will at least double our student endowed scholarships, making it even more possible for students to afford to be here.
Second, we will establish a Center for Academic Ministry at LeTourneau University. We believe that all faculty and staff are ministers of the gospel, called to this place and this venue to fulfill their calling. It’s incredibly important to us, and for us, to ensure that these faculty and staff are being equipped and given the time and the space to understand and think deeply about what it means to integrate faith and learning, faith in their discipline, or sport, so that perspective and wisdom can then be passed on through the student experience. The Center for Academic Ministry will create a special way of ensuring the most important thing the front lines can do to help our students: to influence them to think deeply about the difference it makes to see the world through a Christian point of view.
Thirdly, we will establish a Center for Faith, Science and Technology. Like with the Center for Academic Ministry, we've already got great things happening, but we want to take it to the next level. If we're going to be a trusted national voice in faith, science and technology, then we need to invest in our ability to be a resource for our own colleagues, yes, but also for the community and for the nation—for all of Christian higher education and for the world, brokering some of the most difficult questions on the interface of faith, science and technology. We want to be a place where many people across the world can go and say: ‘I trust what they're doing.’ ‘I want to know what they think about the latest and greatest technology.'
IN ADDITION, THERE ARE THREE CAPITAL PROJECTS THAT WE PRIORITIZED DURING THIS QUIET PHASE:
One of those was to expand the Paul and Betty Abbott Aviation Center. Most of you know that our School of Aviation & Aeronautical Science is the only comprehensive aviation program in the state of Texas, which means that we hire, we prepare and equip not only pilots, but also mechanics and everything in between. And just last year we had all-time record enrollment pushing us over capacity for educating these students. And so, it's time to expand the footprint in a significant way.
Another exciting project is the construction of the new Athletic and Human Performance Air Dome. This is a 120,000-square-foot, multisport, multi-discipline athletic complex that has a 200-meter hydraulic banked track for our indoor track and field team, but also has pickleball courts and tennis and golf simulations.
It has the capability of laying out volleyball and basketball courts so we can not only serve our students, our faculty and staff, and our student athletes, but also the Longview community and the broader East Texas region as we draw competitions of all sorts to this area.
The air dome is also going to have a laboratory space for our kinesiology and sports science and sports training programs. It's going to be, in its own way, a premier lab space for all of our athletes, where the crucible of character and sports performance and faith come together to create amazing young men and women.
And finally, the largest project of our campaign is going to be a new Christian Polytechnic University Center. This 90,000-square-foot, four-story interdisciplinary academic center will house the School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, the School of Business, and Computer Science, as well as multi-discipline spaces and laboratory areas (the School of Education’s mixed reality simulation, for example).
The heart of the building will be the Center for Academic Ministry, the showcase piece for all that we do across campus and among our academic programs to be the leading Christian Polytechnic University educator in the country.
This will be a place for hands-on research and interaction with faculty and interdisciplinary innovation. This will be an amazing showpiece for all that we believe LeTourneau is all about on this campus.
THESE PROJECTS, THESE SIX—BUT ALSO THE OTHER EIGHT ON THE BLUEPRINT—WE BELIEVE IS WHAT GOD IS CALLING US TO AS WE BUILD THIS INSTITUTION TOGETHER WITH HIS HELP AND FOR HIS GLORY.
The world needs LeTourneau University like never before, and these projects will help us keep our promise to the world in that way.
BECAUSE IT'S TAKING INTENTIONALITY AND STRATEGIC CREATIVITY AND PRAYER, OUR CAMPAIGN THEME IS ‘BUILD WITH PURPOSE’.
We're not building for our own sake. We're not building just to make ourselves feel better or more relevant, more popular, more nationally known. We're building with purpose because we believe that it is more important than ever that LeTourneau University grow in our impact for this generation and the next generation to come.
R.G. LeTourneau, of course, was a famous builder, and we join together as a community of builders to carry on that legacy. He famously said, “there are no big problems; there are just small machines.” And he built machines—big ones and ingenious ones.
Yes, our brand of building certainly includes machines and airplanes and technology, but like our founder, we build programs and businesses and communities. We build relationships. We're a place of building faith and churches in God’s kingdom. We feel the Lord leading us in this Build with Purpose Campaign. He's got a special calling upon us that we feel led to fulfill.
WE ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT IT'S GOING TO TAKE HIS PROVISION, HIS POWER, HIS GUIDANCE—FOR AS PSALM 127 SAYS, “UNLESS THE LORD BUILDS THE HOUSE, THE BUILDERS LABOR IN VAIN.”
So, we've committed to these 14 projects within these past (less than) two years, have tested these projects out, and we've been so encouraged by the friends of the university, the donors, campus leaders, the alums,
and the community leaders that have made such sacrificial investments already.
WE FEEL VERY ENCOURAGED AND VERY SUPPORTED TO MEET A TRULY GOD-SIZED GOAL, BUT WE'VE GOT TO DO IT TOGETHER.
It's going to take all of us, thousands of us, to reach the kind of goal that only God can meet. And so, it's my pleasure to share with you just how far we've already come in this campaign.
Our last campaign was first set at $22 million, and we exceeded that goal back in 2015 when we closed out that campaign. That was the largest campaign in our university history.
When imagining the next campaign a few years ago, we first thought that a campaign two-and-a-half times that would be ambitious enough for us, and it certainly would’ve been more than we've ever done before. In light of that logic and our 75th anniversary, we considered a $75 million goal.
But in the early spring of 2021, I went to the Board of Trustees and simply said, ‘I just don't think that's going to be ambitious enough’. I didn’t speak it out of pride or pretense. I was simply and profoundly sensing, along with other leaders on campus, that God had something even more, something bigger, for us. Something that was going to make us uncomfortable. Something that only He could do.
WE NEEDED TO SHOOT BEYOND WHAT WE THOUGHT WAS POSSIBLE TO FULFILL OUR CALLING AS THE CHRISTIAN POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY. AND GOD WAS ASKING US TO STEP OUT IN FAITH.
IT IS THROUGH HIS GRACE AND PROVISION, I'M EXCITED TO SHARE WITH YOU THAT AS OF TODAY, OCTOBER 4TH, 2024, AFTER 22 MONTHS IN THIS LEADERSHIP PHASE OF THE CAMPAIGN, WE HAVE ALREADY EXCEEDED OUR INITIAL $75 MILLION GOAL AND HAVE ECLIPSED $100 MILLION.
WE'VE GOT A LONG WAY TO GO, BUT WE KNOW THAT
HE IS WITH US EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.
HE GOES BEFORE US. HE'S BESIDE US. HE COMES AFTER US WITH HIS GRACE AND MERCY.
It's humbling to see this take place, to be at $102 million as of today, not even two years into this campaign is something that only God can do. [Editor’s Note: At the time of this printing, the total amount raised is now $105 million.] So, in light of that, by the approval of the Board of Trustees, we decide to set still yet a very ambitious overall target for the entire campaign. Another number that's only achievable by God's help.
THE BUILD WITH PURPOSE CAMPAIGN GOAL IS OFFICIALLY SET AT $180 MILLION.
To have already reached $102 million is quite remarkable. I'm also happy to share with you that we have already raised more than half the amount of our largest project, the $50 million Christian Polytechnic University Center, including a lead naming gift that we'll be able to share at a later date.
Also, one month from now, at the November board meeting, we'll be breaking ground on our $30 million Air Dome project.
ONLY GOD CAN DO SUCH A THING. I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT THE LORD WILL DO NEXT.
We've got a long way to go, but we know that He is with us every step of the way.
He goes before us. He's beside us. He comes after us with His grace and mercy. The best is yet to come because we know ‘now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine according to his power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever’ (Ephesians 3:20-21). Amen.
Steven D. Mason, Ph.D. PRESIDENT, LETOURNEAU UNIVERSITY
SCAN TO WATCH THE CAMPAIGN KICKOFF
CAMPAIGN BLUEPRINT
Included here is the formal ‘Blueprint for Building’ document, outlining the path ahead as LeTourneau University strengthens, fortifies, and expands its missional impact in a new era of Christian Polytechnic education. The pages, words, numbers, and images found within these pages have been prayed over, time and time again, over the past two years—in university offices, in conversations with donors, in flight, in board rooms, and in the minds & hearts of those ever close to and committed to the work of supporting LeTourneau University.
The Build with Purpose Campaign Leadership Council and university leadership invite you to join us in praying over them, too: for God’s wisdom and guidance to lead us forward in them; for God’s provision to bring His will to fruition, through us, regarding them; for every student, faculty & staff member, and community member whose lives they are designed to enrich; and for each of us to seek God’s leading in how we participate in the academic ministry of this beloved institution.
With that, we present a blueprint that paves the way for a big vision revolving around our key commitments to: become the national choice for Christian polytechnic education and the trusted voice on faith, science, and technology; build on our healthy financial position, with increased resilience and diversification; offer an unparalleled student experience; further enrich our employee experience; and engage hospitably to our East Texas community and the world. May we join together on this journey.
THE VISIONARY CAMPAIGN OF LETOURNEAU UNIVERSITY
This document represents the strategic priorities approved by the Board of Trustees as the basis for a comprehensive fundraising campaign. These represent the most critical needs and most promising opportunities for fulfilling the university’s calling in the coming years. Operational plans for individual projects are articulated separately and remain subject to development and change.
As The Christian Polytechnic University, LeTourneau University aspires to be:
• the trusted, national voice on Christian faith, science, and technology.
• the first name that leading employers think of when they seek the most skilled, workplace-ready, thoughtful, ethical, virtuous, ingenious graduates they can find.
• the destination for every high school student, prospective family, and adult learner for a thorough and holistic Christian education that focuses on technology and innovation in every field—from Engineering to the Arts to Athletics.
LeTourneau’s identity is strong and its mission compelling in our increasingly technological world. As we listen together—the LeTourneau campus community and leadership, our Board of Trustees, alumni, and friends in East Texas and beyond—we believe our calling from the Lord is increasingly clear. But we know that to fulfill that calling more fully as we enter a new chapter of the university’s rich story will require a transformational investment in LeTourneau’s unique mission. This “Blueprint for Building” describes the strategic investments that will capitalize on LeTourneau’s potential in our world. These revolve around four strategic priorities.
We have a sacred responsibility to pursue aspirational ways to engage more people with the promise of LeTourneau University and our God-given call. We are committed to investing in what makes this university a unique educational offering as we move into and upward toward the next season of our academic ministry. This is a time to respond afresh to God’s lead, because our world needs a place like LeTourneau University like never before.
Steven D. Mason, Ph.D. President, LeTourneau University
GUIDING SCRIPTURE
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
Matthew 7:24
“For we are God’s coworkers, working together; you are God’s field, God’s building.”
“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves. Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.
Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.”
1 Corinthians 3:9
Psalm 127
“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts. Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you.’”
Exodus 31:1-6
STRENGTHEN OUR CHRISTIAN IDENTITY
Through our “project discovery” interviews and the Council of 75 experience, LeTourneau leadership heard over and over a single exhortation: remain true to your Christian roots. Christian higher education faces potent, often inimical cultural forces. Now is the time to anchor and renew our commitment to Gospeldriven education rooted in our calling as an institution. By actively investing in our distinctively Christian mission, we will protect LeTourneau’s unique identity, foster a culture of authentically Christian learning, and produce graduates formed and animated by faith.
• Construct a new Welcome Center, a 24,000 sq.-ft., three-story building near LeTourneau’s main campus entrance dedicated to welcoming alumni and guests on campus by telling the ongoing story of R.G. LeTourneau’s legacy at LeTourneau University. The building will house the University Development and Alumni Relations offices, the Enrollment office, a theater, an eatery, a varsity shop, and a permanent museum dedicated to R.G. and Evelyn LeTourneau and LeTourneau alumni, creating a vibrant point of connection between LeTourneau’s origins, identity, and future.
• Establish a Center for Academic Ministry. LeTourneau University believes that all faculty and staff are ministers of the Gospel. The Center will be an arm of the School of Theology and Vocation dedicated to ensuring that all faculty and staff are charged, encouraged, and equipped to authentically integrate Christian faith with their work, teaching, scholarship, and the learning experience we provide. It will train and certify faculty and staff participants and partner with their churches to “commission” them as workplace ministers at LeTourneau. As an auxiliary benefit, the work of the Center will affirm the ministerial exception we claim for our employees as agents of the Gospel in our learning community, buttressing our prerogatives as a religious organization against potential government intrusion.
• Establish a Center for Faith, Science, and Technology. The Faith, Science, and Technology initiative is central to LeTourneau’s identity as the Christian Polytechnic University, a leader integrating faith, technology, and polytechnic education. The fund will help prepare LeTourneau students for leadership and wisdom in technological careers and settings. It will bring leading voices together around the ethics and theology of technology and will help practically equip churches, families, and workers in tech to live faithfully in our technological world. The fund will underwrite a director for the center, its programming, and its engagement with thought leaders.
• Establish a Director of Discipleship and Church Life. As a parachurch organization, LeTourneau works alongside the Church to train its students in Christian virtue and to foster committed, longterm, productive engagement with their local churches. This fund will create a position within the Office of Spiritual Life both to foster meaningful church engagement and to advance the university’s student discipleship efforts.
DELIVER PREMIER LAB EXPERIENCES
LeTourneau University is already known as a leader in hands-on, professional, and industry-centric education, and we are proud of our current labs and equipment. But in a rapidly innovating world, we must advance our laboratories to parallel cutting-edge, industrial experiences. It is time to redouble our commitment to applied learning by enhancing our laboratory experiences for our students, most critically in our marquee programs. This will require substantial investment in facilities and equipment. It will also keep LeTourneau a leader in Christian polytechnic education, unleashing a new generation of student potential into the workplace and world.
• Build a transformative, new Christian Polytechnic University Center, a 80,000 sq.-ft., four-story interdisciplinary academic center housing the School of Engineering, School of Business, Department of Computer Science, Center for Academic Ministry, and other academic space. The center will offer top-quality, flexible lab spaces that will engage students in industry-ready, handson learning and allow them to participate with faculty in pioneering research. The Center’s design will encourage interdisciplinarity and innovation, placing academic areas in contact and making research and creative spaces visible to encourage and grow our community of learning.
• Construct a new Athletic and Human Performance Air Dome, a 120,000 sq.-ft. multi-sport and multi-use athletic and academic facility. It will house a 200-m competition-level hydraulically banked indoor track and other sports venues, athletic training and performance facilities, and will also serve as versatile lab space for current and future allied health and sports science programs. As the Christian Polytechnic University that prizes hands-on laboratory experiences for students, the air dome will serve as the prime venue for testing and developing the athletic and human performance of our student-athletes. It will also enhance recreation and wellness options for all students and employees.
• Expand the Paul and Betty Abbott Aviation Center to accommodate increased student demand in aviation, enabling program expansion and enhancing the world-class facilities we offer aviation students. This project includes the addition of a 16,000 sq.-ft. hangar, new labs and classroom spaces, a covered outdoor learning lab, and an observation tower that can be used by students, family, and friends.
• Renovate existing space in the current Glaske building to create a new Health and Sciences Ingenuity Complex. This will allow significant program expansion in Nursing by increasing laboratory and classroom spaces, and it will permit the development of additional allied health programs. The renovation will also refresh existing laboratory and classroom space in the sciences.
• Essential to this plan is the complete renovation and technological upgrade of the 8,200 sq.-ft. Winna Marie Willy Laboratories serving the School of Nursing. This renovation has upgraded our Nursing lab experiences, allowing for program growth while permitting the construction of other crucial facilities. This renovation was dedicated in 2023 at a cost of about $2.5M.
• Renovate academic and residential experience facilities to ensure teaching and learning spaces remain well-equipped, furnished with the latest technology for student preparation and success, and to ensure students continue to experience an exceptional on-campus living and learning environment.
When I first came to the U.S., I realized there’s a cultural war going on in America and the western world like we haven’t seen before. The kingdom of God has always been opposed to the kingdom of this world, but I think there’s an unprecedented battle between what it means to be a Christian and what it means to be a member of Generation Z. So many identities are chasing after us, and I don’t think there’s a place that better equips young people to wrestle with and work through that than LeTourneau.
Matthew Strong (’23) Electrical & Computer Engineering
Realizing how people in the LETU community live out their faith has been surprising to me in incredible ways. Seeing both professors and students walking with Christ each day has really positively impacted me and has helped encourage me to continue following that example.
Sereena Balid (‘22) Mechanical Engineering, Zambia
ATTRACT, RETAIN, & REWARD
EXCEPTIONAL FACULTY
Offering our students premier lab experiences also requires a concerted effort to recruit and care for exceptional Christian faculty who are committed to top-tier research, teaching, and mentorship within these same labs and in partnership with our students. To grow as a national voice in Christian polytechnic education within an increasingly competitive Christian higher education landscape, LeTourneau must focus on attracting, retaining, and rewarding these rare mission-driven teacher-scholars with competitive salaries, coordinated programming, and professional development funds for their travel and research. The opportunities include:
• Endow a variety of academic programs or faculty positions in order to attract and retain faculty committed to LeTourneau’s Christ-serving educational mission. The criteria for endowed faculty positions will emphasize noteworthy Christian service as well as the integration of faith, teaching, and scholarship.
• Endow a Christian Scholars Fund to provide academic and research support on an annual basis for faculty to grow as leading Christian academics. These funds will support their professional development and productivity in order to foster engagement in national, scholarly conversations in their disciplines.
Faculty are the heart of the institution. We hear so many stories from our alumni about the impact their professors had on their lives during their time as students and the years and even decades following. It is rare to find all the strengths our faculty possess in one individual: an expert in their discipline; a mature believer with a desire to mentor and disciple students; passionate about practical, hands-on education; and a desire to teach primarily at the undergraduate level. It is tough to find and impossible to replace a strong faculty member. Investing in and retaining our current faculty—and recruiting the right new faculty when needed—is one of the most effective ways to remain true to our mission, to strengthen our institution, and to change students' lives forever.
Ben Caldwell, Ph.D. Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs
Our community is so much more than the cliché descriptors that many are used to hearing about small college campuses. The people who make up our community truly are a family seeking to pursue both educational excellence and social flourishing. It’s the most consistent feedback that we get from our constituents—the meaningful relationships between our students and our employees. To maintain a commitment to this part of our organizational calling, cultivating an environment that attracts mission-minded, heart-led faculty and staff is more crucial now than ever before.
Kristy Morgan, Ph.D. Vice President for Student Affairs
ENSURE AN ACCESSIBLE EDUCATION
Multiple foreboding forces threaten the accessibility of a LeTourneau University education. Economic conditions are placing higher education out of reach for many promising students. Unlike our publicly subsidized competitors, private institutions like LeTourneau are unable to count on government funds, and some proposals in recent years have threatened federal student aid at committed faith-based institutions. As a one-of-a kind institution, we must ensure that students are able to access our exceptional, applied, and distinctively Christian education. This will be accomplished by doubling our student-scholarship endowment and safeguarding our mission from threats to student access.
• Establish a range of Endowed Student Scholarships to remove financial barriers for current and future LeTourneau students. Dedicated scholarship funds will allow us to attract and support opportunities for students who would otherwise find a LeTourneau education unattainable. This significant expansion of LeTourneau’s scholarship endowment will also drive enrollment growth, contributing to the long-term financial health of the university.
• Sustain the LeTourneau Annual Fund during the course of the campaign to support ongoing operations that undergird our exceptional learning community.
• Establish an innovative Safeguarding the Mission Fund that will be an initial building block for providing a viable alternative to federal funding. This fund would create a pilot program to subsidize student borrowing from private financial partners by offering “mind the gap” grants to cover the difference in borrowing terms between governmental and private loan agreements. Any portion of the fund not required for loan subsidies would contribute to general student scholarships. This “mind the gap,” endowed fund will be one initial strategy for maintaining students’ access to a LeTourneau education, and ensuring the university can fulfill its mission despite any shift in government’s posture to Christian higher education.
• Endow a Center for Counseling and Student Wellbeing dedicated to supporting student mental health and campus-wide health and well-being. In the face of a pervasive mental health challenge across college campuses, it is incumbent upon the University to bolster our resources for students in need. Doing this effectively will ensure our students are able to engage fully with the learning community. This center would replace our current Counseling Center as a more robust and holistic resource for counseling, health and wellness programing for the flourishing of all faculty, staff, and students.
• Establish a President’s Excellence Fund, earmarked for unforeseen, one-time student experience needs as they arise.
I’ve had many opportunities for spiritual growth here: Bible studies with friends, getting connected with a local church, conversations with professors, and being involved in clubs and leadership positions on campus. Forming relationships and friendships with the Christian brothers and sisters around me has also been a major contributor to my spiritual growth.
Krista Anderson (’23) Environmental Engineering
The relationships I’ve built here are incredible! I came into college thinking I would have a great time but i’m only going to be here for four years so i’m not going to get close to people. I was wrong! I’ve gotten close to the people around me and on my floor and have made some really close friends. Those relationships and the late night talks and random nights of going to get food have meant a whole lot to me and have really helped to build those lasting relationships.
Lucas Zimmerman (‘22) Mechanical Engineering, Bolivia
CAMPAIGN KICKOFF Celebration
LETOURNEAU UNIVERSITY HELD A COMMUNITY CELEBRATION LAUNCHING THE BUILD WITH PURPOSE CAMPAIGN—THE LARGEST CAPITAL FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN IN UNIVERSITY HISTORY—ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2024. HUNDREDS OF FRIENDS, FAMILY, ALUMNI, FACULTY AND STAFF GATHERED FOR THE CAMPAIGN KICKOFF EVENT IN THE S.E. BELCHER JR., CHAPEL & PERFORMANCE CENTER. IT WAS ANNOUNCED: $102 MILLION HAS ALREADY BEEN RAISED TOWARD ITS GOAL OF $180 MILLION. (AT THE TIME OF THIS PRINTING, THE AMOUNT RAISED HAS INCREASED TO $105M.)
OUR CHRISTIAN IDENTITY IS AT THE CENTER OF EVERYTHING WE DO.
- DR. STEVEN D. MASON
DR. MASON PRESENTED THE MAIN FOCUS FOR THE VISIONARY CAMPAIGN AND HOW EVERY ASPECT BENEFITS THE UNIVERSITY FOR THE GLORY OF GOD.
DR. MASON BROUGHT KEY DONORS, CAMPUS LEADERS, AND BOARD MEMBERS ON STAGE TOWARDS THE END OF THE CEREMONY TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE HAVE RAISED $102 MILLION FROM OUR BUILD WITH PURPOSE CAMPAIGN GOAL OF $180 MILLION.
TO CELEBRATE THIS MOMENTOUS ACHIEVEMENT, ATTENDEES GATHERED FOR GAMES, ACTIVITIES, FOOD AND FELLOWSHIP WITH A SPECIAL CONCERT FROM THE PURPLE HULLS.
ROGER KIEFFER ('76) A WORD FROM
Roger Kieffer (’76) serves as the Chair of the LeTourneau University Board of Trustees. As President of GOAlign Resources, he is a self-employed higher education consultant based in Bell Buckle, Tennessee. He retired after a 37year career in higher education, including 7 years as an assistant professor as well as the head baseball and wrestling coach at LETU. He also served in administrative roles at LeTourneau, King College, Bluefield College and Trinity International University. Roger and his wife, Robin, have four grown children and 11 grandchildren.
When I first stepped on this campus as a freshman in the fall of 1972, I didn’t know how much my life would be transformed. I will be forever appreciative, but I also could not have begun to imagine how much LeTourneau would be transformed over the next 50 years.
When I returned and started coaching and teaching at LeTourneau in 1977, I had no idea the impact that dedicated Christian men and women could have on the exceptional young people who come here. I got to be a part of that for a while and watch as LeTourneau began a period of unprecedented growth.
After six years of teaching and coaching, and then another year of graduate study, I returned again in 1984 to begin a long and satisfying career in Christian higher education administration. Little did I know that LeTourneau was about to skyrocket over the next several years into a leading Christian university.
I left LeTourneau in 1992. Fast forward another 25 years and, believe it or not, I returned again—this time as a consultant in higher education. And I’ll never forget parking the van in the Allen Family Student Center parking area…. my jaw dropped, as did my colleagues. One of them, after visiting hundreds of campuses nationwide, commented: “This is one of the most beautiful campuses we’ve ever seen.”
Now, if your initial exposure to the LeTourneau campus was in the 1970s when it still looked like Harmon General Hospital, your first thought is this: ‘Who’d have thunk?’
As I began to re-engage with my alma mater, after more than 40 years of serving small, private, mostly Christian colleges all around the country, I came to realize that I had already experienced one of the most unique institutions in the world with one of the most powerful callings. I also quickly realized that LeTourneau has now advanced even further into being respected as holding the position of the Christian Polytechnic University.
After a few years, when given a chance to serve on the Alumni Advisory Council and subsequently the Board of Trustees, I gladly accepted, giving me the privilege to view LeTourneau from yet another perspective. Even then, I never imagined I would stand here before you today in this capacity and on the brink of one of the most important events in this university’s history. And I don’t want to pretend to know the great things that God has in store for LeTourneau’s future.
What a journey LeTourneau University has been on for the last 75-plus years. That original vision of R.G. and Evelyn LeTourneau is still alive and well. And on behalf of the whole Board of Trustees, I express my confidence and trust in what God is doing today at LeTourneau in this campaign, elements of which are designed for the sustainability of the quality education that LeTourneau has been known for, for generations to come. It is our prayer that this campaign will usher in the greatest transformation ever for LeTourneau University as we continue to fulfill our historic God-ordained mission and as we do so with strength and energy and resources we could have never imagined before.
None of us knows what God will do next, but we do know that God has a plan for every one of us and for LeTourneau University. Let’s not underestimate that. It’s an incredible honor to be on that adventure with Him. I hope you’ll all join in on that adventure because I’m guessing that in another 25 years someone will be saying, ‘Who’d have thunk?’
The Psalmist in Psalm 119 tells us that “God’s testimonies are wonderful, such that our soul can observe them,” and that the “unfolding of His words gives us light, granting us understanding"—insights that we can share with others. The LeTourneau University Foundation has been carefully structured so that we can be a resource to you when it comes to sharing your story (His “testimonies”) to its fullest impact. With proven and time-tested tools and resources, we can then help you surround the many moving parts of your unique estate and legacy aims. Call upon us for the support and assistance we can provide—as a ministry to you and your family.
We can be reached at leavealegacy@letufoundation.org or by phone at 800-259-5388.
YOUR TESTIMONIES ARE WONDERFUL; THEREFORE MY SOUL OBSERVES THEM.
THE UNFOLDING OF YOUR WORDS GIVES
IT GIVES
PSALM 119:129-130
Shown above is the staircase leading to community area lounges and an area for the main hangar. Below is a hallway showing one of the many classrooms.
To view more information about the Abbott Aviation Center Expansion, visit letu.edu/abbottexpansion or scan the QR code.
Covered Aircraft Parking
Covered Outdoor Learning Lab
Sky Deck
Hangar
Student Lounge & Study Spaces
Expanded Operations Area
Expanded Flight Simulation
"The Air Dome will be a unique—and uniquely LeTourneau —solution to a need on our campus and in our community. Following R.G.'s love for domes, this facility will not only become a truly premier sports destination but also a venue for wellness, academics, and hospitality to our community. This investment will create new opportunities for students, faculty, and staff, and it will welcome visitors from around our region."
President Steven D. Mason, Ph.D.
The exterior of the Athletic and Human Performance Air Dome is shown above. Turn to page 60 to read more about the Air Dome.
PREMIER LAB SPACE
84,000 SQ. FT. FACILITY
Scan to view the project page for the Christian Polytechnic University Center.
SPACES INCLUDE
Entrepreneurship Hub
Emerging Technologies Lab
Cyber Lab
Finance Trading Lab
Mixed Reality Simulation Lab
Innovation Leadership Lab
Interpersonal Dynamics Lab
The CPU Center integrates ingenuity with entrepreneurship in a collaborative suite where students, faculty, and industry partners bring innovations to life, anchored by an innovative Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Leadership Lab.
A WEEKEND OF FUN, FELLOWSHIP, AND FUTURE
LeTourneau family and friends from all over the world come together for the annual Homecoming and Family Weekend held on our beautiful campus. Each year, our visitors have the opportunity to participate in numerous events led by our students, faculty, and alumni. This year, we hosted the themed Build with Purpose Homecoming to commemorate the public launch of the Build with Purpose Campaign. This special weekend was filled with unforgettable moments as old memories were shared and new ones were created.
HOMECOMING INTERVIEWS
We spoke to attendees at the campaign kickoff afterparty to find out what excites them most about LeTourneau University.
"When I was here, it was the most amazing community of fellow believers in the dorm that I lived in. And the thing that excites me is it still has that same spiritual heritage today. It's maintained the spiritual fidelity. It's maintained the commitment to the gospel and to educational excellence."
James Walker, Mechanical Engineering '81
"The community as a whole is just very unique. You make a lot of connections, and you make a lot of friends. Friends that will stay with you after you graduate as well."
Max Keyes, Counseling Psychology '25
"This is the place that cares about the trajectory of students' lives. We are speaking into their experiences and I love that. This is what I wanted my whole career to be about. And we get to do it for Him, with Him, to Him. It is an amazing place. I get in my car at the end of the night and I say to myself, 'I'm in the right place at the right time doing the right things.'"
Dr. Michael McGinnis, Dean of Engineering
"I'm most excited to see how much the LeTourneau community is going to grow with the new buildings. And as student athlete, I run cross country and track at LeTourneau, I think the building that I'm most excited about is the Airdome."
Hope Greenwald, Mechanical Engineering '26
"I feel a strong gravitational pull to follow Christ and pursue my own relationship with God here. I'm very encouraged by my friends and professors and they begin each lecture with prayer."
Joshua VanDeest, Mechanical Engineering '28
"It feels like coming home, and it always will feel that way. I'm excited about the students. I've enjoyed talking with them and listening to their hopes and dreams. And I give them advice and give them suggestions and we interact. I love seeing old friends and I love seeing where this university is headed."
Maxine Johnson, English Education '83
FAITHFUL SERVICE HONORING
On behalf of the LeTourneau University administration, faculty, and staff— we recognize the retirement of our 6th University President and most recently Chancellor Dale Lunsford, Ph.D. The university recently honored Dr. & Mrs. Lunsford’s service and shares the following expression of gratitude:
The Board of Trustees of LeTourneau University announced the retirement of Chancellor Dale Lunsford, Ph.D., marking the culmination of a remarkable 17-year tenure of dedicated leadership and service. With the successful completion of the quiet phase of our transformational fundraising campaign, Chancellor Lunsford has fulfilled his duties with distinction, positioning the University for continued success. We extend our deepest gratitude to Chancellor Lunsford and his wife, Marsha, for their unwavering commitment and the significant, lasting impact they have made on our university community. Their leadership, vision, and passion for LeTourneau have left an indelible mark on our institution, shaping its future for generations to come. As they embark on the next chapter of their lives, we wish them every success and joy in their future endeavors. Chancellor Lunsford’s legacy will be remembered with admiration and appreciation by all who have had the privilege to work alongside him.
The Lunsfords were honored at this year’s Courson Society Luncheon on Wednesday, November 6. The Courson Society is named after Rita Courson, who has faithfully served the LeTourneau University Development Office and university donors for 50 years. Her service represents sacrifice, dedication, and commitment to the students and the mission of LeTourneau University. These same qualities embody those who willingly commit a part of their legacy (through an estate, legacy plan, or planned gift) to LeTourneau University and thus become a member of The Courson Society.
Join the Conversation
Welcome to the Built For This podcast! With a rich organizational history and a tradition of blending theory with practice, we seek to build up a world that often seems focused on tearing down. Join us as we delve into dynamic stories, engage in conversations with thought leaders, and explore how we can fit into and meaningfully engage with both present and future problems. The future might not always be crystal clear, but thanks to our innovative founder, exceptional students, impactful faculty and alumni, and perhaps even you, the listener, we can boldly say: Together, we are built for this.
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Dr. Steven Mason joined Dr. Jonathan Pennington, author of Jesus the Great Philosopher: Rediscovering the Wisdom Needed for the Good Life, to discuss how the Bible communicates a robust philosophy for life and human flourishing.
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In this episode, LeTourneau University President Dr. Steven Mason was joined by Andy Crouch, prolific Christian author and a partner for theology and culture at Praxis, to discuss the ways that technology...
Decommissioning
The R.G.
Memorial Student
Center
(1976-2024)
and Reimagining the Future
By: Briahnna Williams, '22
There are many historic buildings on our beautiful LeTourneau campus, one being the R.G. LeTourneau Memorial and Student Center (MSC), previously home to the School of Nursing until the Fall 2023 semester. During the weekend of homecoming, attendees gathered in the field between Longview/Heath Hardwick Hall and the Allen Family Student Center to pay tribute to the MSC building and all the memories associated with it.
"We want to celebrate the new, but we also want to cherish the past," said speaker Ladina Wingert ('86, Alumni Representative, LETU Board of Trustees).
The MSC building has held lots of wonderful moments for our current students and alumni. The ceremony began with Dr. Terry Zeitlow giving a brief history about this building, followed by Dr. Steven Mason, Doug Roszhart, and Ladina Wingert sharing some personal testimonials from alumni of how the building impacted their time at LeTourneau and made a lasting impression on the rest of their lives.
"As we planned for this Build with Purpose weekend, this ceremony was the most difficult to plan. How do you say goodbye to a building and an area on this campus that has meant so much to so many people and also has the founder’s name on it?"
Ladina
Wingert, '86 Alumni Representative, LETU Board of Trustees
“As we planned for this Build with Purpose weekend, this ceremony was the most difficult to plan. How do you say goodbye to a building and an area on this campus that has meant so much to so many people and also has the founder’s name on it… If the crane hits the building, do people cheer? Do people cry? We had to decide the right way to reverently say goodbye to the
R.G. LeTourneau Memorial and Student Center…
If you look in our 50-year history, Dr. Kenneth Durham wrote, ‘The largest construction project in the school’s history up to this time was the $1.3 million R.G. LeTourneau Memorial and Student Center. Five days after R.G.’s death, the board called a special meeting and voted unanimously to erect an R.G. LeTourneau memorial building
on campus. The board wanted the building to symbolize the founder’s great qualities and characteristics. Construction on the building began during Dr. Harry Hardwick’s presidency but was completed under Richard LeTourneau’s second term as president. The dedication service was held on April 4th 1976… Although R.G. had never sought to build a memorial to himself, it
Terry Zeitlow, Ph.D., ('87) speaking at the Decommissioning Ceremony during Homecoming weekend.
was fitting that such a monument now existed on the campus of the college which he founded. During a speech, Royce “Barney” Barnwell, who was R.G.’s pilot, flew over the campus in a World War II a26 bomber (the same type that Barney piloted as he flew R.G. to his weekly speaking engagements.)
After the flyover, a recording of R.G.’s traditional introduction to his speeches was played for the crowd: ‘Friends, I’m just a sinner
that has been saved by the grace of God, just a mechanic that the Lord has blessed. The Lord has blessed, and I thank Him for what He has done for me. Seems like the least I can do is to go out and tell a little about what the Lord has done for me.’”
Ladina Wingert also took the opportunity to share a few stories from alumni about their special moments in MSC and on the surrounding berm. Here's one example of the many, from Ryan Rosen ('20):
“I had a time snowboarding or sledding down the berm during the few snowstorms that occurred during my time at LeTourneau. We went down winter of 2018 and 2021 on anything we could find, including cardboard, saucers, sleds, snowboards, longboards with the wheels taken off, and most notably, a kayak. One of my classmates (Daniel Jones, ’20) tore his Achilles in 2018 and was on crutches. He climbed his way to the top on crutches on a shallow spot to meet up with the rest of the guys who were hanging out up there. Unfortunately, he didn’t realize he would have to come down from the berm. So, it took a group of
us actually lifting him and carrying him down. Much like the paralytic man in the Bible… I will especially miss the third floor, the berm, and the tunnels but I am thankful for the memories of the great building.”
The ceremony concluded with the excavator scooping the first chunk of berm dirt to symbolize the start of something new. Attendees were encouraged to take a small glass bottle of berm dirt with a photo of the MSC building on it to remember the good times associated with the berm. Attendees could also take a piece of wood from the MSC building given the title “Little Theater Memorabilia.”
The spot where the MSC building stood will eventually become the home of the Christian Polytechnic University Center. While we will miss the memories and great opportunities that the MSC building had to offer, we look forward to the future and how God will use this new building for increasingly special moments and even greater opportunities, as only He can.
Scan to view the full Decommissioning Ceremony
Ladina Wingert ('86), fondly reminiscing upon all the historic uses of SAGA trays, particularly for berm-surfing on icy days.
SHOWCASING THE CENTER OF IT ALL:
STUDENTS
By: Briahnna Williams, '22
Many of our alums returning to campus know us well, but how about those for whom its been a while? Or how about those first-timevisiting family members or friends of a current or former student? As part of our University President & First Lady’s wholehearted commitment to ‘unreasonable’ hospitality, there’s no way we’d host you on campus and not introduce, or re-introduce ourselves. Thus, the showcase.
With the packed lineup of special events held this year in honor of the launch of the Build with Purpose Campaign, we welcomed our guests to wander in and around the Allen Family Student Center commons for a few hours to showcase the wonderful work our students put in around here, and particularly in areas and projects that are particularly ‘LeTourneau Built.’ Some of those initiatives just scream Christian Polytechnic education in a way that poignantly expresses what we’re all about: our commitment to making sure our current students are engaged in premier lab experiences, from the first day of their college career; our commitment to making sure our graduates are ready to hit the ground running in industry, from the first day of their vocational career; and our commitment to making sure our alumni look back and know good and well that the time, sweat, tears, and financial investment they made in their LeTourneau University education was worth it.
Our guests were able to see, up close, more than a dozen showcase booths representing the fruit of these commitments through conversations with faculty, staff, and student representatives from our academic areas, athletic teams, and other projects our students are a part of.
The academic areas (Aviation, Business, Computer Science, Humanities, Education, Engineering, Math and Natural Sciences, Nursing, Theology and Vocation) commemorated the hard work done by students and faculty to allow our programs to stand out from the norm. After all, not much is common about a true Christian Polytechnic education.
Our engineering senior design teams are such a classic example: Every semester, senior engineering students are put into groups to build a final project before graduation. Students are given the necessary tools and budget needed to elevate the design of a preexisting project from the previous graduating class using the handson skills they rapidly amass through every do-it-yourself challenge, experiment, build, and learn-from-it mistake imaginable.
But you name it, and it was there, across disciplines: projects from classes or labs, info concerning extracurricular clubs and organizations associated with their specific field of study or hobby of interest… everything from nursing simulations to ultimate frisbee.
Our seven men’s and eight women’s varsity Athletics teams were represented, and it didn’t take long to see the fruits of their own commitment: to cultivate disciples and pursue excellence. With many annual awards and high-value coaches, LeTourneau students are not only built for the classroom, but also built for the courts.
One of our latest nods to our founder received quite a bit of attention: R.G. Research and Development, Inc. (RGRD), is a Texas non-profit corporation established by the LeTourneau Board of Trustees to support the mission and vision of LeTourneau University. The goal of RGRD is to explore and develop innovative opportunities in the education space as well as related goods and services that
can benefit LeTourneau University. RGRD seeks to promote original ideas, offerings, and products from LETU faculty, staff, and students. And their latest innovations were on full display, including student-led entrepreneurial businesses.
The conversations skewed deep at the table representing the Faith, Science, and Technology Initiative, which aims to foster cross-disciplinary conversation about foundational questions that inform every academic discipline: What is a person? How do humans flourish? What does a flourishing society look like? At LeTourneau University, we believe in the importance of approaching these conversations with curiosity and Christian conviction.
Stick around long enough, and it was clear: bringing together all of these academic areas, athletic programs, and special projects with common ground, surrounding the common good, wouldn’t be possible without the foundation underlying all things at LeTourneau University—our faith in Jesus Christ.
Our guests got to know the real us, and we pray our authentic intentions were on full display: to give our students ample opportunities for academic achievement and spiritual development, physical expression in sport and creative expression in well-rounded interests… all facets of a holistic approach to learning and growing by doing, in which participating in what God is up to in and through and around every bit of it comes first. What you see is what you get: Our faculty and staff are active in our students' lives and live lifestyles which encourage students to know Jesus Christ. And we’re the first to acknowledge, we can’t do it alone: continuing to build with purpose for the future is a Godled, student-first endeavor we can only pursue together.
LETOURNEAU BUILT
Roger Carr Celebrating
By: Kate Day
It happens every year. NIFA students roll in the griddles, break out the spatulas, whip up the batter, and serve up some breakfast at their annual Planes & Pancakes fundraiser event as a part of LeTourneau University’s Homecoming festivities. It’s one of the most anticipated events of the year, among one of the most connected sub-cultures of our campus community. And most years, it’s tradition as usual. This year, though… this year was different.
This year, there simply wasn’t enough. Not enough chairs, not enough bacon, not enough tables, not enough eggs, not enough syrup. So much not enough that aviators-in-the-making were racing to the closest dollar store as quickly as their grounded pedestrian vehicles would get them there and back. Not enough time. Not enough of anything, except this: gratitude. Pure, sheer gratitude. The kind of gratitude that you can feel consume a space.
You know those moments in life, don’t you?
The ones where an entire crowd of people is quiet, hanging on the words filling the air? Where you look around and the same tears on the verge of spilling onto your cheeks are present on others? Where inspiration is palpable, and you know you’ll remember this moment? All because of an unending well of thanks for one man: Roger Carr. You’d have thought he was a hero (spoiler alert: you might not be wrong).
He was there in the flesh, and he was there, among a horde of adoring family members, because a former student found his influence impactful and inspirational enough to name a building after him.
Roger Carr is one of those LeTourneau professors that has O.G. R.G. ‘I’m just a businessman the Lord has blessed’ vibes. He downplays the astounding ripple effect his work and life has had (especially because he never viewed the two as separate). It seems he’s unaware of the thousands of times any LeTourneau grad or employee has heard someone rave about his devotionals, remembered and remarked upon decades later. It’s as if it hasn’t sunk in for him that Aviation & Aeronautical Science Dean Emeritus Fred Ritchey left his own indelible mark on the place because he wanted to be like Roger Carr when he grew up. It’s clear, that all that exists in this man is all that
there was enough of in the hangar: gratitude. Gratitude for life, for God, for the opportunity to learn and grow, and to participate in what God is up to around, and in, and through him. And in this moment, God’s doing something big: with the Paul & Betty Abbott Aviation Center past capacity and a $15 million renovation and addition planned as part of the Build with Purpose Campaign, LeTourneau grad and entrepreneur Jeff Willner, along with classmates (including Tim Mechem and Chris Franz), have generously named The Roger Carr Aviation Maintenance Technician Center, a facility expansion able to house regionalsized jets and take our aircraft maintenance programs to yet another level.
Here is Roger Carr’s response:
“To say I'm humbled is an understatement. I'm humbled, I’m honored, and there are really no words to express the emotions that are swirling through my mind right now. It is a great honor to be bestowed upon anyone to have a building named after them and my emotions run deeply, especially at this sunset stage of my life. It feels wonderful to be remembered, to be appreciated. So thank you, Jeff. You chose not to have this bear your own name, which you had every right to do, but you chose to remain in the shadows and greatly honor another. To this common man a gift of this magnitude is unfathomable. There are no words that could ever convey my gratitude to you, so today all I have to offer is a simple thank you! Thank you! Thank you, Jeff. And a thank you to each and every one of you here today that have had a part in this honor. It's so nice to be with you all here today and to see these faces I recognize and others I don't recognize—until you remind me of your name and something you radically did wrong in my lab. We are all a little more down the trail today than we were then.
Many of you have come from far away and haven't been on campus for years. When you walk on campus or here at the airport, and look around, there are so many changes—but so many things are the same. As you walk along, all the memories begin to hit you at once, and it's
kind of a weird feeling. It's like a very busy ghost town. It's the same place, but all the people are different.
But the mission has not changed. God commands us to go into all the world and share the Gospel, the good news to all the nations… and LeTourneau University is still doing that. The Ruths, the Esthers, the Davids, the Daniels, the Shadrachs and Abednegos of the 21st Century come from all over the world to be trained as professionals, to become the best of the best. Personally I think we could send six of our aviation students up to Boeing Aircraft Company and they would have their problems solved in six months.
The seeds were planted in a firm foundation, the roots are strong, and the leaves and branches are extending out to your new jobs, to your new friendships, and within your own families Because we deal with aviation, you will often be in the background, as a pilot, an airframe and power plant technician, someone the tens of thousands will never see. Yet so many lives are in your hands. As Christians, not only do we have the ability to affect peoples lives, but we also have the ability to affect people's eternities.
They tell me my name's going to be identified some way in this new building. But all of the faculty here at LeTourneau just want to make a difference. It humbles me that you felt
called to honor me in this way. There were so many others: JC Harder, Marty Donner, Floyd Bishop, Bryan Benson, Lauren Bitikofer, Fred Ritchey, Dale Crane, and so many before and after us. Great people that trudged along, day after day, year after year, hoping to make a difference—to do our part in training the best pilots, the best mechanics, the best people to go out into all the world. For we know that what truly matters is not recognition on this earth but having your name, no matter how small or insignificant it might be, found after scrolling the millions and millions of names in that great Book of Life. ‘There, There is your name.’
So thank you for this great, unbelievable honor! Thank you for remembering me, remembering all of us—your friends, your professors, who were here with you in the beginning. At this start to your adult lives and careers, sending you out to adulthood for life, even in the difficult times and through the valleys, to remain strong and to make a difference.
I'm glad that God allowed us to share this time on Earth; these moments that we spent together here at LeTourneau.
Your being here today shows that in some small way, we had an impact on you. Never forget—that YOU had an impact on us. And
Willner & Carr unveiling renderings for the future Roger Carr Aviation Maintenance Technician Center.
A vintage shot of Carr engaging in his 'natural hands-on habitat.'
more importantly—YOU are having an impact on the world, not only for this time, but for all eternity.
So what shall we say, if all this be true?
We shall say thank you, Father, for ‘Mom’ and ‘Pop’ LeTourneau. I thank you all for your part in this adventure, and I thank you Jeff Willner for being my friend. Thank you, thank you.”
Roger Carr served as an Associate Professor in LeTourneau University’s Aviation program for 26 years (1967-1993). He is a self-proclaimed semi-retired A&P technician, commercial pilot, flight instructor, and teacher. He received an undergraduate degree in Biblical Studies from Midwestern Baptist Seminary and a master’s degree in Industrial Education from East Texas State University. He was drafted while attending LETU and served in the U.S. Army, first as a soldier and later as an aviator, from 1959-1962. It’s now up to you to decide whether or not he’s a hero, but regardless: he sure is grateful, and so are we.
Roger Carr and his wife, Carol, with Paul and Betty Abbott.
A large portion of the Carr family with the President and First Lady pose for a full family photo with Roger Carr, his wife, & the dedication photo.
First Lady Bonnie & President Steven D. Mason, Ph.D., Tim Mechem, Roger Carr, Jeff Willner, Chris Franz.
By: Kate Day & Andrew Mindeman
It doesn’t take long to notice: Domes aren’t novel around here. The LeTourneau domes are a familiar landmark when driving into the heart of Longview from the south. The name of the industrial company where they’ve long resided has changed several times—it’s now Komatsu. Still, for long-time residents, the domes retain the name of the company founder, who left his mark on this city in many ways. As we know, R.G. LeTourneau founded the company that bore his name, invented massive earthmoving equipment and off-shore oil drilling platforms, held hundreds of patents and, of course, developed a private Christian technical institute after World War II that evolved into LeTourneau University.
R.G.’s dome project started with a single dome, officially called a “semisphere,” completed 70-plus years ago. Construction began with a 94-foot steel pole in the center with a cone on top that could be raised or lowered for ventilation. A ring of aluminum sheets was
bolted and raised around the pole. That was followed by another set of larger rings. Construction continued downward until the last sheet of rings reached the ground, with the lowest ring secured to a foundation ring of concrete. Once completed, the center pole could be removed, because it was no longer necessary for support. Eventually, there were five domes at the LeTourneau factory. Each dome could accommodate 12,000 people, and the design was promoted as a cost-effective way to build something for a variety of uses: civic centers, aircraft hangars, indoor athletic facilities, etc. Evangelist Billy Graham, a friend of R.G., provided the impetus. Graham wanted a portable building for large-scale gatherings, one of which LeTourneau built in 1940 in Toccoa, Georgia, where the company also had a plant.
Also not unusual: R.G. LeTourneau wasn’t afraid of a big idea with an even bigger footprint. Each dome covered more than 70,000 square feet of floor space and nearly 3.3 million cubic feet of enclosed space. The aluminum sheets weighed 182,500 pounds. The peak is 85 feet high, and the dome’s diameter equals a football field, at 300 feet.
Fast forward to 2024, and that Christian technical institute founded after World
War II has not only evolved into LeTourneau University, but the Christian Polytechnic University, where R.G.’s bold belief—in big ideas and big moves to make an even bigger difference—lives on. With a nod to our founder’s “semisphere” invention, we’re embarking on a new era of dome construction, and the dirt-moving is underway:
LeTourneau University broke ground on its new 120,000-square-foot Athletic and Human Performance Air Dome on Thursday, November 7, 2024.
LeTourneau's Athletic and Human Performance Air Dome will propel our athletics and human performance programs forward while it supports health and well-being and marks LeTourneau as a leader in innovative, applied education. The project will create a premier indoor track and field facility, suitable for hosting major regional and national meets, as well as a variety of other spaces for athletics, academics, and recreation.
The Air Dome will serve not only LeTourneau University but also Longview and all of East Texas, creating an attractive and flexible venue for sports competitions and other large events. (Sound familiar?)
"The Air Dome will be a unique - and uniquely LeTourneau - solution to a need on our campus and in our community," said LeTourneau University President Dr. Steven D. Mason.
"Following R.G.'s love for domes, this facility will not only become a truly premier sports destination but also a venue for wellness, academics, and hospitality to our community. This investment will create new opportunities for students, faculty, and staff, and it will welcome visitors from around our region."
“We are thrilled to break ground on this phenomenal facility as it will be transformative for our department, our campus, and our region," said Vice President for Athletics Dr. Tim Sceggel. "The opportunity for kinesiology labs, golf simulators, and a banked track among a host of other things provide our students the chance to pursue elite
levels of excellence for the glory of our King.”
A component of LeTourneau University's Build with Purpose campaign, the Air Dome will feature a national-championship-quality track and field facility and enhance YellowJacket Athletics performance and recruiting. The dome will feature a 200-meter banked track and a seating capacity of 1,500 with the ability to host track meets of all sizes.
Along with the track and field programs, the Air Dome will support student and employee wellness and extend recreation and intramural options. It will also serve as a source of academic growth with Kinesiology and Biomedical Engineering program space.
Additionally, it will serve the Longview area and promote community recreation through indoor pickleball, tennis, and track facilities. The
"
Dome will attract regional sports tournaments to Longview, host trade shows and other events, and support the local economy—all because of the continued heritage of a big-idea guy who didn’t let scale or the status quo stop him from creating, influencing, and investing in what matters most, to awfully grand heights.
“You will never know what you can accomplish until you say a great big yes to the Lord.” R. G. LeTourneau, [Mover of Men and Mountains].
Join us in praying for all of the interactions, guests, competitions, connections, lightbulb moments, and premier lab experiences that will one day fill this space.
LeTourneau dome history provided by Gary Borders, reference librarian and archivist for the Margaret Estes Library and R.G. LeTourneau Museum & Archives.
You will never know what you can accomplish until you say a great big yes to the Lord.”
R.G. LeTourneau
President Steven D. Mason, Ph.D. alongside university board members, campus leaders, student-athletes, and representatives from Design Collaborative and Transet Co. joined for the ceremonial shoveling.
Scan to learn more about the Athletic and Human Performance Air Dome or visit: letu.edu/airdome.
Asteady drizzle and cool temperatures did not dampen the aspirations of the LeTourneau men's cross country team on Saturday, November 2 at the ASC Championships. Backed by Walker Reeves' individual title, the YellowJackets captured the program's second ASC championship at
the conference meet, hosted by ETBU at the Oak Lawn Municipal Golf Course. The title is the second for the YellowJackets, and the first since 2021. Reeves' title is the third individual conference title in the program's NCAA era, and the first since Lorien Nightingale won in 2021. Picked as the preseason favorite
back in August, the YellowJackets flexed their collective muscle in a big way on Saturday to prove they were the best in the ASC. Seven LeTourneau runners finished in the top 14 to earn All-ASC honors, including four inside the top five.
The seven All-ASC honorees is a program record. Head coach Kevin Gideon, along with Director of Cross Country/Track & Field Dillon May, earned ASC Coaching Staff of the Year. Reeves, a three-time ASC Runner of the Week this season, captured the individual crown in dominating fashion. The senior raced out to a big lead early on and took the title in a time of 26:35 on the 8k course. Reeves became a three-time All-ASC honoree. Grayson Gaddis finished second in a time of 27:11 to collect All-ASC first team honors as well. Gaddis earned All-ASC accolades for the first time in his cross country career. David Dugan came in fourth at 27:34 as he earned All-ASC first team honors, becoming a three-time All-ASC selection in the process. Elijah Oudyn recorded his first career All-ASC honor with a first team selection following his fifth-place finish at 27:47. LeTourneau had three runners earn second team AllASC. Hudson McGuire was 12th overall at 28:28 and was followed by Ike Lehman (28:34) in 13th and Aidan Hynes (28:45) in 14th. The top finish marked a seventh straight year LeTourneau has finished in the top five as a team at the ASC Championships. The four runners inside the top five is also a program record.
MEN’S GOLF CLIMBS INTO NATIONAL TOP 10 RANKINGS
An impressive fall season for LeTourneau men’s golf saw the YellowJackets climb into the top 10 national rankings in two polls. LeTourneau climbed to No. 7 in the Scoreboard/Clippd national rankings and moved to No. 8 in the Bushnell/Golfweek Division III Coaches Top 25 poll.
Additionally, senior Corbin Barton is ranked No. 4 individually by Scoreboard/ Clippd.
Head coach J. Paul Leslie III's team earned two tournament titles and finished in the top three in the other two events during the fall season. LeTourneau won the season-opening Energy Weldfab Tempest Intercollegiate and captured a second
tournament title at the Alamo City Classic in San Antonio. The YellowJackets had their most impressive display earlier in October with a third-place finish -- out of 24 of the top teams in Division III -- at the Golfweek October Classic in Florida. LeTourneau finished ahead of all top-five ranked teams in the previous Bushnell/Golfweek Top 25 at the tournament, including defending national champion Methodist.
Barton, a senior from Longview, Texas, has been a key reason for the YellowJackets' success this fall. He has two tournament wins under his belt and finished in the top five in all four tournaments, while leading the team with a 69.17 scoring average. He
was ranked fourth in the national poll, and first in the region, with an adjusted scoring average of 68.7. Barton is a four-time ASC Golfer of the Week award winner this fall, breaking a program record for ASC weekly honors in a season. The YellowJackets have seven rounds at or better than par as a team this season. LeTourneau registered a round of 5-under in the second round at the Golfweek October Classic and has a round of 4-under twice to go along with rounds of 3-under and 1-under as a team. Collectively, LeTourneau has a team scoring average of 284.92 on the year.
LeTourneau returns to action for the spring season in March.
AΩ
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH PURPOSE
By: Terry Zeitlow, Ph.D. ('87)
They come from everywhere, every year. From within the states and throughout the world. Often seeking a Christian college experience and typically something in engineering, aviation, or some technical discipline. Often, but not always, alone and not knowing anyone. And—the kicker—it is hot when they arrive! Such is the description of incoming students as they step onto campus to begin their education at LeTourneau University.
That was certainly the case 50 years ago when Philip Yorgey (PA), Dan Webber (CA via OK), Randy Hartman (MI), Dave Lucas (OK), Tim Moon (CA), Steve Love (MI), Paul Young (AL), and Dave Stoltzfus (PA) arrived on campus. You can also add the following fact to the list above: campus didn’t exactly display the beauty 50 years ago that it currently reflects today.
Nonetheless, for various reasons, six of these gentlemen were led to pledge Alpha
Omega Society 50 years ago, in the fall of 1974. The other two were the bookends: Tim Moon and Dave Lucas pledged AO, singularly, a semester before and one behind of the ‘74 six. But there they were, all connected. And thus, a 50-year run of friendship began.
Anyone remember saying to their college friend(s), “Hey, when we graduate, we are going to stay in touch. We are going to get together. We are going to keep this good thing we have going”? And then a year passed. A
couple phone calls occurred. Same in year two and three. Then one of you got engaged and you got together because of the wedding; in fact, you were in each other’s weddings. Then, a year passed. A couple phone calls occurred. The Christmas card got mailed. Same thing the next year, and the next. Life happened, and is still happening. Calls stopped, as did the Christmas cards, as did the
relationship… and there we are, wondering: “What ever happened to my college friend(s)?”
This past September, I was honored to spend a day in Camdenton, Missouri, with these eight individuals and their spouses. Every other year—for the past 40 years—they have made it a non-negotiable commitment to get together. They trade off the responsibility of hosting. If you host, you pick
the place, the menus, make the arrangements, etc. This year it was Paul Young and his wife’s turn to host. I would mention her name, but she pranked me, so I won’t! (Just kidding, it’s Sharon. But she did prank me!). Their setting of choice was an Airbnb that housed the whole crew, complete with an accessible golf course and full accommodations. When these gatherings first started and the
"If you want to be good at anything it takes time and commitment. Not many of us can say we have real, true friendships that go back fifty years and counting. Friendships where you have the freedom to be real and vulnerable and the freedom to know that whatever one’s faults and flaws might be, you are loved and accepted as a unique creation of the Heavenly Father."
Terry Zeitlow, Ph.D. ('87)
In this photo: Philip Yorgey (PA), Dan Webber (CA via OK), Randy Hartman (MI), Dave Lucas (OK), Tim Moon (CA), Steve Love (MI), Paul Young (AL) and Dave Stoltzfus (PA).
couples were younger, no kids were allowed unless a mother had a nursing baby. Deal breaker for some reading? Not for this group.
Over the years, these guys have enjoyed and shared with each other births and birthdays, weddings, job promotions, moves, life’s victories and for some, now, retirement. Those are the fun things to share together, right? But what about when a child dies? Or a child is diagnosed with leukemia? What about when a marriage is struggling? What about when one of your children, even though he is raised in a Christian home, presents some issues or your daughter runs away from God? What if you get very ill in a global pandemic?
That is when your true friends shine. They pray for you. They get permission for leave from their jobs for a period of days. They show up. They knock on your front door when you do not expect it. They hold you. They sit with you. They cry with you.
Anybody need a friend? We all need a friend like that. How about seven of them?
I tell people all the time I have a front row seat to some of the most incredible stories. What this group of guys and their spouses have is very rare, and it is very beautiful. Three to four days of reminiscing, pranking, eating, golfing, laughing, catching up, and deep, intentional times of sharing, challenging, and praying together.
If you want to be good at anything, it takes time and commitment. The principle by all means applies to relationships. Not many of us can say we have real, true friendships that go back 50 years and counting. Friendships where you can’t hide or sugarcoat what’s going on. Friendships where you have the freedom to be real and vulnerable, and the freedom to know that whatever one’s faults and flaws might be, you are loved and accepted as a unique creation of the Heavenly Father.
This group has prioritized these relationships. They have included their spouses who have, over the years, become dear friends. Their children know who each of these guys is and what these relationships mean to their overall family. They have modeled love, sacrifice, and commitment, which are needed for any relationship to flourish. They would each say it hasn’t been easy, but it has been more than worth it.
Two years from now, this group will gather again. Phil and Marg Yorgey will lead the next gathering. The site is yet to be determined, but the dates will be reserved and preserved on each family calendar. Some of the same stories will be told. Some of the same jokes will be laughed at. Some of the same pranks will be performed. Life will likely happen in the two-year span before this gathering occurs, but rest assured, this group will be there for each other, and no one will walk alone.
NSO NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION NSO
THE CLASS OF 2028 JOINED THE YELLOWJACKET FAMILY FOR NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION (NSO). NSO WEEKEND IS FILLED WITH GAMES AND FUN AND ALLOWS FOR NEW STUDENTS TO HAVE A SMOOTH TRANSITION INTO COLLEGE.
Class Notes
MEMORIALS
60
Peter Charles Walhof (’60, MES) peacefully closed his eyes and entered into heaven on October 5, 2024. A proud graduate of LeTourneau University, Peter earned his bachelor’s degree in Mechanic Engineering. His education laid a foundation for a remarkable career. He founded three successful companies within the East Texas community.
63
Robert L. Moyer (’63, ATBS) of Blooming Glen, PA, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, November 9, 2024. Robert studied Aviation Technology and graduated from LeTourneau in 1963.
67
Daniel Clark (’67, BUBS) passed away on October 11, 2024. Daniel attended LeTourneau College for Bible classes. He proudly served in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged in 1971. He enjoyed evangelism and studying God’s word.
69
Thomas W. Nelson (’69, BUBS) stepped into heaven on June 13, 2024, and was made new by his Savior after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Thomas was a military veteran for 30 years, serving in the Army in Korea and concluding in the Air Force in Iraq. He dedicated 41 years of his career to Good Shepherd Medical Center, beginning as a radiology technologist and later becoming a diagnostic medical sonographer until his retirement in 2015.
September 6, 2021. He was a Vietnam War Veteran, having served in the United States Air Force in both the Philippines and Vietnam, earning marksmanship medals. John and his wife, Mary, graduated from LeTourneau University.
72
Philip Howard Austin (’72, EE) passed on September 29, 2024. Phillip earned his B.S. in Engineering at LeTourneau University and later obtained his M.S. in Engineering Management from C.W. Post in New York. His education equipped him to lead a life of ministry as an electrical engineer.
74 Diane Canterbury Miller (’74, EDU, MABS) passed away peacefully on September 25, 2024, at the age of 92. She completed her education at LeTourneau University in Education with a focus on Mathematics. Diane went on to teach at Pine Tree High School & Spring Hill High School before retiring. She was best known for her high heels and box purse.
for several years before founding Cornish Medical Electronics.
92
Jean Sutton Moore (’92, BBM) went to be with the Lord on May 4, 2024. Jean earned her bachelor’s at LeTourneau University in 1992 in business management.
93
Nell Hornsby Sartor (’93, BBM) passed away on July 27, 2024. Born and raised in the greater Dallas area, she earned her bachelor’s degree from LeTourneau University in business management and later obtained her MBA from Dallas Baptist University.
12
Ismael “Elias” Oliverez Morales (’12, BBA) went to be with the Lord on May 31, 2024. He acquired his Bachelor of Business Administration from LeTourneau University. Ismael was an avid sports enthusiast; he was a loyal, die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan.
71 John H. Looney (’71, ATBS) went to be with his Lord and Savior on
86 Eduardo “Ed” Valfor (’86, IMCS) entered the loving arms of his Lord on Monday, February 12, 2024, at home peacefully with his wife, Amy, at his side. “Ed” attended LeTourneau University, earning his degree in Industrial Management and Computer Science. His fond love of his alma mater led him to serve on the Alumni Council from 2023-2024.
91 James Clinton Cornish (’91, BBM) passed peacefully at the age of 93 on July 8, 2024. James completed his bachelor’s degree at LeTourneau University. His business career began by owning two service stations
14
John T. Selzer (’14) passed on October 11, 2024. John was a proud graduate of LeTourneau. He served in many roles for JP Morgan Chase, including as a vice president, and served in the Air Force as Civil Air Patrol, where he was a Captain and Deputy Commander of a Search and Rescue Squadron and Emergency Service Trainer.
18
Kelly Ann Robinson (’18, BBA; ’21, MPSY) passed away to be with Jesus on September 16, 2024. Her life was characterized by her service to those in need. After she obtained her Bachelor of Business Management and her master’s in psychology from LeTourneau University, she went on to
become an LPC. Her work at The Warriors Refuge, a place of healing for Veterans, is honorable.
Roy Alfred Hodson (Former Faculty/Staff), affectionately referred to as “Corky” by his family, passed away on August 20, 2024. Roy spent his professional career as a civil engineer; he was inducted into several professional honor societies and organizations, receiving commendations for his excellent work. He worked as a consulting engineer designing capital infrastructure and public works for government, industry, institutions, communities, and private sector clientele. During his long career he established and was CEO of his own engineering firm in Fort Collins, CO, for over 20 years. Upon retirement he went on to establish a preengineering program at NE TX Community College, with that success leading him to join the LeTourneau University civil engineering faculty.
Phyllis I. “Ilene” Foote (Former Faculty/ Staff) entered the presence of her Lord and Savior on September 1, 2024. Ilene was a missionary for many years, serving in Africa and other destinations. After her missionary work overseas, she served as Director of Alumni for Trinity International University. Her career in higher education would then lead her to teach English at LeTourneau University.
Dr. Kenneth Durham Jr. (Former Faculty/ Staff) passed on May 16, 2024. Dr. Durham taught history and political science at LeTourneau University. He was an avid historian, writing LeTourneau’s University’s *First Fifty Years 1945-1995*, among an extensive list of other journalings.
Alan “Lanny” Swanson (Former Trustee) went to be with his Lord and Savior on August 8, 2024. Lovingly referred to as Lanny, Alan was a Godly husband to his wife and father to his three children. He served on the Board of Directors for LeTourneau.
BIRTHS
11
Josh Veague (’11, EE) and his wife, Alyssa, welcomed sweet baby Gabriel to the world.
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professional and bi-vocational pastor at churches in Pennsylvania.
77
Phillip (’20 BSME; ’21 MCNG-ME Master of Engineering Mechanical Specialization) & Breanna (Rice) Lively (’20, BSME) welcomed their son, Peter David Lively, 19 ¾”, 7 lb 2 oz, on October 25, 2024. Congratulations, Phillip & Breanna!
MARRIAGES
Aaron (Zack) Wells (MJE) married Samantha (Sam) Swanson on November 16, 2024 in Arvada, Colo.
CLASS NOTES
71
Mark Anderson (’71, ME) was promoted to “retired” after 40 years with Allison Transmission. Mark studied mechanical engineering while at LeTourneau.
74 Craig Longenecker (’74, ATBS, MT) has recently been promoted to “retired.” He and wife, Julie, currently reside in McAllen, Texas.
84
Kenneth Saxe (’84, BUBS) and his wife, Elaine, relocated from south central Pennsylvania to the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee after their son, Nathaniel, graduated from Messiah University in 2024 and landed a new position as an Environmental Scientist. Ken expresses his sincere appreciation for the biblical and technical skills he acquired at LeTourneau University. He has spent the last 42 years as a cybersecurity and technology
Rod Burtch (’77, Business Admin) is happy to share that he has retired as auto repair shop owner of Pro-Tech Auto, Inc., in Denton, Texas.
Retirement has included a couple of vacations and remodeling the house. Congratulations, Rod, and we look forward to seeing you at the next go-kart races!
91
Rob Ramsey (’91, ATBS) started a new business and is serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Sound Logics, LLC. Look for Sound Logics at the AASA Convention in March '25 at the New Orleans Convention Center!
91
Darren Warkentin (’91, EE) attended LeTourneau University and obtained a bachelor’s in electrical engineering. Darren was recently promoted to Senior Manager, R & D, with Marvin.
02
Jason McCool (’02, WE) started his own structural engineering consulting firm in May 2024 after 13 years with Robbins Engineering Consultants, which closed permanently in June upon retirement of the owner. He and his wife, Betty, will be celebrating their 24th anniversary in January.
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Ana Castaneda (’08, BBA) retired. Congratulations!
Tammy Faber (’09, BBA; ’11, MBA) was promoted to Sales Director at HOH Water Technology, an industrial water treatment company, in Palatine, IL. She is also the Chairperson of the Women of Water Committee at the Association of Water Technologies (AWT).
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Chrysta Lintz (’09, MEL) was named a Superb Woman by the Texas Metro News. Chrysta received her master’s in educational leadership from LeTourneau University and is working towards her doctorate after serving in education for nearly 20 years.
13
Chelsea Garcia (’13, PSYC; ’19, MCI-MEd) took on the promotional rank of Enforcement Chief with the United States Coast Guard.
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Johnny Reeves (’15, AFMI) attended LeTourneau University and studied mission aviation. Johnny and his family are serving as missionaries in Papua New Guinea for JAARS.
17
Alex Garcia (’17, MBA) took the position of Director of Procurement with ArcelorMittal. Alex received her Master of Business Administration at LeTourneau. She currently resides in Corpus Christi, Texas.
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Owen Goode (’17, AFFS-BS Pro Flight Maint Conc) recently assumed the role as Chief Executive Officer with JB Analytics.
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Matthew Chavez (’19, BBM) was promoted to management at HP, Inc. Matthew and his family reside in Houston, Texas.
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Ariunjargal “Ari” Ochirkhuyag (’19, AVMA) studied Air Traffic Control Management at LeTourneau and is currently working as an Airline Dispatcher in Ulannbaatar, Mongolia.
21
Robert Justin Jones (’21, ARVS-Rmt, AVMS-BS) has been promoted to Pilot for Google Wing. He and his wife Lisa reside in Waxahachie, Texas.
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Jonathan Clayton (’21, BSCE) graduated summa cum laude with a master’s degree in environmental engineering from the University of Alabama. Johnathan is a third-year doctoral student at UA. He was one of 13 selected to receive a U.S. Fulbright Program Award for UA. (Fulbright is the
most prestigious United States international exchange program, offering opportunities for students, scholars, and professionals, and offering one-year grants for independent study and research.)
21
Ryan Fitzgerald (’21, MJE) has accepted a promotion to Senior Corrosion Engineer with Dow, moving from the Dow Lake Jackson campus to the Seadrift plant. Ryan has worked for Dow since 2021.
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Jacob Neu (’22, KSM-BS) accepted the position of Residence Hall Director at Taylor University. Jacob studied Sports Management at LeTourneau.
23 Ashley DeCock (’23, BME) accepted the position of Quality Assurance Technician at James Avery Artisan Jewelry in Hondo, Texas. Ashley studied engineering at LeTourneau.
The loss of a loved one, friend or colleague often inspires us to ensure that their memory lives on. If you would like to give a memoriam to LETU, please call 1-800-259-5388 or donate online at letu.edu/give. The family will be notified of your generosity when a memoriam is made.
Dr. Steven D. Mason, President (far left), and Dr. Michael McGinnis, Dean of Engineering & Engineering Technology (far right), welcome the 2024 Academy of Engineering inductees in attendance at the annual Engineering Academy dinner, from left to right: Andrew Valiente (’03); Paul Kelsey (’66); and Michael Iverson (’96).
“Let all that I am praise the Lord. O Lord my God, how great you are! You are robed with honor and majesty. You are dressed in a robe of light. You stretch out the starry curtain of the heavens; You placed the world on its foundation so it would never be moved; You made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun knows when to set; O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all.”
Psalm 104:1-2, 5, 19, 24
THE LETOURNEAU COLLEGE 1969 BOARD OF TRUSTEES, INCLUDING 51-YEAR-OLD BILLY GRAHAM (WHO SERVED ON THE BOARD FROM 1961-1975). SCAN HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT REV. GRAHAM’S FRIENDSHIP WITH R.G. & EVELYN, AND IN TURN, LETOURNEAU UNIVERSITY.
UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT STEVEN D. MASON, PH.D., AND & FIRST LADY MRS. BONNIE MASON ATTEND THE ANNUAL WREATH PLACEMENT IN RECOGNITION OF R.G. & EVELYN LETOURNEAU.
R.G. AND EVELYN LETOURNEAU, AS SEEN IN THE 1969 PIONEER YEARBOOK
A Look Back
Between the reverent decommissioning of the R.G. Memorial Student Center and annual Founder’s Day rituals, our campus community had especially meaningful moments of collective reflection this fall surrounding ‘Mom’ & ‘Pop’ LeTourneau. In light of their extraordinary vision informing the Build with Purpose Campaign, we memorialize a heritage recognized around the world. Upon 55 years since R.G.’s passing, may we ever, as individuals and as a collective academic ministry, honor the life and legacy of the innovative thinker, businessman, spiritual leader, and philanthropic example who set in motion an industrychanging, Longview-shaping, polytechnic-educationshaping revolutionary impact in ways only a true builder can.
According to Associated Press reports upon his passing in June of 1969: “R.G. LeTourneau, 80, known equally for his manufacturing and for his activities as a Christian layman, died at his home in Longview, Texas, Sunday night after suffering a stroke in March. A technological breakthrough by LeTourneau resulted in some of the first use of rubbertired wheels on earth-moving machinery. On weekends, he made it a point of preaching to thousands around the world. He was a member of the Christian & Missionary Alliance Church. LeTourneau founded LeTourneau Technical Institute at Longview in the late 1940s. The name was changed to LeTourneau College, and now has a student body of about 750, from 47 states and 15 foreign countries. LeTourneau agreed to stay out of the earth-moving business for five years after selling his earth-moving designs to Westinghouse Air Brake Corp. for about $31 million in 1953. During the hiatus, he developed and built more than 40 ocean-going drilling barges. He retired from active management of his company in 1967. LeTourneau dropped out of school at age 14, but studied electrical engineering by correspondence. He often said his philosophy was not how much of his money he gave to God, but how much of God’s money he kept for himself.”
CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF THIS ‘BUILD’ CONVERSATION? INTRODUCING THE ULTIMATE DEGREE FOR BUILDERS: CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT (FALL 2025) Scan the QR code to learn more about whether you’re Built for This and how we can help get you there: