L E TO U R N E A U U N I V E R S I T Y
The new Anna Lee and Sidney Allen Family Student Center opened its doors on Monday, March 17. SEE FOR YOURSELF
STARTING ON PAGE 4.
SPRING 2014
a message from the president This Spring 2014 semester has heralded a lot of celebration on campus: from the opening and dedication of the new completed Allen Family Student Center to the celebration of LETU baseball team’s ASC championship tournament win, to our engineering students making, not just school history, but world history with a brand new Guinness World Record for the most 3D printers in operation simultaneously! All of this celebration is occurring in the same year we celebrate the 125th birthday year of our founder R.G. LeTourneau, who I daresay, would be very proud of this legacy that bears his name and continues to make an impact globally and locally. This spring we initiated several outreaches to make a targeted impact right here in our local Longview and East Texas community. Our LETU School of Business has partnered with the Longview Chamber of Commerce to incubate new businesses and spur the local economy by providing technical and consulting services to small businesses and nonprofits in Longview and East Texas. Our accounting students have helped local low-income and elderly residents with preparation of their tax returns. Another group of business students took on a project with the City of Kilgore to assist the human resources department to migrate toward a ‘merit based’ compensation program. We launched a new “Future of East Texas” grant program specifically to make LeTourneau University more affordable for East Texas students who want to live on campus and experience life on a Christcentered college campus. We also began a new counseling center that serves the needs of our current students and has already begun helping members of the community with professional counseling services. In each of these endeavors, we give our students opportunity to apply their education in hands-on
projects that help them see their surroundings as a mission field. We have continued our successful efforts to educate more students in graduate programs. As we aspire to claim the workplace for Christ, students coming from our graduate professional degree programs often have the opportunity to make a significant impact on their workplaces. This summer, Marsha and I are completing a busy seven years at LETU and are enjoying a threemonth sabbatical leave that will return us back to campus in early August. We're thankful that our Board of Trustees has extended us this short season of rest, reflection and renewal. We know God created each of us for both work and rest, and I’ve learned meaningful rest in the presidency is only possible with an extended time away from the sevendays-a-week activities of engaging with the university community. We're healthy. We're happy. We're hopeful about the future of the university and our opportunity to serve here for years to come. Next year we will begin the work of updating our university strategic plan to direct us to the year 2020. This summer is a good opportunity for me to again prayerfully pursue God's direction for the university. As much as LeTourneau continues to change, the school also continues to stay true to its historical roots of hands-on learning, ingenuity, personal relationship building, and the call of preparing to take Christ into workplaces everywhere.
Follow me on Twitter: @dalelunsford Facebook: www.facebook.com/dalelunsford Blog: letupresident.blogspot.com
O NW
“BEHOLD, NOW IS THE ACCEPTABLE TIME; BEHOLD NOW IS THE DAY OF OUR SALVATION.” —II Cor. 6:2
LETOURNEAU UNIVERSITY
DALE A. LUNSFORD, Ph.D. PUBLISHER JANET RAGLAND EDITOR IN CHIEF KATE GRONEWALD WRITER / EDITOR JON VASHEY CREATIVE DIRECTOR / GRAPHIC DESIGNER GAIL RITCHEY/JUSTIN MCDOWELL CLASS NOTES NIEMAN PRINTING PRINTING
Claiming every workplace in every nation as their mission field, LeTourneau University graduates are professionals of ingenuity and Christlike character who see life’s work as a holy calling with eternal impact.
CONTACT INFORMATION: WEB: www.letu.edu Email: NOW@letu.edu ADMISSIONS OFFICE PHONE: 800-759-8811 ALUMNI OFFICE PHONE: 800-259-5388 DEVELOPMENT OFFICE PHONE: 800-259-LETU
LeTourneau University is a Christ-centered, interdenominational institute of higher learning offering more than 90 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across a range of academic disciplines and delivery models. Students are enrolled in programs on ground at LETU’s residential campus in Longview, Texas, as well as hybrid and fully online options at educational centers in Dallas and Houston. Academic majors include aviation, business, communication, computer science, criminal justice, education, engineering, health care administration, health science-nursing, human services, kinesiology, the liberal arts, psychology, the sciences and theology. NOW is published by LeTourneau University, 2100 South Mobberly, Longview, Texas 75607 w Sent free upon request to Editor, P.O. Box 8001, Longview, Texas 75607. w Postmaster: Send address changes to: NOW, P.O. Box 8001, Longview, Texas 75607. w E-mail us at NOW@letu.edu.
contents
4
Allen Center Opens
8
Guinness World Record Set
9
Baseball Makes History
10
News and Notes
14
Campaign Update
16
LETU Opens New Counseling Center
18
Righteous Rides
20
LETU to Mentor New Businesses
21
LETU Expands Graduate Degrees
22
Faculty Feature: Dr. Malinda Fasol
24
Class Notes
26
LETU Offers New East Texas Grant
After nearly two years of construction, the new Anna Lee and Sidney Allen Family Student Center opened its doors on Monday, March 17, following a ribbon cutting on the patio near the university mall. LETU President Dr. Dale A. Lunsford, along with Student Body President Carly Robinson and named donors Anna Lee and Sidney Allen cut the ribbon to open the 65,000-square-foot building to students for the first time. The new student center was not slated to open until Fall 2014, but since it was ready early, Lunsford wanted to give this year’s graduating seniors a chance to enjoy it. The Allen Family Student Center is located in the high traffic center of campus along the university mall beside the Margaret Estes Library. The building is designed to serve as a dynamic hub for the entire campus to expand relationships and build community among students from all over campus.
4 | NOW Magazine | Spring 2014
Their excitement was obvious as students filled the new Anna Lee and Sidney Allen Family Student Center after chapel and got their first tours of the building. Student Life provided students with “passports� to have stamped at various locations around the building. Those completed, stamped passports then were used as entry forms for prize drawings.
LeTourneau University | 5
6 | NOW Magazine | Spring 2014
Want to see more? Scan this code with your smart phone to view a short video of the Allen Family Student Center.
From the quiet solitude in the prayer room upstairs, to the friendly camaraderie that students enjoy in the huge commons area and game room, the Allen Family Student Center is already a place where students are expanding relationships. Photography by Tom Barnard, Jenna Pace and Sharina Wunderink.
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LETU SETS WORLD RECORD FOR MOST 3D PRINTERS RUNNING SIMULTANEOUSLY!
The Solheim Arena was abuzz with excitement as engineering students began pouring in from all over campus, carrying their boxes and laptops, checking in and donning their commemorative orange T-shirts. They were about to make history.
H
istory was made on Friday, April 4, when LETU engineering students set the Guinness World Record for the greatest number of 3D printers running simultaneously. Only seven of the 109 3D printers that competed in the event did not work, resulting in the world record number of 102, as confirmed by a panel of independent witnesses. The students used their 3D printers to make a gear-shaped coin to commemorate the world record attempt. The evidence required by GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS®, including witness statements, video proof, photographs and media reports, was compiled and sent to London before the University was notified of its win. In an email of congratulations, the Records Management Team at GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® said: We are delighted to confirm that you have
successfully achieved a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® title for ’Most 3D printers operating simultaneously’ ....We would like to congratulate you on your recordbreaking achievement. You are OFFICIALLY AMAZING! The event was made possible because of the university’s first-ever requirement last fall for all of the incoming freshmen engineering students to build their own, individual 3D printers in their Introduction to Engineering Practices courses, taught by Dr. Jesse French and Dr. Byron Lichtenberg. “We are the only engineering program in the country that I know of that requires all of our freshmen engineering students to build their own 3D printers,” said LETU Dean of Engineering Dr. Ron DeLap. “This achievement is a result of their great work.”
You are officially amazing! – Guinness World Records® 8 | NOW Magazine | Spring 2014
Fear the Sting! LETU BASEBALL MAKES UNIVERSITY HISTORY LeTourneau University’s baseball team reached the NCAA Division III Regional Baseball Tournament for the first time in school history this season when the team won the 2014 American Southwest Conference Baseball Tournament. Following the win, they traveled 2,288 miles to McMinnville, Oregon, where they dropped a 1-0 decision to No. 2 Linfield in the first round, won 3-2 against Illinois Wesleyan in an elimination game and ended the season with a 2-1 loss to No. 10 Cal Lutheran. The LeTourneau baseball coaching staff, led by head coach Robin Harriss and assistants Aaron Gentry and Chad Kinney, were named Coaching Staff of the Year by the ASC.
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newsandnotes
SKYWEST SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH LETU PILOTS SkyWest Airlines and LETU signed a letter of agreement to provide a direct pathway for selected LETU flight students to find employment with SkyWest Airlines after graduation. The Pilot Cadet Program provides mentoring opportunities for LETU flight students with SkyWest pilots and guarantees them employment interviews.
LETU RECOGNIZED FOR RETURN ON INVESTMENT LETU ranked among the top 10 schools in Texas, placing 2nd among private Texas colleges and universities, and highest among all evangelical faith-based schools in the nation for having the best return on investment, according to Seattle-based PayScale Inc. The 2014 PayScale College ROI Report recently ranked U.S. colleges and universities on the total income graduates will earn after 20 years in the workforce, subtracting the cost of the college education and what they would have earned as high school graduates.
VINEGARROON MODEL AT BUSH LIBRARY President George H.W. Bush attended the opening of a new exhibit on offshore oil exploration that features LeTourneau University’s Vinegarroon model at the Bush Presidential Library at Texas A&M in College Station in April. R.G. LeTourneau produced two mobile rigs for a young Bush, who was then owner of Zapata Oil Company. LETU’s model of the Vinegarroon offshore mobile oil rig will be on display at the Presidential Library until February 2015. 10 | NOW Magazine | Spring 2014
JOHN DEERE SCHOLARSHIP LETU received grants totaling $14,000 from John Deere to facilitate a new mentoring program between the company employees and LETU students. Seven engineering alumni who work at John Deere have volunteered to participate. The purpose of the grant is to reduce employer training and costs for new employees while ensuring that students gain the skills required by the workplace.
ATHLETES SERVE THE COMMUNITY LETU athletic teams teamed up with the City of Longview for "Keep Longview Beautiful" as they picked up litter and other debris on the areas that surround the campus and beyond. The men's and women's tennis teams visited the Hiway 80 Rescue Mission in Longview, where they served a meal to the visitors. Plus, members of the men's soccer team assisted with the replanting of trees near Newgate Mission in Longview.
ENGINEERING PROFESSOR WINS $400,000 NSF CAREER GRANT LETU Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering Dr. Seung Kim has been awarded one of the National Science Foundation’s most prestigious awards—an NSF Early Career Development Award (CAREER) of $400,000 in support of his biomedical research to develop a low-cost, highly sensitive and portable biosensor device. The device is designed to test for multiple diseases, such as cancers, using a small amount of a biological sample, usually blood. LETU WINS LUMINA/CAEL GRANT LETU was one of 14 colleges and universities across the country selected to receive a grant funded by the Lumina Foundation to participate in the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) Competency-Based Education jumpstart program. This program will enable higher-education institutions like LETU to offer competency-based programs that allow students to meet degree requirements by acquiring specific competencies or skills rather than through traditional credit-hour based coursework.
LETU RECEIVES $250,000 GRANT FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY MOBILITY LAB The W. M. Keck Foundation awarded LETU a $250,000 grant for an interdisciplinary mobility lab (IML) on the university’s Longview campus. The lab will have a focus on international mobility research in an undergraduate setting. Implementation will include a three-way collaboration involving faculty and students in three disciplines: biology, engineering and kinesiology. This lab will be used by undergraduate biology students in Karen Rispin's Wheels project, by engineering students in Norm Reese's Frontier Wheelchairs project, as well as kinesiology students working with Duane Trogdon in human mobility research.
FACULTY PROMOTIONS ANNOUNCED Several LETU faculty were honored this spring with promotions including Dr. Duane Trogdon, Dr. Bobby Johnson, Dr. Melanie Roudkovski, Dr. Annie Olson, Dr. Steve Armstrong and Al Niemi, all pictured here with LETU Dean of Faculty Steven D. Mason, LETU President Dr. Dale A. Lunsford, and LETU Provost Dr. Philip A. Coyle.
FORMER TRUSTEE EARL ROBERTS DIES LETU trustee emeritus Earl Roberts Jr. died January 2, 2014 following a battle with cancer. A native of Longview, he served as Longview’s city attorney for over two decades from the late 1960s through the early 1980s, then served as mayor of Longview from 2000 to 2003. He was first elected to the LeTourneau College Board of Trustees in 1967. On his candidate information form, Earl wrote, “Jesus became my savior at age 7, and since that time, He has been the center of my life; I am striving to become more like Him.” He served LeTourneau College, and then LeTourneau University, faithfully for many years, rotating off and on the board throughout the years as LETU board policies dictate. He was elected in 2007 by the other trustees as a board member emeritus. In 2012, he and his wife, Betty, created the Earl Roberts Endowed Scholarship Fund for freshmen students in the School of Arts and Sciences.
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newsandnotes
HENRY O. GOSSETT COMMUNITY PARTNER AWARD LETU presented the university’s Henry O. Gossett, Jr. Community Partner Award to Longview couple Anna Lee and Sidney Allen at the university’s scholarship banquet. The Allens have provided scholarships and support for international travel, senior engineering projects and several other projects. They also have supported the construction of the Belcher Center and have shown their support to bring cultural arts to Longview by sponsoring shows in LETU’s annual Performance Series. JAY GARY NAMED GRADUATE PROGRAM DIRECTOR FOR BUSINESS Dr. Jay Gary was named the new Graduate Program Director in the School of Business to direct LETU’s graduate programs in business administration, strategic leadership, health care and a new program in engineering management, set to launch in January, pending approval by the SACSCOC. As an associate professor, Gary will teach entrepreneurial leadership in LETU’s MBA program and will speak to business groups on topics such as "future proofing your company" to help managers respond to trends that are reshaping their industries.
12 | NOW Magazine | Spring 2014
PSYCHOLOGY STUDENTS PRESENT RESEARCH, WIN AWARDS Seven LETU psychology students presented their own original research studies as poster presentations at the 7th Annual East Texas Psi Chi Student Psychology Research Conference, and two of those students won an Award of Merit, one for a poster presentation and one for a student talk competition. This year marks the fifth consecutive year that an LETU student has captured an award. LETU will host the conference next year.
LETU FEATURED IN NATIONAL FLIGHT MAGAZINE FOR PILOT TRAINING Flying Magazine featured LETU as one of the top aviation programs in its Feb. 3 issue. The magazine highlighted the unique opportunities LETU provides, including pilot training in Citabria taildraggers and the bush pilot school. LETU SOFTBALL CLOTHING DRIVE BENEFITS AREA ORPHANAGE As part of the university's Mission Emphasis Week, Jan. 27-31, the LETU softball team held a clothing drive for Buckner Children and Family Services and collected over 300 items of clothing and 550 diapers for the area orphanage—all part of Mission Emphasis Week.
2ND ANNUAL AVIATION ART SHOW LETU’s School of Aeronautical Science hosted its second annual aircraftthemed art show Feb. 25-28 in the Abbott Aviation Center. The show displayed various types of aviationrelated artwork, including paintings, drawings, photographs and more from LETU faculty, staff, students, alumni and other aviation aficionados. The winners won prizes that included cash and ribbons. RON SONES NAMED ENDOWED CHAIR Dr. Ronald Sones has been named LETU’s Calvin Howe Endowed Chair to the School of Business. Sones has over 30 years of experience in software development, data and enterprise architecture and project management. Formerly a dean at Liberty University, Sones will emphasize how technology is integral in business and will teach courses on information systems, project management and technology. LIEBENGOOD NAMED NEW CHIEF GLOBAL INITIATIVES OFFICER Dr. Kelly Liebengood has been appointed as the university’s new Chief Global Initiatives Officer. He will be responsible for leading the university’s international recruiting and global initiatives programs, including overseeing projects dealing with study abroad and global service learning.
NIFA TEAM COMPETES NATIONALLY LETU’s “Sting” Precision Flight Team placed 15th in the nation at the National Intercollegiate Flying Association’s SAFECON competition from among teams from all over the United States. All of the teams had to place in the top three in regional competitions to qualify to compete at nationals. In October 2014, LETU will host the NIFA regional competition for the first time at the Abbott Aviation Center at East Texas Regional Airport.
LETU NAMES JOHN ANTONISSE AS NEW WOMEN'S SOCCER COACH John Antonisse was named the head women's soccer coach at LeTourneau University. Antonisse comes to LeTourneau after spending the last 17 years as the head coach at fellow American Southwest Conference member - University of Texas at Dallas.
LETU MAGAZINES WIN AWARDS LeTourneau University's NOW news magazine Fall 2013 issue (at left) and the university's Realities marketing magazine for prospective students (at right) both won Communicator Awards of Distinction for Magazine: Educational Institution in the 2014 Communicator Awards. The Fall 2013 issue of the NOW magazine also won an Award of Distinction for Copy Writing.
Don’t let the winds of a fluctuating market blow you around. A charitable gift annuity can provide you with financial security with fixed payments for life. You can help LeTourneau University and won’t have to keep an eye on the shifting markets. ·Gain a charitable deduction/tax savings ·Bypass capital gains tax on gifts ·Secure lifelong fixed payments ·Remainder benefits LETU To learn more about gift annuities, visit our website at www.letu.giftlegacy.com or contact Bryan Benson, Director of Gift Planning and Endowed Scholarships, at (903) 233-3809 or by email at BryanBenson@letu.edu. LeTourneau University | 13
CAMPAIGN UPDATE
A Testament to God's Faithfulness By Janet Ragland
“For Such a Time as This Campaign” reflects the generosity of the Lord and His people who have given to the mission, ministry and students of LETU. As of the beginning of May, more than $24.5 million has been pledged toward the $27.5 million goal! “These financial gifts help us provide significant benefit to students who otherwise could not attend LeTourneau,” said LETU Vice President for Enrollment Services Dr. Terry Dale Cruse. “The opening of the new Allen Family Student Center, which is funded by this campaign, has already made a huge impact on the quality of student life on campus and the ability for us to attract students to LETU.” LETU Executive Director for Development Eric McCrory said that LETU faculty, staff, students and friends of the university are already benefitting from the fruit of this “For Such a Time as This” universitywide comprehensive campaign. “We are so grateful to the Lord who has been faithful in using so many to answer His leading to give generously to the university,” McCrory 14 | NOW Magazine | Spring 2014
said. “Whether a gift goes to the Annual Fund in support of student scholarships, or whether a gift is specifically designated to one of the five pillars of our campaign, they all mean so much! “The opening of the Allen Family Student Center is a great example, but also we are seeing scholarship support for students increasing; YellowJacket sports teams, fans and students are already using the Joyce Family Athletic Village; the university’s Center for Faith and Work efforts are expanding; global service learning initiatives are growing; and academic excellence initiatives are helping LETU faculty and students have additional resources for hands-on learning projects.” But more funding is still needed. “Two Scripture passages continue to remind me that God is our Provider, that it is He who has been so generous to us and that He asks us to be generous as He leads us to give,” McCrory said. “Deuteronomy 8:18 states, ‘But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms His covenant, which He swore to your ancestors, as it is today,’” McCrory said. “Then, in 2 Corinthians 9:7-8, Paul
reminds us, ‘Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.’ “Both of these beloved passages remind me that God is at work in us and through us as He leads,” McCrory said. “Our role is to let those opportunities be made known to those whom He may choose to work through.” McCrory said he remembers fondly an old time hymn that he grew up singing in church: “The lyrics simply state, ‘Because I have been given much, I too must give,” McCrory said. “We at LeTourneau University are grateful to the Lord and thankful to all who have partnered with us and who will begin to partner with us as we follow His lead to prepare men and women to see their life’s work as a holy calling.” For more information, go to campaign.letu.edu. The LeTourneau University Annual Fund provides significant tuition discounts to students who otherwise could not attend LETU. Your gifts can help us reach our $750,000 goal by the end of June. Please prayerfully consider giving your tax-deductible gift to the campaign or to the LeTourneau University Annual Fund at www.letu.edu/give or send it in by mail at LeTourneau University, Development Office, P.O. Box 7333, Longview, Texas 75607. Thank you for your generosity! n
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Other Ways to Give Give by Donating Goods Do you have an old laptop, smartphone or game console, jewelry, vehicle, or other item of some value? Visit www.letu.edu/idonate to start a gift-in-kind donation. Our partners sell your item, you get a receipt for your tax records, and LETU receives the proceeds.
Kroger For KrogerPlus members, Kroger's Community Rewards program donates a portion of eligible purchases to the organization of your choice. Visit www.letu.edu/kroger to enroll with your membership card and choose LeTourneau University (NPO# 84780). Remember, you must re-enroll each year to continue in the Community Rewards program.
(As of early June)
$24,628,233.17
Employer Matching Donations Did you know that you can double your charitable donations to LETU if you or your spouse works for a company that offers to match donations to 501(c)3 organizations, like LeTourneau University? You can search for you or your spouse's company at www.letu.edu/matchinggifts. It's easy! Many companies match two-to-one, so for every dollar you give, LETU gets two more!
$24,628,233.17
Amazon Start your shopping at smile.amazon. com, choose LeTourneau University as your selected organization, and the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible purchases.
Give by Shopping You're going to buy things anyway, right? Here are some ways your purchase can benefit LeTourneau University.
Tom Thumb Tom Thumb's Good Neighbor Program allows customers to directly donate dollars to a favorite church, school or other nonprofit organization. Link your reward card to our account by completing the form at www.letu.edu/tomthumb (use our Charity# 9090) and returning it to your store's courtesy booth.
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Local Outreach
LETU Opens New Counseling Center To Serve Students, Help Local Community, and Provide Clinical Experience for Graduate Psychology Students Written and photographed by Janet Ragland
J
udi Coyle smiles as she speaks to local pastors and church leaders, “Life is just too short to not be fully alive.” Coyle is the director of the new LeTourneau University Center for Counseling, which seeks to create partnerships with local churches and organizations and seek grants that would support the university’s newest outreach. The new counseling center serves three primary objectives: providing comprehensive professional marriage and family therapy services, providing graduate level training for students pursuing clinical licensure, and promoting family health in East Texas and beyond. The new center ministers to the community by providing affordable, high quality counseling services for the entire community, even to people who might not have been able to afford counseling without such a center. “I spent a week recently interacting with over 30 churches in the East Texas region, offering our services as a way to alleviate the load on their ministerial staff for the need for counseling in churches,” she said. “We offer services to children, adolescents, couples and families through individual and group counseling sessions in an effort to break down barriers to relational, spiritual and emotional health. Our goal is to provide a safe, professional context and direction for positive change by improving our relationship with self, others and God.” Coyle said counseling is a compassionate and educational discipline which encourages positive growth and change in life. In counseling, clients address the multitude of barriers which prevent them from being fully alive and thriving. As a licensed professional counselor for the past 15 years, Coyle sees counseling as an act of courage and honesty, as a decision to really live. She has found this positive perspective of counseling to be a good way to start a community conversation about mental health services. “Part of my life’s work is to reduce the stigma associated with receiving mental health services,” 16 | NOW Magazine | Spring 2014
Coyle said. “I remind folks that we are all more connected when we acknowledge brokenness, in our culture and neighborhoods, and sometimes within ourselves. “We want our community to know about LeTourneau University’s Center for Counseling long before a mental health crisis emerges,” she said. “My hope is that our East Texas community will use our services fully and be willing to share with others who may benefit from our services.” Counseling addresses issues including addictions, adolescent and childhood behavior problems, anxiety and depression, bereavement, impulse control problems, marital distress, personality disorders, sexual dysfunctions, spiritual issues, vocational and life transition challenges, trauma and abuse and a host of other mental health and interpersonal struggles. Coyle directed a large regional counseling center for a church in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and also raised funds to establish a community counseling center for Richmont Graduate University. Now she uses all of that experience directing the new counseling center, located in Longview Hall at LETU’s main campus in Longview. Serving as both director and clinical faculty member, Coyle and other licensed clinicians oversee graduate students who provide counseling services to LETU students and members of the community. “When I go to churches and tell them how we are able to provide professional counseling and marriage and family therapy at a university-based center for members of our East Texas community at reasonable fees, the response from pastors, doctors, other referral professionals and family members has been outstanding. LETU’s Psychology Department serves around 200 graduate students who need clinical experience toward the end of their academic programs. “This new center serves as the teaching clinic of an amazing academic graduate program that has a Christcentered worldview and is immersed in effective,
empirically based treatment modalities,” Coyle said. “Our faith informs our practice, and our clinical compassion also informs our faith with the ultimate goal of encouraging growth of the whole person.” The LeTourneau University Center for Counseling got its start in the Fall of 2013, serving students and then expanding this past spring to become a needed outreach into the community. “Until last fall, the onus of counseling LETU students was on the Office of Student Life, which had one or two part-time counselors,” Coyle said. “When that responsibility was shifted over to the counseling center, we began expanding services because we were able to offer between six and eight graduate interns in the clinical portions of their programs to provide counseling services. Our graduate interns are under the supervision of licensed professionals in positions of responsibility and most of whom are all also seminary trained.” “Because our graduate students are under supervision, we are able to offer great counseling to the community at only a fraction of the typical cost for such services,” she said. “We also have licensed professional counselors and clinical licensed faculty who have associated their practices with our center who see clients at higher price points.” LETU offers two licensure-track graduate degree programs in Christ-centered professional counseling
and marriage and family therapy. Students may complete their degrees online, through a face-to-face traditional program, or through a hybrid model—a combination of the two that is available in both Longview and Dallas. Incoming freshmen students also can earn their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a new, five-year program that prepares them for licensure. “Counseling can be helpful for people of all ages, for various reasons, and during any season of life,” Coyle said. “Our counselors work with clients to address any number of issues, and each counselor is committed to helping within a Christian framework. Whether they are seeking treatment for a diagnosed mental illness or needing help with relational or personal growth, family concerns, or the stressors of daily life, our goal is to help individuals, couples, and families work toward solutions.” n
For more information on LETU’s new Center for Counseling, the Master of Arts in Counseling or the Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, visit the website at www.letu.edu/counselingcenter. To offset operational expenses and allow the center to continue to provide low-cost services, the counseling center accepts donations and grants.
LeTourneau University | 17
Righteous Written and Photographed by Rachel Stallard
Rides
Two 10-year-old boys tinker with their bicycles in the garage. The two had met in Sunday School at a church outside St. Louis, Missouri, becoming fast friends and spending weekends together over the years, working on bikes, mini bikes, motorcycles, and eventually, cars. When the young men went off to LeTourneau College in 1977 to study business, they thought they might someday even start a business together.
Little did they know then that their dream would eventually come true – 40 years later – with another garage collaboration that would be fine-tuned for missionary families who need reliable transportation during furloughs. LETU alumni Mark Reighard and Bret Byus have been renting vehicles to furloughed missionaries through the nonprofit they founded since January 2007. That year, Righteous Rides put five Chrysler mini-vans on the road. Today, Byus keeps an eye on maintenance issues in their 70-vehicle fleet at their base camp at Moscow Mills, Missouri. Byus addressed power-train and electrical issues, as well as realized efficiencies in parts, labor and troubleshooting, by communizing their fleet. Through God’s providence, the nonprofit was able to purchase a 10-year-old dealership in a nearby town in Missouri—at a third of the original asking price. Their new facility sits on 10 acres, has parking for 850, sports a 20,000-square-foot building, and features an 8,000-square-foot showroom that’s currently being leased by a start-up church of 350. “It’s incredible the way God orchestrated all of these pieces,” Reighard said. “We didn’t need the showroom, and the church’s rent is paying for our note on the building. God closed the door on other facilities we were looking at, and kept anyone else from buying this one, just so we could have the facility at that specific time in the life of Righteous Rides. It wouldn’t have worked any sooner, or any later.” “We truly have the facility now that we need,” Byus said. “We could operate a fleet of 4,000 to 5,000 out of 18 | NOW Magazine | Spring 2014
there with no problem. Everything we need is there.” After graduating from LeTourneau, the two had taken separate career paths— Byus went to Chrysler; Reighard to Boeing. They each returned to their hometown in 2005 with the intention of shifting gears. “We were sitting around one day, talking about what we could do that would use the skills God’s given us, and all this work we’ve been doing chasing money in our careers, that would be Kingdom work,” Reighard said. “Because of our friendships with missionaries, we knew there was a need for affordable, reliable transportation, so we said, ‘Let’s buy a van and let them use it.’” Reighard brought his business experience incorporating a 501(c)(3) with tax exemption status. Byus used what he had learned from his “day job” to introduce a reliable vehicle he knew inside and out. Staying in contact with LETU friends was also a motivating force in their decision to start the nonprofit. “Of all of our colleagues we went to school with, it seemed like maybe 30% of them ended up in international missions,” Byus said. “We saw first-hand that one of their main concerns when they came home was finding something to drive.” Some of the challenges included where to find a car, how to buy a car (with no credit, insurance or experience), who to turn to if it breaks down and what to do with it upon returning to the mission field. Byus said
some had seen a 12-month furlough in the states costing $5,000 to $6,000 for transportation. “Furlough ought to be about recharging, relaxing “In and resting; and often it’s about headaches and the shop, hassles and high costs, so whatever we can do to be an we meet a lot encouragement is an asset,” Reighard said. of guys who are Christians; “Word-of-mouth is a big deal in the missionary but they’re not going to teach a Sunday community,” Reighard said. “You can see it when a School class, or sing in the choir, or lead the Awanas missionary from Kenya used a van, and all of sudden e-mails are flooding in from Kenya. Once they get a taste program,” Byus said. “But if you ask them to come of the ministry and what it does, it takes that worry work in the shop, drink some coffee and do a brake job, away. they’re all over it. This is a way for guys to be involved “If a missionary couple uses the van once, they in ministry, in fulfilling the Great Commission, and it’s usually go ahead and reserve their spot for their next something they enjoy doing. They’ve found a gift that furlough three years later, as well,” Reighard said. they can use to serve the Lord. We provide that for a lot Righteous Ride’s fleet is currently booked through the next few years. More volunteers, strategically Furlough ought located near larger airport hubs, are showing an to be about interest in expanding the recharging, ministry. LETU alumni have relaxing and joined the nonprofit, resting, and ferrying vehicles between often it’s about airports and the base camp in Missouri. Byus said he headaches and also calls on his East Texas hassles and high friends for quick fixes when costs, so whatever he can’t get to a vehicle. “We have a lot of we can do to be an LeTourneau alumni in the encouragement Longview area that we’re is an asset. able to tap into,” Byus said. “LeTourneau is always From left, Mark Reighard and Bret Byus founded Righteous Rides in 2007. —MARK REIGHARD looking out for missionaries. I think that was instilled in us through R.G.’s influence.” of men who otherwise wouldn’t know how to serve.” The ministry funds itself primarily by serving as a Righteous Rides also ministers to the needs of the used-car lot; albeit a reputable one with an all-points missionaries because each van comes to the family with system check and complete disclosure. Righteous a full tank of gas, a DVD player and a GPS navigation Rides is licensed to accept, refurbish and resell donated system, along with personalized backpacks loaded with vehicles, such as cars, jet skis, campers and boats. toys for the kids and care packages with toiletries and “We accept a car with its problems, fix the problems and then retail it, sometimes doubling the price and snacks for the adults. Righteous Rides also offers a 24improving its value,” Byus said. hour hotline that missionaries across the country can call He said donors get to maximize their tax deductions, with confidence. don’t have to worry about selling the vehicle and know “When we give them the van, it’s spotless,” Reighard the money from their donation is going to a missionssaid. “These gift bags are in there, and we tell them minded organization. how much we appreciate what they’re doing and the Besides donating vehicles, other ways people can be sacrifices they make to serve the Lord overseas. We also involved in the ministry is through donating time— pray with them before they leave.” n especially car junkies with a few vacation days on their hands.
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Local Outreach
LETU to mentor new Businesses Written by Janet Ragland
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eTourneau University’s School of Business is making an impact locally through expanding relationships with the Longview Chamber of Commerce, the City of Kilgore and new businesses in the East Texas area. The school is providing a variety of hands-on outreach projects that give LETU business students practical, real-world experience that will reflect on their resumes and springboard them into successful internships and careers.
LETU students recently conducted research and revamped the human resources initiatives for the City of Kilgore to move it to a “merit-based” compensation system, instead of a seniority-based system. Kilgore City Manager Scott Sellers said the work done by the LETU students has already paid dividends. “Through the study, Kilgore has updated its vision, mission and values statements, implemented a new Human Resources Information System, refined job descriptions, and established a meritbased compensation system,” Sellers said. “I am pleased to have forged a lasting relationship with a locally prominent institution. This study was a win-win for both LeTourneau and Kilgore.”
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The LETU School of Business also has partnered with the Longview Chamber of Commerce, which is providing downtown office space and technical support for LETU’s newly launched Enactus Club, a student entrepreneurship initiative that unites students from diverse degree programs across the university to work together in launching businesses. The students also will serve as consultants to local small businesses and nonprofits. Enactus is an international nonprofit organization that brings together student, academic and business leaders committed to using the power of entrepreneurial action to improve quality of life and standard of living. “LETU students can provide services to new businesses in areas such as marketing, fundraising, accounting, web design, IT infrastructure, and technical feasibility,” said LETU business dean Dr. Bruce A. Bowman. “This partnership affords LeTourneau University access to the local business community and a full range of Chamber activities and gives students hands-on experience along with corporate sponsor and faculty oversight. “LETU students also will help the Chamber grow its membership by providing marketing assistance and planning outreach initiatives,” Bowman said. “Our students will be after-school mentors to students at Forest Park Middle School and mentors to the Longview Chamber’s Young Entrepreneurs Academy program. The experience not only transforms lives, it helps students of all ages develop the kind of talent and perspective that are essential to leadership in an ever-more complicated and challenging business world,” Bowman said. n
Written and photographed by Janet Ragland
LeTourneau University began offering its first graduate program, an MBA, in 1992. Since LETU began offering that first graduate degree, more graduate degrees have followed, with a variety of specializations designed specifically to meet the demand for higher education in the workplace. LETU’s newest graduate degree program, slated to launch in Spring 2015 pending approval from SACSCOC, is the Master of Engineering Management, a collaborative program between the School of Business and School of Engineering. LETU will also launch a new Professional Master of Business Administration designed for professionals seeking to advance professionally by strengthening their skills in our ever-expanding technological age. SCHOOL OF BUSINESS •Master of Business Administration •NEW! Professional Master of Business Administration •Finance •General Management •Human Resource Management •Master of Strategic Leadership •Master of Science in Health Care Administration •NEW! Master of Engineering Management * •Oil and Gas •Software Engineering •Project Management •Aerospace Management *(pending approval by the SACSCOC) SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES •Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy •Master of Arts in Counseling •Professional Counseling •Marriage and Family Therapy •Dual Specialization •Master of Arts in Psychology SCHOOL OF EDUCATION •Master of Education •Curriculum and Instruction Specialization •Educational Administration Specialization •Teaching and Learning Specialization SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING •Master of Science in Engineering •Master of Engineering (non-thesis)
As with all of LETU programs, the graduate programs emphasize ethics, integrity and ingenuity throughout the curriculum. Some of the graduate programs are fully online and attract students from all over the globe. Other LETU graduate programs are offered in classrooms in Dallas, Houston or Longview, and some of the programs are delivered in a hybrid modality, with some online and some face-to-face coursework. All LETU graduate programs are consistent with LETU’s heritage and are based on a Christ-centered worldview. With the expansion of graduate programs, LETU has established The Graduate School at LeTourneau University, an administrative unit led by Dr. Robert W. Hudson, who serves as vice president and dean. Hudson collaborates with the university’s academic schools to oversee development of professional graduate educational initiatives, including on-ground and hybrid degree programs, professional certification programs and university-to-business educational partnerships. The Graduate School also works in conjunction with the university’s Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL) to foster innovative delivery models that are valued and proven. “LETU was an early adopter of professional level education and online learning,” Hudson said. “The Graduate School seeks to expand the reach of the university through graduate programs regionally and globally. We seek to educate the next generation of scholars, professionals and global leaders in a competitive, knowledge-based world.” n LeTourneau University | 21
“I’ve realized God uses our different personalities and our experiences to help us be better counselors.” —DR. MALINDA FASOL
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Dr. Malinda Fasol Grounded in Faith to Heal the Hurting Written by Rachel Stallard, Photographed by Tom Barnard
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itting in her theater class at William Jewell College, Malinda Fasol was perplexed. She had just returned from a long break at home, catching up with old friends before returning to her studies in Liberty, Missouri. As she had stood in the church foyer that weekend, relishing in a moment from one of her speech communication classes, her parent’s friend looked at her, puzzled. “I thought you were studying to be a counselor,” the older woman said. It was a conversation Malinda was finding herself having more often. “I knew God was speaking to me about the importance of being a counselor, but I didn’t want to hear it. So then He started using other people,” recalls the assistant professor who is eager to welcome the first cohort of LETU’s new Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy program in the Dallas Educational Center this fall. “I had to go back to God and say, ‘OK, you win.’ Of course, now I can’t imagine doing anything else. His way is always perfect, but it took me a while to get that.” Fasol always knew she wanted to teach. Her dad had been a professor at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, and she, too, enjoyed the academic field. “On the other hand, I knew it was so important to have experience in a field like counseling,” she said. As she got into her graduate level classes in Marriage & Family Counseling at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, she said she could relate more to the professors who went beyond the textbook. “I could tell I needed a lot more experience if I was going to do this, and God worked it out for me to get 10 years in the field before I went into teaching,” she said. In addition to working at a psychiatric hospital, a church, and a social service organization, Fasol joined in private practice with another Southwestern alum shortly after finishing her dissertation. The two started Focus for Living in Burleson, Texas, where Fasol is a state Licensed Professional Counselor, a neurotherapist and a psychotherapist.
Fasol is picking up the teaching mantle for LETU in an area of sore need. Nationally, 50% of first-time marriages end in divorce. In the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, which more than six million people call home, those statistics are elevated to 60%. Additionally, Texas leads the nation in child abuse deaths, with 60% of those deaths being children younger than 6. “There’s a great need for family therapists in this area, but there’s an even greater need to have them trained with a Christian background,” Fasol said. “We want students qualified in clinical knowledge, counseling skills, and ethical character, but the foundation of it all has to be from a biblical objective.” Upon completing LETU’s new MAMFT program, graduates can apply to be a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT) or a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Today, Marriage and Family Therapy is rated as one of the top careers and is a core mental-health profession. Nearly 1.8 million people are now receiving treatment from a marriage and family therapist, making job opportunities abundant in such areas as: church, community, government, military, hospital, school and educational settings, and society at large. Fasol hopes to continue her work in counseling alongside her teaching, so she can stay current. “I think it helps students have a better understanding when their professors are in clinical practice, because that experience gives professors a wealth of knowledge to draw from,” Fasol said. “I’ve realized God uses our different personalities and our experiences to help us be better counselors,” she said. “It really is a privilege, and quite an honor, for someone who doesn’t even know you to share their deepest, darkest secrets; and we’re the holder of those secrets. It’s an honor to help that person— to walk alongside them and be there as God brings healing into their life. What makes a great counselor isn’t about us. It’s through God’s power, and by allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us, that we will see results.” n
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classnotes MEMORIALS The loss of a loved one, friend or colleague often inspires us to ensure that their memory lives on. Many people find that supporting LETU is an ideal way to honor someone who has passed away. Gifts made "in memoriam" offer lasting honor to a loved one while providing family and friends with the satisfaction of knowing they have helped others. If you would like to give a memoriam to LETU, please call 1-800-259-5388 or donate online at www.letu/give. The family will be notified of your generosity when a memoriam is made.
Brian (’01, ME) and Carly (Schouten) (’04, BME) Vander Woude announce the birth of Nathan, born Oct. 9, 2013, in Lynden, Wash. He was welcomed home by his siblings Reagan (6) and Lane (3).
Ruedi (’08, AFFS) and Whitney (Barnes) (’07, PSCD) Schubarth announce the birth of their first child, Hadley Ann, born on Dec. 28, 2013, at 6 lbs. 13 oz. and 18 ¾ inches long. Ruedi works for AAI Corp., and they live in Twentynine Palms, Calif.
David (’06, ME) and Shari (’04, ISE1EC-4) Hufft welcomed Malachi Tiberius on Sept. 16, 2013, at 7 lbs. 13 oz. and 21 inches long. They now live in Shasta Lake, Calif.
Chris and Anna (Coley)(’09, BSFin) Oliver announce the birth of their daughter, Kate Louise, on March 18 at 12:52 a.m. at 6 lbs. 12 oz., 21 inches long.
Tommie Ray Spraggins (’59, WT), 84, of Albany, Ga., died Monday, Dec. 9, 2013. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Juanita. David Toon (’60) died Oct. 9, 2013, in Longview, Texas. He is survived by this wife, Linda, three grown children, seven grandchildren, one great grandson, four siblings and their families.
BIRTHS Levi (Gordon) (’96 ME) and Tami (Foran) Richards (’01) welcome their active little girl, Caitlyn Rose, born Sept. 13, 2013. She joins siblings Levi (4) and Corbin (2). Gordon has changed jobs and is now the Sr. Product Design Engineer for Wellmark in Oklahoma City, Okla.
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Damon Stokes (’07, EE) and wife Erin, announce the birth of Levi Riley on Sept. 7, 2013, weighing 8 lbs. 1 oz. in Keizer, Ore. He joins big sister, Clara (2).
Joel (’07, ASFS) and Christy (Robbins) (’08, CMIN) Geaslen just had twins. Ezra Josiah was born at 6:52 p.m. May 11, weighing 6 lbs. 7 oz. and Amelia Dawn was born at 7:02 p.m. weighing 7 lbs. 8 oz.
WEDDINGS Douglass Glidden (’08, CE-Engr) and his wife, Amanda, announce the birth of Ian Douglass on Jan. 7, at 7 lbs. 8 oz. and 21 inches long in Woodbridge, Va.
Jonathan Hay (’07, FIN) married his wife, Erica, in Los Angeles on Feb. 9, 2013. Austin Richards (’12, HSBS) and Rachel Maxwell (’12, HIPL) were married Aug. 11, 2012. The couple lives in Iowa City, Iowa, where Austin is a NICU nurse at University of Iowa Hospital.
Matthew DeBock (’13 BME) and Katya Rempel (’13 ISE1) were married in Anchorage, Alaska, June 8, 2013. Matthew is attending Duke graduate school and they live in Durham, N. C.
CLASS NOTES 50s
Kevin Duffey (’96 BBM) has taken a job with Arthrocare as the Strategic Sourcing and Procurement Director. He and his wife, Debbie, and children, Kailyn (13) and Kelsey (6), now live in Buda, Texas. Becky Renfro Borbolla (’96, BBM), vice president of Renfro Foods, was recognized as one of seven regional finalists for the 2014 DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for its business practices and community involvement. The company was previously honored in this capacity in 2012.
10s Robert Soliz (’10, AAAS) was caught rubbing shoulders with Uncle Si from Duck Dynasty fame at Covington Aircraft in Tunica, Miss., on March 27, 2014. Blake Andrus (’11, AATC) completed his FAA required training in Oklahoma City in March 2013.
00s
Roger Barbour (’53 LI), John Hardison (’54 IS) and Ken Thomas (’53 ES) met for lunch in San Bernadino on Jan 2, 2014 to remember the good old days.
60s Roger Fenton (’64, ET) received his Doctorate in Biblical Studies from Louisiana Baptist University, Shreveport, La., on May 3, 2013. He and his wife, Joyce, live in Erie, Penn.
70s Steven Reas (’78, BUBS/ATBS) and his wife, Brenda, now live in Live Oak, Fla.
90s Jenelle Piepmeier (’93, ME) was selected as the recipient of the 2014 Raouf Ali Raouf Award for Excellence in Teaching Engineering. As an associate professor of the Weapons and Systems Engineering Department at the Naval Academy, she inspired midshipmen to high academic success in engineering coursework and improved the level of classroom instruction in engineering courses.
Matt Bulpitt (’03, EE) was recently awarded the 2013 Rosenblatt Young Naval Engineer Award from the American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE). RD Kincannon (’06, MBMN/MBA), his wife, Amy, and son, Ethan (6), live in Plano, Texas, where he works as a mortgage loan officer for Texas Lending. Ryan and Shannon (Toews) (’08, BME) Potter have accepted a two-year commission with Samaritan’s Purse in the Congo. Shannon will finish her OB/ GYN doctorate in June from St. Louis University and hopes to start an obstetric fistula training center to change the lives of women. Ryan will train medical students in clinical research and repairing/maintaining hospital equipment, will start a bio-diesel refinery and teach the community how to make rocket stoves to better use their wood. Shannon’s blog spot is: congoline2012.blogspot.com. Jonathan Hay (’07, FIN) released his first independent film, “The Arroyo,” a 90-minute dramatic feature film set against the backdrop of the violence and lawlessness on America’s southern border. The film received great reviews during its premiere in Texas in January. Hay has transitioned into production for shows like “So You Think You Can Dance,” “The Amazing Spider-Man” and “American Idol.”
Joel Koehler (’11, AATC) completed his FAA required training in February in Oklahoma City and scored at the top of his class. He is now an ATC-Developmental in Fort Smith, Ark., at Fort Smith Regional Airport. Raina Howerton (’12, MBA) was named the director of the Gregg County Historical Museum on Aug. 1, 2013.
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Local Outreach
New GRANT to BENEFIT East TexaNs Written by Janet Ragland. Photo by Randy Mallory.
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eTourneau University is making college life on campus more affordable for local students by offering a new Future of East Texas Grant. Residential students may qualify for up to $4,500 per year in additional tuition assistance to add on to whatever other financial aid they receive. FETGs are renewable for four years, totaling up to $18,000 per student. First-time college students enrolling for Fall 2014 whose home address falls in specific East Texas zip codes that include Longview, Tyler, Kilgore, Hallsville, Whitehouse, Lindale and other local cities, may qualify for the grants. “LETU believes the future of East Texas is in the dreams of our children,” said LETU President Dr. Dale A. Lunsford. “A residential college experience offers unique preparation for a future life of professional skill and Christ like character. This grant, in addition to our existing scholarship program, brings a quality LETU education within reach for many of our neighbors.” This new grant is designed for students who plan to seek degrees offered in LETU’s School of Aeronautical Science, School of Arts and Sciences, School of Business or School of Education. Students
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must maintain a grade point average of 2.5 and continue to live on campus. Those who move off campus or change majors to schools not listed will forfeit the grant. The scholarship applies to every residence hall on campus. LETU doesn't currently have variable housing rates, so the grant is worth the same amount regardless of housing facility selection. Qualified students are notified of eligibility when they apply. Students are expected to write a brief essay on “How my dreams will make the future of East Texas brighter.” A limited number of grants are available. For more information about the grant, go to www.letu.edu/easttxgrant. Terry Dale Cruse, vice president for Enrollment Services, is supportive of the new grant specifically for East Texas students. “One of the best Christian universities in the nation is right here, in their backyard,” Cruse said. “LeTourneau enrolls students from all 50 states and more than 30 nations, so we want more local East Texas students to experience the quality education that draws students from thousands of miles around the globe.” n
Nationally Acclaimed. Locally Affordable. $18,000 in grants available for qualified East Texas students.
LeTourneau University's FUTURE OF EAST TEXAS GRANT
NEW Fall 2014!
This new grant provides to first-time college students from selected East Texas zip codes the ability to live on campus with: • Additional financial aid of $4,500 per year for local high school students to attend LETU • Grant is renewable up to four years totaling $18,000 Go online to visit www.letu.edu/apply to fill out an application to attend LETU if you plan to major in one of the following areas:
• • • •
School of Aeronautical Science School of Arts and Sciences School of Business School of Education
Check your zip code and learn more at
www.letu.edu/EastTXGrant
The Future of East Texas Grant was created to serve East Texas students who seek to experience residential college life.
LeTourneau University | 27
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