NOW Magazine Summer 2010 Issue by LeTourneau University

L E TO U R N E A U U N I V E R S I T Y

SUMMER 2010

a message from the president ummer is here. Our graduates have crossed the stage and stepped into the next phase of their lives. Some are going on to graduate schools or military service. Some are joining the work force, and others are pursuing a future in the ministry. All are entering the mission field for which God has called them. They have been changed by their time at LeTourneau University.

Recent research done by the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities shows well-qualified faculty members are one of the top three reasons students choose one university over another. At LeTourneau University, we have faculty members who are among the top of their academic disciplines, keeping a sharp edge in their diverse fields of study, while also investing themselves in the lives of their students. This issue of the NOW magazine features a sampling of the many faculty members from LETU’s various schools: Aeronautical Science—Brad Wooden, Arts and Sciences—Bobby Johnson and Judy Taylor, Business—Juan Castro, Education—Melanie Roudkovski and Engineering—Bill Graff and Roger Gonzalez. Castro and Roudkovski also teach in our School of Graduate and Professional Studies. They all contribute to make LeTourneau University the top-tier university it is. Our faculty members understand what it is to pursue excellence in scholarship and in teaching, and they also have an abiding relationship with Jesus Christ. They understand the eternal value of their calling to teach, to profess God’s Word and to mentor students during their interactions—both in and outside of class. Many of our faculty members attend YellowJacket athletic events, eat lunches with students in the new Corner Café and invite groups of students into their homes for home-cooked meals, holidays and celebrations. Exceptional teachers motivate students. LETU’s undergraduate students are involved in research projects, and some have been published in academic journals before they graduate. Just this last year, sophomore student intern Becca Westrup co-authored a research paper with English professor Dr. Annie Olson that won the “Editor’s Choice Award” from the International Visual Literacy Association. Undergraduate students Cory Husk, Sungyub Lew and Tiana Schufeldt worked on research with biology associate professor Karen Rispin and engineering professors Dr. Roger Gonzalez and Dr. Stephen Ayers. Their paper has been nominated for consideration for the Best Papers Awards at the 13th annual Society of Prosthetic Orthotics World Congress. It’s not just talk but proof of academic quality. College years are pivotal as students discover their purpose, ground themselves in biblical values, broaden their knowledge, deepen their skills and collaborate together to learn and serve others. I’m grateful for LeTourneau faculty who guide this development and celebrate with every new graduate.

Follow me: Facebook: www.facebook.com/dalelunsford Twitter: @dalelunsford Blog: presidentsblog.letu.edu

O NW

LETOURNEAU UNIVERSITY

DALE A. LUNSFORD, Ph.D. PUBLISHER MARILA PALMER EXECUTIVE EDITOR JANET RAGLAND EDITOR IN CHIEF KATE GRONEWALD WRITER / EDITOR TOM BARNARD CREATIVE DIRECTOR / GRAPHIC DESIGNER KENDA BEDFORD CLASS NOTES NIEMAN PRINTING PRINTING phil@niemanprinting.com

Claiming every workplace in every nation as our mission field, LeTourneau University graduates are professionals of ingenuity and Christ-like character who see life’s work as a holy calling with eternal impact. LeTourneau University is an interdenominational Christ-centered university offering academic majors in the aeronautical sciences, business, education, engineering, healthcare, the humanities and sciences. LeTourneau University also offers undergraduate degree programs in business, education and psychology and graduate programs in business and education at educational centers in Austin, Bedford, Dallas, Houston, Tyler and online. NOW is published three times per year 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. Photo at left by: Scott Brunner

contents 4

Focus on the Faculty

News and Notes

New Faculty

Sports

Class Notes

Foundation Support

“BEHOLD, NOW IS THE ACCEPTABLE TIME; BEHOLD NOW IS THE DAY OF OUR SALVATION.” II Cor. 6:2

CONTACT INFORMATION: PHONE: 903-233-3130 WEB: www.letu.edu E-mail: NOW@letu.edu

ADULT AND GRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS: PHONE: 903-233-3250 TOLL FREE: 800-388-5327

ADMISSIONS: PHONE: 903-233-4300 TOLL FREE: 800-759-8811

DEVELOPMENT: PHONE: 903-233-3800 TOLL FREE: 800-259-LETU

ALUMNI OFFICE: PHONE: 903-233-3803 E-MAIL: alumni@letu.edu

Fulbright Scholar, Poverty Fighter Juan Castro, Ph.D. Written By Janet Ragland Photographed by Randy Mallory

inance professor Dr. Juan Castro, 48, emigrated from his native Honduras to the United States at the age of 24 without knowing how to speak a word of English. Today, he is a pastor, professor and a Fulbright Scholar, having attained one of the highest academic recognitions in the United States for scholarship and leadership in a program designed to exchange ideas across borders and find solutions to international concerns. As a Fulbright Scholar, Castro will teach graduate-level students in El Salvador, from July through November 2010, about financial strategy and risk as he researches how poor countries can eradicate poverty. El Salvador, Panama and Ecuador use the U.S. dollar as the medium of exchange. Castro will visit all three countries to research the practice as a means to help poor economies develop monetary stability, by eliminating inflation and exchange rate fluctuations. Castro has co-written two books in Spanish, one about Ecuador and the other on the dollarization of Honduras. Poverty is personal to Castro. He grew up the sixth of seven children in his family in the central, mountainous region of Honduras, in the garden city of Siguatepeque. His father left when he was three, and his mother supported her seven children by working as a telegraph operator. “We were very poor,” he said. Castro began working at the age of 12 doing odd jobs like selling papers or shining shoes to pay for junior high school classes at night. While his mother only made it through the fourth grade, she instilled in her children the value of an education. Upon arriving in the United States, Castro attended English as a Second Language classes at a community college before attending the University of New Orleans where he earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science (1993), his master’s degree in economics (1996) and his doctorate in finance and economics (1999). He taught at his alma mater for two years, worked as a bank vice president of risk management, then accepted a teaching

position at East Texas Baptist University, where he also served as dean of the business school. In 2001, Castro joined the faculty at LETU. At the invitation of the United Nations Development Program, Castro presented an economics seminar in Honduras last October on how to conduct macroeconomic research using Honduran data. The UN program seeks solutions to eradicate world poverty through professional development. During his summers, he has presented research papers or taught in other countries as well including Ecuador, Honduras, Scotland, England, Spain, Austria, and Netherlands. In summer 2008, he was invited by Oxford University in Great Britain to be part of their distinguished Oxford Round Table conference. Castro wants LETU students to be international and understand poverty. During spring break trips in 2007, 2008 and 2009 to Castro’s native country, students lived with Honduran families and visited small businesses like a shoe store, a market and some maquilas (factories) that export T-shirts. The international experience can be found in East Texas as well, when students visit Viva Abundante, the largest Hispanic Baptist church in East Texas, where as pastor Castro ministers to about 200 people from 15 countries. His family founded the church five years ago with LETU international students. Castro joined his first evangelical church after he accepted Christ at the age of 14 and later married his Southern Baptist pastor’s daughter, Lizete. Today they have three children, two of whom are LETU alumni. “For me, I studied financial economics because I wanted to help poor countries,” Castro said. “I’m going to El Salvador to study how a poor country can overcome poverty. The economics textbooks today are based on a United States economy, not an El Salvador economy. How do we know if the models in the textbooks can be applied to a poor country? What are the factors that make a country poor? Is it human resources, economic resources, production resources? I hope to discover a model for poor countries to develop economically.” n

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Inspire Others Melanie Roudkovski, Ph.D.

r. Melanie Roudkovski loves change. As an associate professor of psychology in LETU’s School of Education, her brain is always buzzing with new ways to broaden her students’ academic experiences and make them exceptional. Her latest efforts include curriculum development for two new graduate degree programs in the School of Graduate and Professional Studies: a Master in Counseling and a Master in Psychology. Both will be offered entirely online and will launch in January 2011, pending approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). “This is an opportunity to be a leader in online education, in being innovative and using our ingenuity to provide quality online instruction and train students for the counseling profession,” Roudkovski said. Whether she is crafting graduate course material or teaching counseling courses in LETU’s traditional program, Roudkovski infuses her professional clinical experiences into the classroom. She stays fresh in the field by maintaining a small, private counseling practice and actively researching behavioral topics. Roudkovski’s primary research is in family health, specifically 14 factors found to be indicative of healthy family functioning. She applies her findings in courses such as marriage and family and in the community, through family retreats and parenting seminars, where she draws the connection between family and faith. “I enjoy seeing the practical side of my research,” Roudkovski said. “We first and foremost need Christians researching family—and not have just anyone telling us what makes a good family. The things that make families healthy are biblical principles. That’s what works.” Roudkovski has published an assessment for clinicians to measure family health. Her book on family

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Written By Kate Gronewald Photographed by Randy Mallory

health, specifically among multicultural families, is set for publication this summer. Roudkovski’s interest in marriages between different ethnic identities began with her own family. Her husband, Dr. Viktor Roudkovski, is Russian. The two met while attending New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and both are now on faculty at LETU. The other Dr. Roudkovski is as an assistant professor of biblical studies. In January, LETU awarded Roudkovski Title III grant funds to contribute to her research proposal on the global experience “An Australian Adventure: Taking LeTourneau Down Under.” Roudkovski coordinated a three-week academic and mission trip to Australia in Redcliffe, Queensland, a coastal town outside of Brisbane. This summer, 13 students made the trip Down Under with the Roudkovski family and two additional LETU faculty members— Dr. Vicki Sheafer, psychology, and Dr. Pat Mays, Christian ministries. Working with Mueller Community Church and its private Christian school, ministry training facility and retirement village, LETU students shared devotionals, led chapel services and even participated in “sport” (the Aussies’ version of physical education class). For a more complete cultural immersion, students were housed with church families during their stay and accompanied church members on their annual mission trip, a 10-hour drive inland to minister to aboriginal communities. Roudkovski’s enthusiasm for initiating new experiences makes even more than a global impact. Her love of change inspires the lives of her students. “I never got to do things like this when I was younger, so to offer kids and families an opportunity they wouldn’t get otherwise is thrilling,” Roudkovski said. “I grew up in a single parent home. My mom always said ‘Education is not optional. You do it, and you do it to the best of your ability.’ Beyond that, anything is possible.” n

Following The Master Brad Wooden, M-CFI

Written By Teal Neighbors

Photographed by Randy Mallory

“Ladies and gentlemen, we might experience a little turbulence as we prepare to land, but we’ll soon be on the ground.”

fter five years as a commercial pilot with Sky West, Brad Wooden felt God returning him to his alma mater. As LeTourneau University assistant professor and assistant chief flight instructor, Wooden’s world of experience has helped him become one of the top flight instructors in the country. Wooden holds a Master Certificate Flight Instructor designation, which is an accreditation that fewer than 700 of the 93,000 certified flight instructors in the country have achieved. The international accrediting authority, Master Instructors LLC, bestows this “Master” designation only after a process that demonstrates a flight instructor’s ongoing commitment to excellence, professional growth, and service to the aviation community. Master flight instructors also must pass a rigorous evaluation by a peer Board of Review. They are recognized as outstanding aviation educators for not only their success in teaching, but for their engagement in the continuous process of learning, both their own and their students’. Wooden also coaches the top flight team in the country. The LeTourneau University Sting Precision Flight Team won the coveted Loening trophy last year at the National Intercollegiate Flying Association SAFECON national competition. The Loening Trophy is awarded to the best collegiate flight program in the nation,. “We have always known we had a great program,” Wooden said. “Now everyone does.”

Wooden graduated from LETU in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technology. He taught at a flight school in Tyler and then gained valuable commercial experience at Sky West. “Many students have no idea what it's really like to work in that environment,” Wooden said. "It can be very different than a lot of students think. Knowing the realities of their career choices can help students be better prepared after college.” Wooden creates media for the aviation program and enjoys showing guests the new Paul and Betty Abbott Aviation Center. He mentors new flight instructors and provides direction and solutions when students need help. Not all of the flight instruction at LETU is in an actual cockpit. Some of the flight training takes place in flight simulation labs where students practice, learn and strengthen their skills. Students appreciate Wooden’s practical knowledge and insistence on academic excellence. Instructors willing to teach, share and listen are part of what make LETU’s aviation program so widely acclaimed. “Working with Brad is great, both in the plane and on the ground,” said Steve Cantine, a senior aviation major. “He’s got a wealth of airline experience to draw upon when he’s instructing, and he’s built an excellent rapport with students.” Noting the purple sneakers that Wooden likes to wear, Cantine also noted with a grin, “He’s also got exceptional taste in footwear.” Would purple sneakers fly in the cockpit at Sky West? n

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Living History Bobby Johnson, Ph.D.

Written By Kate Gronewald

mages flash through his head as he weighs cracked pieces of pottery in the palm of his hand. A Caddo Indian woman. A smooth earthen vessel. Designs carefully engraved across its curvature. Functional. Beautiful. For who? Her family. For storing. Cooking. What? Maize? Beans? Squash? He fills in the blanks to solve the mysteries of those like us, from right here, but before us. History is more than maps and dusty artifacts, Civil War reenactments or five-pound textbooks when the right person makes it come alive and make a difference. As an associate professor of history and political science, Dr. Bobby Johnson does just that as he actively uses the past to shape LETU students’ futures. Johnson teaches a full load of history and political science courses but also promotes hands-on history through his relationship with the Gregg County Historical Museum. An active academic historian, researcher and writer, he began working with the Gregg County Historical Foundation in 2007 and now serves as chair of the museum’s Exhibits Committee. Every week he donates time and expertise to bring the museum up-to-date with archives organized, digitized and stored correctly. But he’s not the only one preserving East Texas history, one faded photo or pottery shard at a time. Since the museum is entirely volunteer-based, Johnson quickly recognized a prime opportunity for a symbiotic relationship. Each semester, he facilitates student volunteering at the museum. Museum interns get a real taste of what goes on behind the scenes and earn course credit as they shadow the director, attend monthly board meetings, organize collections, raise funds, participate in exhibits and help out with annual events. “We do everything we can to prepare students for whatever they want to do, whether it’s teaching history, attending grad school or law school, participating in public history or something else entirely,” Johnson said. “We pick up on and match students’ interests

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Photographed by Tom Barnard

with projects of real substance and rigor that allow them to gain background and professional experience in that subject.” “I get to be part of what I view as a pivotal, transitional time in life, when students are coming alive intellectually,” Johnson said. One of Johnson’s favorite spots is on the museum’s third floor, where surrounded by the extensive collection of Caddo Indian artifacts and antiques from East Texans past, he looks out from the corner window to a sweeping view of downtown Longview. “I see museum work as my way of being part of LeTourneau’s ‘every workplace in every nation’ initiative,” Johnson said. “My version of travel is jumping in my car and driving down the roads of Texas.” Johnson reminds his students: You don’t have to go far to dig deep and excavate experience while you impact those around you. Johnson and his students document and catalog LETU’s rich heritage by recording oral history interviews with current and former faculty, staff and Longview locals who have contributed to its growth and development. “Both the Gregg County Historical Museum and LETU archives give students outstanding experiences. They get into the community to be a part of this place we’re living,” Johnson said. With roots in Austin, Johnson has “wandered around Texas for 20 years.” Along the way, he earned a master’s degree in history from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a doctorate from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. After teaching at public secondary schools, colleges and universities throughout the state, he came to LeTourneau in 2001. While 2010 marks the 100th anniversary of the Gregg County Historical Museum building, the potential of LETU’s partnership with the museum is only budding. After all, history has to start somewhere, and it often starts at home. n

MathwithMozart Judy Taylor, Ph.D. Written By Teal Neighbors

Photographed by Randy Mallory

andering through Longview Hall, you may hear classical music wafting from one of Dr. Judy Taylor’s trigonometry classes. Taylor has a teaching style that is fun yet focused, and she is passionate about helping her students succeed. This passion led her to the handson research of a theory known as the Mozart Effect. “It helps my kids, and that’s what I want,” Taylor said about what inspired her to research the Mozart Effect. “I wasn’t going to do research just for the sake of research. It’s got to have the purpose of helping someone.” Taylor was inspired by Dr. Frances Raucsher’s work studying the effects of playing a 10-minute clip of Mozart for students before they took IQ tests. Taylor first tried it during her days as a high school teacher by playing a Mozart CD during class time. After receiving her Ph.D. from Texas A&M in 2006, Taylor began her own research in earnest, communicating with researchers and reviewing previous Mozart Effect research. During the spring 2009 semester at LETU, she played the music during tests. Without being aware of the study and with no reason given for the music, the students remarked that the music helped them stay calm while taking tests. “Something I thought was just buying a CD and playing it for my students turned out to be something more,” said Taylor, beaming. “It’s definitely a God thing.”

test statistical analysis of student SAT scores before and after the experiment to ensure the groups would produce unbiased results. During the study, Taylor saw a statistically significant difference between the control group and the experimental group. One test, which in previous years generated a class grade average of 55 out of 100, jumped to an average of 71 when Mozart was played during testing times. In February, Taylor was invited to present her research at the Southwest Educational Research Association, finding a receptive audience. One music student working toward his Ph.D. asked to use her paper in his dissertation. His professor had earlier scoffed that Mozart Effect research had been debunked long ago. The student was pleased to prove his topic was current and has academic merit. Taylor is pleased to find a research topic that is relevant to the scholarly community as well as applicable to teaching. Working with accounting professor Dr. Beverly Rowe, Taylor will submit research this summer for publication in the Journal of Mathematical Behavior, a journal read by parents, school administrators and teachers. Taylor hopes it will help the research gain more professional footing and reach a wider audience of educators. Taylor’s passion for students and teaching is apparent. She encourages them to work harder and reach higher by sharing her love for learning. “If you do what’s right, the enthusiasm catches on.” n

Taylor used math classes from a previous year as a control group, with pre- and post-

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Research That Requires An Arm And A Leg Roger Gonzalez, Ph.D., P.E.

ooking at his well-worn passport, Dr. Roger Gonzalez thinks of the morning as a boy growing up in El Paso that he and his father drove into Mexico. His father reprimanded him for making fun of disabled beggars on the side of the road. “There but for the grace of God, go you,” his father told him sternly. That lesson stayed with the young boy, who grew up to become a biomedical engineering professor with a heart to make the world a better place by easing human suffering. Gonzalez’ passport today makes the world seem smaller. By the end of this summer, his passport will add stamps from Bolivia, Germany, Kenya, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and India, to the stamps from Ethiopia, Tanzania, Australia, Mexico, Bangladesh, and Sierra Leone—all from the last three years. Gonzalez has traveled widely since 2004, as he has expanded the LEGS prosthetic program that provides low-cost, durable prosthetic legs to above-knee amputees in developing countries. LEGS originally stood for LeTourneau Engineering Global Solutions, but the program today is more about empowering than merely engineering. He and his teams have traveled this summer to present professional papers on the LEGS program and to conduct training workshops with prosthetic and orthotic clinicians in developing countries. The goal is to transfer the LEGS program technology so they can replicate the work after the LEGS team of students, faculty and staff return home. Gonzalez believes it is better to teach a man to fish than to merely give him one. The LEGS program is only one of Gonzalez’ research efforts. He also conducts cutting-edge research on an “intelligent arm” prosthesis.

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Written By Janet Ragland

Photographed byTom Barnard

Over the years, Gonzalez’ biomedical engineering students have developed a comprehensive research tool that represents the anatomical characteristics of the human arm. Students run tests on how it can be controlled to simulate movement, based on electrical impulses that simulate neural signals from the brain. Their experiments result in extensive data that quantify motion of elbow and wrist joints. These data help to verify computational models that could be used to produce an actual “intelligent arm” prosthesis for the future—one that operates more intuitively than merely mechanically. Gonzalez’ students also are involved in handson research on an ACL-deficient knee, one in which the anterior cruciate ligament has been damaged. Data suggest that patients who have had ACL reconstructive surgery tend to be more likely to develop osteoarthritis. Gonzalez and his students are using computational biomechanical modeling to study ACL-injured knees before and after reconstructive surgery. They hope to show how, through adaptive muscular therapy, surgery can be avoided. Gonzalez leads the university in research grant funding with over $2.5 million in grants from the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, foundations and private donors. His student-researchers have been accepted to medical schools and graduate programs at some of the most prestigious schools all over the United States, including Johns Hopkins University, MIT, University of Texas, Stanford University, UCLA, Berkeley and Northwestern University in Chicago. Research is rigorous, but so is learning to walk again after losing a leg. n For more information, see www.letu.edu/legs.

Bill Graff, Ph.D. Written and Photographed byTom Barnard

ew people on the LeTourneau campus know there is a rabbit hole into another world, located in the fence along the northern border of the campus. Those who venture through the small gate enter a world of green plants, little fish, a loving home, ornery smiles, and many, many neck ties. You’ve arrived at the home of LETU engineering professor Dr. Bill Graff and his wife, Igglis. Dr. Graff arrived at LeTourneau College in 1974. After spending more than a decade teaching at secular universities and being fired more than once while being vocal about his Christian faith, a coworker recommended he try out a Christian college. He remembers tears forming in his eyes during his interview at LETU as he felt God’s calling. Within a week, LeTourneau called with an offer for employment. At the same time, the person who called to offer him the job said there was a house for sale right next to the school if he was interested. Graff called a real estate agent and bought the house sight unseen. Thirty-five years later, that house is still Igglis’ dream home. But what makes Dr. Graff avidly collect neck ties? He explains that it all started when he taught at Purdue University. “I really hated wearing ties, and so because I was forced to, I decided I might as well wear the most outrageous ties I could find.” In 1962, a bright red tie was actually considered outrageous.

Not only is Graff known for wacky ties, but also for the wacky annual competition he hosts that is named after famed engineer and cartoonist Rube Goldberg. Students build unique contraptions, intended to use a maximum number of energy transitions to accomplish a trivial task. “An excellent example of a Rube Goldberg demonstration is the popular children’s board game 'Mouse Trap' by Milton Bradley,” he said. When asked what he plans to do with his time after retiring this year, Graff said, “I hope I’ll be doing the same thing I’ve been doing for the last 40 years— teaching circuit theory and how to live the Christian life.” He will continue teaching part-time at LETU. ”Down the rabbit hole” there are some curious characters. But Dr. Bill Graff is even more remarkable than the goofy necktie he’s wearing. In so many rich ways, each tie represents a life he has touched. In every case, the real tie that binds together Graff’s life is his loving commitment to his Lord Jesus Christ and decades of service, seeing students’ lives changed through the lessons he imparts. n

Many of his ties have been handmade by students; some from unusual materials. “One tie I received as a gift was soldered together out of resistors and other things,” a tribute to Graff’s career as professor of engineering. “Another student,” Graff reminisces, “brought me a wooden tie from his trip to Tibet.” He proudly remembers little stories for each one: “This tie was crocheted for me by a male student named Fjord.”

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newsandnotes STUDENT WINS $1,500 IEEE SCHOLARSHIP FOR VIDEO Zachary Phillips, electrical engineering major, won a $1,500 second place scholarship in the third annual IEEEUSA national contest “How Engineers Make a World of Difference” Video Competition. His video can be viewed online at http://miniurl. org/zachvideo. In his video, Phillips describes how his love for music and audio production has led him to pursue a career in electrical engineering to be on the cutting edge of developing the next generation of audio equipment, perhaps even following in the footsteps of Dr. Amar Bose. ENGINEERING TEAM WINS FIRST, SECOND AT ASME Engineering students from Dr. Roger Gonzalez’ dynamics class won first and second place at the 2010 Regional ASME Student Design Competition in Oklahoma by designing, building and testing an autonomous system to accurately sort waste materials including ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals, plastics and glass into distinct waste containers. The first place team includes junior Cameron Jensen of Frankfort, Ill. as the team lead, with sophomore Michael Stockholm of Maumelle, Ark. and junior Phillip Cowels of Prescott Valley, Ariz. The second place team includes junior Zach Jones of Midland, Texas as the team lead with junior Jared Schaffer of Lexington, Ill. The teams were accompanied to competition by Assistant Professor Oscar Ortiz.

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SPRING COMMENCEMENT A total of 434 graduates received their bachelors’ and masters’ degrees at spring commencements in Longview and Houston. Longview commencement featured keynote speaker Dr. Walter L. Bradley, Baylor University Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering. A Houston commencement featured former Texas gubernatorial candidate Debra Medina as keynote speaker.

STUDENT WINS TEXAS INTERN OF THE YEAR LETU teacher-education student Nikita Mumphrey was named the 20092010 Intern of the Year in the Early Childhood through 4th Grade (EC-4) category by the Texas Alternative Certification Association. Mumphrey is currently a 4th grade teacher completing her internship at McClure Magnet School of International Students, in the Longview Independent School District.

FORMER STUDENT NAMED TEACHER OF THE YEAR Toby Wahl, who completed his teaching certification program through LETU’s Postbaccalaureate Accelerated Certification for Teachers (PACT) program, was named the 2010 Secondary Teacher of the Year at the Tyler Independent School District. Toby is the sixth grade social studies teacher at Dogan Middle School in Tyler, Texas and has been with Tyler ISD for four years. Criteria for selection of the District Teachers of the Year included, among other items, playing an active and useful role in their community, a commitment to the teaching profession through continuous improvement, and creating lessons that engage and inspire students to achieve high academic standards.

FIELD SUPERVISOR WINS TEACHER OF THE YEAR The Houston West Chamber of Commerce awarded LeTourneau University Senior Field Supervisor Dr. Elaine Hendrix the Christa McAuliffe Teacher of the Year in Search of Excellence Award for Post-Secondary education on May 14. As a senior field supervisor, Hendrix oversees, teaches and mentors LETU students during their student-teaching internships at schools around the Houston area. The recipients of this award are selected based on personal interviews as well as on a 300-word essay written by the nominees about their accomplishments and philosophy of education. Hendrix was chosen to receive this award over nominees from University of Houston–Victoria, University of

Houston–Sugar Land, Houston Community College and American Intercontinental University.

LETU FLIGHT TEAM WINS SAFETY AWARD The “Sting” Precision Flight Team won the American Airlines Safety Award at the 2010 National Intercollegiate Flight Association SAFECON flight competition hosted by Indiana State University, in Terre Haute, Ind. The LETU flight team placed 11th overall in the nation at the competition that attracted 426 competitors in 30 teams from universities all over the country.

LETU placed 9th in Flight Events and 15th in Ground Events. Chad Mertz (pilot) and Alex Minium (co-pilot) were LETU’s highest scoring competitors, placing first in the Crew Resource Management event. This is the first year LETU has ever had a first place ranking in an event at the National level. Rachel Ballou took second in the Women’s Achievement Award, placing third last year. SOPHOMORE ACCEPTED INTO MEDICAL PROGRAM Sophomore biology major Lynda Gaitan has been accepted into the Joint Admission Medical Program which guarantes her acceptance to one of eight private or public medical schools in Texas. RESEARCH NOMINATED FOR 'BEST PAPER' LETU recently received notice that research on the functionality of prosthetic legs has been nominated for consideration for the Best Papers Awards at the 13th annual International Society of Prosthetic Orthotics World Congress in Leipzig, Germany. The research was presented by Assistant Professor of Biology Karen Rispin on May 14. Nominated papers are the best scientific work and best innovation in trade or craft. If selected, the award for best paper is €1500, or an equivalent of about $2,000 in U.S. currency.

PROFESSOR AND STUDENT WIN EDITOR'S CHOICE AWARD FOR VISUAL LITERACY RESEARCH IN KENYA Associate Professor of English Annie Olson, Ph.D. and her student research assistant, sophomore Becca Westrup, recently won the Editor’s Choice Award for their article in this year’s book of Selected Readings, published by the International Visual Literacy Association (IVLA). IVLA is a not-for-profit association of researchers, educators, designers, media specialists and artists dedicated to the principles of visual literacy. Follow the team this summer with the Longview News Journal at http://miniurl.org/kenya.

LINDA TREVIÑO NAMED NEW DIRECTOR LETU has named Linda Treviño the new Director of Church and School Relations. She will develop and strengthen relationships between LETU and evangelical churches, as well as public LeTourneau University | 19

newsandnotes and private schools to help attract students to LETU. Her role will also include connecting current LETU students to serve as interns in churches, schools, youth camps and nationwide events and assisting LETU faculty and students to find opportunities to speak to congregations, youth groups, camps and student organizations. Contact LindaTrevino@letu.edu LETU INVITED TO CCCU SYMPOSIUM IN CANADA President Dr. Dale A. Lunsford and other LETU staff and faculty members were invited by the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities to attend the CCCU Symposium on Spiritual Formation, June 24-26 held at Trinity Western University in Langley, British Columbia. Representing LETU at the symposium with Lunsford will be University Chaplain Harold Carl, Executive Vice President for External Relations Marila Palmer, Associate

Professor of Psychology Melanie Roudkovski, and Dean of Students Corey Ross. The symposium will identify best practices for spiritual formation among students and how CCCU member campuses can implement those practices. DR. VICKI L. SHEAFER NAMED SELBY SCHOLAR LETU chair of the Department of Psychology and Professor Dr. Vicki Sheafer was recently presented the Robert H. Selby Teaching Scholar Award for exemplifying the highest standards of teaching excellence. Recipients are nominated and selected by faculty vote. The Selby Award is the highest recognition the university offers for

effectiveness in teaching, dedication to LeTourneau University and Christian education, helpfulness to students, spiritual leadership, scholarship and professional development. Selby taught history at LETU in the 1970s and died at an early age of pancreatic cancer. LETU HOSTS CHRISTIAN TEACHER CONFERENCE LETU hosted the ninth biennial conference of the International Community of Christian Teacher Educators May 26-28 with the theme, “Igniting the Flames of Faith and Learning: Preparing Caring, Competent Teachers.” The ICCTE is an organization of Christian schools, colleges and universities with teacher education programs that focus on relevant professional interests shared by those involved in preparation of teachers for the next generation.

LETU HOLDS GROUNDBREAKING FOR NEW RESIDENCE HALL LETU broke ground on a new, 200-bed student residence hall April 22. The new, unnamed residence hall will be on the east side of the campus, between the Corner Café and Speer Chapel. An $8.5 million facility, the new residence hall is the first phase of a three-phased residential housing complex designed by Design Collaborative, a Fort Wayne, Ind., architecture, engineering and interior design firm. The full complex will eventually accommodate 600 to 675 students. The other phases will be implemented as enrollment demands grow. This first phase is projected to open by Fall 2011 and will be the largest residence hall on campus. 20 | NOW Magazine | Summer 2010

a .425 average. He played in all 40 games with a team-high of 74 hits, 47 runs scored, 44 runs batted in, 13 doubles, a team-high two triples and four home runs. The left-fielder stole 21-of-25 bases – leading the team in that category. Nationally, Smith was tied for sixth in hits, 51st in stolen bases and 64th in total bases.

WHEELS PARTNERS WITH JONI AND FRIENDS Assistant Professor of Biology Karen Rispin and student researchers are embarking on a three-year study known as the WHEELS Project to measure the effectiveness of wheelchairs being used globally by disabled children. Regency wheelchairs are provided by Joni and Friends International Disability Center. Rispin and her students are partnering with JAF to do outcome studies on wheelchair use on children in Kenya this summer. JAF was founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, an evangelical Christian author, artist, radio host. JOHN BECKETT SPEAKS AT BUSINESS FORUM The LETU School of Business hosted a “Business Through the Eyes of Faith” public forum that featured national manufacturing expert and author John D. Beckett who spoke on the application of biblical principles in the workplace. Beckett is chairman of R.W. Beckett Corporation and speaks nationally on the future of manufacturing in the United States. SMITH RECEIVES ASC HONORS LETU baseball player Logan Smith was named the 2010 American Southwest Conference East Division Freshman of the Year. Smith, a native of Terrell, Texas, leads the team in batting with

MICKELBORO LEADS ASC IN BATTING AVERAGE LETU sophomore softball player Christin Mickelboro was named to the 2010 Louisville Slugger/ NFCA Division III All-American Second Team. Mickelboro, a Longview native, earned First-Team All-American Southwest Conference and All-West Region honors and led the ASC in batting with a .491 average. In March, Mickelboro

was named ASC Division Player of the Week after the ASC First Pitch Tournament, where she went 11-for-12 with a tourney-record five home runs, breaking the previous mark held by current YellowJackets assistant coach and then-UT-Tyler player Kate Bell. OTWELL RETIRES AFTER 17 YEARS AT LETU After 17 years serving in many capacities at LETU, former head women's basketball coach and senior women's administrator Mary Ann Otwell retired in May. Otwell came to LeTourneau in the fall of 1993, where she reinitiated the women’s basketball program in the fall of 1994. During her career at LeTourneau, two of her teams won the National Christian College Championships and produced five players who were named All-Americans. She was also named NCCAA Coach of the Year twice.

LETU HOSTS CHINESE DIGNITARIES Several Chinese business and educational leaders visited the LeTourneau University campus recently to explore possible academic partnerships with LeTourneau University. The visiting dignitaries were led by Reverend Clifford Liu, a Chinese pastor and leader of the Chinese for Christ Bible Institute (CCBI) / American International Culture Exchange Institute (AICEI). Liu initiated the visit to LETU after hosting Dr. Robert Hudson, executive vice president for Academic Affairs, during his trip to Shanghai, China, earlier in the spring. During their visit, the group met with LETU deans and enrollment leadership, toured the campus, including the newly opened Abbott Aviation Center and discussed the university’s global initiatives as part of LETU’s global vision. LeTourneau University | 21

LETU Names New Faculty The new fall semester of 2010 will see some new programs and some new faces at LeTourneau University. Dr. Seunghyun Kim, assistant professor of electrical engineering

Norman C. Reese, assistant professor of mechanical engineering technology

• Bachelor’s from the University of Suwon, Korea • Master’s and Doctoral degrees from the University of Alabama in Huntsville in 2004 • Prior employement as a research associate at Brigham Young University.

• Bachelor’s in engineering in 1991 from LETU • Master’s in engineering from the University of Colorado in 1997 • From Frontline BioEnergy in Ames, Iowa

Dr. Bruce A. Hathaway, professor of chemistry

Joel W. Koblich, instructor in electrical engineering technology • Bachelor’s in engineering with an electrical engineering concentration in 1993 from LETU • Bachelor’s in welding engineering/materials joining engineering in 1994 from LETU • Former position as LETU’s electrical laboratory technician.

• Bachelor’s from University of Texas at Austin in 1972 • Doctorate from Purdue University in 1980 • From Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Mo.

Daniel D. Lowery, assistant professor of biblical studies • Bachelor’s from Southwestern University in 2001 • Master’s in theology from Dallas Theological Seminary in 2007 • Doctorate is expected in August 2010

Stephen L. Kintner, instructor in air traffic management • Bachelor’s in religious education from the Baptist Bible College & Seminary in Pennsylvania in 1975 • Associates degree and certification as an air traffic control specialist in 1977 from Moody Aviation • From Tri-County Airport in Tennessee

Kendra Ericson, new nursing program coordinator/instructor • Bachelor’s in nursing from Trinity College of Nursing in 2001 • Master's in nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2008. • From Medical Center of McKinney in McKinney, Texas

Dr. Jesse J. French, assistant professor of mechanical engineering • Bachelor’s from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in 1995 • Master’s and Doctorate from University of Tulsa in 2007 and 2010 • Prior employment as stress analysis engineer in Little Rock, Ark.

Mark A. Jonah, assistant professor of Christian ministries, worship arts • Bachelor’s in religious education from Briarcrest Bible College in 1996 • Bachelor’s in Honours Music from the University of Waterloo in 1991 • Master’s in theology from Tyndale Theological Seminary & Biblical Institute in 2001 • Doctorate in worship studies from the Robert E. Webber Inst. for Worship Studies in 2009

22 | NOW Magazine | Summer 2010

Rebecca J. Teerink, instructor in aircraft systems • Bachelor’s in aeronautical science from LETU in 2003 • From CubCrafters Services in Yakima, Washington

Jeffrey D. Johnson, instructor of design technology • Bachelor’s in engineering in 1994 from LETU • From engineering firm in Las Vegas, Nev.

Dr. Darla Lu Underwood Baggett, assistant professor of education • Bachelor’s from Baylor University in 1973, • Master’s in education from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1977 • Doctorate in education from Texas Tech University in 1991 • Certificates as Reading Specialist, Mid Management, Supervision, and ESL • Former position as LETU's senior education career specialist

GOLFER LESLIE LEE COMPETES AT NCAA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

n May, LeTourneau junior Leslie Lee became the first LETU YellowJacket to compete in a national championship. Lee was invited to compete in the national 2010 NCAA Division III Women’s Golf Championship in Florida, which earned her a top ten finish, placing 8th in a field of 106 golfers.

with the Longview community, whether waiting tables and working at a coffee shop during breaks or volunteering at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church. Majoring in mathematics, Lee continually works to balance studying and golf – and friends. (She had the biggest fan base at the ASC championship in Florida).

Lee was also the first LETU female golfer to win the American Southwest Conference championship in back-to-back years, 2009 and 2010. She earned a top-ten finish at the national 2010 NCAA Division III Women’s Golf Championship, placing 8th in a field of 106 golfers, and received All-American Honorable Mention and All-Region honors.

“I try not to over-schedule myself during school so I can keep my grades up and my golf game competitive,” Lee said. “I worked extremely hard this season and God definitely blessed me.”

The Longview native was a standout golfer at Spring Hill High School before picking LeTourneau over Baylor University, Louisiana State University and the University of Texas. As an LETU student, Lee has continued to interact

And Lee has high hopes for her senior year at LETU, for herself and her teammates. “Playing well at the ASC tournament really helped my confidence and helped me represent LeTourneau Women's Golf on a more competitive level,” Lee said. “I hope to have my whole team competing at the national championship next time around.”

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classnotes MEMORIALS

Ken R. Thomas’ (’53 ES), wife, Dorothy, died Sept. 22, 2009. They met at LeTourneau University while he was going to school, and she worked in one of the offices on campus. Ken graduated in May 1953, but flew back to Longview to marry Dorothy on Dec. 25, 1953, and they immediately flew back to California after the wedding. They got married that day because it was the only day he had off! Val L. Kunze (’69 ME) died Sept. 22, 2009. He leaves behind his wife, Velma. David Davis (’73) died March 3, 2010, at Go Ye Village, Tahlequah, Okla. David maintained his sense of humor, was an amazing domino player, and because of his faith and trust in Christ alone, looked with steadfast hope to the day he would go home to heaven. He is survived by his parents, Warren and Norma Davis. Sean L. Caughman (’08 BBA) died February 16, 2009, on his second tour of duty as a Navy Petty Officer 1st Class. Sean was a GAPS alumnus and earned his bachelor’s degree in business from LeTourneau University. Dr. Arthur Parry (DEC Master Faculty) died February 14, 2010. His lifelong loves included his wife, Patricia, children and family. Dr. Don Connors said, “He was very instrumental in the development of the Dallas Educational Center, and was a huge reason for the success of the site.” Arthur taught courses in marketing, economics and business at the LeTourneau University site in Dallas. 24 | NOW Magazine | Summer 2010

BIRTHS

Jonathan E. Brown (’95 ATBI) and wife, Valerie, welcomed their second son Aug. 21, 2009. Robert Lipsi Brown joins older brother, Olaf Earl. Jon and Valerie serve at a remote jungle post with CrossWorld (formerly UFM International) among the Yanomami Indians of northern Brazil.

Darrell Negley (‘97 BUBS) and his wife, Christie, welcomed Tristan Michael on July 5, 2009. Tristan joins his two older sisters, Charis and Paige. The Negley family lives in Wilmington, Del. Darrell works as a financial analyst for PSEG Nuclear.

Matt (’03 EE) and Jennifer (’04 BA) (Drouin) Bulpitt announce the birth of their daughter, Anna Renee, born Aug. 26, 2009. The Bulpitts live in Maryland, where Matt works for the Department of Navy as an engineering project manager.

Adam (’04 ME) and Betsy (’04 BME) (Hunt) Hunter announce the birth of their first child, Lydia Joy Hunter. She was born Jan. 8, 2010. The family lives in Park Ridge, Ill. Adam works for Wrigley Co. in Chicago as a mechanical engineer. Betsy has her masters and is pursuing her Ph.D. in biomedical engineering at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill.

Aaron (’05 CST) and Casey (’05 KES) (Culver) Holland welcomed their son, Ezekiel Kenneth, on Jan. 8, 2010. Ezekiel joins his brother Tobin. The family lives in Marion, Idaho. Jeremiah (’05 ME) and Rebecca (Ward) Inwards welcomed their first child, Levi Jeremiah, Nov. 18, 2009. Andrew (’05 ASFL) and Sara (’05 ME) (Campbell) Westerhaus (’05 BYBS) announce the arrival of their son Benjamin Michael April 3, 2010. The family lives in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Daniel (’06 MPE) and Heidi (’07 KES) (Sanders) McGraner welcomed their son Cooper Paul Nov. 20, 2009. The family lives in Sugar Land, Texas. Brent Hearne (’08 MBA) and wife, Jill, announce the arrival of their third child, Ava Jeannette Hearne. Ava was born Feb. 15, 2010 and was welcomed home by big sister Taylor and big brother Noah.

Daniel Wise (’06 ME) married the woman of his dreams, Dana Trigger, July 18, 2009, in Colonial Beach, Va., where they live. Valerie Cameron (’07 ECE) married Larry Lampkin April 3, 2010. They live in Diana, Texas. Steven (Mike) Cross (’07 CE) is engaged to marry Cyndi Hadfield on June 4th, 2010, at Valley View Baptist Church in Las Cruces, N.M. Mike works for Harris Corp. as a hardware engineer. Abigail Shive (’07 EN) and Brian Taylor (’07 CE) married Oct. 17, 2009, and live in Catonsville, Md.

WEDDINGS Andrea (Knickerbocker) McCarthy (’06 ISE) and husband, Rick, married and now live in China. About her three years of teaching in Wuxi, China, Andrea writes: “It’s like God hand-molded me to be shaped in a way that I could be used here in both my gifts and weaknesses.” Kathryn (Kryer) Mills (’06 BUBS) and Chris Mills married Aug. 23, 2009, in Banff, Alberta, Canada. Chris is a captain at ExpressJet Airlines. Kathryn works for Entergy Services as an analyst. They live in Houston, Texas.

Zac Majors (’09 FIN) and Stephanie Bush married on May 22, 2010. Kjelse Oksnevad (’09 DW) and Jordan Rittmeyer married Dec. 19, 2009. They live in Longview, Texas, where Jordan is finishing school at LeTourneau. Kjelse works for the City of Longview as a dispatcher.

60s Ivan Secord (’67 IE) enjoyed working for Chrysler for 32 years, mainly in advance design and instrumentation. He is retired and lives with his wife, Joyce, in Michigan.

70s The Rev. Nathan Strong (’75 MI) and wife, Vicki Strong (’78 MI), announce the completion of their book, Thoughts for Jesse: A Father’s Tribute. Nathan wrote this book for his son Jesse who, before his Marine unit shipped out for Iraq, put together a list of theological and liferelated questions which he wanted his father to address in a book for him. Jesse was killed while on patrol. They would like people to know the book is now available in his memory on www.amazon.com.

80s John Baker (’89 EET) and family have moved to the Charlotte area of North Carolina, where he is president of Positive Database Solutions, Inc. Jerry (Marcus) Phillips (’89 AUT) has accepted a position with EXCO Resources based in Dallas, Texas. He will work in the East Texas and north Louisiana natural gas fields. Matthew Sample (’87 MTIM) works as a program quality engineer for L-3 Crestview Aerospace in Crestview, Fla.

90s Joel C. Huegel (’93 DT & MET) is an adjunct professor in LETU’s School of Engineering & Engineering Technology. Tom F. Hans (’96 ATFL) and family returned from the mission field in Papua, Indonesia, to take care of his mother. Tom works with Air Evac Life Team in Marianna, Ark. Deanne Tryon (’97 BYES), since graduating from LeTourneau, has earned her teaching certificate in special education from UT Tyler and her master’s degree in special education from Texas Tech. She also LeTourneau University | 25

classnotes earned a teaching certificate in the area of visual impairment. Her husband, Randall, and two children live in Hallsville, Texas.

Beverly Banks (’04 MBA) completed her course requirements for a Ph.D. from Walden University during 20052009 and anticipates graduating in September 2010.

00s

James Pray (’04 ME) has received the Frostic Creative Writing Award at Western Michigan University. He graduated this spring with an MFA.

Norman LaFave (’02 PTE), a graduate of the LeTourneau Houston Postbaccalaureate Accelerated Teacher Certification Program, traveled to Austin, Texas, to accept the Texas Exes Award for Outstanding Teachers on Feb. 12, 2010. He credits the PACT program for an outstanding experience that assisted him in developing a successful teaching approach. He thanks professors and staff at LeTourneau Houston and his fellow “PACTaderms” for sharing their fellowship and talents during the program.

Jenelle Graber (’05 KSM) was appointed as a missionary to Kosovo with SEND International. SEND is an interdenominational faith mission agency with over 600 missionaries. Daniel Swenson (’05 ASAS) recently completed his Inspection Authorization (IA) as an airplane mechanic. Henry (Hal) Hawkins IV (’07 BBA) received his MBA from UT Arlington

in August 2009. He accepted a job offer to work for GFL, Americas, in the North American Sales & Distribution department. Mary Jove (’07 BBM) earned her MBA in May 2010 from LETU with her Houston cohort and has been accepted to start Ph.D. studies in Organizational Leadership. She plans to be a university professor. Jared Poe (’08 MIS) has been promoted to sales coordinator in Consultant Relations for Kaiser Permanente in San Diego, Calif.

Send us your stories! If you would like to be included in Class Notes, send us your update to alumni@letu.edu. n

Homecoming Wrap Up: LETU HONORS ALUMNI WITH AWARDS Two alumni were recognized for outstanding achievements at Homecoming 2010. Dave Fyock (top photo, right) was named the 2010 Alumnus of the Year. The award is given to those who have obtained a high level of accomplishment in their profession and who possess the highest standards of faith, integrity and character. Fyock, a 1983 Aviation Technology graduate, is executive vice president of Mission Aviation Fellowship in Nampa, Idaho. MAF is a Christian nonprofit that provides aviation services, communications and learning technology support to more than 1,000 missionaries, humanitarian agencies and indigenous villagers across the world.

26 | NOW Magazine | Summer 2010

Randy Hartman (bottom photo, left) was named recipient of the Distinguished Service Award. This award is given to an alumnus who exhibits excellence in a particular service or volunteer area. Hartman, a 1979 Mechanical Engineering and Aviation Technology graduate, was a member of the Alpha Omega service society while at LETU. Alpha Omega is a society at LETU, founded in 1960 that emphasizes faith and unity through brotherhood, spanning generations. Alpha Omega strives to build strong, dedicated Christian men. He has stayed connected with the university and Alpha Omega (AO) since graduating, encouraging godly living and brotherhood among the AO members. Hartman owns Alpha Omega Aircrafters, Inc. that builds custom aircraft in eastern Iowa.

LETU Receives New $60,000 Grant For Materials Joining Research

magine having a mattress that keeps you so cool during hot summer nights that you can lower your energy consumption by turning off your air conditioner. This inventive thinking leads to research funding by foundations and corporations like the II-VI Foundation (“Two-Six” Foundation) of Bridgeville, Pa. , which just partnered with an anonymous donor to award a $60,000 grant to LETU’s Materials Joining Engineering Department. The grant is to help students, under the direction of Dr. Yoni Adonyi and Robert Warke, to develop novel materials joining technologies of thermoelectric elements. LETU students will test alternative methods of joining two materials of very different sturctures, such as a metal and a ceramic,. They will test efficiency, reliability and durability of these processes that might later have industrial applications by creating new thermoelectric products. The II-VI Foundation is a private foundation formed in May 2007. It operates numerous programs with the mission “to encourage and enable students to pursue a career in science, engineering and/or mathematics.” In pursuit of this mission the foundation has undertaken a new initiative called the Undergraduate Research Program. LETU is only the second university to be part of this new undergraduate initiative. The II-VI Foundation gets its name from Groups II and VI of the Periodic Table of Elements. Chairman of the Board Carl J. Johnson, Ph.D. was on campus recently to sign the agreement with the university. He plans to return in the spring to review the work the students accomplish and consider whether their work merits additional funding.

Foundation support for a university is, well, foundational. The II-VI Foundation is one of many foundations who partner with LeTourneau University to provide our students an opportunity to gain hands-on, real-world experience in research while they are still in college. Other foundations include the American Iron and Steel Institute of Washington, D.C.; the Welch Foundation of Houston, Texas; and American Institute of Steel Construction in Chicago, Ill. LETU students also conduct research each year to benefit for-profit companies and government entities. n

Dr. Johnson and LeTourneau University Executive Vice President for Business and Administration Dr. William R. McDowell are seated left to right at the table. LETU staff, faculty and student representatives are standing behind them. For more information on partnering with LETU on research proposals, contact Paul Boggs, director of the Office of Sponsored Programs, at (903) 233-3980 or e-mail at PaulBoggs@letu.edu.

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LeTourneauUniversity 2010-2011 Preview Events If you are considering attending LeTourneau University, or know of a student who should consider LETU, know that the best way to learn about us is to experience campus life firsthand! Six preview events are already slated for the 2010-2011 academic year. If you come to a preview event, you will take campus tours, attend chapel, meet admissions counselors and faculty members, sit in on classes, sleep in the residence halls and eat at the Corner CafĂŠ, while you meet other prospective students. For more information or to sign up for a Preview Event, go to www.letu.edu/preview. Whether you come for one day or a weekend, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll feel right at home.

Made to Order Monday | Nov. 21-22, 2010 | Mar. 6-7, 2011 Not able to come to campus on a Friday? Join us for one of our Monday visit days in which students of all majors can come and have a full day on campus.

Engineering Preview | Jan. 20-21, 2011

Home School Monday | Nov. 1, 2010 Join us for a Monday visit day in which students of all majors can come and have a full day - learning about student life, academics, and getting acquainted with campus! You do not have to be a Home Schooled student to attend.

Fall Preview | Nov. 11-12, 2010 The first Thursday-Friday event of the year will feature sessions by the Schools of Aeronautical Science, Arts & Science, Business, Education and Engineering. You will get to enjoy learning about your major while you are on campus with students of all academic interests!

Engineering Preview welcomes students interested in Engineering and Engineering Technology degrees to participate in competition and information sessions that are specific to the engineering field!

Aviation Preview | Jan. 27-28, 2011 Designed for the future pilots, A&P's, and air traffic controllers of the world, Aviation Preview gets students in the pilot seat as they soar through the east Texas sky (weather permitting, of course!) Students and parents will also get the chance to meet and mingle with faculty and students and enjoy spending time in our brand new, state-of-the-art airport facility!

Spring Preview | April 8-9, 2011 Like Fall Preview, students of all majors and interests are welcomed at Spring Preview by the faculty and students in the Schools of Aeronautical Science, Arts & Science, Business, Education and Engineering.