Inside Schreiner Winter 2009

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Inside NEWSLETTER OF SCHREINER UNIVERSITY

President’s Perspective B y D r . T i m S u m m e r li n

Last fall, as I spoke with a group of prospects and their parents, one father asked a question that struck dead center: “What is it that makes Schreiner different from other colleges?” That’s the point, isn’t it? If we didn’t appreciate it before, we certainly do in the current economic climate—tell me just why you think it’s a smart thing for our son or daughter to study at Schreiner University? How are you any different from a score of other options that exist, some of which may be closer, wealthier or fancier? Of course one wants to answer that question by citing vigorous academic programs and passionate faculty. And one wants to point to major investment in facilities and the enhancement of student life opportunities. All of these responses are both valid and fundamental to any proper response, but it is not easy to show how they distinguish Schreiner from other fine colleges that also have excellent instructors, programs and facilities. No, I recognized that my interrogator was asking about something that went beyond these factors, essential as they are. Why Schreiner? How do I tell you apart from other residential liberal arts colleges? My answer was this: “I believe that Schreiner cares more about the individuals who come its way. More particularly, I believe the people of Schreiner show that concern consistently and authentically. That is our distinctiveness.” Don’t get me wrong. Caring is no substitute for strong programs, professional staff and strong facilities. continued on page 4

In This Issue... Q.E.P. Calendar of Events Sports Honor Roll of Donors

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Winter 2009 Volume XI1I, Number I

Schreiner Announces 2009 Distinguished Alumni and Athletic Hall of Honor Inductees Schreiner University has named Norman Hoffman ’37 and Charles Johnson ’57 as Distinguished Alumni. Raymond (Red) Daniels ’42 and Reginald (Reggie) West ’50 were named as the newest members of the University’s Athletic Hall of Honor. Schreiner instituted the Distinguished Alumnus award to honor former students who have achieved a conspicuous level of achievement after leaving Schreiner. The Athletic Hall of Honor recognizes former students who were outstanding athletes while attending Schreiner. Recipients of both awards are persons of high ethical standards, integrity, stature and demonstrated ability. All four will be honored at a banquet April 18, during Recall 2009 weekend. Distinguished Alumni Norman Hoffman ’37 had a notable 60-year career in aviation that grew out of his service in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. After Schreiner, he attended the University of Texas studying civil engineering. He credits his acceptance into the Corps to the training he received during his time at Schreiner. His promotion to the pilot’s “left seat” was also in part due to his Schreiner connection. “It so happened that my instructor was from Schreiner and he gave me the chance to be a pilot rather than a copilot,” Hoffman said. Hoffman was trained as a pilot on the B-26 Maurauder, a somewhat notorious plane known as “The Widowmaker.” His instructor was killed when his takeoff engine failed before Hoffman graduated from flight school as a 1st Lieutenant. Eventually, Hoffman was sent to Preswick, Scotland. He arrived to find that the six-man crew he had trained with had been killed the night before. He got the crew of the pilot who had been killed with them.

He went on to fly 70 missions in the European Theatre, including the first day of the D-Day invasion. “We flew in from France,” he said. “We were flying where the toughest fighting was going on. When we took off, visibility was 0-0. We had to fly 10,000-15,000 feet above the weather and reassemble.” Col. Bobby Douglass ’67, who nominated Hoffman, said they met at a Schreiner reunion in Dallas and found that they had their military experiences in common. “My accomplishments were pretty impressive, but his overshadowed mine by about 10 times,” Douglass said. “He is that impressive.” The Army sent Hoffman to military engineering school, and after he left the military he went on to Texas Tech University. He left in his senior year to go into the aviation business. In 1955, Hoffman and a brother-in-law bought Mooney Aircraft and he developed and ran the company’s national and international marketing program until 1969. He became president of Commodore Jet Sales in 1970, where he was responsible for sales and marketing for the Commodore Jet aircraft. After returning to Texas, he started Interjet Incorporated, a jet brokerage company. The company has celebrated its 34th year, under Hoffman’s leadership. Hoffman grew up in the Depression and became the man of the family at the age of 6 when his father died. He learned to drive shortly afterwards, and worked as an egg candler, iceman and delivery boy. “In order to be successful, individuals like my father exhibited qualities such as determination, goal setting and a stubborn resistance to being diverted from achieving those objectives,” said Norman Hoffman Jr. ’60. “Schreiner helped in shaping those characteristics.” “I had a wonderful time at Schreiner,” Hoffman said. “I had a wonderful job; I ran the tailor shop, and learned to press clothes, iron clothes and clean continued on page 2


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Inside Schreiner Winter 2009 by Schreiner University - Issuu