SCENE Fall 2012

fromthepresident

“ Friends, what we do at a place like

Schreiner can be described in many ways, but it is true that we are entertaining angels unawares—all of us—as we do our part in the education and influencing of lives on a college campus.”

Dear friends of Schreiner, Recently I had the chance to talk with a Schreiner alumnus, a true friend even though we don’t get to see one another nearly as often as we would like. We chatted in my office on a weekend, and, as time came for him to leave, he asked to go outside so that I could take a photo of him in a particular location. Years ago, he had a conversation there with a previous president. He remembered the occasion and the words, and he acknowledged how true they had proven to be. Now he felt the need to record that location visually.

As we continued to talk, he reflected on Schreiner experiences that had influenced him.

There was plenty of humor in those recollections, but they reached beyond humor to some of the deepest truths he recognized about himself.

“A lot of that began right here,” he concluded.

Now the “right here” he was referring to looked very different then from the way it does today. Buildings have come along that did not exist then and others have departed.

Programs have experienced a sea change. The cast of characters is entirely different. But the insight he shared is something he has in common with Schreiner students who preceded him as well as those of the present.

I have been blessed to hear former students of all eras begin sentences by saying, “I can trace back to Schreiner…” or “Schreiner is the place where for the first time…” and leading to an

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insight or a discovery that has shaped a career or a life. I have heard former students who can quote a teacher’s advice from more than 60 years ago and who affirm how the words have resonated through the decades. Hearing these sentences and learning the stories behind them is no casual matter. One feels a sense of the sacred in such conversations.

In this edition of SCENE you will be taking “core samples” of Schreiner from a variety of locales— meeting a dynamic new leader who is passionate about bringing students to the university; appreciating just what we mean when we speak with pride of our student athletes; experiencing the variety of our learning programs through performance, distance learning and new field laboratory facilities; and getting to know a trustee who—though she had never heard of Schreiner until a few years ago—was simply born to share her special talents with us. I invite you to speculate on how these people and these experiences are creating their own special moments to whose impact someone will be testifying in half a century.

Friends, what we do at a place like Schreiner can be described in many ways, but it is true that we are entertaining angels unawares—all of us—as we do our part in the education and influencing of lives on a college campus.

Tim Summerlin

President

contents

www.schreiner.edu Fa l l 2 0 1 2

f e a t u r e s 7 New Kid on the Block Introducing Larry Cantu

10 Keeping Score A Closer Look at Schreiner Student Athletes

12 Music at Schreiner The Best is Yet to Come

18 On a Mission BSN Trip to Costa Rica

I n

t h is

iss u e

4 oncampus 22 mountaineersports 25 mountaineertalk

26 formerstudents 28 classnotes 32 roundup

onthecover From left to right: Michael Kahl, assistant professor of music; Dr. Donald Crandall, professor of music and Dr. Kathleen Hudson, professor of English and founder of the Texas Heritage Music Foundation. The 7-foot-6-inch Yamaha C7 Grand Piano featured in the photo was purchased with the generous donation of Shirley Sherman. Cover photo by Aaron Yates ’07. (For more on Yates see page 26.)

www.schreiner.edu Fall 2012 3

SU Launches Texas Language Consortium Schreiner University has begun classes as part of the Texas Language Consortium, a collaboration of five liberal arts colleges to expand foreign language options to students using technology.

Hands-On Learning at Weston Schreiner students are making good use of the Weston farm property purchased/gifted to the University earlier this year. SU became owners

of the property, including the house and outbuildings in February.

Dr. Chris Distel, assistant professor of biology, said his practical research experience class is using the property—located behind the Schreiner sports fields at the back of campus.

“The class will be conducting experiments on the effects of invasive fish on amphibians, using stock cattle tanks as surrogate stream depressions,” Distel said.

He added the group will be visiting the property more as the semester goes on until the development of the tadpoles, at which point they will be on the property daily.

In the spring, the organismal biology lab classes conducted a basic biodiversity survey at the property and the herpetology class used more focused surveying approaches to determine which reptile and amphibian species live there.

There aren’t currently any physical laboratory spaces on the property, Distel said, although there is a plan to develop some—made possible with a gift from the Loftis Estate. Distel added that this semester the ecosystems and resource management class is developing a management plan for the property’s acreage and is visiting it with some frequency to identify needs.

“The Weston Property benefits our students in two exciting ways,” Distel said. “First, it serves as a biological field station for research that is within walking distance of our main campus. (This is very rare among biological field stations). It is easily accessible while still offering a level of protection for our resources the main campus cannot offer. Second, our students will have a voice in determining how this property is used for biological research now and in the future.”

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Silke Feltz, English and German instructor, is teaching German to college students across the state. Feltz is a native of Bavaria, Germany, who joined the SU faculty in 2008.

“We live in a world of globalization, not a world of colonization,” Feltz said.

“Through the Texas Language Consortium (TLC), students from several different universities get to collaborate with Schreiner students in and outside of the classroom. This new way of teaching a foreign language offers me the chance to reach out to students who want to learn German but could not until now.”

The Scarle-Philips Room in William Logan Library has been remodeled as a high-definition video conferencing studio for the Consortium classes.

“I haven’t had to compromise my teaching style at all,” she said.

The consortium is a collaborative pilot program spearheaded by the National Institute for Technology in Liberal Education (NITLE), a nonprofit whose purpose is to help liberal arts colleges and universities integrate teaching methods and technology to enrich undergraduate education and strengthen the liberal arts tradition.

Participating in the inaugural consortium with Schreiner are Concordia University, Lubbock Christian University, Texas Lutheran University and Texas Wesleyan University.

Students at these universities have an opportunity to enroll for courses in German, French, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish. Enrollment is managed through the student’s home campus. Each university provides courses through high-definition video conferencing labs with faculty and proctor support.

SU Professor Wins National Award Mary Grace Antony, assistant professor of communication studies, has won a national award for her paper “Thank you for calling: Accents and Authenticity on NBC’s ‘Outsourced.’”

The International & Intercultural Communication Division of the National Communication Association has named Antony’s work one of the top four faculty papers of the year. She was presented with the award at the National Communication Association’s annual convention in Orlando, Fla., in November.

“This is an area of personal relevance to me, both as a nonAmerican and as a former employee of an outsourced corporation,” Antony said. “I enjoyed working on this project, and am grateful to the IICD and its anonymous reviewers for this wonderful recognition.”

oncampus

Congressman Turns to SU Students for New Logo Congressman Lamar Smith was in search of a new logo for his TexStar political action committee when he journeyed to Schreiner University in September—what he didn’t expect was to find so many options.

Smith, during one of his previous visits, approached Schreiner President Dr. Tim Summerlin about the possibility of graphic design students creating his new logo.

“Our students do all sorts of projects like this,” Summerlin said. “When David Smith—dean of the Cailloux School of Professional Studies—came here in 2001, he put together this idea that brings in real clients that students design for. There is a great need for a program like this.”

Upon his arrival, Lamar Smith was blown away by the fact each of the 14 students had at least one logo concept to pitch to him.

“I was expecting one logo from the entire class,” he said. “I can’t thank them enough for their time and efforts—this is a one-stop shop. They are all so much more creative than I could ever hope to be.”

Each student presented their design to Lamar Smith and explained how they came up with the concept. David Smith graded each design on a scale that included structure, organization and presentation. He even videotaped the presentations as a tool to help students improve their methods.

Lamar Smith chose two designs and asked the finalists—Laura Nentrup and Kelby Ruiz, both seniors—to convert the concepts to one color before choosing the new logo for his TexStar PAC. Nentrup was chosen as the competition winner in late October.

“I am very excited for this opportunity as both an experience and a portfolio and résumé booster,” Nentrup said. “When I was told I won, Dean Smith handed me his personal cell phone as he was reading his emails. As I read, I understood why he handed it to me, and when I saw that I had won I did a little happy dance in front of him and another professor.”

Although the competition was tough, Lamar Smith couldn’t have been more pleased with the outcome.

“This is the most fun thing I’ve done in months,” Lamar Smith said.

“Everything I’ve seen here has been great, and it is more than I could have asked for.”

Aiming High

Drucilla Ca yenne Meier, SU sophomore, won the Ladies 12 Gauge World Champion Gold Medal at the National Skeet Shooting Association tournament in San Antonio in October. She is secretary of the Schreiner Shooting Sports Society.

Meier, a biology major from Clyde, Texas, also won Open B Class. She has been involved in clay target shooting since she was 8 years old, and has won numerous medals in state and national competitions of the 4-H program. At the end of a short shoot­— off, she came off the field crying but exclaiming, “I did it.”

For more shooting success news see page 30.

www.schreiner.edu Fall 2012 5

Schreiner Golf Teams Earn First National Rankings on Same Day The Schreiner men and women’s golf teams experienced program firsts when they earned national rankings on the same day in late September.

Texas Heritage Music Days Texas Heritage Music Days is held every September on the Schreiner campus. This year’s event featured more than 50 performers and demonstrations. There was Gospel music, a Hispanic heritage tribute, a Jimmie Rodgers tribute and the Schreiner choirs.

There was also a free concert featuring awardwinning Texas singer-songwriter Terri Hendrix and her musical partner Lloyd Maines.

THMD is sponsored by the Texas Heritage Music Foundation.

Start Planning for RECALL 2013 Spend the weekend of April 19-21 at your old stomping grounds.

For more information, call or email Paul Camfield, associate director of alumni relations, at 830-792-7206 or phcamfield@schreiner.edu

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The men were ranked in the No. 4 spot and the women No. 7 in NCAA Division III according to GolfStat. Schreiner has never before (in the NCAA era) had a team ranked in the national top 10 in any sport at any time, much less two programs earning that recognition on the same day. As of press time, the Schreiner men had played one tournament and finished third in the field after record-setting rounds of 296-293-293. The SU women recently completed their first tournament of the fall—a second place finish at the UMHB Fall Invitational where they re-wrote the record book and finished in front of two teams ranked in the top 20 in the preseason poll.

Neither Schreiner team had received even a vote in the preseason national polls in August but their play got them the unprecedented rankings.

“Both programs have made strong and steady strides each year,” said Ron Macosko, SU athletic director, who along with his wife, Anna Macosko, coaches both teams. “It’s nice to get noticed, especially since our teams don’t get the chance to play national tournaments like most of the other programs in the rankings.

Seeing Schreiner in the top 10 was a pleasant surprise but seeing it in both polls, and on the same day, was a bit surreal. It’s a compliment to the way our players are playing the game and we’re pleased for them.”

oncampus

Staff Spotlight

New Kid on the Block

by Caitlin Probandt

Photo above: Larry Cantu with his wife, Theresa; daughter, Emilie; and son, Zachary.

Upon meeting associate vice president of enrollment services Larry Cantu, one would never guess he once thought a career in education wasn’t for him.

“I grew up with several teachers—almost everyone on my mom’s side of the family was a teacher or worked as a paraprofessional at a local school,” he said. “All I knew was that I didn’t want to be a teacher, but I didn’t think about higher education either.”

Cantu, who served as director of admissions at the University of Houston Downtown before moving to the Hill Country, gained valuable experience in what made a university attractive to potential students.

Cantu, who grew up in Port Isabel, Texas, and achieved his bachelor’s degree in information systems technology and a master’s in training and development (human resource development) from the University of Houston, has wasted no time settling in since his July arrival to Schreiner University.

“I love it here,” he said. “It is very positive, and there are a number of outstanding people who work on this campus.”

Cantu, 41, has big plans for Schreiner, and has no doubt they can be achieved.

In addition to making SU a first choice university, Cantu wants to put more of a spotlight on Schreiner in the state of Texas.

“We want to meet and exceed our enrollment goals, which means that we must keep those lines of communication always flowing between our university and the community,” Cantu said.

One way Cantu hopes to jump start that vision is through the UR SU campaign—www.schreiner.edu/ admission/ursu/index.html. A program geared toward involving the entire University—faculty, staff and students—in stirring up more interest and higher enrollment numbers at the university.

“All the successful universities engage everyone,” Cantu said. “Although enrollment services is, in many capacities,

on the front line, it is all about teamwork.”

Cantu’s upbeat attitude and there-is-always-a-silverlining thinking not only shines through his efforts at Schreiner, but affects every portion of his life.

When Cantu isn’t at work, he is busy studying for his doctorate from Our Lady of the Lake University, cooking or spending time with his family and friends.

My specialty dishes are Tex-Mex beef enchiladas and Italian chicken marbella,” he said.

Although Cantu is now a Mountaineer, he can’t quite leave his beloved University of Houston Cougars behind.

“We keep up with the Texans, and we love our Cougars,” he said. “I just love college football, even when my team is doing bad.”

Cantu said he and his son have a long-standing tradition of watching football games together for some quality father-son bonding time.

When he isn’t watching football, cooking or hanging with the family, Cantu can be found outside working on his physical fitness. He is an avid cyclist who has competed in the MS150—a two day bike ride to raise funds to fight Multiple Sclerosis—from Houston to Austin for seven years, and also has competed in endurance events including the Warrior Dash and Tough Mudder.

“I’m just an adventurous person and I feel that you shouldn’t restrain yourself from all the fun things life has to offer,” he said.

In fact, it wouldn’t be surprising if employees at Schreiner found Cantu trying to organize a flag football game in which faculty and staff members take on the students.

For now, Cantu has one very important goal to achieve outside the Schreiner University campus: “I want to turn every Dallas Cowboy fan into a Houston Texan fan,” Cantu said with a laugh. “We are Texans first, right?!”

To contact Larry Cantu, email him at LJCantu@ schreiner.edu

www.schreiner.edu Fall 2012 7

Mu s i c

Throughthe

Years

Recognize any of these photos? We would love to hear from you. Email us at scene @schreiner.edu

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musicatschreiner www.schreiner.edu Fall 2012 9

Keeping Score Student Athletes Shine in the Classroom

by Caitlin Probandt

S

chreiner University student athletes are successful on and off the field—and that is no accident.

“NCAA Division III puts the importance on the ‘student’ aspect of ‘student athlete,’” said Dr. Tim Summerlin, president of Schreiner University. “That’s our philosophy—that’s our motto. Over the years, I’ve seen improvement in grades among our athletes, and a very clear change of culture.”

SU became a four-year institution in 1981 and made the move to Division III in the late 1990s. Since then, Schreiner athletics has maintained a strong academic emphasis, and the grade point averages of student athletes during the last seven years show they are hitting it out of the park.

What it Means to be Division III When a university makes the move to NCAA Division III status, it no longer offers athletic scholarships to potential student athletes—a rule that has had an overall positive affect on Schreiner student athletes.

“The student athletes we have here realize they are going to make a living another way, not by playing professional sports,” said Peg Layton, vice president of enrollment and student services and dean of students.

“Many of our student athletes may have mid-range SAT or ACT scores, but they are achieving at a higher level.”

Summerlin said the Division III mindset has attracted many, and the quality of students continues to go up at Schreiner.

“Being a Division III university is not something that drags us down,” he said. “The change has been good, and there is a new devotion to athletics and academics.”

The Game Changer Ron Macosko accepted the job of athletic director at Schreiner University in 2005 after working at Division I schools. The transition from Division I to Division III, according to Macosko, was a welcome one.

“I always wanted to work for a Division III school,” he said. “It is light years away from the problems that you see at Division I, and Division III is the best division for athletics, in my opinion.”

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When Macosko arrived at Schreiner University, student athletes’ grade point averages were not as strong as he wanted them to be. In 2006, 10.5 percent of Schreiner’s student athletes were ineligible to play. This year, the number is down to 3.9 percent, and it is something Macosko would like to see even more improvement on.

“We’ve tried to stress academics,” he said. “The coaches want to help these young people on the fields of competition become the best they can out there and in the classroom. We want these students to be excellent in everything they do.”

Macosko realizes that many students look at universities’ sports programs when deciding where to go, but he said those who choose Schreiner understand how important academics is to their future.

“We want to prepare them for life,” he said. “They have a chance to be special—to have something on their résumés that others don’t when they graduate.”

The coaches at Schreiner University have worked for years to urge student athletes to take pride in their academic careers as well as athletic accomplishments, and the athletes have responded in a big way, according to Macosko.

“We want people to strive for a 4.0 GPA,” Macosko said.

“We ask them, ‘Don’t you deserve that?’ We’re pushing for all of our student athletes to have a 3.0 GPA right now, and we’re now very close to hitting that mark. Then we’ll

studentathletes

That’s where Macosko and the other coaches at Schreiner are happy to step in and help.

“We love what we’ve been able to do here—these kids are like our sons and daughters,” he said. “It has been fun for me to do my best to support them and lend some coaching and academic motivation.”

It is that exact motivation that Chris Whitehead, a senior exercise and sports sciences major who also is a member of the Mountaineer baseball team, appreciates.

“They (the coaches) expect you to be on some type of honors list,” he said. “It keeps you disciplined. You have to go to class, you have to study and you cannot procrastinate.”

Although the workload of studies, practices and competitions can become overwhelming at times, Adolph and Whitehead said they enjoy being part of a team and such an outstanding athletics program.

“I’ve learned that when you’re a part of a team, it’s not just about you anymore,” Adolph said. “Quitting not only changes your life but disrupts the heartbeat of the team.

Every member, no matter how big or small his or her role, is essential to the team’s function. I lean on my teammates when I am feeling fatigued, and I know they will always be there for me.”

What’s Next? push for 4.0 for everyone. Falling short isn’t failing but we will always focus on getting better. The coaches here know it isn’t about them—it is about the students. Our motto is: ‘Coach, teach, achieve and impact.’ We’re all working together for continued gradual success.”

Players in the Game Colby Adolph, a senior biochemistry major and member of the women’s basketball team, said she has learned the value of time and importance of academics at SU. “Being a science major and an athlete is one of the hardest tasks a student can take on, especially when that student is involved in many other groups and leadership roles on campus,” she said. “My coach, Matt Wallis, has always had pretty high expectations for me, including maintaining my grades and skills on the court.”

According to Adolph, another challenge of being involved in collegiate sports is the missed class time and the extra dedication it takes to stay on top of one’s studies.

“Being a student athlete here also has taught me stamina, and I don’t mean physical stamina,” Adolph said. “There have been many times when I had to miss classes because of travel, and missing one science class can put you well behind your classmates, especially close to exam time. Many times I thought about quitting the team and putting all my efforts into school.”

Macosko and the rest of the coaching staff will continue to push students to strive for excellence in the classroom, as well as on the field, but like all good things, it might take some time for the athletic and classroom aspects of the program to be completely in sync.

“It is discouraging when we’re not winning enough, but I see in the future what we can and will be,” Macosko said.

In order to improve the athletics department, Macosko and Summerlin realize the need for new facilities on campus.

“A new athletics facility is the top item on our campaign,” Summerlin said. “The people involved with the program deserve that building and our support.”

In addition to a new athletic facility and support for academic careers, Macosko said the one thing that makes Schreiner’s athletic program most appealing to potential students is the relationship between the coaches and student athletes. So far, it’s working.

“Being Division III is a great recruiting tool because we have the right mindset,” Layton said. “I really admire the athletic program and its athletes. You can see the athletic department help develop the character of an athlete, and they have high, no-excuses, expectations. They truly are role models representing the sports they play.”

Photo: Colby Adolph, a biochemistry major and member of the basketball team, works as hard in the lab as she does on the court.

www.schreiner.edu Fall 2012 11

The Best Is Yet To Come

by Caitlin Probandt

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“Schreiner’s music program is the very definition of ‘Learning By Heart,’” said Dr. Donald Crandall, professor of music at Schreiner University. “Our students and faculty continually reach out and provide a great service to the community.”

The Ensemble

People might not be able to immediately pick up a guitar or sit at a piano and play something exquisite, but Kahl claims just about everyone can sing.

“Only a very small percent of the population is actually tone deaf,” he said with a smile. “You can sing, you might just need some help with the pitch.”

Crandall and Kahl, along with 16 members of the adjunct music faculty, understand the challenges of learning a new instrument or singing in front of an audience, but they continue to encourage and push their students—music majors and students majoring in other areas—to strive for excellence.

musicatschreiner

S

chreiner University is surrounded by music hotspots including Luckenbach, Fredericksburg and San Antonio, but the campus boasts many of its own spectacular musical events and a small but highly-regarded music department that continues to thrive.

Now Playing

The music department at Schreiner University is anything but typical—professors range from concert pianists to former opera singers, and the curriculum features courses including, music theory, music history, group piano, sight-singing and ear training and music composition—and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

The music department is part of what makes SU a premiere place of learning because of the passion that Crandall and the rest of the music faculty put into their teaching.

“It is a delight to work with all those in the music faculty,” Crandall said. “They have passion for what they do and know how to communicate their musical knowledge to students.”

For Michael Kahl, assistant professor of music and choir director, it is the students’ little “ah-ha!” moments that keep him inspired. (For more on Kahl, see page 17.)

“I love Schreiner and I love working here,” he said.

“A lot of times we get students who aren’t music majors, but they find music is a release for them. I love helping someone who is going to be a biochemist learn how to sing. It is all about keeping the arts alive, and music is a great hobby.”

The SU music department recently established a concert band and chamber ensemble and hasn’t looked back since.

The choir performs anywhere from 20 to 25 times a year off campus.

“The choir, concert band and chamber ensemble— we’ll go anywhere and perform—people love it,” Kahl said. “We have sung at the state hospital, for the Rotary Club and at assisted living homes. We’re just showing the community a little of what is going on here at Schreiner.”

Thanks to a generous gift from a donor, and through student fundraising, the choir also traveled to Ireland in May—one of several study abroad trips they have taken—and had the privilege of singing in many historic churches in the area.

Most of the students that make up the concert band, choir and ensemble will major in something other than music but that doesn’t mean they won’t be gaining valuable knowledge.

“We really try to make them the best they can be,” Kahl said. “I like that I can give my students the individual attention they need and want.”

Play It Loud

Hitting Pause

Crandall and Kahl have heard it a thousand times, and they still have a hard time believing it’s true— that common line, “I’m not a musical person.”

“Do you like music? Then you’re musical,” Crandall said. “Everything—emotions and thoughts—are communicated through the composer and shared with the listener. Isn’t it amazing how music can affect who we are from minute to minute? How many times have you gotten into the car and been affected by a song on the radio or on a CD?”

Although the music department is small, it is facing challenges on space and resources for its students.

“As of now, Dietert Auditorium has only one classroom for music classes and the adjacent stage is generally used for private lessons and ensemble rehearsals,” Crandall said. “With student interest in music increasing at Schreiner there is a growing need for more soundproof classrooms and rehearsal spaces.

The music department is looking forward to the development of a new performing arts facility that will www.schreiner.edu Fall 2012 13

house both music and theater programs.”

In the meantime, Kahl said the students and faculty are making the most of what they have, and they are grateful for the support of the administration.

“We’re learning how to make the most of it, and we’ll continue to grow with the resources we have,” Kahl said.

The positive attitude and overall excellence of the music department faculty has traveled far and wide and turned out to be the deciding factor in Fred Keepers’ choice to commit to Schreiner University.

Keepers, a senior music major, said he was originally thinking about attending The University of Texas at San Antonio, but after hearing about Crandall and the other teaching staff, he decided to make SU his home.

“I’d heard about Crandall’s reputation,” he said.

“He was rumored to be an excellent pianist and teacher and it has proven to be true.”

A member of the choir and a pianist, himself, Keepers has had the good fortune to work with both Crandall and Kahl extensively and said he couldn’t be

more pleased with his time at Schreiner University and the education he is receiving.

What would be his advice to new music majors?

“Get into the choirs or concert band as soon as you can,” he said. “These programs are better than any ear learning you can do. They’re great skill builders for any aspiring musician.”

The Flip Side Learning and music are not just intertwined in the music department at Schreiner University—it also can be found in Dr. Kathleen Hudson’s classroom.

Hudson, professor of English, has brought a new focus to lyrics and the writing process of singer/songwriters.

“The joy is to weave all of these interests into one fabric,” she said. “The focus is to look at what these people are talking about in their songs.”

Hudson’s love of songs and music has not only prompted her to teach the power of songwriting, but to also strive to create learning events for the community

Hudson Honored This year’s 25th annual Texas Heritage Music Days was extra special for Dr. Kathleen Hudson and all of Schreiner University—September 28 is now recognized as Kathleen Hudson Day. On Friday, Sept. 28, Dr. Tim Summerlin, SU president, announced to the crowd at Texas Heritage Music Days that Hudson was being honored for her tireless efforts.

“I had no idea,” Hudson said. “I was surprised, moved and thrilled. There were many tears as you can see in the video on Facebook.

A friend was documenting the day and she put up the entire proclamation on my Facebook page and the Texas Heritage Music page.”

Hudson, who joined the Schreiner faculty in 1987 and became a full-time professor in 2000, has since been helping generations of Schreiner students discover their voices and create through self-expression.

Throughout her career at Schreiner, Hudson has won numerous awards including

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Keep On Playing Regardless if they are teaching courses, preparing for a concert or improving their own skills, Crandall, Kahl and Hudson strive to keep the arts alive at Schreiner so students can continue to share their knowledge within the community.

“We have two former music students from Schreiner who are now giving back to the community through their work,” Crandall said. “Brad Shearhart, ’12, opened Music and the Mind where he offers musical tutoring and instruction. Ellena Hernandez, ’10, now is teaching music at Hunt Independent School District. I just love to see that.”

musicatschreiner

and Schreiner. One such event is Texas Heritage Music Days, which is a free music event hosted on the last Friday of September on the Schreiner campus and continued throughout the school year through The Bard Project—an in-school performance and outreach program. Each year, Texas Heritage Music Days hosts singers, songwriters and poets who share knowledge through song. This year, Lloyd Maines and Terri Hendrix hosted a small songwriters’ workshop which was open to the community and all of Schreiner.

“Everyone can write, although not everyone gets to have a commercially successful career in music,” Hudson said. “It is about creative self-expression, and that is part of being human.”

For Hudson, the Texas Music Heritage Foundation and events like Texas Heritage Music Days, Texas Music Coffeehouse series and the Texas Oral History Project are other ways to learn at Schreiner. “Schreiner is saying that creative self-expression is part of a liberal arts education,” she said. “There is a transformation that occurs in the presence of story and song—lives are changing in the moment.”

Phil ‘N ’ the Blanks

the Whitehurst Creative Teaching Award, the Harriet Garrett Teacher of the Year Award and the Research, Scholarship and Creativity Award. Also, Hudson was chosen as one of 15 Texas professors to receive the Minnie Piper Stevens Award—an award that recognizes commitment to learning.

She has written two books, “Women and Texas Music: Stories and Songs” and “Telling Stories, Writing Songs: An Album of Texas Songwriters.”

Through her efforts, the Texas Music Coffeehouse series at Schreiner University has been a great success, as well as Texas Heritage Music Days.

Hudson’s belief that music and storytelling can bring together a culturally diverse community has been proven true, and Schreiner University will continue to celebrate Hudson and her tireless efforts to make SU a premier place of learning.

Schreiner faculty and staff might have noticed a lack of guitar riffs and good ol’ rock’n’roll missing from university functions, but they need not worry— Phil ‘N’ the Blanks is still rocking.

“We’ve been a real band for almost 10 years now,” said Dr. William Woods, lead singer of Phil ‘N’ the Blanks and professor of English and dean of the school of liberal arts. “We still play two or three gigs, but we’re always looking for a show.”

Woods, who performs with James Harris, lead guitar and visiting assistant professor of visual arts; Dr. Gary Biel, bass and associate professor of psychology; and Dr. Steve Ellers, rhythm guitar and associate professor of political science, has the secret to the bands success up his sleeve.

“What we lack in talent we make up for in enthusiasm,” he said with a laugh.

“We all get along really well—no creative differences here.”

For a band that has never had a fulltime drummer and claims to be “out of the racket for a while,” the demand is still high.

“Ninety percent of our events are Schreiner events,” Woods said. “We played the recycling start up gig, Majors Day and Convocation. It’s a hoot, and we’re always looking for more.”

www.schreiner.edu Fall 2012 15

What Are You

Listening To? Anthony Gaddy, junior music major:

“Wagon Wheel” by Old Crow Medicine Show Michael Kahl, assistant professor of music and choir director:

Brandi Carlile and Boston Susan Love, adjunct music professor:

Motion Traxx and music from “Tomb Raider” Tamara Raatz, adjunct professor and director of bands:

“Capriccio Italien” by Tchaikovsky

Dr. Don Crandall, professor of music:

Oscar Levant performing Gershwin variations of “I’ve Got Rhythm” also Bill Reid and the Fewer Sorrows Band (Reid is a member of Schreiner’s board of trustees)

Fred Keepers, senior music major:

Kishi Bashi

Kevin McCormick, adjunct music professor:

Elbow and Big Big Train

Dr. Kathleen Hudson, professor of English:

Bob Dylan’s new album, “Tempest” and Leonard Cohen

16 Fall 2012 SCENE

musicatschreiner

Faculty Spotlight

Music Man

Photos above: Michael Kahl at work with the choir and at play with his dog, Matty.

by Caitlin Probandt

Michael Kahl was born with a gift.

“My parents said I would sneak into the kitchen when I was little and pull pots and pans out of the bottom cabinet and bang on them,” he said. “My parents recognized I beat on the pots and pans in a certain rhythm. I guess I’ve always been musical, and I can’t see myself doing anything else.”

Kahl, assistant professor of music and SU choir director, is the son of a retired minister and teacher.

He was born in Dallas while his father attended seminary at Southern Methodist University. Kahl was raised in El Paso and earned his undergraduate degree from The University of Texas at El Paso in music education and he didn’t stop there.

“I went full circle and earned my master’s degree in vocal performance from SMU,” he said. “I am so grateful to my parents for pushing for me to get an education degree. I then attended Hartt Conservatory and received my artist diploma.”

After finishing schooling, Kahl took to auditioning for roles in plays around the country.

“I can sing, but I can’t dance,” he said with a laugh. “I played Tony in ‘West Side Story’ and a few other roles, but soon I started performing opera which requires little-to-no dancing.”

From 1994 to about 1998, Kahl said he traveled from New England to Portland and Seattle to audition and work.

“I got to see the country,” he said. “Toward the end of my travels I could fit everything I owned

into the back of my truck. I’d just find a mattress from the Salvation Army and buy inexpensive furniture I could sell off when I left. Then I started transitioning from only performing to teaching.”

Kahl found himself at Mesa Community College in Phoenix and loved sharing his gift with students.

“They say those who can’t do, teach, but it wasn’t a default for me,” he said. “I didn’t think I’d like teaching when I was younger, but I loved it.”

From 1995-98, when Kahl wasn’t performing, he lived and taught in Phoenix before taking jobs in San Antonio at Travis Park United Methodist Church and Palo Alto Community College, where he taught before joining Schreiner University in 2003.

“I’d never heard of Schreiner before I was offered a job here,” he said. “A former voice student of mine apparently told the faculty about me and they contacted me. I’m glad she did because I love it here.”

When Kahl isn’t teaching voice lessons, directing choirs, conducting, writing music or working at First Presbyterian Church, he likes to spend his time running with his dog, Matty, and traveling to San Antonio and Austin to explore.

But for the man who has traveled all over the country to pursue his dreams as an opera singer, there is no place he’d rather be than Schreiner University.

“I really love seeing students’ faces when they get that look of accomplishment,” he said.

“That ‘ah-ha!’ moment—I live for that.”

www.schreiner.edu Fall 2012 17

W

BSN Trip to Costa Rica

hen Dr. Lena Rippstein, director of nursing at Schreiner University, came across International Service Learning—an educational service that enlists medical and educational volunteer teams to provide services to under-served populations in Central and South America—she knew it was something her nursing students should experience.

In August, Rippstein and 12 nursing students spent nine days in Costa Rica. The students, split into teams of three, assessed anywhere from 30 to 50 patients a day.

The experience, although different for each student, was positive, and each left with more skills and a newfound respect for the people of Costa Rica.

The following is a first person account of the trip by Heather Jackson, a senior in Schreiner’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program.

Photos from left to right: Nursing students at work during the mission trip; BSN students prepare to zip-line while in Costa Rica; Living conditions in Costa Rica; Heather Jackson, a senior BSN student, makes a new friend during the trip; BSN students with some of their patients.

She was a little stand-offish at first. She wanted to know why we were there and what we wanted. The “white man” was once seen as a symbol of hope, a trustworthy person, but not anymore for this lady. A few days prior to our showing up a white man’s dog had bitten her. He promised to take her to the doctor, pay the bills and give her some money. He did none of these; she no longer trusted the “white man.” She had recently kicked her abusive husband out, been sent home by her employer because of the bite and had seven kids at home.

The day we arrived for the clinic was the same day the “white man” had promised to take her to the doctor and never appeared. She told us she put it in God’s hands, and then we showed up. She came to the clinic and let us take a look at the bite and prescribe antibiotics. She was so thankful we were there and grateful for everything we did for her.

This lady was just one of the many people we met on our nursing mission trip to Costa Rica. Most of the people were very welcoming of us

On a Mission

18 Fall 2012 SCENE

costarica

and glad we were there to help; she was the only exception and yet she made the most difference in my experience. We didn’t just treat the infection; we treated her as a person, which is what being a nurse is all about.

When we heard about the possibility of a trip to Costa Rica to do clinicals, I was so excited. I had been to Africa the year prior for a mission trip and I was itching to do it again.

Only this time I would be doing what I love. So in August, 12 Schreiner BSN students and our fearless leader, Dr. Rippstein, set out to spend nine days in Costa Rica.

It was an experience we will never forget. We served in a small town called La Carpia for three days, and an even smaller rural town, Frijanes, for two. In each town we met different people and had different experiences, but there was a trend of thankfulness and respect; just showing up made a difference to them. In the end, we helped a total of 110 patients in our five days in the towns. We saw everyone from newborn to the elderly. We got great experience seeing what different infections look like, practicing our assessment skills and being culturally sensitive.

One of the most rewarding parts of the trip was seeing how thankful they were to know that someone cared. In the first village, we had time to play with the kids for the day. We played duck, duck, goose, head and shoulders and a game that reminded me of ring-around-the-rosy. It was so much fun and it brought joy to the children’s faces. Even though we didn’t speak the same language we were still able to make a difference in their lives, and they in ours.

We were immersed in the culture. Every day we had homemade authentic Costa Rican or Nicaraguan dishes, fresh squeezed juices, homemade ice cream, fresh fruit—anything you could think of. On the last two days we were able to go

sightseeing. One day we went to the Manuel Antonio National Park. We had to walk through the jungle to get to the beach. It was so amazing. There were white sandy beaches. There were monkeys, sloths, raccoons and iguanas hanging out in the trees, and the trees went almost right up to the water’s edge. It looked like a scene out of a movie. The second day we went zip-lining over the forest and then to a hot springs. It was a great way to end our week of service.

Serving on this trip confirmed that I was doing exactly what I wanted to do. It also gave us the opportunity to see another side of each other, personalities that we might not have normally gotten to see. Being part of the nursing program we were all already pretty close, but this brought us even closer. This was an experience we may not have gotten if we hadn’t come to Schreiner.

I came to Schreiner on a leap of faith. I honestly cannot tell you how I found out about Schreiner or why it was the only university I applied to. Looking back I can’t believe I made the choice to come to Schreiner. After all, they did not offer a BSN when I came, and that was the only major I wanted.

But, I came anyway and I never expected to have the experiences I’ve had.

On May 11, 2013, the first Schreiner Bachelor of Science in Nursing class will graduate and sit for the NCLEX. We were all brought to Schreiner by some string of events, and we will all be leaving together. We’ve made amazing memories, wonderful friends and have had once in a lifetime opportunities.

Schreiner may be a small university, but the possibilities are endless. And our possibilities as BSN prepared nurses can take us anywhere. I am thankful for the fact that something led me to choose Schreiner and all the difference that choice has made in my life.

www.schreiner.edu Fall 2012 19

Cindy Becker and her daughter Michelle

Debbie Blackwell and her daughter Robyn

Debbie Burress and her son TJ

Billy Richardson and his daughter Taylor

Lynn Bacon and her son Walker

Cathy Scozzari and her daughter Jennifer

William Woods and his son Thomas

Denise Kampfinkel and her son Derrick

All in the Family After graduating high school, many students choose to venture off to different cities to attend technical schools, community colleges or universities—but for some, they choose to call Schreiner home—just like dear ol’ mom or dad.

There are currently 11 SU employees witnessing their kids’ college experiences firsthand as they share the campus with their children and vice versa.

From being able to grab a bite to eat in the dining hall to attending a lecture together, these duos have a unique opportunity to share these formative years together.

20 Fall 2012 SCENE

volunteerspotlight

Volunteer Spotlight

Connecting the Dots

by Caitlin Probandt

Photo above: Janet McKinney and her husband, Kent, in Durbar Square, Kathmandu, Nepal, in September 2011. The McKinneys enjoy traveling and staying active when their busy schedules allow.

Janet McKinney is an adventurer, so it is fitting that she helps Schreiner University students find their own paths in life.

McKinney, SU board of trustee member and volunteer, attended Kansas University from 1970-74 and earned her degree in archaeology.

“It seemed to me the majority of women were getting their teaching and nursing degrees, and I wasn’t sure what I wanted to pursue,” McKinney said. “Women, at that time, were not encouraged to go into business. That and my grandmother’s influence helped me decide to go into archaeology.”

Although McKinney started graduate school shortly after, she realized pursing a doctorate wasn’t for her and she moved to Dallas and went into banking—a profession she worked in for five years—before moving back to Kansas to start in the management development program at Martin Tractor Company Inc., the family Caterpillar Tractor business which was started by her grandfather in 1911.

“I went from archeology to tractors,” she said with a laugh. “I tell people I just got a bigger shovel.”

For five years, McKinney worked as branch manager for the business in Chanute, Kansas, where she met her future husband, Kent, in 1988, who was a president for a local bank. After getting married, the couple moved to Topeka with their son, Ross, and Kent started Community National Bank. McKinney became the president of the bank in January 1997, just after graduating with her MBA from Rockhurst College.

After their time in Kansas, the McKinney’s decided to move up state.

“We sold the business and moved to Washington because we were both in good health and all our children were gone,” she said. “We built a house, traveled, went on an Earthwatch dig as volunteers, and after growing restless, we joined the Peace Corps in 2005 and went to Kazakhstan. However, it wasn’t long before we knew we had to go back to work.”

The couple had visited friends in Kerrville years before and decided it was a great place to put down some roots.

Her husband started Guadalupe National Bank in 2006 and McKinney went in search of something challenging and ended up at Schreiner University in 2009.

“When we visited, our friends didn’t even mention Schreiner University, but it is a wonderful place where the value of education cannot be overestimated,” she said. “I worked with Paul Camfield (associate director of alumni relations) for two years before seeking something a little more challenging.”

Today, McKinney is involved with the A.C.E.— Awareness, Connection and Engagement—program in Career Services that connects freshmen who are undecided in their majors with Schreiner University alumni. The students get to experience jobs by shadowing the alumni or the former Schreiner students help students with résumé writing or mock interviews.

“We currently have 30 alumni signed up for the program,” McKinney said. “We have more and more alumni that want to give back, so they donate time and expertise.”

The A.C.E. program currently has 12 students signed up for the year-long happenings, but there is plenty of room for more, according to McKinney.

“There is a very dedicated staff here at Schreiner,” she said. “We need to make the community more aware of what is going on here and what a special place it is.”

When McKinney isn’t working on the A.C.E. Program she and her husband enjoy traveling, exercising and reading. They also enjoy following Kansas University athletics during football and basketball, and they are season ticket holders.

McKinney also is a trustee for the Kansas University Endowment Association board of directors and serves on the board of advisors for the Natural History Museum and Biodiversity Institute at KU. To contact McKinney, email her at jmmckinney@ schreiner.edu

www.schreiner.edu Fall 2012 21

Men’s Golf

Volleyball American Southwest Conference East No. 1 seed UT-Dallas swept Schreiner, 3-0, at the ASC Championships in early November and ended the Mountaineers’ first tournament run since 1999.

SU stayed close in the first set and lost a tough decision, 25-23. UT-Dallas became more dominant in subsequent sets and pulled away 25-18 and 25-14 in the next two games.

Junior Brittany Boyett had 12 kills and 18 digs, and sophomore Callie Du Perier had six kills and 14 digs. Junior Jaemi Groves had 30 assists.

“Of course we are disappointed in the outcome,” said coach Howard Wallace. “We had a chance to win the first set but didn’t get it done.

Although we never gave up, we didn’t play at our best after that. You can’t have that happen against a team as good as UT-Dallas. Still, I’m proud of the team for all their work this season.”

The Mountaineers finish their season with a 13-14 record overall and 9-9 in ASC play. Few expected that Schreiner Volleyball would have the success the team enjoyed this fall. Schreiner was picked to finish fourth in the ASC West in the preseason poll, and finished third in the final standings. Despite losing several key pieces from last year’s team, the 2012 version outperformed the 2011 team in every category and by a large margin. This year’s team demonstrated great heart and resiliency and were immensely more challenging for opponents both from a physical and mental standpoint. SU doesn’t have a senior on the roster so there is a lot of reason for optimism going into next year when Coach Wallace will also add his first complete recruiting class to this group of returning players.

22 Fall 2012 SCENE

The Schreiner Men’s Golf team fell three spots on the final day of the season to finish in sixth place at the Alamo City Classic played at River Crossing Golf Course. The best tournament performance was turned in by freshman Phillip Stewart who shot 75-72=147 to finish seventh in the field. Senior Kelby Ruiz was the only other Mountaineer player to improve on his first day score, shooting 78-77=155 to place 24th.

Women’s Golf The 10th-ranked Schreiner women’s golf team shot 322 in the final round and moved up to fourth place at the Alamo City Classic in late October. Freshman Mariah Silvas paced the Mountaineer effort with a collegiate best 78 in the round. No. 1-ranked Mary Hardin-Baylor won the tournament and avenged a loss to SU earlier this semester on its home course. Schreiner is still one of only two programs in the nation that has beaten UMHB this year. The team now enters its offseason and begins the spring season in February.

To read about SU’s golf teams success go to page 6.

mountaineersports

Men’s Soccer Overall No. 2 seed UT-Dallas scored two goals in the final 21 minutes to break a one-all tie and beat Schreiner, 3-1, in the semifinals of the American Southwest Conference Tournament in early November bringing SU’s season to an end.

“Facing a tough UTD team on less than a day’s rest was a tough task to accomplish,” said coach Paul Hayes.

“It was a roller coaster season for us, but our boys excelled in many tough situations and matured greatly throughout the season. Our seniors and captains did a great job of leading and making the most of every situation.”

Senior Gio Benitez, who scored the only goal of the match in Thursday’s win over UT-Tyler, tied the match up early in the second half (46th minute) off a penalty kick. It was his fourth goal of the season. The Comets kept up the pressure and eventually got the lead back

in the 69th minute off a header by Michael Darrow off a corner kick. UTD’s Omar Jaroun scored an insurance goal in the 81st minute to make it 3-1.

Schreiner ends its season with an overall record of 8-10 and 8-6 in ASC play. SU started the season being picked to finish 11th in the 13 team ASC race after going 4-13 in 2011. Considering those low expectations by fellow coaches in the league, SU shocked nearly everyone by going 7-5 in the regular season and making the postseason tournament. SU won six straight matches and seven of eight to get to the playoffs. This marks the fourth time since 2005 that SU has advanced to the conference championship. The Mountaineers will graduate seven seniors: Martinez, Gio Benitez, Jorge Ramos, Ivan Benitez, Josh Vela, David Machado and Trevor Brown but will have a strong nucleus returning in 2013.

Women’s Soccer The Schreiner women’s soccer season ended with an 8-0 home defeat to UT-Tyler and the careers of six prominent seniors for the SU team came to a close as well. It was the final contest for seniors Becky Chiaro, Desiree Frausto, Haley Powers, Amanda Moon, Lacey Warner and Roni Kloss.

Schreiner finished its 2012 season with an ASC record of 3-9 and in 10th place in the 13-team league.

For schedules and more athletic news, visit http://athletics.schreiner.edu

www.schreiner.edu Fall 2012 23

Focus on Giving The Legacy of Philanthropy Continues

by Karen davis kilgore

Elinor and Bob Ross said “yes” the first time a volunteer asked them to support the Hill Country College Fund. While Elinor (Creighton University, M.D.) and Robert (University of Nebraska, B.S.) greatly appreciated the universities that helped prepare them for careers in medicine and geology, the couple recognized that the college in their new hometown would be a worthy and interesting organization to help.

Their giving never stopped from 1994 to 2010 and took many forms over the years. Elinor and Bob supported a variety of projects with their finances, faithfully attended campus events and consistently encouraged the faculty and staff. Several years before their deaths, the couple also established a charitable remainder

Photos: Top left: Elinor and Bob Ross joyfully supported Schreiner in their lifetimes and set an example of generosity that continues to live.

Top Right: Son, Tom Ross, with daughter Lauren and wife, Laura, are sustaining the family’s generous legacy through the endowed scholarship challenge fund.

24 Fall 2012 SCENE

trust to provide life income for them and a handsome estate gift for Schreiner.

Their legacy of giving continues. Their son, a San Antonio architect, and his family have accepted the Trustees Endowment Matching Program. When Tom, Laura and Lauren have given $25,000, the Board of Trustees will add an equal amount to the Elinor M. and Robert J. Ross Trustee Endowment. This fine gift will provide much-needed financial aid for nursing students.

Tom smiles when he talks about his family’s decision to sustain his parents’ legacy of giving.

“These scholarship for nurses will be awarded—not just for a couple of years—but for a lifetime. What a great way to keep Mom and Dad’s dreams alive!” he adds.

If you would like to know more about the Trustees Challenge Fund for Financial Aid or other methods to establish a lasting legacy, please contact:

Karen Davis Kilgore Director of Development/Planned Giving Specialist 830-792-7205 kkilgore@schreiner.edu

A Model Student

mountaineertalk

mountaineer talk

by T.J. Forster

Sophomo re ma rketing ma jor

A

s a teenager, I became extremely interested in modeling and started to experience the feeling of accomplishing my dreams. My life really started to click when I learned to be myself and follow my dreams. If I could reach out to everyone, I would tell them to always do what they love because in the end, you don’ t have to prove anything to anybody, but yourself. I promised a good friend of mine, who passed away in a fatal car accident, that I would accomplish my dreams for him this year. I prayed to God every day to help me find a way to do this, and one day I found my path. I logged on to Facebook one afternoon and noticed the American Eagle page hosting a competition to be in their next modeling campaign. Since I hope to work in the fashion industry after graduating, I instantly became interested and joined in.

The competition consisted of people posting their pictures and bio’s to the site and the five people who got the most votes each week, for four weeks, would

go into the final round and compete against each other for the number one spot. I had so much support from a bunch of people throughout the world and my rank went from 250th to 5th place within a day and I stayed in that spot until the competition ended. The top five contestants were placed on the American Eagle billboard in T imes Square in New York. I went to the final round and did not become their next top model, but I was thrilled and so blessed that out of all the contestants all over the world, I got the chance to be on an American Eagle billboard because of everyone who supported me.

Always do what you love and never look back. Pursue your dreams and never let anything or anybody bring you down. I plan to make a change in this world and I hope I can inspire and motivate as many people as possible before my time expires here on this earth.

Current students interested in submitting a first-person essay, artwork, photography or poetry for consideration, please visit www.schreiner.edu/scene/students or call 830-792-7405.

www.schreiner.edu Fall 2012 25

Capturing the Moment Alumnus Makes His Mark with Photography Business

by Caitlin Probandt

N

o one understands the importance of capturing life’s most meaningful moments on film like Aaron Yates ’07—well, except for his grandfather.

“Pawpaw would film everything,” said Yates, owner of KerrvillePhoto.com. “My whole childhood and all the important events are on tape. It was always a hobby of mine when I got older, I’d be that guy videoing all of his friends.”

Yates, a Kerrville native, graduated from Tivy High School in 1999 and then headed to Texas A&M University where he set out to pursue a career in civil engineering. However, in 2001, Yates found himself back in Kerrville working for the family business, Voelkel Land Surveying, and attending classes at Austin Community College in Fredericksburg. In 2004, Yates decided to attend Schreiner University full-time and earn his degree in finance.

“I knew I wanted to do something with business, but I didn’t just want to get a general business degree,” he said. “When I finally declared, I went with finance and one of the main reasons was because of the family business.”

What Yates didn’t realize at the time was that he’d be going into business for himself in just a few short years and putting some very valuable knowledge and hard work to good use.

“I finally had funds for decent cameras, and I had a friend who was getting married approach me about filming her wedding,” he said. “I started Googling tips and I had to beg, borrow and steal equipment to make it happen for that first wedding.

Right after that my business partner, Kurt Nemky, and I were contacted by the Upper Guadalupe River Authority about a few paid projects and soon more and more business starting coming in.”

Yates worked on honing his videography skills while working at Voelkel but still he wanted to expand. He approached the Kerrville Daily Times about freelance photojournalism work and soon became sought after for his photography skills.

“I always had a still camera, but there were already so many photographers in Kerrville that I didn’t want to compete,” he said. “I started

26 Fall 2012 SCENE

shooting for the Kerrville Daily Times in 2009, and that was when I noticed a big push. I soon started shooting for magazines and worked my way over to real estate video and photography.”

Soon Yates—who, to this day, has had no formal training in photography or videography—was booked every evening with photo and video jobs in addition to his day job at the land surveying company.

“I’d always thought about going out on my own, but there wasn’t enough revenue to quit my day job at the time,” he said. “Then in September 2011, I quit my job at Voelkel and became available to shoot photos and video full time. Since then I’ve kept all the same customers; they’re all great clients.”

Since last year, Yates has expanded to include website design and other multimedia services in addition to photography and videography and reports he is staying busy. However, he does have one regret as far as his business is concerned.

“I should have started this business three years sooner, but I was too comfortable with what I was doing to make the move,” he said with a smile. “I credit much of my success to my Schreiner education, Dr. Mark Woodhull and the other business professors gave me very valuable knowledge. A lot of people don’t realize what makes a business work is the behind the scenes stuff— the book keeping and the business plan writing.”

Bookkeeping and accounting aside, Yates will be the first to admit that his line of work is anything but boring.

“I film and shoot a lot of weddings and local events.” he said. “I’m always getting paid to do fun stuff.” “If I weren’t getting paid to cover that stuff I’d still be going out to enjoy it. The best part of my business is it allows you to use both sides of your brain. You get to be the planner, the budgeter, the economist and the artist.”

Yates, in addition to being a small business owner, also is a member of the Kerrville Main Street Advisory Board, an adjunct professor at Schreiner University and political news junkie.

To contact Aaron Yates, send him an email at aaron@kerrvillephoto.com

formerstudents www.schreiner.edu Fall 2012 27

class notes 1940s

Philip Masquelette ’42 wrote that he

enjoyed a recent visit with Sue Steele, a member of the Schreiner staff, “her father preceded me as member of the cadet corps, when all the boys wore uniforms, and there were a few girls in the junior college years living with their families in town. I was able to describe to her how many townspeople came to the campus on Sunday, December 7, 1941, to see the colors lowered while the band (in which I played a trumpet) performed the national anthem, and the next day we gathered in the assembly room in the admin building to listen on the radio to President Roosevelt asking Congress to declare war on Japan. Hitler got Germany to declare war on the U.S. later in the week based on a treaty between Germany and Japan.”

Your fellow alumni would love to know where you are and what you’ve been up to. Submitting a class note is easy: just visit https://forms.schreiner.edu/ classnotes.html or contact us at 830-792-7405 or scene@schreiner.edu

cool Seattle weather for a few weeks, a nice change. We are pleased to live in a town where the large number of churches is a major feature. I still remember Dr. Edington’s sermonettes at assembly. They were needed guides for young men.”

Teresa (Meyer) Offutt ’90 wrote,

1950s

Otto Harrison ’54 wrote, “In 2012 we are grateful that our children and our 11 grandchildren are doing well. Four grandchildren are in college. One sonin-law had a very successful kidney transplant. Life in New Braunfels is good and we really enjoyed the tasty Hill Country peach crop this year.

Also, we had a chance to enjoy some

28 Fall 2012 SCENE

Aubrey Frank ’89

wrote, “Things here in Dallas are going great for the family and me! I have been the recruiting business analyst for ReachLocal (digital marketing company) in Plano for nearly 2 1/2 years and helped open three new offices in Canada this year. The boys are growing by leaps and bounds. Rian is getting ready to start 8th grade, Jacob will be in 5th grade and Matthew will be in 3rd grade. In April, Rian attended the TMSCA Middle School state meet in San Antonio and placed 54th in 7th grade science. I will definitely have to make plans to be at Recall next spring. All the best to the entire Schreiner family and hope everyone has a wonderful year.”

1990s

Charles H. Morris ’52 shared that he is

still living in the St. Louis area. He was in Kerrville in May to attend a memorial for his late brother. He and about 17 of his Tivy classmates were able to gather that same week. He plays tennis regularly, volunteers some at his church, leading services and preaching there occasionally and at other churches in his diocese. On occasion he volunteers as a sidewalker or leader at St. Louis Therapeutic Horsemanship in his county. Morris wrote that he “remembers and is grateful for the good higher education foundation he received in his two years of college at Schreiner.”

1980s

1960s

H. Winchester Thurber III ’63 is

currently an owner of Norton Lilly International and holds the office of president and CEO. He has been married for more than 40 years to Katherine Moody Thurber; the couple has three grown children and six grandchildren. In 2005, Thurber was inducted into the Maritime Hall of Fame for outstanding achievements in his field. In 2011, he was recognized by a group of his peers for his outstanding contributions to the transportation industry. In addition to his work duties, Win also serves on the board of directors of Regions Bank, Port of Mobile Maritime Museum, the board of advisers of the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mobile Touchdown Club. He is also a member of the American Bureau of Shipping, and the Association of Ship Brokers & Agents (USA).

“Well, I found my dream job here in Kerrville. I pursued my master’s in management and got hired as executive director for the Hill Country Home Opportunity Council Inc., a nonprofit housing agency. I am hoping to make positive changes here in Kerrville, expanding our housing activities in the near future. Our homes are for low to moderate-income families. We also are involved with renovation projects and projects where we build new homes to replace homes beyond repair.”

Page Foshee ’90 and his partner, Robert Bracewell, operate businesses in Austin. Page is a petroleum landman and Richard owns and manages his own real estate interests and also manages Page’s Austin-based company. With multiple Texas projects and one in Colorado, Page is constantly on the road. “It’s always great to return to Schreiner, to visit with faculty and students, and to see how significantly the university has grown in scope and service over the last two decades.”

classnotes

Richard Garrett ’91 wrote, “I spent more than 20 years in the oil fields, and then moved to Kerrville. This allowed me to continue my education, and begin a new career. I was able teach in Kerrville ISD, Bandera ISD and eventually in LaJoya ISD, along the Rio Grande Valley. I obtained my Master of Education at Sul Ross State University. My son, Ben, began his freshman year at Schreiner this year.

He was able to obtain a four-year academic scholarship. I am retired from teaching, received my VA disability, and so far so good. I live in Mission, Texas. Soon I will return to my last oil field assignment in the Philippines. I spent almost 17 years working all over the world but will never forget my time at Schreiner.”

Shirley Gerlich ’98 married Billy Jim Tucker Jr. in Ruidoso, New Mexico, on January 1, 2010. Their son, Jett Tucker, was born August 14. Big sister, Mikayla, and big brother, Dylan, welcomed their baby brother home.

The family resides in San Antonio.

2000s

Tennille Bryan ’00

wrote, “I am starting my 12th year with Pleasanton ISD and am very excited to have my son, Jaxon, as part of our education system.

We spent our summer taking mini

vacations to the Coast and Chalk Bluff.

This summer was about quality family and friend time. Jaxon’s exciting news for the summer was his adventure of learning to ride a bicycle without training wheels. My husband and I are very proud of this milestone he achieved.”

both companies I worked as a reading tutor. In the spring and summer, I also worked for Saint Francis Episcopal. I enjoyed the school so much that I have accepted a position there as a teacher assistant.”

David A. Peeples ’04 wrote, “I’m just busy with work in general but I love it!

It’s all due to my faith in Jesus Christ!

Life is good!”

Kassie Barlow ’07 wrote, “I graduated from the University of Houston College of Optometry in May. I was also accepted into the residency program for the next year, where I will be specializing in neuro-optometric rehabilitation. This residency allows me to see patients who are in need of atypical eye exams due to brain injury, multiple impairments or with the special needs population of all ages. So I am happy to say I am finally a Doctor and have one of the most rewarding jobs!”

Cameosha Jones ’08 wrote, “My husband and I have relocated back to Austin, and we are enjoying being back with our families again. I am now working at the University of Texas at Austin as an internal auditor. I also finished my Masters in Accounting in August. Next year I will start studying to become a CPA. Life is going great and I couldn’t be happier.”

Emily Conn ’09 wrote, “This year has been a busy year for me, but first, to reminisce a bit. I graduated from Schreiner in December 2006 with a degree in English. I went on to get my Master of Education from the University of Houston graduating in December of 2009. I have since been working for a small non-profit organization, Texas Reading Institute, and a larger organization, University of Texas Health and Science Center. In

Lynn (Meng) Hyde ’02 and Melissa (Mylchreest) Hyde ’02, married Kerrville brothers, and now the former roommates are sisters-in-law. Lynn married Chad Hyde in March, in San Antonio and Melissa married Ryan Hyde in May in Kerrville. Both couples are enjoying life as newlyweds. Lynn works for Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas and Chad is the staff attorney for the Texas Municipal Police

www.schreiner.edu Fall 2012 29

Association and both love living in Austin with their dog, Winnie. Melissa and Ryan both work in Houston in the oil and gas industry. Ryan’s workrelated travels take him across the country,and Melissa joins him at every opportunity. They wrote, “We still love and miss our days at SU.”

summer with the soccer camp programs. Also just got a job teaching PE and coaching at George Gervin Academy and am very excited for this year. I have been playing soccer in three different coed leagues this past summer.”

Cameron Schuster ’09 won the World Championship High Overall Trophy by hitting 450 targets without a miss in the National Skeet Shooting World Championship held in San Antonio in October. Schuster was the first member of the Schreiner Shooting Sports Team and served as captain for two years. During his time at Schreiner, Schuster won many local and state trophies. He is currently in the real estate and ranch management business and lives in College Station.

Oliver-Pierce Stogsdill ’09 wrote, “After graduating in 2009 I attended Texas Heart Institute in Houston where I studied cardiac physiology and cardiovascular perfusion. I graduated in December 2011 from Texas Heart Institute and accepted a job offer in Little Rock, Ark. I am now a board certified cardiovascular perfusionist and reside in Little Rock.”

Matt Jepson ’10 and Michelle (Nebgen) Jepson ’12 were married in

Abigail (Rider) Kasinger ’10 wrote, “In April, I was promoted to loan processor at Hometown Bank of League City. I’m really enjoying it. However, in all those math classes I took at Schreiner, no one ever taught me how to use a balancing calculator! My husband and I also rescued a puppy for our oneyear wedding anniversary in May. His name is Brickasaurus.”

Susan Burger ’09 wrote, “My brother

Meredith Schneiderheinz ’10 wrote,

bought a house in San Antonio and we have been redoing it and I moved in with him. I worked at UTSA this

“I have been with Citibank for a little over six months now and love every minute of it. Every day is exciting in

30 Fall 2012 SCENE

helping our customers. I am still volunteering once a week as a mentor at two local elementary schools. I love seeing the joy on the children’s faces.

I am also training for my third half marathon in November. And I am also training for the Cystic Fibrosis 5k run coming up soon that will eventually lead to the Cystic Fibrosis Tower climb in February.”

June in Fredericksburg, Texas.

Schreiner students in the wedding party consisted of Amber Bernhard, Amanda Ludwig, Kaela Morlandt, Ben Braun ’08, Adam Boyd, Matt Moreno ’11, TJ Ashabranner ’11 and Chris White. Matt and Michelle are currently residing in Corpus Christi for Matt’s medical school rotations as a third year medical student through the University of North Texas Health Science Center— Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Michelle is working as an optician for Dr. John Allen at Family Vision Associates. “Thanks to our Schreiner family for helping us find each other, we hope to be back soon!”

MaryFrancis Benning ’12 wrote, “I was in Kerrville recently for the alumni board meeting. I walked around campus and noticed how different it was, only to then realize it wasn’t the campus that had changed,

submit Please submit your class note.

All former students are encouraged to send photos and news about themselves — promotions, awards, marriages, births, etc.

Former students can submit class notes online: https://forms.schreiner.edu/ classnotes.html Or by e-mail: scene@schreiner.edu Or by USPS: SCENE Schreiner University CMB 6229 2100 Memorial Blvd.

Kerrville, TX 78028.

Want to find a classmate?

Go to http://students. schreiner.edu/former/ directory.html

classnotes

it was me. In the span of a few short months, I had traversed the road from college student to college grad to successful working adult. There is still a deep seated affection for Schreiner, but I had built a home and life for myself somewhere else. I work at the Capitol in Austin for a State Representative Jim Murphy. I started off as an intern at the beginning of the summer; and in just three months, I was hired on full time for the legislative session. This is beyond a blessing; It is an answered prayer.

I want to thank all of you. You all stood by me and behind me helping me and giving me the tools I needed to be successful. Though it was not without plenty of close calls and late nights, you have all bestowed such wisdom on me and taught me invaluable lessons.

Brewing Up Success Jeff Holt, ’87, found a way to put his hard-earned English degree and his love of beer to use in one neat, educational package.

Holt published his first book, “Historic Texas Breweries” in 2005.

The book chronicles breweries from the 1850s to present day, beginning with the Assig Brewery in Fredericksburg, the Huth Brewery in Castroville and the Menger brewery in San Antonio.

“At a point, every town had its own brewery—especially if there were a lot of Germans in the community,” Holt said. “Then prohibition happened and snuffed out all the smaller breweries—it has taken this long, but smaller breweries are popping up again.”

Holt started investigating and now has a large list of breweries that once were booming all around Texas, many of which can be previewed on his website, Texasbreweries.com.

As a Schreiner student, Holt, was the first to participate in an exchange program with Nagasaki Wesleyan Junior College (now University). He and another student spent the 1984-1985 school year in Japan.

When Holt isn’t working on his next book or working at a bed and breakfast in Fredericksburg, he can be found brewing his own beer in the comfort of his home.

“My cousin got me into home brewing,” he said. “We were raised in Coors Light country, and we still drink that, but in the late ’80s to mid-’90s, there was a beer boom and you could find cool beers at any grocery store and then it kind of died out.”

That’s one of the reasons Holt took matters of beer brewing into his own hands.

“I brew a little of everything—pale ales, stouts and soon I’ll be making Christmas beer with lots of spices in it,” he said. “It is so ridiculously simple to brew your own beer. There is a homebrew store in Austin that features a lot of ingredients that make it really easy.”

Besides brewing, Holt also likes to keep up with the latest in beer news—what the breweries are up to, when to expect new brews to debut—and he also puts his two cents in on what is on the shelves for consumers. On his blog, homebrewer2005.blogspot.com, Holt reviews beers and scores them on appearance, aroma, taste and overall impression—a beer-lover’s guide to bliss.

Why spend time researching breweries, crafting and critiquing beer? The answer is simple in Holt’s mind: “It is just fun,” he said.

“I was fortunate enough to put my English degree to use, and it was a good idea to get into home brewing—definitely a good thing.”

www.schreiner.edu Fall 2012 31

In Memoriam

Schreiner’s website has gotten a facelift...

Former students

to check out our new look go to www.schreiner.edu

Ms. Laura A. Bailey ’38 July 5, 2012, Fort Walton Beach, Fla.

Mr. Quentin J. Aaberg Jr. ’49 July 21, 2012, Kerrville

Mr. Jimmie S. Barton ’42 Sept. 6, 2012, Hitchcock, Texas Mr. Mark Belew ’39 Vernon, Texas Mr. Richard D. Brown ’91 August 15, 2012, San Antonio Mrs. Delores L. Bruns ’47 June 27, 2012, Kerrville Mrs. Elizabeth B. Cotner ’35 July 19, 2012, Austin Mr. Jack Crenshaw ’45 June 28, 2012, Big Spring, Texas Mr. David D. Jones, Jr. ’69 Oct. 4, 2012, Johnson City, Texas Mr. Phillip R. Koch ’78 September 10, 2012, Kerrville Mr. Vernon A. Leissner ’41 July 1, 2012, Bay City, Texas Mr. Len G. McCormick ’42 August 20, 2012, Houston Mr. Stuart C. Millsapps Jr. ’39 September 2, 2012, Austin Mr. Doyle R. Nichols ’36 August 27, 2012, Kerrville Mr. Donald Oates ’76 June 24, 2012, South Fork, Colo.

Mrs. Catherine E. Porter ’98 June 30, 2012, Kerrville Mr. Raymond C. Stanford Jr. ’45 Sept. 12, 2012, Wichita Falls, Texas Mr. C.W. Sunday ’42 June 15, 2012, Lafayette, La. Dr. John E. White ’42 August 30, 2012, El Paso, Texas Alumni Spouse Mrs. Louise Barbee April 30, 2012, Boise, Idaho Schreiner Oak Mrs. Harriet Powel August 10, 2012, Kerrville

32 Fall 2012 SCENE

roundup

e-news Want to keep up with Schreiner University news and events all year long?

Visit our website at www.schreiner.edu and go to the bottom of the page.

Click on “Sign up for Schreiner E-News.”

save a tree We are committed to keeping you informed about Schreiner’s people and programs while being a good steward of the University’s resources.

To that end, we ask that you help by sending us your email address so that we can spend less on paper, printing and postage. Just email scene@schreiner.edu.

Thank you.

Shannon Dickinson was inadvertently left off of our graduate list in the summer issue of SCENE. Congratulations to Shannon for her achievement.

We apologize for this omission.

onlinegiving Supporting Schreiner University is easier than ever now. Please visit our online giving website at www.schreiner.edu/giving, where you can make a secure gift— one that will benefit Schreiner students for years to come— in a matter of seconds. If you have questions, contact Karen Kilgore, planned giving advisor and director of development, at kkilgore@schreiner.edu or call 830-792-7205.

The Financial Year at Schreiner: 2011-2012 Selected Financial Statistics Assets Cash and cash equivalent $2,401,907 Accounts and pledges receivable 1,052,374 Other assets 1,966,490 Investments 50,352,869 Land, buildings and equipment, net 54,935,747 Total assets $110,709,387 Liabilities Accounts payable Deposits and deferred revenue Notes payable Total liabilities

$1,660,674 844,628 16,094,497 $18,599,799

Net Assets Unrestricted $49,825,481 Temporarily restricted 7,978,726 Permanently restricted 34,305,381 Total net assets $92,109,588

Total liabilities and net assets Revenues

Gifts and grants 12%

Expenses

2012

Investments 12%

$110,709,387

Auxiliary 26%

Net tuition and fees 50%

Instruction 30%

2012

Auxiliary 20%

Academic Institutional support support 7% Student services 25% 18%

The above numbers are unaudited. Fiscal year concludes May 31.

www.schreiner.edu Fall 2012 33

34 Fall 2012 SCENE

backpage

SCENEMagazine editor

Amy Armstrong director of university relations

art direction and design

Stephanie Lopez Keller assistant art director of creative services

writer

Caitlin Probandt staff writer

contributing writer

Karen Davis Kilgore director of development

sports

Ryan Brisbin Temaine Wright sports information directors

president

Dr. Tim Summerlin board chairman

Michael Pate sfsa board president

Jimmie Peschel ’67 SCENE is a publication of the University Relations Office and is distributed three times a year free of charge to Schreiner former students, current students, faculty, parents and friends. An online version is available at www.schreiner.edu/scene.

One Man’s Trash...

A freshman shows off his group’s work in the Upcycling Show during Monty Days. Students were tasked with taking a box of items originally destined for the recycling or garbage can-plastic bottles, cereal boxes, string, etc.-and creating a new, useable product from them. This was one of many freshmen orientation activities going on during Monty Days to kickoff the new school year.

Want to be included on the SCENE mailing list? Send your name and address to Amy Armstrong, Schreiner University, CMB 6229, 2100 Memorial Blvd., Kerrville, TX 78028, or email scene@schreiner.edu Change of address? Call the Office of Advancement at 830-792-7201.

Schreiner University is an independent liberal arts institution related by covenant and choice to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Schreiner University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, extra-curricular programs or employment against any individual on the basis of that individual’s race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, veteran status or ethnic origin. Inquiries/complaints should be forwarded to the Director of Human Resources, at 830-792-7375.

www.schreiner.edu Fall 2012 35

CMB 6229 2100 Memorial Blvd.

Kerrville, Texas 78028-5697

NON PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID AUSTIN, TX PERMIT NO. 1501

www.schreiner.edu/scene