SCENE Magazine - Spring 2015

MAGAZINE OF SCHREINER UNIVERSITY SPRING 2015

OPENING THE

FUTURE Athletic & Event Center Up and Running

fromthepresident

“Schreiner offers a superb learning program, one becoming stronger all the time, but, in spite of our progress in building recognition of the Schreiner University brand, our journey is incomplete.”

—President Tim Summerlin

Dear friends of Schreiner,

I

f you sense a note of celebration in this edition of SCENE magazine, it is entirely appropriate. Our

stories offer a trifecta of good things on campus— new talent, as in Dr. Clark Elliston and Ms. Noelle Avenmarg; new programs, as in our Texas Studies minor; and new facilities, as in our outstanding new Athletic and Event Center. Progress in all three areas is something we recognize is expected of us by students, their families and our supporters, and we expect it of ourselves.

It is exciting to be a part of such a robust educational program, but as our admission counselors tell that story across the state, we are reminded that far too many people who would flourish at Schreiner still have not heard of us or looked closely at what we have to offer.

So telling that story is another of our ongoing tasks.

For 11 years, we have benefitted from partnering with Briscoe Hall—a local advertising agency—in that effort.

This year we are moving to work with new agencies for marketing research and creative media.

The situation itself is simple: it is like that of the talented actress who has yet to be noticed by Hollywood, or the hurler with the wicked curve ball who has not yet come to the attention of the major leagues. Schreiner offers a superb learning program, one becoming stronger all the time, but, in spite of our progress in building recognition of the Schreiner University brand, our journey is incomplete.

In the next two months we will be asking groups of students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni and prospects what they know about Schreiner and what they associate it with. These perceptions will help us shape

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the most effective messaging to be delivered via the most effective media. In the world of the Internet and social media, determining those answers is not simple.

But we are looking forward to digging for these answers, because, like the actress and the pitcher, we know that we merit being noticed by a wider audience.

Postscript: One of the most reliable ways to build recognition of a college or university is through the high school counselor. These often-overtaxed professionals are delighted to expand their awareness of college options, and they can be crucial to helping the new college student find the best fit. For years, our admission team has hosted groups of counselors in December when they can spend several hours on campus meeting faculty, touring facilities and working through details of financial aid. And we also enjoy taking our story on the road to visit with counselors not able to make that trip to campus. I write this having just returned from a meeting with a group of counselors in The Woodlands who now have a much richer notion of Schreiner’s values. They also have materials to share with their students and solid contacts with enrollment staff members who can answer any questions.

We enjoy making friends for Schreiner this way. After all, good old one-on-one relationships are also critical to getting out the message about Schreiner University.

Tim Summerlin

President

contents

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10

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18 www.schreiner.edu

SPRING 2 0 1 5

F E A T U R E S

I N

6

5

P ut a Ring on It SU Introduces New Class Ring

10 Opening the Future

T H I S

I S S U E

oncampus

27 focusongiving

12 historyofathletics 22

mountaineersports

28 classnotes 33 inmemoriam

Athletic and Event Center

16 Texas Studies New Minor Launches

18 Honoring Our Alumni Meet the Inductees

onthecover Dr. Tim Summerlin, SU president, and Mike Graxiola, chairman of the board of the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce and publisher of the Kerrville Daily Times, cut the ribbon during opening ceremonies for the Schreiner Athletic & Event Center in January.

www.schreiner.edu Spring 2015 3

behindthescene “I am not a very good Texan. In fact, grab your smelling salts and I’ll let you in on a little secret; I am not a Texan at all.”

—Amy Armstrong

I

have to admit something. I am not a very good Texan. In fact, grab your

smelling salts and I’ll let you in on a little secret; I am not a Texan at all. I hail from Mississippi. My family and I moved here right before Hurricane Katrina struck with a vengeance in 2005. I understand that qualifies me as a foreigner and I am OK with that. I am quite proud of where I am from and will be glad to go to my grave as a Mississippian.

Having said that, there is no denying that Texas has a lot to offer its residents, be they native or not. In fact, Texas is such a massive state that it is hard to know everything or even most things about it.

That is why I wish I could be a fly on the wall during the introductory course for our recently introduced Texas Studies minor.

This online class offers students a comprehensive look at Texas, its history and heritage. How fun. To read more about Texas Studies visit page 16.

SU is now participating in the Portal to Texas History, which gives interested parties around the world a chance to view not only Schreiner historical photos, but also pamphlets from the Civil War and other historical gems.

You can read more about that on page 14.

About the time this magazine reaches your hands, we will be gearing up to host our annual Recall weekend. April 17–19 will see our former students flocking back to campus to reminisce and catch up with classmates. It is also when we will honor our newest Distinguished Alumni and Athletic Hall of Honor inductees. To see who the newest honorees are, turn to page 18.

Recall is always such a special time here on campus. I hope you can make it.

If you don’t, take heart. We will have plenty of photos to share in our summer issue.

Until next time,

Amy Armstrong

editor

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SCENE magazine welcomes letters to the editor. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. Write to: scene@schreiner.edu or SCENE Magazine CMB 6229 2100 Memorial Blvd.

Kerrville, TX 78028

oncampus

Staff Spotlight

Developing a Culture of Service

by Amy Armstrong

Noelle Avenmarg, coordinator of purposeful lives, wants to develop

a culture of service and a desire to serve across the Schreiner campus.

“I want to make our students citizens and not just employees,” said Avenmarg.

She came to SU last June after graduating from Mississippi State University with a master’s in counselor education and an emphasis in student affairs.

Avenmarg received her bachelor’s in English and secondary education from Mississippi University for Women, but after student teaching she knew she didn’t want to be a part of the K-12 system.

“I talked to my mom about what was important to me and what inspired me, and I realized all of my mentors were in student affairs,” she says.

The Jackson, Miss. native said she gets to be in a unique position in her role at SU. “You wear so many hats— counselor, teacher, mentor,” Avenmarg stated. “It is really rewarding to be a part of their growth.”

Avenmarg said about half of Schreiner’s student body volunteers. She wants to see that number increase but is realistic about the challenges.

“The students have limited time and they have a lot of different things vying for their attention,” she said. “They get bombarded with a lot of information, so I have to take that into account.”

Long-range plans include a service-oriented learning community for sophomores, and a partnership with Families & Literacy.

Avenmarg wasted no time integrating herself into the Kerrville Community. She is a member of the Hill Country Charity Ball Association, volunteers at the Kathleen C. Cailloux Humane Society and participates in all of the volunteer opportunities on campus, such as the Mobile Food Bank and Kerrville Community Service Infusion.

Avenmarg spends many weekends exploring the Hill Country with her fiancé.

She also enjoys hikes with her one-year-old shelter dog Rigby.

“My mom came with me to Kerrville to help me get settled, and she insisted I go adopt a dog before she left town,” she said with a smile.

www.schreiner.edu Spring 2015 5

oncampus Elements on the official ring include The Weir building, one of the original structures, on the steps of which class photos of the incoming freshman and graduates are taken.

Deer represent the always-present whitetail herd, an integral part of the campus. The name “Mountaineers” refers to the name locals gave to the militia group Charles Schreiner led in the early days of Kerr County, and the nickname adopted by the school for its mascot. The date 1923 honors the year the school opened its doors.

The rings are also engraved on the inside with the words “Leave With Achievement,” the second of two statements inscribed on the main gate of the campus. The other, for those arriving, is “Enter With Hope.”

The university’s official seal with an inner oval that represents the Bullring, where military students once worked off demerits by marching around the oval.

Twelve leaves represent the 12 original graduates of Schreiner in 1924.

Two soldiers holding aloft crossed swords honor the school’s early history as a military institute. The figure of Capt. Charles Schreiner honors the school’s founder and namesake, a Hill Country rancher, merchant and former Texas Ranger.

First Student-Designed Schreiner Rings Presented Schreiner University’s new, official class rings — reflecting the school’s history and traditions—were issued for the first time to 39 seniors and alumni, and President Tim Summerlin during a December presentation ceremony.

“The idea for a new university ring came from the concept of unifying the campus community with a single symbol that represents pride in the university,” says Matt Goodwyn, advisor to the Ancient and Honorable Order of the Campus, a traditions council. “In the past, university rings were designed by each student.”

Goodwyn credits the idea for a new university ring to Dr. Charles Hueber, who joined the university staff as dean of students in June 2013. Hueber and admissions counselor/SU alumnus Andy Petersen (B.A. 2011, M.B.A. 2014) created the Ancient and Honorable Order of the Campus, reviving the name of one of the school’s original student organizations. Students were invited to apply for the 12 positions in the order, representing the 12 graduates from Schreiner’s first year. Twelve new students are added each year, and each spring the members select one honorary member—staff, faculty, or alumni—who has made a significant impact for the campus.

The order, which embodies three foundational principals—pride, scholarship and teamwork—hosts events

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and spirit rallies throughout the year.

“This group discussed ways to increase pride and school spirit here at Schreiner,” says Hueber. One of their initiatives was the design of an official university ring.

“The ring’s design started with student members of the order working together, then sharing their concept with the university for final approval,” says Goodwyn, who became assistant dean of students and took over advising the Ancient and Honorable Order. “The university supports the design and views it as a symbol of pride.

The new design and the ring ceremony enhance a tradition that was lacking significance and meaning.”

Schreiner alumni may also request a new ring. If they do not already have a Schreiner ring, they may purchase a new one, either when the Jostens representative is on campus in the spring or by contacting the company directly, says Goodwyn. Exchanging old rings for the new design is also possible.

Ring costs vary depending on size and cost of metal at the time of purchase, he adds. The minimum cost per ring for the most recent order was about $300 after taxes.

For more information about the Schreiner rings, email Goodwyn at tmgoodwyn@schreiner.edu or phone 830-792-7330.

oncampus

New Staff Susan Liljestrand, a “native Texan and a cradle Presbyterian,” is our new director of church relations.

She graduated from Austin College in 1991 with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in biology. A “strong call” to the ministry diverted her path from science, however, and she earned a Master of Divinity from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. For the past 13 years she has been pastor of Burnet Presbyterian Church.

“I look forward to the challenge of learning a new aspect of my ministry in a very different setting,” she says, “and the opportunity to build new relationships and connections as I promote SU in the community and in the church.”

Stacey Lewis, became director of the Schreiner Mansion Historic Site and Community Engagement in January. At Murray State University in Kentucky, she spent more than four years managing the speech and hearing clinic for the graduate and undergraduate communication disorders program.

Stacey also has experience in early elementary education, with nonprofit organizations, marketing and accounting that she will utilize as she leads a collaborative effort to develop and implement a strategic plan for the use of the historic Schreiner Mansion. Lewis started with the SU Advancement Services staff in 2013.

U.S. National Archives

Calling All Vietnam Vets It’s estimated that there were 2.59 million U.S. veterans of the Vietnam War (1964 to 1975). Schreiner Institute saw many of its

graduates and students from that period serve in Vietnam, but as the country divided over the war, their stories largely went untold.

The Alumni Affairs Office would like to hear from former students who served their country in any capacity in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. We want to share those stories.

Please send information, stories and photos—about yourself or someone you know—to Paul Camfield, associate director of Alumni Affairs (phcamfield@schreiner.edu) or Amy Armstrong, director of University Relations (anarmstrong@schreiner.edu).

Online Giving 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.

www.schreiner.edu Spring 2015 7

oncampus

Antony’s Research Honored Again For the third year in a row, and a

Photo: Students danced around the Commons with colorful dragon masks and puppets as part of the February 19 celebration of Chinese New Year, co-sponsored by Changing Global Society and the Global Scholars Living and Learning Community. In Chinese tradition, dragons are helpful, friendly creatures, linked to good luck, long life and wisdom. Dragon dances are performed to scare away evil spirits. The Schreiner celebration also featured tai chi demonstrations, a chopsticks contest and delicious Chinese food.

VISIT US AT SHOPSCHREINER.COM

fourth time overall, the National Communication Association selected a research paper submitted by Dr. Mary Grace Antony, assistant professor of communication studies, for presentation to its national convention.

Antony’s paper, “It’s Not Religious, but it’s Spiritual: Appropriation and the Universal Spirituality of Yoga,” was chosen as a top research paper in the area of spiritual communication. It was featured at the NCA’s November 2014 convention, and will be published in an upcoming issue of The Journal of Communication & Religion.

The paper examines the cultural appropriation of yoga in the United States. “The extent to which yoga is taught and practiced in this country is very different from its origins,” says Antony. “I interviewed instructors around the Hill Country, finding out how they modify yoga, moving it away from its religious elements, toward a more ambiguous spiritual practice.”

“This is fantastic,” Antony said of the honor. “It’s wonderful to be recognized by my peers.” She also expressed gratitude to the yoga instructors who participated in her research.

The past two years the Southern States Communication Association has also selected research papers by Antony on intercultural communication for presentation at its conventions.

For more information on the research paper, contact Antony at mgantony@schreiner.edu.

For more faculty news please visit, www.schreiner.edu/ academics/faculty-news/

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oncampus

Faculty Spotlight

Academically Examining Christianity

by John Sniffen

Dr. Clark J. Elliston, assistant professor of Christian ethics at Schreiner since August, has a long-running interest in religion. It was his minor at Baylor

University when he graduated in December 2002. At the time, he was dating Abbey, a young woman a year behind him at Baylor.

Staying in Waco to work toward a Master of Divinity at Truett Theological Seminary offered him a two-for-one deal he could not refuse: continue to study religion and to date Abbey. He fell in love with both. Elliston earned his master’s degree and married Abbey.

A master’s degree from Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth followed, then the couple moved to Oxford, England, where Elliston worked toward his doctorate in modern theology. After five years the Ellistons returned from England with two kids, Caleb and Olivia— and Clark’s doctoral degree.

Elliston’s decision to teach, rather than be a pastor/minister, came about halfway through his work at Truett. “You have so much more latitude as a teacher than as a minister,” he says. “For instance, in a New Testament course you can look at the textual evidence

about where the scripture has been criticized or questioned, and then you can talk about it freely.

That’s a lot harder conversation to have in a church context. And those are the types of questions in which I am interested.”

Even in a teaching situation, however, religion is not your typical academic subject, says Elliston.

“Few students come in with strong opinions about Shakespeare or business. But some come in with very strong opinions about religion.”

“Early in the New Testament course, we have to tread lightly,” he says. “Everyone is in a different position. For some, to think of the New Testament as anything but the sacred word of God is heresy. Others think the Bible has been used as a document for oppression, a weapon to hurt people. Finding a middle ground between those two perspectives, and yet also communicating the materials that need to be taught, is a bit of a balancing act.”

“Much of this process is about trust,” adds Elliston, “my trust that the students will take things charitably and will be charitable with their classmates, but also that they trust that I am not out to disabuse them of what they’ve

by John Sniffen

been brought up to believe.”

One of the first things his class does is go to William Logan Library and look at the Bible commentaries.

“Most of the students have never come across a commentary in their lives. I am simply familiarizing them with the fact that they can use scripture in an argument—I have no problem with that—but they’ve got to show that they’ve considered the scripture, not just from what it seems to communicate, but from how scholarship looks at it. Then we can have a conversation.”

Through that process, he hopes they discover something new, something they did not know before, no matter what their background is. “That’s what keeps it interesting,” says Elliston.

His family’s move to Kerrville has been especially popular with the children, now 6 and 4, who love swimming in the Guadalupe River and the Schreiner pool.

“The kids are tickled pink to be in Kerrville,” says Elliston. “I will not be able to pull them out of the river once it gets warm enough for them to get in.” Elliston also likes gardening, playing basketball with his son, and ruling the world on the history video game Civilization V.

www.schreiner.edu Spring 2015 9

::

DEDICATION OF

ATHLETIC & EVENT CENTER

FULFILLS YEARS OF ANTICIPATION

A

BY JOHN SNIFFEN

fter 15 years of planning and development, Schreiner University dedicated its new $11 million Schreiner Athletic and Event Center on January 16 with gratitude to those who faithfully supported the project.

“Thanks to a lot of folks,

including students, for patience in seeing this through,” said President Tim Summerlin before cutting a ceremonial ribbon before a sundrenched crowd in front of the center. “I’m full of gratitude for the power of people with the concept and the belief in it, and the willingness to support it.”

Summerlin highlighted the role former board member F. L. “Steve” Stephens of San Angelo played in making the first donation toward its construction. “You’ve got to have somebody who says, ‘We’re going to kick this off.’ A lot of the time, the person who does that is a person who has a little bit of patience and faith, because that original gift was

10 Spring 2015 SCENE

made some years ago, and it took a while to bring it to fruition, but it is indeed a glorious fruition.”

The 1,200-seat Stephens Family Arena inside the center is named in honor of the lead donor and his family. A ceremonial tipoff for the first basketball game, between the Schreiner and Texas Lutheran women, was performed by former Schreiner trustee Susan Stephens Brooks and her mother, Pollyanna Stephens. Steve Stephens and his son-in-law, Randy Brooks, helped tipoff the men’s game.

Between games there was a dedication ceremony featuring recognition of donors who helped make the center possible and Schreiner athletes. Ian Davis, a senior on the NCAA Division III

national championship men’s golf team, served as master of ceremonies.

“Completion of the Athletic and Event Center enables Schreiner University to meet its commitment to students’ physical well-being, to address the primary need of its intercollegiate athletes, and to enhance the university’s ability to serve both the campus and community as a host for larger events,” said Dr. Summerlin prior to the dedication.

Schreiner split the opening contests with Texas Lutheran. The women lost 51–67 to the visitors, while the men won 77–72. Corpus Christi junior Kelsie Jackson had the distinction of scoring the first points for Schreiner in the new

arena, while San Antonio sophomore Wes Miller scored the first basket for the Mountaineer men.

The new center includes training facilities, locker rooms and meeting rooms. The Brooks Summit Suite on the second floor includes a balcony overlooking the court. In addition to being home to the university’s NCAA Division III basketball and volleyball programs, the center will be used for intramural athletics, and large events, such as graduation ceremonies. The facility will also enable Schreiner to host Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference championship tournaments in basketball and volleyball.

Greeting those arriving in the Athletic and Events Center is a 60-foot-wide mural of Schreiner athletes from the 13 NCAAcompeting teams, including the 2014 national champion golf team.

Aaron Yates ’07 did the photography and Stephanie Keller of the University Relations staff designed and art directed the project.

When not in use by the university, the center will be used for community events—like the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Business Expo in August—and regional sporting events, such as high school basketball and volleyball playoffs.

Schreiner broke ground for the Athletic and Event Center last

January, and Huser Construction of Kerrville completed work in December. The facility replaces the Edington Sports Center, built in 1980 when the school’s enrollment was 400, compared to 1,130 now.

The Edington Center, which houses the athletic training area, will continue to be used for varsity practice and junior varsity practices and games. It will also be used for summer camps and special events, including use by community organizations.

Photos: Mountaineer men’s basketball team readies for its first game in Stephens Family Arena versus SCAC opponent Texas Lutheran. Bottom photo, exterior of $11 million Athletic and Event Center.

www.schreiner.edu Spring 2015 11

historyofathletics

History of

Athletics at Schreiner

From leather-helmeted football players competing on what is now the quad, to the NCAA Division III national championship golf team of 2014, Schreiner athletes have vied in a variety of sports. As we celebrate the opening of the new Athletic and Event Center, here’s a photo recap of some of the highlights of SU sports history.

1920s

It would be nearly a century until Schreiner would win its national title in golf, but that didn’t mean Mountaineer linksters, like this appropriately attired one, were not competing— or posing on the all-purpose athletic field. Note the first SU gymnasium, which served until 1980, in the background.

1923­ The first Schreiner Institute football team poses for its photo

almost in the shadow of the Administration (Weir) Building. That squad compiled a 4-2-1 record but outscored opponents 101 to 50. Football would be the big game on campus for 30 years before its discontinuance in 1956.

1926 The Mountaineer gridders progressed quickly under the leadership of H.C. “Bully” Gilstrap (1925-37), called by some the best junior college football coach in Texas. In 1926 they went undefeated and in 1937, a year after Gilstrap left for the University of Texas, they won the state junior college championship.

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1950­ A tall gangly football player from Paris, Texas, has a pretty good season with the Mountaineers before moving on to SMU … and the Baltimore Colts. Raymond Berry ’51 is still considered by many to be the best athlete to play for Schreiner in any sport.

David G. Barker ’64, who still holds several Schreiner records, leads his teammates around the track. Coach S. M. Meeks’ track teams of the 1960s and 70s won several Texas junior college championships.

1973 The most wins for a season in basketball by a Schreiner team belongs to the 1972-73 squad, which had 26 victories and 13 losses. George Moses ’74 from that team went on to be a starter with Duke University.

historyofathletics

1964­

2000

2010 The women’s golf team

secured its place in the history books by earning the school’s first NCAA tournament appearance and first conference championship.

Mountaineers win the American Southwest Conference baseball championship with Coach Rusty Richards at the helm. Coach Bob Henry (1982-94) revived baseball as a varsity sport at Schreiner in 1984 and took his teams to the NAIA District 4 title three times.

2014 The men’s golf team wins the NCAA Division III national title, the Mountaineers’ first national championship in any sport as a four-year school.

Karen Gulley

1979

, tennis player from Australia, completes a 52-0 season by winning the national junior college women’s singles championship.

And two short years later, The Mountaineer women’s tennis team wins the national junior college championship under coach Dudley Rogers, who mentored a very strong tennis program while at Schreiner.

www.schreiner.edu Spring 2015 13

SCHREINER ENTERS A PORTAL—TO

TEXAS HISTORY

BY JOHN SNIFFEN

S

ometimes the secret to getting things done involves admitting that someone else can do them better.

Nine years ago the William

Logan Library at Schreiner University launched a website to share a collection of historic pamphlets that it had received from alumnus and former board and faculty member, the Rev. Sam Lanham ’51.

“We put together a group of stake holders from across the campus, created a website and had a huge launch,” recalls Sara Schmidt, associate professor and librarian. “It was a labor of love, but you know how that can turn out.”

The website proved hard to maintain—it tried to offer too many options—and in the fast-changing world of Internet technologies, soon became outdated. Several

14 Spring 2015 SCENE

attempts to revive it failed. Then in 2012 library director Candice Scott asked Schmidt to try again.

“I went to the Digital Directions Conference and asked a blunt question: ‘What do you do with a project that has started and stalled completely?’ They gave me some really good advice, and part of that was, outsource what you can’t manage,” says Schmidt. “Our biggest problem was maintaining the website, so I suggested we move our collection completely to The Portal to Texas History.”

The Portal to Texas History is a digital gateway to historical materials from private collectors and collaborative partners, including libraries, museums, archives, and other historical groups. The University of North Texas Libraries started the project in 2002 with a goal of long-term sustainability.

In addition to a large, knowledgeable staff and an easyto-use program, The Portal to

Texas History provides a secure repository for images sent to it, says Schmidt. UNT participates in what is known as the LOCKSS —Lots of Copies Keep Stuff Safe—program based at Stanford University.

Copies of all files held at UNT are also placed on six other servers across the United States.

And perhaps best of all, participation does not involve major cost to Schreiner. “If you digitize your own documents and photos, and create the metadata, the cost is zero,” says Schmidt.

Metadata are keywords that describe an item posted on the Internet. They allow search engines, such as Google, to find the material. “It’s like the descriptions one used to find on library cards,” says Schmidt.

The equipment to implement the change—scanners and computers—was already in hand from the earlier effort. Two workstudy positions were created for scanning and tagging materials

in the Schreiner collection.

Documents and images are scanned in a windowless, climatecontrolled room in the archives area. The scanned images are then centered and cropped on a computer, and checked for names that are stored in Excel files. For instance, for a photo of the 1929 Schreiner Institute football team, the name Gilstrap, will be noted to help searchers seeking material on Coach “Bully” Gilstrap find the photo on the Internet.

More than 6,000 documents and photos—Lanham’s Civil Warera pamphlets, an almost complete run of Grinstead’s Graphics (published in Kerrville 1921– 25) and local photographs dating before 1950—have been scanned and sent on external hard drives via interlibrary mail to UNT. You won’t find them all online yet.

To complete the process, Logan Library staff access The Portal by simple Internet browser, login to the system and use the data filed

earlier to complete a template for each entry now on The Portal.

Then the entry is made live.

Working under the direction of computer commons facilitator Clair Rabson, a different workstudy student is scanning pages of the Recall yearbooks to also enter on The Portal. That project is starting with the oldest books, but also seeks to digitize the yearbook of the golden reunion class for the current year.

It’s a good start, but there are many more documents and photos to digitize and share.

Only one of Schmidt’s original student workers is still active, and she’s a good one. Christine Evans, a junior English major from Junction, plans on going on to library school and becoming an archivist.

“Christine understands the cycle of information and how it comes on the Web now,” says Schmidt.

“She creates what is going up and completely understands metadata.”

From her perspective as a

student, Evans says the work gives her a window into the other side of research. “These are documents that others are going to look at and use for papers and projects.

It’s a cool experience, and I love being able to see and hold what is going into the system.”

Evans and Schmidt agree that looking at an image online is not the same as holding or seeing the original, but sharing materials and information online makes them accessible almost anywhere, and that is the greater good.

“A lot of institutions try to hold on to history as much as they possibly can,” says Schmidt.

“We need to make it accessible because the information that’s contained within these items can enlighten many about the human condition, especially of the people who made Hill Country history.”

To visit the portal go to

texashistory.unt.edu www.schreiner.edu Spring 2015 15

Schreiner Launches Texas Studies Minor Dr. Charlie McCormick was escorting

college students through the Balch Institute of Ethnic Studies in Philadelphia when they came to a display inviting visitors to take a marble and place it into a container linked to an ethnic group with which they most identified.

The Snyder, Texas, native stood there for a while, marble in hand, unable to decide. Observing his dilemma, a friend noted, “That’s because you are ethnically Texan.”

Texan as an ethnic identity is one of the reasons why it makes sense to have a Texas Studies minor at Schreiner University, says McCormick, provost and vice president for academic affairs here since 2009. The program is designed to help students better understand what it means to be Texan, and to use that knowledge to become better employees and citizens.

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While one might assume that study of all things Texan would be common in the Lone Star State, it is not. “If you search online for ‘Texas Studies,’ you’ll see that nobody is offering this curriculum.

That’s incredible,” says McCormick.

“Most of our students come from Texas, and most of them want to live and work here after graduation.”

The Texas Studies minor was created last year as the university revised its core curriculum. Dr. John Huddleston, professor of history, says it began with a simple question. Dr. Lydia Kualapai, a native Hawaiian and professor of English, asked why Schreiner didn’t have a Texas Studies program and said the school should start one.

As fate would have it, Dr. Donald S. Frazier, president and CEO of the Grady McWhiney History Education Group, had prepared a

Texas Studies curriculum, but did not have a host school. Hearing of Schreiner’s interest, he called McCormick and set up a meeting at the Buffalo Gap Historic Site, which the McWhiney Group owns and operates south of Abilene. That session led to the founding, through a partnership with McWhiney, of the Texas Studies program.

This is Schreiner’s first interdisciplinary minor, with one required lower-division class (Introduction to Texas Studies) and seven areas or “strands” of study, from which students select five upper-division classes. Schreiner faculty committed to the program so far include Dr. Chris Distel, assistant professor of biology, Texas natural sciences; Dr. Kathleen Hudson, professor of English and interdisciplinary studies, Texas literature and music; James Harris, visiting assistant professor

Noted Historians Kickoff Program Schreiner University celebrated

of art, development of fine arts in Texas; and Huddleston, Texas history. Politics, business and ethnic culture are other areas of interest to be developed.

Frazier, who is also a professor of history at McMurry University, is teaching the introductory course online this spring.

Once Texas Studies is established at Schreiner, plans call for offering the courses online to students at other colleges and universities around the state. “There is an enormous market out there for Texas studies,” says Huddleston. “My goal is to have one student from every college and university in Texas sign up for our program.”

The concept of shared

curriculum is not new.

Through the Texas Language Consortium, Schreiner and other small, private universities share foreign language courses in order to control costs and increase educational opportunities. “By sharing resources, we expand what we can offer,” says McCormick.

Another goal for Texas Studies is to provide modules, parts of the full courses, to be made available for independent, self-paced use for school teachers’ continuing education or for training employees being sent to Texas.

For more information about Texas Studies, go to www.schreiner.edu or contact Huddleston at jhuddles@schreiner.edu or phone 830-792-7286.

the launch of the Texas Studies minor with a Texas Independence Day observation and public forum featuring two renowned Texas historians on March 2.

Dr. Stephen L. Hardin, author of several acclaimed books on Texas history and professor of history at McMurry University, spoke on “false facts” about the Texas Revolution. His books include “The Texas Rangers” (1991) and the award-winning “Texian Iliad: A Military History of the Texas Revolution” (1994).

Dr. Donald S. Frazier, president and CEO of the Grady McWhiney History Education Group, talked about his key role in “making history” by securing the Phil Collins’ collection of almost 200 rare artifacts for a new museum at the Alamo.

The McWhiney History Education Group—which promotes education on topics regarding Texas history and culture—is partnering with Schreiner in the creation of the Texas Studies minor.

In connection with the event, Sen. Troy Fraser sponsored a measure in the Texas Senate proclaiming March 1–7, 2015, as Texas Studies Week in Texas and acknowledging the creation of Schreiner University’s Texas studies program.

Photos: Dr. John Huddleston, Dr. Lydia Kualapai, Dr. Stephen Hardin and Dr. Donald Frazier at the March 2 kickoff event for the Texas Studies minor at Schreiner University.

www.schreiner.edu Spring 2015 17

distinguishedhonorees

:: Distinguished Alumnus

and Athletic Hall of Honor

David G. Barker ’64 David G. Barker considers the

planning and construction of the South Texas Nuclear Project near Bay City his top professional achievement. “Today it is still the bestdesigned and best-run nuclear power plant in the world,” says Barker, who graduated from Schreiner Institute with an associate’s degree in engineering in 1964. “Ironically, you don’t hear about it because those qualities keep it out of the news.”

Barker was recruited by Houston Lighting and Power to write the specification for the nuclear power plant when he was 28. Over a dozen years—including the aftermath of the Three-Mile Island incident in Pennsylvania—he supervised its construction, which was ahead of schedule and under budget when he passed it on to another manager in 1985.

His first job after earning a master’s degree in nuclear engineering from Texas A&M was also notable. Todd Shipyards in Galveston hired him to provide shore-based support for the N.S. Savannah, the nation’s first nuclear-powered commercial vessel. While working for Todd,

18 Spring 2015 SCENE

he oversaw the nation’s first refueling of a commercial maritime operating nuclear-powered reactor.

Barker has transitioned during his impressive career from nuclear power to the oil and gas industry. He now directs aftermarket services for Drill-Quip Inc., which manufactures offshore drilling and production equipment for use worldwide.

His path to Schreiner started in summer 1962. He was working on a Mississippi River tow boat after graduating from LaMarque High School, and had accepted a track scholarship from the University of Texas. Then he received a letter from Schreiner track coach S. M. Meeks offering a better scholarship. Schreiner had a major in engineering, so he accepted.

On the cinders, Barker’s times in the 880-yard dash, cross country two miles, and mile relay are still Schreiner records. He especially remembers competing against “the big boys,” the Southwest Conference schools, at the Border Olympics in spring 1963 and bringing back a medal for a

record-breaking win in the 880.

He set most of his top marks as a freshman. A hamstring injury— preventable with modern training today—slowed him during his sophomore year and ended his track career after he entered Texas A&M. Barker also excelled in the classroom, winning honors for Schreiner athlete with the best grade point average. Engineering was a difficult major and there was much attrition in his class. Of 35 engineering students his freshman year, only four continued the major into the sophomore year. It helped that Dr. Harry W. Crate, his instructor for engineering and mathematics, “was especially gifted, guiding and instructional,” says Barker. “He was a truly amazing man of great intellect and integrity.”

In 2014, Texas A&M’s Dwight College of Engineering, Department of Nuclear Engineering, named Barker a Distinguished Former Student, and in 1999 he was inducted into the Academy of Distinguished Graduates for the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

formerstudents

:: Athletic Hall of Honor

Emmett Adolph Acker ’53 Emmett Adolph Acker was “more of a doer than a talker,” says his widow, Ella Mae Acker. What he did on the field—as a football player at Schreiner Institute and Southwest Texas State, and then as a public school coach and teacher for 31 years—spoke for him.

“One of Adolph’s most cherished roles in life was that of mentoring youth,” says Roy A. Brown, one of those who nominated Acker for the Athletic Hall of Honor.

“He took great pleasure in helping to transform lives through education, church and sports.”

After graduating from Boling High School as a track and football letterman, Acker wanted to play football at Texas A&I, but the coach said he was too little to be a college lineman. He sat out a couple of years, working on his parent’s South Texas ranch.

Richard “Red” Johnson, a classmate at Boling, had received a football scholarship to Schreiner in 1949 and played for two years.

He wrote to Acker, telling him he should try out there. Acker

finally applied and ended up with a full scholarship. For two years he was a standout tackle on both defense and offense for the Mountaineers. During one particular game in fall 1951, he helped Schreiner defeat conference foe Arlington State, recovering a fumble for a touchdown and tackling a runner for a safety.

He was also a standout off the field, serving as a military company captain and being named to the Phi Theta Kappa national honor society. “He had a deep love for Schreiner,” says Mrs. Acker. “He appreciated very much having a scholarship and being afforded the opportunity to go to college.”

At Southwest Texas State he earned a scholarship, was a guard on the Bobcats’ 1955 Lone Star Conference co-champion team, and met Ella Mae Golden. Just before graduation with a bachelor’s degree in physical education, Dean William Weir offered him a teaching and coaching position with Schreiner’s high school. Acker accepted, but was drafted into

the U.S. Army. Weir repeated the offer to Acker after his honorable discharge two years later, but Acker had already accepted a position with the McMullen County school district in Tilden, Texas.

Ella Mae and Adolph married after his return from the Army, and both taught for six years in Tilden.

Acker then joined the staff at Lamar Junior High in Rosenberg, where he taught and coached for 25 years.

In retirement, the Ackers moved to the family ranch south of Tilden.

He loved to garden and travel, and attended Recall at Schreiner and reunions of the 1955 SWTS football team up until his death from cancer on July 18, 2011.

“He was a fine, wonderful Christian man,” says Mrs. Acker.

“What you saw on Sunday in church was what you saw all week long.”

To read more about this year’s inductees, please visit www.schreiner.edu/about/ university-relations/scene/2015/ distinguished.aspx

www.schreiner.edu Spring 2015 19

distinguishedhonorees

:: SFSA Distinguished Service Award

Cathy Carden Henry ’64 For the past five years Cathy Carden Henry has been living

proof that “you can go home again”—and you can make a lot of people happy in the process.

Raised from infancy to college student on the Schreiner Institute campus in the 1940s through mid60s by her parents, Robert and Mary Carden, she can tell you who did what, where, how and why for most of the time from 1940 up until she married in 1965 and left Kerrville to finish her higher education in Austin and Lubbock.

A 31-year stint working for the King Ranch in South Texas taught her a lot about managing records and wrangling visitors to that cotton and cattle empire covering an area larger than the state of Rhode Island. When retirement finally rolled around, the now-divorced Henry was drawn back to her Hill Country roots by her daughter and family, and old acquaintances.

In May 2010 she landed on the doorstep of the Advancement Office in Hoon Hall, and she’s

20 Spring 2015 SCENE

been pretty much a fixture as a volunteer since, helping keep up with records and visiting with alumni and other special guests.

Her native knowledge of decades of campus names and faces is especially useful. “One day three ladies walked into Hoon Hall looking for anyone who knew their late father, Coach Stephen M. Meeks,” says Henry. “So, I started by saying, ‘Now which one of you is Stacey and which is Susie and which is Stephanie?’

They were very surprised.”

Visiting with Henry is a window to a time when there was a whole community on the campus, with faculty and staff living on the grounds adjacent to the students in everything from rustic cabins to dormitory apartments, converted buildings and bungalows. She recalls how Dr. J. J. Delaney, the school’s first president, moved her family almost annually. One of the moves was finally into a house in which Mrs. Carden wished to remain, so she told her husband, “You tell Big Jim Delaney that if he

moves us one more time, we’re out of here!” They lived in that house until their retirement in 1972.

“Ever since Cathy came into our world five years ago,” says Paul H. Camfield, associate director of alumni relations, “we have been blessed on so many levels, from learning about campus life during her childhood, to finding and re-connecting to many lost former students to her inspiring, quiet, cheerful leadership—she is a true angel and we are lucky to have her in our midst.”

Henry says she intends to continue her volunteer work at Schreiner “as long as I’m able and as long as I’m helpful.” Her only regret is that fewer and fewer folks from the time she lived on campus are returning each year. “I’m going to run out of people I know,” she says.

What she will not run out of, however, are people waiting to hear her stories as an eyewitness to what it was like to be a part of that living, caring educational community in the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s.

formerstudents

:: Distinguished Alumnus

Harris J. Pappas, high school 1959-60 Harris J. Pappas had a difficult time with grades as a freshman in a large, Houston public high school. Then his mother heard about Schreiner Institute in Kerrville, and he was enrolled there having never seen the campus.

Changing high schools at midyear was not easy, but he started Schreiner in January 1959, and ended the year with no demerits and better grades. In fact, his grades were good enough to be a dorm moderator in Dickey Hall his 10th grade year. “The discipline of sitting down and having to do my homework and being on a fixed program helped,” says Pappas, president of Pappas Restaurants Inc., which owns more than 90 restaurants in seven states.

During his sophomore year he was class vice president and competed with the track team.

He enjoyed fishing on the Guadalupe River on weekends, but two professors, Boardman Chambers and Henry Tinsley, saw that he also attended church.

“The structure at Schreiner

gave me my first academic win,” says Pappas. Unfortunately family finances could not afford two more years of private school, and he returned to Houston. His grades went down again, but he was accepted into Texas A&M after graduation. “I would have loved to have graduated from Schreiner,” he adds, “but the confidence from that year-and-a-half really helped me through college. I knew I could do well if I applied myself.”

Pappas earned bachelor’s degrees in finance and accounting from A&M, then entered the U.S. Army and was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant. His service in Thailand and Vietnam earned him two Bronze Stars and three Army Commendation medals.

After his Army service, Pappas joined his family’s growing restaurant business. His grandfather, H. D. Pappas, had emigrated from Greece in 1897 and opened restaurants in Arkansas, Tennessee and Texas. H.D.’s sons, Pete and Jim (Pappas’ father), built a successful restaurant supply

business, and then started a restaurant of their own in Houston.

Over the years the Pappas restaurants expanded into a multi-state operation, including Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Pappas Seafood House, Pappasito’s Cantina, Pappas Bar-B-Q, Pappas Burger, and Yia Yia Marys. Pappas also became of chief operating officer of Luby’s Inc., which operates more than 120 cafeterias in five states. He resigned in 2011, but still serves on that company’s board of directors.

Pappas gives generously of his time to numerous organizations and institutions, including the Memorial Hermann Healthcare System, the Frost Bank advisory board and the Oceaneering International board of directors.

To read more about this year’s inductees, please visit www.schreiner.edu/about/ university-relations/scene/2015/ distinguished.aspx

www.schreiner.edu Spring 2015 21

mountaineersports Photo: Back row, from left: Lori Espinoza, Sam Cordon, Sydney Christopher, Kelsey Schwind, Holly Molenaar, Daneece Stewart, Koral Riggs, Jessica Vrana and Reanna Garces. Bottom row, from left: Sarah Worrell, Brianna Rodriguez, Lana Lawrence, Sam Hernandez, Marlena Cisneros, Dominique Sandoval, Nichole Schoenherr and Brianne Gonzalez.

Softball This is new head coach Amy Meyer’s first head coaching opportunity, and she had only been on staff for a handful of weeks before getting moved to the top spot. In her short time at the helm, she has quickly built a strong bond with her players, and has quickly gained their trust and respect. The team is young but the prospects for the future look bright.

Baseball

Photo: First row (sitting): Walker Baldwin, Julian Aquero, Nico Cruz, Matthew Freed, Sam Pistrui, Ray Trevino, Hayden Ray, Luis Salazar and Colt Akin. Second row (kneeling): Jayme Kidder, Caleb Veteto, Joe Martinez, Jason Jaworowski, Mikey Garcia, Jordan Sotelo, Kyle Romaguera, Blake Rowan, Marco Carreon, Dillon Keahey, Tyler Cook, Bret Hill, Uvaldo Zamora, Jarrett Arrendondo and Connor Ver Schuur.

Third row: Roberto Pettito, Ricky Canales, Hagen Fryrear, Dilan Weigang, Cole King, Hynsuk Choi, Quinton Volovar, Reagan Reed, Richie Laurin, Brady Tumlinson, Ryan Martin, Steven Longo, Adam Cruz, Matt Barnett, Joseph Tamez and Lance Martin. Top row: Dalton Paris, Gio Datiz, Julian Cortez, Trevor Wren, Bradley Holmes, JC Kruczkowski, Payton Stanford, Montana Hammack, Dillon Brown, Wyatt Williams, Hunter Richbourg, Jonathan Titus, Steven Olivas and Charlie Stewart.

The Mountaineers are going with a youth makeover this spring.

As many as six freshmen, including three of the four starting pitchers, are in the lineup and eight of 10 are first-year players. Freshman Jayme Kidder is leading the SCAC in both ERA and RBI, which is a remarkable double. Freshman Bret Hill is also off to a great start. Head coach Ryan Brisbin will need to bring his young hurlers along and get dependable innings from them to give the young offense time to gel.

22 Spring 2015 SCENE

mountaineersports

Photo: Front row, from left: Danielle Cain, Codi Simmons, Cassie Aleman, Chris Jones, Kelsie Jackson, Sabriyyah Fennell and Jordyn Villa. Back row, from left: Brooke Sanders, Kaitlyn Goertz, Tylor Rambeau, Callie Carruth, Olivia Lott and Sarah Huffman.

Women’s Basketball The squad finished 9-5 again in SCAC play, tying the school record (NCAA era) for conference wins in a season that was set just last year. The Mountaineers also advanced to the postseason tournament and won their quarterfinal game—again copying last year’s team. In his first two seasons at the helm, head coach Temaine Wright has established the Mountaineer program in the upper half of the SCAC, which is no small feat given the NCAA-era history of the team. Schreiner loses senior Brooke Sanders but returns the others and a new recruiting class for 2015-16.

Photo: Back row, from left: Stevan Guerrero, Keenan Gumbs, Maverick Harris, Dustin Bercutt, Phillip Kee, Blake Kelley, Wes Miller, Hollis Robinson and Christian Pena.

Front row, from left: Nathan Robbins, Charlie Nunez, Erick McCollum, Bo Molina, Luis Mancillas, Dustin Lindner and Jared Thomspon.

Men’s Basketball A long late-season slide—the Mountaineers lost eight of their last nine games—derailed a promising season. Schreiner finished 5-9 in the league and made the post-season tournament but lost in double overtime in the quarterfinals. First-year head coach Connor Kuykendall will likely make changes moving into his second season, in addition to bringing his first full recruiting class into the fold. Four seniors graduate from this team, including Steve Guerrero and Hollis Robinson.

www.schreiner.edu Spring 2015 23

mountaineersports Photo: From left: Kaycee Bankert, Courtlynd Miller, Maddie Scheidler, Jaimie Hughes, Melanie Dean, Allyson Graybill and Marissa Fallis.

Women’s Golf Schreiner is coming off back-to-back runner-up finishes to start the spring. This is quite an accomplishment given the preseason expectations. Seniors Melanie Dean and Maddie Scheidler are having breakout seasons, as is sophomore Kaycee Bankert. All three players are currently in the national rankings for individuals.

The key for the remainder of the season will be finding two more players who will give consistent scores in the top five. Should that happen, SU could make a run at the SCAC championship this spring.

Photo: Front row, from left: Ian Davis, Zach Oliver, Jimmy Keener and Ian Horne.

Back row, from left: Phil Stewart, Clay Atkinson, Jacob Gentry, Matt McClung and Cheyne Kendall.

Men’s Golf The team is currently ranked No. 6 in the nation; the Mountaineers have won both spring tournaments in which they’ve competed.

Senior Jimmy Keener (71.67 scoring average) is in the national player of the year discussion, and senior Cheyne Kendall (72.83 average) looks like he too will again earn All-American honors with sophomore Matt McClung also moving into consideration. To date, SU is 30-1 against the west division—the nation’s deepest and toughest—and SU leads the nation in scoring average at 292.00.

24 Spring 2015 SCENE

mountaineersports

Photo: From left: Madeline Scotch, Abby Knedlik, Samantha Sterling, Katie Watts, Camilla Anguiano, Kelsey Buczkowski, Payton Nelson, Brooke Ohlman, Britney Garza, Leanna Haynes, Alex Wheeler and Karyn Swink.

Women’s Tennis Head coach Wade Morgan is a rising star and has his team again in the mix for a top finish in the conference championships. The team is regionally ranked and is moving up. Junior Leanna Haynes again is the top singles player and there are no seniors in the starting unit. Morgan is looking for consistency from his squad, and that may be the determining factor in how far this team goes as the spring season unfolds.

Photo: Top row, from left: Nick Pena,

Michael Holder, Thomas Lozano, Austin Carrola, Coby Velez and Josh Ramirez.

Bottom row, from left: Jose Otero, Daniel Mamani, Christian Casillas, Stephen Rogers, Dayton Hancock and Isaac Vasquez.

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

Men’s Tennis Head coach Wade Morgan has added several freshmen that have already moved into the top six, and that has led to some strong early season performances. The Mountaineers already have a win over a regionally ranked opponent, the first in many years. Senior Austin Carrola is the top singles performer, but freshman Nick Pena is a player to watch in the years to come. Freshmen Dayton Hancock and Isaac Valdez also have popped into the top four. Morgan is juggling his doubles teams, and success in that area could be the deciding factor later this spring.

www.schreiner.edu Spring 2015 25

Members of the SU Spirit Team get the crowd pumped up during opening day activities for the Schreiner Athletic & Event Center in January.

26 Spring 2015 SCENE

focusongiving

Is it Time for a Little Fund-Raising Break?

N

ow that our new Athletic and Event Center is open for business, is it time for a little break? More than a few of our

good friends who helped celebrate the opening of our $11 million facility in January have asked if we might take a short sabbatical from fundraising. While we appreciate their concern, the question makes us smile.

Our vision and our mission statement inspire us to renew our fundraising efforts on every front. Not a day goes by that we are not seeking funds for current and endowed scholarships and our next two building projects. This is because Schreiner intends to be known throughout the region and the nation as a premier place of learning that prepares students for meaningful work and purposeful lives in a changing global society.

At the top of our facilities list are two buildings we will repurpose for a growing music program and a lively campus ministry. Renovating both the aging Rex Kelly Pavilion and Dietert Auditorium into sparkling facilities will require approximately $7 million in gifts. We still need about $4.4 million more in pledges before renovations can start, as Schreiner only begins a building when 100 percent of the construction and endowment budget has been pledged.

At the top of our non-capital projects are funding academic programs and securing millions of dollars for student financial aid. Growing our endowment is also a daily objective. While we have made tremendous progress in securing permanent funds, we lag behind most of the schools with whom we are compared. Schreiner’s endowment is approximately $61 million. As we approach our 100th birthday in 2023, it is our fervent hope to have secured at least $100 million in endowments to maintain our beautiful campus, underwrite scholarships, pay for new academic positions and sustain excellent programs.

Please look at the sidebar that identifies endowment gift opportunities and consider new ways to help. Maybe your family would be blessed by a named scholarship that would last forever. Perhaps you could symbolize your love for biology or music by creating a fund for excellence. Many of our dear friends begin a fund during their lives with the intention of “topping it off” with a planned gift. I call these “tandem gifts” and it would be my pleasure to discuss the many ways donors could do these.

Just last month we joyfully and humbly received a bequest for nursing scholarships that first began almost 20 years ago when a dear friend wanted to honor the memory of her husband, Bill. While Bill was hospitalized, he grew to appreciate SU’s student nurses. This academic program has grown significantly in strength and ability to provide nurses for our communities because Betty Hall had a great idea and trusted Schreiner to make it happen.

With your help, we will fulfill our mission sooner. And then—with all of these goals accomplished—a new batch of initiatives will undoubtedly beckon us and those who come after us. Please call me at 830-792-7205 if you would like to know more.

Karen Davis Kilgore Director of Development and Planned Giving Specialist kkilgore@schreiner.edu

Endowments to Help Students Need-based Financial Aid Grant $25,000 Undergraduate Research Grant $100,000 Merit Scholarship

$200,000

Endowments to Strengthen Programs Funds for Excellence in Various Fields of Interest $400,000

Endowments to Assist Faculty Professorship Chair

$750,000 $1,500,000

Naming Opportunities A donor who provides at least 50 percent of the costs of new construction or renovation has the privilege of choosing the building’s name. Donors may name a scholarship or a program by providing, funds sufficient to endow 50 percent of the annual budget for that entity.

www.schreiner.edu Spring 2015 27

classnotes

class notes 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

Hot Springs, Ark., with Zandra, his wife of 45 years. He enrolled in the welding program of the local community college in 2013, and plans on opening a small welding shop, where he will do light repairs “to stay busy and pay for my hobby.”

Prior to retirement, Louis worked 35 years for a natural gas distribution company in Houston.

Marianne & Roy Brown ’51

1950s

Roy Brown ’51 writes, “Hello from Fredericksburg. I have attached a picture of Marianne and me at the Fredericksburg Oktoberfest, where we work in the souvenir booth. Oktoberfest is sponsored and produced by the allvolunteer Pedernales Creative Arts Alliance (PCAA). Proceeds go to scholarships for Gillespie County students pursuing education in the arts. Currently there are eight students on PCAA scholarships.”

1960s

Louis “Andy” Pellet ’64 is retired and living in

28 Spring 2015 SCENE

for Coastal Bend College; sophomore Keri Graves, named to all-district first team and all-academic team; and freshman Kate Graves. Youngest daughter Addison Wilson-Graves, 3, was the team’s number one fan, cheering at every match.

1970s

Nancy Zoeller Thompson ’77 of Center Point has worked 33 years as a registered dietitian at the Kerrville State Hospital and “loved every minute of it!”

1990s

Tasha “Flash” Wilson-Graves ’92 has coached Taft High School volleyball to playoffs six of her eight years there, and the 2014 season was the best so far. Taft won district with a perfect 10-0 record, then advanced through bi-district and area competition to the regional semifinal round, where they were defeated in four close sets. It was the first time a Taft girls’ team won any sets at that level.

Three of Tasha’s daughters were on the playoff squad: senior Kaylee Graves, selected to the all-state volleyball team and will be playing

Andy (Fred) Steffen ’92

Andy (Fred) Steffen ’92 lives in Manor with his partner of seven years. He is project manager for OneSource Building Technologies based in Houston, with which he has worked for five years. In October 2014 he completed his Master of Science in information technology from Florida Institute of Technology.

Eileen (Hummel) Byron ’95 writes, “I live with my husband and his parents in Midland, Mich., and am employed as a professional education services group long-term substitute teacher/para-educator, working primarily with students who have special needs. I also enjoy singing with the Midland Center for the Arts Center Stage Chorale. Schreiner University still holds a special place in my heart.”

classnotes

Ashley (Jensen) Aldridge ’94 writes, “I’m in my third year of teaching Spanish at Round Rock High School, and am also the 2014 vice president for scholarships for the Capital City A&M Club. In August 2013, my husband was in a near-fatal motorcycle accident near Boerne. He is making a very slow but steady recovery. I love reading SCENE and am impressed by the growth and flurry of activities going on! Hopefully I’ll be able to make it to Recall very soon!”

Family YMCA. In 2014, I completed my first full marathon in Maine, and plan on doing more marathons.”

Charity (Johnson) Tonelli ’04

Lindsey Kunz ’03

Lindsey Kunz ’03 writes, “I had a great time visiting Schreiner for the grand opening of the Athletic and Event Center, and loved catching up with my former professors including Dr. Shaw, Dr. Wells, and Dr. Woods, as well as President Summerlin and Ms. Carver! I am currently the volleyball coach and algebra teacher for Brackett ISD, where my daughter attends second grade and my son is pre-kindergarten. My husband, David, is employed by Union Pacific Railroad.

a huge Cowboys fan like her mom!

Life is good and we couldn’t be happier.”

Blake A. McGrane ’09, doctoral candidate at the Center for Psychological Studies, Nova Southeastern University, has accepted a postdoctoral position with a group psychological practice in Orlando, Fla.

Charity (Johnson) Tonelli ’04 married her law school sweetheart, Bill Tonelli, on July 26, 2014.

Sally Peña ’02

2000s

Sally Peña ’02 writes, “I enjoy living in Boerne and working at our family business, Authentic Custom Homes, LLC. I am the board chair for the Boerne

Brandi Michele (Woodlin) Sullivan ’08 writes, “I’m in my sixth year as a Dallas police officer and will be promoted to senior corporal in the spring. I’ve been married to the love of my life, Danny Sullivan, for threeand-a-half years, and am a proud mommy to Sophia, who turned one in December. We took Sophia to her first Dallas Cowboys game in October and she loved it! Gonna be

Brandi Michele Sullivan ’08

Marcella Saxton ’09 writes, “After graduating from Schreiner University, I had the wonderful opportunity to do two years of AmeriCorps service in the heart of

www.schreiner.edu Spring 2015 29

classnotes Griffith, born Dec. 13, 2014—a “healthy, happy baby girl.” Erica is the assistant property manager of Lakeside Apartments, a luxury housing facility for more than 300 residents in Charlottesville, Va. Steven is in the final year of work on his doctorate in biochemistry and molecular genetics at the University of Virginia.

Marcella Saxton ’09

Denver. I loved the city so much, I have decided to stay and create a home here. I have landed on the path of nursing and am currently a certified nurse’s assistant, taking my pre-nursing classes at Community College of Denver. With my free time, I enjoy all that Denver offers: the theatre district, attending Colorado Rockies’ baseball games, enjoying the fresh mountain air, and eating lots of good local food!

Griffith Family

Steven Dale Griffith ’10 and Erica Marie (Taylor) Griffith ’11 are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Avery Marie

30 Spring 2015 SCENE

State University in communications studies, and was also lucky enough to get hired as a graphic designer by the same department under the Bienestar Coalition Grant. I am thrilled to get the best of both worlds and work on my master’s degree!”

Ben Davis ’10 of Denton was part of “Fare Thee Well,” a four-artist exhibition which hung Jan. 21–Feb. 20, 2015, in the University of Texas at San Antonio Art Gallery. The exhibited works explored imagery rooted in the Southern landscape, fetish objects and collective memory.

Meredith Schneiderheinz ’10 has been working with Citi Bank for three years. In January she was promoted to escalation specialist for branch services support, and is looking forward to the challenges of her new position. Meredith also volunteers with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and is happy watching her “little sister” flourish.

Lauren Miller ’12

Lauren Miller ’12 writes, “Last fall I relocated to the Austin area to attend graduate school at Texas

Carol Pope ’12 and Trey Hernandez ’12

Trey Hernandez ’12 and Carol Pope ’12, who met and started dating their freshman year at SU, were married on Oct. 17, 2014. They live in San Antonio where Trey works at Assurance Toxicology, putting his chemistry degree to work, and Carol works in IT with Accenture.

Logan Brinkley ’14 writes, “Since graduating last May, I moved to Mount Pleasant, Texas, where I teach Environmental Systems (a science class) at Mount Pleasant High School.

I love seeing the excitement on my students’ faces when they finally understand a concept. I do my very best to teach my students to “learn by heart,” so they not only remember my lesson better, but also so they become passionate about their education.

Want to find a classmate? www.schreiner.edu/alumni/ email-directory/index.aspx

classnotes

SU Grad Sees History Made in KC

Brad Thomas ’12 Witnessing one’s team literally at the top of its game is the hope of many. Brad Thomas got to live the dream last fall.

Thomas, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management in 2012, joined the Kansas City Royals baseball team as an account executive in group and suite ticket sales in November 2013—just in time to witness the organization’s first post-season run in 29 years.

The Royals made the Major League Baseball playoffs last fall as a wild-card entry from the American League. Down four runs to Oakland in the eighth inning of a one-game playoff, they rallied for a dramatic, extra-inning, come-frombehind victory. That began an eight-game winning streak that put them in the World Series against San Francisco. Giants MVP-winning pitcher Madison

Bumgarner shut the door on the Royals’ hopes in the seventh game, but it was still an amazing season.

“The Royals took all of their front office staff to all the World Series games,” says Thomas. “I got to view the full spectrum of the series.”

Kansas City has high hopes for 2015, which should make Thomas’ other responsibility, selling season ticket plans, a lot easier.

A graduate of Randolph High School in San Antonio, Thomas loves baseball. He played four years on the Mountaineer baseball team, and was academic all-conference three years. He didn’t start Schreiner as a sports management major, but decided to take courses in the subject from Dr. J. Barry Shaw and Dr. Tom Wells, and “fell in love with it. That turned out to be one

of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

After graduation he took on three part-time jobs, one with the Houston Astros urban youth league. Then he joined the Minnesota Twins organization for 14 months before moving to the Royals.

Thomas hopes to keep working in baseball in one form or another. “I never planned on being in sales, but I love being around the game.” He misses playing, however, and should the opportunity arise, he might consider coaching.

He’s enjoying Kansas City and his work, but Thomas fondly remembers his alma mater.

“Schreiner University is my home, more than anywhere else.”

Photo: Brad Thomas ’12 poses with the American League trophy.

www.schreiner.edu Spring 2015 31

roundup

April 11

17-19

21

Schreiner’s very first Fiesta celebration with dancing, food, music and much more. Floyd & Kathleen Cailloux Campus Activity Center, all day.

For more information, contact Paul Camfield, associate director of alumni relations, phcamfield@schreiner.edu or 830-792-7206. www.schreiner.edu/ alumni/recall

Students will present their original research and scholarly findings on topics dealing with the fascinating field of popular culture studies.

Floyd & Kathleen Cailloux Campus Activity Center, River Room, 4 p.m.

Fiesta in the Hills

Schreiner Recall Weekend

“Trust”

A play by Stephen Dietz; performed

by The Flag is Up Productions, $2 for public and free to students, 7:30 p.m.

Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, Hanszen Fine Arts Theatre.

18

Captain’s Color War

13

Texas Writers Conference Brett Anthony Johnston, author and director of creative writing at Harvard University. Floyd & Kathleen Cailloux Campus Activity Center, 7 p.m.

15

Yom Hashoah Holocaust Remembrance Day Floyd & Kathleen Cailloux Campus Activity Center, 7 p.m.

16

Harry Crate Lecture The Harry Crate Lecture series is named in memory of Harry Crate, a former Schreiner University math and engineering professor, who was known for his love of discussing science and technology with students and faculty. Moody Science Building room 106, 6:30 p.m.

32 Spring 2015 SCENE

Teams will compete to capture the flag while using bags of non-toxic colored cornstarch as their defense. Open to ages 5-12. Mountaineer Fitness Center, 11 a.m.

Ultimate Frisbee Tournament Open to all ages and skill levels. Teams or single participants may register by e-mailing ddobbins@schreiner.edu Floyd & Kathleen Cailloux Campus Activity Center field, noon.

20

Monday Night Fiction “The Coroner’s Lunch” by Colin Cotterill, presented by Mary Ellen Summerlin. William Logan Library, Scarle-Philips Room, 7 p.m.

21

Academic Achievement Showcase Students will have the opportunity to share their original research, scholarship and creative accomplishments and other projects. Floyd & Kathleen Cailloux Campus Activity Center, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Popular Culture Symposium

Chamber Ensemble Spring Concert Floyd & Kathleen Cailloux Campus Activity Center, 7:30 p.m.

26

Spring Choir and Concert Band Concert First Presbyterian Church, 6 p.m.

29

Big Idea Chautauqua Lecture Series Bill and Mary Muse present, “Walk Past Your Fears.” Floyd & Kathleen Cailloux Campus Activity Center, Commons, 7 p.m.

May 1

Schreiner Advanced Student Recital Floyd & Kathleen Cailloux Campus Activity Center, 7 p.m.

9

Baccalaureate Dietert Auditorium, 10 a.m.

roundup

In Memoriam Former Students Mr. Grover E. Bidwell ’46 April 23, 2014, Gillham, Ark. Mr. Franklin C. Broderick Jr. ’45 January 2012, Greenville, S.C. Mr. Jason M. Byrd ’98 October 15, 2014, San Antonio Mr. Sheridan D. Cavitt Jr. ’46 January 12, 2015 Canyon Lake, Texas Mr. Jimmy E. Cox ’72 November 12, 2014 Carrizo Springs, Texas

Mr. Robert Lee ’68 December 9, 2014 Beaumont, Texas Ms. Courtney S. Lutz ’35 November 14, 2014, Kerrville Mr. Jack Neuman ’64 November 6, 2014, Kerrville Mr. Melvin D. Porter Jr. ’66 September 5, 2003 Albemarle, N.C. Mr. Jonathan J. Ragsdale ’81 January 18, 2015, Ingram, Texas

Mr. W.I. Davis Jr. ’41 October 17, 2014, Center, Texas

Mrs. Betty J. Reagan ’47 January 17, 2015, San Antonio

Mrs. Carol K. Epperson ’63 October 21, 2014, Houston

Mr. Marcus S. Sullivan ’88 October 18, 2014, Hunt, Texas

Mr. David L. Fry ’77 December 20, 2014, Kerrville Ms. Thelma L. Gallant ’35 January 2, 2015, Medina, Texas Mr. John Garcia Jr. ’84 October 23, 2014, Dallas Ms. Lorene Guidry ’76 December 2, 2014 Center Point, Texas Ms. Debra Jane M. Haby ’72 October 31, 2014 Rio Medina, Texas Mr. Fred E. Kihlberg ’52 December 22, 2014 Abilene, Texas

Schreiner Oaks Society Mrs. Lois W. Newberry December 15, 2014 Sandia, Texas

backcover Sophomore Sabriyyah Fennell works the ball upcourt against Texas Lutheran in the first game in the new Athletic & Event Center.

Mr. Ralph C. Storm ’47 January 7, 2015, Durham, N. C. Mrs. Betty B. Tucker February 3, 2015, Dallas

Former Faculty Mrs. Gladys Maxwell January 19, 2015, Kerrville

saveatree 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 e-mail scene@schreiner.edu.

Thank you.

On May 5, Schreiner University will be participating in The Big Give SA, an online giving campaign of San Antonio and Hill Country non-profit organizations to raise funds through a joint effort. Schreiner’s goal is 1,126 donations, one for each SU student.

At $10 per donation–the minimum amount–that comes to at least $11,260. While this campaign involves San Antonio area organizations, anyone anywhere can help Schreiner University meet its goal and support quality education. For more information, go to www.TheBigGiveSA.org.

FIND US ONLINE

www.schreiner.edu Spring 2015 33

athleticmural

This 60-foot-wide mural of Schreiner athletes from NCAA sports, including the 2014 Division III national champion golf team, greets visitors to the new Schreiner Athletic and Event Center.

Stephanie Keller of the University Relations staff designed and art directed the project and Aaron Yates ’07 did the photography.

34 Spring 2015 SCENE

OPENING THE

FUTURE Athletic & Event Up and Running

Center

backpage

YY RRSSI ITT NIIVVSERE UN NE R U E II N ER RE HR 001155 CH GG2 2 I NI N SPPR I N E OOFF SSC MMAAGGAAZZI N E

SCENEMagazine editor

Amy Armstrong director of university relations

art direction and design

Stephanie Lopez Keller art director – senior graphic designer

writer

John Sniffen 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

Cathy Carden Henry ’64 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.

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 Spring 2015 35

CMB 6229 2100 Memorial Blvd.

Kerrville, Texas 78028-5611

www.schreiner.edu/scene