FALL 2016
fromthepresident
DEAR FRIENDS OF SCHREINER,
S
omething old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.” You remember
the old formula for bridal apparel. Being no expert in these matters, I have no idea whether those phrases are relevant in the 21st century or not, but they came to mind when I was reflecting on the content of this edition of SCENE. You will read about collaboration between two of our newer majors, the story of one of Schreiner’s stalwart veterans, the experiences of a group of “first responders” who carry our story on the road, and the experiences that a recent graduate shared with our students at Convocation in August. This mixture reflects accurately the variety of life on a college campus. Amid all that delightful diversity, however, a few persistent themes run deep. Early in my presidency, we recognized that our focus must be on growth and establishing financial stability. Most would say that we have achieved both of these, but maintaining such a state requires continuous attention. That claim on our best efforts never disappears. Another theme we claimed very early was the necessity of doing everything possible to ensure that Schreiner is associated with quality in all that it does— in operations, in academic achievement, in planning, in athletics, in telling its story, and in our campus and facilities. That second theme, for me, is a common denominator of the stories you find in this magazine. The other evening I had the opportunity to be joined by one of our students, Ms. Jacqueline Osuna, at the opening performance of the Symphony of the Hills. She was excited about the prospect of hearing her music instructor, Dr. Don Crandall, performing Rachmaninov’s Second Piano Concerto. The performance was superb, and it made me reflect on the value of a student’s having the opportunity to witness the skills of her professor. The message is clear: the one teaching me truly understands his subject matter. He is proficient! Multiply that interchange over thousands of student contacts with the marketing professor speaking from experience about the entrepreneurial arena. Or the education professor who appreciates the subtleties of lesson plans that address diverse student learning styles. Or the biology instructor joining you on the banks of the Guadalupe River who is deeply experienced in riparian life form research. This kind of relational
2
learning with a proficient guide is at the heart of our learning programs, fundamental to our core theme of quality. You can appreciate our recent pleasure on learning that our Title V Department of Education grant for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) was awarded, ranking #1 in the state of Texas. This grant will provide nearly $6 million dollars over the next five years toward better preparing students for work in STEM disciplines. It will fund a freshman learning community, undergraduate research, equipment and instrumentation acquisition, and faculty development. In a word, it will enhance quality. Nowadays, it has become common to call for the “disruption” of higher education. For me, disruption wastes many good practices and victimizes students. Continuous improvement on all our parts—you bet! But doing quality work is too important to subject it to wholesale disruption.
Wishing the very best to you and to our Schreiner University,
Tim Summerlin President
Fall 2016 SCENE MAGAZINE
inthisissue On the Cover Members of SU’s performing arts living and learning community with Michael Kahl, associate professor of music, who is coordinator for the group.
F E A T U R E S
4 6
Mountaineer
Talk
I N
T H I S
I S S U E
10 oncampus
Expanding Horizons
22 classnotes
Texas Heritage Music Day
30 mountaineersports
Getting in Touch with Texas Roots
14 Music, Theater Collaboration That’s Entertainment
18 ‘Living on the Road My Friend’ Life in Pursuit of Future Mountaineers
28 focusongiving
33 inmemoriam
Schreiner University @SchreinerUniversity Schreiner University
@SchreinerU @SchreinerU
schreiner.edu/SCENE schreiner.edu Fall 2016
3
mountaineertalk
Expanding Horizons by Maseo Olearnick Exercise Science major
“
T
raveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” This quote by Ibn Battuta sums up how I feel about studying abroad. Traveling in general can expand your horizons and illustrate how different two places in the world can be. I was blessed to get the opportunity to study abroad at Hannam University in Daejeon, South Korea, this past summer as part of the Global Scholars Living and Learning Community. At first, I was hesitant to go on the trip because I was nervous about not being able to communicate and putting myself in a brand new environment. I finally worked up enough courage to accept my spot, and it was one of the best decisions I have made. While I was in South Korea, I experienced so many new and interesting things. I was able to see the similarities and differences from our culture to another by experiencing their traditions, delicious food, and their fast-paced everyday life. We were able to go to many entertaining performances from traditional dance and musical acts, to the excitement of a baseball game. Even the lectures and professors were very informative. It was very easy to learn and stay engaged. South Korea is a very beautiful country. The landscapes are breathtaking and the
4
people are very respectful and kind. Everyone was so helpful and welcoming that it made you feel so accepted in their homeland. There were even numerous times when Koreans just came up to me and asked if they could take a picture with me. I was very blessed to be able to have the opportunity to travel and experience such an amazing culture while going to school. I would like to thank Seabrook Jones (coordinator for the Global Scholars Living and Learning Community) for giving me the privilege to join her Global Scholars and taking me to such a beautiful country. I want to thank my parents for making this possible and encouraging me to experience new places and things. I would highly suggest studying abroad to anyone if you ever get the chance to. You meet so many incredible people and friends from all over the world. I still talk to people that I met this summer and I miss them like crazy. I will always remember this trip and I hope to travel and learn about many more cultures. South Korea was an unforgettable experience and I will always remember this as one of the best summers of my life.
Fall 2016 SCENE MAGAZINE
In addition to studying, Schreiner exchange students visited a Taekwondowon, a traditional seafood market in Geoje and the city of Jeonju—preserved in it’s historic state—to learn about Korean culture. Olearnick and his fellow students attend a Korean baseball game. The games are known for the vigorous fan engagement.
schreiner.edu Fall 2016
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.
5
texasheritagemusicday
Getting in Touch with
Texas Roots
Hundreds of Hill Country elementary school children and residents filled the area around the Robbins-Lewis Pavilion on September 30 for the 2016 edition of Texas Heritage Music Day. Among this year’s attractions were musical performances by regional favorites in the Robbins-Lewis Pavilion, tales and songs about the U.S. Army’s experiment with a camel corps in the mid-1800s, crafts such as flint knapping, and the preparation of traditional foods. Texas Heritage Music Day is sponsored annually by the Texas Heritage Music Foundation, which will be celebrating its 30th anniversary during 2017. For more information, go to texasheritagemusic.org.
6
Fall 2016 SCENE MAGAZINE
Start Planning for
RECALL 2017 Spend the weekend of April 21-23 at your old stomping grounds. For more information, contact Paul Camfield, associate director of alumni relations, at 830-792-7206 or phcamfield@schreiner.edu
Main Entrance Redone
Schreiner University’s main entrance off Memorial Boulevard was improved and enlarged over the summer. At the center of the attractive new entrance is a tower bearing the University Seal, and the phrases “Enter With Hope” and “Leave With Achievement” inscribed in stone at its sides.
schreiner.edu Fall 2016
7
Faculty Spotlight
Q: What do you love
most about teaching?
A:
I love to see the light bulbs going off for my students. I especially enjoy seeing my students grow in ability and confidence throughout the semester. I also strive to make my classes interactive and entertaining. Math is full of puns. For example, if you work out a problem and the final answer is “4c,” it’s nice to tell the class in a deadpan voice that the answer was “foreseen.” Another favorite is when doing radicals letting the class know that a mathematician’s favorite drink is “root beer” using the square root symbol.
Q
A with
Stefan Mecay by Amy Armstrong
8
Q: What is your Stefan Mecay is an associate professor of mathematics.
Q: When did you
begin teaching at Schreiner and why did you choose to teach here?
A: I started teaching at Schreiner in fall of 2000. I got my undergraduate degree at UT Austin and my masters and doctorate at the University of North Texas. While I enjoyed both schools and I had some really good professors, I also had some really terrible professors who treated their students like they were dirt beneath their feet. I chose Schreiner because I wanted to be at a school where the students mattered and where my colleagues all genuinely cared about their students.
greatest challenge when it comes to teaching and how do you deal with it?
A: I’d say the greatest challenge to teaching is class attendance. When students aren’t there they can’t learn, and if they miss too many days things start to snowball and it’s hard to catch up. In order to combat this, I try to make my classes fun and interactive. If a student enjoys your class and comes every day, then it’s so much easier for them to absorb the material. Besides using puns during the regular lecture part of class, I also have all my classes play a game of Survivor. The first day of class as I call roll, they come up, roll a die, and are randomly assigned to a tribe. (BTW this class is to “die” for…). Then at the end of each class period we play a short (10-15 minute) math game competing for bonus points on one of their tests. I’ve run Survivor in my classes for about eight years now and I’ve found it mixes up the class so they get to know each other better. It teaches them logical thinking in a fun way which also
Fall 2016 SCENE MAGAZINE
behindthescene helps them in math in general. Finally, I’ve had some students who come just for Survivor and, as a nice by-product, get to learn some math along the way. The best part is when my students look through their notebook at the end of the semester and go, “Wow we learned all of that! Incredible!”
Q: How have you
seen SU change in the years that you have been here?
A: SU has changed quite a bit over the last 15 years. Probably the biggest change is going from about 800 students to 1,300, so class sizes have gotten a bit larger, especially freshman and sophomore classes. The campus itself has changed dramatically. The Quad used to be a flat open space but now has a nice “lost in nature” type feel. We also have gotten the Mountaineer Fitness Center and the new arena, so I’ve seen sports really blossom over the years. I think there are a lot more options for students now like living and learning communities, more study abroad options, and more ways to become involved. Academically, I think Schreiner has really blossomed over the last six to seven years under the leadership of Dr. McCormick, and I look forward to seeing what he will do as our next president.
Q: What do you do in your spare time?
A: In my spare time I love to play strategy games of all types (board, computer, etc.). I’m currently addicted to Hearthstone. I also love to watch anything sci-fi/fantasy/ comedy and I’m also an avid reader. To stay in shape, I enjoy playing racquetball at least once a week.
schreiner.edu Fall 2016
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
I
have a confession to make. I am not
athletic. Not a drop of athletic skill. Now, let me be clear, I love to hike and walk and ride my bicycle, but playing organized sports? Nope, not happening. I want to clarify that I love sports. I love watching them and talking about them. I just can’t play them. I am a certified band geek and bookworm. Clarinet, almost made first chair—I’m giving you the virtual stink-eye Stephanie Jones. When the time came for my daughter to start picking her extra curricular activities, I admit I steered her hard towards music. I also, for the record, enrolled her in tumbling and signed her up for soccer. See, I wasn’t forcing her to be in music. She did participate in orchestra for three years, but unfortunately it didn’t take. What did take however is soccer. Boy, does this girl love soccer, and, unlike her Mom, she has real athletic skills. It is her passion and ultimately that is what matters. She has found something that lights her up, and as a parent that is the best thing to see. A lot of our students have likewise found a passion through the performing arts that lights them up. And not just theatre and music majors, but students from all majors have found a home in the performing arts living and learning community or by participating in choir or band or participating in one of the departments’ joint productions. It is wonderful to see. That is the very heart of a liberal arts education. Find your path in all its winding, wonderful and varied ways. Did I mention staff and faculty can also participate in the music programs? What did I do with that clarinet? On a more personal note, I want to share with our readers that this will be my last SCENE. I will be leaving Schreiner in December to pursue some wonderful opportunities for my family in the North part of the state. In my 11 years at Schreiner, my love for it has only grown and will remain with me forever. I know I am leaving this magazine in the best of hands, and I look forward to watching it and Schreiner change and improve in the coming years. All my best,
To share your feedback on this issue, email scene@ schreiner.edu
Amy Armstrong Editor
9
oncampus
Schreiner Announces Record-Breaking Enrollment For the second year in a row, Schreiner University set an enrollment record with 1,308 students for the fall semester. Last fall the university broke the 1,200 level
with 1,230 students. Fueling the record-setting numbers was a largest-ever group of 302 incoming freshman. The previous record was 299 in 2013, and last year there were 289 freshmen. President Tim Summerlin announced the record enrollment during a noontime ceremony Sept. 16 at the renovated main entrance off Memorial Boulevard. “To surpass 1,300 in enrollment so soon after achieving our long-held goal of 1,200 is gratifying,” said Summerlin. “A major contributor to that growth comes from our online programs—MEd and MBA as well as RN to BSN for
working adults. But our undergraduate, residential program continues to be robust—as witnessed by our first freshman class to surpass 300.” “Although we have no plans to become a large university, we recognize that managed growth helps contain tuition costs,” added Summerlin, who retires at the end of the academic year. “We appreciate the fact that the growth of all Schreiner learning programs speaks powerfully about the kind of education we are able to provide, which, after all, is our mission.” In addition to the records, statistics announced included: • The number of persisting students (those who have attended Schreiner continuously) increased from 619 to 656, just over 50 percent of all students.
Keeping the Circle Unbroken Whether the Schmerbeck family runs through Schreiner’s history, or Schreiner history runs through the Schmerbeck family, there’s been a connection between the two for almost 90 years. The latest chapter belongs to Caleb Schmerbeck, who will graduate in December with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. Caleb continues a legacy that started in fall 1927 when his great-grandfather, Robert Louis Schmerbeck Jr., started attending classes at Schreiner Institute. He graduated
10
Fall 2016 SCENE MAGAZINE
• Graduate-level enrollment experienced a significant increase of 47.9 percent • Enrollment has grown 68 percent during President Summerlin’s 16-year administration Summerlin credited the record numbers to campus-wide teamwork. “This success is possible only as an accomplishment of our whole campus—enrollment, athletics, faculty, facilities, marketing—every one of us.” Dr. Larry Cantu, vice president for Enrollment Services, agreed. “In the spirit of teamwork, our successes are not solely done by one office, but by the support of the entire Schreiner University community. Once a student steps on our campus, they feel the Mountaineer pride.” Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr.
in 1929 and went on to obtain a law degree from the University of Texas, then returned to Kerrville to work in the Garrett Insurance Agency started by his uncles. Robert and his wife, Edith, had a son, Louis “Bob” Schmerbeck III, who followed his father’s academic footsteps and graduated from Schreiner in 1964. Father and son also had similar musical talents. Robert was a talented clarinetist, part of a Dixieland band which once went by the name “Fuzzy Wuzzy Footwarmers.” Bob played piano with a rock ‘n’ roll band called Johnny T and the Titans, which included classmates John Thomas and
schreiner.edu Fall 2016
Charlie McCormick noted that the University’s enrollment successes “have become an intentional pattern and not just a happy accident.” “We will continue to grow our enrollment in careful ways so that we do not lose the momentum of these efforts, nor lose our ability to cultivate the relationships that are at the heart of Schreiner’s learning experience—but we will continue to grow,” said Dr. McCormick, who will succeed Dr. Summerlin as president on Jan. 1, 2017. “Schreiner is increasingly identified as ‘the university of choice’ for students across the state,” he said. “Our work to sustain that identity with select students anticipates more record-breaking enrollment in years to come.”
Bobby Hunter. They even recorded two of Thomas’ songs—“Since I Don’t Have You” and “I Was a Fool” on a 45. Bob also joined the Garrett Insurance team, and in 1974 he and his dad bought the agency. He and his wife, Shirley, raised two sons and a daughter, but none attended Schreiner. However, one daughterin-law, Carrie Michelle Schmerbeck, received a nursing degree from Schreiner in 1994. Caleb, the son of Stephen and Carrie Michelle Schmerbeck, is the latest Schreiner Schmerbeck. In recognition of that status, the family decided a special presentation was in order.
The 1929 class ring that had belonged to Robert Schmerbeck Jr. was presented to Caleb by his grandfather during the Opening Convocation in August. Inside the band, Caleb’s initials had been added to those of his great grandfather. “Receiving this ring is a huge blessing and an honor,” says Caleb, who will also follow a family tradition of joining the staff at Garrett Insurance Agency.
Bob Schmerbeck ’64 holds a photo of his father, Robert Schmerbeck ’29 while Bob’s grandson, Caleb Schmerbeck, class of 2016 shows off his great-grandfather’s class ring. 11
oncampus
Spotlight
Personal Attention in an Impersonal Time by John Sniffen
Anyone who has observed Schreiner University Registrar Darlene Bannister at work might wonder why in the world she wears a Fitbit to monitor her physical activity.
She walks all over the campus. By 9 a.m. on a fall Monday, she proudly notes that she’s already taken 3,000 steps, “about par for the course.” “I like to interact with people, it helps me in building relationships with all the other offices, faculty and staff, that I work with,” says Bannister. “You learn their styles and how they react to situations. I can go to their offices and say something face-toface, and sometimes get clarification that would not happen otherwise.” Frequently serving as a go-between with faculty, staff and students, she works with many people, “probably more than any other person on campus,” she says. Bannister’s connection to Schreiner goes back to 1981, when she taught history part time. She moved into the registrar’s position the following year, and had to give up teaching. Until 2014, her office was in the Murray Building, which is not accessible to persons with mobility
12
issues. “I had to meet some students over in the library,” she says. Now she’s on the second floor of the Floyd and Kathleen Cailloux Campus Activity Center, part of the Center for Advising and Career Development (CACD). She and Career Development director Cristina Martinez, go back and forth a lot, joking about “wearing out the carpet,” or saying they should just “cut a hole in the wall” that separates their offices. “Working together, we are trying to make sure that students don’t just finish degree requirements, but actually have career plans.” Closer proximity to admissions, accounting and financial aid—“offices with which I do a lot of work”—is another plus to being in the CCAC. Bannister enjoys helping students find their way to completing degrees. “Meeting with them—if I didn’t have to do the technical work, I would just visit and converse with students— that’s what’s most rewarding to me.” “There is enough of the teacher in me still that likes to see how they progress. It’s fun to watch them come in as freshmen. Sometimes they’re very unsure, sometimes they’re overconfident. I like seeing
how all that levels out, how they can blossom and become leaders, ready to take on their next challenge.” “Graduation is my favorite day,” she says. Three decades of service also means that Bannister gets to see and assist the daughters and sons of students she helped earlier in her career. For example, Olivia Molina, who will graduate in December, is the daughter of Lloyd Molina from the class of 1991. “I remember three-and-a-half years ago when the Molina’s brought Olivia to see me during Mountaineer Days,” she recalls with a smile. Last spring at the class ring ceremony, Bannister was sitting next to Lloyd Molina to watch what both thought would be Olivia receiving her Schreiner ring. “Lloyd turned to me and said, ‘Why is my name in the program?’ Unknown to Lloyd, Olivia had also purchased a class ring for him, and presented it to him during the ceremony. That was so poignant,” says Bannister. The seniors, in recognition of the work she has done on their behalf—and so many before them—also surprised Bannister with a class ring, which she wears “on special occasions.”
Fall 2016 SCENE MAGAZINE
By the Numbers
DARLENE’S STEPS ON AN AVERAGE DAY AT WORK:
Bookstore
Redo
8,500 (BUT CAN EXCEED 10,000) P AIRS OF SHOES WORN OUT DURING AN AVERAGE YEAR:
FAVORITE SHOE:
CROC SANDALS
BACCALAUREATE DEGREES CERTIFIED SINCE 1984: 3,143 MASTER’S DEGREES CERTIFIED SINCE 1998:
TOTAL DEGREES CERTIFIED:
403
3,546
For a person who likes face-to-face contact, automation of the registration process and Schreiner’s growing student body have had an adverse effect. “At graduation there are now students I don’t know. I used to know them. We had 16 students graduate the first year I was registrar. Some of those students I knew pretty well,” she says. “I may meet current students, but I don’t get to know them like I used to know them. We just don’t have that opportunity.” She still strives, however, to help students get the assistance they need. “They are human beings and they need to know that there are people they can trust, people that they can talk to, people that they can be confidential with, who won’t be judgmental. They are not robots. They need to feel like they are important.” The responsibilities of the registrar’s office—especially with cell phones and email—could keep her busy 24/7, but Bannister tries to maintain time away from work. During “free time” she likes to read light mysteries, garden, spend time with friends, participate in her church, and travel—but probably not during the summer because she’s busy working with the next group of incoming Schreiner students.
schreiner.edu Fall 2016
Over the summer the Schreiner University Bookstore on the first floor of the Floyd and Kathleen Cailloux Campus Activity Center underwent a major renovation and officially reopened as Schreiner University Outfitters on August 26. The transformed store space features more light—hidden corner windows hidden were unblocked, and a new show window was added into the CCAC—and more emphasis on clothing and novelties. The Legacy line of items such as signs and coasters is featured, and more Schreiner-themed shirts and blouses are available. A fitting room was added so customers can try before they buy. Store traffic has increased, and collegiate wear and gift items sales have increased since August, says Clanton. “Most of the work on the bookstore was done in house,” she notes. “It was definitely a group effort. Lucien Costley, project committee chair and director of Institutional research and analysis, “did an excellent job of putting it together. He helped discover the windows hidden behind sheet rock.” A comfortable sitting area was also added for small groups (25 or less) needing a place to meet, or students looking for a place to sit and study or talk. “We can transform the textbook area into a sitting area when we are not distributing textbooks,” says manager Peggy Clanton. “This allows us to host events like Monday Night Fiction, or author appearances such as the new Texas writers’ series, ‘Novel, TX.’ In October we hosted the Performing Arts Living and Learning Community musical session and discussion with the Flying A’s out of Austin.” Store hours have been adjusted to allow more time for shopping and enjoying the revamped space. The store is open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday; and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday. Next time you’re on campus, come by and see Schreiner Outfitters and get yourself some Mountaineer bling and gear. 13
“GODSPELL” SUCCESS SPURS MUSIC, THEATER COLLABORATION
14
Fall 2016 SCENE MAGAZINE
A
BY JOHN SNIFFEN
s the final notes faded last spring after the last scene of Schreiner University’s production of “Godspell,” there was a moment of silence. The audience in Kerrville’s Cailloux Theater had just witnessed Jesus’ execution, followed by his disciples’ grief and anguish, then rising hope.
“There was this moment right after the finale where everyone was kind of breathless,” says Evan Vera, a member of the cast. “There was a half
beat where the audience was just taking it in, then the applause started, and it was exhilarating.” Enabling student actors, musicians and singers like Vera to experience that feeling in years to come is the desire of the Schreiner drama and music departments. Godspell’s success—both in terms of popular response and as an educational experience—has encouraged the two departments to plan and budget for annual musical co-productions in 2017 and beyond. For Claudia Sullivan, professor of theater and communication, and a part of the Schreiner faculty since 1977, it’s the culmination of years of hoping, dreaming and planning. “The idea has been germinating for years, but we had to wait until we had enough student talent to produce a musical. You need singers, dancers and musicians,” she says. “When the idea came up again for last fall, we had the talent. Everyone’s eyes lit up at the same time, and we said, ‘Let’s do it.’” Prior to “Godspell,” the music department had performed shows with music—“The Rocky Horror Show” in 2010 and “Putnam County Spelling Bee” in 2011—but there was no official involvement by the theater department. Jessica Roberts, who was then a student, but has since graduated and teaches at Ingram High School, directed both shows, and Michael Kahl, directed the music. “Those were rewarding experiences, but having the theater department involved in co-producing musicals at Schreiner is better overall for the university,” says Kahl, associate professor schreiner.edu Fall 2016
of music and director of choral music. “It makes best use of the resources of both the theater and music departments.”
On With the Show With the decision made to produce a musical, the production team set about picking a show and auditioning performers.
“Godspell” was chosen because it’s a well-loved musical that offers large roles to a dozen people,” says Heather Cunningham, adjunct instructor of theater, who directed the musical. “It also had a great message for our community.” First performed in the early 1970s, “Godspell” involves a series of parables, mostly based on the Gospel of Matthew, interspersed with a variety of modern music set primarily to lyrics from traditional hymns. Kahl directed the singing and band, which included faculty and staff; Jeff Cunningham, adjunct instructor of Theater was the set director; and Devon McLaughlin, who works in the registrar’s office, did costume design. After rehearsals began, it became apparent that the small theater in the Hanszen Building was not going to be big enough for the production or the audience it was expected to draw. “We saw that we were going to need a bigger venue,” says Dr. Sullivan. “There was not much notice, but the Cailloux had a cancellation and we took those dates. It was good all around. The set was not too big to move, and it was great for the students to get to work in a quality facility like Cailloux.” Auditions will be held early in the spring semester for the next musical, “Cabaret,” which will be performed March 3-5. 15
The large contrast between a show featuring gospel parables and another set in a bawdy nightclub in pre-World War II Nazi Germany is not unintentional. “We like to challenge students with hard material and expose them to the ‘classics’ that have been around for years,” says Cunningham. “Godspell” and “Cabaret” both meet each of these criteria easily. It is an added bonus that they are so very different, giving the students involved year-to-year a variety of depth.” Students also learn first-hand about the meaning about such well-known show business phrases as “The show must go on.” Lillie Bales, a sophomore from Hondo, had bronchitis during the production. “I had to take medication that made me shake a little bit. It was either that or be unable to breathe without coughing during my solo,” says Bales. “The end result was good, but the journey there was very rough.” Both Bales and Vera had praise for Cunningham’s directorial skills. “It was the second musical I’ve ever been in,” says Vera, “and I was not confident in my abilities as a vocalist. She gave me that. She really has a way of bringing out the best in people, in ways that we haven’t thought of before.” “Heather is very personable,” says Bales. “She makes you comfortable enough to try to do the new things she knows you can do.” “If you’re in the performing arts, there’s never a time when you can say, ‘I can’t do that’,” adds Vera. “When Heather would see we were questioning our abilities, she would say, ‘No, no, go ahead, I’ve heard you sing before.’”
Challenges and Rewards While Schreiner now has enough talent to put on musicals, that talent is stretched fairly thin. “Because we are a small school, everyone is involved in more than one thing,” says Cunningham. “It’s hard to get more than the core theatre or music kids to commit to the rehearsal time it requires to mount a full-scale musical.” “Many students are involved in multiple student organizations or ensembles. Finding a time where everyone can rehearse on a regular basis can prove to 16
be difficult,” says Kahl. And there’s the money factor. It’s more expensive to buy the rights to perform a musical than a play, says Dr. Sullivan. “Plays can cost $50 to $70 for royalties. Musicals start at $2,500 and go up. We primarily do older shows because newer ones are more expensive.” Also, Schreiner must compete with other theaters in the region. “They will not license us to do a show that is already being performed nearby, such as at the Majestic Theater in San Antonio,” says Dr. Sullivan. Those challenges aside, there is tremendous upside to the departments collaborating on musicals. “Performing in musicals stretches the students,” says Dr. Sullivan. “It challenges them in unique ways. They are essentially called to play fantasy scenes. Breaking into song in a situation in which they would not normally do so pushes their creativity.” Kahl speaks of “The light bulb effect” —“You almost see a light bulb go off in the student’s head when he or she realizes what kind of effort, dedication and patience it takes to make something sound and look as good as it possibly can. The energy and enthusiasm that occurs after the students buy into the rehearsal process is a valuable teaching moment.” He also sees rapid improvement in students’ singing and acting ability during the intense rehearsal process. “They’re singing and acting every day for about four weeks. Most of them make great strides with their technique.” Staging musicals can also be a good recruiting tool, says Dr. Sullivan. No matter what their major, students with singing, acting and dancing skills like to participate in theater while in college, even if it’s not their major. “As a smaller program, we are able to give large roles to students who have put in the time and effort, and really have earned the chance. That doesn’t always happen at a larger university,” says Cunningham. “And the whole university seems to come out for the musical--really supporting the students in the show because we are such a tight-knit university community.” Bales, who chose Schreiner because it was recommended by her high school
theater director, says she came here because “there’s a great, small theater program that is growing and getting better every year. My high school’s program was new, but growing, and I loved it. Having numerous community theater companies around Kerrville was also a plus. In the fall, she was part of a production of “The Tempest” performed outdoors at Stonehenge II on the grounds of the Hill Country Arts Foundation in Ingram. Vera did not come to Schreiner because of theater, he started as a nursing major. After graduating from a high school where his class alone was 600 students, he wanted to see what it was like “to be part of a close-knit community where you can know almost everyone. I stumbled onto the arts community here, and it was a treasure trove.” Several of his fraternity brothers were involved in theater his freshman year, but not him. “I used to annoy them by going to their shows, accidentally memorizing their lines, then misquoting them back to them. Finally they just said, ‘Join the theater, we need more actors.” Without any previous acting experience, Vera auditioned and, in the fall of his sophomore year, got the role of Dionysus in The Bacchae. Summer before last he was Pugsley in Addam’s Family: The Musical at the Point Theater in Ingram. Vera is still working through his career choices, but is leaning toward getting certified to teach in grade school. “I like kids, and teaching allows room for creativity. And it would allow me time to support my artistic passion. My time in college has made me realize I’m someone who needs an artistic outlet.” Bales is also leaning toward teaching, and wants to be involved in community theater wherever she goes. “I want to be a part of helping other theater programs grow.” “Being involved with the production of a musical has been a wonderful, educational, and also incredibly enjoyable experience,” she says. “I would highly encourage anyone who has ever thought about it to come audition and see how it goes.” Fall 2016 SCENE MAGAZINE
New Community, Improved Facilities
Benefit Performing Arts Schreiner University’s performing arts programs are benefitting from the addition of a new freshman living and learning community, and physical improvements to on-campus practice and performance facilities.
The Performing Arts Living and Learning Community (PALLC) for freshmen began in fall 2015 with Michael Kahl, associate professor of music and director of choral music, as its coordinator. Its goal is to provide an enriching experience through exposure to the arts in a holistic context. Students have opportunities to experience performance as both audience and participants in music, dance and theatre. The program encourages community members to support each other’s creativity, and to experience deeper connections with the performing arts. “This blend of artistic interests creates a unique environment conducive to creative expression and self-realization,” says Kahl. “Members engage with art and performance, both on and off campus, and explore how their experiences inform and shape their studies, their careers, and their communities.” The coordinator and trained peer mentors work closely with PALLC members, organizing on and off campus activities. Rooming in the same section of Trull Dormitory promotes interaction among the students who have similar interests and majors. The current group is a mixture of musicians, actors, painters/illustrators, and poets/ writers. While music and theater majors are obvious community members, there are also business, education, biology, sport management and graphic arts majors. Fall 2016 activities have included an evening songwriting workshop at the Schreiner Outfitters bookstore with Stuart and Hilary Adamson of the Flying A’s; attending a Symphony of the Hills concert featuring music department chair Dr. Don Crandall on piano; attending the San Antonio Symphony’s performance of Carmina Burana, then meeting with the San Antonio Mastersingers chorus master; and attending the Point Theater’s production of Pump Boys and Dinettes, meeting with artistic director Jeff Cunningham, and touring the theater complex. As part of Interdisciplinary Studies 1301, PALLC members are creating and presenting original works, including songs, poems, slam poetry, face painting, and canvas painting. They are basing their work on the required reading for the course,” The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brene Brown.
schreiner.edu Fall 2016
Better Space for
the Performing Arts
Work is proceeding this fall on renovations to several facilities utilized by the performing arts at Schreiner.
Rex Kelly Pavilion is being renovated into a Music Education Hall, and the Hanszen Fine Arts Building—including the Fine Arts Theater--is being refurbished. A landscaped plaza, centralizing the performing arts at Schreiner in one location, will join the two buildings. The Music Education Hall will include classrooms, practice rooms, a music library, a recording studio, computer stations, audio listening booths, and an ensemble room large enough to hold the entire Symphony of the Hills, which will rehearse there. “Creatively and academically, our students and school will flourish in this centralized space,” says Dr. Crandall. The music department had used the Dietert Auditorium building for classes, but outgrew the facility. Dietert is also being renovated this year into a home for Campus Ministry, Purposeful Living, and Church Vocations. It will include a 100-seat recital hall and a 208-seat chapel. The improvements are a part of the five-year, $50 million fulfilling the Promise campaign, specifically the portion relating to the creation and maintenance of a premier place of learning.
17
‘LIVING
ON THE
FRIEND’ BY JOHN SNIFFEN
Life in Pursuit of Future Mountaineers bsent from Schreiner University’s September celebration of another record-breaking enrollment were the six admissions counselors who helped make it possible. If they paused to celebrate, it was in a distant location such as San Antonio, Houston or Harlingen. They were already recruiting for fall 2017. The admission counselors are literally traveling salespersons for the university. Highways, motels, fast food, and high school and junior college campuses, are their daily routine for six to eight weeks every fall, and four to six weeks every spring. A day’s work may bring them into contact with a handful of students in a school library, or thousands of prospects and their parents in an arena. Bryan Benway, who holds a degree in mass communication from Plattsburgh State University, was living in Houston and working in sports broadcasting when he heard about an opening on the admissions staff through “a friend of a
18
Fall 2016 SCENE MAGAZINE
schreiner.edu Fall 2016
19
friend” of Dr. Larry Cantu, vice president for Enrollment Services. “I’ve always wanted to do something like this,” says Benway, who in his free time still does sports announcing in San Antonio, which is also his primary recruiting area. “I get paid to talk a lot, to meet people, and to travel. Every day is different, on the road or on a high school campus. There’s lots of energy around high school and college students. It keeps me fresh.” Rebecca Cott, who holds a bachelor’s degree in global studies from St. Edwards University, agrees. Now in her second year with Schreiner, she likes the work because she enjoys meeting new people. “I love learning about different cultures and interfacing with people from all walks of life. That’s what we get to do every day.” Smith Scarborough is also a graduate of a liberal arts school—Rhodes College in Memphis—with a bachelor’s degree in English and creative writing. There he was a student “diplomat,” like Schreiner’s ambassadors, and hosted prospective students, “I love talking to people, I’m a big fan of higher education, and I am good at it, so it seems like a good fit.” Counselors may attend two or three different events in one day, setting up and taking down their displays, and standing for hours talking to students and parents. Add texting, voicemails and emails, and they are also always responding to questions and planning ahead. “We’re using social media more and more,” says Benway, “but face-to-face is still best. We need to be visible to the students and parents, so we’re traveling more than ever.” The counselors have to come prepared to answer anything from the details of a specific major to why a “deer-to-student” ratio (28 to 1) is listed on the promotional “Monty paw.” 20
They also occasionally have to explain that “No, at Schreiner we don’t wear funny hats.” “You never know what to expect,” says Benway. “Students who are dating may break up in front of you.” One time a bat got loose at a college fair at O’Connor High School in San Antonio. Benway was talking with several students and parents, when he heard a scream. “People were moving tables and trying to get away. The bat swooped down, and they ran toward the doors, like in a horror movie.” Loyal to his work—or just uncertain what else to do—Benway says, “I just kept talking.” A student’s father eventually caught the bat, locked it in a bathroom, and the fair resumed. Bad weather can be another of the traveling counselors’ problems. Cott, who primarily works the Houston area, arrived for a college fair there in the midst of a downpour. “I couldn’t even get out of my car. When there was a lull in the rain, I grabbed my display and materials, and ran for the door. Every other counselor had the same idea at the same time, and we all gathered there, only to be told that it was the wrong door. “We finally got inside, and I stood for two hours in my flats, which were soaking wet. Afterward, I looked down and saw that the polish on my shoes had run. My feet were solid black.” Scarborough, who covers South Texas and international students for Schreiner, ran track in college and now runs ultramarathons for pleasure. He’s obviously in good condition, but he underestimated the rigors of a long day of college fairs. During his first year, he had a four-and-a-half hour college fair in Brownsville, followed by a couple of two-hour events in San Benito and Harlingen on the same day. “Talking to one student after another, telling them about Schreiner—by the end Fall 2016 SCENE MAGAZINE
Previous page The Schreiner Admissions reps (all in one place!) are, from left, Maya Willridge, Smith Scarborough, Amber Bernhard, associate director Caroline Randall, Michael Stebbins, Rebecca Cott and Bryan Benway. On the road Bryan Benway takes a selfie with Pope John Paul II at the pontiff’s namesake high school in San Antonio, Smith Scarborough takes his guitar to the wilds of West Texas, and Rebecca Cott poses with a potential Schreiner legacy enrollee, Loraine Hellums, in Austin.
of the day I had lost my voice. I was not prepared.” When he went back the next year, he was ready. “The counselors from the other schools laughed at me, but I had Gatorade and some of carbohydrate energy gels I use on my runs. Also, I conserved my voice from the start.” A large number of recruits they contact come to them through the Schreiner Athletic Department. “Coaches are targeting recruits all year,” says Benway. “Many times the first contact is a coach. They help with lists of potential students. They bring in a ton of students.” The recruiters from different schools spend many hours together during the fair season. “You are typically in alphabetical order at college fairs, so within a month you will know the sales pitch for Sam Houston or SMU, since they are always next to you,” says Caroline Randall, who traveled the circuit for eight years and as associate dean for Enrollment Services, oversees the current counselors. If a student comes to the Schreiner display, but is looking for a major or activity which the university does not offer, the Schreiner counselors will refer them to other schools that do, says Benway. “And they do the same for us.” There’s also after-hours socializing, friendships develop, and even some good-natured teasing occurs. Having some fun with a peer who has over-slept or partied too much is also a possibility. “Fairs start about 8:30 a.m., and if a counselor’s late, sometimes we’ll hide their stuff,” admits Scarborough. Scarborough says there’s much more to the job than “just being friendly all the time.” “I’m constantly making notes. When a student fills out one of our inquiry cards and walks away, I immediately turn it over and write something like ‘Wore maroon Converses’ on the reverse side. When I call them later, I say, “This is Smith from schreiner.edu Fall 2016
Schreiner. Are you still wearing those Schreiner-colored chucks?” “If you make it personal, it makes a difference,” says Scarborough. “We’re the face of Schreiner for them.” In addition to fast food consumed while driving to and from events, most of the admissions counselors subsist on sub sandwiches, chips, and chocolate chip cookies, the standard fare provided by sponsors at the college fairs. The occasional salad or a bowl of soup are considered reasons to celebrate. Scarborough pre-packages his food to maintain his training diet. The long hours and travel may make the life of an admissions counselor more attractive to younger men and women, but it can be for anyone who loves to travel and schmooze, says Randall. The average “life span” of a counselor is 18 months, because most consider it a stair-step job, not a destination. That can be a problem for the university. “Longevity is essential to success,” she explains. “It can be hard to learn all about territory, make strong connections with key schools and administration, and develop relationships with students throughout their admission process. Students and parents love having someone to connect to--someone they can call for anything throughout the year.” It’s no wonder that counselors look forward to a few days off when, as Benway says, they can “re-energize.” Scarborough, who is a Jimmie Hendrix fan, practices his electric guitar (without the amplifier) in his motel room, and trains for his ultra-marathons. Cott likes to read, workout in the motel gym, and not talk—“conserving my voice for the concert hall.” Benway likes to try out recommended restaurants and visit with nearby friends. And, like other “road warriors,” they do laundry, check in with the office, and prep for the next events on their calendar. 21
classnotes
class notes
1950s
Tom Pruett ’50 who started at Schreiner Institute when it was a junior college and high school in 1948, writes, “I spent two years at Schreiner before moving on to Texas Tech, and then to optometry school in Houston, where I graduated in 1955. This year I finished my 61st year of practice and still see charity patients one day per week. I also participate in mission clinics in Mexico, and have done so since 1980. I have fond memories of Schreiner, and well remember two classmates who became part of Schreiner’s faculty, Sam Junkin and Sam Lanham.” The Rev. Dr. Charles H. Morris ’52 was elected in June to a three-year term on the 20-member board of Missouri Health Care For All, which advocates for health insurance coverage for all Missouri citizens regardless of their income. He also continues as a volunteer ombudsman in a long-term care community for VOYCE Inc., which provides training for this work in the St. Louis metroarea and other counties in eastern Missouri. He continues playing indoor tennis two or three times a week, year-round. 22
1960s
Dr. James Lee ’67, writes, “I have retired after 33 years of medical practice in Seguin, Texas. My daughter, Cate Fayhe, and her family moved to Kerrville last year and love it. She has four children in the Kerrville schools. My son-in-law Will coaches select football with Schreiner dean of students Charlie Hueber.”
and owner relations specialist in the land department. The boys are staying super busy. Matthew is in seventh grade and is a first-year member of the symphonic band playing the clarinet; Jacob is a high school freshman in the STEM Engineering Academy. He is taking five pre-AP courses this year, along with being a member of the freshman football team playing offensive tackle and kick team. Rian is a senior in the STEM Engineering Academy, studying aerospace engineering and digital electronics. Rian is even considering becoming a Mountaineer at Schreiner next year! I am hoping that I will be able to attend Recall there in April 2017!”
1990s Aubrey Frank ’89
1980s
Aubrey Frank ’89, writes, “The family is doing incredibly well and we all have been super busy. I have been working for Chief Oil & Gas LLC since 2014, and am division order technician
Leslie Swanson ’98, writes, “I am a mother of two sons Kyle (17) and Caleb (16). I have taught special education in the Dallas and Mansfield districts. Currently, I teach sixth-grade math at Brownwood Intermediate School. In August at our district convocation, I was awarded an Innovative Teaching Grant from the Brownwood Education Foundation. I also was awarded a Reflex Mathematics Grant from ExploreLearning.com. Earlier in the year I had the privilege to be a part of Fall 2016 SCENE MAGAZINE
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 schreiner.edu/alumni/your-info or contact us at 830-792-7405 or scene@schreiner.edu
Leslie Swanson ’98
Chris Borak ’03 and Bethany (Graves) Borak ’00 celebrated 12 years of marriage in March. Chris graduated in May with his MBA from Our Lady of the Lake University. He has worked at USAA for six years as a claims service manager in San Antonio. Bethany has worked as office manager at Covenant Presbyterian Church for eight years. Together they have two children. Liam is three, and in September they celebrated the adoption of their daughter, Lilly, who was 20 months old. Life is never boring in the Borak household with two energetic toddlers capturing all the attention of their parents!
Richard Coronado ’03, writes, “We are doing well despite hectic schedules. I recently earned my superintendent certification and my Ph.D. pursuit is well under way through the School Improvement program at Texas State University. My kids continue to be active in sports and other activities. I wish all current Schreiner students and alumni a great year.”
a Q&A with Roberto J. Rodriguez, the White House Domestic Policy Deputy Assistant to the President for Education. I love being in the field of education and I am very passionate about many aspects of educational reform. Much love to my fellow Mountaineers and former professors.”
2000s
Sarah (Richard) Loghinl ’01 was named chief financial officer of Concordia University Texas on April 15. schreiner.edu Fall 2016
Richard Coronado ’03
’00 Chris ’03 & Bethany Borak
Elizabeth (Reece) Mendez ’04, (B.A. in exercise science) and ’06 (teacher certification in math and PE) writes, “I got married in April to Luis Mendez, and we welcomed our first child, 23
classnotes
PHOTO COURTESY OF BOXING JUNKIE USA TODAY SPORTS
In the Ring
Will Ramon ’12 Will Ramon ’12 is putting his degree in exercise science to great use. Ramon, a strength and conditioning coach, is training professional boxer Adam Lopez for his most recent fight in July and one last March, both broadcast on Showtime. Ramon and Lopez visited the Schreiner University campus last year so Lopez could undergo fitness testing by Dr. Kyle Busing and his exercise prescription for special populations class. The students were able to observe and assist with the testing which included a body composition measurement using the BOD POD and a VO2 max test.
Duncan Luis Mendez
Duncan Luis, on August 16. I am on my eighth year of teaching, and am currently teaching geometry in Southwest ISD in San Antonio.” Cindy Becker ’06, writes, “It is finally fall and that means ‘shooting season’ for me and the Schreiner Shooting Sports team. I am lucky to be their volunteer staff sponsor, and I cannot begin to tell you what a joy that
Ellenwood Family
KEEP UP WITH SCHREINER AT Addi Sullivan
24
continues to be. We recruited six freshman members to the program that would not have otherwise attended Schreiner, bringing our total to 14 varsity and junior varsity shooters. This year we have a great group of folks helping out: Coach and club founder Bill Thomas, Javier Garza ’15, Dustin English ’15 and Chip Johnston of Harper as team volunteers. I have begun the recruiting process early with Little Miss Addi, and she is quite at home on the range! Her mother, my daughter, Michelle Sullivan ’14, has notified me that I will be the 4H coordinator for their household when she turns eight and is eligible to join the 4H shooting program. I am excited about the possibility of helping another generation of shooters prosper.”
Jennifer Lynn (Yarbrough) Ellenwood ’07, writes, “My husband, Michael, and I welcomed Samuel Andrew Marquis on April 4. He was a whopping 6 lbs. 8 oz. I have worked for Hill Country MHDD since October 2013 as an accountant. I graduated with a BBA in Fall 2016 SCENE MAGAZINE
Take an Active Roll
Dr. Luke Berry, MD ’12 Academic and professional success come from overcoming obstacles, Dr. Luke Berry, MD, ’12, told incoming freshmen and returning students during the August opening convocation for the 2016-17 academic year. Speaking to students and faculty in the Stephens Family Arena, Berry, valedictorian of the Schreiner Class of 2012, noted his achievements so far have often followed failures. His response to setbacks, he said, is to take action. After dropping out of college in San Antonio, Berry moved to Kerrville and worked for a restaurant. Deciding that he wanted to try college again, he applied to Schreiner and was turned down. Attending classes at a community college offset the problems with his first application, and he was accepted the second time. During his first year at Schreiner he “felt lost” until determining that he wanted to turn “a passion for helping others” into a medical career. And he wanted to finish his bachelor’s degree in three years.
schreiner.edu Fall 2016
“Once I decided on that goal, it was on!” said Berry. “I became obsessed with it. I realized I had to become a doer, not just a dreamer.” He met with Dr. Diana Comuzzie, dean of sciences and mathematics, and she helped him formulate a plan to meet his goals. Part of her advice to Berry was to do something every day that would put him closer to his goal. “At the time I interpreted that as just ‘go study,’ but a few months later I took it to heart. For me, it meant taking action every day to meet my goals. Just as importantly, it was to find my ‘why.’ That was easy. I had messed up so much and wanted to prove myself.” Berry also threw himself into campus community activities. “I dove headfirst into Schreiner’s collegiate life. I joined clubs, groups, and organizations. I worked part time, I volunteered, I put myself out there to not only make myself look good on paper, but to also open up my perspective, to get uncomfortable in order to grow. When we choose to be in uncomfortable situations,
we are force to grow and overcome that fear.” He began applying to medical schools during his senior year. As graduation from Schreiner approached, he had been interviewed by some, but not accepted by any of them. “It was miserable having to swallow my pride and reapply, but my ‘why,’ my motivation, was not going to take ‘no’ for an answer.” Several weeks after graduation from SU, Berry received an acceptance email from the University of Texas Medical Center at San Antonio. He graduated from there in May 2016, again at the top of his class, and is now an emergency medicine resident at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park, NY. He concluded by challenging the students to “set your goals beyond mediocrity, to find your ‘why,’ and to take massive action behind it. Without these, your goals will just be dreams, and nothing more.”
25
classnotes
accounting and information systems. My husband Michael and I have been married since May 2015. He is from San Antonio, and has worked for USAA since 2007.” Blake A. McGrane ’09, writes, “In August 2016 I successfully completed my psychological residency and I am now a licensed psychologist in the State of Florida. I recently joined a group practice, and I perform psychological evaluations for the family, dependency, criminal, and civil courts.”
2010s
Megan Ray ’10, writes, “Things are going great! I’m currently teaching pre-k in Beeville, Texas, and just welcomed my first child, Avery, on August 28. Last school year I was super excited when I saw the familiar
Schreiner sticker on a car parked in our apartment complex.” Laryssa Dandeneau ’14, writes, “In January of 2016, I left the USDA lab in Kerrville and started as quality control/quality assurance director at Alamo Tissue Service/Precision Allograft Solutions, a certified tissue bank in San Antonio. My company honored me with the privilege of attending the American Association of Tissue Banks Annual Meeting in New Orleans, where I was given the unique opportunity to network and make connections with professionals within the industry. Since I have started working at Alamo Tissue Service, and have become more knowledgeable and aware about the gift of donation, I myself have committed to being a donor. Next year I will test to become CTBS certified with AATB. I have applied to the
Laryssa Dandeneau ’14 and Riley Bonilla ’14 Texas A&M online master’s in health education program. If accepted, I intend to start that in Spring 2017. Outside of my career I have been continuously working on improving my overall health and wellness, and have been enjoying a blessed life with Riley Bonilla ’14.” Rachel (Dobie) Bonker ’14, writes, “Many things have happened since I
1968 Schreiner Institute Diploma Reproduced Dr. Juan Campos ’68 Dr. Juan Campos, ’68, of McAllen holds a reproduction of his graduation diploma presented to him by President Tim Summerlin during a recent visit. With him are his son, Javier, a Kerrville physician, and Juan’s wife Esther. While President Summerlin was visiting him in the Valley, Dr. Campos said his associate’s degree was missing. Through the efforts of Registrar Darlene Bannister and Professor of Graphic Design Dr. David Smith, a new diploma was produced. Dr. Campos was the first of four brothers from New Braunfels to study at Schreiner—Atanacio, ’69; Dan, ‘70; and Carlos, ’75, were the others. Juan, Carlos and Atanacio have served on the Schreiner Board of Trustees.
26
Fall 2016 SCENE MAGAZINE
graduated. As soon as I had my degree, I packed up and moved in with my future husband, Matthew, in League City, Texas, where he worked for Valero Energy. During one of the Houston floods, Matt was sent home from work but encountered high water. He and the car were swept away, but thankfully he was able to get out before it filled and sank. We were shocked and devastated, but I was just glad he wasn’t injured. We married on Sept. 26, 2015, in San Antonio in a beautiful ceremony, all of my hopes and dreams were fulfilled. It was magical. Six months later, Matt
was offered a promotion that meant traveling the country. We canceled our lease, bought a travel trailer, and traded in my Ford F-150 for a 2013 Chevy Silverado. We loaded up our tiny home and traveled to North Carolina, Tennessee, Indiana, Illinois, then back home to Texas in about four months. It was a crazy experience. I stayed home with the dogs and saw the sights while Matt worked. I even visited Alpha Sigma Alpha national headquarters in Indiana! We are back in Texas, still living in our tiny home, saving up money for a larger house.”
Rachel (Dobie) Bonker ’14
WANT TO FIND A CLASSMATE?
VISIT THE ALUMNI DIRECTORY AT
SCHREINER.EDU/ALUMNI schreiner.edu Fall 2016
27
focusongiving
Photo on left: Provost Charlie McCormick enjoyed a visit with Demmie last September to interpret the many ways annual income from an endowed chair in science would enhance faculty salaries and increase undergraduate research opportunities. Photo above: It was my honor to listen to Demmie’s big dreams for Schreiner and suggest ways they might be accomplished.
S
erving Schreiner, I have the privilege of knowing some of the most thoughtful and generous people in our country. How
fortunate I am to help these good friends develop estate plans that reflect their values and visions for our world. What role models they are. One of our quiet heroes died in October. Dr. Demmie Mayfield was a Kerrville native son and a proud alumnus of Schreiner Institute. Although he traveled the world as a respected research psychiatrist and garnered degrees and titles from prestigious organizations, he loved Schreiner best. He watched with deep affection as his alma mater grew up, increasingly serving more students and the community as a mature Schreiner University. He never missed a year in sending scholarship assistance and used other astute planning vehicles to gift appreciated real estate, as well. He gave Schreiner “commercials” everywhere he went, even before surgery as he sought to recruit nursing students and in France when he visited the boyhood home of Captain Charles Schreiner. To our knowledge, Mayfield was the first sitting member of the board of trustees to die, and his wit and perspective are already missed. Before
his death, this loyal alumnus allowed Schreiner to honor his estate intentions by establishing the Demmie G. Mayfield Endowed Chair in Science and Undergraduate Research. He had carefully planned this gift for more than 20 years. This is SU’s second endowed chair and the first one that will be fully funded this academic year. In its fifth year, our “Fulfilling the Promise” campaign is now focusing on academic initiatives, especially endowed chairs, professorships and permanent funds to support high-impact teaching and learning practices. By the time President Tim Summerlin retires next May, we will have reached our $50 million goal. Dr. Mayfield’s large estate gift has advanced the campaign significantly, and our gratitude will not fade. If you would like to know more about establishing estate gifts or starting a life income plan that ultimately provides an estate gift, it would be our honor to suggest some ideas.
Karen Davis Kilgore Director of Development and Planned Giving Specialist
For more information visit schreiner.giftlegacy.com or call 830-792-7205 or email kkilgore@schreiner.edu 28
Fall 2016 SCENE MAGAZINE
schreiner.edu Fall 2016
29
mountaineersports
Assistant Coach Joe Anders plans strategy with his team between games.
VOLLEYBALL
Featuring a very young roster, the Mountaineers struggled against a very tough and deep conference schedule. SU is 0-10 in SCAC contests but there is promise in the young players on the floor. Three of the top four offensive players are freshmen and the other is a sophomore. Freshman Mackinley Zimmerle is the top offensive threat in terms of attack percentage at .222. Sophomore Ashley Myers is the setter and sophomore Nichole West is the top defensive player.
30
Top row, left to right, Kelsey Hamrick, Ashley Myers, Alyx Kruse, Delanie Cauthen, Mackinley Zimmerle, Ramsey Degollado and Alli Mills. Bottom row, left to right, Gabriella Rodriguez, Heather Norman, Kelsey Bauers, Nichole West, Victoria Perez, Amanda Gomez, Mallory Dunn and Courtney Reopelle.
Fall 2016 SCENE MAGAZINE
WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY
WOMEN’S SOCCER
Left to right, Natalie Requenez, Jessica Gaines, Frida DeLa Garza, Sam Sterling, Devin Sanchez, Xilia Norales and Miana Zapata. Top row, left to right, Coach Nick Morrison, Tierra Wirick, Rayna Pearson, Marta Burke, Camryn Sorensen, Laura Atzeni, Taylor Roberson, Jordin Toso, Allyssa Nease, Lindsey Fitz, Tabitha Armstrong, Kayla McConnell, Karissa Bolyog, Julia Saavedra and Asst. Coach Tim Martinez. Bottom row, left to right, Alexis Overdiek, Delaney Morrow, Cailee Morgan, Dani Loeblein, Alex Gill, Natalie Moreno, Sarah Hrehor, Victoria Favela, Kristeen Restrepo, Catalina Reyes, Chloe Luna and Ruth Blackburn.
Head coach Nick Morrison again has his team positioned near the top of the conference standings (4-2-1 in league play). Defense continues to drive the team forward, having allowed just 12 goals on the year. Freshman Jordin Toso is the primary goalkeeper and sports a 0.88 GAA as well as 6-1/2 shutouts. Sophomores
Cailee Morgan (5 goals, 11 points) and Kayla McConnell (4 goals, 3 assists) lead the offense with freshman Catalina Reyes having three goals. Sophomore Lindsey Fitz and junior Alex Gill lead the defense. Schreiner hosted the SCAC Women’s Soccer Championship Tournament in early November.
MEN’S SOCCER
MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY
Bottom row, left to right, Daniel Banda, Robert Hensley, Jose Castillo, Sergio Garcia, Luis Michel, Trey Brittenum, Tony Cortes, Nick Jaskolski, Chase Smith and Armando Vazques. Middle row, left to right, Rene Pena, Eddie Martinez, Robert Del Castillo , Greg Gutierrez , Kolade Olowookere , Juan Puente, Cameron Cortez, Zach DeHoyas , David Stotz and Anthony Alaniz. Back row, left to right, Wes Joseph, Ethan Gregory, Brian Lindsey, Allan Gonzalez, Bishop Wood, Blake Lawson, Brandon Anselmi, Alan Aviles, Henry Suazo, Kelsey Bessent, Jacob LeTexier and Edward Miranda.
The team shows a lot of promise but the season has not gone according to plan (1-7-1 in SCAC play). Early in the season, it was the lack of offense, which was holding the team back. As the season has progressed, the offense has started to come together but the defense has struggled. The team has gone 2-6 in
schreiner.edu Fall 2016
The squad again features young runners with a roster that is in a state of flux. Freshman Jessica Gaines has been the strongest runner throughout the season and freshman Devin Sanchez has also been a pleasant surprise. Sanchez is also on the women’s tennis team, so she’s missed several races for tennis tournaments. Senior Natalie Requenez had to give up women’s soccer this fall due to injuries but has been a solid contributor for the cross-country team in her only year of involvement.
one-goal contests and has had seven overtime matches so the margin between success and loss is quite slim. Sophomore Alan Aviles and freshman Trey Brittenum are tied for the scoring lead with three goals each. Sophomore Brandon Anselmi has been the primary goalkeeper and has a 1.80 GAA.
Top row, left to right, Martin Oliveres, Ricky Canales, John Rasberry, Nash Opperman and Brock Sanders. Bottom row, left to right, Austin Garces, Jose Bernal and Danny Gonzales.
Seniors Jose Bernal and Danny Gonzales lead the team this fall. The Mountaineers continue to struggle finding consistency in their roster. Junior Ricky Canales has also been a solid contributor.
FOR SCHEDULES AND MORE ATHLETIC NEWS, VISIT ATHLETICS.SCHREINER.EDU 31
roundup The Financial Year at Schreiner: 2015-16 SELECTED FINANCIAL STATISTICS Assets Cash and Equivalents $4,444,170 Accounts and pledges receivable 4,980,338 Other assets 836,061 Investments 58,193,587 Land, buildings, and equipment, net 62,568,807 Total assets $131,022,963 Liabilities Accounts Payable $2,029,333 Deposits and deferred revenue 2,927,375 Notes Payable 14,238,741 Total Liabilities $19,195,449 Net Assets Unrestricted $64,411,483 Temporarily Restricted 8,933,573 Permanently Restricted 38,482,458 Total net assets $111,827,514
15%
56%
24% 5%
Gifts and grants Auxiliary Investments Net tuition and fees
EXPENSES 2016 16% 32% 26% 20%
6%
Student services Academic support
$131,022,963
BACK COVER
REVENUES 2016
Institutional support
Total liabilities and net assets
Instruction Auxiliary
Dr. Chris Distel, associate professor of biology, talks to his animal behavior class about the variety of fish they have found while netting in the Guadalupe River. Their objective is to determine what species of fish prefer which kinds of habitats. The class meets at the Loftis Family Science Center field station, but regularly ventures to other sites to observe unique animals in their natural habitats.
What’s happening on campus?
WWW.SCHREINER.EDU 32
Fall 2016 SCENE MAGAZINE
In Memoriam Former Students
Mr. Stephen M. Alex ’72 August, 10, 2016, Kerrville
Mrs. Elizabeth Queller ’87 June 15, 2016, Kerrville
Mr. William E. Banks ’52 May 23, 2016, Hitchcock, Texas
Dr. Frank W. Sheppard Jr. ’39 August 29, 2016, Austin
Mr. Floyd S. Beranek ’75 July, 7, 2016, Jacksonville, Texas
Mr. William E. Shine ’92 May 5, 2016, Center Point, Texas
Ms. Adeline M. Bizer ’90 September 2, 2016, Kerrville
Mr. Marion H. Turner ’55 September 27, 2016, Pasadena, Texas
Mr. James M. Cavender III ’48 March 29, 2016, San Antonio Mr. Albert M. Coleman ’47 April 18, 2016, Garland, Texas Mr. Robert A. Cunningham ’43 May 11, 2016, Llano, Texas Mrs. Vera L. Devereaux ’89 July, 4, 2016, Kerrville Mr. John A. Follett Jr. ’44 August 16, 2016, West Columbia, Texas Mr. Allen J. Halm ’68 May 14, 2016, Fredericksburg, Texas Mr. Ivan N. Hickox ’47 August 16, 2016, Mobile, Ala. Mr. William B. Kendrick ’50 July 28, 2016, Dallas Mr. Lex L. Kidd ’81 April 12, 2016, Tyler, Texas Mr. David Wynn Kilgore ’92 September 7, 2016, Kerrville Mr. Chester L. Kolstad ’38 March 17, 2016, Bullard, Texas Ms. Evelyn K. Lachele ’41 March 1, 2016, New Braunfels, Texas Mr. John Liljedahl ’60 March 17, 2016, Harper, Texas Mr. Evan M. McGraw ’11 June 18, 2016, Kerrville Dr. Don W. Morgan DDS ’60 June 23, 2016, San Antonio Mrs. Lenore Mudge ’37 September 17, 2016, Junction, Texas Mr. James E. Nugent ’41 July 17, 2016, Austin
schreiner.edu Fall 2016
Ms. Jeanee Von Essen ’68 September 18, 2016, Charlotte, N.C. Mr. James B. Yarbrough Jr. ’43 May 2, 2016, The Woodlands, Texas
Trustee Dr. Demmie G. Mayfield ’50 October 4, 2016, San Antonio
Schreiner Oaks Society Mr. Joseph L. Benham June 30, 2016, Kerrville Mrs. Louise A. Gorelick September 10, Lexington, Va. Mrs. Edith Johnson July 21, 2016, Austin Mr. James E. Laughlin August 20, 2016, Austin Mrs. Elizabeth T. Ryan June 6, 2016, Seguin, Texas
Faculty Mr. William M. Hinds III June 9, 2016, Tucson, Ariz. Mr. Henry L. Jackson May 16, 2016, Kerrville Mr. Jimmy F. Plyler June 9, 2016, Tyler, Texas Ms. Billie R. Reed May 21, 2016, Kerrville Dr. Charles Torti May 16, 2016, Kerrville
Ricky Smith ’64 holds a photo of the 1963
Schreiner High School football team, which went 4-4 and was the winningest Rebel squad ever (the high school had a different mascot). Smith and fellow Rebel gridders will gather during Recall 2017, April 21-23, for a special reunion of those who played on the teams from 1952 to 1971. For more information about the Rebel football reunion, contact Paul Camfield, associate director for Alumni Relations, at 830-792-7206 or email phcamfield@schreiner.edu
Faculty Emeritus Mr. Boardman R. Chambers Jr. July 18, 2016, Kerrville
33
The Whole World in Their Hands Schreiner’s Global Scholars Living and Learning Community members have some fun illustrating the fact that they are learning to “think globally.” The community of first-year students is open to all majors. With a limit of 12 members, the Global Scholars enjoy a close-knit community within Delaney Hall. Coordinator Seabrook Jones serves as the program’s academic advisor during the students’ freshman year, and as their mentor and advocate throughout the rest of their time at Schreiner. The summer after their freshman year, Global Scholars travel to South Korea, where they study Korean language, society, history, economy, and culture for three weeks at Hannam University. For more information on the Global Scholars Living and Learning Community, contact Jones at sjones@schreiner.edu or phone 830-792-7442.
34
Fall 2016 SCENE MAGAZINE
FA L L 2 0 1 6
SCENEMagazine editor
Amy Armstrong director of communications
art direction and design
Stephanie Lopez Keller senior graphic artist
writer
John Sniffen public information specialist
contributing writer
Karen Davis Kilgore director of development
sports
Ryan Brisbin Temaine Wright sports information directors
president
Dr. Tim Summerlin board chairman
William Harrison sfsa board president
Cathy Carden Henry ’64 SCENE is a publication of the Office of Marketing and is distributed twice a year free of charge to Schreiner former students, current students, faculty, parents and friends. An online version is available at schreiner.edu/scene. Want to be included on the SCENE mailing list? Send your name and address to Amy Armstrong, Schreiner University, CMB 6253, 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.
schreiner.edu Fall 2016
35
CMB 6253 2100 Memorial Blvd. Kerrville, Texas 78028-5611
schreiner.edu/scene