Southwestern Summer 2008 by Southwestern University

Summer 2008

Spring 2008 www.southwestern.edu

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Seeing Results Southwestern’s summers can be fairly quiet, but not the summer of 2008. Our campus is buzzing with activity as we watch construction of the new Wilhelmina Cullen Admission Center and as we renovate two of our residence halls, Herman Brown and Moody-Shearn, in time for the start of fall classes. These construction projects are daily reminders of the results from our $125 million fundraising program: Thinking Ahead: The Southwestern Campaign. As we approach $90 million raised to date, the only question is how our lagging economy may affect when—not if—we meet the $125 million goal. With your support, we will accomplish this milestone. I look forward to updating you as we continue to transform the Southwestern Experience through the many important commitments that have been made to Thinking Ahead: Since embarking on the Campaign in 2002, we have completed much-needed renovations, enhancing the Southwestern we know and love and adapting to the needs of the new millennium. In all of our efforts we are mindful of the impact of our campus on the environment, as you’ll see in “LEED-ing the Way” (pg. 6). A push for achieving distinction among the nation’s premier liberal arts institutions has resulted, through the campaign, in the hiring of 18 additional faculty members, the broadening of our curricular offerings and ensuring an average class size of just 14 students. This spring, the faculty proposed a new Core Value, “Cultivating academic excellence,” which was unanimously approved by the Board of Trustees and added to our existing core values. “Senior Stories” powerfully demonstrate how academically talented and broadly curious our students are, and how much they give back to the Southwestern community, as well as their contributions to the common good. Seven of our 10 seniors featured are Paideia® Scholars, the program launched at the beginning of Thinking Ahead that, for Southwestern, has come to redefi ne what is at the core of liberal arts education. As I reflect back on this year’s Commencement and the meaning of this education to graduating seniors and their families, I am grateful to receive letters such as the one featured in “Last Word.” Southwestern parent Pamela Vonderheide underlines the importance of scholarships in helping us recruit bright and talented students, including her daughter, Kristen. Gifts to the campaign for scholarships keep the university both affordable and also competitive as we vie for those students who will benefit most from the Southwestern Experience: Engaging Minds, Transforming Lives. I look forward to welcoming the Class of 2012 this fall.

Jake B. Schrum ’68 President, Southwestern University

Southwestern Magazine

Summer 2008

47 20

In every issue

Features

1 | President’s Message

12 | In Pursuit of Justice and the Common Good Honoring the legacy of Chuck Merrill ’59

31 | Engaging Minds, Transforming Lives Thanking the teachers behind the teaching

15 | Commencement 2008 A photo album

36 | Getting Giving Alumni reveal why they ‘get’ giving

47 | Changing the Face of Texas Politics Bree Buchanan ’85 makes the ‘dough rise’ with Annie’s List

18 | Financial Aid Is Crucial for Higher Education Covering costs in a shifting economic landscape 20 | Senior Stories The Pirates of 2008 set sail for their next adventures

45 | Looking Back, Thinking Ahead The Southwestern Campaign, six years and $87.4 million dollars later

65 | Last Word

5 0 | 9 Questions Voters Need to Ask Themselves Before Voting for President Bill Bradley’s checklist 56 | Friendship, Chicken-Fried Southwestern alumni forge their own traditions with lifelong friends

On the cover Artist Rob Osborne revisits “Thinking Ahead,” which made its first debut in the magazine in 2003. Go to pg. 20 to see what comic-book fates Osborne has envisioned for “Senior Stories.” Cover, this issue

Cover, 2003

KIOSK

California-based alternative / indie rock band CAke performed for Southwestern’s annual Large Act Concert in April, giving new meaning to ‘standing-room-only’ in the Corbin j. Robertston Center.

on campus The Roy and margaret Shilling Lecture Series brought former Senator Bill Bradley to campus in April.

AmAnDA FiGueROA ’10

Bill Bradley

November 7–9

Homecoming and Reunion weekend! make your plans now for Southwestern’s Greatest Hits: www.southwestern.edu/homecoming

Three-time basketball All-American

at Princeton, Olympic Gold Medalist, Rhodes Scholar, professional player for the New York Knicks, Former United States Senator and author

The New American Story Change doesn’t

happen from the sidelines: what every

American can do to shape our nation’s future.

April 21

7 p.m., Alma Thomas Theater The Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center Southwestern University

On november , The writer’s Voice and the A. Frank Smith, jr. Library present Azar nafisi, professor and author of the national bestseller, Reading Lolita in Tehran. According to the The New York Times, Reading Lolita is “Remarkable...an eloquent brief on the transformative power of fiction.” For information and tickets visit: http://www.southwestern.edu/ library/writers-voice/

PHOTOGRAPH BY CuLLOM B. JONES ’08

Southwestern Magazine

Nov.11

TOm SLOCum

photo: Brantley Jones ’08

Six senior art majors presented their work in April, from left to right: Shauna davidson ‘08, Lisa dela Cruz ‘08, Lauren Cardenas ‘08, Carling hale ‘08, alison Kuo ‘08 and Jaymie teakell ‘08. Flyer design and photograph by Cardenas and Hale.

ON CAMPuS

What’s In Your umwelt? Those attending the 30 t h Brown Symposium in April learned a new word: “umwelt.” The term, which was introduced by German researcher Jakob von Uexkull (Yewks-kill) in 1934, refers to the self-world of animals. Uexkull argued that to truly understand animal behavior, one must appreciate the world as animals see it. The sel f-worlds of a variet y of animals were explored at the symposium, which was organized by Jesse Purdy, professor of psychology and holder of the John H. Duncan Chair. P u rdy and R andal l Davis, a professor of marine biology from Texas A&M University at Galveston, opened the symposium by showing a fi lm they produced about the selfworld of Weddell seals, the only mammals to live beneath the fast ice of McMurdo Sound in Antarctica. They noted that new technology, such as video and data recorders that can be attached to animals, is giving researchers valuable insight into animal behavior. “There are 1.25 million living species of animals and each has its own umwelt,” Davis said. “Many of these animals live in very remote environments and we know practically nothing about their lives and how they function.” Writer and poet Diane Ackerman enthralled conference participants as she detailed her observations of animals ranging from backyard squirrels to whales found off the coast of Chile. “It is important that we try to understand animals because the more we empathize with other animals, the more we will want to protect them and their ecosystems on which we all depend,” Ackerman said. Purdy noted that learning how to understand the self-worlds of non-human

animals could lead to methodologies that would allow us to better understand the self-worlds of humans such as autistic children, the handicapped, or those

This year’s Brown Symposium also included an art exhibition organized by Southwestern Professor of Art Star Varner. The exhibition featured two different “bestiaries” produced by artist Rudy Pozzatti. Bestiaries are an art form developed in the middle Ages in which images of animals are paired with moral stories. During a talk following the symposium, Pozzatti announced that he was donating a copy of one of the featured bestiaries to Southwestern. The Darwin Bestiary features 10 poems by Philip Appelman anied who suffer from mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and depression. Such understanding could enhance our ability to help these individuals. Other conference speakers included Christopher Clark, director of the Bioacoustics Research Program at the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology; David Fogel, CEO of Natural Selection Inc. and a leading expert in the field of artificial intelligence; and Michael Gazzaniga, a behavioral neuroscientist who heads the new SAGE Center for the Study of the Mind at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

by drawings made by Pozzatti. Only 175 copies of the bestiary were produced in 1983–1985. “it was a true labor of love,” Pozzatti said as he explained how the hand-carved drawings were individually printed on special paper. Varner said the bestiary, which will be kept in the Special Collections section of the A. Frank Smith jr. Library, will be a valuable tool for teaching students about printmaking. “we are thrilled to have it,” she said.

Spring 2008 www.southwestern.edu

ON CAMPuS

AmAnDA FiGueROA ’10

Commencement Speech featured in Vital Speeches of the Day

in April, Southwestern students, faculty and staff members boxed up 125 formerly used computers and monitors to send to children in Honduras. Students from two Paideia® cohorts spent the spring semester refurbishing the computers, which were shipped to Save the Children in La esperanza, Honduras. Six Southwestern students, two faculty members and two members of Southwestern’s information Technology Services Department (iTS) went to Honduras in june to help install the computers. The computers are expected to directly impact the lives of about 1,000 children in the La esperanza area.

While Commencement speakers often tell graduates to “follow their passion,” Southwestern’s 2008 speaker had a different message. In a speech that has been selected for publication in the July issue of Vital Speeches of the Day, James Winkler, general secretary of the General Board of Church and Society for the United Methodist Church, told graduates he wanted them to “shake the gates of hell.” “Frankly, we’re counting on your generation to be the one that turns things around.” Winkler said. “You do not have the luxury of ignoring problems and difficulties in order to follow your bliss.” Winkler said President Bush was right when he said there is an axis of evil, but he was wrong when he said it is Iran, Iraq and North Korea. “The true axis of evil is pandemic poverty, environmental degradation and a world awash in weapons,” Winkler said. “This triplet has caused enormous suffering and pain.” Winkler said achieving goals such as eradicating poverty and hunger, providing universal primary education, and combating diseases such as HIV/AIDS would be the “best anti-terrorism campaign around.” “We can’t build enough guns, tanks and war planes to stop the anger and frustration that leads to terrorism, but I do know we now have the capacity to re-shape the world so that a good and decent life is enjoyed by all of God’s children,” he said. To read the full text of Winkler’s address, go to http://www. sugrads.org/articles/news_from_su/2008_commencement_ address.aspx

“Cultivating Academic Excellence”: A New Core Value When the core purpose and core values for Southwestern were developed in 1997, most participants felt the University’s commitment to academic excellence was covered in the fi rst core value:

Best Place to Buy an Old House

Renovation Grabs Attention

This Old House magazine listed Georgetown, “home to Southwestern university,” in its “Top 12 Picks for Best Places to Buy an Old House.” editors cite plentiful “Late-19thcentury Queen Annes and Greek Revivals as well as beautiful 1930s Arts and Crafts and Stick Victorian homes” and laud the “town’s historic center [bustling] with boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.”

The renovation of the Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center, home to the Sarofim School of Fine Arts, was featured in the june issue of University Business. Read the article at: http://www.universitybusiness. com/viewarticle.aspx?articleid=1074

Southwestern Magazine

“Promoting lifelong learning and a passion for intellectual and personal growth.” However, some faculty members felt this wasn’t enough. “Many people were getting their information about us from our core values and an outsider might not think we had the emphasis on academic programs that we in fact do have,” says Jesse Purdy, a psychology professor and former chair of the division of social sciences. Thus, Purdy and other faculty members proposed in 2006 that a new core value be added: “Cultivating academic excellence.” The new core value was approved by the Board of Trustees in March and is now listed fi rst among the University’s six core values. “This gives us the emphasis we were looking for,” Purdy says. “It is an important addition.”

Dirk Early Named New Associate Dean of Brown College Economics professor Dirk Early has been named the fi rst associate dean of the Brown College of Arts and Sciences at Southwestern. He will begin a three-year term in the position at the start of the 2008–2009 academic year. As associate dean, Early will be responsible for strengthening the college’s academic programs, helping set budget priorities for the college, and articulating needs of the faculty to the administration. “Dirk is an excellent choice to serve as the associate dean of the Brown College of Arts and Sciences,” said Provost Jim Hunt. “He is an extremely thoughtful individual and I believe he will provide exemplary leadership in this position. He is respected by his colleagues within the college and I believe he is well-positioned to foster cohesion and communication among the three divisions in the college. I am certain that he will leave his mark on the future work of the University.” Early said his four main goals as associate dean will be to assist faculty members in their growth as both teachers and scholars, to attract additional resources for academic programs and faculty development, to assist the Admissions Office in recruiting a high-quality and diverse student body,

and to further relations between the faculty and the Board of Trustees. “Southwestern has given me the opportunity to thrive as both a teacher and a scholar, and I hope that by accepting this position I can give back to this community,” Early said. Early has taught economics at Southwestern since 1994 and is one of the university’s Paideia® Professors. He has received the Southwestern University Teaching Award and also the Exemplary Teaching Award from the Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church.

Southwestern “LEED-ing” the Way The new Wilhelmina Cullen Admission Center will be Southwestern’s fi rst LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) -certified building on campus. The following are examples of efficiency efforts for the construction of the building: • Trees that needed to be removed were replanted at the Dorothy Manning Lord Center. • All cement and soil that was removed was saved, reused or recycled. • A physical barrier was used to secure the building from termites when the foundation was poured, which will allow the University to avoid using a chemical pesticide. • The concrete foundation was made from about 28 percent recycled content. • The metal studs used to frame the exterior walls have 81.5% recycled content. In addition, the material was also extracted and manufactured within 500 miles of our campus, which reduces the economic and environmental impact of transportation.

SU in the News

A Presidential Dinner

Did you see CSPAN?

The Dallas Morning News reported that Katie Shull herman ‘92 and her husband Dave Herman, owners of The Range Restaurant at the Barton House in Salado, catered the rehearsal dinner for the wedding of jenna Bush, daughter of President George w. Bush. The menu included Southwest empanadas and Grilled Pork Tenderloin.

international Policy Analyst Farhana Mahmood ali ’96 appeared on CSPAn to discuss the fifth anniversary of the war on terror and the search for al-Qaeda. if you missed her in the Spring 2008 issue of Southwestern, or would like to watch her appearance on CSPAn, visit http:// www.southwestern.edu/magazine/.

Spring 2008 www.southwestern.edu

FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY

FACuLTY NEWS

Laura Hobgood-Oster, professor of religion, received the William Carrington Finch Award at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Commencement. The award, which carries a $5,000 prize, is presented every other year to a faculty member who demonstrates excellence in teaching, has made contributions to University leadership and has made contributions outside the classroom to the establishment and support of better community relationships. Hobgood-Oster has been a member of the Southwestern faculty since 1998. She is chair of the Department of Religion and Philosophy and chair of the Environmental Studies Program. She also is co-chair of the committee charged with implementing the Talloires Declaration at Southwestern, which commits colleges and universities to environmental sustainability. Hobgood-Oster said she plans to use her award money to fund research for her new book, which will examine how contemporary Christians should respond to issues related to animals. Beyond her formal campus responsibilities, Hobgood-Oster devotes countless hours to fostering dogs and working with local animal shelters.

LuCAS ADAmS

Hobgood-Oster Receives Biennial Finch Award

Hilliard Retiring After 34 Years Dan Hilliard, professor of sociology, retired this year after being a member o f t h e S ou t hwe s t e r n faculty since 1974. He was recognized at the 2008 Commencement ceremony with a standing ovation.

ART OLYmPiAn: Visser has pioneered the use of rapid-prototyping in creating sculptural forms.

Professor’s Sculptures on Display at Beijing Olympics

AnDRew LOeHmAn

Ever yone k nows the Olympics include numerous athletic competitions. Not as well known is the fact that the Olympics also include an artistic component and that many cultural events take place in conjunction with the games. This year there will be two artistic exhibitions traveling around China in conjunction with the Olympic games in Beijing. The work of a Southwestern University faculty member will be featured in one of them. Mary Visser, professor of art, was one of a group of artists worldwide selected to be included in an exhibition titled “e-form” that will be devoted to the relatively new art medium known as rapid prototyping. The exhibition will travel to the Beijing Today Art Museum in October, to the Shanghai Duolun Museum of Modern Art in November, and to a museum in the southern China city of Chongqing in December. Other artists featured in the exhibition are from England, New Zealand and France, as well as Arizona, California and New York. Visser is one of a small group of sculptors who have pioneered the use of rapid prototyping in creating sculptural forms, in which three-dimensional models are constructed from computer-aided design (CAD) data. Her work has been included in more than 120 international, national and regional juried exhibitions, including the International Rapid Prototyping Sculpture Exhibition, which toured the United States and Europe from 2003 through 2006, and the annual INTERSCULPT competitive exhibitions held in Paris, France. Visser will have two pieces included in the “e-form” exhibition. One, titled “The Jugglers,” is a group of figures 14 inches tall with a highly detailed colored surface pattern. This work will be constructed by Axiatec in Paris, France. Axiatec is one of only a few places in the world that have the capability to output rapid prototyped works with full detailed color patterns. The second piece is a gold-plated piece called “Women in Movement” that Visser designed specifically to pay homage to women’s participation in the Olympics. It is 25 inches tall

and features 20 figures of female athletes on five levels. The four figures on each level are joined by a ball. “The work demonstrates the sense of strategy, support, physical endurance, strength, stamina, grace and agility women athletes have shown in their pursuit of excellence in sports,” Visser says. Visser spent her spring break refi ning the piece on her computer. It will be built in Austin at a company called ATI Accelerated Technologies, and will be made of polycarbonate/ABS resin-based powder and glass before being metal plated. Visser’s works have always focused on women’s contributions to society, so she said the opportunity to produce some pieces for the cultural activities surrounding the Olympic games was perfect for her. Visser says rapid prototyping allows her to produce very intricate and finely detailed works that would not be possible to construct in any other medium. “I like the idea that this medium allows me unlimited possibilities for designing a work. This truly opens up the role of the artist. You can create interlocking figures with very delicate gestures that you cannot make in other mediums,” she says. Visser says she is still undecided on whether she will go to China to see her work exhibited. “Right now I’m just focusing on getting the pieces made,” she says. Spring 2008 www.southwestern.edu

FACuLTY NEWS Computer Cluster Will Let People Around the World Help with Research Projects at Southwestern In the not-too-distant future, people around the world will be able to help with research projects at Southwestern University. This summer, two Southwestern professors began setting up a computer “cluster” that will enable people to contribute unused computer time to university research projects. Steve Alexander, associate professor of physics, and Walt Potter, professor of math and computer science, received $22,000 from Southwestern’s Fleming Collaborative Research and Creative Activit y Program to support the project.

Anyone interested in donating their unused computer time to Southwestern will just need to go to a Web site to download the necessary software. The software, known as BOINC, was developed by a team based at the Space Sciences Laboratory at the University of California at Berkeley to help researchers in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. Since then, other researchers have used computer clusters running on this software to study everything from climate change to cures for different diseases. Several Web sites, including the BOINC home page (boinc.berkeley.edu) post opportunities for the public to participate in these so-called distributed, or grid, computing projects. “There are thousands of people out there who are interested in these type of projects,” Potter says. This summer, Alexander and Potter started the computer cluster by connecting computers on campus. “Many of the computers on campus aren’t being used all the time,” Alexander says. “When these computers are idle, their cycles are essentially going to waste. We’re hoping to extract useful work out of these otherwise unused cycles.” Computers in the cluster will connect to a server in Mood-Bridwell Hall that Alexander and Potter have named “sylow” in honor of a Norwegian mathematician who proved foundational results in group theory. Once they have made sure the system works, they will open the project to alumni and anyone else who wants to participate. They hope to eventually get several thousand computers connected to the cluster. “Anyone in the world will be able to help us with our research,” Alexander says. Last summer, Alexander and Potter put together a test cluster that harnessed the power of 50 computers. Alexander 9

Southwestern Magazine

used this computing power to help calculate the properties of several molecules. “I would not have been able to do that research without the computer cluster,” he says. “It would have taken years on a single fast computer.” Five Southwestern students assisted with the project over the summer: Amanda Jefferies, a sophomore who is interested in engineering; Sean Watson, a junior who is interested in business and physics; Tommy Rogers, a junior majoring in computer science and math; Matt Vaugh, a senior majoring in computer science; and Chris Elliott, a senior majoring in physics and computer science. One of the fi rst projects Alexander and Potter plan to use the computer cluster for is one in which they will try to fi nd organic molecules that interact with light in a very precisely defi ned manner. These molecules could potentially be used in a variety of industrial applications such as telecommunications and high-speed computing. “Molecules with high non-linear optical properties act as amplifiers,” Alexander explains. When a small amount of light hits them, it produces a big change. This change could be used to store data or to process data, depending on the device.” To fi nd the molecules, Alexander will use artificial intelligence techniques that are based on algorithms he has written. “By using a process called evolutionary computing we can measure molecules to see how fit they are and if they are a good fit, they continue to the next generation,” he says. “This process will guide us to those molecules that have the properties we are interested in.” Once the computer cluster at Southwestern is developed, it will be available to any faculty members on campus who need large amounts of computer time for their research. More than one person will be able to use the system at a time. Martin Gonzalez, associate professor of biology, says he could use the computing power to help with his research, which involves trying to mimic how proteins fold and interact with each other. “You can model this on a computer, but it has to be a very powerful computer,” he says. While many large research universities have set up computer clusters, Alexander says there are no other schools of Southwestern’s size that have them. “Basically what we are doing is setting up a supercomputer on campus, except it won’t cost us anything once it is up and running,” Potter says. He notes that the students involved with the project will be learning a very practical skill. “Grid computing is very popular in the real world,” he says. “This is defi nitely a growing field.”

STuDENT NEWS Two Students Receive Fulbright Teaching Assistantships Two students who graduated from Southwestern in May were awarded Fulbright English Teaching Assistantships in Germany. Chelsea Edge ’08 and Amy Tanguay ’08 will spend nine months teaching English to students in Germany. “I hope the experience will enhance my understanding of German culture,” said Edge, who served as president of the German Club during the past year. Edge graduated with a major in English and a minor in German. After completing her teaching assistantship, she hopes to attend graduate school in library science. Tanguay graduated with a double major in English and German. After she returns from Germany, she will enroll in the Ph.D. program in Germanic Languages and Literature at the University of Pennsylvania. The Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship program is one of several academic exchange programs administered by the U.S. Department of State. Prospective candidates are interviewed by faculty members on their campus, who then rank and recommend students to the Fulbright Commission. The commission reviews the applications and selects a number of candidates to recommend to partner countries, who then screen the applicants again and match the candidates with schools in different cities. “Fulbright Teaching Assistantship awards are very competitive and very prestigious,” said Erika Berroth, associate professor of German.

One group of students decided to form a bike collective that would teach bike repair and give refurnished bikes to people who need one, paying in work-trade rather than money. The students spent the year fi xing up a shed located across the street from campus to serve as a home for the collective, which they named the Giracion Bike Collective. Giracion refers to the revolution of a wheel and its gears, but can also refer to a literal revolution or change. “Starting the bike collective was a great experience,” said Sarah Reesor, a junior studio art major who was one of 10 students involved with the project. “I have met new people, learned a lot about bikes, and it has been really rewarding to see the project develop into something we hope will be able to benefit many people as well as bring Southwestern and the Georgetown community closer together.” The bike collective obtained $2,500 in start-up funds from a $50,000 “Vision Grant” Southwestern received from the 3M Foundation. Giracion held an open house for the community in May and hopes to have regular hours beginning in the fall.

Students Organize Bike Collective A class project at Southwestern during the past year evolved into an initiative that could encourage people in Georgetown to rethink transportation and conservation. As part of a new course titled Introduction to Sustainability, students were asked to participate in a project that would get them thinking about ways of living that are more sustainable.

Whatever happened to . . . the Class of 2007? As the Class of 2008 was preparing to graduate this spring, Career Services released the results of a survey about the Class of 2007. 47% of those who went to work after graduation said they found their jobs through networking. Others found their jobs through the

internet (15 %), Career Services (9 %), classified ads (2 %), Southwestern professors (2 %) and employment agencies (2 %). Another 11 % said they were directly contacted by prospective employers. Another interesting tidbit: Of the 287 graduates in the Class of 2007, 44 completed programs for two or more majors.

Here is what the survey found: •

64 % of the class went to work after graduation.

•

28 % of the class went on to graduate or professional school.

•

8 % of the class was doing volunteer work or seeking jobs.

Spring 2008 www.southwestern.edu

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C32741

Southwestern Magazine

In Pursuit of Justice and the Common Good

Friends and Family Honor Chuck Merrill ’59

He helped coordinate and plan sit-ins by seminary students in Dallas during the Civil Rights Movement; participated in the founding, staffing and underwriting of the first Head Start School on the Gulf Coast of Texas; provided pastoral care to UT students during Vietnam antiwar marches; raised concern about the death penalty, participating in vigils outside the governor’s mansion; and led Austin’s University United Methodist Church in a steady critique of our nation’s increasingly militaristic approach to world peace. Reverend J. Charles “Chuck” Merrill ’59 personified “Encouraging activism in the pursuit of justice and the common good,” a Core Value for Southwestern and a compass for his life. In the months following his death, his wife, Trish, and long-time friend and fraternity brother Bruce Barrick ’71 conceived of a way both

to honor Chuck’s legacy and to further the social justice issues for which he cared deeply. “The J. Charles Merrill Endowed Scholarship was launched as a means to inspire the next generations to know about Chuck and to work passionately for good in the world,” says Trish. Every year a student at Southwestern University will be able to pursue studies and interests related to peace and justice for their final two years of study. “It’s just a perfect fit,” says Rick McKelvey, vice president of institutional advancement at Southwestern, an early champion of the Merrill scholarship. “The Southwestern community takes great pride in its association with such remarkable alumni as Chuck Merrill. Honoring Chuck’s life and promoting issues of peace and justice fits squarely within our mission as a University.”

Early donors have already contributed $30,000 toward the endowed scholarship in just the first several months. Recently, a challenge grant was issued on behalf of the Merrill family. From now until December 29, the family will match dollar for dollar all gifts received for the J. Charles Merrill Endowed Scholarship, up to $25,000. “The idea of this scholarship has clearly resonated with many who knew Chuck and with those who also care deeply about these issues,” added McKelvey. Chuck Merrill ’59 was a member of Southwestern’s Board of Trustees from 1993–2005. If you’re interested in supporting T he J. Charles Mer r ill Endowed Scholarship, or would like to honor the legacy of someone important to you, please contact the Office of Development at 512-863-1482.

Spring 2008 www.southwestern.edu

ATHLETICS Southwestern Golf Finishes Third at NCAA Division III Championship The Southwestern women’s golf team one-upped itself at the 2008 NCAA Division National Championship, placing third in the country after a fourth-place finish in 2007. Sophomore Kristen Davenport was the Pirates’ top-finisher, tying for 19 th overall with a 314 (76-84-77-77). Two strokes behind Davenport was junior Marisa Mauldin (A) who fired a 316 (76-78-81-81) to tie for 21st. Next for SU was Delilah Dominguez, a junior, in a 27th-place tie with a four-round tally of 319 (79-82-79-79). Sophomore Cody Wallace finished tied for 37th with a final total of 323 (87-76-76-84). Victoria Dominguez, a first-year, tied for 80th with a 336 (78-84-81-94). As a team, the Pirates shot a 1263 (309-320-313-321), finished five strokes behind second place DePauw University and 44 strokes behind champion Methodist University.

Spring Season Honors

Southwestern piled up the honors in the spring sports for 2008 with All-American and All-Region selections. Three women’s golf team members received All-American honors as Marisa Mauldin was named First Team, Kristen Davenport Second Team and Delilah Dominguez Third Team. Mauldin and Davenport also earned All-Region honors. Head coach Dan Ruyle was selected as the Region Coach of the Year. Also, Mauldin was named SCAC Golfer of the Year for the second consecutive year and Davenport was a First Team ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District selection. Senior Chris Norris (B) became the first Southwestern track & field athlete to earn SCAC Track & Field Athlete of the Year honors as he won three individual conference championships (100 meters, 200 meters, long jump) and two relay championships (4x100 meter relay, 4x400 meter relay). Baseball player Richard Falcone was a Third Team All-West Region honoree for the Pirates for his senior season.

Athletic Hall of Fame/Hall of Honor Inductions On April 12, the Southwestern Athletic Department held its Hall of Fame and Hall of Honor Induction ceremony for three new Hall of Fame members, the first team ever inducted in to the Athletic Hall of Fame and three new Hall of Honor members. The Hall of Fame inductees include Dwight L. Haley ’64, a former baseball player and track & field runner. Kimberly Long Harmer ’92, a three-time All-American volleyball player. Marvin D. Henderson, Sr. ’41, a tennis player at SU and since 1981 has held 36 USTA National Rankings. The first team inducted in to the Hall of Fame was the 1981 volleyball team (C) that posted a 45-11 record and finished second in the nation at the NAIA National Championship. New Hall of Honor members were former men’s basketball player Aaron Bowser ’06 and former men’s golfers Christopher Paiz ’07 and Matthew Espinosa ’06.

Southwestern Magazine

B C

Brian Diggs

At 87, Making a Name On the Courts

“Flabbergasted, completely surprised— I never dreamed of it,” were the only things Marvin Henderson ’41 had to say after witnessing the unveiling of the banner naming the Southwestern tennis courts after him. He simply couldn’t believe that his son, Marvin Jr., would give him such recognition through a major gift to Southwestern. “I knew about getting into the Athletics Hall of Fame, but this was just an added surprise,” he says. The love of tennis runs deep in Henderson’s family: his wife, Ouida Waddell Henderson ’49, is Marvin Sr.’s biggest fan, and both of their children, Marvin Jr. and Joyce Ann, are accomplished players. Henderson began his tennis career at Georgetown H ig h School a nd continued playing while he attended Southwestern. He was a four-year member of Southwestern’s varsity tennis team, lettering his last two years. At that time, tennis at Southwestern wasn’t the top-notch program in place now: practice was irregular and the University couldn’t afford to furnish equipment. Henderson took it upon himself to help get everyone together for tournaments and competitions. After graduating from Southwestern, Henderson joined the U.S. Navy and served during WWII and the Korean War. After his service in the military, he

returned home to Georgetown, joined the reserves and held jobs in the life insurance business and with Texaco, where his father had worked.

“Bob [Sherman] makes you feel like you are a good player, up until he beats you.” After he retired, Henderson refocused his energies on competitive tennis. On the Texas Tennis Circuit, he has held 36 state rankings, including 12 rankings at #1 and 10 at #2. Since 1981, Henderson has earned more than 36 USTA National Rankings, including four rankings at #2 in the nation for his age group. He has won at least five Gold Balls (USTA National Champion) and at least 12 Silver Balls (USTA Runner-Up). Most recently, Henderson won the 2008 Vancouver National Indoor Championship. Playing extensively on the USTA Senior Tour, Henderson has racked up as many awards as memories, which include competing against tennis legends such as Bobby Riggs and Bob Sherman. “Bob makes you feel like you are a good player, up until he beats you,” Henderson says. But while some might consider the two rivals, they are in fact good friends because they see each other so much on the USTA Senior Tour. “That’s what makes the Tour special, because

you play against all the same people so much that you grow to become friends. It feels more like a family than anything else,” Henderson says. A lthoug h Henderson has been successful throughout much of his tennis career, he says he really didn’t come alive and break loose until he hit 85. He always tells his competitors, friends and family, “I was just a late bloomer.” Si nce pl ay i ng for t he P i r ates, Henderson has truly served as an ambassador for the ideals of intercollegiate athletics and the high standards of Southwestern. In April, he was inducted into Southwestern’s Athletics Hall of Fame. You can find Henderson playing on the Southwestern tennis courts every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning at dawn with his buddy Joe Montgomery, and occasionally with his friend Reggie Smith on Thursday and Saturday afternoons. He attributes much of his success to these practices with friends and family. “Practice is what does it, as well as playing in tournaments,” he says. And Henderson doesn’t plan to slow down any time soon. “I’m going to keep playing tennis and tournaments for as long as I can,” he says.

–Stuart Marshall ’09

Spring 2008 www.southwestern.edu

Lucas Adams

Commencement

2008

Southwestern Magazine

Spring 2008 www.southwestern.edu

The

big

Commencement,

day

by the numbers

by Thomas Locke, Assistant Director of Annual Giving

350

bobby pins provided (for securing graduation caps)

hours to set up the Corbin j. Robertson Center for commencement

inches: highest heels

days of planning for event

inches: lowest heels (barefoot, three people)

$25,740

500

Southwestern’s total expense to educate each graduating senior last year:

The price of a ticket to commencement:

(Allison Reid’s father traveled from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

number of graduates

degrees: estimated temperature under black gown during class photo

Last year’s tuition:

miles: farthest distance traveled by family member to attend commencement

314

degrees: outside temperature

BROIL

9,680

$43,026

free

minutes: average wait-time for breakfast at The monument Cafe that day

Total scholarships awarded last year:

$11.9 MILLION

The value of a Southwestern education:

Total money received from graduates and their families for the Senior Class gift:

$15,768

priceless

Over a lifetime, a college graduate will earn about $1 million more than a high school graduate. Some math is easy:

Financing college? That’s another story...

Financial Aid Is Crucial for Higher Education © iStockphoto.com/Susan Stewart

by Sue McMillin

There is little doubt that the future economic well-being of America hinges greatly on a large portion of the population completing a higher education. Over a lifetime, a college graduate will earn about $1 million more than a high school graduate. Tomorrow’s teachers, scientists, doctors, lawyers, as well as business and technological entrepreneurs, are facing greater odds in finding the money to pay for a college education. More than ever, today’s college students rely on the federal student loan programs—collectively the third largest government entitlement program behind Social Security and Medicare—which have been undergoing vast changes. The funding mechanisms employed to make money available to college students have been strained, but Congress and the U.S. Department of Education have worked to ensure that there is enough capital to meet short-term needs. Spring 2008 www.southwestern.edu

A study conducted for the Texas Legislature last year showed that as many as 47, 000 college-prepared high school graduates were unable to enroll in college because of ﬁnancial barriers. However, that is not nearly enough. Total cost of attendance for both public and private institutions has increased dramatically in the last decade, and federal loans and grants have not kept up with all the added costs, although the amount of federal loans increased by 107 percent during the same period. That means that many parents and students must resort to paying for college through more costly private loans, which grew by 379 percent from 1997 to 2007. However, for most people, private loans are a way to augment federal loans, which is far and away the biggest source for college money.

And while private loans constitute only a small fraction of the $70 billion borrowed for college each year, they pose a risk for many students. Today, the average private loan debt for a recent college graduate is about $42,000, while average indebtedness for all graduates is about $20,000. In Texas, a demographically diverse state, there are added challenges to providing access to college for students. The state has embarked on an ambitious Closing the Gaps initiative that aims to enroll 630,000 more students in Texas colleges and universities by 2015. However, the state of Texas has to do more in the way of state grants and scholarships to have a realistic chance of meeting this goal. A study conducted for the Texas Legislature last year showed that as many as 47,000 college-prepared high school graduates were unable to enroll in college because of fi nancial barriers. There is another statistic that shows that Texas lags behind in the amount of money it provides for students to attend college. Nationally, about half of these students rely on federal loans and grants to help pay for college; in Texas, the percentage is about two-thirds. A repor t by the Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas (ICUT) also indicated that costs are growing at a faster pace for students than fi nancial aid in general. ICUT’s report found that the cost of attending Texas’ private institutions grew by 7.2 percent between the 2005–2006 and 2006–2007 academic years, yet financial aid from all sources had increased by only 1.2 percent, and

federal aid had actually decreased by 6.9 percent. If that trend continues, it could erode Texas’ status as a low-cost higher education state—especially for students attending four-year private schools. For the fi rst time in years, Congress has finally helped students by reversing a trend in funding for federal student aid programs. Need-based Pell grants have been increased, and the amount that students can borrow also has been increased and interest rates lowered. Students and families will continue to rely on federal aid to pay for a college education, so it is imperative to bolster and fully fund grant programs. There is also growing consensus that states and institutions of higher education must do more to ensure students have access to colleges and universities. Many schools are responding either by providing more grants and scholarships to deserving students, or by lowering tuition costs for those from low-income families. The United States needs to continue to prosper, and it can only do so by investing in higher education. But in the end, government cannot be totally responsible for this investment. Private and institutional contributions have to also be part of the collaborative effort to make college more affordable, and to sustain current and future generations of students. Sue McMillin is the President and CEO of Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation and a member of Southwestern’s Board of Visitors.

For Students: Scholarships at Southwestern Scholarships provide opportunities for talented and deserving students to attend Southwestern and to prepare for meaningful and productive lives. Southwestern’s goal is to dramatically expand the scholarship program to make a Southwestern education accessible to all admitted students. $12m received toward $23m goal

Southwestern Magazine

Both need- and merit-based scholarships enable young men and women to benefit from a rigorous academic environment.

r o i S en

s e i r Sto Comics written and illustrated by Rob Osborne Photography by Andrew Loehman

Spring 2008 www.southwestern.edu

Griffin Bunnell Hometown: port lAVACA, Texas Major: psychology; Paideia® scholar

Meet Griffi n Bunnell, future politician. Someday, the Southwestern graduate would like to be an elected official, perhaps a member of the Texas Legislature. For now, Bunnell plans to enroll in law school, with an eye toward becoming a litigator. This summer, Bunnell is undertaking his second internship with the law office of State Representative Dan Gattis of Georgetown. Bunnell says that his experience working for Gattis has played a large part in drawing him to a career in public service. “There is no other field where I can surround myself with as many people as through law and politics. Dan and I share a true passion for people, and I know I will continue to be blessed to know him as a mentor and friend.” Bunnell came to Southwestern with no idea what his post-graduate career path would be, but he kept his schedule full with the tennis team, the jazz ensemble, the University Committee on Discipline, the Paideia® program, as well as over 500 hours of volunteering at The Caring Place, a nonprofit community agency in Georgetown. At Southwestern, Bunnell wasn’t “scared” of his professors as students at larger schools may be. The largest class he took had about 20 students. He got to know his professors and counts several as his friends. Bunnell says the classes at Southwestern taught him that “You have to be involved . . . you have to show up; you have to ask questions”— an approach that carries over to spheres far beyond the classroom. –John Egan

Southwestern Magazine

Mary Kierst Hometown: Albuquerque, new Mexico Major: political science MINOR: SOCIOLOGY

Giving a tour of campus to a group of higher education ministers from Iraq “was one of the most interesting and intimidating things I have ever done, and it ended up being one of the most rewarding,” says S.U. Ambassador Mary Kierst. A recipient of Southwestern’s prestigious Brown Scholar Award—a four-year, ‘full-ride’ scholarship—she found her relationships with her professors equally rewarding. Mentored by professor Tim O’Neill, Kierst conducted research on congressional decisionmaking pertaining to the 2001 USA Patriot Act and its subsequent renewal in 2006. The project brought her to Washington, D.C. for research in the summer of 2007, and was later presented to the Southern Sociological Society, the Southwestern and Midwestern Political Science Association conferences. Kierst also was one of the students selected to interview both former Secretary of State James Baker III and Thomas H. Kean, chair of the 9/11 Commission, as part of the annual Roy and Margaret Shilling Lecture Series. “There are really cool things going on here at Southwestern,” Kierst says. “As students, we kind of lose track of that because we’re here and we’re in it, but when you step outside and look at it from other people’s points of view, you see that it’s a remarkable place.” After graduation, Kierst would like to spend a year working for a nonprofit organization that assists children who are in the juvenile system. Then she would like to attend law school and eventually become a juvenile court judge. “At Southwestern, I figured out what I want to do and how I want to impact the world,” she says. “I’ve never been more comfortable and confident in my goals and who I am.” –Laura Gabriel ’08

Spring 2008 www.southwestern.edu

Robert

Lockwood Hometown: FRIENDSWOOD, Texas Major: chemistry

It’s only appropriate that chemistry major Robert Lockwood lauds the great chemistry on the men’s lacrosse team at Southwestern. During Lockwood’s four years as a midfielder, the team racked up a 26-0 record against conference rivals. “I never played lacrosse before I came here,” he says. “I’ve taken advantage of the opportunities that such a small school presented me with,” says Lockwood. On campus, he played oboe in the wind ensemble and orchestra, and was a member of the pit band in this year’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof.” He also resurrected the campus chapter of the American Chemical Society. Off campus, Lockwood interned at the FBI office in Austin as part of the Joint Terrorism Task Force. A highlight included helping with a search-and-seizure raid. Prior to his stint with the FBI, Lockwood interned at the forensic toxicology laboratory of the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office in San Antonio, an internship secured when Mike Frontz ’91 hosted an externship day at his workplace. There, Lockwood led two toxicology projects. One of the projects, which formed his Capstone presentation, centered on the effects of refrigeration on blood samples from drunken driving suspects. The second, which he presented as a paper at a national meeting of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, looked at how quickly alcohol is eliminated from the bodies of suspected drunken drivers. Envisioning himself someday working at a federal forensics or toxicology lab, Lockwood plans to enroll in graduate school to continue his study of forensic sciences. In the meantime, he hopes to take a semester or two to study in Europe. Whatever direction Lockwood’s career heads, he believes his time at Southwestern was worthwhile: “This has definitely been the school for me. I chose well.” –John Egan

Southwestern Magazine

Stacy Neumann Hometown: VICTORIA, Texas Major: PSYCHOLOGY; Paideia® scholar

It’s okay not to know everything. That’s an indispensable lesson that Stacy Neumann learned inside and outside the classroom at Southwestern. Emboldened by that lesson, Neumann now realizes it’s okay that she hasn’t crafted a definitive plan for her post-Southwestern journey. Neumann may get a job or may enter graduate school. “I don’t have a plan,” she says, “but I have a positive outlook.” That positive outlook was cultivated in no small part by her experiences at Southwestern: her membership in the Student Foundation, where she organized a roundtable discussion with students, faculty, staff and administrators; her work on Senior Fund; jobs as a Southwestern Ambassador and a teaching assistant; presidency of Southwestern’s chapter of Psi Chi, the national honor society for psychology; and studies in Mexico and New Zealand. Spending time at the University of Auckland in New Zealand had a profound effect on Neumann. At the university, which has close to 40,000 students, Neumann barely saw her professors. She interacted mostly with teaching assistants, who handed out and graded her assignments. At Southwestern, Neumann visited regularly with her Southwestern professors and even has some of their cell numbers stored in her phone. As someone who had given serious consideration to going to a larger school, the contrast was validating. Going to a big school wouldn’t have allowed her to forge the personal bonds she did at Southwestern. “I’m so glad I didn’t make that switch,” Neumann says. As for switching to a new stage in her life, Neumann says she’s considering graduate school in social psychology, with the thought of becoming a college professor, but she needs a little more time to think about her next step. “I’m just not ready now,” Neumann says. “I need to do a few more things before I get there.” –John Egan

Spring 2008 www.southwestern.edu

Phillip Cantu Hometown: lubbock, Texas Major: Sociology; Paideia® scholar

For Phillip Cantu, the turning point during his time as a sociology major at Southwestern came during his senior-year Capstone course. The class, he says, put into context the education he’d received up to that point at Southwestern. “My Capstone class really allowed me to have a better grasp of what it means to do independent research, and how independent research is really the heart of what it means to be an academic,” says Cantu. This summer, he presented his Capstone paper on needle exchanges—a controversial program for users of injectable drugs—at the annual meeting of the American Sociological Association in Boston. Previously, Cantu presented health-related research papers to gatherings of the Southern Sociological Association and the Southern Demographic Association. Cantu plans to take a one-year break from academia before delving into sociology studies once again. He wants to enter graduate school, with an eye toward earning a doctoral degree and researching how the environment affects obesity rates. Cantu says he’s torn between becoming a sociology professor or a demographer for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Whichever route he chooses, Cantu will undoubtedly be able to draw upon his activities and accomplishments at Southwestern. He interned at the Williamson County & Cities Health District, studied Spanish in Guanajuato, Mexico, and completed a summer research fellowship at the University of Texas sponsored by the National Science Foundation. On campus, Cantu served as co-president of OASIS, a campus group for anthropology and sociology students; was a Paideia® Scholar and a Dixon Scholar; and was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. According to Cantu, “I just took advantage of opportunities when I had them.” –John Egan

Southwestern Magazine

Alison Kuo Hometown: Lucas, Texas Major: Studio Art; Phi Beta Kappa

For Alison Kuo, creating art exercises the mind. Coaxing sculptures from clay on a potter’s wheel, Kuo can sit for hours, thinking and meditating. The clay forces her to decide quickly how to shape it, and requires her to reach into her memory to recall how the material has behaved in the past. “I love art—and find it easy to be passionate about art—in large part because of how unstructured it is,” says Kuo, former president of the SU Art Association. “Artists can use whatever materials or methods they want to make things, from outrageously complicated sculptures to simple drawings, and they can explore any subject from molecular biochemistry to what they had for breakfast.” At Southwestern, Kuo interned with Austin gallery owner Arturo Palacios ’97, worked closely with Patrick Veerkamp, professor of art, and won the first Fayez Sarofim Passion for the Arts Award. The small classes at Southwestern allowed one-on-one attention: “I was able to focus on my work and always have someone there to talk to.” In the summer of 2007, Kuo traveled with other ceramics artists to Jingdezhen, China, a city that’s produced porcelain ceramics for hundreds of years. While in China, Kuo did more than observe. She worked alongside Chinese ceramics artisans. “The limits of what I thought was possible with clay were so pushed and expanded that when I came home, my work improved dramatically,” Kuo says. This summer, Kuo is working at the Domy bookstore and gallery in Austin. At some point, she’d like to study ceramics in graduate school. “In the future, I’m going to be applying to art shows in Austin and around the country,” says Kuo. “I’m planning to have a little studio of my own and keep making art.” –John Egan

Spring 2008 www.southwestern.edu

Lisa

Dela Cruz Hometown: SAN ANGELO, Texas DOUBLE Major: communication STUDIES AND STUDIO ART MINOR: ART HISTORY

Talent can catch you by surprise. “I’ve discovered things about myself that I don’t think I would have learned from a larger university,” says Lisa Dela Cruz. “I’ve really learned a lot about myself, about new things that I can do.” One of the things Dela Cruz discovered: the ability to turn 1,400 pounds of concrete and plaster into something that hundreds of people would travel to see. Last year, Dela Cruz’s work was included in a juried sculpture exhibition at Texas State University-San Marcos. At a Southwestern art show earlier this year, Dela Cruz displayed seven concrete and plaster sculptures, including one weighing about 600 pounds and two weighing about 400 pounds each. Having her art on display “was a very strange and exciting experience,” Dela Cruz says. Upon her arrival to Southwestern, Dela Cruz pursued a bachelor’s degree in communication studies. But after enrolling in art classes and being encouraged by her professors, she not only earned a communication studies degree, but also majored in studio art and minored in art history. In the immediate future, communications will take the spotlight in Dela Cruz’s postgraduate experience. In June, she started working as a student activities coordinator at Southwestern; as a student, she served on the University Programming Council and the Student Foundation. She plans to hold the student activities position for a year or two before perhaps heading off to graduate school. Although she hasn’t settled on a vision for her career—a job at an art gallery is a possibility—Dela Cruz feels prepared for whatever comes her way. “I’m pretty confident that Southwestern has supplied me with enough experience and knowledge to figure out what I’m going to do.” –John Egan

Southwestern Magazine

Brian Gingrich Hometown: Seguin, Texas Major: German AND English MINOR: SPANISH; Paideia® scholar

Just a few hours after the initial session of Brian Gingrich’s first-year seminar at Southwestern, he bumped into Eric Selbin, professor of political science and the instructor for that seminar, in the atrium of Mood-Bridwell Hall. Selbin remembered Gingrich’s name and some comments he had made in class. However, Gingrich says the most striking aspect of their brief conversation was the abundance of “hope, dedication and investment that he had in my still-adolescent and scattered thoughts.” Mind you, this was during the fi rst week of classes. Gingrich says that Selbin is the type of professor “who’ll claim that you have an unimaginable store of intellectual potential in you, and by the end of your career at Southwestern—after you’ve had the pleasure of interacting with so many professors like him—you’ll have come to believe him and prove him right.” For Gingrich, it was that kind of personal interaction with Southwestern professors— such as Selbin and Michael Saenger, associate professor of English and his academic adviser— that helped nudge him toward his goal of becoming a college professor. “It’s clichéd,” Gingrich says, “but those types of relationships were the ones that defi ned me—what I wanted my place to be in the world, what made sense, what was meaningful to me.” A Paideia® Scholar, Gingrich participated in the Student Foundation and the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. This fall, he’ll enroll at Stanford University on a five-year, full-ride scholarship to pursue a doctoral degree in German studies. “I would be greatly happy if I could someday return to teach here,” says Gingrich. “It’s the kind of place that I’d want to spend my time as a professor.” –John Egan

Spring 2008 www.southwestern.edu

Amanda

Mohammed Hometown: garland, Texas Major: biology MINOR: SPANISH; Paideia® scholar

Amanda Mohammed believes that if you see a need, you should address it. During her four years at Southwestern, Mohammed mentored local elementary school students on science projects and formed an organization to raise awareness on campus about the genocide occurring in the Darfur region of Sudan. Her work on projects such as these earned her the Student Civic Engagement Award for 2008. “I can visualize Amanda setting out to change the world,” says Romi Burks, assistant professor of biology and chair of the animal behavior program, who nominated her for the award. “Amanda exhibits the personality and the drive to forward her own agenda. More importantly, she possesses the compassion and understanding to motivate others to join her.” This fall, Mohammed will attend the University of California at Berkeley to do a post-baccalaureate medical program in which she hopes to learn more about neuroscience and continue her study of Spanish in the field of medicine. She became interested in neurobiology as the result of a research project she did with Rebecca Sheller, associate professor of biology. The two looked at different degradative pathways that are related to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. “Dr. Sheller has been really inspirational,” Mohammed says. “She’s very encouraging and supportive of my career goals, and helps me out in any way, shape or form.” Eventually, Mohammed plans to go to medical school. “I have wanted to be a doctor ever since I was seven,” she says. “I would like to work in pediatrics and perhaps work for Doctors Without Borders at some point.” Beyond the field of medicine, Mohammed reflects, “Service will continue to be a part of who I am as I grow and learn.” –Laura Gabriel ’08

Southwestern Magazine

Kelsey Maki Hometown: SEATTLE, WASHINGTON Major: COMMUNICATION STUDIES MINORS: THEATRE AND MATH; Paideia® scholar

Variety has been the spice of Kelsey Maki’s life. Food columnist. Actress. Camp cook. Tour guide. The ingredients for her life recipe are as diverse as those for a pizza with the works. Food has been a key ingredient. She was the food columnist for The Megaphone and was an intern at Edible Austin magazine. For three summers, she’s worked in the kitchen at a youth camp in Texas. “I love cooking. I love food,” Maki says. Food, of course, hasn’t been the only ingredient. As a theater minor, she performed on stage at Southwestern. She was a resident assistant for two years, a Paideia® Scholar and a Southwestern Ambassador, where she gave tours to potential students and parents. This fall, Maki will focus on her interest in communication at Minnesota State UniversityMankato, where she’ll be starting on the path toward a master’s degree in speech communication and has lined up a job as a teaching assistant. “I never would have applied to graduate school if my professors hadn’t encouraged me to,” Maki says. “That was not something on my radar at all.” Choosing Southwestern, however, was a “very conscious decision.” Maki observes, “Your college years are an investment, and I’ve invested in them in every way that I can. I’ve been really grateful for what I’ve gotten out of them.” That’s certainly some food for thought. –John Egan

Rob Osborne is the creator of the awardwinning graphic novel 1000 Steps To World Domination and Sunset City: For Active Senior Living. His latest project is The Nearly Infamous Zango, a new comic book series about the laziest super villain alive.

Spring 2008 www.southwestern.edu

Engaging Minds, Transforming Lives: Honoring Teaching at Southwestern

Spanning the generations, nearly every graduate will tell you: teaching is one of the most important parts of the Southwestern Experience. For last year’s Homecoming, Alumni & Parent Relations surveyed alumni on their favorite faculty members and received some truly inspiring letters. A handful of these letters are to the right, shared with the kind permission of the writers. If you would like to thank a Southwestern faculty member who transformed your life (or maybe just made it a little more challenging!), please feel free to mail your letter in the envelope provided in this issue. If you would like to make a gift to the Fund for Faculty in honor of a specific faculty member, please complete the “For Faculty” portion of the envelope, and that faculty member will be notified that you made a gift in his or her honor.

Why Support teaching at Southwestern? An important objective of Thinking Ahead: The Southwestern Campaign is to generate new resources for faculty. To date, we have received $3,954,908 towards a $21 million-dollar goal for this campaign initiative. Your gift in honor of a faculty member can be designated to: foster faculty scholarship, provide for additional scholars, chairs and professorships or support teaching within the Paideia ® Program. To make a gift online via secure server, please visit $3.9m received toward $21m goal www.southwestern.edu/thinkingahead/make-a-gift.html.

Martha M. Allen

Frederick E. Gaupp

Martha brought histor y to life. She was a storyteller and beyond her subject matter expertise, helped her students to learn how to think critically. Martha coordinated an “Oral History” project that allowed me to meet Tommie Jefferson, a senior citizen in the Georgetown community at the time. This experience was transformational. Through Mrs. Jefferson, I learned a great deal about her life and experiences as an African-American woman living in Georgetown. It was powerful and something I will never forget. Mike Lade ’88

When I got my first high school Dr. Purdy asked me to help him run teaching job, Dr. Gaupp wrote a note his fish lab. I was able to collaborate of good wishes and included a teaching on research that led to a presentation tip: always remind my students at the Southwestern Psychological that young people A ssoci at ion a nd played a key role in a publication most major movei n the Jou r nal ments to improve o f C o mp a r a t i ve “His directness jolted me the world. H is Psychology. Because out of my shell” delightful German of Purdy’s investaccent could be a ment in me, I went bit puzzling at times on to pursue a PhD as when he lectured i n E xper i mental about the “Great Mass-ACK-er” with Psychology. There isn’t a “lab assisemphasis on the second syllable. It tant’s day,” so Dr. Purdy gave me a gift took the freshman American history for what is now called “administrative class a few minutes to realize he was professional’s day.” He presented me talking about the Boston Massacre. with a newt! The newt escaped down Jane Ann Wendt Craig ’68 the “newt hole” (aka drainage hole) after a few weeks. We’re pretty sure there’s a very large creature living Eric A. Selbin under Mood-Bridwell. Political Science Jennifer Peel ’86

History Tenure 1960–1971

Weldon S. Crowley History Tenure 1976–1997

History and Government Tenure 1946–1968

I was a transfer student and he was just wonderful in terms of making me Tenure 1992–present feel welcomed and a part of the SU community. He helped me in so many I was terrified to speak in class ways, but what I recall him doing and share my views with my fellow more than anything was to always students for fear they would think I challenge me to think critically regardwasn’t smart. Eric pulled me aside less of the topic after class one day or lesson at hand. and told me that I I remember sitting needed to speak; i n the bleachers that he knew I had “We’re pretty sure watching the games important contributhere’s a very large and talking about tions to make. While creature living under life’s challenges; difficult to hear, his Mood-Bridwell.” [ D r. C r ow l e y ’s ] directness jolted me sponsorship, so to out of my shell and speak, and counsel I began speaking has remained with in class for the fi rst me throughout the years. time. I now consider public speaking Lucy Miller ’86 to be one of my best professional traits. I wouldn’t have achieved this without P.S. I had lunch with him recently— his direct intervention and belief that first time in 23 years and it was like we I had something to say. had just talked to each other yesterday. Sara Alvis Daly ’95 Quite a treat!

Jesse E. Purdy

Psychology Tenure 1978–present

Vincente Villa

Biology Tenure 1985–2003 Dr. Villa brought an incredible energy and enthusiasm to all of his lectures, and taught me many things (like always drink plenty of water!) that have stuck with me even though I am not pursuing a career in biology. Dr. Villa helped put together a wonderful information “teach-in” session for students, faculty and staff about anthrax after the September 11th attacks. He always shared knowledge with compassion and enthusiasm in a way that made even fearful or confusing subjects approachable for his students. Beth Moore Cage ’04

Spring 2008 www.southwestern.edu

Andrew Loehman

TEACHING

Southwestern Magazine

“ Theatre can

Sergio Costola Assistant Professor of Theatre

help us go beyond what we usually like or dislike.”

From his “incredibly straightfor-

ward” manner to his “quick wit and quirky sense of humor,” Sergio Costola creates a classroom experience where, according to students, there’s “never a dull moment.” Oh, and “his cooking skills are amazing.” When it comes time for his Zagat review, look for Costola’s name to be in all-caps. Ever since his first year attending the University of Bologna in his native Italy, Sergio Costola knew he wanted to be a teacher. He began his studies in film, but was converted to critical and historical theatre studies after attending a class on medieval and renaissance theatre. After he graduated from the University of Bologna, he earned his Ph.D. at the University of California in Los Angeles. Costola’s work as a theatre historian and dramaturg includes helping directors select which plays to produce in a given season, collaborating with directors and designers on possible new approaches to plays, and leading discussions related to performances. Costola said he was drawn to Southwestern because he wanted to work at a school that only had an undergraduate program. At Southwestern, he was told that he could develop the

Spring 2008 www.southwestern.edu

{

Think like a Dramaturg Thoughts that cross Sergio Costola’s mind at a performance

The purpose of art is to lay bare the questions –James Baldwin

A esthetic values are not universal. S pace is a social product: how does this play

“

I use the word theatre when I refer to the art of dramatic productions to include playwriting, directing, acting, design of scenery and costumes, etc. So, the Sarofim School of Fine Arts has a theatre department with theatre faculty and students producing theatre in one of our two theaters, or anywhere for that matter.

interact with its audience?

Time and timing: why this play and why now? Entertaining the audience might not have been the artist’s primary goal.

25A

new area of theatre history and critical studies. “It was a great opportunity,” he says. “I had just gotten out of graduate school and I wanted a small school where you get to know most of the people and can make a difference” he says. Students majoring in theatre are now required to take theatre history and critical studies. “Theatre is not only about how to be successful as an actor, but also why, where and for whom you do theatre,” Costola says. “It’s also about becoming an artist who can eventually have an effect on society. It requires a lot of patience, discipline and precision. It is a way of moving both the spectator and yourself.” For the past three summers, Costola has taken Southwestern students to 35

Southwestern Magazine

”

SOUTHWEST ERN – SERGIO COSTOLA OUTTAKES

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A quandary answered by Lacy Vain, Assistant to the Dean of Fine Arts, Sarofim School of Fine Arts

which have been hidden by the answers.

COSTOLA OUTTAKES

Theater or Theatre ?

Bulgaria to participate in a unique theatre-training program called the Rhodopi International Theater Collective. This year, Costola was asked to create, in collaboration with students from Southwestern and Carnegie Mellon University, a performance piece based on material concerning jesters, buffoons and servants, and ranging from the medieval time up to the 18th century. “This program gives students an opportunity to work with internationally recognized scholars and theatre professionals,” Costola says. At Southwestern, Costola has enjoyed teaching two First-Year Seminars and serving as a Paideia ® Professor. “I’m having a great time with my Paideia® students; they’re a very engaging group,” he says.

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He has also taken part in the development of a full-length opera that will showcase the newly remodeled Alma Thomas Theater in the Sarofim School of Fine Arts. The Color of Dissonance will be a Singspiel (musical drama) in five scenes, and will bring together the collective talents of members of the Art History, Studio Art, Music, and Theatre Departments. The project will be performed the first week of April 2009. “I’ve changed a lot in five years, and I’ve lear ned a lot being at Southwestern,” Costola muses. “I’ve had a lot of mentorship, even outside the Theatre Department. You get to know people outside of your department, and I think that helps you in your work as well.” –Laura Gabriel ’08

Getting Giving by Mary Gordon Spence

“We make a living by what we get but we make a life by what we give.” –Winston Churchill They come from homes where parents have never been to college—and from homes where parents have advanced degrees. Their reasons for choosing Southwestern are as varied as their interests and backgrounds. They arrive on campus with a sense of wonder and excitement. They are exposed to new ideas from literature and professors who enrich their lives. They graduate and celebrate, and off they go—Southwestern Alumni. They take with them good friends, life partners, mentors—people who will keep in touch and who will surprise them at reunions (‘YOU have kids?!’), people who will be at their side, decades later, to help them weather crises. They give to Southwestern for many different reasons. They want to support the future of the university that helped shape them. They give so that Southwestern can continue to provide enriching experiences for future students. They give because Southwestern is still a part of who they are, because it’s where they found their life’s ambition, life partner, or just their sense of what’s possible. Although not eager to claim the limelight, alumni Blake ’81 and Kristi Boerner Stanford ’83, Lorri White ’92, and Beverly Stiegler Parker ’59 graciously allowed us a glimpse into their lives, sharing some of the good and bad advice that they’ve received along the way, and insight into why they support Southwestern.

Spring 2008 www.southwestern.edu

“Break your lease. It won’t matter.”

Andrew Loehman

Worst advice you ever got?

Blake ’81 and Kristi Boerner ’83

Stanford

Kristi Boerner learned about Southwestern University from her dentist. Blake Stanford followed several of his friends from Midland to Georgetown. They met during the summer of 1979 through Blake’s roommate when Kristi was taking a math class (“remedial math!” Blake reminds us) prior to her freshman year. Since that time their lives have been intertwined, sharing a love of family, travel, work, community involvement—and a deep appreciation of their days at Southwestern University. Both came to Southwestern heavily influenced by Latin American culture. Kristi grew up in San Antonio; Blake lived in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and Managua, Nicaragua as a child. Blake majored in Political Science/Economics and Spanish; Kristi majored in International Studies with concentration in Spanish and she studied in Spain for a semester. They both were active in campus Greek life—Kristi as an Alpha Delta Pi, and Blake as a Kappa Sigma. As it is with so many Southwestern students whose siblings join them on campus, Blake’s brother, Craig, followed his big brother’s lead. At SU, Craig also pledged Kappa Sigma. “He became my brother-brother,” jokes Blake. It was as a member of Student Foundation, a select group of students who promoted the welfare of the University, that Blake got his first taste of fundraising for Southwestern. “We used to call up alumni and ask them for money,” he says. Kristi adds that it was easy for Blake to make those calls, even back then. “I think he could be a professional fundraiser when he retires,” she muses. In that respect, nothing has changed with Stanford since his student days. Today, as a Class Agent and as a grateful former student he’s still bold about asking people to contribute to his alma mater. He also serves as the president of the Kappa Sigma Housing Corporation and is a member of the Alumni Council of the Association of Southwestern Alumni. “We give to Southwestern University because we believe in its mission and values,” says Stanford, “and we want to see [the University] succeed.” Blake spends his days running the business that he started with Southwestern University classmate, Karen Rocha ’82, in 1985. The pair came up with the idea for their company while working for the Texas Department of Human Resources. “Southwest Human Development Services recruits, trains, monitors and reimburses family childcare providers for meals,” explains Blake. “It’s kind of like the school lunch program.” Like her father and her grandfather, Kristi is a part of her family’s Culligan Water business in San Antonio, overseeing the human resources aspect of the company. Several days each week, she travels to San Antonio. Other days she works from her home. No matter where her work takes her during the day, Kristi makes a beeline home to support the Stanford children in their after-school activities. Daughter Kate, 14, will attend Austin ISD’s Fine Arts Academy at McCallum High School in the fall, and son Mitchell, 9, attends Highland Park Elementary School. Dad Blake is the president of Highland Park’s PTA. Kristi and Blake Stanford are celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary this year. As they survey their accomplishments and their happy times together during the last two decades, they are ever mindful that Southwestern University is where it all began. So when Kristi says that “giving to Southwestern is personal,” she really means it.

Giving & Getting Advice Best advice you ever got: Blake, from his greatgrandfather Lee Frederick Worley: ‘Don’t smoke, don’t drink; get a good education.’ Kristi, from her dad: Don’t talk about yourself too much; always be the listener.

Did they follow it? Blake: One out of three isn’t bad! Kristi: Yes.

Worst advice you ever got: Kristi, from the two important men in her life (who shall go unnamed) : Break your lease. It won’t matter.

Did she take the advice? Unfortunately, yes–and she got sued.

The best advice they ever gave was to their children: Kristi: Be nice; be decent and honest; be fair. Blake: He passed along his great-granddaddy’s advice.

What brings you the greatest joy? Kristi: Watching my kids in their activities. Blake: Learning new things.

What would people be surprised to know about you? Kristi: Grew up with a big Mexican burro named Dulce in her Alamo Heights backyard.

Favorite place in Texas: Their family ranch, half-way between Utopia and Vanderpool.

At S.U.: Halloween at Kappa Sigma

Spring 2008 www.southwestern.edu

Lorri

White ’92

Giving & Getting Advice Best advice she ever got was from her high school drill team teacher: Take the floor! (Present yourself so you instill a sense of respect.)

Did she follow it? Yes!

The best advice she ever gave was to her brother: A problem is like a big ball of string. You can’t stick your hand in there to get it unraveled; you look for loose ends and start peeling things back.

What brings you the greatest joy? Family, friends, finding beauty in simple things.

What would people be surprised to know about you? On a trip to Italy, Lorri looked down the barrel of a cement kiln and thought it was the coolest thing in the world.

Favorite place beyond Texas: Florence, Italy.

At S.U.: a semester abroad

When Houston native Lorri White began to survey colleges, only the ones with outstanding reputations in international studies made her short list, which included Southwestern. It was an overnight visit to the campus that catapulted Southwestern into the number one spot. After graduating from Spring High School, White enrolled as a first-year, bringing 12 hours of advanced placement with her. “I had so much fun on campus,” White recalls. “Southwestern was such a great place!” White was having fun, but she was also working hard, pursuing a double major in international studies (with a concentration in economics) and French. She spent a semester studying in France, and as a senior she shared the campus with her younger brother, Troy, who also thought Southwestern was number one. White graduated in 1992; her brother graduated in 1995. Shortly after graduation, White continued her studies at New York University, for a master of arts in French civilization studies, and then on to Rice University, for an MBA. White was determined to develop both sides of her brain long before hemispheric dominance (right brain/left brain learning theory) was a household concept. Her dad, an accountant, and her mother, a math teacher, insisted that she take accounting and calculus along with her liberal arts classes at Southwestern. In her current position as Managing Director and Co-Head of Corporate Private Placements for AIG Investments, she relies on both left brain and right brain functions. “I make decisions based on facts, figures; and then I look into people’s eyes,” she says. “It is the balance of the qualitative and quantitative that’s been a compass for me throughout my career,” she adds. White is mindful of maintaining a balance in all areas of her life, always making time to experience local culture when she travels for work. White believes her undergraduate studies had a major impact on her. “Southwestern University played a big role in shaping my life,” she confirms. That’s one reason she began to contribute to her alma mater not long after she graduated. “The experiences I had in the classroom were wonderful—they are my bond to the university,” she says. “It was intellectually so exciting to be enrolled in seemingly unrelated courses, and yet, the same subjects would be discussed in each class. I want somebody else to have that same experience.” White says that she’s been amazed by the changes that are taking place on the Southwestern campus, “To see where Southwestern University has come in 16 years is almost unimaginable; the new buildings are fabulous!” The next time she visits campus, White may be the one who is showing off the campus—this time to her soon-to-be husband, Karl Ittmann. White and Ittmann will marry in October in Houston. And no matter what the future has in store for them, it’s a safe bet that White will maintain her close ties to Southwestern. Looking back on her time at Southwestern and thinking ahead to the future, White reflects, “It’s such a great place to be.”

Best advice you ever gave?

“A problem is like a big ball of

Robert Seale

string. You can’t stick your hand in there to get it unraveled; you look for loose ends and start peeling things back.”

Spring 2008 www.southwestern.edu

Best advice you ever got?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Do the right thing.â&#x20AC;?

Southwestern Magazine

Beverly Stiegler ’59

Parker

Giving & Getting Advice When Beverly Stiegler Parker graduated from Edison High School in San Antonio, she wasn’t certain that college was in her future. “In my dad’s mind,” she says, “women graduated from high school, got some kind of skill, worked (maybe) and then got married.” As her dad expected, Parker developed secretarial skills and got a job at a San Antonio printing company. Then the unexpected happened: Parker began to take classes at San Antonio College and then at Trinity University. After visiting a friend at Southwestern, Parker said she knew that the Georgetown campus was a perfect match for her. “People were so friendly, and I liked the idea of having relationships with the faculty,” she says. Parker received her degree in social work in 1959—the first person in her family to graduate from college. And, as if her dad had ordained it, during her sophomore year at Southwestern she even met the man who would become her husband. Carl Parker was a student at the University of Texas School of Law when members of the UT Law Bachelors’ Club came looking for Southwestern coeds to invite to a party. Beverly’s escort was Carl’s roommate, but after their first dance, his roommate disappeared from view. The rest, as they say, is history. After working in Corpus Christi—Carl as a naval attorney and Beverly as a social worker—the two were married and began their life together in Port Arthur, Carl’s hometown. Their children Valerie, Christian Ann and Allen grew up in a home with parents who championed the causes they believed in; none was more important than education. Parker’s commitment to higher education continued long after she graduated from Southwestern University. She served on the faculty of Lamar University (formerly Port Arthur College) for almost four decades. After receiving her doctorate from the University of Houston, she became chair of the Liberal Arts Department. Parker was also a partner in her husband’s career, especially during the more than 32 years that he served in the Texas Senate. She retired from Lamar University in 2006. Parker may be retired from her profession, but she hasn’t retired from taking on new challenges and learning from her experiences. “I’m taking piano lessons,” she exclaimed with joy. “Before I began, I knew only where middle C was on the piano. It’s wonderful to learn things you knew nothing about.” Several years ago, Parker was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Throughout her successful treatment program, she said her friends’ support was overwhelming. “My friends were a lesson in giving [to me],” she says. Some of those friends were ones she had made at Southwestern University 50 years ago. Parker is still very much connected to her alma mater, and will be the first to tell you that “Where you get your undergraduate degree is where your heart is.” At the invitation of Justin Gould, Southwestern’s Associate Director of Leadership Gifts, she’s made several recent trips to Georgetown to discover the wonderful and exciting things that are happening on campus. “There is such joy from giving,” she says, “especially when you can see the good things that come from it,” she says. The things that bring her the most joy include God, Carl, her kids and grandkids, her wonderful friends, education and politics. And when she’s counting her blessings, Parker includes her time at Southwestern among them.

Best advice she ever got was from her dad: Always do the right thing.

Did she follow it? I’ve tried to.

Worst advice she ever got was from a friend: Drink coffee and smoke cigarettes.

Did she follow it? No.

The best advice she gave was to her three children, Valerie, Christian Ann and Allen: Do the right thing, even when it hurts.

What brings you the greatest joy? Sitting and reading a book on a rainy day; grandkids; the Texas Hill Country.

What would people be surprised to know about you? Although I enjoy being with people, I love being at home.

Favorite place in Texas: On the terrace of our house on Lake Travis at sunset.

At S.U.: on the swim team

You ng al u m n i s h o w t h at e

5 under 30 r ea

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at t er

Giving to Southwestern corresponds to my firm belief that man reaps what he sows. As a fourth generation graduate of Southwestern, I can attest to Southwestern’s success in transforming lives. Southwestern literally changed my life by introducing me to a foreign world of literature and academics as well as engendering an abiding passion for learning. If a small donation helps someone else to attain this enlightened sense of reality and challenge, then I’m happy to give.

F er n

I remembered the effort the school put through to help meet my financial need when I first applied and allowed me to attend (partly through the Dixon Scholarship) and I think back to that every time I make a pledge to Southwestern. I give in whatever amount I can, every year, so that others can also benefit just as I did from attending Southwestern.

Current Occupation: Operations Landman, Endeavor Energy Resources, L.P. Lives in: Midland, TX

ar c ía, J

’03

Current Occupation: Second Lieutenant, United States Army Lives In: Fort Benning, Georgia

Jess Gilmour ’05

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Fernando L. García, Jr. ’03

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Brad Knapp ’04

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Southwestern Magazine

I give to Southwestern because I benefited from a scholarship, and I want to be a part of providing a similar benefit to future students.

Megan Knapp ’04 Current Occupation: Health Educator, Southern Methodist University Lives in: Dallas, TX

SU gave so much to me—a foundation for a career, an ability to think for myself, invaluable friendships, and cherished memories. And SU continues to give even after graduation through alumni networking opportunities. How could I not give back?!

Sylvia Mayer ’01

ith

Current Occupation: Associate Attorney, Locke, Lord, Bissell & Liddell, LLP Lives in: Dallas, TX

’01

her siste rs

Current Occupation: Technical Trainer/Course Developer, Callidus Software Inc. Lives in: Austin, TX

I give to SU because Southwestern enriches students by providing them with endless opportunities to experience life both in and out of the classroom. Southwestern knows the way, I went my way and now I’d like to help support students direct their way.

Engaging Finds: Books, music and media picks.

John Kotarski, ‘93 Director of web Development and Communications Perhaps the fi rst “savior of rock music,” it has long been known that Bob Dylan fiercely resisted the labels thrust upon him by adoring fans and critics. If it took him some 40 years to respond to a few of them, within the context of his autobiography, so be it. “As far as I knew,” he writes, “I didn’t belong to anybody then or now. I had a wife and children whom I loved more than anything else in the world. I was trying to provide for them, keep out of trouble, but the bugs in the press kept promoting me as the mouthpiece, spokesman, or even conscience of a generation . . . [a generation] I had very little in common with and knew even less about the generation that I was supposed to be the voice of.” One might expect such themes to dominate the pages of the initial tome of his three-volume memoir, Chronicles. But this isn’t a tale of the dark side of fame. And it’s not a “behind the scenes” look at rock or the social turbulence of the 1960s. Beginning and ending with the signing of his first recording contract, Chronicles skips through just part of Dylan’s life and career, concentrating upon several creative periods in 1961 and 1987. With so much ground to cover, Dylan simply abandons the linear approach, comfortable to move between decades at the drop of a hat. Dylan’s prose is remarkably engaging, with a loose, rambling style, and words that effortlessly drive his prose. It’s the closest any of us will ever come to seeing from his point of view, and in this way, he delivers. Through Chronicles, we’re transported from the barren winter wastelands of Dylan’s Minnesota adolescence to the steamy jazz clubs of

New Orleans, from clubs and galleries of sixties New York folk/art/theater scenes to the hospital room of an ailing Woody Guthrie, where Dylan sat at his bedside for hours on end, playing the American legend’s songs back to him. What emerges isn’t the angry voice of a generation or fierce loner. It’s a thoughtful and hardworking artist trying to fi nd his place amongst a long tradition of American songwriters. It’s a family man who moves his wife and children to another town to get away from the protesters outside his home (the liberal ones, who insisted that he explicitly denounce the war in Vietnam). It’s the rugged optimist who, on a motorcycle ride with his wife in rural Louisiana, fi nds the inspiration to fi nish an album. This book is about Dylan, mind you. But at its best, Chronicles also conveys Dylan’s love for music, the history of English and American folk songs, and the writers and performers who kept these stories alive. Dylan clearly admires the artists whose passion for performance made him believe they were the subjects of the very sea shanties and murder ballads they sang, the artists who made him strive to be a better musician because of the vitality they brought to their art. Dylan’s legacy in American history may be ultimately as much myth as truth. But, in the American songbook, Dylan’s contributions are as vital now as ever. By celebrating the lives and work of so many others, Chronicles shows us why. Read more reviews at the A. Frank Smith, Jr. Library Center Web site: www.southwestern.edu/library/reviews/ what-reading.html. Spring 2008 www.southwestern.edu

Looking Back, Thinking Ahead it’s been an exciting six years since Southwestern university officially kicked off Thinking Ahead: The Southwestern Campaign. To date, Southwestern has received $87.4 million in total gifts and pledges towards our june 30, 2009 goal to raise $125 million. Take a look back with us to see what we’ve accomplished.

2002 ››

For FaCuLty

For StudentS and For FaCuLty

Hired Alisa Gaunder, Professor of Political Science; Chair of the international Studies Program

The Robert and Ruby Priddy Charitable Trust pledges $8.5 million to launch

GAunDeR

2004 ›› For FaCuLty

Hired Aaron Prevots, Assistant Professor of French, Sandi nenga, Assistant Professor of Sociology, Alison kafer, Assistant Professor of Feminist Studies.

PReVOTS

nenGA

kAFeR

For SouthWeStern

For LiVinG-LearninG enVironMent

For StudentS

The first class of Paideia® Scholars graduates in may.

Fayez S. Sarofim’s total commitment of $9.5 million, kicks off the renovation and expansion of the Fine Arts Center for the Sarofim School of Fine Arts.

$2 million given to the Brown Scholars program, increasing the number of scholarships to 16 by 2011.

Pirate bike program launched on campus following gifts from friends and alumni.

For LiVinG-LearninG enVironMent

For diVerSity enriChMent

Center for Lifelong Learning receives anonymous $2 million pledge to complete the Priddy Challenge.

Su teams up with Dillard university, a historically black college in new Orleans, to collaborate in diversity education and institutional management.

2008 ››

For StudentS

For LiVinG-LearninG enVironMent

The first class of Paideia ® Scholars, Class of 2006, reports back on the positive influence of their Paideia ® experience in the workplace, graduate

Renovation work and new construction at the Fine Arts Center for the Sarofim School of Fine Arts is completed.

For LiVinG-LearninG enVironMent

For FaCuLty

For SouthWeStern

For StudentS

Construction of The Charles & elizabeth Prothro Center for Lifelong Learning is scheduled to begin during the second quarter of 2008.

Southwestern is notified of kendeda Fund gift of $436,000 to support its environmental studies program.

$6.3 million have been received in the form of Deferred estate commitments from alumni and friends.

Verizon makes $66,000 grant to support student internships.

Southwestern Magazine

$6.3m received toward $10m goal

2003 ›› For FaCuLty neViLLe

GuARRACi

FOOTe

COSTOLA

BuRkS

Hired Alejandro de Acosta, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, mary Grace neville, Assistant Professor of Business; Paideia® Professor, Fay Guarraci, Assistant Professor of Psychology, Romi Burks, Assistant Professor of Biology; Chair of the Animal Behavior Program, maha Zewail Foote, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Sergio Costola, Assistant Professor of Theatre; Paideia® Professor (see page 33), Diana Tenckhoff, Assistant Professor of Art History

For StudentS

For SouthWeStern

2006 ››

Student to faculty ratio

The Office of Civic engagement was created as part of the Paideia® program. Over 60% of all Su students are active in service throughout their communities.

For SouthWeStern

Southwestern is one of 62 colleges and universities across the country recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for its commitment to community engagement.

2007 ››

For SouthWeStern

For LiVinG-LearninG enVironMent

President jake B. Schrum signs a treaty known as the Talloires Declaration, committing to its 10-point plan to offer degree programs in environmental studies, teach environmental literacy to all students, establish community partnerships and set an example of environmental responsibility in areas such as energy use, recycling and waste reduction.

Construction on the new 66-bed Dorothy manning Lord Student Residential Center is completed.

school and in life after Southwestern.

For LiVinG-LearninG enVironMent

For diVerSity enriChMent

Construction begins on the wilhelmina Cullen Admission Center with support from the Cullen Trust.

$1.6 million is committed to date to support the Dixon Scholars program for minority students.

For FaCuLty

For diVerSity enriChMent

For StudentS

The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations pledge $200,000 to support a new tenure-track faculty position in Latin American art history.

27% of students in the class of 2012 are minorities, establishing a new record.

Over $3.4 million in new gifts to the endowment have been received for need- and merit-based scholarships for deserving students.

For LiVinG-LearninG enVironMent

The Roy and Lillie Cullen Building renovation project is progressing through the planning and early renovation stages with $6 million in funding from the Cullen Trust.

thinKinG ahead SuMMary aS oF June 30, 2008 $ To Date / Goal in millions For Students

12.1

For Faculty For Diversity For Living/Learning For Southwestern

3.9 / 21 1.6 / 6 32.7

37.1 / 25 (goal reached) Spring 2008 www.southwestern.edu

Changing the Face of Texas Politics Bree Buchanan ’85 makes the ‘dough rise’ with Annie’s List by Ellen Davis

Southwestern Magazine

Brian Diggs

While most people are focusing their attention on the presidential election this fall, Bree Buchanan ’85, has her eyes on some more local elections—namely, the ones for the Texas Legislature. Since 2007, Buchanan has been the executive director of Annie’s List (www.annieslist.com), a nonprofit organization devoted to getting more women elected to the Texas Legislature. The organization is modeled after a national organization called EMILY’s List, which helps women get elected to Congress. Buchanan was recruited to lead Annie’s List after a 17-year legal career that included stints as a litigator, lobbyist and law professor. After graduating from UT School of Law in 1989, Buchanan landed what she called her “dream job”—a position with Legal Aid of Central Texas. “I really wanted to do social justice work,” she says. She spent eight years with the agency, working on cases involving family violence in Travis and Williamson counties. Buchanan says she developed a passion for social justice during her days at Southwestern, where she majored in political science and earned a minor in French. “I didn’t realize it at the time, but my professors at Southwestern really opened my eyes and helped form how I view the world,” she says. She also says that former Texas Gov. Ann Richards was a “huge” role model for her. “Governor Richards showed me what it looks like for a woman to step out and take the tremendous risk of running for office. And what it looks like to win and go on to be a great leader,” she says.

Spring 2008 www.southwestern.edu

After her son, Ronan, was born in 1996, Buchanan opened her own family law practice, but it was short-lived. In 1998 she was offered a position as public policy director for the Texas Council on Family Violence. She accepted the opportunity to lobby state and national officials for better laws and funding for family violence. “At Legal Aid I helped women one at a time, but at some point you have to go up river and try to address the root of the problem,” she says. Her work with the TCFV earned Buchanan the Outstanding Young Lawyer in Austin award from the Austin Young Lawyers Association in 2000. In 2002, a former law professor from UT called and asked Buchanan if she would be interested in joining the faculty as co-director of the Children’s Rights Clinic, a program in which advanced law students represent children who are in the foster care system. She did that for four years before deciding to enter politics herself and run for a seat on the Third Court of Appeals. Buchanan says her experience running for that position (she narrowly lost the race) made her realize the need for an organization such as Annie’s List. “I had never run before and I tried to do everything myself,” she says. “In many cases, I didn’t know if what I was doing was correct. A group like this would have made all the difference in the world to me.” Annie’s List helps candidates hire campaign staffers and negotiate contracts with consultants such as fundraisers and political consultants. And most importantly, they provide funding for candidates they support. “The viability of candidates is greatly determined by money,” Buchanan notes. One of Buchanan’s achievements as executive director of Annie’s List has been to set up seven regional steering committees to build support for the organization across the state. “Bree’s ability to calmly look a donor in the eyes and ask for five, ten, twenty-five thousand dollars or more has helped make Annie’s List a power player in Democratic politics and serves as an inspiration for our women candidates across the state,” says Robert Jones, who works with Buchanan as political

director of Annie’s List. Jones notes that EMILY’s List—which Annie’s List is modeled after—is an acronym for “Early Money is Like Yeast . . . it makes the dough rise.” Since Annie’s List was founded in 2003, the organization has helped eight women get elected to the Texas Legislature. This year, the organization is working to elect four candidates, and to re-elect the incumbents it previously elected. While most people tend to focus on national politics, Buchanan says it is important to pay attention to local politics as well. “In their day-to-day lives, most people are more affected by what the Texas Legislature does,” she says. “We need to put good people in place to make good policies for the state of Texas.” Buchanan says her organization hopes to capitalize on interested generated by this year’s Texas presidential primary. “The primary brought many people into the process who have never been active before,” she says. “If we can just maintain some of the excitement from March we will do well.” But even if all the candidates they are supporting this year win, Buchanan notes her organization will still have plenty of work to do. There currently are only 35 women in the Texas Legislature out of 181 members. The state ranks 37th in the country when it comes to women in elected office. While studies show that women who run for public office are just as likely to get elected as men are—and perform just as well if elected, Buchanan says there are several reasons more women do not run for public office. These include the fact that they are less likely to be recruited, they don’t feel qualified (even if they really are), they feel burdened with family obligations, and they have a distaste for getting into the political fray. Is another run for political office in her own future? “Perhaps, but it has to be the right time and the right race,” she says.

While most people tend to focus on national politics . . . “In their dayto-day lives, most people are more affected by what the Texas Legislature does,” [Buchanan] says.

Bree Buchanan ’85: Three Things You Can Do to Improve Local Politics 1. Register to vote and encourage your friends and family to do so, as well. This is done through your county’s voter registrar.

2. Learn about upcoming elections and candidates. Go to the web site of your state political party.

To find the voter registrar in your county, go to: http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/votregduties.shtml.

Southwestern Magazine

3. Contact the candidates you wish to support and ask how you can get involved in their campaign. most can be contacted through their web site or through your county political party.

9 QUESTIONS

LVES VOTERS NEED to ASK THEMSE T BEFORE VOTING for PRESIDEN

e terms in il 21, Bill Bradley, who ser ved thre At the 200 8 Shilling Lecture Apr should ask for president in 200 0, said voters the U.S. Senate before running before selecting a candidate: themselves these nine questions

Can the candidate put a good team together to govern?

Does the candidate have a personal feel for the country ?

Does the candidate have a sense of humor— one that can be used in par tisan political combat, legislative negotiations, and internal administration debate?

Has the candidate ever demonstrated political courage?

Can the candidate prioritize— tell you what she would do first, second, third? Does the candidate know the world?

Is the candidate surrounded by advisers who are secure enough psychologically, competent enough professionally, and curious enough personally to reach out to the broadest range of noncampaign talent?

Will the candidate’s election —in itself— transform the citizenr y’s sense of what is possible in the country ?

Does the candidate understand a few big issues or a host of small ones, and which mind-set fits the national moment?

“That’s the ultimate leadership challenge,” Bradley said in reference to his fi nal question. He noted that the answers to these questions are “not answers you’re going to get from television—they are answers you have to get for yourself as a citizen.”

Spring 2008 www.southwestern.edu

Academics in focus Biology Ben Pierce, professor of biology and holder of the Lillian Nelson Pratt Chair, had a paper published in the spring 2008 issue of Council on Undergraduate Research Quarterly titled “Developing a Sustainable Research Program for Tenure.” The paper was part of a series on professional strategies for junior faculty members. Maria Cuevas, assistant professor of biology, has had an article accepted for publication by Oncology Reports. The research for the paper, titled “In vitro: cytoxic activity of anthrapyrazole analogues in human prostate DU-145 and testicular NETRA-2 carcinoma cells,” was conducted with alumnus Kurt Seilheimer ’07 during the Biology Summer Research Program in 2006 and the 2006–07 academic year. It was partially funded by the Fleming Fund awarded to the Biology Department.

Chemistry Gulnar Rawji, associate professor of chemistry, had a paper titled “The Importance of Pt(II) Catalyzed Pt(IV) Substitution for the Oxidation of Guanosine Derivatives by Pt(IV) Complexes,” published in Inorganic Chemistry. Three students in the chemistry and biochemistry department presented their research at the national meeting of the American Chemical Society in New Orleans. Radhika Kainthla, senior biochemistry major, presented “Photoexcitation of daunomycin leads to oxidative DNA damage that is dependent on molecular oxygen” in collaboration with Maha Zewail Foote, assistant professor of chemistry. Carissa Fritz, sophomore chemistry major, presented “DNA binding and cleaving properties of intercalating copper(II) complexes” based on her work with Foote and Gulnar Rawji. Megan Mullins, senior political science major, presented “Kirkwood-Buff derived force fields for mixtures of thiols in water” in collaboration

Southwestern Magazine

with Nikolaos Bentenitis, assistant professor of chemistry. Maha Zewail Foote has had a paper titled “Oxidative DNA damage following photoexcitation of daunomycin: Direct role of oxygen” accepted for publication in the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry. The paper was a collaboration with co-author Radhika Kainthla.

English Eileen Cleere, associate professor of English, was invited by the Women’s Studies Program at Texas A&M University to present material from her bookin-progress, “The Sanitary Arts: Aesthetic Philosophy and the Victorian Cleanliness Campaigns.” On March 28, she delivered a lecture titled “Intensive Culture: Aesthetics and Purity in the Eugenic Novels of Sarah Grand.”

French Aaron Prevots, assistant professor of French, gave an invited presentation on “French through Songs” at Huston-Tillotson University in Austin. Prevots’ preface, “Teaching French through Music,” was published in the fourth edition of Horizons, the first-year French textbook currently in use at Southwestern. Seniors Lindsey Albracht and Rory Aguirre have been accepted into the French Teaching Assistantship program sponsored by the French Ministry of Education. Albracht will spend seven months teaching in the Toulouse region and Aguirre will teach in Nancy/Metz.

History Shana Bernstein, assistant professor of history, presented a paper titled “Rethinking the History of U.S. Civil Rights Struggles during the Cold War through a Multiracial, Los Angeles, Lens” at the annual Organization of American Historians conference in New York City on March 28.

Highlighting student, faculty and staff honors Kinesiology Kinesiology students Lauren Arrowood, Ben Hoffman and Eric Sterner won top honors for undergraduate research at the 29th annual meeting of the Texas Regional Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine held in Odessa in February for their paper analyzing the effects of treadmill use in space.

present a paper titled “Weaving the Fish Basket: Heraclitus and the Meta-philosophy of Opposition,” in plenary session at the Society for Ancient Philosophy annual meeting at the New School for Social Research in New York April 12.

Physics

Steven Alexander, associate professor of physics and holder of the Robert Sherman Lazenby Chair in Physics, had a paper published Latin American Studies Student Rachael Die presented “A in the journal Engineering in the Vicious Cycle? The Use of Violence Life Sciences. The paper, titled “The Light Quanta Modulated in the Mapuche Land Reclamation Physiological Response of Brassica Movement” at the 16th Annual Latin American Studies Symposium Juncea Seedlings Subjects to at Birmingham-Southern College in Ni(II) Stress,” was a collaboration between Southwestern University, Birmingham, Ala., March 14–15. the Universidad Michoacana de Mathematics/ San Nicolas de Hidalgo and the Computer Science University of Texas Pan American Richard Denman, associate and was co-authored by alumnus professor of mathematics and Landon Summer ’07. computer science, and student Sophomore physics major Pelham programming contest teams Keahy was selected to participate “su-root” and “su-piratain the Science Undergraduate informatico” competed in the Laboratory Internships program CCSC Mid-South conference at (SULI) sponsored by the Stanford Arkansas Technological University Linear Accelerator Center April 4. “su-root,” comprised of (SLAC). He will spend eight students Stephen Foster, Bobby weeks this summer working with Potter and Tommy Rogers, researchers at the center, which placed second while “su-piratais operated by Stanford for the informatico,” comprised of Sarah U.S. Department of Energy. Doty, Lane Hill and Carl West, placed eighth. In all, over 20 teams Sophomore physics major Sean from four states competed. Smith has been selected to participate in the Research Internships in Music Science and Engineering program First-year students Sarah (RISE) sponsored by the German Holifield, Mauricio Lafuente Academic Exchange Service. and Francisca Lopez were The program gives students selected by Houston’s NPR affiliate, in biology, chemistry, earth KUHF, to have their “This I Believe” sciences, engineering and physics essays aired. The essays were the chance to spend a summer written and submitted as an working with German doctoral assignment for a college writing students on their research projects. class taught by Michael Wolfe, Smith will spend the summer assistant professor of music. conducting theoretical physics research with a doctoral student Philosophy at the University of Geissen. Phil Hopkins, associate professor of philosophy, presented a workshop April 11 at the Northeast Conference on Media Literacy titled “Mass Moralizing: Building and Selling Moral Identities.” Hopkins will

Political Science At the 2008 meeting of the International Studies Association, Eric Selbin, professor of political science and University Scholar, presented a paper titled

“Resistance, Rebellion, and Revolution: The Persistence, Power, and Prevalence of Story,” which outlines his forthcoming book “Revolution, Rebellion, Resistance: The Power of Story.” He also chaired the annual meeting of the New Millennium Books in International Studies series he co-edits for Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. Eric Selbin and Meghana Nayak ’97, assistant professor of political science at Pace University, have signed a contract with Zed Books for a co-authored book titled Doing International Relations from the Margins. The book contends that the political concepts/issues discussed in international relations are Western liberal bourgeois constructions wherein even alternative, critical discussions are “trapped” by the discursive stranglehold of these concepts and their genealogies. Alisa Gaunder, assistant professor of political science, participated on a panel titled “Bringing Scholarship to the Classroom: Japan Studies” at the ASIA Network conference in San Antonio on March 15. She gave a talk titled “Getting Students to Explore Political Leadership From Several Different Angles: The Role of Prime Ministers, Parliamentarians, and Women in Japan.” She was also invited to give a talk titled “Women Running for National Office in Japan: Are Koizumi’s Female “Children” a Short-term Anomaly or a Lasting Phenomenon?” at the Center for East Asian Studies at The University of Texas in Austin. Senior Mary Kierst presented her paper, “A Study of Congressional Decision Making: The 2001 USA PATRIOT ACT and the 2006 Renewal,” at a poster session of the 2008 Annual Conference of the Midwest Political Science Association in Chicago, Ill., on April 5. Her paper is the result of a Mundy project with Tim O’Neill, professor of political science. Bob Snyder, professor of political science, received a $25,000 grant from the Earhart Foundation

to write a book tentatively titled The Road to 9/11: The US’ Struggles with Revolutionary Movements in the Third World.

Sociology/Anthropology Edward L. Kain, professor of sociology and University Scholar presented a paper titled “If You Build It, They Will Learn: Using National Standards to Create a Challenging, yet Flexible, Sociology Curriculum” at the annual meetings of the Pacific Sociological Association, being held April 10–13 in Portland, Ore. The paper was in a session titled “Creating a Standardized, Rigorous Undergraduate Sociology Curriculum.” Kain is also co-leading a workshop titled “Information Literacy: The Partnership of Sociology Faculty and Social Science Librarians.” Eight sociology majors presented their research at the 2008 annual meetings of the Southern Sociological Society in Richmond Va., April 10–12. They were: Tristine Baccam, “Rebuilding the House that Jack Built: Comparative Analysis of Immigration and Residential Crowding in the US”; Megan Collins, “Bureaucratic Traditions, Consensus and the Role of the Media in the American Civil Liberties Union Central Texas Chapter”; Lauren Cox, “Trabajadores Unan!: Leaders, Collective Identity, and Conflict Resolution among Latino Immigrant Workers”; Rachael Die, “Communities of Color Fighting Toxic Contamination: A Case Study of Grassroots Environmental Justice and Community Advocacy”; Sarah Fankhauser, “Guardian Angels at the Grassroots: A Study of the Factors that Shape Individuals Into Activists”; Cody Faulk, “Fighting the Religious Right in Texas: How Political Activist Organizations Recruit and Maintain Members in the Fight for a Division Between Church and State”; Anne Olson, “Which Side Are You On? An Examination of the Recruitment Tactics of a Local Education Union”; and Nicole Powell, “Examining Social Class: Comparisons Between Attitudes and Composition of a

College Campus and the United States.” The papers resulted from individual research projects in the sociology capstone seminar under the direction of Maria Lowe, associate professor of sociology and the Research Methods course taught by Edward L. Kain. Four Anthropology students presented papers at the Southwestern Anthropological Association’s Annual Meeting in Fullerton, Calif., April 10–12. Shauna Davidson presented “Orphan Care in Senegal,” Tricia Dickson presented “Little Emperors Wear Prada: The One Child Policy and Globalization in Shanghai,” Lauren Griebel presented “The Other Side of the Islands: HIV/AIDS in Fiji,” and Casey McAuliffe presented “Young Mothers and a Young Anthropology Student.”

Other student, faculty & staff honors Sophomore Rob Atkinson participated in a debate held at Southern Methodist University April 25 on whether the United States should have a Department of Peace. Atkinson, who is national communications coordinator for the Student Peace Alliance, argued in favor of the proposal. Ellen Davis, director of communications, received a gold award in the category of General News Writing from District IV of the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). The award was presented at the district conference in Little Rock, Ark., April 7. Davis also had an article published in the May issue of Public Relations Tactics. Sophomore Charles Prince presented his paper titled “Crafting Educational Policies in Zimbabwe: Moving Beyond Modern Colonialism” at the Tenth Annual Africana Studies Research Colloquium held at Bowling Green State University. Southwestern Men’s Basketball Head Coach Bill Raleigh and the Southwestern basketball players were honored as the Southwestern University Partner of the Year at the Georgetown

Partners in Education (PIE) Night at Dell Diamond Saturday, April 12. The recognition is a result of the basketball team’s weekly mentoring at Annie Purl Elementary School in Georgetown this year. Todd Watson, associate director of systems and networking in Information Technology Services, recently spent eight nights collecting data with the 2.1 meter diameter telescope at McDonald Observatory near Fort Davis, Texas, as part of an international collaboration of astronomers called the “Whole Earth Telescope.” Watson was one of 57 astronomers using 28 telescopes at different observatories around the globe to continuously monitor three pulsating white dwarf stars. Juniors Hannah Adkison and Charles Prince, and LaToya Alexander and Jeremy Battle attended the Engaged Diversity Student Leadership Workshop held at Dillard University in New Orleans April 4–6. Also attending the workshop were Sue Mennicke, director of intercultural learning, and Ron Swain, senior advisor to the president. The program was funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Twenty-three students from Southwestern have been named to the 2008 edition of Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. The students were selected for the publication based on academic achievement, service to the community, leadership in extracurricular activities and potential for continued success. The students selected from Southwestern were LaToya Alexander, Rob Atkinson, Tristine Baccam, Peter Borhauer, Caitlin Buck, Rachel Die, Delilah Dominguez, Ricardo Levario, Robert Lockwood, Chelsea Marshall, Amanda Mohammed, Stacy Neumann, Kevin O’Neil, Nicole Powell, Charlie Rivas, Delia Shelton, Grace Stafford, Coralie Taylor, Darlene Thompson, Kalie Trueper, Denielle Waite, Doak Worley and Kristin Yeung. Spring 2008 www.southwestern.edu

Dear Southwestern University Alumni, Southwestern alumni live full and productive lives. I suspect that if I asked what you have scheduled this week, most of you would have calendars crowded with commitments. Between work, civic engagement and family life, you frequently have to make tough choices about how you spend your time. The Association of Southwestern University Alumni is aware of the demands of daily life and we want to deliver programs and provide opportunities that allow you to stay in touch with Southwestern and one another in ways that really matter and enrich your life. Take Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, Nov. 7–9, for instance. Homecoming and Reunion Chair Margaret Blair Fitzgerald ’01 and the Alumni Council have focused on creating a weekend brimming with events where you can socialize, exercise, learn, network, relax and celebrate. We’ve broken attendance records at Homecoming and Reunion Weekend the last two years and we expect this year will be the biggest yet. The popular Alumni Hospitality House will be set up in the Howry Center on campus this year to make it even more convenient for alumni to stop by and relax between events. If you haven’t already, mark your calendar and make plans to attend. If you are not sure if there’s something for you, visit sugrads.org and take a peek at the schedule, which features a wide variety of more than 80 events. Another way we are trying to help you stay connected is through an enhanced online community. This fall, we will be launching a robust online community with new features and tools that will make it easier for alumni to find one another and stay connected. You will be able to create content for your own profile as well as post photos. And, for those of you who are actively engaged in social and professional networking sites like MySpace©, Facebook© and LinkedIn©, our community allows for you to provide links to those communities. Our aim, with all of our programs, is to support the lifelong Southwestern Experience. Let us know if you have ideas or if you would like to volunteer. Sincerely,

Ann Tyrrell Cochran ’72 President, The Association of Southwestern University Alumni

Southwestern Magazine

Alumni news Local Associations

Since Jan. 1, 2008, your 13 local associations have hosted 41 events, including happy hours, days of service, Road Scholars presentations, ball games, barbecues and other family events. More local associations are in the process of forming in: • Chicago • Pacific Northwest • San Diego Check the alumni events calendar at www.sugrads.org to keep up with local association activities in your area. Interested in building a local association in your area? Contact the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations at alumni @ southwestern.edu or 800-960-6363.

Alumni Connection Groups

SU Finance Alumni: For alumni working in the world of finance, banking and financial planning. SU Government Alumni: For alumni interested or engaged in government, government affairs, public policy or public service. Alumni connection groups engage in a broad range of activities, from hosting receptions at Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, to mentoring current students, to professional networking. To participate in any of these up-and-coming groups, or to start an alumni connection group that matches your affinity—be it academic, athletic, artistic—anything that interests you—contact the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations at 800-960-6363 or alumni@southwestern.edu. The possibilities are endless!

2008 Reunion News The following classes are getting ready to rock their reunions at Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, Nov. 7–9, 2008: 1948 (60th) 1958 (50th) 1963 (45th) 1968 (40th)

1973 (35th) 1993 (15th) 1978 (30th) 1998 (10th) 1983 (25th) 2003 (5th) 1988 (20th)

Visit w w w.southwester n.edu / alumni/reunions for reunion details, and see the ads for Homecoming a n d R e u n i o n We e ke n d 2 0 0 8 : “Southwestern’s Greatest Hits” in this issue of Southwestern magazine. Good news travels fast! There are now 13 alumni connection groups affiliated with The Association spanning several categories of affiliation— • Greek • Professional/vocational • Fine arts • Social • Special interest —and more are in the works. Consider these possibilities: ARRRdent Readers: For avid alumni readers interested in connecting with others who love reading and sharing what they have read.

Alumni Council and Alumni Assembly In April, the Alumni Council gathered for its second meeting of the year, where the discussion focused on the responsibilities of the relatively new Alumni Assembly. This body of 50 or more alumni who represent the alumni constituency includes delegates from local associations, class reunions and alumni connection groups. Who are the members of the Alumni Assembly? Visit www.sugrads.org to find out. The next meeting of the Alumni Assembly

is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009, during Volunteer Leadership Weekend. By expanding the activities of the Alumni Assembly, the Alumni Council seeks to provide alumni with even more opportunities to become involved in The Association and in the life of the University.

Hats Off to HEDS Respondents Many thanks to the Classes of 1997 and 2002 for their participation in a national survey, prepared and tabulated by the Higher Education Data Sharing (HEDS) Consortium, that asks alumni about their college experience and how it has prepared them for their life and work. The University administers this survey every year to the five and ten year reunion classes. Southwestern will use the aggregated survey results in a variety of ways, including institutional improvement and prompting discussion on the quality of preparation that the University provides to students for graduate studies, professional pursuits, volunteer services and civic involvement. 72.2% of respondents indicated that they were “very satisfied” with their undergraduate education.

Look What’s Coming! The Association Web site is getting a face-lift! The Office of Alumni and Parent Relations is working vigorously with a team of Web designers and programmers to produce a fresh new look and format for The Association Web site. The redesigned site will offer many new features, such as customized news feeds, streamlined event registration and the ability for alumni to create content within their own profiles, add personal photos and create hyperlinks to popular virtual communities like Facebook© and LinkedIn©. But don’t worry, the alumni directory, event calendar, and other standard features will still be there for you to use. Get ready for some great changes to enhance your Southwestern Web experience! Spring 2008 www.southwestern.edu

In 1999, she joined the Gates Learning Foundation as its controller. When the Learning Foundation merged with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Sherman was promoted to her current position, director of finance and administration. The Gates Foundation is the country’s wealthiest grant maker, with more than $38 billion in assets. “The best part of my work is doing what I love for an organization that is working to make dramatic, significant progress against some of the world’s biggest inequities in health, education and poverty,” Sherman says. Sherman credits her parents (who are Southwestern alumni) and her education at Southwestern with propelling her toward vocational achievement. “Like the turtle on the fencepost, I didn’t get there by myself,” Sherman said in her commencement address. “My parents fostered in me a strong work ethic, and taught values of integrity and responsibility.” She added, “Southwestern University has been instrumental to my success in many ways: the rigorous academic training I received, the opportunities to build leadership skills, and relationships in and outside the classroom with people who encouraged me along the way. Southwestern helped prepare me for every job I have held since graduating, and each job helped prepare me for the next one.” Although she now works and lives in the Pacific Northwest, Sherman hasn’t strayed too far from her Southwestern roots. Sherman, who grew up in Victoria, Texas, is a member of the University’s Board of Visitors and is a former member of Southwestern’s Alumni Board. Sherman and her husband, who live on Mercer Island, have two adult daughters: Star and Jennifer. During her time in the Seattle area, Sherman has acted in and undertaken behind-the-scenes tasks for local theatre productions, performed in her church’s handbell choir and served on the board of Washington Literacy. In her commencement address, Sherman reminded graduates there are “countless ways” to be of service to the world, such as pursuing work in education, government, business, science or the arts—and giving of yourself. “The many ways to serve include not only your career, but also your volunteer time, charitable giving, faith-community pursuits and . . . family life,” Sherman told the graduates. “May you start tomorrow, and for the rest of your lives, to use your personal power in pursuit of your vocation in the world—that place where your deep joy and the world’s great need meet.” Sherman certainly appears to have found her vocation in the world. Karen Orders

Gwen Griffin Sherman ’80, Distinguished Alumna

Throughout her career in finance, Gwen Griffin Sherman ’80 has followed her calling. That calling prompted her to apply for her current position: director of finance and administration at the Seattle-based Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. For Sherman, working for the Gates Foundation is more than a job, though—it’s a vocation. “I love what I do every day,” Sherman said in delivering Southwestern University’s 2007 commencement address. “The blessing, the vocation, is getting to do what I love for an organization whose mission resonates with my heart, an organization that has a narrow focus in order to achieve a big impact in the world.” In honor of her own impact on the world, Sherman has been designated the recipient of Southwestern’s Distinguished Alumna Award. The annual alumnus/alumna award is the highest honor bestowed by The Association of Southwestern University Alumni. Recipients exemplify the qualities of excellence as taught and represented by Southwestern. Sherman graduated from Southwestern in 1980 with a bachelor of business administration degree in accounting. At Southwestern, she helped set up the University’s Student Foundation and was its first president. Sherman also was instrumental in reviving University Sing after many years of dormancy. With her Southwestern degree in hand, Sherman went on to work for CPA firms in San Antonio and Austin and as finance director for the City of Georgetown. Following a move with her husband, Ben, to the Pacific Northwest, Sherman became director of finance for the Seattle Children’s Home and financial planning manager for the City of Redmond, Wash.

Southwestern Magazine

Friendship, ChickenFried

Southwestern alumni forge their own own traditions with lifelong friends by Amanda Randall

Southwestern University is known for instilling “a passion for lifelong learning.” But as alumni go on through life after graduation, they discover another lasting, Southwesterninstilled passion—lifelong friendships. This spring, the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations asked alumni to share stories of lifelong friendships formed at Southwestern. The response was overwhelming. Alumni told how friendships emerged from random fi rst-year residence hall assignments, Greek affi liation, athletic team camaraderie or just the coincidence of living in the same city. Some friends gather regularly for annual trips or monthly meals, others for special occasions or just whenever they are able. They come together for family vacations, weddings, holidays or for no particular reason, except to spend time together. Throughout the stories of memorable reunions and unique traditions, there flows a common theme of close bonds formed through the shared, often profound growing experience of being a Southwestern student. As Rev. James Foster ’72 and Rosemarie Williams Foster ’70 relate, “our Southwestern friends are some of our best friends. We share common experiences, values and concerns. While we

have all moved to other places, established careers, and had families, we still cherish our lifelong friends and know that these relationships keep us grounded.” These sentiments echo through alumni stories of lifelong friendship. Life after graduation pulls alumni friends in different directions and through diverse life experiences; still, the deep connection they describe keeps friendships close. And, when they do all get together, these alumni friends can pick up right where they left off, and revel in nostalgia for the time and place that brought them together. But the foundations of these relationships extend far beyond a common past; lifelong Southwestern friendships are just that: lifelong. They evolve and deepen as friends celebrate marriages and births, comfort one another through difficulties and loss, and share in the curiosities and joys of everyday life.

...A nd Otheers Recip Spring 2008 www.southwestern.edu

they break for Chicken-Fried Steak... As many as 25 alumni, all from the late-1950s cohort, have taken part in this alumni dinner club turned monthly lunch-bunch. The group sticks mainly to local, low-cost family restaurants, but they have taken some road trips together and enjoyed some not-so-low-cost locales as well. “We’ve all been good friends for a long, long time,” explains Lou Birdwell Parris ’57. “Sometimes we recount our old days at Southwestern, the trouble we got in or caused. We’re not as ‘pretty’ as we used to be, but we have a great time!” Standing (l-r): Lou Birdwell parris ’57, ross parris, Bev Beckham, rhea Gracey Beckham ’58, Marilyn Colegrove Manning ’57, Joe hegar ’57, deLois prescott thompson ’57, Marilyn peters hegar ’57, patsy Ginn Williams ’57, James Williams ’55 and john wolda Seated, left to right: Glenn Platzer, anne McKivett platzer ’58, harriet nicholas Wolda ’58

CFS Club

Pirates of the Guadalupe

Left to right: Blayne naylor Blandford ’03, Cliff Adams, Julie McCright ’03, Sara plunk ’03, Carla Sterner ’03, Laura Gorman ’03 and Bridget Jones ’03 at the wedding of fellow Pirates of the Guadalupe elizabeth Brooke davis-holmes ’03 and Levi holmes ’03

arrrr…ye ready to tube?! Arrrr…ye ready to tube?! Every year for the last five years, twelve Pirate alumni from the classes of 2002–2005 have gathered in New Braunfels to camp and tube the mighty Guadalupe. Even torrential downpours cannot keep this group from this, their favorite time of year, according to Bridget Jones ’03. Says fellow Pirate Blayne Naylor Blandford ’03, “These are the kind of friends that make it seem like no time has passed since the last time you saw each other.” Stephanie Ritter ’03 adds, “The connections that we made in college are unique because that period of our lives was such an intense period of growth and discovery.” The strength of this bond draws the group together for weddings, anniversaries and parties, too—“Any excuse is a good excuse for us to get together!”

Southwestern Magazine

a Weekend Without Worry Twenty eight years ago, six Delta Zeta alumnae could not bear to say “goodbye” to each other at graduation, so they vowed to get together every year for a W.W.W.—a Weekend Without Worry! What is a Weekend Without Worry? “Usually, it’s a weekend without kids or spouses, a movie or two, lots of food and great conversation and memories, including a few laughs and cries,” explains Karol Sandberg Boes ’81. “Our conversations have progressed over the years from having babies, raising children, suffering the loss of a spouse, coping with teenagers, aging parents, changing jobs and now kids in college!” How well do these best friends know each other? So well that when they tried to play the board game “Scruples,” “it absolutely did not work, because we all knew each other too well and it was impossible to bluff the rest of the group!”

etas: ry?! Delta Zu r o W , s t a Wh

1981

Below, right: at 2006 Homecoming and Reunion weekend, from left to right: Maureen Goodnow Sharp ’81, Kimberly Kennedy ’81, diane Bailey Sturges ’81, Cynthia newman Kirkpatrick ’80, Carol Sloan Browne ’81 and Karol Sandberg Boes ’81 Below, left: the 1982 w.w.w. in Galveston Above: the first w.w.w. in 1981, the summer after graduation, at kim’s lake house in Huntsville.

1982

2006

Three for the road Friends for 63 years – but who’s counting? J.C. Bumgardner ’48, Edward Shineberg ’47 and Govie Waller ’44 became friends at Southwestern, but lost touch after leaving to serve in World War II. Years later, J.C. and Govie found each other again in Houston. They and their wives, Betty Reynolds Bumgardner ’48 and Phyllis Young Waller ’47, along with Kitty Anderson Bracht ’47, would meet regularly for dinner and take family vacations together. When J.C. and Govie reconnected with Edward over the internet last year, it was cause for celebration. Ed and his wife came to visit from Wyoming and the friends had a reunion after 63 years. “You can imagine the stories we had,” says J.C. From left: edward Shineberg ’47, Govie Waller ’44 and J.C. Bumgardner ’48 Spring 2008 www.southwestern.edu

Photograph courtesy of southwestern university Special collections, researched by Sheran Johle

CLASS NOTES

At the San Gabriel River, 1937

Southwestern Magazine

1961

Douglas Renick, Florence, Mass., serves as the interim director of Western Massachusetts American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), where he coordinates local activists and plans events promoting peace, justice and equality. He is also overseeing the formation of a Western Massachusetts Social Forum for delegates representing the region’s many racial, cultural and economic groups to share ideas and mobilize volunteers for social justice. This spring, Renick met with U.S. Representative John Oliver, D-Amherst, and aides for other members of Congress while protesting the Iraq War in Washington, D.C.

1965

Jim Smith, Pasadena, Calif., was named the Pasadena ISD Distinguished Alumnus for 2008. This award recognizes an alumnus who has made significant contributions to society and whose accomplishments and career have brought credit to the Pasadena school district.

1966

Phyllis Kidson Williams, Dayton, Ohio, was honored with the Exemplary Leadership Award at the 17th International Chair Academy in Denver, Colo. A biology educator since 1966, Phyllis has been the biology department chair at Sinclair Community College since 1997. She is recognized as an innovator in the use of technology, having established an associate’s of applied science degree in biotechnology and serving as a chair council officer. In addition to Sinclair Community College, she has taught in Spring Branch ISD, Dayton (Texas) ISD and at San Jacinto College.

1968

Hon. Charles Neuffer, South Palm Beach, Fla., is retired from serving as a federal prosecutor. In 2001, he was appointed a judge for the state of Florida by Governor Jeb Bush.

1972

Rev. Martin Gutzmer, Galva, Ill., served the United Methodist Church for 35 years in the New Mexico Conference, the Rocky Mountain Conference and the Central Illinois Conference. He and his wife, Anne, retired to a small farm in Bishop Hill, Ill., where they have honeybees, grapevines and many other interests.

1974

Suzanne McDaniel, Austin, was honored for her work as one of the first prosecutor-based victim advocates in the nation when the U.S. Congress renamed its Public Awareness Award the Suzanne McDaniel Public Awareness Award. McDaniel has advocated for crime victims at the local, state and federal levels. She created Harris County’s first community interagency councils on sexual assault and family violence and the first rape exam protocol for Houston Hospital and Medical Associations. She established the Texas Crime Victim Clearinghouse, the first statewide resource in the nation. McDaniel also helped draft and pass the Texas Crime Victim Bill of Rights, the Texas Crime Victims’ Compensation Act, and the Texas Constitutional Amendment on Crime Victim Rights.

1980

M’Lynda Wilsher Owens, Austin, earned her master of healthcare administration degree at Trinity University. She works as a data analyst for EDS.

1981

Patrice Mathews Kast, Broomfield, Colo., serves as the math department chair for Broomfield Heights Middle School.

1983

Henry Robinson, Buffalo Gap, graduated from the University of Texas Medical Branch as a physician assistant. His wife, Tracee Haynes Robinson ’84, made a career change from music education to nursing. They have three sons.

Debra Nedbalek Stevens, Houston, serves as an admissions representative at The Center for Advanced Legal Studies.

1984

Tracee Haynes Robinson, Buffalo Gap [see 1983].

1987

Angela Reid Jones, Spicewood, works in pharmaceutical sales for Santarus, Inc.

1989

Laura Michulka Penney, Dallas, serves as president of the executive board of the Dallas Symphony Chorus, an ensemble with which she has been singing for seven years.

MARRIAGES Megan Browning to Ray Altman, both ’05, Oct. 13, 2007, living in New York, N.Y. Cynthia Olson Bourland ’89 to Jon Leslie Belsher, M.D., Sept. 29, 2007, living in Round Rock. Melissa Crenshaw to Chet Lofgren, both ’00, Mar. 17, 2007, living in Sandpoint, Idaho. Brandi Hall ’99 to Brian Staples, April 12, 2008, living in Dallas. Karen Harton to Alan Suderman, both ’01, Dec. 22, 2007, living in Juneau, Alaska. Wendy Hayter ’02 to Joseph Snyder, Nov. 3, 2007, living in Round Rock. Julie McCaskill ’05 to Michael Hackett ’04, May 28, 2007, living in Houston. Michelle Miller to James Roberts, both ’96, Dec. 16, 2007, living in Houston. Kathryn Murfee ’00 to David Gibson, June 30, 2007, living in Austin. Blayne Naylor ’03 to Blair Blandford, May 3, 2008, living in Tyler. Ashley Norris to Salvador Richie, both ’06, Nov. 25, 2006, living in Oak Point. Stefanie Pennington ’02 to Steven Albright, Dec. 1, 2007, living in Austin. Ellie Portwood ’03 to Josiah McVicar, Oct. 20, 2007, living in Houston. Jessica Powers to Braxton Spangle, both ’06, Sept. 28, 2007, living in Friendswood.

Births To Luis and Dr. Leslie Cramblet Alvarez ’98, Alamosa, Colo., son Javier Antonio Alvarez, March 2, 2008. To Christopher and Katherine Merrill Andre ’99, Austin, son Jack Christopher Andre, Feb. 24, 2008. To Lance and Martha Blackwell Barnett ’94, Cincinnati, Ohio, son Nolan Keen Barnett, Sept. 28, 2007. To Mark and Jennifer Fite Brimberry ’99, Round Rock, twin daughter Lauren Kate Brimberry and son Andrew Joseph Brimberry, March 20, 2008. To Brittany and Justin Doty ’00, San Antonio, daughter Jocelyn Reese Doty, March 1, 2008. To Henry and Meredith Johnson-Fluck ’99, Cedar Park, son Hudson Stone Fluck, September 23, 2007. To Joe and Juli Stevens Gesino ’94, Spring, twin sons, Jack Steven Gesino and Michael Joseph Gesino, Feb. 21, 2008. To Adrienne E. Kendall ‘01 and Jeff Bendall ‘00, Dripping Springs, son Grover Carson Bendall, March 9, 2008. To Shannon and Michael Brammer Knisely ’99, Georgetown, son Brammer Banks Knisely, May 13, 2008. To Dr. Antoine Kevorkian and Dr. Michelle Mielly ‘90, Le Sappey en Chartreuse, France, twin sons, Jesse Paul Kevorkian Mielly and Tristan Emery Kevorkian Mielly, April 26, 2007. To Gordon ‘98 and Gail Davis Roberson ‘01, Georgetown, daughter Lily Wren Roberson, Sept. 16, 2007.

Southwestern Magazine

1991

Dr. Sheralyn Mott Wood, Fair Oaks Ranch, has returned from a U.S. Air Force deployment to Afghanistan, where she worked as the pediatrician for Task Force Medicine at Bagram Air Base. Carole Woodall, Colorado Springs, Colo., earned a Ph.D. from the departments of history and Middle Eastern and Islamic studies at New York University and holds a tenure track position in the women’s and ethnic studies program at the University of Colorado.

Foundation and teaches the playwriting unit at the San Francisco School for the Arts. Among her playwriting successes, “American Triage,” received a workshop production at Marin Theater Company, “Woman on Fire” was read as part of the Playwrights Foundation’s In the Rough reading series and “Braided Sorrow” is to be the season opener at El Centro Su Teatro in Denver, Colo.

2000

Marcy McGrath Plourde, Humble, works as a senior recruiter for Perot Systems, where she focuses on Healthcare IT Consulting. She and her husband, Gregory Plourde ’96, have a son, Owen.

Eryn Kaiser Barker, Portland, Ore., works as a middle school Spanish immersion teacher while pursuing a master’s degree in education at the University of Portland. She is a volunteer ski patroller for the Mount Hood ski patrol and spends her summers in Spain studying for a master‘s degree in Spanish. She is thankful for the excellent foreign language education she received at Southwestern University.

Jennifer Suchland, Austin, accepted a tenuretrack, joint position at Ohio State University in the departments of women’s and Slavic studies.

Chrystal Hall Doyle, Glen Allen, Va., attends nursing school in Richmond, Va. Visit her at www.myspace.com.

1996

1997

Alicia Kerr, Houston, was voted Teacher of the Year at Killough Middle School. She is an officer for The Houston Area Association of Southwestern University Alumni. Ruth Chiego Turner, San Antonio, works as a librarian at the Brook Hollow branch of the San Antonio public library, focusing on youth and reference services. She is also a real estate marketing and on-site sales consultant, specializing in luxury vertical living options.

1998

Charles Reynolds, Hong Kong, serves as a private English teacher while working towards an MBA from Warwick Business School (U.K.). He is married to Dr. Jill Morales Abrigo.

Morgan Stonebraker, Austin, manages a network security research and development team for Cisco Systems and enjoys the travel opportunities that come with running a global team. She and her husband, Rush, have one dog and a vegetable garden, and are usually available for happy hour.

1999

Jennifer Fite Brimberry, Round Rock, works as a neonatal intensive care unit nurse at Dell Children’s Medical Center. Marisela Treviño Orta, San Franciso, Calif., is a resident playwright at the Playwrights

Ammie Harrison, Fort Worth, serves as the arts and humanities librarian at Texas Christian University’s Mary Couts Burnett Library. Yen-Hong Tran, Dallas, earned a master’s degree in education curriculum and instruction from The University of Texas at Austin and now teaches at Molina High School.

2002

Katie Kirkendall Burrus, Dallas, works as an attorney for Vinson & Elkins LLP. Her husband, Clint Burrus ’03, attends medical school at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.

Cory Galik, Houston, earned a J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center and passed the Texas Bar Exam. She works for the North American Energy Standards Board, the intermediary organization between the federal government and the energy industry that helps develop standards for the wholesale and retail gas and electricity markets. Natalie Munoz, Austin, works as a student development specialist in the office of the dean of fine arts at The University of Texas and serves as staff advisor for first and second year students. Dr. Wendy Hayter Snyder, Round Rock, graduated from The University of Texas College of Pharmacy in 2007 with a doctorate in pharmacy.

BIRthS ctd. To Jennifer and Jimmy Stanton ’96, Houston, daughter Laura Katherine Stanton, April 9, 2008. To Amy and Michael C. Strippoli ’96, Austin, twin sons, Nolan Carlo Strippoli and Wyatt Roland Strippoli, March 18, 2008.

IN MEMORIAM Sue Birdwell alves ’51, Lafayette, La., March 31, 2008 William S. Baker ’67, Austin, April 22, 2008 Jean Wilson Blair ’48, Sacramento, Calif., May 14, 2008

IN MEMORIAM ctd.

Martha Shaw Caswell ’44, Minneapolis, Minn., Dec. 22, 2007 efﬁe Shivers Cervenka ’41, Georgetown, April 15, 2008 r. L. Cooper ’45, Glorieta, N.M., March 17, 2008 dr. a. hugh haynes ’50, Lubbock, March 5, 2008 Mary Grace horrigan ’47, Houston, April 13, 2008 ernest M. howard ’71 and ’46, Austin, Feb. 18, 2008 pauline rosene hunter ’48, Seattle, Wash., Feb. 11, 2008 dorothy Swenson Jonas ’51, Houston, April 18, 2008 Michael J. Jones ’69, San Antonio, Nov. 11, 2007 John r. Keller ’70, Houston, May 25, 2008 eleanor Beaty Kershner ’46, Round Rock, Nov. 28, 2007 asa d. Laughlin ’40, Clute, May 19, 2007 robert S. Mann ’70, Mesquite, April 13, 2008 Suzanne runyan Moore ’59, Pisgah Forest, N.C., March 3, 2008 horace h. neilson Jr. ’39, Greenville, March 1, 2008 thomas B. popejoy ’38, Temple, Nov. 19, 2007 Leslie Lepar prothro ’69, Pﬂugerville, April 10, 2008 Lucile Smith rowntree ’32, Grand Prairie, March 9, 2008 Clara Mae Blocksom Smith ’50, Roswell, N.M., May 1, 2008 paul r. von Bieberstein ’43, Houston, March 13, 2008 Kathleen alef henley yantis ’46, Brownwood, April 22, 2008

Southwestern Magazine

2002 ctd.

Sarah horton St. Louis, Austin, works from home for California Pizza kitchen corporate office, where she was promoted to training and new store openings coordinator.

2003

Blayne naylor Blandford, Tyler, works as an emergency room nurse. Her husband, Blair, is an HVAC technician.

Clint Burrus, Dallas [see 2002].

more than just me,” said Stern. To learn more about DmD, visit www.jettfoundation.org.

2005

adam Bates, Austin, works as a business development officer for the Austin Technology incubator while pursuing a master of science degree in science and technology commercialization at The university of Texas. Cassandra Whitaker, Austin, has begun a new career as a future independent sales director for mary kay, inc.

amy emerson, Austin, works as an associate at Lloyd Gosselink Rochelle & Townsend, P.C. after receiving a j.D. from The university of Texas School of Law. Her practice focuses on environmental, construction and general litigation.

2006

2004

Valerie Borhauer, Corpus Christi, works for Sinton iSD as the 7th and 8 th grade special education life skills teacher.

dr. travis Bias, Houston, graduated from the Texas College of Osteopathic medicine at the university of north Texas Health Science Center in Fort worth and is now a resident physician in family medicine at memorial Hermann Hospital Southwest.

Charlie Stern, washington D.C., works as a program examiner for the white House Office of management and Budget. This spring he ran the Boston marathon to raise money for the jett Foundation, a Pembroke, mass.-based organization dedicated to raising awareness and funds for Duchenne muscular Dystrophy (DmD) research. “Qualifying for Boston was always a personal goal, but the race was especially meaningful because it was about

Clair Baker, washington, D.C., works as the scheduler for Congressman john kline of minnesota.

Jessica powers Spangle, Friendswood, works as an event coordinator for the Toyota Center and the Houston Rockets, executing large scale events such as concerts, Houston Rockets games and Houston Aeros games.

2007

narda hernandez, new Orleans, La., serves as an AmeriCorps ViSTA volunteer at Tulane university and recently had the opportunity to meet with first lady Laura Bush to discuss her work and other recovery efforts. Miranda Moonilal, Austin, works as an investment advisor representative for waddell & Reed.

A lifelong learning opportunity from The Association of Southwestern University Alumni

magine yourself amid the rolling hills of Tuscany, blanketed with verdant vineyards, olive groves and cypress trees. From a classic villa in the idyllic village of Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, travel to the hilltop Etruscan town of Volterra. Visit San Gimignano, a medieval “Manhattan;” charming Castellina dominated by its imposing fortress; the market town of Greve; and Castello di Monsanto, where you’ll sip the region’s distinctive wine. Walk inside the ancient walls of Lucca, and admire the spectacular artistic and architectural wonders of Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance. In Siena, stroll along narrow cobblestone streets lined with Gothic buildings, and visit the city’s magniﬁcent Duomo. Join Southwestern University alumni, parents, faculty and friends for an incredible northern Italian tour at the height of the wine season. Approximately $2,495 per person, plus airfare and value-added tax (V.A.T.), based on double occupancy.

Spring 2008 www.southwestern.edu

THE LAST WORD

Thank You! A letter to President Schrum reprinted with the kind permission of Southwestern parent Pamela Vonderheide

It is with heartfelt thanks that I am writing this letter to you. My daughter, Kristen Vonderheide, is a May, 2008 graduate of Southwestern University. She received a degree in biology with a minor in psychology. Our family is so proud of all of Kristen’s accomplishments. Not only was she a member of the Paideia® Program, but she also received a Dixon Scholarship. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who gave Kristin the chance to attend Southwestern. From the first day when Judy Hu met us up in Houston for an initial interview, I knew your school was awesome. We visited several other schools, but the moment we visited the campus of Southwestern, all of us knew this was “the one.” After four years of learning and growing, I am honored to say that Kristen was part of the Southwestern family.

The care and commitment your faculty and staff give only proves why Southwestern University has such an acclaimed reputation. We would like to thank all of the people who awarded Kristen the Dixon Scholarship. This was an opportunity of a lifetime. My husband Stephen and I cannot thank you enough for this kind gift. Because of your generosity, Kristin will now be able to carry out her dreams of working in the field of science. She plans to continue her education and get a Doctoral Degree. I know Kristen will inspire others the way that you have inspired her to strive for lifelong success. Thank you once again for all that you do. We wish you much success and happiness in the years to come.

the dixon Scholarship

$1.6m received toward $6m goal 65

Southwestern Magazine

The Texas methodist Foundation administers a scholarship program to benefit African-American, Hispanic and native American students who choose to attend Southwestern university. A diverse student body improves educational outcomes for all students by bringing varied perspectives to class discussions, campus activities and leadership and service projects. These scholarships are given in honor of a leading advocate of higher education—the late united methodist Bishop ernest T. Dixon, jr.

Summer 2008

Mandy Solin Director of Creative Services Kalie trueper ’08 Editorial Coordinator Antonio Banda Graphic Designer Joshua Logsdon Graphic Designer, Web Magazine Design magazine @ southwestern.edu BOARD OF TRuSTEES Merriman Morton ’63, Austin, Chair helen e. Black Mcallister ’49, San Antonio, Co-Vice Chair Larry J. haynes ’72, Dallas, Co-Vice Chair R. Grifﬁn Lord, Belton, Secretary-Treasurer Martin aleman Jr. ’68, Austin Mitch Barnett ’07, Austin douglas M. Benold ’44, Georgetown W. Earl Bledsoe*, Dallas ann tyrrell Cochran ’72*, Houston Bobby Smith Cohn, Houston W. Mark Craig, Dallas Roy H. Cullen, Houston John S. Curry ’70, Pampa James E. Dorff*, San Antonio robert W. dupuy ’69, Dallas thomas a. Forbes ’71, Austin James W. Foster ’72, Houston Jack Garey, Georgetown roberto L. Gómez ’69, Mission Robert H. Graham, Houston Kay Granger, Fort Worth Ronald D. Henderson, Plano Janice Riggle Huie*, Houston

robert W. Karr ’71, St. Louis, Missouri W. Joseph King ’93, Fort Worth Bart C. Koontz ’78, San Antonio J. Michael Lowry*, Fort Worth red McCombs ’49, San Antonio Michael McKee, Hurst J. eric McKinney ’72, Georgetown Laura a. Merrill ‘84, Wimberley Charles r. Millikan ’68, Houston James W. Moore, Fairview Barbara prats neely ’77, Fort Worth ernesto nieto ’64, Kyle Steven a. raben ’63*, Houston robert t. rork ’62, San Antonio Jake B. Schrum ’68*, Georgetown Robert C. Scott, San Antonio peter a. Sessions ’78, Dallas Namiqa A. Shipman, Big Spring donald W. underwood ’70, Plano James V. Walzel, Houston D. Max Whitﬁeld*, Albuquerque, N.M. doak M. Worley iV ‘08, Round Rock Robert D. Wunsch, Austin

*Ex-Ofﬁcio

ALuMNI & PARENT RELATIONS Georgianne hewett ’90 Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations Amanda Randall Assistant Director for Alumni Relations daniel Webb ’08 Assistant Director for Alumni Relations alumni @ southwestern.edu uNIVERSITY RELATIONS Cindy Locke Associate Vice President for university Relations Ellen Davis Director of Communications John Kotarski ’93 Director of Web Development and Communication CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS Jake B. Schrum ’68, President Richard L. Anderson, Vice President for Fiscal Affairs Gerald Brody, Vice President for Student Life

SOuTHWESTERN uNIVERSITY’S CORE PuRPOSE

James W. Hunt, Provost and Dean of the Faculty

Fostering a liberal arts community whose values and actions encourage contributions toward the well-being of humanity.

J. eric McKinney ‘72, Interim university Chaplain

SOuTHWESTERN uNIVERSITY’S CORE VALuES Cultivating academic excellence. Promoting lifelong learning and a passion for intellectual and personal growth. Fostering diverse perspectives. Being true to one’s self and others. Respecting the worth and dignity of persons. Encouraging activism in the pursuit of justice and the common good. Southwestern university’s recruiting of students, awarding of fi nancial aid, and operation of programs and facilities are without regard to sex, race, color, religion, age, physical handicap, national or ethnic origin, or any other impermissible factor. The university’s commitment to equal opportunity includes nondiscrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Southwestern magazine is printed on Galerie Art Cover and Text, which is made from 30 percent post-consumer fi ber. It is printed by The Whitley Printing Company in Austin, which is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

C. Richard McKelvey, Vice President for Institutional Advancement thomas J. oliver ’89, Vice President for Enrollment Services Francie Schroeder, Executive Assistant to the President Ronald L. Swain, Senior Advisor to the President for Strategic Planning and Assessment Telephone: (512) 863-6511

Southwestern magazine is published three times annually by the Ofﬁce of Institutional Advancement. Bulk rate postage paid at Austin, Texas.

Spring 2008 www.southwestern.edu

“ There are really cool

things going on here at Southwestern.

As students, we kind of lose track of that because we’re here and we’re in it, but when you step outside and look at it from other people’s points of view, you see that it’s a remarkable place.”

Brian Diggs

–Mary Kierst ’08

Southwestern University Georgetown, Texas 78626

Non Profit Org. US Postage PAID Austin, Texas Permit 25