Southwestern Fall 2012

fall 2012

CUT & PASTE The Southwestern Experience: Intentional, Integrated, Interdisciplinary

Howard Hughes Medical Institute Supports the Sciences at Southwestern Southwestern University is one of 47 colleges selected to participate in a $50 million science education initiative sponsored by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI).

Southwestern will receive $1.3 million from HHMI to transform its undergraduate science education program over the next four years.

The grant will be used to implement an “inquiry-based” (hands-on) curriculum across all departments in the Natural Sciences Division – Animal Behavior, Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kinesiology, Mathematics and Computer Science, and Physics.

Southwestern will also use the grant money to double the amount of student-faculty collaborative summer research projects it funds.

With HHMI funding, student-faculty collaborative research in most of the natural sciences will be consolidated into a single interdisciplinary program called the Southwestern Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE).

Southwestern’s planned new science facility, designed with collaboration in mind, will foster a cross-disciplinary community and enhance Southwestern’s tradition of excellence in science education.

Your help is needed to make this collaboration a reality. To learn more about the new Southwestern Science Center, or to make a gift, visit www.southwestern.edu/giving/sciences.

interested in—not necessarily what I’m teaching them— inevitably, everyone gets involved and we always bring it back to what’s happening in class. Making connections—that’s what I’m shooting for.”

fall 2012

—Martín Gonzalez Associate Professor of Biology

University Relations Office of Communications Associate Vice President, Communications Cindy Locke Director, Creative Eric Bumgardner Assistant Director, Writer/Editor Kristina W. Moore Assistant Director, Senior Designer Antonio Banda Director, News and Media Relations Ellen Davis Director, Web Development and Communications John Kotarski ’93 Associate Director, New Media Danielle Stapleton ’05 magazine@southwestern.edu University Relations Office of alumni and parents Associate Vice President, Alumni and Parents Megan Radison Frisque

Learning the Ropes

Features

The Orange Team learns all things Pirate during Pirate Training, the

5 | CUT & Paste Numerous academic and extracurricular opportunities combine to create countless unique and personal Southwestern Experiences.

official kick off to Orientation Week, August 20–24, 2012.

Associate Director, Alumni and Parents JoAnn Lucero Associate Director, Alumni and Parents Grace Josey Pyka ’05

11 | The Liberal (Studio) Arts

alumni@southwestern.edu parents@southwestern.edu

Inherently interdisciplinary, studio art at Southwestern inspires conversation and study across campus and disciplines..

Chief administrative officers Jake B. Schrum ’68, President

14 | #besouthwestern

Richard L. Anderson, Vice President for Fiscal Affairs

Homecoming and Reunion Weekend 2012 schedule.

Gerald Brody, Vice President for Student Life James W. Hunt, Provost and Dean of the Faculty Beverly Jones, University Chaplain

1 9 | on your mark, get set...

W. Joseph King ’93, Vice President for Innovation C. Richard McKelvey, Vice President for University Relations Pamela McQuesten, Vice President for Information Services and Chief Information Officer Francie Schroeder, Executive Assistant to the President Ronald L. Swain, Senior Adviser to the President for Strategic Planning and Assessment Dave Voskuil, Vice President for Enrollment Services CONTACTS Main: (512) 863-6511 Alumni and Parents: (800) 960-6363 Office of Admission: (800) 252-3166 Southwestern is published semiannually by the Office of University Relations, and printed on FSC certified Galerie Art Text by TWG Plus. Bulk rate postage paid at Austin, Texas.

The Jameson 5K at Southwestern honors the memory of Jaysn Jameson ’90 and funds the scholarship established in his name.

On the Cover Eric Godat’s ’12 solar research was too hot to handle. Learn more about Eric and the Southwestern Experience on page 5.

In every issue

Photography by Lance Holt

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President’s Message On Campus Athletics Class Notes Last Word

fall 2012 www.southwestern.edu

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president’s message

Envisioning Retirement

F

ew college and university presidents have the unique honor of leading his or her alma mater. This campus has been home to either my study life or work life (two separate times) for more than 20 years.

During my tenure as Southwestern’s 14th president, I have been fortunate to continue living my own Southwestern Experience and to be part of the Southwestern Experience of more than 3,600 individual students.

Through the help of creative students, record numbers of alumni volunteers, generous donors, accomplished faculty and dedicated staff, much has been achieved at Southwestern during the past 12 years, including 18 new faculty lines, Paideia®, two newly constructed LEED-certified buildings, our Board of Visitors, home for the National Institute for Technology in Liberal Education (NITLE), the return of football in 2013 and, most recently, a prestigious Howard Hughes Medical Institute grant. I am confident, with your ongoing engagement and support, the momentum will continue for our beloved Southwestern.

There are significant challenges ahead; questions regarding the cost and value of higher education are grabbing headlines across our country, causing many to question the benefit of the residential college experience. Living, learning, working, creating, exploring and maturing in a four-year window that’s often described as “the best years of one’s life” grounds my belief in the value of this type of educational experience.

Each day, beyond the exemplary education taking place within the classroom, I witness exceptional

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learning happening outside of the classroom in the most uncommon places—the community garden, the Commons, the academic mall, an athletics field— places for interaction on a personal scale. How to make this education we value more affordable is not only Southwestern’s, but the Academy’s challenge.

No doubt, future Southwestern presidents will need to address this dilemma for the sake of many young minds that, given the opportunity, would flourish on this campus and ultimately help shape a better society.

Jane and I are now looking forward to the next stage of life and to many opportunities—renovating a recently purchased bungalow-style home in Georgetown’s “Old Town” neighborhood; visiting our daughters, Libby and Katie, in Maine and Georgia respectively; writing; traveling; and coming back to many Homecoming and Reunion Weekends. Even though we will be apart from the day-to-day responsibilities as Southwestern’s presidential couple, we hope you will continue to reach out to us and let us know how you are living out Southwestern’s core purpose, “Fostering a liberal arts community whose values and actions encourage contributions toward the well-being of humanity.”

Thank you for the privilege of serving as your president and for the distinct pleasure of getting to share your Southwestern stories. Be Southwestern!

With warmest regards,

CUT & PASTE The Southwestern Experience: Integrated, Intentional, Interdisciplinary

BY KRISTINA MOORE Photography by Lance Holt fall 2012 www.southwestern.edu

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In the three years I’ve been on staff at Southwestern, I’ve heard dozens of people—students, alumni, faculty and staff—talk about their Southwestern Experience.

Bright Future As a Southwestern student, Eric Godat ’12 created and presented a solar collector and thermal battery at the King Creativity Symposium. The double major in math and physics—and avid Cowboys fan—is now pursuing his masters and doctorate degrees in high-energy theoretical physics at SMU.

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To an e x tent, I understand what the expression means. I had my own “experience” at a much larger institution in the Midwest a number of years ago, but intrinsically, I know there’s a difference. To start, I didn’t run into the president of my university in the local coffee shop. Come to think of it, those were pre-Starbucks days so it would have been a sandwich shop, but I didn’t run into him there either.

I also didn’t write research papers or give professional presentations with my professors. I did have a pretty sweet Saturday night babysitting gig for a professor, but I digress. What I’ve come to recognize here at Southwestern is that there are some very special “perks” to attending a school where you have only 1,400 total undergraduate peers and where your professors have the highest possible degrees in their respective fields … and are actively engaged in developing their students’ intellectual maturity. Fascinated by the culture and the environment at Southwestern, my colleagues and I sat down with a group of faculty, students and alumni to delve into what makes the Southwestern Experience truly unique across campus and across decades.

The overall gist of our findings? A general consensus that a large part of the student experience revolves around the collaborative nature of the coursework, within and outside of classroom walls.

For example, Ryan Parks ’01 says, “The reason I came to SU was to study with professors who want to be in class teaching undergraduates. The one-on-one time I had with my professors and the time we spent working as a team have served me very well post-SU. That’s how the work world operates. Work isn’t a boss giving a lecture and testing me later; work is finding out from the boss what the project is, working as a team and then updating the boss.”

One would think that college faculty would be solely focused on the curriculum they teach and/or their personal research interests. Not so at Southwestern.

As Parks says, it’s about the personal connections.

And the sentiment goes beyond the Southwestern campus. Author Nick Pandolfo recently wrote, “It’s all about people, not programs. (Students will) say that the crucial thing for them was sitting down for a one-on-one with a professor. One time in their college career!” [1] David Gaines, associate professor of English and director of Paideia®, says, “Most people take for granted the academic piece at a university—it’s a given—but it’s part of a synergistic process. Writing,

field studies, lab research, performances—everything is enriched by and, at the same time, enriches what goes on in classrooms and professors’ offices, at dining hall tables and in dorm conversations.” While it’s not only about curriculum, it’s also not only about the faculty. Associate Professor of Anthropology Melissa Johnson points out that a prospective student who is a good fit for Southwestern is a “student who wants to discover him or herself, take chances, have the ability to grow and change, and is open to questioning and discovering.”

It is clear that through coursework, as well as activities happening outside the classroom, Southwestern fosters intellectual hunger and interest through multiple opportunities for experiential learning. Just a few of the many examples include First Year Seminars, Paideia, civic engagement, study abroad and leadership positions within various organizations. Recent graduate Matt Stuart ’12, says, “My experiences with baseball and Greek life helped me mature and, at the risk of sounding cliche, taught me about working within group settings and acting in a leadership role.

These are skills that are already serving me well and that will continue to benefit me going forward.”

Collaboration also goes beyond the classroom and the curriculum. Associate Professor of Theatre Desi Roybal explains, “It’s about finding connections. New ideas may develop or not, but we give them a place to start; even one can make an impact.” Gaines adds, “Students bring back to the classroom a raised level of awareness that leads to conversation and connection about ‘the big so what’—what really matters— social justice, community, quality of life, employment.

Students have choices and variety; it’s a blessing that our small size makes this possible.”

Connections are especially evident and frequent in the natural sciences. According to Associate Professor of Biology Martín Gonzalez, “In the research lab, students get a true one-on-one experience. During their sophomore year, students start coming to the lab. By their senior year, you can see the growth in maturity. They learn that they’re going to break things and they’re going to mess up, but they can’t dwell on it. I tell them, ‘Learn from it and move on.’”

Those who take advantage of these opportunities often don’t realize what they have until they leave campus…or the country. Senior Kira McEntire says, “I didn’t realize the magnitude of the experience I was getting at SU until I went abroad to Turks & Caicos with the School for Field Studies. We had to give a

OPPORTUNITIES presentation at the end; because I had given one as a first year student for the Student Works Symposium, I didn’t think it was a big deal. But, almost no one else had ever before given a scientific presentation; they didn’t know how to interpret results or what to do at all. It made me realize the opportunities I have at SU.” Parks also shares an example of faculty involvement. “I interned with an accounting firm in Houston.

Associate Professor of Business Fred Sellers was my internship adviser and he actually came to see me at my internship to check in.” Having completed more than one internship myself, this writer can attest that a visit to your internship from your adviser is not typical.

Gonzalez believes that Southwestern is also unique in that students often take advantage of the opportunity to double major, or have a major and a minor that are seemingly unrelated. “When this happens,” he says, “it brings something special into my classroom.” For example, one of his biology students who also took art history talked in biology class about how bacteria played a role in the deterioration of ancient art collections. “When students talk about what they are interested in—not necessarily what I’m teaching them—inevitably, everyone gets involved and we always bring it back to what’s happening in class.

Making connections—that’s what I’m shooting for.”

My ability to think critically, my friendships and relationships with mentors, my spiritual and political viewpoints, have all been informed by my time at Southwestern...

When this happens, as it often does at Southwestern, there is value added in both directions. Gonzalez explains, “If my students have learned as much from me as I have from them, then I’ve done a good job.”

McEntire adds that connections and social interaction outside the classroom is important as well, to enhance relationships and encourage conversation. “I can have an intense philosophical discussion over lunch in the Commons—I love that about Southwestern.”

Senior Christina Hadly, a double business and art history major, has taken what she’s learning in her

Civic Engagement/Service Learning

The Office of Civic Engagement at Southwestern collaborates with students, faculty and the greater community to move beyond traditional practices of volunteerism, service, activism and community-based learning.

Director of Civic Engagement Sarah Brackmann says civic engagement can take many forms, including internships, activism, service, outreach, community-based research and communitybased learning.

Brackmann, who comes to Southwestern with a Ph.D. in higher education from the University of Georgia, is looking forward to building upon the activism already taking place on campus and to working with students and faculty to connect the co-curricular with the academic.

“My goal is to help make connections; help connect the dots. I want students to consider the bigger social issues and what their responsibility and roles are in promoting change,” she says.

“At some point we all come face to face with our own stereotypes, which leads to determining our personal values that we then work into our personal life vision. I believe that experiential learning here at Southwestern can help foster that process.”

To learn more about civic engagement at Southwestern, go to www.southwestern.edu/offices/ civicengagement.

Study Abroad/Intercultural Learning Southwestern believes that cross-cultural awareness is an integral part of a liberal arts education. Studying abroad can bring a fresh perspective to international political and economic issues, interpersonal relationships and career choices. A summer, semester or year spent overseas can open a window to an as yet undiscovered world and shed light on past experiences and preconceptions.

Tisha Temple, director of intercultural learning, joins the Southwestern staff with a Master of Arts in international education from the School for International Training Graduate Institute in Brattleboro, Vt., as well as six years of experience as a study abroad adviser.

Likely even more valuable to the Southwestern students with whom she now works is Temple’s personal experience living and studying abroad in Ushuaia, Argentina, as a high school student and in Costa Rica as a college student. It was in South America that she began helping other students who hadn’t studied or lived abroad, and realized what her future career would be.

Temple’s belief is that anyone can study abroad. Her aim is to share with students the benefits of doing so, including gaining a different world perspective, improving foreign language skills, and the opportunity to try something new. “It’s important from a global perspective,” she says.

“You encounter people with an entirely different point of view and can learn a lot from them; for example, taking an American Studies class with an international perspective.”

Learn more about study abroad programs at Southwestern by visiting www.southwestern.edu/ offices/international/index.php.

Office of Diversity Education Assistant Dean for Student Multicultural Affairs Terri Johnson is now a one-year veteran in the Office of Diversity Education (ODE). She continues to collaborate with faculty, student leaders and campus organizations like the Diversity Enrichment Committee (DEC) and the Coalition for Diversity and Social Justice (CDSJ), encouraging our community to consider how we are alike rather than different.

“One of Southwestern’s Core Values is to foster diverse perspectives,” Johnson says. “My goal is to help everyone feel comfortable on campus, which can be achieved through open, honest conversation, which leads to more diverse perspectives, which then lead to more informed discussions in and out of classrooms.”

Junior Carley Arnold agrees, saying that her involvement with the ODE and CDSJ has taught her that “learning other people’s perspectives helps you feel empathy and helps you be more open to other ideas and opinions in the classroom.”

Johnson’s belief is that we’re all interconnected, we all care about Southwestern, and we all need to feel safe. With that in mind, she encourages the campus community daily to “listen to each other’s stories and respect each other as human beings.”

Read some of Johnson’s story in Last Word on page 30. Learn more about the ODE, DEC and CDSJ at www.southwestern.edu/about/diversity/office.php. fall 2012 www.southwestern.edu

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“What we do is provide intentional, structured ways—through civic engagement, intercultural experiences, Paideia and Career Services—to reflect and connect each experience with what they’ve read and to learn how each experience is related to an integrated education and a fulfilling life.”

—David Gaines Associate Professor of English

What IS the Southwestern Experience? A discussion among faculty, staff, students and alumni sheds some light on the intentional,

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integrated, interdisciplinary—and yet entirely unique—experience Southwestern students have, across the miles and the years.

Pieces of the Puzzle Discussion participants included— clockwise from top left— Jaime Woody, dean of students; Sarah Brackmann, director of civic engagement; Martín Gonzalez, associate professor of biology; Carley Arnold ’14; David Gaines, associate professor of English; Melissa Johnson, associate professor of anthropology; Kira McEntire ’13; Don Gregory, head men's soccer coach; Desi Roybal, associate professor of theatre; Ryan Parks ’01.

Photography by Kris Luck

fall 2012 www.southwestern.edu

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Give Me an A...

As a music major on the Dean's List, Katie De La Vega ’12 conducted works by Mozart, Vogler, Brahms and Victoria; played viola in the Southwestern String Quartet; and performed as the soprano soloist for the premier of Haydn's

Paukenmesse in China.

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classes and is applying it in the organizations in which she is involved, including the cross country and track team, Tri-Delta sorority and Student Foundation, as well as her job in the Office of University Events. She says, “I also took what I learned in my business classes to my study abroad experience in Spain and, in turn, I brought back the first-hand experiences I had there to my Southwestern classrooms.” These experiences help Hadly—as she prepares to enter the post-graduate workplace—to be confident that she is “marketable, well rounded, and able to think critically and consider a variety of view points.” Exactly the goal of a liberal arts institution, and the Core Purpose of Southwestern University: “Fostering a liberal arts community whose values and actions encourage contributions toward the well-being of humanity.”

Johnson says Southwestern’s intentional integration of experiences and the mutual building upon those experiences is the “hallmark of a liberal arts education.” Gonzalez adds, “Many individuals believe all small schools are liberal arts schools—they’re not necessarily the same. Addressing questions and issues via a multi-disciplinary approach is what a liberal arts eduction is all about and what makes it special.”

For the most part, experiential learning at Southwestern begins in the First Year Seminar in ways students aren’t yet familiar. “When students arrive on campus, they often have the notion that things aren’t connected,” says Gaines. “What we do is provide intentional, structured ways—through civic engagement, intercultural experiences, Paideia and Career Services—to reflect and connect each experience with what they’ve read and to learn how each experience is related to an integrated education and a fulfilling life.”

Southwestern’s size makes it possible for experiential learning to be central to the experience, and students have multiple opportunities. By the numbers:  50 percent study abroad.  60 percent have at least one internship experience.  90 percent participate in varsity or intramural athletics.  90 registered student organizations are available—from government to Greek organizations, scholastic groups to sports.

Any combination of these things put together result in a unique and individual Southwestern Experience.

Parks explains, “My ability to think critically, my friendships and relationships with mentors, my spiritual and political viewpoints, have all been informed by my time at Southwestern—from the texts I read in religion class to the logical fallacies I learned in English to the organizations in which I participated.”

McEntire agrees, “My FYS, ‘Going to the Dogs,’ was the beginning of my interest in working with animals.

I still volunteer at the animal shelter three times-aweek.” Even though her passion for animals has little to do with her environmental studies major, McEntire considers her involvement a positive experience, “It’s a stress reliever. It allows me to connect with the broader Georgetown community.” She believes she speaks for many when she says the connections made between classes and organizations lead to conversations inside and outside the classroom.

What pulls it all together? In this writer’s opinion, it’s a merging of minds; a collaboration between those who want to learn from each other—students whose minds are open and the professors who have a genuine interest in not only teaching, but also connecting with them.

Don Gregory, head men’s soccer coach, describes Southwestern as an “open book,” where it’s up to each student whether they want to immerse themselves in many things or one thing. “Division III schools can be places where students can observe and challenge the way things are, in order to devise new and more efficient ways to create connections; where we (figuratively) fall out of trees, scrape our knees, get up and move forward.” Gregory, who was educated at a liberal arts college himself and who has been called a “rockstar” in the area of civic engagement, says (humbly) that he simply has “a passion for energizing people who care.” He explains that programs like Paideia and study abroad give students the “opportunity to make meaningful and purposeful connections, collaborate to find solutions, cope with social responsibility and make human connections.”

The fact is that some or all of these things—and many more—have shaped the lives of more than 23,000 alumni over the course of 170+ years. While it may look, sound, smell or feel different today than it did yesterday …or 20 or 50 years ago... be assured, the Southwestern Experience remains alive and well on campus and beyond.

So, I ask you—a graduate of Southwestern—what comes to mind when someone asks about your Southwestern Experience? The beauty of campus or that unique place where you studied abroad? Fraternity brothers or sorority sisters? The game-winning shot, right at the buzzer? How about your favorite class or professor? As you consider how these things have affected or influenced your lifelong Southwestern Experience, I would urge you to continue to “Be Southwestern” by sharing your story with others— prospective students and their parents; colleagues and employers who may interview a Southwestern student for an internship or permanent employment; or high school counselors who may recommend Southwestern to their students. And, if you’d care to share your story with me, please do so at magazine@southwestern.edu. 

For more ideas on how to Be Southwestern: www.southwestern.edu/pride  To learn who we’re looking for: www.southwestern.edu/admission/who/index.php  To refer a student: www.southwestern.edu/referral 

[1] Pandolfo, N., (May 29, 2012), Q&A: Personal connections are crucial in college, Retrieved from www.postcrescent.com.

academics in focus

The Liberal [Studio] Arts Breaking down silos to find the connections between disciplines “The Bauhaus curriculum existed within the modernist movement; we live in a post-modern world.”

—Victoria Star Varner E vo lving fr o m a B auhaus style of teaching, Southwestern’s Studio Art Department has, for more than 25 years, taken on a more liberal arts structure.

Along with only a few other art schools around the country, Southwestern has moved away from the Bauhaus model—a traditional, painstaking, handcrafted approach to teaching college-level art. This approach has, for the better part of the last century, introduced students to the basics of drawing, color, light and design in two and three dimensions through a unified set of “foundation” courses, regardless of the individual student’s specific interests or future area of specialization. [1] The move has been to integrate art into the liberal arts curriculum. At Southwestern, this means that design principles are integrated into all classes; certain classes are not required before going on to other classes (e.g., you don’t have to take design and drawing before painting; they can be taken at the same time).

“At Southwestern a concept-driven approach informs the art curriculum rather than focusing strictly on the qualities of artworks’ forms. Not that students don’t get the fundamentals—they still experience rigorous foundations in subjects like figure drawing and sculpture, which require traditional anatomical study—but art theory and contemporary socio-political issues are introduced in beginning classes as well,” says Star Varner, professor of art and studio art chair in the Art and Art History Department.

“By the time students graduate, they are expected to situate their work within contextualized theoretical, political and social problems, and understand the historical precedents for their art.”

The goal of the Art Department is to teach students to think in creative ways, not just prepare them for a career. “Art is inherently interdisciplinary,” says Varner.

“We teach students to imagine new ways of thinking to express their ideas about contemporary culture from a wide range of perspectives.”

According to Professor of Art Patrick Veerkamp, this philosophy is very unique to Southwestern. “Our approach not only allows other majors to get into art classes, but gives them the chance to devote some

Professor of Art Victoria Star Varner (above left) helps students frame their ideas within historical and theoretical contexts, so— through their art— they may lead active lives of both creative and intellectual inquiry.

fall 2012 www.southwestern.edu

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energy to studying art in a serious way.” He says that while this happens regularly at Southwestern, it is not the norm in most fine arts programs. “We’ve had non-majors who took art classes and were able to take

for his required general education fine arts course.

Subsequently, he took all of the painting courses at Southwestern and pursued a master’s degree in art conservation at SUNY, Buffalo. He is now Chief Conservator at the Menil Collection in Houston, considered by many to be one of the more important art collections in the U.S. Students who enter Southwestern dedicated to becoming artists and who major in art have been very successful in continuing their art practices independently or starting graphic design companies after graduation. Sometimes, serendipity intervenes. Varner recalls that when Daniel Gardner ’99 wandered past the art table at registration, she asked, “Would you like to take an art class?” His Answer? “Sure!” He took as many ceramics classes as he could while completing his degree in English. His artwork earned him a place in the highly selective graduate program at Indiana University, Bloomington.

Students also combine their interests with other passions. Zabrina Diaz ’03, for example, was an art major who took psychology classes to prepare for a master’s degree in art therapy, which she completed at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

The most recent example of a true art-in-theliberal arts experience is that of Morgan Bailey ’12, who earned both a Bachelor of Fine Arts in art and a Bachelor of Arts in biology. Bailey’s senior art exhibit, titled “The Stories of Scars: A Cartographic Narrative,” featured work that she says “speaks of biological elements intertwined with cartographic references in a collaboration of seemingly unrelated ideas that form these mixed media paintings.” Bailey is now attending medical school at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and hopes to continue making and exhibiting her work.

STUDIO Art in the Liberal Arts

Professor of Art Patrick Veerkamp (top, right) teaches basic techniques to first year ceramics students and hopes that their lives will be enriched through the process, whether or not they are art majors.

Professor of Art Mary Visser (bottom, center) works to give her students a clear understanding of how art works as a visual language, and how they can use the sculptural medium to express their own ideas about the world around them.

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their newly found passion to a serious level, in addition to their major.”

Professor of Art Mary Visser, named to the Herman Brown Chair in 2012, is one of a group of international sculptors who have pioneered the use of rapid prototyping in creating sculptural forms. She says, “College is a time to explore as much as possible.

Many of our students arrive on campus having no idea that they want to study art, and even those who do tend to broaden their interests and choose more than one medium or field of study.” Case in point, Heather Carter ’94, now a practicing sculptor, makes sustainable living the content of her public art for hospitals and libraries, as well as in her life.

Carlos Barron Jr. ’10 developed a unique vision in photography of the microscopic world of insects and now works with an architectural firm producing rare images of the way light creates the structural world of architectural forms. Brad Epley ’91 was a chemistry major at Southwestern when he took Painting I

According to Southwestern’s art faculty, one of the department’s greatest strengths is that it functions within the context of a national liberal arts institution, allowing students to discover how their interest in and love of art can work within the context of their chosen career. Veerkamp says, “Because the University is small in size, we have the opportunity to get to know our students and their passions, so we can suggest options for combining their interests in ways they may not have considered.”

Varner adds, “We appreciate that our admission counselors bring in intelligent students who have a wide range of interests; who come here to develop critical thinking and analytical skills. They bring ideas from other classes into art classrooms and want them to be part of their art. This is essential to the liberal arts experience.” She says that by the time they graduate, Southwestern art students are “well prepared to do a lot of things—art conservation, arts management, medical illustration and more.” Visser says, “There is always room in the world for artists, and if you’re good, you can make a career of it. Most of our students go on to graduate school; work in museums, galleries or on their own; or they teach.” Southwestern’s ability to prepare its art students for success is evident, as

shown in the Fiske Guide to Colleges, which has listed Southwestern University among the top 25 small colleges and universities strong in art or design since at least 2006.

Just a few art alumni who have found themselves in a variety of careers: Bailey Kinkel ’06 graduated from Harvard University with a master’s degree in landscape architecture, having first developed her interest in land art and theory in her advanced painting classes at SU. Arturo Palacios ’97 is founder, owner and operator of Art Palace Gallery, formerly in Austin and currently in Houston.

Nicole Hilborn ’99 earned a master’s degree in medical illustration from The University of Texas Health Science Center in Dallas.

Meili Peterson ’03 holds an M.F.A. from American University. Her work has been exhibited in Austin, Dallas and Brooklyn, N.Y. in the past year.

Peterson reflects, “Southwestern challenged me, and it offered an array of opportunities to express myself artistically and academically."

Because the Art Department has been teaching in an interdisciplinary way for years, faculty agree that studio art will fit perfectly into Paideia® as it becomes part of the core curriculum. “The whole idea is to look for connections,” says Veerkamp, who is one of the original Paideia professors. Some ideas of how art classes will fit into the Paideia clusters include: anthropology and the study of artifacts works well with ceramics; Raku (a process by which pottery is fired at a relatively low temperature and then moved while hot to a closed container with combustible materials that ignite and cause a reaction, creating colors and patterns in the pottery’s surface) as an element in Buddhist thought, would work well with religion or philosophy.

In addition to studio art courses, faculty feel strongly that—although it is no longer a degree requirement— studying art history is “absolutely essential” to understanding influences and iconography. Varner explains, “In contemporary art, one must imagine what is currently unimaginable; must understand the parameters of culture and try to push beyond them.” In a liberal arts context, this means studying a culture from a wide range of perspectives, thinking critically about its limitations, reconsidering and pushing beyond those limitations. The most important thing students can learn, according to Visser, is to “think fully, critically and full-circle, and to be involved, knowing what it is you’re involved in—doing this will add voice to your content.”

Varner concludes, “What we hope for all of our students, regardless of major, is that they will be able to think more openly, analytically and creatively, so their lives will be enriched by having well-honed, well-educated imaginations. What field of inquiry wouldn’t benefit from that?”  [1] Berrett, D. (2011, Oct. 16). Art Schools Build New ‘Foundation’ Across Disciplines. The Chronicle of Higher Education. Retrieved May 23, 2012, from www.chronicle.com.

Building on the Program THE Architecture/Design Minor Since 1985, Southwestern has offered a minor in architecture and design, in which students majoring in any field, including almost any of the humanities, business, science, mathematics or studio art, can pursue a design career. Southwestern’s post-modern architecture program was the first in the country to offer Historical Design (Architecture Studio II) as a regular course.

In addition, Professor of Art History Thomas Howe offers lecture courses in architectural history and studios in introductory architectural design and Professor of Art Patrick Veerkamp teaches courses in design, with projects in industrial and landscape design.

Most graduates apply for Masters of Architecture First Degree programs. To date, Southwestern’s program has an impressive 100 percent acceptance rate of students admitted to graduate design schools in the fields of architecture, interior design, industrial design, landscape architecture, construction contracting, engineering and urban planning.

A liberal arts background serves to endow design professionals with greater depth, flexibility and growth throughout their careers. “Architecture is a whole-brained activity/endeavor,” says Howe. “It is active, intellectual and physical, which is the essence of a liberal arts education.”

Southwestern alumni feel they have been as well prepared for their careers in architecture and design as anyone with a Bachelor of Architecture degree.

Many of Southwestern’s young alumni are already licensed independent architects or chief project designers. Howe says, “That says a lot about Southwestern’s track record: it’s unusual to get into lead positions in the profession within 10 years of earning your undergraduate degree.”

Just a few of the successful alumni in the field include:  Scott Adams ’97. “Scott was a senior pre-med student; then he took an architecture class with me and I ruined his life,” jokes Howe. Adams earned his master’s degree and went on to work for Robert Venturi, founding principal of the firm Venturi, Scott, Brown and Associates, and one of the major figures in 20th century architecture. He is now with Overland Partners in San Antonio and lead designer of a cultural center for Native Americans in Oklahoma.  Amy Robbins Dempsey ’97. A nationally recognized independent architect working in Austin, Dempsey’s work was featured on the cover of the March 2007 issue of Dwell magazine.  Libby Schrum ’00. An independent furniture designer in Maine, Schrum graduated from Southwestern with a degree in kinesiology. Veerkamp says she came back to Southwestern to take design classes, which led her to the Rhode Island School of Design where she received her M.F.A. In 2010, she was awarded the prestigious John D. Mineck award from the Society of Arts and Crafts in Boston, which is presented annually “to individuals who represent a great new talent and demonstrate dedication to the craft of furniture making.”  Julien Meyrat ’98. Now with RTKL Architects in Dallas, Meyrat graduated from Southwestern with a double major in French and political science, with a minor in architectural studies. He worked on the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building in Dubai; was the lead designer of a 54-story office tower in Chengdu, China; and recently celebrated the opening of a mixed-use shopping mall he designed outside Mexico City.

Meyrat—who says his comments on the Art and Art History Department at Southwestern would surely echo those of most alumni—shares, “Dr. Howe gave me an irreplaceable foundation in design and history that informs much of what I do, and Professor Veerkamp allowed me to be hands-on with what I was creating, whether it was working with wood, metal or ceramics.”

He adds, “My experience at Southwestern gave me the ability to research and analyze a design problem from a wide variety of perspectives. I also learned to express my ideas by writing well, which has enabled me to publish a number of articles. My participation and leadership in campus organizations gave me confidence in my roles as a member of the city architectural review board and as the chair of a major international architectural drawing competition.”

Meyrat’s advice to students? “Don’t focus too much on specializing in preparation for a particular career path—that will come. Instead, choose courses in a variety of departments, especially those that will lay a foundation for lifelong learning.”

fall 2012 www.southwestern.edu

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Pull this schedule from the center of the magazine, fold it in fourths — long ways first :) — and bring it with you to Homecoming & Reunion Weekend!

WAY TO BE!

Come Be Southwestern at Homecoming & Reunion Weekend 2012. It’s the place to rediscover connections to friends, faculty and staff—then return home and share your experience with others! Be sure to bring this schedule…and your best Southwestern gear…back to campus Nov. 2–4, 2012.

Your lifelong Southwestern Experience continues!

Alumni Homecoming Chair: Susan Peace Holley ’73 Student Homecoming Chair: Erin Bradley ’14

INFORMATION PRE-Register Save time and pre-register online at www.sualumni.net/Homecoming2012, or use the pre-registration form on the cover.

Travel Planning Visit www.sualumni.net/EasyTravel for helpful travel and hotel reservation information.

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Southwestern Magazine

child care Child care is being provided by “Nannies & Grannies,” a licensed child care provider at “All Things Kids” located on the Georgetown Square. Please indicate your interest on the online Homecoming and Reunion Weekend pre-registration form, and a representative will contact you directly. For more information, including pricing: www.sualumni.net/ HomecomingFamilyActivities.

Friday, Nov. 2, 2012  SOS (Semester of Support) for New Teachers 8:30 a.m.

Julie Puett Howry Center

By invitation only. The Education Department invites members of the Class of 2012 who are just finishing their first semester as teachers to share their experiences. RSVP by Oct. 26 to Sue Smith at smiths@southwestern.edu.

e l u d e h c S Hello, My Name Is...

(Write your name and class year, or place your name tag here.)

 “Identity,

Race, Diversity, Humanity: The Creative Works of Letitia Eldredge” 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (1 of 4) A. Frank Smith, Jr. Library Center, Foyer and Special Collections Reading Room

The A. Frank Smith, Jr. Library Center is pleased to present, in connection with the 2012 Writer’s Voice, a gallery featuring the work of artist Letitia Eldredge, highlighting her exquisite ceramic art, paintings and writings. Her art is magical and vibrant, utilizing a cascade of color, shapes and images.  Pirate Golf Classic 11 a.m.

Teravista Golf Club, 4333 Teravista Club Dr., Round Rock 78664

Open to all, this annual fundraising event benefits Pirate Athletics. Individual players and teams are welcome to register by Oct. 26 by visiting www.southwestern.edu/athletics/athletics-pgc.php.  Golden Anniversary and 50+ Society Reception 11:30 a.m.

Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center, McCombs Ballroom (2nd Floor)

Southwestern welcomes the Class of 1962 and the 50+ Society (classes prior to 1961) back to campus.  Golden Anniversary Luncheon and 50+ Society Induction Noon Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center, McCombs Ballroom (2nd Floor)

Members of the Class of 1962 are inducted into the 50+ Society (classes prior to 1962).  Check-in/Information Desk 12–5:30 p.m.

Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center, Bob and Vivian Smith Concourse

Pick-up weekend materials including name tags and tickets for events.  SOS (Semester of Support) for New Teachers Luncheon Noon Julie Puett Howry Center

By invitation only. New teachers are invited to this luncheon to meet with students who are planning to become teachers.  “Identity,

Race, Diversity, Humanity: The Creative Works of Letitia Eldredge” 1:30–4:30 p.m. (2 of 4) A. Frank Smith, Jr. Library Center, Foyer and Special Collections Reading Room

See Friday, 9:30 a.m. description.  Homecoming Cup Dodge Ball Tournament Sponsored by Southwestern Intramural and Recreational Activities (SIRA) 4 p.m.

Corbin J. Robertson Center, Robertson Performance Court

Event Coordinator: Katy Jones ’15 Watch student organizations compete in the first of three Homecoming Cup events of the weekend. Cheer for your favorite organization during their quest for the Cup!

fall 2012 www.southwestern.edu

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Child Care www.sualumni.net/HomecomingFamilyActivities Travel Planning www.sualumni.net/EasyTravel

Full Service: Fri. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 7–11 p.m.; Sat. 7–11 p.m.

Simply-to-Go (sandwiches/salads/beverages): Sat. 12–4 p.m.

Food and Refreshments The Cove, Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center

Pick-up weekend materials including name tags and tickets for events.

Check-in/Information Desk Fri. 12–5:30 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center, Bob and Vivian Smith Concourse

You may need to include “http://” in your smartphone’s browser to access this site.

Southwestern’s Mobile Site/app m.southwestern.edu Mobile Homecoming Schedule southwestern.edu/hrw

At Your Fingertips

Friday, Nov. 2, 2012 CONTINUED  Kappa Delta Chi Sorority Alumnae Dinner 5–7 p.m.

Dorothy Manning Lord Residential Center, Community Room

The sisters of Kappa Delta Chi Sorority invite their returning sisters to a reception and dinner.  Dinner in the Commons 5–6:30 p.m.

Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center, J.E. and L.E. Mabee Commons  Class of 1952: 60th Reunion 5:30 p.m.

Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center, Lynda McCombs Room  Class of 1957: 55th Reunion 5:30 p.m.

Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center, Marsha McCombs Shields Room  Class of 1962: 50th Reunion 5:30 p.m.

Mood-Bridwell Hall, Mood Atrium and Patio  Donor Recognition Event 6:30–9:30 p.m.

F.W. Olin Building, Lobby, Patio, Room 105, Room 110, Room 111

By invitation only. Join us for a fun and informative evening honoring Southwestern’s most generous benefactors: members of the 1840 and Brown Societies, President’s Council and G.O.L.D. President’s Council.  Alumni Hospitality House Open 7 p.m. to midnight Alumni Hospitality House, Julie Puett Howry Center

Strengthen your bonds with other alumni, friends, faculty and staff by dropping in to the Alumni Hospitality House. Remember to bring your I.D.  Class of 1982: Reception 7:30 p.m.

Alumni Hospitality House, Julie Puett Howry Center  Friday Night Live–Homecoming Edition 8 p.m.

Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center, The Cove

Known to students as FNL, this newer campus activity features nationally-touring and local performers. The Homecoming edition will feature Phil Pritchett ’94, with special guest Zac Cleveland ’13.

Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012

Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012 CONTINUED  Alumni in Ministry Fellowship Breakfast 8:30 a.m.

Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center, Lynda McCombs Room

Alumni who serve in all areas of ministry for any religion or denomination are invited to attend this annual event sponsored by the Alumni in Ministry Connection Group, and the Office of Spiritual and Religious Life.  Celebrating 105 Years of Alpha Delta Pi at Southwestern 8:30–10:30 a.m.

Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center, Connie McCombs McNab Room

Alpha Delta Pi alumnae and guests are invited to a breakfast celebration and presentation. The breakfast buffet begins at 8:30 a.m. The presentation begins at 9 a.m.  Physics and Engineering Alumni Reunion 9–10 a.m.

Fondren Jones Science Hall, Room 118

Get together with alumni, students (and their parents) and faculty of the Physics Department. See what our students are doing and talk about what you’ve been doing.  Classes Without Quizzes–A.M. Sessions 10-10:50 a.m. (1 of 2) F.W. Olin Building, Various Classrooms

Open to all. Lifelong learning is a vital part of the Southwestern Experience.

Check the online Homecoming schedule for class offerings.  “Identity,

Race, Diversity, Humanity: The Creative Works of Letitia Eldredge” 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (3 of 4) A. Frank Smith, Jr. Library Center, Foyer and Special Collections Reading Room

See Friday, 9:30 a.m. description.  Homecoming Parade 11–11:30 a.m.

Roy H. Cullen Academic Mall

Parade Coordinator: Annie Emswiler ’15 See Pirates of all ages as they swashbuckle their way through campus.  Homecoming Picnic 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Roy H. Cullen Academic Mall

Reconnect with friends, classmates and faculty over a plate of local barbecue!  Women’s Basketball Alumnae Gathering Noon Corbin J. Robertson Center, Robertson Performance Court

Former and current women’s basketball players will gather with Coach Kerri Brinkoeter ’95.  Check-in/Information Desk 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center, Bob and Vivian Smith Concourse

Pick-up weekend materials including name tags and tickets for events.  12th Annual Jameson 5K at Southwestern, Fun Run/Walk and 1-mile Campus Mosey 8 a.m.

Start/Finish line on Southwestern Blvd., next to Joe S. Mundy Hall

Check-in/Late registration begins at 6:30 a.m. Proceeds benefit the Jaysn Jameson ’90 Memorial Scholarship. For more information and to register, visit www.jameson5K.org.

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Southwestern Magazine

Pre-register by Friday, Oct. 26 by visiting www.sualumni.net/ Homecoming2012

Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012 CONTINUED  Classes Without Quizzes–P.M. Sessions 1:30–2:20 p.m. (2 of 2) F.W. Olin Building, Various Classrooms

Open to all. Lifelong learning is a vital part of the Southwestern Experience.

Check the online Homecoming schedule for class offerings.  Athletics Hall of Fame Committee Meeting 2 p.m.

Corbin J. Robertson Center, Randolph M. “Med” Medley Room  Alumni Hospitality House Open 2 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Alumni Hospitality House, Julie Puett Howry Center

Strengthen your bonds with other alumni, friends, faculty and staff by dropping in to the Alumni Hospitality House. Remember to bring your I.D.  Zeta Tau Alpha Alumnae Gathering 2–3 p.m.

Alumni Hospitality House, Julie Puett Howry Center  Celebrating Diversity with Latinos Unidos, EBONY, Pan-Asian, Kappa Delta Chi, SU Native, Allies and LGBTA

2–4 p.m.

Charles and Elizabeth Prothro Center for Lifelong Learning, Mabee Lobby and Prothro Open Lounge (2nd Floor)

Alumni, parents and friends are invited to a reception celebrating Southwestern’s diversity. Members of these student organizations have united to form an umbrella organization called the Coalition for Diversity and Social Justice.  Sigma Phi Lambda Alumnae and Actives Reception 2–3 p.m.

Sharon Lord Caskey Center, Community Room

Sisters come to reunite and meet new actives. Families and friends are welcome to enjoy light refreshments.

 Delta Zeta Alumnae Reception 2–3:30 p.m.

Dorothy Manning Lord Residential Center, Community Room

This annual gathering celebrates the sisterhood of Delta Zeta at Southwestern.  Alumni Choir Rehearsal 2:30–4 p.m.

The Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center, Choral Room 137  Bridging the Gap: Stories of Liberal Arts in the Real World 3–4 p.m.

Charles and Elizabeth Prothro Center for Lifelong Learning, Career Services Office (1st Floor) and Room 147

Southwestern alumni talk with current students about their “career story” during this networking reception hosted by the Office of Career Services. Questions may be directed to Maria Kruger ’91 by calling 512-863-1346 or by emailing krugerm@southwestern.edu.  Student Organization Receptions 3 p.m.

Current members of student organizations welcome alumni back to campus and invite them to the following receptions:  Alpha Delta Pi Open Chapter Room

Sharon Lord Caskey Center, Alpha Delta Pi Chapter Room

 Alpha Phi Omega-Alpha Gamma Kappa Alumni and Student Gathering

F.W. Olin Building, Lobby Alumni are welcome to gather with current APO-AGK members to share stories and experiences.

 Alpha Xi Delta Open Chapter Room

Sharon Lord Caskey Center, Alpha Xi Delta Chapter Room

 Kappa Alpha Open House

Kappa Alpha House Kappa Alpha Order alumni and guests are invited to see the recent house renovations.

 Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society

Brown-Cody Residence Hall, Lounge A reception for past and present members of the education program to connect and enjoy light snacks. Enter through patio doors near the south courtyard.

 Kappa Sigma Open House

Kappa Sigma House

 Phi Delta Theta Open House

Phi Delta Theta House

 Pi Kappa Alpha Open House

Pi Kappa Alpha House

 Pre-Law Society Reception

Location to be determined. Check online Homecoming schedule.

Come meet current and past Pre-Law Society members.  Zeta Tau Alpha Open Chapter Room

Sharon Lord Caskey Center, Zeta Tau Alpha Chapter Room

fall 2012 www.southwestern.edu

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Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012 CONCLUDED  Delta Omicron Alumni and Student Reception 4-5 p.m.

The Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center, Jim and Pat Walzel Lobby

A meet and greet for current and past members. Refreshments provided.  Alumni Athlete “T-shirt and Tennis Shoe” Reception 4-6 p.m.

Alumni Hospitality House, Julie Puett Howry Center

Reconnect with former and current Pirate athletes, including members of the “S” Association. Meet the coaches, faculty and staff from Pirate Athletics, including the new football, baseball and lacrosse coaches.  Dinner in the Commons 5–6:30 p.m.

Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center, J.E. and L.E. Mabee Commons  The Association of Southwestern University Alumni Awards Presentation and Dinner 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center, McCombs Ballrooms

The Association is proud to honor members of the Southwestern community for their personal and professional achievements.  Class of 1962: Evening on the Town 6 p.m.

The Uptown Social, 501 S. Austin Ave., 4th Floor, Georgetown 78626  Class of 1987: 25th Reunion 6 p.m.

Dorothy Manning Lord Residential Center, Community Room  Class of 2002: 10th Reunion 6:30 p.m.

Charles and Elizabeth Prothro Center for Lifelong Learning, Prothro Open Lounge (2nd Floor)  Class of 1967: 45th Reunion 7 p.m.

The Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center, Caldwell-Carvey Foyer  Class of 1977: 35th Reunion 7 p.m.

San Gabriel House Bed and Breakfast, 1008 E. University Ave., Georgetown 78626  Class of 1982: 30th Reunion 7 p.m.

Cimarron Hills Country Club, 200 Cimarron Hills Trail West, Georgetown 78628  Class of 1972: 40th Reunion 7:30 p.m.

Turner-Fleming House  Class of 1992: 20th Reunion 7:30 p.m.

Mood-Bridwell Hall, Mood Atrium and Patio  Class of 1997: 15th Reunion 8 p.m.

F.W. Olin Building, Lobby and Patio  Class of 2007: 5th Reunion 8 p.m.

Charles and Elizabeth Prothro Center for Lifelong Learning, Mabee Lobby  SING!: Southwestern Through the Years 9 p.m.

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The Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center, Alma Thomas Theater

Co-coordinators: Katie Sokolyk ’13 and Robert Rios ’14. Doors will open at 8:30 p.m.

Open seating. Ticket required. If tickets are still available, you may purchase them at the door. NOTE: SING! may not be appropriate for children under the age of 13.

Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012  Alumni Choir Rehearsal 9:30–10:30 a.m.

Lois Perkins Chapel  Homecoming Brunch 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center, J.E. and L.E. Mabee Commons  Worship Service 11 a.m.

Lois Perkins Chapel

This traditional worship service features music conducted by Professor of Music Kenneth Sheppard and performed by the Alumni Choir, SU Singers and the University Chorale. The service includes the reading of the names of recently deceased alumni and community members.  “Identity,

Race, Diversity, Humanity: The Creative Works of Letitia Eldredge” 12–3 p.m. (4 of 4) A. Frank Smith, Jr. Library Center, Foyer and Special Collections Reading Room

See Friday, 9:30 a.m. description.

Ways to Be! Need some ideas on how to Be Southwestern? Try these on for size!  Share the experience! Invite friends, classmates, faculty and staff to Homecoming and Reunion Weekend!

Pre-register online at www.sualumni. net/Homecoming2012.  Know someone who may be a good fit for Southwestern? Refer a student at www.southwestern.edu/referastudent.  Show your Southwestern Pride!

Purchase SU gear from the Bookstore or the Pirate Athletics website, and wear it proudly.  Tell your story! Spread the word about your Southwestern Experience.

alumni profile

www.sUalumni.net

On Your Mark, Get Set...

Alumni and Friends Run in Memory of 1990 Graduate Lacing shoes, stretching hamstrings, running 3.1 miles through the neighborhoods surrounding campus—these are the Saturday morning traditions of Homecoming and Reunion Weekend.

While the Jameson 5K at Southwestern University has become a cornerstone event of the weekend festivities, the story behind the run is not as well known.

Over the course of the last 12 years, nearly 3,000 Southwestern alumni and friends of the University have run in honor of Jaysn Jameson ’90; a chemistry major and biology minor who “loved to make people laugh as much as he loved Southwestern,” says his sister, Kenda Jameson Evans ’92. The Jameson family lost Jaysn in a scuba diving accident in 1991, yet his memory continues to run through the Southwestern community. After graduating, Kenda, along with family and friends, created the Jaysn Jameson Memorial Scholarship in her brother’s memory.

“My hope is that future generations of students can benefit from a Southwestern education the way Jaysn and I did,” Kenda says. “And, I hope that they don’t take their education and their experience here for granted; it is truly a gift.”

Jaysn and Kenda both received financial aid that allowed them to attend Southwestern. “We wouldn’t have been here without our scholarships,” she says.

“That’s why I thought a scholarship was the best way to honor Jaysn.” While Kenda doesn’t feel that giving to Southwestern is an “obligation,” she says she has a “strong desire to help enable future generations to benefit from an SU education the way Jaysn and I did.”

In 2001 — while running with fellow graduate Mike Frontz ’91 — Kenda hatched a plan to start a 5K run at Southwestern that would help fund the scholarship. “Jaysn was an avid runner,” says Kenda, “so it just made sense.”

The 12th annual Jameson 5K will be held Saturday, Nov. 3, as part of Homecoming and Reunion Weekend.

Because Kenda secures plenty of race sponsors and volunteers to cover the costs of the run, participants can be sure that 100 percent of their registration fees go directly to the scholarship fund. Kenda’s greatest wish is that through the run and the scholarship, she is “being an example for students to pay it forward in the future through their money, time and dedication to the University.”

To date, the Jameson 5K has raised more than $64,000 and funded 13 scholarships. The most recent were awarded to students Jonathan Miley and Nancy Ortega.

“The past three years have been nothing short of a miracle for me,” says Miley, a non-traditional student, who transferred from Tarrant County College. “I am truly grateful for the opportunity to complete my education at Southwestern, and would not have been able to do that without the financial aid I received, including the Jaysn Jameson Memorial Scholarship.

Now, I am on track to graduate with a B.S. in biology in Dec. 2013.”

Kenda Jameson Evans ’92 created the annual Jameson 5K at Southwestern, which funds the Jaysn Jameson ’90 Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship provides need-based assistance for natural science students.

I hope that they don’t take their education and their experience here for granted; it is truly a gift.

Ortega, a senior, adds, “Coming from a low income family, receiving the Jaysn Jameson Memorial Scholarship was truly a blessing. With these hard economic times, my family and I were beginning to worry about financing my final semester at Southwestern but this scholarship helped put our minds at ease. Words cannot describe how grateful I am for this scholarship nor how much it will impact my final chapter at Southwestern.”

Each year, Kenda’s goals include increasing the number of participants so that more money can be raised for the scholarship, as well as continuing to foster good relations between Southwestern and the Georgetown community. She also wants to be sure to keep Jaysn’s memory alive on campus and in the community. “He’d be running with us if he could,” she says. “Jaysn was always my biggest cheerleader, and I believe he still is.”

To learn more and to register for the 12th annual Jameson 5K, visit www.jameson5k.com.

fall 2012 www.southwestern.edu

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on campus

www.southwestern.edu/newsroom

Tops in Texas!

In its recently published “America’s Top Colleges,” Forbes magazine ranks Southwestern University the number two undergraduate college in Texas.

Southwestern is also one of only two Texas universities—public or private—listed in the top 100 colleges and universities in the United States; Rice University is the other.

The Forbes ranking looks at colleges the way a consumer might look at them, with an emphasis on factors such as teaching quality, four-year graduation rate, success after graduation, and the amount of debt with which students graduate. It does not look at factors such as selectivity and reputation, which play a

key role in other rankings of colleges and universities.

“This survey validates what we have known for a long time—that Southwestern is an outstanding investment as well as an extraordinary experience,” says President Jake B. Schrum ’68. “With so many families looking at whether colleges are worth the investment, this outcomes-based ranking couldn’t be more timely.”

Robert W. Karr ’71, chair of Southwestern’s Board of Trustees, echoed Schrum’s reaction to the Forbes ranking, saying, “This is an unadulterated confirmation of our value in the marketplace.”

For many years, Southwestern University has endeavored to provide students, faculty, staff and the community at large with a variety of events that stimulate thought and encourage conversation—the Writer’s Voice, Brown Symposium and Shilling Lecture Series to name a few. Mark your calendars now for these upcoming opportunities:

VOICES

The A. Frank Smith, Jr. Library Center will host an evening with Suzan-Lori Parks, recipient of the Pulitzer Prize in drama for her play Topdog/Underdog. In addition, the Southwestern Theatre Department will perform selections from Parks’ 365 Days/365 Plays in the Alma Thomas Theater Sept. 27-30.

In conjunction with the Writer’s Voice, the library will present a gallery featuring the work of internationally exhibited artist Letitia Eldredge. Magical and vibrant, her exquisite ceramic art, paintings and writings utilize a cascade of color, shapes and provocative images.

Beginning Oct. 2, a limited number of tickets will be available to alumni and may be reserved online at www.sualumni.net/writersvoice2012. If you have questions, contact Debra Keith at keithd@southwestern.edu or at 512-863-1561.

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Sex Talk: A Symposium With Benefits brown symposium XXXV Monday, Jan. 28, 2013

Although sexuality is a difficult issue to discuss, it is crucial that we do so — in our homes and in our communities — to promote sexual health and responsible behavior. The purpose of Brown Symposium XXXV is to start such a discussion. The day-long program will feature Dan Savage, syndicated sex advice columnist and creator of the “It Gets Better” Project; The Rev. Debra W. Haffner, president of Religious Institute and author of From Diapers to Dating: A Parent’s Guide to Raising Sexually Healthy Children; Debby Herbenick, Ph.D., co-director of the Center for Sexual Health Promotion at Indiana University and author of Sex Made Easy; and Pamela M. Wilson, MSW, sexuality education consultant and trainer; author of Our Whole Lives: Sexuality Education for Grades 7-9.

The Symposium will also feature Interludes, an exhibition of paintings by Michael Mogavero, as well as art from the Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction. Curated by Victoria Star Varner, professor of art.

Photo by Stuart Clarke

The Writer’s Voice Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012

Photo by Christopher Staton

Photo by Stephanie Diani

Suzan-Lori Parks

Jane Goodall, Ph.D., DBE roy and margaret shilling lecture series Tuesday, April 2, 2013

The Roy and Margaret Shilling Lecture Series is pleased to welcome world-renowned conservationist and United Nations messenger of peace Jane Goodall to campus in the spring of 2013.

Goodall spent her career studying the lives and ways of chimpanzees in the mountains and valley forests of the Gombe Stream Chimpanzee Reserve in Tanzania, Africa, and established the Gombe Stream Research Center in 1964, which continues her work today.

In 1977, she founded the Jane Goodall Institute for Wildlife Research, Education and Conservation to provide ongoing support for field research on wild chimpanzees.

Goodall has been the subject of television documentaries and the large-screen format film, Jane Goodall’s Wild Chimpanzees (2002), and her list of publications is extensive. Most recently, she wrote Hope for Animals and Their World: How Endangered Species Are Being Rescued from the Brink.

Southwestern Hires Chief Information Officer “Much of what we do as humans is increasingly impacted by our move from a pre-digital to a digital-dominated world,” says Pamela McQuesten, who recently joined the Southwestern community as vice president for information services and chief information officer (CIO).

McQuesten’s first couple of weeks on the job were spent meeting individually with each staff member from the A. Frank Smith, Jr. Library Center and the Office of Information Technology Services. “A big part

of my job right now is to listen, learn and build relationships,” she says.

Beyond that, McQuesten explains that at Southwestern, everyone is actively engaged in experimentation, discovery, learning and sharing while navigating an increasingly digital world. She says collaboration between the library and ITS is important because “digital technology and information will continue to deepen their presence ... and much of that will happen here on campus as we continue to teach our students, create

and share knowledge and enhance this outstanding institution.”

Prior to coming to Southwestern, McQuesten served as the vice president and CIO at Occidental College. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism, a master of arts in education and a Ph.D. in journalism from The University of Texas at Austin, as well as an M.B.A. from St. Mary’s College.

A n e x a m p l e of library information and technology coming together for the good of the community is a project that is being managed by Anne Veerkamp, a library assistant in Special Collections.

Using letters donated to Smith Library’s Special Collections and photographs from archived collections, the first year of Reba McMinn’s Southwestern Experience in 1913 has been reconstructed in a dynamic exhibit in the Library foyer. Using 21st century technology and social media, combined with 20th century photographs and letters, a Facebook page and a Twitter account have been created so that students and friends can follow Reba through her first year at Southwestern. Students are also invited to create a scrapbook of their own college experience and donate it to the Special Collections Archives. Through regular posts, the 100-year gap between 1913 and 2012 will close as the timeless experiences of college students are revealed. For more information, contact veerkama@southwestern.edu.

Kate Stephens ’92 has received

Breaking Down Barriers

several awards for her work with the Utah Conservation Corps’ Inclusive Crew Project. She is seen here (kneeling, in orange), with members of one of the crews

Southwestern graduate earns national recognition for involving People with disabilities in the work of the Utah Conservation Corps Inspired by a former colleague left paralyzed from the chest down after a biking accident, Kate Stephens ’92, program director for the Utah Conservation Corps (UCC), has received national recognition for her efforts to involve disabled people in the Corps’ work.

After graduating from Southwestern with a double major in psychology and sociology, Stephens moved to Logan, Utah, to serve as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer with Options for Independence, a nonresidential independent living center where people with disabilities can learn skills to gain more control and independence over their lives. In 1993, Stephens founded Common Ground Outdoor Adventures, a nonprofit organization that provides adaptive equipment to help

at Tony Grove Lake in the UintaWasatch-Cache National Forest.

make outdoor activities more available to people with disabilities. In 1998, she earned a master’s degree in environmental education from Prescott College with an emphasis on adaptive outdoor education.

Stephens created for UCC the organization’s first “inclusive crew,” which enables crew members with physical disabilities to engage in conservation service projects alongside their counterparts without disabilities through the use of adaptive equipment and accessible programming.

Stephens has received several awards for her work with the Inclusive Crew Project, and in June, she was named a U.S. Forest Service National Honoree for Accessibility Accomplishments—the only non-Forest Service employee to earn this honor. fall 2012 www.southwestern.edu

21

Pirate athletics

GO PIRATES!

The Tex Kassen and Carla Lowry Athlete-of-the-Year awards honor the top male and female athletes at Southwestern in a given academic year. Former Directors of Athletics, Kassen and Lowry were advocates for all student-athletes and expected excellence from all wearing the Southwestern uniform.

www.southwesternpirates.com

Nichols ’12, Tuttle named 2012 Athletes of the Year The 2012 Tex Kassen and Carla Lowry Athlete-ofthe-Year awards will go to volleyball player Christina Nicholls ’12 and sophomore men’s track & field athlete Daniel Tuttle.

Nicholls, a setter from Austin, is the current record holder for most assists in a five-set match (66) and career assists (5,462). She ended her senior season ranked 16th in the nation in assists per set, averaging 10.64, and was less than one assist behind the nation's leader. She was Southwestern volleyball's first NCAA/ AVCA First Team All-America selection, as well as the SCAC Player-of-the-Year, First Team All-SCAC and AVCA First Team All-South Region.

The Pirates ended the 2011-12 season with a 30-4 overall record and 14-0 record in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference. After taking third place at the SCAC Conference Tournament, Southwestern received its seventh consecutive bid to the NCAA National Tournament.

Tuttle, a standout hurdler, sprinter and jumper from

Georgetown, set a new Southwestern record in the 110 hurdles and broke the 16-year-old record in the 400 hurdles. At the 2012 SCAC Championships, he won the 110 hurdles, was second in the 400 hurdles and took third in the triple jump, earning All-SCAC honors in all three events. He also anchored Southwestern's 4x400 relay team, earning the team All-SCAC honors.

He is currently ranked 41st in the nation and was just .23 seconds shy of qualifying for the NCAA Division III Track & Field Championships.

Off the track, Tuttle served as a volunteer coach at Forbes Middle School. His teaching skills and competitive spirit inspired both his athletes and his teammates to strive toward excellence both on and off the field.

Kassen and Lowry are former Southwestern directors of athletics, who expected excellence from all student-athletes who wore the Southwestern uniform.

They had great respect for those who worked hard, were exceptional performers and who exemplified great sportsmanship.

Schwab Garners Top DIII Recognition Head Athletics Trainer Glenn Schwab was announced as the Division III Head Athletics Trainer-of-the-Year at the 63rd Annual National Athletic Training Association (NATA) Convention. Schwab has been NATA Board Certified since 1987 and has been at Southwestern University for 10 years. He has seen much change in the Athletics Department and guided the Athletics Training department through this growth, strengthening the program each step of the way.

"It takes much more than words or a statement to represent the person and Athletics Trainer that Glenn Schwab is,” says Assistant Athletics Trainer and nominator Abbey Petrecca. “Not only does he care for the athletes, but the entire campus community and beyond.”

The National Athletics Trainer-of-the-Year award recognizes one individual for exceptional performance as a head athletics trainer in each of the collegiate divisions. Award recipients are actively involved in their community or campus, professional organizations and promotion of the profession.

Schwab was previously the head athletics trainer at Rhodes College and an assistant athletics trainer at the Virginia Military Institute. He continues to be a leader at Southwestern as demands grow to cover 20 sports in the 2013–14 academic year.

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Southwestern Magazine

CHANGES New Faces in Athletics ABOUND Joe Austin, Southwestern Athletics continues to evolve as the 2012–13 academic year begins. Facilities are being renovated and built, a new athletics logo has been revealed (see below) and staff members are taking on new roles:  Glenn

Schwab has been promoted to Associate Athletics Director and Director of Athletics Training Services.

 Head

Men’s Basketball Coach Bill Raleigh has been promoted to Chair of the Exercise and Sports Science Department.

 Hannah

Long, head volleyball coach and NCAA senior woman administrator, will oversee the Fitness and Recreational Activities classes, assisting Raleigh with NCAA compliance and Schwab with facilities.

announced as Southwestern’s head football coach in February 2012, is charged with reinstating football at a school that hasn’t competed in the sport for more than 62 years.

Austin came to Southwestern after transforming Hanover College’s football program in a short time frame. Prior to Hanover, Austin guided the University of Dubuque to back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in 28 seasons.

A former small-college athlete, Austin played quarterback at St. Ambrose University (Iowa) for two seasons. He suffered a broken vertebrae in his back six games into his sophomore season, requiring reconstructive surgery and ending his playing career, but effectively jump starting his coaching career.

Austin earned a bachelor’s degree in communication studies and a master’s degree in organizational management from Concordia University (St. Paul, Minn.).

Bill Bowman ’92,

former assistant coach and 12-year club coach, was announced as the head men’s lacrosse coach by Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Glada Munt. Bowman has been instrumental in starting the varsity lacrosse program at Southwestern. During his tenure as the head coach of the club team, Bowman amassed a record of 93-75 including a perfect 31-0 conference record spanning five seasons that culminated in five Lone Star Alliance Division II Championships. Each year the Pirates were invited to the National Tournament and advanced to the quarterfinals in 2008.

Southwestern was ranked in the top 15 nationally since 2005 and closed out their final season of club stats ranked ninth in the nation.

Matthew Grosso, a seasoned veteran of women’s lacrosse, was announced as Southwestern University’s first head women’s lacrosse coach. Grosso will build the team for a year before leading the Pirates in action for their inaugural season in spring 2014.

Grosso comes to Southwestern after serving as the head women’s lacrosse coach at Guilford College in Greensboro, N.C. for eight seasons. Grosso made seven straight appearances in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Tournament and is the winningest coach in the team’s history.

Grosso currently serves on the Division III North-South Senior All-Star Committee for the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association and served on the Division III All-American Committee for six years. In addition, Grosso was the color commentator for the NCAA Women’s Lacrosse Semifinals webcast, covering the 2008, 2009 and 2010 Division III contests and 2009 and 2010 Division II games.

Grosso earned a bachelor’s degree in historic architecture and cultural archaeology in 1997 from George Mason University and a master’s degree in athletic program leadership and administration from Goucher College.

R.J. Thomas, a six-year veteran head coach at Hendrix College, is the new head coach for the Pirate baseball team. Coaching some of the conference’s best has become a standard for Thomas, posting 33 players in six years on the All-SCAC Team and at least one player on the All-West Region team in five of his six seasons.

Thomas is a 2004 graduate of the University of Central Arkansas, where he competed on the Bears’ baseball team while earning a degree in business administration.

Pirates Unveil New Athletics Identity Southwestern has revealed its much anticipated new athletics mark, replacing the one created a decade ago.

The new mark consists of an updated design and a wider variety of logo options to represent the Athletics Department and its 20 men’s and women’s varsity teams.

Through an extensive research process, the Athletics Department and the University’s Office of Creative Services staff received feedback from coaches, administrators and student-athletes while developing the updated logo. The refreshed logos maintain the equity Southwestern had acquired in the previous version and hold strong to the Pirate black and gold colors, while providing a more up-todate look that expresses strength and ferocity.

“It is a new era for Southwestern Athletics,” says Glada Munt, associate vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics. “New

sports, new facilities, new staff; what better time to unveil a new logo? We feel that the new logo reflects the dynamic direction of Pirate Athletics.”

The new visual identity will be phased in through normal purchasing cycles with new uniforms, practice gear and accessories donning the new look this season. Merchandise with the new logos is now available at www.southwesternmerchandise.com. The campus bookstore will officially transition to the updated logo in the fall of 2013.

fall 2012 www.southwestern.edu

23

class notes

REUNION YEAR

The Original Social Network The following Class Notes were submitted Sept. 1, 2011 through June 29, 2012. Share your accomplishments, achievements and life milestones with friends and classmates! Submit your Class Note by visiting www.sualumni.net. Select “Connect” from the main menu, then “Class Notes.” You may also email your Class Note to alumni@southwestern.edu.

Class Notes on SUAlumni.net Timely  Searchable by city or category  Exclusive to the SUAlumni.net community  Connected to individual member profiles 

Submit your class note through www.sualumni.net 1.

“Connect” from the menu bar and click on “Class Notes.”

2. Login. Click “Add Class Note.”

3. First-time user? Email alumni@southwestern.edu for your Constituent ID.

1949 Forrest Smith, Dallas, was honored with a life-

time achievement award from the Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) Chapter of the Texas General Counsel Forum.

The organization has also named its annual law scholarship for Smith. A former partner with Bell Nunnally & Martin LLP, Smith retired in 2007 after 13 years with the firm and 55 years of practice. He remains active in private practice and as a mediator. In addition to his work with and support of the DFW Chapter of the General Counsel Forum, Smith sits on the board of directors for numerous charitable and civic organizations in the greater DFW region, including serving as chairman of the Dallas Better Business Bureau and the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. He and his wife, Martha, are the proud parents of five daughters and the grandparents of eight grandchildren.

1954 Bobbie Walker Mabry, Raymond, N.H., is enjoying

a revived interest in her art work. Intrigued by the weathered Mabry Art Gallery sign over her mailbox, a passerby knocked on her door and a few months later, Mabry found herself the center of attention at BeanTowne Coffee House in Hampstead, where 35 of her paintings drew praise and profit from an auction. Since the auction, she says, “I’m going to try to make a comeback ... I’m going to live by my mother’s command. She said, ‘Don’t quit. Don’t you ever quit.’”After graduating from Southwestern, Mabry had a successful career as a technical writer of computer reference manuals. She

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Southwestern Magazine

embraced art in her retirement, painting mostly landscapes and studying with local artists.

1959 The Rev. Joe Wilson, Georgetown, Southwestern

University’s Bishop-in-Residence, has been named the recipient of the 2012 Founder’s Award presented by the Texas Coalition Against the Death Penalty. The award recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to the cause of ending the death penalty.

1962 Dr. Appletree Rodden, Hamburg, Germany, is

a biochemist, physician and cognitive scientist at the Christian Hospital of Quakenbrüeck. He says, “This good ol’ boy from San Angelo has been doing stuff for the past 50 years that I wouldn’t have been doing had it not been for my start at Southwestern.” He says he is currently working (more than) full time as a hospital psychiatrist and is an assistant pastor at the Willhelmsburg Methodist Church in Hamburg (he was previously a brain surgeon). A certified Clinic Clown, Rodden also remains active in brain research and in the German and International Methodist Church. He recently had a book review published in Nature magazine, has translated a book from German into English and has written numerous book chapters over the years.

1967

Alumni Council 2012–2014 Blake Stanford ’81 President * Daryl

Allen ’93

President-Elect * Hector

Ruiz ’10

Class Relations Chair * Ed

Ellis ’64

Nominations and Awards Chair * Susan

Peace Holley ’73

Homecoming and Reunions Chair * Tim

Treviño ’93

Local Associations Chair * Harland

DeWitt ’92

Alumni Connection Groups Chair

Yesenia García ’03 Assembly Program Chair * Marisela

Treviño Orta ’99

Assembly Program Chair-Elect * Ebony

Rose ’02

Alumni Communications Chair * Cynthia

Olson Bourland ’89

Lifelong Learning Chair Jon Morrison, Socorro, N.M., won “Best in Show” for the second consecutive year in the Socorro County Fair for his bread. After selling his variety of sourdough bread in the farmers market for a year and half, his bread (Old Prospector’s Artisan Bakery) is now sold in the local grocery store. He also makes sweet rolls using a recipe from Southwestern’s former cafeteria, the “Sub.” Besides sourdough, he makes challah, bagels (boiled and baked), pretzels and croissants. “So much for retirement,” he says.

Dr. Andrés Venderghem, Lima, Perú, a pediatri-

cian, had his first novel published in November 2011.

The original title, in Spanish, is Merengue dominical.

1968 Roland Sledge, Houston, ran for a seat on the Texas

Railroad Commission in the March 2012 Republican Primary. The Railroad Commission primarily regulates

* Matt

’80 and Donna Carter Worley ’80

At-large Members * Chris

Cragg ’83

At-large Member

John Curry ’70 Trustee Representative

Sarah Puffer, Class of 2014 Student Representative

* The Association of Southwestern University Alumni Nominations and Awards Committee will present the members on this slate to the Alumni Assembly for voting and approval this fall.

the State’s oil, gas and natural gas pipeline industries.

Sledge has 35 years experience as an oil, gas and energy attorney.

1973 Robert Jackson, Austin, has written his second

book, Highway Under The Hudson: A History of the Holland Tunnel (NYU Press, 2011) that is now available for purchase from NYUPress.org, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and other sources. See www.highwayunderthehudson.com for more information.

1974 Bill Rives, Horseshoe Bay, is the Marble Falls/Lake

LBJ Chamber of Commerce executive director. Rives has previously been the Fall Creek Vineyards director of e-commerce in Tow, and a Marble Falls Independent School District administrator.

Steve Cotton ’77, Dallas, a managing partner with the Cotton-Adams Financial Group, served as sponsor for Southwestern students Colin Berr, Cortney Carlson, Rebekah Gomez, Priscilla Hernandez, Kylie LeBlanc, Jenna Mozingo and Gillian Ring, who attended a Hatton W. Sumners Distinguished Lecture Series and Sumners Scholars Public Policy Seminar in Dallas last November. All seven students are recipients of Hatton W. Sumners Scholarships, which provide $10,000 per year during their junior and senior years to selected students majoring in political science, history, pre-law or education.

1978

had approximately 11 songs accepted and published for the competition.

The Honorable Pete Sessions, Dallas, received

the Pi Kappa Alpha Order of the West Range, which recognizes the Fraternity’s most outstanding alumni for achievement in their careers, service to society and/or service to Pi Kappa Alpha. He was recognized at the Fraternity’s 2012 International Convention in Denver, Colo.

1979

Ed Galloway, Pittsburgh, Penn., has been head of the

Archives Service Center at the University of Pittsburgh Library System since 2008, and recently won election as president of a professional archival association (MARAC) for seven Mid-Atlantic states. He also received the Faculty Librarian Excellence Award in 2011 by his peers at Pitt.

Laura Michulka Penney, Boise, Idaho, has relo-

1975

The Rev. Rebecca Vardiman, Cumberland, Md.,

cated from Dallas to Boise.

Karen Barnett Crumley and James Crumley,

is working as the hospital chaplain for the Western Maryland Health System Hospital.

Leslie Penney, Boise, Idaho, was recently selected

1980

as the Director/Chief Information Officer of Information Technology for Ada County, Idaho.

M’Lynda Kae Wilsher Owens, Austin, completed

1991

Goldthwaite, had a revised edition of their book,Weapon of Jihad, published in May 2011. Karen had another book, Growing Up Weird: Confessions of a Closet Medium, published in September 2011. Both books are available on Amazon.com.

The Rev. Eradio Valverde Jr., Corpus Christi, is

District Superintendent for the United Methodist Church Corpus Christi District, Southwest Texas Conference (SWT), and a Pastor, Conference Council Director and Campus Minister in both the Rio Grande Conference and SWT. He was endorsed by the RGC delegation as one of the clergy delegates to the General Conference.

1976

her Ph.D. in nursing from The University of Texas at Tyler in December 2011.

1981 Dr. Eddie Sherwood, Nashville, Tenn., is professor

and vice chair for research in the Department of Anesthesiology at Vanderbilt University.

1982 Martha Isbell Garmon, Fremont, Nebr., completed

Kent Leipold, Austin, is a prostate cancer survivor

for whom advocacy has become a major focus in his life. Leipold is active with Us TOO, has worked with a prostate cancer survivor group called 29000 Men, and took part in a survivor’s walk in Austin in 2011 by the group ZERO: The Project to End Prostate Cancer. An article about his personal experience and advocacy was published on the website of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs through the Department of Defense.

the requirements for Doctor of Worship Studies at the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies.

Garmon’s thesis was titled “Artistic Presentation of Scripture in Worship at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fremont, Nebraska.”

1988 Tom Stell, Houston, wrote a play titled Republic Day.

BIRTH: Gene and Courtney Franks Almy, Irving, daughters, Adeline Wyn, May 14, 2012, and Arden Claire, March 24, 2008.

1992 Andrew Benton, Austin, has been teaching high

school social studies since 2006. In April 2012, Benton enlisted into 3rd Battalion, 2nd Regiment (Civil Affairs) of the Texas State Guard. He is currently ranked as an E-3, and looks forward to serving the people of Texas in times of emergency with the rest of his regiment.

BIRTHS: Jon-Paul and Kimberly Long Harmer, Weatherford, a son, Jasper Jonpaul, Sept. 2, 2011; Nate and Karen Okimoto McCarty ’98, Fremont, Calif., a daughter, Chloe Akari, July 3, 2011; Joseph and Darien Kubik Wilson ’93, Highlands Ranch, Colo., a daughter, Rose Beverly, March 3, 2011.

It premiered at Obsidian Art Space, where he is the executive director and founding member of Big Head Productions, which produced the play. The Houston Press named Obsidian Art Space the 2011 “Best New Arts Venue.” Visit www.obsidianartspace.org.

1993

Donnie Sherwood, Mansfield, and his twin brother, Dr. Ronnie Sherwood, Cleburne, have received

1989

1994

their 50-year Scouting pins, which acknowledge their commitment to Scouting for 50 continuous years. Both are Eagle Scouts and have served as adult Scout leaders in the Longhorn Council. Both have also received their respective District Awards of Merit and their Silver Beaver Awards.

Kat Callaway, McAllen, head choir director at Mission High School in Mission, Texas, had two compositions selected to be used in the 2011-2012 University Interscholastic League (UIL) Middle School Choral Concert and Sight-Reading competition. She has been composing music for UIL since 2001 and has

MARRIAGE: Kristen Davis to Richard J. Kline, Nov. 26, 2011, living in Brownsville.

Laurence Musgrove, San Angelo, had an article

published in Inside Higher Ed, titled “Head in the Clouds.”

BIRTH: Joseph ’92 and Darien Kubik Wilson, Highlands Ranch, Colo., a daughter, Rose Beverly, March 3, 2011.

BIRTH: Kathryn Miller Connelly, Spokane, Wash., a son, William Christopher, April 13, 2011.

fall 2012 www.southwestern.edu

25

BIRTHS: Amy and David Bush, Atlanta, Ga., a daughter, Aubrey Wynne, Aug. 1, 2012; Nate ’92 and Karen Okimoto McCarty, Fremont, Calif., a daughter, Chloe Akari, July 3, 2011; Mark and Jackie Ontiveros Nash ‘00, Little Elm, a son, Noah Basilio, Oct. 25, 2011.

1999 Emily Calderon Galdeano, San Antonio, is the Director of Research and Information for the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, a non-profit association representing more than 400 colleges and universities committed to Hispanic higher education success in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Latin America, Portugal and Spain.

Bridget Fuchser Meyer, Humble, a nationally During Student and Parent Orientations in August, Southwestern welcomed 32 legacy students among the 2012 first-year and transfer class. They are pictured here with their relatives who are Southwestern alumni. If you have a relative, friend or other student whom you think would be a great addition to the Southwestern family, please complete the Refer a Student form at: www.southwestern.edu/referastudent.

1995

Jason Embry, Cedar Park, is the press secretary for

Texas House of Representatives Speaker, Joe Straus.

Patrick Chavez, St. Louis, Mo., of Williams Venker

& Sanders, is president and co-founder of the newly formed Hispanic Bar Association of St. Louis.

Brian Crooks, Austin, is working in the Assignment

Department/Appraiser Relations for the e-AMC Appraisal Management Company in the Austin area.

ADOPTION: Cerise Roth-Vinson and Jeff Vinson, Eugene, Ore., a son, Tumiso Desmond Roth-Vinson, in April 2011 (born July 26, 2010 in Ethiopia).

1997 Sergey Gordeev, New York, N.Y., has switched

directions after a successful 15-year career as a dance publicist in New York. He has graduated from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism with a master’s degree in journalism with a concentration in broadcast journalism. He also received a prestigious FASPE fellowship (Fellowship at Auschwitz for the Study of Professional Ethics), which allowed him to travel to Germany and Eastern Europe to visit Nazi concentration camps and other important sites of the Holocaust. He is producing a film about the experience as part of the fellowship.

BIRTH: Omar and Elizabeth Guillory Medina, Manor, a daughter, Isabelle, Aug. 8, 2011.

1998 Geoff Clawson, Oakland, Calif., is a marketing

strategist at Facebook.

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Southwestern Magazine

recognized treasury expert who authored the banking industry’s new global billing code standards, has joined The Montauk Group, LLC as Product Manager of Bank Relationship Management Services. The Montauk Group helps U.S. and international businesses proactively manage their banking relationships in order to optimize fees, rates and account structuring for maximum yield on liquidity.

Michael Gagliardo, Ventura, Calif., is a new faculty

member at California Lutheran University. An assistant professor of mathematics, Gagliardo previously won the Excellence Award in Teaching at Jacksonville University in Florida. He earned his master’s and doctorate in mathematics at The University of Texas at Austin.

Brian Normoyle, Hollywood, Calif., made his concert

hall debut performing with the world-renowned Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Joshua Dos Santos, for the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. He also starred as Leontes in Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale for Little Candle Productions’ inaugural performance this summer. Normoyle is a contributing political writer for The Huffington Post.

Janet Lopez, Denver, Colo., has been named

program officer for the education program area at Rose Community Foundation. She directs the Foundation’s efforts to promote effective teaching and systemic changes in education. She also serves on several boards including A+ Denver, Colorado Youth for a Change and Denver Urban Gardens.

MARRIAGE: Brian Normoyle to Jeffrey Christopher Todd, May 8, 2011, living in Hollywood, Calif.

BIRTH: Eric and Kelly Mitchell Ford, Austin, a daughter, Catherine Rae, Feb. 2, 2012.

2000

Thomas Singletary, Spring, was recognized for

the third year in a row by Crescendo Business Services in the Sept. 2011 issue of Texas Monthly as one of Houston’s Top Wealth Managers. Singletary is associate vice president/investments at Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Inc. in Houston.

Ammie Harrison, Fort Worth, a humanities and

theatre librarian at Texas Christian University, was recently promoted from staff librarian to assistant librarian. In Jan. 2011, she was awarded the TCU Library Staff Excellence Recognition Award.

Leah Horton White ’99, Houston, is working on a community engagement project called Our Roots are Strong. The mission is to inspire and educate Houston’s youth about the city’s history and need for preservation.

White is a singer-songwriter who started a movement with the family music genre, winning a stream of honors with her music for children and families, including the Nickelodeon Parents’ Choice Award for Best Entertainer & Music in 2009. She released two albums as a solo artist, Cake for Dinner (2007) and A White Christmas (2009). She later formed Leah White and the Magic Mirrors, with whom she released Sprinkler in 2010, which won the prestigious and coveted 2010 Parents’ Choice Foundation Award—a national honor that is respected by both parents and educators. The Houston Zoo has also made Leah’s song “Beautiful Day”its official zoo theme song. White lives in Houston with her husband, Brian, and their three daughters.

Megan Bourg Sassin ’01, Alexandria, Va., has been selected to receive one of the first Rising Star Awards from the Women Chemists Committee of the American Chemical Society (ACS). Sassin was selected to receive the award for her work as a research chemist at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C. The laboratory is the corporate research laboratory for the Navy and Marine Corps, and conducts a broad program of scientific research. Her research has been published in journals such as the Journal of Physical Chemistry, Energy and Environmental Science, ACS Nano, Accounts of Chemical Researchw and the Bulletin of the Materials Research Society. Sassin says she would not have been able to achieve what she has without the chemistry professors at Southwestern. “They provided me with the knowledge, practical lab skills and communication skills that have enabled me to accomplish my goal of becoming a research chemist.”

BIRTHS: Mark ‘98 and Jackie Ontiveros Nash, Little Elm, a son, Noah Basilio, Oct. 25, 2011; Justin and Katie Seawell Rojo, Round Rock, a son, Gabriel Copland, June 17, 2011; Tim and Danielle Brown Stapleton ’05, a daughter, Ruth Amelia, Feb. 14, 2012.

Spot, performed at Austin Community College, received favorable reviews. García has also produced a Spanish seasonal ad campaign for HEB.

2001

Aaron Baer, Baton Rouge, La., has been named

Brian Brown, Georgetown, graduated in Aug. 2011

Deputy Communications Director for Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal.

with a Master of Education in secondary education from Texas State University, San Marcos. He is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in history at Texas State.

MARRIAGE: Lindsey Stratton to Payton Swope, Nov. 5, 2011, living in Katy.

BIRTHS: Ben and Megan Schubert Leese , Brooklyn, N.Y., a son, Harrison Robert Frederick, Sept. 4, 2011; Brian and Jennifer Cuevas Tschirhart, Pflugerville, a daughter, Emmalyn Grace, Sept. 26, 2011.

2002

2004

Jerrod Bain, Houston, received a Master of Education

degree from Houston Baptist University in May 2011 in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in instructional technology. He currently works as the middle school Spanish curriculum coordinator at River Oaks Baptist School in Houston.

as a Health Advisor serving in Honduras. Her areas of focus are HIV/AIDS education and prevention and child survival. Davila can be contacted by email at LDavila1@ gmail.com.

Patrick Watkins, Lawrence, Kan., graduated with

for academic and access resources in the Center for Academic Success at Southwestern University.

a degree in law from the University of Kansas and is now working as an attorney in Kansas City.

Dr. Kirsten Johnson Watkins, Lawrence, Kan.,

MARRIAGES: Alejandra Zamorano Aristi to Neil Patwardhan on Aug. 6, 2011, living in Austin; Timothy Burke Kennedy to Erica C. Smith ’05 on July 1, 2011, living in San Antonio; Tara Brace ’06 to Joshua Lindloff on June 25, 2011, living in Sugar Land; Patrick Watkins to Kirsten Johnson ‘02, on May 7, 2011, living in Lawrence, Kan.

MARRIAGES: Sarah Bodenman to David Harold on Oct. 7, 2011, living in Houston; Kirsten Johnson to Patrick Watkins ‘04, on May 7, 2011, living in Lawrence, Kan. BIRTH: Allison Young and Gabe Vaughn, Manchaca, a daughter, Emlynn Allison Vaughn, Aug. 25, 2011.

2003 Tony Bonds, San Diego, Calif., has published his

first book of fiction, The Moonflower King, published in 2012 by Calypso Editions. For more information, visit his website at www.AnthonyBonds.com.

Yesenia García, Austin, is proud to share that the

most recent play she has acted in since 2008, The Lucky

2006 Lesley Schutts Moeller, Fredericksburg, is working

at the National Museum of the Pacific War. MARRIAGES: Tara Brace to Joshua Lindloff ’04 on June 25, 2011, living in Sugar Land; Lara Terrell to Karl Kern on Sept. 10, 2011, living in Santa Fe, N.M. BIRTH: Michael Tann and Stephanie Seaman ’09, Dallas, a son, Joshua Tann, Dec. 9, 2010.

2007 Mitch Barnett , Lubbock, was announced by

Congressman Randy Neugebauer (R-TX) as the new District Director for Texas’ 19th Congressional District.

Barnett managed the campaign of Texas Congressman Pete Sessions ’78 during the last election cycle, and most recently served as a key member of Sessions’ Washington, D.C. staff, helping to manage the Congressman’s legislative agenda, policy development and House floor activities.

Leticia Davila, McAllen, is with the Peace Corps

Maria Peña, Georgetown, is the assistant director

graduated with a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Denver and is now working as the Supervisor of Mental Health at the Topeka, Kan. Correctional Facility.

BIRTHS: Elizabeth A. Freed, Plano, a son, Eli Roger, May 30, 2012; Tim ’00 and Danielle Brown Stapleton, Austin, a daughter, Ruth Amelia, Feb. 14, 2012; Christof and Marcela Berdion Straub, Houston, a son, Felix Pedro, July 12, 2012.

BIRTH: Christopher and Kathleen Schneider Morgan, Houston, twin son and daughter, Benjamin and Eleanor, May 31, 2012.

2005 Andrew Richey, Glendale, Calif., recently graduated

from the USC School of Cinematic Art with a master of fine arts in film and television production. His short film, Fig, about a young mother trying to escape a life of prostitution in South Central Los Angeles, aired on HBO in Feb. 2012.

MARRIAGE: Timothy Burke Kennedy ’04 to Erica C. Smith on July 1, 2011, living in San Antonio.

Josh Franco, Endicott, N.Y., Natalie Goodnow, Austin, and Alison Kuo ‘08, Allen, are three of the

four artists who worked to create a large-scale Co-Lab installation, titled “Marfita” which debuted in Austin in Oct., 2011.

Akshay Nanavati, St. Paul, Minn., is a former U.S. Marine who served one tour in Iraq. Nanavati is a volunteer firefighter training for a one-month ski crossing of the second largest icecap in the world in Greenland. As part of the expedition, he is raising funds for Doctors Without Borders. You can read more of his story at www.southwestern.edu/live/ news/6484-adventure-enthusias.

Kurt Seilheimer, Los Angeles, Calif., recently had a national Head & Shoulders commercial running with Troy Palamalou, and had a small role on ABC’s Desperate Housewives.

MARRIAGES: Russell Bedard to Rachael Manly ’09 on Aug. 12, 2011, living in Houston; Tracey Einem to Robert Lindeman on March 13, 2011, living in San Antonio; Dorian Fogo to Griffin Mayer on April 7, 2012, living in Austin; Jessica Harper to Simon Hogg on Sept. 4, 2011, living in Austin; Aubrey Weeks to Daniel Webb ’08 on May 27, 2012, living in Austin.

2008 Jamie Martin Alter, Austin, has been named curator

and collections manager of the Bastrop County Historical Society Museum. fall 2012 www.southwestern.edu

27

Alicia Jumonville, Killeen, a choir teacher at Palo

Alto Middle School, was nominated for the 2011-12 Teacher of the Year for Killeen ISD. Jumonville says, “Through the subject of music ... I teach (students) a different way to see the world through new paradigms of kindness and forgiveness. I believe in their humanity and assist them with achieving their goals.”

Alison Kuo, Allen, See 2007.

MARRIAGES: Katey Brown to Charlie Grove on May 20, 2012, living in Austin; Emily Schmidt to Zachary Copeland, on June 18, 2011, living in Houston; Aubrey Weeks ’07 to Daniel Webb on May 27, 2012, living in Austin.

2009 Samantha Belicek, Clarkston, Ga., completed her

“A scholarship...is a tremendous way to... ensure (that Matt’s) legacy at SU continues by supporting students that share his commitment to academic excellence and community service.”

— Jordan Guidry ’03 and Christof Straub ’05

Master of Teaching degree with certification in grades 4-8 mathematics and social studies. She graduated in May 2012 from Emory University.

Kristin Lahaie, Cypress, received a Master of Arts in mathematics from the University of Houston in May 2012. She is currently a math teacher and track coach at Cypress Ranch High School.

Nicole Powell, Austin, completed her Master of

Science in social work at The University of Texas at Austin in May 2011, and began working as a case manager at the Austin Shelter for Women and Children-The Salvation Army.

MARRIAGE: Rachael Manly to Russell Bedard ’07 on Aug. 12, 2011, living in Houston; Lindsey Iltis to Bryan McCasland on Sept. 3, 2011, living in Austin.

BIRTH: Stephanie Seaman and Michael Tann ‘06, Dallas, a son, Joshua Tann, Dec. 9, 2010.

2010 After losing his battle with a rare form of cancer, Matt Boeer ’05 was honored by the Class of 2005 with a fully endowed scholarship in his name. Likewise, members of every graduating class can make an annual gift to acknowledge the impact Southwestern has had on the lives of countless students.

Visit www.southwestern.edu/makeagift and honor your class today.

Tiffany Biagas, Huntsville, recently became the

Children’s Minister at the Huntsville Church of Christ.

Janet Del Real, Modesto, Calif., is pursuing a Masters of Science in nursing at California State University, Fresno.

Evan Faram, Astoria, N.Y., was cast in the lead

role of Chris in Pantochino Productions Inc, holiday musical Teen Santa! which played at Off-Broadway Theater in New Haven, Conn. Faram previously worked at the Walnut Street Theatre where he appeared in The Musical Adventure of Flat Stanley, My Way and A Christmas Carol.

Sarah Gould-Stotts, Charlottesville, Va., will be

a featured speaker at the international conference for The Association of Donor Relations Professionals in September 2012. Her presentation, “Making Events Matter: a S.M.A.R.T. Events Strategy,” will educate

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donor relations professionals on how to make their events efficient and effective fundraising tools.

In Memoriam

Paloma Mayorga, Cedar Park, had her artwork on

None of us is replaceable and we are diminished by any who are absent from us. For the lives of all members of the Southwestern University community who have died, we give thanks.

display last winter at the ninth annual National Arts Program exhibit in Austin. The exhibit consisted of 125 artists who are City of Austin employees or family members of employees.

Alexandria Overton, Hutto, the youth resource

coordinator for the African-American Men & Boys Harvest Foundation, has developed a weekly mentoring program called “Ivy Dolls” to help prepare girls, grades 3–7, to attend Ivy League universities. The Latina and African-American girls who participate in the Ivy Dolls program come from what Overton describes as an “underprivileged background.” The girls are encouraged to be philanthropic, and monthly community service projects are part of the program.

Charles Prince , Port Arthur, has earned a

Master in International Education degree from The George Washington University. He works at Howard University in the Office of the Dean of the School of Communications. He is the site manager for Jumpstart.

Hector Ruíz, Brownsville, was accepted to the

Master of Accountancy program in the College of Business Administration at The University of Texas-Pan American.

Elizabeth Mills Monk ’31,

Sacramento, Calif., April 6, 2011 Seth Dorbandt ’32,

Conroe, May 2, 2012 Marion Judd Brown ’33,

Jackson, Miss., Dec. 14, 2011 Annie Bishop Durst ’36,

College Station, Dec. 15, 2011 Marvin D. Henderson ’41,

Georgetown, April 21, 2012 Lenair Richardson Pruitt ’41,

Austin, Dec. 13, 2011

with a Master of Arts in museum studies from The George Washington University. She is the curator at the Doss Heritage and Culture Center in Weatherford.

MARRIAGES: Aimee Frugé to Fernando Romero ’11 on May 31, 2012, living in Georgetown; Sarah Stern to Jordan Ochel on Nov. 19, 2011, living in Austin.

2011 Chris Churchwell, Richardson, received the George

M. Trautman Award, which was created in honor of the late president of the Association of Minor Leagues of Professional Baseball. The award is presented to the undergraduate member of Phi Delta Theta, who is recognized as the fraternity’s outstanding collegiate representative in baseball.

Juan Juarez , Converse, was interviewed by

Telemundo about his experience with Teach for America.

MARRIAGES: Aimee Frugé ‘10 to Fernando Romero on May 31, 2012, living in Georgetown; Juan Guillermo Juarez to Timothy Mattison on March 17, 2012, living in Converse.

William C. Moore ’55,

Brentwood, Tenn., May 28, 2012 Owen C. Martin Jr. ’58,

The Woodlands, Jan. 20, 2012 Shirley Frazier McRae ’58,

Houston, Oct. 4, 2011 Fred M. Heacock ’59, Bellville, May 1, 2012 Deana Williamson Gratke ’60,

Bakersfield, Calif., Jan. 6, 2011 Larry W. Rydell ’60, Taylor, Feb. 8, 2012 James S. Johnson ’61, Yantis, July 13, 2012

Doris Morgan Steele ’41, Austin, May 30, 2012

Delbert Moberg ’61, Flatonia, March 22, 2012

Glenna Mae Patrick Cole ’42,

The Rev. Thomas O. McClung Jr. ’62,

Georgetown, Jan. 24, 2012 Sam F. Holmes Jr. ’42, Dallas, Jan. 16, 2012 Jesse Blalock Sr. ’43, Kingwood, Dec. 27, 2011 Fred C. Brigman Jr. ’43,

San Angelo, Dec. 14, 2011 Ruth Martin Dollahon ’43,

Houston, Feb. 2, 2012 Amanda Rush, Fort Worth, graduated in May 2012

Ella Moon Furney ’54, Midland, April 24, 2012

Maurine Johnson Phillips ’43,

Midland, Dec. 23, 2011 Loyce Eskew Frusha ’44,

Beaumont, Jan. 12, 2011 Jack Thomas Harris ’44,

Georgetown, April 17, 2012

San Antonio, July 16, 2012 Alkis Marland ’63,

Phoenixville, Pa., March 6, 2012 Cornelia “Nena” Conn Gordon ’64,

Waco, June 20, 2011 Thomas R. “Randy” Lankford ’64,

Galveston, Feb. 18, 2012 Sandra Munson Tuxworth ’64,

Colorado Springs, Colo., Nov. 23, 2011 Charlotte “Ann” Wadsworth Stokes ’65,

The Woodlands, Feb. 22, 2012 Georgia Martin Gibson ’66,

Georgetown, April 9, 2012

Hollis Shook ’44, Albuquerque, N.M., Feb. 2, 2012

Patricia A. Morgan ’67, Houston, Feb. 17, 2012

Govie E. Waller ’44, Houston, April 5, 2012

Leonard Johnson Jr. ’74,

Phyllis Young Waller ’44,

Houston, Jan. 20, 2012 Frank P. Carvey Jr. ’45, Fort Worth, Jan. 2, 2011 William B. Epperson ’45, Dallas, April 15, 2012 Ann Sneed Jackson ’45, Houston, May 27, 2012 Jane Elizabeth Sisserson Mills ’46,

Marfa, Jan. 4, 2012 Eleanor Dolan Adams ’47,

San Diego, Calif., Dec. 1, 2011 W. Sidney Roberts ‘47, Hurst, Oct. 15, 2011 Ernest S. Ramey Jr. ’48,

Corpus Christi, Dec. 29, 2011 Kenneth L. Sisserson ’48,

Fort Worth, Sept. 28, 2011 Roger E. Davidson ’49,

Grand Junction, Colo., Sept. 20, 2011 Virgil F. Carlson ’50, Georgetown, June 30, 2012 Arthur O. Jansen ’51, Tomball, Nov. 25, 2011 Charles G. Sivells ’52, Marble Falls, Feb. 3, 2012

Fort Worth, Dec. 7, 2011 Suzanne McDaniel ’74, Austin, May 21, 2012 Rebecca Smoot Dayvault ’76,

Columbus, Dec. 31, 2011 William K. Sheldon Jr. ’76,

Austin, March 24, 2012 Paul W. Upthegrove ’82,

Coeur D’Alene, Idaho, Oct. 27, 2011 Deborah Ann Vardiman ’83,

Waco, Dec. 9, 2011 Lori L. Baur ’91,

Arlington Heights, Ill., Feb. 19, 2011 Ginny Graham Hutchins ’92,

Durango, Colo., June 16, 2012 Ross T. Black ’95, San Angelo, March 31, 2012 Travis W. Sampley ’01, Austin, Nov. 1, 2011

Isabel Brown Wilson, Houston, March 27, 2012 Notices received after Aug. 13, 2012, will be listed in the next issue.

fall 2012 www.southwestern.edu

29

the last word

Diverse Voices Terri Johnson Assistant Dean for Student Multicultural Affairs

In July 2011, I began my role at Southwestern, where I am in charge of the Office of Diversity Education (ODE) and am an adviser to the Coalition for Diversity and Social Justice (CDSJ), an active and growing student organization on campus that includes six cultural/ identity based groups: SU Allies, E.B.O.N.Y., Kappa Delta Chi, Latinos Unidos, SU Native and Pan Asian Association.

“How did this girl from a large Southern family find herself at a small, liberal arts university in Central Texas?” you may ask. Let me start from the beginning…

Giving everyone an opportunity to tell his or her story and be heard is an important part of diversity.

Growing up, my parents provided me with positive role models and a safe and happy home. This is where I first learned about the importance of hospitality and about treating everybody with respect. We also learned about volunteering and the importance of helping others. Later, I encountered numerous negative experiences at school and work, but I never allowed them to change me as a person. I believe that life gives us the opportunity to learn and grow.

Sometimes through that growth, we encounter places or people that make us uncomfortable or even fearful, but we cannot let one moment in time define our entire life experience.

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Southwestern Magazine

Because I always sought opportunities to make a difference and loved new adventures that gave me the opportunity to meet new people, traveling has impacted my life tremendously. Having the opportunity to meet and network with so many different people has truly given me a different perspective on life. For example, while visiting London on July 7, 2005, I had to depend on the kindness of strangers to keep me informed and safe, and to help me get back home to the U.S. after a deadly series of bombings. In that moment, we bonded as strangers and took care of each other. It is often during tragedy that people remember the human component that we all share.

After volunteering and working with profit and non-profit organizations, I decided to dedicate my career to education, diversity and social justice issues.

Along the way, I have had the opportunity to study, live and work in several different states and to work with great faculty and staff, but what has impacted my life the most is the amazing students that I have encountered. Coming to Southwestern has been a great opportunity and getting to know the campus community has been a very positive experience.

As Assistant Dean for Student Multicultural Affairs, one of my major goals is to create collaborative community partnerships and provide resources for the campus community, while promoting diversity and social justice initiatives on campus. In conjunction with the University’s Diversity Enrichment Committee (DEC) and the CDSJ, the ODE promotes diversity and an inclusive environment for the entire campus community.

Personally, I believe getting to know people and allowing them to tell their stories breaks down social barriers and opens the lines of communication. Giving everyone an opportunity to tell his or her story and be heard is an important part of diversity. We all have a story to tell and inside all of us is a story that we are waiting to share!

This is (part of) my story. I would love to hear yours!

5,15or50!

Whether it’s your 5th, 15th or 50th Class Reunion, there are many ways to show your class spirit through your gift.

“Without the financial support of others, I would not have been able to attend Southwestern.

As a result, I decided to name Southwestern as the beneficiary of my IRA, which will allow the University to provide additional scholarship funds to students that need it most.”

Tom Kaung ’62

“As my 15th reunion approaches, I reflect on my time at Southwestern and am grateful for the alumni gifts that made it possible for me to attend. Now, I am grateful to be able to make gifts myself and help other students attend my beloved alma mater. Students like Layla Torres, who was my student at Alief Taylor High School in Houston.” alicia kerr ’97

“I am beyond blessed to have received support from Dr. Kerr and alumni like her. I cannot fully express my gratitude in words alone. Becoming a Southwestern student just feels like it was meant to be, and I am so glad to be a part of such a wonderful institution of higher learning. I will make the ones who helped me through this struggle proud.” layla torres, class of 2016

If you are part of a Reunion Class this year, please make a gift on behalf of your class and support Southwestern students in the process. Go to www.southwestern.edu/makeagift and honor your class today. If you have questions about including Southwestern in your estate plans like Tom Kaung ’62, please contact Director of University Relations, Gift and Estate Planning, Justin Gould, at gouldj@southwestern.edu or 512.863.1997.

Movin’ on Up... in Martin Ruter Hall Southwestern welcomed approximately 400 first-year and transfer students to campus during Move In, Aug. 17, 2012.

fall 2012

SEE PAGE 4 A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM President Jake Schrum ’68

2011–2012 year in review

to transform its science curriculum.

IT'S TIME FOR HOMECOMING & REUNION WEEKEND 2012! See page 14 and register here!

Forbes magazine placed Southwestern among

THANK YOU!

the top 100 undergraduate schools in the

Gifts for the 2011–2012

country and #2 in Texas in its annual ranking

million. In addition,

Southwestern is one of 47 colleges selected to participate in a $50 million science education initiative sponsored by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI). The University will receive $1.3 million over the next four years

fiscal year totaled $11.1

of America's Top Colleges. The rankings focus

new pledges received

on quality of teaching, great career prospects,

year to $18.9 million,

high graduation rates and low-levels of debt.

making 2011–2012

To watch a video explaining the methodology used in the Forbes rankings, go to:

Southwestern history for

http://video.forbes.com/fvn/top-colleges-2012/behind-the-top-colleges-list/

new gifts and pledges.

brought the total for the

the third best year in

2011–2012 Total Gifts by Source 60.9% Foundations and Corporations $6,753,367 14.2% Other Individuals $1,578,383 12.9% Alumni $1,430,624 8.2% Parents $914,038 2.9% Other Organizations $317,631 0.9% Estates $95,886

TOTAL GIFTS: $11,089,929

2011–2012 Total Gifts by Fund 40.5% Capital Projects $4,491,332 34.9% Current Restricted $3,875,877 17.3% Southwestern Fund $1,918,027 6.7% Endowment $739,737 0.6% Annuities $64,956

TOTAL GIFTS: $11,089,929

Laura Senio-Blair, associate professor of Spanish, receives a Fulbright Award to spend the year teaching in Chile.

Mary Grace Neville, associate professor of business and holder of the John Shearn Chair in Business, is awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to spend the 2012-2013 academic year teaching at Ashesi University in Ghana.

Southwestern receives a threeyear, $450,000 grant from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation to launch a program to support nearly 50 low-income transfer students from Austin Community College.

Southwestern's new Science Center is on its way to becoming a reality With $5.925 million raised in 2011–2012.

Major Gifts Include: $3 million from The Cullen Foundation

$1 million from The Fondren Foundation

Southwestern receives a $500,000 grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to reshape the Paideia® Program. Elements of the program will be available to all incoming students beginning in the 2014– 2015 academic year.

Southwestern students organize the first “Big Event” and provide 240 service hours to the Georgetown community.

The 12th annual King Creativity Symposium showcases the work of students who received grants from the King Creativity Fund.

$1 million from The Brown Foundation, Inc.

Senior volleyball player Christina Nichols is named SCAC Player of the Year and a First Team All-American.

Author Dave Eggers delivers the 2011 Writer’s Voice lecture sponsored by the A. Frank Smith, Jr. Library Center.

Pamela McQuesten is named Southwestern’s first Chief Information Officer, joining the Southwestern staff in August. SEE PAGE 21

More than 230 students engaged in at least 20 hours of philanthropic effort per academic term, totaling more than 20,000 service hours provided by the Southwestern community.

Thanks to $5 million and $1 million , pledges from Joe Seeber 63 and Red , McCombs 49, respectively, Southwestern announces plans to reinstate football in fall 2013 and begin women’s lacrosse in the spring of 2014. Joe Austin is named the new football coach and Matthew Grosso is named the new women’s lacrosse coach.

Southwestern holds its 34th annual Brown Symposium, titled “Back to the Foodture: Sustainable Strategies to Reverse a Global Crisis.”

Record Homecoming attendance is achieved for the

6th

consecutive year.

A $3 million gift pledge from the Cullen Trust for Higher Education will allow the first and third floors of the historic Roy and Lillie Cullen Building to be renovated. In 2012, all 467 windows in the building were replaced, a new heating and air conditioning system was installed, and renovations to the second floor were completed.