PRIDE The Alumni Magazine of Texas A&M University-Commerce Volume 12
Fall 2011
Celebrating 15 Years as a Member of The Texas A&M University System
Photo by Jason Flowers
From the President
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reat universities, like Rome, weren’t built in a day. Contrary to what some think, erecting buildings is the easy part. But beautiful campuses do not a great university make.
Assembling a great faculty is an important part of the equation. When gifted scholars and teachers come together, intellectual combustion occurs. The robust to-and-fro that takes place in laboratories, offices, and classrooms is nothing less than the forward march of human civilization on a local level. Gifted students are also essential to the task of building great universities. All students come to institutions of higher education in quest of the knowledge they will need to lead successful lives. However, truly gifted students bring more than a desire for a diploma; they bring an unquenchable curiosity about themselves and their world. They ask tough, probing questions – questions that can lead both them and their teachers into uncharted academic waters. Gifted students are not just receivers of knowledge; they are catalysts to its formation.
Most important of all are alumni, for the quality of their lives is the final measure of a university’s greatness. Since 1889, Texas A&M University-Commerce has awarded more than 110,000 degrees to deserving students. As alumni, they have reset the course of history for themselves, their families, and their world. So it’s not just about beautiful buildings, although the campus of Texas A&M University-Commerce has indeed undergone a remarkable physical transformation, particularly in the fifteen years since we joined the Texas A&M University System. In reality, the task of building a great university began more than a century ago, and the work remains unceasing to this day. Well into our second century of service, we Lions declare with pride that the world is a better place because this university has served so many, so well. And the future is just beginning.
Dr. Dan R. Jones President
ON THE COVER
Campus Notes.................................. 2
In October 2011, the university heralded a new era in its history with the dedication of the new $29 million music building. The building adds not only beauty and elegance to a campus in transformation, it befits the supremely gifted musicians the music department boasts allowing them to learn, teach and perform in a venue worthy of their talent.
Sports............................................. 11 Faculty Focus ................................. 30 Students in Action........................... 32 Giving Back..................................... 34 Alumni Events................................. 36
Photo by Jason Flowers
Noteworthy..................................... 40 Class Notes..................................... 44
FEATURES
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James Thrower: A Champion’s Spirit
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Sarah Sharp Allen: Wrapped in Sisterhood
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Emily Herron: Leading the KD Way
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Norris & Martha Barnard: When Norris Met Martha
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Gloria Espinosa: Never Too Late
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Rex Driggers: A Dream Takes Flight
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Fred Fuentes: An Advocate for Access
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Audrey and Orion Casper: A Garden Affair
14 PRIDE is published two times a year by the Texas A&M UniversityCommerce alumni relations department. Non-profit postage paid at Addison, Texas. PRIDE is distributed without charge to alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of Texas A&M University-Commerce.
Editor in chief.......................... Randy Jolly Editor.............................. Ashley Johnson Art director............................. Sean Barnes Graphic designer........................ Gary Luke Photographers.......................... Paul Bryan ........................................... Jason Flowers ................................................Jared Horn
20 Writers.............................. Syndi Walker ....................................... Sara De La Rosa Director, alumni relations....Derryle Peace Assistant director, alumni relations..................... Jane Martyn PR & events planner, alumni relations.................... Rachel Evans Administrative assistant... Jennifer Bryan
26 Address changes, inquiries and contributions of information may be made to alumni relations at 903.886.5765, via e-mail to alumni_relations@tamu-commerce.edu or to Texas A&M UniversityCommerce, Alumni Relations, P.O. Box 3011 Commerce, TX 75429.
PRIDE The Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011 | Vol. 12 | pride.tamu-commerce.edu
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
DEPARTMENTS
CAMPUS NOTES
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orty-six of the region’s top high school students visited Texas A&M University-Commerce October 9 to participate in “Top 10% Day,” a special tour and luncheon for students ranked in the top ten percent of their classes.
Photo by Jared Horn
A&M-Commerce Welcomes Region’s Best and Brightest Students
After checking in and being welcomed, students attended Dr. Eric Gruver’s honors college history class, went on a tour of the campus and got the opportunity to ask questions before a panel of current students. Afterward the students were treated to lunch with presentations on admissions, financial aid, scholarships, university college, honors college and Hispanic outreach. the decision-making process so that A&M-Commerce will be their first choice.” The students in attendance represented 14 independent school districts in Delta, Grayson, Hopkins, Hunt, Lamar, Red River, and Van Zandt counties. Photo by Liz Van Der Pol
“We want to recognize and honor those students in our neighboring districts who, by achieving the top ten percent rank in their high schools, have demonstrated they are dedicated to success,” said Dr. Mary Hendrix, vice president for student access and success. “We want to make them aware of the honors college and the regents scholars program early in
Engineering the Future
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n October 8, the A&M-Commerce Field House was filled with a level of excitement usually found only at a sporting event. Complete with bands, cheerleaders, and fans, the next generation of designers, innovators, and problem solvers put their skills on display at the second annual BEST Robotics competition. Led by Dr. Brent Donham, department head for industrial engineering, the competition encourages area schools of any size or socioeconomic standing to engage their students in robotics, and provides them with opportunities to compete.
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“Walking into the BEST competition for the first time was a bit overwhelming. It was fun seeing how much each team got into the spirit side of the competition. It’s our first year in robotics, so we didn’t know what to expect; we just wanted to do well. Now we’re excited to get ready for regionals.” — Shelby Hauser freshman at Greenville Christian School and member of the 2011 BEST Robotics championship team
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CAMPUS NOTES Dr. Mae Jemison speaks at chemistry celebration event
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r. Mae Jemison, Space Shuttle Endeavor astronaut, chemical engineer and physician gave a keynote speech at the “Who is Chemistry” event September 28, a celebration of the international year of chemistry, at Texas A&M University-Commerce’s Ferguson Social Sciences Auditorium. Dr. Jemison spoke about her experiences in the scientific and medical fields, and how she chose her path and overcame the obstacles she faced. She earned a medical degree from Cornell University, served in the Peace Corps and became the first African-American woman in space.
“Chemistry is all of us,” Dr. Jemison said. “We’re all involved in what happens in the world and we all participate in chemistry every day, and so many of us go on to become professional chemists.” To Dr. Jemison, it is important that society recognize how much of a contribution that women and minorities can make if given the opportunity. She spoke on how the biggest obstacles don’t come from society’s constraints on a person’s race or gender, but instead from inside each individual.
Dr. Jemison today and (left) suited for her 1992 flight as a science mission specialist on STS-47, Spacelab-J, in 1992. Left photo courtesy NASA.
Though the event was held chiefly in support of STEM fields, Dr. Jemison encouraged students to pursue any creative dream that they are passionate about. “This is my life and my journey,” Dr. Jemison said. “I had to learn very early never to limit myself because of the limited imaginations of others, and these days I’ve learned never to limit anyone else because of my limited imagination.”
A&M-Commerce Achieves Record Enrollment for Fall
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Photo by Jared Horn
exas A&M University-Commerce achieved its highest enrollment in school history at 3:41 p.m. August 24 after enrolling its 11,000th student, Dakota Griffin, for the fall semester.
“My sincere appreciation goes out to the entire university community,” said Dr. Mary Hendrix, vice president of student access and success. “Accomplishments like these are the result of a team effort, and cannot be achieved through individual efforts alone. Every contact we have with potential and current students makes the difference.”
Dakota Griffin
Fall 2011
This significant increase comes on the heels of last fall’s record enrollment of more than 10,000 students, and represents an 11.9 percent increase in the freshmen class. Texas A&M University–Commerce
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Campus Life Renewal by Sara De La Rosa | Photo by Jared Horn
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exas A&M University-Commerce welcomed a new residence hall to the southwest corner of campus this fall, the first step toward transforming the on-campus community.
“We want to create an environment for people to be able to feel like this is their home away from home,” said Dennis Koch, director of residential living and learning. “When you have housing that’s pleasant to live in and accommodates what people are used to in this day and age it really has the potential to help our students succeed.”
Open to freshmen students and members of the Regents Scholars program, the new $14 million residence hall is expected to improve the appeal of campus living, and make it easier and more enjoyable for incoming students. The new building includes community activity spaces, two-person suites with individual bedrooms, washers and dryers on each floor, Wi-Fi and more. “The new structure will serve as a campus cornerstone that will greatly enhance the view of the campus as you approach the university from any direction,” said David McKenna, executive director of facilities. “The three-story structure will offer 85,970 square feet across three connected buildings, two wings connected on-end at a 90 degree angle. There are 250 resident beds and eight RA beds.”
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony October 21 From left to right: Brian Nichols, Dean of Students, State Representative Dan Flynn, U.S. Congressman Ralph Hall, State Senator Bob Deuell, Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp, Dennis Koch, Director Residential Living and Learning, Dan R. Jones, President A&M-Commerce, Dr. Larry Lemanski, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Mary Hendrix, Vice President Student Access and Success, and Bob Brown, Vice President Business Administration. Photo by Jason Flowers
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CAMPUS NOTES
The structure is the beginning of a four-building residence hall project which was initiated by a challenge from university president Dr. Dan Jones to make the university more residential by having 3,000 students living on campus in the next few years.
Koch said that residence life is constantly changing to accommodate today’s students and help them make connections, learn from each other and take advantage of all modern campus living has to offer.
The West Halls, which were torn down to make room for the first new structure, were about 50 years old and according to Koch, not suited to today’s students who are much different than the students of past decades.
“Twenty years ago and even ten years ago campus housing was just a place to sleep,” Koch said. “Now we have smaller communities that are based on interest groups, like the Regents Scholars program, the sophomore experience and the Honors College. Future goals for campus life are to create more living and learning communities for all classes including graduate students to be able to help them reach their goals, personally and academically.”
“Students today like their privacy but they also like to be involved and they like to be around other people,” Koch said. “So, the way we’ve designed the new hall is that we have two bedroom suites. You have your own individual bedroom but you also have a living room that you share with another person.”
With 258 beds, and plenty of community activity space to accommodate students’ living and learning needs, the new residence hall stands as a promise of what’s to come at A&MCommerce, a revitalized campus life centered on helping students achieve their personal and professional goals. Photo by Paul Bryan
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BRINGING PERFORMANCE TO
LIFE
Photo by Jason Flowers
Music building opening
by Randy Jolly
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ctober 21 was a beautiful clear day in Commerce. It was made even more gorgeous by the excitement surrounding the official grand opening and dedication of the $29 million music building. Though the celebration was originally scheduled for February 2011, North Texas’ annual one-day ice and snowstorm delayed the event until October. The intervening nine months proved to be a blessing in disguise as students and faculty familiarized themselves with their new surroundings. Each day offered new opportunities for students to hone their skills and talents in preparation for the big day when dignitaries, donors, and friends would gather to celebrate the long anticipated completion of the elegantly accoutered music hall.
A near full-house crowd gathered in the morning to take in and marvel at the spacious lobby. The open design sent light cascading into the building, while a grand view of Gee Lake stood as a stoic, yet beautiful backdrop for the day’s events. As the doors to the Finney Concert Hall opened, a hushed silence fell over the guests as the petit grandeur of the auditorium was experienced. With 550 seats, the space welcomed each guest comfortably, while the warm finishes and acoustics lent the space an intimate, ethereal feel more common with a space half its size.
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As the lights dimmed, the dedication ceremony began in earnest with a lively fanfare performed by the Brass Ensemble lead by conductor Phillip Clements. In a well choreographed effort, the stage dimmed for the musicians’ transition, while Dr. Dan Jones, 11th president of Texas A&M University Commerce, stepped to the podium with a warm personal welcome. His remarks came to a close with a touching tribute to the new music building and the impact it already has had on campus: “Late one afternoon a few weeks ago, I was leaving my office and walking to my car, turning over in my mind the events of the day, when I heard a haunting melody. It was not the usual cacophony of passing automobiles with stereos blaring, but something very different – not grating or distracting, but entrancing. I paused in my steps and looked around. It was then that I saw a young man, sitting on the veranda in front of this building, practicing his euphonium for all the world to hear.” “I realized at that crystalline moment both the gravity and the beauty of a day in the life of a great university.” As the crowd took in Jones’ final thoughts, the Jazz Ensemble took the stage under the direction of Dr. Todd Goranson and performed the Howdiz Songo.
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CAMPUS NOTES
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Numerous donors, friends and dignitaries turned out for the music building dedication. So many, in fact, it would be difficult to provide photos of them all. 1. Dr. Dan R. Jones, President, 2. Richard Ellison, 3. John Sharp (left), Chancellor of The Texas A&M University System and Mr. Bob Brown, Vice President Business Administration, 4. Dr. Keith McFarland, President Emeritus,5: Raymond and Elizabeth Cameron, 6. Fred and Francine Allen with U.S. Congressman Ralph Hall, 7. Buddie Barnes, 8. State Senator Bob Deuell (left) with music major Kathryn Wilburn In quick succession, both State Senator Bob Deuell and State and State Representative Dan Flynn, and 9. Sandy Doyle and Mary Beth Tuck.
United States Congressman Ralph Hall, a long time friend of the university brought greetings from Washington.
Representative Dan Flynn expressed their respective admiration for and visionary reach of the university. They were the principal leaders in keeping the building project alive at the State level and were involved with the building from idea to dedication. They shared their love for a campus and music hall that will be the cultural jewel of the region for decades to come. Following a performance by the Steel Drum Ensemble, John Sharp, the new chancellor of The Texas A&M University System, also spoke well of the university, and how campus improvements such as the music building make him proud to be involved with A&M-Commerce and the bright future we will share.
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Following a crisp and staccato-laced performance of “Now shout!” by the Chorale under the direction of Dr. Randall Hooper, President Emeritus Dr. Keith McFarland reminded the audience how close the university came to never breaking ground on the spectacular building in which they all sat. He told of a twominute conversation he and Representative Flynn had just off the floor of the Texas House with then chair of the House of Representatives to make students’ musical dreams a reality. Phillip Clements then conducted the Wind Ensemble in Tchaikovsky’s “The Snow Maiden.” Texas A&M University–Commerce Fall 2011 7
Unseen, but greatly appreciated were the orchestrated steps of the stage crew, under the field-general like direction of ScottLee Atchison, as he directed the movement of chairs and music stands on and off stage in almost total darkness. After a brief summation of the building’s origins and recognition of the many that helped build, fund and support the construction of the building, Dr. Chris White, head of the music department, moved from the podium to the stage to masterfully conduct the Chorale and Wind Ensemble Brass in a moving and powerful version of “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” There were few dry eyes in the audience as the old Lutheran hymn, the words of which were penned in 1758, rang loud and true through the room. The arrangement by Mack Wilberg was both stunning and breathtaking in its beauty and the manner in which it was so elegantly performed. As each musician, faculty member, dignitary, and guest looks back on that day, they will remember being a part of something special. What began as an idea less than a decade ago will continue the university’s great tradition of educating and graduating top quality musicians, music teachers and performers. It will stand as a testament to all who visit campus that those who arrive here with a love of music, will leave here equipped with the confidence, assurance and talent to perform on any stage in the world. This building, as Dr. Jones so aptly put it, “…lends honor, dignity, and grace to that work.”
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Texas A&M University–Commerce Fall 2011 9
LIFE THE THREAD OF
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s part of the donors’ breakfast held before the music building dedication, Chris Ramos presented his thoughts from the student perspective. We know you will appreciate the beauty of his speech and the insight it provides regarding the depth of gratitude our students feel toward the generosity alumni like you provide.
Good morning. I would like to begin this morning by asking you to reach up, touch your neck, and feel your pulse with me. Rhythm. Now, look at the person sitting beside you, and if you feel so inclined, encourage him or her with a smile. Harmony. Now close your eyes, and reflect on your past. Feel the music of times gone by. Dissonance, joy, humor, peace, stridence, confusion, release, exuberance, hope, all marching along to the seemingly eternal metronome of time. Why do we study music? The Greeks believed that mousikos was that force that held the universe together. They studied the starry heavens, observing the perfect harmony with which the spheres moved about the night sky. They reflected upon the soul, observing the depth of existence, feeling the rhythm of the body, moving to the harmony, or possibly dissonance, of those around them. Everywhere they looked they saw a thread weaving through the cosmos, binding each and every thing in concert. We sing with our voices and instruments in attempt to interpret the vibrating thread we call life. This is why we study music.
I know I speak for the entire music department when I say that our new facility is special. Already, some amazing music has sounded in our halls and studios, and I wait in eager anticipation to hear what will sound in them in the future. What a privilege it is to experience such legendary figures as Mussorgsky, Liszt, Brahms, Chopin, Beethoven, Bach, Strauss, Schumann, Gershwin, Maslanka, Ellington, and countless others in a marvelously aesthetic and acoustically sound hall such as Finney Concert Hall, right here in Commerce, Texas. And not only what a privilege, but what a statement we have made, that great music played by great musicians deserves a great environment in which to be experienced, and that such a space need not be limited to large cities, but rather be formed wherever it is needed. What a statement we have made, that Commerce, Texas is home to a school of musicians, working to better understand the world around them, that they might impart what little knowledge they have to others, that slowly, one piece of music at a time, somebody becomes a fuller human being. We cannot thank you enough for your generosity and support in helping us to study with ardor, and to create with passion. You have helped start a new chapter in the rich musical legacy of our university, one that will continue for years to come. One day our brand new walls will whisper with the memories of times gone by, painted with the music we have played within them. What a day in the future that will be, when a student will stop and listen to the rich tradition of the building in which he stands, feeling fully the life-thread within him, connecting him to us imprinted in the past, to those around him in his present, and to those destined of the future. What a day it is today, feeling the vibrating life-thread within us, to know that we are connected with each other, and with the future of our building. Every day I pray for God’s blessing upon the building and the musicians who walk through its halls; may it be His will to help us to understand what it means to be human by His gift of this building through you, our supporters, patrons of music, advocates of understanding. Thank you. Chris Ramos, Class of 2013
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SPORTS
by Sydni Walker
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he student athletes at Texas A&M University-Commerce are committed to serving their team and their school. While they all have different backgrounds, personalities and interests, they recognize that they are a part of something bigger than themselves.
San Antonio native, Marcus Graham of the football team, is in his second semester of graduate school and pursuing a master’s degree in technology management after receiving his bachelor’s degree in construction science in December 2010. During his time at A&M-Commerce, he has held roles as vice president of senate affairs for the Student Government Association, and health and safety chair for the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. He’s been involved with sports since he was 6 years old, but only since high school focused on football. “While playing for A&MCommerce, I have seen people come and go,” Marcus said. “But the team we have now has grown together, like a family.” Marcus enjoys being a part of this team because the passion and character of his teammates inspires him to be the best he can be. “Working together helps me find new ways to better myself as an athlete and a person.”
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Jordan McCarthy, a soccer player from Denton, Texas, is a senior with a double major in political science and history. She is part of the Honors College, Chi Omega Sorority, and Student Representative for the University Honors Council. During her time at A&M-Commerce, she was also a member of the Student Honors Council and Secretary for Student Government Association. Jordan played sports since she was 4 and has been supported all along by her family and boyfriend. “Our team is incredible,” Jordan said. “We have such a unique dynamic that allows everyone to contribute to the overall character of the team.” Even though Jordan is very outgoing and confident, her team has helped bring out the best in her and pushed her to reach my fullest potential.
Sophomore Kayla Bond from Denton, Texas is a member of the volleyball team; majoring in sports and recreation management. She’s maintained the delicate balance of academics, athletics and a social life with flair as a member of Chi Omega Sorority, Phi Eta Sigma, a national honor society, and her favorite pastime, Lions volleyball. “I absolutely love my team!” Kayla said. “This is by far the best team I have ever been a member of.” One of the reasons Kayla feels so connected is because she knows she can depend on her teammates—they all have her back, and she has theirs. Everyone working toward the same goal produce an unbreakable bond. “Working with these girls has benefited me in numerous ways,” Kayla said. “This team has helped me grow as a player, not only physically, but also mentally.”
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ERNEST HAWKINS:
DRIVEN TO WIN
by Ashley Johnson | Photo by Paul Bryan
“We recruited hard-working students. They pushed themselves to be better, and I pushed them harder.”
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t was third-and-five midway through the fourth quarter in the 1972 championship game, and CarsonNewman had just scored against the Lions’ defense. After driving up the middle more than 80 times, Coach Ernest Hawkins knew a play action pass was in order. Will Cureton, the Lions’ quarterback, faked a run, dropped back and hit Calvin Harris, tight end, on a crossing route to give the team a first
down, and successfully keep the ball away from Carson-Newman’s offense to secure the NAIA Championship. “We only threw the ball when we had to, and we always made sure to execute well,” said Ernest Hawkins, the Lions’ head football coach from 1964-1985, and the winningest coach in school history with a 132-92-6 record. For Hawkins, excellent execution at game time began with a tireless quest for perfection on the practice field. “I became famous for ‘run it again,’” Hawkins said. “We recruited hardworking students. They pushed themselves to be better, and I pushed them harder. We ran stadium steps early in the morning before class, and they challenged each other to get stronger in the off season in the weight room so
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they would be better individually and as a team. We also helped them academically by ensuring class attendance.” Hawkins also contributes much of his team’s success to the university’s decision to embrace integration early on, as well as his cadre of assistant coaches. “We recruited some outstanding individuals like Autry Beamon, Tim Collins, Dwight White, Harvey Martin, Curtis Wester, and James Thrower who were also great football players,” he said. “A number of them went on to play professionally. None of it would have been possible, however, without a great coaching staff of men like Bobby Fox, Sam McCord and C.W.
(Boley) Crawford, Charles Goodall, and graduate assistant Jim Walker.” However, Hawkins’ career with the Lions didn’t begin with championships and accolades. After taking on the head coaching job in 1964, Hawkins learned the hard way that 19-year-olds don’t always motivate themselves; as a coach, he needed to push them to achieve their full potential. “After the championship season, I realized how much more talent the team possessed that I never touched. They were that good,” Hawkins said. “It was great watching them pull together to make the 1972 season possible. Nearly 30 years later, they still take the time to call or come by to check on me and my family. I’m proud of them, particularly of what the have accomplished with their lives after graduation.”
SAM STERLING, SAN FRANCISCO 49’ERS DEFENSIVE TACKLE
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n 1971, fresh from the battlefield in Vietnam, Sam Sterling met with Coach Hawkins and his staff to try out for the football team. Two days later, he had a full scholarship and a starting position at defensive tackle.
“We had the best coaching I’ve ever seen,” Sterling said. “Coach Hawkins led it all. He was a master delegator, always emphasizing teamwork and a strong work ethic.” Thanks to Hawkins’ training and discipline and the leadership of players like Harvey Martin and Autry Beamon, the football team decided the 1972 season would be something great. “We decided as a team that we could achieve something more than a confer-
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ence championship,” Sterling said. “We never said national championship, but it was in the back of our minds. That attitude of resilience and teamwork paid off, and with a record of 8-2, the Lions made it to the national championship. The stands were full at Memorial Stadium that day, and the team was so fired up that Sterling doubted many Division 1 teams could have beaten them. “It was a tough, exciting game,” Sterling said. “It didn’t really sink in until the post-game banquet that night. It was a unique experience, one you never forget.”
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A CHAMPION’S SPIRIT by Ashley Johnson | Photo by Jason Flowers
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Based on a friend’s recommendation, Thrower considered owning a McDonald’s franchise, an opportunity that would let him build a legacy for his family through the No. 1 franchise in the country.
“It was an indescribable feeling,” he said. “I knew in that moment I had made my parents proud, as well as my hometown, and my friends at East Texas. I was determined to keep achieving, and never forget where I came from.”
Today, McDonald’s is a family affair with his wife handling the administrative details, three of his four children actively involved with the franchises, and more than 400 employees at eight McDonald’s franchises.
Growing up in a small Arkansas town, Thrower learned the value of a hard day’s work at an early age. His mother ran a snack shop out of their home, and his father ran a service station and garage. Their can-do spirit was contagious, as was their emphasis on education.
Despite Thrower’s successes in both football and business, he consciously stays grounded by driving through some of Detroit’s roughest neighborhoods on his way to work each day.
s James Thrower looked up at the fans towering over him at Franklin Field, and down at his jersey, the white Philadelphia Eagles’ wings on his shoulders, he knew his hard work had paid off.
Thanks to his skills on the basketball court, Thrower found his opportunity to pursue a college degree through an athletic scholarship to East Texas State University. “I was offered scholarships to all-black colleges, but my parents wanted me to go to an integrated school,” Thrower said. “Coach Farmer, the basketball coach, assured my mother that my first priority would be academics. She was happy with that.” Coach Farmer’s words came to full fruition when first the football and then the track coach noticed Thrower’s athletic potential beyond the basketball court. For Thrower, joining each team was simply another way to participate in the winning spirit at East Texas. “Our coaches drilled into each of us the importance of becoming a champion,” Thrower said. “We became known in the NFL as one of the top Texas schools for producing ball players with good attitudes who always gave 100 percent effort. Shortly after graduation, I, too, was recruited for the NFL.” On his way to the Eagles’ training camp, he considered how far he had come. He wasn’t ready to head back home yet; he had something to prove. After arriving early and leaving late from every practice, Thrower was officially named a Philadelphia Eagle.
While in Detroit recently, Randy VanDeven, VP Advancement, Carlton Cooper, Athletic Director and Dr. Dan Jones, President, met with James Thrower (right).
“It reminds me of how I’ve been blessed, and that I need to be a good leader for all the young people that work for me.” That desire to give back to his community extended to A&M-Commerce in 2010 when Carlton Cooper, A&MCommerce athletic director, reached out and encouraged Thrower to reconnect and give back to his alma mater. “Doing what I can to help others is what it’s all about,” Thrower said. “Praise the Lord that He gave us the blessings, the character and the resources to give back in significant ways to help others.”
After an additional three years with the Detroit Lions and a knee injury in 1975, he landed in corporate America. However, Thrower soon found himself searching for a new challenge-something bigger than him. 15 2011 Fall PRIDE The Alumni Magazine
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Wrapped in Sisterhood by Ashley Johnson | Photo by Jason Flowers
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rowing up in Gilmer, Texas was idyllic for Sarah Sharp Allen.
“It was a time when you still had the freedom to roam the streets as a child,” she said. “We had one rule-be home before the street lights come on. It gave me a lot of confidence and taught me to be independent.” As much as Sarah loved her hometown, however, she wanted more. “I was the first person in my family to express a desire to go to college,” Sarah said. “I knew if I had a college education, I could get a job, hopefully as a teacher.” With many of her friends choosing to attend East Texas State University, she thought it would be a good fit for her too. Her mother worked 16-hours a day for three months to pay for Sarah’s first semester at school. The next year, she worked in Binnion Hall, which covered her room and board. Then all she had to worry about was her tuition and books. “I prayed a lot for my tuition,” Sarah said. “God came through every time.” From that point on, Sarah dedicated every honor she received including Homecoming duchess and 1960 Woman of the Year to her parents. It was her way of repaying them for trusting her to do her best and working hard so she could achieve her dreams. Sarah’s mother encouraged her participation on campus with groups like the Kaidishan social club, which became Kappa Delta Sorority during Sarah’s junior year. As a leader in Kaidishan, Sarah was 17 2011 Fall PRIDE The Alumni Magazine
privileged to be one of four women who signed the founding charter. “Kappa Delta brought with it a new kind of sisterhood,” she said. “If we had remained Kaidishan, the bond wouldn’t have extended beyond East Texas. I’m happy ET is now Texas A&M UniversityCommerce because of the prestige it brings to the school, especially in this competitive environment.” It was the KD bond of sisterhood that helped her adjust to her new life as a teacher in Long Beach, Calif. after
“I’m happy ET is now Texas A&M University-Commerce because of the prestige it brings to the school, especially in this competitive environment.” graduation. As she pulled into the parking lot for first time, she saw a bumper sticker that read “I’m a Kappa Delta.” It belonged to another teacher who later invited Sarah for her first Thanksgiving away from home. Years later, Sarah connected with the Newport Harbor KD alumni group. In 1996, she was named Southern California Kappa Delta Alumni of the Year in honor of her involvement and volunteer efforts. After losing her teaching job due to district cutbacks, Sarah invested even more time helping Kappa Delta raise money for its philanthropies selling Sally Foster gift wrap. After making $4,000 the first year, Phillip Foster asked Sarah to become their first sales rep in California. With a passion for the product and fundraising for schools, Sarah was consistently the top sales rep in the Western U.S. “Although I only had a year as collegiate Kappa Delta, I’ve had 32 years to enjoy sisterhood and philanthropy as an alumna,” Sarah said. “I believe this has been God’s plan for me, and it’s been a fun journey.”
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LEADING
THE KD WAY
by Ashley Johnson | Photos by Paul Bryan
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hile most A&M-Commerce graduates exude excitement on graduation day, the moment was bittersweet for Emily Herron.
“Some of the best years of my life were at A&M-Commerce,” Emily said. “I loved it so much I almost didn’t want to graduate.” Growing up in Idabel, Okla., A&M-Commerce felt like the right fit for Emily after graduating from a small school. It wasn’t too big or too far from home, but still provided the freedom and independence she desired. After an invitation from a friend to check out Kappa Delta, she found more than a perfect fit-she found a home. “I felt comfortable there,” Emily said. “I’d always thought I’d transfer to another school after a year at A&M-Commerce, but I made such good friends in the sorority I chose to stay.”
With graduation quickly approaching, Emily weighed her options for her future and soon found herself at the University of Tulsa Law School, followed by a successful law career in her hometown of Idabel. After starting out in a private practice, she’s moved on to the district attorney’s office with an eye on becoming a judge someday. “I love my job, and being in the courtroom,” Emily said. “It’s rewarding to help someone in the community by taking a rapist off the street, or getting a deprived child out of a bad home. The end result is worth the effort.” With every challenge she faces in the courtroom, Emily remembers her Kappa Delta sisters at A&M-Commerce who gave her the courage to lead and make a difference in the community.
As a member of Kappa Delta, Emily was encouraged to become a leader in the house and on campus, advice she took to heart as evidenced by her involvement with the student government election board, Alpha Chi honor society, Greek Council, and the Homecoming committee. After serving as treasurer of the sorority, she ran for president. “As a leader, I felt more responsible for KD and wanted to be a role model for the younger members,” Emily said. “I wanted to make it the best organization possible.” For Emily, Greek life was more than a campus activity; it was the training ground for her future providing her with valuable leadership and public speaking skills she would one day use in the courtroom. It also gave her a love for philanthropic activities, and contributed to her desire to help others in the community. The training she received in the classroom complemented the abilities she gained as a Kappa Delta by teaching her to set goals, and strive hard to achieve them.
For more than 100 years, Greek life has provided the students of A&M-Commerce with opportunities to achieve scholarly success, pursue community service, excel in campus leadership, and forge fraternal friendships in a safe, nurturing environment.
“My Kappa Delta sisters and I talk about having our daughters attend A&M-Commerce and pledging KD,” she said. “You want the best for your kids, and I would love my daughter to follow in my footsteps.”
“My professor taught us that if you stay satisfied with where you are you are always going to stay there,” she said. “You have to be looking forward to the next thing in your life.” Fall 2011
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by Ashley Johnson | Photo by Jason Flowers
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hen Peggy Shaw stopped by Martha Faires’ room in Binnion Hall in 1956, neither of them knew it would result in Martha meeting her Mr. Right that night. “Peggy was looking for three girls to accompany her, her boyfriend and his three roommates on a group date,” Martha said. “I wasn’t terribly into the idea, but I went along with it and claimed ‘dubs on Norris.’” While Martha had only seen Norris Barnard once before, she knew one of the other young men had a girlfriend and the other wasn’t quite her type, leaving Norris as her obvious choice. After guessing correctly that the men would arrive in Cavalier-style clad in red pullover sweaters (as three of the four were in the Cavalier social club), the ladies dressed alike as well. “They thought they were so cute,” Martha said. “And we knew we were.” “When I saw Martha I thought, ‘oh, this is going to turn out okay,’ and it did,” Norris said. “Fiftyfour years later it turned out real good.” Almost immediately, Norris and Martha knew that this was more than just a blind date. After only six weeks of dating, Norris decided it was time to pop the question on a group date to the bowling alley. “I knew I was going to ask her, but it was like asking a girl to the movies for the first time when you’re 13,” 21 2011 Fall PRIDE The Alumni Magazine
Norris said. “I was nervous, but I knew she was the one. Thankfully she said yes.” For Norris and Martha, the only strange part about getting married before they graduated from East Texas State College was living in married housing, somewhat away from the main hustle and bustle of campus life. “Before we were married, I had been very involved in the Kaidishan social club and other groups on campus, and now I could no longer walk out my door and be in the middle of it all,” Martha said. “It was different, but it was good. Nine months and 23 days later, our first daughter was born.” A few years ago, Norris recalls watching the College World Series on television and seeing a young baseball player with his wife and little baby girl up in the stands. After wondering what would drive a young man to go to college, get married and have a baby so soon, he remembered he too had followed that same path. “Those kids seemed so young, but so were we,” Norris said. As for what’s kept them together through successful careers in teaching and business, raising two daughters and enjoying life as grandparents, Norris links it to he and Martha’s unspoken goal of staying faithful to each other, and to do whatever they needed to do to help the other and their family. “We just have plain old respect and admiration for one another,” Norris said. “We’ve had some good and bad times, but here we are. And we still like each other.”
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Never Too Late W hen Gloria Espinosa, the mobile mammography coordinator at UT Southwestern, was turned down for a promotion because she lacked a college degree, she knew it was time for a change.
“I was a finalist for a director’s position at UT Southwestern, but I was competing against someone with a master’s degree,” Gloria said. “One of my mentors suggested I make it my goal to complete my bachelor’s and master’s degree so I wouldn’t be turned down again. That’s when I discovered A&M-Commerce.” Gloria hadn’t planned to put off completing her bachelor’s degree. Three years into her undergraduate work at Texas A&M University, she got married and transferred to the University of Houston. It was a very different atmosphere than A&M, so she entered a nuclear medicine program with Baylor College of Medicine. Once she completed the program, however, she was recruited right away, and put off finishing her degree. By the time she decided to go back to school, nearly 30 years had passed. It was a turning point in her life and career. “It was exciting, but intimidating because the transcripts I requested were now in the archives,” Gloria said. “Some of the schools I looked at wouldn’t even accept some of the classes I had taken anymore. Not only did A&M-Commerce accept more of my credit hours, they gave me the most direct path to graduation thanks to the applied arts and sciences program.” Knowing it would have been nearly impossible to finish her degree in a traditional classroom setting, Gloria embraced the online learning
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by Ashley Johnson | Photo by Jason Flowers
format of the B.A.A.S. program. I still had opportunities to meet with professors on campus, and the students in my classes were just like me, working full time with families. We helped each other quite a bit. When graduation arrived 18 months later, Gloria looked down her row and noticed how old she was in comparison to her fellow graduates, but it didn’t matter, she had done it. Today, Gloria continues to manage UT Southwestern’s mobile mammography unit with a renewed passion and understanding of the business world she works in each day thanks to her time at A&M-Commerce.
“We’ve worked hard to make the mobile mammography accessible to everyone throughout the community,” Gloria said. “Our 18-wheeler unit visits more than 150 corporations each year, and is a visible addition to several community events. Thanks to a grant from the Dallas Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation, we also have the privilege of providing 1000 free screenings to uninsured women in Dallas County each year.” As one of 25 inaugural members of a master’s in management and administrative sciences program with UT Dallas School of Management; a program designed uniquely for UT Southwestern Management staff, Gloria continues to set her sights on bigger, bolder goals. “We put these walls up in front of our dreams thinking we are never going to achieve them,” Gloria said. “I lost something I really wanted because I didn’t have a college degree. Now, the sky is the limit. Maybe I’ll get a Ph.D. I’ve gone this far; I know I can keep going.”
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A DREAM TAKES
FLIGHT
by Ashley Johnson | Photo by Jason Flowers
R
ex Driggers’ 37-year career in aviation began with a uniform.
“My senior year of high school, we visited the university for Career Day, and I was intrigued by the U.S. Air Force cadets on campus in their ROTC uniforms,” Rex said. “The rest is history.” As a member of both AFROTC and the Tejas Club, Rex enjoyed a campus experience and camaraderie that have yet to be rivaled. By his junior year, Rex was determined to earn his commission as a Second Lieutenant and become a pilot. In May 1955, Rex saw those goals become reality. “I will always remember my first solo ride in the T-34, and all of the other career milestones that followed,” Rex said. “The closeness of being a member of an aircrew on a special mission can’t be described.” Rex feels fortunate to have worked for good people who allowed him to move into command positions including Colonel in 1980, Brigadier General in 1984 when he became the first non-full-time Commander of the 136th Airlift Wing, and to Major General in 1989 when he was assigned as Commander for the Air National Guard (ANG) for Texas. For much of his career, Rex balanced the roles of both military and commercial pilot simultaneously. After leaving active duty in the U.S. Air Force in 1961, he joined the Texas Air National Guard, and started flying for American Airlines a few years later.
When he finally retired from the military in 1992, he was Commander of all ANG units in Texas with two F-16 Groups, one C-130 Wing and six non-flying units under his command. “It was exciting,” Rex said. “One day I might be returning to DFW from New York, London or Hawaii with a plane load of passengers. The next day I might be refueling aircraft over the skies of Germany, at the Pentagon for a briefing or on my way to Panama hauling troops or supplies in a C-130.” As Rex sits back to enjoy the days of retirement, he can’t help but wish for one more chance to take the controls for one more flight. With the smell of jet fuel fresh in his mind, he fondly remembers the thrill of take-off and the roar of the engines. He also misses the little things he took for granted in the Air Force, like entering a military base and being greeted by a security guard who checks his ID and says “have a good day General.” For Rex, his time in the military stands as a fond memory of the institutional understanding of respect, order, uniformity, accountability and dedication to one’s country and job that civilians often do not experience. “I could not have asked for a more exciting or rewarding career,” Rex said. “My military friends are like my Tejas friends in than we remain very close. Although nothing was ever more fun than those days as a Tejas. Oh how I would love to do it all over again.”
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AN ADVOCATE FOR ACCESS by Sara De La Rosa | Photo by Paul Bryan
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he first in his family to graduate from high school, Fred Fuentes is no stranger to confronting challenges and turning them into opportunities for excellence. When the U.S. Army offered Fuentes a chance to begin his educational dreams while traveling, developing leadership skills and serving his country, he jumped at the chance.
Fuentes served in the military for five years on active duty, participating in several peacekeeping operations and earning various medals, including the Humanitarian Service Medal for his assistance in the Cuban Refugee Crisis. For Fuentes, the military not only funded his academic dreams, it allowed him to serve his country and community, and gave him the courage and confidence to tackle life’s challenges including his newest one, pursuing a Ph.D. in counseling at Texas A&M University-Commerce. “In the military I learned to face adversity and use my resources to ensure success,” Fuentes said. “Now I am able to use those same skills to manage life as a doctoral student, alongside my work responsibilities and familial duties.” Fuentes’ transition into civilian life was made easier thanks to the community he found on campus at A&M-Commerce that respected both his military service and his academic endeavors. “My favorite part about A&M-Commerce is the accessibility to professors who are leaders in the field and being part of a program that is rich in history,” Fuentes said. “One of the most unique aspects of the program is that all of the professors are current or past leaders of their
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respective fields, and yet remain committed to guiding graduate students from the classroom into the professional world.” As Fuentes keeps an eye on the future, he’s also eager to serve his fellow students each day through his work at the university’s counseling center, providing services in both English and Spanish. Of all his educational goals, helping Hispanic and Latino students achieve academic success is high on the list. “After graduation, I plan stay in North Texas and provide counseling services to traditionally marginalized groups, and particularly Texas’ growing Latino population,” Fuentes said. “While my goals are constantly evolving, they have always included working closely with underserved populations, veterans, first-generation college students, and foster children. With my doctorate, I hope to become an advocate for accessibility to services and an ambassador for bridging the gap between minority students and a college degree.” For Fuentes, the opportunities, scholarships, personal attention from faculty, and professional enrichment he has been afforded as a student at A&M-Commerce have been the difference maker that’s turned his goals into achievable outcomes. “If you would have asked me 10 years ago about my future goals, I could not have imagined being in a position to attain my doctoral degree,” Fuentes said. “I remain amazed by the opportunities that this university has provided me.”
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A garden affair by Ashley Johnson | Photo by Jason Flowers
L
ife doesn’t always turn out as planned. Sometimes, it’s even better.
“I always knew I would go to Texas A&M UniversityCommerce, but I always thought I’d transfer after a couple of years,” Orion Casper said. “I really found a home here, and I’m glad I did. I wouldn’t have met Audrey if I had transferred.”
get married in Heritage House’s rose garden. With the help of several staff members, chairs were reserved, access to buildings typically closed in the summer was granted, and the smallest details were finalized. On Orion and Audrey’s big day, they were able to stand back and enjoy the garden in full bloom as they said their “I do’s.”
In high school, Audrey was simply the little sister of Orion’s friend. Once they reconnected at A&MCommerce, however, that all changed. “I saw him across the room at a Kappa Alpha event, and since he was a familiar face from my high school, I went up to him and asked if he remembered me,” Audrey said. While Orion remembered her from Greenville High School, he was stunned nonetheless when she approached him. “It was one of those things that you can’t describe,” Orion said. “I wasn’t brave enough to ask her out at that point so we talked a little and hung out that night.” A few weeks later, they had their first date at the old student center. The two were inseparable after just one date. “I knew pretty quickly that Audrey was the one,” Orion said. “I was attracted to her from the beginning, and as I got to know her as a person I knew something was different about her. We got engaged nine months later, and got married a little more than a year after that.” When it came time to select a wedding venue, Audrey and Orion knew the best choice would be on campus at A&M-Commerce, their home away from home. Getting married on campus was a bit of an adventure, however, as Audrey and Orion were the first couple to
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“We wanted to get married in a place that meant something to both of us. We didn’t get married in some random venue; we got married on our campus,” Audrey said. “It will always be nice to come back to that spot. I’m sure the garden will be here as long if not longer than we will be.” For Orion, getting married was his catalyst for life change, providing direction and motivation to succeed in school and in business. “Before I met Audrey, I was focused on having fun,” Orion said. “Suddenly, I had someone more than myself to think about. I had to grow up. Since then, Audrey’s been a rock, my friend, a confidant, and a great mother to our three-year-old son.”
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Photo by Jared Horn
Inspired by her time at A&M-Commerce, Ms. Dona Julian Cassel, set to work on a poetic tribute to her alma mater. Cassel, who has a B.S. in elementary education (1967) and a M.A in English (1971), is a retired educator. She currently resides in Pittsburg, Texas and is active with the East Texas Medical Center and Northeast Texas Community College.
Beloved Alma Mater When the winds of change blew ’cross this campus New college names would not stop our lion’s Pride. ’Twas felt from Mayo’s grave and beyond Gee Lake Our circle of life—taken in stride. The revered lion statue still stands guard From old “ET” to new “A&M.” Alumni choruses echo with the breeze “Hail to thee” sung from the alma mater hymn. Recent lions stand sentry throughout these hallowed grounds. Legacies are passed as students hurry by From the planetarium to the grand music hall “Lighting stars above and lifting voices high.” Now—only gentle winds caress our lion’s mane His stately pose reflects this school’s story As students continue to change the world They close the circle of life and honor his glory.
by Dona Julian Cassel B.S. 1967, M.S. 1971
The Kappa Delta sorority dedicated a bronze lion statue to the university October 22 as a part of the 2011 Homecoming festivities. Located at the northeast corner of the Rayburn Student Center, the statue was made possible by the efforts of Tracey Wolfe (B.S. 1973, M.S. 1976). Photo by Jason Flowers
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Texas A&M University–Commerce Fall 2011 29
A L iving L egacy by Ashley Johnson | Photos by Paul Bryan
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r. Jerry Lytle never had a choice of whether or not to attend college-his parents made it for him. Never able to attend college themselves, Lytle’s parents made sure he and his siblings would have an opportunity to graduate and do more with their lives.
“Mother and dad sacrificed greatly so my siblings and I could go to college,” Lytle said. “I know they would be very proud of all we have accomplished thanks to our education.” As an undergraduate at A&M-Commerce, Lytle played football and twice was named Most Valuable Player for the Lions. While Lytle found plenty of success on the football field, A&M-Commerce was also where Lytle discovered his true passion-education. “I loved working with kids,” Lytle said. “During my time at the elementary school, I came across students who didn’t have a great home life, and the time spent with their teachers at school was the one time of day they could count on to ‘be somebody.’ I went home each day hoping I had made an impact on their lives.” Lytle’s influence in the classroom has extended to the upper levels of administration at A&M-Commerce. Alicia Currin, Dr. Mary Hendrix and others were students of Lytle’s at Commerce Elementary. “I first met Jerry Lytle when he was the principal at A.L. Day Elementary. I was a shy six-year-old from Fairlie, a very small community near Commerce,” said Hendrix, vice president of student access and success. “I remember Jerry had the kindest eyes, a huge smile, a gentle
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spirit, and a giving heart. Although I do not recall what he said to me, I do know he made me feel welcome and immediately alleviated any fears I had about whether I belonged in such a ‘big’ school.” “Many years later, I had the pleasure of working with Jerry Lytle at our university and saw, firsthand, how many lives he changed. Jerry Lytle has a special gift--he gives confidence to and inspires others to believe in themselves.” On August 25, Lytle’s lifetime commitment to education and the community was rewarded with the Spirit of Mayo award. The award is given to members of the university community who have displayed the same drive and integrity characterized by Professor William L. Mayo, the university’s founder. “Dr. Jerry ‘Red’ Lytle truly embodies Professor Mayo’s credo of ‘ceaseless industry, fearless investigation, unfettered thought, and unselfish service to others,’” said Dr. Dan Jones, A&M-Commerce president. “He has done so much for his alma mater and the community. For that and his continual display of unselfish service to others, he is most deserving of the Spirit of Mayo Award.” The Texas A&M University-Commerce Foundation has chosen to extend Lytle’s legacy even further with the establishment of the Dr. Jerry Lytle Endowment. This fund will provide academic support for students in need. For more information on the endowment, contact Alicia Wittkopf at Alicia_wittkopf@tamu-commerce.edu, or call 903-468-3020.
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FACULTY FOCUS
“Mother and dad sacrificed greatly so my siblings and I could go to college. I know they would be very proud of all we have accomplished thanks to our education.”
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STUDENTS IN ACTION Undergraduate Research
T
hanks to the new Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity led by Dr. Thomas Faulkenberry, undergraduates like pre-med student Mary Mason can kick start their careers with fully funded research projects and faculty mentoring.
According to Mary, undergraduate research is a “beneficial venture” for any student. Her research, which centers on the potential interaction between certain proteins to better understand Mast Syndrome, a neurodegenerative disease, is Mary’s first major step toward a career in medicine. “I pursued this project because of the hands-on experience I need for medical school,” Mary said. “I’ve enjoyed presenting my research at conferences while building relationships with peer researchers and professors.” Mary Mason
Photo by Jason Flowers
PR and Politics by Cole Leonard, Class of 2012
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his past summer I interned for the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, chaired by U.S. Representative Ralph Hall in Washington D.C.
My education at A&M-Commerce laid the groundwork for my understanding of public relations and its role in the political realm which helped me succeed as an intern. Working with the House Committee’s press department and staff gave me a deeper insight into the field of public relations, and allowed me to take an active role in marketing the efforts of the committee and its members. I was also able to contribute by sharing my experience with social media, and providing valuable opinion and input into how the press department can take advantage of this resource.
As I transition back to campus, I have more confidence to pursue a career in public relations, and I’ve gained a much greater perspective on the legislative process, life on Capitol Hill, and the important role that public relations plays in the political sector.
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Cole Leonard and Representative Ralph Hall
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STUDENTS IN ACTION 14 Student Athletes Honored for Academic Achievement 14 Texas A&M University-Commerce student-athletes were honored as Division II Athletic Directors Association Academic Achievement Award Winners for the 2010-11 season including: Track & Field: Ronald Balthazar, Brandon Womack; Golf: Megan Benites; Basketball: Sarah Blair & Andrew Davis; Soccer: Randi Hafele, Devon Herrman, Jordan McCarty, and Paige Vincent; Cross Country-Jamie Hays & Jennifer Speer; Volleyball-Rachel Robertson, Chelsea Simonton & Melanie Williams.
BALTHAZAR
WOMACK
BENITES
BLAIR
DAVIS
HAFELE
HERRMAN
MCCARTY
VINCENT
HAYS
SPEER
ROBERTSON
SIMONTON
WILLIAMS
In order for a student-athlete to receive the award, they must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale, have attended a minimum of two years (four semesters) of college level work and have been an active member of an intercollegiate team. during his/her last academic year.
Learning to Lead in Costa Rica by Sydni Walker, Class of 2014
Sydni Walker
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his summer, 19 Regents Scholars, including sophomore Sydni Walker, spent two weeks in Costa Rica learning about the culture, working with local children and expanding their views of the world. This is Sydni’s story:
As Regents Scholars, leadership classes are required. In Costa Rica, we were able to put many of our leadership models into practice, specifically servant-leadership. One day we visited an orphanage and brought the children clothes and books. They were so excited to see us--their faces lit up and they ran to us. It was a moment when everyone left their fears and comforts behind and let the kids lead us. We all grew closer that day.
During a two-week trip to Costa Rica, 19 Regents Scholars expanded their views of the world through service and cultural immersion. Together, they hope to use this experience to make a difference on campus, the community and the world. 33 2011 Fall PRIDE The Alumni Magazine
Getting outside our borders and seeing people from a different country that are facing similar issues to our own gave me a new perspective. I hope that I will be able to keep pushing myself to stop thinking in closed boxes of what I am used to, and see the world in new and different ways. Texas A&M University–Commerce Fall 2011 33
GIVING BACK Limitless Pride
F
or Ted R. Crim, his allegiance and commitment to his alma mater began the day he graduated.
“Since graduating in 1970 with a bachelor’s degree, and in 1971 with a master’s degree, I have felt a deep sense of pride and responsibility to this university,” Crim said.
“I have felt a deep sense of pride and responsibility to this university.” — Ted R. Crim, Bachelor of Science 1970;
Master of Science 1971
That affinity stemmed directly from the confidence he gained as a student, and the knowledge that, given the opportunity, he could successfully compete with anyone regardless of where they went to school. This fearless outlook led Crim to a 31-year career enforcing federal civil rights laws and regulations in seven southern and southwestern states at the secondary and post-secondary levels. “I strongly believe that I enjoyed a successful career because of the academic and personal development preparation that I received as a student at A&MCommerce.”
Among the gifts Crim has donated to the university are a gavel signed by fellow alumni and Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn and a letter signed by President Richard Nixon.
Photos by Jason Flowers
In exchange for all the university has given him, Crim has dedicated much of his time and resources to helping the university achieve a new level of esteem through a myriad of gifts including several books bearing the original signatures of U.S. presidents and other historical artifacts.
He’s also played an instrumental role in designing the university flag, the restoration of the Heritage House and the construction of the Sam Rayburn statue that stands proudly outside of the Rayburn Student Center.
“Since most of life’s experiences are filtered through personal or societal perceptions, the broader respect my alma mater receives, the more respect alums receive,” Crim said.
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“When we as alums accept personal responsibility to show our support and pride for our alma mater, there is no limit to what A&M-Commerce can and will be as one of the nation’s oldest and finest institutions of higher education.”
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GIVING BACK
A Grand Gesture of Thanks
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any wonderful alumni and friends have helped make the new music building a reality. Among that group of treasured supporters is Richard Ellison. In addition to purchasing the rights to name an entire row of 22 seats in the Finney Concert Hall as a tribute to his extended family, Richard also contributed funds to name one of the practice halls in memory of his brother, Kirby Ellison (below right). On October 28, the Ellison family commemorated the naming of the practice hall with a ribbon cutting ceremony and attending a Halloween Jazz Concert. The evening’s performances included the Blue Cat Band, directed by Dr. Daniel Kelly, and the Mane Attraction, conducted by Dr. Todd Goranson. Top: Richard Ellison and members of his extended family at ribbon cutting Bottom left: Randy VanDeven, Dr. Chris White, Richard Ellison Bottom right: Kirby Ellison, circa 1944
Remembering their father’s legacy
D
r. Harold Murphy, a dedicated father, professor and member of his community, was a pioneer in the field of counseling education who spent his life working to improve the lives of others.
In honor of Dr. Murphy’s memory, his daughters Annette Murphy Taggart and Sharon Murphy Anderson established the Harold Murphy Memorial Endowment. The endowment provides full academic support to at least one doctoral student studying counseling. A community benefit was held on July 30 to establish the endowment, reunite those who were a part of Dr. Murphy’s life, and celebrate his life of dedication to others.
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For more information regarding the Harold Murphy Memorial Endowment, contact Alicia Wittkopf, director of advancement services, at 903-468-3020 or alicia_wittkopf @tamu-commerce.edu.
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ALUMNI EVENTS Houston Alumni Gather at Willie G’s
hered at Willie G’s More than 100 alumni gat uston to reconnect Steaks and Seafood in Ho and remember wit h other Lion alumni, M-Commerce A& at what made their time seeing you all great. We look for ward to alumni events in again soon at South Texas interested in the coming months. Those can contact coordinating future events vans@tamuRachel Evans at Rachel_e commerce.edu.
ood, Fun F y o j n E s Lion rlington A n i l l a b t and Foo ighlight of were the h
ll and footba ic held in Fun, food ar tin Class M y e v r a H Lone Star this year’s Inaugura l e nth h it w n n monsoo conjunctio stiva l. Eve e F ll a tb m o n a lu ni e Fo Conferenc t proud Lio n e v re p ’t heraton cou ldn ay at the S like rains w a t h ig n ing the 16. The from par ty eptember S n o l te o y H llow ing da Arling ton nued the fo ti n e o c m s a g ie ll otba festiv it r ty and fo a p te a n g a il Must gs w it h a ta stern State e w id M e in against th s Stadium at Cowboy 17 r e b m te S ep . Arling ton
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PRIDE The Alumni Magazine
Fall 2011
ALUMNI EVENTS Annual Golf Tournament Celebrates Coaching Great Alumni and friends of the university teed off July 29 to support Lion athletics at the 2011 Ernest Hawkins Golf Tournament at Webb Hill Country Club in Wolfe City. The annual golf outing is named after the winningest coach in Lion football history, Ernest Hawkins, who won over 120 games on the Lion sidelines and led East Texas State to the 1972 national championship.
Lions Take Manhattan February 28 The A&M-Commerce music department is proud to send its best and brightest musicians to Carnegie Hall in New York City February 28, 2012. Join fellow Lion alumni and university administrators for an evening of entertainment by the university’s chorale and wind ensemble followed by an alumni reception hosted by the university at PLACE. For more information on the event, contact Jane Martyn at jane_martyn@tamu-commerce.edu or at 903-886-5792. Join us if you can!
RTV Alum Noah Nelson Meets with Students Noah Lord Nelson, class of 1973, returned to campus this summer to talk with students and professors about life as an international network news correspondent for NBC. Among Nelson’s accomplishments since graduation is an Emmy for “Best News Series” and an Emmy nomination for “Best Public Affairs Story.” At the invitation of President Jones, Mr. Nelson will serve as the commencement speaker for the morning ceremonies on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011.
GET CONNECTED We want to hear from you! Visit linkup.tamu-commerce.edu to update your contact information so you can receive up-to-date information on university activities and events near you. You can also like us on Facebook at facebook.com/tamucalumni, or connect with us and other Lion alumni on LinkedIn at linkedin.com.
Fall 2011
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ALUMNI EVENTS ALUMNI EVENTS numerddition to a In . g in m ayo’s r Homeco rofessor M ful day fo P ti t u a a e te b u a trib was d e annual ctober 22 ds enjoye unions, th re t n , the crow e e m d rt ra a the team, a p p n e l o d u ous colorf eering h d c n , a s ly te e a v highssm d a li eral other former cla v grave, an e h S it . w n e p e u er d qu ting of the form g king an y arty, mee n p in a m te m o a c h g e il it a ta ar’s Hom embers w end ing this ye now to att ’s Greek m s 0 n 8 la 9 p 1 f e o and crown k erce Ma nion endance. &M-Comm ded a reu tt A a lu r c u in o in y s n ts e e h d lig and que ts that ma ing kings e momen th e v li Homecom re , and ing 2012 Homecom e great. experienc
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39 2011 Fall PRIDE The Alumni Magazine
Texas A&M University–Commerce Fall 2011 39
Going Global
T
exas A&M University-Commerce has launched several initiatives in South Korea in order to further globalize the campus. At Konkuk University (student population of 28,000) in Seoul, the university has created a special program whereby 150 Korean students will participate in an English Language Institute to enhance their language skills and concurrently enroll in freshmen courses that parallel what is offered at A&M-Commerce. All courses are taught in English by Korean professors, and Texas A&M University-Commerce will provide the last three years of course work on campus starting in January 2012. In NamSeoul University (student population of 11,000) in Cheonan, South Korea the campus is in the process of creating dual-degree programs in six academic areas. Students will take courses the first two years in South Korea and then the last two years at A&M-Commerce. At the end of their academic journey, students will receive a degree from both universities having satisfied the academic requirements of both schools.
The third Korean initiative is a student exchange agreement between A&M-Commerce and Handong Global University (student population of 9,000) in Pohang. Each year students
from A&M-Commerce will attend classes for a semester in South Korea, and students from Handong will attend classes at A&M-Commerce. Each of these initiatives are part of the university’s strategic plan to diversify and globalize our campus.
(left) Dr. Chung-Ja Kong, President of NamSeoul University and Dr. Dan Jones signing an agreement to create six dual degree programs between the two universities. (right) Dr. Dan Jones and Dr. Jin Q. Kim, President of Konkuk University signing an agreement for students in Korea to study language and freshman courses and transfer to Texas A&M University-Commerce in January 2012. Texas A&M University-Commerce is expecting 150 Korean students to enroll in January and complete three years of study on our campus.
Texas A&M System Appoints New Chancellor
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ormer Texas Comptroller John Sharp has been officially named chancellor of the Texas A&M University System.
John Sharp, Chancellor of The A&M University System, visited the campus on October 21st to help dedicate the new music building and participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the new residence hall. 40
PRIDE The Alumni Magazine
“I am truly honored and humbled to have the opportunity to lead this great university system,” says Sharp, a 1972 graduate of Texas A&M University in College Station. “This is truly a dream come true — not only to get back into public service, where I feel I truly belong, but to be a part of a higher education system that has made such a difference in my life.”
As chancellor, Sharp will lead the 19-member system, which has an annual budget of $3.3 billion and externally funded research expenditures in excess of $772 million. The A&M System has a combined enrollment of 120,000 students. Sharp comes to the A&M System from Ryan & Co., where he was a principal with the largest state and local tax consulting firm in Texas. He has served in the Texas House of Representatives, the Texas Senate, the Texas Railroad Commission and as Texas Comptroller.
Fall 2011
HUMANITIES, SOCIAL SCIENCES & ARTS Dr. Sal Attardo was named dean of the College of Humanities, Social Sciences and Art. Prior to his appointment, Attardo served as interim dean and department head of literature and languages. Attardo will oversee the departments of art; history; liberal studies; literature and languages; ATTARDO mass media, communication and theatre; music; political science; and sociology and criminal justice.
Hansen claims 14th straight ASCAP award Dr. Ted Hansen, A&M-Commerce music professor and jazz pianist, recently received his 14th consecutive award from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). Hansen’s work has been performed at Carnegie Hall in New York, the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington D.C. and on National Education Television. Forty-six of Hansen’s compositions have been published by the Seesaw Music Corporation, a division of Subito Music Corporation.
Seven A&M-Commerce students gained real-world engineering experience this spring thanks to a pilot program co-developed and implemented by the department and a local engineering firm. Due to the quality of their work, several of the students earned paid internships.
Agricultural Science Fundraising efforts are underway for a covered equine arena that will improve the department’s ability to deliver equine instruction, and host various events. Dr. Bob Williams and the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program team presented six training sessions this fall on topics that included natural resource utilization and farm business management. This program is funded by a $674,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
WILLIAMS
SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND AGRICULTURE Dr. Grady Price Blount was named dean of the newly formed College of Science, Engineering and Agriculture. Blount’s previous experience includes serving as dean of the College of Sciences at Angelo State University. He will oversee the departments of agricultural science; BLOUNT biological and environmental sciences; engineering and technology; chemistry; computer science and information systems; mathematics; and physics and astronomy.
Engineering and Technology The department completed four new laboratories to support the new construction engineering program. The laboratories include a materials and processes lab, soils lab, hydrology lab, and strength of materials lab. The second annual BEST Robotics competition was held Oct. 8, 2011 in the A&M-Commerce field house. The Lion’s Pride BEST hub featured 21 area middle and high school student teams who were given six weeks to design, build, and test robots to compete in the challenge.
Fall 2011
The Twin Oaks Blueberry Farm hosted nearly 500 visitors this summer from Texas, Oklahoma, and beyond. Horticulture students recently designed and installed parks and patio designs for three areas at the Texas Landscape and Nursery Association Expo in Dallas. This Expo had over 3,400 booths, over 1,000 vendors, and nearly 10,000 nursery and landscape professionals.
Computer Science Dr. Sang C. Suh published two books on data mining and bio-medical engineering. The first book, a single authored book entitled Practical Applications of Data Mining, was published in February 2011. The 2nd printing was published in July.
SUH
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EDUCATION AND HUMAN SERVICES Curriculum & Instruction Dr. Wayne Linek, Dr. Mary Beth Sampson, Leslie Haas, Dana Jobe and Fern Farkas, faculty and doctoral students, presented papers at 17th European Conference on Reading in Mons, Belgium in July. Dr. Josh Thompson will receive the Texas AEYC Advocate of the Year Award from The State of Texas of the National Association for Education of Young Children at the upcoming Texas AEYC conference. Lisa Rhodes, Dr. Josh Thompson and Dr. Barbara Hammack co-authored the CCAMPIS, “Child Care Access Means Parents in School”, grant.
Dr. James Vornberg, Dr. Maria Hinojosa and Dr. Art Borgemenke presented papers at National Council of Professors of Educational Administration National Conference in Portland, Ore. VORNBERG
Dr. Art Borgemenke presented at the South East Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) International Conference in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Dr. Maria Hinojosa, Dr. Jay Leist and Paryina Suwannakit were published in the The Charter School Journal. Dr. Art Borgrmenke was published in the School Leadership.
Tech Titans
The department launched a 100 percent online master’s program in applied criminology. This 18-month program is comprised of twelve, 5-week courses and incorporates two areas of specialty: criminal justice policy and criminal justice management.
The Metroplex Technology Business Council (MTBC), the largest technology trade association in Texas, named Texas A&M University-Commerce as a finalist for its 2011 Fast Tech awards, part of the annual Tech Titans awards. Tech Titans are recognized as outstanding technology companies and individuals in the North Texas area who have made significant contributions to their industries during the past year.
Counseling
TAHPERD Award
Dr. Tracy Henley was elected president of the Southwestern Psychological Association, one of the regional subdivisions of APA, our national organization.
Two Texas A&M University-Commerce instructors received national awards this year for excellence and leadership in recreation from the Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.
Sociology
Educational Leadership
HAMMACK
HENLEY
Jim Walsh presented the session “Students, Teachers, Parents and the Law: What are the Latest Developments?” Dr. Ada Besinaiz presented “Critical Points of Special Education – Staying in compliance, preparing for STARR testing, and developing and implementing research – based practices for students with disabilities,” on Thursday, Nov. 3. Dr. Maria Montecel and Aurelio Montemayor presented “Keeping Students in School: What is Needed Now” at the Mesquite Metroplex Center. Dr. Rick Lumadue presented at the IMS Global Consortium Learning Impact International Conference in Long Beach, Calif.
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PRIDE The Alumni Magazine
Ms. Holly Langford and Dr. Tara Tietjen-Smith will be recognized at the 88th Annual Convention in Dallas Dec. 2, 2011. Langford will be presented with the Student Scholarship Award and Smith will receive the University Health Educator of the Year Award.
TIETJEN-SMITH
BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY Marketing and Management Dr. John Humphreys’ work has appeared in such venues as the Harvard Business Review, MIT Sloan Management Review, and the Thunderbird International Business Review among others. In 2011, he received best paper proceedings from the 2011 Academy of Management annual meeting, and the Provost’s Award for Research from Texas A&M University – Commerce. Fall 2011
Dr. Sonia Taneja has received a number of awards for her research including an Outstanding Research Award at the 2011 International Association of Business and Public Administration Disciplines Conference in Hawaii. Her articles have appeared in such journals as the Journal of Management History, International Journal of Sustainable Strategic Management, and Industrial Management among others.
STAFF Vice President and chief Information Officer Anwar Karim joined the university in July 2011, and will oversee Information Technology including applications development, infrastructure, support, project management, online learning platforms, web-related media, and instructional technology.
KARIM
Dr. Mildred Golden Pryor received 2010 and 2011 A&M System Teaching Excellence awards (based on student input), and the 2011 Faculty Senate Outstanding Research Award. Dr. Pryor’s recent articles have appeared in such journals as the Harvard Business Review, Industrial ManagePRYOR ment, and the International Journal of Business Excellence. She has also authored the textbook Strategic Quality Management: A Strategic, Systems Approach to Continuous Improvement.
Dr. Edward Romero was named associate vice president of equal opportunity and diversity earlier this year and will head up the university’s efforts to increase diversity and cultural acceptance among the student body and university community.
Dr. Stephanie Pane Haden has had articles accepted for publication in the Journal of Leadership and Organizational Studies and the Journal of Management Research among others. Dr. Pane is currently serving as the Organizational Behavior Track Chair for the 2012 Southwest Academy of Management Annual Meeting to be held in New Orleans, LA.
MITCHELL
ROMERO
Gregory Mitchell, director of libraries at Texas A&M University-Commerce, has been appointed to a second three-year term on the Library Systems Act Advisory Board by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
PANE HADEN
In 2011, Dr. Chris Myers published “The Irony of the Eco-friendly Product as Seen through College Customer Engagement” in the Academy of Business Journal, and coauthored “Exploring the Underlying Relationship Between Crisis Management (CM) and Corporate Social MYERS Responsibility (CSR)” for the Journal of International Management Studies. He was also named AJX Foundation Board Member of the Year.
Photo by Jason Flowers
During the summer of 2011, Ms. Mary Anne Doty took undergraduate and graduate students to Western Europe.
Dr. Chris White recently received the Neill Humfeld Distinguished Professor Service Award for his role in the planning and design of the music building as well as his overall leadership in the music department.
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Texas A&M University–Commerce Fall 2011 43
CLASS NOTES 1950s Naomi C. Bledsoe (B.S. ’56, M.S. ’68) is an author at the age of 91 with her book I Wouldn’t Take Nothing for my Journey Now.
1960s Shirley Cooper (B.A. ’65) was honored as one of 23 teachers nationwide with the 2011 All American Teacher Award. She teaches at Lincoln High School in Dallas. Larry R. Davis (B.B.A. ’65, M.B.A. ’67) longest serving employee of Texas A&M University-Texarkana was named dean of the college of business. Dr. Royce L. Granberry (B.S. ’65, M.S. ’66) recently retired after a 45-year career in teaching at Texarkana College. Robert G. White (B.S. ’67, M.Ed. ’61) recently won the golf senior games competition in Houston. Dr. Cliff L. Wood (B.S. ’66, M.S. ’67, Ph.D. ’73) has written a chapter in the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators book Exceptional Senior Student Affairs Administrator’s Leadership Strategies and Competencies for Success. His article was entitled “Preparing for a Presidency, Even If It Isn’t Your Goal.” Dr. Wood is president of Rockland Community College in New York.
1970s Davey G. Vela (B.S. ’70, M.Ed. ’72) retired from Willis ISD after 39 years as their theatre arts director.
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PRIDE The Alumni Magazine
Lynne Liberato (M.S. ’76) began her one year term as president of the Texas Supreme Court Historical Society on June 3. She currently co-heads Haynes and Bonne’s Appellate Practice Group and has led appellate teams in some of the most significant appeals in Texas. Linda Palmer Teel (B.S. ’72, M.Ed. ’97) was named Teacher of the Year at Canton Elementary School for 2010-2011. She retired after 24 years of teaching in Canton with a total of 36 years of service in Texas. Ronnie G. Ward (B.S. ’70, M.S. ’71) has been selected as a Fulbright Senior Scholar to do research on international software development teams during the 2011-2012 academic year. He is senior lecturer in the department of computer science and engineering at Texas A&M University.
1980s William (Bill) T. Allison (B.A. ’89, M.A. ’91) professor of military history at Georgia Southern University, is completing a year as visiting professor of military history at the U.S. Air Force School of Advanced Air & Space Studies at Maxwell AFB in Alabama. His book, My Lai: An American Atrocity will be published by the Johns Hopkins University Press early next year. S. Scott Coulson (B.M. ’80, M.M. ’85) is retiring after 30 years in teaching. He has been the band director at Mesquite Poteet High School since it opened in 1986. He led them to three state championships and consistently scored in the top ten.
James B. Cowley (B.S. ’87, M.Ed. ’90, Ed.D. ’03) was recently named superintendent of the Linden-Kildare CISD. Prior to this, he served for six years as assistant superintendent for Sunnyvale ISD. Daniel G. Freeman (B.S. ’81, M.S. ’89) retired after 30 years as a teacher and coach and finished his career in Texarkana. Sandra Watkins Hocutt (B.S. ’87, M.S. ’81) retired after 29 years in education. She is now an independent consultant working to mentor teachers in TI-MatchForward. Keith L. Humphrey (B.B.A. ’86) left Lancaster to become the chief of police in Norman, Oklahoma. Larry Goddard (B.S. ’80, M.S. ’91) was elected to three honors in May, two national recognitions and one state-wide honor. He was elected to serve on the American School Foundation Alliance national advisory board of directors as the first Texan to be included. He was the first person to receive the National School Foundation Association professional certification and also was invited to become a columnist and write for Texas School Business Magazine, the most widelyread education journal in Texas. Patricia A. Phelps (Ed.D. ’87) was named director of the instructional development center at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA). She is a professor in the department of teaching and learning.
Fall 2011
CLASS NOTES Scott A. Reighard (B.A. ’86) has been named featured columnist for the fourth largest online sports website bleacherreport.com, posting three columns a week. He is currently a teacher/coach at Northside High School in Roanoke, Virginia. Guillermo A. Birmingham, CPA (B.B.A. ’82) retired from the U.S. Air Force as a colonel in 2008 and has been serving as the director of administration for the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization in Washington, D.C. since June 2010. Marcus A. Pinzel (B.S. ’87, M.S. ’89) transferred from the Department of Energy Idaho Falls Field Office to the DOE Carlsbad Field Office, New Mexico, as the Transuranic (TRU) Waste Certification manager with the National TRU Program.
1990s Shayne D. Canning (B.S. ’98, M.S. ’03) was named Royse City High School’s director of band. Shayne and his wife Alma Rillera Canning (B.S. ’96) reside in Sunnyvale with their two sons. Linda M. Henrie (Ed.D. ’92) was appointed for a four-year term by the National Federation of State High School Associations Board of Directors. Linda is superintendent of the Mesquite ISD. Meredyth Purdy Kippes (B.A. ’92) and Christopher S. Kippes are the proud parents of Isaac Patrick Kippes born March 5. Isaac is the grandson of alumni Bobbie Fleming Purdy (B.S. ’67) and M. Arlan Purdy (B.S. ’67).
CLASS NOTES
Amanda Seigler Knox (B.S. ’99) and husband Brian Knox (B.S. ‘00) are proud to announce the birth of Zachary Ryan Knox on April 18 in Decatur. Big sis is Audree Cate Knox, age 4. Melody A. Paschall (M.S. ’97) is the new associate superintendent of academic studies at the Irving ISD. Ryan Lee Reodica (B.P.A. ’98) married Richelle Socias in 2006. He is currently an application systems analyst at Texas Health Resources. Russell S. Robinson (B.B.A. ’97) recently completed his M.S. degree in information science at the University of Houston Clear Lake. He is a senior systems engineer at Sungard Availability Services and also an adjunct professor at UHCL. Kevin G. Walthers (M.Ed. ’95) was named president of Las Positas College in Livermore, CA.
Brett Andrew Richardson (M.S. ’05) is the assistant director of bands at Stephen F. Austin State University, and has recently been accepted into the Doctoral Wind Conducting Program in the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University in Bloomington, IN. Shey Stegall (B.S. ’06, M.B.A. ’08) has accepted a job with Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial as a financial advisor. His wife Regan Jesse Stegall (B.S. ’10) is employed by the Defense Contract Audit Agency as an auditor. They live in Rockwall and have one son named Liam. Robert A. Brown (B.S. ’09) and Amanda Gorsuch (B.S.I.S. ’11) were married on June 25, 2011 in Commerce and reside in Commerce.
2010s Anthony Schrock, Jr. (B.S. ’11) is a client yield manager for Health Management Systems in Irving.
2000s Charles R. Alderman (M.Ed. ’06) is the new Sulphur Springs High School principal. Jean L. Conway (Ed.D. ’08) was named president of Eastfield College in Mesquite effective June 8. Mariah R. Brand May (B.S.C.J. ’09) was married May 7 to Billy May in Commerce. Josh Ragsdale (B.S. ’02) is athletic director and head football coach at W.H. Adamson High School in Dallas.
GET CONNECTED.
Joining the Alumni Association is one of the many ways to convey your PRIDE in your alma mater. Join today!
linkup.tamu-commerce.edu Fall 2011
Texas A&M University–Commerce
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IN MEMORY 1930s
Charlene Melba King (B.S. ’38, M.S. ’40) 8-1-11
1940s
Stanley H. Fox (B.B.A. ’48) 4-30-11 Denver Walker (B.S. ’42) 7-21-11 William M. Johnston (B.S. ’49, M.Ed. ’60) 7-21-11
1950s
Louise Nance Coker (B.S. ’51) 7-16-11 Iris Anne Davis (B.S. ’52) 5-26-11 Willia Dean Matherly White (B.S. ’50) 12-4-10 Dr. William Joseph “Joe” Nelson (B.S. ’50) 5-27-11 Gover “Tilman “Till” Phillips (B.S. ’55) 4-14-11 Wendell Sapaugh (B.B.A. ’51) 7-10-11 E.B. Sorrells (B.S. ’55) 3-25-11 John D. “Cheetah” White (B.S. ’54) 7-3-11
1960s
Evelyn Blalock (B.S. ’60, M. Ed. ’63) 6-4-11 Dr. Thomas A. Clinton, author of the university’s seventh dissertation (B.A. ’60, M.Ed. ’63, Ph.D. ’65) 6-17-11. Russell “Rusty” W. Duncan (B.S. ’63) 5-13-11 Jerry Joe Hall (M.Ed. ’68) 6-8-2011 Mary Hood (B.S. ’64, M.S. ’67, Ed.D. ’73) 4-21-11
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PRIDE The Alumni Magazine
Larry D. McGill (B.B.A. ’66) 3-3-11 Dorothy L. Ray (M.S. ’68) 6-7-11 Ruby L. McFerrin Hall Smith (M.Ed. ’68) 4-27-11 (age 100) Paul G. Stewart (B.S. ’68, M.Ed. ’70) 7-15-11
TAKE A SEAT. ENJOY THE PERFORMANCE. NAME A SEAT. ENJOY THE LEGACY.
1970s
Helen R. Cox (B.S. ’79) 6-5-11 W.P. “Rip” Drumgoole (B.M. ’72, M.S. ’73, Ed.D. ’80) 10-27-11 Robert H. Finch (B.S. ’73) 1-16-05 Santos Garcia (B.S. ‘ 70, M.S. ’76) 4-27-11 Charles E. Goodall (M.Ed. ’71) 6-21-11 Katherine G. Osterhout (M. Ed. ’76, Ed.D. ’90) 12-29-10 Joe C. Pilliod (B.B.A. ’71) 6-6-11 Dale H. Payne, Sr. (B.B.A. ’77, M.B.A. ’79) 7-9-11
1990s
Patrick Lee Gilbert (B.S. ’95) 7-16-11 Stella M. Ray (B.A. ’99, M.A. ’03, Ph.D. ’10) 7-20-11 Paul Gene Stewart (B.S. ’68, M.Ed. ’70) 7-5-11 Lt. Todd W. Krodle (B.S. ’92) 8-14-11
2000s
More than a gift, your generous gesture of support will remain in the Recital Hall or the Lou and Jack Finney Concert Hall like a standing ovation that never ends. For more information contact Annual Funds Program at 903-468-8145 or email: Stephanie_Fiorisi@tamu-commerce.edu
Larry G. Liles (Ed.D. ’01) 1-3-11
2010s
Derek J. Risinger (B.S. ’10) 5-12-11
give.tamu-commerce.edu Fall 2011
ALUMNI ARE THE LIFEBLOOD OF A&M-COMMERCE
President’s Club
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hose who give to the university play a vital role in protecting and nurturing our tradition of academic excellence. Whether supporting a special campaign, build an endowment fund, or giving to the unrestricted Annual Fund, private donors ensure that the needs of students are met and that the university has the resources needed to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Donors in the President’s Club are part of an exclusive group of donors who have achieved the distinction of lifetime giving, and are recognized for their generosity by membership in one of the following giving groups:
Tradition’s Society
$10,000-$24,999
Founder’ s Society
$25,000-$49,999
Heritage Society
$50,000-$99,999
Rayburn Society
$100,000-$249,999
Legacy Society
$250,000-$499,999
Cornerstone Society
$500,000-$749,999
Mayo Society
$750,000-$999,999
President’s Circle
$1,000,000 +
Society of 1889
All irrevocable planned gifts
For more information, contact Alicia Wittkopf, director of advancement services, at 903-468-3020 or alicia_wittkopf@ tamu-commerce.edu. Being on campus builds relationships and contributes to the university’s legacy. You’re always welcome and you’ll be amazed at how much the campus has changed! Visit us soon.
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PRIDE The Alumni Magazine
Fall 2011
From Your Alumni Association hall, and tear down the old music building. This is truly a dynamic campus in the midst of transformation. While the new buildings and record enrollment indicate healthy growth amidst a bad economy, we remain thankful for the number of alumni who have chosen to stay connected to their alma mater.
Photo by Paul Bryan
The past several months have been filled with alumni receptions in Sulphur Springs, Greenville, Rockwall, San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas. In the coming months we hope to revisit those locations with additional gatherings throughout the Metroplex and even a gathering in New York City to coincide with our Wind Ensemble and Chorale performing at Carnegie Hall on February 28.
I
t’s a great day to be a Lion. There’s so much happening on and off campus and enrollment is growing at a tremendous rate.
Homecoming 2011 was one of the most exciting on campus events in recent memory. The weather was perfect, the parade was entertaining, and the tailgate and football game were enjoyed by Lions of all ages.
Photo by Paul Bryan
In addition to Homecoming, we officially dedicated the new music building and residence hall. In December, a new set of renovations will begin as we break ground on another residence
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No activity or event is complete, however, without your involvement. Your memories and experience on campus, online and abroad are an important part of our legacy, a piece of history our students are eager to hear. Our legacy is built on the success of graduates like you who have gone out into the world ready and equipped to make a difference. Our students need to hear your story. We look forward to reconnecting with you, and showing you that what you fondly remember about this place is alive and well in a new generation of students. Give us a call, send us an email or just come by the office. We’d love to visit with you and find out what’s been going on in your life since graduation, and show you the great things happening on campus. Go Lions!
Derryle Peace, Director of Alumni Relations
lumni Relations welcomes Rachel Evans to the team as the new alumni communications and event coordinator. Rachel graduated in 2011 with a B.S. in marketing, and was as an inaugural member of the Honors College. Her other campus activities included serving in student government, planning events, and assisting as a student worker for the advancement division. “I look forward to working with our alumni at future events, and sharing my passion for A&M-Commerce with others.”
PO Box 3011 Commerce, TX 75429 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
IMPORTANT DATES FOR STUDENTS Commencement – December 17, 2011 New Student Orientation Sessions for Spring 2012 Students – November 19, 2011, December 10, 2011 and January 11, 2012 New Student Orientation for Konkuk University Students – January 13, 2012 Scholarship Application Deadline – February 15, 2012 Priority Undergraduate Admission Application Deadline – March 1, 2012 Mane Event Preview Day – March 3, 2012 Priority Financial Aid (FAFSA/TASFA) Application Deadline – March 31, 2012
There are so many wonderful stories about being on campus, or times working with others on an on-line degree, or special moments with a classmate or faculty or maybe even a staff member. The most authentic stories of this university are yours. If you have a special memory, a photo of yourself or how the campus looked when you were here – please share it with us. We’re always looking for new stories and photos to help our existing students have a clearer picture of the proud heritage they share with you. Get back in touch with us today. Email Derryle Peace at: derryle_peace@tamu-commerce.edu or mail to Director, Alumni Relations, P.O. Box 3011, Commerce, TX 75429-3011.