PRIDE The Alumni Magazine of Texas A&M University-Commerce Fall 2013
UNCOVERING THE HEROES OF
EAST TEXAS
Fall 2013
Texas A&M University–Commerce
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Pride is published two times a year by the Texas A&M University-Commerce Marketing Communications Department in collaboration with Alumni Relations. Non-profit postage paid at College Station, Texas. Pride is distributed without charge to alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of Texas A&M University-Commerce.
In this issue 10
Marketing Communications Editor-in-Chief Lisa Martinez Editor Andi Miller Assistant Editor Torie Michelle Anderson
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Art Director Paul Bryan Photographers Paul Bryan Jason Flowers Jared Horn Administrative Christan Hilbrand Writers Sydni Walker Taelor Duckworth
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CAMPUS NOTES ATHLETICS FEARLESS INVESTIGATION NOTEWORTHY CLASS NOTES
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Contributors and PRIDE Support Alumni Relations
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Director Derryle Peace Assistant Director Jane Martyn PR & Events Coordinator Rachel Evans
Institutional Advancement Vice President Randy VanDeven Assistant to the Vice President Amy Bassham Administrative Assistant Jill Mobley
Advancement Services Director of Advancement Services Brenda Morris Coordinator of Gift Processing Stacey Preas Coordinator of Stewardship Katie McKenna
34 ON THE COVER: is United States Air Force Major General Chris Adams. While it may be a controversial decision, the portrait is cropped to emphasize that there are thousands of veterans who are still “unknown� to our communities and the world, and the East Texas War and Memory project
Annual Programs
is uncovering them one-by-one, their stories. You can find more
Address changes, inquiries and contributions of information may be made to alumni relations at 903.886.5765, via e-mail to Alumni.Relations@tamuc.edu or to Texas A&M University-Commerce, Alumni Relations, P.O. Box 3011 Commerce, TX 75429.
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Featured on the cover of PRIDE
Associate Director of Annual & Special Programs Stephanie Fiorsi Coordinator of Communication Outreach Bethany Yates
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revealing them and capturing images of General Adams in our feature on the East Texas War and Memory Project.
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Dear Lion,
When we think of universities, we
probably think of classrooms–places where, traditionally, knowledge is passed along from teachers to students. But have you ever wondered where all that knowledge comes from? In this issue of PRIDE, we introduce you to the people who create knowledge. We’ll take you inside the minds of brilliant researchers whose groundbreaking work is giving us new ways to think about the world. The most exciting discoveries are coming not from within the boundaries of traditional academic disciplines, but rather as the result of fascinating collaborations that are impelled by the collective imaginations of scholars in diverse fields. At A&M-Commerce, students, including undergraduates, get engaged in research–and not just as lab assistants or office helpers, but as active collaborators. Undergraduate and graduate students have the opportunity to win competitive grants to support their efforts, an experience which deepens their understanding of the marketplace of ideas within which their efforts will be judged. Many are completing their projects and publishing their results in scholarly journals – all before earning their baccalaureate degrees. There are far too many research projects underway at A&M-Commerce than could fit within the pages of this issue. We hope you’ll
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consider this PRIDE an invitation to reexperience that sense of curiosity you felt as a student and to recall the feeling of excitement that came with the discoveries your professors shared with you. Why not give them a call and share some of your “unfettered thoughts”? Nothing would thrill them more. Given the recent holidays, we will be celebrating life’s many gifts. Surely the gift of discovery–the gift that your university gives to each of its students every day–is one of the greatest.
Campus Notes
THE ART OF GIVING BACK The university recognized artist and alumna Jo Ann Durham with a reception in her honor on Nov. 2 in the President’s Hallway on the second floor of the McDowell Administration Building, where paintings Durham has donated to her alma mater are on display. One of Durham’s pieces was auctioned in October at the Royal Roar, an annual event that celebrates A&M-Commerce’s most generous donors. Durham’s pieces will remain on display in the Presidential Gallery through next year when she will be inducted into the President’s Club.
L-3 MISSION INTEGRATION DONATES iMACS
PHI KAPPA PHI COMES TO COMMERCE
LEAD STUDENTS HELP HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi has
Forty A&M-Commerce Leadership,
allowed the colonization of a chapter on the
Engagement and Development (L.E.A.D)
A&M-Commerce campus. Phi Kappa Phi
students working with Habitat for Humanity,
is the oldest national honor society for all
set to work on two vacant lots in Paris, Texas,
academic disciplines, founded in 1897 at
on Oct. 5. When the group finished their
the University of Maine. PKP is a selective
tasks around 2 p.m., the area had been cleared
organization for individuals with exemplary
of brush, dirt leveled around a new home’s
academic accomplishments. Membership
foundation and walls raised on one of the new
may be obtained through an invitation-only
homes. Judy Martin, executive director of
process in which offers are only given to the
the Paris Habitat for Humanity, praised the
top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students
group for helping do an amount of work that
and just 7.5 percent of juniors.
would have otherwise taken several months
The society’s motto reads, “Let the love of
to complete. To find out how to get involved
L-3 Mission Integration, based in Greenville,
learning rule humanity,” and that is what the
and learn more about L.E.A.D. activities go to
Texas, donated 12 iMac computers to
group hopes to bring to the campus.
leadtamuc.wordpress.com.
the A&M-Commerce Computer Science Department on May 9. The computers, valued at approximately $2,000 each, will be used as part of a Mobile Computing and Applications Lab (MCAL) to develop applications for use on platforms such as iPhones, iPads and other mobile devices. MCAL will support a new “Mobile Computing and Programming Track” in the newly established computational science master’s program. Students concentrating on this track will be able to develop various mobile apps to experiment with iPhone and Android programming. Furthermore, the department plans to use this lab for K-12 summer outreach to recruit students for majors in the STEM fields. 2 PRIDE The Alumni Magazine
Fall 2013
HANDING OVER THE REINS The new A&M-Commerce Equine Pavilion was dedicated on Sept. 6 at the Equine Center.
ENERGY BOOST
President Dan R. Jones; Dr. Adolfo Benavides,
Stan McKee, senior manager of customer
provost and vice president for academic
relations for Oncor Corporation, and David
affairs; Lindsey Walton, manager of the equine
Collier, area manager of customer operations,
program; Randy Van Deven, vice president
presented A&M-Commerce President, Dan R.
for institutional advancement; and student,
Jones, with a check for $55,000 — a rebate for
Madison Fain, spoke at the dedication.
energy efficiency measures put into place on
The new covered arena has a large riding
campus. The university accepted this donation
area, bleacher seating, men’s and women’s
to help transition into a plan of providing
restrooms, 20 stalls for boarding, two tack
energy efficiency and conservation, including
rooms, two wash racks and two fenced turnout
a recent campus-wide upgrade to LED outdoor
areas for the horses on either side of the
lighting. With this financial endorsement
building. The facility will be used for college
from Oncor, the university plans to maintain
IVORY MOORE PORTRAIT UNVEILING
equine science courses, summer camps, riding
ongoing energy efficiency, which will result
Ivory Moore, Sr., served as the first African-
lessons and for hosting small horse shows and
in annual energy savings of 703,103.8 kWh
American administrator at East Texas State
clinics. This addition was made possible by
per year.
University. On Sept. 28, A&M-Commerce
numerous generous donations.
unveiled a portrait of him, painted by Debora Schubert Lytle, which is now showcased on the second floor of the McDowell Administration Building. In 1972, Moore became the director of minority affairs at ETSU, where he wrote many successful grants establishing programs and supporting disadvantaged minority and first-generation students. Moore was also instrumental in bringing Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated to the ETSU campus. While in Commerce, Moore became an extremely active member within the community, serving as a deacon at Mount Moriah Temple Baptist Church, the first African-American citizen elected to the city council and the city’s first African-American mayor. Moore served on various Texas state boards under governors Bill Clements, Mark White and Ann Richards.
Fall 2013
Texas A&M University–Commerce
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Campus Notes BOBADILLA AND O’NEAL: HONORARY DOCTORATES During the spring 2013 commencement, Michelle Bobadilla was awarded the university’s highest honor, an honorary doctorate. During the August 2013 commencement, Bill O’Neal received
A HOME FOR HISTORY: HALL DONATES PAPERS
the honor. Michelle Bobadilla is a Dallas native with
Congressman Ralph Hall finalized the
Library at A&M-Commerce currently houses
36 years’ experience in higher education and
donation of his personal papers and
nearly 100 boxes of Hall’s papers. His papers
community outreach. She serves on state
memorabilia to A&M-Commerce on July 2
represent over six decades of public service
councils and works with national boards to
in a signing ceremony with President Dan R.
and political history. He is a long-time friend
develop educated students who evoke change.
Jones at the A&M-Commerce at Rockwall
of A&M-Commerce with a family history of
She helped to establish the Society of 100
facility. “I hope the papers in this collection
alumni from the institution, including his
Endowed Scholars’ Fund and raised millions
are valuable to you, and I hope they’re a good
mother, sister and wife. Hall holds the 4th
of dollars as the chair of the Stars on the Rise
resource to the students at A&M-Commerce.
Congressional District seat previously held by
Scholarship Program. She currently works as
They are a reflection of my life in public
the longest-running speaker of the house and
senior associate vice president for outreach
service, and it’s an honor to be a part of the
A&M-Commerce alumnus, Sam Rayburn.
services and community engagement and
future of this university,” said Hall. The Gee
assistant provost for Hispanic Student Success at the University of Texas at Arlington. Bill O’Neal is an educator, historian and
PARTNERSHIP FOR LITERACY AND LANGUAGE LEARNING
prolific author, having written more than 40
A&M-Commerce and Atmos Energy
on the American West. His interests extend
books and over 300 articles and book reviews
partnered to create the Atmos Energy Literacy
far and wide, with publications and speaking
Center in the West Dallas branch of the Dallas
engagements on Texas country music artists,
Public Library system. In a neighborhood
baseball’s Texas League and children’s books
mostly populated by Latino immigrants, this
pertaining to Texas history. O’Neal is a double
center teaches students English, and across
alumnus of A&M-Commerce, having finished
the hallway, it gives parents and children the
his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in 1964 and
opportunity to improve their English literacy
1969 respectively.
skills. During the fall, 96 new and returning students learned about gas safety, took library tours and began their first learning units. Left to right: Pauline Medrano, Dallas Mayor Pro Tem and city council member; Ann Margolin, chairperson of the Dallas city council libraries and arts committee; Dr. Dan R. Jones, president of A&M-Commerce; State Representative Eric Johnson; Atmos Energy President and CEO Kim Cocklin
4 PRIDE The Alumni Magazine
Fall 2013
Clockwise: Kyle Maynard speaks to a packed audience in Ferguson Auditorium. Courtesy of Kyle Maynard Kyle Maynard takes time out to talk with campus and community members. Linda Cohn, Ryan Lochte and Misty May-Treanor answer student questions.
A GREAT RETURN ON AFFORDABLE EDUCATION
ATHLETE SPEAKERS PROVIDE INSPIRATION FOR STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY
A&M-Commerce
For the past two semesters, A&M-Commerce
was ranked #45 on a
has provided programming to inspire the
list of low-cost colleges
university community and Commerce to
and universities with
reach beyond their expectations to achieve
high starting salaries
higher goals.
for graduates compiled
During the spring 2013 semester, A&M-
by AffordableCollegesOnline.org.
Commerce played host to Olympic gold
AffordableCollegesOnline.org provides
medalists, Misty May-Treanor and Ryan
prospective college students and their parents
Lochte—as well as ESPN SportsCenter’s
with information and resources to help them
Linda Cohn—as part of the William L. Mayo
College Database’s list of “Top U.S. Colleges
manage the cost of obtaining an education.
Prestigious Speakers Series. Students were
& Universities for Teaching Education.” The
Over 4,000 colleges and universities were
chosen to meet the Olympians personally, and
Online College Database is a free, non-
surveyed. To compile the list, ACO reviewed
they held a question-and-answer program for a
commercial website dedicated to providing
four-year, fully accredited public institutions
packed house at Ferguson Auditorium.
current and future post-secondary students
with in-state tuition of less than $5,000 per
and their families with accurate and valuable
year and with average starting salaries for
Maynard, a 27-year-old ESPY Award-winning
college- and career-related information. A&M-
graduates of more than $40,000 per year.
athlete, New York Times best-seller and
Commerce was the only institution chosen
The website also looked at mid-career salary
quadruple congenital amputee, challenged
from the state of Texas and was ranked #13 in
averages as well as the overall return on
viewers to live an excuse-free lifestyle and
the nation.
investment for the degree obtained.
tackle barriers in their lives to achieve more.
TEACHING EDUCATION IS #1! A&M-Commerce was ranked in the Online
Fall 2013
During the fall 2013 semester, Kyle
Texas A&M University–Commerce
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Campus Notes
HONORING VETERANS The 22nd annual Veteran’s Vigil was held on Nov. 6 and 7, and this year’s program honored disabled veterans from all branches of the military. The opening ceremony was held at the Rayburn Student Center. Derryle Peace, director of alumni relations, presented the Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP) Memorial Scholarship to Jill Mobley, graduate student and student chair of the 2013 Veteran’s Vigil Committee. The event’s keynote speaker was retired Chief Petty Officer John Turner,
#GoLions #CantBTamed13 #Homecoming #SchoolSpirit #tamuc
commander of the Disabled American Veterans post in Greenville, who spoke about working with disabled veterans. The cornerstone of the vigil is the lighting of the Vigil Flame. A 24-hour guard is posted with the flame throughout the event.
Homecoming kickoff! Watch the video!
It’s Hot Dog Spirit Rally time! Thank you Commerce Alumni Chapter for your help!
We love Lions Football! #KappaDelta #homecoming #CantBTamed13
Pride Alliance are the Spirit Organization champs! #cantbtamed13
HOMECOMING SPIRIT CANNOT BE TAMED! This year’s Homecoming celebration was a rousing success. The theme was “Our Pride Cannot Be Tamed,” and a variety of circusthemed activities were held throughout the week leading up to Homecoming day. Over 7,000 people attended the game at Memorial Stadium on Nov. 2. While Angelo State edged out the Lions in the game’s final minutes, the sense of spirit and pride on campus was shared by students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends alike. Homecoming events took place throughout the week, including the Homecoming Kickoff event, Get on Board for student organizations, the Hot Dog Spirit Rally, the bonfire and finally, the game’s opening tailgate.
It’s a great day to be a lion! #tamuc #wearelions #tailgating #cantbtamed13
Homecoming King, Vincent Phillips, and Queen, Latrice Owens.
Feb. 20 Andrew Davis named Capital One Academic All-American (Men’s Basketball)
March 14 Sara Diaz named LSC Academic Player of the Year (Women’s Golf) March 6 Women’s basketball wins 1st round of LSC tournament. May 4 Dakota Fountain wins LSC long jump title
May 3 Alex Kimp - LSC Academic Runner of the Year (Men’s Track and Field)
Jan. 9
March 1
Sam Walker wins 202nd Game Sam Walker secured his place as the winningest coach in A&MCommerce Men’s Basketball history.
Jan. 17
Ryan Ivey: Athletic Director Ivey was hired as A&M-Commerce Athletic Director.
Jan. 22
Joshua Jorgensen: Asst. Athletic Director for External Affairs
• Handles marketing, promotional and game management, social media Carthel comes to • Previously worked Commerce with strong with Stephen F. Austin ties to the Lone Star Athletic Operations Conference, spending the last seven seasons as the defensive coordinator at West Texas A&M and playing a key role in establishing the Buffs as one of the top teams in the region.
Colby Carthel: Head Football Coach
May 20
Softball Announced at A&M-Commerce For the first time in Lion history, womNicole Anderson: en’s softball joins the LSC Coach of the other NCAA Division Year II programs available Anderson, women’s at A&M-Commerce. basketball head coach, Softball student-athpicked up Lone Star letes began enrolling Conference Coach of in fall 2013 and will the Year honors. be given a redshirt season as skill and conditioning exercises will commence during the 2013-14 season.The Lion softball program will then begin competing in fall exhibitions in 2014, leading up to the inaugural season in the spring of 2015.
March 5
July 17
Richie Bruister: First Softball Coach • Five seasons as head coach of women’s softball at TWU • 183-97 record • Four straight LSC Championship appearances
July 1
Established the Lions Athletic Club Increased overall private and annual giving.
Season Highlights A chronological look into the A&M-Commerce Athletic department’s success
Lion Nation, As the 2013 year comes to a close, I would like to take a moment to reflect on what we have been able to accomplish and achieve. Beginning in February, we undertook town hall meetings to meet our great supporters and find the best solutions to turn our athletic department in a positive direction. We took your suggestions and ideas, responded to them, and devised the We Are Lions Departmental Strategic Plan to move forward. While we have been able to accomplish much in a short period of time, we still have a long way to go. Our immediate plans will be focused on facility enhancements, rebuilding our “T Association”— the exclusive club for our letter winners—and increasing the participation of Lion Nation in our many opportunities, whether it is by becoming a member of the LAC, purchasing season tickets, becoming a corporate sponsor or just attending our many athletic events. Without you, we will not be able to achieve our highest level of success! - Ryan Ivey, Athletic Director 8 PRIDE The Alumni Magazine
WE ARE LIONS! Fall 2013
The Lions finish off 2013 with 30 LSC players of the week. Visit lionathletics.com for full stories on these athletes and their achievements.
Nov. 7 Savannah Henderson - LSC Freshman of the Year; Brionna Minde - Academic Player of the Year (Women’s Soccer)
Nov. 16 Vernon Johnson sets four school receiving records – catches (69), yards (1,345), yards per game (134.5) and touchdowns (13). Nov. 20 Amy Davault- LSC Newcomer of the Year; Jordan Neal - LSC Setter of the Year (Volleyball)
Oct. 26
Aug. 1
President’s Trophy win against 23rdranked Tarleton State (Football), 22-20
“Texas-Sized” Logo on Football Field A&M-Commerce unveiled new football turf over the summer, including a giant gold Lion head mid-field logo. It measures 50 yards by 50 yards, stretching from sideline to sideline and the 25-yard lines. The new home turf also features blue end zones with gold lettering, featuring “A&M-Commerce” in the north end zone and “Lions” in the south. Designed by Astroturf, the field is part of a larger Memorial Stadium reconstruction project. The track around the field has been resurfaced and repainted, along with other cosmetic upgrades to the stadium. The new lion and typeface, featured on the field and throughout Athletics branding and apparel, was designed by Brad Bishop (B.S. ‘95), owner of Torch Creative.
Aug. 16
Jenna DeLong: Asst. Softball Coach • Two seasons as an assistant coach at UT-Dallas • Led the Comets to a pair of winning seasons • In 2012, the UTD squad finished 24-14 with a 0.85 earned run average • Recorded 20 wins for the first time since 2006 • Highest winning percentage in program history
Sep. 3
Tom Dibbern: Track & Cross Country Head Coach • A top track and field coach in the country • 10 seasons at Angelo State • Five straight Lone Star Conference titles since 2009 • Two-time National Assistant Coach of the Year • Coached US Olympic trial qualifier • Coached 40 All-Americans
Sep. 13
Football wins against 25thranked Delta State at AT&T Stadium, 45-37
Oct. 12 Aug. 8
Sarah Carthel: Asst. Volleyball Coach • Seven seasons at West Texas A&M • Nationally-recognized assistant coach and recruiter • 237-38 record with six 30-win seasons • LSC Championship each season • Five NCAA regional titles • National runner-up in 2009
Fall 2013
Nov. 21 Charles Tuaau - LSC Defensive Player of the Year; Vernon Johnson Receiver of the Year (Football)
Aug. 13
Paul Burns: Asst. Soccer Coach • Seventeen seasons as Head Coach at Austin College • 173-117-26 record • Three NCAA tournament berths • 2000 American Southwest Conference Championship winners • Four straight east division titles • 100 All-Conference and Academic AllConference honors
Chennault Cup win at A&MKingsville (Football), 41-28
Oct. 14
Ross Smithey: Asst. Track & Field Coach
Oct. 31
New Athletics Website Lion Athletics teamed up with Sidearm Sports to launch a redesigned LionAthletics.com. The new site offers a handful of upgraded features for Lion fans, including enhanced player and coach bios, team schedules, a new look for team statistics and upgraded live stats and video components. As the site moves forward, it will offer Lion fans an interactive experience with their favorite Lion programs, upgraded photo galleries, social media platforms and the ability to purchase tickets and Lion apparel online.
Nov. 16
First winning football season since 2001; Volleyball – 20+ win season Football season ticket sales up 2,900%; Football attendance up 150% the ability to purchase tickets and Lion apparel online.
Nov. 7
Cross Country Regional NCAA tournament
Nov. 15
Women’s Soccer NCAA tournamentat-large berth
• Comes from Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa • Coached a national runner-up in the women’s shot put • Coached national qualifiers in the women’s discus, pole vault and men’s long jump Texas A&M University–Commerce
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Fearless Investigation by Andi Miller
W
hen you think of research, you may have a mental picture of a cloistered library, a pile of musty books and the card catalog. But the truth is that even library research is a digital wonderland these days, and research takes place across campus, across disciplines, across student/faculty lines and sometimes even across the country. This issue of PRIDE is dedicated to research, and what we found when we started poking around was a bevy of professors and students breaking out of their silos to perform research that will benefit our campus, community, region, state and the globe.
10 PRIDE The Alumni Magazine
Fall 2013
o sit down and talk with Dr. Adolfo Benavides—the new provost and vice president of academic affairs—is to be inspired by the state of academics at A&M-Commerce. Driven by our university mission statement, Benavides’ job is to promote and reward research as well as scholarly and creative endeavors within this institution as well as fostering engagement between the university and the region. “Our role is to create knowledge, but also to disseminate it to our students and peers of scholars within our fields. But we must also, according to our mission statement, engage in the cultural, social and economic vitality of the region,” said Benavides. “To enhance the economic vitality of the region, we have to engage in the economic development of the region through partnerships with a multitude of constituents like local school districts, peer organizations, service organizations and businesses.” It is a big job for certain, but our community of scholars—from junior and senior faculty members, administrators, staff
Collaboration and outreach is another
and students—at A&M-Commerce is actively
area in which the Office of Research and
living its mission statement, as the articles
Sponsored programs can provide aid. In
within this issue of PRIDE can attest.
keeping with Benavides’ passion for regional
Another person of vital importance to
engagement, as well as the A&M-Commerce
research at A&M-Commerce is Dr. Arlene
mission statement, Horne said, “We have some
Horne, vice provost for research and dean of
outstanding, cutting-edge research going on
graduate studies. The Office of Research and
at this campus. If alumni business owners
Sponsored Programs at A&M-Commerce
want to partner with our faculty researchers,
actively aids faculty in finding opportunities
they can reach out to us or we can reach out to
to fund their projects and grow them beyond
them. Research collaborations are welcomed
what they may initially believe possible.
and encouraged. We also help faculty
“The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs has personnel who help our faculty with every facet of applying for an external
collaborate between departments and colleges and other universities.” As this issue demonstrates, the
grant. We help faculty develop proposals,
collaborations between faculty and their
we help them find opportunities and submit
students, as well as collaborations among
proposals, and if they receive funding, we help
different colleges can produce powerful and
the faculty manage the project according to
far-reaching results. Computer science and
the guidelines of the grant,” said Horne.
psychology go hand-in-hand. Education
It’s a big job, and the office provides an
and human services live in harmony with
impeccable level of service and aid to faculty
humanities, social sciences, and arts. By
with a staff of five: a director and individuals
combining their knowledge and innovation,
working in pre-award, post-award and
seemingly disparate subjects can do great
compliance areas.
things together.
Fall 2013
Texas A&M University–Commerce
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HERE ON EARTH by Andi Miller
Dr.
William G. Newton—
your name out there and learn some valuable
of neutron stars in nature’s laboratory.
assistant professor
tools you can use in the future,” Hooker said.
Because the conditions inside neutron stars
of physics—spends
Scientist and student worked together to
his time researching
produce a paper entitled, “Efficacy of Crustal
can expand the field’s overall knowledge of
nuclear physics, astrophysics and the
Superfluid Neutrons in Pulsar Glitch Models.”
pulsars as well as filling in knowledge gaps
connections between the two. He is also a
In short, Newton and Hooker study pulsars,
within nuclear physics.
great example of faculty extending a hand to
which are very rapidly rotating neutron stars.
students and inviting them to join the research
They are particularly interested in pulsar
that governs how they behave is nuclear
process. For students at A&M-Commerce, the
glitches, a phenomenon in which the star’s
physics. Our theories of how neutrons and
hands-on experiences they receive throughout
rotation will increase, eventually settle down
protons interact with each other are actually
their studies, as well as mentoring from
and speed back up in the future. No one knows
still fairly poorly known, especially in systems
experts in their field, is a winning combination
exactly why this happens, but Newton and
like neutron stars,” said Newton.
for those who enter the job market upon
Hooker are trying to find out.
graduation and for those who pursue graduate education and an academic career.
“The paper was essentially my thesis. Under
cannot be replicated on Earth, studying them
“Because the stars are so dense, the physics
Contributing to a basic knowledge of nuclear and astrophysics is an endeavor
the direction and decision of Dr. Newton, I
with potentially far-reaching implications.
wrote the first draft of the paper and made
This type of study can aid those of us down
graduate from the master’s program, Joshua
almost all of the graphs that were included
here on the blue planet in coping with
Hooker, is one of those students with an eye
within the paper,” Hooker said. “My biggest
practical problems such as the care of nuclear
toward a career in the academy. He recently
part was in running the code for the various
stockpiles—weapons currently unused that
began his Ph.D. studies in physics.
parameters we wanted to study as well as
have to be cared for.
One of Newton’s mentees and a new
“A&M-Commerce is a good place to study
graphing these finds. With the help of Dr.
physics and astronomy because of the small
Newton, I was able to analyze the results to
but impactful size of the department. With
decide on what we need to discuss and show
the small student/faculty ratio, there is always
for the paper.”
“We want to understand nature better,” said Newton. What better reason is there for research? To understand more and reach further is the drive
a chance for a student to get involved with
By studying pulsar glitches, Newton and
that allows professors and students to work
research and plenty of opportunities to get
Hooker can test their theories of the structure
seamlessly together to reach a common goal.
12 PRIDE The Alumni Magazine
Fall 2013
With the small student/faculty ratio, there is always a chance for a student to get involved with research and plenty of opportunities to get your name out there and learn some valuable tools you can use in the future. - Joshua Hooker (seated)
Fall 2013
Texas A&M University–Commerce
13
General Chris Adams shares his story with Hayley Hasik, student coordinator for the ETWMP.
14 PRIDE The Alumni Magazine
Fall 2013
in search of
HEROES Taking notes in history class and reading a textbook are not enough for the six original student interns of the East Texas War and Memory Project (ETWMP). They are passionate about learning history through the first-hand perspectives of military veterans from World War II through the Vietnam War. “These are ordinary people who did
Languages Dr. Gerald Duchovnay’s honor’s
extraordinary things,” said Hayley Hasik,
film course in fall 2011. Gruver’s students
student coordinator of the ETWMP. “All the
started summarizing some of the 200 oral
things we’ve read about in books are events
histories which had sat untouched in the
that real people lived through. And we get
university’s digital collection for almost 40
to meet the men and women who made it
years. In fall 2012, Gruver and Dr. Susan
happen.”
Stewart, associate professor of literature &
Along with Hasik, Courtney Crumpton, Jackson Dailey, Kyle Hackney, Jacob Ham and Travis Ueckert comprised the founding generation of the ETWMP interns.
languages, created two subsequent courses on honors history. “The most significant challenge a history professor has is finding a way to keep students
The idea to start collecting and preserving
interested in studying history,” Gruver said.
oral histories came in the fall of 2011, when
“I learned that listening to veterans tell their
Dr. Eric Gruver, director of the ETWMP
stories is a different and exciting way to engage
and assistant dean of the Honors College at
students with history.”
A&M-Commerce, realized that 2011 marked
These students wanted to do follow-up
the 70th anniversary of the Japanese attack on
interviews of the veterans in the university
Pearl Harbor.
archives. They met with Andrea Weddle,
Gruver created an honors course in
head of Special Collections and Archives at
conjunction with Professor of Literature &
Gee Library, and Adam Northam, digital
by Sydni Walker
Fall 2013
Texas A&M University–Commerce
15
collections librarian, and created an internship
World War II to the Vietnam War. Eventually
in spring 2013.
they want to expand this. A few wives have
The students began going through obituaries and discovered that over half of the
New interns Nick Sprenger and Austin Baxley visit Jerry Lamb at his home in Brashear, Texas.
also been interviewed on their experiences at home while their husbands were at war.
veterans the university had interviewed had
Hasik, Crumpton, Dailey and Ueckert are
passed away. The interns could not afford to
mentors to the rest of the fall 2013 intern class,
suffer this tragic loss again, so they carried on
giving them tips on how to conduct interviews.
with the project with a sense of real purpose.
The intern class has evolved and now has 16
The interns started calling the veterans and
students, including Bailie Avrit, Victoria Bass,
their families who were still alive. The last
Austin Baxley, Brittney Bowen, Alexandra
week of February 2013, they began conducting
Burks, Brianna Crews, Margo McCutcheon,
interviews with people who were involved in
Josephine Just, Austin King, Sarah Miller,
World War II. With that, the East Texas War
Meredith Shaw and Nick Sprenger.
and Memory Project was born. “In high school, we were confined to
Some of the 16 interns are doing veteran interviews like the original six; however, other
textbooks,” said Ueckert. “We were taught who
interns are doing different projects related
won the war and what battles were fought,
to war and memory. For example, Avrit
but we never really understand how many
is documenting the growth of the project
sacrifices were made by each soldier. Working
for her honor’s thesis by attending veteran
with oral histories, we come across these
interviews with her own video camera and
individual stories and experiences. With each
questioning the veterans on why they think
person we come in contact with, we unlock a
the ETWMP is important. Just is working in
new page in the history of each war.”
the university archives to process World War
The interns’ goal is to treat each interview as
I and World War II letters that Marty Marsh
a conversation, not a strict interrogation. They
Jacobs donated to the ETWMP to make them
film every interview to later be uploaded and
available for scholars to use in research.
processed in the library archives. With 75 interviews under their belts to
“I think the War and Memory Project is wonderful,” said Jacobs. “I’m really excited
date, Hasik is planning to start scheduling
about it, and I think it’s already accomplished
seven veteran interviews a week for the fall
miracles in finding out about the wars and
2013 intern class. Right now, they are only
finding out about the people involved in the
interviewing veterans who have served from
wars, which is what these letters are all about.
Marty Marsh Jacobs donates family letters to the ETWMP.
16 PRIDE The Alumni Magazine
Fall 2013
The letters from my father and grandfather
mail just like you do. Recognizing that and
contain a lot of personal information, and the
preserving the stories of veterans like these
students will get to know the people who took
two men acknowledges their service to this
part in the wars, and I think that’s important.”
country. And that’s what the ETWMP is all
One of the veterans the interns interviewed was Corporal William Pelley. An Oklahoma
about.” After getting involved with the War and
native, Pelley’s older brother, John, joined
Memory Project, several students found out
the Army Air Corps after the attack on Pearl
about a family member who fought in a war
Harbor and served with the 391st Squadron
that they never knew about before.
as a bombardier, flying 35 missions over
“We’ve brought together families,” said
Germany during World War II. Because of
Gruver. “Students and their families have
his brother’s influence, Pelley decided to join
come together and started talking about their
the U.S. Army in 1946. After completing basic
own family histories, and the veterans and
training at Camp Lee, Pelley was shipped to
their families have come together because
Yokahama, Japan, as part of the occupation
many of the veterans never told the stories to
force. Pelley began his college career in the
their wives or kids because no one ever asked,
fall of 1948 at the University of Oklahoma.
or the stories were too painful to tell.”
During his time at OU, he joined the U.S. Air
Already, people are starting to see the
COURTNEY
A 19-year-old sophomore from Cumby,
Force ROTC program, earning the rank of
importance of the War and Memory Project.
Texas, Courtney Crumpton is a sociology
first lieutenant. He graduated from OU in 1952
Rick and Sharon Foster donated $5,000 to the
and history double major with a minor
with a B.B.A. and remained in the Air Force
ETWMP on June 21, 2013.
in psychology. However, she did not
Reserves until 1958. After visiting with Pelley,
“We saw the energy that Dr. Gruver and
realize she liked history until she began
the ETWMP discovered the next day was his
the students had about the project, and it
interviewing veterans. “It’s been a whole
86th birthday. The interns decided to surprise
was contagious,” said Rick Foster. “We
new experience for me to interview
him by bringing him birthday cupcakes and
decided to donate to the project because
veterans firsthand,” Crumpton said. “It has
celebrating with him.
we realized this was a good opportunity for
changed my whole perspective on history.
the students and a good opportunity for
I think it is important to focus on the
their stories, whether it’s in person or on a
the veterans to have their stories heard.
veterans’ actual views of the war, rather
DVD, makes it all real,” said Hasik. “You listen
Each passing day closes a window of
than how the public thinks they perceived
to some of the things they did, and it is the
opportunity to talk to the veterans and
the war.”
stuff you read about or watch in movies, but
see the impact the wars had on them and
this man lives down the street and gets his
their families.”
“Working with veterans and listening to
Rick and Sharon Foster donate to the ETWMP.
Fall 2013
Texas A&M University–Commerce
17
Lonnie Beadles served from 1942-1945 in World War II.
Hayley Hasik, a senior history and English double major with a minor in astronomy, is the coordinator of the ETWMP. She was a teaching assistant in the fall 2012 freshmen history and English courses and now helps mentor the other student interns and schedule veteran interviews. “This whole process has changed me,” Hasik said. “I now understand the sacrifices that were made for me and for this country by people I don’t even know. That has really opened my eyes and made me more of a patriotic person. We don’t do this project just to capture a ton of stories. This is for the veterans, to show them that someone does care about history.”
18 PRIDE The Alumni Magazine
Fall 2013
JACOB Growing up in a military family, Jacob Ham has always had an appreciation for military services. His pilot father flies attack helicopters, the same thing George Olsen, a veteran Ham interviewed, did in Vietnam. A sophomore marketing major, Ham was shocked to find out many veterans never got recognized for their services. “The veterans haven’t told a lot of these stories, and in a lot of cases, their families never asked,” said Ham. “We want to be able to preserve these stories, not just for researchers, but also for the families to Jacob Ham delves into the archives in Gee Library, the home base of the ETWMP.
Another significant aspect of the East Texas
“History is not one of the more popular
War and Memory project is building a bridge
subjects in education,” said Gruver. “I have
between the generation gap of college students
seen students go from being disinterested in
and war veterans.
history and government to wanting to know
“It is very important that young people
more. Completing that transformation and
acknowledge and appreciate the experiences
gaining an appreciation that the world is
of people who have come before them,” said
bigger than they are is truly the purpose of
Gruver. “We are creating a multi-generational
a university education. These students have
project. We have 19 to 21-year-old students
made it their goal to speak to veterans they
talking to 75 to 95-year-old people as if they’ve
run into at public events and thank them. Just
known each other for decades. It’s that sort
a smile and twinkle of the eye from the veteran
of project where we are making a personal
has changed these students’ perspectives.
connection; we are building relationships.”
That’s what has made history more relevant to
Gruver and the interns have two goals for the future of the ETWMP. First, they want to
have.”
college students.” The ETWMP has grown by leaps and
JACKSON With his brother in the military, Jackson
create a series of publications, manuscripts and
bounds since its birth, and it continues to
Dailey knows firsthand what war can
articles that demonstrate that undergraduate
expand. One of the most noteworthy additions
do to a family. As a sophomore history
students can do history. The first manuscript
is the East Texas War and Memory Lecture
major from Sulphur Springs, Texas, Dailey
is already in its editing phase, about to be
Series.
enjoys creating personal relationships with
sent out to a publisher. Second, they hope that
The goal of the ETWMP Lecture Series is
veterans. “Almost every family has been
A&M-Commerce will become a repository
to bring the A&M-Commerce campus and
affected in some way by war,” said Dailey.
for oral histories and artifacts of veterans and
surrounding community together to honor
“My brother is serving in Afghanistan
their families available for the scholarly study
veterans and to learn by listening to their
currently. I connect with these families
of war and memory.
stories. Each lecture series event features a
because I can relate to a lot of the same things they felt.”
Fall 2013
Texas A&M University–Commerce
19
Progr am Developments The ETWMP has begun a mentor program with the Bland High School Historical Society Upcoming presentations with the Northeast Texas Air Force Association First publication of ETWMP in press with The Sound Historian due January 2014 Presentation at Southwest Popular Culture Conference in February 2014 in Albuquerque Presentation at National Popular Culture Conference in April 2014 in Chicago
different veteran speaker from World War II,
Butler. Butler was a member of the Military
the Korean War, the Cold War or the Vietnam
Police Platoon, 23rd Infantry Division during
War. Presentations range from a traditional
World War II. He fought on the beaches of
lecture to a moderated interview, and those in
Normandy and liberated prisoner-of-war
attendance will have the opportunity to ask
camps in Europe.
questions of each veteran. The first event featured retired Two-Star
The ETWMP interns have already begun scheduling series events for spring 2014.
Maj. Gen. Christopher Adams, Jr., to celebrate
Presentations will take place on Feb. 5, March
the 66th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force.
19 and April 9. All events are scheduled
Adams talked about his 31-year career,
for 3:15 p.m. in Conference Room C of the
starting in the A&M-Commerce ROTC
Rayburn Student Center.
program. During his time in the Air Force,
To stay updated on the latest developments
he was in the Strategic Air Command, flying
from the East Texas War and Memory Project,
B52s in the Cuban Missile Crisis. The second
follow and message the team on Facebook at
lecture series featured retired Army Pfc. Arlen
fb.com/WarandMemory.
Hayley Hasik with Sergeant James McIlroy who was the guest speaker at “An Evening with the Battle Babies.� He spoke about joining the Army Specialized Training Program at East Texas State Teachers College during World War II, being sent to Camp Maxey in Paris, Texas where he became part of the 99th Infantry Division known as the Battle Babies, and his war experience on the frontlines during the Battle of the Bulge.
Get Involved The ETWMP intern course counts as a history credit and will be offered every semester. Any student at A&M-Commerce is welcome to go through an interview process with Dr. Gruver to be admitted into the course. You can donate to the ETWMP through the War and Memory Excellence Fund through the Advancement Office at tamuc.edu/give. You can donate photos or documents by contacting Dr. Gruver or Andrea Weddle at ETWMP@tamuc.edu. Read more veteran bios on the ETWMP Facebook page at fb.com/ WarandMemory. 20 PRIDE The Alumni Magazine
Fall 2013
Go to pride.tamuc.edu to see the ETWMP team in action!
KYLE
A junior health and human performance major from Greenville, Texas, Kyle Hackney has interviewed both his father and grandfather to preserve their oral histories and family stories. During his time as an intern, Hackney assumed the duties of creating respectful but colorful nicknames for veterans to describe the courage and valor they demonstrated. “The first and most emotionally charged thought that drew me into war and memory was, ‘How can I use this project to recognize the ordinary heroes who are already in my life?’” said Hackney. “For me, the foundation of my involvement was my ability to properly recognize the men who shaped my life.”
TR AVIS
Travis Ueckert grew up in Crandall, Texas, where he first found his love for history. He is now a senior double major in history and English. “I decided to be a part of this project because after working with oral histories, I realized the veterans’ stories needed to be told,” said Ueckert. “People ought to know about the heroes
Travis Ueckert and Noah Nelson, director of community engagement, honor veterans by planting American flags at their graves in Rosemound Cemetery in Commerce, Texas on Memorial Day. Fall 2013
living among them who receive little to no attention.” Texas A&M University–Commerce
21
22 PRIDE The Alumni Magazine
Fall 2013
ccording to the Texas Education Agency, more than two-thirds of the instruction English LanguageLearners (ELL) in Texas receive is delivered by individuals not certified to teach bilingual or English as a Second Language (ESL) curriculum. While demand for certified bilingual ESL teachers continues to surge all over the nation, the number of those teachers within the
by Torie M
ichelle An
derson
U.S. has not increased enough to match the need, leaving school districts to search far and wide for those who are qualified to deliver instruction in two languages. Fall 2013
Texas A&M University–Commerce
23
However, Drs. Laura Chris Green, María Fernández Lamarque and David Hervás have taken up the task to multiply the quantity—and quality—of bilingual educators right here at A&M-Commerce. In 2012, the trio developed the research project “¡Enriquecemos!/ We Enrich: A Spanish Intervention for Pre-Service Early Childhood – 6th Grade Bilingual Teachers” as a part of a five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of English Language Acquisition. While the grant will provide scholarships and fellowships to prospective and current bilingual teachers, the ¡Enriquecemos!
Laura Chris Green, Ph.D.
component will compare customary instructional methods and newer enrichment techniques in order to determine the best methods to
Bilingual/ESL Education Director | Associate Professor
train undergraduates to teach elementary school students in bilingual
College of Education and Human Services
classrooms. This investigation, according to Lamarque, is an atypical
Academic Department: Curriculum and Instruction 37 years bilingual education and public school administration experience Awarded approximately $2,850,000 in grants
research endeavor. “When you read the literature in the journals about heritage language and bilingualism in the States, many of the studies deal with social context and the approach of the speaker to society—not so much so far on instructional techniques,” said Lamarque, associate professor and director of Spanish graduate studies. “We are pioneers in addressing how bilingual students really learn.” To evaluate the teaching techniques within their experiment, the investigators have divided Spanish for Heritage Speakers and Bilingual Education undergraduates into two groups: students who will receive a traditional manner of instruction consisting of memorization, error-finding and weekly quizzes and students who will participate in innovative enrichment workshops. Undergraduates in the traditional workshops will have direct exposure to composition rules while
María Fernández Lamarque, Ph.D. Spanish Graduate Studies Director | Associate Professor College of Humanities, Social Sciences and Arts
enrichment workshop students will discover those rules through literature. All of the participants will be trained in instructional approaches to Spanish spelling, grammar and accentuation so that they will be prepared to teach younger students. However, the workshops
Academic Department: Literature and Languages
will also play a crucial role in improving the language skills of the
Hispanic Outreach Faculty of the Year, Spring 2013
undergraduates themselves, many of whom experience difficulties in
More than 20 current or forthcoming publications
producing formal, written Spanish, an impediment that would hinder their ability to teach despite their facility in speaking the language. “They have very good oral skills, but what we call their ‘academic Spanish,’ especially their written Spanish, is weak. The usual approach that I have seen is that when students have academic difficulties, we remediate,” said Green, associate professor and director of bilingual/ ESL education. “But I’m from a school that believes in the opposite— that students who are struggling need enrichment, not to slow things down. I think this is especially true with regards to language development.” Green’s enrichment approach to bilingual education presents
Ruddy Mendoza Spanish Master’s Degree Candidate | Spanish Tutor
students with literary texts, such as poems, and asks them to pattern their writing after those pieces that are linguistically rich but short, as not to be overwhelming. The subject matter of the students’ writing,
Academic Department: Literature and Languages
however, is personal—rather than lifted from a textbook—allowing the
Former Secretary of the Hispanic Student Association
undergraduates to find a certain level of confidence earlier on in their
Born in Chihuahua, Mexico; moved to Dallas at age 3
coursework. “The students can write one or two of these simple poems, and then
24 PRIDEThe 24PRIDE TheAlumni AlumniMagazineFall Magazine 2013
Fall 2013
Fall 2013Texas 2013 A&M University–Commerce25
Texas A&M University–Commerce
25
they share them. When they hear their own words spoken aloud, they realize that they have skills and talent and that they can be decent writers. There’s an attitude shift in their approach to writing,” Green said. “We put a lot of emphasis on learning how to read in elementary school, but learning to write is just as important. It will serve them in elementary school, and then it serves them when we have them in college. ” Green says that Spanish-speaking children first entering school in the U.S. are shortchanged at the onset, as educators often ignore the average of 7,000 words those children know when beginning kindergarten instead of seeing their Spanish proficiency as an opportunity to create individuals who are fully bilingual. These children, according to Green, have fewer opportunities as adults because they lack a high degree of expertise in all areas of their native language. ¡Enriquecemos! addresses this obstacle that is shared by many undergraduates and the younger
J
Top: Traditional dance performance at the Commerce Plaza Comunitaria graduation in September 2013
students they will go on to teach. ust last spring, Ruddy Mendoza
will allow students to impact the Hispanic
was one of those undergraduates.
community outside of A&M-Commerce before
Mendoza has now moved into the
they receive the degrees and certifications
Spanish master’s program, and
necessary for elementary classrooms. The
under the supervision of Drs. Lamarque
Plaza is a joint effort of the university,
and Green, she is the graduate assistant in
the Mexican Consulate in Dallas and the
the ¡Enriquecemos! project. While working
Commerce Independent School District.
toward her teaching certification, Mendoza
It serves as a learning center for Hispanic
will play several roles in the project. With
adults seeking ESL instruction, assistance
Lamarque, Mendoza will use more traditional
in improving literacy, tutoring for the GED
methods to teach language rules that the
in Spanish and information on attaining
students must apply in their assignments.
citizenship. While parents who attend the
She will also help Green conduct enrichment
Plaza are learning, the undergraduates taking
workshops for Bilingual Education students
part in ¡Enriquecemos! provide the children
in Commerce and at the Mesquite Metroplex
with instruction based on the enrichment
location. As a researcher, Mendoza will collect
techniques from their workshops, such as
the students’ writing as data and use a rubric
performing reader’s theater, which asks
to measure the dimensions of academic
students to create and read scripts based on
Spanish that the investigators are hoping to
the dialogue in Spanish children’s books.
improve: vocabulary, voice, flow, accentuation, spelling, capitalization and punctuation.
Bottom: ¡Enriquecemos! in action as
“As a bilingual speaker, I can relate to the
elementary students learn through
At the close of the 2013-2014 academic year—after two semesters of thorough training through rigorous but fun workshops
struggles many native speakers have in reading
and engaging work in the community—
enrichment techniques with Elsa Carter, at
and writing in their own native language,”
the ¡Enriquecemos! team expects that the
the LP Waters Early Childhood Center.
Mendoza said. “This investigation can help
project will produce a body of instructional
us gain a new insight into teaching by using
techniques for teachers in elementary
literature and interaction, and our study can
bilingual classrooms. The workshop
help bilingual teachers utilize a more effective
participants’ success will be measured
approach to teaching so that the Hispanic
according to their performances on final
community can enrich its own language
achievement assessments. Ultimately, a new
instead of losing it.”
class of teachers with enhanced language skills
In fact, through practice at the Commerce
26 PRIDE The Alumni Magazine
will emerge from A&M-Commerce, ready to
Plaza Comunitaria (Community Plaza), which
educate those who require classes that will
opened at A.C. Williams Elementary School
equally develop their Spanish and English,
in January 2012, the ¡Enriquecemos! project
rather than rejecting one for the other. Fall 2013
Enrich your understanding of ¡Enriquecemos! by listening to Drs. Green and Lamarque and Ruddy discuss the project at pride.tamuc.edu
“Being a bilingual teacher is difficult because you’re like any other elementary teacher; you’re teaching all subjects... except you’re doing it in two languages.” Though ¡Enriquecemos! is just moving into
¡PROFES! Preparing Teachers & Administrators to Better Serve English Learners in Bilingual, ESL & STEM Classrooms
¡Enriquecemos! is a part of the ¡Profes! grant, a five-year collaboration between the Departments of Educational Leadership and Curriculum and Instruction at A&M-Commerce. The grant seeks to assist in increasing the number of bilingual/ESL educators and administrators in North/Northeast Texas. The grant funds one undergraduate scholarship for up to $3,000 per year and two graduate scholarships offering a maximum of $4,000 each for an academic year. For more
its second year, it sets the standard for creating
information about ¡Profes!, visit sites.tamuc.edu/profes.
a succession of more effective bilingual
educators. After witnessing how Mendoza has thrived, Lamarque has marveled at the possibilities. “We have students who come directly to the graduate program, but Ruddy started with us as an undergraduate. She went through all of these approaches with us, and now she’s
Maria Ruelas at LP Waters Early Childhood Center
teaching the different groups for our study. I think that is very remarkable that Ruddy has reached this level of proficiency. For me, it’s a great achievement,” said Lamarque. “Why not, in the future, have more students like her enroll?” To that end, the team is gearing up for a heavy-duty recruitment push to encourage more students to head down this challenging but worthwhile path. “Being a bilingual teacher is difficult because you’re like any other elementary teacher; you’re teaching all subjects. You’re responsible for all of that, except you’re doing it in two languages. It’s harder than the average teaching assignment,” said Green. But the instructional methods that will surface as the return of these researchers’ investment in the ¡Enriquecemos! project will make the assignment easier and more beneficial to the young bilingual students who may one day arrive at A&M-Commerce to continue this cycle.
Fall 2013
Texas A&M University–Commerce
27
PLASMA ON THE RISE by Andi Miller
“Plasma is not new, catalysts are not new, but combining them is quite new.”
Dr. Ben Jang holds the distinguished honor of being the first person in A&M-Commerce’s history to receive a U.S. patent for his work with RF non-thermal plasma techniques to modify catalyst materials for industrial processes. After five years of determination and perseverance through the application process, Jang is confident in his work but keeps an eye to the future. “It’s an accomplishment and it brings recognition, but we also want to take this to the next level. With the right resources, personnel, and time, we strive to attract investors to further market this technology to benefit chemistry students, faculty and the community.” The patent is for RF non-thermal plasma techniques for catalyst development to improve process efficiencies. It is a mouthful, but at its core, it’s a process most people can probably recognize or appreciate. “Plasma technology is being used in the semiconductor industry to do etching. It can also be used to put a coating on a car bumper and other items,” said Jang. “Plasma is not new, catalysts are not new, but combining them is quite new, and we are leading technology advancement in this area.” The plasma can be generated using a gas or vapor of hydrogen, argon, oxygen or any vapor, and the goal is to demonstrate the unique capability of the RF plasma technique to improve the efficiency of various catalytic processes by controlling the surface properties of catalysts and inducing unique interaction between metals and supports. “Catalysts are widely used in the chemical industry and energy or fuel processes,” said Jang. “There is definitely great potential, but it takes time and personnel and additional resources to market the patent to industry.” Going forward, Jang hopes to develop the technology to greater maturity. Companies take risks when they adopt new processes, so it will require additional investigation to solidify the existing data, streamline and mature the process further and hopefully entice companies to adopt Jang’s technology in their own production. It is a bright future ahead, not only for Jang, but for investors and industry alike.
Dr. Ben Jang demonstrates the plasma tests to a graduate student.
28 PRIDE The Alumni Magazine
Fall 2013
D
MIRACLES OF THE HEART by Torie Michelle Anderson r. Larry Lemanski’s interest in
who have had heart attacks or have cardiac
embryonic cardiac development
disease be able to repair their own hearts by
initiated his study of the Mexican
taking their own skin, treating it with this
axolotl, an aquatic salamander with a cardiac
RNA, causing it to form into cardiac tissue
lethal mutation that can cause its heart
and putting it on their hearts to repair them,”
to fail to beat. Through experimentation,
said Lemanski. “Such an approach would
Lemanski, Distinguished Research Professor
change the way heart failure is being treated in
and head of the department of biological and
that new muscle would replace the scar tissue,
environmental sciences, and his research team
and these patients could then return to pre-
found that adding the cardiac tissue of normal
heart attack activities.”
axolotl embryos to the mutant hearts would
While funding from the National Institutes
cause them to beat. Further investigation
of Health (NIH) and the American Heart
“Such an approach would change the way heart failure is being treated”
revealed that the chemical that made this possible was ribonucleic acid (RNA). After identifying the active portion of the axolotl’s RNA that causes the rescue of the mutant hearts—a substance the
group has termed MyofibrilInducing RNA (MIR)—the
researchers explored other species
the initial research possible, Lemanski has applied for additional grant funding from the NIH to support the research to repair heart attack damage in mice, a step in learning the prospects for humans.
“If you can take a skin cell and make it form
options. Tests with the cardiac MIR of sheep
into a heart cell, maybe you can take a skin
and later on, that of adult humans, have shown
cell and make it form into a nerve cell or any
that the MIR of other animals would also
other cell,” said Lemanski.
rescue those mutant axolotl hearts. However,
The possibilities have led Lemanski to
the group’s most interesting finding may be
submit proposals for patents on the MIR.
that when the MIR of humans is added to
The Texas A&M University System is
skin or stem cells—rather than cells from the
currently reviewing them and final plans
heart—they also transform into functioning
for the submission of a provisional patent
cardiac muscle cells.
are in the works—as is consideration for
“If we can understand this totally and apply it to clinical medicine, we could have people Fall 2013
Association (AHA) has made
future pharmaceutical production and commercialization. Texas A&M University–Commerce
29
DETECTING
DANGER Nikolay M. Sirakov, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science College of Science, Engineering & Agriculture Academic Departments: Mathematics; Computer Science and Information Systems Researched automatic skin cancer recognition in 2010 30 PRIDEThe 30PRIDE TheAlumni AlumniMagazineFall Magazine 2013
Fall 2013
F
by Torie Michelle Anderson or many people, conversations over coffee are for small
to the 2013 paper “From Shape to Threat: Exploiting the Convergence
talk—the weather, dinner plans, the humdrum details of
Between Visual and Conceptual Organization for Weapon Identification
daily life. For Drs. Nikolay Sirakov and Salvatore Attardo,
and Threat Assessment,” Dr. Attardo teamed with Dr. Christian
oftentimes conversations over coffee are for exploring how
Hempelmann and graduate student Carlo Di Ferrante to develop an
computers can recognize weapons and assess threats to
ontology of weapons—that is, a repository of information that specifies
security in schools, banks and local favorite locations for lattes.
each kind of weapon and its characteristics similar to the way the
“It actually started out with Dr. Sirakov and I having coffee at the
human brain stores data. Meanwhile, students working in tandem with
Cowhill. He and I would go there and always have coffee and talk about
Dr. Sirakov, joined by Dr. Abdullah Arslan, have begun to develop the
ideas,” Attardo said. “He is a mathematician, and I am a linguist. But we
program that moves an object from simple pixels to potential peril.
had this idea that we could do something that brought together our two fields.” That idea was to have video monitoring that operates in conjunction with a computer program that can recognize whether a weapon is in a scene. If a weapon were detected, the system would automatically
“The ontology tells us how many rounds are in a magazine, how long a barrel is, how far one can shoot with it,” said Hempelmann. “And it groups them by the way they look, by the contours. Based on this, you can identify the gun and ask, ‘How dangerous is this guy?’” The computer code responds to that question through a process
notify the police. But how does one give a computer the sophisticated,
Attardo describes as a target shrinking until it zeroes in on an area.
humanlike capacity to determine if what it has spotted is a deadly
Then, like an individual using an Etch-a-Sketch, with the right
weapon?
instructions, the computer can outline a particular object. By pulling
A possible answer lies in the combination of mathematics and
from a series of numbers that represent the shapes of each of the 73
computational linguistics—a field that has given society closed
weapons currently listed in the team’s ontology, the computer
captioning, digital spellcheckers and voice recognition. In the research
could then identify which weapon has been captured on video
that began four years ago as a conversational topic at Cowhill and led
and alert the appropriate authorities for the level of threat,
Fall 2013Texas 2013 A&M University–Commerce31
Texas A&M University–Commerce
31
Abdullah Arslan, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Computer Science College of Science, Engineering & Agriculture Academic Department: Computer Science and Information Systems Winner of 2010-2011 The Texas A&M University System Teaching Excellence Award
which would be a revolutionary innovation for active shooter situations.
“I joked with Abdullah, ‘Maybe we will get
me as a professional. I learned from them
this.’ But when we did not hear from them for
by observing how they approached the work
two or three weeks after the symposium, we
and following their advice. The confidence in
identification and smart threat assessment can
decided this is not us,” Sirakov said. “We were
myself that they inspired allowed me to trust
be done using visual analysis. We hope that in
very happy to hear at the beginning of July
my instincts and work hard on them.”
the future, our ontology and software system
that we won the best paper award.”
“Our current system shows that weapon
will be fully implemented, integrated with
The award, sponsored by the Lockheed
Newfound confidence in tow, Di Ferrante says that at A&M-Commerce he has also
different surveillance platforms and deployed
Martin Corporation, came with a $2,000
found the experience and knowledge he had
in places where security is very important,”
prize and a certain sense of accomplishment.
been seeking. After completing his first round
said Arslan. “We hope that lives will be saved
Researchers from universities such as
of higher education in his native country of
by early detection of weapons in such places.”
Carnegie Mellon and Johns Hopkins
As the team refines the computer code, extends the ontology and applies for additional
were among their competitors. Carlo Di Ferrante can feel
Italy, Di Ferrante discovered few work opportunities at home. However, coming to A&M-Commerce
grants in their continued work to make this
especially proud. He built the
to pursue his master’s degree
concept an actuality, national organizations
computational structure and
in computer science paved
in the fields of defense and security have
folder hierarchy for the weapons
the way for his current
predictably taken notice.
ontology and is the only student
opportunity: a six-month
to appear as an author on the
engineering internship
In 2011, Sirakov submitted a report to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
award-winning “From Shape to
(DARPA), which funds research that assists
Threat” publication.
in maintaining the “technological superiority
“I always felt like a part of the
of the U.S. military.” The submission led to
research team, and they also made me
an invitation to the Society of Photographic
feel like my opinion was as valuable
Instrumentation Engineers’ (SPIE) 2013
as theirs,” Di Ferrante said of his
Defense, Security and Sensing Symposium
co-authors. “The work with
in Baltimore. There, in the Automatic Target
professors has been
Recognition conference, Sirakov and Arslan
the thing that I
presented the “From Shape to Threat” paper
think has most
and found it in the running for the best paper
contributed
of the conference.
to preparing
32 PRIDE The Alumni Magazine
with Google London. He is working on “text-to-speech” systems, and he credits the
Christian Hempelmann, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Computational Linguistics Director of the Ontological Semantic Technology Laboratory College of Humanities, Social Sciences & Arts Academic Department: Literature and Languages Preparing The Linguistics of the Pun for publication in 2014
university and his professor
Fall 2013
colleagues for giving him the skills to succeed
computer science are about how to make
as a Googler.
computers process and resolve problems like
“Abdullah Arslan taught me about data
the human brain does. It requires the science
structure and algorithm design. He is one
of computers to be contaminated with the
of the people I respect the most because he
science of humanity,” Di Ferrante said. “I
inspired me. I saw in him someone that really
think A&M-Commerce’s progress in this
loves what he teaches,” Di Ferrante said. “I also
direction is beyond most of the universities
enjoyed the work breakfasts with Christian
in the world. We wrote a paper on weapon
Hempelmann and the humor of Nikolay
recognition, but the techniques we used could
Sirakov. All these things together with the
be applied in a number of ways that are limited
wise guidance of Dr. Attardo and the warmth
only by our imagination.”
of all the people I met made me love both working and studying at A&M-Commerce. A&M-Commerce gave to me, during one year, more than I could have ever imagined to get from studying at a university.” It is no surprise that Di Ferrante says that he looks forward to returning to the university to “continue enjoying the greatness of this challenging and warm place.” After all, he recognizes that the team is just at the genesis of cutting edge research with added implications for airport security scanning and image processing in the healthcare field. “Research shows that new trends in Fall 2013
Salvatore Attardo, Ph.D. Dean of the College of Humanities, Social Sciences & Arts Academic Department: Literature and Languages Editor-in-Chief of the Encyclopedia of Humor Studies (SAGE, 2014)
Texas A&M University–Commerce
33
Don’t let the details of this research go undetected. View our conversation with Drs. Attardo, Sirakov, Hempelmann and Arslan online at pride.tamuc.edu
by Taelor Duckwor th
34 PRIDEThe 34PRIDE TheAlumni AlumniMagazineFall Magazine 2013
Dr. Shulan Lu, Associate Professor
Fall 2013
at h W
i
rm a e f on
tw s wa
lo s a e ic
st a ng
o he
t
r? e h
place comprised of the perfect mesh of the “real world” and a virtual reality created by computer programmers is currently under construction. Dr. Shulan Lu, associate professor of psychology, and Dr. Derek
Kotha, and Manoj Indupuru; and undergraduate students, Sarah
Harter, associate professor of computer science and information
Wang, Rachel Bailey and Heather Graham have all had the unique
systems, have been working diligently with several student researchers
experience of learning from and working intently with Drs. Lu
with the hopes of creating a space where people are not sure whether
and Harter.
or not they are in real life or a virtual reality. They’ve entitled their work “Perceiving and Enacting Actions in Virtual Environments.”
Going into its fifth year, the project has outlived one grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and is now funded by its second
Former Ph.D. students, Dr. Terry Rawlinson and Dr. Paweena
one. With some $570,000 in grant money and a little support from the
Kosito; graduate students, Pratyush Kotturu, Gang Wu, Sandeep
U.S. Department of Energy, the team shows no signs of slowing down.
Fall 2013Texas 2013 A&M University–Commerce35
Texas A&M University–Commerce
35
The goal of this research is to discover whether gesture alone is
arm. This helps understand a person’s mindset and decision-making
enough to create a real action and effect as well as triggering the risk
when taken out of the real world. Robotic arms can also be useful to
avoidance contingency. In layman’s terms, they would like to know
deep-sea oil drilling. By using robots to do the major part of the job, it
whether a person participating in a virtual reality situation would
can take people out of high-risk situations. They are also working with
think, act and react as if it were real life. If a motion is made to cut
the University of Memphis, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
your arm, would you think it’s real? Would you pull away or let it “cut”
and Stanford University on possible crisis training for terrorist attacks
you? For anyone who has seen the movie Avatar, it sounds just like
for law enforcement and civilians. One can never be too prepared, and
Pandora. If people spent enough time living as an avatar in a different
the ability to react to stressful, high-intensity situations could result
world, it would seem as though it would be hard to tell the difference
in lives being saved and tragedies avoided. The results from these tests
between what is real and what is not after a period of time.
will help to build more programs and situations that benefit larger
While it all sounds kind of magical, the
audiences like training surgeons, piloting aircrafts
mechanics of it are entirely plausible. Most
and even psychotherapy.
“Today, many professionals are being trained ...it helps us to through virtual environments to do everything understand how our from flying airplanes to performing the medical brains work and procedure of intubation,” said Rawlinson. “The community needs to ensure that humans what last minute scientific are engaging such systems in meaningful ways decisions people will that result in competency, just as in the real life. Ensuring that we get it right is what intrigued make when they me the most about being able to help with are put in do or die this research.” A large portion of the work investigates how taking situations. on an avatar’s body might change the perception of our
people working on the project are electronic engineers and computer scientists who work on the hardware and building of the “other world” with Harter. The other students work with Lu on the cognitive psychology of it all. They’re constantly looking for ways to get a person to be more immersed in a virtual world. The project may seem trivial at first, but the goals of the research are to make a better world. The findings from these virtual tests will work to revolutionize a
multitude of professional fields. Doctors can
own bodies. It’s a collaborative work with Dr. Roberta
embody humanoid robots to make surgical
Klatsky from Carnegie Mellon University who serves as a
tasks much more precise and accurate. One
professor of psychology and human
experiment gives the participant an
computer interaction as well
especially long arm to see how he
as a faculty member of their
or she adjusts to understanding
Center for Neural Basis
the reach he or she would
of Cognition.
normally have with a regular arm versus the long
36 PRIDE The Alumni Magazine
Graduate Student Gang Wu
Fall 2013
How do Drs. Lu and Harter and Pratyush create virtual worlds? Find out at pride.tamuc.edu
This cross-disciplinary and cross-institutional effort helps students
academic as well as my professional career. They have been advisors,
and faculty alike to network within their field.
professors and personal friends.”
“The working environment that Dr. Lu and Dr. Harter provided was
By facilitating this kind of opportunity, our university is better
challenging and interesting,” said Wang. “Even though psychology
equipping its students for their professional lives because they are
is not my major, and I am just an undergraduate student, they took
given a chance to take the knowledge they’ve learned from books and
my suggestions and opinions seriously. What I have gained from this
lectures and apply it outside their classrooms.
student worker position helped my personal growth, and I learned to take my responsibilities seriously.”
Student employees are given access to software they will use in their respective industries as well as learning and experiencing other
Harter says he started in artificial intelligence, but he was not
fields of research. They can learn about the newest technologies and
satisfied because early and traditional artificial intelligence was
get paid at the same time. The faculty offers a high-level of expertise,
not as concerned with cognition, or how humans and animals are
and because of the size of this university, students are given closer
actually intelligent. This principle is important because it helps us
attention and more interaction.
to understand how our brains work and what last minute decisions people will make when they are put in do or die situations. The most recent evidence of testing showed that a person making a
Through team building activities and the way they are cultivating lives these professors show that they really care about their students and do not view them as worker bees. When a person feels appreciated
gesture alone without the physical object for performing the actions
for the work they do and for the person they are, it really makes for
was not sufficient enough to illicit a response. For example, you’re in
productive, creative and innovative professionals. Promoting these
the virtual space. Dr. Lu has told you that you’re playing a baseball
types of relationships creates a strong bond within the research team,
game. It’s the bottom of the ninth, two outs, runners in scoring
and thus furthers the project immeasurably.
position, and you’re up to bat with a full count. If you don’t have a bat in your hand and there’s no evidence of the scenario, your brain
When asked why it is important for this research to take place here at this university, Lu answered, “The honest answer is because we’re here. Dallas is a technology corridor that is quickly growing, and that affords students the opportunity for feedback from the community and companies as well as possible collaborations with these entities.” Their work with virtual environments still has some run time left. The NSF grant will end in August 2014, and after that, the professors and student researchers are looking to the U.S. Department of Defense and Homeland Security for options. While we can never have a 100% virtual world, this research works to dig deeper and push harder into the vast unknown. There must be some overlap and abstractness, but if the reality they are creating can ultimately change the way we think, feel and behave it’s impossible to tell where that will take us. Projects such as these will lead our university and our world into the future with open arms and minds to take us to places we most certainly have
Dr. Derek Harter, Professor
never been before.
understands that it’s not real. Nothing will happen if you strike out. You know it’s all pretend. However, if you are given a bat and a pitcher is placed in front of you with a stadium full of screaming fans, you begin to believe it’s real. The environment will trigger the feelings associated with a high pressure situation, and you’ll perform the way you would in reality. Perhaps the most exciting part of the entire project taking place on the A&M-Commerce campus is the student interaction. A few college kids who came to Commerce hoping to get their degrees and move on have found that working on this project has been life-changing. “I feel so lucky to have met Dr. Lu and Dr. Harter and to have been given the opportunity to work with them,” said Wu, a Computer Science student who worked on the project and graduated in May. “Through their depth of knowledge, enthusiasm and life experiences, their advice and guidance have been a positive influence in both my Fall 2013
Texas Pratyush A&M University–Commerce Graduate Student Kotturu
37
Kyleah Murphy, a student in the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program–under the advisement of Dr. William Newton, assistant professor of physics and astronomy–wrote a paper on the cooling of the neutron star in Cassiopeia. They submitted
More Fearless Investigators As a part of The National Science Foundation’s
the paper to Astrophysical Journal Letters,
Preparing Students for an Interconnected World
one of the most highly regarded journals
A team of university administrators, faculty
in the field. The paper has just received a
and students is leading the development of
very favorable review and will hopefully be
the A&M-Commerce Quality Enhancement
published. Murphy was nominated to the
Plan (QEP)—Preparing Students for an
National REU Conference in Arlington, Va.,
Interconnected World—which is part of
where she presented the results of her research
the process to reaffirm accreditation with
in October.
the Southern Association of Colleges and
Research Experience for Undergraduates
Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
(REU) program, the Department of Physics
In the paper “Ben Jonson on Shakespeare’s
Dr. Shonda Gibson, executive director of
& Astronomy hosts a unique REU program
Chaucer,” professor and graduate student
global learning, is the author of the QEP.
to provide community and junior college
team, Dr. Kathryn Jacobs and D’Andra
Dr. Chip Fox chairs the committee and is
students exposure to ongoing research in the
White, argue that Ben Jonson’s criticism of
also a contributor. Contributors also include
sciences. Over the past three years, Drs. Bao-
William Shakespeare was partially driven
graduate research assistants Natalia Assis,
An Li, Charles Rogers, Anil Chourasia,
by Jonson’s disapproval of Shakespeare’s
Andrea Slobodnikova, Hadeer Shelash,
Matt Wood, Kent Montgomery, William
borrowings from Geoffrey Chaucer—a
Patcha Charoensukmongkol, Pratyush
Newton and Kurtis Williams have
motive Jacobs says has not been previously
Kotturu, Ashley Kimble and Adeyinka
engaged students in a variety of projects,
documented. The paper has garnered
Akeju. Over 400 undergraduates have
including the professors’ current research
significant recognition, including acceptance
contributed directly to the creation of the
on nuclear reactions, asteroid rotation and
to The Chaucer Review, the preeminent
QEP by participating in in-depth personal
white dwarf stars, with a goal of encouraging
journal of Chaucerian research.
interviews and focus group sessions.
engineering or mathematics degrees at
Assistant professor of computational
As more academic programs move to online
four-year universities.
linguistics and director of the Ontological
formats, the need for analysis of the delivery of
these students to pursue science, technology,
Semantic Technology Lab,
courses increases. Dr. R.N.
Dr. Matt A. Wood, department head and
Dr. Christian
Singh, head of the A&M-
professor of physics and astronomy, presented
Hempelmann, and
Commerce Department of
“Lessons Learned from the Cataclysmic
graduate student co-authors
Sociology and Criminal
Variables in the NASA Kepler Field” at the
Elisa Gironzetti, Hilal
Justice, has worked to
Kepler Astroseismic Science Consortium
Ergül, Shigehito Menjo
evaluate the current online
Conference held in Sydney, Australia, in
and Adel Aldawsari are investigating overlap
Master of Science in Applied Criminology
June 2013. The Kepler satellite has provided
and disjunction in the concepts that the
program. Singh also interviewed faculty
four years of continuous monitoring at a
English language denotes with the words
members and other professionals involved
cadence as short as
laugh, smile and grin. Their study, “Laughing
with online teaching at seven universities in
one minute of over
and Smiling: An Interlingual Lexical Field
northeast Texas to pinpoint challenges the
a dozen of the close,
Study,” focuses on the use of those words in
online applied criminology program may
interacting binary stars
Ken Kesey’s novel “One Flew Over the
face as it advances.
known as cataclysmic
Cuckoo’s Nest.” The team has compared the
variables. These
English version to translations in Japanese,
systems have orbital
Spanish, Italian, Saudi Arabic, German,
sociology, is researching the
periods as short as 90
Turkish and French, finding that most
unprecedented level of
minutes and display
languages have a distinction between two or
globalization that has
outbursts and transient
all three of the words. In the next stage of the
occurred in China over the
periodicities that give
project, the researchers will expand the study
last three decades in the
a window into the
to all of the other languages Kesey’s novel has
nature of viscosity of
been translated into by recruiting native
of Globalization: From Isolated to
astrophysical fluids.
speakers from A&M-Commerce and beyond.
Globally Connected.”
38 PRIDE The Alumni Magazine
Dr. Jiaming Sun, associate professor of
paper “Social Consequences
Fall 2013
Dr. Scott Lancaster, research and instruction librarian, presented “Using Google Books for Academic Research” at the Digital Frontiers Conference at the University of North Texas in September 2013. Adam Northam, digital collections librarian, and Sean Anderson, technology librarian, presented “Digital Popcorn: Making Media Better” at the Internet Librarian 2013 Conference in Monterrey, Calif. Susan Andrews, serials librarian, and Sandy Hayes, monographs, acquisitions,
Benjamin May, assistant professor of
and cataloging librarian, presented “Imagine
social work, had the paper
More Space in your Library! Weeding
“Teaching Multi-Cultural
Bound Periodicals” at the Charleston
Knowledge and Attitudes
Conference 2013.
within Social Work Programs with Inclusion of
Gail Johnston, associate director of
Individuals with Learning
libraries, along with Marilyn Powers,
Disability” accepted to the International
district librarian of Como-Pickton ISD,
Journal of Arts and Commerce in July 2013.
presented “Information Literacy: Navigate, Then Evaluate” at the Region 8 Education
Dr. Brandon Randolph-Seng, assistant
Service Center LITE Conference.
professor of management, has published three
Drs. Lon Johnston and
papers and completed three presentations this
Chris Stewart,
Rick Gavos, a recent graduate of the Master
year. His work can be found in Leadership
associate professors of
of Fine Arts program, received an AIGA (Re)
Quarterly, Business Communications
social work, published a
design Award at the 2013 AIGA National
Quarterly and the Journal of Leadership and
journal article, “Still
Design Conference in Minneapolis. This
Organizational Studies.
international competition honors graphic designers and visual communicators for
Among the Missing? A Content Analysis of LGBT Articles in
Dr. Robin Anne Reid, professor of
Social Work Journals, 1998-2009,” in the
their commitment to design that strives to
English, and Dr. Christian
most recent edition of the Journal of Gay
improve people’s lives and positively impacts
Hempelmann are creating
and Lesbian Social Services.
our planet. Gavos’ winning work was from
the first corpus (annotated
his MFA thesis, “The Sustainable Design
database) on the works of J.
Dr. Carlos Bertulani,
Office: LEED-type Certification for Graphic
R. R. Tolkien. In the fall
professor of physics and
Design.” It defines parameters for green
semester, students in Reid’s
astronomy, was recently
graphic design practices, including employing
Style and Stylistics course have learned how to
elected a Fellow of the
current graphic-arts-industry environmental
create a corpus by applying linguistic theories
American Physical
practices, overlaying select architectural LEED
to literature as Hempelmann’s students have
certification criteria
explored the cutting edge field of
member of the Committee of Education of
and creating
computational linguistics, which allows for the
the APS. He was chair of the NSF
a holistic
analysis of literary texts via computer
Graduate Research Fellowship Program
approach to
programs. As these courses come to a close,
Panel for Physics and
best practices
students may continue work on the Tolkien
Astronomy and published a
in the
Corpus Project, which will be available online
new book, “Nuclei in the
graphic design
to fill a critical gap in Tolkien studies for
Cosmos,” for physics
profession.
scholars in the field.
graduate students.
Fall 2013
Society (APS) and a
Texas A&M University–Commerce
39
SAVING CITRUS In the study “An Analysis of the Potential
Economic Impact of Huanglongbing on the
THE LINE UP
California Citrus Industry,” assistant professor of agribusiness, Dr. Jose A. Lopez, and
At nearly 50, Texas leads the nation in the
graduate student Samantha
number of convictions overturned as a result
Durborow conducted an
of DNA evidence, where 80 percent of those
economic analysis of the
wrongful convictions were, in part, the
impact of the disease citrus
result of eyewitness misidentification. In the
greening, or Huanlongbing, on the California
research project “The Influence of Perpetrator
citrus industry in 2011
Distinctiveness on the Weapon-focus Effect
and 2012. In a span
and Simultaneous Versus Sequential Lineup
of 20 years,
Performance: An ROC Analysis,” Drs. Curt
Huanlongbing-
and Maria Carlson, assistant professors of
infected citrus trees
psychology, have investigated the variables
could cause a $2.7
assistant professor
that affect the accuracy of eyewitness lineups,
billion loss in
of psychology, was
working to pinpoint ways lineups can be
production value if
recently awarded
improved to increase the selection of guilty
nothing is done versus $2.2 billion under an
the university’s
suspects over those who are innocent. In an
aggressive action approach in California,
experiment with more than 2,500 participants,
which contributes 80 percent of the fresh
the Carlsons have uniquely studied the
oranges in the U.S.
Dr. Curt Carlson,
2013 Junior Faculty Research Award. Carlson is the
intersection of the effects of the presence of a
coordinator of
weapon, the distinctiveness of the perpetrator
Project Participants
the Educational
and how the lineups are presented. Thus far,
1 Dr. Curt Carlson
Psychology Doctoral
the pair has found that the sequential lineup
2 Dr. Maria Carlson
Program, and his
that shows each person one at a time and has
3 Jane Bednarz, Doctoral student
been implemented in several states, including
4 Alex Wooten, Doctoral
research revolves
Texas, may not be more effective than the
5 Dave Young, Masters student
around cognitive
traditional simultaneous lineup that allows
6 Natalie Saladino, Masters
witnesses to view all members at once.
7 Amanda Tucker, Masters
award-winning
psychology.
8 Jessica Mayberry, Doctoral
40 PRIDE The Alumni Magazine
Fall 2013
TOUCH TO TALK In a dialogue-driven world, Dr. Lucy
COMING TOGETHER
Pickering, director of the Applied Linguistics
Next year, in addition to celebrating the
with speech impairments to partake in
125 years since its establishment in 1889,
conversations. In the study, “Linguistic
A&M-Commerce will mark its 50th year as
Characteristics of AAC Discourse in the
a desegregated campus. In conjunction with
Workplace,” Pickering, her team of students
this event, Dr. Shannon Carter, associate
and researchers from Georgia State University
professor of English and director of the
and the Georgia Institute of Technology,
Converging Literacies Center, will recount
collected and transcribed recordings of
the stories of local racial justice efforts in
workplace discourse from AAC and non-AAC
Commerce in her book, “Coming Together:
users. Those recordings were used to identify
A History of Civic Engagement, Civil Rights,
speech patterns and strategies of AAC users
and Racial Justice in a Rural University Town.”
and compare them to those of individuals
Starting with founder William Leonidas Mayo,
who do not require the devices. The study
Carter moves through history and geography,
amounted to more than 220 hours of speech,
from segregated neighborhoods near the
offering a corpus of language larger than any
campus to the impact of African-American
other including AAC users. Results indicate
students upon their arrival at the university in
that AAC users produce more informational,
1964. Over the course of four years, Carter and
non-narrative speech than their non-AAC
her team of students have worked to recover,
counterparts. This information moves the
share and preserve stories about race and civic
researchers one step closer to providing the
engagement in Commerce, contributing to the
foundation for programming that will bring
renewal of many of the social justice efforts
AAC users’ speech closer to the expectations of
they represent.
work environments.
Fall 2013
Laboratory, is working to improve the augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices that allow individuals
Be part of something great. To get involved with any of these projects, learn
more about a former professor or department, or to simply have a discussion about how you can impact a deserving student, contact: Wayne Davenport Senior Director of Development College of Science, Engineering, & Agriculture Wayne.Davenport@tamuc.edu (903) 468-8182 Wyman Williams Director of Development College of Business & Entrepreneurship Wyman.Williams@tamuc.edu (903) 468-8187 Devon Herrman Associate Director of Development College of Education & Human Services Devon.Herrman@tamuc.edu (903) 468-8198 John McCarty Associate Director of Development College of Humanities, Social Sciences, & Arts John.McCarty@tamuc.edu (903) 468-8167 Taylor Fore Associate Director of Development Athletics Taylor.Fore@tamuc.edu (817) 683-4485 These individuals are available to assist you in determining how best you can help transform people’s lives through education. Texas A&M University–Commerce
41
Noteworthy Lee A. Whitmarsh, director of visual
Dr. Joyce Miller, associate professor in
Dr. Carmen F. Salazar,
communications, recently received a Golden
the A&M-Commerce Department of
professor of counseling,
Orchard Award for teaching given by the
Curriculum and Instruction, was elected
has been appointed to a
Dallas Society of Visual Communications.
as one of three delegates to represent the
three-year term as senior
Jackie Wahrmund, animal
United States at the biennial conference of
associate editor of
science assistant professor,
the World Council for Gifted and Talented
raised a home-bred filly
Children (WCGTC), Inc. The role of the
named Blue Excellence who
Council delegates is to promote the activities
Paige Bussell, university
was crowned World
of the World Council and encourage
registrar, recently received
Champion Two-Year-Old
the Journal of Counseling and Development.
research and support of issues addressing
the 2013 Barton/Nelson
Three-Gaited Horse at the Kentucky State
the needs of the gifted and talented student.
Leadership Award at the
Fair World’s Championship Horse Show on
Miller was seated as a voting delegate at
2013 Salt Lake City, Utah
Aug. 23 with trainer Peter Mace riding.
the 2013 WCGTC conference in Louisville,
CoHEsion Conference in
Wahrmund has been breeding American
Ky., and will conclude her term at the 2015
recognition of outstanding service,
Saddlebreds for nine years and this is her
conference, which will be held in Denmark.
leadership and vision. CoHEsion is a
Dr. Sandy Kimbrough,
membership organization of the community
Dr. Brent Donham,
associate professor of health
of users from all the global education
department head and
and human performance,
solutions of Ellucian Library.
associate professor of
and some of her students
John Kaulfus, assistant
engineering and technology,
are providing family fitness
vice president and dean of
was named a finalist for the
classes twice a week for
campus life and student
first World Champion.
Community Seeds in Lone Oak, Texas.
development, was named
Business Council’s Tech Titan of the Future
Metroplex Technology
SEEDS’ programs address the multiple
president of the Texas
Award for his Pre-Service STEM Teacher
factors affecting low-income, working poor
Summer Camp. The award recognizes
and underserved families that tend to keep
University Student Personnel Administrators
educators and education programs that
them in poverty and place them at risk of
(TACUSPA) on Oct. 13 at the association’s
encourage and support students to choose
becoming homeless and/or in need of crisis
annual conference in Houston, Tx.
engineering and technology career fields.
intervention services.
Drs. Venu Cheriyath and Jeffery
Association of College and
Rick Miller served
Deepti Vanguri, assistant
A&M-Commerce for over 21
Kopachena have been named National
director for student
years in multiple capacities
Academies Education Fellows in the Life
activities and special events,
including director of the
Sciences for the 2013-2014 academic year.
was recently awarded the
Rayburn Student Center,
The honor recognizes their selection to
Shirley Plakidas New
director for applied
and participation in the 2013 National
Professional Award for
leadership and instructor for training and
Academies Gulf Coast Summer Institute on
outstanding service to the Association of
development. Miller’s contribution was
Undergraduate Science Education, which was
College Unions International (ACUI) within
pivotal in the conception and construction of
held at Louisiana State University (LSU).
her first five years as a professional.
the Rayburn Student Center that opened in
Dr. Gwen Weatherford,
Jessica Johnson, a senior athletic training
2009. Additionally, Miller established the
assistant professor of health
major in the A&M-Commerce Department
foundation for quality leadership skills and
and human performance,
of Health and Human Performance, was
leadership services available for the campus
was honored to receive the
awarded the Becky Marshal Undergraduate
community. His talent for fusing leadership
Nell Humfeld Distinguished
Scholarship through the Southwest
teaching concepts into any learning
Faculty Award for Service
Athletic Trainers’ Association. Johnson
environment enhanced the impact for
and the Sophomore Experience Leadership
received this award based on her academic
students, faculty and staff members. The
Award in recognition of excellence in service
accomplishments, leadership activities and
university appreciates Miller’s passion
for students and the university.
community service involvement.
and dedication. We wish him well.
42 PRIDE The Alumni Magazine
Fall 2013
Dr. LaVelle Hendricks,
New Beginnings Multicultural Gospel
professor in the A&M-
Choir took the stage in Birmingham,
Commerce Department of
Ala., on the Day of Commemoration—the
Psychology, Counseling and
culmination of the city’s Empowerment
Special Education, has been
Week on Sept. 15, in Railroad Park. The week
selected as a fellow with the
was one of Birmingham’s several special
Texas Association of Black Personnel in
events in a year-long observance of the 50th
Higher Education.
anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement.
Sarah Northam, head of
Earlier this year, New Beginnings visited
research and instruction
Birmingham on a tour that also took them to
services at James G. Gee
Selma and Montgomery to view landmarks
Library has been selected to
of the Civil Rights Movement. The choir sang
attend the Assessment
in all three cities, including at the 16th Street
Immersion Track of
Baptist Church, which was bombed by the
Association of College & Research Libraries
Ku Klux Klan on Sept. 15, 1963, resulting
Immersion 2013.
in the deaths of four black girls. The Day
Christina Wan, A&M-
of Commemoration marks this event. This
Commerce hall director at
trip was made possible by a donation from
Pride Rock, recently received
alumni Frank and Rosalie Turner. They
the Fellows Award from the
have also pledged to continue funding trips
Texas Association of College
like this one on a yearly basis.
New Beginnings Multicultural Choir takes the stage in Birmingham for the Day of Commemoration.
and University Student Personnel Administrators. She is one of four young professionals in the state of Texas to receive this award. Rebecca Malmberg, Velnesha Rabon, Sam Olvera, Oscar Goana, Bri Stowers, Katia Gonzalez, Brittany Anderson— resident assistants, and their advisor, Michelle McGhee, went to the Southwest Association of College and University Housing Officers RA conference held in San Antonio, Texas in October 2013. At the conference, the A&M Commerce resident assistants won the Best Banner for a Large Delegation award. The theme of this year’s conference was Color Me Radical.
Fall 2013
Texas A&M University–Commerce
43
Class Notes
1970s
1940s Dr. Grady (BS ‘47) and Adena Tice (BS ’40, MED ‘47)
1960s L. Dwight Chaney (B.A. ’65, M.A. ’67) has
Dale Irby (BS ’73 and MEd ’79) has recently
recently retired as vice president of academic
become famous as the man who wore the
donated their estate to A&M-Commerce,
Studies at Paris Junior College after 46 years
same polyester shirt and wool sweater vest
creating the Grady Tice Endowment. Because
of service.
for 40 years of school photos. The retired
they did not have children, the Tices cooked,
Peggy Smith and her
Richardson ISD elementary school teacher
boarded and financially supported many
husband Jim donated a
has gone viral with his vintage get-up. Irby, a
A&M-Commerce students. Grady graduated
portion of her sister Mari
former PE teacher, has been featured on the
from A&M-Commerce with his Bachelor of
Ann Cook’s (BM ’57, MED
“Today” show, CBS, CNN, People magazine’s
Science degree in 1947 before earning his
‘62) estate to A&M-
website and internationally in England and
master’s from Sam Houston State University
Commerce creating the Mari
Germany. Now, when Irby isn’t fielding
and his doctorate from Louisiana State
Ann Cook Music Endowment. Cook
University. He was Chairman of the
graduated from A&M-Commerce with her
Department of Education at A&M-
Bachelor of Music Education in 1957. From
Commerce and President of the Northeast
1957 to 1965, she taught music in Cooper and
one of 50 world-renowned photographers
Texas Education Club. Adena graduated
Big Sandy, Texas. She then moved to New
in a Chinese sponsored photographic
from A&M-Commerce with her Bachelor of
Mexico to teach in Grants and Los Lunas
project called “World Photographers
Science degree in 1940 and her master’s
until 1972. After her time as a teacher, Cook
Focus on Beijing 2013” He is one of three
degree in 1947. She taught for 34 years in
went on to work for the State of Texas as a
photographers from the United States.
Malakoff, Cayuga, Ranger, Greenville
social worker. She retired as a supervisor in
Bobby C. Burns (B.S. ’79, M.Ed. ’87) has
and Commerce.
1993. Cook enjoyed crafting, traveling and
been named as a finalist for the annual
being active until her passing in 2011.
Superintendent of the Year Award sponsored
1950s Richard A. Ellison (B.B.A. ’51) published the first of a planned trilogy, a family adventure story titled “Monmouth in the Morning.” Barbara Lynn (B.A. ’63, M.Ed. ’73) recently
David Dunn (B.S. ’68) writes that he is married to Kimberly Tripp, a former ETSU cheerleader. They have three children and he is currently the senior pastor at 7th Street Baptist Church in Ballinger. Sara Ellen (Ridge) Fallis (B.S. ’66) has
calls from interviewers, he spends time babysitting his two-year-old grandson. Jay Brousseau (B.S. ’79) has been selected as
by the Texas Association of School Boards. Bobby is superintendent for CarrolltonFarmers Branch ISD. Rosalie Dennis (B.B.A. ’76) is the new Bel Air Elementary principal in the Athens ISD. Sherry E. Phillips (B.A. ’71) was recognized
retired as assistant mathematics professor at
by Continental Who’s Who as a Pinnacle
retired from 50 years of teaching at Quitman
Tarrant County College. Westbow Press has
Professional as a result of 35 years of
Elementary School.
recently published her book “The Drama of
excellence as an educator. Sherry is the
Redemption: Walking with Jesus Christ from
owner, director and instructor of Miss
Douglas “Doug” Clarence Meadows (B.S. ’51) received the James Bowie Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Award in June.
Creation to Canaan.” Charles W. Williams (M.Ed. ’62) and his wife Margaret of Longview recently celebrated
elected state secretary of the Texas Council
their 50 wedding anniversary.
for Exceptional Children.
th
44 PRIDE The Alumni Magazine
Sherry’s Studies and Enrichment in Allen. Dr. Suzanne Thomas (B.S. ’70) was recently
Fall 2013
Dixie Turman (B.S. ’79, M.Ed. ’82) was named 2012 Citizen of the Year by the Commerce Chamber of Commerce. Tommy VanDeaver (B.B.A. ’78) was recently promoted to chief auditor at Guaranty Bond
1990s
Bank in Mount Pleasant. Revis Z. Wortham (B.S. ’76, M.Ed. ’84) announces the release of his new novel “The Right Side of Wrong.”
1980s Melissa A. Cavender (B.B.A. ’89) took over as Lamar County auditor. Dr. James B. Cowley (B.S. ’87, M.Ed. ’90, Ed.D. ’03) was named Superintendent of the Year by the Texas Rural Educators
Katherine Taylor (BFA ‘98) was recently
Association.
published in the Summer/Fall 2013 issue of
Sandra K. Wallace Gorman (B.S. ’80, M.Ed.
The Studio Potter with her article “Being
’83, M.S. ’95) is listed as a contributor
Here” about her work in ceramics. In
with pictures in John C. Maxwell’s book,
addition to the article, Taylor was an artist
two books available on Amazon: “Diet and
“Everyone Communicates, Few Connect.”
in residence for three months this fall at
Cancer: Is There a Connection?” and “Coco’s
David L. Knight (B.S. ’76, M.S. ’82) retired
Melinda Coker (M.S. ’94) is the author of
Tainan National University of the Arts in
Healthy Cooking: A Collection of Delicious
after 28 years of service as a teacher, coach
Tainan City, Taiwan. She worked to create a
Plant-Based Recipes to Renew Your Health
and principal, most recently from Aledo ISD.
body of work in ceramics alongside her
Tina R. Phillips (B.B.A. ’85, M.B.A. ’87) was appointed auditor in Franklin County.
interactions with students and faculty. This
and Vitality.” Curtis R. French (M.S. ’94) has recently
is a very prestigious international residency
authored a new edition of “Winning Words,
whose past residents include some of the
Devotions for Athletes.” Another publication,
retired after 28 years of service with the
most recognized ceramicists in the world.
“Fourth Down, One To Go” will be released
Mount Vernon ISD.
You can see more of her work at
in early 2014.
Lynne Overstreet (B.B.A. ’81, M.Ed. ’85) has
Gina Hooten Popp (B.S. ’84) has recently released the novel “The Storm After,” a historical fiction novel about the 1900 Galveston Hurricane. Diedra L. Rast (B.S. ’85) was named Secondary Teacher of the Year by Lamar ISD. Dr. Kia Jane Richmond (B.S. ’89, M.S. ’97) recently was promoted to professor of English at Northern Michigan University. Dr. Donnya E. Stephens (Ed.D. ’81) was the first black faculty member and tenured professor in the department of secondary education and leadership at Stephen F. Austin State University. She has been
frontroomclay.com. Chris Brannan (B.S. ’94) is the new band director at Mineola High School. Shelly R. Bullock (B.S. ’90) was named Woman of the Year by the Winnsboro Area Chamber of Commerce for 2013. Renee Campbell (M.Ed. ’96) has been installed as the district coordinator for elementary curriculum in the Athens ISD. Tommy Chalaire (B.S. ’93, M.Ed. ’05) was named superintendent of Chisum ISD. Dr. James Derek Citty (Ed.D. ’99) began fall classes as superintendent of Aledo ISD. Army Pfc. Corrie M. Byrd (B.B.A. ’08)
Paula James Hartfield (M.S. ’96) recently became licensed as an attorney. She will be opening her own law practice. Yolanda Jackson (B.B. A. ’95, M.Ed. ‘03) is the new principal for Apollo Junior High in Richardson ISD. Dr. Thomas W. Newsom (M.S. ’98) is the new president of Mesalands Community College in Tumcumcari, N.M., effective August 2013. Heather E. Pierce (B.S.I.S. ’97) is the new Grand Saline Middle School counselor. Tracy Ann Webb (M. Ed ’91) is now assistant principal at WC Schultz Junior High School in the Waller ISD.
honored with a portrait to be hung in the
graduated from basic military training at
department’s newly created Leadership
Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in San
7 to Julia Chears and is now living in Little
Legacy Hallway.
Antonio.
Rock, Ark.
Fall 2013
James A. Young (B. S. ’91) was married July
Texas A&M University–Commerce
45
Class Notes
Colleen Hoover (BSW ’04) grew up in East
2000s Keith A. Brown (M.S. ’01) has been named
Texas and says she always knew she was born to write a book but never thought she would actually do it. However, in January 2012, she did just that. When family and friends asked to read her first book, she decided to digitally
as a finalist for the annual Superintendent
self-publish it on Amazon, so they could
of the Year award sponsored by the Texas
download it for free for a week. Shortly after
Association of School Boards. Keith is
“Slammed” came out on Amazon, people she
superintendent for Bay City ISD.
didn’t know started downloading the book.
achieved a lot since graduating. He has
Jason Burton (M.B.A. ’09) is the McKinney
Christopher Jones (BSCIS ’07, MS ’10) has
After beginning to charge for the download,
developed a prototype device, applied for a
Boyd High School’s boys’ basketball coach.
its popularity only continued to rise. By
patent on his ideas and concepts for storing
Catherine Jeannette Canzoneri (B.S.I.S.
June 2012, she was on Amazon’s Kindle Top
power in a rechargeable environment, and
’07) and Joshua Garret Miller were married
100 Best-Seller list, and in July, she hit The
most recently, written a book. He released
December 22, 2012, in Greenville.
New York Times best-seller list for e-books.
an autobiography entitled “Insight of
Shortly after, she sold the movie rights to
Perseverance” in December 2012. The book
December 29, 2012, to Mica Renee
her novel. Hoover finished “Hopeless,” her
is about his struggles with albinism. Jones
Lamprechet in Austin.
third book, last December and the very
said he suffered through years of special
Jason D. Choate (B.B. A. ’08) was married
Alex Contreras (B.B.A. ’09) is the new head
next month, it was also a New York Times
education classes, visual impairment, being
Track and Field Coach at Greenville
best-seller. An announcement on her blog
misunderstood by his peers and being told he
High School.
explains that she signed a deal with Atria
wouldn’t make it. Now he would like to use
Books, a Simon & Schuster imprint, for
his story to empower others to chase their
two books to be released next year. Hoover
dreams. Jones is now working toward his
Justin D. Cox (B.S. ’07) is the new Assistant Principal at Rockdale Junior High School. Chad D. Elledge (M.B.A. ’02) was promoted to vice president at First National Bank of Gilmer. Deborah D. Harman (M.A. ’01) and Julia D. Teague (B.S.I.S. ’95, M.Ed. ’00) started
resides in Sulphur Springs with her husband and their three sons. Pastor Leah Hidde-Gregory (B.S. ’06) has been appointed to First United Methodist Church in Hillsboro.
Ph.D. and teaching at A&M-Commerce. Melissa LaVoy (B.S.I.S. ’06) was named Elementary Teacher of the Year by the North Lamar ISD. Katrina Lemons (M.S. ’03) will join Clift
their own business: learningwheels.com,
Cleo House, Jr. (B.S. ’00) has recently
where they work as writers, developers, and
accepted the position of chair of the
presenters. Both Teague and Harman are
department of visual and performing arts
Beverly Jackson Loss (B.S.W. ’05, M.S.N. ’07)
former classroom teachers, hold master’s
at Texas Southern University in Houston.
was recently appointed to the Texas Council
degrees in the field of education, and have
Christopher M. James (B.B.A. ’10) was named
extensive experience writing and developing
the head coordinator for ACE’s local sixth
games and workshop presentation materials.
grade center in the Greenville ISD.
46 PRIDE The Alumni Magazine
Elementary as its new assistant principal in the Waxahachie ISD.
on Purchasing from People with Disabilities. David Maass (M.Ed. ’06) has been chosen as the new principal for the Oglesby ISD. Fall 2013
M. Dianna Manuel (M.Ed. ’06) was named the new principal of
2010s
Frisco ISD’s Career and Technical Education Center. Winston Clay McCowan, Jr. (B.S. ’01, M.Ed. ’08) was promoted to principal at Athens Middle School in the Athens ISD. Molly Nickols Purl (M.S. ’08) was awarded for excellence in teaching during the spring 2013 semester by Mesquite ISD. Steven Patterson (M.Ed. ’08) was hired as an
Michael K. Stevens (B.S. ’00) is the new Vernon High School assistant principal.
Ronnie Allman
(B.F.A. ’11)
Mandy Stewart (B.B.A. ’01, M.S. ’11) married Jimmy El Zorkani on May 24, 2013.
received his degree
Amanda Tabor (B.S.I.S. ’00, M.Ed. ’07) has
in art direction.
been named as the new principal of Story
Now this first-time
Elementary School in the Allen ISD.
filmmaker can add
assistant principal at C.B. Thompson Middle
a new feather to his
School in the Quinlan ISD.
cap as one of five winners of Canon’s Project
Tiffany Mathias Peek (B.B.S. ’07) was
Imaginat10n contest, judged by award-
diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease in
winning director, Ron Howard, and his
2010 at the age of 25. She went in for a
daughter, actress and director, Bryce Dallas
routine check-up to find that her kidneys
Howard. His debut short film, “Filter,” was
were functioning at a mere 27 percent and
filmed over just five days this past June
was in stage four kidney failure. When she
and July.
reached stage five and would have to pursue a
Jordan Lance Brooks (B.S. ‘10) currently
transplant or dialysis, her family and friends
works for a Dallas video production
immediately began to get tested. First
company, Frozen Fire, as an assistant
up was her
editor and videographer.
husband,
Jamon Copeland (M.S. ’11) has been named the head coach of The University of Texas at
Jaron Peek (B.S. ’07),
Tyler men’s basketball program.
who is an
Samuel P. Dearinger (B.A.A. S. ’12)
alumnus, and
was married on June 22, 2013, to
as it turns out, also a transplant match. On
Taylor Rae Dockery.
May 1, 2013, Jaron gave his wife one of his
Courtesy of Smeeta Mahanti
kidneys without her having to undergo a
Elizabeth Zandile Tshele (BA ’05) was
Dr. Van Patterson (Ed.D. ’11) has been named director of the University of Texas at Tyler
single dialysis treatment. Six months later,
shortlisted for one of the world’s most
Tiffany says his kidney is working like a
prestigious literary awards under the pen
charm. In the last week of October, Tiffany
name, NoViolet Bulawayo. The Man Booker
released her new CD “Something Will Give.”
went for a check-up and the kidney Jaron
Prize is open only to writers from Britain,
Watch for her performances in the Hunt/
gave her is working at 89 percent by itself.
Ireland and the Commonwealth. Bulawayo
Manuel Perez (B.S. ’05) has been named the new head baseball coach at Lampasas ISD. Paul Richards (B.S. ’00) has been hired as
is the first writer from Zimbabwe to be a
Rains County area. Judy N. Serranno (B.A. ’10) has released a
Booker finalist and the only debut novelist.
new suspense novel “Linked.” Her website
Her novel “We Need New Names” was among
is judyserrano.com.
the school administrator for Full Armor
the final six books to be considered for the
Christian Academy in Henderson.
50,000-pound ($78,000) award.
Susan Spoonemore (B.S. ’07) has been
Longview University Center. Amanda Goodman-Pruitt (B.S. ’10) has
Clarence R. Williams, Jr. (M.S. ’03) is the
Josh M. Singleton (B.S. ’11) and wife Avery have begun a community supported agriculture movement in starting their
named the new communications director of
new principal at Wakeland High School in
organic farm, Spring Fed Farms CSA -
the Greenville Chamber of Commerce.
Frisco ISD.
springfedfarmscsa.com.
Fall 2013
Texas A&M University–Commerce
47
his year’s Royal Roar was a great success, and the Office of Advancement wishes to thank everyone for their profound support. This event boomed with 340 tickets sold (a 50 percent increase over last year!), a 200 percent increase in table sponsorships and representation from all four colleges and Lion Athletics. In addition to ticket sales and sponsorships, the silent auction—along with the sale of Clay Club centerpieces—was a rousing success with more than $16,000 raised. These proceeds will be distributed among scholarship endowments, departmental Excellence Funds and general funds. Thanks to event sponsorships, two additional scholarships will be awarded during the 2014-2015 academic year. Oncor will award $1,500, and L-3 Mission Integration will award $1,000. We are thrilled to see the growth of this event and delighted that in its second year, it is already providing scholarships and funds for the betterment of departments, Colleges and the university as a whole. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank everyone involved for their time and generosity. We’ll see you again at next year’s Royal Roar!
Regal Spirit Sponsor
Royal Spirit Sponsor 48 PRIDE The Alumni Magazine
Roaring Spirit Sponsor Fall 2013
The Brick Garden Project
Dear fellow alumni, It is my sincere desire that you enjoyed the contents of this issue of PRIDE. In this issue, you are offered opportunities to get a glimpse of the outstanding research occurring here that has such broad-reaching impact. The university continues to attract brilliant and dynamic faculty who impart their knowledge to students in creative forms that positively affect the quality of their education. The world is a global market, and it is imperative that we continue on the cutting edge of research and scholarly endeavors. We have expanded our Class Notes section of the magazine and
It’s about legacy. It’s about paying it forward. As a way to commemorate 125 years as an institution, and to lend a
appreciate those who forwarded their updates to us. We are always
helping hand to the generations to come, The Alumni Association of
happy to share your stories, so please visit our website and update
A&M-Commerce is proud to introduce the Brick Garden Project. The
your information.
garden will be located behind the Alumni Center and connect to the
Many of you participated in the alumni directory project, and we
existing walking mall. Alumni, students, parents, and friends of the
greatly appreciate your collaboration with us to produce this issue that
university can purchase an engraved brick to serve as a lifelong tribute,
celebrates the upcoming 125 year anniversary of the university. You
and a portion of the proceeds will go to the Legacy Scholarship.
will be hearing more about the yearlong activities that begin in the fall
Custom engraved 4” x 8” bricks are available for purchase for $125 online. Please visit tamuc.edu/BrickProject for more information, a
of 2014. I am excited about the future of the university and encourage you to
video about the project, and to place your order.
share your ideas and seek opportunities to partner with us. We have so much more to do and need your help. Lastly, I extend warmest greetings to each of you during the holiday season. Peace and Blessings,
Derryle G. Peace Fall 2013
Texas A&M University–Commerce
49
A Member of The Texas A&M University System
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@tamuc_news Aug 21 Dr. Mary Hendrix, VP + @prezdanjones + for Student Access & Success, join the Move-In Day activities! Jul 8 #TAMUC ranks #1 in Texas and #13 in the nation for #teaching #education! Spread the word about this amazing honor! 82 384 shares
@tamuc Sep 12 A&MCommerce featured in an article in the Dallas Morning News.
@tamuc_news Aug 2 A new semester is on its way! What are you looking forward to in Fall 2013?
tamuc Nov 16 Thank you for a great regular football season @lion_ athletics #wearelions Congratulations, Seniors. 47
tamuc Aug 22 The PRIDE Walk - the mark of a new year and one of the most memorable moments of your college career. #tamuc17 @tamucspirit 15 @tamuc_news Aug 12 Congratulations to all of the new A&M-Commerce alumni! #graduation #Summer2013 #AlwaysLions #TAMUC 2 favorites @tamuc Oct 19 Group photo #ManeEvent #tamuc 53 retweets, 53 favorites
“A&M-Commerce Among Affordable Universities with Highest-Paid Grads” Daniel June 16 Great post. Exciting to see TAMUC rank so well – especially for affordability and salaries for grads. Aug 28 Thanks to sophomore Lion, Sarah Miller, for this awesome campus sunset photo. Share your photos with us here on Facebook or at Instagram with the #BlueandGoldWednesday tag. 218 , 17 shares @tamuc Nov 13 Our library is the first in Texas to offer LaptopsAnytime™! Celebrate our trailblazing at the launch party @TAMUCLibraries today at 2!
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tamuc Sep 11 #tamuc remembers #911 In honor of those who we lost, their family and friends, and those who fought in their honor. 75
“Atmos and A&M-Commerce Partner for Literacy Learning” Leslie A. Marcoccio October 12 Hello Andi! Thank you for your motivating and encouraging posts! After teaching for a decade, your articles give me the spirit I need to stay motivated. @tamuc Nov 19 Beautiful Thai dance on display by the Thai Students Association. International Education Week. #tamuc 1 retweet, 1 favorite
@tamuc Aug 23 You can’t get a welcome like this just anywhere! #NewLions #TAMUC17 #PrideWalk #TAMUC 1 favorite tamuc Oct 4 The after party begins! #tamuc 37
tamuc Sep 15 Taylor Hicks with #NewBeginnings in Birmingham #EmpowermentWeek #TAMUC 17