From the President
ents rth than the achievem none is of greater wo , e is ess erc atn mm gre Co tyty’s rsi rsi s of a unive Texas A&M Unive Of the many measure amply demonstrate, l wil IDE PR of ue iss s of its alumni. As thi portunity is born. s are shaped and op ion. a place where future med the face of a reg iversity has transfor to un s ns thi ea e, Orl vic w ser Ne of g, y ijin ond centur New York City to Be m Fro . as Now well into its sec Tex st ea y of success. far beyond North the common currenc Yet our reach extends ven that education is pro ve ha i mn alu rld in subtle r ou London, also changed the wo als, our alumni have go ways of life. l e na ers sio div fes of n pro ir tio the d fostering apprecia an g As they have achieved din t the power an ge rst for de t no un advancing ld of battle, let us fie the on s om yet profound ways, by ed fre s to safeguard our As our nation struggle onal diplomacy. hest form of internati hig the as e is of education M University-Commerc principles, Texas A& ng idi the gu in r ed ou of cce e su on to lization as y will need By embracing globa skills and vision the e, Texas. g to our students the than from Commerc rld wo the of w vie committed to impartin r tte be no ’s ere Th . of ideas global marketplace
Texas A&M University–Commerce S Pride Magazine
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Fall 2010; Vol. 10 Pride Magazine
is published two times a year by the Texas A&M University-Commerce alumni relations department. Non-profit postage paid at Addison, Texas. Pride is distributed without charge to alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of Texas A&M University-Commerce.
Editor in Chief Randy Jolly
Editor
Ashley Johnson
Assignment Editor Brent Lyday
Creative
Paul Bryan
Photography
Jason Flowers Jared Horn
Graphic Designer Crystal Britton
Administrative Assistant Jennifer Eberle
Web Manager Ken Dickinson
Address changes, inquiries and contributions of information may be made to Alumni Relations at 903.886.5765, via e-mail to alumni_relations@tamu-commerce.edu or to Texas A&M University-Commerce, Alumni Relations, P.O. Box 3011 Commerce, TX 75429.
See more and read more at pride.tamu-commerce.edu
About the cover: In the marketplace of ideas, we educators are the merchants of opportunity, and we trade in knowledge, the currency of civilization. The coin represents that knowledge, with the university representing the channel for which it is meted out. Unless we disburse the coin of the academic realm as widely as possible, this nationthis world-whose future has been entrusted to our care cannot survive.
Pride Around the World Not-your-average joe….8 Trailblazer…12 Driven to Achieve…16 Dream Big…20 Faith, Hope and Family…24 a passport to the world…26
Campus Notes New Improvements…2 against the odds…4 semillas grant...5 Decoding the future…6 Leading the Charge…7
Giving Back Archived Acclaim…34
Alumni Events Lion Reunions…29 alumni events…36
Students in Action…28 Branching Out…32 Noteworthy…38 Class Notes…42 In Memory…47 Making a Difference…48
Fall 2010 1
NEW improvements By Ashley Johnson & Brent Lyday S Photography by Paul Bryan
Hitting
10,000+
WE DID IT! !
At 2:38 p.m. on Aug. 20, 2010, Texas A&M University-Commerce accomplished something great. It registered its 10,000th student, and reached one of the highest enrollments in school history. By the 12th day of class, official enrollment reached 10,813 students for the fall semester. “I am so proud of the time and energy the university community has put towards recruitment and retention efforts this year,” said Dr. Mary Hendrix, vice president of student access and success. “The excitement around this fall’s enrollment has been mounting up to this afternoon’s announcement. Now it’s time to celebrate.” Not only is the university seeing more students, it is seeing better students. According to university president Dr. Dan R. Jones, incoming students have higher SAT and ACT scores, class rank and high school G.P.A., all of which are predictors of student success. “My heartfelt congratulations go out to Dr. Hendrix and the entire student access and success team,” Jones said. “Your tireless efforts on behalf of the university and those whom it serves are a big part of what makes A&M-Commerce special.”
a space to grow A&M-Commerce students will have a new place to call home on campus next fall thanks to a prominent three-story residence hall that is being constructed on the corner of Highway 24/50 and Culver St. The hall is set for completion in July 2011, and will serve as the cornerstone for campus and residential life. “The new dorm will be a great addition to the university and provide new living quarters specifically designed for today’s students,” said David McKenna, A&M-Commerce executive director of facilities and support services. “A driving force for this change was the university’s commitment to provide the best possible housing for our on-campus student population.” The residence hall, which has yet to be named, will feature community activity spaces, outdoor courtyard seating, and convenient mini-suite
room options that include a living room area, two sinks, and student beds and desks separated by a wall. “This new hall will better meet the demands of our student population who desire private living yet want to live in a traditional residence hall environment,” said Anthony Schrock, A&M-Commerce Student Government Association senator. “The new hall will add value to an already beautiful campus, and is only the beginning of many great changes to come in residential living opportunities.” Creating new student living is a priority as student enrollment has increased to an all-time high of more than 10,000, with the largest freshmen and sophomore classes in recent memory. The $14 million facility is being constructed where Perry, Hart, Stone, Lutz, and McGill dorms once stood, and will feature 258 beds.
Campus notes
Regents’ Scholars Program Welcomes 24 to Inaugural Class
Twenty-four outstanding freshmen joined the Texas A&M University-Commerce family this fall as the inaugural class of Regents Scholars. Each student was selected through an application and interview process, and will receive a full-tuition scholarship. The Regents program materialized in 2009 when A&M-Commerce administrators determined that funds were available to accept more students who met the Honors College stringent qualifications. A distinctive academic program was then created to emphasize global awareness, educational travel and leadership development.
Our Regents Scholars will set a unique tone in their classes, contribute to the regeneration of campus life and strengthen the institution’s identity,” said Dr. Ricky Dobbs, A&M-Commerce University College dean. “These students have a wide variety of planned career paths, and a number of them are true Renaissance types -people with such varied interests that they defy categorization.
Campus Notes By Ashley Johnson & Brent Lyday S Photography by Paul Bryan & Jared Horn
odds Prentice Richmond
I was interviewed by college professors, and was selected for the scholarship out of 100 applicants.
Growing up in Dallas, Prentice Richmond had to find his own food, clothing and shelter. Thankfully, with support from the Dallas Police Department Athletic League and his volunteer work at Central Dallas Ministries, Prentice was able to overcome a lifetime of hardship, and secure a $20,000 Children’s Defense Fund “Beat the Odds” scholarship to fund his A&M-Commerce education.
“I wrote down everything I had been through in that essay,” Prentice said. “I was interviewed by college professors, and was selected for the scholarship out of 100 applicants.” As Prentice worked through his hardships, he replaced them with strength and leadership. His peers took notice, voting him team captain of the Lincoln High School football team and senior class president. He also coached junior basketball leagues and participated in Education is Freedom, a college preparatory program for high school students. Prentice’s story earned him a trip to Canton, Ohio to witness Emmitt Smith’s induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Smith was an honorary co-chair for Beat the Odds, and handpicked Prentice to take part in the festivities. Prentice is studying criminal justice and preparing for a career in law enforcement. One day, he hopes to use his leadership skills as a chief of police or school principal. “I’m anxious and excited about starting college,” Prentice said. “My focus is on graduating, meeting new people and continuing this next step of my life. I’ll try to have some fun too.”
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Campus notes
Grant to Bolster Latino Student Success Texas A&M University-Commerce has been awarded a $68,000 Kresge SEMILLAS (Seeding Educational Models that Impact and Leverage Latino Academic Success) grant to bolster its Hispanic Outreach program. A&M-Commerce is one of five colleges and universities across the nation to receive the grant, and the only institution in Texas thanks in large part to the efforts of Luis Franco, director of Hispanic outreach and student programs.
We’re thrilled to receive the Kresge SEMILLAS grant," said Dr. Dan R. Jones, A&M-Commerce president. " The grant will add value to our efforts of providing student success to Latino students and will continue transforming lives through higher education. The SEMILLAS grants, supported in 2010 by the Kresge Foundation, are part of Excelencia in Education’s “Growing What Works” national initiative. Excelencia in Education, a non-profit organization, hopes the initiative increases graduation rates among the country’s fast-growing Latino college-age population. “The recipients of the 2010 Kresge SEMILLAS grant are critical to our national effort to increase Latino college completion rates,” said Sarita Brown, Excelencia in Education president. “These partnerships are crucial to achieving the country’s college completion goals by 2020.”
Campus Notes By Brent Lyday S Photography by Paul Bryan & Jason Flowers
A&M-Commerce has unleashed a high-performance computing group that will greatly expand research capabilities for the university science departments thanks to the support of Congressman Ralph Hall and a grant from the Department of Energy. “This grant helps the computer science department expand our program in such a way that faculty can focus on the national agenda, such as bioinformatics, computational linguistics and cognitive science,” said Dr. Sang Suh, A&M-Commerce computer science and information systems department head. “We are looking forward to more external funding in terms of research production.” In its second year, the Development of an Artificial Science and Engineering Research Infrastructure to Facilitate Innovative Computational Modeling, Analysis, and Application research grant continues to allow scientists to revisit complicated and unresolved computational issues from the past. The anticipated $369,943 in 2010 will facilitate problem solving in academic and industrial institutions, and will strengthen student researchers, academic scientists, and investigators' need for research in the immediate future. Using the computational infrastructure, the grant is expected to spawn additional projects, including a complex electromagnetic wave transmission, propagation, reception, analysis within the virtual computing environment, and the development of a computational model of Plasma-Surface Interaction for catalyst development. Using scientific software made available by the high-performance computing cluster, researchers are able to use simulation, adaptive algorithms, neural networks, and other computational
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models to manipulate real-world observations in biology, astronomy, physics, mathematics, as well as numerous other science programs.
“We will focus on taking theories into practice,” Suh said. “We teach theories, we focus on theories in research, and this program will enable us to put these theories into practice.” Along with strengthening the collaboration with L-3 Communications in Greenville, the computational infrastructure has also paved a pathway to a computation science Ph.D. program on campus. The program will include a computational bioinformatics track, computational mathematics and computer science track, computational physics and chemistry track, and a computational linguistics and cognitive modeling track.
“In Northeast Texas, A&M-Commerce will be the only institution offering a Ph.D. program in computational science,” Suh said. “Our goals are to increase the diversity of students in computational science, and establish a unique industry-driven transdisciplinary or interdisciplinary degree program. A&M-Commerce is the place to make that happen.”
Campus notes
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TAYLOR FORE: LEADING THE CHARGE
I plan to achieve these goals by using the team mindset, discipline, commitment, and accountability I developed while playing sports, Fore said. My hope is that SGA can educate students on not only who we are and what we do, but how important their feedback and participation is on campus. Taylor Fore isn’t just making plays on the football field as a wide receiver for the Lions; he’s impacting students’ lives on campus as president of the Student Government Association (SGA). While his schedule is crowded with classes, practices and university-related meetings, Fore continues on a path of success in every way thanks to his hard work on and off the field. "My parents taught me the importance of a strong work ethic,” Fore said. “If it takes more time to do it right, then take the time to get it done right. I was always taught to avoid shortcuts.” Shortcuts have never been an option for Fore. He walked onto the A&M-Commerce football team in 2008 as a non-scholarship player and worked his way up the depth chart. As a junior, he expanded his role as a student leader in athletics and SGA. In
May 2010, Fore was elected SGA president on the promises of empowering students on campus and giving SGA a louder voice. Fore has faced hurdles along the way, but his determination has led to triumphs on campus, on the field and in the classroom, where he’s studying kinesiology. His career goals include a future of leadership by impacting students’ lives as a science teacher and football coach. “I like helping people, and teaching and coaching is a way to do that,” Fore said. “Science is constantly changing with new discoveries every day. I want to teach how to take care of the human body in an ever-changing environment. I can use the skills and experiences at A&M-Commerce to inspire students, and show them why the study of science is fun and important.”
Fall 2010 7
Not Your
Joe Average
By Ashley Johnson S Photography by Paul Bryan & Jason Flowers
No man in the wrong can stand up against a fellow that’s in the right and keeps on A-comin’ ~Texas Ranger Bill McDonald (1852-1918)
Magazine 8 8 Texas TexasA&M A&MUniversity–Commerce University–Commerce Pride Magazine SSPride
Joe Hinton
Class of 1957 Spring 2010 9
espite his mother’s best efforts, Joe Hinton became an international businessman. “My mother was always looking for ways to get me to move back home and work in Texas,” Joe said. “When I worked in New York, she’d call to tell me about jobs I should apply for in Texas. Each time I reminded her I was doing well in my career, I knew the oil business and I was staying in it.” And he did for 41 years. After living and working in more than nine states, Joe eventually assumed the roles of marketing vice president of U.S. operations and president of Mobil Europe. “Oil always interested me,” Joe said. “My dad worked for Humble Oil and Refining Company for almost 40 years, and as a youngster, I was enthralled by the whole business. By the time I graduated from A&M-Commerce with two degrees, I’d already worked five summers with Mobil, and they eagerly put me to work. Eventually, I got a taste of the international oil business, and it got even more exciting.” Transitioning from the U.S. to London, Joe enthusiastically embraced his new role as president and the accompanying global risks to be mitigated on a daily basis. “Mondays were great,” Joe said. “I would sit down with Interpol representatives and other intelligence gathering personnel, and they would brief me on where trouble was brewing across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. You worked your way around all of this, day in and day out, always on the edge of something significant.” Living on the edge of significance, however, often required engaging in a mountain of risk.
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“I worked in Eastern Europe when the Cold War was ice cold, and watched expectantly as things began to change behind the iron curtain. In Moscow, I had to be exceedingly careful during every meeting and transaction. You never knew for sure which phone was tapped, or who was watching you. It seemed everyone walked around with a machine gun on their shoulder, and leaving the country was always difficult.” Joe’s innate ability to stare down a challenge with fearlessness and a can-do attitude rivals today’s most courageous leaders of industry, thanks in part to the most influential man in Joe’s life-his father. “My father served in World War I, and spent the rest of his days working in the oil industry,” Joe said. “He taught me to work hard, and to take advantage of every advancement opportunity. His wisdom was a huge benefit during my formative years.”
MORE THAN A COW COLLEGE
Woven through each of Joe’s accomplishments, both domestic and international, is the common thread of education. “Education paves the way to success,” Joe said. “It’s up to you to follow where it leads. Combine a college degree or two with enthusiasm and gumption, and you’ll be amazed at how far you can go.” Joe is quick to point out that a college graduate from A&M-Commerce can be every bit as qualified for the working world as an Ivy Leaguer. “Someone told me once that as a graduate from a ‘cow college,’ I was going to have a big disadvantage in the corporate world
of New York compared to my Ivy League counterparts,” Joe said. “That really captured my attention; it lit a fire under me. I realized quickly that your worth in the corporate world was measured by what you produced and how you impacted the bottom line, so I did everything I could to be successful, working 25 hours a day, eight days a week. After the first year, I fit into the crowd.” A CULTURAL EDUCATION
Joe’s education continued as he progressed from the classroom to the boardroom; with business school courses replaced with lessons in international business, and the cultural differences that accompany the intrigue and grandeur of a London office and executive title. “I was the first American to serve in London as president of Mobil Europe,” Joe said. “Thankfully, my boss in New York had carefully coached me about cultural differences and sensitivities, and I diligently passed that knowledge on to my team. When I saw someone fall out of line due to a cultural faux pas, I confronted them immediately. There’s an education
process, and if you don’t want to learn proper etiquette, you won’t last long working overseas.” Thanks to Joe’s efforts, the basis for a similar education is provided by A&M-Commerce through the international studies program, an area Joe has maintained close ties and helped sponsor. “Dr. Clinton is doing a wonderful job running international studies,” Joe said. “Students learn so much from these programs, and they return far better prepared for careers in our global environment. It’s a worthy investment that confirms that the key to success lies in a good education.” A NOT-SO-AVERAGE RETIREMENT
While Joe has technically retired and handed over the reins of Mobil Europe, his influence and expertise remain in high demand by domestic leaders in a number of areas where he served as chairman of the executive board for the Brazos River Authority, the Texas Rangers and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board as well as chairman of the
McLennan County Republican Party. “I grew up hearing my grandfather’s stories about the Texas Rangers, and about his father who was a Ranger,” Joe said. “Rangers are known to be fearless. They always pay careful attention to detail, work hard and almost always get the desired result. When I had the opportunity to serve as chairman of the executive committee advisory board, I jumped at the chance.” Joe’s active retirement has also included a six-year appointment to the Brazos River Authority board by former president George W. Bush, an opportunity full of the risk, reward and tough decision making he faced at Mobil. With every decision and each new endeavor, Joe maintains his fearless approach to life and opportunity, never afraid to make the right choice, even when it’s unpopular. “If you see a need for positive change, act on it,” Joe said. “It’s a hard road at times, but always worthwhile. It will lead you down the path to a not-so-average life.” And that’s the best kind of life there is for this not-so-average Joe.
Fall 2010 Spring 201011 11
By Ashley Johnson S Photography by Paul Bryan & Jason Flowers 12
Texas A&M University–Commerce S Pride Magazine
Patricia Krebs Class of 1973 Fall 2010 13
With dog-eared ponytails and a borrowed white pick-up truck, Patricia Krebs anxiously drove the 90 miles to Commerce, Texas. This day was a new beginning for her. It was registration day at East Texas State University. “I remember that first day,” Patricia said. “I was so excited to register on campus that I even thought long and hard about what to wear. Part of me was a little scared though as I walked up those big steps to the library and saw all of these Ph.D.'s walking around.” Looking back, Patricia remembers those days as a pianist might remember first touching the keys. “Anything was possible,” she said. “I was surrounded by people who believed in me, from my parents to my professors.” One such professor, Robin Rudolph, started her down the path to Tulane University Graduate School, to be followed by a fellowship in Spain and law school at Tulane. “Robin asked me one day if I’d thought about graduate school,” Patricia said. “I thought to myself, ‘Graduate school? What else is there to do after I graduate?’ He picked up the phone right then and talked to a colleague of his at Tulane. Before I knew it, I was headed to Louisiana with my two kids and a full package of financial aid waiting for me.” While it wasn’t an easy road, Patricia always made time for what mattered most-her kids. “I was very driven in my studies, but it was very important to me to still have time with my kids,” she said. “I got up early in the morning, drove to
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campus and took the earliest classes they offered so I could be home with my kids in the evening. After they went to bed, I would stay up until 1 or 2 o’clock in the morning and study. There wasn’t a whole lot of time for sleeping, but it worked.” Patricia’s strength, independence and never-say-quit attitude proved crucial after graduating with her law degree, helping her achieve a dream few women had at the time, becoming a named partner in a law firm, practicing maritime law. After graduating from law school in 1983, Patricia knew New Orleans was one of the top places to practice admiralty law. Unfortunately, she wasn’t the right gender. The “old boys’ club” of admiralty law was a tight-knit group, and she found it difficult to get a job in admiralty. Once she finally secured a spot at a local firm, Patricia successfully navigated her first year of law thanks to the guidance and direction of the lawyer who hired her. Just two years later, Patricia took a leap of faith and followed two of the lawyers, including the one who had hired her, to start a new firm in New Orleans. Twenty-two years later, in 2007, her fearless efforts paid off when she became a named partner in the firm, King, Krebs and Jurgens, PLLC. “As a seasoned lawyer, I can do more things now within the profession aside from just practicing law,” she said. “I am currently president of the New Orleans Bar Association, which has been a great
way to give back.” Patricia also values opportunities to speak with young women about the opportunities available to them if they work hard and believe in themselves. “Recently I was asked to talk to a group of young women lawyers about how to market themselves,” Patricia said. “I focused on three things: don’t apologize for your ideas, know that every time you go out you are marketing yourself, and if you want balance between work and family, you have to be flexible.” For Patricia, the first directive to be unapologetic is most important, especially
for young women. “If you listen to a group of young professionals, you’ll typically hear a man say ‘hey, I’ve got a great idea,’ whereas a woman will likely say, ‘this probably isn’t a very good idea, but…’ How many other ways could you say “I have no confidence whatsoever?” Patricia asked. “Don’t ever apologize for your ideas. If it’s a bad idea, your colleagues will tell you about it, and you move on.” Patricia believes that every time someone goes out to meet the public, apply for a job or argue a case in court, they are marketing themselves. Whether they are doing it well or not, they are putting
themselves out there and need to be cognizant of that fact. “You can do anything if you remain flexible and resilient, even maintain balance,” Patricia said. “You can be a doctor, a lawyer or anything you want to be. But balance doesn’t mean working 9 to 5, or even 12 to 12. It’s not based on a set time schedule, it’s based on flexibility. If you stay flexible, keeping in mind all of your needs, your family’s needs and your work needs, you can successfully forge your own path and create the life you desire.”
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Driven
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to Achieve By Ashley Johnson S Photography by Paul Bryan
Wayne Chumley Class of 1976
Wayne
Chumley,
CEO and president of Chrysler China,
is living proof that you never know where life will lead you. An agricultural science major at Texas A&M University-Commerce, Wayne planned to pursue a career as an ag science teacher, before fate offered a new path. “One day, I stopped by a campus career fair with a friend, and found myself talking to a recruiter from International Harvester. The next thing I knew I had a job offer in agriculture for three times what I would have made as a teacher.” That chance meeting resulted in more than a well paying job; it culminated in a 24-year career with Chrysler that took him from Texas, to Japan, Korea and China. Working in Asia for 17 years, however, wasn’t originally his plan. After transferring from International Harvester to Chrysler in 1986, Chumley informed the human resources department that he was ready to move nearly anywhere the company needed him anywhere but Detroit. Three weeks later, he was on a flight to Tokyo. “I learned very early in my career that you should be careful what you wish for in business and in life!” Wayne said. “Looking back, however, I wouldn’t change a thing. My wife Joan, two daughters and I have thoroughly enjoyed living and working all of these years in Asia, and we have been blessed with opportunities to travel and see places many people only read about or see on TV.” Wayne's extensive travels, however, have not been without their expansive trials.
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“It has not been easy as an American businessman in Asia,” he said. “After almost 17 years in Asia, I am still learning ‘what I don’t know’ about doing business here. I have watched too many people make the mistake of thinking, ‘if it works in the U.S., then it has to work here.’” The biggest weakness Wayne points out in U.S. business and academia is a lack of understanding regarding the intricacies and relationships that make up the global economy. “We no longer have the luxury of living safely and comfortably within our own borders,” he said. “We must be able to compete and succeed on a global scale.” In order to accomplish such a feat, Wayne encourages current and future business leaders to embrace the patience, listening skills and relationship building he learned during his travels up the international corporate ladder. “Working in Asia, you find that doing business is based on relationships and not about ‘the deal,' he said. “It takes time to build a consensus and gain the trust
Texas A&M University–Commerce S Pride Magazine
and buy-in of your partners, not only in the business sector, but government regulatory bodies as well. It can be very difficult to balance these against the corporate pressure of ‘making something happen now’ vs. taking the time to do it right the first time.” Chumley’s patience and perseverance as an international corporate leader paid off in numerous corporate ventures including Chrysler’s takeover of their small, bankrupt distributor in Korea. Thanks to his leadership, the business was transformed into one of the top five import vehicle operations in the country, and one of the most profitable organizations within Chrysler’s International Operations from a per vehicle perspective. “Many of these markets work hard to make it difficult for foreign companies to do business, which is probably what led me to get so involved in the American Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Embassies and associated congressional committees in Washington DC,” he said. “It’s important to get involved and let other business leaders know it’s possible to succeed in international markets.” Wayne also used his influence and experience as an “outsider” living and working abroad to reach out to other Americans in Asia, including a stint as the USO Council President for Korea that allowed us to “bring a little piece of home” to the servicemen and women that were stationed there. According to Wayne, it is imperative that American universities have the capability to prepare students for the challenges of doing business in the global marketplace. Regardless of what field of study or career path a student chooses, they must be able
to compete and succeed on a global scale. “Students need to learn to keep an open mind and understand that in many cases, there is no right or wrong answer; there’s often just a different way to look at or approach an issue,” he said. “If they learn to be good listeners, they will find themselves better able to hear and comprehend what another person is saying even if it doesn’t align exactly with what they would do or how they would approach it.” As Wayne prepares to retire from Chrysler later this year, another Chumley is embracing her own future of possibility at A&M-Commerce, his oldest daughter Jessica.
My family and I have thoroughly enjoyed living and working all of these years in Asia, and we have been blessed with opportunities to travel and see places many people only read about or see on TV.
“After visiting A&M-Commerce with my dad, I was very impressed with the university and the programs it had to offer, especially in equine science,” Jessica said. “Attending school in the U.S. will be a new experience for me; I’m sure my time living in Asia will lead to some interesting class discussions.” Ever the proud father and Lion alumnus, Wayne is glad to offer other A&M-Commerce students the same advice he gives Jessica and younger daughter Cassie. “Keep an open mind about the future,” he said. “You never know where you might end up, what turns your career path may take or the blessings you will discover along the way.”
L to R: Jessica, Wayne, Joan, and Cassie Chumley in front of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xian, China. The Chumleys lived in Asia for 17 years before returning to the U.S. in 2010.
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By Ashley Johnson S Photography by Paul Bryan & Jason Flowers
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Kathy Cloninger Class of 1983
Fall 2010 21
“As a former Girl Scout, there’s a unique synergy between how I lead as a chief executive, and how I encourage girls to lead in their everyday lives,” Kathy said. “This organization was a key part of my youth development experience, and those memories motivate me as we work towards our mission of developing the leader in every girl.”
As she looked out on the group of 20,000 Girl Scouts and troop leaders, Kathy Cloninger couldn’t help but pinch herself. Her emotions warred between intimidation and exhilaration as she fondly remembered the days when she was one of those faces in the crowd. On that day in Atlanta, however, she would not be the one gleaning wisdom and inspiration. As the CEO of Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., she would be the one inspiring young women to greatness.
As the premier leadership experience for young women, the Girl Scouts strives to promote holistic leadership emphasizing a clear awareness of self and deep integrity and values as outlined in the Girl Scout law. Holistic leadership also means having an ability to connect with other people, have empathy for others, an appreciation for diversity and using those self confidence skills and deep understanding of others to make a difference in the world. “We have an amazing track record of training world changers, and encouraging girls to aspire to clear achievement,” Kathy said. “Just look at the majority of women in leadership in this country who are former Girl Scouts, including 77 percent of female elected officials, and 100 percent of female astronauts. Those numbers are a testament that we are about more than just cookie sales; we are focused on developing the next generation of leaders.” As she leads the troops from a 5th Avenue tower rather than the trenches, Kathy strives to stay relevant to every girl with a keen eye, a listening ear and an open invitation for Girl Scouts to visit the New York City office for meetings and focus groups.
“I love listening to girls,” Kathy said. “Every morning I wake up wondering ‘what’s on the mind of young women?’ It’s important to not only find out what’s on their mind, but to discover what the world looks like through their lens.” For many young women, however, the challenges they face mirror many of those Kathy overcame growing up in Dallas. “I come from a family with no track record of attending college,” Kathy said. “I never thought I had the option of going to a university after high school, and honestly the idea of it was intimidating.” After forging a few serendipitous friendships, Kathy found herself amidst a group of people ardent in their pursuit of higher education. Their contagious desire to succeed lit a fire in Kathy, leading her to work her way through school starting with El Centro Community College, North Texas State University, and eventually ending up at A&M-Commerce. “The counseling program at A&M-Commerce was a perfect fit for me, because it allowed me to continue working at the YWCA, and commute on the weekends for my graduate studies,” Kathy said. “I also found a great group of working students like me who were also in the program. We met at a coffee shop every Saturday morning to drive to campus. The camaraderie kept us going; we kept saying ‘we can do this,’ and we did, together.” After graduating with her master’s degree, Kathy secured a position as a youth director for a small Girl Scouts council in Colorado. Thanks to the guidance and support of Frances Hesslebeine, former CEO of Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., Kathy continued to assume larger roles at bigger councils, each one preparing and positioning her for the future.
“Frances took an interest in me as a young professional, and stayed in touch with me over the course of her career,” Kathy said. “I don’t believe I would have had the confidence and the courage to do what I’m doing now if I hadn’t had her wise counsel and behind-the-scenes support.” Finally in 2003, while serving as the CEO for the Nashville council, Kathy received a call from the national search committee asking her to consider leading Girl Scouts across the country as CEO. In the seven years that followed, Kathy has also become a member of Leadership 18, a national group of CEOs from some of the oldest and largest non-profits throughout the country who meet throughout the year to discuss how they can collectively work on the challenges facing the nation like education, poverty and health issues.
In recent months, Kathy has also been called upon by the nation’s highest leaders, including first lady Michelle Obama, for her advice and wisdom on issues effecting young women. “We want to encourage girls to think big, and not shy away from taking risks,” Kathy said. To do so, however, requires girls to get rid of the external noise from the media telling what they should look like and think about, and people who limit their dreams and potential. “Girls need to listen to their inner voice that says, ‘I am important, I can be somebody and I can make a difference in the world,’” Kathy said. “If they believe that, they will achieve amazing things.”
Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. is about more than just cookie sales; we are focused on developing the next generation of leaders.
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By Brent Lyday S Photography by Paul Bryan
Growing up in Nyanga, Zimbabwe, Gideon Mazambani dreamed of receiving a college education in the United States. His family shared his vision. Finally, after countless visits to the United States, Gideon's father, Todd, a missionary preacher, met Thomas Blakey, an A&M-Commerce distinguished alumnus. Suddenly hope turned into reality. “My dad and Thomas talked about me coming to the states for college, and I pushed for it,” Gideon said. “It was always my dream. Thomas is the reason I was able to go to A&M-Commerce. I can’t even begin to describe his importance to me.” Always technically minded and prone to tinker with electronics, Gideon found his niche studying computer science in high school. When plans to move to Texas were finalized, he knew A&M-Commerce was the best place to get his degree in computer science. “I made a very good choice to attend A&M-Commerce,” Gideon said. “The university meshed well with who I was, provided me with the tools to achieve my goals, and opportunities I needed to succeed.” Despite the culture shock from being uprooted from the only life he had known, Gideon successfully transitioned into college life with the help of his professors and fellow students. “My professors genuinely wanted me to get engaged,” Gideon said. “They always wanted to know my opinion. I was worried about being different from everybody, but my teachers would pause to hear my thoughts. They made me feel welcome, and put me at ease. They made me feel important.”
He also felt at ease during his breaks from being a “book worm” at the Church of Christ on campus. He participated in the church’s organized activities, but exhausted most of his efforts in his studies. It paid off in May 2007 when Gideon graduated with a bachelor’s degree. His dad and brother flew from Zimbabwe to witness the momentous occasion. “It was one of my happiest days getting to graduate and see my dad and brother,” Gideon said. “I hadn’t seen my dad since I left Zimbabwe three years before, and I hadn’t seen my brother in six years. It was an exciting day for me, and they were very excited about my achievements.” Gideon followed that achievement with a master’s degree in computer science from A&M-Commerce, and now works for Oncor as a data analyst. He is also contemplating a return to campus, where he would begin work on a doctorate in educational psychology. “I have achieved well beyond what my family and I set out for me to accomplish,” Gideon said. “It has been such a positive experience and I have learned so much. My dream has always been to go back home someday and make a difference for my country. Thanks to A&M-Commerce and the generosity of Thomas Blakey, I am on my way toward achieving that goal.”
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By Ashley Johnson S Photography by Paul Bryan
it ting on s em th of n ee et in n here were nd not an a , ch a be y d n a m or N the aid a word. eye was dry. No one s
from students written sentiments Thanks to the hand atitude and t many a student’s gr overseas, Joe has fel adventure. shared in each new a girl from u note detailed how One such thank-yo to Dallas ve mo to e confidence East Texas found th t navigating ks to a summer spen after graduation than ing a city ndon. After overcom the busy streets of Lo k to too it at ew she had wh of 13 million, she kn e. s than half that siz succeed in a city les ple as that,” changed. It’s as sim “Students come back many of rspective broadens; Rock said. “Their pe wasn’t; and at they thought was, them learn that wh n’t. The size they knew, they did what they thought d they learn ws exponentially, an gro rld wo eir th h of hig ays been a Normandy has alw ” to embrace all of it. “Taking students to e president vic e iat oc ass , ck Ro d sai ” ar, point of my ye to Europe d year-long study “The students come summer, semester an ch ea As e It’s of global initiatives. ts. rld even end, Rock hopes th le knowledge of wo ogram comes to an pr ad ro ab ey ram with so little tangib th og as pr s as dent to campus will serve y come alive for stu students returning amazing to see histor m the dents to fro stu rs cte low fel ara ch eir th ere ces wh dors, encouraging ssa ba am walk through the pla ” e. am ross the ocean. struggled and overc r and discover life ac past lived and died, dream a little bigge in the nder beyond s are an investment nts would never wa udy abroad program “St t no Many of these stude rce s me wa it om if -C r, we want A&M s or the U.S., howeve ure,” Rock said. “If fut rce the borders of Texa need me ey om th -C et, M e global mark Joe B. Hinton, A& nts to succeed in th de stu for the generosity of new . a pe d ro fin Eu ey il When they do, th r president of Mob to experience it first. alumnus and forme ply sim at d world culture th perspective on life an our internafor ry na tio olu ev s our shores.” “Joe’s generosity wa cannot be bought on “With his help, we d. sai ck Ro ” , ram tional studies prog own office m from a small unkn were able to transfor changing is at th namic program on campus, into a dy on abroad.” h travel and educati students’ lives throug
of human absorbing the breadth They were too busy e on the d only decades befor loss that had occurre The soldiers ey were sitting now. same sand where th ms and dads eir age. They had mo would have been th ms. And they ters. They had drea and brothers and sis is beach. sacrificed it all on th y book. ger a story in a histor The battle was no lon e that tim in y charged moment It was an emotionall not soon forget. these students would nts to Clinton takes stude That is why Dr. Rock y and tor his e er, to experienc Europe each summ fullest. current culture at its
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STUDENTS IN ACTION
Each year the international studies program at A&M-Commerce provides opportunities for students to escape the familiar landscapes of Texas, and embark on summer, semester or year-long journeys to locales ranging from Sydney and Rome, to London and Shanghai. This summer, 44 A&M-Commerce students traveled the globe in search of culture, history and new perspectives on the world in which we live. These are snapshots from some of their travels. “Study abroad offers students a rare opportunity to explore another culture. It changes their whole perspective on what the world is really like. It’s exciting to be a part of their experience.” ~Dr. Nathan Harness
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STUDENTS IN ACTION By Ashley Johnson & Brent Lyday S Photography by Jared Horn
Heather Cavey, a sophomore from Lewisville, and Brionna Minde, a freshman from Richardson, battle for the ball during a corner kick against the University of Incarnate Word Cardinals. The Lion soccer team has tallied a final record of 8-7-3 for the 2010 season.
Learning to Lead
Lauren Booe, an A&M-Commerce junior psychology major, was awarded the 2010-2011 Gallup Higher Education intern position by the Texas A&M UniversityCommerce Center for Applied Leadership. Booe will help implement a unique leadership program, and will participate in a week-long training event at Gallup Headquarters in Omaha, Neb.
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Campus Recreation Climbs to New Heights
The A&M-Commerce Outdoor Adventure program boasts a massive Challenge Course, which includes 13 low elements, 16 high rope elements, a dual zip line, two climbing wall surfaces, and a rappelling wall. As the newest addition to the Outdoor Adventure Program, the Challenge Course can assist in the development of communication and teamwork.
STUDENTS IN ACTION
Sarajevo M.B.A. StudentS Graduate Kayla Bond, a freshman from Denton, Texas, goes for a spike during a volleyball game against the Tarleton State University TexAnns. The Lions went on to win the match 3-2.
Texas A&M University-Commerce celebrated the graduation of its first M.B.A. cohort from the Sarajevo Graduate School of Business in June thanks to a partnership with the International University of Sarajevo. A&M-Commerce’s partnership with SGSB builds on the school’s legacy of offering the highest quality programs, and allows SGSB to maintain its position as the only AACSB-accredited program in the region.
Know a potential A&M-Commerce student? If you know a student who is interested in attending A&M-Commerce, send his or her name and contact information to our Office of Admissions at Admissions@tamu-commerce.edu and we will be in touch! Visit www.tamu-commerce.edu/admissions for details on admissions deadlines and opportunities to schedule a personalized campus visit.
The 11-month program, which began accepting applications in spring 2009, includes 10 classes taught by world-class professors from both universities. Graduates received degrees from both A&M-Commerce, and IUS. For additional program information, visit sgsb.edu.ba.
BRANCHING OUT By Ashley Johnson & Brent Lyday S Photography by Paul Bryan & Jason Flowers
L-3, A&M-Commerce Partner for Hangar Door Project
L to R: Dr. Greg Wilson, P.E., assistant professor; Bruce Trego, L-3 vice president of reconnaissance programs; Matt Clark, alumnus; Angela Daniel, alumna; Chris West, alumnus; David Baumann, L-3 facilities manager; John Skaggs, L-3 engineering manager.
Ten Texas A&M University-Commerce industrial engineering students experienced a career-changing opportunity when they were assigned to assist L-3 Mission Integration in Greenville with the multimillion dollar redesign and renovation of 50-year-old hangar doors. “Our partnership with Texas A&M University-Commerce has been extremely beneficial for both parties,” said Bruce Trego, L-3 vice president of reconnaissance programs at L-3 Mission Integration. “L-3 has access to the university’s highly motivated students and, in turn, the students have an opportunity to work on projects that have real-world impact.” One summer session was dedicated to door beam demolition and redesign, and a second
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summer session consisted of contacting potential contractors, pricing replacement doors under budgetary constraints, and challenging the contractors to “think outside of the box” when building the doors for maximum efficiency. “It was exciting knowing that the project was a real-time issue for L-3,” said Angela Daniel, A&M-Commerce alumna who worked on the project as a student. “There is no better experience than managing immediate issues with actual budgets and deadlines. Being a part of the L-3 team gave me a glimpse into what it would really be like working in the construction and engineering industry.” More recently, L-3 and A&M-Commerce partnered on a shelter project that would
allow aircraft to be serviced outside of the hangar during inclement weather. A&M-Commerce students took field measurements, manufactured designs, and prepared drawings for the fully retractable roof that allows for full signal testing. Currently, two structures have been completed, with the hope that more shelters are to come. Plans call for the entire flight line test area to be covered in shelters in five to 10 years. “You can’t go many places and hire an employee that is going to be of the caliber that A&M-Commerce is producing,” Grove said. “I just can’t say enough about the university’s engineering department.”
BRANCHING OUT
Stars on the Rise Turns Student Dreams into Success
Texas A&M University-Commerce “At A&M-Commerce, we believe no continued its partnership with the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and area universities this year, providing $1.9 million in scholarships for 174 Dallas ISD seniors at the annual
“Stars on the Rise” awards banquet.
student who desires a higher education should be turned away, especially for financial reasons,” said Dr. Dan R. Jones, A&M-Commerce president. “Partnering with organizations like the GDHCC to provide scholarships is our way of fulfilling our obligation to provide access and opportunity for deserving students to achieve at the highest level.”
The recipients were selected from a group of more than 600 applicants, based on their academic achievement, grade point average, leadership, community service/work experience, and personal essay. The 2010 recipients include eight valedictorians, six salutatorians, one National Merit Finalist, and seven National Merit Semi-Finalists.
Sigma-Aldrich Reviews A&M-Commerce Science Building Thanks to the assistance of Dr. Jai Nagarkatti, class of 1976 and SigmaAldrich CEO and chairman of the board, the A&M-Commerce Science Building underwent an environmental health and safety study this summer by Sigma-Aldrich, a leading life science and high technology company. Sigma-Aldrich representatives spent the day reviewing and inspecting multiple areas including employee/ student training, protective equipment, hazard identification, chemical management, and emergency preparedness and life
safety. The company plans to complete a full report with positives and recommendations for the facility. “The university is so thankful to Dr. Nagarkatti and the Sigma Aldrich team for their willingness to come to Commerce and serve as our industry safety experts,” said Derek Preas, A&MCommerce safety manager. “The input they provided for potential areas of improvement will serve as an excellent resource. It can only lead to a safer and better equipped facility for our students, faculty, staff, and environment.”
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GIVING BACK
By Ashley Johnson and Deborah Porter, Ph.D. S Photography by Paul Bryan & Jared Horn
Louise Tobin is a rare witness to jazz history with a razor-sharp mind and brilliant recall. An outstanding singer, Louise was hired in 1939 by Benny Goodman, “The King of Swing,” at the very height of the “Swing Era.” Her Goodman hits sold more than 3 million records. In an effort to keep swing alive in the hearts and minds of today’s youth, Tobin donated her extensive music collection to A&M-Commerce. Now scholars around the globe have access to the memorabilia of her career and that of her husband, clarinet virtuoso Peanuts Hucko. According to Mike Kubiak, a friend of Tobin’s who has worked with the collection for more than a decade, Tobin considered giving it to other universities, but was swayed to move the collection to A&M-Commerce because of the trust and friendship she developed with Dr. Deborah Porter, director of grants and contracts at A&M-Commerce.
Louise Tobin with Benny Goodman - The ‘King of Swing’ - performing on the NBC “Camel Caravan.” Swing Magazine was considered the guide to the modern ‘swing’ sound. Louise sold over three million records with Benny Goodman’s band, including hits like “There’ll Be Some Changes Made,” “What’s New?,” and “Scatterbrain.”
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“A&M-Commerce has a legacy of producing outstanding musicians and music educators,” said Tobin, a native North Texan. “I trust the staff at A&M-Commerce to use the collection in ways that will inspire students, and teach them about a bygone era of music that they can pass on to the next generation.” The Smithsonian has shown interest in the collection, as has the British Broadcasting Corp. The BBC have conducted three interviews with Tobin, including one this spring, and portions of her collection were also recently on display at The Women’s Museum at Fair Park in Dallas, a Smithsonian Affiliate. Plans are currently underway for the Special Collections department at James G. Gee Library to digitize more of the collection’s materials, and make them available online to the worldwide community. “Greg Mitchell and the library staff have worked diligently to bring the Tobin collection to light,” Porter said. “Louise is a gem in American culture. Her life and career intersected with the greats of jazz and she had their respect. Jazz scholars around the world have rejoiced in rediscovering Louise again through the digitization of the collection at A&M-Commerce, and we are being recognized by jazz historians worldwide as a result of Louise's generosity.” For more information about the TobinHucko collection, visit www.tamu-commerce.edu/library.
GIVING GIVING BACK BACK
KAPPA DELTA 50th ANNIVERSARY
More than 200 members of the Gamma Upsilon Chapter of the Kappa Delta sorority descended on campus Sept. 17-18, 2010 to share memories and celebrate their 50th anniversary at Texas A&M University-Commerce. The Kappa Delta alumnae kicked off the weekend at the Alumni Center on Friday, and ended their weekend with a “Come Home” party at the Kappa Delta house. “ Out of such pure and simple beginnings grow great and wonderful things,’ a quote from a Kappa Delta founder, fully exemplifies the history of our KD chapter on the Texas A&M University-Commerce campus for these past 50 years,” said Tracey Wolfe, chair of the 50th anniversary committee. Through Wolfe’s efforts, the chapter was able to present a bronze lion to the university, which will be placed near the northeast entrance of the Sam Rayburn Student Center.
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ALUMNI EVENTS
By Brent Lyday S Photography by Paul Bryan & Jason Flowers & Jared Horn
HOME ECONOMICS ALUMNI REUNITE FOR HOMECOMING
Attendees: Joyce James Armstrong, Betty Bedgood, Marsha Redd Brown, Judy Stewart Castleberry, Rita Jennings Crump, Glenda Daniel, Dr. Vickie Tigert Davis, Nelma Dodd, Sandra Doyle, Debbie Puckett Dunham, JeAnne Hooker, Dorothy Thompson Hopkins Holley Izard, Dr. Mitzi Lloyd, Ann Miller, Venita Jo Gibbs Morris, Lovice Gibbs Preston, Carmon C Rice Rike, Barbara Hamm Thompson, Dr. Mary Beth Rabb Tuck, Carol Wheeler, Ruth Howell Wigley, Mary Howell Williams and Ann Rushing Worley.
Hopkins County Alumni Endow Scholarship Texas A&M University-Commerce alumni matched their university affinity with dollars at the Hopkins County Alumni Reception on Sept. 28 with the establishment of the Hopkins County Alumni Scholarship Endowment. Thanks to generous alumni support, the scholarship reached its $10,000 goal, and will soon be available to A&M-Commerce students from Hopkins County. “As alumni, we are interested in seeing the university grow,” said Wayne Galyean, A&M-Commerce foundation Board member. “From an administration standpoint it is crucial for this scholarship to grow, and assist deserving students in their education.” More than 100 alumni attended the reception to meet Dr. Dan R. Jones, A&M-Commerce president, reconnect with fellow Lions, discover what is new on campus, and support future A&M-Commerce students.
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Pictured left to right: Larry Argenbright, Randy VanDeven and Scott Stahl “The attendance we had in Sulphur Springs illustrates the abundance of love, appreciation and pride our alumni have for their alma mater,” said Randy VanDeven, A&M-Commerce vice president for university advancement. “The tremendous show of support sets a wonderful example for other communities to follow."
ALUMNI EVENTS
Lions Take Manhattan Lions for Life is the new identity of annual programs at A&M-Commerce, our year-round fundraising program. Our goal is to keep alumni and friends like you connected to campus, and keep you informed about university needs. A&M-Commerce alumni gathered in New York City for an evening of great food, and reminiscing. (L to R: Ashley Johnson ’12, marketing communications; Bill Dockweiler ’72; Mike Dipple ’80; Randy Jolly, associate vice president of marketing communications; Monique Dipple; and Courtney Caraway, ’04.)
Smith County Alumni Celebrate Scholarship Recipients
Autumn Kitchens and Amber Freeman were honored by the generous alumni of Smith County during an alumni Reception in June. Autumn (left) is a senior accounting major, and Amber (right) is a senior applied science major with hopes of becoming a physician’s assistant.
Give today to begin your legacy of annual giving.
65th Wesleyan Reunion
Thanks to the planning efforts of Fred and Francine Allen, nine former members of Wesleyan Campus Ministry gathered for their 65th reunion on Sept. 11.
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NOTEWORTHY By Ashley Johnson & Brent Lyday S Photography by Paul Bryan & Jason Flowers
JIMMY CLARK Jimmy Clark is a product of his instrumental family. After practicing, listening, and learning about music from his father and brothers, Clark naturally followed their example. Now, he’s leading the next generation of musical talent at A&M-Commerce. “I grew up in Commerce taking music lessons as a kid, and eventually graduated from A&M-Commerce with a master’s degree in music performance,” said Clark, associate music professor. “Now, to be a member of the music faculty is wonderful.” Clark not only teaches the trombone, he’s the principal player for the Dallas Opera Orchestra. He also was part of the opening of the Winspear Opera House in the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts, home of the Dallas Opera. Clark’s leadership in the classroom has prepared many of his students for success. Five of his former students, all A&M-Commerce alumni, also participated in the Opera House opening as part of the orchestra-James McNair, Bruce Faske, Jason Freeman and John Sheridan. Another student, Kristin Tallett, a trombone and vocal music student, was part of the Dallas Opera Chorus. “Making a living doing the things that many people would consider a hobby is very gratifying,” Clark said. “And I know my students. I know they will do well in any professional situation.”
Photo courtesy Karen Almond, Dallas Opera
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NOTEWORTHY
NATHAN HARNESS Dr. Nathan Harness, finance assistant professor, accompanied six students on a week-long trip to explore China, and learn alongside students at the University of Geosciences in Beijing. “It’s crazy to see students when they first step foot off of the plane in China,” Harness said. “Their level of excitement is amazing. Everything is different for them; the way they see the world immediately shifts.” Together with Dr. Steve Shwiff, economics professor and department head, Harness taught a class on the importance of the financial crisis that encouraged Chinese and American students to interact and discuss the differences between the U.S. and Chinese economies. “We had Chinese students in class who weren’t even interested in finance; they just wanted to experience an American college class,” Harness said. “We learned so much from each other, and our students returned to campus with new perspectives on the world. I’m glad I could be a part of it.”
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NOTEWORTHY By Ashley Johnson & Brent Lyday S Photography by Jared Horn
Dr. Thomas Faulkenberry, mathematics lecturer, received a spring 2010 Teaching Excellence Award. Dr. Jeffrey Herndon, assistant professor of political science, received a spring 2010 Teaching Excellence Award.
Dr. Casey Brown, assistant professor of educational leadership, received a spring 2010 Teaching Excellence Award. Wade Fish, assistant professor of educational leadership, received a spring 2010 Teaching Excellence Award.
Dr. Vanessa Huse, mathematics instructor, received the “Measurement in the Middle Grades” grant, which is a Teacher Quality Grant Program.
Leslie Haas, teaching assistant of curriculum and instruction, received a spring 2010 Teaching Excellence Award.
Dr. Karen Roggenkamp, assistant professor of literature and languages, received a spring 2010 Teaching Excellence Award.
Dr. LaVelle Hendricks, assistant professor of counseling, published “It’s Not Y2K…Just K2,” and has been utilized as an expert by government officials working on K2 legislation in Texas.
Dr. Jennifer Sennette, assistant professor of curriculum and instruction, received a spring 2010 Teaching Excellence Award.
Dr. Sang Suh, department head of computer science and information systems, received a spring 2010 Teaching Excellence Award.
Dr. Madeline Justice, A&M-Commerce department head and professor of educational leadership, claimed a “School Leadership Program” award from the U.S. Department of Education through The Texas A&M University System. The award is a Leadership Education and Development grant, which is a result of a partnership between eight universities in the A&M System and 44 high-need school districts.
Dr. William Wadley, art professor, received a spring 2010 Teaching Excellence Award.
Sarah Mitchell, health and human performance instructor, received a spring 2010 Teaching Excellence Award.
Raghu Singh, professor of sociology and criminal justice, received a spring 2010 Teaching Excellence Award.
Dr. Pamela Webster, director and instructor of the math skills center, received a spring 2010 Teaching Excellence Award. Dr. Kaiqi Xiong, assistant professor of computer science and information systems, received a spring 2010 Teaching Excellence Award.
Dr. Kent Montgomery, planetarium director, received a spring 2010 Teaching Excellence Award. Dr. Harvetta Robertson, associate professor of psychology and special education, received a spring 2010 Teaching Excellence Award. Dr. Laverne Raine, associate professor of curriculum and instruction, received a spring 2010 Teaching Excellence Award. Dr. Jennifer Schroeder, assistant professor of psychology and special education, received a spring 2010 Teaching Excellence Award.
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Dr. Carole Walker, assistant department head and associate professor of curriculum and instruction, received a spring 2010 Teaching Excellence Award. Dr. Jason Wicke, assistant professor of health and human performance, received a spring 2010 Teaching Excellence Award. Dr. Leah Wickersham, associate professor of educational leadership, received a spring 2010 Teaching Excellence Award. Dr. Sandra Weeks, associate professor of health and human performance, received a spring 2010 Teaching Excellence Award. Texas A&M University-Commerce received the Developmental Education Demonstration Projects (DEDP) grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, which will allow the university to provide innovative approaches toward developmental mathematics.
Paige Bussell, adjunct professor of applied arts and sciences, received a spring 2010 Teaching Excellence Award. Dr. Brent Donham, department head and associate professor of industrial engineering and technology, received a spring 2010 Teaching Excellence Award. Donham also received a “2010 Engineering Summer Program (ESP)” grant, which is part of the Engineering Recruitment Program. Alan Francis, instructor of applied sciences, received a spring 2010 Teaching Excellence Award. Tina Lancaster, mentor and instructor for business and technology, received a spring 2010 Teaching Excellence Award. Dr. Kurtay Ogunc, assistant professor of accounting, economics and finance, received a spring 2010 Teaching Excellence Award. Dr. Yvonne Villanueva-Russell, department head and associate professor of sociology and criminal justice, was named the Layperson of the Year by Sherman College of Chiropractic.
NOTEWORTHY
The Texas A&M University-Commerce art direction and copywriting program was named the best in the United States in 2010 by CMYK magazine, a quarterly art-design magazine distributed to creative directors, agency principals and art buyers nationwide. Texas A&M University-Commerce and Eastfield College signed a dual admission articulation agreement that allows Eastfield College students to seamlessly transfer their credits to A&M-Commerce after completing their associate’s degree. Texas A&M University-Commerce has partnered with the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and area universities to provide $1.9 million in scholarships for Dallas ISD graduating seniors. Texas A&M University-Commerce was awarded a $50,000 grant from the Sid W. Richardson Foundation to participate in a university-wide effort to improve teacher preparation in Texas schools. Carlton Cooper, athletic director, has been named to the Division II Athletic Director’s Association Executive Board of Directors. Texas A&M University-Commerce and Ubiquitous Technology Research Center (UTRC) of Daegu University in South Korea signed a memorandum of cooperation to enhance academics for both universities.
Twenty-seven Latino students from Greenville and Lakeview Centennial High Schools got a taste of college life at A&M-Commerce this summer during Alumnos Listos: A Summer Camp for Exploring College, Careers and Culture.
“The summer camp was a great success,” said Dr. Chris Green, A&M-Commerce assistant professor and bilingual education director in curriculum and instruction. “We listened as student after student spoke of how they are now committed to achieving their dreams of going to college.” The three-day camp was possible thanks to a five-year, $1.2 million Project Listos grant, which prepares teachers to better serve English Language Learners (ELLs). According to Green, the students were recruited by their Spanish and ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers.
“We are extremely pleased with this first Alumnos Listos Summer Camp,” said Dr. Martha Foote, A&M-Commerce department head and professor of curriculum and instruction. “The kids were amazing and were interested in the information and activities geared toward helping them go to college. We look forward to holding another camp in 2011.”
The Texas A&M University-Commerce marketing communications department’s “Scholarship Video” won a silver CASE award for Video Fundraising Features: Traditional Video, DVD, CD or Film. The department also won platinum and gold awards for Pride magazine and the Admissions Travel Field Guide from the 2010 Marketing Communication Awards-an international juried competition.
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Fall 2010 41
Class Notes Dr. Edward Revels (B.A. ’56) 1940’
Fred E. Allen (B.S. ’49) was honored in March by the Mt. Pleasant Masons to mark 60 years of service.
celebrates 50 years in private practice as a dentist in De Queen, Ark.
after 39 years of teaching in the Spring Branch ISD.
Charles E. Wallace (B.S. ’52)
Abelardo S. Lozano (M.A. ’60)
was chosen by the Hughes Springs Lions Club for entry into the Lions International District Hall of Fame.
is a retired career counselor and supervisor from the state with the state employment service. He currently resides in El Paso.
Larry F. Drake (B.S. ’59)
Cathey Martin (B.S. ’67)
retired after 44 years of teaching in Broaddus ISD.
is retiring after 21 years of teaching in Sulphur Springs ISD.
Dr. Coleen Grissom (B.A. ’55) serves as a full-time English professor at Trinity University in San Antonio. A collection of her speeches written and delivered through the years at Trinity has been publishedA Novel Approach to Life.
Dr. Reba Lewis Hudson (B.S. ’54, M.Ed. ’66, Ph.D. ’71) was recently honored with the James Bowie Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Award.
Dr. David C. Murley (B.S. ’56) recently celebrated 50 years as a physician in Winnsboro.
Tommy W. Alexander (B.S. ’69, M.S. ’73) was named the new superintendent for West Rusk County ISD.
Roger T. Brower (B.S. ’69, M.S. ’70) and his wife Carol (M.Ed. ’69) are retiring from their business in Ouray, Colo. and moving to Ridgeway, Colo. because there are no red lights, parking meters or traffic jams.
Mickey D. Crow (B.A. ’68) was recently elected to the Board of Directors for AgriLand Farm Credit Services.
Dr. Larry R. Davis (B.B.A. ’65, M.B.A. ’67) has been named interim dean of the college of business at Texas A&M University-Texarkana.
Patricia “Trish” Elliott (B.S. ‘65) received the Hopkins
Dr. Arnold D. Oates (B.S. ’58, M.Ed. ’60, Ph.D. ’66) and Martha Holloway Oates (B.A. ’59, M.Ed. ’63, Ed.D. ’81) celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 4 in Tyler.
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Julia Hayes Lacy (B.S. ’69, M.M. ’70) recently retired
County Educator of the Year Award. She is retiring after 30 years of teaching.
Rodney G. Flippen (B.B.A. ’67) was recently inducted to the Boys & Girls Club Wall of Honor in Paris. He retired from Campbell Soup.
Texas A&M University–Commerce S Pride Magazine
Dr. Joe L. Mills (B.S. ’62, M.S. ’67, Ed.D. ’90) retired after 18 years of teaching English at Trinity Valley Community College.
Dr. Barry B. Thompson (M.S. ’61) was honored at a rededication ceremony of the Barry B. Thompson Student Center on the campus of Tarleton State University. He was the 13th President of TSU.
Dr. Dennis L. Townsend (B.S. ’63, M.S. ’66, Ed.D. ’72) a retired school administrator and university adjunct professor, is now serving on the Board of Directors of Region VIII, Education Service Center in Mt. Pleasant.
Dr. Cliff L. Wood (B.S. ’66, M.S. ’67, Ph.D. ’73) was honored with an Alumni Achievement Award from Delta Tau Delta International Fraternity. Dr. Wood serves as President of SUNY Rockland, NY.
James Bruce Wood (B.S. ’68, M.Ed. ’71, Ed.D. ’94) will take office as Kaufman County judge in January 2011.
Hobart Wisdom (B.S. ’60) was honored for his years of dedication to Rockwall High School. In 1995, Rockwall’s only football field was named in his honor.
Dr. Colleen Altaffer Smith (B.S. ’77, M.S. ’79) has been selected as the district senior vice president of academic affairs and student development at Collin College.
Jeff M. Bailey (B.S. ’79, M.Ed. ’84) was named the lone finalist for the superintendent of schools at Rockwall ISD.
Dr. Bobby C. Burns (B.S. ’79, M.E.D. ’87) was named the new superintendent of CarrolltonFarmers Branch ISD.
Dr. Mary G. Cimarolli (M.A. ’72, Ed.D. ‘77) has published her second book, Man of Grace: A Remembrance of Paul Wells Barrus.
Gary W. Claxton (B.B.A. ’73, M.B.A. ’78) is president and COO of Panola National Bank in Carthage. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Texas Bankers Association and has recently been elected to serve as the 2010-2011 Chairman of the Community Bankers Council of the Texas Bankers Association.
Steve B. Cooper (M.A. ’74, M.E.D. ’77) was named interim superintendent of Muenster ISD.
Dr. L. Curtis Culwell (M.E.D. ’79, Ed.D. ’91) superintendent of Garland ISD, has been appointed by Gov. Rick Perry to the State Board of Educators Certification for a one-year term.
Harvey B. Hohenberger, Jr. (B.S. ’74, M.Ed. ’78) executive director of the Region 8 Education Service Center in Mt. Pleasant, was recognized at the Texas Public School Friend of the Year banquet.
Pat J. Holder (B.S. ’76, M.S. ’78) of Pat Holder and Associates
David T. Neeley (B.S. ’70) of Mt. Pleasant was appointed to the Sulphur River Basin Authority Board of Directors for a term to expire in 2015.
has been named publisher of GrandLuxe Magazine.
Vicki Davis Pennington (B.M. ’73) was recently elected to the
Dr. Nell Ingram (B.S. ’74, M.S. ’76) has been elected
Board of Trustees of Vernon College. She retired in 2007 after a 25-year career as a music instructor at Vernon College.
president of the Dallas School Administrators Association for 2010-2012. She currently serves as the director of alternative certification for the Dallas ISD. She is married to Wayne
Ingram (B.S. ’74, M.S. ’77). Richard P. “Rick” Lynch (M.Ed. ’77) was recently
honored by the Greenville ISD at a reception honoring his 38-year career in education.
Dr. Morris Maniscalco (Ed.D. ’75) has completed his first novel, An Eternal Love, a religious romance story of the 21st Century.
H.L. Marine (B.B.A. ’76) and his wife Bobbie, recently celebrated their 13th wedding anniversary.
43
community service from 10,000 Villages, a fair trade organization, providing income sources for artisans in developing countries. Her Austin-based non-profit organization, Reel Women was named a “Top-Rated Women’s Empowerment Nonprofit” by www.greatnonprofits.org.
Dr. Dale Perritt (B.S. ‘73, M.S. ’76) was honored with the 2010 Ag Educator of the Year Award in Nacogdoches.
Carol L. Pyle (B.M. ’70, M.M. ’73) has been named conductor
Ron R. Taylor (B.S. ’71, M.Ed. ‘74, Ed.D. ’96) received the Phi Delta Kappa Service Key at the annual PDK banquet of the A&M-Commerce chapter. He is headmaster at Heritage Christian Academy in Rockwall.
ISD’s director of administrative services after 35 years of teaching and coaching.
Obie L. Thompson (B.S. ’79, M.Ed. ’82) retired from teaching
Dr. Billy G. Burton (M.Ed. ’83, Ed.D. ’05) retired from the
after 30 years of service in the Houston ISD and is starting a new life as an ordained minister.
Rockwall ISD after serving nine years as superintendent.
P.D. Thomas (B.S. ’74, M.Ed. ’85) is retiring as the Allen
Diane Whatley (B.S. ’74, M.Ed. ’75) received the Educator of the Year Award from the Atlanta Area Chamber of Commerce.
Dr. G. Richard “Rick” Wetherill (M.S. ’73) has been named dean of the School of Graduate Studies at East Central University in Ada, OK.
Irene R. Willingham-Terada (B.S. ’77) was inducted into the Quinlan ISD Hall of Fame.
Richard E. Reedy (B.S. ’70, M.S. ’73, Ed.D. ’92)
Catholic Foundation Plaza Artists Competition in Dallas.
David L. Zvanut (B.F.A. ’79, M.F.A. ’86) won the 4th Annual
was honored as a “Living Legend” by the Collin County Foundation.
Sherry L. Mills (B.S. ’78)
School of Education at
was selected for one of 10 humanitarian awards for
University in New Haven.
Southern Connecticut State
Texas A&M University–Commerce S Pride Magazine
Mark D. Beggs (B.B.A. ’81) won the 2010 Brock Speer Scholarship Award from the Ben Speer’s Stamps-Baxter School of Music in Murfreesboro, Tenn. The honor is the highest award given by the school and is determined by faculty.
of “Schola Lite,” the PR ensemble of “Schola Cantorum of Texas,” an auditioned community chorus based in Ft. Worth. She resides in Weatherford.
Michael Sampson (B.S. ’74) is the new dean of the
School for Advanced Air and Space Studies at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Ala. for the 2010-2011 academic year.
Jeffrey L. Ballard (B.S. ’87, M.Ed. ’02) was named superintendent of Prairiland ISD replacing retiring superintendent James R.
Morton (B.S. ’73, M.Ed. ’79).
Heather R. Cody (B.B.A. ’89) was recently promoted to compliance and mortgage loan officer at Peoples Bank in Paris.
Chawn Cooper (B.S. ’89) was named head football coach and athletic director for Greenville High School.
William R. Corrigan (B.S. ’87) just reported for work as environmental coordinator at Milan Army Ammunition Plant.
Dr. Donna G. Cook (Ed.D. ’85) has been named superintendent of Chapel Hill ISD.
William T. Allison (B.A. ’89, M.A. ’91) history professor at
James B. Cowley (B.S. ’87, M.Ed. ’90, Ed.D. ’03)
Georgia Southern University, will be a visiting professor of military history at the Air Force
was recently installed as president of the Texas Rural Education Association.
Fall 2010 43
Class Notes Richard M. Crummel (M.Ed. ’81) has been named as interim superintendent of Burleson ISD.
Karyn Cummings (B.S. ’81, M.S. ’86) will be the new principal of Dr. Ralph H. Poteet High School.
Tracy Harmon Dennis (B.S. ’82) received a 25-year service award from North Hopkins ISD where she teaches 4th, 5th and 6th grade social studies. She also received the Alpha Delta Kappa Recognizing Excellence for Doing Good Award.
David C. Dodd (B.S. ’84) has been named principal of Royse City High School. He was previously with Richardson ISD for 26 years.
Danny R. Essary (M.S. ’89, Ed.D. ’98) was elected chairman of the Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Regional Area 6 Section serving Northeast Texas.
Ricardo Garcia (B.M.’85, M.S. ’02) was named associate vice chancellor for Student Success of Tarrant County College.
Larry P. Goddard (B.S. ’80, M.S. ’91) was named the 2010 Key Communicator by the Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA).
David E. Greer, Jr. (M.Ed. ’82) will lead the Dillard Special Achievement Center in Allen ISD.
44
Christy Hansen (B.S. ’89, M.Ed. ’01) was hired as an
Paul L. Peveto, C.P.A. (B.B.A. ’89) was elected as a Director
assistant principal at W.H. Ford High School in Quinlan.
of Orange Savings Bank by its parent company OSB Financial Services.
Vance P. Hale (B.S. ’89, M.S. ’99) is a P.E. teacher and coach at W.H. Ford High School.
Stephanie Hill-Paulden (B.S. ’80) received a master’s degree in educational and instructional technology from National University in San Diego. She is currently department head and instructor in the Dallas ISD.
Judie Forté Huff, director of Lamar County Head Start since 1993, was recently selected as the Bachelor of Social Work Field Instructor of the Year by the Texas A&M UniversityCommerce School of Social Work. Cynthia Tyson Jenkins (B.S. ’84) was one of 10 women appointed to the Governor’s Commission for Women by Gov. Rick Perry.
Maj. David M. Leard (B.S. ’86) has recently retired from the U.S. Air Force after serving 23 years.
LeRoy Ramsey (M.S. ’80) has been living in the People’s Republic of China since 1985. He is currently a country director for a mission agency, and his wife is working with a group called Hearts and Hands, which helps the deaf in Kunming, Yunnan Province.
Andy Shelton (B.S. ‘88) is the director of human resources for Daybreak Venture LLC in Denton. He is married to Chana Eubanks Shelton (B.S. ’84) who is CFO for Transition Health Services in Argyle.
Jennie W. Taylor (M.S. ’87) retired as principal of Shady Shore Elementary School, Lake Dallas ISD after 18 years of service.
Laurie A. Tinsley (M.Ed. ’88) principal of Ogle Elementary in Frisco, was recently selected as a Texas National Distinguished Principal finalist by the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association.
Dr. Ronald L. Oliver (Ed.D. ‘86) is living with his wife in
Cali, Columbia. In 2008 he cowrote the 2nd Edition of the Bullying Prevention Handbook: A Guide for Principals, Teachers and Counselors with John Hoover. He is doing consulting work in human services and can be contacted through ronaldoliverconsulting.com.
Texas A&M University–Commerce S Pride Magazine
Dr. Gary W. VanDeaver (B.S. ’81, M.S. ’82, Ed.D. ’96) superintendent of the New Boston ISD, is the Region 8 Superintendent of the Year.
Steve G. Drummond (B.S. ’87, M.Ed. ’02) was named the superintendent of Detroit ISD.
Keith D. Boles (B.S. ‘98, M.Ed. ’92) was named superintendent of Henderson ISD.
Larry C. Acker (B.S. ’92) was awarded a doctorate in educational leadership May 15 at Lamar University. He currently serves as the assistant director of public relations for Lamar University.
Shannon D. Akin (B.S. ’93, M.S. ’02) has been hired by Wylie ISD as a behavior specialist.
Wendi C. Armstrong (B.B.A. ’99) was named president of Galyean Insurance Agency in Sulphur Springs by Wayne H. Galyean (B.S. ’64), director.
Wendi M. Blakemore (B.B.A. ’97) has been named new administrator of St. Paul’s Episcopal School of Greenville.
Cheree A. Carter (M.Ed. ’99) is the new assistant principal at Waxahachie High School.
R. Tommie Chalaire (B.S. ’93, M.Ed. ’05) was name assistant superintendent at Chisum ISD after serving in various positions with the district for the past 16 years.
James F. Chester (B.S. ’94) became an equity partner at Klemchuk Kubasta LLP in Dallas. He is also an adjunct professor of law at Baylor University Law School and is the proud father of four children.
Calvin “Chip” Curington (M.Ed. ’93) has announced
Michelle D. Pauken (B.A. ’98) completed her Ph.D. in
Michael S. Rutherford (B.S. ’90) takes on a new role as
his retirement after nearly 27 years in public service. His most recently served as deputy superintendent at Corsicana ISD.
humanities at the University of Texas at Dallas in December 2009. She teaches high school art and AP art history for Rockwall ISD.
dean of students for Texarkana Middle School.
Sherilyn Emberton (Ed.D. ’99) has been appointed as the
Amanda M. Payne (B.S.I.S. ’98) was named Teacher of
provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, at East Texas Baptist University.
Jaime Harper (B.S. ’97, M.S. ’99) was recently hired as a new sales associate for Coldwell Banker Watson Company Realtors in Sulphur Springs.
the Year at Celia Hays Elementary in Rockwall ISD. She and husband Jeff (B.S. ’93) live in Rockwall with their two children.
LaWyanda Prince (M.Ed. ’94) was named Teacher of the Year at Frances Corprew Elementary School in Mt. Pleasant.
J.D. Kennedy (Ed.D. ’94)
was named the 5A TAPPS Coach of the Year for 2010.
Eric Maxey (B.S. ’97) was named Region III’s Trainer of the Year at Wylie High School by the Texas High School Coaches Association.
Deanna M. Mullins (B.S.W ’99, M.S.W ’03) was named by the Maine Chapter of the Society for Social Work Leadership in Healthcare as the Medical Social Worker of the Year.
Mary Ann Nichols (M.Ed. ’97) was named District 7 President of The Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association.
45
has been named principal of Thompson Elementary in the Mesquite ISD.
Larry T. Standlee (B.B.A. ’92) was awarded the 2009 Retired Senior Volunteer Program of the Year by Fannin County. Larry is a 23-year veteran of the U.S. Navy submarine force.
Dr. Graham Sweeney (Ed.D. ’91) superintendent of the Boles Independent School District, was recognized as the 2010 Superintendent of the Year by the Texas Rural Education Association.
is the sole finalist to be the next superintendent of the McKinney ISD. He previously served as superintendent of the Midlothian ISD.
Rodger D. Lovell (B.S. ’95)
Stacey J. Sheffield (M.Ed. ’99)
James E. Proctor (B.B.A. ’93) was recently promoted to Information Technology manager for Harrison, Walker & Harper companies. He works with four team members that are also alumni Kevin
Loschke (B.B.A. ’02), Trent Fendley (B.S. ’00) and Michelle Cowling (B.S. ’09). Jennifer L. Speicher (M.S. ’98) has been named the first principal of the new Wally W. Watkins Elementary in Wylie ISD.
Melanie Raleeh (M.Ed. ’91) was named principal of the new McClure Elementary School in McKinney.
Texas A&M University–Commerce S Pride Magazine
Dr. Cornell Thomas (Ed.D. ’90) was inaugurated as the 11th president of Jarvis Christian College.
Dr. Raphael Turner (M.S. ’96) has assumed the dean of enrollment management at Texarkana College.
Kenneth W. Webb (M.S. ’91) was recently inducted into the Boys & Girls Club Wall of Honor in Paris. He has been with Paris Junior College for 22 years.
David L. Wright (M.Ed. ’97) principal of Legacy School in Mansfield ISD, has been selected to represent the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals as a Region 11 Outstanding Principal of the year.
Katherine (Katie) M. Worden (B.A. ’09) has joined the KTRE team in Lufkin as a news producer.
Lee E. Hattaway (M.Ed. ’05) has been hired by Wylie ISD as their instructional technology coordinator.
Kaye Cooper (B.S.I.S. ’06) a first grade teacher at Parker Elementary in Powderly, was named North Lamar ISD’s Teacher of the Year.
Bethany Banister Rainsberg (M.A. ’04) received her Ph.D. in Theatre from Ohio State University in June.
Carrie Robison Rosenbalm (B.S. ’03), Brandi Shiver Vess (B.S. ’04, M.B.A. ’07), Candice Tuckness Kuzov (B.B.A. ’07), Deana Huffman (B.S. ’06, M.B.A. ’09), Michelle Wentzel (B.S. ’06) and Kelley D. Ferguson (B.A. ’04) received the Advisory Board Excellence award at Gamma Phi Beta’s 74th biennial convention held in June.
Melissa L. Arnold (B.A. ’03) received the North Lamar Teacher of the Year award.
Tommie A. Balcom (M.S. ’06) is the new principal of St. Bernard of Clarivaux Catholic School in Dallas.
Fall 2010 45
Class Notes Jerimy Bell (B.S. ’06) has been promoted to banking officer at Guaranty Bond Bank in Paris. Andrea M. Bickel (B.S. ’07, M.S. ’10) is the assistant director of student activities at Regis University in Denver, CO.
James Alan Brown (M.S. ’01) was named the chief probation officer for Grayson County.
Jawny Cannon (B.S. ’06) was hired by Quinlan ISD for a teaching and coaching position.
Michael J. Crawford (B.A.A. S. ’05) was sworn in as a new
Kimberly Hallum Donnan (M.S. ’08) is the new assistant principal at Agnew Middle School in Mesquite.
Kevin J. Eaton (Ed.D. ’05) has signed a contract with Weatherford College as president for the next three years.
as the principal of Amy ParksHeath Elementary School in the Rockwall ISD.
Lorie Eaves-Grantham (B.S. ’00) and husband Lee welcomed a daughter, Josephine Emma Grace on Sept. 3, 2009.
Dr. Vickie A. Ellis (Ed.D. ’01) will teach a Junior State
has been named principal of Sam Rutherford Elementary in Mesquite ISD.
of America Summer School program at Princeton University in New Jersey this summer. She serves as associate professor of communication arts at Oklahoma Baptist University.
Amber Epperson (M.S. ’02, Ed.D. ’04) was named principal of Valley Creek Elementary in McKinney. She was previously the principal at Webb Elementary.
Michael J. Ford (B.S. ’02) recently returned from Iraq and has joined the Paris Police Department as a corporal.
a senior commercial account manager for RBC Commercial Financial Services.
46
teacher at D.C. Cannon Elementary School in Quinlan.
of the Week from Laneville ISD.
Stephanie J. Crean (M.S. ’02)
Andrew J. Darby (M.B.A. ’09) is living in Canada and is
Jackie L. Hammett (B.S.I.S. ’08) was hired as a 2nd grade
Maricela R. Helm (M.Ed. ’02) has been hired
Holly J. Grubbs (M.Ed. ’04)
Artist Patrick Crouch (B.F.A. ’00) recently had an exhibit of his paintings in the Green Mezzanine Gallery at the Eisemann Center in Richardson. He teaches art at Skyline High School.
in Garland.
Lauren M. Edwards (B.A.A.S. ’08) was recognized as Teacher
Texas attorney by District Judge Lagomarisino in Navarro County Courthouse District Courtroom on May 11.
is the education director for Sci-Tech Discovery Center in Richardson.
Jason E. Hamilton (B.S. ’07) and Chelsea Wortham (B.A. ’10) were married on June 19
Jason D. Gomez (M.S. ’02) was hired as director of vocational and special projects at Quinlan ISD.
Texas A&M University–Commerce S Pride Magazine
Julie Horne Vaughn (B.S.I.S. ’05) received the
Dr. Donna Upton Kincaid (M.S. ’00, Ed.D. ’06) is continuing her third year as director of teacher education at the Baptist College of Florida.
Gerrit Kroll (M.B.A. ’09) is working as Controller at Hapag-Lloyd in Shanghai, China.
Kathy L. Lee (M.B.A. ’06) was reappointed to the Early Childhood Intervention Advisory Committee, which she has chaired the last two years.
2010 Teacher of the Year from Wylie ISD. She teaches kindergarten at Birmingham Elementary.
Linzy McManus (B.A. ’07)
Joel C. Howard (B.S. ’05)
Shawn J. Miller (M.S. ’06)
has graduated from Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
has been selected as the new assistant principal at Wylie East High School.
Terry A. Pankratz (M.B.A. ’07)
Jerry L. Hunkapiller (Ed.D.’10) superintendent
has been named Vice Chancellor for Finance by the University of North Texas System.
of Millsap ISD, received his doctorate in May.
Brian T. Hunt (M.S. ’04) was named principal of Olton High School.
Shirley A. Isbell (M.S. ’09) won the election for Alderman 2 in Meadows Place, Texas. She ran a Clean Green campaign, with no signs, no flyers and no calls at dinner time. She ran on her good name alone using the ethical leadership skills learned at A&M-Commerce.
was married to Justin Garrett in a ceremony on March 28 in Greenville.
Ashly N. Perryman (B.S. ’08, MS. ’10) announced her engagement to Joel Fielder. She is the first female ag teacher at the New Boston ISD.
Dr. Jessica Richardson (B.S. ’04) received her doctorate of optometry from the University of Houston College of Optometry.
Robert K. Riza (M.S. ’00, Ed.D. ’03) has joined the Hill College staff as vice president of student services.
Dr. Brian C. Rodgers (B.S. ’06) has begun his residency program at University of Kansas School of Medicine. He graduated from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston in May 2010.
Bart C. Rosebure (B.S. ’00) has been named as the new director of safety and security at Rockwall ISD.
Jeffrey L. Russell (M.Ed. ’08) is now the Canton ISD human resource director.
Marilyn Smith (B.S.I.S. ’04) was named Elementary Teacher of the Year by the Paris ISD.
Laura Throneberry (B.S.I.S. ’00) was honored as Educator of the Year by the Kaufman Chamber of Commerce. She is a first grade teacher at J.W. Monday Primary School.
Sgt. Fred Tillman (B.S.C.J. ’05) was advanced to the rank of lieutenant in the Denison Police Department.
Michael S. Verseckes (M.B.A. ’01) was promoted to Terrell State Hospital Financial Officer.
Terra K. West (B.S. ’05) was hired as a math teacher at W.H. Ford High School in Quinlan. Brittney R. Williams (B.S. ’09) has joined Century 21 Properties in Paris as a sales associate for the Northeast Texas and Southeast Oklahoma region.
47
1930’s
In Memory
Eloise Bundren Skinner (B.S. ’38) 3-28-10
1940’s Billie L. Churchill (B.S. ’41) 3-04-10 Winford B. Dyer (B.S. ’49) 8-06-10 Irma Dee Faires (B.S. ’43, M.Ed. ’55) 3-02-10 James O. Faires (B.S. ’42) 7-20-10 Jeannette Abbott Lee (B.S. ’43, M. Ed. ’55) 6-07-10 George W. Tharp (B.A. ’49, M.A. ’52) 2-19-10
1950’s Lee A. Clark (B.S. ’55) 6-10-10 Marshall H. Clark (B.S. ’50) 5-07-09 Bobby Logan Craigo (B.B.A. ’56) 7-30-10 Doris Hill Finley (B.S. ’56) 2-16-10 W.C. “Griff” Griffitt (M.S. ’50) 3-03-10 Col. James A. Lacy (B.S. ’58) 3-01-10 Mabel L. McElrath (B.S. ’52, M.A. ’60) 11-28-09 Dr. Joe B. Minter (B.A. ’56, M.Ed. ’62, Ph.D. ’69) 8-04-10 Marcus H. Norwood (B.S. ’53, M.S. ’53) Gayle C. Tinsley (B.S. ’52, M.Ed. ’53) 6-26-10
1960’s David E. Blossom (B.S. ’69) 11-09 Dr. Nancy N. Castilla (B.S. ’61, M.A. ’67) 5-19-10 Terry S. Eaton (B.B.A. ’60) 5-04-10 Peggy J. Fox (B.S. ’60) 6-28-10 Howard E. Jones (B.S. ’69) 3-17-10 Gary N. Kilman (B.A.A. ’67) 8-21-10 William T. Lowry (B.S. ’65, M.S. ’67) 6-14-10 Martin R. Luhn, Jr. (B.S. ’68, M.S. ’72) 4-04-10 Terry G. Newman (B.S. ’60) 6-01-10 Kathryn Powell (B.S. ’60) 8-14-10 Jimmy C. Tinsley (B.S. ’67) 4-30-10
Texas A&M University–Commerce S Pride Magazine
1970’s
Robert C. Ballew (M.Ed. ’73) 5-26-10 William (Bill) S. Barineau (B.B.A. ’70) 2-25-10 Morris J. Barentine (Ed.D. ’75) 4-13-10 Rex D. Bell (B.S. ’72) 11-30-08 Jack W. Colley (B.S. ’70) 5-16-10 Dr. Allie C. Blount (M.S. ’73) 3-06-10 Opal I. Curtis (B.S. ’74, M.Ed. ’79) 1-14-10 Robert A. Davis (M.A. ’70) 5-28-10 Modell Dunham Grogan (M.Ed. ’71) 8-28-10 Dr. James A. Haley (B.S. ’72) 7-06-10 Timmy (T.L.) Hasley (B.S. ’75) 6-30-10 Cheryl E. Horn (M.S. ’75) 5-1-08 Clifton “Dick” Julian (Ed.D. ’73) 2-25-10 William W. Kessler (B.S. ’72, M.S. ’74) 3-12-09 James M. Maple (B.S. ’73) 12-16-09 Barbara Susan “Suse” Sadler (B.S. ’72) 2-27-10
1980’s Wendell L. Collins (B.S. ’89) 8-23-09
1990’s Reginal L. Thompson (B.S. C. J. ’97) 3-1-10
2000’s Katrina A. Davidson (B.S.I.S. ‘08) 3-9-10 Eric M. Johnson (M.E.D. ’02) 11-13-09 Amanda L. May (B.S.I.S. ’03) 3-11-10
Fall 2010 47
MAKING A DIFFERENCE By Brent Lyday S Photography by Jared Horn
Teeing Off with the Goughs The importance of the final scorecards from this year’s Julie Gough Memorial Golf Tournament paled in comparison to the camaraderie of those attending and the fond memories and celebration of Julie Gough’s life, which tragically ended in a fatal automobile accident in 2002. The impact of Julie’s life remains strong, as family and friends gather yearly to reconnect for a round of golf, remember Julie and what she meant to those who knew and loved her.
“Even though Julie only attended A&MCommerce for a few weeks before the accident, it was interesting to hear how well she liked the students and faculty she met,” said Phil Gough, Julie’s father. “She just beamed about how much she liked everybody there.”
A&M-Commerce administrators, along with many family, friends and sponsors from around the world, participated in 2010 to support Julie’s tournament. Not only did those involved have a great time on the course, but they were happy to support the effort that benefits the memorial scholarship endowment in Julie’s memory at A&M-Commerce. “I really started the tournament to bring people together,” Phil said. “We played it
without the thought of it ever raising that much money. I just wanted to get people together and have a good time.” From the 60 players that participated in 2003 to the 108 in 2010, all involved can attest to the fun and memories each event creates. “To have people come in and play in 100-degree temperatures every year has meant a lot to our family and the support we’ve enjoyed,” Phil said. “It makes you feel good when you get support like that.”
At A&M-Commerce, it’s easy to impact the life of a deserving student. For your free copy of our new advancement booklet detailing how your support makes a difference, call 903.468.8183 or e-mail: Randy_VanDeven@tamu-commerce.edu.
The Alumni PO Box 3011 Commerce, TX 75429 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
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