Where are they now? Spring 2012 by Texas A&M University-Commerce

Where are they Now? Spring 2012

A Member of The Texas A&M University System

www.tamu-commerce.edu

Emmett Day

B.A. Education Administration, Class of 1936

rowing up during the Depression, Emmett Day’s hope of succeeding in life was based on getting an education. Like many of his Commerce High School classmates and five of his siblings before him, Emmett Day chose to follow his dream of a college education at East Texas State Teachers College.

A two-year letter winner on the tennis team, Emmett enjoyed the camaraderie on campus shared between students and faculty. His favorite professor, Dr. Groves, supported Emmett’s academic endeavors thanks to his kind spirit and interesting lectures. Emmett’s strong abilities in the classroom allowed him to fast-track his education and graduate with a degree in industrial arts and chemistry in three years, boasting the highest GPA of the men in his class. The highlight of his university experience was meeting his wife of 60 years. After graduation, Emmett attended M.I.T. while teaching courses in engineering and mechanics, followed by 38 years as an engineering professor at the University of Washington. During that time he served as Emmett Day with the model of Napoleon’s gold coach president of the Society for he built at age 15 for the 1931 inaugural Fisher Body Experimental Mechanics Craftsmans Guild National Contest. Mr. Day was the and vice president of the junior state winner. The coach is all hand-worked and Society of Mechanical decorated with 24-carat gold leaf, and took more than Engineers. Now retired, 1000 hours to build. It is on permanent display in the Day resides in Seattle, A&M-Commerce Alumni Center. Washington.

he response to our first issue of “Where Are They Now?” was pleasantly overwhelming. I can’t tell you how many calls and e-mails the alumni relations office received from folks saying thanks and, more importantly, catching us up on what had been going on in their lives since they graduated. My colleagues and I marvel at the incredible lives being lived out by each of you. Sometimes I forget that while we’re all facing life on our own terms, we share a common pride, a common heritage and a common honor of having attended this great university and have benefitted tremendously. While Professor Mayo’s creed of “ceaseless industry, fearless investigation, unfettered thought, and unselfish service to others” may not be at the forefront of your thoughts every day, the way you’ve pieced your life together has carried those principles far and wide. Each of you, wherever you reside, whatever your occupation, represents a unique thread woven into the tapestry of our heritage. We want to hear from even more of you in 2012, and encourage you to send in your “then and now” story and photos, or nominate someone you believe is worthy of recognition. We eagerly await the opportunity to share these stories with other alumni. To each of you, have a blessed new year. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Derryle G. Peace Director, Alumni Relations

Wiley E. Vonner

Janice Vonner

B.B.A. History & M.S. Higher/Secondary Education, Class of 1973 & 1977

iley E. Vonner always wanted to be an educator. Fresh out of high school, he learned of East Texas State University’s reputation as one of the best teacher education programs in the state, and wanted to see if the university could open doors for him as it had for others.

or Janice Vonner, attending East Texas State University was a natural choice because it was the perfect distance from her home and family, many of whom had previously attended ETSU.

Janice enjoyed her time on campus and got involved in as many activities as she could. The warm and friendly campus community quickly became a second home for Janice; she particularly loved the university’s family atmosphere, attending services at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Commerce, campus picnics, and Greek shows.

Wiley fondly remembers the thrill of being a student at ETSU during the time that the university won the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics National Championship. He also looks back on his time in the classroom under the leadership of professors like Dr. Keith McFarland and is thankful for how much he learned and experienced. “Dr. McFarland was a great instructor,” Wiley said. “His courses really helped prepare me for the obstacles and opportunities I would face later in my life and in my career.” Since graduation, Wiley has received recognition by the Texas High School Coaches Association for outstanding achievement in the coaching profession for track and field. He was state runner-up in the track and field state championship in 1983, and was selected twice as the educator of the year by the Hawkins Chamber of Commerce.

B.S. Elementary Education/English & M.Ed. Elementary Education, Class of 1975 & 1978

Campus life provided Janice with numerous opportunities to get

involved, an experience that left her with many good memories. She also has fond memories of attending classes taught by her favorite professors, Dr. Mary L. Jernigan and Dr. J. Mason Brewer, who helped her become a professional as well as a successful educator. Janice’s teaching achievements have been honored and highlighted several times; she was awarded Teacher of the Year recognition twice and received the Lead Teacher Recognition Award for the third grade. She has served as an adjunct professor and student teacher supervisor for Jarvis Christian College and currently teaches third grade.

Gary Fife

M.Ed. Industrial Technology, Class of 1961

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Where Are They Now?

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Spring 2012

Loretta Henry Simon B.S. Journalism, Class of 1974

“Dr. R.J. McCloud was my favorite professor because he was all business,” Loretta said. “He got right to the point on everything, and if you paid attention you learned a lot. I credit him with my excellent proofing skills. I can spot an error one mile away thanks to the lessons I learned from him.”

oretta Henry Simon picked East Texas State University because it was also the top choice for many of her high school classmates and cousins. More importantly, the university was close to her home and family, allowing her to venture out into the world without going too far. Loretta was active in student life spending her time in the student center showing off her “wicked backhand” in ping pong, as well as cheering for the Lions at basketball and football games. Her fondest memories are of the people she had a chance to meet on campus, including her future husband and basketball player, Thomas M. Simon. As a journalism student, Loretta had many excellent professors that were dedicated to taking time to share their knowledge with students. Later in her life, the preparation Loretta received from these dedicated professors gave her confidence in her ability to pursue any position within her field.

After graduation, Loretta briefly worked for two advertising agencies in Dallas. In 1976, she joined the Dallas ISD as a specialist and progressed all the way up the communications department ladder to executive director of communications in 2007. Loretta has received several awards for excellence and merit from the National School Public Relations Association and from the Texas School Public Relations Association. She has organized conventions and workshops on registration, program planning and publicity for state and national organizations.

Denise Jacobs

B.S. Speech Communication/Theatre, Class of 1974

or Denise Jacobs, attending East Texas State University was a family tradition; her grandfather, mother, uncle, sister and brother-in-law all attended and passed the legacy on to her.

Denise enjoyed campus life, and immersed herself in activities like Alpha Phi Fraternity, speech and drama. The university provided her with all kinds of life experiences, and she especially loved the opportunity to meet and learn about people from different walks of life. Spring 2012

When she wasn’t participating in extracurricular activities, she was busy learning valuable lessons in the classroom from professors like Nathan Wilson, who gave her a lot of knowledge that she would find useful later down the road. After earning several awards from Alpha Phi, Denise graduated and went on to become a certified meeting professional. Today she works as the event services manager at the Special Events Center in Garland, Texas. Texas A&M University-Commerce

Paul J. Ayers

B.B.A. & M.S. Business Admin., Class of 1948 & 1949

or Paul J. Ayers, attending East Texas State University was the best and only option given its proximity to his home and job in Greenville.

A full-time employee and full-time student, Paul balanced his time carefully between business classes, and working six or more hours a day at Min’s clothing store. Thanks to the quality teaching of professors like Dr. Elton Johnston, Paul graduated fully prepared to teach business at the college level. Paul’s professional career included serving as the former head of business administration at Frank Phillip’s College in Borger, Texas. He was also regional vice president of SouthWestern Publishing Co. in Cincinnati and Dallas. Since retirement, Ayers has taught at the University of Incarnate Word in San Antonio. He currently lives in Waco, Texas, and enjoys visiting A&M-Commerce to see the constant improvements.

Where Are They Now?

Laci Wright

B.S. Business Admin., Class of 2006

or Laci Wright, Texas A&M University-Commerce provided everything she needed in a university, from classroom experience to hands-on experience around the campus and in the community.

Wanting to get as much as she could out of her college experience, Laci got involved in activities like Alpha Phi Sorority and Alpha Chi Honor Society. Activities like these made Laci feel like a part of the campus community; it didn’t take long for A&M-Commerce to become her home away from home. Laci enjoyed getting involved in the class projects assigned by Dr. Scott Sewell, and especially valued the experience she gained from designing a business proposal in one of Dr. Sewell’s classes. Laci enjoyed Dr. Sewell’s unique way of taking the art of teaching outside of the classroom and out of the books and making it apply to real life and work after college. “Most of the projects I was assigned were group projects,” Laci said. “These projects were great experience because they taught me how to work together with other people who were different from me to achieve a common goal.” Since graduation, Laci has led a fulfilling career as a teacher where she has put her team building skills to work. She was named the 4th grade team leader at Forney ISD.

4 | Where Are They Now?

Gerrit Kroll

M.B.A. Business Administration, Class of 2009

or German student Gerrit Kroll, an attraction to the Dallas-Fort Worth area and the spirit of Texas were enough to make Texas A&M UniversityCommerce his school of choice. The university’s strong undergraduate business and M.B.A. programs sealed his fate. On campus Gerrit enjoyed attending tailgate parties, meeting people from all over the world and experiencing an academic system in a new part of the world. In the classroom Gerrit appreciated the teaching methods and dedication of professors like Dr. John H. Humphreys who challenged Gerrit “from the first to the last minute of his classes.” He also appreciated the teaching style of Dr. Srinivas Nippani who taught him real world, outside-of-theclassroom lessons. The experiences that each

of these professors provided eventually helped Gerrit achieve a successful career and gain a new perspective on life. After finishing the M.B.A. program at A&M-Commerce in summer 2009, he earned a master’s degree in industrial engineering and management with a minor in traffic logistics from the Technical University of Berlin. He later began a career at the German fashion company Hugo Boss AG as a trainee in global logistics. Today Gerrit calls Metzingen, Germany his home, but is currently working in Shanghai, China to integrate a new logistic service provider in the Greater China market.

Sreekanth Bezzanki M.S. Marketing, Class of 2006

fter becoming acquainted with the university’s promising course curriculum, Sreekanth Bezzanki chose Texas A&M University-Commerce to pursue his marketing dreams.

Sreekanth quickly found his place in the campus community by becoming involved in activities and organizations like the Indian Students Organization and Relay for Life. He also enjoyed gaining the valuable insight into his future career that his classes provided, classes taught by professors like Dr. John Humphreys, Dr. Mildred Pryor and Dr. Alma Mintu-Wimsatt, each of whom helped prepare Sreekanth for professional life in a different way. Texas A&M University-Commerce

“One of the things I remember most about my time at the university was a project I worked on for Dr. Mintu’s class,” Sreekanth said. “Students from different countries were brought together to form a team and work on the project. That experience has really helped me in the professional world.” Sreekanth’s experience at A&M-Commerce gave him the footing he needed to work for clients like Disney, Dell, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Amgen. “The curriculum at A&M-Commerce has helped me immensely in the marketing field, especially courses like marketing research,” Sreekanth said. “Even during this time of economic recession I have managed to stay competitive thanks to the skills I have acquired while going through the A&M-Commerce masters program.” Spring 2012

Randy G. Pennington

B.S. Sociolology/Psychology & M.S. Psychology, Class of 1975 & 1978

ttending a universit y wasn’t a given for Randy G. Pennington; the cost of attendance was a daunting factor. When East Texas State University offered Pennington the opportunity to achieve his degree in a convenient and affordable fashion, he jumped at the chance. When Randy wasn’t immersed in campus activities like intramurals, student court, the campus concert planning committee, and the Baptist Student Union, he used his time wisely to study hard. He especially appreciated the teaching styles of professors like Dr. Samuel Cochran, Dr. Larry Clinton and Dr. Keith McFarland who made learning a different and highly individual experience. “Dr. Cochran made every class come to life and made every student feel like they could learn,” Randy said. “Dr. Clinton created a fun learning environment without sacrificing high expectations, and Dr. McFarland was extremely passionate about helping his students understand the relevance of history.”

Among Randy’s best memories of ETSU are the 1972 national championship, and enjoying campus life among an extremely diverse and colorful student body and a faculty of world-class professors that seemed to truly enjoy their jobs as educators. “I learned how to grow in an environment where I was responsible for my own performance and results,” Randy said. “At ETSU, I discovered my interest in how people and organizations work to produce results and the impact of culture on behavior. Those themes are still present in my work today.” Today Randy is an award-winning author and has made public appearances through a variety of national media. He has served as a consultant to large organizations, small, privately owned businesses, fortune 100 companies and government agencies at the local, state and national levels. Randy has been inducted into the Speaker Hall of Fame and has served in leadership positions for various nonprofit organizations. He is currently serving as president of the Pennington Performance Group. Though Randy is proud of his past, he believes his best work is yet to come.

Martha H. Ford,

B.B.A. Business & M.S. Educational Administration, Class of 1978

or Martha H. Ford, it was the academic reputation of East Texas State University and close proximity to her home in Atlanta, Texas that proved to Martha it was where she belonged. Martha was involved in Mach 111, a program dedicated to assisting firstgeneration college students with tutorial assistance, college and career counseling, leadership skills, and character education.

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The friendliness of the faculty, staff and students, and the closeness of the small-town atmosphere is something Martha will never forget. “The professors were concerned about my education,” Martha said. “They taught me the leadership qualities I needed to become a successful educator.” After graduation, Martha pursued a career in education. She currently works for the Cedar Hill ISD as a science specialist. Texas A&M University-Commerce

Bobby Ford

B.B.A. Business., Class of 1975

ike his wife Martha, Bobby Ford chose to further his education at East Texas State University due to its excellent business school reputation, and its closeness to home.

Bobby felt at home from his first day on campus, and enjoyed the independence he felt being on his own for the first time. He was involved in campus life, played intramural sports and rushed Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. The classes Bobby took from professors like Dr. Adams prepared him for the basics he needed to succeed in corporate America. According to Bobby, the skills he learned in the classroom translated easily into success in the boardroom. “ETSU allowed me the opportunity to grow up and depend on myself,” Bobby said. “It was a real-world experience and allowed me to deal with every facet of life.” Bobby is currently assistant vice president for Discover Re, a marketing position which allows him to travel and meet new business partners and friends.

Where Are They Now?

Chris Cordt

B.S. Radio/TV, Class of 2004

exas A&M University-Commerce was the university of choice for Chris Cordt thanks to the scholarship offers he received, the school’s size and the broadcasting department’s excellent reputation.

Once on campus, Chris joined the u n i v e r s i t y ’s che erle ad i ng squad, Phi Theta Kappa and the broadcasting department. He anchored several radio-television programs including Newscenter 3 and The Lions Den, and enjoyed the frequent opportunities for hands-on learning at radio stations KETR and KKOM. In addition to Chris’s hands-on experience at A&M-Commerce, professors like Dr. Robert Sanders and Dr. Gerry Haskins contributed valuable lessons in the classroom. “Dr. Sanders was very knowledgeable but didn’t talk down to you,” Chris said. “He was rarely unavailable to help his students, even after hours.” Today Chris produces the highly rated 2NEWS at 5 for the NBC affiliate in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He has received numerous honors for his work, including first place in the 2010 Oklahoma AP Broadcasters Awards for Weather Coverage, an Emmy nomination for Best Evening Newscast and an Emmy Award for Best Daytime Newscast. “A&M-Commerce laid the foundation for what I do today,” Chris said. “I learned the basics that I still use today, things like writing, editing and news judgment.”

Where Are They Now?

Bettie Beasley

B.S. Special/Elementary Education & M.Ed. Elementary Education, Class of 1975 & 1978

ettie Beasley’s dream was to be a great teacher and to make a difference in the lives of special education students. She needed a university that would give her the skills she needed to make that happen. She found that at East Texas State University. From the experience she gained in the classroom to her experiences drawn from campus life and the community, the university set her on a path to make an impact on the lives of her future students. Bettie jumped into campus life, dedicating much of her time to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a sorority with a great

reputation for having one of the highest GPAs and service records on the campus. In the classroom, she felt privileged to learn from Dr. Harry Fullwood, and credits his unique lecturing methods for her future success as a special education teacher. At ETSU, Bettie had the opportunity to learn about, assist and design a plan for special education in Texas. Of all her memories of the university, the memories of her hands-on learning experience stand out most. Today Bettie is a retired special education teacher after serving 35 years with the Houston Independent School District. She has been named Teacher of the Year by the Council of Exceptional Children Northwest District and has received a Teacher of the Year nomination from the Houston Area Alliance of Black School Educators.

Ricky Beeler

B.S. Human Performance/Health, Class of 1986

s the son of a single mother, Ricky Beeler knew attending East Texas State University and staying close to home was his best option after graduation. “I always thought I’d transfer to UT Austin someday, but that dream never came to fruition,” Ricky said. “Looking back, I think God knew what He was doing.” Intent on having the ultimate college experience, Ricky moved into a dorm his sophomore year, and pretended he was 1,000 miles from home. His campus involvement blossomed so much thanks to joining the Texas A&M University-Commerce

marching band and the Sigma Chi Fraternity that he feels his major would be better described as “extracurricular activities” rather than education. Today, Ricky is a K-5 physical education teacher/coach at Blue Ribbon award-winning Claude Curtsinger Elementary School in the Frisco ISD. “I have moved on from Commerce and been very successful and happy over the past 25 years, but I’ll always remember fondly and cherish those wonderful day’s fi lled with love and friendship at Old E.T.”

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Shatonya Brooks Marshall

Cesar Chavez

B.S. Radio/Television & Marketing, Class of 1996

B.A. Political Science, Class of 2010

internships and big assignments later in her career. Most importantly, the university helped teach Shatonya how to be a leader.

Shatonya enjoyed getting involved in campus life and donated much of her time to organizations like the University Disciplinary Committee, Student Government, Residence Hall Association, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and NAACP. She served as assistant hall director of West Halls and was elected Homecoming Queen in 1994.

After graduation, Shatonya worked for Ford Motor Company, Citibank and EXL Services, with whom she is currently employed. She has received various awards and acknowledgements throughout her career, including the prestigious Chairman’s Leadership Award at Citibank, Selected Manager of the Quarter and recognition as a Citi Star. She has also been appointed to the National Leadership team of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

hatonya Brooks Marshall found her way to East Texas State University thanks to its affordable tuition and proximity to her home in Houston.

“My strongest memories of the university are of the relationships and the friendships I developed and the campus jobs I had,” Shatonya said. “I completed work study programs at the Counseling Center and Career Services, which were great experiences, and I truly enjoyed the annual Symposium; it was my favorite university program.” Professors like Dr. Sue McCall and Dr. Alma Mintu-Wimsatt helped Shatonya develop a strong foundation in marketing and taught her to understand the team concept. Under these dedicated professors she learned how to manage both small and large projects, which prepared her for landing competitive

Today Shatonya lives in Houston, Texas and is actively involved in her community as a member of the Brookhollow Baptist Church and Delta Sigma Theta, Houston Alumnae Chapter. The lessons she learned through her college experiences continue to permeate her daily life. “My experiences at ET taught me the discipline to manage my course load, work responsibilities and extracurricular activities,” Shatonya said. “My ability to multitask helped me transition into being the mother of my two children, Makenna and Bryce, as well as a manager and leader in my career field.”

or Cesar Chavez, attending Texas A&M UniversityCommerce was the result of a good friend and neighbor’s advice.

Cesar enjoyed a number of opportunities to get involved on campus as a student government senator, and with A&M-Commerce’s League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) promoting higher education to students at North Dallas High School. He also joined the Delta Tau Delta International Fraternity. “A&M-Commerce taught me the value of developing strong relationships, serving me well as a community advocate,” Cesar said. “It also provided me with analytical and critical thinking skills with which I apply to my legal studies.” After graduation, Cesar served a year in public service with Public Allies, an AmeriCorps program located in Chicago, Illinois dedicated to providing financial and employment services to immigrant families. He is currently attending DePaul College of Law in Chicago.

Lori Vincent

B.S. Elementary Education/English & M.S. Guidance, Class of 1985

fter graduating from South Garland High School, Lori Vincent found herself in the midst of a university community full of faculty, staff and students intent on forming lasting, meaningful relationships with each other and in the community. In the classroom, Lori had the privilege of learning not just about others, but about herself thanks to professors like Dr. Robert

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Watts who continue to serve as her mentor today. Lori surrounded herself with likeminded campus leaders as an orientation counselor, vice president of Chi Omega, American Red Cross volunteer, and youth camp counselor. The leadership lessons Lori learned on campus paid dividends after graduation as Lori pursued a career in teaching, followed by 18 years at Southwest Airlines. Texas A&M University-Commerce

One of Lori’s career highlights was meeting a couple from Poland who were Holocaust survivors. “It was one of the most moving experiences,” Lori said. “My heart could not comprehend the sweetness and the spirit both of these people had after being through what they had endured.”

Where Are They Now?

Tim York

B.A. Psychology/Guidance, Class of 1970

hat started out as a pact among friends to attend East Texas State University quickly became a solo affair for Tim York as one friend after the other backed out. Thanks to the guidance of faculty members and a rich campus life, however, Tim quickly found his place within the university community.

“I remember the unbridled learning and communication environments on virtually every level of my university experience,” Tim said. “Everywhere I went, faculty engaged and welcomed my curiosities. They nurtured my interests, and made me a better person as a result.” After pursuing a music career as a singer-songwriter for seven years, Tim started a construction business with his brother focusing on restaurants, retail and office space. He’s also devoted 13 years to working with summer camps and retreats serving families with chronic and life-threatening illnesses. Today, Tim lives in Arlington and works as a project manager and superintendent for Benge General Contracting.

8 | Where Are They Now?

Dr. Morris V. Maniscalo

Ed.D Higher/Secondary Education, Class of 1975

hen East Texas State University offered Morris V. Maniscalo a graduate assistant position in biology he seized the opportunity to seek an advanced degree, understanding the valuable opportunities it could present in the future.

A former high school dropout and member of the U.S. Navy, Morris found his place in the educational world by building up his academic experience at ETSU under the guidance of professors that had a common interest in his welfare and personal growth and went out of their way to make his college experience something he could be proud of. “Even though I lacked some of the basics of a sound high school education, ETSU provided me with opportunities to help move off the uneducated pathway that could have meant poverty and disrespect for the rest of my life,” Morris said. “The university gave me a chance to provide for my family and pay for an education for my two boys. The education I received opened

doors that otherwise would have remained closed.” Morris’s time on campus was largely consumed with serving in the U.S. Navy Reserve and working part time to pay for classes. Instead of getting involved in a lot of campus activities, he stayed busy keeping his grades up. Establishing and maintaining the Community College Resource Center also kept his hands full, and he dedicated a lot of his time to writing, distributing and serving as editor of the Community College Open Door publication. Today Morris is a semi-retired professor and adjunct member of the Biology faculty at Navarro College in Waxahachie. He is retired from his position as training administrator at General Dynamics, Fort Worth and has been associated with the Tarrant County Community College District as an adjunct faculty member since 1981. A native of Biloxi, Mississippi, Morris currently lives in Weatherford, Texas with his wife Willena.

Ronnie Brooks

B.S. Communication Disorders/Psychology, Class of 1996

hanks to a connection he forged with Mr. Moore, dean of minority affairs at A&M-Commerce, Ronnie Brooks knew A&M-Commerce was the best place to pursue his education. A graduate of Wichita Falls High School, Ronnie joined Kappa Alpha Psi after coming to campus and attended Mt. Moriah Church. In the classroom, Ronnie found additional inspiration to succeed thanks to professors like Dr. Richard Tuerk who “gave me a chance when no one else would,” and told Ronnie he would be successful.

Texas A&M University-Commerce

Looking back at his time at A&MCommerce, Ronnie is thankful for his instructors who taught him how to think and deal with people. Those life experiences proved to be a tremendous at asset in his career. After graduation, Ronnie spent 30 years as the TRIO director at A&M-Commerce, and was elected chairman of the board for the Council of Education for Opportunity. Ronnie currently lives in Salem, Oregon where he started a church, To God Be The Glory. He also works at McKay High School as their Parent/Aspire Coordinator. Spring 2012

Keith L. Humphrey

Robyn O’Neil

B.B.A. Business Administration, Class of 1986

fter hearing about his friends’ positive experiences and the quality business school at East Texas State University, Keith Humphrey decided it was the right place to pursue his own education. On campus, Keith particularly enjoyed being a part of the family atmosphere and close-knit community. He quickly found his niche as a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Keith found his inspiration to succeed in business thanks to the faculty and staff members who were truly invested in his

B.F.A. Art, Class of 2000

future, and made a lasting impression on his life. “ETSU challenged me both in and out of the classroom,” Keith said. “I know that my experience at the university helped me see the bigger picture in life; it helped me become a visionary and learn to accept life’s challenges.” Since graduation, Keith has served as chief of police for the city of Lancaster, Texas from 2008-2011 and currently serves as chief of police for the city of Norman, Oklahoma Police Department.

Sara D. Bobbitt

B.S. Elementary Education/Psychology & M.S. Guidance, Class of 1978 & 1981

ara D. Bobbitt, a Blackwell, Okla. native, chose A&M-Commerce due to its reputation as a strong teacher preparatory program. She returned to campus for her master’s degree because of the university’s heritage for producing quality educators. As a non-traditional undergraduate, the majority of Sara’s time centered on her teacher preparation coursework. Professors like Dr. Norma Johnson and Dr. Ruth Ann Stephens helped Sara turn her theoretical training into applicable teaching methods that would later help Sara succeed in her own classroom.

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or internationally acclaimed artist Robyn O’Neil, it was the respected reputation of the Texas A&M University-Commerce art department and the encouragement from her high school art teacher that led her to Commerce.

“The experience I gained in the classroom gave me the training I needed to succeed in my classroom,” Sara said. “It proved especially helpful when I ended up with 32 second-graders in one class.” After graduation, Sara invested 31 years as a teacher, counselor and assistant principal in the Greenville ISD. During her tenure with the district, Sara received Greenville ISD’s highest award, the Key Communicator Award. Now retired, Sara resides in Greenville, Tx.

Texas A&M University-Commerce

During her time on campus, Robyn embraced the art community as an active member of the art club, and an employee at the art gallery. Most of all, Robyn said she never forgot the freedom of working with art in her classes, where the faculty encouraged her and introduced her to a new and big world of ideas. “The professors treated us like art professionals, and let us participate in art exhibitions outside of Commerce,” Robyn said. “Academically, I was challenged to become a strong writer—something that is vital to the career of an artist.” Since graduation, Robyn’s work has been showcased across the world in places such as Shanghai, Paris, Tel Aviv, and Copenhagen. She participated in the Whitney Biennial in 2004, and has had several solo museum shows. She is currently a professional artist living in Los Angeles.

Where Are They Now?

Marion A. Houff

B.A. French/Spanish, Class of 1985

George S. Smith

B.S. Journalism/English, Class of 1968

nspired to attend Texas A&M University-Commerce by Sue Kimbo, his high school French teacher, Marion A. Houff chose to make the university a part of his educational pursuits. Of all his memories at A&M-Commerce, his favorites occurred in a non-traditional classroom setting thanks to French professors Avery McClurg and Sylvia Kibart. “I enjoyed their classes immensely,” Marion said. “There were times when the upper level courses would meet in their homes. We would all sit around in their living rooms speaking French or discussing literature. All the while eating cheese and French bread and sipping wine.” After graduation, Marion received an Ambassadorial Scholarship from Rotary International for a year of study abroad in France; he was nominated to Who’s Who Among Teachers four times; he won Pleasant Grove I.S.D. Teacher of the Year; and was elected to serve on the Alumni Association Board. Marion is currently a high school Spanish teacher at Pleasant Grove I.S.D. in Texarkana where he puts his love of language and learning to use every day. “At A&M-Commerce, I was taught to always be prepared before walking into class, to be confident in my abilities and most importantly, never stop learning,” he said. “I knew that if I did all of this, I would come to love what I do.”

10 | Where Are They Now?

eorge S. Smith chose East Texas State University after being offered a position on the university basketball team as a walk-on player. The choice was made even easier thanks to his family’s close proximity in Cooper, Texas.

As a student, George developed a knack for photography while working for the campus newspaper and photographing sorority rush parties. He also enjoyed the unforgettable memories at fraternity events, and as a member of the basketball team. In class, he enjoyed memorable professors like Dr. Lawrence McNamee who made learning interesting and exciting. “Dr. McNamee created a fun atmosphere and intense learning environment,” George said. “You never knew

what to expect in his class, from shadow boxing while reading Shakespeare to having an open book final, which turned out to be the hardest test I ever took in college.” The knowledge he gained from his classes plus his experience working for the campus newspaper and annual provided him with the background he needed to obtain his first journalism job as editor of the Commerce Journal. From there, he went on to work as a newspaper publisher in several states, earned more than 50 state and national newspaper awards and was recognized as an Alumni Ambassador. Today George is a national motivational speaker, author of six books and founder of the Marshall, Texas Wonderland of Lights. He is married to Bobbie McCarty Smith, whom he met at ETSU.

Bobbie J. McCarty Smith, B.S. Elementary Education, Class of 1968

fter growing up in Commerce and attending Commerce High School, Bobbie J. McCarty Smith’s transition to East Texas State University felt natural. The fact that ETSU was well known as a teacher’s college was icing on the cake, as it produced more principals and superintendents in Texas than any other school. Bobbie received the support she needed to succeed from day one thanks to the help of professors like Dr. Everett Erb who helped Bobbie secure a job at the campus Registrar’s Office. Attending classes was enjoyable as she liked getting to know her instructors and meeting people from all over the state.

Texas A&M University-Commerce

Thanks to her solid preparation in teacher education at ETSU, Bobbie graduated fully prepared to tackle a career as a Texas educator and a Commerce ISD administrator. “One of the highlights of my career has been the opportunity to touch the lives of over five-thousand students as a professional educator,” Bobbie said. Bobbie remained a citizen of Commerce for many years after graduation and continued to be involved with the university in many aspects. In September of 2010 she married George S. Smith, whom she met at East Texas State.

Spring 2012

Marlonda Malcolm

Jenny Zeilfelder

B.S. Radio/TV , Class of 2004

or Marlonda Malcolm, it was the close proximity to home, reputation of faculty, small classes, and small town feel that solidified her decision to attend Texas A&M University-Commerce. On campus, Marlonda was involved in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, which introduced her to community service, and taught her valuable lessons. The hands-on experience and patient faculty like Dr. Robert Sanders allowed Marlonda to hit the ground running her first day of class. These opportunities also opened doors for a future career in the radio industry.

B.S. Journalism/Public Relations, Class of 2009 “I will never forget the lifelong relationships that were built, as well as the experiences and op p or t u n it ie s that were offered to every student,” Marlonda said. “I thoroughly enjoyed hosting my own radio show on campus.” Since graduation, Marlonda has worked for the KIDD Kraddick Morning Show, met popular artists, and worked in higher education. She is currently the assistant director of recruitment at the Meadows School of Arts at Southern Methodist University.

Wayne Yniguez

B.B.A. Human Resource Management, Class of 1979

hanks to the advice of a close friend in high school, Wayne Yniguez chose to attend East Texas State University to pursue higher education. Once on campus, Wayne didn’t waste any time getting involved in student organizations. During his time as a student, he was a involved with a Bible Chair, played intramural sports, and attended several business/networking events to prepare for life in the real world.

Spring 2012

fter experiencing the welcoming atmosphere, Jenny Zeilfelder knew that attending A&M-Commerce was the right choice.

Thanks to the small campus, Jenny was able to build relationships with her professors like Dr. Lamar Bridges, make lifelong friends, and stay connected on campus. Jenny’s campus involvement included serving as president of Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, president of the Multicultural Greek Council, and becoming a member of Order of Omega. She also worked as a reporter for The East Texan. “A&M-Commerce gave me the knowledge and skills to take into the workforce upon graduation,” Jenny said. “With a great education and guidance from professors, I felt confident and well-prepared to begin my career.” Today, Jenny is a strategic initiatives specialist for Site Location Partnership, where she works to serve the public by increasing marketing efforts for various cities in the U.S. She is also a part-time graduate student at the University of North Texas.

His professors in the business school also helped Wayne with his career goals, pushing him to be the best that he could be. “ETSU provided me the degree I needed to open doors,” Wayne said. “It introduced me to how the business world worked.” Currently, Wayne works as an insurance broker and resides in Sunnyvale, Texas. He visits campus almost every week to play tennis and participate in golf outings with alumni.

Texas A&M University-Commerce

Where are You now? We’d like to consider you for a future edition of “Where are they now?” Send your photos (old and new) and a brief summary of what you have been up to wherenow.tamuc.com/survey.

Where Are They Now?

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Texas A&M University-Commerce P.O. Box 3011 Commerce, TX 75429 www.tamu-commerce.edu

Where are they Now? Survey What Do You Think? We’d Like To Know.

n an effort to gauge how we are doing as a university and as an alumni association, we want to hear from you! To say thanks, each survey respondent will receive a free coffee mug. Surveys can be completed and returned one of three ways: 1. Fill out the survey online at reconnect.tamuc.com/tellus, 2. Email the completed survey to derryle_peace@tamu-commerce.edu, or 3. Mail them to: Alumni Relations Texas A&M University-Commerce P.O. Box 3011 Commerce, Texas 75429-3011

Tell us what you think and get a free coffee mug!

Survey Questions Name

Graduation Year

Campus

Mailing Address

City, State, ZIP

Email address

Preferred Contact Method (check all that apply): ❍ Email ❍ Direct Mail ❍ Phone ❍ Other (Facebook, etc.)

1. The university has undergone some dramatic changes over the past 15 years since becoming a part of the A&M System. What are your opinions of the changes that have occurred? 2. Were the majority of your classes taken in Commerce and if so, when was the last time you visited campus and what was the event? 3. What do you consider to be the university’s greatest strengths? 4. What do you consider to be the university’s greatest need for improvement? 5. If your experience was only online or at one of our satellite campuses, describe your perceptions of the university? 6. The alumni association strives to encourage alumni to reconnect with the university in a variety of ways i.e., reunions, alumni receptions, recognition events, homecoming, etc. What types of events can you suggest that would motivate you to return to campus and/or attend an event in your area? 7. If you have given during the past ten years, what was your motivation and where did you ask the money be used?