Student Foundation Presents‌
Foundations of Excellence 2011
Foundations of Excellence Committee Sarah Hadley, Director Taylor Camden Albert James DeGarmo Mel Ferrari Ryan Gates Cynthia Juraidini Amber Kahla Jose Lopez Nathan McDaniel Hollie O’Conner Maria Olicia Christopher Ramirez Alanna Sarabia Shanna Schultz James Skellie Ariana Vargas
_______________________________________________ Special Thanks Dr. Margarita Arellano Melinda Keller Dr. Erik Malmberg Laramie McWilliams Mary Ann Ortiz-Moerke Bill Poston
_______________________________________________ Student Foundation Executive Board, 2010-2011 Stephen Gates, President Sarah Hadley, Executive Vice President Cameron Kincaide, Vice President of Finance Jessica Salinas, Vice President of Administration
Dr. Elizabeth Bishop Nominated by Asha McElfish
Assistant Professor, Department of History One of the first things you notice when you're a student of Dr. Elizabeth Bishop's is the manner in which she lectures; up and about the classroom, talking with her hands, and interjecting some entertaining voices to help emphasize a point or two. I knew, from my very first day in her classroom, this would be no ordinary history class. On a whim last Spring, I registered for her "Intro to the Modern Middle East" course, not knowing this would be the kick off to a professional relationship that would open a whole new world of studies to me. As a former student of, and now research assistant to Dr. Bishop, I would like to tell you a little bit about her, and what sets her apart. Frequently I would visit during office hours regarding a question on a topic discussed in class, and find myself still there an hour later learning about something completely different but somehow still related. I have been absolutely stunned on a number of occasions at the breadth and depth her knowledge extends, and the rich diversity of her professional background - definitely not your average history teacher. It's not uncommon for many students (myself included) to be unfamiliar with Middle Eastern history and the region. Part of learning is clearing out misconceptions, and biases about a subject, and I feel one of the things that makes Elizabeth an exemplary teacher is the ability to field even the most ignorant question with patience and grace. Her friendliness and approachability are some of her best traits. Last fall, I wanted to challenge myself academically and asked if I could participate in her graduate seminar on the 1958 Revolution in Iraq. There was no hesitation as she guided me through the paperwork, and eventually to craft a syllabus for our independent study together. The knowledge I gained both in and outside that seminar is due to Dr. Bishop's creativity, novel teaching methods, and flexibility with her students. The time and care she puts into selecting informative readings are evident in the popularity of her courses. Her students are eager to learn about the subject matter, and every semester Dr. Bishop works diligently to feed their hunger for knowledge, seeking out readings from all over the globe. Her professional background is as impressive as her knowledge base - having taught at the University of Chicago, American University in Cairo and University of Texas at Austin (just to name a few), before she joined Texas State's faculty. In 2007 she was a Fulbright honoree, receiving a grant to teach and research in Algeria for a year. Never one to be uninvolved, she is the current advisor to the award winning Model Arab League at Texas State while working to complete her second book. I feel Dr. Bishop is a true foundation of excellence because of her core commitment to teaching, and educating extends well beyond the classroom. Her warmth, approachability and sincerity are all too uncommon in many academics, and these traits are usually evident by the line of students waiting to see her on any given day she is in the office. As a professor and educator she regularly avails herself as a resource to students on the Middle East and any topics within her preview she can shed light on. Dr. Bishop is both a pleasure to work with, and to study under, and I hope remains a valuable asset to this University for many years to come.
Captain Hector Moyano Nominated by Tyler Johnson Assistant Professor, Department of Military Science, ROTC “I hate this, I’m so cold!” I said walking into Bobcat Stadium for an Army Physical Fitness Test at 5:30 in the morning at the warm temperature of 24 degrees. The voice from behind me shouted “You don’t know what cold is until you wake up in the mountains in Georgia with your only water source, a canteen, frozen solid because you accidentally left it outside of your sleeping bag.” That voice and inherent humor was Captain Hector Moyano, assistant professor of military science and primary instructor for all third year Army ROTC Cadets. His comments were the usual “step it up” motivation that we have heard every day since the beginning of our ROTC careers at Texas State. As a West Point Graduate, Captain Moyano carries with him a very intimidating and prestigious education, presence, and set of standards. All of which have been a true asset to the ROTC program. I remember listening to his expectations as I was in his office to set my academic, physical, and military goals for the year. I told him that I wanted to be the best in my class and distinctly remember him bringing me back down from my pedestal and saying that I wasn’t the only one and I had a lot of work to do to reach such an ambitious goal. His words that day resonated as a key foundation of excellence-humility. He demands tactful communications and even makes us practice public speaking daily by counting aloud how many “Uhh’s and Umm’s” we said during oral presentations and briefings, just a subtle reminder that we all need improvement. I have never had a true mentor in my life, with the exception of my father. As I began my pursuit of a military career, Captain Moyano provided the perfect advice and insight into what I was getting myself into. Anytime anyone has a problem he urges us to call him, day or night. Thus, demonstrating another key component of the foundation of excellence-mentorship, and I can’t think of a better mentor to young aspiring Army officers. His sincerity in providing support and advice can be seen all the way from his invitations to eat dinner with him and his wife to texting him whenever we had questions. Captain Moyano’s high standards for a dedicated work ethic are an expectation that is well known throughout the entire Battalion. If a task isn’t completed correctly the first time, he requires a conference session in which he will again layout his expectations and provides guidance. His constructive criticisms have been the most beneficial aspects to his leadership development of cadets. He always relates all of his requirements with a real world experience. For most cadets, their next stop after graduating from Texas State is to commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. His invaluable experience as a platoon leader and assistant operations officer has given cadets at Texas State knowledge otherwise unattainable by anyone who has no experience in battle situations. Captain Moyano may not have impacted a majority of students at Texas State, but we always hear the quote "quality over quantity". He has done just that for the future military leaders of our nation. Over the short 3 years that he has been at Texas State he has made a significant impact on the development of quality leaders and the growth of the Department of Military Science. Those leaders will in turn be able to impact thousands of American soldiers throughout their military careers. He has truly invested in fostering leadership, collegiality, and the physical fitness of every cadet in the program. As he departs this year to return to the “real army” from “cadet-land’, his legacy will be a lasting impression on over one hundred cadets that he has mentored and successfully prepared to enter into the United States Army. I know for myself, he leaves with me the type of leader that I aspire to be.
Mr. Andy Rhoades Nominated by Jillian Vidal
Director, Lyndon B. Johnson Student Center As the Director of the LBJ Student Center, Andy Rhoades is the best example of a person who represents the Foundations of Excellence. Andy oversees all departments in the student center and is a pivotal part in the everyday functionings of campus life. The LBJ Student Center has five core values and Andy Rhoades is the perfect example of these core values. The first core value is service. I first met Andy when I became a coordinator for the Student Association for Campus Activities. Overseeing the budget for SACA, he provides us with ideas to cut down on costs and how to create home grown events that will attract a lot of students. Andy Rhoades helps students and staff members across the university achieve their goals by providing his insight and knowledge of resources available. The second core value is excellence. Excellence is something that Andy strives for in all of the departments he oversees. He inspires staff members to create relationships with their students and he reflects on the importance of mentoring new students. Over the summer Andy introduced me to his mentee who was a participant in the Emerging Stars program. His relationship with his mentee inspired me to create the same meaningful relationships with the new students I come into contact with. The third core value is respect. Through his many interactions across the university, Andy always shows respect with administrators, faculty, staff and students. As the Homecoming Director for two years, Andy was very receptive and conscious of the wants of student leaders in planning the homecoming festivities. Although we were just students, he values our input and drive to better the pride students have for Texas State. The fourth core value is empowerment. Often times Andy will come to SACA with ideas for possible events and instead of taking them on himself, he empowers the coordinators to run with the idea and take ownership of the event. The focus on the importance of the students creates a student-centered environment that allows for rewarding experiences. The fifth core value is collaboration. As a member of multiple university committees, Andy is the heart of collaboration between university departments and student organizations. He shares his knowledge and experiences of the student center to help other parts of the university. With a common purpose in mind, his collaboration allows a dynamic structure within the university. Andy Rhoades plays a vital role in the LBJ Student Center. Although he has various meetings and commitments, he continues to make time for the people who matter the most at Texas State and that is the students.
Professor Wayne Kraemer Nominated by Shanna SchultzÂ
Senior Lecturer, Department of Communication Studies
"Look, it's not about what they're doing, stop worrying about them, it's what you do that matters and you can do this." These are the words of my debate coach Wayne Kraemer during my preparation for the finals round at a debate tournament. Wayne has been an inspiration and foundational mentor in my time here at Texas State. I am a transfer student and I was incredibly nervous about coming to my first "university" and I found my niche with the Texas State Debate team. But I knew it wasn't going to be as easy as just walking through the door. Literally, we have a squad room so I have to walk through a door. Before I came to Texas State, I competed at another school and I knew that the Texas State Debate team was a force to be reckoned with. My interactions with this team had been limited and my own insecurities with my ability to compete all came rushing to my heart when I reached for the handle of the door. However, upon entering that room, I was greeted with smiling bobcats and a handsome older man with a peculiar mustache that all welcomed me into my new Texas State family. When I first began competing on the team, I was unfamiliar with the parliamentary style of debate and the previous success of the team was intimidating. It is Wayne's skill and leadership that has created a foundation for a team to depend on each other and work together to achieve a record of excellence in speech and debate for Texas State. Wayne fostered a team that was competitive but more importantly, a family. He encourages me when I lose, he empowers me when I am nervous, he laughs with me in the good times and offers me wisdom in the bad times. He has been a wonderful mentor to my teammates and me. I can and have gone to Wayne for anything from for career recommendations to personal advice. He is my coach, my role model and my friend.
Ms. Kathy Weiser Nominated by Mel Ferrari
Assistant Dean, Dean of Students Office During my four years at Texas State University I have had many great advisors, supervisors and mentors. When I think of someone who truly displays the perfect balance between a supervisor and advisor/mentor, I think of Kathy Weiser, or as I like to call her, "K-Dub,” my Foundation of Excellence. Coming into a position like Student Body President can be an intimidating experience, and difficult to transition into, but Kathy has always given me the reassurance I need to be the best I can be, without having to change who I am. When my term began, both Colter, (my vice president) and myself presented Kathy with a ton of very ambitious ideas at our first meeting. Instead of discouraging us or asking us to slow down Kathy gave us the tools and resources necessary to accomplish our ideas. She never told us we could not accomplish something, and she never tried to change our ideas in anyway, which was very refreshing. Kathy also has a remarkable ability to be patient. Working with me, I admit can be challenging at times especially when it takes me three months to learn how to use our SAP system correctly! But even in that instance and many others, Kathy remained patient and helped me in anyway she possibly could, with out making me feel inadequate or unintelligent. This January Kathy helped make the arrangements for a few student government members including myself, to travel to A&M to check out one of their programs we wanted to implement here on our campus. Kathy also came with us, which was something I was very thankful for, considering not that many people would want to travel to A&M on a Friday night after working 7:00am- 5:00pm that day and all of that week! We met with A&M representatives for hours, until almost midnight to be exact on that Friday night and Kathy stayed involved in all of the dialogues and even though we were all tired, she participated in our quirky jokes and laughed along with us. That night I asked Kathy if she had ever went on a trip like this with just students and herself and she said this was her first time, and I could not believe it, because she was so amazing. The next day Kathy volunteered to wake up extra early and go with us to the A&M SGA office and get a tour of their student center and offices. Mind you, these activities were not on our agenda, but she agreed to let us go and go with us, because she knew those were things we really wanted to do and could benefit from. I have so many instances similar to these that show just how student-centered Kathy is, but I can’t keep you here all night. Kathy is one of most caring, precise, and encouraging advisors I have ever known. Kathy always remains very modest and never asks for any recognition or even thank yous’ and because of that and all of her attributes, she deserves to be a Foundation of Excellence. I believe that beside every successful student leader is an outstanding advisor and beside me would be Kathy Weiser, my Foundation of Excellence.
Dr. Sally Caldwell Nominated by Lindsey Hendrix
Associate Professor, Department of Sociology
There is a Chinese proverb that says, “Tell me and I'll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I'll understand.” That is how I felt about statistics, and any math for that matter! Math is like a foreign language – and I was sure that statistics would be about as easy as understanding Chinese! Going into a required statistics course was not something I looked forward to or felt very confident about. In fact, I was trying to convince myself that maybe I needed to rethink my major. This is not a new fear, but one that I am slowly overcoming and surprisingly, statistics was a real break through for me. I’d like to think that this mathematical science and I just clicked by some “random distribution” or some “high probability,” but the reality was that Professor Caldwell brought to the classroom an appreciation that not everyone is gifted in number computations! She realized that in the “normal distribution” of a class there would be some weaknesses to overcome. Her solution was a text, Statistics Unplugged that she authored, and a teaching style that seemed to follow the Chinese proverb. Her lectures and text examples were clever and non-threatening. She involved the class in meaningful discussions and practical applications. She had students evaluate their individual progress and set goals to achieve. I found myself navigating a difficult subject under the watchful guide of an expert. Professor Caldwell demonstrates the qualities of an instructor that learns from her students what works and tries to modify the course material to make the subject understood. Are her classes easy? – absolutely not. Are her classes some that I would recommend to other students? – absolutely yes. She inspires, challenges, and leaves you with a sense of accomplishment. And that is “statistically significant!” Thank you, Professor Caldwell for choosing to not teach by just telling (for we forget) and not just showing (for we might not remember) but for involving us so we will understand!
Professor Charles Kaufman Nominated by Colter Ray
Senior Lecturer, School of Journalism and Mass Communication To be honest, I never thought I would become so close to a person who proudly sports a bowtie 350 days out of the year. For Mass Communications students I need not say more, but for those who study outside of the walls of Old Main, I’d like to introduce you to Chuck Kaufman – a true foundation of excellence. Chuck is the professor who likes to start and end class with a joke and doesn’t hesitate to throw a couple in between too. Chuck’s classes – Writing for Public Relations and PR Campaigns are the ultimate brainstorm sessions. The work on the syllabus is necessary, but the true value is witnessing the thought process of a public relations genius. Chuck is also everything you would want from a professor outside of the classroom too. He is a graduate of UT, but puts Texas State first. He is the only faculty member at Texas State that I have seen at Bobcat football and baseball games on multiple occasions and I even ran into him at the theatre department’s performance of “Bat Boy” – a play we wrote press releases for in his class. This actually brings up a good example of how Chuck works. On Monday, Chuck says we’re going to write a news release on a play Texas State’s theatre department is producing. On Wednesday Chuck has waiting for us the director, choreographer and star cast members of the play lined up ready to be interviewed press conference style. We interview, we write, we turn it in and start again on Monday, this time with the manager of KTSW for a release about a new battery recycling program. And what’s that? You think you have that quote down correctly? Let’s compare it to the other students who use the same quote in their release and see if it’s consistent – talk about creating accountability. It is this kind of dedication and attitude that prepares students, especially public relations students, for what it will be like working in the real world. That’s why I go to school, not to do current event quizzes or memorize answers for an exam. Chuck’s classes demand real thought and place you in the shoes you will occupy again after graduation. Speaking of real world experience– Chuck’s other job besides teaching and running Kaufman Communications, his own independent consulting firm, is Coordinator of Internship, Scholarship and Career Development for the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. He’s basically the go to guy for connections beyond the university. It’s not so much that he has the connections throughout the state and nation, but the fact that he dedicates himself to making sure you get on track for landing the internship or job you want. The first time I met Chuck, I just happened to see him in his office – which at the time was more of a closet off a somewhat hidden hallway. I introduced myself and said I was interested in sports media. Where are you from? What sport in particular? Would you be ok driving to Minute Maid Park on a daily basis? Let’s look up the Astros SID here’s his number, his e-mail, his address, his wife’s name, and how many dogs he has and how he orders a steak. Ok so there is some hyperbole there, but not much really. Chuck is the king of getting information and getting it fast. Not to sound corny, but Chuck is for real. In the classroom you learn what to expect in the real world as public relations practitioner. Outside of the classroom he treats his students as peers because he realizes that we will one day be in the same industry. He calls a spade a spade and isn’t afraid to use the appropriate real-world vernacular when doing so. For all these reasons, Chuck is my foundation of excellence.
Dr. Janet Payne Nominated by Chrystah CarterÂ
Associate Professor, Department of Finance and Economics Janet D. Payne, Ph.D. has been an inspiring role model and a significant figure in my education as a finance major, since I took her class in Spring 2010. She is a passionate, intelligent and enthusiastic woman whom I admire and respect. Dr. Payne is a tenured associate professor in the Department of Finance and Economics here at Texas State University. She is the course coordinator and professor for Managerial Finance at the graduate level. She also teaches Intermediate Corporate and Financial Information Technology, and occasionally International Finance at the graduate level. Besides educating young adults on the world of finance, she also advises the Financial Management Association and is very influential with the Student Managed Investment Fund. Dr. Payne received her Bachelors of Business Administration in Accounting from Sam Houston State University and her M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Finance from Georgia State University. She has published research on various corporate finance issues in Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis, Financial Review, Journal of Financial Research, Journal of Financial Education, and various other outlets. She is a voting member of the Board of Directors of the Financial Management Association in the appointed position of Student Chapter Committee Chair. She also holds the Certified Treasury Professional designation. Being a finance major here at Texas State, it is unlikely to find more than five finance majors that are female in any specific finance class so it is very empowering as a women to be getting my degree and going into this field of work. Dr. Payne is such an amazing example of what a women in finance is capable of becoming. I will always remember her for her sense of humor and radical comments during class. One joke that I specifically remember was something along the lines of - "What is the main difference between men and bonds? Bonds mature." I was always told that finance and accounting majors are boring and have no style which couldn't be farther from the truth...obviously. I thank Dr. Payne for showing me that this stereotype is just that, a stereotype. I also thank Dr. Payne for opening the doors for me into the Student Managed Investment Fund and The Financial Management Association. If it had not been for her encouragement and knowledge of the organizations I would have never been able to have those experiences. She also stays very involved within both organizations, helping students to find potential careers and learn about different possible paths to take. There are numerous young professionals that have careers right out of Texas State University thanks solely to Janet Payne. I believe that Dr. Payne is absolutely a Foundation of Excellence candidate. Aside from her inspiration and empowerment into students lives she also maintains knowledge of her field while taking care of her young son, who I had the pleasure of meeting and will no doubt be a genius someday, thanks to his inspiring and influential mom. For all that she has does to inspire and provoke me to become so involved within my department, I have all the thanks in the world for Dr. Payne.
Dr. Michael Cornett Nominated by Abreetta GoodeÂ
Lecturer, Department of Communication Studies Dr. Cornett has been the most engaging and down to earth storyteller I have ever met. He truly cares about the success of his students in and outside of the classroom. His gift and passion for teaching is always transparent through his lectures and just the small chats I have had with him between classes. The stories that he shares in class catch your attention instantly to the point where re-calling the material for a test becomes second nature. This is a man that can teach you something and you didn’t even see it coming. I took Dr.Cornett's Interpersonal Communication class this past fall and it was honestly like no other class I have taken at Texas State. We never sat in rows but always in a circle and class discussions was just that, a discussion. He loves an interactive classroom and not once can I remember him just strictly teaching from a power point. He has a gift of grabbing his students’ attention and that is what makes his class somewhere you want to go versus a responsibility. Dr.Cornett always has the BEST jokes even though it might take you the rest of the day to understand what he was trying to say it still makes you laugh out loud once you understand. This is another aspect of his teaching that I enjoy. He makes things funny and not just another boring lecture to sit through. His jokes are how he relates the topic of discussion to real life. These "mini stories" if you will are the small pieces that he ties together for his students to not only know the answer to a test but to go out and put this material into action for our lives. It is honestly something that you have to experience for yourself. Now, when I say Dr. Cornett is a man of a thousand stories he is just that! From living on a motorcycle with his wife for a few years in Europe to taking his annual motorcycle rides with his friends literally across the country on his BMW bike. The stories that he shares are the way he holds your attention and puts different concepts in various perspectives. Another aspect of Dr.Cornett's teaching that I enjoy is how much he pushes for us to form relationships with our classmates. Usually I will go through a whole semester and maybe only know two or three people in the class but this was not the case at all in Dr. Cornett's classroom. We engaged in tons of activities that got us up and moving which really gave you that drive to want to get to know your classmates better. In closing, Dr. Cornett brings a unique and energizing real life vibe to the classroom and I can honestly say that he is not only an amazing professor but truly a life long friend that I will keep in touch with. This time inside the classroom with Dr. Cornett is not a class but a four month journey that you get to experience without even expecting it. This journey Dr. Cornett takes you on will challenge you, make you think outside the box, and whole-heartedly grasp the concept that knowledge is power and it is up to YOU to share that with others. He IS the foundation of excellence because of the fact that he not only holds his self accountable but he holds his students to that same high standard. Congratulations Dr. Cornett!
Mrs. Shannon Fitzpatrick Nominated by Stephen GatesÂ
Attorney for Students, Dean of Students Office Neither I, nor anyone else for that matter, would likely have ever imagined Shannon Fitzpatrick being congratulated as a Foundation of Excellence. This is not to say she lacks in talent, worth, kindness, or integrity. Rather, she embodies each of these qualities and more, and did so for Student Foundation for six years. Since coming to Texas State as a freshman, Shannon has been one of my most valuable mentors and advisors. I had the good fortune of joining Student Foundation my freshman year. The advisor at the time was a strong-willed, motivated, and hard-working Southwest Texas State Alum who could deliver an inspirational speech that rivaled Team USA's Herb Brooks, fomer President Dwight D. Eisenhower, or even Mahatma Gandhi. Her name was Shannon Fitzpatrick, and her "advisor's report" to conclude every weekly meeting would leave you ready to walk out of the room, proud of yourself and your school, ready to conquer every challenge the world may bring. As a freshman, my challenge was to succeed in school, gain some leadership experience, and pursue my desire to become a doctor. Thankfully, Shannon has been present along the way. Through my years in Student Foundation, I found that it was easy to approach Shannon with any question or concern. When I served as the Bobcat Pause Committee Chair for two years, I found myself working closely with Shannon to make the event better and better. She has always had a subtle way of sharing her thoughts, ideas, and concerns, while instilling within me the confidence and ability to plan, lead, and execute the event myself, along with my peers. As a senior, I still value Shannon's input and opinions, and I think my experiences with her have prepared me to work better with my peers, as well as with other faculty and staff around campus. In doing so, it seems that she secretly but successfully manipulated me to become the very best leader that I can be. I have no doubt there are others in this room and out succeeding in the "real world" that can say the same. In order to succeed in that big scary world, I've often heard that it's not what you know, but rather who you know. To accomplish the latter, I'd like you to meet Shannon Fitzpatrick. She's available for conversation after this ceremony; feel free to bring a copy your business card and any questions you may have. The great thing about Shannon, however, is that in addition to knowing the "who," you can learn the "what." Shannon's experience as the Attorney for Students, Student Foundation Advisor, mother, wife, bobcat, and a genuinely good human being makes for a well-rounded mentor who knows almost anything you would ever want or need to know. In the unlikely event that she doesn't, she will not rest until she finds you the information. I have and will continue to admire Shannon for her loyalty to her students and her University. The pride she has for Texas State is uncomparable. She is an asset to this University and to any team or organization in which she becomes involved. Although she may no longer formally be a Student Foundation Advisor, I will always consider Shannon a mentor and a friend. In addition, her displacement from any formal position in the organization deems her eligible for this award, which she had rightfully earned and fully deserves, because she epitomizes what I consider a Foundation of Excellence.
Congratulations! Dr. Elizabeth Bishop, Department of History Captain Hector Moyano, Department of Military Science Mr. Andy Rhoades, Lyndon B. Johnson Student Center Professor Wayne Kraemer, Department of Communication Studies Ms. Kathy Weiser, Dean of Students Office Dr. Sally Caldwell, Department of Sociology Professor Charles Kaufman, School of Journalism and Mass Communication Dr. Janet Payne, Department of Finance and Economics Dr. Michael Cornett, Department of Communication Studies Mrs. Shannon Fitzpatrick, Dean of Students Office
Student Foundation sincerely appreciates your commitment to student development.