UMHB Life - Summer 2019

THE REWARDS OF RESEARCH Professors explore staar test effectiveness, head trauma in sports, and more.

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MAINTENANCE TEAM CREATES SCHOL ARSHIP • 80TH EASTER PAGEANT

B I G P I C T U R E |St u d e n t s to o k a break from studying and h o m e wo r k at t h e a n n u a l P l ay D ay o n A p r i l 11. T h e y e n j oye d m u s i c , s p o r t s , c a r n i va l r i d e s , and food trucks.

UMHBLIFE S U M M E R 2 019 | V O L U M E 3 8 , N U M B ER 3 PRESIDENT Randy O’Rear, Ed.D. EDITOR-IN- CHIEF Paula Price Tanner, Ed.D. EDITOR Christi Mays GR APHIC DESIGNER Lauren Mendias PHOTOGR APHERS Steven Neaves Blair Dupre ’18 Halee Jorgensen ’19 Randy Yandell ’99 CONTRIBUTOR James Stafford UMHB LIFE IS PUBLISHED THREE TIMES A YEAR BY THE DIVISION OF COMMUNICATIONS AND SPECIAL PROJECTS. UMHB Box 8431 900 College Street Belton, Texas 76513 1-800-727-UMHB life.umhb.edu

Letters and comments can be sent to: umhblife@umhb.edu

Please send any change of personal information to: Alumni Relations UMHB Box 8427 900 College Street Belton, Texas 76513

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Or update online: alumni.umhb.edu alumni@umhb.edu

UMHBLIFE S U M M E R 2 0 1 9 | VOLUME 38, NUMBER 3

D E P A R T M E N T S

3 | C A M P US L I F E Olympic gold medalist Mary Lou Retton shares message of resilience and determination.

9 | PHILANTHROPY Physical plant workers create scholarship to help student workers.

F E A T U R E S T H E R E WA R DS O F R ES E A R C H |12 Conducting re­search provides a way for faculty to answer questions no one has answered—or perhaps even asked—before.

H A N DS H A K E |18 New online platform offers helping hand to students and alumni looking for jobs.

10 | AT H L E T I C L I F E Athletics launches new acrobatics and tumbling program.

24 | A LU M N I L I F E Check out what’s happening in the lives of alumni and their families.

B E YO N D T H E I R Y E A R S |20 From ages 15 to 76—students prove age doesn't matter when it comes to learning.

O N T H E COV E R | D r. J o d i P i l g r i m , a n a s s o c i ate p r o f e s s o r i n t h e C o l l e g e o f Ed u c at i o n , wo r k s w i t h s t u d e n t s l i ke Ta n n e r Ya n d e l l to i d e n t i f y t h e a u t h o r a n d c o py r i g h t i n b o o k s s o they can do the same online.

Photo by Randy Yandell '99

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Community turns out to dedicate campus' newest, largest residence hall From left, Griff Lord, Kathy Lord, Sharon Lord Daggett, and Michael Daggett tour the new Lord Hall after a special ribboncutting ceremony.

UMHB celebrated the completion of privileges I’ve had in my time of service its newest residential facility, Lord Hall, at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor with a special dedication ceremony has been to work with this family,” and ribbon cutting on March 1.

O’Rear said. “We could not be more President Randy O’Rear opened the proud to have your name on this ceremony by wonderful building.”

"We are humbled, describing the At 49,614 square decision to build profoundly grateful, and feet, with beds for 214 Lord Hall as students, Lord Hall is deeply touched that you being an act of now the university’s divine planning. have chosen to name this largest residence hall.

“We certainly wonderful addition to the The facility includes believed that a large central lobby, campus in our honor." we needed a study rooms on the new dorm to second and third — G R I F F L O R D accommodate floors, computer kiosks future growth at the university,” throughout the building, and two O’Rear said, and pointed out that the laundry rooms on each floor. A large new hall opened at the same time they common area on the third floor is welcomed the largest freshmen class equipped with a kitchen area where ever. students can cook, eat, and hang out O’Rear expressed gratitude to the with their friends.

Lord family, in whose honor the new “Lord Hall provides space for residence hall was named. first-year students to have a shared “One of the greatest joys and experience and be a part of a 2

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community with resident assistants there to help them adjust to college life,” said Dr. Brandon Skaggs, vice president for Student Life.

“UMHB has a great history of being a residential campus,” Skaggs said.

“Lord Hall is a great building that has continued that tradition but also has taken us to new places.”

Lord Hall is named in honor of Griff and Kathy Lord, Michael and Sharon Lord Daggett, and their families.

Sharon Lord Daggett established an endowed scholarship in 1996 in memory of her grandmother Ida Myrtle Roberts Manning, who attended Baylor College for Women (now UMHB) in 1905. In the years following, Sharon and her brother, Griff, and their families made frequent personal gifts to the endowment and facilitated the awarding of grants to UMHB from the Grogan Lord Foundation, established by their father.

Through their gifts, the Lord family has provided significant support for campus facilities such as the Parker Academic Center (Lord Conference Center), the Paul & Jane Meyer Christian Studies Center (Manning Chapel), and the Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center (Main Stage Curtain). The Ida Myrtle Roberts Manning Endowed Scholarship is now one of the largest scholarships at UMHB; since its inception it has helped more than 326 students pay for their education at UMHB.

Mary Lou Retton delivers perfect "10" at 2019 McLane Lecture Mary Lou Retton, the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in gymnastics, delivered the 2019 McLane Lecture April 24. Retton shared a message of resilience and determination.

During his introduction of Retton, Drayton McLane Jr. recalled how his family, along with the rest of the nation, became mesmerized by her road to Olympic glory.

“We didn’t really understand what gymnastics were,” McLane joked. “We got captivated, and we couldn’t go to work, couldn’t do anything. We stayed home and watched [her] on TV.” McLane celebrated not just Retton’s success, but also the way in which she had to face struggles to achieve it.

“She has overcome so many hardships, but she continues to radiate and to shine,” McLane said.

Following McLane’s introduction, a short video was played, highlighting Retton’s final two rounds of competition in the 1984 Summer Olympics. With just two components left, she trailed by 15 hundredths of a point. She earned two perfect 10-point scores on both her floor exercise and vault to win Olympic gold.

“I wasn’t supposed to be there, and I certainly wasn’t supposed to do that,” Retton recalled. “Gold medal gymnasts didn’t come from America, and American gymnasts didn’t come from West Virginia.”

Retton’s journey required hard work, dedication, and sacrifice.

“I had to leave comfort zones,” Retton said. “I had to be resilient, but, most importantly, I had to learn how to seize the moment when my opportunity came.”

At the age of 14, Retton was accepted into the tutelage of the sport’s most celebrated coach, Béla Károlyi. It was a life-changing opportunity, but she had to move to Houston without her family.

Facing grueling training sessions and non-stop competition, Retton’s road to the games was anything but smooth. At age 16, just six weeks before the opening ceremonies, she experienced a catastrophic knee injury which required immediate surgery.

“The doctors were not optimistic about my chances,” she recalled. “It was at that moment, I felt a surge in my stomach, and I know it was the Holy Spirit. He was blessing me and telling me, ‘You can do this.’”

Within two weeks, she was back to training. A month later, she was standing atop the medal stand, listening to the national anthem being played in her honor. Retton would go on to win five medals during the 1984 Olympics, the most won by any athlete during that summer’s games.

She recalled the way her life “flipped upside down” following the games, including paying several visits to Ronald and Nancy Reagan at the White House and becoming the first woman ever featured on the front of a Wheaties cereal box.

Mary Lou Retton & Drayton McLane Jr. “Don’t let other people put limitations on you,” Retton said.

“Taking risks and meeting challenges head-on is sometimes the only way to make your dreams come true.”

Following Retton’s speech, she was surprised to see the rest of the platform party stand up, holding scorecards that each read “10.”

“That’s the first ‘perfect 10’ in the history of the McLane Lecture,” UMHB Provost John Vassar said.

The McLane Lecture brings internationally recognized speakers to UMHB each year to share their experiences and insights about leadership, government, business, and faith. The annual lecture is offered through the generosity of Temple residents Elizabeth and Drayton McLane Jr. CAMPUS L I F E

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Food pantry helps students trying to make ends meet A student organization is on a mission to help students who may at times find themselves short on food. The Enactus Club recently opened The Source, a food pantry specifically for UMHB students in need.

“While many of us may never have considered this to be an issue among our students, it is a real concern,” said Dr. Brandon Skaggs, vice president for student life. During the spring semester, the pantry helped 158 students.

The Source was developed in response to a recent survey of UMHB students, which found that more than 40% of the students had experienced food insecurity in the last year. Students learned that this phenomenon is common among college students across the country; they created The Source to ensure that no UMHB student ever has to go to bed hungry.

Located on the second floor of the Mabee Student Success Center, The Source is open Monday through

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Thursday between 4 and 5:30 p.m.

Skaggs says he and the group are working toward building awareness of the pantry and letting students know it’s OK to use it.

“People often consider it a stigma to visit a food pantry,” he said. “We need to help eliminate any potential stigma and let our students know they are not alone, since more than 40% of their classmates have experienced the same thing they are experiencing.”

Skaggs is also encouraging other groups on campus to hold food drives to help stock the shelves. The Source also purchases additional food with monetary donations it receives online at www.umhb.edu/giving. To make a gift online, select “Other” as the designation. For more information about making contributions, contact the development office at 254-2954608 or email Joel Shoemake at jshoemake@umhb.edu. For more information about The Source, email thesource@umhb.edu.

Rivers qualifies for forensics tournaments Starr Rivers, who graduated in May with a film studies degree, recently advanced to the prestigious American Forensic Association National Individual Events Tournament and the National Forensic Association’s Championship Tournament in multiple events. She is the first student from UMHB to qualify for AFA every year of her college career. At the recent Texas Intercollegiate Forensic Association State Tournament, Rivers was also one of 10 students named to the All-State Forensics Squad.

“Starr has been a pivotal member of our team for four years,” said Kathy Owens, assistant professor & director of forensics. “She has outperformed every other team member in the history of UMHB’s Speech Team. To say I am proud of her would be an understatement. However, Starr’s performance ability is not what makes me the most proud. Starr is a wonderful young woman who has been a truly inspirational figure to her teammates and has shown them the power of a strong work ethic. Because of her, our entire team is stronger both in terms of product and collegiality."

McLane gift funds new marketing contest Thanks to a generous donation from McLane Company, UMHB is one step closer to becoming the university of choice for Christian higher education in the Southwest for students of business.

This past semester, the McLane Company gave UMHB’s American Marketing Association chapter $5,000 to hold its first student sales contest.

Marketing students paired up to work on a detailed marketing challenge provided by McLane Company. Their task was to develop a marketing strategy and present their plan to a panel of four judges from the McLane Company executive sales team.

“Our marketing students delivered some impressive real-world solutions

to overcome the marketing challenge,” said Dr. Mindy Welch, associate professor of management, marketing, and entrepreneurship.

“The McLane team complimented all of us on our method of teaching and preparing the students for the future.”

There were only six points between the first-place and the third-place teams, with first place going to Logan Aucoin and Christian McConnell.

Welch said she hopes to hold the event again next year, and possibly turn it into a sanctioned regional conference in the future.

“We appreciate McLane Company partnering with us to make this event a reality,” Welch said. “This money is

helping invest in our students to make them better marketers. The more simulated experiences we give the students, the better prepared they’re going to be.”

Growing this event into a regional conference, similar to those at larger universities like Texas State and Stephen F. Austin, could serve as an additional tool for recruiting students to the business school, Welch said.

“This is good for the college as a whole,” she said. “We’ve been so blessed having connections with organizations like McLane Company, and events like this help our students network and qualify for great jobs after they graduate.”

Students participate in this year's Dance Marathon, sponsored by Heart of Gold to raise money for a local children's hospital.

Dance marathon raises

$10,622 for children's hospital Senior chemistry major Sierra Moody doesn’t personally know anyone with pediatric cancer, but she has a heart for sick children and plans to go into the medical field.

When she came to UMHB, she was excited to be a part of the student organization called Heart of Gold, which raises money through a variety

of events for Baylor Scott & White McLane Children’s Hospital in Temple.

“I wanted an opportunity to serve my community,” said Moody, who serves as co-president of the organization with senior elementary education major Bria Garner.

Heart of Gold recently hosted its annual Dance Marathon, its premier

event, with a fundraising goal of $10,000. Moody was thrilled to report that the group raised $10,622 at this year’s event—$3,000 more than last year’s event.

The group has ongoing events each semester to raise money for the children’s hospital.

“We like to do several restaurant fundraisers throughout the semester,” Moody said. “We’ve had a Yankee Candle fundraiser, several penny drives in the residence halls on campus, and we sold hot chocolate one day in December. In the education department, we had our Heart of Gold unicorn event. Professors paid money to get the unicorn moved to different professors’ offices. We thought this was a great way to get the faculty involved and help spread awareness.”

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Purple Gives Gold has {THANK YOU{ record-breaking year

$ 82,743 GIVEN

207 Donors

44 First-Time Gifts

$5,000

CHRISTIAN STUDIES CHALLENGE MET

2 ANNUAL NAMED SCHOLARSHIPS

PLUS

3 New Endowed Scholarships 6

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The fourth annual Purple Gives Gold event was a huge success with donations totaling nearly $83,000— $12,000 more than last year’s record-breaking event.

“Thank you to everyone who participated in Purple Gives Gold!” said Dr. Rebecca O’Banion, vice president for development. “Your gifts make a difference for so many students.”

The Student Foundation, a student organization that works with the development and alumni relations departments, hosted the event which aims at educating students about the many gifts made each year toward student scholarships. The annual Purple Gives Gold event gives students an opportunity to reflect and

be thankful for all that donors have provided for past, current, and future students.

“The scholarships I receive mean so much to my family and me,” said sophomore nursing major Haley Lum. “As a legacy student, my parents could not have been more thrilled for me to have the opportunity to attend UMHB, and this was made possible through my scholarships.”

Currently, 90 percent of UMHB students receive some form of financial aid, much of which is in the form of scholarships.

“Without scholarships, we simply would not be able to provide enough financial aid for deserving students who really need it,” O’Banion said.

Easter Pageant celebrates

80th anniversary

One of UMHB’s hallmark events–the Luther Memorial, spectators from reenactment of the Passion of Christ– around the globe have joined the last celebrated its 80th anniversary this two years to watch via live streaming year on April 17. on social media.

“It’s a tradition that reflects the “It’s been amazing seeing alumni heart of UMHB,” said Jeff Sutton, and family and friends check in from director of alumni relations and muse- all over the world to see us share the um. “The Easter Pageant is everything Gospel of Jesus,” said Sutton, who that UMHB is about–the Gospel.” portrayed Jesus in the 68th producEvery year on the Wednesday before tion in 2007. “It’s just one more platEaster, thousands of people come toform that UMHB uses to impact and gether at UMHB change lives.” to experience Every year, UMHB the longstanding alumni are invited to tradition of the a reception afterEaster Pageant. ward at the Musick Luther Memorial Alumni Center and is the backdrop Museum at the Parkwhere students er House. portray the final This year, the period in the life Alumni Center held a Jeff Sutton of Jesus, coverspecial reunion and director of ing his entrance celebration for all alumni relations & museum into Jerusalem former play directors and leading to and cast members his crucifixion and who have portrayed resurrection.

Jesus and Mary. In Since its inaugural debut in 1939, celebration of the 80th anniversary, the performance has continued to the museum has on display a special grow each year. What started 80 years “Easter Pageant Exhibit” through this ago (with a meager $20 budget, five fall, showing key points of history scenes, 50 cast members, and only a over the years. handful of spectators) has grown to “Sharing this is an essential part of include hundreds of students, staff who we are,” Sutton said. “It’s always members, and their children particbeen said that sharing this story is ipating in front of and behind the one of the university’s gifts to the scenes. Each year, the show attracts community.” massive audiences of thousands. In addition to three performances at

"It’s a tradition that reflects the heart of UMHB."

At top, portraying the role of Jesus, Annette Craddock Howse ’57 carries the cross in front of an angry mob during the 1956 Easter Pageant.

Women portrayed the role of Jesus until 1992.

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New programs in Christian Studies and business open doors for students UMHB is introducing three new innovative degree programs this fall that will offer students some distinctive skills while helping give the university a differentiating edge over its competition.

New to the College of Christian Studies is the Bachelor of Transformational Development (BTD); and new to the McLane College of Business are the Bachelor of Business Administration degrees in Supply Chain Management and Entrepreneurship & Small Business.

“We wanted to create something unique,” Dr. Timothy Crawford, dean of the College of Christian Studies, said of the new BTD degree. “I don’t know of anything exactly like this anywhere else.”

The BTD is an interdisciplinary degree program that offers a synthesis of Christian studies and business.

Offering two concentrations—in Christian theology and the study of

foundational business principles—this new degree helps prepare students to be servant-leaders in mission-based organizations, churches, ministries, non-profits, and for-profit businesses, both locally and globally.

“A lot of students want to major in Christian Studies, but their parents want them to go into something like business, that offers better job prospects and greater potential to earn income,” Crawford said. This degree combines the “best of both worlds” without having to double major.

Crawford said the name was created with both spiritual and business innuendos, which should be more helpful for students planning to work abroad.

“A degree in transformational development with a strong grounding in business could open doors for students,” he said.

Dr. Ken Smith, dean of the McLane College of Business, said his goal in

Dr. Ken Smith, dean of the McLane College of Business, teaches a business class.

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adding new degree programs was to identify programs that would distinguish UMHB from its competition.

“All business schools have marketing, finance, accounting, and information systems,” he said. “These two new programs have the potential for actually making us a destination college.”

The driver behind creating the degree in supply chain management was UMHB's location—being close to Interstate 35—and the fact that Central Texas has several large distribution centers.

“We have a lot of local industry and a lot of opportunity to get students ready for the whole discipline of supply chain management, which is logistics and how components and merchandise move,” he said. “We’re particularly well positioned geographically with potential partners to build a distinctive program.”

The driver behind creating the entrepreneurship & small business degree came from the increasing number of students who express interest in running a family business or starting their own small businesses.

Smith said UMHB has a surprising number of students who come here, including a number of first-generation students, because their parents have been successful in business. “They’ve grown up around business, and some are preparing to take over the business,” he said.

"We're excited about all these new opportunities to place students in meaningful work when they graduate.”

Physical plant workers come together to create scholarship for student workers Without them, the weeds would take over the flowerbeds, the toilets would back up, and most events wouldn’t “go off without a hitch.” They are the members of the physical plant staff— about 52 of them to be exact, with another 30 or so student workers.

“Our full-time workers are amazing, but without the student workers, some events would be very hard to complete in the time frame we have,” said James Garcia, director of the physical plant. “They are critical to our success. Without the extra help, we wouldn’t have the manpower to pull it all off.”

Over the years, as the physical plant employees have worked side-by-side with these student workers, they have gotten to know them and built

relationships. One day during a recent teambuilding exercise, Garcia’s crew came up with the idea of giving back to these hard-working students. The team decided to start giving toward a $25,000 endowed scholarship so they could help the students who give so much to them and to the university.

“It’s all from building relationships with these kids,” Garcia said. “We often have student workers come back after they graduate to talk to the guys or eat lunch with them. We love to see the good, godly people they grow up to be, leading their families in the right direction. They have come back and told us that the guys they worked around helped lead them to where they are today. I like seeing that and being part of that.”

Director of development Kelly Boggs helped get those who wanted to contribute to the scholarship set up and going. He was "blown away" to see so many first-time pledgers give toward the goal.

“What the physical plant personnel have done shows that what we do collectively can make a significant impact in the life of a student,” he said.

“Very few people have the means to endow a scholarship, but all of these people working together are going to see that happen, and I hope it will be an inspiration to other departments to do this.”

Above, members of the physical plant team join for a photo atop Bawcom Student Union.

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UMHB launches new acrobatics and tumbling program Courtney Pate UMHB recently announced the addition of its 15th varsity sport, acrobatics and tumbling, with Belton native Courtney Pate as head coach of the new program. She is already recruiting female student athletes to open competition in the spring of 2020.

“We are very excited to add the sport of acrobatics and tumbling to our sport offerings,” said Randy Mann, vice president for athletics. “We have been studying this opportunity for a couple of years now, and the time is right for us to launch this program at UMHB. We are proud of our success

as a department and look forward to having another competitive program.”

Pate is a graduate of Belton High School, where she was a four-time All-American cheerleader. This is her second stint at creating an acrobatics and tumbling program during her career. She spent the last two years at West Virginia Wesleyan College as that school’s inaugural coach. She spent the first year recruiting for the program before guiding the Bobcats to a 4-4 record in their first season of competition in the spring of 2018.

Pate also spent one semester as a volunteer assistant coach at Baylor University, where she graduated in 2016 with a degree in fine art. She was a four-year letter winner for the Baylor acrobatics and tumbling program and won two team national championships with the

Basketball teams post impressive winning seasons UMHB men’s and women’s basketball programs delivered an impressive 2018-19 season with both teams advancing to post-season play.

The women’s team finished its season at 27-4 and advanced to the NCAA Division III National Championships for the first time in program history. The team also posted the highest final national rankings in the Division III era of the program in both national

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polls, ranking 11th in the country in the D3hoops.com Top 25 and 12th in the nation in the WBCA Top 25 Poll.

In men’s basketball, the Cru finished 21-6 overall for the season and was the American Southwest Conference West Division champion with an 11-5 league record. The Cru advanced to the semifinals of the ASC Championship Tournament in its league record 19th tournament appearance.

Bears in 2015 and 2016. Pate also won three individual national championships during her time at Baylor. She was a three-time Academic All-Big 12 selection and was also named to the Academic All-Big 12 Rookie Team as a freshman. Her father, Jerry Pate, is an associate athletic trainer for UMHB. “It means the world to me to have the chance to provide opportunities for females to continue their athletic careers in acrobatics and tumbling on the collegiate level,” Pate said.

UMHB Acrobatics and Tumbling will compete in the National Collegiate Acrobatics and Tumbling Association (NCATA). The Cru will be the 26th member of the NCATA and will be just the third collegiate acrobatics and tumbling program in the state of Texas.

Twins share special bond on and off the softball field Identical twins Kasi and Kourtney Cummings always knew they wanted to play college softball together. They had played on the same team since first grade, so it was the next logical step. After visiting several universities in Texas to learn about their softball programs, it was decision time.

“I remember we were in quite a bind that day when my dad asked both of us to say which school we wanted to attend at the same time, and two different answers came out of our mouths,” Kasi said. “After lots of prayer, we both decided UMHB would be the best fit.”

And UMHB has proven to be just that.

The twins played all four years at UMHB—Kasi as second baseman and Kourtney as an outfielder and designated hitter. They both graduated in May with degrees in exercise physiology.

One of Kourtney’s favorite memories was when Kasi hit her first collegiate home run during the first game of their sophomore year.

“It was so exciting for me! I think we each get more excited when the other (twin) plays well,” Kourtney said.

On the field, they say they both play fairly differently.

“I think we’d both agree that Kourtney has always been the better hitter, whereas I’m stronger on the defensive side,” Kasi said. “It’s been a blessing to have Kourtney play the game alongside me. Though it’s always been a friendly competition between the two of us,

Kasi and Kourtney Cummings she’s always been my biggest fan.”

Off the field, the twins say they have the same taste when it comes to food, music, and clothing. They do differ when it comes to hair color, though. Even though Kasi prefers her hair darker, “people still get us confused more often than not,” said Kourtney. “We are so used to being called each other’s names that we will both respond to Kasi or Kourtney 99 percent of the time!”

It’s bittersweet now that their last season of softball together is over.

Kourtney will be getting married soon and going into the Occupational Therapy Program at UMHB, and Kasi plans to move back to their hometown of Grandview to teach and

coach softball and volleyball.

“Not every moment has been easy, but I truly believe every moment has been worth it,” Kourtney said. “I know we’ve grown as players over the last four years, but most importantly, we’ve grown as people. We’ve learned so many life lessons through softball, and we’re going to miss it more than words can describe.”

“Playing ball all these years has been more than I could’ve ever imagined,” Kasi added. “The people I have met through this sport, the friendships I have made, and the places I have been able to go are nothing short of a dream. We have been blessed, and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat!”

ATHLETIC L I F E

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THE

REWARDS OF RESEARCH From testing new ways to reduce muscle pain to teaching kids about web navigation, professors seek solutions through their research.

BY CHRISTI MAYS

GETTING TO THE POINT It’s not every day that you’ll see students eagerly volunteering to get poked like a pin cushion with a dozen or so needles nudged strategically into their shoulder muscles. But that’s exactly what happens when Dr. Kindyle Brennan needs a student to help demonstrate the techniques she uses when dry needling a patient.

Over the last few years, she and her students have prepared and conducted several studies on dry needling—the technique of inserting a “dry” needle (without medication) into areas of muscle to reduce pain and movement impairments.

“This treatment has great potential,” said Brennan, who is an associate professor in the Doctor of Physical

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Therapy Program. She has been treating patients as a physical therapist for more than 21 years. “There’s such an interest in treating pain syndromes that are muscle and fascia-generated.”

In fact, there’s so much interest that she has a waiting list of eager test subjects left over from her previous research studies, who are hoping to be part of the study she is planning to launch this fall.

“There aren’t a lot of good, well-done controlled studies out there for dry needling,” Brennan explained. “Dry needling gives people a viable option with great potential for treating pain in all sorts of areas. People are happy to know this may treat pain that has not been successfully treated with other

“

This pursuit of knowledge through research becomes lifelong learning that is not confined to the classroom.

“

—Dr. ROCHELLE CADE

methods, especially when they have been told ‘there’s nothing wrong.’”

For Brennan, studies like this are an important part of the learning process for future clinicians.

“I want to teach my students to be good consumers of research literature,” she said. “If you don’t know the literature—how to read and interpret it—you can’t use it in your practice.”

All too often, she said, research is misinterpreted and misused in the way it’s referenced. So she spends a lot of time teaching her students to look at the design of the study and to ask questions:

• Was it designed properly?

• Did they answer the question they said they were answering?

• Was their interpretation accurate?

“You want good data to influence your practice,” she said. “To make my students better clinicians, they need to know how to utilize data, even if they have no interest in conducting a study of their own. They need to appreciate the process and be able to recognize the difference between a good study and a poor study—at least the bare basics of that. They need to know what the results mean and how to interpret them and apply them to their practice.”

Research also helps reinforce the value of being a lifelong learner—the idea that no one is ever really finished learning, said Dr. Rochelle Cade, director of research.

“Research at UMHB is a means through which students, faculty, and our community partners can come together to raise questions, examine outcomes, and advance knowledge,” she said. “This pursuit of knowledge through research becomes lifelong learning that is not confined to the classroom."

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LOOKING AHEAD Up until about 10 years ago, the science world didn’t know much about concussions or the repercussions the brain might face years later after suffering from them.

“Now, we hear about concussions in the news all the time,” said Dr. Lem Taylor, who is director of the Human Performance Lab. “People are doing a lot more contact sports, and for a longer duration.”

As a self-described “former multiple head-contact sports athlete” himself, Taylor has made it part of his mission to help figure out if there are any indicators in the blood that could signal the brain needs a break from contact sports. He and his graduate assistant, Javier Zaragoza, have been studying the cumulative effects of subconcussive impacts in soccer players.

“Big, more obvious impacts of the head may be easier to diagnose with possible concussions,” he said.

“But we wanted to look at what repetitive impacts to

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the head in a sport such as soccer, where headers are involved, could be overlooked in the diagnosis of a concussion. The cumulative effects of subconcussive impacts remain understudied.”

For this project, he and his team took weekly blood samples from 16 male soccer athletes throughout their 18-week season. The goal was to see if there were fluctuations in their blood biomarkers that would indicate head trauma.

“This was the first time a marker for head trauma has been tracked throughout the course of a season in a competitive collegiate soccer season,” Taylor said.

“Concussions are a hot topic for anyone who follows sports, but a lot of it is associated with football. Yet soccer has some of the highest concussions and head injury rates in all of competitive sports because of the jumping and heading of the ball.”

The research started in the fall of 2016 when players reported to fall camp and continued through the season. Taylor said that the marker for head trauma did slowly rise over the season.

“This research is all so new, we don’t know if it’s clinically significant or not,” he said, pointing out that it will take additional research over time to determine if this is something that just happens or if the numbers are something to be concerned about.

A MATTER OF FACT A self-proclaimed “research nerd,” Dr. Jodi Pilgrim, an associate professor in the College of Education, primarily focuses her research efforts on online reading.

One of her latest research projects involves sending out an observational survey to hundreds of teachers nationwide to help determine if students can navigate their way on the internet and recognize reliable sources.

“This is important in this era of 'fake news,'” she said. “We’re looking to see what kids really understand about reading online, navigating forward/backward, scrolling, and hyperlinks. When it comes to understanding who actually wrote the article, we’re

“

It's a dream come true for people to actually read your research.

—Dr. JODI PILGRIM

“

finding most of them can’t do it.”

For this latest research project, she and her team of co-investigators are asking teachers across the nation to use an online tool they’ve developed to help determine the ability to navigate online text and determine credibility. Sitting one-on-one with students, the teachers will go through a series of questions.

Far left, graduate assistant Javier Zaragoza and Dr. Lem Taylor. Above, Dr. Jodi Pilgrim and Tanner Yandell

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“We want to see if students can master certain skills, like identifying the author and finding the copyright,” Pilgrim said. “Those are things we need to be able to do to question the credibility of a website.“ She is hoping to interview at least 20 teachers from each state who agree to use the tool her team developed. The goal is to see what elementary-aged children understand about reading, navigating, and discerning between truthful and fake sources online.

Progress is being made in the area of teaching children how to determine the validity of online texts, but there’s still a long way to go, she said. One of the prime examples she uses is when she points students to a fake website about a tree octopus (zapatopi.net/ treeoctopus/). About 50 percent of students trust this website and don’t question the validity of it. Some college students even trust the validity of the site, which appears to be authentic.

“That’s when we think, ‘OK, how do we teach our students to analyze websites?’” she said.

For many professors like Pilgrim, the experience is rewarding, knowing that she and her colleagues and students may be part of the “solution” in educating online readers.

One of the goals of research is to actually help make a difference, and she and former student, Michael Lopez '16, got the opportunity to do that this past March. Using research Lopez and Pilgrim had published in 2016 when Lopez was a graduate student, the two testified before the Texas House Public Education Committee in regard to a proposed Texas Senate bill that would place a moratorium on the STAAR test. Using six different readability formulas, their research revealed that the reading passages in the STAAR tests were written one to three grade levels above the targeted age group. She and Lopez were honored with a chance to appear before Congress to offer their findings.

“It’s a dream come true for people to actually read your research,” she said. “The STAAR example is how it is actually being used right now as evidence to make a difference. It’s a good feeling when you know you’ve put so much work into it and now it’s being helpful.”

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“

Now we can look at the influence and effect that umpires can have, or not have, on game outcomes.

—Dr. AARON BAGGETT

“

A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD Dr. Aaron Baggett loves baseball. It’s pretty obvious when you walk into his office and see his figurines on his shelves. It’s even more obvious when you see his eyes light up when he talks about it.

“When I was growing up, my dad umpired, and later I umpired high school and college baseball here in Texas,” said Baggett, who is an assistant professor of psychology and chair of the Institutional Review Board. Once he and his wife started a family, he no longer had extra time to commit on the diamond, but he didn’t give up the game entirely. Now his research at UMHB revolves primarily around Major League Baseball (MLB) umpire decision making. Using data from MLB, he is able to design and run predictive statistical models of umpires' decisions and cross reference them with certain conditions like pitch location.

“We’ve always had the ability to analyze and look at players’ metrics, but now we can look at the influence and effect that umpires can have, or not have, on game outcomes,” he said.

Baggett has compiled data from every MLB game since 2010, and in the data he’s discovered some

interesting propensities—like shrinkage and expansion of the strike zone.

“Umpires tend to, at times, demonstrate behavior that would indicate they are making a mistake on purpose in order to rebalance the scales of competition,” he said. “If the pitcher is ahead, for instance, with no balls and two strikes, then when a pitch is thrown that is close enough to the plate for the umpire to reasonably call it a strike, he will call that pitch a 'ball' to kind of recalibrate the competition. In other words, umpires tend to shrink the strike zone when the pitcher is ahead. When the batter is ahead, say with three balls and no strikes, umpires tend to expand the zone, making it easier for the pitcher to obtain a strike and harder for the batter.”

“They all do it,” he continued. “It’s a pattern we have noticed. Umpires, in an attempt to remain neutral, will unconsciously shrink and expand the strike zone to ultimately make sure the players are deciding the outcome.”

Baggett’s interest in research started when he was working on his PhD in 2010 and became engrossed in the statistics and measures side of his PhD work.

“I’ve always loved baseball, and there’s a subfield in sports analytics where they analyze really sophisticated things about the game, called saber metrics,” he said.

With the data that is available to model player ability, he can do the same thing with umpire ability and expertise.

“Most people tend to remember the bad calls—the blown calls—but the umpires are actually really, really good,” Baggett said. “The average accuracy rate in a given game across the season is in the 90 percent range. Umpires are not robots or computers, so given all the factors they are faced with, that’s a pretty impressive rate.”

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New online platform offers helping hand to students, alumni looking for jobs

BY CHRISTI MAYS

B

efore the internet, finding that first job out of college meant perusing the classifieds, submitting applications at local placement agencies, and even scanning bulletin boards for flyers with tear-off tags.

Thanks to a new online tool called Handshake, finding a job or internship is much easier.

Just ask senior political science major Karina Trevino, who graduated this May. Last summer, she used Handshake to help land her part-time job working with the Belton Economic Development Corporation.

With only one year left before graduation, she wanted to get more practical experience. She decided to part ways with her retail job and look for something applicable to what she was studying—something that would give her a step up toward one day landing her dream job working in city government.

“For my senior year, I wanted to do something

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that would help me after graduation,” she said. “It was exciting to be able to find a part-time job here in Belton with someone who was willing to work with me being a UMHB student.”

Handshake is the new interactive recruiting and event platform UMHB now uses. It offers a unique way for students, alumni, and employers to connect.

Replacing the older Cru Connect platform, Handshake offers users an easy way to search for internships, full- and part-time jobs, on-campus interviews, job fairs, and other opportunities. Students can upload their résumés for employers, practice their interviewing skills, and schedule appointments with career counselors to review their résumés. Alumni can use the platform as well; once they create a profile, they can search and apply for jobs, or upload job and internship opportunities to connect with current UMHB students or alumni.

GUIDANCE CLOSE AT HAND Opposite, junior accounting major Enrique Zamora uses Handshake to find internship opportunities.

At left, senior political science major Karina Trevino (right) used Handshake to find her job at the Belton Economic Development Corporation, where she helps promote Belton with her boss, Executive Director Cynthia Hernandez.

“It’s a great tool for our students and alumni to build a platform to promote themselves,” said Don Owens, director of career services. “It pollinates leads and has resources there at your fingertips to help.”

Emily Kelly, assistant director of career services, says Handshake combines some of the most useful features of popular networking and online job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn. Handshake allows users to view profiles of individuals and learn about their career journeys. It also allows alumni to search for jobs or post positions and look for talent for their own companies.

With hopes of landing an accounting internship soon, junior accounting major Enrique Zamora has been using Handshake to build his résumé and cover letter. So far, he’s had two interviews and two more to go—one of which is set to take place on campus. All of this was done with the help of Handshake.

“I think it’s good for everybody to use, even for freshmen to start putting in their credentials and experience,” he said.

The new Handshake platform already has more than 1,800 active jobs listed for UMHB students and alumni to peruse. The previous platform only offered about 800 jobs a year, and most of them were locally or regionally located.

“The jobs on Handshake are all from employers who are looking for students with the degrees we have at UMHB,” said Kelly. Handshake is also helping put UMHB “on the map,” as national and international corporations are now also posting to UMHB in hopes of finding talent.

“It has already increased our awareness to companies,” Owens said, pointing out that Apple is one of the latest companies to promote its opportunities to UMHB students and alumni. “Nationally ranked companies can’t physically go to all the schools' websites to post their job listings, but now when they post to bigger schools like UT, it suggests other schools nearby like UMHB. So, it’s easy for them to post here now, too.”

Cynthia Hernandez, executive director for Belton EDC, is happy with the new platform and said she was fortunate to find Karina through it.

“Handshake offered us a great selection of students to interview, and we had multiple candidates for the position,” she said. “We’ve always worked closely with UMHB Career Services, and I think UMHB provides a great partnership and platform for us to hire students. When we need some help in our operation, we know where to turn.”

Visit Handshake at umhb.joinhandshake.com F E A T U R E S

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e B YoNd t he i r

yeaRs

STUDENTS PROVE THEY'RE NEVER TOO OLD-OR YOUNG-TO LEARN

BY CHRISTI MAYS

M

ark Twain once wrote that "age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter." That sentiment rings true with several students this spring whose ages span 60 years between the youngest and the oldest.

Meet Thelma Evans—a 75-year-old great-grandmother who is on track to graduate next year with a bachelor’s in education. She’s old enough to be

the grandmother—or at least mother—of most of her classroom peers (and even most of her professors), but age doesn’t matter to her.

“They know I’m not a teenager,” she laughed, remembering what her grandmother used to

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always say, “A dog of my age is not a pup.”

Her grandmother lived to be 104. One of her aunts lived to 103, and her mother passed away at the age of 92. Coming from this bloodline, Thelma, who will be 76 when she finishes up her degree next year, says she still has at least 20 or 30 years of life ahead of her.

“I have a determination to make something worthwhile of myself for as long as I live on this earth,” she said. “I want to leave a legacy for my grandchildren, and I’m working toward that goal.”

Thelma’s path toward earning her bachelor’s degree has been long and bumpy, but she has persevered. After high school, she got married and had a daughter, so it wasn’t until after her daughter was grown and out of the house that Thelma decided to focus on her education.

She first got a cosmetology license, and then

I have a determination to make something worthwhile of myself for as long as I live on this earth. I want to leave a legacy for my grandchildren, and I’m working toward that goal.

—Thelma Evans

a realtor license. But it wasn’t until her husband was diagnosed with dementia in 2008 that she decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

“I had no clue how to take care of a dementia patient, so I turned to the Lord for advice, and He led me to the classroom to learn what I needed to know about dementia,” she said.

Thelma first got a CNA (certified nursing assistant) certification and worked several jobs, gaining valuable experience she used to help her husband at home. She loved the work so much she wanted to learn more, so she aimed her sights at getting a bachelor’s in nursing. After taking some remedial classes at a community college in Waco, where she lives, she transferred to U M H B in 2013.

With only a couple of semesters left before graduation, however, she had to put school on hold in 2016. She had developed glaucoma and

cataracts and had to have several surgeries.

It wasn’t until late in 2018 that the doctor released her to, once again, begin driving back and forth to U M H B from Waco. She started back to class this January, but two and a half years had passed, and now with artificial lenses, her eyesight wasn't the same. She made a tough decision to switch majors from nursing to education.

“Since I have artificial lenses now, I felt I wouldn’t be able to be as precise as I should be in dealing with medicine,” she said. Switching majors so close to graduation set her back a few semesters, but she’s now on track to graduate next May. She only sees that time she spent in nursing as an advantage, though. She plans to teach continuing education classes to caregivers who work at places like the nursing home where she once worked.

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“When I worked as a CNA, I saw the need,” she said. “I believe in education, and I believe in helping people, and I am going to do what I can, whenever I can, however I can to achieve my goal.”

She believes her determination is going to pay off, and if she had to do it all over again, Thelma admits she wouldn’t change a thing. In fact, she says that, after graduating next spring, she may continue her schooling and get her master’s degree, and maybe even her doctorate.

“As long as I live, I don’t have to stop learning,” she said. “I believe one can never have too much education, and the more you know, the more you can help.”

I've had new experiences that I wouldn't have had otherwise. These things just kind of fell into my lap, and I have to believe they were God's will.

—Sylvia White For 76-year-old Sylvia White, going back to school to ear n a doctorate was two-fold. “I wanted to challenge my brain,” she said, but she also had a heart for veterans who are trying to get their degrees, and she wanted to find ways to help them.

Her path to a doctorate started in 2009 when she moved to Belton to be closer to her grown children; her husband, Bill, had passed away six years earlier. Having worked as an elementary music teacher for 24 years, she started teaching piano lessons at the U M H B Conser-

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vatory, and shortly thereafter she found herself teaching a fine arts class.

“Doors just seemed to keep opening; it was the Lord,” she said.

While teaching the class over the last few years, she had numerous students who had served in the military. Some of them did well, while others never finished their degrees.

Hoping to discover ways to help these student veterans through their higher education journey was the impetus she needed to start her own journey toward an EdD in 2015. She recently finished her dissertation and graduated this May. “Veterans touch my heart, and I wanted to see what higher education could do to serve them better,” she said. “I’ve been interested in helping them persist—whatever it takes to graduate.”

Opposite, Sylvia White. Above, Dr. Elizabeth Tanaka and Ruobing "Stacy" Zhou.

Was it worth it? Would she do it again?

“Yes!” she said. “The lessons learned, experiences I had, people I met, and stretching of the brain made it all worth it. I’ve got new neurons firing in my brain, and I’ve had new experiences that I wouldn’t have had otherwise. These things just kind of fell into my lap, and I have to believe they were God’s will.”

Friends and family constantly ask her, “What’s next?”

For now, she plans to continue teaching piano lessons and working as an adjunct professor.

But whatever God has in store for her, she hopes it’s just as exciting as this adventure has been.

“To me, sitting around doing nothing would be so pointless,” she said. “Just like everyone else, I want to make a difference, and I guess this is God’s way of letting me do it.”

On the other end of the age spectrum is Ruobing “Stacy” Zhou— the youngest student currently attending UMHB. At just 15, she’s not even

old enough to drive a car or open a bank account on her own; however, she has traveled halfway around the globe to start college in a foreign country.

As a student in China, she always had her sights set on going abroad to study after she graduated from high school; she just happened to graduate a little earlier than most.

“Students in China are typically 18 years old when they graduate,” she said. Instead of going to daycare when she was 2 and 3 years old, Stacy went to school with her mom’s friend, who was an elementary school teacher. Stacy was younger than the other students but learned (continued on page 36)

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A LUM N I LIFE ’74

Minnie Abrego-Sanchez, a retired educator, recently retired again after serving as the community outreach director for State Senator Leticia Van de Putte and, most recently, as district director for State Senator Jose Menendez. Currently, she is an associate with Andrade-Van de Putte & Associates. In 1999, she was recognized as a distinguished alumna at UMHB. She continues to be involved in the San Antonio community. Minnie is a mom

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with three grown children, a grandmother, and is married to Joe Jesse Sanchez, a retired educator and a current Alamo Colleges district trustee.

’94

Chris Nagel has been promoted to senior chaplain at VITAS Healthcare in Houston. Chris, along with his wife, Shelley Buckley Nagel ‘95, and their daughter, Virginia, live in Meadows Place, TX.

’94

Stephanie Thompson has been promoted to the assistant director of external relations for the Texas A&M University School of Law in Fort Worth.

She currently lives in Arlington.

’00

Merritt Johnston has joined the staff of the Baptist World Alliance in the role of director of communications and media. Merritt, along with her husband, Jeremy Johnston `99, and their children, Josiah, Silas, and Jubilee, live in Brenham.

St u d e n t s c o m p e t e d f o r t h e h o n o r of " M r.

Crusader Knight " at the 26 t h a n n u a l C r u s a d e r K n i g h t s i n F e b r u a r y.

THIS EDITION OF ALUMNI LIFE

’06

Stephanie Pulaski has published her first children's book in the book series "The Adventures of Bella and Lily." Stephanie is a second grade teacher at Raye-Allen Elementary School in Temple. She and her husband, Jacob, have a daughter, Esabella.

’10

Gregory Bohner graduated with a PhD in counseling and student development from Kansas State University in December 2018.

He currently works as the director for disability services at Union University.

Gregory, his wife, Rebecca, and their son, Patrick, live in Jackson, TN.

’01

Jon Beheler has retired and has been honorably discharged from the US Army after 15 years of service in special forces.

’10

Necole Michael is now actively practicing public defense in Washington State for juvenile offenders.

She and her husband, Duane, live in Vancouver.

includes news submitted through February 1, 2019.

To make a memorial gift, please contact: Development, UMHB Box 8433, 900 College Street, Belton, Texas 76513, 254-295-4601, or give online at giving.umhb.edu.

’13

Spencer Turner has recently joined the law firm of Farrow-Gillespie Heath Witter LLP in Dallas. His areas of focus include probate and fiduciary litigation, estate planning, and business representation.

’16

Christoper Burks is in his second year as women’s assistant basketball coach/recruiting coordinator at Southwestern College in Winfield, KS. Christopher had previously served as women's assistant basketball coach at Schreiner University.

Christopher was a member of the 2012 NCAA Division III national runner-up UMHB basketball team under Coach Ken DeWeese. He is currently working on a master’s degree in leadership at Southwestern College.

’06

Brian Roberson graduated in December 2018 with a doctorate in educational ministries from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He is currently executive pastor at Fellowship of Montgomery where he has served in various roles for almost 10 years. He travels the world doing pastor trainings and evangelistic crusades/medical missions as well as organizing local missions. He wears many hats and loves serving others with the many gifts with which God has blessed him.

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WEDDINGS Mary Anne Hutchinson ’08 and Chris Thornton were married on Oct. 27, 2018, at the Frisco Heritage Center. Mary Anne is a community banker, and Chris is a manager.

Brice Harney and Andrea Olson ‘11 were married on July 1, 2018, in Weatherford, TX. Andrea is an employee experience specialist at Bell Helicopter, and Brice performs in an illusion show called “Maze.”

Jennifer Robin Singletary ’11 and Roger Seth Hoffman were married on Aug. 11, 2018, at First Baptist Church in Killeen, TX. The couple own a mortgage company and reside in Rockwall, TX. Jennifer is the daughter of Janis Foster Singletary ’71.

Chad Manns ’14 and Katie Murphrey ’15 were married on Oct. 6, 2018, in Marshall, TX. Katie is a marketing and promotions coordinator at Summers Mill Retreat, and Chad is an eighth grade math teacher at Travis Science Academy.

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Bryan Jones ’14 and Ashlee Sargent ’16 were married on Jan. 5, 2019, in Weatherford, TX, at The Brooks at Weatherford. Bryan is a football coach at Louisiana College, and Ashlee is running a branch of her family’s business, Stripe-A-Zone. The couple resides in Lafayette, LA. Macy Moore ’15 and Russell Green ’16 were married on Sept.

8, 2018, in Magnolia, TX. Macy is a high school math teacher, and Russell is a student in the UMHB Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Karyzza Cavazos ’18 and Zachary Anderson ’17 were married on Sept. 8, 2018, at the Carleen Bright Arboretum in Woodway, TX. Karyzza is a forensic interviewer, and Zachary is a Dell Enterprise technical support analyst.

Justin Stafford ’18 and Alissa Burgess were married on Oct. 13, 2018, at Lovers Lane United Methodist Church in Dallas, TX. Alissa is working as a senior fraud investigator, and Justin is working in a private practice.

Abigail Hoffman ’18 and Tyler Umhoefer were married on Dec. 1, 2018, in Waco, TX. Abigail is a bank auditor, and Tyler is a mechanical engineer.

BIRTHS

Susan PolachJohnson ’00 and her husband, Marc, announce the arrival of their daughter, Hannah, Nov. 23, 2018.

Jeniece and Trina Lusk ’03 announce the birth of twins, Sloane Riece and Liam Langston, Nov. 05, 2018. They join big sister Parker Joyce.

Charis ’07 and Jeff Olchesky Jr. ’06 announce the birth of their son, Nix Cole, May 22, 2018.

He joins his siblings, Amerson Rose, Trip, and Susanna Jo. Hunter ’07 and Morgan Hamrick ’10 announce the birth of their daughter, Maybri Suzanne, April 9, 2018. She joins her big brothers, Hayze and Hutch.

David ’08 and Sarah Twilleager ’10 announce the birth of their son, Henry David, May 3, 2018. He joins his big sisters, Cadence and Elaine, and big brother Liam.

Burnie and Maggie (Florez) Cook ’09, ’10 announce the birth of their son, William “Liam” Lucas, March 2, 2018.

Josh ’10 and Hope (Strickland) Saenz ’09 announce the birth of their daughter, Savannah Nelle, June 4, 2018. She joins her big sisters, Mila and Sawyer.

Brandon and Erica Hall ’10 announce the birth of their twins, Berkeley Marie and Brockett Lee, July 20, 2018.

Jarrod and Alyssa Glasby ’10 announce the birth of their son, Jensen Myles, Aug. 7, 2018.

He joins his big brother, Silas.

Randall and Lauren Jones Smith ’10 announce the birth of their daughter, Brice Kate-Aileen, Aug. 17, 2018. She joins her big brother, Ranger.

Rich ’10 and Caitlin Moore announce the birth of their daughter, Collier Claire, Oct. 24, 2018.

Kellie Schiffner ’13 and her husband, Zane, announce the birth of their son, Leo Keith, Aug. 11, 2018.

Christian ’15 and Loren Hernandez ’14 announce the birth of their son, Oliver Henry, April 15, 2017.

Preston ’16 and Taylor Rambo ’15 announce the birth of their daughter, Blakelyn Joy, July 25, 2018.

Alyssa ’17 and Shane Herring announce the birth of their daughter, Caroline Grace, Sept. 7, 2018.

She joins big brother Brady and big sister Kallie.

MEMORIAMS Margarite Louise (Duke) Cross ’42, Sept.

26, 2018. Upon graduating from Mary HardinBaylor, Louise taught home economics to returning soldiers during World War II. Afterward, she received her pilot’s license and flew all over the world with her husband as her co-pilot. Louise had a great passion for traveling and seeing the world.

She will be remembered for her adventurous heart and love for the people around her.

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Eunice McMahan ’47, Nov. 28, 2018, at the age of 91.

Eunice graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education. She was a devoted member of First Baptist Church in Whitney, TX, and was a member in the choir. Eunice had a love for sharing and spent her free time volunteering for Meals on Wheels and Whitney Hospital. Eunice leaves behind three children, five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. She had a heart of gold and will forever be remembered as a light in the lives of those around her.

Ruth Tucker Hess ’48, Dec. 26, 2018, in Loveland, CO, at the age of 91. Ruth earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and Spanish, with minors in English and sociology, in 1948. While attending Mary Hardin-Baylor, Ruth was a member of Alpha Chi Scholastic Society and Theta Sigma Phi Women’s Journalism Fraternity. She was editor of the college newspaper and elected to Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities. Upon graduation, Ruth worked many jobs that enabled her to express her passion for journalism and communications. Ruth loved to be outdoors and was involved in many organizations that helped her to both enjoy nature and share her love with others.

Lu Ouida Vinson Phillips ’49, Oct. 16, 2018. The First Presbyterian Church of Lott was her church home all of her

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life. Lu Ouida graduated from Lott High School in 1941 and taught school in Floyd County, TX, the Corsicana State Home, and in Los Fresnos in the Texas Valley. She majored in biology and elementary education. She also taught and served as school librarian in the Waco public schools for 14 years.

Lu Ouida completed graduate work at the University of Connecticut, earned a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Texas, and a second master’s degree in library science from Texas Woman’s University. She earned a doctorate in educational administration at Nova University in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Dr. Phillips received many awards and was recognized as an outstanding educator, educational administrator and media specialist. She made major contributions in the field of education and touched the lives of many young people, teachers, librarians, and administrators in colleges and universities.

Bobbie Lou Kirkpatrick Fly ’50, Dec. 19, 2018, in San Antonio, at the age of 89.

After graduation, Bobbie became a registered nutritionist at the Robert B. Green Hospital. While working, Bobbie met her husband, Sterling Fly Jr., and together they had four children, 11 grandchildren, and 17 greatgrandchildren. In addition to caring for the needs of her family, Bobbie also served as librarian at the First United Methodist Church for many years and was awarded a historical marker for her service.

Mary Lou Brewer Looper ’57, Oct. 1, 2018. Knowing she wanted to be a teacher since she was 10 years old, Mary Lou graduated from UMHB in 1957. She taught high school English in Springdale and Mansfield and kindergarten in Fort Smith and Greenwood. She was not only a passionate educator but also a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to those around her. After 25 years of battling sickness, loved ones can find comfort that Mary Lou has been given a new healthier life with Jesus.

Katherine Nell Jacobs Shanks ’58, Nov. 22, 2018, at the age of 82, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

Katherine, born in Port Arthur, TX, lived a wholesome life filled with the people she loved dearly. Katherine was a passionate educator as well as a loving mother and grandmother to her two sons and two granddaughters.

She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1958, followed by a Master of Library Science later on.

Katherine’s love for people and sharing education shone even through her last days.

Jean Evalyn Garrett ’59, Dec. 12, 2018, at the age of 83. Jean earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing in 1959 and began to teach nursing at various colleges including the Scott & White School of Nursing. After 37 years of teaching, Jean retired in 1997, spending time with friends and

family. Jean will be greatly missed and remembered as a passionate teacher as well as being an adoring friend and family member.

Betty Lou Rosell ’61, Nov. 16, 2018, in Temple, at the age of 93.

Although born in Blanket, TX, Betty spent the majority of her life in Bell County, attending Belton High School and UMHB before settling down in Temple. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1961, she spent 30 years teaching at both Jefferson and Cater Elementary Schools in Temple. Her hard work and dedication to spreading the love of knowledge helped her to receive a Golden Apple Award from the Temple Daily Telegram. Betty was not only a great teacher but also an excellent friend, family member, and follower of Jesus.

Mary Ann Newnam ’61, Dec. 31, 2018, at the age of 80.

Mary Ann earned a degree in communications with a minor in mathematics.

Upon graduation, she taught math and language arts for both junior and senior high school. Besides teaching, Mary Ann wore many hats, both professionally and in her daily life.

She helped to found and operate Trinidad Children’s Museum. She was a dedicated Christian and a member of the United Presbyterian Church, and she also attended First Christian Church. We will remember Mary Ann for her selfless attitude toward life and the love she shared with everyone she met.

Nancy Mae Martin Smith ’63, Oct. 23, 2018, in Washington, TX. Nancy graduated from Cameron High School and earned a degree in elementary education before embarking on a career teaching, mentoring, and molding students.

Nancy taught at Rogers ISD for 30-plus years, where she received the Golden Apple Texas Teacher of the Year award.

After retiring, she moved from Little River-Academy to Hunt, TX, and taught once again in Mountain Home, TX. Nancy was a member of Rogers Church of Christ and the Retired Teachers Association of Kerr County.

Kathryn "Kat" Sue Hyde ’66, Oct. 30, 2018. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree, Kathryn taught at public schools in Hallettsville and Yoakum, substituted in Victoria, and served as a full-time caregiver.

Kathryn was a devoted Christian, serving at Northside Baptist Church and Joy Sunday School ladies class.

She lived a beautiful life and spent it caring for those around her with great compassion, strength, and faith in God. Kathryn was a wonderful addition to the lives around her and will be greatly missed.

Carmen Tulloch ’68, Oct. 4, 2018, in Belton. Mrs. Tulloch earned a Bachelor of Arts degree

in Music in 1968. She worked in the Temple ISD for more than 20 years as a much-loved music/strings teacher.

She also enjoyed playing in the Temple City Orchestra and for productions in both Temple and Killeen. She was a dedicated member of First Presbyterian Church in Belton since 1957. “Mimi” was a beloved wife, mother, aunt, sister, and friend. She was a doting grandmother to her five grandchildren.

Her generosity of spirit made the world a better place, and the way she cared for and served those around her reflected her love of Christ.

Laura Faye Shaw Stewart ’69, Oct. 22, 2018, in Conroe, TX. She was a lifelong resident of Bell County and graduated from Rogers High School. She attended Texas Women’s University in Denton and then moved to Belton.

She married James Stewart on May 14, 1943. During World War II, she worked in the Bell County Courthouse, and later they opened Stewart’s Drugs in downtown Belton. She returned to UMHB to complete her degree in 1969. She taught for many years on Fort Hood, where she helped soldiers get their GEDs. She was a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church in Belton and was a member of United Methodist Women and of Serendipity Set. She was a member of the Belton Women’s Wednesday Club, holding many offices, including president. She served as a “Yellow Bird” at Scott & White Hospital for many years. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Daughters of the Texas Revolution.

She was a founding member of a small prayer group that met weekly for more than 25 years.

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Clara Belle Pugh Johnson ’69, Nov. 25, 2018, at the age of 93. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1969. Upon graduation, she worked many years in the Gatesville school system and the Gateville State School for Boys. Belle worked for the remainder of her career for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. In addition to her passions for education and criminal justice, Belle was also a devoted Christian and member of First Baptist Church of Gatesville. Belle was also a Past Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star and was an officer in the Grand Lodge of Texas.

Rhea Erwin Mayfield ’73, Jan. 1, 2019, in Brownwood, TX, at the age of 80.

Rhea graduated from UMHB and Christ for the Nations Institute.

She spent 27 years as an educator in the Texas public school system, teaching first grade through high school, as well as special education.

In the middle of her teaching career, Rhea chose to pursue her true passion, Jesus Christ, and spent 10 years working at Christ for the Nations. She retired in 2006. Rhea was passionate about her Lord and Savior, and made it her life’s goal to share the Gospel, especially on her multiple mission trips abroad. Rhea loved church and was an active member of High Mesa Cowboy Church.

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Elizabeth "Liz" Ann Schafer Buchanan ’74, Jan. 12, 2019, in Temple. Liz graduated with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in family counseling. She was a dedicated and passionate educator, teaching fourth grade at Thornton Elementary for 22 years. Upon retirement, Liz took time with her husband to travel around the country. She was a devoted follower of Jesus and was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church.

In addition, Liz was a member of the Tri-City Gem and Mineral Society and Texas Classroom Teachers Association.

Leola H. Shoaf ’78, Oct. 16, 2018, in Gatesville, TX. She was born in Clyde, TX, and grew up in Coryell City and Osage.

She graduated as valedictorian from Crawford High School in 1946. Leola graduated from UMHB in 1978 with a degree in education. She taught in the Gatesville ISD for 30 years. During her teaching career, she had an impact on the lives of many children. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Gatesville.

Sondra Sue Huber ’80, Nov. 9, 2018, in Temple. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1980.

She worked for Scott & White clinic and hospital from 1976 to 2004.

She was a staff nurse, nurse clinician, a psychiatric mental health clinical nurse specialist, counselor, and clinical coordinator. She also worked at the

Adult Mental Health Partnership Clinic of Fort Hood, TX. She was a licensed professional marriage and family therapist counselor.

Gladys "Gigi" Laura Ciampi ’81, Oct. 26, 2018, in Temple.

Gladys earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1981, and worked in the Killeen Independent School District for 10 years. Gladys was an active member in the Retired Teachers Association as well as her local French club. She was a passionate educator as well as an adoring daughter, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will be remembered for her love for others and life.

Andreanna "Ann" Bettencourt ’84, Oct. 12, 2018, at the age of 74. After growing up in Massachusetts, Ann moved to Texas and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science. After receiving a further degree in social work, Ann worked as a social worker and had many other titles for the next 30 years. Outside of work, Ann enjoyed the simple things in life, such as the beach and spending summers with her family. She was a devoted follower of Jesus, and her faith in God served as an inspiration to those around her.

She was a member of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio as well as Beacon of Hope Church in Edgartown, MA. Ann will be remembered for her selflessness and the lives she touched and will be missed dearly.

Marjorie Bell Redding ’87, Dec. 20, 2018, at the age of 81 after a long battle with dementia.

Marjorie earned a degree in special education. Upon graduation, she worked in the Killeen Independent School District for 26 years. Not only was she a passionate educator, but Marjorie was also a loving mother and wife. We will remember her for her love for teaching and her caring personality.

Katie Sue Keller Russell ’03, Jan. 7, 2019, at the age of 38.

Katie earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Psychology in 2003. While finishing her degree, Katie was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society. Katie earned a Master of Science in Nursing in 2007 and later became certified by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board, becoming a licensed advanced practice registered nurse for the state of Texas. Katie was an accomplished nurse, serving on the board of the South Texas Alamo Chapter of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and becoming an item writer for the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board Pharmacology Updates Committee. Katie was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church of Castroville.

Robin Danell Proctor ’11, passed away at the age of 44 in Georgetown, TX, on Dec. 8, 2018. A loving mother to her son Dylan, Robin had a strong

passion for the little things in life such as dancing, singing, and spending time with loved ones. Robin earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in 2011. She worked for Scott & White in Temple, as well a SPJST Nursing Home in Taylor, TX. Robin loved her job, but her biggest joy was found in being a great daughter, sister, mother, and friend.

Jenna Kay Scott ’13, Jan. 3, 2019.

Jenna earned her RN and BSN in 2013 and was also working on her master’s degree in counseling.

At a young age, Jenna was a talented athlete and had a love for life. She had a passion for health and science.

Jenna was a wonderful daughter and mother who left us too soon. She will be remembered as someone who was always there for others, a wonderful helping hand, and shoulder to cry on.

Lee E. Baldwin, Jan. 17, 2019, in Temple, at the age of 78.

Lee served as a professor and dean of the McLane College of Business. He was a dedicated teacher, working for the university for 20 years. Lee was not only a passionate educator but also a devoted follower of God. Lee was a member of First Baptist Church Belton, the Belton Rotary, and Sons of the American Revolution.

ME MO R I ALS Reverend Ron Arnold Kent Owens Dr. Kerry and Kathy Owens Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Dr. Lee Baldwin Dorwin and Glenda Haddox Bundick Dr. and Mrs. Randy O’Rear Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Dr. and Mrs. Steve Theodore Ramona Caldwell Barlow Betty Reinhard Hamilton Betty Donnelly Bell Betty Sue Craven Beebe Nolan Bilnoski Molly Cagle Sue Purcell Bounds Lawton and Peggy Bass Albin Marietta Parker Dr. Dillard and Karolyn Norwine

Whitis Birdy Louise Brisbin Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens

Janice Muehlstein Caldwell Michael A. Cook Dr. Billy T. Carpenter Norma Turner Carpenter Kay Cavitt Dr. Dillard and Karolyn

Norwine Whitis Jane Donaldson Chaney-Sterling Sheron Larson Bachus Dr. John and Susan Erwin Juliette Pinkston William Sterling Eva Dial Coaker Reverend William D. Broadway Dr. and Mrs. Steve Theodore

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Martha Smirl Cooper Eddie and Debbie Odom Cox Ruth Tucker Hess Doris Goldston Parker Jim Covington Steven and Jamie Barksdale Dr. and Mrs. Randy O’Rear Dr. and Mrs. Steve Theodore Frances Douglas Robert and Edith Cornett King

Micheal Paul Eulenfeld Rodney and Pam Eulenfeld

Dr. Billy Harden Dr. Marlene Mixon Zipperlen

T. Edward Mercer Paul and Beth Mercer Beck

Dr. William J. Hardin Denise Karimkhani

Robert Millikan Carolyn Allison Owens

Dr. Ray Haywood Bill and Lori Wallace

John and Alice Howard Minten Dorothy Minten

Natha McMinn Mitchell Mary Mitchell Wayne Mitchell Edna O’Banion Dr. Rebecca O’Banion Bruce and Rhonda Roberts

Edward Ellis Hogwood Jr. Keith and Pamela Hogwood Wilson

Martha White Farris Elizabeth Farris Figari

Kathryn Hyde Wayne and Jenna Maynard Jackson

Kenneth Ferrell Marietta Parker Dr. Dillard and Karolyn

Norwine Whitis Clifford Foster Dr. Mickey and Dee Kerr Dr. Rebecca O’Banion Dr. and Mrs. Randy O’Rear Kent Owens Dr. Kerry and Kathy Owens Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Dr. Camille Rex and Dustin Rex Dr. Michael and Carol Robinson Dr. and Mrs. Steve Theodore Philip and Kim Kirkpatrick-Thornton Michael and Simone Baer Tucker

Clara Belle Pugh Johnson Elaine Carty John and Ashley Burkley Tyndall Delroy Johnson Michael and Liz Ball Michael Brookshire Scott and Virginia Brookshire Stephen Brookshire Dr. and Mrs. Randy O’Rear Cora Lee Jones Robert and Edith Cornett King Anne Upham Keith Betty Sue Craven Beebe

Dr. Kenneth Fox Ona Beth Withrow Fox Brooks Frazier Dennis and Lyndal Cabaniss Dr. and Mrs. Randy O’Rear Dr. Iva Mildred Fussell Dr. Lissette Ferlet Carpenter Barbara Moncreif George Betty Reinhard Hamilton

UMHB LIFE | S U M M E R

Juan A. Mercado Violeta Mercado

Bobby Hill Kent Owens Dr. Kerry and Kathy Owens Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens

Daniel Dunagan Jim and Dorothy Granfor

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Margie York Hannon Frank and Robbie Owens Arp

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Richard Kiser Frank and Robbie Owens Arp Chris Lamm Robert and Edith Cornett King Dr. and Mrs. Steve Theodore

Caleb Benjamin Morgan Kenneth and Julia Alexander Cash and Lou Beth Birdwell Diane Bruce Debbie Burns Tom and Sue Dance Stephen and Suzanne Graham Troy and Joy Hensarling David and Donna Wright Amalia Moya Chris and Susan Kolodziejczyk Stephanie Barth Nash William and Laura Nash Collins Shirley Stender Nolte Betty Reinhard Hamilton Frank O’Banion Edna O’Banion Guy and Stephanie O’Banion Dr. Rebecca O’Banion Alice Smirl Odom Eddie and Debbie Odom Cox Mary Ailese Parten Philip and Barbara Davidson

Dr. Amy Le Vesconte Ruby Yung Lam

Richard Pereira Dan and Barbara Conder Agee

Helen Oakes Little Patricia Lockridge Shannon

Dr. Margaret Prydun William and Linda Pate Dufner Kevin and Kelda McMullen-Fix

Sarah Graff Larissa Leweke April Sterling Mayhan Dr. and Mrs. Randy O’Rear Dr. Aida Smith Sapp and

Richard Sapp

Michael Swearingin Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Clinton Taylor Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens

Dr. Jimmy Roberts Dr. Marlene Mixon Zipperlen

Kenneth Townsend Dr. Dillard and Karolyn

Norwine Whitis

Audrey Russell Molly Cagle

Jonnie Trussell Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens

Katie Sue Keller Russell Dr. and Mrs. Randy O’Rear

Carmen Crozier Tulloch Mark and Susan Roeder Groveunder

Glenn Clinton Sanders James and Cheery Strong Dobbs Marcus and Janet Dobbs Anne Wiese Halbert Yvonne Olenick Dr. and Mrs. Randy O’Rear Ken Pollard Texas Haas Beens Roger Thompson Jay Frank Schultz Andrew and Kendra Smith

and Family Kathy Jacobs Shanks Wilma Reed Carroll John H. Shannon Sr. Dr. Donald and Patsy Deere Lynn and Nelda Whitis Shipp Dr. Dillard and Karolyn

Norwine Whitis Nelda Whitis Shipp Howard Whitis Andrea Hill Smith Alexis Horton Turley Jo Reinhard Smith Betty Reinhard Hamilton Dorothy Jean ‘DJ’ Reinhard Hogwood Dr. Sharron Stephenson Dr. Marlene Mixon Zipperlen

Dr. Arthur and Arla Ray Tyson Frank and Mary Grant Kominowski David T. Van Covern Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Dorothy Haisler Vitek Mark and Betty O’Hair Anderson Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Jackie Jean Campbell Way Clifford Way Truitt Williams Dr. Dillard and Karolyn

Norwine Whitis Margaret Sandlin Willson Frank and Robbie Owens Arp Sunny Fairweather Wilson Molly Cagle Marietta Parker Joan Wright Frank and Robbie Owens Arp Jean Glover Young Mark and Betty O’Hair Anderson Jerry and Key Boyd Dorwin and Glenda Haddox Bundick Bob and Linda Nethery Cunningham Maxine Haywood Ken and Melva Garner Hobbs Sheridan and Laurie Moulder

Jim and Jeanie Nethery Pinkston Janice Nethery Reese Marian Corbin Wood

Paul Zipperlen Jr. Amy Bawcom Dr. Joan Berry Drs. Terrence and Lynn Eaton Anne Wiese Halbert Dr. Mickey and Dee Kerr Dr. Mary Konrad Dr. Todd and Claire Kunders Dr. Hollis Lowery-Moore Kimberly Newton-Hunter Dr. Rebecca O’Banion Dr. and Mrs. Randy O’Rear Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Dr. Jodi Pilgrim Jane Lampert Roby Cindy Selman Dr. Judy Clayton Trotti Debbie James Wade

IN HONOR Kay Smith Archer Dick Archer Mary Sandlin Billeck Eula Woodyard McKown Lou Beth Birdwell Kenneth and Julia Alexander Cash Birdwell Diane Bruce Debbie Burns Tom and Sue Dance Stephen and Suzanne Graham Troy and Joy Hensarling David and Donna Wright Dr. Edna Penny Bridges Russell Bridges Calvin and Donna Graham Lee Jerry Caldwell Michael A. Cook Reverend Rusty Campbell and Sylvie Gregory Gina Agold Krause

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Class of 1981 Calvin and Donna Graham Lee

Dr. George Loutherback Amy Bawcom

Marietta Parker Mark and Betty O’Hair Anderson

Class of 1988 Mike and Janis Frazier

Lillie Sue Allison May Jeff and Lisa May Bennett

Dr. J.A. Reynolds Dr. and Mrs. J. Alford Moore

Debbie Akers Cottrell Mike and Janis Frazier

Dorothy Minten Leta Dannelley Tom Dannelley Jr. Grace Dannelley McDonald

Helen Holmes Ruchti Lynelle Sweat Mason

Reverend Andy Davis and Sharon Crane Davis Marshall and Penny Darnell Renfro Beth Grimes Eula Woodyard McKown Betty Reinhard Hamilton Dorothy Jean ‘DJ’ Reinhard Hogwood

Janie Minten Leta Dannelley Tom Dannelley Jr. Grace Dannelley McDonald

Dr. Helen Wilson Harris Diane Gryseels

Julie Wheeler O’Rear Mike and Janis Frazier

Jane Haywood Bill and Lori Wallace Dorothy Jean ‘DJ’ Reinhard Hogwood Betty Reinhard Hamilton Melissa Hutcheson Keith and Pamela Hogwood Wilson Sarah Wilson

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Esther Minten Leta Dannelley Tom Dannelley Jr. Grace Dannelley McDonald

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Dr. Randy O’Rear Jeff Smith Dr. and Mrs. Randy O’Rear Stephen and Teresa James Carolyn Allison Owens Jeff and Lisa May Bennett

Patricia Lockridge Shannon Randall and Diana Marino Bassett Dr. Donald and Patsy Deere Dr. Shawn Shannon Amy Bawcom Marietta Parker Hannah Shortridge Robert and Donnetta Baggett Byrd Cindi Adams Smith James and Lynn Whyburn Clarke Michael Swader Warren and Pat Vasbinder Swader Dr. Marlene Mixon Zipperlen Dr. Mickey and Dee Kerr

ALUMNUS SPOTLIGHT

It's never too late to learn When it comes to business, Gary Findley ’06 has never been one to take a traditional approach. This was the case for college, as well. He didn’t enter into college until later in life after he set out toward his entrepreneurial aspirations and had some business experience under his belt.

“When I graduated from high school, going to college was not on my radar,” he said. “I wanted to start making money, and that’s how college got put off for so long. I was 45 years old when I earned my bachelor’s degree.”

As a business entrepreneur, Findley opened a successful fitness facility in Waco, but when the business landscape changed, he found himself looking for new ventures. That’s when he decided to help a friend develop and grow the Curves international fitness franchise to 8,000 locations.

Even with all the valuable life lessons he learned throughout these early business ventures, Gary felt it was vital for him to go to college.

“I knew getting a degree would enable me to move forward and to learn more things to help me grow my brands,” he said. “It also helped me become more connected with the generation of students currently attending college, because one day, it will be them taking over the business.”

Since graduating in 2006 with a bachelor’s in business administration, Gary has continued in his passion of growing companies, and today he is the CEO of Restoration 1 and bluefrog Plumbing + Drain. He has over 25 years of experience in helping new and experienced entrepreneurs build more than 9,500 locations worldwide.

“UMHB taught me that it’s never too late, especially when it comes to getting that degree or starting a career,” Gary said. “If you put your mind to something, work hard, and keep moving forward, you can accom-

Gary Findley '06

plish anything. Being in the classroom surrounded by driven students inspired me. They taught me more than I realized.”

Gary said the small class sizes at UMHB made him feel more connected to his professors and fellow classmates, which fostered a sense of "family" among them.

“I run my businesses with that same attitude. We’re all family here,” he said.

He also encourages his employees to learn from each other, the way that he and his classmates did at UMHB. “We bring in people from all walks of life into franchising, and if I’m not learning something new, then that’s a problem,” he said. “No matter how successful a business might be, there is always room for growth and improvement.”

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Beyond Their Years CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

and studied with them. She

stayed with the class as they moved up in grades, and ended up graduating from elementary school early, and then middle school and the international high school she attended. That’s where she met Dr. Elizabeth Tanaka, director of international student services at U M H B, who was on one of her many recruiting trips to China.

“Elizabeth showed me a picture of U M H B, and we talked about how many majors they have and watched a video,” Stacy said. “Elizabeth was very nice. So I chose this school.”

Stacy is majoring in education and hopes to be an elementary school or early childhood teacher.

Most of the people she meets

on campus have no idea she is younger than the typical college student, and that’s just the way she likes it. Stacy has seamlessly immersed herself in the classic college experiences—going out to eat, doing homework, and hanging out with friends at her campus apartment.

“I don’t have any friends here the same age as me, but my friends back home have always been older than me, so it really doesn’t feel any different,” she said.

According to Jen Jones, the director of data quality and institutional analytics, the average age of undergraduate students is 21; the average age of graduate students at U M H B is 32.

Dr. Brent Burks, director of admissions and recruiting, says it’s extremely uncommon to have someone as young as Stacy attending U M H B.

“It takes an exceptional student who is far beyond their years to come to U M H B at that age,” he said. Dr. Tanaka agreed.

“I was impressed the minute I met Stacy,” she said. “I didn’t know how young she was at first, but I was impressed because she was outgoing and willing to talk to me at the recruitment fair. She seemed very focused, and it was clear she had been prepared to study abroad.”

Some of the characteristics that stood out to Dr. Tanaka were that Stacy spoke to her in English without translators, she didn’t need friends to accompany her for moral support, and she seemed very outgoing.

“Her personality fit the profile for a successful studyabroad candidate,” Tanaka said.

2019 MUSIC CAMPS July 8th Drum Major Leadership Camp July 9th All-State Choir Camp August 5th Jr. Summer Musical Camp

umhb.edu/camps

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Charter Celebration Weekend is a special time to join friends and former classmates to reminisce about good times at UMHB. This year's included class reunions, a Celebration Lunch, a reception, and chapel.

1. The Class of 1969 celebrated its 50-year reunion and was inducted into the Heritage Club.

2. Class of 1964: Betty Anderson, Nanako Tingleaf, and Velva Riddle.

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3. Friends from the Class of 1974 gathered for a weekend celebrating 45 years.

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4. Class of 1971: Bill Elliott, Christine Berkland, Vicki McKay, and Polly Spencer.

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5. Members of Historical Phila met for a reunion and a special time of memoriam for Diane Elizabeth Gryseels '66.

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6. Members of Royal Academia met and shared some great memories.

7. During the Celebration Lunch, reunion classes were recognized. Dorothy Minten '49 celebrated her 70th reunion.

8. From left, Betty Martinez '69, Julia Walker '60, and Polly Spencer '71 share fun memories during Charter Celebration Lunch.

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900 College Street • Belton, Texas 76513

Electronic Service Requested

r e m m u S Events !

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June ST 21

June TH 29

July 2

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July 19TH

JEWELRY MAKING AT BENTONS

with Bob and Laura '02 Hargrove 401 N Main St | Salado, TX

CRU COOKIE DECORATING

Sweet Confections | Temple, TX

CRU KIDS CREEK & SPLASH PAD DAY Nolan Creek | Belton, TX

ASTROS VS. RANGERS Great seats! limited tickets.

Minute Maid Park | Houston, TX

For a complete list of upcoming alumni events, visit

alumni.umhb.edu/events