UMHB Life - Fall 2019

GLOBAL MINDED New Global Outreach program aims to give every student a chance to serve around the world. PAGE 12

MATHEMATICAL ART • MEALS FOR VETS • NEW DEANS

B I G P I C T U R E |St u d e n t s , fa c u l t y a n d s t af f p i tc h e d i n o n M ove - I n D ay 2019 to h e l p g e t n e w s t u d e n t s i n to t h e i r residence halls.

UMHBLIFE FA L L 2 019 | V O L U M E 39, N U M B ER 1 PRESIDENT Randy O’Rear, Ed.D. EDITOR-IN- CHIEF Paula Price Tanner, Ed.D. EDITOR Christi Mays GR APHIC DESIGNER Lauren Mendias PHOTOGR APHERS Blair Dupre ’18 Steven Neaves 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 F A L L 2 0 1 9 | VOLUME 39, NUMBER 1

D E P A R T M E N T S

3 | C A M P US L I F E UMHB becomes first private university to partner with Meals for Vets.

6 | AT H L E T I C L I F E New head coaches named to baseball, tennis, and volleyball programs.

22 | A LU M N I L I F E Zechariah Baker ‘06 revives Beltonian Theatre.

F E A T U R E S VOYAG ES A N D V ESS E L S |10 New global outreach program helps give students once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to broaden their global understanding.

B ECO M I N G C R U N K |14 Take a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to be the beloved university mascot, CRUnk. ART HIDDEN IN THE N U M B E R S |18 Using computer programming, Dr. John Snow generates works of art through mathematical equations.

O N T H E COV E R | Director of Global Outreach T i f fa ny H o r t o n i s o n a m i s s i o n t o give students oppor tunities to ser ve around the world.

Photo by Blair Dupre '18

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1

COLLEGE OF VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 17

FALL 2019 12

NOVEMBER

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SEPTEMBER David Pershall, baritone Sept. 10, 7:30 PM Baugh Performance Hall Sotto Voce Tuba Quartet Sept. 17, 7:30 PM Baugh Performance Hall Demondrae Thurman, euphonium Sept. 19, 7:30 PM Baugh Performance Hall Michelle Schumann & Kathryn Fouse, piano Sept. 24, 7:30 PM Baugh Performance Hall Four Texas Women Printmakers Sept. 30-Nov. 1; Reception, Sept. 30, 5:00 PM Art Gallery, Baugh Center for the Visual Arts

OCTOBER Wind Ensemble & Jazz Ensemble Oct. 1, 7:30 PM Baugh Performance Hall One Voice Oct. 10 & 11, 7:30 PM Fikes Chamber Hall Matthew Diffee, cartoonist Oct. 17, 5:30 PM Baugh Performance Hall Rachel Cheung, Van Cliburn finalist Oct. 19, 7:30 PM Baugh Performance Hall Ticket required: $25 Adult/$10 Child & Senior Free with CruCard To purchase tickets: templesymphony.org Concert Choir & Women’s Chorus Oct. 22, 7:30 PM Baugh Performance Hall Alison Hearst, art curator Oct. 23, 4:00 PM Baugh Performance Hall

Chamber Ensembles Nov. 5, 7:30 PM Baugh Performance Hall Senior Art Exhibits Nov. 11-Dec. 13 Group shows with dates and receptions TBA Art Gallery, Baugh Center for the Visual Arts Living History: Clara Barton Nov. 12, 7:30 PM Baugh Performance Hall TGC, Les Frères Méduses Nov. 15, 7:30 PM Baugh Performance Hall TGC, Finale Concert Nov. 16, 7:30 PM Baugh Performance Hall Wind Ensemble Nov. 19, 7:30 PM Baugh Performance Hall Melvin Butler, ethnomusicologist Nov. 21, 7:30 PM Nov. 22, 2:00 PM Baugh Performance Hall Jazz Ensemble with guest Melvin Butler Nov. 22, 7:30 PM Baugh Performance Hall

05 DECEMBER Christmas Pottery Sale Dec. 4 & 5 10:00 AM-6:00 PM Lobby, Baugh Center for the Visual Arts Christmas Art Sale Dec. 5 & 6 6:00 PM-10:00 PM Fikes Chamber Hall A Very Mary Hardin-Baylor Christmas Dec. 5 & 6, 7:30 PM Baugh Performance Hall

TICKETS & INFORMATION

umhb.edu/arts Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center TICKET OFFICE 254-295-5999

Ticket Office hours: 12:00 - 4:00 PM Monday through Friday and one hour prior to events.

UMHB first private college to partner with Meals for Vets To help eradicate hunger among veterans in Texas, UMHB is the first private university in Texas to partner with Meals for Vets, a veteran-run charitable organization that strives to help support struggling, young veterans who may battle food insecurity. Starting this fall, student veterans who are battling hunger, who have low or no income, can get daily, nutritious meals with their CruCard in the dining hall.

“I’m excited to be the first university in Texas to offer this to our veterans,” said Basilia Flores, who is the VA certification coordinator for UMHB. Over the last few years, she has seen an increase in the veterans who have been hungry when they walk into her office. She began offering them snacks when they came to visit.

“They share a lot of stories with me and are comfortable telling me they’re hungry,” she said. “I’ve worked in education for a long time, and one of the things they always stress is that students need a good meal to be productive. If our vets are sitting in a

classroom and they’re hungry, they can’t concentrate on what’s being taught.”

Meals for Vets identified UMHB as a university with great potential to reach student veterans in need and reached out to form a relationship.

“It’s exciting to have the opportunity to help UMHB student veterans get through school and pursue their goals,” said Sandy Schultz, marketing director for Meals for Vets. “Partnerships like this with UMHB allow us to help veterans who otherwise would continue to be underserved. The greater the awareness of the program and our assistance, the more lives we can impact. Perhaps this partnership will also allow veterans, who otherwise would not have the resources to pursue higher education, to have the chance to fulfill their dreams.”

According to statistics, approximately two million veterans under age 60, living in Texas, are suffering from food insecurity. For the last two semesters, 5 percent of the undergraduates and

11 percent of the graduate students at UMHB were active duty military or veterans.

“There are many veterans who serve honorably but struggle financially when they leave the service,” said Marv Ee, vice president for campus planning and support services. “Knowing UMHB is starting a program to provide sustenance to fellow service members, who are seeking to start the next chapter of life, shows our commitment to taking care of our students while showing appreciation for their service.”

This new program is close to Ee’s heart since he served in the U.S. Air Force for more than 24 years.

“Having transitioned from the military, it thrills me to witness others who are doing the same as I witness how UMHB is enabling them to pursue their dreams,” he said. “I am full of gratitude in seeing the university’s desire to support those who sacrificed for our country, ensuring our veteran students will not have to battle food insecurity as they pursue their degrees.”

Participation in the program is easy, and approval is usually same-day. Once a student is enrolled, $8 is uploaded each day to their CruCard, and students simply swipe their card to purchase a meal at the dining hall with no additional ID necessary.

To qualify, students: · Must have served 180 days or more active duty. · Provide proof of service (such as DD214). · Provide proof of all income and benefits.

To apply, contact Basilia Flores at 254-295-4236 or bflores@umhb.edu.

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Hackney named new dean of nursing After serving as a member of the UMHB nursing faculty for more than nine years, Dr. Michele Hackney has been named dean of the Scott & White School of Nursing.

She had served as interim dean during the 2018 academic year and as associate dean in both 2017 and 2018.

“Dr. Hackney brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her new role, and I am confident she will be a great visionary leader for UMHB,” said Dr. John Vassar, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.

“I am excited to be the new dean of the Scott & White School of Nursing because I love the energy here where we are reimagining nursing practice, interprofessional education, and the provision of truly holistic health care,” Hackney said. “I am also energized by the opportunity to further contribute to the vision of the Mayborn College of Health Sciences to deliver graduates who are empowered to lead through a rigorous education in a Christ-centered, service-focused, applied-learning environment.”

Hackney describes her leadership

style as “relational” and says strengthening relationships is her priority.

“I enjoy developing meaningful relationships with people,” she said.

Her short-term plans include fostering relationships with current clinical practice partners by creating a shared and complementary purpose. She also hopes to develop new clinical partnerships and support professional development opportunities for her faculty.

Long term, she looks forward to exploring and implementing creative and collaborative options to boost clinical experiences and expand nursing programs.

“Communication, collaboration, and clinical partners’ involvement in curricular planning will optimize these partnerships to prepare future generations of health care professionals,” she said.

Hackney says she couldn’t be working with better staff and faculty to help forge the path toward accomplishing goals.

“They are a wonderful team dedicated to our future nurses’ educational development, success, and the lasting impact they will have on people,” she

Dr. Michele Hackney ‘16 said. “Everyone has unique strengths, and we are a team that works together to accomplish goals. I am truly blessed to work with such dedicated and caring professionals.”

Hackney holds a Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University with a specialization in nursing education, and a Doctorate in Education from UMHB. She also holds certification as a nurse educator (CNE) from the National League for Nursing.

Nursing recognized for “veteran friendliness” College Factual, a leading source of data analytics and insights on college outcomes, has ranked UMHB among best nursing programs for veterans in the state and nation.

UMHB’s Nursing program ranked No. 78 out of 523 programs in the United States for veteran friendliness.

This puts UMHB in the top 15 percent

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of all schools in the nation when it comes to offering a quality education to veterans studying nursing. This ranking represents an improvement of nearly 80 spots since last year.

College Factual also ranked UMHB No. 4 out of 22 colleges and universities in Texas for veteran friendliness. This puts UMHB in the

top 15 percent of all schools in the state for veterans studying nursing.

In developing its rankings, College Factual drew from a Payscale survey from 2013, which found that UMHB nursing graduates enjoy average early-career earnings of $53,000 a year and average mid-career earnings of $70,000.

UMHB has new chaplain, dean of spiritual life This fall UMHB Student Life welcomes Baptist Theological Seminary in 2008 and is an ordained Baptist minister.

Jason Palmer as the new dean of Palmer officially retires from the spiritual life and university chaplain.

U.S. Army in December after 25 years He began at UMHB part-time on of military service.

August 14 and He served as will transition “I’m excited to join the assistant division to full-time school’s long history of chaplain for 1st status on raising up differenceCavalry Division November 4. on Fort Hood, “I’m excited makers who make His supervising 35 to join the name known among chaplains and school’s long 37 religious history of the nations.” affairs specialists raising up —Jason Palmer and providing differencereligious support to 18,900 soldiers makers who make His name known deployed worldwide, as well as their among the nations,” Palmer said. families.

Palmer graduated from the “My goal is to help people fall more University of Florida with a Bachelor deeply in love with Jesus,” he said. of Arts degree in 2000. He earned “I look forward to offering the Cru his Master of Divinity at New Orleans

Jason Palmer family innovative Christian ministry that complements the local church and leverages university, regional, and national assets to equip Christian leaders for the next generation.”

Palmer and his wife, Christie, have been married for 19 years and have four sons: Joshua, 16; Eli, 13; Caleb, 9; and Nathan, 5.

New BSM director appointed to UMHB The Baptist General Convention of Texas has appointed Daniel McAfee to serve as the new director of Baptist Student Ministries at UMHB. He began his role on Aug. 5.

McAfee graduated from the Southwestern Assemblies of God University in 2009. He completed his Master of Divinity at George W. Truett Theological Seminary and is completing his Ph.D. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.

“Daniel has great experience at both the local church and university level, and we are confident that he

will have much success leading our BSM,” said Vice President for Student Life Brandon Skaggs.

The Baptist Student Ministry at UMHB is dedicated to providing ministries and opportunities that allow students to grow in Christ, give in service, and go into the world to share the love of Jesus.

The BSM is located on the first floor of Bawcom Student Union. The Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT) provides the BSM director to UMHB.

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Three new head coaches take the reins this fall Baseball, tennis, and volleyball programs start 2019-20 with new leadership.

Mike Stawski joins UMHB as its

Daniel White ‘11, UMHB tennis

Mark Pryor, a long-time Division I

new head baseball coach after turning Concordia University Chicago into a national championship contender in four seasons as the Cougars’ head coach. Stawski is a 2006 graduate of St. Joseph’s College in Indiana with a degree in business administration.

He was a four-year letter winner as a pitcher and was an All-Conference and Academic All-Conference selection in three of his four seasons.

Stawski earned a master’s degree in business administration from Webster University in 2011. Stawski and his wife, Melissa, have three children, Michael, Charlie, and Danni.

Stawski replaces Ben Shipp as head coach of the Cru baseball program.

Shipp announced his retirement in January after a 34-year career with the UMHB Athletic Department.

alum, returned in July to his alma mater as the school’s new head men’s and women’s tennis coach.

White joins UMHB after spending the last three years as the head boys’ and girls’ tennis coach at Vandergrift High School. The Vipers finished third in state in 2017 and were regional finalists in 2018 and 2016. White also earned 6-A Region Four Coach of the Year honors in 2017. His program qualified 10 teams for the state tournament during his tenure.

White graduated from UMHB in December 2011 with a degree in exercise and sport science. He was a four-year letterman for the Cru tennis team and served as team captain for three of those seasons.

White and his wife, Cami, have a daughter, Elliett.

head coach, is the new head coach of the UMHB volleyball program.

Pryor comes to UMHB after a successful five-year run as the head volleyball coach at the University of North Dakota. He led the Fighting Hawks to a 117-58 record, two Big Sky Conference Tournament Championships and a Big Sky Conference regular season title. He replaces Head Volleyball Coach Rob Frost, who took the lead as Head Volleyball Coach at Gardner Webb University, an NCAA Division I school in Boiling Springs, NC. Pryor graduated from Baylor University in 1995 with degrees in speech communication and journalism. He earned a Master of Arts in communication from Louisiana-Monroe in 1998. Pryor and his wife, Amanda, have two sons, Myles and Mason.

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Women’s golf wins 12th ASC title, places 17th at national tournament Left, members of the women’s golf team made its second consecutive appearance at the national championships after winning their 12th ASC title.

After winning the American Southwest Conference Championship Tournament in May, the UMHB women’s golf team went on to finish 17th at the 2019 NCAA Division III Women’s Golf National Championship.

The Cru rolled to a 21-stroke victory

to claim the ASC title, making it the second consecutive win and 12th conference championship in program history.

At the national tournament, the Cru shot a tournament-best 327 in the third day of action, but fell nine

Football radio broadcasts move to Fox Sports Radio UMHB football radio broadcasts have a new home for the 2019 season with Fox Sports Radio becoming the new flagship home for the Cru. Fox Sports Radio in Central Texas is a part of the M&M Broadcasters family of stations.

UMHB football games will air on 1330 AM and 93.9 FM in Central Texas, and the broadcasts will also be available through the station’s website at listen.streamon.fm/ klrkam. Listeners will also be able

to access broadcasts on their mobile devices through the KTON “TuneIn” app. UMHB will continue to simulcast the broadcast on live video streaming of both home and away games this season. Links to all live coverage will also be available through cruathletics.com.

“We are excited to partner with Fox Sports Radio as the new home of our football broadcasts,” Vice President for Athletics Randy Mann said.

strokes short of the cut, finishing 17th overall.

“I am so proud,” Head Coach Jackie Ralston said. “The team has just worked so hard, and all the girls played an exceptional spring. It’s been a great time.”

This was UMHB’s second consecutive appearance in the NCAA Division III National Championship, representing the American Southwest Conference after its second ASC title. The Cru was the only Texas program to make the field.

“We look forward to the opportunity to tap into their resources to help expand our brand and publicize all of our athletic programs.”

UMHB Sports Information Director Jon Wallin and former Cru offensive coordinator George Haffner will call UMHB football for the seventh consecutive year. The pre-game show will once again start 30 minutes prior to kickoff of each game. Fox Sports Radio will also be the new home of the weekly UMHB Coaches Show during the fall. UMHB athletics will also be prominently featured on “From the Front Row,” a daily sports talk show airing from 4-6 p.m. weekdays.

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Guenther named distinguished alumnus Dr. Brian Guenther ‘99, ‘16 was chosen as the 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. He was recognized at Charter Celebration Weekend April 12-13.

The Distinguished Alumni Award is the most prestigious award that the UMHB Alumni Association presents to a graduate. The award honors people of integrity and stature and who demonstrate pride in their alma mater through their profession and community.

“Being named the Distinguished Alumnus for 2019 was a very high privilege and honor,” Guenther said.

“So many other distinguished alumni qualify for this award that it was overwhelming to think that I could be chosen. My family and I have such pride for UMHB.” As the president of San Marcos Academy, Guenther has the opportunity to administrate a K-12 boarding and day school that is aligned and affiliated as a Baptist General Convention of Texas.

“This allows me the opportunity to interact with UMHB both on a professional and a collegial level,” he said. “Every year, I send members of the senior and junior classes to tour and discover UMHB.” Guenther said he and his family live and breathe UMHB. His office is plastered with memorabilia and he is almost always wearing purple and gold. You will often find him and his family drinking from UMHB stadium cups, coffee mugs, and stainless tumblers while sporting UMHB shirts and hats. He says most people will say it’s rare for him to not bring up UMHB in the course of regular conversation.

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“I am thankful for what the university did for me as a student, and look forward to what it will mean for my children.”

—Dr. Brian Guenther ‘99 UMHB,” he said.

Not only did Guenther and his wife, Christy Caraway Guenther ‘99, graduate from UMHB, their son, Caleb, plans to attend UMHB next year.

“UMHB has played a vital role in shaping me into who I am as a leader today,” Guenther said. “I think that my life would have taken a much different route had I not attended UMHB. I am thankful for what the university did for me as a student, and I look forward to what it will mean for my children. I am

Pictured above, Dr. Brian Guenther (left) is presented the Distinguished Alumni Award

by Alumni Board President Justin Gaidusek. forever grateful and will continue to heartily support UMHB and all that she stands for.”

OCTOBER 25 -26 th

th

When I Was Here Lunch | Carnival on King Street | Stunt Night Pep Rally & Fireworks | Late Night featuring Night Traveler | Alumni Tailgate Game Day Scoop | UMHB Football vs. Hardin-Simmons Special Reunion for College of Education Graduates

for a full schedule of events & to register, visit

umhb.edu/homecoming we can’t wait to see you!

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Voyages &Vessels

NEW GLOBAL OUTREACH PROGRAM HELPS CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS TO SERVE AROUND THE WORLD BY CHRISTI MAYS

T

he bus stopped on the outskirts of a tiny village in South Asia. Senior communications major Susan Wren stepped off into the sweltering mid-afternoon sun, along with a crew of 13 other students, alumni, staff members, and translators. The group had been leading vacation Bible school for the locals the past few days, but today most of the group planned to set up a medical clinic while a few of the others decided to carry out house-to-house evangelism.

“Who wants to go?” asked trip leader Tiffany Horton. She immediately looked at Susan and said, “Susan, this might be your chance!” So, the two of them, along with another student, took off down the dirt road toward the houses.

“We didn’t know where we were going; we just

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started walking and praying that God would open doors for us to be able to speak with some of the people,” Susan said. “We were praying that God would send us to the right place.”

Susan had prepared for this day. She had been studying the message they share on mission trips—“Creation to Christ”—the summary of God’s relationship with the world from the beginning of time to Jesus’ resurrection. She was nervous. Telling people about God was outside her comfort zone, but she also knew in a country where only 2.3 percent of people are Christians, this may be their only chance to hear about God. It wasn’t long before a resident ushered them into her meager abode.

ON A MISSION Opposite, junior biology/ pre-physician assistant major Zoe Elledge prays atop of Roseberry Topping that overlooks Tees Valley, England.

At left, senior communications major Susan Wren prays with a local woman and plays with children on a playground during her mission trip to South Asia.

“These people so willingly invite you into their homes,” Susan said. “They have such a big heart for people.”

Sarah was eager to share what she had memorized, but when it was her turn, she struggled to recite even one paragraph. So, she listened to her partners present the rest of the message.

They finished, said their goodbyes, and started walking down the dirt road again.

“Next thing I knew, we’re being pulled into another house,” Susan said. The three found themselves in a tiny living room squeezed together on a small wooden bench that served as the room’s only seating. Six people had gathered on a straw rug in front of them. Their translators had no place to sit, so they stood close by in the doorway.

“They were fully engaged and so eager to hear about us,” Susan recalled. Through the translators, they chatted back and forth a few minutes. “We asked what is important to them, which gives us an opening to share what’s important to us—God, our Creator,” she said, and they began sharing the message.

Susan took the lead. But this time, she didn’t

stumble or forget. She shared the entire story, and when she finished asked if they wanted to accept Jesus into their hearts. “They said, ‘Yes!’ All of them!” Susan said.

After a final prayer, as they were putting on their shoes to head back, Susan said she felt the others staring at her. They were eager to hear her thoughts on what just happened! Susan just shook her head and shrugged. She couldn’t remember a single word she had just uttered.

“I was sitting in front of them talking, and they were listening, and that is what I remember,” she said. “It was over, and then they accepted Christ, but I don’t remember saying anything. It was a moment of ‘wow!’ I felt like God had just used me as a vessel. I didn’t know what it was like to just be present with the Holy Spirit and let Him use me to speak to these people, but it was awesome.”

It is once-in-a-lifetime experiences like these that Horton hopes to offer every student at UMHB. Horton is the director of the new global outreach program at UMHB, which was launched earlier this year to help plan and implement additional mission trips and outreach opportunities.

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“My passion is for developing college students and giving them opportunities that are almost out of reach for them, so they can do things greater than what they ever thought possible,” she said. “When you put yourself in an environment that is unfamiliar to you, there is always a transformation that happens.”

The idea came about last year when the spiritual life department was in transition. Dr. George Loutherback, who had served as chaplain for 22 years, was retiring; Dr. Shawn Shannon announced her retirement after serving for 18 years as the university’s director of Baptist Student Ministries; and the Baptist Student Ministries office was moving across campus to its new home in Bawcom Student Union. It seemed like the opportune time to create an official global outreach program, said Dr. Brandon Skaggs, vice president of student life.

“This new office came about as we looked at the mission of U M H B and the role that student life plays in helping us achieve that mission,” he said. “Our mission is to ‘prepare students for leadership, service, and faith-informed discern-

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ment in a global society,’ and that’s exactly what we think we will help students accomplish.”

Mission trips aren’t new to U M H B. Over the last 12 years, more than 200 students have gone on the annual mission trip to England; and around 12 students each year voyage on the South Asia mission trip, which began six years ago. There are also study-abroad opportunities that various departments offer students, like the yearly three-week trip to Lithuania for business students.

“Students are transformed when they get to serve across the globe and see that the world is much different than it is here in America,” Skaggs said. “We wanted to figure out how we could provide additional platforms and opportunities to our students to grow in these areas while advancing the kingdom.”

He hopes that over the next few years every student on campus has an opportunity to be involved in a mission experience while at college, whether they do it through U M H B or not.

GLOBAL OPPORTUNITY Opposite, during a mission trip to England, Vice President of Student Life Dr. Brandon Skaggs helps Logan Beaty paint a local church, while Hannah Kovalchuk hula hoops at an after-school carnival.

Mahri Williams talks with a girl at an after-school club in England, and Tiffany Horton, the new director of Global Outreach, cradles a child during a mission trip to South Asia.

“U M H B may not always be the sending agency,” he said. “They can go on a trip with the local church they’re involved in, or it could be through our partnership with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, which offers numerous mission trips for students. But we at least want to help our students find the right opportunities.”

The goal is to continue to identify prospective mission trips and have at least 10 available by this time next year. Since January, Horton has already added trips to Greece, Haiti, Kenya, and places in Southeast Asia and North Africa to the calendar with three additional trips in the works.

“My goal is to get to where we are sending about 400 students a year,” Skaggs said. “It would take a lot of trips to be added, so we hope students and our campus community can buy into this idea and help provide opportunities to send our students to tell more people about Jesus and be His hands and feet across the globe.”

Horton said there is no limit to where this new program could go. The objective is to offer a variety of trips so that every student can find the one that fits him or her best.

“This is an opportunity for students to explore who God created them to be,” she said.

For Susan, her initial voyage to South Asia was the first time she had ever stepped foot on a plane.

“I really wanted to experience what it was like to share my faith,” she said. “And I had it in my mind when I came to college that I was going on a mission trip.”

She’ll never forget her experience on the little wooden bench in the tiny home with six people sitting on a straw rug listening intently to her message of God’s love.

“If other students don’t know about mission trips, they definitely need to look into it,” Susan said. “It grows your faith while you’re growing others people’s faith. It’s a wonderful experience to get to know God’s people of all different cultures and to see God use you as a vessel.”

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BECOMING

CRUnk

BY CHRISTI MAYS

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It’s game time.

He slips into the muscle suit with its massive calves and bulging biceps. Pulls on the wrist covers and ski mask, making sure no skin is showing. Slides on the famous #45 jersey. Tugs on the white gloves and purple knee-high socks, and laces up his custom-made sneakers. Lastly, he dons the huge feather-plumed helmet head with its famous bushy eyebrows and handlebar mustache.

CRUnk is ready to roll!

“There’s never a specific point where the personality switches over, it just happens,” said the man behind the mask, whose name and identity are traditionally kept a secret. “Sometimes, it happens before I even put on the suit. Sometimes it’s when I put on the helmet. Sometimes it’s when I start interacting with people.”

But more often than not, the “flip” happens when he starts warming up with some stretching in the suit.

“Just before the CRUise, I always stretch outside the stadium with the drumline and cheerleaders,” he said. “During that time, when I start preparing my body, my mind catches up to what my body is doing.”

When the “switch” happens and his personality changes over to play “CRUnk,” this senior music education major (whom we’ll call “John” to maintain his anonymity) changes from his easy-going, fun-spirited self to an ultra-high-energy, over-animated frolicker whose charismatic personality varies between being “a macho man” to a somewhat “clueless dude” who will do anything for a laugh.

Swaggering, strutting, falling, jumping up and down, dancing around, high-fiving, and doing the jump splits—his moves are endless. Oh, and of course, we can’t forget all those pushups he does when the football team scores—10 pushups for every touchdown and five for a field-goal. That’s a lot of pushups over the course of the high-scoring seasons the CRU football team has enjoyed over the years. Last year, scoring 801 total points with 109 touchdowns and 17 field goals equaled 1,175 pushups for CRUnk! “John” says being CRUnk has meant “everything to him,” and he feels privileged to have the opportunity to play the beloved UMHB mascot for the last three years and now, in his senior year.

“Being the mascot and having the experiences I’ve had and doing the things I’ve been able to do—it is an opportunity that not many people get,” he said. “The interactions I have with people when I put the suit on bring me so much joy. I’m able to touch their lives in a way that is unique. I wish I could share at least a little bit of the happiness I’ve been able to experience with other people.”

“John” remembers the day he learned about the school mascot. He had only been at school for about two weeks when he heard about CRUnk at one of his first chapels his freshman year.

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“They had an announcement for students who may be interested in playing CRUnk,” he said. “I had come in my freshman year telling my family group that I wanted to be the mascot at the football games when I got to be a senior.

I had no idea I would have that opportunity to do that in my freshman year, but it was the perfect chance to make it happen. I called the number and auditioned, and I got the part!”

To audition, he had to put together a two-minute skit and submit an essay about why he wanted to be the mascot. With the help of his friend, Tyler, the two made a rocket ship they called “The Cruiser” and danced around it to the theme song for “Little Einsteins.” To finish it off, he did the splits, a signature move he’s developed over the

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years that you will see CRUnk do every time the Fight Song is played.

Over the last three years, “John” said he has worked hard at developing his alter ego and takes his job extremely seriously. It’s not just about slipping on the outfit and making people laugh. Keeping himself in top cardio condition is key to being able to move constantly while wearing a constricting mascot uniform in 90-degree temperatures for hours on end.

“I take my job as CRUnk a lot more seriously than I think a lot of people realize,” he said. “I don’t have a trainer to tell me to keep in shape, so I have to do a lot of cardio work and work out constantly.”

He said he realized he had to keep himself in top-notch condition after one of his first experiences playing CRUnk. It was his first pep rally to play CRUnk, and after dancing to the Fight Song, he had to step away from the crowds to get his helmet off just before losing his lunch.

“I didn’t expect it to be that hot and didn’t know how hard it was going to be,” he said. “You have to be animated all the time, non-stop. You can’t stop movin; you have to keep going and going for hours at a time.”

To keep in shape, he runs about 10 to 15 miles per week, depending on his schedule, and does as much heat training as possible. He got a lot of weird looks during his summer job at a camp this past summer, because he said he often would put on sweatpants and long-sleeved shirts to hang out in the sun with his campers. Sometimes, he will put on the entire CRUnk uniform and go to his grandparents’ house in Killeen to run on their treadmill. He also has a trusted friend work through possible scenarios, similar to playing Charades, so “John” will be prepared in any situation while he’s playing CRUnk. “There is a lot that goes into this to prepare for the games, but it’s just become a part of my everyday life,” he said.

He also likes to prepare mentally before each game and has a tradition to help get him in the right frame of mind.

“I like to go to the top of the stands and look out at the field and imagine all of the people who will be there,” he said. “It helps remind me that I’m not doing this for myself. I’m doing it for all of the people who

are there to watch the games. I remind myself that I’m away. It’s just stuff like that. That’s why I’m doing this for other people. I was able to give that girl a moment of doing this for the school I love and the people who happiness.” come out here to support the team. I’m doing this Another favorite memory was when a child he had for the team. It’s a very calming and relaxing time for seen at every single game for weeks finally came up to me.” him to say “hi.”

This ritual has become important to him over the “I recognized this kid because I had seen him at every years because it gives him a few moments to take a single game,” he said. “He had always mental break, which he been terrified to come up to me. But this needs since he goes non“I remind myself day, he must have taken Superman juice stop from 6 a.m. to midthat I’m doing this or something because he walked up to night on game days.

“I know I’m making a for the school I love me and he said, ‘Hi, CRUnk!’ I reacted super-big because I was excited to see difference in people’s lives,” and the people who him, and he hugged me and said, ‘I’m he said. “I know I’m doing sorry for never saying hi to you before!’ something that’s helping come out here to That was just so special to me because I people. That’s what I get support the team.” knew this kid and was always trying to out of it.” help him not be afraid.”

One of those very mo—CRUnk When the game is over and the suit ments happened during his comes off, he says it’s a little weird—and sad to him— sophomore year at the Homecoming pep rally. when he sees a child who loves him as CRUnk, but sees “A dad was sitting there with his daughter, and she him as a stranger when his suit is off. was really sad about something,” he recalled. “She “Of course, that is to be expected though,” he said. was not into anything that was happening at the pep “It’s just a hard transition to make sometimes.” rally. So, I walked over and sat down next to her and He isn’t doing it for recognition or the notoriety, bewatched the fireworks. It was really cool, and the dad cause, after all, most people don’t even know who plays looked at me, and I looked at the dad and little girl, and there was this moment when she started to smile. CRUnk. Like most mascots who are supposed to remain anonymous, he does it for the smiles. He does it for the And then she and I ran around the field and played high-fives. He does it for the spirit it generates in others. tag after the fireworks. The dad pulled me aside “I’m more than happy to be doing it,” he said. “I love afterward and told me that her mom had just passed being CRUnk!”

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A RT H I D D E N I N T H E

NUMB3RS

BY CHRISTI MAYS

W

hen it comes to being a self-described take if it rolled down a hill. Using a portion of that “math person” or “art person,” most people path, he instructs the computer program to reflect that naturally gravitate toward one discipline or path and rotate it multiple times to create symmetry in the other—rarely both. After all, the picture. the two are often thought of Another of his pieces is called The joy of discovery as being diametrically op10,000 Digits of Pi (π), in which he is what keeps posed. Art lovers are thought uses physics concepts to simulate of as expressive, creative, and dropping a chain with 10,000 Dr. John Snow imaginative on one hand, and beads into a bowl. pushing his hobby mathematicians are thought “Imagine if there was an object, further, to see what of as analytical, intellectual, shaped like Pi, in the bottom of and practical on the other. the bowl, and you start dropping else is possible.

But Dr. John Snow, has disin the chain to fill in randomly covered the world of mathematical art, which removes around that object,” he explained. “Gravity just sort of the boundaries to combine the best of both worlds. makes the chain fill in around that shape.”

With the computer programs he’s written, Snow is The joy of discovery is what keeps him pushing his able to plug in mathematical concepts and formulas hobby further and further, to see what else is possible. from calculus, linear algebra, trigonometry, physics, One of the techniques he has created is called style and numerical analysis to create stunning visual art. transference. Using concepts similar to those used in “Almost everything I do involves randomness, symartificial intelligence, he has programmed his computer metry, motion, and iteration,” Snow said, explaining to use the styles of artists such as Vincent Van Gogh that his computer program generates the art from the to transform photographs he has taken. The computer formulas he inputs—drawing lines, shading and colorsearches through the pixels in his photographs and ing. As the computer translates the numbers into form, replaces them with impressions from the Van Gogh a drawing or graphic is revealed. painting.

“Some of the pieces turn out great; some of them “With this technique, hopefully, you end up with a don’t,” he said. “Everything I do, there is some ranpicture that is similar in style to the Van Gogh paintdomness involved.” ing,” he said.

For instance, using the principles of physics, one of Snow, who has taught mathematics at UMHB for the pieces he made replicates the path a marble might two years, said he used to teach a “Programming for

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Art” class for art majors at his previous university.

This past semester, he decided to try to incorporate some of the same mathematical art concepts into his quantitative reasoning class.

Gretchen Oliver, a junior film studies major, said it was the most interesting core curriculum class she had ever taken.

“I have never liked math very much. My mind is definitely geared more towards art than it has ever been towards math, but this was a cool way to incorporate math into art in a creative way that I hadn’t even thought about before,” she said. “I thought it was unusual because I had never done anything like the work we were doing in that class. It was incredibly fun and interesting.”

Before the class, she didn’t know mathematical art existed.

“I figured that some artists must use math because otherwise I have no idea how they would get every proportion right, but I never thought of creating art entirely out of mathematics before,” she said. “I think that it’s a great concept for students to learn. It helps

students like me who are much more fascinated by art than math, but it also helps students who like math a lot more than art. By integrating the two, it can allow students to see connections in the real world and can help them to realize that they enjoy things they thought they didn’t.”

Though he has created some impressive pieces, Snow is still hesitant to call himself an “artist.”

“How do you define art? The art students I had in Nebraska would say what is missing is intent. What is it I’m intending to communicate? It’s not that I’m intending to communicate anything. Maybe I’m trying to enable you to see something.”

The journey to discover mathematical art began when Snow was eight years old, and he became interested in computer programming.

“My school, at the time, had eight or nine Timex Above, Dr. Snow shows an up-close look at the numbers in his 10,000 Digits of Pi, in which he uses physics to simulate dropping a chain with 10,000 beads into a bowl. Using the same concept, he created a wooden cutout of Texas, right.

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Sinclair computers, and they taught us the basics of programming,” he said. “I liked it fairly quickly.”

He’s been interested in computer programming ever since, but when Snow first went to college, he was set on being a psychology major and going to seminary. He never had his sights set on becoming a mathematician. But that changed just days before he left for college.

“A week before classes started, I went to a track meet in Nebraska and stayed on campus at Concordia,” he said. “They told us we could stay on campus for free if we took a tour.”

That tour made a big impression, because a week before school started, he changed his plans and decided to go there. Because he was registering so late, many of the classes he wanted were full, so he said they “stuck him in a Calculus II class.”

“I loved the guy teaching the class, and he convinced me there was a mathematician somewhere in me trying to get out,” he chuckled. “So, I took another math class, and then another and another, and here I am.”

He said when most people think of math, they do

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not think there are artistic qualities involved.

“Math is about structure, and when you talk about structure, symmetry is involved,” he said. “Math lets us see a whole lot of symmetry that other disciplines don’t necessarily let us see.”

He said the way math curriculums are designed in the United States forces students to “jump through a whole lot of hoops before they can see the fun and interesting things in it.”

“The most popular general education math class is college algebra, and most people are required to take it. The tools learned in algebra are designed to prepare people to take calculus, but very few people take calculus,” he said, adding that he wishes more students could take a class like quantitative reasoning or survey of contemporary math.

“You can do things like mathematical art, and other neat and impressive things that show the students that mathematics can open up the world and show them a much more structured, beautiful universe,” he said.

“They don’t see that necessarily in an algebra class.”

His continuous pursuit to find beauty in numbers

“Math lets us see a whole lot of symmetry that other disciplines don’t necessarily let us see.”

—Dr. John Snow Mathematics Professor

is what keeps him trying out new ideas and generates excitement when he discovers a new piece of art hidden in the numbers.

“I am really excited about the mathematics I do research in. But they’re not things that most of the world can appreciate,” he said. “You can go see an artist or listen to music or watch a play, and you may not understand what’s going on, but you still appreciate it. Mathematics isn’t always like that. To be able to do something that I find relaxing and that involves a good deal of mathematics that other people can appreciate with no training—I find that exciting. And for students to see that they can learn a little bit and make something really cool is exciting.”

So, what is next for Dr. Snow?

“I’ll keep exploring,” he said. He is working on a computer animation that simulates a pouring liquid.

“It’s too unpredictable at this point, but I can’t force it to do what I want it to do,” he said.

And Snow’s student Gretchen Oliver says that knowing about mathematical art has helped make her a better artist.

“It helps me create more interesting and unique works, either solely with mathematics or a combination of traditional art forms with mathematical art,” she said. “It also gives me something really cool to talk about with my friends.”

At top, Dr. Snow programmed his computer to use impressions from a Van Gogh painting to replace the pixels in a campus photo he took at his alma mater. Below are three artistic pieces student Gretchen Oliver created in Snow’s quantitative reasoning class.

To see more of Snow’s mathematical art, visit his website at jwsnow.com

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ALUMNI NOTES

“

I fell in love with the way movies can touch people’s hearts and minds, so I reopened the Beltonian and haven’t looked back!

—Zechariah Baker ‘06

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ZECHARIAH BAKER ‘06

Back to Belton

After serving in the Army and singing opera, Baker reopens the historic Beltonian Theatre.

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fter serving in Iraq in the U.S. Army for four years, and traveling all over the country as an opera singer, Zechariah Baker ‘06 has found himself back in Belton as the owner of the Beltonian theatre.

“We always knew that Belton was the place for us, and starting my own business has always been a dream of mine. After managing a movie theater for almost four years, I fell in love with the way movies can touch peoples’ hearts and minds, so I reopened the Beltonian and haven’t looked back!”

Baker almost joined the military after graduating from high school in 1996 in Marble Falls, but he was offered a scholarship to sing in One Voice at UMHB in the fall that year.

After a couple of years, he decided to take a break from college and joined the U.S. Army in 2000 to serve as a forward observer.

“My mission was to find the bad guys forward of friendly lines before they found me,” he said. He served in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2003-2004 in the 4th Infantry Division. During his time in Iraq, his wife sent him a CD of the Three Tenors, and he grew enamored with opera. When asked to sing at several memorial services, he was surprised to discover he could sing in operatic style.

In the spring of 2004, he left the Army. He contacted his former voice teacher at UMHB, Dr. Guy Wilson,

and re-enrolled that fall. Two years later, he graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in Performance and Pedagogy. He took part in several nationally renowned opera training programs, including the Atlantic Coast Opera Festival, Chautauqua Opera in New York, and the Des Moines Metro Opera in Iowa. He also spent several years as an artist-inresidence at Pensacola Opera. Baker later went on to get a master’s degree at Louisiana State University.

His wife, Dr. Sara Harris Baker, is the chair of the department of music at nearby Temple College, and they have a daughter, Grace, who is 13.

At the theater, Baker loves to show and tell people he is a UMHB graduate.

“The fact that I offer the use of CRU Cash at the theater can easily get the conversation started that I love UMHB!” he said.

Before taking the plunge to reopen the Beltonian, which initially opened in 1922, Baker planned extensively for years, writing a business plan and studying the theater business.

“It has been as hard as I thought it would be but way more rewarding and fulfilling,” he said. “I live for smiling faces and full hearts as people leave the theater! I want to stay true to what this theater has been in the past and continue to offer unique experiences that tie in with that storied history.”

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IN MEMORIAM 1930 s

1940 s

Lolete Bales Ratliff `34, March 26, 2019, at the age of 106.

Lolete graduated from Mary HardinBaylor in 1934. She married Joe Ratliff in 1938, and they had one daughter.

Lolete opened a beauty salon in Llano before moving to Killeen. She was a source of wisdom and inspiration to all.

Ruth Dorman Daniel `41, March 2, 2019, at the age of 99. Upon graduating as class valedictorian, Ruth went on to earn her Bachelor of Science from Mary Hardin-Baylor in 1941.

During her time at Mary Hardin-Baylor, Ruth was selected for Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities.

Later in life, she was also a part of D.A.C Country Club, Junior League of Dallas, Junior League Garden Club, Dallas Woman’s Club, Dallas Garden Club, Craig Class, and Highland Park Methodist Church. She was married to Chalmers A. “Dan” Daniel for 54 years.

Catherine Chloe Scott Brent `36, Feb. 24, 2018, at the age of 103.

Catherine earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Mary HardinBaylor in 1936 and a master’s degree in educational communications from the University of Hawaii. She married James Alexander Brent in 1942, and together they had three children. Upon completing her education, Catherine worked for universities in Missouri and California as an associate professor.

Throughout her work she led her field as an award-winning pioneer of communication and earned a place in Who’s Who of American Women 1964-1965 and Foremost Women in Communications. Catherine was an American patriot through and through who loved Jesus with an unshakable faith.

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Lottie Virginia Oliver Holaday `43, May 17, 2019, at the age of 98.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in home economics from Mary HardinBaylor College in 1943. Lottie moved to Borger, TX, where she resided for 58 years. While employed as a chemist for Phillips Petroleum, she met and married Adolph Martin Holaday Jr. Lottie enjoyed teaching first grade and spent 13 years as a Girl Scouts leader.

She used her talents for baking and cooking to help many with special diets. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Borger.

Addie Faye Hobson Simpson ex`44, Oct. 27, 2018. Addie lived in Rockdale. While at UMHB, she worked in the chemistry lab for Dr. Amy LeVaconte. She was the mother of Elaine Simpson ’67 and ’76, Lynette Simpson Fischer ’72, Nathan Glenn Simpson ’75, and Lois Simpson Parker ’80. Addie’s husband, the Rev. D.D. Simpson, was presented an Honorary Alumni Award and the Simpson family was honored with the Parker Award in 1997.

Octavia Burton Seitzler `45, Feb. 22, 2019, at the age of 95.

Octavia earned her Bachelor of Science in homemaking from Mary Hardin-Baylor in 1945 and a Master of Education in 1947 from the University of Houston. She also attended Lamar University, North Harris County Community College, and Sam Houston University. She married Harry M. Seitzler in 1948. They lived together in Houston for their married life. Octavia was a member and past matron of Melrose #920 Order of the Eastern Star of Texas and served many appointed positions in the chapter as well. She was also a member of Memorial Baptist Church..

Ruby Virginia Davis `47, March 20, 2019, at the age of 93.

Ruby graduated from Mary HardinBaylor in 1947 with a degree in home economics. She then went on to teach in Freer, Odem, The Valley, Refugio, and Sinton. She was married to Eugene “Bo” Davis for 43 years.

Memorials may be made to the Mary

Hardin-Baylor scholarship fund started by the Class of 1947.

Edith Durelle Tripp Townley `47, March 20, 2019, at the age of 94. Edith earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Mary Hardin-Baylor in 1947. She then went on to attend Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Edith served alongside her late husband, the Rev. Walter Brooks Townley Jr. as he ministered in churches in Florida, Virginia, and South Carolina for 40 years. She taught Sunday school and worked in the Woman’s Missionary Union. She also served as a social worker in Florida as well as South Carolina. Her family is grateful for her Godly influence in their lives.

Kathryn Rose Sims `49, Feb. 28, 2019, at the age of 90. She graduated from Mary HardinBaylor College in 1949 with degrees in chemistry and biology. After graduating, Kathryn went on to work for Scott & White Hospital and the VA Hospital in Temple, where she received training as a medical technician and then worked in Dallas as a researcher for Mobil Oil. After retiring, Kathryn managed condominium complexes, participated in exercise classes, and was an active member of the North Park Presbyterian Church.

1950 s Johnnie Carolyn Singleton Bransford `52, March 25, 2019, at the age of 88. Johnnie attended Mary Hardin-Baylor and graduated in 1952. She married Richard Bransford, and throughout her life, she was known as a teacher, amateur genealogist, historian, writer, and preservationist. Johnnie had an adventurous attitude and loved farming, tennis, and bridge.

Erma Jean Swindoll `52, March 27, 2019, at the age of 88. Erma earned her bachelor’s degree from Mary Hardin-Baylor in 1952 and then taught middle school English.

Erma and her husband, Orville, served as missionaries in their early married years and spent 31 years serving the Lord in Argentina. Erma Jean was known for her gentle spirit, her kindness, her willingness to listen, her strong desire to help others, her bold faith, and her humility.

Frances R. Faulkner `57, March 25, 2019, at the age of 83.

Frances earned her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education in 1957 and later attended Texas Tech University. She was married to Charles Robert “Bob” Faulkner for 49 years, and they were members of First Baptist Church of Lake Jackson for 46 years. She taught in elementary schools up until her retirement in 1995. For the remainder of Frances’ life, she focused on giving back to her church, traveling, and cherishing her friendships.

1960 s Diane Gryseels `66, April 6, 2019, at the age of 74.

Diane earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology and her master’s degree in social work from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio. She worked as a journeyman missionary in Vietnam and was a case worker for South Texas Children’s Home for more than 30 years.

Memorials for Diane and her son, Binh, can be made to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor scholarship fund.

SIGNS OF THE TIMES Since many of our readers keep up with their friends and family instantaneously through social media, announcements of weddings, births, and career changes in UMHB Life can seem like “old news” by the time the magazine publishes.

We will no longer publish these announcements in the magazine. With this in mind, the editorial staff has changed the look of the Alumni Life section.

Beginning with this issue, you’ll see longer alumni profiles instead of the short announcements, as well as “In Memoriam,” which pays respect to those who have passed on.

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Wanda Crews `66, April 25, 2019, at the age of 78. Wanda earned a degree from Mary HardinBaylor in 1966 after she married her husband, James Crews. Wanda taught business for high school students and then became a stay-athome mom to her two children. She was a devoted member of Bartlett’s First Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday school, kept the nursery, and coordinated Vacation Bible School.

Wanda requested that, upon her death, memorials be given to the James and Wanda Crews Endowed Scholarship at UMHB. Mary Gwendolyn “Gwen” Mosley Turner `67, Jan. 29, 2019, at the age of 74.

Gwen earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Mary Hardin-Baylor and a master’s degree in education from the University of North Texas. Gwen taught for over 40 years all across the state of Texas. She married James “Jim” “Butch” Douglas Turner in 1968, and they were married for 43 years.

Frances L. Ryan `69, March 7, 2019, at the age of 89. Frances attended the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. Upon graduation, she taught business at Manor High School and founded the school’s tennis

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UMHB LIFE magazine keeps alumni informed about the passing of their classmates by publishing their obituaries in the “In Memoriam” section of the magazine. If you learn of a college friend’s passing, please submit the news by visiting life.umhb.edu

program. She was a talented tennis player and also enjoyed skiing and bridge. She was married to Thomas Ryan.

1970 s

Billie Lorene Wilburn `70, Feb. 17, 2019, at the age of 94.

Billie earned her Bachelor of Science in education from Mary Hardin-Baylor in 1970. She taught elementary school for 23 years, the last 21 years in San Antonio. She was married to Norman Ernest Wilburn in 1999.

Betty Ellen Jett `72, Jan. 29, 2019, at the age of 72. Betty earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Mary Hardin-Baylor and went on to work at Scott & White for 30 years. After retiring from Scott & White, Betty worked for Holland ISD in human resources. She was married to her husband, Danny Jett, for 51 years, and they lived in Holland where she was a member of First United Methodist Church.

Robert Hiram Reynolds `72, Feb. 10, 2019, at the age of 73.

Robert was born in Killeen and attended school in the Killeen Independent School District. After he graduated high school, Robert volunteered in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, serving as an underwater demolition team diver. After serving in the war, Robert earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. During his time at UMHB, Robert met his wife, Gayla, and they were married in 1973. Robert worked as a carpenter most of his career and had served several terms on the Killeen City Council.

Marjorie Edla Dominy `76, March 20, 2019, passed away at the age of 95. Marge served in the U.S. Navy until 1946. She met her husband, W.W. “Bill” Dominy, in 1947, and they were married for 51 years. After her daughter graduated from college, Marge went back to school and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from UMHB in 1976, graduating cum laude.

She attended Christ Episcopal Church in Temple, where she volunteered two days a week.

1980 s

Sharon Elaine Ginnings Shaw `89, April 22, 2019, at the age of 53. She earned an undergraduate degree in 1989 from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and a master’s degree in library science in 1990 from Texas Women’s University.

Upon finishing her education, Sharon worked as a librarian for New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and

worked in Georgia and Alabama as head librarian as well. She also worked as a beauty consultant. She was married to Mark Shaw.

2000 s

Charles Howard Sr., March 8, 2019, at the age of 65. Charles was a Central Texas native and attended Temple High School and Temple College before attending the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Charles was a dedicated follower of Christ and was a member of Crestview Church of Christ in Temple. Charles served in the U.S. Air Force and attained the rank of master sergeant. He retired after 20 years of service. He will be remembered as a loving person and a hardworking individual who sacrificed for his country.

Michael S. Watts `00, March 16, 2019, at the age of 58. Michael joined the U.S. Army in 1989 and served two tours in Iraq, including Desert Storm, as a chemical operations specialist. After completing his active duty time, he worked as a recruiter for the Army. He earned a bachelor’s degree from UMHB in professional studies in 2000.

Oliver Hernandez, son of Christian ‘15 and Loren ‘14 Hernandez.

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ALUMNI NOTES

DANIEL ROWE ‘09 | JASON GOINGS ‘94 | LAUREN WELLS ‘13

Dry Bones Come Alive

Three alumni decide to“replant” church to bring it back to life.

I

n 2015, Jason Goings ’94 felt called to go and “plant” a new church. As one of the associate pastors at First Baptist Belton, he was excited and began praying along with his wife, Kelly, for God to show them where he should go. They looked and prayed about places such as Vancouver, the United Kingdom, and Fort Collins. But little did he know that God had a place much closer to home in the works for him.

One day, while talking and praying with him, his senior

pastor suggested to Jason to “just plant here.” It was a bit of a surprise for Jason to think he should stay here, so he decided to drive around and pray about it. On his way back from Killeen one day, he turned his gaze toward Salado and felt God telling him that is where he needed to be looking.

Not long afterward, Jason ended up going to a conference with some friends who had also been praying for direction in his plans to plant a church. One of them was Daniel Rowe ’09, whom he had developed a good friendship with when they worked together at FBB. Thursday came, and Daniel was supposed to leave the conference early, but when he went to get on his plane, it was delayed and then eventually canceled. He reconvened with the group, and they continued to pray that night. When Daniel left on Friday, he ended up having to change seats— twice—and found himself sitting next to a man who wanted continued on page 30

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MEMORIAL GIFTS February 5, 2019 - June 3, 2019 Roy Adams Cynthia Moya Dorothy “Dottie” McDaniel Baird Dick and Kay Smith Archer Dr. Lee Baldwin Dr. Jerry and Vicky Bawcom Dr. Rebecca O’Banion Dr. and Mrs. Randy O’Rear Debbie Beaty Edna Jo Ramirez Ruth Knight Becker Marietta Parker Betty Donnelly Bell Ray Bell Beth Childress Joe and Minnie Abrego-Sanchez Eleanor Cooksey Kent Owens Dr. Kerry and Kathy Owens Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens

Virginia Hardwick Davis Caney Creek Chapel Members Nan Eldridge Pat McLeod James and Dianne Packard Miller Billie J. Suffling

Stan Henn Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens

Marjorie Rollins Dominy Dick and Kay Smith Archer Reverend Derald Dugger Carolyn Allison Owens

Delroy Johnson Dr. Jerry and Vicky Bawcom

Kim Dye Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens

Robert Kerr Dr. Michael and Carol Robinson

Pamela Hoelscher Finley Harrell Finley

Billie L. Latham Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens

Clifford Foster Dr. Bill and Lynn Johnston

Galen and Leala Jo Lindner Gayle Lindner

Linda Gwatney Fowler Robert and Edith Cornett King

Helena Isbell Marsh J. and Millie Marsh Jacoby

Dr. Ken Fox Ona Beth Withrow Fox

John and Alice Howard Minten Dorothy Minten Esther Minten Janie M. Minten

Jim Freeman Kent Owens Dr. Kerry and Kathy Owens Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens

Wanda Ward Crews Brookshire Insurance Agency Reginald and Tera McConnell Dr. and Mrs. Randy O’Rear Gayle Zischkale

Diane Elizabeth Gryseels Clif and Lil Abshier Janice Andrews Betty Sue Craven Beebe Sheryl Churchill Buckner Michael and Cathy

Burkett Cornelio Bruce and Debbie Ham Fletcher Dr. Helen Wilson Harris and

Mr. Don Harris Tom and Bonnie Ernst Hearon Sue Mayborn Julia Woodyard Nation Dr. Rebecca O’Banion Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens

Dr. Thomas and Ruth Moore Dannelley Thomas A. Dannelley Jr.

Shirley Cowan Sommer Jeff and Jen Sutton Jim and Jan Evans Thomas

James Hom A.C. and Shirley Brown Barfield-Cockerham Lucy Lin Hom Dr. Rebecca O’Banion Dr. and Mrs. Randy O’Rear Patricia Lockridge Shannon

Jim Covington Mark and Betty O’Hair Anderson Dr. Rebecca O’Banion Dr. and Mrs. Randy O’Rear

Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Edward and Dianne Rister H.D. and Nancy Walker Dennis and Jane Johnson Watson Julia Rister Williams

Caleb Benjamin Morgan Dr. Jerry and Vicky Bawcom Ronny Mucha Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Mary Frances Norwine Cynthia Moya Frank O’Banion Edna O’Banion Guy and Stephanie O’Banion Dr. Rebecca O’Banion Bruce and Rhonda O’Banion Roberts Beverly Paledeau Robert and Edith Cornett King

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Dr. Bobby Parker Michael and Cathy Burkett Cornelio Vicki Higgason McKay Glynda Sepulvado Parker Dick and Kay Smith Archer Dr. Sandra Oliver and

Dr. Ralph Matthews Roy Cochran Potts Mark and Betty O’Hair Anderson Judge James Clawson Jr. Griff and Kathy Lord Don and Linda Ringler

Marian Rosenblad Powers Walt and Pam Manly

Dry Bones continued from page 28

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Louis Stephen Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens

Dr. Robert Steinbauer Billy and Leslie Cross Ayuko Dani Beth Crosby

Jean Glover Young Marie Wallace

“Kelly and I prayed and prayed, and we just said, ‘This is it. We are supposed to replant this church,’” Jason said. “I never would have mapped this out. It was so beyond anything I can imagine.”

pastor of administration; and Lauren Wells ’13 joined as the part-time children’s minister in March 2018, after she felt the Holy Spirit’s call to serve there as well.

When Jason started at Grace Salado, there were only about 30 people left in the pews. Now, Sunday morning attendance averages about 160.

Jason attributes the growth to having a vision for the church and the “energy, excitement, and optimism” God has given him to take a leap of faith to replant a dying church.

“Our vision is simple—based on three Es,” he said. “We want to help people encounter the living God. We want to equip them with truth by just teaching the Bible, and we want to engage others. That’s it. I just stick to the scripture and not try to recreate the Bible. That’s all we want to be about.”

“

to make “small talk.”

“The man had been at the same conference and told me they were looking for a pastor for their church in Salado,” Daniel said. “They had been looking for a while and were coming up empty and were ready to close the doors.”

It seemed like a divine intervention! On a day Daniel was not supposed to be flying, in a seat he wasn’t supposed to be sitting in, he found himself next to an elder from Grace Church Salado—a church in desperate need of a pastor. When Daniel got off the plane, he couldn’t wait to talk to Jason. This was the place they were supposed to go! He was convinced that God’s plan wasn’t for them to “plant” a new church, but to breathe new life into a dying church.

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Glenn Clinton Sanders Baylor Scott & White Medical

Center Lakewood Dr. Jerry and Vicky Bawcom Betty Sue Craven Beebe Jim and Jeannie Carnes James Dobbs The Hope Sunday School Class Walt and Pam Manly Dr. Rebecca O’Banion Dr. and Mrs. Randy O’Rear Carl and Lucille Purfurst Carl and Merlyn Ritchie Patricia Lockridge Shannon

We want to help people encounter the living God. We want to equip them with truth by just teaching the Bible, and we want to engage others.—Jason Goings ’94

Jason started as Grace Church Salado’s pastor in October 2016; Daniel followed part-time in March 2017 and now serves as associate

Laura Faye Shaw Stewart Dr. Jerry and Vicky Bawcom Maria Taylor Dr. Michael and Carol Robinson Emma Vann Joe Bunch Hilda O’Dell Yeldell Rev. Ed and Ann Spivey

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HONORARY GIFTS Dorothy Jane Bush Aiken

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OPPORTUNITY

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Dr. Amy Turner Mersiovsky Dr. Aida Smith Sapp

Dr. Helen Wilson Harris Jim and Jan Evans Thomas Diane Gryseels

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ALUMNI L I F E

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W

hen Natalie Russ started looking at colleges her junior year of high school, she had two musthaves in mind: the school had to have a “really good nursing program and a good soccer program.”

UMHB checked off those two boxes plus so many more–it was also close to home, small enough to not feel “lost in the crowd,” and it had a Christian atmosphere.

“It really was a dream!” said Natalie, who grew up in Salado.

“I didn’t realize I would be able to find a college to fit so many things I wanted, and that it would be right here in Belton.”

Natalie was going to be the first person in her family to go to college. Not wanting to burden her parents with college debt, she knew she had to find a way to help pay for school.

“I didn’t know how we were going to afford coming here,” she said. “So I went to UMHB and told them my story, and they were able to help me make it happen. I was super excited!

UMHB obviously cares about you personally, and they prove that by doing as much as they can for you, to ensure that financially you can come here and stay here.”

Natalie wanted to take advantage of everything UMHB offered. She played soccer her first two years before suffering injuries, and went on three mission trips to South Asia. She graduated in December with a degree in nursing and is working in the emergency department at Baylor Scott & White in Temple.

“I probably wouldn’t have my dream job today if I hadn’t come to the UMHB nursing program or gotten the money to come here. Thank you!”

Natalie Russ '18 Nursing Salado, Texas

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