Homecoming at Home
Although Homecoming looked a l i t t l e d i f f e r e n t t h i s y e a r, a l u m n i celebrated in st yle!
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PA PROGR AM L AUNCHES ● UMHB' S BIGGEST FANS ● BURT HALL TURNS 100
B I G P I C T U R E | D r. S h aw n S h a n n o n unve i l s a s p e c i a l d i s p l ay c e l e b rat i n g 10 0 ye a r s o f t h e B a p t i s t St u d e n t M i n i s t r y at U M H B . S h a n n o n wa s t h e d i r e c to r o f t h e BS M at U M H B f o r 18 ye a r s . St a n d i n g to h e r l e f t i s D a n i e l M c Af e e , w h o wa s a p p o i n te d a s t h e n e w d i r e c to r i n A u g u s t 2019. T h e d i s p l ay i s l o c ate d i n s i d e t h e B awc o m St u d e n t U n i o n .
UMHBLIFE W I N T E R 2 021 | V O L U M E 41, N U M B ER 2 PRESIDENT Randy O’Rear, Ed.D. EDITOR-IN- CHIEF Rebecca O'Banion, Ed.D. EDITOR Christi Mays GR APHIC DESIGNER Lauren Mendias PHOTOGR APHERS Blair Dupre ’18 Gavin Green ’20 Randy Yandell ’99 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 umhb.edu/life
Letters and comments can be sent to: umhblife@umhb.edu
Please send any change of personal information to: Alumni Relations UMHB Box 8427 2 CollegeUMHB 900 Street LIFE Belton, Texas 76513
Or update online: umhb.edu/alumni alumni@umhb.edu
UMHBLIFE W I N T E R 2 0 2 1 | VOLUME 41, NUMBER 2
D E P A R T M E N T S
3 | C A M P US L I F E Mayborn College of Health Sciences launches Master of Science in Physician Assistant program.
9 | AT H L E T I C S UMHB athletic department administrators to transition into new roles.
F E A T U R E S U M H B B I GG ES T FA N S |10 Hard-core Cru devotees share title as "UMHB's Biggest Fan." B R I D G I N G T H E G A P |14 Occupational therapy creates new program to teach work skills to young adults with disabilities. 10 0 Y E A R S O F M E M O R I ES |18 Burt Hall celebrates 100th birthday.
O N T H E COV E R | H o m e c o m i n g 2020 f e l l o n t h e 175t h anniversar y of UMHB. Helping celebrate are, from lef t, Hannah Br yant, Caleb G u e n t h e r, L e a h Ty n e r, a n d N a t a l i e Smith.
Photo by Kaysie Sparks
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Calendar of Events COLLEGE OF VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS
Art Exhibits
Andru Anderson: The Misconception of Experimental Film & Video Jan. 11 - Feb. 5 Was God Dead? Biblical Imagination in German Expressionist Prints Feb. 15 - March 12 Commentary with Dr. Sarah Andyshak Feb. 15 at 5:00 PM UMHB Student Art Competition March 25 - April 16 UMHB Senior Exhibits April 19 - May 8 Baugh Center for the Visual Arts
Music Events
TSO Chamber Ensemble Feb. 19, 7:30 PM Baugh Performance Hall
Wind Ensemble April 14, 4:00 PM on King Street
One Voice Concert March 5, 7:30 PM Baugh Performance Hall
Opera Muscial Theatre Revue April 16, 7:30 PM Baugh Performance Hall
Brass Ensemble Concert March 11, 12:15 PM on King Street TSO Chamber Ensemble March 26, 7:30 PM Baugh Performance Hall Women's Chorus Concert Chamber Cohorts April 7, 12:15 PM Baugh Performance Hall
Jazz Ensemble Concert April 20, 4:00 PM on King Street Percussion Ensemble Concert April 23, 12:15 PM Baugh Performance Hall Dean Series: Jonathan M. Gary, organ April 23, 7:30 PM Baugh Performance Hall
Concert Choir Chamber Cohorts April 26, 12:15 PM Baugh Performance Hall One Voice April 28, 4:00 PM on King Street Event dates and timesare subject to change.
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.
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New physician assistant program launches This January, UMHB is one step closer in its quest to becoming a leader in health sciences with the launch of a Master of Science in Physician Assistant degree—the only MSPA available between Dallas and San Antonio. Forty students from all over the state and from as far away as California make up the first PA cohort in the 28-month program. PAs work as an extension of the physician, diagnosing illness, developing and managing treatment plans, prescribing medications, and often serving as a patient’s primary healthcare provider. “There is a huge need right now for practitioners in general, and for mid-level practitioners to extend the workforce,” said Wendi Stewart, founding director and associate professor for the physician assistant program, which is part of the Mayborn College of Health Sciences. “We are very excited and honored to be adding this program.” Since PA programs focus on patient education, preventive care, and chronic care management, practitioners can provide a wide spectrum of patient care, allowing graduates to practice in various areas, which helps improve healthcare access. “There is very limited access in a lot of the rural areas in Central Texas, and there’s a huge need for healthcare providers,” Stewart said. The program is a competitive field in which to enter; it’s rated as the No. 2 “Best Healthcare Job in the US,” and is listed as the No. 3 “Best Jobs in the US,” according to US News and World Report for 2020. “It’s a lucrative job and has a lot of flexibility,” Stewart said. “It’s not specific to one field. When students
graduate, they can go to work in one field, such as OB/GYN, and then switch to another field, such as pediatrics." To get the hundreds of hours in that are required to become a PA, the daily 8-to-5 program is fast-paced and intense. “Our curriculum is very heavy. For example, a four-year undergraduate degree is typically 120 credits; our program is over in 28 months and delivers 120 credits,” said Stewart, who joined UMHB three years ago to develop the curriculum and to work on the accreditation process. The first 12 months consists of inclass work in basic sciences, anatomy and physiology, clinical diseases, pharmacology, diagnostics, and patient assessment, followed by 16 months of clinical rotations in family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, OB/GYN, behavioral and mental health, emergency medicine, surgery, and three electives. Dr. Colin Wilborn, executive dean for the Mayborn College of Health Sciences, says he is incredibly proud of the work faculty and staff have given
to earn accreditation, which is a rigorous, multi-year process. “It took an immense amount of work from many people to accomplish this goal and be able to start our program this year,” he said. The PA program was initially discussed in 2011. “In 2013, we decided to focus our attention on our physical therapy program first, and in 2017 made the decision to move forward with building the PA program,” he said. “The teamwork and unity I witnessed throughout this process was incredible and a perfect reminder of how God works through the faculty and staff here at UMHB.” The PA program is one of several new programs UMHB has added to its health sciences offerings over the last few years. The Doctor of Physical Therapy program began in 2015, followed by the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in January of 2020. The new Cru Community Clinic also opened this past fall, providing pro bono physical therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling services to community members in need. CAMPUS L I F E
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n 2020, UMHB celebrated its 175th anniversary. Our hope was to join together and celebrate in true UMHB fashion at Homecoming 2020, but unfortunately, with social distancing recommendations and limitations, that was not possible. However, we had a special new and exciting way for alumni to celebrate with us! Over 400 “Homecoming in a Box” kits were sent to alumni all over the country, and families spent the day decorating cakes to celebrate from home.
Happy
175 Years UMHB!
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Homecoming looked a little different this year! Thank you @umhbalumni for the fun box and chance to still celebrate! —Ashley Oliver '08
( ( Happy #UMHBHOCO2020!! HOMEcoming at HOME!! —Torie McNeil '20
HOMECOMING IN A BOX UMHB alums made great memories decorating their creative confections. Pictured top left, Haven, Hadleigh, and Hunter, children of Hayley Meyer '07; top right, Natalie and Avery, daughters of Ted '02 and Allison Smith '01. bottom left, Addie, Ben, and Beau, children of Amber Pugh '01, with Ashley Oliver's '08 little one in the middle, Sawyer; bottom center, Torie McNeil '20; and Mia Casey '09, Jodi Bartlett '11, and Judy Carpenter. 4
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UMHB HOCO2020
Crusaders Truly
"Take the Cake!" this Homecoming!
Casey Barnes '07 We've got our party hats ready for Homecoming At Home!
Melissa Ford Williams '07 Celebrating #umhbhoco2020 by participating in the #crucakeoff @umhbalumni
Have your cake and eat it too! UMHB alumni donned their aprons and got out their mixers to mix up and decorate these delicious and beautiful masterpieces in the first Cru Cake-Off. There were so many scrumptious creations—some too pretty to eat!.
Ever thankful for our past, into the future we will go.
Sara Skaggs '03 We got our homecoming box from @umhbalumni last night, and the first thing the kids said when they go in the car after school was "can we go home and make the cake?? PU-LEEZE!!??" Thanks for the super fun box, and for finding a way to bring us all together even during a crazy year.
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Adapting to learning in the age of COVID Students voice their take on the new, innovative CRUflex hybrid learning system in 2020
After COVID-19 caused UMHB to move classes to an online format last spring, the new CRUflex hybrid learning approach offered students multiple ways to complete courses. Students could either attend class in person, attend class virtually, or watch a video of the taped class at a more convenient time. Many students even chose to combine modes of accessing classes. Student feelings about how CRUflex is working lean both pro and con. Junior nursing major Addie Ray had a few positive notes about CRUflex. “I feel like professors have done a good job getting the information to us,” Addie said. “We have certain times we can go to class, or you could listen to a live Zoom meeting or a recording.” Senior criminal justice major and US Army Cadet Alexandria Dalle agrees. “CRUflex is convenient in the way
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that I can create my own schedule and can watch the videos when I have time, rather than having to be present during class time,” she said. This has made her days more efficient, especially because she is also an athlete. With school, her duties with ROTC, and softball, she said she has a full plate. “CRUflex enables me to do everything I need to in a time frame that works for me,” she said. Alexandria said the flexibility CRUflex offers helped her keep up-to-date in her courses during the spring semester, a crucial reason for its design. CRUflex was proactively created to be flexible enough for quarantines and other possible school interruptions. “CRUflex was vital to my quarantining,” Alexandria said. “Otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to go to school. I probably would have had to
take an incomplete because missing two weeks in college is something you can’t really make up.” Senior public relations major Kailyn Strain also appreciates the hybrid approach. “It helps because I don’t have to go to class, so I’m not bouncing around on campus,” she said. “So, I have the energy to actually keep alert.” Junior speech major Carissa Flores likes that she can watch her classes at a later time. “I had to get a second job to pay for school, and so I’m able to watch it after it happens and talk with my professors more,” she said. Being able to review a class is what sophomore Daniel Richardson, a Christian ministry major, appreciates about CRUflex. “It’s nice to be able to review lectures I didn’t entirely understand or missed part of,” he said. However, Daniel also points to a motivation problem because when attendance is not required, he says it can be more challenging to find the energy to go to class. Alexandria also noted that she appreciates being able to see upcoming assignments in CRUflex. “You are able to see all of your assignments, readings, and notes in one spot,” she said. “That is beneficial.” Contributed by Cole Garner and Dakota Powell
ROTC pre-nursing sophomore Bernadette Rivera takes notes as Dr. Kerry Owens teaches his Public Speaking class in Davidson Hall. Sitting six feet apart on each side are pre-nursing major and cross country athlete Justin Miller and freshman Christian studies major Ashley Moore. Courtesy photo by Rebecca McEntee
Stock Market Game Students get real-time, hands-on experience in investing Investing $1 million in the stock market isn’t something most college students have the luxury of doing. But thanks to the Stock Market Game, each fall, UMHB students have an opportunity to do just that without losing any “real” money. Participants enter the game on a two-person team, and this year there were 41 teams signed up. Each team got a virtual $1 million to invest in the stock market simulator, which uses real-time stock prices for purchases and tracks the actual increase or decrease in value. The team with the highest value in their portfolio at the end of the game wins. “The stock market game is some of the most efficient pedagogy happening at the university,” said Larry Locke, associate dean for McLane College of Business. “Students learn a tremendous amount about how the equity market works, what drives stock
prices, how equity trading works, how yield is impacted by trades, etc., with zero investment of class time.” While the money that students invest is virtual, the top three teams received real cash prizes. Winning $500 for first place was senior finance major Kody Allen and senior management and international business major Sean Reid. Second place, winning $300, was Rebecca Cook and Michael Orta; and third place, winning $100, was Anastasia Hood and Keanu Hood. “Our strategy revolved around creating a diversified portfolio with a balance of blue chip and growth stocks,” said Kody. “The contest was definitely a good experience, I learned a lot about the markets, and it provided me with a healthy distraction from school.” Dr. Robb Cabaniss, an instructor of finance, said he thinks the game
provides a great lesson for students since there are risks involved in buying and selling stocks, and not everyone comes out profitable. “The goal is not to simply see who gets the biggest short-term gain, but rather to expose students to the process of buying and selling equities, having them thinking about and determining what are good or bad companies to invest in, and learning how to research information about companies.” Locke said the game is made possible with support from the Daniel Group and has become an institutional tradition since at least 2012. “I routinely include a description of the stock market contest when recruiting students for our college, and invariably, the students are excited that we have it,” Locke said. Sean said both he and Kody competed last year and used the skills they learned to be the top contenders this year. “We also learned more about how the markets respond to different situations,” he said. “It was definitely fun and quite the learning experience, especially with COVID-19 and the election happening simultaneously.” Though the markets were down this year, Cabaniss said that winning teams typically gain 25 to 30 percent in value over the month and a half the game is played. “I’m always proud of students when they take ownership of their learning and use creative strategies to solve a problem, or in this case, make a profit,” he said. McLane College of Business Dean, Dr. Ken Smith, stands with Bryan Daniel of the Daniel Group who hands winning certificates to Kody Allen (left photo) and Sean Reid (right photo).
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Tapping into technology New student organization leads to new class, new blog Gaining valuable hands-on experience can be challenging for students while they’re in school full time. It’s one of the things senior sport management major Jonathan Fish says students worry about: “Employers are looking for someone with years of experience. If I am in school for four years, how am I supposed to get experience?” Thanks to a new student organization—which led to the creation of a new class, which led to creating a new website with blogging, podcasting, and vlogging capabilities—he has more opportunities at his fingertips to get leadership experience and published materials to beef up his resume. It all started when a new student organization—the Sport Industry Alliance (SIA)—was conceptualized in the fall of 2019. From that, the idea grew for a new class—EXSS 3315 Sport and Media Technology. And from the class, the Sport Industry Alliance website and blog were created.
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The student-led SIA focuses on providing students with information, experiences, and resources to prepare them for careers in the sport industry. “It provides leadership opportunities specifically aimed at sport management students,” said Dr. Lester J. Sombito, assistant professor and sport management program coordinator in the School of Exercise and Sport Science. “We are still in the infancy phase and experiencing some growing that we need to do as far as the branding of the organization,” said Sombito, adding that around 12 students have joined the SIA. “We’ve had great student leadership, and we’re planning to take it on every semester and continue to push it forward.” Sombito said the idea to create a new course developed from the student organization to give students a better understanding of how media has evolved from old media to new media in this new digital age. “We’re bridging the gap between practitioners in the industry and providing a platform for the students to be able to create content on the SIA website,” he said. The opportunities are endless with the new website, which gives students a medium to share their knowledge, explore new subjects or areas they love, and possibly even build a future career. “They can learn to create their own blog or create their own website that reflects an area they are passionate about, like maybe statistics,” Sombito said. “It allows students to pursue their passions in areas that they want to learn about, and it also allows them to exercise those passions to see where they can lead.” The new platform also gives students an avenue to share research through a practical application, which isn’t always easy.
“It allows students to pursue their passions in areas that they want to learn about, and it also allows them to exercise those passions to see where they can lead.” —Dr. Lester J. Sombito
“It’s important for us to help students understand not just the practical aspects of how they can use the platform for learning, but we can also connect it to research, which plays a part in helping push the industry forward,” he said. For a class assignment, Jonathan had to find interesting research articles and then contact the researcher and interview him. After reading up on researching techniques and aspects of research, he called a researcher at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel. Jonathan interviewed him and created a podcast to share on the new website. “I thought it was really cool for him to connect to the other side of the world and be able to create this podcast,” Sombito said. “It allows them to make connections with people who are researching within the industry.” Sombito said creating the blog and podcast for the new website is just the beginning of what he hopes the tools will become, and says the website will continue to evolve. “I’m happy the students are trusting in this new adventure and this new class,” he said.
UMHB A T H L E T I C S
Transition of leadership UMHB Athletic Department Administrators to transition into new roles this year Starting June 1, two athletic department administrators will transition into new roles. Current Vice President for Athletics Randy Mann will step aside from that role and return to the position of manager for athletics events. Current UMHB Associate Dean of Exercise and Sport Science and Faculty Athletic Representative Dr. Mickey Kerr '80 will move into the vice president for athletics role. Mann has been the Cru’s vice president for athletics since 2012 and has worked in the athletic department since 1999. He joined the university as head men’s golf coach and led the Cru to its first American Southwest Conference Championship in 2001. He went on to win three ASC titles and lead the Cru men to their first NCAA Division III National Championship appearance before being promoted to associate athletic director in 2008. He was promoted to vice president for athletics in May of 2012. During his tenure, the Cru has won a football national championship, women’s golf team and individual national championship, and 17 ASC championships. Mann sent six different programs to at least the round of 16 in the NCAA Division III National Championships. UMHB Athletics has also served as the host institution for five NCAA championships since Mann took over. The Cru also added varsity programs in men’s and women’s cross
Randy Mann and Dr. Mickey Kerr country, acrobatics and tumbling, and beach volleyball, and added a strength and conditioning program. During his tenure, he also saw several facility expansions and the opening of Crusader Stadium. The new role allows him to transition back into a job he truly loves and will also give Mann and his wife, Caroline, more flexibility to spend time with their three children and two grandchildren. “This is a move I have been considering for some time, and I really feel like God opened a door to give me this opportunity,” Mann said. “Randy’s investment in studentathletes has been significant,” said UMHB Senior Vice President for Administration and Chief Operating Officer Dr. Steve Theodore. “UMHB’s name is known around the country, in large part, because of our athletic success.” Dr. Mickey Kerr will assume the role of vice president for athletics in June after spending the last 19 years teaching in the Mayborn College of Health Sciences’ School of Exercise and Sport Science. Kerr has been an athlete, coach, and faculty athletic representative
for UMHB in addition to his tenure as a professor. Kerr was a four-year letter winner for the UMHB baseball team before graduating in 1980 with a degree in business administration. He was head coach of the Cru baseball program from 1981-83 and won the Big State Conference Championship in 1983. He returned to the program in 1994 as an assistant coach before taking over again as head coach from 1997-2001. Kerr won 130 games in his two stints as head coach before moving into academics full-time following the 2001 season. He helped start UMHB’s Sport Management program and also currently serves as associate dean and director of UMHB’s MS in Sport Administration program. “I am humbled and excited for the privilege to return to Crusader Athletics and to follow the distinguished leadership established by Randy Mann,” Kerr said. “I am grateful to our administration for the opportunity to work with the finest athletic department and a staff of coaches renowned for their expectation of excellence.” Contributed by Jon Wallin
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FANDOM AT ITS FINEST UMHB super-fans include, clockwise from left, Nicholas "Nick" Jones with some of his office memorabilia; Nate and Ashley Fagnant with their new twin daughters, Adalynn Baylor and Braelynn Sader; and Jimmy and Lindsey Torres with their daughter, Calahan Cru and their dog, Sader.
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here are countless hard-core Cru devotees out there who claim the title as “UMHB’s Biggest Fan.” Their closets are bursting with purple and gold gear, they sip only from Crusader coffee mugs, and they are seen on campus every time the stadium gates are open. However, there are a few mega-fans out there who may truly merit that moniker due to their unbounded devotion to their beloved alma mater. Take Nicholas “Nick” Jones '07, '14, for example. When it comes to collecting UMHB memorabilia for his office, he’s gone to great lengths to acquire his myriad of treasures, including engaging in a little dumpster diving. “I found a yellow Crusader Stadium seat behind the stadium in a dumpster. I sure wasn’t going to pass
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that up!” said Nick, who promotes UMHB to potential students as the associate director of admissions and recruiting. His office bookshelves are jam-packed with UMHB collectibles, including some once-in-a-lifetime finds, like a brochure used in 1895 to solicit money for the school, which was at the time called Baylor Female College. “Frankly, the older, the better,” he said of his rare finds, for which he scours eBay every few days or so. “In my opinion, stuff that has been sitting around is what I like best.” His treasures from the “good ol’ days” include graduation announcements from 1895 and 1945 he has prominently displayed on his office wall, and a graduation invitation from Baylor Academy, a preparatory school that was part of Baylor Female College until the 1930s. One item which he slightly obsesses in finding, but has eluded him for the last 10 years, is the July 21, 1967, Time Magazine issue, which features an ad for Mary Hardin-Baylor. He’s found copies of the issue, but they were printed for other regions of the country and used other ads. He has yet to find this region’s ad. “I have been looking for it for a decade,” said the UMHB super-fan. “I will pay good money if I can ever find it, and my usual price range will definitely be exceeded on that!”
ALL IN THE NAME Some people who love UMHB say they “bleed purple and gold.” But for the mega-fan, some say it may actually be in their DNA. Like the two couples who proclaim their love for UMHB runs so deep that they named their children after it. Jimmy '04 and Lindsey Torres '03 of Belton named their fourth child Calahan Cru, who is 6, and Nate '14 and Ashley Fagnant '15 of Tomball named their twin daughters, Adalynn Baylor and Braelynn Sader, who were born Oct. 7 at 26 weeks. Both couples met their spouses at UMHB and say that because their lives started there, they wanted to
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carry out their love of this special place in their daughters’ names. “My first year here was a rocky road for me,” said Jimmy, who played football at UMHB. He is now the owner of Vista Real Estate, one of the largest real estate firms in Central Texas. “Without UMHB, I definitely would not be where I am today. It holds a special place in my heart.” For Nate and Ashley, they initially were looking at family names for their daughters’, but couldn’t agree, so they started looking back to the place they fell in love. “We met at UMHB and started our lives there together, so it just meant a lot to us—the school and all the values it instilled in us,” said Nate. “So, we started thinking about Belton and UMHB. We couldn’t think of a better way of bringing the place we met into their story.”
MAN’S BEST FRIEND The day Belton resident Brett Turner '04 of Belton rescued his furry friend—a “Heinz 57 hound dog” found abandoned and half-starved—he knew the sweet pooch needed a memorable name. “When I saw pictures of him, he was about starved to death,” Brett said. “Talk about pulling at the heartstrings when I saw this little puppy and how malnourished he was. It was a miracle that he survived!” He and his wife, Allison '04, who met at UMHB, thought it would be special to name their new family member something UMHB-related. “When you name a dog, you want to think of a good name—something that’s special to you,” he said. “So, I was dead set on naming him ‘Pete,’ after (Head Football Coach) Pete Fredenburg.” His wife didn’t think that was a great idea naming a dog after one of the “best football coaches ever,” so they both agreed to call Brett’s new buddy, “Cru Sader Turner.” “He is the most well-behaved, calm dog,” Brett said. “Our friends and family are just blown away at how good of a dog he turned out to be. Since I live in a house with two daughters, my wife, and another female dog, I’ve finally got another male in the house. He’s my buddy!”
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Rose, who is in her 20th year at Leon Heights, has a picture on her wall with students from one of her first classes. She proudly points to a boy and girl who ended up graduating from UMHB; the boy was a football player, and the girl, a cheerleader. “It just makes me so happy and proud that those kids went there,” she said. Her friends, family, and student teachers, many of whom are from UMHB, don’t have any problems trying to find gifts for her for Christmas. “I guess I’m just proud of where I came from, and I want to display as much UMHB stuff as I can!”
THE “CRU DEN”
CRU AFICIONADOS Top left, Brett and Allison Turner with their fur baby, Cru Sader; bottom left, schoolteacher Rose Morales in her UMHB-themed classroom; and above, Billy J. Moore Sr. in his "Cru Den."
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM When your favorite color is purple, and you go to UMHB, it's a win-win for mega-fans like Rose Morales, who graduated in December 2000. “I just love everything about UMHB!” said Rose, a first-grade teacher at Leon Heights Elementary School in Belton. And it’s not hard to guess that she is a UMHB enthusiast when you step into her classroom. The bookshelves are painted purple. Her curtains are purple. Her computer is purple. Her lamp, clock, and fan are purple. She drinks from a purple Yeti. Her shoes, shoelaces, watchband, necklace, earrings, and mask are—you guessed it—purple. “Each new school year I have a couple of students who notice my UMHB stuff because they have parents who work there, so those kids immediately recognize it when they come into my room,” she said. “If they don’t know about UMHB, I tell them about it, and I read them the UMHB alumni book, Someday, We’ll Go to UMHB.”
Billy J. Moore Sr. has never missed a UMHB home football game since the program started in 1998. He only knows of two other people who share that bragging right. “I’ve been a lifelong sports fanatic, and I just love UMHB,” he said. He grew up in Waco, watching the Baylor University football games as a kid. He and his brother volunteered to park cars so they could get into the games for free. Billy graduated from UMHB in 1984, followed by his wife, Glenda, in 1985. Two of their three children also graduated from UMHB. Billy started collecting UMHB memorabilia years ago and displayed as much of it as he could in a bedroom corner, but the rest was tucked away in boxes in the closet. After his children moved out, he decided to turn an extra bedroom into his “Cru Den”—a UMHB version of a “man cave.” The first thing he did was paint the room dark purple with complementary yellow baseboards. He pulled all his treasures out of the closet to display proudly on the walls and shelves along the top of the room. His prize possessions include an artist drawing of Coach Fredenburg when he was inducted into the Texas Hall of Fame and a framed photo of the “famous catch” from the 2016 championship. With a game playing on the TV anytime he’s home, Billy admits he enjoys having the room dedicated to his favorite team. “I think it turned out pretty well, and the purple has definitely grown to be one of my favorites!”
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Occupational therapy creates new program to teach work skills to young adults with disabilities BY C HR I S T I M A Y S
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ighteen-year-old Sean Morris loves working at Moe’s Southwest Grill at Hardy Hall. Every Monday morning, before the first customers arrive, he helps arrange the chairs around the tables. He’s learned how to clean windows, wipe down counters, bag up fresh tortilla chips, and wash dishes, although that is definitely not his
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favorite task. But what he really loves more than anything is making guacamole. “My favorite thing is to work in the back and make guacamole. I like going home and making it for my family,” said Sean, who hopes to one day get a “paid” job in a restaurant. Sean is part of the new Cru Work Skills program, which serves individuals 18 and older with diagnoses like autism spectrum disorder, Down’s syndrome, intellectual disability, and learning disability. As an extension of the Cru Community Clinic, Cru Work Skills was developed by the UMHB Occupational Therapy Department to provide “Cru Members” with valuable skills to help
them get jobs, said Dr. Amanda Frias, assistant professor. "Our OT students provide adaptations, modify how activities are done or learned, identify needed supports to overcome barriers, and provide recommendations that can help these individuals be more successful in a paid job down the road,” Frias said. The Cru Members that are part of the program work two- to three-hour shifts, engaging in typical work duties with other Moe’s employees. “As they gain new skills, they begin completing them more independently,” she said. “Each Cru Member has individualized goals based on their
specific needs and what they are hoping to accomplish, which help to guide the activities." The new program also provides OT students observation opportunities and will be used as an integral component of the second-year curriculum to help students gain hands-on experience and have a better understanding of community-based practice. “Everyone coming into the Cru Work Skills program has different vocational goals. Some want Occupational therapy student, Crystal Mandudi, helps Cru Work Skills student, Chase Loveless, with a guacamole recipe, while Sean Morris prepares tomatoes for the dish.
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OT students help the Cru Members in three main areas of focus: 1.
Learning hard work skills (such as cleaning tables, washing dishes, prepping food, using the register).
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Learning soft work skills (such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, understanding the structure of a work environment).
3.
Learning self-determination skills (skills that help these individuals determine their own direction, such as being able to state their needs, asking for help, and understanding when and how to disclose their disability to an employer). to work with animals; others want to work in the service industry,” Frias said. “Regardless, the soft work skills and self-determination skills are relevant across the board.” Once students graduate from the program, they will be given a list of skills they achieved and any suitable accommodations that could be helpful in increasing success with a future employer.
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Frias says her next step in developing the new program is to find local businesses that are willing to hire individuals with disabilities so that those who graduate have direct access to employers. “By developing these relationships with local businesses, we not only increase the employment rate of adults with disabilities but also increase awareness of the general public of the reasonable accommodations that can be made,” she said. Frias was thrilled when Sodexo, which provides food services on campus, agreed to partner with OT to allow Cru Members to work at Moe’s. “They have been incredibly helpful to us and have made the Cru Members feel welcome and a part of the Moe’s team,” she said. Employers don’t always realize it, but individuals with disabilities are often fantastic employees, she added. “They are often dedicated to their work, loyal to the employers, and they want to make a difference in their community,” Frias said. “These are excellent qualities in an employee, but the process for success may just look a little different. We hope to bridge that gap.” Although many of the seven Cru Members found the Cru Work Skills program through Belton
MAKING AN IMPACT Far left, Cru Work Skills Director Dr. Amanda Frias shows Tyler Parker how to work the register; middle, occupational therapy students Sherry Thomas and Alexa Chapa work with Audra Magre; and above, Cru Work Skills student Cooper Kolodziejczyk makes the window at Moe's Southwest Grill sparkle.
ISD’s Delta 18+ program, Frias said any adult in the community who has a disability can enroll in the program, which is free. “Many people are aware of services and resources available for children with disabilities; however, there is much less available for people once they age out of the system,” Frias said. “The local community does have some resources for adults with disabilities, but we could always use more.” First-year OT student Sherry Thomas said she is enjoying getting a chance to work with real clients and seeing them progress with just a little help. “The first time I saw Audra (Magre, 19), she needed maximum assistance with a lot of different things like initiating the task and staying focused on the task,” Sherry said. “After three weeks, she made tons of progress. She was doing things on her own and initiating tasks. It feels awesome that we’re making an impact in someone else’s life!” Sherry said working with clients this early in her OT program will help her next year when she starts clinicals and will work with OT patients. “This definitely makes me feel more comfortable and confident for when I will be seeing official patients as a practitioner,” she said. Frias said one of the things they teach each Cru
Member is about their diagnosis and how to ask their employer for assistance. “In order to be successful, that is something we work on a lot because some of the students don’t even know what their diagnosis is.” she said. Nichole Fritz, a teacher in the Delta 18+ program, has enjoyed partnering with OT and having a place like Moe’s where her students can learn real-life work skills. “My students are learning how to work for more than just an hour or two without needing a break,” she said. “A lot of them, at first, would only work 30 minutes, and then they would want to stop. That’s not going to work when they have a paid job. We’re teaching them to be aware of time, when their breaks are, and how to be self-starters when they go back to work.” Since the Cru Work Skills program began this past August, Frias said it is going well, and she sees the potential for future growth. “I’m excited to be helping these students develop brand new skills that will hopefully develop into paid employment,” she said. “Working and contributing to my community is a major part of my identity and brings me joy. Everyone deserves that opportunity, and I’m happy to contribute to that!”
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100 Years of
Memories
Burt Hall has been home to 20,000 women over last century BY CHRISTI MAYS
V
icki Higgason McKay '71 has a lot of fond memories from the days she lived in Burt Hall. One of her favorites is finishing up The Bells newspaper late into the morning with her friends, Delia Quintanilla '70 and Janis Foster Singletary '71, who also called Burt "home.� "We had an office in Presser Hall and worked on the paper there during the day. But curfew was at 10 p.m. on weeknights, so to finish the paper, we would take everything back to our rooms in Burt and finish typing stories and writing headlines," Vicki said. "We would be up until 3 or 3:30 in the morning. We wrote some of the funniest headlines in Burt Hall!" Delia's room was directly over the resident director, Ms. Guinn's parlor, so the trio had to keep the noise down, Vicki recalled. "She could hear us through the air conditioner's pipes and would bang on her ceiling if we were too loud," she said. "We had a good time and worked late into the night, which was also against the rules." This past October 15, Vicki and her Burt pals, along with other former residents, celebrated Burt Hall's 100th birthday through virtual reunions and a live-stream unveiling of a permanent display inside the Burt lobby. The display features artifacts, old photos, and the hall's history. Burt Hall was built in 1920 and named for Mr. and Mrs. R.E. Burt, who initially donated $100,000 to build the women's dorm, which was architecturally ahead of its time, and advertised to be "fireproof." The insuite bath design was almost unheard of for a college residence hall at that time and was later copied by other colleges. The three-story building was renovated in 1990 and houses 170 freshmen women, making it the largest all-female hall on campus. Located just off the central quad area, Burt has served as a "home away from home" for roughly 20,000 women over the last century. When Mary Jane (Robnett) Ramsey moved into Burt, it was in 1945, just after World War II and the Great Depression. She traveled from South Texas to Belton with a friend and lived in Burt Hall from 1945 to 1947. Even though she left UMHB after two years to go to a different school, she
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A LOOK BACK AT BURT So many memories have been made at Burt Hall in the century it has been called "home" to women attending UMHB. These photos capture a day in the life, including girls studying, gathering for snacks, dating, building a snowman, toothbrushing parties and even, top middle, a late-night work session on the school newspaper, The Bells.
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“I always wanted to create a community, so we named ourselves 'Burt Babes.' Parents were always kind of concerned about the term, but I explained to them that since the residents are freshmen, they're the babies on campus.” — Rebeka Retta
has fond memories of living in Burt Hall. "We had only one telephone in Burt, so if we got a call, they would send someone out to tell us," Mary said. "We'd have to run downstairs to the office. If the call was from a boyfriend, and if other people knew, they would go and listen to what you were talking about." Most girls weren't allowed to live off campus back then unless their families were local. Only the upperclassmen were allowed to have cars, but they were scarce back then anyway. Because the Great Depression had recently ended, many supplies were hard to find, and certain items were still being rationed, she recalled, "but we still had to wear hose and heels when we walked to church." "They were very strict with us back then," Mary said. "We had to get permission from our family if we wanted to date someone, and if we went out, it had to be a triple date. We also had students who would monitor us to make sure we were in our rooms by curfew, and we were reported if we weren't. They also made sure we went to Chapel." If a student was "acting out," she said the parents
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were called, and if a student got caught "smoking, drinking, or going to any night clubs or social dancing, she was kicked out of school." "No boys were allowed in Burt, so if there were any men in the halls, like maintenance workers, we would yell, 'Man on the floor!'" Mary said. Even though it's been 45 years, Vonie Hopkins '75 still remembers her room number was 238. Since it was one of the smaller rooms, she ended up having the entire place to herself, which was nice, she admitted. Her room was near one of the massive slides on the end that served as fire escapes. Vonie said those slides were likely more famous for injuries and pranks than anything else. "Probably some of the stuff that we did back then was tame compared to what they do now, though," she laughed. Over the years, some of the most infamous shenanigans included shower curtains that mysteriously disappeared, other people’s belongings being hidden in the ceiling tiles, and furniture winding up in peculiar places. Trish Fletcher ’81 said she and her friend, Betty Burns, battled with the upperclassmen all the time with
practical jokes. “Once the seniors had us write '10 reasons not to disrespect a senior’ and so we wrote it on toilet paper!” she said. “We’d also made up our own words to ‘Up With the Purple’ because it couldn’t be sung if you weren’t a senior and then torment them with it.” She has priceless memories of endless late-night chats, sharing college experiences, crying about boys, and laughing with friends. One thing they would do for fun in Burt was to have toothbrushing parties. “Belton in the ‘70s didn’t have much of a nightlife!” she said. “We would also see how many people we could fit in the shower in Room 121. It seems to be boring fun, but it was the greatest of times!” Rebeka Retta '90, who was the resident director at Burt for 25 years, said she remembers rushing out of Burt one morning, thinking the lobby looked a little more "open and airy" than usual. When she returned, she took a closer look around and understood why: as a prank, all the lobby furniture had been shoved into the study rooms off to the side. She still laughs about the time when Burt residents tried to beat a world record on how many people could squeeze inside a Volkswagen Beetle. "We were only two short of beating the record!" Retta said. She also got a kick out of the "haunted third floor" stories. Each fall, when a new group of freshmen moved in, she had to dispel the rumors. On the first windy night, girls would come running to Retta, claiming they had heard ghosts. "I always explained to them that it was the doors moving in the elevators on a windy night," she said, laughing. During her time at Burt Hall, she coined the notorious nickname that women who have lived there proudly claim, "Burt Babes For Life." "I always wanted to create a community," she explained. "Parents were always kind of concerned about the term, but I explained to them that since the residents are freshmen, they're the babies on campus." Seeing how emotional mothers and daughters get when it comes time for moms to leave their daughters at college, Retta created the annual Mother-Daughter Weekend. Every first weekend in December, moms would go back to Burt and spend the night with their
daughters. They would bring favorite desserts for a big dessert party, gather for a candlelight reading of the Christmas story, and sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus: “It was just wonderful!" Retta said. While living in Burt, Barbra (Davis) Toner '04 recalls the infamous fire alarms—some of which were caused by too much hairspray or burning popcorn, "but they always seemed to be in the middle of the night and we ended up in the Quad with everyone staring at us in our pajamas!" Emily Robinson '05, a resident assistant in Burt, said living in Burt was some of her best years ever. One of the funniest memories was her first experience as an RA on move-in day. "I was trying to get dressed before everyone got there to move their stuff in, and the fire alarm went off with a real fire!" she said. "I was in my robe and had hot rollers in my hair, and I ran out of the building, and I see all these new freshmen moving in with their parents, and I was standing there in my robe and hot rollers!" Even though it was only operational for about two years, Burt Hall's history wouldn't be complete without mentioning the Argus-Eyed Zarf coffeehouse, which was the brainchild of Wendy Windrow '69. "She got permission to clear out the basement of Burt and set it up as a coffeehouse," Vicki McKay said. "They used old furniture and chairs, made a stage for performers, and primarily used candles to illuminate it." Students served hot cider, hot chocolate, and coffee with donations as payment. "It was open on Saturday evenings until just before curfew," she recalled. "It generally had a packed house of about 25 people." The coffeehouse was operational for about two years until Wendy graduated. "For something that was only there briefly, it made quite the impression!" Vicki said. "Here it is 50 years later, and it is still talked about on campus!" From hiding (unapproved) pets, like orphaned squirrels, to RAs signing their names on the basement wall to building human pyramids in the lobby, the memories and stories from Burt's 100-year history are endless. But one thing is sure. Just as the adage goes, “there’s no place like home," each of the 20,000 women who have lived in Burt would concur: "there's no place like Burt."
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ALUMNI NOTES
GENERATION GAP Rebeka "Retta" Retta '90 has kept up with numerous students in her 31 years of serving as a resident director at UMHB. One of her resident assistants when she first started as RD at Burt was Michele Raines '92, back left. She is mom to junior chemistry major Morgan Raines, back right, who now works as a resident assistant for Retta.
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REBEKA RETTA ‘90
The Next Generation After dedicating 31 years as resident director, Retta is now hiring the children of her students. Michele Raines '92 remembers the afternoon she was walking across campus with a heavy heart—she didn’t have the money to pay for another semester at UMHB and was going to have to transfer. “I was pretty upset about it because I loved being here. I was just beside myself,” Michele said. She came across a friend, Rebeka Retta '90, who immediately knew something was wrong. “No,” Retta told her. “Your story here isn’t ending. We’re going to figure this out.” With some prayers and helpful advice from Retta, who was an older, more experienced student, some help from financial aid, and working three jobs, Michele was able to stay at UMHB. The next semester, she found herself working alongside Retta at Burt Hall—Retta as the hall’s resident director, and Michele as a resident assistant. Raines looks back now, 30 years later, and says she will never forget that day that her friend’s faith kept her at UMHB. The two have kept in touch all these years. Retta was at Michele’s bridal shower, and she shared in the joy with Michele and husband, Jay Raines '93, when their children were born. And now, Retta is thrilled that one of their children, Morgan Raines, is working as her resident assistant, just as Michele did 30 years ago.
“I remember calling Retta to tell her that Morgan was thinking about coming to school here,” Michele said. “Retta started praying for her.”
"I think I’ve always seen it as a ministry, and that’s why I’ve never gotten tired of it." —Rebeka Retta ’90
This longtime friendship is just one of hundreds—probably closer to thousands—Retta has kept with her students over the 31 years she has worked as a resident director at UMHB. The first 25 were at Burt Hall, and for the last six, she has been at College View Apartments. “It’s hard to imagine how many lives Retta has impacted over the 31 years she’s been here,” Michele said. One of the most memorable moments for Retta is when one of her RAs came to her worried about her sister, who was expecting a baby. “During prayer time, she asked me to pray for her sister and her baby,” Retta said. “I prayed for the Lord to do a work in that child’s life, and that one day, this child
would come to know the Lord.” Nineteen years later, the baby she had prayed for came walking in her door. She was a student at UMHB! Not only that, she ended up working as an RA for Retta as well and later became Miss MHB. Retta remembers avoiding God’s call to become the resident director at Burt. Donna Plank, who served as director of resident life for 34 years, had hinted around for Retta to consider the job, but Retta didn’t bite. She had never even stepped foot inside Burt Hall. One day, she finally took Donna up on her offer and went over to check out the RD apartment. “It was not a good-looking apartment, especially back then compared to the way it looks now,” Retta said. “It was just a big room, with an old-fashion tub, and you had to go through the bathroom to get to the bedroom. The kitchen was horrific, and when I went to turn on the light, there was no light and only one outlet in the whole room.” She said no one would ever want a small apartment like that, but the second she walked in and saw it, she was “home.” “It was like God was saying I was at home,” she said. “I felt at peace. I didn’t know how to vocalize that until later, but I was at peace. That was where I was supposed to be.” continued on page 28 ALUMNI L I F E
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IN MEMORIAM 1940s Mary Elizabeth "Beth" Shepherd ’44, Sept. 24, 2020, in Cushing, OK. Beth attended Mary Hardin-Baylor College, where she received a degree in elementary education. While attending MHBC, she was involved in Royal Academia, ACE, Alpha Chi, Who's Who, and Pi Gamma Mu. She also served as vice president of student government, dean of women's council, and was co-editor of The Bluebonnet yearbook. After college, she taught school in Eagle Pass and Timpson until she married Edward Marion “Shep” Shepherd in 1947 and moved to Beaumont. She taught school in Beaumont for several years. Beth’s faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she was active in the Baptist churches where they lived. She was also involved in the missionary societies and worked for many years as a hospital volunteer. Delma Garner Jacks ’49, Sept. 21, 2020, in Cypress, TX. Delma graduated from Tech High School in San Antonio in 1944 and UMHB in 1949, where she served on the board of trustees. Delma taught school for 31 years before fulfilling her call to the mission field. She taught English as a second language in China, Thailand, and Senegal, West Africa. Following
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her husband’s retirement from the ministry, together they served in the Philippines, West Indies, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Belgium, and England. Delma was never ashamed to share her love for Jesus; she had a heart for winning the lost and loving the poor and downcast. For those wishing to honor her memory, an educational scholarship in her name, Delma Garner Jacks, has been established at University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Box 8433, 900 College Street, Belton, TX 76513 Mary Sue (Quesenbury) McBrayer ’49, Sept. 22, 2020, in Plano, TX. Sue graduated from Mary HardinBaylor College in 1949. With a sharp mind and keen business sense, she worked with top executives in transportation and banking, including H.L. Hunt, Texas Mid-Continent Oil & Gas Association, the Texas Highway Commission, and Union Bank & Trust. Sue loved exploring new places, even when she could travel only vicariously through TV. A voracious reader, she went through mountains of books; spy novels, mysteries, and historical books were her favorites. She kept current on everything, from sports to politics to entertainment. Above all, she loved the Lord and always kept her Bible by her side. She was a devoted mother and grandmother. Because Sue had such a big heart, she had a wide circle of
adopted family and friends who made her life full of love and friendship. Her family is grateful for each and every one who brought joy to her 92 years. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in her memory to University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Box 8433, 900 College Street, Belton, TX 76513. Betty J. Wilson ’49, July 20, 2020, in Temple, TX. She graduated from Bellaire High School and earned a Bachelor of Education degree from UMHB, a Master of Education degree from Baylor University, and a child development endorsement from Texas Woman’s University. Betty taught home economics at Van Alstyne and Round Rock High School. She taught home economics and child development at UMHB for 29 years. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, the American Diabetes Association, the American Heart Association, Mended Hearts, Retired Teachers Association, American Association of University Women, and the American Legion. Betty was a long-time educator and loved to share her love of teaching with others. The knowledge she shared will forever be a legacy to her hard work and caring nature.
1950 s Nadyne Roberts ’51, Sept. 4, 2020, in Gainesville, TX. Nadyne graduated from Mary HardinBaylor and North Texas University with a master’s degree. She was a teacher for many years and received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Gainesville ISD. She loved her family and loved spending time with them. Elreeta Ann Weathers ’57, Sept. 26, 2020, in Lampasas, TX. She attended Mary HardinBaylor College. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a triple major in Bible, English, and sociology in 1957. After college, Elreeta served as youth minister at First Baptist Church in Big Spring, where she met a local radio DJ, Ray Weathers. Elreeta and Ray were married on May 31, 1959, at First Baptist Church in Big Spring. Elreeta enjoyed attending worship at Central Christian Church, where her son-in-law is a pastor. Elreeta was a gifted pianist and an amazing seamstress. Bobbie Skinner Marshall ’58, July 31, 2020, in Temple, TX. With her piano skills, Bobbie was awarded a scholarship and was the first in her family to attend college. She was excited to attend UMHB, which at the time was an all-female school. While there and
playing for a revival in Temple, she met the love of her life, Dwain Marshall. Theirs was not just a love for each other, but of music and serving the Lord. After she graduated from UMHB in 1958, they were married in August of that year.
1960 s Leah Adrianne Bonham ’60, June 5, 2020, in Alto, GA. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in 1960. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Shari Cunningham Wilson ’60, July 1, 2020, peacefully at home with her family by her side. She lived and went to school in Seguin, TX, and moved to Belton in 1956 to attend Mary Hardin-Baylor College. While attending MHBC, she met the love of her life in 1957, Jesse R. Wilson, while he was a drill sergeant at Fort Hood, TX. She married Jesse on June 20, 1959, at the First Baptist Church in Seguin. They made their home in Belton. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1960 from MHB. Shortly after graduating, Shari began her life as a military wife and moved to Germany. While in Germany, she taught in the Army Education Center in Aschaffenburg, helping soldiers earn their GEDs. After returning to the states, she taught in Temple, Salado, and Belton. She taught fourth grade at Miller Heights Elementary in Belton for 22 years until she retired in 1995. Shari’s faith was an integral part of her life. She was a devoted Christian who led by example. She raised her family to love God
and serve others. She was very active in the church choir, taught Sunday School, and worked in the nursery. She was also a member of the American Legion Post 55 Auxiliary, serving as chaplain. Memorials may be made to the Shari Cunningham Wilson Educational Scholarship at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Box 8433, 900 College Street, Belton, TX 76513 Justice Eugene Augustus Cook III, husband of Sondra Cook ’61, Aug. 23, 2020, in Richmond, TX. Cook was licensed to practice law in Texas on Sept. 14, 1966, and joined the Houston firm of Butler & Binion. He was elected as partner in 1973. In 1985, he formed his own firm, Justice Cook, Davis & McFall, where he served as managing partner. Always active in his profession, Cook was the author of numerous articles and was listed in Who's Who in America, Who's Who in American Law, and The Best Lawyers in America. Throughout his distinguished career, Justice Cook was honored by many of the organizations that he served diligently. He served on the Texas Supreme Court from 1988 to 1992. He was given countless honors and awards throughout his life. For all of his work, Justice Cook is often called the ‘father of professionalism’ in Texas. Justice Cook married Sondra Attaway in 1968, and they had two children. His love of God and family were his greatest sources of happiness.
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Donness Balch Shine ’62, Sept. 9, 2020, in Temple, TX. She met the love of her life, Harold Joseph Shine, in Abilene, and they were married on Aug. 10, 1949. After Harold died of a heart attack in December of 1957, Donness went back to college while raising a family to finish her degree in education at Mary Hardin-Baylor. She taught fourth grade at Jefferson Elementary and science at Lamar Junior High for many years. She was a faithful, long-time member of the First United Methodist Church and the Dawson Sunday School Class. She had a great love for gardening and was a member of the Temple Garden Club for many years, serving as horticulture chair. She later became a master gardener of Bell County. Sharlotte (Shannon) Roper ’65, July 14, 2020, in Abilene, TX. In May 1958, Sharlotte married her sweetheart, Coy Roper. They celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on May 30, 2020. Sharlotte continued her education, graduating from Mary Hardin-Baylor with a bachelor’s degree in education in 1965. Sharlotte’s career as an educator and counselor/social worker spanned many decades, states, and multiple countries. Sharlotte was a devoted, faithful, Christian woman and served as a Bible school teacher, ladies’ Bible class teacher, missionary’s wife, and preacher’s wife. She taught several generations of women to cook
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and delighted in creating tasty, unique dishes. Sharlotte used her love of entertaining and cooking in her bed and breakfast in Tuscumbia, AL. Travis Kinsey ’69, Sept. 18, 2020, in Temple, TX. He graduated from Salado High School and Mary Hardin-Baylor and spent many years teaching and working in the construction industry. Travis married Charlotte Evans on June 1, 1968, and they celebrated over 52 wonderful years together. He loved ranching and hunting, but his true love was his family—especially his grandsons.
1970s Cynthia Ann Gersbach ’74, Feb. 5, 2020, in Bartlett, TX. She attended the UMHB vocational nursing program from 1960 to 1961 and graduated in 1963. She went to work as an RN at Scott & White Memorial Hospital and went back to UMHB to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1974. She worked with adult patients for a year and then moved to the pediatric department, where she worked for 46 years. Cynthia married Charles at St. John Lutheran Church in Bartlett on Oct. 22, 1977. She was dedicated to taking care of the people in her life and touched everyone with her love of nursing and her caring heart.
Eugene Stanley Sayler ’74, Sept. 3, 2020, in Cedar Park, TX, at the age of 76. Gene was a dedicated Christian. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Gene served in the U.S. Army. He was stationed at Fort Hood, TX, when he met his wife, Doris Parmer Sayler. They were married on June 4, 1963, in Nolanville, TX. They were married for 57 years. He worked at Britt Drug in Belton, V & M Drug in Temple, Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Central Texas College in Killeen, and Howard Payne University in Brownwood. He graduated from Mary Hardin-Baylor on May 19, 1974. Michael "Mike" Patrick Finn ’76, July 5, 2020, in Belton, TX. After arriving in Texas, he graduated with a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Mary HardinBaylor and earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the University of Texas at Austin. At UT, he met his wife, Amy. After graduating from law school, he became a member of the State Bar of Texas and was commissioned as a captain in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps and assigned to Fort Hood. Mike was a good soldier, a master strategist, and a great commander who mapped the promotion paths for his subordinates with care and diligence. In 2001, he spent several months in New York City finalizing a housing contract for Fort Hood. When the planes hit the World Trade Center, he fashioned a makeshift uniform and went to Ground Zero to
help support the rescue efforts and lead a group of volunteers. He was the kind of person who ran toward the emergency, not away from it. He is gone too soon, but he has earned his rest. Stephen Paul Fox ’79, July 18, 2020, in Leander, TX. He married Lynn Lemky on March 21, 1988. He served in the U.S. Navy as an aviation structural mechanic aboard the USS Roosevelt. He was a graduate of Mary Hardin Baylor, which led him to open his own business, F&L Financial in 1990. He was a member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church for many years. Steve was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting and spending time at their ranch with his family and friends. He and Lynn worked with the Life Teen group of St. Thomas More for many years and always felt this was an important calling. He also volunteered with Mobile Loaves & Fishes. Steve’s greatest pride was in his family. He enjoyed all sports but especially enjoyed playing softball with the love of his life, Lynn.
1980s Olene Ruby Nesmith Tyler ’80, Sept. 7, 2020, in Belton, TX. After high school, she went on to study nursing and obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, TX. Olene worked at Scott
& White Hospital in Temple, TX, for more than 40 years as a registered nurse, most of which was in day surgery. Olene enjoyed spending time quilting, crafting, and reading. She especially enjoyed quality time with her sons, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Belton, TX. Her surviving family remembers Olene as an independent, creative, spunky, and a loving mother and grandmother. Dr. J.A. Reynolds, HA ’85, Aug. 19, 2020, in Belton, TX. He married Emma Elizabeth in March of 1962 at First Baptist Church in New Orleans, LA. They were married until her death in 1984. Dr. Reynolds has been married to Patsy Irene Humphrey ’65 since 1990. He came to Belton in the fall of 1962 to join the faculty of then Mary Hardin-Baylor College. He became the chair of the Department of Religion and was awarded the Briscoe Chair of Religion and Life. He taught at UMHB for 36 years and retired in May of 1999. He was named an honorary alumnus of UMHB in 1985. While at UMHB, Dr. Reynolds was a contributor to Wycliffe Bible Encyclopedia, Holman Bible Dictionary, Mercer Bible Dictionary, Baptists Working Together, The Quarterly Review, The Baptist Standard, and the Handbook of Texas (revised edition). In 2003, he wrote The Sesquicentennial History of First Baptist Church Belton, TX. He also wrote a Harmony of the Gospels that has not been published. His preaching career included pastorates in South Carolina and Alabama and interim pastorates in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. He also preached in Brazil,
Canada, Japan, and Korea. He served as a pastor substitute at many Bell Baptist Association churches during the 1970s and ‘80s. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Belton for more than 50 years, where he served as a deacon, a Sunday School teacher, and a prayer ministry leader. Dr. Reynolds greatly enjoyed fishing and shared stock tank fish with several close friends. He was a faithful member of the Belton Kiwanis Club for many years, serving as vice president and president. He built houses with Habitat for Humanity and served as Belton/Temple president from 200102. He was an avid and vocal football fan. He rooted for the South Carolina Gamecocks, the Dallas Cowboys, and the Cru. Dr. Reynolds was a loving and faithful husband and father. He leaves a legacy of service to UMHB, FBC Belton, and several generations of men and women worldwide serving in ministry. Gifts can be made to the Dr. J.A. Reynolds Ministerial Endowed Scholarship at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Box 8433, 900 College Street, Belton, TX 76513
2000 s Robin Lynn (Steglich) Fleming ’00, July 11, 2020, in Round Rock, TX. Robin graduated from the University of Mary Hardin–Baylor in 2000 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. She married her husband, Brian, on June 26, 1999, and they recently celebrated 21 years of marriage. Robin's greatest blessings in life were her children. They were her everything, and she took any opportunity she could to talk about them.
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Robin had a heart of gold. She was kind, loving, compassionate, and loyal. She loved deeply. Life won’t be the same without her. She will be dearly missed by countless family and friends. Robert Joseph Wachsmann ’06, July 2, 2020, in Waco, TX. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Robert loved sports, having played football and baseball for Parkview Pacers. Robert’s greatest passion was his family. He married Cassia Thomas on Feb. 3, 2007. He loved spending time with his children and wife, whether it was game night or watching a movie, or seeing his children play their own youth sports. He invested many hours in the China Spring Youth Athletic
Association, coaching and imparting his passion for football and baseball. Robert was a determined follower of Christ and loved his church family. He had a love for children—his own and any child he ever met. He loved to make people laugh no matter where he was. He will be greatly missed. James Ervin Fitzhenry, Aug. 15, 2020, in Salado, TX. He lived a life as a joyful role model and dedicated Christian witness to everyone he met. He is survived by his wife, Bettie Settle Fitzhenry, with whom he spent 65 love-filled years. He was the ultimate encourager of students, serving as the first director of career services for the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. He always felt each role he had in life prepared him well for the
next opportunity that God provided. In addition to his professional work, he was an accomplished artist and published author. Outside of family, Jim was an active member of his community, serving as chairman of the board of the Belton Area Chamber of Commerce in 1994. His service culminated in a trip to Japan, representing UMHB and the city of Belton for the inaugural ceremonies for the Ebino Plateau International Business College. Every Sunday, he and Bettie could be found at First Baptist of Salado. They both found great joy in the work of the church and were steady hands in the children’s ministry for many years. Memorial gifts can be made in memory of Jim Fitzhenry/ Career Services at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Box 8433, 900 College Street, Belton, TX 76513
The Next Generation continued from page 23
Retta thought she would have the job for a few years and then move on; never in a million years did she think being an RD was her path in life. She had always felt called to work with young people and had worked as a youth minister for years at different churches. After she completed her double major in English and Religion (what is now called Christian Studies), she decided to go to seminary. Near the end of seminary was when she realized she was supposed to stay at UMHB as a resident director.
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“I remember sitting in seminary classes and people would ask me what I did, and they would say, ‘Oh, wow! You have a dream job!’ It took a whole semester of me hearing that to realize I really do have the dream job! I get to work with young women and men, helping them in this college journey and through their struggles and helping them believe the Bible is true. I think I’ve always seen it as a ministry, and that’s why I’ve never gotten tired of it.” Having someone like Retta mentor her daughter, Morgan,
makes Michele thankful that Retta is still here after all these years. “These are foundational years, and I’m so excited to watch Morgan and what God is going to do with her,” Michele said. Having Retta as her daughter’s director makes her feel good because it’s someone she knows, loves, and trusts. “It’s really cool to be able to come back to campus because of Retta. She’s like a connector. You come back here, and you feel like you’re still connected because she still knows you, and she knows your history.”
MEMORIAL GIFTS June 4, 2020 - October 1, 2020 Erman James Ables Dr. Kerry and Kathy Owens Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Lawton Albin Nell Nordstrand Cox Joyce Melton Reynolds Dr. Joyce Williams Grady Barganier Kent Owens Dr. Kerry and Kathy Owens Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens R.B. Barganier Kent Owens Dr. Kerry and Kathy Owens Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Rodney Barker Toby and Leah Brooks Don Blackburn Dr. and Mrs. Steve Theodore
Dr. Bob and Kathleen Thompson Holland Marietta Parker Patsy Reid Jim and Jan Evans Thomas Julia Amason Walker Walter Burtchell Kent Owens Dr. Kerry and Kathy Owens Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Don Al and Linda Ringler Shirley Chatham Leta Mae Teakell Honorable Eugene Cook The North End Gang Mary Ellen Thurman-Denson Robert Denson Julia Woodyard Nation Gary DeSalvo Linda Smith
Eleanor Grisham Dugger Lloyd and Molly Ferguson First Baptist Church Salado Adult II Sunday School Class John and Beth Fullerton Bryan and Sherri Hefley Morris and Barbara Hill Dr. Bob and Kathleen Thompson Holland Robin Johnson Hal and Glenda Jones Drs. Leroy and Jean Wyatt Kemp Neal and Jayne Knighton Bart and Joan Meharg Dr. Rebecca O'Banion Dr. and Mrs. Randy O’Rear Don and Judy Owens Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Lanna R. Palmer Tom and Jan Purdy Mark and Sheri Rister Jimmy and Dianne Rowton SALT Sunday School Class of Calvary Baptist Church Garlyn and La Juan Shelton Curtis and Carol Strong Gary Taylor Dr. and Mrs. Steve Theodore Debbie James Wade Mary R. Wheeler
Dr. Adrianne Bonham Carolyn Allison Owens Shirley Cowan Sommer
Camille Munk Dillard Julia Woodyard Nation
Jack Fouse Music Ministry of First Baptist Church, Temple
Curtis Breaux Burk and Cindy Breaux Roberts
Douglas Dillard Marietta Parker
Glenda Joyce Goolsby Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens
Bobby Bridges Gregory Apel Austin National Christian Foundation Peggy Condos Cathy Cornelio Wilbur and Iladene Hejl
Jim Fitzhenry Dr. Jerry and Vicky Bawcom Randell Bradley Sandra Brannon James and Peggy Bunting Larry and Linda Irwin Coker Glen and Glenda Dennis Cosper
Joyce Bingham Goza Sindy Greenwood Diane Gryseels Wyma Jane Rogers Charles Haffner Joe and Corliss George
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Bill Henderson Robbie and William Arp
Joe B. Henna Janice Torgeson Gloria Hess Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Betty Payne Huber Julia Woodyard Nation Delma Garner Jacks Dr. Rebecca O’ Banion Richard and Vicki Barron Jack and Donna Garbe Billy Lindley Lone Star College in Social and Behavioral Sciences, Business and Economics Division (SBSBE) Kevin and Lena Motsinger Dr. Rebecca O’Banion Dr. and Mrs. Randy O’Rear Kimberly Priesmeyer Marjorie Shackelford Anna Jahns Gary and Laurie Jones Jeannette Mayfield Kelley Shawn Shannon Julia Walker Betty Warrick Kirkpatrick Julia Woodyard Nation
Mary Sue Quesenbury McBrayer Blacknall Memorial Presbyterian Church Joe and Karen Grady Eddy Moore Kent Owens Dr. Kerry and Kathy Owens Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Caleb Morgan Mikey and Katherine Stutts Kinard
Rachel Olsen Carolyn Allison Owens Donna Orsag Dr. Rebecca O’Banion Charles and Jennifer Ramm Dr. Elizabeth Tanaka Dr. and Mrs. Steve Theodore Roberta Petrie Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens
Bobbie Skinner Marshall Peggy Bass Albin Jimmy and Shirley Gross Kent Owens
UMHB LIFE | W I N T E R
Dwain Marshall Peggy Bass Albin Jimmy and Shirley Gross Kent Owens Dr. Kerry and Kathy Owens Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Ruth Powell Shirley Cowan Summer
Frank O’Banion Edna O’Banion Guy and Stephanie O’Banion Dr. Rebecca O’Banion Bruce and Rhonda Roberts
Beverly Kohring Sue Allison May Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Wanda Krause Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens
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Dr. Kerry and Kathy Owens Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Ruth Powell Shirley Cowan Sommer
Dalton Poole Ruth Turner Lagrone
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Allen “Skeet” Powell Riley Owens LaVonia Powell Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Dr. J.A. Reynolds Jerry and Key Boyd Linda Breaux Rev. W.D. Broadway Dorwin and Glenda Haddox Bundick David and Kay Elrod Coppin Glen and Glenda Dennis Cosper Stephen Daily Thomas and Daryl Edwards Dr. and Mrs. Steve Theodore Dr. Bob and Kathleen Thompson Holland Denzel and Margie Holmes LTC and Mrs. Jerry Karriker Drs. Leroy and Jean Wyatt Kemp Jean Miller Lynch Max and Mary Lou Marks Dr. Tony Michael Martin Bart and Joan Meharg Dr. Rebecca O’Banion Dr. and Mrs. Randy O’Rear Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Ruth Powell Sue Steakley Maurice and Maxine Trent Larry and Linda Wharton Drs. Robert and Grace Richardson Whitis Marian Corbin Wood Alma Nadyne Roberts Martha Erlandson James Clyde Robeson Beverly Robeson Smith Teresa Pascoe Salyer Michael and Joni Andrews Ann Ball James and Sarah Duffy
Billy and Cathy Hord Cathryn Hubbard Teresa Ramey Marcotte Ruth Poole Mike and Cynthia Pryor Deanna Ramey Saplin Charles and Janet Standifer Ken and Charlcy Standifer Kevin Standifer
Marissa Scott Luanne Aydelotte Heidi and Calvin Cowan Lynda Dean Cheryl Denson Robert and Pamela Edwards Roger and Valerie Adams Hampton Nancy Henninger Jennifer Johnson Geoffrey Kearney Tonya Penk John and Nancy Rude Kaitlyn Scott
Marca Scott Dave and Judy Shaver Kenneth and Sallie Snyder Mike and Kelly Stephens
Betsy Shoemaker Robbie and William Arp Mary Pugh Taggart Vonie Hopkins Ruchie Teague Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Olene Tyler Carol Clarke James and Lynn Whyburn Clarke O.J. Ward Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens
Betty McCann Wilson Thomas Dannelley Jr. Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Shari Cunningham Wilson American Legion Auxiliary Unit 55 Richard and Christine Dambra Daughters of the Republic of Texas Sara Jane Deines Jack Henry and Associates Max and Mary Lou Marks Grace Dannelley and Richard McDonald Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Emma Riley Mark and Debra Shaffer Mary H. Winn Jimmie and Janey Roush
Paul Willson Robbie and William Arp Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens
HONORARY GIFTS Amy Bawcom Mark and Betty O’Hair Anderson
Rev. Andy Davis Mark and Betty O’Hair Anderson
Marietta Parker Linda Breaux
Lisa May Bennett Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens
JoAn Musick Dillard Marietta Parker
Rebeka Retta Jarrod and Emily Rackley Robinson
Dr. Edna Penny Bridges Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Marietta Parker Carol Treible
Marjorie Frank Ferrill Don and Kay Schwertner Psencik
Janey Roush Cindy Moya
Christi Mays Cindy Moya
Lisa Schmidt Mark and Betty O’Hair Anderson Cindy Moya
Julia Rosemary Ragsdale Bruton David and Judy Townsend Bruton Dr. Sonjanette Crossley Eddie Abercrombie Cynthia Taylor Tryon
Lauren Mendias Cindy Moya
Dr. and Mrs. Steve Theodore Marietta Parker
Dr. and Mrs. Randy O’Rear Mia Casey Marietta Parker ALUMNI L I F E
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ALUMNI NOTES
TRAVIS SKINNER ˈ04
Not Just a Number Football injury leads to accounting career
Travis Skinner ˈ04 had never thought about majoring in accounting, but a serious football injury as a freshman at UMHB led him down an unexpected path to his 16-year profession as a CPA. He was playing football for the Crusaders his first semester at UMHB when he suffered a shoulder injury. Travis had been taking a swimming class, but due to the injury, he couldn’t complete it. “I had to switch classes, and the only class that was available was financial accounting,” Travis said. “I really hit it off with the professor, and he convinced me to keep at it and try the next accounting class.” So, he did and was hooked; he graduated in December 2004 with a BA in accounting. Right out of college, he started working at an accounting firm in Waco that merged in 2011 to become BKD CPAs and Advisors and has worked there since. The firm has offices across the United States, and Travis serves as the director of the healthcare industry, assisting healthcare providers and systems. “I love it because we are making a difference in communities across the country,” he said. “I help providers all across the country, but my primary focus is the rural areas of Texas.” 32
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Travis says helping rural hospitals find more money and assisting them through audits and compliance issues actually helps the hospitals stay afloat. “When we help the hospital survive, we are also helping the community survive,” he said. “Normally a hospital in a small community is their biggest employer, in which families have worked at for generations. We are there helping them keep their doors open.” Since Travis has been working at BKD, he has been instrumental in his firm recruiting UMHB accounting graduates. “I got our firm to believe that good accountants come from everywhere and not just big universities,” he said. “It took a few years, but now the relationship between BKD and UMHB has blossomed into providing great accountants to our Houston, Dallas, and Waco offices. I believe accountants come out of UMHB better prepared for the real world due to the more hands-on approach of the professors. You’re not just a number in a large hall of students—you mean something more to them and the university.” Travis, who hails from Riesel near Waco, is thankful he was recruited to UMHB. “I didn’t know much about UMHB until they came knocking on my door to play football there. They had just finished their inaugural season,” he said. He questioned that decision, though, after he was hurt his freshman year, but trusted God had a plan. Now, he wouldn’t change a thing. “If I had doubted and waivered from His Word, I would not be in the position I am today,” he said. “I saw His path for me at an earlier age and believed in it with all my heart. I would not have my beautiful wife, son, and daughter; my career in a great company; or the blessed life that I am living if I would have doubted HIM!”
W
hen Madison McVay was a sophomore in high school, she tore an abdominal muscle and had to see a physical therapist to help recover from the injury. Her physical therapist taught her some of the vocation basics, and Madison discovered her dream job. “I fell in love with the human body,” said Madison, who is a first-year doctor of physical therapy student. “I find it very fascinating how the body mechanically works as well as how specific exercises can improve those mechanics. Not only that, but I enjoy helping people and can’t wait to be there by my patients’ sides as they get through tough times in their lives and get back to doing their daily activities again.” Madison was in the process of evaluating universities where she could continue playing competitive volleyball when she learned about UMHB. She attended a volleyball camp as a junior and “fell in love with the small, beautiful, faith-based campus,” she said. Madison, who earned her bachelor’s degree in pre-physical therapy in December 2019, says she is thankful she chose UMHB because of all the support she receives from her professors. Even though her course load as a DPT student has felt at times like she was “drinking from a fire hose,” Madison says she is having the time of her life working with her new cohorts and expanding her knowledge and love of PT.
Madison McVay '19 BS in Pre-Physical Therapy Current student in Doctor of Physical Therapy program Portland, Texas
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900 College Street • Belton, Texas 76513
Electronic Service Requested
Due to COVID-19 safety concerns,
UMHB will not be hosting Charter Celebration this Spring.
We look forward to the day we can all be together again!
if you are a member of the
Class of 1970 or 1971,
june. to celebrate your 50-year reunions.
we will be hosting a reunion dinner in
You will receive more information from the alumni office in the months ahead!