2022 Winter

GAME CHANGER AFTER LEADING CRU FOOTBALL TO ANOTHER NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP, COACH FREDENBURG HANDS OVER REINS TO COACH HARMON. PAGE 2

B E A C H VO L L E Y B A L L ● P L AYO F F B A K E O F F ● S U P P LY C H A I N M A N A G E M E N T

C H R I S T M A S I N N OV E M B E R | E m m a St ur d i va n t , H a n n a h K i n g , a n d S o p h i a B r ow n w i t h t h e S a d e r B e l l e s c o l l e c t s t u f f e d a n i m a l s t h r ow n o n to t h e c o ur t af te r t h e C R U m a d e t h e f i r s t b a s ke t d ur i n g t h e m e n’s o p e n i n g g a m e .

Fa n s we r e i nv i te d to b r i n g a s t u f f e d a n i m a l a s p a r t o f t h e “Ch r i s t m a s i n N ove m b e r ” e ve n t w h i c h c o l l e c t s t h e toy s f o r M c L a n e Ch i l dr e n’s H o s p i t a l.

UMHBLIFE W I N T E R 2 022 | V O L U M E 42, N U M B ER 2 PRESIDENT Randy O’Rear, Ed.D. ’88 EDITOR-IN- CHIEF Rebecca O'Banion, Ed.D. ’93 EDITOR Christi Mays GR APHIC DESIGNER Lauren Mendias PHOTOGR APHERS Cooper Ross Lily Self Randy Yandell ’99 CONTRIBUTORS Victoria Kuntz Sarah Harborth Ashley Smith ’03 UMHB LIFE IS PUBLISHED THREE TIMES A YEAR

BY THE MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT. UMHB Box 8431 900 College Street Belton, Texas 76513 1-800-727-UMHB go.umhb.edu/life

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UMHBLIFE W I N T E R 2 0 2 2 | VOLUME 42, NUMBER 2

D E P A R T M E N T S 4 | C A M P US L I F E Paul “Crunch” and Carol McClinton of Waco, along with baseball legend Nolan Ryan, celebrate the opening of the McClinton Family Intramural Fields.

F E A T U R E S P L AYO F F B A K E O F F |16 As playoffs heated up, UMHB alums competed in the kitchen with their creative confections.

Y ES T E R DAY A N D TO DAY -

11 | AT H L E T I C S The growing sport of competitive beach volleyball comes to UMHB this spring.

12 | P H I L A N T H R O P Y UMHB Conservatory of Music receives grant to help enrich children's lives in Central Texas.

AT T H E P OS T O F F I C E |18 Before email and instant messaging, the post office was the 'place to be.'

SU P P LY I N G T H E W O R L D |22 First student finds success through new Supply Chain Management degree.

O N T H E COV E R | L e g e n d a r y C o a c h P e t e Fr e d e n b u r g a n n o u n c e s r e t i r e m e n t j u s t d ay s a f t e r t h e D e c . 17 St a g g B ow l X LV I I I v i c t o r y ov e r N o r t h C e n t r a l 57-24 . F o l l ow i n g i n h i s f o o t s t e p s i s C o a c h L a r r y H a r m o n . Photo by Cooper Ross

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UMHB A T H L E T I C S

20 in '21!!

Cru wins 20th game in 2021 to take national championship

Winning its 20th game in 2021, the UMHB Crusaders claimed its second national championship since 2018 when it defeated North Central 57-24 and won the Stagg Bowl XLVIII on Dec. 17 in Canton, Ohio.

“What a tremendous effort and a wonderful season this has been!” exclaimed Coach Pete Fredenburg at the welcome home party the following afternoon. “It’s been up and down and all around, but the reality is that our support in the school and the university helped these guys. They did an incredible job representing our school, and

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we’re so proud! We’re the 2021 national champions!

Our goal has been to win 20 in 21 (20 games in 2021). We won five early (this spring) and 15 this fall in 2021. That’s awesome, isn’t it!”

The Cru finished the fall season 15-0 and went undefeated 5-0 during an abbreviated spring football season (which had been postponed from fall due to COVID-19) to win the 16th conference championship in program history.

Following the championship, Mikkah Hackett was named the championship game’s Most Outstanding Player. Five athletes were named to the D3football. com All-America teams, with senior Jefferson Fritz of Kaufman also being

named D3football.com Defensive Player of the Year and was also a Gagliardi Trophy finalist. Fredenburg was named D3football.com Coach of the Year, while Jeffery Sims, Jr., a center from Mesquite, was named First Team All-America Offense; Jacob Mueller, a linebacker from Fort Worth, was named Second Team All-America; K.J. Miller was named Second Team All-America at return specialist; and Keith Gipson was named D3football.com Fourth Team All-America at cornerback.

On Jan. 7, Coach Fredenburg, who founded the football program in 1998, announced his retirement from coaching. Larry Harmon was promoted to head coach after spending the last 17 seasons as the Cru’s defensive coordinator.

The Cru football team celebrates its Dec. 17 Stagg Bowl XLVIII victory over North Central 57-24, winning its second national championship since 2018.

UMHB A T H L E T I C S

Handing Over the Reins Pete Fredenburg announces retirement; Larry Harmon promoted to head football coach

UMHB Head Football Coach and 2018 Texas Sports Hall of Famer Pete Fredenburg announced his retirement from coaching on Jan. 7. Larry Harmon has been promoted to head coach after spending the last 17 seasons as the Cru’s defensive coordinator.

Fredenburg started the UMHB football program in 1998, guiding the Crusaders to a 3-7 record that season. UMHB earned the program’s first winning record at 9-1 in 2000 and made its first NCAA postseason appearance in 2001. The Crusaders won their first of 17 American Southwest Conference (ASC) titles in 2002 before making an appearance in the NCAA Division III Football National Championship in 2004, just seven seasons into existence.

“What Pete Fredenburg has accomplished in 24 years at UMHB is unimaginable,” said President Dr.

Randy O’Rear. “To start a program from scratch and build it into a perennial national powerhouse is a credit to his vision, passion, and exceptional leadership. Pete’s remarkable accomplishments have brought national recognition to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Even more important is the investment he has made in the lives of our studentathletes, which will pay dividends for generations to come.”

The Cru amassed a 231-39 record during Fredenburg’s 24-year tenure with undefeated ASC records in 13 of those seasons. They advanced to the NCAA postseason 17 times with 47 playoff wins, more than all other American Southwest Conference programs combined. UMHB has been to at least the Quarterfinal round of the playoffs in 12 seasons with national titles in 2018 and 2021.

Pictured at left, with a 231-39 record, Coach Pete Fredenburg is retiring after leading the Cru football program for 24 years. Coach Larry Harmon, who has spent the last 17 seasons as UMHB’s defensive coordinator, takes over as head football coach.

“It’s been an incredible journey for me and my family,” Fredenburg said.

“I really believe that the 24 years I spent here went by so fast. It’s been an awesome journey and I am forever grateful to UMHB for the opportunity to lead such an amazing program.”

Defensive Coordinator Larry Harmon was also promoted to head football coach. Harmon spent the last 17 seasons as UMHB’s defensive coordinator and served as the Cru’s secondary coach for three seasons prior. During his tenure as defensive coordinator, the UMHB defense finished among the nation’s best in total defense, scoring defense, rushing defense and pass-efficiency defense.

The Cru led the nation in 2017 in red zone defense and set a new NCAA record for scoring defense with 7.3 points per game allowed. Harmon was also named Coordinator of the Year in 2017 by Football Scoop.

“I am honored to be promoted to head coach of this prestigious program,” Harmon said. “The opportunity to lead the top football program in Division III football is very exciting. Working for and learning from a legendary hall of fame coach in Pete Fredenburg has been one of the biggest blessings of my life. UMHB is home to me and I am ready to get to work at defending our national title.”

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CAMPUS L I F E

If You Build It...

Students & Special Guests Attend Intramural Fields Dedication Close to 500 friends, including more than 300 students, plus faculty members, staff, and many special guests attended the Oct. 22 dedication of the new McClinton Family Intramural Fields.

The event kicked off with music from the Blackshirt Cru Spirit Band and an abundance of cheering for donors Paul “Crunch” and Carol McClinton of Waco.

Thanks to the generosity of the McClinton family, UMHB now has a beautifully upgraded recreation space, including the Crunch Time Pavilion.

The McClintons donated a $1 million gift toward converting 2.6 acres of fields from natural grass to artificial turf. Other improvements include new field lighting, a pavilion, and permanent striping for the recreational sports

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played on these fields, including football, lacrosse, soccer, and softball.

The McClinton family arrived at the new intramural fields to the tune of the Crusader fight song through a high-energy victory line of cheering students. The ceremony included remarks from the university president, Dr. Randy O’Rear, UMHB student Kaden Cordell, and donor "Crunch" McClinton. Following a dedication prayer over the new facility from the university board of trustees chair Vince Banks '84, Crunch and his family cut the ribbon. Then, the group moved to the fields for a ceremonial first pitch from baseball legend Nolan Ryan of RS3 Turf, the company that provided the turf for the new intramural fields. Following the pitch, students and guests were invited to explore

the new McClinton Family Intramural Fields.

“I am at a loss for words, but I am so grateful for this day, and I will never forget it,” remarked Crunch McClinton.

The university has a robust intramural program with more than 1,000 students participating each semester.

In addition to the scheduled intramural activities, the fields are used for exercise and sport science classes, student life events, and unstructured student recreation.

“We are proud to have the McClinton name on this incredible facility at UMHB,” said university president Dr. Randy O’Rear. “Our intramural fields are one of the busiest places on campus, and our students deserve this beautiful new space to gather and play.”

CAMPUS L I F E

Opposite page, Paul “Crunch” and Carol McClinton, along with others prepare to cut the ribbon in celebration of the opening of the new McClinton Family Intramural Fields.

At top, center, Paul “Crunch” and Carol McClinton stand with the new intramural sign bearing their name. At top, left, baseball legend Nolan Ryan tosses the first pitch on the new intramural fields to Crunch.

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#umhb hoco2021 ore than a thousand alumni and their families gathered on campus for fun activities, traditions, and special events celebrating Homecoming 2021 on Sept. 25. Since Homecoming 2020 was celebrated virtually through online activities and events, alums were more than excited to reunite in person for the traditional activities this year, including reunions, Stunt Night, Carnival on King Street, Donuts with Dr. O’Rear, the pep rally, and Alumni Tailgate. The UMHB football team walked away with a 34-28 win against HardinSimmons University.

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For more 2021 Homecoming memories, visit Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and use the hashtag #UMHBHOCO2021.

Carly Donnell '05 UMHB Homecoming was a huge success. Thank you to @umhbalumni for all the fun activities and @umhbfootball for a great game. Go Cru! #umhbhoco2021

We enjoyed the UMHB Homecoming Pep Rally & Fireworks show last night!

—Melissa Williams '07

Hannah Brown '21 Celebrating the Cru as an alumni this time. #crusaderforever #umhbhoco2021

CRUSADER FOREVER At top, members of the Class of 1953 gathered for a reunion while friends Andrea Harney ’11 and Nikita Scott ’12 reunite at the game. Opposite page, Alumni Board President Justin Gaidusek ’04 and Director of Alumni Engagement Jeff Sutton present the 2021 Parker Award to Lillian Kay Cowan ’76 and Mary Gail Cowan Leming ’58.

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( ( #UMHBHOCO2021 was a success!

Fun times for all and an amazing second half of the game!

—Jeff Sutton '07

Brittany Wood '11 Game day ready! Go Cru!! #umhbhoco2021 #umhbalumni

Cowan-Vardiman-Saegert Family Receives Parker Award Cindy Willis '81 Fun hanging out with them at the game! #umhbhoco2021 #umhbalumni

Becca Beard '11 My 4 little future crusaders! Go Cru! #crukids #umhbhoco2021

Jaci Hartfiel '21 These little ladies! #umhbhoco2021

#umhb hoco2021

For more than 110 years, members of the Cowan-Vardiman-Saegert family have chosen UMHB as their Christian university of choice. During Homecoming, Lillian Kay Cowan ’76 and her family was honored with the 2021 Parker Award for four generations who have attended or graduated.

The long lineage of the Cowan-Vardiman-Saegert families have resided in Lampasas and Coryell counties all of their lives. The first generation, which attended Baylor Female College included Annie Sybell Cowan Simpson, Pauline Virginia Vardiman Cowan, Laura Evelyn Vardiman Cowan, and Marie Arnold Vardiman. The second generation included Dorothy A. Saegert Smith, ’45; Mary Gail Cowan Leming, ’58; Bettye Sue Cowan Pruett, ’59; Anna Maureen Cowan Edwards, EX; and Jane Jones Vardiman, EX. The third generation to attend included Lillian Kay Cowan, ’76; and Linda Gail Leming Hunt, EX. Trevor Wayne Hunt, EX was the fourth-generation student to attend.

“Our family takes great pride in having graduated from the university of choice for Christian higher education, a crown jewel in Central Texas,” said Kay who, along with Mary Gail Cowan Leming ’58, represented the extended fam-

ily to receive the award. Alumni Board President Justin Gaidusek ’04 presented the award to Kay, who also serves on the alumni board and has been actively investing in her alma mater over the years with her leadership, time, and resources.

The Parker Award was established in 1991 by the Alumni Association and given in honor of the former UMHB president and first lady, Bobby E. and Marietta Parker. It is presented to families who are multi-generational or multi-member alumni who have demonstrated loyalty, support, and commitment to the university.

Lillian Kay Cowan, who worked as a professional registered nurse and a double board certified family nurse practitioner for more than 40 years, is also creating a presidential endowed scholarship titled “Saving Souls, Saving Lives” which will help students seeking a degree in Christian studies or nursing.

“Kay is the alumna every university wants. Her years on UMHB’s campus transformed her life, and now she wants to give back,” said Associate Vice President for Fundraising Tucker Glaske.

“This scholarship will serve our students for many years to come!”

CAMPUS L I F E

Out of this World Astronaut Charlie Duke Delivers 2021 McLane Lecture

Pictured, Gen. Charlie Duke came to campus this past fall with wife Dorothy to share stories from his Apollo 16 adventure on the moon and following God.

The youngest astronaut to walk on the moon, Charlie Duke, was the 2021 McLane Lecture featured speaker on Sept. 29.

Duke, 86, who now lives in San Antonio, was 36 years old when he became the youngest man to walk on the moon during the Apollo 16 mission that ran from April 21-23, 1972. He is one of only a dozen men to set foot on the moon. He was also known as the voice of Mission Control for Apollo 11, the first manned crew mission to the moon.

He described to the audience how he vividly remembers the day he launched into space; he was thrilled and excited, but also a little fearful, especially during the first stage of liftoff. “The spaceship shook like crazy” for two minutes and 42 seconds, burning off 4.5 million gallons of fuel in just 35 miles altitude, he said.

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About three hours later, the ship left the Earth’s orbit, and three days later the crew reached the moon, which is 20,000 miles away from Earth.

Once he uncovered the windows and looked out into space, he recalls seeing the Earth for the first time— brilliant jewel colors on the perfect sphere suspended in black space.

“I didn’t know scripture in those days, but when I gave my life to Jesus, I’m reminded of that picture every time I read Isaiah 40 where it says God sits enthroned above the circle of the Earth,” he said.

Duke, who grew up in Charlotte, N.C., graduated as the valedictorian of his class at Admiral Farragut Academy in 1953, then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in naval sciences from the U.S. Naval Academy. Upon receiving his commission in the U.S. Air Force, he entered pilot training

and received his wings in 1958. Duke served three years in Germany as a fighter-interceptor pilot. He attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he completed a master’s degree in aeronautics and astronautics in 1964, then entered the USAF Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base and completed his training there in 1965.

The following month, he saw an article in the Los Angeles Times that said NASA was looking for astronauts.

“I answered a front-page ad and got selected! So, we moved to Houston and started to work for NASA.” Duke worked on five of the nine missions to the moon, and he and John Young were the ninth and 10th men to step on the moon.

Even though Duke said he attended church since he was a small child, he didn’t know Jesus until later in life after retiring from NASA in 1975 to enter private business.

“I believed in Him in my mind, but He wasn’t in my heart,” he said. After his space days, when Duke opened his business, he said, “I took my eyes off the moon and put them on money, thinking that was going to give me the peace I needed.”

Even though he was making a good living, his family life began to crumble until he began following Jesus. He told the audience that being an astronaut was an amazing adventure; however, following Jesus doesn’t compare.

“I am the only person in this room who has walked on the moon,” Duke said. “It lasted three days, cost a lot of money, and I had to work hard to do that. But walking with Jesus, we can all do that. Every one of us is invited to walk with Jesus.”

CAMPUS L I F E

COLLEGE OF VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS

Calendar of Events February

umhb.edu/arts Event dates and times are subject to change.

TICKET OFFICE: 254-295-5999 Ticket Office hours: 12:00 - 4:00 PM Monday through Friday and one hour prior to events.

Dean's Series Jonathan & Emily Gary piano duo Feb. 4 | 7:30 PM Baugh Performance Hall Visiting Artist Jeff Carl, Personal Geography: Land, Art, and Faith Feb. 17 | 4:00 PM Baugh Performance Hall Bonny Leibowitz: Appearances in a Placeless Place Feb. 21 - March 11 Art Gallery Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble Feb. 22 | 7:30 PM Baugh Performance Hall

March

Instrumental Chamber Ensembles April 12 | 7:30 PM Baugh Performance Hall

Tea Time Concert with One Voice March 9 | 3:30 PM King Street Student Art Competition March 21 - April 8 Art Gallery Midday Music with Jazz Ensemble March 23 | 12:15 PM King Street Women's Chorus March 25 | 7:30 PM Baugh Performance Hall

April Spring Musical: A Year with Frog and Toad April 8 - 9 | 7:30 PM Baugh Performance Hall Tickets: $20 Adult - $10 Child & Senior

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Art Exhibit - Senior Exhibits April 12 - May 7 Art Gallery UMHB One Voice April 19 | 7:30 PM Baugh Performance Hall Pottery Sale April 20 | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM King Street Tea Time Concert with Wind Ensemble April 20 | 3:30 PM King Street Wind Ensemble April 22 | 7:30 PM Baugh Performance Hall Jazz Ensemble April 26 | 7:30 PM Baugh Performance Hall

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UMHB A C A D E M I C S

New Degree Helps Bridge Gap

Southwest Borderlands Studies gives students new options and understanding of diverse cultures

UMHB is launching a new degree in Southwest Borderlands Studies that helps distinguish it from other schools and provide new offerings that most schools don’t have yet.

“Very few schools in Texas, and even fewer of our size, have a program such as this,” said Dr. Jacky Dumas, a professor and associate dean for the School of Humanities.

The Southwest Borderlands Studies degree incorporates bilingual communication, social relations between diverse Southwest cultures, advocacy, and policy into one degree. It will help students who have an interest in going into a broad range of careers including law enforcement, military, social work, law, education, counseling, forensics, and even ecology.

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UMHB and the broader community, as well as their understanding of the influence of various waves of migrations both within and outside of the U.S.,” Dumas said.

Students in the new degree plan will also have the opportunity to understand different cultures and how they influence the communities of the Southwest, said Dr. Karla Gonzalez, the associate professor of Spanish at UMHB, who will be teaching various classes on Hispanic culture, history, and language.

Students are also encouraged to take Spanish courses to help understand the people that they will encounter while in their professions.

The Southwest Borderlands Studies degree promotes diversity and the education of students on the different problems that the communities of the

Southwest face.

"I am excited that students will have the opportunity to connect with other cultures that live within their own community, and also that they will have a broader global vision in serving these communities through their vocation or profession," Gonzalez said.

This degree is very important to UMHB and Texas because it sets the university apart from other universities, Gonzalez said. It also shows the people of Texas that we care about the diverse cultures inside the state and across the Southwest, she added.

"The Southwest Borderlands Studies degree can help bridge gaps in the understanding of Latinx communities," Gonzalez said.

–Victoria Kuntz, student writer

A T H L E T I C S UMHB

Serving up a Stand-Out Sport The growing sport of competitive beach volleyball comes to UMHB UMHB’s athletic program gains a new sport this spring semester. Starting in February, UMHB adds beach volleyball to its growing list of competitive sports.

Since UMHB will be one of only a well as the growth of the sport, it prohandful of colleges in Texas that has vides UMHB an opportunity to attract beach volleyball, Coach Mark Pryor more students and be on the cutting says this is an exciting time for the athedge of a growing sport.” letics program and will help the univerThe new beach volleyball program sity stand out from other schools. will start playing games in February, Students and coaches are excited to kicking off the season at A&M Kingshave this new competitive sport played ville. They will have the possibility to at UMHB since it brings something play against Division III, II, NAIA, and new for students to experience on even Division I programs. In order to campus. have a beach volleyball team, there “The university is always looking for needs to be 12 players which will ways to add value and add experiences make up six teams of two players on for students,” said Mark Pryor, who is each team. also head coach for indoor volleyball.

Even though, this year the beach “With the courts already on campus as volleyball teams will not be eligible to

go to the national tournament, Pryor is hopeful that UMHB will be represented in the future Beach Volleyball National Tournament.

“In future years, we will definitely be looking to compete at the national tournament, and I believe we will be able to represent the university well at the national tournament in the not too distant future,” Pryor said.

- Victoria Kuntz, student writer Freshmen beach volleyball players Aliana Rojas, in the foreground, and Olivia Sherbert prepare for the first competitions beginning in February.

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In Tune with Music Education UMHB Conservatory of Music Receives $40,000 Grant UMHB recently received a generous grant that helps provide enriching music experiences to the children and youth of Central Texas.

In September, the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation gave a $40,000 grant to continue program support for the UMHB Conservatory of Music. Past grants from the Carpenter Foundation have made it possible for many students to participate in the program through scholarships and strategic funding initiatives.

“This grant allows us to provide music to children who might otherwise never have these enriching experiences,” explained Dr. Jonathan Gary, director of UMHB’s Conservatory of Music and department of music chairperson.

“We are grateful to the Carpenter Foundation for its long-standing support of our public service programs.”

UMHB provides preschool, elementary, and secondary students the opportunity to learn and grow from

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music through its conservatory of music. The success of these programs has led to the expansion of several programs this year, including opportunities for additional students. Thanks to this year’s funding, UMHB has begun a faith-based early childhood music program called “Teeny Tykes and Tunes” and will offer a middle school show choir this spring. Additionally, UMHB’s Conservatory of Music will continue to prepare middle and high school students to audition for various Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) and Texas Choral Directors Association (TCDA) choirs, which would not be possible without the Carpenter Foundation grant.

“TMEA and TCDA provide opportunities for students to excel in choral music in the form of honor choirs, both at a regional level and a state level. This opportunity provides students with a chance to experience challenging repertoire to work on

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their musicianship skills,” said Deborah Barrick, TMEA and TCDA audition coach. “When learning the music with me, the students learn how to become more musical and accurate with their singing. It builds confidence and work ethic in all of my students. I feel the experience students get while learning music for these auditioned choirs teaches them skills they will use in all aspects of life as they mature.”

The Conservatory of Music program offers high-quality instruction for its students from the UMHB Department of Music faculty. From scholarships for musical instruction to free music lessons for children in local daycare centers, these programs are making music education available to children of all ages in Central Texas and providing opportunities that otherwise would not be available.

To learn more, visit umhb.edu and search "Teeny Tykes."

Donors in the President’s Leadership Circle were celebrated with dinner, entertainment by One Voice, photos, and smores by the campfire during the Family Table gathering. Each year, donors who give at least $1,000 are invited to celebrate together at the President's Leadership Circle dinner. To learn more about joining the President’s Leadership Circle, visit go.umhb.edu/giving.

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U M H B P H I L A N T H R O P Y

Bountiful Blessings

$1 million anonymous gift creates the Julie O'Rear Endowed Scholarship UMHB is excited to announce the Julie O’Rear Endowed Scholarship. A generous donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, gave $1 million to UMHB from a donor-advised fund held at HighGround Advisors to endow this scholarship in honor of Julie O’Rear and her contributions to UMHB through her service as the first lady. This endowment will allow future college students with financial need to experience excellence in Christian higher education at UMHB. “I am overwhelmed and humbled by this gift. I don’t feel worthy of something like this, but it’s really cool to think about the students

it’s going to help,” explained Julie O’Rear ‘90, UMHB’s first lady. “In the same way I received scholarship assistance when I came to UMHB, this endowment is going to provide financial blessings to UMHB students now and into the future. I am most excited because, for years to come, this endowment will help students afford to have the same UMHB experience I had - even long after I’m gone.”

Julie grew up in Athens, TX, and came to UMHB in August 1986 to play volleyball and study nursing. She knew she wanted to be a nurse long before college, and she attributes finding UMHB to

God’s guidance in her life. She met her husband, Dr. Randy O’Rear, UMHB president, at a Fellowship of Christian Athletes meeting on campus that August when they were both college students, and they got married two years later. She then graduated in May 1990 and went on to have a fulfilling career as a clinical research nurse at Scott & White Hospital in Temple.

After they both graduated, Randy and Julie stayed at UMHB and served the university in many different capacities, including assistant baseball coach and residence hall director, respectively. Randy served 20 years in many capacities at the continued on page 39

Pictured with Julie O’Rear are, from left, Lauren Williams, Steve Sellers '21, E’Monte’ Smith, David Castles ‘21, DoRion Dreighton, Anthony Avila, and Kayla Janikula '21.

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UMHBPHILANTHROPY

Impactful Giving

Randy and Caroline Mann honored with endowed scholarship Randy and Caroline Mann were honored during a surprise announcement of an endowed scholarship in their name. Former players, friends, and family raised $100,000 to endow this scholarship in honor of Randy and Caroline to impact the lives of UMHB students for years to come.

"Caroline and I are so surprised to learn that our friends and family have been working to establish this scholarship," said Randy Mann. "We are humbled by their generosity and can't wait to see how this scholarship affects future UMHB students."

Randy joined UMHB in 1999 as the head men's golf coach and led the Cru to its first American Southwest Conference Championship in 2001. Under his leadership, the golf program won three ASC titles.

He also led the Cru men to their

first-ever NCAA Division III National Championship Tournament berth in 2001 before being promoted to associate athletic director in 2008.

Mann was responsible for athletic event management, ticketing, and various other administrative duties in that role. In 2012, Randy became the vice president for athletics and served in that role until 2021. During that time, he led UMHB athletics to two national championships and 17 ASC championships.

"The Manns have impacted many lives in the past 20 years at UMHB," said President Dr. Randy O'Rear. "I am grateful to those who gave so generously to create this scholarship to honor Randy's and Caroline's lives of service. I cannot think of two people more deserving."

Randy Mann is a 1980 graduate of Tarleton State University in

Stephenville, and he received his master's degree from Tarleton in 1998 before coming to UMHB. In 2019, he was awarded an honorary membership in the UMHB Alumni Association.

Caroline, originally from Crawford, graduated from UMHB with her Bachelor of Business Administration in 1983. She has enjoyed a long career at McLane Company, working as assistant treasurer.

To donate to the Randy and Caroline Mann Endowed Scholarship, visit go.umhb.edu/mann or call 254295-5451. To give to UMHB another way, visit the giving page at umhb.edu/giving.

Caroline and Randy Mann (pictured at far right) were surprised with an endowed scholarship in their names. Standing behind them is Travis Funk ’04 who kicked off the scholarship which has raised more than $100,000. Also pictured are Travis’ parents, John and Loretta Funk, and his wife, Melissa, and their children.

F E A T U R E S

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Alums battle it out in the kitchen while Crusaders head to Championship In four ultimate baking battles each week leading up to the Cru football championship game, alumni rolled up their sleeves and whipped up their most creative culinary confections, vying for a chance to be named “Playoff-Bake Off Champion.”

While the Cru was gearing up for its first-round championship win against Trinity University Nov. 20, guest judges were lining up to tackle some of the best cookies in Central Texas, with the winning wafer going to Brenda Hoelscher ’96. The “Cookie Champion” recipe she used was one her children had won with at the Bell County Youth Fair, and it paid off with the win!

On the second match-up, as the Cru took on Birmingham-Southern College on Nov. 27, bakers battled for the title of “Breakfast Champion,” with the winning whisk going to Rose Morales ’00 with her secret banana bread recipe.

“I have made many banana breads to raise money for going on mission trips or for doing a toy drive,” she said as the reason for not sharing the prize-winning recipe. “Everyone loves my banana bread and greatly supports the cause.

It brings me great joy to be able to bake for others and hear that it is one of the best they have eaten!”

In round three on Dec. 4, as Crusaders were creaming Linfield University on the field, 2020 graduate Charlotte Miller’s homemade banana pudding pie was racking up the most points for the W and title of “Pie Champion.”

Dec. 11 was a bye week for the Playoff-Bake Off (since UMHB was playing Wisconsin-Whitewater in Wisconsin). With that easy win for the Crusaders, the fourth and final Playoff-Bake Off round was set for the championship game Dec. 17 during the watch party. While UMHB fans gathered to watch the Cru take the cake on the field, Maegan Loya ’15 was scoring points with the judges to be named “Cake Champion” for her “Cake for the Cru.” “We could not be prouder of our alumni for showing up for our Playoff-Bake Off each week,” said Jeff Sutton, director of alumni engagement. “All of the participation from our alums just made winning the national championship game that much sweeter!”

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Chewy Coconut-Lime Sugar Cookies

Recipe from America's Test Ktichen Cookbook www.littlebitsof.com

ingredients

AND THE WINNER IS...

BRENDA HOELSCHER '96 COOKIE CHAMPION

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut, chopped 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 1 oz cream cheese, cut into 8 pieces 1 tsp grated lime zest 6 tsp unsalted butter, melted and hot 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1 large egg 1 Tbs milk 1 Tbs lime juice 1/2 cup pure cane organic sugar (large sugar crystals)

Banana Pudding Pie

Recipe from Southern Living

Vanilla Cream Filling ingredients

Set aside 30 vanilla wafers and crush the rest. Stir together crushed vanilla wafers and butter until blended. Firmly press on bottom of 9-inch pie plate. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Let cool 30 minutes.

Arrange banana slices over bottom of crust. Prepare vanilla cream filling and spread half of hot filling over bananas. Top with 20 wafers. Spread remaining hot filling over wafers.

Beat egg whites at high speed with mixer until foamy. Add sugar (1 Tbsp at a time) and beat until stiff peaks form and sugar dissolves. Spread evenly over hot filling, sealing the edges.

Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Let cool for one hour.

Coarsely crush remaining 10 vanilla wafers and sprinkle over top of pie. Chill for four hours.

¾ cup sugar ½ cup all-purpose flour 2 large eggs 4 egg yolks 2 cups milk 2 tsp vanilla extract

Whisk first five ingredients in a heavy saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly for 8-10 minutes until it reaches the thickness of chilled pudding. (Mixture will just begin to bubble and will be thick enough to hold soft peaks when whisk is lifted.)

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Use immediately.

ingredients

1 (12-oz) box vanilla wafers ½ cup butter (melted) 2 large bananas (sliced) 4 egg whites ½ cup sugar

ROSE MORALES '00 BREAKFAST CHAMPION

Maegan's Chocolate Cake CHARLOTTE MILLER '20 PIE CHAMPION

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper. Whisk flour, coconut, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Place granulated sugar, cream cheese, and lime zest in large bowl. Pour butter over mixture and whisk until combined. Whisk in oil until well incorporated. Add egg, milk, and lime juice and continue to whisk until smooth.

Add flour mixture with a rubber spatula until soft dough forms.

Divide dough into 24 equal pieces (about 2 tablespoons each). Using hands, roll dough into balls. Working in batches, roll balls in cane sugar to coat and place on prepared baking sheet (12 balls per sheet). Bake one tray at a time until edges are set and just beginning to brown, 11-13 minutes, rotating sheet after 7 minutes. Let cookies cool for 5 minutes and transfer to wire rack.

ingredients 1/2 cup sour cream 1 cup buttermilk 3 large eggs 1 1/2 cups strong hot coffee 3/4 cup vegetable oil 1 Tbs Mexican Vanilla extract 3 cups all-purpose flour 2 2/3 cup sugar 1/2 cup cocoa powder 1 Tbs baking soda 1 tsp kosher salt

Vanilla Buttercream Icing I used Sweet Tooth Fairy’s purple-colored powdered sugar instead of food coloring for this cake, but you could use regular powdered sugar and add your choice of food coloring!

1 1/2 lbs powdered sugar (sifted) 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream 1 tsp Mexican Vanilla extract 1/4 tsp salt Food coloring of your choice (optional) **To make it a chocolate buttercream add: 1/4 cup cocoa powder 1 tsp espresso No food coloring

MAEGAN LOYA '15 CAKE CHAMPION

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U M H B F E A T U R E S

B Y

CHRISTI MAYS

Before email, instant messaging, and Facetime, the post office was the 'place to be'

a Instead of sitting around with laptops and cell phones at Bawcom Student Union like students do today, hanging out at the post office was the place to be when Julia (Amason) Walker ‘60 was at Mary Hardin-Baylor.

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Box No. 124.

Even though it’s been more than 60 years since she graduated, Julia vividly remembers running to the campus post office every day to check box No. 124.

Long before tapping out a text connected us to the world, communication revolved around the handwritten word.

Along with her five best friends, Julia would take off from her room on the third floor of Stribling Hall and stroll over to a small building near what is now Walton Chapel and wait until she could get a look inside her box. The small building also contained the bookstore where she and a gaggle of girls would congregate between classes, waiting on Postmistress Stegall to signal the mail was out. She wouldn’t allow the girls to check their boxes until every piece had been posted, which was usually around 10 a.m.

Gathered around tables inside the bookstore, which

UMHBFEATURES

Letters of Endearment

A hangout for all

also served as a general store, Julia and her friends drank coffee and bottles of Coke while sharing a sweet treat.

“We looked forward to getting letters, and it was very special,” Julia said. “Today, it would seem really out of date because we have all these modern conveniences with communication at our fingertips. Like this morning, I’ve already talked to my grandchildren!”

The oldest of three sisters, who also came to Mary Hardin-Baylor, Julia received weekly letters from her mother and sisters.

“My mother wrote beautiful letters to me, encouraging and uplifting me, ‘You can do this!’” she said. “I tended to take on more than I should have and would be overwhelmed. But when I got her letters, I would try harder.”

When Grace (Dannelley) McDonald ‘70 was in elementary and middle school, one of her favorite things was to run over to the MHB post office and bookstore and chat with all the college girls.

Grace, who lived on or near campus since she was eight years old, would meet up with a buddy after school and head over to the post office (when it was located near what is now Walton Chapel).

Ironically, one of their houses was located where the current post office sits now inside the Mabee Student Success Center. Because her dad worked at MHB and her family lived on campus, their mailbox was located at the MHB post office.

Grace and her friend would sit at the same tables inside the bookstore where Julia Walker had once sat. They couldn’t wait for all the college girls to come by so they could say “hello.”

“The college was smaller then, and we thought we knew them all,” Grace recalled with a chuckle. “I guess we were kind of like their little brothers and sisters they had left back home.”

Grace later attended MHB as a student, and even though her parents still lived on campus, she resided in Burt Hall her freshman year. By then, the post office had moved to the basement of Ely-Pepper Hall; however, she didn’t receive many handwritten letters since her parents lived so close.

Even so, she’s always cherished the many memories of sitting around the post office and chatting with students. “They were just kind of like our family.”

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U M H B F E A T U R E S

p d

The Rules of Correspondence

for the Cottage Home Girls Early 1900s

¤You must write your home people at least once a month. ¤You can correspond young man. Only in cases can you write oftener than once a

with but one some exceptional to a young man month.

¤All letters must be written with pen and ink. ¤Stamps must be placed perpendicular in the upper righthand corner of your envelope. ¤You must have a correspondence number, and it must be placed in the upper left-hand corner of your envelope. ¤No mail is to be sent off until it has passed through the girl's hands who tends to the mail, except it be sent by Mrs. Townsend. ¤Do not ask the girl who tends the mail if you have a letter or package. ¤Do not open your mail in the Dining Room. ¤No letter-writing during Study Hall or Study Hours. ¤Do not go to the mailbox except to mail letters.

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You got what in the mail?

According to museum documents, letters weren’t the only items students received in the mail over the years.

Perhaps one of the earliest records of packages students received was of a dress made in Philadelphia in 1883. It was the graduation dress for Carrie Clay Thornhill. The dress arrived a day or two before commencement, and instead of being the usual white, it was green. There was no time to make another dress, so President John Hill Luther and the board held an emergency meeting. They reluctantly allowed her to graduate in the green dress.

On April 21, 1886, officials laid the first cornerstone on campus amid a lavish ceremony. Except, it almost didn't happen. On the day of the ceremony, the stone was nowhere to be found. Wells Fargo Company was entrusted with the shipping, but the train had arrived, and the stone wasn't on board. A little town near Temple telegraphed saying, “that rock you have been fussing about so much" had come there instead.

The Wells Fargo agent, Mr. W. D. Woodruff, ensured that the cornerstone arrived just in time for the ceremony through frantic telegrams and a special train sent to fetch the stone.

In the 1950s, there were letters back and forth from Peggy Albin ‘58 and her mother, who each year mailed her daughter a milk chocolate cake for her birthday. The cake was a big hit with Peggy and her friends!

Even today, students are mailing and receiving extraordinary objects. Several years ago, during the painted rock craze, the UMHB post office began receiving—and sending out—rocks. No box or envelope.

Just rocks.

“Students were finding flat rocks and painting one side and on the other side, would put ‘to’ and ‘from’ and a stamp. The post office will accept anything to mail as long as you can get the address and postage on it,” said Chuck Mills, manager of mail services.

He says the mailroom workers always seem to know when something is trending on social media because “weird” things start showing up in the mail.

For instance, during the fall before COVID-19 hit, students were receiving basketballs in the mail. They

UMHBFEATURES

were signed with notes right on the ball. And then there was the time the mailroom received a dozen or so huge Idaho potatoes. (Again, no box or envelope.

Just a potato in the mail addressed to a student).

“That was a mess!” Chuck exhaled. But perhaps the most unusual thing of all that has gone in or out of the UMHB post office was a frozen, full-sized smoked brisket from Miller’s Smokehouse—all the way to Oregon.

“The first year I was here, we had a student from Oregon who fell in love with Central Texas barbecue,” Chuck said. “He bought a brisket and froze that thing, and we packed it in dry ice for him and sent it back home to his parents in Oregon. He was a hoot!”

Sadly, the days of students congregating at the post office to chat with friends may be a thing of the past, Chuck said. “It’s just grab-and-go now. They still bring their posse with them, but they don’t stand around chatting. I think it’s because they have so many other places to do that.”

Surprisingly, though, he said a notable number of students still receive handwritten letters.

“Normally, it’s from granny, the crazy aunt, or somebody from the church,” he said, adding that some girl students also still send handwritten letters to their boyfriends and friends back home. “I think is pretty cool that they’re actually sending a letter and not a text.”

But just because the handwritten form of communication may have slowed down considerably doesn’t mean the crew at the post office has time to sit around.

On average, the three-man team (plus eight student workers) sort and deliver 300 to 350 pieces of mail daily, totaling more than 10,000 pieces each month. Since COVID-19 hit in March 2019, the number of packages received at the post office has increased tenfold, Chuck said. Depending on the month, they receive between 3,500 to 4,000 packages and eight to 10 grocery deliveries each week to students living in residence halls.

He said when school starts each fall, there used to be a week or two delay before the mailroom would get slammed with shipments for students—books, dorm room necessities, etc.

“This year, on the first day of school, an Amazon

THEN AND NOW

The three-man mailroom crew is Mark Everett, Manager Chuck Mills, and Bobby Williams.

truck pulled up and dropped off 800 packages!”

Chuck said. “And the shipments didn’t die down until November.”

With close to 3,000 students living on campus, Chuck said he gets to see most of them every day as they’re picking up mail at their boxes.

“We get to know them in about a week or so, ‘How are your classes going? How was your test today? What student orgs do you belong to?’” he said.

“For us, that’s the really cool part.”

Cherishing the memories

As for Julia Walker, who still cherishes the letters her mother wrote to her in college, she’ll always warmly remember the days she received them at box No. 124. “I have very fond memories of the bookstore and the people and the letters that I received.”

Those letters helped lead her to be the woman she is today and to do the work the Lord wanted her to do as a schoolteacher.

“There’s something very real about a letter in the words that someone writes,” she said. “Some of the most beautiful writing I’ve ever read was in those letters from people that I loved so much.”

To learn more about the history of the post offices on campus, visit the free rotating exhibit at the Musick Alumni Center and Museum at the Parker House from now through April.

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BY CHRISTI MAYS

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BY CHRISTI MAYS

UMHBFEATURES

| PHOTOGRAPHY BY COOPER ROSS

SUPPLYING THE WORLD First student finds success through Supply Chain Management degree

“Think about how that UMHB t-shirt you’re wearing got here,” Dr. Ken Smith often asks the incoming freshmen to get them thinking about how supply chain management works. “We sit down at our computers and push a button and BOOM, our package with a t-shirt shows up the next day. But nobody has any idea what’s behind that, and it’s kind of mindboggling to think everything that has gone into place to make that t-shirt show up at your doorstep.”

He goes on to ask another question: “How many people are involved in making your shirt?” From the farmer to the cotton gin to the fabric producer to the garment manufacturer—the process is lengthy, but still not finished. It also has to be dyed, then imprinted with the UMHB logo. And all this happens before the shirt even leaves Bangladesh or wherever it’s made! Needless to say, it’s still a long way from the UMHB Campus Store at that point, and somebody has to manage that entire process.

NOT A NEW CONCEPT

This is where supply chain management comes in.

Supply chain management isn’t a new concept; it’s just one that not many people think about. That is until recently. With news of global challenges the supply chain has faced over the last year, massive numbers of cargo ships have been seen in the news, backed up at ports, thanks in part to labor shortages. And, who can forget the infamous toilet paper shortage during COVID-19?

Both problems were part of a worldwide breakdown in the supply chain.

It couldn’t be a more appropriate time for UMHB to announce the first graduate of its new supply chain management program—Madison Warner '21. With more than eight job offers before she walked across the stage

“I have always wanted to be a part of something that's much bigger than me. Supply chain management is so needed and can make a huge impact on businesses. Whether you work with a small, nonprofit organization, or one as large as Amazon, you can make a difference in whatever pathway you choose.”

— Madison Warner, ‘21 on Dec. 3, Madison is proof that employers highly covet those with the skills to keep trucks rolling, cargo ships sailing, and planes flying to deliver goods on time.

ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES

According to figures from researchers at the University of Washington, the average job search time for college graduates is six months. While looking at all the various supply chain jobs available, Madison interviewed with around 20 or 30 companies, was flown out of state multiple times to interview, and had offers ranging in pay from $55,000 to $80,000. She ended up accepting a management position with Amazon and will be in charge of 50 to 200 associates in an air hub right outside of Fort Worth.

“I have always wanted to be a part of something much bigger than me,” said Madison, who also majored

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U M H B F E A T U R E S

CAREER PATH

OPPORTUNITIES IN

SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT •SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGER •DEMAND PLANNER •LOGISTICS ANALYST •MATERIALS MANAGER •INVENTORY ANALYST •PURCHASING AND PROCUREMENT ANALYST •STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

in international business. “Supply chain management is so needed and can make such a huge impact on businesses. Whether you work with a small, nonprofit organization, or one as large as Amazon, you can make a difference in whatever pathway you choose. That was very important to me.”

At Amazon, Madison said her primary job will be coaching and developing her team, which distributes goods onto planes. She will also support OSHA compliance and implement safety programs to ensure a safe work environment and establish performance goals and targets.

“I’m very logistically minded and analytical, so this is a good fit for me,” she said.

Madison first learned about supply chain manage-

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ment in one of her intro business classes.

“I don’t think a lot of people knew what it was because I didn’t even get a real sense of it until Dr. (Terry) Fox started talking to us about it,” she said.

HERE TO STAY

Dr. Pat Jaska, a professor who teaches supply chain management classes, said many people think supply chain is warehousing or working at distribution centers, like the Walmart, McLane, or Wilson Art distribution centers in Temple. He said with a degree in supply chain management, the job options are endless. Graduates can work as demand planners, supply chain analysts, logistics analysts, materials managers, inventory analysts, purchasing and procurement analysts, and more.

UMHBFEATURES

“Supply chain is everywhere.

When the supply chain has a hiccup, it's felt all the way through the system. We have to have people who can solve the problems in supply chain.”

— Dr. Pat Jaska

SUPPLY AND DEMAND Dr. Pat Jaska, a professor in McLane College of Business, teaches classes for the new supply chain management degree.

Even with all the news about robotic automation and drone deliveries, Jaska said demand for supply chain management will never decline.

“I don’t care what you do or how much technology you have, you still are going to have to have people,” he said. “Most people don’t go to somebody’s vegetable garden to get some vegetables; we go to the grocery store. When you go to fill up your vehicle with gasoline, how does that get to you?” he said.

“Supply chain is everywhere. When the supply chain has a hiccup, it’s felt all the way through the system.

We have to have people who can solve the problems in supply chain.”

Smith said when the business school began looking to add new degree plans a few years ago, they solicited input from area businesses. With Belton and Temple strategically located on the I35 corridor and a prime location for several major distribution centers, offering a degree in supply chain management

became a no-brainer.

“It made sense because we could partner with a whole lot of local companies to do internships for mentoring assignments and take students to see what these operations look like,” Smith said. “These companies gave us a lot of good input on the kinds of things they would like to see in our curriculum and the benefits they would get from having students engaged in these programs. There’s been great community support for the major.”

As for Madison, she is excited to be graduating as the first student with a supply chain management degree.

“I always wanted to set a good pathway, knowing that what internship I got really mattered, what job I got really mattered,” she said. “This is a huge deal, and I’m happy I chose this path.”

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U M H B A C A D E M I A

BY CHRISTI MAYS

| PHOTOGRAPHY BY COOPER ROSS

Monica'sWAY Student finds success in utra-flexible MyWay Program

FINDING HER WAY With her trusty laptop, Monica Vriseno was able to work on her degree when it was convenient for her through the MyWay program.

Opposite page, Monica is pictured with her two sons, Tony Vriseno III, who is a freshman at UMHB, and Benjamin Vriseno.

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Walking across the stage meant the world to Monica Vriseno '21. It meant she had finally met her goal. It meant she wasn’t letting test anxiety dictate her future. It meant she could get a higher-paying job. But the one thing that meant the most was that she was setting an example for her two boys.

“I knew I had to do this for them—to set an example,” she said of finishing her bachelor’s degree through the MyWay program. Inscribed on her graduation cap was the phrase, “I wanted to give up, but then I remembered who was watching.”

Just like for any working mother and wife, getting her degree proved to be a challenging road, but because Monica chose the MyWay route, she said the flexibility of the unique competency-based education model was the right choice for her. MyWay offers two degree programs in organizational leadership and RN to BSN, and students learn at their own pace. Instead of taking quizzes and finals, students prove competency of the materials through assessments like research papers and presentations. Not having to take tests to pass a class is what convinced Monica to go through MyWay versus traditional or even online degree programs.

“I don’t do well in a classroom environment,” she said. “I get really anxious taking tests.”

She remembers the first semester of traditional college classes after graduating from high school. She would walk into a test knowing the material well, but as soon as she saw the countdown clock on her computer, she would panic and freeze. She quit after only one semester. Later in life, when she was working for the school district, her teacher friends convinced her to go back and try again, and she earned her associate’s degree online. It wasn’t as bad for her as being in a traditional classroom, but when she and husband Tony started a family, going back to finish a bachelor’s degree was out of the question.

UMHBACADEMIA

Even though the program is fully online, MyWay offers a lot of support, including communication with a success coordinator and access to the UMHB Library and tutoring services. MyWay students can start on the 15th of any month and finish as many classes as they want to in six-month intervals. Monica liked that MyWay let her decide how fast or slow she wanted to progress. As soon as she finished a class, she submitted her work for approval. When she mastered the material, she moved on to the next class.

“It’s definitely more flexible, and you do the work at your own pace,” she said. “But you still have to be very dedicated and self-motivated.”

If a MyWay student misses a “target date” to complete an assignment, the student can move the target date.

“So, if you want to hang out with family, you can move it,” she said. Monica was motivated to finish by her final target date, though. Her son’s high school graduation date was coming up, and she wanted to get her diploma before he finished.

“I think in my last term, I did 13 classes because I was determined that I was going to walk before my son walked,” she said with a giggle. “So, I put it in overdrive that last term.”

Her laptop was practically “glued to her hip.” Determined not to miss out on her family’s activities, she worked on school at baseball practice, on vacation at the coast, and at her in-laws’ house during Thanksgiving.

“MyWay is really good for the working adult—the working mom or dad—because you can just work on it wherever and whenever,” Monica said. “Because of the schedule that my boys had doing a hundred different things, I don’t think I would have gotten a traditional bachelor’s degree honestly, because I didn’t want to miss out on

“MyWay is really good for the working adult—the working mom or dad—because you can just work on it wherever and whenever.” — Monica Vriseno ‘21 their football games and school events.”

She first learned about the program in 2016 shortly after it launched. She was intrigued but put it on the backburner for a few more years until 2019 when she came to work at UMHB in human resources as a record specialist. She started in July that year and finished in May 2021. In September 2021, she applied for her current job in the registrar’s office as a MyWay Program coordinator, which required a bachelor’s degree.

“I saw the job description, and I knew I had to apply!” she said. “I was very happy in HR, but they told me to go for it and said, ‘this is why you went to school, to progress!’”

Now, she works with MyWay students, evaluating their classes and getting them into the system so they can complete their degrees in their own time, just like Monica did.

“When I saw this job, I felt it was perfect,” she said. “I feel like I’ve come full circle.”

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ALUMNI NOTES

ABOVE & BEYOND THE RIM

One of UMHB’s most outstanding women's basketball players, Ana Paula Monteiro Lilly ’98, stands below her retired No. 20 jersey.

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ANA PAULA MONTEIRO LILLY ‘98

Making Basketball History

Ana Paula came to UMHB to play basketball, but ended up leaving with so much more When Ana Paula Monteiro Lilly first came to UMHB to play basketball, she barely knew a word of English. But when the six-foot-two native Brazilian stepped out on the court, no words were needed. She was in her element.

“I have so many good memories from UMHB and being part of the basketball team,” said Ana, who played on the women’s team from 1993-97.

Because of her height, Ana first played volleyball while she was in middle school in Brazil, but soon discovered club basketball and played throughout high school and continued even afterward. While on summer break, a former club team member, Marcia Oliveira, came to watch Ana play in a tournament. Marcia was attending college in Texas, but had met Dr. Cliffa Foster, HA and was planning to transfer to UMHB to play basketball. She convinced Ana to go with her. So, the following semester, Ana found herself at UMHB playing ball under Coach Foster, who was the women’s basketball coach at the time.

“Coach Foster is an awesome person and coach,” she said.

“She got the best of me as an

athlete, and as a person. It made a difference having someone like her leading us and getting the best out of everybody on the team.”

And “getting the best” was exactly what she got. Under Foster’s leadership, Ana and her team went to the nationals all four years that Ana played ball at UMHB. That first year, Ana was named “Freshman of the Year,” and her last two years she earned a spot on the All-American team.

She earned the title of leading rebounder at UMHB and still holds the title to this day with more than 1,000 rebounds. She is also the leading scorer with more than

"I have so many memories from UMHB and being part of the basketball team."

—Ana Paula Monteiro Lilly ’98

2,000 points.

At the time Ana played for UMHB, the school was a part of the NAIA Conference, which allowed students to receive athletic scholarships. Ana was offered a place on the team even though

Coach Foster had never even seen her play. And it turned out that UMHB and Ana were the perfect match.

After graduating in 1998 with a degree in computer graphics, Ana worked at several local companies, including McLane Advanced Technologies, as a graphic designer.

In 2010, she and her husband, Rick, who is a 1999 UMHB graduate, had an opportunity to move back to her homeland.

“Our kids were little at the time and I wanted them to know the language and the culture, get to know my parents, and have a relationship with my brothers and sister and their cousins,” she said.

So, they moved back to Brazil.

Their intention was to stay there for about three years, and then come back to the states. But Ana lucked into a job at the school her children attend, FourC Bilingual Academy.

“When we were there looking at the school, the owner, who is American, asked what we did,” Ana said. The school offered her a job as a translator. “It was meant to be, just like it was when I came to UMHB.” Soon after, Ana went to work translating the school’s materials continued on page 37

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IN MEMORIAM 1940s Lola Tidwell Curlee ’41, Sept.

24, in Sinton at age 100. She graduated from Mary Hardin-Baylor with a degree in home economics.

Lola and Joseph Harrel Curlee were married on June 21, 1941. A longtime active member of First Baptist Church in Sinton, she taught Sunday school for more than 70 years.

Jimmie Nell (Holman) Courtney ex ’48, Aug. 13, 2021, in Austin at age 90.

She graduated from Handley High School and attended Mary Hardin-Baylor College where she played basketball and volleyball. She worked for Ralston Purina Company in Fort Worth, Tex., where she met and married Tucker Courtney, who passed away in 1985.

Julia Ann Smith Michael ’49, June 16, 2021, in Waco at age 92.

Julia Ann graduated from Hearne High School and attended Mary Hardin-Baylor College, graduating in 1949 with a degree in speech. While at MHB, she was president of the Baptist Student Union, portrayed Jesus in the Easter Pageant, and was awarded the Mary Hardin-Baylor Loyalty Cup.

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She received her master's degree in English from the University of Texas at Austin. Two days after graduation, she married Capt. Rex Z. Michael, who was in the U.S. Marine Corps.

1950 s

Mary Betty Jones Sangster ex ’50, Aug. 7, 2021, at age 90. She attended Rison public schools, and after graduating in 1948, she attended Mary Hardin-Baylor for two years. In 1952, she graduated from North Texas State College in Denton, Tex., with a degree in home economics. Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Ernest Luther Sangster.

Polly Daniel Spears ’50, June 30, 2021, in Temple at age 93. She was a graduate of Belton High School and Mary Hardin-Baylor. She married Edwin F. "Jack" Daniel on Oct. 21, 1950, in Belton. He preceded her in death in July 1988. She married Dan Spears on April 28, 2004, in Temple. He died in 2016.

Dorothy M. Schwartz ’51, July 12, 2021, at age 97. Dorothy graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education. She was married to William Schwartz.

Mary Etta Halbert Sims ex ’51, June 12, 2021, at age 88. Mary graduated from high school when she was 15 years old. After a

gap year, Mary began college at Mary Hardin-Baylor. She completed her college education at Baylor University.

Mary taught for more than 30 years.

She met Henry Burl Sims on a blind date, and after a two-month courtship and a four-month engagement, they married on Dec. 26, 1953.

Joan Marlowe Myrah ’53, Sept. 9, 2021, at age 89. Her father was in the military, so she attended schools in Georgia, New York, Florida, and Arkansas and graduated from Nurnberg American High School in Germany. Joan earned her bachelor's degree from Mary Hardin-Baylor College in 1953 and was awarded the Loyalty Cup. Bonnie Berneta Peeples ex ’53, July 11, 2021, at age 103. She attended Belton schools and Mary Hardin-Baylor College. She began her journalism career during high school at the Belton Journal. She became a valuable historian of local lore and was iconic in her knowledge of the goings-on in Belton for decades. She was the associate editor of the Belton Journal for more than 70 years, never actually making retirement stick but continuing to work into her mid-90s.

Connie Smith ’54, July 11, 2021, in Gatesville at age 91. She met and married Gordon Smith while attending Clifton Junior

College. Connie finished her education, graduating from Mary Hardin-Baylor College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in education. They both taught for many years for Gatesville ISD. Barbara Warren Birkes ’57, June 24, 2021, in Houston at age 85.

Barbara earned her bachelor's degree from Mary HardinBaylor College in 1957. She later received her master's degree from Sam Houston State University. Barbara began her career in Houston, where she met her husband, David. She was an educator who worked her way from a teacher to a principal.

Dr. Grace Janette Stoebner Labaj ’58, Aug. 10, 2021, at age 84.

After graduating from Buckholts High School in 1955, she entered Scott & White Hospital School of Nursing at Mary Hardin-Baylor where she earned a nursing diploma in 1958.

During the following two years, Dr. Labaj worked as a staff nurse at Scott & White Hospital and attended Temple College and Mary Hardin-Baylor. In September 1960, she entered Texas Christian University and received her Bachelor of Science in nursing in 1961.

On Aug. 10, 1963, she married Edwin Labaj in Temple and worked as an instructor at Scott & White Hospital School of Nursing. She became a nursing instructor at MHB in 1970. She earned a Master of Science in nursing from the University of Texas School of Nursing in 1972 and completed her Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Texas in 1987.

She was appointed associate dean of the School of Nursing in 1994 and dean in February 2001 until her retirement in 2003. Upon her retirement, the number of students graduating during her service from UMHB was approximately 1,450. Dr. Labaj was a member of the Temple Brethren Church/Cross Church for more than 58 years. Memorials may be made to the Stoebner Labaj Presidential Endowed Scholarship in Nursing at UMHB.

graduate of Mary-Hardin Baylor College, Kitty began teaching at West Creek Elementary in Fort Worth ISD in 1964. She fell in love and married her sweetheart, Rex Pipes, in 1965.

Gladys Lipscomb Weaver ’60, Aug. 5, 2021, at age 83. She graduated from Mary HardinBaylor College in 1960 and taught at Lufkin High School from 1960 to 1961. In November 1961, she married Billy Howard Weaver and lived in Navasota for the next 42 years.

Gloria Lamar Garcia Green ’69, Sept. 16, 2021, at age 73.

Gloria attended Mary HardinBaylor College where she earned a bachelor's degree in education and met her husband, U.S. Army 1st Lt. David G. Green. She earned her master's in education from George Mason University and became the director of student activities at Robert E. Lee High School in Springfield.

1960 s

Marietta Rasbury Carrigan ’61, July 27, 2021, at age 98. Marietta married Mark on March 21, 1943, during World War II. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in education, a Master of Science in communications, and did post-master studies in library science.

She was the first member of her family to earn a university degree.

Kitty Evelyn (Bowles) Pipes ’64, Sept. 14, 2021, at age 79.

A 1960 graduate of Cleburne High School and 1964

Frances Ann Williamson ’64, Aug. 25, 2021, at age 78. She earned a bachelor's degree from Mary HardinBaylor College and was a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University.

1970 s Bonnibelle "Bonnie" Hudgens Martin Bulls ’70, Aug. 27, 2021, at age 93.

She earned her bachelor's degree from Mary HardinBaylor College and her master's degree from Southwest Texas State University. Bonnie taught second grade at Scott Elementary School for seven years. For the next 25 years, she was the principal at Dickson Elementary, Bethune Elementary, and Meredith

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Dunbar Magnet Elementary. Her husband, Aubrey Ray Martin, preceded her in death.

Wanda Lee Talasek ’70, Aug. 22, 2021, at age 82. She earned her bachelor's degree in education from Mary Hardin-Baylor College. She later earned her master's degree from Southwest Texas State University when few women achieved such status, especially as a working wife and mother. She was married to Ed Talasek for 64 years.

Glenda DeArmon Gillian ’71, July 10, 2021, at age 83. She met Larry Gilliam, her husband of 65 years, working at the family business, Gilliam's Grocery Store. In 1955, she graduated from LaVega High School and married Larry in 1956. She went on to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mary Hardin-Baylor College in 1971. She was a teacher and librarian for 30 years.

Mary Jane Hillyard ’72, July 23, 2021, in Waco at age 71.

A 1968 graduate of Troy High School, she attended Mary HardinBaylor College and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. She later received her master's degree in nursing from Regis University.

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Mary Katherine (Clarke) Hammond ’73, Sept. 4, 2021, at age 93. She married Granville S. Hammond in 1950 and spent most of her younger adult years raising her children. She graduated from Mary Hardin-Baylor College and taught English classes at St. Patrick School in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s before joining the Bishop Lynch High School faculty as a history teacher. Memorials may be made to the Grant and Mary Hammond Endowed Scholarship Fund at UMHB. Annetta Pearl Doggett ’75, Aug. 19, 2021, in Temple at age 79. On Sept. 12, 1959, she married Harley Doggett and moved to Rogers in 1969. They were married for 55 years until his death in 2014. She married James Lee Fread on June 6, 2018.

Annetta is a 1959 graduate of Temple High School, 1972 graduate of Temple College, and a 1975 graduate of Mary Hardin-Baylor College.

1980s

Sarah O'Nell Stubbs Gohlke ’80, June 27, 2021, at age 78. She married Robert J. Gohlke on March 17, 1962.

She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in education from UMHB, where she was an editor for The Bells, the campus newspaper.

Sharon Denise (Cagle) Petter ’80, July 27, 2021, at age 62.

She attended the University of Mary HardinBaylor, earning her bachelor's degree in education. In July 1980, Denise married Dale Petter of Temple.

Peggy Howell ’81, July 25, 2021, in Post at age 78.

She graduated from Post High School and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Peggy married Graydon Howell on June 23, 1962, in Post. She taught school for many years, retiring from Junction ISD. Peggy was a member of the Baptist Church.

Daniel Lewis Lambert ’85, Sept. 30, 2021, at age 58. He played basketball at UMHB and graduated with a bachelor's degree in accounting. Danny then worked for several businesses over the years before he left work to take care of his father before his father's passing.

IN MEMORIAM

Jane Meyer

JULY 26, 1940 - AUGUST 21, 2021

Longtime friend and supporter of UMHB, Jane Meyer, passed away Aug. 21, 2021, in Waco at the age of 81.

After graduating from Temple High School in 1958, Jane moved to Waco to attend the 4C Business School. She worked at Success Motivation Institute where she met Paul J. Meyer. The couple was married on Nov. 26, 1971.

Jane was the co-founder of the Paul & Jane Meyer Family Foundation established in 1984 to "provide resources to carry out the work of the Great Commission by investing in Christian mission ministries, charities, and needy individuals that they might, in turn, impact our world for Jesus Christ." She and Paul loved being a part of helping many charities such as Compassion Ministries,

Friends for Life, Mission Waco, and the Waco Boys and Girls Club. Jane was also involved with Baylor University in various ways for many years and received major awards including Alumni Honoris Causa in 1992 and the Founders Medal in 2016. Jane also enjoyed being involved with UMHB where she had the honor of being the inaugural recipient of the President's Leadership Circle Award.

The Meyer Family Foundation made numerous gifts to UMHB over the years, including $700,000 toward the construction of the Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center. The 2,000-square-foot

rehearsal hall carries the Meyer name. In 2003, Paul and Jane made the $1 million lead gift for the Paul and Jane Meyer Christian Studies Center, which houses UMHB’s College of Christian Studies. In 2011, Jane again stepped forward with the lead gift for the nursing education center. The foundation contributed $5 million toward the three-story building that was named in memory of Paul’s mother, Isabelle Rutherford Meyer, who worked as an educator and nurse.

“We are forever grateful to Jane Meyer for the monumental impact she and her family have had at UMHB over the years,” said Dr. Randy O’Rear, UMHB president. “Her generosity has been transformational to our campus, and her legacy will live on for generations to come.”

Jane and Paul firmly believed in the importance of stewardship and giving, and they instilled these values in their family. Though Paul passed away in 2009, she and their children continued to support a wide range of charities and ministries through the family foundation. She cherished the time she spent with all of her children and grandchildren hosting large family gatherings. Jane greatly enjoyed traveling around the world with Paul for business, ministry, and fun.

Jane Meyer traces her interest in UMHB back to her early years growing up in nearby Temple. She said she “appreciated Mary HardinBaylor’s strong commitment to Christian higher education.”

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Arthur John Polchinski ex ’87, Sept. 14, 2021, at age 61.

He attended the University of Reno in Nevada on a baseball scholarship before moving to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. He eventually settled in Central Texas, where he began working as a recreational therapist at Scott & White Hospital where he met his loving wife, Susan Polchinski. He was involved in swim lessons at UMHB. Henriette "Rhetta" Flemming ’88, Aug. 12, 2021. She graduated with a degree in political science in 1988.

1990s Enka Ericika Benson ’93, Aug. 17, 2021, at age 49. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from UMHB and a Master of Education degree from Tarleton State University.

Enka was a member of Marlboro Heights Baptist Church and loved spending time with her family, friends, pets, traveling, reading, and watching romantic, historical dramas. She was married to John Cole Jr. for 24 years.

John Bryant Mayo ’95, Sept.

19, 2021, in Rogers at age 55. He graduated from Colorado City High School in 1984 and then attended Texas Tech University where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in accounting in 1989. Afterward, John attended the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and graduated in 1995 with a master's degree in business administration. He

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took pride in his work and spent years working hard to climb the ranks of the business world. Ultimately, John became EVP/CFO of Omega Builders in Temple. He married Nikki on Nov. 15, 2003.

Bryan Alan Cook ’97, July 5, 2021, in Killeen at age 55. He earned a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in 1997. He taught English for 12 years at Central Texas College. He is survived by his wife, Marieta.

Traci Adkins Cook ’97, July 8, 2021, in Alexandria, Calif., at age 49. She graduated from Sanger High School and received a Bachelor of Science in education from Baylor University and a Master of Education Administration from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Traci was an elementary and middle school teacher and a defense contractor with DefenseWeb, TIAG, and Booz Allen Hamilton.

2000s

Edwin "Dean" Youngblood ’05, July 29, 2021, at age 68. He married Cindy Dyer, Nov. 6, 1982, in Waco, Tex. He graduated from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in 2005 and retired from Frito Lay after 25 years of service.

2010s Barbara D. Greer ’10, Sept. 24, 2021, at age 57.

She graduated from the University of Mary HardinBaylor with a bachelor's degree in education. Barbara dedicated her life to education and her family.

Dr. Arthur Wesley Wellborn Jr. ’12, July 31, 2021, at age 60. He married the love of his life, Kimberly Diann Peggram Wellborn, on July 14, 1984.

He attended East Texas State University for one year before moving to Plainview where he attended Wayland Baptist University. He earned his bachelor's degree in religion and later earned a master’s degree in education from Wayland and a Doctorate of Education from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.

Douglas Dillon Eastwood Jr ’16, July 11, 2021, in Las Vegas at age 52. Dillon began his medical training as a hospital corpsman at the Naval School of Health Sciences in San Diego, Calif., from which he graduated as valedictorian in 1995.

He was an undergraduate at Texas State University, Baylor University, and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing from UMHB in 2016. In 2020, Dillon began working on his Master of Science in nursing to become certified as a family nurse practitioner, and he had plans to pursue his doctorate.

Dr. Daniel Thomas Caldwell ’18, Aug. 8, 2021, at age 37. Daniel earned his doctorate from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in 2018. Daniel was a talented pianist, hunter, baker, gardener, and interim pastor. He was a member of the Eastern Star, was a 32nd degree Mason, and worked as a professor at Texas A&M Commerce.

2020s

Jose Osvaldo Zavala Jr., Oct. 8, 2021, in Houston at age 20. He was a 2019 graduate of Dayton High School. Jose had attended UMHB for three years and was well-loved by his peers and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor family. There was a campus memorial service on Oct. 27, and his name was added to the student memorial in Millennium Oaks Park.

Larry Lee Barton, Aug. 9, 2021, at age 70. He attended Mesquite High School and Temple High School. He began his career with the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor as a maintenance worker and painter in 1979 and retired after 31 years. He enjoyed traveling to Costa Rica and spent his free time watching westerns, wrestling, and NASCAR. Robert Albert Garner, Aug. 11, 2021, at the age of 68. He graduated from McLennan Community College in 1973 with a degree in oral communication. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1975 and a Master of Arts degree the following year from Baylor University. Robert taught at West ISD and was an adjunct professor at Central Texas College, Tarleton State University—Central Texas, McLennan Community College, and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. He married Christy Edwards on Aug. 15, 1975, in Gatesville.

Dr. Donna Walker-Nixon, Sept. 3, 2021, in Temple. She married Timothy Hobbs in 2003 in Glen Rose, Tex. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Tarleton State University and a master’s degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She earned a doctorate in English from Texas A&M Commerce.

She had worked as a professor at UMHB and was a retired professor at Baylor University. She was an author and editor and an active member of St. Francis Episcopal Church in Temple.

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 go.umhb.edu/lifemagazine

DR. GEORGE HOWARD WALTHER SR, Sept. 4, 2021, at age 83. He married

Emily Norred on June 2, 1959. He earned doctorate degrees in three fields: computer science, management, and behavioral science. He also held a master’s degree in counseling psychology.

Dr. Walther served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years and was a part of the faculty at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. He retired as a lieutenant colonel. He later served as a professor at four universities, including the University of Mary HardinBaylor. While at UMHB, he was the dean of the school of business and also taught graduate-level courses.

He and his wife were co-founders of Christian Marriage Enhancement, which grew internationally. Dr. Walther was a member of Canyon Creek Baptist Church where he played the organ and was a deacon. He also served at First United Methodist Church and played organ music and piano at Dyess Grove Baptist Church.

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MEMORIAL GIFTS June 13, 2021 - October 25, 2021

Irene Hunt Walt and Pam Manly

Bill Bandy Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Delphia Ford Adcock Kathleen Kruse

Michael and Keri Miller Loren and Nicole Monroe Melinda Wenzl Dr. Robert Cloud Drs. Seth and Jane Witcher

Patricia Kay Anderson Kathleen Kruse Ernestine Barganier Darius Moore Charlie Owens Kent Owens Dr. Kerry and Kathy Owens Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens

John Harvey Cockrell Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Maurina Corley Sandra Slade Joan Burton Messer Cox Helen Holmes Ruchti

Terry Archibald Beasley Marietta Parker

Chris Cummins Cynthia Cummins

Sherman Behrens Margaret Dillard Behrens Drs. Seth and Jane Witcher

Donna Stapp Curb Janice Andrews

Joan Blackburn Todd Dorton Dr. Kerry and Kathy Owens Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Chuck and Jennifer Ramm Curtis Breaux Burk and Cindy Breaux Roberts Marge Bryant Randal Carter Melba Carter Dr. Edna Penny Bridges Russell Bridges Bob and Brenda Money Buckley City of Waco Finance Department Ludwick, Montgomery &

Stapp, P.C.

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Dr. Kerry and Kathy Owens Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens

Jack W. Ellis Gene and Sharon Ellis

Judy Hutchinson Kientz Vicki Gorman Burtchell Dr. Grace Labaj Nursing Class of ‘73 Dr. Jerry and Vicky Bawcom Joseph and Irene Beran Susan Gierisch Bond Gerald Caldwell Christine Kianes Bill and Virginia Gregg Leak Dr. Lettie Lee Loretto United Methodist Church Dr. Sandra Oliver Dr. and Mrs. Randy O’Rear Carolyn Allison Owens Grady and Jan Tyroch Jerry and Martha Shipp Tyroch Drs. Bob and Grace Richardson Whitis Dwayne and Jane Williams Ronald and Delores Chupik Williams

Jim Fitzhenry Marietta Parker

Ginger Layne Dr. Kerry and Kathy Owens Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens

Mary Ann Gilliland Kent Owens Dr. Kerry and Kathy Owens Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens

Carolyn Moore Kent Owens Dr. Kerry and Kathy Owens Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens

Mary Clarke Hammond Barbara Huggins Paul and Joyce Martin

Joan Marlowe Myrah Evan and Joyce Hodson Dr. Rebecca O’Banion Dr. and Mrs. Randy O’Rear Pat Lockridge Shannon

Margie Hill Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens June Hogan Kent Owens

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Frank O’Banion Edna O’Banion Guy and Stephanie O’Banion Dr. Rebecca O’Banion

Making Basketball History continued from page 29

to Portuguese. As she translated a math book, it opened her eyes in a new way to learning and teaching.

“If I had learned math this way, it would have been so much better,” she said. That inspired her to continue her education and she went back to school to earn a second bachelor’s degree in pedagogy for elementary education and teaching from Universidade Paulista.

“Then, I started teaching and fell in love with it,” she said.

After about five years, she had an opportunity to become a coordinator for the primary grades

at the school.

Even though Brazilian culture is significantly influenced by American culture, Ana admits she didn’t know much about the culture before moving to Belton.

“I loved getting to live here at the university and really getting to live in the culture every day and learning how everything worked,” she said. To help her get acclimated to the language, the first semester she was here, she attended ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) where she met other non-English speaking students from all over

the globe.

“The class had people from all over the world and we learned so much about each other,” she said. “One of the greatest things about being at UMHB was how much I got to learn not only about the American culture, but other cultures also. It really opened my mind to appreciate other people’s cultures and my own.”

“I’m so grateful for everything,” she said. “I got so much more from UMHB than those titles and accomplishments. I was blessed to have had the opportunity to be able to come here.”

Dr. Bobby Parker Carol Treible

Mary Belle Schmidt Messer, Potts & Messer, Attys.

Terri Penny Dr. Edna Penny Bridges

Jeff Sommer Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens

Cary Torgeson Tim and Gail Buckley Dr. and Mrs. Randy O’Rear Dr. and Mrs. Steve Theodore Dr. Rebecca O'Banion

Jim Pitts Bill and Sue Allison May Kent Owens Dr. Kerry and Kathy Owens Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens

Carlos Stewart Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens

Kevin Walker Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens

Maureen Chase Stinson Kathleen Kruse Camilla Allen Mitchell

Dr. Donna Walker-Nixon Carolyn Allison Owens

Adele Posey Bill and Sue Allison May Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens David Posey Bill and Sue Allison May Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Patricia Roeder Dr. Jerry and Vicky Bawcom Clay Roming Ted and Kathy Floca Dr. and Mrs. Randy O’Rear

Shirley Strasburger Paul and Carol McClinton Dr. and Mrs. Randy O’Rear Jerry and Martha Shipp Tyroch

Dr. George Walther Dr. Jerry and Vicky Bawcom Dr. and Mrs. Randy O’Rear Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Randy and Kim Kittredge Yandell

Dr. Monte Swatzell Drs. Seth and Jane Witcher

Gladys Lipscomb Weaver Sara Deines

Richard Thomas Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens

Lydia Hohle Winkler Gina Agold Krause Jose Zavala, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Todd Kunders

Aaron Tilley Dr. Edna Penny Bridges Renee Wilhite Quinn

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HONORARY GIFTS

OPPORTUNITY

TO MAKE AN HONORARY OR MEMORIAL GIFT, please contact: Advancement UMHB Box 8433 900 College Street Belton, Texas 76513 254-295-4601 or give online at giving.umhb.edu.

Dr. Edna Penny Bridges Russell Bridges

Stanton Keath Drs. Seth and Jane Witcher

Anne Wiese Halbert Sandra Slade

Brad Livingston Drs. Seth and Jane Witcher

Allene Hardt Janice Torgeson

George and Cindy Loutherback Sherry Barsch

Jimmy Hinton Marietta Parker

The McClinton Family Dr. and Mrs. Todd Kunders

Dorothy Reinhard Hogwood Pam Hogwood Wilson

Kelly Morrison Mark and Betty O’Hair Anderson

Alex Keath Drs. Seth and Jane Witcher

Beth Bennett Norvell Zandra Luttrell

Marietta Parker Mark and Betty O’Hair Anderson Carol Treible

Clay Keath Drs. Seth and Jane Witcher

Carolyn Allison Owens Wayne and Ann Inman Carpenter

Phil and Linda Smith Mark and Betty O’Hair Anderson

Hunter Keath Drs. Seth and Jane Witcher

Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Thomas A. Dannelley

Shirley Cowan Sommer Mark and Betty O’Hair Anderson

DR. ALTRAC RUTH TOMLIN '67,

June 16, 2021, in Killeen. She was the first African-American graduate and a member of the Heritage Club from Mary 38

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Hardin-Baylor College, earning a bachelor’s degree in education.

Dr. Tomlin also earned a master’s degree in educational psychology and a Doctor of Education from Texas A&M University.

Dr. Tomlin was also the first Black teacher and counselor at Killeen ISD, where she worked for 26 years. She also owned and worked at Adolescent and Family Counseling Center as a therapist.

She received grant monies for her battering intervention and prevention program. Her fellow workers saw her as a supporter and a mentor.

She married Shafter Tomlin

in White Plains, N.Y., on Sept.

6, 1952. After retiring in 2013, she enjoyed numerous hobbies, including gardening, sewing, and reading. She loved watching and participating in sports, including bowling.

Dr. Tomlin received the Human Relations Award in 1977 from the Texas State Teachers Association and was recognized by the City of Killeen for her contributions to adolescents and families and organizations within the community. She was a member of Pershing Park Baptist Church where she had served as a Sunday school teacher

Bountiful Blessings

continued from page 14

university before he was elected president and chief executive officer in 2009. Once Randy stepped into that role, Julie left Scott & White to focus exclusively on her new role as UMHB’s first lady.

“God continues to bless UMHB, and we’re incredibly grateful for how this endowment will provide scholarships for students in our undergraduate programs,” said Dr. Randy O’Rear. “The size of this endowment gift and the spirit in

which it was given to honor Julie makes this even more special.”

The O’Rears have three children, two of whom are UMHB graduates, and three grandchildren. They are long-time members of First Baptist Belton and spend most of their free time cheering on the Crusaders at UMHB sporting events or on the campus pickleball courts with students and friends.

“Randy and I are just doing what God called us to do, and we love

it,” added Julie. “Looking back now, this has been God’s plan all along.

He weaved all the pieces together to bring us where we are today. We are so blessed and grateful to be at UMHB!” To learn more about this scholarship or to give to UMHB, visit umhb.edu/giving or call 254-2955451.

Charter Celebration SAVE THE DATE MAY SATURDAY

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AT 9 A.M.

2022 UMHB BAWCOM STUDENT UNION BELTON, TEXAS

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SHANNON SCHUMACHER ‘07

A Creative Adventure Alumna opens art studio so kids can create

You never know where God is going to call you to go in life, especially when you face a decision about a certain job. For Shannon Schumacher, God was calling her to join the fun, messy world of opening a Kidcreate Art Studio in San Antonio.

Schumacher is a ’07 graduate of UMHB. The studio she owns is for kids ages 18 months to 12 years.

“We provide a positive, selfesteem building environment where children not only learn, but also have a lot of fun,” Shannon said.

Kidcreate was originally started in Minneapolis by a mother who noticed that her son was not engaging in enough creative art.

Her son loved participating in art because it was a way for him to enjoy himself while doing something productive. In order to combat this problem, this mom decided to start Kidcreate.

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It is a studio where children can go to get as dirty as they want and create something from their imaginations. It offers art classes, camps, and hosts birthday parties. Schumacher understood the founder's reasoning behind Kidcreate because her daughter loves art too but does not get to enjoy it as much at school. Some may ask, why not just create art at home? The biggest reason is the mess.

"My oldest daughter was seven at the time and really into slime,” Shannon said. “Slime had been banned from our house so she could only make it in the garage.

One day, while in the garage making slime, I thought to myself, ‘Wouldn’t it be great if there was a place where kids could make slime and be messy so it doesn’t have to be at home?’"

The Schumacher's researched different art businesses when they came across Kidcreate. Shannon

made the decision to start a Kidcreate in San Antonio.

“After signing the franchise agreement in May 2019, we set a goal to be open in March 2020, which would have been just in time for spring break,” she said.

As the opening day came closer, the start of the COVID-19 pandemic erupted, and she and her family were not able to start their new business. God was fully in control of the whole situation, she said, because when they look back now, they realize if they would have opened their business it would have shut down soon after. God gave them time to prepare further for when they finally opened the doors on Dec. 12, 2020.

The Schumachers continue to serve their customers and make children’s art fun and messy.

She thanks UMHB and how her experiences there shaped her into the person she is today.

“I hope that in this new journey, I can make the university proud to call me an alumna,” Shannon said.

Facing and conquering tough challenges head-on illustrates the life story of UMHB golfer Abigail Davis, and if ever there was an award most befitting her, it is the Kim Moore Spirit Award.

The award honors a student-athlete or coach who exemplifies a great spirit toward the game of golf, a positive attitude on and off the golf course, mental toughness in facing challenges, and is a role model for her team.

At the end of last season, when Davis was a freshman, the Women’s Golf Coaches Association named her the 2020-21 Division III recipient of the Kim Moore Spirit Award.

Davis has overcome much adversity in her life including an autoimmune disorder called dysautonomia which affects her nervous system and causes erratic blood pressure. The golfer has also suffered a hip labral tear and an incapacitating nerve injury to her right elbow, both requiring reconstructive surgery. These challenges may seem like too much for many athletes, but what may be even more amazing about this golfer is that she was born without her left hand.

Davis has never let that hold her back though. Over the years, she’s learned how to do everyday things that most take for granted, like tying her shoes, painting her nails, and putting her hair in a pony tail.

“When I was younger, my parents never let me use the word ‘can’t.’ That was not in my vocabulary,” she said. “They said if I put my mind to it, I should be able to do it—just in a different way.”

The Houston native also loved sports—lots of sports! In high school, she played volleyball, basketball, and soccer, and ran track. But it was the summer between her sophomore and junior year that she discovered the sport she loves most—golf.

She excelled in high school and was thrilled when she could play at the collegiate level at UMHB. “I don’t want to be seen as different just because I don’t have a left hand,” said Davis, who hopes to be an occupational therapist. “I’m excited that I was able to have the chance here at UMHB, just like everyone else.”

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900 College Street • Belton, Texas 76513

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