Fall 2008 by Jennifer Jones

U N I V E R S I T Y

O F

M A R Y

H A R D I N - B A Y L O R

Fall 2008

A Bond of Love Alumni choose adoption

I’m registered— are you? —Christina Pointer Cooper ’04

CARD BENEFITS INCLUDE: • Athletic Events $1 off all tickets purchased at the gate

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• Community Swim $5 off monthly membership, (254) 295-5431

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BENEFITS CARD Register on the Alumni web site to receive an Alumni Benefits Card! Registration is Free!

• Townsend Memorial Library Full Membership, umhblib.umhb.edu

• Miss MHB Pageant Half Price tickets

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• UMHB Bookstore 10% off bookstore.umhb.edu

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ALUMNI.UMHB.EDU

Fall 2 0 0 8 | V o l . 2 8 • No.1

features

Leave Enhances 10 Faculty Academics The university invests in faculty development and reaps the benefits.

14 “Adoption Is Not Plan B”

Alumni families share insights about the challenges and joys of adoption.

Dedication to the Alma 19 For Mater As Homecoming 2008 approaches, alumni are selected for awards.

departments

13 Campus Life

Read all about the new Center for Religious Liberty making its debut on the internet, One Voice in Hawaii, and children with autism on campus.

18 Philanthropy 17 Athletic Life

Ralph Wilson, Jr., leaves $1 million to UMHB.

Men’s golf and women’s softball teams advance to national tournaments.

24 Alumni Life

Check out what’s happening in the lives of alumni and their families.

UMHB LIFE | 1

CALENDAR

AUGUST 9 23 25-26 27

Summer Commencement, Mayborn Campus Center, 10:00 a.m. University Housing Opens Advising and Registration (Day and Evening) Fall Classes Begin

SEPTEMBER 1 13 20 27 30

Labor Day Holiday (Campus Closed) Football vs. Southern Nazarene University, Tiger Stadium, 6:00 p.m. Football vs. Texas Lutheran University, Tiger Stadium, 6:00 p.m. Football at McMurry University, 7:00 p.m. Graduate School Fair, Lord Conference Center, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

OCTOBER 4 7 9 11 13-14 18 21 23 25 28 31

Football vs. Hardin Simmons, Tiger Stadium, 2:00 p.m. Business & Career Fair, Lord Conference Center, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Paul and Jane Meyer Christian Studies Center Dedication and Open House, 9th & Pearl Streets, 5:00 p.m. Football at Louisiana College, 1:00 p.m. Fall Break, No Classes, Administrative Offices Open Football vs. Mississippi College, Tiger Stadium, 1:00 p.m. Nursing & Health Professionals Fair, Lord Conference Center, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Fall Choral Concert, Hughes Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m. Football at Southern Oregon University, 1:00 p.m. Teacher Job Fair, Lord Conference Center, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. Opera Performance, Temple CAC, 7:30 p.m.

NOVEMBER 1 1 7-8 8 8

10 15 14-15 20 21 21-22 26-28

Opera Performance, Temple CAC, 7:30 p.m. Football at East Texas Baptist, 1:00 p.m. Homecoming Football vs. Howard Payne University, Tiger Stadium, 2:00 p.m. Twelve Angry Jurors Play, Hughes Recital Hall, 7:00 p.m. Admission is free, but tickets are required. Tickets available in the College of Visual and Performing Arts office. BGCT- Alumni and Friends’ Dessert Party, Fort Worth Convention Center, Room 121 D, 9:00-10:30 p.m. Football at Sul Ross State University, 1:00 p.m. Miss MHB Pageant, W. W. Walton Chapel, 7:00 p.m. Jazz Ensemble Concert, Hughes Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m. Opera Gala, Hughes Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m. Crusader Preview Weekend Thanksgiving Holiday

DECEMBER 8 9 20 22-Jan 2

Christmas Gala Concert, First Baptist Church – Belton, 7:00 p.m. Instrumental Christmas Pops Concert, Walton Chapel, 7:30 p.m. Commencement, Mayborn Campus Center, 10:00 a.m. Christmas Holidays, Campus Closed

2 | UMHB LIFE

UMHB LIFE Volume 28, Number 1 Fall 2008

President Jerry G. Bawcom, Ph.D. Editor Carol Woodward Contributing Editors Molly MacEwan, Intern Rebecca O’Banion ’93 Paula Tanner, Ed.D. Contributing Writers Paul Aaron Crystal Donahue Melissa Ford ’07 Laura Frase Denise Marcos ’08 Jon Wallin Graphic Designer Randy Yandell ’99 Contributing Designer Zeal Design Studio Photographers Melissa Ford ’07 Rebecca O’Banion ’93 Lindsey Sisk ’08 Carol Woodward Randy Yandell ’99 UMHB Life is published three times a year by the Office of Marketing and Public Relations. Please send comments, story ideas or letters to: UMHB Life UMHB Box 8431 900 College Street Belton, Texas 76513 Alumni Life is compiled by the Office of Alumni Relations. Please send any information for publishing or change of personal information to: Alumni Relations UMHB Box 8427 900 College Street Belton, Texas 76513

alumni@umhb.edu 1-800-727-UMHB

www.umhb.edu

CAMPUS L I F E

The Center for

Religious Liberty Site focuses on worldwide need for religious freedom The University of Mary HardinBaylor continues to build on the strong fundamentals of a Baptist institution as the university takes an active role in establishing a web-based Center for Religious Liberty. The center, highlighted on the university’s web site and linked under “Academic Centers,” officially launched January 2008. Director of the center and Dean of the College of Humanities Derek Davis said the motivation behind the founding of the site is the substantial need for awareness and action concerning religious liberty. The center is in keeping with Baptists’ traditional focus on religious liberty. “Baptists were at the forefront in the fight for religious liberty in early modern Europe and in early America. (They) have always stood on the side of the separation of church and state, which is the primary means by which religious liberty is achieved; not just for Baptists but for everyone,” Davis said. “Equality of all religions under the law is one of the chief hallmarks of the American political and social order, and early Baptists played a strong role in shaping and developing this heritage. Consequently, it is quite

appropriate that Mary Hardin-Baylor take a strong interest in religious freedom because it is so deeply imbedded not only in our nation’s identity but also in Baptists’ historic mission and identity.”

“Religious liberty has been a significant problem worldwide for all of human history. . . . There is no greater human project in the 21st century.” —Dr. Derek Davis

With the launching of the web site, university administrators hope to educate, encourage and advance religious freedom around the globe while stimulating community involvement. “We want to do what we can to assist those people around the world who suffer from religious prejudice, intolerance and persecution. The creation of this site is a good first step in achieving that goal,” Davis said. However, he said the mission of the center is to be more than just a resource for electronic information.

“Merely having a web site that raises awareness of the need for religious liberty worldwide is not our only goal,” Davis said. He said the web-based site will also announce events, seminars and forums on the topic while continuing to offer educational information to the community and media. “In doing these things, we will always be working closely with other organizations, experts and people who make up a larger religious liberty network. There is no greater human project in the 21st century,” Davis said. Associate Director for the center David Holcomb shares a similar hope. “We want the center to have a global emphasis in order to remind people that, in far too many parts of the world, religious freedom is not seen as a fundamental human right. Religious persecution and discrimination are frequently the norm in many areas today,” Holcomb said. With the establishment of the site, supporters of religious freedom are one step closer toward accomplishing their goal. Visit the Center for Religious Liberty at umhb.edu/religiousliberty. —Denise Marcos ’08 UMHB LIFE | 3

CAMPUS L I F E

Change brings new faces to Provost’s Office, new dean in College of Nursing Dr. Steve Oldham, associate professor of religion and philosophy in the College of Christian Studies, has been named interim provost/vice president for academic affairs. “Dr. Oldham is a well-respected member of the faculty and is passionate about Christian higher education and the continued excellence of our academic programs at UMHB,” said President Bawcom. Oldham, who has been teaching at UMHB since 2000, has also served as the director of the Honors Program and on numerous administrative and academic committees. Dr. JoyLynn Reed was named associate provost, filling a new position on campus. Reed, who most recently served at the University of Texas in Dallas, has taught at five institutions in capacities including department chair, faculty development director, and accreditation consultant. Reed will oversee the faculty-focused Center for Effectiveness in Learning and Teaching; the First-Year Program for freshmen; and the New Faculty Academy. Reed earned a doctorate in educational psychology, a master’s degree in speech communications, a Bachelor of Science degree in speech and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, all from the University of Texas at Austin. 4 | UMHB LIFE

Dr. Sharon Souter was named dean of the Scott & White College of Nursing effective August 1. This position was left vacant when Dr. Linda Pehl stepped down as dean to return to the classroom full time. Dr. Souter comes to UMHB from the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing at HardinSimmons University where she has been serving as the program director since 2003. Prior to that she spent 15 years as the director of nursing programs at New Mexico State University at Carlsbad. She was named the “2000 Woman of the Year” by the Carlsbad chapter of Business and Professional Women. She also taught nursing courses at the University of Phoenix in Albuquerque, NM. Dr. Souter is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University, and she earned a doctorate in nursing from the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio.

Dr. Janet Adamski, associate professor of history/political science was elected president of the Southwest Council of Latin American Studies, an interdisciplinary organization that encourages diverse research, methods, and scholarly interests, with membership from Canada to Mexico. Eleven faculty were approved for promotion during the board of trustees regular meeting in May. The faculty approved to receive promotions were Dr. Courtney Burken, associate professor of exercise and sport science; Dr. Ann Crawford, professor of nursing; Jenny Davis, assistant professor of accounting; Effel Harper, associate professor in business information technology systems; Tiffany Mitchell, assistant professor in accounting; Christine Nix, assistant professor of social work; Avery Reese, assistant professor of communications; Dr. Jeff Russell, associate professor of education; Dr. Michelle Schumann, associate professor of music; Dr. Audell Shelburne, professor of English; and Dr. Larry Woodward, professor of finance.

Dr. Edward Douglas Hodo, President Emeritus of Houston Baptist University, was awarded the Honorary Doctor of Humanities degree at May Commencement. Several student awards were also given, including the Alpha Chi Award for highest overall GPA (4.0) which went to Austin Thomas Fischer of Belton, Christina Joy Hammond of Houston, Chelsea Faye Marie Schilling of Temple and Christa Jeanelle Wright of Georgetown. The Loyalty Cup for the student who is most representative of the ideals, tradition and spirit of the university went to Kyle Tubbs of Garland. The President’s Award for meritorious service went to Erica Valenta of San Antonio.

One Voice touches Hawaii with service and song Whether they were known as New Addition or now as One Voice, the university has been represented by a select group of students as they travel throughout the school year, sharing their musical talent and information about UMHB, since 1976. At the end of the 2008 spring semester, One Voice visited Hawaii Kai, Hawaii, and served not only as a choral ensemble, but as a mission team. Hawaii Kai Church developed ties to UMHB when One Voice member Dani Beth Crosby began serving as a summer missionary in 2007, but they also have two UMHB alumnae currently serving in the congregation. Kim Bailey ’07 teaches pre-school at the Early Learning Center, and Julie Barr ’07 is working as an intern at the church.

During the One Voice visit, Rebecca O’Banion ’93 and Melissa Ford ’07, director and assistant director of alumni relations, hosted a Hawaii-area Alumni Club Meeting featuring the ensemble. Dani Beth’s work not only served to connect alumni in Hawaii, but her knowledge and heart for the area served as great preparation for One Voice to

join her on this short term mission trip. Under the direction of Matt Crosby ’01, the students helped to improve the facilities while they also gave several concerts throughout the week. These college students reached out through song, their hands, hearts and lives making a difference for the people of Hawaii. —Melissa Ford ’07

UMHB LIFE | 5

CAMPUS L I F E Vivica Villa, age 7 of Kempner, works on a painting at the Autism in Action art day held on March 29.

UMHB students provide inaugural day of art for autistic children For several hours on March 29, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Student Recreation Gym was transformed into an artists’ paradise. From pencils and paint to canvas and puzzle pieces, children diagnosed with autism expressed themselves through original artwork during the first annual “Autism in Action” event, sponsored by the Student Government Association of Texas State Technical College in Waco. “Often times, if you have an autistic kid in public, all the public sees is a rowdy kid,” said Sarah-Jane Sanders ’07, TSTC marketing and communications coordinator. “They operate differently than other people do.” 6 | UMHB LIFE

“They can do so much more than people think they can, and we’d like to show the community that.” Sarah-Jane said one in 150 children will be diagnosed with autism. SGA Parliamentarian Broderick Wilson’s autistic stepson inspired the idea behind “Autism in Action.” “We knew that he was really interested in painting,” Wilson said. “He concentrates much more on painting than anything else.” “Once an autistic child finds their niche, they stick with it,” he said. “It can really boost their self-esteem.” Fourteen-year-old Ryan Padron found that niche nearly four years ago.

“My only favorite thing to do is draw,” Ryan said. “I feel great by drawing, like I’m a new person or famous.” Ryan finds his inspirations in a small animation book featuring Naruto figures. “It gives him the opportunity to show what he’s capable of,” said Mary Padron, Ryan’s mother. “It just proves that even a child with a disability is capable of everything a normal child can do.” “He’s in a different world,” Padron said. Padron has two nephews that were diagnosed with autism as well. “These programs are great for kids,” she said. “Every child will find their talent.” As part of the university’s biannual “Reaching Out,” several UMHB students joined in to assist with the event. UMHB students, Kelli Hearn and Allison Hulcy, found themselves in the heart of the artwork greeting children and passing out oversized puzzle pieces for family and friends to paint as well. “We enjoy working with kids, loving on them,” Hearn said. “I love seeing them interact with their families.” “It’s a real sweet ministry,” she added. All original artwork was auctioned in April to help raise money to benefit the local and national autism organizations and to provide scholarships to graduating students transitioning to college. For more information on the “Autism in Action” program, visit www. waco. tstc.edu/autism. —Laura Frase

AT H L E T I C L I F E

Athletic teams soar in NCAA play Softball and men’s golf make a strong showing in spring post season. A season of firsts for the athletic department continued with spring sports. The men’s golf and women’s softball teams both made their first trips to the NCAA Division III National Championships to cap the 2007-08 school year. The two national tournament appearances also closed out the most successful year in the history of UMHB athletics. The men’s golf team gave outgoing head coach Randy Mann a tremendous going-away present with an American Southwest Conference Championship and the program’s first NCAA Tournament berth. The Cru won the ASC Tournament with a 10-stroke victory over Texas Lutheran University. Sophomore Eric White also won the individual title at the conference tournament with an eight-stroke victory over two players, including teammate Ryan Eastman. Four of five players earned First or Second Team All-Conference honors, and Mann also won ASC Coach of the Year honors.

The Cru then went on to a tenthplace team finish at the NCAA Tournament, posting the second-best team finish ever for an ASC program. Mann is moving from his head coaching duties to become the full-time associate athletic director in the athletic department. Women’s softball capped the season with an NCAA Tournament berth of its own. The Cru became the first ASC team to go 24-0 in divisional play to win the ASC West Division for the second straight year. The Cru earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history, but fell to Louisiana College in the championship round. They were just two victories short of a berth in the NCAA Division III Softball World Series. Ten players earned ASC All-West Division honors, and Kasey Blomquist was voted ASC West Division Coach of the Year for the second straight season. Freshman third baseman Megan Bohne also earned NFCA All-American honors to become UMHB’s first All-American since making the move to NCAA Division III. The Cru baseball team also added to the season of firsts by winning a

(L-R) Men’s golf team head coach Randy Mann with team members Garrison Nordt, Ryan Eastman, Casey Wharton, Davis Dewald and Eric White.

share of the ASC West Division title. It was the first ASC West Division crown for the UMHB baseball team, and the team also became the first ASC school to win ASC West Division titles in baseball and softball in the same season. The Cru baseball team placed eight players on the ASC All-Division Team, and head coach Micah Wells shared ASC West Division Coach of the Year. Sophomore outfielder Joseph Villegas also became the baseball team’s first NCAA AllAmerican when he was voted Third Team All-American by the ABCA. —Jon Wallin

UMHB LIFE | 7

PHILANTHROPY

Wilson estate donates $1 million The name of Ralph Wilson, Jr., has for many years been associated with programs and organizations which encourage the growth and education of young people in Central Texas. As the president of one of Temple’s flagship industries, Wilsonart International, Wilson believed it was important to give back to the local community, and he led many civic campaigns to strengthen the public libraries and hospitals which serve the Temple/Belton area. Wilson was convinced that early childhood education played an important role in success in later life, and much of his philanthropy was focused on the Saulsbury After School Center and the Ralph Wilson Youth Clubs of Temple. But Ralph Wilson also understood the value of higher education. For

many years he made generous annual gifts to support scholarships at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, and he made provisions in his will so that his gifts could continue beyond his own lifetime. After Wilson’s death in December, university officials were contacted with the news that his estate included a gift of $1 million to permanently endow student scholarships. In accordance with his wishes, Wilson’s gift has been used to establish the Dr. Ralph Wilson, Jr., and Sharon Marie Wilson Endowed Scholarship. The endowment will provide annual scholarships for deserving students who demonstrate financial need and who are in good academic standing at the university. Dr. Wilson and his wife, Sharon,

decided to create the endowed scholarship through his estate because of their shared belief that the best way to train strong leaders for tomorrow is through excellent education for young people today. They particularly wanted to set up scholarships at UMHB, said Mrs. Wilson, “because we shared the belief that a Christian education is the key to broadening young people’s horizons while keeping them focused on the true meaning of life—to serve the Lord.” —Paula Price Tanner

Luncheons were recently held to celebrate the establishment of two Presidential Endowed Scholarships. Bill Herod (top) and his family met in the President’s home to unveil the Martha Chambers Herod Scholarship plaque on February 28 in memory of his wife. Jimmy Hinton (left) and his family also met in the President’s home on April 17 to dedicate the Jimmy Hinton Endowed Scholarship. Rev. Hinton had previously honored the memory of his wife with the Dr. Dolores Kinnaird Hinton Endowed Scholarship. 8 | UMHB LIFE

WOMEN

FAITH

Featuring F atur t rin

I N F I N I T E G R A C E CONFERENCE 2008

Find out what it’s like to really LIVE! Friday 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Houston, TX October 24 - 25, 2008

L-R Stephen Arterburn, Mandisa, Sandi Patty, Patsy Clairmont, Nicole C. Mullen, Sheila Walsh, Marilyn Meberg, Luci Swindoll, Allison Allen

Toyota Center

Hey Crusader Alumni!

Pre-Conference I Second That Emotion Friday 10:00 am to 3:30 pm Do your feelings have you tied in knots? You’re not the only one! Join Jan Silvious, Patsy Clairmont, and Anita Renfroe for a day of laughter therapy and solid biblical teaching on understanding your emotions.

Join me Saturday October 25th for a special alumni reception during the Women of Faith conference at the Toyota Center. RSVP for details to alumni@umhb.edu. Event Details UMHB Alumni and Luci Swindoll ’55 95 Room Toyota Center Houston, TX 12:30pm-1:30pm Special Note All alumni must purchase Registration for the Women of Faith conference in order to attend the reception.

For all my UMHB Friends

10 Oﬀ

When You Mention Code: UMHB08** **Mention **M *Mention on code when orde ordering and receive $100 oﬀ ﬀ per person. V l d on individual d d l (1 9) Valid (1-9) registrations only.

*Date, location, speakers and prices are subject to change. Register no later than August 15, 2008 to receive the Early Bird pricing. See registration deadlines at womenoﬀaith.com. No refunds, no exchanges. Cannot be combined with any other oﬀer. All prices are in US dollars and UMHB include applicable LIFE | 9 taxes.

e v a e L y t Facul Enhances

S C I M E D A AC By Paul Aaron

ome of the most important and fruitful work at the university has been conducted outside the classroom by professors involved in the faculty leave program. “Our goal is to provide continued growth and development for our faculty,” said President Jerry G. Bawcom. The program’s benefits reach far beyond the faculty. Professors have used their research to enhance the classroom experience for students by bringing them opportunities to work on real-world projects that have helped corporations make more informed, educated decisions. Other research performed by faculty using this program has helped shape the future direction of academic programs at the university. It has served as a catalyst for one program that expanded course offerings to include graduate-level options for the first time. Twenty-five faculty members have taken approved leaves during the past four years. Though initially the program was only for tenuretrack faculty, now any full-time faculty member is eligible to participate. The college provides up to $10,000 to each person for the summer. “The university has set aside $400,000 for Our goal is to provide this program as part of the five-year strategic plan. This is a tremendous commitcontinued growth ment,” Bawcom said. “This money provides and development travel support, graduate and undergraduate for our faculty. summer leave and work in the sabbatical — Jerry G. Bawcom program. With the funds budgeted for this program, we are in an enviable position compared to many universities. We believe ours is a very healthy approach, because it helps our faculty members grow professionally and explore new ideas in their disciplines.”

10 | UMHB LIFE

Many faculty take advantage of the summer leave program and realize substantial benefits.

Dr. Cliffa Foster Chairperson of Exercise and Sports Science In the classroom: She teaches mostly sports psychology and educational leadership classes and one personal ﬁtness class. Summer 2004: Took time oﬀ from her teaching schedule to study whether it was feasible for the university to add a master’s-level program in exercise science. As part of her research she distributed more than 300 surveys to UMHB undergrads and other area professionals within 100 miles of campus. The survey was designed to gauge the interest of potential students for such a program. Some 75 percent of those polled expressed positive feelings about the university expanding in this area.

Quotable: “I ﬁrst heard about the faculty leave program when it was announced during a faculty assembly. It’s been fun to see that the results of that work have had some major positive results. Now we’re short some faculty members but that’s a good problem, I guess.” The benefits: The university’s master’s-level exercise science program is now in its third year with 24 students enrolled and six more expected in the fall. The ﬁrst graduates from the program will cross the stage in August 2008.

Gratitude: Dr. Foster said she is grateful for the opportunity to teach graduate level courses each semester because “you can become much more involved with graduate students doing research.” Four new faculty members have been hired in her department during the last four years, and she is grateful for the growth – both personally and in her department.

UMHB LIFE | 11

Deborah Jones Assistant Professor of Music In the classroom: She draws on 22 years of professional teaching experience in her three music methods classes. Summer 2007: Traveled to Central Europe where she studied music education at the Kodaly Institute in Kecskemet, Hungary. Quotable: “Zoltan Kodaly was a Hungarian theorist who saw that Hungarians weren’t musical. He developed a way of teaching music that would create an appreciation of music among the people. I went there to see how they create the kind of learning that will develop musicians who create good music and draw people to music.”

Dr. Larry Woodward Professor of Finance In the classroom: He teaches upper-level and graduate-level courses in corporate ﬁnance, investments, portfolio management, international ﬁnance and statistics.

The benefits: In her instruction, Mrs. Jones said she has incorporated ideas gleaned during her time at the institute. “We had quite a bit of discussion this year about the difference between American culture and Hungarian culture. We need to teach music differently than they do in the Hungarian culture. How can we do it differently so that they connect with the American culture and make a tool they take with them to use the rest of their lives?” Gratitude: “I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to do summer leave. I would probably not have done it without the support of the university. It was a tremendous experience.”

Summer 2006: Used summer leave to complete four research projects, which led to presentations at conferences in his field of study for four potential journal articles. He also did research for the university on freshman retention rates. Quotable: “I did research for the university on retention of freshman students. My basic findings were that retention is closely tied to the quality of the students. Students with higher SAT scores have higher retention rates.” Gratitude: “The faculty leave program is great for faculty because we have a fairly heavy teaching and advising load. Faculty leave allows us to get a lot of research done, which can be difficult during the busy school year.”

12 | UMHB LIFE

The benefits: Two of Dr. Woodward’s journal articles have received research awards – one on the U.S.-Taiwan exchange rate and another on forecasting soft drink sales — and both have been published in the International Journal of Business, Accounting and Finance. The other two are pending publication in professional journals. Published journal articles help the university meet demanding accreditation standards. In addition to accreditation objectives, Woodward said he has often used the research to guide the learning in his classroom. Dr. Woodward’s study of freshman retention rates has led to the university modifying some of its policies regarding admission requirements. The study is also expected to inﬂuence the way ﬁnancial aid is disbursed to students.

Dr. Kerry Owens Professor of Communication and Media Arts In the classroom: He has been teaching at UMHB for ﬁve years and, as a speech teacher, believes “it is obviously important to study great speakers.” Summer 2007: Studied the speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Quotable: “I’ll be teaching a freshman seminar in the fall. Certainly the work I did last summer is going to contribute greatly to that course.”

Dr. Patrick Jaska Chair of Business Information Technology and Systems In the classroom: He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in operations management, information systems management and business models.

The benefits: Dr. Owens used his research to write a professional article titled “Myth Making as a Human Communication Paradigm: The Case of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement,” which was published in the fall 2007 edition of the American Communication Journal.

Gratitude: “I’m very grateful for the program. This is really the only summer that I have not taught. It has helped make me a better teacher. It’s one of the things that makes this a great place to work. You feel very supported.”

Sabbatical 2007: Presented research on radio frequency identiﬁcation and supply chain management to Decisions Sciences Institute Conference in Phoenix. In addition, Dr. Jaska traveled to Poland and networked with a Polish professor and international business contacts. He came home with a graduate-level project from McLane Polska, a grocery distributor in Poland.

The benefits: The presentation at the conference in Phoenix eventually led to an opportunity to be an editor for a special edition of Management Resource News for a special issue on managing technology and supply chain operations. Graduate students researched and made recommendations to McLane Polska about equipment and technology to track orders.

Quotable: “I wanted to give the university its money’s worth. We’re trying to move the College of Business up to the next level. Other things being developed from this research will be forthcoming.”

Gratitude: “It is an honor for us, my research partner Dr. Pedro Reyes of Baylor University and me, to be editors of a special section of a major journal in our ﬁeld. I’m grateful for the role the faculty leave program played in helping this come about.”

UMHB LIFE | 13

“Adoption is not

Plan

By Laura Frase ALUMNI COUPLES ARE PART OF A GROWING ADOPTION TREND

ll it took was one look. As University of Mary Hardin-Baylor alumnus Darin Wales ’84 and his wife, Lorene, waited anxiously at an adoption agency in China, a nanny emerged holding a slight baby girl. Lorene opened her arms, and 13month-old Jing Lei slid perfectly into her new mother’s grasp. “Oh my, I’m a mom,” Lorene thought, as she held her ﬁrst child. “I looked into her beautiful dark brown eyes, and she looked right back at me, and it was as if I had known her forever,” she said. The two-and-a-half-year adoption process had ﬁnally come to an end. And that was nearly six years ago. Since then, the couple has welcomed five-year-old Zane, their biological child, and the newest member, three-year-old Xin, from China, into the family. 14 | UMHB LIFE

The couple knew even before they were married that they wanted to adopt a child, but they were also interested in trying to have children of their own. The Wales tried unsuccessfully for several years to get pregnant. One day they realized the answer. “What are we waiting for?” Darin thought. “Who cares if our ﬁrst child is biological or adopted?” In fact, they also adopted the phrase “Adoption isn’t Plan B.” When the process began, it was love at ﬁrst sight. “I had fallen in love with Jing Lei the moment I saw her picture, so each day I would think about her, worrying that she would go to sleep at night alone, not knowing that her new mother was thinking about her and dying to go get her,” Lorene said. “I felt so strongly, even before holding her in my arms, that she was mine.”

Darin Wales ’84 and his wife, Lorene, celebrate the homecoming of their second adopted child, Fu Xin, who joins big brother Zane and big sister Jing Lei.

“So the 10,000 miles between us was a little hard to bear,” she added. It turned out the Wales received a double dose when they decided to adopt. Right before the Wales’ trip to China, Lorene became pregnant. She was actually ﬁve months pregnant on the trip to bring home Jing Lei. “What went through my head both times was a ﬂood of emotions,” Darin said. When the Wales began the adoption process, they didn’t know quite what to expect. “Neither of us had ever really had any connection with adoption, but it seemed pretty much like a good thing to us, and we were sure God promoted it – since we are His children by adoption,” Darin said. More than 135,000 adoptions take place annually. Of non-stepparent adoptions each year, approximately 59 percent are from the child welfare system, 26 percent are international, and 15 percent are voluntarily relinquished domestic infant adoptions, according to a study by Susan Livingston Smith, program and project director of the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute. However, there are many more children in need of homes.

“There are 143 million orphans in the world,” Darin said. “Our family can’t help them all, but we can help one or two.” According to Dr. Ty Leonard, assistant professor of psychology and director of the UMHB Community

“ There are 143 million orphans in the world.” —Darin Wales Counseling program, as families adopt children they are also providing a beneﬁt to society. “According to a 1994 study by the Search Institute, adopted children score higher than their middle-school counterparts on indicators of school performance, social competency, optimism and volunteerism.

UMHB LIFE | 15

“Adopted adolescents generally are less depressed than children of single parents and less involved in alcohol abuse, vandalism, group ﬁghting, police trouble, weapon use and theft,” said Leonard.

Overcoming Obstacles Angel Foster Weir ’98 became interested in adoption at an early age. As a teenager, Angel lived in Germany while her father was stationed there for the military. During that time, a young married couple became an integral part of her life through her church. The couple had adopted a little boy from Romania, and the child was deemed the “youth group” baby. “I would just look at him and think, ‘What would have happened to him?’” Angel said. “Just seeing him and how amazing he was, I just knew someday I was going to do that.”

16 | UMHB LIFE

The road to adoption for Angel began with the men she dated during college. “If they were like ‘No way,’ I was like ‘Move along, you’ve got the wrong girl,’” she said. “I knew this had to be part of my life.” But she soon found someone that shared her love for adopting children in need – Russ Weir ex ’96. The couple decided to have a biological child ﬁrst, and Kaitlyn was born. When she was two years old, the adoption process began for six-year-old Zoe. “People are intimidated by it because it’s a big process, but it’s not as hard as people think it is,” Angel said. “For our second adoption we were going to adopt from Korea,” she said. “But God really convinced us that we were in the wrong country.” The couple was uneasy about switching countries, with the costs for a China adoption much steeper than a Korea adoption. But they took a leap of faith. Agency and private adoptions can range from $5,000 to $40,000 or more depending on a variety of factors including services provided, travel expenses, birthmother expenses, requirements in the state, and other factors, according to Adoption.com. International adoptions can range from $7,000 to $30,000. But “God provided every single penny,” Angel said. “Many people gave us money for this. Even people we hadn’t seen in a year sent us checks.” Friends of the Weirs even sold an old car and gave the proceeds toward Zoe’s adoption. “Zoe coming home was a community eﬀort,” Angel said. “God just provided at every turn.” While the road to adoption may not be the simplest path, neither the Weirs nor the Wales were deterred.

Angel Foster Weir ’98 and husband Russ ex ’96, make family memories with their three daughters: Zoe from Guatemala, Kaitlyn, and Kaiya from China.

“The very thought of not having Zoe in my life makes me cry,” Angel said. “I can’t imagine it.” “The miracle of birth is a miracle of life being made,” Angel said. “The miracle of adoption is the closest thing on earth to understanding how God loves you. He adopted you into his family. He said, ‘I choose you.’ ”

“The miracle of adoption is the closest thing on earth to understanding how God loves you.” —Angel Weir And both couples decided to grow their family with a second adoption. The Wales brought home Xin, three, in January 2008 and found the process quite diﬀerent from Jing Lei’s. Xin had been living with a foster family that he had come to love, but they could not adopt him due to some medical issues. “Xin’s transition is still ongoing,” Darin said. “It was a bit traumatic for him at the time. He cried a lot and grieved for his former family, as we all would.” “But now, almost ﬁve months later, Xin is a very happy and rambunctious little boy who loves his brother and sister.” With each adoption, the Wales have learned more about the process. “We went into adoption thinking we were doing this great thing for a child that was going to make such

a huge impact on his or her life,” Darin said. “But in reality, we have been the ones greatly changed.” “I honestly believe that of all the things I have ever accomplished or attempted in this world ‘for God,’ the simple act of taking in and caring for an orphan will have been my greatest deed,” he added. With three children already, another adoption is up for debate for the Wales’ family. “Never say never,” Darin said. For the Weir family, the second time went a bit smoother. “My ﬁrst adoption, I was a basket case,” Angel said. “It was the hardest year of my life. “I think the biggest lesson that I learned was the diﬀerence between faith and trust in the Lord,” Angel explained. “I was not at the trust level. I was at the faith level. God loved her and took care of her before I even met her. I had to trust God. And then I got peace.” “This adoption has been pure joy for me,” she added, referring to two-year-old Kaiya’s recent adoption. “I have felt so peaceful and so joyful knowing that if she is mine, then she is mine, and God has taken care of Kaiya and brought her to our family.” “She is just a gift for me.”

UMHB LIFE | 17

A Huge Responsibility Professor Leonard acknowledges that, in addition to joy, adoptive families also experience added responsibility. “The birth of a child is a serious event, which requires preparation and planning on the part of the birth parent. When parents decide to adopt a child, there is a tremendous amount of planning and preparation that goes into the process. These parents not only have the desire to love a child, but they also must have an environment, which will increase the chances of healthy development for the child,” said Leonard. UMHB alumni Terrance ’99 and Patricia Stewart Woods ’03 explored domestic adoption

options when a natural pregnancy didn’t seem possible. “We have both always had a heart for kids, especially kids in our community who are put into foster care systems because of poor choices made by their birth parents,” Patricia said. “However, adoption was not a huge thought in our minds until about two years ago when we were in the midst of our infertility struggle.” The couple looked into various adoption agencies and discovered the biggest need fell under the foster-to-adopt parents with the local state agency.

Adopting from the U.S. foster care system is generally the least expensive type of adoption, usually involving little or no cost, and states often provide subsidies to adoptive parents, according to Adoption.com. “We started our training classes in June 2007. Tate joined our family on Sept. 5, 2007, and the rest is history,” Patricia said. Compared with international adoptions, the Woods’ domestic adoption of one-year-old Preston Tate was a speedy process, totaling 11 months from start to ﬁnish. “I think parenting is a huge responsibility, period – regardless if the children are biological or adopted,” Patricia said. “Parenting can be diﬃcult no matter how the child came to the family.” And the Woods have already decided that their family will need an addition in the future. “We are planning to adopt again,” Patricia said with a smile. “Tate needs a brother or sister … or both.”

Terrance ’99 and Patricia Stewart Woods ’03 chose to adopt domestically and brought home their son, Tate, in September 2007. 18 | UMHB LIFE

For Dedication to the

Alma Mater

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION TO BESTOW HIGHEST HONORS AT HOMECOMING 2008 By Melissa Ford ’07

Distinguished Alumni As one of the oldest living alumni, Mary Alice Cowley Marshall ’29 continues to distinguish herself within her community. As a result of her amazing career and love for her alma mater, she will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award at Homecoming 2008; an award that honors her career, but acknowledges her education and loyalty to the university. She began her role as an outstanding individual at her high school, graduating Salutatorian of her class in 1925. She continues to lead today, by serving on the UMHB Alumni Board of Directors, the Temple Symphony Board and the College Foundation Board. The various areas of community, church and collegiate involvement in her life can be seen by the awards and honors which have been presented to her throughout the years. A few are the Gilewicz Music Hall of Fame Award and the Distinguished Service Medallion from UMHB. She later received the Yellow Rose Award from the Texas State Governor in 2000 and in 2007,

received the Distinguished Baylor Woman Award from Baylor University. Despite the awards and accomplishments, Mary Alice has never lost sight of how she came to be where she is today. She begins by crediting the Lord for leading her and her husband, Robert, through the years, but she is quick to point out the role UMHB played in her becoming a leader. “The excellent leadership training through Student Government Association has beneﬁted me through the years,” Mary Alice said. “I ﬁnd myself thinking about the past, and I have so many happy memories, I really am blessed…I really am blessed.”

UMHB LIFE | 19

Parker Award Strong family ties to the university, a sense of pride, and memories of the earlier years passed on through generations—these are the traits of families being honored with the Parker Award. The Whitis, Norwine and Adams families are among several such families who have remained intertwined with the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. These families have been connected with the university through ﬁve presidents: Dr. Arthur K. Tyson, Leonard Holloway, Dr. William G. Tanner, Dr. Bobby E. Parker and Dr. Jerry G. Bawcom. Dr. Dillard Whitis was the first from the family, to attend Mary Hardin-Baylor. In January 1958, Dr. Tyson interviewed Whitis about becoming a campus boy. Whitis never had any intentions to attend college, but with the wisdom of one man and the prompting of several friends, he started college a week and a half later, not knowing at the time how Mary Hardin-Baylor would change the course of his future and the lives of future generations.

Dr. Dillard Whitis and his brothers, Jack Whitis and Dr. Robert Whitis, were all campus boys. Robert married Dr. Grace Richardson Whitis ’68, they are both former faculty members of the university. Their mother, Marjorie Whitis, worked on campus more than ten years, and sister-in-law w Jean Ketchum Whitis attended from 1957 to 1959. Their sister Nelda Whitis Shipp iss a graduate from the Class ss of 1966. Dillard married Karolyn Norwinee Whitis ’68. Karolyn’s sister, Janet Norwine McElroy ’69, and d their sister, Beverly Norwine Adams, orwine A dams, attended from 19677 to 19 1969 aand is a long-time employee off the university. Beverly Norwine Adams married Roy Adams ’72 and they have three daughters. Their daughters, Kimberly Adams Glover and Paula Adams Heisterberg, both attended, and Valerie Adams Hampton graduated in 1998. Valerie’s

husband, Roger Hampton, graduated with his undergraduate degree in 2001 and his master’s degree in 2004. “It means so much to all of us that the doors were opened for us at Mary Hardin-Baylor,”” Whitis said. W saiid He went on to say that hee and an his brothers, broth h Jack and “Where Robert, oftenn say sa to one another, an an would we be today without UMHB?” wit The Parker Award is given in honor of families like this; fam families, who not only fam have h spanned generations at the university, but also have shown true love and devotion tto their alma mater. The Whitis, Norwine and Adams families have exhibited these traits for the more than 50 years—standing alongside Old Baylor.

Norwine, Adams & Whitis families

HONOREES PLAY AN INTEGRAL PART THROUGHOUT UMHB HISTORY... 1929 Mary Alice Cowley Marshall graduates

1957-1959 Jean Ketchum Whitis attends

1934 The university name changes from Baylor College to Mary HardinBaylor in honor of John and Mary Hardin

1958-1960 Dr. Dillard Whitis campus boy 1959-1960 Jack Whitis campus boy 1961-1962 Robert Whitis campus boy

1964 Dr. Leroy Kemp begins teaching in the religion department 1964 Wilson Administration Building, along with Alma Reeves Chapel burns down 1966 Nelda Whitis Shipp graduates 1966 Dr. Leroy Kemp begins serving as the dean of ddmissions

20 | UMHB LIFE

1967-1969 Beverly Norwine Adams attends 1968 Dr. Grace Richardson Whitis graduates 1968 Karolyn Norwine Whitis graduates 1968 Dr. Leroy Kemp begins serving on UMHB Board of Trustees 1969 Janet Norwine McElroy graduates

Honorary Alumni When an honorary alumni is selected, it goes without saying this individual would have a strong dedication and love for the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. This year’s recipient is certainly no exception, which is why it was quite a surprise when he did not stand at a recent event to sing “Up with the Purple.” Dr. Leroy Kemp has shown his devotion in so many ways, but one fact stands above the rest; he has worked at the university for 44 years. Kemp has served in a variety of capacities on the campus over the years. A current professor in the College of Christian Studies, Dr. Kemp has served as a professor in the religion department, as dean of admissions, as director of Church Relations and on the Board of Trustees for 17 years. In addition to his love for UMHB, his family holds the same devotion. “My life has been closely intertwined with UMHB. I had three sisters who received college degrees here and a fourth sister who attended. I met

1972 Roy Adams graduates 1978 Mary Hardin-Baylor College becomes the University of Mary HardinBaylor

my wife, Jean, here who is a UMHB alumna. Two of my three sons graduated from here, and all three of my daughters-in-law have UMHB degrees,” he said. During his years at Mary HardinBaylor, Kemp has connected with a large number of students, such as Kyle Pierce, a 2007 graduate who now serves as the Youth Pastor at The Vista Community Church in Belton. Kyle said, “Dr. Kemp taught me how to remember the simplicity of the gospel. Jesus saves. Simple as that.” Kemp has honored the university through investing in the lives of students, who have gone on to minister to the multitudes. With his many years at UMHB, it is safe to assume he will know the words to “Up with the Purple,” and he will be ready to sing it at Homecoming.

1987 Mary Alice Cowley Marshall receives the Gilewicz Music Hall of Fame Award 1988 Mary Alice Cowley Marshall receives Distinguished Service Award 1989 The current president’s home is dedicated

1992-1995 Kimberly Adams Glover attends

1998 Valerie Adams Hampton graduates

1993 First Crusader Knight Scott Haluska, is Knighted

2001 Roger Hampton graduates

1994 James P. Smith, first male graduate, is recognized by Dr. Jerry G. Bawcom during Homecoming

2004 Roger Hampton graduates with a master’s degree

1997 & 1999 Paula Adams Heisterberg attends

UMHB LIFE | 21

REGISTRATION Name ________________________________________ Address ______________________________________

Back in the Day, our favorite prank was putting soap suds in the fountain of the library! Of course there was also driving through the Bawcom’s front drive and honkin’, or taking fruit from the salad bar in Hardy Hall! -Gwen Munday Smith ’94

City __________________________________________ State ___________ Zip__________________________ Email Address _________________________________ Class Year_______ Phone _______________________ Name s of Guest s ____________________________ ______________________________________________ Event Alumni Lunch

# of Tickets

Education Workshop _______ Alumni Dinner

Cost

________ x $10 ea = ________ FREE

________ x $12 ea = ________

Child 12 & under ______ x $ 6 ea = ________ Dessert Party

________ x $10 ea = ________

Child 12 & under ______ x $ 5 ea = ________ UMHB Cru 5K Fun Run Please visit alumni.umhb.edu to submit entry form and payment.

Breakfast with the President ________ x $10 ea = ________ Child 12 & under ______ x $ 5 ea = ________

Reservations must be received by October 24. Pick up tickets and receive event locations at registration. No refunds after October 26. Return this form, along with payment, to: Homecoming Reservations, UMHB Box 8427, 900 College Street, Belton, TX 76513. Online registration available at alumni.umhb.edu Dress for Friday Events: Business Casual Dress for Saturday Events: Casual 22 | UMHB LIFE

Alumni Tailgate Party ______ x $ 8 ea = ________ Child 12 & under ______ x $ 4 ea = ________ Football Game

________ x $ 5 ea = ________

Twelve Angry Jurors ________

FREE

Homecoming T-shirts _____ x $12 ea = ________ S M L XL XXL Amount Due = _____________

SCHEDULE Friday, November 7 9:00 a.m. Registration ² W.W. Walton Chapel Tent will remain open until 4:00 p.m.; after 4:00, register at individual events

11:00 a.m. Homecoming Chapel² John Cannon ’83, Pastor of Harvest Fellowship in San Antonio, speaking; Honorary Membership to the Alumni Association - Dr. Leroy Kemp

Back in the day, I had an afro that made my head look like the shape of a large tomato. I was a drummer for New Edition and many times you could find me sitting in that old yellow swing in front of the student union building in deep thought. When wearing my big yellow silk shirt, you could see me from at least half a mile away”

12:00 p.m. Alumni Lunch² Parker Award - Whitis/Norwine/ Adams families 2:00 p.m. Campus Tours Education Workshop Additional workshops will be announced at alumni.umhb.edu

6:00 p.m. Alumni Dinner² Golden Diplomas given to Class of 1958; Distinguished Alumni Award Mary Alice Marshall ’29; Class Reunions for ’53 ’58 ’63 ’68 ’73 ’78 ’83 ’88 ’93 ’98 ’03 ’06

’83 nnon a C n Joh

-Pastor John Cannon ’83, Harvest Fellowship Community Church, San Antonio, Chapel Speaker

8:00 a.m. UMHB Cru 5K Fun Run

Back in the Day, one of my favorite memories was walking, or trying to stay up with, Mrs. Capt when we were on field trips or walking on campus.

8:30 a.m. Breakfast with the President² Come prepared with questions for Dr. Bawcom.

-Edna Penny Bridges ’61

8:30 p.m. Pep Rally and Burning of Letters 9:30 p.m. Dessert Party 10:00 p.m. Circle of Songs

Saturday, November 8

10:00 a.m. Group Reunions² Historical Phila, Royal Academia 12:00 p.m. Tailgate Party² Tiger Field 2:00 p.m. Crusader Football vs. Howard Payne 5:30 p.m. Class Reunion Dinners 7:00 p.m. Twelve Angry Jurors Play by the College of Visual and Performing Art UMHB LIFE | 23

ALUMNI LIFE Alumni Life reports news received February 15, 2008 through June 15, 2008. If you have news to share, send it to: Alumni Relations, UMHB Box 8427, 900 College Street, Belton, Texas 76513 or send via email to alumni@umhb.edu

Karen Riley Scott ’79 has written a book, Dear Lord Letters & Poems to Jesus. She may be reached at kcreationsrainbow@yahoo.com.

1980s

1960s Edna Penny Bridges ’61 was honored for her support of youth by the Camp Fire USA Tejas Council ninth annual Absolutely Incredible Kid Celebration on April 3. Edna and her husband established the Bridges-Penny Endowed Scholarship to assist education majors at UMHB. She has served as a judge and pronouncer for the Bell County Spelling Bee. She has also judged sewing for area 4-H clubs, water conservation essays and posters by elementary children. She is an active member of the Avolonte Study Club, the Temple-Belton Retired Teachers Association, the This and That Club and the Tennessee Valley Roundup. At Memorial Baptist Church in Temple, she teaches a class of challenged students and is director of the homebound ministry.

1970s Dr. William B. Long, Honorary Alumnus ’75, was honored for his support of youth by the Camp Fire USA Tejas Council ninth annual Absolutely Incredible Kid Celebration on April 3. He has served the Belton area for more than 50 years through his general medical practice, providing care for indigent children referred by Belton Independent School District nurses. For over 20 years, Dr. Long conducted a well-child clinic twice a month for the Bell County Health Department. He is a former member of the BISD Board of Trustees and the Board of the Belton Christian Youth Center. He served for many years as the physician for UMHB. Dr. Long was previously active with the Cub Scouts, the Belton Teen Canteen and the Band Boosters and PTA of the Belton schools. Currently he is a member of the Belton Lions Club and First Baptist Church of Belton. He has pulled a train of little red wagons fi lled with children in the Belton 4th of July parade for more than 30 years.

24 | UMHB LIFE

education. Dr. Bawcom was also awarded the Boy Scouts of America highest council volunteer award, the Silver Beaver Award, for Distinguished Service to Youth on Thursday, April 17, at the Longhorn Council Award Banquet. Dr. Bawcom began his scouting career in 1952 as a Cub Scout, in Boy Scouts he achieved the rank of Eagle, and served many years as a volunteer with the South Plains Council, the Longhorn Council, the Heart of Texas Council and the Chisholm Trail District. Cathy Phillips ’94 was honored as Ambassador of the Year for 2008 at the Bell County Area Chamber of Commerce awards banquet on January 17. She is the vice chairman of the economic development committee with the chamber. Cathy is vice president and loan officer of the First Texas Bank of Belton.

Jim Goforth ’87 was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Biblical Studies from the St. Louis extension of the United Theological Seminary, a historically African-American seminary. He is the senior pastor of the New Life Baptist Church in Florissant, North St. Louis County, Missouri. Jim recently celebrated his fifth anniversary at the multi-ethnic congregation where he serves with his wife, Lisa Alexander Goforth ’84. They have two sons, Andrew, who is a student at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, and Bryan, who is a sophomore in high school.

1990s

Laura Jackson Taff ’94 received her master’s degree in family psychology from HardinSimmons University on May 10. Mary Lamb Bruton ’99 was chosen Teacher of the Month for March by the Gatesville Lions Club. She taught two years at Copperas Cove High School before joining Gatesville Independent School District. She taught sixth grade one year at Gatesville Intermediate then two years at the high school before returning to the intermediate school.

2000s Kirsten Cronk Humphries ’00 is employed with the Texas Department of State Health Services as a Human Service Specialist VII providing case management services to children with special health care needs. Kirsten and her children, sixyear-old Madilyn Grace and four-year-old Aiden Scott, may be reached at ksgracescott@yahoo.com.

President Jerry G. Bawcom Honorary Alumnus ’92 was named a 2008 Distinguished Alumni of the College of Education at Texas Tech University in April. Dr. Bawcom earned a BS in education and a MEd in secondary education at Tech. He was honored for distinguished service in public education and private higher

Belton Independent School District recently honored Teachers of the Year. Tricia Scott ’76 was selected from Tarver Elementary School, Jancey Bjorkman Cone ’93 from Leon Heights Elementary School, Kim McKinnon Pierce ’98 from Belton Middle School, Deena Cornblum ’99 from Sparta Elementary and Kimberly Scoggins Stephens ’03 from Miller Heights Elementary School.

Misti Davidson Necessary â&#x20AC;&#x2122;01 was selected Teacher of the Month for January by the Gatesville Lions club. She teaches at Gatesville Primary School and is a â&#x20AC;&#x153;loopingâ&#x20AC;? teacher, which means she starts with a kindergarten class and then has the same students the following year in first grade. Jared Johnson â&#x20AC;&#x2122;02 was featured on the show â&#x20AC;&#x153;Can You Duetâ&#x20AC;? on Country Music Television. The show was an 11-episode music competition that tried to find country musicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next great duo. Jared finished in fifth place. After graduating from UMHB in 2002, Jared moved to Nashville and is now a songwriter for Big Loud Shirt Publishing. Kacy Chandler â&#x20AC;&#x2122;05 is translating Bible stories into the native language of Muslim tribes in Mali, West Africa. She has served with the International Mission Board as a journeyman working with the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Onestory Project.â&#x20AC;? William J. Chapman â&#x20AC;&#x2122;06 is a member of Primo Tenore formally known as San Antonioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Three Tenors who performed at the Fredericksburg Music Club in February. While attending UMHB, Billy performed as Rinuccio in Pucciniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gianni Schicciâ&#x20AC;? and as Samuel in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pirates of Penzance.â&#x20AC;? He recently participated in the Atlantic Coast Operaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inaugural season performing as Alfred in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Die Fledermaus.â&#x20AC;? For two consecutive years, he has placed in the top percent in the National Association of Teachers of Singing.

WEDDINGS Darla DuBose â&#x20AC;&#x2122;93 to Mark Hodgkiss, April 14, 2007, in Beeville. Darla works as a caseworker at South Texas Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Home. They may be reached at 1201 W Flournoy St., Beeville, TX 78102 or darla403@awesomenet.net. Kristie Moreland Pearce â&#x20AC;&#x2122;93 to Gene Smith, March 15, in Gatesville. Kristie is counselor at Gatesville Elementary School, and Gene owns and operates Bloodhound Lawn and Maintenance in Gatesville. David Paul Branscom â&#x20AC;&#x2122;01, MEd â&#x20AC;&#x2122;03 to Courtney Michele Lee, June 7, in Temple. David is employed by UMHB as a football coach, and Courtney is employed by Bell County Juvenile Probation as a probation officer.

alumni profile

Successful Entrepreneur Earns Degree As former president of the international franchise Curves and a successful entrepreneur of his own business, Gary Findley did not need a degree to prove he could be successful. Yet, he wanted nothing more than to set a good example for his children, encouraging them that education was important. Gary attended UMHB and graduated with a BBA in December 2006, achieving one of his life goals. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had success without a degree,â&#x20AC;? Gary said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But that is not the norm. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not usual to get involved with something that explodes like Curves. There is a lot of value in an education.â&#x20AC;? Happy with his Crusader experience, Gary said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m used to the small environment, and UMHB gave me a good feeling; it fit me.â&#x20AC;? Gary took away two main concepts from UMHB: discipline and application of information. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always used the practical end, not having to have the structure,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot easier when you go out and actually see how it all works. Gary will never forget his first day of class. As he flipped through the pages of a marketing textbook, the content included a case study on Curves, founded and owned by Gary and Diane Heavin of Waco. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a pretty big honor to know youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve helped create an international company in eight years,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The success of Curves was great enough to put into a college text, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a testament of how well the business model worked.â&#x20AC;? Gary spoke to business classes on different occasions and formed rela-

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tionships with his fellow classmates and professors. In fact, Gary hired one of his classmates in his next venture, The Findley Group. Gary began the business, which helps people turn their idea into a franchise. Gary has two personal goals with this business; helping other people achieve their goals and making money to give away.â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really all I care to do,â&#x20AC;? Gary said. The Findley Group assists with the marketing and sales of such franchises as SnapFitness, Dogtopia and FaceLogic. To date the Group has launched 12 franchises. Outside of the corporate world, Gary and his wife are involved in various community activities such as Legacy, All Things Possible, Mission Waco and Camp Hope. His faith drives him to care for people in different ways whether opening up camps, donating resources or helping them run a business. Overall, the alumnus is glad he is in an occupation where he can make money and turn it around to give to others. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I enjoy doing this,â&#x20AC;? Gary said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everyone finds their niche and mine is franchising.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Crystal Donahue

UMHB LIFE | 25

ALUMNI L I F E Jared Allen Johnson ’02 to Kathryn Leanne Merrill, March 22, in Houston. Jared is employed by Big Loud Shirt Inc. in Nashville. The may be reached at jajohnson12@hotmail.com Heather Nicole Chandler ’04 to Wesley Howard Tom, February 23, in Waco. Heather is a diagnostician with Waco Independent School District, and Wesley is employed with Sunbelt Rentals. Michael Coleman ’04 to Victoria Garcia, February 14, in Pleasanton. Michael is a systems analyst with Bryan Independent School District, and Victoria is employed by LynnTech Corporation of Bryan. Jana Lynn Weeks ’05 and Adam Ryan O’Neal ’07, April 12, in Austin. Jana is employeed with Covenant Kids, a foster care/adoption agency in Arlington, and Adam is employed with Honda Financial Corporation in Irving. San Juana Garcia ’06 to Steven Loa, March 15, in Belton. San Juana is employed by Troy Independent School District, and Steven is employed by Ernie’s Lawn Service. Jill Bonnot ’07 to Joe Rowan, May 24, in Missouri City. Jill works at Star of Hope Homeless Mission, and Joe works for Sabor Electric in Houston, while attending Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. They may be reached at 3225 Woodland Park Dr. #1423, Houston, TX 77082. Lindsey Dale Cockerell ’07 and Jeff rey Cole Sharpe ’05, October 6, in Georgetown. Lindsey is a branch office administrator with Edward Jones, and Jeff rey is general manager for Dale’s Essenhaus in Walburg. Micah Jared Morris ’07 to Stephanie Suzanne Secrest, March 22, in Temple. Micah is employed by the Department of Family and Protective Services. Brandy Elise Spence ’07 to David Keith Stanford, May 10, in Belton. Brandy is employed by First Texas Bank, and David is employed by H.E.B.

26 | UMHB LIFE

Jamie Lyn Thornton ’07 to Christopher Ray Sodek, April 19, in Waco. Jamie is employed by King’s Daughters Hospital, and Christopher is attending Temple College. Delana Brewer ’08 and Bryan Davis ’07, May 10, in Hillsboro. They may be reached at denae424@ gmail.com. Laura C. Carpenter ’08 to Michael D. Umscheid, December 29, in Austin. Jennifer Ann Meers ’08 and Nicholas Alan Jones ’07, May 10, in Rockwall. Jennifer is a graphic designer at Presley Design Studio in Temple, and Nicholas is an admissions counselor at UMHB. Mary-Jennifer Alyse Pinkert ’08 to Bobby Lee Baker, May 17, in Belton.

BIRTHS Robin Murff Hartzler ’76 and her husband, Bruce, announce the birth of their twin sons, Ethan Robert and Eric Bruce, November 9. Eric went to be with the Lord on November 23. They may be reached at 4027 Rotterdam Pass, Hampton, GA 30228. Darin Wales ’84 and his wife, Dr. Lorene Wales, announce the adoption of their son, Anthony Fu Xin, January 6. He was born January 11, 2005, in Longyan City, Fujian, China. Xin joins big sister, six-year-old Jing Lei, and big brother, five-year-old Zane. Darin is a freelance film and video director and is on staff at Regent University in the Center for Teaching and Learning, and Lorene serves as the chair for the cinema/television department in the School of Communication at Regent University. They may be reached at 1020 Eagle Point Dr., Virginia Beach, VA 23456 or jdarwal@yahoo.com. Mickie Fuller McConachie ’95 and her husband, Chad, announce the birth of their twins, Ryan Alistair and Amanda Noel, December 3. They join big brother, James.

Marty Garcia ’96 and his wife, Julie, announce the birth of their daughter, Gabriella Lynn, February 14. Camille Holstin Hooper ’97 and her husband, Kelley, announce the birth of their son, Maverick Ronin, April 8. He joins big brother, fouryear-old Marshall Dylan. They may be reached at 817 Springer Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76114 or marsmom@mac.com. Janna Davis Fisk ’98 and her husband, Darrik, announce the birth of their daughter, Julia Claire, March 5. They may be reached at jannafisk@gmail.com. Angel Foster Weir ’98 and her husband, Russ ex ’96, announce the adoption of their daughter, Kaiya Rain Zhen, June 6. She was born May 10, 2006, in Zhe Jiang Province, China. Kaiya joins her big sisters, four-year-old Kaitlyn and nine-year-old Zoe. Heather Peloquin McCoy ’99 and her husband, Kyle, announce the birth of their daughter, Klaire Grace, March 4. She joins big brother, Konnor Logan. They may be reached at 5710 Berkeley Dr., Tyler, TX 75070 or kyleheather@sbcglobal.net. Eric ’99 and Kathryn Byrum Sowell ’98 announce the birth of their son, Samuel Charles, January 4. He joins big brother, Jonathan, and big sister, Abigail. Terrance ’99 and Patricia Stewart Woods ’03 announce the adoption of their son, Preston Tate, on September 5, 2007.

Kimberly Wittkower Gray ’00, ’06 and her husband, Monte, announce the birth of their son, Rhett Kaden, March 23. They may be reached at kimberlyg@ alumni.utexas.net. Justin ’01 and Celeste Crawford Conlee ’02 announce the birth of their son, Truett Riley, October 4. Justin and Celeste are both registered nurses in Austin. They may be reached at 3801 Pioneer Way, Round Rock, TX 78665. Kevin ’01 and Jolee Woodward Cornelius ’00 announce the birth of their daughter, Aleigh Cathleen, March 14. She joins big sisters, Jentri and Landri. Roger ’01, MS ’04 and Valerie Adams Hampton ’98 announce the birth of their daughter, Madelynn Grace, May 16. She joins big brother, Matthew Alec. Roger is a software developer for Professional Datasolutions, Inc., and Valerie is a stay-at-home mom. They may be reached at 909 Woodhollow Dr., Temple, TX 76502 or roger.hampton@att.net. Courtnie Newman Larson ’01 and her husband, David, announce the birth of their daughter, Avery LeAnn, October 1. She joins big brother, three-year-old Brady. They may be reached at courtnie33101@yahoo.com. Justin ’01 and Katie Keller Russell ’03 announce the birth of their daughter, Jordyn Avery, January 11. Justin is the head girls basketball coach at Medina Valley High School in Castroville, and Katie is a pediatric nurse practitioner at North East Pediatric Associates in San Antonio. They may be reached at 115 Private Road 4663, Castroville, TX 78009 or ksuey@yahoo.com.

Jef ’01 and Annette Roby Sims ’99 announce the birth of their daughter, Addison Grace, February 7. Annette teaches math and science at Sparta Elementary School in Belton, and Jef is a corporate sales representative for Dell Computers in Round Rock. They may be reached at jefsims@hotmail.com or annettedsims@hotmail.com. Chad ’01 and Ashley Klepac Smith ’03 announce the birth of their son, Cooper Browning, November 27. They may be reached at cbarsmith@sbcglobal.net. Tim ’02 and Rebeca Escobedo Carpenter ’02 announce the birth of their daughter, Sydney Elizabeth, December 9. She joins big brother, Seth, and big sister, Selah. They may be reached at tcarpenter@hiddenacres.org. Lucy H. Garcia Zaragoza ’02 and her husband, Robert, announce the birth of their daughter, Mia Virginia, November 12. Tiff any Ragone Jones ’03 and her husband, Ryan, announce the birth of their daughter, Addison Claire, September 2. She joins big brother, Logan Christopher. Brandon ’03 and Sarah McCain Skaggs ’03 announce the birth of their son, Elliot, April 28, at 8:06 a.m. He went home to the Lord at 9:05 a.m. Kristin Richardson Zastoupil ’03 and her husband, Brendan, announce the birth of their son, Bryton Kase, May 20. Kristin runs her own public relations company, ZPR, and teaches in the journalism department at Baylor University. They may be reached at 2802 Park St., Ennis, TX 75119.

Ashley Sherry Earnheart ’05 and her husband, Seth, announce the birth of their son, Adam Samuel, January 7. Kyle ’05 and Brook Werlinger Mikles ’07 announce the birth of their daughter, Ayden Abigail, March 17. Kyle works on the rehab floor at the Temple Veterans Administration, and Brook works for the Department of State Health Services as the community health nurse for Robertson and Burleson Counties. April Walker Lambert ’06 and her husband, Zach, announce the birth of their son, Adler Gray, January 16.

DEATHS Ruby Cage ex ’19-’21, February 28, in Houston. She was a bookkeeper for H. Ray Chevrolet, L. Schwartz & Company, where she became treasurer. Later she worked at the Uvalde Federal Savings and Loan. Ella Mainer Dodd ’27, February 24, in Lovelady. She taught school at Camp Letcher, Yoakum, Cuero and New Braunfels, where she retired in 1961. Ella and her husband, Bard, went into the grocery and general merchandise business with her sister, Margaret Muenker, until 1972. She was a member of the Baptist church in Yoakum, Cuero, Houston, New Braunfels and Lovelady, where she taught Sunday School and was the church pianist and organist. Ella was a member of garden clubs and literary clubs and helped start the Yoakum town library. She was a member of the Houston County Historical Society and the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in Crockett, where she compiled several books of wills and marriages. She was co-editor for the Lovelady, Texas Centennial 1872-1972 book and wrote articles on different families for the History of Houston County, Texas 1687-1979 book. Ella published her father’s works Houston County in the Civil War and compiled and published a Mainer family history and Nelms family history. At the present time, the Lovelady, Texas Centennial is being revised, and the new edition will be dedicated to Ella Frances Mainer Dodd for all her contributions in genealogy and history of the Lovelady area.

UMHB LIFE | 27

ALUMNI L I F E Veda Hicks Ranne ex ’27, March 31, in Longview. She taught school prior to her marriage in 1929. Veda was a 38-year member of Trinity Baptist Church and a member of the National Chrysanthemum Society. Melva Caldwell Blake ’29, March 7, in Fort Worth. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, a national sorority of educators, and a member of Broadway Baptist Church. Virginia Lynch Burnham ex ’29-’37, January 21, in Austin. Nila Jones Steele ’30, March 7, in Houston. She taught high school English in Holland, Oenaville, Buckner Orphans Home in Dallas, Stanton, Littlefield, Port Neches, Elysian Fields and Belton. In Houston, Nila taught sixth grade at Cashmere Gardens and at Burbank Elementary School from 1946 until she retired in 1976. Leland Easley Loughridge ’32, May 7, in Arkansas City, Kansas. She began her teaching career as a journalism teacher at Athens High School and fifth grade at Athens Grammar School. Leland was a member of First Baptist Church of Athens; the Order of the Eastern Star, serving the position of Worthy Matron; leader and Mother Advisor of a Rainbow Girl group. Virginia James Moeser ’32, December 20, in Richmond, Virginia. She taught school in Valley View. Virginia taught private voice lessons and taught for many years in the public schools of Lubbock, where she directed the choir in two junior high schools, and later she taught English. Virginia (Ginny) Herndon Keith ’33, February 27, in Fort Worth. Ginny was proceeded in death by her husband, Jack, in 1982. While a student , Ginny received the Stella P. Ross Memorial Medal. Ginny served as a UMHB trustee from 1963-1971 and was president of the Alumni Association, 1972-1978, receiving the Outstanding Alumni Award in 1971. The Board of Trustees conferred on her an Honorary Doctor of Humanities Degree in 1977. The Virginia Herndon and George E. Keith Endowed Scholarship was established in their honor. One of her greatest contributions to the university was to the students she befriended, always opening her homes in Belton and Temple to homesick or needy students. A long-time member of the First Baptist Churches of both Temple and Belton, Ginny was also active in her community. She served on the Belton City Library and Central Texas Library System’s boards and was an active member of the American Association of University Women. She is survived by the 80 children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and spouses of the Keith-Wilson family. 28 | UMHB LIFE

Mary Moore Kelley ’33, February 25, in Naples, Florida. She was a member of North Naples United Methodist Church. Annie Pearl Cobb Dyess ’37, March 31, in Longview. She taught second grade at South Ward Elementary School in Longview and was a member of First Baptist Church of Longview. Winnie Rayner Rayl ’38, April 24, in Royal Oak, Michigan. She was a lifetime member of the Masonic Order of the Eastern Star, Houghton Lake Chapter 514 PHWM and the Masonic Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem, Houghton Lake Shrine 61. Elise Kinghorn Wheeless ex ’39-’41, April 29, in Arlington. She was a member of Fairview Baptist Church in Grand Prairie. Lois Sparkman ex ’39, March 13, in Eugene, Oregon. She owned a flower shop and wholesale flower business in Texas before moving to Oregon. Lois taught business administration and home economics in the Marcola and Eugene School Districts, retiring from South Eugene High School in 1974. Following retirement, she spent eight years overseas in Japan teaching English with the Southern Baptist International Missions Board and in Korea, working with Deaf Ministries International, where she taught sewing. Lois was one of two single women permitted to adopt a child from overseas in the United States by an act of Congress in 1956. Naomi Kimbrough Simmons Burlison ’44, April 7, in Longview. In 1945 she was employed by the Federal Aviation Administration, working in Fort Worth, San Antonio, Amarillo, Salt Flat, Beaumont and Alice. Naomi retired in 1977 after 30 years of service as an air traffic controller. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Alice, where she taught Bible classes, served as director of WMU and sang in the choir. Bess Hieronymus ’44, March 22, in San Antonio. She earned a Master of Arts degree in music from Smith College and the first Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Organ Performance and Musicology from the University of Texas at Austin. In 1995 she was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from UMHB. Dr. Hieronymus was on the faculty of Trinity University, San Antonio College and for over 30 years at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where she was the first woman to be appointed full professor. She was known for the high quality of her student teaching, with many students taking positions as organists and choral directors in prestigious churches and synagogues all over the region. She has been honored at UTSA with the establishment of two endow-

ments and the university pipe organ in her name. She performed multiple times in many countries overseas, and in 1992, she performed an historic concert in the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory Hall when she became the third non-Russian, the first American and the first woman to be awarded membership in the National Russian Musical Society, which had been established in 1861. During her career, she was the organistchoir director at Madison Square Presbyterian Church in San Antonio, Alamo Heights Methodist Church, Temple Beth-El and First Presbyterian Church, where she served for more than 27 years and was named Organist Emerita. Anna Mary Alston ’50, May 14, in Killeen. She taught in the Killeen Independent School District for 40 years. Alvin Reese Sutton CB ’51-’54, April 30, in Nolanville. He was pastor of many Central Texas area Baptist churches during his 57 years of ministry. Alvin was a teacher in Moffat, Belton, Nolanville and Killeen for more than 30 years, retiring from Killeen High School, where he taught math and driver’s education. During his tenure at Killeen High School, he was presented the prestigious award of the Texas Driver’s Education Teacher of the Year in 1980. His wife, Christine Ivey Sutton ’75, may be reached at 1401 E. Warriors Path, Harker Heights, TX 76548. Judy Miller Coward ’53, April 25, in Round Rock. Charles Wayne Rector, May 27, in Midland. He was the husband of Linda Walpole Rector ’63, who preceded him in death in 1998. Rubye Prinzing Altman ’65, May 6, in Killeen. She was an educator for 35 years, 33 of those with Killeen Independent School District. Rubye served as president of the Bell County Reading Association, the sixth area representative on the Texas State Reading Board of Trustees, a member of Phi Delta Kappa, a lifetime member of the Texas PTA, an active member of the Texas and Killeen Retired Teachers Association and a member of First Baptist Church of Killeen. Oliver H. Bell, March 13, in Killeen. He was the father of Alice Marie Bell ’69. Olga Richter Haney ’70, April 28, in Temple. She worked at J.C. Penney and was the art teacher for all the schools in the now-disbanded Bell County School System and St. Mary’s Catholic School in Temple. Her daughter is Bernadette Haney Cuba ’65.

Edwin J. Tyroch ’70, March 12, in Temple. He taught school in rural Bell County for two years before joining the United States Army in 1941, where he served with the Engineering Brigade out of Fort Leonard, MO. Edwin was a member of Seaton Brethren Church and served as a traveling lay preacher throughout Central Texas. He received the National Alliance of Business Youth Motivation Task Force Commendation for 1983-1984 and retired from the Department of Human Services after 19 years. Tom C. Graham ’73, May 3, in Austin. He served in the Navy and was an honorably discharged Korean War veteran. Tom began his career as a patrolman, then became sergeant with the Austin Police Department. He served in other areas of law enforcement including Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, State of Texas undercover narcotics work, State of Texas child abuse investigations and private investigations. Julia Ruth Whatley Kemp, Honorary Alumna ’75, June 11, in Belton. She worked for 20 years with the Belton Independent School District food services. Julia was a past member of Dyess Grove Baptist Church and Immanual Baptist Church in Temple and a member of First Baptist Church in Belton. She was a member of Belton and Salado Chapters of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. She was the mother of Dr. Leroy Kemp, current faculty. Frederick Pavoggi Honorary Alumnus ’79, June 7, in Killeen. While their daughters were UMHB students, he and his wife made many trips from El Paso to attend campus events. He is survived by his wife, Jeanne Pavoggi HA ’79; daughters Susan Pavoggi Cody ’72; Terry Pavoggi Hefner ’73 and her husband, Dannie ’74; Sharon Pavoggi Wall ’74; Janice Pavoggi Douglas ’78; Donna Pavoggi Talbert ’81; and son, John Pavoggi ex ’78-’79. Daniel Croes ’80, March 12, in Waco. He retired in 2005 after teaching 25 years in Killeen Independent School District, teaching at Manor Middle School, East Ward Elementary, Willow Springs Elementary, Brookhaven Intermediate and Homebound Services for Special Education. Daniel served in the United States Army from 1974 to 1978 as a topographic surveyor and was a member of the Goldwing Road Riders Association. Charles H. Elliott, Sr., MEd ’88, March 8, in Bastrop. He taught in Lott, Comfort, Temple, Moody and was a teacher, coach and principal with the Bastrop Independent School District for many years.

alumni profile

Couple Makes Global Impact at a Local Level Reaching out to children from Somalia to Iraq, Tim Carpenter ’02 and his wife, Rebeca Escobedo Carpenter ’02, have embarked on a self-sacrificing journey, seeking to touch the lives of refugee children. Having a heart for service, Tim and Rebeca have always participated in volunteer activities. However, they never imagined their passion for helping others would call them to work with refugee children at a camp in Kaufman County, Texas. During the summer months, Tim and Rebeca team up with Hidden Acres camp and Refugee Resources, a nonprofit organization out of Dallas set up to assist refugee families economically and educationally. Through donations and grants from various outlets, children attend summer camp for free. “Our passion is to reach the neediest kids we can find,” Tim said. “When they leave we hope they’ve taken away that there is more to life than things, that there are more decisions than selfish ones and also that there is a Creator.” This unique camp runs for four weeks, serving more than 400 refugee children. In the Dallas area alone, there are over 20,000 refugees. The Carpenters are reaching as many as they can. As fulltime director, Tim trains camp counselors who have to cross a multitude of barriers including language, cultural discrepancies and behavioral issues. Dealing daily with disciplinary issues has taught him a few lessons.

“God has shown me a lot about mercy and what it can do,” Tim said. “When you share love with these kids, a lot of them don’t know what that is. They are used to being punished constantly. We have to discipline them fairly and firmly, but with love.” Teaching the children God’s grace has not been easy. Many of the children are Muslim and don’t own a Bible, nor would they be permitted to receive one. “It’s been a challenge,” Tim said. However, he and the other counselors show the Lord’s love through messages, songs and actions. Tim said, “Every time I began to doubt what we’re doing, it pops into my head that God has guided us here, so he will provide.” Taking the position of director has affected the whole family including moving with their children, threeyear-old Seth, two-year-old Selah and infant Sydney to the camp for the summer. “One thing we hope to teach our children is to be comfortable around people and show them how to be friends no matter their race or language,” Rebeca said. Through the many obstacles, the family is sure God is calling them to make a global impact at a local level. Rebeca said, “I think it’s neat to see how we can minister to the world right here in Dallas.” —Crystal Donahue UMHB LIFE | 29

ALUMNI L I F E Carroll Cooper Honorary Alumnus ’07, June 15, in Grand Prairie. He was a pharmacist since 1952 and former owner of Millar Drug Company in Grand Prairie. Carroll was active in First Baptist Church of Grand Prairie. He was the husband of Martha Smirl Cooper ’51. At the end of Martha’s term as President of the Alumni Association, in 1972, Carroll gave the Eternal Flame to honor her. He has generously supported the university through the Challenge Beyond 2000 Campaign, and once again honored his wife with the Martha Cooper Endowed Scholarship. Together Carroll and Martha have greatly contributed to the building funds of the York Science Center, Parker Academic Center, Meyer Christian Studies Center and the Mayborn Campus Center where the Hall of Fame Suite is named after them. Peggy Jeanne Boggus ex, March 19, in Harlingen. She was a member of the Harlingen Junior Service League and the P.E.O. Chapter T. Peggy took part in establishing the Valley’s Ronald McDonald House and was the only lifetime board member of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Rio Grande Valley. She was a supporter of the Harlingen Humane Society. Margaret Jane Willis Goolsby ex, February 18, in Crockett. She was a member of the United Methodist Women and Redbud Garden Club in Crockett. Dorothy Zoeller Kneupper ex, May 11, in San Antonio. Mable McCoy ex, April 4, in Galveston. She taught school for 12 years in Galveston, and worked at University of Texas Medical Branch in unit management for 19 years. Mable was a longtime member of Central Christian Church in Galveston and served as president of the Christian Women’s Fellowship of the church. Edward Marion Miller ex, June 3, in Las Cruces, NM. He worked for the Texas Employment Commission as metro manager in El Paso until his retirement. Edward served on the board of the Boys Club of Midland, Midland Need to Read, Lee High School Band Boosters and Workforce boards for employment service in Midland and El Paso. Dorothy Lee Ware ex, February 1, in San Marcos. She was a member of Angleton First Baptist Church, Friendship Sunday School class, Brazoria County Retired Teachers Association, Women’s Study Club, several duplicate bridge clubs and was a charter member of Lambda Chi Chapter of Angleton and NU Chapter, San Marcos of Delta Kappa Gamma. 30 | UMHB LIFE

Helen Grace Hodam, former music teacher, May 21, in Cambridge, MA. Charles L. Sweeney, former employee in facility services, February 17, in Belton. Charles A. Wheeler III, former teacher, February 21, in Temple. Delbert Williams, April 2, in McKinney. He was a former registrar and in 1962 became a college professor. When MHB attained university status in 1979, Delbert was appointed the first Dean of Education and held that position until his retirement in 1992. His daughter, Edith Kay Williams Combel ’72, may be reached at 3345 County Road 1057, Farmersville, TX 75442.

MEMORIALS H.H. & Rowena Adams Mary Ann Adams Thurlow Rubye Prinzing Altman Mark & Betty O’Hair Anderson Wesley E. Anderson Eleanor Doran Virginia Edwards Eva P. Hines Clifford W. & Maurine Wiese William “Dub” Wright Anne Wiese Halbert Wayne Bayless Dan Gower Doris Stoneham Shannon Bob Soroka Dr. Ralph Wilson, Jr. Fayly Hardcastle Cothern Betty Secrest Bohlin Kathryn Bohlin Jesse Bridges Russell Bridges Lillian “Doodle” Townsend Bridges Sondra Attaway Cook Dr. Dillard & Karolyn Norwine Whitis Jonathan Chatham Cynthia A. Entzminger Norma Raye Ives Cole Evelyn Hampton Beaird Jim & Nancy Eisenmann & Family Dan & Laura Stringer McLallen Carroll Cooper Marion Walker Barren Amy M. Bawcom Dr. & Mrs. Jerry G. Bawcom Betty Sue Craven Beebe

Les, Janis, Brian, & Ben Cockerell Charles Durtschi Martha White Farris Albert & Freda Gallatin Tarron Gartner Theresa S. Harris Catherine Henigan James M. Hinton Paige Lueking Walt & Pam Manly Charlie & Sheila McAuley Stacey Michelsen Dr. & Mrs. Randy O’Rear Marietta Parker Dr. LuOuida Vinson Phillips Jeff & Laurie Pierce John Raley Doug Rees Michelle Robberson Pat Lockridge Shannon Dottie Sheffield Cory & Julie Sutker Texas Alliance For Patient Access Texas Medical Liability Trust R. C. & Betty Thrasher Dr. Larry & Carol Woodward Judy Miller Coward Pat Lockridge Shannon Christene Weathers Westbrook H. J. Daude Edwin & Meriworth McMillan Mabry Ellen Ford Dillard Margaret Dillard Burns George B. Dulany Beverly Norwine Adams Kay Anderson Mark & Betty O’Hair Anderson Amy M. Bawcom Dr. & Mrs. Jerry G. Bawcom Betty Sue Craven Beebe Dr. & Mrs. Carl Bradley Dr. & Mrs. William B. Long Dr. & Mrs. Randy O’Rear Riley & Carolyn Allison Owens Marietta Parker Dr. Kay Schwertner Psencik Shirley Cowan Sommer Julia Amason Walker Dr. Larry & Carol Woodward Ruth Elaine Glover Al & LaVerne Klemme Olga Richter Haney Elliot Skaggs Charles Voelter Dr. & Mrs. Jerry G. Bawcom Dorothy Henry Ladies Sunday School Class, Immanuel Baptist Church, Temple

Dr. Bess Hieronymus Dr. & Mrs. Jerry G. Bawcom Betty Sue Craven Beebe Dr. & Mrs. Randy O’Rear Marjorie Hyden Betty Sue Craven Beebe

Julia Amason Walker Jack & Wanda Weinblatt Bill D. & Mary Wilson Dr. Larry & Carol Woodward

Lem E. & Ann Maddox Lemmie L. Tiller Eugenia Frances Martin Drs. Leroy & Jean Wyatt Kemp UMHB Faculty Assembly UMHB College of Christian Studies Faculty & Staff

Frances Emilie Jaska UMHB Faculty Assembly

Julia Kemp Beverly Norwine Adams Mark & Betty O’Hair Anderson Dr. & Mrs. Jerry G. Bawcom Betty Sue Craven Beebe Richard & Joan Bradley Mr. & Mrs. Ken Hobbs Richard & Grace Dannelley McDonald Don & Judy Owens Marietta Parker Pat Lockridge Shannon UMHB College of Christian Studies UMHB Faculty Assembly Marian Corbin Wood

Louise Keeton Dr. Dillard & Karolyn Norwine Whitis

Gene E. Knowles Barbara Robertson Knowles

Mr. & Mrs. John P. Minten Dorothy Minten Esther Minten Janie Minten

Virginia Herndon Keith Kay Anderson Mark & Betty O’Hair Anderson Janice Williams Autry Marion Walker Barren Amy M. Bawcom Dr. & Mrs. Jerry G. Bawcom Betty Sue Craven Beebe Dr. & Mrs. Carl Bradley Bob & Mickey Burleson Mr. & Mrs. L. C. Butler William R. & Claudia Clark Glen & Glenda Dennis Cosper Aleene Dillard Marshall & Doris Edwards Virginia A. Effland First Command Bank Courtney & Andrew Fisher Ted & Kathy Floca Susan E. Foster Jerry & Madiene Gibson Corinne Gilbreath Mr. & Mrs. James L. Hackney Charlie & Clarolyn Harris Helen Wilson Harris Betty Bass Hiles Dr. & Mrs. Bob Holland Drs. Leroy & Jean Wyatt Kemp Tom & Bobbie Larimore Max & Mary Lou Marks Ralph & Shirley Clarke Montgomery Dr. & Mrs. Randy O’Rear Riley & Carolyn Allison Owens Marietta Parker Charley & Peggy Powell Diane A. Prothro Dr. & Mrs. J. A. Reynolds Joe P. & Sandra Ross Mr. & Mrs. John F. Sammons, Sr. Pat Lockridge Shannon Shirley Cowan Sommer UMHB Alumni Association UMHB Faculty Assembly

Sara Ann Strickland Kocher Leila Katherine Routh Arnett Betty Sue Craven Beebe

Caleb Morgan Stephen Bradley Katherine Knapp Stutts

Dr. Amy LeVesconte Eugene & Yuri Tanamachi Nakayama Olive Fuller Lander Wilson

Frederick Pavoggi Dr. & Mrs. Jerry G. Bawcom Betty Sue Craven Beebe Marietta Parker

Stella Jackson Vivian Moon Arthur & the late Paul Arthur Dr. & Mrs. Robert L. Cargill Annette Craddock Howse Clara Nesmith Patterson Eldon Pyle Margaret Pearce Timmons Christene Weathers Westbrook

Tommie Harold Lostak Ruth Stasney Antonius Family Cathy Babai Frankie & Wilfred Brewer Gary & Linda Edmiaston Carol Franta Garrett Seed Rice, LTD Willie Haluska Charles & Zdenky Harman Wilma Stasney Hearn Family Peter T. Keillor Holly Lewis Family A.L. Lostak Daryl R. & Clair A. Lostak Kenneth & Mary Lostak Marathon Oil, Maintenance Department Leonard & Melvina Meier Midge Miller Robin Morris Family Dr. & Mrs. Randy O’Rear Greg & Gaylyn Pfahles Leonard M. Sebesta Esther Speck Buddy Stasney Family Robert B. & Mary Clem Stewart Bill & Shirley Walcik Scott & Connie Walding Glen & Joell Weise Mickey & Linda Welch Shane Welch Family Tom Ludwick Mr. & Mrs. Bobby D. Bridges Russell Bridges

T. Edward Mercer Nelda Whitis Shipp Dr. Dillard & Karolyn Norwine Whitis Tommy Joe Mills Fayly Hardcastle Cothern Marietta Parker Charley & Peggy Powell

James Payne Pat Lockridge Shannon Doyce R. Phillips Marilyn Gore Phillips Clark Potter Tom Stringfellow Ruth Canava Torres Forrest Powell, Jr. Ann O’Quinn Powell Maxine Ribble Presnall Dora Kathryn Williams Beazley Fayly Hardcastle Cothern Callie Louis Alcorn Purser Maxine Alcorn Leighruie Pitts Robison Nadyne Owen Roberts Betty Miller Schilling Betty Sue Craven Beebe Fayly Hardcastle Cothern Dr. & Mrs. Randy O’Rear Bobby Lewis Slack Annette Craddock Howse Nellymae Dewitt Thomas Jean Long Corley

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ALUMNI L I F E Thelma “Lois” Thornblom Joan Bell Nancy & David Champagne Friends at Brazosport Regional Health System Al & Donna Hermis Don & Wendy Mathews Dennis & Rosalie Thornblom Bob Van Matre Kent Owens Kerry & Kathy Owens Riley & Carolyn Allison Owens William H. Vann Dan & Laura Stringer McLallen Mary Quiroz Thomson H.E.D. Walker Olive Fuller Lander Wilson George Johnny Wanner Dr. & Mrs. Jerry G. Bawcom Betty Sue Craven Beebe Dr. & Mrs. Carl Bradley Dr. & Mrs. Bob Holland Riley & Carolyn Allison Owens UMHB Faculty Assembly Debbie Wade Julia Amason Walker Dr. Larry & Carol Woodward Jessie Irene Whiteley Waskow Selma R. Barr Robert L. & Jan Benjamin Dorothy Clowers Family Dr. & Mrs. Ron Easley Mart & Pat Hanna Larry, Helen & Anne Krebs C. Elizabeth Lawson Rob & Linda Lichtenberger David & Marsha Mayfield Lockett Mr. & Mrs. F.D. Mann McAllen Independent School District Academic Counselors Tom & Patti Owens Al & Jeannie Thurmond Joe A. Whiteley Bryan David Webb Claude & Delma Garner Jacks Tom Wells James M. Hinton Charles Wheeler Amy M. Bawcom Dr. & Mrs. Jerry G. Bawcom Kerry & Kathy Owens Riley & Carolyn Allison Owens Jessie & Marjorie Whitis Nelda Whitis Shipp

32 | UMHB LIFE

Dr. Delbert Williams Mark & Betty O’Hair Anderson Amy M. Bawcom Dr. & Mrs. Jerry G. Bawcom Betty Sue Craven Beebe Dr. & Mrs. Carl Bradley Glen & Glenda Dennis Cosper Jacob & Danielle Farnham Fidelis Sunday School Class, First Baptist Church, Greensboro, GA Dr. & Mrs. Bob Holland Drs. Leroy & Jean Wyatt Kemp Bruce & Valerie Mercer Bobbie Amason Owens Riley & Carolyn Allison Owens Marietta Parker Dr. J. A. Reynolds Nelda Whitis Shipp Dale L. Smith Dr. Nora M. Stafford Carol A. Treible Frank & Marilyn Schmidt Turner, Jr. Julia Amason Walker Dr. Dillard & Karolyn Norwine Whitis Drs. Bob & Grace Richardson Whitis Dr. Marguerite Woodruff Lynelle Sweat Mason

HONORARIA Dorothy G. Allen Ella Lee Hart Anne Wiese Halbert Dr. Sarah Frances Anders Dr. James & Wendy Beebe Mabyl “Stuffy” Walker Hollis Dr. Mildred “Mickey” Little Kelly & Sharon Beebe White Betty Sue Craven Beebe

Class of 1943 Olive Fuller Lander Wilson Class of 1955 Dan & Laura Stringer McLallen Debbie Stapp Daniel Helen Wilson Harris Donna Graham Lee Dr. Edna Penny Bridges Dr. Mary Dowell Portia Sikes McKown Dr. Aida Smith Sapp Elizabeth Timmons Glazener Glenna Morgan Stamps Christene Weathers Westbrook Effel Harper Denise Karimkhani Dr. Jim King Dr. Mary Last Ken & Betty Payne Huber Dr. & Mrs. Jerry G. Bawcom Dr. Mary Last Dr. Judith Arnold Amy M. Bawcom Amy Lunde Anita Newell Green Shirley Mackie Mary Ann Adams Thurlow Mary Alice Cowley Marshall Rev. Robert & Sandra Sanders Mattson Dr. Randy O’Rear Nancy Madsen

Dr. Judith Arnold Amy M. Bawcom Dr. & Mrs. Jerry G. Bawcom Dr. Mary Last

Marietta Parker Diana McBay Bradley Anne Wiese Halbert

Dr. & Mrs. Jerry G. Bawcom Mrs. E. C. “Sunny” Wilson

Dr. Linda Pehl Monroe & Jan Jatzlau Emily Rackley Robinson

Betty Sue Craven Beebe Dorothy Lane Niesen Arla Ray Tyson Cynthia Brace Jeffrey & Charis Himmel Olchesky

Pat Lockridge Shannon Patrick & Judy Shannon Christene Weathers Westbrook Michael Street Danny Dossman

Dr. Edna Penny Bridges Housekeepers Club Jim & Maxine Howell

UMHB College of Nursing Jennifer R. Caldwell

Dr. William Carrell Dr. Judith Arnold Dr. & Mrs. Jerry G. Bawcom

Doris Watters Wood Michelle Hodge & Family Jane Wood Joe C. Wood, Jr.

Wh y I G i v e t o U M H B I have always been drawn to the story of the “widow’s mite” in the Bible. This biblical character gave when she had so little, which taught me that anyone can contribute something. I saw this story acted out as a child when parents and neighbors joined together to give to those in need. I saw giving when men fought for freedom for our country during World War II. I saw giving when my mother went to work

in the school cafeteria to pay my tuition for an education at UMHB. I saw giving when Myrtle Burnham sought ﬁnancial aid from the Business and Professional Women’s Club in Belton for me because my mother had a heart attack and my tuition was unpaid. Giving seemed to be such a natural part of life. I am thankful for the giving of the generations that preceded me. My ﬁrst gift to the Loyalty Fund was $5.00, a

“widow’s mite” for me at that time. Today I have no fear of giving too much, but I am concerned about giving too little. When I give now I get the additional joy of seeing how it is used. I am blessed by helping students now while I am still living. Each gift brings abundant blessing when joined with the gifts of my UMHB family for future generations. — Nelda Sanders, Class of 1963

Nelda and Gene Sanders

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BGCT Executive Director starts tour of state at UMHB

Shortly after his appointment as the new executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, Randel Everett started a 100-day tour of Texas institutions. His first college visit was to UMHB, where he received a warm Cru welcome. Dr. Everett spoke to the student body in chapel, met with area ministers and received a campus tour.

Electronic Service Requested UNIVERSITY OF MARY HARDIN-BAYLOR 900 College Street â&#x20AC;˘ Belton, Texas 76513

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