The North Texan - UNT Alumni Magazine - Fall 2016

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A UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS P U B L I C AT I O N F O R A LU M N I A N D F R I E N DS VOL.66, NO.3 | Fall 2016

THE ART OF INNOVATION [ page

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Sandra Palmer [ page 1 4] State of the University [ page 1 6] Power of Place [ page 30] | Growing and Crafting [ page 32] Fall 2016

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AMERICA’S TEAM. YOUR UNIVERSITY.

UNT has teamed up with the Dallas Cowboys to strengthen the connection with our community, grow awareness of UNT and create new academic opportunities — bringing Dallas Cowboys executives into UNT classrooms and providing new projects and internships for our students.

UNT is proud to be the official partner of the Dallas Cowboys.

Look for us at The Star in Frisco and at AT&T Stadium in Arlington where we’ll be passing out UNT swag and connecting with our alumni, friends and future students.

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Inside

F A L L

2 0 1 6

FEATURES

14

Sandra Palmer

From Homecoming Queen to 19-time LPGA Tour winner, alumna remembers her friends. By Tanya O’Neil

16

State of the University

President celebrates UNT milestones and sets path to further improve student success, research and reputation.

30

Power of Place

UNT’s new state-of-the-art University Union is the living room of the campus.

32

Growing and Crafting

Alumni take the wine and craft beer industry by storm. By Leslie Minton DEPARTMENTS FROM OUR PRESIDENT • 3

United by purpose

24

DEAR NORTH TEXAN • 4

Thank you, RTVF ... Registration memories UNT TODAY • 6

Back to school ... Historic trip to China...

Green Pride ... Event planning tips

The Art of Innovation

UNT MUSE • 21

E N G A G I N G T H E I R L E F T A N D R I G H T B R A I N S , A LU M N I

Bright Star ... The write stuff ... Textiles tell a story ... Upcoming Events

I N T E RT W I N E T H E D I S C I P L I N E S O F A RT, T E C H N O LO G Y A N D S C I E N C E T O E M B R A C E D I S CO V E RY A N D C R E AT I V E

GIVING IMPACT • 38

T H I N K I N G I N R E S E A RC H A N D F O R I N D U ST RY.

Planting the seeds

By Jessica DeLeón EAGLES’ NEST • 39

Olympic dreams ... Connecting with Friends ...

Alumni gatherings ... Friends We’ll Miss Cover: Detail of Adela Andea’s (’12 M.F.A.) Poudretteite, created from Plexiglas and LED lights in a mix of art and technology (photo by Alin Andea). Above: Morehshin Allahyari’s (’12 M.F.A.) work to re-create ancient artifacts through 3-D printing.

LAST WORD • 48

Evelyn J. Labus Milligan (’50) remembers why attending North Texas was the best decision Fall 2016

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Online

E X C L U S I V E S

n o r t ht exan .u nt.edu /o n li n e

ONLINE FEATURES STUDENTS WITH GRIT Read about four UNT students whose perseverance and passion to attend UNT helped them beat the odds to achieve their goals.

HOT SPOT Check out a video about UNT’s new University Union, where students can hang out with friends, study, share a meal and find student services.

SOAR TO NEW HEIGHTS Watch the national TV spot, “Soar to New Heights at UNT,” to see why UNT is home to excellence the size of Texas.

GET CONNECTED

Angilee Wilkerson

Connect with us at facebook.com/northtexas.

Follow us at twitter.com/northtexan.

Watch us on youtube.com/ universitynorthtexas.

Mean Green Move-in Day

Follow us at instagram.com/unt.

STUD E N TS, I NC LU D I N G T H E C L A SS O F 2 02 0, MOVED I NTO T H E IR UN T H O M E S AU G. 2 2. A B OU T 1, 000 FACULT Y, STA F F A N D STUD E N T VO LU N T E ERS H E L P ED 3, 6 00 ST UDENTS S E T TL E IN TO 1 5 RE S I D E NC E H AL L S AND GET R EA DY F OR FA L L . WATCH A V I D EO TO S EE H OW U NT SAYS ‘ WELCOM E.’

When you see this arrow, join our North Texan community online at northtexan.unt.edu.

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Visit The North Texan online to: • Keep up with what’s happening between issues of The North Texan • Tell us what you think about our stories • Learn more about your fellow alumni • Write memorials about friends we’ll miss • Enjoy an array of additional stories, photos, videos and recordings

F RO M OU R

President

United by purpose UNT HELPS STUDENTS GET A GREAT EDUCATION AND BUILD CAREERS

U N I V E R SI TY R E L AT I O N S ,

A DV E RT I SI N G

CO M M U N I C AT I O N S A N D

J A CK F R A SE R

M A R K E T I N G L E A D E R SH I P

MARYBETH MENZ

(’11) (’08,’12 M.A.)

V I CE P R E SI D E N T D E B O R A H L E L I A E RT

( ’ 9 6 M . E D.)

D ESI G N E R S CL I F FTO N C A ST E R

A SSI STA N T V I CE P R ESI D E N T

Michael Clements

IT’S A NEW YEAR OF opportunities for UNT as our community comes together. We’re focused on helping our students get a great education and build successful careers and lives — just like the alumni featured in this issue.

We welcomed another strong and diverse freshman class this year. And President Neal Smatresk greets students at this fall’s we kicked off our football season New Student Convocation. with our new head football coach, Seth Littrell, and our new vice president and director of athletics, Wren Baker. They bring great passion and experience in building a winning program. Join us for the home games, including Homecoming Nov. 5 when we take on Louisiana Tech.

I’m also excited that our key initiatives are gaining momentum. UNT’s New College at Frisco, an off-site instructional facility, is our newest offering, joining our locations at the Collin Higher Education Center in McKinney and the Universities Center in downtown Dallas.

Just as we do at UNT, we’re developing programs at the New College that will help people work at top companies in the area such as Toyota or the Dallas Cowboys world headquarters — The Star, which is a stone’s throw away.

Speaking of which, we’re now the exclusive education partner of the Dallas Cowboys. This association creates opportunities for our university and our students, including engagement and internships with one of the world’s top sports organizations. The partnership also will help to expand overall awareness of UNT. Through initiatives like this, we’re raising our profile as a top-tier research university.

Check out our new rankings site at unt.edu/rankings, which shows how UNT and our programs stand out.

As I noted in my State of the University address, which you’ll read about in this issue (see page 16), we’re making significant progress. The sky is the limit!

UNT proud,

Neal Smatresk President president@unt.edu @UNTPrez

K E L L E Y R E ESE

P H OTO G R A P H E R S

(’95)

M I CH A E L CL E M E N TS M AG A Z I N E STA F F

AHNA HUBNIK

(’03)

E X ECU T I V E E D I TO R J U L I E E L L I OTT PAY N E

V I D EO G R A P H E R S

(’97)

CH R I STO P H E R B R YA N M A N A G I N G E D I TO R R A N D E N A H U L ST R A N D

B R A D H O LT

(’08 )

(’09)

( ’ 8 8 , ’ 07 M . J . )

WRITERS E D I TO R S

MONIQUE BIRD

J E SSI C A D E L EÓ N

E R N EST I N E B O U S Q U E T

JILL KING

N A N C Y KO L ST I

(’93 M.S., ’00 M.A.)

MEREDITH MORIAK WRIGHT

(’10 M.J.)

T E R ESA LOV E L ESL I E M I N T O N

(’07 )

A RT D I R EC TO R

A D R I E N N E N E TT L ES

ANGILEE WILKERSON

TA N YA O ’ N E I L CO U RT N E Y TAY LO R

(’02)

D ESI G N E D I TO R

M A R G A R I TA V E N EG A S

NOLA KEMP

M ATT H E W Z A B E L

(’92 )

(’96 )

P H OTO E D I TO R

O N L I N E CO M M U N I C AT I O N S

G A R Y PAY N E

J A CO B K I N G

(’99)

E R I C VA N D E R G R I F F O N L I N E E D I TO R M I CH E L L E H A L E

ST U D E N T CO N T R I B U TO R S M A D I S O N G O S T KO W S K I

P R O J EC T M A N AG E M E N T

SA R A H G U E N T H E R

SP R I N G AT WAT E R

J E N N I F E R PACH E

E R I C A B LO U N T

A D R I A N A SA L A Z A R

D E R E K B OY D

PA R K E R T H O R N TO N

(’14)

J OSH UA W I L L I A MS

T h e Nor t h Texan The North Texan (ISSN 0468-6659) is published four times a year (in March, June, September and December) by the University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #311070, Denton, Texas 76203-5017, for distribution to alumni and friends of the university. Periodicals postage paid at Denton, Texas, and at additional mailing offices. The diverse views on matters of public interest presented in The North Texan do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the university.

Publications staff can be reached at northtexan@unt.edu or 940-565-2108.

Postmaster: Please send requests for changes of address, accompanied if possible by old address labels, to the University of North Texas, University Relations, Communications and Marketing, 1155 Union Circle #311070, Denton, Texas 76203-5017.

The UNT System and the University of North Texas are the owners of all of their trademarks, service marks, trade names, slogans, graphic images and photography and they may not be used without permission.

The University of North Texas is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit – and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence) and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, family status, genetic information, citizenship or veteran status in its application and admission processes, educational programs and activities, facilities and employment practices. The University of North Texas System immediately investigates and takes remedial action when appropriate. The University of North Texas System also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose a discriminatory practice, file a charge, or testify, assist or participate in an investigative proceeding or hearing. Direct questions or concerns to the equal opportunity office, 940-565-2759, or the dean of students, 940-565-2648. TTY access is available at 940-369-8652.

AA/EOE/ADA Created by the Division of University Relations, Communications and Marketing ©2016 UNT URCM 9/16 (17-091)

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DEAR

North Texan Let us know what you think about news and topics covered in The North Texan.

Letters may be edited for length and publication style.

Online: northtexan.unt.edu (follow the “Contact Us” link) Phone: 940-565-2108 Fax: 940-369-8763 Email: northtexan@unt.edu

Denton running

cover was Mean Green running back Jeffrey Wilson. You can tell him I bought my season tickets several weeks ago. Go Mean Green!

Virginia “Ginny” Terrell (’14) Memphis, Tenn.

Happy and lucky

Charles Oxford (’60) Sulphur Springs

Rick Yeatts

for this article as an illustration of healthy living. We’re happy to acknowledge the Denton Area Running Club and Oak St. Drafthouse and Cocktail Parlor.

Your note also gives us a chance to plug a story in this issue — about alums in the craft beer and wine industries (see page 32).

Mail: The North Texan University of North Texas Division of University Relations, Communications and Marketing 1155 Union Circle #311070 Denton, Texas 76203-5017

about attending UNT. Last year, about 10 of my students told me they want to be a teacher and attend UNT! I gave them a virtual tour on your website and they asked me so many questions. It’s a joy to represent UNT in my classroom and tell them about my experience because it gives them hope to go to college!

A joy to represent I read your article about UNT people working to keep North Texas healthy (summer 2016). It was a great article, but it featured a picture of the Denton Social Run at the Oak St. Drafthouse put on by the Denton Area Running Club, and the run was never mentioned in the article.

It’s an awesome run and draws a diverse crowd, so several of us were wondering about the omission.

Blake Meyer (’06) Denton Editor’s note: Thank you for the information. That is one of our stock photos of Denton life, used

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A few comments Having just received the summer issue and read all the print off the pages, I have a few comments. But first, let me reveal I am a January 1960 graduate only after a near fatal accident in April 1959 followed by six weeks in Dallas Methodist Hospital completely unconscious. The doctor specialists had made it clear to my parents I would never walk again. I proved them wrong.

Now for my comments: I really appreciated the “Never Ever Quit” story on Jonathan Johnson and the moving “Last Word” essay by Katelynn Blasavage — inspiring. Bravo!

And on the inside of the back

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Fall 2016

I graduated from the College of Education program at UNT in 2014. It was a transformational experience that led me to seek out a program called MTR in Memphis, Tenn., where I received my master’s degree in urban education.

I am a teacher at Hanley Elementary in Memphis serving a low-income neighborhood. I want to inform you that my school promotes college for certain. We all pick a college we want to represent in our class. I chose UNT because I loved my experience there.

My students often don’t even dream about going to college, but then I tell them my story

I left Denton in 1990. After 25 years, finally I had a chance in February to return to the UNT campus. I was so excited.

I almost cried because I was so, so happy to see my school.

Fortunately, during my personal campus tour, I found out that the UNT men’s basketball game started at 7 p.m. that night. I was so happy and lucky to watch the ballgame at the Coliseum! And we won the game 70-62, beating Florida Atlantic University. I will never forget the day I spent at the UNT campus.

Love UNT so much!

Heeseung Chee (’90 M.P.A.) San Francisco

Time to say thanks The class of 1991 rocked!

Dr. Ed Glick, Scott Cook, Eric Northcutt, and so many other professors, instructors and graduate assistants in the radio, TV and film department influenced my college education. After graduating, I began pursuing my career as a TV news photographer and have been working at WKRC-TV in Cincinnati since 1995.

News has a way of occupying one’s life, and mine has been blessedly overwhelmed through the presence of Lauren Hill.

You may remember her as the 19-year-old freshman and

women’s basketball team member at Mount St. Joseph’s University. She was dying of an inoperable brain cancer and had the crazy dream of playing in a Division III basketball game before she became unable to play any longer. She accomplished her goal with a nation watching and a world wanting to know more.

My reporter, Brad Johansen, and I had the privilege to get to know Lauren and her family, as well as telling her story locally.

The night our story aired I began to understand what “viral” meant. The story won a regional Ohio Valley Emmy in 2014, and we recently were awarded a national Alliance for

Women in Media Gracie Award for our piece that ran after her death.

I remember sitting in my documentary class and knew that was it. I wanted to make documentaries. My professional dream came true as WKRCTV aired and screened the documentary #Playfor22, The Story of Lauren Hill in two local theatres. It is my greatest professional accomplishment. I feel it is a good time to say thank you to UNT and the RTVF program for sending me on my way, well prepared!

Eric Gerhardt (’91) Cincinnati, Ohio

UNT Facebook THROWBACK: Students line up to register for classes in 1971. Alumni, this is your chance to tell us how easy things are today!

I met one of my “bestest friends” of my whole life waiting in line to sign up for PE in the 1980s.

— Glenda Martin-Shirley (’90) That darn PE class always messed everything up.

Finally got to where I’d just walk up to that table and ask what was left. Ended up one spring signed up for 8 a.m. soccer and softball. Ugh! But what memories that grow sweeter each year.

— Jackie Shetter Penkert (’59) Hundreds of us stood in line outside the small, old library to register. ... I even had my guitar confiscated by the red-headed dean of women who said instruments weren’t allowed in dorm rooms!

Really? In a school known for its music! Good memories, just the same. — Mary Lenamon Gibson (’70) All I remember about class registrations were the “Show Yellow Top Card” signs everywhere. That Yellow Top Card seemed to be the most important item, from 1962 to 1966! — Mary Griffitts (’66)

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@northtexan Skills I learned at NTTV helped me land my dream job!

Love you UNT! #IAmUNT #UNT09 #GoMeanGreen — @MajordyRules I’m super stoked to play in my college town of Denton, Texas for @oaktopiafest! Go Mean Green!!

— @NorahJones There’s a guy in a full SpiderMan suit running around campus and I’ve seen five dogs today. UNT is wonderful.

— @TheRenegadePimp You know UNT is real when there’s a geotag for the campus albino squirrel. #UNT20, lezzz get itttt — @hallo_babyy UNT is honestly the best decision I ever made! I absolutely love the environment and the people #UNT19 — @_Rochaee At #UNT there’s Fryday and Friday ... Know the difference.

— @JaredBrooke There’s no place like home. #IAmUNT — @BeGreatEight Follow us on Twitter.

We look forward to staying connected!

@northtexan

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Today

Mean Green football schedule page 10

Michael Clements

BACK TO SCHOOL UNT welcomed its student body back to campus and helped new students — including one of its largest and most diverse freshman classes — feel at home and settle in for a successful year.

See more by-the-numbers facts to learn about how UNT provides students with an excellent educational experience at northtexan.unt.edu/online.

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THIS FALL, UNT OPENED THE CAMPUS TO nearly 38,000 students for a semester of exciting possibilities.

From help moving into the residence halls to celebrations at New Student Convocation and Mean Green Fling, and new connections at First Flight Week, pictured above, students were embraced by their Mean Green family and encouraged to find the support they need from the start. UNT offers endless opportunities to learn, grow and connect.

“I love the start of a new school year,” UNT President Neal Smatresk says, “because it’s a wonderful reminder of why we’re all here — to give our students the best education possible so they can fulfill their dreams and change the world.”

Michael Clements

BY THE NUMBERS

BEST AND BRIGHTEST UNT’s newest freshman class celebrated Spirit Night during First Flight Week before classes began to show Mean Green Pride. The class of 2020 is part of a bright student body that includes: 11 new National Merit Finalists this fall 1,800 Honors College students 144 Terry Scholars

WE MEAN

GREEN

UNT has 5,200 trees on campus, recycles 12,000 plastic bottles weekly, and annually collects 240 tons of paper, 110 tons of cardboard and 4,800 pounds of aluminum.

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ACADEMIC PROGRAMS WITH NATIONAL TOP 100 RANKINGS

UNT students choose from 220 high-quality academic degree programs, many nationally and internationally recognized, with research and scholarship spanning all disciplines.

Ranked a Tier One research university by the Carnegie Classification, UNT is a catalyst for creativity, fueling progress, innovation and entrepreneurship for the North Texas region and the state.

20

years in a row, UNT has been named one of America’s 100 Best College Buys®

DIVERSE UNT students represent 50 states, 133 countries and all walks of life.

Nearly

38,000 students choose UNT

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residence halls house 6,200 students

ALUMNI UNT’s global alumni network has 393,000 members.

COMPREHENSIVE With 100 bachelor’s, 83 master’s and 37 doctoral degrees, it’s no wonder UNT is the leading university in the North Texas region.

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Today BRILLIANTLY GREEN

Pass it on: Great things are happening at UNT. Learn about them here and share our successes with your family and friends.

• Have you heard the buzz? UNT is the first university in Texas to be named a Bee Campus USA, meaning we’ve created a bee-friendly campus. Bee Campus USA is a sustainability organization focused on supporting pollinator species populations, which are declining rapidly across the globe. UNT works to ensure that campus greenspaces are friendly to pollinators and hosts campus events to raise awareness of the importance of these species.

• Journalism School wins diversity award. UNT’s Frank W. and Sue Mayborn School of Journalism received the 2016 Equity and Diversity Award from the Association of Education in Journalism and Mass Communication — the only university in the nation to receive the award — for its commitment to increasing the enrollment and retention of students of color and hiring more diverse faculty.

• Beauty queen’s power of pink. A senior majoring in recreation, event and sport management, Taylor Ashworth was crowned Miss Texas International in April in Dallas. She competed against young women from all over the state and went on to compete in the Miss International Pageant in July in Jacksonville, Fla. After seeing several family members successfully battle cancer, and others lose their battles, she is promoting her platform, “The Power of Pink,” to emphasize the importance of early detection of breast cancer through selfexamination and mammograms.

Ahna Hubnik

Mike Gibson

Rotary Global Grant

Ingrid Panameno (’16), an aspiring development economist, philanthropist and spring graduate, received a $30,500 Rotary Global Grant that will enable her to study at the London School of Economics

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and Political Science during the 2016-17 academic year.

After living in El Salvador from ages 2 to 19, Panameno was inspired to volunteer for a nonprofit organization that provides aid to impoverished communities where children face educational barriers.

Panameno, who earned her UNT degree in economics, will pursue a master’s degree in local economic development.

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Spencer fellowship

For research that was inspired by her personal experiences, Nydia Sánchez, a doctoral student in higher education from Brownsville and a Gates Millennium Scholar, has won the presti-

gious National Academy of Education/Spencer Dissertation Fellowship for the 2016-17 academic year.

Sánchez’s dissertation focuses on Latino border town students from Texas who are part of the Gates Millennium Scholars Program. Her faculty mentor is Barrett Taylor, assistant professor of counseling and higher education. She was one of 35 winners from a pool of nearly 400 applicants and is the first UNT student to win the award.

Dual graduates celebrated

GLOBAL CONNECTION

>>

a participating college in China, then come to UNT and complete the classes required for their UNT degree plan. The students then return to China to finish degree requirements at their originating university.

UNT’s Student Transfer Program is the only one of its kind in the state of Texas. The program, administered by UNT-International, offers students a choice of 21 undergraduate majors.

“We are so proud of this

program and of the new UNT graduates,” program advisor Jiaying “Cathy” Hu says. “They tackled their studies, as well as the challenges of language barriers and cultural differences, and in return received an amazing experience and education.”

Of the four graduates, two will continue their education by pursuing master’s degrees and two have been hired on with major corporations in China.

Courtesy of UNT-International

Finley Graves, provost and vice president for academic affairs, traveled to Kaifeng, China, in June for a historic trip to bestow degrees on four undergraduate students who participated in UNT’s Student Transfer Program, the first time a UNT administrator traveled to China to bestow degrees.

The students graduated with two degrees from two universities in two countries at the same time.

Qi Liu (’16) earned a degree in mechanical engineering and Jiajun Teng (’16) earned a degree in accounting, while Chen Peng (’16) earned a degree in marketing, and Binghuan Zhang (’16) earned his degree in logistics and supply chain management.

The Student Transfer Program is an international collaboration between UNT and the China Center for International Educational Exchange. Students begin by attending one year of school at

Michael Clements

N AT I O N A L B OA R D O F D I R EC TO R S Thomas Scharf, professor of materials science and engineering, was elected to the national Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers board of directors for his leadership in the field. His research interests include developing high temperature solid lubricants that can minimize the negative effects of friction and wear on complex mechanical systems. His work has received funding from industry and the National Science Foundation, the Air Force Research Laboratory, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research and the American Chemical Society.

From left, Finley Graves, UNT provost and vice president for academic affairs, with UNT graduates Jiajun Teng (’16), Qi Liu (’16), Binghuan Zhang (’16) and Chen Peng (’16), and UNT-International’s program advisor Jiaying ‘Cathy’ Hu, at June’s graduation in China.

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Today Baker in as athletic chief, athletes’ academic success UNT President Neal Smatresk says.

Baker previously served as interim and deputy director of athletics at the

MEAN GREEN FOOTBALL 2016-17 schedule

University of Missouri. His responsibilities included development, marketing,

Oct.1 vs. Middle Tennessee State 6 p.m.

Michael Clements

licensing and strategic communications. From 2010 to 2013, he was director of athletics at Northwest

Oct. 8 vs. Marshall 6 p.m.

TV: ASN

Missouri State University.

“I consider it a great honor and

New athletic director

privilege to join the Mean Green family.

UNT student-athletes and coaches

Oct. 22 at Army 11 a.m.

TV: CBS Sports Network

I look forward to working with all of our

gained a new leader in August when

fans and constituents to build an

Wren Baker joined the Mean Green as

Oct. 29 at UTSA 6 p.m.

athletics program that will be

vice president and director of athletics.

recognized nationally for competitive

“Wren Baker’s passion for college

excellence and academic achievement,”

sports is unmatched, and he is a proven

Nov. 5 vs. Louisiana Tech HOMECOMING 4:30 p.m.

TV: ESPN3

says Baker, pictured with his wife,

effective leader with critical experience

Heather, and Smatresk.

in hiring coaches, efficiently adminis-

Baker succeeds Rick Villarreal, who

tering an athletics department,

stepped down in June after nearly 16

increasing support across the board

years as UNT’s athletic director.

and taking care of student-athletes,”

Nov. 12 at Western Kentucky 2:30 p.m.

TV: ESPN3 Nov. 19 vs. Southern Miss 4:30 p.m.

TV: BEIN Sports Nov. 26 at UTEP time TBA

On the APR multi-year report, covering

Academic scores

The Mean Green football and tennis

a four-year span, tennis scored a perfect

programs posted scores in the top 10

1,000, followed by volleyball with a 995,

percent of their sport on the NCAA’s

and swimming and diving at 991. Football

single-year Academic Progress Rate for

improved for the sixth year, posting a

2014-15, released this spring.

multi-year score of 984 — also its

The football program’s score of 993

best ever.

was its best since the APR began in 2003.

The APR metric takes into account

Tennis, volleyball and cross country

eligibility and retention of each student-

posted perfect scores of 1,000 for the

athlete for each term. The NCAA considers

third year in a row. Men’s golf scored its

a four-year aggregate score of 900

second straight 1,000, and track also

acceptable for each sport.

made a perfect score.

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Show your support for the Mean Green at home and away games this football season.

For tailgate tent package reservations at home games, call 940-565-2527. Buy season tickets at meangreensports.com and learn about gameday events and festivities at northtexasgameday.com and untalumni.com.

Ahna Hubnik

Mayborn conference

More than 400 reporters, writers, editors, publishers and educators celebrated the Pulitzer Prize’s 100th anniversary in July during the annual Mayborn Literary Nonfiction

Conference. The event highlighted “A Century of Excellence” and evaluated how Pulitzer Prize-winning stories have become an integral component of democracy.

The 12th annual conference featured Pulitzer Prize winners Margo Jefferson, Sheryl WuDunn and Gilbert King as keynote speakers.

WuDunn, pictured at right in discussion with Think host Krys Boyd, won a Pulitzer for international reporting in 1990,

Jefferson won for criticism in 1995, and King’s novel Devil in the Grove: Thurgood Marshall, the Groveland Boys and the Dawn of a New America won the 2013 Pulitzer for general nonfiction. More than 35 nationally acclaimed writers, photographers and other narrative storytellers spoke at workshops and sessions.

Cellphone cybersecurity lab

The UNT criminal justice department opened the area’s

................................................................................

only cellphone cybersecurity laboratory dedicated to analyzing cellphone data from devices used in criminal activities.

Funded with a $350,000 gift by alumnus Steven Holmes (’80), the lab opened this fall at UNT’s New College at Frisco.

Its goal is to accelerate investigation processes for local police departments and federal agencies, while giving current students training that provides a competitive edge.

Ask an Expert

How can you plan a successful special event?

E

veryone has special events and occasions in their lives that need planning, especially around the holiday season. Laurea Irving (’99 M.Ed. ), director of special events for the Office of the President at UNT, has a few tips and tricks to help make planning your event fun and easy. She says that whether the event is big or small, planners and coordinators can easily make it run smoothly with a well-defined concept and attention to detail.

“Event planning can be challenging with all of the details involved,” Irving says. “But thorough preparation ensures a successful outcome.”

Send that special message • Pay attention to the little things to send a big message. For example, if your honored guest loves dark chocolate, incorporate it creatively into a special mocktail, dessert, gift, etc. This expresses that you value the guest of honor in a fun but thoughtful way.

• Make sure your purpose is achieved and vision met. Does the event communicate what you are trying to convey? If not, tweak until clear.

— Jennifer Pache

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Michael Clements

Start with the basics • Identify the event’s purpose. This can be anything from announcing a baby to celebrating a promotion.

• Determine the vision. Once a central idea or theme is chosen, other decisions become easier.

• Be imaginative. Think of what your perfect event would include regardless of a budget, then drop the impossible and unaffordable. Use the challenge to spark your ingenuity.

• Decide on a budget. Setting a limit will keep spending under control. Use flowers, food and décor in season for optimal cost effectiveness.

Make your list and check it twice • Make a checklist. It helps to ensure that nothing is forgotten and provides a concise way to show your plans to others.

• Plan for the worst but expect the best. Anything from a cold room to fire ants can ruin an event. Be ready with your backup plan.

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Today

New information dean

Kinshuk, who goes by a single name, was named dean of the College of Information.

He began serving in August.

He most recently served as an associate dean at Athabasca University in Alberta, Canada, where he helped lead the

Faculty of Science and Technology, facilitate new graduate programs, secure external research funding, develop strategies for student recruitment, and promote senior students and alumni to serve as mentors for new students. Kinshuk also served as Industrial Research Chair in Adaptivity and Personalization in Informatics for the National Science and Engineering Council of Canada.

He received his doctoral degree in computer aided learning from De Montfort University in England, a master’s in mechanical

Green Pride

computer aided engineering from the University of Strathclyde in Scotland, and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Rajasthan in India. He also is the president and CEO of Smart Informatids Ltd. $1.2 million endowment

A $1.2 million gift from the estate of Jesse Reinburg (’41) enabled the College of Information to create an endowed data sciences professorship.

The Reinburg Professorship in Data Sciences will serve the Department of Library and

Information Sciences.

Reinburg earned a bachelor’s degree in library science and, during World War II, worked with the U.S. Intelligence Department to intercept and decode the message that Japan was planning to bomb Pearl Harbor.

During her career she also worked with the U.S. State Department to establish and manage libraries throughout the world and later worked at Fort Worth’s Kimbell Art Museum.

This is the department’s third endowed professorship.

Show your UNT spirit by wearing green

When Friday rolls around, we show our UNT pride by wearing green. No matter where you live, join us for Mean Green Friday each week and you may win a prize.

Simply show your pride on social media by posting a spirited photo of yourself wearing your Mean Green gear on Fridays and use the hashtag #meangreenfriday. Each week we’ll review #meangreenfriday posts for the one showing the most pride and we’ll give that person something fun — a T-shirt, magnet or sunglasses. Winners also will have their photos featured on the official website meangreenpride.unt.edu. Follow UNT social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date on giveaways and Mean Green Pride events.

If you happen to be on campus on a Friday, visit us on the Library Mall and show us you’ve posted a #meangreenfriday selfie to receive a limited edition Mean Green T-shirt.

You can get your UNT gear, including UNT’s official tartan designs, at Barnes & Noble bookstore on campus or online, Apogee Stadium’s Mean Green Team Store and shop.meangreensports.com.

For more information about Mean Green Friday, or to see photos of contest winners, go to meangreenpride.unt.edu or search for #meangreenfriday.

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Kuehne Speaker Series

Airport app

Paeros, a smartphone app developed by UNT aviation logistics students, won first place in a student research contest held in conjunction with the American Association of Airport Executives conference. The app is aimed at providing air passengers with easier travel experiences inside airports.

“The app is like ‘Google Maps’ for inside an airport terminal,” says David Looney of Austin, UNT’s team captain and former president of the association’s student chapter at UNT. Other team members are Michael Hafner of Ovilla, Austin Stromberg of Lake Jackson, and Hong Yun Yong of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Kasey Kamenicky (‘04)/FW Creations

HEALTH SENSORS Ruth West, associate professor and director of xREZ Art + Science Lab, is part of a group that received a seed grant from the National Academies Keck Futures Initiative to create health sensors people can wear or swallow.

The group will spend the next two years researching how bodily systems “talk” to each other with the goal of developing wearable external and internal sensor arrays.

West will contribute her expertise in blending disciplines in art and science, including data visualization, sonification and humancomputer interaction and design.

The Kuehne Speaker Series 2016-17 season will feature lectures from former mayor of New York City Rudy Giuliani and Charles Gasparino, senior correspondent for Fox Business Network.

The series will welcome Giuliani Oct. 27 and Gasparino May 9 during luncheons at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas, 2201 North Stemmons Freeway. Tickets are available for purchase via dual-luncheon table sponsorships starting at $5,000. No individual tickets are available. For information about sponsorship opportunities, visit kuehneseries.unt.edu.

Fans gather at the UNT Alumni Pavilion during the Alumni GameDay Grille before the season’s opening football game.

UNT Alumni Association The UNT Alumni Association continues to add more opportunities for alumni to network this fall and share their Mean Green Pride, from improved Alumni GameDay Grilles at home football games to away game tailgating and upscale Fall Receptions throughout the region.

A new partnership with alum Ben Esely (’08), owner of Denton’s The Bearded Monk, to sell local craft beers at Alumni GameDay Grilles at home football games, will provide a one-of-a-kind UNT experience. (Read more about Esely and other alumni in the beer industry on page 32.)

“We’re also creating a more family-friendly atmosphere with live music, free food, yard games and face painting,” says Annie Carter, director of alumni affinity programming, “proving that the UNT Alumni Pavilion is the place to be for the entire Mean Green family.”

Current members, and one guest per member, receive free admission. Day passes are available on-site for $10 per person.

Kids 12 and under are free.

Also, this year the association is hosting a dine-in Alumni at the Bonfire event at the pavilion Nov. 4 during Homecoming week to watch student performances and the lighting of the bonfire. Make reservations early as space is limited.

And the four newly created regional chapters in DFW have scheduled the second annual set of Fall Receptions. See page 41 for details on all fall events or go to untalumni.com.

To join the association or learn more, visit untalumni.com, email alumni@unt.edu or call 940-565-2834.

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Sandra Palmer S

by Tanya O’Neil

andra Palmer (’63) says these days she is just trying not to act her age. At 73, the Ladies Professional Golf Association legend travels as much as she can, teaches golf to all ages, headlines professional golf events and plays on the senior legends tour.

“I want to make a difference by passing on what I know about golf to others,” Palmer says. “I’ve had great success in the game, so I try to show people lessons I’ve learned. One of the toughest is it’s not just about your technique, but how you think.”

She started playing more than 60 years ago in rural Maine. Her school bus took her past a golf course every day, and one day, she got off that bus early and walked over to the course. She quickly landed her first job as a caddy for a man who, many years later, saw her win an LPGA tournament in Miami. That was one of 19 tournament wins, including a U.S. Open victory, over her 30-year professional career.

“It took me seven years to win my first tournament,” says Palmer, 1975 top money winner and Player of the Year. “But after you win that first one, it just gets easier.”

What wasn’t always easy was her family life. At 13, Palmer and her mother moved to Fort Worth when her parents divorced.

Then she met Vida and Ed Warren, who took her in and raised her as a daughter, fostered her love for golf and encouraged her to attend college. She came to campus in 1959, when there was no women’s golf team. But there was a course.

“There were some outstanding male players at the time, like Rives McBee (’63)

A beloved Distinguished Alumna — and 19-time winner on the LPGA Tour — has achieved legendary success setting her own course and cheering others on.

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and Bobby Greenwood (’64),” she says.

“We spent every weekend practicing. They both went on to have careers in golf. Guess I taught them a lot, ha!”

Immersing herself in campus life, she was a cheerleader, joined the Green Jackets and was voted Homecoming Queen. As a member of Alpha Delta Pi, she met longtime friend Glenda Adams (’61, ’66 M.Ed.).

“Sandra was cute as a bug with a bubbly personality,” Adams says. “We’ve stayed in touch all these years and it’s been a pure joy knowing her.”

Palmer, who received the university’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 1977, says her time on campus was some of the most fun she’s ever had and credits her teachers and classes for helping to chart her path.

“I learned a lot — discipline, determination and all those things you need in the world to succeed,” she says.

Palmer earned her degree in physical education and taught high school P.E. in Arlington for a year before joining the LPGA Tour in 1964.

“Playing golf professionally is a very special thing, but I’m also very proud of my diploma,” Palmer says. “I’m the first one in my immediate family to earn a degree.”

She also has earned a reputation as an inspiring mentor and advocate for women’s golf. Former LPGA player Shirley Furlong says she wanted to be a golfer after seeing Palmer on TV in a 1975 tournament.

“On the tour, she was a fierce competitor but still gave me guidance when I struggled with my game,” Furlong says, adding that it’s fitting Palmer was a college cheerleader.

“She has your back and makes you feel like she is your biggest fan,” she says.

Palmer says her friends from the LPGA and UNT are like family.

“I can hardly remember what I did yesterday,” she says. “But I will always remember all my friends.”

Renee Vernon

Sandra Palmer (’63)

Favorite campus memories:

one year. I have no idea how I

believe in yourself. Also, you

Palm Springs, Calif.

I was really shy, so it’s hard to

received that honor. I guess if

always have to remember that

believe I tried out for cheer-

you just put your face out there

sports don’t last forever and

leader. My sorority sister Libby

enough, they’ll give it to you.

you need to know what’s next in your life.

Schlittler (’63) encouraged me to

Favorite pastimes:

try out and taught me to cheer.

Pursuing a golf career:

I love to travel. This summer I

We both made it! That was the

It is quite a commitment. It is

Advice for success:

spent a few weeks in Colorado

most fun ever. I remember being

total dedication. You have to be

Surround yourself with positive

with my sorority sister Glenda

in the Green Jackets service orga-

able to accept the highs and the

people, pick a career you are

Adams (ʼ61, ’66 M.Ed.). I’m also

nization, wearing a uniform and

lows. Believe me there are many.

good at, and look forward to

still working on my golf game. I

carrying a box of candy around.

It’s a battle every day to stay

getting up every day and accom-

love to practice.

And I was Homecoming Queen

positive and to have unwavering

plishing your goals.

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BUILDING a CULTURE of INNOVATION

The university is focused on “stretch” goals to firmly establish itself as a Carnegie Classification-ranked top-tier research university while fulfilling its mission to give students the best education.

On the same day that UNT announced another record-breaking enrollment and researchers in its BioDiscovery Institute unveiled a breakthrough in the fight against breast cancer, President Neal Smatresk told the university community that being nimble and innovative is the best way for UNT to continue its rise to the top.

During the 2016 State of the University address, Smatresk challenged the community to work together as one team to create a culture of change, echoing the theme of his 2016 Planning Implementation Workshop — United by Purpose.

He started by recounting UNT’s progress in the 2015-16 academic year, including the university’s move to the Carnegie Classification’s top ranks of research universities, the launch of key initiatives like the University of North Texas New College at Frisco and the Institutes of Research Excellence, and a new partnership with the Dallas Cowboys.

The university also has focused on “under the hood” work such as improving financial aid processing time and investing more significantly in academics to improve students’ experience.

These milestones are fueling the university’s momentum. Fall enrollment grew again this year, to nearly 38,000 students. UNT welcomed 11 new National Merit Finalists growing its highachieving student population. This year, the university plans to break ground on its future home for the College of Visual Arts and

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Design, is renovating its Science Research Building and is planning a Visitor Center. Following the launch of its off-site instructional facility in Frisco in January, UNT plans to add new off-campus locations in high-growth areas such as Gainesville with classes and programs designed to meet the needs of the local market.

“We’ve accomplished a lot in the past two and a half years, but we still have work to do,” Smatresk says. “We’re a Tier One institution now and it means we have to change our aspirations and make sure we remain Tier One in everything from academics to athletics.”

UNT’s initiatives are centered on overarching goals to enroll and graduate more students, strengthen its reputation, grow its research, increase philanthropic support and better engage alumni.

About 800 people attended the 2016 State of the University, with more viewing the live stream online. The audience included students, faculty, staff, leaders from UNT and the UNT System, community members and distinguished guests such as Denton County Judge Mary Horn, who likes UNT’s plan to be more innovative, especially when it comes to academics.

“It gives students a little different perspective. It exposes them to real life fields. They get realistic expectations,” Horn says.

Attendees also included alumni and friends of the university such as Jim McNatt (’66), an alumnus and businessman who co-owns local dealerships.

Michael Clements

President Neal Smatresk, UNT’s 16th president, delivered his third annual State of the University address Sept. 15, to about 800 attendees at UNT’s Murchison Performing Arts Center.

“Moving UNT forward takes a team effort and a positive attitude. You can’t do it by yourself,” McNatt says. “It’s exciting to see the new leadership from deans to athletics and all of the new exciting things happening on campus. We just need to continue to bring all of our alumni back to campus and make them proud.”

Driving change through collaboration The State of the University sets the stage for the university’s 2016-17 priorities. This academic year, UNT will concentrate on making progress on three broad goals: • Communication. Collaboration. Innovation.: Build a nimble and innovative culture • Research and Reputation: Increase research, scholarship, reputation and engagement • Student Success: Create innovative ways to better deliver or develop great new programs that meet students’ needs and prepare them for strong careers.

At the annual planning workshop in August, university stakeholders, including deans, chairs and staff members, explored ways to address these challenges. Smatresk organized “Change Teams” to develop and pitch projects that the President’s Cabinet evaluated “Shark Tank” style. Participants then voted on the best project in each of the three categories to implement. Two of the winning projects focused on ways to increase graduate education by developing more online master’s programs and creating accelerated five-year programs that lead to master’s degrees. The third winning project will promote faculty collaboration with interaction spaces to

encourage multidisciplinary grant proposals and entrepreneurship.

Su Gao, chair of the Department of Mathematics who attended both the workshop and the State of the University, says he and other department chairs are empowered by this approach to change.

“We are thinking of how to incentivize our faculty to actually be a part of this. They’re going to be excited because a lot of this has to do with what they do and addresses what is on their minds and some of the obstacles. These are challenges we are facing together,” Gao says. “We are one team working toward a common purpose. ” Smatresk says the university must advance through collaborative, innovative projects to maintain its Tier One status and bolster its national prominence in other ways. For instance, UNT wants to raise its profile through national rankings. UNT currently has 62

Every day, we need to focus on helping our students to grow as people, to become college graduates and to build successful careers and lives.

— President Neal Smatresk

academic programs ranked in the nation’s Top 100. But Smatresk and Provost Finley Graves want more programs in the Top 100 and other national rankings for the university.

“We can’t define our quality solely by rankings, but they are an indication of how others view our institution, and it’s one of the things that students and parents take note of,” Graves says.

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Michael Clements

Michael Clements

From left: Susan Smith, head of library research support services, brainstormed with her “Change Team” members to develop and pitch projects during this year’s annual Planning Implementation Workshop in August. UNT President Neal Smatresk explored ways with the UNT community to work together to continue giving students the best education during the workshop, with the theme United by Purpose.

In a bold strategy known as 45X20, UNT is challenging itself to reach key benchmarks that include enrolling 45,000 students and having $45 million in annual research expenditures by 2020.

Tom McCoy, vice president of the newly renamed Office of Research and Innovation, says that to grow its research funding, UNT must hire and cultivate additional high-impact research faculty and the university must use its research space more efficiently.

“To strengthen our research culture, we’re investing in our people, programs and spaces,” McCoy says. “These investments foster an environment for innovative research, scholarship and creativity and will help us increase our research funding.”

Driving growth and prosperity As a top-tier research university, one of the nation and state’s largest universities and one of Denton County’s largest employers, UNT boosts economic activity in the North Texas region by $1.65 billion annually and is a leading producer of college graduates in Texas. UNT graduated more than 8,500 students in the 2015-16 academic year.

UNT also is fueling economic growth through research and innovations. Through initiatives like UNT’s Institutes of Research Excellence, UNT is creating a pipeline to bring faculty research, like the breast cancer breakthrough, to the market so that it benefits the greater society. The institutes also foster industry partnerships in plant science, environmental science, advanced

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materials and process, and logistics.

This year, UNT plans to launch two new collaborative research groups: autism spectrum disorders and big data.

Kevin Callahan, executive director of the UNT Kristin Farmer Autism Center, says the autism research group will help increase the center’s reach and impact.

“Our new collaborative research group will bring all of our outstanding activity together under one institute with more focus and direction,” he says. “Ultimately, we hope this will help increase the impact of our research outcomes for children and families living with autism.”

Marilyn Wiley, dean of the College of Business whose faculty will play a key role in the big data research group, is excited about leveraging one of UNT’s strengths for a fast-growing career field and industry need.

“We have a long history of excellence in big data and data analytics,” Wiley says. “We’ll help move UNT forward by becoming known as a regional and national resource for solving data problems.”

Standing out Wren Baker, UNT’s new vice president and director of athletics says one way for UNT to distinguish itself is through athletics. He’s working with staffers such as head football coach Seth Littrell to transform UNT’s athletics program.

“Athletics is the front porch to the university. When we have

UNT’S IMPACT At the State of the University, President Smatresk unveiled the UNT Impact Report (impact.unt.edu) — a new report that captures the university’s economic, research, educational and cultural impacts on the North Texas region and beyond. A few highlights from the report include: • Economic Driver: UNT generates an economic impact of $1.65 billion in DFW annually.

• Enrollment Leader: With nearly 38,000 students, UNT is one of the state’s top universities for the number of students it enrolls.

• Workforce Generator: UNT is one of the state’s Top 5 universities for the number of degrees awarded annually, with 8,500 degrees awarded in 2015-16.

• Alumni Leader: UNT’s global alumni network has 393,000 members, with 263,000 alumni living in DFW.

a high-quality, winning program, it builds pride, excitement and awareness,” Baker says. “UNT is known for academic excellence and we want to ensure that the athletic program has the same caliber of excellence and draws more people to the university.”

Through initiatives like UNT becoming the exclusive higher education partner of the Dallas Cowboys, the university is creating buzz and awareness as well as new opportunities for students who’ll benefit from engagement and internships through the partnership.

“Bold moves like these are what the university needs to do more of to stand out and get ahead. We have to ask ourselves tough questions and challenge ourselves to think bigger,” Smatresk says.

“What are we doing to distinguish ourselves from other universities and increase our market share? Are we providing the right kinds of degrees to support businesses and the economy and to help our students get jobs? Most importantly, how are we adding value to our students’ education and lives?” he says. “Every day, we need to focus on helping our students to grow as people, to become college graduates and to build successful careers and lives. That is our ultimate mission and that is our best measure of success.”

— Ernestine Bousquet

• Community Builder: UNT students, employees and alumni perform 14,500 hours of community service annually in participating in major service programs such as Alternative Spring Breaks, Make a Difference Day and the Big Event, a national day of service.

• Innovator and Problem Solver: UNT has 1,900 talented faculty members, who are experts in their fields. Many have earned honors such as National Science Foundation CAREER awards, Fulbrights, Guggenheim fellowships, National Medal of Arts honors, and Grammy, Emmy and Pulitzer nominations. UNT has 38 centers and institutes that advance interdisciplinary research and externally funded research and development.

To watch a recap of the president’s State of the University address and read his full remarks, visit president.unt.edu/ state-university-2016.

UNT’s Path to Excellence Watch the video, UNT’s Path to Excellence, to learn about the university’s progress. Find out what students want from their UNT education in the video, Helping UNT Students Achieve Their Dreams, and see how faculty and staff will help students achieve their dreams in the video, Building a Culture of Innovation. All can be viewed at northtexan.unt.edu/online.

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Opening up new worlds and experiences to our community, UNT presents events that engage, entertain and inspire. Please join us this fall.

Recalling: Artwork by Frank Hamrick, Faith Jessup, Chris Ramsay The exhibition considers the moment one faces a blank canvas, document, music score or drawing paper. Through the act of recalling, referring not only to memory but also to gathering and telling, the artists make present in their works elements of being, where recollection is a means of inspiration.

Exhibition, Aug. 30-Oct. 22 UNT Art Gallery Information: gallery.unt.edu

Humans of New York: An Evening with Brandon Stanton Stanton is the creator of the wildly popular blog Humans of New York (HONY), which features heart-wrenching and inspirational portraits of New Yorkers with corresponding short stories and quotes. He’ll share his experiences on creating HONY and his three best-selling books.

Presented by the Fine Arts Series.

7 p.m. Sept. 28 UNT Coliseum Tickets: untuniontickets.com

Upright Citizens Brigade Touring Company Founded by improvisational comedy legends like Matt Walsh (Veep, The Hangover) and Amy Poehler (SNL, Parks and Recreation), the Upright Citizens Brigade has been fostering and developing comedy talent for decades. The touring company will perform a night of provocative sketch comedy and absurd improv.

Presented by the Fine Arts Series.

7 p.m. Nov. 17 University Union — Lyceum Tickets: untuniontickets.com

Sounds of the Holidays Enjoy a musical holiday celebration at the third annual Sound of the Holidays concert. This festive event features UNT’s own Percussion Ensemble and 2:00 Steel Drum Band alongside other ensembles for an exhilarating experience.

Presented by the College of Music.

8 p.m. Dec. 3 Murchison Performing Arts Center — Winspear Hall Tickets: thempac.com/tickets or call 940-369-7802

Muse

Check out upcoming events page 23

BRIGHT STAR Carmen Cusack, a former student in the College of Music, earned a Tony nomination for her performance in the Broadway show.

WHEN CARMEN CUSACK STEPPED on stage for Bright Star — a Broadway musical written with bluegrass-tinged songs by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell — she walked onto the porch of a dark cabin and looked inside. Then she faced the audience and the light shined on her.

“Since the Tony nomination, I’m getting the welcome applause,” she says. “That’s quite special.”

Cusack, who attended UNT in the early 1990s, earned a Tony nomination for Best Leading Actress in a Musical. Her career has encompassed shows on London’s West End — including Les Miserables and The Secret Garden — and tours in the U.K. and U.S. for Wicked, The Phantom of the Opera and South Pacific.

She says it was rewarding to work on the new show that marked her debut on Broadway.

“I’m so completely full of love and pride for this story I got to tell every night,” she says.

Larry Levanti

Read more about why Cusack relates to her recent role and the journey to her luminous career at northtexan.unt.edu/bright-star.

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Muse

Senior media arts major Jacob Sampson aspires to be a TV comedy writer.

His career is on the right track. His play The Essay won the prestigious Václav Havel Library Foundation Award and DAMU Contest for the U.S. Students of Drama and Performance Studies. The play had to fit a theme inspired by the works of Havel, a well-known playwright and former presi-

Music Polka king

Carl Finch (’75, ’79 M.F.A.) has a new honor to go along with the two Grammys he’s won as a member of Brave Combo. He was inducted into the International Polka Association Hall of Fame in September.

“I was in complete disbelief,” he says. “It’s a big deal, right up there with winning the Grammys.”

Finch formed the band as

Music honor

Aikuang Son

Ahna Hubnik

The write stuff

a student at North Texas in 1979. He says he was drawn to polka because the media unfairly maligned it and he liked its structure and rhythm.

“In strictly music terms, what I love so much about polka is how it maximizes the use of tension and release and doesn’t take itself too seriously.”

Ed Steele

Dance and Theatre

dent of the Czech Republic. In Sampson’s play, the protagonist is a student at an American boarding school that has hired a new headmaster who requires the use of the invented language PTYDEPE — similar to the theme of Havel’s play The Memorandum.

Sampson will travel to the Czech Republic in November for a two-week residency in which the play will be read by the theatre faculty of the Academy of Performing Arts (DAMU) in Prague. He will be there during one of the country’s biggest holidays.

“I’m starting to become very aware of how cool this prize is,” he says.

Cellist Grace Ho (’10) has won one of music’s most prestigious prizes — the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition Grand Prize and

Textiles that tell a story Diedrick Brackens (’11) wanted to reflect the amalgamation of all of his roots, so his artwork combines the quilts of the South, weavings from West Africa and the tapestries of Europe. His textiles have won recognition from The Huffington Post, which named him one of the Top 17 Visual Artists You Should Know in 2016.

“I wanted to make an object that carried recognizable markers of all of Sofia V. Gonzalez

these cultures,” says Brackens, who is an assistant professor and head of the fiber program at California State University Long Beach. “Textiles are one of the ways people communicate heritage or allegiance.”

When Brackens began weaving at a class at UNT in the summer of

2008, he knew he would be at the loom for life. He credits College of Visual Arts and Design fibers professors Amie Adelman and Lesli Robertson (’06 M.F.A.) for teaching him invaluable technical skills and providing opportunities to engage with the local and national art community.

“I want viewers to be dazzled at the evidence of my hand in the manipulation of materials,” he says. “I want them to feel a sense of familiarity in the strangeness of the hybrid textiles I produce. I hope that they read some sort of narrative in the decorative aspects of the cloth.”

Top, Diedrick Brackens works on his loom. Bottom, this untitled 88”x 82” weaving is made out of hand woven fabric, cotton dyed with teas and commercial dyes, and nylon yarns.

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Movie music

Yana Khaykinson

Andrew Tinker (’07) had a fantastic challenge — writing a song for the Disney movie Pete’s Dragon.

Tinker, a Denton-based singer-songwriter and former member of The Polyphonic Spree, co-wrote “Nobody Knows,” which was performed by The Lumineers. He composed the song — and several songs for David Lowery’s 2013 movie Ain’t Them Bodies Saints — with screenwriter Toby Halbrooks.

Fort Worth producer Curtis Heath worked on the “Nobody Knows” demo that caught the ear of Disney’s producers. The song had to fit a certain scene, which made things tricky.

“The challenge wasn’t coming up with an idea, or even getting a working draft; the hard part was the revision process,” Tinker says. “The song itself doesn’t have a complex form, and the lyrics don’t have any 10-dollar words, and it took a lot of work to achieve that simplicity.”

But he was excited when he first heard The Lumineers’ version.

“I had sung all the demos,” he says, “so it was a great experience to hear our song realized by other musicians, great musicians.”

Gold Medal in the Senior String division. She is part of the Ulysses Quartet, which will tour the midwestern U.S. and Italy as part of the win.

Ho is principal cellist of the Miami Symphony and works with other groups.

“I am extremely honored to come away with such a prestigious award,” she says.

Visual Arts

Mary Bielamowicz

Fashion forward

Mary Bielamowicz (’15) had a big job for her intern-

ship with the National Park Service — she coordinated the fashion show in August for its 100th anniversary. She worked with Denton business Circa 77 Vintage to produce most of the historic ranger uniforms from 1925 to today.

Bielamowicz, who majored in merchandising and digital retailing, also organized a multi-sensory nature hike for the blind and low-vison community. The internship helped to hone her interests in conservation.

“I want to build a career that focuses on limiting waste instead of creating it,” she says.

Upcoming Events

The College of Music presents Choralfest! featuring the Collegium Singers, Concert Choir, Women’s Chorus, Men’s Chorus, University Singers and A Cappella Choir, at 8 p.m. Oct. 4 at Winspear Hall in the Murchison Performing Arts Center. The UNT Opera and Symphony Orchestra performs Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro) at 8 p.m. Nov. 4 and at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Nov. 6 and Nov. 13 at the Lyric Theater in the Murchison. Buy tickets at thempac.music.unt.edu.

The Department of Dance and Theatre will present the first regional production of Melissa’s Choice at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6-8 and Oct. 13-15 and at 2 p.m. Oct. 9 and 16. The “choice” in the play’s title falls to Melissa, an attorney, as she deals with an unintended pregnancy and has to confront her current boyfriend and other friends. The first three shows will be followed by panel discussions titled “Whose Choice Is It?” presented by ACLU of Texas, College of Arts and Sciences, the gender studies and Jewish and Israel studies programs, the psychology and media arts departments, and the Division of Institutional Equity and Diversity. Learn more at danceandtheatre.unt.edu.

Extraordinary Journey: 40 Years of Art Metalwork by Harlan W. Butt will feature the artwork — often inspired by nature — of the Regents Professor of art. The free exhibition runs Oct. 15– Dec. 3 at UNT ArtSpace Dallas. The artist talk will take place at 3 p.m. followed by the opening reception from 4 to 6 p.m.

Oct. 15. Visit gallery.unt.edu for more details. Pictured is Acadia Vessel, made of silver, enamel and copper.

The New Choreographers Concert, featuring original works by advanced choreography students, will take place at 8 p.m. Dec. 2-3 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 4 at the University Theater in the Radio, Television, Film and Performing Arts Building. Buy tickets at danceandtheatre.unt.edu.

The College of Visual Arts and Design Annual Faculty & Staff Exhibition runs Nov. 14-Dec. 3 at the UNT Art Gallery and Nov. 14-Jan. 12 at UNT on the Square. The opening reception takes place from 5 to 8 p.m.

Nov. 17 at both venues. For more information, go to gallery.unt.edu.

Visit calendar.unt.edu for more upcoming events.

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lence, the university’s investment in arts technology programming, and UNT’s leadership in the STEAM movement — science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, a shift beyond STEM disciplines to include the arts.

Other established interdisciplinary programs at UNT include the Laboratory for Recreational Computing (LARC), which through collaboration between art and computer engineering trains video game designers such as Schatz. The Initiative for Advanced Research in Technology and the Arts (iARTA) unites participants from diverse fields — from dancers to physicists — to create software, technical demonstrations and art.

The Texas Center for Performing Arts Health (TCPAH) studies injury prevention, care, research and education for performers.

And a new UNT CollabLab to open this year will provide a collaborative incubator space for students, encouraging creativity, technology and the entrepreneurial spirit that has long been part of UNT’s DNA. “The application for ‘STEM to STEAM’ is important. It’s not left brain vs. right brain,” says Greg Watts, dean of UNT’s College of Visual Arts and Design, “but rather a

milia Schatz (’01) conjures ghosts and creates forests for a living.

As a designer for video games such as Ghostbusters, The Last of Us and Uncharted, Schatz uses the wide variety of skills she developed at UNT — from programming in her computer science classes to 3-D modeling in her art courses.

“One of the most challenging and exciting parts of my job is being a jack of all trades,” says Schatz, who is lead game designer for the Los Angeles-based company Naughty Dog. “We have to understand a little bit of everything — programming, sound design, animation. We’re the directors. We’re the carriers of the creative vision.”

Schatz isn’t the only alum melding science with art to produce innovative work. One artist is using 3-D printers to create lost artifacts, and another is building installations with LED lights to comment on the environment. A designer is creating sustainable fashion. And a musician is researching medical needs for fellow performers.

These projects represent a long line of innovation at UNT. This legacy is being extended with the launch of UNT’s collaborative Institutes of Research Excel-

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confluence of all areas of study to spark a multitude of collaborations that can lead us to as yet indiscernible places.”

CREATIVE GAMING In the video game Uncharted, treasure hunter Nathan Drake faces all kinds of danger as he seeks to solve mysteries around the world. Depending on what game level the fictional character is traversing, he may go rock climbing or walk through forests. And it’s Schatz who helps make it happen.

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As a designer for Naughty Dog, she helps direct the player’s experience. Her specialty is level design, in which she plans the level’s overall flow and then models the rough shapes of the environment the user will be moving through. Then she works with artists, programmers and animators to translate the concept into a finished shape.

Her career path began at UNT, where she majored in general studies and focused on three minors — computer science, art and English. After graduating, Schatz went to work as a game design scripter at Terminal Reality, where she programmed level scripting, code that manages the moment-tomoment journey of the player.

“I get paid to express myself creatively,” she says. “It’s a rewarding experience to build something in 3-D and go to your TV and play the character you created. We aren’t limited by reality. The possibilities are endless.”

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Renee Vernon

Adela Andea (’12 M.F.A.) is not interested in traditional art techniques.

“My specialty is not to repeat the past,” she says. “I want to develop something that is new and different.”

The Romanian-born artist, who is based in Houston, uses another form of technology — light, with a focus on LED light — for

Emilia Schatz (’01) is a lead game designer for the Los Angeles-based company Naughty Dog.

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Adela Andea (’12 M.F.A.), an artist based in Houston, uses innovative light installations for her work, which is inspired by science and nature.

She re-created nature again with Primordial Garden, an installation at Texas Tech University, in which a series of multicolored balls, made with LED and flex neon, connect with coils and Plexiglas tubes and hang from the ceiling.

She learned many of her techniques during the hybrid forms art class she took

vibrant installations that re-create scenes from nature in the age of climate change.

The idea for one installation came during a boat tour in Alaska, where she witnessed melting glaciers. The result was Zero Degrees Celsius, a piece that takes up an entire room, with the lighting incorporating translucent whites and blues so they look like ice.

under Susan Cheal, associate professor of drawing and painting at UNT. Cheal encouraged experimental art forms and paid attention to students’ individual interests.

“The most important thing I learned from the class was to trust myself deeply in my artistic visions, to embrace the intuitive nature of art as well as the hard-working aspect of the visual presentation of installation art,” Andea says. “I was encouraged by the fresh, innovative and experimental ideas put forward in this field.”

And that led to putting forth her own ideas through nature and technology.

“Why does there have to be a separation between the two, a contrast?” she says. “That’s where my art starts to develop. Why can’t we take all these manmade elements and develop our own nature?”

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“It’s about engaging the whole brain and all

UNT’s four Institutes of Research Excellence

nomic growth. The institutes build on areas

the tools of exploration and discovery,” says

bring together a critical mass of knowledge

in which UNT faculty are already well-known

Tom McCoy, vice president for research and

and faculty. Their collaborative projects are

experts and are making important contribu-

innovation. “That’s what we’re doing at

designed to create a stronger platform for

tions through solutions-based research. The

UNT — breaking down the barriers of linear

interdisciplinary research and partnerships

goal is to bring faculty expertise to industry

thinking

with industry to create solutions and further

and the public and to make advances in

collaborations to push innovation and

contribute to the North Texas region’s eco-

everything from energy to health.

breakthroughs.”

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and

fostering

interdisciplinary

“Watching your idea become physical, layer [r eZr^k ''' maZm l Zg interesting and amazing thing — bringing it to the physical world.”

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3-D PRINTING

Gary Payne

Artist Morehshin Allahyari (’12 M.F.A.) is able to reconstruct memory with the latest advances in technology.

The Iranian native was stunned in 2015 when she saw a video of the terrorist group ISIS destroying artifacts from the ancient cities of Hatra and Nineveh. After a year of researching the artifacts, she got behind her computer monitor to re-create a dozen of the historical pieces through 3-D printing.

“Watching your idea become physical, layer by layer,” she says, “that’s an interesting and amazing feeling — bringing it to the physical world.”

Technology has always intrigued Allahyari.

As the first graduate student in UNT’s new media art program, which combines multiple disciplines with digital forms, she worked with David Stout, professor of composition and new media and coordinator for iARTA. “I’m very curious about critical approaches to technology,” she says. “It has a limitless potential.”

Morehshin Allahyari (’12 M.F.A.) is a new media artist, activist and educator based in San Francisco who uses technology such as 3-D printing to create artwork.

with images, videos and other data, so as to preserve information about the artifacts and their history for future viewers.

Her other projects include Dark Matter, in which she re-created objects, such as a Barbie doll and VHS tape, that have been banned by the Iranian government. Her works have been featured in exhibitions from Australia

An activist and educator, she is especially interested in how technology allows for political archiving and potential social change. Her 3-D modeling and printing project, Material Speculation: ISIS, was a natural extension of her research. In her creations, which include statues of deities such as Lamassu, she inserts a flash drive

// NGM L BGLMBMNM>L BG<EN=> // E >:KG FHK> :M RESEARCH.UNT.EDU/ INSTITUTES

• Advanced Environmental Research Institute, led by Samuel F. Atkinson, Regents Professor of biology • Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Processes Institute, led by Rajiv Mishra, Distinguished Research Professor of materials science and engineering • BioDiscovery Institute, led by Richard Dixon, Distinguished Research Professor of biology • Jim McNatt Institute for Logistics Research, led by Brian Sauser, associate professor of logistics Fall 2016

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Chanjuan Chen (’15 M.F.A.), assistant professor at The Fashion School at Kent State University in Ohio, creates eco-friendly fashion designs.

she visited her classmates at the clothing factory where they worked. Seeing how garments were made, she was curious about how to reduce fabric waste.

“It made me want to learn about sustainability,” Chen says.

She then attended UNT as an international student, and she put her ideas into action by creating eco-friendly fashion designs. Fabric often gets thrown away as pattern pieces are being cut because most garments are curved, not square-shaped.

To prevent waste, Chen created an origami dress in which the initial form used seven rectangular shapes. The outfit, made from organic color grown cotton, also can be worn two different ways, adding to its eco-friendliness.

to the U.S., and covered in The New York Times, Huffington Post and wired.com, among others. One of the pieces has gone aboard the International Space Station as part of a group of artwork from countries such as China, Iran and North Korea.

She is co-writing a book called The 3-D Additivist Cookbook that will include a manifesto about 3-D printing. Her next project will explore digital colonialism.

“I usually don’t have goals,” she says. “I have dreams.”

LNLM:BG:;E> ?:LABHG The fragile natural environment inspired Chanjuan Chen’s (’15 M.F.A.) work. Chen was a fashion design student in China when

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“It’s more fun to wear,” Chen says, “and it’s more versatile.”

The dress won the Cotton Inc. Innovations in Cotton Design Award and Fashion Supplies Innovation Design Award from the International Textile and Apparel Association in 2013.

Chen says she participated in such contests and discovered new methods for creating sustainable designs with encouragement from Marian O’Rourke-Kaplan, associate professor and graduate coordinator for fashion design.

“She has made a huge impact on my study and my career,” Chen says.

Now Chen is teaching others environmentally friendly fashion techniques as assistant professor at The Fashion School at Kent State University in Ohio. She has several goals — to add more Asian culture elements with sustainability efforts to her garments, and to research and write a book about eco-friendly designs.

She’s fulfilling a childhood dream, which began when she was making clothes for her Barbie dolls.

“I just really enjoy dressing people and creating new designs,” she says. “I had the idea to not just build beautiful clothes, but to help the environment.”

FNLB< :G= F>=B<BG> James Ford (’97 M.M., ’07 D.M.A.) began playing the trumpet as a child and loved the sound of it. But it wasn’t until he came to UNT that he learned the life of a

Renee Vernon

musician could be harmful to one’s health.

Musicians are prone to all kinds of injury, from hearing loss to focal dystonia, a neurological condition that causes involuntary muscle contractions.

Ford researched the injuries faced by trumpet players while serving as a research assistant for Kris Chesky (’88 M.M.E., ’92 Ph.D.), professor of music and medicine, and Leonard Candelaria (’72, ’74 M.M.Ed.), now a UNT Professor Emeritus of music teaching at the University of Alabama.

While at UNT, Ford wrote Medical Problems of Brass Instrumentalists: Prevalence Rates for Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn and Low Brass, a widely cited article in performing arts medicine literature.

Ford continues to study health issues as a professor of music at California State University in Los Angeles. His research is conducted in conjunction with UNT’s Texas Center for Performing Arts Health, codirected by Chesky and Sajid Surve, associate professor of osteopathic medicine at the UNT Health Science Center in Fort Worth.

The TCPAH seeks to improve the health of performing artists by working with several of UNT’s colleges — music, engineering, and public affairs and community service — and the Health Science Center’s Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and School of Public Health.

During the UNT trumpet study, researchers designed an apparatus to measure the mouthpiece forces of 23 players. They conducted hearing tests and took measurements for strength. Results of the study show that mouthpiece forces generally changed as a

James Ford (’97 M.M., ’07 D.M.A.), professor of music at California State University in Los Angeles, researches performance-related injuries.

function of increased pitch, loudness and length of performance time.

Ford has had his own successful career as a trumpet player, performing for artists such as Justin Timberlake, Aretha Franklin and Celine Dion. He says the studies merging art and the health sciences have helped him to become a more informed player and he’s helping other musicians too.

“One goal of this field is to bring awareness to performers in hopes of preventing performance-related injuries,” Ford says, “and give their artistic careers longevity so their music can be enjoyed for a long time.”

Also read commentaries by Greg Watts, dean

Carroll shares how knowledge, culture and

of the College of Visual Arts and Design, and

collaboration influence innovation, and how

Learn how associate professor Ruth West,

Michael C. Carroll, director of UNT’s new Eco-

those factors lead to the strength or weak-

director of UNT’s xREZ Art + Science lab, a

nomic Research Group. Watts explores the

ness of the economy.

multi-disciplinary learning center, is using

STEM to STEAM movement in education to

data to create art-science projects with UNT

help parents and students better understand

students at northtexan.unt.edu/online.

the importance of market-ready skills, and

// ONLINE EXTRA //

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Place

Gary Payne

P OW E R O F

New University Union UNT’s new state-of-the-art facility in the heart of campus offers students a place to wind down, study up, recharge, restock and refuel.

The level of students’ involvement in campus life and student organizations — academic, cultural, service and social — has an incredibly high correlation to their success. UNT’s new University Union, a $130 million project that opened in fall 2015, provides the growing student body with more than 300,000 square feet of space to socialize, get involved and expand their campus experience.

“The University Union is a living testament to the wonderful students and alumni we have at UNT,” says Zane Reif, Union director. “As you walk through the four levels of this facility, you see notable accomplishments, representations of tradition, and the Watch a video showcasing values that are so important to this institution. It honors our past the new University Union at while still maintaining the features of a very modern and technologinorthtexan.unt.edu/online. cally savvy facility.”

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STUDENT FOCUSED

Gary Payne

The new Union serves as students’ home away from home, featuring 125 percent more student organization space than the previous facility, a rooftop garden, a Barnes & Noble bookstore, a meditation room, nap furniture, larger art gallery space, a dance practice room and more.

The One O’Clock Lounge, The Syndicate and the Campus Chat are bigger and better than ever. And UNT spirit is evident throughout, even in the green-and-white terrazzo floors, where the fight song and alma mater lyrics can be found.

GREEN

Michael Clements

The Union project was designed to meet the highest standards for LEED certification. As crews tore the old building down to its bones, more than 90 percent of materials were recycled and diverted from landfills. New materials were sourced locally when possible, and more than 100 trees were added to the landscape of drought-tolerant and native plants. Also featured: a rainwater collection system, water bottle refill stations, and natural light and solar power to cut down on energy costs and fossil fuel use.

Gary Payne

Angilee Wilkerson

HIGH TECH The new Union has the strongest Wi-Fi on campus, which helps students study, collaborate and get work done more efficiently. When it’s time to play, they can team up for video game tournaments in the Union’s new gaming pods, or they can watch movies and sports on big plasma displays in The Syndicate.

Visitors entering the building from any direction find touch-screen digital bulletin boards with maps and information about events and more.

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Growing and Crafting

by Leslie Minton

E

Every summer, the West Texas sun heats the dry Chihuahuan Desert to blistering temperatures. Not many plants can survive in a desert climate, let alone thrive. But as temperatures warm above 100 degrees in Alpine, rows and rows of grapes at Cathedral Mountain Vineyard begin developing perfect amounts of sugar and strong shades of green and purple. As the sun sets around the Davis and Chisos mountains, temperatures can drop more than 30 degrees through the night. The vineyard and the volcanic rocks under the desert soil begin cooling, nourishing acids in the grapes, which will soon be made into wine.

“The climate is just perfect,” says Dustin Walker (’06), founding partner and winemaker with Times Ten Cellars and Cathedral Mountain Vineyard, who are growing Spanish and Rhône varietals.

U.S. consumers today are more interested than ever in finding Alumni are part of home-grown flavors and supporting local wineries and brewers.

Last year, the wine industry had a 14 percent growth in fine wine a booming industry sales, according to an annual State of the Wine Industry report by the Silicon Valley Bank. And the Brewers Association reports that craft brewers saw a 13 percent increase in sales. of winemakers and Walker and other UNT alumni are part of this wine and craft beer movement in Texas, helping to build camaraderie and brewers who are community with their businesses. Scott Lindsey’s (’04) Audacity Brew House, which offers yoga classes, food trucks, live music and local brews, nurtures Denton’s quirky and independent scene as growing and does Brook E. Ray’s (’01) eclectic wine bar, Wine Squared.

Many bring that culture to UNT. Ben Esely’s (’08) The Bearded going local. Monk bottle shop is providing craft beer for UNT Alumni GameDay Grilles before home games. John Williams’ (’05) East Side Denton and Oak St. Drafthouse and Cocktail Parlor partner with Mean Green athletics for home game ticket packages

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Dustin Walker (â&#x20AC;&#x2122;06)

Ahna Hubnik

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Matt Reynolds (’11)

including transportation and a post-game beer. And George Esquivel’s (’91) Four Corners Brewing Co. in Dallas hosted a UNT Alumni Association mixer reconnecting area college friends.

Vineyard to market Ahna Hubnik

As a student in UNT’s College of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism, Walker studied the beverage industry by day and worked full time at a Grapevine winery at night. There he learned about equipment, fermentation and production.

“I went from apprentice winemaker to production manager to winemaker in two years,” he says.

After graduation Walker moved to California, where he worked as an assistant wine buyer, soaking in the business and retail side of the industry. He also spent time learning about labels, wineries and vintages, building up sommelier-level wine knowledge. A year later, Times Ten Cellars, a winery with restaurant locations in Fort Worth and Dallas, offered him a chance to come back to Texas and to tap his passion for the local growing industry.

“Younger people who have been exposed to global cultures through technology and travel are developing an interest in wine earlier in life than past generations,” he says.

“Wine culture is constantly changing.”

Ahna Hubnik

Cristall Heisch (’10)

Matt Reynolds (’11) studied mechanical and energy engineering in UNT’s College of Engineering. In classes and labs at Discovery Park, he learned about the mechanics of heating and cooling. He also learned problem-solving skills and techniques for building and operating machinery. In his spare time, Reynolds researched the huge variety of craft beers, how to brew them, and the plethora of ingredients that can be used in beer recipes.

He became so interested that after graduating and starting a job as a mechanical engineer at CBS ArcSafe, he bought a

Ahna Hubnik

Science of craft

George Esquivel (’91)

home brewing kit with his first paycheck.

“There is a lot of science in beer,” says Reynolds, who now is head brewer at Malai Kitchen, a restaurant featuring Asian-fusion flavors in food and beer with locations in Dallas and Southlake.“Brewing is a practical application for my engineering background. It gives me a chance to focus on problem solving and building things, and it requires being crafty.”

Because Malai Kitchen has given Reynolds full control over the restaurant’s local brews, he also is able to explore a creative side of the industry — flavors.

“The process side of making beer is very mechanical, but the recipes side is artistic,” he says. “It’s a wonderful combination of culinary arts and science. I get to play with new ingredients and find flavor balances that are brand new.”

Small pub, big taste In 2014, Cristall Heisch (’10) and her husband, Austin Heisch (’09), road tripped through New England for their honeymoon. They stopped to take a break in a small New Hampshire town and came across the smallest brew pub they had ever seen. It was so small that only a handful of people could fit inside at a time.

“After we came back home I had an epiphany,” she says. “I decided I was going to open a small bottle shop where I could sell great craft beers, and about a year later I was in business.”

Today Cristall, who earned her degree in geography, is the owner of The Sleepy Panther Bottle Shop in Fort Worth’s eclectic Near Southside neighborhood.

The shop, just 200 square feet, includes three coolers of ice cold American craft beers. And Austin, who as an Honors College student studied English and German, is a brewer for Rahr & Sons Brewing Co. in Fort Worth.

“I still remember my first craft beer,” Cristall says. “I had a Harpoon IPA at Pint Night at Lucky Lou’s in Denton. It was the

“The process side of making beer is very mechanical, but the recipes side is artistic ... I get to play with new ingredients and find flavor balances that are brand new.”

— Matt Reynolds (’11) After graduating, Esquivel went on to work in advertising with clients like ConAgra and Nestlé and later moved toward marketing consumer packaged goods, where he worked with Mission Foods, Dannon and Borden Dairy.

In 2010, he and two friends — avid home brewers —saw an opportunity to fill a craft beer cultural gap in the North Texas market. They put together a business plan and took the next step.

“Customers want to hear and read stories about the types of hops we use, our methods,” Esquivel says, “and they want to learn what gives our beers character.”

He and his partners are now moving their West Dallas business to a larger facility in South Dallas, to keep growing and to share their story with more people.

“The emotional engagement level in craft beer is very high,” he says, adding that it’s vital to the industry’s success. “People build connections with breweries and they identify with the philosophy and stories behind craft brands.”

first time I’d ever tasted amazing flavors in a beer and when I realized beer could be an experience itself.”

Locally sourced Esquivel, who co-founded Four Corners Brewing Co. in 2012, attributes the industry’s popularity to an overall shift consumers have made toward supporting local foods and wanting to know more about the products and brands they support.

“People want to know where ingredients are sourced, if they’ve been responsibly grown, if their foods have preservatives, and who makes their food,” Esquivel says. “It’s a swing away from a past era of mass production and a shift toward being more engaged.”

He studied advertising at UNT and worked closely with the late Jim Albright, an associate professor who was a pioneer in food advertising and is credited with conceiving the brand name “Funyuns.”

“Dr. Albright taught me a lot about the importance of creativity and storytelling,” Esquivel says. “He was a great mentor.”

Learn more about how alumni businesses — clockwise from top right, Scott Lindsey’s (’04) Audacity Brew House, Ben Esely’s (’08) The Bearded Monk bottle shop, and John Williams’ (’05) East Side Denton and Oak St. Drafthouse and Cocktail Parlor — are contributing to Denton’s craft beer scene and community at

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MEAN GREEN EAGLEMPICS Celebrate everything that makes UNT incredible during Homecoming 2016.

A variety of events and activities, themed “Mean Green Eaglempics,” will take place throughout the week of Oct. 31 and will culminate Nov. 5 at Apogee Stadium when the Mean Green football team faces off against Louisiana Tech.

Join together with family and friends to tailgate and toast to your time at UNT. For more information visit homecoming.unt.edu.

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

November 3

November 4

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

Distinguished Alumni Achievement Awards

Spirit March

Celebrate the Alumni Awards event at UNT’s new University Union.

Reception at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m.

For tickets: 940-565-2834 or alumni@unt.edu

Begins at Fraternity Row on 4HWSL :[YLL[ HUK WYVJLLKZ [V IVUÄYL site near UNT’s Apogee Stadium.

8 p.m.

Bonfire Northwest side of the stadium. Alumni are invited to a dine-in event at the Alumni Pavilion.

RSVP: 940-565-2834 or alumni@unt.edu

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SATURDAY November 5 7:15 a.m.

1:30-4 p.m.

Fun Run

Mean Green Village

Free and open to everyone, the 5K intramural run starts in front of the Pohl Recreation Center.

Registration until 7 a.m.

For information: 940-565-2275 or visit recsports.unt.edu

Tailgating around campus starts early and ends 30 minutes before RPJRVɈ 6YNHUPaH[PVU KLWHY[TLU[ and college tents at UNT’s Apogee Stadium add to the Homecoming spirit along with live music, the Junior Mean Green Fun Zone and the Mean Green March featuring the cheerleaders, dancers, marching band, head coach Seth Littrell and Mean Green football team.

9 a.m.

Golden Eagles Class of ’66 Breakfast/Reunion Union Ballroom Reservations, $20.

RSVP: 940-565-2834 or alumni@unt.edu

10 a.m.

College of Public Affairs and Community Service Alumni Brunch UNT on the Square RSVP: pacs.unt.edu/ homecoming

11 a.m.

Homecoming Parade Watch the parade starting at UNT and making its way around the Denton square. See the new route at homecoming.unt.edu.

Mean Green Village Tailgate Tent Info.

Tailgate tent package options include game tickets, parking passes, tents, tables and chairs for alumni groups, departments, schools and colleges that plan to host tailgate functions near the stadium before the Homecoming game.

For tailgate tent package reservations, JVU[HJ[ [PJRL[VɉJL'\U[ LK\ 940-565-2527 or visit meangreensports.com/homecomingtailgate.

-VY Z[\KLU[ VYNHUPaH[PVUZ [HPSNH[L [LU[ reservations, visit homecoming.unt.edu.

2:30 p.m.

+LHKSPUL! 6J[

Alumni GameDay Grille Join UNT Alumni Association members and friends for an open OV\ZL [^V OV\YZ WYPVY [V RPJRVɈ H[ the Alumni Pavilion near UNT’s Apogee Stadium.

For information: 940-565-2834 or visit alumni@unt.edu

Share your photos from Homecoming on Twitter and Instagram — hashtag #UNTHomecoming — to win prizes.

4:30 p.m.

Mean Green vs.

Louisiana Tech Ticket options start at $12.

For information: Speak with a ticket sales consultant about individual, family or group seating options at 940-565-2527 or visit NorthTexasGameDay.com.

Fall 2016

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GIVING

Impact

PLANTING THE SEEDS

Michael Clements

Peggy Rouh (’95 M.S., ’01 Ph.D.) had been working for IBM for 17 years when she decided to pursue a master’s degree in instructional design from UNT. “I immediately put what I was learning to use at work and was able to expand our consulting services,” says Rouh.

But what started as part-time classwork turned into a 26-year relationship with UNT. As she was nearing the end of her master’s program, her professor and advisor, Jerry Wircenski, encouraged her to complete her Ph.D. She eventually pursued her doctoral degree in applied technology, training and development.

Rouh met Jerry’s wife, Professor Michelle ‘Mickey’ Wircenski, when she became the chair of Rouh’s Ph.D. committee. Her student-professor relationship with the Wircenskis grew into a mentorship and blossomed into a friendship.

Years later, after Rouh retired from IBM, Jerry Wircenski reached out to her to return to UNT — this time as a professor to share her real-world experiences with students. Rouh returned to UNT as an adjunct professor teaching online classes in the College of Information. Today, she serves as a lecturer.

Peggy Rouh (’95 M.S., ’01 Ph.D.) and her husband, Charles, established and endowed the Drs. Jerry and Michelle Wircenski Scholarship for College of Information students.

“The Wircenskis have been extremely supportive of me through the years,” Rouh says. “I wanted to recognize the work they had done to help me and other UNT students as well as grow the department. I wanted them to have a permanent legacy.”

In 2012, Rouh and her husband, Charles, established and endowed the Drs. Jerry and Michelle Wircenski Scholarship. Hoping to increase the amount of the scholarship, Rouh worked with the development officer for the College of Information to contact other former students to request donations.

“It was very humbling and rewarding to know that our name is associated with something that enables students to continue their education and pursue their goals,” says Mickey Wircenski.

This scholarship is open to undergraduate and graduate students in the college, and in addition to the financial support it provides, it plants the seeds of giving with the recipients.

“Mickey and Jerry Wircenski have made impacts on so many people’s lives,” Rouh says.

Rouh also served as a volunteer leader for the Campaign for UNT in 2013, which raised more than $210 million to support scholarships, student programs, faculty positions, research and facilities.

“It is important to look at the institutions that have helped you along the way,” she says, “and to make sure they can continue to help others in the future.”

— Teresa Love

Use your talent and passion to invest in the future of UNT. Learn how you can be an advocate at giving.unt.edu/ways-to-give.

Get involved, join the UNT Alumni Association at untalumni.com.

Give to the Inspire UNT Fund at one.unt.edu/inspire125.

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Get connected at upcoming alumni gatherings page 41

OLYMPIC DREAMS

Courtesy of Ted Emrich

Jim Watson

Alumni presence at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio continues a long line of UNT connections to the international games.

UNT ALUMNI WERE SHINING brightly this August at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio — on the golf course and on the radio.

Rodolfo Cazaubon, who attended UNT from 2009 to 2013 and was a member of the UNT golf team, now plays on the Web.com tour and was the only golfer in the Olympic tournament representing Mexico. He finished in the middle of the 60-player field. Men’s golf had not been part of the Olympics since 1904.

And Ted Emrich (’09), formerly with KESNFM, ESPN Radio in Dallas, was chosen by radio network Westwood One Sports to announce the play-by-play for track and field events in Rio. It was his third Olympics assignment. Emrich says the competition in Rio was full of “so many iconic moments” — from the “sheer magnetism” of sprinter Usain Bolt, who won an unprecedented three gold medals for the third time in the same three events, to Team USA’s sweep of the women’s sprint hurdles.

“I was proud to just witness them, let alone call them,” Emrich says.

Read more about past UNT Olympians and Emrich’s career at northtexan.unt.edu/olympic-dreams Fall 2016

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C O N N E C T I N G

W I T H

Friends

Ron Miller, Aledo :: was

Keep up with the latest developments in the UNT family and tell your peers what you’ve been up to since leaving the nest. Send your news to The North Texan (see contact information on page 4). Members of the UNT Alumni Association are designated with a .

Read more, share comments and connect with friends at northtexan.unt.edu.

inducted into the Elkhart County Sports Hall of Fame in Indiana. At Goshen High School, he played for the most successful basketball team in Goshen history and lettered in football, basketball and baseball. He was a point guard for the Mean Green basketball team and, as a senior, coached the freshman team. After a 48-year career in education, he retired this year.

He was principal of the Aledo Learning Center.

1970 Michael Hood Lindley (’72 M.Ed.), Kerrville :: is the owner

Mabel Dickinson (’55, ’68 M.L.S.) celebrated her 100th birthday in July. A public school librarian for nearly 40 years, she often tells stories of her time at North Texas. Her best advice to students: “Always go to class!” These days she’s also giving advice for living a long life. Her children say her secret is reading, being around people and keeping busy, and it doesn’t hurt that she never smoked or drank alcohol.

1965

1968

Angharad Ann BransfordYoung, Tulsa, Okla. :: retired

Arthur Cleveland

from Oral Roberts University and was awarded the honorary rank of Professor Emeritus. She began working at ORU’s University Counseling Center in 1981, first as a counselor and later as assistant director and director. She is a past president of the Tulsa chapter of Phi Delta Kappa.

(M.S., ’71

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Ph.D.), Riverside, Calif. ::

retired in April as vice president for university advancement for California Baptist University in Riverside after 50 years in higher education as a professor and an administrator. He joined CBU as the dean of research in 2006.

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of the Land Company and Fredericksburg Realty LCC. He specializes in the sale of Hill Country land with water, hunting and recreational properties and the marketing of large estate communities.

He is the son of Brig. Gen. William C. Lindley, the dean of men at North Texas from 1967 to 1971. In 1970, as a senior representing Sigma Phi Epsilon, Michael broke the school’s individual bench press record in the intramural weightlifting competition by lifting 380 pounds.

1976 Georgianne Burlage, Denton

:: retired from the Denton ISD, where she taught for 27 years. She also taught at Incarnate Word Academy in Corpus Christi for

nine years. Her subjects were history and journalism, and for the last 20 years of her career she taught Advanced Placement world history at Denton Ryan High School. She earned graduate degrees from the University of Texas in Austin and Texas Woman’s University.

Peggy Parker Edge, Plano :: received the 2016 President’s Award from the National Speakers Association of North Texas.

She runs Edge Consultants and is a certified professional coach and business networking expert who works with businesses and individuals on career and business development.

1978

Ian Pierce, Dallas :: was promoted to vice president of communications with The Weitzman Group/Cencor Realty Services, the largest retail-focused commercial real estate services firm based in Texas. He also writes about retail market trends as a contributing editor for D CEO magazine and as a running blogger for The Dallas Morning News.

1981 Don Martin (M.S.), Beaver, Penn. ::

published the book Finding Grit: The No-Nonsense Guide for Raising Your Daughter to be Successful in Athletics, School and Life (ArcheBooks Publishing). He has been a counselor educator, psychologist and counselor for more than 30 years and is a professor and coordinator of the school counseling program at Youngstown State University in Ohio.

1986 William Gregory Sawyer (Ph.D.), Camarillo, Calif. :: was

the 2016 recipient of the Excellence in Practice Award from the American College Personnel Association’s Educational Leadership Foundation. He is vice president for student affairs at California State University Channel Islands and served as UNT’s dean of students from 1990 to 1995, associate dean from 1988 to 1990, and assistant dean from 1986 to 1988.

1987 Michael Bogle (’89 M.M., ’00 D.M.A.), Dallas :: was selected as a quarterfinalist for the 2017 Grammy Music Educator Award for his work as professor of commercial music at Cedar Valley College. The award is sponsored by the Recording Academy and the Grammy Foundation. He plays piano/keyboards and trombone

and is a composer and arranger.

He was nominated for a Grammy Award for his arrangement of Chick Corea’s composition Got A Match? recorded by the One O’Clock Lab Band.

1989 Debra Rose, Lewisville :: accepted a human resources director position with Carrier Enterprise last year. She also launched a nonprofit organization called Leadership Nation, to develop young people into leaders through conferences and mentoring programs, following them from middle school through college and making sure they get through without personal college loans.

She chose to attend UNT partly because her high school math teacher, Paula Davidson, was an alum.

1990 Vici Alexander, Acworth, Ga. :: was

appointed chief financial officer of Sterling Risk Advisors in Atlanta. She has more than 20 years of financial and accounting, tax and consulting experience. She previously worked as chief financial officer for National Pain Care and held various management positions with companies in the private and public accounting sector, including Mauldin & Jenkins CPAs, Sterling Software Inc. and BDO USA.

Todd Samuels, Allen :: was elected president of Bear Creek Federation Inc., a nonprofit, volunteer-run parent-child orga-

nization to educate families on Native American history, provide developmental activities and strengthen parent-child relationships. As a child, Todd (pictured, center back) was involved with the original Indian Guides program with his father and has continued the tradition with his children. He works as a project manager for 7-Eleven at its store support center.

Upcoming Alumni Gatherings The fall semester is full of opportunities for alumni to reunite, network and celebrate UNT. Here are a few events on tap: Alumni Gameday Grille: Join the UNT Alumni Association for pregame football parties at the UNT Alumni Pavilion two hours before kickoff for all home games. Located adjacent to the northeast main entrance of the football stadium, the pavilion and festivities are free to association members and a guest. Beverages are available for purchase and the Student Alumni Association will be grilling for scholarship donations. Be sure to have your membership card on hand, or you can buy one on-site on gameday. For membership information, contact Gina Lowe at gina.lowe@unt.edu or 940-565-2834.

Homecoming 2016: Save the dates Oct. 31-Nov. 5 for Homecoming with the theme: “Mean Green Eaglempics.” Festivities include the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Awards, bonfire, parade and Nov. 5 Mean Green vs. Louisiana Tech football game at Apogee Stadium. The Golden Eagles class of 1966 will reunite at 9 a.m.

Nov. 5 in the University Union. See page 36 for more details, and for the latest information, visit homecoming.unt.edu.

Regional Alumni Receptions: Stay connected to your alma mater by attending one of the UNT Alumni Regional Receptions and reconnecting with other alumni in your area for networking. The Collin County reception will take place Oct. 11 at Gleneagles Country Club in Plano, and a Tarrant County reception will take place Oct. 25 at the Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, both from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. UNT President Neal Smatresk will give a brief university update at each event. RSVP at untalumni.com/fallregionalreceptions.

UNT Career Fairs/Mentoring: Get help with your job search by using the UNT Career Center’s free services for alumni, or give back by volunteering to serve as a mentor for an aspiring student pursuing a career similar to yours. Learn more at careercenter.unt.edu/alumni-career-services.

For more information or to join the UNT Alumni Association, contact alumni@unt.edu or 940-565-2834.

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1991 Jeff Crabtree, Los Angeles :: saw his video, “Rock Roller,” nominated for Video of the Year at the 2016 Libera Awards, which recognizes the independent music community. He filmed the video — in which he sings while wearing an Iron Patriot suit made for him in England — on Hollywood Boulevard last summer.

The Rev. Kyev Tatum, Fort Worth :: was appointed to the

Tarrant County Truancy Reform Committee this spring to help develop a truancy plan and address truancy policies. He also is a White House ally for the My Brother’s Keeper initiative in Fort Worth, pastor of Friendship Rock

Baptist Church, president and CEO of the Urban Public consulting firm and leader of the Tarrant County chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

1993 Cynthia Caruthers Francis, Richardson :: opened her own business, The Sculpting Shoppe, in Richardson. The shop specializes in non-invasive laser liposuction and skin tightening. While a student at UNT, she was a resident assistant at Bruce Hall.

1995 Steven Lindsey, Dallas :: is head writer and contributing editor of the national and Dallas editions of He Said Magazine. His

work also appears in The Dallas Morning News as well as WhereTraveler, Dallas Voice, the Virgin Atlantic Blog, Gayot.com, Groupon and the Official Visitors Guide for the city of Dallas. At UNT, he was a student leader on the University Program Council and helped organize events such as the UNT Gong Show and Boo Bash.

1996 Ian P. Douglas (’97), Katy :: was named chief operating officer of Allied Orion Group’s property management division. He was previously with Morgan Properties and Aimco. He has served in the U.S. Army as an Airborne interrogator. While at UNT, he was president of Phi Delta Theta and the Interfraternity Council, a

member of the Order of Omega and NT40, and captain of the rugby team. His favorite memory is when the rugby team beat TCU 46-0 in his final game.

1999 Christina Kitchens, (’05 M.B.A.), Grapevine :: moved an

energy finance team to East West Bank, which recently expanded to Texas. She now leads the energy lending group for the bank as senior managing director. In 201516 she was named to Who’s Who in Energy by Dallas Business Journal for the third year and to Dallas 500: The Most Powerful Business Leaders in DFW by D CEO.

Politics and the press Shawna Thomas (’99 TAMS) had a lot of interests when she was growing up. She played cello for the Houston Youth Symphony Orchestra, participated in Girl Scouts, and attended math and science camps.

But politics also appealed to her, and Thomas says she “always had an interest in news,” which served her well in her job as senior producer and senior digital editor for Meet the Press, NBC’s long-running Sunday morning public affairs show. With one Emmy and several nominations under her belt, the journalist managed the day-to-day assignments for the broadcast itself, including coordinating interviews, producing and writing. She recently accepted a job with Vice News as Washington, D.C., bureau chief.

Thomas attended a performing arts high school in Houston before entering the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science, a two-year residential program for high school juniors and seniors to earn Olivia Petersen

college credit while taking classes at UNT. She says she met some of her closest friends at TAMS. “The school is good at bringing people together and giving them a challenging education,” Thomas says. “I came out of the TAMS program with a better sense of self.”

She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in political communication from George Washington University and a master’s in broadcast journalism from the University of Southern California. She worked for NBC for almost 10 years, starting out as an assignment editor and associate producer, and going on to cover the White House before joining Meet the Press.

She says it was a challenge to produce a once-a-week show in a 24/7 news world, especially in election years.

“What we thought we wanted to do with the show on a Wednesday could very well not be relevant on a Saturday night or Sunday morning,” she says.

In her new job, she hopes to “push the envelope when it comes to how we tell politics and policy stories.”

“I like to be challenged,” she says, “and I like new and exciting opportunities.”

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—Sarah Guenther

2007

Jennifer Robinson, Decatur ::

Michael Seman (M.S.), Den-

and her husband own JROBS Sports and Fitness, which began 10 years ago as a specialized personal and performance training business. It outgrew several spaces and eventually moved to a 20,000-square-foot training facility, where they also started CrossFit 287, a strength and conditioning program.

ton :: senior research associate at

UNT’s Economics Research Group, co-edited The Production and Consumption of Music in the Digital Age (Routledge), a look at the influence of digital technologies on music. He also lectured and sat on a panel at the University of Colorado at Denver for its Music and Entertainment Industry Studies Music Business Seminar.

2004 2009 Janine Quinn, Burleson ::

won Teacher of the Year for Poynter Elementary for 2015-16 and went on to win Elementary District Teacher of the Year for Crowley ISD — the district where she graduated from high school.

She teaches third grade and has been teaching in Crowley ISD for 11 years. At UNT, she was a member of Sigma Tau Delta.

Jasmine Carter (M.B.A.),

Vandy Koroma

2002

Giving what’s needed As a 16-year-old in 2000, Alhaji Saccoh (’10) left his family in his native Sierra Leone to flee the nation’s civil war. He didn’t return until 2013,

Atlanta, Ga. :: accepted the posi-

after earning a UNT degree in international studies and entering graduate

tion of director of alumni relations for the Jindal School of Management at the University of Texas at Dallas. She was assistant director for constituent programs at Georgia State University from 2010 to 2016 and at the University of Texas at Arlington from 2005 to 2010. At UNT, she was a member of Sigma Gamma Rho.

school at the University of Pennsylvania. He was completing a Harvard School of Public Health Research on Children and Global Adversity internship in the capital of Freetown when he visited his old primary school in Kalangba, where he had shipped some supplies.

“When I saw how much was needed, I was ashamed that what I had bought was so small,” he says. “The school didn’t have any books and few pens, pencils, notebooks and crayons. The roof leaked whenever it rained.”

Saccoh — who had been a volunteer firefighter in Pennsylvania — also was appalled to learn that firefighters in Freetown fought blazes with worn hoses and without fireproof boots, gloves, helmets and coats. He collected more than 200 sets of gently used gear from Philadelphia-area fire

2010 2006

departments and returned last December with even more equipment.

And he did not forget his old school. In February 2015, after receiving his

Johnathan Wilson (M.S.) San

master’s degree in economic development and growth, he founded the

Fouad Fakhouri (D.M.A.) New

Antonio :: began working as

Sierra Leone Children’s Fund. The nonprofit’s goal is to promote rural

York City :: was honored with a

director of library services at San Antonio College in May. While attending graduate school at UNT, he worked at Texas Woman’s University as a library assistant, moving through the ranks until reaching the position of access services librarian.

primary education in Kalangba and the neighboring village of Maforay by

$1.1 million endowment by the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra in North Carolina. He led the orchestra for 11 years before being named music director for the Saginaw Bay Symphony in Michigan. The Fouad K. Fakhouri Endowment for Artistic Excellence will be used to help support activities of the orchestra, including its seasonal concerts.

renovating three schools attended by about 900 students.

“I hope I can give these children opportunities that were never given to me, like a library, a decent classroom or a computer lab,” says Saccoh, who would also like to provide a school-based clinic, a teacher training summer program, and sports equipment and uniforms.

He directs the nonprofit while serving as a refugee health coordinator for HIAS Pennsylvania and says his work with a nonprofit organization as a UNT student prepared him well. For more than two years, he was a volunteer case

2011

manager for International Rescue Committee in Dallas, coordinating services for refugees and their families.

Josh Willson (M.S.), Fort Worth :: a CPA with The Walton

“The experience showed me that I want to give back to other refugees,” — Nancy Kolsti

he says, “and also give back to home.”

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...... I N T H E //

News

Courtesy of Collin County

È Tim Nolan

Group, received the Outstanding Community Volunteer award from the Fort Worth chapter of the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants for his leadership in the “100 Years, 100 CPAs, 100 Hours” campaign in 2015. He organized a Habitat for Humanity build in Hood County, with CPAs providing labor, in October 2015.

display polling places for the county’s voters — who are allowed to vote at any location — and route them to those with the shortest wait times. The award-winning

primaries. Nolan, who studied geography at UNT, told routefifty.com that the app is not complicated: “Get a route with the touch of a finger. It’s not spectacular.

It’s not millions of lines of code, but the beauty is in its simplicity.”

È

A study of how the dating app Tinder affects psychological well-being, by Jessica

Strubel, assistant

Overland Park, Kan. :: is the new

regional reference and local history librarian for the Johnson County Library in Overland Park.

Siddhartha ‘Sidd’ Srivastava

an app that uses geographic information systems to

the app generated more than 57,000 routes during the

Katherine Stramel (M.S.),

2015

Collin County’s GIS department, and his team created

code to find wait times, made news this spring when

2014

2012

(’91), senior applications manager for

project, which also includes the ability to scan a QR

mornings — in the GAB with friends and fellow editors to put out the North Texas Daily.

Paul Bottoni, Dallas :: and his wife welcomed their first child, Bianca Rose, “future Mean Green,” in November 2014. He works at the University of Texas at Dallas, where he helps produce UT Dallas magazine along with other publications and social media content.

His favorite campus memories are spending late nights — and early

(TAMS), Dallas :: scored a perfect score on the Medical College Admissions Test for prospective medical students. Less than 0.5 percent of test takers make a perfect score. With the aim of becoming a neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon, he has applied to top medical schools across the country.

He eventually hopes to open a medical clinic in his native India.

professor of merchandising and digital retailing, and

Trent Petrie, professor of psychology, was popular this fall with media including The Washington Post, CBS News, The Daily Mail, The Guardian and more. An Aug. 4 Time magazine article reports on the study’s surprising finding that men who use Tinder had the lowest levels of self-esteem. The researchers speculate that may

app, and since men tend to accept potential matches (or swipe right) more often than women do, men have a higher chance of being rejected. “These platforms may not be the best place to get validation that you’re an OK person or you’re attractive,” Petrie says. “Perhaps we want to look a little more inside ourselves, and to our close friends, for that validation.”

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David Minton

be due to the fact that more men than women use the

This summer, about 100 alumni from UNT’s Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science attended a reunion and reception in the new University Union. Those honored included the charter class of 1996 and the class of 2006.

F R I E N D S

W E ’ L L

M I S S

UNT’s alumni, faculty, staff and students are the university’s greatest legacy. When members of the Eagle family pass, they are remembered and their spirit lives on. Send information about deaths to The North Texan (see contact information on page 4).

Read more, write memorials and connect with friends at northtexan.unt.edu.

1940s Alice ‘Ruth’ Ragsdale (’44), Garland :: She worked for the state health department in Austin and, in 1962, began a 27-year career as a microbiologist at Parkland Hospital in Dallas.

After retiring, she cared for church members with AIDS and volunteered for the North Dallas Shared Ministries’ food pantry.

She was 91 when she lost her struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Survivors include daughters

Janet McMillen (’76, ’78) and Diane Niedwiecki, who

Kappa Sigma fraternity, served as first senior senator and was director for Campus Chat on air.

James Weeks Tiller Sr. (’40), Elysian Fields :: He graduated from high school at 16 and majored in business administration at North Texas. He and five classmates founded the Falcons, which later evolved into Kappa Sigma fraternity. He then served as a staff sergeant with the 75th Infantry Division in Europe during World War II. He served as postmaster for Elysian Fields from 1953 to 1989.

attended in the late 1970s.

1950s

Robert A. Lynch (’49), Plano

Nina Rose Burger (’50), Ballinger :: She was a physical

:: He joined the National Guard during the Korean War and retired as a first lieutenant. He worked for Taylor Publishing Co., Balfour, Willsie Cap & Gown and Art Carved. The highlight of his career was designing the 1978 Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl rings. After he retired, he founded Alternative Dual Fuels. At North Texas, he was a member of the

education teacher and coach for 25 years, spending most of that time at Nimitz Junior High School in Odessa. She moved to Ballinger in 2008. She was active in her church.

Daniel Julius Nolting (’50), Georgetown :: He had a 33-year career with Dresser-

Magcobar, an oil field services company, retiring as vice president of Western operations in 1986.

He then began a successful real estate career in Dripping Springs.

In 2000, he fully retired and settled in Georgetown. He served in the U.S. Army at Fort Riley, Kan., for two years.

change in the tools, treatments and techniques in the field. While at North Texas, he was also a member of the Geezles. He is survived by his wife, Marvie Cody (’64). Donations may be made to the Jim Cody UNT Athletic Training Student Scholarship Fund.

Jack Evans (’51), Dallas ::

Orrie Lee Harris (’55, ’60 M.Ed.), Bridgeport :: He was

He worked as a real estate broker for 38 years. He and his husband, George Harris, were together for 55 years and were the first same sex couple married in Dallas County after the Supreme Court’s 2015 ruling. Their wedding was featured in many media outlets, including People magazine. Jack helped found many LGBT organizations, including The Dallas Way, an archives project housed at the UNT libraries.

Don K. Gobin (’57), Richardson :: He worked for Texas

William ‘Phil’ Elliott (’53), Meadowlakes :: He retired as

Instruments for 37 years and was active in his church. He was a brother in Sigma Phi Epsilon.

vice president for sales of Selmer Band Instruments. He also played trombone and bass professionally while teaching music in Texas and Florida public schools. At North Texas, he belonged to Sigma Phi Epsilon and the Sinfonia music fraternity, and he played in the Aces of Collegeland and the One O’Clock Lab Band. Survivors include his wife, Lawrie (’53).

Jim Cody (’55, ’60), Arlington :: He became the first athletic trainer for North Texas and was recognized as a visionary for seeing the need for radical Fall 2016

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a teacher and coach in Keller, Chico and Bridgeport and was named to the Keller ISD Hall of Fame in 2005. He was an avid golfer and traveler and a member of the Chico Lions Club and United Methodist Men. At North Texas, he met and married

Mary Lu Syms (’57).

Gerald Schafer (’58), Richardson :: He first attended North Texas in 1950 but left to join the Army, where he was stationed in Germany from 1953 to 1956. He returned in 1956, finishing his degree and beginning his business career at General Dynamics. He later joined Colins Radio (which became Rockwell, then Alcatel), and retired in 1993. While at North Texas, he was a member of the Phi Tau fraternity, which became Sigma Phi Epsilon. He is survived by his wife, Kay (’59).

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Kay Van Cleave (’59), Houston :: She worked for the Houston ISD for more than 40 years, as a teacher and then as a drug counselor. She also earned a master’s degree and a doctorate in holistic health science. She was active in animal causes and in the gay community in Houston.

1960s Bill Carrico (’61, ’68 M.Ed.), Denton :: He played football at Denton High School and North Texas before serving 36 years as a Denton ISD coach and administrator. He helped lead North Texas to the Missouri Valley Conference title in 1958 and a share of the title the next year, when he was named to the Williamson All-American team.

He also helped integrate North Texas athletics in 1956 and Denton High School’s program when he coached there from 1963 to 1978. He was named to the

University Community Curtis Condray, 60, died May 27 in Denton. He was a food services manager, who had worked at UNT since 2001. He previously worked for the Denton Country Club. He was a Texas Tech graduate, a member of the Krum Masonic

UNT Athletic Hall of Fame and UNT’s All-Century Team. He was the son of longtime chemistry professor J.L. ‘Kit’ Carrico (’27, ’29) and Mary Lou Jones

Carrico (’31, ’58 M.Ed.).

Joseph Michael Churchman (’61), South Fork, Colo. :: He

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Simpson Jerden (’29),

James Dixon Kirby (’62 M.A.), Morro Bay, Calif.

Keith Evans Jerden (’63, ’67 M.Ed.), Grand Prairie :: He

Noe Flores (’63, ’67 M.A.), Fort Worth :: He taught

preceded him in death.

Robert S. Greer (’64, ’66 M.Ed.), Georgetown :: He worked in industry for several years before completing his degrees. He taught industrial arts and then was hired by the Dallas ISD as the first male school counselor. He offered counseling at several sites in Dallas ISD and Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD. He spent 33 years in education.

Robert P. ‘Bob’ Henley (’69), Gainesville :: He was a tool

After a career in business, he enrolled at North Texas and then taught high school history for many years. He served in the

worked as a teacher, coach, assistant principal and principal for the Grand Prairie ISD for 40 years. He served in the U.S. Naval Air Reserves from 1962

designer at Lockheed Martin/ General Dynamics/National Supply. He also worked at Sanders Church Furniture. Bob had three children who were all UNT graduates and seven grandchildren.

in student accounting and cashier-

from 2006 to 2015 and prior to that

Holiday Inn. She enjoyed reading

ing services at UNT since 2002.

worked at several local financial

and spending time with her friends

Her family says her job was her

institutions, including TexasBank

and grandchildren.

passion and she loved working

and Wells Fargo. She loved to travel

with students and co-workers,

with her family and also loved cats,

rarely missing a day of work. She

adopting many from local animal

was born in Louisville, Ky., and had

shelters. She earned a bachelor’s

been married for 55 years.

degree in general business and a

::

master’s in personnel/ industrial

Mary Nan Hudgins Mailman (’50, ’56 M.M.), 87, a

Lorie Jane Ingram (’85, ’87 M.B.A.), 52,

relations at UNT.

professor of music who taught at

Peggy Sue Lee, 54, a former

25 in Weatherford. A lifelong pia-

dining services employee, died

nist, she began her music career

former director

March 8 in Denton. She worked in

at age 20 when she won the 1949

of alumni operations for the UNT

dining services from 1987 to 2014.

G.B. Dealey Memorial Award and

Alumni Association, died May 2 in

While working at UNT, she also

played a Mozart concerto with the

Denton. She worked on campus

worked part-time for 20 years at the

Dallas Symphony Orchestra. She

died June 12 in

46

(’67, ’69 M.A., ’79 Ph.D.), Jan (’69 M.A.) and Mary Copeland (’68) and granddaughters Shannon Petty (’95) and Amy Lynch (’95).

Spanish, Hispanic literature and the humanities as a professor at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth. He came to North Texas on an athletic scholarship and was a member of the 1959 Sun Bowl football team, a letterman and a member of the Geezles.

Patricia ‘Pat’ Ann Esther, 75,

had worked

to 1970. Survivors include his wife, Marilyn Jerden (’63).

His parents, Cecil M. Jerden (’31) and Marjorie L.

was a salesman for Ryerson and Co. and Swest, a commercial jewelry manufacturer. In 1985, he followed his true passion, jewelry making. He opened the Dallas Jewelry Institute and the Wild River Jewelry Co., in South Fork, Colo., in 1993, with his wife Mary Churchman (’61). He also was an avid fisherman and hunter and a Master Mason.

Lodge and a ham radio operator.

Denton. She

Oklahoma National Guard and was called to active duty in World War II in 1939. He is survived by his daughters, Sue Nash

northtexan.unt.edu

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Fall 2016

UNT from 1976 to 1995, died June

1970s William P. Latham Jr. (’70, ’71 M.S., ’76 Ph.D.), Dallas :: He was an Air Force civilian research scientist at the Kirkland Air Force Base Research Lab in Albuquerque, N.M., and worked as the project lead and supervisor for the Strategic Defense Initiative. He also conducted laser optics research. He was a fellow of the Directed Energy Professional Society and of the International Society for Optical Engineering and Laser Institute of America.

He played soccer at North Texas and was an Emeritus Referee for the National Soccer League.

Donations may be made to the UNT soccer team.

Public Library as a reference librarian. He worked there for 25 years and headed the government documents department. He served with the Marine Corps in World War II and was later commissioned in the Army and served as a military policeman in Europe during the Korean War.

1980s Nan Cotten (’80), Trophy Club :: She was a certified diagnostician and a teacher for 20 years, specializing in the care of children with disabilities. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Survivors include her husband, Arthur Cotten (’62), and her brother,

Neil C. Tuthill (’55).

Kan. He also was a Presbyterian (PCUSA) minister in churches in Austin, Taylor and Irving. He enjoyed barbershop singing.

James Robert McLain (’83), Flower Mound :: He began his career as district auditor for Target. He was a consultant and utility rate analyst, serving more than 30 years in the municipal government finance community.

Debbie Sue Wiechman (’89 M.S.), Marietta, Ga. :: She was a contractor for UPS, designing computer-based training programs for 15 years.

She was active in her church orchestra and choir and enjoyed knitting and being a band parent.

Survivors include her husband,

Larry Cook (’89).

Richard Fielder (’73 M.L.S.), Lubbock :: After nine years as a

Ronald Lynn Floyd (’82 M.Ed.), Dallas :: He worked

1990s

print media specialist in advertising with Leo Burnett, he started a career with the Houston

as a counselor and teacher in public and private schools in Plano, San Antonio and Wichita,

Ismael P. ‘Sonny’ Brionez Jr. (’99), Corpus Christi ::

also was a finalist in the Interna-

pedagogue Rosina Lhévinne. Sur-

a Master of Fine Arts in ceramics

tional Concours in Geneva, Switzer-

vivors include her son, Matthew

from Arizona State University in

land. She taught at the Eastman

Mailman (’95 D.M.A.).

Tempe, Ariz. He also apprenticed

School of Music and East Carolina

Before enrolling at UNT, he served in the U.S. Air Force for four years as an A1C missile facilities specialist. He worked as a probation officer and as a tax professional. He was a loyal fan of the Mean Green and enjoyed tennis and grilling.

2010s Francis C. Nwose, Grand Prairie :: He was a graduate student in electrical engineering who last attended UNT in spring 2015.

Tyler Jacob Talley, White Oak :: He was an accomplished saxophonist at both White Oak High School and Kilgore College, where he played in the jazz band.

He was a student in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Memorials

with master potter Michael Leach

Send memorials to honor UNT

Elmer Taylor, 68,

in England. He taught at Mercer

alumni and friends, made payable

University in Macon, Ga., before

to the UNT Foundation, to Univer-

works by Mozart and Poulenc and

Professor

joining North Texas. He conducted

sity of North Texas, Division of

often played as a duo-pianist with

Emeritus of

lectures and workshops interna-

Advancement, 1155 Union Circle

longtime friend and fellow piano

art, died July 1

tionally, and his work was featured

#311250, Denton, Texas 76203-

at his home in Ketchum, Idaho. He

in numerous publications and pub-

5017. Indicate on your check the

She earned her degrees in piano

taught at UNT from 1974 to 2013,

lic collections, including the High

fund or area you wish to support.

at North Texas, where she studied

becoming a Regents Professor in

Museum of Art in Atlanta. He and

with Silvio

Scionti, and was married to Martin Mailman,

Or make secure gifts online at

2003. He made his reputation on

his wife, Dianne Taylor (’73, ’77

development.unt.edu/givenow. For

his beautiful ceramics and men-

M.F.A., ’83 Ph.D.), former lecturer

more information, email giving@

also a music professor. She earned

tored countless students through

in art, owned Taylormade Pottery in

unt.edu or call 940-565-2900.

an artist diploma from Juilliard,

the years. He earned a bachelor’s

the Ketchum/Sun Valley area.

studying with the famous piano

degree in ceramics and crafts and

University in addition to UNT. She especially loved performing

faculty member

Jean Mainous.

Fall 2016

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T H E L AS T

Word

BEST DECISION

by Evelyn J. Labus Milligan (’50) This spring, I had the honor of attending my granddaughter Lauren’s graduation ceremony at UNT, where she received her bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation studies — 66 years after I received my bachelor’s in physical education from what was then North Texas State College.

The campus has really grown, but the visit brought my own college days to mind.

Denton was a long way from my home in Edinburg when I began planning to go to college in the 1940s. My mother wanted me to go to Southwest Texas State College in San Marcos because it was closer, but my decision was North Texas. It was one of the best I ever made.

I always rode a bus from Edinburg to Denton, which took about 15 to 18 hours, depending on the layover. On one trip it was so crowded I had to stand all the way to Dallas. At Easter, I would work as a volunteer in the office of the dean of women, Imogene Bentley, because it was too far and expensive to go home.

I enjoyed every day I attended. At orientation we were told to always say “howdy,” “hello” or just speak when you would meet someone walking. I think the students really enjoyed that. The Saturday Night Stage Shows and the dances at the country club every Wednesday were great. ’Fessor and the Aces were at their best.

We always went to the Student Union Building to socialize, square dance, listen to someone playing the piano, get a cold drink and pick up our mail. Lauren took us on a tour this spring that included the new University Union. It’s beautiful.

48

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No r t h Texa n

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Evelyn J. Labus Milligan (’50) with granddaughter Lauren A. Milligan (’16) in May and with Delta Psi Kappa friends and sponsor Beulah Harriss in 1950 (Evelyn at far right) Bruce Hall has not seemed to change that much, except it had no air conditioning when I lived there and the cafeteria is larger. We ate all of our meals there except the Sunday evening meal. We ate very few snacks, almost none, and stayed slim and trim. We also played a lot of tennis on the courts across the street and volleyball and basketball at the Harriss Gym. When it snowed — the first time I’d ever seen snow — our house mother, Ms. Maudie Russell, would cut up a cardboard box and my roommates and I would go sliding on any elevation we could find.

The cost to go to school each semester was $40, but that was a large sum for us and I had to pay my own way through college. After my junior year, I made a decision to go home, get a job and make some money so I could complete my education.

Instead, Ms. Russell offered me a job at the dorm. As hostess, I had to see that all the girls were in their rooms and safe by 11 p.m. I also worked the front desk as a receptionist and switchboard operator.

This paid for my room and board, and it motivated me to work hard and graduate.

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Fall 2016

It was all worth it because I had so many excellent teachers. Beulah Harriss, sponsor of Delta Psi Kappa, the honorary society for physical education students, was one of my favorites. And every day when I left a classroom, I felt like I had learned something new.

My parents did not come for my graduation in 1950 because it was so far, but my sister Irene was able to attend. It was a real thrill to have her there. After graduation, she and I rode the bus back to Edinburg.

I have had a beautiful teaching and academic counseling career, thanks to the teachers who made it all possible and to UNT for providing me with this great opportunity in life. I will always be grateful — and proud that my granddaughter and I share an alma mater.

Milligan, who also earned a master’s degree from the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley, was a high school teacher and counselor in Edinburg and Hidalgo for more than 40 years. Her granddaughter Lauren began work on her UNT master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling this fall.

Senior Amy Henard is stepping into the spotlight to lead the women’s volleyball team this season.

Henard ranks No. 4 in career assists at UNT and earned a C-USA Academic Medal for a GPA of 3.75 or better, so she’s an ace on and off the court.

See the Mean Green serve up exciting action.

BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW AND CHEER THE MEAN GREEN TO VICTORY! 800-UNT-2366 / 940-565-2527

MEANGREENSPORTS.COM

Fall 2016

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The

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The North Texan

Michael Clements

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS Division of University Relations, Communications and Marketing 1155 Union Circle #311070 Denton, Texas 76203-5017

PA RT I N G S H O T This summer, UNT and the Dallas Cowboys teamed up to form a new partnership. It will offer students new academic and internship experiences and give UNT opportunities for engagement and exposure that will raise awareness of the university. UNT was on display at the grand opening of the Dallas Cowboys’ new team headquarters and training facility, The Star in Frisco. About 24,000 people came out to see Frisco ISD high schools play e N o r t h T e x a n | northtexan.unt.edu | F a l l 2 0 1 6 football1 inT hthe Ford Center at The Star, located across from UNT’s New College in Frisco.