An Official Publication of Texas Wesleyan University Fall 2010

Sharpening Our Focus on Student Satisfaction

2 Dr. Harold Jeffcoat Steps Down as President after 10 Years of Service

4 Alumnus with a 60-Year Connection to Wesleyan Becomes Its Interim President

6 Faculty & Staff Updated on Presidential Search and University Strategy

7 First Meeting of the Texas Wesleyan Board of Visitors a “Wonderful Success”

8 Let the Student Signature Experience Begin!

10 Incredible India: “Don’t worry, don’t hurry, and don’t eat too much curry”

12 University College Day 2011 — Connecting the Community and the World

13 Texas Wesleyan Fall 2010 Medal Awards

16 Music Student Wins Room Makeover from Goodwill

17 Morton Fitness Center Marks a New Era for Texas Wesleyan

18 Follow the Money

18 A New Degree of Opportunity

19 Two Wesleyan Golfers Join NAIA Hall of Fame

20 Millikan: Athletic Director of the Year

21 Cross-Country/Track and Field Added to Vibrant Sports

22 Music Donors Lavish Department with Recent Gifts

24 President’s Picnic

26 Alumni News

27 The Jay Darnell Scholarship Fund

29 In Memoriam

32 Tribute Gift Recognition

TABLE OF CONTENTS | FALL 2010

Selena Stewart jumps for joy in her newly redecorated dorm room, courtesy of Goodwill Industries (see page 16).Photo by Meisa Keivani Najafabadi

Final Inspection (see page 17)

Cover: The smiles convey how much students appreciate the beautiful remodeling of the lobby at Elizabeth Means Armstrong Hall (“before” shot above). Credit goes to Professor Joe Brown, Dean of Freshmen Success, for the expert sense of design (see page 8).

INTERIM PRESIDENTLamar E. Smith

EDITORLaura J. Hanna

CONTRIbuTINg WRITERSHerb CharlesPeter ColleyPamela CooperLaura HannaJosh Lacy

DESIgN AND PHOTO EDITORLinda Beaupré

PHOTOgRAPHYSargent N. HillTom PenningtonDarren White

OFFICE OF COMMuNICATIONS OFFICE OF ALuMNI RELATIONSTexas Wesleyan University 817.531.42201201 Wesleyan Street 817.531.7560Fort Worth, Texas 76105-1536 alumni@txwes.edu817.531.5812www.txwes.edu

Wesleyan is an official publication of Texas Wesleyan University for alumni and friends. It is published semiannually in the fall and spring by the Wesleyan Office of Communications. The views presented are not necessarily those of the editors or the official policies of the University.

ALuMNI ASSOCIATION bOARD OF DIRECTORS2010-2011

Barry Baker ’84Mac Belmontes ’09 Daphne Brookins ’01, immediate past presidentDennis Camp ’64Patsy Clifford ’55Karen Cole ’99 MBA ’04, treasurerMartha Earngey ’77Larry Kitchens ’63, presidentDr. Ray Lewis ’80David D. Martin MBA ’04, vice presidentCheryl McDonald ’87Gladys Moore ’73Sharon Roberson-Jones ’96Wanda Russell ’64, secretaryAmy Tate-Almy ’95Glen Tuggle ’85Jorge Vivar ’76Kathy Walker ’97

TExAS WESLEYAN STAFFJoan S. Canty, vice president for university advancementGina Phillips, director of development and alumni relationsDeAwna Wood, assistant director of alumni relations

Chuck Burton, assistant vice president for marketing and communicationsLaura J. Hanna, director of communications

Cristina Martinez Rebecca MartinezNancy McKenzieDarren White

Dear Alumni and Friends,

I have been thinking about the contrast between my first day as Interim President at Texas Wesleyan University in 2010 to my first day as a

student at Texas Wesleyan College in 1946. In 1946, most of our buildings were old and tired. Compare them to the

dozen new or renovated buildings of Dr. Jeffcoat’s tenure. In 1946, all of us in Mulkey Hall were just out of the military service. We had a grand total of two cars; and inside the dorm, one telephone — a pay phone, at that! And girl students were not allowed to have any cars; compulsory “chapel” attendance twice a week; no game-worthy gym on campus; the library was in the present Board Room (I think).

But there are many pleasant comparisons between then and now: making friends for life; teachers who care; an education that opens doors — to advanced degrees and/or to jobs; attractive people of the opposite gender; exciting school spirit. Well . . . perhaps in some important areas, there aren’t so many differences, after all.

As I reflect upon the past and look eagerly to the future, I am pleased and proud of all that Wesleyan has accomplished and of all that it shall be. Many areas continue to grow and prosper. Below, you will see two particular groups that I would like to highlight.

grants and Research

An additional component to the Signature Student Experience that has been introduced over the past two years is the concept of freshman learning communities (LC). Funded by Title III federal grant, a learning community is a cluster of 2–3 courses in which the same students are enrolled. LC faculty members teaching the classes create themes and share assignments for the semester. Because the assignments cross the disciplines, students are provided with new ways and angles to think about their learning experiences. This fall, we are excited to introduce learning communities for our transfer students as well.

Eunice and James L. West Library

The freshly painted and newly carpeted West Library is welcoming students and faculty while providing ID cards, parking stickers, and free coffee and tea. Great new electronic resources added this summer include The Encyclopedia of Journalism (6 volumes), The Singers Musical Theatre Anthology, and LexisNexis Academic.

Librarians engage with students and faculty in ways such as preparing Wesleyan history displays, appointing liaison contacts with academic departments, providing custom-tailored instruction classes, and spending one-on-one time with students working on research projects and class work.

Our alumni will be happy to learn that 10 yearbooks have been digitized (in an ongoing project) and may be viewed on the West Library website at http://westlibrary.txwes.edu/aboutinfo/departments/special/collections.

Finally, I want to offer my personal congratulations to golfers Danny Mijovic ’83 and Ian Leggatt ’89 for being inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame.

Cordially,

Lamar E. Smith, ’50, HON ’65

Ex-OFFICIO MEMbERS E. Frank Leach ’53Dr. Carl G. Schrader, Jr.

www.txwes.edu2 

Dr. Harold Jeffcoat Steps

Down as President after 10 Years of

Service

A fter serving 10 years as President of Texas Wesleyan University, Dr. Harold G. Jeffcoat, retired on June 1, 2010, with plans to join the Wesleyan faculty after returning from a one-year sabbatical.

At the time of the announcement, Jeffcoat was out of town, attending to a family matter. In a statement, he said, “My wife Marie and I have enjoyed ten years of productive, rewarding work for Texas Wesleyan University. Now we intend to treat ourselves to a restful summer at our home in Norway and in January depart for a world cruise in celebration of our 40th anniversary.”

The avid golfer added, “The only thing I leave unfinished at Wesleyan is to win my name on the President’s Cup golf trophy, ensconced for far too long in Bill Bleibdrey’s office. I look forward to returning and beginning my next objective: to become the best ex-president I can be for Texas Wesleyan.”

A visionary planner During Jeffcoat’s presidency, 18 buildings were built or renovated and doctoral programs in education and nurse anesthesia were added to the existing law degree. Full ABA accreditation and a $6.5 million renovation to the School of Law were achieved during his tenure. A site in Burleson was established to serve residents of Johnson County. The Graduate Program in Nurse Anesthesia has grown to be the largest in the country. At the same time, Wesleyan has become an active community leader in the Rosedale Redevelopment Initiative.

During Jeffcoat’s time, the athletic program moved from the NCAA to the NAIA and experienced great success. The sports program has garnered numerous awards and has recently expanded to include cross-country and track and field. He also brought worldwide recognition to the University by starting a table tennis team, who have been the reigning national champions since its inception.

“Without question, he made truly significant contributions during his decade at Wesleyan,” said Dan Boulware, Wesleyan Trustee. “He brought vision and focus to Wesleyan when we needed it most. He stabilized the financials, ensured proper accreditation, and then went to work breathing new life into a once-tired campus.”

Interim President Lamar Smith said he was struck in recent years by the many physical improvements that had been made to the campus. “I was impressed with the new buildings and renovation of other buildings. I was excited about the future of our school.”

Thank you to a true leader “We understand his desire to retire, as 10 years is beyond the norm for university presidents,” noted Anne Skipper ’78, past chairman of the Board of Trustees. “We look forward to his return next June and greatly appreciate his dedication to Wesleyan and its students. He was always approachable, always visible at school events, and regularly joined students for lunch in the cafeteria. As a professor, his knowledge, experience, and love for Wesleyan will continue to serve our students in the years to come.”

She added, “The members of the board worked diligently to address Dr. Jeffcoat’s desire to retire and return to teaching. Understandably, we’re grateful for all that he achieved during his 10 years of service as president. He came at a difficult time in our history, accepted the challenge, and then worked hard to build Wesleyan into what it is today.”

Looking ahead, Skipper said the Board of Trustees has a vision of a very bright future. “We want to be the premier student-focused teaching and learning university in North Texas. We want to give our students a unique, ‘signature experience’ that better positions Wesleyan with prospective, current, and former students. We want to continue to breathe new life into our campus and the surrounding area. The fact is, we want so many things that we must understand that our quest is far from over. The best is yet to come, I assure you.”

Jeffcoat previously served as vice chancellor at the University of Missouri, assistant vice president at Purdue; director of development at Western Kentucky University and the University of South Florida; and director of corporate and foundation relations at The Florida State University Foundation, Inc. Early in his career, he was a professional baseball player with the San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals. He and his wife Marie have three children and two grandchildren.

Fal l 2010

Building Renovations & New ConstructionDuring Dr. Harold Jeffcoat’s Term as President■ NenettaBurtonCarterBuilding,2001■ AnnWaggonerMusicBuilding/MartinHallrenovations,completed2002■ NurseAnesthesiabuilding,2003■ ThadSmothermanTheatrerenovated,2003■ DanWaggonerHallrenovation,completed2003■ LawSchoolrenovated,2005■ BettyandBobbyBraganFellowshipHall/HestaStuartChristianEducation

Building(PolytechnicUMC)renovated,2005■ WestVillage,formerlyWesleyanVillage,2005■ EdandRaeSchollmaierScienceandTechnologyBuilding,2007■ LouellaBaker-MartinPavilion,nowLou’sPlace,2007■ GlickHouse,nowGlickHouseCommunityCounselingCenter,renovated,2007■ O.C.ArmstrongHallrenovated,circa2008■ SidRichardsonCentergymnasiumrenovated,2008■ BakerBuildingrenovated,2008■ ClaudiaSteppSceneShop,2009■ WesleyanBookstore,movedfrommainpartofcampustoRosedale,

aspartoftherenovationofthePolytechnicBusinessDistrict,2009■ MortonFitnessCenter(constructionbeganin2009andwascompletedin2010)

3 

Athletic Achievements During Dr. Harold Jeffcoat’s Term as President■ TableTennishaswon41NationalChampionshipsinthelastnineyears

includingallsevenCoedTeamTitleseverdecided.■ BaseballteamhasappearedintheRedRiverAthleticConference(RRAC)

Championshipgameineachofthelastfiveseasons.■ Men’sBasketballteamwonthenationalchampionshipin2006andhaswon

117gamesinthelastfiveyears,trailingonlytheUniversityofTexasandTexasA&MUniversityintheStateofTexas.

■ Men’sGolfteamwasarunner-upin2008.■ Women’sBasketballteamwasjustonewinshyoftheirsecondNAIANational

Tournamentappearancelastyear.■ Women’sSoccerteamwonRRACChampionshipsin2005,2006,and2008.■ SoftballplayerAshleyOldhamfinishedherfour-yearcareerafterthe2010

seasonwith42completegames,sixsaves,17shutouts,and333strikeouts,allschoolrecords.

■ VolleyballteamhasappearedintheRRACChampionshipmatchinfiveofthelasteightseasons.

www.txwes.edu4 

Central Texas Conference — First United Methodist Church, Fort Worth, Texas (1955–1968)■ Officer on the Conference Board of Missions; went on a mission tour to Puerto Rico, visiting the Methodist churches, our seminary, and the conference camp. ■ In Central Texas, served as the Minister of Evangelism at First United Methodist Church, Fort Worth. With his “Fishermen’s Club,” he led the Conference in new members during each of his 13 years in that position. More than 5,000 new members joined.■ Served on the Wesley Foundation Boards at Texas Christian University and the University of Texas at Arlington. During this period, Dr. Smith

was awarded a Doctor of Divinity degree by Texas Wesleyan College.

North Texas Conference — University United Methodist Church, Wichita Falls, Texas (1968–1972)■ While Senior Minister of the University United Methodist Church, the congregation doubled its annual giving, dramatically increased its local mission work, and built a multi-use Fellowship Hall. ■ Member of the North Texas Conference; served on the prestigious Board of Ordained Ministry, a board whose membership is appointed by the presiding bishop. ■ Served on the Wesley Foundation Board of Midwestern University; invited to join the Texas Wesleyan Board of Trustees.

The Louisiana Conference — University United Methodist, Baton Rouge, Louisiana (1972–1980)■ Worked with the music directors to build programs for children, youth and adults; encouraged the Chapel Choir of teenagers to alternate years of singing tours and mission tours.■ For eight years, led that congregation to new heights of stewardship and increased mission involvement.■ Part-time pre-school for the children of university students and faculty was expanded to full time, better serving the greater Louisiana State University community. ■ Served on the Conference Board of Campus Ministries; member of the Uniting Campus Ministry Board at LSU and the Wesley Foundation Board at Southern University.

The MaNy MeThodisT Roles oF The Rev. dR. laMaR edWaRd sMiTh

Fal l 2010 5 

A s of June 1, 2010, Dr. Smith was appointed to serve Texas Wesleyan University as Interim President while the

Search Committee works to select the University’s new president.

From the time he was 19 years old, Dr. Lamar Smith knew he had a religious calling. “I decided on ministry when I got out of the Navy. That was

August 1946. Because of my decision, I came to Texas Wesleyan College to get my first degree.”

It was there that he met Beverly Sone, daughter of then-president Law Sone (who served from 1935 to 1968). She was in high school when they were introduced. They dated on and off for a couple of years and then she enrolled at Southern Methodist University. “She had lived on campus since she was three, so she needed a change of scenery,” said Dr. Smith, smiling.

After leaving for SMU, Beverly Sone fell in love and got married. During that same timeframe, Lamar Smith fell in love with Doris Hudgens. They were married for nearly 56 years. “We had a good life. We traveled a lot and served some wonderful churches.” And they had three children along the way: Elizabeth Dell Wood of Fort Worth, Lamar Edward Smith II of Alvarado and Ernest Hudgens Smith of Houston.

Both couples enjoyed long and happy marriages. After decades of wedlock, Sone and Smith were both widowed. Their paths crossed again in recent years and they fell in love. They were married March 1, 2008.

Hi s Da y s a s a st u D e n t a n D Be y o n D

Much has changed since Smith was a student at Wesleyan, but the most obvious differences are in the facilities – residential living, dining areas, classrooms, offices. When he was in school,

all of the men who had served in the military resided in the old Mulkey Hall. “There are some things that haven’t changed: school spirit and a positive attitude on the part of teachers towards the students.”

Smith graduated with honors in 1950, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. He then enrolled in Perkins School of Theology at SMU to prepare to serve in the ministry.

“During my seminary years, I worked part-time and recruited students with a title of chaplain and field representative,” said Smith. “I drove around Texas recruiting students, one of whom was Bill Hailey.” Turns out that Wesleyan was a good fit for Hailey, who worked here for 44 years in many roles — education professor, provost and interim president. When Hailey had the position Smith now

holds, Smith liked to tease him about being among the collection of official presidential portraits that are painted and then hung in the board room in the administration building. “I kept telling him we needed a Polaroid of him to put in the gallery upstairs,” he said. “So as soon as I got this job, guess what he told me?”

We l c o m e D Ba c k t o We s l e y a n

Although his stint at interim president marks a return to campus for Smith, in many ways, it’s as if he never left. His connection to the University has been strong and lengthy. He has served on the Board of Trustees for 40 years. During the 1950s, he helped organize the Texas Wesleyan College Alumni Association and served as its first president. In 1965, he earned an honorary doctorate. And in 1988, he was named Alumnus of the Year.

Smith is thoroughly enjoying his job and is appreciative of how receptive everyone has been to his arrival. “I’ve been very grateful for the way everybody has welcomed me. The vice presidents have been good to introduce me to faculty and staff members. It’s been a very warm and gracious welcome.” (continued on next page)

Alumnus with a 60-Year Connecion to Wesleyan Becomes Its Interim President

By Laura Hanna

I feel like we have two challenges: visibility and endowment. If I can bring Fort Worth

people, especially Methodist people, to campus, I will have achieved one of my

goals.

At left: Lamar Smith in his office, 2010; top two small photos are from the 1947 student yearbook; the bottom photo is from the 1950 yearbook.

The Texas Conference—First United Methodist Church, Conroe, Texas (1980–1988)■ Congregation grew by 1,500 members.■ Led members to purchase property out of the city center and build a new facility.■ Went on to serve the Conference as a District Superintendent, but successors built a beautiful place to worship on the new property for the continually expanding congregation.

The Texas Conference—houston North district (1988–1994)■ District comprised of 69 congregations, ranging in size from more than 10,000 members (First

United Methodist Church, Houston) to an African American congregation of five faithful ladies.■ Encouraged growth and missionary outreach to congregations in growing areas; cooperation and perseverance to his congregations in the inner city. ■ During final of six years as a superintendent, Smith was elected by his peers to serve as president of the cabinet.

And Then . . . ■ Bishop J. Woodrow Hearn asked Smith to be his Conference Provost and Episcopal Assistant. Those became his jobs until his first retirement in 1997. “It was quite an honor. It was a great job,” said Smith.

■ After his 17 years with the Texas Conference, he was invited to return to Central Texas and the First United Methodist Church. After five years as director of the First Methodist Foundation, he again became Minister of Evangelism. During these years, Dr. Smith represented this conference on the Texas Wesleyan University Board of Trustees. “I love this school. I have been on the board for most of 40 years — and on the executive committee the last few years,” he said.

www.txwes.edu6 

lo o k i n g t o t H e Fu t u r e

“I feel like we have two challenges: visibility and endowment. If I can bring Fort Worth people, especially Methodist people, to campus, I will have achieved one of my goals.” One way he is doing that is by reviving the Board of Visitors, which met in September (see page 7).

He is proud of his alma mater and all that has been achieved over the years – from campus improvements to the quality of personnel. “In my observation, Texas Wesleyan has the finest faculty we’ve ever had and the most professional administrators we’ve ever had.” On top of that, Wesleyan saw its largest enrollment this fall. “Everyone can take great pride in the University. It has a tremendously bright future,” Smith said. “The new president will have a wonderful opportunity to build on what has already been accomplished.”

li F e t i m e o F se r v i c e t o t H e mi n i s t r y

The first time Smith came to First United Methodist Church in downtown Fort Worth, he ended up serving there for 13 years. “It was a wonderful training ground for me and it influenced my other ministries.”

Upon his return to FUMC, Smith served another 13 years. He joked that the church was holding an office for him for when his term as interim president has ended.

Throughout his ministries, Smith has traveled around the world and has helped congregations grow tremendously. “I enjoyed every place we lived and I enjoyed every job I ever had.”

He reminisced about a particular assignment where he would be preaching to a very educated congregation — with more than 100 Ph.D holders. Smith told his mother about the job, describing her as “the dearest supporter I ever had.” She responded, “Oh, honey. What are you going to teach these people that they don’t already know?”

His worldly travels have included leading seven pilgrimages to Israel, Jordan and Egypt, and four journeys to Greece and Turkey, in the steps of the Apostle Paul. Plus, there were trips to Japan, Hong Kong, Vancouver, Great Britain, Russia, Scandinavia and

other European countries. “Travel has really been a large part of my ministry.”

When Smith led Methodists to the River Jordan, they would acknowledge a spiritual rebirth. Because they only celebrate baptism once, Methodists call this ceremony “Remember your baptism and be grateful.” Smith would take water from the river and bless them with the sign of the cross.

These memories came back recently, when Smith presided over a woman’s funeral. Her daughter approached him, carrying a photograph. It was the image of Smith blessing her mother at the River Jordan. That’s the kind of memory that lasts a lifetime.

FACULTY  &  STAFF  UPDATED ON  PRESIDENTIAL  SEARCH AND  UNIVERSITY  STRATEGY

Just days before a fall semester that set a new enrollment record (3,378), the faculty and staff at Wesleyan were briefed on the strategic direction of the University. Topics included:

a New interim President

Dr. Lamar Smith hosted a meet-and-greet breakfast just prior to his address in Martin Hall. The event provided a great social setting for the Wesleyan community.

Presidential search

A status report was delivered by the Chairman of the Presidential Search Committee, Beverly Volkman-Powell, B.S. ’92, MBA ’99, who is also the Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees. The committee, which is comprised of members of Wesleyan’s faculty, student body, alumni, and board of trustees, is making excellent progress. They have now successfully identified a collection of finalists from the initial set of 80+ highly qualified candidates.

Five-year strategic Plan

A high-level overview of Wesleyan’s strategic plan gave all offices and departments an opportunity to align their efforts to plan. Individual efforts, after all, drive the university’s mission and vision, which is to be the premier student-centered teaching and learning university in North Texas.

signature student experience

After a year of research and planning, this bold initiative was unveiled to all faculty and staff. For more information, see the article on page 8.

Beverly and Lamar Smith.

First Meeting of the Texas Wesleyan Board of Visitors a “Wonderful Success”

The first meeting of the Texas Wesleyan Board of Visitors met at Lou’s Place on Sept. 8.

More than 70 people attended, and the event was deemed a “wonderful success” by Interim President Lamar Smith.

The first meeting featured a presentation by Bill Bleibdrey, senior vice president for finance and administration and chief financial officer for Texas Wesleyan University, which highlighted the University’s positive impact in the community, as well as the on-campus growth and the progress of the University’s educational mission.

Smith estimated that as many as two-thirds of the guests had not been on campus before the lunch. “One of my principal goals is for more citizens of Fort Worth — especially Methodists — to know who we are and what we do,” Smith said. “It is my belief that we do education very well, and I want Fort Worth to know that.”

Smith said he believes the new board will help the incoming president become acquainted with members of the Fort Worth community outside of Texas Wesleyan. Board of Visitors members will attend campus events,

assist the University, share information about the University, and most importantly, build relationships between Texas Wesleyan and the Fort Worth community.

The board will visit the campus three to four times during the year and will learn about programs faculty, staff and students take part in — they will also act as “ambassadors” for the University.

The original Board of Visitors held its first meeting Nov. 11, 1993, under then-president Jake B. Schrum, to call community attention to the programs at Texas Wesleyan. The group’s purpose was to “form a group of select people from the community who are well positioned to tell others about the University.” The original group consisted of more than 40 community leaders and alumni.

Smith said he imagines the new Board of Visitors will host about 25, and will perhaps even have a core group from the membership that works directly with University personnel, though Smith said the group will begin as a “work in progress.”

7 Fal l 2010

It is my belief that we

do education very well,

and I want Fort Worth

to know that. Interim President Lamar Smith

From top to bottom: bill bleibdrey; Wilma Neil and Marc Doosti; Hank Carroll and Lamar Smith

www.txwes.edu8 

Begin!

9 

To understand the concept of a signature experience, imagine the following scenario. A young family of four has saved up for a one-of-a-kind vacation — a trip to Disney World. Months of anticipation turn to excitement as the family arrives at the park. Like millions before them, they discover great entertainment,

friendly service, and impeccably clean facilities. And when they return home, with wonderful stories to share, they dream of the day when they will return.

An experience like that doesn’t just happen. Disney works hard to create a signature experience that has long made Disney’s parks one of the top family vacation destinations in the world.

Last year, Texas Wesleyan embarked on a journey to create our own signature experience — a signature student experience.

“It’s all within our grasp,” said Marcus Kerr, chief information officer and project lead. “We know our students value our small classes and the personal attention they receive from their professors. We just need to build on our strengths. Creating a signature student experience will help drive our vision to become the premier student-centered teaching and learning university in north Texas.”

Driven by researchThe work began last year with months and months of research. Dr. Margaret Schweer of the nGenera consulting firm surveyed students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees — anyone willing to sit down and talk frankly about Wesleyan’s strengths and weaknesses.

Dr. Schweer’s findings supported the strong appeal of Wesleyan’s caring faculty and staff. But her real challenge was determining what makes Wesleyan truly unique.

“It was hard to distill,” said Dr. Schweer, “because the Wesleyan culture long ago accepted and adopted the unique value proposition as ‘what we do.’ It’s in the DNA of the institution. But now it is something we can articulate: Texas Wesleyan is committed to enabling student performance by removing barriers to success. “

“Barriers to success” refers to issues students face as well as issues at the institutional level. For example, today’s students often face the

challenge of being ill-prepared for college-level work. Others

may face financial hardship. Some may be the first in their family to attend college. And many face the challenge of balancing an education with the demands

of supporting a family and tending to one or more jobs.

Driven by passionFortunately, Wesleyan excels at helping students overcome myriad challenges. The Freshman Success

Experience, for example, is designed to help new students learn how to manage their time, to learn good study habits and to fully realize all campus resources. Our Academic Success Center excels at tutoring students who need help in specific areas of study.

On the institutional side, Wesleyan has a strong foundation on which to build. For example, some students say they made their decision to attend Wesleyan solely on the basis of the personal attention they received from the admissions and financial aid teams. And the stories of caring faculty, who open not just their offices to students but their hearts as well, are legion.

Still, there are many areas of improvement to address before Wesleyan can claim to offer a true Signature Student Experience. But when that day comes, Wesleyan will be top of the mind with young people choosing a college. Our students will have a great experience from the time they visit our campus to the time they graduate. And our alumni will be proud and eager to recommend Wesleyan to potential candidates.

The good news is, the journey has already begun and . . . the best is yet to come!

O n e - Y e a r P r O g r e s s r e P O r t■ Extensive research completed

■ Strategic Objective defined, made part of the University’s Strategic Plan, and communicated to faculty and staff

■ Lobbies of residence halls renovated (cover story)

■ New security team with bike patrol

■ Installation of 40 new campus lights

■ Parking lot and new lights for soccer field

■ Dance studio refurbished

■ Library painted and carpeted

■ Brown-Lupton Student Center lobby refurbished

■ Multimedia Center Renovation will result in a media lab for students and faculty

■ Morton Fitness Center serves an active student body

■ Blog site established for ongoing communications

■ Graduate and undergraduate admissions offices now centrally located in the administration building

■ International students provided with more cooking options

■ Free washers and dryers in residence halls

■ Two new parking lots established

■ Campus-wide wireless networking by end of year

Fal l 2010

Over 500 attended the Signature Experience Kick-off.

v

< The residence hall lobby makeovers let students relax in style.

Wi-fi will make the campus a hotspot for studies.

v

www.txwes.edu1 0 

F rom July 1 to July 14, 25 Texas Wesleyan students and three professors embarked on a study-abroad trip to India. Students from the religion, masters of education, and doctorate of education

programs studied the history of India, researched the educational system of the country, and interviewed religious leaders and followers.

The group was led by Dr. Mark Hanshaw, assistant professor of comparative religion studies, Dr. Carlos Martinez, dean of the School of Education, and Dr. Twyla Miranda, professor of education.

The places of IndiaThe Taj MahalThe Taj Mahal (meaning Crown Palace), located in Agra, is a breathtaking sight. Constructed of white marble, with intricate detail and semi-precious stones, the main archways contain passages from the Koran.

Built by the Muslim Emperor Shah Jahan, the mausoleum was a tribute to his favorite wife, Queen Mumtaz Mahal, who is buried at the bottom of the monument. The construction of the Taj lasted over 22 years and employed over 20,000 workers.

The Taj, as it is called by locals, is a favorite of newlyweds, who visit it because it is good luck for their marriage. True or not, it would be good luck to see the Taj Mahal while in Agra!

The Golden TempleAs the sun set on the horizon, our tour group walked briskly through the busy streets of Amritsar. Luckily, our tour guide, Mr. Singh, was difficult to miss! With a lighted stick held high in the air, he successfully maneuvered us through the busy streets to the Golden Temple. Our trek to the holiest shrine of the Sikh religion would be but one highlight of our India trip.

Eventually, we approached the outside of the temple. Our heads were to be covered and our shoes removed as a sign of respect. It was then,

“Don’t worry, don’t hurry, and don’t eat too much curry”

barefoot and looking like pirates wearing bright-orange head scarves, that we eagerly walked on white marble floors toward the entrance. There were two rectangular pools in front of us, each containing about five inches of water. We were instructed to walk through either in order to cleanse our feet before entering.

At last we were inside the white compound that surrounded the Golden Temple! The darkness of night contrasted magnificently with the structure’s illuminating presence.

We were doubly blessed, because the following morning we returned to the Golden Temple to see it in the daytime. We were now able to see many beautiful features that we could not have

by Pamela Cooper, Cristina MartineZ, Rebecca

MartineZ and Nancy McKenZie

photos by Irma Ornelas

Texas Wesleyan in India, 2010

The Taj Mahal in Agra

Fal l 2010 1 1 

the prior night. There were people everywhere, some just sitting along the marble floors praying, others just looking on in admiration of the Golden Temple.

The Ganges River Our last full day in India started early in the morning with a sunrise boat ride along the Ganges River. The Ganges River is considered by the Hindus as the most holy of rivers. Multitudes of Hindus come to the river at least once in their life to bathe in the river. The water of the river is believed to cure those ill or cleanse the soul of sins. Many Hindus will even keep some of the holy water in their homes as a sign of respect and remembrance.

The people of IndiaThe Informative Tour GuidesSandeep Sharma was our guide for the entire journey. In the beginning, he was very serious and strict, yet willing to answer any question we asked him. We asked more questions than the average group, but he always maintained a calm composure and answered all that he possibly could.

Toward the end of the trip, however, Sandeep had become one of us, joking around as if we all had known each other for a long time. He was also still able to keep us on schedule and make sure we were all on the bus! Parting was bittersweet and we were all thankful for Sandeep’s patience and kindness.

Anjeet took us through Haridwar and Rishikesh, and he told us the clever quote, “Don’t worry, don’t hurry, and don’t eat too much curry!” This quote could have been a summation of the India experience. Definitely, for some of us, our stomachs could not handle the many wonderful spices of India.

People of India, Beauty Everywhere Along with our amazing guides we were fortunate enough to come in to contact with many other beautiful people in India. Shopkeepers in

Dharamsala showed us their merchandise with great pride, while others simply wanted to share their culture with us. It seemed that all Indians knew their history and they were proud to share with us. At every hotel, the staff was dressed in beautiful uniformed attire and greeted us with “Namaste” and placed a bindi on our brows, the symbolic third-eye dot. Hotel staff members were extremely helpful and proud of their careers.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama If His Holiness the Dalai Lama invited you to his 75th birthday party, come rain or shine, and numerous security screenings, you would make every effort to attend! The rains came, so did the security checks, and the birthday celebration followed!

His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and some 20,000 of his closest “friends” gathered in the driving rain in a tarp-covered arena. There he arrived in a closed topped car, protected from the rain, paraded down the long aisle, surrounded by bodyguards, to a stage, where he sat down, received gifts, and delivered a welcome greeting in Hindi to what seemed like a mixture of the United Nations. For more than two hours, Japanese, Chinese, Koreans, Indians, Americans, Germans, Irish, South Americans, Hispanics, and others, were squeezed into each other’s space, without incident, to share a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

The birthday holds significance, indeed. But more significant was the gathering of the world in a peaceful sense. This brings hope, the kind of hope that overcomes worldly differences.

His Holiness the 17th Karmapa After our celebration with the Dalai Lama, our group had the amazing opportunity to participate in a private interview with His Holiness the 17th Karmapa. The Karmapa is the head of one of the four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

As we walked in we each presented him our gifts of white scarves which he blessed and returned to us as a new gift. We all sat cross-legged on the floor in front of the Karmapa waiting for our conversation to begin.

After a brief introduction, the questions began and the Karmapa was patient and reflective with his answers. Our questions ranged from his relationship with the Dalai Lama to how he came to this position to his views on the Gulf oil disaster to his feelings on relationships with China, Tibet and India, to what he does for fun. It was an inspiring and insightful interview, and he reflected with time and thought before answering each question. For many of us, this was the most spiritual and elevated experience of our journey. The Karmapa told us that he is waiting to know what his future will be, but in the meantime he will continue to study, pray, and work with the other Tibetan monks in India.

Even now, a few weeks after the end of our time in India, we are still remembering new details about this experience. We are also now all applying our new world knowledge to the classes we are enrolled in and the assignments that have spawned from this study-abroad trip. We have gained further insight into education issues, economic issues, and religion’s place in India’s culture and essence. Finally, thank you to Texas Wesleyan University, the International Programs office, our professors, and each other for making this educational trip one that will remain memorable and incredible!

The Taj Mahal in Agra

The Golden Temple in Amritsar

Carmen with schoolgirls

www.txwes.edu1 2 

UniverSitY College DaY 2011ConneCting tHe CommUnitY anD tHe

World By Peter Colley

The idea of University College Day (UCD) began in 1996 with an advisory committee comprised of Dr. Ron Reed, Dr. John Hall, Dr. Joy Edwards, and Dr. Mary Ann Clark. Their vision? An interconnectedness of disciplines and sharing of intellectual ideas as a philosophical and even physical component of the university community.

At the first UCD in 1997, nineteen faculty and students presented around selected themes based on their research and classroom projects. Wesleyan University president Jake Schrum gave the keynote address.

This year, 80 students and faculty gave 37 presentations ranging from combat trauma fluid resuscitation to deifying George Washington. From using mediation in peace negotiations to practicing yoga to promote academic success in public schools. As faculty encouraged student attendance, audience size hit room capacity. Graduate students from Education, Counseling, and Nurse Anesthesia joined undergrads for day and evening events, and the West Library hosted a poster session with an additional 62 presenters. Since 2008, UCD participants have had the additional incentive of being published by Texas Wesleyan University Press.

So where do we go from here?University College Day 2011 will fall on April 5. This year’s theme is Connecting the Community and the

World. In this global and fragmented world, we hope this current generation of students will look for ways to connect with others to resolve issues that tend to divide and separate people. Presenters will be encouraged to submit work that embraces community service and social engagement.

This Year’s Keynote: A Man Whose Name is Synonymous with Nonviolence This year, University College Day is going electronic, with a planned presence on Wesleyan’s website including online submission of applications. Our program schedule is expanding to handle more presentations, and an expanded poster session. The keynote address will be given by a speaker of international acclaim, Arun Gandhi. Mr. Gandhi is a grandson of Mohandas K. “Mahatma” Gandhi. UCD participants will be invited to have lunch with Gandhi, and selected students may attend small discussion sessions with him.

The keynote speaker is a peace activist and proponent of non-violence. From his life experience in South Africa and from living with his grandfather for 18 months, Gandhi has led economic and social reform projects in India, completed research on racism in America, founded the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence (now housed at the University of Rochester, New York), and spoken widely at college campuses and corporate and civic organizations the world over. His cross-cultural experiences, passion for non-violent conflict resolution, and heritage from his grandfather make Gandhi a unique and engaging presenter for peace and social harmony. Students interested in UCD 2011 should contact Peter Colley, chair, University College Day 2011 Committee, at pcolley@txwes.edu.

You’re Invited to an Evening of Peace with Arun gandhi Mark your calendars now for a special public presentation the evening of April 5, 2011. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear a man you will long remember and who may inspire your own social engagement. For more information or an e-mail reminder, contact Chuck Burton at cburton@txwes.edu.

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The Texas Wesleyan University Alumni Association announces the Medal Award recipients for 2010.

Texas Wesleyan Fall 2010 Medal Awards

Alumni of the Year AwardClaudia Stepp ’72 Awarded to an outstanding alumnus or alumna whose service and loyalty to the University, community involvement and personal accomplishments merit the honor.

Claudia Stepp majored in elementary education at Texas Wesleyan University, and

since graduating, she has been a tireless supporter of theatre arts for decades, serving on the boards of Casa Mañana Theatre, Jubilee Theatre and Stage West Theatre. A model of community involvement, she has also served on the board of the WARM Place and the Child Study Center.

For Stepp, theatre is close to her heart. The Claudia Stepp Scene Shop is named in honor of her and her contributions to the University’s Theatre Arts program. She studied theatre in London through the summer theatre program at Florida State University. She has been married to her husband, Rod, for 50 years.

She is the mother of Rhonda Felton and Randall Stepp, and she is a grandmother of four — Rachel and Sonny Stepp and Megan and Randall Felton.

As a fund raiser in the Fort Worth area, she has chaired the Bill Cosby Gala for Casa Mañana, the Betty Buckley Gala for Casa Manana, and co-chaired the Lou Diamond Phillips Gala for Stage West.

She currently serves on the Board of Trustees at Texas Wesleyan University, the Key School and the Texas A&M School of Education. She worked at Fort Worth Country Day School for nine years and All Saints Episcopal School for four years. She has also worked at Fort Worth ISD and the Key School.

Distinguished Alumni AwardDr. John Richardson ’57 Awarded to a Texas Wesleyan graduate whose achievements have distinguished him or her in a broad (national or international) sense.

As a physician, Dr. John Richardson, a Fort Worth pediatrician, is devoted to more than just treating illness — he helps provide care to

those in our community most in need of care and advocacy. The list of Dr. Richardson’s work for the citizens of Fort Worth

seems almost endless. He is the co-founder of the WARM Place, an institution that helps grieving children and families cope with their feelings. He is also the co-founder of the Key School, which aids men and women with learning disabilities.

Add to that list the Baby Moses Project, which helped develop laws that allow parents of newborns to leave their children at a “safe location.” Dr. Richardson was also involved with the Lena Pope

Home, where he was medical director for five years. He was the sole staff physician for the Edna Gladney Center for nearly 30 years. He has been a board member of the Fort Worth Zoo, as well as a trustee emeritus for Cook Children’s Health Care System.

In 2004, Dr. Richardson, received the Fort Worth Exchange Club’s Golden Deeds Award, which put him in company with Fort Worth Star-Telegram founder Amon Carter and former mayor Bob Bolen. He received the Gold-Headed Cane in 1994, which is the highest honor bestowed by the Tarrant County Medical Society. He has also received the Congressional Angels in Adoption Award.

Dr. Richardson and his wife Joan raised five children.

Wesleyan Flame AwardKevin Millikan ‘98Presented to a current faculty or staff member whose commitment and dedication to the University merit special recognition.

Kevin Millikan is in his seventh year as Athletic Director at Texas Wesleyan University. He is also in his fourth year as

an assistant coach after serving as the Rams’ head golf coach for 10 seasons.

Millikan was named Red River Athletic Conference Athletic Director of the Year for 2009-10. During that same time, Millikan also announced the expansion of the Athletic Department to include cross country and track. In addition, Millikan has helped make tremendous improvements to the school’s athletic facilities. A newly renovated Sid Richardson Center opened in the fall of 2008, while improvements to Martin Field as well as a new fitness center are also on track.

As an athlete and student, Millikan joined the Wesleyan golf team as a player following the 1995 championship. He has been involved with Wesleyan since that time. Following his senior season, Millikan served as the Rams’ assistant coach for two years before taking over as head coach after the 1999 National Championship season.

In 10 seasons as head coach, he led the Rams to 17 tournament wins. In his first four years, the Rams qualified for the NCAA Division II Regionals three times, earning a national championship berth and an 11th-place finish in 2000. In five of his last six seasons as head coach, Millikan led the Rams to a top-10 finish in the NAIA National Tournament and had at least one All-American selection each of his last six seasons. In 2009 he led the Rams to their ninth NAIA National runner-up finish.

Millikan graduated from Texas Wesleyan in December 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. He and his wife, Kelly, reside in Fort Worth with their daughter, Kenedy.

www.txwes.edu1 4 

Honorary AlumnusJoe BrownAwarded to a non-alumnus whose contributions to students, alumni and the life of the University merit special recognition.

Joe Allen Brown is Professor of Theatre Arts and both past chair of theatre and dean of fine arts at Texas Wesleyan University. He currently

serves as the Academic Dean of Freshmen at Texas Wesleyan and the chair of the Mass Communications Department. A Phi Beta Kappa honors graduate with a B.A. in theatre and speech from the University of Arkansas, Joe also has a master’s degree in theatre design from Southern Methodist University. Fall of 2010 marks Joe’s 33rd year at Texas Wesleyan, where he has received both faculty and student awards for excellence in teaching and also recognition and awards for his service to the University through his community involvement in theatre arts, AIDS education and outreach, and also animal rescue and rehabilitation. Joe is a past recipient of the Live Theatre League of Tarrant County’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his work with the theatres in Fort Worth and Tarrant County.

Brown is the past president of the Live Theatre League of Tarrant County, having served four consecutive terms, and was one of the lead judges for Casa Mañana’s Betty Buckley High School Musical Theatre Awards for five consecutive years. He has also adjudicated for the state theatre competition of the Texas Non-Profit Theatres. Joe is a past regional design chair for the American College Theatre Festival and has also designed and directed for area theatres such as Jubilee Theatre, Fort Worth Theatre, Circle Theatre, Stage West, Onstage Theatre and Artisan Theatre. He has been a UIL One-Act Play Critic Judge for 24 years.

This summer he directed Steel Magnolias, which sold out houses for Artisan Center Theatre in Hurst.

He has also been involved in the Miranda Writes Players, a theatre effort sponsored by Texas Re-Entry Services, which works to place paroled criminals back into society.

Along with being involved in the theatre community of the Metroplex, Professor Brown is the director of the ASE 1111: The Freshmen Success Experience courses for freshmen. He is also on the senior theatre faculty of Theatre Wesleyan. He is faculty sponsor for Wesleyan Toastmasters, Wesleyan’s GSA: Gay Straight Alliance, which is a diversity group for gays and lesbians and people that support human rights; and co-sponsors Gamma Sigma Sigma — Wesleyan’s women’s service sorority.

Young Alumni Achievement AwardBrian Matlock ’01, MBA ’01 Awarded to alumnus or alumna within 10 years of graduation to recognize outstanding personal or professional achievement.

Brian Matlock is a senior manager located in Rothstein Kass’ Dallas office, where he is in charge of the region’s Commercial Service.

Brian is a certified public accountant in Texas and a certified fraud examiner nationally.

He received a bachelor’s degree in accounting as well as his master’s of business administration in accounting and management information systems from Texas Wesleyan.

He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants (TSCPA), both the Dallas and Fort Worth chapters of the Council of Petroleum Accounting Society (COPAS), and the ADAM’s Energy Forum.

Brian currently serves as the Vice President of Finance for the Recovery Resource Council (the “Council”), a private nonprofit organization which addresses the need for substance abuse education and referral for treatment in North Texas. The Council has over 60 employees, a budget approaching $4 million and a variety of funding sources. Brian also serves as the audit chair for his daughter’s elementary school parent/teacher organization.

Brian lives in Euless with his wife Mindy and their six-year-old daughter Elizabeth.

Wesleyan Service AwardWanda Russell ’64Awarded to a Texas Wesleyan graduate whose service to the University and its alumni has contributed specifically to the success of the Alumni Association and its program.

Wanda Russell spent her professional career in the field of education. Graduating with an

English major from Wesleyan in 1964, she taught high school English at Richardson Lake Highlands High School, Granbury High School and Fort Worth Dunbar High School.

That degree and experience served her well when she attended the University of North Texas and received a master’s degree with a focus on Library Science in 1986. During her years of service in school libraries, she established libraries in new schools in Burleson, Lancaster and Arlington. She also served for two years as a consultant for professional writing at Brite Divinity School at TCU.

Wanda currently serves on the Wesleyan Alumni Board as secretary and has worked on the scholarship and reunion committees. During her years at Wesleyan she was active in student government, Entre Amis, Golden Shears, Sigma Tau Delta and many other campus activities. She was elected class favorite and Miss TWC.

1 5 Fal l 2010

She and the late Tim Russell ’64 were married the week after they graduated from Wesleyan. At the winter dance their sophomore year, they were elected Jack Frost and Snow Maiden. Continuing their commitment to Wesleyan, Tim served on the Board of Trustees and they were active in various alumni activities. Wanda was part of his ministry as he pastored various Methodist churches and served as district superintendent and Director of Church Growth and Development in the Central Texas Conference. They have two daughters: Amy Russell and Reba Reid and two granddaughters, Rylie and Brynna Reid.

Wanda grew up in Grand Prairie and graduated from high school there. She currently lives in Arlington and is a member of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, where she serves on various committees, leads Disciple Bible Study, serves as lay member to the Annual Conference and was part of the leadership team for the Stephen Ministry.

O.D. Bounds AwardDoug Higgins ’50 Presented to an alumnus or alumna involved in athletics who exemplifies the work, character and contributions made by the late O.D. Bounds, Jr., BS ’41, a beloved Texas Wesleyan faculty member, coach, volunteer and friend.

Doug Higgins has spent a lifetime in sport. Before attending Texas Wesleyan, Higgins, a Paschal High School graduate who was born and raised in Fort Worth, won the Fort Worth City Junior Golf Tournament in 1942. Higgins would later win the Fort Worth Men’s City Golf Championship in 1948 and 1949.

He enrolled at Texas Wesleyan before joining the U.S. Navy, where he was stationed on Guam for one year before returning to Texas Wesleyan in 1946.

At Wesleyan, Higgins played basketball and golf. He was co-captain of the basketball team in the 1948-1949 and 1949-1950 seasons, and was captain of the golf team during those same seasons. As a Texas Wesleyan golfer, he played under Coach O.D. Bounds.

After graduating, Higgins became the head professional at Z Boaz Golf Course in Fort Worth. Higgins left the job in 1954 to join the professional golf tour, in which he competed for three years before returning to Z Boaz. He joined Diamond Oaks Country Club in 1960 as the golf pro — spending his summers in Miami, where he worked for Arnold Palmer at the Country Club of Miami.

During his 30 years at Diamond Oaks, Higgins played in 10 national open tournaments and four national PGA tournaments — including winning the North Texas PGA Seniors’ Championship in 1978, 1981, 1982 and 1984, and the Pro-Assistant Championship with his son Doug Higgins, Jr. in 1980. He also competed in the Colonial National Invitation in the ’50s.

Higgins has three children — Doug Higgins, Jr., Brad Higgins ’79 and Karen Kinnaird ’82.

CAL I FORN IA HERE WE COME !

mark your calendars for a fun-filled journey

to the west coast with texas Wesleyan

alumni, friends, faculty and staff, June

15 – 19, 2011. our group will head to

San Francisco, that romantic city by the bay.

We’ll visit famous landmarks and attractions,

including alcatraz, the golden gate Bridge,

lively Fisherman’s Wharf and more. We

will also spend time in napa valley, home

to some of California’s finest wineries

and restaurants. more information will

be available soon! Contact Scott Cannon

with any questions at (817) 531-7540 or

scannon@txwes.edu.

www.txwes.edu

elena Stewart walks into her dorm room in Elizabeth Armstrong Hall like she’s never seen it before.

Sure, there are clues that this is her place — there is her computer, her books, photos of her with her friends—but elsewhere, it’s completely different. The desk chair is a funky yellow. Four fuschia flowers in four vases rest on her bookshelf. There are framed black-and-white photos of swing dancers — one of Stewart’s many pastimes.

It’s completely different, and it’s fun, too.Don’t fear: There isn’t a band of interior decorator-

burglars running loose on campus. Stewart was selected this August to have her room made over using items from Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth, Inc.

“I do feel like a celebrity,” Stewart said. “That’s the first thing my friends say when they see me — ‘Can we go look at your room?’”

Stewart is, to say the very least, motivated. She’s a senior music education major who is paying her own way through school. As if that wasn’t enough, she is the president of the Texas Wesleyan Baptist Student Ministries, a lifeguard at the Wesleyan pool and a member of Sigma Alpha Iota, just to name a few of the things that fill up her calendar.

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Sbefore

after

M u S i c S t u d e n t W i n S R o o M M a k e o v e R f R o M G o o d W i l l

By Darren White

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After Stewart’s essay was selected by Goodwill, she met with the decoration team — which included Shay Dial-Johnson ’05 and David Cox ’94 — to discuss her décor preferences. Barring any particularly unappealing shades of green, Stewart was open to anything the team could find.

“We decided to go with a vintage meets retro meets funky — a young and fun look,” Cox said.

The group brainstormed a bit, but their mission became clear when they acquired two chairs — a focal point of the room.

Stewart said she wanted plenty of seating options for when her friends drop by to visit. The team found two chairs at Goodwill’s Hulen Street location. They look like a hybrid of a living room chair and a class desk and are perfect for drop-ins and structured study time.

From there, they added furniture that enhanced the retro vibe, including a yellow nightstand, and a dress form covered in jewelry, belts and other vintage items. Then came accent pieces — a vintage clock radio, those flowers and photos and even new placemats, arranged to create a whimsical design over Stewart’s bed.

All items — except for a comforter picked up at an unnamed department store — were found at Goodwill, of course.

For Cox, Johnson and the rest of the team, it was less like a decorating project and more like an adventure, utilizing the best of the many area Goodwill stores’ inventory.

“It’s very fun,” said Dial-Johnson, who studied theater design at Texas Wesleyan, “because it is like a treasure hunt. You get to find and explore.”

After Stewart walks into her room — the one that has been decorated in her absence — with her hands over her eyes. She opens them and says without hesitation, “That’s so cool! I love it!”

But how will it hold up a few weeks later, after classes have started and the “new” has worn off?

Very well, Stewart said. She’s made a few small changes — she’s added her own jewelry and belts to the dress form, for example — but for the most part, the room remains as it was designed.

“It was nothing I would have done for myself,” Stewart said. “And they did a great job.”

Morton Fitness Center marks a new era for

Texas Wesleyan

the exercise machines will be whirring on the campus of texas Wesleyan very soon — the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the much-anticipated Jack and Jo Willa

morton Fitness Center will be nov. 19. the center was built in part thanks to a $1.3 million

donation from texas Wesleyan husband-and-wife alumni Jack morton ’43 and Jo Willla morton ’42. it will feature custom-branded Cybex workout equipment in texas Wesleyan colors — including treadmills, arc trainers and stairstep machines, said aaron Whaley, director of the Jack and Jo Willa morton Fitness Center.

“i’m very excited about the new space,” Whaley said. “the fitness center provides a welcoming atmosphere for all of texas Wesleyan to exercise.” Whaley says the center, with its divisions for different types of workouts, will make it easier for people with different fitness needs to access and use the facility.

the center will also offer classes in Pilates, yoga, Zumba and boot camp from certified instructors, as well as a certified personal trainer. the fitness center will have locker rooms and locker rentals as well. Whaley said the hours have not been finalized yet; he expects the center to open from morning to evening, with an opening time of 7 a.m.

the mortons have been longtime supporters of texas Wesleyan University, and Jack morton toured the facilities during construction on July 29. along with the fitness center, they donated $35,000 to help the University complete renovations at Polytechnic United methodist Church, and, in 2004, the couple donated $1 million for the Jack and Jo Willa morton Scholarship endowment for Christian ministries.

Why Goodwill?Goodwill has known for years that young people often shop at its stores for authentic vintage clothing. After all, it’s all the style these days. With a model dorm room, Goodwill is letting students know that they can use the same approach to outfit their dorms — for a fraction of what new furnishings would cost.

The concept was spearheaded by Goodwill’s local marketing agency, JODesign. The award-winning agency was founded by its president, Jennifer Oliver Henderson ’96.

Photo at left by Meisa Keivani Najafabadi

L–R:LamarSmith,BeverlySmith,JackMorton,andJackMorton’sdaughter,JeanMortonBookout

www.txwes.edu1 8 

Follow the money

$ ome of the most highly sought-after “detectives” are actually forensic accountants and fraud investigators. That’s because white collar and organized crime drains billions of dollars

from our economy each year. The good news is, Wesleyan’s School of Business Administration

is now preparing entry-level accountants and others for careers in forensic accounting and fraud investigation.

Forensic accountants and fraud investigators have an eye for detail and a foundation in both accounting and legal concepts. From bankruptcy and divorce cases to major fraud and capital crimes, it’s no wonder forensic accountants, along with auditors who possess these skills, are in such great demand.

Indeed, they are some of the most highly sought-after “detectives” around. The growth of white collar crime alone has lead to the increased hiring of accountants with forensic investigation skills by federal, state, and local agencies like the SEC, the IRS, and the Offices of Inspector General. Private companies, impacted by Sarbanes-Oxley and new auditing standards, are also seeking the same talented individuals.

It’s serious business. Although many schools have added a

single forensic accounting or fraud examination course to their curricula, very few offer a multi-course program at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Wesleyan’s program is one of only three such programs in the nation.

Students will complete 15-credit hours of forensic/fraud examination-related courses as part of Wesleyan’s accounting concentration. Those who complete the program at the graduate level will satisfy the Texas State Board of Accountancy’s requirements to sit for the CPA exam.

Industry relevant, market driven. Wesleyan established a Forensic Accounting/Fraud Examination Stakeholder Board of professionals to help keep the program aligned to current trends and practitioner needs. The Board is headed by Max Wayman, himself a Certified Fraud Examiner and esteemed IRS Agent. Board members have decades of relevant experience with organizations such as the FBI, the Tarrant County District Attorney’s economic crimes section, the IRS, the white-collar crime division of the U.S. Postal Service and the SEC. The bottom line: It’s outstanding career preparation available exclusively at Texas Wesleyan.

A New Degree of OpportunityTexas Wesleyan’s School of Business introduces a unique specialization to prepare students for promising careers

With an abundance of favorable weather, the Dallas/Fort Worth area became home to many defense and

government contractors even before World War II. Today, thanks to its strategic location and prominence as a dominant marketplace, Metroplex businesses, contractors, and vendors work on a wide variety of projects on a local, state, national and international scale.

Recognizing the potential for a career with high growth opportunity, Texas Wesleyan’s School of Business Administration now offers a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Project Management.

“A key objective of the program,” says Dr. Hector Quintanilla, Dean of the School of Business Administration, “is to provide the project management knowledge and skills students need to deliver improved productivity as soon as possible after gaining employment. This workforce readiness reduces training costs for employers and exemplifies the partnership between education and industry.”

Specialized Knowledge in government ContractingCourses are included that help develop skills specific to government contracting. Contract Management includes the writing, negotiating and adhering to contracts, as well as legal and ethical considerations. Procurement, including writing, clarifying and communicating specifications is covered, with an emphasis on contract administration and dealing with subcontractors.

The Earned Value Management course focuses on developing an understanding and working knowledge of another key government process. EVM provides the tools to combine the measurement of scope, schedule, and cost into a single integrated system for monitoring project progress in an objective manner.

Experienced, Expert FacultyMr. John Murphey ’71, Executive in Residence at Texas Wesleyan University, and Mr. Jimmy Woods, EVM consultant and trainer, will serve as faculty/instructors for the Contract Management and Earned Value Management courses respectively.

“Managing projects for a government contractor requires a unique skill set,” says Mr. Murphey. “I’m pleased to see a degree program addressing this issue and believe it’s highly suited for the Dallas/Fort Worth area.”

Mr. Murphey retired as CEO and Chair of Bell Helicopter Textron in 2004. His experience includes more than 40 years with Bell and other Textron companies in aerospace and defense related businesses.

Mr. Woods has 36 years of experience in Earned Value Management at Bell Helicopter. For the last year, he has been a consultant on this subject through KPMG to other Textron companies.

With expertise at this level, Wesleyan’s business students will undoubtedly develop a new degree of confidence . . . and opportunity.

White collar crime impacts many people and is an activity I have seen grow dramatically over the past 36 years. I am so excited Texas Wesleyan has taken the initiative to meet the real and growing need for those skilled in forensic accounting and fraud detection.

— Max M. WayMan ‘74ForMer Special agent

internal revenue Service

criMinal inveStigationS

1 9 Fal l 2010

t w o W e s l e y a n g o l f e r s J o i n n a I a H a l l o f F a m eIan Leggatt ’89 and Danny Mijovic ’83, both former members of the Texas Wesleyan

University men’s golf team, will be inducted into the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics 2010-2011 Hall of Fame class in May 2011.

Individuals inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame must be persons of outstanding quality, high moral character, fine leadership ability and must be held in high esteem by colleagues, coaches and athletes.

“The NAIA Hall of Fame recognizes the remarkable contributions of student-athletes, coaches and athletic administrators,” said Jim Carr, NAIA President and CEO. “The

individuals that make up the 2010-2011 class have made a considerable impact on intercollegiate athletics. I applaud their achievements and congratulate them on this tremendous honor.”

danny mi jov ic Mijovic played in four NAIA Men’s Golf National Championship tournaments from 1980 through 1983, and has the distinction of being the only player in NAIA history to have won the medalist title four times. He did so while leading the Rams to four straight national runner-up finishes.

A four-time All-American, Mijovic graduated with a degree in business administration and continued to play golf. In 1984, he won the Mid-Atlantic and was a semi-finalist at the Western Amateur. His first professional win came at the 1984 Mexican Open. He went on to win the 1985 Labatt Open on the Canadian Tour.

Mijovic has qualified and made the cut three times at the British Open. He is also the 1984 Porter Cup Champion, 1985 Labatt Open Champion, has had four second place finishes on the Asian tour and five top five finishes on the European Tour. Already a member of the Texas Wesleyan Hall of Fame, Mijovic is an extremely hard worker and continues to give back through the sport of golf.

i an Leggatt Ian Leggatt played golf for Texas Wesleyan University from 1987-1989. During those years, Leggatt participated in two NAIA Men’s Golf National Championships, finishing second individually in 1989. Leggatt was a two-time All-American. In 1990, Leggatt turned professional playing on the Canadian and Nationwide tours.

His first professional win came at the Buy.com Dayton Open in 2000. In 2002, Leggatt earned his first PGA tour win at the Touchstone Energy Tucson Open.

Off the course, he served as the Athletic Director for the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, and he is actively involved with the Ronald McDonald Charities. Through the Ian Leggatt & Friends Golf Classic for Charity, he has provided $3 million for aid to disabled children. The Ian Leggatt Junior Golf Tour has had 30 former players go on to play college golf. He and his wife, Lori, live in Chapel Hill, N.C., with their two children.

The Hall of Fame consists of a division for each sport currently or formerly sponsored by the association and a division for general meritorious service to the NAIA. The NAIA Hall of Fame is divided into three categories: athlete, coach and meritorious service. All inductees will be recognized and honored at various NAIA events held throughout the year. Leggatt and Mijovic will be officially inducted at the 60th annual NAIA Men’s Golf National Championships on May 23, at TPC @ Deere Run in Silvis, IL. They will join O.D. Bounds (Men’s Golf, Coach), Willa Gipson (Volleyball, Athlete), and Dianne Urey (Volleyball, Athlete) in representing Texas Wesleyan University in the NAIA Hall of Fame.

The 2010-2011 NAIA Hall of Fame class includes: Royal goheen (Meritorious Service); John Friend (Meritorious Service), James Wilson (Meritorious Service), Casey FitzSimmons (Football, Athlete); Shelley Howieson (Women’s Soccer, Coach), David Moody (Volleyball, Coach), bill Odell (Men’s Basketball, Coach), Travis grant (Men’s Basketball, Athlete), Scottie Pippen (Men’s Basketball, Athlete), Terry Porter (Men’s Basketball, Athlete), Robin Hagen-Smith (Women’s Basketball, Coach), brian Taylor (Wrestling, Athlete), bobby Cox (Baseball, Coach), Q.V. Lowe (Baseball, Coach), Cary brock Ammons (Baseball, Athlete), Jeff Allen Maack (Baseball, Athlete), Ian Leggatt (Men’s Golf, Athlete), Danny Mijovic (Men’s Golf, Athlete), James McMahon (Track & Field, Coach), Rochelle Swanson (Track & Field, Athlete).

i an Leggatt danny mi jov ic

www.txwes.edu

Millikan a T h l e T i C d i R e C T o R o F T h e y e a R

2 0 ADIS DRuzANOVIC

DESTINY CLEMONS

CALEb McCOOL

By Josh Lacy

Texas Wesleyan Athletics had an outstanding year last year, and one man received his due for orchestrating it. Kevin Millikan ’98 was named Red River Athletic

Conference Athletic Director of the Year for his excellent work. The award, voted on by his peers, brought with it a nomination for NAIA National Athletic Director (A.D.) of the Year.

In his first year as Texas Wesleyan’s fulltime athletic director (Millikan held combined duties in the previous five years as A.D. and head men’s golf coach) Texas Wesleyan’s eight NAIA sports combined for an overall record of 150-

94 (.615). The Rams excelled in conference play, posting a record of 82-28 (.745) and winning RRAC championships in baseball, men’s basketball, men’s golf, and softball. Five teams were ranked in the Top 25 nationally while three made NAIA National Tournament appearances.

Thirty-one Rams received All-Conference recognition while four were named NAIA All-American. Millikan’s Rams also excelled in the classroom. Six athletes were named NAIA Scholar Athletes, while 82 posted GPAs of 3.0 or higher. In all, 242 student-athletes notched a cumulative GPA of 2.84.

Millikan has now expanded the Athletic Department (see next page) to thirteen teams, including Texas Wesleyan’s nationally dominant Table Tennis team.

PoINTs oF PRIDE: haLL oF FaME, IMPRoVED FacILITIEs

Millikan is spearheading the revitalization of the Texas Wesleyan Athletics Hall of Fame. The last induction class was made in 1994. On January 21, 2011, five candidates will join the 37 current members. Gene and Anne Burge ’54 (Meritorious Support), Willa Gipson ’83 (Volleyball, Athlete), Dan Hart ’47 (Men’s Basketball, Coach), Danny Mijovic ’83 (Men’s Golf, Athlete), and Bill White ’62 (Men’s Basketball, Athlete) will be inducted at Ridglea Country Club and be honored again at the Homecoming basketball games the following night.

Millikan has also helped make tremendous improvements to the school’s athletic facilities. A newly renovated Sid Richardson Center (basketball, volleyball, table tennis) opened in the fall of 2008, and improvements to Martin Field (soccer) as well as a new University fitness center (see p. 17) are also on track. New lighting at Martin Field is already in place and new parking will be completed this season. Millikan has also made significant improvements to the athletic offices in the Brown-Lupton Campus Center.

With an outstanding coaching staff in place, and the tools to succeed, the Athletic Department should see continued growth and success under Millikan’s guidance.

ASHLEY DAVIS

Fal l 2010 21 

Cross-Country/Track and Field Addedto Vibrant Sports By Josh Lacy

I n November 2009, Athletic Director Kevin Millikan ’98 announced that the Texas Wesleyan University Athletic Department would expand to include men’s and women’s cross-country and track and

field. The move brings the department’s total to thirteen sports.In January, Millikan hired Natnael Amare to head the programs, and

in September, the Runnin’ Rams saw their first action.The new squads join eight other varsity sports at

Texas Wesleyan as members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC). The Rams have enjoyed great success in all of their athletic programs. The men’s basketball team won the NAIA Division I National Championship in 2006. The men’s golf team has won six NAIA National Titles, and the volleyball team has finished as the NAIA runner-up on two occasions. Texas Wesleyan also competes in the NCTTA with a table tennis team that has won 41 of a possible 57 National Championships in the last nine seasons.

A M A R E L E A D S R U N N I N ’ R A M S

Coach Amare came to Texas Wesleyan from Northwood University, where he built an impressive coaching résumé. In six seasons at Northwood, Amare led the Knights to six RRAC Championships in men’s cross-country, and six RRAC Championships in women’s cross-country. Competing with a partial squad, Amare also notched six runner-up finishes in women’s track, and three runner-up finishes in men’s track.

“I am very excited about Coach Amare’s addition to our staff,” Millikan said. “His proven record as a coach made him our first choice, and we anticipate great things from him and these new programs.”

Amare has coached 25 individual and three team men’s cross-country NAIA national qualifiers as well as 20 individual and two women’s cross-country NAIA national qualifiers, and 16 individual Men’s and Women’s

NAIA Indoor and Outdoor Track qualifiers. In total he has coached 130 RRAC individual champions, five NAIA All-Americans, and two NAIA individual runners-up.

A native of Eritrea, Africa, Amare came to the United States when he was 11. A product of North Clayton

High School in Atlanta, GA, he went on to Northwood University, where he became the school’s most decorated athlete. Amare was a 20-time All-RRAC selection and 8-time RRAC individual champion in cross-country and track. In 2000, Amare became Northwood’s first national champion in any event, when he won the marathon at the NAIA national outdoor track meet with a time of 2:33:36.00. Amare also gained international experience when he represented Eritrea in the 2003 IAFF World Championships in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Amare has worked diligently to bring nearly 35 new student-athletes to campus. The schedule begins with cross country in the fall, indoor track in the winter, and outdoor track in the spring.

“I am very excited to be at Texas Wesleyan,” Amare said. “Starting a new program is an appealing challenge, and Texas Wesleyan has really made the process successful.

Being at a quality school like Texas Wesleyan makes recruiting easy. I want to bring in student-athletes who are here for the right reasons and will make Texas Wesleyan nationally competitive. I want to make sure that everyone knows Texas Wesleyan at the national level.”

With the backing of a department that won four RRAC championships and appeared in three NAIA National Tournaments just last year, Amare’s Runnin’ Rams have all the keys to be a successful program.

I want to bring in student-

athletes who are here for the right reasons and

will make Texas Wesleyan nationally

competitive.

—NATNAEL AMARE

www.txwes.edu2 2 

Music Donors Lavish Department with Recent Gifts

I n recent months the music department at Texas Wesleyan University has been the recipient of a series of unexpected gifts from a generous circle of donors.

Since July 2009, a number of private and student benefactors have stepped forward with specific gifts for the department, according to Dr. John Fisher, music department chair.

Beginning in July, Dr. and Mrs. Stuart Rosenkrantz donated a series of audio and video component gifts, beginning with a five-piece Streem speaker sound system, a Sony tuner/amplifier, an audio subwoofer and two DVD players. This equipment found a permanent home

in the two primary teaching classrooms of the Ann Waggoner Annex. The gift has greatly upgraded the quality of audio and sound reproduction in those two rooms, where all music history, music literature, music appreciation and music theory classes are held.

In March 2010, Dr. and Mrs. Rosenkrantz donated two Sony speakers, a powerful Yamaha tuner/amplifier and a Sony DVD/CD player, all designated for the music chair’s office.

In April 2010, funds for support of the music department materialized from Wesleyan’s Student Government Association, which, under the leadership of president Heath Scott, made $5,650 of SGA funds available for expenditure on a number of previously agreed-upon items for the department, including three new, permanent boardroom-style tables for Room 101 of the Ann Waggoner Annex; a new tam-tam (gong) for the Wesleyan Wind Ensemble; a new 18-inch suspended concert cymbal; a new Korg digital piano and amplifier; a new jazz guitar amplifier; a new

Marilyn Gasser and Dr. Richard Gasser

Dr. John Fisher

Fal l 2010 23 

LP-to-CD converter turntable and software system for conversion; a new artist piano bench for the pianos in Martin Hall; a new, high-quality vocal wireless microphone; and the repair of a number of brass, string and percussion instruments, including the department’s chimes, vibraphone and trap-drum sets. These gifts fill a gaping hole in what were, in a number of cases, critical needs in the department’s instrumental areas.

The pièce de résistance of recent gifts, however, came at the beginning of the 2010 summer break. Longtime Fort Worth radiologist — and frequent Wesleyan concert attender — Dr. Richard Gasser donated a pristine, immaculately cared-for 9-foot Baldwin concert piano from the Gassers’ home. The Eunice & James L. West Library now serves as the majestic piano’s new home on the Texas Wesleyan campus.

It will be used as the musical foundation for a newly formed series of departmental Showcase Concerts — short (20-30 minutes), noon-hour-type “preview performances” of upcoming full-length evening recitals and concerts sponsored by the Music Department. The first of these events — held on the main floor of the University’s West Library — was held on September 7. Faculty members Maria Harman, flute and piccolo, and Keith Critcher, piano, presented a “sampler” of Ms. Harman’s full-length recital performed later that week in Martin Hall. On all such occasions the public is cordially invited at no charge. A number of other such concert previews are expected for the 2010-11 academic year and will be announced as they are scheduled. But this and all future university uses of this magnificent instrument are only possible because of the breathtaking generosity of donors Richard and Marilyn Gasser.

Their legacy, and that of all these recent givers, is one of continuing, unfathomable benefit to the institution, its students, faculty and patrons. For that, the department will ever be grateful.

September 7West Library Inaugural Faculty Showcase Preview Concert: Music for Flute and PianoMaria Harman, flute, and Keith Critcher, piano The Eunice & James L. West Library

September 8West Library Piano Dedication Ceremony — Donor: Dr. Richard gasser President Lamar E. Smith, presiding Professor John Fisher, piano The Eunice & James L. West Library

October 19 at 12:15 – 12:45 p.m. West Library Showcase Concert Preview:Wesleyan Music at the Modern!Music Faculty and Student PerformersThe Eunice & James L. West LibraryJose Cubela, piano

February 1 at 12:15 – 12:45 p.m.West Library Showcase Concert Preview:President’s Honors ConcertMusic Student PerformersThe Eunice & James L. West Library

April 5 at 12:15 – 12:45 p.m.West Library Showcase Concert Preview:Piano Quintet Movements by Bridge and BrahmsThe Virtuoso String Quartet & Music Faculty PerformersThe Eunice & James L. West Library

Dr. John Fisher, Dr. Richard Gasser, and Marilyn Gasser

Dr. Lamar Smith ’50, HON ’65 and Carter Burdette

Sheila Eaton and Kevin Eaton

Cindy Potter ’71

www.txwes.edu2 4 

The President’s Picnic was held on Tuesday, August 24, in the Sid Richardson Gym. Interim President Dr. Lamar Smith presided over the event, at which more than 30 student organizations and vendors participated, as well as a DJ, magician, and with performances by the Ram cheerleaders and dancers. Prizes, including tickets to Six Flags, the Fort Worth Zoo, dining discounts, merchandise, and an overnight stay with dinner at the Wildcatter Ranch, were also raffled!Photos by Tom Pennington

A Legacy of ExcellenceYour planned gift assures that our 120-Year tradition of excellence will continue.

The FuTure STarTS Now“Through my annual and planned gifts, current and future generations of Wesleyan students will be able to fulfill their educational goals. Please join me in investing in Texas Wesleyan University. Your planned gifts do make a difference in the lives of our students.”

— Jan Fersing

The Ella C. McFadden Circle is a giving society for families and individuals who

have named the university as a beneficiary in their wills or who have established

some other planned gift that will provide long-term benefits to the university. Through

bequests, gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, and charitable lead trusts, funding

is provided for student scholarships, faculty development and academic programs.

If you would like to learn more about planned giving and the benefits that you would

enjoy as a donor, please contact Mac McLain (817-531-4494; lmclain@txwes.edu)

or Gina Phillips (817-531-4420; gphillips@txwes.edu).

we verY much appreciate all that our donors do in making a difference in the lives of our students.

www.txwes.edu2 6 

Alumni News

1950s

Charlene (Word) ’55 and J.C. ’55 Nichols are excited for their son, Chad Nichols, who has been awarded a three-year James Michener Fellowship to UT-Austin for screenwriting. It will not only pay him a salary, but will cover school expenses as well.

Weldon (Joe) Blair ’58, who retired from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in 2000, is a Specialist Leader with Deloitte Consulting, working in the company’s federal practice.

Mary (Fancher) Cutter, who attended Wesleyan in ’59 and ’60 is about to celebrate her 50th anniversary with her husband. They have four children and 12 grandchildren. She was selected by the Oklahoma Chapter of American Mothers, Inc. for the honor of Oklahoma Mother of the Year for 2010. She is currently involved in starting a chapter of Birthday Blessings in Oklahoma City, which is an organization that honors children who live in homeless shelters around the city. She has volunteered at the City Rescue Mission in Oklahoma City for 11 years.

1960s

The Rev. Robert ’62 and Anneta (Coley) ’60 Conway celebrated 50 years of marriage and ministry on July 4, 2010. The Rev. Frank Leach, who officiated at their July 3, 1960, wedding, renewed their vows at First United Methodist in Oswego, KS, where the Rev. Conway serves as pastor. He pastored churches in the Central Texas Conference from 1960–1965 and churches in Kansas West and East Conferences from 1965–2010.

Friends Ann Davis Barnes ’64 of Arlington, Dr. Sandra Atkinson Hill ’64 of Midlothian, Judy White Baird ’63 of Midlothian, Lera Hogan Oldham ’64 of Arlington and Martha May Martin ’64, Arlington — all graduates of Texas Wesleyan — had lunch at the Shady Valley Golf Club in Arlington on July 6, 2010.

Dr. T. John Alexander graduated with a BA in Sociology from Wesleyan in 1967. He is currently teaching two undergrad sociology courses at Texas Wesleyan. His classes are held in Polytechnic UMC, which is where he was married in 1967. 

Jack Stuteville ’67 (aka Jack Dyville) had the World Premiere of his new musical (book/lyrics) Eeek! A Mousical, a family musical based on the Aesop fable, “A City Mouse-A Country Mouse.” After a successful run and rave reviews, he will open the show at his NYC Off-Off-Broadway Theatre Company, Friends Always Creating Theatre (F.A.C.T.) in January 2011. The company launched its second year of operation, for which Dyville is co-producer/artistic director, in August.

1970s

Devoyd Jennings ’71 was recently elected Chairman of the Business Diversity Advisory Council of the North Texas Toll Authority.

Carolyn (Martin) Edgmon ’72 is the founder of the DFW Collie Rescue. She has rescued and adopted more than 125 collies.

David ’74 and Ann (Diakis) ’87 Shaw will be opening a new restaurant, Jack Tanners Patio & Grill, on Magnolia Avenue in the Near Southside. You can expect American cuisine, a fabulous bar and party patio, private dining area and Sunday brunch. Ann owned Scampi’s Cafe and Catering but recently closed the cafe when her father and executive chef decided to retire. Scampi’s Catering is still available for catering and has added bar services and custom cakes.

Lana Hoover ’77 had a role in The Dixie Swim Club at Theatre Arlington. In this poignant comedy, five Southern women, who met on their college swim team, reunite every August to recharge their relationships and renew their spirits. www.theatrearlington.org

Debbie Brown ’78 performed in Giggle Giggle Quack at Dallas Children’s Theater, June 18–July 25. The madcap mutiny was the hilarious sequel to last season’s barnyard disaster blockbuster, Click, Clack, Moo. Debbie was also cast to play Frau Schmidt, the housekeeper, in Casa Mañana’s production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music, September 11-19. www.casamanana.org  

Several alumni and students participated in Graham Regional Theatre’s production of the musical Mame, July 23–August 1. Anne Skipper ’78 and her daughter Emily, Janie ’77 and Evan Faris ’76, and Christian Sanders along with his daughter Faris, all had a role in this memorable musical comedy with music and lyrics by Jerry Herman. www.grahamregionaltheatre.com

George Warner ’79 was recently assigned to be Wealth Manager for American National Bank for Tarrant County and has been with the bank for 10 years and currently is the vice president. His daughter Rebekah Cherry recently received her ME and her husband Brandon just received his MBA, both from A&M Commerce. They have also both been accepted to the A&M doctoral program.

David Johnson ’79 recently retired from General Motors Spring Hill Manufacturing (formerly known as the original birthplace of the Saturn plant) in Spring Hill, Tenn., in 2009 as a general supervisor of quality vehicle audits, after working for GM for 33 years. He is currently the production manager at Musgrave Pencil Company in Shelbyville, Tenn. Johnson was elected to the American Society of Quality, Middle Tennessee Section 1118, as programs chair for the 2010-2011 year. He obtained his certified quality auditor professional certification in 2005. He supports First Baptist Church in Lewisburg, Tenn., as a deacon.

1980s

Veronica (Martinez) Vasquez ’81 is in her 29th year as an educator at W.J. Turner Elementary School in FWISD, and it’s her third year as the school’s math coach. She and her husband, Joey Vasquez, will celebrate nine years of marriage in November.

Stan Graner (BM ’81) will be playing the role of Mr. Webb in WaterTower Theatre’s upcoming production of Our Town, running Sept. 24 through Oct. 24 in Addison. He will then be playing the role of the Rev. Oglethorpe in One Thirty Production’s mounting of Sanders Family Christmas, running Dec. 1–18 in Dallas. Stan recently won a 2009 Column award for Best Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Henry Higgins in Artisan Center Theater’s production of My Fair Lady.

Deborah Hill, Ph.D. graduated from Texas Wesleyan in 1983 with a BBA. Recently she moved back to Plano and was appointed Campus Dean of a new campus of Strayer University in Plano.

Stacey (Stover) Stone ’88 has celebrated her seventh year of broadcasting at STAR 99.1/New York City. She has also joined the teaching team at the Journey Church Manhattan within the past year and has signed with a book agent to promote her new title Who Rescued Who?

Joe Ralph Martinez ’89 is a Realtor® with Kenneth Jones Real Estate and President of the DFW National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) Chapter.

1990s

For the second year in a row, Daniel McVeigh ’90 was named a 2010 Five Star Wealth Manager in the August edition of Texas Monthly. This award recognizes an elite group, representing less than 3% of Wealth Managers in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

Mike Kunkel, a graduate in 1991, recently accepted a position as Assistant Director of Education at Arlington Classics Academy. He has been teaching for 15 years and is excited about his first administrative position.

Fal l 2010 27 

Christopher ’93 and April ’94 Lee have recently relocated to Moscow, Russia, with their two children. Chris will be the new President of the Center for Business Skills Development-Thunderbird Russia. They are relocating from Phoenix, where Chris has been Vice President for Finance at the Thunderbird School of Global Management since 2003. April and the kids are looking forward to their involvement in the Anglo-American School of Moscow.

Deborah Norwood, a 1997 graduate and former Director of Health Services at Texas Wesleyan University, is currently an instructor at the new Kaplan College campus in Arlington.

Kevin Millikan ’98 has been named Red River Athletic Conference Athletic Director of the Year. The award was voted on by his peers. In his first year as Texas Wesleyan’s full-time athletic director (Millikan held combined duties in the previous five years as A.D. and head men’s golf coach), Texas Wesleyan’s eight NAIA sports posted an overall record of 150-94. The Rams excelled in conference play, posting a record of 82-28 and winning RRAC Championships in baseball, men’s basketball, men’s golf and softball. Five teams were ranked in the national top 25, while three made NAIA National Tournament appearances.

Eric L. Clark ’99 is Principal of Marketing Doctors, an Internet marketing company that specializes in search engine marketing. He is also Subgerente General of a financial and legal services firm located in the Republic of Panama. He moved to Panama in June of 2010 to work on his Spanish language skills, and had an opportunity for this position which did not impact his US job. His time is split between both companies

Amber Womack ’99 recently performed as a principal artist with the Belleayre Opera Festival in the Catskills. Shows included La Cenerentola and the children’s opera The Three Little Pigs.

Chris Masingill ’97 was confirmed by the Senate to be federal co-chair of the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) on June 24, 2010. DRA is an independent federal/state partnership designed to stimulate economic development in the Mississippi River Delta Region.

When forty-nine-year-old business owner James “Jay” Darnell was called to the ministry in the 1950s, he was encouraged

by his first wife, Theda, to “do it right.” Thanks to Theda and the administration at Texas Wesleyan, Jay left his successful grocery business and enrolled in classes at the college. It wasn’t easy. Biology was his albatross. Taught by Dr. James Clark Streett, Jay had difficulty understanding the material, and when it came to test time, well . . . .

As is so often the case at Texas Wesleyan, Dr. Streett worked with Jay to help him understand the material, and Jay was able to pass the course. In turn, Jay did something for Dr. Streett. The future minister witnessed to the professor about the power of the Lord, and the student and the professor fell on their knees and prayed. After Jay’s graduation and first appointment, Dr. Streett became a faithful member of the Rev. Darnell’s church.

As an expression of his appreciation for the support, instruction and guidance he received as a student, the Rev. Darnell and his friends are establishing the Jay Darnell Scholarship Fund for the School of Education at Texas Wesleyan University.

We’re pleased to present the following:

A message from the Rev. Jay Darnell. . . I hope today finds you happy, healthy and enjoying God’s blessings.

As you may know, I am a graduate of Texas Wesleyan University. I was one of those non-traditional students who went back to school at age 49 to get my degree. In 1960, with the help and support of the University, I graduated with a degree in Religion and began my career as a Methodist minister. With the support of the faculty, Texas Wesleyan helped me achieve my

dream of becoming a minister and prepared me for a life of service. At 96 years old, I am retired from full-time ministry, but continue to look for ways to be involved in things in which I really believe.

With the opening of Texas Wesleyan’s Burleson site three years ago, Johnson County students have the potential to pursue their dreams just as I did over 50 years ago. The Burleson site offers students the opportunity to become teacher certified and return to their communities to educate the children of

tomorrow. What is even better, these students can do all of this without having to drive all the way to Fort Worth. I believe this site will be of great benefit not only to the students who will receive their teaching certificates, but to the children they will teach within the Johnson County community.

As you know, the cost of education is quite high and even the generous financial aid package that Texas Wesleyan offers these students is not enough to cover the cost of education. As a result, I have pulled my shoebox out of retirement, and I am asking that you help me fill it with donations for the Jay Darnell Scholarship for the School of Education. Fortunately, the University is providing us with the opportunity to match, dollar for dollar, the funds we put into this scholarship. Every one of your dollars is really two dollars for the scholarship fund thanks to the bequest of a former student.

I hope you are as excited about making a difference in the lives of these students as I am.For more information or to contribute to the scholarship, please contact Gina Phillips at (817) 531-4220 or gphillips@txwes.edu.

T h e J a y D a r n e l l s c h o l a r s h i p f u n D

everY one of Your dollars is reallY two dollars

for the scholarship fund thanks to the bequest of

a former student.

www.txwes.edu28 

2000s

Melinda Massie ’01 started a professional organizing business this year — Melinda Massie Professional Organizing, which specializes in all areas of home organizing, small spaces, downsizing, simplifying and staging homes for sale. “Our mission is to make homes fabulous through our unique, effortlessly chic ideas and meticulous organization.”

Governor Rick Perry has appointed Callie Vivion-Matthews ’02, JD ’06 of Fort Worth to the Texas Council on Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders. She is an attorney and subcontract administrator senior for the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics F-16 International Procurement/International Technical Assistance Program. Vivion-Matthews is a member of the Tarrant County Bar Association, Tarrant County Young Lawyers Association and Texas Land Title Association. She is appointed for a term to expire February 1, 2011.

Tommy ’02 and Martha (Garcia) Meador ’02, MSP ’07 met at Wesleyan and graduated together. They were married in October 2003 and had twins in June of 2008. The twins are now 26 months old and Tommy and Martha are about to celebrate their seventh wedding anniversary.

Lark (Wallis) Johnston ’03, Justin Flowers ’04 and Dana Schultes ’98 were all featured on a recent edition of “This Week in the Arts.”

Alumna Jill Foley ’05 recently exhibited Living Room at the Center for Creative Connections at the Dallas Museum of Art in the Tower Gallery. Foley calls her work her “consciousness turned tangible,” and this piece features sculptures, paintings and drawings and includes “naturalistic forms and makeshift home furnishings using recycled cardboard.” Foley is currently a visiting artist at “C3.”

Samuel Carr M.Ed. ’07, works for EZmath Teaching and Tutoring, LLC, which started in 2008 as a fee-based private mathematics teaching and tutoring endeavor covering everything from the third grade through calculus. They also help students succeed with the college entrance and placement exams along with the various graduate school exams such as the GRE and MCAT. Carr hopes to start a nonprofit arm next year.

James Garcia, M.Ed. ’07, was appointed principal at J.P. Elder Middle School in June. After getting word of his new position, Garcia personally thanked his former professor, Dr. Twyla Miranda, for her support as an educator.

Mike Meier, MBA ’07 recently became the youngest International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) White Badge Umpire in the United States. He started umpiring while at Texas Wesleyan. Meier umpired this summer at the Canada Table Tennis Championships, July 11–18, in Calgary, and at the first Youth Olympic Games, Aug. 21–26, in Singapore. He last umpired at the U.S. National Team Trials, March 3-5, at Texas Wesleyan. Currently, he is teaching International Business Management at Korea Nazarene University.

Catherine Gatica’s (Class of ’08) oldest son is now attending Texas Wesleyan. She is excited for his first year at her alma mater.

Rebecca Reed Pfleger ’09 is teaching at Sam Houston High School, where she is the JV Cheer Coach/Communication Application teacher. Pfleger said, “My major at Wesleyan was Mass Communications . . . Dr. Hale will be proud to know that I am using my knowledge from several of his classes.”

Ben Phillips ’09 acted in Plaza Theatre’s production of Into the Woods in Cleburne. This brilliant musical by the great comtemporary composer Stephen Sondheim retells the fairy tale stories of the Brothers Grimm and ran from Aug. 6 – Sept. 4. www.plaza-theatre.com.

M. Conner Howell ’10, who graduated from Texas Wesleyan in May, was accepted into the Fund for American Studies DC Internship program for the fall. In the program, students work for a semester as interns in Washington, D.C., while attending classes at Georgetown University.

Alumni News, continued

Marriages

Births

Bryant BS ’03 and Heather (Latimer) Wilson, BS ’03 celebrated the birth of Arden Reese Wilson on April 16, 2009 — 7 lbs., 14 oz. and 19 3/4 inches long. He joins his big brother, Clayton.

Katie (Slaton) Lamoureux ’09 and her husband, Jeff Lamoureux ’10, celebrated the birth of their first child, Ian Jackson Lamoureux, on Tuesday, May 18. Ian was born at 8:42 p.m. and weighed 7 lbs., 10 oz., and measured 21.25 inches long. Jeff recently joined the Office of Communications at Texas Wesleyan as digital content specialist.

Brett ’03 and Angela (Krahula) ’04 Hudson are the proud new parents of Clara Catherine Hudson, who was born at 11:52 a.m. on Sunday, August 1, 2010. Clara weighed 8 lbs., 14 oz., and was 21 inches long.

On August 11, Ayah Sayyed ’05 and her husband, Ala Awad, welcomed their second son, Hamza. He joins their other son Lutfi, 2, in the family. Sayyed graduated in 2005 as an International Studies major.

Darrell and DeAwna Wood ’05, assistant director of alumni relations, were blessed with a boy, Lane DeWitt, on October 6, 2009. DeAwna was Female Vocalist of the Year for 2007, 2008 and 2009 at the Grapevine Opry. Because she received this honor three consecutive years, she will be inducted into the Grapevine Opry Hall of Fame in October.

Texas Wesleyan greatly appreciates the support received for the Wesleyan/highlander Jazz Festival through a grant from the arts council of Fort Worth’s Neighborhood arts Program. The two-day event in May welcomed area schools and the public, free of charge.

Jeremy Reed ’91 and Nicole Urso were married August 8, 2010, in Venice, Calif. Jeremy is the son of Ann Reed ’82 M.Ed., associate professor of education and director of student teaching, and the late Dr. Ronald Reed, professor of education and philosophy, and the first Bebensee University Scholar at Texas Wesleyan. Jeremy and Nicole reside in Venice.

Christine Peirce ’05 married in April 2010 and recently took on another position as broadcast teacher at Nolan Catholic High School.

Beatrice Douglasby Darren White

Beatrice Douglas ’66 was Texas Wesleyan’s first black graduate, and she devoted her life to education. Douglas died July 19 in Dallas.

“Learning was the mandate — she was very passionate about learning,” Rodney Cooksy, her son and principal of South Oak Cliff High School, said. “She instilled that in others as well.”

Cooksy said that his mother was known for her outgoing personality and her love and passion for children.

Her education started modestly. In fact, she did not attend school full time as a child, splitting time between her education and work picking cotton in the fields, Cooksy said. She was the youngest child of 11 in a family that often moved from place to place.

She attended Texas Wesleyan while raising her two sons, Robert Cooksy and Rodney Cooksy, and also teaching third grade at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic School. Douglas also had a third son, Kenneth Wayne Douglas, and a daughter, Kelli Joy Freeman.

She would continue her education, receiving a master’s degree from East Texas State University, and a doctorate from Texas Woman’s University. She worked in the Fort Worth ISD for several decades, including as the principal of Sunrise Elementary School in east Fort Worth.

She was proud of her education, though she “did not view her accomplishments as extraordinary.” In an interview with the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, she said, “I had only one thing on my mind: going to school and getting an education. I have always had the drive.”

She was also the president of the National Women of Achievement. Rebecca Taylor Porter, the eighth president of NWOA, said in a tribute to Douglas that “she encouraged me so many times to continue to work diligently to carry out the programmatic thrusts of the organization. She was a very sweet, caring, loving, and sincere God-fearing woman and friend.”

Douglas’ involvement extended beyond education, though. From 1968 on, she was often involved in neighborhood events and issues. She was a dedicated member of Morningside United Methodist Church in Fort Worth.

1940s

Elizabeth Birnbaum ’47, April 6, 2010, Orinda, Calif. | Elizabeth was the principal violist for the Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra. She received her master’s from the Eastman School of Music in New York, and she also taught violin and viola at Baylor University and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Birnbaum was a noted performer who lived in cities from Paris to San Francisco and loved making new friends.

Roberta Harding Bray ’42, May 19, 2010, Weatherford. | Roberta was a Guardian of the Golden Shears recipient, a member of Student Government Association, the Alumni Activities Committee, Alumni Assembly, Alumni Association Board and a class agent. She was married to Lem Bray for 62 years. She spent most of her career in the Fort Worth ISD, but she was also a teacher in the Nocona, Bowie and Castleberry school districts.

John M. Grammer ’43, June 9, 2010, Fort Worth. | Grammer was an active member of Altamesa Church of Christ and a graduate of Arlington Heights High School. He served in World War II with the 1st Division. He received a Purple Heart.

Robert Bascom Lowe ’47, April 13, 2010, Bryan. | Robert served in the Marine Corps in World War II, and was an Air Force chaplain in the Korean War. He received a divinity degree from Southern Methodist University in 1950. He served as a Methodist minister for nearly 40 years. He married his wife, Helen, in 1941.

1950s

Kathryn Frances Ewing Blackwell ’56, April 10, 2010, Fort Worth. | Blackwell taught at South Hills Elementary and Westcreek Elementary for more than 20 years. She helped found a “children’s church” at Central Methodist

Church in the ’50s. She was also active with the Wedgewood Garden Club, Westcliff United Methodist Church and many teachers’ organizations. She was married to the late Herman M. Blackwell for 67 years.

Linda Ruth Blaydes ’59, April 30, 2010, Abilene. | Blaydes was a Guardian of the Golden Shears recipient, a member of Sigma Tau Delta and a member of Future Teachers of America at Texas Wesleyan. Blaydes was an educator for more than 43 years, working for Reagan County ISD, McCamey ISD and Coleman ISD.

Richard Cozad ’50, April 28, 2010, Colleyville. | Cozad was a member of the alumni Association Board, and a Guardian of the Golden Shears. He also played basketball for Texas Wesleyan. Cozad retired from LTV in 1992, where he was director of engineering administration. Cozad loved sports and often refereed basketball games.

Radford Gregg ’55, July 5, 2010, Fort Worth. | Radford spent his entire career—which began in 1955—in the Fort Worth ISD, with the exception of the time he spent as a training instructor in the U.S. Air Force. He was principal of Paschal High School in Fort Worth from 1983 until 1989. He was also an adjunct math instructor at Texas Wesleyan.

In Memoriam

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R.B. Kerbow ’52, July 10, 2010, Spring. | Kerbow was the original owner of the Spring Antique Mall in Spring. He received a master’s degree in education and served in the Navy. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Conroe and he enjoyed hunting and fishing.

W.F. “Krip” Krippel, May 18, 2010, Fort Worth. | Bill served in the 15th Air Force as a ball turret gunner on a B-17 bomber. He was shot down and captured over Vienna, Austria. He was a prisoner of war in Germany for almost a year. He was sales manager for Mid-Continent Co., where he worked for 38 years.

Pat Simmons ’54, June 14, 2010. Mineral Wells. | Simmons lived in Mineral Wells for 50 years. He worked as a high school teacher and coach, as well as a mechanical engineer for Centron Corporation. Mr. Simmons was also a member of the First United Methodist Church of Mineral Wells.

Rice Eugene “Gene” Watson ’54/’55, May 28, 2010, Fort Worth. | Watson received a master’s degree in theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He enjoyed playing 42, classic movies and wood-working.

1960s

Crawford Maddux ’61, Aug. 6, 2010, Colleyville. | Maddux served in the Korean War and was director of the Dallas Training Institute of the Civil Service Commission. He was an avid owner and exhibitor of parakeets, as well as dogs and rabbits.

Vivian Loar ’67, Aug. 6, 2010, Fort Worth. | Loar graduated from Harris College of Nursing in 1947, and spent much of her life caring for others as a nurse. She loved to crochet afghans, and enjoyed dancing. She volunteered at the Azle Senior Citizen center for 10 years and was named Volunteer of the Year in 1996.

Mabel MaTThews ’43 sowed kindness and generosity throughout her life.Matthews, who died June 6, was an avid grower of daylilies, as well as a philanthropist. At Texas Wesleyan, she established the Mabel S. Matthews Endowed Scholarship Fund.

She also established a scholarship fund at Tarrant County College, and the Mabel Matthews Scholarship Endowment Trust Fund, awarded to American Hemerocallis Society members. The recipient of that scholarship also receives a daylily named in honor of Matthews, an avid daylily grower. Daylilies have already been planted in her honor by a recipient who now attends Johns Hopkins University.

She met her husband, Marshall, who preceded her in death, when he was stationed with the Air Force in Myrtle Beach, SC. Marshall spent 35 years at General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin)

Matthews, who was born in North Carolina in 1921, was generous, soft-spoken and a determined worker, said her good friend Ron Taylor. “She was the hardest working woman I ever knew,” Taylor said. “That was part of what made her so great.”

Matthews worked in real estate as a broker for 45 years—acquiring, flipping and managing properties — but she also maintained a deep love for raising daylilies. She registered “Lady Callie,” her first Hemerocallis, in 1987. She registered more than 60 cultivars in her lifetime.

Matthews was also an avid traveler. In the last five years of her life, she traveled to every state in the union and even celebrated her 92nd birthday on an Alaskan cruise. “She was a totally amazing woman,” Taylor said. “She taught me so much about life—she had a wealth of knowledge.”

williaM paul burge ’48 , who died Aug. 2, 2010 in Fort Worth, was a veteran, a volunteer and a lifelong Fort Worth resident, but for both Texas Wesleyan alumni and residents of Polytechnic Heights his name will forever be associated with Burge Hardware, the store located across from Texas Wesleyan on Rosedale Street.

Burge Hardware was founded nearly 100 years ago by Burge’s father, Roy, and later run by his brother, Jack. Paul took over the store in 1960, and he ran it for 40 years before retiring in 2000. “He was a very close family friend for many years,” Paul Meadows, who worked for Burge for several decades before taking over the business in 2000, said. “I was named after him.”

Burge was stationed in India while serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, which he would once again visit in his later life. After he retired from Burge Hardware, he was an active community volunteer, giving time to the Fort Worth Public Library, the Red Cross, Meals on Wheels, Disabled Crime Victims, Inc. and the Osteopathic Hospital.

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williaM russell Jenkins ’51 , who died April 1, 2010, spent a lifetime caring for others.

Jenkins was born and raised in Fort Worth. He graduated from Polytechnic High School before attending Texas Wesleyan, where he received a bachelor’s degree. Jenkins continued his education at the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, MO.

While studying at Kirksville, Jenkins met another student, Connie, who would soon become his wife. The two would practice medicine together, in Franklin and in Granbury. The couple moved to Fort Worth in 1961, where Jenkins completed his residency in general surgery and started a private practice as a general surgeon.

Jenkins had an active hand in the founding of the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in the mid-’70s. He was a volunteer faculty member at TCOM for many years, and he and Connie also helped establish the Jenkins Scholarship Fund there. He would also later be named professor emeritus for the TCOM Department of Surgery, as well as a diplomate in the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery and a fellow in the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons. He retired in 1991.

Jenkins had three children, Susie, William and Jerri.

Sue Staggs ’66, April 25, 2010, Richmond. | Sue was active in the war against drugs. She helped pass 28 city ordinances that confronted prostitution, underage drinking and illegal liquor sales. As a high school teacher, she helped develop teenage leadership programs such as “Tomorrow’s Leaders Today,” which was recognized as a “promising practice” by the Texas Education Agency.

1970s

Ray Utley ’73, Jan. 10, 2010, Fort Worth. | Ray was president of Marshal Utley Carpets in Fort Worth. He was known as a kind and caring friend as well as an animal lover.

1980s

Carl Talbot Byrd ’81, April 8, 2010, Arlington. | Carl owned the LaserCopy Printing Co., located in south Arlington, and was a devoted technological explorer who loved many cutting-edge inventions. He graduated from Texarkana, Ark., High School in 1973. Carl was also a traveler who enjoyed taking trips with his son, Brandon.

Leon Breeden, Aug. 11, 2010, Dallas. | Breeden was a recipient of the Golden Shears award, as well as a member of the Texas Wesleyan Band and Instrumental Group. Later, at the University of North Texas (then North Texas State University), Breeden was director of the jazz studies program and the One O’Clock Lab Band from 1959 to 1981.

As a teacher, mother and grandmother, Donna coleen VolkMan ’s dedication to finding the unique gifts and talents of young people is still felt by her daughter, Beverly Volkman-Powell BS ’92, MBA ’99, member of the Board of Trustees.

“So many students have contacted me about what a wonderful teacher she was,” Volkman-Powell said. “It’s been very heartwarming.”

Donna Coleen Volkman ’62, who died May 11 in Burleson, worked as an educator for more than 20 years, and taught third grade, junior high Texas history, and physical education. She was also a basketball coach in Alvarado and Burleson. She retired from teaching and became a successful realtor, developer and homebuilder in the Burleson area.

She was a lifelong supporter of Texas Wesleyan University. She met her husband of 54 years, Donald ’51, at the University, and, in 1949, she was voted Texas Wesleyan’s “Most Athletic Woman.” Mrs. Volkman completed her degree at Texas Wesleyan while teaching and raising a family.

She and Donald would remain friends with some of their Texas Wesleyan classmates throughout their entire lives.

Mrs. Volkman was also very active. She and Donald rode horses, and she was a member of the Texas Barrel Racing Association. She encouraged her grandchildren to take fiddle lessons, and, in her late ’50s, she learned to play the piano. She traveled across the country performing with her grandchildren in what she called “That Dang Old Band of Grandma’s.”

“She was a gracious and beautiful woman,” Volkman-Powell said. “I felt particularly blessed to have her as a mother.”

T r I B U T e G I F T r e C O G N I T I O N

A gift to a charitable organization is a wonderful way to recognize someone of importance in your life.

Texas Wesleyan is honored to receive gifts in memory or honor of alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends. These gifts acknowledge the relationship individuals have with the University and the community. We are pleased to recognize these gifts and the role each honored person and donor has in the lives of our students.

We gratefully acknowledge the following donors for their tribute gifts received from 3/1/10 through 9/15/10.

In Honor of

Dr. Ron & Mrs. Wanda Ballard to the John Maddux, Jr. Endowment

Bettye McDaniel ’55 Bill Bleibdrey to the Tribute Scholarship Fund

Janie ’77, MA ’83 & Evan ’76 FarisClass of 1960 to the Wesleyan Fund

Jane Carroll McDaniel ’60 The Rev. Jay Darnell ’60 to the Burleson Scholarship

Darrell & Teresa DodsonKen & Alicia HaggartSidney T. & Doris HearneRichard & Bobbie LigonMr. & Mrs. H. A. KnoxNathan & Joy ShackNorman & Tinka StovallM. Louise Witkowski Teny Wood

Dr. Harold G. Jeffcoat to the Tribute Scholarship Fund

Janie ’77, MA ’83 & Evan ’76 FarisDr. Harold & Mrs. Marie Jeffcoat to the John Maddux, Jr. Endowment

Bettye McDaniel ’55 The Rev. E. Frank Leach ’53 to the Wesleyan Fund

Robert ’62 & Anneta ’60 ConwayJohn Murphey ’71 to the Wesleyan Fund

James F. & Helen V. AtkinsGina M. Phillips BS ’97, MS ’07 to the Wesleyan Fund

Richard ’52 & Joan ’53 HuntAnne Street Skipper ’78 to the Burleson Scholarship

Ken & Alicia HaggartThe Rev. Dr. Lamar Smith ’50 HON ’65 to the Wesleyan Fund

Gilbert ’44 & Dorris ’47 Ferrell George & Sue Sumner

In Memory of

Hubert Bales to the Carol Corley Employee Library Fund

Bob and Shirley CorleySally Bell to the Law & Vivian Sone Endowed Scholarship

David Sone ’62 Kathlyn Bice ’55 to the Wesleyan Fund

Bill ’57 & Linda Lee ’02 Hailey Dr. George Blanton ’58 to the Wesleyan Fund

Raymond C. Mathews, Jr. ’70 Richard Bodenhamer to the Carol Corley Employee Library Fund

Bob and Shirley CorleyO. D. ’41 & Maurice Bounds ’41 to the Athletics Department

Henry & Aileen Stone

Bobby Bragan HON ’04 to the John Maddux, Jr. Endowment

Bettye McDaniel ’55Roberta Harding Bray’42 to the Tribute Scholarship Fund

Jack BordenMary GoodingTarrant County ConstableCatharine Wakefield ’39 John WestoffJames Marshall Young

Mary Helen Wakefield Bridges ’55 to the Wesleyan Fund

Bill ’57 & Linda Lee ’02 Hailey Mary Helen Wakefield Bridges ’55 to the Hart/Bridges Endowed Scholarship

Drs. Bobby & Sandra HartElizabeth Cramer to the Law & Vivian Sone Endowed Scholarship

David Sone ’62 E. Gordon Doggett ’68 to the Wesleyan Fund

Bill ’57 & Linda Lee ’02 Hailey David ’66 & Rosemary Jobe ’66

Alta Lewis Dollar ’66 to the Alta Lewis Dollar Endowed Scholarship

David Dollar ’85 Dr. R. C. Forston to the School of Natural & Social Sciences

Dr. & Mrs. Troy WilliamsBennye Lynn Gray ’42 to the Tribute Scholarship Fund

Marvin & Julie SmithMerlene Ogle Grossman ’64 to the Wesleyan Fund

Marlene Loughran ’64 Patt Hayes to the Tribute Scholarship Fund

Anna Pauline Mumford ’80 Valma Jeffcoat to the Carol Corley Employee Library Fund

Bob and Shirley CorleyValma Jeffcoat to the John Maddux, Jr. Endowment

Bettye McDaniel ’55Valma Jeffcoat to the Tribute Scholarship Fund

Stephen & Judy JD ’94 AltonDr. Jerry Chism ’76 Anne Street Skipper ’78

Homer Kluck ’49 to the Wesleyan FundBill ’57 & Linda Lee ’02 Hailey

Judge Eldon Mahon to the Graduate Programs of Nurse Anesthesia

Nova Lee MahonKevin McGreevey ’70 to the Wesleyan Fund

John W. Williams ’71John (Jack) Miller’50 to the Wesleyan Fund

Evalee Bell Miller ’50 Dr. Joe E. Mitchell to the Tribute Scholarship Fund

Anna Pauline Mumford ’80

Dr. & Mrs. Charlie NicholsDr. Joe E. Mitchell to the Wesleyan Fund

Bill ’57 & Linda Lee ’02 Hailey J. C. Pace to the Carol Corley Memorial Library Fund

Bob & Shirley CorleyAdam & Dr. Ronald F. Reed to the Adam Reed Scholarship Fund

Jeanne Crowther ’89 Family of Ron & Adam Reed Ann M. Reed ’82, MEd. ’84

Tim Russell ’64 to the Wesleyan FundWanda Russell ’64

W. R. (Bob) Russell ’49 to the Wesleyan FundDr. Lamar E. Smith ’50 HON ’65

Pat Simmons ’54 to the Wesleyan FundGene ’54 & Ann Burge ’54 Patsy Clifford ’55 Donna Remus ’49

W. F. (Bill) Smith ’50 to the Wesleyan FundDr. Lamar E. Smith ’50 HON ’65

Dr. James C. Streett, Jr. to the School of Natural & Social Sciences

Dr. & Mrs. Troy Williams The Rev. Elden D. Traster to the Elden Traster Scholarship

Craig LidellJean Traster

Donna C. Volkman ’62 to the Burleson Scholarship Fund

Neal W. AdamsRobert ’69 & Judy ArnoldDan ’68 & Barbara Boulware ’68 Burleson Area Chamber of CommerceRichard & Susan CrummelAnn M. & Kenneth H. Jones, Jr.Carol & Benny Peacock

Donna C. Volkman ’62 to the Tribute Scholarship Fund

Bill & Dorie BradyJoan S. CantyMark G. & Robin E. Nurdin

James L. (Jimmy) West ’63 to the Wesleyan FundEva A. Mabe ’60

Gift in KindThomas BoozerScott Cannon ’77 Charles Duke ’53 Dr. Richard & Mrs. Marilyn GasserDr. Thomas KlaasenMarie Boozer LansfordElton M. MontgomeryLinda McMillan ’83 Marjorie Murphy ’45, ’49 Anne Street Skipper ’78Fort Worth Zoo

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2 Dr. Harold Jeffcoat Steps Down as President after 10 Years of Service

4 Alumnus with a 60-Year Connection to Wesleyan Becomes Its Interim President

6 Faculty & Staff Updated on Presidential Search and University Strategy

7 First Meeting of the Texas Wesleyan Board of Visitors a “Wonderful Success”

8 Let the Student Signature Experience Begin!

10 Incredible India: “Don’t worry, don’t hurry, and don’t eat too much curry”

12 University College Day 2011 — Connecting the Community and the World

13 Texas Wesleyan Fall 2010 Medal Awards

16 Music Student Wins Room Makeover from Goodwill

17 Morton Fitness Center Marks a New Era for Texas Wesleyan

18 Follow the Money

18 A New Degree of Opportunity

19 Two Wesleyan Golfers Join NAIA Hall of Fame

20 Millikan: Athletic Director of the Year

21 Cross-Country/Track and Field Added to Vibrant Sports

22 Music Donors Lavish Department with Recent Gifts

24 President’s Picnic

26 Alumni News

27 The Jay Darnell Scholarship Fund

29 In Memoriam

32 Tribute Gift Recognition

TABLE OF CONTENTS | FALL 2010

Selena Stewart jumps for joy in her newly redecorated dorm room, courtesy of Goodwill Industries (see page 16).Photo by Meisa Keivani Najafabadi

Final Inspection (see page 17)

Cover: The smiles convey how much students appreciate the beautiful remodeling of the lobby at Elizabeth Means Armstrong Hall (“before” shot above). Credit goes to Professor Joe Brown, Dean of Freshmen Success, for the expert sense of design (see page 8).

An Official Publication of Texas Wesleyan University Fall 2010

Sharpening Our Focus on Student Satisfaction