PLUS: Nursing Education Center groundbreaking | Highest enrollment on record | Homecoming 2011
Healing
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a2 UMHB LIFE
UMHBLIFEWINTER 2011 | VOLUME 31, NUMBER 2
PRESIDENTRandy O’Rear, Ed.D.
EDITOR- IN -CHIEFPaula Price Tanner, Ed.D.
EDITORJennifer Meers Jones ’08
CONTRIBUTING WRITERSJames StaffordSarah Nunez ’11
PHOTOGR APHERSJennifer Meers Jones ’08Randy Yandell ’99 Abigail Davidhizar ’12
UMHB LIFE IS PUBLISHED THREE TIMES A YEAR BY THE DIVISION OF COMMUNICATIONS AND SPECIAL PROJECTS.
UMHB Box 8431900 College StreetBelton, Texas 765131-800-727-UMHBlife.umhb.edu
ALUMNI LIFE IS COMPILED BY THE OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS.
Please send any information for publishing or change of personal information to:
Alumni RelationsUMHB Box 8427900 College StreetBelton, Texas 76513
Letters and comments can be sent to:[email protected]
Or update online:[email protected]
BIG PICTURE | In the weeks leading up to the Baugh Center for the Visual Arts groundbreaking ceremony, art students transformed a dozen shovels into works of art. These shovels were used to turn the dirt during the art center’s groundbreaking ceremony Friday, Sept. 30, 2011.
UMHBLIFEW I N T E R 2 0 11 | VOLUME 31, NUMBER 2
2222
D E P A R T M E N T S
5| CAMPUS LIFEGroundbreakings for the Nursing
Education Center and Center for the
Visual Arts, highest enrollment on
record, and more
12| ATHLETIC LIFE Volleyball team advances to
conference tournament, online video
streaming for athletic events, and more
13| PHIL ANTHROPY Class of ’71 sets goal to raise
first six-figure class gift by their
Golden Anniversary in 2021.
26| ALUMNI LIFE
Check out what’s happening in the
lives of alumni and their families—
plus profiles on Luke Nunnally ’07
and Elliot Barcak ’07; Darbi Winsman
Tidwell ’01; and Pam Higgason
Harris ’65 and Beverly Lisby Owen ’64
F E A T U R E S
HEALING KENYA |14
Nursing students and faculty organize the
first-known medical mission trip to the Kenyan
village of Malikini July 27-Aug.10, 2011. A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF A NURSING STUDENT |18
Junior Ashleigh Holden documents the ups
and downs of a busy week of exams, classes,
and clinicals.
HOMECOMING REDESIGNED |22
Alumni return to campus Sept. 30-Oct. 1 to
experience a new and improved homecoming
schedule including a family-friendly outdoor
carnival and Stunt Night.
ON THE COVER | Nursing professor
Joanne Woods and students Kelsey Anderson
and Emma Smith take a break outside of the
Kenyan medical camp where they treated
close to 1,000 patients this summer.
14141818
UMHB LIFE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1 1
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Almost three hundred visitors attended a special groundbreaking ceremony for the new Isabelle Rutherford Meyer Nursing Education Center Friday, Oct. 21.
Special guests included representatives of the Meyer family, the Leroy and Merle Weir Charitable Trust, and other donors to the new facility. Guests and dignitaries were welcomed to the ceremony by nearly one hundred UMHB nurs-ing students. Dressed in purple scrubs and lab coats, the students created a crosswalk across 9th Street, clapping and showing their appreciation.
University president Randy O’Rear began the ceremony by thanking all of the generous benefactors who had already pledged their support of the project. He also announced that the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation of Tulsa, Okla., approved a $2 million challenge grant for UMHB, to be used to help fund construction of the new Isabelle Rutherford Meyer Nursing Education Center. Under the terms of the agreement, the university must secure a total of $18 million for the project by Oct. 1, 2012; the foundation will then give UMHB the final $2 million to complete the funding needed for the project.
“We are on our way to great fundraising success with this building, and we praise God for the many friends who are stepping forward to bring this much-needed facility to life,” O’Rear said.
Dr. Sharon Souter, dean of the College of Nursing, expressed her joy and excitement. “This building is a culmination of many years of dreaming. It will represent God’s love for the community as we prepare spiritually informed students to go out and provide his care.”
The Isabelle Rutherford Meyer Nursing Education Center will offer 76,100 square feet of space for the university’s Scott & White College of Nursing. The building will feature state-of-the-art simulation centers where students will prac-tice their clinical nursing skills, in addition to high-tech classrooms designed for best practices in nursing education.
The facility will be constructed at 409 West 9th Avenue, across the street from the university’s York Science Center. Work on the $20 million facility began in December, and it is expected to be ready for use in the spring of 2013.
Nursing students demonstrate appreciation at groundbreaking
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Anonymous donor issues challenge to raise all funds for center by end of 2012
University officials announced in September that a donor, who has asked to remain anonymous, has offered a substantial challenge grant to help fund the construction of the new Isabelle Rutherford Meyer Nursing Education Center. The chal-lenge specifies that, to receive the grant, the cost of the center must not exceed $20 million, and the university must raise all funds for the facility through gifts and grants by Dec. 31, 2012.
“This generous donor has pledged the largest challenge grant in the history of UMHB,” said Dr. Randy O’Rear, university president. “Meet-ing the terms of this challenge will enable our $20 million nursing facil-ity to be funded debt free. We are excited about this opportunity and optimistic that we can meet this challenge by the end of next year.”
CAMPUS L I F E 5
Nursing students Payton Price and Joshua Farnsworth escort Jane Meyer through the gathering of students who lined the street to express their gratitude at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Isabelle Rutherford Meyer Nursing Education Center.
Scott Dodd was named
director of campus
construction in Octo-
ber. Dodd earned a
bachelor’s degree in architectural engi-
neering from the University of Texas at
Austin. He has extensive construction
management experience and most
recently worked at Flynn Construction
as a project manager. Dodd and his
wife Kelli, a high school math teacher,
have two children, Zach and Coby.
Melissa Ford was
recently promoted to
director of graduate
admissions. Ford had
served as assistant director of alumni
relations since 2007. She earned her
undergraduate degree in profes-
sional studies from UMHB in 2007
and completed her master’s degree in
human services from Liberty University
in 2010, specializing in executive lead-
ership. Ford brings exceptional skills
in communicating, marketing, public
relations, web site administration, and
event management to the graduate
school.
On Thursday, Oct. 20, nearly 150 visitors attended a special dedication
ceremony for Farris Hall, the university’s newest apartment-style complex.
Special guests to the ceremony included the family of Martha Farris, for
whom the complex was named. Gordon Wiggers, chair of the university’s Board
of Trustees welcomed those in attendance and described the new apartments
as an example of “what God’s people can do when they work in his name.”
Ashleigh Holden, a junior nursing major from Plano, is one of Farris Hall’s
first residents. She described the benefits of living in the new apartments,
including the freedom to study in peace in her private bedroom. “They don’t
feel like dorm rooms for students,” Holden said.
President Randy O’Rear said that the only thing that could have made the
occasion more special would have been having Martha Farris in attendance;
her health prohibited her from making the trip from her home in Floydada,
Texas, for the ceremony. O’Rear described Farris as a passionate Christian and
a faithful university supporter. After a prayer of dedication, Farris’s sons John
and George joined other dignitaries in cutting the ceremonial ribbon.
Farris Hall is the first new facility to be dedicated as part of the
university’s Campus Master Plan. The 82,750-square-foot Farris Hall houses
163 apartments in a mix of 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom, and 4-bedroom
configurations. Each unit has a shared living room, kitchen, dining room, and
laundry area, plus a private bedroom and bath for each resident. The facility is
located on a bluff overlooking Nolan Creek, offering residents beautiful views
in every direction.
Farris Hall dedicated in October
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Junior Bethany Greeson (pictured) and senior Luke Cielonko were
named recipients of the Gary and Diane Heavin Servant Leadership Award
during fall convocation Aug. 24. The award, which recognizes students
actively involved in ministry and community service, comes with a $1,000
cash award for each student, a portion of which the student may choose
to donate to an organization of his or her choice. Gary and Diane Heavin
of Waco established a permanent endowment to fund the award, to
remind students of the importance of philanthropy and community service.
Students honored at fall convocation
AROUNDCAMPUS
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6 UMHB LIFE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1
Tiffany Wurdemann was named assistant
director for student
organizations in
July. Wurdemann is from Puyallup,
Wash. She received both a B.B.A. in
marketing and master’s in college
counseling and student development
from Azusa Pacific University. While
earning her master’s, Tiffany worked
with student organizations, leader-
ship development, and residence life.
Rick Martinez was
recently named direc-
tor of physical plant.
He previously served
as assistant director of facilities
for the Wichita Falls Independent
School District. Martinez grew up in
Duncanville, Texas, and graduated
with a B.S. in mechanical engineer-
ing from the United States Military
Academy at West Point. He and his
wife, Julie, live in Belton with their
three kids, Justis (a current UMHB
freshman), Amanda, and Micah.
Matthew Irvine was
named web services
manager in October.
Before coming to
UMHB, Irvine served as director of
communication and technology at
First Baptist Church Belton. Irvine
graduated from UMHB in 2006
with a B.A. in communication.
In the fall of 2012, art students will make the long-anticipated move from
the basement of Presser Hall into a brand new, state-of-the-art building
on the corner of 9th Avenue and Shine Street. The $5 million project will
provide art students with spacious classrooms, ample studio space, a desig-
nated art gallery, and an outdoor sculpture garden.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the Baugh Center for the Visual Arts was
held on campus Friday, Sept. 30. The ceremony marked the beginning of
construction on the two-story facility that will offer 27,000 square feet of
space dedicated to art education.
The building will be named in memory of Eula Mae and John Baugh,
Houston philanthropists who were well known for their generous support
of higher education and Texas Baptist causes. John Baugh was a founder of
Sysco Corporation and also served as chairman and CEO of the company,
which eventually became the world’s largest food distribution service.
During their lifetimes, Mr. and Mrs. Baugh made significant gifts to UMHB,
and their family foundation stepped forward in 2009 to make a lead gift of
$1 million for construction of the new art center.
The Baugh’s daughter, Babs Baugh, who serves as president of the Eula
Mae and John Baugh Foundation, touched the crowd by unexpectedly taking
the podium and calling all students in attendance to come to the front.
“This is what it’s all about,” she told the audience. “These students are
the future of our country, Texas, and the Baptist denomination. Students
take many courses and directions at UMHB, but none more significant
than the arts. It’s what your soul is made of, and how your soul expresses
beauty, joy, and thankfulness to God.”
Breaking ground: construction begins on art department’s new home
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CAMPUS L I F E 7
Dr. Randy O’Rear and John and George Farris cut the ribbon during the dedication for Farris Hall, named in honor of Martha White Farris ’42.
Students surround Babs Baugh as she makes an impromptu speech about the importance of art education.
The university welcomed acclaimed international speaker Dr. Tony Campolo
as guest speaker in chapel Wednesday, Sept. 14. Campolo has dedicated his
life to Christian service, and currently serves as President of the Evangelical
Association for the Promotion of Education (EAPE).
His speech stressed the importance of what it means to follow Jesus.
“It’s not how good you are; it’s what Jesus did for you on the cross that
determines whether or not you are a part of His fellowship in the kingdom.
Your salvation depends on His work, not yours,” he said.
The evangelist, who has worked in developing countries to ensure
education for at-risk children, discussed the importance of fighting for and
helping the oppressed. He said, “The purpose of an education is to equip you
to live more sacrificially and effectively for the poor and the oppressed of the
world in the name of Jesus.”
Campolo recalled an encounter with a homeless man who offered him
coffee. When Campolo asked this man about his generosity, the man
responded, “I feel that when God gives you something good, you ought to
share it with people.”
Tony Campolo is an associate pastor, ordained minister, author, and media
commentator. He has appeared on numerous television programs such
as CNN, The Colbert Report, and Larry King, and has published 38 works
including A Citizen’s Guide to Faith and Politics, Stories That Feed Your Soul,
and Choose Love Not Power.
Renowned speaker visits campus
CO
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The United States Postal Service recently released a new stamp in its
Distinguished Americans series commemorating Oveta Culp Hobby.
Hobby, who attended Mary Hardin-Baylor in the 1920s, was the first
secretary of the US Department of Health, Education and Welfare, and the
first commanding officer of the Women’s Army Corps during World War II. The
portrait on the stamp is based on an undated black-and-white photograph of
Hobby in her WAC uniform, wearing the legendary service cap, the “Hobby hat.”
The portrait was painted by Richmond, Va.-based illustrator Sterling Hundley.
Stamp celebrates distinguished alumnaJE
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8 UMHB LIFE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1
BY SAR AH NUNEZ ’11
Michele Padilla was
named director of
foundation relations
in November. Padilla
previously worked as research grants
and contracts manager at Scott &
White Healthcare; she also previously
served as a grants coordinator. She is
a graduate of Penn State University
with a B.S. in human development and
family studies and a M.Ed. in coun-
selor education. She and her husband,
Julio, reside in Temple with their two
children, Chrishan and Danica.
Susan Kolodziejczyk
was appointed direc-
tor of development in
November. Kolodziejczyk
previously served as executive director
of community relations at Metro-
plex Health System. She has a B.A. in
communications from Sul Ross State
University and is currently working
on a master’s in business marketing
from Columbia Southern University.
Kolodziejczyk and her husband, Chris,
have two children, Cooper and Grace,
and live in Belton.
AROUNDCAMPUS
This fall, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor enrolled the largest
number of students in the school’s 166-year history, with an official enroll-
ment of 3,137 students. This is up 181 students from a total of 2,956
students in fall 2010. “You could feel the electricity that charged Welcome
Week, and that energy has not faded,” President Randy O’Rear said. “For
the second year in a row, we have more than 1,000 new students on
campus, and that cannot help but create excitement.”
Fall 2011 semester boasts highest enrollment on university record
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H EA R D@UMHB // Lots of chatter is going on every day on Mary Hardin-Baylor’s Facebook page. A sampling of recent posts from students:
I want everyone to know that I
was ten minutes early to band
practice. I don’t think that ever
happened in high school.
So proud you were asked to play
a disciple next year for the Easter
pageant...what an honor!
The morning that I just really, really
wanted a waffle some guy goes and
breaks the waffle maker. Sad day :(
Making fried
pickles so I
can study and
munch :)
I love jamming out
to Natalie Grant's
"Your Great Name"
on the way to
class. Best way to
start the day!
94 on my
Psych test, that's
what's up ;)
After 5 classes
in a row since
8 a.m., I deserved
a good nap.
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
GRADUATE STUDENTS
TOTAL APPLICANTSA PPLI ED 9 983
EN ROLLED 10 0 8
FRESHMAN CL ASST H IS Y EA R 630
LAST Y EA R 6 0 8
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTST H IS Y EA R 120
LAST Y EA R 10 9
F ROM
22COU N T R I ES
BRAZIL, CHINA, GERMANY, GHANA, HONG KONG, INDIA,
KENYA, KOREA, LEBANON, NIGERIA, RUSSIA, SPAIN,
SRI LANKA, TAIWAN, ZIMBABWE
MOR E T H A N H A LF OF U N DERGR A DUAT E ST U DEN TS (1,541) LI V E ON CA M PUS
T H E F R ESH M A N CLA SS H A I LS F ROM STAT ES I NCLU DI NG A R I ZONA, COLOR A DO, F LOR I DA, I LLI NOIS, LOU ISI A NA, M ISSOU R I,
N EW H A M PSH I R E, N EW M EX ICO, OR EG ON, T EX A S, WA SH I NGTON
THE CLASS OF 2015 PLANS TO STUDY NURSING (21%), BIOLOGY (9%),
EDUC AT ION (6%), C H R IST I A N M I N IST RY/C H R IST I A N ST U DI ES (4%),
PSYC HOLOGY (4%), ACCOU N T I NG (2%), SPORT M A NAGEM EN T (2%)
2 University offices open 4 University housing opens
5-6 Spring advising and registration
9 Classes begin (day and evening)
16 Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday (campus closed) 28 Highways & Byways Concert Series: Wheatfield, Hughes Recital Hall, 7 p.m.
31 Summer Camps Job Fair, Mabee SUB, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
31 Piano, Four Hands: Michelle Schumann & Matt Crosby, Hughes Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m.
EVENTSCALENDAR
janu
ary
febr
uary
1 Charter Day
2 Hillman Visiting Artists Series: Waterloo Sound Conspiracy, Hughes Recital Hall, 7 p.m.
7 Spring Business Job Fair, Lord Conference Center, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
9-11 Writers’ Festival, Lord Conference Center
10 Opera Production, Temple CAC, 7:30 p.m.
17-18 Cru Knights, W.W. Walton Chapel, 7 p.m.
23 One Voice Concert, Hughes Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m.
27 Wind Ensemble Concert, W. W. Walton Chapel, 7:30 p.m.
In September, Townsend Memorial Library celebrated its 50th anniversary
with a display featuring a card catalog and various library tools, equipment,
and photos. Director of Learning Resources Denise Karimkhani said the exhibit
paid tribute to days gone by when the most sophisticated pieces of technol-
ogy were typewriters or microfilm readers.
“Since most students today grew up with technology, it is unlikely that
they give much thought to the rapid strides made in library and information
science,” Karimkhani said. “I started here as the public services librarian in
1977, so I have witnessed transformations in my profession, in our building,
and in the number and types of resources—advances I never imagined.”
The present day building was dedicated in September 1961. The new build-
ing was a long-held dream for many, who had been using a “temporary”
$10,000 frame structure—originally built to last no more than five years for
the library—since the 1920s. The new library cost $327,000 to build and was
designed to hold 75,000 volumes. With its new open stacks and air condition-
ing, this new library no doubt felt like a luxury to the
students and faculty at that time. The building
was named in memory of longtime university
champions E.G. and Elli Moore Townsend.
Townsend Library turns 50 years old
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10 UMHB LIFE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1
N EWSBRIEFS // Miss MHB 2012 crowned
Miss Burt Hall, Lauren Rodriguez from Okinawa, Japan, was crowned Miss
Mary Hardin-Baylor 2012 on Nov. 5 in the annual Miss Mary Hardin-Baylor Pageant. Rodriguez is a 20-year-old
junior education major and the daugh-ter of Steve and Rachel Rodriguez. She
has been involved in Stunt Night and leads the children’s ministry at Hope
Community Church. Her platform was “Supporting Military Families.”
King Street closure makes way for pedestrian mall The Campus Master Plan calls for
all parking to move toward the campus’ exterior parameters in an
effort to create a pedestrian campus. As a result, King Street—the road
running behind Presser, Stribling, and Remschel—will close as construction for the pedestrian walkway begins in
early 2012. Permanent parking will be added along University Drive
and Crusader Way.
6 Teacher Job Fair, Lord Conference Center, 2 - 4 p.m.
8 Spring Opera Showcase, W. W. Walton Chapel,
7:30 p.m.
12-16 Spring Break (campus closed)
22 Jazz Ensemble Concert, Hughes Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m.
23 Health Quest, Mayborn Campus Center Arena,
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
26-28 Spring Revival, Quad, 7 p.m.
31 Highways & Byways Concert Series: 3 Penny Acre,
Hughes Recital Hall, 7 p.m.
mar
ch
apri
l 4 Easter Pageant, Luther Memorial, 12:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 5:30 p.m.
6 Good Friday Holiday (campus closed)
12 Concert Choir Spring Concert, Manning Chapel, 7:30 p.m.
19 Play Day
20-21 Charter Celebration Weekend
20 Robing and Ring Ceremony, W.W. Walton Chapel, 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
20 Midnight March
24 Song & Jazz 5, Hughes Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m.
Dr. Marlene Zipperlen ’67 has been chosen to
receive the 2011 Distinguished Alumni Award,
which will be awarded during the university’s
Charter Celebration, April 20-21.
The Distinguished Alumni Award is the high-
est award given by the Alumni Association. Alumni
selected for this honor have distinguished them-
selves in their professions, demonstrate pride in their
alma mater, and reflect honor on the university.
Zipperlen, who has served as Dean of the College of Education at UMHB
since 2003, was also the founding dean of the university’s first doctoral
program. From her days as student government president as an undergradu-
ate, to her years as a superintendent of schools in Rogers and Clifton, to
her work with the doctoral program in education at UMHB, Zipperlen has
represented the university well through every undertaking. She attributes her
success to the education she received at her alma mater.
“My time at UMHB as an undergraduate student was one blessed with new
experiences, a wealth of new friends, and a wonderful Christian environment
which nurtured an aspiring young teacher,” Zipperlen said.
Zipperlen was nominated by Helen Harris ’75, Ed.D. ’11. In one of her first
teaching assignments after graduating from UMHB, Zipperlen coached Harris
on the varsity tennis team in Killeen ISD. Recently, the two were reunited
when Harris worked with Zipperlen as a graduate student in the doctoral
program and Zipperlen served as the chair for Harris’s dissertation.
“Dr. Zipperlen is known as an innovator in education,” Harris said. “She
is an inspiration to her students, a leader among faculty, and a committed
Christian. She continues to demonstrate initiative, innovation, creativity and a
superior work ethic in every task she undertakes.”
Dean chosen as distinguished alumna
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“God’s plan for me and
for my career began at
UMHB. It is an incredible
honor, and I am humbled
to be considered a
distinguished alumna.
The university continues
to inspire me, and
provides me opportunities
to influence both
undergraduate and
graduate students.
— DR. MARLENE ZIPPERLEN
The Distinguished Alumni Award will be presented during Alumni Chapel Saturday, April 21, at 10:30 a.m. Please join us for this and other Charter Celebration events!
In what can only be described as the
volleyball team’s best season in a decade,
first-year head coach Rob Frost led the
Lady Crusaders to their first victory in the
American Southwest Conference tourna-
ment since 1998, setting a new school
Division III-era record for wins in a season.
In the opening match of the 2011
American Southwest Conference Cham-
pionship Tournament Nov. 3, the Lady
Crusaders grabbed an early lead and
then battled back from a third-set deficit
to post a 3-0 victory over Texas Lutheran
University. The victory brought the team’s
season record to 21-9, setting a new
school single-season record for Division III-era wins, besting the previous mark
of 20 set in 1998. The win was the first ASC Tournament victory for the team
since 1998, when the Cru went on to win the inaugural conference tournament.
The Lady Crusaders advanced to face ASC West Division Champion
McMurry University later that evening. The team had chances to put McMurry
away, but the Cru could not hold off the War Hawks fourth and fifth set rallies
in a 3-2 loss in the second round of the championship tournament.
The Cru then faced U.T.-Tyler in an elimination game Nov. 4. The team
fought back from an opening set loss to tie the match, but the Cru comeback
fell short in a 3-1 loss. The loss ended their season at 21-11 overall. The match
eliminated the Cru from the conference tournament after UMHB advanced to
the ASC Tournament for the first time since 2007.
Volleyball advances to conference tournament for first time since 2007
The Cru men’s and women’s golf teams both received mention in the Golf World
Division III Top 25 Polls released in the Nov. 7 issue of Golf World magazine. The poll
ranked the women’s golf team 13th in the country. The women won three of their
four tournaments this fall, beating every Division III opponent and finishing second
only to McLennan Community College at the Lady Bulldog Classic. The men’s golf
team received votes in Golf World/Nike Golf Coaches Top 25 Poll and have the 30th
highest point total in the nation. They posted a pair of tournament victories during
the fall schedule, winning the Schreiner Fall Classic and the UMHB Fall Invitational.
Golf teams mentioned in Golf World Top 25 Polls
N EWSBRIEFS // Online video streaming now
available for athletic events In September, the athletic department
signed a contract with Stretch Internet
to provide free live video streaming of
the Cru’s athletic events. The streaming
schedule included live video streaming
of all ten regular season football games,
all home events, and select road contests
in each sport. UMHB utilized Stretch’s
Game Central feature, making all of the
coverage options available through one
link. Fans can access live video, live audio,
and live statistics through the Cru’s
athletic department portal at http://client.
stretchinternet.com/client/umhb.portal.
Men’s soccer wins its way to ASC semifinals
The men’s soccer team finished the 2011 season with an 11-4-3 overall
record. The Cru went 10-3 in ASC play and advanced to the semifinals of the ASC Championship Tournament, tying
eventual conference champion U.T.-Tyler before the Patriots advanced on
penalty kicks 4-1. Seven UMHB players were named to the American South-
west Conference All-Conference teams.
12 A T H L E T I C S
Senior Sara Hayward attacks the ball against Centenary College Sept.16. The Lady Crusaders won 3-1.
One class. One goal. A hundred thousand blessings.
The Class of 1971 is living out their class tagline of “making a difference” through
an ambitious goal to raise $100,000 by their 50th reunion in 2021. The class hopes
the gift will make a difference by providing scholarships for future students.
The class considers themselves a “class of firsts.” There were the first to walk
the steps of Walton Chapel, graduate with males, adopt the Crusader mascot,
and sing the co-ed words to “Up With the Purple.” They are now working to
become the first to raise a six-figure class gift.
“It is our hope that by getting this started at our 40-year reunion, by 2021 we
will be able to present our school with a ‘golden’ $100,000 gift,” class president
Cathy Burkett ’71 said.
The process of raising the money is not impossible, but it requires dedication
and patience, she said. “We are working with Michael Ball, the senior director of
development, to implement a process where we will be in contact with class-
mates on a regular basis over the next ten years. We will then present the gift at
our 50-year class reunion.”
According to classmate Vickie McKay ’71, their focus is to inspire each class
member to make a contribution. “We will encourage everyone to begin a monthly
contribution of an amount with which they are comfortable,” McKay said.
Acts 20:35 states, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” The class may not
receive a tangible gain in return, but they are certain their gift will touch many lives.
“I look forward to being able to financially help students to create just as
many precious memories as I did,” Deborah Moore ’71 said.
McKay and her class acknowledge that had it not been for alumni before
them, they may not have received a college education. “We just want to give
back,” McKay said. “We love our university and see the great work that is being
done and the wonderful students attending today, and we want to make a
difference in their lives, just as UMHB made a difference in ours.”
A class of firsts: Class of ’71 sets goal to raise first six-figure class gift BY SAR AH NUNEZ ’11
“We just want to give
back. We love our
university and see the
great work that is being
done and the wonderful
students attending
today, and we want to
make a difference in their
lives, just as UMHB made
a difference in ours.”
— VICKIE McKAY ’71
The Class of ’71 poses for a picture while celebrating its 40th reunion at Homecoming 2011. It was during this time that the class officially accepted the challenge to raise $100,000 by 2021.
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ON
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P H I L A N T H R O P Y 13
14 UMHB LIFE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1
“Growing up there, I know the
problems we went through,” Mutinda
said. “The village has been a very
peaceful area, but there is no govern-
ment support. There is no running
water and the roads are not good. We
rely on the rains, and when there is no
rain (because at times the rains keep),
then there is a lot of suffering.”
Mutinda experienced that suffering
first-hand as a nine-year-old boy when
famine swept through the country.
Food was scarce—over five hours of
back-breaking labor earned Mutinda
just a single cup of paddy rice.
After graduating from high school,
he began working as a photographer,
taking people’s photographs for green
cards. He applied for the American
Green Card Lottery Program and, two
years later, received his permanent
resident visa. He moved to the United
States with his wife and daughter in
2003, then joined the U.S. Army and
served as a medic for five-and-a-half
years in Iraq and Korea.
Despite being thousands of miles from
his village, the problems facing Malikini
continued to consume his thoughts.
“When I was in Korea I was told
about my cousin’s wife who died
because of a snake bite. It took over
three hours by oxen cart pull to take
her to the hospital. She did not have
any other options for medical treat-
ment,” Mutinda said. “I still felt the
problems within that area. I knew,
something needs to be done. Some-
body needs to wake up and do
When the 20 UMHB nursing students, faculty, and community members arrived in the Kenyan village of Malikini late in the night July 29, 2011, the darkness of the sleeping village was overwhelming. The village does not have electricity, so once the sun goes down at 6:30, moonlight is the only source available to light the way. With their flashlights packed away with their luggage, at first the group had trouble navigating in the dark of night. But for sophomore nursing major Michael Mutinda, the roads were familiar. He had traveled them many times as a young boy living in Malikini.
F E A T U R E S 15
something. But I kept thinking, what
could I do? I’m not rich.”
Still, Mutinda could not shake the
feeling a medical camp needed to be
established in Malikini.
After Mutinda enrolled at the
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, those
dreams began taking shape. A seem-
ingly chance encounter on campus
with adjunct nursing professor Dr.
Glen Smith set the ball rolling on the
university’s first medical mission trip.
Smith had been a missionary in Kenya
prior to coming stateside, so when he
noticed Mutinda’s accent he struck
up a conversation. They discovered a
shared passion for the people of Kenya
and decided to bring their vision of a
medical mission trip to the attention of
Dr. Sharon Souter, dean of the College
of Nursing. Souter was immediately on
board—she had been seeking opportu-
nities for the College of Nursing to get
involved in missions.
“The collaboration between those
three leaders and the orchestration of
God in details was absolutely beauti-
ful,” said senior nursing student Kacey
Carabajal, who went on the trip. “Many
of us have had the desire to participate
in a medical mission trip for a really
long time, so it was just such a blessing
to have the opportunity to go.”
MEDICAL CLINIC IN MALIKINIAfter a 20-hour flight, the
group—which included nine UMHB
nursing students, one Tarleton pre-
med student, one Texas Tech pre-vet
student, four UMHB faculty, and
five community members—arrived
in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city. The
following day the group drove by
15-passenger bus to Malikini, arriv-
ing that night at the school dormitory
they would call home for the next
week and a half. Most of Saturday was
spent setting up the medical camp and
getting the equipment ready for the
clinic, which would begin on Monday.
That Sunday, the group experi-
enced their first Kenyan church service.
Christianity is widely accepted in the
country, but the service revealed a
unique blend of African culture and
traditional Christian beliefs.
“We were all assigned to a church
and were expected to participate in
the service,” Souter said. “During the
offering time one
B Y J E N N I F E R M E E R S J O N E S ’ 0 8
Far left: Upon arriving in Kenya, the group participates in a massage circle to relieve jetlag tension before boarding the bus to Malikini.
Middle: Michael Mutinda holds up a Crusader “C” and sports a UMHB jersey during a soccer game with the villagers.
Left: Before leaving Malikini, the group poses in front of the school dormitory where the women stayed all week.
Nursing students treat 945 patients in six days during medical mission trip to a Kenyan village
16 UMHB LIFE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1
person brought a live chicken. As part
of the process, which is very normal
there, they auctioned it off to the
highest bidder. I’m not sure who won,
but they gave the chicken to us, which
we then gave back to the pastor of the
church.”
The service provided the group
with a taste of what was to come in
the days ahead as they were put on
the spot and asked to share their faith
with the congregation.
“We thought we would just be
sharing our testimony, but no, the
pastor said, ‘You have the whole
service; you are the sermon.’ We were
able to cope with that pretty well, but
it’s just an example of the process the
students went through to learn how
to, at a moment’s notice, share their
faith through a translator with people
who didn’t speak the same language,”
Souter said.
The medical clinic started that
Monday. In the next six days, the nurse
practitioners and physicians would
treat an astounding 945 people. The
students assisted with assessment,
spiritual counseling, and pharmaceuti-
cal advisory.
Every patient began with assess-
ment, said senior Mandy Brawner,
who worked in this area.
“We had three stations set up with
students and translators,” she said.
“Patients would explain to us what
was wrong in their words. This is when
we were really able to see the cultural
differences. In America, when some-
body has a sniffle and a cough, most of
the time they will say they have a cold.
That doesn’t necessarily mean they
actually have a cold, but that is what
they usually say. In Kenya, patients
would say they had malaria or other
common diseases. Part of our critical
thinking was accessing the symptoms
they were describing and determining
what was actually wrong with them.”
Brawner said common ailments
patients suffered from included
general aches, back pain, malaria, head
funguses, worms, stomach issues,
acid reflux, and heartburn. “But they
wouldn’t know what to call it,” she
said. “They’d say, ‘Stomach hurts here
when I eat.’ And then we had to figure
it out by asking specific questions.”
The student would then write a
report about the patient’s assessment
and take them to the next room, which
was spiritual counseling. This room was
set up similarly to assessment, with three
stations. Each station had a student and
a local pastor to serve as translator.
“Spiritual counseling was really
another form of assessment,” said
Carabajal, who was assigned to this
area. “We asked the patients why
they were here today and how we
could pray for them. We checked to
see if we needed to add anything to
the assessment form. And mainly, we
would ask about their spiritual lives,
ask about their families, and get to
know them in that relational aspect.
Then we would pray over them.”
Professor Dr. Bobbie Dixon, who over-
saw the clinic’s assessment area, said she
was most surprised by the patients’
reactions to the mzungus, the term
Kenyans use to refer to white people.
“Our translators were pastors and
experienced spiritual counselors,” Dixon
said. “But there were times when we
were short and we had to pull students
from spiritual counseling to help in
other areas. And the patients would say
they preferred to have a student pray
for them rather than the pastor; they
thought the white girl’s prayers were
stronger. They thought the mzungus’
prayers went straight to heaven.”
F E A T U R E S 17
After spiritual counseling, the patient
was taken to see one of three physi-
cians: nursing faculty members Dr.
Joanne Woods and Dr. Glen Smith, and
Temple-based physician Dr. Ricky Kindle.
“As a nurse practitioner, I saw the
patients in the clinic,” Woods said. “I
primarily saw the women, and every
single one who came in complained of
back pain. It didn’t impact me initially
until I saw them walking down the
road, toting their little ones on their
backs, and hearing about working in
the rice fields and out in their gardens
and cleaning their homes bent over all
day. One lady I saw was in the rice fields
from sun up to sun down every day.”
Woods said the thing that
impressed her most was how loving
and giving the people of Malikini
were, despite the challenges they face.
“Just to come to the clinic they
would dress up in their finest—the
very best they had. The men came in
suits, and they always had a smile on
their faces. That really helped me keep
things in perspective during the long
days in the clinic,” she said.
Finally the patients were taken to the
pharmacy, where students filled prescrip-
tions, explained the medicine’s instructions,
and administered the first dosage.
“By the end of the week, we ran out
of everything. We ran out of the cute
little bottles that we put the medicine in.
So everybody started saving their water
bottles, and filling water bottles with
100 cc of Malox or other medicines
to give out to patients, making use of
everything we had,” Souter said.
For student Kelsey Anderson, the trip
took an unexpected turn when illness
forced her from the role of a caregiver
to the role of a patient.
“I actually contracted malaria,”
Anderson said. “I was in Uganda for
the two and a half months prior, and
then I met the group in Kenya. It wasn’t
until we started the clinic that I started
showing symptoms, since it takes a
week or two to get sick. So I had two
days working at the clinic teaching
patients about their medications in the
pharmacy before I started to feel really
run down. I spent the rest of the time
in bed. But there were a couple of days
where I was able to go sit in the clinic
part of the time.”
It was during these times in the
clinic that Anderson was able to minis-
ter to one small patient that left a
lasting impression on the entire group.
“There was a two-month old little
boy we called Baby Simon who was
dying of AIDS. All I could do was sit in
the treatment room and take it easy,
but I got to hold him and try to feed
him his medicine.”
Anderson said being sick helped her
relate to the patients they were treating.
“It was different seeing it from the
perspective of being sick. I was able
to see people with the same illness I
had, and it made me understand how
horrible it would be if your parents
had to say ‘I’m sorry but we have to
wait until we have the money to get
you medicine,’ just because they didn’t
have even the little money it would
cost to get malaria treatment.”
UNDERSTANDING TRUE SERVICEWhen recalling the trip, one
common theme each member of the
medical mission team brings up is
service. Even more than the medical
services they provided to the residents
of Malikini, they remember the selfless
way the village served them while they
were there.
“One measure of love was they
did everything they could to make us
For additional photos and to view exclusive videos of the
trip, please visit life.umhb.edu.
(continued on page 36)
Far left: Senior Kelsey Anderson administers medica-tion to a patient in the clinic’s pharmacy.
Middle: Dr. Glen Smith comforts a crying child who visited the clinic with her parents.
Left: Junior Emma Smith encourages a Kenyan woman in the spiritual counseling area of the clinic.
18 UMHB LIFE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1
Sunday, October 16My school week really begins Sunday
around 2 o’clock, when I head over to
my friend Corbin’s apartment for my
weekly Sunday afternoon study session
with Nicki, Corbin, Molly, and Danica.
These study groups help tremendously!
We study on our own, then meet to
discuss what we’ve learned. Each of us
often have information others do not
have, so it’s good to hear other thoughts
and opinions. Tomorrow is the last day of
3610 Nursing of Adults I, so tonight we
are preparing for our final exam.
The course takes place during the
first half of the semester. Then Nursing
of Adults II begins and will last until the
end of the fall semester. 3610 consisted
of basic nursing care such as bed baths,
administering meds, and nurse/client
interaction; perioperative care; hygiene;
the urinary system; nutrition; and the GI
system. It sounds like a lot of information
to learn in seven weeks, and it was!
It’s surreal to reflect upon the last
month and a half and realize the amount
of information learned will (hopefully)
stick with us for the rest of our lives.
While cramming in a last few hours of
studying for the final exam tomorrow
morning, I couldn’t help but look around
at my study group. The Lord has blessed
me with four incredible friends. They
are the ones I turn to for comfort and
condolence when I feel overwhelmed
(which, as a nursing student, is a feeling
I’ve become accustomed to lately!)
I normally try to make it to bed
before midnight the night before an
exam, but my mind was going full-
speed tonight. I was pretty nervous
about the exam and had a difficult time
relaxing. I eventually fell asleep, but not
before a lot of prayer. I prayed that God
would relieve my anxiety and help me
recall the information we studied.
Monday, October 17After four hand slaps to the snooze
button, I finally forced myself out of the
bed to get ready for the day. On my way
out, I grabbed a homemade cranberry
orange muffin and a Diet Coke (because
let’s face it, there’s no way I’m getting
through this exam without a few sips
of liquid heaven—aka Diet Coke).
The final exam took place at 7:30
this morning. It was obvious the
entire class was a bundle of nerves,
but thankfully Mrs. Beamon blessed
us with her words of wisdom as she
prayed over each student. The faculty
in the College of Nursing do not
receive enough recognition for every-
thing they do for us. They genuinely
care about each and every student and
spend countless hours (that often go
unnoticed) preparing for class and lab.
I am so appreciative of all they do!
Once I finished the final exam, I
was finally able to breathe a sigh of
relief—3610 is officially over. Did you
hear that? OVER! To say I’m excited
would be an understatement.
After making a quick lunch at my
apartment (a honey wheat bagel with
peanut butter), I headed out to work a
golf tournament for UMHB alumni and
donors. As a member of Student Foun-
dation, I get the opportunity to work
at many fun university events like this.
JEN
NIF
ER J
ON
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I have wanted to work in the medical field ever since I was a little girl. I considered being a doctor, but decided to major in nursing instead because so often it is the nurses who really get to form relationships with patients and their families. It is hard to believe that in only three short semesters my days as a college student will be over. My days at UMHB will one day come to an end, but the lessons and education learned will stay with me forever. Here is a glimpse into a week in my life:
B Y A S H L E I G H H O L D E N ’ 13
A W E E K I N T H E
Life of a Nursing Student
Once the last golf cart drove by, I quickly
took off to make it to class in time.
On my way back to campus I made
a quick stop at Taco Bell for dinner.
I was able to pay for my taco using
the new CruCard system. Students
are now able to use their reloadable
CruCards at several restaurants in
Belton, such as Bodega Bean, Taco
Bell, and Schlotzsky’s. I’m loving the
convenience of this new system!
I made it on to campus just in time
for my 7 p.m. Pharmacology lecture.
Tonight we thoroughly discussed a case
study which dealt with a patient expe-
riencing chest pain and heart issues.
We talked about different drug choices,
nursing care plans, and interven-
tions the nurse would need
to make, depending on the
severity of the
situation.
After
class, I
always try to
wind down
by taking a
nightly jog. This is my favorite part of
the day. As soon as I take the first leap
onto the paved road and turn my music
up loud, the world disappears. During
this time, I do not think about nursing,
I do not think about my schedule, and
I do not think about everything I must
finish that day. I simply focus on the
music blaring in my ears and listen to
the synchronized thudding of my feet
as they hit the pavement.
Tuesday, October 18I wake up at 8 a.m. and start my day
by reading Philippians 4:4-7. Lately,
nursing has created a lot of anxiety and
apprehension in my life, causing me
to doubt the Lord’s plan. I know that
He knows best, but giving up control
terrifies me. At the end of the day,
however, He remains faithful, and His
divinity remains true.
Armed with this reassurance, I head
over to Wells Nursing and Science Hall
for lab. Today we got to learn how to
start an IV! I have learned so many skills
since August, but this is my favorite so
far. For some reason, this made me feel
like an actual nurse.
We learned on a
mannequin
arm but
were
given
CruCards at several restaurants in
Belton, such as Bodega Bean, Taco
Bell, and Schlotzsky’s. I’m loving the
convenience of this new system!
I made it on to campus just in time
for my 7 p.m. Pharmacology lecture.
Tonight we thoroughly discussed a case
study which dealt with a patient expe-
riencing chest pain and heart issues.
We talked about different drug choices,
nursing care plans, and interven-
tions the nurse would need
to make, depending on the
severity of the
situation.
After
class, I
always try to
wind down
by taking a
finish that day. I simply focus on the
music blaring in my ears and listen to
the synchronized thudding of my feet
as they hit the pavement.
Tuesday, October 18I wake up at 8 a.m. and sttttttararaaaraaaa t my day
by reading Philippians 4:4-7. Lately,
nuursingg haas crreatet d a loooooot t tttt of aaanxietyy and
appprp ehehensiono inn mymmy life,ee ccauauuusisingnng mmeee
for lab. Today we got to learn how
start an IV! I have learned so many skills
since August, but this is my favorite so
far. For some reason, this made me feel
like annnnnnnnnn actual nurse.
We learnrned on a
mannequin
arm but
were
gig venn
t
20 UMHB LIFE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1
the clear to practice on
each other. Whether or not I will allow
myself to practice on a fellow student
and vice versa is still up for debate.
After a quick lunch at the apartment,
I head to class. Today, we learned about
the respiratory system and disorders
that go along with it. A guest speaker
came and talked to us about the life of
a respiratory therapist. She brought a
lot of equipment she uses at her job,
as well as pig lungs covered in cancer.
We were able to feel the lungs and see
firsthand the effects of smoking.
After class, I rushed home to cook
dinner before heading out to a babysit-
ting job. Tonight’s menu included sweet
potato fries and edamame. Random, I
know, but I am trying to eat all of my
food before going grocery shopping.
Such is the life of a college student!
I drive over to babysit Ella, who is
two years old, while her siblings are at
soccer practice. I love babysitting for
this family. The parents have shown me
such encouragement throughout nurs-
ing school. Both parents are doctors,
so they understand the demands of
school. Tonight, Ella and I go on a long
walk. The beautiful weather and setting
sun definitely helped me relax and clear
my head. I must say, taking care of one
child is so much easier than four!
I say goodbye to Ella and her family
around 8 o’clock and head to the
campus library to complete a few tasks.
After a couple of
hours, I go back to
my apartment to get
ready for clinicals in
the morning. I call
it a night around 11
p.m. Thanks to my
5 a.m. wake-up call
the next morning, my bedtime is much
earlier than it once was!
Wednesday, October 19My carpool buddies Nicki and
Chelsea and I arrive at Scott & White
Hospital by 6:45 the next morning. We
have clinicals every Wednesday and
Thursday. I am on 6 North this semes-
ter, which is a basic med-surg floor.
Each week, a different student is
chosen to be the charge nurse who
assigns patients to each student. After
receiving our assignments for the
day, we meet in the nurse’s lounge to
team up with our nurse mentor. She
gives us our patients’ report sheets,
which contain the patients’ informa-
tion and everything we need to know
that happened during the night shift.
I spend about 15 minutes looking up
my patient’s medications and other
important information then go to the
room to meet the patient.
I have the same routine every day.
First, I get a Dinamep, which is the vital
signs machine. This machine takes the
patient’s blood pressure, pulse, tempera-
ture, and oxygen saturation. I talk to the
patient and ask basic questions, such as,
“How did you sleep?” and “Are you in
any pain?” Talking to the patient helps
me get an initial assessment. Listening to
them gives me a general idea of whether
or not they are anxious or depressed,
and of any concerns they may have.
While in the room, I also perform a
physical assessment. I listen to heart,
lung, and bowel sounds; assess their
skin and limbs; and observe any physi-
cal problems. I document everything
on the computer, which is located
inside the room.
I then go to get medications out
of the med room and begin admin-
istering the 9 a.m. meds under the
supervision of a nurse or faculty
supervisor. We are required to know
information about each drug given,
meaning we have to look up the infor-
mation either in our drug book or on
the computer. After we give meds, we
fill out the assessment sheet in our
paperwork packets, which are due to
our faculty supervisor every Friday.
There isn’t an actual schedule to
follow during the day. We just have
to give meds at the correct time,
take vitals when ordered, and help
the nurses with anything they need.
The nurses often have at least five
patients, so we try to do anything that
will make their jobs easier, such as
vitals, blood glucose checks, ambulat-
ing patients, giving baths, or certain
procedures we are allowed to do.
At 11:15, all of the nursing students
go to the cafeteria and eat together.
This is a fun part of the day! It’s nice
to step away from the floor and have
different scenery. Once we finish lunch,
we must administer afternoon meds,
check on patients, and document infor-
mation in the computer. The afternoons
always go by quickly. We get vitals one
last time just before 2 p.m. and make
sure the patient has everything he or
she needs. Then, we say goodbye to
our patients and meet in the lobby of
6 North for our “post conference.” Ms.
the clear to practice on
Af
ho
m
r
t
the next morning, m
study group at corbin ’s
Jordan and Ms. Smalley, the two faculty
for 6 North, lead the 15 students in a
debriefing of the day where they give
us advice and constructive criticism. We
are able to ask questions about how
we can improve our quality of care and
ways in which we can be more efficient
with our time. The faculty really utilize
this time to help all of us improve our
skills and talk about any concerns we
may have. We usually are able to leave
by 2:30 and, as we do every afternoon
after clinicals, Nicki, Chelsea, and I
head straight to Sonic Happy Hour. A
large Diet Coke is calling my name!
Back at the campus, I quickly jump
in the shower to get ready for the
night’s events, which include a Student
Foundation meeting and Focus, the
Wednesday night campus worship
service. It is always so refreshing to sit
in an auditorium full of students and
worship the same God together.
Thursday, October 20Today begins with another 5 a.m.
wake-up call. I drank a lot of water this
morning to rehydrate. I’ve learned over
the past four weeks of clinicals how
crucial it is to keep yourself hydrated,
preferably with water. Did you know
that you’re supposed to drink eight
ounces of water immediately after
waking up since you get dehydrated
during the night? Just a little fun fact
for the day. I grab a muffin for break-
fast and leave for clinicals.
Upon arriving at 6 North, I learned
my patient went home yesterday so
I have a new patient assigned to me.
I follow the same routine as yester-
day. Thursday clinicals are shorter, so
we must work at maximum speed to
ensure everything gets accomplished
for the day. Most days I don’t sit down
for more than five minutes at a time.
From bed baths to administering
medications to getting to know the
patients, the day absolutely flies by!
Instead of going to lunch at 11:15,
we begin post conference. We get
done very early today and leave the
hospital by 11:30. I am thankful for an
early day because I have a busy after-
noon ahead of me. I have been asked
to speak at the dedication for Farris
Hall, the new apartment complex that
was recently built on campus and
opened in August. I am lucky enough
to be one of the first residents to enjoy
Farris’ single-occupancy bedrooms and
beautiful views of Nolan Creek.
After speaking at the dedication,
I join the other Student Foundation
members at the President’s Home
to work at a dinner party for donors
and trustees. It is a great opportunity
to talk with the donors and trustees
about the master plan. I have the
opportunity to meet Jane Meyer, who
generously donated $5 million for the
College of Nursing Education Center.
She tells me about her decision to
make the donation, and I tell her a bit
about my experiences in the nursing
program so far. What a privilege!
Friday, October 21It is finally Friday! I was able to
“sleep in” until 7 a.m. and then headed
off to open lab, which is an hour of
free practice time in the lab giving us
the opportunity to practice the skills
we learned that week. We sign up for
this time a few days before in class. A
faculty member is always there in case
we have any questions. Today, we prac-
ticed nasotracheal suctioning; we have
a simulation on Monday and I want to
be as prepared as possible.
The lab finishes just in time for the
nursing building groundbreaking.
This was such a monumental day for
the College of Nursing. Every nurs-
ing student available gathered in their
scrubs and white lab coats to line the
street in front of Wells to express our
appreciation as the donors and trust-
ees made their way to the ceremony.
Our hope is that they understand how
much we appreciate their decision to
build this nursing facility.
This was a wonderful way to end
a busy but productive week. Now I’m
looking forward to a few days off where
I don’t have to set an alarm or worry too
much about school. And then it all starts
over again Monday morning!
22 UMHB LIFE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1
Katelyn Dean ’09, Deborah Baker ’09, and Sarah-Jane Sanders Menefee ’07 reunite on their old stomping grounds outside of the journalism lab during the first annual Bells and Bluebonnet Alumni Reunion breakfast, held Saturday, Oct. 1.
23
Homecoming has taken on many formats since the univer-
sity’s first celebration in 1909. Alumni who graduated before
the football program began in 1998 remember homecoming
as a spring event centered on traditions such as Charter Day,
a formal dinner, and singing in the Circle of Songs. Younger
alumni have always enjoyed homecoming in the fall—
focused around tailgate parties, a big football game, and the
halftime announcement of homecoming king and queen.
This year, alumni of all eras can enjoy the best of both
worlds. The homecoming schedule has been reformatted to
include a Homecoming Weekend in the fall and a Charter
Celebration Weekend in the spring.
Director of Alumni Relations Rebecca O’Banion said the
change was made because, in the past, homecoming activi-
ties have been limited by a tight schedule.
“A lot of the fall homecoming schedule was predeter-
mined by football and various other events,” O’Banion
said. “This new format allows us more time in the spring to
devote to older traditions such as the Alumni Dinner and
Awards, Alumni Chapel, and Circle of Songs. Moving the
event to the spring also allows our alumni to participate in
beloved traditions such as Midnight March and the Ring
and Robing ceremonies.”
Fall homecoming weekend was held Sept. 30-Oct. 1,
with a new schedule that included a family-friendly outdoor
New and improved schedule draws more young alumni and their families to campus for fall events
carnival in the Quad, an enthusiastic Friday night pep rally
at Luther Memorial, and a decisive win against Louisiana
College on the football field that Saturday. Alumni of all
ages said the decision to hold Stunt Night during home-
coming weekend was a good one, O’Banion said.
“All ages of alumni enjoy Stunt Night. That is something
that draws the generations together.”
O’Banion said responses to the schedule changes have
been positive and she expects the new format to continue
in the years to come.
“Those that attended fall homecoming really felt the
events were right for them and met their needs. And those
we have talked to about the spring events are excited about
taking part in some of the traditions they remember, like
Midnight March and Robing,” she said, adding that she
hopes many alumni will choose to attend both the fall and
spring events.
“We want to emphasize that we would love for all
alumni to come to both. We know that is not always possi-
ble, so we hope alumni will pick the event that best meets
their needs, and
best makes them
feel that they
have come
home.”
Opposite page, from far left: A family enjoys the spinning teacup ride set up in the Quad during the carnival Friday afternoon. • The carni-val was free event which offered many activities for children including a petting zoo, a bounce house, and a big slide set up on Moore Street (pictured). • Many alumni enjoyed horse-drawn carriage rides around campus during the carnival Friday.
This page: Abigail Summers, daughter of Ryun ’05 and Shavon Bassett Summers ’06, is ready in her purple and gold Crusader gear for the big football game against Louisiana College.
B Y J E N N I F E R M E E R S J O N E S ’ 0 8
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ome to both. We know that is not always possi
hope alumni will pick the event that best meets
, and
them
ey
24 UMHB LIFE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1
Clockwise from top left: A future Crusader cheers the Cru on to victory at the football game against Louisiana College. UMHB won the game 36-10. • Jacqueline Findley leads the seniors in song during their Stunt Night skit. The senior class received judges’ choice for best skit, winning possession of the coveted Stunt Night blanket for the year. • Participants run the final stretch of the Cru 5K Fun Run Saturday morning. • Current student Johnathan Clifton, wife Leanne, and son James enjoy the catered tailgate from Clem Mikeska’s Barbeque before the football game. • During Campus Run, students pile into the back of a truck and join the line of cars making their way to Tiger Field for the football game Saturday afternoon.
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Director of Baptist Student Ministries Dr. Shawn Shannon (center) was presented with an honorary membership into the Alumni Association during the Dessert Party Friday night. Director of Alumni Relations Rebecca O’Banion, senior Andrew Kester, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations Melissa Ford, and Alumni Association president Cindy Breaux Roberts ‘90 presented the award to Shannon, who was nominated because of her deep love for UMHB. She rarely misses a campus event, and is the most commonly used campus figure in Stunt Night skits and Crusader Knights contestant videos. These activities are not what qualified Shannon for this award, but rather the spirit in which she does them. Honorary memberships into the Alumni Association are granted to individuals who, although they are not former students or graduates of the university, have shown love and loyalty to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.
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ALUMNILIFE’61-63 Barbara
Thacker Troutz has
written a book on grief titled Resurfacing: Climbing Out of the Pit of Grief. Writ-ten after her son died in 2006, the book offers hope to those who are hurting and need direction in the storms of life, no matter what those storms are. Troutz takes normal, everyday circumstances and links them to scripture to address the solutions and directions found in God’s Word.
’74 Carolyn Tice Mitchell was one of seven faculty members from the Univer-
sity of Texas at El Paso to be selected to receive The University of Texas System Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award. She has worked as a senior lecturer in the department of communications since 1997. In addition to teaching a variety of advertising and public relations courses, she is the faculty adviser for the UTEP’s
Student Ad Fed Club and the communica-tions department’s Cotton Productions.
’75 Larry Zabcik has been the pastor of Temple Brethren Church for the past three
years. He went on a mission trip with Ron Winsman, pastor of Ocker Brethren Church near Zabcikville, to the Czech Republic Sept. 14-22. Ron’s daughters, Dawnya Winsman Kimbrough ’01 and Darbi Winsman Tidwell ’01, are serving as missionaries in Africa.
’76 Herb Brubaker was recently named director and CEO of ITT Technical Institute in
Little Rock. He and his wife, Jackie, may be reached at 617 Dogwood, Jonesboro, Ark. 72401 or [email protected].
’96 Dawn Conner Irons recently completed her master’s degree in coun-
seling at Dallas Baptist University and is working as a therapist at SoulCare Christian Counseling Center in Bedford. Dawn and her husband, Brad Irons ’95, have three children, Christopher, Laura, and Joshua. They may be reached at 295 Belle St., Bedford, Texas 76022 or [email protected].
’99 Billye Wiggins Rhudy graduated from Amarillo College with an A.A.S.
in Mortuary Science in Dec. 2010. He is employed as a funeral director and embalmer at Scott’s Funeral Home in Gatesville.
’00 Melissa Dodd Dettmer is a stay-at-home mom and runs a graphic design
business from her home. She is also the director of marketing and promotions for The Branch Women’s Ministry, a year-
26 UMHB LIFE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1
Couch Cru captain Abby Criswell cheers on the football team during the Home-coming game against Louisiana College. The Cru came out on top, winning 36-10.
round volunteer position at Farmers Branch Church of Christ. Her husband, Andy Dettmer ex ’97, graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a master’s in engineering, master’s in business administration, and a Ph.D in engineering. He works as a civil engineer for Carollo Engineers in Dallas. They may be reached at [email protected].
’01 Kristie Brown Hernandez was inducted into Mesquite Independent School
District’s Apple Corps at the Oct. 10 meeting of the Mesquite Board of Trustees. Apple Corp teachers are nominated by their peers, approved by their principal and the administration, and inducted by the Board of Trustees. Kristie teaches eighth grade science at Agnew Middle School.
Alumni Life reports news received June 15, 2011, through October 15, 2011. If you have news to share, send it to: Alumni Relations, UMHB Box 8427, 900 College Street, Belton, Texas 76513 or send via email to [email protected]
Got news?
’07 Kristin Bohacek and Alli-son Powell Glapa recently contributed to the 2011
Neiman Marcus Christmas Book launch. Bohacek designed the layout for the website’s landing page, and Glapa edited the fantasy gifts video featured on the website. Bohacek has worked as a web designer with Neiman Marcus since 2009, and Glapa has been a multimedia designer with the company since 2007.
’08 Robert Mattson is the associate pastor for music and discipleship at First
Baptist Church, Lampasas. His wife, Sandra Sanders Mattson ’92, is a choral director for the Killeen Independent School District. They may be reached at P.O. Box 1544, Lampasas, Texas 76550.
’10 Kathryn Frey is a missionary in Diosd, Hungary, teaching high school social studies
at the International Christian School of Budapest. She serves with United World Mission.
WEDDINGSTammie Lynn Martin ’98 to Mark Robert Browning, July 30, in Waco. Tammie is a reading teacher at Gatesville Junior High School, and Mark is an acquisitions assis-tant for Baylor University libraries.
Shelley Rene Dodd ’01 to Michael Scott Ford, April 9, in Arlington. Shel-ley received a Master of Science in nursing degree from Walden University in August, and is a voca-tional nursing instructor
at Concorde Career College in Arlington. Michael is a web developer and co-owns and operates Three Stream, LLC.
Chad Stephen Widmer ’01 to Kelli Jo Hood, June 25, in Salado. Chad is a director of inventory and supply for the athletics department at UMHB.
Bonnie Jean Hunt ’02 to Robert Wayne Johnson, Oct. 1, in Temple. Bonnie is employed by Perry Office Plus in Temple, and Robert is employed by Allumed in Temple.
Meredith Grace Akins ’06 to Dustin Lee Allen, July 23, in Belton.
Jessie James George ’06 to Christen Leanne Tolbert, Oct. 8, in Temple. Jessie is employed by Farm Bureau Insurance, and Christen is a physical education teacher at Killeen Independent School District.
Michelle Leigh Schroeder ’06 to Terry Howard Zikes, June 25, in Temple. Michelle is a first grade teacher at Thornton Elementary School in Temple, and Terry is a department supervisor at Home Depot.
Angela Renee Wass ’09 to Brett Matthew Otwell, Oct. 23, 2010, in Little River-Academy. Angela is a home health nurse in Temple, and Brett is a cell phone and radio tower technician.
ALUMNI L I F E 27
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28 UMHB LIFE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1
Teaven Barnum ’10 and Sarah Wooten ’11,June 18, in Harker Heights. They are currently living in South Korea and work-ing as ESL teachers. The photographer was Andrea Cullman Crosswhite ’05 (Cross-white Photography).
Daniel Lane Green ’10 and April Michelle Stone ’08, Sept. 3, in Belton. Daniel is a second-year student at Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Benjamin James Milam ’10 to Diana Rene Joseph, June 25, in The Woodlands.
Alyssa Pointer ’10 to Jarrod Glasby, June 25, in Waco. Alyssa is a registered nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Scott & White Hospital in Temple, and Jarrod is a musician.
John Frederick Salerno, Jr. ’10 to Alexis Annikia Jardina, July 30, in Galveston. John is employed in the marketing department of Landmark Industries in Houston, and Alexis is a student at UMHB.
Shane Thomas Schneider ’10 and Emily Caitlin Hall ’10, July 30, in Destin, Fla. Shane is a field engineer at R.T. Schneider Construction, and Emily is a first grade teacher at Temple Independent School District.
Brandon Brewer ’11 and Sarah Hughey ’11, June 11, in Little Rock, Ark. Brandon is an Apple specialist in Fort Worth, and Sarah is working for CD Ski & Sports.
Stephen Brett Cole ’11 and Meredith Rene Johnson ’11, Aug. 13, in Gatesville. Stephen is employed at Hobby Lobby, and Meredith is manager of McAlister’s Deli.
Christopher Cody Galvan ’11 to Lindsey Rene’ Anderson, June 12, in Belton.
Allye Guthrie ’11 to Andrew Crosby, June 22, in Hawaii.
Jennifer Annett Morales ’11 to Mark Anthony Diaz, June 25, in Temple. Jennifer is a teacher at Salado Independent School District, and Mark is employed at FedEx in Temple.
BIRTHSKris A. Klaus ’97 and his wife, Amie, announce the birth of their daugh-ter, Kynsie Ryann, July 10. She joins big sister, Kelsie Grace. Kris is a pharmaceutical represen-tative, and Amie is a vet
technician.
Justin ’01 and Katie Keller Russell ’03 announce the birth of their daughter, Jiliana Nicole, May 26. She joins big sister Jordyn. They may be reached at 115 Private Road 4663,
Castroville, Texas 78009 or [email protected].
Anne-Marie Birkes Cope-land ’02 and her husband, Nathan, announce the birth of their son,
Levi Nathanael, Sept. 13. He joins siblings, Faith, Judson, Mary Ruth, and Ezra. Grandparents are Bruce ’78 and Clair Cox Copeland ’78, and great-grandmother is Mary Anne Woodliff Cox ’68. Anne-Marie ministers to her family from the home, and Nathan serves as pastor of First Baptist Church in Tonkawa, Okla.
Jennifer Pickett Barnett ’03 and her husband, Jonathan, announce the birth of their daughter, Rowen Mills, May 25. She joins big sister, Rhian Grace.
Kelli Williams Lewandowski ’03 and her husband, Jerry, announce the birth of their twin girls, Anna Rose and
Grace Abigail, April 25.
Jill Hodges Martin ’03 and her husband, Drew, announce the birth of their daughter, Madi-son Leann, June 30. They may be reached at [email protected].
April Marie Miller Sheppard ’03 and her husband, Phillip, announce the birth of their son, Kaiser Christian, June 23. Proud aunt is Amy Jo Miller Gonzalez ’03.
Scott ’04 and Jessica Vance Sackreiter ’03announce the birth of their daughter, Eliz-abeth Grace, Oct. 15. She
joins big sister, Annalise. Scott is an officer in the U.S. Navy, and Jessica is a stay-at-home mom. They may be reached at [email protected].
(continued on page 30)
Jayelyn Johnson (current student), Mindy Manley Fuller ’98, Robyn Allison ’10, Angie Lara ’10, Shannon Woodruff ’10, Jordan Cash ’11, Rebecca Widmer ’11, Joshua Binney ’10, Allye Guthrie Crosby ’11, Ashlee Driskell ’11, Katie Imbrock ’11, Grant Imbrock ’10, Rebeka Retta ’90, Lauren Rodriguez (current student), Brooke Cast ’09, Sarah Wooten Barnum ’11, Teaven Barnum ’10, Abby Mayfield ’11, Jennifer Larkin ’11, Holly Gaskamp Woodruff ’10, Alanna McFarland ’10
ALUMNI L I F E 29
For two alumni, a class project
took on a life of its own and has now
become what they say is the top
hyper-local website in the country in
a market of 100K. As a student in Dr.
Barbara Dalby’s Strategic Manage-
ment class, Luke Nunnally ’07 was
challenged to create a compelling,
profitable business model. The assign-
ment sparked an idea that quickly
became something more than a
mere class project. Along with his
roommate Elliot Barcak ’07, Nunnally
developed a successful web marketing
company built around selling online
advertisements.
Nunnally, a business management
major from Marble Falls, and Barcak, a
sport management major from Friend-
swood, were inspired by a lesson
Dalby taught on The Million Dollar
Home Page, where a student made a
million dollars in four weeks by selling
online advertisement spaces. The two
friends took this concept and gave it a
local gaming spin.
“We developed a website and broke
it into a large grid. We then started
selling portions of this grid to local
businesses,” Nunnally said.
And with that, Belboard was born.
What makes Belboard—and subse-
quent sites Wacoboard, TAMUboard,
Athensboard, and Bearkatboard,
among others—unusual is that when
registered users click on advertise-
ments, those ads may hold a prize. A
user can receive anything from a free
cupcake to a camera.
Belboard was an instant hit among
20-somethings and has quickly seen
its age demographic increase as the
concept spread through social media
sites and word of mouth.
“Like Facebook, it started out with
college kids and then went to the
mass public,” Nunnally said. “Our
return on investment for our adver-
tisers keeps them renewing each
year. One company is tracking a $4
co-purchase on a 25-cent coupon.
That’s $3.75 every time a customer
walks through the door with one of
our coupons. That’s something a small
business gets excited about.”
Nunnally also serves as the chair-
man of the Temple Chamber of
Commerce Business After Hours
events. He often bumps into website
users at the Chamber gatherings.
Nunnally said, at the last meeting, “a
fellow came up to us and said how
much he loved Belboard. He said he
had been to every place advertised
on the board except for Molly’s Deli,
which was pretty new. Through our
site, he had just won a free brownie
there, so he was planning on going
the next day to get his brownie. He
was so pumped about it!”
Nunnally and Barcak hope to reach
more areas in Texas, including Tyler,
Lubbock, and Abilene. They recently
received funding to expand to 15 new
markets, and they currently manage
a staff of 16, including recent UMHB
grad, Matt Wilson ’11. Nunnally
continues to operate the business
from Belton, while Barcak operates the
Huntsville and College Station markets.
Nunnally attributes the company’s
success to their faithfulness in tithing.
“We tithe ten percent of everything
we make through the company. We
have noticed that the months we
don’t tithe, we run out of money. We
have found that if we tithe, we are
blessed. It’s easy to see God’s faithful-
ness in that. That is the testimony of
our business.”
From classmates business partners
B Y S A R A H N U N E Z ’ 11
An idea sparked in business class leads Luke Nunnally ’07 and Elliot Barcak ’07 to develop successful web marketing company
Elliot Barcak ’07 (left) and Luke Nunnally ’07
30 UMHB LIFE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1
(continued on page 32)
Crystal Carpenter Seiford ’05 and her husband, Kevin, announce the birth of their son, Jack Edward, March 15. Crystal teaches kindergarten in San Antonio.
Jeff ’06 and Charis Himmel Olchesky ’07 announce the birth of their daughter, Amerson Rose, July 5. Jeff received his MBA from The Univer-sity of Tyler on May 14. He has worked at Pine Cove
Camps in Tyler for five years and currently is the associate director of operations.
Esther Buchanan Houghtaling ’07 and her husband, Spencer, announce the birth of their daughter, Hannah Rachel, June 29.
DEATHSGrace Hilliard Clark ’28, Sept. 10, in Killeen. She taught in rural areas before teaching in Rosebud schools. She was in the classroom for many years, however, when World War II took the men out of the school, she became principal and, for two years, the football coach. After retiring, she returned when the schools integrated remedial reading. She was an active member of the Methodist Church and after years of teaching the women’s Sunday School class, her class decided to name the class “The Grace Class.”
Julia Massey Babb ’35, Aug. 20, in Houston. She worked at Houston Baptist College as the associate director of financial aid, retiring as secretary to the chancellor.
Bethel Henson Lacy ’35, Aug. 12, in Kerrville. She taught school in Munford, Temple, and College Station. Bethel was active in the First Methodist Church Friendship Class in Virginia and Temple. She was a member of the Civic Federation and in civic activities in West Virginia, City Federation of Women’s Clubs, and the Newcomers Club in Temple.
Emma Powell Cauthen ’36, June 15, in Temple. She was a retired teacher, having taught in Maysfield, South Elm, Buckholts, and Elm Ridge. Emma was a member of Cameron Gospel Tabernacle.
Kathryn Greer Kothmann ’36, Aug. 19, in Junction. She taught and retired as a junior high English teacher and was the organist at First Baptist Church in Junction for 55 years.
Ruth Imogene Dodson Jennings ex ’38-’39, July 28, San Antonio. She was a long-time member of Pruitt Avenue Baptist Church.
Dorothy Palmer ex ’47, in May, in Rosenberg.
Mary Crafton Baker ’58, Sept. 9, in China Spring. She taught public school for 25 years and retired from China Spring in 1991. She was an active member of First Baptist Church of China Spring. Mary and her husband, Bob, spent over 20 years taking care of foster children from the Methodist Children’s Home.
Bobbie Thorn Murray ex ’58, Aug. 10, in Cedar Hill.
Judy Morgan Angelo ex ’62-’64, May 30, in Big Spring.
Jan Jones ’63, Sept. 6, in Tyler. She began her teaching career at A&M Consolidated High School in College Station. She then taught at Robert E. Lee High School in Tyler for 33 years, where she established an outstanding, award-winning theater program, recognized across the state of Texas. Jan also served as a Tyler Junior College adjunct faculty member before retiring. After retirement, she taught at All Saints Episcopal School, University of Texas Tyler, and Trinity Valley Commu-nity College in Athens. Jan had taught at East Texas Christian Academy since last year. Throughout the years, she not only directed and taught for the Student Players of Tyler, Brickstreet Theater chil-dren’s program, S.T.A.R, and The Acting Conservatory at Tyler Civic Theater, but her involvement also extended to the Stephen F. Austin Summer Rep Co. She recently directed the popular “Always…Patsy Cline” production at TCT. As a lifetime member of the Texas Educational Theatre
Association and TETA’s Adjudicator’s Organization, Jan contributed her knowl-edge to educators and schools across the state and the nation. She was the recipi-ent of numerous awards, including TETA’s Founder’s Award and Emeritus Award, Who’s Who Among American Teachers, Robert E. Lee’s Teacher of the Year, the SFA University 2005 Outstanding Theatre Alumni, and the UIL Southwestern Bell Sponsor Excellence Award. She was the sister of Jane Jones Vardiman ’55.
Mary Jean Ross Milford ’65, Sept. 6, in Texas City. She spent most of her career as a dedicated choral director in the Santa Fe, Texas City, and Temple school districts. Known as a strong woman of faith, she shared her beliefs as a missionary in Lugansk, Ukraine, for five years with the Ukraine-Texas Missionary Team and, upon her return, devoted much of her time to composing and arranging music to be shared freely among churches worldwide through the website “To His Glory.”
Charlotte Holmes Colbert ’68, Sept. 13, in Levelland. She was a teacher in the Dallas Independent School District for many years and then went on to real estate.
Jannett Sprayberry Pritchard ’71, June 10, in Copperas Cove. She worked for Exxon Oil Company in Hobbs, N.M. After her children were born, Jannett and her husband, Gene, moved to Copperas Cove and were owners of Western Auto Store. While her children were small, Jan went to UMHB part-time while helping with the family business. She retired after 31 years of service as a teacher and counselor in the Copperas Cove Independent School District. She was also active in Delta Kappa Gamma and the Retired Teachers Associa-tion. She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, where she volunteered in many different capacities.
Maria Tamez Piñon ’72, Aug. 2, in Temple. She served as one of the last long-standing members of the Pioneer Ballroom. Most recently, she worked as an ESL instructor for Temple College. Maria was involved in LULAC, Texas Master Gardeners, Temple Independent School District’s Grow Your Own Scholarship Program, Hispanic Leadership Council, and the Santa Fe Railroad Museum Board. She was an active member of Our Lady of
ALUMNI L I F E 31
Darbi Winsman Tidwell ’01 was a
7th grader when she first felt God’s
calling to missions. Little did she know
then the big plans He had in store
for her would include establishing an
orphanage in Mapanza, Zambia.
As newlyweds after college, Darbi
and her husband Blu felt drawn to
Africa—specifically Zambia. They
committed to a two-year assignment
working in Zambian youth ministry with
the International Mission Board. Once
their assignment ended, they returned
home so Blu could attend Southwestern
Baptist Theological Seminary.
“We thought we were back for
good, but we just kept thinking about
Zambia,” Darbi said. “It was in our
hearts, especially the kids. We really felt
if we could reach them when they are
young it would make a difference. In our
time there, we would see people come
to Christ, but then problems came and
they reverted back to what they had
always known, which is witchcraft and
promiscuity. Those cultural beliefs are
deeply ingrained in them.”
This led to the idea of planting
an orphanage in Zambia that would
provide children with a quality educa-
tion from a Christian perspective.
Upon sharing this vision with their
families, Blu’s brother offered to
donate the money to get the orphan-
age started. Soon, plans were set in
motion that moved New Day Orphan-
age from dream to reality.
The Tidwells spent a year in the States
coordinating plans and raising money.
During a survey trip, Blu received 40
acres of land from a Zambian chief to
use for the orphanage. In January 2010,
the Tidwells and their three children
made the permanent move to Zambia
and began building the orphanage.
Darbi said the vision for New Day
is different from a typical orphanage.
Instead of the goal being to adopt
children out, they take orphans in and
raise them to adulthood.
“We have three tenets to what we
are doing,” she explained. “A Christian
worldview is the first priority. The
basic premise of everything we do
is to teach them about Jesus so that
when they grow up and encounter
problems, instead of reverting to
witchcraft, they will fall back on Christ.
Number two is providing them with
quality education. We have a school
on our property, and they are taught
by Zambian and American teachers.
The third aspect is retaining their
Zambian culture. They live in a house
with a Zambian house mother, so they
still wash their own socks and learn
to eat Zambian food. Our intent is
not to raise little Americans; we want
them to grow up and reach their own
countrymen for Christ.”
Eight orphans currently live at New
Day. A second building is currently
being built on the property, which
will house eight more students. The
Tidwells hope one day they will have
the capacity to house 80 to 100 chil-
dren on the property.
All of this, Darbi said, wouldn’t have
been possible without the foundation
she established as a college student.
“I think UMHB was a turning point
for me; it is where God became real
and I made Him my own. I was raised
in a Christian home; after graduat-
ing from high school, I had to make a
decision about whether this faith was
real to me—am I going to choose this
for myself or not? UMHB was where I
decided I was going to follow Christ.
In our lives, that has taken the shape
of going overseas. Everybody’s life
is different, but for us, that is what
following Christ has looked like.”
Darbi Winsman Tidwell ’01 establishes an orphanage for Zambian children
B Y J E N N I F E R M E E R S J O N E S ’ 0 8
Darbi Winsman Tidwell ’01 with her husband Blu and children Cason, Cambree, and Caedmon.
COURTESY PHOTO
32 UMHB LIFE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1(continued on page 34)
Guadalupe Catholic Church in Temple.
Evelyn Fry Aker ’74, July 9, in Temple. She began her career at Bell County Rehab Center and then worked as a special needs teacher and administrator for Killeen Independent School District for more than 25 years. She attended First Presbyterian Church in Temple, where she served as an elder and clerk of the session.
Vicky Compton Palmer ’74, Sept. 18, in Granbury. She was a nurse at Scott and White Hospital in Temple and Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas and spent 17 years as a school nurse in Mesquite Independent School District. She was a member of First Methodist Church in Mesquite.
Desmond William Wilson, July 8, in Killeen. He was the father of Helen Wilson Harris ’75.
Kenneth Dale Davis ’77, July 10, in Temple. He served 23 years in the U.S. Army with tours in Vietnam and retired at Fort Hood, where he worked for civil service in the Corps of Engineers as an auditor and engineer tech. He retired after 20 years.
Glen Fore, July 17, in Columbus. He was the brother of Greg Fore ’87.
Barry W. Stein ’87, June 15, in Belton. He worked for the FBI and later served in the U.S. Army. After he graduated from UMHB, he worked for both juvenile and adult probation for 16 years.
Jacqueline Nash Mackey ’89, June 30, in Killeen. She had been on the nursing faculty at Central Texas College.
Connie Zumwalt Mathis ’90, MBA ’92, Aug. 13, in Milford. She worked at Texas Instruments in Temple and Paragon Trade Brands in Waco. She had worked at NCH Corporation Retail Products Group in Dallas as a human resource director since 2005. Connie and her husband, Johnny, were active in Trail to the Cross Cowboy Church in Hillsboro, where they helped with various horse shows and rodeos, as well as participating in them.
Donald Rose ’91, Sept. 30, in Temple. He served in the U.S. Army from 1967-1988. After retiring he went to work with the
U.S.D.A O.I.G., retiring in 2000. He was a member of the VFW and American Legion.
Michael L. Angel ’97, in August, in Temple. Before attending UMHB, he served in the U.S. Marines from 1973 to 1979. He was a biochemist for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
William Paul Wiggins, June 26. He was the father of Billye Wiggins Rhudy ’99 and the grandfather of Ben Rhudy ’08.
Ophelia Ashworth ex, Aug. 21, in La Feria. She worked for Lon C. Hill, Sr., in the valley and later worked as the first female collection agent for the IRS west of the Mississippi River. She was the book-keeper for the Rio Grande Valley Shriners and a member of the Eastern Star and the Daughters of the Nile.
Mary Louise Ranspot Brown ex, in September, in Austin. She attended UMHB and was the president’s secretary. She was later employed by Brown-Bellows Colum-bia Construction Company during the construction of the United States Naval Air Base at Corpus Christi, and then Brown Shipbuilding in Houston during World War II. Following the war, she was employed by the Texas Legislature and later was an administrative secretary with the University of Texas System.
Janice Ann Wilson Foraker ex, May 24, in San Antonio. She worked at Joske’s and Frost Bros. in various capacities. Later she worked as a bookkeeper and office manager.
Robert Gibson ex, June 9, in Weather-ford. He worked as an operator at Stuart Petroleum Testers Incorporated.
Mary Frances Haile McCall ex, May 24, in Victoria. She was a teacher and served as a principal of Trinity Episcopal Church School for seven years. She was also principal of Hopkins School for 20 years. She was active in numerous professional asso-ciations including the Gulf Bend Mental Health-Mental Retardation Association and the Social Advocates for Youth Associ-ation. She served on the board of directors of the Becky Lack Day Care Center and was instrumental in founding this orga-nization to serve children of low-income working mothers. She also served on the board of directors of the Salvation Army
and the City-County Child Welfare Board. In 1968 she was honored at the annual Victoria Chamber of Commerce banquet with the Community Service Award for long and devoted service to the children of Victoria. On Feb. 22, 1973, Hopkins School and the City of Victoria honored her with a daylong celebration of “Mary Frances McCall Appreciation Day.” She was a member of St. Phillip Episcopal Church, Beeville; and Trinity Episcopal Church, Victoria.
Iva Mildred Fussell, former professor, Aug. 2, in Waco. She was professor of English from 1954 to 1984 and chairman of the department for more than twenty years.
MEMORIALSEvelyn Fry Aker Delia Lucky Stephens
Melvin & Delois “Speedie” Akers Armenta Redus Armstrong
Georgia “Cotton” Allison James Allison John & Kay Allison Frank & Robbie Arp Gladys Dantzler Ruby Hill Holland Senior Citizens L. D. & Ann Milliorn Albert & Patsy Muse Julia Woodyard Nation Kent Owens & Darius Kerry & Kathy Owens Riley & Carolyn Allison Owens Rob Owens Gay Rohlack
Mary Harrington Anger Patricia Robinson Smith
Vivian Moon Arthur Glenna Morgan Stamps
Ruth Flores Barnard Lawton & Peggy Bass Albin Betty Sue Craven Beebe Doris Speed Bollinger Randi Carter Johnette Shaffer Fisher Dr. & Mrs. Randy O’Rear
LaVerne E. Boyd HOLT Texas, LTD Ralph & Shirley Clarke Montgomery Dr. & Mrs. J. A. Reynolds
ALUMNI L I F E 33
Beverly and I lived on the third floor
of Stribling Hall at the ‘T’ end of the
hall. My room was next to the john;
Beverly’s room was around the corner
at the short end of the ‘T.’
During the fall, Beverly and I kept
our windows open so we could holler
across the space outside between our
rooms to see if the other was ready to
go to Hardy Hall, the bookstore, class,
or come over to study or visit. Being
able to communicate across the way
saved us a million steps down the hall
and around the corner. All was fine
until it became too cold to keep our
windows open. The chilly weather left
us wondering what to do.
Our meals were all served family
style in Hardy Hall (with a “hostess” at
each table). One day I “borrowed” two
large serving spoons from the table.
I thought we could use the spoons
until spring. I put a nail in each of our
windows to leave a small gap open
between the screen, window, and
window sill. I placed a spoon beneath
the steam radiator in each room, then
tied a bright yellow cord to each spoon
and ran the cord outside between our
rooms. There was a space of about
four inches between the bottom of
the radiator and the floor. We could
pull the cord which then would pull the
spoon up to the bottom of the radiator.
When the cord was released, the spoon
would clang when it hit the concrete
floor. We could communicate!
Some might think this was just a
repeat of the old tin can telephone,
but not so. This invention was second
only to the Alexander Graham Bell
telephone, and it wasn’t long before
we had made up a code of pull-drop-
skip-pull. “One-skip-skip-two” meant
“I’m coming to see you,” and “one-
two-three-four” meant “let’s meet at
the john door.” This code was
second only to the Samuel F.B.
Morse Code.
What was designed only to
be cold weather communication
became a mainstay of contact.
Others on campus heard about
the spoons. Many came to see
how they worked. They wanted
to pull that yellow string.
The end of the semester was
coming. We could not simply
cut the string, pack up, and forget
everything. The spoons had taken on
a life of their own. Beverly was gradu-
ating so we knew that would be the
end of the spoons. There had to be a
celebration—a ceremony.
After
Sunday
dinner just before
Beverly’s graduation, we
invited friends to attend the
Ceremony to Remove the Spoons.
The room was packed and many
others spilled over into the hall.
My suitemate Marty Wilkerson
began the program with a welcome to
guests. She gave her review of life with
the spoons—of course, they interrupted
her study; of course, they interrupted her
sleep. She continued, “But those spoons
never upset me because whenever I hear
the sound of clanging spoons, I know it
is the sound of friendship.”
Next, I read a poem I’d written
for this special ceremony, and then,
ceremoniously, we rang the spoons one
last time and untied the string.
Although the spoons were only
meant to be “borrowed” for the winter,
we just couldn’t return them to an ordi-
nary life amongst the regular serving
spoons of Hardy Hall. I will confess that I
am the one responsible for not returning
the spoons (after all, Beverly portrayed
Jesus in the Easter Pageant). Later, I had
both spoons engraved with our names.
The year is now 2011. Forty-
seven years have passed, but we are
still Spoon Friends. Over the years
every card and letter we have writ-
ten has a crudely drawn sketch
of two spoons with a line drawn
between them. On that line we write
“The string lies in our hearts.”
Pam Higgason Harris ’65 and Beverly Lisby Owen ’64; Top right: The spoon’s handles are engraved with “The string lies in our hearts,” and the friends’ names are on the spoon fronts.
Spoon SistersSpoon SistersB Y P A M H I G G A S O N H A R R I S ’ 6 5
Two friends recall how spoons, string, and radiators became their communication system in Stribling Hall
34 UMHB LIFE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1
(continued on page 36)
Joan Barnes Brace Gary & Elaine Lund O’Neal
Raúl G. Castillo Mary Castillo Neale
Walnita Wong Char Helen Holmes Ruchti
Charles W. “Chuck” Clements Evanell Rawson Shepperd
Beatriz De Leon Fernando De Leon
Dr. Thomas Preston Edwards Paul Acreman & UMC Physician Network Services Beverly Norwine Adams Stephen T. Bailey Benny & Caroline Bay Betty Sue Craven Beebe Arthur & Suzanne Boyer W. J. Bill Bryan Jack E. Byrom Oleta Henry Cox Dr. & Mrs. Jon A. Dula Jerry J. Fleming Charles & Ann Fox John & Irene Ullo Hancock Denzel & Margie Holmes Mickey & Jean Hurry Al & Anna Klaus Mary Farrow Long Frank & Judy Turner Norman Marietta Parker Dr. Seth D. & Geri E. Pomerantz Salado Intermediate School Scott & White Healthcare Benjamin L. Smith South Plains Community Action Agency Jerry Vitek Press & Jo Ann Webb Bob & Grace Richardson Whitis Jean Young
Lisa Engram Elliott John Reese Chris & Jo Anne Roach Sara Pearson Smith
Tara Coet Felmly Walter Coet Leonard C. Henry, Jr.
Sarah Sims Furey Lou Provence Laine
Dr. Iva Mildred Fussell Betty Sue Craven Beebe Lissette Ferlet Carpenter Wayne & Ann Speer Carpenter Jean Miller Lynch
Patricia Ivey Moore Riley & Carolyn Allison Owens Betsy Dabbs Polgue Velva Schrader Riddle Shirley Cowan Sommer Bob & Grace Richardson Whitis Dr. Joyce E. Williams
Dr. William Harlow Donna Drew Fricker
Creighton E. Hogan Randi Carter
Mary Jane (Janie) Stephens Hogg Ruth Tucker Hess
Edward Ellis Hogwood, Jr. Keith & Pam Hogwood Wilson
Thomas L. Jones Jones Home & Auto Supply
Robert Klingensmith Janice A. Andrews
Mildred Laughlin Dr. & Mrs. J. A. Reynolds
Dr. William B. Long Margaret S. Petrek
Lillian Herbelin McKibben Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Mullins
Keith McPherson Penny McPherson
Mary Jean Ross Milford Terry & Kim Farley
John & Alice Minten Dorothy Minten Esther Minten Janie Minten
Elma Gonzales Morales Betty Herrera Martinez
Caleb Morgan Katherine Knapp Stutts
Dorothy Lane Niesen Norman A. Niesen
Dr. Bobby E. Parker Paul F. McClinton
Stacey Price Preston Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Bawcom Merritt McKinnon Johnston
Bill & Pat Reaves Cynthia Entzminger
Kenneth W. Root Marita White Root
Josephine A. Ruffin Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Bawcom
Jay Frank Schultz The Andrew Smith Family
John H. Shannon, Sr. Pat Lockridge Shannon
William H. Sheppard Danny & Amy Mikes
Dr. & Mrs. William K. Sisk Joy Lee Han
James Todd Arlene B. Todd
Cindy Tooker Kenneth & Velva Schrader Riddle
Doris Jean Campbell Turnbo Nancy Huey Kimbro
Arla Ray Tyson Mark & Betty O’Hair Anderson Betty Sue Craven Beebe Dr. & Mrs. Randy O’Rear Riley & Carolyn Allison Owens Marietta Parker Morris S. Tyson Dillard & Karolyn Norwine Whitis
Lala Wagoner Kerry & Kathy Owens Riley & Carolyn Allison Owens
Doris Wailes Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Bawcom
J.T. & Winnie White Marita White Root
Bill Wilson Kay Anderson
Bill & Christel Wilson Jan Evans Thomas
Christel Wilson Dr. Nora Stafford
Zachariah Matthew “Zach” Wright Dr. Aida Smith Sapp
Charles Zimny Ellen Whitley
HONORARIAPeggy Bass Albin Johnette Shaffer Fisher
ALUMNI L I F E 35
IF YOU ARE NOT RECEIVING CLASS INFORMATION VIA THE
MHB ’63 GRAPEVINE,
Attention CLASS OF ’63::
SEND YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO: [email protected]
ATION VIA THE
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36 UMHB LIFE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1
Healing Kenya (continued from page 17)
happy,” Souter said. “The people cooked
for us every day out of love, preparing
three meals a day and snacks. And you
have to remember, there is no electricity,
just a small little generator.”
Most vivid in Souter’s memory was
the African cuisine the villagers prepared
for the group.
“For eight days straight we ate goat
stew,” she said. “By about Wednesday we
had eaten enough goat stew; we were
all ready for other things. So they started
making us cheese sandwiches. They were
to die for—we loved them! The villagers
changed to help us, because they realized
that after several days of goat stew, we
were ready for something else. So they
made those provisions.”
In a village without running water
and electricity, even simple tasks Ameri-
cans take for granted required a labor of
love to prepare.
“The people of Malikini truly taught
me what service was about. There’s no
running water. Think about how much
water it takes for 17 women to take a
shower! The men used oxen, went to
the river, and filled basins of water so we
could shower. They heated a big black vat
over some wood for us so we could have
a warm shower, and that was all carried
by hand. That’s service,” Souter said.
For Mutinda, seeing the people of
his village serving and being served
by the team he helped organize was a
dream realized.
“Every moment I was there, every
student and every professor was work-
ing so hard, and I was so encouraged,”
he said. “It has opened doors for many
things. We are already planning another
mission trip for 2013.”
Mutinda said, to his best knowledge,
this was the first and only mission to
visit the village of Malikini.
“When I came to the U.S., I heard
many churches talking about going
on missions to Kenya, and I would ask
myself, ‘Where do they go? They do not
go to our village.’ I’ve never heard of
anybody taking a mission to Malikini.
But after this medical mission, I hope
soon the door will be opened to a flow
of visitors to that village.”
Dr. Jerry & Vicky Bawcom Michael & Ilene C. Miller Sunny Wilson
Dr. Edna Penny Bridges Shirley Cowan Sommer
Marge Bryant Randi Carter
Class of 1947 D J Reinhard Hogwood
Class of 1948 Mildred Iverson Anderson
Dawn Dempsey Archie J. Burds, Jr., CPCM Betty Cianfichi Frances M. Jones
Marjorie Ferrill Kay Schwertner Psencik
Elizabeth Timmons Glazener Catherine Pledger Jones
Dorothy Jean Reinhard Hogwood Pam, Keith, Daniel, Sarah, Avena & Madison Joy
Betty Payne Huber Kathy Huber
Dr. Beatrice Huston Velva Schrader Riddle
Victoria Robertson Kendig Pat Lockridge Shannon
Maxine Lockhart Helen L. Stein
Joan Marlow Myrah Lynelle Sweat Mason
Aleece Nelson Anita Newell Green
Julie Wheeler O’Rear George & Laura White
Dr. Randy O’Rear Christy Woods
Carolyn Allison Owens Rev. & Mrs. Derald Dugger Carol A. Treible
Riley & Carolyn Allison Owens Mark & Betty O’Hair Anderson
Tommie Sue Patterson Randi Carter
Richard R. Raymond Merle Lucko Raymond
Helen Pearson Reese Dr. Raymond R. Reese
Dr. J. A. Reynolds Dr. J. Alford & Cheryl Rash Moore David A. Reynolds Pat Humphrey Reynolds
Nadyne Owen Roberts Robert, Jayne Gayle & Sara Jennings
Phyllis Rogers Dr. & Mrs. Randy O’Rear Pat Lockridge Shannon Sara Pearson Smith
Pat Lockridge Shannon Mary H. Winn
Michael Street Beverly Norwine Adams
Katherine Knapp Stutts Carolyn K. Hohl
Carolyn Russell Watkins Marilyn Gore Phillips
Carol Woodward Pat Lockridge Shannon
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