from the President Cover Story: Loyal Texan...... 10 Through his strong work ethic and prolific output of textbooks Fall 2008 Vol.1, No. 3 and scholarly publications, history professor Arnoldo De León 10 Dear Friends: has helped shape what people far beyond his ASU classroom think about history and Tejanos. Angelo State University Our third issue of the Angelo State University Magazine completes the first year of this Member, Texas Tech University System informative new publication. That cycle also coincides with a very successful transitional Board of Regents Features: year as ASU fully became part of the Texas Tech University System. Your support and F. Scott Dueser, Chair, Abilene Larry K. Anders, Vice Chair, Dallas Departing with ‘Flair’...... 14 encouragement for both initiatives have been exceptional and most appreciated. L. Frederick “Rick” Francis, El Paso Mark Griffin, Lubbock With hundreds of his former students in medical and health Faculty define and shape a great university. Whether a new assistant professor fresh from John Field Scovell, Dallas care fields, retiring biology professor Alan Bloebaum has had an Daniel “Dan” T. Serna, Arlington impact that stretches from the classroom to the operating room. completion of a Ph.D. or a seasoned professional who has impacted generations of students, Windy Sitton, Lubbock Bob L. Stafford, M.D., Amarillo each represents the institution to a variety of audiences. This edition highlights two excep- Jerry E. Turner, Blanco Great Expectations...... 16 tional members of the ASU faculty. Dr. Arnoldo De León’s impact on Texas and Mexican- Kelli Stumbo, Student Regent, Flower Mound Thirty years ago this fall, the Rams reached perfection on American history has been national in its scope. The retiring Dr. Alan Bloebaum can point Chancellor the football field, earning a national championship after an Kent Hance, Lubbock to more than 500 of his students who are now doctors and other health care professionals. undefeated – though not untested – season. 14 Joseph C. Rallo Together Drs. De León and Bloebaum represent the long line of dedicated faculty who have Angelo State University President: Dr. Joseph C. Rallo Second to None...... 21 defined ASU over the years. Provost and Vice President for Academic Many believe that NCAA Division II sports are closer to and Student Affairs: Dr. Donald V. Coers Vice President for Finance and the ideals of intercollegiate sports than the higher profile Athletics also play a central role in the life of a university. This issue includes a retrospective Administration: Sharon Meyer Division I programs. Angelo State is a case in point. Vice President for Strategy, Planning on our 1978 NAIA National Championship football team, as well as a focus on our intramural and Policy: Dr. James M. Limbaugh program, so essential to the creation of a complete residential experience for our students. We The Games Students Play...... 25 Angelo State University Magazine ASU intramurals are growing in importance not only to the stu- also look at our athletics program within the NCAA’s new campaign “I Chose Division II” The Angelo State University Magazine is published three times a year by the ASU dents but also to the university in attracting students to campus. with its emphasis on academics as part of a competitive and winning sports experience. Office of Communications and Marketing, ASU Station #11021, San Angelo, TX 76909-1021; Alumni Honorees...... 27 (325) 942-2248; Fax: (325) 942-2238, Finally, a great university applauds the accomplishments of its alumni, while also celebrat- [email protected]. … Drew Darby … Robert Duncan … ing the lives of its friends and supporters. So it is fitting that our initial honorary doctorate Kent Hance … Michael Patyrak … Col. Ernie Felts … ASU Magazine Staff of humane letters as a member of the Texas Tech University System is to be awarded to Editor: Preston Lewis Varren Parker … Carrol Payne Nokes … Gil Engdahl … Director of Graphics: Michael Martin Mary Ellen Hartje … Tom Bankston … Susan Keith Steve and Pollyanna Stephens at the December commencement, while TTUS Chancellor Graphic Artist: Bree Walker 16 Kent Hance, State Sen. Robert Duncan and State Rep. Drew Darby are to be recognized as Design Assistant: Leonor Constancio Photographers: Danny Meyer Honorary Alumni of ASU during Homecoming. Tina Doyle Writers: Tom Nurre Jr. Sections Roy Ivey ASU continues to build on its great traditions while preparing its students for the challenges Dave Wester Ronn Rowland President’s Message...... Opposite of the future. Your participation in that journey is appreciated and valued by all of us on Lynsey Flage campus. You are always welcome to visit and see first hand the excitement that is ASU! Along the Mall...... 4 Alumni Association Class Notes/Century Club: Julia Valles Plus One and Counting … Dynamic Duo … Cellular Engineer … King Cotton … Sincerely, Angelo Staters … Briefs © 2008 Angelo State University All Rights Reserved Athletics...... 34 Balancing Act … Size Matters Not … Close to Home … Spring Sports Recap … Editor’s Note: If you had to identify two common Fall Sports Outlook features of university life shared by all, then it would Joseph C. Rallo likely be faculty and athletics. This issue of ASU Alumni Association...... 39 Magazine examines two faculty members whose Principal of the Matter … Major Gift … Ram Jam … Century Club President careers have touched thousands and then looks at athletics, both intercollegiate and intramural. In On the cover: History professor Arnoldo De León, here among the ruins of Fort Chadbourne, both instances, you will find more than you expect. has helped change the horizon of Texas History during his 35 years at Angelo State University. (Photo by Danny Meyer)

2 FALL 2008 Angelo State University Magazine Angelo State University Magazine FALL 2008 3 news ALONG the MALL

year. The first of these programs now allows lish a College of Nursing and Allied Health Plus One ASU bachelor’s degree recipients in physics, to focus on the region’s health care needs math or chemistry to complete a Tech mas- in concert with the Texas Tech University Dynamic and Counting ter’s degree in physics or applied physics in a Health Sciences Center. ASU is requesting year. More such programs will follow. additional state funding to expand programs What a difference a year can make! ASU’s Honors Program has arranged that will help augment the region’s supply In the summer of 2007 Angelo State for students who successfully complete the of health care professionals and developing DUO University was scrambling to complete the program at Angelo State and who meet the new programs to address the needs of rural transition to the Texas Tech University Sys- stringent admissions requirements for the health care delivery. n the arena that carries their name and tem (TTUS). In the year since, ASU has law and medical programs at Texas Tech On top of that, ASU is working with on a stage where hundreds of Angelo been enjoying the benefits of that new sys- to be admitted early, with a guaranteed Texas Tech to offer new courses in the Hill State University students have accepted tem affiliation. place to both programs, and, in the case of Country through TTU facilities in Freder- theirI diplomas since 2002, F.L. “Steve” and Many benefits have been visible while the medical school, to be admitted without icksburg, Marble Falls and Junction. Pollyanna Stephens will receive ASU de- others have been less noticeable, though needing to take the MCAT. Rep. Darby is pleased with the progress grees of their own this December. equally important. The most visible result Both the 4+1 and guaranteed acceptance in just a year. “The creation of a College of The Texas Tech University System has been the rise of Centennial Village, the program will benefit ASU students as well Nursing and Allied Health with a new doc- (TTUS) Board of Regents in May voted new 526-bed, $28.2 million residence hall, as Texas Tech, which will have a pipeline of toral program in physical therapy at Angelo unanimously to award doctors of humane on the western edge of campus. What was highly qualified students entering the sys- State is a huge, game-changing advance, letters to the San Angelo couple for long- a vacant lot under the old system became tem’s graduate programs. something that would never have happened standing support of Angelo State Universi- a beehive of activity under the Texas Tech The new system affiliation will also in the old system,” he said. “Automatic ad- ty. The couple will receive the recognition System, which was committed to having the help ASU’s Agriculture Department place mittance of graduates with good grades into during commencement exercises Dec. 13 in facility ready to house students this fall. interns in Washington, D.C. In the past, Tech’s advanced degree programs is anoth- the /Stephens Arena. Photo by Danny Meyer Out of sight but not out of mind is finding affordable housing for interns was er huge benefit. I know of almost no one “It is appropriate,” said TTUS Pollyanna and Steve Stephens ASU’s newfound presence in Washington, the limiting factor. Texas Tech maintains at Angelo State or Texas Tech who regrets Chancellor Kent Hance, “that Steve and D.C. Being able to utilize Texas Tech’s apartments for just that purpose and ASU realignment.” Pollyanna Stephens should be the recipients find suitable employment here, they, too, enter appointments to the Board of Regents of the government relations staff, ASU now has students from ag and other academic de- Rallo sees even bigger things ahead. of the first honorary degrees awarded by into the mainstream of the cultural, civic and Texas State University System, including a greater clout in securing federal programs partments on campus will be able to use the “We have only just begun,” he said, “to the university as a member of the Texas business life of San Angelo.” term as board chair. and funding to complement ASU’s strong Tech quarters for internships. tap the potential and the synergies that have Tech University System. “Our satisfaction,” said Pollyanna Ste- Their business, civic, cultural and phil- academic programs. Pending Texas Higher Education Coor- been created by our affiliation with the Tex- “Over the years,” said Hance, “Steve phens, “comes from the continuing growth anthropic efforts have touched the lives of . The legislation that transferred ASU to dinating Board approval, ASU will estab- as Tech University System.” and Pollyanna Stephens have been a suc- and development of this community. First virtually everyone in San Angelo, whether TTUS from the Texas State University Sys- cessful team in building a thriving business, our children and now our grandchildren they stop at a Town & Country Food Store tem was co-authored by State Rep. Drew strengthening their community and under- have a wonderful place to grow up and learn or attend a July 3rd Pops Concert sponsored New campus signs reflect Darby and State Sen. Robert Duncan. Dar- standing the value of Angelo State in the to be responsible, caring adults. It is a real for years by Town & Country. Texas Tech affiliation. by said, “The benefits of realignment con- economic development of the region.” pleasure to us to be able to be a part of activ- Most recently, they have co-chaired the tinue to exceed all expectations — and we From their $1 million gift to make ities that are of value to the community and Beacon to the Future campaign to raise started with high expectations.” Stephens Arena a glittering university that have an impact on the overall quality $13.7 million for converting the Hemphill- TTUS Chancellor Kent Hance echoed showplace to their support of donations of life here. Also, as others have set an ex- Wells building downtown into the new Tom Darby’s sentiments. “It is certainly a mar- for numerous scholarships, the President’s ample for us, we hope that younger people Green County Library. riage that has worked well.” Circle, the College of Business and ASU will learn, from our example, the value and In addition to their many business and President Joseph C. Rallo, who took Athletics, the Stephenses have demonstrated the pleasure of giving.” civic accomplishments, the Stephenses over ASU’s reins 92 days before the tran- their commitment to the university and its One of the state’s most prominent busi- raised daughters Susan, married to J.R. sition became effective, moved quickly to critical role in the future of San Angelo. nessmen, Steve Stephens is retired chair- “Randy” Brooks, and Liz, married to begin to realize some of the advantages of Steve Stephens said, “Both entities are man, chief executive officer, and co-founder Devin Bates. They are the grandparents the new alignment to the benefit of Angelo completely inter-dependent and each brings of Town & Country Food Stores, Inc. He of Mason Brooks, Lauren Brooks, Brandt State students. out the best in the other. As ASU grows, so has been recognized nationwide for his con- Bates and Madison Bates. . For instance, ASU and Texas Tech Uni- will San Angelo and vice versa. The economic tributions to the convenience store industry. versity worked out a 4+1 agreement where development aspect is obvious, but of perhaps Pollyanna Stephens is the retired co- ASU graduates in some programs could greater importance is the personal impact of owner, board secretary and director of pub- leave San Angelo with a bachelor’s degree faculty and staff on all aspects of the com- lic relations and special events for Town & and earn a master’s degree in Lubbock in a munity. Likewise, as some of the graduates Country Food Stores. She also served two Photo by Danny Meyer 4 FALL 2008 Angelo State University Magazine Angelo State University Magazine FALL 2008 5 news ALONG the MALL

“What is most exciting is that I can see, for “Things are getting better in China’s real, that within the next decade, human be- clothing factories,” she said. “But, I still Cellular ings that are dying within two-to-five years don’t think it is a job you or I would want. from ALS or have lost motor function be- It’s the ones producing non-branded items cause of spinal cord injury can be better be- where you will find the worst conditions.” cause of this developmental biology.” The final leg of a T-shirt’s journey is of- Engineer In addition to making “replacement est Texas cotton farmers are sale, a trip that takes about seven or eight ten back overseas, where it is sold second- parts,” Macklis’ research also plays a big major players in the arena of in- weeks and is far from easy. hand in places like Tanzania, which buys role in the development of new drugs and ternational business. “If you are a T-shirt from China, you more used U.S. clothing than any other pharmaceutical remedies. WDuring her presentation for ASU’s 10th can’t just buy a ticket, get on a boat and country. The previous owner of a particular “We now have powerful tools to test annual International Business Symposium, come to the U.S.,” Rivoli said. “There are T-shirt even contacted Rivoli when he saw drugs in laboratory dishes,” Macklis said. “If Dr. Pietra Rivoli said that textile producers in a number of hoops, limits and obstacles you it in a picture in her book. we can make the right kind of cell and make the Far East, particularly China, prefer to buy have to overcome, many in the form of tar- Another issue that looms on the horizon billions at a time, by directing them into dis- cotton from West Texas sources, not only be- iffs, taxes, etc.” for West Texas cotton farmers is organic eased tissue we can come up with medica- cause of the quality of the product, but also However, with the U.S.’s new, liberalized cotton. Rivoli said that Turkey and Peru tions. That, I think, will come about quicker because of the quality of the producers. trade policies, imports of T-shirts from Chi- are the major producers, while only a small than actually making replacement parts.” “There is a system of trust and integrity na have increased 1,200 percent since 2005, percentage of West Texas cotton is organic. Jeffrey Macklis Born to eastern European immigrant in place that makes these foreign producers which creates a dilemma for West Texas cot- The main hurdle is cost, since organic cotton parents in Cincinnati, Macklis showed the prefer to conduct their international trade ton producers. Increased exports of cotton cannot be sprayed with pesticides and must r. Jeffrey Macklis is doing what traits of a budding engineer at a young age, with this (West Texas) region,” Rivoli said. to China to make the T-shirts would mean be separated from regular cotton for gin- once was thought impossible and, often retreating to his basement to make The Georgetown University finance more profits, but would also alienate the U.S. ning, transport and fabric production. But, in the process, is giving hope to rockets and figure out how to make gun- and international economics professor vis- textile industry, which is currently the cotton with companies like Nike, The Gap and Wal- peopleD suffering from degenerative brain powder. It was in college at the University ited with cotton farmers in the area while producers’ biggest political ally. Mart committing to use more organic cotton, disorders and the loss of motor functions of Pennsylvania where a meeting with fu- researching her award-winning book, Trav- “The things that dictate the fortunes of a area farmers may need to take notice. due to spinal cord injuries. ture Nobel Prize winner Dr. Torsten Wiesel els of a T-Shirt in the Global Economy: An particular industry,” Rivoli said, “are often “The demand will be met,” Rivoli said. As the director of the Massachusetts put him on his current path as an engineer Economist Examines the Markets, Power the regulations written in Washington.” “It just may not be from U.S. producers.” General Hospital-Harvard Medical School of cells rather than rockets. and Politics of World Trade. In the book, Rivoli also addressed the contentious issue As Rivoli explained, it comes down to Center for Nervous System Repair, Macklis Also head of programs at the Stem Cell Rivoli follows the path of a T-shirt that of conditions in Chinese textile factories that the important concept of comparative ad- is at the forefront of the fight against diseases Institute and Center for Neurodegeneration started as West Texas cotton, was produced have recently given public relations black eyes vantage, “Whoever can provide the best like ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), Parkin- and Repair at Harvard and a full professor, in China and then returned to the U.S. for to U.S. companies like Nike and The Gap. product at the best price wins.” . son’s Disease and Alzheimer’s. He brought Macklis still sees the importance of taking his hopeful message of potential cures for time to deliver lectures and was particularly those and other disorders to ASU this spring impressed with the ASU lectureship. for the 32nd annual West Texas Medical As- “Science is communicated by writing sociates Distinguished Lectureship in Sci- papers, communicating with colleagues and ence Honoring Dr. Roy E. Moon. at invited seminars and lectures,” Macklis “Brain and spinal cord repair is no lon- said. “That is what makes this WTMA lec- ger science fiction,” Macklis said. “Fifteen ture so great. It forms many of those same years ago it was thought to be crazy, but kinds of connections through the lectures, not anymore.” meetings with faculty and students, and A large part of Macklis’ research deals the personal interchange. There is actually with precursor/stem cells and how they can more of that here than usually happens at be utilized to regenerate the nervous system these types of events, so this is a wonderful cells that are damaged or destroyed by vari- tradition that I’m honored to be a part of.” ous diseases and spinal cord injuries. “I’ve never seen a place where the “My laboratory works on how individual community, a 40-member physicians as- types of neurons, or nerve cells, in the brain sociation and a university work together develop and how the molecular control over on a collaborative scientific program,” he that development can be turned around to added. “You are really lucky to live in such provide human therapies,” Macklis said. a unique community.” .

6 FALL 2008 Angelo State University Magazine Angelo State University Magazine FALL 2008 7 angelostaters briefs PEOPLE WHO MAKE ASU GREAT

Bonnie B. Amos Distinguished graduate San Angelo; College of Liber- Teague received $2,500 to U.S. and Great Britain as well New College Program and securing on- tion in special training op- Dr. Bonnie B. Amos, a mem- students by the college of al and Fine Arts, English major support her graduate studies as between the U.S. Depart- With May approval by the going legislative funding. portunities. The new grant ber of the biology faculty since their disciplines were: College Caitlin Stern of San Antonio; which began this summer in ments of State and Justice. Texas Tech University Sys- Phase two will develop a is the fifth for the Pearl of 1987, has been named recipi- of Business, accounting major and College of Sciences, biol- Russia through the ASU Study tem (TTUS) Board of Re- Center for Rural Health, Well- the Concho Writing Project ent of the university’s 2008 Kathleen Pruetz MacDonald ogy major Matthew W. Jack- Abroad Program and will con- Shirley M. Eoff gents and a $350,000 grant ness and Rehabilitation to under the direction of Dr. Teaching Excellence Award. of San Angelo; College of son of Artesia, N. M. tinue this fall at the University History professor Shirley for startup monies from the promote the highest level of Cheryl Hines. She and award finalists Liberal and Fine Arts, coun- All were recognized dur- of Tulsa as she works toward M. Eoff has been elected to a San Angelo Health Founda- health and quality of life for Dr. Shirley M. Eoff of history seling psychology major Ro- ing spring commencement her M.B.A. degree. one-year term as president of tion, ASU has established vulnerable rural populations. Tri-Beta Tops and Dr. Roger E. Zarnowski manus A. Akamike, originally ceremonies. the West Texas Historical As- a new College of Nursing The third phase will fo- ASU’s Epsilon Sigma chap- of mathematics were rec- from Nigeria and currently of Samantha Caszatt sociation (WTHA). As presi- and Allied Health, effective cus on expanding new allied ter of the Beta Beta Beta ognized during the 2008 Eden; College of Sciences, Nancy G. Allen ASU communication major dent, Dr. Eoff will oversee the Sept. 1. health and nursing degree (Tri-Beta) National Biology general faculty meeting of animal science major Chad Dr. Nancy G. Allen, head of Samantha Caszatt of Galves- organization devoted to pre- The new college will be opportunities, including a Honor Society was named ASU’s Faculty Senate. Each H. George of Big Lake; and the ASU English Department ton has been named to the serving and chronicling the the administrative home to bachelor’s degree in health the top chapter in the South honoree was presented a College of Education, read- since 2003 and a member of 22-member national council history of the region. the Nursing Department care communications and Central Region at the Tri- plaque and recognized dur- ing specialist major Chrissy the ASU faculty since 1984, of Alpha Chi, a national col- Eoff joined the ASU facul- and the Physical Therapy informatics and master’s de- Beta regional conference ing spring commencement. Eubank of San Angelo. has been named to a two- lege honor society. ty in 1981. Her areas of spe- Department, which is on grees in occupational thera- this year. Amos received a $1,200 Other nominees were: year appointment as associ- Caszatt will represent Re- cialization include modern schedule next year to offer py, rehabilitation counseling honorarium. counseling psychology major ate vice president for aca- gion I, which covers most of history, U. S. social/cultural ASU’s first doctorate. Pre- and rural and international San Antonio Role Amos, who holds both Ashley Ragland of Midlothian; demic and student affairs. Texas and New Mexico, until history and historiography. viously, both departments health care. As part of the university’s her bachelor’s and master’s English major Jack F. Wright Allen succeeded Dr. Rich- 2010. The council is Alpha She has written on numer- reported through the Col- ASU President Joseph ongoing efforts to attract degrees in biology from of San Angelo; educational ard A. Beck, who assumed Chi’s governing body. Apha ous topics on West Texas lege of Sciences. C. Rallo said, “We are so more students from along ASU, was recognized not diagnostics major Shannon duties in July as vice presi- Chi has chapters at more than history, including the San After review by the Tex- pleased that the foundation the I-35 corridor, ASU has only for her enthusiasm and Hofmann of Mason; advance dent for academic affairs at 300 colleges and universities. Angelo polio epidemic, the as Higher Education Coor- will play a major role once created a new full-time ad- dedication in teaching and practice registered nurse ma- Rogers State University in San Angelo Army Air Field dinating Board, TTUS and again in the creation of a vi- missions counselor/minority research, but also for her jor Jennifer Davis Slaven of Claremore, Okla. Cathy Fritsche bombardier school, and San ASU will seek state funding tal new program designed to recruiter position based in “adaptability, willingness to San Angelo; and nurse edu- Her areas of administra- Senior history major Cathy Angelo’s early judicial system for ongoing administrative enhance and expand ASU’s San Antonio. learn, tenacity and extreme cator major Maria P. Solano tive oversight will include en- Fritsche of San Angelo has and court rulings. costs and for a new building ability to prepare health care Nick Garcia, an admis- patience.” One of her stu- of Amarillo. rollment management, cen- been awarded first place for to house the college’s exist- professionals to meet the sions counselor in the ASU dents noted that “Dr. Amos ter for academic excellence, best undergraduate history Katherine Eyre, ing and future programs. growing needs of our com- Admissions Office, has tak- displays an uncanny ability Presidential, developmental education, paper in the George Wolfskill Bobby L. Hancock Dr. Leslie M. Mayrand, munity, state and nation.” en on the new role in San to ignite the fires of curiosity Distinguished first-year experience, student U.S. History Division of the Katherine Eyre, a senior math who has been on the ASU Support from the San Antonio. His duties include and the desire to succeed.” Student Awards services, student involve- E.C. Barksdale Essays in His- major from Kaufman, and nursing faculty more than Angelo Health Foundation attending regional college A Concho Valley native Physics and mathematics ment, student government, tory Competition. Bobby L. Hancock, a junior 25 years, including the last was instrumental in the es- fairs and other events in with a fascination for the major Morgan Henry Lynch continuing studies and dis- Fritsche is the first ASU physics major from Brown- five as head of the Nursing tablishment of ASU’s physi- San Antonio and the sur- Chihuahuan Desert, Amos is of San Antonio was named tance education. student to receive the presti- field, have been awarded Department, was named cal therapy program a de- rounding areas to expose active in botanical research recipient of ASU’s 2008 gious award sponsored by the national Columbia Crew Me- inaugural dean of the new cade ago. prospective students to the and has involved numerous Presidential Award while four Brittani Teague Phi Alpha Theta chapter at morial Undergraduate Schol- college in June. Mayrand advantages of attending students in her various proj- other ASU undergraduate stu- May graduate Brittani Teague, the University of Texas at Ar- arships by the Texas Space has been a leader in devel- Pearl of the Concho ASU. He will also engage in ects in the Chihuahuan Des- dents were selected for 2008 a management major from lington. The award includes a Grant Consortium for the oping ASU’s online nursing ASU’s Department of Teach- community service activities ert and the mountains of the Distinguished Student Awards Lubbock, was one of 10 stu- $200 honorarium and the op- 2008-09 academic year. programs. er Education has received a that will demonstrate An- Big Bend region. She is also from their respective colleges. dents nationally to be award- portunity to publish the article The $1,000 scholarships The expansion of the $43,000 grant from the U.S. gelo State’s commitment to the curator of the herbarium The Distinguished Student ed a H.Y. Benedict Fellowship in an online journal. are intended to recognize new college is projected to Department of Education involvement within the San in the Angelo State Natural Award recipients by college by the Alpha Chi National Col- Her paper, “Mabel Walk- high-quality students and en- follow three phases. Phase for the Pearl of the Concho Antonio region. History Collections. are: College of Business, ac- lege Honor Society. er Willebrandt and Anglo- courage their consideration one, the development Writing Project, designed to A native of Fort Stockton, counting major Jessica Dingus Benedict Fellowships are American Tensions during of graduate studies in sci- phase, will include provid- improve the teaching of writ- Garcia has worked in the Top Grad Students of Brownfield; College of Ed- awarded each spring to se- Prohibition,” examined how ence, technology, engineer- ing the administrative in- ing in area public schools. ASU Admissions office since The top students in the Col- ucation, interdisciplinary child niors who will attend gradu- Willebrandt’s efforts to en- ing and mathematics, ulti- frastructure, completing The National Writing obtaining his bachelor’s de- lege of Graduate Studies have development and learning ate or professional schools in force domestic prohibition mately leading to careers in development of the new Project grant funded up to gree in communication from been announced for 2008. major Amanda Jean Kure of the upcoming fall semester. created tensions between the space-related fields. . Doctor of Physical Therapy 20 area teachers’ participa- Angelo State last year. .

8 FALL 2008 Angelo State University Magazine Angelo State University Magazine FALL 2008 9 by Preston Lewis

rom his neat and organized office on the When the state’s seventh graders study “A particularly amazing aspect third floor of the Academic Building, Texas history, they are likely to read Texas of this scholarly production,” said Dr. Arnoldo De León has been shaping and Texans, the textbook De León published Dr. Virginia Noelke, who heads Texas history for 35 years. in 2002 with four co-authors for Glencoe/ the ASU History Department, De León’s prolific output of books and McGraw-Hill. “is that Dr. De León has been a scholarly articles has influenced not only The most-used collegiate textbook on the full-time teacher for more than how we view Texas but also how we see his state’s past is The History of Texas, which 30 years….I doubt if there is people, the Mexican Americans whose lives he co-authored with Robert A. Calvert another scholar in the United and culture have flavored the Lone Star and Gregg Cantrell. The book is now in its States who has taught so much State’s heritage from before it was a state all fourth edition with Harlan Davidson. For while publishing so much.” the way to the present. college courses examining the state’s His- His prolific output is at- “Arnoldo De León has been a major panic history, De León has written Mexican tributable to his love of history figure in the rewriting of Texas History in Americans in Texas, now in its second edi- and his disciplined devotion to the last decades of the 20th century,” said tion, also from Harlan Davidson. the craft of writing. He regularly Dr. David J. Weber, the Dedman Professor If you care to explore the nation’s His- arises at 4 a.m. to write before head- of History and the director of the Clements panic past, then look no further than North ing to campus to teach. Center for Southwest Studies at Southern to Aztlán: A History of Mexican Americans But long hours and hard work are noth- Methodist University. in the United States, which will be pub- ing new to De León, who spent his for- “De León,” said Dr. Walter L. Buenger, lished in its third edition in 2009, also from mative years laboring in the cotton fields head of the History Department at Texas Harlan Davidson. around Robstown in South Texas and at- A&M University, “has done more than any In all, De León has authored 15 scholar- tending public schools where few Hispanic Texas, Our Texas other historian to raise awareness of the ly books or monographs, edited another 11, role models existed. From the age of five contributions of Tejanos to Texas history. written multiple encyclopedia entries, made until he turned 18, he chopped and picked He has also been able to bring fresh per- 30 academic presentations, published 64 cotton. The $110 he had saved picking cot- Think you know the Top 15 events spectives on Texas history in its entirety.” book reviews and produced 27 other pub- ton after he graduated from high school Beyond those accomplishments, De lications that he, though not everyone else, provided him tuition and books for a year at in Texas history other than the León has mentored a generation of young classifies as minor. Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, but he founding of Angelo State University? scholars who have broadened everyone’s A couple years ago, Angelo State Sciences still struggled financially. understanding of the importance of the Dean Grady Price Blount performed an aca- “The military was my way out of pov- Mexican-American experience far beyond demic literature search and discovered that erty and my way off the farm,” he said. “I Then make your list and compare the borders of the state. His influence is na- De León was by far the ASU faculty member had a long-range plan to go to college and tional, yet he is as accessible and friendly as most quoted in the scholarly works of others. to get a B.A., though I still didn’t have an it to the selections of ASU’s own your next door neighbor. A search by fellow history faculty member interest in history at that time.” Arnoldo De León by visiting the “His greatest impact,” said Anthony Brian McKnight on Google this summer As it turned out, the military was his Quiroz, chair of the Department of Hu- showed De León as either the author or a cited ticket to Angelo State University because “Bonus Features” on the manities at Texas A&M University-Cor- source in 492 books and 347 articles. the Air Force sent him to Goodfellow AFB. pus Christi (A&M-CC), “has been the And, he’s accomplished that body of ac- During his year in San Angelo, he met and ASU Magazine Web site at way he has inspired an entire generation ademic work while teaching a full 12-hour married his wife, Dolores. When he fin- of Mexican-American scholars to pur- load of graduate and undergraduate classes ished his Air Force enlistment in Florida, sue these topics with the same fervor he during the long semesters and a six-hour he returned to San Angelo and resumed his www.angelo.edu/ASUMagazine/ Arnoldo De León brings to the table.” load during the summer terms. college studies at ASU. – continued Photo by Danny Meyer 10 FALL 2008 Angelo State University Magazine Angelo State University Magazine FALL 2008 11 Professorship in History. He earned his 20th century, giving a more accurate view of the bar for others in their scholarship and De León in the classroom Ph.D. in 1974 and his graduate research at the entirety of Texas history. productivity and to make Tejano history a TCU became the basis for his early mono- “I knew the late Robert Calvert per- substantial field.” graphs. First came his two-volume Apuntes sonally,” said Kreneck, “and he told me Gonzales said, “More than any other Tejanos published in 1978 by the Texas many times, and I agree, that only Ar- single scholar, De León has given intel- State Historical Association. noldo De León could have brought such lectual credibility to the field of Mexican- Next, he published The Tejano Com- a wealth of knowledge in Texas history to American history, not just in Texas but munity, 1836-1900 in 1982 with the Uni- writing this volume.” around the country. He is widely respected versity of New Mexico Press because no His impact on the national view of Mex- by historians outside of Texas history and Texas academic press, reflecting the tenor ican-American history is no less significant Mexican-American history, one of the few of the times, was interested in the book, because of North to Aztlán, which he co-au- Mexican-American historians who has which would go on to win the Border Re- thored with Richard Griswold del Castillo. achieved that level of recognition from gional Library Association’s 1982 South- Dr. Bruce Glasrud, retired dean of arts peers in the field.” west Book Award. and sciences at Sul Ross State University And, all his accolades have brought “Traditionally, the story of Texas cen- and professor of history emeritus at Cali- honor and recognition to Angelo State Uni- tered on the activities of Anglo Americans,” fornia State University-East Bay, said North versity, as well. said SMU’s Weber. “Mexican Americans to Aztlán “reflects mature scholarship and The author of Mexicanos: A History of “Arnoldo De León’s prominence among seldom entered the picture. Arnoldo was a sharp vision of the Mexican-American Mexicans in the United States, Gonzales historians also makes Angelo State more one of the first to remedy that oversight with past amid overwhelming difficulties but said, “I might mention that most Chicano visible to Americans,” SMU’s Weber said, his book The Tejano Community.” also with positive accomplishments. It is full professors that I have had occasion to “and the university is fortunate to have him As De León explained in a subsequent excellent history, something not always write to over the years have not bothered to on its faculty.” Just as he would later influence students, manding better treatment and integration of book, “I am particularly interested in por- easy to accomplish.” respond – possibly because as a community Quiroz in Corpus Christi agreed, “Hav- one ASU history professor would convince Hispanics into society. traying Texas Mexicans as subjects in the Glasrud, who was co-author with De college instructor I don’t seem to have much ing a scholar of De Leon’s reputation on De León to become a historian. Barry A. “When I got to graduate school not only ongoing Texas story and not merely as the León on Bibliophiling Tejano Scholarship, to offer them in return. But Dr. De León not your faculty has enhanced your (univer- Crouch, who served on the ASU faculty were my goals to become a scholar but also objects in another people’s history.” which was published in 2003 to provide his- only replies to requests every single time, he sity’s) reputation manifold. When scholars from 1967 to 1970, was an early practitioner to make a contribution to the movement by In 1983 his dissertation evolved into one torians with an extensive list of secondary generally answers his mail within a day or talk about Tejano history, they have Arnol- and proponent of both social and African- writing history,” De León said. “The argu- of the seminal works in Texas history, They sources on Hispanic Texans, calls De León two. I don’t know of any big name profes- do in mind. When they talk about leading American history. Crouch, who would ul- ment had always been that the resources were Called Them Greasers: Anglo Attitudes To- “a professor’s professor.” sors, outside of David Weber at SMU, who modern scholars, they have him in mind.” timately spend the majority of his academic not there. One of the things that historians ward Mexicans in Texas, 1821-1900, pub- “De León’s forte is what university work are as responsible.” Perhaps Gonzales from California career on the history faculty at Gallaudet realized was actually that the sources were lished by the University of Texas Press. ought to be all about – excellent teaching, Without doubt, De León has made summed up De León best. College in Washington, D.C., was also an there, but they just hadn’t been researched.” Dr. Thomas H. Kreneck, the associate humaneness, critical thinking, solid schol- friends and a name for himself across the “I have always found it incredible that incredible researcher. De León began to delve into the sourc- library director of special collections and arship and warm-spirited service to the country. His honors are multiple, includ- De León has remained at Angelo State, When Crouch died in 2002, the obitu- es and found a whole historical world that archives at A&M-CC, said, “I would in- students, the university, the community and ing being named a fellow of the Texas State given his reputation,” he said. “I would ary written by Larry Madaras of Howard had been overlooked, if not ignored, by clude They Call Them Greasers on the list beyond,” said Glasrud. Historical Association in 1987, a member of have thought that he would have been re- Community College in Maryland for the Anglo historians. His mentor at TCU was of top 10 books on Texas history ever writ- Manuel G. Gonzales, a professor of his- the Texas Institute of Letters in 1996 and an cruited away by the major universities Organization of American Historians listed Dr. Don Worcester, who headed the His- ten. It has no rival in its subject area.” tory at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant inaugural fellow of the West Texas Histori- in Texas and California, or even an Ivy as one of Crouch’s accomplishments that tory Department for many years and gave And while his early writing focused on Hill, Calif., said, “Dr. De León has many cal Association earlier this year. League university. “he inspired one of his students – the well- De León one of the most important pieces the Mexican-American experience in the strengths, including objectivity and intelli- “Arnoldo is in my mind,” said Gris- “I’m very impressed by his loyalty to known scholar Arnoldo De León – to be- of advice in his entire career: A page a day Lone Star State, he did not lose sight of the gence, but the one aspect where he clearly wold del Castillo, “the pre-eminent Tejano the school,” Gonzales concluded. “Actually, come a historian.” equals a book a year. broader picture of Texas history. stands out from his Mexican-American historian. He has contributed to a wide now that I think about it, loyalty to friends, Under Crouch’s tutelage and with encour- Crouch’s direction on research and Kreneck pointed out that “as a Texas peers is his work ethic, which is mirrored in variety of topics, both contemporary and family, colleagues, etc., may be De León’s . agement from ASU history faculty members Worcester’s guidance on writing and disci- historian, Dr. De León is among a very his prodigious scholarly production.” historical. His impact has been to raise most marked characteristic.” Dempsey Watkins, Charles Endress and Bob pline combined with De León’s strong work small, elite group” of academics who have Holcomb, De León decided to pursue gradu- ethic, natural curiosity and intellect set him ever written a comprehensive textbook on ate degrees in history. After earning his ASU on the course that has made him one of the the state’s past. The standard university degree in 1970, De León received a National nation’s pre-eminent scholars on Texas and textbook was Rupert N. Richardson’s Tex- Defense Education Act Fellowship to study Mexican-American history. as: The Lone Star State until 1990 when history at TCU, where he became interested Worcester would later write De León the late Robert A. Calvert and De León in Mexican-American history. that he “was one of the most productive of published The History of Texas. “I won’t take credit for being a pioneer in the 50 Ph.D.s” he had directed during his De León wrote the first seven chapters Mexican-American history,” De León said, career at TCU. of the book, taking the state’s story from the “I just happened to have been in graduate De León returned to ASU in 1973 to colonial era until the late 19th century, then school in the ’70s when the field took off.” teach and has been on the history faculty Calvert picked up the narrative with the De León was influenced by the nation- ever since, including the last 20 years as Populist era. One fact that gives De León wide Chicano movement which was de- holder of the C.J. “Red” Davidson Endowed pride is that over half the book is about the 12 FALL 2008 Angelo State University Magazine Angelo State University Magazine FALL 2008 13 I had a lot of flair. But, that was just in the Another example of Bloebaum’s influ- winter. In the summer my teaching attire ence was how involved he became in stu- was shorts and flip-flops.” dents’ lives outside the classroom. When Also adding to his students’ wonder- local nurse Debbie Eubanks contracted a ment was his habit of driving beat-up used rare disease while at ASU and was taken to a cars that rarely cost more than $300. distant critical care unit, she looked to Bloe- “I saw Dr. Bloebaum’s car and I said ‘that baum for much-needed advice and comfort. looks like it has leprosy,’” said Pamela Darby, “I called Dr. Bloebaum several times a former student and current ASU nursing and told him ‘now they are saying this and instructor. “It was horrible. So, toward the I don’t know what it means,’” Eubanks said. end of school I was taking up a collection be- “He would explain it to me and he was very cause I thought even if I got just $300, I was patient. I just felt that I could rely on him, going to go buy him a used car and it would trust him and he would tell me exactly what have looked better than the one he had.” was going on.” Alan Bloebaum “I don’t know what model it was, but it Being a full-time professor, adviser, was something from the ’70s,” said Dr. Tra- counselor and friend takes a great deal of Bloebaum at his desk vis Sincleair, now a radiologist at Temple’s time and energy and a major commitment Scott and White Hospital. “It was about 30 to organization and time management. But feet long, this big old vehicle, and he never many of Bloebaum’s students never saw that “Long term, I’m not going to make any by Tom Nurre with Roy Ivey threw away his parking stickers, so he had side of his job. big decisions,” he said. “Short term, my about 40 of those on it. You always knew if “He loved to tell jokes,” said Dr. Joel stock answer is ‘I’m just not going to go to he was in his office because you would see Dunnington, an associate professor of radi- work.’ I’ve had a lot of friends that bought his car there with all the stickers on it.” ology at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in new houses, moved off or worked at some- Photo by Danny Meyer However, when it came time to get se- Houston. “He had a file cabinet full of jokes thing like a greeter at Wal-Mart. There is rious about school, his students knew that on three-by-five cards, all of them labeled to nothing wrong with that, but if I wanted to hough he rejected a medical the state’s highest acceptance rates to health To the students in ASU’s pre-health pro- Bloebaum could always be counted on to specific topics for different courses. I think keep working I would have stayed at ASU.” career for himself, Dr. Alan professions schools during his tenure. grams, Bloebaum was a teacher, mentor, give them his best, even if it was to send we should have a couple of them bronzed Bloebaum calls himself and his wife, Bloebaum shaped the health “Alan wrote the most thorough evalu- adviser and friend, helping them through them in a different direction than they origi- and hang them up someplace.” Laura, “big collectors and pack rats,” so you professionsT careers of hundreds of ASU ations of students that medical schools each phase of their undergraduate journeys nally planned. Such was the case for 1991 “I remember going into his office,” said may run into them at a garage or junk sale or students for almost four decades. would receive,” said Dr. Ross Dawkins, and on to the next level. graduate Derek Smith, a chemistry profes- Dr. Kelly Wilson, in obstetrics/gynecology driving around in his Kia that is “a little new- Originally from Austin, Bloebaum came ASU chemistry professor and fellow HPAC Dr. Dale Brancel, a 1974 ASU graduate, sor at Howard Payne who actually changed at Shannon Medical Center, “and it was er.” Their plans also include travel, possibly to ASU in 1971 after getting his Ph.D. from member. “He found it is best to describe stu- is now a surgeon in Hurst. He actually met his ASU major from pre-med based on like you were in a 1940’s book store run accompanied by one or both of their daugh- New Mexico State University. Along the dents with their warts and all, not just as su- his wife in Bloebaum’s advanced physiol- Bloebaum’s counsel. by somebody a little obsessive-compulsive. ters, Gretchen and Heidi. They will also con- way, he was a pre-dental student at the Uni- permen. There have actually been students ogy class. “I changed over to chemistry and found There were books piled to the ceiling and tinue to attend every Rams home football versity of Texas and even attended medical who transferred here from larger schools to “I’ve had a lot of teachers all the way a real passion for chemistry and experimen- stuff stuck all over the walls. I remember game, continuing a streak that once reached school for two years before finding his call- take advantage of Alan’s letters.” through high school, college, medical tation,” Smith said. “Because of his advice, I him sitting in that chair with all that mess 35 years straight without missing one. ing as a biology professor. And, it is not just the folks at ASU that school and residency,” Brancel said, “and I didn’t spin my wheels in a program that would around him, but he was organized at the Fittingly, Bloebaum was the first-ever In 1972 he took over as chairman of the think highly of Bloebaum. When Harriet would have to say that Dr. Bloebaum is the not have been very valuable to me. It is advice same time. He knew where everything was, recipient of the ASU Alumni Association’s ASU Health Professions Advisory Commit- Lewis of the ASU physical therapy faculty best teacher I ever had, bar none.” that I have carried with me for the last 19 years though it didn’t seem possible that anybody Distinguished Faculty Achievement Award tee (HPAC), a post he held until his retire- goes on recruiting trips, she is constantly “He was more of a friend and a confi- and have even shared it with students who would be able to.” and in 1998 was named an Outstanding ment in 2007. Thus began his legacy of help- meeting other recruiters, counselors and dant than just a teacher,” said Gene Cobb, a wanted to go through a pre-med program.” With those and his many other memories Centennial Alumnus by New Mexico State, ing hundreds of students gain acceptance to health care professionals that compliment 1975 ASU graduate and currently a macro- In fact, Bloebaum was so dedicated in tow, Bloebaum now heads into retirement professional schools in almost every compo- her colleague. technologist in Big Spring. “He is definitely to his students that he sometimes even with one very definite plan for the future. – continued on page 41 nent of medicine and health-related fields. “Many times it was because of his re- going to be missed. He is something else, dreamed about them. “It was something I had experience lationship to the Joint Admissions Medical definitely an icon.” “He said he had been dreaming about in that nobody else did,” Bloebaum said. Program (JAMP) or other groups for allied Apparently, Bloebaum achieved that me for three nights,” said Johnny Matthews, Wonderful Careers “Having recently been in medical school, I health counselors,” Lewis said. “They would status in spite of his unique wardrobe. a San Angelo optometrist who graduated in had a pretty good idea of what they were all tell me about what a great guy he is, how “Alan dresses like a bum, almost,” 1974. “He said ‘I know you have been look- In addition to Dr. Alan Bloebaum, several other long-time looking for and what kind of students they much they enjoyed working with him and Dawkins said. “I think the most he dresses ing to do something for your career, you professors have called it a career. wanted. I was also good at writing, so what a great job he has done bringing out up is to put on his best pair of suspenders. have good math skills and you like biology, For a glimpse at three of them – George Shankle of chemistry and writing health professions evaluations was the best in students. They are amazed at his But, he is obviously an incredibly bright and and I think you should go into optometry.’ something I liked doing.” ability to get ASU students accepted to pro- dedicated guy.” I told him about a booklet I had sent off for biochemistry, Paul F. Love of sociology and Sandra S. Love of psychology It’s a good thing he enjoyed it because fessional, medical and other allied health Responded Bloebaum, “I would also about health careers and that one I had se- – visit the “Bonus Features” on the ASU Magazine Web site at he has written more than 570 evaluations, lected was optometry. He said ‘Good, may- programs all over the place.” put pins on my suspenders and the students www.angelo.edu/ASUMagazine/ helping ASU consistently maintain one of But, it wasn’t just about writing letters. called it ‘flair.’ I didn’t know it, but I guess be if you do this I can get some sleep.’”

14 FALL 2008 Angelo State University Magazine Angelo State University Magazine FALL 2008 15 by Preston Lewis

a 30th anniversary retrospective

Simply put, their time had arrived. ball and of checking off. His so- In a decade when winning the Lone Star phisticated passing offense added Conference was tantamount to capturing the to our running game.” NAIA National Championship in football, And, the strong running game the Angelo State University Rams entered enhanced the passing attack. the 1978 season as LSC favorites. Between “Jerry Aldridge,” said Vander- 1969 and 1977, LSC teams had won eight of griff, “was a rare combination of size, nine NAIA national titles in one of the most speed and endurance. His presence al- remarkable conference runs in intercolle- lowed us the luxury of moving Alvin Gar- giate football history and the Rams were rett, a future Super Bowl participant with hungry for theirs. the Washington Redskins, to receiver “If you made it through the LSC,” said where he was a big-play threat every , ASU’s coach from 1974-81, “you time he touched the ball.” had a good chance to win a national title.” Defensive coordinator Mike The Rams lived up to expectations in Martin and secondary coach 1978, winning the LSC when it was still Si Southall rounded composed exclusively of Texas universities out the coaching and claiming the national title with the only quintet. Martin perfect record in ASU football history. ran some of the The Rams did it on offense behind the strongest de- running of halfback Jerry Aldridge, whose fenses Hess Coach Jim Hess today 1,483 rushing yards set a season record that ever saw still stands 30 years later, and the timely and South- passing of quarterback Mark Embry, who all’s skill had a pair of speedy receivers in Alvin Gar- rett and Johnnie Jackson. On defense, the Rams ran a 4-3 setup with players who understood the scheme and backed it up with speed. Cornerback Wylie Turner, who was the fastest player in the NAIA by Hess’s recollection, head- lined a secondary that possessed the skill and quickness to play man-to-man almost exclusively during the season. With Hess at the helm, ASU’s coaches brought their own skills to the winning equation. Jerry Vandergriff and Harold Mayo were offensive co-coordinators. Vandergriff oversaw the record-break- ing running attack, having recruited Aldridge out of Jacksonville. Mayo, in his first and only year as an ASU assistant coach, managed the passing game. “Coach Mayo was more knowledgeable Jerry Aldridge (47) and in pass offense than we were,” Hess said. Mark Embry (7) in 1978 action. “He had a good system of throwing the foot- Photo by Danny Meyer

16 FALL 2008 Angelo State University Magazine Angelo State University Magazine FALL 2008 17 with the defensive backs created a secondary the confidence-builder the Rams needed to “Mark was a very good passer and an secondary coach Southall nightmares of a zone, then Embry hit Jackson, who tallied that made key plays at critical times through- win the LSC in 1978. efficient runner,” Vandergriff said of the potential 450-yard game. However, a solid 104 receiving yards for the game, for the out the season. So confident of a LSC crown was senior Rams field general. “His greatest assets, line rush and stellar play by the corners and two-point conversion. “We had a solid coaching staff,” Van- wide receiver Garrett that he convinced his though, were his decision-making and his safeties helped the Rams hold ACC score- A&I answered with a 46-yard scoring dergriff said, “and Coach Hess provided lifelong friend and fellow receiver Johnnie ability to manage a game.” less until the final quarter. Aldridge ran for pass and point after, then ASU responded exceptional leadership and knowledge of Jackson, who had won All-America honors Next the Rams began a three-game road 151 yards on 32 carries and two touchdowns, with a 26-yard Embry-to-Garrett touch- the game.” the year before at Ranger Junior College, to tour, starting in Blackwater Draw with a but the player of the game was defensive down, capping an 80-yard drive. A&I would “Martin, Vandergriff and Southall,” said transfer to ASU for the 1978 season. 40-0 laugher against Eastern New Mexico. end Marvin Williams, whose seven unas- score the final two touchdowns on a one- Hess, “you’ve got to give those guys credit “We wouldn’t have won it without them,” The defense held the Greyhounds to 72 total sisted tackles, including three quarterback yard run and a subsequent pass, but would for recruiting, particularly Vandergriff, be- said Hess, “but we had a lot of weapons on yards, scored a touchdown when safety Da- sacks for 29 yards in losses, would earn him miss two-point conversions after each TD. cause it wouldn’t have been possible without that team on both sides of the ball.” vid Knowles blocked a punt and defensive LSC Defensive Player of the Week Honors The game was not secure until just over the athletes.” Probably the biggest unsung hero of end Darnell White recovered it in the end in the 33-8 win. a minute remained and the Ram defense Even before the football championship, the season was fullback Arthur Gutierrez, zone and set up three other touchdowns and “Without everyone doing his job,” Wil- stopped the Javelinas on fourth and one at 1978 was a special year for ASU, marking whose blocks sprung Aldridge for many of a field goal for the offense. Following the liams recalled 30 years later, “I wouldn’t the ASU 41. For cornerback Mike Millegan, the 50th anniversary of the college’s open- his gains. game, ASU would be ranked No. 2 in the have been able to get the sacks. It was just a it was the best of games and the worst of ing. The year also saw the 50th birthday for “Arthur would block until his helmet nation behind ACC. unity deal. We played as a team and I take games. He was beaten for two touchdowns, Mickey Mouse, the arrival of the computer turned sideways and he was looking out of At Sam Houston State the next weekend, no credit personally for any of my accom- but had two interceptions, including one in game Space Invaders from Japan, the debut his ear hole,” Hess said. ASU romped to a 42-13 win as Aldridge plishments in that game.” the end zone, and used a jarring tackle on of Dallas and the continued popularity of Vandergriff agreed, “Arthur was an ran for 201 yards on 18 carries, including an Hess’s assessment of that game: “Any the final A&I two-point conversion attemt Happy Days on television. extremely tough individual who comple- 81-yard touchdown romp that was the third time you beat Abilene Christian, it was a to preserve the ASU lead. Entering the 1978 season, the Rams mented a very good offensive line to create longest in ASU history at the time. Aldridge good game.” “When you’ve beaten A&I,” Hess said enjoyed happy days of their own, returning a very effective running game.” earned LSC Player of the Week honors for his By this time in the season, Aldridge’s at the time of his first victory over the Jav- 21 of 22 starters along with the LSC’s No. The 1978 season began Sept. 9 with a effort. With ACC falling to Cameron, 17-13, Marvin Williams today streak of nine consecutive 100-yard games elinas, “you’ve beaten the best.” 1 defense. The year before, the Rams had home game against Central Oklahoma in the same day, ASU reached the No. 1 spot in attracted to Ram practices NFL scouts who Defensive coordinator Martin, who be- handed eventual national champion Abilene front of 10,500 fans, believed to be the larg- the NAIA Division I Poll on Sept. 27 for the were finding more players with pro foot- lieved it was the toughest game of the sea- Christian College its only loss, 21-14, on a est opening crowd in ASU history. Aldridge first time. The Rams would remain atop the Photo by Danny Meyer ball potential than just the stellar running son, said “They had been the team to beat windblown day in Abilene. In got 103 yards on 20 carries, while linebacker rankings the remainder of the season. back. In fact, of the 12 players in ASU his- for 10 years.” retrospect, Hess believed Kelvin Smith had eight unassisted tackles “We had just been ranked No. 1,” Hess started at its own 38-yard line with 8:33 left tory who have gone on to play in the NFL, The final three regular season games the 1977 ACC game was on defense, but it was Embry’s 13-of-23 remembered, “and I had a tendency to be in the game. A long, methodical march that four of them were a part of the 1978 team: were breezes. Against the 5-1 Southwest passing performance for 282 yards cocky when we were going pretty good.” included a critical 10-yard pass to Garrett, Aldridge, Garrett, Turner and freshman Texas State Bobcats, ranked No. 4 nationally, and four touchdowns that paced the Hess lost some of his swagger in the next ended with a two-yard dive over the goal Clayton Weishuhn. the Rams won not only the game, 29-6, but Rams to a 42-13 victory. game at East Central Oklahoma, where the line by Aldridge. The Tigers took the en- On the road against LSC foe Howard also a share of their first LSC title. Aldridge Rams trailed 7-0 entering the final quarter. suing kickoff at their own 37 and in three Payne, Aldridge managed 147 yards rush- ran for 150 yards, Embry passed for 184 “We got into a hornet’s nest up there,” plays had the ball on the Ram 11 when their ing and the Rams got a 38-22 win, but it was and freshman Weishuhn intercepted a pass Hess remembered. “They didn’t have much quarterback fumbled the snap and defensive a rough game, described by quarterback and returned it 14 yards for a touchdown. offense but they had a great defense with Mark back Knowles recovered. The key event Embry as “pretty bad in the trenches” and Two years later against the same Bobcats, Gastineau, who went on to play for the Jets, in the game may have occurred between cost the Rams senior defensive tackle Har- Weishuhn would have what Hess called the and Cliff Thrift, who would play several sea- halves, however. old Stephens, who sustained a torn ligament “greatest individual performance I ever saw” sons with the Chargers, both at linebacker.” “I think one of East Central’s fans hit in his left knee. with 37 tackles in an 18-15 loss to SWTS. Quarterback Embry recalled Gastineau. a referee at half,” Hess recalled, “and that The win set up a Homecoming show- In a repeat game, which counted in the “I don’t know how many times he hit me helped.” down against perennial power Texas A&I, conference standings, against Sam Houston and we couldn’t get anything going,” Em- Back home before 9,000 fans in San An- which had won five national titles since 1969. State, the 44-17 victory earned ASU its first bry said. “We just gutted it out in the fourth gelo Stadium for their LSC opener against A&I brought the LSC’s leading offense at outright LSC championship. Coach Hess was quarter and had two drives for touchdowns. Stephen F. Austin, the Rams were tied 3-3 408.9 yards per game to face the confer- carried off the field and Embry was named It was a character-building game for us.” going into the final quarter before a defensive ence’s top defense at 198.4 yards per game. LSC Player of the Week for his 13-of-24 per- Key Ram player in the first half was fumble recovery led to a game-winning field In honor of the visiting Javelinas, Homecom- formance for 251 yards and two touchdowns. freshman punter Steve Haynes, whose five goal. Gutierrez added a one-yard touchdown ing activities included a greased pig contest The regular season ended in Commerce punts for a 46-yard average kept the Tigers plunge for insurance and defensive end Dar- for students. The game crowd set a new at- with a 35-14 victory over East Texas State, pinned in their own end of the field. With nell White trapped the SFA quarterback in tendance record of 16,500 nervous fans. which had won the NAIA title in 1972. Em- 11:21 left in the game, Embry capped an 85- the end zone for a safety. The 15-3 win set Though the Rams never trailed, they bry finished with season records for passing yard, 15-play drive with a one-yard lunge up the 5-0 Rams for a showdown with 3-1 never pulled away either. They took a 6-0 yards, 1,747, and TD passes, 15. Aldridge into the end zone. The extra point by Vance defending champion ACC. lead into halftime, thanks to two Jenkins ended with 1,483 yards on the season. The Mark Embry on the prowl Jenkins tied the score. A record crowd of 16,000 fans saw the field goals. On the first possession of the total would have reached almost 2,000 The Ram defense forced the Tigers No. 1 Rams against the No. 3 Wildcats, second half, Aldridge capped a 78-yard yards had his ensuing post season rushing to punt on their next possession and ASU whose hot-shot quarterback gave defensive drive with a two-yard dive into the end yards been added in.

18 FALL 2008 Angelo State University Magazine Angelo State University Magazine FALL 2008 19 The Rams ended the season with a run of 16 consecutive wins stretching back to the final two games of the 1977 season. Only NCAA No. 1 Penn State with 20 had more consecutive wins than ASU. Post-season honors came in bunches for the Rams. Linebacker Kelvin Smith was the only Texan chosen to the Kodak College Division I All-America squad. Aldridge was named to the Associated Press’s Col- lege Division All-America team and seven other players received honorable mention recognition: Smith, guard Robert Nealy, by Tom Nurre tackle Ken Crouch, defensive end Williams, cornerback Turner, weak safety David Knowles and strong safety John Nunley. “The first thing that comes to my mind and my heart,” said Williams in retrospect, Courtesy of the West Texas Collection “was the chemistry of the team that year and Coach Jim Hess is congratulated by ASU President Lloyd D. Vincent. I mean ‘team’ as in teamwork. I’d never been on a team with that magnitude of chemistry.” The Rams earned homefield advantage nerback Turner had three interceptions and As Vandergriff recalled, “We did not Second to None in the NAIA’s eight-team Division I playoffs earned defensive MVP honors. have any glaring weaknesses and featured to the chagrin of one player. “We played a super game,” Hess said at some exceptional talent and leadership in Defensive end Williams said 30 years the time. all phases of the game. And, we were able after the fact, “I was a little disappointed. The victory set up a championship game to stay relatively free of major injuries.” ometimes numbers do lie, or at least shroud perception. I’d lived here in San Angelo all my life and against the 11-1-1 Fighting Christians of Looking back at the title after three de- Such is the case with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)S system that designates member schools’ athletics programs as ei- I wanted to go some places, see some other Elon College in North Carolina. The game, cades, Embry, who has lived throughout the colleges and see some of the world.” to be played in the City of Palms Bowl in United States and in New Zealand, said, “It’s ther Division I, Division II or Division III. To the student cheers of “We’re No. 1” McAllen, marked the first time since Bibli- one of those things that can never be taken “I think it is unfortunate that the numbers seem to signify to some people and “Rammit,” a season low home crowd of cal days that Rams were favored to sacrifice away. I have often thought back on that year that two is lesser and three is even lesser,” said ASU Athletic Director Kath- 6,432 watched ASU cruise to a 32-0 win over Christians. Despite a flood of trick plays with a lot of pride and satisfaction.” leen Brasfield. “It does not necessarily deal with the size of the school. An 8-1 Oregon College. San Angelo Standard- that Elon unleashed before 8,443 spectators, Williams, who has remained in San attractive thing about Division II is that it is still a very competitive division Times sports editor Jack Cowan wrote, “I the Rams moved out to a 21-0 lead, let the Angelo since his final year at ASU, stated with a lot of opportunities.” think I saw 6,432 people yawn in unison Sat- Christians gain hope with two unanswered it simply, “I can say that I was part of some- A common misperception is that the numbers do indicate the sizes of the urday at .” Gasps rather touchdowns, then went on to put the game thing that was perfect.” . schools and the skill levels of their athletes. than yawns accompanied quarterback Embry out of reach 34-14. “I think it has more to do with your philosophy and where you want to as he left the game in the fourth quarter due to By the fourth quarter the Elon coach had Return of the Champions be,” Brasfield said. “Not just as a student-athlete, but as an institution.” In many cases, a Division II school, such as ASU, may be a better fit for a knee injury. Garrett earned offensive Most sent a note via the officials to Hess, in effect Members and coaches of Angelo State a student athlete. While D-I athletics dominate college sports in the national Valuable Player honors with four receptions conceding the game by asking him to “call University’s 1978 National Championship spotlight, D-II programs offer their own set of advantages to their athletes. for 109 yards and a touchdown. Defensive off the dogs” and pull his first-team players. football team will be honored during “Division I athletics is a business,” Brasfield said. “Division II athletics lineman White was the defensive MVP. The Rams coasted to the national title, set- 2008 Homecoming activities to is truly amateur sports at its best because athletes are competing, trying to In the second round of the playoffs against ting a NAIA championship record for most celebrate the 30th anniversary of make good grades and have in mind what they want to do after graduation. the 10-0 Western State Colorado Mountain- offensive plays with 96. their accomplishment. eers, ASU faced the nation’s No. 2 team and Embry was the offensive MVP after com- To me, what is most attractive about a Division II athletic program is it is Scheduled events Oct. 17-18 for the No. 1 offense at 489.1 yards per game. ASU pleting 19 of 36 for 197 yards and a touch- affordable for an institution, it is good for a student-athlete in terms of being teammates include a reception at the won handily, 35-3. Wearing a knee brace down each to Garrett and tight end Eldredge well-rounded, and it is a good opportunity to compete at the highest levels home of ASU President Joseph C. Rallo, flown in from Indiana on the Wednesday Beverly. Aldridge ran for 119 yards and two and still have other priorities.” recognition at the ASU football game previous, Embry completed just nine of 21 TDs on 29 carries, marking his 17th straight “Division II schools typically graduate athletes at a higher rate than the and a postgame mixer for attendees and passes, but one was a 65-yard touchdown 100-yard-plus rushing performance. Line- general student-athlete population and typically emphasize academics over their families. Members of the 1978 team to Garrett and another was a 14-yard strike backer Smith earned defensive MVP honors. athletics,” she added. “We try to give kids the opportunity to come in and needing more information should contact to Jackson. Fullback Gutierrez was the of- “What makes this win even better,” said not just grow as competitors, but grow as people, too.” Jerry Vandergriff at (325) 651-7147 or fensive MVP with 20 carries for 111 yards Hess after the game, “is the fact that we were These are qualities that the NCAA is now promoting with its “I Chose Divi- [email protected]. and a touchdown. Martin’s defense held the picked to win it all before the season and we sion II” campaign. ASU coaches work daily with the D-II advantages, though Trey Mays nation’s top offense to 162 total yards. Cor- performed well under that pressure.” they vary by sport. – continued Photo by Danny Meyer 20 FALL 2008 Angelo State University Magazine Angelo State University Magazine FALL 2008 21 likely I would not have gotten to play until I On the Court was a junior or even a senior.” Women’s volleyball is another sport of- Off the field, Division II football pro- fering few, if any, real prospects for a pro grams also lack many of the negative influ- career after graduation. But, ego can still ences often found in Division I. influence where a player considers going Ian Ritchey Brian Dickey “A lot of times, big money calls the to college. Alaina Sivells Tess Brindock Trey Mays shots,” Carr said. “I’ve seen lots of good “My response is that I only recruit On the Field coaches get fired for bad reasons because of D-I players,” said ASU head coach Chuck “To win in our conference, we are almost Added Rike, “I would put the top three Division I football is the king of college powerful donors that didn’t like them. I see Waddington. “In order to compete on the to the point where we have to have a couple of or four teams in our division up against any sports. However, not every D-I football coaches, athletic directors and even presi- national level, we need to recruit kids that guys on our team that are capable of playing of the schools in the , team is a Texas, Michigan, Florida State or dents make decisions that are bending to could play for a lot of these mid-major Di- at the professional level,” Rike said. “It may which is Division I.” USC. While it is the dream of most young those pressures and they are not necessarily vision I programs. The best D-II programs not be the NBA, but in Europe or some other On the women’s side the competition is footballers to play on ESPN every Saturday the more ethical decisions.” are filled with players that were consider- minor league. I need that type of player and I much the same. and then go pro, there are only so many “It is also much more impersonal,” he ing D-I schools.” don’t think the average fan understands that.” “There are players in our conference that slots each year for recruits and many good added. “Coaches don’t have the relationships Sometimes, it is the competitive nature Rams sophomore guard Trey Mays had could be D-I players and teams that play D-I players fall through the cracks. with their players that we do because they are inherent in top athletes that trumps their Division I options in three sports but chose schools,” said sophomore guard Camille “There have been plenty of guys that so covered up with other duties outside the egos and actually pushes them toward Divi- to walk on at ASU to escape “big school Perkins. “As far as the level of competition have gone Division II that could have played classroom and outside the locker room.” sion II programs. politics” and get a fresh start. goes, I think it is up there.” for plenty of Division I schools, had they The major women’s field sport at many “There are a lot of players that go Divi- “I play against a lot of players that I think So does ’Belles head coach Sally been given the chance,” said , ASU schools is soccer. D-II soccer coaches also sion II for the same reason I did, just so they should be in a D-I program,” Mays said. Brooks. head football coach. “Those are the guys run into the stereotype that the best play- can get more playing time,” said ’Belles ju- “I also play against a lot of D-I athletes in “We have a legitimate chance of playing that we look high and low for. We don’t go ers should only go Division I, mainly from nior Alaina Sivells. “But, I still feel like we summer basketball and our skill level is just for a national championship,” said Brooks. in and tell these high school coaches that we the coaches of elite club teams that are the play at a very high level of competition.” as high as theirs.” – continued only want to look at the Division II caliber prime targets of recruiters from all levels. Another point in Waddington’s favor is players. We recruit a lot of kids that are tal- “I just recruit good players and good peo- that except for the top Division I programs, ented enough, but have not received offers ple,” said Travis McCorkle, new ASU head the chances for team honors beyond a con- from Division I schools.” soccer coach. “It doesn’t matter to me when ference title and individual honors are often One such player is junior Rams line- other coaches say, ‘Oh, that girl is D-I cali- hard to come by. backer Ian Ritchey, a four-sport star at Boyd ber.’ You never know when a university like “At the D-II level, those same players can High School. Though he did receive limit- ASU is a perfect fit for all their interests.” compete not only for conference titles, but ed interest from some Division I programs, With no women’s professional soc- also for NCAA regional and national titles it was tempered by the fact that he played at cer league in the U.S. anymore, even the as well as earn All-America status,” Wad- such a small high school. top players often have other priorities that dington said. “I have a pretty good model in “The myth out there is that Division II work to the advantage of D-II programs. my mind of what a D-II All-American is, so is a lower level for players that can’t make Junior fullback Kristen Boister is a case I try to pursue those types of kids.” it in Division I,” Ritchey said. “But, I don’t in point, choosing ASU over D-I schools Also, much like women’s soccer players, think that is true at all. The level of play, Louisiana Tech, Sam Houston State and netters often have other priorities that rank especially in the , is Stephen F. Austin. just as high as athletics, if not higher. so high. You’re not playing against nobod- “I wasn’t expecting to like it, but I real- “I think D-II schools offer great pro- ies out there. They can really play.” ly liked the other girls a lot,” Boister said. grams academically as well as athleti- Once players arrive at a D-II program, “Also, Dr. Gil Engdahl, my ag adviser, Kristen Boister cally,” said senior setter Tess Brindock.

they quickly begin to see benefits both on told me that he would help me get into vet Photo by Danny Meyer “I feel like I’m getting a great education. and off the field and realize that not being school. That is a major goal of mine and Here, classes are on a more personal level signed by a D-I team may have been a bless- what I want to do after college. I also like One hurdle somewhat unique to soccer is and I get to interact with my professors. It ing in disguise. the small class sizes. I just fell in love with that some of the players involved in national really works for me and my personal learn- “I’m really competitive and when I the place.” and even regional programs are signing with ing preferences.” stepped on campus my goal was to get on “In Division II,” McCorkle said, “a player D-I programs as early as their sophomore Often sharing the same courts with the field as soon as I could,” said Ian’s broth- has a life that includes soccer, but it doesn’t years in high school, putting them out of volleyball players are men’s and women’s er Brian Dickey, a junior offensive lineman dominate their entire existence. Division II reach for smaller schools. Even so, top play- basketball teams. Division II men’s basket- from Boyd. “Here, I was able to start in my is about balance. We create an environment ers are still available, including those early ball has become so competitive that ASU redshirt sophomore season as opposed to if where student-athletes of diverse interests can signers’ club teammates, who can often be head coach Fred Rike has to shoot for top- Camille Perkins I had gone to a D-I program. More than succeed on the field and in the classroom.” recruited to successful D-II programs. level recruits. Photo by Danny Meyer 22 FALL 2008 Angelo State University Magazine Angelo State University Magazine FALL 2008 23 On the Diamond head coach James Reid. “When our recruits the In softball, unless players are being courted look at our meet schedule and see that we are by upper echelon Division I teams, a suc- going to the Texas Relays, the Michael John- cessful Division II program can often be son Classic and to UT-Austin and are com- Games Students Play by Roy Ivey their most attractive option. peting and doing well against D-I schools, it “They know they are probably not going helps in the recruiting process.” ecreational activities at Angelo State “From working out to rock climbing, the to make money in athletics,” said ASU head Senior distance runner Thomas Veal University may be all fun and games, new recreation center will provide students coach Travis Scott. “So, they are looking chose ASU over Texas Tech and Rice. but they are a long way from your with a host of opportunities and the univer- Macy Baker Thomas Veal for somewhere they can get a good educa- “I think a lot of people choose D-I just Rmomma’s and your daddy’s intramurals. sity with another strong selling point to pro- tion, be successful in softball, can play for a because of the label,” Veal said. “But, we They are serious business, not just on spective students.” coach they enjoy playing for and, when they are not out of place when we go to D-I meets the field or court but also in the larger realm The timing is perfect for ASU to broad- get their degree, have a chance to use that and the level of competition is getting better of university life and success. Today’s uni- en the student opportunities in an already degree or further that degree.” and better every year in Division II.” versity students have many more choices burgeoning University Recreation and In- Senior shortstop Macy Baker opted for Division II track programs can also of- than their parents did for leisure time, so a tramurals (UREC) program. UREC regis- ASU over Oklahoma. fer “late bloomers” a chance to work toward strong intramural and recreation program is tered 2,890 students in 2007, more than tri- “For softball, there is not a major differ- their full potential. a necessity to offer them multiple opportu- ple the 830 students who signed up with the ence between D-I and D-II except maybe a “They can come here, be competitive nities for participation. Department of Intramurals in 2000, Petty little bit with pitching,” she said. “You still and eventually get some scholarship money A strong program is also mandatory for said. The department’s name was changed see big hitters, so as far as a difference be- if they develop to that point,” Reid said. “I the university to not only attract prospects in 2003 to reflect recreational activities’ tween the two levels, there is not much.” can go down a long list of kids who walked but also to retain current students. The qual- evolution on campus to meet the needs of Conversely, many Division II baseball into my office, who we had never seen be- ity of recreational activities and facilities today’s students. programs are fighting losing battles against fore, and who walked out of here not only are among key recruiting points when pro- The staples of the UREC program are the “Division I mentality.” with a diploma, but with All-America hon- spective students come to campus to look team sports, including softball, flag foot- “The ones that are on TV, those are ors as well.” around, according to University Recreation ball, volleyball, soccer and basketball. Dur- real Division I programs, but most of them Director Bradley Petty. ing the 2007-08 academic year, 623 teams I Chose Division II are not that,” said ASU head coach Kevin “Recreational facilities are the first place participated in the five sports. The favor- Brooks. “Many are in a lot worse situation Emphasis on academics and getting a de- prospective students stop or the last place,” ite sport among students is softball, which than we are here, financially, facilities, all gree, the chance to compete immediately, Petty said. “Six other universities I’ve vis- fielded 178 teams, Petty said. that stuff. That is the point you try to make more opportunities for team and personal ited recently all have new rec centers. That’s Other sports in the program include track to recruits, but unfortunately, it is tough to awards, and the ability to live a complete the cornerstone of campus life.” and field in the fall and table tennis, badmin- get through their heads.” college lifestyle while still competing at a As a result of strategic necessity and stu- ton, kickball, racquetball, tennis, sand vol- But, not all the good ones get away. high level are all advantages offered by Di- dent wishes, ASU is moving toward a recre- leyball and golf in both the fall and spring. Senior outfielder Brian Rasberry trans- vision II athletic programs. ational cornerstone of its own with plans for Participation today is a far cry from what ferred to ASU after two standout seasons As NCAA President Dr. Myles Brand a new $7 million, 12,000-square-foot recre- it was in January 2000, when Petty arrived to in junior college. says in the organization’s public service an- ation center north of the Center for Human find 155 teams in the five major sports. Vol- “It’s every kids dream to go play Divi- nouncement, “The Division II student athlete Performance along the Mall. ASU students leyball was most popular with 43 teams. sion I baseball, but I think it is more for the experience emphasizes academic and athletic so desired a new rec center that in 2007 they Petty followed Larry “Jelly” Rowe, the prestige,” Rasberry said. “I don’t think I’m excellence. Learning, service, passion, sports- voted for a fee of up to $100 per long semes- first full-time intramurals director. a worse player because I’m in Division II. manship, resourcefulness and balance, these ter to help pay for one. The fee is currently “At that time, it was just Jelly,” Petty Every day I’m trying to get better and trying are the attributes of student athletes, coaches, $32 and will increase as new facilities go said. “Jelly ran intramurals and facilities to compete. It’s not a joke, it’s something administrators, alumni and fans who say with online, Petty said. from the Kinesiology Department. He bor- . we go out and try to work hard at and I’m pride ‘I chose Division II.’” Executive Director of Enrollment Man- rowed kinesiology secretary Ginger Bright proud of it.” agement and Director of Admissions Fred to help him.” Dietz said, “The opportunity for students to Rowe, now retired and living in San An- On the Track Advantage ASU participate in intramurals at the collegiate gelo, recalled “Before I got here, intramu- Timers and measuring tapes do not lie. Track Check out what Ram and Rambelle level is extremely important to admissions. rals were assigned to coaches. I took over and field and cross country athletes know Intramural sports and activities provide a in September 1984 and went to 19 sports the athletes and coaches think about how good they are, regardless of what school great outlet for students and offer them a sense first year, then to 26 the second year. We they attend. Often, they are also the only ath- the ASU advantage as a D-II of belonging to the university. Additionally, added different things such as bowling, golf letes from D-II schools that get to compete competitor by visiting the many students want to continue participating and badminton. head-to-head with Division I opponents. “Bonus Features” on the in sports at the college level, but are unable to “We gave away T-shirts to winning “If you run 10.2 in the hundred-meter ASU Magazine Web site at compete at the Division II level, so a vibrant teams,” Rowe said. “I got with the Alum- dash, that is your time and it doesn’t matter if intramurals program is a great resource.” ni Association and they paid for first- and you are in high school, junior college, Divi- www.angelo.edu/ASUMagazine/ Brian Rasberry “The new recreation center will be a second-place awards, T-shirts and baseball sion III, Division II or Division I,” said ASU wonderful outlet for students,” said Dietz. caps. That first year, we also had the Odd- Intramural softball action Photo by Danny Meyer 24 FALL 2008 Angelo State University Magazine Angelo State University Magazine FALL 2008 25 ball Olympics. We included swimming, and The program’s schedule was not always Distinguished Alumnus Field General we had participants run through an obstacle so busy. There were fewer facilities and stu- course. We also used inner tubes to roll dents participating in the early days of intra- around the course.” murals at ASU. Alumni Association When Jerry Vandergriff, an undersized Vandergriff then played at Henderson Rowe said he generated interest by emu- Dr. Jewell Pye and former ASU football Award Criteria quarterback recruit from Tulia, first stepped County Junior College before transferring lating the Olympic Games with an opening coach kick-started intra- off the bus in San Angelo, he remembers a to the University of Corpus Christi where he ceremony that featured a student dressed in murals in the 1960s. ASU alumna Shirley Distinguished Alumnus feeling that continues to this day. earned All-Texas and Little All-American a toga. The student wore a laurel wreath on Morton, who coordinates special activities An alumnus previously enrolled at “For some reason,” Vandergriff re- honors, the student body presidency and his his head and held a traffic caution blinker as at ASU, was a student when the foundation SAC, ASC or ASU and a former called, “I knew I was ‘home.’” bachelor’s degree. He would later receive a a faux Olympic flame. of today’s recreation program was laid. She student for at least 10 years and San Angelo became his home first as a master’s degree from Texas Tech. “Teams could pick their own names, participated in some of the first organized recognized by the Alumni Association San Angelo College (SAC) player and later He coached seven years in the high such as countries you never heard of,” Rowe recreational sports on campus. for outstanding achievement in his/ as an Angelo State assistant coach, head school ranks before being hired by Grant said. “That went on for years, but finally Morton said Pye, a physical education her business, profession, lifework or coach and men’s athletic director. Along the Teaff as an ASU assistant coach in 1971. He kind of died out.” professor, started the Women’s Recreation worthy endeavor. way, he made ASU the athletic and academic served 11 years as an assistant under Teaff, “I did it for 16 years,” said Rowe, who Association in 1963 and organized a basket- Honorary Alumnus home for a generation of football players. James Cameron and Jim Hess. He was of- took the post after retiring from the Air Force ball league. A special friend and supporter of By the time he stepped down as coach fensive coordinator for 10 of those years, and earning a kinesiology degree from ASU. “The women’s teams went by colors – ASU who has made a significant and men’s athletic director in 2004, Vander- including 1978 when he was co-offensive “I never looked back and enjoyed every min- blue, gold and white,” Morton said. “It was impact on the university or the griff had become the winningest football coordinator for the team that won the NAIA ute of it. The kids were just fantastic.” mostly girls from the small schools who Alumni Association through coach in ASU history and an influential – National Championship. With an explosion of interest in 2003 played sports in high school. The girls from support, recognition or career. and respected – voice in NCAA football. Named ASU head coach in 1982, Van- came a push for more participation. the big schools didn’t play sports.” For all his personal accomplishments, dergriff compiled a 143-101-2 record, in- “We set up tables around the Mall,” Morton said the teams played in the Distinguished Carr however, Vandergriff is proudest of his as- cluding 18 straight winning seasons. He Courtesy Jim Bean Photography Petty said. “That was our first marketing ef- “Cow Palace,” the old basketball gym that Scholar Alumnus sociation with the athletes who wore the guided the Rams to the NCAA Division Jerry Vandergriff fort. We let students sign up for intramurals was located behind the Mayer Administra- An alumnus who attended ASU on Blue and Gold. II semifinals in 1989 and the quarterfinals right at those tables. Every year since then, tion Building until its demolition in 1972. a Carr Scholarship and recognized by “I am a person who took very seri- in 1987 and 1997 as well as two Lone Star participation has about doubled.” Retired ASU dean Paul Horne, who had the Alumni Association for career and/ ously the trust bestowed on me as parents Conference titles and three division titles. Some of the increased participation re- been a coach at ASU before moving into or community service and leadership. placed their sons in our care during a very During his tenure as head coach, ASU sulted from the addition of aerobics classes administration, said the early intramurals Distinguished ROTC Alumnus critical phase of their lives,” Vandergriff produced 39 All-Americans. He also led and club sports. were mostly student-driven. An alumnus who attended ASU said. “Not many of us are blessed with the ASU to the winningest record among all “Club sports were considered student “It grew on its own out of the ground,” as part of the Air Force ROTC opportunity to be a part of the lives of so Texas universities competing in football organizations,” Petty said. “Then the dean Horne said. “Students were very heavily in- Detachment 847 and recognized by many young people. during the 1980s. of students said we needed to provide addi- volved in determining what was happening the Alumni Association for significant “It is hard to put into words how proud On the national level, he served on the tional support for those clubs that competed with intramurals. It kind of evolved from impact in his/her career or lifework. I am of the great young people who came NCAA’s Recruiting Committee, Football and traveled elsewhere.” people wanting to be energetic, getting out through our program and are out making Rules Committee, D-II Football Commit- Club sports today include rugby, in-line and doing things.” . Golden Ex of the Year such a positive impact in their communi- tee and D-II Legislative Committee. He is hockey, ultimate Frisbee, racquetball, golf An individual enrolled at SAC or ties,” he continued. “I hope I had a positive a director of the Angelo Football Clinic, and paintball. ASC at least 50 years ago who has impact on their lives as I know they had a which attracts top coaches from throughout UREC’s staff grew with demand. An continued a lasting relationship with Extramurals positive impact on mine.” the nation to San Angelo each summer, and assistant director and secretary were added ASU and/or the Alumni Association. For his many professional successes as a director for the Cactus Bowl, the national and staffing has increased to the current lev- These days ASU intramural teams Outstanding Retired Faculty well as for his impact on so many young NCAA D-II Football All-Star game. el of 20 work-study students, 15 auxiliary A former ASU faculty or staff lives, Vandergriff has been named the 2008 In 2005 he was recognized by the All- students and 100 student referees. are participating against intramural member who had a distinguished Distinguished Alumnus by the ASU Alum- American Football Foundation for career Another factor in the increase can be career at ASU and has continued his/ ni Association. accomplishments and in 2006 was selected traced to the intramural fields, built on the squads from other universities her support and involvement with As quarterback, Vandergriff in 1960 to the LSC’s 75th Anniversary Team. east side of campus in 2003. ASU and/or the Alumni Association guided the Rams to a Hospitality Bowl Vandergriff and his wife, Rose Ann, have “When we got the intramural fields, we nationally. Check out these after retirement. berth in what turned out to be SAC’s last a son, Bo, and daughter-in-law, Nicky. . got lights,” Petty said. “Before that, we had football season as the institution temporar- to limit play to daylight hours. Now, we can extramural activities in the Distinguished Faculty ily dropped the sport prior to becoming a play later in the evening – from 6 p.m. to Achievement four-year institution. midnight. It makes a lot of difference.” “Bonus Features” on the A current ASU faculty member Teams also play a Sunday schedule of selected from each ASU College ASU Magazine Web site at 2-10 p.m. by the Alumni Association for his/ “Sunday was just for overflow when I her profound effect on the lives and first got here,” Petty said. “Now we use the www.angelo.edu/ASUMagazine/ careers of ASU students. fields all the time.”

26 FALL 2008 Angelo State University Magazine Angelo State University Magazine FALL 2008 27 Honorary Alumnus Miracle on the Concho Honorary Alumnus Senate Friend

By the end of his first term in the Texas Leg- as you could hope to experience for Angelo State Sen. Robert Duncan was the right Duncan began his legislative career islature, Drew Darby found his elected State and San Angelo, for Texas Tech and man in the right place at the right time for in 1993, serving two terms in the Texas colleagues referring to him as “Representa- Lubbock, for all of West Texas.” Angelo State University in 2007. House. Since 1996 when the Lubbock tive Moses.” A native of San Angelo and graduate As a highly respected senator from West Republican won a special election to rep- While he did not part the Red Sea or of Central High School, Darby attended Texas and Senate District 28, Duncan played resent District 28, he has provided strong even the Concho River, Rep. Darby did sep- the University of Texas on a football schol- a key role in transferring Angelo State Uni- and effective leadership on behalf of ASU arate Angelo State University from the Tex- arship. He earned a Bachelor of Business versity to the Texas Tech University System in the Legislature. Consequently, Duncan as State University System by introducing Administration with a major in finance and (TTUS), effective last September. viewed the affiliation of ASU with Texas the legislation that made ASU a member of a minor in accounting. Darby went on to It helped that Duncan was a member Tech as the “perfect cotton-wool blend” the Texas Tech University System last year. attend the UT School of Law where he re- of the important Senate Finance Commit- because of its potential economic impact Speaking before the House Committee ceived his Doctorate of Jurisprudence. tee and that both Texas Tech and Angelo on the region. on Higher Education in favor of HB 3564, After completing his formal education, State are headquartered in his sprawling “The merger of Angelo State and Texas Darby recalled Charlton Heston’s cinematic Darby returned to San Angelo and started 46-county district, which encompasses Tech is an ideal example of how two insti- Moses and said, “Let my people go.” Then, his own law office, W. Drew Darby and As- 19 percent of the state’s 254 counties and tutions, similar in geographical, cultural and with a West Texas flourish, he added “Pret- sociates Law Firm. In addition to his legal extends from the Texas Panhandle and the academic areas, can come together to form ty please.” career, Darby also serves as president of two Red River to Tom Green County and the a stronger system. Educational partnerships Darby, though, did not succeed just on San Angelo land title insurance companies, Concho River. such as this are a boost to the entire state,” his verbal skills and his West Texas sense serving 12 West Texas counties. Though Duncan played a major role Duncan said. “The partnership between An- Photo by Danny Meyer of humor. He thrived on hard work, per- In 2007 Darby was first elected to rep- in the successful legislation, he is quick to gelo State and Texas Tech is also a model of Photo Courtesy of Senator Duncan Drew Darby sonally meeting with every member of the resent District 72 in the Texas House of share credit for the realignment. how a group of citizens can come together to Robert Duncan Texas House and asking each to support Representatives during the 80th Legislative “The support given to this legislation make significant changes in this state.” the legislation. In the end, his House col- Session. His legislative acumen was rec- from alumni of Angelo State and Texas Since 2001, Duncan has held a coveted leagues found his plea pleasing and showed ognized early on when he received a rare Tech, as well as the citizens of Lubbock spot on the Senate Finance Committee. His their support with an overwhelming 137-4 freshman appointment from House Speaker and San Angelo, was the only reason Rep. Legislative clout for West Texas is further vote of approval. Tom Craddick to serve on the House Ap- (Drew) Darby and I were able to get this strengthened through his appointment to “Realignment,” said Darby, “was a vic- propriations Committee. legislation passed,” Duncan said. “Because the Finance Conference Committee, which tory by the citizens of West Texas who got Additionally, the speaker appointed him Texas Tech and Angelo State are both in my works out the final appropriations bill to es- involved and made their voices heard in a to the Business and Industry Committee district, it was clear to me that a partner- tablish the state budget. way no one in Austin could ignore.” and the House Administration Committee. ship between these two institutions would During his dozen years in the Senate, Neither should Darby’s actions be ig- This past April, Speaker Craddick named be ideal.” Duncan has received numerous honors based nored. For his pivotal role in shaping ASU’s Darby to the Select Committee on Property For his leadership in moving Angelo on his tireless work ethic, his keen under- future and for his model performance as a Tax Relief and Appraisal Reform, which State University to the Texas Tech Uni- standing of complicated policy and his stel- freshman legislator from House District 72, will oversee all matters relating to property versity System last year, Duncan has been lar reputation. Texas Monthly, which does Darby has been designated a 2008 Honorary tax relief and reforming the property ap- named a 2008 Honorary Alumnus by the not pass out honors lightly, has three times Alumnus by the ASU Alumni Association. praisal system in Texas. ASU Alumni Association. named him among the state’s 10 best legisla- “In the future,” Darby said of ASU’s Rep. Darby and his wife, Clarisa, have “The merger between Angelo State and tors. The magazine has also listed Duncan affiliation with Texas Tech, “I see vigorous five children: Derek, an attorney with Texas Tech is one of my proudest legisla- as a “Texas Super Lawyer” for his profes- growth and the creation of new opportuni- Shanks Darby, and his wife, Crystin, are tive accomplishments,” Duncan said. “I sional reputation in the private sector. ties and programs. Some are in planning proud parents of son Davis; Devon is ca- was so proud of the support from West Duncan earned his bachelor’s degree stages now, some have not even been con- tering director for ExxonMobil; Taylor is Texas this legislation was given. I have from Texas Tech University and his law de- ceived of yet. The synergies are just tremen- a sophomore at the University of Texas at never carried a bill that was so widely sup- gree from the Texas Tech University School dous. New opportunities reveal themselves Austin; and twins Ashley and Regan are ported by so many of the constituents of of Law. He has two children, daughter almost daily. This is as clear cut a win-win freshmen at UT. . Senate District 28.” Lindsey and son Matthew. .

28 FALL 2008 Angelo State University Magazine Angelo State University Magazine FALL 2008 29 Honorary Alumnus Man with a Vision Distinguished Carr Scholar Alumnus Return of the Native

Throughout his multi-faceted career in education opened the door to his future. If Dr. Michael Patyrak had a bumper Dallas. Those accomplishments earned him law, politics, business and education, He attended Texas Tech University where sticker on his vehicle, it would read “I didn’t 2008 Distinguished Carr Scholar recogni- Kent Hance has built a record of prov- he was elected vice president of the stu- start college at Angelo State, but I got there tion. They also led to what he calls his most en results. dent body before receiving his bachelor’s as fast as I could.” meaningful ASU accomplishment, giving When he became chancellor of the degree in 1965. A San Angelo native and Central High the 2006 fall commencement address. Texas Tech University System (TTUS) in Three years later he earned his law de- graduate, Patyrak attended Tulane Uni- “What a humbling experience,” Patyrak December of 2006, he promised to signifi- gree from the University of Texas School versity as a freshman, then transferred to said. “I’m sure many of the graduates still cantly increase overall enrollment. of Law, where he was elected president of ASU where he received a Carr Academic ask, ‘Who was that speaking again?’ But, Nine months to the day after he assumed the Student Bar Association as well as class Scholarship. He graduated in 2002 with the the opportunity to directly address so many his duties, Hance saw system enrollment president. He practiced law and taught busi- Presidential Award as the top student in his on such a momentous occasion will be jump by 6,200 in a single moment as Angelo ness law at Texas Tech, where he was named class, but topping all that was finding his fu- something I never forget.” State University became the newest member an outstanding professor. ture wife, Shae, on campus. His other fond ASU memories include and the second largest campus in the Texas His political career began in 1974 when “We met my senior year as we were the learning, guidance and friendship he Tech University System on Sept. 1, 2007. he was elected to the Texas Senate. In 1978 both quite involved in many school-related gained from many of the faculty and an im- Though he gives credit for that suc- he defeated George W. Bush to earn a seat in functions,” Patyrak said. “She came right promptu science experiment. cessful legislative move to the leadership Congress, succeeding longtime Congress- up and introduced herself one day and the “We were outside with the liquid nitro- of State Rep. Drew Darby and State Sen. man George Mahon in the 19th Congressio- rest is history.” gen, a garbage can and a plastic two liter Robert Duncan, Hance provided a vision nal District. In the Summer of 1981, Hance Patyrak’s recent history includes gradu- bottle and BOOM!” he said. “It literally Texas Tech Photo by Artie Limmer Tech Texas for how that affiliation would work. authored and won passage of President Rea- ating No. 1 in his class from the University sounded like a very large bomb went off Photo by Danny Meyer Kent Hance His political connections, his adminis- gan’s tax bill, which provided the largest tax of Texas Health Science Center and working and that was not the anticipated outcome. Michael Patyrak trative savvy and his goals for West Texas, cut in the nation’s history. While a member today as a doctor of radiology at UT-South- Let’s just say we found out the ASU police’s not to mention his down home sense of hu- of the U.S. Congress, Hance served on the western/Parkland Memorial Hospital in response time was under two minutes.” . mor, helped ease any concerns about ASU’s Ways and Means Committee, the Agricul- new affiliation with Texas Tech and make ture Committee and the Science and Tech- the transition almost seamless. In the pro- nology Committee. cess, Hance created an excitement about He has served on the West Texas State ASU’s future that was contagious. University Board of Regents, the Texas “This has been a great transition for both Railroad Commission and the Texas Higher Distinguished ROTC Alumnus Mission Accomplished the Texas Tech University System and An- Education Coordinating Board. After leav- gelo State University,” Hance said. “I feel ing politics in 1990, Hance practiced law in great pride when I drive through the ASU Austin as a partner with Hance Scarborough Col. Ernie Felts’ distinguished 30-year ‘The Streak’ was more than just a song. We campus and see the sign that reads ‘Mem- Wright, specializing in state and federal ad- Air Force career ended the same place it be- used slide rules instead of computers and ber, Texas Tech University System’.” ministrative, regulatory and legislative law. gan, in ROTC. Roscoe was cool even back then.” For his role in making the TTUS affili- He also shared his expertise in oil, gas and In between, he served as a missile launch In the Air Force, Felts held command ation a reality and for his strong support of energy-related matters with clients, frequent- officer, command pilot and squadron, group positions at bases in Japan, North Carolina, ASU in the months since, Chancellor Hance ly attending OPEC meetings and helping ac- and vice wing commander, receiving some Nebraska, Kansas, Mississippi, Texas and has been named a 2008 Honorary Alumnus quire international oil and gas drilling rights of the Air Force’s highest honors along the England. His military honors include the by the ASU Alumni Association. on behalf of U.S. and international clients. way. His latest honor is being named ASU’s Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Hance’s varied career began in Dim- Hance and his wife, Susie, also an 2008 Distinguished ROTC Alumnus. Combat Readiness and National Defense mitt on his father’s tractor when he real- attorney, have five children and seven Service medals, and the NATO Medal. . A 1976 ASU graduate from Pecos, Felts ized farming was not his calling. Higher grandchildren. said he immediately felt at home on the In 2002, Felts returned to command the ASU campus and credits his professors with ASU ROTC program for two years, then took helping him attain his educational goals. his final assignment as commander of Air Almost as important were his friends in the Force ROTC’s Northwest Region based at the Men’s High Rise. Air Force Academy until retiring in 2007. “There were no co-ed dorms, so at night “Home is where the heart is and for me we would flash our telephone numbers be- and my family, that is San Angelo,” Felts said. tween high rises,” Felts said. “Thursday “After 14 moves, I think we are here to stay.” night was steak night in the cafeteria then Felts and his wife, Sharon, have twin Photo courtesy of Col. Felts ladies’ night at the discos and Ray Stevens’ sons, William and Travis. . Ernie Felts

30 FALL 2008 Angelo State University Magazine Angelo State University Magazine FALL 2008 31 Golden Ex of the Year College Roots Run Deep Distinguished Faculty Achievement

Carrol Payne “Pinto” Nokes counts of my daily goals still is to make someone her time at San Angelo College as a pivotal happy and feel good about themselves as I point in her life. reflect on what SAC did for me.” Although the Pecos native spent her One thing her time at SAC did was pro- formative years in Fort Worth, Nokes sees vide her with a nickname. her two years on the campus that became “I tried to frost my hair in the dorm one From Left: Angelo State University as vital in bringing night, but instead of frosting it, I had big Dr. Gil Engdahl her out of her shell. spots in my hair,” she said. “The cowboys Dr. Mary Ellen Hartje “My life changed at SAC for the better,” said my hair reminded them of the backside Dr. Tom Bankston Nokes said. “I was a very shy person and had of a paint horse, called a ‘pinto.’ I am still Dr. Susan Keith never taken an active role in organizations called ‘Pinto’ today.” or activities. My SAC years were 1960-62, Armed with a strong educational and and I was involved in many organizations, social foundation from SAC, Nokes re- Dr. Gil Engdahl to her students, of 19th Century British lit- “It gives you a false sense of how young received many honors and became a much turned to Fort Worth to earn a Bachelor of College of Sciences erature. What inspires Hartje most are Ro- you are” Bankston said. “The faces never stronger and confident person.” Science in education at TCU. She retired Dr. Gil Engdahl has been influencing the mantic poets, such as Wordsworth, Keats, change; they are always about 20 years old. Throughout the years, Nokes has boost- in June 1999 from a distinguished 30-year lives of students in ASU’s Agriculture De- Coleridge and Browning. So, you are always in this young world.” ed ASU in a variety of ways. In recognition career with the Arlington Independent partment for more than a quarter century. “Literature is a reflection of our lives Bankston earned his B.B.A. and M.B.A. of that, the ASU Alumni Association has School District. A West Texas native, Engdahl joined no matter when it was written,” Hartje said. from the University of Texas and his Ph.D. named her the 2008 Golden Ex. She is married to Arlington attorney the ASU faculty after turning down a job “It reflects the human experience. Students from the University of Florida. Carrol Payne “Pinto” Nokes “I have remained in touch with many James Nokes. She has two children and two at Texas A&M in 1976. He became depart- come to literature class thinking it is just . Dr. Susan Keith of my SAC classmates,” Nokes said. “One stepchildren. ment head in 1997. In recognition of his tire- stuff they have to read. They do catch on College of Education less efforts on behalf of the students, faculty that it is really about them and it becomes and staff of his department, Engdahl is this very relevant by the end of the semester.” Advocating physical activity is the driving year’s Distinguished Faculty Achievement Hartje holds a B.A. in English from force behind Dr. Susan Keith’s teaching phi- honoree for the College of Sciences. Baylor University, a M.A. in teaching from losophy in the Department of Kinesiology. “It was a lot more of a challenge to come ASU and a doctorate in English from Bay- “The ultimate goal for me is to see to a new program and try to be a part of grow- lor. Hartje received the ASU Teaching Ex- students apply the knowledge they gain in Outstanding Retired Faculty Force of Physics ing it into something that we could really be cellence Award in 2002 and was named to my classes and be able to use it in the real proud of,” Engdahl said. “We have as good a Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers world,” Keith said. program now as a lot of big schools.” in 2004-05. Keith’s outlook earned her the Distin- Dr. C. An ASU faculty member from 1966- Without the efforts of faculty like Engdahl earned his bachelor’s, master’s guished Faculty Achievement Award from Varren Parker, Jr. 2004, Parker relishes being part of ASU’s , the ASU Physics and doctoral degrees from Texas A&M, but Dr. Tom Bankston the College of Education. foundation years when major milestones Department would not have gained the na- his heart belongs to ASU. College of Business “Leading a healthy lifestyle is very were achieved by both faculty and adminis- tional recognition that it enjoys today. “When you’ve been with the school as While becoming a teacher was not his orig- important to me,” Keith said. “I just can’t trators. He savors times spent with students, Recognizing in the mid-1970s that phys- long as I have, it’s part of your life,” he said. inal plan, Dr. Tom Bankston soon found his think of a better job to help me stay in whether in the classroom, on research trips ics was a small department with a small “To be honored for coming in and having calling in his own back yard. shape, to help me be a lifelong learner and to McDonald Observatory or over Trivial number of majors, Parker worked with fun for 30-plus years, maybe I should be A San Angelo native, Bankston worked to be around bright, fun individuals.” Pursuit games at his home. colleagues Dr. Ray Dawson and Dr. David giving someone else an award for allowing as an economist for Phillips Petroleum be- Keith strives to instill professional be- “It seemed the faculty always won,” Park- Loyd to expand the curriculum. me to do that.” fore earning his Ph.D. and joining the ASU havior in students. er said. “That is, until the students discovered “In order to survive we needed some faculty in 1974. Today he heads the Account- “We can help students become young that most of the questions involved events that larger classes,” Parker said, “and physi- Dr. Mary Ellen Hartje ing, Economics and Finance Department. professionals, not when they start a job, but occurred before they were born. Needless to cal science and later astronomy became College of Liberal and Fine Arts “There were more jobs available teaching prior to their careers,” she said. say, the games came to an end after that.” the courses that would pay the bills, so to When she was a little girl, Angelo State than there were industry jobs for a Ph.D. in fi- Keith earned a Bachelor of Science in of- Upon his 2004 retirement, Parker was speak, for the department. The courses in University English professor Dr. Mary El- nance,” Bankston said. “There was an opening fice administration from Southwestern Okla- designated Professor of Physics Emeritus digital electronics and mathematical phys- len Hartje knew she wanted to teach. at ASU for a finance professor and I thought it homa State University, a bachelor’s degree by the board of regents. He holds a Ph.D. ics were two of my contributions to the “I picked the profession I loved from would be fun to go home for a few years. So, in physical education from the University of in physics from the University of Texas and new curriculum.” the get-go,” said Hartje, this year’s Dis- I’ve been here for the rest of my life.” Central Oklahoma and a master’s in education bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Sam In recognition of his 35 years of service tinguished Faculty Achievement recipient This year’s Distinguished Faculty from Baylor University. She did her doctoral Photo by Danny Meyer Houston State University. in the Physics Department, Parker has been from the College of Liberal and Fine Arts. Achievement honoree for the College of work in health studies at Texas Woman’s Uni- Parker and his wife, Doris, have two sons, C. Varren Parker, Jr named this year’s Outstanding Retired Fac- Hartje’s enthusiasm for teaching is Business, Bankston has also reaped other versity. She has been a member of the Angelo John and Kevin, and six grandchildren. . . ulty member. matched by her love, which she conveys benefits from the teaching profession. State University faculty since 1997.

32 FALL 2008 Angelo State University Magazine Angelo State University Magazine FALL 2008 33 Balancing Act by Ronn Rowland by Dave Wester Amber Korb gets her kicks not only on her election last fall as one of the Ram- the soccer field but also in the classroom belles’ captains. where she is a role model for her Angelo “Freshmen tell me what stresses them Close to Home State University teammates. the most is balancing the academic and In the classroom, the 5-foot-5 defender athletic sides of soccer,” Korb said. “I It may not be home, but Angelo State sure days at Mesa State College. As a player/ from Sandy, Utah, is a two-time Lone Star show them it takes really good time man- feels like it to Travis McCorkle, ASU’s coach of his club team, he discovered a love Conference All-Academic selection with agement and scheduling.” new women’s soccer coach for the sport that drove him into the pro- a 4.0 grade point average. She balances As she enters her senior season under A former assistant coach for the ’Belles fession. He posted a 40-46-4 record with her strong academic credentials with her new soccer coach Travis McCorkle, Korb from 2000-02, McCorkle jumped at the op- ENMU after starting the program from solid play. On the field Korb has earned has goals both on the field and off. portunity to return to ASU after spending scratch in 2003. recognition as an All-LSC second team “I would like my grade point average the past five seasons leading the women’s “I really enjoy helping people and I selection in 2006 and honorable mention to stay at 4.0 and to help keep the soc- soccer program at Eastern New Mexico also enjoy the competitive part of athlet- selection in 2007. cer team with the highest GPA of all the University. ics,” McCorkle said. “Coaching is about Just as importantly, her example as a athletic teams,” Korb said. “I would also “I always felt welcome when I was here teaching and assisting players how to prob- leader both on and off the field earned like to see us advance in the conference Amber Korb before,” McCorkle said. “Even though I lem solve. When I’m able to help a player tournament and win the tournament title. was ‘only’ an assistant coach, I always felt improve their soccer ability and/or help Those things would make me happy.” . Photo by Danny Meyer like my contributions to ASU were impor- them get through a non-soccer related is- tant. Angelo State has a reputation of always sue, I get a great feeling.” . Travis McCorkle Photos by Danny Meyer Photo by Danny Meyer looking to improve. You’re either moving forward or moving backward and I believe that ASU is definitely moving forward.” McCorkle takes over a women’s soccer Size Matters Not team that has had its share of success over by Dave Wester the past several seasons. He has high ambi- tions for the future of the program. Daniel Thomas always dreamed of play- “I wanted to find a home,” Thomas said. “There is no reason that the success of ing college football, but as a 5’5”, 160-pound “I had my chances to go to a junior college, women’s soccer at ASU will not continue,” high school sophomore, the odds were but I didn’t want to spend two years at a McCorkle said. “After speaking with the stacked against him. school and move. ASU gave me the home I team, I think they have high expectations Now a little taller and 30 pounds heavi- was looking for.” of themselves and the program. The next er, he enters his third year as Angelo State’s Angelo State was in the right place at the hurdle is to create a culture where players full-time starting tailback. As one of the right time to recruit one of the top running are excited about the program and they be- top running backs in the Lone Star Confer- backs in school history. With over 2,000 come ambassadors for ASU and the soccer ence, Thomas will be a potent weapon for career yards, Thomas begins his senior program.” the 2008 Rams. season this fall ranked fourth on the Rams’ Part of the soccer culture McCorkle en- “By my senior year in high school, I all-time rushing list, even though he did not visions is the relationships that his athletes had established myself as starting tailback make ASU’s initial recruiting list. form not only with each other but also with and served as the team captain,” Thomas As ASU assistant coach Hank McClung the program and the university. recalled. “My size, however, limited my recalled, “I went down to Taylor to look at “Over the next several years, I hope opportunities even though I had the speed, another player and I met Daniel. I looked at that we have developed a culture that has strength and grades.” his speed and his quickness along with his lots of players coming back to ASU for Thomas had legitimate speed and off-the-field habits, which his coach spoke alumni games and maintaining an interest strength as a senior at Taylor High School, so highly of. Daniel has made the most of in the progress of the soccer team,” he said. running the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds and his God-given ability and has peaked more “Players will have graduated from the pro- becoming an All-State powerlifter. He had than any other player that I have ever been gram and what they tell others about ASU all the intangibles as well, serving as presi- around. He’s a special athlete.” will have an impact on our recruiting.” dent of his senior class, but the doors to the And, Thomas stands to make ASU foot- A native of Colorado, McCorkle has Daniel Thomas big schools weren’t opening for him. ball games special this fall. . been involved in soccer since his playing

34 FALL 2008 Angelo State University Magazine Angelo State University Magazine FALL 2008 35 SPRING 2008

Diamond Heartbreak

A promising 2008 season for the Lone Star Conference Champion Angelo State recap softball team came to a screeching halt as the Rambelles suffered back-to-back walk-off losses at the NCAA Division II South Central Regional Tournament. Rams Persevere For the second straight season, ASU hosted the NCAA D-II South Central regional tournament, but after advancing to the World Series a year ago, the home Despite some early season injuries to key event broke the Rambelles’ hearts this time around. players, ASU’s Rams hit and pitched their After two solid victories in the tournament, the top-seeded Rambelles were way to another successful season, finishing relegated to the losers’ bracket with a 1-0 loss to third-seeded Southeastern Okla- second in the Lone Star Conference with a Adree Lakey homa on a two-out bases-loaded single in the bottom of the seventh inning. The 39-19 overall record and making their third next day, ASU saw its season end with a 3-2 loss to eventual regional champion straight trip to the postseason. St. Edward’s on a one-out seventh inning sacrifice fly. Highlighting the 2008 season was the On Track (& Field) The exit from the regional tournament marked the end of the playing career play of junior first baseman Clay Calfee, one for eight Rambelles, including the first four-year senior class in program history. of four ASU players to earn first team All- Junior Adree Lakey earned her second na- Seniors Brittney Cargill, Kari Galm, Whitney Meeks and Cara Redmond were LSC honors. Calfee was named honorable tional title in two years and became one of part of the first recruiting class by ASU head coach Travis Scott after the team’s mention All-America and tabbed the Rawl- five ASU All-Americans to return home national title run in 2004 and became the first players to come to campus as ings/ABCA National Gold Glove winner at from the 2008 NCAA Division II National freshmen and complete all four years with the Rambelles. first base. The Conroe native hit .418 and Track & Field Championships in May. The Rambelles had two players named to All-America teams with Galm led the team in doubles, triples, home runs, Lakey claimed the individual national earning first team honors and junior shortstop Macy Baker receiving second team total bases, runs scored and walks. Calfee championship in the discus with a throw of accolades. ASU placed six on the all-region teams and had nine selections to also put together a school-record 28-game 161’7” and became the first-ever two-time the All-Lone Star Conference South Division squad. Galm was named the divi- hitting streak during the season. Rambelle national champion, having won sion’s Pitcher of the Year for the second straight season while Baker collected the Other first team All-LSC picks were ju- the hammer throw in 2007. She finished league’s Player of the Year honors for the second consecutive year as well. nior pitchers Joe Key and Sean Wincher and fourth in the shot put and fifth in the ham- The Angelo State softball team finished 2008 with a 48-12 overall record junior third baseman Shan Sullivan. Seniors mer throw for a total of three All-America and claimed the LSC Championship for the third time in school history. . Brett Nightingale and Jimmy Cox along with performances on the national stage this year. juniors Kenny Elkind and Trey Carter were Now a seven-time All-American for each honored as second team All-LSC picks. the Rambelles, Lakey was also named Two Rams, Bradley Durst and Sullivan, the 2008 D-II Women’s Field Athlete of were rewarded for their performance in the the Year for the South Central Region by classroom as they received academic recog- the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country nition by the conference. Senior Durst was Coaches Association. named the LSC’s Academic Baseball Player Lakey led a contingent of 13 ASU stu- Title Town of the Year, the first-ever Ram to receive dent-athletes, eight women and five men, to The biggest Angelo State news from the the honor. Durst was also named to ESPN this year’s national meet. The Rams returned 2008 NCAA D-II Track & Field Championship The Magazine’s Academic All-District first home with All-American honors for the meet came one day prior to the start of team, the first such honor in program his- foursome of Richard Covington, Raymond competition when ASU and the city of tory. In addition to his athletic accolades, Hickem, Brian Holik and Jeremy Jones in San Angelo were designated to host the Sullivan was selected to the LSC Commis- both the 4x100- and the 4x400-meter relays. 2009 D-II outdoor championship meet. sioner’s Honor Roll. Other qualifiers for the 2008 national Calfee and Sullivan added one more meet included junior Chase Moore in the Next year’s NCAA D-II Track & Field honor to their list of 2008 accomplishments. decathlon, junior Kyndel Howell in the Championship will take place May On June 6, they became the first two ASU heptathlon, junior Yavette Pender in the 21-23 at the ASU Multipurpose players ever selected in Major League Base- 100- and 200-meter dashes, junior Ashley Sports Complex, marking the fifth ball’s First-Year Player Draft. Calfee was Painter in the 400-meter hurdles and junior time ASU has hosted the outdoor selected in the 14th round and Sullivan in the Whitney Law in the pole vault. Jones also championships. Angelo State 32nd round, both by the Los Angeles Dodg- qualified individually for the 110-meter previously welcomed the Clay Calfee ers. Both signed contracts and reported to and 400-meter hurdles for the Rams while national meet to San L.A. Rookie League affiliates, with Calfee the Rambelle sprint relay team of Pender, Angelo in 1988, 1991, going to the Ogden Raptors and Sullivan to Sara Hooker, Jessica Kinney and Tialyssa 1992 and 2002. the Gulf Coast Dodgers. . Lewis also qualified. . Photo by Danny Meyer 36 FALL 2008 Angelo State University Magazine Angelo State University Magazine FALL 2008 37 FALL 2008 being here for several years, if I’m fortunate enough, and I plan to improve instruction and test scores.” outlook One of Hawkins’ goals is to lead the school to exemplary status. FOOTBALL regional sports networks as well as made SOCCER Hawkins is aiming high since his school th COACH: Dale Carr (4 year, 14-18) available via broadband at www.ncaa.com. COACH: Travis McCorkle (first year) was rated unacceptable last year. He said the th rd LAST YEAR: 2-8 (2-7, T-12 in LSC; 1-5, LAST YEAR: 8-8-3 (5-4-1, 3 in LSC) exemplary rating goes to schools that excel, th 6 in LSC South) VOLEYBALL OUTLOOK: After five straight trips and that is what he wants for his students. OUTLOOK: After a playoff appearance in COACH: Chuck Waddington (first year) to the Lone Star Conference Postseason He said he draws from his own classroom th 2005, head coach Dale Carr stated that he LAST YEAR: 6-21 (4-8, 10 in LSC) Tournament, Angelo State will call upon experience to boost his students’ performanc- wanted to build a football dynasty at Angelo OUTLOOK: The ’Belles will have a new coach Travis McCorkle to continue es. Before moving to Brownfield, Hawkins State, but knew it would take time. Now in new look on the floor and on the bench as the success of the ’Belles. McCorkle, a taught for eight years in San Angelo Indepen- his fourth season, Carr feels that the hard first-year head coach Chuck Waddington former ASU assistant, inherits a talented dent School District’s Glenn Middle School. work and effort will pay off as his young, implements changes that he hopes will end squad that placed third in the LSC last fall Hawkins motivates both students and talented team has evolved into a mature, three-straight losing campaigns and return and returns nine starters, including three teachers with recognition and rewards. hungry squad. Angelo State volleyball to one of the elite all-conference performers. When students meet goals, they get such TOP RETURNERS: Senior tailback Dan- programs in the Lone Star Conference. TOP RETURNEES: Seniors Amber things as a movie day, a disc jockey spinning iel Thomas, junior quarterback Josh Neis- TOP RETURNEES: Senior setter Tess Korb and Christy Knaub and junior music during lunch, doughnut breakfasts, wander and junior linemen Jorrie Adams Brindock, junior middle blocker Alaina Kristen Boister. pizza parties for classes that are well behaved and Brian Dickey on offense and junior Sivells, junior Kimber Duncan at both libe- TOP NEWCOMERS: Sophomore trans- during six-week segments, exemptions from D’Angelo Waites on defense. ro and outside hitter plus returning starters fer Melanie Peterson from the University of “intervention classes” and extended lunches. TOP NEWCOMERS: On defense, junior Brittany McNeal and Adrienne Taylor. North Texas plus freshmen forwards Brandie Teachers who perform above the norm defensive end Calvin Fance, a transfer from TOP NEWCOMERS: Junior college trans- DeBacker of New Braunfels and Courtney are not forgotten, either. Hawkins hon- Cisco Junior College; redshirt freshman fer Alex Allard, a junior from Laredo Com- Eastep of Grand Prairie along with midfield- ors them with the “Golden Apple Award,” Nick Williams at cornerback; and freshman munity College; freshman Kayla Smith from er Lauren Fritsch from Corpus Christi. which is coupled with a $25 gift card to the safety Jared Reynolds. On offense, wide re- Kerrville’s Tivy High School; freshman right STRENGTHS: A tradition of success and supermarket and other perks. ceiver Damien McCradic, a transfer from side hitter Cara Turney from Albuquerque; and new leadership bodes well for the 2008 Hawkins has been formulating his ad- Trinity Valley Community College, and freshman Shelbi Chipman from Round Rock. ’Belles. ASU has boasted one of the stingiest ministrative philosophy since he graduated senior Terrell Lee, who is moving from the STRENGTHS: The setter and middle defenses in the LSC the past several seasons Principal of the Matter by Roy Ivey from ASU in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts defensive backfield to tailback. blocker positions have the experience to and looks to remain a tough defensive team. in history with a minor in English. He also TELEVISION: ASU’s road game against take the ’Belles a long way. Some much- ASU returns every midfielder and defender, earned a master’s in education from ASU in Tarleton State will be nationally televised at needed depth was added in the offseason to which will be crucial in the development of ill Hawkins knows what growing “That’s life,” he said. “You deal with it 2005 while teaching at Glenn. He accepted 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, from Memorial the outside and right side hitter positions. the 12 incoming freshmen, one of the largest up in hard times is like. and move past it. I don’t resent those days. the assistant principal post at Brownfield Stadium in Stephenville. The game will be Also, the element of surprise will work in frosh classes in program history. W When the Brownfield High School prin- That prepared me for the job I’m doing now. High School in 2006 and was promoted to produced by CBS College Sports Network, ASU’s favor with a new coach, a new sys- cipal sees beleaguered students who need I can relate to the situation and better under- principal last fall. formerly CSTV, and syndicated through tem and a desire to win. GOLF understanding, he is there for them. stand at-risk students.” Hawkins met his wife, the former Tif- CO-COACHES: Jason Hase, Jimmy Tidwell That is one of the reasons the Angelo Hawkins said his philosophy is to offer a fany Manuel, at ASU and she joined him OUTLOOK: The new Angelo State wom- State University graduate was honored by good learning environment for all students in the Brownfield school system where she 2008 Football Schedule en’s golf team looks to establish itself as a his peers from the Texas Association of Sec- and to recognize that every student has the teaches second grade at Oak Grove Elemen- contender in the Lone Star Conference and ondary School Principals in April when he potential to be successful. tary School. They have two children, Ra- August 30 at Texas State 6 p.m. South Central Region when the Rambelles was named the outstanding principal for his He takes alternative approaches with chel, a 7-year-old second grader, and Sim- September 6 at Texas A&M-Commerce 7 p.m. begin their initial season this fall. The Ram- region, which includes 57 school districts in troubled students. eon, their 1-year-old son. . September 13 at Southwestern Okla. 6 p.m. belles will play a split regular season with four 20 South Plains counties. “With many at-risk students, you can’t tournaments in the fall and five in the spring, Hawkins understands students with September 20 East Central (Family Day) 6 p.m. just have a traditional classroom where stu- plus the LSC Championship in April. problems because he grew up in a single- dents sit and receive instruction,” Hawkins September 27 at Midwestern State 7 p.m. Steel and Selenium TOP PLAYERS: Brooke Jackson, the top parent home in San Antonio with four said. “That won’t work. You have to try October 4 Eastern New Mexico 6 p.m. golfer for Western Texas Community Col- brothers and an adopted cousin. to provide an atmosphere where the student To see what new graduate Travis October 11 at Abilene Christian 7 p.m. lege and holder of a top-20 finish at the “Mine is a typical story,” Hawkins said. is constantly in pursuit of knowledge. The Sherrill and former chemistry pro- 2008 NJCAA Championships in May, plus October 18 Southeastern Okla. (Homecoming) 6 p.m. “My mother had to work hard to get us teacher must be the facilitator.” fessor Ed Drake, who taught at several San Angelo-area players, headed by through school. There were tough times, but Hawkins said he takes pride in building ASU from 1965-99, are up to, check October 25 West Texas A&M 6 p.m. freshmen Megan Cisneroz of San Saba; Ser- many kids had it worse than I did. Mother a positive culture in the school environment out the “Bonus Features” on the October 30 at Tarleton State 7 p.m. ena Sosa and Kelcey Wells, both of San An- provided for us.” among his teachers, students and himself. ASU Magazine Web site at November 8 Texas A&M-Kingsville 6 p.m. gelo Central; and Ashley Timm of Sweet- Hawkins said there were times when his “You can take people on a journey if . www.angelo.edu/ASUMagazine/ water High School. family had to go without electricity or water. they trust you,” Hawkins said. “I plan on

38 FALL 2008 Angelo State University Magazine Angelo State University Magazine FALL 2008 39 Bloebaum – continued from page 15

designating him one of the top 100 graduates in the first 100 years of the school. But, his favorite accolades are the ones that cannot be hung on the wall or stashed in a trophy case. “My awards and rewards are when stu- Major Gift Benefits Alumni Association Foundation returns dents come up and tell me that they got into medical school, got into dental school or $250,000 gift from Midland alumni long-time personal friends and Jim Ratcliff has an impact on the foundation and gifts of othing gets fans in the mood for a the ensuing contest. This year during Ram nursing school,” Bloebaum said. “Or, they Mickey Long and wife Renee and I played together on our high school all sizes can be combined to provide vital Ram football game better than Ram Jam, each game’s official ASU Tailgate tell me that they were at a critical juncture in HeckamanA Long, both ASU Class of 1976, basketball team. Their gifts, as well as all resources that strengthen the association. A Jam,N the Angelo State tradition hosted by Champion will be selected and presented a their life and that I helped or inspired them to has been donated to the upcoming Horizon alumni contributions, are critical to the suc- gift can help maximize tax benefits, while the ASU Alumni Association each Satur- great Ram Jam Tailgate Award. figure out what they wanted to do. Those are Campaign, benefitting the Angelo State Uni- cess of the foundation’s campaign and make providing the opportunity to support the day prior to a home game. Make plans to attend them all from 3-6 my biggest awards and I’m good with that.” versity Alumni Association Foundation. it possible for us to continue doing what we Alumni Association in perpetuity.” Ram Jam is Angelo State’s answer to p.m. Saturdays of home games. This year’s “ASU has been a wonderful place to “Mickey and Renee Long are alumni do best – making sure our students receive Hance added, “These gifts are an indi- tailgating with all the fun but none of the schedule is: Sept. 20, Family Day, East Cen- work,” he added. “There is no way I could . every university would be proud to claim,” more than a great education and are pre- cation of the many positive benefits the as- headaches of cleanup. Food and beverage tral; Oct. 4, Eastern New Mexico; Oct. 18, have made a better choice.” said ASU Alumni Association President and pared to be successful in life.” sociation and Angelo State will experience vendors, live entertainment, cash prizes Homecoming, Southeastern Oklahoma; Oct. Foundation Trustee Kyle Box. “We are also Foundation President Lloyd Norris said, in the future as part of our great Texas Tech and merchandise are available at each Ram 25, West Texas A&M; and Nov. 8, Military very appreciative to Chancellor (Kent) Hance “On behalf of the 35,000 alumni of Angelo University System.” Jam at the LeGrand Alumni and Visitors Appreciation Day, Texas A&M-Kingsville. Scholarship Honors for his support and encouragement to alumni State, I want to thank the Longs, Ratcliffs For more information about how to give Center on campus. In addition to the ASU Alumni Asso- to contribute. He values our association and and other donors who have given to this cam- to the ASU Alumni Association Foundation, Ram Jam, which begins three hours be- ciation, Ram Jam is sponsored in 2008 by Dr. Bloebaum recognizes the positive impact a financially paign and have helped the successful launch contact Sande Harrison at (325) 942-2122 or fore kickoff at each home game, is shoul- Gandy Ink, Coca-Cola, Bud Light, Pinkie’s . . Alumni and friends of Dr. Alan P. sound association can have on the university.” of the Horizon Campaign this fall. Every gift [email protected]. der-to-shoulder football fans gearing up for and KIXY 94.7 FM. Bloebaum are invited to contribute The Horizon Campaign of Promise is a to a new scholarship established $1.5 million project to benefit the newly es- by the ASU Alumni Association in tablished ASU Alumni Association Founda- ASU Alumni Association Foundation: his honor. tion. The commitment from the Longs is the The ASU Alumni Association Foundation is an IRC Section 501(c)(3) charitable The Dr. Alan P. Bloebaum largest gift since planning began on the cam- organization established to manage ASU Alumni Association scholarship gifts MPOD Health Professions Schol- paign’s kickoff, which will occur this fall. and funds to benefit the future growth of the association and to provide arship will go to an eligible junior “Renee and I are making the contribu- financial support to Angelo State University. or senior interested in going into tion to support a university that gave us so The association leadership and alumni believe that by giving to the founda- medicine, podiatry, optometry much,” Mickey Long said. “A lot of good tion, which was established in 2008, alumni and friends are investing in the or dentistry (MPOD). Eligible stu- things happened for us there and we made ASU Alumni Association in an effort to ensure that Angelo State dents must have successfully com- a lot of good friends. It’s important for all University grows in stature and broadens the educa- pleted 60 semester credit hours of us to give back to the ASU Alumni As- tional opportunities of its students. toward a degree in pre-medicine, sociation, which in turn supports and helps Gifts to the foundation are an effective pre-podiatry, pre-optometry or define the future of Angelo State.” initiative to increase major support, make a signifi- pre-dentistry at ASU. An additional gift of $25,000 from ASU cant difference, create opportunities otherwise In May the Alumni Association alumnus Jim Ratcliff and his wife, Marion, not possible and provide a catalyst for hosted a reception that drew doz- of Georgetown, recently pushed the total projects and programs. ens of friends and former students gifts received by the foundation to more from across the country to honor than $500,000. Bloebaum. ASU alumni Sande “Marion and I are honored to help build Harrison, Dr. Dale Brancel, Dr. Joel a sustainable future for the ASU Alumni Dunnington, Monie Nuckles, Julie Association,” Ratcliff said. “The associa- Sincleair, Dr. Shivraj Sohur and Dr. tion was the pivotal, driving force behind Kelly Wilson make up the commit- the move to the Texas Tech University Sys- tee establishing the scholarship. tem and it is critical to keep the association, To make a donation or to seek our representative and voice, as the major additional information, contact advocate and contributor to ASU and the Ram Jam Harrison, executive director of the Texas Tech System.” 3-6 p.m. Saturdays of Home Games association, at (325) 942-2122 or Texas Tech University System Chancel- LeGrand Alumni and Visitors Center [email protected]. lor Kent Hance said, “The Longs have been LeGrand Alumni and Visitors Center 1620 University Avenue on the ASU campus

40 FALL 2008 Angelo State University Magazine Angelo State University Magazine FALL 2008 41 Add Graphic to ID Alumni Association Section

DIAMOND ($1,500) Dr. W. Bonham and Marcille Darryl DeSeve, Manassas, Va. ASU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Randy and Debbie Dews, Dallas Magness, Houston Marvin and Janis Dierschke, San Angelo Oscar and Corina Gomez, Southlake Jeff and Amy McCormick, San Angelo Doug and Kristi Dobbins, McAllen Mark Low, Dallas Mark McNiel, San Antonio Gary and Angela Donalson, San Angelo Louie and Amy Perez, San Angelo Mike and Brenda Morris, San Angelo Dr. Robert and Paula Dowler, San Angelo J. Milton and Terri Swift, Montgomery Shirley and Chuck Morton, San Angelo Dr. Russell and Linda Dressen, Abilene AS OF JULY 14, 2008 Jay and Michelle Young, Dallas Carrol “Pinto” Nokes, Arlington Paxton Dunn, Frisco Linda Norris, San Angelo Jim and Diana Dyer, San Angelo PLATINUM ($1,000) Kitty So Nussbaum, Hermosa Beach, Calif. Monti and Lisa Eady, San Angelo Jeffrey and Debbie Brennan, LeRoy Olsak, San Angelo Dr. Gil and Sue Engdahl, San Angelo Thomas Minton, Woodway Darrell and Karen Wilde, Keller Mill Creek, Wash. Eric and Kimberly Peterson, San Angelo Glenn and Janice Escue, San Angelo Leesa Monroe, Arlington Susie Willyard, San Angelo 2008-09 Alumni Association Larry Clark, Richmond Billie Phinney, Mereta Steve Eustis, San Angelo Loyd Moore, San Angelo Dr. Kelly and Lesa Wilson, San Angelo Jim Ratcliff, Georgetown Laurin and Sharon Prather, Lubbock Robbie Faught, San Angelo Diana Munoz, San Angelo Rodney and Betty Winn, San Angelo Homecoming 2008 Board of Directors Randy Russell, Frisco Qualtrust Credit Union, San Angelo James and Tracy Farley, Lubbock Ewell Murphy, Jr., Houston Jerry W. Wojtek, San Angelo Dr. Joel and Suzanne Sugg, San Angelo Alison and Brad Romike, Spring Branch Col. Ernest and Sharon Felts, Ed R. Nalepka, Midlothian Kimberly Woods, Houston Dr. Marsha Multer Arvedson (’74) Houston Eloise Russell, San Angelo San Angelo Bill Neil, San Angelo Rick Wooten, Lewisville GOLDEN ($500) Dr. Angel Salazar, Dallas Dr. Diane Fischer, Knoxville, Tenn. Karen Nelson, Hewitt Cydnie Worley, Christoval Kyle Box (’81) San Angelo John S. Allison III, San Angelo Oron and Dorothy Schuch, San Angelo Bruce and Lynsey Flage, San Angelo Lanell Nichols, Anchorage, Alaska Eric and Kelly Zeitler, San Antonio Steve Castle (’74) Midland Dr. Marsha and Steve Arvedson, James and Melissa Seaton, Odessa Col. Dean and Janice Fox, Lisa Nichols, San Angelo Houston Cyndi Seger, Fort Worth Kaneohe, Hawaii Bill Nikolauk, San Angelo ACCESS ASU-SILVER ($400) Patsy Roberts Cleere (’76) San Angelo Eddie Bates, Beaumont Brian and Jeannie Shannon, Lubbock Doug and Shelia Fox, San Angelo Darrell O’Neal, Victoria Janet and Bryan Abernathy, San Angelo Randy Coleman (’84) San Angelo Scott and Shelly Bratcher, Lubbock Spencer and Julie Sincleair, Salado Mark and Karen Fraley, San Antonio Richey Oliver, San Angelo Richard and Kimberley Besch, Lisa Curry (’95) San Angelo Dale and Joy Chase, San Antonio Carlton and Betty Lou Smith, San Angelo George and Joanne Gamache, Clovis and Bettie Olsak, San Angelo San Angelo Randy Coleman, San Angelo Dave Stinnett, San Angelo Bloomington, Ill. Joshua and Doris Owusu, Frisco Dr. Scott and Shelley Blanton, Norman Dierschke (’63) San Angelo Clifton F. Dews, San Angelo Dr. Delbert G. and Margaret Tarter, Phil and Toddy George, San Angelo Meghan Pace, San Angelo San Angelo Brad Fly (’00) San Angelo Robert and Jenny Eubank, San Angelo San Angelo Tim Gette, Martinsville, Va. Mark W. Pape, San Angelo Luke Burnett, San Angelo Arnold Garcia Jr. (’73) Austin John and Terri Fant, Fort Worth Larry and Sue Thorp, Santa Fe, N.M. Susan H. Golden, Roswell, N.M. Hon. Judy Parker, Lubbock Hector and Rebecca Cantu, San Angelo Brig. Gen. Ronnie D. Hawkins, James Truelove, Richardson Louis Gomez, San Angelo Dean Parnell, Universal City Dr. Cornelius Chinn, San Angelo Louis Gomez (’84) San Angelo Alexandria, Va. Michael Vallandingham, Austin Hon. Pete Gomez, Jr., Sonora James and Blossom Parry, San Angelo Kira Connel, San Angelo Oscar Gomez (’68) Southlake Buddy Johnson, Houston James Waterbury, Bel Air, Md. Scott Gray, San Antonio Linda Patrick, Plano Scott and Cheri Cotton, San Angelo Jim Kramer, San Antonio Richard Way, San Angelo Candyce Gregston, San Angelo Hal and Marshell Peter, San Angelo John and Elaine Diggins, San Angelo Fran Terrell Grogan (’78, ’92) San Angelo Dr. Robert and Jean Ann LeGrand, Melody McDonald Wilkinson, Gary and Frances Grogan, San Angelo Fred J. Petmecky, San Antonio Lee and Connie Dressler, San Angelo David Harrison (’72) San Angelo San Angelo Fort Worth Clifford and Susan Guess, Arlington Faron and Barbi Pfeiffer, San Angelo Duane Fisher and Mary Ornelas, Doray Hill (’04, ’07) San Angelo Darcy Maloney and Dale Werner, Dr. Noel and Jacque Williams, Randal and Tammy Gully, San Angelo Michael and Lisa Phillips, Spring San Angelo San Angelo Franklin, Ky. Suzy Hagar, Dallas Brandon Poe, Lubbock Jimmy and Debbie Fontenot, Joey Henderson (’83) San Angelo John Norman, Houston Ronnie and Pauline Willmann, Charleston Hall, Georgetown Donna Polk, Universal City San Angelo Vance Jones (’79) San Angelo Lloyd and Sheri Norris, San Angelo San Angelo Dan and Anne Hamilton, San Angelo Cindy Pond, San Angelo Chris Franke, San Angelo Lawrence Kennedy (’83) San Angelo Frank and Brenda Sturzl, Austin Ralph and Elene Wilson, San Angelo Jeff and Mindy Hamilton, Lubbock Debrah Powell, San Angelo Oscar and Hope Guerrero, San Angelo Steve and Susan Timms, Humble J. Nelson Word, San Angelo Syble Haney, San Angelo Bill J. Purser, San Angelo G. Bryan and Renee Heflin, Monahans Leslie Fry Lasater (’93) San Angelo Mrs. Lloyd D. Vincent, San Angelo Donnie and Francis Young, San Antonio Dr. Patrick J. Hanford, Lubbock Jeff and Tonya Rainey, San Angelo Ann Howard, San Angelo Joe Lee (’80) San Angelo Mike and Ruth Wheeler, San Angelo Chris Hansen, Spearman Rob Rainey, San Angelo Jim Jones, San Angelo CENTURY CLUB ($100) Randy Harbin, San Angelo Joseph Ramos, Shallowater Kevin and Christy Kasper, San Angelo Lt. Col. Darcy Maloney (’86) San Angelo SILVER ($200) Donald and Jean Abell, San Angelo David and JoNell Harlow, San Angelo Elizabeth Richardson, San Angelo John and Tamara Kinyon, San Angelo Ryan Mathews (’98, ’00) San Angelo Dr. Ross Alexander, San Angelo Ronald and Alice Adams, Austin David and Katie Harrison, San Angelo C.A. and Shirley Roberson, Cibolo Mario Luna and Maria Ozuna, Kathy Muñoz (’89) San Angelo Maurice and Barbara Archer, Lamesa Robert Aguero, Fort Worth Sande Harrison, San Angelo Dick Robertson, San Angelo San Angelo Craig and Kim Bagley, Weatherford Robert Aguilar, San Angelo Joe and Su Henderson, San Angelo Gary and Patricia Rodgers, Austin Chad and Justina Reel, San Angelo Bill Nikolauk (’84) San Angelo Randall and Maia Baker, Harlingen Dr. Gus Alexander, San Angelo Dr. Tracy R. Henson-McBee, Brownfield Jennifer R. Rodriguez, San Angelo John Rendon, Grapevine Lloyd Norris (’73) San Angelo Bob O. Ballentine, San Angelo Dr. John and Sharon Alexander, Carlynn Hicks, Boerne Jennifer M. Ruff, Dallas Dr. David and Elvia Saborio, San Angelo Jim and Tina Bennett, Newbury Park, Calif. San Angelo R. Eric Peterson (’82) San Angelo San Angelo Dr. H. Lee Higdon, III, Central, S.C. Dr. Michael and Tara Salisbury, Stanley Slate, Annah Bennie, Austin Nita and Bill Archer, San Angelo Karen Hildebrand, Odessa San Angelo Joe and Crystal Solley, San Angelo Faron Pfeiffer (’79, ’82) San Angelo Nathaniel Booker, Austin MV Armour, Midland Jeff and Diane Holbrook, Universal City David Samuelson, Abilene David Starnes, San Angelo Rob Rainey (’96) San Angelo Lane Bowen, San Antonio Jerry Austin, Lubbock Dr. E. James and Bobbie Holland, Norm and Diane Schaule, Canyon Lake Dr. James L. Studt, San Angelo Kyle and Pam Box, San Angelo Michael and Kay Barron, Iowa City, Iowa San Angelo Doyle and Lynn Schniers, San Angelo Joe and Raelye Self, San Angelo Willie M. Ruiz (’88) San Angelo Bo Brannon, Granbury Charles W. Beasley, San Angelo Vicki Housley, Christoval Gordon and Jackie Schrank, Pamela Venable, San Angelo Ronnie Willmann (’78) San Angelo Dean Buchanan, Cedar Park Stratton and Jean Beesley, San Angelo Cathy Hughes, San Angelo St. Cloud, Minn. Donald and Brenda Wellen, San Angelo Jerry and Nidia Casillas, Katy Eugene and Ethel Berger, San Angelo Dawn Hunt, San Angelo Kenny Scudder, Odessa Guy and Eva Choate, San Angelo Dr. Jaynell Bodine, Sterling City Roy Ivey and Sarah Logan, San Angelo Jeff and Sherry Sefcik, San Angelo ACCESS ASU ($200) EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Friday, October 17 Lana Choate-Pierce, Englewood, Colo. Robert and Jane Boothe, San Angelo Joanne F. Gass Jones, Lubbock J. Keith and Debra Shahan, San Saba Coy Byrd, San Angelo Ja and Lorinda Chriesman, David B. Boswell, Austin Kathryn Kelly, Austin Jacqueline Shannon, San Angelo Patricia K. Bunyard, San Angelo Jean Ann Block LeGrand (’72) Flower Mound Gary and Leslee Bowen, San Angelo Dr. LeeRoy and Betty Kiesling, Steven Shelton, League City Roger Collins, San Angelo 6-8 p.m. Wells Fargo Homecoming Dinner Chairman Emeritus Bill Coggins, Jr., Minneapolis, Minn. Shelley Boykin, Plano San Angelo Steve Simmons, Bedford Donna Fowler, San Angelo San Angelo Dr. R. Danny Daniel, Carrollton Shelby and Holly Brake, Lubbock Laverne and Robert Knezek, Arlington Hon. Bill and Sue Sims, San Angelo Yantis Green, San Angelo (C.J. Davidson Conference Center) Alex and Kay Decuir, San Angelo Tim and Bonnie Brewster, Eden Lance and Judy Lacy, San Angelo Bobby Sims, Santee, Calif. Tracy Guevara, San Angelo Troy and Lisa Deubler, Irving Hon. Mike and Debby Brown, Jerry A. Lee, Bedford Amber Smith, San Angelo Grady Harlow, San Angelo 8 p.m. Pep Rally EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Norman and Linda Dierschke, San Angelo Joshua Leyva, Lubbock Eddie Smith, Plano Alejandro Hernandez, San Angelo San Angelo Kelly Bryant, San Angelo Jack and Betty Lieber, San Angelo Guy Smith, Newark, Del. David Hughey, San Angelo (ASU Multipurpose Sports Complex) Sande V. Harrison (’73) Dale Dodson, Plano Jef and Wendy Butcher, Artesia, N.M. Dr. Kyle Longley, Gilbert, Ariz. Dr. Shivraj and Suzanne Sohur, Sherri Jones, San Angelo San Angelo Dr. Joel Dunnington, Missouri City Lynn Butler, San Angelo Valerie Lopez, Uvalde Arlington, Mass. Jerry Jones, San Angelo 9:15 p.m. Torch Parade Van and Angela Echols, Lubbock Herminia Bye, San Angelo Jane Lunn, Sandia Park, N.M. Gary and Patty Stokes, San Angelo Jay Leeper, San Angelo David and Delta Emerson, Dallas Steve and Rosemary Calvert, Larry and Judy Lusby, Ballinger George and Evelyn Strebeck, J.W. Lown, San Angelo Gary and Stacy Erwin, San Angelo San Angelo T. Justin MacDonald, Kerrville San Angelo Scott Martin, San Angelo 9:30 p.m. Bonfire Becky Fitch, Flower Mound Curry and Bonnie Lou Campbell, Jared Marks, Mission Neil Sykes, Euless Valerie Matthews, San Angelo (Knickerbocker & University) Brad and Mercyla Fly, San Angelo Sonora Lydia Martinez, San Angelo Willie Tambunga, Lewisville Patricia McCormick, San Angelo Skip Foote, Chantilly, Va. Mike and Claudia Caraway, San Angelo Gary and Gretchen Book Massingill, Jimmy and Pamela Taylor, San Antonio Robert L. McGraw, San Angelo Wayne T. Franke, Austin Thomas Carpenter, Jr., Boerne Plainview Phillip and Sharon Templeton, Kathy Muñoz, San Angelo Saturday, October 18 Col. (Ret) Kevin and Rita Gamache, Glen and Marcie Carter, Midland H. Dan Mathews, Houston San Angelo Dr. Mark Murphy, San Angelo College Station Steve Castle, Midland Dr. Brian and Patti May, San Angelo Harry Theriot, Houston Phil Neighbors, San Angelo Arnold Garcia, Austin Andrew and Rebecca Caudal, Southlake Harold May, Spur Les Titus, Plano Aurel Prifti, Sonora 11 a.m. Homecoming Parade Jim and Dana Glossbrenner, San Angelo Dr. Ralph Chase, San Angelo Wade Mayer, Studio City, Calif. Farah Ulat, Austin Willie Ruiz, San Angelo Laren Green, San Angelo Mark and Karen Clark, San Angelo Mark E. McClung, Austin Julia M. Valles, San Angelo Matthew Sage, San Angelo 3 p.m. Ram Jam Pregame Tailgate Party Ronny L. and Carol Harrison, San Angelo Dr. Don Coers, San Angelo Dr. Mack McCoulskey, San Angelo Jerry and Rose Vandergriff, San Angelo Eric Smith, San Angelo Joey and Lezlye Henderson, San Angelo Ron Cole, The Woodlands Dr. Dale and Ellen McDonald, Dr. Tommy and LaJan Walter, Gwendolyn Smith, San Angelo (LeGrand Alumni & Visitor’s Center) David and Carol Herreman, Lewisville Barry and Karla Cooper, Edmond, Okla. San Angelo Jacksonville, Fla. Dr. W. Truett Smith, San Angelo The Class Notes section will return in the Dan and Terri Herrington, San Antonio Donald and Pat Cox, San Angelo T. Dean and Lisa McInturff, San Angelo Joe and Debbie Ward, San Angelo Courtney Stennett, San Angelo 6 p.m. ASU Football Game vs. Southeastern Oklahoma spring issue of ASU Magazine with updates Joe and Jenny Hoelle, San Angelo Kim Cox, San Angelo Dean McIntyre, San Angelo Dr. Michael Wedin, Sweetwater Jo Valliant, San Angelo Col. (Ret) Joe Hurst, Boerne X B Cox, Jr., San Angelo Richard McKinney, San Angelo Clayton and Diane Weishuhn, Enrique Vasquez, San Angelo (San Angelo Stadium) on your former classmates. Class Notes is a Lawrence Kennedy Jr., San Angelo Darla and Dwain Custer, San Angelo Ruberta V. McMillan, Rowlett San Angelo Dr. KV Venkatesan, San Angelo Maggine Kerr, Mertzon Danny Daniels, Jr., Lake Jackson Carole and Steve McNabb, Brownwood Dr. Whitney Whitworth, Monticello, Ark. Edward Welch, San Angelo service of the ASU Alumni Association. Donald L. Klein, Fort Worth Bill Dean, Sammamish, Wash. Dee Michalewicz, Buda Troyce and Rebecca Wilcox, San Angelo Alan Williams, San Angelo

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