RFSA MAGAZINE RETIRED FACULTY-STAFF ASSOCIATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN

SPRING 2015 HTTP://SITES.UTEXAS.EDU/RFSA RFSA Spring 2015 | 1 CONTENTS

RFSA MAGAZINE VOLUME XXIX, ISSUE 2

RFSA BOARD 2014-15 2015-16 MESSAGE FROM 4 THE PRESIDENT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

PRESIDENT Peggy Mueller Nancy Payne PRESIDENT-ELECT Nancy Payne Cecil Martinez INTEREST GROUPS SECRETARY Sharon Justice Corky Hilliard 6 TREASURER EMERITUS John J. McKetta John J. McKetta TREASURER Cecil Martinez Clemith Houston HISTORIAN EMERITA Martha Boyd Martha Boyd SPRING LUNCHEON HISTORIAN Barbara Frock Barbara Frock 10 MEMBERS AT LARGE Terry Martin Terry Martin Ruth Rubio Ruth Rubio Barbara White Barbara White PAST PRESIDENT Barbara Myers Peggy Mueller BOARD UPDATES 12

OTHER OFFICERS

ACTIVITY CALENDAR EDITORS Barbara Frock Barbara Frock George Frock George Frock THANK YOU DONORS 13 MAGAZINE EDITOR Tany Norwood Tany Norwood MEMBERSHIP Peggy Kruger Peggy Kruger Norman Minter Peggy Mueller PHOTOGRAPHER & IT Miles Abernathy Miles Abernathy RFSA SCHOLARSHIP 14 RAFFLE Della Sprager FUND SCHOLARSHIP FUND Judy Amis Eleanor Moore

INTEREST GROUP CHAIRS BRIDGE William B. Crook William B. Crook FROM OUR MEMBERS 16 DISCUSSION Don Davis Don Davis Summer Reading 16 Alice Reinarz Alice Reinarz UT History Corner 17 EXERCISE Carolyn Wylie Carolyn Wylie Poetry 19 FINANCE/INVESTMENTS Phil Kelton Phil Kelton Letter to President Powers Pauline Lopez 20 FINE ARTS Deena Mersky Deena Mersky FOODIES Sharon Justice HEALTH Cecil Martinez Carol Obianwu IN MEMORIAM Carol Obianwu Norm Minter 22 TRAVEL Carol Kay Johnson Carol Kay Johnson

TEXAS EXES SUPPORT & Carol Barrett COORDINATION

2 | http://sites.utexas.edu/rfsa RFSA Spring 2015 | 3 A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Hello again, Longhorn campus life from the past. Dean John McKetta, assisted Retired Nation. It’s been by Judy Amis, graciously presided over the drawing a very busy and fun year for the five McKetta Attendance Awards. Dr. McKetta for RFSA. We have seen generously donates these $200.00 awards at the fall and Plan. Retire. Relax. many changes to our spring RFSA meetings. Sharon Gentry, Angie Gonzales, organization and to UT Clemith Houston, Marian Maxwell, and John Pace were System and UT Austin. the lucky recipients. Thank you to President Powers UT System Chancellor and President’s Office staff members for their support of Bill McRaven began in this meeting and luncheon. I also am grateful for Carol January 2015. McRaven Barrett, our coordinator, and the staff and facilities of follows Dr. Francisco the Texas Exes for their outstanding help and support. Cigarroa who is now the We wouldn’t be RFSA without Carol Barrett and the Director of Pediatric Texas Exes! Thank you. Wasn’t it great to again meet Transplantation at the University of Texas Health Samuel Palka, one of our RFSA Scholarship students, Science Center at San Antonio. UT President Bill and to hear him graciously thank RFSA donors for Powers returns to the Law School faculty in June. We his scholarship and to hear some of his activities as are grateful to President Powers for his leadership and a Pharmacy doctoral student? The UT ID Center’s for his support of RFSA. New UT President Gregory Christy Sanchez and specialist Alfredo made 39 UT ID Fenves (formerly UT Executive Vice President and “retiree” cards for our members and answered many Provost) also begins in June. questions. Let us help plan your retirement. Judith Langlois, senior vice provost and dean of I am always in awe of our Board members, Committee graduate studies, has agreed to serve as interim and Interest Group chairs who have so many, many At UFCU the investment advisors, available through our broker/dealer CUSO provost. We wish these individuals success in their new talents and use their skills to provide ideas, organize Financial Services, L.P.*, can discuss your different options and point out positions. (Because of the changes and construction at events, plan for succession, donate and raise funds UT System, we were unable to schedule our reception for RFSA, and support each other and me in my year potential risks and opportunities. at the Bauer House. We look forward to the reception in as president. We thank our retiring, welcome our new the fall.) and keep moving forward with our returning Board RFSA has a new website, redesigned by Miles members, Committee and Interest Group Chairpersons. • 401(k) Rollovers • Traditional and Roth IRAs Abernathy and University Communications. Our We have room for you—we need volunteers to serve. website has a new URL: sites.utexas.edu/rfsa. Miles is Contact us, please, if you are interested. able to add content more easily in this new environment. Your donations to the Hearts of Texas (State • Long Term Care • Mutual Funds UT Athletics invited us to participate in two women’s Employee Charitable Campaign) in October 2014 basketball games with special invitations to the Lone totaled $11,614.00. Thank you for supporting these • Annuities • Term Life Insurance Star Room before and after both games and with organizations and UT’s campaign via your donations. discounted prices. One of our Membership Committee Your donations to the RFSA Scholarship Fund have members makes a brief presentation to the “Retiring allowed us to give $37,000.00 to our students this We’ll provide you with knowledgeable and informative recommendations to from UT Austin” class offered by UT Human Resources year: $1,250.00 for both fall and spring semesters to 14 every month. We talk about RFSA purposes and students and $1,000.00 to two students for summer. The help you generate the income you may need to meet your personal retirement activities. The Board also began a review of the RFSA Board will evaluate increasing the number or amount goals. For more information or for a complimentary consultation, email Constitution. of scholarship funds in the next year because of YOUR [email protected] or call (512) 467-8080 x21081. At the spring membership meeting and luncheon, support. held on April 29, 2015, we heard Jim Nicar’s delightful Thank you for the honor of serving as RFSA president presentation: “Out on the Roof: Faculty-Staff for this past year. I know Nancy Payne, RFSA’s new (512) 467-8080 | ufcu.org Misadventure in 1915.” Jim’s talk included excellent president, will be a great leader and wonderful president. photos of old campus buildings, drawings, Daily Texan * Non-deposit investment products and services are offered through CUSO Financial Services, L.P. (“CFS”), a registered broker-dealer (Member FINRA/ articles, typical student expenses and faculty and Peggy Mueller SIPC) and SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Products offered through CFS: are not NCUA/NCUSIF or otherwise federally insured, are staff salary information in 1915. Check Jim’s blog, RFSA President, 2014-15 not guarantees or obligations of the credit union, and may involve investment risk including possible loss of principal. Investment uthistorycorner.com, for articles and illustrations of Representatives are registered through CFS. UFCU has contracted with CFS to make non-deposit investment products and services available to credit union members. 4 | http://sites.utexas.edu/rfsa RFSA Spring 2015 | 5

Retired Faculty ad 3-14.indd 1 3/20/14 2:23 PM INTEREST GROUPS

Bridge about the gems associated with final guest of spring was Rebecca Rec Sports; there is a 50% discount Finance and the UT Austin that provide significant McInroy, Senior Producer and Host If you are a bridge player, come for retirees. For more information, Current Market.” Mr. community outreach. These at KUT. A delightfully interactive join us! We usually play the first contact chair Carolyn Wylie Burns is a newspaper facilities are crucial to the research speaker, she shared many “behind Monday of each month, at the Ex- ([email protected] or 512-453- columnist and author and teaching of the University but the scenes” stories about KUT and Students Association. Contact Bill 2556). who has covered also have a function to provide NPR. Our attendees were fans of Crook if you are interested: wcrook@ personal finance programming for the public. KUT and KUTX and appreciated satx.rr.com or 210-251-3584. and investments for learning about recent programming Finance/Investments In February, our guest was nearly 40 years, and expansion. McInroy emphasized Stephen Enniss, Director of We have had terrific speakers is one of the most that the stations are always Discussion the Harry Ransom Center. He this semester, starting with Katie widely read personal cognizant of local/state news finance writers in the All members of UT RFSA are provided an informative overview Stephens on January 12. Ms. stories. She described also the focus country. The Finance cordially invited to attend and of the Ransom Center’s heritage in Stephens is the Education Program RFSA members are encouraged on UT talent with Two Guys on your Interest Group meets on the second participate in the lively dialogue providing resources for the study Manager for the UT Center for to contact any of us with ideas and Head and Views & Brews. A new Monday of the month at 1:00 p.m., with interesting speakers on of the humanities with insights Identity, and spoke on “Identity suggestions for fine-arts related program, Texas Standard, covers the usually in the Howson Library. relevant topics at the monthly about the impetus and guidance Challenges in the Retirement possibilities. We also want to keep state from the perspectives of local Contact co-chairs Phil Kelton Discussion Interest Group meetings. provided by Harry Ransom. He Years,” focusing on how identity an email list of interested arts reporters. And many programs are ([email protected]) or Pauline You are encouraged to bring also described recent highly valued theft and data breaches can enthusiasts. Please let me know if available as podcasts too—how can Lopez ([email protected]) guests as well. Feel free to make acquisitions and programs, notably harm Americans over 60. Then you wish to be on such a specialized we miss? for more information or to become suggestions for the presentations, the successful Gone with the Wind on February 9, Mr. Carl Stuart, list. Best of all, join our committee involved. too. and Alice in Wonderland exhibits. We hope these topics may whet independent financial advisor and to participate in planning some For future directions, Enniss your interest to attend a future host of a weekly radio show on informative and enriching events! DG meetings are held on first discussed his vision for development Discussion Group meeting. For personal finance, spoke on “Stocks Fine Arts Wednesdays of most months of fall of the Ransom Center to serve both additional information or to suggest and Bonds at All-Time Highs – What and spring in the Howson Branch the research needs of scholars and a speaker, please contact Co-chairs Do We Do Now?” On April 13, Mr. The Fine Arts Interest Group has Health Library conference room at 2500 interests of the local community. Don Davis ([email protected]. Elliott Weir, CFP and UT MBA four members who plan events: We had some very interesting Exposition Blvd. Sessions begin at edu) or Alice Reinarz (areinarz@ grad, spoke on “Five Ways Retirees We hosted John Irwin on Carolyn Wylie, who keeps RFSA speakers this spring. On February 1:30 PM. tamu.edu). Could Spend More,” focusing on March 4 to describe the history, members abreast of musical 10, we heard Ms. Drew Hays, the the five financial factors that could facilities, and outreach of the Lady We look forward to seeing you! events in and around Austin, with clinical dietitian at St. David’s affect the commonly accepted “4% Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. emphasis on those that are free or Medical Center. Ms. Hays presented Rule” that most retirees, and many Mr. Irwin, who has contributed low cost. ([email protected]); “Debunking the Myths and financial advisors, use. Finally, on over 2,500 volunteer hours in Exercise Eating Right.” She had some very May 11, we were delighted to have Judy Amis arranges the theater all capacities to the Wildflower interesting insights on foods to The RFSA exercise class meets Mr. Scott Burns speak on “Personal parties, usually including a happy Center, emphasized the dual focus make you healthier. If you missed Tuesday and Thursday mornings hour or dinner. We’ve done this on ecology research and service to this one, we will have a nutritionist from 8:30 to 9:30 at the Recreational several times already—always gardeners and “lookers” who enjoy again soon. On March 16, we had Dr. Sports Center, room 1.106, where fun for all, with easy access to plants. Many RFSA members are April Fox, a board-certified colon experienced exercise instructors the theater as well as a nearby generous volunteers and supporters and rectal surgeon, who spoke on lead us in a variety of exercises restaurant. ([email protected]); of the Center, and Irwin encourages designed for all ages and fitness “The Importance of Keeping Good Laraine Lasdon, art docent all to visit and appreciate the ever- levels. These include balance work, Intestinal Health.” This talk was extraordinaire expanding facilities. He pointed stretches, yoga, and low-impact very informative on how to keep our to the year-round availability of pilates, using exercise balls, hand Deena Mersky, Fine Arts Chair digestive system healthy. Finally, on insights into the Central Texas weights, and thera-bands. ([email protected] or 512-477- April 20, we had Dr. Renee Snyder, This spring, our focus for wildflower world. 4152). who spoke on “The Importance of presentations was to learn more To participate, you need to join Keeping Your Largest Body Organ, On Wednesday, April 1, our 6 | http://sites.utexas.edu/rfsa RFSA Spring 2015 | 7 INTEREST GROUPS

and Homestead Heritage Village, We have been to Albuquerque for In September the group embarks attended concerts at Round Top the Balloon Festival and gone east to on a “South Dakota Adventure.” several times, and toured the explore Charleston and Savannah. Stay tuned for more RFSA travel Circuit of the Americas complex. We have stayed at the White adventures. There is always an open We have been to East Texas at Mountain Resort in North Conway invitation for more travelers to join dogwood time and down to the and been surrounded by spectacular the group. Send us your suggestions coast for the hummingbird festival fall foliage in New Hampshire, for where you would like the next and taken a cruise to see the Vermont, and Maine. Recently we RFSA destination to be—whether it whooping cranes. The group has had a special spring getaway to be local, statewide, nationwide, or boarded a bus on several occasions Crystal Bridges, America’s newest worldwide. and headed to Dallas to see the museum, in Bentonville, Arkansas, Chihuly Glass on display at the which has a most spectacular Contact Travel Interest Group Your Skin, Healthy and Vibrant.” Dallas Arboretum, attended a setting and remarkable collection chair Carol Kay Johnson at This was also very informative concert at the Meyerson Symphony of American Art. On that trip there [email protected]. regarding the treatment of various Center directed by UT’s own Jerry was a touch of local hospitality when skin problems such as skin cancer, Junkin, visited the George W. Bush Jim Stice’s niece hosted the group Halifax, Nova Scotia, went on to Grand Canyon, Jerome, Sunset New Interest Group: psoriasis, age spots and other Presidential Library and the Perot for dinner in the home where Jim Prince Edward Island and entered Crater, Lowell Observatory, and skin issues. Stay healthy over the Museum of Nature and Science. grew up. The return trip included the world of Anne of Green Gables, Flagstaff. foodies summer and come to our health Twice we have taken special tours stops in Oklahoma City for the drove the Cabot Trail on Cape Travelers on the Tanzania It seems like there are new meetings in the fall. For information of the McDonald Observatory. We National Memorial and the National Breton Island to the Alexander Migration Safari journeyed to the restaurants opening in the Austin or to make suggestions, contact chair explored Palo Duro Canyon several Cowboy and Western Heritage Graham Bell Museum, went on a best of East Africa’s vast reserves, area every day, yet most of us stick Carol Obianwu (cobianwu@utexas. years ago, took the jeep tour down Museum. whale watching cruise, and explored experiencing one of the greatest with our long-time favorites. But we edu) into the canyon, experienced the Peggy’s Cove with its picturesque Few of the early travelers will spectacles of the natural world. have a new interest group that will or Norm Minter outdoor theater production, and lighthouse. A favorite with many ever forget the experience of taking They explored Tanzania from encourage us to explore new places ([email protected]). on the way home stopped at the RFSA travelers was the cruise the Copper Canyon railroad over Kilimanjaro to Tarangire National with our RFSA friends. This group Hummer House in Christoval to through the Panama Canal in a a decade ago down south through Park, Lake Manyara National is called “Foodies” and is chaired see the hummingbirds. Last spring small passenger vessel where you ten years of travel Mexico to the Pacific Coast—a Park, the Nogorongoro Crater, by Sharon Justice. Foodies will we toured the UT Marine Science could experience at eye level the trip that is no longer offered. In and Serengeti National Park. The provide opportunities for RFSA Over the last decade, the RFSA Center in Port Aransas, had a cruise opening and closing of the six foot Costa Rica we experienced La group went on game drives, saw the members and a guest to experience Travel Group has had many aboard the RV Katy research boat thick steel gates of the Miraflores Pura Vida and escorted baby sea animals, and spent time with the interesting restaurants in Austin adventures—some local, others and then went on to explore the King and Pedro Miguel locks. Add to that turtles to the water. In Guatemala local people and cultures. and to socialize. statewide, and still others farther Ranch. a stay at Playa Bonita on the Pacific we visited Mayan ruins at Tikal. afield. Here is a look back at some coast, a visit to the Embera Indian Most recently the RFSA travelers If you are interested in The Canadian of the travel destinations since village, the monkeys on Gatun Lake, escaped Austin in August to travel to participating, learning more or Rockies trip Deena Mersky organized the and the wonderful architecture of Portland for the Oregon Trails trip. making suggestions please contact took us to group. We have gone behind the Panama City and it is safe to say that From the famous Portland Rose Sharon at [email protected]. Calgary, Glacier scenes at the UT medical schools a good time was had by all. Gardens to Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Hood, edu (with your name, email address, National Park, in Galveston and San Antonio, seen Tillamook Cheese Factory, Astoria, phone number and if you will bring Banff, Lake More recently the destination the Chinese Terra Cotta Soldiers, Multnomah Falls, the Columbia a guest). These outings will start in Louise, and was Sedona, Arizona, for the visited an olive orchard in the Hill River Gorge cruise, and Oregon’s the fall, so please let Sharon know the Columbia Great Trains and Grand Canyon Country, walked the King William Pacific Coast. before Friday, September 11 if you Icefields. On experience. Fortunately the district in San Antonio, toured are interested. Canada’s government shutdown ended the day So what comes next? “Islands the Painted Churches, explored Atlantic coast, we left Austin so all went as planned of New England” in June 2015 Independence, Washington-on-the- we started in and we visited the south rim of the takes the group to the east coast Brazos, Castroville, Lost Maples to stay on the beach at Cape Cod.

8 | http://sites.utexas.edu/rfsa RFSA Spring 2015 | 9 SPRING LUNCHEON • APRIL 29, 2015

Over 200 members attended our spring luncheon and were treated to a delicious Mexican lunch buffet. Our guest speaker was the fabulous Jim Nicar, who regaled us with pictures and stories of the UT campus 100 years ago. Thank you to outgoing President Peggy Mueller for organizing this wonderful event!

RFSA Spring 2015 | 11 RFSA BOARD UPDATES THANK YOU RFSA DONORS

ID CENTER THANKYOU Judy Amis Jean Hogue Yvonne Munn RFSA thanks the UT ID Center for creating a “satellite office” in the Alumni Center at our April 29 luncheon and Ahmet Aydemir JoAnn Jentz Barbara Myers making retiree IDs. 39 RFSA members took advantage of this service and got new IDs. We appreciate the ID Center’s Roger and Billie Bengston Carol Kay Johnson Nancy Payne support to make this task a little easier for our retirees! In memory of Henrietta FROM OUR TREASURER Marla Boye Roland Massey Jacobsen RFSA is in a very good position financially, thanks to our members and supportive local businesses. We can Charles Cook John McKetta Ruth Rubio continue our financial stability if you will continue to support us in two important ways. In memory of E.V. “Vic” In memory of William G. Lesso In honor of Deena Mersky One, if you see a trip sponsored by the Travel Interest Group that looks interesting, sign up and go! A portion of Niemeyer those costs are returned to RFSA. Colleen Mehner Audrey Slate And, two, please continue to support the businesses that advertise in our magazine and directory. When you buy Pat Delk Deena Mersky John Tongate their products and services, let them know that you are an RFSA member and appreciate their sponsorships. These Louis DeMoll businesses are local and very reputable, and we want them to recognize the benefits of their support. Norm and Sytha Minter Barbara White This creates a win-win situation for everyone involved, and will allow us to continue our self-sufficiency and Larry Faulkner increase our student scholarships. Thank you! Alexander Mourelatos Carolyn Wylie Dick and Helen Furlong HEARTS OF TEXAS Thomas and Judith Morris RFSA Board Members Thank you, RFSA members! You donated $11,614 to the Hearts of Texas State Employee Charitable Campaign this Mr. and Mrs. David Garlock year! RFSA HAS A NEW WEBSITE The University has moved a number of different websites to a new location, and RFSA is one that has a new home. Please change your RFSA bookmark to the new site: http://sites.utexas.edu/rfsa. Miles Abernathy, our IT guru, says the site is easier to maintain and update, so you can expect our site to have more current information than ever before. For a while, logging on to the old site will forward you to the new one, but this is a reminder to update your links now! “I like to be where things are happening. Westminster puts me right there.”

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4100 Jackson Avenue | Austin, TX 78731 12 | http://sites.utexas.edu/rfsa WestminsterAustinTX.orgRFSA Spring 2015 | 13 RFSA SCHOLARSHIP FUND

The Retired Faculty-Staff Association created a scholarship fund in 1983 and awarded the first scholarship five years later in 1988. Members and friends donate to that endowment, which had a market value of over $667,000 in 2014. Available income from that fund varies, depending on prevailing interest rates Five generations serving Texas for over 105 years and market conditions. For 2014-2015, we were able to award scholarships to 16 students, 14 for the Fall and Spring semesters (at $1,250 per session) and 2 for the Summer session (at $1,000 each), totaling $37,000.

Scholarship recipients are chosen by Student Financial Services based on several criteria. Among the scholarships awarded are those named in honor of the following: Dr. Stanley Arbingast, Dr. William T. “Bill” Belt, Dr. Peter and Priscilla Flawn, Drs. Benjamin and Dorothy Fruchter, Dr. Robert E. Greenwood, Dr. Margaret Colyer Kirkner, and Dr. John and Helen McKetta.

In addition to undesignated donations, the scholarship endowment benefits from gifts made in memory or honor of family, friends and colleagues; in celebration of particular events; and estate donations. Please consider making a contribution to the scholarship fund—it will make a difference in a student’s life!

FIND NEW ROADS GIFTS TO THE RFSA SCHOLARSHIP FUND Please consider making a contribution to the RFSA Scholarship Fund—it will make a Hwy. 71 in Bastrop 800-937-7076 www.covertbastrop.com difference in a student’s life!

SEND A CHECK* TO: Carol Barrett, RFSA Coordinator COVERT BUICK, COVERT Texas Exes | P.O. Box 7278 | Austin, Texas 78713 CADILLAC, GMC CHEVROLET *Made payable to ‘The University of Texas at Austin’ 11750 Research Blvd Hwy. 79 (corner of Duval & 183) Hutto, Texas 888-268-3785 OR, DONATE ONLINE: http://giving.utexas.edu/RFSA2012 Austin, Texas 512-583-3000 Simply complete the information requested. If you are donating in honor or memory of a person or event, write that information in the “notes” section. COVERT CHRYSLER, COVERT DODGE, JEEP FORD LINCOLN 8107 Research Blvd 11514 Research Blvd. 14 | http://sites.utexas.edu/rfsa Austin, Texas 512-583-3300 www.CovertAuto.Com Austin, TRFSAexas Spring 512-3 201545-4 3| 1543 FROM OUR MEMBERS

Summer Reading List Another recommendation is American Tabloid by UT History Corner Jim Nicar was the keynote speaker at the RFSA Once again, our members recommend books for our James Ellroy. This book received the Times Best Fiction Spring Luncheon. Jim regaled us with stories of the summer reading list. award for 1995. “The chronicle of three rogue American UT campus 100 years ago, and shared some of his law enforcement officers from November 22, 1958 photos here. Many of us know Jim through his Moon- We received two recommendations for All the Light We through November 22, 1963, the FBI, CIA, Mafia, Bay of light Prowl nighttime walking history tours of the Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr. Weeks and weeks on the Pigs, Hoffa, Kennedy, Hoover, Castro, Monroe, Oswald UT campus. On May 1, Jim hosted his 600th Prowl, and estimates about 38,000 people have attended his best seller lists at Book People and and Ruby. Told so well that fiction unique tours! If you are interested in learning more the NY Times. “Gripping, intense becomes fact by the end of the read. about UT’s history or attending a Moonlight Prowl, and beautifully written parallel Gripping. Best novel of intrigue I’ve go to Jim’s website: uthistorycorner.com stories of two young adolescents, a ever read.” girl in France and a boy in Germany, before, during and after World Based on the Charles Whitman War II.” “A timeless story of love, mass shooting in 1966, Monday, family, intelligence, fear, endurance, Monday by Elizabeth Crook will bravery, growing awareness and bring back very real memories to healing set in France and Germany many of us. This novel is about a during the time of WWII and woven tragedy that changes the course around two teens—a very smart of three lives, following three blind French girl and an orphan students caught up in the massacre. German boy drawn unwittingly into Reunited decades after the tragedy, the Hitler Youth by his love of science they must confront the event that TRUSTED ADVISOR SKILLED NEGOTIATOR EXPERT FACILITATOR and brilliance with radios—with forever changed their lives and a bond, unknown to each, that ties ruled the lives of their children. A them together.” A long book, but you’ll hate to see it end. thrilling novel that, at its core, is the story of a woman determined to make peace with herself. A wonderful book is The Bully Pulpit: Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and the Golden Age of Finally, a unique book from the UT System Academy of Journalism by Doris Kearns Goodwin, published in Distinguished Teachers. The Little Orange Book: Short SYTHA GUSTAFSON MINTER 2013. “I didn’t know anything about William Howard Lessons in Excellent Teaching, published this spring by REALTOR® Taft, and learned a lot about Theodore Roosevelt I didn’t UT Press, captures reflections and tips on teaching and 9606 N. Mopac, Ste. 150, Austin, TX 78759 know. This book intrigued me, and although it is long, learning from members of the Academy. It is a perfect it is well worth the read. Goodwin writes so well, you text for new college instructors, but also valuable to Direct 512.573.1345 never feel bogged down. I recommend it for a summer longtime faculty and other teachers. Contributors Office 512.342.1800 project! So much detail about their time! For those who include our colleagues James Vick, John Daly, Brent Fax 512.275.0600 haven’t read it, I don’t want to give anything else away.” Iverson, Michael Starbird, Robert Prentice, and others. [email protected]

16 | http://sites.utexas.edu/rfsa www.SythaMinter.comRFSA Spring 2015 | 17 FROM OUR MEMBERS

Zorena Bolton is a regular contributor to our magazine, and gifts us with these treasures.

San Francisco 2011 Death and Dying Revisited

Small houses clinging to the hillsides Hello Each house charming in its own way Hugging the earth just as I hug life Yes, it’s me Living each day and treasuring its You know the one who gave lectures on death and dying Gifts not greedy but thrilled You know like love and marriage Hanging on for dear life They go together like a horse and carriage And oh yes something I’m here to tell you brother Might happen but Oh how joyful You can’t have one without the other These days Well that was okay when it was far away from the future You know someday Two But now as they say…not so much Easy Yes, I heard them Warm Young Yes I took comfort in death with dignity Strong That was before I got old Likeable For no matter how dignified See You Comfortable It is final after all Korean men And personally I’d rather go on living Their conversation overheard Brown nose he said you get everything But I wouldn’t be willing to make the trade How lucky to be able to listen in on life If I had to watch the young ones go down for the count Death is inevitable like taxes I suppose In A Few Minutes. And I’ve never minded putting them off St. David’s Emergency Network

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18 | http://sites.utexas.edu/rfsa RFSA Spring 2015 | 19

14-SDM-1193 UT Retired Faculty Assoc Ad_Magazine_V2.indd 1 10/1/14 5:29 PM FROM OUR MEMBERS Stan's has been serving Austin for 60 years, Letter to President Powers and we've got the gray hair to prove it.

Dear President Powers: and other ideas that sometimes run counter to the mainstream; The executive officers of the Retired Faculty-Staff • Being a forceful advocate for undergraduate Association at the University of Texas at Austin, on and graduate education; behalf of its members, are honored to salute you on your • Balancing affordability and accessibility for accomplishments as President of the University and to students attending the University of Texas at say how thankful we are for all your efforts. Although Austin by raising money for student scholarships; it is impossible to catalog completely all you have done focusing energy and dollars on retention of $25 Off Tune-Up $20 Off Repairs Free Energy Audit for the University, we are particularly grateful for your students, especially freshmen; and increasing Stan's 30-point Precision Tune-Up Stan's repairs all makes and models. If your home is 10 years old or older, leadership in: undergraduate graduation rates, especially the far exceeds industry standards 100% satisfaction guaranteed. call Stan’s for a free energy audit to make and insures your air conditioning Factory trained technicians. your home more energy efficient. • Maintaining UT as a public, Tier I research four-year graduation rate; and system is in top working condition. institution, a university of the first rank in teaching • Successfully promoting a medical school for Not valid with other offers and scholarship, and a center of innovation and the University of Texas at Austin, the first major or annual contracts. scientific advancement; research university to open a medical school in 35 • Successfully completing a $3.1 billion years. That’s where you’ll find my brothers and me. www.stansac.com 512-929-9393 Most major credit cards accepted. TACLB 23827E campaign; • Effectively representing Texas in higher We are also extremely grateful for the support you education circles, including serving as chair of and your staff have given to the Retired Faculty- the Association of American Universities, the 62 Staff Association. leading private and public research universities in the US and Canada; Sincerely, • Vigorously defending the First Amendment by U.T. Retired Faculty-Staff Association Executive supporting diversity in free expression of religious Officers, 2014-15 R

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20 | http://sites.utexas.edu/rfsa RFSA Spring 2015 | 21 IN MEMORIAM

THIS COLUMN honors the memory of retired University of Texas faculty and staff who have died. Every attempt has been made Edward Arnold Abbott, 89 Dorothy Colvin, 97 Omar Carl Happel, 92 to identify the university affiliation of each individual. Some named below may not have been members of RFSA, but they are Heating and Cooling Facilities Widow of James Colvin, Senior Vice Manager, Architectural Services Services President Emeritus February 12, 2015 included because of their contribution to the university community. Also included, when known, are spouses of retired faculty and February 13, 2015 March 4, 2015 staff members. Any additions or corrections to the list should be addressed to Barbara Frock, Historian, at [email protected]. Boyd A. Hardesty, 82 Betty Hairston Barber, 78 Virginia A. Craig, 97 Professor Emeritus, Chemistry and Widow of Lewie M. Barber, Special Widow of Neal Craig, English Biochemistry Gloria Kinneavy, 76 Thomas David Oakland, 75 Billie Jean Shelton, 83 Research Associate, Applied Research Department January 22, 2015 Widow of James Louis Kinneavy, Professor, Educational Psychology Mechanical Engineering Laboratories February 1, 2015 Blumberg Centennial Professor March 4, 2015 December 15, 2014 January 16, 2015 Theresa Virginia Harper, 91 Emeritus in English Harry Alexander Deans, 82 Division of Housing and Food November 1, 2014 Walter David Palmquist, 84 Sidney Paschal Shelton, 85 Betty (Dusek) Bare, 72 Senior Research Fellow, Center for Services Data Processing Division Utilities Library Assistant, Harry Ransom Petroleum/Geosystems Engineering February 2, 2015 William George Lesso, Sr., 83 December 5, 2014 December 15, 2014 Humanities Research Center December 22, 2014 Professor Emeritus, Mechanical October 6, 2014 Judith Elaine (Stones) Hatten, 70 Engineering Robert M. Palter, 90 Dale Stahlhut, 86 Dorothy Weygint DeLong, 92 Development Office, School of March 19, 2015 Professor, Philosophy and History Director, Plant Services, J.J. Pickle Natalie Carter Barraga, 99 Department of Oriental Languages Business and Law School October 1, 2014 Research Center Professor Emeritus, Special and Literature November 11, 2014 Ann Monica McGlinchey January 11, 2015 Education December 17, 2014 Neville Long, 73 Deanna “Dee” Pommerenk, 73 December 29, 2014 Thelma Heather, 90 Undergraduate Library Physical Education Eric John Swanson, 58 Margaret O. Dougal, 85 Texas Student Publications and November 16, 2014 February 17, 2015 Adjunct Professor, Electrical and Dorothy Douglas Blank, 94 Widow of Arwin Dougal, Professor Daily Texan Computer Engineering Widow of George Harrison Blank, Emeritus, Electrical and Computer March 22, 2015 Thomas A. Loomis, 89 Jo Ann Cope Powell, 72 October 14, 2014 Office of the Dean of Engineering Engineering Assistant Dean, Graduate School of Learning Skills Center October 21, 2014 February 27, 2015 Sue Heatly, 77 Business, Director of Development January 29, 2015 Lorraine Jean Turner, 94 Lecturer, Department of Art and Art December 19, 2014 UT Health Center Viola Kupias Brainard, 89 Wilbur “Bud” Dublin, 78 History Charlotte Ann Rayburn, 81 November 17, 2014 Widow of Carroll O. Brainard, Radio/ Lecturer, Mechanical Engineering March 28, 2015 Joseph Fetler Malof, 80 Intercollegiate Athletics for Women Television/Film Department November 25, 2014 Professor of English Literature January 20, 2015 David E. Vassberg, 78 January 29, 2015 Homer Paul Helms, Jr., 68 January 7, 2015 Professor and Visiting Scholar, Fred Pittman Ellison, 92 Physical Plant Lester J. Reed, 90 History Virgus Ray Cardozier, 91 Professor Emeritus, Spanish and November 5, 2014 Carla Darlene Ashbel Smith Professor Emeritus, November 24, 2014 Professor Emeritus, Education Portuguese (Killingsworth) Mitchell, 62 Chemistry and Biochemistry Administration October 4, 2014 William Richard “Bill” Herold, 88 Office of the Dean of Students January 14, 2015 Ina Genelle Voelker, 79 November 2, 2014 Assistant Professor, Department of February 9, 2015 Offices of the Chancellor and Ray Farabee, 81 Curriculum and Instruction Eugene Arman Ripperger, 100 President L. Ray Carry Vice Chancellor and General Counsel, January 14, 2015 Margaret O. Morgan, 96 Professor Emeritus, Aerospace December 3, 2014 Professor Emeritus, Curriculum and UT System College of Liberal Arts Engineering Instruction November 20, 2014 Ann Chapel Osgood Howland, 90 February 24, 2015 October 5, 2014 Dalton Wayne Wall, 73 February 6, 2015 Instructor, School of Nursing Supervisor, Physical Plant, Richard Finnell, 69 December 22, 2014 Alex Mosqueda, 71 Robert Samuel (Bob) Schechter, 85 Maintenance Alberta M. Castaneda, 92 Advisor, Daily Texan UT Police Professor Emeritus and Chair, October 28, 2014 Associate Professor, Education February 21, 2015 Loraine (McNeil) Jackson, 89 October 21, 2014 Petroleum and Geosystems October 11, 2014 Ex-Students Association staff and Engineering and Chemical Suzanne Gonzales Williams, 68 Walter Firey, 98 widow of Rex Jackson, Admissions Elon Carl Nash, 95 Engineering Math Department Charles T. Clark, 97 Professor Emeritus, Sociology February 7, 2015 Military Property Custodian October 8, 2014 October 29, 2014 Professor Emeritus, Dept. of December 21, 2014 January 8, 2015 Information, Risk & Operations Joe Henery Nelson Justice, 84 Elizabeth G. Scott, 89 Martha F. Wingren, 94 Management, McCombs School of Mary Maud Brown Greenwood, 95 Supervisor, Custodial Services E.V. “Vic” Niemeyer, 95 Office of the Vice President for Office of the Registrar Business Widow of Robert Greenwood, January 26, 2015 International Office Student Affairs January 8, 2015 November 25, 2014 Professor of Mathematics March 1, 2015 March 25, 2015 January 14, 2015 22 | http://sites.utexas.edu/rfsa RFSA Spring 2015 | 23 RFSA The University of Texas at Austin c/o Texas Exes | P.O. Box 7278 Austin, TX 78713

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS RETIRED FACULTY-STAFF ASSOCIATION

The RFSA provides a wide range of activities designed to enrich the retirement experiences of its members. In addition, it serves as a mechanism for advising UT officials about the suitability of current retirement benefits. A complete statement of the purposes of the association can be found in the constitution. Submissions may be emailed to: [email protected] or mailed to Carol Barrett, RFSA Coordinator, Texas Exes | P.O. Box 7278 | Austin, TX 78713

Spring 2015 • © 2015 Retired Faculty-Staff Association • http://sites.utexas.edu/rfsa Produced by Texas Exes | RFSA photographs by Miles Abernathy / Campus photographs by Anna Donlan 24 | http://sites.utexas.edu/rfsa