BAYLOR UNIVERSITY PARENTS LEAGUE Students Say Goodbye with LEGACY to Baylor A PUBLICATION FOR BAYLOR PARENTS Volume XV, Spring 2006

n 1919, it was a portrait of Robert Browning. From 1996 I to 2001, it involved donations to the Immortal Ten Enhancing the memorial fund. And last year, it was their most ambitious project in Baylor’s history: the Dr. Ray Wilson and Professor Bob Jones Memorial Garden. It is the senior class gift—an opportunity for the Learning Curve graduating class to leave a legacy to their time at Baylor. espite Einstein’s genius, tutoring options around campus Each year, seniors choose a project that not only provides a even he might have offered by various offices, clubs monument to their college experiences, but enhances the Baylor The Class of 2006 hopes to raise enough funds to provide an Outdoor D needed some tutoring to and programs, but there was not a community as well. Meeting and Social area near Russell Hall, ideal for informal student surf the Internet for the first time. central office for free tutoring for “By offering people the choice between a capital improvement and gatherings. The area will include barbecue pits, picnic tables and overhead Conversely, though Baylor all Baylor students.” a scholarship enrichment program, we were giving them balanced lighting. Other features may include a sand volleyball court, horseshoe pits students are quite adept at The program’s student tutors options,” Ryan Jackson, senior class president, said. The class of 2006 and an outdoor fireplace. negotiating the Web, most have are available Monday through chose their gift, the Outdoor Meeting and Social Area near Russell not reached Einstein’s level of Thursday for one-on-one Hall, by voting online. universities to great success. brilliance when it comes to scheduled appointments or “The voting strongly indicated people were excited about the “We’re following the model of other schools like Georgetown, calculus. That is where the walk-in sessions in subjects project,” Ryan said. “There’s nothing like this on campus where Notre Dame and Penn State,” Mark Richardson, director of the Success Center’s new tutoring ranging from chemistry to people can get together, throw hamburgers on the grill and play sand Baylor Fund, said. “Since it is a fundraiser, it’s handled through our program comes in handy. Spanish. Kocian encourages volleyball—just spend some time in fellowship outdoors. The office.” “We started mid-fall with an students to use the Success response to the concept has been great.” According to Ryan, the seniors are more than halfway to their emphasis on classes that are Center’s tutoring program as a In the past, seniors were able to contribute to the gift in two ways: goal, but donations are still needed. historically rigorous and provided complementary resource to the directly and via the Traditions Fund. The Traditions Fund consisted “This is a great way to honor their time at Baylor and the whole 261 hours of tutoring. This tutoring some academic of each student’s $100 general deposit paid prior to freshman year. In transformative process of the Baylor experience. It’s something that semester we’ve added tutors and departments offer; Smarthinking, 2001, that deposit was automatically credited to the student’s tuition, will continue to give back to the Baylor community in the future.” increased our hours and courses an online tutoring program; and creating a need for new avenues of fundraising. During the past three For more information on the senior class gift or if you would like offered,” Mari-Anne Kocian, Supplemental Instruction, a group years, the senior class officers have received fundraising help from the to contribute in honor of your students, visit academic support services review session program also under university development office, a move that is modeled by other www.baylor.edu/seniorclassgift. coordinator, said. “A student the Success Center umbrella. retention taskforce committee Garrett Phillips, a pre-med decided that Baylor needed more University Scholars senior from Tutoring is beneficial not only to students who have fallen behind in tutoring on campus. There were Continued on page 3 classes, but also to those who want to raise their grades from ‘B’s to ‘A’s.

pril To-Do List for Freshman Students: Make a List, Check It Twice A Tuition installment paid? Check. Attended tutoring session? Check. FAFSA • Pay April tuition installment at filed? Uh-oh… https://bearweb.baylor.edu. Baylor students have a lot to do. From classes to athletics, club meetings to • File your taxes, file your FAFSA. For more working out, spare moments can be difficult to come by. However, fitting in information, visit www.baylor.edu/finaid/fafsainfo. administrative duties such as filing the FAFSA and registering for classes is a necessary aspect of college life, and meeting deadlines is crucial. • Register for summer and fall ’06 classes. Early “We want students to focus on school and fun, but these tasks have to be registration begins for most freshman students on done so we want students to be able to do them in the least frustrating way,” April 7. For more registration tips: Ashley Thornton (BA ’83), director for Professional and Organizational http://schedule.baylor.edu/checklist. Development, said. With that in mind, a task force charged with finding ways to increase student • Learn the rules for transfer credit. If you plan to retention rates started sending monthly to-do lists to all freshmen this past fall. take classes at another school this summer, be sure Instead of searching all over the Baylor website to find out when to apply for campus to mention that during your advising appointment. housing for next year or to make the next tuition payment, the list serves as a For more information, visit resource of the most important dates gathered in one place. In addition, the lists www.baylor.edu/admissions/transfer_credit_policies. include information such as study abroad information sessions, tutoring opportunities

and fun, inexpensive activities of which students might want to partake. www ylor .ba entsleague .edu/par

ADDRESS SER ADDRESS

VICE REQUESTED VICE • Attend a Preparing for Finals workshop at the Paul Next year, the task force will continue sending out the freshman list as well as W , aco

TX 76798-7026 TX L. Foster Success Center. Choose your most developing a to-do list for sophomores, expanding each year until they have lists for

One Bear Place #97026 Place Bear One challenging course and bring ALL course materials all classes. In the meantime, anyone can access the lists at to this free workshop. You will receive tips and www.baylor.edu/success_center/todo, allowing upperclassmen and parents to keep strategies to help with final exams and you’ll develop tabs on what students need to be doing. a study plan and study guides specific to your course. “The more we make Baylor a great place to go to school, the more likely www.baylor.edu/support_programs/workshops students are to stay,” Thornton said. “We want students to know that we care about them and make this easy for them.” A WORD FROM THE DIRECTOR Tutoring Program ENHANCES Success Through the Perspectives newsletter it and for the past 25 years has served two major universities in the is our goal to keep you abreast of campus role of president—21 years at Penn State Erie and four years at Continued from page 1 news, events and information that have the University of Nevada, Reno. I hope you enjoy reading Round Rock, , enjoys tutoring his peers in a wide variety of an impact on your student’s career at Dr. Lilley’s letter in this issue and the article on page three about subjects. While he emphasizes the importance of communicating Baylor. Whether your student is looking Mrs. Lilley and her aspirations for involvement in the Baylor with professors when having trouble in a class, he also sees the forward to graduation this spring or community. They both have a deep and abiding care for Baylor benefits of student tutors. experiencing Baylor as a freshman, we and her students. We welcome them and look forward to the “I believe that students can often sense precisely why a fellow hope they are enjoying their time at future under Dr. Lilley’s leadership. student has difficulty understanding a new idea,” Garrett said. “This Baylor and are taking advantage of what The university has seen a dramatic increase in applications for understanding can allow the student to directly address the other the university has to offer academically, admission for the 2006-07 academic year. In fact, we have received student’s difficulty, perhaps by expressing the concept in a different socially and spiritually. more than 21,000 applications for the fall semester—a 54 percent way.” Occasionally students need help to increase from last year. Out of that application pool, we will select “I decided to go to the tutoring sessions because I needed extra maximize their academic pursuits. In this issue there is a class of approximately 2,800 freshmen and transfers to join us in help with my schoolwork, and it was free—how many people would information about tutoring services that are available to the the fall. I mention these figures to let you know that a Baylor turn that down?” Nichollette Jones, a pre-med forensic science student body. If perhaps your student is struggling in a particular education is very much in demand. How proud we are that your freshman from Fort Worth, Texas, said. “I already have class, I hope you will share this information with him/her. sons and daughters are with us at Baylor, and we pledge our best recommended tutoring to some of my friends.” Although tutoring information is disseminated throughout to them and to you. Although the Success Center promotes tutoring through fliers, campus, sometimes students are so busy with classes and activities academic advising and in cooperation with the academic they miss important information that can be beneficial to their departments, Kocian thinks word-of-mouth is the most effective efforts in the classroom. method of getting students to tutoring. This semester began under the leadership of Dr. John M. Lilley, “I would encourage parents to be in open communication with 13th president of . He was named to the position Judy Maggard their student about school from the beginning. If a parent notices a by a unanimous vote of the Baylor Board of Regents on Nov. 4, Director, Parent Programs student’s need for additional support, listen and encourage him to and he assumed the presidency on Jan. 1. He is a Baylor graduate Baylor Parents League Garrett Phillips tutors Jay Green in math. Green, a San Antonio seek these resources,” Kocian said. “But a student will benefit from freshman, took advantage of the walk-in tutoring service available to all tutoring the most if he chooses to go on his own.” students in the garden level of Moody Library. For more information about tutoring resources, please visit the LETTER from the President Success Center website at www.baylor.edu/success_center. Dear Baylor Parents, “Live your life within God’s will, and you, with your In the first two months of God-given talents, will bring the world a little closer Baylor’s most ardent VOLUNTEER my presidency at Baylor, one to God. Always remember that I love you and believe of my greatest joys has been in you.” eing one of Baylor’s most of the Arts Council of Erie, Pa. In addition, has an meeting and becoming ardent volunteers is Gerrie Lilley’s she has owned her own public relations and expanded vision acquainted with our students It is clear to me that Baylor students have received similar B goal. “Baylor is such a special, fundraising consulting business and has of the role of and their parents. I am truly affirmation from their parents over the years. My hope and prayer spiritual place and I look forward to helping developed campaign and marketing materials engaging impressed with the Baylor is that Baylor will help to create an environment where Baylor to advance the university’s mission and for several nonprofit organizations. Most parents with the student body—they are students feel challenged but affirmed every day. Please know that I supporting my husband,” Mrs. Lilley said. recently, Mrs. Lilley has been an active Parents League intelligent, inquisitive, diligent will do my utmost to help provide an education and environment “A volunteer can best serve by letting the volunteer in Reno, Nevada, sharing her and Parents and of excellent moral that calls your child to be his or her best. university look at your strengths and expertise with the University of Nevada, Weekend character. Having served as a campus head for more than 25 years, experience and determine where you will be Reno, the Lear Theater and Habitat for activities,” Mrs. I know that the quality of the student body is a direct reflection of Sincerely, the most effective.” Humanity. Lilley said. their parents, so congratulations on your success. Mrs. Lilley has a lot of talent and Throughout her husband’s presidencies at She added, “Surely, as their children As the parent of four children myself, I believe that affirming experience from which the university can various universities, Mrs. Lilley and her attend Baylor, parents can be comforted that your children is very critical to their success and happiness at draw. She has held positions in public husband have always felt a special connection this university not only provides a fine college and in life. When I was a senior in high school, my father John M. Lilley relations, marketing and fundraising since to students and the responsibility to engage education but also offers the care and wrote a message in my Bible that I treasure: 1970, including a time as executive director parents. “I am delighted to see that Baylor guidance of a nurturing faculty and staff.”

1 9 Last day of classes Final exams & end 1 of 2nd summer term 1 Final exams & end Steppin’ Out 4-10 Final exams of 1st summer term 12 Commencement 6 11 4 16 13-15 Diadeloso Residence halls close Fall Premiere Fall break Independence Day 17 22-26 Thanksgiving holiday 14-17 13 Residence halls open 22-23 18-22 Commencement 5 Parents Weekend Homecoming Easter holiday Residence halls open 28 17-20 22 Residence halls open Welcome Week Spring Premiere 6 30 2nd summer term classes begin 21 1st summer term classes begin Fall semester classes begin Baylor in BLUE

en months was all it took for doable, according to Baylor University to “cross into Taylor, who balanced T the blue.” a job, an 18-hour class Set in motion by the National schedule and four Security Act in Sept. 1947, the Baylor years in the marching Air Force Reserve Officers Training band during her time Corps (AFROTC), Detachment 810, at Baylor. “College life was born the following July. As the is about time- second oldest detachment in the nation, management and it is Baylor’s AFROTC is still building on absolutely possible to the legacy established 58 years ago of enjoy being a college equipping students to be both military student, maintain a leaders and citizens of conscience. solid GPA and “ROTC programs across the country participate in are pretty standard,” 1st Lieutenant ROTC,” she said. Jennifer Taylor of Houston said, “but Some of the “The Air Force strives to build leaders. every university tailors their program to student requirements that university’s ideals. At Baylor there Terndrup refers to We give the students the opportunity and are strong Christian ideals, and we include passing the encourage the cadets to follow those Air Force Officer then guide them as they learn to lead.” guidelines.” A Baylor alumna, Taylor Qualifying test, -JENNIFER TAYLOR, (BA ’02), currently serves her alma participating in AFROTC’S UNIT ADMISSIONS OFFICER mater as the AFROTC’s Unit weekly drills and Admissions Officer (UAO) and as an workouts and assistant professor of aerospace studies. completing a summer field-training presentations by guest speakers to EQUESTRIAN Adds New Dimension to Athletics Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Joshua course (an “officer boot camp” of sorts), splitting up into flight teams and Terndrup, a junior mechanical which Terndrup terms as “the most fun playing paintball. “The program has ne of the fastest growing women’s sports in the NCAA team players able to compete in the NCAA format. “There’s a engineering major from Flower Mound, thing you’ll never want to do again.” helped me to grow,” Cadet Major became Baylor’s 18th varsity team. Baylor Equestrian is technique to it,” she said. “Equestrian has never been a team Texas, suggests that AFROTC isn’t for With those challenging stipulations, Courtney Schultz, a Bellville, Texas, O making remarkable strides in establishing a premier sport before. Competing as a team member is completely the fainthearted. “It’s not something you why are 130 Baylor students currently a senior journalism major, said. “I am not program with a bright future ahead. different than should take lightly because there are lots part of AFROTC? What makes the entering the military as a woman—I am The team consists of both English and Western style riders competing of responsibilities and requirements,” commitment worth it? entering as a leader.” from all over the —from and Illinois to individually.” Terndrup said. It’s challenging, but For Cadet 2nd Lieutenant John Schultz, who was accepted into the Wyoming and even Waco. When the Boswell, the college Air Force Academy after high school “Because equestrian is an emerging sport, Baylor is in the home team scholarship AFROTC but decided to go the “normal” college perfect spot to put its foot in the door and know what it feels hosts a offers was a big draw. A route, is part of a 30-year legacy of like to compete,” Ellen White (BU ’81), head coach, said. “As a competition, senior international studies Baylor women who have graduated in new team, we are flexible, which puts us in a good position. We they must major from Duncanville, AFROTC. With a current membership can be very competitive, a team to contend with. We are provide horses Texas, Boswell grew up in of 28 percent women, Baylor’s fortunate that Baylor attracts natural winners who are ready to for the visiting the Solomon Islands with AFROTC has maintained a consistently be here.” team. The host his missionary parents until higher ratio of women than the Team captain Brenna Burris, a senior from Farson, Wyo., has school has the age 13. “I wanted to go to U.S. Air Force itself, which fluctuates confidence in Baylor’s program. “We have a good foundation advantage Baylor because it was a between 23 to 24 percent. and an opportunity to really grow and expand. The possibilities because they larger, private Christian “The Air Force strives to build are endless,” Burris said. are familiar university, but it was too leaders. We give the students the The team temporarily practices at White’s own Willow Spring with their expensive. So I looked at opportunity and then guide them as Farm. Thanks to the generosity of Richard and Karen Willis horses, whereas visitors only have a short warm-up to get scholarship opportunities they learn to lead,” Taylor said. And of Colleyville, Texas, and land donated by F. M. and Gloria Young acquainted with the horse. and saw the ROTC leaders, they will be. Among the of Waco, a new facility will be built for the team. Baylor Equestrian already has traveled and competed against program,” Boswell said. students there’s the ever-present “We will finally have a place of our own where we can bond teams such as Georgia, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M and Along with giving the understanding that upon graduation as a team,” said Shelby White, a freshman English rider from Auburn. This year the NCAA championship is in Albuquerque, students an opportunity in they will be actual officers in the Waco. N.M. higher education, the Air U.S. Air Force. “It’s exciting, but a bit The team is looking forward to the completion of their Shelby offers advice for incoming student-athletes. “You can’t Force focuses intensely on sobering to follow the people who have facility where they can host future competitions as well as come in expecting something. You have to know what is leadership training. Every done this before you,” Terndrup said. workouts and practices. expected of you because it’s nothing like high school,” she said. Wednesday cadets organize “It’s not just another job. There’s a “We can say it’s our permanent home and take pride in it,” Be on the lookout for the Baylor Equestrian team. Coach and manage a Leadership higher meaning to protect the principles Burris said. White says they are soon going to be the largest women’s sport Training Lab, with of our Constitution.” White’s biggest challenge is recruiting people who will be 4on campus. activities5 ranging from AYBORN MUSEUM COMPLEX Ice Age Where Learning Comes to Life Nestled on the banks of the Brazos River in Waco is the most magnificent learning laboratory that is utilized by students Revisited? of all ages. But this laboratory isn’t sterile with white walls and it doesn’t require lab coats or adherence to strict rules about lab Mbehavior. No, this is a learning laboratory of an entirely different kind—the Harry and Anna Jeanes Discovery Center, the ill mammoth herds once again tread centerpiece of the Sue and Frank Mayborn Natural Science and Cultural History Museum Complex. This is where learning on the area where the Bosque and comes to life for Baylor students and the community alike. W Brazos rivers come together in Waco? The Opened in May 2004 on Baylor’s campus, the 143,000-square-foot facility hosted more than 100,000 visitors in its first year area, known as the Waco Mammoth Site, alone. The local community has embraced the museum, and Baylor students are reaping its benefits, too—more than 800 was the location of the death of at least Baylor students participate in learning 24 Columbian mammoths more than 70,000 activities at the museum each academic years ago. The National Park Service began a year and museum admission is free for all study in 2005 to determine whether the site current students. “Where else can you should be included in the National Park swim with the pliosaurs, roam with the System. Should this occur, the National Park buffaloes, explore a mammoth dig, and Service would join Baylor and the city in the even blow bubbles—all for free?” asked preservation of the site and help accelerate Jill Barrow, director of education for the opening the site to the public. Mayborn Museum Complex. Discovered in 1978, the Waco Mammoth “Baylor students utilize the museum’s Site is the largest collection of mammoths exhibits as their lab. Mayborn Museum killed in a single catastrophic event. It is provides opportunities to learn and grow. believed that the mammoths, male and female Just like some hospitals are teaching of various ages, were in the Bosque River hospitals, Mayborn is actually a teaching bottoms when the river swelled and a mudslide museum and a showcase for the entire trapped them. Presently most remains are in university,” Barrow said. storage at the Mayborn Museum Complex, All it takes is a little imagination to and the site is maintained by Baylor and the determine how virtually all Baylor city of Waco. students, regardless of major field of study, The Waco Mammoth Site has been visited can enrich their educational experiences at by paleontologists from all over the world, and Mayborn Museum. Obviously, museum at the recommendation of some of those studies students utilize the museum for scientists three years ago, it was closed to learning purposes, but hundreds of others —photo by Jamie Westmoreland (Junior, Public Relations major) for an art assignment. further excavation or visitation in order to do, too. Students from the School of preserve the vulnerable site. Therefore, the Education have classes that meet on site at the museum, and interns (student-teachers) are required once a semester to teach possibility that the site could become a groups of schoolchildren who take field trips to the museum. Chemistry majors conduct science programs for children who national park and open to the public is exciting Continued on page 9 to many. “If the site ultimately receives national park status, it will have an economic impact on Museum Studies Program Grows, Makes History Waco and Central Texas from a tourist any people may want to go down in me to follow my passion.” Even with this growth and the new museum, the standpoint. It is likely that even as a national park, Baylor and the city will remain active history, but a select group at Baylor Some might consider the latest chapter in the program’s curriculum hasn’t changed much—a partners. The Mayborn Museum would still be Mknows what it means to delve into history. story of the museum studies program to be the museum (formerly Strecker Museum) always played in charge of research, scientific materials Mary Beth Tait, a senior from Harker Heights, addition of the Mayborn Museum Complex to an integral role in the program, Caston said. gathered from previous excavations and Texas, is one of them. She realized she wanted to come Baylor’s campus. Hafertepe, who is also the And while fewer than 50 universities nationwide interpretation of the site. And Baylor faculty to Baylor specifically for the museum studies program department’s director of academic programs and offer degree programs in museum studies, Baylor and students would continue to use the site as after talking to Kenneth Hafertepe, associate professor graduate studies, teaches the introduction to stands out among them. “What really makes Baylor’s an exciting research laboratory,” Dr. Ellie of museum studies. “I wanted to do something with museums class, which he said has grown gradually program different is that we offer both Caston, director of the Mayborn Museum history, but I didn’t want to teach,” Tait said. “I love since the Mayborn Museum Complex opened. “The undergraduate and graduate degrees,” Caston said. Complex and acting chair of Baylor’s museums, but until I talked to Dr. Hafertepe, I never museum studies program has a higher profile on “This puts us in a group that you can certainly count department of museum studies, said. thought of job opportunities with them.” campus now,” he said. “And there’s room for more on one hand.” Forty-one undergraduate students and The National Park Service study, which is The museum studies program began in 1978 growth in the future.” 20 graduate students are enrolled in the program. only the first step in a process that could take with the undergraduate program and became a That growth is what Dr. Ellie Caston, acting Tait, who is now the president of the Museum 10 years, will examine the Waco Mammoth department in 1993 with the addition of a graduate chair of the department and director of the Mayborn Studies Student Association, will graduate in Site’s national significance, suitability and program. And it continues to grow. Museum, said is an “exciting opportunity” to enrich Dec. 2006. Because museum studies students are feasibility. If the park service recommends the For Elizabeth Sodek, a Houston senior, that’s students’ experiences. Caston said a recent gift to the required to have two majors as well as an internship, site for national status, the study is forwarded why she studies history—dates and events tie department will help fund students attending Tait feels confident as she looks at graduate schools to Congress for their approval. together to form a story. “History is my passion professional conferences, bring “the brightest and and employment opportunities. “I might be ahead of because I love how things are laid out like a story,” best professionals in museums today” to share with the game,” Tait said. “I’ll have the same education as Sodek said. “The museum studies program allows students and 6fund internships at other museums. a grad student, just without the thesis.” 7 Pennsylvania Enclave Taking Care of Our Own Parents Can Thank One Family All creatures, great and small, share an innate desire to protect their offspring. The magnitude Baylor University students come from across the globe. Often the reasons of the parent-child relationship exists in nature Fund students attend Baylor are as varied as the locations from which they come. In fact, across all species—mother kangaroos tote their One important component of the Parents the encouragement of one Pennsylvania family is responsible for several students babies in their pouch. Lions hunt for prey and League is the Parents Fund, which raises funds branching out and attending Baylor, nearly 1,500 miles from their home state. feed their cubs. Penguins go without food for annually to enhance the undergraduate experience Most Baylor students who hail from Pennsylvania have Don and Debby two months in Antarctica in order to protect their at Baylor. As part of the Baylor family, parents Jurgensen to thank. The Jurgensens moved to Pennsylvania after living in Woodway, eggs before they hatch. But for humans, that form an important group that has a vested Texas, a suburb of Waco, for many years. desire to provide for one’s offspring extends interest in the university and its students. Tuition “Living in the community, we attended concerts or SING,” Debby said. “We further than basic needs like food, shelter and itself is a tremendous investment. Yet the full cost grew to love Baylor just by being in the community.” protection. And parents of college students of educating each Baylor student is greater still. Though Don was transferred to Pennsylvania, sons Josh (BU ’04) and later Luke, certainly understand the magnitude of providing The Parents Fund helps bridge the tuition gap by a sophomore, felt the pull back to Texas. Along the way, they recruited others to join for one’s child greatly increases as the child providing support to three areas of designation: them, including sophomore Luke Carlson. enters college. “Luke visited Baylor as a high school junior with his friend, Luke Jurgensen,” said Chicago “Bears” Connect That is the premise behind the Baylor Parents • Parents League Endowed Scholarship Fund: Jill Carlson. “The decision to attend Baylor had a lot to do with the Jurgensens. League. An organization dedicated to helping Established in 1968, this scholarship fund has They influenced us. Once Luke visited there, he had it in the back of his mind. He via Parents League parents and their students successfully navigate provided assistance to hundreds of deserving also was looking at other colleges but Baylor ended up being the one we felt God their way through a Baylor education, the Parents students over the years. Approximately 75 percent wanted him to go to.” of Baylor’s student body receives some type of A great love for Baylor and the desire to stay connected League is a surrogate parent of sorts for both Being so far away does have its disadvantages. The Jurgensens have since returned —Megan Johnson, Junior, Biology major financial aid, and this scholarship enables a to the university her children attended are the reasons parents and students. The Parents League to Central Texas, but while in Pennsylvania they learned that having a child in a Baylor education to be available to students based Cathy Murray (BU ’77) helped to establish a Parents Endowed Scholarship Fund is one important way the Parents League fulfills this role different time zone can be challenging. on their ability to excel in the classroom, not on League chapter in the Chicago area. by helping deserving students receive a Baylor education. “Kids like to talk later at night and when you’re in the Eastern Time zone that their ability to pay. “I have really strong ties to Baylor. It’s not just a place “The Parents League Endowed Scholarship really helped ease the financial stress of puts you even later, but e-mail helped,” Debby said. “After his freshman year, I saw where I went to school, it’s a place where I was nurtured college. Receiving this scholarship is a great help,” explained Megan Johnson, a junior • Student Emergency Fund: Established to assist he was going to be able to do it on his own. That separation of being so far away can and grew up,” she said. “Baylor really changed my life.” biology major from Round Rock, Texas. Megan’s parents were faced with double students who may experience an unexpected be a bad thing, but on the other hand, it’s a good thing because it helps your child Cathy initially got involved with the Parents League college tuition to pay because both she and her older sister were in college at the same expense, such as a car repair or medical expense, grow and be independent.” in 2000 when she was living in Arlington, Texas, and her time, so receiving the scholarship helped alleviate their tuition burden. which might prevent them from completing the Jill agreed, “The hardest part is holidays. It’s impossible for him to come back and son, Nathan (BU ’04), entered Baylor. However, a couple Megan grew up wanting to attend the University of Texas, but on a whim she and current semester. forth like we’d like. We miss him, yet we have family there that takes care of him. of years later, a move to Chicago left her more than her parents visited Baylor for Fall Premiere. “I fell in love with Baylor. It was a We’ve weathered many challenges with the Lord’s help.” • Libraries Excellence Fund: Provides general 1,000 miles from Baylor and her daughter, Megan, who beautiful day and as I walked around campus, it just felt right,” she reflected. “I knew I Five students from Pennsylvania have attended Baylor through the guidance of support for the Baylor Libraries, such as by then was attending the university. was going to major in biology, so I was very attracted to the new science building that the Jurgensens, and more may be on the way. technology upgrades and improvements to study “When I received an invitation to a Parents League they were still constructing at the time.” “These kids visited other Christian campuses but they liked Baylor because it’s spaces. send-off party in Chicago, I was shocked. I had no idea Now three years into her Baylor experience, Megan is preparing to take the MCAT bigger and there’s more opportunity to be themselves and yet be in the Christian To support the Parents Fund and assist Baylor there were that many students going to Baylor from this and apply for medical school next year. She appreciates the opportunity she was given environment,” Debby said. students, visit our secure online giving site: area,” she said. During that party, Cathy and other moms to attend Baylor and knows she will take much with her when she graduates: “I And thanks to Debby and her family, these students have that opportunity. www.baylor.edu/onlinegiving. expressed an interest in starting a Parents League chapter received a really good foundation in science, and there were so many social lessons— in Chicago. Early in 2005, the Parents League office sent getting to know different types of people and being exposed to new ideas.” out a survey to all Baylor parents in the area to gauge f you know students in your area who deserve interest, and the steps to form a chapter ensued. their own Baylor experience and would like to actively In fall 2005, Cathy and Mickey Gervase Goldstein recruit them, you may want to become a BEAR Museum Offers Students Engaging Experience I spearheaded the chapter formation efforts and planned the HUNTER. BEAR HUNTERS are volunteers—alumni, parents Continued from page 6 chapter’s first event in December—a boxing party. The and friends of Baylor University—who “fling their green and gold visit the museum, and the physics department hosts “The Greatest from Tool, Texas. “My experience at Mayborn allowed me to teach my party was a success with 24 parents participating in boxing afar” by sharing their own Baylor story with prospective students. Physics Circus on Earth,” a science festival attended by thousands of class of students in a new environment using materials not available in a up goodies to send to their students. “We had such a good BEAR HUNTERS have access to materials to aid in their efforts including students, teachers and parents from across Texas. classroom. It gave my students opportunities to learn outside the time. The parents were so nice and eager to just get brochures, newsletters and even an official shirt. There are many ways to become Interacting with visitors is one of the most fascinating aspects of classroom, and it gave me the resources to make learning real and together and talk about their children,” Cathy said. The involved with BEAR HUNTERS. You can: the museum according to Barrow, but many Baylor students utilize the exciting.” group’s next get-together—a 1st Call to Prayer meeting— museum for other purposes. Environmental studies majors conduct Dr. Ellie Caston, director of the Mayborn Museum Complex and was in February. • REFER A BEAR—Send the names and pertinent information of high school labs at Mayborn, and photojournalism and art students use the acting chair of the department of museum studies, hopes students in all Starting this Parents League chapter has enabled Cathy students to the Office of Admission Services. outdoor Bill and Vara Daniel Historic Village as inspiration to hone disciplines will envision and to remain connected to her daughter and to Baylor. “Since their photography skills. “It was neat to see such a well-preserved understand that the museum • SPOT A BEAR—Represent Baylor by attending College Fairs in your community. I am so far away from Megan, it is nice to have village sitting in the middle of Baylor’s campus—I actually forgot I can be a resource for them. “We connections with other parents whose children are not was on campus while wandering around the village!” explained Sara want Baylor students to feel • SERVE A BEAR—Take Baylor information packets to local high school counselors only far away, but at the same school,” she said. Cathy Spain, a journalism graduate student from Houston. “Some of the that this is their museum and to or youth ministers and maintain relationships with them on behalf of Baylor. encourages all parents, especially those who live far from photographs I took in the Historic Village are ones I will always find meaningful ways to Waco, to get involved in the Parents League. “It is such a • HOST A BEAR—Help the Office of Admission Services with special recruiting treasure.” participate.” Regardless of how comfort to meet with other parents whose children go to events in your area. Learning activities at the museum reinforce what Baylor professors students plug into the Mayborn Baylor. You immediately feel a kinship with them.” teach, and they illustrate concepts students read about in textbooks. Museum, one thing is certain— For more information on becoming a , visit If you are interested in participating in Parents League BEAR HUNTER “Children really do learn best when they can actually experience the this is a laboratory where www.baylor.edu/bearhunters. activities or starting a chapter in your area, contact the subject matter,” explained Cathryn Sutton, a senior education major learning of all kinds takes place. 8 Parents League office at 1-888-BU-PL-557. 9 PERSPECTIVE POINTS A Baylor FAMILY to Lean on PROFESSORS HELP curriculum development, web- based and system learning, and isitors to Baylor often comment on the university’s family questions just by reading them,” Sherry recalled. “Professors would REBUILD IRAQI the role of higher education in a V atmosphere. From tight-knit relationships to loyalty to personally take the time to read test questions to her and to tailor HIGHER EDUCATION civil society, among other topics. tradition, the sense of community is nearly tangible. The connection how they taught the class to her needs.” As Iraqi citizens headed to the During his remarks at the is especially substantial for the Hargrove family of Dallas, with Guidance was always available for the rest of the Hargrove polls to vote in historic elections, center’s dedication, Mitchell alumni parents Alan (BU ’77) and Sherry (BU ’78) sending three family as well. When Tiffany had her accident, Natalie (BU ’05) four Baylor University professors stressed that education and daughters to Baylor and their youngest daughter having Baylor had just started her freshman year at Baylor. Judy Maggard, director returned to Texas soil after information are the basis for aspirations. However, their bond with the university strengthened of parent programs, provided support both at the hospital and by helping their colleagues at Dohuk respect, understanding and dramatically when the Baylor family weathered tragedy alongside helping Natalie sort out administrative details at Baylor. University establish and dedicate tolerance, and emphasized the the Hargroves. “The Baylor staff and faculty Dohuk’s Center for Democracy Baylor delegation’s desire to share In Aug. 2001, Tiffany gave my family incredible support and Diplomacy. innovations in teaching and Hargrove was enjoying the first during the time I was in the The Baylor faculty delegation research, scholarship and few days of her senior year at hospital in Waco, and they included Dr. William A. Mitchell, academic publication to reinforce Baylor when she had a car continued to follow up with us the Jo Murphy Chair of a global perspective and accident. Doctors did not expect over the past four and a half International Education, professor responsibilities of a well-educated Dr. Bill Mitchell visits with two Kurdish men in northern Iraq. her to live through her first night years,” Tiffany noted. “They of political science and director of society. in the hospital, but she prevailed. stood behind my family.” the Center for International “There is truly a light in the Annual Professor’s Survey. our faculty who create an “My parents said the waiting And when Tiffany graduated Education; William Hair, darkness that can extinguish evil, Baylor ranked 24th, tying with outstanding learning environment room and halls were packed with with her telecommunications associate dean and director of the and that light is kindled and kept North Carolina State University in the classroom and who are family and friends from Baylor. degree in Dec. 2005, it was a University Libraries; Dr. Larry alive through education, by giving and Florida State University, to increasingly recognized for their They said it was like a prayer proud moment for the entire Lehr, senior lecturer in students tools and knowledge to make the list. contributions to the body of service in there,” Tiffany said. Baylor family. Now as she environmental studies; and understand, and thereby tools and “It is great to see the quality of accounting knowledge.” “They realized God had performed a miracle.” prepares for job interviews, she will never forget the lessons of her Dr. Brad Owens, assistant knowledge for peace and justice our accounting program being However, many touch-and-go days followed, accompanied by experience. professor of journalism. for all,” Mitchell said. recognized by accounting faculty STUDENT-ATHLETES numerous surgeries and intensive rehabilitation. Tiffany worked “I believe that God has been so good to me,” Tiffany said. “It has Their Dec. 6-11 visit marked across the country,” Dr. Terry EXCEL IN CLASSROOM from relearning 1+1 to the point where she could come back to only been through His grace and mercy that I have made it to this Baylor’s third journey to the BAYLOR CAPTURES Maness, dean of the Hankamer Baylor University leads the Big Baylor, two years after the accident. Upon her return, she found a point. When disaster struck, I thought I was in control of my life. region since 2003 and furthered TOP-25 SPOT IN School of Business, said. “This 12 Conference in both four-class wide network of support. But now I know that it is God who is actually in control.” the university’s presence in the ACCOUNTING accomplishment is a testament to graduation rate and Graduation “With her injuries, it was hard for Tiffany to understand test rebuilding of the Iraqi higher Baylor University’s the hard work of our students Success Rate (GSR), according to education system. The Baylor undergraduate accounting who continue to make top scores federal graduation data released by professors presented seminars and program was named as one of the on the CPA exam and who have the National Collegiate Athletic workshops for Dohuk faculty and top 25 in the nation by Public performed admirably in national Association (NCAA). CHAPTER BRIEFS other higher education leaders on Accounting Report in its 24th competitions. It is also a tribute to Baylor boasted an overall GSR WEST HOUSTON CENTRAL HOUSTON AMARILLO, TEXAS score of 90 percent, some 13 A group of 34 parents attended a chapter Susan Moore hosted a Bear Care Valentine More than 40 Baylor parents gathered on STUDENTS HELP WITH HURRICANE RELIEF points higher than second-place meeting and boxing party at the home of Boxing Party at her home on Feb. 3. For Feb. 20 for dinner and fellowship at Ruby Nebraska and Texas Tech, which Instead of sleeping in or taking a short vacation Ministries and Baylor Student Activities under the each registered 77 percent. Baylor’s Allan and Teresa Huestis on Feb. 7. more information on upcoming chapter Tequila’s restaurant. Dr. Robby and Lavon over their fall break, a group of Baylor University direction of Carrie Powell, a graduate student from institutional GSR also was 14 Co-presidents of the West Houston chapter events, contact Jenni McCollum at Barrett, chapter co-presidents, coordinated students traveled to southeast Texas to assist in Waco. The Baylor group teamed up with points above the Division I are Mike and Debbie Kay. For information [email protected]. the event. relief work related to Hurricane Rita. organizations such as Texas Baptist Men and national average of 76 percent. on future events, contact: [email protected]. Six students represented Baptist Student FEMA to help clear the area of fallen tree limbs. “It’s a credit to the high quality HOUSTON BAY AREA NORTH DALLAS “We cleared four to five properties a day,” of student-athletes that we recruit PLANO, TEXAS A Bear Care Valentine Boxing Party was Lori and Kevin Smith host the lst Call to Powell said, “and we really feel like we made a and the commitment to academic Parents met Jan. 31 at Maggiano’s Restaurant held Jan. 29 at Abe’s Cajun Restaurant in Prayer group in their home on the first difference.” excellence on the part of our for dinner and to prepare Valentine-themed Clear Lake. For information about upcoming Tuesday of each month. Contact them at “It was really humbling,” Angel Rasco, a coaches and staff,” Baylor Director goodie boxes for their students. For events or how to get involved, contact Marla [email protected] to learn how to get freshman from Irving, said. “It was an incredible of Athletics Ian McCaw said. information about the chapter, contact Don Kenney: (281) 480-1231. involved in this prayer ministry. reminder of how things like this can happen to Baylor is the only school in the and Valerie Tarrant: [email protected]. anyone, anywhere and at any time.” Big 12 that has graduated at least NORTHWEST HOUSTON HEART OF TEXAS (Waco area) Karin Klinger, assistant director of student 60 percent of its student-athletes PHOENIX, ARIZONA The Northwest Houston lst Call to Prayer The Waco area chapter meets on a regular activities and student organization development, every year since the conference Baylor moms in the Phoenix area met for group meets the first Tuesday of each month basis to box goodies for their students. Their said additional relief trips to hurricane-affected began competition with the 1996- dinner at Cantina Laredo on Feb. 2. For during the academic year. Contact Susan next event will be April 25. Contact Christi areas are in the planning stages, possibly a 97 academic year and that can more information about how to get involved Shipman at [email protected] to learn how and Craig Klempnauer at [email protected] weeklong spring break trip. boast of being above average every in the Phoenix area, contact Eva Williams: you can become involved with this vibrant if you are interested in becoming active in “I may never see the person whose house we year since the league was formed. [email protected]. group of Baylor parents. the Heart of Texas chapter. worked on, but I have faith that they will see the “We are dedicated to providing Lord in the work we did,” Pablo Mares, a our student-athletes with the sophomore from Duncanville, said. “Rita destroyed highest quality academic, athletic, many things, but it has created so much more: a social and spiritual experience, and Christian outpouring of God’s love.” clearly they are thriving in this 10 11 environment,” McCaw said.