THE MURPHY ALUMNUS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, Inc. July 2012

HALL OF FAME EDITION

2012 Inductees are: Julian D. Sawyer, Col. USAF, Class of 1946. Charles E. ―Buddy‖ Davis, Class of 1950 New Kathryn Calogrides Coumanis, Class of 1955 Murphy Alumni Association Executive Committee Todd Strange, Class of 1962

Officers Posthumous Inductees: Carmen Kearley ‗82, President George R. Harris, Jr., 1942, deceased Janice Thames Wiseman, 1945, deceased Ryan McKee ‗03, 1st Vice President This year‘s Hall of Fame event was held on Sonya Sullivan ‗93, 2nd Vice President April 29, 2012 at the Murphy High School Cafeteria. The Murphy Jazz Band performed as Diane Miller ‗59, Secretary alums gathered, viewed the student art, scrapbooks, and displays of the new inductees. After the Theodore Kearley ‗80, Treasurer Murphy Chorus performed choreographed selections from their spring concert, guests enjoyed Mike McNair ‗70, Past President the reception of hors d‘ oeuvres prepared by the

Members At Large Murphy Culinary Class. Paulette Saffold ‗73

Brenda Howell ‗68 The Murphy Alumni Association began in 1995 and in 2001 Hall of Fame was established to Irvin Grodsky ‗64 recognize graduates and those associated with Murphy High School whose accomplishments, Marion Stille ‗64 while at Murphy and since, are such to bring great honor to Murphy High School. This year there were Monetta Noland ‗60 many qualified nominations, but the policy is to limit the number to no more than six inductees. It is Barbara Harris ‘60 not easy to become a member of the Hall of Fame since a person must be nominated to be considered, Marian Jackson ‗59 and many factors must be taken into account.

Ellie Foster ‗58 Considering the past inductees, it is obvious that the 2012 inductees will indeed be in good company. JULIAN D. SAWYER, COL., USAF Class of 1946

Julian D. Sawyer was born in Mobile September 2, 1928 and educated in the Mobile public schools, attending in 1941, then enrolling at Murphy as a midterm student, attending from 1942 to 1946. While at Murphy Julian was a Student Government representative his Junior Year. He worked in the welfare store and was a member of the Football Team his Sophomore and Junior Years. He was also Vice President of the Junior Class.

He is remembered by his high school friends as a fun loving kid who wasn't afraid of hard work. Like many students in those years just following the Great Depression, he left school at mid-day in the work-study program. His was not a life of high school clubs and community service activities, but of work and family. He enjoyed sports but family obligations cut his football career short. He may not have been a hero of the gridiron but the ladies remember him as a very good dancer, so he was never short of partners when the music began.

After graduation, Julian heeded the call to serve his country. He began primary flight training in June 1948 as an aviation cadet in the Air Force. At that time, signs of victory in World War II were not yet evident. In 1959, early in his career, then Captain Sawyer was awarded the Soldier's Medal in recognition of his actions saving crewmen from a burning aircraft following a crash at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, S.C. Julian Sawyer graduated from the National War in 1969 and achieved the rank of Colonel in the United States Air Force.

Serving in 3 Tours of Duty in the , he flew 463 close-cover missions for soldiers on the ground as Tactical Fighter and Wing Commander of the 615th Tactical Fighter Wing. For his service, bravery and leadership he was awarded the Silver Star, 5 Flying Crosses and 23 Distinguished Flying Medals. During his 26 year military career, he served in many capacities including Air Training Command as a flight instructor, flight commander in the F-86 Sabre Jet, F-84 Thunder Jet and F-100 Super Sabre fighter aircraft, Commander of the 615th Tactical Fighter Squadron and Wing Commander of the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing. He retired as Deputy Director for Operational Command and Control in the Pentagon.

Following retirement, Sawyer relocated to Demopolis, to begin a second aviation career as an airport manager, fixed based operator and flight instructor. Under his leadership the Demopolis Airport was transformed from a neglected facility facing closure into a major economic resource for Marengo County. He continued to promote the growth of general aviation as a flight instructor by providing basic and advanced flight training to pilots in the area.

His personal achievements and awards include Alabama Aviation Hall of Fame Class of 2011. Col. Sawyer dedicated his time to his family and to his work, limiting other activities though some of his professional activities are community centered, such as his board service on the Alabama Council of Aviation. He also served on the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, and Experimental Aviation Association, War Birds Group. Julian Sawyer's military service, evidence of his bravery, and his love of country and his fellow man, is his outstanding achievement making him worthy of the Murphy High School Alumni Hall of Fame. CHARLES E. 'BUDDY' DAVIS – Class of 1950 While at Murphy, Buddy Davis was active in student government all four years and ran for Student Body President his Junior year. He represented Murphy at the of Alabama for Student Government week. Buddy served on the newspaper staff, the stage production crew, participated in the music department and received academic honors all four years.

Following high school graduation, he worked full time for a while and in 1951 enlisted in the United States Air Force. While on duty in , he began taking correspondence courses in physics and math, as well as in technical schools for two years. In 1955, he was honorably discharged and enrolled in the School of Engineering at , graduating in 1959 with a degree in Electrical Engineering.

After receiving his degree, he was employed by Douglas Aircraft Company which later merged with McDonnell Aircraft to form McDonnell Douglas (now known as Boeing) and began his long and outstanding career in the aerospace industry. During that time he earned a Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering from UCLA. While his academic degree was electrical engineering, he spent his more than four-decades-long career primarily in the aerospace industry.

Buddy and his wife, Charlotte, lived most of their married life in California where their three sons grew up, one choosing a career in Aerospace Engineering and a graduate of Auburn. The other sons are West Point graduates. Some of Buddy's more notable career activities are: 1960 Launch Team for Thor Rocket at Vandenburg, California 1962 Designer of launch facility for Apollo Moon Rocket at Cape Canaveral 1963 Designer of fire control system for static firing of Apollo 3rd stage 1964 Manually fired Apollo third stage 100 times 1965-1969 Fired third stage in an altitude chamber 500 times 1968 Member of launch team for Apollo II, first man on the moon 1969 Designer, Saturn Electronics 1970 Group Engineer, Saturn Failure Analysis 1973 Designer, Delta Mission checkout 1978 Director, Delta Foreign Operations 1979 Team Member Advanced Design 1980 Member of Delta Rocket launch team 1982 Designer/Manager for the Air Force KC-10 aerial refueling tanker design 1985 Plant Manager, Kollsman Instrument Company 1986 Designer/Manager Mast Mounted Sites for helicopters 2004 Listed as Member in National Register's Who's Who in Executives & Professionals 2004 Recognized by George Petrie Society at Auburn for interest, support and promotion of excellence at Auburn.

After retirement, Buddy was a student of the stock market and gradually became a stock market analyst and investment expert. He and his wife have generously supported many charities and educational organizations. In 2007 Davis made the third largest donation in the history of Auburn to the College of Engineering and the Aerospace Engineering Building was named the Charles E. ―Buddy‖ Davis Hall. In 2008 he was the largest single contributor and donor to his fraternity at Auburn, which was dedicated in his honor. In 2010, he and his wife contributed a sizable donation to Murphy High School in support of MHS Athletics and the Culinary Arts Program. Buddy is a member of Institute of Aerospace Sciences, Aerospace Electrical Society, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Auburn Engineering Keystone Society, a core group of alumni who share a vision for exceptional engineering instruction, hands-on experience, and an environment conducive to the discovery of new technology and innovation, and the George Petrie Society. In 2012, Buddy was inducted into the State of Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame.

Other memberships are Rotary Club International, Chairman, Newport Harbor Yacht Club, and Airport Commission in Greenville, Texas. He is President of Home Owners Association of Republic Homes, President of WBCCI, Region XII, President of West Point Parents Club, and a Member of the Auburn Alumni Association. He is also a member of the Southern California Professional Engineers Association.

Buddy's nomination included more than twenty letters of recommendation from prominent citizens across the country. A letter from Astronaut Jim Voss, a veteran of 5 space flights, states in part:… ―Congratulations to Buddy for being recognized by the school where he formed the character that served him well through his distinguished career. … I appreciate his tremendous knowledge of space systems and the engineering work he has done ... but respect him most for his support of education and his help for young people. He is well deserving of the recognition you have given him....‖

KATHRYN CALOGRIDES COUMANIS – Class of 1955

While at Murphy, Kathryn served on the Hi-Times staff for 3 years and was the manager 2 years. She was a member of the Spanish Club 2 years, Future Teachers 1 year, and a Teacher Assistant 2 years. Following graduation she continued her education by receiving an Associate Degree in Greek Language and Religion from St. Basil's Academy in Garrison, New York. She continued her education at , receiving a B. S. in Elementary Education, then a Master of Social work from Tulane University. She completed her education at the with a Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration.

Some of Kathryn's work and experience includes: Teacher of Greek language and Elementary Education, with social work duties Instructor, Department of Sociology, Mobile College. Adjunct Professor – Sociology, Spring Hill College and University of South Alabama. Director of Career Services, Spring Hill College Family and Children's Services Program Administrator, Mobile Co Dept. of Human Resources. Adult Services Consultant, Alabama State Department of Human Resources Executive Director, Penelope House Penelope House Ambassador

During this time, she received the following honors: Outstanding Career Woman of Mobile. October 1979 Community Service, presented by Gayfer's Career Club Penelope of the Year, June 1985 First Lady of Mobile for 1984 Outstanding Woman and Community Leader in the City of Mobile for 1984 M.O.Beale Scroll of Merit for Services to Battered Women, March 1990 U.S. Justice Department Service Award for Outstanding Service to Crime Victims Penelope House Outstanding Service Award presented by Penelope House Board Salute to Women of 1998 Award Declaration by Daughters of Penelope in Washington, D.C. Declaration by Mayor Dow and Mobile County Commission as Dr. Kathryn Coumanis Day. Magazine feature as one of the 100 Leading Movers and Shakers. Featured in article in University of Alabama Alumni Magazine as ―Making a Difference‖ Lifetime Achievement Award Mobile Area YWCA Women of Achievement Conference 1999 Award for Outstanding Service to Homeless Women and Children by Homeless Coalition Lifetime Achievement Award by Daughters Of Penelope District One Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence Member of the Year Museum of Mobile Herstory Honoree, recognizing women who have made outstanding contributions to Gulf Coast Region

Professional and Community Activities Alabama Conference of Social Work Domestic Violence Task Force Alabama Coalition against Domestic Violence Daughters of Penelope Daughters of Penelope Foundation Board Daughters Of Penelope District Lodge Council against Domestic Violence for First Congressional District Alabama Baby Coalition Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. She is a Licensed Certified Social Work (LCSW), Private Independent Practice (PIP) and Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW). Kathryn is married to Nick Coumanis and has two children, Christ Coumanis and Tonie Ann Coumanis Torrans.

Kathryn was recommended for this award by 26 prominent Mobilians. Some of the comments were:

―..worked tirelessly at the state and national level on behalf of Penelope House, a great public advocate and successful fundraiser...‖

―She is truly a First Lady of Mobile, who has sacrificed her time, energy and resources in a unique man- ner to assist individuals in great need.‖

―She is an icon in Mobile County, a philanthropist, an advocate, a leader, a successful business woman, a mother, grandmother, a Greek and a fabulous person.‖

―Not only is she a wonderful leader, she is also one of the best cooks in Mobile County.‖ TODD STRANGE Class of 1962

Todd attended and Murphy High School, Following graduation in 1962 Todd attended the , receiving a B.A., in Political Science. While at Murphy, he was a member of the Usher's Club, National Honor Society, and was on the football and athletic teams. He is married to Linda Davis and they have 2 daughters, Jennifer Strange Crumpton and Elizabeth Strange Burt, and 5 grandchildren.

After graduation Todd was employed by South Central Bell as a Management Assistant and Unit Manager in Birmingham and later became Group Manager in Florence, Alabama. In 1974 he was elevated to District Manager of Residence Service Center in Birmingham. In 1977 he was named District Manager and Chairman, District Operations Council, Montgomery.

Todd also worked for Wynton Blount and became CEO and co-owner of Blount-Strange Automotive Group. After selling the business in 2000 he began working for an Alabama governor and became the Director of the Alabama Development Office bringing business to the state, including the automobile manufacturer Hyundai Motors.

When the Chairman of the Montgomery County Commission retired, Strange ran for office and was elected without opposition where he served for 5 years. In 2009, when the Mayor was elected to the US Congress, Todd was elected to fill the unexpired term after which he ran for the full term and won by a landslide. His goal was to sustain a safe, vibrant and growing Montgomery. He has worked tirelessly to revitalize downtown Montgomery.

He participates in many volunteer activities including University of Montevallo Board of Trustees, former chairman for Montgomery United Way, former president of the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind, former chairman of Montgomery Riverfront Development Committee and former chairman of Montgomery Riverfront Alliance. He also served on the boards of several banks, chambers of commerce, advisory boards, American Red Cross, Kiwanis Club, South Alabama State Fair, YMCA Metro Board, and Montgomery Business Committee for the Arts.

As one can imagine he has received numerous awards, such as Business and Professional Women Boss of the Year, Distinguished Alumnus University of Montevallo, Leadership Alabama, Class V; Business in the Arts Award, Time Magazine Quality Dealer Award, Top Ten in Nation; Chamber of Commerce Company of the Year; Marketer of the Year, Alabama Volunteer Economic Developer, EDAA; Outstanding Business Leader Award; March of Dimes of River Region Citizen of the Year; Governor Riley's Blue Ribbon Commission for Reform of State Government; and Montgomery Living River Region Citizen of the Year.

His nomination stated that Mayor Strange is a man of outstanding character, who has worked diligently to promote the interests of all the citizens of Montgomery County and City. He has an open mind to new ideas and the art of working with people that is bringing about a re-birth of downtown Montgomery. He is a man of achievement! GEORGE R. HARRIS, JR., Class of 1942 Died January 15, 2011 at the age of 86

While a student at Murphy, George was the business manager of the Murphy Hi-Times. The saxophone was the focus of George's earlier years. He played the in the Band all four years.

Club Activities included: Music Club for 2 years, Hy-Y Junior and Senior years, President of Horte and served on the nomination and election committee for 2 years. He also played his saxophone with classmates, Ward and Ebb Swingle, in their big band ensemble, the ―Swingle Swingsters‖.

George was a long time member and Elder of the Government Street Presbyterian Church. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corp during World War II, playing his saxophone in the band. He was a graduate of the University of Alabama, and while there played with the Alabama Cavaliers. He was a CPA partner with Smith, Dukes and Buckalew, and is remembered as a kind man who never spoke ill of anyone. Beverly Templeton is pictured receiving the George had a great love and knowledge of music, but his greatest love was for award for her husband. the . His wife said that he loved opera with a passion that brought tears to his eyes when he spoke about it. For 40 years he was a member of the Mobile Opera and served on the Board of Directors, as Treasurer for 17 years, and President 1980-1981.

George is remembered as ―an important part of leadership that took the company from a community opera to a regional professional opera.‖ He was also described as ―devoted to the community and the whole experience of opera.‖ It was said that ―George was always extremely genial and competent, a wonderful leader with a dry sense of humor. He led not only by example, but by his astute judgment. He lead the company with his typical calmness and integrity.‖

George is survived by his wife Beverly Templeton, daughter, Eleanor Harris and brother Charlton D. Harris, step-children, Richard, Eric and Deborah Templeton.

CLASS OF 2012 PLEDGE FUNDS FOR FENCE

Reported by the Senior Sponsor, Tracy Enfinger, the Class of 2012 has pledged in excess of $42,000.00 from their class funds and past senior classes to help pay for an iron fence that will run along South Carlen Street in front of the school. Presently the class is collecting bids on the proposed project. The Alumni Association will continue support with needed maintenance and funding. JANICE THAMES 'TEKO' WISEMAN, Class of 1945 January 10, 1928 – November 27, 2011

While attending Murphy, Janice Thames Wiseman served on the Welfare Committee for 3 years, was a Teacher Assistant for 3 years, Vice President of the Psychology Club and a Cafeteria Assistant her senior year.

Nominated by her class members, who described ―Teko‖ as the personification of a dedicated Community Advocate with dreams and visions of ways to improve her community and the determination to make them come to fruition. She effectively utilized her skills and leadership abilities to marshal support and involvement of civic leaders, government officials and influential citizens to accomplish things that continue to benefit her community to this day. Her life of activism and service required a major commitment of time, all the while she and her husband, Dr. Hollis Wiseman, were raising a family of six children. Holly Wisemen, Dr. Merrell Wisemen, Valery DeLaney, Dr. Carole Norden, Jay Wiseman and David Wiseman. Pictured receiving the award for her mother is She was a passionate activist, but her abiding love and tenderness for her Holly Wiseman. family took precedence over all, for she was first and foremost a devoted mother and wife. That she could fulfill these roles, while dedicating so much of herself to her community activities is indeed a tribute to a strong, confident, and visionary woman.

Community Service Activities included: 1960's –Founding of ―ABLE‖ (Alabamians Behind Local Education) an organization founded to help peacefully integrate the Mobile County schools.

1983 - Founding leader and life time activist of ―Keep Mobile Beautiful‖, working as its coordinator for 10 years. She was responsible for many beautification projects that are visible today.

1996 - Founder and leader of ―Baldwin County Trail Blazers‖ and conceived a project to build a hike/ bike trail beginning at the Battleship on the Causeway and extending along the to Weeks Bay, raising over 6.5 million dollars through private donations and grants. The 32 mile trail is only 2 miles short of completion.

Fairhope Public Art Library where she assisted her husband Dr Hollis Wiseman in raising 7 million dollars to build the current state of the art library. At her death in 2011, she was described as a lifelong fixture in community affairs in and around Mobile.

She was a long time member of Dauphin Way Methodist Church and in 1992 was selected First Lady of Mobile. She also received the National Award for ―Keep Mobile Beautiful‖ and a Music Scholarship from Converse College.

Her letters of nomination include phrases such as ―Teko had a love of life, a love for her family and a passion for her community. She was the glue that held so many together and accomplished so much.‖ ―She had a desire to uplift the quality of life in our community and clear understanding that everyone needed to get involved and extend their energies to improve community standards and lift civic pride.‖ L-R: Ann Inge and Bettie Champion were recognized with a plaque for their service as past presidents of the Murphy Alumni Association, Inc.

L-R: Phyllis Metcalfe and Mike McNair were recognized with a plaque for their service as past presidents of the Murphy Alumni Association, Inc.

Murphy Chorus Murphy Culinary

Murphy Jazz Band CARLEN HOUSE FENCE

One of the Murphy Alumni Association‘s consideration and topic of discussion has been the Carlen House located on the campus. With the help of Guy Miller and Kenny Silver, a wood fence has been constructed around the Carlen House to protect the yard from car traffic. The four-day project cost $1237.00. After the treated wood has had time to dry out and cure properly the fence will be painted white. The design was selected to create a solid boundary for the yard while allowing a good view. It is also proportional to the height and style of the house. Our next project will be to improve the condition of the yard. ALUMNI GARDEN

Consider purchasing a $50 Memorial Brick which supports the Alumni projects. ALUMNI EVENTS MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL

Class of ‘42 Each of our newsletters contains a membership Meet semi-annually, 11:00 am, luncheon at Via Senior form in hopes that it will be passed on to future members. Citizens Center, 1717 Dauphin St. Contact: Gwendolyn Membership Fees are due in January but some may have Coan Carey, 251-661-4703 joined during the year. In the future please remit your dues Class of ‘45 close to the January deadline to expedite the treasurer‘s For quarterly luncheons contact: Bob McLeod, 251-928- work. Our primary source of funds for projects such as 0099; Dick Havron, 251-342-7589 Carlen House, wrought iron fencing, sidewalks, the panther statue, outside lighting, landscaping, trees, the electrical Class of '47 Luncheons are every other month on the third Tuesday. work on the courtyard fountain and this Newsletter is from Contact: Ina Shaw: 251-414-1418 your DUES. Please solicit others to join and participate! Dick Allen: [email protected]

Class of ‘49 Quarterly luncheon, Felix‘s Fish Camp, 11:30 a.m. ALUMNI DIRECTORY UPDATE Contact Charlie Green, 251-626-7357, [email protected] Bernard C. Harris Publishing Company, Inc will

Class of ‘51 be updating the Murphy High School Alumni Semi-annual luncheon: Contact: Connie Vickery Association Directory between September 7, 2012 McClelland, [email protected]; Beth Cannon and January 7, 2013. You may receive a phone Holsonback, [email protected], 251-626-3044 or Ruby Caro Brill, 251-989-2244 call, a postcard, or an email for updating your information. Between September and January you Class of ‘52 Contact: Bob Burton, 251-928-6311; Martha Jane Mayes may call Harris Publication at 800-877-6554 to Shoulders, 251-476-4989 update your information if you prefer. Please help us stay in contact with all alumni of Murphy High Class of ‘55 Quarterly luncheon, 11:30 am., Felix‘s Fish Camp, School. The directory will be available for Contact: Iris Lundy Anderson, 251-479-3510 purchase in mid-March 2013 and is most helpful Web site: murphyclass55.com when you are planning your class reunion.

Class of ‘57 Contact: [email protected]; Kay Mayo Carpenter, 251-709-9781; Web site: murphyclass57.com. NEW ALUMNI BOARD MEMBER

Class of '59 Sonya Sullivan, Class of 1993, is Monthly luncheons, 4th Friday, 11:30 am at various locations. Contact: Diane Miller, (251) 222-2498, the newest member of the [email protected]. Guests are welcome. Murphy Alumni Association

Class of ‘60 Board, serving as Second Ladies meet monthly. Contact Barbara Harris at 251-342- Vice-President. She is our faculty 9677 or web site: murphy1960.com to confirm time and liaison and is the high school place. National Honor Society sponsor. Class of '62 For more information about class events contact: Lois Class of ‘77 Rohmer Smith, 251-666-4029, [email protected] For future events contact Douglas B. Kearley, 251-473-7553; Jackie Steadman Elder, 251-661-9524, [email protected] [email protected]; Emily Clark Callaway: [email protected]; Facebook page. See photos at murphyalumni.org. Class of 1970 “Mobile Mix of High Schools‖—Murphy, Shaw, NEW ALUMNI BOARD EMAIL Davidson, McGill/Toolen, UMS, Wright. For future events contact: Saijee Ryals MHS, 214-729-3767; Debbie Please email future Alumni Class Events for the newsletter to Richards SHAW, 251-895-7146; Jimmy DHS, 251- [email protected] 366-5966; Tim Avinger McGill/Toolen, 832-516-3519. Murphy Alumni Association, Inc. Membership Application/Renewal/Gift (Membership Dues are renewable annually in January)

Name______Class of ______Address______Email______City______State______Zip______Home Phone______Work Phone______Cell Phone______2011 YEAR GRADUATE Receives Newsletter, FREE _____PANTHER LEVEL Receives Newsletter & Alumni Certificate, $25 INDIVIDUAL or $35 COUPLE _____BLUE LEVEL Receives Newsletter, Certificate, & Alumni Lapel Pin, $50 INDIVIDUAL _____GOLD LEVEL Receives Newsletter, Certificate, Alumni Lapel Pin, & Alumni Paperweight, $100 INDIVIDUAL _____TOWER LEVEL Receives Newsletter, Certificate, Alumni Lapel Pin, Paperweight, & One Memorial Brick, $250 INDIVIDUAL

_____I wish to order: MEMORIAL BRICK. $50 (up to 3 lines) (18 characters per line) CHECK IS ENCLOSED.

_____I wish to send a GIFT MEMBERSHIP TO THE PERSON NAMED ABOVE. (I will notify the alumni or friend my gift has been donated. I understand the Alumni Association will not notify the person of my gift.) For more information contact Marion Stille, 251-665-0509. Forms for bricks or seat inscriptions will be sent to the above address. RETURN TO MURPHY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, P. O. BOX 66158, MOBILE, AL 36660

Return Service Requested Service Return

murphyalumni.org murphyalumni.org

Mobile, AL 36660 36660 AL Mobile,

P.O. Box 66158 66158 Box P.O.

Permit No. 206 206 No. Permit

Mobile, AL AL Mobile,

N ASSOCIATIO ALUMNI

PAID PAID

MURPHY U. S. Postage Postage S. U. Non-Profit Org. Org. Non-Profit