VOLUME X NUMBER 2 FALL 2010

The Magazine of Sam Houston State University

DR. DANA GIBSON SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY’S 13 TH PRESIDENT INSIDE SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY TOPS $50 MILLION CAMPAIGN GOAL p4 SHSU NAMES TEACHER EDUCATION CENTER IN HONOR OF GARRETTS p7 A NEW HORIZON When I arrived at Sam Houston State University about 18 months ago, I was excited about the opportunity to join this wonderful community as the vice president for Finance and Operations. Now, I know how amazing SHSU is because of the dedication of the faculty and staff that work here. The students are fortunate to have Planting Seeds such dedicated people shaping their academic and administrative experiences. The extraordinary leadership of President Gaertner provided an ongoing legacy of strength in the president’s role at Sam Houston State University. Therefore, I am honored to transition to this new role at Sam Houston. The presidency provides me for Success more possibilities to interact with our energetic students, our enthusiastic alumni and supportive community.

We have such strengths and great traditions that provide a strong base upon which to build, evolve and develop new pathways for this ‘grand old university.’

With the wonderful history of strong fiscal management and Dr. Gaertner’s strategic placement of SHSU, I take the helm at an opportune, yet potentially tough, time for the university. We have excellent opportunities to provide our student success model into expanding student arenas, both in distance learning and at the new Woodlands facility. The state’s fiscal situation, while stronger than many areas of the country, is still going to mean a difficult several years for funding. Yet, my personal experience in non- traditional student and distance learning environments provides me insight into how our culture at Sam Houston can continue and evolve into these new arenas. Therefore, my initial theme as I take on this role at Sam Houston State University is evolution. We have such strengths and great traditions that provide a strong base upon which to build, evolve and develop new pathways for this ‘grand old university.’ I look forward to working with the university constituents, alumni and friends of the university on all these endeavors. Sincerely,

Dana Gibson President Spotlight

Editor Beginning A New Role Julia May 2 A new chapter begins for the university. [email protected] Writers Jason Barfield Jennifer gauntt Julia May paul Ridings Sam Houston State University Contributors 4 Darlene Andrews Tops $50 Million Campaign Goal Rhonda Ellisor ShSU’s most ambitious advancement lorri Vickers Jones initiative is a huge success. thelma Mooney Cindy truax Photography SHSU Names Teacher Education Brian Blalock 7 Design & Layout Center In Honor Of Garretts Clockwork Studios Eleanor and Charles garrett are long-time State of tX hUB-certified supporters of texas education. www.clockworkstudios.com Masthead Design Ford Design 281.992.4042 DEpARtMENtS Vice President for University Advancement Frank R. holmes University Focus [email protected] 10 Bookshelf, ShSU Faculty Members Share Experiences As Fulbright Scholars, A Dirty Job—professor gets taste of Director of Alumni Relations Antiquated tradition With geophagy Research Charles Vienne [email protected] 800.283.7478 Building The Vision 18 Sharing his Success, See Sam houston light Up the goal of Heritage is to keep you informed the Stage: New performing Arts Center opens about Sam houston State University. Heritage is published twice a year by the office of University Advancement for alumni, donors and friends of ShSU. to contact the office of University Advancement please call 936.294.3625 Eye On The Kats or visit us at www.shsu.edu/giving. 21 Fritz Facing Challenges With optimism, ‘Battle of the piney Woods’ has long history, hooten Named Men’s Sam houston State University is a Member of the texas State University System Basketball head Coach, Julius Michael Returns ‘home’

Alumni Look 27 life Member Campaign passes goal, this Alumna’s ‘life of Crime’ Makes A great tV Show, Where Are they ON THE COVER Now, and other alumni stories

Sam houston State University’s new president, Dana gibson, thE tEXAS StAtE UNiVERSitY SYStEM BoARD oF REgENtS on campus. Ron Blatchley Kevin J. Lilly Trisha Pollard Christopher Covo Chairman houston Bellaire Student Regent, San Marcos Bryan / College Station Ron Mitchell Michael Truncale Dr. Brian McCall Charlie Amato horseshoe Bay Beaumont Chancellor, Austin Vice Chairman, David Montagne Donna N. Williams San Antonio Beaumont Arlington

FAll 2010 1 BEgiNNiNg A NEW RolE ON SEPTEMBER 1, Dana Gibson will make Sam Houston State University history not only as the university’s 13th president, but also as the first female president.

By Julia May photos by Brian Blalock

2 ShSU Heritage Magazine Spotlight

new chapter begins in the Sam houston State University story this fall. Earlier this summer, texas State University ASystem Chancellor Brian McCall named “It is an exciting time Sam houston State University’s Vice president for Finance and operations to lead SHSU, to Dana gibson the sole finalist in the ShSU presidential search. continue building She was confirmed by a vote of the system’s board of regents on July 14. upon its strength “Dr. gibson has an impressive record as an educator and administrator, and i’m and successes, and to delighted that Sam houston State University will continue to benefit from her leadership, plan new pathways passion and energy,” McCall said. gibson, who served from April 2009 to for the future.” August 2010 as ShSU’s chief financial officer, was selected from a field of 40 applicants. “During my time at Sam houston State University, i have come to appreciate the dedication of the faculty and staff as well as the excellent culture existing at ShSU,” she said. “i look forward to my new role, as it will provide me more opportunity to interact with our remarkable students and our supportive alumni and community,” she said. “it is an and graduate degrees at texas Woman’s the University of Colorado at Denver. From exciting time to lead ShSU, to continue University, and her doctorate in business 2005 – 2007 she served as vice president for building upon its strength and successes, and with a major in accounting at the University business and finance at Southern Methodist to plan new pathways for the future.” of texas at Arlington. She has been a University, where in 2006 she was named Retiring president Jim gaertner certified public accountant for over 25 years. Administrator of the Year. endorsed her selection with his expression her first university job was at tWU Before coming to ShSU in 2009, she of support. as both an assistant and associate served two years as president of National “i am absolutely delighted that Dr. gibson professor of accounting. She also took on University in California. has been named president of Sam houston administrative duties, serving first as an A resident of huntsville, she has been State University,” he said. “in working with assistant to the vice president for finance active in civic and charitable causes at the her over the past year, i have gotten to know and administration, then as associate vice various locations where she has served. her and how competent she is. She is a president for finance and administration A formal investiture ceremony for person of high integrity, and she’s a good fit and university controller. She was later gibson will take place in March 2011. O for Sam houston State University.” promoted to tWU’s vice president for gibson is a veteran of university work academic and information services. with 24 years of teaching and administrative From 2002 – 2005, gibson served as vice experience. She earned her undergraduate chancellor for administration and finance at

FAll 2010 3 Sam HouSTon STaTe univerSiTy TopS million CAMpAIGN GOAL By Julia May, photo by Brian Blalock $50

The university’s most ambitious and challenging advancement contributions, our university had a record- initiative in its history is a huge success. setting year for cash contributions during 2008 – 09,” he said. “i cannot tell you how fortunate i feel to have had the opportunity mid lively and festive Vice president for University to work closely with so many supportive fanfare, Sam houston State Advancement Frank holmes praised and dedicated alumni, friends, faculty, and University announced on those involved for working together and staff. the amount of commitments received July 10 that the first capital being successful, in spite of the unfriendly has been the result of genuine teamwork.” campaign has made history financial climate. the total, which exceeds the Aby going over its $50 million goal. “the ability to surpass our campaign’s comprehensive campaign’s goal by over $9 the Share the Vision campaign has goal and to do it ahead of schedule in today’s million, was made public during Celebrate raised nearly $60 million in commitments troubled economy is a testament to the loyalty the Vision, an event recognizing the work of from more than 21,500 alumni, friends, and affection that alumni and friends have for those involved in the successful campaign. parents, corporations, and foundations for Sam houston State University,” he said. “i am so grateful for the support of our scholarships, program endowments, and “During a period when most charitable wonderful donors and the very special people construction projects. organizations were dealing with reduced who provided the leadership for the Share

4 ShSU Heritage Magazine Spotlight

Left: SHSU dance students perform as part of the event’s entertainment. Below: Chairman Ron Mafrige thanked guests for supporting the campaign.

the Vision campaign, especially our chairman, attending received a star paperweight with the During the evening, those serving on Ron Mafrige (BBA ’60), who led the way Sh logo and “Share the Vision Celebration, the Executive leadership Council were with his generosity and encouragement,” said July 10, 2010” imprinted in gold. recognized for their commitment and time ShSU president Jim gaertner. Dancers from the ShSU Department of to the campaign. “Before we began planning this campaign, theatre and Dance performed with ribbons they include: Arnold Allemang, Charlie Ron was there providing the support and to Kool & the gang’s classic “Celebrate.” Amato, Jim Bexley, Karey Bresenhan, involving others. i regard him as a hero,” With voice-over effects, guests were Ronny Carroll, Kay Deahl, tim Deahl, lee said gaertner. “there were some who told, “on March 30, 2006, Sam houston Drain, gary Dudley, tom Freeman, Eleanor thought a $50 million goal was beyond State University embarked on its first ever garrett, glenda gordy, Dick hendee, John our reach. As we prepared to launch the comprehensive campaign with an ambitious hoyt, Robert hutson, preston Johnson and first capital campaign in the university’s goal of $50 million. tonight we celebrate Chuck Jones. history, he stepped up to the plate to the successful achievement of that goal Also, len Keeling, Ron Koska, Roger provide extraordinary giving that expressed and say ‘thank you’ to everyone who made lawrence, gib lewis, george Miles, Jane confidence in our ability to be successful.” contributions of time, expertise and financial Monday, Jack parker, phil pfeiffer, Becky Mafrige thanked those who have a resources to the effort. Rao, Kailas Rao, Joe Sandel, Winnie special place in their hearts for the university. “they have already begun to make a Sandel, Don Sanders, Ed Sandhop, “if it wasn’t for the participation of the difference in the lives of numerous students, Randy Stewart, Don Walker and many hundreds of people that love Sam faculty and others. You have provided the Carol Weller. houston, this goal could not have been ‘vision’ of opportunity. You are changing Jim gaertner delivered a toast to the achieved,” he said. lives and making things happen. people campaign, followed by the singing of the Approximately 350 people attended have stepped up everywhere to make Sam houston State University Alma Mater the event, held at the Bernard g. Johnson this possible. by vocalists from the School of Music. Coliseum on campus. “let’s continue the momentum to move A special song, “Forever ShSU,” written Members of the university’s Student forward as we celebrate our achievement by alumnus gary powell commemorating the Ambassadors greeted guests, and those of the goal.” success of the campaign was then performed.

FAll 2010 5 Left top: Russell and Glenda Gordy, with Dana Gibson. Left bottom: Judy and John Ragsdale. Right bottom: (From left) John McManners, Brian McCall, Charlie Friel and Jim Gaertner.

At the conclusion of the event, The Share the Vision “the responses to our requests for representatives from a variety of student financial support were critical to sustain organizations approached each donor, shook campaign was publicly our efforts. it seemed like whenever our their hands, and personally thanked them momentum just might be slowing a little for participating in the campaign. launched four years ago that an individual or two would come the Share the Vision campaign was as the university’s most forward to make a major gift that really publicly launched four years ago as the reinvigorated the campaign and lifted the university’s most ambitious and challenging ambitious and challenging spirits of our volunteer leaders and our advancement initiative in Sam houston development staff,” he said. State University’s history. advancement initiative “We are so proud and very grateful that During the campaign, the university our university has merited the generous received some of its largest gifts ever, in Sam Houston State support and involvement of so many including nine gifts of $1 million and more, University’s history. outstanding people. We cannot express our with an additional commitment of five thanks adequately or often enough to reveal deferred gifts of $1 million and more. how very fortunate we feel,” he said. prior to the campaign, the university in addition to the financial benefits, had received a $1 million gift in 1996 for increase in giving by members of the gaertner recognized the depth of the the College of Business Administration university community. Approximately $1.4 intangible benefits of the campaign. from an anonymous donor and a $1 million million was given or pledged by ShSU “in terms of exposure and the fact that pledge for the journalism program in 1986 faculty and staff. we have demonstrated the support that is from the houston Endowment that was “the generosity of our donors has been out there for the university, the campaign paid in two installments. heartening to us from the inception of the has been wonderful for Sam houston State the campaign also saw a dramatic campaign,” said gaertner. University,” he said. O

6 ShSU Heritage Magazine Spotlight people Make it happen

The following is taken he accepted the responsibility with little university’s employees now exceeds 80 percent, and adapted from remarks hesitation and subsequently made the which is extraordinary. presented by Frank Holmes, largest gift commitment that our university i would be remiss if i did not mention vice president for University had ever received up until that time. our consultants. Since Sam houston State Advancement, at the Share the next step was enlisting the Executive did not have a long fund-raising history and the Vision Celebration on leadership Council to provide guidance never conducted a major, comprehensive July 10, 2010. and visible support for the campaign, which gifts campaign, we sought and retained the it is people who make was absolutely critical to our success. our services of professional counsel. paul Blevins great things happen. Just a few years ago, requests for participation were eagerly of Cargill Associates in Fort Worth did an who would have thought it possible? Nearly embraced. Without question, the generous excellent job of working with our alumni, $60 million dollars received in commitments gifts of ElC members were important. friends, and staff, first conducting our for the Share the Vision campaign! thousands Moreover, their willingness to lend their good campaign survey and then holding our hand of our alumni and friends have shared the names in support of our very first campaign as we launched the campaign. vision in so many positive and meaningful was significant. our university owes a Behind the scenes of any successful ways that will impact our university forever. debt of gratitude to Ron and the Executive capital campaign for a major university is And, we are so grateful. leadership Council for promoting—and for a dedicated staff. Such is the case at Sam in thinking about the history of our sustaining—our campaign. houston State where the entire University campaign, i recalled that a wonderful Advancement Division’s staff has been and highly respected lady—Dr. Mary Thousands of our alumni invaluable. they are a great team in the Frances park—was interviewed during truest sense of the word, working together our campaign feasibility survey in 2004. and friends have shared to make a positive difference with donors the survey’s purpose was to gauge the the vision in so many and for our university. confidence level and potential support for Finally, on both a personal and a campaign by many of our outstanding positive and meaningful professional basis, i want to express constituents. Before Share the Vision was appreciation to Jim gaertner for his even announced, she sent the very first gift ways that will impact our vision and guidance and for understanding for the campaign and it was her largest university forever. And, what was needed to conduct a successful ever. At that point, i knew failure just was campaign and for providing the resources to not possible if someone of her great stature we are so grateful. do it. Additionally, he gave something even believed in and supported the concept of a more valuable to the campaign. he gave his campaign for her alma mater. our growing and developing Alumni time and attention—willingly, unselfishly After we decided to move forward with Association played a key role in our success. and very effectively. the campaign, we needed a prominent, Alumni leaders supported and promoted Vision is critical—and people make visible supporter to serve as its chair. the Share the Vision campaign, providing it happen. Again, thanks so very much president Jim gaertner, Business Dean R. programs and communication to help to everyone who supported the Share the Dean lewis, and i met with Ron Mafrige engage alumni with their alma mater in Vision campaign. You recognized a unique over dinner—strategically seating Ron in significant ways. opportunity in our university’s long and the corner. there was no easy escape route. our faculty and staff have been incredible. storied history and seized it. Sam houston We prevailed upon his incredible loyalty and During the campaign, approximately State University is better for what you have affection for Sam houston State by asking $1.5 million was given by our university’s done. You made a difference in our students’ him to serve as chair of the campaign. employees. the participation of giving by our lives by sharing the vision. O

FAll 2010 7 SHSU NAMES TEACHER EDUCATION CENTER IN HONOR OF

GARRETTS By Julia May, Photo by Brian Blalock

The Garretts have long been supporters of Texas education. University. only six honorary doctorates have been awarded in the university’s 131- year history. he building on the campus of support of elementary, secondary and the tSUS regents approved naming the Sam houston State University higher education. building the Eleanor and Charles garrett where thousands of texas in addition, Mrs. garrett received an teacher Education Center in appreciation educators prepare to nurture honorary Doctor of laws degree during of a noteworthy gift to the university’s the minds, skills and character Sam houston State University’s spring Share the Vision capital campaign from the tof the students they teach now has a name. commencement ceremonies. garretts. A formal dedication and naming Earlier this year the texas State it was the first time the university had ceremony took place on campus Aug. 6. University System Board of Regents awarded an honorary doctorate since the facility, completed in 1976, is approved the university’s request to name Bernard g. Johnson received one in 1987, approximately 87,000 square feet and its teacher Education Center in honor of and the only time that the honor has been houses faculty and staff offices, teaching alumna Eleanor garrett and her husband, bestowed during Jim gaertner’s nine-year labs, classrooms and service areas for the Charles, in recognition of their lifelong tenure as president of Sam houston State departments of curriculum and instruction;

8 ShSU Heritage Magazine Spotlight

Mrs. garrett was a visiting teacher in trinity County and taught at schools in Nederland, Vidor, port Neches and garland before she and her husband, Charles, an engineering graduate of lamar University, founded the garrett Metal Detector Company in 1964. Mr. garrett had a passion for treasure hunting, and the company was established Eleanor Garrett when she was a student at because of his desire to create a better metal Sam Houston State detector. After 15 successful years, the Teachers College. garretts expanded into the security industry. the company has grown into the world’s largest manufacturer of virtually all types of metal detection equipment including hobby, office of the dean; educational leadership prominence in special education as a law enforcement, security, and all-metal and counseling; and language, literacy faculty member who will teach in ShSU’s detection military devices. it provides walk- and special populations; and the adjoining College of Education, develop and through scanners and hand-held detection Counseling Education Center. broaden curriculum, conduct research, and wands at airports all over the world and “We are so very grateful for the collaborate with other educators through has furnished security equipment to all the thoughtful and generous support that training programs and dissemination summer olympic games and most of the Eleanor and Charles garrett have provided of information. winter olympics for over 25 years. for our College of Education and its the fellowships will be awarded annually the garretts also maintain a tree farm special education program, thus helping to to help finance the education of graduate in East texas and were honored with the enhance and solidify our college’s position students whose primary emphasis is texas tree Farmer of the Year Award from of leadership in instructing and developing special education. the texas Forestry Association in 2002. outstanding educators and administrators,” the garretts, who live in garland, are Mrs. garrett is a leader in many gaertner said. generous supporters of Sam houston State organizations, serving in local and state “the focus of their generosity occupies University. in 2003, they established the offices for the Daughters of the Republic a very special place in their hearts, which Eleanor Smith and Charles lewis garrett of texas and the Daughters of American makes their decision to give to Sam Endowment to provide scholarships for Colonists. She is an honorary past houston State even more meaningful to students majoring in elementary education. Division Regent of the Magna Charta those of us who know and value their Mrs. garrett served as a member of the Dames and Barons and a member of the friendship,” he said. “Mr. and Mrs. garrett ShSU Share the Vision campaign’s Executive Manakin huguenot Society, Daughters of are difference-makers in their business leadership Council and is a life Member the American Revolution, United States endeavors, their personal lives, and in their of the ShSU Alumni Association. She Daughters of 1812 and the Manx Society. support of education.” was named a Distinguished Alumna of the She was commissioned a “Yellow Rose their gift provides funding for two university in 2008. of texas” by gov. Rick perry, an award areas within the College of Education—the Both Mrs. garrett’s parents were teachers, given to honor texas women for outstanding Eleanor and Charles garrett Endowed and she grew up with the expectation that volunteer and community service. Chair for Special Education and the Eleanor she would carry on the family tradition of Mr. garrett, who served in the texas and Charles garrett graduate Fellowships teaching. She earned a Bachelor of Science National guard and U. S. Navy, was in Special Education. degree in education in 1954 and a Master of commissioned as an “Admiral in the texas Earnings from the endowed chair Education degree in 1955 at what was then Navy” by gov. perry for his outstanding will support an individual of national Sam houston State teachers College. volunteerism and community service. O

FAll 2010 9 BOOKSHELF Twenty-one books published by SHSU faculty members showcase the work professors do outside the classroom.

2009 power of the sexual, maternal, feminine divine—in readily mix Islam with non-Islamic practices. hopes of creating a new image of the total, sacred Kimé (paris), 2009—210 pages A Concordance of Pablo Picasso’s female whose sexuality, creativity, spirituality, and Spanish Writings, Volumes I and II maternity can reside comfortably in the bodies of Ruffled Flourishes Enrique Mallen, professor of Spanish, compiles everyday heroines. The novel by Peter Roussel, one of the mass a comprehensive concordance of Pablo Picasso’s McFarland, 2009—248 pages communication department’s Warner Endowed writings, analyzing common themes such as the Chairs in Journalism, draws from his experience Mediterranean, bullfights, still-lifes, landscapes Gibbons v. Ogden, Law and Society as a White House press spokesman. The story is and eroticism. The concordance was awarded the in the Early Republic told through the perspective of Sox St. Louis, the Adele Mellen Prize for Distinguished Contribution Thomas H. Cox, assistant professor of history, intrepid deputy press secretary to the president, to Scholarship. provides the first book-length treatment of the who is besieged by the media on a daily basis Edwin Mellen press, 2009—928 pages landmark 1824 Supreme Court decision that gave as he attempts to communicate the actions and Congress the power to regulate commerce among motivations of the executive office to the ravenous Antología Crítica de la Poesía the states. The case arose from a dispute between press corps. del Lenguaje two steamboat owners to become a constitutional Bright Sky, 2009—256 pages Enrique Mallen, professor of Spanish, provides debate over the meaning of commerce in early a critical analysis of the Latin American literary American society. Gibbons v. Ogden provides The Instructional Leadership Toolbox: movement known as Neobarroco, which shows the historical context for one of the Supreme A Handbook for Improving Practice certain similarities to North American Language Court’s most significant decisions—a decision Sandra Lee Gupton, visiting professor of educational Poetry, featuring such prestigious Latin-American that is still taught in constitutional law courses leadership, deals with the principal’s role in poets as Carlos Germán Belli, Carmen Berenguer, and continues to influence cases involving facilitating leadership that integrates multiple Coral Bracho, Gerardo Deniz, Roberto Echavarren, interstate trade. sources representing all stakeholder populations— Eduardo Espina, Reynaldo Jiménez, José Kozer, Ohio University press, 2009—264 pages. teachers, students, parents, and community José Morales Saravia and David Rosenmann-Taub. members. Written from the perspective that shared Editorial Aldus (Mexico), 2009—378 pages. L’islam mis en relation: Le roman leadership is the preferred orientation for today’s francophone de l’Afrique de l’Ouest school principal in all domains of responsibility, Dancing in the Flames: Spiritual Shirin Edwin, assistant professor of French, she focuses on the vital role of instructional Journey in the Novels of Lee Smith analyzes the political, social and post-colonial leadership … to help school leaders ensure the Linda Byrd Cook, associate professor of English, interaction of Islam in a selection of West African most important part of any school’s mission: that examines Lee Smith’s novel-length fiction and the Francophone novels, correcting some of the classrooms are places where teachers are effectively powerful reflection of the author’s personal search theoretical imbalances by recognizing not only the teaching and students are successfully learning. for and journey toward spiritual reconciliation. syncretic aspects of Islam as it is practiced in West Corwin press, 2009—216 pages Chapters describe how Smith has retrieved in her African societies but also its orthodox and strict fiction a source of transformative power—the versions where African Muslims do not always

10 ShSU Heritage Magazine UNIVERSITy FoCUS

Forgive us Our Press Passes: essays on how our changing views of violence in as well as attempts and rumors, of U.S. presidents, The Mickey Herskowitz Collection II a post-9/11 world inform our understanding of a providing an analysis of the president, the Mickey Herskowitz, one of the mass communication writer whose fiction abounds in violence. Among the assassin, and the events that shaped their arrival department’s Warner Endowed Chairs in Journalism, essays is one by Donahoo, “Everything That Rises at that place in time, as well as describing the shares 85 of his sports articles, covering nearly Does Not Converge: The State of O’Connor Studies.” assassination or attempt itself and the long-term 20 years, in eight categories: football, baseball, University of Tennessee press, 2010—277 pages impacts of the crime. basketball, horseracing, golf, boxing, patriotism praeger, 2010—240 pages and sports, and tributes to departed sports greats. Flint Among the grand panorama of American sports Assistant professor of curriculum and instruction Reading Ladders: Learning Students Herskowitz covers are Jarrin’ John Kimbrough, the Robert (Bob) Maninger’s murder/mystery novel, set From Where They Are To Where We’d Junction Boys of Bear Bryant, the Cowboys of Tom in the small Oklahoma community, follows Dr. Bill Like Them To Be Landry, the thundering runs of Earl Campbell, from Spence’s pursuit of a ruthless serial killer, who is Teri S. Lesesne, professor of library science, aims the splendor of Ted Williams to the feats of Hank trying to frame the Cheyenne for the murders. at literacy experts (teachers, librarians, coaches, Aaron, and from Wilt the Stilt to Michael Jordan. Aberdeen Bay, 2010—128 pages administrators) to discuss how to motivate students Halcyon press, 2008 (released 2009)—256 pages in grades 4 – 12 to read, read more widely, and read Global Organized Crime: increasingly more complex books. A Reference Handbook Heinemann, 2010—144 pages. 2010 Mitchel Roth, professor of criminal justice, examines the continuum of international and The Ethnic Dimension Crime and Punishment: A History global organized crime from the 17th century age in American History, 4th ed. of Criminal Justice, 2nd ed. of piracy to the present, looking at the impact of James Olson, distinguished professor of history, Mitchel Roth, professor of criminal justice, updates globalization on the growth of international surveys immigration in U.S. history, including the the history of criminal justice to the impact of the crime syndicates. interaction between ethnic groups, religions, and current age of terrorism on the criminal justice ABC-CLIO, 2010—300 pages racial minorities and the political and public policy system, examining recent trends in white-collar controversies surrounding them. crime, constitutional issues, the decline in violent Killing the President: Assassinations, Wiley-Blackwell, 2010—392 pages crime and other issues. Attempts, and Rumored Attempts on U.S. Cengage, 2010—448 pages Commanders-in-Chief Will Oliver, professor of criminal justice, and Flannery O’Connor in the Age of co-author Nancy Marion, from the University Terrorism: Essays on Violence and Grace of Akron in Ohio, offer a concise study of every Professor of English Robert Donahoo and Grand presidential assassination, attempt, and rumor, Valley State University associate professor of including more contemporary incidences. Each English Avis Hewitt edited the collection of 15 chapter focuses on an American assassination,

FAll 2010 11 TEXAS REVIEW GIVES STUDENTS GOOD pRESS

Since its establishment in 1979, the Texas Review Press has grown from a one-book-a-year press to one that publishes 14 per year. Founded by Texas State University System Regents’ Professor Paul Ruffin, the TRP sponsors four international book competitions and publishes an additional eight to 12 books for international, regional, and local audiences. Each year the press also publishes two issues of The Texas Review, an international literary journal, and an issue of The Sam Houston State Review, Textbooks & Chapters Successful Inclusion Strategies for Early a journal for SHSU students. Childhood Teachers The primary focus of TRP is poetry and fiction, Managerial Communication: Cynthia Simpson, associate professor of special from authors ranging from well-known American Strategies and Applications, 5th ed. education, and Laverne Warner, Professor Emerita writers, including Pulitzer Prize winners, to those Geraldine Hynes, associate professor of general of early childhood education, provide practical who have never published a book. business, addresses current trends, summarizes approaches for teachers of early childhood In addition, it serves as an outlet in which relevant research, and provides guidelines for inclusion classrooms. both graduate and undergraduate creative writing strategic managerial communication for the prufrock press, 2009—140 pages and English students gain practical experience in contemporary workplace. editing, publishing and layout work. McGraw-Hill, 2010—432 pages College Planning for Students with “One of the things I’m proudest of is the Learning Disabilities graduate Editing/Publishing class,” Ruffin said. Laboratory Exercises in Human Cynthia Simpson and Vicky Spencer, assistant “There we do something no other creative writing Physiology: A Clinical and Experimental director of operations at the Kellar Institute for program in the country does: we provide our Approach, 2nd ed. Human Disabilities at George Mason University, students with the opportunity to solicit material William Lutterschmidt, professor of biological supply a unique reference book that serves as for a book, edit the manuscript, and design the sciences, and his sister Deborah Lutterschmidt, a handbook for college-bound kids with cover. The end product is a book edited by them and an assistant professor at Portland State University, learning disabilities. published by an established university press. introduce important and fundamental concepts prufrock press, 2009—250 pages. “Their book is featured in the consortium catalog, in physiology while allowing students to investigate and it is sold all over the world; it is listed on concepts within an experimental approach Teaching Children with Autism in the amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com and numerous to learning. General Education Classroom other online outlets,” he said. “Do a Google search McGraw-Hill, 2009—224 pages Cynthia Simpson and Vicky Spencer introduce on one of those student editors, and their book pops inclusionary practices that serve children with up. Having that book to their credit is most valuable Social Marketing for Public Health: autism, giving teachers the practical advice when they start searching for a job.” Global Trends and Success Stories they need to ensure each student receives a Topics have included high school mascots, Mass communication instructor Ruth Massingill quality education. Hurricane Katrina, The Wynne Home, and fiction and examines how social marketing initiatives are prufrock press, 2009—350 pages. nonfiction from Texas Death Row. changing cultural behaviors to reverse the rate of “One of the most delightful things for me HIV/AIDS infections in the book’s fourth chapter, is being able to send royalty checks to those “Love, Sex, and AIDS: Using Social Marketing to students,” Ruffin said. “Not a lot of money, true, Redefine Gender Norms among Mexican Youth.” but how many college students can take a friend Jones and Bartlett, 2009—422 pages out for a nice dinner and say ‘My royalty check paid for this meal’?” SHSU’s Texas Review Press has more than 100 titles in print available through the consortium’s Web site, at http://www.tamupress.com, which includes a timely and lively blog about books, book events and reviews, book news and features. O

12 ShSU Heritage Magazine UNIVERSITy ShSU FACUltY MEMBERS ShARE FoCUS EXpERiENCES AS FUlBRight SCholARS

The Fulbright Scholar Program is the flagship international exchange program of the United States and provides grants, which allow distinguished academics to spend extended periods of time studying and teaching at foreign universities.

hree Sam houston State University faculty members are teaching and conducting research abroad after receiving grants from the tprestigious Fulbright Scholar program. thomas Cox, assistant professor of history, is teaching American history in Above: Thomas Cox at the ruins China; Corliss lentz, associate professor of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. of political science, is lecturing in public Left: Cox visiting the Beijing Botanical Gardens. administration at the University of Zambia and conducting research on people with hiV/AiDS; and Velvet Nelson, assistant professor of geography, is lecturing in Slovenia and working with students to examine issues associated with tourism. Recipients of Fulbright awards are selected on the basis of academic or professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their fields. in the oct. 23, 2009 issue of the Chronicle By summer’s end my thoughts turned Changchun is a university town, industrial of higher Education, Sam houston State more to the influence of Confucianism on center, and former capital of the Japanese was named one of the top U. S. producers of the development of Chinese philosophy puppet state of Manchukuo in the 1930s. Fulbright Scholars. than the influence of mercantilism on the At NENU i taught graduate level in the following, the ShSU faculty development of American capitalism. this classes in American constitutional history, members provide an insight into their newly found interest inspired me to apply American historiography, the American experiences as Fulbright Scholars this year. for a Fulbright teaching fellowship to China. Revolution, and American thought and As daily news reports remind us, culture. i found my students to be highly Thomas Cox the U.S. and China currently face a motivated and genuinely interested in all My journey from the piney woods of East range of economic, environmental, and things American. through class discussions texas to the plains of northern China began, human rights issues. the need for mutual and weekly round table conversations oddly enough, in southern New Jersey. understanding has never been greater. over lunch we explored the intricacies of in summer 2008 i received a grant to When i received the grant, i felt exhilarated U.S-Chinese relations. in many ways my research American economic history at at the possibility of contributing to such a students became my teachers, introducing princeton University. A friend referred me process. the Fulbright commission assigned me to the subtleties of daily life in China. to a biology professor who rented rooms to me to Northeast Normal University in in addition to my teaching, i enrolled visiting scholars. For the next two months i Changchun, located in China’s “northern in a Chinese language school and for three lived with a Chinese family and interacted neck” above the Korean peninsula. hours a week struggled to learn the basics daily with Asian history professors. Featured in the movie “the last Emperor,” of “Beijing standard” (Mandarin Chinese).

FAll 2010 13 i also presented papers at universities in Zhuhai, Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Nanjing. My travel experiences included photographing a glacier lake at the summit of Mount Changbaishan on the North Korean border, wandering Left: Corliss Lentz (far right) at a book turnover ceremony. through Singapore’s Muslim and indian Right: An AIDS-free baby in Zambia. neighborhoods, exploring cathedrals in Macau, studying Buddhism at a Bangkok monastery, and snorkeling off coral reefs in the Andaman Sea. i watched the sun rise many acquaintances. Although the offices and classrooms flood. Deep potholes over Angkor Wat in Cambodia, crawled accommodations are a bit rustic, we have in the road which surrounds the university through tunnels beneath the Korean electricity and running water but, alas, no are treacherous. the university calendar is a Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), and walked air conditioning. the real downer here is the guess of semester dates. A three-hour class the philosopher’s path in Kyoto, Japan. hot season, September to April. We have will meet three times a week but at different to be certain, adjusting to the had a bit of time to travel to livingstone to times each day and in a variety of locations, bureaucracy and culture of a developing see Victoria Falls and plan to visit a game which may change mid-semester. in spite country proved challenging. i also dealt park in August. there isn’t enough time to of the poor infrastructure, the quality of with daily temperature of below zero see all the places we want to visit in Zambia the teaching is very good. Most faculty in during Changchun’s coldest winter in and other parts of Africa. my department hold master’s or doctoral 60 years. Nevertheless, my friends and in March i was invited by the U. S. degrees from western universities. colleagues never failed to help me meet the Embassy to be one of four women panelists My research focuses on an examination complexities of Changchun life. (two American and two Zambian) in an of the president’s Emergency plan for After a year in China, i am ready to come international Women’s Day forum to hiV/AiDS Relief (pEpFAR), which was home. But i will return to Sam houston discuss women’s rights in the U.S. and begun by president george W. Bush in State with a deeper appreciation for different Zambia. i also presented the keynote 2003 and reauthorized in 2008. there has cultures, new perspectives on both American paper at an Education Symposium on been great success here in Zambia due and Chinese history, many new colleagues, Zambian Education at UNZA in May. in to pEpFAR—the medical infrastructure and cross-cultural teaching experiences June i participated in a “book turnover” expanded, education programs started, which will enrich my classes at ShSU. ceremony to give the UNZA library about and 250,000 Zambians now receive anti- 100 books and textbooks on political topics retroviral therapies (ARVS). But, with Corliss lentz that i brought from the U.S. Most books reauthorization due in 2013, policy makers My husband and i arrived in Zambia were donated by U.S. book publishers, need to know if the program is working. in December 2009. So far our Zambian and i purchased a number of books using My research focuses on the success of experience is very enjoyable. this is our Fulbright book funds. the ARV therapy by interviewing people third trip to Zambia. We love Zambia and teaching at UNZA has been an with hiV/AiDS who receive ARVS. So wanted to return to further my research on interesting experience. Many lecturers teach far we’ve interviewed 118 respondents, people with hiV/AiDS. large survey courses with 250 students as with more interviews scheduled for a total My Fulbright Scholarship is primarily part of their three-course teaching load. of about 200. the survey asks respondents for lecturing in public administration at the Students in all the classes take an essay final to discuss their health symptoms before University of Zambia but there is ample examination that must be graded by the and after ARVS. other questions involve time to conduct research. My husband instructor. i team-taught an undergraduate family and financial issues, cultural issues, retired from industry before we left the U.S. course and also taught a small graduate marital history, food situations, and personal and has been devoting his time to capacity class both semesters. behavior. the one-hour interviews are building with orphanages. the campus infrastructure leaves conducted in private with a translator. We rent a three-bedroom house at much to be desired. the classrooms are in it has been rewarding and heartbreaking a theological college where we have deplorable shape. During rainy season many to discuss the problems of the poor burdened

14 ShSU Heritage Magazine UNIVERSITy FoCUS

Left: Velvet Nelson in her classroom in Slovenia. Right: A view of Koper from the University of Primorska.

by hiV/AiDS. it is heartwarming to see i had not previously worked in Central how well these people have responded to Europe, coming to Slovenia has been a great the drug therapy and that our government opportunity for me. the work that i have has been instrumental in restoring their done here has allowed me to draw upon health and keeping them alive to raise their my previous experience, while gaining new children. Several of the respondents have insights into my teaching and a new focus in thanked me for American support. We my research. disciplines in the Faculty of humanities Americans have a right to be proud of this originally, my interest in Slovenia and Social Sciences at the University wonderful program. came from my research focus. Much of my of primorska (Koper). this has been a Another research project has research has been in the area of tourism valuable experience for me to find out emerged—to survey pastors of several geography because i think tourism provides how students in Slovenia view the United denominations to determine what type of the opportunity to study many different States and also how students in Slovenia sermons and projects are given in their types of geographic issues in a very exciting understand the world compared with congregations to change behavior and context. While i have generally examined students in the United States. promote hiV/AiDS awareness. pastors and the issues of the well-developed Caribbean i have also given lectures on topics church leaders of at least two denominations destination region, i was looking for an in both tourism geography and regional will be surveyed at their annual synod opportunity to expand on this base and geography to students and professors in meetings. Data from this project will result examine some of the issues of an emerging other faculties and universities in Slovenia, in church-based workshops in october to destination region, like Central Europe. including the Faculty of tourism at the help pastors, evangelists, and elders bring Slovenia has incredible tourism potential University of primorska (portorož) and hiV/AiDS issues into their sermons and and is currently seeking to expand its the Department of geography at both the leadership activities. industry, particularly in the coastal University of ljubljana and the University i resume teaching at ShSU in January primorska region where i am based. of Maribor. 2011. i plan to incorporate my research Although i occasionally teach an elective i also had the opportunity to lecture findings into my graduate and undergraduate course in tourism geography, much of my at the newly-created Euro-Mediterranean policy classes, where i focus on international teaching has been in the area of regional University (portorož) that brings together health policy. i will teach about the role of geography with regularly taught courses in a diverse set of students from across the personal behavior in contributing to the world regional geography and the regional Mediterranean region, including countries spread of hiV/AiDS throughout Africa and geography of North America. i think in both Europe and North Africa. discuss the important role our government has regional geography plays an important Ultimately, my experiences in Slovenia had in combating the spread of hiV/AiDS. role in expanding students’ awareness and have helped me to combine these two understanding of the world they live in. areas of interest—tourism geography and velvet nelson this semester, i have taught a variant of regional geography. i am currently working one of the great things about being a the world regional geography course that on a project that uses regional geography geographer is that places all over the world focuses on the two Western hemisphere to examine the way in which Slovenia can be potential study sites and contribute regions (North America and Middle/South is situated as a tourism destination in to our professional development. Although America) to first-year students across the Europe. O

FAll 2010 15 A DIRTy JOB

John Strait

Professor Gets Taste Of Antiquated Tradition With Geophagy Research by African Americans, some of whom eventually moved north to such places as Chicago during the great Migration here is a soul food restaurant the tradition of geophagy extends throughout the 20th century. on the south side of Chicago back to Native Americans, with evidence “geophagy is practiced everywhere; it’s where busses of tourists stop indicating that it was practiced in varying not specific to the black population,” Strait to get a taste of Deep South degrees throughout the Americas, but it is said. “A lot of the work that i do focuses on cuisine: chitlins, greens and a more commonly associated with the earliest African influences, and in the Deep South it’s tside of pan-fried clay. presence of slaves because the practice is generally perceived to be strongly prevalent throughout his years of researching as characteristic throughout Sub-Saharan because of African slaves brought here.” an urban and socio-economic geographer, Africa, the source of most slaves that came Strait’s research in “blues culture” Sam houston State University associate to North America. encompasses the broader cultural environment professor of geography John Strait has “i would describe the existence of it from which the music evolved, informed by encountered a number of people who in America in that manner, because the and reflecting the cultural conditions that practice geophagy, the eating of clay or Victorian tradition wouldn’t have adopted make the Delta somewhat unique—Jim Crow soil-like substances. something from Native Americans to begin segregation; cotton agriculture; sharecropping; Strait has eaten the “side dish,” what he with, other than eating corn when it was economic, social and political apartheid; said is served in Chicago like a condiment. necessary to live,” he said. “it would be safe maintenance of African traditions, including “it looked like what i would say are to say that the American population did food traditions such as geophagy; and African cucumbers, but they were slices of clay, and not adopt this from Native Americans.” expressions, including religion. it was pan-fried, served with vinegar and After the Civil War the Mississippi “in places like the Mississippi Delta, pepper,” he said. Delta area became more densely populated where my research has taken me, there is

16 ShSU Heritage Magazine UNIVERSITy FoCUS

By Jennifer gauntt

a fairly strong presence of African culture has talked with people who claim to “it goes beyond just the soil quality. historically and has been since it was settled, remember eating it when they were kids.” As people in France will tell you it’s not so it’s where African traditions are most however, in places like juke joints, just the soil that makes French wine the strongly maintained,” he said. blues clubs and soul food restaurants such best; it’s how the grapevine is cultivated, While the practice has been viewed as the one in Chicago, clay can still be it’s how its pruned, it’s because ‘we’re the as “backward” and generally has a stigma purchased. Strait recalled witnessing this best wine makers in the world.’ there’s a attached to it, associated with poverty, with Asian tourists when he revisited a sort of territoriality about it,” he said. “i there are a number of reasons why people Chicago restaurant, whose owner also ran think that’s what’s evident here. Certain consume clay. a beauty salon. clays from certain places are perceived “people take Kaopectate, which is “i found out by talking to the owner to have this quality because of people technically clay, for a stomachache; some that there are a couple of tours that come expressing an attachment to home, literally people say they eat it because it tastes good; through the neighborhood fairly frequently, and figuratively. in haiti, they obviously eat it because that’s and they come in and eat soul food for “Being a geographer, i’m interested in what’s available,” Strait said. the first time,” he said. “then i realized geographical variation over space, why “What i can tell at this point is that that pretty soon, you started seeing these this aspect of culture is different here than among white southerners, the two jars of clay with nicer labels and labeled over there,” he said. “So even the same populations who would consume it the Mississippi, so you have Mississippi clay cultural practice, consuming something, most were pregnant women and young being sold to an Asian tourist in Chicago. might manifest itself differently in kids, primarily for dietary or nutritional i have witnessed this kind of thing on a different regions.” purposes. When you have a limited diet, number of occasions. the idea of geophagy as an area of study or possess specific dietary needs (like that “it’s actually become part of the culture is relatively unforaged; Strait said he had of pregnant women), it would alleviate that’s being consumed, literally, by someone never considered it an area of “expertise” deficiencies,” he said. “But also among else. if they want to experience African until he was approached by a Food & Wine white men who perceived this to be American culture for a day, they go there; eat magazine reporter and realized there hasn’t something that would make them more the food, eat the clay, in a nice authentic place; been a lot of research in the area. sexually virile.” get their hair done; get their picture taken,” he he and a colleague are planning an oral Among those living in the Mississippi said. “i don’t think that’s really wide-spread, history project on geophagy, documenting Delta region today, the average African and i don’t think you could go to every place and interviewing people about their American under the age of 50 has probably and see all these tourists from around the personal experiences with the practice. never heard of the practice, and even older world going to eat clay, but in that particular “it’s something that has really piqued people who may have been familiar with the incident, there were certainly tourists.” my interest in trying to give this writer tradition likely don’t look favorably upon it this, in part, is where the geography information,” he said. “it seems unique, it’s now, according to Strait. comes into play. something i can involve students with and “i only know six or seven people whom “As a geographer, one of the things that it fits in with some of the other stuff that i i’ve talked to in person that claim to have interested me most was not that there’s this do that focuses on blues culture because it’s eaten it,” he said. “A colleague of mine, tradition where people eat clay but that essentially somewhat specific to that cultural who works in the Delta and whom i have people perceive certain clays to have certain environment. plus, i think it’s pretty cool; worked with for these field classes (taking properties and certain qualities based on not too many people you run across do students to the region during the summer), where it’s from,” Strait said. research on people eating dirt.” O

FAll 2010 17 ShARiNg hiS SUCCESS

Tommy Frank was able to start a college career because of degrees in industrial education were two scholarships. Today, he and his wife, pat, are helping Sam Stephen F. Austin and Sam houston State. So after taking classes at lamar for two Houston State university students by providing scholarships. years, he decided to change colleges. his cousin, a teacher, was married to (former university president) Dr. harmon ommy Frank grew up with a As a youngster in Beaumont, Frank lowman’s brother, and she encouraged strong work ethic and a deep- discovered that he had a talent and a love Frank to attend Sam houston State. seated faith that stressed the for woodworking. When he was 14 years “i loved Sam houston,” he said. “i’ve had importance of sharing. old, he built his first boat. the opportunity to be involved with several Coming from a family inspired by his woodworking teacher, educational programs, and Sam houston twith modest means, he worked his way Frank decided to go to college to become has always been at the top, because i always from a delivery truck helper for Conn’s a woodworking teacher himself. felt comfortable there. Appliances in 1957 when he was a teenager “i was the first person in my family “At Sam houston, i was able to have to chief executive officer and chairman of to go to college,” he said. “i enrolled in a very personal relationship with all my the corporation before retiring in 2009. lamar University as the recipient of two teachers,” he said. “it didn’t matter if they With a generous spirit and a desire to scholarships and with a job at Conn’s taught industrial education, or English, give back, he and his wife have established Appliances making $1 an hour.” or math, or history. they all wanted you the thomas J. and patsy p. Frank industrial he continued to pursue his goal of to succeed. they cared about you, and technology Scholarship Endowment with a teaching. however, at that time the only they wanted to make sure you got a $500,000 gift annuity. two schools in the area that offered teaching good education.”

18 ShSU Heritage Magazine BUILDING THE ViSioN

ShARiNg hiS SUCCESS By Julia May, photos by paul olle

Tommy Frank in his woodworking shop.

With a generous spirit and a desire to give back, he and his wife have established the Thomas J. and Patsy P. Frank Industrial Technology Scholarship Endowment with a $500,000 gift annuity.

Frank commuted from Conroe and including distribution, service, credit, “i have been financially successful well worked three jobs to pay for school. he information technology, accounting and beyond my imagination,” he said. delivered the houston post on weekends, general operations. “My parents had a very modest income worked at a convenience store, and cut in 1980, he completed harvard when i was growing up, and i was able to grass at the trailer park where he lived. University’s Small Company Management start college because of a $50 scholarship from With all the demands on his time, he still program, which offered graduate work Monroe Dry Cleaners and a $100 scholarship made good grades, was inducted into Alpha in business for senior executives of small from the American legion Auxiliary,” he said. Chi honor Society, and graduated in 1963 companies. that year, he was also named to “one of the things that was impressed with honors and a degree in industrial arts. Conn’s board of directors. upon me at harvard was that as you he was offered and took a teaching he became Conn’s CEo and chairman become successful and acquire wealth, and fellowship at texas A&M University. of the board in 1994, and from then until his along with the aging process, giving back to however, with the arrival of his first child, retirement in 2009, the company grew from others is a part of your success,” he said. he had to leave before completing his thesis 21 stores and $100 million in annual sales to “Also, my upbringing in the Catholic and getting his master’s degree. 72 stores and $1 billion in annual sales. church taught me that giving is a part of he taught in public school for a short time. today, he spends his time with his life,” he said. But when C. W. Conn offered him a job back wife, pat, and family on his ranch outside “When i was asked about giving to in Beaumont with a much more lucrative of Beaumont. Sam houston State, i saw that there was salary than what he was making as a teacher, Although he is officially retired, he says a vehicle in place that met my objectives of he decided to go into the business world. he is still working. But this time, it’s in a making a gift that would be funded after my “Conn’s was a small company at the very different environment. death, while still having income for my wife time, and they were interested in growing,” “i work every day in the fields, on my and i as long as we are alive,” he said. Frank said. tractor, at our ponds—and i love it,” he said. “it was in line with my beliefs and he became certified to teach Dale he especially enjoys having time with pat. foundation that came from lessons learned in Carnegie Management Seminar classes, and “She is a vital part of my success,” he said. church and from my parents about success for the next 20 years he taught in houston the Franks put much thought into and the value of giving back,” he said. “i and worked at Conn’s, holding key making their generous gift to Sam houston was glad to know that Sam houston State positions in all areas of the organization, State University. University had that kind of a program.” O

FAll 2010 19 NEW pERFoRMiNg ARtS CENtER opENS

his summer, faculty and with the finest lighting and acoustics in performing arts education by raising money staff began moving into Sam the industry. and establishing an endowment for the future houston State University’s the new center features an 800-seat of the facility, faculty and students in new performing Arts Center concert hall, a recital hall and dance theater, ShSU’s performing arts programs. and preparing for the return as well as an outdoor performance arena, the pAC opening offers opportunities oft classes in the fall. studios, rehearsal space, production facilities for honoring former faculty, graduates the spectacular venue is sure to and a spectacular lobby adorned with or family members by naming a room, become a showplace in Southeast texas commissioned artwork. stage, seat or other part of the facility. and a crowning feature on campus. With the pAC will be dedicated on Sept. 30 in addition, major sponsors are needed improvements to the existing University with a ribbon cutting and opening celebration. for Encore to help establish the performing theatre Center complementing the new the premier season will include music, theater Arts Endowment. 92,000-square-foot complex, the next and dance performances, culminating on For more information, contact the generation of performing arts teachers April 30, 2011, with Encore: See Sam Houston Development office in University and professionals will train and perform Light Up the Stage. this event will enrich Advancement at 936.294.4061. O

20 ShSU Heritage Magazine EyE ON THE KAtS

By paul Ridings, photos by Brian Blalock

FRITz FACING CHALLENGES WITH OpTIMISM

Willie Fritz has definite goals for the SHSu football program both on and off the field.

fter his first six months on where he visited six high schools and three the job, Willie Fritz is more of the coaches were Bearkats.” excited about being at Sam the “winningest” coach in the University houston than he was when of Central Missouri’s 113-year football he was named as the 14th history, Fritz rolled up a 97-47 record as the Ahead football coach in Bearkat history Mules’ head coach from 1997 to 2009. he “Block party” that continues today. the Kats last December. produced a 39-5-1 record and two national have blocked 90 kicks in the past 19 seasons “the reception our football staff has junior college championships at Blinn from including 64 punt blocks, 18 field goals and received across the state has been fantastic,” 1993 to 1995. eight points after attempts. Fritz said. “Everywhere we’ve been in “it’s tremendous to be back in texas and the new coach faces a special challenge the community, people are excited about see the passion people have for football,” his first season in 2010. Never in Sam Bearkat football. in April, we had the most Fritz said. “texas high schools are our houston’s 23 years in the Southland successful football auction we’ve ever had, No. 1 priority, especially the houston area. Conference has a Bearkat team lost as many and this summer, season ticket sales are it has been big for our new coaches to lettermen from one season to the next. going well.” get out to their new recruiting areas and only 28 of the 60 players who lettered Even more important to the coach, who establish relationships.” on last year’s 5-6 team return this fall. the owns an overall record of 220 victories and 66 Fritz is no stranger to Sam houston previous high total of lettermen lost was losses in a 28-year career as both a head coach State. he served as a graduate assistant 28 in 1993 when the Bearkats went 2-5 in and an assistant, is the reception the coaching for Kat squads that went 16-6 in both 1984 Southland Conference action. staff has found in texas high schools. and 1985 and won the 1985 gulf Star “our staff has visited close to 700 high Conference championship. Fritz returned Fritz faces the challenge with optimism. schools this spring and the response has as the secondary and special teams coach “With only five scholarship seniors been excellent,” Fritz said. “All our coaches for the Bearkats in 1991 and 1992. returning, our young players definitely are came back talking about how many Sam As special teams coach during the 1991 going to have plenty of opportunities to play houston graduates there are coaching in the Southland championship season, Fritz this year,” Fritz said. “that was a big selling high schools. A staff member had one day started a special teams tradition called the point for us in recruiting last January, and

FAll 2010 21 we’re really excited about the young players we signed. “Our No. 1 goal for all of “Counting red-shirts and lettermen, we return about 50 players and this spring we our student-athletes is got to see what the guys could do. We’re to get their degree. Also, definitely inexperienced. But the players showed an outstanding work ethic during I want guys to have a the spring and will continue to make passion for football.” progress as we move through the season.” Fritz has put together an outstanding Willie Fritz, ShSU new football coach “our No. 1 goal for all of our student- coaching staff that includes two former athletes is to get their degree,” Fritz said. Southland Conference head coaches, Scott “Also, i want guys to have a passion for Stoker of Northwestern State and Bob football. i want guys who are interested DeBessee of texas State, who will serve as Monticello (offensive line) and Anthony in getting stronger, quicker and faster and defensive and offensive coordinators. Johnson from the University of texas being the best football players that they can Jeff Conway came with Fritz from (running backs). be and never losing sight of the fact that Central Missouri to serve as assistant head “i’m proud of the staff we have assembled they want to be on a championship team. coach and wide receivers coach. other here at Sam houston,” Fritz said. “they are “i also want to make sure that i lead guys staff members are Ben Beasley from excellent coaches with a lot of energy.” in the right direction so our guys leave here Northwestern State (safeties), Johnny Fritz and his staff have definite goals for a better person than when they came. last Jernigan from Murray State (defensive the ShSU football program both on and but not least, we want to do all these things line), Derek Warehime from Arkansas- off the field. in the right way.” O

22 ShSU Heritage Magazine EyE ON THE KAtS

‘BAttlE oF thE piNEY WooDS’ By paul Ridings

“The Battle of the Piney Woods is one of the great traditions in college football in the state of Texas.” Jamey Rootes, lSSE president

a new chapter in the “Battle of the piney Woods” More than 60 athletes who went on to football rivalry begins this fall. play in the National Football league and 52 who earned NCAA Division i All-America honors have participated in past “Battle of the piney Woods” games. ince its birth in 1923, the Among the state’s college rivalries in With both Sam houston and Stephen F. annual gridiron grudge match both FCS and the NCAA Football Bowl Austin competing in the same league since between the Bearkats and Subdivision (FBS) that have played annually the two began competing, the winner of the the lumberjacks has been since World War ii, the ShSU-SFA series “piney Woods” showdown has gone on to something special. stands as the seventh longest. only texas- become conference champion 15 times. Sam SWith 84 meetings, the series ranks texas A&M (115 games), Baylor-texas A&M houston holds a 48-34-2 edge in the series. as the second oldest NCAA Division i (106), Baylor-texas (98), SMU-tCU (88), the Bearkats have won 10 conference titles Football Championship Subdivision rivalry SMU-Rice (86) and Sam houston-texas in their football history while SFA has in texas. State (86) have totaled more meetings. totaled five.

FAll 2010 23 With both Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin playing in the same league since the two began competing, the winner of the “Piney Woods” showdown has gone on to become conference champion 15 times. at Nacogdoches. this fray was marked by Since that 2001 game, six of the nine unusual roughness and hard playing.” contests have been decided by less than in 1930, a victory over SFA propelled Sam a touchdown. the move of the series to Reliant houston to its first conference championship “that shows you how competitive this Stadium for the next four seasons comes as a 20-0 shutout in huntsville completed rivalry has become,” Sam houston Director from a partnership between lone Star a 9-1 season with a texas intercollegiate of Athletics Bobby Williams said. “We’re Sports & Entertainment and the two Athletic Association championship. excited about bringing this fantastic rivalry universities. lSSE is an independent event Between 1926 and 1941, both teams to houston fans.” management company which is closely ended their seasons with the “Battle of the the winner of the “Battle of the piney affiliated with the NFl’s houston texans. piney Woods” contest. ten times, the game Woods” earns more than bragging rights. “the Battle of the piney Woods is one of was played on thanksgiving day. the pair Since 2007, a 21-pound solid cedar trophy the great traditions in college football in the met in season finale matchups 23 more that displays replica pistols, similar to the state of texas, and we are proud to bring it times from 1949 to 1983. the rivalry settled pistols that were on the original “piney to Reliant Stadium,” said lSSE president on a mid-october date after both moved up Woods” trophy in the ‘70s, awaits the game Jamey Rootes. “We want to make Reliant to the Southland Conference. winner. the logos from both universities are Stadium the premier venue for every level thirteen times since 1988, one or both engraved on the handle of the pistols. Below of college football in texas, and this rivalry teams have come into the “piney Woods” are nameplates to display the outcomes of brings us one step closer to that goal.” shoot-out ranked among the top 25 NCAA the contest for the next two decades. perhaps the proximity of the two Division FBS teams. Sam houston won six “Rivalries add to the excitement and universities named for texas history of those meetings including victories over a pageantry of college athletics,” said SFA heroes has been a factor in the intensity of nationally-ranked SFA squad in 1996, 1997, Director of Athletics Robert hill. “this game rivalry (the distance between huntsville 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2004. is one that the fans look forward to each and and Nacogdoches is less than 100 miles). the 2001 “battle” that matched No. every season. the trophy will add even more Whatever the reason, the annual game 16 Sam houston and No. 19 SFA and excitement for everyone involved in the series.” always has been a grudge match. featured a showdown between future pro Battle of the piney Woods tickets are on After a 6-0 Bearkat victory in 1925, the quarterbacks Josh McCown and Wes sale through Sam houston’s Athletics Web university’s first football win over the Jacks, pate brought the highest ratings ever for site www.gobearkats.com. Also featured the Sam houston Alcalde reported “in a Southland Conference regional telecast. on the Web is a series on the 20 greatest the hardest fought game of the season the Sam houston won 24-21 and went on to “Battle of the piney Woods” football Bearkats downed the sturdy lumberjacks win the league title. games. O

24 ShSU Heritage Magazine EyE ON THE KAtS hootEN NAMED MEN’S BASKEtBAll hEAD CoACh by Jason Barfield, photo by Brian Blalock

The new men’s basketball coach is no stranger to the Bearkat program. “Jason has been an integral

ason hooten, assistant coach department internal staff was overwhelming,” part of our men’s basketball for Sam houston State the said Bobby Williams, director of athletics. program, the most past six years, will be leading “Jason has been an integral part of the men’s basketball program our men’s basketball program, the most successful in our conference this season as the Bearkats’ successful in our conference over the past over the past 12 years.” Jnew head coach. 12 years. With Jason as our head coach, hooten succeeds Bob Marlin who the transition period will be much easier.” Bobby Williams, director of athletics coached the Kats to a 225-131 record the the 25-8 record for Sam houston in past 12 seasons. Marlin now is head coach 2009 – 10 marks the highest victory total for at the University of louisiana at lafayette. a Bearkat squad in ShSU’s 23 seasons at in his six seasons with the Bearkats, the NCAA Division i level. Sam houston assistant coaches, and Collegeinsider.com hooten has helped direct the program to a stands as one of only 52 programs out of the named him Mid-Major top 25 assistant 127-59 record, four 20-plus victory seasons, 340 teams in Division i basketball that have coaches honorable mention. Southland Conference regular season and posted 20 or more wins four of the last five “We have an outstanding group of eight tournament championships and an NCAA years. Among those 52 teams, the Kats have players returning from the championship tournament appearance in 2010. the 28th best winning percentage. squad plus three signees,” said hooten. “As we began to look at candidates for our hooten joined the ShSU staff July 1, “We will continue to recruit the quality head men’s basketball coaching position, 2004, helping run practice, recruiting, young men like those who have come here the support for Jason hooten from team scouting, scheduling and academics. and built Sam houston basketball into a members, supporters close to the program, in 2009, RecruitingRumors.com selected program that is successful both athletically university administration and athletics hooten as one of the top 100 NCAA and academically.” O

FAll 2010 25 MiChAEl REtURNS ‘hoME’ With ShSU’S hElp

Track star has been spending his summer with his family, thanks to an nCaa initiative.

or years, Sam houston State junior track and field runner Julius Michael did not know if his parents in the Sudan were alive or dead. Fin March 1997 his family sent 7-year-old Michael to the United Nations assistance group so that he could be sent to America. he found a home in houston with Martha Yuggu where he attended lamar high School and eventually earned a scholarship to Sam houston where he participates in Julius Michael and Bobby Williams cross-country and track. During 12 years of separation Michael learned nothing about his parents and sisters. funds for the trip through the Southland in July 2009, however, he received word his Conference office. parents were alive and he had additional “Julius is such a special person and has siblings. Within a short time frame, he got been through so much, it was a thrill to be to speak to his parents on the telephone, and able to present him with this opportunity,” he was granted his American citizenship. thompson said. “Julius always finds the in the spring semester, as he was one positive side. his life story is amazing, but of the student emcees for this year’s Sam more importantly what all of us can learn houston All-Sports Banquet, Michael from him is even better. Funding the trip learned during the event that he soon would home was permissible by the NCAA through his sisters met him at the bus stop and be going home to see his family in person. the Student-Athlete opportunity Fund and walked him back home—a five-hour walk. through the efforts of Sam houston no one deserved this more than Julius.” “Everything has gone so well. it is Director of Athletics Bobby Williams, Michael is a year away from graduation unbelievable,” Michael said. “the whole Associate Athletic Director Chris and plans to become a world history teacher. town prepared a ‘welcome home’ party for thompson and Compliance Coordinator “the award was so wonderful and such a me with lots of relatives, friends and church Curtis Collier, the athletics department surprise. i was speechless and didn’t know family to celebrate with us. When i first obtained funding for a round trip ticket to what to say,” Michael said. “Coming to Sam arrived my father, mother and sisters treated the Sudan and ground transportation so houston State is one of the best things that me like royalty.” that he was able to spend three months this has ever happened to me. i want to teach Michael has written back to ShSU summer with his family. history in high school because i feel i have a friends that he is eating plenty and even the money came from the NCAA’s lot to share with kids. So many people—my starting to run again. he is planting peanuts Student-Athlete opportunity Fund, one coach and my counselor in high school and on his own little plot of land, and his goats of many efforts by the NCAA using the coaches and staff here—have made it and chickens are having kids and chicks. dollars generated by the “March Madness” possible for me to come this far. i feel like i he wrote that he is very happy to be basketball championships. the NCAA can help kids the same way.” home and be with his family, and they are provides grants through each conference Michael arrived in Sudan on May 28. excited about the prospect of coming to the and provides guidance for what the money the final leg of the journey was an 11-hour United States after all the stories they’ve may be used. Sam houston applied for bus ride from Kampala, Uganda, to Moyo. heard from Michael. O

26 ShSU Heritage Magazine ALUMNI looK

by Jennifer gauntt, photo by Brian Blalock

My Membership Is For Life “the days we spent at Sam have benefitted us in many ways. our success is due, in large part, to the educational foundation we received. our life Membership in the Alumni Association helps keep us connected to the fond memories we have about the university we love.”

Jacki Ashorn (BS ’05, Agricultural Business; MBA ’09, Business Administration) occupation: Assistant Director, Bearkat oneCard Services & Student Money Management Center

John Garrett (BFA ’97, Radio/television) occupation: publisher & Founder, Community LIFE MEMBER CAMpAIGN impact Newspaper Ed Owens (BS ’80, Criminology and Corrections) occupation: Retired, texas Dept. of Criminal pASSES GOAL Justice Deputy Executive Director

ne hundred and seven “Many volunteers, primarily consisting of hertz car rental; invitations to university alumni and friends current life Members, dedicated their time, events; access to the Sam houston credit card became life Members energy, and resources to ensure a successful and an insurance program for both car and of the ShSU Alumni campaign, and we could not have reached home owners insurance. Association, helping a our goal without their support,” Vienne said. Memberships, which are $1,000, or $400 ogroup of volunteers to exceed its goal during Volunteers from all over the state assisted for senior citizens and recent graduates, the association’s first life Member campaign. by reaching out to alumni to solicit their can be paid for in installments and can the life Membership Drive sought support in becoming life Members, he said. also be counted as a tax credit. Joint life to collect 100 new members and push “the Alumni Association is especially Memberships are also available at a the life Member Endowment over the $1 appreciative for the work of association special rate. million mark during the six-week period board member Dr. Susan lenamon (of between April 1 and May 15. Both goals pearland), and Mr. R.h. Bond (of Conroe), For more information on becoming were reached, according to Charlie Vienne, who secured the most new life Members a Life Member, to purchase a Life director of Alumni Relations. during the campaign,” he said. Membership, contact the Office of ShSU now has a total of 1,320 life life Members receive a number of benefits, Alumni Relations at 800.283.7478 Memberships, up from 350 four years ago, including reduced rates for campus-related or visit http://alumni.shsu.edu. O and the life Member Endowment is well activities, such as the use of Raven Nest golf over $1 million. Club, as well as off-campus entities such as

FAll 2010 27 thiS AlUMNA’S ‘liFE oF CRiME’ MAKES A gREAt tV ShoW

Jenna Jackson’s journey from “The Houstonian” to CBS included Jackson knew she would be paying her guidance from a fellow alum. way through school, so she applied for and was awarded several scholarships, including a dance scholarship and the Ferol Robinson f Jenna Jackson thought about “Both my parents had attended Sam Journalism Scholarship. living and working in New York houston, and at first i was determined “i had always loved to write,” she said, City when she was a little girl, it Not to go there because they had!” “but i never thought of being a journalist.” was as a dancer—not a producer she said. During her senior year in high school, she for one of CBS’s most popular however, after visiting the campus she injured her knee, which ended her plans for itelevision programs, “48 hours.” changed her mind. becoming a dance teacher. She accepted the She wanted to be a dance teacher and “Everyone was so friendly, and it was journalism scholarship and became a member in preparing to make a choice about which such a pretty campus,” she said. “i felt at of “the houstonian” staff her freshman year. college to attend, she visited several schools, home. i wasn’t as nervous there as i had “i immediately fell in love with journalism,” including ShSU. been when i visited other schools.” she said. “it kind of became an obsession.”

28 ShSU Heritage Magazine ALUMNI looK thiS AlUMNA’S ‘liFE oF CRiME’ MAKES A gREAt tV ShoW By Julia May, photos by Brian Blalock

At the end of her sophomore year, she asked him if he really knew him and could birthday,” she said. “he would tell me, was named an assistant editor of “the this be him in the book. he said ‘yes.’ ‘it’s a calling. Your experiences make you houstonian,” and she took a full-time job “So i wrote the letter to Dan and asked if strong.’ he still tells me this now whenever with the “huntsville item”—covering prisons. he would bring an autographed copy of his i get frustrated. “to some people that may not sound like book,” she said. “i added a p.S.: ‘i think you “in every way i would not be where i am a fun job,” she said. “But i enjoyed it, once knew my grandpa, lynwood Jackson.” today without Dan Rather,” she said. “Even and i was hooked. i loved prison reporting A week later, Jackson was in the though i have known him for 15 years, i and trying to figure out why these people newsroom of the houstonian when she am still in awe of him. he is such a good had done what they had done, whether or mentor and an amazing role model. he’s not they had done it, and all the forensic just a great individual.” evidence that was available to put the After Jackson graduated from ShSU, pieces together. she worked as a reporter for the Beaumont “that’s why i feel like i have the perfect “... being a Sam Enterprise for nine months. however, she job now; because ‘48 hours’ is all about was not happy. crime,” she said. Houston student With one suitcase in hand, she left She credits her college experience with also gave me the Beaumont and went to CBS in New York helping prepare her for her exciting career. City and applied for an entry level position. “the work i did at both ‘the houstonian’ opportunity to CBS hired Jackson as a production and the ‘item’ taught me how to write secretary for “48 hours.” Within six months, a news story and meet deadlines, and i meet Dan Rather, something happened that stunned the learned how to interview people and get country, and Jackson was called upon to them to tell me their story, which is a huge and he became help do work beyond the typical duties of part of what i do now,” she said. my mentor.” a secretary. the event would come to be “But being a Sam houston student also known simply as “Columbine.” gave me the opportunity to meet Dan “i was in Denver for three weeks, Rather, and he became my mentor,” she said. making arrangements for interviews, doing Jackson met Rather during her research, helping with production,” she sophomore year at ShSU, while she was got a reply from Rather. it was a five-page said. “Normally, someone would not be sent serving as president of the Student Society handwritten letter. into the field after being hired for only six of professional Journalists. “i was so excited, i broke out in hives,” months; but it was such a big thing, they “We were having an auction for a she said, laughing. “it was a very touching needed everyone.” fundraiser, and i was reading Dan’s first and sweet letter.” Because she was able to arrange good book,” she said. “i knew he was coming to When Rather came to huntsville for the interviews and do significant work, she was Sam houston for the naming and dedication building dedication, he joined Jackson and recognized and rewarded. Eventually, she of the Communications Building that her grandfather for dinner. was promoted to producer. semester, and i decided to write him and ask “From that moment on, he has been one “i’ve been very lucky,” she said. “the job if he would bring a signed copy of the book of my greatest supporters,” she said. “there is a perfect fit for me because of my interest for the auction.” were several times when i was doing prison in crime and my work experience while While reading about Rather growing up reporting as a college student, that i was attending Sam houston.” in the heights in houston, Jackson came overwhelmed and wanted to quit, wanted While noting that all the stories she works across her grandfather’s name. to do something in journalism that was on are interesting, Jackson said that some are “he grew up with Dan and played high less stressful. bizarre, some are sad, and some have shown school football with him,” she said. “i had “During that time, Dan wrote me letters examples of extraordinary courage. no idea! he had never mentioned anything of encouragement constantly, would call and “You meet these people who are going about Dan Rather, so i called him and check on me, would send me faxes on my through the most difficult times in their lives,

FAll 2010 29 From left: Jenna Jackson and Professor Sarah Kerrigan at the 2010 “Let’s Talk!” event. “I’ve been very lucky— the job is a perfect fit for me because of my interest in crime and my work experience while attending Sam Houston.” Jenna Jackson

Washington, although the conviction has been appealed. Jackson has advice for Sam yet they have this amazing resiliency,” she said. “48 hours” correspondent peter Van Sant houston students who are planning “i’ve become friends with some of the people entitled “perfectly Executed.” careers in journalism. we’ve featured and kept in touch with them, “We did a special on this case in Seattle “get as much hands-on experience as even 10 years after we did their stories.” about two boys who were accused of you can,” she said. “learn to write well. i’m Jackson recognizes that the job has not murdering the entire family of one of the sure my writing skills gave me the edge at been without challenges. one is trying to boys,” Jackson said. “i spent five years on CBS and enabled me to move up the career balance a professional life with a personal this story, and we just couldn’t figure it out. ladder as quickly as i did. life. She has been divorced twice, and she “peter and i felt that they were probably “And meet every alum you can,” she said. is a single mother of three-year-old twins. guilty, but if we had been on the jury, we “You never know when they are going to She admits that she has had to become more couldn’t have convicted them because there have a job opening in their organization, focused in order to do her job well, yet be was just no evidence linking them to the or a friend who does, or have an internship available for her children. Even though her crime,” she said. “there was even some you might want. Sometimes you might just office is in New York City, she’s been able evidence that implied their innocence. want to have lunch with them to pick to work out of her home in houston. “it was very disturbing because there their brain. But the rewards of the job have been were so many questions,” she said. “We “Also, don’t limit yourself,” she said. greater than the challenges. did a one-hour special, then a two-hour “think big. there is a whole big world out “i’ve met amazing people that i never special, and we felt that there were still so there. i was terrified when i first walked would have met otherwise, and i’ve many details that people should know, so through the CBS doors on 57th Street in traveled to places i wouldn’t have gone to we decided to write a book. We still get New York City. it just so happened that i on my own,” she said. questions about that case.” was smart, i worked harder than most, and in addition to her job as a producer, the boys were convicted, and they have i really, really wanted it. Everything has Jackson has also co-authored a book with been sentenced to life imprisonment in turned out just fine.”O

30 ShSU Heritage Magazine ALUMNI looK BEAtiNg SWoRDS iNto ploWShARES

Photo by Paul Olle using his own money plus a $10,000 loan, Sam Dominey developed the band members could read music, so they a method and apparatus for continuously detecting cracks in all played by ear. C. R. hackney, the head of Sam propeller and helicopter rotor blades, which has saved many lives. houston’s music department, contacted Dominey and asked him to teach music am Dominey, a native texan, “i made the highest grade in the class, students to play the ukulele and other grew up in Dodge on the and Dr. lapham persuaded me to change instruments by ear. family ranch. my major,” Dominey said. “i was paid 40 cents an hour as a student he came to Sam houston As a Sam houston student, Dominey teacher, and the students i taught received State planning to major in served as president of the senior class, course credit,” he said. Sagriculture but changed to physics after he president of the YMCA, and was a member Dominey was scheduled to graduate took a class under l. g. lapham, head of of the Mountain Dew Boys, a folk band that after finals in January 1953. however, in the department. played music live on KSAM radio. None of December 1952, with the Korean War into

FAll 2010 31 its third year, Sam houston’s dean of men told all students who were passing that if they joined the service, they would be excused from their final exams and could graduate a month early. Along with many other students, Dominey elected to take the offer and volunteered for the U. S. Army as a private. he was stationed at Ft. Belvoir, Va. and assigned to work at the SM-1 Nuclear power plant, which was one of the first nuclear power plants in the world. Dominey served until he was relieved of active duty in 1954 as a lieutenant and company commander. After the war, he went to work for Consolidated Aircraft, now known as general Dynamics, in Fort Worth to help develop nuclear aircraft for use by the U.S. military. it was here that Dominey developed a way to measure neutrons. Due to his expertise, he was assigned to many different government locations across the U.S. working on various projects that related to measuring neutrons. one of these assignments was at the oak Ridge National the development of a laboratory method of hooks. Nation will not take up sword laboratory in tennessee, where he worked testing weapon effects from nuclear bombs. against nation, nor will they train for war on such projects as testing the effectiveness throughout his career Dominey anymore.” the plowshare is a symbol of underground shelters in case of a nuclear developed many patents for the companies of a creative tool that benefits mankind, war. While at oak Ridge, Dominey worked where he worked. A friend suggested he as opposed to a sword, symbolizing a with Wernher von Braun, who is considered seek employment at tYCo, a company destructive tool of war. the greatest rocket scientist in history. that would give him royalties for his patents “had nuclear energy been used first he also worked for Westinghouse while under their employment. he was to produce energy instead of a nuclear where he tested nuclear hydrogen rocket hired by the company and sent to pomona, bomb,” he said, “nuclear energy would be propulsion for NASA. Calif., as president of general Nucleonics, a more accepted by the general public and Dominey also worked for ginannini division of tYCo. in June 1980, Dominey perhaps the real value to mankind could Controls, a company that manufactured purchased general Nucleonics, which have been achieved much quicker. instruments for aircraft and missile guidance included ownership of all his patents during “it is my opinion that nuclear energy has systems for NASA’s Apollo program. he his employment with tYCo. been misjudged as an evil deed, when in was program manager on the project that reality it can be used for saving lives and for led to the development of nuclear gauges a Change of Focus such positive things as medical treatment, used to measure hydrazine in zero gravity After purchasing general Nucleonics, safety devices, detecting energy sources, in space. Dominey changed his focus from bombs weather forecasting, and food irradiation later, at lockheed Missile and Space to using nuclear technology for therefore ‘beating swords into plowshares’,” Division in Dawsonville, ga., Dominey peaceful purposes. he said. was manager for the nuclear vulnerability Quoting from the Bible, Dominey During his lifetime, he has worked on a group. he received an award for the largest said, “they will beat their swords into number of projects that use nuclear energy cost savings in the history of lockheed for plowshares and their spears into pruning for positive and peaceful benefits. one

32 ShSU Heritage Magazine ALUMNI looK

of his most important patents involves a system is considered so valuable, it has physically or mentally challenged, especially system that has saved numerous lives. been installed in all the helicopters used to children. he said he was misjudged in A former Marine pilot employed by transport the U. S. president. elementary school because he was cross- Dominey as a salesman at general Nucleonics eyed and stuttered and at times was seated brought to Dominey’s attention that the Sam Houston State’s impact in the back of the room, discounted as military was in desperate need of a method to on Dominey’s life mentally challenged. detect cracked blades on helicopters. “When “Dr. lapham and another physics “i have discovered that people can be a blade cracked, the helicopter would crash, professor, Dr. Kidd, taught me the value of physically or mentally challenged in one killing the passengers,” Dominey said. “there exploring ideas and ‘thinking outside the area, but superior in another area,” he said. were too many servicemen being killed.” Dominey speaks from personal Using his own money plus $10,000 knowledge, not only because of his own that he borrowed, Dominey developed an in-flight blade indicator system for helicopter blade crack detection. he wrote his patent out in long hand and took it to an attorney “Many people who in Beverly hills to protect his ownership. After word spread about his invention, have disabilities Dominey was invited to Washington to demonstrate the detection system. Although can play music the system was successful, Dominey was unable to secure contracts with any U. S. beautifully. Do manufacturers. he pursued other sources and was able to sell the blade detection not discount system for government and commercial use to companies in England, italy, Canada, and others for use on their helicopters. any person.” Determined to prove that the system would save the lives of U.S. servicemen, Dominey sent a demonstration video to the Navy. “i also sent a video to the U.S. Coast guard because they had to fly at lower speeds to reduce the stress in the blades to experience, but also because his son, Mark, keep from crashing, and they really needed box’,” Dominey said. “they definitely had is mentally challenged. Yet Dominey has to be able to fly at high speeds in order to an impact on my career. been able to teach him to play the guitar. accomplish their tasks,” he said. “Dr. lapham encouraged his students to “Many people who have disabilities can After a presentation in Washington the seek sources outside the classroom and to play music beautifully,” Dominey said. “Do Coast guard and the Air Force contracted talk with anyone about the problem, as long not discount any person.” with Dominey for his system to be put on as the students themselves came up with those who are handicapped were on their aircrafts. their answers,” he said. Dominey’s mind when asked what he “Because the Coast guard could fly faster his classroom experiences taught wanted his legacy to be. with my system in place than the Navy, Dominey that for every ‘one good idea,’ a “i hope that people in the future will new specifications were initiated for Navy person might go through hundreds of failures. pay more attention to the mentally and aircraft to require the detection system to be “You have to learn from your failures,” physically challenged,” he said. “And i on all new helicopters,” he said. he said. hope i will be remembered as someone who it wasn’t long until the Air Force and Do not discount any person. has taken swords and beaten them into Marines required all their aircraft to use the A childhood experience left Dominey plowshares by making things that helped to system. today, the in-flight blade indicator with compassion for people who are save lives and benefit mankind.”O

FAll 2010 33 FiVE hoNoRED FoR liFE’S SERViCE photo by Brian Blalock

Dan Richard Beto, Gordon Brown, Nancy Gaertner, John McManners and Erin Steele were honored for their ful- fillment of the university’s motto, "The measure of a Life is its Service," on May 7 with SHSU Alumni Association Service Awards.

the award recognizes those who have exhibited exemplary service with their time, professional expertise, and resources and who have displayed outstanding commitment to their respective communities.

Dan richard Beto Dan Beto, an alumnus of Sam houston State University, spent more than four From left: Gordon Brown, Nancy Gaertner, decades working in the criminal justice system. Dan Beto, Erin Steele and John McManners. he earned both his bachelor’s degree in sociology and his master’s degree in named Superintendent Emeritus of Katy criminology at ShSU and worked in the iSD upon his retirement. his initial tour as a paratrooper in the 82nd probation sector for departments across Airborne Division. he retired in 1992 after a the state. nancy Gaertner 30-year military career, which carried him to he was the founding executive director in addition to serving as the First lady many parts of the world including countries of the Correctional Management institute of Sam houston State University for nine in Europe, Vietnam, laos and Bosnia. of texas at ShSU, a position he held from years, Nancy gaertner has provided service After his retirement from the military, he 1994 until 2005, when he retired. to the communities where she has lived. worked for a law firm in San Antonio and Before her retirement, she taught all Austin specializing in social security disability. Gordon Brown subjects in elementary school, working A retired coach and public school with students with varying abilities—from erin Steele administrator, gordon Brown received struggling readers to gifted math Erin Steele is a native houstonian both his Bachelor of Science and Master of students—and mostly teaching fourth grade who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Education degrees from ShSU, where he math and science. teaching degree from ShSU in 1980. was a quarterback and three-year letterman, gaertner has been involved in many She married her husband, Robert, in class president and class favorite, named huntsville community activities and 1980 and worked as a speech language to “Who’s Who,” and was a member of the boards, and has volunteered in many pathologist in the pasadena and pearland Ramrod Social Club. university activities. school districts. A criminal investigator and member of Robert and Erin were named Citizens the football team for the U. S. Army, he also John mcmanners of the Year for 2008 by the pearland Area served as coach, teacher, athletic director and John McManners graduated from Chamber of Commerce. they serve on the assistant superintendent during his career. ShSU in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science board of the Steele Charitable Foundation Brown was the head coach of the Katy degree in history. and have awarded over $100,000 in high School state championship football through RotC, he was commissioned a scholarships to children of employees of team, District Coach of the Year, and was second lieutenant in field artillery, spending texas honing, inc., since 1998. O

34 ShSU Heritage Magazine

WhERE ARE thEY NoW

Alumni are doing interesting things since leaving SHSU. Look to future issues for people you may have sat next to in biology, business or English. We may even feature you!

ernie Deats (BS ’62) During their annual gala in May, the College of the Mainland Foundation honored Ernie Deats as one of the 2010 Ernie Deats (BS ’62) Kelly McCann (BS ’83) Mainland heroes for his philanthropy and service to Dickinson and surrounding coastal communities. Deats graduated from Sam houston State in 1962 with a double major in Kelly mcCann (BS ’83) “i also work to raise awareness of hiV/ physical education and English. he was McCann graduated from ShSU with AiDS which helps to eliminate stigma and president of his sophomore class and a degree in psychology and later did some reduce the number of new infections.” was a member of the Delta tau Delta graduate work in clinical psychology. Although McCann would like to see her fraternity for which he also served She worked for the texas Department work contribute to the eradication of hiV/ as president. of Corrections (as it was called in those AiDS in her lifetime, she said she knows it’s he coached in the hitchcock and days) as an associate clinical psychologist at a “pretty tall order” given the complexity of Refugio independent School Districts before the goree Unit in huntsville before moving the disease and difficulty of getting people returning to Dickinson, where he has been to houston and working in community to change risky behaviors. an active community volunteer. mental health. “perhaps more attainable are short-term he previously served on the College in 1996 she went into the hiV/AiDS goals that include preventing as many of the Mainland board of trustees and the field full time. She currently serves new hiV infections as possible through Sam houston State University Alumni as chief executive officer for AiDS education, routine testing, linkage to Association board of directors. he is also Foundation houston. medical care for newly diagnosed patients, a life Member of the Alumni Association. “i know the work i do is vitally important and of course, easing the suffering of those Deats is also involved in the Dickinson because AiDS poses a major threat to our living with hiV/AiDS,” she said. historical Society, Dickinson iSD citizens and our country,” she said. in addition to the work she is doing now, Educational Foundation Board, Dickinson “hiV disease is not only physically McCann served as an external consultant iSD Alumni Association, and First United debilitating and life-threatening, but it can for the Surgeon general’s Call to Action Methodist Church of Dickinson. he was be emotionally, socially and financially on Correctional health Care in 2004; she’s the founder of the Dickinson iSD Athletic devastating as well,” she said. written a monthly column for texas’s hall of honor. “hiV impacts people from all walks of leading gay magazine, “outSmart;” and he has authored three books: life, regardless of age, gender, race, sexual she was elected Female grand Marshal of “Dickinson 1860 – 1960—history, hard orientation or economic status, so the work houston’s gay pride parade in 2008. Work, honor,” “A Kid’s tale from the i do potentially affects everyone,” she said. prairie,” and “the highway 75 Club.” “through my work, i provide services robert andrews (BS ’81) Deats and his wife, Kathy, reside on for men, women and children who are Robert Andrews understands the physical their ranch, where they farm and raise desperately in need of assistance to help them as well as psychological challenges of Charolais cattle. live longer and healthier lives,” McCann said. recovering from a major sports-related injury.

36 ShSU Heritage Magazine ALUMNI looK WhERE ARE thEY NoW

and helps with the annual Christmas coffees honoring Sealy teachers. hosting events to honor teachers is one of Selman’s many contributions to the district during her career, as well as the introduction of computers in the classroom during the ‘90s. Selman has made lifelong contributions to the field of education outside the district as well. She has served in leadership roles and has been honored by many professional Robert Andrews (BS ’81) Maggie Brune Selman (BS ’41) organizations, including texas Council of Women School Executives, texas State teachers Association, texas Elementary

it was his own high school and college Andrews lives in houston with his family: experiences in recovering from injuries that gisele, his wife, and their two children, galen “My love is in working inspired his passion in sports psychology. and Abby, who are both athletes. he graduated with a Bachelor of Science with the Colonial Bell degree in physical education from Sam maggie Brune Selman (BS ’41) houston State University in 1981 and a Maggie Selman’s childhood brings Nursing Home here in Master of Arts degree in psychology from the memories of picking cotton and attending Sealy,” she said. “It was University of houston-Clear lake in 1995. Sealy schools where she graduated as Sealy he then founded the institute of Sports high School’s Class of ‘35 valedictorian. built in 1965, and I have psychology in houston. through his private A few years later, she would return from practice, he helps high school, college, college to dedicate a 63-year career to the been going every week to professional and olympic athletes achieve same school district. peak levels of performance, particularly Selman graduated from Sam houston— visit since it opened.” following major injuries when an athlete’s then teachers College—in 1941 with a Maggie Brune Selman confidence may be impaired. Bachelor of Science degree in education. She “My first passion is helping athletes described her experiences at Sam houston overcome the mental, emotional and as “wonderful,” even though she said she was psychological aspects of recovering from a very homesick for the first semester. sports-related injury,” Andrews said. “there During her career with Sealy, she principals and Supervisors Association, are athletes who heal physically, but are taught first through eighth grade, was texas Association for Supervision never able to overcome the mental and the elementary principal for 30 years and Curriculum Development, texas emotional aspects of the injury. that is how and retired from the position of assistant Association for gifted and talented, Austin i want to help them.” superintendent of the school district. County teachers Association and the texas in addition to helping athletes work the district has named two schools in honor Retired teachers Association. through the trauma of sports-related injuries, of her service: Maggie B. Selman She is active in the Sealy community he also helps them develop techniques to Elementary School and Maggie B. Selman having served in community service strengthen the psychological aspects of intermediate School. organizations and on local boards, including: performance, as well as training coaches to At the age of 92, she continues serving Sealy Medical Center Foundation, Sealy maximize their effectiveness with athletes. the district on a daily basis as a volunteer Area historical Society, Austin County

FAll 2010 37 ClASS NotES “I’m absolutely over-the- moon-crazy in love with Shirley D. Brinkley ’57 was recognized in March during the state meeting of the texas the work I get to do” Association of Family and Consumer Services Amy Spigener-hobbs Broad for 50 years of service to the profession. Carl E. Westman ’66 was recognized for nearly two decades of leadership with NCh healthcare Systems. During (mother of musician Bruce hornsby), and Westman’s five-year tenure as chairman, professional wrestler John Morrison, NCh underwent numerous transformations, among others; and produced more than including its shift from being a sole Amy Spigener-Hobbs Broad (BFA ’81) a hundred environmental documentary, community provider to being a major training, marketing and awareness films for destination for patients throughout national and international corporations. southwest Florida. She has also worked with Bill gates, Terry Sanford ’77, executive vice Denzel Washington, gene hackman, president and chief financial officer of historical Commission, Stephen F. Austin Sam Elliot, Burgess Meredith and Carriage Services, inc., a public company park Association, First United Methodist Mikhail gorbechov. headquartered in houston, has been Church, and Sealy’s gordon public library. her awards include Best historical elected president of the houston chapter “My love is in working with the Colonial Documentary at the New York of Financial Executives international. Bell Nursing home here in Sealy,” she said. international independent Film and Video the houston chapter of FEi includes “it was built in 1965, and i have been going Festival, Short Market Award at Cannes, approximately 350 financial professionals. every week to visit since it opened.” and Best Documentary from the Virginia Ladd Gibke ’81 was named a member Selman enjoys spending time with her Association of Broadcasters. She has also at Cozen o’Connor law Firm. gibke, who dog and cat and is an avid Astros fan. won CiNE, telly and Matrix awards. practices out of the firm’s Dallas office in “the variety of work i do is amazing,” the subrogation and recovery department, amy Spigener-Hobbs Broad (BFa ’81) she said. “one day i’m producing a serious previously served as assistant criminal it’s impossible for people who work with documentary on an incredibly important district attorney in the Collin County Amy Broad to avoid being caught up in issue such as childhood obesity, and the next District Attorney’s office. her enthusiasm. month i’m producing a recruitment film to Charles W. Jones ’81 life Endowed “i’m absolutely over-the-moon-crazy in interest kids in engineering and technology. Member was presented with the “Community love with the work i get to do,” the theatre “Many times a tribute film is sandwiched Builder Award” from the Vickery Masonic graduate said. in, with a comedic approach, then on to a lodge 1351 AF&AM in Dallas on June 3. As the owner of Rock Eagle productions, very serious advocacy film like the one i’m the award is given by the Masonic lodges the work she has done as a director, working on entitled ‘Cruel Coal,’” she said. to individuals who are not Masons and serve producer and freelancer has given her not Broad is the mother of two teenage girls their community through charitable and only the opportunity to satisfy her curious and lives in Newport News, Va. volunteer needs. nature, but has also allowed her to explore “i was never a very good actor; my lack Mary DeChambres ’89 recently won the psychology and sociology of whatever of math skills precluded me from anything a primetime Emmy for “outstanding subject and topic is at hand. in that field; and domestically i’m a little picture Editing for Reality programming” Since leaving ShSU, she has produced challenged,” she said. for “project Runway.” her other recent and directed documentaries for pBS; “Storytelling is probably my gift, and to editing credits include oprah’s “the Big produced tribute films for the creator be able to take almost any topic and turn it give,” “Real housewives of New York” and of the Weather Channel Frank Batten, into a compelling media piece is the work “Jersey Shore.” She is currently producing a Williamsburg philanthropist lois hornsby i love best.” O documentary on the life of Carla laemmle.

38 ShSU Heritage Magazine ALUMNI looK ClASS NotES

Robert Horton ’90 was honored with Melvin F. “Trey” Hunt ’01 was Olivia Orellano—Dakers ’04 graduated the first Korz recognition award in May as promoted in June to audit partner in from the galen University in Belize with the overall outstanding doctoral student in assurance services with Weaver llp. an MBA in December 2009. She currently the ShSU College of Education. he is in hunt is a certified public accountant and manages the Belize Social Security Board’s his 19th year of teaching and is currently the maintains memberships in the petroleum Santa Elena Branch office. head choir director of the Woodlands high Accountant Society of houston, American School. Under horton’s direction his students institute of Certified public Accountants OBITUIARIES have been awarded consistent sweepstakes and the texas Society of Certified public trophies and named “Best in Class” at various Accountants, as well as its houston chapter. Doris hartman ’47 festivals. he currently serves as president of he has also authored multiple technical Ed Sandhop ’48 texas Choral Directors. articles on oil and gas accounting topics. george Buckow ’56 Kurt Stoll ’92, founder and principal Tiffany Thomas ’03 has been accepted John “pete” gipson ’63 marketing consultant for MetaBrand, to the Women’s Campaign School at Yale took time to give back to ShSU by University for the 2010 session. to be a part of the Class Notes section, presenting to spring semester systems Leenette Wilke ’03 was promoted this share your accomplishments at: http://www. analysis and design students, sharing his spring to deputy senior property manager shsu.edu/~alu_kat/services/classnotes.html. insight and experience on the social media for ARKlAtEX, for which she will oversee marketing trend. the management of federal buildings, U.S. Donald W. Roberts ’95 was recently courthouses and properties leased by approved to serve as a full director of the government agencies. Woodway Financial Advisors board of directors. Roberts is vice president and trust officer with Woodway Financial Advisors, where he oversees the planning, administration and investment of client accounts. Chanel Mead ’98 owns and directs a performance company called the Boulder Stars. in December 2009 she and her husband moved to New York City, where she teaches music full time at the Stephen gaynor School in the Upper West Side. Bradley Froebel ’98 was named Klein Collins high School teacher of the Year in February and Klein independent School District’s Secondary teacher of the Year in April. Froebel teaches journalism, photojournalism, yearbook, and newspaper. he is the first two-time teacher of the Year for his campus, previously earning the honor in 2006. Elizabeth Wegener ’98 recently married Jerry Seekford. She has begun her Master of Business Administration in E-Business at the University of phoenix.

FAll 2010 39 HOmECOmINg SCHEDUlE ‘10

WEDNESDAY, SAM JAM Carnival Holleman Field 7:00 PM Student Activities OCTOBER 13 Parking Lot 936.294.3861

THURSDAY, Homecoming Sam Houston Avenue 6:30 PM Student Activities OCTOBER 14 Parade 936.294.3861

FRIDAY, Golden Circle Lowman Student 11:00 AM President’s Office OCTOBER 15 Reunion Center Ballroom 936.294.3415

Distinguished Lowman Student 6:00 PM Reception Alumni Relations Alumni Gala Center Ballroom 7:00 PM Dinner 936.294.1841

SATURDAY, Alumni Coffee and Pre- Austin Hall 10:30 AM President’s Office OCTOBER 16 game with the President 936.294.3415

Alumni Tailgate SHSU Bearkat Alley 12:00 NOON Athletics & Student Bowers Stadium Activities 936.294.3861

SHSU vs. Southeastern, La Bowers Stadium 2:00 PM Athletics 936.294.1729

Black Alumni & Friends Lowman Student 7:00 PM Alumni Relations Club Reception Center Ballroom 936.294.1841

2010 Alumni Association Tailgate Schedule

September 4—Tailgate @ Baylor—Waco, Tx September 25—Tailgate @ SHSU vs. Gardner-Webb October 2—Tailgate @ Lamar—Beaumont, Tx October 16—Homecoming Tailgate @ SHSU vs. SE Louisiana October 23—Tailgate @ Battle of The Piney Woods SHSU vs. SFA, Reliant Stadium—Houston, Tx November 6—Tailgate @ SHSU vs. McNeese State November 20—Tailgate @ SHSU vs. Texas State

40 ShSU Heritage Magazine Planting Seeds for Success

The Honorable Danny and Cindy Pierce

Photo by Paul Olle

he Honorable Robert D. “Danny” Pierce, Jr., cattle operation. Sam Houston has been a part of our lives Walker County Judge since 2003, and his wife in many aspects. Our desire to establish the Danny and Cindy have planted financial and personal Cindy Pierce Family Scholarship Endowment to provide seeds that are sure to harvest bouquets of scholarships for students in the agriculture department successful students for Sam Houston State seems only appropriate.” University now and in the future. Danny and Cindy are both members of the SHSU TThe Pierces operate a small cattle operation and own Alumni Association and are Bearkat Champions. Danny Heartfield Florist. They have supported Sam Houston with serves on the SHSU President’s Circle and was a 2004 both monetary and in-kind contributions. Many of the Alumni Association Service Award winner. breathtaking floral blooms that set the atmosphere at Sam Having served the Walker County community throughout Houston events are from their Huntsville floral shop. their lives as leaders, volunteers and business owners, Both Pierces attended Sam Houston as did their seven Danny and Cindy understand the impact that Sam children—Debbie, Robert III, Joy, Jason, Sicily, Krystal, Houston State University has on the local economy and and Natalie. Pursuing their desire to carry on the family their business. floral business, three of the Pierce daughters, Krystal “Huntsville and Walker County are so richly blessed ‘07, Natalie ‘10, and Sicily—a senior, have focused their to be the home of Sam Houston State University,” studies on agriculture and business. Judge Pierce said. “The leadership at SHSU has put “Our lives have revolved around agriculture from growing the university in the forefront of academics, athletics, up on a farm to owning a flower shop and running a small agriculture, online education and facilities.”

To learn more about ways you can support Sam Houston State University, visit www.shsu.edu/giving or call 936.294.3625. Sam Houston State University Office of University Advancement Box 2537 Huntsville, Texas 77341-2537