The Newsletter of Baylor Round Table

INSPIRATIONAL CONNECTIONS FOR BAYLOR ROUND TABLE CONTINUE!

One of the highlights of our year has become the Christmas celebration in Armstrong Browning Library. As we all face the hustle, bustle stress of the holidays, it is so fulfilling to pause and listen as the heavenly voices of the Baylor Chamber Singers remind us of the importance of slowing down and reflecting on the many blessings of the true meaning of Christmas. And if you have never heard the Chamber Singers perform in the McLean Foyer of Meditation, it is a moment like no other to uplift and inspire. This year didn’t disappoint on December 4 when the capacity crowd became hushed to hear the choir’s melodic voices “soar in celebration of the season.” The luncheon that followed was a heart-warming time to visit with long-time friends and make new ones among our members and guests. Ladies, the food was absolutely delicious and the desserts vanished as soon as the plates were passed around the room! And it’s always a delight to see what beautiful floral arrangements Martha Ervin has created for ABL and us. I want to personally thank our co-chairs Kay Mueller and Carol Schuetz for their outstanding leadership; the hard-working committee of Cyndie Burgess, Linda Cates, Martha Ervin, Sally Firmin, Nancy Harrison, Carolyn Hulme, Kathy Hutchison, Paula Lea, Ann May, Julibeth Parrish, and Allison Yanos; and the staff of Armstrong Browning for helping us host such a special event.

January 17 kept the momentum going when Kellie Fischer, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for the Texas Rangers baseball organization captivated a full audience of Round Table members, their guests, and additional faculty, staff, and students in Kayser Auditorium of the Hankamer School of Business. Her behind-the-scenes look into the world of major league baseball, especially as a woman in a primarily male administration, was insightful and eye-opening. Plus, her interviewing tips for our students who are getting ready to enter the job market will be extremely beneficial to them in the months that follow. At the beginning of this year, I stressed the importance of making connections within the Baylor and Waco communities and of sharing Round Table with those who are not aware of the positive impact we are having. Let me just say that I was extremely proud of our co- chairs Debra Burleson and Anne Grinols, their dynamic committee of Courtney Dale and Courtney Pahmiyer, and Program Coordinators Alice Starr and Lois Ferguson for taking a giant leap forward in finding new ways to achieve these goals by opening this event beyond our membership and their guests. Looking out across a sea of faces that included male faculty and staff, as well male and female students, all of whom were completely engaged in Kellie’s presentation, was truly an electric connection that “knocked it out of the ball park!” And a special thank you to Dean Terry Maness for working with our committee in bringing Kellie to campus.

We are looking forward to another inspirational event as Lauren Dreyer, Director of Business Affairs at SpaceX, arrives on February 21 to enlighten us as to how Baylor and Waco connect to space exploration. Please make plans now to share in this informative experience at the North Village Community Center from 3:30-5:00 p.m. Note that we will also be voting on your officers for 2013-14, and your ballot matters to the future of Round Table. For more information about this event, please contact co-chairs Lois Ferguson or Carliss Hyde.

And I already understand that our Anniversary Celebration on March 27, with First Lady Alice Starr moderating a panel of “strong Texas women,” will be another milestone in Round Table programming. In addition to installing our new officers in March, there will also be a tribute read by Joyce Packard for former Round Table President Lorene Davidson, who recently passed away. For more information on this event, please contact co-chairs Eileen Bentsen, Andrea Dixon, or Marilyn Eichelberger.

Thank you to all of our committees for your energy, your momentum, and your love of Baylor Round Table! This is one year I highly encourage our membership not to miss a single activity…stay involved and continue to connect! By the way, we have begun our Spring calendar of events on the Round Table Website that will give you a sampling of activities available through Round Table, Baylor, and the Waco area communities…if you have an event for posting, please send it to Jennifer Borderud and to me…a huge thanks once again to Jennifer for her assistance. I hope to see all of you on February 21!

Paulette Edwards President, Baylor Round Table 2012-2013

Soaring to New Heights

Join us as we continue Soaring to New Heights and explore Greater Waco’s Place in Space. SpaceX designs, manufactures, and launches the world's most advanced rockets and spacecraft, and is the world’s fastest-growing provider of space launch services. Their rocket engines are tested at the SpaceX facility in McGregor, Texas. Lauren Dreyer, Director of Business Affairs at SpaceX and Baylor alumna, will give us the history and achievements of SpaceX and its Falcon, Dragon and Grasshopper spacecraft.

When: February 21, 3:30 – 5:00 Where: North Village Community Center

It is suggested that you park in the Dutton Parking Garage at the corner of Dutton and University Parks Drive.

Christmas Luncheon Wrap-Up

The Baylor Round Table Christmas program and luncheon was a success. Thanks to the wonderful weather, we had a great turnout. Being held on a non-class day also helped us as many who would have been in class were able to attend.

Each year, we are treated to an amazing performance by the Chamber Singers and this year was no different. Baylor is blessed to have such talented students and to have the leadership of faculty like Dr. Raines. Thank you again, Baylor Chamber Singers, for leading us in celebrating the Christmas season.

The luncheon provided us with a chance to enjoy wonderful food and the company of our fellow Round Table members. Thank you to all the gracious ladies who brought food for our luncheon. Everything was delicious and, as usual, we had plenty.

The committee will be providing input for changes for next year's program and luncheon. Kay Mueller and I wish to thank all of our committee members. Thank you for your time and service in making this a successful event this year.

Carol Schuetz

“Soaring On” Recap

Approximately 125 students, faculty, and Round Table members attended the presentation “Soaring On” by Kellie Fischer, exec VP and CFO for the Texas Rangers organization, on January 17, 2013. It was held in Kayser Auditorium in the Hankamer Building of the Baylor Business School. Dean Maness was able to greet her following the event.

She was an excellent speaker, and delivered her relevant, informative, and entertaining message very effectively. Major points were the importance of communication, business and personal ethics, and mentoring. She topped this off with some interview hints for the students present. I took notes and reviewed them with my Management Communication class of MBAs and MAcc students since they were unable to attend. Students who attended were very responsive as well. The event was immediately followed by a Dr Pepper and cookies reception.

Committee: Debra Burleson, Anne Grinols, Courtney Dale

Dean Terry Maness and Speaker Kellie Fischer, CFO Texas Rangers

2011 American League Championship Series

Save the Dates

Round Table Anniversary Luncheon

Make plans to join us on Wednesday, March 27 in the Piper Great Hall of Truett Seminary as we join in “Celebrating Strong Texas Women” at the annual Round Table Anniversary Luncheon.

Baylor First Lady, Alice Starr, will moderate a panel of three outstanding Texas women:

 Dina Dwyer-Owens, Waco, CEO, The Dwyer Group, and featured on the TV show, Undercover Boss in 2012  The Honorable Jennifer Elrod, Beaumont, Federal Judge, 5th Circuit Court of Appeals and current Baylor Regent  Roxanne Wilson, Austin, speaker and media personality who was a runner-up on Donald Trump’s TV show, The Apprentice.

This promised to be a memorable event that you won’t want to miss! Invitations with luncheon cost and reservation information to follow soon.

Scholarship Luncheon & Fashion Show

Tuesday, May 7, 2013 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. (seating begins at 11:45 a.m.) Barfield Drawing Room, Bill Daniel Student Center Guest Day

Prayer Requests

 Round Table Vice President Patricia Pack’s husband James had surgery last week. He has been recovering at home.  Mrs. Floyd (Lorene) Davidson, former Round Table President (1958-59) passed away on January 7 at the age of 100. Condolences for the family should be sent to her only living sister: The Family of Mrs. Lorene Davidson, c/o Ms. Mary Nell Foote, 11586 East Ricks Circle, Dallas, TX 75230-3030  Round Table Membership Chair Diane Haun is continuing to recover from November knee replacement surgery.  Round Table member Lillian Rountree sustained a broken hip on January 19 while visiting her daughter and grandchildren. She had hip replacement surgery on January 21 at Weatherford Regional Medical Center. She has been moved to a rehabilitation facility in Weatherford for a week and will then return home to recover for several additional weeks.

Spring Events Calendar

For a list of events for the Round Table, Baylor, and the Waco communities, visit our website.

Interest Groups

Day Bridge: Tuesday, February 26th at 11:30 a.m. Lunch at the McMullen Faculty Center and then bridge.

Girl’s Night Out will meet on Monday, February 18th at 5:30 p.m. We will eat at Brazos Bar & Bistro located in Hotel Indigo (211 Clay Avenue). Let Julie Covington know if you are planning to attend. [email protected]

Baylor Theatre Group will gather at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, February 15th in the Hooper- Schaefer Faculty Lounge before the 7:30 pm performance of Born Yesterday by Garson Kanin and directed by Jessi Hampton. For more info, contact [email protected] or [email protected].

Be sure to check out our newly updated website at: http://www.baylor.edu/baylorroundtable/