VOLUME XII NUMBER 1 SPRING 2012

The Magazine of Sam Houston State University

ALUMNUS COMMITS $ MILLION 25TO SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY INSIDE BEARKATS’ HISTORIC RUN BRINGS MAGIC TO SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY p20 A SEASON OF CHAMPIONS

The 2011 Fall semester • Maegan Morrow, an alumna and music therapist can be described best as at The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research historic and remarkable. Sam Memorial Hermann in Houston, was interviewed Houston’s football team took on national television by Diane Sawyer regarding Texas and the nation by storm her role in the recovery of former Arizona as week-after-week our team Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. (See page 5.) demonstrated its superior • The College of Education was recently recognized ability and determination on by U.S. News & World Report for having one of the the field. Our student-athletes “Top Online Education Programs” in the nation at and coaches exemplified what the graduate level. (See page 16.) being a champion is all about. The outpouring of • Alumnus Bill Brinkley’s passion for science has led support, the incredible to groundbreaking research in cellular biology which energy, and the level of pride has contributed to cancer treatment breakthroughs. found within our university community, the City of Huntsville (See page 25.) and across the state of Texas were profound. The deafening roar of the fans in the stadium was ample evidence of the spirit this These accomplishments and contributions are among university can generate. the countless examples of outstanding teaching and research In addition to the spectacular football season, alumnus fostered by our university. Fred Pirkle committed $25 million through his company, Being a champion is as much a mindset as it is a talent. Therm-Omega-Tech, Inc., to support the development of Champions compete to win through an intense focus, a engineering technology programs at SHSU. This pledge is the willingness to learn and a positive attitude. They push largest in Sam Houston State’s history. His championship of beyond the boundaries of what seems possible to set ever American manufacturing and the university that helped prepare higher levels of achievement for others to emulate and him for a successful career will have a permanent impact on strive to eclipse. future generations of students and our nation’s workforce. At Sam Houston State University, our scholars, staff, Our championship spirit extends beyond the playing field students and alumni exemplify these qualities through the and the boardroom. It can be seen and felt on campus everyday highest levels of research, teaching, community service and as our faculty, staff and students continue to strive for learning athletic competition. Their tangible contributions to society excellence. Within the pages of this issue of the Heritage improve our state’s and nation’s quality of life today and for magazine, you will read of a number of stories that reflect this the future. They have the stuff of which champions are made. spirit, including:

Dana Gibson President Spotlight

Editor Alumnus Commits $25 Million Julia May 2 [email protected] To Sam Houston State University

Writers When Fred Pirkle visited Sam Houston State University Jason Barfield in 2009, he saw an opportunity to act upon one of the Amy Barnett things he is most passionate about—teaching Americans Jennifer Gauntt Julia May to be leaders in the manufacturing world. Paul Ridings

Photography Brian Blalock

Design & Layout The Sound Of Music Clockwork Studios 5 Alumnae from SHSU’s music therapy program use State of TX HUB-certified www.clockworkstudios.com their degrees to do “miraculous” work at Memorial Hermann’s Rehabilitation and Research Institute. Masthead Design Ford Design 281.992.4042

Vice President for University Advancement Frank R. Holmes DEPARTMENTS [email protected]

Associate Vice President for Marketing and University Focus Communications 8 Award-Winning Economics Researcher Finds Inspiration Kristina K. Ruiz In Heritage, Mac Woodward Named Museum Director, [email protected] “Thank You” To Dr. Patrick Nolan, and more Director of Alumni Relations Charles Vienne [email protected] 800.283.7478 Carry The Vision 17 Austin Hall Gets A Much-Needed “Facelift,” Alumni The goal of Heritage is to keep you informed Endow Chair In College Of Business Administration about Sam Houston State University. Heritage is published twice a year by the Office of University Advancement for alumni, donors and friends of SHSU. Eye On The Kats To contact the Office of University 20 Bearkats’ Historic Run Brings Magic To Sam Houston Advancement please call 936.294.3625 State University, Bearkat Pride Produced A Positive or visit us at www.shsu.edu/giving. Economic Impact As Well, 2011 Hall Of Honor Sam Houston State University is a Member of The Texas State University System Alumni Look 25 William R. Brinkley—Going Places Where No One Has ON THE COVER Gone Before, SHSU’s Online Education Program Opens Doors For Students With Dreams, and more

Fred Pirkle’s historic gift to Sam Houston State University THE TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM BOARD OF REGENTS is an extraordinary example of Charlie Amato Dr. Jaime Garza David Montagne William F. Scott philanthropy. Chairman, San Antonio Beaumont Nederland San Antonio Kevin J. Lilly Trisha Pollard Ryan Bridges Donna N. Williams Houston Bellaire Student Regent, Huntsville Vice Chairman, Ron Mitchell Rossanna Salazar Brian McCall Arlington Horseshoe Bay Austin Chancellor, Austin

SPRI NG 2012 1 Gibson

2 SHSU Heritage Magazine ALUMNUS Spotlight

COMMITS By Julia May

When Fred Pirkle visited Sam Houston State University in 2009, he saw an opportunity to act upon one of the things he is most passionate about—teaching Americans to be leaders in the manufacturing$ world. MILLION 25TO SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY WHEN FRED PIRKLE VISITED SAM HOUSTON STATE his alma mater,” said SHSU President Dana UNIVERSITY IN 2009, HE SAW AN OPPORTUNITY TO Gibson. “This remarkable and unprecedented gift is an investment in the future of Sam ACT UPON ONE OF THE THINGS HE IS MOST PASSIONATE Houston State University and will enhance ABOUT—TEACHING AMERICANS TO BE LEADERS IN the university’s ability to provide opportunities THE MANUFACTURING WORLD. for students to gain invaluable knowledge and experience in industrial technology.” “Fred Pirkle is a remarkable man who am Houston State University The pledge is the largest gift in the is providing extraordinary leadership has received a $25 million university’s history. in philanthropy at Sam Houston State pledge from Warminster, “Sam Houston State University students University,” said Vice President for Pa.-based Therm-Omega-Tech, who are getting a technical education are University Advancement Frank Holmes. Inc., to support the university’s learning skills for life,” Pirkle said. “Those “His contribution through his firm will Sengineering technology components technical skills are critically important for provide a lasting and transformational legacy within the current industrial technology America in today’s world. Americans are for the creation of critical programs to serve program and to establish a new engineering hard workers, and we’re smart workers. the citizens of our state and nation. technology program. I want the students who are touched by “It is an extension of an inventive mind Fred Pirkle, the founder of Therm-Omega- this gift to be inspired to contribute to the that sees problems as exciting opportunities Tech, Inc., graduated from SHSU with a success of this country and be leaders in to create new methods and techniques to Bachelor of Science degree in industrial arts the world.” make our lives better. Others are certain to in 1970 and a master’s degree in industrial “We are truly honored and deeply grateful follow the example that Fred is setting for technology in 1974. for Mr. Pirkle’s generosity to and vision for charitable giving,” Holmes said.

SPRI NG 2012 3 Bottom left: Barbecuing is one of Pirkle’s passions. Top left: Pirkle and SHSU President Dana Gibson enjoy a light moment during her visit to Pennsylvania. After earning his master’s degree at SHSU, he moved to Houston and taught Right: “Genius at work.” in the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District. He left teaching to work as a sales engineer for Commercial engineering technology program and to Industries Division and later Eggelhof, support internships for students majoring Inc. While employed by Eggelhof, Inc., in engineering technology at SHSU. he was assigned to Ogontz Controls in “Mr. Pirkle visited the campus a couple of Philadelphia, Pa. years ago when he came for the ‘Centennial Pirkle left Ogontz Controls and founded Celebration of Agricultural and Industrial Therm-Omega-Tech, Inc., in 1982 to Sciences at Sam Houston State University,’” manufacture valves of his own patented said SHSU Provost and Vice President for design. The company grew to be a leader in Academic Affairs Jaimie Hebert. the field of manufacturing temperature control “He was so pleased to see that the valves and devices, gaining worldwide respect program from which he had graduated was across diverse industries. Therm-Omega-Tech continuing to change with society and the freeze protection valves have become the The gift will provide funding for economy to produce workers who could railroad industry’s standard for preventing three areas. A portion will be applied immediately impact the Texas work force,” freeze damage to diesel locomotives, annually toward the construction of a state-of- Hebert said. protecting billions of dollars of railroad the-art academic facility and associated “Mr. Pirkle credits Sam Houston State equipment worldwide. laboratories, including advanced equipment University with helping prepare him to Since then, he has patented more than and technology, to house engineering be successful with his work, and when he 20 products, including the BBQ Guru, technology and related academic programs. came back and saw what a magnificent the first temperature control device for The building will be named The Fred Pirkle job his institution was doing to prepare charcoal grills and cookers. His patented Technology Center. today’s young men and women for careers products are manufactured in the Therm- In addition, the gift will support a in industry, it made the connection for him,” Omega-Tech facility. permanent endowment fund, known Hebert said. The Sam Houston State University as The Frederick L. Pirkle Scholarship “He let us know at that point, he would Alumni Association recognized Pirkle’s career Fund, to provide financial assistance for do something significant some day to help accomplishments last fall by honoring him as SHSU students enrolled in the engineering us with our mission,” he said. a “Distinguished Alumnus,” the university’s technology program. Pirkle grew up in the Texas Hill Country most prestigious designation for a former The donation will also be used to near San Antonio. Following high school student. O establish The Frederick L. Pirkle graduation, he worked several years as a Enrichment Fund to provide resources for mechanic before enrolling in Sam Houston Editor’s Note: Fred Pirkle lost his battle with an academic chair or professorship in the State University. ALS on March 9.

4 SHSU Heritage Magazine Spotlight

The SOUND of

ALUMNAE FROM SHSU’S MUSIC THERAPY PROGRAM USE THEIR DEGREES TO DO “MIRACULOUS” WORK AT MEMORIAL HERMANN’S REHABILITATION AND RESEARCH INSTITUTE. MusicBy Amy Barnett

One method music therapist Amy Culpepper-Marroquin uses to help trauma patients in their journey to recovery is singing while playing the guitar.

SPRI NG 2012 5 rom behind a closed door “We met Maegan and she started playing on the third floor of a large her guitar, and Shirley started doing things Houston office building, the she was never supposed to do,” he said. strums of a guitar are heard Maegan Morrow is a music therapist at “Helping patients followed by the familiar TIRR and a Sam Houston State University Ftune and words to Pat Benatar’s “Love graduate. The alumna, who earned her get through the is a Battlefield.” First there’s only one degree in 2002, knew her life would always voice, then another, softly chiming in on involve music from the time her uncle traumatic times every other word. Next, complete phrases convinced her to join their church worship come from the second voice, because now band. She started her college career as a in their lives is they’ve made it to the chorus, and Shirley music vocal performance major, and soon Nicholson knows the chorus by heart. after transferring to SHSU, she learned my priority.” “She loves ’80s music,” Stephen about music therapy and was hooked. Nicholson said of his wife. He waits and Her colleague and fellow Sam Houston listens as Shirley finishes her session alumna Amy Culpepper-Marroquin has a announcing, “She wasn’t supposed to similar story. make it this far.” Then the door opens and “I’ve been in music my whole life, but is to think that since music is creative, it’s Shirley comes out in a wheelchair, with a while I was going to school I was drawn processed in the right hemisphere, but that protective helmet on her head. to things that were more biological and is not the whole story.” Shirley is a brain trauma patient at medical. As soon as someone introduced A study published in a 2006 edition of TIRR Memorial Hermann, The Institute me to music therapy, I knew it was exactly Neurology Now journal found that listening for Rehabilitation and Research. The avid what I wanted to do,” said Marroquin, who to music stimulates the brain and the body- runner, who had no previously known health graduated in 1995. mind connection and can reactivate speech problems, collapsed in the elevator of a Morrow and Marroquin spend their centers of the brain, prompt memory, and downtown Houston gym when she had two days playing instruments and singing songs improve gait and coordination. The results back-to-back strokes that led to a severe brain with patients at TIRR. While most would of the study go on to say, “by layering words injury and put her in a coma for 10 days. agree, through our own experiences, that with melody and rhythm, you can train the “There was so much swelling in the brain music can affect a person’s mood, studies brain to use a less traveled pathway to the that the doctors said if she survived she show it can do much more than that. same destination. So when the connections would be blind and would never be able to “The key thing to remember is music to one area of the brain are damaged, eat or even swallow again,” Stephen said. is really processed throughout our entire other connections can be coaxed into “Then there was a miracle. She came out of brain, so we can access parts that have been play—sometimes in pretty creative ways.” the coma and started trying to communicate.” damaged in patients with brain injuries Marroquin gets creative with her group And what happened next, he said, was where you can’t access it with just language therapy class, as it often turns into a jam also miraculous. alone,” Marroquin said. “The norm today session. Patients sing along to “Happy

6 SHSU Heritage Magazine Spotlight

Maegan Morrow

Birthday” and “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” The nation has watched with amazement Morrow completed an internship at the some picking up tambourines or maracas. as former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords Center for Music Therapy in Austin before Although that may not seem like a has made great strides in her recovery after a beginning her career at TIRR in 2004; monumental achievement, these are patients deranged gunman shot her in the head on Jan. Marroquin began working at TIRR in 1999. who just weeks before had limited brain 8, 2011. Six people were killed and 13 others Although music therapy has been recognized function, some with little hope of recovery. injured when the 22-year-old man opened fire as a profession since the National Association “In our assessment we want to see on the crowd in a Tucson, Ariz., supermarket for Music Therapy was founded in 1950, how the patient is responding to what we parking lot where Giffords was hosting a Morrow and Marroquin feel they are still do and what their musical preference is,” meet-and-greet with constituents. pioneering the field. Marroquin said. “If a patient doesn’t like a Giffords was flown to TIRR in Houston “I feel like I am an evangelist for music certain type of music, they are less likely just two weeks after the incident, unable to therapy,” Morrow said. “I’m getting to to respond.” speak and still considered by doctors to be show people the best version of our At TIRR, patients take part in group in “serious” condition. Part of her therapy research, and I know as a musician that this therapy and private sessions to ensure they at TIRR involved Morrow and her guitar. is what I’m supposed to be doing at this are getting the most out of the music. Once In just one month and one day Giffords point in my life. This is my own mission they respond to songs they are familiar with went from almost no speech at all to singing field, because people come to TIRR from and start singing along, they practice singing her favorite songs and is now talking in all over the world to get better and we get phrases like “I am thirsty, I am thirsty.” complete phrases. While Morrow is proud to treat them, so I am so thankful for that.” Studies show it is the repetition that can to be a part of her success, she admits “It’s an awesome feeling,” Marroquin create changes in the brain. The next step success stories like Giffords’s are pretty added. “Helping patients get through the is to take the music out and for the patient common at TIRR. traumatic times in their lives is my priority. to speak the common phrases. “TIRR is a model system. We know If I can do that by bringing in music that As patients work to essentially rewire what we’re doing here,” she said. “We help they are familiar with, I know it’s going to their brains for speech, music therapists are people get better and back to normal life. help their progress.” also aiding in their physical therapy. We get people going back to work or back Stephen Nicholson could not agree “People who are having a hard time to college, so it’s not uncommon that she more. The 20-year military pilot calls himself walking can use the rhythm aspect of music has had such a great recovery.” “logical” and “realistic,” but his reality was to help really coordinate their movements to Morrow credits SHSU for her own forever redefined at TIRR the day his wife be able to step normally and not have a limp success in music therapy. defied the odds, picked up a microphone and when they leave here,” Marroquin said. “The coolest thing about Sam Houston is started singing “Love is a Battlefield.” “Sometimes it’s unbelievable to me,” they have in their curriculum the practices “I’m as black-and-white as it gets,” Morrow added. “I don’t get to see what it’s that we do here,” she said. “Neurologic Nicholson said. “I’ve seen this first hand, like with just physical therapy or speech music therapy is taught at Sam, and that’s and it works.” O alone, but when I come in and see how they not the case at other universities. So when I respond to music, it’s just amazing.” did my internship, I felt prepared.”

SPRI NG 2012 7 university Focus Award-Winning Economics Researcher Finds Inspiration In Heritage

Hiranya Nath uses both his personal experience in a developing doctorate in economics from Southern country and professional experience in the United States to teach Methodist University. SHSU students the value of information in a global economy. He has taught at SHSU in the department of economics and international business since 2002. world away from the small economic thinking,” Nath said. “The For his doctoral research, Nath village in India where he India of today, one of the fastest growing studied movements in prices of various grew up, Sam Houston State countries in the world, is not the same commodities and services over time. After University economics professor India I grew up in. It is constantly changing he joined the economics faculty at SHSU, Hiranya Nath has an office and growing, and I am amazed at the he extended his research to include the Acrammed with books and papers—the progressive economy there. Since I grew study of consumer prices across U.S. cities, tangible evidence of his work at the university, up there, it is easy to link my research on saying the differences in consumer prices studying macro and monetary economics, and developing countries and understand it and inflation across cities have important development and information economics. better using my worldview.” implications for people’s decisions about Somewhere in between the books and He earned his bachelor’s and master’s where to live and work and for businesses’ papers, according to Nath, is one of the degrees from the University of Delhi, his decisions about where to invest. most important tools he uses: his worldview. Master of Philosophy degree in economics Nath said his interest and involvement “Going back to India to visit my family from Jawaharlal Nehru University, in information economics research began is a really conducive environment to my a Master of Arts in economics and a “just by accident.”

8 SHSU Heritage Magazine Remembering the impact of his education in India, Nath visits schools such as this one when he goes home. Award-Winning Economics Researcher Finds Inspiration In Heritage By Meredith Mohr

“This presents a problem that is difficult to overcome—one generation has the money and the power over another, but they do not seem to be optimistic about their society changing, and their children are already in the process of change, some of them born into it. They are very bright, but that only goes so far; they need some sort of support from their parents. Someone needs to provide them the confidence that they can do “I was raised in a village in Assam, a it. I think about my academic training when state in northeast India,” Nath said. “My I go back and know that is important for me parents were low income and could not to emphasize.” afford many things. My school was in very According to Nath, 25 percent of the bad shape. There was no roof or electricity, population still lives under the poverty line and there was a shortage of teachers. in India. Despite the unevenness stemming “Somehow I made best use of the limited from growth and prosperity being in different resources and tried hard,” he said. “My pockets, he said there are examples of hope teachers and my parents encouraged me a lot. for continued economic growth in India. Even That education has been such an important poor people have innovative ideas, if only they part of my life and it led me to where I am could overcome various constraints. “As a doctoral student, I worked for a today. I believe education in developing “My sister, who runs an embroidery professor at Cox School of Business at SMU countries is so important, especially in the school, sometimes orders tea from a roadside one summer and ended up writing a few context of how countries such as India are tea vendor for her employees and customers,” papers with him,” Nath said. “He needed developing with the innovation of bright Nath said. “In the past, the man would send an economic perspective and I needed a job. young minds.” his young son around to take orders from all Eventually someone at UCLA noticed and That innovation is exactly what he has the nearby shops and then he would deliver published some of my work.” observed over the past few years when he the tea. But a few years back, he talked to One of his coauthored papers “Information has traveled back to India to visit his family. all his customers and established a system Services in the U.S. Economy: Value, Jobs “It is an environment I am inspired by,” using his prepaid mobile phone. Say if they and Management Implications,” published in he said. give him one missed call, he understands California Management Review, has been a But Nath also noted that parallel to the they want five cups of tea. Two missed calls required reading for graduate-level courses in creativity of young minds spurring India mean a different amount of tea, and so forth. several universities including the University of forward was a “generational disconnect.” He knows that if he answers his phone, he California, Berkeley. “As things in India are changing, both will have to pay for the minutes, so he just Since he joined the SHSU faculty, Nath in terms of society and technology, I am works from the missed call system and has has published more than 30 peer-reviewed beginning to notice a rift in the people of the successfully established a more efficient and articles in various outlets including well- older generation and the current generation,” innovative way of running his business.” respected journals. For his work in monetary, Nath said. “Kids there now live in a virtual Nath said these are the stories and developmental and information economics, society. During my childhood, everyone used examples that continue to inspire him in Nath was awarded the SHSU Faculty to go outside and play together but now they his economic research and in his teaching Excellence in Research Award in 2011. all have Facebook accounts and go to Internet at SHSU. As he studies these areas of He has also been working on research cafes. Technology has arrived in a big way. research, he also encourages his students involving the economies of developing The generation of their parents does not seem to start thinking like economists and to be countries, an area that has a particularly to understand these changes very well and are challenged by these issues, so that they may personal meaning for him, he said. skeptical. This leads to an overall negativity. someday find solutions in them. O

SPRI NG 2012 9 Mac Woodward Named Museum Director

attended the Modern Archives Institute at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. He was employed by the Sam Houston Memorial Museum in 1994 as a historical interpreter. A year later he was named the museum’s curator of collections. In addition to his management, preservation and exhibition responsibilities as curator, Woodward has performed museum-related activities with other institutions including the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Texas Highways, and Institute of Texan Cultures, and assisted with the Department of Interior National Historic Landmark Report, among others. He has made presentations to the Texas State Historical Association, The Association for Living History, Farm and Agricultural Museums, the Texas Association of Museums, and has served on numerous Sam Houston State University committees. Woodward has been active in the Huntsville community, serving as project manager for several historic preservation endeavors, as a board member for numerous foundations and organizations, and committee member for several events. He served four terms on the Huntsville alter “Mac” Woodward successor. Mac worked closely with Pat for City Council and was elected Huntsville’s has been named the more than 12 years,” Holmes said. mayor in December. director of the Sam “His appointment provides the museum “I am proud and honored to be named Houston Memorial with leadership continuity, together with the director of the Sam Houston Memorial Museum, effective Jan. 1. experience and genuine passion. Both men Museum,” Woodward said. WHe succeeds Patrick Nolan, who retired have been dedicated to the preservation and “As the museum begins its second from the position on Dec. 31, 2011. exhibition of artifacts depicting the life and hundred years, I, along with the great staff, “Dr. Patrick Nolan did a marvelous times of Texas’s greatest hero, Sam Houston, want to continue to build on Dr. Nolan’s job of leading our museum for the past 19 for the benefit of the citizens of our state and efforts to enhance the museum’s role and years, building an excellent team and a solid nation,” he said. importance as a proud member of the foundation on which to build an outstanding Woodward earned a Bachelor of Arts Sam Houston State University community, program,” said Frank Holmes, SHSU vice degree in history from Sam Houston State Huntsville, and Walker County,” he said. president for university advancement. University in 1970. He later graduated with “We look forward to continuing to tell the “With his retirement, we felt fortunate his master’s degree from the University of story of Sam Houston and the Houston to be able to appoint Mr. Woodward as his Houston’s Institute for Public History and family as we serve the people of Texas.” O

10 SHSU Heritage Magazine university Focus ‘Thank You’ To Dr. Patrick Nolan

This tribute from the Sam Houston museum has been on a continuous mission Memorial Museum staff appeared in to expand and update in order to meet the the Huntsville Item in December 2011. needs of the university, the community, and Dr. Nolan died on January 19, 2012. our thousands of annual visitors. The Katy and E. Don Walker, Sr. or the past 19 years Dr. Patrick Education Center opened in 1995 with a new Nolan has been the director at museum store, education office, auditorium, the Sam Houston Memorial activity room, library, and exhibit gallery. The Museum. This fall he announced accreditation process culminated with the his retirement effective Dec. 31, American Association of Museums awarding F2011. Under his leadership and guidance the an accreditation to the museum in 2000. The museum has made tremendous strides permanent exhibits in the memorial museum and improvements. building were renovated and updated, and Dr. Nolan compiled an impressive the museum can now more fully tell the life of resume prior to arriving in Huntsville. Sam Houston, why he is the most important After receiving his Ph.D. in history at the person in Texas history, and worthy of being University of Minnesota, Dr. Nolan became recognized as a national figure. an archivist and associate professor at the Dr. Nolan also coordinated the donation University of Wisconsin at River Falls. After of the Fernland property and its historic two years he accepted the position as director structures to Sam Houston State University. for the Center for the History of Flight at This generous donation by Caroll and Mae grounds in period dress. He can quote the Wright State University. He also served Tharp made possible the relocation and poets from Longfellow to Smooth Lawson, as head of archives and special collections restoration of the Bear Bend Cabin to the he is a terrific archivist, a Minnesotan who and associate professor. In 1988, Dr. Nolan museum grounds. is a proud honorary member of the Sons of moved to Wilmington, Del., to be the Just this past year several important the Republic of Texas, and who epitomizes executive administrator for the Center for the changes and additions took place that will the old saying, “I was not born in Texas, History of Business, Technology, and Society enhance the museum’s future. The Exhibit but I got here as fast as I could.” at the Hagley Museum and Library. In 1992, Hall has been completely remodeled. The JoAnn Purvis, museum administrative Dr. Nolan could not resist the opportunity to Wigwam Neosho Museum Store returned coordinator, said, “His professional archival return to his first love, western history, and to this location and the rear portion of the skills made my job easier, and his unique accepted the director’s position at the Sam building is now available for groups and laugh made the office a pleasant environment.” Houston Memorial Museum. activities. We are all very excited about “I will miss his laid back management Dr. Nolan took the reins of the museum the opening of the W. S. Gibbs Conference style. In spite of budget constraints, Dr. and hit the ground running, planning for the Hall on the lower level of the education Nolan always finds a way to continue and Sam Houston Bi-Centennial Celebration. center. This new spacious area with meeting complete our museum projects,” said Peter At the same time plans were in the works rooms can accommodate up to 300 people Grivich, museum employee. for a new museum education building, now and will be available to the university and Mac Woodward, curator of collections, known as the Katy & E. Don Walker, Sr. community. True to W. S. Gibbs’s wishes, said, “It has been a privilege to work under Education Center. If those two projects were this area is an attractive, well-designed, and Dr. Nolan’s leadership. I have learned so not enough, Dr. Nolan began planning for affordable space for the entire community. much from him and he has given me the the museum’s accreditation by the American Dr. Nolan is more than just a dynamic freedom to grow in my profession.” Association of Museums, and, of course, the museum director. He is a man of wit and We at the Sam Houston Memorial annual Sam Houston Folk Festival, held charm, who was never happier than when Museum will be forever grateful for Dr. on the museum grounds the last weekend stepping out of his academic role and into Nolan’s leadership, friendship, and service to in April. Under Dr. Nolan’s direction, the the 19th century, strolling the museum the museum, university, and community. O

SPRI NG 2012 11 New Agriculture Endowment Recognizes Professor’s Dedication To FFA

The Dr. Herb Schumann Leadership Contests, which are held at SHSU,” said Endowment for Student Teachers in Ullrich. “He retired in 1996, yet continued on a Agriculture will provide scholarships each half-time basis until his full retirement in 2001. semester for students beginning the 12-week Last summer, when the Department of field experience at a mentoring school. Agricultural and Industrial Sciences alumni Doug Ullrich, Jr., and Dwayne Pavelock, met in Arlington for their annual banquet two current agricultural sciences faculty and fundraiser in conjunction with the state members who have taken the responsibility ag teacher conference, the establishment of for writing the materials for FFA competitions the endowment was officially announced. since Schumann retired as professor of “We designated the scholarships specifically vocational education, were instrumental in for student teachers,” said Ullrich, “because creating the endowment. the semester in which they do their student Ullrich began writing leadership teaching is tough. They can’t work very much materials in 1996 and has exclusively because of their schedules, and by the nature developed FFA quizzes since 2001. of what they teach, they have to put in a lot of Pavelock began authoring parliamentary time on weekends and after school.” $40,000 endowment to honor procedure materials for the chapter It’s also a tribute to Schumann, who a retired professor who conducting events in 2001. was responsible for preparing more than spent many years authoring The majority of the funding for 700 students to become certified teachers leadership development the endowment comes from the sale of of vocational agriculture and agricultural materials used in FFA contests event materials. science. O Athroughout the state has been established at “Dr. Schumann served for 12 years as Sam Houston State University. the chairman of the State FFA Leadership

SHSU Named Home of Invasive Species Institute

am Houston State University be able to rapidly identify new and existing In addition to Cook, several SHSU has been named the location of invasive species. This information can be faculty and research scientists will be the Institute for the Study of used to quickly develop invasive species actively involved with the operation of the Invasive Species (ISIS), the first management plans for Texas and the Gulf institute, including Autumn Smith, Jack comprehensive research effort Coast region in order to control or eradicate Hill, Chris Wilson, and Amber Bartelt. Sin Texas focused on the early detection and potential threats. Individual SHSU researchers have elimination of multiple invasive species. The institute will be located in the the option of participating on projects, Texas State University System laboratories of Sam Houston State including eight biology faculty and five Chancellor Brian McCall announced the University’s Texas Research Institute for geographic information system faculty. creation of the institute in November, which Environmental Studies. Cook was recently appointed as The Texas will draw from the experience of more than “At SHSU we will house staff to facilitate State University System representative to 40 researchers throughout The Texas State early detection and rapid response efforts,” the board of directors for the Texas Invasive University System. said Jerry Cook, associate vice president for Plant and Pest Council. Among the council’s While several agencies and organizations research and interim dean of SHSU’s College objectives are to promote awareness and an work on the invasive species problem in of Sciences. understanding regarding invasive pests and Texas, ISIS is the first that will establish “Associated with this will be our biological plants and their control across Texas, and to a comprehensive management plan for museum holdings which will facilitate serve as an advisory council regarding the multiple species. Using GIS mapping and identification of species and provide for long- funding, research, policy and management of predictive modeling, ISIS researchers will term vouchering of specimens,” he said. invasive pests and plants. O

12 SHSU Heritage Magazine university Focus Four Named To CHSS Wall Of Honor

Robert Gammage John W. Holcombe Ron Koska James Olson

he College of Humanities and Representatives and Texas Senate. He was of SHSU’s faculty excellence awards, Social Sciences will honor four also elected to the Texas Supreme Court for Excellence in Teaching, Research individuals on March 23 who and the Texas Court of Appeals, and served and Service. In 2004 the Council for have brought dignity and honor as assistant attorney general of Texas. the Advancement of Education and the to the college through their He has taught at South Texas College Carnegie Endowment for Education named Taccomplishments and service. of Law, San Jacinto College and Sam him "Professor of the Year, Texas, for Selected for recognition on the 2012 Houston State. Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching." Wall of Honor are alumni Robert Gammage Ron Koska graduated with a bachelor's Additionally, Olson is the author, co-author, and Ron Koska and faculty members degree in psychology in 1961 and founded editor, or co-editor of more than 30 books. James Olson and the late John Holcombe. his own Houston-based firm in 1969. John W. Holcombe was a professor “The 2012 CHSS Wall of Honor Koska has served on the CHSS Advisory of political science at Sam Houston State recipients are wonderful exemplars of the Board and is a Lifetime Member of the University until his death in 2008. During college’s distinguished alumni and faculty,“ Alumni Association of Sam Houston his tenure, he also served as acting chair of said John de Castro, dean of the College State University. He also has served as a the department. He received his bachelor’s of Humanities and Social Sciences. benefactor of the Sam Houston Memorial degree from the University of Texas in “We are proud of all they have Museum, Delta Tau Delta National 1963 and his doctorate from Claremont accomplished, the honor that they have Fraternity, the Brookwood Community, the Graduate School in 1972. Holcombe taught brought upon the college and university, University of St. Thomas, Port Mansfield classes in American politics, legislative and their outstanding contributions to the Chamber of Commerce, and the Special politics, and political participation at education of our students. We are pleased Olympics, along with other organizations. SHSU and was awarded the Excellence to be able to recognize and honor these James Olson is a Distinguished Professor in Teaching Award in 1991. He also served extraordinary individuals and present them of History and a former department chair as faculty adviser to the SHSU chapter of as role models for future generations,” at Sam Houston State University. He Pi Sigma Alpha national political science he said. received a Bachelor of Arts degree from honor society. He authored numerous Robert “Bob” Gammage earned a Brigham Young University and the Master publications throughout his career and Master of Arts degree from SHSU in of Arts and doctoral degrees from the participated in many panel discussions at 1965. He was elected to the United States State University of New York at Stony national and international political science Congress, as well as the Texas House of Brook. Olson is the recipient of all three conventions. O

SPRI NG 2012 13 SHSU hosted a number of events during the Fall semester that brought together students, SCENE employees and alumni. atSAM

The Jim Ferris family with Sammy at Homecoming. The SamJam Carnival during Homecoming Week.

President Gibson at the opening Welcome Week Casino Night. Tree of Light Ceremony. of Old Main Market.

14 SHSU Heritage Magazine Members of the Bearkat Battalion were the first Johnathan Brouillet closes the 9-11 Memorial to sign the 9-11 remembrance wall in the LSC. Ceremony with“Amazing Grace.”

Stedman Graham, President’s Stephanie Elizondo and Joseph Anderson, President Gibson and Greyson Lutterschmidt, Speaker Series guest. Homecoming Queen and King. Fall Festival.

President Gibson, Dan Rather and Peter Roussel Rodeo Championship Celebration at Gibbs Ranch at “Mingling With The Media.” with past national championship team members.

SPRI NG 2012 15 university Focus SHSU Earns Top Recognition In Online Graduate Education

These things reflect the “support and movement” of the university, Irby said. “Our student services and technology is S H S U like a village. We’re always trying to improve, and I think services such as those offered by the DELTA Center have helped us to improve,” she continued. “It takes all of us, the welve years ago, Sam Houston including No. 4 for student services and entire university, to attain such a recognition.” State University’s College technology; No. 21 for faculty credentials SHSU’s graduate College of Business of Education paved the way and training; and No. 46 for student Administration online degree ranked No. 14 for the university’s online engagement and accreditation. for student services and technology and No. education when it introduced Rankings were based on a number of 53 for student engagement and accreditation. Tthe first web-based degree. criteria, including technology accessible The entire online bachelor’s degree program, Now offering nine fully online graduate to students; the percentage of faculty with in addition to earning the No. 2 ranking degrees and eight hybrid graduate degrees, terminal degrees and faculty experience; among all online bachelor’s programs in the the college has been recognized by the U.S. and National Council for Accreditation nation for student services and technology, News and World Report for having one of of Teacher Education accreditation and also earned No. 5 for faculty credentials and the “Top Online Education Programs” in student collaboration requirements training, and No. 66 for student engagement the nation for graduate education. on assignments. and assessment. SHSU is one of only 14 graduate “Maximum class size does impact the “DELTA (SHSU’s Distance Education education programs in the country, and of score for student engagement accreditation and Learning Technologies for Academics) only two in the state of Texas, to earn the U.S. because it’s a quality indicator,” said Beverly has had a mobile initiative for more than News “Honor Roll” designation, “highlighting Irby, associate dean for graduate programs two years,” said Bill Angrove, associate vice programs that consistently rank in the top for the College of Education, who noted president for SHSU online. “We are proud third among their peers at the bachelor’s and that the average class size for their online to be able to incorporate the diverse online master’s levels,” according to the magazine. graduate programs is about 18 and usually learning technologies that provide a greater “The College of Education is excited reaches no higher than 25. flexibility for students to take classes by the about and appreciative of receiving such “There are public and private universities methods of their choosing and at the times an outstanding honor,” said College of that consider scale to be important,” she said. of their choosing. Education Dean Genevieve Brown. “It “We consider quality to be the most important “These services and technology is truly a tribute to our innovative and aspect of our graduate education program components have played a large part in student-centered faculty and staff. More online, and this particular component is the top rankings for the undergraduate than a decade ago, our college leadership included as a quality indicator for the U.S. online bachelor’s degrees and the colleges and faculty members had the vision and News and World Report.” of Education and Business Administration’s commitment to initiate a delivery system The student services and technology online graduate programs,” he said. that would be reflective of the emerging indicators (SHSU’s overall online In addition to the online and hybrid needs of working professionals in schools bachelor’s program also earned the No. graduate degree programs offered by and agencies.” 2 spot in the nation) include support the College of Education, SHSU offers Announced Jan. 10, honor roll services from the SHSU DELTA Center, 14 fully online and hybrid certification designations were based on rankings in four which opened in 2009 and both provides programs for students who already have a areas in master’s degree-level programs in and supports many of the digital tools bachelor’s degree. This summer the college’s business, computer information technology, and programs utilized across campus; department of educational leadership and education, engineering, and nursing, as well Newton Gresham Library, which offers counseling will initiate a fully online doctoral as online bachelor’s degree programs. livestreams of video collections, chats, and program, the only one in the country in The College of Education ranked within other digital content; and Blackboard and development education administration, the top 50 in three different categories, classroom livestreaming. according to Irby. O

16 SHSU Heritage Magazine CARRY THE VISION Austin Hall Gets A Much-Needed ‘Facelift’

Shutter damage and cracks between the bricks are among the things the Alumni who have carved their names in the bricks of the building $2 million restoration project will need not worry. The project is leaving one of the building’s most work to ameliorate. distinctive features intact.

ustin Hall, the oldest building Estimated to cost $2 million, the project placed inside the building in some manner,” on the campus of Sam has benefitted from donations from alumni he said. Houston State University, is and businesses as well. Austin Hall first opened its doors in 1851 as in the middle of a restoration SHSU’s Facilities Planning and Austin College, a Presbyterian school for which that includes extensive Construction Office is leading the project Gen. Sam Houston was on the first board of Arepairs and a bit of “dressing up,” according which includes everything from floor governors. The Methodist Church later owned to university officials. refinishing to cupola restoration, as well the landmark before it sold the building to “It has been 27 years since Austin Hall as the installation of new electrical and the citizens of Huntsville. In October 1879, it was last renovated, and now thanks to the plumbing systems. became Sam Houston Normal Institute, and generosity of three charitable foundations, The bricks with names of generations for the first time, it prospered. the architectural symbol of Sam Houston of Sam Houston State students carved into In 1888 Old Main was built to meet the State University is undergoing a much- them will not be replaced with new bricks. needs of a growing student population. The needed facelift and work that will prevent They will, however, be taken down so that two buildings became historical fixtures for this beautiful building from deteriorating,” new mortar can be applied. They will then Sam Houston State University until a fire said SHSU President Dana Gibson. “The be “re-placed” in their previous location on in 1982 destroyed Old Main and left Austin contributions of these organizations are the exterior of the building, except for those Hall damaged. helping restore an important part of Sam bricks that have deteriorated beyond use, Austin Hall was restored and rededicated Houston and Texas history.” such as some of the ones below the windows. in 1986. Today it is still used for university The three foundations that have committed “The bricks with the names carved in receptions, meetings and special events, to assisting in the funding for the Austin them are a part of the history of the building,” making it the oldest continuously used higher Hall restoration project include Houston said Chad Huff, SHSU’s facilities architect. education facility west of the Mississippi River. Endowment, Inc., The Brown Foundation, “Even the bricks that can no longer be The restoration project is scheduled to Inc., and The Elkins Foundation. used on the outside of the building will be be completed in May 2012. O

SPRI NG 2012 17 Alumni Endow Chair In College Of Business Administration

Two Sam Houston State University business alumni have announced their plans to establish a $1 million endowment at the university, which will provide funding for the enhancement of programs within the College of Business Administration.

harles Amato and Gary Dudley, both of San Antonio, have established the Amato- Dudley College of Business Administration Dean’s CChair Endowment, to help attract and retain eminent scholars, as well as meet emerging student needs. The dean of the College of Business Administration, who will also serve officially as the Amato-Dudley Endowed Chair for the College of Business Administration, will administer the endowment. The dean’s suite offices will be named in honor of the donors. These funds will provide a “maximum amount of flexibility,” allowing the dean discretionary use of the endowment’s earnings in what he views as the college’s areas of greatest need, from faculty and student professional travel, development, and scholarly research, to other priorities and opportunities that benefit the college, according to Dean Mitchell Muehsam. “In a time of diminishing state funds, contributions from alumni and the private sector allow the college to maintain its pursuit of excellence,” Muehsam said. “We are extraordinarily appreciative of the generosity demonstrated by Mr. Amato and Mr. Dudley. “Their confidence will motivate us to provide even greater services to our Charles Amato (left) students,” he said. and Gary Dudley (right). Dudley and Amato are co-owners of the San Antonio-based Southwest Business

18 SHSU Heritage Magazine CARRY THE VISION Alumni Endow Chair In College Of Business Administration

Corporation (SWBC), a diversified financial been inducted into the College of Business students. It is for this reason, both said, services company providing a wide range Administration’s Hall of Honor. Amato and that they decided to create the Amato- of insurance, mortgage, and investment Dudley are members of the President’s Circle, Dudley College of Business Administration services to financial institutions, businesses and are Life Members of the SHSU Alumni Dean’s Chair Endowment. and individuals. Association. Dudley also serves on the College “Both professionally and personally we They are also part owners of the San of Business Administration Advisory Board. understand the importance of giving back, Antonio Spurs, and Amato currently serves Both also have been inducted into the and we appreciate all that Dean Mitchell as the chair of the Texas State University San Antonio Business Hall of Fame and, in Muehsam and President Dana Gibson have System Board of Regents. 2009, both were awarded the Beta Gamma done to contribute to the success of our The SHSU alumni met in middle school Sigma Medallion for Entrepreneurship. youth,” Dudley said. “We have hired many while growing up in LaPorte. Dudley and Amato credit SHSU for SHSU graduates who become leaders not They lost touch during their teen years but giving them a well-rounded education only at SWBC but in the community. met again in the mid-60s when they pledged and teaching them the value of hard work, “Getting a solid foundation is important, the same fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon, at adding that they are proud they can help and that is just one of the many things SHSU. They each received a Bachelor of SHSU continue that success with future SHSU offers,” he said. O Business Administration degree from SHSU before setting out to make their marks on their communities. After graduating in 1969, Dudley began coaching in the Houston school district and served six months of active duty in the Marine Corps before taking a job selling insurance products to banks and credit unions in the Houston area. After earning his degree in 1970, Amato began a banking career with Bay City Bank and Trust. In 1974, the two met again at a party in Houston, where Dudley recruited his fraternity brother to work with him and sell insurance to financial institutions in San Antonio. Two years later, the entrepreneurs decided to venture out and co-founded their own company, SWBC, with the purpose of providing insurance to financial institutions, while at the same time providing high levels of customer service. Today, the San Antonio-based SWBC is a multi-faceted company with offices across the country and more than 1,400 employees. Dudley and Amato have remained active with their alma mater and have received multiple recognitions from the university. They are recipients of the SHSU Distinguished Alumni Award and have

SPRI NG 2012 19 BEARKATS’ HISTORIC

Tim Flanders BRINGS MAGIC TO SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY

20 SHSU Heritage Magazine EYE ON the Kats

By Paul Ridings

RECORDS FELL AND SPIRITS SOARED IN SHSU’S BEST FOOTBALL SEASON EVER.

n the way to Sam Houston Spring recalled. “He put three things up on “Everyone came into spring camp State University’s first the board. He wrote ‘6-5’ and followed that more committed than ever before,” the appearance in the NCAA with ‘average.’ Then he wrote ‘8-3 good’ sophomore running back from Midwest Division I Football and finally ‘10-1 great.’ City, Okla., said. “We had a very good Championship game, “Coach Fritz said that 6-5, average, is camp and a great spring game. Once we Othere was one question that came up in every what we were in 2010. He crossed out ‘good’ got the winning streak going in the fall, interview of a Bearkat player. and told us he thought we could go straight we just kept building momentum.” When did you realize that the 14-0 to ‘great’ in 2011. Right at that moment, we Southland Conference “Defensive Player run to the finals was going to be such a thought he was a little crazy, but having the of the Year” Darnell Taylor points to Sam special season? coaching staff show they believed in us and Houston’s 48-45 overtime victory at New For All-Southland Conference quarterback what we were capable of really helped us and Mexico in the third game of the 2011 season. Brian Bell, the moment came at a team meeting our confidence.” “We didn’t play as well defensively in following the completion of the 2010 season. For Southland Conference “Player of that game, but when we beat an FBS team “Just before Christmas break, Coach the Year” Tim Flanders, the realization on the road in Albuquerque, we knew we (Willie) Fritz brought us all in for a team of the potential of the 2011 team came in had a chance to win every game,” the junior meeting,” the sophomore from China spring training in March and April. safety from Mesquite said.

SPRI NG 2012 21 Another milestone victory for the The Kats were tops in the classroom Bearkats was the 38-14 win over No. 24 as well. Sam Houston led the Southland McNeese State in midseason. The victory Conference with seven selections on the marked only the second time Sam Houston The 14 victories, the most ever in one 2011 academic all-league squad. Watson, had beaten McNeese at Cowboy Stadium. season by the Bearkats, included a perfect a senior political science major, was named “One of the big things our coaches 7-0 Southland Conference record as SHSU Southland Conference Student-Athlete emphasized all year is focusing on going earned its first undisputed Southland of the Year and was a finalist for the 1-0 each week,” Southland Conference football championship. Sam Houston National Football Coaches Association “Offensive Player of the Year” Richard posted wins over five nationally-ranked Scholar Athlete of the Year post-graduate Sincere said. “That’s what we did. We were opponents and went 9-0 at home at Elliott scholarship award. 1-0 each week for 14 straight weeks.” T. Bowers Stadium, one of 26 school Sam Houston head coach Willie Whenever the magic started, it is records set during the 2011 campaign. Fritz received football’s top coaching undeniable that there has ever been a season Seven Sam Houston players received honor as American Football Coaches like 2011 in the 96-year history of Sam All-America honors. Fifteen Bearkats earned Association (AFCA) FCS Coach of the Houston State football. All-Southland Conference honors, with Year. After directing the Kats to their best During the 14-1 season, Sam Houston Flanders, Sincere and Taylor sweeping league two-year record in 96 seasons of football earned its highest Football Championship honors as Player of the Year, Offensive Player (20-7), Fritz also was voted as Southland Subdivision ranking ever, standing No. 1 of the Year and Defensive Player of the Conference, AFCA Regional and American in the FCS poll from Nov. 20 to Jan. 9. Year, respectively. Football Monthly Coach of the Year. The Bearkats were the only squad Flanders, who rushed for 1,644 yards and The Bearkats’ Southland Conference out of 126 FCS teams to finish the regular 22 touchdowns in 2011, and Taylor, who led championship and NCAA playoff victories season 11-0. Sam Houston ranked among Sam Houston with 128 tackles, both earned over No. 22 Stony Brook, No. 7 Montana the top 10 teams in the nation in nine recognition on five All-America squads. State and No. 5 Montana before capacity NCAA statistics categories, standing No. Other All-America honorees included Sincere, crowds at Elliott T. Bowers Stadium 1 in rushing defense, No. 2 in scoring offensive linemen Travis Watson and Chris brought regional and national publicity to defense and turnover margin and No. 3 Crockett, defensive back Dax Swanson and Sam Houston State University unlike any in total defense. defensive lineman J. T. Cleveland. event before.

22 SHSU Heritage Magazine EYE ON the Kats

BEARKAT PRIDE PRODUCED A POSITIVE ECONOMIC IMPACT AS WELL

he Sam Houston football team reached the NCAA Division I National Championship Game with home playoff victories over nationally ranked Stony Brook, Montana State and Montana that brought unprecedented sports excitement to Huntsville and the university community. Bearkat pride reached an all-time high as students, faculty, alumni Tand local residents piled into Elliott T. Bowers Stadium in record numbers that also benefited the local community. “The success of the Bearkats was good not only for the university, but for our city,” Huntsville City Manager Bill Baine said. “It is about recognition. People are Sam Houston was featured in four seeing Sam Houston State all over the place. One of the things that benefits our national telecasts on ESPN, ESPN2 city is our growing university. That brings more people to town who are buying and ESPN3; newspaper features in USA things in our shops, eating in our restaurants and sleeping in the hotels.” Today, the Washington Post and major Local businesses and restaurants boasted Bearkat pride with signs in windows Texas dailies in Houston, Dallas and and on marquees, before and after games. Nearly 30,000 fans attended the three Fort Worth; national radio exposure on contests. Those people needed somewhere to stay and a place to eat. Sirus XM, Westwood One and Turner “We were full in both my hotels,” said Karen Fletcher Adams, area operations Communications; and TV interviews in manager for Holiday Inn Express and Best Western. “We saw people come from every major Texas market. all over for the games.” Chris Crockett, one of five fifth-year By earning the No. 1 seed with an 11-0 regular season record, the Bearkats seniors on the 2011 Sam Houston team, paved the way for the road to the national championship game to go through summed up the season best in a news Huntsville as long as the team kept winning. conference the day before the championship Prior to this year the highest Football Championship Subdivision ranking the game at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas. Bearkats had achieved was third in 2004, when they produced an 11-3 record. “This is the best football season that I’ve “I don't recall there being this type of turnout then,” said Kerry Murray, who ever had in my life,” Crockett told the large has owned Murski's Icehouse in Huntsville since August of 1993. “The difference group of reporters. “This has been really is that this time around the Bearkats were ranked No. 1 and got the top seed. special. I think I can speak for all the fifth- Everything got off on the right foot and that caught the attention of the fans earlier. year seniors that we’ve been very blessed I saw probably three-and-a-half to four times an increase in gross sales with the and are very proud to be the first football playoffs here. We saw a lot of Bearkat alumni come in that used to hang out here team in Sam Houston history to go to the during their college days.” national championship. Bearkat Head Coach Willie Fritz was quick to point out how the stadium noise “And we’ve just been trying to savor was a factor in the team's play on the field. every moment. It’s been a fun ride this year. “We had just sensational crowds,” Fritz said. “I was really excited about our This has been the most fun I’ve ever had in crowds, how loud they were, particularly in the fourth quarter. The atmosphere my life playing football.” O was great. The two years I've been here as a head coach and my previous stints as an assistant coach and graduate assistant, I don't remember anything like this.” O

SPRI NG 2012 23 EYE ON the Kats Former Student-Athletes Selected for 2011 Hall Of Honor

Karen Zoch Koncaba ranks as Sam Houston volleyball’s all-time kill leader with 2,028 in 198 matches during her four- year career from 1984 to 1987. Earning NCAA All-Region and Gulf Star and Southland All-Conference honors, she led the Kats to two NCAA Division II Final Four Appearances. Sandy Mader, a two-time All-America shortstop, ranks among the top 10 in Kats’ hitting (.329 career average), runs scored (124), hits (196), home runs (13) and triples (11). Playing from 1983 to 1986, she led SHSU to two NCAA World Series appearances and four NCAA Division II regional tournaments. Steve Hume earned All-America honors as an outfielder for Sam Houston, compiling a .351 career batting average on squads that earned a 149-68 record from 1978 to 1981. He was the leading hitter The 2011 Hall of Honor inductees are, from left: Lee Singletary, Steve Hume, Dennis Kainer, Derick Preston, Carla Lowry, on the 1981 baseball team that rolled up a Sandy Mader, Karen Zoch Koncaba, and Susan Feldman. 38-18 record. Dennis Kainer was an All-America pitcher, compiling a career record of 30 victories and 12 losses and a 3.33 earned Eight Bearkat sports greats were inducted into the Sam Houston run average from 1979 to 1982. His 30 career State University men’s and women’s Halls of Honor at the Lowman pitching wins ranks No. 2 all-time at Sam Student Center December 10. Houston and his 235 career strikeouts are the third highest total in school history. Derick Preston ranks as Sam usan Feldman (softball), Carla Susan Feldman was a member of the Houston’s fifth all-time scoring leader with Lowry (women’s basketball Bearkats’ inaugural softball team in 1971 1,451 points. He earned All-Southland and volleyball), Karen Zoch and has been active in her support of Conference honors three times in his four Koncaba (volleyball) and women’s athletics both at Sam Houston State seasons as a Bearkat from 1993 to 1996. Sandy Mader (softball) are University and in the Southwest. She is a well- He ranks fifth in career three-point field Sthe 2011 inductees for the Sam Houston known personality in the sport of track and goals (181) and 13th in Bearkat all-time Women’s Letter Association Hall of Honor. field as an official at area and national meets. rebounding (533). Steve Hume (baseball), Dennis Kainer Carla Lowry was hired in 1967 to Lee Singletary earned All-America (baseball), Derick Preston (basketball) organize and coach Sam Houston’s first honors twice, leading Sam Houston men’s and Lee Singletary (golf) are the four 2011 volleyball and basketball teams. After golf team to an NAIA runner-up finish inductees for the Sam Houston Lettermen’s directing the Bearkats to TAIAW state titles in 1977 and the first of four consecutive Association Hall of Honor. This year’s in both sports, she later coached and served national championships in 1978. He was a additions bring the total number of members as an athletic administrator at UT-Arlington top 10 finisher in both the conference and to 168. and Southwestern University in Georgetown. national tournaments. O

24 SHSU Heritage Magazine ALUMNI LOOK William R. Brinkley —Going Places Where No One Has Gone Before By Julia May

A life-long love of science has led an SHSU alumnus to groundbreaking discoveries that have given hope to those affected by cancer.

illiam Brinkley’s passion Brinkley grew near the community California Academy of Science,” he said. for scientific research of Cut-N-Shoot, on the edge of the Big “I was able to spend a great deal of time in and education has taken Thicket in southeast Texas. a natural setting with someone who was an him from the forests “It was the most remarkable laboratory expert in his field, and I learned a lot.” of east Texas to the in the world,” he said. “As a boy, I spent Brinkley’s plans to become an Wmarble halls of the Capitol building in many, many hours in the woods, forests, ornithologist changed when he graduated. Washington, D.C. fields and streams. I was interested in “My wife, Shirley, who is also a Sam Along the way, he has conducted and led wildlife, and as a teenager I started my own Houston graduate, is a scholar, as well,” he groundbreaking research in cellular biology, taxidermy business.” Through his work, said. “We both came from modest-income which resulted in new discoveries in human he became familiar with the anatomy and families, and we had to work our way cells and research that led to cancer treatment structure of animals. He was particularly through college. She majored in what was breakthroughs. He has been recognized for fascinated with birds. then known as home economics, and at the his work with numerous awards and national He graduated from high school and time there weren’t many colleges offering funding for his projects. He recently retired as came to Sam Houston with plans to graduate degrees in home ec.” the senior vice president for graduate sciences, become an ornithologist. With mentors However, one university—Iowa State— dean of the graduate school of biomedical like biology professors Jimmy Long and had one of the nation’s strongest programs sciences, and Distinguished Service Professor Bill Clark, Brinkley had opportunities to in home economics, and both were offered at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. develop his interest and capitalize on his scholarships in their respective fields. But don’t think for a moment that desire to learn more about biology, both as “Iowa State had a big Department of Brinkley is going to kick back in a rocking an undergraduate and graduate student. Zoology, and when I arrived, one of my chair overlooking his beloved place on “When I was finishing my courses for my professors invited me into his office and Lake Livingston. He has too much going master’s degree, I went to Mexico with a introduced me to a piece of equipment called on for that to happen. famous ornithologist to collect birds for the the electron microscope,” Brinkley said. “He

SPRI NG 2012 25 told me that no one knew how to use it, and figuring it out was going to be my task.” Brinkley became a pioneer in electron microscopy, which helped him “get off to a good start” with his career. “I decided to work on the human chromosome, and some of my early work was on the human genome, by way of the Brinkley has conducted structure of the chromosome,” he said. “I discovered some things that had never groundbreaking research been seen before, which led to me being leading to new discoveries invited all over the world to give talks.” Upon completing his doctorate at Iowa in cancer treatment. State, Brinkley returned to his home state for postdoctoral studies at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute in Houston. After a number of years there, Brinkley moved to the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, where he colleagues how to do that so they wouldn’t it would go on to the Senate,” Brinkley said. served as professor and director of the just appear with their hands out.” “He signed the paper, and we got the funding.” Division of Cell Biology. Later, he worked It took hard work, persistence, and Eight years ago Brinkley’s own life at Baylor College of Medicine, where he patience, Brinkley said. It also took a chance was touched in a very personal way by was professor and director of cell structure meeting with an influential congressman who the disease he has devoted so many years in the Department of Cell Biology. happened to be seated by Brinkley on a trip to studying. In 1985, he accepted the position of to Washington. “My wife, Shirley, has a rose garden. chairman of the Department of Cell Biology “I had been calling his office repeatedly to One day, she discovered a lump under her at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. get an appointment with him, and he wouldn’t arm and thought it had been caused by an Concurrently, he was co-director of the see me,” Brinkley said. “I was so discouraged infection from a thorn,” Brinkley said. Gregory Fleming James Cystic Fibrosis because we needed his endorsement. He was “I was trained at M. D. Anderson, and Research Center and senior scientist at the the House majority whip in Congress who all such lumps are potentially serious, so we university’s Comprehensive Cancer Center. also had connections in Houston, and without decided to have it biopsied,” he said. “She In 1991, he was invited to return to his approval nothing was going to happen.” didn’t have any other symptoms. However, Baylor to serve as vice president for graduate On the way to Washington that morning, the biopsy revealed that she had ovarian sciences and dean of the graduate school. Brinkley couldn’t believe his good fortune. cancer, stage 4. It had already metastasized Throughout his career, he has been “He didn’t know who I was, and at first and was very serious—unbelievable!” actively involved in many professional he acted like he didn’t want to talk,” he said. Shirley’s oncologist met with the organizations, serving in a leadership role “But we started talking ‘good ol boy.’ I told Brinkleys and recommended chemotherapy in all of them at one time or another. him I grew up in Cut-N-Shoot in Texas, and followed by surgery to remove the tumor As president of the Federation of he asked me if I knew some people who had burden, then suggested a second treatment American Societies of Experimental Biology, lived there, and before long we were having with a drug that had been effective for he found a calling in the science policy a friendly conversation.” some women, but not all. arena and became a dedicated advocate for Brinkley was able to tell the congressman “He told us that the drug had even been biomedical research funding. about progress that was taking place with very dangerous for some women, but we “During my term as president of FASEB, medical research in areas such as stem cells, had little choice,” Brinkley said. “Then he I had a goal to double the amount of money cancer and diabetes—something in which the went on to tell us that the drug is extracted allocated for medical research from the congressman had a personal interest. from the bark of the Oriental yew tree. National Institute of Health in five years,” When the plane landed in Washington, “Shirley nudged me with her foot under he said. “I was naïve to believe we could the congressman assured Brinkley that he the table and said, ‘Taxol.’ I had done the get it done, but we started talking about it would “do his best” to help with getting the initial studies on the drug 20 years earlier and people caught on, and it happened. appropriations pushed through. and published two papers on it,” Brinkley “I learned how to get into people’s offices “Sure enough, we got down to the point said. “Some doctors on the East Coast found and how to relate a story about the difference where he and two others were required to that it was very effective for the treatment the money could make,” he said. “I taught my sign this appropriation for the House before of some ovarian and breast cancers. Some

26 SHSU Heritage Magazine women can’t tolerate it, and some women do fine with it.” Although, as Brinkley said, Shirley SHSU’s Online Education ALUMNI “went through hell” during the treatment, LOOK she survived and has been cancer-free Program Opens Doors For for the past nine years. Without the drug, Brinkley feels that she would not likely Students With Dreams By Julia May have lived beyond a year. “This is just one of the many reasons I believe so strongly in basic research,” Brinkley said. “Just think, this drug that comes out of the bark of a tree. What a difference it has made in the fight against these types of cancer.” Brinkley himself marvels at the progress that has been just during his lifetime in cellular research. “Now that we know so much about the genome, we’re going to try to develop patient- specific drugs to treat cancer,” he said. Now that he has retired, Brinkley is focusing his efforts on science policy and continuing his work as an advocate for support for medical research. “I’m also going to be working with my friends at Sam Houston State in the biology department, helping them raise money for scholarships and funding,” he said. “We need to do more for science education,” he said. “I want to help strengthen K – 12 science. SHSU has a For education professionals like Consuelo Malecek, who strong reputation in teacher education, earned a master’s degree through SHSU’s online program, and I’d love to see the university be a distance learning has provided numerous opportunities springboard for training outstanding science teachers, as well as scientists. and advantages that might not have been available through “Science discovery is so exciting,” Brinkley a more traditional route. said. “It’s like an adventure because it means going places where no one has gone before.” Brinkley sees his relationship with hen Consuelo Malecek for a couple of months in order to help care SHSU as a way to thank his alma mater was a little girl playing for her siblings. for launching his successful career. in the rain forests of However, her outlook on education “I was so fortunate to have the Belize, she assumed that changed when her fourth grade teacher opportunities that I had as a college she would follow the found a way to spark her interest. student,” he said. “A lot of people helped Westablished pattern of other young girls in “There was a garden outside the me get to where I am today. I was blessed the area. classroom,” Malecek said. “I took a special to have so many professors, friends, and In a culture where education for girls interest in tending the garden, and my smart people who saw potential in me that was considered optional, she thought she teacher gave me a little certificate that said I didn’t see in myself.” would go to school until she was 12 or that my garden was the best. It inspired me The Dr. William (Bill) R. Brinkley 13, get married around the age of 14, and to become an agriculture science teacher. Endowed Scholarship in the Department of begin a family. It was what her mother and Although, the desire was there, Biological Sciences was recently established. grandmother had done and what most of obtaining her dream of becoming a teacher For information about the endowment, contact her classmates planned to do as well. seemed impossible. the SHSU Office of University Advancement As the second oldest in a family with 13 Rural students in Belize must leave at 936.294.3625. O children, she would sometimes miss school home to attend high school, much in the

SPRI NG 2012 27 Left: As the second oldest out of 13 children, schooling wasn’t in Malecek’s future as a child because of the cost in Belize, where she grew up. Right: Today, all 12 of her brothers and sisters have followed in her footsteps and have gone on to earn college degrees.

way that American students leave home With her scholarship award, she had the you assure me that the leaves will come to attend college. They pay to go to high opportunity to meet with recruiters from back?’ which they did, of course. Even then, school as well. several universities who were interested in I would peel the bark off the tree trunks to “My father was greatly opposed to me attracting bright students. make sure it was surviving.” going,” she said. “He believed that by One of the recruiters was from While attending school, she met her keeping me home, he was protecting me.” Kirkwood Community College in Iowa. future husband, Mark. Today, they are the Also, her older brother was already “I didn’t know the difference between a parents of two sons. attending the high school, and her parents two-year college and a four-year college,” Two years after she arrived at Kirkwood had no money for another child to go. she said. “I was recruited by four-year Community College, Malecek graduated However, the principal, who had been universities—one was the University of with an associate’s degree in farm and Malecek’s fourth grade teacher, was finally California, Berkeley—but the recruiter from ranch technology, food science technology, able to convince her father to at least allow Kirkwood showed me something I could and beef production. She returned to Belize her to take the entrance exam. She made the relate to. He showed me brochures with and taught science and Spanish at her old second highest score, which made her eligible pictures of corn, beans and pigs. Now that high school. for federal grants and scholarships to cover was something I understood.” She was now aware of opportunities her books, fees, uniform and boarding. Although she could have attended a for advanced education, so she began The grants and scholarships she received more prestigious university, Malecek says looking at schools where she could get a allowed Malecek the opportunity to go to high that she is very grateful for ending up at a bachelor’s degree. She found one, again school, but she still had to be extremely frugal. small Midwest community college. in the Midwest, that was known for its “I had two uniforms that I wore the entire “Given my background, I needed that agricultural science program. In 1995, she four years I attended,” she said. “My mom kind of environment in order to thrive,” graduated from Southern Illinois University preserved them and gave them to me 20 years she said. with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural later. They are so transparent after all the Even so, the experience was a science education. washing and wearing. But they are among my tremendous culture shock for her. “Once I graduated, I realized there was greatest treasures now, because they remind “I did not appreciate the snow,” she said. not a great need for ag science teachers, but me of the time I was in high school.” “I would walk to class with wet hair and there was a tremendous need for bilingual Malecek excelled as a student, and her arrive with icicles dangling. Fortunately, education teachers,” she said. desire for more education led her, as a junior, someone introduced me to a blow dryer and She began teaching migrant students in to apply for every scholarship she could find told me to dry my hair before going out into southern Illinois, most of whom were from in Central America, England, the United the frigid weather.” Texas. She conducted summer programs and States, Honduras and Costa Rica. Leaves falling from trees in autumn also worked with parents in the migrant camps, She qualified for a Fulbright International frightened her. teaching adult education and literacy classes. Scholarship, and she was identified as “I had grown up in a rain forest where She found it rewarding to work with adults a student who would be good to learn leaves stay attached to their limbs,” she and to develop partnerships with parents for leadership skills that would impact Belize. said. “I asked my host family in Iowa, ‘Can their children’s education.

28 SHSU Heritage Magazine ALUMNI LOOK

“It’s a wonderful university, and it has been like a home to me. I hope to be connected “All my professors knew me and were to it for a lifetime.” interested in my success,” she said. “They advised me and supported me through my action research.” The action research involved establishing a parent center at her school in New Caney. Not only did she obtain In 1999, the Ministers of Rural their classrooms and collect data for improving funding for the center, she coordinated Development of Education in Belize English as a Second Language programs on volunteers to help with conversational contacted Malecek and Mark about helping their campuses. English classes. She then began meeting with a project. The teachers who were involved not with parents. The Maleceks moved to Belize and only had access to grants, stipends and Her research on the correlations served as members of a task force for the workshops, but also were able to receive 12 between student achievement and parental establishment of a new school, which became hours of credit toward a master’s degree in involvement won first place in SHSU’s known as the Julian Cho Technical High instructional leadership. Graduate Symposium that year. School. The Maleceks taught there for two “I wasn’t sure about taking it on,” Malecek The September after she graduated from years before returning to Iowa. said. “I had never contemplated the idea of Sam Houston with her master’s degree, she “At that time, teachers were being laid getting a master’s degree. I was happy being was hired by Region VI Education Service off in Iowa. But in Texas, bilingual and a teacher. And I wondered if I could really do Center as a bilingual/ESL specialist. In 2010, technical education teachers were being everything that was required.” she was named project director for the 21st recruited,” she said. Her principal, who was also her mentor, Century After-School Program in the Adult She and Mark were both offered jobs at encouraged her, telling her that she could Education Department. Kings Manor Elementary and White Oak be a great administrator. When Malecek Today, she oversees after school Middle School in the New Caney I.S.D. and discovered she could complete most of her programs for 130 parents and 350 students moved to Texas in 2002. coursework online, she made the decision in five Huntsville schools and one school While working as a bilingual/ESL teacher, to “jump in.” in New Waverly, which address academics, Malecek’s principal, Gloria Hammack, told “It was a wonderful arrangement. I could enrichment, career readiness and family her about Sam Houston State University’s work and still be with my family, tuck my engagement. She also coordinates adult Project TRIAD (Teachers and Administrators boys in bed every night, and do my classwork education ESL/GED programs in Polk, Improving Reading for Limited English on my own schedule,” she said. Trinity and San Jacinto Counties. Proficient Students). Beverly Irby, who She became a member of the first cohort “I’m very grateful for what Sam Houston was chair of the educational leadership and for the online Master of Education in State University did for me, “she said. “I counseling department at that time and is instructional leadership degree and graduated wanted to continue my schooling, but with now the associate dean for graduate programs, in May 2006. a career in adult education. Sam Houston and Genevieve Brown, dean of the College of “I really enjoyed working with my has given me the opportunity to do that. Education, created the project. cohort and I appreciated how well we “SHSU opened doors for me, because I The program included research-based supported each other,” she said. “Not all would never have known about a career with reading instruction action research, curriculum of our classes were online, so we were Region VI had I not attended and participated alignment and development, mentoring, and together on several occasions. We also in conferences as a graduate student,” she said. parent assistance in reading through class attended and participated in conferences “It’s a wonderful university, and it has been time, and face-to-face and distance education. together, and we did a lot of our work on like a home to me. I hope to be connected to it Participants were to conduct action research in projects face-to-face. for a lifetime.” O

SPRI NG 2012 29 Alumni Recognized For Distinguished Accomplishments

Walter J. Anderson, James D. Carey, James P. Ferris, James Gaertner, Frederick Pirkle, and J. Allen Shamblin were honored during the 2011 Distinguished Alumni Gala From left: Danny Labruzzo, accepting for Fred Pirkle; Jim Gaertner; Walt Anderson; President Dana for their lives of good citizenship and their contributions Gibson; Jim Ferris; Jim Carey; and Allen Shamblin. to business, entertainment, education, and public service.

Walter J. Anderson practices in the Houston area, Anderson Super Bowl XXXV in 2000, as a line judge, A former Bearkat four-year letterman, began looking into officiating as a way to and Super Bowl XLV in 2011, as the head football has played a big role in Walt stay connected to the game he loved. of officials. Anderson’s life. His career as a referee has included The 1974 SHSU graduate and 1978 officiating for the Southwest, Southland and James D. Carey University of Texas Dental Branch graduate Lone Star college conferences, as well as A 1961 SHSU graduate with a Bachelor was named All-Conference in 1972 and serving as coordinator of football officials for of Business Administration degree, Jim Academic All-America in 1972 and ’73 while the Big 12 Conference since 2006. Carey made a name for himself in the at SHSU. Since moving to the professional level in automotive industry. Though he practiced dentistry for 25 1996, Anderson has worked playoff games He was employed by Ada Oil Company years and owned one of the largest dental in every year of eligibility and has officiated in Houston before taking a job with the

30 SHSU Heritage Magazine ALUMNI LOOK Alumni Recognized For Distinguished Accomplishments

Ford Motor Company, where he worked in SHSU and his doctorate (1977) at Texas Since then, he has patented more than various capacities. A&M University. 20 products, including the BBQ Guru, the As the national Motorcraft sales, Under his leadership at SHSU, enrollment first temperature control device for charcoal promotion, and advertising manager, he grew by 33 percent; student graduation grills/cookers. Pirkle’s patented products was recognized for his successful efforts increased by 52 percent; the university are manufactured in the Therm-Omega- with advancement to the positions of achieved a Carnegie Doctoral Research Tech facility in Warminster, Pa. Detroit district parts and service manager. classification; three new doctoral programs From 1994 to 1997, Carey served as and 14 new masters programs were added; J. Allen Shamblin Ford Motor Company’s North American nearly $280 million in construction projects Allen Shamblin earned his degree from parts supply and logistics manager, in which were completed; and the university’s first SHSU in marketing in 1982, but it was his he was responsible for the purchasing and capital campaign was initiated, which raised love of music that has led him to success. warehousing of more than $1 billion in more than $61 million in commitments to pass As a songwriter, Shamblin’s first recorded automotive parts and directed the activities the $50 million goal. song, “He Walked On Water,” sung by Randy of more than 5,000 Ford personnel. He Other occurrences under his direction Travis, topped the country charts in 1989. retired from Ford Motor Company after 32 include: the establishment of the Official A string of award-winning and chart- years of service in 1997. Ring Ceremony, the President’s Speaker’s topping songs followed, including Dove Award After his retirement from Ford, he was Series, and the Alcohol and Drug Abuse winner “It’s In God’s Hands Now” (Anointed); president of the Electronics and Logistics Initiative for students; and the establishment Grammy-nominated “I Can’t Make You Love Division for Aftermarket Technology of over 40 articulation agreements with Me,” co-written with Mike Reid and recorded Corporation until 1999. community colleges in Texas, making SHSU by Bonnie Raitt; and Academy of Country a leader in such agreements in the state. Music and Country Music Association award- James P. Ferris winning “The House That Built Me,” recorded A part-time job taken to supplement Frederick Pirkle by Miranda Lambert. his income became a career for Jim Fred Pirkle’s career began with a stint in Shamblin was inducted into the Nashville Ferris, who earned his bachelor’s degree in teaching after graduating from SHSU with Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2011. education from SHSU in 1969. a Bachelor of Science degree in 1970 and a He has also co-authored two children’s Ferris began by washing trucks, doing Master of Arts in industrial technology with books, “Don’t Laugh At Me” and “A Chance mechanic work and loading trucks with a minor in marketing in 1974. To Shine,” with Steve Seskin. “Don’t Laugh local beer distributor Wismer Distributing After working as a sales engineer for At Me” has been translated into several Company before moving up to driver Commercial Industries Division and later languages and is being used by teachers as an salesman, then supervisor, and then Eggelhof, Inc., where he was assigned to aid against bullying. O general manager. The company enjoyed Ogontz Controls, Pirkle realized the future monumental growth under his management. in energy conservation. Today, Ferris is a part owner of Wismer, He founded Therm-Omega-Tech, Inc., also serving as its president and chief in 1982, and began manufacturing valves of executive officer. his patented design. Remaining committed to his community, The company grew to be a leader in the Ferris also serves on a number of boards, field of manufacturing temperature control panels and associations. values and devices, gaining worldwide respect across diverse industries. James F. Gaertner Therm-Omega-Tech freeze protection The 12th president of SHSU, Jim valves have become the railroad industry’s Gaertner earned his Bachelor of Business standard for preventing freeze damage to Administration (1965) and Master of diesel locomotives, annually protecting billions Business Administration (1970) degrees at of dollars of railroad equipment worldwide.

SPRI NG 2012 31 Where Are They Now?

Larry Lozier, Jr. (BFA ’08) Jerry Prosise (BBA ’79) Charles Ellison (BS ’59) Lola Kramer (BS ’67)

Alumni have been doing interesting things since leaving SHSU. “I’m also serving as the assistant dance Look to future issues for people you may have sat next to in biology, captain and assistant stage manager.” “Cats” is celebrating its 30th anniversary business or English. We may even feature you! this year, making it the longest-running national tour in American history. Larry Lozier, Jr. (BFA ’08) Lozier then returned to Texas and After the tour is completed, Lozier plans After hearing about SHSU’s nationally performed in “Joseph and the Amazing to return to New York City and work toward renowned musical theatre program, Larry Technicolor Dreamcoat,” directed by Fosse’s his dream of being cast on Broadway. Lozier came to the university and earned Josh Rhodes. An avid sports fan, he enjoys following a degree in musical theatre with a minor “Soon after my time in Texas, a dream soccer and volleyball in addition to in dance. of mine came to fruition, as I was cast in developing his interest in photography, Following his graduation, he became a the longest and only touring Broadway movies and traveling. featured dancer and singer/actor in “Cool production of ‘Cats,’ the musical,” Lozier said. Vibrations,” a Matt Davenport Production “Working alongside original Broadway Jerry Prosise (BBA ’79) for Sea World San Antonio. company members in this historic musical, Jerry Prosise came to Sam Houston State He then signed a contract as a specialty I’ve toured all over the United States and University as a student because “I received production dancer with Celebrity Cruise Canada and have performed in prestigious a full scholarship to play football, plus Sam Lines. In addition to dancing, he performed venues, including the Hobby Center as had a reputation for being a fun school that aerial harness routines and trained in silks the featured character Skimbleshanks, the still had an emphasis on academics.” and trapeze. railway cat.” He moved to Tennessee in 1981, where “As part of the contract, I was able to visit Last summer, he again returned to he married his wife, Kathy. They now have destinations throughout the Mediterranean Texas and performed in the Theatre Under four children. Sea, such as Egypt, Italy, France, Portugal, the Stars’ production of “Urban Cowboy,” He has worked as the vice president France, Spain, Turkey and Greece, as well, as which helped him achieve eligibility to join of a major financial services company, several Caribbean islands,” Lozier said. the actors union Actors Equity Association. chief operating officer for a mid-size Once the contract with the cruise line Lozier recently relocated to New York manufacturing company, and is now vice was complete, Lozier came back to the City and is under contract with the only president of sales and marketing for a states and performed in two productions at currently running tour of “Cats.” division of Wyndham Worldwide. Theatre by the Sea in Matunuck, R.I.—“A “I’m a swing, covering nine diverse “My first job was in the management Chorus Line” and “Hello Dolly” with Tony roles, and have been given the opportunity training program at the former Joske’s of Award winning actress Cady Huffman. to recreate the role of Coricopat,” he said. Houston, and I got that job through the career

32 SHSU Heritage Magazine ALUMNI LOOK Where Are They Now?

placement office at Sam Houston,” he said. He now works with his company, Ellison she was employed as a unit director in In addition to his career as a business Marine, which builds stationary and floating the Supplemental Recreation Activities executive, Prosise is also an accomplished fishing piers in five states. Overseas program in Vietnam. Tennessee woodturner. He has been awarded While working professionally, he “I went in during the Tet Offensive in two educational scholarships and the continued his interest in music. February 1968 and returned to the U.S. in “People’s Choice” award at two Tennessee “I started playing music when I was 16 February 1969,” Kramer said. “There were 627 Association of Woodturners symposiums. years old,” he said. “When I moved back to who served in the program. I know of other “I began my fascination with woodworking Franklin, I started playing again in 1966 at Texans who served, but to my knowledge, I in general more than 30 years ago and became the New Baden Jamboree that my daddy, am the only Vietnam Donut Dollie from proficient in building simply designed furniture Hardy Ellison, started in 1954. It’s still SHSU. I learned more in that one year than and utilitarian objects,” he said. “Only within operating today on the first Saturday night any other single year in my life.” the last 10 years have I become addicted to of every month. She went to Mexico for three months artistic woodturning.” “We were playing for dances in all the and supported herself by teaching English For Prosise, creating his woodturned art honky tonks in Texas by 1970,” he said. “I for Berlitz Language Schools. is a great escape. went to Nashville and recorded in 1973. Kramer was then hired by the American “When I stand at my lathe with a 50-pound Johnny Gimble and his recording group were Red Cross as the director of Blood, Nursing hunk of freshly cut wood whirling around the musicians. This promoted our business and Health Programs for the Greater Long at great speed, I am able to transcend into a some, and we landed jobs in all the larger Beach Chapter, and then the Pasadena creative state that allows me to concentrate places and played with several stars including Chapter, both in California. on nothing but the raw ‘canvas’ that has been Mel Street, Johnny Rodriguez, Freddy Hart, “My greatest professional achievement placed before me,” he said. Cal Smith and Bill Mack. We also shared is having recruited more than 87,000 units Prosise’s work is displayed in art galleries, stages with Hank Thompson, Willie Nelson, of blood over a seven year period,” she said. and he offers his services to demonstrate Jack Green, Jennie Sealy, Darrel McCall, “I also volunteered as a first aid and PC R at local woodturning clubs and various George Chambers, and more.” instructor and taught health classes for organizations, as well as private mentoring. Ellison has been interviewed for a expectant parents.” book entitled “Texas Dance Halls” that is She became employed as the assistant Charles Ellison (BS ’59) scheduled to be released in 2013. He got chapter director for the Tri-County Although Charles Ellison was a out of the music business in 1981 but still American Red Cross in Fargo, N.D., where photoengraving major and photography sings occasionally at special events. she volunteered as a water safety instructor. minor at Sam Houston State, he spent some In 2000, Ellison began painting oils and “I then moved to Washington, D.C., to of his time as a musician playing in Trinity is now in many larger art shows in Texas work as a systems analyst for a naval defense for rush parties and at Press Capades—an and Louisiana. His story and his paintings contractor,” she said. “I was also a volunteer all-college talent show held at Old Main. can be found at www.texas-artists.net. at the American Red Cross National Following his graduation, he worked for As well as being an artist, musician and Headquarters and the White House.” Knight Publishing in Charlotte, N.C., before businessman, Ellison has served as the After 20 years, Kramer returned to joining his father in construction, building mayor of Franklin for 27 years. Texas to raise her daughter, Kasaundra, houses and boat docks. He and his wife, Shirley, have a daughter, who earned her master’s degree at SHSU The retail business caught his attention, Jennifer, who also attended SHSU. and is employed at the university as the and he opened and ran Ellison’s Westernwear coordinator of intramurals and club sports. in Franklin, Texas, for 30 years. During that Lola Kramer (BS ’67) Kramer is currently employed as the time, he also opened and operated an ad Lola Kramer graduated from SHSU lead technical administrator at Johnson specialty company, which had exclusive rights with a major in physical education and Space Center. to soft goods with the Texas High School minor in English. Since she’s been back, Kramer has been Rodeo finals, Louisiana high school finals, After she completed her required involved in establishing the SHSU Alumni Texas Youth Rodeo Association, Working vaccinations and received security clearance Bay Area Club and helps recruit students Cowboy finals, and others. to join the American National Red Cross, for SHSU. O

SPRI NG 2012 33 In Memory Of Longtime SHSU Donor Ron Mafrige

Reprinted from the Huntsville Item and conditioning facility named after longtime Aug. 15, 2011 football coach Ron Randleman. By Brandon K. Scott In 2008, Mafrige donated $40,000 to HOUSTON—Longtime Sam Houston build the 20-foot-tall statue of General Sam State University alumnus and donor Ron Houston created by alumnus David Adickes, Mafrige died at his home Aug. 14, surrounded which stands near the Lowman Student by his closest family members. Center and Smith-Hutson Building. Mafrige, 73, contributed more than $2 He also purchased many of the granite million to the university since graduating in benches seen across campus in honor of a 1960 and launching a successful career as a number of people. real estate entrepreneur. “It’s a sad day when you lose a Bearkat “He was a leader in many ways for like Ron because he did so much for the alumni,” SHSU President Dana Gibson university,” SHSU athletic director Bobby said. “Whether it’s related to athletics or Williams said. “But what I will remember developing and advancing the university, most is that he was a great person.” he has definitely been an alumni leader for Since 1968 Ron Mafrige Enterprises, Inc., many years and that’s something that is has leased more than 1 million commercial o n a f r i g e going to be sorely missed.” square feet of office space in Houston, as R M From collections well as helped pioneer the suburban office of memorabilia development as the exclusive agent for Strokes and monuments, to Adair Enterprises in Houston. endowments used to fund Outside of university endeavors, “The measure of an individual scholarships and programs, Mafrige and his family have established Mafrige volunteered to lead similar scholarship programs at his high is what is left behind for your and participate in various school alma mater, San Marcos Baptist fellow man. I can’t think of Sam Houston organizations Academy, and at the Houston Livestock and initiatives. Show and Rodeo, where seven of his a better way to do that than to At SHSU, Mafrige $10,000-scholarship recipients have opted was a Life Endowed to attend SHSU. help young people get Member of the Alumni He is a lifetime member of the Houston an education.” Association, served 100 Club, the Houston Livestock Show on boards for the Kat and Rodeo, the Republican National Pack and the College of Committee and the Houston Realtors- Business Administration Political Action Committee. and was director of the Kat Pack Club. “I love this university,” Mafrige said Mafrige was also a recipient of the Alumni in a 2006 interview. “The measure of an Association’s 1997 Distinguished Alumnus individual is what is left behind for your and 2004 Service Awards. fellow man. I can’t think of a better way to In 2005, he gave $250,000 for the do that than to help young people get an construction of an 11,000 square-foot strength education.” O

34 SHSU Heritage Magazine ALUMNI LOOK CLASS NOTES

Eva McKnight, ’37, celebrated her 100th a love of the land and people who make Elementary in Fort Bend ISD and was birthday on Nov. 29, 2011. She spends her West Texas special. recently named Region IV’s Elementary time volunteering at East Texas Medical Principal of the Year. Center and participating in various groups Barbara L. Hart, ’78, has received the and events with Green Acres Baptist Church. University of Texas Regent’s Outstanding Christopher Sower, ’96 and ’99, and his Teaching Award. These awards are dad, Victor Sower, SHSU Distinguished Herbert Muckleroy, ’55 and ’61, is a retired the Board of Regents’ highest honor to Professor Emeritus of Management, have teacher and superintendent of Silsbee ISD. recognize faculty members from across coauthored a book entitled Better Business He is currently the city mayor. Muckleroy the UT system who have demonstrated Decisions Using Cost Modeling, which was was inducted in the Bearkat Athletics’ Hall of extraordinary classroom performance and published in October by Business Expert Honor in 2000. innovation in undergraduate instruction. Press. Chris is currently employed as global logistics director at Champion Technologies A. Hardy Roper, ’63, has written his second William O’Dell, ’85, earned his CPA license in Houston. book, Assassination in Galveston, which is in Houston and has been named chief financial available through Amazon and Barnes & officer for Plains Exploration in Houston. He Evan Lively, ’00, and Karen Watts Lively, Noble. It follows his first book, The Garhole has been married to Sarah Reagan O’Dell ’01, announce the birth of their second son, Bar, in the Parker McLeod thriller series. for 20 years and is an accomplished bicyclist, Nolan James. He was born on Aug. 23, 2011. Hardy lives in Houston and can be reached when he is not riding his Harley! at [email protected]. Michael Curl, ’03, was selected to the Krystal Herron, ’91, and husband Tim, Willowridge High School Wall of Honor on George Lantrip, ’65 and ’93, left General along with big brother Justin, welcomed Sept. 10 for his meritorious roles in public and/ Dynamics in New Braunfels on Sept. 30 after Sawyer Lynn Herron on Sept. 9, 2011. or private life following high school that have 18 years. Before his employment with General She was 9 lbs. 14 oz. and 20.5 inches long. brought positive, public recognition, credit Dynamics, Lantrip worked in the laboratory and honor to the school. He was also the first science field 25 years and as a registered Dan S. Martin, ’91, began Education to be named to the wall of honor in all five laboratory animal technologist through the Ride 365 on Jan. 1, 2012. The ride, which categories that one could be selected for. American Association for Laboratory Animal Dan is making on his motorcycle through Science. He has been recognized with both 49 states, will conclude on Dec. 31. He Kyle Frickle, ’05, and wife Monica became the Texas and National Ranch Technician is chronicling his journey at http://www. proud parents of their first child, son Connor Awards. He and his wife, Anita, have been edclick.net/under “Blogs.” A former school Kyle, on March 25, 2011. married 36 years. administrator, Dan is now a consultant providing technology solutions in education. Chad Cryer, ’09, received the honor of After spending 33 years teaching band in being Firefighter of the Year and the Morlon public school and a retirement of an additional Steve Schlake, ’91, and wife Tracey Kizzee Award for community service at the 11 years, Eugene (Gene) Stephenson, ’65, welcomed son Robert Steven on July 27, Prairie View Volunteer Fire Department’s has returned to teaching. He is currently 2011. Robert weighed 5 lbs. 6 oz. 2011 Red and White Ball. He was part of in his fourth year of teaching in the music the firefighting efforts at the Tri-County department at Coastal Bend College in Jim Stokes, ’91, has recently been Wildfire in Waller, Grimes and Montgomery Beeville. He says he wishes he had discovered promoted to criminalistics administrator Counties in September 2011. He serves as years ago how much fun college teaching is. over the Biology Unit, Toxicology Unit, quartermaster and senior firefighter at the Trace Analysis Unit, Firearms/Toolmark fire department and has been a member Retirement from the corporate world has Unit, the Laboratory Grant Committee, since August 2009. allowed Tom Hardy, ’67, time to return to and the Oklahoma State Bureau of his love of writing. Slow Moving Dreams is Investigations Eastern Regional Laboratory. Nereida Sanchez DeLuna, ’09, is his second novel, and he is working on his currently working on her master’s degree third. All of his books are set in West Texas Deirdre Holloway, ’94, is currently in in curriculum and instruction at SHSU. where he was raised and continues to enjoy her fifth year as principal of Blue Ridge SPRI NG 2012 35 Lesta Burt Johnson In Memoriam Funeral services were held for Lesta Burt Johnson at First United Methodist Beula M. Rosser ’41, ’46 Richard Dale Furr ’58 Church in Huntsville on Sept. 26, 2011. Lola I. Wiese ’41 Larry W. Goodbread ’59 Johnson served in SHSU’s Library Science Billie J. Turner ’46 Anna F. Hall ’59 Department from 1966 until her retirement William V. Nash ’47 Suzanne Johnson ’59 in 1991. Joseph D. Walker ’47 Anna Frances Buchanan Hall ’59 She was the department chair from Howard Griffin ’48, ’50 Johnny N. Mudd ’59 1966 until 1980, when she took a leave Mildred K. Fisher ’49 Ronald P. Mafrige ’60 of absence to live in South Africa. She Merle D. Kovar ’49 James G. Timmons ’60 returned to SHSU in 1982 and taught Oliver M. Refsell ’49, ’59 Reed S. Lindsey ’61, ’63 as a professor until she retired. While Alma L. Taylor ’50 Wilbur L. Urban ’61, ’64 at the university, she instituted flexible John O. Barnes ’51, ’54 Minnie M. Bennett ’62 schedules so teachers could keep their Suzanne Gillespie ’51 John R. Bosse ’62 positions while continuing their education, Juanita B. Lynch ’51 Gloria A. Johnstone ’66 was instrumental in starting the master’s Phyllis A. Pliske ’51 Judith P. Glover ’67 degree program, instituted off-campus Frances M. Goforth ’52, ’57 John C. Huber ’69, ’72 teaching, secured and administered two Addie S. Ivy ’52 Dorothy P. Lewis ’70 federally funded nationwide master’s degree James Peterson Allphin ’53 Rowe E. Creager ’73, ’78 institutes, and led a drive to establish an James H. Carleton ’53 Pamela D. Martin ’77, ’91 adolescent book award from The Texas Joseph L. Smetana ’53 Nancy L. Hoyt ’79 Library Association. Mike Mitchell ’54 Orland Craft “Gus” Seeley ’80 Memorial donations may be made Stanley Paul Keathley ’56 Jon A. Boaz ’84 to The Lesta Burt Johnson Scholarship Jean Moses ’56 William A. Traylor ’92 Fund, mail to: Darlene Andrews, SHSU, Charles S. Davis ’58 Brad E. Huffaker ’99 University Advancement, PO Box 2537, Joan K. Davis ’58 Sophia V. Mendez ’10 Huntsville, TX 77341. O

ALUMNI BOARD OFFICERS

The 2012 officers for the SHSU Alumni Association include, from left: Susan Lenamon, president-elect; Alan Tinsley, immediate past president; Jack Compton, treasurer; Barbara Bright, secretary; Mary Ellen Thornton, president; and Terry Williams, vice president. O

Sam Houston State University Office of University Advancement Box 2537 Huntsville, Texas 77341-2537