FOOD FOR THOUGHT OUR MAN IN SWEDEN THREE FOR THREE 9 Julia Poplawsky ’10 14 Gaines in Stockholm 32 Seniors Look Ahead

SPRING 2017

Blood, Sweat, & Milk Pirate Athletics RESEARCH Proves Success Lies PROVIDES in the Details CONTEXT THROUGH CONNECTIONS Curtain Up Southwestern’s Theatre Department Prospers with New Approaches to Recruitment and Retention INTERNATIONAL STUDIES, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, INTERNSHIPS

OFFICE OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Vice President for Integrated Communications and Chief Marketing Officer TIM COBB Director of Communications, Creative Director ERIC BUMGARDNER Internal Client Liaison and Strategic Lead KRISTEN PAXSON Content Marketing Strategist and Strategic Lead DINAH GOODSON Senior Graphic Designer KENDRA LEWELLYN Webmaster ED HILLIS Project Coordinator BRIN PARNELL

OFFICE OF ALUMNI & PARENT RELATIONS

Vice President of University Relations PAUL SECORD Associate Vice President of Alumni & Parent Relations MEGAN RADISON FRISQUE Senior Associate Director of Alumni & Parent Relations GRACE JOSEY PYKA ’05 Associate Director of Alumni & Parent Relations AMY FROST

CONTACT

Main: 512.863.6511 You choose where your annual gift Alumni and Parents: 800.960.6363 to Southwestern University goes. Office of Admission:800.252.3166 Email: [email protected] Scholarships? The Southwestern Email: [email protected] Fund? Study Abroad? Research? Online: southwestern.edu Facebook: / Whatever you support, your gift SouthwesternUniversity Twitter: @SouthwesternU makes the Southwestern Experience Instagram: @SouthwesternU possible for all our students.

TO CORRESPOND OR TO CHANGE VISIT SOUTHWESTERN.EDU/AFFINITY YOUR ADDRESS, EMAIL: [email protected]

CORRECTION: The article “Shifting Gears” (Fall 2016) incor- rectly referenced President John Score (Southwestern President 1942–1949), instead of Dr. John Score, beloved professor of religion and philosophy, and son of President John Score. We apologize for the error.

2 SOUTHWESTERN On the cover: Stephanie Garcia, Class of 2018 Photo by Lance Holt

Contents SPRING 2017 THE MAGAZINE FOR SOUTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY ALUMNI

BLOOD, SWEAT, & MILK SU Football Finds its Rhythm 16 by Anne Heinen

NUESTRA HISTORIA The Latina History Project Provides Context Through Connections 22 by Emily McCullar

CURTAIN UP Southwestern’s Theatre Department Prospers with New Approaches to Recruitment and Retention 28 by Anne Heinen

Departments 4 OPENING SHOT Springtime in Georgetown 6 OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT The Requisite Risky Road to Discovery 8 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Southwestern Magazine reboot 9 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Julia Poplawsky ’10 10 THE COMMONS Volleyball Wins Big, Southwestern Sweethearts, etc. 14 FACULTY FOCUS Professor of English David Gaines in Stockholm 32 PARENT RELATIONS Three Seniors, Three Stories 34 LEGACY GIVING 36 CLASS NOTES The Original Social Network 41 IN MEMORIAM 42 THEN & NOW Pirate Pep Squad

SOUTHWESTERN 3 OPENING SHOT

Welcome to Tomorrow A place where you see things differently, create the new and the amazing, and connect both passions and people as you shape your future.

Photo by Lance Holt

4 SOUTHWESTERN SOUTHWESTERN 5 OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

The Requisite Risky Road to Discovery

ver the last five years, Southwestern faculty and leadership have been actively and thoughtfully engaged in implementing O fundamental, future-facing pedagogical changes at our University. INITIALLY FUNDED by a 1.3 million dollar grant create their own answers. And truly, as each of our from The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the individual journeys will attest, without risk there can Southwestern University Inquiry Initiative is now be no creativity and no discovery. bringing the impactful educational benefits of Inquiry- In this issue of the magazine, you will read stories Based Learning to our entire natural science and math that show this courage, as well as core aspects of the curriculum—a commitment equaled to no other Southwestern Experience that ensure each student has institution of higher education in the nation. Inquiry- the opportunity, and the supporting resources, to face Based Learning turns the traditional teaching model risk on the path to innovation. I hope you will enjoy the on its head: The student becomes the producer of orig- uplifting and inspirational stories of discovery as well inal ideas, rather than a passive consumer of ideas as risk-and-reward in the pages ahead. Behind every that have been created by others. Such experiential discovery and every creative act, no matter how large learning leads to a new and deeper degree of owner- or the context of learning, there are bold and coura- ship of knowledge and knowledge-based skills. Once geous individuals who overcome adversity in order to students own their learning, it is a part of who they are. harness opportunities that otherwise would remain The addition of inquiry-based and student-centered locked in unrealized potential. teaching methods reveals a delightful similarity At Southwestern, our students show that bold char- between learning in the natural sciences and learning acter on a daily basis when they take the chance of in the arts, humanities, and social sciences, which making a mistake or answering incorrectly in order have been infused with the values of experiential peda- to create—often intentionally—those “Ah Ha!” gogy since at least the time of Socrates. And through moments of insight that would have otherwise never Southwestern’s interconnected Paideia curriculum, occurred. Our duty as member-stewards of South- made possible in part by a $500,000 grant from The western University, after ensuring the safety and Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the ideal learner as well-being of our students and the intellectual rigor discoverer is now able to bring together seemingly of their learning, is ensuring they have the opportu- unrelated disciplines. In doing so, our interconnected nity to take such intellectual and creative risks and curriculum invites our students to find their own to realize their own boldness in generating new ideas connections among the unbounded universe of human and finding deeper meaning. As we succeed, South- knowledge and creativity, and equips them for a life- western students will go into the world with not only time of self-initiated discovery. the knowledge but the capabilities of character and In fact, the panorama shows a University brimming mind they will require to create a better future for with discovery, a campus and a community living themselves and the world around them. by our shared vision: Think, Create, and Connect. However, there is something to add to this picture—an Looking forward, element as vital to the goal of our students becoming fully-realized individuals as any part of our peda- gogy. The missing piece is the other side of discovery: Risk. Students at Southwestern learn to lean into risk, past uncertainty, to ask new questions, think beyond Edward Burger conventional wisdom, imagine different realities, and President and Professor

6 SOUTHWESTERN Mark your calendars NOV. 3–5 ...and get ready! Our Homecoming schedule and online registration will be available this summer. southwestern.edu/homecoming

SOUTHWESTERN 7 SOUTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Southwestern Magazine v2.0

WHAT DO YOU THINK of our new look? This issue Southwestern Sweethearts—Over 2,400 alumni marks the second stage of the refreshed Southwestern share their lives as married couples. That is 16 percent magazine. We first shifted the focus of our content to of our total alumni population! The Southwestern our alumni and then pushed the design to match our Sweethearts Program launched to celebrate these new brand direction. We hope that you enjoy the new couples and their lifelong commitment to one another. look and fresh take on news from your alma mater. Learn more at southwestern.edu/sweethearts. Please share your feedback with me at frisquem@ We hope that you find a connection with one of southwestern.edu. these new programs. Stay tuned! We will have more This year, the Southwestern University Alumni exciting news to share in the fall. Association has launched some exciting new engage- ment opportunities so we can better meet the needs Gratefully, and interests of our alumni community. Here is a list of what is new this year: Alumni Network Mentoring Program—For years, alumni have offered to help Southwestern students Megan Frisque with their professional journey and career choices. Associate Vice President of Now through the new Alumni Network Mentoring Alumni and Parent Relations Program, alumni mentors are matched throughout the year with Southwestern juniors to help build students’ networks. Share your story and provide guidance to students; email [email protected] if you wish to become a mentor. Book Club—Starting in Fall 2017, the Alumni ALUMNI COUNCIL OFFICERS Association will share a recommended reading list from Southwestern faculty. One of the books will be The Alumni Council coordinates the activities of the Southwestern selected each semester for a virtual book club discus- University Alumni Association and unites the alumni base. Below sion. All conversations will take place online, so no are your 2016–18 alumni volunteer leaders. matter where you live, you can participate. Watch for an email in August for details. Jean Janssen ’84, President Connection Group Activities—From Greek Reunion Charles Olson ’78, President-Elect Weekend to the new “S” Association (representing all Sarah Gould-Stotts ’10, Lifelong Learning Chair former student-athletes), the Alumni Association has Brock Curry ’86, Lifelong Learning Chair-Elect created enhanced opportunities for you to connect Craig McKinney ’91, Class Giving Officer Liaison with alumni who share your similar interests. Check Hector Ruiz ’10, Student Recruitment and Retention Chair out the list of Alumni Connection Groups at south- Ursula James LaFosse ’11, Class Relations Chair western.edu/alumni. Michael Nguyen ’03, Communications Chair Legacy Visit Day—A collaboration with the Office of Joe French ’82, Connection Groups Chair Admission, Legacy Visit Day welcomes children and Laura Lancaster Faulk ’78, Homecoming and Reunions Chair grandchildren of Southwestern alumni to learn more Paige Duggins ’14, Inclusion and Diversity Co-Chair about the overall college search process. High school Kamna Tripathi ’13, Inclusion and Diversity Co-Chair students entering 9th to 12th grades are encouraged Sara McCutchen ’96, Local Chapters Chair to attend, with specific sessions directed to their high Suzy Prucka ’03, Nominations and Awards Chair school year. Join us on July 22, 2017. Yash Ghandi, Class of 2018, Student Representative

8 SOUTHWESTERN Photography by Todd White

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Food for Thought Julia Poplawsky ’10

Six years, thousands of miles, and several inter- esting and challenging career maneuvers later, Julia Poplawsky ’10 now knows exactly what she wants to do with her life. Like her mentors at Southwestern, she wants to be an educator. In 2010, Poplawsky graduated from Southwestern University with a BA in anthropology. Although it may not be immediately obvious how Poplawsky became one of the most skilled master butchers in Austin, her recollections of classes at Southwestern are clearly evidence of her love for education. “My professors were awesome, I loved them,” Poplawsky said. “I learned to be approachable and accessible, and that came from our discussion-based classes. I never felt uncomfortable speaking up—that was encouraged. The professors created a space where you felt really safe to be yourself and always promoted the idea that you could be an active participant in society and involved in the world. Southwestern gave me a critical lens that has really influenced the way I look at things today.” Following graduation, Poplawsky worked as a line cook in Austin for two years. “I wanted to learn more so I began a program at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. As part of the course, I moved to San Francisco and interned with a whole animal meat company, 4505 Meats, where I fell in love with the craft of butchery. I had a direct relationship with some incredible farmers and ranchers there, even helping to load up pigs on to the trailer.” In 2014, chef-owner Jesse Griffiths opened Dai Due in Austin, a farm-to-table restaurant that changed the way people thought about the preparation of local food products. “I was hired as head butcher and butcher shop manager,” said Poplawsky. “It changed my life. My time at Dai Due made me realize that although Austin is a ‘food’ city, it needs to be much more supportive of local farmers, and I think that stems from a lack of education and knowledge about what our state offers agriculturally. We’ve jumped so quickly into a place where we’re known for our restaurants, now we just need to focus on where that food is coming from.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

SOUTHWESTERN 9 the Commons W-3 4 Volleyball ends historic season with a 34 overall mark and their first trip to the NCAA Final Four.

SOUTHWESTERN VOLLEYBALL completed its best season ever, advancing all the way to the NCAA tournament, before the ride stopped in the Final Four against the #16 ranked Washington University (Mo.) Bears. However, the loss couldn’t dampen the team’s enthusiasm for breaking new ground. “Our team was motivated and determined to achieve “We’ll play The Pirates captured the NCAA Regional title, defeating No. 4 UT–Dallas on their our best. Our success was anybody, home court 3–2 on Nov. 13, 2016, for the first time in program history. They moved to achieved through heartfelt anywhere, the NCAA Quarterfinals, where they defeated Tufts University 3–2, before their final effort, both collectively anytime... loss in Wisconsin. and individually.” Junior “They’ve set the standard pretty high for this new era,” said Coach Don Flora, who Piper Sisemore (22). this is a nationally stepped into the coaching position last year. “We have some great [seniors] we need elite program to replace but we have a wonderful rookie class; our newcomers will continue to grow here right and develop into the leaders that they now follow.” now. Nobody Senior Nikki Welch said the team was the best she’s ever been on. “It was just incred- can tell ible to see everyone come together around adversity,” she said. “Through anything we me any faced, we looked to each other and it was incredible.” differently.” “There is something special about this Pirate team,” said Coach Flora. “We’ll play anybody, anywhere, anytime,” he added. “This is a nationally elite program here right now. Nobody can tell me any differently.”

Higher Education, Deeper Conversation IGHER ED is a lively and entertaining weekly wondered, ‘Hey, these two can actually have some fun Hseries on KUT (90.5), Austin’s NPR Station, with an ongoing conversation,’” said Burger. featuring show host Jennifer Stayton and President Now they do—every week. They discuss a variety of Edward Burger—and it all started from a common topics, which are often requests that come from loyal interest: higher education. Stayton, who is the anchor listeners. Recent topics have included: Fake news and of “Morning Edition” on KUT, and President Burger, formal education, lifelong learning in action, and the engage in thought-provoking conversation about personal and educational implications of social media, higher education during a 15-minute weekly podcast. among many others. Each show also allows President “I had heard Dr. Burger speak before about math on Burger to challenge Stayton and the audience. “We a couple of occasions, and then when I read that he always have a math puzzler, which is a little nod to the was coming to Southwestern, I said, ‘Well, let’s do an fact that my discipline is mathematics, and Jennifer interview, because he’s very funny, very smart, very is so great with those,” said Burger. Listen in and get inspired intelligent,’” said Stayton. And so it began. “We had Get inspired by listening in—visit the series at kut.org/topic/higher-ed such a great conversation that I think some people webpage at kut.org/topic/higher-ed.

10 SOUTHWESTERN (ET CETERA) OVERHEARD

“Southwestern has always fostered a positive atmosphere for research and I was so excited Thank you @ It’s not everyday Happy 177th birthday Highlight of my day  that I was SouthwesternU and a math professor to my alma mater! that campus skyline able to share President @ebb663 gets a Conference Proud to be an @SouthwesternU my work for a great tour of the Championship alumna of Texas’ with fellow @madisongranier Tower Collection. ring. Thanks @ first institution of scholars and Sen. Tower gave me SUPiratesFB higher education. the public.” my 1st internship. for making it #BeSouthwestern Alexandria Colurciello, #txlege possible. V Proud— @SouthwesternU Class of 2017, Congratulations! on representing @SpeakerStraus @nzarco Southwestern at Texas @ebb663 Undergraduate Research Day at the State Capitol

AN ALUMNI SURVEY administered by the Southwestern University Alumni Association reveals that “97% of responding alumni are satisfied with their student experience at Southwestern University.” The Association will share a full report on the survey response in 97% Summer 2017. You Are Here? The Office of Admission will target seven cities for SEATTLE ALBUQUERQUE/SANTA FE Southwestern's recruitment efforts over the next several years, and is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join SURV (Southwestern University Recruitment Volunteers) to assist us in bringing the best and the brightest high PORTLAND school students to join us in Georgetown for an amazing DENVER Southwestern Experience.

SURV volunteers attend college fairs, write notes to admitted families, and join us at recruitment events and other exciting activities. Will you help us spread the SAN FRANCISCO Southwestern spirit and join the call to SURV? If so, please complete our volunteer form today! Go to:

southwestern.edu/volunteer

LOS ANGELES

PHOENIX

SOUTHWESTERN 11 the Commons PULLING

RANKSouthwestern receives so much praise, it’s hard to keep it straight. Here’s a round up of some of the ways that the University is being recognized as one of the best liberal arts colleges COMMENCEMENT 2017 in the nation.

Lewis to Deliver Washington Monthly rates schools based on their contribution to the public good. Keynote Address Southwestern is ranked #1 among Texas liberal arts colleges and in the top 100 nationwide. RENOWNED SOCIAL HISTORIAN, University of California at Berkeley Dr. Earl Lewis of the Andrew W. Mellon and the University of Michigan. Dr. Southwestern is the only undergraduate liberal Foundation, will deliver the Commence- Lewis has championed the importance arts institution from Texas selected by The ment address to the graduates of the of diversifying the academy, enhancing Princeton Review for its Colleges that Pay You Class of 2017 on May 6. graduate education, re-visioning the Back. They also rated SU #4 in the Lewis became the 6th President of liberal arts, the role of digital tools for nation and number one in the state of Texas the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation in learning, and connecting universities for Best Career Services, and named it #1 March 2013, after serving for eight years to their communities. He is the author in Texas on its “Best Schools for Making an as Provost and Executive Vice Pres- or co-editor of seven books, including Impact” list. ident for Academic Affairs, and as the The African American Urban Experience: Asa Griggs Candler Professor of History Perspectives from the Colonial Period to USA Today College, which uses a and African American Studies at Emory the Present, and the award-winning To methodology highly focused on outcomes, University. His career as an academic Make Our World Anew: A History of ranks Southwestern among the top 10 also includes faculty positions at the African Americans. colleges in Texas.

Forbes names Southwestern as the #1 undergraduate liberal arts college in Biology Texas in its “2016 Grateful Graduates Index.” Scores Grant Southwestern is also recognized as one of Funds offer research Forbes’ top 50 colleges in the South. opportunities to Biology majors Southwestern University was named a 2017 Best College Value by Kiplinger’s Personal PROFESSORS of Biology Maria Cuevas Finance. and Maria Todd received a $15,000 grant from the Joe and Jessie Crump Founda- Southwestern is one of 47 colleges and tion for Medical Research. The funds universities in the country to be a named a will support their research aimed at Best Buy School in the 2017 edition of the elucidating the role of tight junction Fiske Guide To Colleges. destabilization in the development and progression of endometrial cancer, and U.S. News & World Report ranks will offer research opportunities for Southwestern in the top 100 National Liberal Southwestern Biology majors. Arts Colleges.

12 SOUTHWESTERN SOUTHWESTERN SWEETHEARTS On a Pirate Bike Built for Two Alumni Association encourages couples to share their stories

WHILE Southwestern is known a lot in common and found ourselves for rigorous academics, some students enjoying the time we spent together. find time for romance as well. More When we returned to school after that LEGACY VISIT DAY than 1,200 alumni couples received a first winter break, we realized how much Valentine’s card from the Southwestern we’d missed each other’s company. By our Now your son or daughter can hear from the University Alumni Association for first SU Valentine’s Day, we were offi- experts about how to find and select a college the first time this year. Knowing that cially together.” that’s just right for them. Legacy Visit Day at Southwestern has brought together so The Alumni Association is encour- Southwestern University features separate many couples, the Alumni Association aging married alumni to share their love tracks for high school Freshman/Sophomores launched its Southwestern Sweethearts story and how they met at southwestern. and Junior/Seniors. They’ll learn about which Program with the purpose of celebrating edu/sweethearts. Engaged couples who high school courses will benefit them the alumni who have joined their hearts and visit the website and share news of their most in the college selection process, how lives. For example, Kenneth and Eileen upcoming wedding will receive a set to right the perfect essay, what they should Bamberger Youens, both ’99, “We met of complimentary champagne flutes. consider when selecting a college, and in the Commons during our first week There’s even a special Southwestern more. All geared to their personal goals and at Southwestern. We were both in long- Sweethearts Recommitment Ceremony academic aspirations. distance relationships at the time, so we taking place during Homecoming 2017, got to know each other as friends first. on Nov. 4, in the Lois Perkins Chapel. Legacy Visit Day is Saturday, July 22 from Even though Kenny was a biology major 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and lunch is included. Visit and Eileen was a music major, we had www.southwestern.edu/alumni for details.

PIRATE GOLF

The Pirate Golf Classic has a new date!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR MONDAY, MAY 22, 2017 Learn more and register at southwesternpirates.com

Join us to support Southwestern Pirate Athletics and to connect with alumni. Sponsorships are available at all levels.

SOUTHWESTERN 13 FACULTY FOCUS Photo by Carlos Barron Jr.

Our Man in Sweden From a record store in Grand Prairie to the Nobel Prize ceremony in Stockholm

PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH David Gaines has alumni know, he has been incorporating Dylan won teaching, advising and service awards. His into his teaching and research from when he articles have appeared in publications as varied first arrived on campus in 1984. When asked as Texas Monthly and The Chronicle of Higher about what has happened since the days of his Education. His 2015 book, In Dylan Town: A trail-blazing Dylan courses, Gaines quotes Dylan Fan’s Life, was described by novelist T.C. Boyle Gaines without missing a beat: “A lot of water under as “a stirring memoir of a very fine writer so very arrived at the the bridge/a lot of other stuff too.” Fast forward deeply touched by another.” It’s been a very good beginning beyond that metaphorical bridge to Oct. 13, 2016, and rewarding career. But, according to Gaines, of Nobel and the announcement of Bob Dylan as the Nobel “nothing has quite compared to the Nobel Prize week, which Laureate in Literature. week I spent in Stockholm last December. It he describes The day of the announcement, the South- was only a notch below the births, graduations, as “the Super western marketing department went into full and weddings of my children. Being there to see Bowl, Academy PR mode and quickly pitched Professor Gaines Dylan’s genius celebrated was truly magical.” Awards and to hundreds of media outlets as an internationally Gaines’s work on Dylan—which he describes ‘Downton Abbey’ recognized expert on Dylan’s music and writing. as “a long-running labor of love”—began back all rolled Within hours he was on his way to an Austin in Grand Prairie, when, as a teenager, he first into one.” studio to tape an interview with Al Jazeera. A went to Wray’s Record Store in 1964 and heard few hours later, with an image of the state capitol “Mr. Tambourine Man” on what he describes as over his shoulder and a major smile on his face, “the people’s headphones.” Gaines got the fever he appeared on the first international broad- and has not looked back. As many Southwestern cast regarding the story. Over the next few days,

14 SOUTHWESTERN Gaines was quoted on ABC News, the BBC, and CNBC, as well as in papers around the country. He was contacted by the documentary film team at SVT (Swedish National Television) respon- sible for the official Nobel documentary, and director Ann Victorin and cinematographer Sven Visen flew to Texas, filmed Gaines on campus, and invited him to Stockholm for the film’s screening and the Prize ceremonies. Robert

Siegel of National Public Radio’s “All Things With singer-writer Patti Smith at Considered” interviewed Gaines about Dylan the Grand Hotel the day after the on Nov. 17. With the support of Southwestern Nobel Ceremony. University, on Dec. 3, Gaines boarded a plane for Stockholm to continue his role as Univer- he would prefer to playing music, writing songs, sity representative and resident Dylan expert or painting,” Gaines had told various reporters for those media outlets attending the ceremony. before heading to Stockholm. “It felt even more He recounted his journey in a series of articles the case once I saw the added security presence for The Austin Chronicle and in a Southwestern- for the festivities,” Gaines added as he looks back produced blog entitled “The Big Tent.” He named on his week. “The other interesting thing I imme- it “in homage to what Dylan’s award means to the diately learned,” he went on, “was that people in world of literature and music.” Sweden were far less troubled by Dylan’s absence Gaines arrived at the beginning of Nobel than were Americans. They understood that he Week, which he describes as “the Super Bowl, “A third of is, first and foremost, an artist.” the Academy Awards, and ‘Downton Abbey’ my trip was Those “people in Sweden” were not only all rolled into one.” He was not surprised that devoted to Gaines’s “new Swedish family at SVT” but Dylan opted to forego a week of press confer- learning what also the cab drivers, hotel staff, buskers, laptop ences and answering questions about whether people who technicians, and fellow diners Gaines met and he was writing “literature,” a week culminating in speak five subsequently interviewed about Dylan. “I’ve a three-hour white-tie-and-tails dinner with the languages always been something of an extrovert and a bit King and Queen. “It just does not seem like what think of Dylan.” of a journalist at heart,” he explained. “A third of my trip was devoted to learning what people who speak five languages think of Dylan. The short answer is that they revere him. It’s prob- ably no real surprise to find window shrines to a singer-songwriter in a city that names streets after filmmakers, architects, and diplomats.” When asked about “the other two-thirds” of his trip, Gaines shared that seeing himself and Sir Christopher Ricks of Boston University discuss Dylan’s Nobelity on the documentary, being recognized on the street as “the man whose eyes

Tror. Skapa. Ansluta. filled with tears after he read ‘Mr. Tambourine Southwestern’s vision Man’ on that documentary,” watching the offi- translates abroad. cial ceremony with the SVT crew, and—through a Dylanesque simple twist of fate—meeting the writer/singer/performer Patti Smith were “the high points of a seven-day dream from which I still have not awakened.” Putting his hands on his heart and with a twinkle in his eye, Gaines concludes, “Check out my blog. It has pictures that attempt to do the magic justice. And, whether or not you check out the blog, as you-know-who sings, ‘keep on keepin’ on.’”

At the MIVA Gallery with two of Dylan’s paintings prior to display.

SOUTHWESTERN 15 16 SOUTHWESTERN Photo by Garrett Stanley

SOUTHWESTERN AFFIR MS THE MA XIM THAT SUCCESS LIES IN THE DETAILS

BY ANNE HEINEN SOUTHWESTERN PIRATES football, reintroduced to the university in 2013, rushed to a conference championship in only four seasons. Rising from its first-year, 0–3 conference record, the team racked up a 6–0 mark in league play in 2016 and handily secured its Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) championship at the Homecoming game against Trinity University. The Pirates also achieve results off the gridiron that help Southwestern fulfill the goals that inspired the team’s formation, such as boosting male enrollment, “FIVE YEARS increasing applications and the size of the student I COULD body, and enhancing school spirit and campus-wide PhotoAGO, by Lance Holt LOOK ACROSS social opportunities. CAMPUS AND “Southwestern values excellence, and I feel very NOT SEE ONE good about what we’re doing with football,” said Dr. STUDENT IN A Glada Munt, associate vice president and director of SOUTHWESTERN intercollegiate athletics. “We’ve met all timetables, SHIRT...” exceeded expectations, and came in under budget. We’ve produced a very good program in four years.”

SOUTHWESTERN 17 Photography by Carlos Barron Jr.

Academically, the football players provide a textbook example of student-athletes who put academic priorities first. The team boasts a cumulative GPA comparable to the overall student body, Munt said. “We’ve gotten so many emails and comments from faculty who appreciate our student-athletes. There’s a reason why when you say ‘student-athlete’ that you say ‘student’ first.” Southwestern, like many liberal-arts institutions, experiences a gender imbal- ance. “In 2011, the first-year class was 37 percent male and 63 percent female ratio, the most imbalanced in the school’s history,” said Christine Kettle Bowman ’93, dean of admission and enrollment services. More men are enrolling at Southwestern partly because the 100-plus member team is all male, but also because a school with football attracts some non-athlete applicants who like the sport and the spirit it creates. “For the last two​ ​years, we have been at a 44 percent male and 56 percent female first-year class,” Bowman said. “When you add both football and women’s lacrosse to the recruitment mix, you will obviously grow the size of the student body, especially over four years. We have slowly grown the overall class size from the 350 range up to 380 students, with plans to continue to grow this year to 400 students. The growth is a combi- nation of efforts between athletics, fine arts, and our general recruiting program.” Southwestern plays in Division III of the National Collegiate Athletic Associ- ation (NCAA), where the emphasis is on students’ academic experiences, with team sports coming second. Athletic scholarships are not allowed, unlike at Divi- sion I and II schools. When recruiting, “The first thing we look at are transcripts and test scores,” said Joe Austin, head coach. “We’re certainly the most selective “WE FEEL academically of any of the schools we play.” WE’LL BE THE “First and foremost is trying to find the student-athlete that has the academic STRONGEST fit for what Southwestern is looking for in a student,” Kenneth Eboh, assistant ACADEMIC coach and recruiting coordinator, added. INSTITUTION IN The team has melded with Southwestern culture in other ways, too. “As freshmen, THE STRONGEST we stood out and people looked at us differently,” said Bryan Hicks, a Class of 2017 FOOTBALL kinesiology major and 2016 All-SCAC first team quarterback. “But after a couple of CONFERENCE.” years, we were in all kinds of groups. We’re tightknit but we’re all over campus, too.”

18 SOUTHWESTERN Austin started on campus in early 2012 and brought Along the way, bemusement about football at Out-sized and out-experienced, a Eboh and associate head coach Tom Ross on board to Southwestern has shifted to a boost in school spirit group of spirited underclassmen help ramp up the program. “All fall, they recruited and and pride. Also in 2013, Southwestern launched a take the field to launch a new era of Southwestern football. Fans helped me with the administrative stuff,” Austin said, women’s intercollegiate lacrosse team, making it only who witnessed the four-year noting that all three hit high schools in every corner of the second university in Texas with a women’s varsity transformation, showed-up en the state to get the word out about the new program lacrosse program and bringing the number of inter- masse to offer their support and and to recruit players who sought the academic rigor collegiate sports at the University to 20. to show their appreciation (inset). and reputation of Southwestern, while happening to “Five years ago, I could look across campus and not also love playing football. see one student in a Southwestern shirt,” Munt said. “It’s a lot of work to start a football program when “Now I play a game with myself, counting how many you don’t even have a helmet or shoulder pads,” Munt students I see wearing a Southwestern or Pirates shirt. said. “And we were building a culture here to make It’s one of those value-added things that happened the football program the right fit for Southwestern with adding football and having success —the students University. Having been here 40-plus years, I know are good with being Pirates. We’re building a positive this school and just adding football was not an easy student culture.” pill to swallow. I knew we had to get it right from the Not all aspects of adding football were predicted. very start.” Coach Austin met with food service early on. “They The 2016 championship wasn’t the first for South- had no idea what our guys were going to eat and how western, which started with a club football team in much they were going to eat, and how much chocolate 1895. The school’s rich sports history includes a 1925 milk they were going to drink,” Austin said. “They had football championship in the Texas Intercollegiate one dispenser for chocolate milk and now have four Athletic Association, the precursor to the South- or six. They were very receptive, but for our campus, west Conference, where Southwestern was a charter it was a big shift.” member; a championship in 1927 in the Texas Confer- Games are played at Georgetown ISD’s stadium, ence; and back-to-back Sun Bowl Championships in which has brought Southwestern closer to the local 1944 and ‘45. community. “One of our unanticipated benefits has During World War II, Southwestern became a been the flourishing of the town-gown relationship,” formidable football power because it sponsored a Munt said. “The city has embraced us.” Attendance V-12 Navy College Training Program that brought in at home games averages 2,000, an upper-end number a pool of skilled players from schools including The for an NCAA Division III team. University of Texas at Austin and Baylor University.

SOUTHWESTERN 19 Photo by Garrett Stanley Head Football Coach Joe Austin (left) started at SU in 2012, bringing an experienced staff, including Assistant Coach Kenneth Eboh, to help ramp up the program. Success on the field sparks renewed interest and a new legion of Pirate fans (below).

“THEY HAD ONE DISPENSER FOR CHOCOLATE MILK AND NOW HAVE FOUR OR SIX. THEY WERE VERY RECEPTIVE, BUT FOR OUR CAMPUS, IT WAS A BIG SHIFT.”

In 1950, Southwestern cut its football program while continuing to field successful teams in sports including baseball, volleyball, and tennis. The univer- sity eventually transitioned to the NCAA and the SCAC. On a new street named Pirate Cove on the east side of Southwestern’s campus sits the new building that houses the Pirate football team. Overlooking two practice fields, a new track- and the arching Texas sky, the 15,000-square-foot Field House is the physical representation of the school’s commitment to Pirates football as well as other Southwestern sports. Doug Ross, head strength and conditioning coach, was hired explicitly to work with all Southwestern athletes, all of whom use the Field House weight room. “Joe [Austin] likes to say, ‘A rising tide lifts all boats,’’’ Munt said. “I wasn’t going to let football take over the athletics department. I worked at finding ways for other sports to benefit from football coming to Southwestern.”

45 10 #8 Student-Athletes on SCAC #1 national players #1 Academic Honor Roll of the week NATIONALLY SCAC SCAC tackles for loss scoring offense, rushing offense, 3.0 scoring defense, 70 passing defense, average total offense, players with a team tackles, 17 players on the cumulative GPA total defense GPA over 3.0 team tackles for loss Dean’s List

20 SOUTHWESTERN Photo by Rudy Ximenez

Better Put A RING ON IT “Because we don’t have a stadium, two of the things A FOOTBALL TEAM will always keep the sweet memory of a championship season. we tried to make showpieces go back to the Field of But champions also qualify for rings that remind them of the hard work, camaraderie, Dreams movie—‘Build it and they will come,’” she and school spirit that enabled them to come out on top. added. “We strived to have a really first-class dressing The 2016 Southwestern Pirates football team and its coaches were awarded SCAC and locker room, and a first-class weight room.” championship rings during a ceremony at the halftime of the women’s basketball game In 2017, the Pirates will move to the American against Colorado College on Feb. 11. Red ’49 and Charline Hamblin McCombs ’50, and Southwest Conference (ASC), a fresh challenge for the Brent and Joanne Powers Austin ’74, financially supported Southwestern football’s young team that allows them to stay in Texas for most re-start and made the symbolic gift of the rings to the team and coaches in February. games while facing formidable opponents, including “Joanne and I wanted the team to have a the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, winner of the tangible reminder of the role they played in this “I THINK THE 2016 Division III National Championship, and other chapter of the University’s history and what MESSAGE FOR teams historically ranked among the top 25. “We’ve can be accomplished as a team with persis- BOTH THE got a lot of work to do to compete in this league, but I tence and determination,” Brent Austin said. PLAYERS AND like challenges,” Austin said with a laugh. “I think the message for both the players and THE UNIVERSITY “We feel we’ll be the strongest academic institu- the University is to think big, keep at it, and IS TO tion in the strongest football conference,” Munt said. THINK success will come.” “We’re looking forward to it and we’re excited about BIG, KEEP AT IT, Austin added, “For us, winning the SCAC next year. We’re not going to go 10–0 through that AND SUCCESS conference championship is another valida- conference, so it’ll be the next set of hurdles for us.” WILL COME.” tion of the decision to reinstate football at In the meantime, this year’s team, including Southwestern and gain a higher profile for the departing seniors, can bask in the glow of the SCAC University in Texas and the United States. There was already so much to be proud of championship. at Southwestern—this adds an exclamation point to that list.” “It’s something that I’ll remember for the rest of For Red McCombs, who played football for Southwestern during the 1945–1946 my life,” said Zach Cole, linebacker and Class of 2017 season, “Southwestern’s winning of the SCAC Conference Championship has a distinc- kinesiology major. “I’m grateful to Southwestern for tion beyond understanding.” He added, “I was happy to encourage the school to begin giving us the opportunity to play the game we love, the present football program because I felt like we owed it to the students—boys and and I can’t stress enough how thankful we are for girls—to have a more complete college experience.” everyone’s support, even when we weren’t doing well.” An owner of professional baseball, basketball, and football teams for more than 34 years, McCombs has a unique perspective on the Pirates’ win. “To win a confer- ence championship in four years from scratch is an unbelievable accomplishment,” McCombs said, adding, “It is especially meaningful to me because it was through foot- ball and Southwestern that I met my wife, Charline, and we just celebrated our sixty- sixth anniversary. The energy and excitement football has brought back to the entire campus is beyond what I can express. Congratulations to all of the Southwestern community, because I know they are just as thrilled as I.”

SOUTHWESTERN 21 Stephanie Garcia, Class of 2018, with a portrait of prominent Chicana feminist Martha P. Cotera

Photo by Garrett Stanley

Southwestern’s Latina History Project provides context through connections.

BY EMILY Mc CULLAR

HEN THEY were applying for a Summerlee Foundation grant to fund their Latina History Project, Southwestern professors Brenda Sendejo and Alison Kafer did not intend to collect oral histories from the University’s Wstudents, professors, and alumni, but that’s where the research eventually took them. At first, the project’s aim was simply to digitize a photo exhibit of Chicana feminists called Rostros y Almas /Faces & Souls. But once Sendejo, Kafer, and their student researchers, Tori Vasquez ’15 and Nani Romero ’16, started combing through the documents, it became clear they were sitting on a treasure trove of primary source material about Latina/o history and the Chicana Feminist Movement in Central Texas. This was material that had been sitting in boxes collecting dust, untouched for more than a decade. It was obvious that the Latina History Project would be about more than digitization; it would be about giving a voice to historical narratives that had been hiding in plain sight.

22 SOUTHWESTERN Southwestern’s Latina History Project provides context through connections.

SOUTHWESTERN 23 “The students engaged in digitizing over a hundred different archival materials. That was then developed into an online archive for anyone T WAS SERENDIPITOUS that the team to access for classes even came across the Rostros y Almas materials in the first place. The exhibit had and scholarship.” originally been part of a Brown Symposium at Southwestern in I Alison Kafer added, “I remember this energized excitement the early 1990s. Since then the photos have always hung some- from the students.” She said it was “pretty amazing” to watch where on campus; currently on the second floor of the F.W. Olin them collect “these stories that hadn’t been recorded before.” Building—but, Vasquez said, “they’re not something that you This type of work makes the Latina History Project a three- really notice unless you’re paying attention.” tiered learning opportunity, according to Sendejo. On one level, Fortunately for the Latina History Project, Professor of the documents and oral histories serve as sources for knowl- Art Mary Visser was paying attention. According to Sendejo, edge. Students can read and analyze them, as they would any when Visser found out about the project’s interest in Chicana/o other text from one of their classes. On the second level, by history in Central Texas, she reached out, saying she had some digitizing the documents and collecting the oral histories, the “amazing materials” from an exhibit co-curated by Visser and students themselves are engaging in knowledge production, and Lupita Barrera in 1992. “They were going to get rid of them after learning valuable skills in the process. “Students are learning the exhibit,” said Sendejo, “but Mary saw their importance as research skills and engaging in conducting original research,” archival materials, so she kept them. We can’t thank her enough.” said Sendejo, adding that they’ve “learned how to work with Visser wasn’t wrong. The materials were amazing. Rostros archival materials, how to digitize those materials.” y Almas was a series of photographs of Central Texas Latina Kafer noted that “learning how to collect an oral history feminists by San Antonio photographer Mary Jessie Garza, and is also a really difficult but energizing experience in terms of documents such as calendars, flyers, and journal entries, all learning how to listen to people.” depicting their activism. “It’s a really impressive collection of The third tier is a bit more personal. “Using oral history and smaller things from these women’s lives,” said Vasquez. “There these kinds of methodologies,” said Sendejo, “actually helps is a lot of evidence of the community that they created for them- students to see themselves represented in scholarship.” This is selves. For that to just be hidden away was crazy.” especially important for Southwestern’s growing Latina/o popu- It seemed even crazier when Vasquez and her collaborators lation, which includes all four of the Latina History Projects past visited the Office of Special Collections and saw how little mate- and present student researchers, Vasquez and Romero, along rial there was on local Latina history. After that, she said, “one with junior Stephanie Garcia, and senior Denise Ovalle. “When of our goals was to be able to get the actual physical material students can see themselves represented and can partake in stored in the special collections in the library.” knowledge production on their own history,” said Sendejo, “it And store it they did. “The students engaged in digitizing over can actually help with retention efforts.” a hundred different archival materials,” said Sendejo. “That was Both Vasquez and Ovalle say their work with the Latina then developed into an online archive for anyone to access for History Project has been empowering in this way. “Being able classes and scholarship.” The Latina History Project made this to work on a project like that makes you feel like you have a long-hidden primary source material available for all to see. voice,” said Ovalle. “You bring that energy with you in the wider Not long after that they invited one of the women featured in world.” She said that working on the Latina History Project and the exhibit, Martha P. Cotera, and two other prominent Chicana learning about the Chicana/o activists that have come before her feminists, Yolanda Leyva and Maria Elena Martinez, to campus. has made her see more value in her own experiences. Maybe her “They came and were actually speakers at the Jessie Daniel story could be as impactful for others as theirs have been for her. Ames feminist studies lecture last year,” recalled Sendejo. “Then we got them to meet with students and faculty, and Tori got to interview them for the History Project.” This activity proved rewarding for both the students and Slides from San Antonio photographer Mary Jessie Garza’s faculty involved. “Hearing them talk was awesome,” Vasquez exhibit Faces and Souls/Rostros y Almas. said.

24 SOUTHWESTERN SOUTHWESTERN 25 26 SOUTHWESTERN Photo by Garrett Stanley Associate Professor of Anthropology Brenda Sendejo and Stephanie Garcia, Class of 2018.

“I realized I was part of a legacy of work, and of dreams.”

In the four years since it began, the Latina History Project has already made great contributions to the local community. Its website is up and running, and serves as a valuable archive of primary-source material, including oral history audio clips. But perhaps what is most special about the Latina History Project is that it allows students a type of education that they won’t necessarily find anywhere else. Ovalle, a senior who is currently working on the project, called the work “engaging” and “eye-opening.” She said taking oral histories and being able to “look at the history, listen to these stories, put them together and see the bigger picture overall is definitely an experience that you do not get in a textbook.” Vasquez, who has since graduated and is now teaching, said that her work studying marginalized communities through the Latina History Project put her in touch with people who came Vasquez said that early on in her work with the Latina History before her who have struggled, which allowed her to see “the Project, “it became important for us to see ourselves, and our beauty in how much they gave.” own histories, represented at our own university.” That’s why “Probably one of the greatest things I ever took away was that they started collecting oral histories from people in the South- if I ever feel like this stuff’s really hard, or if I ever experience western community. The team wondered how marginalized exclusivity, like I’m unwelcome, it’s not a new thing,” Vasquez communities felt they were being represented on campus. Did said. “There are people before me who have felt that and they they feel like they belonged? worked hard so that I would never feel that.” Her work with To answer that question, the Latina History Project team has the Latina History Project has made her realize she is “part of reached out to Southwestern students, professors, and alumni, a legacy of work, and of dreams.” but they aren’t only collecting oral histories from members of the That’s a sense of empowerment that Sendejo and Kafer say Latina/o community. “We did open it up to the entire campus,” is essential to the Southwestern community. For Kafer, the Vasquez said. “We wanted a bunch of different voices to talk Latina History Project is “a way to make clear that these stories about their experiences at Southwestern.” matter. Given the current context, it’s even more vital that we Recently, Sendejo said, “another student approached me make that explicit.” She added, “it’s not merely about tolerating about doing oral histories of African-American students,” and people from different backgrounds, with different perspectives she hopes other groups on campus start to contribute as well. and different identities. It’s about desiring a place where we can Kafer hopes that through word of mouth the project will all be and flourish together.” “really start to mushroom out,” to different communities across Sendejo said this work “doesn’t come without its challenges.” campus. “As more people on campus start to learn about the But, she added, “the more we collaborate and look for oppor- project,” she said, “we are finding more students who either want tunities to break down these divisions, I think we can really to be involved as student workers, or who want to contribute reap the benefits of a deeper understanding of one another. I their own stories, or recommend other people’s stories being think that projects like this really serve to do that, and it’s really collected.” To Kafer, one of the Latina History Project’s chief important, especially right now.” goals is “to make larger connections to the Georgetown commu- nity.” The team wants to know “what stories can be collected To read more about the Latina History Project, here and how can those stories be of use, not just to students, visit latinahistoryproject.omeka.net but to people off campus as well.”

Clockwise from left: Article (Austin American Statesman, Sept. 15, 1983) featuring Margarita Munoz Simon and her dedication to the preservation of Mexican culture; publicity photo of Ruby Nelda Pérez; photo of Martha P. Cotera; cover and inside of program for the 1994 Jessie Daniel Ames Lecture Series featuring Chicana feminist poet Gloria Anzaldúa; postcard invitation to Rostros y Almas/Faces and Souls photography exhibit.

SOUTHWESTERN 27 SOUTHWESTERN’S THEATRE DEPARTMENT PROSPERS

CURTAINWITH NEW APPROACHES TO RECRUITMENT AND R ETENTION UP BY ANNE HEINEN

THE CURTAIN is up for new directions at Southwestern University’s Theatre Department. By taking new, rigorous approaches to theatre major requirements, the department is simultaneously making the degree even more relevant in the outside world, while deepening and broadening grad- uates’ grasps of all aspects of theatre studies, including technical theatre, history, performance, management, and design. The program’s deliberate steps include growing the number of incoming theatre-major students. The result? “In 16 years, we’ve never had freshmen enrollment this large,” said Desi Roybal, associate professor of theatre. In addition to increasing the number of theatre majors, Southwestern is very amenable to double majors and non-majors taking theatre classes and participating in productions. “We’re very pro double major as a way for students to expand themselves and their viewpoints,” said Laura Sewell ’95, a theatre and sociology major, and now manager of the Sarofim School of Fine Arts administration at Southwestern. “The program is a fantastic stepping stone to a lot of career options after graduation.” Tristin Evans, Class of 2019, came to Southwestern as a business major who intended to participate in theatre as a non-major. Instead, she’s now pursuing a double major. “I realized I wanted theatre to be a more serious pursuit,” Evans said, noting that the double major positions her for careers in both the business and performance aspects of theatre. Evans is excited to see the large numbers of incoming theatre majors. “The more people you have, the more you can do. Recruiting and growing the department gives us more resources.” She also loves how SU enables her to stretch from acting to stage management to other aspects of produc- tion. “The major allows a lot of room to make it about what you want to do.”

28 SOUTHWESTERN Tristin Evans, Class of 2019

Photography by Lance Holt

SOUTHWESTERN 29 Photo by Lance Holt Associate Professor of Theatre Desi Roybal. Southwestern Theatre’s 2016 production of “The Aliens” by Annie Baker (below).

ARTISTIC FOCUS is a hallmark. “The reason we’ve been very successful in recruiting is that we have a BA, but we’ve been able to keep alive the spirit of a BFA program, the cohort spirit of people who are like-minded and want to focus on their art,” said Sergio Costola, department chair and associate professor. This community is nourished beginning in the students’ first year, when “I visited with them about my current experience and they enroll in theatre major-only, core classes that help them choose two the evolution of my career into my current position, as focus areas from performance; design; directing and stage management; well as to offer advice and answer questions they might or history, dramaturgy, and critical analysis. “We are looking to produce have,” Bencivenga said. “In both instances, I got a lot theatre artists, rather than an actor or a designer,” Costola said. “By the of great questions.” Bencivenga also communicated time students graduate, they are proficient in their area but have devel- the value of a degree in the arts. “There are millions oped other skills as well.” of people working in the arts in all kinds of capacities. A digital portfolio program in its second year has each student curate a It’s a multi-billion-dollar contributor to the economy.” collection of personal work as they move through their courses. By gradua- Theatre majors have also found their skills and knowl- tion, the portfolio stands as a solid record of accomplishment for graduate edge highly applicable in fields ranging from law to school or job applications. Students start building portfolios their first teaching to business. year, and each must successfully present it to a faculty advisor at the end Bencivenga strongly recommended that other SU of sophomore year before proceeding as a major. The portfolio includes grads consider paying a visit to current students, even requirements within the major, culminating in a capstone project that by just calling ahead if they plan to be in the area. “It includes a presentation and a relevant, reworked paper that doesn’t neces- takes a tiny amount of time and it’s very helpful to the sarily come from a theatre class. The writing requirement reflects the students,” she added. department’s and University’s overall emphasis on graduating students Junior year, the class together chooses a show to who are effective writers and communicators. produce the following spring as a senior project. Along Meanwhile, Company — a class that enables students to bridge theory and the way are four main-stage productions and several practice—brings them together at the undergraduate level with theoretical smaller shows every year. reflection about productions; networking with professionals and theatre Theatre major graduates “are going to leave South- major alumni in a variety of fields; and participating in master classes. western with a broad set of skills,” Roybal said, noting Recent visitors include Jonathan Knipscher ’03, a successful, New York- that in addition to the robust scope of theatre-related based costume designer for stage and film.Cathy Bencivenga ’04, executive education that students gather, the major instills abil- manager of education and community engagement at the Alley Theatre, ities including leadership, management, experience in Houston, informally met with small groups of theatre students twice in finding creative solutions, and executing projects on 2016, once with a stage-management class and once with theatre majors. a budget. The department also flourishes as a part of South- western’s liberal arts story. “We’ve applied the theory of liberal arts education to the theatre department itself,” Costola said, an approach facilitated by the multidisci- plinary nature of theatre.

30 SOUTHWESTERN Production photography by Carlos Barron Jr.

A production of “In the Next Room, or the vibrator play” by Sarah Ruhl in the Jesse H. and Mary Gibbs Jones Theater, presented as part of Brown Symposium 38. Child’s PLAY SOUTHWESTERN STUDENTS have entertained youth since 2006 with an emphasis on producing Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) every other year. Southwestern’s TYA offers the rich experience of live theatre at no cost to area children. Southwestern theatre students work on all aspects of the TYA plays including costuming, set design, collaborating with guest directors or designers, and staging an eleven-show run that gives the cast and crew an opportunity to refine their contributions in a way not possible with fewer performances. Some shows have been supported by fellowship awards from the university and outside entities, such as National Endowment for the Arts. Southwestern’s TYA series grew from associate professor Desi Roybal’s 2006 class “Scenic Elements and Stage Properties” and its staging of “Androcles and the Lion.” The students built scenery, found costumes, and invited 240 first and second grade students from Annie Purl Elementary School, which is walking distance from Sarofim’s Jones Theater. “It was great,” said Roybal, who coordinates TYA. “The students loved it. There were 240 youngsters laughing, giggling, and engaging with the play in the moment. Our students had never experienced an audience like that before.” “Part of performance is the longevity of a role,” Roybal said. “When you have multiple shows—five during the week plus weekend shows, for a total of eleven performances—it’s a rare opportunity. For the actors and technicians, it replicates a professional performance week. They get to do it over and over and try something new. In a way, it’s their working laboratory.” Thanks to a generous five-year gift commitment from Doug and From a curricular standpoint, “Students are making intentional Carol McGaughey, the Heather Jean McGaughey Series for Young connections and selecting classes that make sense to their overall Audiences will be a new course added to the curriculum this fall to education as theatre artists,” said Kerry Bechtel, past department chair introduce students to the field of creative dramatics and theatre for and associate professor. A student in costume design “might be thinking youth through lecture, classroom workshops, play development, about art history courses, or taking a social problems course that reflects directing and design. The gift was given in memory of their daughter, gender disparity, and looking at how clothing keeps people in certain social Heather, Southwestern University Class of 2004. roles,” she added. “It makes the student understand that their education A main-stage TYA production is produced every other year. In isn’t compartmentalized. It’s all connected.” future alternating years, a traveling show produced by a class for To encourage new theatre majors, “Our fine arts departments all have teaching theatre for youth will go out in the community, said Sergio scholarships that they choose to award based on both academic and Costola, department chair and associate professor. “Theatre for artistic talent,” said Christine Kettle Bowman ’93, dean of enrollment Young Audiences has been a meaningful process for students,” he services. “We started this recruitment cycle meeting with chairs of the adds. The touring company “will empower them even more, and allow Fine Arts divisions to discuss ways in which we could collaborate and us to create more connections with the community.” support the recruitment effort in the arts. It is easy to promote a program TYA prides itself on exposing youth to the theatre arts. Roybal says, that develops professional artists, but also embraces the liberal arts and “It introduces live theatre to children who otherwise might have little allows non-majors to be involved as well.” or no opportunity to have such an experience.”

SOUTHWESTERN 31 PARENT RELATIONS Photography by Hannah Vickers

STUDENT PROFILES Switzerland, a country she was drawn to for its Three soon-to-be alumni sustainability awareness. “While living there, I share their stories was challenged to reevaluate my consumption practices and think more critically about the origin and social and environmental impact of the things I bought,” said Vega. Her advice for all current or prospective students is to be fearless. “Explore new topics. Attend conferences. Every new experience could be enriching and valuable,” she said. “Further- more, be open-minded to new perspectives and for challenge yourself to widen your view of the world.” — J. Ryan Wheeler

WHEN JUSTIN Broussard was a senior in high 3 3 school he’d never heard of Southwestern Univer- sity, but after a visit with Pirates football coaches he took a trip to the campus. A few minutes into the experience Broussard fell in love with the gorgeous campus and the people. Now, four seem- ingly short years later, he is graduating. The Beaumont native’s football career led him to major in kinesiology. It’s been a rejuvenating experience for the student-athlete as he enjoys learning about injury prevention and how the body heals. His enthusiasm for the University does not end in the classroom. Broussard is actively involved in

RIGINALLY FROM El Paso, Ilka Vega initially chose Southwestern for its beau- Otiful campus and high academic standards. During her time as a Pirate, she also found South- western could foster her many interests. Vega is graduating with a double major in business and sustainability, culture, and social justice. The “...be open- latter is a specialty major that Vega developed minded to new with assistance from her professors. perspectives Vega’s childhood dream job was to be a rock and challenge star or Indiana Jones. “When I was little, I wanted the recognition and resources that came with yourself to these identifications to help people in poverty,” widen your she explained. Now, Vega has learned she can view of the have an impact without the fancy titles—she world.” dreams of working for the United Nations. Internships and study abroad opportunities have helped Vega work towards her profes- sional goals. The Borgen Project, a nonprofit that works to end extreme poverty, offered her an internship in Seattle, Washington, where she developed her activism skills. She also studied in

32 SOUTHWESTERN Parents, Mark Your Calendars for These Upcoming Events! Aug. Aug. Oct. Nov. Feb. 18–19 28 7–10 3–5 24 Parent First Day of Fall Spring Orientation Fall Semester Break Homecoming Family Day

intramural sports and is an advocate for athletics on college campuses as a way for students to build “I am so lifelong bonds. thankful While Broussard’s Southwestern Experience for the is coming to an end, his senior year has been his relationships best yet: he made the Dean’s List for the first time I have made during the Fall 2016 semester, and the Pirates with my won the Southern Collegiate Athletic Confer- professors and ence Championship. To top it off, he is gearing peers. I don’t up for the National Bowl, an all-star game for think I could DII and DIII players. Broussard has already been have made the accepted to chiropractic school and hopes to relationships work with athletes to resolve their injuries and I have at a get them back on the playing field. different “I am so thankful for the relationships I have university.” made with my professors and peers,” he said. “I don’t think I could have made the relationships I have at a different university.”— Hayden Pigott

HUNTER JURGENS started his first week at Southwestern as a physics major—a very different field than the degree he is about to graduate with this spring. After talking with his then-professor Alisa Gaunder, now dean of faculty, about comparative political science in Asian cultures, he was convinced to walk a new path. (Southwestern’s most prestigious and compet- His sophomore year, the new field of study lead itive award), a Freeman Research Fellow, and is Jurgens to Tibet. Assistant Professor of Chinese involved with student government. Patricia Schiaffini invited Jurgens to apply for The senior international studies/political a grant for conducting field research in Tibet, science double-major will be graduating this looking through various lenses at shifting ecolog- spring, and hopes to continue his current research ical problems the region faces. After winning by traveling to Taiwan. Long-term he wants to the grant, Jurgens spent the summer traveling pursue a doctorate in political science and ulti- around Tibetan highlands, talking with environ- mately go into policy analysis or academia. “I had mental experts, local leaders, and high-ranking no idea I’d end up a political science major but Buddhist monks. It was a life-changing experi- I have always been able to talk about the world ence: “I could speak for days about my love for and what’s going on and why it matters, so I think Tibet and the Tibetan people,” he said. it’s a perfect fit,” said Jurgens.— Hayden Pigott Jurgens is actively involved in academic and student life. He minors in sociology and Chinese, is a Hatton Sumners Scholar, a Brown Scholar

SOUTHWESTERN 33 USE THE LIFE YOU'VE BUILT TO HELP BUILD THEIRS Smart Giving with Retirement Plan Assets

34 SOUTHWESTERN You've worked hard all your life, contributed regularly to your retirement plan, and built a healthy balance. You may want to leave some of that money to your heirs. Of course, the last thing you want is for a big chunk to be taken out for taxes, or for your heirs to be left with a tax burden. Gifts of retirement assets can be costly to inherit, but they can be a smart and simple way to give to Southwestern. These gifts nurture students’ academic and personal passions, and instill in them the skills and knowledge to lead successful lives.

Giving From Your Retirement Plan IRA Charitable as Part of Your Estate Plan Rollovers

An excellent, tax-wise method is to name Recent federal legislation allows individuals over Southwestern as a testamentary beneficiary on your the age of 70 1/2 to distribute up to $100,000 in a plan’s beneficiary designation form. calendar year from an IRA to Southwestern or other charitable institutions, tax-free. The tax advantage stems from the fact that most retirement plans (other than Roth IRAs) are subject to Simply direct your IRA plan administrator to make a income taxes—and possibly estate taxes—if left to an distribution to Southwestern. The distribution counts individual beneficiary; however, a charity that is named toward the minimum required distribution, but is as the beneficiary does not pay income or estate taxes on not included in your income for income tax purposes. the distribution. Thus, the full value of what is distributed Although you are not entitled to a charitable deduction for can be used by Southwestern as a gift from your estate, the distribution, the distribution benefits the University supporting the purpose you designate. Not only is it an today and strengthens Southwestern’s commitment to easy way to give, but it’s also flexible—you retain control academic innovation and excellence. of your asset during your lifetime and aren’t locked into the choices you make today. You can review and adjust To give from your IRA today or in the future, beneficiary designations any time you want. or to learn more:

To name Southwestern as a beneficiary of all or part of your plan: Please contact April Hampton Perez ’89, • Consult your attorney and other advisors. Senior Director of • Contact the administrator of your qualified Development, at retirement plan for a new beneficiary form. [email protected] • Designate Southwestern University as a or at 512.863.1485 beneficiary of part or all of your retirement plan. • Share your plans with us. All information is confidential.

Visit southwestern.edu/mylegacy for more information. As with any financial decision, please consult your tax advisor.

SOUTHWESTERN 35 hare your accomplishments, Sachievements, and life mile- stones with friends and classmates! Submit your Class Note for future issues of Southwestern magazine.

FALL ISSUE: Jan. 1–June 30 2016 SPRING ISSUE: July 1–Dec. 31 ALUMNI To submit your Class Note, visit southwestern.edu/alumni and click “Submit My Class Note.” ASSOCIATION By submitting a Class Note, you are granting permission to AWARDS Southwestern University to share this news in Southwestern, on the University’s website (including the Class Southwestern University Alumni Association) and/or social media outlets for the University and Notes the Association.

MARRIAGE: Lon Curtis Jim Ewbank, Spicewood, was to Cathy J. Parker on Jun. 18, selected as a “Texas Super 1969 2016 at The Chapel at Caliber 1977 Lawyer” (published in Texas Blake Stanford ’81 Oak near Salado. Former classmates at Belton Monthly magazine) for the 12th straight year, DISTINGUISHED High School, Lon and Cathy met for the first selected to receive the Lifetime Achievement SOUTHWESTERN SERVICE time in 50 years at their 50th high school Award for “Top 100 Attorneys in South Texas” reunion during the summer of 2015. Lon is by America’s Top 100 Attorneys, selected as Blake Stanford is a community leader, retired from multiple (overlapping) careers: a Fellow of the Austin Bar Foundation, and a husband and dad, a proud Kappa Sigma assistant district attorney, volunteer fire chief, re-elected as a Barrister to the Calvert Inn of brother, and a fierce advocate for child and most recently, on-air meteorologist at Court. Jim is celebrating 30 years of marriage nutrition. Stanford serves Southwestern KWTX-TV. Cathy works for a private capital to the Hon. Orlinda Naranjo and the comple- University as a member of the Board of investment firm in Austin. They now reside in tion of daughter McLean’s freshman year at Trustees, charged with overseeing the Round Rock. Furman University. system of governance, academic life, student life, and the University’s fiscal Vicki Pierce Stroeher, affairs, and served as president of the Huntington, W.Va., co-edited Southwestern University Alumni Asso- 1981 and published a book for The ciation from 2012 to 2014. Stanford’s Boydell Press alongside Nicholas Clark and dedication to the cause of child nutri- Jude Brimmer, both of the Britten-Pears tion is evidenced by his commitment, Foundation. The book, My Beloved Man, pres- for more than 30 years, as the founder, ents the complete correspondence of 20th president, and board chairman of century English composer Benjamin Britten, the Southwest Human Development and his partner, tenor Peter Pears. Stroeher Services Corporation. SHDSC is a was first introduced to the music of Britten nonprofit agency that provides nutritious at Southwestern University in music history food to more than 1,400 Texas family day- Leonard Hoffman (right), courses taught by Ellsworth Peterson ’55 and care facilities through the United States Dallas, and Clayton in the SU Chorale by Kenny Sheppard. Vicki Department of Agriculture’s Child and 1971 Traylor ’84 participated in the is a professor of music history at Marshall Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). A Sir Nick Faldo Golf Event at the Wilderness University in Huntington, W.Va., where she longtime supporter of CACFP, Stan- Club in Eureka, Mont. in September 2016. resides with her husband, Mike, a trombonist ford has also served as president of the and also a Marshall University professor. National CACFP Sponsors Association.

36 SOUTHWESTERN Clayton Traylor, Plano, see Marc Erck ’88 Leonard Hoffman ’71. 1984 DISTINGUISHED PROFESSIONAL Marc Erck embodies a love of music and a passion Tom Stell, Houston, was for teaching. His influence reverberates throughout named Best Actor by the the world, in the lives of the many students he has 1988 2016 Houston Press Theatre inspired, from middle-school choir students in Awards for his portrayal of Uncle Pec in Paula Austin to adult singers in Cameroon. Erck has been Vogel’s How I Learned to Drive. The show was in service to God and his community for decades by produced by Obsidian Theater where Tom is teaching, conducting, and performing choral music. the executive director. Currently a National Curriculum Specialist at McGraw-Hill Education, Erck earned his Bachelor of Music degree in Choral Music—Conducting. He later earned his certi- Duana Welch, Eugene, Ore., fication in Advanced Church Music at the Perkins School of Theology at Southern published her book, Love Methodist University. He’s both a certified teacher of All-Level Music in Texas and 1991 Factually: 10 Proven Steps from a Choral Music Adjudicator for the University Interscholastic League. Erck’s work I Wish to I Do. The Love Factually webpage with the University United Methodist Church (UUMC) in Austin and conductor of lets readers download a free chapter, read the UUMC choir for more than 20 years still reverberates. As Director of Music and about the book, and see scientists’ and others’ Worship, he created hundreds of worship and musical experiences for parishioners, endorsements: lovefactually.co. Duana has and commissioned many new hymns and anthems for the congregation. Works he also written a science-based blog for over five commissioned have been published by major music publishers and are being sung at years called LoveScience: Research-based rela- churches throughout the United States. tionship advice for everyone, and she writes for eHarmony and Psychology Today as well, in addition to professing psychology at Austin-area universities. overseas in Skopje, Macedonia. Contributing Robert Scott Heaslet, to the democratic transition of the south- Washington, D.C., see James Paul Tatum, Columbia, Mo., eastern European country, James worked at 1997 DeWitt ’94. was awarded the Hastings the Organization for Security and Co-Operation 1993 Center Cunniff-Dixon Physician in Europe (OSCE) while Robert was at the Susan Wolf Berhow, Leonardville, Kan., was Award for exemplary care at the end of life. National Democratic Institute for International named Associate Vice President of Strategic He was also elected to the Board of Directors Affairs (NDI). Communication for Kansas State University of the American Academy of Hospice and Foundation in Manhattan, Kan. She lives with Palliative Medicine. Angela Moore Ewing, Little her husband, Jonathan, and daughter, Heidi, Elm, received her Doctor of on a 10-acre farm. James DeWitt, Skopje, 1996 Education from North Texas Macedonia, and Robert Scott University in 2016 with a focus in Education 1994 Heaslet ’97 paths crossed Administration.

did you hey... You may have seen a 512 area code calling you this miss spring...or last fall...that was us, your phonathon callers! We our call? were looking forward to hearing about what you had been up to since you left campus, but we get it, you’re busy with Earning more degrees, Binge watching your favorite show, on a Quest for parking, Learning a new language, your Grandma’s 100th birthday party, Staring off into space, or Chasing bandits.

While we are about to leave campus for the summer, you can still make your gift to Southwestern by visiting southwestern.edui makeagift ...Your Pirate Phonathon Callers ( *click *)

SOUTHWESTERN 37 Emily Calderon Galdeano, San Antonio, was recently awarded 1999 two international fellowships and an international book award. She was one of 76 Fellows selected from the United States and 39 European countries as a German Marshall Fund Marshall Memorial Fellow. She was also selected as one of 10 United States-Spain Council Young Leaders selected from across the nation who represent various sectors of the economy and government. Her co-edited Cindy Olson Bourland ’89 book, Hispanic-Serving Institutions: Advancing Research and Transformative Practices, was DISTINGUISHED PROFESSIONAL awarded “Best Academic Themed Book” at the 2016 International Latino Book Awards. The As an appellate judge in the Texas Third book was co-edited with Dr. Anne-Marie Nunez (Ohio State University) and Dr. Sylvia Hurtado Court of Appeals, Justice Cindy Olson (University of California, Los Angeles). Bourland serves the community and the bench to evaluate cases that come to appeal in 24 counties in Central Texas. It’s not a job that’s easy. But then again, Eryn Kaiser, Gunnison, Michael Nguyen, San Francisco, Calif., is Cindy Olson Bourland is no stranger to Colo., accepted a position the reigning Miss GAPA (Gay Asian Pacific rolling up her sleeves. Her accomplish- 2000 as a Professional Learning Alliance) 2016, representing the GAPA ments and recognition as an attorney Specialist for IXL Learning, an educational Foundation, a grassroots philanthropic and judge are almost as numerous as technology company for K–12. She works organization that provides funds and lever- her personal accomplishments. Justice in professional development for teachers ages resources to empower the Asian/ Bourland has been named a Profile in and districts across the company and the Pacific Islander LGBTQ community. For more Power by the Austin Business Journal world. She is pursuing her doctorate in educa- info, visit gapafoundation.org. Michael was and a Super Lawyer by Law & Politics tion leadership and she hopes to defend her chosen to speak at the National Conference magazine. AW Media just awarded dissertation in 2018. This year, she became for Vietnamese American Attorneys on an her the inaugural Woman’s Way Spirit a Policy Fellow with America Achieves. She Intellectual Property panel in October along Award. And, lest you think Justice Bour- is working to influence and write education with a USPTO Patent and Trial Board Judge, land’s recognition comes at the end of an policy for the state of Colorado. Her policy a US District Court Judge, a law firm partner, august career—she also won the Austin interests focus on school accountability and and an in-house counsel. He joined a promi- Under 40 Award in Law. A lifelong resi- equitable opportunities for all students in nent patent boutique, Wong & Rees, in Silicon dent of Central Texas and member of a the state. Valley as an associate. Michael completed multi-generational Texas family, Justice his second AIDS/Lifecycle ride in June 2016, Bourland was appointed by Governor Randall Williams, Takoma Park, Md., is an with a two-year total of over $24K raised Rick Perry to the Third Court of Appeals Information Manager for the Federal Reserve for HIV/AIDS Charities in San Francisco and in 2015. Prior to taking her seat on the Board in Washington, D.C. He recently cele- Los Angeles. Michael joined Southwestern’s bench, Justice Bourland started and ran brated his 13th wedding anniversary with his Alumni Council for the 2016–18 term. a successful trial law firm, where she spouse Katherine. handled business and commercial law. BIRTH: Scott and Blithe Josh Batenhorst, Asheville, Casterline Rocher ’05, N.C., was recently named Chief 2004 Oakland, Calif., welcomed 2001 Operating Officer of Bright Star Beauregard Emet on Nov. 16, 2016. Camille Waters Hill, Fort Touring Theatre. One of the nation’s largest Worth, was awarded Teacher educational touring theatre companies for BIRTH: Jimmy and 2007 of the Year at Joy James young audiences, Bright Star currently oper- Christina Granado Gonzales, Elementary, Castleberry ISD. ates in 26 states and 3 countries. Bright Star 2005 Edinburg, along with big plans to expand its current operations nation- brother Michael, welcomed Emily Olivia born Aaron Blair, Hiawatha, Iowa, wide beginning with a Texas expansion on July 13, 2016 at 7:33 a.m. She was 6 lbs see Michelle Perrin Blair ’09 in 2017. 5 oz and 19.5 in.; Blithe Casterline Rocher, 2008 Oakland, Calif., see Scott Rocher ’04. BIRTH: Matt and Krystyn Rachel Osborne, Georgetown, completed Alter Hall, Marietta, Ga., Staci Benson, Dallas, opened Paradigm Family her combined Internal Medicine-Pediatrics 2003 welcomed Evelyn Claire Health, a direct care family medicine clinic in residency program with University of North on Feb. 15, 2012 and Beatrice Paige on January 2017. Carolina Hospitals in June 2016. She has Dec. 29, 2013. moved back to Georgetown to practice with

38 SOUTHWESTERN Alumni Spotlight continued from pg. 9 Bob Bednar ’89 Associate Professor of Communication Studies MR. HOMECOMING Being named Mr. Homecoming at Southwestern University is a token of affection and respect for a faculty member from his former students. This year’s Mr. Homecoming, Bob Bednar, associate professor of communication studies, is a much- beloved figure on campus and is known for his quiet, thoughtful, and intentional That revelation saw Poplawsky leaving approach. His colleagues know him for playing a major role in building Commu- Dai Due in January 2016 to work for a nication Studies into the robust program it is today at the University. He earned non-profit three-acre farm in East his Bachelor of Science in American Studies from Southwestern University in Austin, Urban Roots, that uses food and 1989 and his master’s and doctorate in American Studies from The University of farming to transform the lives of young Texas at Austin. He previously taught at The University of Texas at Austin and people. “The 14- to 17-year olds that Texas Lutheran University before joining the Southwestern faculty in 1995. He was intern there aren’t necessarily working chair of the Communication Studies department at Southwestern 2005–2010 and there to become farmers, but we also 2011–2013 and chair of the American Studies program 2000–2011. What students teach them skills like public speaking remember fondly about Bednar is his devotion to their needs, how he spent time and money management,” she said. with them when they needed counseling or direction. They remember how he Meanwhile, Poplawsky focused her pushed them to be the best students, writers, scholars, researchers, and speakers attention on starting a new business, the they could be. Above all, they know him for his authenticity. Central Texas Meat Collective, bringing together farmers, chefs, butchers, and students to provide hands-on education. “I think of this as a passion project,” she said. “I learned about English chef Fergus Henderson who preaches a nose-to-tail philosophy—and he’s right, I figure if you’re going to knock something on the head, you may as well eat it all. We’re working with the Sustainable Food Center in Austin to teach our whole-hog X2 butchery class, humane chicken slaugh- tering, and sausage-making … and that’s just for starters.” Right now, her day job is working as a vegetable farmer at local organic farm, Tecolote. But after years pursuing a career in the restaurant industry, Match Your Poplawsky has narrowed down her career path. “I want to be an educator, and the Gift and Double first step will be to start a master’s of education next year. I’ve been trying on the Impact! different outfits to see which ones fit, and now I’m ready to go back to school. I’m Did you know you can double captivated by the agricultural aspect of the impact of your gifts butchery and I want to teach people how to nourish their communities.” to Southwestern by using Finally, Poplawsky has two vitally your employer’s matching important pieces of advice. First, for donation program? students at Southwestern: Always be awake, and appreciate your time To make your donation go even further, see if there and make the most of it. And for everyone else: Don’t miss the pork your company has a matching gift program by chops at Dai Due. “They’re decadent,” visiting matchinggifts.com/southwestern. she said, “my favorite thing in the world!” — Roger Munford

SOUTHWESTERN 39 Laura Cordes ’91 DISTINGUISHED HUMANITARIAN Laura Cordes’ work toward ending sexual violence, improving the justice system, and ending human trafficking has helped thousands of people. She is dedicating her career to change the world for the better—both through her own efforts and by inspiring people to work together to do the same. A 1991 grad- uate of Southwestern University, Cordes is Executive Director of the Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence. Cordes is known for her Anita Fernandez ’06 tireless efforts and her drive to be the voice for victims by speaking on their behalf to the media and to lawmakers, as well as for her fierce effectiveness in improving DISTINGUISHED policies, and establishing and expanding prevention programs. In addition to striving YOUNG ALUMNA to end sexual abuse through education, training, and advocacy, in her personal life, There’s purpose. And there’s social Cordes is constantly working to build and support her community. For example, her purpose. Anita Fernandez has both. work to improve commuter train access to communities throughout Connecticut Fernandez is one of the founders of means more people now have access to public transportation. the OCI Group, a consulting firm that guides businesses, educational insti- tutions, individuals, and organizations on increasing their social presence in the community and their respective Michelle Perrin Blair, Hiawatha, Iowa, industries. She focuses on nonprofit Assistant Professor of Music and Director of management, history, and art. A 2006 Orchestras at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Southwestern University graduate Iowa, has been appointed as Conductor of the with a Bachelor of Arts in Latin Amer- Dubuque Symphony Youth Orchestra for the ican Studies, Fernandez also earned 2016–17 season. Michelle is married to her master’s degree in Latin American Aaron Blair ’08. Studies from The University of Texas at Austin. Upon graduation, Fernandez BIRTH: Kevin and Amanda worked in business and commu- Rush Edwards, Poolville, nity development at Museo Alameda, 2010 welcomed their son Carson the first formal Smithsonian affiliate Thomas on July 16, 2016. in the United States and the Latino

Museum of Texas. She then teamed up Eileen Kwee, San Antonio, earned her Doctor MARRIAGE: with five co-founders, who met in high of Dental Surgery degree from the University Meghan Brindley to school while participating in a National of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio 2008 Stephen Marriott on Hispanic Institute program, to form (UTHSCSA) School of Dentistry in 2015. She Aug. 27, 2016. The couple met when OCI Group—“Our Community, Inc.”— completed an Advanced Education in General their technology startup companies focused on fostering social purpose. Dentistry residency at the University of (Spredfast & Mass Relevance) merged in Additionally, for the past seven years, Oklahoma in 2016 and currently is working in April of 2014. They reside in Austin, TX. as project administrator of the National a private practice in San Antonio and teaching Hispanic Institute’s regional chapter in at the UTHSCSA School of Dentistry. San Antonio, she’s inspired more than a thousand high school students from Baylor Scott & White Health as a primary care Alexandra Burbey Koenig, San Antonio to become leaders in their provider for adults and children. Mansfield, graduated with her communities. 2011 Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology BIRTH: Wesley and from Seattle Pacific University in June 2016. Erin Dammann Willis, 2009 Albuquerque, N.M., are MARRIAGE: Jen O’Neal to pleased to announce that their future twin Ben Stevens in Wimberley on Pirates, Ty and Payton, turned one on 2016 Oct. 15, 2016. China IT’S A FACT! Sept. 6, 2016. Albin ’15 was in the wedding party. The Percent of Southwestern’s wedding was described as awesome, total alumni population MARRIAGE: Hayley Humpert to Daniel beautiful, and full of love by all in attendance. (more than 2,400 alumni) Sloat on July 30, 2016. Residing in Oklahoma They reside in Austin with their two cats. are married to a fellow City, Okla. Southwestern alum!

40 SOUTHWESTERN 16 Jacob Beswick ’07 DISTINGUISHED YOUNG ALUMNUS Jacob Beswick is a 2007 magna cum laude graduate with a double major in Polit- ical Science and Spanish. After graduating from Southwestern, Beswick earned his Master of Science in Comparative Politics from the London School of Economics and is currently pursuing a graduate diploma in Economics from the Birkbeck School at the University of London. Beswick has not just been attending classes, however. Jacob started his post-collegiate career in IN MEMORIAM Texas politics, working on statewide and local campaigns and as a policy analyst. And while doing his post-graduate None of us is replaceable and we are diminished work, he authored and co-authored several reports on civilian by any who are absent from us. For the lives of all conflict casualties and other humanitarian crises, including members of the Southwestern University refugee family reunification. He is now principal policy officer community who have died, we give thanks. at London Councils, a cross-party organization that works on behalf of the City of London and its 32 borough councils to Isabelle Crossman ’41, Rowlett, March 25, 2016 ensure they have the resources, freedoms, and powers to do Catherine LaVerne Walden Melbert ’43, Kingwood, Jan. 27, 2017 the best possible job for their residents and local businesses. Shirley Ruth Mount Long ’44, Highlands Ranch, Jan. 16, 2017 Previously, Beswick was at the Every Casualty program, where Jean Justin Watts ’45, Fort Worth, Sept. 30, 2016 he worked to record casualties in conflict settings and research Walter S. Scheef ’48, Lubbock, Nov. 22, 2016 and report on the debate over the impact of tactics like the use LaVerne Rogers Long Smith ’48, Waco, Dec. 4, 2016 of drones on civilian casualties. George Arthur Goethe ’49, Georgetown, Dec. 21, 2017 Allen J. Moore ’49, Boston, Sept. 18, 2016 Geneva Davis Ragland ’49, Austin, Sept. 11, 2016 James G. Thomas Jr. ’49, Bellaire, Dec. 8, 2016 Carlie Sulpizio ’13 Elizabeth Peters Peavey ’50, Beaumont, Jan. 10, 2017 Herschel G. Kilbourn ’51, Houston, Sept. 13, 2016 DISTINGUISHED Katherine Lee Stone ’51, Georgetown, Sept. 26, 2016 YOUNG ALUMNA Madge Houston Thornall Roberts ’51, San Antonio, Oct. 24, 2016 James F. White Jr. ’51, Magnolia, Oct. 5, 2016 Carlie Sulpizio’s energy and Billie T. Breed ’52, Austin, Nov. 15, 2016 enthusiasm are contagious. Jane Gillett Giddings ’54, Brenham, Jan. 21, 2017 Her interest in the world and Helen Dobbins Padgett ’57, San Antonio, Dec. 23, 2016 its people knows no bounds— Kathryn Phelps Edwards ’61, San Marcos, Nov. 30, 2016 as evidenced by her three-year Edwin Wayne Mercer ’62, Fort Worth, Oct. 6, 2016 term in the Peace Corps as the Community Health Develop- Fred L. McClurg ’64, Carmichael, Calif., January 2017 ment Agent in Burkina Faso and her studies in anthropology, Danna J. Willis ’66, Houston, Oct. 30, 2016 theatre, and global health. With a newly minted Bachelor of Melissa Northern Fuller ’68, Spring, Nov. 14, 2016 Arts degree in Anthropology and Theatre, Sulpizio joined the Judith Ann Lorton Pollard ’68, Houston, Nov. 20, 2016 Peace Corps in 2013. She was sent to rural areas of the West Charles W. Kruse ’71, Taylor, Nov. 18, 2016 African nation of Burkina Faso to help local clinics improve Mecky Crump Jones ’72, San Antonio, Dec. 25, 2016 community health and education. Sulpizio’s work in Burkina Walter H. Kindred Jr. ’74, Houston, July 24, 2016 Faso went far beyond typical. She initiated the creation of a Martha Ann Burdell Mason ’79, Abilene, Jan. 27, 2017 health education center in her village, obtained solar panels Thomas Northington ’74, Kerrville, Sept. 26, 2016 for the clinic to provide electricity, become regional malaria Judith Ann Thomas Gulick ’77, Asheville, Dec. 26, 2016 coordinator, painted myriad murals, started a summer camp William W. Curtis ’80, Crested Butte, Colo., Sept. 19, 2016 program for empowering youth, and joined the Peer Support Dr. Whitney R. Kinslow ’93, Georgetown, Oct. 30, 2016 Diversity Network to encourage other Peace Corps volunteers. Stephanie L. Quimby ’02, The Woodlands, Dec. 3, 2016 Joseph D. Puskarich, Wichita Falls, Oct. 5, 2016

SOUTHWESTERN 41 THEN & NOW

FROM THE ARCHIVES Pirate Power THE PIRATE pep squad has been a top school spirit organization since the 1920s, when a team of student leaders selected several high-spirited coeds to promote school spirit at Southwestern athletic events. The Pep Squad of 1931 (below) donned skull and crossbones, as they cheered the Pirates to victory. Today, the Pirates Pep Squad looks much the same, proving that loyalty and pride continue to flourish at Southwestern.

1931

2017

“Surely when two teams are evenly matched it is the organized support that brings on the victory. Good organized cheering and loyal backing of student body can make a team play over their heads all season.” — A word from the Yell Leader, printed in The Megaphone, Nov. 1924

Photo by Carlos Barron Jr.

42 SOUTHWESTERN ADD SECURITY TO YOUR FUTURE AND OTHERS MAKE A GIFT THAT PAYS YOU ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A BETTER RETURN ON YOUR INVESTMENTS? Are you paying too much income tax and would like a deduction? Would you like additional income to supplement your retirement during your lifetime? Do you want a safe investment that could pay more than a CD or savings account? And, most importantly, have you always wanted to express your gratitude for Southwestern University by giving something back?

Consider investing in Southwestern’s charitable gift annuity program to increase your income, as well as support students or the university program you care about most. For as little as $10,000, you can secure a fixed income during your lifetime, receive a charitable tax deduction during the year in which you make the gift, and feel confident knowing you have made smart decisions about your financial and philanthropic priorities.

For more information, visit our website ONE RECIPIENT ANNUITY TWO RECIPIENT ANNUITY at southwestern.edu/mylegacy, or to AGE GIFT ANNUITY RATE AGE GIFT ANNUITY RATE request a personalized gift annuity 65 4.7 65 & 65 4.2 illustration, please contact 70 5.1 70 & 70 4.6 April Hampton Perez ’89, 75 5.8 75 & 75 5.0 Senior Director of Development, by 80 6.8 80 & 80 5.7 email at [email protected] 85 7.8 85 & 85 6.7 or by phone at 512.863.1485. As with any financial decision, please consult your tax advisor.

SOUTHWESTERN 43 NON PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID DALLAS TEXAS PERMIT 3530 1001 East University Avenue Georgetown, TX 78626

Students leave their mark on Southwestern University—in more ways than one. Each year, graduating seniors “break into” the Cullen tower to sign their name in a SU tradition dating back over 100 years.