THE MAGAZINE of Texas Lutheran University • March 2011 TORCH Service & Sustainability

Taking Steps That Matter An alumnus gives back in more ways than one Service: A TLU Tradition The history of Bulldogs getting involved in the community

THE MAGAZINE of Texas Lutheran University TORCH Vol. 35, No. 3, March 2011

Publisher Sarah Story Editor Jenni M. Loer Editorial Assistant Naomi Urquiza Contributing Writers Tim Clark Derrick Collins Contributing Artists Danny Batista Drew C. Engelke Terry Price Judy Samford Dustin Wyatt Editorial Board Taylor Carleton Director of Alumni Relations Nancy Hershfield VP for Development & Alumni Relations Jenni M. Loer Marketing Communications Specialist Mandy Owen Director of Admissions Terry Price Assoc. Prof. of Dramatic Media & Director of Emerging Media Sarah Story Asst. VP for Marketing Communications Steven Vrooman Assoc. Prof. of English & Communication Studies

Torch is published three times annually in September, December and March by Texas Lutheran University Development & Alumni Relations office. Inquiries and submissions should be directed to the editorial staff at [email protected]. AlumNotes submissions and change of address may be sent to the Alumni Relations office at [email protected].

2 Texas Lutheran University Photo by Terry Price THE MAGAZINE of Texas Lutheran University • March 2011 TORCH

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FEATURES DEPARTMENTS 5 Taking Steps That Matter 4 Letter from the President José Alejandro Flores ’03 merges international business, 5 TLU Today Feature articles social responsibility and eco–friendliness. 17 Campus Life Events scrapbook 9 The Next Generation of Living & Learning at TLU New campus master plan raises sustainability awareness. 18 Growing & Giving From the development office 12 A Talent for Service 20 Scoreboard TLU sports Students form Service Through Music group. 24 Bragging Rights Accomplishments 13 Classroom Meets Outdoors 25 Flame Q & A Person of interest interview Recreation courses take on mountain biking and more. 26 Lucky’s Pack TLU point of view 15 The Watoto Project Taking on the epidemic of orphaned children in Tanzania. 28 AlumNotes 16 Operation Backpack 34 Flashback Blast from the past photo Fighting child obesity and hunger one backpack at a time. 35 Save the Date Events calendar

Check out the online edition and special features at tlu.edu/torch.

TORCH • March 2011 3 FROM THE PRESIDENT

Reflections on an interim Texas Lutheran may well have named a new president by the time you are reading this. The new president will bring enormous energy to the campus and the entire TLU community. Next year, and beyond, will be great years for the university. What about this year? Three expectations were established for this year. First, that it be an outstanding year for students and student learning. We are well on our way to fulfilling this expectation. It has been a grrrrrreat year to be a Bulldog. Second, we wanted to position the university to attract a strong pool of candidates for the presidency. The search committee has reviewed the resumes of nearly 70 applicants, many with the qualities, experience, and commitment to Lutheran higher education the university is seeking. The Board of Regents is confident a new president will be named this spring and begin serving this summer. Third, we were determined to use this year to position the University for the future. It is important that we all perceive that good things are happening at TLU and believe that even better days are coming. To this end, the Board of Regents is investing, carefully and strategically, in keeping TLU affordable, providing new facilities and supporting an exciting transformation of the university’s core-curriculum. This has also been a great year for Sally and me. We have been so impressed with TLU. The soul, sense of community and mission of this place are to be valued and supported. We have been made to feel at home. TLU people, wherever we have encountered them, have been more than generous and gracious to us. There is much we will miss about TLU. The people, Chapel, rooting for the Bulldogs, Vespers and all the special events and activities, large and small. And the weather! These have been and will continue to be grrrrrrrreat days to be a Bulldog. God bless you all.

Dr. Robert Vogel

Interim President

Photo by Terry Price

Dr. Vogel lends a helping hand during TLU’s annual Day of the Dogs day of service in February 2011.

4 Texas Lutheran University Taking Steps That Matter

How one alumnus found a way to give back globally and locally and make it count.

José Alejandro Flores ’03 has three passions: soccer, helping others and international business. He led a cultured and charity driven life growing up in both Guatemala and the United States as a dual citizen. Drifting between the developed and developing worlds exposed him to poverty and humanitarian needs in both countries and inspired him to make a difference.

TORCH • March 2011 5 TLU TODAY

“Growing up, and still to this day, DeFlores, LLC is an export-import I’ve been exposed to individuals “It was then that I realized merchant trading company currently without proper footwear through focused on environmentally friendly, the sport of soccer,” says Flores. “I that I could realistically sustainable and socially responsible have been involved in the sport in couple my ongoing life brands. VOS Flips, the initial both the developed and developing portfolio brand launched in March world and have been collecting and experiences of helping 2009, truly exhibits the mission of giving footwear and soccer balls to TLU to pursue one’s passion and individuals in need my entire life.” others with my passion for purpose and give back. It was this inclination to give to VOS Flips are eco-friendly, 100% those in need, coupled with his international business. I was recyclable natural rubber sandals affinity to multiculturalism, that and represent a brand founded to led him to start his own business definitely shaped most by answer one simple question: “Can following his graduation from Texas people afford to care?” The sandals Lutheran University in 2003 with my International Business were introduced along with the Two a degree in International Business Steps At A Time™ social initiative and earning his MBA the following professors and mentors that promises to give a pair of sandals year at St. Mary’s University in away to someone in need for every San Antonio. Founded in 2008, during my time at TLU.” pair sold in addition to supporting Photos courtesy of DeFlores, LLC. Photos courtesy of DeFlores,

On a recent visit to TLU, Flores talked to students, faculty and staff about the possibility of selling VOS Flips in the TLU bookstore. He also discussed workstudy opportunities for students interested in representing the brand while gaining real world experience. He made a great first step when his flips received positive response from students at TLU’s Fair Trade and Global Gifts Fair.

6 Texas Lutheran University Flores traveled to one of the rubber producing communities in Guatemala that cultivates the raw material for flips. Flores gave away the first pairs of flips himself to workers, children and families.

rubber-producing communities with Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express- 400-level international business course health care and education, starting News and on Inmigrante TV. Along with at TLU focused on the ever-growing in Guatemala. Two Steps At A Time™ the TLU men’s soccer team, athletes importance of conscious consumerism partners with international shoe charity and teams across the globe are outfitted in the international marketplace. “It Soles4Souls, Inc., AgroSalud Guatemala with VOS Flips including: Seguin’s own was then that I realized that I could and the Guatemalan National Rubber Will Heyward of the Hamilton Tiger- realistically couple my ongoing life Association. Cats, Dallas Cowboys’ Andrew Sendejo, experiences of helping others with my So, can people afford to care? VOS was Michael Griffin of the Tennessee Titans, passion for international business,” says founded on the principle that most people Leone Cruz of the Seattle Sounders, Bruno Flores. “I was definitely shaped most by want to help others and the planet, but Guarda of FC Dallas, Kieron Bernard of my International Business professors and lack the resources to make a significant Orlando City Soccer, the Houston Toros mentors during my time at TLU.” impact on their own. VOS offers people and the Haiti Men’s National Soccer Team. After Flores took steps in his educational a way to give back for the price of a pair Flores isn’t just passionate about journey, it was time to take a few steps to of sandals. VOS has been featured in The supporting soccer; he played professionally ensure the social responsibility he wanted in 2005 with the Deportivo Suchitepequez his brand to represent. Two Steps At A in Guatemala. To Flores, soccer is not just Time™ incorporates the right step—giving a global sport, it’s a universal language away a pair for each pair sold—and the that unifies nations, languages, cultures left step—providing basic health care and ethnicities—something he hopes the and education for rubber production VOS brand can do. Soccer also influenced communities in need. Through its the design of the sandal. Instead of the partnership with Soles4Souls, VOS traditional thong style flip-flop, VOS Flips Flips is able to contribute to the over 7 feature a strap perfect for athletes wearing million pairs given away since 2005. The socks hoping to trade cleats for something initial efforts are focused in Guatemala a little more comfortable. because it is currently home to the rubber The ideas of charitable work and soccer production communities that cultivate sandals merged into an Eco-Giving™ the raw material used in the sandals. Just business model when Flores took a as Soles4Souls reaches over 125 countries The Haiti National Men’s Soccer Team receives VOS Flips from Flores.

TORCH • March 2011 7 TLU TODAY

Elementary School, the first eco-friendly school in San Antonio’s North East Independent School District. “By joining forces, we’re able to work closer to raise awareness of the ever more apparent necessity to live a sustainable lifestyle while giving back to people in need,” says Flores. In addition to spreading the message of sustainability and environmental responsibility, VOS Flips is also expanding its customer base. VOS recently signed a contract to distribute its product through Flip Flop Shops, an international retailer specializing in marketing casual flip flops and sandals. The marketing partnership aligns the VOS brand with sandal brands such as Reef, Crocs, Teva and Quicksilver. In February, VOS Flips were showcased at VOS Flips takes the next step at Cibolo Green Elementary School. one of the largest trade shows in the world in Las Vegas, providing great exposure across the globe, VOS hopes to expand to Guatemala for the full experience of for the brand. But Flores doesn’t limit its global giving as well. With Gremial working with and giving back to the himself to spreading the word about VOS de Huleros and AgroSalud, VOS Flips community where a business is literally domestically. He’s created quite a photo supports over 500 rubber plantation cultivated. While students may not gallery featuring a traveling flip that is workers and their families by providing necessarily have the opportunity to be as featured in each image. In addition to Haiti health care, education and improved immersed in a culture as someone who and Guatemala, the flip is also pictured in living conditions. An on-site health lived in the community, TLU certainly Guadalajara, Brasil, Honduras, Jamaica promoter, much like a school nurse, offers a similar experience through and Puerto Rico. provides individual face to face basic study abroad—one that Flores took full Flores shares the secret to his success: disease diagnosis and treatment, which is advantage of while at TLU. “He wanted to “I try my best to capitalize on every critical to people who may not necessarily opportunity that crosses my path. have access to simple medications like “The more one Carrying that mentality in all walks of aspirin. In addition to providing essential life, I minimize the risk of overseeing a medications, the health care component travels, the more potential opportunity, no matter how helps maintain good nutrition in children small or large they might be. As for advise and provides childhood vaccinations one realizes how to students pursuing a career like mine, I’d and biannual deworming campaigns. advise them to travel the world as much as Education goes hand-in-hand with good enormous and possible. The more one travels, the more health, so VOS is helping to promote one realizes how enormous and diverse accident prevention in the workplace, oral diverse our world is.” our world is. I’d also advise them to learn hygiene and family orientation lectures. study in a Spanish-speaking country and as many spoken and written languages VOS even considered the basic necessities chose Granada, Spain,” Bailey recalls. “He as possible and cultivate an appreciation of potable drinking water, garbage was very focused on immersing himself for a wide variety of cultures, cuisines disposals and latrines. in the Spanish language and culture and and music genres. All of these details Flores is extremely effective in inspiring represented TLU in the most positive coupled together with an education and involvement and getting people excited manner. He took every opportunity to passion for international business creates about his full-circle business model. engage with people in his classes and in an extraordinary professional offering International education director Charla co-curricular activities.” marketable skills across an array of Bailey, remembers Flores from his time It’s that talent to engage people that international spectrums.” at TLU and is interested in working with has brought the message of VOS to the business department to bring students organizations like the Cibolo Green Follow the traveling flip on the VOS Flips Facebook page.

8 Texas Lutheran University The Next Generation of Living & Learning at TLU The campus has been buzzing with talk, be too old and sick to repurpose, other construction activity pollution, reducing but may soon be buzzing with bulldozers longstanding buildings like Langner energy consumption, recycling and and building contractors. At the February Hall are structurally sound enough to be improving indoor air quality. Farringer 2011 Board of Regents meeting, the gutted and brought into the 21st century. already has some possible point members unanimously approved a Since cost is always a factor, getting opportunities for TLU, “There are a lot motion to hire an architect and contractor the highest LEED certification may not of flat roofs on campus, which are great to develop schematic designs for a new be the most realistic goal. But there for solar panels,” says Farringer. “High residence hall. The residence hall is the are plenty of ways TLU can lessen its roofs like Jackson Auditorium’s would first step in the new campus master plan, environmental impact and improve the be perfect and they won’t be as visible as which promises to surpass expectations quality of life and personal well-being of some of the other buildings.” Farringer and output of past campus rejuvenation those who interact with the campus on a recommends simple considerations like and construction projects. In the fall, the daily basis, which is, after all, the goal of not destroying the current landscaping board will be presented with conceptual any LEED certified project. LEED stands during construction, managing runoff for Leadership in Energy water and leaning towards energy efficient & Environmental Design lighting and appliances that will have a and was developed domino effect on the overall sustainability by the U.S. Green of the project. Even something as small as Building Council to replacing windows with thicker glass and determine green building adding insulation will decrease energy certification based on consumption. While TLU isn’t necessarily the implementation seeking LEED certification, the plan of environmentally intends to incorporate and components sustainable design, necessary to obtain it. Rendering of the new residence hall. construction, operation Another proposed key feature of the and maintenance. It’s campus master plan is water. Farringer is drawings for a new fine arts center that important to note that the level of LEED very familiar with just how much water the will incorporate the existing Jackson certification (certified, silver, gold or TLU campus can hold during rainstorms, Auditorium while adding practice, platinum) is essentially a point system, since he was living there during the 1998 performance and exhibition space for which considers much more than low- flood in Seguin. He believes that water each of the fine arts disciplines. The board flow toilets and solar panels. reservoirs surrounding the campus will also got a sneak peek at renderings of the “The goal is to provide an environment help in collecting some of that rain water in new athletics stadium. These are just a few people can live and function in in a healthy addition to improving the air quality and of the main components of the plan that way,” says alumnus Mike Farringer ’02, a providing a more tranquil environment has been circulating around campus. LEED certified With so many new buildings, the plan estimator for also calls for renovation and demolition. a construction As one of the oldest buildings on and engineering campus, Emma Frey’s bulldozing is firm in San rather inevitable, but that didn’t stop Antonio. Out people from raising the question of of the 69 total repurposing the building. Part of what possible points the campus master plan intends to focus a LEED project on is sustainability, which is a key factor can earn, as the campus community works towards only a few are becoming more environmentally friendly required, such and responsible. While Emma Frey may as preventing Perspective of proposed new stadium.

TORCH • March 2011 9 Aerial view of the proposed new quad, which includes the new residence hall and fine arts complex. Images courtesy BGK Architects, Inc.

AT&T Supports Plans for New Fine Arts Facility with $75,000 Contribution AT&T recently awarded $75,000 to Texas Lutheran University to fund the development of conceptual plans for a new fine arts facility on the TLU campus. The conceptual drawings will be presented to TLU’s Board of Regents at a fall meeting. With a new fine arts facility in place, TLU will seek an increase in participation and enrollment for students interested in band, strings, choir, dramatic media and the visual arts. “In recent years, the TLU fine arts program has grown to include nearly 25 percent of our student population—more than 300 students—and we have significantly outgrown our existing facilities,” says Nancy Hershfield, vice president for development and alumni relations. “Many students already choose TLU based on its excellence in fine arts education,” says Laura Sanford, assistant vice president of AT&T and member of the TLU Board of Regents. “New facilities will enable TLU to attract and retain additional students; further enrich arts instruction; enhance student life; and increase the many ways in which TLU serves as an arts focal point for the greater Seguin-area community. This is essential to TLU and its continued educational and community leadership.”

10 Texas Lutheran University Reducing environmental impact With the launch of a new recycling program, sustainability goals in the new campus master plan for students’ well-being. The ponds would also be used to irrigate the campus. and measures to lessen overall environmental impact, Another idea is to create a reflecting pool down the main avenue of campus, TLU is turning green. which will complete the L-shaped mall from Tschoepe Hall and Beck Center to the chapel and extending out to Highway 46, which was proposed during On April 12, 2011, Greenstar Recycling of San Antonio will bring its educational trailer to the TLU the siting of Tschoepe Hall in 2002. The beautification of the campus and campus to help kick off the new recycling program. making it more student-friendly is all part of the Image & Infrastructure (I2) The TLU community will be able to recycle not ideal the campus is striving towards. In addition to the reflecting pool and only paper, but plastic bottles, aluminum cans and ponds, the campus will become more pedestrian friendly by moving parking cardboard. Coordinating collection with facilities lots to the exterior of campus and prohibiting on-street parking. The campus and sorting with the student Environmental Action will be tree-lined and landscaping will play a big part in making public spaces (EnAct) group, and getting the right kinds and welcoming. amount of containers to outfit the entire campus The new improvements to campus are meant to not only boost enrollment, are some of the details taken into consideration. but increase the number of residential students. A new stadium would be a The late semester launch will give students, faculty step in the right direction to keeping students on campus, but Steve Anderson, and staff an opportunity to become familiar with assistant to the president for administration and public affairs, envisions the the new program before summer break. Any issues entire campus as a living, learning community. The new residence hall is not or concerns can be worked out during the summer just a place to sleep. The first floor will be a public space for classrooms and months to prepare for a full-fledged functioning meetings spaces that can be utilized by the whole TLU community. To take it a recycling program in the fall. step further, the Alumni Student Center and Blumberg Memorial Library will be The new recycling program is just one of the ideas connected, to truly integrate the social and academic aspects of campus living. implemented by the Environmental Sustainability In addition to the first floor public space, the new three-story dorm will Committee established in January 2010. The accommodate 150-plus beds. It will be a traditional coed freshman dorm with students, faculty and staff who make up the double rooms and community bathrooms. First year students will be able to committee meet once a month to find ways to take classes downstairs and meet with peer mentors. Groundbreaking will reduce TLU’s carbon footprint, practice sustainability take place in the coming months and the residence hall will ideally open in and be more environmentally responsible. August 2012 to replace Hahn and Kraushaar residence halls. Here are some of the current initiatives: Skeptics on campus have lived through various iterations of grandiose campus plans, only to see few aspects come to reality. While groundbreaking • Paper towels, toilet paper and napkins are made may be a good start, it’s the ribbon cutting that makes a believer. Anderson of 100% recycled paper is confident the novelty scissors will make an appearance during the 2012- • Graduation gowns and hats are made of recycled 2013 academic year for the opening of the new residence hall, but the stadium bottles • Recycled pool water is used to water athletic fields and fine arts complex might be a few years away. “Right out of the gate the • A “bulb gobbler” was purchased to dispose of Board of Regents made a commitment,” Anderson says. “They are fully used fluorescent bulbs committed to investing in the future of the campus.” The amount of research • An aerosol can reclaimer is used to capture done is much more extensive than previous plans and is based on faculty emissions from used cans and program director needs. “There has also been an intentional effort by • Cooking oil is recycled by a third-party company, the president and many others to identify and cultivate potential donors,” Liquid Environmental Solutions Anderson assures. Interim president Dr. Robert Vogel even hosted tailgate • Garbage bags are made of 75% recycled material parties during football games to show off the preliminary stadium sketches • Bookstore bags are made of 98% recycled and drum up interest and excitement. material As an alumnus, Anderson recalls the parking lot in front of the library and • Gas-fired chillers were replaced with high- how then president Joe K. Menn had 200 oak trees planted across campus. efficiency electric absorption chillers “At the time, they were sticks in the ground,” Anderson remembers, “but now • Boilers were replaced with high-efficiency boilers they’ve come to be iconic and beautify the campus. It shows how a vision can • Scrap metal is sent to CMC in Seguin for recycling play out over time and really define the campus.” So as the campus transforms, • The paper in the campus paper shredders is those responsible for the outcome will be monitoring the environmental recycled impact, residential appeal and overall sense of well-being the campus • Students collect aluminum cans, plastic bottles embodies for this class and those for decades to come. and paper from residence halls for recycling at local facility • Trayless cafeteria saves 600 gallons of water and 1,200 lbs. of trash per week • AT&T science building features rainwater collection system and motion sensor lights • Students, faculty and staff participate in Earth Day programs on campus and in the community TORCH • March 2011 11 • Students have the opportunity to minor in Environmental Studies/Science TLU TODAY A talent for service Students are finding new and talented ways to give back to the community. The new Service Through Music (STM) group, founded by junior vocal performance major Zachary Fraley and junior music education major Jeremy Morgan, encourages its members to share their musical talents while simultaneously spreading awareness and uplifting spirits. STM was formed to fill a gap in the Greek service organizations on campus, which catered mostly to music students in band. “We have a love for music and want to serve others,” says group president Fraley. “We wanted to provide a philanthropic opportunity for students to share their talents.” Since April 2010, STM has performed First concert day in spring 2010. concerts bimonthly for a cause. At each concert, STM members give a 25-minute goods that are then donated to Christian music majors interested in joining and performance, share a fact about a current Cupboard in Seguin. From the original uses the Involvement Fair and music cause and make sure to leave time to visit seven members, the group now boasts classes to recruit new members. with the residents at each location. “There 30 participants. Membership candidates The next concert day will be April 3, are nice places with good lighting, but must participate in a service project, 2011, when STM plans to reach out to there are others, too,” says Fraley. “We try perform in concert with the group and nursing homes and women’s shelters in to visit those most in need. We try to do perform a recital for a cause. New Braunfels, culminating with a concert as much uplifting as we can. It’s always The concerts are always a medley of on campus. While it’s hard to anticipate a good feeling to get that helper’s high.” instruments and musical tastes. From the kind of reception they’ll receive from Fundraising helps to offset the cost of gas Brahms and Mozart to students’ personal their audiences, there are times that make for traveling to the different performance compositions, the concerts provide it all worth it. At one nursing home, a wife locations. The money raised for each vocalists and instrumentalists with not brought her husband to the STM concert. cause is through freewill donations. only a performance outlet, but also Although he had been unresponsive for Unlike many other organizations, an opportunity to rehearse for recitals five years due to Alzheimer’s, a Christmas STM doesn’t collect monetary dues, but required for their degrees and perfect hymn from his childhood inspired him to instead asks members to bring in canned compositions. STM doesn’t exclude non- sing along.

Check out performances on youtube.com/TLUSTM.

STM’s biggest fan. Junior vocal performance French horn duet by sophomores major and STM president Kristi Dietert and Nate Raschke. Zachary Fraley with a friend he made on concert day.

12 Texas Lutheran University Classroom meets outdoors On any given Tuesday afternoon alumnus students also need to learn how important These courses are created to be available Pete Silvius ’98 can be found leading a group nature is to their well-being.” to all students at TLU. According to Dean, of 15 TLU students through area mountain “If students know where mountain the courses are not designed specifically biking trails, usually at Seguin Outdoor biking courses are, know about for any major, but are designed for an Learning Center. maintaining equipment and being overall appreciation and awareness of The mountain biking class kicked off this prepared for the activity, such as in alternate recreational activities. spring as the first of many new outdoor case of injury,” Dean says, “then they “Is taking a mountain biking class recreational courses to be included in the would be more likely to incorporate that going to directly help an engineer? No. Is TLU curriculum. activity into their daily lives and therefore it going to help a psychologist or a nurse? Professor of kinesiology Dr. James promote lifelong wellness.” Of course not. But will taking these Newberry, director of campus recreation In the future, the goal of the program activity classes instill in them something Debbie Roberts, assistant professor of is to increase the number of the classes that they enjoy doing?” Dean asks. “Will kinesiology Dr. Noah Dean, and professor offered and to branch off into different it be something that they revert to as some of biology and kinesiology Dr. Bill Squires, areas of recreation—like offering more sort of fitness later on in life? Yes. So our were all involved in the initial discussions than one class in each activity and adding engineer lives to be 80 instead of 40.” of the program. activities like wakeboarding or other water By Naomi Urquiza, Senior Communication “The objective of the outdoor recreation sports, self defense or cardio dance. Studies Major program and the mountain biking course The list of potential recreational courses is to create an interest and inspire students is also expected to bring a unique aspect to to have fun moving and to promote TLU and set it apart from other universities. cardiovascular health,” Dean says. “It’s “TLU is located in a another outlet for those who do not want great region of Texas,” to play tennis or golf.” Silvius says. “We have The first part of the course focuses on mild weather, several familiarizing the students with the facts local lakes and rivers, of mountain biking—repairing bikes, and close proximity learning how to balance, the common to several state parks injuries and how to deal with them, and recreation different types of courses and where they areas. An Outdoor are located. Recreation program One of the most important aspects of could help develop the program is to initiate lifestyle changes these resources into for participants of the course. According assets for TLU.” to Silvius, the effects of a lifestyle where So far the first course recreation has become more closely has been well- related to technology and become a received. “The sedentary activity is becoming a public feedback from health concern. students is “The term ‘Nature Deficit Disorder’ phenomenal. was coined by author Richard Louv in his Pete Silvius book Last Child in the Woods to describe is getting what happens to young people who really good become disconnected from their natural reviews, so world,” Silvius explains. “Louv links he’s doing this lack of nature to some of the most a great disturbing childhood trends, such as the j o b , ” rise in obesity, attention disorders, and Dean depression. While much of this attention says. is placed on school-aged children, TLU

TORCH • March 2011 13 TLU TODAY service learning (n) a teaching method that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, encourage lifelong civic engagement, and strengthen communities for the common good.

“Service learning is at various levels of development and quality at TLU,” says Center for Servant Leadership Director Tim Barr. “Some courses are more along the lines of volunteerism—not very integrated into the course—while others are great exemplars of this pedagogical approach.” Barr hopes to lead a shift on campus away from an exclusive focus on service learning and into an embrace of civic engagement, which implies a larger focus on developing “glocal” citizens who are not only concerned with charity and understanding poverty, but also seek social change as they engage the surrounding community. This abbreviated list of 2010-2011 courses provides a snapshot of how TLU ties academia to serving the community:

BUSI 476: Corporate Tax ISYS 133.01: Computer Application PSYC 332: Abnormal Psychology Students get hands-on experience Students will demonstrate their knowledge Students in this course will be involved in a preparing tax returns for actual clients of common applications such as Microsoft national campaign targeting college students in New Braunfels and Seguin, applying Word and Excel by teaching community to be mental health advocates. Service theories they learned in class. members who lack basic computer literacy. learning will include a field trip to a San COMM 271:Ethnography KINS 377: Early Childhood Motor Antonio homeless shelter, visits to a Seguin Students will immerse themselves Programming MHMR program, and presentations on and within a cultural group within our larger Students will work as individual physical off campus. community, conduct fieldwork and educators for preschoolers at Faith Lutheran SPAN 375: Advanced Conversational observations, map out cultural phenomena Preschool in Seguin. As a result, students Spanish at work, and share the results of their should be able to write lesson plans, conduct Students will interview one Spanish- inquiry with the community—in some learning and fitness activities to groups and speaking Seguin resident in order to learn cases contributing to community archives. individuals, of varied age and ability. about local Mexican-American history.

14 Texas Lutheran University The Watoto Project On Oct. 7, 2010, the Watoto Project and voices representing them in the country running and keep orphans kicked off with a benefit concert performed America,” explains Shao. The donors from clothed, sheltered and fed. by John Cusack and The Cavior Kings. The communities outside Tanzania supplement The Watoto Project, along with Faith Watoto Project, named with the Swahili the minimal support grandparents and Lutheran Church, Lutheran Mission of word meaning “child,” began when TLU siblings are able to provide to the orphans. Seguin and TLU, works directly with the professor and instructional technologist Grandparents sell vegetables, chickens and Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania Rodrick Shao approached TLU Center eggs from small home gardens for income, Northern Diocese to provide funds for basic for Servant Leadership Director Tim Barr while many siblings of orphans are still education, school supplies, food, shelter, about raising awareness and funds for children themselves. “This is an epidemic a safe place to play and compensation Tanzanian orphans, a ministry Shao’s family that doesn’t discriminate against class or for careworkers. In December 2010, the has supported through the Evangelical religion,” Shao points out. Northern Diocese received approximately Lutheran Church of Tanzania for years. According to the Tanzania Commission $6,700 for the Watoto Project. While the Shao and his wife Elly are both originally of AIDS, the number of orphans due diocese represents many villages, the from Tanzania. They have approached to AIDS will increase to 4.2 million by funds are starting in Lole. The funds will local churches to enlist their support, but 2014. In 2010, the number was only 1.1 support the orphans until they can become wanted to open up the opportunity to the million. Out of a population of about 44 independent. Each orphan has a sponsor TLU campus and community. million, almost one in 10 Tanzanians will in their village, often a clergy member, Along with Shao and the Center for Servant Leadership, three student groups Orphans from Lole village in Tanzania. (Minga, Shabach Choir, and Global Student Organization) came together last year to begin planning how student groups would be able to sponsor a Tanzanian child and connect with them via letters, the Internet and social media. The Watoto Project provides students with the opportunity to think and act globally. “It’s an opportunity to remind the TLU campus that even though we can be insulated from some of the grinding poverty be orphaned due to AIDS. While AIDS who reports to the Bishop on the progress and harsh realities of life in other places, it is the largest factor, other diseases and of the child in school and verifies their doesn’t mean we should claim or choose deaths in childbirth and during pregnancy level of need. The church sees it as a moral ignorance,” Barr advocates. “In partnership also contribute to premature deaths in and ethical responsibility to help the child with good people here and around the Tanzania. Deaths in the working force are advance in school and pursue secondary world, we can make a real difference.” also taking a toll on the country’s economy. education in hopes they will return to their The Shaos hope to return to Tanzania Without able bodies to drive the economy, village and help others. this summer to check in on the children teachers to educate and medical personal Shao estimates the Watoto Project is in Tanzania. “We are their ambassadors to treat people, it’s an ongoing battle to keep helping over 2,000 orphans. “One or two The library and IT staff makes my day,” says Shao, “but 2,000 is raised around $200 to over anything I expected.” With three support the purchase of a goat to donate to the children all under the age of 10, Shao often Watoto Project. A female thinks of how any one of the orphans could goat is given to an orphan easily be his own child. child because of the many resources it provides—like “We’re making a huge impact,” Shao says. milk, baby goats, manure, “When they hear Seguin, it’s like an angel meat and skin—which can either be used by the coming. They talk about TLU because of child or sold for financial the help they’ve received.” support.

TORCH • March 2011 15 TLU TODAY Operation Backpack Texas was named the 13th most obese Alumnus and Rodriguez Elementary PE teacher state in the country, according to the Pete Silvius, student Chris Reyna representing seventh annual “How Obesity Threatens Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, Bill Campaign, America’s Future” 2010 report from the Rodriguez Elementary principal Yomeida Guerra, TLU biology/kinesiology professor Dr. Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) and Bill Squires, TLU campus recreation director December 2010  the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Debbie Roberts, student Jarrad McAdams of (RWJF). With more than 61 percent of Students jumped into 54 Alpha Phi Alpha, Rodriguez counselor Yuvia degree water at the annual Texas adults categorized as overweight Henry, and student Kevin Isokpeh from Alpha Polar Bulldog Swim. or obese, the Seguin community is taking Phi Alpha deliver backpacks to Rodriguez matters into their own hands. Various Elementary in Seguin. Seguin organizations are pulling together parents to adopt healthy eating habits. This TLU, many students will have their last to take on a new initiative, setting up launched the Operation Backpack project meal at lunchtime on Friday and may not community youth to begin learning how which kicked off in early February with eat again until they return to school on to eat well and value their health. a delivery of about 10 backpacks filled Monday. According to the Children’s Aid Society, with healthy snacks to randomly selected In 2009, three national organizations adult obesity has the potential to be reduced students at Rodriguez Elementary, and released reports focused on child hunger, by instilling healthy eating habits at a it’s quickly gaining momentum across the detailing the extent, economic costs young age, helping individuals learn early TLU campus as more organizations are and potential solutions to the problem. on to make healthier choices throughout volunteering to sponsor backpacks. According to Census data and Texans their development into adulthood. For organizations participating at TLU, Against Hunger, Texas has the highest backpacks are available for pickup in rates of child hunger of all states with one the Fitness Center Monday-Thursday in five children facing food insecurity. evenings and are due back Friday The importance of the Operation morning. An organization or Backpack initiative is one that extends individual sponsoring a backpack into the future of the Seguin community. is responsible for filling it with Studies show that a child who is obese January 2011  healthy foods that will provide by age 12 has more than a 75 percent Steve Neves presents a well-balanced meal. The list of chance of becoming an obese adult. “Charge” gallery exhibit. recommended contents for the Childhood obesity also increases the risk backpacks includes vegetables, of type 2 diabetes and adult long-term fruits, grains, low fat snacks, illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease, milk, beans, fish, nuts and hypertension, stroke, high blood pressure, seeds and healthy beverages. gallbladder disease, asthma and certain The list also recommends cancers. hygienic products. The TLU Center for Servant Leadership, Once the backpacks are the TLU Wellness Center, and the returned to the Fitness Center, Guadalupe Regional Medical Center are they are taken to Rodriguez all working together, along with support Elementary where the counselors from Blue Cross Blue Shield and great hand them out to different students each effort from the University of Texas School Friday, so that over the weekend healthy of Public Health’s CATCH Program to eating options are available and can serve promote initiatives like this throughout In an effort to begin inspiring a change as a reminder to the students who receive the district to help maintain and increase in the future vitality and health of Seguin’s them. healthy living among children. youth, TLU has partnered with the In addition to tackling issues of obesity Student Health Advisory Council of the By Naomi Urquiza the Operation Backpack works towards Seguin school district to establish and remedying the issue of hunger as well. incorporate a program that educates and According to Dr. Bill Squires, associate encourages elementary students and their professor of biology and kinesiology at

16 Texas Lutheran University CAMPUS LIFE

December 2010 TLU hosts Fair Trade and Global Gifts Fair.  December 2010 TLU presents annual Vespers concert.

December 2010  Students jumped into 54 degree water at the annual Polar Bulldog Swim.  December 2010 MASA and Modern Languages Department celebrated La Posada.

January 2011  TLU honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

 January 2011 Dr. Z. Randall Stroope headlines annual Youth Choir Festival.

January 2011   February Steve Neves presents “Charge” gallery exhibit. 2011 Dr. Rabbi Stahl returns to TLU for annual lectures. February 2011 TLU celebrates Black History Month.

 February 2011 February 2011  Ambassador Ronald McMullen Hundreds of students talks about foreign service at TLU. volunteered in the community during the annual Day of the Dogs day of service.

February 2011   February 2011 Canadian Brass performs at TLU. David Gergen, CNN political analyst and former presidential advisor speaks at TLU.

TORCH • March 2011 17 GROWING & GIVING

As part of the larger new Student Giving At the end of the spring term the The goal of the Student Giving Program Program, TLU introduced the Bulldog development office will sponsor a “round up” as a whole is to prepare all current Bank Campaign to this year’s freshmen week to measure the change collected. Every students to understand the importance of class. This new campaign is geared toward student who fills up his or her bank above the supporting their alma mater as well as their teaching freshmen the importance of bulldog bank logo will be entered for a chance philanthropic passions, and instill a sense of philanthropy at TLU and in society. Also, to win a Toshiba laptop donated by Advanced philanthropy in each student. The program the campaign serves as an opportunity to Micro Devices of Austin. All funds raised in also allows student donations to go directly educate the students about the importance the campaign will be pooled together and back to students, so the immediate effect of the Development and Alumni Relations awarded directly back to randomly selected of a student’s donation is extremely visible, office and the significant impact TLU students for scholarships to offset the cost creating a sense of ownership and pride in alumni have on the university because of of textbooks. The Bulldog Bank Campaign philanthropy to TLU and their community. their philanthropic support. will be introduced to all freshmen classes “I am excited about the opportunity Freshmen students were given a Bulldog going forward and will continue each year as to educate our students about the effects Bank and encouraged to collect loose students progress to graduation. philanthropy can have on TLU,” says Brian change throughout the semester. Over Last year, graduating seniors and Danforth, director of annual giving. “It is the next few months, students will receive parents joined forces to support the new important that we encourage students to email and Facebook updates authored by Senior Class Scholarship (SCS), another support TLU, but more importantly that the Bulldog Bank regarding important facts facet of the Student Giving Program. we instill a passion for philanthropy that about giving—why every gift is important This scholarship was started by the class will also encourage support for the needs regardless of amount—and why students of 2010 who decided to use their gifts to of the communities in which they live. should participate in the campaign. This is support a deserving incoming freshman. This new program is a great start to that the first step in connecting the dots on the Over $1,700 was raised in 2010 and educational process. These are the future importance of philanthropy to TLU. The the first SCS was awarded to freshman supporters of Texas Lutheran!” Bulldog Banks were sponsored by the TLU Nick Hernandez of Converse, Texas. Development Board and the program and Scholarship recipients are selected by the kickoff event was sponsored by the Student director of financial aid based on financial Read Nick’s story at Alumni Association. need and high school GPA. tlu.edu/student_philanthropy. Bulldog Banks are here!

18 Texas Lutheran University Giving back to the choir Violet Glover: A TLU Treasure After 32 years of faithful “I truly desire that all Christians would love and regard as worthy the lovely gift of service to Texas music, which is a precious, worthy, and costly treasure given to mankind by God… Lutheran, next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world. It Violet Glover controls our thoughts, minds, hearts, and spirits...” –Martin Luther retired from her position in the The annual TLU Vespers concert could As a dedicated fan of the annual Development be described as spiritual, uplifting and a Vespers concerts and an avid tour & Alumni glorious music tradition, but the word participant, Murphy took a special Relations office that best describes the backstage situation interest in the choir. Every time the in January 2011. is chaotic. As soon as one choir finishes tour stopped in Houston, she came to Throughout singing their selections, they rush offstage support the singers. While there is a her years at so the next group can take the spotlight need to upgrade and expand the current Texas Lutheran, and perform. It’s more than a shuffle of facilities, the touring program offers she served in many roles—administrative people—it’s also a shuffle of choir robes. an immediate opportunity to promote assistant, goodwill ambassador, parent of Because the choir lacked enough robes not only the choir program, but the alumni and a friend to many. Her love and for each member of every choir, singers university as well. So when Hershfield dedication to the mission of Texas Lutheran would have to perform quick changes mentioned there were not enough robes over the years is plainly evident by the for each choir member, it struck a chord number of people who stopped by the with Murphy. office to visit or call her directly concerning “Dr. Boyer is the holder of the Mary development matters. Gibbs Jones Chair in Choral Music To honor her for the many years of dedicated and I want to support that chair,” says service as an employee, co-worker and Murphy. “He does a wonderful job special friend, The Violet Glover Endowed and the students are so talented. I love Scholarship has been created to assure a the choir. They deserve to look good permanent place for her in TLU history. and feel confident when they perform “Violet has always been a terrific team and it’s important to TLU to share the player for TLU’s development staff. She choir with as many people as possible.” was always willing and able to help staff Murphy’s sizeable donation covered the members secure information they needed in funds needed for the additional robes their contacts with friends of the University. before returning to the stage to sing the and helped to offset the cost of the 2011 This was especially valuable when we were next tranquil arrangement. Now, thanks tour, where the choir will visit Houston, ’on the road.’ She has become a special to the generosity of TLU Corporation Humble and Galveston before returning friend of the supporters of Texas Lutheran Board member Jo Murphy, the TLU home for the culminating concert at and has earned their respect as a dedicated choirs performed their spring 2011 tour TLU on March 29. representative of the University.” –Bob with enough robes for everyone. When Hershfield shared the check with Haugen, Retired Development Officer Last spring, Nancy Hershfield, vice Dr. Boyer, he was overwhelmed. “What president for development & alumni an incredible gift the additional robes “Violet’s skill and demeanor with people relations, visited with Murphy in her are to the choral program,” he says. “For initiated and sustained relationships Houston home. As they discussed the years, we’d have up to 25 students in the that have proven to be of great value to happenings at TLU over coffee cake, lobby taking off robes, putting on robes Texas Lutheran. And these strengths of hers she demonstrated persistently—year after the conversation turned to the newly over and over again as quickly as they year. Her trustworthiness, ability to know proposed fine arts center. While the could during the Christmas Vespers and respect the boundaries regarding public, grandiose plan would incorporate the performance. While the audience was private, and confidential matters, and her current Jackson Auditorium and make singing a hymn, mayhem was ensuing in sense of humor so evident in both her a new home for the overflowing music, the lobby! Not this year. What a blessing private and professional life made her a dramatic media and visual arts programs, to have a robe for every student. Now wonderful colleague. And I am so grateful the choir itself was more concerned with they can stay focused on the music and that she continues to be a close friend!” having enough robes for each student. the moment.” –Harold Sager, Retired VP of Development

TORCH • March 2011 19 scoreboard

Curtis enters his second season as the Bulldogs continue to raise the bar Bulldogs’ starting catcher. Last season, From pole vaulting to record-breaking fundraising, Bulldogs are taking in his first year on the TLU varsity, athletics to the next level. Curtis played in 40 games and made 33 starts at catcher. He hit .356 with Women’s Track & Field Invitational. The Bulldogs defend their 27 runs scored, 42 hits, five doubles, conference title on April 29-30 at and four home runs. He handled a TLU Texas Lutheran sophomore pole McMurry University in Abilene, Texas. pitching staff that led the ASC West in vaulter Ligia Bolivar qualified for her ERA and finished second in the entire second consecutive NCAA Division Baseball ASC in ERA. III Women’s Indoor Track and Field TLU, which went 32-13 overall (15-6 Championships. Softball ASC) in the 2010 season, totaled 177 points and collected 14 of the 24 Texas Lutheran sophomore left-hander possible first-place votes to be named Megan Carmichael tossed a no-hitter the preseason favorite in the American in the Bulldogs’ season-opening 2-0 Southwest Conference West Division win over Southwestern on Feb. 12. Preseason Poll. The no-hitter, the ninth softball no- Head Coach Greg Burnett’s Bulldogs hitter in school history, was just part have won five of the last six ASC West of a dominating day for the Bulldogs. crowns and eight overall. Last year, the TLU won the second game against Bulldogs led the division with a 4.54 Southwestern 12-1 in five innings. ERA and .966 fielding percentage. TLU Southwestern managed only two hits won three straight overall ASC titles all day and did not get its first hit of from 2005-07. the afternoon until the fourth inning Sophomore Ligia Bolivar pole vaults for a spot at the NCAA Each team in the ASC picks two of game two. DIII championships Photo by Patrick Zarate. “Players to Watch” for the 2011 Carmichael just missed a perfect season. The Bulldogs’ two players to game. She allowed only one base Bolivar competed at the watch for 2011 are junior pitcher Brad runner and faced one over the championships in Columbus, Ohio on Orosey and junior catcher Evan Curtis. minimum. Carmichael hit a batter March 12. The championships were Orosey is a preseason First Team All- in the third inning. TLU also made a hosted by Capital University in the American as chosen by D3baseball. throwing error in the third on a pick- Capital Center Fieldhouse. com. He is a two-time All-American off attempt. Bolivar was the 12th-ranked and 20-2 in his two seasons with competitor entering the the Bulldogs. In 2010, Orosey championships. She qualified for the was the ASC West Pitcher of championships with a clearance of 12 the Year after going 10-1 with feet, 0 inches at the Missouri Southern a 3.15 ERA. He struck out 104 Radio Shack Open on Feb. 18. batters in 97.0 innings. He Bolivar finished 13th at last season’s walked only 21. indoor championships in Greencastle, In 2010, Orosey was named Ind. Bolivar cleared 11-4 ¼ in 2010. a Third Team All-American by Bolivar earned All-America honors at D3baseball.com and a Second the 2010 NCAA Division III Outdoor Team All-American by American Track and Field Championships. She Baseball Coaches Association/ tied for eighth with a vault of 12-2 ¾. Rawlings. The TLU women’s track and field In the final 2010 NCAA Division team, coached by Patrick Zarate, is the III statistical rankings, Orosey defending outdoor team champion of ranked fifth in the nation in the American Southwest Conference. strikeouts. He also ranked ninth in victories and 32nd in hits TLU started its outdoor track season allowed per nine innings. on Feb. 25 at the Trinity University Junior catcher Evan Curtis is chosen as an ASC player to watch along with teammate junior pitcher Brad Orosey. Photo by Patrick Zarate. 20 Texas Lutheran University Lucky Numbers

2,332.75 School record amount raised by the TLU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for Susan G. Komen for the Cure as part of the ASC’s “Make A Change in 14 Days” campaign. 39 Rebound margin in favor of the TLU women’s basketball team in an 80-40 home win over Sul Ross State. The Bulldogs grabbed 66 rebounds to the Lobos’ 27. Sophomore left-hander Megan Carmichael tossed the ninth no-hitter in school history. Photo by Patrick Zarate. Carmichael struck out three and did 15.0 ppg), three-point shooting 38 not walk a batter. percentage (.382), free throws made Free throws made by the TLU men’s Carmichael headlines a young Bulldog and attempted (112-of-149), assists basketball team in a road win over squad that has been picked sixth in (86), and steals (37). She also ranked Concordia Texas. The Bulldogs were the preseason poll for the American second on the team in rebounding, at 38-of-45 from the free throw line in Southwest Conference West Division. 7.0 per game. the 92-86 win. In 2010, the Bulldogs were 14-24 Timpson and the Bulldogs finished overall and 8-16 in the ASC West sixth in the ASC West Division with 27 Division. The Bulldogs were fifth in the an 8-17 overall record and a 7-14 Rebounds grabbed by freshman ASC West a year ago. conference mark. post Lynn Lumpkin-Boozer in a conference win over Sul Ross State. Texas Lutheran returns ASC West Timpson played in 24 games and Lumpkin-Boozer tied the conference 2010 award winners Nicole Hatley made 22 starts. She made 46.5 record and set a new TLU women’s (senior shortstop), Stephanie Childs percent of her field goal attempts basketball mark. (sophomore outfielder), Carmichael and 75.2 percent of her free throw (pitcher/utility player), and Brittany attempts. Upton (sophomore catcher). In 2010-11, Timpson set career-bests 15 Hatley, Childs, and Carmichael were for shooting percentage, three- Games (out of 24) that TLU men’s named to the ASC West Division point percentage, and free throw basketball player Isaac Williams led Second Team in 2010. Upton was percentage. She also set a new career the Bulldogs in scoring in 2010-11. an ASC West Honorable Mention high for assists. Williams, a junior forward, led TLU to selection. After 73 career games with the a five-game improvement from the Bulldogs, Timpson is 10th on the all- previous year. Women’s Basketball time TLU women’s basketball scoring Texas Lutheran junior forward Tamisha list. Timpson has scored 908 points and Timpson earned a spot on the averaged 12.44 points per game. She 9 No-hitters in the history of TLU American Southwest Conference West holds career averages of 7.0 rebounds, softball. Sophomore left-hander Division Second Team. 2.37 assists, and 1.89 steals. Megan Carmichael tossed the ninth Timpson, a three-year starter, led in a 2-0 win over Southwestern on the Bulldogs in scoring (361 points, Keep up with Bulldog stats Feb. 12, the opening-day of the at tlubulldogs.com. season for the Bulldogs. scoreboard

The record day by Lumpkin-Boozer with 12, and was third on the team raised her rebound average by 1.1 in steals, with 32. Howard played in boards per game, to a rebound average 98 career games with the Bulldogs of 9.5. She posted a 22-rebound game and averaged 9.81 points and 4.71 earlier this year (Jan. 3, 2011) in a rebounds. Howard leaves TLU as the triple-overtime win over Schreiner. 38th all-time scorer in school history. The 27-rebound game by Lumpkin-Boozer TLU junior shooting guard Michael is the second-most ever by any TLU Flores was named to the ASC West basketball player. Men’s basketball player Honorable Mention team. Flores was Bill Newton had 29 rebounds against second on the team in scoring (9.8 LeTourneau in the 1969-70 season. points/game) and led the team in three- pointers made (32). He also recorded Men’s Basketball 41 assists and 23 steals and shot 77.4 Texas Lutheran’s Isaac Williams was percent from the free throw line. named to the American Southwest The Bulldogs, led by fourth-year head Conference Men’s Basketball All-West coach Tommy Jones, made a five-win Division First Team, and teammates improvement in 2010-11 over the Malcolm Dotson, Brad Howard, and campaign in 2009-10. TLU went 11- Michael Flores also picked up ASC 13 overall and 10-11 in the American West honors. Southwest Conference in 2010-11 and Williams, a junior forward, was finished fifth in the eight-team ASC Junior forward Tamisha Timpson sets career-bests on the West Division. court. Photo by Megan Sladek. named to the ASC West First Team for the first time in his career. A Men’s Golf Women’s Basketball three-year letterman and two-year starter, Williams led TLU in scoring The Texas Lutheran men’s golf team Texas Lutheran freshman post and rebounding with career-bests in started the spring golf season ranked Lynn Lumpkin-Boozer matched the each category. In 2010-11, Williams in the Top 25 of NCAA Division III. In American Southwest Conference averaged 15.5 points and 8.1 the Feb. 23 ranking, TLU held a No. single-game rebound record and set rebounds and made 50.5 percent of 21 national ranking in the Golf World/ a new TLU women’s basketball mark his shots from the field. Nike Golf Coaches’ Poll. with 27 rebounds against Sul Ross State on Jan. 22. Williams has raised his scoring and rebound averages in each of his three Lumpkin-Boozer grabbed 16 rebounds years with the Bulldogs. He averaged in the first half and 11 in the second 9.5 points and 4.7 rebounds as a half in the conference win over Sul freshman and 13.6 points and 7.0 Ross State. She also scored 13 points rebounds as a sophomore. He enters for the Bulldogs. his senior season with career totals Lumpkin-Boozer broke the TLU record of 939 points and 473 rebounds and of 25 (set by Kelly Winkelmann on with career averages of 12.9 points Feb. 12, 1992, against Mary Hardin- and 6.48 rebounds per game. His Baylor). The TLU record-breaking career shooting percentage is .475. rebound came with 24 seconds Dotson, a senior guard, was named the remaining on the clock. ASC West’s Sportsmanship Athlete of The ASC record-tying rebound for the Year. Dotson, a four-year letterman Lumpkin-Boozer occurred just before and three-year starter, played in 97 the final buzzer. career games for the Bulldogs. He averaged 4.8 points, 1.58 steals, and Lumpkin-Boozer now shares the 2.62 assists in his TLU career. conference record with former University of Dallas player Michelle Howard, a senior guard/forward, was Logsdon, who recorded 27 rebounds named to the ASC West’s Defensive on Feb. 15, 1997, against the Team for a second straight season. University of the Ozarks. Howard led the Bulldogs in blocks,

Junior forward Isaac Williams is named to ASC West First Team. Photo by Megan Sladek. 22 Texas Lutheran University e a change in 14 d ak s golf fo ay M Bulldog r a cure s

The Texas Lutheran University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee raised a school-record $2,332.75 in the American Southwest Conference’s “Make a Change in 14 Days” loose coin collection project. The 15 American Southwest Conference universities combined to raise a record $11,938.57 for local community organizations in the fifth annual “Make a Change in 14 Days” campaign. Sixteen different organizations received support through the local campus fundraising efforts held from Jan. 25-Feb. 7. The student-athlete advisory committee at TLU came in second place overall among ASC schools. TLU’s group held a golf tournament and raised $2332.75 for Susan G. Komen for the Cure in honor of Kathy Starch, wife of TLU team doctor David Starch, who is battling cancer. In the five years of the conference-wide community service campaign, nearly $40,000 has been raised to benefit 50 different charitable organizations in ASC campus communities. In each of the past four years, the SAAC groups have topped the $8,000 mark. The two-week SAAC event is designed as a challenge among the ASC member campuses and is scheduled during the turn of the conference division basketball schedule. TLU, Schreiner, Sul Ross State, and Howard Payne claimed the 2011 division pool title with a combined collection of $6,075.74, nearly doubling the previous record.

The Golf World/Nike Golf Coaches’ Tennis which included the Illinois cities of Poll is conducted by the Golf Coaches Peoria, Champaign, Bloomington, Michael Hunt, Texas Lutheran’s Association of America. Decatur, and Springfield. He also sat head coach for women and men’s on the National Recreation and Parks The Bulldogs are led by Head Coach tennis, was named to the Collegiate Association Board of Trustees. H.C. Tran, now in his 12th season with Committee for the United States the team. Tennis Association/Texas. Hunt, a native of Lake Jackson, Texas, is the former head women’s tennis The Bulldogs won American Hunt, in his first season at TLU, coach at Sam Houston State University. Southwest Conference Men’s Golf previously served two terms on the Hunt came to TLU after serving as the Championships in 2006 and 2007 Collegiate Committee for the USTA/ women and men’s tennis coach at and advanced to the NCAA Division III Midwest (representing Illinois, Indiana, Western Illinois University, an NCAA Men’s Golf Championships in 2005, Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan, and parts Division I university in Macomb, Ill. 2006 and 2007. The Bulldogs finished of Kentucky and West Virginia). seventh nationally in 2007 and 12th in Hunt also served as the president both 2005 and 2006. By Tim Clark, TLU Sports Information of the USTA/Middle Illinois District, Director.

TORCH • March 2011 23 BraggingRights Collin Bost, adjunct English and communication faculty, had a short As part of the community engagement story entitled “Alternative Education” published in the spring issue of requirement in Dr. Sam Hijazi’s Computer Quarterly West. He will also present “Interrogating the Image,” a paper on Application (IS 133) course, Brent Peavy documentary filmmaker Errol Morris, at the Popular Culture Association/ worked with a resident of Eden Cross/Place American Culture Association’s national conference in April. apartments to teach basic computer skills. In association with their study of the book On Feb. 2, Dr. Hettinger’s neuroscience students presented their brain The Big Necessity a story about human waste models, an exercise designed to ensure an understanding of the 3-D treatment around the world, on March 1, Drs. arrangement of internal brain structures. Citzler and Hettinger toured the Walnut Branch Martha Rinn, university librarian, traveled to Austin in February to deliver Waste Water Treatment Plant with students testimony on the impacts of cutting state library funding to the Texas House from their Global Perspectives class. and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees, participated in the Texas Library On Feb. 28, senior business finance student Drilona Aliu, Dr. Annette Association’s Legislative Day activities, and attended a meeting of the Texas Citzler, and Dr. Justin Dubas attended the Financial Executives International, State Library and Archives Commission. San Antonio Chapter, banquet at which Aliu received one of the Keith A. On Jan. 25, students from Spanish 376 met Russell Academic Awards to recognize outstanding accounting and finance with some members of the Hispanic community students at area universities. in Seguin to arrange interviews as part of the Summer research students Natalie Caffey and Lauren Jackson accompanied Historias de Seguin project. Dr. Robert Jonas to the Spring Meeting of the Texas Branch of the On Jan. 31 Drs. Hager, Sieben, and Hettinger American Society for Microbiology March 3-5 in New Braunfels at the T-M accompanied Honors students and their Conference Center. friends to Trinity University in San Antonio to TLU faculty and students participated in hear a lecture entitled “From the Big Bang to the Nobel Prize and on “Hiking with the Scientists” on Feb. 26 to James Webb Space Telescope and the Discovery of Alien Life” by Dr. in McKinney Falls State Park in Austin. John C. Mather, Nobel Laureate and senior astrophysicist at NASA. Participants included Pastor Greg & Melissa Director of athletics Bill Miller; head softball coach, senior women’s Ronning, Bill Squires, Bill Davis, Bob & coordinator and compliance officer Missy Steiger; and assistant to the April Jonas, Santiago & Stephanie Toledo, president for administration and public affairs Steve Anderson attended the Mark Gustafson, Danielle Grove, Jonathan annual NCAA national convention in San Antonio Jan. 13-15. Zitelman, Christopher Gohmert, Amy Lees, Adrianna Martinez, Sarah Haynes, Harlie Baitz, Doug Lewis, Heather The Center for Servant Leadership took a trip Renner and Daniella LaGesse. to Pedernales Falls State Park to go camping and hiking in order to increase environmental Spanish minors and majors Kyle Zunker, Mary Alvarado, Kari Teigen, awareness among TLU students. Beto Rincon, Edgar Infante and Rebeca Narvaez were accompanied by Dr. González to attend the 22nd Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Award Dr. Rebecca A. Kosary, assistant professor of Ceremony on Feb. 24 at the Seguin Coliseum. history, was an invited speaker at the Symposium on Texas History in Gonzales, Texas Jan. 15. Student Curtis Lee has been selected by the Graduate School at Duke to organized by Dr. Frank de la Teja and the Public History program at Texas be a University Scholar, a distinction that is granted to only six graduate State University. Dr. Kosary’s presentation highlighted the rich African- students each year. American history of Central and South Texas. Barbara Gettig, Steve Boehm, Sally Cook, Vanguel Tangarov, who teaches private clarinet lessons in the School of Music, Rebecca Clark and Kyle Olson attended completed all academic requirements for the degree of Doctor of Musical Arts the Annual Assessment Conference with a major in performance from the University of Texas at Austin. at Texas A&M University on Feb. 20- 22. The conference focused on how Students from the Mexican Indigenous Dance integrating assessment to support high class performed as part of the Arts Festival in impact educational practices can lead to Seguin on March 25-27 in celebration of the improvement in student learning. reopening of historical Texas Theatre. Physics professor Dr. Lee Powell made a trip to the Dallas area Feb. 11-12 to Dr. Bill Squires attended the 87th Annual visit Midlothian High School to talk to students about pre-engineering. He Convention of the TAHPERD on Dec. 3 at also gave a research talk titled “Exploring the Structure of the Milky Way” the Moody Gardens Convention Center in Galveston. Dr. Squires was at Collin College, then ran a day-long workshop on interactive engagement accepted for a poster presentation on his abstract entitled “The Saegert teaching techniques in the astronomy 101 classroom on behalf of the 6th Grade Center Wellness Initiative: Three Year Follow-up.” NASA Center for Astronomy Education. Professor Rachel Walsh’s Judaism class visited the Holocaust Museum in San Junior political science/international studies major Kade Leniqi and Antonio on Nov. 23 and heard Holocaust survivor Bill Samelson talk about sophomore business administration major Jessica Stout attended the Texas his personal experiences. State University Leadership Conference Feb. 11-12, accompanied by Lisa In November, students in Advanced Conversational Spanish made Cradit, director of academic support. presentations at Seguin’s Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church as As part of the work that students do at Teatro de Artes, Rebecca part of the Historias de Seguin (Seguin Stories project) in which students Padilla, psychology major & theology minor, helped the children make interviewed Mexican-American members of the Seguin community. valentines on Feb. 9.

24 Texas Lutheran University FLAME Q&A Q&A with Dr. Justin Dubas By Naomi Urquiza Assistant Professor of Business Administration & Economics

How did you end up at TLU? Talk about the collaboration I started here in the fall of 2009, so with VOS Flips to develop a new this is my second year teaching here. business study abroad opportunity. We were in Wisconsin and looking It’s through an Economic to relocate somewhere where the Development course, but since winters weren’t freezing, and I was we don’t have it every semester, also looking to stay in the liberal arts we haven’t had the chance to field. It just so happened that TLU incorporate the idea yet. We have was looking for someone in my field had some good feedback. The last of study and here I am. time I taught the course, I had a group of about six students and What would you consider your bounced the idea off of them with biggest challenge? generally pretty positive feedback. I My biggest challenge is always hope to be able to work through this about motivating students. My entire to make it a practical study abroad career was chosen to try to help facilitate learning, and experience for our students. I think it ties to the class, sparking that passion in learning any subject (especially but also to the idea of service learning which is very economics) is the first step and the most difficult step. powerful for students to enhance their learning and their TLU experience. I would really like to get involved What sparked your interest in business? with international education because it completely I started in the field as an undergrad because it seemed changed my perspective when I studied abroad. I to come easy to me. I think my brain was wired to would like to help build that opportunity for students think this way. As I progressed through the degree and here. into grad school, it became a passion as I realized it As a sponsor for the student Environmental Action profoundly impacted our world. It was during my own group (EnAct), what are some of their initiatives? study abroad experience when we were constantly figuring out exchange rates that I really figured out my We’ve had this group going for about a year and a half interest. I actually ended up doing my dissertation on now. It was inactive on the campus, then Dr. Toledo exchange rates. and myself came together with a number of students to pick it back up last spring. What we’re hoping to do What’s happening in the business department? is get a full-scale recycling program on campus, having Right now we have a business investment club that something in every classroom and every major floor. The we are doing in partnership with Dave Sather ’89. It’s students that we have are very committed to the efforts. been going on for about a year and a half now and We did contact the Board of Regents about the I think students are really getting a lot out of it. It’s campus master plan to talk about the sustainability turned into a self-sustaining program. We also have efforts because it’s something we would like to see a capstone course (Strategy) in which our students implemented throughout the community. Tim Barr is are using a computer simulation program where they acting as our liaison with the community and getting essentially run their own companies. They, of course, that implemented through his contacts. As we move are competing against one another but they are also down the learning curve, we hope to more fully competing with other participants in the program all incorporate the city of Seguin. We’d like to contribute around the world. We also have been fairly successful to and learn from what is already happening in Seguin, in our ethics course where teams compete with one possibly by adopting a community garden, and using another and the class winners move on to a regional what we learn to slowly incorporate local food efforts match where they have placed the last two years. on campus. This is down the road, but we are hoping to keep an eye on moving forward.

TORCH • March 2011 25 Lucky’s Pack

From ministry to Polio patients in the 1950s to flood relief in the 1970s and 1990s to the present-day multifaceted volunteer opportunities, Texas Lutheran students have always been involved. Service: a TLU tradition By Luther Oelke ’59 Director of Church Relations Emeritus and University Archivist

Texas Lutheran community pulls together to help victims of the 1972 flood.

In tracing modern-day volunteer work at TLU, I am reminded afternoons to minister the Polio wards at Warm Springs. Student of how word meanings change. The word now used to describe bus driver Willie Spreen ’58 remembers the somewhat difficult volunteer work is service. In my day that meant either military visits to iron lung captives. “The idea was to visit with them and service or worship service. Today it has a much broader meaning, then offer some words of encouragement from Scripture. It was the one that is used at the Jon and Sandra Moline Center for an on-again, off-again effort that took lots of commitment.” Servant Leadership. “There the familiar words of Jesus remind If not church-related, service was mainly centered on “on participants that those who would be great must be servants.” campus”—the annual cleanup day that preceded Homecoming (Mark 10:43) as well as special projects such as assisting in building sidewalks Founded in 2005, the Moline Center has worked to incorporate or planting trees. The “purpose” of the Student Senate Service service activities into course objectives and through extracurricular Committee in 1957 was “to function as an aid to the campus service opportunities such as mentoring, recycling, community problems and to handle special projects on campus.” A men’s gardening and special community service days. Under the organization founded in 1958 under the leadership of Bill Henze leadership of TLU alumnus Tim Barr ’99, the program has greatly ’59 was named the Western Service Organization. The stated broadened the meaning of the word service. Sororities and tasks of the black-hatted Vigilantes, as they preferred to be fraternities as well as other campus organizations now include called, were all “on campus” and included ushering at football community service projects in their activities. games, serving banquets and assisting with the Homecoming In looking back at service in my era, it was either church-related parade. In appearance and demeanor, they also added an edgy or campus-related as contrasted with the community-related morale boost to the campus. perspective it enjoys today. Most memorable church-related A somewhat “self-serving” off-campus outreach occurred activities were the busloads of students traveling on Sunday at about this same time because of Professor Gene Reynold’s

26 Texas Lutheran University children’s theatre class. Needing an audience, he sent his students to Seguin’s elementary schools in 1955-56 and again in 1956-57 to perform. Spreen recalls that being cast in the role of Dodo the Clown, children would recognize him on the street and excitedly call out “Dodo!” Community service—reaching out to Seguin—formerly defined as occasional Christmas baskets to the needy—expanded dramatically in May, 1972. Canyon Dam had been built and flooding was thought to be a thing of the past for Seguin, but a deluge below the dam inundated low areas of New Braunfels and Seguin on the eve of final exams. Lynn Ziese ’72 recalls that she and others had begun to understand the concept of community service by 1970, with ideas aimed at alleviating hunger both locally and globally. In a program that has since been repeated, students offered to skip meals in exchange for donations to world hunger projects. She also recalls an attempt to assist Seguin poor, which did not gain as much traction. Then the great flood came. “I had never seen the level of destruction that unfolded with lifetimes of belongings flushed down the river. Many of us volunteered to help and we were embraced by the Seguin community,” she recalled. Ziese explained how the final exam schedule was tweaked to permit students to do flood clean-up rather than study. “As I recall it, if you were passing a course and were satisfied with your pre-final grade, you could skip the final and go to work.” To say that it took a flood to open the door to a greater concept of community Willie Spreen ’58 as Dodo the Clown. service to Texas Lutheran seems an exaggeration. Yet, it is clear that since then there has been a broader concept of service as understood at TLU. Today’s Moline Center for Servant Leadership reveals a maturity of the word service, one that in many ways better defines what Jesus taught.

Alumni have spoken “TLU alumni love their alma mater!” says Taylor Carleton ’97, director of alumni relations. “The numbers show that TLU alumni feel a strong connection to the university and like to promote it to others. In fact, 97 percent of respondents told us that they thought it was a good—even great—decision to attend TLU and 96 percent of alumni promote TLU to others.” There are more than 10,000 living Texas Lutheran alumni out there—and whether the defining experience of their generation was World War II, Vietnam, Watergate, the end of the Cold War, the “Dot-Com Revolution,” or 9/11; the vast majority of them love TLU. According to online and paper surveys about alumni attitudes conducted this past fall, alumni have a high opinion of their alma mater and very much value the education they received. TLU staff is pleased to have received such helpful feedback from 26 percent of the university’s alumni. “Because of the response, given generously by those who participated in the surveys and focus groups, we have identified what we are doing well and key areas we need to improve,” says Nancy Hershfield, vice president for development and alumni relations. The offices involved are studying the findings to enhance current programs and services, with the hope of giving alumni compelling reasons to support and stay close to their alma mater. “In the coming months we’ll be reporting to alumni on the feedback they gave us,” Hershfield says. “We want to let them know what we’re doing to address their concerns.”

View Alumni Attitude Survey results at tlu.edu/alumni_survey.

TORCH • March 2011 27 AlumNotes

1941 Walt and Gladys Fruehling ’41 celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on Dec. 5, 2010. The couple was wed in 1945 at Martin Luther Church in Auburn, Neb. by Walt’s father. That same year Walt was ordained and is also celebrating 65 years of being a pastor. After living in Windsor, Colo.; Marion, Texas; Overland Park, Kan.; and Beatrice, Neb. they finally retired in Seguin where they remain active in the community.

1966 Shirley (Kasper) Kearns ’66 and Donald Hormuth ’65 were married at Immanuel Lutheran Church in LaVernia, Texas on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011.

2002 Jennifer N. (Perez) Benson ’02 married Donnie Benson in Garden Ridge, Texas on Oct. 10, 2010 and they are now expecting to welcome a new member to the family on Aug. 29, 2011. Jennifer is currently a program coordinator with Mosaic in Seguin, Texas.

2004 Lisa Miller ’04 married on Oct. 24, 2010 on Santa Rosa Island in Florida. Her Rachel Messenger and Nicholas Sralla, both ’06, were married in New Braunfels in November 2008. husband Gary Horton attended TLU for Alumni in the wedding party included: Jenny Robbins Marshall ’06, Amanda Gerstmann ’09, Lukas one semester and that is how they met. Kemp ’06 and Jeremy Kemp ’10.

28 Texas Lutheran University 2007 Natalie (Schendel) ’07 married Darryn Wright on Aug. 1, 2009 at the Faust Hotel in New Braunfels, Texas. The wedding party included TLU alumna Jamie (Schendel) Johnson ’03, Darryn’s daughter Kayla, 16, as well as his sons Tyler, 13, and Dawson, 6. The couple now resides in New Braunfels, Texas.

2008 Sarah (Rutledge) ’08 married Justin Stone ’10 on Feb. 26, 2011 in Bulverde, Texas. TLU graduates in the wedding party included: Andrew Dietzel ’09, Wes Cain Denise (Cano) Koch ’07 and Chad Koch ’06 welcomed their son, James Charles, on Nov. 2, 2010. ’09 and Brandy Mikeska ’07. 1992 20, 2010. Kaylee, 3, is a proud big sister. 2009 Michael Neuman ’92 and his wife Tammy announce the birth of their son Michael Wendy (Curry) ’97 and husband Miguel Karee (Viergutz) ’09 was married to Jerome “MJ” on Jan. 26, 2011. MJ joins his de la Garza ’96 and their son Zeke Matthew Kerr by Pastor Greg Ronning at four sisters Ashley, Abby, Taylor and Emma. welcomed a new addition to the family. TLU’s Chapel of the Abiding Presence. Cecilia Sol was born on Oct. 21, 2010 in Tampa, Fla. 1994 Kitt (Langehennig) Scharf ’94, husband Greg and big brother Travis helped 2001 welcome baby Abigail on May 27, 2010. Amy (Tackitt) ’01 and Mark Maytum ’97 She was 7 lb., 13 oz. and 21 in. Kitt is a welcomed their son Carter Joseph on June first grade teacher with Pflugerville ISD for 22, 2010. He joined his big brother Logan 12 years and counting. James, 4. Carter was baptized at Abiding Presence Lutheran Church in San Antonio, Michael “Shane” Swanson ’94 and Jeff Texas on Dec. 18, 2010. His godparents are Brockmann announce the birth of their Kevin Wenzel ’96 and April (Wallingford) daughter Nora Ann Brockmann on Dec. Wenzel ’99. 8, 2010. Shane, Jeff and Nora make their home in Minneapolis, Minn. 2002 Melissa (Bakken) Trainer ’02 welcomed 1996 another son Dylan Andrew Trainer into the Courtney (Luebben) Peeler ’96 and world on Sept. 23, 2010. husband Steven welcomed their first child. Andrew Michael Graham Peeler was born Carolyn (Dahse) ’02 and John Wallace ’01 on Aug. 4, 2010. Hospital visitors included welcomed their first child Jocelyn Mahala Naomi (Olson) ’04 and Greg Hartman Wallace on Jan. 18, 2010. ’05. The Peelers now live in Hastings, Neb. 2003 1997 Brian and Katrina (Rathburn) Campbell, Send your AlumNotes Becky (Schneider) Merrill ’97 and her both ’03, were excited to welcome their to [email protected]. husband Michael announce the birth of first born Ryder Brian Campbell on Dec. their second daughter Shellie Lynn on Oct. 17, 2010.

TORCH • March 2011 29 AlumNotes

assistant professor of mathematics at Achievement Award for his role in the Oklahoma State from 1980-2000. From ongoing technology update project for the 1986-1987, Powell was a visiting associate White House Situation Room. Tollefson is the 1965 professor at the University of Kansas in head of technical staff for the Intelligence, Donald Braun ’65 retired in August of Lawrence, Kan. He was an instructor there Surveillance and Reconnaissance division at 2010 after 45 years of service in education. from 1978-1980. the Systems Center. After two months at home working on “projects,” he began to substitute teach in 1972 1988 the Judson ISD. Braun says, “I have really Victoria (Qualley) Faulkner ’72 is now Elizabeth “Beth” J. Ruehle ’88 enjoyed working with elementary children a grandmother. Her daughter Tracy and was recently chosen by her peers as and the best part now is I only work if I husband Brian King had a baby girl named Administrator of the Year at the Texas feel like working.” Katherine Elizabeth on Sept. 25, 2010. She Healthcare Association’s annual meeting. was two months premature and weighed Ruehle is the administrator of TRISUN Care 1968 2 lbs., 14 oz. She is doing well now. Center Westwood in Corpus Christi, Texas. Victor Schaper, Jr ’68 held a sacred TRISUN Healthcare is a Texas-based company music show back in November 2010 at 1974 that manages nearly 40 skilled nursing and Cross Lutheran Church in New Braunfels. Richard Laut ’74 has moved back rehabilitation and assisted living facilities in Victor is the church musician/organist at into IT support after seven years as an Texas. St. John’s Lutheran Church in San Antonio adjunct instructor. Laut is now the DOL/ and serves as the artistic director of the HGE Network Technician for the Fieldbus 1990 First Friday Concert Series there. Victor Training Center at Lee College. Matthew Benuska ’90 was presented holds a master of music degree in organ with a Foreign Minister’s Award from the performance and has served as full-time Consulate General of the Republic of Korea music director and as organist for various 1977 Sylkie Green ’77 is an internet radio in Seattle, Wash. on Dec. 13, 2010. This churches. He has also taught organ at personality along with Cornelius Grant, award, which was granted to 30 people TLU. Schaper is a member and past officer her co-host and co-producer of the worldwide by the Republic of Korea, was of the Alamo Chapter of the American Cornelius Grant’s Flashbacks and New given to Benuska for his contributions to the Guild of Organists and the Association of Traks radio program. The show features political rights and interests of Koreans living Lutheran Church Musicians. interviews with veteran Motown insiders, overseas. Benuska has been actively involved entertainment news, oldies music, and in the Korean community for the past 15 1969 many interesting points of view by Sylkie. years. In addition to serving on the board of Kenneth “Ken” Kramer ’69 edited After graduating from TLU, Green began Korean American Coalition, he is secretary- the new book The Living Waters of her career in radio at KWED radio station treasurer of the Korean American Historical Texas, a collection of personal stories by in Seguin. She later became an award- Soceity, where he previously helped produce veteran Texas conservation professionals winning television news reporter at KENS four of five journals of Korean American accompanied by the landscape Channel 5 in San Antonio, Texas. During heritage. Matthew works as a budget analyst photography of Charles Kruvand. The the period of 2003-2007 she served on the for the Edmonds School District. volume was published by Texas A&M Board of Directors of the National Black Paula Maddox Roalson ’90, a partner University Press and is one in a series of Programmers Coalition. Green and Grant’s in the law firm Walsh Anderson, has books sponsored by the River Systems voices together on the radio have been been selected to open the firm’s Houston Institute at Texas State University. Kramer described as sandpaper (Grant) and silk office in January 2011. Roalson’s practice is the director of the Lone Star Chapter (Green), a very compelling combination. emphasizes the representation of public of the Sierra Club, the nation’s oldest To learn more about Cornelius and Sylkie’s school districts, particularly in the areas of environmental organization. internet radio program please visit www. special education and disabilities rights. corneliusgrant.com. 1971 She and her husband John ’90 have two daughters, Hannah and Abigail. Dr. Wayne B. Powell ’71 became the 1978 th 11 president of Lenoir-Rhyne University, Alexander Cedillo ’78 retired from AT&T Hickory, N.C., on Dec. 1. Lenoir-Rhyne Inc. on Dec. 18, 2010 after more than 1991 Kezeli “Kez” Wold ’91 received his is one of 28 colleges and universities 30 years with the company. He began his master’s of public administration at Texas of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in career in 1980 with AT&T out of Houston, State University and also completed the America (ELCA). Powell has served as vice Texas. Cedillo has lived in Duncanville, Governor’s Executive Development Program president and dean for academic affairs Texas since 2001 and will continue to through the LBJ School at The University of at Lenoir-Rhyne University since 2000. make his home there post-retirement. From 1992-2000, he served as dean and Texas. Wold is employed as director of Field associate dean for the Graduate College for Adult Protective Services in Texas. His at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, 1979 wife JoAnna and daughter Jillian continue Bryan Tollefson ’79 received a Space Okla. Powell was professor, associate and to reside in New Braunfels. and Naval Warfare Systems Center Team

30 Texas Lutheran University his wife Elizabeth (Stone) McCown ’00 in 2000. They enjoy travel and outdoor activities as well as raising their daughter, Avery Elaine. 1932 Ethel “Boots” (Schaefer) Gisler ’32, 2003 age 100, passed away Nov. 25, 2010 in Victoria. She was an active member of Zion Diana J. (Tovar) Weeks ’03, human Lutheran Church and enjoyed gardening resources consultant supervisor for and animals. Padgett, Stratemann and Co. in San Antonio, has successfully passed eight Kelly (Manley) Baldwin ’00 and husband exams to receive a Certified Benefits Greg with sons Kevin, 1, and Grant, 4. Professional (CBP) designation from World at Work Society of Certified Professionals. 1992 She currently holds a Senior Professional Michelle (Moryl) Harborth ’92 and her in Human Resources (SPHR) professional family moved from their hometown in certification from the Human Resource Seguin to Willow Park, Texas in order for Certification Institute and a Certified her husband Dale to accept a promotion Compensation Professional certification within his company. Michelle is currently from World at Work Society of Certified working with CSG Systems Inc., which Professionals. Weeks is also a licensed acquired previous employer Intec back in private investigator in the state of Texas. December. They have three children: Trever, 17; Hanna, 12; and Nicholas, 10. 2004 Jennifer Ann McDaniel ’04 will be 1996 graduating with a master’s degree in David J. ’96 and Angela (Coon) Wendell community counseling from The University ’97 married back on July 5, 1997. They of Texas at San Antonio in spring 2011. have a daughter Victoria D. Wendell, 9, and a son Jonathan Wayne Wendell, 5. 2005 Melissa Trost ’05 graduated in December 1997 2010 with her M.B.A. from LeTourneau Harold Baenziger ’34 died Feb. 9, in Mollie (Wettstein) Cullinane ’97 has University in Longview, Texas. She now lives Seguin at the age of 98. A veteran of WWII, founded the Cullinane Law Group, which and works near San Antonio with her family. Baenziger was an active member of the First provides legal counsel and development United Methodist Church of Seguin, the American Legion and the Seguin Noon Lions services to the nonprofit community. 2006 Serving nonprofit organizations Club. The Baenziger family operated a grocery Michelle (Roecker) Barbee ’06 was nationwide, Cullinane and her firm store in Seguin for more than 50 years. recently featured in an article by KWED organize new nonprofit entities, provide 1580 AM Radio in Seguin, Texas. She He was a Trustee for Seguin ISD for many counsel regarding nonprofit law and was interviewed about her investment in years, Trustee for State Bank and Trust for governance, and assist with long-term the community for providing top-notch 31 years, and a member of the Seguin Noon development and strategic planning. learning to local students. Lion’s Club for more than 65 years. His work Cullinane and her family live in Austin. for the Lions is legendary. He was Lion of 2008 the Year in 1983-1984, and recognized as a 1998 Melvin Jones Fellow for Humanitarian Service. Kaleigh Emerson ’08 received her Jeff Hiller ’98 hit Broadway in Bloody, master’s of public health degree from He was a Life Member of the Veterans of Bloody Andrew Jackson. While on campus Emory University in May 2010. She Foreign Wars and a member of the American to receive a young alumnus award last is currently a fellow with the U.S. Legion H. U. Wood Post #245; a Sons of year, Hiller held an improvisation workshop Department of Health and Human Services Herman member and recognized by them with dramatic media students. and lives in Philadelphia, Pa. for his humanitarian work; and a Heritage Dr. Brett McCown ’98, D.D.S. after Museum member. He made generous graduating from TLU had a brief career 2009 gifts and other contributions to the First in the biomedical field before going Alison Organ ’09 and Kelli Layden ’09 Methodist Church and his alma mater, Texas on to pursue dentistry. He practiced in have begun volunteering with the Pancreatic Lutheran, where he graduated in 1934. In Wenatchee, Wash. before joining the Tier Cancer Action Network (PanCAN)- 2005 he received the TLU Distinguished One Dental Team in Seguin. Dr. McCown Houston Affiliate in memory of their late Alumni Award and has established a chair in speaks fluent Spanish and enjoys the grandmother. They will help with fundraising music and a scholarship in his name. challenges of endodontics, pediatric efforts, gathering sponsors, and organizing dentistry, and oral surgery. He married Houston’s first PurpleStride 5k later this year.

TORCH • March 2011 31 IN Memoriam The Advantage 1936 Austin having retired from IBM after 35 1961 Glenn Anderson ’36 of Victoria passed years of service. Kempf was very active in Evangelist Eulah Faye Smith ’61 of Scholarship away Jan 19. He served his country in civic and charitable organizations, having Seguin died Dec. 14, 2010 at the age of 71. LUTHERAN the U.S. Air Corps during WWII. He was served as President of the San Antonio an active member of First Presbyterian Business & Professional Women’s Club, 1970 Inc.; Anacacho Chapter of the National at Texas Lutheran University Church where he served as director of Douglas Lease ’70 of San Antonio died Jan. Secretaries Association; Vice President and choir and was known for his singing at 28. He loved music and was co-owner of Membership Chairman of the San Antonio many weddings and funerals. He was a Flipside Record Parlour on SW Military Drive Fiesta Commission; Board of Directors TLU provides an educational experience that member of the Victoria Men’s Barber Shop in San Antonio for more than 40 years. Quartet and the Victoria Kiwanis Club. of the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related addresses the whole person – body, mind, and Diseases Association of Dallas; Cooperative He was an instructor for many years for spirit while building on the Lutheran ideals Life Underwriters and state life insurance Education Board of Texas Woman’s 1973 Candace (Ellington) Christiansen ’73 licensing. Anderson worked as an University; Caring Hearts Volunteer; Baylor of vocation and service to others. While went to be with the Lord on Dec. 9, 2010 insurance agent for 50 years before retiring University Medical Center and many other at the age of 59. She was a registered there is a rich religious diversity within our from Southland Life Insurance Company. organizations. She was an active member of the King of Glory Lutheran Church, Dallas. nurse as well as an inspiring and influential student population, TLU is home to a strong piano teacher. 1938 community of students in the Lutheran faith. Almarie (Hoel) Kappler ’38 of Baytown 1951 We are committed to building on our base died Nov. 11, 2010 at the age of 90. She Billie Jean (Davis) McElroy ’51 of Austin 1974 James Kutac ’74 of Humble died Nov. 15, will be remembered as a devoted Christian, was called to heaven Nov. 7, 2010 at of Lutheran students because these students 2010 at the age of 58. Kutac graduated loving wife, mother, grandmother and the age of 80. She was an LVN and held thrive at TLU, and go on to become leaders from Texas Lutheran with honors and friend. many numerous offices in the area chapter of LVNs. She also worked for the Texas served as president of the Kappa Kappa in the workplace, their communities, and Psi music fraternity. He served as a band 1939 Health Department. McElroy was an avid their congregations. gardener, artist and seamstress. director for many years and later worked Henrietta Taylor ’39 of Angleton passed as an investigator for the U.S. Office away Feb. 12. of Personnel Management and U.S. TLU is proud to announce a new scholar- 1952 Investigative Services, Inc. ship especially for Lutheran students, the 1942 Pastor Milroy Gregor ’52 of New Ulm went to his eternal home Dec. 17, 2010 at the age Lutheran Advantage Scholarship – valued Delmas Seidel ’42 of Orange Grove of 81. He served as pastor to the congregations 1990 passed away Feb. 3, 2010. at up to $14,500 per year. This award is at Frelsburg-New Ulm- Fayetteville, Grace James (Jim) McGovern ’90 passed away Lutheran Church of Eagle Lake, St. John’s on Feb. 20, 2011 in San Antonio at age 42. designed to offer highly qualified Lutheran 1944 Lutheran Church of Meyersville and Bethlehem Jim worked as a programmer for Xetron in students the opportunity to continue their Bobbie Jean “BJ” (Johnson) Kempf Devine, Motorola in Seguin, and CACI in Lutheran Church of Round Top. In addition, he education in a challenging and nurturing ’44 passed away Dec. 12, 2010. She served as visiting pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran San Antonio. He enjoyed reading, exercising, lived in Dallas at the time of her death Church of Brenham and most recently at St. gardening, cooking, discussing politics, snow faith-based environment. and formerly resided in San Antonio and John’s Lutheran Church of Bellville. skiing and riding his motorcycle.

Arthur Emil Rode ’42 died on Monday, Feb. 28, 2011 in the hospice unit of Knopp Who is eligible for the The Lutheran Advantage Scholarship is awarded Healthcare and Rehab Center in Fredericksburg. A descendant of German immigrants Lutheran Advantage Scholarship in three tiers based on academic criteria: to the Hill Country in the mid-nineteenth century, Art Rode was the son of Arthur Daniel Rode and Lydia Hannemann Rode. He graduated from Taylor High School and how do I apply? Tier 1: up to $14,500 per year and followed his father and grandfather into the ministry of the Lutheran Church. He graduated from Texas Lutheran College, The University of Texas at Austin, and Any Lutheran first-time, full-time freshman accepted Tier 2: up to $12,500 per year from Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa. During his ministry he served for admission by the deadline will be considered for the Tier 3: up to $10,500 per year congregations in Sinton (Grace), San Antonio (Government Hill), Fort Worth (Our scholarship. Applicant should list his or her church Savior), Victoria (First English), Austin (Faith) and San Antonio (Christ/Alamo Heights). affiliation on the admissions application. The Lutheran Advantage Scholarship may not be combined In 1983 Wartburg Theological Seminary recognized his life work by awarding him with academic distinction or academic honors scholar- the Honorary Degree Doctor of Divinity. Following his retirement from parish ministry What is the deadline? ships, but may be awarded in addition to performance and he served as the first bishop of the Southwestern Texas Synod of the Evangelical participation awards. Lutheran Church in America from 1987-1990. In service to the larger community A student must be accepted for admission by June 1 and church he served on many boards and committees including St. Luke’s Lutheran For more information about scholarships and financial Hospital as a director, Texas Lutheran University as a regent and as District Director for in order to be considered for this award. Commitment to Mission of the Southern District of the American Lutheran Church. aid at TLU, please visit our Web site at tlu.edu/scholar- During his military service he was a chaplain in the Texas National Guard and the U.S. Is the scholarship renewable? ships_and_financial_aid, email [email protected] or call Army Reserve. He retired with the rank of Colonel. us at 800-771-8521. Yes! This scholarship is renewable for up to an additional three years, provided the student maintains a 2.75 GPA at TLU. 32 Texas Lutheran University The Advantage LUTHERAN Scholarship at Texas Lutheran University

TLU provides an educational experience that addresses the whole person – body, mind, and spirit while building on the Lutheran ideals of vocation and service to others. While there is a rich religious diversity within our student population, TLU is home to a strong community of students in the Lutheran faith. We are committed to building on our base of Lutheran students because these students thrive at TLU, and go on to become leaders in the workplace, their communities, and their congregations.

TLU is proud to announce a new scholar- ship especially for Lutheran students, the Lutheran Advantage Scholarship – valued at up to $14,500 per year. This award is designed to offer highly qualified Lutheran students the opportunity to continue their education in a challenging and nurturing faith-based environment.

Who is eligible for the The Lutheran Advantage Scholarship is awarded Lutheran Advantage Scholarship in three tiers based on academic criteria: and how do I apply? Tier 1: up to $14,500 per year Any Lutheran first-time, full-time freshman accepted Tier 2: up to $12,500 per year for admission by the deadline will be considered for the Tier 3: up to $10,500 per year scholarship. Applicant should list his or her church affiliation on the admissions application. The Lutheran Advantage Scholarship may not be combined with academic distinction or academic honors scholar- What is the deadline? ships, but may be awarded in addition to performance and participation awards. A student must be accepted for admission by June 1 in order to be considered for this award. For more information about scholarships and financial aid at TLU, please visit our Web site at tlu.edu/scholar- Is the scholarship renewable? ships_and_financial_aid, email [email protected] or call us at 800-771-8521. Yes! This scholarship is renewable for up to an additional three years, provided the student maintains a 2.75 GPA at TLU. TORCH • March 2011 33 FLASH BACK Bulldogs hard at work Where are these alumni serving the community? Give them a shout out! If you recognize anyone in this photo or if you can pinpoint their location, let us know!

Last issue Judge Fred Biery called in his identifications: Retired Judge Carolyn (Hartman) Petersen ’62, Judge Fred Biery ’70 and John Noriega ’79. The photo was taken in 1979 or 1980. Sharie (Erck) del Rio ’68 identified the young Fred Biery ’70.

Send your memories to [email protected] or 1000 W. Court St., Seguin, TX 78155.

34 Texas Lutheran University SaveArt Exhibit: John the Mulvaney “The LieDate TLU Ring Ceremony New Student Move-In of the Land” April 15 at 4 p.m. Aug. 20 March 3- April 8 Alumni Park Annetta Kraushaar Gallery Opening Convocation Spring Fling Aug. 23 Water to Thrive Benefit Dinner April 16 Jackson Auditorium April 12 at 6 p.m. Jackson Park Mosaic Community Church, Seguin Dallas Alumni & Friends Gathering Band Concert Aug. 25 Showtime at the Apollo April 29 at 7:30 p.m. Bailey House April 13 at 6 p.m. Jackson Auditorium Wupperman Little Theatre San Antonio Alumni & Friends Spring Commencement Gathering Dramatic Media Xpressfest.11 May 14 at 7 p.m. Aug. 25 April 14-17 Chapel Lawn Stonewerks at the Quarry Jackson Auditorium Front Row TLU Student Academic Symposium May 19 April 14-15 Westin Galleria, Houston

Student Art Show TLU Day at Gruene For more events and event details, April 15-June 15 Tubing and dinner at Adobe Verde visit tlu.edu/calendar. Annetta Kraushaar Gallery July 16

TLU Homecoming October 28 & 29, 2011 Friday October 28 Saturday October 29 11 a.m. 46th Annual Homecoming Golf Tournament 11 a.m. Homecoming All Reunion Lunch and Carnival 11 a.m. Golden Group Brunch 12 p.m. Golf Cart Parade 6 p.m. Class of 1986 Reunion Dinner 1 p.m. Reunion Events 6:30 p.m. TLU Salutes: Alumni Awards Banquet 2 p.m. Tailgating 7 p.m. AlumNite at the Oak 4 p.m. TLU Homecoming Football Game 7 p.m. Football Reunion

Front Row with Verne Lundquist and Matt Schaub Thursday, May 19, 2011 Westin Galleria in Houston Matt Schaub, quarterback for the Texans, will share the stage with CBS-TV sportscaster and TLU alumnus and regent Verne Lundquist at the eighth annual Front Row gala. As is the Front Row tradition, Verne will conduct a live, on-stage interview with Matt about his career. The evening includes a general and VIP reception, an elegant dinner and live and silent auctions. Front Row is an annual fundraising event benefitting TLU’s 14 NCAA Division III intercollegiate athletics teams. Since its inception in 2004, the event has raised more than $450,000. For more information on the event, please contact the development office at 830-372-8030 or [email protected].

Purchase tickets or a table at tlu.edu/front_row.

TORCH • March 2011 35 Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage TORCH PAID Texas Lutheran University San Antonio, TX Permit No. 428 1000 W. Court St. • Seguin, Texas 78155-5978

The Texas Lutheran Fund Student Scholarships

Each year, Texas Lutheran Classroom Technology University relies on the immediate support of our alumni and friends—support that goes directly to enhance the student experience and ensure Sheet Music student success.

Every gift matters and each one can make a significant impact.

Make your gift today at Student-Faculty Research www.tlu.edu/texaslutheran_fund.

TLU Development Office 1000 W. Court Street Athletic Equipment Seguin, TX 78155 830-372-8030

Fiscal year ends May 31.