OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF TEXAS WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY FALL 2018
THERE’S A NEW GAME IN TOWN Gearing up for the nation’s hottest new scholarship sport page 14
ARTIST’S WAY This theatre fan loves life page 20
ON THE BEAT An alumna serves and protects page 22 RAMS IN FOCUS
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION Trinidad and Tobago were a classroom for a week in June when education graduate students visited local schools as part of a study abroad trip in the tropics. Examining student work at the Pembroke Anglican School in Tobago are (left to right) Loretta Rhodes-Sanders, holding the folder, Darenda Kirby, Tameka Reynolds Patton, Tamara Liddell and Charmaine Campbell. In the doorway is one of the local teachers.
The trip was organized by Sheldon Smart Ed.D. ’15, a speech professor at Tarrant County College, and education professor Twyla Miranda, who passed away in May. The group included education faculty Celia Scott, Jacqueline Gaffner Ed.D. ’15 and Maria Guadalupe Arrendondo-Alba Ed.D. ’15. FROM OUR PRESIDENT
“ Our students A LIFE go into their communities WELL LIVED and professions Dr. Ferrell’s story is at the and become core of our mission. leaders who effect change.”
Dear Alumni and Friends,
I saw our mission come to life this summer when I attended the memorial service for Dr. Gilbert “Gil” Ferrell ’44 HON ’85, a retired Methodist pastor, urban missionary and seminary professor. I was deeply touched when I spoke to family and friends at the event, who told me how important his time at Texas Wesleyan was. He got the tools here that he needed to go on and become an influential thought leader and minister in the national United Methodist Church. Dr. Ferrell’s story is at the core of our mission — to transform the world by transforming lives, one student at a time. It is a story I hear often from our alumni: The relationships they developed with faculty changed the course of their lives. Our students go into their communities and professions and become leaders who effect change. And they are grateful for the school that gave them that chance. Just like Dr. Ferrell, our students are transforming the world. This is what Texas Wesleyan is about. And it is always a privilege to see and hear stories of how a Texas Wesleyan education ripples outward. So we want more of these stories. Read the last page in this magazine and tell us about the professor who inspired you. Come visit us on campus soon. We want to hear your stories and celebrate your success.
Frederick G. Slabach President Texas Wesleyan University
2 Wesleyan | FALL 2018 10TXWES.EDU FALL 2018 4 NEWS & EVENTS Wesleyan Latest news and social media
10 MOVERS & SHAKERS Kids learn chemistry and prepare for the future
12 FUNDING SUCCESS The Wesleyan Fund gives success a chance
FEATURES
14 COVER STORY: ESPORTS The newest sport on campus won’t be played on a field or a court, but on a screen
20 CULTURE SHAPER Actor Jacob Rivera-Sanchez ’15 isn’t faking his enthusiasm for life at Wesleyan
22 PROTECTING AND SERVING Rookie cop Nikki Lockwood ’17 makes big bust her first day on the job
24 ATHLETICS Kiki Menendez hits the pros; sports roundup
26 ALUMNI Football, food, fun
32 LAST WORD Who was your favorite professor? Tell us!
PRESIDENT TEXAS WESLEYAN STAFF Frederick G. Slabach Jim Lewis, vice president for university advancement EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ann Davis John Veilleux MBA ’04, vice president for enrollment, EDITOR marketing & communications Nancy B. Strini OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT DESIGN 817-531-4404 Sterling Creative 817-531-7560 FAX Shelly Jackman [email protected] IGNITING ON THE PHOTOGRAPHY CONTACT US Chuck Greeson [email protected] THE STEM SPARK COVER 817-531-5810 MANAGING EDITOR More than 2,000 young Photo by Shannon Lamberson Chemistry Campers Chuck Greeson have come to our CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Neph Rivera Wesleyan is an official publication for alumni and friends of Texas Wesleyan University. The Office campus since 1991. of Marketing & Communications publishes it in the fall and spring. The views presented are not COPY EDITOR necessarily those of the editors or the official Janna Franzwa Canard policies of the university.
TXWES.EDU FALL 2018 | Wesleyan 3 NEWS & EVENTS
RAM CAMP
An exotic animal petting zoo was just part of the fun at Ram Camp this year. Left, freshman Mikaela Gonzales gets some love from a kinkajou. Ram Camp helps new students get to know the campus and traditions through games, team-building activities and other fun events. Below, some enthusiastic participants in the two-day event.
4 Wesleyan | FALL 2018 TXWES.EDU
GROUNDBREAKING
New student center on the rise
Student life took center stage in April gatherings and increase their opportunities at the groundbreaking for the new $20.35 for success.” million Nick and Lou Martin University Leadership donors Nick HON ’03 Center. and Lou Martin HON ’03, and their Scheduled to open in the fall of 2019, great grandson, Wyatt Campbell, made the Martin Center will be a centrally the official first dig from an excavator, located hub for student life and engagement followed by all donors coming to the front and provide meeting space for the TXWES to participate in the groundbreaking. community, east Fort Worth community Next, all attendees took part in the leaders and friends. ceremony by outlining the perimeter of “This is the most significant capital the new building. They were joined by the project at Texas Wesleyan in a century,” Gold Line Dancers, Ram Band, TXWES said President Frederick G. Slabach. Cheer, Wesleyan Singers and more. WATCH PROGRESS “The primary purpose is to provide The event included food, free wonderful spaces for our students to T-shirts and games hosted by TXWES WEBCAM KEEPS AN EYE engage in structured and unstructured Student Affairs. ON CONSTRUCTION
Now you can check in anytime on the Martin Center’s progress with our time-lapse construction camera. A new photo will be taken every 30 minutes. Check back often to see the progress and watch a virtual tour to see what the Martin Center will look like when it’s complete.
Watch at txwes.edu/martincam
YOU SHOP. THEY GIVE.
Supporting your alma mater is as easy as a few clicks and some regular shopping, thanks to companies with reward programs. All you have to do is sign up and the following businesses THE MARTIN UNIVERSITY CENTER will donate to Texas Wesleyan.
• Amazon Located between the Eunice and James L. West Library and Canafax Clock • Kroger Tower, the Martin Center will be approximately 44,000-square-feet and two • Tom Thumb stories tall. It will include a new student and family welcome center, food court, • Texas Wesleyan Diploma Frames a ballroom that can accommodate 300, bookstore and convenience store, spaces for student organizations and student life offices, lounge areas, meeting Get the details: rooms and additional office space. txwes.edu/shopandsupport
TXWES.EDU FALL 2018 | Wesleyan 5 CHATTER With all due respect“ to the athletes at the better-known bigger schools From touchdowns to around the area, there’s a group of trophies! Congrats to the athletes over on Rosedale Street in Fort Worth who deserve a tip of the talented crew of Titletown, Texas Wesleyan University hat. Its players are just plain good TX! The series’ second August 2 across the board. From volleyball to table tennis, they are competitive season about our return It’s the #smallersmarter — and often much more — in just to football won a Lone Star about every sport, and the last way to get that raise. school year’s schedule of sports Sports Emmy! Don’t forget Check out our new online was no different. to watch (or watch again) MBA ads! #txwes #ramsup before the new season #smallersmarter kicks off! Fort Worth ”Business Press, 22 Likes 1 Share July 13 TXWES Facebook, July 24
Golf gave me“ drive again, an opportunity to get out there and challenge myself. The therapy I got from teaming up with guys ranked No. 1 in the NAIA, competing with them day in
and day out, has been huge.
J.P. Ashby, 39-year-old former ” Marine sniper who joined the Texas Wesleyan golf team as a redshirt freshman last year. Featured in a story on KTVT-CBS 11 on May 21
BECOME A DOCTOR LOCAL GOOD: Guaranteed admission to PROJECT SEARCH future physicians Medical school is on the horizon for Texas Wesleyan graduates thanks to a new partnership that will automatically admit Five recent Fort Worth ISD training. Rotation work sites eligible graduates to one of several medical high school graduates have included Dora’s Café, the Morton schools based in the Caribbean. Graduates will new jobs, thanks to a national Fitness Center and Athletics. be able to practice medicine in 49 U.S. states. high school transition program, This is Project SEARCH Pre-med students must maintain an overall thriving right here at Texas Fort Worth’s sixth year at Texas GPA of at least 3.00 and must have passed Wesleyan. Project SEARCH Wesleyan. It is a collaboration a series of core science classes with at least prepares young people with of the Fort Worth ISD, Goodwill a B average. Admission is guaranteed to disabilities with a year of on-the- Industries, Texas Workforce the student’s choice from the list of partner job training and education. Commission, MHMR of Tarrant schools and without the need to take the Interns defer their high County and Texas Wesleyan MCAT examination. All partner schools will give school graduation for one year University, with TXWES Texas Wesleyan students a $1,000 minimum and complete three, 10-week providing a training office, scholarship for use during the first semester rotations on campus to get computer lab and on-campus of studies in the Caribbean. real-world work experience and work rotations.
6 Wesleyan | FALL 2018 TXWES.EDU DANCERS’ NIGHT WITH THE NFL A group of Ram dancers and their guests got a front-row seat to the NFL draft in April after the Miami Dolphins turned to Texas Wesleyan Spirit Director Emily Snow for help. Snow worked for the Dolphins for 10 years, so when a last minute cancellation left the team with an empty table, Snow was the one they turned to. “We were right under the stage, so we saw all the action,” Snow says. “They even had shirts and swag for us. It was VIP treatment.”
TXWES.EDU FALL 2018 | Wesleyan 7 Battle bots
It was a clash for robot supremacy at Texas Wesleyan in July when more than 200 students spent the summer creating their own robots, and then put them up against other creations during the second Upward Bound robotics competition.
The students were from Polytechnic, Diamond Hill-Jarvis, North Side, Trimble Tech and Dunbar high schools. They spent six weeks on campus with Upward Bound Programs. The competition was part of an Upward Bound robotics summer class taught by Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School’s Walter Parada.
8 Wesleyan | FALL 2018 TXWES.EDU MARJORIE HERRERA LEWIS ENDOWED SPEAKER SERIES
HOW DO YOU MANAGE TEXAS’ MOST FAMOUS SPORTS BRAND?
A FOOTBALL FIRST of-its-kind event at The Fort Worth Club — football media day — in July. This marks the inaugural football TXWES joins SAC, hosts event season for the SAC, whose member schools have amassed an NAIA-best 106 The Sooner Athletic Conference national championships in 14 different welcomed football to its roster for the sports since forming in 1978. Nine first time in its 40-year history, and Texas schools began competition in football Wesleyan was proud to play host to a first- in the fall.
Charlotte Jones Anderson, executive vice president and chief brand officer for the Dallas Cowboys, will share her experiences as the brand manager for the Cowboys and cheerleaders at the fourth annual Marjorie Herrera Lewis Endowed Speaker Series. Her vision and direction guide the Cowboys in stadium design, entertainment, merchandising, licensed apparel, uniform design, memorabilia, community service and philanthropy. Sports broadcaster Scott Murray will HALL OF FAME emcee the event. Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 12:15 p.m. Martin Hall Another coach inducted Free and open to the public At the Beijing Olympic Games in Texas Wesleyan table tennis now 2008, Gheorghe led Team USA to a boasts two hall of fame members on staff, quarterfinal and Team USA member as women’s coach Doru Gheorghe joins Wang Chen to a singles quarterfinal. He head coach Jasna Rather in the United is a four-time National Coach of the Year. States Table Tennis Hall of Fame. Texas Wesleyan has won 69 table WEBWEB EXTRASEXTRA tennis national championships since the The Romanian-born legend was named For more university news the Romanian national team coach for the program’s inception in 2002. This season, and events, go to 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. In 1998, the team won four titles: women’s team, he took over as coach of the United States women’s singles, men’s doubles and txwes.edu/universitynews Women’s Team. women’s doubles.
TXWES.EDU FALL 2018 | Wesleyan 9 MOVERS & SHAKERS
THESE KIDS HAVE CHEMISTRY A storied summer program shows local schoolchildren possibilities.
he whoosh of water cannons and proud papa when he talks about the and improve their scientific and English swish of propeller-driven paper camp’s more than 2,000 graduates, but mastery. T airplanes resonated on campus according to him, they are the whole “We also talk about scientists and in June when nearly 100 Fort Worth point. science careers, which gets them elementary students spent three weeks “You’d like to see all the campers engaged in science,” Rodriguez says. having fun with chemistry, physics, eventually come to Wesleyan, and “But more importantly, it gives them biology and flight. some do, but we know they do go off to the guidance that they, too, can be on At least that’s how they saw it. college,” he says. “We provided a vision a college campus and see the many Organizers and educators saw something on what is possible in science, give them opportunities they can have by pursuing else: An effective way to show kids that some interest and let them run with it.” education. science is cool and that they, too, can go n n n “It is very satisfying to know we to college. provided a little push.” Among those educators were two Rodriguez started the camp in Fort Worth school district teachers, 1991 when his friend, Joe Cordova, Share in the success six college students (two from Texas the director of the local Boys & Girls Chemistry Camp is funded by Wesleyan), 11 high school students Clubs, said there was a need for summer sponsors and donors. If you’d like to and six middle school students. All but programs. That first summer they bused help or get involved, contact Ricardo E. one went to the camp as kids, several kids from the club to campus. The next Rodriguez at [email protected] have returned many times, a few come year they worked with the director of or 817-531-7587. back every year to help — like Stephen bilingual programs at the FWISD, who Anchondo, an engineering student at suggested they focus on teaching English UT Arlington, and Angelica Norris, a through science. HONORED nursing student at Tarleton State. “So we used science as a conduit to To recognize his work with “Be sure to note,” says Ricardo teach kids English,” Rodriguez says. young students through E. Rodriguez, dean of the School of “We recruited workers who spoke Chemistry Camp, Dr. Rodriguez Natural and Social Sciences, professor Spanish and English so we could teach was given the Carol L. McDonald of chemistry and founder of the them the science but transition from Public Service award by ICUT camp, “Hector Martinez, now a pre- science to English.” (Independent Colleges & med student at Hofstra University, Over the years, the focus on teaching Universities of Texas). The and Anthony Gomez, an engineering English was superseded by the chance award recognizes those who student at UT Arlington, coordinate and to inspire a new generation of STEM are devoted to student success prepare the labs for camp. One of the students with projects like this year’s through classroom instruction first student workers, Nadia Rodriguez mystery powder experiment, where they and public service involvement, Martinez, earned a bachelor’s degree in run a series of chemical tests to see going above and beyond their biochemistry at TXWES and now holds how various powders react, then have job and teaching requirements. a master’s in biochemistry from UT to identify a mystery powder by re- Austin.” running the experiments. Each activity Rodriguez does sound a bit like a is designed to develop critical thinking Comment at [email protected]
10 Wesleyan | FALL 2018 TXWES.EDU “IT GIVES THEM THE GUIDANCE THAT THEY, TOO, CAN BE ON A COLLEGE CAMPUS AND SEE THE MANY OPPORTUNITIES THEY CAN HAVE BY PURSUING EDUCATION.”
Ricardo E. Rodriguez, dean of the School of Natural and Social Sciences, professor of chemistry and founder of the camp
TXWES.EDU FALL 2018 | Wesleyan 11 THE WESLEYAN FUND SCHOLARSHIPS
Kaylee Baker DIFFERENCE MAKER Yes, it’s you.
he center of campus is sort of a Scholarships Technology mess, but for a good reason: When Junior Kaylee Baker is busy. Super busy. As students face life after graduation, Tthe Nick and Lou Martin University Her days begin at 6 a.m. when she heads they need to be proficient on the latest Center opens next fall, it will be both out for three hours of cheerleading practice. equipment. For education students, the the physical and symbolic heart of the A quick shower and then classes before Promethean Interactive Board, or smart community, reminding everyone what she’s off to Lamar High School to work off white board, is becoming an essential. But matters at Texas Wesleyan — students. some of the 400 hours of clinical work she this kind of technology, which projects The building rises on a foundation of needs for her athletic trainer certification. interactive images from computers, is giving back, as do a whopping 95 percent She also manages to fit in a lot of studying, expensive to purchase and maintain. of the students, who would not be on cheerleading duties and a couple of part- Enter The Wesleyan Fund. Thanks to campus if they didn’t get financial help. time jobs to help with expenses. those monies, the School of Education has They enjoy the latest technologies, attend Baker is eyeing a graduate assistant’s job a Promethean board. conferences and interact with experts in next summer, once she’s got her degree and Jacqueline Gaffner Ed.D. ’15, assistant education professor, helped the School their fields because alumni like you have athletic trainer certification. After earning of Education get one. As the unofficial donated to The Wesleyan Fund every year. a master’s degree in exercise science, she’s technology expert in the school, she also The Wesleyan Fund is like a treasure considering physical therapy or becoming a physician’s assistant, then, hopefully, move trains faculty how to use it, as well as other chest, filled with opportunity. Below are into professional sports. classroom technologies. She notes that just a few ways lives are changed when That future wouldn’t be possible without having the right equipment and knowledge alumni support their school by giving to help, Baker says. to use it will make a big difference as the annual fund. “I’m able to make it this far and still students look for jobs. be in school and not have to worry about “As people who prepare teachers, we having so much debt,” she says. “So when have to look at how technology supports you give, you’re helping build someone the curriculum,” Gaffner says. “Our else’s future.” students are becoming change agents
12 Wesleyan | FALL 2018 TXWES.EDU for teachers out there. They have the professional forensics accountants. knowledge about tools that others don’t. There they hear about what’s What is We’re preparing them to look forward.” happening in the field and network with The Wesleyan Fund? potential employers and colleagues. Practical and Last spring, the class worked with Guardianship Services Inc. to find The Wesleyan Fund provides academic experience institutional scholarships and ways to identify evidence when a For business students studying fraud program support not covered by guardian is abusing an elderly client. and ethics, presenting a case at the tuition and fees. Most of the monies “All these experiences get students Southwest Case Research Association are unrestricted, which means to think critically,” Tolleson says. administrators can decide where it’s is an educational highlight. There, they “Exposure to professionals and other most needed each year. The bulk of share their case at roundtable discussions academics are invaluable to students the fund is used for scholarships. It where they get immediate feedback from going into a variety of fields.” is one of the most powerful ways to other professors. Accounting professor directly impact a student. In business, access is key. The Tom Tolleson then helps them work up The fund also helps determine Wesleyan Fund provides that access. the case for publication, which becomes the university’s giving rate — the part of a vast resource of case studies that percentage of alumni who donate — and is used by foundations to decide professors around the world can use in who gets grants, and by the media, their classrooms. which looks at giving rates to build This is just one of the many conferences their rankings. These rankings are students attend on Wesleyan Fund monies. important to university growth, as Tolleson also takes his fraud practicum they attract new and talented students. students to monthly luncheons for
A BIG RAM IMPACT 95 % 44 16 9 25% 3 By the OF OUR U.S. Numbers STUDENTS RECEIVED RIGOROUS AVERAGE YEARS RANKED OF STUDENTS MINUTES FINANCIAL ACADEMIC CLASS AMONG “BEST ARE ATHLETES TO GIVE A GIFT AT ASSISTANCE LAST PROGRAMS SIZE IN THE WEST” (GO RAMS!) TXWES.EDU/MYGIFT YEAR TECHNOLOGY
Professor Jacqueline Gaffner demonstrates the Promethean Interactive Board.
TXWES.EDU FALL 2018 | Wesleyan 13 COVER
GAME ON HOW TEXAS WESLEYAN IS BRINGING THE WORLD’S FASTEST GROW ING SPECTATOR SPORT TO CAMPUS.
14 Wesleyan | FALL 2018 TXWES.EDU It’s not kids“ in basements. ” iguel Martinez can’t believe his scholarship playing League of Legends, luck: This fall he was the first so he tossed his name in the hat on a in his family to attend college, recruiting site. He was delighted when and he’s coming to campus as he was selected by a school near his home a student-athlete, armed with a in Arlington. Mscholarship that makes it possible. “I’m super excited that something I Martinez is one of 12 new scholarship love doing gave me a path and option athletes at Texas Wesleyan, but their of going to college,” he says. “At first game is, well, a game. One of six video my parents were kind of skeptical and games to be precise. wanted me to make sure I wasn’t getting Yes, this is legit, and a good, forward- scammed.” looking move for Texas Wesleyan. Now his parents take his gaming If you’re surprised that gaming is seriously. scholarship worthy, reconsider: Esports The force behind the esports team at is now a $1 billion a year industry with a Texas Wesleyan is Eugene Frier, a long- global audience of more than 380 million time amateur gamer and now executive fans who watch online competitions live. director of esports and recreation. He saw Top competitors can earn up to $500,000 the growth of the industry and thought annually. Even ESPN takes it seriously: that a varsity program might fit well They report on esports the same way they at Texas Wesleyan, with its “Smaller. report on any sport, with a dedicated tab on Smarter.” attitude that resonates with their website. Even Arlington, surrounded underserved populations. So he asked by four professional teams, is getting into around. the game, opening a $10 million esports He recalls the meeting with arena in the convention center this fall. It’s administrators about launching a team. the largest venue in the country. “Several voiced skepticism until a faculty Esports is primed to hire scores of member raised her hand and said, ‘I don’t employees to support its high-speed get this either, but my friend has a son growth. So it’s no surprise it has moved who is a professional esports player and onto college campuses. There are now makes good money.” more than 80 colleges and universities in After more research and planning, the the U.S. with varsity esports teams that proposal was accepted. compete under the National Association Within months, Frier and League of of Collegiate Esports (NACE). Legends coach Mike Brown ’17 (who Martinez says he was happy to Frier recruited) were interviewing GAME ON learn last fall that players could earn a potential players and visiting local high HOW TEXAS WESLEYAN IS BRINGING THE WORLD’S FASTEST GROW ING SPECTATOR SPORT TO CAMPUS.
TXWES.EDU FALL 2018 | Wesleyan 15 COVER It takes a team
League of Legend roles: MARKSMAN schools to drum up interest. They found “I didn’t know them at all, but now SUPPORT plenty: They filled the 12 scholarship we talk a lot on Discord [chat software JUNGLER slots quickly, and by October, had 35 for gamers],” he says. “We now have the TANK | BRUISER players on seven teams and were still pressure of repping for the school and holding tryouts for more players. playing in front of an audience, so having MID LANER Brown, who came to study at Texas a strong team is important.” Wesleyan after a stint in the Navy, has Like any sport, the benefits of an The games we play been actively involved in creating the esports team reaches far beyond the team from nothing. It was months of hard competitors and can draw in students OVERWATCH work, but by fall the esports team room from every major who just like video in the Morton Fitness Center was decked games. The team will include coaches, LEAGUE OF LEGENDS out with a bank of six gaming computers, managers, equipment managers, HEARTHSTONE branded gaming chairs and a small social media specialists, bloggers, SMASH BROS. MELEE refrigerator. Just what you need to build videographers, commentators and SMASH BROS. ULTIMATE teamwork. broadcast personalities, computer “Esports is a way for students who scientists, podcasters, event planners, FIFA don’t play traditional sports to have a accountants and more. MADDEN team experience,” Brown says. “They “This is an industry that provides job can become superheroes among their training and shadowing and a career Random facts peers and enjoy the accolades usually path,” he says. associated with athletic success.” “It’s not kids in basements, it’s Each esports game has a Being on a team is a new experience something to get students fired up about, regular season and off season. for Martinez, as it is for most gamers internally and externally, and equip who play at home, but one he’s happy them with soft skills like teamwork and When in season, teams to have. His team started practicing leadership development.” compete once a week. together last summer, developing Frier and the team are already making strategies, assigning roles and learning connections with local collegiate and All competitions are team skills. professional teams so students will find streamed live on Twitch. mentors, internships and jobs, and build community. All very practical things Tournament winnings college students ought to be pursuing. go to support the program. Of course to the students, it really is all about the game. Being able to find Administrators are looking work doing it is just a bonus at this point. into adding an esports academic “Gaming is really about doing something you’re passionate about, with major or minor. other people who are also passionate, in an environment where you are supported and helped to be successful,” Frier says. “This is a program that is going to help students to be in a better place when they leave, and not just in the game.”
Comment at [email protected]
Esports by the numbers
80+ $25,000 12 $9 million U.S. colleges total in scholarships number of esports scholarships with varsity awarded this year Wesleyan players and aid awarded esports teams at Wesleyan with scholarships this year in the U.S.
16 Wesleyan | FALL 2018 TXWES.EDU TEXAS WESLEYAN IS THE FIRST VARSITY ESPORTS PROGRAM TO JOIN NACE IN TEXAS.
The team room in the Morton Fitness Center has six gaming set ups, including branded gaming chairs, for the players. It serves as a team meeting and practice space. They will compete from here as well. All tournaments will stream live on Twitch.
1,500 $20,000 $2,000 - $5,000 number of esports highest scholarship current range for most student-athletes awarded for collegiate collegiate nationally esports this year esports scholarships
4 $10 million $500,000 $1 billion professional cost of Esports annual salary expected global revenue esports teams in Stadium Arlington, for some for professional North Texas opening this fall professional players esports in 2019
TXWES.EDU FALL 2018 | Wesleyan 17 Online alias Team members use avatar names when they compete. Right: Zack Williams, also known as 2Kay, leads the Overwatch team in a practice. Top right: Zack Lanham, who goes by the player name Zaddy, and Miles Cruz, known as Meeles. Below, left to right: Miguel Martinez (Marti3458), Parker Anderson WarbuffII), Miles Cruz (Meeles), and Williams. Bottom right: Elizabeth Gomez (Kuma) and Kyle Raines (Rainstorm007). Teammates not shown: Luis Morales (UKGolden), Lukien Sheremeta (Zoni).
18 Wesleyan | FALL 2018 TXWES.EDU We now have the pressure“ of repping for the school and playing in front of an audience, so having a strong team is important.”
TXWES.EDU FALL 2018 | Wesleyan 19 As long as I am “working in a theatrical environment in any way, shape or form, I am content. ”
Photo by Ajax Rodriguez
20 Wesleyan | FALL 2018 TXWES.EDU WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
STAGE OF LIFE
A chat with Jacob Rivera-Sanchez ’15
Jacob Rivera-Sanchez ’15 is the What’s your favorite theatre business manager in the theatre moment? My favorite moment thus far department. He’s also a full-time has been being a part of West Side Story at musical theatre enthusiast who, since Casa Mañana, playing Chino. That show 2014, is noted as ShowTickets.com’s is such a cultural staple, not just in musical Ultimate Broadway Fan (formerly theatre, but especially to someone like me. NewYork.com). Seriously ... it was It meant so much to me because I grew up a thing! seeing shows at Casa and dreamt of being on that stage one day. In 2016, he was named first runner- up in the Kennedy Center American Who was your favorite professor College Theatre Festival Musical at TXWES, and why? This is such a Theatre Initiative finals. He attended hard question! The theatre professors are the Open Jar Institute in New York so involved and collaborative with every student within the department that there where he studied musical theatre is no possible way to choose. I was able performance under the direction of to learn and utilize what they taught me Jeff Whiting and James Gray. In 2018, to the work that I do now. What I will say he was named a recipient of the Bill is that, as a student, Jeanne Everton and Garber Young Theatre Artist Award Connie Whitt-Lambert were a huge part in by the Live Theatre League of that. And now working at Wesleyan, Bryan Tarrant County. Stevenson ’01 and Joe Brown have really done a lot to help me with the business and He played Chino in the musical administrative side of production, especially West Side Story at Casa Mañana exploring those avenues within the DFW in Fort Worth last March. theatre community.
How important is having a local theatre scene to students at You are balancing acting with other TXWES? It is of obvious importance to endeavors. What advice would you the theatre students, but for other students it give students considering the arts as is important for them to engulf themselves a major? I tell people to be open about in the arts culture around them. When I other jobs that they can apply their skills to. started working here, I worked with SGA to There is nothing demeaning for an artist to create a development and enrichment fund, have a day job that pays the bills. inspired by the Theatre Development Fund, to help TXWES students see our shows at Do you have a dream role? Most of no cost to them. I wanted them to feel like my dream roles are in musicals, but I think nothing stopped them from experiencing I want to take a seat in the director’s chair theatre at the closest venue possible. someday. But as long as I am working in a Art is one of the cultural landscapes that theatrical environment in any way, shape or affects how we function as a society, and form, I am content. theatre is a reflection of that in the stories that it tells, even the silliest among them. Comment at [email protected]
TXWES.EDU FALL 2018 | Wesleyan 21 FEATURE
After a spectacular first day,Nikki Lockwood ’17 just wants to change perceptions about law enforcement. PART OF THE SOLUTION
drug bust on her first solo patrol Lockwood had debated about wasn’t what rookie Southlake entering the military, but after five A police officer Nikki Lockwood ’17 Dallas officers were gunned down in expected when she was called to assist 2016 she chose law enforcement. on a noise disturbance call in June. “It makes me sad that many hate As she and the other officer prepared police officers,” she says. “That’s a to leave, she spotted some teens big reason why I got into this field — behaving suspiciously. I wanted to be a good heart in the field Lockwood discovered one of them and show people I care about them.” had an outstanding warrant, large Despite her rather precocious first amounts of Xanax, scales, plastic bags day, Lockwood says the best day she and a roll of cash, so she put him in cuffs. had so far involved a little boy. She The big bust on Lockwood’s first day had pulled a family from India over on on the job was proudly shared a traffic stop and the young boy in the on the department’s social media, back seat was crying and screaming, where she was dubbed, “a new hero on “Don’t take my daddy away.” the street.” It shook Lockwood, who tried her Lockwood admits it was exciting best to calm the boy. She gave him and rewarding to have such first-day a little toy badge and bracelet she success, but she credits her skills to one keeps in her car and told him she Texas Wesleyan professor who told her was his friend. to trust her intuition. “ “He stopped crying and unbuckled “Professor [Cary] Adkinson was PROFESSOR his belt and jumped on me to give me always telling us to ‘trust our spidey a big hug,” she says. “I’ll remember sense,’” she recalls about the professor ADKINSON that and carry it with me a long time. who uses comic books to teach criminal That moment is exactly why I got into justice. “I remembered that from him WAS ALWAYS this field. He was truly afraid of me and acted.” and now he knows.” Her interest in law enforcement TELLING US TO Lockwood says serving the public was sparked after the four-year with respect is paramount. soccer scholarship athlete sat in on a ‘TRUST OUR “That’s my main motivator, to be criminal justice class during freshman part of the solution, so they walk away orientation. Her senior year, she SPIDEY SENSE.’ from my contact knowing they don’t landed an internship at the Southlake have to be afraid of police officers.” Police Department to fulfill her course requirements. She entered their
training academy after her spring 2017 ” graduation. Comment at [email protected]
22 Wesleyan | FALL 2018 TXWES.EDU PART OF THE SOLUTION
Photo left: WFAA-TV; above: Fort Worth Star-Telegram
TXWES.EDU FALL 2018 | Wesleyan 23 ATHLETICS
Q&A: KIKI MENENDEZ HITS THE PROS
The first NAIA baseball Player Your 2018 season is considered them know. They also would describe me of the Year to ever come from one of the best seasons by any as a team captain. Texas Wesleyan is now on player in school history. What the path toward the majors. was different for you that led to What are you most looking that success? forward to about pursuing Something that led me to the season that professional baseball? Kiki Menendez led the nation I had was that it could have possibly been Now that I’m here with the Los Angeles with a school record 26 home my last baseball season and I wanted to Angels organization, being around the runs in 2018. Right after the leave everything on the field. Other than nicest facilities and professional coaches season, he signed with the that, nothing was different. I’ve had four is something I look forward to every Los Angeles Angels to begin solid seasons in my college career and this day. But ultimately, I want to see myself one happens to be the best. in the major leagues within three years. his professional career. Just as Everything in my game is there. he signed the dotted line, we How would your teammates I just have to tweak a couple things. asked him to reflect on describe you? — NR his historic senior season. My teammates probably would describe me as intimidating because if they aren’t Athletics photos by Josh Lacy and putting in work I will point it out and let Jose “Little Joe” Valdez
24 Wesleyan | FALL 2018 TXWES.EDU SPORT SHORTS
SOFTBALL WOMEN’S SOCCER It was all around success on the The Texas Wesleyan women’s soccer softball diamond in 2018. The Lady team enters 2018 hoping to build on Rams won 42 games this season, the its record-setting scoring pace from most in program history, and earned 2017. Their 84 goals and 211 points both an appearance in the Sooner Athletic surpass previous records set in 2009. Conference Tournament semifinals. The team also has three of its four All- Junior third baseman Bailey Terry Conference selections returning in junior became the first TXWES player ever goalkeeper Christy Zwart, sophomore to be named a first-team NAIA All- forward Tameir Grosvenor and defender American, while breaking single-season Savannah Hart. and career records in RBIs. Six Lady Rams were also named to the 2018 SAC All-Conference teams this season. Rowan Lester, first-team All-American and All-Nicklaus Team TABLE TENNIS It’s a three-peat! The Texas Wesleyan MEN’S GOLF women’s table tennis team won its third consecutive national championship and Four TXWES men’s golfers were named eighth overall at the 2018 iSET Table 2018 NAIA All-Americans. Rowan Tennis National Championships in April. Lester, who finished third in the national After all the competition wrapped up, tournament, along with Leo Mathard TXWES came away with four more who finished 14th, were named to the titles: women’s team, women’s singles, first team.Victor Miron was named to men’s doubles and women’s doubles. the second team, while Futa Yamagishi The table tennis program has won 69 was awarded third-team honors. The national championships, including at Rams finished third in the NAIA National least one every year since its inception Christy Zwart, first-team All-SAC Championship Tournament. in 2002.
WOMEN’S GOLF MEN’S BASKETBALL 2018 marked the end to a historic The defending national champion college career for one of the best Texas Wesleyan men’s basketball team to ever play golf at Texas Wesleyan. backed up their success this season. Alex Schies finished her senior year The Rams won their third straight just like her previous three: by being SAC Regular Season Championship named the Sooner Athletic Conference and reached the NAIA National Player of the Year and a first-team Tournament for the 16th time in school NAIA All-American. On top of that, she history and the ninth time since 2006. owns every individual school record Senior guard Branden Jenkins was and is the only Lady Ram to compete named SAC Player of the Year, as well in the national tournament in all four as a first-team NAIA All-American. seasons. The Lady Rams finished 15th in Senior guard Ryan Harris was also the 2018 tournament. named a first-team NAIA All-American.
TXWES.EDU FALL 2018 | Wesleyan 25 ALUMNI
SAVE THE DATE SPRING ALUMNI REUNION APRIL 26-27, 2019
Food, fun and football headlined the spring reunion in April. The events kicked off by breaking ground on the new Martin Center (read more about that on page 5). On Friday, golfers gathered at Canyon West Golf Course in Weatherford for the second annual TXWES Ram Football Golf Tournament before heading to Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que in the Stockyards for the alumni reunion dinner. Saturday was packed with the all-alumni breakfast, a tour of the residence halls, a teacher’s supply sale, a cornhole competition, a TXWES scavenger hunt, Art Bash, a baseball game and the Blue & Gold Scrimmage. The day ended with the 64th annual musical by Theatre Wesleyan, which performed Oklahoma! at the W.E. Scott Theatre in Fort Worth, and an afterglow party at the Fort Worth Community Arts Center. REUNION 26 Wesleyan | FALL 2018 TXWES.EDU
HOMECOMING 2018
DON’T MISS THIS FALL’S HOMECOMING NOVEMBER 2-3
FRIDAY, NOV. 2 ALUMNI MEDAL DINNER 6 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. dinner Colonial Country Club Join us as we celebrate the achievements and contributions of this year’s distinguished alumni and friends honored at this annual event.
SATURDAY, NOV. 3 WESLEYAN 5K 9 a.m. race start time Oneal-Sells Administration Building Come walk, run or cheer at the third annual W5K to include a chip-timed 5K, 1-mile Willie Walk, food trucks, free beer, kids zone, vendor fair, DJ, awards and more. Register at txwes.edu/w5k.
BRICK DEDICATION CEREMONY 10:30 a.m. – West Library Check out the newest additions to the Donor Brick Walkway.
MARTIN CENTER AT-A-GLANCE 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Martin Center Here’s your first chance to get an up-close view of the construction site for the new 44,000-square-foot university center.
PREGAME PARTY 11 a.m.-1 p.m. – Oneal-Sells Administration Building Bring a blanket or lawn chair and have a drink on us while enjoying food trucks, kids zone, lawn games, music and more.
HOMECOMING FOOTBALL GAME 2 p.m. – Farrington Field Watch the TXWES Rams take on Lyon College. Register online to receive free admission into the game. REUNION Find more at txwes.edu/homecoming TXWES.EDU FALL 2018 | Wesleyan 27 ALUMNI CLASS NOTES Daphne is also a Tarrant Change Agent, 1960s 1990s leading Fort Worth’s Rising Stars Youth Larry “Buddy” Graham ’64 was Chris Masingill ’97 was named CEO Leadership Academy. inducted into the St. Louis Sports Hall of of St. Tammany Parish Development Fame last month. District. He previously served as federal Will Parker ’03 and wife Leah co-chairman welcomed the newest addition to their Marcia Morgan ’68 is running for North of the Delta family, daughter Laila Jane, in July 2017. Carolina House of Representatives. Regional Authority. Shay Dial Johnson ’05 was Masingill will recognized as a 2017 Minority Leader 1970s head STPDD in Business by the Fort Worth Business Evan Faris ’78 is a regular performer at as it assumes Press. She was also recognized as a Graham Regional Theatre and in June he the role of the Tarrant Influencer by BetterTarrant.com. played several characters in the theater’s parish’s lead production of Mel Brooks’ The Producers. economic Martin Garcia ’09 J.D. ’12 married development Kathy Griffin Garcia on January 24. t Lyle Kanouse ’75 and wife Audrey organization. Wasilewski recently produced Sequence Break, a surreal sci-fi romance wherein a Melissa Stanford Oden ’97 was mysterious arcade game threatens the reality promoted to assistant professor in the of a reclusive video arcade technician. Department of Health Behavior and Health Kanouse also appears in the film. t Systems at the UNT Health Science Center School of Public Health in March. Melissa also recently completed Anael Luebanos ’09 J.D. ’09 her work on participated in the School Supply Drive Emergency Preparedness and Recovery: A sponsored by Judge Sergio De Leon Toolkit for Rural Communities, which was ’98, the United Educators Association published on March 1 and is now available and the Fort Worth Professional at Planners4Health, Texas Public Health Firefighters Local 440 in January 2018. Association and Northeast Texas Public Health District. The Toolkit was awarded Emily Vitek Milutin ’09 welcomed a national Promising Practice Award at the baby Josephine on January 4. t National Association of City and County Health Officials.
1980s 2000s Glen Tuggle ’85 hosted a meet and greet Daphne Brookins ’01 was reappointed fundraiser for Beverly Volkman Powell by Gov. Greg Abbott to the OneStar ’92 MBA ’99, Democratic nominee for state National Service Commission and will Senate in District 10. The event was held in serve through March 2019. She recently June at Shaw’s Patio Bar & Grill, owned by accepted a new position with the Texas TXWES alumna, Ann Shaw ’87. Proceeds Workforce Solutions as the Youth benefitted Beverly’s campaign. Administrator over all youth programs.
28 Wesleyan | FALL 2018 TXWES.EDU Niky Morrison ’15 graduated with her Jacey Patton ’18 was filmed during 2010s master’s of science in higher education the 2018 Fort Worth Invitational Golf Chris ’10 and Joy Millard Hatcher ’11 administration with a concentration in Tournament at Colonial Country Club welcomed new baby Orland (Ollie) Wiley student affairs in April from the University and featured on NBC’s The Golf Channel. t Hatcher into the world on May 29. of North Florida in Jacksonville. She She was a recipient of the Ben Hogan recently accepted a position at Florida Foundation Mentor Scholarship and Gateway College in Lake City to help build discussed her experience as a student at their residential and housing life, orientation the university. t and first-year experience programs.
Jacob Rivera-Sanchez ’15 received the Live Theatre League of Tarrant County’s Bill Garber Young Theatre Artist Award, presented by Joe Brown and Bryan Stevenson ’01.
Christian Garcia ’12 married Jason Jessica Liptak Irvin ’15 is now the t Wommack on April 28 in Fort Worth. marketing director for Melt Ice Creams on Magnolia. t
GOT NEWS? The Fort Worth Star-Telegram featured SHARE IT! Matthew Fisher ’13 in a two-part series Nikki Lockwood ’17 is being hailed a highlighting new band directors in Peaster, hero for making a major drug bust just Visit txwes.edu/alumni Texas, in February. Email [email protected] hours into her career as a Southlake police Call 817-531-6548 officer. Her story was featured in the Fort In June, Justin Mikulencak ’13 was Worth Star-Telegram, on WFAA/News 8 commissioned to be ordained in the and on the Southlake DPS Facebook page. Methodist Church. Check out our story about Nikki on page 22.
Claudia Gonzalez ’14 married Jonathan Palmer in December 2017. t OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT & ALUMNI RELATIONS
Jim Lewis ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Julie McCurley ’06 Vice President for BOARD OF DIRECTORS Eric Montoya ’07 M.Ed. ’15, University Advancement Secretary 817-531-4404 John Agee ’75 Sharon Roberson-Jones ’96 [email protected] Trista Allen ’98, President Jennifer (Barnes) Sando ’02 Mark Ball ’79 MA ’87 Glen Tuggle ’85, Jay Beavers ’64, Treasurer Immediate Past President DeAwna Wood ’05 Don Boulware ’64 Jorge Vivar ’76, Vice President Director of Alumni Relations Jimmy Bridges ’04 Brandon Weaver ’00 817-531-6548 Julie Croft ’98 Aaron Young ’98 [email protected] Sergio De Leon ’98 Julian Hobdy ’18 EX-OFFICIO Bruce Laughlin ’92 Carl G. Schrader René Lawson ’81 Veronica Martinez ’81
TXWES.EDU FALL 2018 | Wesleyan 29 TO HONOR A RAM IN WESLEYAN MAGAZINE: REMEMBRANCES Please email [email protected].
and greater communities. As alumni, they Rodriguez, dean of the School of Natural Gilbert “Gil” Ferrell ’44 HON ’85 served on numerous committees and as and Social Sciences. In his memory, June 20, 2018 inaugural alumni representatives. Sabra Professor Rodriguez has established the Fort Worth enjoyed receiving student thank you notes Roberto Cesar Rodriguez Education from her families’ endowed scholarships Fund. If you are interested in supporting The Rev. Dr. Gil Ferrell was a graduate at the university. Gifts in Sabra’s memory this endowment, contact Gina Phillips at of Polytechnic High School, Texas may be sent to the Sabra Hester Doggett [email protected] or 817-531-4220. Wesleyan University and SMU. He was a Endowed Scholarship at Texas Wesleyan retired Methodist pastor, urban missioner University, 1201 Wesleyan Street, Fort Walter Toxey and seminary professor. He and wife Worth, Texas, 76105. Contact Gina Phillips June 30, 2018 Dorris Renfro Ferrell ’47 were both very at [email protected] or 817-531-4220 for Arlington involved with TXWES. As a student, Gil information. participated in student council and the Walter Toxey Methodist Thomas “Tom” Cockerell ’72 held the Student June 21, 2018 Armstrong Movement, Fort Worth Endowed was a thespian Professorship and a recipient Tom Cockerell was a longtime dentist in for 23 years. He of the elite Fort Worth. He was drafted during World served as Bexar Guardian of War II and later served as a dentist in the County assistant the Golden Air Force. Tom district attorney, Shears award. and his wife, was director of constitutional research He remained Gwendolyn, at the Louisiana State Law Institute and connected to raised five taught at other colleges in Texas and TXWES in children – Louisiana. He served in the U.S. Army, many ways, Pamela ’70, Tom retiring as full colonel from the Judge including Jr. ’74, LaVonne Advocate General’s Corps and serving as service as a class agent, an inauguration ’75, Perry ’78 commanding officer of the 48th Criminal representative and a former alumni board and Jesse ’80. Detachment and as director of the U.S. president. He received the Alumni of Tom was a Army School of Civil Affairs. the Year Award in 1968 and an honorary member of many doctorate degree in 1985. organizations and enjoyed playing Twyla Sabra Hester Doggett ’70 trombone in the Shriner Band. A lifelong Miranda May 31, 2018 learner, he graduated from TXWES May 25, 2018 Bedford in ’75 with a B.A. in English and later Arlington received an M.Ed. from Texas Women’s Sabra Hester University. The family will greatly miss Twyla Miranda, Doggett his sense of humor and the adventures he beloved education graduated from created for his children. faculty member Texas Wesleyan for nearly 30 in 1970, the same years, was a year she married FAC U LT Y fierce advocate Gordon Doggett & FAMILY for children, ’68. Their literacy and education. She served Roberto son, Jeffrey, with distinction as the chair of the Rodriguez graduated from Department of Education, director April 5, 2018 TXWES in 1999. As a student, Sabra was of Wesleyan’s Reading Program and Fort Worth involved in many organizations including director of the Doctorate Program in Alpha Chi, Mortar Board, Golden Shears Education. The family requested that Roberto was and Autiss. Both Gordon and Sabra were memorials be made to Mission Arlington the son of Ric active members of their university, church in Twyla’s name.
30 Wesleyan | FALL 2018 TXWES.EDU JOIN US. GET INVOLVED. STAY IN TOUCH.
Visit txwes.edu/alumni
Email [email protected]
Call 817-531-6548
ALUMNI & FRIENDS
Jerry Starnes Dorothy Upchurch March 11, 2018 Betts ’64 Fort Worth Feb. 21, 2018 Arlington Donna Walker March 5, 2018 Lola Jolene Plano Bingham Adams ’65 April 1, 2018 Robert Cohn ’49 Decatur March 6, 2018 Austin James Van Zandt ’65 May 10, 2018 Dr. Rufus Earl ’51 Mansfield Feb. 23, 2018 Gatesville Betty Nelson Hanebutt ’67 Marvin Roland ’51 May 5, 2018 May 18, 2018 North Richland Hills Fort Worth Raymond “Ray” An artful evening Alumni enjoyed a visit to the Brad Oldham Louis Tassione ’51 Coleman ’69 Sculpture studio in Dallas in March. Brad Oldham ’89 is a nationally acclaimed sculptor whose works can be viewed around the globe. M.Ed. ’52 Feb. 28, 2018 Guests heard firsthand how Brad makes his creations come to life May 9, 2018 Fort Worth and took an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of his workshop. They Stephenville also received a special edition TXWES coin created by Brad Oldham Harold “Alan” Sculpture. Jennifer Henderson ’96 and her advertising company, Della Sandifer ’55 Hunsaker ’70 J.O., sponsored the event. June 18, 2018 May 1, 2018 Fort Worth Leawood, KS
Donald Cline ’58 Richard “Kent” March 24, 2018 Van Zandt ’76 Fort Worth Dec. 21, 2017 Hilton Head Island, SC Marguerite Pitts Price ’58 March 14, 2018 David Tomme ’85 Fort Worth May 11, 2018 Fort Worth Claudia Haney Sharp ’62 Feb. 9, 2018 Arlington
David Andrews ’63 March 28, 2018 Rangers Day Alumni, students, staff and friends enjoyed watching the Texas Rangers take on the Boston Red Sox at Wesleyan Granbury Night with the Rangers on May 5. Before the game, the Alumni Association hosted a pregame tailgate with food, drinks, cornhole Obituaries in this issue reflect and giveaways. This is an annual tradition, so we hope you’ll make submissions from January to June 2018. plans to join us next time.
TXWES.EDU FALL 2018 | Wesleyan 31 LAST WORD FAVORITE PROFESSOR
Who’s yours? Let us know.
We asked a few Rams who their favorite professor was and why. Now we want to hear from you! Tell us about your favorite professor in 200 words or less, and we will select some for the spring issue. You’ll be able to find them all online as well. We welcome photo submissions of you and the professor. Send your responses to [email protected].
My first professor,Neil Joe Allen Brown was/is my My favorite Wesleyan professor Dr. Lisa Dryden has Duncan, was always upbeat favorite Wesleyan professor. was Pam Rast. When I applied always been an encouraging and positive. Hud McWilliams I met him my freshman year, to Wesleyan, I planned to get educator. She provided me made me fall in love with and as my advisor he showed some basic courses out of the with guidance during my psychology, which tempted me the ropes in a very no way and transfer somewhere time as an undergraduate me to change my major. Every nonsense way. Having had else to complete a sports and graduate student. year, I would quote him, telling teachers and parents do a medicine degree. However, She stands out above my students, “You are in part lot for me growing up, I when I came to campus, my all the others professors born (heredity), in part made definitely needed that tough academic advisor introduced I’ve known because she (environment), and in part make love as I made my way me to Professor Rast, newly maintains a connection with yourself (choices).” Buddy through college. He didn’t hired as the athletic trainer and her students and has been Carter was my boss, protector, mince words and held me wanting to develop a sports willing to help with projects encourager and “second father.” accountable and for that I am medicine program at Wesleyan. at my school campuses. Her While working on my master’s, grateful! And did I mention Her desire to start the program continued connection and I was greatly influenced byRon the man is hilarious? I mean and the way she treated her willingness to help defines Reed. I pray that the positive he’s really, really funny. students made me want to stay what Texas Wesleyan impact of every person that and finish my degree here. University is all about! helped mold me was evident Shay Dial Johnson ’05 Because of this, I was one of the throughout my 38 years as an Vice President of Community first students to graduate from Eric Montoya ’07 elementary school teacher. To Engagement at Goodwill Texas Wesleyan with a degree M.Ed. ’15 quote Alfred Lord Tennyson (via Industries, Fort Worth in exercise science. Assistant Principal, one of my TXWES professors), J.T. Stevens Elementary “I am a part of all that I have Jeffrey Doggett ’99 School met.” This is truly a summation Baylor Scott and White of the Wesleyan experience. Hospital Fort Worth Emergency room tech and lead Susan Rauss Walker ’76 American Heart Association MA ’86 BLS/ACLS instructor Retired teacher
32 Wesleyan | FALL 2018 TXWES.EDU ALLOW A STUDENT TO SHINE.
Here’s the truth about small things: They change the world. And here’s another truth: There’s no place where your gift can do more than at Texas Wesleyan, where we’re transforming our students’ lives and creating tomorrow’s leaders.
Your gift allows our students to shine – both inside and outside of the classroom. Gifts to The Wesleyan Fund support student scholarships and strengthen our programs. And your participation is extremely valuable. It shows you care about the future of Texas Wesleyan.
Take the challenge now and double your impact.
For every new or increased gift to The Wesleyan Fund, George F. Leone ’49 has pledged a 1-to-1 matching gift up to $100,000. That means your gift does more to help our students. Help us reach our goal of $600,000 – every gift counts, and every gift helps our students shine.
GIVE TODAY AT TXWES.EDU/MYGIFT 1201 Wesleyan Street Fort Worth, Texas 76105-1536
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Spirit, let’s hear it Season 2 of Ram football got off to a great start with the first home game hosting more than 2,300 cheering fans. Every home game begins two hours before kickoff in the family-friendly Ram Zone, which features food, music, games, prizes and more. Don’t miss homecoming on Nov. 3, when the Rams take on Lyon College at Farrington Field. We can’t wait to see you!