...the Future of McMurry

THE Alumni Magazine of McMurry Universit y THE Alumni Magazine of McMurry Universit y From the President F A L L 2 0 0 7

Dear McMurry Alumni and Friends:

As you receive this issue of the Chieftain, McMurry’s maturation that is so important a part of the McMurry Featured Stories Class of 2011 is on campus and is becoming fully Experience—that’s inspirational! engaged into the McMurry Family. It’s always an exciting And here’s another reason why we’re excited about the of the time when the energy level of the future! The witness of alumni kingdom our lives steps up…a new school who are “products” of the McMurry 4 Bishopcurrency Dan E. Solomon, Bishop-in- Residence, explores McMurry’s year, with the presence of new Experience cannot be denied. They relationship with the United Methodist church. and returning students, provides know the impact of a nurturing higher that energy pulse. One can only education experience. In them you see imagine with excitement how the that leadership, excellence and virtue coming year will unfold. were cultivated by a caring and engaged Gerri and I are now into our campus community. Through them we The deans of McMurry’s six academic schools discuss their perspectives sixth year at McMurry. Neither are all better equipped to imagine the 8 on McMurry’s future in relation to their respective disciplines. Also, meet of us could have imagined how possibilities that lie before McMurry stand-out students in each school and their plans for the future. the McMurry Experience would students of today…and tomorrow. How impact us. But it has! From the could we not share the excitement of moment we arrived, the McMurry these alumni featured in this Chieftain? campus, the McMurry mission… And we imagine a bright Capital Campaign Leadership Spotlights and the McMurry Family have future because of our friends. We are Meet four of the many men and women who will lead McMurry into 22 its Capital Campaign. conspired to make our first five inspired by friends who share our years most fulfilling. But more passion for McMurry and its students. importantly, the McMurry Family Friends, whose sense of service has inspired us to make the next and commitment to the McMurry Letter from the President...... 2 Published by the Letter from the President...... Inside Cover five years the best years of our lives. mission, energize us. They clearly see the role McMurry McMurry University Office Athletics Update...... 30 And here’s why! We are excited by the opportunity University will play in shaping the future…and want to of University Relations DevelopmentAthletics Update Corner...... 32 McMurry has to shape the future of our students. And take part in enabling that future. They inspire us with Box 938 McM Station Friends & Family ...... 3334 through them, we can only imagine how McMurry their conviction! Abilene, Texas 79697 HomecomingClass Notes. . 2007. . . Photos ...... 3438 University will shape the future of our region…and the Enjoy this Chieftain. And take the time to get to ©2007 ClassFriends Notes We’ll. Miss...... 3944 future of our nation. As you walk across campus, or visit know some of the folks, members of the McMurry with the students in this Chieftain, you’ll quickly come Family, who inspire Gerri and me. I am confident they’ll Contributors Steve Crisman to share the enthusiasm with which Gerri and I look inspire you like they inspire us…they’re shaping the Jan Boles Greeley Myers ‘93 McMurry PR PESIDENTRESIDENT and andOFFIC OFFIERS CERS forward to the future. The leadership provided by the future! Steve CrismanGary EllisonKyle Robarts deans and faculty of our six schools sets a grand stage Gary EllisonSheila KittsDr. ‘01 John H. Russell Dr. John H. Russell Lisa Williams for the intellectual preparation for that future. And like With Warm Regards, Dale Evers ‘82Melissa LindvilleJames Shelton PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT FOR FINANCIAL AFFAIRS Greeley Myers ‘93 their predecessors, McMurry’s deans and faculty serve Dr. Paul Fabrizio Bishop Dan E. Solomon ‘58 Dr. Beverly Lenoir Steve Crisman as living templates for the social, physical and spiritual Amber GilbertKyle RobartsNancy Smith ‘79 VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS VICE PRESIdenT FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Dr. Perry Kay Haley-BrownDr. John H. RussellErin Stevens ‘06 Erin Stevens ‘06 Dave Voskuil John H. Russell, President Sheila Kitts ‘01 Dr. Christina Wilson VICE PRESIDENT FOR ENROLLMENT Brad Poorman Dr. K.O. Long Dr. ‘70 Christina WilsonDr. Gary Wilson MANAGEMENT VICE PRESIDENT FOR INFORMATION & Support SERVICES Cover Photo by Amber Allen “Whatever you imagine Can one day come to be……”

In a higher education institution, you expect to find a laboratory for the mind…. A place where the possibilities are only limited by the creative ideas of visionary leaders, the energy and courage to explore the unknown and the belief and trust in the people who can make dreams come true.

“There are dreams to awaken, Roads to be taken….”

McMurry University is constantly evolving into such a place where the emphasis is on developing the potential, dreaming and planning for the future. In this issue of the Chieftain, we ask you to Imagine with us, to share in our vision. The world is open to our students, and their preparation for a world without boundaries should likewise be unfettered by limitations.

“There are worlds filled with treasure, “There are miracles waiting, Time without measure, So keep concentrating To learn whatever you may need to know.” And I promise you that if you do…. As we journey toward our centennial celebration in 2023, McMurry is poised and prepared to move out of the realm of idea incubation Whatever you imagine can come true….* into dream realization. This issue of theChieftain is dedicated to the birth of a grand dream and a future reality of a McMurry University unsurpassed in academic excellence, and dedicated to graduating generations of enlightened and humane leaders for tomorrow. As alumni and friends, we invite you to join us as we imagine McMurry’s *“Whatever You Imagine”, role in making dreams come true. words and music written by Wendy Moten

 M c M urr y U niversit y the ofcurrency thekingdom

f United Methodists were to bishop dan e. solomon mint a coin it would have bishop-in-residence “knowledge” on one side and “vital piety” on the other. These words were given to us by Charles Wesley in a hymn he wroteI for the opening of Kingswood School—the first education effort of the early Methodist movement in 18th Century England. 

“Our heritage reflects a passion for informed mi nds and faith-formed hearts.” M c M urr y U niversit y  “ B o t h the of the kingdom c h u r c h a n d currencyOur heritage reflects a passion for informed such lively and formative fashion. minds and faith-formed hearts. Such “currency of the McMurry students come from their communities c a m p u s a r e kingdom” represents an important investment that of origin into a community that is inclusive and equips persons to help the world become a place of affirming. From first year student orientation through a l i n k e d i n a healing and hope. myriad of campus organizations and activities, students Moving toward its centennial in 2023, McMurry experience a family of caring and encouragement that m u t u a l i t y is even now in the right place and the right time to pushes them toward academic excellence and shepherds leave the imprint of “knowledge and vital piety” upon a them in leadership development and servant ministry. o f m i n i s t r y generation of students who are yearning for deepened “Knowledge and vital piety” are not only spirituality in companionship with academic excellence. imprints on the coin of our heritage—each one reflects w i t h o u t Taking its mission seriously has led McMurry to launch the substance of a life anchored in the kind of “essential the “Shaping the Future” campaign. As a result of currency” needed to be morally, spiritually and w h i c h the successful completion of this visionary endeavor, intellectually solvent in these fractured times. scholarships will be funded for discipleship training, “These are the times that try men’s (and women’s) e a c h mission outreach endeavors, interdisciplinary learning souls” is an apt description of this era, as well as the opportunities and expanded religious life experiences. one in which it was written. Whether or not McMurry w o u l d be Whether it is direct scholarship assistance students can live in these “trying times” with clarity of or the building of facilities in which learning will purpose, sensitivity to the needs of others and a grasp of d i m i n i s h e d be enhanced, McMurry students are worthy of the the intellectual insights needed to function effectively, generous investment of financial resources by all who depends, in great measure, upon McMurry faculty, i n v i ta l i t y cherish moral values and academic excellence. When staff and students being united in the cultivation of individuals and foundations participate in the “Shaping “leadership, excellence and virtue in every student every a n d the Future” campaign, they can be confident that their day.” There is an abundance of evidence that McMurry is funds are helping to shape a generation of students succeeding in shaping students to shape a future worthy relevance.” whose intellectual achievement is combined with service, to be lived. leadership and character. United Methodism and McMurry are in a Valuing its relationship with The United providential partnership. Loving God with mind and Methodist Church, McMurry is partnering with heart and loving neighbor in ways that bless and build congregations and Annual Conferences in creating up require all the insights and competencies that can settings for academic inquiry and ministry training be claimed and nurtured by church and campus. From for clergy and laity. In addition, students who enroll the church, McMurry is enriched by a strong Christian at McMurry are discovering that a journey of spiritual heritage, a clear appreciation and affirmation of the role maturity can be embraced in classroom, chapel, of Christian higher education and a moral compass community life and servant ministry. focused on the life and teachings of Jesus. Learning happens by absorption Conversely, from and through McMurry, and acquisition. Persons learn and the church is blessed to have faculty, mature because of the context in staff and students who can inform and transformation of the world. Faculty, staff and students diminished in vitality and relevance. Being enriched which they live and also because of shape its life and mission. The academic care deeply about contributing to a healthy and hopeful by each other creates a dynamic setting in which the content they study. What makes integrity that articulates the truths of world. Such a mission requires all the “knowledge and students are positively equipped to live productively and McMurry special is the way faith, literature, science, the arts and vital piety” that we can embrace. faithfully. Consequently, McMurry is uniquely poised in which “context” and business constructively serves the church Both church and campus are linked in a to shape students who can, and will, shape an exciting “content” are present in in its mission of making disciples for the mutuality of ministry without which each would be future. 

 M c M urr y U niversit y M c M urr y U niversit y  emotional and the imaginative capacities. They are truly knowledge will give them the ground to start from, and Dr. Christina Wilson distinctive from other disciplines and naturally lend their culture will lead them as deep as philosophy and Dean, School of Arts and Letters themselves to interdisciplinary learning approaches, as high as art” (The Aims of Education and Other Essays, collaborative efforts and liberal learning concepts. 1923). For example, art, music and theatre have important How do you view your role in strengthening McMurry University’s academic connections to literature, math, science and modern How will the new restructuring of the academic area into programs as we approach our Centennial in 2023? languages. The School of Arts and Letters is a rich place six schools change the way McMurry educates its students? I believe my role as Dean of the School of Arts and Letters will be to make many interdisciplinary connections. Ultimately, McMurry’s current and future resources are to help achieve, through expert direction from the Arts and Letters We must build on strong programs already in its students. Departmental and institutional reputation, faculty, a significant place for the School at McMurry’s centennial. More place at McMurry, and endeavor to find ways to help success and financial viability all rest on whether or not specifically, it is my desire that the Arts and Letters disciplines will help shape the future of not only Arts and Letters, but the students succeed at McMurry and in their choice of define what, and who, McMurry will become during the next 16 years. future of the institution of which we are a part. We must careers. All McMurry students need to be well-equipped The School of Arts and Letters should take its place as a leader in campus go beyond simply making a place, to truly defining what to succeed (and be excellent) not only in their discipline, interdisciplinary approaches and liberal learning models. that place will be in 2023. but in possible careers outside of their discipline. Most importantly, the School of Arts and Letters can serve as an According to A.N. Whitehead, “Culture is responsive academic programs that incorporate interdisciplinary learning role model for the other five schools. Arts and activity of thought, and receptiveness to beauty and interdisciplinary learning approaches and liberal learning Letters disciplines, by their nature, lend themselves to more than just humane feeling. Scraps of information have nothing concepts help ensure the success of McMurry students. educating well-informed people. These disciplines are a unique aggregate to do with it. A merely well-informed man is a useless I believe McMurry’s new academic structure will allow of components of the psychological, the intellectual, the physical, the bore on God’s earth. What we should aim at producing the University to build on currently strong academic is men (and women) who possess both culture and programs and to foster new, innovative ones focused on expert knowledge in some special direction. Their expert interdisciplinary approaches and student success.  our academic future the future of our students

Born in St. Cloud, Minnesota and raised in Slaton, Texas, by his single S c h O O L OF mother, Brian Hecimovich has always had dreams of becoming a high When asked how McMurry is preparing him to reach his dreams, Brian credited school band director. Brian participates in the McMurry Band and ANd the resourcefulness of the McMurry music faculty. “Most of the faculty are involved in their Arts will be the Drum Major for the fall semester. He is also a member of own church’s music ministry,” he stated, “so they can provide ‘real world’ examples to their LEttErs the McMurry Chanters and is the Bass Section Leader. After being classroom.” Though Brian’s curriculum is geared toward music education in public schools, hired at Aldersgate United Methodist Church as the choir director, he can apply what he is learning to all facets of teaching music, regardless of the venue or Brian made a commitment to help church members dedicate their situation. “The McMurry music faculty has many years of teaching experience and can talents to glorifying God. As the full-time music director at Aldersgate address any situation that future teachers and music leaders may find themselves UMC, Brian conducts the chancel choir, handbell choir, children’s in. They often provide real life examples and are always available for further one- choir and the Aldersgate Brass Ensemble. He leads congregational on-one discussion,” Brian said.  singing, directs the choir on Sunday mornings and holds rehearsals throughout the week. And, in addition to his school work and choir Class of 2008 practices, Brian teaches music lessons to local high school students. Brian hopes to stay involved with church music after college. Slaton, Texas “Church choirs today are dwindling, and my hope is to instill Music Education Major U R R Y U N I V E R S excitement for choral music in any church where I may work or C M I T Y M attend. Music is such an important part of one’s worship. It’s a universal language that brings people around the world together,” Brian said.

 M c M urr y U niversit y M c M urr y U niversit y  opportunities, as well as employing other innovative quality students, providing assistance to business faculty Dr. K.O. Long approaches. These types of invaluable opportunities enable and cultivating relationships for the School of Business. Dean, School of Business students to see the connection between their classroom studies and the “real world” of business; How will the new restructuring of the academic area into six How do you view your role in strengthening McMurry University’s academic • Assist more students to study abroad. Because of the schools change the way McMurry educates its students? programs as we approach our Centennial in 2023? cost of the trip, many students are unable to participate in Although much of the impact of restructuring into While it is not an exhaustive list, I believe that my role in strengthening travel courses. It is an extraordinary opportunity for our six schools will be administrative in nature, the academic programs in the School of Business by 2023 should include the students to travel to one of the world’s business capitals reorganization will increase the opportunities for following, in no particular order: and to meet with representatives of major companies in student contact with deans, and it should result in better a small group setting to discuss issues of international communication between the deans and their students. • Increase the level of participation among alumni of the Business management and marketing. Enabling students to Under this format, deans will also have teaching School. Certainly, the sharing of financial resources is important, but the participate in such activities will better prepare them for responsibilities, which will allow the deans to maintain contribution by alumni of their time, their expertise and their contacts, the competition of current and future global markets; classroom contact with students. Even students who is a valuable addition to the business program. Business alumni have a do not have classes taught by “their” dean, will see the wealth of experiences they could share with current and potential students • Insure that our business program is challenging, dean more frequently. This increased familiarity should by speaking to classes, participating in teleconferences, or serving on the relevant and evolving, in order to prepare our students encourage students to communicate with the dean of their School of Business Advisory Board; for employment and for graduate or professional schools. school, if they deem it necessary. This will require periodic review and evaluation of • Encourage creative approaches to “hands-on” experiences for business Increasing the number of deans should create core business courses and business concentrations to students. Those experiences could include additional internship additional opportunities for professional development, determine their relevance and rigor; which can result in new and creative approaches to student learning. These ideas will be shared by the deans • Advocate for the business program. This could involve as they work collaboratively to benefit their students. our academic future such things as assisting in efforts to attract and to retain the future of our students

S c h O O L OF Originally from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Emily Mitchell and her Emily believes that she is very lucky to have BUsINEss family moved to Abilene in 2004. Emily’s husband, Justin, received such a high quality education from some of the is a specialist in the United States Army and is currently best instructors and professors on any college campus. Class of 2008 serving a tour of duty in Iraq, with hopes of returning “I walked onto campus that first day of class in August Abilene, Texas home before Christmas. In addition to Emily’s school 2004, not knowing anyone or anything about the school,” work, she is kept busy with her three small children, stated Emily, “but I felt welcome, and I sensed that the Business Major Kristin, 5, Matthew, 2, and Autumn, 9 months. professors were there to help me and that they genuinely Emily began her McMurry tenure in the fall cared about my success.” According to one of Emily’s of 2004 as a nursing major, but after taking her first professors, Clara Richardson, “Emily is the kind of accounting class, she was convinced that this was the student who makes teaching a joy. Regardless of what life career she wanted to pursue. After graduation, she plans dishes out, whether it’s a sick baby or a problem at work, to sit for the CPA exam. According to Emily, “I look she has a smile on her face and her class work done.” forward to having a better way to provide for my family Before Emily moved to Abilene, she attended the Y U N I V U R R E R S I and to be able to do things with them that I wouldn’t University of Arizona in Tucson. “I felt lost in the crowd M T C Emily C Y M M otherwise be able to do. It’s taken me a little longer than there; I’ve never felt that way at McMurry, and for that I most to attain my bachelor’s degree, but I feel like I’m am grateful.”  MITCHELL following God’s plan for my life and He will reward me accordingly.”

10 M c M urr y U niversit y M c M urr y U niversit y 11 Dr. Perry Kay Haley-Brown Dean, School of Education

How do you view your role in strengthening McMurry University’s academic programs as we approach our Centennial in 2023? The School of Education will constantly work to meet new laws, rules and standards from the State of Texas as they apply to teacher How will the new restructuring of the academic area into certification. The Dean and Assistant Dean constantly update the six schools change the way McMurry educates its students? department on trends and issues in education. We also receive guidance The restructuring of McMurry University into six schools from our School of Education Advisory Board and the McMurry will improve communication and collaboration. The Education Advisory Council. Our goal is to prepare excellent classroom State Board of Educator Certification and the Texas teachers whose students excel in public and private school classrooms. Education Agency often make changes in teacher We expect to constantly restructure our programs and goals to meet certification rules and teaching fields that require a quick public and private school expectations. In doing so, we can continue to response from the University. The restructuring will be one of the best Schools of Education in the state of Texas and maintain enhance those processes, and our students will benefit that reputation to the year 2023, our centennial year, and beyond. from our ability to move quickly to update programs. 

our academic future the future of our students

S c h O O L OF Maghen Martinez was born and raised in Abilene. Currently Class of 2008 pursuing a degree in Multidisciplinary Studies with an emphasis efforts to help students accomplish their dreams of Abilene, Texas EdUCAtION in Early Childhood and Bilingual Education, Maghen is looking working with children. “They teach students how to Education Major forward to her final year at McMurry and student teaching in the look past the lifestyle that children bring to school spring. She is a member of ATPE (Association of Texas Public and focus on helping them overcome and learn,” Educators), where she serves as the parliamentarian. In addition, Maghen said. “I feel that McMurry excels at preparing she serves as historian for Kappa Delta Pi, the Education Honor its teachers to enter the classroom. We are exposed to Society. many situations that can occur and are taught how to Because of the critical need for bilingual teachers, Maghen be prepared.” Maghen enjoys the small classroom sizes sees a promising future with her degree. “I am excited about and compliments the faculty on their willingness to stepping out into the education field,” she said. After graduation, prepare future teachers for classroom success. She said, Maghen plans to teach here in the Abilene area, preferably “We are taught the meaning of cooperative learning, in a lower socio-economic school. She expresses a desire and which I believe is the foundation of commitment to use her talents wherever God places her. teaching. You have to learn how to R Y U N I V E M U R R S I T Maghen chose to come to McMurry because her sister cooperate with others.” Through M C Y is an alumnus and because she was drawn to the atmosphere on her influence on her students, campus. “It seemed like a campus that was more about its students it is evident that she will do her than about the glitz and glamour,” she observed. part to shape the future for a new she applauded the McMurry Education Department’s generation of McMurry students. 

12 M c M urr y U niversit y M c M urr y U niversit y 13 Dr. Gary Wilson science takes place at the intersection of disciplines, How will the new restructuring of the academic area into six where the perspectives from chemistry and physics and schools change the way McMurry educates its students? Dean, School of Natural and Computational Sciences computer science, for example, all contribute to “the The new structure for the schools differs most in having a next breakthrough.” We will have to insure that our dean and assistant dean overseeing operations instead of How do you view your role in strengthening McMurry University’s academic science programs continue to support one another and a dean and department chairs. We will capitalize on this programs as we approach our Centennial in 2023? aggressively pursue fields where faculty from different change by spreading the responsibilities among all science At a meeting I attended several years ago it was stated that our SNCS departments share a vision and work together faculty so each contributes to the success of the department sophistication in technology doubles every 15 to 18 months. Even if this is in their research and training of students. Finally, we and school. a horribly overstated statistic, we can expect that many of the jobs in 2023 have to remember that how science and technology The programs of SNCS are heavily influenced by will involve knowledge and technology not yet dreamed of. How do we are applied will be a moving target. Today’s USB jump Project Kaleidoscope (PKAL) and its emphasis on doing prepare our students to be competitive when the target has not yet been drive will go the way of yesterday’s 5¼-inch floppy, and “what works.” Restructuring allows us to more intentionally drawn? today’s DNA fingerprinting similarly will be replaced by implement that model throughout our curricula, and We will strengthen our future science programs by embracing a cheaper, easier, faster and more powerful alternative. in doing so, to improve the success of our students and several truths. First, the laws of nature are immutable. We cannot go This inevitability requires us to remain involved in retention in their majors. More emphasis on students wrong if our School of Natural and Computational Sciences (SNCS) research and teach our students “what is to be” through “doing science” will be central to our success. Such work programs provide a solid understanding of the basic laws of science. their involvement in our research. Science spectators will is rarely done without collaboration outside a department, Solid training in math and the fundamentals of a science discipline is the never be as marketable or prepared for applying their and so our students will see that each science discipline essential foundation upon which tomorrow’s successful scientists will foundational skills and knowledge as those who have “game does not exist in a vacuum. We can retain more students be built. Second, we have to recognize that science is becoming more experience.” by having departments provide options to pursue science interdisciplinary in nature. It has been said that all of the interesting If we succeed in transforming our culture to and math from either a basic or an applied perspective. I embrace these truths, McMurry’s science graduates of 2023 believe our innovative approach to teacher preparation will will have a very bright future. result in outstanding teachers with unmatched levels of

our academic future understanding, breadth and experience.  the future of our students

S c h O O L OF NAtUrAL ANd Born in Guanajuato, Mexico, and raised in Merkel, Texas, Salvador Prieto is the middle of three children and COMPUtAtIONAL the first in his immediate family to attend college. sCIENCEs Entering his junior year at McMurry, Salvador is very involved on McMurry’s campus, having served in gained independence and built a substantial number of personal relationships numerous organizations, including junior class senator 01010101000010101001011 with his fellow students and professors. “The knowledge and success I have in McMurry Student Government, secretary for the Tri- 01010101010101011010100 acquired are the result of the core values which are instilled here at McMurry,” Beta Biological Honor Society, a Tribe Guide, a member 10101010101010101011111 stated Salvador. “McMurry has given me wisdom, compassion and the of the Chemistry Club and a Teacher’s Assistant for the 01010101100100110101011 capacity to use them in life.”  Chemistry Department. 1001101001 salvador envisions a bright future for himself after his graduation from McMurry. He hopes to enroll in medical school and work towards his M.D. According to Salvador, “I know it will be tough, and I will have to Class of 2009 work to overcome my limitations; but in the long run, it R Y U N I V E M U R R S I T Merkel, Texas M C Y will be such an accomplishment.” salvador believes that McMurry challenges and Biology Major simultaneously rewards him each and every day. He has

14 M c M urr y U niversit y M c M urr y U niversit y 15 Dr. Jan Noles Dean, Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing

How do you view your role in strengthening McMurry University’s academic programs as we approach our Centennial in 2023? The administration of Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing through knowledge of the mission, purposes and outcomes of operational structure. Therefore, the nursing school McMurry University will facilitate academic excellence through three baccalaureate education at McMurry University. Third, will likely experience less of a change in its educational avenues: First, we will continue to maintain active communication the administration will continue to improve and update policies and practices than some of the other schools processes with faculty involved in teaching foundational courses for the the nursing curriculum to insure the preparation of safe within McMurry University. The School of Nursing will study of nursing. Because a strong foundation is vital, nursing faculty and competent McMurry nursing professionals to enter remain an integral part of the overall academic plan for continually reinforce to incoming students the need to “hang on” to the the workforce, to make a positive difference in the lives students in the University and, hopefully, will become information presented in those courses. We will continue to focus on of patients and their families, and ultimately, to promote a more active player in some of the new courses that any additional concepts that could be included in those foundational health and wellness throughout the world. will emerge as a portion of the new academic core. courses which will strengthen student success in nursing studies, as well The School of Nursing will make a commitment to as support those faculty members in maintaining the academic rigor of How will the new restructuring of the academic area into remain aware of academic changes as they emerge and those courses. Second, the administration will support nursing faculty six schools change the way McMurry educates its students? encourage active participation by students and faculty  involvement in various academic committees to allow for increased Partly because of its geographical separation from within the new academic structure. the universities in Abilene, the School of Nursing has historically been somewhat autonomous in its our academic future the future of our students

career, Sarah has been very involved in organizations where she will work. A successful summer internship such as Campus Activities Board, Gamma Sigma Social as a patient care technician in the newborn nursery at Club, Religious Life Council, Tribe Guide, the Honors Hendrick Medical Center has led Sarah to consider a Program, Chanters and Alpha Chi. After starting specialization in pediatric nursing after graduation. nursing school in the fall of 2006, she has been serving Crediting her McMurry experience with in the Student Nurses Association and the nursing shaping her as a person, Sarah said, “McMurry awarded honors society, Sigma Theta Tau. me the funding through an honors scholarship that sarah will graduate from McMurry in May made it possible for me to come here. The University has 2008, and plans to take the nursing licensure board also given me a wonderful community of friends and exam to become a Registered Nurse. In the near future, has helped me transition from being a teenager out of she will make a decision high school into a prepared adult, ready to pursue my The daughter of McMurry alumnus, Jason Fry ’81, Sarah Fry graduated regarding the hospital career. My professors were an asset to my education, and from high school in Kingsville, Texas. Her parents now live in Victoria, I know that all the friends I have made at McMurry will Texas where her father currently serves as the pastor of the First United Class of 2008 be friends for years to come.”  Methodist Church. Sarah followed in her dad’s footsteps by attending McMurry and, in the spring of 2007, Sarah and her dad both received Victoria, Texas their Official McMurry Class Ring together. During her McMurry Nursing Major

16 M c M urr y U niversit y M c M urr y U niversit y 17 Dr. Paul Fabrizio Dean, School of Social Sciences and Religion

How do you view your role in strengthening McMurry University’s academic programs as we approach our Centennial in 2023? How will the new restructuring of the academic area into The development of the “life of the mind” is the ultimate objective of the six schools change the way McMurry educates its students? academic programs here at McMurry. Through rigorous and creative The new restructuring of the academic area into six faculty teaching, research and advising, students can develop their God- schools allows for greater freedom for the faculty to do given talent of thinking. As Dean of the School of Social Sciences and what they do best—teach, study, research, publish and Religion, my role is to encourage the faculty in their endeavors and to advise. I hope the easing of the administrative burden help strengthen the climate of thinking here on campus. Students who on the faculty will give them more freedom to be can think will become leaders in their families, churches, careers and faculty. The students at McMurry will benefit from their communities. The cultivation of excellent thinkers who can practice interaction with faculty who are more focused on the virtuous leadership is what McMurry’s academic program is all about. academic mission of the University. 

our academic future the future of our students Sarah Sonnen’s passion for missions has truly made a huge impact on S c h O O L OF the McMurry community. As Missions Ministry Team Coordinator and it shows; as a result I admire the passion they put into their work.” She is planning on for the Religious Life Council, Sarah helps plan and design mission graduating from McMurry and attending graduate school to become a history professor. sOCIAL trips for the McMurry community on the local, national and A When Sarah was presented with the offer of becoming Missions Ministry Team Nd international level. Through hard work and persistence, Sarah sCIENCEs Coordinator for Religious Life, she felt overwhelmed, but honored. “The process was planned McMurry’s first school-sponsored mission trip to the challenging, both spiritually and mentally,” she confessed. “However, I experienced a rELIGION Navajo Reservation in Shiprock, New Mexico during the 2006-2007 deeper passion for those who will be served and for those who did not know how much school year. In addition, Sarah organized a two-week mission trip they could do for someone else.” She feels that McMurry has given her confidence, last summer in Curico, Chile. Crediting God with helping her to not only in her school work and social accomplish such a task, Sarah stated, “As a novice, I had no prior life, but also in planning her future. In experience in planning any type of mission opportunities; however, addition to being a college professor, through much prayer, support and patience, God showed me the she has aspirations of becoming a power of humility. I no longer planned trips according to my will, motivational speaker, but God’s will.” reaching out to those who sarah credits the McMurry community with having a have a passion for missions. tremendous impact on preparing her to reach her dreams in “I have bigger dreams for three areas: preparing her for her career, providing her ministry U R R Y U N I V E R S myself,” Sarah admits. “McMurry C M I T Y opportunities and developing her self-confidence. Sarah Class of 2008 M has had a hand in molding me knew before coming to McMurry that she wanted to be a San Antonio, Texas into what I have become.”  history major. “The history professors here make my classes History Major challenging and exciting,” commented Sarah. “They love history

18 M c M urr y U niversit y M c M urr y U niversit y 19 DEVELOPMENT CORNER

McMurry University is moving forward in its planning and execution of a comprehensive capital campaign. Campaign planning began in the spring of 2006 with a feasibility study to determine goals and action steps needed to accomplish a successful campaign. Trustees approved the conducting of a $53 million dollar campaign last October (2006). Strategies quickly were finalized and volunteer leadership (Campaign Cabinet) of McMurry alumni, friends, faculty and staff was recruited.

The campaign’s overall goal is shaping student lives • developing a faculty for the 21st century by creating with a “McMurry Experience” that challenges them six endowed chairs and a faculty development daily to achieve and develop character, leadership and endowment; and academic success. The result will be students prepared • building on strength in science and math through and empowered to shape the future. The Campaign the expansion of programs in a newly renovated addresses four areas: Science building. • enhancing academic achievement by creating To achieve success, the campaign will need to attract endowed merit and need-based scholarships and new resources to fulfill its vision to shape students’ lives creating endowed scholarships that support mission while remaining true to its mission and core values. and interdisciplinary trips; This campaign is the largest initiative the University • creating an ideal living and learning environment has ever embraced and will require alumni, students, through the expansion of church relations and parents, faculty, staff, friends and trustees to invest in the construction of a Leadership Center; the expansion future. Ultimately, this campaign will refine McMurry’s Bynum of the Student Wellness Center and improvement uniqueness so that it will continue to remain the college of athletic facilities; and the renovation of Radford of choice for students who want to be challenged to MIERS ‘59 Auditorium and Bynum Band Hall; achieve and become the leaders of the 21st century. This issue features just a few of the alumni committed to this campaign. Dian Leadership of the campaign consists of alumni, friends, faculty and staff who are passionate and committed campaign co-chairs to McMurry and the campaign’s success. Monthly Cabinet meetings are being held and, in addition, many STAI more hours have been contributed to planning strategies, donor development and solicitation. A public You will be hearing more about announcement of the Cabinet members will be made during Homecoming 2007 in October. We believe that this leadership group will be an inspiration to everyone currently connected with McMurry and will serve as our co-chairs’ stories in the a catalyst for new McMurry friends to join us! spring issue of the Chieftain and The campaign has already achieved several of its project goals, including improved athletic facilities other mailings. to support football, track and tennis; a new Welcome Center (housing Alumni Offices); and a renovated Bynum Band Hall. These projects were accomplished with generous individual and foundation gifts totaling over $17 million to date. Donor development activities will continue throughout the remainder of 2007 and into the spring of 2008. The campaign will launch its general appeal strategy in March of 2008 and will

CAMPAIGN UPDATES CAMPAIGN successfully conclude in March of 2009.

M c M urr y U niversit y 21 ALUMNI LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT

Giving Back to a University That Gives

t is no surprise that Donna Dougherty ’79 is serving Now as the owner of a State Farm Insurance on the Cabinet of the upcoming Capital Campaign. Agency in Abilene, Donna gives back to her alma mater. As a McMurry student, she experienced the caring She has served as a member of the Board of Trustees Inature of the faculty at McMurry. since 2005 and is happy to take a leadership role in “My McMurry experience was different than a this campaign. “McMurry is competing with other traditional student’s might have been. I got married my colleges and universities for students. In order to recruit freshman year in college and worked until Chester (`69) good students to McMurry, I feel it is vital that we graduated.” When Donna returned to McMurry, her have the facilities to compete with other universities.” life was quite different from that of a traditional student. In addition to the emphasis on improving facilities, “When I went back to school, Chester was a coach at Donna supports the goals of the campaign to increase Cooper High School, so I was involved in attending the number of endowed scholarships. “I am pleased sporting events, and I had two small children. Juggling that our Capital Campaign includes both endowed my family responsibilities and going to McMurry full merit scholarships, as well as endowed need-based time were about all I could manage.” scholarships.” despite the challenges, Donna recalls that she Almost thirty years after her graduation, Donna Donna was encouraged by the caring nature of the faculty still believes in that same spirit of giving and service she and staff at McMurry. “They were always willing experienced as a student. “We have some of the very to work with me and go the extra mile.” This was best faculty here and when students come to McMurry Dougherty ’79 best exemplified when shortly before graduating in and get involved, I believe they will catch the McMurry December of 1978, Donna was offered a full-time spirit. First we have to get them here, and I believe the teaching opportunity at a local school. “My professors Capital Campaign will address that challenge.”  worked with me so I could take the job, and still finish all my coursework to graduate.”

22 M c M urr y U niversit y M c M urr y U niversit y 23 ALUMNI LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT

A Message to Past and Current McMurry Generations

r. Ralph Turner ’74 is proud to serve on the emphasis on Christian discipleship will make McMurry Cabinet of the upcoming Capital Campaign. unique among United Methodist institutions in the Dr. Turner’s attitude of giving and service to country. DMcMurry has been shaped by his family’s strong ties dr. Turner would like to encourage older Cabinet Member/ to the university and by their example. “The concept of members of the McMurry family to “come home.” “You giving was instilled in my brother and me by my parents will find something on the campus that will remind and grandparents,” says Turner. That example influenced you of what you remember about McMurry—excelling one of the first financial decisions that he and his wife through hard work, dreaming, determination and Alumni Feature Karen (ex ’72) made, and that was to tithe. “God has accomplishing what you can ‘imagine’!” Dr. Turner also blessed us in many ways,” Dr. Turner said. One way has a message for younger members of the McMurry that Dr. Turner’s family has shared with McMurry is family, stating that “the McMurry family has a wonderful through the Turner Family Professorship in Religion and opportunity during our lifetime to build the great Philosophy. An additional focus of the family has been to university that we want McMurry to be…through what endow memorial scholarships on behalf of both sets of we can ‘imagine’!” Dr. Turner believes that this is a grandparents. In addition, the Turner family is working great time in the life of the university, and growth and on a scholarship in memory of Dr. Turner’s father, Rev. rejuvenation are evident. “There is a wonderful spirit on Frank L. Turner, Jr. ’43. campus,” continues Dr. Turner. “I want to tell all alumni When asked why he chose to serve on the that this campaign is comprehensive and addresses all McMurry Campaign Cabinet in the midst of a busy of the areas of the campus.” Dr. Turner cites the recent career, Dr. Turner responded, “This campaign will success of the Band Hall campaign and the renovation provide an opportunity for the McMurry family, friends of athletic facilities in attracting new contributors who Ralph and alumni from past decades to come back and see have not played a major philanthropic role in the past. something that rekindles their spirit and love for He also commends the new Furr Welcome Center as a ‘dear old McMurry’.” In looking toward the future, he gift that “heralds a lifetime of Christian stewardship and TURNER ’74 applauds this campaign’s commitment to science and dedication of talents in educating West Texans.” mathematics, in building on the historic strength of dr. Turner is honored to have this opportunity our university and providing a facility for 21st century to serve on the Campaign Cabinet. “I am humbled to scientists. In addition, he believes the Campaign’s accept the opportunity to serve ‘our dear McMurry.’” 

24 M c M urr y U niversit y ALUMNI LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT

Giving is a Way of Life for Sara Graham

Growing up in the Rio Grande Methodist Conference Co., where she serves as a trustee. as a preacher’s kid with three brothers and two sisters, sara has fond memories of her college Sara Graham’s mother and father instilled in their experience at McMurry. Her ability to make McMurry children the idea of giving back for a good cause. Sara’s her college home was made possible with the help of mother believed in making life better for others and the work study program and a scholarship from the Rio taught her children the same. Sara has a long history of Grande Methodist Conference. Sara recalls that when involvement with the United Methodist Church. Her she was in high school, it was uncommon for Hispanic mother was the great, great granddaughter of Policarpo girls to go to college; however, since her mother had Rodriguez, one of the earliest Mexican Methodist a degree, she encouraged all of her children to receive preachers in Texas. Sara’s family moved to El Paso, a higher education degree. Between Sara and her where she attended two years at the University of Texas five brothers and sisters, they have earned 11 post- Sara at El Paso. Then, as a junior, Sara came to McMurry. She secondary degrees. To honor her parents’ influence, Sara stated, “My father felt that it was a safe place for me to be established the Reverend Richard and Sarah Herrera since I didn’t have any brothers living at home anymore Hernandez Scholarship, to be awarded to a Hispanic HernaNdez to chaperone me. McMurry was a natural fit, and once I female from the Rio Grande Conference. Sara has got here and became involved, I became more insistent also passed the same philanthropic commitment on about giving back to the University.” to her own children. Sara’s son, Eugene Hudman ’92, sara was involved in Wah Wahtaysee Service established the Dr. Victor E. Hudman Scholarship for graham ’63 Organization and T.I.P. Women’s Social Club. Since Sara the Science Department in honor of his father. graduated, she has served McMurry in many capacities. When asked why she is serving on this She served on the Alumni Association Board of campaign, Sara said, “I have lived in Abilene for 30 Directors and is currently serving the Board of Trustees years now and I have seen all the wonderful changes at where she is in her ninth and final year. In addition, she McMurry; but there is still a need for more, and I want agreed to serve on the Capital Campaign Cabinet. Sara to be a part of that.”  works for her husband’s company, Graham McAlister

26 M c M urr y U niversit y M c M urr y U niversit y 27 ALUMNI LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT

It’s Time…to Imagine the Possibilities “It is time!” These three words described the Mexico, but he always wanted to return to Abilene. “I enthusiasm of Mark Miller ’78, when asked why always told myself I would love to get back to Abilene, the upcoming Capital Campaign is so important to where I could be close to McMurry and be involved.” McMurry University. To understand Mark’s passion and Mark is now an Investment Representative for Edward energy for McMurry, we must go back to his McMurry Jones here in Abilene, and his office is located just down experience. the street from the University he loves. Since his return Mark’s emphasis on the importance of giving in 1991, he has remained true to his promise and has and service was shaped by several influences while he been involved with, and has supported, McMurry in was at McMurry. Mark admits that, as a college student, many different ways. He has served on the McMurry his attitude of service was somewhat lacking. He credits University Board of Trustees since 2003, and has now his roommate, Charles “Chuck” Bell ’78, for helping to accepted a position on the Campaign Cabinet. He transform that attitude. “Chuck’s father was a Methodist eagerly accepted these positions in order to “influence missionary in Brazil, so he taught me a lot about being people to get involved with McMurry’s cause.” humble and concerned for others.” He believes that his regarding the upcoming Campaign, Mark Mark entire McMurry experience shaped his attitude about believes the timing is perfect, and he stresses its service and giving. The faculty had a profound impact importance: “In planning for the next twenty-five on him, including two of his coaches, Spud Aldridge years, we need resources to make the right decisions to MILLER ’78 and Tommy Estes. Mark also remembers a certain catapult McMurry forward.” Mark also believes that the professor who went out of his way to build relationships results of the Campaign are important in order to retain with his students: “Homer Laxon was my Statistics and recruit students. He explains, “If we are competing Professor, and he loved to fish. As a way of reaching out for solid students, we need to have top facilities, strong to students, he invited us to go fishing with him.” endowed academic programs and a top flight science Now, almost thirty years after leaving building.” The Campaign’s importance and urgency has McMurry, Mark exemplifies the alumnus who gives spurred Mark Miller to action, and he encourages all back to his alma mater. After graduation, Mark alumni to do the same. “It is time!”  established his residence and career in Lovington, New

28 M c M urr y U niversit y McMurry “A school ring is a visible symbol of the commitment to undertake and complete a monumental task—recognized by all with whom the graduate comes in contact. In is coming another sense, the school ring is a constant reminder to its wearer of the knowledge, skills and relationships cemented during the university experience. ” to a - Dr. John H. Russell, McMurry President college fair near you!

Would you be willing to The Official Ring be an ambassador for McMurry by being present at a college of McMurry University. fair during any of the following weeks? If so, please call the The official ring is reserved exclusively for alumni and enrolled students in good standing who have achieved at least 75 credit hours. Admission office at (325) For ordering information, visit the Alumni & Friends section at www.mcm.edu 793-4700 or richardson. or call 1.866.BALFOUR (1.866.225.3687). [email protected]. (REF CODE: 3040 (BK06248-16/TX2702) Sept. 10-14 - Dallas Sept. 17-21 - Dallas Sept. 24-28 - Costal Bend Time Lunch - 12:15 p.m. | Golf (Shotgun Start) - 1:30 p.m. Sept. 24-28 - Panhandle Cost $100 per person – team or individual entries welcome Oct. 1-5 - Central Texas McMurry includes green fees, cart, beverages, lunch, tournament and entry prizes Oct. 1-5 - West Texas Flights Open Flight Oct. 8-12 - San Antonio Golf Oct. 22-26 - Houston Prizes - Plaques for members of First and Second place teams Classic - Closest to the pin on every Par 3 Oct. 29-Nov. 2 - Houston - Set of irons on first hole-in-one on #3, #8, #11, and #14 Nov. 5-9 - Ft. Worth Benefiting the McMurry University Men’s and Women’s Golf Programs - Longest Drive on #9 Nov. 5-9 - El Paso Sponsored by the Indian Club Format Four-person scramble open to men and women

Entries limited to the first 100 players Fall07 Hole Sponsorships $500 - includes team (4) entries and your name or $200 - includes one entry and your name or Friday, October 5, 2007 company name will be placed on a sign designating company name will be placed on a sign designating you as a hole sponsor you as a hole sponsor Help us find McMurry’s Class of 2012! (Homecoming Weekend!) Your Name______Diamondback Golf Club (1) Name______HDCP______Know a high school junior or Your Relation to McMurry:  Alumni  Current Student  Friend Abilene, Texas Address ______senior who might be interested (2) Name______HDCP______Prospective Student’s Name______Address ______in attending McMurry? Address______(3) Name______HDCP______Tell us about them! We will contact City, State, Zip______Address ______them to see if they would like to Phone (______)______Cell Phone (______)______Please make check payable to McMurry University Golf Program (4) Name______HDCP______receive more information. Mail Entry to: Russ Evans, Jr., Box 188 McM Station, Abilene, TX 79697 Email address______Address ______Deadlines: Entry and Hole Sponsorships - October 2, 2007 Please fill out as much of this form as you can and  Yes, I plan to play. Please find enclosed $100 per individual. $______mail to: McMurry Admission, Box 278, McMurry  You may use my name when contacting this prospective student.  Questions? Call Coach Russ Evans at 325.691.9607 Sorry, I am unable to play. Please find enclosed my donation. $______Station, Abilene, Texas 79697.  Please do not use my name when M c contactingM urr thisy Uprospectiveniversit student.y 31  Hole Sponsorship ~ $200/$500. Please call in your information. $______For the full athletics update, please visit us on the web at For the full athletics update, please visit us on the web at www.mcm.edu/athletics/. www.mcm.edu/athletics/. ATHLETICS UPDATE Danielle Kelton ATHLETICS UPDATE

The Spring in Review to lead the men’s team over the a tournament in Greensboro, North Carolina, August 30 summer, and also hired Stan - September 1. Track The McMurry track team sent 13 athletes to several tournament wins and a second place finish in the Levrets in June to head the the national outdoor meet in May and came home with American Southwest Conference Championships, head women’s program. Cross Country McMurry’s cross country teams several All-America honors, and reached a milestone coach Russ Evans and the team received an at-large bid. promise to have another strong showing in 2007. The when the men’s 4X100-meter relay team became the first The team was in a tie for fifth place in the opening round Volleyball Second year women’s team will look to defend its first-ever American male relay team in school history to win a national title. of the national tournament, but the quick start didn’t last; volleyball head coach Jason Southwest Conference title after winning it in 2006. The however, the team did make the final cut and placed 16th. McAden had men’s team placed second at the ASC Championships; Baseball The McMurry baseball team shrugged off a solid however, the team’s fifth place showing at the NCAA a slow 8-6 start to the season by winning 21 of its final Women’s Golf The women’s team placed third at recruiting Regional Meet was even more impressive. The team 32 games. The team reached the American Southwest the ASC Tournament Championships and sophomore off-season and will play host to two meets in 2007, including the Conference Championship game, but fell to Texas Barbara John was the runner-up in the individual race. hopes to bolster Texas Division III Championships Sept. 22. McMurry Lutheran, who won its third-straight ASC title. a squad that went 6-26 last season. introduced a new home course in 2006 at the Abilene Fall Previews The volleyball team will open with State Park in Buffalo Gap. Tennis The McMurry tennis teams had one of the most successful seasons in the school’s history. The women’s Football Excitement is brewing for the upcoming squad made the first American Southwest Conference 2007 football season. After a 3-7 season, newly appointed Tournament appearance in school history for either the head coach Donny Gray has overhauled the coaching men or the women. The team, under head coach Mark staff and expects to make an impact this season on the Home Field Advantage Hathorn, responded by winning its first round match American Southwest Conference. Gray, a long-time Perhaps when Donny Gray was hired as McMurry’s head to playoff games or go to scout games, he would always over LeTourneau before falling to nationally-ranked assistant, will be one of the youngest collegiate head football coach, some may have speculated that he was take me with him. I was charting film and watching Hardin-Simmons. football coaches in America at age 32. Gray spent six too young to be a head coach. What most don’t know is games from the time I can remember.” years as an assistant at McMurry before receiving the Gray began the journey to As the son of a head coach all his Men’s Golf For the second time since joining the promotion after former head coach Joe Crousen stepped his first head coaching job life, Gray learned from his father American Southwest Conference, the McMurry men’s down following the 2006 season. much earlier than most. On early on that there was more to golf team was selected to participate in the NCAA September 13, 1974—just coaching football than wins and Division III Golf Championships. After dominating the Soccer McMurry Soccer will get a new look for both three days after he was born— losses. fall and spring with teams as the men and women he was at his first football “He was the greatest influence will have new leadership. game witnessing his father, in my life,” Donny said of his dad. Steve Allan, who had the Dwayne, coach at Amherst “Growing up I got to see him duties of coaching both the High School in his first year as influence players’ lives and alter men and women in 2006, a head coach. the course of their lives for the moved to Michigan for Though Gray may not better—not just on the field, but family reasons. have been aware enough to in life. There were a bunch of kids Athletic know what was going on at three days of age, it wouldn’t who might not have amounted to anything, but he helped Director Bill be long before he was immersed in the game of football them to be really good people in the world.” Libby hired and in the world of coaching. Gray said that his father showed him what it meant Tim Grove “In my elementary days, instead of going home after to work hard and what it meant to care about his school, I would go to the practice field,” said Gray, whose players. Dwayne had a simple solution to the problem of 2007 National Track father was a head football coach in Texas for 28 years balancing his job and his family: bring them together. Relay Champions: beginning in 1974. “Growing up, whenever he would go John Mikalik, Chris Kelley, continued on page 43... Hanneus Ollison, M c M urr y U niversit y 33 Bert Green Join the other McMurry alumni on MySpace at www.myspace.com/mcmurryalumni/ FRIENDS & FAMILY FRIENDS & FAMILY

NORTHWEST TEXAS CONFERENCE Dear Alumni and Friends, AWARD RECIPIENT Dr. Darris Egger ’42 Greetings from the Office of Alumni Relations. As where you never thought you would. we begin a new academic year and approach another Another fantastic way to get involved is to volunteer (posthumously) Homecoming, McMurry University is truly on the to help recruit prospective students to McMurry. r. Darris Egger was a strong move! In this issue of the Chieftain, you can see that This past spring, we began an initiative in which advocate for McMurry McMurry continues to make McMurry alumni wrote letters to University for more than 60 tremendous progress, while daily prospective students encouraging Dyears while serving as a pastor and impacting the lives of our students, them to choose McMurry. This District Superintendent in the United faculty and alumni. letter-writing campaign produced Methodist Church. Through his life, education and career, Dr. Egger Not only does this issue of the great results! This fall, we will be dedicated himself to strengthening the relationship between the Chieftain highlight McMurry’s asking alumni to help our Admissions church and McMurry University. success, but our stories emphasize staff at college fairs in areas like San darris Egger came to McMurry University in the fall of exciting possibilities as we Imagine Antonio, Dallas and Houston. In 1938 after graduating from McAdoo (Texas) High School. While at the future of our students, academic addition, our plan to establish alumni McMurry, Dr. Egger served as President of the Ministerial Forum, programs and campus. As we chapters is underway. I encourage the McMurry Volunteer Mission Band, President of the Methodist embark on a comprehensive Capital you to volunteer to help with these Youth Fellowship of the Northwest Texas Conference and was Campaign that will address many programs. named the Northwest Texas delegate to the National Uniting Conference of Methodist Youth of the Methodist Episcopal Church areas of our campus, it is a time for By being involved with your and the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. all McMurry alumni and friends to alma mater, I believe you will see the Established in 2000 by the After graduating from McMurry College in 1942, Dr. join together in this endeavor. importance of our efforts in shaping Egger attended Southern Methodist University’s School of Theology We are thankful for the examples the future of McMurry. With our McMurry Alumni Association, this and graduated in 1947 with a Master of Divinity. Dr. Egger was of alumni highlighted in this issue growth and success, the time to awarded the honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from McMurry who have answered the challenge become involved is now! Join us at award is given to strengthen the in 1973. to give of their time and treasure to Homecoming 2007…Please Pardon dr. Egger served the Northwest Texas and North this campaign. As we look at those Our Progress. This is an appropriate relationship between McMurry Texas Conferences of the United Methodist Church for more examples, I challenge all of us to become more involved theme as we not only celebrate cherished traditions of than 45 years, including service as a pastor and as Abilene with our alma mater. You may wonder, “How can I do the past, but we also celebrate our growth and Imagine University and the United District Superintendent for 11 years. While serving as District that in the midst of my busy schedule?” In past issues our future. I hope to see all of you there! Superintendent, Dr. Egger occupied an office at McMurry where of the Chieftain, I have discussed many ways to become Methodist Church by recognizing he counseled McMurry faculty, staff and students as well as student more involved. One example is to wear a McMurry Ala Cumba! pastors. He also served as Conference Program Director and Conference Historian in Northwest Texas, and was the former shirt out in public or in large gatherings. You will be individuals for service to their Chair of the Northwest Texas Conference Archives and History surprised how many people will ask about McMurry; churches and to the university. Committee. He was a former Vice President of the Texas United in turn, this provides you the opportunity to tell them Methodist Historical Society. about your experience. You may find yourself running Greeley Myers `93 Throughout his career, Dr. Egger supported McMurry into a fellow McMurry alumnus or alumna in places Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving by encouraging students to attend the University and was a strong advocate for McMurry Sundays at his churches. A scholarship

34 M c M urr y U niversit y M c M urr y U niversit y 35 FRIENDS & FAMILY FRIENDS & FAMILY

award in his honor was established in 1980 for McMurry spent his entire professional career in the field of financial member in colleges and universities. It has also allowed him College through the Texas Methodist College Association. management. His career included holding positions as to share with his colleagues, as well as the scouts, some of the Dr. Egger authored many books including Prairie Parsons Executive Vice President and Vice Chairman of First AT L ar g e AWA R D R E C I P I E N T benefits of attending McMurry University. Additionally, in his I, Prairie Parsons II, Butman Methodist Camp in Mulberry National Bank in Albuquerque and President of American church in Boerne, Texas, he has served as a mentor and tutor Canyon and A Church Named St. Paul. At the time of his Federal Savings and Loan Association. Since 1990, he has Dr. C. Girvin for high school students in sciences and math. In all of these death, Dr. Egger was working on a biography of McMurry’s served as President of Reynolds Financial and Management Harkins ’60 venues, he has been a role model and a McMurry advocate founder titled The J. W. Hunt Story. Service, Inc., which provides consulting services to clients for students who are anticipating high school graduation and college selection. dr. Egger served as president of the West Texas in real estate, wholesale distribution, retail, environmental n order to expand and Girvin worked for Hewlett-Packard and Agilent Genealogical Society and was active in the Taylor County services, assisted living and construction industries. Bud has strengthen the relationship Technologies in Palo Alto, California for 23 years. He remains Historical Society. He served as a trustee at McMurry also served as a member of the Board of Directors of First between McMurry and active in church-related functions, including service as an University for 14 years and Sears Methodist Center National Bank of Albuquerque, Joe G. Maloof and Company, Ithe United Methodist Church, alternate Sunday school teacher for large adult classes, the in Abilene for 11 years. He also served as a trustee for George S. Maloof and Company and Phillip Maloof and McMurry is pleased to announce Methodist Men’s organization, the Cardiac Arrest Response Methodist Home in Lubbock and Methodist Mission Company. the first at-large recipient of the Cross and Flame Award, Dr. Team (a volunteer group of church members trained to Home in San Antonio. He was also an active member Bud and his wife, Marilyn, are currently members C. Girvin Harkins of Boerne, Texas. respond to emergency situations anywhere on the church of the McMurry University Retired Fellowship (MURF) of First United Methodist Church in Albuquerque. A Girvin is a life-long active member of the United grounds) and other organizations. He met his wife, Ann Stone organization. life-long Methodist, Bud has kept his promise to support Methodist Church, dedicating much of his time and talents Harkins ex ’62, while at McMurry. dr. Egger married Helen Joy Davis of Okmulgee, the churches to which he belonged with his prayers, his in service to local churches wherever he has resided. He has Girvin’s commitment to family, church and Oklahoma, in 1942, and they raised two sons: Darris Jr. and presence, his gifts and his service. Those churches include also been an advocate for McMurry University, recognizing McMurry remains a guiding standard in his life, and he is Charles (deceased). Means Memorial Methodist Church of Seminole, Texas, the value of a quality liberal arts education, undergirded by  First Methodist Church of Pampa, Texas, First Methodist religious and spiritual values and principles. continuing in service to both his church and McMurry. Church of Brownfield, Texas and Christ United Methodist Girvin graduated from McMurry College with a NEW MEXICO CONFERENCE of Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was also an associate double major in Physics and Chemistry in 1960. Following AWA R D R E C I P I E N T member of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Abilene completion of his baccalaureate degrees, Girvin attended during his years at McMurry. In all of these churches, Bud Johns Hopkins University where he completed the Doctor of Bud Reynolds ’57 has served on various ad hoc committees and performed Philosophy degree in Physical Chemistry. He continued in the necessary process of auditing financial records when education as a postdoctoral fellow in Chemical Engineering at requested to do so. Rather than long-term commitments in ince the time Luther UC Berkeley, Stanford and Rice. He has remained committed various positions, Bud is that rare behind-the-scenes church “Bud” Reynolds graduated to McMurry during the years since graduation, serving as member who can always be counted on when advice is from McMurry 50 president of local and regional alumni associations and needed in the areas where Bud’s considerable experience is Syears ago, he has dedicated participating in the Math and Science Advisory Board. He unique. himself to a life of serving the has also served on the McMurry University Board of Trustees Bud’s dedication to McMurry has also been United Methodist Church and since 2006. In 2001, he was named McMurry’s Distinguished evident since he graduated. Since 2003, he has served on the McMurry University. Alumnus. McMurry University Board of Trustees. His participation A native of Ada, Oklahoma, Bud is a 1957 graduate Girvin has served in both leadership and lay as a McMurry trustee is performed with the same interest, of McMurry University with a Bachelor of Business capacities in the local United Methodist Churches where he excitement and dedication, which symbolize his involvement Administration. While at McMurry, Bud was a member has resided. He has taught Sunday school classes for college and expertise in every project he undertakes. In 2006, Bud of Ko Sari men’s social club and a member of the Circle age, young adults and older adults. He participated in local and Marilyn were inducted into the Heritage Circle of the K service club. In addition, he was a member of the band church organizations, including membership in Commissions McMurry John Wesley Society for including McMurry in and served as a Senator in McMurry Student Government. of Education, Finance and Evangelism/Outreach. He has their estate plans. Following his time at McMurry, he attended the served for more than five years as the Scoutmaster in the Bud and his wife, Marilyn, married in 1962, and University of Texas where he received a Master of Business church-sponsored Boy Scout troop at St. Luke’s United they have one daughter, Kristine. She and her husband, Paul Administration degree in 1959. Methodist Church in Houston. In this role, he has had the Bernard, live in San Ramon, California. After graduating with his Masters degree, Bud has opportunity to share his experiences as a student and faculty

36 M c M urr y U niversit y M c M urr y U niversit y 37 From the Alumni Association As we embark on yet another year at McMurry, I want to take this opportunity to say how much I am FRIENDS & FAMILY FRIENDS & FAMILY looking forward to serving you Alex Reyes Sagissor ’01 and her as your Alumni Board President. husband enjoy the Twenty-Thirty Thirty years ago I, along with some of you in the class of 1977, entered Club gathering in Houston. McMurry as a freshman. We took part in the many opportunities that McMurry had to offer. From 1994 the awesome residence hall life, strict pledging, 1976 Current and former members of the Jorge Montoya `94 and his campus organizations and Christian Life Fellowship, wife Shannon Ward Montoya Kirk Edens `76 and his wife Pam `74 have been McMurry Women’s Basketball McMurry gave me the opportunity to be an `96 are pleased to announce the married for 32 years and live in Midland, Texas. Team gather in Dallas in June. individual and the experience has shaped my life. birth of their son Finley Ander Kirk is the CEO of a bank holding company with Now the tables have turned. It is time to on February 25, 2007. Jorge and six offices located in Monahans, Midland, Lubbock, return that commitment. I have served on the Alumni 1989 Shannon report that their oldest Spring Branch and New Braunfels. They have one Jeff Brokovich `89 Association Board of Directors for many years and is in his son Logan, 3, reminds them quite often how much he daughter and son-in-law, and two grandchildren have chaired various committees and projects. Now, I 18th year with the Abilene Independent School enjoys being a big brother.  who live in Lovington, New Mexico. am committed to McMurry in another way—as your District and is currently the Executive Director of president. 1977 Federal Programs. He and his wife Laura continue to 1995 On behalf of the Alumni Association Board enjoy life with their four children: Katie, 11, Kari, 8, Allen Gradnigo `95 was promoted to the rank of Major Major Joe Carvajal `77 now lives in Alexandria, Virginia. of Directors, I would like to express our sincere Andrew, 4, and Aaron, 2. in the United States Air Force on May 1, 2007. After While at McMurry, Joe served as president of the Phi Beta appreciation to Robert Gillette for his excellent his promotion, Major Gradnigo moved to Washington, Lambda fraternity during his senior year and served as vice Jeff Matsler `89 leadership. Through his influence, our association is the Battalion Chaplain for 53rd D.C., for a position at the Pentagon. president of the Phi Beta Lambda fraternity during his junior has grown ever stronger and has made great progress. Transportation Battalion, Fort Eustis, Virginia. He is year. As a freshman, Bob was an encouragement to me married to Michelle Matsler and they have two children: Karla Wilbanks Kahler `95 states that she is now in as a dorm supervisor in the “Pit” of Gold Star. He 1984 Mary Elizabeth, 8, and Charles Taylor, 5. her dream job of a stay-at-home mom to her three kids: made a Central Texas guy feel welcome within the Bethany, 8, Josiah, 3, and new baby boy, Judah Paul, Robert Holden `84 lives in Santa Anna, Texas. He and his McMurry family. To this day he continues to give 1990 born in November 2006. wife Kayla have six children: Chase, 22, Ashton, 17, Wade, Julie Sechrist Goodloe `90 encouragement to those around campus. and her husband Boyd 11, Averey, 6, Aubrey, 5, and Landry, 5. As you return to McMurry this year for moved to Lubbock to be near her family where Boyd is 1996 Homecoming, you will notice we are a campus 1987 the new youth director at First UMC, Lubbock. Julie is Sandy Allen `96 and her undergoing much development— so Please Pardon teaching English at Coronado High School. They have husband Phillip Bradley DeHaven `87 lives in San Antonio, Texas. He Our Progress. You will be welcomed to campus two children: Curran, 14, and Luke, 6. Barnhart graduated in May 2007 with the Doctor of Ministry degree by the Furr Welcome Center adjacent to Radford are pleased (with Honors) from Perkins School of Theology at Auditorium. In the fall of 2008, McMurry band 1993 to announce Southern Methodist University. He is Jack Wilburn `93 members will move into the newly renovated Bynum lives in Carrollton, Texas, with the birth of beginning his seventh Band Hall which will be a state-of-the-art facility. his wife Amy, daughter Caroline and son Carter. their son, year as Senior Pastor As you have read in this issue of the Chieftain, we Jack recently opened an office for the Mitchell Allen- of St. Andrew’s United are beginning a campaign to address many needs of practice of law focusing Barnhart, in Methodist Church in our campus, including the renovation of Finch Gray on probate, September 2006. San Antonio, Texas. Science Building and the continued renovation of our guardianship and athletic facilities. estate planning. Dr. Jim Smith ’65 visits with MarJoe Bigbee ’99, See you in the construction zone! Tim Kennedy ’99 at the Sheila Kitts ’01 and Tamara Dille ’03 enjoy themselves at the Ala Cumba, McMurry Alumni and Friends Aubrea Aragon, daughter of Abran Gathering at the Northwest Twenty-Thirty Club Tailgate Party and Rangers baseball game. Dale Evers ‘82 Aragon ’00, displays her McMurry spirit. Texas Annual Conference. President AABOD M c M urr y U niversit y 39 FRIENDS & FAMILY

2004 Graham Bloodworth `04 lives in Midland, Texas, where he is employed by the Midland Police Department.

Alumni along with new Ryan Higley `04 graduated Summa Women’s Basketball Coach Veronica Snow are Cum Laude with his Doctor of Dental pictured at the Alumni Twenty-Thirty Club gathering in Houston. Surgery degree on May 20, 2007, from the University of Texas Health Science Adam Samuels `00 now lives in Abilene where he serves Center in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. as Minister of Music at St. Paul UMC. Higley is now enrolled in the residency Coach Wilford Moore is pictured with many of his former players at the dedication of Wilford Moore Stadium on May 13, 2007. program in Oral and Maxillofacial 2002 Surgery at the University of Oklahoma Monica Blank Espedal `02 married David Espedal in Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He 1999 Jill Jaquess `99 lives in Lubbock and received her M.Ed. After living in the Nation’s Capitol for 3 years and April of 2006. She currently works as a speech pathologist and his wife, Ashley `04, will live in the Oklahoma City in Educational Administration in May 2004 from Texas serving as Deputy Chief of Staff for Congressman Kenny for the Plano Independent School District. area for the next four years, with plans of returning to A&M – Commerce. She currently serves as Assistant Marchant of Texas District 24 in the U.S. House of practice in the Texas Panhandle.  Principal at Terra Vista Middle School in the Frenship Representatives, Chris Edwards, DDS, `99 has moved to 2003 Independent School District. Las Vegas, NV to begin a residency in Orthodontics at Elaine Dispo `03 received her Master’s of Arts degree in 2007 the UNLV School of Dental Medicine. Communication Systems Management from Angelo State Joseph Cervantez `07 has moved to Fort Worth, Texas, Michael Meador `99 Jenni (Carter) ‘00 and his wife University in 2006 and relocated to San Francisco to join where he is coaching and teaching at Fort Worth Paschal recently moved to Fort Worth, Texas, where Michael is Josie Bassham Howe `99 and her husband are finally the leadership team at Banana Republic, a division of Gap High School. attending Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. adjusting to life back in the U.S. at Fort Rucker, Alabama, Inc., the company for which she has been employed since after a four-year stay in Germany. 2000. Soon she will return to Texas, where she will put Symbri Tuttle `07 is attending graduate school at Eastern 2000 her M.A. to use by teaching in the Communications and New Mexico University where she serves as a Graduate Jason C. Burgess `00 is the Dean Creative Arts department at South Texas College in the Assistant Coach for their Women’s Basketball Team. of Students at All Saints Episcopal Rio Grande Valley. Symbri Tuttle ’07, Carli Engelke ’06, Abran Aragon ’00, Christian Academy in Tyler, Texas. Tamika Thurman Brunetti ’02 and Dedra Brittain His wife, Katie, teaches Social Studies Peacock ’00 pose for a picture at the Alumni and Geography.  Fall07 gathering in Dallas. Jamie Tyree Mings `00 is pleased Name______Maiden Name______to announce the birth of her daughter, Lillian Joy Mings, Address ______Graduation Year______on January 18, 2007. She has two older City ______State _____ Zip______sisters: Kasey, 5, and Katie, 3. The Alumni Relations Office and your Phone______Email Address______former classmates are always eager to Chris Montoya `00 was recently Notes of Interest:______promoted to Vice President with the know what you are doing and where you ______First Financial Trust Company in are doing it. Abilene, where he lives with his wife, ______Jennifer. Let us know about your life, your career, ______your family and other news by sending ______this form (with a photo!) to: 40 M c M urr y U niversit y Ysau Flores ’73 visits with Eric Luette ’92 at the Alumni gathering in San Antonio. Alumni Relations Office, Box 938 McMurry M c M urr y U niversit y 41 Station, Abilene, Texas 79697. A group of alumni celebrate the wedding of Justin Tabor ’04. Pictured from left to right are David Chavez ’05, Ellen Bell-Enright (holding baby Claire) ’03, GRAY ...continued from page 33 Kyera Tabor-Smith ’05, Braegan Enright ’03, Justin Tabor ’04, Gian Falco ’05, FRIENDS Amy Bell-Falco ’05, Zach Johnson ’06, Bill Libby, Janet Chandler ’00 and “He made everything about family,” said Donny. two familiar faces and a familiar town. Then McMurry & FAMILY David Chandler ’00. “I grew up in the field house and the players were like head coach Steve Keenum, who was at Hardin-Simmons brothers. If my sisters and I weren’t at the field house with as an assistant when Gray was a player, hired Gray to them, they were at our house. His team was like a family.” coach defensive backs. Thus began a six-year stint as an It didn’t take long for Gray to be emotionally invested assistant at the institution where he would eventually in the teams that his father coached with all the time he become the head coach. spent with the players and the staff. “I always thought McMurry was a different type of “I don’t remember exactly when or where it was, atmosphere than a lot of places I had seen at this level,” I just remember it was a big game and he lost,” he said Gray. “I really gravitated towards it because of the recalls. “I ran down onto the field after the game and I way the school functioned and how personal the campus was heartbroken. I’ll never forget it. I was just crying. I was. I really felt at home and thought this place had a lot thought it was the end of the world. I went up to him mad of potential and a lot of opportunity to excel.” and upset, and the first thing he said was, ‘It’ll be okay. It was a good thing that Gray felt so at home at The guys played hard. It just didn’t work out today.’” McMurry because the football side of the school was This was just another of the lessons that Gray learned an uphill battle. In his first two seasons as an assistant, at an early age from his father. He watched how his dad McMurry failed to win a game going 0-19. Members of the Twenty-Thirty treated his staff and players through victory and defeat. In fact, since joining the staff at McMurry he hasn’t Club enjoy the Texas Rangers After a childhood filled with watching other kids get experienced a winning season, even though the program outing in June. to play for his father, the time came where Donny was had success in the late 1990s. When Joe Crousen became able to experience what it was like to be a player under the head coach in 2005, Gray moved back to offense his dad’s tutelage. for the first time since his tenure at Cisco, which was a “One of the greatest honors I’ve ever had in my welcome change for him. McMurry student Stephanie Work life was my senior year in football,” he recalled. “The Gray recruited and coached Ty Sellers, a NCAA McMurry Vice-President for Institutional receives her McMurry Official Ring Amarillo paper did an article on me and my dad. It Division II transfer from Panhandle State and McMurry Advancement, Steve Crisman, is pictured with Rick ’66 presented to her by McMurry President, Dr. John Russell, was titled, Like Father Like Son. Dad was a high school snuck up on its competition and posted a 5-5 record for and President of the McMurry Alumni Board of Directors, and Karen ’66 Kirkendall, along with Tom ’59 and Jane ’57 McIntyre quarterback and so was I. And in the article, Dad said its first non-losing season since 1999. Sellers passed for Dale Evers ’82. at an Alumni Dinner in Boston this past June. that me playing for him was the greatest experience of over 2,000 yards and nearly rushed for 1,000 in his only his life. It was one of the greatest things that has ever season with the team. Help create scholarship opportunities for our students happened to me.” However, in 2006, the program was unable to build Gray said that he had always wanted to be a coach, on the previous year’s improvement and went 3-7. When but that playing for his dad only made that passion Crousen stepped aside following the season, Gray was with a gift to the McMurry Fund! stronger. He had planned on being a high school coach immediately named the interim-head coach. and working his way up much like his father. However, sixteen days later, athletic director Bill Libby made Yes, I would like to contribute to the success and future of McMurry students when Gray left the high school ranks to play in college, he Gray official. The decision-making process was a no- through the McMurry Fund! found a new niche. brainer for Gray, and after much discussion with his wife “I got the opportunity to play at Hardin-Simmons Tracy, former coaches and friends, he turned to his most Please make your check payable to McMurry Fund and send it with this form to Institutional [University],” he said. “Somewhere during my collegiate familiar, most trusted and most respected mentor: his Advancement, McMurry Station Box 938, Abilene, TX 79697. Thank you! playing career, I fell in love with Saturdays.” father. I am making a pledge of $______with $______to be paid now and the After his career at Hardin-Simmons ended, Gray “He told me I shouldn’t take it if I didn’t believe in balance to be paid was given an unusual opportunity to begin his coaching it,” said Gray. “I told him without hesitation there was no  Annually  Semi-annually  Quarterly career earlier than most. Before he had even finished doubt in my mind that [McMurry] can be as successful as his undergraduate work as a student, Tarleton State we want it to be.” To make a gift using a credit card, please visit www.mcm.edu/give/ and click on the Give Online link. University’s head coach, Craig Wederquist, offered him a Read the rest of Donny Gray’s story at job on the Texans staff to coach special teams at age 22. Name ______www.mcm.edu/athletics/ In the spring of 2001, Gray would be reunited with Address______42 M c M urr y U niversit y M c M urr y U niversit y 43 City, State, Zip______FRIENDS WE’LL MISS FRIENDS WE’LL MISS

Dorothy Wanette Hart Armstrong ’38 of Abilene, Texas, died March 27, 2007. Christine K. Morrison of Balmorhea, Texas, died September 19, 2006. Mexico and West Texas. Born in Sunset, Montague Divinity. Dr. Egger was awarded the honorary Doctor of Paul Banner of Midland, Texas, died August 16, 2006. Gene Murrell ’67 of Llano, Texas, died April 12, 2007. County, Texas on March 25, 1917, he moved with his Divinity degree from McMurry in 1973. J.T. Bartee ’49 of Burleson, Texas, died September 29, 2006. Edgar N. Payne ’51 of Lubbock, Texas, died April 11, 2007. family in 1926 to Lynn County, Texas, south of Lubbock. dr. Egger served the Northwest Texas and North Nancy Maude Milsap Bartlett of Anson, Texas, died April 7, 2007. Marjorie Parmelly ’57 of Abilene, Texas, died January 16, 2007. Bervin graduated from McMurry University in 1938, the Texas Conferences of the United Methodist Church for S. Duane Bruce ’41 of Carlsbad, New Mexico, died April 16, 2007. Connie Parmelly Petree ’65 of Abilene, Texas, died January 16, 2007. year he married Etha Mae Sherrill, his wife of nearly 70 more than 45 years, including service as a pastor and Norma Burk ’50 died May 7, 2007. Elizabeth A. Phaneuf of Arlington, Texas, died December 26, 2006. years. He received a Bachelor of Divinity degree from as Abilene District Superintendent for 11 years. While T. C. Campbell of Abilene, Texas, died February 22, 2007. Jim T. Pickens ’48 of Wylie, Texas, died February 18, 2007. Southern Methodist University in 1943. For 45 years he serving as District Superintendent, Dr. Egger occupied Francys Case, mother of Roger Case ’73 and Marc Case ’73 of Abilene, Texas, died Mary Ann McCollum Pickens ’48 of Wylie, Texas, died December 31, 2006. served pastorates in West Texas and New Mexico, retiring an office at McMurry for 11 years where he counseled April 19, 2007. Eugenia Pittard, mother of Gary Pittard ’69, Robert Pittard ’79 and Nancy Pittard in Abilene in 1984. McMurry faculty, staff and students, as well as student Danny Conklin of Amarillo, Texas, died January 1, 2007. Smith ’79, of Coleman, Texas, died on February 6, 2007. He was a long-time supporter of McMurry pastors. He also served as Conference Program Director James Garfield Conlan, of Dallas, Texas, died January 24, 2007. Georgia Frances Lawlis Raymond ’42 of Levelland, Texas, died July 26, 2007. University. McMurry bestowed upon him an Honorary and Conference Historian in Northwest Texas, and was Marilynn Cox ’77 of San Antonio, Texas, died January 15, 2007. Fay L. Reeve of Friona, Texas, died July 17, 2007. Doctorate of Divinity in 1964, and he served on the the former Chair of the Northwest Texas Conference Norma Joyce “Kitty” Burk Cummins ’50 of Midland, Texas, died May 7, 2007. W.A. Rembert of Dallas, Texas, died January 1, 2007. McMurry University Board of Trustees from 1976 to Archives and History Committee. He was a former Geneva Davis of Amarillo, Texas, died August 4, 2007. Louis Schowengerdt of Denison, Texas, died January 1, 2007. Winford Drake ’54 died July 19, 2006. William H. Schultz ’47 of Cleveland, Tennessee, died June 7, 2007. 1985. In addition, Dr. Caswell received the Distinguished vice-president of the Texas United Methodist Historical Harrace Floyd Dunn ’37 of Abilene, Texas, died October 12, 2006. Eddie Sequeira ’58 of Rancho Cucamonga, California passed away. Alumnus Award from McMurry University in 2004. Society. Throughout his career, Dr. Egger supported Owen Frost ’67 of Plano, Texas, died September 13, 2006. Virginia Woodall Simmons ’47 of Houston, Texas, died December 4, 2006. He is survived by his wife Etha Mae; a sister, Fern McMurry and served as a trustee for 14 years. At the Louis Goeke ’75 of Bedford, Texas, died July 14, 2007. Alvin G. Smith ’56 of Sweetwater, Texas, died October 11, 2006. Barnes of Draw, Texas and a brother, Noel Caswell of time of his death, Dr. Egger was working on a biography Cecil Hardaway ’47 of Lubbock, Texas, died January 1, 2007. Frances English Stanley ’59 of Abilene, Texas, died July 24, 2007. Lubbock, Texas; their four children: James (Dallas), of McMurry’s founder, titled The J. W. Hunt Story. Prior James L. Harrison of Abilene, Texas, died April 16, 2007. Patty Jo “Pat” Stephens of Abilene, Texas, died March 7, 2007. Leonard (Carlsbad), Karen (Carlsbad) and Jon (Dallas); to his death, he was named the 2007 recipient of the Luella Baldridge Higley ’29 of Fort Worth, Texas, died May 17, 2007. Cathryn Stone ’36 of Artesia, New Mexico died July 22, 2006. three daughters-in-law: Jackie, Kathy and Linda; six Cross and Flame Award, in recognition of his service to Marvine Cook Williams Hogsett ’77 of Abilene, Texas, died May 5, 2007. Curtis Randolph “Randy” Strickland ’69 of Abilene, Texas, died March 6, 2007. grandchildren: Angela Secrest, James Robert Caswell, McMurry University and the United Methodist Church A. J. Hoover ’56 of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, died May 25, 2007. Mary Verlyn Trantham ’39 of Glen Rose, Texas, died July 9, 2006. Toni Clark, Benjamin Caswell, Shannon Ingram and dr. Egger was preceded in death by his son Charles Kenneth W. James ’75 of Midland, Texas, died November 13, 2006. Marjorie Hendrick Urban, wife of former McMurry Dean of Students, Walter Joshua Caswell. ’73. He is survived by his wife, Helen Joy Davis Egger ’73, Modena Maurine Pair Johnson ’48 of Tyler, Texas, died May 20, 2007. Urban, Abilene, Texas, died July 24, 2007 Clara Livingston his son Darris Jr. and his wife Cheryl Egger and their four of De Leon, Texas, died July 11, 2007. James L. Wells ’57 of Onalaska, Texas, died July 23, 2006. Noel Chapin Elias Felipe “Eli” Martinez ex ’76 of Abilene, Texas, died April 9, 2007. Linda Kay Wilson ’58 children. of Lubbock, Texas, died July of 2006. Noel Ray Chapin of Dallas died Sunday, February 25, Sarah E. McCoy of Abilene, Texas, died May 23, 2007. Mary Wineinger ’37 of Shreveport, Louisiana, died December 4, 2006. 2007. He was the husband of McMurry ex-student, Anita J.T. Moseley Donald Winfield Duke Moore ’45of Albuquerque, NM, died January 23, 2007. Chapin, who preceded him in death in 1999. Anita and J.T. “Jake” Moseley died February 12, 2007. Noel were faithful supporters of McMurry and provided Mr. Moseley, the son of Troy H. and Johnnie the funding for the construction of the Noel R. and Anita Williams Moseley, was born in Eustace, Texas. He lived Obituaries H. Chapin Art Building. This building houses ceramics, in Monahans from 1950 to 2004, when he moved to pottery and jewelry classes, as well as offices and studio Temple. He received a degree in petroleum engineering Gail Biagioni spring, where she started in 1967. While pursuing her space. at Texas A&M University in 1950. He was a 1942-1946 Gail Biagioni, friend and colleague, passed away July 31, degree, she was a member of the Phi chapter of Alpha veteran of the U.S. Navy “Seabees.” Dr. Darris Egger ’42 2007, surrounded by her family. Gail brought her zest for Kappa Delta, the international sociology honor society. He served on the McMurry University Board of Dr. Darris Leon Egger ’42 died June 2, 2007. Darris life and many talents to the McMurry Jay-Rollins Library Gail’s positive attitude and courage during her 4 ½ year Trustees during the years 1982 to 1986 and 1992 to Egger came to McMurry University in the fall of 1938 in 2002, where she ran the Circulation Desk. She also battle with cancer will be remembered by all who knew 2001. He was the 2000 Cross and Flame award recipient, after graduating from McAdoo (Texas) High School. sponsored Pi Phi and managed the Friend’s Closet. Her her. She will be missed. which recognizes service to McMurry University and the After graduating from McMurry College in 1942, Dr. enthusiasm and perseverance enabled her to finish her United Methodist Church. Dr. Bervin Caswell ’38 Egger attended Southern Methodist University’s School B.A. in Sociology through McMurry, and her degree was His wife, Theresa Moseley, preceded him in death. Dr. Bervin O. Caswell passed away March 30, 2007. of Theology and graduated in 1947 with a Master of awarded by California State University at Hayward this He was a long-time United Methodist minister in New

44 M c M urr y U niversit y M c M urr y U niversit y 45 Please Pardon our Progress

McMurry s we gather for Homecoming 2007, it is time to reminisce, rekindle Homecoming2007 friendships and continue cherished traditions like Tipi Village, Beating of the Drum and Coronation of Chief and Princess McMurry. This year we also commemorate the outstanding growth of our alma mater as we celebrate the new Furr Welcome Center, see the renovation of the Bynum Band Hall and Imagine the future of McMurry. So join us for Homecoming 2007, and… Please Pardon Our Progress!

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Office of University Relations Lubbock, TX Box 938 McMurry Station Permit No. 49 Abilene, Texas 79697