UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTHWEST Faculty News Coach brings experience to men’s soccer program faith. responsibility. initiative. Non-Profit Org English professor presents at US Postage 6610 N Lovington Highway | Hobbs, NM 88240 Jaime Beltran of North Carolina was recently named head PAID Oxford Round Table 575 392 6561 | www.usw.edu Craftsman men’s soccer coach for University of the Southwest. A 1997 Printers Inc. Dr. Barbara J. McGrath, professor of English for University of graduate of Mars Hill College in Mars Hill, NC, Beltran brings to the Southwest, presented in July a summary of a paper at the the table a unique blend of playing and coaching experience. Oxford Roundtable at Harris Manchester College, Oxford, Eng- land. He has lived and played soccer in Europe (Italy) and South America as The Round Table was founded as a well as the United States and has colloquium for small groups of govern- coached club and school soccer in Summer 2008 mental leaders and academics to en- North Carolina for several years. gage in discussions of public policy. This summer’s session explored diver- Beltran was most recently a staff Alumni Profiles: Inside this issue: gent views of the hereafter and percep- coach with Gaston United Soccer Club ‘Playing it forward’ from his time at Southwest tions of God. Presenters addressed (GUSC) where this past spring he Name Change | Important guided the 89 GUSC boys’ team to a Information the overall theme, Allusions to God in Jaime Beltran is baseball coach’s philosophy British and American Prose and Poetry Men’s Head Soccer Coach final four appearance in the North Car- May 2008 Graduation Ceremony olina President’s Cup. Beltran also Southwest English professor, Since 1700: Pursuing Global Religious On Friday, June 13, Marco Boyle, University of the Boyle accepted Dr. Barbara McGrath has served as director of coaching for the Burke Soccer Associa- New Degree Plan Offered Accord. Southwest graduate, was in the 100 degree New Mex- Birmingham’s invi- tion, and was the head soccer coach at Ashbrook High School in ico sun prepping his baseball field. As a business tation. (Birming- 2008 Free Enterprise Dinner McGrath’s paper was entitled, “The Influenza Pandemic of Gastonia for the last four years. Highlights 1918-19 and the Questioning of Faith: Allusion, Metaphor, and teacher and head baseball coach for the Hobbs Munici- ham is now head Distortion of God’s Word and Works in Poet Ellen Bryant Voigt’s While at Ashbrook he was named Regional Coach of the Year pal Schools, Boyle can embrace extreme weather con- coach for the Uni- Faculty News six times after leading both the boys’ and girls’ teams to their first ditions that he wasn’t willing to tolerate the year he took versity of New Kyrie.” McGrath explores Voigt’s use of metaphors and distor- Upcoming Events tions of Biblical passages to impart the anguish experienced by a playoff victories in school history, and for having his 2004 boys’ off from college and worked construction. Mexico baseball team finish that season ranked as the number eight team in the team.) fictional Southern U.S. community struggling to survive the In- “I tell my students in my business classes that you state. Congratulations fluenza Pandemic against the backdrop of the Great War. want to get in a career that isn’t a job,” he said. Despite the diffi- Coach Beltran holds a USSF coaching license and is looking culties of attending • Former University of the Southwest McGrath is the second Southwest professor to attend the Ox- Boyle ’93 has a degree in business marketing and Marco Boyle forward to joining the University of the Southwest family. college full time, prac- ’93 Southwest graduate Board of Trustees chair, Gary ford Round Table. Dr. William Sumruld, professor of history, par- secondary education. Several events and people, in- ticing baseball and at- Don Reagan, received the Citi- ticipated in the Oxford Round Table in 2006. cluding staff, faculty, and students he met at Southwest, tending to his duties as a father and husband, Boyle zen of the Year award in June, have been pivotal in crystallizing a philosophy of being made it all work. presented by the Hobbs Jaycees. an influence in his students’ lives. “If it hadn’t been for Coach Birmingham, I wouldn’t Reagan, the newly elected City of When he was a child, he saw how his parents strug- have finished,” said Boyle, who added that Southwest’s Hobbs mayor, served on the The Tonight Show persisted, and many appearances later, gled economically and emotionally through the death of close-knit community helped him succeed academically Board from 1983 to 2001. Also Upcoming Events along with Larry King Live, Good Morning America, TBS, PBS his sister. As an adult, he and his second wife, Monica, and athletically. recognized at the ceremony were: and CMT, found Mitchell out of the saddle and on the road as a Southwest Mission Statement lost an infant son four years ago from Sudden Infant ° Irene Drake ’83, received the Cowboy poet, Waddie Mitchell, to Warner Brothers recording artist. Death Syndrome. The help he received from his college coaches and University of the Southwest is a Christ-centered educational community dedicated to developing men and women for a lifetime of servant leader- Outstanding Educator of the Year professors taught him to return the favor to his players. speak at upcoming lecture series Whether at the banquet table for Super Bowl XXX VIP’s or ship by emphasizing individual faith, responsibility, and initiative. In his sophomore year at Ranger (Texas) Junior Col- award. Drake, a Southern around the campfire, Waddie Mitchell reminds us that it’s the lege he almost didn’t finish because of an eye injury “I help as many ball players get to college as possi- Heights Elementary school Twenty five years as a working simple moments in life that are the most important. Editor suffered during a baseball game. The injury came at the ble,” said Boyle. “That’s what I love about my job is that teacher, is retiring after 25 years cowboy on some of the most deso- Mitchell will perform at Tydings Auditorium on Oct. 7, 2008. most inopportune time for Boyle in his baseball aspira- I have a lasting influence on people’s lives. One thing in the Hobbs schools. late spreads in Nevada will give a The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are FREE, but re- Laurie Ekaitis Director of Development Operations tions—in the middle of recruiting season. I’ve learned about coaching is it’s not just about the man time to think. Such is the case • ° The Outstanding Young Woman quired for admittance. Call Laurie Ekaitis at 575-392-6565, ext. sport, but it’s also about teaching about things that are with Waddie Mitchell. His common But something different, but equally satisfying, was award went to Jennifer 1014, to reserve tickets or get information about ticket locations. going on in the real world,” he said. sense approach to life and the art of Contributors about to happen for him. Interim head baseball coach, Richardson ’08. Richardson Rusty Llamar, offered Boyle a baseball scholarship to Boyle hasn’t had to completely abandon his dream to received her bachelor’s degree in Cowboy Poetry have delighted and Brenda Henning Director of Public Relations and Special Projects inspired audiences across the coun- Homecoming festivities planned Southwest. work with the major leagues. In a small way he has general business and is currently worked with them. Brandon Harper, a retired player for try. “As ball players, I think we all have aspirations to be- a Grant Officer with the J. University of the Southwest will host a Fall Festival and Home- University of the Southwest the Washington Nationals was on the varsity Hobbs Ea- F Maddox Foundation. “All the time I was growing up we come a professional,” Boyle said of his goals at the coming on Nov. 8, 2008. This date marks the first home game gles’ team when Boyle started his first year as JV had these old cowboys around,” he President: Dr. Gary A. Dill time. “Then there comes a point in life when you realize • ° Jonathan Sena ’04, current Cowboy poet of the newly formed Mustang men’s basketball team. On-cam- coach. When Harper came home from college breaks, Waddie Mitchell says. “When you live in close prox- that is not going to happen.” Hobbs City Commissioner, was pus activities will include a noon luncheon, a free afternoon Boyle and Harper practiced together. (Harper attended imity like that with the same folks Board of Trustees: named the Outstanding Young concert and the first home basketball game of the season Yet another challenge presented itself: Boyle and his Southwest for a year.) month after month, one of your duties is to entertain each other, Nancy Shaw, Chair Gary Fonay Stacy Maclaskey Barbara Tinley Man of the Year. Sena received – alumni awards will be presented at half-time. Look for more first wife discovered they were about to be parents of a and I suppose that’s where the whole tradition of cowboy poetry Cliff Brunson Buster Goff Sandra Newell Playing by the rules and setting a good example are his degree in accounting and fi- details on our website (www.usw.edu). A nomination form for son. started.” Dr. John M. Burns Debra Hicks Monty Newman important to Boyle and he insists his team members do nance and once served as an as- the Alumnus of the Year and Distinguished Young Alumnus Laura Castillo Reinhard Hinterreither David Pyeatt Boyle felt a responsibility to support his family, so in- the same. When other teams make derogatory com- sistant to Rep. Steve Pearce, When The Tonight Show first called with an invitation to share awards also will be posted. For more information, contact Laurie Richard Dunham Mike Hoyl Alita Slate stead of accepting the scholarship, Boyle and his family ments, he requires his players to stay silent. R-NM. his stories with a national audience, they reached a neighbor Ekaitis at 575-392-6565, ext. 1014. Joseph L. Epstein Dr. George L. Klein Paula Smith moved back to their hometown, Las Cruces. But a year “There are no shortcuts. You have to work hard at who subsequently drove 40 miles to the remotely based cowboy Heather Evans Judy Lunardon Samuel S. Spencer, Jr. of working construction and odd jobs convinced him • Kerri Frizzel ’95, has been everything you do and you have to play fair,” Boyle with the good news. But Waddie said “No,” as it was calving that furthering his education was the best way to secure hired as the Hobbs School’s direc- said. “We play it like God would. God will knock you time and he had never heard of Johnny Carson. his family’s future. Following Llamar at Southwest was tor of finance. Kerri majored in down with the rules, but He’ll also build you back up.” Mission of The Mustang baseball coach, Ray Birmingham, who was Boyle’s for- “We didn’t have electricity and that meant we didn’t have TV. (continued on page 2 We had darn poor radio, too. So that meant we did the strangest mer high school baseball coach. Birmingham asked The mission of The Mustang is to share with the alumni and friends of USW news and happenings regarding the University and each other. things at night...we talked to each other!” Boyle if he wanted to come back to Southwest and Liz Murray presents her story to awe-inspired (continued from page 1 Nelson Prayer Chapel provides a quiet space in an Graduation ceremony celebrated in the new Student Life Center business administration and crowd at 2008 Free Enterprise Dinner accounting, and is a certified otherwise active Student Life Center May 10, 2008, proved to be a monumental occasion for not • The award given to the undergraduate who best represents the CPA. only the graduating class receiving their degrees but also for the ideals of the college in the community (the Trustee’s Award) Southwest’s annual Free Enterprise Din- entire University of the Southwest academic community. This was given to Amanda Wier, a math major who graduated ner was held on campus in the new Student • Five teachers were honored by As a Christ-centered learning in- “The cross really impressed us,” Mr. Nelson said. was the first year the college held its graduation ceremony in the summa cum laude. Life Center. A crowd of approximately 250 Edison Elementary school for stitution, many of the buildings and newly opened Student Life Center. It was also the last year stu- filled the gymnasium for an evening high- Coincidentally, the Wayland cross was constructed by former Hobbs • The Academic Excellence Award given to the undergraduate their dedication to teaching. landscaping on University of the dents would lighting free enterprise in America and a spe- resident Bill Griggs, who taught building trades for the local community student with the highest GPA was presented to Amanda Bea- Irma Brijalba ’98 and ’02, is Southwest’s campus contain wall receive a cial presentation of overcoming adversity by college. Now, a Lubbock resident, Griggs keeps his hand in his craft gles, who graduated summa cum laude with a degree in a bilingual instructor who has hangings and garden plaques of diploma bear- with cabinet making and other woodworking projects, such as the criminal justice. keynote speaker Liz Murray. been at Edison for 16 years. scripture verses and other items as ing the name cross. Liz’s inspirational story was made into a Also at the school 16 years is visible reminders of what is at the “College of the • The recipient of the Dean’s Award, given to the graduate stu- Lifetime Television movie entitled, Homeless 1992 graduate, Loma heart of Southwest’s mission. The In the southwest corner of the room, the cross is made of oak and Southwest.” dent who best reflects the ideals of the program, was Cynthia Fleharty, who earned her master’s degree in curriculum and to Harvard, which premiered in April 2003. Lasater who teaches third Student Life Center also was de- placed on a 14-inch pine plywood base with a kneeling step and rail. The The gymna- instruction. Liz’s life is a triumph over adversity and a grade. signed with Southwest’s mission in base is a five-foot radius on a quarter circle, said Griggs. sium was full stunning example of the importance of mind. • Dennis Glasgow, a religion professor who retired after more Liz Murray addresses the crowd at the • Twylia Fris ’02 was named The base was carpeted and the cross was finished with a clear lacquer of family mem- dreaming big. As the child of cocaine-ad- than 35 years as an educator, was honored as a Distin- 2008 Free Enterprise Dinner Cambridge’s Who’s Who pro- Recessed away from the main stain to allow the natural wood to show. bers, faculty dicted parents in the Bronx, life for Liz was and staff as guished Presidential Fellow. fessional of the year in educa- activities of the Student Life Cen- Once the chapel’s main focal point was established, fitting in the rest of bitterly grim. There was never food in the the 109 students received their bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Following Liz’s presentation, local busi- tion for 2008. Fris earned her ter’s boisterous gymnasium and the pieces became the work of designer Ritchie. She had decorated other Amanda Wier also served as the student representative for her house, everything was filthy, drugs were exercise room is the Prayer Chapel, During the hour-long commencement exercises, three students ness owner James Tyler was presented with master’s degree in curriculum spaces for both Southwest and the Nelsons so she understood the aesthet- class and spoke of the memories she would have of her time at everywhere and the welfare checks were which was furnished through con- and one professor were honored: the 2008 Trustee of Free Enterprise award. and instruction and has been ics to which the two parties were inclined. the college. Dr. Ron Cook, Director of the Doctor of Ministry Pro- spent before they arrived. tributions of Farris and Maxine Nelson of Hobbs. The Nelsons have been Mr. Tyler has owned and operated Tyler Well • Accounting major Justin Bateman received the President’s gram at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor Univer- teaching for 18 years. Southwest supporters for many years. When they learned about the plans With a blue carpet, the room already had a color theme to work around. By age 15, Liz’s mom had died and Liz Service in Hobbs for over 30 years. He has Award. This award is presented to the undergraduate who sity gave the commencement address which focused on each of for the Student Life Center, they were enthusiastic about helping develop a Ritchie’s goal was to pick furniture that had a classic look yet was comfort- was homeless – living on the streets, riding made a living in the sometimes unpre- • Glenda Bearden ’94 re- best represents the ideals of the college. us finding our hidden value. prayer chapel for the facility. The 35,000-square-foot Student Life Center able and durable. Dark wood pieces and upholstered and leather furniture the subway all night, and eating from dump- dictable oilfield industry and has provided ceived one of three math and was completed in the fall of 2007 and houses—in addition to the Prayer give the room a respectful but inviting ambience. The artwork in the chapel sters. Amidst this pain, Liz always imagined jobs to many in the area. He is viewed by science mini grants from Chapel—a full-court gymnasium, classrooms, refreshment center, physical is a combination of paintings that Mrs. Nelson created and specific pieces her life could be much better than it was. his peers as an honest business man with Washington TRU Solutions LLC. University of the Southwest to offer degree program in Christian Studies fitness area, lockers, and offices and equipment for coaches and athletic purchased from local gift shops. Determined to take charge of her life, Liz fin- outstanding principles and has a great love These grants are awarded for trainer. ished high school in just two years while for his country and his family. teaching excellence and can be “I think the Student Life Center with a chapel is a complementary de- Students interested in serving on the Participants who complete the four-year The core curricula offered within the camping out in New York City parks and used to buy math books and “My wife and I feel that young people are our future,” said Mr. Nelson. sign,” said Ritchie. “Everyone can see the energy that will be in the build- staff of churches as either pastoral staff program will earn a Bachelor of Arts and program include: “Old and New Testament Also on the program were Southwest subway stations. After attending Columbia “Southwest is doing such a great job with the educational side. We wanted ing, but everyone needs a quiet place, too.” members or as lay members with pas- Sciences Degree in Christian Studies with Survey;” “Foundations of Bible Study;” Alumna and Mrs. New Mexico, Cortney science equipment. Bearden University for a short period to be closer to to see if we could help with the spiritual side.” toral-like duties may earn certification and either an emphasis in youth or pastoral “Survey of Christian Theology;” “History of Whitley, who spoke to the audience about teaches sixth grade at Southern Southwest’s president, Dr. Gary Dill, called the Nelson Prayer Chapel a her ill father, Liz has returned to Harvard a degree in Christian studies beginning ministries. The program is a mixture of Christianity;” “Synoptic Gospels;” and overcoming personal perceptions to achieve Heights Elementary in Hobbs. The Nelsons worked closely with college staff and professional freelance special asset for the campus community. “This center for personal and cor- where she is completing her degree and will with the Fall 2008 semester at University philosophical and practical studies. The “Hermeneutics,” or Biblical interpretation. individual goals, and Justin Bateman, co- decorator Fran Ritchie, also of Hobbs, to create the correct ambience for porate prayer provides a focus for reflection, meditation, contemplation, graduate in December, 2008. • Pat Durán ’97 was named as of the Southwest. pastoral ministry track is beneficial for president of Students in Free Enterprise the space. They researched other Christian universities to see how they de- and communication that is at the heart of God’s invitation to each of us,” Coursework for those pursuing the Southern Heights principal. those interested in pursuing seminary While visiting the Southwest campus April (SIFE), who highlighted some of this pro- signed prayer and meditation space. On a visit to Wayland Baptist Univer- he said. “As we seek to be a Christ-centered campus community, the Nel- Conversations for development of the youth ministries track also will include: Durán has been working in the studies and lay people who serve inde- 29, 2008, Liz had lunch with five students gram‘s achievements throughout the year. sity’s Lubbock campus, the Nelsons saw a large wooden cross in their son Prayer Chapel underscores our privilege and responsibility to commu- degree began about two years ago when “Educational Psychology;” “Advanced Hobbs Schools for 20 years pendent churches and whose congrega- who were recommended by faculty and chapel that they believed would be a strong focal point for the purpose of nicate regularly with God in prayer, as individuals and as a group, as we the college began offering a minor in reli- Youth Ministry;” and “Youth Culture and This is the 28th year Southwest has held tions provide ordination to their ministers. staff. These students have overcome their and served as the bilingual the Southwest chapel. seek to fulfill our university’s mission.” gious studies. University staff collaborated Evangelism.” The youth ministry track is available to lay own significant hurdles to achieve their edu- the Free Enterprise Dinner and it is spon- program specialist for the past with local ministers representing churches people and other church staff who are in- Participants on the pastoral ministry cational goals. Several of the students sored by the Hatton W. Sumners Founda- two. Sandi Segars ’04 has of several different denominations and tra- terested in youth ministries, Richardson track also take classes that include: shared their stories with the group. tion. The dinner’s purpose is to celebrate been hired as the principal at ditions and researched Christian studies said. “Communicating the Gospel;” “Pastoral initiative and citizens’ right to participate in Taylor Elementary. Segars was Name change to UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTHWEST programs at other universities in develop- Liz also conducted a special one-on-one Counseling;” “Ministry Organization and the productive commerce of free enterprise. formerly a sixth-grade teacher ing the bachelor’s degree program, ac- “Because we are a nondenominational, question and answer session in the Library Administration;” “Theology of Worship;” The event hosts speakers who represent the at Edison Elementary and has effective for fall semester cording to the Rev. Kevin Richardson, ecumenical university, we didn’t attempt Atrium. With approximately 50 people in at- and “Evangelism and Discipleship.” ideals and values of Mr. Sumners so they been working for the Hobbs campus minister for Southwest. to fit within any one denomination’s tendance, she engaged in an informal dia- may share their insight and business experi- Schools for 17 years. guidelines,” Richardson said. logue. In this conversation, Liz rejected ences with the community. Beginning with the upcoming fall semester, sion of the college. According to President Gary of business administration in the near future. students will be attending a school of a different Dill, “The mission of serving as a Christ-centered being a “victim.” Instead she advocated Alumni may receive a new diploma with the name. College of the Southwest has officially place of higher learning remains at the heart of choosing the path of personal initiative that, new name beginning in September. For a $5.00 changed its name to UNIVERSITY of the South- who we are. While we think that this adjusted even though more difficult, leads to achiev- processing fee, your diploma will be changed, west. The Board of Trustees’ decided in March to name communicates more accurately the aca- Class Notes Events Calendar ing dreams. stamped with the new official seal and mailed to adopt a name that better reflects who we are demic community we have become, we continue an address you provide. You may contact the As the keynote speaker for the annual and represents the new direction the school is to be committed to the same founding principles LIFE TOGETHER • Brent Kelley ’05 and Kristi Kemp August 16 – 19 - Orientation Registrar’s office at 575-392-6561 for more de- Free Enterprise Dinner, Liz delivered a heart- taking. This change in name will be fully evident of faith, responsibility, and initiative.” • Morgan Michele Lopez (Web- were married on Aug. 2, 2008. Brent has August 20, 2008 – Fall classes begin tails or to request your replacement diploma. felt presentation to the audience and shared on campus when classes start this August. ster) ’04 and Keith Lopez were married a bachelor’s degree in computer science. October 7, 2008 – Jack Maddox Distin- her story with confidence and poise, inspir- The board reaffirmed the on Feb. 14, 2008. Morgan earned her guished Lecture Series proudly presents ing all present not to allow hardships to “This name change more accurately reflects mission and stressed the pos- bachelor’s degree in elementary educa- cowboy poet, WADDIE MITCHELL, at stand in the way of achieving even the most the type of institution we have become over the sibility for enhanced educa- tion. Tydings Auditorium, Hobbs, 7:30 p.m. FRIENDS PASSED unthinkable goals. At times her speech was past few years as part of our long-term vision for tional opportunities for the October 11, 2008 – 11th Annual Alumni • Sean Wayne Helms ’00 emotional, especially when discussing the growth of student enrollment and expansion of liberal arts. Southwest offers • Jenny Woodell ’07 and Andy Golf Scramble; proceeds go to student death of her mother, and filled with circum- academic programs at the master’s level,” said 21 programs for the bache- Martinez were married on Aug. 1, 2008. • Ann Kelley ’81 scholarships and the USW golf pro- Sandra Newell, chair of the task force appointed lor’s degree and a master of stances many would consider impossible to Jenny received her bachelor’s degree in • Jerry Belcher ’72 gram. Contact Clyde Wooldridge for overcome. by the Board of Trustees to study the issue. education degree with 11 early childhood education. more information about becoming a specializations. Southwest James Tyler, 2008 Trustee of Free Enterprise, The board spent time discussing the implica- sponsor or entering a team at 575- poses with Southwest President Gary Gill. anticipates offering a master

tions of a name change as it relates to the mis- 392-6565, ext. 1054. ’