Winter 2010
On the Shoulders
of
Giants A Decade with
Dr. Paul Armes
S
ee the world
through the eyes of a Wayland student on just $28 a month
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We can’t all go... but we can train them, send them, and support them as they go. For more information on the building campaign, log onto www.wbu.edu, click on “Friends and Donors” and then click on “Special Funds/Campaigns” on the blue bar.
magine having a part in the worldwide spreading of the Gospel for only $28 a month. At Wayland Baptist University and the Wayland Mission Center, we’re training ministers across all academic disciplines, raising up a future generation of Christian leaders who will impact their chosen vocational field as well as the kingdom of God. We’re sending students into the mission field while they’re still learning, growing and realizing their call. Then, we’re sending them into the world with degrees in math, science, history, business, education, fine arts and religion – as well as a calling to spread God’s word to a hurting world. The proposed new Flores Bible Building and Wayland Mission Center will allow the university to continue our long tradition of encouraging and empowering young people of all backgrounds to do the work of Christ around the world. For only $28 a month over three years, you can make a “grand” commitment to this project and impact student lives for generations to come. For a $1,000 investment, you too can have a part in the greater mission of Wayland.
q I want to make a “grand” commitment to the new Flores Bible Building. Name __________________________________________________ Phone ______________________ Address ____________________________________________________________________________ City ________________________ State _____ Zip ________ Email _____________________________ q
I want to make my gift at one time. I have enclosed a check for $______________.
q
I want to make a one-time gift by credit card of $_______________
q
I would like to draft monthly from my bank account $_________. (Include voided check.)
q
I would like to draft monthly from my credit or debit card $__________ . q Visa
q MasterCard
q American Express
q Contact me regarding estate planning, gifts of stock, insurance or other gift opportunities. * Naming opportunities are available throughout the facility. * Gifts are tax deductible to the fullest extent the law allows.
q Discover
Name on card ______________________________ Card number ______________________________ Expiration _________ Signature ________________________________________________________ Clip form and return to: Wayland Advancement, 1900 W. 7th, CMB 621, Plainview, Texas 79072 or give online via credit card at https://give.wbu.edu.
FOOTPRINTS - Volume 57, No. 2
Features
Editorial Board Danny Andrews, BA’72 Publisher Teresa Young, BA’94 Editor Jonathan Petty, BA’95 Assistant Editor
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FOOTPRINTS is published by the Association of Former Students at Wayland Baptist University. No outside advertising is accepted. Wayland Baptist University is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Wayland is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award degrees at the associate, baccalaureate and master’s levels. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097 or call 404-6794500 for questions about the accreditation of Wayland Baptist University. Non-profit rate postage paid at Lubbock, Texas 79404. Telephone (806) 291-3600. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to FOOTPRINTS, Wayland Baptist University, 1900 West 7th St. CMB 437, Plainview, TX 79072. Wayland Baptist University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex or national origin in administration of its policies, admission policies, scholarships and loan programs, athletic and other school administration.
Wayland President Dr. Paul Armes reflects on his first ten years in office, the changes and challenges involved and what motivates him.
Alumni Officers Kevin Carter, BBA’93 President Sally Dillman Eaves, BS’75 Vice President Danny Andrews, BA’72 Director, Alumni Development Susie Vera, AAS’84 Secretary Executive Board Dr. Gary Abercrombie, BS’73 Dr. Barbara Allen Carr, BA’89, MEd'92 Rose Ann Chavez, BSOE’06 Tyke Dipprey, BSOE’96 Brenda Gonzalez, BA’73 Mike Manchee, BS'94, MEd’97 Joseph Mares, BA’98 Richard Miller, BS’87 Daleyn Schwartz, AAS’85 Caren Smith, BA’92 Dion White, BA’92, MBA’96 Danny Wrenn, BA’84
Hail to the Chief
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Head of the Class We revisit Wayland’s 20 Centennial Scholars, honored in 2008-09 as the cream of the crop, and follow their lives nearly 18 months after the centennial has passed.
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Forever changed During a recent visit to campus, Japan native and longtime resident Yoshiko Shiga Burke recalls her WBU experiences and her lifetime of changing lives.
Departments On the cover: Dr. Paul Armes, the 12th President of Wayland, stands outside the historic Gates Hall where his office is located, overlooking the west side of the campus.
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Student Spotlight
20
News in Brief
22
Athletics Review
26
President's Pen
27
Thinking Out Loud
28
Development Feature
30
Class Notes
If you have any questions or comments about Footprints, drop an e-mail to Danny at andrewsd@wbu.edu, Teresa at youngt@wbu.edu, or write to us in care of the Wayland Alumni Office.
On the Shoulders of
Giants
By Teresa Young
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Wayland President Dr. Paul Armes reflects on his first decade PLAINVIEW – Dr. Paul Armes approaches the interview table with some caution and makes his initial caveat clear: He’s not comfortable talking about the events of the past ten years as something he’s done at Wayland Baptist University. “Anyone who serves in a position like this has to acknowledge that whatever has happened under my tenure has happened because of the people here. Every president stands on the shoulders of their people, and I’m surrounded by a group of phenomenal individuals,” said Armes. “This is definitely a team sport.” Caveats aside, Armes also knows that like historians in the past, historians in Wayland’s future will group her history by administrators partly out of ease. It’s also a known fact that changes in leadership often change the course of history for a university. Each leader brings new strengths, new interests, new vision and new viewpoints. Like so many who have gone before him, Armes brought a unique set of skills and experiences to the presidential table when he arrived at Wayland Baptist University in February 2001 to serve as her 12th president. And as the 10-year mark of his service approaches, Armes took a break from his regular travel and administrative duties to reflect upon just how Wayland has changed over the decade. Growth and change Wayland’s enrollment has seen consistent growth, spurred in large part by the addition of a vice president for enrollment management – filled in 2002 by Dr. Claude Lusk, a former Director of Admissions and business faculty member – and streamlining of offices and processes under that one umbrella. Growth in academic pro-
grams, athletic offerings and the like all contributed to the growth as well. One major area of growth during Armes’ tenure has been the Virtual Campus, which had just begun offering classes when he came as president. Over the years, the class offerings have multiplied exponentially and the university now offers a fully online bachelor’s degree and several master’s degrees, literally opening the Wayland experience to anyone around the world with Internet access. Armes said improvements and realignments to the university’s administrative infrastructure have helped to better handle the growing system that now includes 6,385 students across 14 campuses. The addition of Dr. Elane Seebo, first as an assistant vice president and now as vice president of external campuses and graduate services, has also helped to shepherd the 13 campuses located away from the Plainview headquarters. All are moves that have strengthened the organization and oversight of the university, Armes said. Wayland’s physical plant has endured many changes over the decade as well. The addition of the Pete and Nelda Laney Student Activities Center, opened officially in 2008, has been a boon to student life and fitness opportunities and has been utilized heavily by other areas of the university. It is a popular spot on campus, particularly in the evenings. The acquisition of the former Trinity United Methodist Church property added office space for Institutional Advancement and a new home for the Baptist Student Ministries. In addition, the university added a new women’s suite dormitory, Wallace and Patsy Davis Hall, in 2002, then acquired a facility three blocks from the campus and remodeled it as an honors dormitory, now called Dorothy McCoy Hall.
Above, Dr. Paul Armes, president, addresses the graduating class of May 2010, sharing words of wisdom as they leave Wayland Baptist University. Opposite page, Dr. Paul Armes and wife Duanea welcome guests to the president’s home, a historic house on Sixth Street.
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Above, three of Dr. Armes’ favorite “hobbies” include grandsons Gage Paul Thompson, left, Colton Thompson, center, and turning wood on a lathe in his makeshift woodshop in the garage, on which he makes wood pen sets using wood from the Holy Land. Armes is also a ham radio operator and his locator cards (below) bear the image of Gates Hall.
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Of great significance to the campus will be the addition of a new men’s dormitory to replace the aging McDonald Hall, a 350-bed facility created to handle the influx of students expected when the university returns to the gridiron with football starting competitive play in fall 2012. Once the new dormitory is completed, demolition can begin on the existing McDonald Hall and construction can begin on the new Flores Bible Building and Mission Center. In terms of financial strength, the university’s endowment grew by $21 million over 10 years, aided by many new endowed scholarships and growth in value of the school’s land and assets. Helping plan and celebrate the school’s centennial celebration in 2008-09 has also been a highlight of Armes’ tenure and one the emphasized to him the rich heritage and pattern of God’s blessing on the institution. Armes is particularly fond of the Wayland Mission Center, an entity he had a crucial hand in helping dream up with others. “It really came about in response to student trends,” he said, noting that today’s students are generally more interested in missions endeavors. “Our focal point is to minister to students and the kingdom community around us.” With his pastoral background, Armes embraces the Christian heritage of Wayland and its continued emphasis on the faith atmosphere at all its campuses. He said a new emphasis on leadership and service – which became the Center for Student Leadership and Involvement – is refreshing as well. “I’m pleased about what I see is a fresh wave of student engagement, with interest in service projects and such,” he said. One such group is the President’s Ambassadors, housed in the Institutional Advancement office and providing assistance to his office and development with donors, trustees and other campus events.
The tough spots Though he doesn’t camp there long, Armes mentions the loss of Dr. Bill Hardage in March 2006 as a particularly challenging time for the university. Besides being a friend, Hardage was in many ways the backbone of the administration, having served in so many capacities for so long and having a deep, genuine love for Wayland. But Armes noted that the younger administrators on the cabinet, namely Lusk and Dr. Bobby Hall (executive vice president and provost) have stepped up to fill the gap in leadership. “The school really has an inherent healthiness that allows it to bounce back from tragedies,” said Armes, noting also that the loss of several students over the years in accidents has made for tough times emotionally. Though much has happened over the decade, Armes is quick to point out that Wayland has had its share of challenges, especially some that sister institutions have shared. One is an increasing competition for resources as well as student attention, and for-profit schools have had some impact in that realm as well. But the faith at Wayland remains strong, and for Armes, that is key to her survival. “We live in a fast-moving, ever-changing educational world. To maintain our vibrancy, we have to embrace the best of those changes and incorporate them into the life of Wayland,” he said. “I’m so grateful for the importance of faith at this university, and I think this student generation seems to have embraced the importance of faith.” Keeping a level head Holding the highest seat in a university of any size is no small feat, someone analogous to the mythical Atlas heaving the globe upon his shoulders. How does Armes deal with the com-
“Our focal point is to minister to students and the kingdom community around us.” Dr. Paul Armes
plexity and intricacies of the administrative role with such grace and poise? “I have places that are therapeutic for me,” he laughs. “Dr. Hall and I often joke about ‘barn time.’ I love turning wood, because you take a rough piece of wood and work for about 45 minutes and you have a beautiful item. It helps me disengage a little.” Another enjoyable “side hobby” is preaching, and for Armes, it helps him stay connected to the church community and to people with whom he can share the Wayland story. It’s also a passion. “That was God’s first call on my life. If I had to quit preaching, I’m not sure I’d be able to do the work I do,” he said. He also enjoys photography, is a ham radio operator and used to fly small planes, earning his pilot’s license while in Corpus Christi. He and wife Duanea have a small RV in which they enjoy taking short trips and he looks forward to taking his grandchildren on future trips to the national parks when they are older. All that aside, Armes most relishes the title of husband – he and Duanea celebrated 36 years of marriage in June – as well as father and grandfather. The couple has two daughters. Sarah Thompson, a nurse, and husband Tim, an EMT, parent the Armes’ two grandsons, Gage, 2 ½, and Colton, 3 months, whom they try to see weekly.
Daughter Ashley and her husband Aaron Cox live in Italy, where she is a historian for the U.S. Air Force, stationed at Aviano AFB. Looking back now over his life’s experiences – Baylor graduate, seminary student, longtime pastor, then president of San Marcos Baptist Academy before coming to WBU – Armes said he is amazed by it all. “I never dreamed that this would have happened in my life. I thought I’d be a pastor forever, but in God’s design, (earning the PhD) exposed me to the academic side of this journey,” he said. In the end, he goes back to his initial thoughts of the last decade being a shared journey. “My position is really as a gatekeeper, making sure the broad direction of the university is going the right way. I have people around me who do their job very well, and for whatever reason, God has allowed me to let them do that,” he said. “I feel like I’m an integral part of the life of the university, but we have such gifted people here and they do a good job. All of us want very passionately to do the best we can for the university.” History’s reflection As she did so capably for the centennial celebration and the coffee table book produced over Wayland’s first 100 years, University Historian Dr. Estelle Owens reflected upon the past decade as it will be viewed by histo-
rians in the future. In so doing, she found many of the same things Armes discovered. “There’s an old saying that ‘firstrate men surround themselves with first-rate men; second-rate men surround themselves with third-rate men.’ I think Dr. Armes is a first-rate man in that he has assembled and kept a first-rate leadership team that is very gender-diverse with Dr. Seebo and three female deans,” she noted. “He obviously believes in capitalizing on the gifts God bestows upon people, regardless of their gender. That hasn’t always been the case here or anywhere else.” Owens also noted that campuswide diversity, growth in enrollment, academic programs and athletics were all signs of a healthy institution, and that, she said, is a sign of healthy leadership. “It’s really obvious that Wayland has been positioned by our leadership to be ready for whatever comes. That has to be the result of a lot of sound decision-making and implementation of best practices,” Owens said. “As Sam Foss put it in House by the Side of the Road, ‘There are pioneer souls who blaze a path where highways never ran.’ That’s us over the course of the last decade, and a lot of that is because of the president and his vision for us. I think Dr. Wayland and all of Dr. Armes’ predecessors would be so proud of who we are and what we’ve become.”
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Big Top, Big Time
Wayland homecoming 2011 to f
By Teresa Young
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Life on a college campus can certainly seem like a circus much of the time. But for the spring’s Homecoming celebration at Wayland Baptist University, the feeling will be literal as the weekend takes on a circus theme, “Under the Wayland Big Top.” Homecoming is slated for Friday, Feb. 25 and Saturday, Feb. 26 on the Plainview campus, with some events on Thursday night for those arriving early. The 2011 weekend honors graduates from 1961 as the Golden Anniversary Class as well as alumni of 1951, 1971, 1981, 1991 and 2001. “We’re always excited to see our alumni back on campus and know they’ll have a great time with the many things on our schedule,” said Danny Andrews, Director of Alumni Development. “The carnival and luncheon should be a great addition this year for alumni to bring their families and
enjoy together while showing off their alma mater.” Besides some of the traditional homecoming events, a few new things will be added in keeping with the theme. One is a carnival with a bounce house and game booths for families to enjoy together, including face painting and more. Specific details are pending for that event, which will be held around the lunch hour on Saturday and before the afternoon basketball doubleheader. Another new event for 2011 is the Friday dedication of a new display for the Miss Wayland pageant. Located in the east foyer of Harral Memorial Auditorium, the display includes newly reframed portraits of all Miss Wayland winners and a exhibit case with photographs and memorabilia, including a crown belonging to a former winner and an old sash. (See page 40 for more info.) Friday’s events include the traditional
eature circus-themed events Golden Anniversary Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. for the Class of 1961. Chapel and the presentation of the Distinguished Alumni awards will be held at 11 a.m. in Harral Auditorium. The Legacy League Luncheon for any graduates of 1961 or prior will follow at 12:30. The afternoon will feature a lecture by Dr. Bob Sartain, BS’61, a retired math professor from Wayland and Howard Payne at 2 p.m.; a baseball doubleheader at Wilder Field at 2 p.m.; children’s activities in the Laney Center from 5-11 p.m. (free childcare for parents involved in homecoming activities); the Miss Wayland display dedication at 3 p.m.; the homecoming banquet at 6 p.m.; a cheerleader reunion from 7-8 p.m.; and the 8 p.m. presentation of the theatre/music collaboration titled “Musical Mayhem.” Saturday feaures a math and science breakfast at 8 a.m.; a university store open house at 9 a.m.; a coffee and reunion time for all classes from 9-11:30 a.m.; the International Choir reunion and mini-concert at 10 a.m.; the Athletic Hall of Honor induction at 10:30 a.m.; the alumni
luncheon at noon in the Laney Center; baseball at 1 p.m.; the basketball doubleheader against John Brown at 2 p.m., including the crowning of the homecoming queen and a presentation by the WBU Band and Cheer and Dance teams; the 8 p.m. theatre production; and the alumni-student dance from 8 p.m. to midnight in the Laney Center. A matinee showing of the theatre production will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday as well. The Abraham Art Gallery will also feature the exhibit “The Fine Art of Jazz,” with photography by Dan White, during the weekend. The cost for homecoming depends on which meals guests attend. Visit the alumni Web site for a complete, updated schedule and a downloadable registration form. Guests are encouraged to make reservations in advance, especially for meals that must be turned in a week before homecoming. For information or reservations, contact the Office of Alumni Services at (806) 291-3600 or susiev@wbu.edu.
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C E N T E N N I A L
S C H O L A R S
j{xÜx tÜx à{xç ÇÉãR With Wayland’s Centennial Celebration nearly 18 months in the past, we caught back up with the 20 students honored as Centennial Scholars to find out how life has changed for them since they left WBU. Jenny Beth Alford, School of Languages and Literature: Jenny Beth graduated in May 2009 with a degree in English. She worked for the education department at South Plains Colleges for a year and volunteered for an missions organization called TEN3 (Transformational Education Network) in curriculum development as an editor ad writers’ contact. She is planning to join TEN3 full-time soon and traveled to Africa in the summer with the group. She developed a passion for helping African churches through TEN3 and hopes to continue that work. She notes her WBU experience was key in the relationships built. “I am so thankful for all that Wayland offered me in the way of education, and also the support of good student-working environments, faculty and staff who really care, and the assistance from Wayland's financial supporters to get me through those
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years,” she said. Joshua Allen, School of Music: Josh earned his bachelor of music degree in music education in May 2009. He is working toward a master’s degree in music composition at Texas Tech University and is the orchestra director at Talkington School for Young Women Leaders in Lubbock. He also serves as assistant orchestra director at Monterey High School. He married Rachel Merrill in August 2009 and plans to pursue the doctorate degree in composition and teach at the college level. “The uniquely personal attention of the music faculty at Wayland not only ensured my success as a WBU School of Music graduate, but also provided me with a strong foundation for my career in music education,” he said. Bonnie Jo Bagwell, School of Business:
Amarillo’s Gary Hamilton
Bonnie Jo graduated in December 2008 with her bachelor’s degree in accounting. She works for Wayland as an evaluator in the registrar’s office and enjoys the interaction with students. She plans to begin her graduate degree work soon. “I had a wonderful experience at Wayland,” she said. “Being in a smaller university setting was beneficial to my learning. Also, I developed so many good friendships. It also helped me get my foot in the door for the wonderful job that I have now!” Molly Flowers Barnes, School of Education: Molly earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and special education in May 2009 and now teaches first grade at Avondale Elementary in Amarillo, her hometown. Molly married fellow Centennial Scholar Tim Barnes in July 2010 and the two live in Amarillo. Down the road she would like to teach special education and dreams of starting a gymnastics gym for children with disabilities. She notes her Wayland experience as key due to relationships and special memories. “The education has helped me become a better teacher. But most importantly, Wayland was used as an instrument to mold me and make me more like Christ,” she said. “Also, God used Wayland as the place to meet my husband!” Tim Barnes, School of Fine Arts: Tim graduated in May 2010 with a degree in art and spent his sum-
mer on a study tour of Costa Rica then traveling to play drums at church camps and various churches. He was also married in July to Molly Flowers and the two live in Amarillo. Tim hopes to continue playing music with the Garrett Wooten Band and would like to work for a church doing graphic design projects. He notes that his experience at Wayland to great friendships and he is glad he chose to attend WBU. Mori Applewhite Bell, Lubbock Campus: Mori received her BSOE degree in occupational education in January 2009 and is a dental hygienist for Dr. Scott Mahaney in Lubbock. She and her husband moved to her family farm near Hale Center and had their first child, Breagan Ky, in April 2009. Mori doesn’t have big plans for career change and enjoys her work in the dental field. She also enjoys singing in the church choir and life with her new son. She hopes to return to mission work through the church and work with youth, both true passions. She said her WBU time prepared her for many experiences in the workforce as well as her spiritual journey as a parent and as a Christian. She also enjoyed friendships and relationships with professors. Scott Bleeker, Anchorage Campus: Scott will earn his BSOE degree in business this December, while working at the First National Bank Alaska
as a business banker. Despite unexpected delays in completing his degree, he is proud to finally be completing that journey while being active as a deacon and as the director of children’s ministry for his church as well. He said the degree has helped him at his current job and he hopes to begin a master’s degree in biblical counseling through The Master’s College in California, with an eye on possible seminary attendance in the future. He and his wife have three daughters. Bleeker noted that his Wayland experience has helped him balance life priorities as he juggled work, schoolwork and family responsibilities. He found the WBU faculty to be both understanding and encouraging of his family-first philosophy. He also developed a commitment to lifelong learning. “At the Anchorage campus, the instructors do not see their job as merely disseminating facts,” he said. “Through their examples and exhortations I am encouraged to continue being a learner in all of life’s classrooms, even in the workplace.” Sharon Burks, Sierra Vista Campus: Sharon earned her bachelor of Master of Christian Ministry degree in
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April 2009 shortly after earning the bachelor’s degree from Wayland. She still serves as the site coordinator at Fort Huachuca and is an adjunct faculty member for the campus as well. She said the degree fulfilled a dream and opened her eyes to more possibilities. “As I was working toward that lifelong goal, I realized I could dream bigger and accomplish more. This was done only through the wonderful supportive network established at Wayland,” she said. “I am forever grateful to my mentors for that support.” She hopes to encourage others to pursue education through her academic advising role, being helpful and providing a safe learning environment in her Old and New Testament classes. She also hopes to pursue the master’s degree in history and possibly teach in that field. Her WBU experience helped grow her confidence in her abilities. Joseph Callahan, Altus Campus: After earning his bachelor’s degree in management in 2009, Joe completed his tour of duty with the U.S. Air Force at Altus, then moved his family to Houston. He works in real estate and for the Texas Air National Guard in Houston. Joe said his Wayland degree helped him earn his civilian job and gave him a new confidence. “I am currently going through training for my new Air Guard job, and I am not even a little intimidated. I feel that if I can graduate with honors from WBU, there isn't much I cannot do,” he said. “God knew what
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he was doing when he gave me the opportunity for a degree at a Biblebased university. The chance to go to college is not something to take for granted, and I like to think that I did not.” He hopes to work toward his real estate broker’s license and start his own business in the future along with growing in his Air Force career. Joe and wife Valerie have an 11-monthold son Caleb. Jonathan Carey, School of Mathematics and Sciences: Jonathan graduated in May 2009 with an honors degree in chemistry. He is currently a graduate student at Texas Tech in civil engineering, focusing his efforts on water resources and management. “As a chemistry major at Wayland, I had the opportunity to be a part of a research project that focused on efficient methods for providing people with clean drinking water. This project has inspired me to pursue a career as a water resources engineer,” Carey said. “Many people around the world do not have access to clean water, and I would like to be able to do whatever I can to combat that problem.” Carey said his WBU experience provided a quality education that prepared him for the graduate level of study and his future career and he believes he developed as a person on personal and spiritual levels in an “uplifting environment where I always felt encouraged to identify and pursue my goals.” Thomas Cayetano, Hawaii Campus: Thomas received his BSOE in justice administration in April 2010 and
is now working toward a graduate degree through the online program of Central Michigan University. He works for the Hawaii Department of Public Safety’s director’s office as an investigator. While he has not made any major career changes, Thomas said he has additional opportunities open to him because of the degree. Cayetano plans to continue working in the law enforcement field and possible move into administrative positions with the state, local or federal government. He extended thanks to the Hawaii campus staff and faculty for providing a supportive environment for himself and others to thrive. “I am extremely thankful to Wayland for allowing me to be a part of its extended ‘ohana’ (family),” he said. “I truly enjoyed the microterms, and my overall experience with WBU was great.” Gary Hamilton, Amarillo Campus: Gary earned his BSOE degree in December 2008 and is still a commissioned police officer in Amarillo. The degree helped him earn a pay increase in a job that is “exactly where I want to be, doing what I love to do.” “Earning my degree would not have been possible without the support and encouragement of the professors and staff at WBU, and the benefit I received is priceless,” Hamilton said. Chase Hardage, Clovis Campus: Graduating in May 2008, Chase was one of the earliest centennial graduates, earning his BSOE degree in business. He then moved to
Austin, where he works for a major construction company as production foreman and quality control specialist. As far as his future, Hardage hopes to continue moving up within the company, perhaps as project engineer. “I am very grateful for my time at WBU and the opportunities it has afforded me,” he said. “The staff, professors, and all involved really helped me achieve my goal of getting a degree as well as gaining some much needed spiritual knowledge in this very tough world we live in.” He also noted the influence, encouragement and guidance from Clovis dean Dr. Gary Mitchell and advisor Jesse Cantu as being particularly helpful in his journey. Donna Johnson, Wichita Falls Campus: Donna completed her bachelor’s degree in August 2008 as the centennial began, then finished the Master of Education degree in May 2010, coming from being a stay-at-home mom. She began teaching high school English in Burkburnett after her baccalaureate completion and recently completed certification tests to expand her abilities into additional secondary teaching fields. She plans a long career in education and now is able to enjoy more free time with her family. Recently the family began researching international adoption and is praying about those possibilities. She and her husband have two children. Johnson said her WBU experience helped her both personally and professionally. “The staff at the Wichita Falls campus has been extremely knowledgeable and helpful during my professional journey. I am proud to be an alumnus of a Christian college and have enjoyed the personal connection I feel with the staff,” she said. “Wayland is a college which grows your
knowledge and nurtures your spirit. This is a winning combination!” Matt Johnston, School of Religion and Philosophy: Matt earned his degree in religion in December 2009 and spent a semester doing graduate work before serving on staff at the Sabine Creek Ranch for the summer. He is currently serving with Go Now Missions with SEGUE, a ministry to international refugees in the Dallas area. His future plans include seminary and the master’s degree. He believes God has honed his call and he ministry passion even further, and he hopes to teach and equip indigenous leaders with biblical skills while learning from those individuals about ministering in a different culture. Matt said his Wayland experiences prepared him for the level of work he has already encountered in seminary classes and the confidence and friendships are invaluable. Charles Kohlhase, Phoenix Campus: Charles graduated with highest honors in September 2008 with his bachelor’s degree in human services. He is the policy compliance section commander for the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office in Phoenix. While his job has not changed, Charles said he has more future options and opportunities. Down the road, Kohlhase is considering retirement and a change in careers. He is interested in teaching, HR management or a musical field but still enjoys his work with the sheriff’s office. He also may pursue a graduate degree once he chooses a second career field. He has renewed an interest in the guitar and enjoys his role as grandfather to three. Charles said his Wayland experience showed him the true meaning of support
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as he received much from family, his employers and the faculty and staff at WBU. “Since earning my degree, I am more confident when dealing with other professionals in my field,” he said. Charles Lopez, Albuquerque Campus: Charlie graduated in May 2009 with his bachelor’s degree in occupational education. He continues to work for the Department of Energy’s National Training Center. He also works with wheelchair sports for youth and has begun coaching a men’s semi-pro football team. Since he earned his degree, he’s recruited a new student to Wayland; his son is now working toward his degree in theology. “My experience with Wayland was tremendous,” he said. “Because of the experience I had, friends and family have been inspired, have enrolled and are now taking classes at Wayland.” Ashley Pyeatt Martin, School of Behavioral and Social Sciences: After earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology in December 2008, Ashley worked for Central Plains Mental Health/Mental
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Retardation in Plainview before moving to Mill Valley, Calif., to attend Golden Gate Seminary. She completed her first year of work toward the master’s degree in theological studies recently and works at Starbucks. Her future plans include interests in a graduate degree in counseling or marriage and family therapy. She married Chris Martin, a WBU graduate himself, shortly after graduation. Ashley said her WBU experience continues to reveal benefits to her. “My time at Wayland, like most college experiences, was one of growth and learning. One of the most valuable things so far have been the relationships that I still have today with professors, mentors, and friends,” she said. George Mathisen, Fairbanks Campus: After earning his bachelor’s degree in the fall of 2009, George remains in active duty with the U.S. Air Force. He has since been relocated to Hurlburt Field in Florida and is now working on a master’s degree in education with Wayland through the Virtual Campus. His plans include completing his time with the Air Force in six years
and retiring to enter another field. He hopes also to pursue the doctorate in education after finishing the master’s degree. He enjoys time with his family and church. “My Wayland experience has been a life changing experience. The university was instrumental in my and my family’s salvation in Christ. The Eielson and virtual staff gave me the confidence to obtain and to continue in my educational goals,” he said. Megan Hardin Wardeski, San Antonio Campus: Megan graduated in June 2009 with her BSOE in management. She continues to work in clinical research and notes that her degree has helped her growth opportunities in the research industry. Her plans include moving up the ranks to project management in clinical research with an ultimate goal to work in project management for a pharmaceutical company that focuses on oncology research. “My Wayland experience was incredible. My professors were motivating, brilliant and completely supportive. I will never forget the angels at Wayland that saw me through the toughest of times,” she said. Megan was married shortly after her graduation from WBU.
Student Spotlight
Plainview native, new Miss Wayland finds home in an unlikely place By Teresa Young
everal things have happened this semester that affirm Jovanna Barrera’s decision to return to her hometown for her education at Wayland Baptist University. One was the relationship she began building with business professors at WBU, namely school dean Dr. Otto B. Schacht. Another was the fact that she was able to find a parttime job in banking that she had long desired, working at the same bank in which her mother Frances has worked for 28 years. Yet another major confirmation came on Nov. 6 as Barrera was crowned Miss Wayland, the 40th young lady to hold the title. And while the pageant itself has changed somewhat since its inception in 1972, one thing remains the same: the title provides a perfect opportunity for young women to represent the university they love in the community. This time, that community is also something the young sophomore loves. But Barrera admits that wasn’t always the case. A typical Plainview High School graduate, she had hopes of leaving the city for her education, big dreams in her sights. But she took advantage of the city’s United Way program titled PEP – Plainview
S
Educational Partnership – and attended Wayland her first year for free. Although the experience was enjoyable, she decided she really needed to go away, so she transferred up the road a bit for her second year. But when the time came to register for the fall term, she did some soulsearching. “It just didn’t feel right, and I really wanted to come back to Wayland,” she said. “Wayland really surprised me that first year and I enjoyed it so much and I met people from all over the world. I love the business school too, and I couldn’t get that kind of teaching and care anywhere else.” She came home for a weekend visit and interviewed at Hale County State Bank, then got the job. That helped seal the deal for her to come home…. both to Plainview and to Wayland. She enrolled this fall as a sophomore and was going along smoothly. Then her mother learned of the Miss Wayland pageant and the scholarship opportunities attached to it and encouraged her to apply and participate. She met former Miss Wayland Amy Rendon at a women’s luncheon and had the chance to visit with her and learn more. The possibility intrigued her.
“I really wanted to get more involved with the school and I wanted to meet other girls on campus,” she said, noting that since she lives at home and works off campus, it has been harder to get involved. “It was a great experience and I got to meet so many great girls.” Harkening to the final question from the pageant, Barrera said she feels she can bring a different angle to the Miss Wayland role as a local girl. “For one, I think I bring diversity, and since I’m bilingual, I can really reach out to the community and serve them,” she said. “I want to get involved and give back. I want to have a helping hand in any way I can.” Barrera said she felt the pageant was highly competitive and had no idea what her chances were. When her name was announced as a finalist, she admits a little shell shock. Once the first runner-up was announced, leaving her as the winner, the real shock set in and lasted until the next day at least. Now, Barrera is just excited to get started on her role as ambassador. “I am so grateful and blessed to be Miss Wayland and to represent Wayland,” she said.
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changed
Forever By Teresa Young
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Yoshiko Shiga Burke (center) and husband Billy (right) share a story from her Wayland days with President Dr. Paul Armes while touring the campus in October.
Alum enjoys life spreading God’s love, hope in homeland oshiko Shiga Burke was not like most students at Wayland Baptist University when she arrived in 1960. For one thing, she was from Japan, and though Wayland’s international student population was growing, there still were not a great number of Asian students. For another, her going to college at all – much less in America – was something of an anomaly for women of her heritage. “Normally girls aren’t so important in Japanese culture,” said Burke. “They get married and are baby machines.” But even as a young woman Burke would prove to go against the flow and raise the bar for others. Not only did she attend college overseas, she became a Christian and has spent her adult life making a difference in the life of children as the owner of a preschool in Ashiya, Japan.
Y
Burke visited the Wayland campus recently with her husband, Billy, returning to America for the reunion of his Texas Tech football team from the 1950s. While on campus, she was able to see the many changes since her days as a student nearly 50 years ago, speak briefly at a facultystaff chapel service and meet Wayland’s current President Dr. Paul Armes. All were testimony to the lifechanging experiences she had while a teenager in Kyoto, a student in Plainview and a wife, mother and teacher in Japan. A native of Kyoto, Burke said she was led to Christ at age 16 by American missionaries who shared the gospel and expressed deep regret for the lives lost during the Hiroshima bombing of World War II. She was baptized in a nearby river and joined her family as believers. The missionaries soon put out the
call for someone to help them translate their message into Japanese and travel with them to other parts of the nation. In return, the student would learn English at the classes they taught and gain experience in the language. Yoshiko jumped at the chance and, as a teenager, moved with the two missionary ladies to begin her four years of service as translator and student. “For nearly two years I would hear them talking and it would mean nothing,” she recalled, noting the language barrier. “Then one day it began to make sense and I could understand English.” Some friends of the ladies in Florida decided Shiga needed to attend an American college, so they arranged to bring her by boat to Florida, then send her by bus to Georgia to attend Toccoa Falls Bible College, where she attended from 1958-60 before transferring to
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Wayland on a music scholarship for the International Choir and to study English and Bible. Her goal was to become an English teacher. That choir experience opened the doors for Shiga to be selected for a special project of the Baptist Student Union’s Texas choir which was to travel the Orient on tour as part of Project Understanding, a goodwill effort from the state convention. The student choir was able to travel to various nations, even garnering an appearance with the king and queen of Thailand, an opening only available to them because of their student status and because of two maids who visited about the choir’s tour. “Diplomats were not allowed into Thailand and certainly not Christians at the time, but because we were college students, they invited us to come. The maid for the royal family was hanging clothes outside and visiting with a neighbor’s maid who
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mentioned the choir coming. She knew the family loved music, so she passed on the word about the choir and we were able to perform in the royal palace,” Yoshiko recalled. While there, God orchestrated a divine encounter between Shiga and the Queen, who was quite moved by the choir’s program of both show tunes and sacred hymns. “She came up to me and asked me if I was Hawaiian because I was the only Asian in the group,” Burke said. She told her she was from Japan and she then asked why Yoshiko was singing in an American choir. She shared about being saved, coming to Wayland Baptist College to study and enjoying singing to God because she was so grateful for her salvation and her life. Once again, the Queen was visibly moved, even shedding a few tears. After the tour, Yoshiko was at Collegiate Week at Glorieta Baptist
Conference Center shortly before her junior year at Wayland began when God orchestrated another encounter, this time with Billy Burke. Billy was a graduate student in English at Texas Tech who had taught for a year at Kermit High School. He met Yoshiko’s younger sister Emiko, who was a new student at Wayland that year as well, during the week and she introduced Yoshiko to the former football player. Once the two found out Billy was an English teacher, they begged him for help with their English compositions at Wayland. “I would have classes all week and then come up to Plainview nearly every Saturday and check over their compositions,” laughed Billy. “They told me that when I checked them, they made As but when I didn’t, they made Ds. After a few months of this, Yoshiko told her sister Emiko she didn’t have to meet me
for the editing because I was here to see her alone.” The friendship blossomed into romance and the two began dating. Billy took Yoshiko to meet his parents in his hometown of Hobbs, N.M, over Thanksgiving and took her to Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands. There, among the sand that Yoshiko swore was snow, Billy proposed marriage. “She told me I’d have to ask her father for permission but she did say yes,” he recalls. The engagement would be a long one as they wanted to wait for Yoshiko to finish her degree. Billy finished his master’s degree the following May and moved to Japan to each English, following a call from God he had felt years before meeting Yoshiko. They wrote letters for two years and he met her family in Japan, getting to know them well and finally asking for permission to marry Yoshiko. Once he assured the Shigas he did not intend to drag their daughter back to the U.S., they blessed the union. But Billy’s own mother was having a hard time accepting the engagement. She had family killed as prisoners of war by the Japanese and forgiveness was difficult even years later. When she finally came to visit Japan and Yoshiko took her to the Hiroshima Museum, photos of the devastation that the Japanese endured softened her heart. “She had tears and just said, ‘I never knew what your people suffered too’ and just hugged me,” Yoshiko said. “It was a beautiful time of reconciliation.” From that point, everyone was on board. Yoshiko finished her WBU degree
in May 1963 and returned home to Japan, where she married Billy two months later. Billy was teaching at a Canadian academy and Yoshiko joined the faculty as a kindergarten teacher. The next year, she followed her passion and opened a Christian, English preschool, first in a Shinto shrine and later in a rented home she adapted for her purposes. The Mikage International Preschool grew to about 45 children, caring for toddlers as young as 18 months up to age 6 and including an after-school care program and English Club. Then in January 1995, the earthquake that shook Japan destroyed the school building and killed two teachers on site. Yoshiko felt then she might retire permanently and perhaps return to the States. But God was not finished with the Burkes’ work with Japanese children. Yoshiko soon sold the furnishings from the old school building and opened her home to the four students remaining with the school to rebuild her business. She is currently renting another home for the school, which now has 30 enrolled and 6 teachers. She serves as the principal and oversees the entire operation. Billy taught for the Canadian Academy for years before retiring. The couple then decided to draw from his retirement and build an international school for students to attend their elementary grades after they aged out of the Mikage Preschool. Missionaries helped build the facility, which was constructed in 2002 of lumber shipped from the United States. Classes began in 2003, and the school was able to get land from the
Yoshiko Shiga (far right) was just a young girl when this photo was taken of her family. Her mother (seated right) was one of the first Christians in her village and married her father shortly after her conversion. Their family was known for being good examples in the community.
“
I love to see them
grow and see them pray and be thankful for things. Children teach parents a lot too. We just plant the seed and watch them grow.” Yoshiko Burke Preschool Director
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Japanese government by applying to be an official nonprofit organization. Billy serves as headmaster for the Ashiya International School, which offers private Christian education for children from kindergarten through sixth grade, focusing on a strong bilingual curriculum in English and Japanese. The Burkes’ son, Jay, serves as principal. Their daughter, Emi Burke Millard, lives in Houston with her husband and three children. Both the facilities are English schools, a rarity at the time they started but a draw for prominent families and those from other countries who want their children to be fluent in the language of commerce. The Burkes plan to merge the two schools into one entity in April. Even after all these years, Yoshiko said the work with children is rewarding. “I love to see them grow and see them pray and be thankful for things,” she said. “Children teach parents a lot too. We just plant the seed and watch them grow.” Her husband said it’s evident she has a gift. “God gave her a charisma with children. They can be running crazy and when she comes in they just settle down for her,” he said. The couple has been involved in starting an international church in Kobe, where people from 12 different nations worship. They are also often sending Japanese nationals on short-term missions to their daughter’s church in Houston to work with
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Japanese in that area. She also is in Toastmasters and is a confident speaker. Though it has been 47 years since Yoshiko crossed the Wayland stage to receive her diploma, she recalls fondly many experiences of those three years on campus. Memories of singing in formal attire with the International Choir and traveling to various locations to do so are vivid. On one trip, she recalled a South American student who was black being told he could eat in the kitchen while the rest of the choir at in the restaurant. The choir’s director, Dr. Cram, refused and told the entire choir to get back on the bus. They did. Yoshiko also recalled getting food from home while at Wayland, and the shipments often included home-canned vegetables with a strong smell. Since the girls in the dorms would complain of the odor, Yoshiko and Emiko would often eat their treats from home in the bathrooms so the smell would get carried away through the exhaust vents. While at Wayland, she worked for Mrs. Laura Osborne, who helped pay for a good part of her education. While she may be past retirement age by many standards, Yoshiko is not looking to quit her work anytime soon, even as she turns 76 this December. “God is still using us, so as long as I live we’ll be doing this,” she says with a smile.
Renew your membership in the
Wayland
CENTURY
CLUB Whether you’re just starting out in your career or an alumnus of many years, the Century Club is an affordable way to support your alma mater financially. For $100 donation or more per year, Century Club members can be part of the amazing work going on at Wayland Baptist University, where we are helping students seek their dream and lives are being impacted for God’s kingdom. Century Club members for 2010-11 can be assured that their gifts are making an impact across the WBU system to meet needs in facilities, technology and other areas. Renew now! Every gift counts in this effort, and every alumni should be a part of the Century Club. Contact us today to join! For information, contact the Office of Advancement: 1900 W. 7th St., CMB 621 s Plainview, Texas 79072 Mike Melcher: 806.291.3431
News In Brief
Enrollment systemwide hits record in 2010 Spurred in part by growth in academic and athletic offerings as well as online programs, Wayland Baptist University posted an 8.48 percent enrollment growth as a system, with a record 6,385 total students enrolled for the fall term. In Plainview, a 12.94 percent enrollment hike was felt as dormitories reached 95 percent capacity. A total of 533 students are living on campus, up 11.5 percent. A total of 1,422 students are recorded for the campus. The freshman class grew to 247, up 12.8 percent from last year, and transfer students rose by 63 percent, a record number for the campus. Undergraduate student enrollment rose 11.69 percent on the Wayland home campus with 1,089 total for the fall; graduate students in Plainview grew by 17.2 percent. The Virtual Campus, which oversees Wayland’s online programs and offerings, felt a nearly 15 percent hike for the year, with 2,408 students enrolled. Those students are counted with the home campus to which they are attached. While part of the local growth could be attributed to new athletic programs – including men’s and women’s wrestling, competitive cheer and dance and the reinstatement of football to begin in Fall 2012 – as well as new majors and graduate programs, Vice President for Enrollment Management Dr. Claude Lusk feels there is a deeper reason. “In the midst of tough economic times, I believe this speaks to the value of a Wayland education. The quality faculty and programs as well as the diverse opportunities both academically and athletically are what we believe bring students to us,” Lusk said. “You don’t grow without faculty
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and staff working hard and believing in what the Wayland experience is, and our students see that. “These things also don’t happen without a team effort from our admissions, student services and financial aid folks, and I’m extremely proud of them.”
n WBU listed in top tier
for US News rankings Wayland was ranked 62nd in the list of 572 regional universities in the west, one of four geographic regions including universities who draw students mostly from surrounding states and offer up to the master’s degree. The rankings compare those 572 schools against each other only and not the national universities included in separate categories. “We are pleased that we have moved up in the US News rankings. It is always gratifying to know that your peers believe you are doing a good job of faith-based education,” said Dr. Paul Armes, WBU president. “The learning and spiritual experiences of Wayland students keep getting better and better because of the passion and commitment of our faculty, staff and administration. I am grateful for those who work at Wayland; they make our ministry possible.” The US News rankings are based on a complex methodology that includes peer assessment scores from other universities, the freshman retention rate, the graduation rate, the number of freshmen in the top quartile of their high school graduating class and freshmen entrance exam scores, the number of classes under 20 persons, the student-teacher ratio, the percentage of full-time faculty and the university’s admissions selectivity.
Dr. Debra Flournoy-Buford, right, associate professor of music education at Wayland, works with student Haley Hartman of Amarillo on techniques for teaching music.
n Faculty member wraps
doctorate on music role Debra Flournoy-Buford, associate professor of music education at Wayland, completed her doctorate at Texas Tech in March by defending her dissertation, a 479-page tome citing the importance of proper music education in Title I designated schools across the state of Texas. “I wanted a dissertation with a purpose and I am on a mission with it,” Flournoy-Buford said. “This concerns our community.” Since then she has presented her research at a music education consortium at Texas Tech and at the music teachers’ faculty development for the San Antonio Independent School District. She has also spoken at the Texas Music Administrators Conference and in February she will conduct a clinic at the Texas Music Educators Association convention in Austin, the largest gathering of music teachers and faculty in the world. Flournoy-Buford’s work focuses specifically on the teaching methods of
music educators in Title I schools, those with a majority of students from low socio-economic backgrounds. According to her research, FlournoyBuford said there is not a single school district in the state of Texas that doesn’t have at least one Title I school. And while Title I schools benefit from additional federal funds for education, those students are sorely lacking when it comes to education in arts. For her research, Flournoy-Buford focused on four schools and their choral programs. Her criteria for selecting these programs were that the directors must have been in the system for at least three years and the programs must have achieved either a Division I or Division II rating at UIL contest.
ing the required paperwork and steps necessary to charter a chapter. Instead of the typical nine-month process, founding members completed the rigorous application in the summer of 2009 – the fastest in the organization’s history. “Phi Lambs,” as they are called for short, began in 1988 at the University of Texas and now has 25 chapters across the country. Wayland’s group is the Alpha Epsilon Chapter, the 24th in the SPL family. The group has participated in the annual Degree of Difference Day and and joined with two groups for a Thanksgiving service project.
n Mission Center projects
announced for year ahead n Vance has first graduate In May, Dixie Harding became the first student to officially graduate from the Wayland site at Vance AFB, earning the Master of Arts in Management. Harding earned her bachelor’s degree with WBU at Wichita Falls, then was moved to Fairbanks, Alaska. She started the master’s degree there, then, after being transferred to Vance, needed only to complete her current courses then take six more hours to complete her degree. She retired from the Air Force while at Eielson AFB in Fairbanks and now works in Civil Service at Vance.
n New service sorority
officially begins at WBU Sigma Phi Lambda is in its first official year on campus after a year of preliminary projects, paperwork and building of a charter group. The group, which is growing already and held a fall pledge event, first gained the respect of the national organization after setting a record for complet-
The Wayland Mission Center has several trips planned for students that are also open to alumni and friends. * Kenya: Jan. 8-30, constructing a church building. * Brazil: March 11-20, in conjunction with the Caprock Plains Baptist Area, will include medical missions and evangelism. * Israel: June 9-17, primarily a study tour to various biblical sites including Jerusalem, Sea of Galilee, Nazareth, Mount of Olives and more; class credit is available. * Kenya: July 2-24, work in various Nairobi slum areas near the Kenya Baptist Theological Seminary and one week in Turkana. * Macedonia, Kosovo & Greece: July 31- Aug. 9, includes teaching English and relationship-building with Muslim residents. The trips vary by cost and advance requirements, and some funds may be avaialble to offset travel costs. For more information, contact WMC Director Dr. Rick Shaw at (806) 291-1162 or by email at shawr@wbu.edu.
n Scholarship dedicated
honoring Glenn Barnett The highlight of the October trustee luncheon was the dedication of a new endowed scholarship in the name of a former university administrator, Dr. Glenn Barnett, regarded by many at Wayland as directly responsible for keeping the doors to the university open during the serious downtown in the 1980s. Barnett served as interim president from 1987-89 and was instrumental in putting Wayland back on solid economic footing during a difficult time. During his tenure, he restructured the debt at WBU and laid the foundation for a stronger faculty voice with the establishment of the Faculty Assembly. Barnett died in 1996 at age 80. The Glenn Barnett Endowed Scholarship was established several years ago to benefit education majors and honor a revered administrator. It was completed recently and is now able to begin drawing interest for scholarships. “Those of us who lived through the period when Dr. Barnett was president referred to him as the ‘Methodist Moses.’ He led us out of the wilderness of debt that threatened to close Wayland’s doors,” said Dr. Gerald Thompson, a longtime friend.
Longtime friends Marilyn and Gerald Thompson, right, join WBU President Dr. Paul Armes and Sharleen Formby Rhoads, left, in dedicating the Glenn Barnett Endowed Scholarship benefiting education majors at Wayland. Rhoads was instrumental in donating to the original scholarship.
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Athletics Review
WBU freshman Mark Backus, of Amarillo, works for position against his opponent from Oklahoma City University. Backus eventually won his match with a pin fall. The Wayland wrestlers hosted OCU in Wayland’s first offical dual meet.
Kithuka wins national title, team 2nd Wayland Baptist men’s cross country placed second at the Nov. 20 NAIA nationals meet in Washington, spurred by Kennedy Kithuka of Kenya’s first-place finish with 24:02. As a team, the Pioneer men scored 124 points, just 19 behind first place Southern Oregon. The second place finish was the highest ever for the Wayland cross country program. Just two weeks before, WBU captured both the men's and women's Sooner Athletic Conference Cross Country Championships, earning the first-ever league title for the Pioneer men and the third in the last four years for the women. Four members of the WBU men’s team earned All-American honors at nationals by finishing among the top 30. Joining Kithuka on the AllAmerican podium were freshman
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Edward Taragon, who was eighth with a time of 25:08, and sophomores Jordan Valle and Hildon Boen. Valle, of Big Spring, registered a time of 25:19 to place 14th, while Boen, from Kenya, crossed the finish line 16th in 25:28. Coach Brian Whitlock was pleased with the men’s team’s performance. Six Wayland women competed in the championship. Milca Villegas, a sophomore from Ft. Worth, was the highest individual finisher for WBU, placing 103rd with a time of 19:24. At SAC, Wayland won the women's race with the top three finishers and four of the top five, led by individual champion Villegas in first with a time of 19:00. Catherine Leubner, a sophomore from Big Spring, was second at 19:02, and red-shirt freshman Jennifer Secrest came in third in 19:09. Senior
Diana Gutierrez of Dumas was fifth (19:19). All four of the top Wayland runners were named All-Conference, and WBU had 31 points. Mackola Joseph, a freshman, was the fifth Pioneer woman to cross the finish line in a time of 20:29. Two other freshmen, Kolette Dayish (20:41) and Kendra Dunn (21:45) also placed. On the men's side, Kithuka clocked a 22:45 to win the men's individual title. Taragon was third with a time of 23:37; Boen was fifth at 24:12; and Valle was seventh in 24:23. Lucius Lopez, a junior from Mesquite, also earned All-Conference honors with a 14th place finish. Another junior, Victor Lemay, was the sixth Pioneer runner (26:51). The Wayland men won with 30 points, continued, page 24
Court named for Redins PLAINVIEW – On Friday, Nov. 5, Wayland Baptist University honored a couple for their long-standing support of the school’s athletics programs. A special come-and-go reception was held for Wilda and Harley Redin in the Harley Redin Hall of Honor. Following the reception, a brief ceremony recognized the two and officially unveiled the “Wilda and Harley Redin Court,” acknowledged in script letters on the gymnasium floor of Wayland’s Hutcherson Center. Following the ceremony, the Flying Queens opened the 2010 basketball season with a 96-48 win over Huston-Tillotson University. In the late 1940s, Claude and Wilda Hutcherson built a relationship with Wayland Baptist College, resulting in untold benefits to the basket-
ball programs. Claude and Wilda took on sponsorship of Wayland’s women’s basketball program, flying the team around the country and to games in Mexico in a fleet of Beechcraft Bonanza planes. Through that sponsorship, the Hutcherson Flying Queens became known worldwide as one of the premier programs in women’s basketball. In 1971, Wayland opened a new athletic venue thanks to an initial gift from the Hutchersons. Today, Wayland’s Hutcherson Center remains a multi-functional facility that stands as a legacy to the late Claude Hutcherson. Claude Hutcherson died in 1977, and Wilda eventually married Redin, longtime Flying Queens coach. He was instrumental in enacting rules changes to make the women’s game
what it is today, including the fiveplayer/full-court game, 30-second clock and unlimited dribbling (once restricted to three bounces of the ball before a pass or shot had to be made). Redin, a member of the National Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and six other halls of honor, has been nominated several times for the Naismith Hall of Fame. He won 437 games with only 68 losses as the Flying Queens coach from 1955-73. He led the team to six AAU national championships and coached 30 players who merited 55 AAU All-America citations and eight players who received NWIT AllAmerica distinction 15 times. Redin also coached the Wayland Pioneers from 1947-57 and led the continued, page 25
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Volleyball The Wayland Baptist volleyball team saw its 2010 season come to an end with a four-set loss to Oklahoma City University in the championship match of the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament. OCU won 14-25, 25-23, 25-21, 25-21. WBU coach Jim Giacomazzi said that it was a great contest between two evenly matched teams. "There was no give-up in our girls tonight. They played hard and never got down. We wish OCU the best as our conference representative in the national tournament." Wayland wraps up the season with a record of 20-9. Wayland got 14 kills each from Desiree Luevano and Kate Trejos in the championship match. Anika Voigt recorded a double-double with 36 assists and 24 digs. The senior setter and Trejos, a junior outside hitter, were named to the All-Tournament team following the game. Seniors Luevano, Voigt and Jennifer Wyatt were a part of Giacomazzi's first recruiting class at Wayland. The four combined for 90 wins over the past four seasons, the first time in school history the volleyball program has put together four straight seasons with at least 20 wins. Voigt is the WBU career leader in both assists and digs. Luevano is second in career digs, and Wyatt is among the top five in attack percentage and total blocks. Alissa Mitchell and Keliesha Carter are the other two Pioneer seniors. Mitchell joined the team for the 2008 season, the year Wayland won its first-ever SAC Tournament championship. "It was a great season for the team and a great career for those girls that have been here with me forever," said an emotional Giacomazzi following the final match. "They helped to bring this program up to a championship level."
Wrestling The Wayland wrestling programs have struggled in their inaugural season, but that wasn’t completely unexpected. Coach Johnny Cobb has repeatedly said it is going to take a couple of years to build a truly competitive program. The men’s wrestling team has competed in only one official dual as of Dec. 1, losing to Oklahoma City University. However, freshman Mark Backus, of Amarillo, did pin his opponent, scoring Wayland’s only points as the Pioneers hosted their first ever dual meet in Hutcherson Center. The women have also struggled, competing in eight duals as of Dec. 1. The women did pick up a win against
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Wayland senior Anika Voigt, from Potsdam, Germany, ended her volleyball career as the career leader in assists and digs for the Pioneers.
Lindenwood University’s “gold” squad on Oct. 30.
Soccer The Pioneers soccer teams struggled this season as the women finished with an overall record of 2-15 with a 0-11 record in conference play. The Pioneers had trouble scoring goals this season with only 15 total for the year. Prior to their final match at Wayland’s Hilliard Field, the soccer team recognized six seniors: Najuka Anderson, Amber Perez, Roxanne Paslay, Jenee' Norris, Haley Hill and Kylie Middleton – who were playing their final game in a Pioneer uniform. Anderson, Perez, Norris and Middleton are four-year letterwinners, while Paslay just completed her second year as a Pioneer, and Hill joined the WBU soccer team for the first time in 2010. Yet while the team struggled, the season did end on a positive note for one Pioneer senior. Following the final match, Norris’ boyfriend proposed at midfield as team-
mates and fans witnessed the event. The Pioneers men finished with a 3-13 record, 0-10 in conference play. It was only the second season for the men’s team that managed just 12 total goals on the season. The Pioneers lose two seniors: Daniel Williams, from Tucson, Ariz. and John Redig, from League City, Tex.
Flying Queens Wayland Baptist head coach Tory Bryant has high expectations heading into the 2010-11 women's basketball season, his fourth at the helm of the Flying Queens. Of course, high expectations are nothing new for the women's basketball program at WBU. The Queens have the second most wins in NAIA women's basketball history (937) and are among the leaders in championship tournament appearances (18). A year ago, Bryant's team finished with a somewhat disappointing 17-13 overall record and tied for fourth place in Sooner Athletic Conference play with a 12-10 mark, but Bryant believes this year's group has the ability to make that step back up to the national stage. "We have much more depth than we've had in my previous three years. This is a quality group, and although there isn't one superstar, per se, there are a lot of individuals who have the ability to contribute greatly to our success. We'll be able to play nine or ten consistently without much of a drop-off in production."
Pioneer basketball It's been two years since the Wayland Baptist men's basketball team reached the NAIA Championship Tournament, and although head coach Robert Davenport likes his team this season, he's not sure how it will stand up to the rigors of a playing in an increasingly tough Sooner Athletic Conference. "This team works hard. They push each other and really like each other, but there are at least six teams in the league with multiple DI transfers, so it's hard to say where that leaves us." Last season the Pioneers won their first three games, then lost 10 of their next 12. They finished the season by winning three of their final five to end up with an 11-16 overall mark and a 7-15 league record. Davenport, who is beginning his fifth season at the helm of the WBU program, believes his 2010-11 team has a big advantage over that squad of a year ago. "I'm obviously excited about returning five players that played considerable minutes. It took us a while last year to figure things out, but once we did, we played much better down the stretch. This year with the experience we have back, we should get out to a much better start."
From page 23 team to three national tournament appearances. Wayland officials decided to name the court after the couple, who have meant so much to the Flying Queens and the school throughout the years. “This building is part of Claude’s legacy and we are pleased to help carry it on,” Wilda said as she and Harley saw the newly painted gym floor for the first time. “This is an honor. I think it is really a tribute to Claude and to Harley.” While Wilda remains humble in her role, both men would likely say that she is the driving force behind the ongoing relationship with the school. After Wilda and Claude gave so much to help build the facility, Mrs. Redin has continued to give to projects benefitting the gymnasium, including renovating the lighting system, remodeling and refurbishing the Harley Redin Hall of Honor, remodeling the entrance to Hutcherson Center and replacing the bleachers on the floor level of the gymnasium. An endowed scholarship bears the name of Wilda and Harley, and they have continued to support the Flying Queens program. “Not only did Wilda and Claude give the initial gift for Hutcherson Center nearly 40 years ago, but Wilda and Harley have also been tremendous benefactors and champions of what we continue to do in Hutcherson Center,” said Wayland Athletics Director Dr. Greg Feris. “Wilda has seen Hutcherson Center as Claude’s legacy to the university and to Plainview through the years,” Feris said. “We appreciate what she and Harley have meant to Wayland all these years. This is a small way to be able to say thank you once again for some of the things they have been able to do for us.”
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The President’s Pen
God’s blessings on Wayland felt in various unique ways
Dr. Paul Armes
“
The future of this university, founded by the dream and generosity of a circuit-riding country physician, is bright and filled with dynamic possibilities.
”
As the holiday season approaches, I am continually reminded of the gifts I enjoy for which I should be deeply, profoundly and personally grateful. Wayland Baptist University has been blessed in so many ways. It seems clear to all of us who serve at this wonderful school that the Lord truly has His hand upon the life of this faith-based, Christ centered institution of higher learning. We have had an excellent beginning to the 2010-2011 school year. System enrollment for the fall set a record for WBU, increasing over eight percent when compared to last year’s autumn census. Plans are well underway for our new men’s dorm, which will house more than 350 young men in new and functional space. Next fall, the leadership class of our new football program will enroll, and 50 or so young men will form the leadership core of our new team, which will play its first game in the fall of 2012. Several bequests have come to Wayland in recent days, highlighted by a $1.5 million gift from the estate of Mary Mathis designed to support and underwrite the ministry and students of our Lubbock campus. The Advancement Staff and I are working to move towards the completion of our Second Century Campaign so that as soon as the new men’s dorm is completed, we will be able to move forward with the major objectives of that effort. Several significant gifts have also been given to support the badly needed expansion/relocation of our San Antonio campus. The future of this university, founded by the dream and generosity of a circuit riding country physician, is bright and filled with dynamic possibilities. Thank you for being a friend to Wayland. Your prayers and financial support are so important to us! Each note, each letter, each gift whatever its size brightens and enlivens our day. Christmas is my favorite season of the
year, because it celebrates the coming of Christ, the Savior of the world. Edmund Sears wrote the words to the Christmas carol, “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” around the middle of the 19th Century. Sears was a Unitarian minister, but unlike most Unitarians, he believed and celebrated the deity of Jesus. Writing to the Anglican bishop Edward Bickersteth on one occasion, Sears observed, “Though I was educated in the Unitarian denomination, I believe and preach the divinity of Christ.” In 1849, Edmund found himself in the midst of a time of depression. Revolution in Europe and the United States’ war with Mexico brought the harsh realities of war and death before the faces of the American public. The poem “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” was actually written to illustrate the fact that the world, full of “sin and strife,” was still not listening to the message of Christ’s coming—peace on earth. My favorite stanzas in the poem are the second and the fourth: Still through the cloven skies they come, With peaceful wings unfurled, And still their heavenly music floats O’er all the weary world; Above it sad and lowly plains, They bend on hovering wind, And ever o’er its Babel sounds The blessed angels sing. And ye, beneath life’s crushing load, Whose forms are bending low, Who toil along the climbing way With painful steps and slow, Look now! For glad and golden hours Come swiftly on the wing O rest beside the weary road, And hear the angels sing! My prayer for you this holiday season is that you will hear—really hear—the angels song. Grace and peace.
What the President is Reading: A Small Furry Prayer: Dog Rescue and the Meaning of Life, Steven
Kotler; Hard Trail to Follow, Elmer Kelton; Decision Points, George W. Bush
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Thinking Out Loud
Convention conversations remind of God’s movement around world I have really enjoyed the last couple of months because they have brought meetings of Wayland alumni and friends in such diverse places as Colorado Springs, Roswell, N.M. and McAllen, Texas, and other opportunities to meet some really neat folks. Those occasions – the latter two in conjunction with state Baptist conventions – gave plenty of opportunity to reconnect with longtime Wayland friends and make some wonderful new acquaintances. Conversations reveal what we sometimes need to be reminded of – that God is doing business in a lot of different places and in lots of different ways. It also reminded me of what my Advancement colleagues and I often say – Plainview and Wayland are the center of the universe because nearly everyone you meet has some connection with one or both. At the Edelweiss German Restaurant in Colorado Springs, where Carolyn and I ate on our honeymoon 41 years ago, I met Keith Loyd, BA’61, who sings and plays the guitar on a couple of nice CDs entitled “Leaf in the Wind” and “You’re Welcome Here!” With a background of 17 years in radio and TV, Keith was a preacher, singer and pastor for about 40 years, mostly in California. Keith, by the way, worked at KVOP in Plainview when it started up back in the 1940s. Good memories were rekindled in Roswell by Richard Grisham, pastor of Bethel Baptist there, and Gary Schwalk, education minister at FBC-Ruidoso. Richard and I are still legends in our own minds from our days on a championship junior varsity football team at Plainview High, and I was Gary’s “Big Brother” in the early days of Alpha Phi Omega, men’s service fraternity at Wayland back in 1968. In McAllen, I enjoyed using my “poquito” Spanish and hand gestures to communicate with some brothers and sisters from Mexico, Venezuela and Chile who had come to the Texas Baptist convention for fellowship, inspiration and missions education just as we had. At dinner I was moved by the words of FBC-Edinburg pastor Mark Rotramel who said his marriage was on the verge of breaking up when he finally surrendered to God’s will and found “home” at Wayland back in the mid-
1980s. He was particularly impressed how the Admissions folks treated his wife, Teresa, with such respect even though she wasn’t planning to attend college. Recently, Yoshiko Shiga Burke, who was led to Christ by missionaries in China, graduated from Wayland in 1963, met her husband at Glorieta and has operated the Mikage International Preschool for many years, was back on campus and shared her touching story of God’s leading in her life. As I was writing Class Notes for this issue, I read about God’s Wayland-educated servants doing diverse work in such places as Kenya, Macedonia, the Balkan Peninsula, Mozambique, Colombia and Guatemala, and in many places in this country in all kinds of vocations. Also at the McAllen convention I had the opportunity to visit with Dr. Joel Gregory, former pastor of First Baptist Church of Dallas. He’ll be coming back to Wayland in February to be the Bible study leader for the 89th Pastors and Laymen’s Conference as he did for 13 consecutive years. A few minutes later I met Thomas Potter, pastor of a church you’ve probably never heard of – Harmony Baptist on a Farm-toMarket Road in Palestine – Texas, that is. Comparing Joel Gregory’s notoriety to Brother Potter’s relative anonymity – both ably doing God’s work among many and few – reminded me of one of my favorite theological statements the late Carlos McLeod, a Wayland graduate, used often: “The ground is level at the foot of the cross.” That’s why a song by Keith Loyd keeps playing in my head: “I hear praising all over the world…God just saved them!” Aren’t you glad God has given us believers – in and out of the far-flung Wayland family – the opportunity to share the gospel and influence lives…all over the world? **** I hope you’re making plans to attend Wayland Homecoming Feb. 24-25-26, 2011. “Under the Wayland Big Top” will have a family-friendly atmosphere in hopes of attracting some of our younger alums. Why not plan to come and encourage friends in and near your class to join you. We’ll be looking for you!
Danny Andrews Director of Alumni Development
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Conversations reveal what we sometimes need to be reminded of – that God is doing business in a lot of different places and in lots of different ways.
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Development
Left Behind Estate planned gifts make great impact By Teresa Young Estate gifts are a bittersweet experience for the advancement officers at Wayland Baptist University. The bitter side is saying goodbye to folks who have been dear friends and ardent supporters of the university for many years. The sweet side comes in seeing their generosity and careful planning come to fruition as they are able to make one final gift to the school they loved. In the last few months, Wayland has lost several such saints, all of whom have left a mark on the university through planned estate gifts. Some supported a particular entity or department, some simply added to gifts they made while living, such as a family scholarship. For Mary Mathis, there was no question where her estate gifts would go. A long-time Lubbock resident, Mathis had a particular fondness for the Lubbock campus of Wayland and its mission to edu-
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cate adults in a non-traditional format. Over the past few decades, Mathis had made financial support of the campus a regular pattern, providing a piano, technology needs, a prayer garden, and an endowed scholarship in her name for Lubbock Campus students. Most recently, she had given $50,000 to the Plainview campus’ Mabee Learning Resources Center and the Writing Center, in honor of her longtime friends and their son and daughter-in-law, Dann and Leann Wigner, both of whom earned WBU degrees and now work at the library. Upon Mathis’ death in August at age 94, however, she was able to make an even bigger impact on the campus by leaving Wayland in her will. The Lubbock campus received assets, land and annuities valued at more than $1.5 million, all of which will be used for scholarships and development of the campus. Part of the estate was shared with twin sister Martha as family-owned farming operations in
Lubbock, Dawson and Hockley counties. “Mary was a longtime friend of Wayland,” said Dr. Kent Brooks, Director of Development at the Lubbock campus and a personal friend of Mathis. “She was really a part of the Wayland family over the years, even though she wasn’t physically there. She was there in spirit and was a great prayer partner for us.” All told, Brooks said she gave more than $200,000 over the past few decades. She also introduced Brooks to a friend, Ruby Bayne, and was instrumental in Bayne setting up an endowed scholarship for the Lubbock Campus as well, aimed at assisting adult students who are returning to complete their education at the Lubbock Campus. Bayne died several weeks ago, so her scholarship will begin producing interest for scholarships very soon. Another friend lost recently was also the oldest living survivor of the university’s founding family. Beulah McInnish died in March at age 101. She had lived to see the Wayland centennial celebration in 2008-09 and the dedication of a statue of her grandfather, Dr. J.H. Wayland, who raised her with wife Sarah after her mother died in childbirth. McInnish’s estate added $150,000 to the endowed scholarship in her grandfather’s name, which provides dividends annually for scholarships to students pursuing medical careers. Another friend of Wayland, Helen Dever, passed away recently, leaving funds for an endowed scholarship in the name of herself and husband P.E. Dever. The Devers were longtime Plainview residents and avid fans of Wayland athletics, especially Flying Queens basketball. They retired to Baptist Memorials Center in San Angelo. Wayland also recently received an undesignated gift of $27,300 from the Arthur E. Boyd Jr. estate which will be directed to the Flores Bible Building. Boyd was a Plainview native and longtime attorney in California. A ministerial scholarship in the name of his father has been awarded at WBU for many years.
While she was a supporter of Wayland her entire life, Beulah McInnish – who was Dr. and Mrs. Wayland’s granddaughter – left a legacy by an estate gift at her passing in March. Her gift added to the scholarship in her grandfather’s name.
New scholarships to honor Wayland leaders, friends It is not uncommon for Wayland’s Development Office to receive memorial gifts or honorariums from friends who want to honor loved ones. But in recent months, endowed scholarship funds have been started with such gifts, aiming to remember in a much bigger way those who have contirbuted to Wayland. If you’re looking for a place to stash some end-of-year funds, why not consider adding to these scholarships? w Phil and Marian Almes: Almes retired in 2004 after 20 years of teaching math and was named Emeritus Professor of Mathematics. Friends started the scholarship to honor the couple, who now live in Colorado, for their service to Wayland and excellence in teaching. w Dr. David and Marie Jester: Started by Mike Davis of Nevada, a 1987 graduate, the scholarship will benefit students pursuing degrees in social work. The fund was established to honor a former WBU president (1981-87) and first lady and their contributions to missions, education and the social work field. The Jesters live in Louisville, Ky. w Zaphryn Tandy Green: Dr. Michael Davis of Las Vegas, Nev., Jim Green and Marilyn Webb of Plainview, and Teresa Taylor of Amarillo, recently worked together to start the scholarship drive in memory of a 1973 Wayland graduate who died in October 2008. She was an avid WBU supporter and owned her own store. (See more on this scholarship on page 33.)
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Classnotes In Loving Memory Christian love and sympathy is extended to the family and friends of these members of the Wayland family. Faculty/Staff/Trustees/ Employees/Donors/Friends EULA ‘GRANNY T’ TAYLOR ADAMS: Died Sept. 18, 2010, in Plainview at the age of 93. A supporter of Wayland activities, she was the mother of FREDA TAYLOR PROVENCE, BS’72, executive assistant to five Wayland presidents, and mother-in-law of JOE PROVENCE, BA’66, Emeritus Director of Alumni Services. Also surviving are three sons and 25 grandchildren. The family suggests memorials to Wayland Friends of Music, Wayland Baptist University, CMB 644, Plainview, TX 79072. TERRY BRATTON: Died Oct. 26, in Abilene at the age of 67. Terry was assistant professor of business at Wayland several years ago and then at Hardin-Simmons. Survivors include his wife, Carol, three sons; a daughter; and seven
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grandchildren. (3401 E. Lake Rd., Abilene, TX 79601)
Ellebracht Drive, Fredericksburg, TX 78624)
HELEN ALYNE HUDSON DEVER: Died Sept. 11, 2010, in San Angelo at the age of 93. She was a buyer with Cobb’s and Marse & Son department stores in Plainview for 42 years. Shortly before her death, she provided funds for the P.E and Helen Dever Endowed Scholarship. She is survived by many friends and neighbors.
PAUL EDWIN WALKER: Died Oct. 13, 2010, in Plainview at the age of 77. A veteran of the U.S. Marines during the Korean War, he worked in maintenance at Wayland for a number of years. Surviving are two sons and 25 grandchildren.
EDGAR E. LONG: Died July 28, 2010, in Amarillo at the age of 87. A World War II veteran, he was a rancher and farmer in Thalia all of his life. Surviving are his wife, JEAN FROST, former secretary in the Office of Alumni Services, whom he married in 2000; a daughter; stepdaughter; three stepsons and 23 grandchildren. (3412 Gladstone, Amarillo, TX 79121) DR. JEFF MOORE: Died July 17, 2010, at the age of 81 in Fredericksburg, . A former Wayland trustee and a plastic surgeon, he did surgery in several foreign countries on mission trips, assisted by his wife, Valee, also a former board member, who was a registered nurse. Surviving are his wife; two daughters; a son; and five grandchildren. (208
DR. J.H. WRIGHT, former trustee for nine years: Died Oct. 18, 2010, in Arlington at the age of 95. He was an ordained minister and received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Wayland in 1953. He was a pastor at First Baptist Church of Olney and also pastored in Holliday, Henrietta, Levelland, Grand Prairie and Corpus Christi along with 17 interim churches during his retirement. Survivors include a daughter; a son; 15 grandchildren; two sisters and two brothers.
degree at the University of Texas and practiced law in Plainview from 1935 until retiring in 2002. He served in many offices of the State Bar of Texas. Mr. Morehead supported Wayland for more than 80 years. He established the Warren Memorial Endowed Scholarship, The Audrey and Lucian Morehead Scholarship, contributed to the Wilder Field baseball stadium and was a leader in the Spanning the Centuries Campaign. The Association of Former Students honored him in 1997 with the Distinguished Alumni Award and in 2002 with the Distinguished Benefactor Alumni Award. Surviving are a daughter; a sister; and 11 grandchildren. Memorials are suggested to the Audrey and Lucian Morehead Scholarship Fund, Wayland Baptist University, 1900 W. Seventh, CMB 621, Plainview, TX 79072. 1930s
1920s
GERALDINE ‘TOMMIE’ MAUPIN, EX’38: Died Oct. 11, 2010, in Amarillo at the age of 90. She worked in the cafeteria at Bonham Middle School and later as a cashier at Albertsons. Surviving are a daughter and 15 grandchildren.
LUCIAN E. MOREHEAD, AA’28: Died Sept. 23, 2010, in Austin, at the age of 99. Listed in the 2010 Wayland alumni directory as the oldest living male graduate, he earned his law
POLLY N. FRY VICKERS, AA’39: Died Dec. 30, 2009, in Los Angeles at the age of 89. She was a teacher for many years in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Surviving are three daughters and 12 grandchildren. (KMENDOZARN@aol.com)
BELMONT BOURLAND WATSON, AA’35: Died Jan. 10, 2010, in Shawnee, Okla. at the age of 93. She taught elementary school in Vigo Park, Adrian and Hereford for 25 years. She enjoyed making quilts. Her son, Doug Watson, who taught English at Oklahoma Baptist from 19802007, was a classmate of Wayland President Dr. Paul Armes at Baylor and a teaching colleague of Athletic Director Dr. Greg Feris at Vernon Junior College. He writes: “My mom had happy memories of her time at Wayland, traveling with the Volunteer Mission Band, washing out one of her two cotton dresses each evening in order to be ‘clean and proper’ for classes, and initially assigned to a boy’s dorm because of her unusual first name.” She is also survived by a granddaughter and a sister. (Doug: 46 Serenada Court, Shawnee OK 74804; doug.kay.watson@ sbcglobal.net) 1940s VELDEE JAY TOMLINSON BURNETT, AA’47, BS’49: Died July 11, 2009, in Aztec, N.M. at the age of 80. She was a retired teacher and church secretary. Surviving are her husband, J.R. BURNETT, BA’51; two sons and six grandchildren.
MARY ANN COLLIER, AA’45: Died Aug. 8, 2010, in Amarillo, at the age of 84. She served in various ministries at three Baptist churches over 59 years: Line Avenue, Tascosa and Coulter Road. Survivors include a daughter; a brother and 12 grandchildren. MILDRED CRABTREE, AA’42: Died Sept. 4, 2010, in Dumas at the age of 92. She was a Southern Baptist missionary to Nigeria for 37 years, 25 as a principal and teacher in Agbor. She is survived by many nieces and nephews. ELLA MAE ‘MAISIE’ EVERETT JONES, AA’46: Died Aug. 24, 2010, in Plainview, at the age of 83. She taught seventh-grade English at Coronado Junior High School for 20 years, also serving as sponsor of the student council and as assistant principal. She was the author of three genealogical monographs. Surviving are a son, DAVID JONES, BA’76, of
Abilene; three daughters, BETH JONES, BA’73, of Houston; LINDA JONES, BA’80, of Midland; and Kay Jones Merkling of Denver; a sister; and 10 grandchildren. (David: dbjoneshome@suddenlink.net; Beth: beth.ann.j@att.net; Linda: lsjones@icaenergy.com) VALEDA LAVERNE MARR WILLIAMS, AA’47: Died Oct. 7, 2010, in Shallowater at the age of 84. She was a pastor’s wife and taught youth classes in Sunday school. She and her late husband, Wayne, were married for more than 60 years. Surviving are four children; a brother and 13 grandchildren. CHARLES R. WILSON, EX’48: Died Oct. 6, 2010, in Amarillo at the age of 85. A U.S. Army veteran of World War II and recipient of the Presidential Unit Citation – second only to the Medal of Honor – he taught school and farmed in Pecos and Lander
County, Nev., and retired from teaching in Amarillo. Surviving are his wife, Naomi; a son and a daughter. 1950s GRAHAM HARVEY, BA’52: Died Oct. 18, 2010, in Amarillo, at the age of 92. A U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, he served more than two years as a missionary to Brazil during the 1950s and pastored several churches over a period of 58 years. He also had been a U.S. Bureau of Mines safety instructor. Surviving are three sons and 19 grandchildren. RUTH PRICHARD, BA’51: Died Sept. 4, 2010, in Canyon at the age of 85. She worked at The Pentagon in Washington for several years and later for Baptist Student Union at West Texas State University. Surviving are four sons; a sister; two brothers and four grandchildren.
Walkway bricks great way to honor loved ones Want to honor or memorialize someone – a family member, dear friend, someone at Wayland who impacted your life – or perhaps include your own name, year graduated and an organization important to you? A Wayland brick to be placed in the walkway in front of the Laney Student Activities Center is a great vehicle. For example: Jane Smith – Proud 1971 Graduate From Her Children Jack Anderson Pioneer Basketball 1967-70 Go WBU!
Cost is $50 and the brick includes three lines with a maximum of 18 characters per line. Send information and a check to Wayland Brick Fund, Wayland Baptist University, 1900 W. 7th, Plainview, TX 79072 or call Danny Andrews at 806-291-3603.
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1960s JAMES ALAN LUNSFORD, BA’62: Died Sept. 4, 2010, in Plainview, at the age of 74. He was a retired school teacher. Surviving are his wife, Martha; a son; two sisters and four grandchildren. (1010 Oakland, Plainview, TX 79072) 1970s DAN BURNETT, EX’72: Died Feb.20, 2010, in Wichita Falls. He was a commercial artist. Surviving are his wife, BRENDA PATTERSON BURNETT, BA’75; two children; his father, J.R. BURNETT, BA’51. JAMES ROBERT RAWLS, BA’72: Died June 2, 2010, in Miami, Okla., at the age of 65. He had suffered from heart disease and diabetes for more than 20 years. Over a period of 44 years, he pastored churches in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Kansas and was assistant administrator for Baptist Children’s Homes in Arizona, New Mexico and Oklahoma. He received his doctorate from Golden Gate Seminary. He is survived by his wife, MARY ALICE ROBBINS RAWLS, BA’71, three daughters and four grandchildren. Memorials are suggested to Wayland Baptist University, 1900 W. Seventh, Box 621, Plainview, TX 79072. (1624 Park Heights, Miami, OK 74354) 1980s BESSIE MAY FULTON,
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BA’80: Died Aug. 23, 2010, in Kent, Wash., at the age of 48. She was crowned Miss Wayland in 1980 and competed in the Miss Texas contest. She also was a member of the International Choir. A former TV news anchor in Roswell, N.M., she was volunteer in many organizations in Seattle, Wash. Survivors include a son; her father; three brothers and a sister. KENNETH EARL HAMMONS, BSOE’81: Died July 18, 2010, in Amarillo at the age of 61. A veteran of the Texas National Guard, he was a Randall County deputy sheriff for more than 30 years. Surviving are his wife, Mary; two daughters; a son; a stepdaughter and 11 grandchildren. (Box 515, Canyon, TX 79119) PAT H. MINATRA, BSOE’87: Died Oct. 13, 2010, in Abilene, at the age of 55. He worked the past 11 years in the information technology department at HardinSimmons University. Surviving are his wife, Rhonda, and several nieces and cousins. (3245 County Road 353, Abilene TX 79601) CONNIE GENE SHAW, BSOE’89 from the Anchorage campus: Died Jan. 6, 2010, in Anchorage, Alaska, at the age of 59. She was a social worker in the Anchorage community and had a 40-year career with State Farm Insurance. Survivors include her daughter, Tonya Shaw Pritchett; a son; her
mother; a sister and a brother. Tonya writes: “With my mother being a single parent, in some ways I feel like I attended Wayland also. I remember many evenings she had class, and I would sit quietly in the back of the room doing my own homework so that I wasn’t a latchkey kid sitting at home alone.” (Tonya: 3381 Durrett Drive, Apt. 1, Clarksville, TN 37042; emsditchdoc@gmail.com) 1990s ANDRES ‘ANDREW’ GARZA, BA’97: Died Oct. 11, 2010, in Amarillo at the age of 58. He worked for American Maize in Dimmitt for 35 years and then for Ideacom of Lubbock. Surviving are his wife Alicia; a son; three daughters; two stepdaughters; four brothers; five sisters; and 10 grandchildren. (7118 19th Street, Lubbock, TX 79407) STEPHANIE GILLMANDODD, MBA’99 from the Clovis campus: Died July 6, 2010, in Clovis at the age of 34. She founded Gilman Crushing and operated all of the firm’s heavy equipment. She also raised livestock. For several years, she was an adjunct professor for Wayland and also taught English as a second language in South Korea, which later enabled her to mentor several Chinese students in the U.S. Surviving are her husband, Bud; two stepsons; her parents; a sister and a grandmother.
JIM McPEEK, BS’91: Died June 28, 2010, in Shelby Township, Mich., at the age of 40. He was a former Wayland Pioneer basketball player. Surviving are his wife, Kimberly; two children; and his parents. (56510 Chesapeake Trail, Shelby Township, MI 48316) KELLIE PENA, BA’99: Died Sept. 3, 2010, in Amarillo at the age of 34. He was a prison guard at the Neal Unit in Amarillo. Surviving are his father and three brothers. 2000s CASSIDY HICKS MEYER, EX’02: Died Oct. 9, 2010, in Amarillo at the age of 27. She was a homemaker. Survivors include her husband, Brian; a son; a daughter; her parents and a sister. (7501 Essex Ct, Amarillo, TX 79121) MIKE PITTMAN, BSOE’01: Died Aug. 16, 2010, in Amarillo at the age of 57. A U.S. Navy veteran of almost 20 years, he worked at Pantex for 30 years. Surviving are his wife; Rene; a son; a daughter; and three grandchildren. (4404 S.E. Third Ave., Amarillo, TX 79103)
Faculty/Staff JANICE BLACK, a former School of Business faculty member, is an associate professor of management in the Wall College of Business at Coastal Carolina University in
Scholarship to remember ‘beautiful’ Wayland alumnae By Danny Andrews Family and friends of the late Zaphryn Tandy Green have established a scholarship fund at Wayland Baptist University in her memory to benefit the School of Languages and Literature. Dr. Michael Davis of Las Vegas, Nev., Jim Green and Marilyn Webb of Plainview, and Teresa Taylor of Amarillo, recently worked together to start the scholarship drive. Zaphryn Green, owner of Zaphryn’s beautiful things store in downtown Plainview, died Oct. 15, 2008 at the age of 57. A 1969 graduate of Boise City (Okla.) High School, she received her Bachelor of Science degree from Wayland in 1973. She married James M. “Jim” Green on May 20, 1981, in Plainview. After her graduation from Wayland, Mrs. Green worked for several clothing
Conway, S.C. She earned a Ph.D. from Texas Tech and also has taught at Cal State Bakersfield, New Mexico State and Michigan State. DR. COLLEEN GOLIGHTLY, a new assistant professor of education at Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, is a former assistant professor of education at Wayland. She also has experience as an English instructor for missionary classes in Costa Rica. Former Wayland employee BARBARA SMITH was picked out of the crowd outside of the “Today” show’s NBC studios this fall to participate in the program’s “Ambush Makeover” segment during which two women are chosen for makeovers. Smith,
and gift stores including Skibell’s, True Value Hardware, Our House Gifts, Marse & Son’s, Suzanne’s Hallmark and Old World Antiques before realizing her dream of opening her own store, Zaphryn’s beautiful things, on October 15, 2005. Mrs. Green was an avid and enthusiastic supporter of Wayland and of Plainview. She was a member of First Baptist Church and served on the Wayland Alumni Board for many years. She also was active in the Plainview Chamber of Commerce, Plainview Downtown Association, Hale County Literacy Council, and loved both keeping a journal and teaching others the joy of reading. “Zaphryn left a legacy of beautiful things that is all about the people she touched and the lives she changed just by being Zaphryn,” commented Davis, a 1987 Wayland graduate who manages Nuclear Training Policy & Compliance at the recently renamed Nevada National Security Site. “She touched many lives
former assistant to vice president DR. ELANE SEEBO, and husband JIM SMITH, chief financial officer at Wayland, were outside the New York studios when she was chosen for what co-hosts called “three hours of total pampering” that included a new hairdo and red dress with black boots. The adventure for the Smiths – who have been married almost 35 years and have two children, Kelly and Eric – was even more special because both have overcome serious health issues in the past two years that involved trips to the Mayo Clinic in Arizona. Barbara even had brain surgery, which required that her hair be shaved. DR. CHARLES STARNES, associate professor of economics and management in
through the quality of her character, the joy she took in living every day and encouraging us to do the same and the open and sincere way that she genuinely valued her customers, her family and friends.” Davis appreciates that scholarships paid for 90 percent of his tuition costs at Wayland, and he said that the group hopes the endowment can be raised by December 2012. Scholarships are fully endowed when they reach $25,000. The funds are invested with the Baptist Foundation of Texas and only the interest is used each year to fund scholarships. Contributions may be made to the Zaphryn Memorial Endowed Scholarship, Wayland Baptist University, 1900 W. Seventh, CMB 621, Plainview, TX 79072; online at https://give.wbu.edu or in person at the Wayland Advancement Office, 9th and Utica. More information is available by contacting the Advancement Office at 291-3426.
the School of Business, served as Trail Boss of the annual Cowboy Days celebration in September, having the highest points in several competitions with other community leaders. He rode a Longhorn steer down Plainview’s main street in the Down Ol’ Broadway Cattle Drive. He is immediate past president of the Plainview Rotary Club and is on the Plainview City Council. ROBERT L. SU, Chief Information Officer for the State of Hawaii Department of Taxation, has been recognized by Cambridge Who’s Who for demonstrating dedi-
cation, leadership and excellence in his career. He is also an adjunct professor for Wayland and Hawaii Pacific University. Additionally, he teaches senior citizens at community centers to operate computers and teaches Mandarin Chinese to students. BOYCE WYRICK, an adjunct instructor in music, received the Orchestra Director of the Year Award from the Texas Orchestra Director’s Association in August. He retired after 35 years as director of orchestra at Lubbock and Coronado High Schools and has been instrumental in developing an orchestra at Wayland.
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Gifts help remember, honor friends Looking for a great gift idea for the person who has everything? Consider an honorarium gift to Wayland in their name. Another great way to support your alma mater is to send memorial gifts at the passing of loves ones or friends. Families enjoy knowing that gifts are going
know whom to send a note of
to a greater good in their memory.
acknowledgement. If you prefer to
You may choose to designate
pay with a credit card, you can
gifts to a scholarship fund or gen-
call the Office of Advancement at
eral funds. Friends or families will
(806) 291-3425 and give that
receive a card from Wayland noti-
information securely. Or, you can
fying them the gift was made and
give online through Wayland’s
to what fund (if applicable). The
Web site at https://give.wbu.edu
amount of the gift is not shared.
and designate memorials or
The procedure is simple: Mail
honorariums and all the details.
in your check with a note explain-
For more information, call
ing who the gift is in memory or in
advancement at (806) 291-3425
honor of and letting our office
or a WBU development officer.
CLYDE GREEN, AA’44, is a retired teacher. He and his wife, Ouita, taught in several Alaskan schools for nine years and then at Southwest Baptist College in Bolivar, Mo., where he taught German and English. They also taught in Texas and Colorado. They have three children. (Box 56, Peralta, N.M. 87042)
1950s FLORA FAVER DAVIS, BA’51, was an elementary teacher for 24 years in Buckeye, Ariz. Her husband, SIDNEY EUGENE DAVIS, BA’50, who died in 2002, was in full-time music and education for many years. Flora, who was editor of The Traveler yearbook, is part of a missions team at her church. She credits President Dr. Bill Marshall (1947-53) with helping bring several international
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students to Wayland who became lifelong friends. She has two daughters, a son and 18 grandchildren with another great on the way. (sidflodav@AOL.com)
1960s ROBERT L. ‘BOB’ ADAMS, BA’67, recently published a new book, “The Blessed Pastor: A Lyrical Interpretation of the Sermon on the Mount Especially for Pastors.” Bob writes, “The book invites pastors to discover what the Great Shepherd calls them to truly be and actually do. Among other things, Jesus’ words teach the pastor the difference between being a good minister and a blessed one; comfortable pits that sometimes trap pastors; the problem with public praying; what it means
to truly preach; the difference between a condemning and redemptive ministry; and the danger of the wide way and the grace of the narrow way.” The book can be ordered through Amazon.com. Bob’s wife, JANICE PULLING ADAMS, BA’67, is a retired teacher. (721 Tampa St., Bogalusa, LA 70427; bobjan614@bellsouth.net) LEON BLEVINS, BA’61, has been teaching government at El Paso Community College since 1972 and continues to produce and appear in a weekly general interest interview TV program called “Perspectives El Paso.” He and his wife, Shannah, celebrated their 50th anniversary on Aug. 28 and took a 6,000mile trip to the Southeast. He dressed as Uncle Sam at numerous historic places. He also spoke at the Kennedy Space Center about the meaning of Memorial Day. The Blevinses have two children. (10305 Ashwood Drive, El Paso, TX 79925; lblevins@epcc.edu) JUANITA MAGALLANES GUEVARA, BA’69, retired from Lubbock ISD in May after 40 years of service – 26 as a teacher and 14 as a counselor. She and her husband, GEORGE GUEVARA, EX’69, an attendance officer for LISD, have two children and one grandchild. (5215 94th St; Lubbock, TX 79424; jgguev70@yahoo.com) MARGIE HUNT McDONALD, BS’64, an AAU All-American for the
Flying Queens her senior year, was inducted in June into the Wyoming Sports Hall of Fame for Lifetime Achievement. Previously, she was inducted into the University of Wyoming Athletics Hall of Fame for her career coaching women’s basketball. Also, her 1978-79 team was inducted as the first team to play post season. Margie writes, “All three are great honors to me that would have never happened without Wayland and Coach Harley Redin.” She retired from the Mountain West Conference four years ago and is the color analyst for radio broadcasts of the University of Wyoming women’s basketball games. She and her husband, Dr. Lyman McDonald, who works for the environmental consulting firm Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), have three children and nine grandchildren. (2818 Pope Springs Road, Laramie, WY 82070; mom@mcdcentral.org) BARRY ‘SAL’ MORGAN, BS’61, a former Pioneer basketball player, is in real estate development in Moscow, Russia, but may return to the States in 2011. He previously was in real estate management in Irving. He and his wife, Martha, have two sons and four grandchildren. Alumni Services apologizes for a Homecoming letter sent to the Class of 1961 that said Barry was deceased. Unfortunately, he said he probably will not be able to make it to Homecoming. (bmorgan@usermail.com)
1970s BILL COLEMAN, BS’72, won the seat as Hale County Judge in the November elections. Coleman retired after several decades of work for Hale County Adult Probation, most recently as director. He and wife Tammy, who works in the Wayland financial aid office, have two children.
Three former Waylandites met up July 9-17 for a mission trip to New Orleans. CARTER FREY, BS’69 (right), DEAN FREY, BA’72 and DEBI ADKINS LONGORIA, BA’76, traveled with Lakeland Baptist Church of Lewisville, Texas, to work on a construction project and in the Kingsley House, a senior center. The group stayed at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and worked a project through Mission Lab. Carter is the Education Minister at Lakeland; Debi is librarian for the church’s private school; and Dean lives in Colorado, where he is retired and works part-time in a ministry to seniors. (Carter: 233 Greensprings Street, Lewisville, TX 75077; calgfrey@verizon.net; Dean: 580 Chippewa Street, Kiowa, CO 80177; Debi: 700 Stone Trail, Flower Mound, TX 75028)
VALERIE WRIGHT RITCHIE, BA’76, a teacher and homemaker, and her husband Bob recently moved to Cleburne after 22 years in Minnesota. (240-A Hyde Park Blvd., Cleburne, TX 76033; bobvalerietx@gmail.com) CLYDE ‘VAN’ VANWORTH, BA’79, and his wife Jane have relocated to Southeast Asia. He retired from the Air Force after more than 20 years of service as a chaplain, then earned a master’s degree in social work from Rutgers. They are continuing to work in a sensitive location. Jane is an English teacher. They have two children. (vsocialwork@gmail.com) RUDY VILLANUEVA, BA’75, reports that his oldest granddaughter, Mercedes Villanueva, is playing soccer for Huston-Tillotson in Austin. Mariah Villanueva, a senior at Robert E. Lee High School in San Antonio, and Maya Ballez, a sophomore, have received attention from national recruiters. They are the daughters of TANYA VILLANUEVA BALLEZ, EX’91. Rudy, who ran track at Wayland, is manager for USAA’s Member Email Department; and his wife, Diana, is retired from USAA. (530 W. Branch Crossing, Spring Branch, TX 78070; cowboys14@gvtc.com)
1980s KATHY L. ANDERSON, BMEd’87, and Edward R.
Cook were married Oct. 5, 2009, at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas, NV. They reside in West Terre Haute, Ind., and operate their own business of photography, music and massage. (www.songbirdinspirations.com) KEN CASE, BSOE’83, a retired teacher, attended the Alumni and Friends dinner in Roswell, N.M. during the Baptist Convention of New Mexico in October. Ken, who has been battling a number of health issues, recently was named volunteer of the month at the Historical Museum in Roswell. (kcarlcase@yahoo.com) DR. RANDY COVINGTON, BM’82, and his wife, Robin, continue to serve with the International Mission Board in the Balkan Peninsula, making their temporary residence in Greece. Randy is the cluster strategy leader for the teams serving in the Balkans. Robin teaches
English to refugees, mostly young men from Afghanistan, Iran, Somalia and other North African countries. The Covingtons are new grandparents of Emory Lois, born May 13 to their son, Adam, and his wife, Jennifer, in Fort Worth. Their daughter, Corrie, served for two years as a journeyman in Central Asia. (ranrobcov@gmail.com) DR. FREDERICK GENE FORD, BA’82, recently was promoted to Associate Professor of Criminal Justice at Livingstone College in Salisbury, N.C., an A.M.E (African Methodist Episcopal) private college. (607 Lakewood Drive, Salisbury, NC 28147; fford@livingstone.edu) BILLIE HUTSON, BSOE’81 from the Wichita Falls campus, and his wife Judy were married April 3, 2009. Billie earned his doctorate in Organization and Management from Capella University in August 2010. Judy is executive assistant at Orlando Health. (11104 Acme Drive, Orlando, FL 32825; bhutsonii@aol.com) GREG LONG, BSOE’86 from the Sheppard AFB cam-
Do You have Wayland in your will? In order to have complete records for the new Cornerstone Society, please notify the Office of Advancement of your intentions to make an estate gift to Wayland Baptist University. Call (806) 291-3425 or email hope@wbu.edu. footprints
35
Wayland alum receives “Extreme Makeover” home The hit ABC show “Extreme
Now the Browns have an even larger
work, preparing a new home for the
Makeover: Home Edition” made a visit to
audience to spread their message.
Browns. They were joined by a team of
Wellman, Texas, and Jeanne James
“Extreme Home: Make Over” airs Sunday
volunteers from the area.
Brown, a 1990 graduate of WBU, for its
nights on ABC. Known as a tear-jerker,
latest project in November. Brown, who
the series spotlights families who are
by piece and assembled on the Browns’
rank track at Wayland, and her family,
making a difference, in spite of extreme
lot in Wellman, a small town near
which includes husband Johnnie Mac
situations. To reward their efforts, a cast
Seagraves. The Brown home was
Brown and daughter Katrina, 12, were
and crew of designers and builders
wheeled away to be repaired and donat-
the recipients of a new Palm Harbor
come and revamp their home.
ed to another family.
Home.
The Browns said they were shocked
A year ago, Brown’s daughter Alex
The new house was brought in piece
Not only did the show bring the
when they saw the bus pull onto the
Browns a new home, but it offered them
was killed in a one-car crash. The 17-
Seagraves High School football field and
another opportunity to spread their mes-
year-old was texting while driving. Since
Ty Pennington — the TV show host Alex
sage. They’re hoping to start giving
then, the Browns have worked to ensure
had a crush on — jump out and
speeches outside Texas.
that no other family would feel the same
announce the news. The humble family
The show designers and crew mem-
pain and loss that they’ve endured.
thought they were there to speak to the
bers said they were all touched by Alex’s
students.
story. Tuohy vowed that she’d never text
They traveled across the state, speaking at high schools, telling the
While the Browns made a trip to
and drive again.
young drivers about the dangers of tex-
New York, the “Extreme Makeover: Home
ting while driving. They bring along
Edition” crew, including designers
Alex’s Facebook profile. She said she
Alex’s nearly demolished truck as proof.
Michael Moloney and Leigh Anne Tuohy,
wanted to change the world or die trying.
their campaign is called BUST: Buckle
who was played by Sandra Bullock in the
She just got it backward, he said.
Up, Stop Texting.
movie “The Blind Side” — were hard at
pus in Wichita Falls, who had 22 years of healthcare experience before retiring from the Air Force as a major in 2002, is new head of OhioHealth Corp.’s Doctors Hospital at Nelsonville, Ohio. He previously was vice president of support services for Berger Hospital in Circleville. He and his wife, Valorie, who has her own tax preparation business, have two grown children. (galong@sbcglobal.net)
1990s MAJ. ROBERT G. ATKINS (USAF Ret.), AAS, BSOE’99 from the San Antonio campus, is serving as Senior Aerospace Science instructor in the Air Force
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Junior ROTC program for grades 9-12 at Morgan County High School in Madison, Ga. DAVID BERNIER, BS’98 from the Wichita Falls campus, earned his degree in Healthcare Administration and Marketing. He formerly served as Chief Legislative Officer of the U.S. Air Force Surgeon General’s Office, performing strategic planning for 72 medical facilities, the formulation of medical positions on legislative proposals, and reviewing and responding to nationwide healthcare legislation. As a liaison with Congress, he justified a $62 billion healthcare budget, and received numerous honors. He received his Ph.D in Business Administration from
Moloney remembered a quote from
Columbus University in 2000. (david.bernier@hotmail.com) ED HENDERSON, BSOE’96 from the Lubbock campus, was named Fire Chief for the Forest Hill Fire Department in August. Forest Hill is a suburb of south Fort Worth located off I-20 with a population of roughly 13,000. He had been assistant fire chief in nearby Mansfield since 2003 after spending 25 years with the Lubbock department. He is married with three children. He is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. MELISSA A. HUMPHREYS KING, BSOE’93, MBA’97 from the Wichita Falls campus, is an associate attorney with
— Lubbock Avalanche-Journal Gasaway, Long & Associates in Clarksville, Tenn. She graduated from the Nashville School of Law in 2008. Her husband, Mark, is a firefighter at Fort Campbell, Ky. They have two children. She writes, “One of my favorite professors was Dr. Michelle Kitchen and she always encouraged me to further my education, so I began law school in 2004 when my youngest child started kindergarten. I have been practicing law for two years now and my main areas of concentration are criminal defense, personal injury, collections, and domestic relations.” (3597 Prestwicke Place, Adams, TN 37010; Melissa@gasawaylaw.com) MISTI McGEE SHEL-
alma mater?” He has two children. (P.O. Box 310, New Summerfield, TX 75780; bsheppard@nsisd.sprnet.org)
More than 20 alums and friends gathered at the Edelweiss Restaurant in Colorado Springs on Oct. 1. David Begin, BS’84, has been instrumental in organizing a meeting in the area the last two years. A group of alums in the Dallas-Fort Worth area meets several times each year. Alums interested in organizing get-togethers in their area should contact Danny Andrews at andrewsd@wbu.edu for assistance.
TON, BA’96, and her husband, Dr. Anthony Shelton, are missionaries with the International Mission Board and are back in the States through Christmas. They have spent the last four years in Uganda, East Africa, working primarily among the most impoverished peoples living in the slum communities of the capital mega-city. Their prime responsibility was teaching and discipling new leaders to take the Word further into the communities. Early this year, they transitioned to a new job in a much smaller town, where Anthony is a professor at the Uganda Baptist Seminary and Misti is homeschooling their two daughters.
Misti was a charter member of Tri Zeta and Wayland Classroom Teachers Association. They may be contacted through their parents, Lynn and Sue McGee, 466 Grandstaff Drive, Hot Springs, AR 71913. (SheltonsInUganda@ gmail.com; Misti.shelton@ yahoo.com; www.SheltonsIn Uganda.blogspot.com) BEN SHEPPARD, BS’94, is in his 16th year of teaching medical and life science education at New Summerfield, Texas. He enjoys debating and discussing intelligent design in public venues and also is a public speaker, personal trainer, body builder and artist. Ben writes, “Wayland taught me, above all, to be a lifelong learner. Dr. Gerald Thompson, to this day, is my inspiration for my teaching style. I’m forever thankful for all my professors. How many graduates can say every single educator cared personally for every student outside our
HOLLY WATSON, MEd’97 from the Lubbock campus, assumed the duties of interim superintendent at Texas Tech University Independent School District in October. She has 21 years of educational experience, the last eight as director of instructional services at the Region 17 Education Service Center. She also has served in Ralls, Hale Center and Floydada. TTUISD was established by the State Board of Education in 1993 and serves students by supplying supplemental and home school curriculum offered at a distance. The district also works with other schools to offer testing solutions, a dropout prevention alternative and a credit recovery option. Currently, TTUISD has more than 1,800 full-time students enrolled. SHARON LANKFORD WRIGHT, MEd’94, principal of La Mesa Elementary School in Plainview, is serving as 2010-11 presidentelect for the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisor’s Association. Wright will be installed at the association’s annual summer conference in Austin in June. A veteran of 35 years in education, she has served as a district officer since 2002. TEPSA represents more than 5,800 elementary and middle school leaders, including principals, assistant principals, central office adminis-
trators and supervisors of reading, mathematics, science, special education and other disciplines. She and her husband, WALTER WRIGHT, BA’75, choral director at Plainview High School, have a son and three grandchildren. (2411 W. 12th, Plainview, TX 79072)
2000s
BRAD ANDREWS, BA’05, and his wife Kayla welcomed their second child, a daughter named Brylee Kay, on Aug. 12, weighing 7.7 pounds and 20 inches long. She was welcomed by big brother, Karsten, who is 3. Brad is a marketing rep for Interim Healthcare and a real estate agent with ERA Realtors in Plainview. (brad.andrews@ gmail.com) RYAN BENAVIDES, BSOE’08 from the Sierra Vista campus, is assistant public works director for the Town of Marana, Ariz. He oversees capital improvement projects – all new construction such as overpasses, bridges and roads, as well as maintenance and operation. He previously was Director of Public Services in Willcox. He
footprints
37
served in the U.S. Marines from 1994-2002. He and his wife, Jodi, have two children. (1702 North Circle I Road, Willcox, AZ 85643) BILLY BOONE, BA’05, MEd’07, and wife MEGAN ROBERTS BOONE, BM’06, welcomed their first child, Ruby Grace, on May 10. Billy is a theatre teacher at Clarendon High School. TAMMY BUTLER, BA’06, Area Retail Sales Manager for AT&T in Las Vegas, Nev., has been recognized by Cambridge Who's Who for demonstrating dedication, leadership and excellence in sales and staff development. A 15-year employee of AT&T, she is responsible for developing sales strategies, forecasting budgets, implementing and planning longand short-term goals, managing proposals, interacting with clients and handling regulations for sale practices and tariffs. She also oversees staff development and offers mentoring and coaching services. MEREDITH CRAIG, BA’02, was married on August 7 to Jason Imes, who works with Texas Tech basketball. Meredith works for the United Spirit Arena. The couple has two dogs. KELLEY DUNN FINLEY, BA’05, and husband PAUL FINLEY, BA’06, welcomed their first child, a daughter named Keylee June, on June 28. Kelley is a speech and English teacher in Whiteface,
38 footprints
Texas, and Paul works for Morton High School. LEAUDRA McKAY FRANKLIN, BA’05, and husband DANIEL FRANKLIN, BA’03, welcomed a second son, Colby Lee, on September 26, weighing 6 pounds, 13 ounces. He has a big brother, Cooper, 3. The family lives in Centerton, Ark., and attends Grace Point Church of Northwest Arkansas. The Franklins were at homecoming in 2010 for Daniel to receive the Distinguished Young Alumni Award. A former pitcher for the WBU Pioneers, Daniel attended the Nov. 1 game of the World Series at the Ballpark in Arlington the day before his 30th birthday. ZACH GIBSON, MEd, MBA’05, has been promoted to assistant superintendent of schools in Sunray. (PO Box 165, Sunray, TX 79086; zachgibson@hotmail.com) JUSTIN HANES, MBA’09 from the Lubbock campus, and his wife Tiffany, a graduate of Lubbock Christian, will leave behind their jobs and families in Lubbock in January to travel to 11 different countries in 11 months as missionaries through a program called World Race. The couple hopes that over the course of the trip, they’ll find a country and a cause that suits them, so when the trip is over they can continue working in that field. World Race takes teams of missionaries across the world to work with different relief
and aid organizations. Participants, who travel in teams of 10, know what countries they’ll travel to but they don’t know specifically where or what work they’ll be doing. PAUL HARKEY, BM’03, was married on July 3 to Jennifer Pierce, a hair stylist who hails from North Carolina. Paul sings bass for the gospel group The Anchormen, based in North Carolina. He was in church music before joining the quartet in January 2008. The group sings all over the world and has several albums out as well. (harkey22@yahoo.com) JOANNE JACOB, BS’09, is a medical school student at the American University of Antigua in the West Indies. She hopes to return to the U.S. for her clinicals and residency in a few years but is not sure where she will eventually practice. A native of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, Joanne was active in Wayland’s biology department and did summer research in that field. (joanne.jacob@gmail.com)
GRANT JASPER, BS’08, married Kori Mahoney, on May 8, 2010. She is program director for the Y’s Camp
Crosley in North Webster, Ind., and he is a summer camp director. (165 EMS T2 Lane, North Webster, IN 46555; grantjasper@yahoo.com) BRENT JOHNSON, BSOE’00 from the Albuquerque campus, was a candidate for sheriff of San Juan Island, Wash., but was defeated in the November elections. He has been lead detective for the past eight years and has more than 35 years in law enforcement. (dollmaker1900@yahoo.com)
TAMMARA L. KIRKMAN, MBA’05 from the Altus campus, recently celebrated two milestones in her 25-year military career – promotion to the rank of senior master sergeant and a new assignment as the senior-enlisted advisor for Air Force reservists assigned to the Defense Logistics Agency’s Joint Reserve Force at Fort Belvoir, Va. The DLA Joint Reserve Force helps support the agency’s mission by providing a globally-responsive reserve force of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who are trained and ready to deploy. Kirkman and her husband, Jacquin, have four children. On the civilian side, she
Canadian band, led by WBU alums, tops in state The Canadian High School Band was named the Texas 1A Honor Band in July. The band is directed by WILL BREW-
tor at Ropesville High School.
ticipation must reflect and demonstrate
The purpose of the Texas Honor
worthwhile educational goals without
Band Competition is twofold. Many edu-
exploitation of students or the system.
cators believed that
Only one band in
ER, BM’98, with assistance from his wife,
through the process of
each classification (1A-
SARAH BETH SHEPARD BREWER,
hearing and observing the
5A) earns this title and
BM’99. who also teaches elementary
results of quality teaching,
is invited to perform at
music. They have two sons, William, 10,
directors could develop
the Texas Music
and Marcus, 2.
their own instructional
Educators Association
skills to a higher level.
Conference in February
The band, in a northeastern Panhandle community of about 2,000
In addition, selection
on the Honor Band
usually numbers about 50. Canadian
of an honor band in each classification
won the Bronze medal winner at the
recognized communities and school sys-
Texas State Marching Championship last
tems that successfully supported music
Canadian’s recording of “West Highlands
fall and has consistently earned
in education through their instrumental
Sojourn” was recognized as the top
Sweepstakes honors – top ratings in
music programs.
recording in the ATSSB (Association of
marching, concert and sight reading – since 1982. JEROD HON, BM’06, was their assis-
In addition to this honor by TMEA,
Through the years, participation has
Texas Small School Bands) Outstanding
been active and the recognition of exem-
Performance Series and will be released
plary programs through the honor band
on the 2010 OPS CD this year.
tant for several years and was instru-
selection process has become a most
mental in the development of the stu-
sought after goal by many directors.
dents who helped to achieve the honor.
Series in Lila Cockrell Theatre in Austin.
All involved must adhere to estab-
The ATSSB Outstanding Performance Series is a compact disc audition process designed to select the
The Brewers and Hon are former mem-
lished procedures and share responsibili-
most outstanding Class C, CC, A, AA, and
bers of the Wayland Pioneer Band,
ty for maintaining high ethical standards.
AAA concert band programs in the state
directed by Tim Kelley. Hon is now direc-
In the final analysis, preparation and par-
of Texas each year.
is a realty specialist in acquisition with Navy Facilities at the Navy Yard in Washington, D.C. LINDSEY KING KRAFT, BSIS’05, and husband TYLER KRAFT, BS’03, welcomed their first child, a son named Benjamin Karl, in early August. Lindsey is staying home from teaching for the year after being a kindergarten teacher at San Jacinto Elementary in Amarillo. KEITH MASSEY, BSOE’08 from the Phoenix campus, has retired from the Air Force, where he worked in the education and training field. He
now is a training analyst for AeroVironment Inc; a Forbes Top 200 company. Keith writes, “Attending WBU and completing my education was critical in setting myself up for success. Go Pioneers!” (lyndell.massey@yahoo.com) DR. TERI MAYFIELD, BS’04, graduated from medical school in May through the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in Houston. She is now in intern at a hospital in Jacksonville, Fla. CHRIS MOORE, BA’03, co-host for the Wake up Kickin’ Morning Show on KKYN radio in Plainview, has
been named full-time operation manager for Plainview Radio, which includes four stations. A former creative arts team missionary in the U.S. and Canada, he served eight years as supervisor and technical director of Harral Auditorium. He has two children, Grayson and McKayleigh. (chris@plainviewradio.com)
Plainview Police Department. He also has served as a teacher of Introduction to Criminal Justice with LCISD High School for 7 years. In October, he became Director of Emergency Management for the Cooper district. He and his wife Marcelina, a homemaker, have three sons.
JESSE R. PENA, EX’06, was a candidate for Lubbock County Sheriff. He has been chief of police for the Lubbock Cooper school district for 10 years and previously worked for the Tulia Police Department and
KRISTEE TURPIN PHELPS, BS’00, is wellness coordinator for the University of Texas-San Antonio’s three campuses, overseeing those efforts for faculty and staff. A former volleyball player and coach at Wayland, Kristee
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39
Rodriguez elected president of Texas Baptist convention Victor Rodriguez went
convention, will become presi-
said.
from being president of one
dent. Rincones praised
“This is the uniting and
Baptist convention to another
Rodriguez’s leadership
coming together as a whole
in November.
through the Hispanic conven-
family,” he said.
Rodriguez, EX’07 of the
tion’s recent 100th anniver-
San Antonio campus, was
sary.
elected by acclamation as new president of the Baptist
Rodriguez is the second Hispanic elected BGCT presi-
Rodriguez, pastor of
dent. Albert Reyes, president
South San Filadelfia Baptist
of Buckner International, was
General Convention of Texas
both conventions the same
Church in San Antonio for the
the first. Rodriguez’s father,
in November in McAllen,
year.
past 12 years, believes con-
Manuel, also served as presi-
temporary Texas Baptists are
dent of the Hispanic convention.
relinquishing the next day his
He will continue support-
role as president of the
ing the convention and work-
living through historic time as
Hispanic Baptist Convention
ing with it, he said, but Jesse
they come together across
of Texas.
Rincones, pastor of Alliance
ethnic lines. The future is
Odessa and graduate of
Church in Lubbock and first
bright for the Hispanic Baptist
Hardin-Simmons. He and his
vice president of the Hispanic
Convention and the BGCT, he
wife, Olga, have three sons.
Rodriguez is the first person to be elected president of
Rodriguez is a native of
emailed after the August issue came out. “As a person who promotes health, fitness, and wellness, I am proud to see an edition like this,” she said. “I really believe that this subject is neglected, and I very happy to see it’s touched other alumni.” (kristee.phelps@utsa.edu) DENNIS RICE, BSOE’09, from the Amarillo campus, was appointed to the State Board of Trustees for the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System by Governor Rick Perry, with a term to expire in 2015. The board establishes policy for the administration of the retirement system. Rice is a sergeant and fire marshal for the Randall County Sheriff ’s Office. He is involved in several professional organizations and is a firefighter for the Canyon Volunteer Fire Department. CHARLOTTE ALMON SCHUMACHER, BSOE’05, Wayland’s Director
40 footprints
Newly reframed portraits of the 40 winners of the Miss Wayland pageant are now on display in the east hallway of Harral Memorial Auditorium, along with a display case featuring pageant memorabilia and photos. The display will be dedicated during Homecoming 2011 weekend and all former title-holders are invited back to participate. The university hopes to endow a scholarship to benefit future winners in memory of Bessie Fulton, the first black Miss Wayland, who died in August. For more information, contact Danny Andrews at (806) 291-3603.
of Web Services, serves as president of the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity. She helped organize a gospel concert in October at Harral Auditorium that netted about $3,400 to benefit the international organization that builds houses for individuals who meet stringent criteria. (char-
lott@wbu.edu) DANNY STOREY, BBA’08, and wife Monika live in Canyon after he spent time playing basketball in Poland. He is manager of the new McAlister’s Deli location in Amarillo after training at the two Lubbock stores. He and
Monika have a daughter, Zofia, who turns 1 this month. Monika makes jewelry and sells it at Beary Unique Gifts in Canyon. STEVEN STOVALL, BSOE, MEd’08 from the San Antonio campus, recently was promoted to major in a
Former Queen to be added to basketball hall of fame Lometa Odom, one of the most dominating players of her era at Wayland, is among the 2011 class for the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Tenn. Odom, who graduated with a BS degree in 1956 and who was the first woman (and 24th honoree) elected to the Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame in Amarillo in 1971, will be inducted June 11, 2011. She is the eighth person with Wayland ties to join the hall. Others include longtime Flying Queens sponsor Claude Hutcherson, coaches Harley Redin and Dean Weese, former Texas Tech coach Marsha Sharp who played for and coached the Queen Bees, and players Katherine Washington, Patsy O’Neal and Jill Rankin Schneider. The four-time AAU AllAmerican who still ranks No. 9 on the all-time Queens scoring list with 1,614 points, also is a member of the Helms Foundation Hall of Honor, the Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame, the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame and in 1992 was in the first class inducted into the Wayland Athletic Hall of Honor. She was named among the Top 100 Sports Legends of the Panhandle in 2000. Playing for Sam Allen, Caddo Matthews (two years) and the first year for Redin to coach the Queens, she helped Wayland post a sparkling record of 115-5, win three national AAU titles (after finishing second her freshman year)
and start what would become an all-time collegiate record 131-game winning streak. After her junior year, she played on the AAU national team that won the Pan American Games in Mexico City. She was head coach at Gruver in 1956-57, coached seventh and eighth grade girls in Spearman for five years, then coached in White Deer the next 16 years – 10 at the junior varsity level – and guided the varsity Does to a codistrict championship in 1975 and the district title in 1976. She coached basketball for 12 of her 15 years as a science teacher at Coronado Junior High in Plainview, winning several district championships. In 1982, she coached seventh and eighth grade teams to perfect 9-0 district records. In 1983, she also coached the cross-town Estacado Junior High eighth grade team to an overall 15-0 record and the West TexasEastern New Mexico District championship with an 8-0 mark. Three of the players played on the 1987 state championship team for Plainview, the school’s first UIL state title in any sport. Mrs. Odom is retired and lives in Amarillo.
private home ceremony so his mother and grandmother, who have health issues, could attend. A 21-year U.S. Army veteran, Stovall has been deployed to Iraq twice during Operation Iraqi Freedom. JASON TERPACK, BSOE’05 from the Phoenix campus, is pastor of First Christian Church of Ferrellview, Mo., a suburb of Kansas City. He is a veteran of the United States Air Force and is currently finishing his Master of Divinity degree. CHRIS TUCKER, BA’02, is new pastor at First Baptist Church-Quitaque after serving as children and youth minister at Spring Creek Baptist Church in Big Spring. His wife is SANDY SMART TUCKER, BA’03, has been teaching elementary music. They have a 2 ½-year-old son, Carson. JOE WALTER, BBA’00, coached the Casa Grande (Ariz.) Cotton Kings, consisting almost exclusively of college-age players, to the National Baseball Congress World Series in Wichita, Kan. It was their fourth straight appearance in amateur baseball’s showcase event, which began in 1931. The Cotton Kings were one of 32 teams in the
double-elimination, wood-bat tournament. Walter, a Casa Grande High School graduate who pitched for Wayland from 1997-2000 and hurled Wayland’s first no-hitter in 1998, revived the club in 2004. He also served as Pacific Southwest League general president and Cotton Kings general manager and field manager. This year, nine former or current Cotton Kings were selected in the major league draft, bringing the total to 38 who have been drafted or gone on to play professionally since the team was reborn. (7425 E. Portland Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85257) CARYANN WHEELER, BSOE’00, is now at EMI CMG, working as a Manager of National Promotion to get recording artists’ songs played on the radio. Her territory includes Texas and she travels with such artists as Chris Tomlin, tobyMac, David Crowder Band, Amy Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman and Matthew West to connect them with radio stations and listeners. She spent the last 15 years in the radio business. (5260 Village Trace, Nashville, TN 37211; caryannw@yahoo.com) * * * Looking for the update form? You’ll find it on the inside of the magazine wrap this issue. Thanks for keeping us informed on where you are and what’s going on in your life. We love hearing from our alumni!
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