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Summer 2004 INSIDE: The New Arts and Sciences Newsletter pages 13–20 INSIDE: The New Arts and Sciences Newsletter pages 13–20

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Page 1: Seasons summer 04 - Samford University

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INSIDE:The NewArts and SciencesNewsletterpages 13–20

INSIDE:The NewArts and SciencesNewsletterpages 13–20

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2 From the President

10 Perspective

21 Class Notes

25 Homecoming

26 Births

27 In Memoriam

28 Sports

31 Campus News

32 Giving

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4 A Year in IraqJohn Agresto spent almost a year helping reconstruct Iraq’seducation system after the war. Making the system more“liberal and liberating,” and less narrowly focused, would helpIraq grow as a democracy, he said at commencement. “Givethem the tools for rational deliberation.”

6 Can Democracy Grow in the Middle East?Arab world expert Carrie Wickham of Emory Universityoutlines complex questions faced by the U.S. as it seeks afoothold for democracy in the Middle East. Wickham offerssome answers but no quick solutions.

8 Fifty Years a TrusteeJohn Pittman joined the Samford Board in 1953 whenHarwell Davis was president and the school was HowardCollege in East Lake. He has been a part of milestonemoments under three presidents. He serves because of hisbelief in a school “committed to building a Christiancommunity for students.”

12 Year in the SpotlightTraveling around America as the National Teacher of the Yearrenewed Betsy Rogers’ hope for the nation’s children. “I sawteachers doing incredible work,” she said. The experienceaffirmed her belief that the strongest teachers should be inthe neediest schools, she writes in a commentary for Seasons.

13 New from Arts and SciencesCollegium, the new Howard College of Arts and Sciencesnewsletter, makes its debut in this Seasons. The newsletterwill appear periodically as part of the magazine, as willnewsletters from some of Samford’s professional schools.

features

Back cover: Senior honor graduate Adrian Jane McCullough

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EDITORWilliam Nunnelley

ASSOCIATE EDITORMary Wimberley

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSean Flynt, Philip Poole

PUBLICATIONS MANAGERJanica York Carter

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTJana Peairson

DESIGNERSScott Camp, Carlie Cranford Stamper

PHOTOGRAPHYCaroline Baird Summers

ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONOFFICERS 2003–4

CO-PRESIDENTSBennie Bumpers ’63Sonya Bumpers ’63

VICE PRESIDENTTom Armstrong ’73

SECRETARYBrooke Dill Stewart ’95

Summer 2004Vol. 21 No. 2Publication Number:USPS 244-800

Seasons is published quarterly by Samford University, 800 LakeshoreDrive, Birmingham, Alabama 35229,and is distributed free to all alumni ofthe University, as well as to otherfriends. Periodical postage paid atBirmingham, Alabama. Postmaster:send address changes to SamfordUniversity Alumni Office, SamfordUniversity, Birmingham, Alabama35229.

Samford University is an EqualOpportunity Institution and welcomesapplications for employment and educational programs from all individ-uals regardless of race, color, age, sex,disability, or national or ethnic origin.

[email protected]

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Amelody lingers after the music stops—that iswhy more than 50 years later, I still can singsongs learned in grade school. That is whyhundreds of Gospel songs are deep in myheart and my theology. That is why “The

Star-Spangled Banner” still swells a lump in the throat.That is why the “Hallelujah Chorus” or Widor’s“Toccatta” send chills to the spine.

Samford University has a great heritage in music.Outstanding music graduates are at work throughout the world in churches, on opera stages, in schools and in concert halls. The dedicated efforts of professors

Kathleen Martinson, George Koski, Claude Rhea,Gene Black and Milburn Price have built to grand

crescendos that willresound when we breakground this January anddedicate a new musicfacility in the fall of2006.

Facing MontagueDrive, between the south

end of Samford Hall and the existing Wright Center, thenew building will connect to both Wright Center andBuchanan. Its most obvious feature will be a high-qualityrecital hall for more intimate performances before audi-ences of 300–400. Sorely needed rehearsal space willallow the marching band and the orchestra to rehearse inspace dedicated for that purpose and with appropriateacoustical provision. Instrument storage, classrooms,individual practice space and faculty offices complete theplan.

When the Leslie S. Wright Fine Arts Center was con-structed in 1976, costs had to be contained. Originalplans were scaled back, and as the music program hasgrown, makeshift arrangements had to be contrived. Tothe credit of music deans and faculty, the quality of theprogram continued to prosper despite space and facilitylimitations. Our students are superior, as confirmed bytheir remarkable record in competitions and by ourmemories.

Without a football program, only a modest effort innon-keyboard, instrumental music was required in thedecade 1974–84. A marching band is very importantduring football season, but most people never thinkabout rehearsals, or how to store five or six tubas, forexample, plus many other instruments. Our progresswith strings and with an orchestra has added greatly toSamford’s offerings and to the support of fine arts in themetro-Birmingham community. Both orchestra andmarching band are accommodated in the new structure.

Major gift opportunities are still available, and allthe required funds are not yet on hand, the project ismoving forward at full speed. We always have been ableto count on Samford music. Now it is time for us toprovide the facilities the program so richly deserves.

To Dean Price, and current and past music facultymembers, the new building will be a gift of gratitude.Thanks for the memories!

Thanks for the

Melodies

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Samford Plans To Build Recital Halland Instrumental Music Building

MOVING AHEAD

At its spring meeting May 4, theSamford University Board ofTrustees approved a plan to

emphasize fund-raising for the facilityso that construction could begin assoon as possible. The board alsoapproved hiring an architect andacoustics, lighting and sound systemconsultants for the building. Planningwill be completed by late 2004,according to Vice President forFacilities Don Mott.

The project was one of the firstmentioned by Dr. Corts in his Januaryreport of Samford initiatives approvedby the board for the next decade.

“We hope soon to begin con-struction of an essential music recitalhall with attendant facilities for instru-mental music,” he said, stressing that“the need is immediate.”

Expected to cost in the $7 millionrange, the facility is needed to serve asa home for Samford orchestral andband programs. Samford offers a fullinstrumental program, includinginstruction in strings, woodwind,brass and percussion. Instrumentalstudents participate in a wide varietyof ensembles, including orchestra,wind ensemble, marching band, jazzensemble and percussion ensemble.

Samford music programscurrently are housed in John H.

Buchanan Hall, built in the 1960s as aclassroom, studio and office building.Music programs also use facilities inLeslie Stephen Wright Fine ArtsCenter, with its auditorium, theatre,art gallery and recital room.

Plans call for the new building tobe located adjacent to Buchanan Halland Wright Center.

Samford’s School of Musiccombined with the Department ofTheatre in 2001 to form the School ofPerforming Arts. The University offersmajors in music, music education,musical theatre, church music, per-formance and theory/composition. ■

An architect’s renderingof the new Recital Hallshows the locationadjacent to the entranceto Wright Center.

Samford is movingahead with plans tobuild a Recital Hall andInstrumental MusicBuilding for its School ofPerforming Arts. Theproposed structure wasdescribed by SamfordPresident Thomas E.Corts as “essential” earlier this year.

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BroadenedApproach toEducation HoldsKey to Democracy’sFuture in Iraq,Says Agresto

COMMENCEMENT

b y W i l l i a m N u n n e l l e y

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Dr. John Agresto, a former collegepresident who has writtenwidely on education and gov-

ernment, went to Iraq last summer tohelp reconstruct the country’s highereducation system in the aftermath ofwar.

In his role as senior adviser forhigher education and scientific researchto the Coalition Provisional Authority,Agresto set about putting the 70 uni-versities and technical colleges in touchwith American universities forassistance.

He arranged for books and scienceequipment to be sent to Iraqi schoolsdamaged by war. He organized threenew liberal arts schools. He lent hisexpertise as an educator in any waythat would help the school systemrebound.

Will the United States be successfulin these and other efforts to establishdemocracy in Iraq?

“We may not,” Agresto said duringcommencement remarks at SamfordMay 22. Education will play a vital rolein whether Iraq can grow as a democ-racy, he said. A key question is whetherthe Iraqi education system can becomemore “liberal and liberating” and lessnarrowly focused, he said.

Thomas Jefferson said, “there is nodemocracy without education,” Agrestoreminded. “Without the ability to thinkabout alternatives, evaluatecourses of action and weighconsequences, no country cansucceed.”

The Iraqi education systemhas emphasized training peopledeeply in areas for which theytest well, such as engineeringand computer activity, but notbroadly beyond their fields.Part of Agresto’s efforts hasbeen to broaden the approach“so that thinking, questioningand common deliberation

could take place,” he said.The goal is to “let students think

about their course of study, choosetheir majors freely, let them askquestions, see more than just theirspecialties and give them breadth, notjust narrow, expert depth.”

In short, his work with a group ofIraqi college presidents seeks one resultfor students. The former president ofSt. John’s College in Santa Fe, N.M.,characterized it this way: “Give themthe ability to reflect and choose. Givethem the tools for rational deliberation.”

Agresto, a political scientist, wasnamed to his post in Iraq last Augustand has been in the country for mostof the time since then. He came toSamford commencement directly fromBaghdad, returning after a short visitwith his family. He was scheduled tocomplete his Iraq assignment in lateJune.

Agresto addressed a graduatingclass of 677 seniors. CumberlandSchool of Law graduated 158 seniorslater in the day. The graduates hailedfrom 24 states and nine foreignnations.

“Maybe we will succeed,” Agrestosaid of America’s efforts to build “civilsociety” in Iraq. He is sure of only onething. If efforts are successful, a broad-ened approach to education will be akey ingredient. ■

■ “We [Americans] think that democ-racy is easy. But, I’m afraid to say,tyranny is easy. Rule by the rich, orby demagogues, or by thugs andhooligans, is easy. Rule by democracyis hard. It takes a thousand ingredi-ents—tyranny only one.”

■ “Despite all the talk about Americanself-interest, American materialismand consumerism, the deeper truthis that Americans have hearts ofgold. We go out of our way to help.We are, despite all the glib mediababble, the most generous nation onEarth, bar none.”

■ “. . . the truth is, we are, as Americans,incapable of acting (other than fromthe heart). That is why we shouldnot hold back in condemning thesadistic and perverted abuses wehave seen in Abu Ghraib prison: thisis behavior unworthy of Americansand a perversion of what it means tobe Americans.”

■ “We have a thousand organizations(Rotary, Elks, Knights of Columbus,nonprofits, charitable foundations)to teach us to consider our neighbors.I don’t think we realize how closelyAmericans are tied to each otheruntil we see people who have nocommon ties beyond their family ortribe. I don’t think we realize howmuch we Americans actually like oneanother and are willing to sacrificefor each other. But there’s no democ-racy without that.”

■ “I’m not saying we will not be suc-cessful, only that I think we have hadtoo easygoing a view of what it takesto forge a democratic and freecountry.”

______

For a free, pocket-sized, 24-pagebooklet of the text of Dr. John Agresto’scommencement address, “A Lot of What ILearned About America I Learned in Iraq,”contact the Office of Public Relations,Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Drive,Birmingham, AL 35229, or [email protected].

Agresto Also Said . . .Additional Thoughts fromCommencement Address

COMMENCEMENT SPEAKERSERVED AS SENIOR ADVISER TOCOALITION EDUCATION MINISTRY

President Thomas Corts presents President’s Cup tosenior Jessica Nicole Parker.

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As the United States considered how itwould transfer Iraqi national sover-eignty in early summer, it faced com-plex questions that confounddemocratic reform efforts through-

out the Middle East.At the invitation of Samford University’s

College Society, Arab world specialist CarrieRosefsky Wickham described those questions toa packed audience at Samford at the end ofApril.

“How can we promote political freedom ina region with little or no prior experience withdemocracy, and in which democracy itself haslong been stigmatized as a product of the West?”asked Wickham, a Carnegie scholar and associateprofessor of political science at EmoryUniversity who has lectured at the U.S. StateDepartment and Central Intelligence Agency,among other prestigious venues. She is author ofthe book Mobilizing Islam, published byColumbia University Press.

“How do we encourage Arab leaders touphold the rights of women or religious minori-ties without triggering the accusation that we aretrying to impose our values on others?” she con-tinued. “How are we to deal with the fact thatthe largest, best organized and most popularopposition groups in the Arab world are notcommitted to democracy but rather seek toestablish systems of rule based on Shari’a, or

Islamic law? Should we encourage the holding offree and fair competitive elections, knowing thatthey may permit nondemocrats to come topower? Should we use undemocratic means—such as the de facto veto power of the Americanadministrators in Iraq—to impose a democraticconstitution and establish unelected bodies withthe power to uphold it, even when this conflictswith the majority will?”

In spite of her expertise—or more likelybecause of it—Wickham offered no easy answersto these questions. She said resolving seeminglyintractable differences in Iraq and elsewhere inthe Arab world will require significant and com-plex changes on all sides. For its part, she said,the U.S. should learn to use its considerable “softpower”—not its hard, coercive power, but thepersuasive power of traditional American insti-tutions and freedoms that many Arabs admireand long to see thrive in their own countries.

According to Wickham, “there are manyways for the U.S. to deploy its soft power in theArab world—through skillful diplomacy, eco-nomic aid, and the sharing of our vast educa-tional, legal and technical expertise with Arabgovernments and citizens committed to reform.”She noted that this was the U.S. approach to itsdefeated enemies after World War II.

“As in Germany and Japan,” Wickham said,“the transformation of Arab states into systemsthat are accountable to their own people, respect

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Can Democracy Grow in the Middle East?

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"There are many ways for the U.S. to deploy its softpower in the Arab world–through skillful diplomacy,economic aid and the sharing of our vast educational,legal and technical expertise with Arab governmentsand citizens committed to reform."

–Carrie Rosefsky Wickham

the rule of law, permit free and open debate, andgenerate economic opportunity for their citizensrepresents the only way to extinguish the appealof extremist Islam.”

Wickham said extremist Islam has suchappeal because the roots of anti-Americanism inthe Arab world are deep. They include theperceived unity of U.S. and Israeli policy,unchallenged anti-American propaganda, thewillingness of some Arab leaders to blameAmerica for crises largely created by their ownoppressive Middle Eastern regimes and the des-peration of young Arabs who feel powerless toreform their own governments. The result is asignificant disparity between the way Americansview themselves and the way Arabs viewAmericans.

“If asked about our policies in the MiddleEast,” Wickham said, “many Americans wouldcredit our government leaders for seeking apeaceful settlement to the Arab-Israeli conflictand for liberating the Iraqi people from one ofthe world’s most brutal dictatorships. The imageof America promoted by Osama bin Laden andother Islamic militants could not be moredifferent.”

She said bin Laden and others who advocate“total war” against the U.S. see only America’ssupport for Israel on one hand and oppressiveArab regimes on the other, U.S. military bases inArab countries, and Arab/American relationsdriven more by America’s thirst for oil than byits democratic ideals. “From this vantage point,”Wickham said, “the objective of U.S. policy inthe Arab world is to dictate its leaders’ policiesand control its resources, and in so doing, todeprive its citizens of the chance to determine

their own future.”Speaking at Samford shortly before the Iraqi

prisoner abuse scandal further deepened thecrisis in Arab/American relations, Wickham pre-dicted a long road ahead for the U.S. in the Arabworld in general and Iraq in particular. “Thebuilding of an effective democracy in Iraq—ourstated goal—will literally take generations toaccomplish and will require a long-term com-mitment of American military, economic andhumanitarian aid,” Wickham said. “It will alsorequire a central role for international bodieslike the United Nations to monitor elections,broker compromises between different ethnic,tribal and religious groups, and enforce domesticand cross-border peace.”

Unfortunately, Wickham said, “America’scredibility as a pro-democracy actor is currentlyso low in the Arab world that we may actuallyhurt the cause of reform by too strenuouslypromoting it.”

Anti-Americanism and the key questions inArab/American relations will loom long afterJune 30, the date planned for at least limitedtransfer of sovereignty in Iraq. But as grim as thefuture may look, Wickham still has hope. “As welook ahead, the challenge for us is not to imposeour own values and institutions on the Arabworld, but to strengthen the region’s internalvoices of reform and help them develop theirown societies in line with their own priorities, attheir own pace, and in ways that continue tomove our relationship away from mutual sus-picion and hostility toward dialogue, under-standing and peace.” ■

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John C. Pittman recalls the day in1953 that Howard College presidentHarwell G. Davis asked him to serveon the board of trustees.

“Major Davis said he wanted one of his boys on the board,” said Pittman,

who at the time was a mere decade awayfrom his 1943 graduation. Pittman’s loyalservice on the Howard College andSamford University boards continues tothis day and remains one of the longesttenures of any board member.

“If there were an All-American teamof university trustees, John C. Pittmanwould be on it,” said Samford PresidentThomas E. Corts. “For 50 years, he hasbeen concerned for this University, fromthe top of the bell tower to undergroundfiber-optic cable and chilled water loops.He cares about students, about faculty,about academics, about the Christiandimension.”

Why such dedication? “Our distinctionrelated to Christian education,” answersPittman. “There are a lot of good educa-tional institutions. If Samford were justanother academic institution, I wouldn’tbe interested. At Samford, we honor andproclaim the Lord Jesus Christ and arecommitted to building a Christian com-munity for students.”

Over six decades, he has served fourone-year terms as vice chairman and fiveone-year terms as chairman, most recentlyin 1995–96. His standing committeeappointments have included academicaffairs, student affairs, athletics, develop-ment and business affairs. He has beenreelected to the executive committeecontinuously since 1958.

50Years aTrusteeSamford

MilestoneMoments Are

Many forJohn Pittman

b y M a r y W i m b e r l e y

John Pittman joined theSamford Board in 1953.

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“When I first got on the board, asthe young one, I became the chauffeur,”he recalled recently. “I would leave myoffice and drive around Birminghamand pick up Leo Bashinsky, Frank ParkSamford and Lewis M. Smith, and listento them talk. I learned a lot from them.”

He has served during administrationsof three presidents: Davis, Leslie S.Wright and Corts. “I have enjoyed, indifferent ways, working with all threepresidents. God’s leadership has givenus the right people at the right times.”

He has been a witness to and par-ticipant in many milestone moments ofSamford history: The mid-’50s move toHomewood from East Lake was a bigone. “Nobody in 1953 actually thoughtabout moving, except for Major Davis,”said Pittman, who grew up in theEdgewood section of Homewood.

He credits Davis’ acumen and rep-utation with helping the school survivepost-Depression struggles. “What savedthe school was World War II,” saidPittman, noting that the V-12 programsthat trained military personnel weremostly at schools larger than Howard.“Major Davis knew Alabama senatorsJohn Sparkman and Lister Hill. He wentto D.C. and lobbied for having the V-12program at smaller schools,” he said.

The program gave a much neededfinancial boost to the school.

After the school relocated, Pittmansaid, “Leslie Wright was the right personfor getting the new campus together.

“Then, Tom Corts and his academicleadership came at the right time. TheLord just gave him to us,” he said ofCorts, now in his 22nd year as president.

Pittman, who received his CLUdesignation in 1952, enjoyed a success-ful business career as general agent andvice president of New England LifeInsurance Co. He also served asSouthern regional vice president of thecompany, which he had joined in 1949.He retired in the mid-1980s as seniorfield vice president.

He is a life deaconand former chairman ofdeacons at BrookwoodBaptist Church. In part-nership with the church,he and his wife, Marjorie,created an endowedscholarship fund to enablequalified Baptist studentsto attend Samford.

He also establishedthe Marjorie HolcombPittman ScholarshipFund. Pittman, who

majored in eco-nomics, is listedin the 1943 EntreNous yearbook asa student senatorand treasurer ofthe freshman class.He was also vicepresident of thestudent body and president ofAlpha Phi Omega serviceorganization.

In the middle of his col-lege career, in April of 1942,Pittman was called to theMarines. After discharge, heattended Millsaps College inJackson, Miss., for two semesters. “AfterI completed my work there in 1943,Dean Burns [academic dean] let metransfer those credits so that I couldgraduate from Howard College.”

In 1993, Samford awarded him anhonorary doctor of humane lettersdegree in recognition of his contri-butions to professional, civic and edu-cational endeavors. Without a doubt,Pittman says, the best part of his collegeexperience was meeting his wife,Marjorie Holcomb, who had grown upacross town in Bush Hills and was ayear ahead of him in school.

“If ladies had been trustees when I was named, it would have been Marge

that Major Davis asked. She began atHoward the year he became pres-

ident. He alwayslaughed and said theywere freshmen together.She was Miss HowardCollege and very involvedin campus activities. He wasvery fond of her.”Their relationship was so

special that when it wastime to pop the question,Pittman sought the presi-dent’s permission. “I made anappointment with his secre-

tary, Gene Kelser, and asked him if Icould marry Marjorie Holcombe.”

Happily, Davis had no objections.The pair celebrated their 61st anniver-sary in May at their new residence atSomerby at University Park. They havetwo children, Carol P. Mitchell andDavid R. Pittman, five grandchildren andtwo great-grandchildren.

Somerby, the retirement communityacross Lakeshore Drive from Samford,is on the site of Edgewood Lake, wherePittman played as a child. “I rememberskating on Edgewood Lake once when iticed over. Now, here we are.” ■

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Birmingham business leader andphilanthropist John Pittman has

been honored by Samford Universityfor 50 years of service as a trustee.

The John C. Pittman Spirit Awardwas approved by Samford’s board oftrustees at their spring meeting tohonor Pittman, who is a 1943 Samfordgraduate and recently completed his50th year as a trustee.

Only one other trustee, the late JoeDavis Heacock of Birmingham, served

longer. He served66 years until hisdeath in 1974.

The awardwill be presentedannually atSamford’s springcommencement toan undergraduatestudent who “mostcompletely unitesduring the student’scareer at Samfordthose ideal charac-teristics modeled

by John C. Pittman,” according to aresolution approved by the trustees.

The first award was presented at commencement May 22 to twowinners, Tommie Ann Fridy of Sebree,Ky., and Amanda Rae Hambrick ofGeorgetown, Ky.

Among the criteria for the awardare serious academic commitment,Christian commitment, personal physicalwell-being and involvement in campuslife.

In presenting the recommendationfor the new award to the trustees, boardmember Harry Brock, a Birminghambusinessman, said about Pittman, “Thereare very few people that I would putabove him as a good, practicing Christian.If you’re ever in trouble, he’s the man.”

In accepting the honor, Pittmanspoke of his deep love for Samford andits mission. He also noted that he has“every intention of breaking Dr. Heacock’s record.” ■

Pittman chats with Pittman SpiritAward winner Tommie Ann Fridy.

Honoring the Longtime Trustee

John Pittman and Margorie HolcombePittman, from 1942 Entre Nous.

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Aculture that appears to emphasize evil hasa dominant impact on churches and insti-tutions today, according to Samford

University President Thomas E. Corts.In the annual H. I. Hester Lectures to repre-

sentatives of the Association of Southern BaptistColleges and Schools, Corts noted that “culturehas made evil interesting—far more interestingto most than good.”

“None of us chose this culture that spreadsevil more than virtue,” Corts said, “yet it is theculture in which wedo our work and inwhich our institutionswill falter or prosper.It is the culture of thepeople we serve.”

Corts cited his-toric trends that havechanged the nature ofAmerican higher edu-cation through thecenturies. In the earlydays of what is nowthe United States, itwas not uncommon tolink higher education to religious purposes, evenwith public institutions.

As late as the 1890s, most state universitiesrequired chapel and even Sunday church atten-dance, Corts said. He noted that all presidents ofthe University of Alabama from its founding in1820 through 1900 were ordained ministers,which also was not uncommon among otherstate university presidents.

Quoting historian George Marsden, Cortsoutlined the mid-20th-century shift in the viewof religious thought in education. Cultural influ-ences have created skepticism that religion orreligious beliefs have a place in higher education.

“Society does not warm to those who taketheir religion seriously,” Corts said. “The moreobviously our institutions are Christian, the lessthey seem to appeal to the general public.”

There also can be challenges in relating toBaptists, Corts said. “Our own Baptist peoplehave a hard time granting us respect. We need towork harder to make our own constituentsaware of who we are.”

Corts noted that in many regions, largeruniversities, particularly major state universitieswith well-known brands, are more appealing tostudents than a private and more specificallyChristian college or university. Students areaffected particularly by cultural influences and

usually do not get sup-port from peers whenthey choose a Baptistcollege or university.

Baptist colleges anduniversities should beintentional about theirmission and emphasizethe things that differen-tiate the institution.

“We need parti-cularity and productdifferentiation to showhow we are different,but we also must be

sure that if we profess it, that it does happen inpractice,” Corts said. “If you lose sight of yourmission, you begin to stumble, and it shows.”

Corts encouraged Baptist college adminis-trators and faculty to “make your peace with thereality that your institution is not like others andthat the recognition given to other institutionsmay never come to yours in a culture like ours.”

“We have a higher and holier calling,” Cortssaid. “We are not accountable to the localChamber of Commerce.”

The Hester Lectures were part of the annualmeeting of the ASBCS, a consortium of 55colleges and schools with historic Baptistaffiliations. About 225 presidents and other keyadministrators from member schools attendedthe 2004 annual meeting in Nashville. ■

“It is probably true today thatmodern American culture has

overwhelmed modern AmericanChristianity. The ceaseless waves ofmessages from movies, newspapersand TV have acculturated a sea ofsecularism and a riptide, pulling

American Christians under.”

Corts Admonishes Baptist CollegeAdministrators to Avoid

CulturalBacklash

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Samford University celebrated thepast and future May 21 with therededication of renovated class-

room buildings.Thomas D. Russell and Robert I.

Ingalls, Sr. halls were part of Samford’soriginal campus when the school relo-cated in 1957 from the East Lake sectionof Birmingham to the suburb ofHomewood. The buildings now housethe McWhorter School of Pharmacy,and the Department of Mathematicsand Computer Science in the HowardCollege of Arts and Sciences.

An 18-month, $5.3 million reno-vation was completed earlier this year,and the rededication ceremonies werepart of the University’s commencementweekend celebration.

The renovations are the firstprojects completed as part of the“promise for all generations” initiativesannounced in January by SamfordPresident Thomas E. Corts. The initia-tives are multiyear plans for expansionof campus programs and facilities.

“There is a tremendous amount ofgradual effort that goes into making this

institution what it is,” Corts said. “Thisis one of the great points in Samford’shistory that leads us to understand thegreat progress of our University.”

Corts noted the progress of phar-macy education and its transformationalchange. Pharmacists now “are recog-nized as true, full-blooded members ofthe healing team,” he said. “Thisdemonstrates how transformationalchange comes to an institution.”

Renovated space in Ingalls Hallincludes a faculty research laboratory,admission suite, faculty offices, teachinglaboratories and a faculty/staff com-mons. Ingalls Hall was completed in1957 at an original construction cost of$524,746, and was named for a promi-nent Birmingham businessman andlongtime college trustee.

Russell Hall was named for a long-time trustee and was dedicated in 1957at a construction cost of $506,222. Mr.Russell was founder of the world-famous Russell athletic wear company.The building originally housed thebiology department. It was vacated in2002 and gutted to the outer walls.

Renovated space includes faculty offices,classrooms, a lecture hall, laboratories,conference rooms and small-groupseminar rooms.

In addition to the McWhorter,Russell and Ingalls families, donatedspaces recognized during the cere-monies were the Henry L. CoshattCommunity Pharmacy PracticeLaboratory, the Michael A. PropstPharmaceutics Laboratory, the Allenand Johnnie Beck Institutional PracticeLaboratory, the Johnnie Crotwell BeckTissue Culture Laboratory, and theMarguerite Johnson Griffith FacultyLaboratory.

Other renovated spaces recognizedinclude the Teresa Beasley CollisonConference Room, CVS/PharmacyCaucus Room, Dunlap Family StudentCommons, Fred E. McWhorterConference Room, Rite Aid Pharma-ceutical Care Room, Walgreens SeminarRoom, Walker Family Plaza and JamesAlto Ward Auditorium, the site of therededication ceremonies. ■

Fifty years ago in May, the U.S.Supreme Court gave black peoplehope that legal segregation in

American society was on its way out.In the 1954 case of Brown v. Board ofEducation, the court undid the “separatebut equal” philosophy it had establishedin the 1896 case of Plessy v. Ferguson.

“The Brown decision made us feelwe were somebody after all,” civil rightsleader Fred Shuttlesworth said in a 1997speech at Samford.

Segregation didn’t fall easily in theSouth of the late ’50s and early ’60s.Birmingham was one of many civilrights battlefields, and one of the mostinfamous because of police commis-sioner “Bull” Connor’s fire hoses andpolice dogs.

Like many Southern universities,Samford was segregated until the 1960s.The University admitted its first blackstudent, Audrey Lattimore Gaston, toCumberland School of Law in 1967.The undergraduate student body wasintegrated in 1969.

A year earlier, the Etowah Center ofSamford’s Howard College ExtensionDivision became the first to integrate in

the statewide system. When theExtension Division celebrated its 50thanniversary in 1996, Reverend G.Harold Chandler of Gadsden recalledwhat integration meant.

“During the turbulent years in racerelations [1960s–1970s], nothing had amore positive influence for harmony inthe city of Gadsden than the friendshipsdeveloped between blacks and whites(especially pastors) in the Extensionclasses,” Chandler wrote in a bookletcommemorating the ExtensionDivision’s first 50 years.

About one-third of the 120students enrolled in Extension Divisionclasses were black, Chandler recalled,some of whom had been moderators oftheir associations for many years andteachers at the Selma UniversityExtension Center in Gadsden.

“Some of the most rewardingextracurricular experiences of my life,outside my ministry as pastor anddirector of missions, have been to teachthe students who had such a thirst forknowledge, and to see their potentialfor ministry and service blossom,” hesaid.

Chandler is now retired as directorof missions in Madison County. In arecent meeting with Samford PresidentThomas E. Corts, he expressed his pridein welcoming the first black studentsinto the Extension Division 36 yearsago.

While Samford—like all privatecolleges that have to charge more thanstate universities—struggles to increaseits minority enrollment, its BeesonDivinity School received high marks ina recent national peer review for itsservice to minorities, and particularly toblack churches and pastors.

Today, respecting “the dignity andworth of every individual” is part ofSamford’s proposed new FoundationalStatements. The University “is and willremain a diverse and vigorous com-munity of learning and faith in theBaptist tradition,” the statements say.They add, “We will oppose ignorance,confront injustice, give hope to themeek, and the world will be better for it.” ■

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Celebration of Brown Case Recalls Impact of Extension Division Integration

Rededicating and Renovating Original Campus Buildings

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During the year, I visited 27 states andspent 10 days in Japan. I saw things Inever thought I would see and met people

I only dreamed of meeting. One day, I actuallysaw the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean followedby the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. My travelsincluded mostly conferences and workshops foreducators, colleges and civic organizations. I alsowas involved in some unique events, such asjudging the Miss Teen U.S.A. Pageant in PalmSprings, Calif., riding one lap around the Indy

500, attending a U.S. Citizenship Ceremony inPensacola, Fla., and meeting Ruben Studdard. Ialso attended a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremonyin Tokyo, Japan, at the invitation of a Buddhistmonk, and had a roof tile placed on a Buddhisttemple with my name and National Teacher ofthe Year hand-painted on the tile.

I met two presidents, governors of severalstates, and numerous senators and congressmen,and had the opportunity to introduce Laura Bushduring the Presidential Scholar’s Celebration. Inaddition, I met many outstanding educatorswhom I cited in my work during graduate schoolat Samford. One Sunday morning, I shared a cabin San Francisco with a Stanford University pro-fessor whom I cited quite often in my dissertation.

When we introduced ourselves, I excitedly toldher about citing her work. Of my service asNational Teacher, I can only say that it has beenan experience beyond my wildest expectations.

Traveling across the country and meetingoutstanding educators renewed my hope forAmerica’s children. I visited classrooms where Isaw teachers doing incredible work. For example,I visited the 2000 Special Education Teacher ofthe Year in Muncie, Ind., where students wereinvolved in a program called “I Can Work.”These students make the most beautiful craftsand sell them at a school store and local craftshows. Many of their crafts include fossils, whichthe teacher digs up locally. All the sales proceedsfrom their work go to charities. I also met withhigh school students in Kent, Ohio, who run apreschool program housed in their school. It waswonderful to hear 16- and 17-year-old studentstalk about their work as teachers.

Many have asked me how I kept from gettingthe big head this year. My response is that it isimpossible to become conceited about yourrecognition when you realize that you are therepresentative of such amazing educators. It is avery humbling experience.

I will return to the classroom in August amore knowledgeable and experienced teacher asa result of my year. My platform was “All Children—Equal Chance.” As a part of this equity in edu-cation platform, I believe one way to close thegap between the affluent and poor schools is torecruit the strongest teachers to the neediestschools. Based on this belief, I have asked to teachat Brighton Elementary next year. With the helpof my federal programs director, Dr. Joan Buckley,and Samford University, we are creating a modelTitle I Lab Classroom for a low performingschool. I am excited about this opportunity to bein the classroom again and to give back to otherteachers all I have learned as National Teacher.

This recognition has been thrilling, and Iam so proud of the many outstanding teachers Irepresent across America, especially in Alabama.This is what is wonderful about recognizing thework of a teacher: it includes so many othersand brings positive publicity to schools andcommunities. As one student wrote to me in aletter, “Thank you for making me and everyoneelse feel so special.” Thank you, SamfordUniversity, for preparing me for this job. ■

My Year asNational Teacher

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Betsy Rogersaddresses TeachingStandard Conference,Washington, D.C., inNovember 2003. Sheholds four degreesfrom Samford, thebachelor’s, M.S. ineducation, educationspecialist and doctorof education.

“. . . I saw teachersdoing incredible work.”

b y B e t s y R o g e r s

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’47 Nina Chafin is retired and living inMcDonough, Ga. She traveled to Irelandin early June with Samford English pro-fessor Dr. Mark Baggett and fellow alumni.

’52 Harold M. Langston is leading a missionteam from Mountain Chapel UnitedMethodist Church, Vestavia Hills, Ala., toCosta Rica this summer.

’53 Catherine Burns Nix received theBradford County Volunteer of the YearAward for her many activities, includingleadership in hospice programs. Sheserves on the Florida Council for theAging and the Bradford County EconomicCouncil. She and her husband, Billy Nix’54, live in Starke, Fla.

’54 George P. Hayes received the RobertJemison Award from the AlabamaAssociation of Realtors for outstandingservice in 2003–04. He is a broker-instructor with RealtySouth Inc.,Birmingham.

William Rhodes is professor emeritus ofchemistry at Florida State University,Tallahassee, Fla.

’56 Sherry Joann McCain Prichard teachespart-time at Briarwood Christian Schoolafter 30 years of full-time service. Sheand her husband, Ray, have three chil-dren and eight grandchildren.

’57 C. Jim Marsh of Bradenton, Fla., isretired after a career as professor of reli-gion at Manatee Community College.

’59 Herbert J. Collier of Mobile, Ala., ispastor of Malcolm Baptist Church andprofessor of Bible, CovingtonTheological Seminary.

David deGruy, Sr. is the author of Asthe Sparks Fly Upward, a collection oforiginal stories he firsttold to his young sonduring drives fromBirmingham to hishometown, Mobile, Ala.,when he was in pharma-cy school. He is a formerpharmacy owner anddirector of a substance-abuse program at MobileMental Health.

Peggy Bullard Swogerearned a doctor of phi-losophy in educationalleadership degree atMississippi StateUniversity in 2002.Founding director of a

teaching program in Mississippi, she is aconsultant in Alabama and Mississippifor the National Board for ProfessionalTeaching Standards.

’63 Gerald D. Bucklew, Sr. of Collins, Miss.,will retire in August as president ofClayton Drug Store after 39 years withthe store.

’64 Anne Boynton Payton of Oneonta, Ala.,retired as assistant superintendent ofOneonta City Board of Education andworks part-time with the StateDepartment of Education monitoringspecial education programs.

’65 Virginia Elizabeth “Jenny” Pair teaches aK–2 autism class at Hopkins ElementarySchool, Lilburn, Ga. She lives in Monroe,Ga.

’66 Clarence “Mackey” McDanal, Jr., M.D.,is a physician and child psychiatrist atCalhoun-Cleburne Mental HealthCenter, with clinics in Anniston, Heflinand Jacksonville, Ala. He and his wife,Judy, live in Birmingham.

’68 Karen Monroe Everage was winner ofthe 2003–04 Distinguished TeacherAward at Florida State University,Tallahassee, Fla. She is an associateprofessor of mathematics.

William Thomas Grayson is operationsvice president with Walgreen Drug Co.His territory includes Alabama, Mississippi,Louisiana and western Tennessee. He andhis wife, Susan, live in Long Grove, Ill.

’69 Claude Hurtt is an International MissionBoard missionary in Asuncion, Paraguay.

Ollie Powers won the 2004 Ellen GreggIngalls/University of Alabama atBirmingham National Alumni SocietyAward for Lifetime Achievement inTeaching. An associate professor in thedepartment of accounting and infor-mation systems, he was honored for histeaching and research. The awardincludes a $5,000 cash prize.

’71 Gene J. Davis of Cecil, Ala., received the2002 Frances P. Moss Award presented bythe Alabama Vocal Association to aretired choral director who had special

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CLASS Let us hear from you!call 1-877-SU ALUMSlocal: (205) 726-2807e-mail: [email protected]

Samford’s Cumberland School of Lawhonored a distinguished alumnus, a

volunteer and two friends during itsannual reunion weekend activities April 2.

Honorees were Florida AttorneyGeneral Charlie Crist, J.D. ’81, Distin-guished Alumnus; Mobile attorneyMarion Quina, J.D. ’74, Volunteer of theYear; and Birmingham civic leadersCarolyn and Bill Featheringill, Friends ofthe Law School. The four were recog-nized at a banquet at the Wynfrey Hotel.

Crist was electedFlorida’s first Republicanattorney general inNovember 2002. Duringhis first year in office, heworked to address theissues of fraud, civilrights, prescription drugadulteration and identitytheft.

Quina, a partner inthe Mobile law firm ofLyons, Pipes and Cook,is chair of the LawSchool Advisory Board.

In recognition of his 30th reunion year,he led his classmates to establish theClass of 1974 Scholarship Committee.

The Featheringills are longtimeleaders in Birmingham civic and culturalendeavors. At Cumberland, their gen-erosity has enabled the law school tobetter plan for future facility renovationsand to increase scholarship assistance tostudents.

Carolyn Featheringill, who retired in2003 after 24 years as a Cumberland pro-fessor, was faculty chair of the law school’sannual fund.

Bill Featheringill, president of PrivateCapital Corporation, is a member of theCumberland advisory board and theSamford University Board of Overseers.

Cumberland reunion activities alsoincluded gatherings for classes ending infour and nine, a mock class, and a familypicnic. ■

Cumberland Alumnus, Others Honored

Charlie Crist

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impact on choral music in the state. Sheis nominated for the 2004 Hall of Fameat Robert E. Lee High School, where shewas both a student and teacher.

Byron Scott was selected for inclusion inthe 2004–05 edition of The Best Dentistsin America. He practices general dentistrywith emphasis on cosmetic and implantdentistry in the Mobile, Ala., area.

James Carl Williams, Jr. is retired andliving in Valrico, Fla.

’76 Clarke and Anita Washington Skeltonlive in Indian Springs, Ala., where he ispastor of First Baptist Church.

Gary Strickland of Greenville, S.C.,earned a doctor of ministry degree fromPrinceton University in May.

Charlie Waldrep, J.D. ’76, received theUnited Negro College Fund HumanitarianAward for the Alabama/Mississippiregion in recognition of his extensivevolunteerism and contributions to the

UNCF over the past 20 years. He is anattorney with the Birmingham firm ofEmond Vines Gorham & Waldrep.

’77 Denise Haywood Kostakis coaches thevarsity cheerleading squad at ShadesMountain Christian School. She and herhusband, John, live in Indian Springs,Ala. Their son, George Johnathon, is ajunior at Samford.

Stephen L. Sexton is a partner in theBirmingham law firm of Sexton, Cullen& Jones, P.C. He and his wife, KatherineCollier Sexton ’80, have a son, Jonathan.

J. Richard Zeski is general manager ofCoilplus Moldings’ Jackson, Miss., plant.

’78 Ginger McGuire Hyatt is a pharmacist atWinn-Dixie in Foley, Ala. She and herhusband, Bill, live in Fairhope, Ala.

Karen Ivey of Huntsville, Ala., is a mem-ber of the Sacred Harp Singers who sangfor the Oscar-nominated movie, ColdMountain. She also sings in the GreatHigh Mountain tour with Allison Krauss,and is a registered nurse at the Women’sCenter, Huntsville Hospital.

Randy Rigsby is an orthodontist inPensacola, Fla. His daughter, Mandy, is aMay Samford graduate.

’80 Edward Franklin Childress, Jr., J.D., is amember of the law firm of Baker,Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitzin Memphis, Tenn. He is included in TheBest Lawyers in America for 2003–04.

’81 Brian Barlow, M.B.A. ’83, participated inthe dedication of the first Baptist churchestablished in Iraq, the National EvangelicalBaptist Church in Baghdad. He is generaldirector of the Baptist School of Ammanand a special adviser to the Baptist Unionof Iraq.

Lenné Kugler-Hunt of Garner,N.C., is the author of a new book,The Fatherhood of God and theSonship of Man (Xulon Press). Sheowns Deep Unto Deep Designs, anart ministry aimed at illustratingthe Word and character of God.

Mitchell O. “Mickey” Palmer, J.D.,is an attorney with the Sarasota,Fla., law firm of Williams, Parker,Harrison, Dietz & Getzen. Hespecializes in eminent domainlitigation, construction law andgovernmental law. He and his wife,Nanci, have a son, Evan, age 11.

’82 Mark Kahler is associate vice presidentfor University AdvancementCommunication, Union University,Jackson, Tenn.

’83 Laura Canant Gallien teaches Texashistory to seventh-graders in CorpusChristi, Texas. She and her husband,Mike, have a son, Bree Michael, age six.

Dennis M. Wright, J.D., of Montgomery,Ala., is general counsel to the AlabamaDepartment of Homeland Security. Herecently completed 14 months of activeduty with the U.S. Army in support ofOperation Iraqi Freedom.

’84 Margaret Rhea McSweeney ofBarrington Hills, Ill., is the author of herfirst book, A Mother’s Heart.

’85 Miriam Romo Reynolds was namedTeacher of the Year at Sharon Elementaryin Forsyth County, Ga., where she teachesK–5 music. She lives in Suwanee, Ga.

David C. Weaver, J.D., was named vicepresident and director of public affairs,Regions Financial Corp., based inBirmingham. He will handle federal andstate government affairs throughoutRegions’ nine-state geographic area.

’87 Todd Crider is the youngest person to belisted in The Guide to the World’s LeadingCapital Markets Lawyers and The Guideto the World’s Leading Mergers &Acquisitions Lawyers, published byEuromoney Legal Media Group. A part-ner in the New York law firm of SimpsonThacher & Bartlett, LLP, he is also thechairman of the advisory committee forthe newly created Cyrus R. Vance Centerfor International Justice Initiatives, whichis engaged in justice initiatives in LatinAmerica and South Africa.

’88 Chris Lane of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.,received a World Series championshipring from the Florida Marlins for hisservice as team chaplain, which he hasbeen for five seasons. He is also executivedirector of First Priority of South Florida.He and his wife, Wendy, have four sons:Joshua, Jacob, Jonathan and Josiah James,who was born in February.

Shelley Hill Montgomery recentlyearned a doctorate in education from theUniversity of Alabama. She teaches atEtowah High School and writes curricu-lum units for NASA as part of the StarQuest and Flight Quest programs. Sheand her husband, Jeffrey Montgomery’88, M.Div. ’90, a Gadsden, Ala., attorney,have a daughter, Anne Catherine.

’90 Stacey Pickering was elected to theMississippi state senate in November. Heis married to Whitney WheelerPickering ’90, a senior director and adirect consultant for Southern Living atHOME. They live on a farm in Laurel,Miss., with their three children: Katie,Robert and Harrison.

Samford pharmacy graduate FrancoisJ. Coutu ’81 and his company, The

Jean Coutu Group of Quebec, Canada,are making inroads into the pharmacyindustry of the U.S. northeast and mid-Atlantic.

The Coutu Group recently bought1,539 Eckerd drugstores and supportfacilities in 13 states, as well as Eckerd’sheadquarters in Florida.The acquisition had a pricetag of about $2.375 billion.

Coutu is president andchief executive officer ofThe Jean Coutu Group,now the fourth largestdrugstore chain in NorthAmerica with a combinednetwork of 2,196 stores.

In 2001, Coutu wasrecognized as Samford’sfirst InternationalAlumnus of the Year. Hehas served on theMcWhorter School ofPharmacy advisory boardfor more than a decade. ■

Francois Coutu’sCompany Buys Morethan 1,500 EckerdPharmacies

Francois J. Coutu

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’91 Kathyjo Spivey Gordon, M.B.A. ’93, isexecutive director for the DevelopmentAuthority of the City of Milledgeville andBaldwin County, Ga. She and her husband,Michael, live in Gray, Ga.

John Green of Douglasville, Ga., received ascholarship from the Southern Conferenceon Language Teaching. He is studyingFrench at the University of Quebec inChicoutimi, Canada, this summer.

Lance Metcalf is pastor of Liberty BaptistChurch, Lisbon, Md. He and his wife,Bonnie, live in Mt. Airy, Md., with theirthree children: Caleb, Sarah Beth andLindsay.

Kasandra Williams Spears is a licensedspecialist in school psychology with thePflugerville Independent School District inTexas. She and her husband, Andrew, havetwo children, Ashley Elaine, four, andSteven James, one.

’92 Anthony L. Boyd and his wife, Tracy, arenew missionaries in South Asia with Missionto the World. They will be involved inchurch planting and community develop-ment. They may be contacted by e-mail [email protected].

Stephen Louis A. Dillard recently com-pleted a two-year federal appellate clerk-ship with Judge Daniel A. Manion, U.S.Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit. He isnow of counsel with the Macon, Ga., lawfirm of James, Bates, Pope & Spivey, LLP,specializing in complex litigation andappellate practice. He and his wife, KristaMcDaniel Dillard ’93, have two children,Jackson and Lindley Kay.

’93 Jason E. Gudgen is retail sales manager forthe Nashville, Tenn., market, SouthTrustBank. He lives in Nashville with his wife,Karen, and son, Nathan Todd, three.

Bradley Edgar Jacobs and Rebecca MesserJacobs ’94 live in Winston-Salem, N.C. Heis an obstetrician/gynecologist withLyndhurst Gynecologic Associates. Theyhave two children, Nathan Bradley, two,and Miriam Elizabeth, born in December.

’94 Steven Mark Washington and AngelaSchooley Washington ’93 live in Sumiton.He is a systems analyst for American CastIron Pipe Company in Birmingham. She isa counselor with Agape Counseling. Theyhave two children, Joshua, three, andGrace, one.

’95 Christie Garrett Moore and her husband,Todd, live in Brentwood, Tenn., with theirson, Jim, born in October.

’96 Daniel C. Crawford retired as chief investi-gator, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.He lives in Odenville, Ala., where he looksforward to fishing and golfing.

Amy Burns Elliston is an occupationaltherapist at Children’s Medical Center ofDallas and in the NICU at Medical Centerof Plano, Texas. She and her husband,Kevin, live in Frisco, Texas, with their sonTanner, three, and twin daughters, AddisonFaith and Avery Grace, born in January.

Nancy Burton Hartin is a certified publicaccountant practicing from home. She andher husband, Chris, live in Vestavia Hills,Ala. They have a son, Coleman Christopher,born in November.

Jessica Henn is principal of Jessica HennDesign Studios, a Chicago, Ill., interiordesign firm specializing in commercial andresidential interiors. She is also an adjunctprofessor at Harrington College of Design.

Steven Lynn Simpson, M.Div., ofColumbia, S.C., completed a tour of dutyin Baghdad, Iraq, in December. He recentlygraduated from the Army Combined ArmsService College, Fort Leavenworth, Kan. Heis an Army chaplain.

’97 Traci Wells Small and her husband, TTSgt.Daniel Small, live in Charleston, S.C. Theyhave two children, Andrew, three, andBrooklynn, born in December.

’98 Scott Cohen is an accounting supervisorwith Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Jacksonville,Fla. He married Angela Fleming in May.

John Hamrick and Ellen ElizabethHamrick ’99 live in Norcross, Ga. He is anattorney with Swift, Currie, McGee andHiers, in Atlanta. She is a registered nurseon the oncology floor at Children’sHealthcare of Atlanta. They have adaughter, Molly Frances, born in April.

Ainsley Harriett Kauffmann earnedNational Board Certification for educatorsin November. She teaches fourth grade atVero Beach Elementary School, VeroBeach, Fla.

Dusty Morring is vice president and clinicmanager of Animal Medical Hospital, Inc.,Hanceville, Ala. She and her husband, Ray,have two daughters, Emily Kai, three, andHolly Shae, born in November.

Christopher Clayton Robbins and ErinCheek Robbins both teach in Hoover, Ala.He teaches eighth-grade science andreceived a 2003–04 Birmingham Post-Herald Distinguished Teacher Award. Sheteaches seventh-grade social studies andrecently completed the process forNational Board Certification.

Samford travels to Atlanta to take onGeorgia Tech in football Sept. 4, and

Samford fans and friends are planning abig Labor Day weekend to celebrate theoccasion. Mark your calendar now forthree days of Samford-related activity inthe Georgia capital, Friday–Sunday, Sept.3–5.

Here’s the schedule. Times are EDT.Friday, 11 a.m.—Hit the links with

Samford alumni and friends for a roundof golf at the City Club of Marietta.Create your own foursome. Cost: $70 perperson (includes greens and cart fees,boxed lunch, refreshments, etc.)

Friday, 6:30 p.m.—Join alumni andfriends for a cookout and commentsfrom Samford President Thomas E. Cortsand Football Coach Bill Gray at the

Atlanta Marriott Northwest. Cost: $25per adult, $5 per child age 12 or under

Saturday, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.—Support the Bulldogs at a SamfordTailgate Party on the Georgia Techcampus. Cost: $6 per person

Saturday, 1 p.m.—Samford meetsGeorgia Tech in football on historicGrant Field in Bobby Dodd Stadium.

Sunday, 11:15 a.m.—Hear PresidentCorts speak at Second Ponce de LeonBaptist Church in Atlanta’s Buckheadsection.

Check www.samford.edu andwww.samfordsports.com for additionaldetails, or call Billy Ivey in the SamfordOffice of Alumni Relations at (205) 726-2483. ■

Samford Planning Big Labor Day Weekend in Atlanta When Bulldogs Meet Georgia Tech

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Sheena Virji is Adecco EmploymentServices on-site manager at the HomeDepot corporate office, Atlanta, Ga.

’99 Melanie Langston Busby and her husband,Aaron, live in Newnan, Ga., with their son,Matthew Perry, born in December.

Blake McClure Chism received a master ofdivinity degree from Truett Seminary,Baylor University, Waco, Texas. He is pur-suing a doctorate in educational psychologyat the University of Southern California.

Justin Gardner Clement earned a masterof divinity degree from CovenantTheological Seminary (PCA), St. Louis,Mo., and is assistant pastor at RedeemerPresbyterian Church (PCA) in San Antonio,Texas.

Heather Dianne Deeter was Teacher of theYear at Celebration School, Celebration, Fla.,and winner of Disney’s 2003 TeacherifficAward.

Michael Stuart Harris is a real estatebroker with CB Richard Ellis, Memphis,Tenn.

Howard B. Nelson III is a broker withCRC Insurance Services, Atlanta, Ga. Hewill relocate to Birmingham in August.

Jonathan Edward Pope graduated fromthe University of Alabama School ofDentistry in June 2003 and married LibbyMartin in July. He is a dentist at Shaw andThomson Dental Arts in Vestavia Hills, Ala.

Ryan Wiggins, M.Div. ’99, and JulieThompson Wiggins ’00 live in Cookeville,Tenn. He is an area director for Young Life.She is an attorney with Wimberly, Lawson& Seale.

’00 Anna Brooke Childs and Cooper Johnsonmarried in September in Reid Chapel.They live in Vestavia Hills, Ala.

Jaye Northcut Cole and her husband,Mark, live in Memphis, Tenn. She teachesat Briarcrest Christian School.

Ginny Crenshaw married Michael Shea inMay 2003. They live on Lake Ontario inOswego, N.Y., where she works with realestate agents in her Virtual Tour business.They work together with teens in YoungLife.

Lindsay Suzanne Dye is a physicaltherapist in West Palm Beach, Fla.

Heather Byrne Farley is a marketingrepresentative for Art Leather and GrossNational Products. She lives in Nashville,Tenn., with her husband, Jeremy, anddaughter, Macy, two.

Tanya Alayne Hollins, M.B.A., is seniorcommissions manager of Highland CapitalBrokerage, Inc., a financial services com-pany headquartered in Birmingham.

Brian and Britton Gowing McPhersonlive in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., where heis an attorney and she works for theUniversity of Florida.

William Alton Parker is employed byRussell Athletics in Atlanta, Ga.

James Howard “Ward” Robinson is anactor/wardrobe consultant in Hollywood,Calif.

Meridith Paige Starling earned a master’sin social work at the University of TennesseeCollege of Social Work, Memphis, Tenn.She is a family therapist at ComprehensiveCounseling Network, Memphis, Tenn.

Matt Taylor is employed by Earl TaylorEnterprises, Inc., in Knoxville, Tenn.

Daniel Whatley and his wife, Kerri, live inWarner Robins, Ga.

Lauren Woodlief married Jason Beckner inApril. They live in Birmingham.

’01 Daniel Glenn Ausbun and Sherri LynnellColeman ’99 married in May. He isworking on a Ph.D. in evangelism at NewOrleans Baptist Theological Seminary,where she is pursuing a master’s inChristian education. She also works as aclaims adjustor for Progressive Insurancein Metairie, La.

Andy Benefield and Ashley Stidham ’03married in May. She works for HealthcareManagement Associates. He is an opera-tions analyst with Wells Real Estate Funds.They live in Norcross, Ga.

Daniel and Lacey Hunter Gilliam live inLouisville, Ky. She is a graduate student atthe University of Louisville. He is a com-poser and conductor.

Heidi Marie Gschwend of Birmingham isa pharmacist at University of Alabama atBirmingham Hospital Department of

Pharmacy.

J. Zeb Simpson earneda master’s in theologicalstudies from EmoryUniversity, Atlanta, Ga.,in May. He is commu-nity manager, universityhousing, at Emory.

Nicole Thompsonmarried Jason Stefanoin October. They live inIndian Trail, N.C. She isa K–2 teacher atCharlotte MecklenburgSchool.

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Deidre Downs ’02 of Birminghamwas crowned Miss Alabama 2004

at the close of the annual scholarshippageant in June. She will represent herstate in the Miss America Pageant inAtlantic City in September.

Downs was accepted by theUniversity of Alabama School ofMedicine to begin studies in the fall,but now will put off going to medicalschool until next year.

This was her fifth—and last—yearto be able to compete in the scholarshippageant. During the course of the com-petition, she has won almost $50,000 topay for undergraduate and medicalschool.

Downs attended the University ofVirginia two years on a volleyballscholarship but transferred to Samfordand earned a degree in history.

Her platform supports finding a

cure for childhood can-cer. She has establisheda program to sell auto-mobile license plates tosupport the Departmentof Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Children’sHospital in Birmingham.

The tags are $50each, of which $41.25goes to the hospital. Butshe must sell at least1,000 by July 31 toqualify for the state totake over manufacturingthe tags. She has soldabout 700 since lastAugust. Her Webaddress is www.curingchildhoodcancer.org. ■

Deidre Downs ’02 Wins Miss Alabama

Deidre Downs ’02

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’02 John Wayne Anderson and JenniferKilleffer ’03 married in March. They livein Shreveport, La., where he is a technicalservice representative for AndersonChemical Company, Inc.

Stacey Suzanne Foshee is a reservationsales representative atVail Cascade Resortand Spa, Vail, Colo.

Fredeisha IngerHarper recentlymarried DavidDarrington. They livein Birmingham.

Matthew Mortonearned a master’s inaccounting from theUniversity ofAlabama inDecember. He is anassociate withKPMG, Birmingham.

Zack and MandyHammond Laymanlive in Gainesville,Fla. She is pursuing a master’s in nutri-tional sciences at the University ofFlorida. He is a sales representative forMedMonitoring Systems.

Gideon Lett is campaign manager forCongressman Mike Rogers of Alabama’sThird Congressional District.

John M. Pickett is a financial represen-tative with Northwestern Mutual,Birmingham.

Mary Lauren Sheehan is a junior kinder-garten teacher at Presbyterian DaySchool, Memphis, Tenn.

’03 Adriane Rebecca Culpepper is coordi-nator of campus visit programs inSamford’s Office of Admission.

Jennifer Murphy teaches third grade atErwin Elementary, Birmingham. Sheearned National Board Certification foreducators in November.

Amy E. Myers is enrolled in the Ph.D.program in psychology at Baylor University,Waco, Texas. She presented research at theWorld Health Organization conference inVienna, Austria, in early June.

Navy Ensign Preston W. Stephensreceived his commission as a naval officerafter completing Officer Candidate Schoolat Naval Aviation Schools Command,Pensacola, Fla. ■

Singer Brad Paisley To HeadlineHomecoming Concert; Variety ofFun Events Planned for Oct. 28–31

Country music starBrad Paisley will

headline the Home-coming concert atSamford University thisfall. The Academy ofCountry Music’s bestnew male vocalist of2000 will appear inconcert Saturday, Oct.30, at 8 p.m. in WrightCenter Concert Hall.“Paisley is incredibly

popular with studentsas well as music fansthroughout the world,and we’re thrilled to beable to schedule him forHomecoming,” said

Samford Alumni Relations Officer BillyIvey ’96. “He’ll put on a great show.”

Paisley made his mark with a 1999single, “He Didn’t Have to Be,” whichhelped his debut album, Who NeedsPictures, sell more than a million copies.He recorded another No. 1 hit, the hilarious“I’m Gonna Miss Her (The Fishing

Song),” as part of his 2002 album, Part II.A Grand Ole Opry member since 2001,he released his third album, Mud on theTires, in 2003. It featured the hit,“Celebrity,” which poked fun at fame andreality shows.

Make plans now to join fellow alumniand friends as Samford celebrates its138th Homecoming the weekend of Oct.28–31 with reunions for classes ending in“4” and “9,” the Homecoming banquet,Alumni of the Year recognition, the foot-ball game against Tennessee Tech, theBrad Paisley concert, Sunday worshipand much more.

Among special activities planned arethe 20th anniversary of Samford’s LondonCentre, the 80th anniversary of Hypatiawomen’s honor society, the fifth anniver-sary of the Christian Women’s LeadershipCenter, and a reunion of former studentworkers and staff members of Harwell G.Davis Library.

Homecoming updates are postedregularly at www.samford.edu. Regis-tration information will be mailed toalumni and friends in late August. ■

Homecoming Schedule as of June 18, 2004Thursday, Oct. 287:30 p.m. Organ Concert honoring Dr. Harry E. Tibbs

(featuring five alumni guest musicians)

Friday, Oct. 2912–6 p.m. Registration, Beeson University Center

Be sure to register so that classmates and friends can find you during Homecoming.

4 p.m. Alumni Association Meeting6:30 p.m. 138th Anniversary Alumni Banquet8:30 p.m. Homecoming Bash, Bonfire and Fireworks

Saturday, Oct. 308 a.m.–2 p.m. Registration9 a.m. Half-Century Plus Brunch 10 a.m. Hypatia Reunion and Brunch 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Homecoming Reunion Luncheon2 p.m. Football Game 5 p.m. London Program 20th Anniversary Celebration6–8 p.m. Library Reunion, Harwell G. Davis Library, for all current

and former Library employees (students, staff and faculty)

Sunday, Oct. 319:30 a.m. Worship Service, Hodges Chapel, Beeson Divinity School11 a.m.–1 p.m. Sunday Brunch, Beeson University Center Cafeteria

We are currently looking for photos from alumni who havetraveled to the London Study Centre. Please contact University Relations at 1-877-SU ALUMS if you wouldlike to share your pictures.

Brad

Pai

sley

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Ted ’00 and Kelly Schmidt Alling ’00 ofChattanooga, Tenn., a daughter, MalloryPatricia, born May 6, 2004.

Jonathan ’98 and Jennifer Calbert Acuff’00 of Boston, Mass., a daughter, LauraElizabeth “Ellie,” born Aug. 11, 2003.

Greg ’95 and Kari Schumann Armstrong’95 of Philadelphia, Penn., a son, ThomasWilliam, born Feb. 9, 2004.

Sarah and Mark Branan ’91 of Greenville,S.C., a son, David Dawson, born March26, 2004.

Kara and Kevin Brannon ’94 ofMontgomery, Ala., a daughter, Emily Kate,born Dec. 18, 2003.

Aaron and Melanie Langston Busby ’99 ofNewnan, Ga., a son, Matthew Perry, bornDec. 12, 2003.

Robert and Jessica Harrison Carlyon ’93of Spring Hill, Tenn., a daughter, BriannaAlaythia Lisette “Laythi,” born April 6,2004.

Chris, J.D. ’99, and Laura Daniel Cohron,Pharm.D. ’97, of Bowling Green, Ky., adaughter, Caroline Davis, born Dec. 15,2003.

David ’95 and Terri Meguiar Cox ’95 ofBirmingham, the adoption of a son,Andrew David, born Oct. 2, 2002, and thebirth of a daughter, Emily Grace, bornDec. 4, 2003.

Eric and Angie Rickman Crossan ’96 ofClarksville, Tenn., a son, Ethan Russell,born Oct. 29, 2003.

Stephen ’92 and Krista McDaniel Dillard’94 of Macon, Ga., a daughter, LindleyKay, born July 24, 2003.

Richard and Amy Denise Jordan DiPrima’95 of Rome, Ga., a son, Matthew Thomas,born Aug. 26, 2003.

Joe and Laura Elliott Eady, Pharm.D. ’98,of Tuscaloosa, Ala., a daughter, EmmaKathryn, born March 9, 2004.

Brian David ’95 and Janet Carol RobersonEdwards ’96 of Helena, Ala., a daughter,Jillian Clara, born Oct. 15, 2003.

Kevin and Amy Burns Elliston ’96 ofFrisco, Texas, twin daughters, AddisonFaith and Avery Grace, born Jan. 30, 2004.

Kevin and Carolyn Brick Fleeman ’93 ofAcworth, Ga., a son, Mark Robert, bornMarch 26, 2004.

Morris ’97 and Julie Maples Gallion ’00of Marietta, Ga., a daughter, MargaretSusanne, born Feb. 11, 2004.

John ’98 and Ellen Bell Hamrick ’99 ofNorcross, Ga., a daughter, Molly Frances,born April 15, 2004.

Chris and Nancy Burton Hartin ’96 ofVestavia Hills, Ala., a son, ColemanChristopher, born Nov. 30, 2003.

Allison and Adam J. Hodges ’98 ofNashville, Tenn., a daughter, HannahWhit, born Oct. 21, 2003.

Rebecca and Kyle Holmes ’97 of Brentwood,Tenn., a daughter, Mae Nolen, born Jan. 3,2004.

Bradley E. ’93 and Rebecca Messer Jacobs’94 of Winston-Salem, N.C., a daughter,Miriam Elizabeth, born Dec. 18, 2003.

Patrick and Shannon Welch Jordan ’00 ofNashville, Tenn., the birth of LindseyMiller, born Jan. 6, 2004.

Alexis and William Brian Kennedy ’92 ofCrowley, Texas, a son, Liam Rourke, bornMarch 22, 2004.

Wendy and Chris Lane ’88 of FortLauderdale, Fla., a son, Josiah James, bornFeb. 3, 2004.

Martha and Stephen Leonard ’91 ofNashville, Tenn., a son, Stephen Palmer,born May 2, 2004.

Timothy ’98 and Erin Haithcock Lott ’98of Pelham, Ala., a daughter, Addie Caroline,born Dec. 11, 2003.

Peter Allen ’97 and Laura Abston Ludwig’96 of Chelsea, Ala., a son, Thomas Allen,born March 18, 2004.

Mike and Heather Carlson Metcalf ’93 ofBirmingham, a daughter, Reave Lindberg,born Jan. 23, 2004.

Matthew Kent and Marissa LynnMacCaughelty Miller ’00 of Houston,Texas, a daughter, Emma Marion, bornMarch 28, 2004.

Sidney P., J.D. ’97, and Katie EmersonMitchell ’98 of Greenville, S.C., a daughter,Caroline Vera, born Jan. 21, 2004.

Harry and LeighAnna HenryMoneypenny ’94 of Franklin, Tenn., adaughter, Josephine Leigh, born April 2,2004.

Todd and Christie Garrett Moore ’95 ofBrentwood, Tenn., a son, James Garrett,born Oct. 22, 2003.

Ray and Dusty Morring ’98 of Cullman,Ala., a daughter, Holly Shae, born Nov. 26,2003.

Stephen and Molly Royal Morrow ’00 ofNewnan, Ga., a son, Evan Cole, born Feb.17, 2004.

Ray and Katherine Roberts Nightingale’95 of Braintree, England, a son, LukeAnthony, born Feb. 2, 2004.

Frank and Jennifer Parsons ’95 ofBirmingham, a son, Frank Walker, bornFeb. 26, 2004.

Al Holley, Jr. and Charlotte AletaPhillips-Holley ’89 of Brewton, Ala., ason, Nicholas, born March 29, 2004.

Mike ’01 and Marianne Donovan Pohl’00 of Helena, Ala., a son, Justin Donovan,born March 29, 2004.

Jeremy and Sarah Thurman Raines,Pharm.D. ’02, of Owensboro, Ky., adaughter, Lucy, born Sept. 24, 2002.

Chris ’97 and Krista Bates Rayburn ’97of Alpharetta, Ga., a daughter, Ella Grace,born Feb. 4, 2004.

Michele and Timothy Davis Reeves ’96 ofKnoxville, Tenn., a daughter, AliciaKatherine, born Feb. 16, 2004.

Bill and Karen Ruth Reid Renfrew ’92 ofNashville, Tenn., a son, James Cooper,born March 3, 2003.

Kenneth and Bethany Robbins, Pharm.D.’03, of Columbia, Tenn., a son, MasonConner, born Nov. 16, 2003.

Brian and Deidra Rose Rudder, Pharm.D.’99, of Strawberry Plains, Tenn., a son,Henry James, born April 14, 2003.

Lew ’90 and Mary N. Sample ’91 ofDecatur, Ala., a son, Saxon Newman, bornDec. 2, 2003.

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Ruth Elizabeth Ellis Coffman ’31, age94, of Birmingham died April 27, 2004.She taught school with the JeffersonCounty School system and the MountainBrook Association, and was dean ofwomen at the University of Montevalloduring 1966–77. She was a member ofPhi Mu sorority.

James B. Coppedge ’49, age 89, ofJemison, Ala., died May 30, 2004. He wasowner of Coppedge Pharmacy inBirmingham, and pharmacist at ClantonHospital. He was an Army veteran.

June Karolyn Ketchum Coulter ’57, age68, of Los Alamos, N.M., died March 22,2004, following a heart attack. She was ahigh school and college music teacher inMassachusetts and Alabama, and wasvocal music director at the Los AlamosLight Opera and Little Theater.

Hal Ferguson ’37, age 86, of Birmingham,died May 28, 2004. He practiced medicineat Simon-Williamson Clinic for morethan 30 years, delivering some 8,000babies. For 20 years, he volunteered aschief of the medical staff at the SalvationArmy Home and Hospital. He was presi-dent of the Howard College AlumniAssociation, 1963–65. During World WarII, he earned many medals for his leader-ship in North Africa, Italy and Germany.

Elizabeth McCraney Hacker ’60, age 89,of Mountain Brook, Ala., died March 31,2004. A member of history, social scienceand education honor societies, she taughtsociology at Samford and was an elemen-tary school counselor.

Lillie Mae Hagler ’56, age 87, ofBirmingham died May 19, 2004. She wasa former principal and teacher at

McElwain, Putman and Lakeview schools.She was a former president of BirminghamClassroom Teachers and an officer ofDelta Kappa Gamma, Kappa DeltaEpsilon and Phi Delta Kappa.

Beverley A. King ’60, age 65, of Titusville,Fla., died May 9, 2004, after a long strugglewith ALS. She was a nurse for 42 years.

Dr. Jeff Norman ’54, of Cedartown, Ga.,died May 4, 2004. He was a retired min-ister and chaplain in the U.S. Air Force.

Bette Jane Houlditch Sawyer ’44, age 80,of Gainesville, Fla., died March 14, 2004.She taught business writing and readinginstruction at the college level. In 1979,she started Alachua County’s IMTS readinglab for adults. She retired in 1990 as ateacher at the Lofton Center for adultstudents. She was a short-story writer,with several pieces appearing in nationalpublications. At Samford, she receivedthe Hypatia Cup her senior year. Memorialsmay be made to the Hypatia ScholarshipFund, University Relations, SamfordUniversity, 800 Lakeshore Drive,Birmingham, AL 35229.

William Carey Wallace ’61, age 67, ofBirmingham, died May 24, 2004. He wasa physician. As a volunteer with theCarpenters for Christ, he helped buildchurches for needy congregations. He wasa member of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity.

Charles Dan Williamson ’61, age 73, ofHoover, Ala., died March 15, 2004. Heserved with the U.S. Army during theKorean War, was a volunteer with theAmerican Red Cross and was a mastermason. He was owner of Dan’s HandymanService and recently retired as anemployment counselor with PositiveMaturity. ■

Jason ’92 and Leslie Henry Sasser ’92 ofBirmingham, a daughter, Olivia Crews,born Dec. 8, 2003.

Tad and Leigh Ann Dabbs Shelfer ’87 ofLeague City, Texas, a daughter, LauraIsabella, born March 11, 2004.

Daniel and Traci Wells Small ’97 ofCharleston, S.C., a daughter, BrooklynnFaith, born Dec. 16, 2003.

Camille and Matt Smith ’94 of Keller,Texas, a daughter, Jordan Anne, born April5, 2004.

Jeff and Karen Froehlich Stone ’94 ofDallas, Texas, a son, John Andrew “Jack,”born April 12, 2004.

Stephen and Kimberly Cox Strohmeier’95 of Carmel, Ind., a daughter, JessicaAnn, born April 2, 2004.

David E. ’95 and Leigh Anne CollierSwindell ’91 of Decatur, Ala., a daughter,Anna Elizabeth, born Dec. 21, 2002.

Robert D., Pharm.D. ’98, and HeatherMcDonald Warhurst, Pharm.D. ’98, ofIndianapolis, Ind., a daughter, AlexandraNicole, born Nov. 1, 2003.

Steve ’94 and Angela SchooleyWashington ’93 of Sumiton, Ala., adaughter, Grace Elizabeth, born Nov. 29,2002.

Mike ’92 and Dana McMinn Westveer ’91of Old Hickory, Tenn., a daughter, PresleyRuth, born March 10, 2004.

Steve and Robin Juliene CampbellWilhelm ’89 of Nashville, Tenn., a son,Ryan Lee, born April 11, 2004. ■

The Samford School of Business has estab-lished a memorial fund honoring Dr. Mary

Ann Hocutt, who was killed in a roadside acci-dent on her way to school May 9.

The fund will provide student scholarships.Contributions may be sent to the Dr. Mary AnnHocutt Memorial Fund in University Relations,with checks payable to Samford University.

Dr. Hocutt, 56, had taught at Samford since1998. An assistant professor of business, she heldbachelor’s and M.B.A. degrees from the Universityof Central Oklahoma and the Ph.D. fromOklahoma State University.

“We all mourn the loss of this member ofthe Samford family, and offer our prayers forand sympathy to Dr. Hocutt’s husband, Herb,other members of her family and Dr. Hocutt’scolleagues in the School of Business,” saidProvost Brad Creed.

In addition to her husband, who retiredrecently from the Samford telecommunicationsdepartment, she is survived by her daughter,granddaughter, mother and brother. ■

Scholarship Fund Memorializes Dr. Hocutt

memoriam

Dr. Mary Ann Hocutt

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It seemed a bold move in May 2001 when Samford University announced plans to join the highly respected and tradition-rich Ohio Valley Conference. It would mark the first timein more than 50 years that all Samford athletics teams would be competing in the same conference, and more than a few observers were skeptical that Samford—despite its strongathletics traditions—would be able to compete as the only private institution in a conferencefull of larger state universities.

Proving its Mettle in

First OVC Yearb y P h i l i p P o o l e

Bill Gray

Terri Sisk TimParenton

Todd Yelton

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he move was bold becauseSamford had been highlycompetitive in the AtlanticSun Conference, whichincluded institutions that

more closely reflected Samford’s sizeand academic stature. But, the 20-year-old A-Sun did not include footballcompetition, and football schedulingwas becoming increasingly difficult forschools playing as independents. TheOVC, the eighth oldest athletics confer-ence in the United States, provided anumbrella for all Samford teams.

At the time, Samford PresidentThomas E. Corts affirmed the move,describing the OVC as “a respected,mainline conference that plays highlycompetitive sports.” Some viewed Corts’affirmation as a hedge against Samford’sability to compete against larger schools.

But, as Samford’s first year in theOVC drew to a close, virtually all skep-ticism was put to rest. Highlightsincluded the OVC’s All-Sports Trophyfor women’s athletics, two team con-ference championships and severalindividual champions, three conferenceCoach of the Year awards and otherindividual recognitions for Samfordstudent-athletes.

The culminating moment cameJune 2 at the annual OVC meeting inNashville when Samford was presentedwith the OVC Women’s All-SportsTrophy. Samford, which tied withEastern Kentucky University, becamethe first institution in OVC history to winthe award in its first year of competition.The men’s teams finished fourth of 11OVC schools in the all-sports rankings.

“This is just a fantastic achieve-ment,” said Corts. “We thought wewould have our hands full in the OhioValley Conference, particularly inwomen’s athletics. This just shows thatthe Samford women have a lot of heart,as well as plenty of athletic ability.”

Samford Athletics Director BobRoller echoed Corts’ praise. “This is anhonor for Samford and a testament tothe growth of our women’s athleticsprograms over the last few years,” Rollersaid. “To win the award in our first year inthe conference adds special significance.”

At the same meeting, Samfordfootball player Efrem Hill capped anoutstanding season by receiving theOVC’s Male Athlete of the Year Award.

As the seasons began in earlySeptember 2003, though, few would havepredicted Samford’s surprising success.

Samford’s first official OVC com-petition came Sept. 24 as the women’svolleyball team faced longtime rivalJacksonville State. But, the date thatseemed most important to longtimeSamford fans was Sept. 27, when theBulldog football team played its firstconference game since last competingin the old Dixie Conference in the early1950s.

Samford defeated Southeast MissouriState University, 41-31, in that gameand finished the season 7-4, including asurprising third-place finish in the OVC.In two conference games, Samfordactually was playing for first place inthe conference. Three times during theseason, Samford set a record for thesecond largest home crowd in history.

Head Coach Bill Gray was namedCoach of the Year. Players Efrem Hilland Cortland Finnegan were named theconference Offensive and DefensivePlayers of the Year. It was the first timein OVC history that one school sweptall postseason football awards.

Another significant OVC first forSamford came on Halloween nightwhen, playing before a raucous homecrowd, Samford’s soccer team clinchedthe University’s first official OVC teamtitle, beating rival Jacksonville State.The following weekend, Samford hostedthe OVC women’s soccer team and losta heartbreaker in the championshipgame to Eastern Illinois University. Morethan 1,000 fans overflowed the Samfordsoccer stadium for the semifinal matchagainst Southeast Missouri State.

Head Coach Todd Yelton wasnamed Coach of the Year for his effortsin leading the Bulldog soccer team.

Spring sports continued Samford’ssurprising run through the OVC. Thebaseball team began slowly but won 15of its last 16 conference games, makingit to the semifinals of the conferencetournament before falling to eventualchampion, Jacksonville State. Samford’s

softball team finished third in the regularseason and won one game in the con-ference tournament before losing toeventual conference champ, EKU.

Baseball Head Coach Tim Parentonbecame the third Samford coach toreceive postseason Coach of the Yearhonors.

The women’s tennis team, coachedby Terri Sisk, finished the season asconference tournament champions andcompeted against the University ofGeorgia in NCAA regional action. Men’stennis player Bradley Weaver was theOVC Sportsman of the Year for tennis.

In May, Samford hosted the annualOVC track and field championships,and the University received glowingaccolades from other OVC coaches andfans for the facilities and hospitality.Four Samford student-athletes—LaurenBlankenship, Jessica Brewer, JenniferCraig and April Howell—qualified forthe NCAA regionals in outdoor trackand field. Earlier in the year, Craig wasconference champion in the 60-meterdash at the indoor track and fieldchampionships.

During the year, more than 20 dif-ferent Samford students were namedOVC Athlete of the Week in their sport.

“To say that we are proud of theaccomplishments of our student-athletes would be a great understatementfor our first year in the Ohio ValleyConference,” Roller said. “We set anambitious goal at our [athletics depart-ment] retreat last summer to win theOVC All-Sports Trophy and a morerealistic goal of placing in the top fivein year one.

“To have NCAA President MylesBrand present the All-Sports Trophy toSamford . . . was a great honor, and ourmen’s program finished fourth of 11teams to meet that goal as well.”

Looking ahead, Roller is just asenthusiastic and optimistic about yeartwo in the OVC. Opponents won’t becaught off guard by the new kid on theblock, but Samford should be just ascompetitive, he noted.

“You can’t get much better thanwinning the All-Sports Trophy,” Rollersaid. “But we fully expect to continuedoing well and improving next year.” ■

For more information, go to

“To say that we are proudof the accomplishments ofour student-athletes wouldbe a great understatementfor our first year in theOhio Valley Conference.”

Bob Roller, athletics director

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With an explosive offense led by All-American receiver Efrem Hill and All-Ohio Valley Conference quarterback

Ray Nelson, Samford’s football team heads into2004 with high expectations.

“There is no reason for us not to be excitedabout this season,” said Coach Bill Gray. “Ithought we played well at times last year, but wedefinitely left room for improvement.”

Samford surprised the experts by going 7-4and finishing third in the OVC. Gray was namedCoach of the Year; Hill, Offensive Player of theYear; and safety Cortland Finnegan, DefensivePlayer of the Year in the conference.

“Our players have reached the point wherethey expect to win every game,” said Gray. “We

had a chance to win every game last year,and we didn’t get it done, but none of

the mistakes we made are mistakes wecan’t correct.”

Hill capped a fine juniorseason by being named MaleAthlete of the Year in the OVC.

He led the nation in receivingyards per game (126.1), catching92 passes for 1,387 yards and 15touchdowns—all OVC highs

and Samford seasonrecords.

Hill’s batterymate, Brown,quarterbacked anoffense that aver-aged 31.8 points agame. He setschool records for

total offense (3,140yards), passing yards(2,759), completions(242), attempts (408)and total plays (523).

While Hill andNelson key the Samford

air show, several other tal-ented receivers are around

to help keep opposing defenseshonest. Ossie Buchannon caught 35passes for 549 yards and Freddy

Young 19 for 202 yards as a freshmanlast year. Josh Brennard also caught 19

for 173 yards as the starting tight end.Three starters are back on the offensive

line—tackle Kevin Pughley, center BradBaker and guard Eddie Mason. Running back

is the leastexperiencedoffensiveposition.

Defensively,Finnegan led the OVCin tackles and kickoffreturns (27.5). Otherdefensive leaders arelinebackers Steve Tenninand Calvin Hodge, roverJustin Ray, end SteveWisdom and cornerbackQuinton Griffin. Thedefensive line, where onlyWisdom has appreciableplaying time, is the leastexperienced area.

Chris Hicks returns topunt after averaging 42yards a kick last fall.

Last year’s team drewthree of the six largestcrowds in Seibert Stadium history.

“I think it was evident last year thatSaturdays at Seibert got exciting,” said Gray.“We had great turnouts. As it was last year, theoffense should be the strength of the 2004Bulldogs.” ■

2004 Samford Football ScheduleAug. 28 WEST ALABAMASept. 4 Georgia Tech Sept. 11 FURMANSept. 25 Southeast Missouri State*Oct. 2 EASTERN KENTUCKY*Oct. 9 Murray State*Oct. 16 UT–MARTIN*Oct. 23 Tennessee State*Oct. 30 TENNESSEE TECH (HC)*Nov. 6 Jacksonville State*Nov. 20 EASTERN ILLINOIS*

*Ohio Valley Conference gameHome games are in BOLD CAPS.

For tickets, contact the Department of Athletics at (205) 726-2966 [email protected].

SHOWSamford Should Provide Plenty of Football Excitement This Fall

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CortlandFinnegan

RayNelson

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Health-care education and servicein the Birmingham region willget a boost from an innovative

program announced May 5 by Samfordand Baptist Health System. The twoinstitutions will form the SamfordUniversity/Baptist Health SystemInstitute for Health-Care Quality.

It will provide medical residencies,research opportunities, continuing edu-cation and postlicensure training forhealth-care professionals and hospitalworkers. Samford and BHS officialsexpect the institute to strengthenBirmingham’s position as a major edu-cational center for health education.

Samford President Thomas E.Corts and BHS President Beth O’Brienannounced the joint venture, similar tohospital-university models at WakeForest University-North CarolinaBaptist Hospital in Winston-Salem,N.C, the George WashingtonUniversity-Hospital in Washington,D.C., and Drexel University-Hahnemann Hospital in Philadelphia, PA.

The new institute will focus onhealth-care professionals in the BHSsystem and throughout the region, aswell as students in Samford’s pharmacy,nursing, nurse anesthetist, premedicalstudies and sports medicine programs.The institute will draw on BHS’ clinicalcapabilities and Samford’s educationalresources, including the schools ofnursing, pharmacy, divinity and law.

Samford and BHS will jointlyrecruit a leader for the institute fromthe medical field. The person will holdthe title of president and the rank ofprofessor of health sciences at Samfordand chief quality officer at BHS. Theposition will require an M.D.

Corts and O’Brien said instituteprograms would be developed andimplemented within the next severalmonths.

The new institute continues a long-time relationship between the twoBaptist entities. Samford’s Ida V.Moffett School of Nursing began atBirmingham’s Baptist Hospital and is

named for the hospital’s longtimedirector of nursing, Ida Vines Moffett.

Baptist Health System, Alabama’slargest health-care system, includes 10hospitals and other facilities withapproximately 9,000 employees.Samford, with 4,440 students, isAlabama’s largest private university orcollege. ■

Family Weekend Oct. 1–3 will bepacked with fun-filled activity,ranging from a Student Showcase

on Friday night to football, golf, bar-becue and Parents Association meetingon Saturday to an Old Song Sing-Alongon Sunday afternoon.

Samford will host Eastern Kentuckyin an Ohio Valley Conference footballgame Saturday at 6 p.m. in SeibertStadium.

A barbecue dinner and pep rallywill precede the game.

The Student Showcase of per-forming groups will lead off the week-

end Friday at 8 p.m., followed by adessert reception.

Saturday morning is reserved forfamily time, with the option to takepart in a golf tournament beginning at8 a.m. Family Symposia informationsessions are scheduled from 2 until 3 p.m.

Samford President Thomas Cortswill speak at the Parents Associationmeeting, scheduled from 3 until 4 p.m.

The Sunday schedule includes wor-ship at 10 a.m., brunch/lunch at 11:30a.m. and the Old Song Sing-Along at2:30 p.m. in Reid Chapel. This will bethe second annual sing-along; last fall’s

kickoff event was an immediate success.Registration and hotel information

has been mailed to parents. Make hotelreservations early to avoid conflict withother events, such as the annual TalladegaNASCAR race.

For Family Weekend information,visit www.samford.edu/parents, or con-tact Jennifer Dunn, Samford Director ofStudent Activities, at [email protected] (205) 726-2031. ■

Samford and BHS Launch New Health-Care Partnership

CA

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Samford President Thomas Corts,Baptist Health System Board ChairmanAubrey Miller ’74 and BHS PresidentBeth O’Brien announce new health-careeducation program.

Filled with Football, Other Fun Events

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GIV

ING

ME M O R I A L SAbe Berkowitz Endowed ScholarshipIn memory of Selma Gordon

Mr. Richard E. Berkowitz , Savannah, Ga.In memory of Mary Penuel

Mr. Richard E. Berkowitz, Savannah, Ga.

Alan D. Levine Memorial Golf TournamentIn memory of Alan D. Levine

Birmingham Bar Association, Bankruptcyand Commercial Law Section, Birmingham

Christian Women’s Leadership Center FundIn memory of Bernice Walker

Ms. Frances W. Elliott

Claude P. Rosser, Jr. Moot Court CompetitionFund

In memory of Claude P. Rosser, Jr.Mr. Melvin Halpern, St Louis, Mo.

Cox Scholarship FundIn memory of Hezz M. and Suaylor Wyatt Cox

3M Foundation, St. Paul, Minn.

Cumberland Scholarship FundIn memory of Jean L. Thompson

Mr. Timothy C. Hutchinson, Butler, Ala.

Cumberland School of Law ImprovementFund

In memory of Carolyn B. Nelson Ms. Mila Luketic, Birmingham Mrs. Mary F. Miller, Birmingham

Cyndi Wells Art FundIn memory of Cyndi Wells

Mr. and Mrs. Bart Engram, Jr.Ms. Marjorie Erwin, Enterprise, Ala.

David M. Coleman—Study AbroadScholarship

In memory of John LeeMr. and Mrs. John T. Coleman, Trussville, Ala.

Davis LibraryIn memory of Annie L. Wilson

Mrs. Gwendolyn Wesson, Hartselle, Ala.In memory of Dr. J. Lamar Jackson

Mrs. Carolyn P. Drennen, BirminghamMrs. Leslie S. Wright, Birmingham

In memory of Mattie L. J. Finklea and John J.FinkleaMs. Betty F. Florey, Gulf Shores, Ala.

In memory of Lillian BassDrs. Chriss and Harriet Doss, Birmingham

Ethel P. Malugen Chair of LawIn memory of Ethel P. Malugen

Mr. and Mrs. Joe T. Malugen, Dothan, Ala.

Evans and Jemie Lynn Whaley MemorialScholarship

In memory of Col. Harold Evans Whaley andJemie Lynn WhaleyMs. Sandra Whaley, Albuquerque, N.M.

H. H. Grooms Endowed Scholarship FundIn memory of Hon. H. H. Grooms

Mr. and Mrs. H. Hobart Grooms, Jr.,Birmingham

Harold E. Wilcox Endowed ScholarshipIn memory of Mrs. Harold E. Wilcox

Samford University Chemistry Department

Harwell G. Davis Scholarship in LawIn memory of William H. Manley, Judge Ed

Nelson, Martha and George O’Neil, JaneWood Patton Mrs. Elizabeth D. Eshelman, Birmingham

Hodges Endowed Scholarship FundIn memory of Miriam Higginbotham

Dr. and Mrs. A. Gerow Hodges,Birmingham

Hypatia Scholarship FundIn memory of Bette H. Sawyer

Mrs. Nancy Morgan, Minneapolis, Minn.

Minority Scholarship Endowment FundIn memory of Charles Williams

Mr. Michael J. Verlander, BirminghamIn memory of Raynetta Powers

Mr. Larry Powers, Pinson, Ala.

Miriam and Ralph HigginbothamEndowment

In memory of Miriam HigginbothamEmployees of Alabama Department ofPublic Health Mr. and Mrs. Bill Amberson, Boaz, Ala.Ms. Carolyn Battle, Millbrook, Ala.Mr. and Mrs. Boyd E. Christenberry,Montgomery, Ala.Ms. Dana Driscoll, Montgomery, Ala.Mr. and Mrs. S. Earl Dove, Dothan, Ala.Dr. Myrtle Goore, Montgomery, Ala.Mr. and Mrs. Dan L. Hendley, Birmingham Mrs. Margaret Heberling, Jacksonville, Ala.Mr. and Mrs. Gerald A. Macon,BirminghamHonorable Virgil Pittman, Mobile, Ala.Mr. and Mrs. William J. Stevens,Birmingham

P. W. and J. J. Thomley Scholarship in LawIn memory of Jerry J. Thomley

Hon. Karon O. Bowdre and Mr. J. BirchBowdre, Jr., BirminghamGov. Albert P. Brewer, Birmingham

Pharmacy Legacy Commitment CampaignIn memory of Dr. Woodrow T. Byrum

Mr. and Mrs. C. Aubrey Lowry, Cullman, Ala.

Ray Frank Robbins Lectureship FundIn memory of Dr. Ray Frank Robbins

Mr. Bruce Bannister, Montgomery, Ala.Rev. Katrina S. Brooks, Rome, Ga.Rev. Tony Brooks, Rome, Ga.Mr. James. L. Holland, Jr., BirminghamMr. and Mrs. Ray F. Robbins, II, Talladega,Ala.Mr. John W. Robbins, Silver Springs, Md.Mr. Cecil H. Robbins, Springdale, Md.Mrs. Dixie R. Schrier, Munford, Ala.

Religion and Philosophy ScholarshipIn memory of Mary Sue Lunceford

Ms. Mary N. HicksDr. and Mrs. Charles H. Talbert, Waco, Texas

In memory of Dr. Mabry LuncefordMr. and Mrs. C. Richard Queen,Montgomery, Ala.

Richard E. and Marjorie P. Butte BookScholarship

In memory of Richard E. and Marjorie P. Butte Mrs. Mitzi S. Davis and Mr. Richard E.Davis, Birmingham

Robyn Bari Cohen Children’s Book FundIn memory of Robyn Bari Cohen

Mrs. Carolyn P. CohenMr. and Mrs. Donald R. Pinkard, Roanoke,Ala.

Samford Auxiliary ScholarshipIn memory of Dr. Nelson Duke, Mr. Russell

McGahey, Mrs. Joan Dorough, Mrs. JessieWilliams, Mrs. Reese Johnston, Jr., Rev.Robert Shields, Sr., Dr. William Geer, Mr.Charles Creel, Mr. John Kirby, Mr. GordonBeene, Jr.Dr. and Mrs. Ray M. Atchison, Birmingham

Samford FundIn memory of Dr. J. Lamar Jackson

Mr. and Mrs. Carter Anthony, BirminghamMs. Joy Bonnie, BirminghamMs. Ann Bradford, Fairhope, Ala.Mr. and Mrs. Bill McFerrin, Atlanta, Ga.Honorable Virgil Pittman, Mobile, Ala.Ms. Susan W. Richards, Madison, Miss.Ms. Jenny L. Smith, BirminghamMrs. Mary M. Stuart, Evergreen, Ala.Mr. William J. Sumner, Moraga, Calif.Mrs. Evelyn R. Shelton, BirminghamDr. Horace Watson, Nashville, Tenn.

In memory of Mrs. Hughie P. HooperMr. Richard Adams, Middletown, R.I.

In memory of Mrs. William A. HillMr. and Mrs. Elton R. King, Jr.

In memory of Mrs. Cathryne Word CoxMr. Ashley P. Cox, Jr., Macon, Ga.

In memory of Rev. and Mrs. V. T. LewisMs. Karolyn Lewis, Birmingham

WithAppreciationSamford University expresses gratitude for these additional tribute gifts receivedJune 1, 2003, through May 31, 2004. For further information, contact theSamford University Gift Office at (205) 726-2807.

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Samuel B. Gilreath Scholarship in LawIn memory of Samuel B. Gilreath

Mr. Knox G. Bigham, Lewisburg, Tenn.Mrs. Louise Bingham, Nacogdoches, Texas Hon. William B. Cain, Sr., Columbia, Tenn.Dr. Jeanette G. Cameron, Ipswich, Mass.Col. Robert G. Douglass, San Antonio, TexasMr. Henry K. Farmer, Hattiesburg, Miss.Mrs. Jo Dean C. Garrison, Brentwood, Tenn.Mr. Robert W. King, Jackson, Miss.Mr. Clark H. Legate, Presidio, Texas Hon. Charles E. Lowe, Pikeville, Ky.Mr. Alfred Weeks, Anderson, S.C.Mr. Marvin A. Wilson, Florence, Ala.

School of Business FundIn memory of Dr. Mary Ann Hocutt

Mr. Nathan AllenMrs. Karen AllenMr. Leslie Allen, BirminghamMrs. Barbara H. Cartledge, BirminghamMr. and Mrs. Monty Hogewood, Hoover, Ala.Theta Nu Chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi,Mobile, Ala.

Treadway Memorial ScholarshipIn memory of Mrs. Ruby Treadway

Mrs. Patricia Treadway Reeder, Hoover, Ala.Sagewood Bridge Club, Birmingham

Wilbur G. Silberman Scholarship FundIn memory of Wilbur G. Silberman

Mr. Floyd Babbitt, Buffalo Grove, Ill.Mr. Charles E. Clark, Birmingham Commercial Collection Agency Association,Cedar Grove, N.J.Ms. Mitzi I. Cotton, Austin, TexasMr. Robert M. Fisher, New York, N.Y.Mr. Sanford A. Harris, Pikesville, Md.Mr. Louis W. Levit, Northbrook, Ill.Mrs. Caroline L. Marx, Birmingham Plotkin, Rapoport and Nahmias, Encino,Calif.Ms. Anne Silberman, Savannah, Ga.Mr. William Siskind, Baltimore, Md.Mr. Michael R. Stillman, West Bloomfield,Mich.Mr. Don G. Watkins, Mountain Brook, Ala.

William D. Geer Scholarship EndowmentFund

In memory of William D. GeerMrs. Linda M. Allison, Birmingham Bank of America Foundation Matching GiftsMr. and Mrs. Kirkwood R. Balton,BirminghamMs. Glenda D. Burson, BirminghamMr. and Mrs. James G. Chambers, SanAntonio, TexasEl Paso Energy Foundation Matching Gift,Houston, TexasMr. and Mrs. Robert H. Engram, Dallas, TexasMr. and Mrs. Marion R. Fuller, Opelika, Ala.Dr. Jacqueline Garner, Philadelphia, Pa.Mr. and Mrs. William R. Goodman,Springfield, Tenn.Dr. Jack A. Gowan, Jr., Rocky Point, N.C.Mr.and Mrs. J.Russell Harp,Montgomery, Ala.Mr. James L. Hart, BirminghamMr. Thomas J. Hart, BirminghamCol. Cecil Himes, BirminghamMr. and Mrs. Walter L. LaGroue, Birmingham

Mr. David E. Mason, Euless, TexasMr. and Mrs. Douglas L. McWhorter,BirminghamMr. William E. Morgan III, BirminghamMr. and Mrs. Gary A. Parker, BirminghamMr. J. Douglas Smith, Wilton, Conn.Mr. and Mrs. Alan Speaker, Alpharetta, Ga.Mr. and Mrs. Joseph D. Staab, BirminghamMr. and Mrs.William B.Stark,Jr.,Duluth, Ga.Mrs. Deborah L. Talley, Pell City, Ala.Mr. John W. Vick, Fairfield, Ala.Ms. Susan J. Watterson, Talladega, Ala.Mr. and Mrs. Danny G. Wells, Atlanta, Ga.Mr. and Mrs. James Wright, Pinson, Ala.

Woodward Scholarship FundIn memory of Dr. Frank Woodward and Mrs.

Mabel WoodwardSouth Roebuck Baptist Church

HO N O R SAbe Berkowitz Endowed ScholarshipIn honor of Drs. Manuel and Blanca Anton—

40th Wedding AnniversaryMr. Richard E. Berkowitz, Savannah, Ga.

A. G. Gaston Scholarship in LawIn honor of Dr. A. G. Gaston

Mr. Tom L. Larkin, Birmingham

Davis LibraryIn honor of Coach Bill Gray

Hoover School Finley CommitteeIn honor of Dr. Carolyn Satterfield

NSCDA in the State of Alabama

Division of MusicIn honor of Dr. and Mrs. Jon Remley

Mr. Lyn M. Christian

General Scholarship FundIn honor of L. T. “Ron” Reeves, Jr.

Mr. Bill Bennett, Huntsville, Ala.

John C. Pittman Spirit AwardIn honor of John C. Pittman

Samford University Trustees

Judge Joel F. Dubina Scholarship in LawIn honor of Judge Joel F. Dubina

Mr. William J. Gordy, Montgomery, Ala.

Miller/Shepherd Piano Scholarship FundIn honor of Betty H. Miller and Betty Sue

ShepherdDr. and Mrs. C. A. Shepherd, Jr,

BirminghamMr. and Mrs. C. Richard Queen,

Montgomery, Ala.

Pharmacy Legacy Commitment CampaignIn honor of Page, Linda and Tommie Dunlap

Ms. Maria H. Cecil, BirminghamIn Honor of Dr. John Wintter

Mr. and Mrs. C.Aubrey Lowry, Cullman, Ala.

Samford Auxiliary ScholarshipIn honor of 50th Wedding Anniversary

Rev. and Mrs. Glenn Slye, Birmingham

Samford FundIn honor of Brookwood Baptist members

employed by SamfordDr. and Mrs. Barry C. Howard,

Birmingham

Joe Shear Leaves SamfordMore Than $640,000

Joe Shear of Birmingham was a life-long Baptist who worked for manyyears with Liberty National Life

Insurance Company, now Torchmark. Hehad great respect for Frank Samford, theLiberty National founder for whomSamford University is named, and therespect was mutual.

“When Mr. Samford wrote his bookabout the first 50 years of Liberty National,he recognized Joe for his great contributionsto the company,” said Marvin Foster ofBirmingham, who worked with Shear atLiberty National and knew him for 55years. Shear worked for Liberty Nationalfrom 1933 until 1972, retiring as vicepresident of agents.

“Joe was one of the best people-persons I ever knew,” said Foster.“Everybody loved Joe.”

Shear died at 97 in the fall of 2003,leaving Samford a generous bequest. Inaddition, part of a trust fund that Joe’slate wife, Sara, established came toSamford. Together, the gifts totaled morethan $655,000, to be used for academicscholarships.

(Sara, who died before Joe, used the“give it twice” plan in her will, leaving thefund for Joe’s use during his lifetime,then giving part of the balance to Samford.)

“Joe loved Samford,” said Foster,“and I think his long friendship with(Samford Trustee) Gerow Hodges (also ofLiberty National) was one of the mainreasons. He gave to other charities aswell, mostly Baptist.”

Shear’s father was a Baptist preacherin Covington County, Ala., for manyyears, and one of the charities Shear sup-ported was First Baptist Church of Opp,Ala. A deacon at Southside Baptist Church,he also served on the board of BirminghamBaptist Hospital, now Baptist HealthSystem.

“Joe was an all-around good guy,”said Foster. “He had four brothers andfour sisters, and he was the stack pole ofthe family. He was the one they dependedon.”

For information on estate planning and/or toplan a gift to Samford University, go towww.samford.edu/giftplan.

An

‘All-AroundGood Guy’

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Awhole

I planned, youthshows

but—Robert Browning

”half