PLUS: Nursing Education Center groundbreaking | Highest enrollment on record | Homecoming 2011

Healing

Page 14

a2 UMHB LIFE

UMHBLIFEWINTER 2011 | VOLUME 31, NUMBER 2

PRESIDENTRandy O’Rear, Ed.D.

EDITOR- IN -CHIEFPaula Price Tanner, Ed.D.

EDITORJennifer Meers Jones ’08

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSJames StaffordSarah Nunez ’11

PHOTOGR APHERSJennifer Meers Jones ’08Randy Yandell ’99 Abigail Davidhizar ’12

UMHB LIFE IS PUBLISHED THREE TIMES A YEAR BY THE DIVISION OF COMMUNICATIONS AND SPECIAL PROJECTS.

UMHB Box 8431900 College StreetBelton, Texas 765131-800-727-UMHBlife.umhb.edu

ALUMNI LIFE IS COMPILED BY THE OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS.

Please send any information for publishing or change of personal information to:

Alumni RelationsUMHB Box 8427900 College StreetBelton, Texas 76513

Letters and comments can be sent to:jjones@umhb.edu

Or update online:alumni.umhb.edualumni@umhb.edu

BIG PICTURE | In the weeks leading up to the Baugh Center for the Visual Arts groundbreaking ceremony, art students transformed a dozen shovels into works of art. These shovels were used to turn the dirt during the art center’s groundbreaking ceremony Friday, Sept. 30, 2011.

UMHBLIFEW I N T E R 2 0 11 | VOLUME 31, NUMBER 2

2222

D E P A R T M E N T S

5| CAMPUS LIFEGroundbreakings for the Nursing

Education Center and Center for the

Visual Arts, highest enrollment on

record, and more

12| ATHLETIC LIFE Volleyball team advances to

conference tournament, online video

streaming for athletic events, and more

13| PHIL ANTHROPY Class of ’71 sets goal to raise

first six-figure class gift by their

Golden Anniversary in 2021.

26| ALUMNI LIFE

Check out what’s happening in the

lives of alumni and their families—

plus profiles on Luke Nunnally ’07

and Elliot Barcak ’07; Darbi Winsman

Tidwell ’01; and Pam Higgason

Harris ’65 and Beverly Lisby Owen ’64

F E A T U R E S

HEALING KENYA |14

Nursing students and faculty organize the

first-known medical mission trip to the Kenyan

village of Malikini July 27-Aug.10, 2011. A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF A NURSING STUDENT |18

Junior Ashleigh Holden documents the ups

and downs of a busy week of exams, classes,

and clinicals.

HOMECOMING REDESIGNED |22

Alumni return to campus Sept. 30-Oct. 1 to

experience a new and improved homecoming

schedule including a family-friendly outdoor

carnival and Stunt Night.

ON THE COVER | Nursing professor

Joanne Woods and students Kelsey Anderson

and Emma Smith take a break outside of the

Kenyan medical camp where they treated

close to 1,000 patients this summer.

14141818

UMHB LIFE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1 1

JEN

NIF

ER J

ON

ES

Almost three hundred visitors attended a special groundbreaking ceremony for the new Isabelle Rutherford Meyer Nursing Education Center Friday, Oct. 21.

Special guests included representatives of the Meyer family, the Leroy and Merle Weir Charitable Trust, and other donors to the new facility. Guests and dignitaries were welcomed to the ceremony by nearly one hundred UMHB nurs-ing students. Dressed in purple scrubs and lab coats, the students created a crosswalk across 9th Street, clapping and showing their appreciation.

University president Randy O’Rear began the ceremony by thanking all of the generous benefactors who had already pledged their support of the project. He also announced that the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation of Tulsa, Okla., approved a $2 million challenge grant for UMHB, to be used to help fund construction of the new Isabelle Rutherford Meyer Nursing Education Center. Under the terms of the agreement, the university must secure a total of $18 million for the project by Oct. 1, 2012; the foundation will then give UMHB the final $2 million to complete the funding needed for the project.

“We are on our way to great fundraising success with this building, and we praise God for the many friends who are stepping forward to bring this much-needed facility to life,” O’Rear said.

Dr. Sharon Souter, dean of the College of Nursing, expressed her joy and excitement. “This building is a culmination of many years of dreaming. It will represent God’s love for the community as we prepare spiritually informed students to go out and provide his care.”

The Isabelle Rutherford Meyer Nursing Education Center will offer 76,100 square feet of space for the university’s Scott & White College of Nursing. The building will feature state-of-the-art simulation centers where students will prac-tice their clinical nursing skills, in addition to high-tech classrooms designed for best practices in nursing education.

The facility will be constructed at 409 West 9th Avenue, across the street from the university’s York Science Center. Work on the $20 million facility began in December, and it is expected to be ready for use in the spring of 2013.

Nursing students demonstrate appreciation at groundbreaking

JEN

NIF

ER J

ON

ES

Anonymous donor issues challenge to raise all funds for center by end of 2012

University officials announced in September that a donor, who has asked to remain anonymous, has offered a substantial challenge grant to help fund the construction of the new Isabelle Rutherford Meyer Nursing Education Center. The chal-lenge specifies that, to receive the grant, the cost of the center must not exceed $20 million, and the university must raise all funds for the facility through gifts and grants by Dec. 31, 2012.

“This generous donor has pledged the largest challenge grant in the history of UMHB,” said Dr. Randy O’Rear, university president. “Meet-ing the terms of this challenge will enable our $20 million nursing facil-ity to be funded debt free. We are excited about this opportunity and optimistic that we can meet this challenge by the end of next year.”

CAMPUS L I F E 5

Nursing students Payton Price and Joshua Farnsworth escort Jane Meyer through the gathering of students who lined the street to express their gratitude at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Isabelle Rutherford Meyer Nursing Education Center.

Scott Dodd was named

director of campus

construction in Octo-

ber. Dodd earned a

bachelor’s degree in architectural engi-

neering from the University of Texas at

Austin. He has extensive construction

management experience and most

recently worked at Flynn Construction

as a project manager. Dodd and his

wife Kelli, a high school math teacher,

have two children, Zach and Coby.

Melissa Ford was

recently promoted to

director of graduate

admissions. Ford had

served as assistant director of alumni

relations since 2007. She earned her

undergraduate degree in profes-

sional studies from UMHB in 2007

and completed her master’s degree in

human services from Liberty University

in 2010, specializing in executive lead-

ership. Ford brings exceptional skills

in communicating, marketing, public

relations, web site administration, and

event management to the graduate

school.

On Thursday, Oct. 20, nearly 150 visitors attended a special dedication

ceremony for Farris Hall, the university’s newest apartment-style complex.

Special guests to the ceremony included the family of Martha Farris, for

whom the complex was named. Gordon Wiggers, chair of the university’s Board

of Trustees welcomed those in attendance and described the new apartments

as an example of “what God’s people can do when they work in his name.”

Ashleigh Holden, a junior nursing major from Plano, is one of Farris Hall’s

first residents. She described the benefits of living in the new apartments,

including the freedom to study in peace in her private bedroom. “They don’t

feel like dorm rooms for students,” Holden said.

President Randy O’Rear said that the only thing that could have made the

occasion more special would have been having Martha Farris in attendance;

her health prohibited her from making the trip from her home in Floydada,

Texas, for the ceremony. O’Rear described Farris as a passionate Christian and

a faithful university supporter. After a prayer of dedication, Farris’s sons John

and George joined other dignitaries in cutting the ceremonial ribbon.

Farris Hall is the first new facility to be dedicated as part of the

university’s Campus Master Plan. The 82,750-square-foot Farris Hall houses

163 apartments in a mix of 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom, and 4-bedroom

configurations. Each unit has a shared living room, kitchen, dining room, and

laundry area, plus a private bedroom and bath for each resident. The facility is

located on a bluff overlooking Nolan Creek, offering residents beautiful views

in every direction.

Farris Hall dedicated in October

RAN

DY

YAN

DEL

L

Junior Bethany Greeson (pictured) and senior Luke Cielonko were

named recipients of the Gary and Diane Heavin Servant Leadership Award

during fall convocation Aug. 24. The award, which recognizes students

actively involved in ministry and community service, comes with a $1,000

cash award for each student, a portion of which the student may choose

to donate to an organization of his or her choice. Gary and Diane Heavin

of Waco established a permanent endowment to fund the award, to

remind students of the importance of philanthropy and community service.

Students honored at fall convocation

AROUNDCAMPUS

JEN

NIF

ER J

ON

ES

6 UMHB LIFE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

Tiffany Wurdemann was named assistant

director for student

organizations in

July. Wurdemann is from Puyallup,

Wash. She received both a B.B.A. in

marketing and master’s in college

counseling and student development

from Azusa Pacific University. While

earning her master’s, Tiffany worked

with student organizations, leader-

ship development, and residence life.

Rick Martinez was

recently named direc-

tor of physical plant.

He previously served

as assistant director of facilities

for the Wichita Falls Independent

School District. Martinez grew up in

Duncanville, Texas, and graduated

with a B.S. in mechanical engineer-

ing from the United States Military

Academy at West Point. He and his

wife, Julie, live in Belton with their

three kids, Justis (a current UMHB

freshman), Amanda, and Micah.

Matthew Irvine was

named web services

manager in October.

Before coming to

UMHB, Irvine served as director of

communication and technology at

First Baptist Church Belton. Irvine

graduated from UMHB in 2006

with a B.A. in communication.

In the fall of 2012, art students will make the long-anticipated move from

the basement of Presser Hall into a brand new, state-of-the-art building

on the corner of 9th Avenue and Shine Street. The $5 million project will

provide art students with spacious classrooms, ample studio space, a desig-

nated art gallery, and an outdoor sculpture garden.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the Baugh Center for the Visual Arts was

held on campus Friday, Sept. 30. The ceremony marked the beginning of

construction on the two-story facility that will offer 27,000 square feet of

space dedicated to art education.

The building will be named in memory of Eula Mae and John Baugh,

Houston philanthropists who were well known for their generous support

of higher education and Texas Baptist causes. John Baugh was a founder of

Sysco Corporation and also served as chairman and CEO of the company,

which eventually became the world’s largest food distribution service.

During their lifetimes, Mr. and Mrs. Baugh made significant gifts to UMHB,

and their family foundation stepped forward in 2009 to make a lead gift of

$1 million for construction of the new art center.

The Baugh’s daughter, Babs Baugh, who serves as president of the Eula

Mae and John Baugh Foundation, touched the crowd by unexpectedly taking

the podium and calling all students in attendance to come to the front.

“This is what it’s all about,” she told the audience. “These students are

the future of our country, Texas, and the Baptist denomination. Students

take many courses and directions at UMHB, but none more significant

than the arts. It’s what your soul is made of, and how your soul expresses

beauty, joy, and thankfulness to God.”

Breaking ground: construction begins on art department’s new home

JEN

NIF

ER J

ON

ES

CAMPUS L I F E 7

Dr. Randy O’Rear and John and George Farris cut the ribbon during the dedication for Farris Hall, named in honor of Martha White Farris ’42.

Students surround Babs Baugh as she makes an impromptu speech about the importance of art education.

The university welcomed acclaimed international speaker Dr. Tony Campolo

as guest speaker in chapel Wednesday, Sept. 14. Campolo has dedicated his

life to Christian service, and currently serves as President of the Evangelical

Association for the Promotion of Education (EAPE).

His speech stressed the importance of what it means to follow Jesus.

“It’s not how good you are; it’s what Jesus did for you on the cross that

determines whether or not you are a part of His fellowship in the kingdom.

Your salvation depends on His work, not yours,” he said.

The evangelist, who has worked in developing countries to ensure

education for at-risk children, discussed the importance of fighting for and

helping the oppressed. He said, “The purpose of an education is to equip you

to live more sacrificially and effectively for the poor and the oppressed of the

world in the name of Jesus.”

Campolo recalled an encounter with a homeless man who offered him

coffee. When Campolo asked this man about his generosity, the man

responded, “I feel that when God gives you something good, you ought to

share it with people.”

Tony Campolo is an associate pastor, ordained minister, author, and media

commentator. He has appeared on numerous television programs such

as CNN, The Colbert Report, and Larry King, and has published 38 works

including A Citizen’s Guide to Faith and Politics, Stories That Feed Your Soul,

and Choose Love Not Power.

Renowned speaker visits campus

CO

UR

TESY

OF

US

PS

The United States Postal Service recently released a new stamp in its

Distinguished Americans series commemorating Oveta Culp Hobby.

Hobby, who attended Mary Hardin-Baylor in the 1920s, was the first

secretary of the US Department of Health, Education and Welfare, and the

first commanding officer of the Women’s Army Corps during World War II. The

portrait on the stamp is based on an undated black-and-white photograph of

Hobby in her WAC uniform, wearing the legendary service cap, the “Hobby hat.”

The portrait was painted by Richmond, Va.-based illustrator Sterling Hundley.

Stamp celebrates distinguished alumnaJE

NN

IFER

JO

NES

8 UMHB LIFE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

BY SAR AH NUNEZ ’11

Michele Padilla was

named director of

foundation relations

in November. Padilla

previously worked as research grants

and contracts manager at Scott &

White Healthcare; she also previously

served as a grants coordinator. She is

a graduate of Penn State University

with a B.S. in human development and

family studies and a M.Ed. in coun-

selor education. She and her husband,

Julio, reside in Temple with their two

children, Chrishan and Danica.

Susan Kolodziejczyk

was appointed direc-

tor of development in

November. Kolodziejczyk

previously served as executive director

of community relations at Metro-

plex Health System. She has a B.A. in

communications from Sul Ross State

University and is currently working

on a master’s in business marketing

from Columbia Southern University.

Kolodziejczyk and her husband, Chris,

have two children, Cooper and Grace,

and live in Belton.

AROUNDCAMPUS

This fall, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor enrolled the largest

number of students in the school’s 166-year history, with an official enroll-

ment of 3,137 students. This is up 181 students from a total of 2,956

students in fall 2010. “You could feel the electricity that charged Welcome

Week, and that energy has not faded,” President Randy O’Rear said. “For

the second year in a row, we have more than 1,000 new students on

campus, and that cannot help but create excitement.”

Fall 2011 semester boasts highest enrollment on university record

RAC

HEL

PAR

KH

UR

ST

CAMPUS L I F E 9

H EA R D@UMHB // Lots of chatter is going on every day on Mary Hardin-Baylor’s Facebook page. A sampling of recent posts from students:

I want everyone to know that I

was ten minutes early to band

practice. I don’t think that ever

happened in high school.

So proud you were asked to play

a disciple next year for the Easter

pageant...what an honor!

The morning that I just really, really

wanted a waffle some guy goes and

breaks the waffle maker. Sad day :(

Making fried

pickles so I

can study and

munch :)

I love jamming out

to Natalie Grant's

"Your Great Name"

on the way to

class. Best way to

start the day!

94 on my

Psych test, that's

what's up ;)

After 5 classes

in a row since

8 a.m., I deserved

a good nap.

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

GRADUATE STUDENTS

TOTAL APPLICANTSA PPLI ED 9 983

EN ROLLED 10 0 8

FRESHMAN CL ASST H IS Y EA R 630

LAST Y EA R 6 0 8

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTST H IS Y EA R 120

LAST Y EA R 10 9

F ROM

22COU N T R I ES

BRAZIL, CHINA, GERMANY, GHANA, HONG KONG, INDIA,

KENYA, KOREA, LEBANON, NIGERIA, RUSSIA, SPAIN,

SRI LANKA, TAIWAN, ZIMBABWE

MOR E T H A N H A LF OF U N DERGR A DUAT E ST U DEN TS (1,541) LI V E ON CA M PUS

T H E F R ESH M A N CLA SS H A I LS F ROM STAT ES I NCLU DI NG A R I ZONA, COLOR A DO, F LOR I DA, I LLI NOIS, LOU ISI A NA, M ISSOU R I,

N EW H A M PSH I R E, N EW M EX ICO, OR EG ON, T EX A S, WA SH I NGTON

THE CLASS OF 2015 PLANS TO STUDY NURSING (21%), BIOLOGY (9%),

EDUC AT ION (6%), C H R IST I A N M I N IST RY/C H R IST I A N ST U DI ES (4%),

PSYC HOLOGY (4%), ACCOU N T I NG (2%), SPORT M A NAGEM EN T (2%)

2 University offices open 4 University housing opens

5-6 Spring advising and registration

9 Classes begin (day and evening)

16 Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday (campus closed) 28 Highways & Byways Concert Series: Wheatfield, Hughes Recital Hall, 7 p.m.

31 Summer Camps Job Fair, Mabee SUB, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

31 Piano, Four Hands: Michelle Schumann & Matt Crosby, Hughes Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m.

EVENTSCALENDAR

janu

ary

febr

uary

1 Charter Day

2 Hillman Visiting Artists Series: Waterloo Sound Conspiracy, Hughes Recital Hall, 7 p.m.

7 Spring Business Job Fair, Lord Conference Center, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

9-11 Writers’ Festival, Lord Conference Center

10 Opera Production, Temple CAC, 7:30 p.m.

17-18 Cru Knights, W.W. Walton Chapel, 7 p.m.

23 One Voice Concert, Hughes Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m.

27 Wind Ensemble Concert, W. W. Walton Chapel, 7:30 p.m.

In September, Townsend Memorial Library celebrated its 50th anniversary

with a display featuring a card catalog and various library tools, equipment,

and photos. Director of Learning Resources Denise Karimkhani said the exhibit

paid tribute to days gone by when the most sophisticated pieces of technol-

ogy were typewriters or microfilm readers.

“Since most students today grew up with technology, it is unlikely that

they give much thought to the rapid strides made in library and information

science,” Karimkhani said. “I started here as the public services librarian in

1977, so I have witnessed transformations in my profession, in our building,

and in the number and types of resources—advances I never imagined.”

The present day building was dedicated in September 1961. The new build-

ing was a long-held dream for many, who had been using a “temporary”

$10,000 frame structure—originally built to last no more than five years for

the library—since the 1920s. The new library cost $327,000 to build and was

designed to hold 75,000 volumes. With its new open stacks and air condition-

ing, this new library no doubt felt like a luxury to the

students and faculty at that time. The building

was named in memory of longtime university

champions E.G. and Elli Moore Townsend.

Townsend Library turns 50 years old

RAN

DY

YAN

DEL

L

10 UMHB LIFE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

N EWSBRIEFS // Miss MHB 2012 crowned

Miss Burt Hall, Lauren Rodriguez from Okinawa, Japan, was crowned Miss

Mary Hardin-Baylor 2012 on Nov. 5 in the annual Miss Mary Hardin-Baylor Pageant. Rodriguez is a 20-year-old

junior education major and the daugh-ter of Steve and Rachel Rodriguez. She

has been involved in Stunt Night and leads the children’s ministry at Hope

Community Church. Her platform was “Supporting Military Families.”

King Street closure makes way for pedestrian mall The Campus Master Plan calls for

all parking to move toward the campus’ exterior parameters in an

effort to create a pedestrian campus. As a result, King Street—the road

running behind Presser, Stribling, and Remschel—will close as construction for the pedestrian walkway begins in

early 2012. Permanent parking will be added along University Drive

and Crusader Way.

6 Teacher Job Fair, Lord Conference Center, 2 - 4 p.m.

8 Spring Opera Showcase, W. W. Walton Chapel,

7:30 p.m.

12-16 Spring Break (campus closed)

22 Jazz Ensemble Concert, Hughes Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m.

23 Health Quest, Mayborn Campus Center Arena,

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

26-28 Spring Revival, Quad, 7 p.m.

31 Highways & Byways Concert Series: 3 Penny Acre,

Hughes Recital Hall, 7 p.m.

mar

ch

apri

l 4 Easter Pageant, Luther Memorial, 12:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 5:30 p.m.

6 Good Friday Holiday (campus closed)

12 Concert Choir Spring Concert, Manning Chapel, 7:30 p.m.

19 Play Day

20-21 Charter Celebration Weekend

20 Robing and Ring Ceremony, W.W. Walton Chapel, 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.

20 Midnight March

24 Song & Jazz 5, Hughes Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Dr. Marlene Zipperlen ’67 has been chosen to

receive the 2011 Distinguished Alumni Award,

which will be awarded during the university’s

Charter Celebration, April 20-21.

The Distinguished Alumni Award is the high-

est award given by the Alumni Association. Alumni

selected for this honor have distinguished them-

selves in their professions, demonstrate pride in their

alma mater, and reflect honor on the university.

Zipperlen, who has served as Dean of the College of Education at UMHB

since 2003, was also the founding dean of the university’s first doctoral

program. From her days as student government president as an undergradu-

ate, to her years as a superintendent of schools in Rogers and Clifton, to

her work with the doctoral program in education at UMHB, Zipperlen has

represented the university well through every undertaking. She attributes her

success to the education she received at her alma mater.

“My time at UMHB as an undergraduate student was one blessed with new

experiences, a wealth of new friends, and a wonderful Christian environment

which nurtured an aspiring young teacher,” Zipperlen said.

Zipperlen was nominated by Helen Harris ’75, Ed.D. ’11. In one of her first

teaching assignments after graduating from UMHB, Zipperlen coached Harris

on the varsity tennis team in Killeen ISD. Recently, the two were reunited

when Harris worked with Zipperlen as a graduate student in the doctoral

program and Zipperlen served as the chair for Harris’s dissertation.

“Dr. Zipperlen is known as an innovator in education,” Harris said. “She

is an inspiration to her students, a leader among faculty, and a committed

Christian. She continues to demonstrate initiative, innovation, creativity and a

superior work ethic in every task she undertakes.”

Dean chosen as distinguished alumna

JEN

NIF

ER J

ON

ES

CAMPUS L I F E 11

“God’s plan for me and

for my career began at

UMHB. It is an incredible

honor, and I am humbled

to be considered a

distinguished alumna.

The university continues

to inspire me, and

provides me opportunities

to influence both

undergraduate and

graduate students.

— DR. MARLENE ZIPPERLEN

The Distinguished Alumni Award will be presented during Alumni Chapel Saturday, April 21, at 10:30 a.m. Please join us for this and other Charter Celebration events!

In what can only be described as the

volleyball team’s best season in a decade,

first-year head coach Rob Frost led the

Lady Crusaders to their first victory in the

American Southwest Conference tourna-

ment since 1998, setting a new school

Division III-era record for wins in a season.

In the opening match of the 2011

American Southwest Conference Cham-

pionship Tournament Nov. 3, the Lady

Crusaders grabbed an early lead and

then battled back from a third-set deficit

to post a 3-0 victory over Texas Lutheran

University. The victory brought the team’s

season record to 21-9, setting a new

school single-season record for Division III-era wins, besting the previous mark

of 20 set in 1998. The win was the first ASC Tournament victory for the team

since 1998, when the Cru went on to win the inaugural conference tournament.

The Lady Crusaders advanced to face ASC West Division Champion

McMurry University later that evening. The team had chances to put McMurry

away, but the Cru could not hold off the War Hawks fourth and fifth set rallies

in a 3-2 loss in the second round of the championship tournament.

The Cru then faced U.T.-Tyler in an elimination game Nov. 4. The team

fought back from an opening set loss to tie the match, but the Cru comeback

fell short in a 3-1 loss. The loss ended their season at 21-11 overall. The match

eliminated the Cru from the conference tournament after UMHB advanced to

the ASC Tournament for the first time since 2007.

Volleyball advances to conference tournament for first time since 2007

The Cru men’s and women’s golf teams both received mention in the Golf World

Division III Top 25 Polls released in the Nov. 7 issue of Golf World magazine. The poll

ranked the women’s golf team 13th in the country. The women won three of their

four tournaments this fall, beating every Division III opponent and finishing second

only to McLennan Community College at the Lady Bulldog Classic. The men’s golf

team received votes in Golf World/Nike Golf Coaches Top 25 Poll and have the 30th

highest point total in the nation. They posted a pair of tournament victories during

the fall schedule, winning the Schreiner Fall Classic and the UMHB Fall Invitational.

Golf teams mentioned in Golf World Top 25 Polls

N EWSBRIEFS // Online video streaming now

available for athletic events In September, the athletic department

signed a contract with Stretch Internet

to provide free live video streaming of

the Cru’s athletic events. The streaming

schedule included live video streaming

of all ten regular season football games,

all home events, and select road contests

in each sport. UMHB utilized Stretch’s

Game Central feature, making all of the

coverage options available through one

link. Fans can access live video, live audio,

and live statistics through the Cru’s

athletic department portal at http://client.

stretchinternet.com/client/umhb.portal.

Men’s soccer wins its way to ASC semifinals

The men’s soccer team finished the 2011 season with an 11-4-3 overall

record. The Cru went 10-3 in ASC play and advanced to the semifinals of the ASC Championship Tournament, tying

eventual conference champion U.T.-Tyler before the Patriots advanced on

penalty kicks 4-1. Seven UMHB players were named to the American South-

west Conference All-Conference teams.

12 A T H L E T I C S

Senior Sara Hayward attacks the ball against Centenary College Sept.16. The Lady Crusaders won 3-1.

One class. One goal. A hundred thousand blessings.

The Class of 1971 is living out their class tagline of “making a difference” through

an ambitious goal to raise $100,000 by their 50th reunion in 2021. The class hopes

the gift will make a difference by providing scholarships for future students.

The class considers themselves a “class of firsts.” There were the first to walk

the steps of Walton Chapel, graduate with males, adopt the Crusader mascot,

and sing the co-ed words to “Up With the Purple.” They are now working to

become the first to raise a six-figure class gift.

“It is our hope that by getting this started at our 40-year reunion, by 2021 we

will be able to present our school with a ‘golden’ $100,000 gift,” class president

Cathy Burkett ’71 said.

The process of raising the money is not impossible, but it requires dedication

and patience, she said. “We are working with Michael Ball, the senior director of

development, to implement a process where we will be in contact with class-

mates on a regular basis over the next ten years. We will then present the gift at

our 50-year class reunion.”

According to classmate Vickie McKay ’71, their focus is to inspire each class

member to make a contribution. “We will encourage everyone to begin a monthly

contribution of an amount with which they are comfortable,” McKay said.

Acts 20:35 states, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” The class may not

receive a tangible gain in return, but they are certain their gift will touch many lives.

“I look forward to being able to financially help students to create just as

many precious memories as I did,” Deborah Moore ’71 said.

McKay and her class acknowledge that had it not been for alumni before

them, they may not have received a college education. “We just want to give

back,” McKay said. “We love our university and see the great work that is being

done and the wonderful students attending today, and we want to make a

difference in their lives, just as UMHB made a difference in ours.”

A class of firsts: Class of ’71 sets goal to raise first six-figure class gift BY SAR AH NUNEZ ’11

“We just want to give

back. We love our

university and see the

great work that is being

done and the wonderful

students attending

today, and we want to

make a difference in their

lives, just as UMHB made

a difference in ours.”

— VICKIE McKAY ’71

The Class of ’71 poses for a picture while celebrating its 40th reunion at Homecoming 2011. It was during this time that the class officially accepted the challenge to raise $100,000 by 2021.

JEN

NIF

ER J

ON

ES

P H I L A N T H R O P Y 13

14 UMHB LIFE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

“Growing up there, I know the

problems we went through,” Mutinda

said. “The village has been a very

peaceful area, but there is no govern-

ment support. There is no running

water and the roads are not good. We

rely on the rains, and when there is no

rain (because at times the rains keep),

then there is a lot of suffering.”

Mutinda experienced that suffering

first-hand as a nine-year-old boy when

famine swept through the country.

Food was scarce—over five hours of

back-breaking labor earned Mutinda

just a single cup of paddy rice.

After graduating from high school,

he began working as a photographer,

taking people’s photographs for green

cards. He applied for the American

Green Card Lottery Program and, two

years later, received his permanent

resident visa. He moved to the United

States with his wife and daughter in

2003, then joined the U.S. Army and

served as a medic for five-and-a-half

years in Iraq and Korea.

Despite being thousands of miles from

his village, the problems facing Malikini

continued to consume his thoughts.

“When I was in Korea I was told

about my cousin’s wife who died

because of a snake bite. It took over

three hours by oxen cart pull to take

her to the hospital. She did not have

any other options for medical treat-

ment,” Mutinda said. “I still felt the

problems within that area. I knew,

something needs to be done. Some-

body needs to wake up and do

When the 20 UMHB nursing students, faculty, and community members arrived in the Kenyan village of Malikini late in the night July 29, 2011, the darkness of the sleeping village was overwhelming. The village does not have electricity, so once the sun goes down at 6:30, moonlight is the only source available to light the way. With their flashlights packed away with their luggage, at first the group had trouble navigating in the dark of night. But for sophomore nursing major Michael Mutinda, the roads were familiar. He had traveled them many times as a young boy living in Malikini.

F E A T U R E S 15

something. But I kept thinking, what

could I do? I’m not rich.”

Still, Mutinda could not shake the

feeling a medical camp needed to be

established in Malikini.

After Mutinda enrolled at the

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, those

dreams began taking shape. A seem-

ingly chance encounter on campus

with adjunct nursing professor Dr.

Glen Smith set the ball rolling on the

university’s first medical mission trip.

Smith had been a missionary in Kenya

prior to coming stateside, so when he

noticed Mutinda’s accent he struck

up a conversation. They discovered a

shared passion for the people of Kenya

and decided to bring their vision of a

medical mission trip to the attention of

Dr. Sharon Souter, dean of the College

of Nursing. Souter was immediately on

board—she had been seeking opportu-

nities for the College of Nursing to get

involved in missions.

“The collaboration between those

three leaders and the orchestration of

God in details was absolutely beauti-

ful,” said senior nursing student Kacey

Carabajal, who went on the trip. “Many

of us have had the desire to participate

in a medical mission trip for a really

long time, so it was just such a blessing

to have the opportunity to go.”

MEDICAL CLINIC IN MALIKINIAfter a 20-hour flight, the

group—which included nine UMHB

nursing students, one Tarleton pre-

med student, one Texas Tech pre-vet

student, four UMHB faculty, and

five community members—arrived

in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city. The

following day the group drove by

15-passenger bus to Malikini, arriv-

ing that night at the school dormitory

they would call home for the next

week and a half. Most of Saturday was

spent setting up the medical camp and

getting the equipment ready for the

clinic, which would begin on Monday.

That Sunday, the group experi-

enced their first Kenyan church service.

Christianity is widely accepted in the

country, but the service revealed a

unique blend of African culture and

traditional Christian beliefs.

“We were all assigned to a church

and were expected to participate in

the service,” Souter said. “During the

offering time one

B Y J E N N I F E R M E E R S J O N E S ’ 0 8

Far left: Upon arriving in Kenya, the group participates in a massage circle to relieve jetlag tension before boarding the bus to Malikini.

Middle: Michael Mutinda holds up a Crusader “C” and sports a UMHB jersey during a soccer game with the villagers.

Left: Before leaving Malikini, the group poses in front of the school dormitory where the women stayed all week.

Nursing students treat 945 patients in six days during medical mission trip to a Kenyan village

16 UMHB LIFE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

person brought a live chicken. As part

of the process, which is very normal

there, they auctioned it off to the

highest bidder. I’m not sure who won,

but they gave the chicken to us, which

we then gave back to the pastor of the

church.”

The service provided the group

with a taste of what was to come in

the days ahead as they were put on

the spot and asked to share their faith

with the congregation.

“We thought we would just be

sharing our testimony, but no, the

pastor said, ‘You have the whole

service; you are the sermon.’ We were

able to cope with that pretty well, but

it’s just an example of the process the

students went through to learn how

to, at a moment’s notice, share their

faith through a translator with people

who didn’t speak the same language,”

Souter said.

The medical clinic started that

Monday. In the next six days, the nurse

practitioners and physicians would

treat an astounding 945 people. The

students assisted with assessment,

spiritual counseling, and pharmaceuti-

cal advisory.

Every patient began with assess-

ment, said senior Mandy Brawner,

who worked in this area.

“We had three stations set up with

students and translators,” she said.

“Patients would explain to us what

was wrong in their words. This is when

we were really able to see the cultural

differences. In America, when some-

body has a sniffle and a cough, most of

the time they will say they have a cold.

That doesn’t necessarily mean they

actually have a cold, but that is what

they usually say. In Kenya, patients

would say they had malaria or other

common diseases. Part of our critical

thinking was accessing the symptoms

they were describing and determining

what was actually wrong with them.”

Brawner said common ailments

patients suffered from included

general aches, back pain, malaria, head

funguses, worms, stomach issues,

acid reflux, and heartburn. “But they

wouldn’t know what to call it,” she

said. “They’d say, ‘Stomach hurts here

when I eat.’ And then we had to figure

it out by asking specific questions.”

The student would then write a

report about the patient’s assessment

and take them to the next room, which

was spiritual counseling. This room was

set up similarly to assessment, with three

stations. Each station had a student and

a local pastor to serve as translator.

“Spiritual counseling was really

another form of assessment,” said

Carabajal, who was assigned to this

area. “We asked the patients why

they were here today and how we

could pray for them. We checked to

see if we needed to add anything to

the assessment form. And mainly, we

would ask about their spiritual lives,

ask about their families, and get to

know them in that relational aspect.

Then we would pray over them.”

Professor Dr. Bobbie Dixon, who over-

saw the clinic’s assessment area, said she

was most surprised by the patients’

reactions to the mzungus, the term

Kenyans use to refer to white people.

“Our translators were pastors and

experienced spiritual counselors,” Dixon

said. “But there were times when we

were short and we had to pull students

from spiritual counseling to help in

other areas. And the patients would say

they preferred to have a student pray

for them rather than the pastor; they

thought the white girl’s prayers were

stronger. They thought the mzungus’

prayers went straight to heaven.”

F E A T U R E S 17

After spiritual counseling, the patient

was taken to see one of three physi-

cians: nursing faculty members Dr.

Joanne Woods and Dr. Glen Smith, and

Temple-based physician Dr. Ricky Kindle.

“As a nurse practitioner, I saw the

patients in the clinic,” Woods said. “I

primarily saw the women, and every

single one who came in complained of

back pain. It didn’t impact me initially

until I saw them walking down the

road, toting their little ones on their

backs, and hearing about working in

the rice fields and out in their gardens

and cleaning their homes bent over all

day. One lady I saw was in the rice fields

from sun up to sun down every day.”

Woods said the thing that

impressed her most was how loving

and giving the people of Malikini

were, despite the challenges they face.

“Just to come to the clinic they

would dress up in their finest—the

very best they had. The men came in

suits, and they always had a smile on

their faces. That really helped me keep

things in perspective during the long

days in the clinic,” she said.

Finally the patients were taken to the

pharmacy, where students filled prescrip-

tions, explained the medicine’s instructions,

and administered the first dosage.

“By the end of the week, we ran out

of everything. We ran out of the cute

little bottles that we put the medicine in.

So everybody started saving their water

bottles, and filling water bottles with

100 cc of Malox or other medicines

to give out to patients, making use of

everything we had,” Souter said.

For student Kelsey Anderson, the trip

took an unexpected turn when illness

forced her from the role of a caregiver

to the role of a patient.

“I actually contracted malaria,”

Anderson said. “I was in Uganda for

the two and a half months prior, and

then I met the group in Kenya. It wasn’t

until we started the clinic that I started

showing symptoms, since it takes a

week or two to get sick. So I had two

days working at the clinic teaching

patients about their medications in the

pharmacy before I started to feel really

run down. I spent the rest of the time

in bed. But there were a couple of days

where I was able to go sit in the clinic

part of the time.”

It was during these times in the

clinic that Anderson was able to minis-

ter to one small patient that left a

lasting impression on the entire group.

“There was a two-month old little

boy we called Baby Simon who was

dying of AIDS. All I could do was sit in

the treatment room and take it easy,

but I got to hold him and try to feed

him his medicine.”

Anderson said being sick helped her

relate to the patients they were treating.

“It was different seeing it from the

perspective of being sick. I was able

to see people with the same illness I

had, and it made me understand how

horrible it would be if your parents

had to say ‘I’m sorry but we have to

wait until we have the money to get

you medicine,’ just because they didn’t

have even the little money it would

cost to get malaria treatment.”

UNDERSTANDING TRUE SERVICEWhen recalling the trip, one

common theme each member of the

medical mission team brings up is

service. Even more than the medical

services they provided to the residents

of Malikini, they remember the selfless

way the village served them while they

were there.

“One measure of love was they

did everything they could to make us

For additional photos and to view exclusive videos of the

trip, please visit life.umhb.edu.

(continued on page 36)

Far left: Senior Kelsey Anderson administers medica-tion to a patient in the clinic’s pharmacy.

Middle: Dr. Glen Smith comforts a crying child who visited the clinic with her parents.

Left: Junior Emma Smith encourages a Kenyan woman in the spiritual counseling area of the clinic.

18 UMHB LIFE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

Sunday, October 16My school week really begins Sunday

around 2 o’clock, when I head over to

my friend Corbin’s apartment for my

weekly Sunday afternoon study session

with Nicki, Corbin, Molly, and Danica.

These study groups help tremendously!

We study on our own, then meet to

discuss what we’ve learned. Each of us

often have information others do not

have, so it’s good to hear other thoughts

and opinions. Tomorrow is the last day of

3610 Nursing of Adults I, so tonight we

are preparing for our final exam.

The course takes place during the

first half of the semester. Then Nursing

of Adults II begins and will last until the

end of the fall semester. 3610 consisted

of basic nursing care such as bed baths,

administering meds, and nurse/client

interaction; perioperative care; hygiene;

the urinary system; nutrition; and the GI

system. It sounds like a lot of information

to learn in seven weeks, and it was!

It’s surreal to reflect upon the last

month and a half and realize the amount

of information learned will (hopefully)

stick with us for the rest of our lives.

While cramming in a last few hours of

studying for the final exam tomorrow

morning, I couldn’t help but look around

at my study group. The Lord has blessed

me with four incredible friends. They

are the ones I turn to for comfort and

condolence when I feel overwhelmed

(which, as a nursing student, is a feeling

I’ve become accustomed to lately!)

I normally try to make it to bed

before midnight the night before an

exam, but my mind was going full-

speed tonight. I was pretty nervous

about the exam and had a difficult time

relaxing. I eventually fell asleep, but not

before a lot of prayer. I prayed that God

would relieve my anxiety and help me

recall the information we studied.

Monday, October 17After four hand slaps to the snooze

button, I finally forced myself out of the

bed to get ready for the day. On my way

out, I grabbed a homemade cranberry

orange muffin and a Diet Coke (because

let’s face it, there’s no way I’m getting

through this exam without a few sips

of liquid heaven—aka Diet Coke).

The final exam took place at 7:30

this morning. It was obvious the

entire class was a bundle of nerves,

but thankfully Mrs. Beamon blessed

us with her words of wisdom as she

prayed over each student. The faculty

in the College of Nursing do not

receive enough recognition for every-

thing they do for us. They genuinely

care about each and every student and

spend countless hours (that often go

unnoticed) preparing for class and lab.

I am so appreciative of all they do!

Once I finished the final exam, I

was finally able to breathe a sigh of

relief—3610 is officially over. Did you

hear that? OVER! To say I’m excited

would be an understatement.

After making a quick lunch at my

apartment (a honey wheat bagel with

peanut butter), I headed out to work a

golf tournament for UMHB alumni and

donors. As a member of Student Foun-

dation, I get the opportunity to work

at many fun university events like this.

JEN

NIF

ER J

ON

ES

I have wanted to work in the medical field ever since I was a little girl. I considered being a doctor, but decided to major in nursing instead because so often it is the nurses who really get to form relationships with patients and their families. It is hard to believe that in only three short semesters my days as a college student will be over. My days at UMHB will one day come to an end, but the lessons and education learned will stay with me forever. Here is a glimpse into a week in my life:

B Y A S H L E I G H H O L D E N ’ 13

A W E E K I N T H E

Life of a Nursing Student

Once the last golf cart drove by, I quickly

took off to make it to class in time.

On my way back to campus I made

a quick stop at Taco Bell for dinner.

I was able to pay for my taco using

the new CruCard system. Students

are now able to use their reloadable

CruCards at several restaurants in

Belton, such as Bodega Bean, Taco

Bell, and Schlotzsky’s. I’m loving the

convenience of this new system!

I made it on to campus just in time

for my 7 p.m. Pharmacology lecture.

Tonight we thoroughly discussed a case

study which dealt with a patient expe-

riencing chest pain and heart issues.

We talked about different drug choices,

nursing care plans, and interven-

tions the nurse would need

to make, depending on the

severity of the

situation.

After

class, I

always try to

wind down

by taking a

nightly jog. This is my favorite part of

the day. As soon as I take the first leap

onto the paved road and turn my music

up loud, the world disappears. During

this time, I do not think about nursing,

I do not think about my schedule, and

I do not think about everything I must

finish that day. I simply focus on the

music blaring in my ears and listen to

the synchronized thudding of my feet

as they hit the pavement.

Tuesday, October 18I wake up at 8 a.m. and start my day

by reading Philippians 4:4-7. Lately,

nursing has created a lot of anxiety and

apprehension in my life, causing me

to doubt the Lord’s plan. I know that

He knows best, but giving up control

terrifies me. At the end of the day,

however, He remains faithful, and His

divinity remains true.

Armed with this reassurance, I head

over to Wells Nursing and Science Hall

for lab. Today we got to learn how to

start an IV! I have learned so many skills

since August, but this is my favorite so

far. For some reason, this made me feel

like an actual nurse.

We learned on a

mannequin

arm but

were

given

CruCards at several restaurants in

Belton, such as Bodega Bean, Taco

Bell, and Schlotzsky’s. I’m loving the

convenience of this new system!

I made it on to campus just in time

for my 7 p.m. Pharmacology lecture.

Tonight we thoroughly discussed a case

study which dealt with a patient expe-

riencing chest pain and heart issues.

We talked about different drug choices,

nursing care plans, and interven-

tions the nurse would need

to make, depending on the

severity of the

situation.

After

class, I

always try to

wind down

by taking a

finish that day. I simply focus on the

music blaring in my ears and listen to

the synchronized thudding of my feet

as they hit the pavement.

Tuesday, October 18I wake up at 8 a.m. and sttttttararaaaraaaa t my day

by reading Philippians 4:4-7. Lately,

nuursingg haas crreatet d a loooooot t tttt of aaanxietyy and

appprp ehehensiono inn mymmy life,ee ccauauuusisingnng mmeee

for lab. Today we got to learn how

start an IV! I have learned so many skills

since August, but this is my favorite so

far. For some reason, this made me feel

like annnnnnnnnn actual nurse.

We learnrned on a

mannequin

arm but

were

gig venn

t

20 UMHB LIFE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

the clear to practice on

each other. Whether or not I will allow

myself to practice on a fellow student

and vice versa is still up for debate.

After a quick lunch at the apartment,

I head to class. Today, we learned about

the respiratory system and disorders

that go along with it. A guest speaker

came and talked to us about the life of

a respiratory therapist. She brought a

lot of equipment she uses at her job,

as well as pig lungs covered in cancer.

We were able to feel the lungs and see

firsthand the effects of smoking.

After class, I rushed home to cook

dinner before heading out to a babysit-

ting job. Tonight’s menu included sweet

potato fries and edamame. Random, I

know, but I am trying to eat all of my

food before going grocery shopping.

Such is the life of a college student!

I drive over to babysit Ella, who is

two years old, while her siblings are at

soccer practice. I love babysitting for

this family. The parents have shown me

such encouragement throughout nurs-

ing school. Both parents are doctors,

so they understand the demands of

school. Tonight, Ella and I go on a long

walk. The beautiful weather and setting

sun definitely helped me relax and clear

my head. I must say, taking care of one

child is so much easier than four!

I say goodbye to Ella and her family

around 8 o’clock and head to the

campus library to complete a few tasks.

After a couple of

hours, I go back to

my apartment to get

ready for clinicals in

the morning. I call

it a night around 11

p.m. Thanks to my

5 a.m. wake-up call

the next morning, my bedtime is much

earlier than it once was!

Wednesday, October 19My carpool buddies Nicki and

Chelsea and I arrive at Scott & White

Hospital by 6:45 the next morning. We

have clinicals every Wednesday and

Thursday. I am on 6 North this semes-

ter, which is a basic med-surg floor.

Each week, a different student is

chosen to be the charge nurse who

assigns patients to each student. After

receiving our assignments for the

day, we meet in the nurse’s lounge to

team up with our nurse mentor. She

gives us our patients’ report sheets,

which contain the patients’ informa-

tion and everything we need to know

that happened during the night shift.

I spend about 15 minutes looking up

my patient’s medications and other

important information then go to the

room to meet the patient.

I have the same routine every day.

First, I get a Dinamep, which is the vital

signs machine. This machine takes the

patient’s blood pressure, pulse, tempera-

ture, and oxygen saturation. I talk to the

patient and ask basic questions, such as,

“How did you sleep?” and “Are you in

any pain?” Talking to the patient helps

me get an initial assessment. Listening to

them gives me a general idea of whether

or not they are anxious or depressed,

and of any concerns they may have.

While in the room, I also perform a

physical assessment. I listen to heart,

lung, and bowel sounds; assess their

skin and limbs; and observe any physi-

cal problems. I document everything

on the computer, which is located

inside the room.

I then go to get medications out

of the med room and begin admin-

istering the 9 a.m. meds under the

supervision of a nurse or faculty

supervisor. We are required to know

information about each drug given,

meaning we have to look up the infor-

mation either in our drug book or on

the computer. After we give meds, we

fill out the assessment sheet in our

paperwork packets, which are due to

our faculty supervisor every Friday.

There isn’t an actual schedule to

follow during the day. We just have

to give meds at the correct time,

take vitals when ordered, and help

the nurses with anything they need.

The nurses often have at least five

patients, so we try to do anything that

will make their jobs easier, such as

vitals, blood glucose checks, ambulat-

ing patients, giving baths, or certain

procedures we are allowed to do.

At 11:15, all of the nursing students

go to the cafeteria and eat together.

This is a fun part of the day! It’s nice

to step away from the floor and have

different scenery. Once we finish lunch,

we must administer afternoon meds,

check on patients, and document infor-

mation in the computer. The afternoons

always go by quickly. We get vitals one

last time just before 2 p.m. and make

sure the patient has everything he or

she needs. Then, we say goodbye to

our patients and meet in the lobby of

6 North for our “post conference.” Ms.

the clear to practice on

Af

ho

m

r

t

the next morning, m

study group at corbin ’s

Jordan and Ms. Smalley, the two faculty

for 6 North, lead the 15 students in a

debriefing of the day where they give

us advice and constructive criticism. We

are able to ask questions about how

we can improve our quality of care and

ways in which we can be more efficient

with our time. The faculty really utilize

this time to help all of us improve our

skills and talk about any concerns we

may have. We usually are able to leave

by 2:30 and, as we do every afternoon

after clinicals, Nicki, Chelsea, and I

head straight to Sonic Happy Hour. A

large Diet Coke is calling my name!

Back at the campus, I quickly jump

in the shower to get ready for the

night’s events, which include a Student

Foundation meeting and Focus, the

Wednesday night campus worship

service. It is always so refreshing to sit

in an auditorium full of students and

worship the same God together.

Thursday, October 20Today begins with another 5 a.m.

wake-up call. I drank a lot of water this

morning to rehydrate. I’ve learned over

the past four weeks of clinicals how

crucial it is to keep yourself hydrated,

preferably with water. Did you know

that you’re supposed to drink eight

ounces of water immediately after

waking up since you get dehydrated

during the night? Just a little fun fact

for the day. I grab a muffin for break-

fast and leave for clinicals.

Upon arriving at 6 North, I learned

my patient went home yesterday so

I have a new patient assigned to me.

I follow the same routine as yester-

day. Thursday clinicals are shorter, so

we must work at maximum speed to

ensure everything gets accomplished

for the day. Most days I don’t sit down

for more than five minutes at a time.

From bed baths to administering

medications to getting to know the

patients, the day absolutely flies by!

Instead of going to lunch at 11:15,

we begin post conference. We get

done very early today and leave the

hospital by 11:30. I am thankful for an

early day because I have a busy after-

noon ahead of me. I have been asked

to speak at the dedication for Farris

Hall, the new apartment complex that

was recently built on campus and

opened in August. I am lucky enough

to be one of the first residents to enjoy

Farris’ single-occupancy bedrooms and

beautiful views of Nolan Creek.

After speaking at the dedication,

I join the other Student Foundation

members at the President’s Home

to work at a dinner party for donors

and trustees. It is a great opportunity

to talk with the donors and trustees

about the master plan. I have the

opportunity to meet Jane Meyer, who

generously donated $5 million for the

College of Nursing Education Center.

She tells me about her decision to

make the donation, and I tell her a bit

about my experiences in the nursing

program so far. What a privilege!

Friday, October 21It is finally Friday! I was able to

“sleep in” until 7 a.m. and then headed

off to open lab, which is an hour of

free practice time in the lab giving us

the opportunity to practice the skills

we learned that week. We sign up for

this time a few days before in class. A

faculty member is always there in case

we have any questions. Today, we prac-

ticed nasotracheal suctioning; we have

a simulation on Monday and I want to

be as prepared as possible.

The lab finishes just in time for the

nursing building groundbreaking.

This was such a monumental day for

the College of Nursing. Every nurs-

ing student available gathered in their

scrubs and white lab coats to line the

street in front of Wells to express our

appreciation as the donors and trust-

ees made their way to the ceremony.

Our hope is that they understand how

much we appreciate their decision to

build this nursing facility.

This was a wonderful way to end

a busy but productive week. Now I’m

looking forward to a few days off where

I don’t have to set an alarm or worry too

much about school. And then it all starts

over again Monday morning!

22 UMHB LIFE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

Katelyn Dean ’09, Deborah Baker ’09, and Sarah-Jane Sanders Menefee ’07 reunite on their old stomping grounds outside of the journalism lab during the first annual Bells and Bluebonnet Alumni Reunion breakfast, held Saturday, Oct. 1.

23

Homecoming has taken on many formats since the univer-

sity’s first celebration in 1909. Alumni who graduated before

the football program began in 1998 remember homecoming

as a spring event centered on traditions such as Charter Day,

a formal dinner, and singing in the Circle of Songs. Younger

alumni have always enjoyed homecoming in the fall—

focused around tailgate parties, a big football game, and the

halftime announcement of homecoming king and queen.

This year, alumni of all eras can enjoy the best of both

worlds. The homecoming schedule has been reformatted to

include a Homecoming Weekend in the fall and a Charter

Celebration Weekend in the spring.

Director of Alumni Relations Rebecca O’Banion said the

change was made because, in the past, homecoming activi-

ties have been limited by a tight schedule.

“A lot of the fall homecoming schedule was predeter-

mined by football and various other events,” O’Banion

said. “This new format allows us more time in the spring to

devote to older traditions such as the Alumni Dinner and

Awards, Alumni Chapel, and Circle of Songs. Moving the

event to the spring also allows our alumni to participate in

beloved traditions such as Midnight March and the Ring

and Robing ceremonies.”

Fall homecoming weekend was held Sept. 30-Oct. 1,

with a new schedule that included a family-friendly outdoor

New and improved schedule draws more young alumni and their families to campus for fall events

carnival in the Quad, an enthusiastic Friday night pep rally

at Luther Memorial, and a decisive win against Louisiana

College on the football field that Saturday. Alumni of all

ages said the decision to hold Stunt Night during home-

coming weekend was a good one, O’Banion said.

“All ages of alumni enjoy Stunt Night. That is something

that draws the generations together.”

O’Banion said responses to the schedule changes have

been positive and she expects the new format to continue

in the years to come.

“Those that attended fall homecoming really felt the

events were right for them and met their needs. And those

we have talked to about the spring events are excited about

taking part in some of the traditions they remember, like

Midnight March and Robing,” she said, adding that she

hopes many alumni will choose to attend both the fall and

spring events.

“We want to emphasize that we would love for all

alumni to come to both. We know that is not always possi-

ble, so we hope alumni will pick the event that best meets

their needs, and

best makes them

feel that they

have come

home.”

Opposite page, from far left: A family enjoys the spinning teacup ride set up in the Quad during the carnival Friday afternoon. • The carni-val was free event which offered many activities for children including a petting zoo, a bounce house, and a big slide set up on Moore Street (pictured). • Many alumni enjoyed horse-drawn carriage rides around campus during the carnival Friday.

This page: Abigail Summers, daughter of Ryun ’05 and Shavon Bassett Summers ’06, is ready in her purple and gold Crusader gear for the big football game against Louisiana College.

B Y J E N N I F E R M E E R S J O N E S ’ 0 8

PHO

TOS

BY

JEN

NIF

ER J

ON

ES

23

ome to both. We know that is not always possi

hope alumni will pick the event that best meets

, and

them

ey

24 UMHB LIFE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

Clockwise from top left: A future Crusader cheers the Cru on to victory at the football game against Louisiana College. UMHB won the game 36-10. • Jacqueline Findley leads the seniors in song during their Stunt Night skit. The senior class received judges’ choice for best skit, winning possession of the coveted Stunt Night blanket for the year. • Participants run the final stretch of the Cru 5K Fun Run Saturday morning. • Current student Johnathan Clifton, wife Leanne, and son James enjoy the catered tailgate from Clem Mikeska’s Barbeque before the football game. • During Campus Run, students pile into the back of a truck and join the line of cars making their way to Tiger Field for the football game Saturday afternoon.

JEN

NIF

ER J

ON

ES

JEN

NIF

ER J

ON

ES

F E A T U R E S 25

Director of Baptist Student Ministries Dr. Shawn Shannon (center) was presented with an honorary membership into the Alumni Association during the Dessert Party Friday night. Director of Alumni Relations Rebecca O’Banion, senior Andrew Kester, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations Melissa Ford, and Alumni Association president Cindy Breaux Roberts ‘90 presented the award to Shannon, who was nominated because of her deep love for UMHB. She rarely misses a campus event, and is the most commonly used campus figure in Stunt Night skits and Crusader Knights contestant videos. These activities are not what qualified Shannon for this award, but rather the spirit in which she does them. Honorary memberships into the Alumni Association are granted to individuals who, although they are not former students or graduates of the university, have shown love and loyalty to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.

RAN

DY

YAN

DEL

L

ABIG

AIL

DAV

IDH

IZAR

JEN

NIF

ER J

ON

ES

RAN

DY

YAN

DEL

L

ALUMNILIFE’61-63 Barbara

Thacker Troutz has

written a book on grief titled Resurfacing: Climbing Out of the Pit of Grief. Writ-ten after her son died in 2006, the book offers hope to those who are hurting and need direction in the storms of life, no matter what those storms are. Troutz takes normal, everyday circumstances and links them to scripture to address the solutions and directions found in God’s Word.

’74 Carolyn Tice Mitchell was one of seven faculty members from the Univer-

sity of Texas at El Paso to be selected to receive The University of Texas System Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award. She has worked as a senior lecturer in the department of communications since 1997. In addition to teaching a variety of advertising and public relations courses, she is the faculty adviser for the UTEP’s

Student Ad Fed Club and the communica-tions department’s Cotton Productions.

’75 Larry Zabcik has been the pastor of Temple Brethren Church for the past three

years. He went on a mission trip with Ron Winsman, pastor of Ocker Brethren Church near Zabcikville, to the Czech Republic Sept. 14-22. Ron’s daughters, Dawnya Winsman Kimbrough ’01 and Darbi Winsman Tidwell ’01, are serving as missionaries in Africa.

’76 Herb Brubaker was recently named director and CEO of ITT Technical Institute in

Little Rock. He and his wife, Jackie, may be reached at 617 Dogwood, Jonesboro, Ark. 72401 or herb.brubaker@sbcglobal.net.

’96 Dawn Conner Irons recently completed her master’s degree in coun-

seling at Dallas Baptist University and is working as a therapist at SoulCare Christian Counseling Center in Bedford. Dawn and her husband, Brad Irons ’95, have three children, Christopher, Laura, and Joshua. They may be reached at 295 Belle St., Bedford, Texas 76022 or dawn@bradirons.com.

’99 Billye Wiggins Rhudy graduated from Amarillo College with an A.A.S.

in Mortuary Science in Dec. 2010. He is employed as a funeral director and embalmer at Scott’s Funeral Home in Gatesville.

’00 Melissa Dodd Dettmer is a stay-at-home mom and runs a graphic design

business from her home. She is also the director of marketing and promotions for The Branch Women’s Ministry, a year-

26 UMHB LIFE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

Couch Cru captain Abby Criswell cheers on the football team during the Home-coming game against Louisiana College. The Cru came out on top, winning 36-10.

round volunteer position at Farmers Branch Church of Christ. Her husband, Andy Dettmer ex ’97, graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a master’s in engineering, master’s in business administration, and a Ph.D in engineering. He works as a civil engineer for Carollo Engineers in Dallas. They may be reached at MelissaDettmer@gmail.com.

’01 Kristie Brown Hernandez was inducted into Mesquite Independent School

District’s Apple Corps at the Oct. 10 meeting of the Mesquite Board of Trustees. Apple Corp teachers are nominated by their peers, approved by their principal and the administration, and inducted by the Board of Trustees. Kristie teaches eighth grade science at Agnew Middle School.

Alumni Life reports news received June 15, 2011, through October 15, 2011. If you have news to share, send it to: Alumni Relations, UMHB Box 8427, 900 College Street, Belton, Texas 76513 or send via email to alumni@umhb.edu

Got news?

’07 Kristin Bohacek and Alli-son Powell Glapa recently contributed to the 2011

Neiman Marcus Christmas Book launch. Bohacek designed the layout for the website’s landing page, and Glapa edited the fantasy gifts video featured on the website. Bohacek has worked as a web designer with Neiman Marcus since 2009, and Glapa has been a multimedia designer with the company since 2007.

’08 Robert Mattson is the associate pastor for music and discipleship at First

Baptist Church, Lampasas. His wife, Sandra Sanders Mattson ’92, is a choral director for the Killeen Independent School District. They may be reached at P.O. Box 1544, Lampasas, Texas 76550.

’10 Kathryn Frey is a missionary in Diosd, Hungary, teaching high school social studies

at the International Christian School of Budapest. She serves with United World Mission.

WEDDINGSTammie Lynn Martin ’98 to Mark Robert Browning, July 30, in Waco. Tammie is a reading teacher at Gatesville Junior High School, and Mark is an acquisitions assis-tant for Baylor University libraries.

Shelley Rene Dodd ’01 to Michael Scott Ford, April 9, in Arlington. Shel-ley received a Master of Science in nursing degree from Walden University in August, and is a voca-tional nursing instructor

at Concorde Career College in Arlington. Michael is a web developer and co-owns and operates Three Stream, LLC.

Chad Stephen Widmer ’01 to Kelli Jo Hood, June 25, in Salado. Chad is a director of inventory and supply for the athletics department at UMHB.

Bonnie Jean Hunt ’02 to Robert Wayne Johnson, Oct. 1, in Temple. Bonnie is employed by Perry Office Plus in Temple, and Robert is employed by Allumed in Temple.

Meredith Grace Akins ’06 to Dustin Lee Allen, July 23, in Belton.

Jessie James George ’06 to Christen Leanne Tolbert, Oct. 8, in Temple. Jessie is employed by Farm Bureau Insurance, and Christen is a physical education teacher at Killeen Independent School District.

Michelle Leigh Schroeder ’06 to Terry Howard Zikes, June 25, in Temple. Michelle is a first grade teacher at Thornton Elementary School in Temple, and Terry is a department supervisor at Home Depot.

Angela Renee Wass ’09 to Brett Matthew Otwell, Oct. 23, 2010, in Little River-Academy. Angela is a home health nurse in Temple, and Brett is a cell phone and radio tower technician.

ALUMNI L I F E 27

JEN

NIF

ER J

ON

ES

28 UMHB LIFE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

Teaven Barnum ’10 and Sarah Wooten ’11,June 18, in Harker Heights. They are currently living in South Korea and work-ing as ESL teachers. The photographer was Andrea Cullman Crosswhite ’05 (Cross-white Photography).

Daniel Lane Green ’10 and April Michelle Stone ’08, Sept. 3, in Belton. Daniel is a second-year student at Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Benjamin James Milam ’10 to Diana Rene Joseph, June 25, in The Woodlands.

Alyssa Pointer ’10 to Jarrod Glasby, June 25, in Waco. Alyssa is a registered nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Scott & White Hospital in Temple, and Jarrod is a musician.

John Frederick Salerno, Jr. ’10 to Alexis Annikia Jardina, July 30, in Galveston. John is employed in the marketing department of Landmark Industries in Houston, and Alexis is a student at UMHB.

Shane Thomas Schneider ’10 and Emily Caitlin Hall ’10, July 30, in Destin, Fla. Shane is a field engineer at R.T. Schneider Construction, and Emily is a first grade teacher at Temple Independent School District.

Brandon Brewer ’11 and Sarah Hughey ’11, June 11, in Little Rock, Ark. Brandon is an Apple specialist in Fort Worth, and Sarah is working for CD Ski & Sports.

Stephen Brett Cole ’11 and Meredith Rene Johnson ’11, Aug. 13, in Gatesville. Stephen is employed at Hobby Lobby, and Meredith is manager of McAlister’s Deli.

Christopher Cody Galvan ’11 to Lindsey Rene’ Anderson, June 12, in Belton.

Allye Guthrie ’11 to Andrew Crosby, June 22, in Hawaii.

Jennifer Annett Morales ’11 to Mark Anthony Diaz, June 25, in Temple. Jennifer is a teacher at Salado Independent School District, and Mark is employed at FedEx in Temple.

BIRTHSKris A. Klaus ’97 and his wife, Amie, announce the birth of their daugh-ter, Kynsie Ryann, July 10. She joins big sister, Kelsie Grace. Kris is a pharmaceutical represen-tative, and Amie is a vet

technician.

Justin ’01 and Katie Keller Russell ’03 announce the birth of their daughter, Jiliana Nicole, May 26. She joins big sister Jordyn. They may be reached at 115 Private Road 4663,

Castroville, Texas 78009 or KatieSRussell@gmail.com.

Anne-Marie Birkes Cope-land ’02 and her husband, Nathan, announce the birth of their son,

Levi Nathanael, Sept. 13. He joins siblings, Faith, Judson, Mary Ruth, and Ezra. Grandparents are Bruce ’78 and Clair Cox Copeland ’78, and great-grandmother is Mary Anne Woodliff Cox ’68. Anne-Marie ministers to her family from the home, and Nathan serves as pastor of First Baptist Church in Tonkawa, Okla.

Jennifer Pickett Barnett ’03 and her husband, Jonathan, announce the birth of their daughter, Rowen Mills, May 25. She joins big sister, Rhian Grace.

Kelli Williams Lewandowski ’03 and her husband, Jerry, announce the birth of their twin girls, Anna Rose and

Grace Abigail, April 25.

Jill Hodges Martin ’03 and her husband, Drew, announce the birth of their daughter, Madi-son Leann, June 30. They may be reached at martins728@yahoo.com.

April Marie Miller Sheppard ’03 and her husband, Phillip, announce the birth of their son, Kaiser Christian, June 23. Proud aunt is Amy Jo Miller Gonzalez ’03.

Scott ’04 and Jessica Vance Sackreiter ’03announce the birth of their daughter, Eliz-abeth Grace, Oct. 15. She

joins big sister, Annalise. Scott is an officer in the U.S. Navy, and Jessica is a stay-at-home mom. They may be reached at jlvshs@hotmail.com.

(continued on page 30)

Jayelyn Johnson (current student), Mindy Manley Fuller ’98, Robyn Allison ’10, Angie Lara ’10, Shannon Woodruff ’10, Jordan Cash ’11, Rebecca Widmer ’11, Joshua Binney ’10, Allye Guthrie Crosby ’11, Ashlee Driskell ’11, Katie Imbrock ’11, Grant Imbrock ’10, Rebeka Retta ’90, Lauren Rodriguez (current student), Brooke Cast ’09, Sarah Wooten Barnum ’11, Teaven Barnum ’10, Abby Mayfield ’11, Jennifer Larkin ’11, Holly Gaskamp Woodruff ’10, Alanna McFarland ’10

ALUMNI L I F E 29

For two alumni, a class project

took on a life of its own and has now

become what they say is the top

hyper-local website in the country in

a market of 100K. As a student in Dr.

Barbara Dalby’s Strategic Manage-

ment class, Luke Nunnally ’07 was

challenged to create a compelling,

profitable business model. The assign-

ment sparked an idea that quickly

became something more than a

mere class project. Along with his

roommate Elliot Barcak ’07, Nunnally

developed a successful web marketing

company built around selling online

advertisements.

Nunnally, a business management

major from Marble Falls, and Barcak, a

sport management major from Friend-

swood, were inspired by a lesson

Dalby taught on The Million Dollar

Home Page, where a student made a

million dollars in four weeks by selling

online advertisement spaces. The two

friends took this concept and gave it a

local gaming spin.

“We developed a website and broke

it into a large grid. We then started

selling portions of this grid to local

businesses,” Nunnally said.

And with that, Belboard was born.

What makes Belboard—and subse-

quent sites Wacoboard, TAMUboard,

Athensboard, and Bearkatboard,

among others—unusual is that when

registered users click on advertise-

ments, those ads may hold a prize. A

user can receive anything from a free

cupcake to a camera.

Belboard was an instant hit among

20-somethings and has quickly seen

its age demographic increase as the

concept spread through social media

sites and word of mouth.

“Like Facebook, it started out with

college kids and then went to the

mass public,” Nunnally said. “Our

return on investment for our adver-

tisers keeps them renewing each

year. One company is tracking a $4

co-purchase on a 25-cent coupon.

That’s $3.75 every time a customer

walks through the door with one of

our coupons. That’s something a small

business gets excited about.”

Nunnally also serves as the chair-

man of the Temple Chamber of

Commerce Business After Hours

events. He often bumps into website

users at the Chamber gatherings.

Nunnally said, at the last meeting, “a

fellow came up to us and said how

much he loved Belboard. He said he

had been to every place advertised

on the board except for Molly’s Deli,

which was pretty new. Through our

site, he had just won a free brownie

there, so he was planning on going

the next day to get his brownie. He

was so pumped about it!”

Nunnally and Barcak hope to reach

more areas in Texas, including Tyler,

Lubbock, and Abilene. They recently

received funding to expand to 15 new

markets, and they currently manage

a staff of 16, including recent UMHB

grad, Matt Wilson ’11. Nunnally

continues to operate the business

from Belton, while Barcak operates the

Huntsville and College Station markets.

Nunnally attributes the company’s

success to their faithfulness in tithing.

“We tithe ten percent of everything

we make through the company. We

have noticed that the months we

don’t tithe, we run out of money. We

have found that if we tithe, we are

blessed. It’s easy to see God’s faithful-

ness in that. That is the testimony of

our business.”

From classmates business partners

B Y S A R A H N U N E Z ’ 11

An idea sparked in business class leads Luke Nunnally ’07 and Elliot Barcak ’07 to develop successful web marketing company

Elliot Barcak ’07 (left) and Luke Nunnally ’07

30 UMHB LIFE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

(continued on page 32)

Crystal Carpenter Seiford ’05 and her husband, Kevin, announce the birth of their son, Jack Edward, March 15. Crystal teaches kindergarten in San Antonio.

Jeff ’06 and Charis Himmel Olchesky ’07 announce the birth of their daughter, Amerson Rose, July 5. Jeff received his MBA from The Univer-sity of Tyler on May 14. He has worked at Pine Cove

Camps in Tyler for five years and currently is the associate director of operations.

Esther Buchanan Houghtaling ’07 and her husband, Spencer, announce the birth of their daughter, Hannah Rachel, June 29.

DEATHSGrace Hilliard Clark ’28, Sept. 10, in Killeen. She taught in rural areas before teaching in Rosebud schools. She was in the classroom for many years, however, when World War II took the men out of the school, she became principal and, for two years, the football coach. After retiring, she returned when the schools integrated remedial reading. She was an active member of the Methodist Church and after years of teaching the women’s Sunday School class, her class decided to name the class “The Grace Class.”

Julia Massey Babb ’35, Aug. 20, in Houston. She worked at Houston Baptist College as the associate director of financial aid, retiring as secretary to the chancellor.

Bethel Henson Lacy ’35, Aug. 12, in Kerrville. She taught school in Munford, Temple, and College Station. Bethel was active in the First Methodist Church Friendship Class in Virginia and Temple. She was a member of the Civic Federation and in civic activities in West Virginia, City Federation of Women’s Clubs, and the Newcomers Club in Temple.

Emma Powell Cauthen ’36, June 15, in Temple. She was a retired teacher, having taught in Maysfield, South Elm, Buckholts, and Elm Ridge. Emma was a member of Cameron Gospel Tabernacle.

Kathryn Greer Kothmann ’36, Aug. 19, in Junction. She taught and retired as a junior high English teacher and was the organist at First Baptist Church in Junction for 55 years.

Ruth Imogene Dodson Jennings ex ’38-’39, July 28, San Antonio. She was a long-time member of Pruitt Avenue Baptist Church.

Dorothy Palmer ex ’47, in May, in Rosenberg.

Mary Crafton Baker ’58, Sept. 9, in China Spring. She taught public school for 25 years and retired from China Spring in 1991. She was an active member of First Baptist Church of China Spring. Mary and her husband, Bob, spent over 20 years taking care of foster children from the Methodist Children’s Home.

Bobbie Thorn Murray ex ’58, Aug. 10, in Cedar Hill.

Judy Morgan Angelo ex ’62-’64, May 30, in Big Spring.

Jan Jones ’63, Sept. 6, in Tyler. She began her teaching career at A&M Consolidated High School in College Station. She then taught at Robert E. Lee High School in Tyler for 33 years, where she established an outstanding, award-winning theater program, recognized across the state of Texas. Jan also served as a Tyler Junior College adjunct faculty member before retiring. After retirement, she taught at All Saints Episcopal School, University of Texas Tyler, and Trinity Valley Commu-nity College in Athens. Jan had taught at East Texas Christian Academy since last year. Throughout the years, she not only directed and taught for the Student Players of Tyler, Brickstreet Theater chil-dren’s program, S.T.A.R, and The Acting Conservatory at Tyler Civic Theater, but her involvement also extended to the Stephen F. Austin Summer Rep Co. She recently directed the popular “Always…Patsy Cline” production at TCT. As a lifetime member of the Texas Educational Theatre

Association and TETA’s Adjudicator’s Organization, Jan contributed her knowl-edge to educators and schools across the state and the nation. She was the recipi-ent of numerous awards, including TETA’s Founder’s Award and Emeritus Award, Who’s Who Among American Teachers, Robert E. Lee’s Teacher of the Year, the SFA University 2005 Outstanding Theatre Alumni, and the UIL Southwestern Bell Sponsor Excellence Award. She was the sister of Jane Jones Vardiman ’55.

Mary Jean Ross Milford ’65, Sept. 6, in Texas City. She spent most of her career as a dedicated choral director in the Santa Fe, Texas City, and Temple school districts. Known as a strong woman of faith, she shared her beliefs as a missionary in Lugansk, Ukraine, for five years with the Ukraine-Texas Missionary Team and, upon her return, devoted much of her time to composing and arranging music to be shared freely among churches worldwide through the website “To His Glory.”

Charlotte Holmes Colbert ’68, Sept. 13, in Levelland. She was a teacher in the Dallas Independent School District for many years and then went on to real estate.

Jannett Sprayberry Pritchard ’71, June 10, in Copperas Cove. She worked for Exxon Oil Company in Hobbs, N.M. After her children were born, Jannett and her husband, Gene, moved to Copperas Cove and were owners of Western Auto Store. While her children were small, Jan went to UMHB part-time while helping with the family business. She retired after 31 years of service as a teacher and counselor in the Copperas Cove Independent School District. She was also active in Delta Kappa Gamma and the Retired Teachers Associa-tion. She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, where she volunteered in many different capacities.

Maria Tamez Piñon ’72, Aug. 2, in Temple. She served as one of the last long-standing members of the Pioneer Ballroom. Most recently, she worked as an ESL instructor for Temple College. Maria was involved in LULAC, Texas Master Gardeners, Temple Independent School District’s Grow Your Own Scholarship Program, Hispanic Leadership Council, and the Santa Fe Railroad Museum Board. She was an active member of Our Lady of

ALUMNI L I F E 31

Darbi Winsman Tidwell ’01 was a

7th grader when she first felt God’s

calling to missions. Little did she know

then the big plans He had in store

for her would include establishing an

orphanage in Mapanza, Zambia.

As newlyweds after college, Darbi

and her husband Blu felt drawn to

Africa—specifically Zambia. They

committed to a two-year assignment

working in Zambian youth ministry with

the International Mission Board. Once

their assignment ended, they returned

home so Blu could attend Southwestern

Baptist Theological Seminary.

“We thought we were back for

good, but we just kept thinking about

Zambia,” Darbi said. “It was in our

hearts, especially the kids. We really felt

if we could reach them when they are

young it would make a difference. In our

time there, we would see people come

to Christ, but then problems came and

they reverted back to what they had

always known, which is witchcraft and

promiscuity. Those cultural beliefs are

deeply ingrained in them.”

This led to the idea of planting

an orphanage in Zambia that would

provide children with a quality educa-

tion from a Christian perspective.

Upon sharing this vision with their

families, Blu’s brother offered to

donate the money to get the orphan-

age started. Soon, plans were set in

motion that moved New Day Orphan-

age from dream to reality.

The Tidwells spent a year in the States

coordinating plans and raising money.

During a survey trip, Blu received 40

acres of land from a Zambian chief to

use for the orphanage. In January 2010,

the Tidwells and their three children

made the permanent move to Zambia

and began building the orphanage.

Darbi said the vision for New Day

is different from a typical orphanage.

Instead of the goal being to adopt

children out, they take orphans in and

raise them to adulthood.

“We have three tenets to what we

are doing,” she explained. “A Christian

worldview is the first priority. The

basic premise of everything we do

is to teach them about Jesus so that

when they grow up and encounter

problems, instead of reverting to

witchcraft, they will fall back on Christ.

Number two is providing them with

quality education. We have a school

on our property, and they are taught

by Zambian and American teachers.

The third aspect is retaining their

Zambian culture. They live in a house

with a Zambian house mother, so they

still wash their own socks and learn

to eat Zambian food. Our intent is

not to raise little Americans; we want

them to grow up and reach their own

countrymen for Christ.”

Eight orphans currently live at New

Day. A second building is currently

being built on the property, which

will house eight more students. The

Tidwells hope one day they will have

the capacity to house 80 to 100 chil-

dren on the property.

All of this, Darbi said, wouldn’t have

been possible without the foundation

she established as a college student.

“I think UMHB was a turning point

for me; it is where God became real

and I made Him my own. I was raised

in a Christian home; after graduat-

ing from high school, I had to make a

decision about whether this faith was

real to me—am I going to choose this

for myself or not? UMHB was where I

decided I was going to follow Christ.

In our lives, that has taken the shape

of going overseas. Everybody’s life

is different, but for us, that is what

following Christ has looked like.”

Darbi Winsman Tidwell ’01 establishes an orphanage for Zambian children

B Y J E N N I F E R M E E R S J O N E S ’ 0 8

Darbi Winsman Tidwell ’01 with her husband Blu and children Cason, Cambree, and Caedmon.

COURTESY PHOTO

32 UMHB LIFE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1(continued on page 34)

Guadalupe Catholic Church in Temple.

Evelyn Fry Aker ’74, July 9, in Temple. She began her career at Bell County Rehab Center and then worked as a special needs teacher and administrator for Killeen Independent School District for more than 25 years. She attended First Presbyterian Church in Temple, where she served as an elder and clerk of the session.

Vicky Compton Palmer ’74, Sept. 18, in Granbury. She was a nurse at Scott and White Hospital in Temple and Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas and spent 17 years as a school nurse in Mesquite Independent School District. She was a member of First Methodist Church in Mesquite.

Desmond William Wilson, July 8, in Killeen. He was the father of Helen Wilson Harris ’75.

Kenneth Dale Davis ’77, July 10, in Temple. He served 23 years in the U.S. Army with tours in Vietnam and retired at Fort Hood, where he worked for civil service in the Corps of Engineers as an auditor and engineer tech. He retired after 20 years.

Glen Fore, July 17, in Columbus. He was the brother of Greg Fore ’87.

Barry W. Stein ’87, June 15, in Belton. He worked for the FBI and later served in the U.S. Army. After he graduated from UMHB, he worked for both juvenile and adult probation for 16 years.

Jacqueline Nash Mackey ’89, June 30, in Killeen. She had been on the nursing faculty at Central Texas College.

Connie Zumwalt Mathis ’90, MBA ’92, Aug. 13, in Milford. She worked at Texas Instruments in Temple and Paragon Trade Brands in Waco. She had worked at NCH Corporation Retail Products Group in Dallas as a human resource director since 2005. Connie and her husband, Johnny, were active in Trail to the Cross Cowboy Church in Hillsboro, where they helped with various horse shows and rodeos, as well as participating in them.

Donald Rose ’91, Sept. 30, in Temple. He served in the U.S. Army from 1967-1988. After retiring he went to work with the

U.S.D.A O.I.G., retiring in 2000. He was a member of the VFW and American Legion.

Michael L. Angel ’97, in August, in Temple. Before attending UMHB, he served in the U.S. Marines from 1973 to 1979. He was a biochemist for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

William Paul Wiggins, June 26. He was the father of Billye Wiggins Rhudy ’99 and the grandfather of Ben Rhudy ’08.

Ophelia Ashworth ex, Aug. 21, in La Feria. She worked for Lon C. Hill, Sr., in the valley and later worked as the first female collection agent for the IRS west of the Mississippi River. She was the book-keeper for the Rio Grande Valley Shriners and a member of the Eastern Star and the Daughters of the Nile.

Mary Louise Ranspot Brown ex, in September, in Austin. She attended UMHB and was the president’s secretary. She was later employed by Brown-Bellows Colum-bia Construction Company during the construction of the United States Naval Air Base at Corpus Christi, and then Brown Shipbuilding in Houston during World War II. Following the war, she was employed by the Texas Legislature and later was an administrative secretary with the University of Texas System.

Janice Ann Wilson Foraker ex, May 24, in San Antonio. She worked at Joske’s and Frost Bros. in various capacities. Later she worked as a bookkeeper and office manager.

Robert Gibson ex, June 9, in Weather-ford. He worked as an operator at Stuart Petroleum Testers Incorporated.

Mary Frances Haile McCall ex, May 24, in Victoria. She was a teacher and served as a principal of Trinity Episcopal Church School for seven years. She was also principal of Hopkins School for 20 years. She was active in numerous professional asso-ciations including the Gulf Bend Mental Health-Mental Retardation Association and the Social Advocates for Youth Associ-ation. She served on the board of directors of the Becky Lack Day Care Center and was instrumental in founding this orga-nization to serve children of low-income working mothers. She also served on the board of directors of the Salvation Army

and the City-County Child Welfare Board. In 1968 she was honored at the annual Victoria Chamber of Commerce banquet with the Community Service Award for long and devoted service to the children of Victoria. On Feb. 22, 1973, Hopkins School and the City of Victoria honored her with a daylong celebration of “Mary Frances McCall Appreciation Day.” She was a member of St. Phillip Episcopal Church, Beeville; and Trinity Episcopal Church, Victoria.

Iva Mildred Fussell, former professor, Aug. 2, in Waco. She was professor of English from 1954 to 1984 and chairman of the department for more than twenty years.

MEMORIALSEvelyn Fry Aker Delia Lucky Stephens

Melvin & Delois “Speedie” Akers Armenta Redus Armstrong

Georgia “Cotton” Allison James Allison John & Kay Allison Frank & Robbie Arp Gladys Dantzler Ruby Hill Holland Senior Citizens L. D. & Ann Milliorn Albert & Patsy Muse Julia Woodyard Nation Kent Owens & Darius Kerry & Kathy Owens Riley & Carolyn Allison Owens Rob Owens Gay Rohlack

Mary Harrington Anger Patricia Robinson Smith

Vivian Moon Arthur Glenna Morgan Stamps

Ruth Flores Barnard Lawton & Peggy Bass Albin Betty Sue Craven Beebe Doris Speed Bollinger Randi Carter Johnette Shaffer Fisher Dr. & Mrs. Randy O’Rear

LaVerne E. Boyd HOLT Texas, LTD Ralph & Shirley Clarke Montgomery Dr. & Mrs. J. A. Reynolds

ALUMNI L I F E 33

Beverly and I lived on the third floor

of Stribling Hall at the ‘T’ end of the

hall. My room was next to the john;

Beverly’s room was around the corner

at the short end of the ‘T.’

During the fall, Beverly and I kept

our windows open so we could holler

across the space outside between our

rooms to see if the other was ready to

go to Hardy Hall, the bookstore, class,

or come over to study or visit. Being

able to communicate across the way

saved us a million steps down the hall

and around the corner. All was fine

until it became too cold to keep our

windows open. The chilly weather left

us wondering what to do.

Our meals were all served family

style in Hardy Hall (with a “hostess” at

each table). One day I “borrowed” two

large serving spoons from the table.

I thought we could use the spoons

until spring. I put a nail in each of our

windows to leave a small gap open

between the screen, window, and

window sill. I placed a spoon beneath

the steam radiator in each room, then

tied a bright yellow cord to each spoon

and ran the cord outside between our

rooms. There was a space of about

four inches between the bottom of

the radiator and the floor. We could

pull the cord which then would pull the

spoon up to the bottom of the radiator.

When the cord was released, the spoon

would clang when it hit the concrete

floor. We could communicate!

Some might think this was just a

repeat of the old tin can telephone,

but not so. This invention was second

only to the Alexander Graham Bell

telephone, and it wasn’t long before

we had made up a code of pull-drop-

skip-pull. “One-skip-skip-two” meant

“I’m coming to see you,” and “one-

two-three-four” meant “let’s meet at

the john door.” This code was

second only to the Samuel F.B.

Morse Code.

What was designed only to

be cold weather communication

became a mainstay of contact.

Others on campus heard about

the spoons. Many came to see

how they worked. They wanted

to pull that yellow string.

The end of the semester was

coming. We could not simply

cut the string, pack up, and forget

everything. The spoons had taken on

a life of their own. Beverly was gradu-

ating so we knew that would be the

end of the spoons. There had to be a

celebration—a ceremony.

After

Sunday

dinner just before

Beverly’s graduation, we

invited friends to attend the

Ceremony to Remove the Spoons.

The room was packed and many

others spilled over into the hall.

My suitemate Marty Wilkerson

began the program with a welcome to

guests. She gave her review of life with

the spoons—of course, they interrupted

her study; of course, they interrupted her

sleep. She continued, “But those spoons

never upset me because whenever I hear

the sound of clanging spoons, I know it

is the sound of friendship.”

Next, I read a poem I’d written

for this special ceremony, and then,

ceremoniously, we rang the spoons one

last time and untied the string.

Although the spoons were only

meant to be “borrowed” for the winter,

we just couldn’t return them to an ordi-

nary life amongst the regular serving

spoons of Hardy Hall. I will confess that I

am the one responsible for not returning

the spoons (after all, Beverly portrayed

Jesus in the Easter Pageant). Later, I had

both spoons engraved with our names.

The year is now 2011. Forty-

seven years have passed, but we are

still Spoon Friends. Over the years

every card and letter we have writ-

ten has a crudely drawn sketch

of two spoons with a line drawn

between them. On that line we write

“The string lies in our hearts.”

Pam Higgason Harris ’65 and Beverly Lisby Owen ’64; Top right: The spoon’s handles are engraved with “The string lies in our hearts,” and the friends’ names are on the spoon fronts.

Spoon SistersSpoon SistersB Y P A M H I G G A S O N H A R R I S ’ 6 5

Two friends recall how spoons, string, and radiators became their communication system in Stribling Hall

34 UMHB LIFE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

(continued on page 36)

Joan Barnes Brace Gary & Elaine Lund O’Neal

Raúl G. Castillo Mary Castillo Neale

Walnita Wong Char Helen Holmes Ruchti

Charles W. “Chuck” Clements Evanell Rawson Shepperd

Beatriz De Leon Fernando De Leon

Dr. Thomas Preston Edwards Paul Acreman & UMC Physician Network Services Beverly Norwine Adams Stephen T. Bailey Benny & Caroline Bay Betty Sue Craven Beebe Arthur & Suzanne Boyer W. J. Bill Bryan Jack E. Byrom Oleta Henry Cox Dr. & Mrs. Jon A. Dula Jerry J. Fleming Charles & Ann Fox John & Irene Ullo Hancock Denzel & Margie Holmes Mickey & Jean Hurry Al & Anna Klaus Mary Farrow Long Frank & Judy Turner Norman Marietta Parker Dr. Seth D. & Geri E. Pomerantz Salado Intermediate School Scott & White Healthcare Benjamin L. Smith South Plains Community Action Agency Jerry Vitek Press & Jo Ann Webb Bob & Grace Richardson Whitis Jean Young

Lisa Engram Elliott John Reese Chris & Jo Anne Roach Sara Pearson Smith

Tara Coet Felmly Walter Coet Leonard C. Henry, Jr.

Sarah Sims Furey Lou Provence Laine

Dr. Iva Mildred Fussell Betty Sue Craven Beebe Lissette Ferlet Carpenter Wayne & Ann Speer Carpenter Jean Miller Lynch

Patricia Ivey Moore Riley & Carolyn Allison Owens Betsy Dabbs Polgue Velva Schrader Riddle Shirley Cowan Sommer Bob & Grace Richardson Whitis Dr. Joyce E. Williams

Dr. William Harlow Donna Drew Fricker

Creighton E. Hogan Randi Carter

Mary Jane (Janie) Stephens Hogg Ruth Tucker Hess

Edward Ellis Hogwood, Jr. Keith & Pam Hogwood Wilson

Thomas L. Jones Jones Home & Auto Supply

Robert Klingensmith Janice A. Andrews

Mildred Laughlin Dr. & Mrs. J. A. Reynolds

Dr. William B. Long Margaret S. Petrek

Lillian Herbelin McKibben Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Mullins

Keith McPherson Penny McPherson

Mary Jean Ross Milford Terry & Kim Farley

John & Alice Minten Dorothy Minten Esther Minten Janie Minten

Elma Gonzales Morales Betty Herrera Martinez

Caleb Morgan Katherine Knapp Stutts

Dorothy Lane Niesen Norman A. Niesen

Dr. Bobby E. Parker Paul F. McClinton

Stacey Price Preston Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Bawcom Merritt McKinnon Johnston

Bill & Pat Reaves Cynthia Entzminger

Kenneth W. Root Marita White Root

Josephine A. Ruffin Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Bawcom

Jay Frank Schultz The Andrew Smith Family

John H. Shannon, Sr. Pat Lockridge Shannon

William H. Sheppard Danny & Amy Mikes

Dr. & Mrs. William K. Sisk Joy Lee Han

James Todd Arlene B. Todd

Cindy Tooker Kenneth & Velva Schrader Riddle

Doris Jean Campbell Turnbo Nancy Huey Kimbro

Arla Ray Tyson Mark & Betty O’Hair Anderson Betty Sue Craven Beebe Dr. & Mrs. Randy O’Rear Riley & Carolyn Allison Owens Marietta Parker Morris S. Tyson Dillard & Karolyn Norwine Whitis

Lala Wagoner Kerry & Kathy Owens Riley & Carolyn Allison Owens

Doris Wailes Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Bawcom

J.T. & Winnie White Marita White Root

Bill Wilson Kay Anderson

Bill & Christel Wilson Jan Evans Thomas

Christel Wilson Dr. Nora Stafford

Zachariah Matthew “Zach” Wright Dr. Aida Smith Sapp

Charles Zimny Ellen Whitley

HONORARIAPeggy Bass Albin Johnette Shaffer Fisher

ALUMNI L I F E 35

IF YOU ARE NOT RECEIVING CLASS INFORMATION VIA THE

MHB ’63 GRAPEVINE,

Attention CLASS OF ’63::

SEND YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO: BWIEDERAENDERS@ATT.NET

ATION VIA THE

YOU’LL RECEIVE UPDATES FROM CLASSMATES AND INFORMATION ABOUT OUR UPCOMING 50TH REUNION

36 UMHB LIFE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

Healing Kenya (continued from page 17)

happy,” Souter said. “The people cooked

for us every day out of love, preparing

three meals a day and snacks. And you

have to remember, there is no electricity,

just a small little generator.”

Most vivid in Souter’s memory was

the African cuisine the villagers prepared

for the group.

“For eight days straight we ate goat

stew,” she said. “By about Wednesday we

had eaten enough goat stew; we were

all ready for other things. So they started

making us cheese sandwiches. They were

to die for—we loved them! The villagers

changed to help us, because they realized

that after several days of goat stew, we

were ready for something else. So they

made those provisions.”

In a village without running water

and electricity, even simple tasks Ameri-

cans take for granted required a labor of

love to prepare.

“The people of Malikini truly taught

me what service was about. There’s no

running water. Think about how much

water it takes for 17 women to take a

shower! The men used oxen, went to

the river, and filled basins of water so we

could shower. They heated a big black vat

over some wood for us so we could have

a warm shower, and that was all carried

by hand. That’s service,” Souter said.

For Mutinda, seeing the people of

his village serving and being served

by the team he helped organize was a

dream realized.

“Every moment I was there, every

student and every professor was work-

ing so hard, and I was so encouraged,”

he said. “It has opened doors for many

things. We are already planning another

mission trip for 2013.”

Mutinda said, to his best knowledge,

this was the first and only mission to

visit the village of Malikini.

“When I came to the U.S., I heard

many churches talking about going

on missions to Kenya, and I would ask

myself, ‘Where do they go? They do not

go to our village.’ I’ve never heard of

anybody taking a mission to Malikini.

But after this medical mission, I hope

soon the door will be opened to a flow

of visitors to that village.”

Dr. Jerry & Vicky Bawcom Michael & Ilene C. Miller Sunny Wilson

Dr. Edna Penny Bridges Shirley Cowan Sommer

Marge Bryant Randi Carter

Class of 1947 D J Reinhard Hogwood

Class of 1948 Mildred Iverson Anderson

Dawn Dempsey Archie J. Burds, Jr., CPCM Betty Cianfichi Frances M. Jones

Marjorie Ferrill Kay Schwertner Psencik

Elizabeth Timmons Glazener Catherine Pledger Jones

Dorothy Jean Reinhard Hogwood Pam, Keith, Daniel, Sarah, Avena & Madison Joy

Betty Payne Huber Kathy Huber

Dr. Beatrice Huston Velva Schrader Riddle

Victoria Robertson Kendig Pat Lockridge Shannon

Maxine Lockhart Helen L. Stein

Joan Marlow Myrah Lynelle Sweat Mason

Aleece Nelson Anita Newell Green

Julie Wheeler O’Rear George & Laura White

Dr. Randy O’Rear Christy Woods

Carolyn Allison Owens Rev. & Mrs. Derald Dugger Carol A. Treible

Riley & Carolyn Allison Owens Mark & Betty O’Hair Anderson

Tommie Sue Patterson Randi Carter

Richard R. Raymond Merle Lucko Raymond

Helen Pearson Reese Dr. Raymond R. Reese

Dr. J. A. Reynolds Dr. J. Alford & Cheryl Rash Moore David A. Reynolds Pat Humphrey Reynolds

Nadyne Owen Roberts Robert, Jayne Gayle & Sara Jennings

Phyllis Rogers Dr. & Mrs. Randy O’Rear Pat Lockridge Shannon Sara Pearson Smith

Pat Lockridge Shannon Mary H. Winn

Michael Street Beverly Norwine Adams

Katherine Knapp Stutts Carolyn K. Hohl

Carolyn Russell Watkins Marilyn Gore Phillips

Carol Woodward Pat Lockridge Shannon

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDWaco, TX

Permit No. 1519

Electronic Service Requested900 College Street • Belton, Texas 76513