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NEWS AND NOTES 8
ALUMNI UPDATE 11
CLASS NOTES 15
L E TO U R N E A U U N I V E R S I T Y
HAVING A BALL IN KOREA 21
PLANNED GIVING 23
WINTER 2004
VOLUME 59
LeTourneau
U N I V E R S I T Y
ISSUE 4
A Message From The President
I
have said this so often that people may be tired of
hearing it, but, “There cannot be a better teacher than
a Christian teacher!” Don’t get me wrong, there can
be good teachers who aren’t Christians, and most of us
have had some who fit that description. And there can be
poor Christian teachers, and we may have experienced
those as well. But if you take those people with the right
personalities for teaching, those who are well prepared in
their subject fields and in pedagogy, and those who have a commitment
to their students—they can only be better teachers if they are also
Christians!
People of Christian faith have an added dimension that has a
positive impact on their teaching. No matter how skilled some may be
as communicators, how knowledgeable some are in their subject matter
or how passionate some may be about their students, those teachers of
Christian faith who look upon each student as a unique creation of God—
not just an amalgamation of cells, genes and DNA—take the profession
of teaching to a higher level.
DR. ALVIN O. AUSTIN
Whether in public, private or home schools, a Christian teacher
President
approaches students from a more holistic perspective than a teacher
who is lacking in faith. Teaching is a mission field. Christian teachers must deal with dysfunctional
families and must mirror Christ’s love in the face of adversity. To believe that the student possesses not
just mind and body, but also a soul, provides a foundation for teaching that raises a Christian teacher’s
potential abilities above all others.
At LeTourneau University, we prepare quality, competent, caring Christian teachers to fill the
classrooms of America. We equip future teachers to be encouragers, role models and shining lights in
the lives of children. And we are committed to doing it in as many ways as possible.
• Our traditional teacher preparation program has nearly doubled since 1999. It has produced two
Texas Student Teachers of the Year, and students last year achieved a 100 percent passing rate
for the state certification exams. Based on our students’ test scores and our pass and completion
rates, the federal Title II report card put us in the top tier of educator preparation institutions in
the state of Texas. For last year, we ranked 36 out of 109 institutions for producing the most new
teachers in the state of Texas.
• Our PACT program helps people with bachelor’s degrees gain teacher certification through online and on-ground coursework while keeping their current employment. The PACT program has
grown 1,800 percent since it began in 2001 with 37 students. Today, enrollment in the program
is over 700 and we have successfully certified over 1,200 students in the past three years in
Longview, Dallas, Austin and Houston.
And we aren’t done yet. In January, we launch our new TEACH program to help equip men and
women to make a profound impact in the lives of children. Mirroring our already successful PACT
program for adults with college degrees already in hand, our TEACH program enables those who have
the desire and calling to teach to be able to complete their degree and earn teacher certification. The
TEACH program continues the LeTourneau tradition of making getting an education manageable for
people who have to continue to work to provide for their families.
And plans are underway for a new MBA in Educational Leadership. You will have to read more
about it later. So you can see we are committed to filling the classrooms of America with quality Christian
teachers who will impact the lives of students, who will then go forth to help change the world. n
2
DR. AUSTIN
NOW
LETOURNEAU UNIVERSITY WINTER 2004
O
NW
L E TO U R N E A U U N I V E R S I T Y
ALVIN O. AUSTIN, Ph.D.
PUBLISHER
JANET RAGLAND
EDITOR IN CHIEF
CONTENTS
AMY HALBERT
WRITER / EDITOR
TOM BARNARD
CREATIVE DIRECTOR /
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
KENDALL HARPER
5
TEACH
NIEMAN PRINTING
8
News and Notes
CLASS NOTES
PRINTING
CONTACT INFORMATION:
PHONE: 903-233-3000
WEB: www.letu.edu
ADMISSIONS:
PHONE: 903-233-3400
TOLL FREE: 800-759-8811
ADULT AND GRADUATE
DEGREE PROGRAMS:
PHONE: 903-233-3250
TOLL FREE: 800-388-5327
11
Alumni
15
Class Notes
21
Having a Ball In Korea
23
Planned Giving
“BEHOLD, NOW IS THE ACCEPTABLE TIME; BEHOLD
NOW IS THE DAY OF OUR SALVATION.” II Cor. 6:2
ADVANCEMENT DEPARTMENT:
PHONE: 903-233-3810
TOLL FREE: 800-259-LETU
ALUMNI OFFICE:
PHONE: 903-233-3803
E-MAIL: [email protected]
Contribute your story ideas
and letters to the editor to
[email protected].
LeTourneau University is an accredited, interdenominational
Christian university located in Longview, Texas, offering academic
majors in the aeronautical sciences, education, engineering, the
humanities and sciences. LeTourneau University also offers business
degrees and teacher certification programs at five educational centers
around Texas in Austin, Bedford, Dallas, Houston and Tyler.
“NOW” (USPS #307-200) is published four
times per year by LeTourneau University,
2100 South Mobberly, Longview, Texas 75607
w Sent free upon request to Editor, P.O. Box
8001, Longview, Texas 75607. w Periodical
postage paid at Longview, Texas. w Postmaster: Send address changes to: NOW, P.O.
Box 8001, Longview, Texas 75607
LeTourneau University’s “NOW” magazine welcomes letters from
readers. Letters must be signed, address issues or events raised in
the magazine and may not exceed 250 words. All letters may be edited
for length or clarity. Any letters deemed potentially libelous will not be
published. Opinions expressed in letters in the “NOW” magazine do not
necessarily reflect those of LeTourneau University.
Dr. Sherilyn Emberton understands the call to teaching. In her
many years as a school teacher and administrator, she saw
firsthand the positive impact that Christian teachers have on the
lives of students of all ages.
New LeTourneau Program Opens Doors
For People Who Want To
E
Written by Janet Ragland
Photo by Hillsman S. Jackson
LETOURNEAU UNIVERSITY WINTER 2004
ducation has always
been a significant part of
Dr. Sherilyn Emberton’s
life. As one who comes
from a family of educators, the
dean of LeTourneau University’s
School of Education has deep
convictions about how education
can change lives.
“There is no greater calling
than to be a Christian teacher,” she
says.
It is her deep conviction
that has led her and the School
of Education to launch a new
education program called TEACH
(Training Educators to Accept the
Challenge) to prepare teachers and
teacher’s aides to qualify to work in
Texas public schools.
Recent changes in federal
legislation known as the No Child
Left Behind Act requires for the first
time that paraprofessionals, like
teacher’s aides, who work in public
schools from preschool through
twelfth grade have a minimum of
two years of college education
resulting in an associate’s degree
or a successful score on a collegelevel proficiency exam.
The new TEACH program
provides an associate’s degree
for teacher’s aides or a bachelor’s
degree in interdisciplinary studies,
along with teacher certification,
for people who want to keep their
daytime jobs while they pursue
their education at night and online.
TEACH is offered initially for
adults who want to teach early
childhood through fourth grade.
Depending on the number of
college credits students already
have before they begin the TEACH
program, they will enter at one of
three points: Entry Point 1 for 029 credit hours, Entry Point 2 for
30-59 hours and Entry Point 3 for
60 hours or more. All students will
proceed through the program in a
cohort of 16-22 students.
Already the author of a highly
successful PACT (Postbaccalaureate
Accelerated Certification for
Teachers) program, Emberton says
the School of Education’s TEACH
program offers new opportunities to
an unreached population.
“Even with the tremendous
success of both of our traditional
and postbaccalaureate programs,
there still remains a population
of potential teachers who
cannot meet the demands of a
traditional daytime-only program
and who have not completed an
undergraduate degree,” Emberton
said.
“Adults who lack an accredited
undergraduate college degree
but seek to enter the teaching
profession have a new hope
because of TEACH,” Emberton
said. “This new program is for
those who may have started
NOW
TEACH
5
college, but life got in their way.
They didn’t finish. But they still
want to be classroom teachers.
Some of the students might never
have had the opportunity to attend
college at all. Either way, this
program is unique because it is
‘doable.’ It lets students keep their
daytime jobs while they earn their
degrees and prepare for their future
as teachers.”
Also, Emberton already is
partnering with community colleges
to allow their graduates a smoother
transition into the TEACH program.
“Before we launched the PACT
program, I had a right-hand drawer
full of resumés from people with
college degrees who wanted to
become certified teachers, but they
couldn’t give up their day jobs to
get certification,” Emberton said.
“That’s why we developed the
year-long PACT program, which
is mostly online courses with one
Saturday workshop a month.
Working adults could do this
program and fulfill their dreams of
teaching.”
And fulfill dreams, it did.
The PACT program began
in fall 2001 with 37 students.
Since then, 1,200 students have
completed the program, and PACT
enrollment today is over 700.
Emberton’s efforts have not
gone unnoticed. The PACT
program recently won the
prestigious Distinguished Program
Award from the Association of
Continuing Higher Education
(ACHE) Region VII, which is
an organization of universities,
colleges and individuals in 11
southern states dedicated
to improving society through
continuing education.
Emberton also recently was
recognized by her professional
peers in the Texas Association
of Colleges of Teacher
Education (TACTE) for her
leadership in improving teacher
education and the teaching
profession.
“We are proud of the
consistently high scores our
students receive and our last
year’s 100 percent passing rate
on state teacher certification
exams,” Emberton said. “We
are thrilled to place teachers in
classrooms where they are truly
making a difference in the lives
of young people.”
Despite the success of
TEACHER EDUCATION AT LETOURNEAU: A HISTORY
1999
1992
LeTourneau University received approval to offer an elementary
education program, followed by approval to offer secondary
teacher training in 1998.
The mission of the teacher education program at LeTourneau
University centers on preparing caring, quality Christian
teachers for the public and private classrooms of the future.
With the demand for teachers continuing to impact the nation’s
classrooms, LeTourneau University rises to meet this challenge
with creative and innovative programs to prepare teachers.
From 1999-2001, LeTourneau’s teacher education program expanded to
offer certificates at three levels—early childhood through fourth grade, fourth
through eighth grade and eighth through twelfth grade. During that time, two
students won in 1998 and 2001, respectively, Texas Student Teacher of the
Year awards given by the Texas Directors of Field Experience.
LETOURNEAU UNIVERSITY WINTER 2004
PACT, Emberton realized it did
nothing to help those without
college degrees who aspired to
become teachers.
“My left-hand drawer was full of
resumés from people who wanted
to be teachers but didn’t yet have
that college degree,” Emberton
said. “Some only lacked a few
hours. Some had no college
experience at all. After we saw
the success that PACT and GAPS
(the School of Graduate and
Professional Studies) programs
have had, we came up with TEACH
to meet that need.”
Tana Scholl was one of the first
to apply to the TEACH program.
The East Texas mother of two
currently works with her husband,
who is a State Farm insurance
agent in Marshall, Texas.
“I have always known that
teaching was what I wanted to do,
but I just didn’t have the degree,”
Scholl said. “It’s frustrating when
you know it’s something you want,
but you can’t do it.”
Scholl worked at a local high
school as a secretary until an
opportunity to be a teacher’s aide
in an alternative education school
opened up.
“I worked with a certified
teacher for two years and loved it,”
Scholl said. “About three years ago,
I decided to go back to school one
last time and get my degree, but
after I started, my dad developed
prostate cancer. I quit school to
accompany him to California for his
treatments.
“Many times I have started
college and quit,” Scholl said. “I
attended college out of high school,
then got married. My husband and
I were both going to school when
I got pregnant with our first child.
I quit and stayed home with our
son until he was two. Then I went
back to school. My husband was
finishing up, but it was financially
hard with both of us in college.
Then came another baby. I just
said forget it.”
Her children are now 17 and 13
and she is excited to be preparing
to go back to school.
“Through TEACH, I can still
take care of my family’s needs
and fulfill something I’ve always
yearned for,” Scholl said.
Applications are currently being
accepted. TEACH classes begin in
January. n
2004
2001
In the fall of 2001, the School of Education, in partnership with the School of
Graduate and Professional Studies (GAPS), initiated a new program designed to
reach an untapped market of potential preschool through twelfth grade teachers.
The Postbaccalaureate Accelerated Certification for Teachers (PACT) program
began with an initial cohort of 37 students. This fall, program enrollment numbers
exceeded 700 students with courses being offered at educational centers in Austin,
Dallas, Houston and the Longview campus. Over 1,200 students statewide have
successfully completed the PACT program.
In the fall of 2004, the School of Education, in partnership with GAPS, is
initiating the Training Educators to Accept the Challenge (TEACH) program
to offer an opportunity for working adults to continue their day jobs, balance
their family responsibilities and move at a faster pace to receive their early
childhood through fourth grade teacher certification. Applications are
currently being accepted.
The new TEACH program debuts in January 2005.
NOW
TEACH
7
News and Notes
AROUND CAMPUS
FALL ENROLLMENT HITS
ALL-TIME HIGH
For the seventh consecutive year,
LeTourneau University is experiencing an
all-time record enrollment, with a total of
3,758 students, compared to last fall’s total
enrollment of 3,597, which is an increase
of nearly 4.5 percent. New enrollment on
the Longview campus alone is up almost
7 percent. In addition, the freshman class
includes seven National Merit Scholarship
finalists.
LETU CLIMBS IN U.S. NEWS
RANKINGS
LeTourneau University
has moved up in the U.S.
News & World Report’s
rankings of “America’s Best
Colleges” this year and
also was named a “Best
Value.” LETU is ranked
23rd among Master’s
Comprehensive Universities in the Western
region in the 2005 U.S. News rankings, up
from 28th last year.
He has taught religion and philosophy
courses at Dallas Theological Seminary and
Trinity Evangelical Divinity School before
assuming the presidency in 1998 of Southern
Evangelical Seminary, which he co-founded
in 1992. His numerous accomplishments
include writing over 50 books and 100 articles.
He is the editor of Baker Encyclopedia of
Christian Apologetics. He has been a soughtafter speaker worldwide for more than four
decades.
NOTED AUTHOR SPEAKS
Noted author and leading Christian apologist
Dr. Norman Geisler delivered the Staley
Lecture Series in early October during
packed chapel services and evening public
appearances. Geisler is the president
of Southern Evangelical Seminary in
Charlotte, N.C. An expert in biblical studies,
philosophy and apologetics, Geisler received
his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in
philosophy and theology, respectively, from
Wheaton College and earned his doctorate in
philosophy from Loyola University in 1970.
NEW, STATE-OF-THE-ART
KINESIOLOGY LAB OPENS
LeTourneau University’s Department of
Kinesiology has a new laboratory for students
to use in their study of anatomy and the
mechanics of human body movement. The
new laboratory is equipped with an exercise
testing treadmill, a bicycle ergonmeter and
several specific exercise testing devices for
students to learn how to evaluate physical
fitness. The lab also is equipped with four
Internet-accessible computers with exercise
testing and other subject-related software, as
well as group discussion areas.
LETOURNEAU ENGINEERING STUDENTS WIN COMPETITIONS
Sarah Plymale, a 2004 electrical engineering graduate of LeTourneau University, took first place in the Old Guard Oral Competition at the 2004
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) International Congress in Anaheim, Calif. Plymale is now a Ph.D. student at Johns Hopkins
University in Baltimore, Md., where she is majoring in electrical engineering with a focus on control theory of biological systems.
Also receiving awards at international engineering competitions were the LETU student design team of Mike Connor, Matt Hammer and Jacob
Kobliska, who earned third place for their design of a robotic landmine retrieving device they called “Furious George.” This event marked the sixth
consecutive year that LeTourneau students qualified to compete on the international level. Other teams included Carnigie Mellon, Villanova and
Oregon State, among others.
Left Image: (Left to right, in blue shirts) Mike Connor, Matt Hammer and Jake Kobliska
Center Image: (Top) Dr. Roger Gonzalez; (Bottom, left to right) Mike Connor, Matt Hammer, Jake Kobliska and Matt Jones
Right Image: Sarah Plymale receives award from Harry Armen, current ASME president at the Anaheim Hilton
LETOURNEAU UNIVERSITY WINTER 2004
LETU HOSTS EDUCATION
FORUM
LeTourneau University’s Department of
Teacher Education and the Partnership for
Teaching Excellence hosted an education
forum for teachers of P-12 students Oct. 12.
The event featured U.S. Congress candidate
Louis Gohmert and State Board of Education
incumbent representative Barbara Cargill.
The Partnership for Teaching Excellence is an
organization composed of East Texas P-12
public and private schools, business and
community leaders, as well as representatives
for area colleges and universities.
LETOURNEAU’S “MOUNTAIN MOVER” DESIGNATED
HISTORICAL LANDMARK
R.G. LeTourneau’s 1922 “Mountain Mover,” which is currently located in a memorial garden at
the front of the LETU campus, was designated a historic mechanical engineering landmark by
the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Nov. 29. The machinery was used to level land in
California for wheat fields.
this fall. Close to 20 of those enrolled are
former graduates of LeTourneau’s adult
programs. Due to the online format of the
program, students from as far away as
Minnesota and Pennsylvania have enrolled.
More students will start the program in
January.
LETU HOSTS FIRST EVER
GOLF CLASSIC
LeTourneau University’s first golf classic
attracted more than 70 golfers Oct. 18, at the
Pinecrest Country Club in Longview. PGA
professional golfer Dick Mast gave a golf
clinic before the shotgun start.
REEDER TO SPEAK AT FALL
COMMENCEMENT
Dr. Harry L. Reeder III, senior pastor
of Briarwood Presbyterian Church in
Birmingham, Ala., is the guest speaker
at LeTourneau University’s December
commencement exercises in Longview,
Saturday, Dec. 18.
ONLINE MBA DEBUT A
SUCCESS
The launch of LETU’s online MBA is a
success, with more than 50 students enrolled
NIFA TEAM TAKES THIRD AT
NATIONAL COMPETITION
LeTourneau University’s aeronautical
science team won third place overall in the
National Intercollegiate Flying Association’s
2004 Region IV SAFECON competition in
Galveston, Texas, and qualified to attend the
national NIFA competition in Salina, Kansas,
April 26-30. The LETU “Sting” Precision
Flight Team won first place in the ground
event championship and third place in the
flying event championships as a team and
several students took first place in individual
events.The LETU Sting Precision Flight
team is composed of 12 students and two
coaches.
FACULTY
HIGHLIGHTS
n Before classes began for the fall
semester, LETU bookstore manager Brenda
Day awarded English professor Dr. Martin
Batts with a digital camera that he won in a
raffle for checking that the textbooks were
accurate.
n Engineering professor Dr. Paul
Leiffer attended the American Society for
Engineering Education (ASEE) annual
conference and presented a paper he coauthored with LETU professor Dr. Roger
Gonzalez, titled “Development of a BSE
Concentration in Biomedical Engineering.”
n Dr. Mike Dobbs is a business professor
at LETU’s Dallas Education Center, co-wrote
an article for the International Journal of
Sport Management, titled “Hiring Patterns
in Intercollegiate Athletics: An Introductory
Investigation into the Relationship Between
Athletic Directors and Head Coaches.”
n In July, engineering professor Dr. Roger
Gonzalez served as reviewer for the National
Science Foundation (NSF) on the grant
review panel for Course, Curriculum and
Laboratory Improvement (CCLI), and gave
a lecture to the Department of Engineering
at the University of Delaware on “Active
NOW NEWS AND NOTES 9
News and Notes
Learning: Using Students in the Lecture
Process.”
n Dr. Rich Schmidt, business
administration professor at the Houston
Education Center, completed the
requirements to become a certified fraud
specialist and was invited to serve on the
advisory council of the Uniformed Services
Health Plan in Houston. Schmidt’s article,
“Can Sustainability Reporting Be Used As
a Predictor of Industrial Disasters?” was
published in the International Journal of
Emergency Management.
n Dr. Robert H. Roller, dean of the
LeTourneau University School of Business,
recently was awarded the prestigious
Richard C. Chewning Award for integration
of biblical principles in business. The award
was presented to Roller in San Antonio at
the fall conference of the Christian Business
Faculty Association, which is a national
organization of more than 400 business
deans and faculty from across the country.
n Kathy Stephens, LETU reading
instructor, was asked to serve as a state
officer for the Texas Association for the
Improvement of Reading.
n Dr. Sherilyn Emberton, dean of
the LeTourneau University School of
Education, received the Council of Deans
of Education Leadership Award from the
Texas Association of Colleges of Teacher
Education (TACTE).
STUDENTS
n LeTourneau University President Dr.
Alvin O. Austin welcomed seven National
Merit Scholarship finalists to this year’s
freshman class at a recent reception in their
honor. They are, Joshua David Bruning,
Josh deGraffenreid, John Michael Eubank,
Eric Christopher Bradley, Kelly Funk,
Adrienne Nicole Cedergreen and Jennifer
Marie Bolton.
MEMORIAL
LeTourneau University
Trustee John Law
Robinson Jr., 51, died from
an apparent heart attack
Oct. 28 during a business
trip to Chicago. Robinson
had served on the LETU
board since November 2001. He was the
chairman and chief executive officer of
Financial Management in Birmingham, Ala.,
which he had built into a premier distribution
company in the financial services and
insurance industry.
“John was a devoted man of God whose
integrity, compassion and leadership made
significant contributions to the university
through his expertise in insurance and
compensation issues and business
management,” said LeTourneau University
President Dr. Alvin O. Austin. “He will truly
be missed.”
SPORTS UPDATE
A year of change was evidenced in the majority of LeTourneau’s
fall athletic teams. The volleyball and men’s and women’s soccer
teams all had new head coaches this season and each team showed
improvement that bodes well for the future. For more information on
LETU athletics go to www.letu.edu/athletics.
SOCCER
The men’s soccer team finished the
season 8-10-2 under the direction of their
coach, Tom Wait. The team will return its
seven top scorers for next year. Sophomore
transfer Ryan Potter led the team with 28
points and was named first team NCCAA
Central Region and third team all-American
Southwest Conference.
The women’s team showed marked
improvement throughout the season under
first-year head coach, Troy Edwards.
Sophomore Erica Crim became the first LadyJacket soccer player in
school history to earn first team all-ASC honors.
LETOURNEAU UNIVERSITY WINTER 2004
VOLLEYBALL
The volleyball team, under the direction
of Anita Fennell, won two ASC matches,
its first conference victories since the 2000
season. Sophomore Jen McCool had a
record-setting season while senior Cari Hall
concluded her record-setting career.
CROSS COUNTRY
The cross-country team fielded its first
full women’s team in years. Sophomore
Heidi Sanders made her second
consecutive appearance in the NCAA South
Regional Meet and senior Nate Singer
became the first male runner to compete at
the regional event.
From the Alumni Office
Written by Allison Gardner
Homecoming 2004 Wrap-up
Homecoming 2004 was a wet one, but that didn’t dampen the spirits of those who traveled thousands of
miles to be with us during our annual alumni weekend. The class of 1954 enjoyed reunion activities throughout
the weekend including a brunch at the president’s home. Also joining us was a great group of young alumni
from the class of 1994.
Above: The alumni soccer
team sloshed through the
mud to beat the current JV
team, winning 4-1. Those
back on campus for the
game included Jeremy Bartell
(‘99 ME), Rob Bellows (’98
BUBS), Walter Burklin (’82
MT) and Kareem Frederick
(’01 BUBS).
Above: A group of LeTourneau
alumni tour Thomas Hall, the newest
completed residence hall dedicated in
November 2002, after the homegoing
brunch.
Right: LeTourneau Alumni Secretary
Kendall Harper, center, catches up
with Ginger (‘90 BUBS) and Tim ‘(89
ME) Graber.
Homecoming 2005
Plans are already underway for Homecoming Weekend 2005, including a decade reunion for the classes of
1957-1967. We are still trying to firm up the date, but it will be toward the end of October 2005. Make plans to
join us and get on the phone with your old college buddies and tell them to join you!
NOW
ALUMNI
11
From the Alumni Office
Continued
Dean Waskowiak Named Alumnus Of The Year
Alumnus Dean Waskowiak, president
and founder of Encore Multimedia, was
honored as the Alumnus of the Year
for his witness for Jesus Christ and
LeTourneau University to the Longview
community.
Dean is a two-time graduate
of LeTourneau University with an
associate’s degree in design technology
in 1983 and a bachelor’s in history/
government in 1985. Encore Multimedia
is an award-winning, full-service
advertising agency that provides media
research, planning, budget management
and video productions to regional and
national clients.
Dean’s great love for and loyalty
to our alma mater made him a natural
selection as this year’s recipient, and we are so proud of his professional and personal accomplishments. His
commitment to the Lord, his family and his work speaks volumes about his outstanding character and integrity.
He and his wife, Brenda, have two children and attend Fellowship Bible Church in Longview where he teaches
senior high Sunday school.
Willow Valley
On The Road
More than 100 alumni and friends attended our annual banquet in Lancaster,
Penn., Oct. 23. U.S. Congressman Joseph R. Pitts was our special guest
for the evening as we recognized Owen Watkins (’97 MT) for his efforts in the
development of revolutionary new technology that will impact the commercial
aviation industry.
New Jersey
We enjoyed great fellowship and dinner with a group of New Jersey alumni Oct. 22 at Fellowship Alliance
Chapel in Medford, N.J. LeTourneau University President Dr. Alvin O. Austin was with us to share about the
university’s progress and also provide an update on the S.E. Belcher, Jr. Chapel and Performance Center.
LETOURNEAU UNIVERSITY WINTER 2004
Keeping The Faith In The Alaskan Wilderness
More than 30 alumni from throughout the decades journeyed to Port Alsworth, Alaska, for our first-ever
LeTourneau Alaskan Adventure. By day we explored the beautiful landscape, and by night we were inspired
and challenged by different alumni speakers including Joel Natwick, (’84 ATBS); James Walsh, (’85 ATBS);
Adam White, (’92 ATBS); and Franklin Graham who attended in 1972. Thanks again to everyone who made
the trip out! We loved every minute with you.
Jason (‘96 ATFL) and Allison (‘99 BUMK) Gardner, Bud
Neiman (‘66 ATBS), James (‘85 ATBS) and Sharon (‘87
RE PEBS) Walsh, and Pat (‘89 IM) and Melanie (‘89
BUBS) Bertsche in front of Tanalian Falls
Loren Leman, Lieutenant Governor of the State of
Alaska, Dr. Alvin O. Austin and Franklin Graham relax
on the deck at the lodge.
The whole gang gets together for a group
picture out on the sun deck.
NOW
ALUMNI
13
LETU Grad Fuels Spirit Of Ingenuity
Written by Amy Halbert
L
eTourneau graduate
Owen Watkins
pushed the limits
of ingenuity when
he designed the power recovery
portion of the Regenerator, a selfsustaining, zero EPA emission
electric hydrant cart that refuels
airplanes and never needs to
be plugged in. Watkins, a 1997
engineering technology graduate,
is the director of engineering
for General Transervice Inc. His
“spirit of ingenuity” caught the eye
of friend and fellow LETU alumnus
Curtis Fitchett (’97 ETAT), who
thought Watkins deserved major
kudos for his design. During
LETU’s annual Willow Valley
alumni and friends event, Watkins
was stunned during dinner when
Alumni Director Allison Gardner
called his name to come to the
podium. Rep. Joseph R. Pitts (RPenn.) presented Watkins with
a certificate of congratulations.
Watkins’ wife, Reta, and his
parents, Robert and Linda, were
also on hand for this special
event.
What exactly caused all this
LETOURNEAU UNIVERSITY WINTER 2004
excitement? It’s the Regenerator,
which is set to revolutionize
aviation refueling by making
more energy than it consumes
during the refueling process. The
energy is captured by a recovery
turbine and then stored for vehicle
maneuvering.
Energy production is based
upon extensive proprietary
technology recently developed.
Regenerator uses the flow of
pressurized fuel to create energy.
Incorporating microprocessors
and a power recovery turbine,
the unit operates uninterrupted
underneath 737s on adjacent
gates, or between international
terminals miles apart.
The Regenerator is able
to create electricity without
sacrificing in-flow performance.
Refueling flow rates are identical
to conventional equipment, but the
Regenerator requires none of the
costly maintenance of traditional
fuel tankers.
Watkins has been traveling
across the country to test the
new fueling station, with much
success. Trial runs have been
held in Los Angeles and Miami,
with other airports scheduled for
the future.
But all of this may have never
happened had Watkins not come
to LeTourneau. Burned out on the
theory-heavy curriculum at Penn
State, Watkins wanted a more
hands-on learning approach. That
frustration eventually led him to
LeTourneau University.
“I came to LeTourneau for
a campus visit and met with an
engineering professor who told
me if it was God’s will to continue
(studying engineering) it would
happen,” Owen said. “I prayed
about it, and decided to enter the
engineering technology program.
There I found what I needed.”
On the Regenerator project,
Owen has put his LeTourneau
education to the test. “I minored
in electrical engineering. Little
did I know I’d be leaning on that
electrical knowledge for this
project.”
Owen has already applied
for a worldwide patent for the
Regenerator and hopes to begin
taking orders soon. n
Class Notes
MEMORIALS
Marion C. Goolsbee (’50 MES) died July
13 in Rusk, Texas. Marion is survived by
his wife, Helen.
Henry Rackley (’57 IS) died Jan. 25 in
Colorado.
James Musket (’59) died
Aug. 21 in Albuquerque,
N.M. He is survived by his
wife, Laura, their six children,
six grandchildren and six
great-grandchildren.
David Schieb (’74 PEBS) died May 2 in
Friendswood, Texas, after battling cancer.
He is survived by his wife, Debra.
Richard Marshall Dinkins (’80 ME) died
May 16 in Greenville, S.C. He is survived
by his wife, Tami, two daughters and one
granddaughter.
Jonathan E. Wills (’81) died Aug. 1.
Jonathan is survived by his wife, Jennifer,
and their three children.
Pat Titsworth (’91 BSBM) died Sept.
21 of a heart attack. He is survived
by his wife, Becky, of Sagninaw,
Texas.
Neil Roesler (’97 ‘ATFL)
died in a helicopter crash
Sept. 20 in Indonesia. Neil
had worked with TEAM
mission since 2000 and was
seconded to Helimission. He
is survived by his wife, Sandy, and their two
children.
Richard Seachrist (‘98 BUAU)
died Oct. 18 from cancer. Rich
is survived by his wife, Pichett
Seachrist, who is pregnant with
their first child, Annabel. Rich
worked at Cardone Industries in Philadelphia.
BIRTHS
Kory (’80 ATBS) and Rejane Pehl had a
baby girl, Lilyann Ruth Oliveira Pehl, July 25.
Randy (’82 WE)
and Cathy Berger
welcomed son Luke
Randall Berger July
27. He is the Bergers’
fifth child.
Ken (’88 ET) and
Jamie Parfitt now have
eight children. Karen
Joy Parfitt was born
May 17. The Parfitt
family lives in New York where Ken works as
an engineer for Harris Corporation.
Lori (’92 ME) (Criswell)
and Joel Mowen live in
Louisburg, Kan., with their
son, Kevin Edward Mowen,
who was born April 21,
2003. Lori works for INA
USA Corporation as a
product engineer from a home office.
Dan (’92 BUAT) and
Sandra Huegel’s
daughter, Alecsandra
Huegel, was born
Jan. 1. The couple
also has two sons,
Andre and Benjamin. The Huegels live in
Oaxaca, Mexico, where they work with
Mexican Presbyterian Missions.
Ray (’92 ATBS) and Maria Rising
welcomed their third child, Ann Marie
Rising, April 13. The Rising family lives in
Columbus, Ind., where Ray is a pilot for
Cummins Inc.
Craig (’92 ACCT) and Alisa Robertson’s
son, Gavin Patrick Robertson, was born
Aug. 27. The Robertsons also have a fouryear-old daughter, Sydney.
Tim (’94 ATFL) and Lori Ruth
welcomed their first child, Caleb
John Ruth, Aug. 23. The Ruth
family lives in Schertz, Texas.
Chris (’93 ATBS) and Amber Bena
announce the birth of Avery Bena, who
was born March 6. They have two other
children, Kyle and Ashley. The Benas live in
Colorado Springs, Colo., where Chris is a
captain for Skywest Airlines.
Edward (’95 PEBS) and Dawn
Berumen announce the birth of
Logan Elise Berumen, who was
born Aug. 27.
Keith (’95 ATFL)
and Erica (Coldwell) (’95
BYBA) Horst’s son, Timothy
David Horst, was born April
29. The couple also has
a daughter, Stephanie.
Keith is chief pilot for Jet Direct Aviation
in southeastern Pennsylvania. Erica is
taking time off from her job as a child and
adolescent therapist at Philhaven Hospital to
spend time with her children.
Greg (’95 ATBS) and Susan Leiby
welcomed their first child, Michael Rovert
Leiby, Aug. 26, 2003. Greg works as the
East Coast technical specialist for Stewart
Enterprises in Alexandria, Va.
Mark E. (’96 ME) and Poppy (Erskin)
Roberts adopted daughter Kate Elizabeth
Dawn Roberts June 2. Kate was born in
China April 27, 2003. Mark received his
master’s degree in mechanical engineering
from the University of Washington, Seattle in
June. He is a lead engineer at Boeing.
Phil (’97 ME) and Sophia
McLeod announce the birth
of Simeon Andrew McLeod on
Oct. 13, 2004. Simeon was
welcomed home by his brother
Isaiah.
Adam (’98 ME) and Jessica (’98 EN)
(Fraus) Culver welcomed son Addison
Thomas Culver April 9 in
Espoo, Finland. In June, the
Culvers moved to Shanghai,
China, to continue working
for KONE Elevators and
Escalators.
Joel (’98 EE) and Antonia Solis welcomed
daughter Ashley Isabel Solis Aug. 26.
Joel also completed an MBA from the
University of Texas at Dallas. He works as
a configuration manager for DNA Computing
NOW
CLASS NOTES
15
Class Notes
Solutions in Richardson, Texas.
Jeremy (’99 ATFL)
and Rachael (’99)
Blackketter had their
first baby, daughter
America Blackketter, Aug.
25 in Peru where the
Blackketters work as missionaries.
Chris (’99 CSE) and Becky
(’98 DT) Hubbs’ daughter,
Laura Elizabeth Hubbs, was
born July 27.
Jayme (’99 ATFL) and
Hannah (Pepoon) (’99 ISBS) King
announce the birth of Daniel James King,
who was born June 24. Hannah is a stayat-home mom and Jayme is a charter pilot
with various charter companies around
Montgomery, Ala.
Kris (’99 ME/WE) and Deedra Scherm had
their first child, David Scherm, Sept. 20.
Don (’00 MT/WT) and
Kristi (Osborn) (’01 PSYS)
Snyder’s first son, Colton
Riley Snyder, was born
Oct. 25, 2003. Don and
Kristi live in Wichita, Kan.,
where Don is the quality
manager/metallurgist for Metal Improvement
Company. Kristi is a stay-at-home mother.
Andrew (ME ’01) and Dacia Olson’s
daughter, Abigail Joy Olson, was born April
15. The Olsons live in Champlin, Minn.,
where Andrew works as an engineer for
Medtronic.
Kevin (’01 MGIM) and
Kimberly Webber announce
the birth of Kevin Scott
Webber, born Oct. 25 in
Longview, Texas.
Jack (’02 CSE) and Lauren
(’04 PSYA) Fewx welcomed
daughter Mabel Vicki Fewx
June 9. The Fewx family lives
in Longview, Texas, where
Jack works as an engineer.
LETOURNEAU UNIVERSITY WINTER 2004
Continued
Jeff (’00 CHPY) and Cheri (’02 ISBS)
(Andersen) Nine’s first child, Railey Anne
Nine, was born June 1. The Nine family
lives in Oregon.
New Guinea, and are career members with
Wycliffe. Dan is an aircraft maintenance
technician and Jen is a primary school
teacher.
Darius (’02 ME) and Elisabeth Teichroew
announce the birth of Amara Joy Teichroew,
who was born July 17. Darius works as a
product support technician for Far North
Windows & Doors in Champlin, Minn.
Ramona Thurman (’95 BSBM) married
Reginald Price June 7. They currently live
in Rex, Ga.
Jeremy (’99 ME) and Neely (’04 ISE1)
Bartell announce the birth of Logan Scott
Bartell, who was born in July.
MARRIAGES
Nathan Smith (’89 CSE) married Robin
Jueschke Sept. 25 at Maranatha Bible
Chapel in Horseheads, N.Y. Robin is
a software developer and Nathan is a
computer specialist with JAARS, Inc. in
Waxhaw, N.C.
Peter (’91 EE) and Amy
Nystrom were married April
24. They live in League City,
Texas, where Peter works
for Lockheed Martin as an
engineer.
Dennis Bulgrien (’93 CSE) married Debra
Breshears May 15. The couple lives in
Longview where Dennis works as a software
engineer.
Steve Walker (’93 MTAT) married Brenda
S. Graham June 1. Steve works as a
contract mechanical engineer at the Boeing
Military Modification Center.
Paul Grenon (’94 ATFL) married Susan
Simicle Feb. 28. Paul is currently a captain
on the SAAB340B with Colgan Air, a U.S. Air
Express carrier.
David (’95 ATFL) and Areli
DeLoach were married March
12. The couple lives in New
Orleans, La., where David works
as a pilot.
Dan Snow (’95 ATFL) married Jen Brown
April 27. They live in Ukarumpa, Papua,
Jonathan Freeman (’00 ATBU) married
Jamie Heiman May 29. The Freemans live
in Lincoln, Neb., where Jonathan works for
Duncan Aviation.
Jennifer Gardner (’00 ACCT) and Bill
Dancer (’03 MT) were married Aug. 9,
2003, in Speer Chapel on the campus of
LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas.
The couple lives in Schertz, Texas, where
Jennifer works as a cost accountant for
Market Power Media and Bill works for
Texas Shredder, Inc.
Kassia Marvin (’00 ME)
married Jonathan St. Peter
Dec. 28, 2003, in Grand
Junction, Colo., where they
now live. Kassia works at
Western Engineers and
Jonathan is a culinary arts
instructor at Mesa State
College.
Michelle Croucher (’01 BBA) married
Timothy Kimberling Sept. 27, 2003. The
Kimberlings live in Houston, Texas, where
Dawn works as a loan coordinator for Royce
Builders.
Matt Hall (’02 ME) and Kendra Martin (’02
ED) were married June 26 in Battlefield,
Mo. Kendra teaches fourth grade at
Bluebonnett Elementary in Flower Mound,
Texas, and Matt works as a design engineer
for Peterbilt Motors in Denton, Texas. The
couple lives in Lewisville.
Nathan Garrett (’03 CIS) married Corrie
Dunlap (’04 HIPL) June 26 in Fort Worth,
Texas. Nathan attends Claremont Graduate
University where he is in his second year of
a Master’s of Information Science degree.
Betsy Hunt (’04
BME) and Adam
J. Hunter (’04 ME)
were married July
31.
FACULTY / STAFF
Earl Thompson, former
LeTourneau University
professor, died July 30 in
Henderson, Texas. He is
survived by his wife, Irma.
1950s
Howard
Anderson (’52
MES) went to
Seoul, Korea,
along with 72
other people from his church choir in April.
Howard was part of a cast of more than
230 people who performed “The Promise”
in Jamsil Stadium. Howard is pictured with
his fellow choir member Kendall Harper,
alumni secretary at LeTourneau University.
Howard and his wife, Betty, live in Longview,
Texas, and are active in their church and
community.
1960s
Tom (’62 IE) and Clare
Chandler celebrated their
38th wedding anniversary
this summer. Tom is the
south Asia director for
Partners International in
Singapore.
Aaron (’64 CT) and Marlene Hoffman
celebrated their 40th anniversary with
Wycliffe Bible Translators this summer. They
currently live in Lancaster, Penn.
Tom (’66 MI) and Carolyn
Pace live in Lima, Peru,
where they have worked
with Baptist International
Missions Inc. for 35 years.
Chris Doan (’67 ATBS) was appointed
president and chief operating officer for
Team SAI, a Denver-based global aviation
strategy and operations consulting firm.
Harold (’68 BI) and Carol Krause live
in Honduras where they work with CAM
International. This summer they spent time
in the United States and visited with their
children and grandchildren. Adults, left to
right: Christi and Phil (’92) Krause, Andrea
(Ruffcorn) (’98 ET) and Mark (’97 ATDT)
Krause, Lori and Tim (’94 ATFL) Ruth,
Carol and Harold. The four children in the
group are Phil and Christi’s.
James (’69 BI) and Rebecca Storey have
taken a new job in Canada. Jim will be a
teacher at Emmanuel Baptist Bible Institute
in Moncton, New Brunswick.
1970s
Joe Nowiczewski (’70 ME) went on a twoweek mission trip to the Ukraine in May.
Joe and about 20 other men traveled to the
city of Kerch where they prepared a camp
for orphans that will eventually become a
vocational school.
Maury Scobee
(’72 BUBS)
and his brother,
Greg Scobee
(’90 BUDT), had
a mini- family
reunion at Louisiana Tech when their
nephew, Josh Scobee, son of Darralyn (’72
EN) and the late David Scobee (’73), was a
kicker for the football team. Josh has since
been drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Maury lives in Montreat, N.C., and works for
Billy Graham. Greg lives in Longview, Texas,
and is a painting contractor.
Jeff King (’73 CH) received his master’s in
environmental health and safety from Illinois
State University in May.
Jack McKenzie (’75 EE) went on a shortterm mission trip to Algeciras, Spain, and
Fez, Morocco, in August. Jack worked with
missionaries doing renovation and literature
distribution. Jack lives in New Jersey and
works for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in
New York City.
Jim (’78 ATBS)
and Julie (’77
RE) (Niewald)
MacKay visited
the alumni
office this summer. They live in Michigan
where they both teach school. In the photo
are son-in-law Matthew, daughter Lisa, son
Andrew and daughter Rachel.
Randy Hartman (’79 ATMT) had a grand
opening for his new business, Alpha Omega
Aircrafters, June 10 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
1980s
Deborah (Moore) (’80 BA/AU) Benjamin
has returned to school to become a
medical assistant. She would love
to hear from old friends via e-mail at
[email protected].
Jim (’80 ATBS) and Judy
McCabe celebrated two
anniversaries in 2004. The
first was their 25th wedding
anniversary and the second
was their 20th anniversary working with
Wycliffe Bible Translators. The McCabes
have three children and live in Arizona.
Peter McMillan (‘80 PEBS) and Phil
Kuitems (‘84 ATBS) have organized
gideonslaptops.org to provide used laptops
and raise money for the IBM church in
Lecherí, Venezuela. They are looking
for people willing to donate used laptops.
Laptops will be shipped to Venezuela for sale
to pastors and church leaders at discount
prices. All sales will help buy a strategically
located facility. TEAM will issue tax deductible
receipts for all donations. For more
information, visit their Web site.
Jim Sutton (’81 ET) is the mayor pro-tem
of Haltom City, Texas, where he and wife
Rachel and their four children live. Jim works
as a software engineer for Lockheed Martin.
Andrew Flagg (’82 HI) graduated in May
with a Doctor of Ministry degree from Golden
Gate Baptist Theological Seminary. Andrew
works with the International Mission Board in
Mexico.
Jim (’82 ET) and Barbie Knickerbocker
recently celebrated 20 years of working as
tentmaker missionaries in Okinawa, Japan.
NOW
CLASS NOTES
17
Class Notes
The Knickerbockers reach out to their
community through conversational English
classes, Bible studies, retreats, quilting
classes and hosting many people in their
home.
Dave (’83 ATBS) and Hilda Fyock and their
two boys are in Texas for furlough. The
Fyocks work with MAF in Costa Rica.
Dwayne (’83 WT) and Pamela Phillips have
lived since 2002 in Port of Spain, Trinidad
and Tobago, where Dwayne is country
manager for Air Liquide. They have two sons:
Jacob, 10, and Sam, 7.
Terry Cassis (’84 IM) now resides in the
Washington, D.C., area with husband
Dennis Pinnix, son Michael Dueck and
daughter Julia Pinnix. Terry works for
Lockheed Martin as a principle systems
integrator for the space-based IR system
and space tracking and surveillance
systems.
Ed Norman (’84 DT) was recently appointed
middle school principal of Florence, Mont.,
and activities director for the middle school
and high school.
Randall (’84 ATBS)
and Diana Smyth live
in Wewak, Papua, New
Guinea, where they work
with New Tribes Mission.
Brad (’85 ATBS) and Lori Crawford
visited the United States this summer. The
Crawfords and their two children, Hannah
and Bethany, live in Germany and work with
UFM International.
Chuck (’85 ATBS) and Susan
Pinkerton live Strathroy, Ontario,
Canada, where they work with
AIM as regional coordinators.
Clint Stewart (’85 MT) graduated in May
with a Master of Theology degree with
cross-cultural ministry emphasis from Dallas
Theological Seminary. Clint and his wife,
Janet, have been appointed as missionaries
for the International Mission Board for service
in Central and Eastern Europe.
LETOURNEAU UNIVERSITY WINTER 2004
Continued
Don (’85 WT) and
Mary (‘85 PA)
Wolfram, along with
their children, Jordan,
Jenna and Zachary,
are moving to Ecuador.
The Wolframs will be living in Rio Verde and
working with Mission Ventures International.
Bruce Starook (’86 BSME) is working as a
senior applications engineer specializing in
advanced die casting technology for Buhler
in Uzwil, Switzerland. Bruce, his wife, Mary,
and their two sons will live in Switzerland for
a year.
Pat McKinney (’87 BSME) now works as
the manager for research and development
for DORMA Architectural Hardware in
Reamstow, Penn.
Col. C. Ray Jones (‘88 MD) lives in Garden
City, Mo. Ray works as the operations
director for Samaritan Emergency Medical
Search and Rescue.
Stan Young (’89 EE) completed his Ph.D.
in electrical engineering at Kansas State
University. Stan, his wife, Donna, and their
two children live in Topeka, Kan., where he
works for the Department of Transportation.
1990s
Rick Powell (’91 BSBM) is attending South
Texas College of Law in Houston, Texas.
Mike Marlatt (’92 BUBS) lives in
Tahlequah, Okla., where he teaches mass
communications and broadcast journalism
at Northeastern Oklahoma State University.
Brian (’93 BSBM) and Tammie Herndon
live in Carthage, Texas. Brian is store
manager of Cassity Jones Lumber in
Henderson, Texas, and Tammie teaches
school in Marshall.
Joel (’93 MTDT) and Liz Huegel live in
Guadalajara, Mexico, where Joel is an
associate professor at ITESM, a 33-campus
educational system with satellite offices in
Asia, Canada, Europe, Latin America and
the United States. The Huegels have a son,
Joel Alejandro Huegel, who was born June
11, 2003.
Kirk Dixon (’95 BSBM) was promoted to
senior vice president and deposit operations
manager at North Dallas Bank.
Chuck (’95 ME) and Laura McCarthy have
moved to Florida where Chuck begins a new
job as the plant manager for Metretek, Inc.
Dr. Emmet ‘Tom’ Thompson, II (’95
BSBM) has co-authored the book Fit to
Lead, published by St. Martin’s Press this
year. Tom lives in Dallas, Texas.
Jason (’96 EE) and Holli Burnfield live in
Norman, Okla., where Jason works as an
electrical engineer at Tinker Air Force Base.
The Burnfields have four children: Iona, 5;
Isabel, 3; Emily 2; and Holli Faith, 1.
Victor Lavrenko (’96) received his Ph.D.
in computer science this year from the
University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Danjuma and Ida (‘91 ATBS) Yusufu live
in Kaduna, Nigeria, with their daughters,
Charity and Godiva. Danjuma works as a
pilot flying 737’s for Bellview Airlines.
Jeff (’92 ATBS) and Deb
(Archer) Mansfield and
their four children live in
Noblesville, Ind., where
Jeff works as a pilot.
Steve Rundus (’96 ME)
graduated with a master’s degree
in mechanical engineering from
Lawrence Technological University in July.
Steve also has a master’s in automotive
engineering. He works for Ford Motor
Company as a powertrain systems engineer.
Jeff Billo (’97 ME) received his master’s
degree in electrical engineering from the
University of Texas in Austin this summer.
Jeff and wife Cara-Lee (’97) (Cherry) live in
Austin where Jeff works as an engineer for
ERCOT.
Marta Montenegro (’97 HIPL) is now an
associate attorney with Watson Rossick in
Houston, Texas.
Melissa Neal (’97 HIPL) received a full
scholarship to pursue a Ph.D. in political
science and public policy at Florida State
University.
Jennifer Newton (’97 EN) graduated Aug.
14 with her Ph.D. in English from Baylor
University in Waco, Texas. She is an
assistant professor of English specializing
in early British literature at California Baptist
University in Riverside, Calif.
Kevin D. Wells (’99 MBA) has joined St.
Anthony Heart Hospital as vice president
responsible for strategic planning, rural
outreach, physician relations, cardiac
diagnostic services, cath lab, critical care
and cardiac nursing floors.
2000s
Esperanza Ordorica (’00 MBA) lives in
Tyler, Texas, where she is a client consultant
with ABANCO International, a business
solutions company.
Peter Patnaude (’00 BBA) received his
MBA with a concentration in finance from
SMU’s Cox School of Business. Peter
works for The Staubach Company in
national sales.
Larry Rice (’97 HIE2) is the area
coordinator at Cornerstone University in
Grand Rapids, Mich.
Ho Rick Lam (’01 BBA) works as vice
president for Boehck Mortgage Company in
Houston, Texas.
Heather Campbell (’98 ME) graduated with
a Master of Science degree in mechanical
engineering from the University of Oklahoma
in May 2003. Heather lives in Arcadia, Okla.,
with her husband Michael and 11-month-old
daughter Mattison.
Rex Redden (’01 BBM) was selected as
assistant to the police chief for the McKinney
Police Department in McKinney, Texas.
Joe Myers (’98 BYES) received his
teaching license in secondary biology and is
in his second year of teaching at Academia
Cristiana Internacional de Caracas in
Venezuela.
Heather Bain (’02 BBA) was inducted as
a new member into the Sigma Beta Delta
Honor Society this spring.
Justin Callaway (’02 ME) is working for
Percardia, Inc., which is a medical device
research and development company in New
Hampshire. He has worked on a metallic-
and polymer-based implant and is now the
lead design engineer for the percutaneous
catheter based delivery system.
Bob D. Smith (’02 BBM) and his wife,
Kimberly, live in Arlington, Texas, where
Bob works as quality control coordinator for
CargoKids.
Debbie Marcum (’03 EN/HIPL) earned a
Master of Studies
in English from
Oxford University
in May. She
is currently
attending Cornell
University in
pursuit of a Ph.D.
in Medieval Studies.
Derek Fugate (‘04 CSE)
recently accepted a
position with Lockheed
Martin as a computer
systems engineer
working at Offutt Air
Force Base near Omaha,
Neb.
Caleb (’04 ME) and Brook Fulks live in
Abilene, Texas, where Caleb works as
an engineer for Tige Boats and Brook is
in graduate school at Abilene Christian
University.
Alumni Answered The Call
In September, the lights on the third floor of the Memorial Student
Center stayed on late as more than 20 current students visited with
alumni during our Phonathon event. The purpose of the annual event
is to obtain updated contact information and raise money for student
scholarships.
Thanks so much to everyone who took the time to visit with
these students and pledge your support. If you haven’t already
participated, you can give online at www.letu.edu by clicking the
“Make a Gift” quick link on the right-hand side of the home page.
Remember, our alumni giving percentage helps us raise outside
funds from foundations and corporations. So it’s not necessarily the
amount you give, but that you give. Every gift counts!
NOW
CLASS NOTES
19
Having a Ball in Korea
Written by Dr. Steve Ball
Dr. Ball, his wife,
Kimmie, and their
two sons, Alex
and Darby, visit
a 1,300-year-old
astronomical
observatory.
In
of
front
the B
u
sa
lguk
le
p
Tem
S
ometimes it can be difficult to follow where
the Lord leads us, but LeTourneau physics
professor Dr. Steve Ball has learned
firsthand that God has a plan for each
of us. That faith was tested this fall when Ball
packed up his family to spend a semester teaching
at Handong Global University in Pohang, South
Korea. In Korea, the Balls have learned to adjust to
a new culture, while sharing their faith and God’s
words with their new neighbors.
The Beginning
Two summers ago, LeTourneau University
President Dr. Alvin O. Austin and Vice President
Dr. Glenn Sumrall went to Korea at the request of
LeTourneau professor Dr. Kyun Lee to establish
a partnership with the private Christian university
Handong Global in Pohang, South Korea. When
I learned of this I felt compelled to seek out Dr.
Austin and Dr. Sumrall as soon as they returned
and volunteer to be an exchange professor. Even
when we moved to Texas in the fall of 2001, I
knew that giving up a tenured faculty position at
Bethel College, Ind., meant I would not have the
opportunity to take a sabbatical for many years.
We knew the Lord had called us to Texas, but I
had a growing desire to experience a cross-cultural
setting. This seemed like the perfect opportunity.
But my initial enthusiasm would be put to
the test in several ways over the next two years.
Some changes in personnel at Handong delayed
working out an exchange. We eventually learned
that Handong did not even have a full-time physics
faculty, so there would be no true “exchange.” But
then representatives of Handong University came
to visit LeTourneau in February 2003 and once
again we talked excitedly about an exchange.
Handong professor Dr. C.S. Lee then came to
spend his sabbatical year at LeTourneau. Through
his help and renewed efforts by Handong to work
out the exchange, I was offered a contract to teach
at Handong. Dr. Austin and Dr. Sumrall have been
very supportive of us going to Korea and hope that
this will result in closer ties between our institutions,
especially the bond we share in Christ.
Handong Global University embodies the
growing movement of Korean Christians to be
increasingly bold in sharing the gospel of Jesus
Christ, especially in East Asia. Top students are
choosing to attend Handong to combine a technical
LETOURNEAU UNIVERSITY WINTER 2004
training with a Christian worldview. Handong is
only nine years old and its founding president, Dr.
Young-Gil Kim is still helping to shape its Christian
vision and character. Like R.G. LeTourneau, he
has a remarkable life story and his charismatic
leadership has helped Handong survive initial trials
and experience phenomenal growth.
Settling In
Handong is located north of Pohang, a city
of 500,000 built on a natural harbor. Pohang has
taken advantage of that harbor by building one of
the largest steel mills in the world on it (POSCO).
The steel mill was started in the 1960s and stands
as a testament to the hard working and energetic
spirit of the Korean people, as it has grown to
become one of the largest producers of steel and
a source of wealth and stability for the Korean
economy.
What surprised us was how high up in the hills
Handong lies. It is several miles north of downtown
Pohang, out in the country, much too far to walk.
But Handong University is very much a community
unto itself, with a small commissary-type store,
athletics facilities and even a chapel, which has
services in English on Sunday.
Our apartment is very nice. We have a kitchen
and dining area, a living room area with satellite TV,
two bedrooms and a bathroom. It was furnished
with the basics, and then a new neighbor loaned
us some towels and gave us some brownies.
Everyone has been so nice to us, asking us if we
need anything. The wife of one professor serves as
a guest-house coordinator, being fluent in English
and Korean. Hyun has been a great help in most
everything imaginable. She had a bunk bed moved
into the boys’ room just before we arrived.
The foreign guests at our apartment complex
(seven buildings each with four apartments,
housing foreign faculty) are like one big family in
some ways. That is a pleasant surprise for us,
since I didn’t want the family to feel isolated here.
The boys even have a soccer and basketball area
just below our apartment. It belongs to an Englishspeaking high school on Handong’s campus.
Our son, Darby, takes Tae Kwon Do lessons on
Tuesday mornings each week. The master of a
local academy volunteered to bring Darby to his
academy and give him individual lessons since
he greatly respects Handong. Most people here
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KOREA
21
during my subway ride back to the hotel. One was
an elderly gentleman who became a Christian 10
years ago because of a mid-life crisis. He just
overflowed with joy. After this gentleman had to
The (Korean) University Experience
transfer lines, I was approached by a younger
man. He also asked if I was a Christian and what
I’m enjoying my interactions with the students.
work I was doing in Korea. When I told him I was
I have several international students, since they all
teaching at Handong University in Pohang for the
know English, but are still
fall semester, he told me that
trying to learn Korean. I’m
he had become a Christian
not sure how many classes
because of the influence
are actually taught in
of Dr. Young-Gil Kim, the
English here, but President
president of Handong. They
Kim is pushing to have
had both been at the Korean
more. My creation and
Advanced Institute of Science
evolution class is the largest
& Technology several years
of my classes, with 40
ago, before Dr. Kim resigned
students enrolled.
his tenured position there
The students seem
to become Handong’s first
to have no difficulty with
president. He wanted me to
English, which is nice.
give his greeting to Dr. Kim
We’ve already had some
and wished me a wonderful
interesting dialogue. I
time in Korea.
was very impressed with
Seoul is a city that
their responses when they
represents many miracles,
orally summarized their
representing how Korea is
group discussions on the
blessed with democracy,
question of what in Genesis
prosperity and freedom. The
1 seems unclear to them.
biggest blessing is how the
Some of their responses
gospel has taken root and
I had never considered
swept this nation, where
before. They have felt free
the church is still growing,
to express thoughts about
presently representing 28
how Scripture seems to
percent of Korea’s population.
be at odds with a scientific
Conversely, North Korea
understanding of the Earth,
Dr. Ball, standing outside the Bulguksa Temple with his
is under heavy bondage
two sons, Alex and Darby, and Dr. C.S. Lee
which is an important
and reports of believers
first step in beginning to
persecuted continue to come
explore this topic. This allows us to do meaningful
from defectors. News of torture and biological
investigation of the relationship between science
testing being done on North Korean imprisoned
and the Scriptures.
Christians was headline news in the Korean Herald
while we were in Seoul.
The Lord has blessed us abundantly already.
Christianity In Korea
The people we have met have just overwhelmed
us with their love and kindness. We hope to be
We left Pohang on Thursday, Sept.16 on the
a blessing to others in our brief time here. Alex
express bus to Seoul. I had agreed to represent
seems to be enjoying the experience thoroughly.
LeTourneau University to some English-speaking
Even after spending a long afternoon dealing with
high schools of Korea. It is amazing how willing
long waits and bureaucracy when we first arrived,
Korean Christians are to speak to a complete
Darby told that we will miss Korea when we go
stranger from America, just because of the Bible
back to America. Kimmie and I thought that was
in my hand. I had almost thought of leaving my
amazing, coming from the same one who was a
Bible back at the hotel because it didn’t fit into
bit resistant to coming here. God has shown us in
my laptop case very well. But I am very glad to
many ways that this is where He wants us for now.
have taken it, since two Christians visited with me
May all of us choose to be where He calls us. n
can speak English to some extent. But they do
appreciate hearing “Gamsa Hamnida” (thank you).
LETOURNEAU UNIVERSITY WINTER 2004
Calmly Doing Your Will
Getting around to writing or updating a last will and testament is one of those things that always seems to
wind up at the bottom of our “to-do” list. We do not want to stop what we are doing to spend time contemplating
our demise and making decisions about the distribution of our assets. We know it’s important, but we keep
putting it off for a more convenient time.
Sometimes, however, we get a nudge that makes us act. For example, we become aware of a recent death
that came suddenly to a friend who didn’t have a will, and how this causes so many problems for the grieving
loved ones.
Or maybe we are preparing for a long journey overseas and we are motivated to “get our
house in order” should something horrible happen during the trip.
Then again, maybe we receive disturbing news from a
physician that causes us to care for long-delayed estate-planning
decisions.
Following through on any of these nudges is a good thing,
because living without a will is a risky alternative. But acting
on nudges has its downside, too. We can make poor or faulty
decisions when hurried.
This is one reason your friends in the Planned Giving
Department at LeTourneau University urge you to care for
your will now when you are not facing an emotional reaction
to a friend’s death, a trip deadline or even unsettling news
of a physical ailment. It is so much better to write or update
your will when you have the time and mental quietness to
concentrate on making sound decisions regarding your estate—
when you can do it calmly.
We have prepared a Will Information Kit to make things
easier for you. It includes several items that will help you think
through the process and gather information from your attorney.
For your free packet, please use the response form below, or
call the Office of Planned Giving at 903-233-3809.
q Please send me more information about how I can give to LeTourneau University.
q I am considering a provision for LeTourneau University and would like someone to call me.
q I have not previously informed you, but I have included LeTourneau University in my estate plans through:
qmy will q a trust arrangement q an insurance policy q other _________________________
Bryan Benson
Name: _________________________________________________ Phone: _______________________________
Address: _______________________________________________ E-mail: _______________________________
City, State, ZIP: ________________________________________________________________________________
Mail to: Bryan Benson, Director of Development, LeTourneau University, P.O. Box 7333, Longview, TX 75607,
or visit our Web site at www.letu.edu/plannedgiving w (800) 259-5388, (903) 233-3809
NOW
PLANNED GIVING 23
Nearing Our Goal To Raise $15 Million For The
S. E. Belcher, Jr. Chapel And Performance Center
More than $12 million already has been raised or pledged toward the construction of the $15 million
S. E. Belcher, Jr. Chapel and Performance Center. We appreciate your prayers and support in making
this much-needed facility a reality. For information or to make a pledge, call Jim Hughey,
vice president for advancement at 800-259-LETU or send an e-mail to [email protected].
LeTourneau
University
NOW
P.O. Box 8001
Longview, TX 75607
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