John Brockman - Southwestern University

Transcription

November 7, 2014
Dear Members of the Class of 1964,
Welcome back to Southwestern! Each year we begin Southwestern’s Homecoming
festivities with the Golden Anniversary Luncheon, one of the weekend’s most
meaningful events.
Southwestern truly has been blessed through the efforts of many dedicated alumni.
Please accept our heartfelt thanks for your continued support.
Take time to stroll the campus this weekend, reminisce about favorite classmates
and professors, meet our marvelous students, and tour new facilities. Southwestern
provides a rich learning environment and values its great teaching tradition, as it
has for almost 175 years.
The achievements and accomplishments which have marked your life the past 50
years are a source of great pride and honor to your Alma Mater. This book
recognizes this important milestone. We are so grateful that you have chosen to
make your Southwestern Experience a lifelong endeavor. Our hope is that you will
return to campus as a member of the 50+ Society for many years to come.
Sincerely,
The Office of University Relations – Alumni and Parents
Southwestern University
Jerry Abel
Children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are:
Children: Shirley Sheffield, Charlotte Glenn, Russell Abel
Grandchildren: Johanna Kim, Mark Wade Sheffield, Hannah Glenn, Alexandria Glenn, Caroline
Glenn, Allison Abel, Ashley Abel
Great-grandchildren: Coleman Kim, Amelia Kim
When I graduated (or left) Southwestern, the first things that happened to me were:
Moved to Washington, D.C. to work for the Dept. of Commerce as an International Trade
Specialist. After two years I returned to UT to attend the Institute of Public Affairs (prior to LBJ
School) on a fellowship from Governor John Connally's office. After completing the two-year
program, I served an internship in the Dept. of Public Welfare. In 1971 I met and married
Marguerite and gained Shirley and Charlotte as daughters.
My career path has been:
After completing the internship, I remained with the Dept. of Public Welfare as Assistant
Personnel Director. I continued with the Dept. serving as Chief of Planning Bureau, Director of
Regional Operations, and Chief of Staff/Budget Director until 1992. In 1992 the Children's and
Adult Protective Services became a separate agency, and I moved with it to establish the original
organization transition from DHS and remained there until my retirement in 1996 serving as
Deputy Director for Financial Management and CFO. Shortly after retiring from the state, I was
hired as a consultant to Lockheed Martin as they partnered with IBM to compete to privatize
welfare services in Texas. This division of Lockheed Martin was sold to ACS State and Local
Solutions, and, subsequently, to ResCare, Inc. I remained with these entities serving as Vice
President for Pricing until my final retirement Dec. 31, 2013.
Things I like to do now are:
After my marriage to Marguerite, we lived in Austin until 1975 when, following the birth of our
son, Russell, we moved back to my hometown of Elgin. This was the culmination of a two-year
search for land in the area surrounding Austin. We found land and settled right back in my
hometown of Elgin. Starting with one horse for our daughter, Charlotte, over the last 35 years we
built barns and arenas, resulting in Abel Cutting Horses. While continuing to work in Austin,
ranch construction and management allowed me time for only occasional riding. However, in
2010 I was able to start showing some of our horses, resulting in 12th place finish in the nation in
my class for that year. Family and health issues have curtailed my showing since then. Now after
my retirement, I expect to start again soon! We are also very involved with the Elgin Methodist
Church, including singing with our Praise Team and church choir.
Jerry Abel
My favorite Southwestern memories are:
After attending UT, the first semester of my freshman year on a full scholarship, I decided to
transfer to SU for the spring semester. It was the best choice I could have made.
I remember living in Mood Hall and then pledging to Pi Kappa Alpha, although I said I would
never join a fraternity. SU was a world apart from the 40,000 student campus at UT. My whole
experience and tenure at Southwestern with the life-long friendships molded my life forever. I
still clearly remember my major professor (Merzbach), although he has and probably all other
professors have now passed. Then two years later my brother joined me at SU.
The opportunity to play in the SU band and symphony was especially rewarding. Living in the
fraternity house was a special privilege and prepared me for the wonderful experience of living
in the barracks in San Diego for Navy boot camp!
Why I love Southwestern:
It is hard for me to imagine how anyone who attended SU could not love the experience and life
changing impact it had and has. When I come from Elgin to Georgetown I always go by and
marvel at the changes and growth that has happened. It is a reflection of the impact that the
university has had on those who spent their wonderful years there.
Jerry Abel with Don Ward in front of the Pike House
At graduation with Mom
Jerry Abel
Home with the armadillo
Received the NCHA Award
Dee Weissinger Acker
Spouse’s Name: Stephen E. Acker
Children: Angela Paige & Geoffry Anderson
Grandchildren: Samantha Ray
Development and Fundraising; started the Foundation for the Norman Public Schools. Also,
started and was the Executive Director for 10 years for the Norman Regional Hospital.
Spend time with my family, volunteer with different groups, sew and read.
I live in Santa Fe part of the year.
It is a great place to make life-long friends and receive a quality education in a Christian
atmosphere.
Julie Hailey Birkner
Spouse’s Name: John Ray Birkner (deceased)
Children: Jennifer Birkner Hathaway, Jan Birkner Cook, Jack Birkner
Grandchildren: Paul, Sunni & Mike Reilley; Hailey, Sarah and Gracie Birkner; PJ and Jamie
Hathaway; Katherine and Wilson Cook
I married John, finished my degree at the University of Houston, moved to Bryan, Texas, and
had three babies in 3 years! I went back to school to study music.
I have a Masters Degree in Choral Conducting and taught choir in Bryan for 30 years before
retiring. At present I teach private voice lessons at both of the high schools in Bryan.
Teach high school singers. Sing in choirs. Plant flowers. Vacation at the Mayan Dude Ranch
with my family. Play Words With Friends. Read. Watch my grandchildren’s activities. Judge
music contests.
Meeting my husband at the Freshman Mixer. Joining Alpha Delta Pi. Being chosen All-School
Beauty. Watching the fireflies from the riverbank. Singing in the choir with Dean John Richards.
Singing German Christmas carols for Dr. Gaupp. The “Dean’s Team” Barbershop Quartet.
Having unlimited class cuts after making the grades.
SU did and still does provide an excellent education in a stable, value-based environment.
Julie Birkner and Children:
Left to right: Jennifer Birkner Hathaway, Julie Birkner, Jan Birkner Cook
Top center: John (Jack) Birkner
Grandsons
Granddaughters
Julie with
Family
John Brockman
Spouse’s Name: Martha Beard '65
Children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are: J. Hampton, Austen, and Parker
Martha and I got married in Georgetown, and we drove to Idaho to work as fire lookouts in the
Clearwater National Forest. Our station was Horseshoe Lake Lookout, and it was located a mile from the
Lewis and Clark (Lolo) Trail. This trail also served as Chief Joseph’s (and the Nez Perce’s) escape route
in 1877 and the chase route for General O. O. Howard. Howard camped at “Howard’s Camp” near the
tower site where he lost a cannon. We looked for it without success. I guess it is still there somewhere.
We were flown to the tower by helicopter with a two-week supply of food. The tower included a radio,
gas lantern, tiny propane stove and tiny propane refrigerator. Our furnishings included a small captain’s
bed, a table with two chairs, and a fire finder. Our “home” was a 12’ x 12’ cabin and 55 feet off the
ground. It gently swayed in a breeze. There was much more than gentle swaying in the frequent storms.
The outhouse was down four flights of stairs and then about 30 yards from the base of the tower.
The first storm hit less than an hour after the helicopter lifted off. The tower was grounded for lightening,
but we soon became well acquainted with St. Elmo’s Fire. The last of the snow pack left the area by midJuly and the first snow of “winter” came on August 19th. On that same day we ran out of propane and our
radio stopped sending out our urgent pleas. There were close encounters with bears, real and imaginary,
elk, chipmunks and a kitten named Kelly Creek. After 60 days or so on the tower, we drove back to Texas
with more than enough adventure stories to last 50 years. Don’t get us started!
While attending Southwestern, I had been working summers and holidays all over Texas as a telegraph
operator and station agent for the Missouri Pacific Railroad. So after Martha and I returned from Idaho,
we drove to St. Louis with everything we owned in a ’62 Volvo sedan, and I went to work at the Missouri
Pacific’s headquarters. I worked directly with the General Superintendent of Transportation in a variety of
positions for two years. Each promotion included more hours and more days. Hampton was born in St.
Louis and I could see a trend that included being at work more and more and probably out of town more
and more.
Meanwhile Martha had been attending Washington University to take the three one-hour voice classes
Dean Richards said she needed to complete her degree at Southwestern. She had the good fortune to study
under a world-renowned opera coach, Leslie Chabay, who also taught Robert Guillaume of Benson fame
as well as a number of other musical and opera stars. After completing these courses and getting her
degree, Martha met up with a high school friend who was getting her Masters’ degree at Texas A&M. We
had discussed a similar path for me to follow, and so Martha applied to teach back home in Bryan just in
case there was an opening in the next year or two. Within a week she was called back. Knowing that
John Brockman
another music teaching spot might not be available for years, she took the job and I applied to A & M at
the last minute. Luckily Southwestern had required us to take the GRE before graduation!
We lived in a small house that had been her grandparents’ home in their later years at the farm in Kurten
just 10 miles from Bryan. Martha taught in Bryan and I had an assistantship at A&M. Some holidays I
still worked for the railroad. After completing my thesis on Port Sullivan Texas at A&M, we moved to
Austin for five years. Martha taught at Palm Elementary on First Street (now Cesar Chavez); I entered the
PhD program at UT, still working evenings for the railroad. There was not a lot to do at the station after
the Texas Eagle departed for St. Louis and I was able to study at the depot more than I ever would have at
home! I also taught, as I had done at A&M, my own history classes at UT while working on that Ph.D.
In 1973, with my dissertation underway, I took a job at Bee County College in Beeville. Martha took the
first year off, but then returned to the classroom—this time as an elementary teacher rather than music.
We thought we would stay in Beeville (quite a change from Austin) at least three years but no longer than
five. Here we are after 41 years.
I moved from an instructor in history and government to positions as division chair, vice president of
instruction and finally as president of the college for the last eight years before I retired. This was never
my career goal. Things kind of just happened. Sometimes, it seemed that I took promotions more as a
defensive move rather than as a career move. Anyway, I crossed over to the “other side,” the dark side of
administration for about half of my 34 years at BCC (now known as Coastal Bend College).
Martha retired in 1998 after 29 ½ years in TRS. I retired in 2007. At this time I took a part time job as a
Leadership Coach for Achieving the Dream, a program designed to help community colleges in their
efforts to improve completion rates. Currently I work with colleges in South Carolina, Georgia, Arkansas,
and Texas. The work involves about 12 trips a year. Martha sometimes goes with me, and we continue on
to other places such as Branson, Memphis, Augusta, Savannah and the like.
This Fall I am beginning work as a consultant on something called the New Mathways Project in Texas
and Arkansas. It’s sponsored by the Dana Center at the University of Texas. The new “mathways”
provides alternatives to College Algebra, the most common means of satisfying the dreaded math
requirement in most degree programs. So far the alternatives include a course in Contemporary
Mathematics or a course in Statistics.
During one of my trips, Martha and I returned from Chicago to Texas by Amtrak with a stopover in St.
Louis. We had never been back to St. Louis since leaving in 1966. Going to the places we lived in
Brentwood and across from Forest Park, we found one apartment complex had been turned into very nice
looking condos, and the other apartment building was very much improved as well. The MoPac HQ was
being turned into condos, now that it is part of the Omaha based Union Pacific. None of the places we had
lived had become the expected parking lots - a very pleasant surprise. The downtown area of St. Louis
was much more pleasant as well.
In our early years in Beeville, we were active in the college/community theatre. Martha was cast in the
lead for several musicals including Music Man, I sometimes ran the lights, and Hampton became
involved as well. This meant a lot of evenings in rehearsals for weeks and weeks. We were all in Our
Town where I played two roles, one being a dead person. Some suggested type casting! After several
years we found that such a schedule was too demanding, and we decided to seek other avenues. We all
John Brockman
like to travel and after a few years in Beeville, I began to take the summers off so that I could join Martha
and Hampton. Hamp went to Camp Champions for several summers, and Martha and I would travel to
Mexico, return and get Hamp and then head for New Mexico. Later on we would spend much of the
summers at Kurten and travel around with that as our base. One of our longer trips involved a very long
train trip from Laredo to Mexico City and on down to Oaxaca. From there we flew in a DC-3 that barely
cleared the mountains en route to Puerto Escondido with its thatched roof and open-sided airport.
We have managed a couple of trips to Europe and the British Isles and also two trips to Takayama, Gifu,
Japan, where Austen and Parker were born. Takayama, Kyoto, and the Noto Hanto peninsula in Japan
were the most exotic places in our travels. These days, cruises seem to have the most appeal. It doesn’t
really seem to matter where we are going!
The Southwestern University Student Senate and the Debate over Integration, 1963-1964
John Brockman, President of the Student Senate
At the beginning of the school year, the Southwestern University Student Senate dealt with these familiar
student issues:
Cheerleader elections and the makeup of the cheerleading squad
Support for a Soccer team (the Senate voted to purchase a soccer ball)
Making the “Book of the Month” selection available in the Library
Voting procedures and constant constitutional questions
Whether or not to add Zip codes to addresses in Student Directory
Campus lighting and parking
A broken FM radio in SUB
Required chapel
A new Student Senate constitution (always promised)
In the minutes for the October 22, 1963, meeting, I made a hand-written note indicating the presence of
some other, more important issues:
I. Integration
II. Mood Hall
III. Admissions
• Type of student wanted
• How foreign students were chosen
• Wages and hours of campus help, cafeteria, grounds
• Work scholarships and athletic scholarships
• The Megaphone
Although integration was the major issue before the Student Senate from October forward, the discussion
of the issue doesn’t appear in Student Senate minutes except once on March 3, 1964. Nor are there
references to segregation or integration discussions included in official minutes of the meetings of the
Southwestern University Board of Trustees. According to William B. Jones’, To Survive and Excel, The
Story of Southwestern University, 1849-2000, any such Board of Trustees discussions were noted in a
separate, confidential file kept in the President’s office. This was consistent with Southwestern’s practice
of denying that it had ever discriminated on the basis of race. Southwestern’s story seemed to be that no
qualified African American students had ever applied for admission to the University. It gave the
John Brockman
appearance that it had always been an “integrated” institution - and so in this respect it would seem that
SU was far, far ahead of all other Texas colleges and universities on this issue. And, were it not for the
unfortunate fact that no qualified African American students had ever applied . . . .
Students and everyone else at Southwestern were confused on the status of integration in 1963-1964.
Perhaps some African Americans had made partial applications but none had completed applications?
Perhaps applications from African Americans, if any had ever applied, had been discarded long, long ago.
Potential African American applicants probably thought it would have been a waste of time and effort to
complete a Southwestern application anyway.
The closest Student Senate minutes ever came to recording a discussion of integration issues came in the
minutes of a meeting on January 7, 1964. It was noted that the Senate had met with Dr. I. J. McCook, the
Vice President of Finance and that Dr. McCook had “discussed with the Senate the proposed changes in
the University.” No specific items were mentioned. However, if my recollections are correct, the
integration of Southwestern dominated the discussion on January 7. Perhaps the Senate had been
instructed to keep our discussion low key? Or perhaps, it was our own idea. Some members of the senate
had been meeting with a special “Liaison Committee” that included members of the Board of Trustee and
faculty. Maybe the feedback was that we were walking on eggshells here and to proceed accordingly?
After reading Dr. Jones’ account of what was going on behind the scenes in 1962, 1963, and 1964, some
of the weird conversations back then now make more sense. Early in his tenure the Board of Trustees
gave Dr. Durwood Fleming, the President of Southwestern, the power to move forward on the integration
issue as long as he didn’t say anything about it. These restrictions are listed in Dr. Jones’ history of
Southwestern. Three of the restrictions were:
-That no individual or group actively seek a qualified Negro applicant.
-That the application for admission of a Negro student be considered only when such application of
admission is entirely free from pressure brought about by any individual or group.
-That no public announcement or publicity of any type surrounds the application for admission of a Negro
Student.
Perhaps to counter these restrictions (if indeed these were known to any of us), perhaps just to get
Southwestern moving faster or perhaps just to have an open discussion on integration, Senator Karen
Busby, on March 3, 1964, moved the passage of the following resolution, below. According to the
minutes, Wilton Woods and Fred Kandeler wrote the resolution with acknowledged support from Karen
Busby, Kay Stevens, and Anthony Cecil. My guess is that Dr. Fleming covertly (he couldn’t do it openly)
encouraged the introduction of this
Resolution
As students interested in advancing the higher aims and principles of the Southwestern Community, and
believing that contact with students from different cultural backgrounds is a sound education experience,
The Student Senate of Southwestern University Students’ Association, applauding those steps taken by
this University toward desegregation, and realizing with appreciation the difficulty which attends
advancement in this sensitive area of human relations,
John Brockman
Asks that, in view of growing national concern with solving the problems of segregation and
desegregation, further consideration be given to the realization of a more nearly complete policy of
desegregation as might be attained by the following proposals:
(1) That those all-Negro high schools in Texas which are of sound academic standing be added to the list
of schools whose students are solicited by this University; and
(2) That the Athletic Department be allowed to recruit basketball and baseball players without regard to
race or color; and
(3) That a statement be placed in the University catalogue to the effect that Southwestern selects its
students without any consideration of race or color.
For the implementation of this resolution, the Student Senate requests that:
(1) The student representatives on the Liaison Committee include these proposals for change in their
discussions with those committee members representing the Board of Trustees and Faculty; and
(2)
A copy of this resolution be sent to the President of this University with a letter expressing the
Senate’s appreciation of his efforts to achieve the basic principles of this resolution.
Senator Pat Lloyd moved that the resolution be discussed in a committee of the whole and after
considerable discussion, the Senate returned to its regular session. Senator David Baugess moved
approval of the resolution and “the resolution passed in the committee of the whole.”
Normally at Senate meetings a few senators were absent and visitors numbered two or three. Quorums
were problematic. That evening all Senators were present and visitors packed the Music Room in the
SUB where the Senate held its meetings. While there was some tension, the atmosphere was mostly one
of excitement. For the Senators, visitors, and sponsors, once the resolution passed, the excitement,
although subdued, was not unlike that in Grant Park, Chicago, on the evening of November 4, 2008. On a
tiny scale, of course, compared to President-elect Obama’s celebrations.
At Southwestern, some students were aware that Dr. Fleming and the faculty were in support of
integration and that some Board members were flatly opposed to integration and others wanted to delay it.
I was probably not alone in not knowing about the desegregation efforts made at the University in the
1940s and again in the mid to late 1950s. I did not learn about these activities until I read Dr. Jones’
history a few years ago. I did not know about the restrictions placed on President Fleming as he moved
the University in the direction of integration. I, like most students, thought that the Student Senate in
March 1964 was in the very forefront of the desegregation efforts at Southwestern and that the passage of
the resolution on March 3, 1964, would mark a significant change at the University. Now, I believe it was
a necessary step, following many preceding steps, to move the University forward on integration. And it
was just in time in that the historic Civil Rights Act of 1964 was just about to make it to the floor of the
United States Senate, by-passing most of the anti-democratic rules of the day.
We had hoped that the University would publically announce, “Southwestern selects its students without
any consideration of race or color.” We didn’t know that the Board had prohibited any such
announcement. Nor did we know that actively soliciting applicants from “all-Negro high schools” was off
limits. I recall how Dr. McCook explained this situation to me. He said the University wanted to integrate.
John Brockman
But, at the same time, not do anything that would attract attention to the fact that Southwestern had been
discriminating against potential Black students, a policy that was becoming increasingly undesirable.
President Fleming, in a letter to me on April 1, 1964, did acknowledge the “issue of desegregation.” He
complemented the Student Senate on the “superior quality of the resolution” and explained that the
Board’s executive committee had discussed the issue “for a considerable amount of time.” The Board, he
said, was “in sympathy with the overall purposes expressed.” But, as Dr. Fleming explained, “It will take
both time and skill to work out many aspects of this complicated problem . . . .”
While the passage of this resolution did not lead to the immediate integration of Southwestern, it perhaps
moved the issue forward a little faster than it otherwise would have moved. Ernest Clark, the first African
American student was admitted in 1965 rather than in the fall of 1964. The 40th Anniversary of his
graduation was recognized at Homecoming in 2009.
Those attending the Student Senate meeting on March 3, 1964 meeting included:
Officers Visitors
John Brockman, President Martha Perkins
Linda Wilson, Vice President Martha Beard
Kaki Harris, Secretary Fred Kandeler
Gene Davis, Treasurer Bronwen Morgan
Joyce Carey
Senators Eileen Paxton
John Walker Pat Mowat
Kirk Robison R. Jayne Jones
Karen Busby Laura Bass
David Bauguess Mary Ann Clendenin
Judy Love George Morrison
Benny Clendenin Delryn Fleming
Barry Grubbs Elise Zerr
Kay Stevens Sue Scarborough
Annabelle Battle Randy Savage
Tommy Loftin Karen Hausenfluke
Guy Perkins Karen Rydell
David Harley
Organizational Delegates Gary Scott
Pat Loyd Lamar Hankins
Peggy Nixon Chaplin David Switzer
Carolyn Cooner Joel Conant
June Chase
Sponsors
Committee Members Dean Martha Allen
Wilton Woods James E. Pierce
Bill Brock
I expect there were many other students in attendance who did not sign in.
On a personal note, during the school year 1963-1964, news reports of sit-ins at lunch counters and other
anti-segregation demonstrations were on everyone’s mind. After being elected President of the Student
Senate in the spring of 1963, and after attending meetings with other Texas college student leaders, I
thought that it was important that the Southwestern Student Senate take a stand in support of integration. I
would be the first to acknowledge that other students, both in the Senate and without, were much more
adamant and outspoken on this issue than I was.
I recall being influenced by a Spring Break train trip to Mexico City with five SU colleagues in 1963.
While in Mexico City we all saw the front pages of multiple newspapers with full-page pictures of
German Shepherds and fire hoses turned on civil rights demonstrators in Birmingham, Alabama. I
realized how terrible this made the United States of America look and how meaningless - the Declaration
of Independence was.
I had long believed that segregation was wrong and bad for everyone. When I was in high school, I read a
newspaper article concerning desegregation then I saw the Superintendent of Schools in the hallway. I
John Brockman
asked the Superintendent when Rockdale schools would integrate. He said never. The district, he said,
had just built new schools for the African American students in Rockdale. Now, he said, there would be
no need to integrate the schools - as if new schools or even equal schools were the point. I have been
pleased to observe the positive changes that integration has made in Rockdale, at Southwestern
University, and the United States of American. In creating that more perfect union, we will always have a
ways to go.
Incidentally, the student body approved a new constitution on April 8, 1964, a promise delivered, thanks
principally to Wilton Woods. I wonder if it is still in effect.
I love the learning and growth that went on in the classrooms and labs, in the dorms and fraternity houses,
in the SUB and in the clubs, in the various activities and programs, in the interaction with our professors
and with each other. It was certainly a special place in time for Martha and me and I expect it is still that
for today’s Pirates. If it is different, it is also probably also better than it was 50 years ago.
Now I think the required chapel and assemblies were very good for me.
John Brockman
v
John Brockman
Linda Driskell Butler
Spouse’s Name: James E. “Jim” Butler (deceased November 2010)
Children: Tom (Gina) Butler and Helenanne (Phil) Tritico
Grandchildren: Aubrey (Brad) Honer, Kristen Bonsor, Ian Bonsor, James "Jay" Breaux, Wesley
Breaux, Madimae Butler, and Anthony Tritico.
Jim and I moved to Madison, Wisconsin, where Jim was enrolled at the university and I was an
elementary school teacher. Our first winter was frigid; below freezing for over a month. The
other teachers were very kind and took turns loaning me their full length fur coats when
temperatures were zero degrees and above so I wouldn’t freeze while monitoring students during
recess.
Education: I was a teacher for 30 years. Starting out in elementary, I then taught all grade levels
on a psychiatric unit and then as a Transition Specialist, prior to retiring. I am currently in my
14th year serving as a School Board Trustee for Dickinson Independent School District.
However, my most important career was/is a wife, mother, and grandmother.
I enjoy volunteering at our elementary schools, church, and various community organizations.
My greatest joy is spending time with my children and grandchildren as we have made a
tradition of traveling each summer together. I am so blessed!
A few of my favorite memories from Southwestern include Rush 1961 and when Hurricane
Carla finally made it to Georgetown. I’ll never forget when Ann Elkins Hawkins and Kay
Jackson Stockstill were carrying a large sign and a gust of wind lifted them up several feet before
they released the sign. Other favorite memories include the chapel, park, going to Austin, and all
the new and different experiences.
I love Southwestern because of the many people who touched my life; the professors, Judson
Custer, Sarah Zajicek, P.T. Jones, Frank Luksa, the Laura Kuykendall dorm moms, and many
others. I stay in contact with several lifelong friends from Southwestern, and each year I look
forward to our DZ Pledge Class Reunion. Of all the things I love about Southwestern, the most
meaningful is this is where my 49-year adventure began with Jim, the love of my life.
Linda Driskell Butler
Connie Cooper Byers
Children: John Byers, Elizabeth Byers Canfield
Grandchildren: Amanda and Jenna Canfield
In August 1964, I bought my first car, a Plymouth Valiant. I taught mathematics at Lake
Highlands Junior High in Dallas. For six weeks in the summer of 1965, I toured Europe. I met
John Byers in August 1965. We were married in 1968.
My career path has been: Teaching
Two and a half years, Math teacher at Lake Highlands Jr. High – Richardson ISD
Seventeen and a half years, Math teacher at Spring Woods High – Spring Branch ISD
Sixteen years, Homebound Teacher – Spring Branch ISD
Retired in May 2004
Reading, gardening, walking, traveling, going to Astros baseball games, and ship watching. I am
a volunteer docent for The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park (Historic homes in downtown
Houston).
Singing with my Alpha Delta Pi sisters; in the dorm, for pinning ceremonies, for rush parties,
and for University Sing. Playing intermural sports. Gathering around the few TV’s available to
watch historical happenings such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, the death and funeral of JFK, the
shooting of Oswald by Jack Ruby (as it was happening) and the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show.
Taking up vouchers at the Chapel to verify attendance. Finding a friend with a car to go to the
Hill for Sunday supper. I could go on and on…
I love Southwestern for many reasons, but I shall mention only one. For me, it was the perfect
bridge between the sheltered world of family and the adult world. I learned to be responsible for
my own stuff without adult supervision and yet wise adult counsel was available there when
needed. It was a place of security and friendship where I gained self-confidence while also
learning to think and to keep an open mind.
Connie Cooper Byers
1964: Karen Busy, Pat Perry, Connie Cooper
July 23, 2014: Connie with granddaughters, Amanda (7) & Jenna Canfield (5)
June 16, 2001: (left to right) John & Connie Byers, daughter; Elizabeth Byers Canfield
and her husband Terry Canfield, son; John Byers
Diana Trevino Canavan
Spouse’s Name: widow (January 2010)
I got a job in the San Antonio Independent School District.
Retired as a Special Education Supervisor.
Travel, cruise, land tours and line dance.
Living in the Sneed House Honor Dorm, the dining tradition of standing until everyone was at
the table.
Not a favorite but memorable; sitting in the living room of the Sneed House and watching the
news coverage of the killing of President Kennedy. Several of us had planned to go to Austin to
see the President.
Received a great education in a friendly atmosphere.
Rebecca “Becky” Mays Dusek
Spouse’s Name: Clif Dusek
Children: John-Thomas Dusek, Frances Dusek Ward, David Dusek, Paul-Michael Dusek
Grandchildren: Jackson Ward, Parker Ward, Addison Ward, Reid Dusek, Aubrey Dusek
I got a job! Started teaching! Met my future husband!
Keep grandchildren, work in yard, Bible studies, teach Sunday School (kids), travel, read
Karen Hamme Fair and myself sitting in the upper storage area in a room in L.K. – eating
crackers and trying to whistle!
The friends – from all groups on campus
Small Christian based University
Professors were great and easily accessible
Small campus – knew everyone
That is why I love Southwestern!!
I have had friends love and pray for me for 50 years due to SU!!
David Easley
Spouse’s Name: Sandra Kay Roscheni Easley
Children: Mark Easley, Scott Easley
Grandchildren: Elena Easley, 10 Years old
Adam Easley, 8 years old
Ryan Easley, 8 years old
Married classmate Kay Roscheni on September 8, l964. Moved to Houston to begin work with
Ford Division, Ford Motor Co., in Houston District Sales Office.
Worked for Ford Motor Company from 1964 to 1980, was General Manager of Joe Myers Ford
in Houston from 1980 to 1986. Partner and General Manager Texan Ford - Champion Ford in
Katy from 1986 to 2006. Retired October 2009 as General Manager of West Houston Porsche
and Audi.
Enjoy reading history and mystery books, playing golf two or three times a week, collecting
sports memorabilia, being a Grandfather.
Fraternity life
Dr. Merzbach's classes
Varsity baseball and basketball trips
Parties at the Bootys
Ms. Lundblad's Consumer Economics class my senior year
Everlasting friendships made with fellow students.
David Easley
Kay and David Easley
Scott & Sam Easley, Elena Easley
Mark & Rhonda Easley, Ryan & Adam Easley
Kay Roscheni Easley
Spouse’s Name: David Wayne Easley
Children: Mark Easley, Scott Easley
Grandchildren: Elena Easley, 10 years old
Adam Easley, 8 years old
Ryan Easley, 8 years old
Moved home to San Antonio to plan my wedding to David. After marrying in September Dave
and I settled in Houston and began our life together.
Worked for Humble Oil and Refining Company as a Legal Secretary. After the birth of our
second son, I stayed home to be a mother to our two boys. I volunteered in their schools in many
capacities, serving as PTA President and as a representative for the School Board.
Spending time with my three grandchildren and participating in activities with our family and
friends. Participating in a weekly Bible Study Class.
Delta Delta Delta friendships and activities.
Classes with favorite professors.
Being a Dorm Counselor at Laura Kuykendall.
Having our wedding performed by Dr. John Score, Religion Professor.
Attending weekly chapel.
I love Southwestern because of the valuable lessons, both in life and education, which have
enriched my life over these 50 years and continue to do so.
Ed Ellis
Spouse’s Name: Suzanne Morrow
Children: Chris, Jay, Laura, Ben
Grandchildren: Ryan, Cooper, Morgan, Jason, Lily, Caroline, John, Easton
I went to graduate school at the University of Texas and continued to live in Georgetown and
work at Golds Department Store
I got my MPA degree from The University of Texas, passed the CPA test and went to work in
public accounting at Peat Marwick Mitchell and Company (now KPMG). I stayed in public
accounting for 32 years, retiring as a business assurance partner from PriceWaterHouse Coopers.
I then worked for a public prospect insurance company as Chief Financial Officer for twelve
years and retired. After a break of one and one-half years, I went back to work as Chief Financial
Officer of a private insurance grou, where I am today.
Also founded a group of dry cleaners which Suzanne and I ran for 30 years, until the group was
sold in 2005.
Travel, garden, use my financial experience in community service, family involvement and work
around our country home.
The professors, living and working in Georgetown, my fraternity, the people.
It was the right place for me, I was very comfortable there in the city of Georgetown, although it
is a lot bigger now, and the broad, diversified education that provided a great platform for my
ultimate chosen profession.
Suzanne Morrow Ellis
Spouse’s Name: Ed (Edward) Hardin Ellis, Jr.
Children: Chris, Jay, Laura, Ben
Grandchildren: Ryan, Cooper, Morgan, Jason, Lily, Caroline, John, Easton
I taught second grade at Georgetown Elementary School while Ed attended graduate school at
UT Austin.
When we moved to Houston, I taught third grade at Pat Neff Elementary School. Motherhood
soon became my career along with volunteer work at church, school and in our community.
Volunteer in our rural community; Round Top Family Library, RTCISD Education Foundation,
ARTS (Arts for Rural TX).
Travel, read, host family gatherings, babysit with our grandchildren, cook, bible study and
church activities.
Meeting Ed
My ZTA Sorority relationships
Learning to eat “Common’s” food
Dairy Hill Sunday night
Realizing that I needed to study – unlike high school
Studying to be a teacher
Lectures
Lemon pie at the Sub
I feel I got a great “life lesson” at SU I learned to work hard, cultivate relationships with students
having backgrounds different than mine; I learned to appreciate cultural events and music.
Karen Hamme Fair
Spouse’s Name: William G. Fair ’63
Children: Kimberly Schroat, Scott Fair, Jef Fair
Grandchildren: Taylor Fair, Haley Fair, Tanner Schroat, Harrison Fair and most recently,
Meredith Mae Fair (daughter of Jef & Whitney) who was born on Monday, September 22, 2014
at 4:15 p.m.
I got married the next month.
Teaching first grade in Abilene, Texas. Substituting in Catholic and public schools in Kerrville,
Texas. Co-owned The Rose Shop (flowers and gifts) with husband for 33 years in Kerrville.
Travel, read, sew, spending time with the family and grandchildren.
Close relationships with my Delta Zeta sisters, pledge pranks and retaliation from the activities.
Activities and theme parties with sorority and fraternities, relationships throughout the dorms
and in the classrooms, dorm activities, Booty’s, helping the Pike pledges with pledge pranks.
The education I received.
Professors were always available to us.
Small University atmosphere.
Interaction with fellow students.
Lifelong friends made.
Southwestern is where I met my husband, Bill. We celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary in
June 2014.
Karen Hamme Fair
Our children at our 50th Wedding Anniversary
Couples left to right: Rick and Kim Schroat, Scott and Gayla Fair
Bill Fair (seated), Karen Fair, Whitney and Jef Fair
Fair Grandchildren
Left to right: Haley Fair, Taylor Fair, Karen Fair, Tanner Schroat
Seated: Bill Fair and Harrison Fair
Karen Hamme Fair
Suzanne Barton Fisk-Hardy
Spouse’s Name: Douglas Fisk (deceased), Victor Hardy
Children: Becky, Suzanna and Jason
Grandchildren: Elizabeth, Jonathan, Lane, Brianna, Hanna, Blake, Chris, Garrett, Jacqueline
Doug and I went to the Navajo Indian Reservation to teach school.
Elementary school teacher, elementary school librarian, public librarian, academic librarian
children’s storyteller, Mother Goose
Praise God in song, read, activities with my grandkids, dance
Living in the dorm and making so many friends; Delta Zeta, intermural sports, dances, working
for Ms. Neese, playing in the band
Opportunities for learning both in and out of the classroom.
Carmen Matheny Gaines
Spouse’s Name: Glen Gaines
Children: JoLynne Reppond, Rev. Ginger Gaines-Cirelli, Kenny Gaines
Grandchildren: Jordan Nichole Reppond, Lane Hunter Reppond, Emory Joo-hee Gaines,
Park Han-seouk-joo Gaines
I immediately began my brief career in Theatre, traveling to New Braunfels TX with several SU
alums to participate in Peninsula Playhouse, a summer theatre in Landa Park. Old friends, new
friends....a fun experience. I then joined the National Children's Theatre out of Dallas TX, a 5member touring group. On that 9-month tour I made another very good new friend....we are still
close. In late summer 1965 I traveled to Raton NM to participate in the summer session of
Kaleidoscope Players....we performed at the historic Schulenburg Theatre there. So I
immediately began new adventures and making new friends.
Following my 15-month stint in the world of Theatre, I returned to my parents' home in Tulsa
OK., where I was employed as a posting clerk at Amerada Petroleum Company while I decided
what I wanted to be when I grew up. My teaching license was for Texas, not Oklahoma. My
parents returned to Houston, and I decided to work a year at Amerada, then go to Houston and
become an English or Drama teacher. However, at Amerada I met my soul mate, Glen Gaines.
We married February 25, 1967. I quit work at Amerada when I was five months pregnant with
our first child. At that point I truly began my chosen career: a full time wife and mother. We
built our home on 20 acres outside the tiny town of Kiefer, OK, where I learned to garden. Our
second child was two weeks old when we moved to the “country.” After our third child was
born, I worked briefly as a substitute in several small area schools. The only “paying” job I had
was with the Election Board as a worker at Precinct 417 Creek County, OK. I started as a
“counter” and through the years moved up to Precinct Inspector. I began in 1976 and retired in
2001. I was a volunteer with a number of groups, both church- and community-related through
all those years. Glen retired after 29-1/2 yrs with Amerada (Hess), and in 2002 I retired from all
outside activities when we moved to my family's property in Leon County, TX, where we built
our retirement home. I puttered and played for five years. I am now a Household Manager and
full-time caregiver for my precious husband, who is battling Parkinson's Disease.
Dance, sing, garden, research genealogy, read, nap.
Esther Weir. Dr. Frederick Gaupp. Dr. Clifford's English classes (especially The Novel).
Becoming involved in the Drama Dept., with Dr. Angus Springer and Chuck Taylor. And, of
course, Dr. John Score, an ICON at SU. The piano practice rooms at the FAB. Dance classes for
PT.. Zeta Pledge Pranks. Scooting down to the Commons & getting stuff for cinnamon toast
and/or turkey sandwiches. The SUB: visiting with friends & professors in the coffee shop, the
juke box, GREAT dances & parties, Sammy behind the counter, lemon meringue pie. The SUBsponsored student musical "That Was the School That Was," with both students & profs on the
stage together.....we poked a little fun at our dear old Alma Mater with that one). Chapel....yes I
LIKED chapel. The sermons were very challenging. Living in Sneed House my senior year (NO
CURFEW!!) The Great Panty Raid of '62 (after that year SU began having a Spring Break).
Wearing trench coats as we walked across the lobby of Kuykendall (never mind what we were
wearing underneath). Walking to the L&M Cafe in shorts, covered with our trench coats, to get
chicken fried steak over white bread with gravy. Marching to the L&M Cafe to speak with the
owner about the possibility of integrating ("When SU integrates, I'll integrate"). Outings at the
Bootys. Frat parties. But my favorite memory is the wonderful times with friends, those latenight, soul-baring conversations in the dorm. Those friendships have endured through the years.
The small size of Southwestern is the basis for almost everything I love about her. It was like a
charming little village....everyone knew everyone, or at least knew who they were. We knew our
professors, they knew us, we visited in their homes or over coffee at the SUB. I exchanged
birthday cards with Dr. Gaupp until his death (our birthday was on the same day). The rules were
strict, of course, but that in itself gave us a common bond....questioning, protesting. And we were
allowed to do so. At Southwestern, we were encouraged to THINK, not just reel out some data.
We were exposed to many new ideas, including the fact that Life was not black or white....so
many parts of our lives fall in a “gray area,” and we must decide which side of the fence to land
on...or whether to just sit on it. That “open” view is probably the thing I treasure most about my
Alma Mater.
Carmen Matheny Gaines
Pat Perry Hatinger
Spouse’s Name: divorced
Son - Kurt Hatinger
Daughter - Karen Romberger
Granddaughters: Reilly Hatinger (age 18)
Madison Romberger (age 10)
Grandson - Austin Romberger (age 14)
I taught math at Lake Highlands High School in Dallas from 1964-1969. I married Dale Hatinger
in August 1965.
Teaching mathematics. I taught at various public schools (except for a few years when my
children were young) until retiring in 2004. I began teaching part-time at Richland College of the
Dallas County Community College District in 1974 and still teach there as well as work in the
Developmental Math Tutoring Center. The past three summers I have been to the Skuinskloof
School in the Limpoco Region of South Africa to work with the teachers.
Church mission projects, travel, gardening, line dancing and yoga.
Doing things with my Delta Zeta pledge class and sorority. Going to the "Bootys" and to "the
Hill" for Sunday night supper.
Because Southwestern was small, I felt like I knew most people and I had a sense of belonging. I
made many good friends there and still keep up with a lot of them today. My sorority pledge
class still gets together every year.
Pat Perry Hatinger
Ann Clay Elkins Hawkins
Spouse’s Name: Jerry M. Hawkins
Children: Heather Hawkins Williams, Gregory Hawkins; deceased June 26, 2013
Grandchildren: John Williams & Bethany Williams
I graduated in August 1963 and got my first job teaching sixth grade at Velasco Elementary in Freeport,
Texas, where I met Jerry Hawkins and married him on August 8, 1963. This is our 50th wedding year.
Teacher for five years, stay at home Mom for 11 years, got a job at Dow Chemical Co., in Freeport,
Texas, in 1978. Retired from DOW in May 1995.
Appointed State Reference Chairman for Delta Zeta Sorority (Texas and New Mexico) for 17 years.
Pledged DZ in 1961. Volunteered at Sea Center Texas in Lake Jackson from 1995-2000.
Moved to Livingston in July 2000. Love retirement!
Things I like to do now are: Play with grandchildren, play bridge, travel, travel, travel, volunteer at
church and read.
My favorite Southwestern memories are: Mainly with Delta Zeta. John Tower was graduation speaker.
Why I love Southwestern: The small size and lifelong friends.
John T. Hensley
Spouse’s Name: Virginia Crocker Hensley
Michael T. Hensley (Carol Peoples Hensley)
Michael T. Hensley, Jr.
Harriet R. Hensley
Lived and worked in Dallas. Moved to Houston in 1967. On to Austin in 1992. Retired to
Montgomery, Texas (Bentwater) in 2013.
Accounting (CPA) until 1980. Computer software, sales and service thru 1991. Owned and
operated three C.C.’s Pizza franchises in Austin thru 2009.
Tennis, golf and play board games.
Living in Moody Hall and spending time with my fraternity brothers and other students.
Liked the smaller school environment and small college town atmosphere.
Marcella Wichman Herrington
Spouse’s Name: Leonard Allen Herrington, B.S. in Range Animal Science at Sul Ross
University; ranch manager, commercial loan officer at Amarillo National Bank
Children: L. Allen Herrington, B.A., in Economics, Hampden-Sydney College, Virginia
Hubert Marcus Herrington, B.F.A., University of New Mexico, M.F.A., Claremont Graduate
University, California
Grandchildren: Rachel, sophomore at University of Arkansas College
Connor, senior at Lake Highlands High School in Dallas
Taught Art at Poly High School in Ft. Worth, lived with Nancy Northington Kurio, got first
paycheck and started paying bills. Oh boy!
Teaching for 38 years; taught art but mostly all sciences in Texas, Oklahoma, and Florida from
special education, high school, college, and middle school levels.
Read, garden, hike, snowshoe, fish, climbing/trekking and travel. Docent at Museum of the
Rockies; give tours and clean dino bones. Involved in Trout Unlimited in TU, garden club,
Emerson home and garden tour committee, Delta Delta Delta alumnae group of Montana, help
Leonard’s Lion Club’s fundraisers, rodeos and fireworks.
Everything about my Delta Delta Delta sisters. Art and biology classes and labs.
SU gave me a wonderful education. Today I am disappointed with the school’s liberal leaning.
Marcellw W. Herrington with husband Leonard in Whittier, Alaska
Marcella in Fawn Pass, Montana – snowshoeing
Marcella in Canada – Ice fields area
Marcella and Leonard in Herrington Sacajawea Peak, Montana
Fred Kandeler
Spouse’s Name: Mona Lowman Kandeler, Class of '65
Children: Kathy Bannister - Lives in Bison, Kansas, Shelia Richards (Class of 1994) - Lives in
Redmond, Washington
Grandchildren: Hannah Bannister, Tigist Bannister, Mulu Bannister, Emma Richards, Mara
Richards, Jessa Richards
In the Fall of 1964, I entered Perkins School of Theology at SMU in Dallas to begin postgraduate work. Spring of 1965, ordained a Deacon in the Methodist Church. Completed degree
in divinity in Spring of 1967 and married Mona Lowman (Class of '65), who also graduated from
Perkins with a degree in Christian Education. We began our years of serving Methodist churches
in the Summer of 1967 with an appointment from the Southwest Texas Annual Conference.
Ordained an Elder by the North Texas Annual Conference in 1970.
Ordained United Methodist Clergy for 38 years, retiring in 2001. Served Texas congregations in
Dallas, Plano, Temple, and Bedford. Served as District Superintendent for the Wichita Falls
District, 1983-1987. Since retirement, continued ministry through several interim appointments
as senior pastor, including yearlong service at Travis Park UMC, San Antonio, and St. Mark's
UMC, El Paso. Currently associated with Travis Park UMC, San Antonio, with emphasis on
teaching and small group leadership.
Be a grandfather for our six grand-daughters living in Kansas and Washington.
Share with Mona special family times, going to movies, travel and church friendships.
Advocate for social justice concerns related to the LGBT community, environment,
homelessness, immigration and poverty.
Lead contemporary theological studies in church school and small groups.
Personal time with reading, photography, and fitness.
Travel in the U.S. and internationally.
Fred Kandeler
Being a student of John Score as a philosophy major and enjoying his friendship and mentoring.
My senior year (1963-64) as a non-drama major, being in Mask & Wig's productions of "Cry the
Beloved Country," playing the lead character, Stephen Kumalo; and the role of Moses in "Green
Pastures" and receiving the Goostree-Morgan Award.
Working to establish the Student Union Council and campus program.
Being a member of Phi Delta Theta and making wonderful friendships, especially with my senior
roommate, Stewart Slater.
Receiving an Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree in 1987.
Serving on the Board of Trustees, 1987-1994, which included the four years my daughter, Shelia,
was a student at SU.
Because for my four years on campus and 50 years following graduation, SU was and continues
to be a deeply important university family that not only gave me a quality education, but an ever
growing and evolving personal identity and personal relationships that are significant and
sustaining. Simply, SU is about persons and enabling their lives to be significant.
Fred Kandeler
Carol Lane
I got a job and started work within a week of returning home to St. Louis. It was in the
advertising department of Famous-Barr, a large department store in downtown St. Louis (now
part of Macy’s). Though my degree was in art, due to the extended sick leave of one of the
copywriters, I was given the opportunity to fill her shoes for several months. When she returned,
I moved on.
My first job led to other opportunities to work both as a copywriter and layout artist – somewhat
unique, as most positions are one or the other. After moving around the first five years, I landed
at Missouri Blue Cross Blue Shield where I stayed until retirement in 2007. I started as a
copywriter/layout artist in a newly formed in-house public relations and advertising department.
Later I had the opportunity to become the first manager of a creative team of graphic designers
and writers. We supported the communications needs of the whole corporation. We were
responsible for the development and production of everything from sales literature, and other
promotional and educational material, to the annual report.
Learning to play the classical guitar (started 3 years ago with virtually no music experience –
very challenging but I love it), gardening, painting and photography, lunch with friends,
attending musical theater, local exhibits, seminars and continuing education classes offered
through the art and history museums, botanical garden and community college.
After 50 years, it is more of a kaleidoscope of memories of campus life – all positive: Studying
and watching TV with my Phi Mu sisters; moving into our brand new dorm, with floor to ceiling
red blinds (so modern and cool!); drawing the chapel from all sides to create a cubist-style
painting; taking a French exam outside, sitting under a large tree.
And then there is a very vivid memory that is certainly not a favorite one – walking back to
campus from downtown Georgetown after just hearing a radio bulletin announcing the death of
President Kennedy.
I believe SU played an important role in my transition from student to adult and professional,
with the ability to think critically, ask pertinent questions and work independently or in
collaboration with others. I value my SU experience.
Fred La Don McClurg
Spouse’s Name: Linda Kitchen
Jennifer Ruth McClurg, Darren Patrick McClurg (RIP, 1972-2008)
I immediately moved on to the University of Texas Medical Branch. After receiving my MD, I
served my internship in Surgery at UTMB, met and married my wife of 46 years, Linda Kitchen
of Arnprior, Ontario, Canada. We lived in Houston for two years where our first child, Jennifer
Ruth, was born. I continued to grow in my knowledge of general medicine and emergency care.
Then we were off to see the "world" as we would become to know it. First to the University of
Iowa as a General Surgery resident and have our second child Darren Patrick. We then migrated
to Sacramento, California to finish training in Otolaryngology, where I served as Chief Resident
for two years and Assistant professor for one year . We remain happily adjusted to life in
Northern California. As Californians, we miss and do work to maintain our Texas and Canadian
roots. Our broad family geography defines our "world" as North America.
I have the blessing of variety in my career, which spanned academic practice in Otolaryngology,
private practice in Pediatric Otolaryngology, and Medical Management. I transitioned to a local
health care organization, Sutter Health, plying my skills as a mediator and quality improvement
strategist while serving as Director of Medical Affairs, Vice President of Clinical Integration,
and Vice president of Integrated Qualtiy Services sequentially. My educational swan song was in
2005-2006 at Dartmouth College where I earned a Masters degree in Science, focusing in
population health, systems of care, and process improvement.
For my first five years in private practice, I maintained a solo practice. In 1982 I joined with four
otolaryngologists to form a partnership and construct a full service Otolaryngology group
practice, that included radiology, allergy, audiology, hearing aids, and an outpatient surgery
center - Sacramento ENT. I served the group as managing partner, and Surgery Center director. I
was happy to pass the latter responsibility to our first full-time anesthesiologist.
The group began sub specializing with the addition of an otologist. I was able to focus on my
passion, pediatric otolaryngology. I provided complete pediatrics services as consultant to the
Fred La Don McClurg
neonatal intensive care unit and the pediatric intensive care unit at Sutter Memorial Hospital. In
addition to my clinical work, I chaired the Sutter Memorial ENT Committee, Vice Chairman of
Surgery, Chair of the Surgery Quality Assurance Committee and ENT Consultant to the
Maxillofacial and Cleft Palate Panel, Board of Directors for the Blood Bank, and Board of
Directors for the Sacramento Sierra Valley Medical Society.
My most satisfying achievement was my first quality improvement initiative. We gathered a
team to address the high mortality rate of children with tracheotomy which is a surgically
inserted breathing tube for children with certain airway disorders. We developed policy,
procedures and standards following which our local death rate plunged from a national average
of 25% annual mortality to 0 and has remained at near 0 now for over 20 years.
For several years after retiring I turned to community service and advocacy, including Board
Chair for River City Food Bank, Member of the Sacramento County Public Health Advisory
Board, Chairman of the Sacramento County Dentical Advisory Committee, President of the
Board of Arden Bluffs Homeowners Association and Junior Warden for Trinity Episcopal
Cathedral.
I am now contentedly retired to my hobbies and our small family.
As demonstrated by my career path, I love variety more than anything other than my wife and
daughter. When Linda remarks "you are wanting to do WHAT now?", I remind her that she is
the stable constant in my life.
There is so much to do for a mostly outdoor guy in Sacramento (Carmichael is a suburb!). My
span of activities includes all forms of winter sport, (snow camping, cross country skiing, alpine
skiing, snow shoeing), back packing, scuba diving, snorkeling, mountain horsemanship, biking,
running, fishing, hunting, and golf.
Today my buddy and I drove an hour to fly fish the north fork of the American River at an
isolated gold mining ghost town of Graeagle Village. This is on the edge of the recent King fire,
which was thankfully doused by a good rainstorm. Forest service enforcement and rangers were
still there, from far away as Kentucky. We had a good visit with them on our way to the river
which is still gin clear. Fishing was good, but being there was the best. I think tomorrow will be
a walk with Gracie the labradoodle to the American River parkway which is near our home, then
a round of golf.
As I have matured (?), my interests are more to fly fishing and golf. These interests not only keep
me busy at home, but are the focus on most our travels these days. Golf has taken us to New
Zealand, Hawaii, and Ireland, Jasper/Banff, Vancouver, Whistler, Prince Edward Island, Florida,
and so the list goes. Fortunately golf, water and fish go together, so we often get twofers.
Fred La Don McClurg
Linda and I took up golf in our 50s after the children went to college, so as any of you know who
challenge the sport, it is ongoing work, but we enjoy it. I learned to play bridge in med school,
we both enjoy party bridge, but somehow it just doesn't happen too often.
We both have lifelong joy of reading. My favorite topics are biography, history and historical
fiction mixed in with the occasional thriller and still some light scientific reading.
Bonfires on the San Gabriel (the Bootys), Pinning serenades by the Kappa Sigma acapella choir,
my Kappa Sig pledge brothers, between class breaks at the SUB, Dr. Rose who taught me logical
reasoning and biochemistry, Dr. Girvin who brought me comparative anatomy and embryology
that took me all the way through my medical residency, Dean Berglund at the Toga Party in
1962.
It was my door to the world, it kept me safe while I was growing up, and it still is doing its job
very well as the top rated liberal arts college in Texas.
Fred La Don McClurg
Liska Janelle (Jan) Moody
When I left Southwestern, the first things that happened to me were:
I attended the University of Texas where I majored in Elementary Education. The year after I
graduated I received a School Library Certificate after my fifth year. I moved to Anchorage,
Alaska, to teach and met my husband who was in the military there and from California.
First grade teacher in Anchorage, Alaska, for four years at Elmendorf Air Force Base.
Primary K-3 teacher in the California Bay Area (Belmont, California)
ESEA Title 2 Librarian and Multi-media specialist in Belmont School District
Attend operas, concerts, musicals, ballet, travel especially international, interior design and
remodeling my home, be with my friends from grade school on since returning to Austin, try
new restaurants, discover and rediscover Austin and other Texas towns since moving from
California five years ago.
Singing in the A Capella choir, choir trips with my favorite teacher and conductor, Dean
Richards, pledging Tri Delta, getting “dropped,” dorm life with all the new friends, nine in a
suite with one bathroom!
The caring teachers, the small classes, the excellent standards, the lovely campus, and currently
enjoying the excellent speaker series.
Dolphin Cove, Jamaica – Christmas 2005
Jan Moody
At home
In Turkey, 2007
Jan Moody
In Antarctica
Jan on the left, in “Carmen” with Placido Domingo
San Francisco
Dottie Kidwell Moss
Spouse’s Name: Richard Moss
Travis, son (45)
Lora, daughter (42)
Michael, grandson (16)
Went home to Phoenix, Arizona; took a job at a summer kid’s camp and came down with the
mumps.
Started teaching first grade in Arlington, Texas; caught three-day measles from students. Nancy
Cooper, my roommate, and our other roommate were all sick at the same time!
Met my husband and married in August of 1965.
Taught school in an adobe building in LaLuz, New Mexico.
I retired in 1999 after 30 years teaching first grade. I taught in New Mexico, Massachusetts,
Arlington and Dallas, Texas. Best job was marriage and mother to our son and daughter.
I like to travel, read, knit for Prayer Shawl Ministry at our church, be with family as much as
possible and visit with friends wherever they live.
Student teaching at the grade school with Annie Pearl in first grade. Living as a freshman in
Sneed House; Mrs. Hill, our housemother. Life with my Zeta sisters. Having Dean Martha
Mitten Allen come to SU as Dean of Women; she was three years older than we were! Having a
girdle check as pledges to have Sunday lunch in the Commons. Going to Dairy Nook in our slips
and raincoats because pants and Bermuda shorts weren’t allowed on or off campus. Being on
campus when J.F. Kennedy was assassinated and reactions and assurances of faculty. Not
signing in as guest of Honor Dorm-Sneed house and waking up eyeball to eyeball with Lovey
and Dean Allen. After a lecture from Dean Allen, she asked if we had a good time. One more
memory! When classes were on campus to be honored for 50 years, and I’d see them at the SUB
or in the Commons. I thought they were so old!
Dottie Kidwell Moss
Support of professors, small classes and student body gave graduates the confidence to do well
after graduation. The quality of education at SU has made me proud to be an alumna.
Spring 1964
Dottie Kidwell Moss with husband Richard at Dallas Arboretum
N. Carroll McBride Selander
Spouse’s Name: Leslie (Les) Selander `63
Daughter - Katherine Cornell & son-in-law Robert
Grandsons - Brandon & Jeffrey Cornell
Son - David Selander & daughter-in-law Deborah
Granddaughter - Alanna Selander
I left S.U. in May 1962 and in Aug 1962 went to Biloxi, MS and married Les. He was in the
USAF stationed there. We set up housekeeping in an apartment in the "Father Ryan Home" (built
in 1841), one of the historic ante-bellum homes on Beach Blvd. Our first child, Kathy, was born
at the base hospital in 1964 (cost $8.50) - what a deal – HA! We left the air force and moved to
Houston in 1966 where Les continued has studies at U.H. and went to work for Shell
Development Co. Our son, David, was born in 1967 and we settled into the typical suburban
lifestyle - couple with two kids and a mortgage.
My primary career has been wife, mother, and homemaker. My secondary career was 20+ years
as a professional tennis umpire.
Play tennis, ski, hike, play bridge, needlepoint, work in the yard, and beat Les at 8-ball.
Professors were approachable and kind. I learned to shoot pool in the SUB. Les and I walked to
Gus’s Drug Store for Sunday supper (BBQ beef sandwich).
Southwestern was a safe place to meet new people and grow in confidence. I met my husband of
52 years there.
Neva Terry Steelhammer
Spouse’s Name: John M. Gascoiene
Children: Robert Steelhammer, Jr., David Steelhammer
Stepchildren: Michael Gascoiene, Sean Gascoiene
Grandchildren: Austin Steelhammer, Emily Gascoiene, Ethan Gascoiene, Brandon Gascoiene
I continued my undergraduate education at the University of Texas at Austin and finally
graduated from the University of Houston.
I practiced law in Houston for over 30 years.
John and I like to hike. We still have a small place in the country where we have two aging
horses as pets.
I had two wonderful roommates – Joanne Vance and Maribelle Anderson!
I made several lovely friends while I was at Southwestern. Their friendships have become
increasingly precious as we have aged.
Neva and John
Neva Terry Steelhammer
Neva Terry Steelhammer at Delta Zeta Canteen Party
April 1961 Delta Zeta Hawaiian Party
Sandra Scholze Tindell
Spouse’s Name: Bob Tindell
Daughter – Tracey Tindell Montoya & son-in-law Alex
Granddaughters – Olivia & Megan Montoya
Son – Trent Tindell (deceased)
Granddaughter – Caitlin & Tabitha Tindell
Married Bob Tindell – December 28, 1962
Office work after being a “stay at home mom” for 14 years. Ended full time work as the
Customer Service Manager for United Health Care in Orlando, Florida.
Cruise, dance, travel with friends, keep up with four granddaughters’ activities. One is a Junior,
studying Interior Design at FSU; one is a Sophomore on the Women’s Soccer Team at Florida
Gulf Coast University; one is in 7th Grade and one is in 5th Grade.
I had three roommates (Kati Harris, Karen Fleeger & Polly Bohmfalk) in LK at the end of Zeta
Tau Alpha wing. Our room was the old clinic. During one sorority meeting night, we all
pledged Zeta – we “stole” the initiates’ beds and stored them in our room. We found friends to
spend the night with. Forgot to say that we put a Kotex in place of their beds. Don’t remember
what punishment was, but we continued to pull pranks on the initiates.
For the quality classes
Made lifelong friends
Found my “solemate”
Joan Bohmfalk Ullrich
Spouse’s Name: James Ullrich
Sons: John Ullrich, Jeff Ullrich, Joe Ullrich
Grandchildren: Sam Ullrich, JoAnn Ullrich, Reeve Ullrich, J.R. Ullrich
On July 28, 1962, I married James Ullrich in Uvalde. We were living in Lubbock and I finished
my education at Texas State University in 1964. We then moved to Houston and I taught school
for three years and Jim attended University of Houston law school.
My career path has been in education. I taught fourth grade in Houston for three years. I then had
my three sons. I was the after school director at the Conroe Y.M.C.A. for three years. I then
became the director of the Methodist Day School in Conroe for 10 years. I was a substitute
teacher for the Conroe ISD for 10 years.
Watching TV, shopping, walking, reading and traveling.
My favorite memories of Southwestern are the wonderful and fun things I did with my Delta
Zeta sisters.
Southwestern is a very good place to get a college education. The classes are small enough for
you to know your teachers and for your teachers to know you.
Joan and Jim Ullrich family at golden wedding dinner.
The Ullrich family at Disneyland
The Ullrich sons and grandchildren
Joan and Jim Ullrich with their grandchildren
David Wilson
Spouse’s Name: Martha Alexander Wilson
Son: David V. Wilson II & wife, Susan, grandchildren: Katy, Maggie, David III
Daughter: Sarah Wilson Vier & husband, Chad Noah Vier, grandchildren: Wilson Vier, Jackson Vier and
Noah Vier
Son: Daniel Wilson, grandchild: Cavett Wilson
Daughter: Elizabeth Wilson Walker & husband Michael, grandchildren: Huntley Walker and Sara Dell
Walker
Lori Wilson McCullouch & husband, Randy Jordan, grandchildren: Lydia Jordan and Kinah Jordan
Lee Ann Wilson Hammond & husband, Tom, grandchild: J.T. Hammond
I graduated from SU May 31, 1964, and moved to Houston on June 1st. Got a job, started law school parttime. I roomed with Jerry Knauff for a year before getting married. I worked my way through South
Texas College of Law, graduating in December of 1969. At the time I entered law school, I had no desire
to practice law, and assumed I would go into banking, oil & gas, insurance, real estate, or something
similar.
I went to work for a small firm in Houston and moved to Lufkin in March of 1971 and started practicing
law there April 1, 1971. I ran and was elected as Justice of the Peace and moved into the courthouse
January 1, 1973. I became an assistant D.A. for a short time and was sworn in as Judge of the 217th
District Court, April 1, 1961. I served there until I retired September 30, 2006. I still work as a visiting
judge, when assigned.
I remarried May 20, 2006, and upon my retirement, moved from Lufkin to Livingston. I enjoy helping my
wife on her ranch, going to cutting horse shows (as a spectator) and visiting with both the exhibitors and
spectators.
I think my favorite memories about SU are the friends I made, the opportunities I was afforded to be in
positions of leadership in my fraternity, most, if not all, of my professors: Drs. Hester & Gaupp, my major
professors, Dr. Hooker, my minor professor, and other profs, like Dr.
Monastory and Dr. Wolcott. I also appreciated Deans Berglund and Allen, for being so considerate.
I think the friends and acquaintances I made while at Southwestern are what made me love it.

John Brockman - Southwestern University

Transcription

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