Chieftain Spring 2008

Transcription

SPRING 2008
mcmurry’s newest
MUST-HAVE
ACCESSORY
THE McMurry University
m a g a z i n e f o r a lu m n i & f r i e n d s
Students around McMurry are putting the
new MOVE initiative, which puts a laptop in
the hands of every incoming freshman, to
good use in the classroom.
THE McMurry University
m a g a z i n e f o r a lu m n i & f r i e n d s
SPRING 2008
Publisher
McMurry University
Relations Office
Box 938 McM Station
Abilene, Texas 79697
Editor-in-Chief
Nancy Smith ‘79
Editor
Gary Ellison
Lori Thornton
Alumni Editor
Greeley Myers ‘93
Art Director
Sheila Kitts ‘01
Photographers
Amber Gilbert
Sheila Kitts
Jennifer Nichols
Contributing Writers
Gary Ellison
Sheila Kitts
Greeley Myers
Kyle Robarts
Nancy Smith
Erin Stevens ‘06
2
4
We’re Dressing for Success
From the President
IMAGINE-Shaping the Future
8 Enhancing Academic Achievement
14 Creating an Ideal Environment for Living
and Learning
16 Developing a Faculty for the 21st Century
18 Building on our Strength in Science and Math
24 Athletics Update
Friends & Family
29 2007 Distinguished Alumni
37 Class Notes
43 Friends We’ll Miss
©2007
See page 30
for photos from
Homecoming 2007!
Home
comin
McMurry
PRESIDENT
and OFFICERS
McMurry
PRESIDENT
and OFFICERS
Dr. John
H. Russell
Dr. John
H. Russell
Lisa Lisa
Williams
Williams
Dr. Beverly
Dr. Beverly
Lenoir Lenoir
SteveSteve
Crisman
Crisman
PRESIDENT
PRESIDENT
g 2007
Road
Race
PRESIDENT
FOR FINANCIAL
AFFAIRS
VICE VICE
PRESIDENT
FOR FINANCIAL
AFFAIRS
PRESIDENT
FOR ACADEMIC
AFFAIRS VICE VICE
PRESIdenT
FOR INSTITUTIONAL
PRESIdenT
FOR INSTITUTIONAL
VICE VICE
PRESIDENT
FOR ACADEMIC
AFFAIRS
ADVANCEMENT
ADVANCEMENT
Dave Voskuil
Dave Voskuil
VICE PRESIDENT FOR ENROLLMENT
VICE MANAGEMENT
PRESIDENT FOR ENROLLMENT
MANAGEMENT
BradBrad
Poorman
Poorman
PRESIDENT
FOR INFORMATION
VICE VICE
PRESIDENT
FOR INFORMATION
& &
Support
SERVICES
Support
SERVICES
we’re
Dressing
for
I
Success
n the world of high fashion, style experts agree that wearing the proper
accessories “makes the outfit.” When first entering a crowd of people, it is
often one’s fashion accessories that attract our attention—a woman’s perfectly
matched heels and handbag or a man’s strikingly-contrasted “power” tie.
Often, the small details create a powerful first impression. To the observer, the
perfectly accessorized ensemble sends a message that indicates pride in who we are
and a sense that we know where we’re going. We exude a self-confidence that others
want to emulate. Often underrated, fashion accessories can make the common,
unique and the average, extraordinary. The attention to detail in dress enhances
one’s best qualities and creates a memorable persona. By the same token, a lack of
attention to dress does little to create a lasting impression.
What implications does “dressing for success” have in the world of higher
education? Like a basic, unadorned, uninteresting, off-the-rack suit, many
universities do not make a lasting impression…as they provide a practical college
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M c M urr y U niversit y
education that culminates in a functional
set of skills, often too generic to ensure
success in a chosen career. What makes a
university unique, highly effective and memorable?
It is the extras, the trimmings, the accessories!
McMurry has established its niche over the years as
a small university, rooted in Methodism, dedicated
to providing an exceptional education, and
committed to creating a sense of belonging among
the family of learners who have chosen to call it
their home away from home. McMurry recognizes
the importance of focusing attention on the “extras”
to ensure growth and continued excellence.
Our students face a future that is highly
competitive and extremely challenging. The
University is embarking on a Capital Campaign
designed to provide an educational environment
which is technologically stimulating and academically
unsurpassed. The Campaign is focused on providing
state-of-the-art facilities, recruiting world-class faculty
and students, and ensuring a learning environment
necessary to prepare exceptional young leaders for
success in a rapidly-changing world. Achieving the goals
of this campaign will require the involvement of many
people—alumni and friends who are visionary and
passionate about shaping the future of McMurry for a
new generation of learners. Those who have invested in
this campaign understand the importance of the “extras,”
and they are committed to ensuring that McMurry
continues to “put its best foot forward” as the University
nears its centennial
celebration in
2023.
As a reminder
of the importance
of this Campaign,
we wear a lapel
pin. Just as fashion
accessories
complete an outfit and send a message, the
Shaping the Future lapel pin complements
everything we are doing at McMurry
University to ensure our Campaign’s success
and to send a message that we have pride in
who we are and confidence in where we are
going. The Shaping the Future lapel pin is the perfect
“must-have” accessory for trend-setters who understand
that the goals of this Capital Campaign will be a reality
only if passionate visionaries give of themselves and their
resources to make it happen. Join us in our commitment
to Shape the Future and wear your pin proudly. You’re
sure to be sporting the latest fashion trend ever
introduced by the region’s “best-dressed” university. 
Look throughout this issue for quotes from
McMurry faculty, staff and administrators
telling why they’re proud to wear their
“Shaping the Future” campaign pin.
a
Dinner Celebration
To mark the campaign launch of
“McMurry University-Shaping the Future”
Guest Speaker Chuck Fallon ’85
President of Burger King North America
Thursday Evening, the Thirteenth of March
at Half Past Six O’Clock
Abilene Civic Center Annex
1100 North Sixth Street, Abilene, Texas
If interested, call (325) 793-4602. Seating is limited.
Not able to join us for the Celebration?
Join us live online at www.mcm.edu/celebration/
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from the president
dr. john h. russell
Y
ou may have noticed a new accessory on
the lapels of our faculty, staff, alumni and
friends of McMurry University. The new
Shaping the Future lapel pin is the visual symbol of
our commitment to provide our students, faculty and
staff the best higher education experience available as
we travel the road to our Centennial in 2023.
This is a pivotal point—a defining moment—
in the history of McMurry University. We have
repositioned and strengthened our university so
that, assuredly, it is better equipped to educate the
next generation of young people. But we foresee
even greater achievements for our university. While
maintaining its core values, McMurry is prepared to
thrive and progress in a world that is global, diverse
and technological—and in a world that desperately
needs teachers, nurses, entrepreneurs, scientists,
Christian parents and productive citizens.
McMurry is more than simply a campus of
buildings and classrooms, a curriculum, and a
community of students and faculty members.
McMurry is all those things and more, because the
“experience” at McMurry is what counts!
We are engaged in the learning and development
of our students, but students pursue more than an
education at McMurry. Students seek an experience,
and they evaluate their college careers on the total
experience defined by curriculum, a quality faculty,
the personalities of fellow students, financial aid
and personal service from staff. They will forget the
minor disappointments along the way, but they will
remember for perhaps a lifetime the experiences they
have, the friends they make, their favorite classes, a
particular seminar or service-learning opportunity
and professors who made a difference. Their experience
at McMurry must continue to have at its core a strong
academic program, but we must reach a new level of
collaborative engagement of “Team McMurry” to develop,
refine, reinforce and market their overall experience.
McMurry will celebrate its 100th year in 2023. Each
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of us—alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff, friends
and trustees—is invested in our future. Each of us must
feel ownership in our vision. What is our vision for this
university as it prepares for its second century? A vision
inspires and motivates us, and it becomes our calling. It’s
what we stand for.
We envision an experience for our students molded
“It is a chance to give something back to the University. As a staff member in the Financial Aid Office, I see that we have
students in need of assistance. I am proud to not only be a member of the staff, but also proud to be a McMurry Alum.”
- Johnna Bolden, Assistant Director of Financial Aid
The McMurry University of 2023 will feature
non-traditional learning opportunities and
collaborative partnerships which will be
defined by the following strategies:
• Students in cohort groups or communities
will live together in residence halls or special
living modules and take classes together.
• Our commitment to asynchronous learning
modes will be demonstrated through classes
available on the internet and mini-term
experiences. These non-traditional learning
opportunities, along with our mission trips,
provide great prototypes for what we hope will
become a graduation requirement.
• The integration of wireless tablet personal
computers for each of our students, which
began in 2007, dramatically enhances
opportunities for our creative faculty members
to organize and conduct their classes.
• Enriched opportunities for our students
will be provided through collaborative
programs co-sponsored by the higher
education institutions of Abilene, along with
partnerships with local school districts.
by programming that cultivates leadership, excellence
and virtue. We envision an experience shaped by our
core values. And we are challenged daily to make this
vision and these core values come alive for each student.
mcmurry’s vision statement
McMurry University cultivates leadership, excellence and
virtue in every student every day.
• McMurry must also strengthen its
relationship with the United Methodist
Church and successfully deliver its curricula to
an increasingly diverse campus.
• The formation of research centers, especially
in science and mathematics, will support and
enhance the learning of math and science, both
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“I am proud to wear my Shaping the Future pin because it shows my commitment to making McMurry University
a better place to work, learn and grow.” - Debbi Lehr, Special Events Coordinator
“A good feeling comes about if we truly believe in a cause and act upon it.” - Craig Roberts, Director of
Environmental Services
from the president
at the college level and in high schools and middle
schools.
• The development of other centers for
undergraduate research will be provided
through the McMurry University Research
Institute.
With a clear sense of purpose and process, we manifest our
willingness to devote full energy and resources to achieving
our vision—a vision that is perhaps more aggressive than
our traditions have tended to be. We acknowledge a need
to attract new resources to make this possible. Our vision
will be a dynamic guide for developing, allocating and
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managing resources to make our goals a reality.
When McMurry opened on September 20, 1923, no
doubt these ideals were vitally important and descriptive
of the McMurry experience for our first students: discover,
lead, reach, inspire, serve, welcome, achieve, challenge,
learn, cultivate. We must ensure that they remain
important and descriptive for the students who enroll at
McMurry 100 years later, on September 20, 2023.
I hope you will be inspired by our vision, by the stories
in this issue of the Chieftain, and by the Shaping the Future
Capital Campaign we are embarking upon. We invite you
to “wear the pin” with us as we prepare to shape McMurry’s
future. 
for more information about the campaign,
visit www.shaping.mcm.edu
“We live in a rapidly changing and highly
competitive world where consumers focus
on value. The Capital Campaign will allow
McMurry to continue offering a ‘Best
Value’ education to our students!”
- Rich Brozovic, Instructor of Computer
Science
“I’m proud to wear this pin because it
shows that I’m proud to be a part of
shaping the future here at McMurry.”
- Felicia Paredez, Secretary for the School
of Social Sciences and Religion
“Count me in for the Capital Campaign. I
don’t want to miss the opportunity to help
McMurry get the facilities it needs.”
- Bob Gillette, Associate Director of Library
Services
McMurry’s Shaping the Future Campaign focuses on four primary areas that reflect the priorities of the University
and a balanced campaign. In the following pages, we’ll explore the different areas and how they will enhance the
McMurry Experience for our students.
Responding to the national
need for graduates in
science and math
$20 million
Refining the
McMurry Experience
through facility improvements
and construction
$17 million
Increasing endowments
for merit and need-based
scholarships to attract
exceptional students
$6 million
Creating endowed chairs
for recruiting and retaining
outstanding faculty
members
$10 million
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enhancing academic achievement
T
o reach one’s goal of earning a baccalaureate degree requires a huge commitment of time and resources. College
tuition is a substantial investment for most families. McMurry has always offered financial support, and the
majority of students who enroll at this institution receive some type of assistance. It is the commitment of the
University that exceptional students from all backgrounds should have the opportunity to attend McMurry, regardless of
socio-economic status. With the availability of federal and state financial aid, as well as private scholarships, no student
should be prohibited from receiving a college degree. Through the Shaping the Future Campaign, McMurry will increase
its current endowment by $6 million for academic merit and need-based scholarships to help academically-qualified
students attend McMurry. In addition, funds will be utilized to enrich students’ educational experience through travel
opportunities and mission trips.
Specifically, the $6 million endowment will be designated as follows:
1) $2.8 million to create endowed scholarships—a commitment to excellence
• Scholarships will be designated for the School of Arts and Letters, the School of Business, the School of Social Sciences
and Religion, the School of Education and the School of Natural and Computational Sciences
• Scholarships will be designated by the President to address evolving opportunities
2) $2.4 million to create endowed need-based scholarships to support student tuition assistance—a
commitment to access
3) $800,000 to create endowed scholarships to support
mission and interdisciplinary student trips—a
commitment to academic achievement beyond the classroom
Weighing all the available options and determining
the best “fit” in a college home is often one of the
most difficult decisions one will have to make. For
Jennifer Wells, the choice
between Vanderbilt
University and McMurry
class of ‘11
University ultimately
came down to where she
felt most at home. “At McMurry, everyone spoke to
me as I walked through campus, professors wanted
to get to know me, and the atmosphere was very
non-threatening.” She added, “Both schools provide
an outstanding education, but without a sense of
comfort in my surroundings, I probably would have
had a difficult time.” Her choice was McMurry, but
without the scholarships that she was awarded here,
Jennifer would have had to go elsewhere.
JenniferWells
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“We are excited about the positive energy on campus and want to continue to do our part to support the University.
It is fantastic that both the departments we work in had 100% participation in the Shaping the Future Campaign.
Go McMurry!” - David Chandler, Cross Country/Track Coach and Janet Chandler, Assistant Registrar
Ninety-three percent of McMurry students
minor in Criminology. A
receive some type of financial aid, often in the form
committed student, her
of scholarships. According to Jennifer, “In all honesty,
career goals are to attend
if I had not received a scholarship, I would not be at
law school and become
McMurry. Vanderbilt offered me a full scholarship for
an attorney. Jennifer is
my education, and even though McMurry was a better
committed to success
fit, I would not have been able to afford it.” Jennifer also
on the basketball court,
added, “The money I received allowed me to have my
as well as in the classroom. Jennifer said of her team,
choice in my education and my future.”
“Coach Snow and Coach Densman not only know their
When Jennifer made her decision to attend
game, but they are two of the best people I have ever
McMurry, her dad, who had not yet visited the
had the privilege to meet. My teammates truly exemplify
campus, was apprehensive about her choice. When
what it means to be student athletes.”
Jennifer and her parents arrived on campus, there were
Jennifer has just completed her first semester and
upperclassmen “Tribe Guides” on hand
has proven to be a very good student. She
to welcome them and help with the
“In all honesty, if I had not balanced a hectic basketball schedule and
move-in process. Of that experience,
a full class load, including several honors
received a scholarship, I courses. “The most challenging course
Jennifer states, “The day we arrived, my
would not be at McMurry. I took last semester was Dr. LeMasters’
dad understood why I chose to come to
school at McMurry…it felt
Vanderbilt offered me a Honors Introduction to Christianity,”
like home.”
shared Jennifer. “Dr. LeMasters was a great
full scholarship for my
Through the Shaping the
instructor. He truly wanted his students to
education, and even
Future Capital Campaign,
expand our knowledge and not simply meet
we will be able to help more
though McMurry was a a general education requirement.” Jennifer
students like Jennifer Wells. better fit, I would not have went on to praise some of her professors,
The Enhancing Academic
saying, “I am very appreciative that the
been able to afford it.”
Achievement focus of our
McMurry faculty does not just teach for
campaign will set aside $6
a paycheck; they really care about their
million to raise the current endowment and students and want them to succeed.”
increase the University’s capacity to award
Jennifer is one of many successful students on
more merit and need-based scholarships
McMurry’s campus. Despite other responsibilities,
for high-achieving and deserving students.
difficult situations and financial constraints, these
Even with rising education costs, it is the
students are committed to completing their education.
commitment of McMurry University that
Many would not be able to attend McMurry without
students never be prohibited from attending scholarships and other forms of financial aid. The Capital
because of financial constraints.
Campaign will provide greater opportunities, through
Jennifer Wells, like many other
merit and need-based scholarships, in order that every
McMurry students, needed financial
student we attract is able to graduate from the university
assistance to attend the college of her
of his or her choice, without undue financial burden.
choice. Raised in a middle-class family in
In continuing to focus on increasing our scholarship
San Antonio, Texas, she is the oldest of
endowment, we can continue to attract outstanding
three children. She is currently a freshman,
students like Jennifer Wells—and that is a goal that is
majoring in English and Sociology with a
worthy of our highest priority and greatest effort. 
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McMurry students are already succeeding…
The proof can be found…
on the stage of our theatre,
in the halls of Ryan,
I.G.S., a play written by McMurry
University senior theatre major
Taylor Compton, has been selected
by the Texas Educational Theatre
Association as one of two winners
at the college/university level in the annual TETA
Playwriting Competition. The play was performed by
a cast of McMurry students in January at the annual
TETA Theatrefest Convention in Dallas, where
Compton participated in a discussion of the script
and was recognized for his work.
Five McMurry University music
students attended the Texoma
Region National Association of
Teachers of Singing Conference and
Auditions last semester in Dallas,
Texas. Three of the students were named semi-finalists
in the competition: Freshman women semi-finalists,
Lindsey Williams of Greenville and Cecilia Martinez of
Sweetwater. Lindsey Gallegos of Eastland, Texas, was a
semi-finalist in the Junior Women category.
in the classrooms of the
education building,
Tasha Diamond has been named the
EDICUT Pre-Service Teacher Award
winner. The winner must have been
admitted to the Teacher Education
Program on his, or her, campus and
must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or above. The winner
must also demonstrate leadership on campus and in
the community. Additionally, the honoree must also
provide evidence of personal attributes associated with
outstanding character.
and around our track.
Sophomore Carla Lewis and
sophomore Ken Wheeler were
named 2007 ASC Cross Country
Distinguished Scholar-Athletes.
Both men’s and women’s crosscountry teams have a GPA
average of over 3.0. The women’s team ranks in the
top 20 GPAs in the nation.
Students are earning honors…
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individually,
as well as in teams.
Leonor Javier, a freshman music
major, won second place in the
Oklahoma Flute Society Collegiate
Competition. The finals included
a doctoral student, two students
working on their masters degrees, two upperclassmen
and Leonor.
Student teams from 19 Texas
independent colleges and universities
competed in a day of lively debates
during Ethics Match “Ethics in Business,”
a program of the Texas Independent
College Foundation (TICF). Students Sarah Gentry, Linda
Koenen, Tim Hinson and Chris Wold from McMurry received
the second place plaque and a $750 grant.
“I am happy to support the Capital Campaign because of what McMurry has done for me
and meant to me. I want to make a difference in the lives of students and I think the Capital
Campaign is one way to achieve that.” - Janet McMurray ’96, Head Athletic Trainer
enhancing academic
achievement
They are being honored…
for their character,
and their public spirit,
Jennifer Farrer, Tarra Richardson,
Jason Owens and Eric Chacon were
honored at the 51st Annual
Youth Appreciation Reception on
Thursday, November 15, 2007,
hosted by the Abilene Breakfast Optimists. This
event recognized students on the basis of citizenship,
character, leadership, scholastic achievement and
community service.
Kayla Saunders, psychology major, is a
recipient of the Pauline B. Simpson
Scholarship awarded by Harmony
Family Services. In celebration of the
non-profit agency’s 40th anniversary,
the Board of Directors founded the scholarship in
2006 to benefit junior and senior university students
who are pursuing a career working with at-risk
children and families.
and they are going on to do great things.
Jessica Lynn Barnes, senior religion
major, has been admitted to the
prestigious Princeton Theological
Seminary, where only one out of
four applicants are admitted.
…with the resources provided by the
Shaping the Future Capital Campaign, our students’
opportunities for success will be even greater.
“Education is a good return for your money and McMurry students are a worthy investment.”
- Rachel Atkins, Director of Financial Aid
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Bynum Miers
Feature &
Endowment
Focus
with BynumMiers
Capital Campaign Co-Chair
Q
A
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M
Mc
cM
M urr
urr yy U
U niversit
niversit yy
Bynum Miers is an Abilene businessman and philanthropist
who has been a member of the McMurry family for many
years. A 1959 McMurry alumnus, he is the owner of Miers
Cattle Co. and serves on the boards of several major Abilene
non-profits and companies. Additionally, he has served as
chairman of the McMurry Board of Trustees.
“I am proud to invest in our University, especially our students!
- Lori West, Financial Aid Representative
enhancing academic
achievement
“There aren’t many areas in life more
worthy of your financial support
than the field of education and the
spread of knowledge.”
- Bynum Miers
Like many independent four-year universities,
McMurry’s budget is currently driven by tuition.
How would a major increase in the permanent
endowment affect future tuition decisions?
With a tuition-driven system, every student
is not only paying his or her own way, but
also is financing our future. As McMurry
continues to grow its endowment, it will
be less dependent on tuition, thereby
benefitting both the current and future
students and the University.
In what other ways would McMurry be affected
by a strong endowment?
One of the first questions I get from
prospective donors is, “How is the
University doing financially?” With a
very strong endowment, I can answer
that McMurry will continue to be stable
and sound amidst the economic ups and
downs of our national economy. A strong
endowment allows us to present a strong
case for giving to the University. 
How does a strong endowment result in a better
learning environment for our students?
A strong endowment allows us to seek
grants and gifts from major corporations
and private foundations, as well as
individuals. This funding provides the
needed tools to keep McMurry sound,
provide students with the best possible
education and strengthen McMurry’s
financial future.
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creating an ideal environment for
living and learning
T
rue learning takes place through a combination of classroom learning and the practical application of
theoretic principles. McMurry University is committed to providing an interdisciplinary educational
environment that combines classroom instruction with enrichment experiences, thus providing a laboratory
for examining and practicing classroom concepts. McMurry believes that social and cultural interaction and
leadership opportunities are additional aspects of learning to be included in the education of the whole person.
Through the Shaping the Future Campaign, McMurry will explore new ways to instill learning, to expand growth
opportunities and to ensure excellence in our students—for today and tomorrow.
Achieving this goal will require the funding of seven objectives:
1) $1 million to endow initiatives to enhance spiritual development—through scholarships for the Institute of
Discipleship, Academy for Faithful Ministry and cohort religious life groups and programs
2) $7.3 million to support healthy student lifestyles—through the expansion of the Student Wellness Center and
improving facilities for intercollegiate and intramural sports
3) $2 million to build a center for leadership, excellence and virtue—to support centers for service, discipleship
and leadership
4) $700,000 to develop the McMurry Undergraduate Research Institute (MURI)—to support interdisciplinary
undergraduate research opportunities for McMurry students
5) $2 million for additional Radford Auditorium renovations—to provide increased opportunities for student
performances, religious celebrations, academic presentations and community events
6) $2.3 million to renovate Bynum Band Hall—to increase use and enhance music learning and performance
7) $1.7 million to construct a welcome center—to provide a warm and receptive area to welcome campus visitors
If you’ve been on campus and have had the
opportunity to look into the faces of McMurry
students, you may have seen a future doctor
walking into the
science building
or a kindergarten
c l a s s o f ‘ 0 9 teacher entering
Old Main. When
you look into the faces of McMurry students, you
see the promise of future leadership. McMurry is
a university committed to creating principled and
impassioned leaders of tomorrow. The Shaping the
Future Capital Campaign’s focus on creating an ideal
environment for living and learning provides a very
KelseyHeinrich
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rare opportunity for us as alumni and friends to be
involved in leadership development, and in changing
the lives of the students who live and learn here every
day—students like Kelsey Heinrich.
Currently a junior at McMurry, Kelsey grew
up in Carlsbad, New Mexico, and had a very
close relationship with her family. Her dad is a
veterinarian, and her mom is a hard-working
housewife. Kelsey’s older and younger brothers both
chose to go to college in Kansas. Her older brother’s
decision to go to Kansas State continued a tradition
that started with her grandfather and father. But
Kelsey felt that a large state school was not the right
fit for her. Growing up in the Methodist Church,
“I believe God calls me to minister in many ways. Investing my time and money to shape the future
of McMurry is included in that call.” - Dee Ann Curry, Instructor of Communications
Kelsey had heard of McMurry and knew that it was a
small school; she applied and was accepted before she had
even visited the campus. “After I received my acceptance
letter, I went to look at the campus and I remember
walking through the quad thinking, ‘This is going to be
my home for the next four years.’ It was very calming and
peaceful knowing that.” She went on to say, “McMurry is
the only place I applied, and it is the only place I needed
to apply, because it is definitely where I was supposed
to be.”
Kelsey is a member of the Religious Life Council
and is a junior class senator for McMurry Student
Government; she serves as a Tribe Guide and a member
of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Kelsey is also
actively involved with the Campus Activities Board
and the Chapel Design Team, and she sings regularly in
chapel. Kelsey is well-liked by her classmates and was
named sophomore and junior class favorite.
Kelsey plays intramural sports, so she has a stake in
the Capital Campaign focus on the addition of the new
wellness center and upgrades to the athletic facilities.
“Our Wellness Center is nice,” said Kelsey, “but it is a
bit small and sometimes it gets really crowded. Having
more space would allow us to have more variety when
we work out.” She added, “The new football field has
definitely benefited the entire student body, not just
football players. And with the addition of the fog lights,
it has made it a safer place to
“I went to look at the
play at night.” Concentrating
on providing functional
campus and I remember
and attractive athletic and
walking through the
recreational facilities will
quad thinking, ‘This is
ensure that McMurry is able to
attract and retain outstanding
going to be my home
students like Kelsey.
for the next four years.’
Another objective of
It was very calming and
the Capital Campaign is to
peaceful knowing that.”
designate funds to enhance
the spiritual development
of students, focusing on Religious Life activities like
retreats, seminary tours and mission trips. Kelsey agrees
with the emphasis placed on making these opportunities
more readily available. “With additional funding,
mission trips could be more
affordable, and scholarships
could be given to those
students who feel led to go.”
It is clear that Kelsey is
a leader on this campus, and
McMurry is committed to
attracting and developing more young leaders—students
who will ‘Shape Our Future.’ When we prepare and retain
student leaders like Kelsey Heinrich, we are paving the
way and cultivating a new generation of tomorrow’s
leaders. 
15
developing a faculty for
the 21st century
M
cMurry has been fortunate in attracting faculty members who possess a passion for the subject matter they
teach. An even greater source of pride is the ability of our gifted faculty to be able to impart their subject
matter and their passion for learning to the students they teach. They engage students in an intellectual
environment, both inside and outside the classroom, and are committed to getting to know their students and
developing a personal relationship with them. Cultivating a reputation for having a high-quality faculty is an important
factor in any university’s ability to recruit quality students.
McMurry finds itself constantly engaged in the competitive process of recruiting and retaining outstanding faculty
members. The Shaping the Future Campaign will create endowed positions, which will help McMurry retain its current
faculty leaders and attract new faculty members. Named chairs bring honor to faculty members and to the named
benefactors who support the University.
Funding for the recruitment and retention of faculty will be designated as follows:
1) $9 million to create six $1.5 million endowed chairs
• One endowed chair for each of the five academic schools: School of Arts and Letters; School of Business; School of
Education; School of Natural and Computational Sciences; and School of Social Sciences and Religion
• One at-large endowed chair to be designated by the President to address evolving opportunities
2) $1 million to create a faculty development endowment to support initiatives in teaching and learning
Possessing a passion for teaching in an academic
culture that cares about student success is
descriptive of the McMurry academic community.
Students are attracted to a faculty member who
possesses a passion for teaching that permeates
everything he does. When this same professor
takes a personal interest in the students, he is a
tremendous asset to any university. Dr. John Eric
Swenson, Assistant Professor of Psychology, has
Dr. John EricSwenson
a s s i s ta n t p r o f e s s o r o f p s yc h o lo g y
a deep passion for teaching and an unconditional
love for his students. “What I do in the classroom
is only a small part of what my role is on this
campus,” he shares. “My real joy comes in seeing
16
young men and women grow—not only in
knowledge, but in character, and most importantly,
in their Christian faith.” Dr. Swenson received his undergraduate and
master’s degrees from Abilene Christian University
and his doctorate from The University of Memphis,
Memphis, Tennessee. He worked in private
practice in New Braunfels, Texas and served as an
adjunct professor at Texas State University before
joining the faculty at McMurry University in 2005.
John Eric and his wife, Ronda, have a two-year-old
son named John Eric IV and are expecting another
baby in August. Dr. Swenson and Ronda are very
active in the lives of McMurry students. They lead
a Bible study in their home twice a month, and Dr.
Swenson is credited with developing a campuswide Prayer Initiative. He helps plan monthly
prayer breakfasts, and he collects and edits prayers
“McMurry has done its part in shaping the nation since 1923, and through good
management it is in better shape now than ever to transform the future. It’s a product I
believe in and is a place where people matter.” - Don Frazier, Professor of History
submitted on the Prayer Initiative website. Beginning
next year, Dr. Swenson will serve as the President of
the Christian Association for Psychological Studies,
a professional organization with over 2,000 members
around the world.
Empowering professors like Dr. Swenson to do what
they do best is a top priority of the Shaping the Future
Capital Campaign. McMurry must rise to the challenge
of recruiting and retaining outstanding faculty members.
Attracting more faculty members like Dr. Swenson
will give McMurry a competitive edge over other
universities. Through the Campaign, endowed faculty
positions will ensure that McMurry retains quality
faculty and attracts new talent. Students will benefit
from accessibility to outstanding faculty members
drawn to McMurry through the establishment of
endowed faculty chairs. In addition, students will benefit
financially. Dr. Swenson states, “The more endowed
chairs you have, the less in
faculty salaries you have
to pay out of the operating
budget on a month-tomonth basis, which means
more funding for student
scholarships.” Nine million dollars received from the
campaign will be used to create six chairs endowed at
$1.5 million each. An additional $1 million will be used
to create a faculty development endowment scholarship
initiative in teaching and learning. According to Dr.
Swenson, “In my mind, it brings an element of prestige
to a university and the various academic departments
within a university. This is appealing to students and
their parents.”
Dr. Swenson is one of many faculty members at this
University who love what they teach and who express
a genuine concern for their students. Many professors
share Dr. Swenson’s sentiments when he says, “My
favorite part of teaching involves mentoring students.
I love visiting with students outside of the classroom
about academics, but more importantly, I enjoy visiting
with them about life and their futures. It does not get
any better than this!” Students at McMurry University feel extremely
fortunate that Dr. Swenson made the decision to
come to Abilene. When observing his interaction
with students, you sense a relational exchange that
transcends the academic into something more profound.
“In a Christian University, I think it is important to
have students think critically about how a Christian
worldview relates to what they are learning in the
classroom, and in turn, how and what they are learning
relates to the world at large. As a faculty member at
McMurry, I have an incredible opportunity to shape
young people’s lives.” Through the success of the Shaping
the Future Campaign, future generations of McMurry
students will thrive in a nurturing and challenging
academic environment in which Dr. Swenson and his
colleagues have felt called to dedicate their lives. 
17
building on our strength
in science and math
O
ver the past fifty years, McMurry University has earned an outstanding reputation for high acceptance
rates of its students into medical, dental and graduate school science programs. Committed faculty have
utilized innovative approaches in teaching methodology. Through inquiry-based learning, students become
participants, not spectators, in science.
In a highly-technological world where scientific research introduces medical breakthroughs at an accelerated rate,
there is a growing national need for college graduates in science and math. Building on McMurry’s strength in this
area will propel the University into an elite tier of undergraduate institutions and will prepare students to become
national leaders in natural and computational sciences.
Through the Shaping the Future Campaign, $20 million will be invested in designing and building a distinctive
academic facility featuring state-of-the art technology in classrooms and laboratories. The architectural design
and functionality of structure will make this facility a cornerstone in the recruitment and retention of outstanding
science and math faculty and students. It will allow for the diversification of teaching methods and will provide new
opportunities for interdisciplinary teaching and student achievement. McMurry’s campaign emphasis in this area will
position the University to become a flagship institution in science, math and healthcare-related fields.
In a world where the concepts of science and
faith are viewed at times in contradiction with
each other, Dr. Richard “Max” Wynn ’80 believes
that science and faith reflect each other. In fact,
Dr. Wynn states that “discovering truths through
science
is like
praise and
adoration
for God.” In a Christian university like McMurry,
this philosophy makes the role of science a
very important component in the mission of
higher education. Dr. Wynn continues, “We
can understand something about the nature of
God in the discovery of truths about nature, and
communicating those truths provides hope for the
world we live in.”
The complementary nature between science
and faith has always been a part of Dr. Wynn’s
life. When facing a decision regarding where to
attend college, he recognized two important facets
of his life—his faith and his desire to understand
Dr. MaxWynn’80
18
“I support the McMurry Shaping the Future Campaign because over the past 15 years, I have
witnessed many positive changes on the campus in terms of scholarships, improved facilities,
faculty opportunities and a stronger financial stance. We have the momentum to continue to
move forward, and it is our responsibility to embrace the challenge and continue to support the
future of McMurry University.” - Perry Kay Haley-Brown, Dean of the School of Education
“A quality science facility
becomes pivotal because
it provides students the
opportunity to perform research
that will ultimately help doctors
to understand the cause of
certain diseases.” He shares
his belief that “building such a
facility can propel an institution
like McMurry.”
the laws of nature. Because of
the outstanding reputation of
McMurry’s science department,
Wynn chose to attend
McMurry. “I was looking for a
small place because I did not
want to be just a number, but I
also wanted a place that offered
an outstanding education.”
Soon after arriving at McMurry,
Dr. Wynn learned an important
lesson about his professors—one that he
has carried with him his entire life. “I
learned that my professors at McMurry
had a vocation, namely their job, and an
avocation, an emphasis on Christian service
to those around them.” He believes that the
blending of academic emphasis and care and
concern for others is what makes McMurry
a special place. “We encourage our students
to become life-long learners, but at the same
time, we instill in them an attitude of Servant
Leadership.”
An important aspect of the Shaping the
Future Campaign is “Building on Strength
in Science and Math.” The development
of a premier science and math facility will
position McMurry to answer the need
for more graduates in science and math.
Dr. Wynn believes in the importance of
this facility and its potential for positively
impacting the future. “Investing in such
an effort will attract more students to the
University,” he states, “and those students will
be able to contribute to scientific research.”
An example that Wynn points to is the
research that will help solve diseases like
cancer. “A quality science facility becomes
pivotal because it provides students the
opportunity to perform research that will
ultimately help doctors to understand the
cause of certain diseases.” He shares his belief
that “building such a facility can propel an
institution like McMurry.”
When asked what he would say to alumni
about the upcoming Campaign, Wynn states,
“there is a place for you.” He encourages
all McMurry alumni to remember their
experiences as students. “For many of us,
who we are and what we have become can
be attributed to McMurry,” he states, and
he emphasizes the importance of getting
involved. “Now we have the opportunity to
give back. Collectively, we can do a lot.” Dr.
Wynn reminds everyone that even though
we might not be able to give a large amount,
participation at all levels is necessary for the
success of the Shaping the Future Campaign.
He believes that alumni involvement
demonstrates a commitment to providing
students with access to a quality education, a
memorable undergraduate experience and a
successful future. 
“Our world view has been turned upside down and inside out, but Jesus’ VISION is still 20/20.
We need to support McMurry as it continues to present that vision to the postmodern world.”
- Dr. Russell Meier, Visiting Professor of Sociology
19
Q&
A
with
20
20
M
Mc
cM
M urr
urr yy U
U niversit
niversit yy
Dian Owen Stai co-founded Owen Healthcare Inc.
with her late husband, Jean Owen. She serves on the
board of directors for First Financial Bank of Abilene,
First Financial Bankshares Inc., and was named
one of Savvy Magazine's Top 60 Businesswomen in
1988, 1989 and 1990. She has also been selected as
one of Working Woman’s Top 25 Business Women
in America in 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996. She
was inducted into the Texas Women's Hall of Fame
in 1997 and was named one of the ''Leading Women
Entrepreneurs of the World.''
DianStai
Capital Campaign Co-Chair
“I am excited about a new science building that fosters an interdisciplinary
environment. The most exciting advances in science today are not happening within
the discipline so much as they are happening in the nexus between the disciplines.”
- Alicia Wyatt, Assistant Dean of the School of Natural and Computational Sciences
building on our
strength in science
and math
“Supporting the campaign is a wise
investment—in our young people, in
McMurry and in our world.”
- Dian Stai
McMurry has been known for its strong preprofessional programs in the sciences. How
would the Shaping the Future campaign enhance
this reputation?
In order to enhance McMurry University’s
excellent reputation for preparing students
to succeed in medical-related careers,
we must continue to give our students
the best—in equipment and facilities, in
teaching excellence and in quality of life on
campus. In this age of increasing knowledge
and changing technology, McMurry must
invest in the future of our students.
The Sciences at McMurry have a long history
of professors who are both great teachers and
great researchers. How will the addition of a new
facility help McMurry continue this tradition?
bring both strong research and teaching
skills to their profession. In order to be
competitive in the future in attracting the
best teachers and researchers available,
we at McMurry need to offer strong
professional and financial incentives, which
this campaign will provide.
What do you see as the future of the Science
programs at McMurry?
McMurry’s future in the sciences and
mathematics is bright! With the support
of alumni and friends who believe in
McMurry’s mission to give our students
the best opportunities available to succeed
in the 21st century, we can ensure that
McMurry will continue to have a great
reputation for preparing young men and
women for futures in the sciences. 
Great professors challenge great students to
be even better. McMurry has been uniquely
blessed with many great professors who
21
Campaign Cabinet
dian stai
Campaign Co-Chair
bynum miers ’59
Campaign Co-Chair
Abilene/Cherry Springs, Texas
Abilene, Texas
ralph j. turner, m.d. ’74 ’76
Alumni Chair
Dallas, Texas
holland evans ’59
Leadership Gifts Chair
Houston, Texas
bishop dan solomon ’58
Pacesetter Gifts Chair
Abilene, Texas
tucker s. bridwell
Major Gifts Chair
Abilene, Texas
donna dougherty ’78
Communications Co-Chair
Abilene, Texas
philip lemasters, ph.d.
Faculty/Staff Chair
Abilene, Texas
22
morris b. “sam” smith ’66
Chairman of the Board
Ft. Worth, Texas
grant g. teaff ’56
Waco, Texas
sara graham ’63
Abilene, Texas
herman lloyd
Special Gifts Committee Co-Chair
Abilene, Texas
billye proctor shaw
Awareness Committee Chair
Abilene, Texas
robert “bobby” miers
Prospect Review Committee Chair
Abilene, Texas
raymond mcdaniel jr.
Named Gifts & Recognition
Committee Chair
Abilene, Texas
23
For the full athletics update, please visit us on the web at
www.mcm.edu/athletics/.
ATHLETICS UPDATE
FALL BRIEFS
Football Head Coach Donny Gray and the McMurry
football team went 2-8 in Gray’s first year as head coach
after spending six seasons as an assistant. McMurry
defeated Austin College and Howard Payne in 2007
and saw five defensive players make the all-conference
squad. Junior free safety Trey Brown, senior punter Bert
Green, and junior linebackers Andrew Wallace and Gene
Vogelman were each named to the all-ASC Second Team.
Junior linebacker Joe Alexander made the honorable
mention squad.
Dusty Thornhill finished second all-time on career
receiving yards (2,298) and touchdown receptions (24).
Volleyball The McMurry Volleyball team made a
remarkable turnaround from 2006 to 2007. Second-year
coach Jason McAden was named the ASC West Division
Coach of the Year for helping the team make a 13-win
swing from 2006 to 2007. McMurry went 19-10 overall
and won its first-round match of the ASC Tourney
against East Texas Baptist.
Sophomore transfer Terah Brown was named the
ASC West Division Player of the Year and Danielle
Kelton and Shannon Higgins were each named allconference. Brown became the first McMurry player in
school history to earn all-region honors after earning
honorable mention all-South Region honors.
Cross Country McMurry’s men and
women had another successful cross
country season in 2007. Both teams
finished in second place at the ASC
Championships. Head Coach David
Chandler also saw two men
earn all-region honors at the
NCAA Regional meet in
Newport News, Virginia.
Sophomores Ken Wheeler & Brad Mullens each
finished in the top 35 at the regional meet to earn the
honors for the second-straight season.
Men’s and Women’s Soccer Both soccer programs
had the hard task of putting together teams in a very
short time. After a five-month vacancy for the men’s team
and a sixth-month gap between women’s coaches, Tim
Grove and Stan Levrets were hired to fill the voids for the
men’s and women’s teams, respectively.
Grove and the men went 3-9-2 on the season,
including a win over Mississippi College at home when
the Choctaws were the first-place team in the ASC.
Freshman Jesper Sehested was named the ASC Freshman
Defensive Player of the Year.
Levrets and the women’s team were winless in 2007
but did record one tie against Schreiner. Jessica Martinez
was named academic all-conference.
WINTER UPDATES
Men’s Basketball McMurry’s men started the 20072008 season with a 3-game win streak. However, through
the next six games, McMurry couldn’t win its fourth
of the season. The six-game skid was the longest losing
streak since the 1990-91 season.
The team began to show promise at the start of 2008,
beating Concordia-Texas, the second-place team in the
ASC West Division, and then beating the No. 4 team in
the nation
with a win
over Mary
HardinBaylor on
January 19.
For the full athletics update, please visit us on the web at
www.mcm.edu/athletics/.
ATHLETICS UPDATE
Women’s Basketball The women’s basketball team
began the season ranked No. 11 in the NCAA Division
III by D3Hoops.com after its second-straight NCAA
Tournament appearance in 2006-2007. The team posted a
13-1 record through a win over Mary Hardin-Baylor and
was ranked No. 7 in the nation through January 21.
Head Coach Veronica Snow also began her collegiate
head coaching career with the fastest start in McMurry
history. Snow was hired in April to replace Sam Nichols,
who retired with 199 career wins.
Senior center Tarra Richardson, pictured below, has
re-written the McMurry record books, but in 2007-2008
she’s working on breaking ASC career records for scoring,
rebounding, games played, games started, field goals
made and field goal percentage. She’s on pace to break all
the above records in the month of February.
Swimming Head Coach Bev Ball and the McMurry
swim teams continue to swim competitively as an
independent team in the NCAA Division III. The men’s
and women’s teams enjoyed success in November and
December, defeating several NCAA Division II and III
schools.
In February, McMurry will compete in a conference
meet for NCAA Division III Independents in Elsa,
Illinois. Sophomore Craig Osterman is the men’s top
swimmer, while junior Marlee Hager, the holder of
six individual school records, is the women’s top
swimmer.
SPRING PREVIEW
Baseball McMurry could
be looking forward to one of
its most exciting seasons in
a while. After an average start
in 2007, McMurry won 14 of its
last 21 games before falling in the
ASC Championship game to Texas
Lutheran.
In 2008, McMurry returns two all-Americans as
seniors—Brent Voorhees and Derek David return as
corner infielders. David was honored by D3Baseball.
com as an all-American, as well as by the ABCA, while
Voorhees was a second-team all-America selection by
D3Baseball.com. Voorhees will get a chance to become
the ASC’s all-time homerun king in 2008; he trails the
ASC record by just three homers.
Golf Both the men’s and women’s golf teams saw national
rankings in the teams’ non-traditional seasons in the fall
of 2007, and will look to carry momentum into the spring
season.
The men are coming off a national tournament
appearance in 2007 and will look to make a move
nationally again. Head Coach Russ Evans will lead the
men, who are looking for their first ASC Championship
since 2004, while the women are still looking for their
first conference crown in school history.
Tennis The McMurry women’s tennis team’s 2007
season gave the program its first-ever postseason
appearance in the ASC. The women, under head coach
Mark Hathorn, not only made the tournament but beat
LeTourneau in the first round before falling to HardinSimmons.
Track The McMurry track teams are often
considered a threat in the outdoor season, but
in 2008 head coach Barbara Crousen also wants
to see McMurry make a move in the indoor
season. Zach Shew earned all-America honors
in the indoor season in 2007; however, Crousen
said that several have the opportunity to succeed in
indoors in 2008.
Hanneus Ollison, Bert Green, John Mikalik
and Chris Kelley will all be back to defend their
national title in the 4x100-meter relay after winning
it in May. 
25
mark your CALENDAR
2008
Capital Campaign Kickoff
Celebration
March 13
Spring Break
March 17 - March 21
Easter Holiday
March 21 and 24
Classes Resume
March 25
Early Registration
March 25 - April 4
Preview
March 29
Chanters Concert
April 1
Big Event
T.I.P. Sing Song
Summer Session II
Homecoming
April 12
July 7 - August 8
Final Exams
Classes Begin
(no classes on Friday)
October 23 - 26
May 5 - 9
July 7
Commencement
Vision Quest
May 10
August 20 - 24
May Term 2008
Residence Halls Open
for Freshmen
May 12 - May 30
Board of Trustees Meetings
October 24
Registration for Spring
Semester begins
November 3
Thanksgiving Recess
August 20
Classes Begin
November 26 - 28
Academic Advisement
May 12
Memorial Day Holiday
Classes Resume August 22
December 1
Registration
May 26
Summer Session I
June 2 - July 3
July 4th Holiday
Final Examinations August 22
Commencement
August 25 - December 12
Fall Convocation July 4
April 5
December 8-12
Fall Semester
December 13
September 2
Help create scholarship opportunities for our students
with a gift to the McMurry Fund!
Yes, I would like to contribute to the success and future of McMurry students
through the McMurry Fund!
Please make your check payable to McMurry Fund and send it with this form to Institutional
Advancement, McMurry Station Box 938, Abilene, TX 79697. Thank you!
I am making a pledge of $____________ with $___________ to be paid now and the
balance to be paid
 Annually
 Semi-annually
 Quarterly
To make a gift using a credit card, please visit www.mcm.edu/give/ and click on the Give Online link.
Name _ ________________________________________________________________
Address_ _______________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip___________________________________________________________
Join the other McMurry alumni on MySpace at
www.myspace.com/mcmurryalumni/
FRIENDS & FAMILY
Dear Alumni and Friends,
Greetings once again from the Office of Alumni
Relations. This is a tremendous time to be an alumnus
or alumnae of McMurry University, as we are entering
into a transformational time in our history with the
Shaping the Future Campaign. As you
have read through the pages of the
Chieftain, the efforts of this capital
campaign will positively impact the lives
of our students in many different ways.
From increasing student scholarships to
endowing faculty chairs and improving
our science facilities, our students will
receive the benefits of this campaign for
years to come.
As an alumnus or alumnae of
McMurry, you can be proud of the
leadership of our administration,
Board of Trustees, Alumni Board of
Directors and the Campaign Cabinet,
whose efforts have placed McMurry in
a position to achieve incredible success.
As exciting as all of this sounds, the true
success of this campaign lies with each one of us. So I
would like to take this opportunity to encourage you
to become involved with our effort. I ask you first to
become more involved with your alma mater and take
the opportunity to learn about what we are trying to
accomplish and where McMurry is headed in the future.
Over the next year there will be many opportunities,
wherever you may live, to learn about the Shaping the
Future Campaign. We are in the process of organizing
alumni volunteers in different regions throughout Texas
and the country. With the help of these volunteers,
regional events will be held where you will see first-hand
how this campaign will impact the lives of our students.
Once you have the opportunity to learn about what we
are going to be able to accomplish, I am confident that
you will want to be involved in achieving this goal.
I know many of you may be
thinking that most campaigns rely
on large gifts to reach its goal. While
these types of gifts are necessary, it
takes the support of all of our alumni.
The collective gifts of all alumni will
make it possible to reach the goals
that we have set for this campaign. In
previous editions of the Chieftain, I
have challenged our alumni to become
more involved with McMurry in many
different ways, and you have responded!
Over the last two years, attendance
at alumni events and Homecoming
has increased, and alumni giving to
our McMurry Fund has significantly
increased during this fiscal year. Thank
you for your response and efforts!
I know that McMurry means so much to all of us.
This is an exciting time because this campaign is just the
beginning. By being involved in any way that you can,
you become part of something truly special—shaping
students’ lives. By shaping our future, we will be able to
express our pride in what McMurry has meant to us in
the past and what it has the potential to be in the future.
Ala Cumba!!
27
FRIENDS & FAMILY
McMurry Sundays
Upcoming McMurr y Sundays
March 30 - First UMC, Plainview, TX
April 13 - St. Paul UMC, Amarillo, TX
Founded by the Northwest Texas and New Mexico Annual Conferences in 1923,
McMurry continually strives to maintain and enrich its connection to the United
Methodist Church.
The Office of Alumni Relations informs United Methodist churches about
McMurry University, encourages support from our United Methodist constituency
and furthers the enrollment of United Methodist students. These students who receive
a McMurry education are equipped to lead, serve and understand the responsibility of
being an educated Christian.
You can help us recruit these students and spread awareness of McMurry by
inviting a McMurry representative to visit your church for a McMurry Sunday.
McMurry Sundays are designed to bring students and staff to the local church as aids
in the Sunday Worship Service. Representatives from McMurry are available
to provide children’s sermons, McMurry Moment, musical specials, scripture
readings and provide brochures about our Methodist connection. We would
love to schedule a McMurry Sunday at your church! Please contact the Office of
Religious Life at (325) 793-4776.
The Office of Alumni Relations celebrated Valentine’s Day
with a collection of alumni love stories that bloomed on the
McMurry campus. Thank you to everyone who submitted
their story and helped make McMurry Merge a success!
“One day while running around the track, I ran up behind her and
tugged down on her shorts. They didn’t come down luckily but it
sure did scare her. We only knew each other’s name and she didn’t
like the fact that I tried to pull her shorts down. She didn’t care for
me much after that and the second semester was pretty strained....”
- Excerpt from the story of Michael ’95 and Stacie Abers ’95 Ramage
Want to read more?
To receive a story booklet, contact the Office of Alumni Relations
at (325) 793-4608 or stevens3@mcm.edu (booklets are limited).
Or, read the stories online at
www.mcm.edu/newsite/web/alumni/mcmurry_merge.htm
28
FRIENDS & FAMILY
2007distinguishedalumni
The McMurry University Distinguished Alumni Dinner, held on October 4, 2007 in the Garrison Campus
Center, honored long-time Abilene teacher and counselor, Mable Phillips ’34, and Houston businessman,
Holland Evans ’66.
Mable Phillips ’34 was
born in Andrews, Texas on
August 8, 1912. The Phillips
family settled in Abilene
in 1924 and began a long
history with McMurry
University. Six of the
Phillips’ children attended
McMurry and four of them,
including Mable, graduated.
After graduating
from Abilene High
School, Phillips enrolled
at McMurry in the fall of
1930. With the assistance
of McMurry’s President,
Dr. J.W. Hunt, she was enrolled in a
government work program and was placed
as an employee at McMurry’s Library. By
working at the library to pay her tuition,
Phillips graduated from McMurry in 1934.
While at McMurry, Phillips was
a member of T.I.P. Women’s Social
Club and Wah Wahtaysee. She served
as the Secretary of McMurry Student
Government and was a member of the War
Whoop and Totem staff. As a senior, she
was selected as Senior Class Favorite and
served as a Senior Class officer.
After graduating in 1934, Phillips
began a forty-four year career in education,
serving in a variety of positions—as
a teacher, librarian and school
counselor. She served children in many
communities across Texas including
Iatan, Rotan, Colorado City, Iraan and
Merkel. From 1947 to 1949, Phillips
returned to McMurry and served as
the Assistant Librarian. She finished
her distinguished career as a counselor
at Franklin Junior High from 1958 to
1978.
A life-long Methodist, Phillips
has been a member of St. Paul United
Methodist Church in Abilene since
1924. She has served the church by
teaching Sunday School and Vacation
Bible School. She
has also served as
chairperson of many
committees, and she
currently serves as the
Archivist at St. Paul.
Holland Evans ’66
graduated from
Richardson High
School in 1962.
Interested in playing
basketball in college,
he was a “walk on”
to the McMurry
basketball team,
playing for Coach
29
FRIENDS & FAMILY
Kimbrell from 1962 to 1964.
While at McMurry, Evans was also involved with Ko
Sari Men’s Social Club, where he served as Counselor
in 1966 and as Men’s Intramural Council President in
1966. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration
degree from McMurry University in 1966 with a major
in marketing.
Evans earned a Master of Business Administration
degree from Texas Tech University in 1968 with an
emphasis in marketing. He also received a Master of
International Management from the Thunderbird School
of International Management in Glendale, Arizona,
in 1973 with an emphasis in international marketing
and German, and specializing in what later became the
European Union.
Evans was a Lieutenant in the U. S. Army from
1968 to 1971. After completing Field Artillery Officer
Candidate School, he held staff positions in Heidelberg,
Germany (Deputy Chief of Staff – Personnel) and Long
Binh, Vietnam (Aviation Data Analysis Center).
From 1973 to 1978, he worked as a Trade Specialist
with the U. S. Department of Commerce in Oklahoma
City, Oklahoma. In this position he served as an export
marketing consultant to exporters throughout the state
of Oklahoma and managed a satellite office for this
federal agency. Holland and his wife, Floy, moved to
Houston in 1979 where he joined the private sector,
working for Hydril Company as International Marketing
Administrator from 1979 to 1983.
In 1983, Holland and Floy Evans started a familyowned business, Evans and Wood & Co., Inc., in
Houston. Evans and Wood is a federally-licensed
international freight forwarder, customs broker and
logistics company, with offices in Houston, Dallas, and
El Paso, Texas, and agents around the world. Holland
serves as Chairman and President of the company.
Evans served as a part-time adjunct professor at the
Houston business campus of LeTourneau University
from 1996 to 2004, teaching the undergraduate
International Business class. He has served as a member
of the Houston District Export Council from 1980 to
2000 and has been a member of the CEO Roundtable of
the Greater Houston Partnership since 1996.
Evans served on the McMurry University Alumni
Distinguished Alumni Recipients Mable Phillips and Holland Evans with Dale Evers, Alumni Association President
30
FRIENDS & FAMILY
Association Board of Directors from 1990 to 1999,
serving as President from 1996 to 1999. He has served
on the McMurry University Board of Trustees from 1996
to 1999 and from 2001 to the present. Evans currently
serves as First Vice-Chair of the Board and heads
both the Buildings and Grounds and Membership and
Nominations Committees. 
Know an outstanding alum?
Nominate them for the
Distinguished Alumni Award!
Achievement in Profession
Achievement beyond what is normally considered successful in their
particular field
Service to Community
Service in leadership roles that truly make their communities a better place
Service to McMurry
Support the University financially within their means, time serving in
various capacities on boards, recruiting efforts, attendance at events,
volunteer leadership
Service to Church
Active beyond regular attendance, taking on leadership/volunteer roles
If you know a McMurry alum who fits the above criteria, please fill out the form below and send to:
McMurry Alumni Association, Box 938 McMurry Station, Abilene, Texas 79697.
Your Name______________________________Phone Number_____________________
Name of Nominee_ ________________________________________________________
Address of Nominee________________________________________________________
Fall08
Please attach an explanation
of why you nominated this
person for the Distinguished
Alumni Award. Please refer
to the criteria above when
writing your reasons.
Phone Number of Nominee__________________________________________________
M c M urr
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Thank
for your nomination!
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34
October 23 – 26, 2008
Details and information will be coming soon!
35
FRIENDS & FAMILY
Front Row (L-R): John Curry, Glenda Heist Feris, Deenie
Chancellor Duncan Back Row (L-R): Larry Roten, Clark Walter,
Jerry Duncan, Tom Jordan, Richard Crowell
Front Row (L-R): Elizabeth Johnson Burleson, Opal Longino, Patsy
Kirk Edens, Lucille Rucker Chessmore, Juanita Rucker Marshall,
Kathryn Gardner Morrison, Helen Johnson Collins Back Row (L-R):
Harold Longino, Clifford Howell, Walter Chalcraft, Preston Clark,
Bob Curry, Herman Hill, Melba Rucker Boozer, Cyril Stone
Front Row (L-R): Robert Washam, Barbara Wilson Washam, Patsy Bingham Birge, Ernest McGaughey, Joann Killingsworth Hale,
Robert Whitis, Billy Carmack, Don Mawson, James Glasscock Middle Row (L-R): Keith Wiseman, Pat Kelley Watkins, Gus Wilson,
Mary Marcom Vines, Wendell Hess, Joyce Gound Barnes, Shirley Nobles Jones, Stella Bergen, Lucy Kennedy Temple, Orland
Gilbert Back Row (L-R): Weldon Crowley, Bill Houston, Tommy Watkins, Crandall Young, Lee Stephenson, Bud Reynolds, Herschel
Roach, Ezra Corley, Bill Temple, Ray Martin and President John Russell
36
From the Alumni Association
Wow! What a wonderful
homecoming. The excitement
around campus was awesome.
If you were not here, we missed
you and hope you will join
us for Homecoming 2008,
The Village Beckons, when
we celebrate McMurry’s 85th
birthday. Our Alumni Affairs Committee has
been hard at work for this year’s homecoming
festivities. In the near future, you will receive
e-mails from the Alumni Relations Office
regarding events that will occur throughout the
weekend, so plan now to join us for a great time
rekindling friendships with college friends.
As you have read in this issue of the Chieftain,
McMurry is embarking on a $53 million capital
campaign. Funds raised through this campaign
will be used for renovations to our facilities,
construction of new buildings, curricular
innovations and new scholarships. The Shaping
the Future Campaign is designed for all alumni,
whether you are a seasoned financial supporter
or a first-time contributor. It is not necessarily the
size of the gift—all contributions are important.
When you are contacted in the future, please
remember how McMurry helped to shape your
future. This is an excellent time to make a financial
contribution—we want future McMurry students
to enjoy the same quality of education as we did.
Societal changes, technological innovations and
global competition have placed huge demands
on our University, and if we are to maintain our
current level of excellence, we all have to step
up to the plate and support the goals of this
campaign. Future students deserve it.
As of this writing, over $20 million in gifts
have already been contributed to this capital
campaign. On March 13, 2008 we will gather at
the Abilene Civic Center to celebrate our progress
and to invite others—alumni and friends of
McMurry—to join us in Shaping the Future. I
hope to see you there.
Ala Cumba,
Dale Evers ’82
Alumni Association, President
FRIENDS & FAMILY
1952
Jeanne Unrue Lange ’52 currently lives in Marion,
Iowa. After graduating from McMurry in 1952, Jeanne
taught 2nd grade for two years in Abilene. She married
Herbert M. Lange in 1954. Her brother, Duane Unrue,
built many buildings on the McMurry campus. Herb
and Jeanne moved to Iowa, where he worked as a school
psychologist. They have 3 children: Lisa, Kathryn and
Kurt. Herb passed away in 2004. She now lives next
door to her daughter, Lisa and Glenn Wiltgen, and has
seven grandchildren and one great-grandson. Jeanne
would love to hear from other alumni.
1962
Mary Sue Nance Henry ’62 turned 100 on October
21, 2007. She graduated from McMurry University in
1962 while teaching full-time in Rule, Texas. At the
time, she was caring for her invalid mother and putting
her daughter, Ann ’61, through McMurry after her
husband, Robert, died in 1959. She has been a member
of First Methodist in Rule since 1929. She grew up in
Lueders and lived in Rule until 1987 before moving to
Amarillo.
1967
Helene Crenshaw Caton ’67 was recently honored as
Teacher of the Year in the Moriarty Municipal School
District. She and her husband, Bobby, are living in
Champaign, Illinois, while their daughter and son-inlaw have post-doctorate positions at the University of
Illinois.
Richard Parks ’67 is currently semi-retired after 25
years of teaching in Plainfield, New Jersey, and 5 years
as the Chapel Administrator at Princeton University.
37
FRIENDS & FAMILY
He now lives in San Diego, California, where he is the
organist at the Mission Hills United Church of Christ.
1970
Margaret (Peggy) Parrott Aguirre ’70 and husband,
Gus, will be living in Australia for the next two years.
He will be an EHS Consultant with Alcan, and Margaret
will be an audiologist with the Northern Territory Health
Service.
1975
Cliff Gardner ’75 and his wife, Kathye Hardwick
Gardner, ex ’75, currently live in Blanco, Texas, where
Cliff is the Superintendent of Schools for Blanco ISD.
Kathye is an elementary teacher at Rebecca Creek
Elementary School.
Judy Griffin Hardy ’75 recently retired after 34 years
in education, the last 14 with the TDCJ Windham
Division. She now volunteers at her youngest son, Marc’s,
elementary school, where he is in the third grade.
1981
Leslie Burrus ’81 and his wife, Carla ’81, have moved
to Lubbock, Texas, after seven years in France serving as
missionaries at a Christian camp. Les is working in real
estate with WestMark Realtors. Their daughter, Laura,
23, is working in Austin. Ashley, 21, is a student at South
Plains College. Claire, 16, is attending Lubbock High
School. Their long-term goals are to continue short-term
mission trips by returning to France and other countries.
1983
Reed Criswell ’83 has won an honorable mention in an
international poetry contest affiliated with Writing.com
for a poem titled “A Psalm of Anger.” His short story,
“Finding the Morning,” will be published in January by a
new Web-zine titled The Far Side of Midnight. He works
as a multimedia coordinator at Duke University Divinity
School.
38
1987
Nita Keesee ’87 is currently serving as Northwest
Regional Director of TCTM, as Instructional Specialist
at Craig Middle School and as a math consultant for
Abilene ISD.
Mary Lynne Smith Thompson ’87 lives in McPherson,
Kansas, where she is enjoying life with her 16-year-old
twin sons, Cody and Cade, and husband, Chad. Their
family has grown with the marriage of Chad's daughter
and the birth of a grandson, Channing. Mary practices
as a registered dental hygienist and enjoys consulting
in dental offices. She recently achieved an advanced
certification from the Academy of Laser Dentistry and
writes articles for dental publications.
Becky Williams Moody ’87 received a B.S. in Education
and became a Qualified Mental Retardation Professional
(QMRP) at Disability Resources, Inc. in Abilene. She is
married to Gene Moody and has four children–Andy,
Laura, Neeca and Kaitlyn.
1990
Todd McAlister ’90 recently
completed a 10-month
deployment to Iraq with the
U.S. Naval Reserve, Naval
Mobile Construction Battalion
28. During the mobilization,
NMCB 28 constructed,
repaired and maintained
Forward Operating Bases
for the Al Anbar Province
of Western Iraq, which
benifited the U.S. Marines,
the Iraqi Army, Iraqi Police and the local population.
Todd also received the Navy Achievement Medal during
his deployment. Todd, Tara, Curran, 14, Grayson, 12,
and Emery, 7, live in Leander, Texas, where Todd is
the Executive Director of the Texas Air Conditioning
Contractors Association. 
FRIENDS & FAMILY
1993
Sarah Ford Wilson ’93 earned her bachelor’s degree
in Spanish from McMurry in 1993 and her master’s
degree in Spanish
from the University
of New Mexico in
1996. She moved
to Canyon, Texas,
in 2000 and began
a career teaching
in Canyon ISD.
While in Canyon,
she reconnected and
married her high school sweetheart Dr. Brian Wilson,
who has his own dental practice there. They proudly
announce the birth of their daughter, Madeline Elaine
Wilson, who was born July 9, 2007. Sarah feels blessed
to be a stay-at-home mom. 
1994
Brandy Gothard ’94 is the new athletic trainer at
Lake Travis High School in Austin, Texas. Previously,
he was at Waller, Texas, for 10 years. His children,
Aspen, 6th grade, Autumn, 4th grade, and Copeland,
kindergarten, are all doing well. 
y
r
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M
Mcin
Paradise
Travel with McMur ry Baseball to Hawaii!
1996
Alice Savage Tuckness
’96 and husband, John,
are the parents of a son,
Jacob Edward, born June
1, 2007. Alice recently
resigned as a kindergarten
teacher with the Comal
School District to stay
home with Jacob. She
is working out of her
home as a Property Manager for Parrot Realty Inc. of
Canyon Lake/New Braunfels.
1997
Molly Blackman Morris,
ex ’97 reports that a group
of former Delta Beta girls
got together recently in
Fort Worth to catch up with
each other. The group, as
seen in the adjacent photo, included (L to R) Ginger
Looney Morrison `00, Molly Blackmon Morris ex `97,
Kasi Read Baudo `98, Angie Powell Bloodworth `99
and Amanda Ham `00. 
Come Join McMurry In Paradise!
Travel with the McMurry Baseball Team as they play in Hawaii
in February of 2009. The dates of the trip are February 1116, 2009. Come relax, visit with fellow alumni and cheer on
McMurry!
If you are interested please contact Greeley Myers in the
Alumni Relations Office at 325-793-4603 or myers.greeley@
mcm.edu. Details of the trip, including the cost, will be made
available soon.
39
FRIENDS & FAMILY
Heidi Syfrett ’97
reports that it is never
too late to follow your
dreams. Heidi joined
the National Guard in
February of this year
and returned from
Basic Training in Fort
Jackson, South Carolina. She is a single mother of three
children, Daniel, 9, David, 7, and Gabrielle, 3. 
1998
Kiera O’Connor Biery ’98 and her husband, Jason,
proudly serve in the U.S. Air Force. They have recently
moved to England and are now stationed at RAF
Mildenhall.
Darren Riffe ’98 and
Emily (Harris) Riffe ’99
welcomed home their
son, William Quinn
Riffe, on May 2, 2007. He
weighed 2 lbs. 11 oz. and
was 14.75 in. long. They
currently live in Pearland,
Texas, just outside of Houston. 
1999
Kirsten Anderson ’99 is the Academic Advisor at Texas
A&M University-Kingsville San Antonio System Center.
Jessica Thompson ’99 graduated with a Ph.D in Higher
Education on December 14, 2007.
2000
Andrea Leigh Pobanz ’00 recently accepted the position
of Director of Music and Liturgy at Immaculate Heart of
Mary Catholic Church in Los Alamos, New Mexico. She
regularly performs with area choral ensembles and is in
demand as a choral educator in West Texas area schools.
40
Gina Vandiver, ex ’00 recently completed the Triple
Ironman Triathlon, which consisted of a 7.2 mile swim, a
336 mile bike ride and a 78.6 mile run. Out of 19 starters,
she was one of fifteen who finished the race. Gina finished
the entire race in 44 hours and 55 minutes, which beat
the previous female course record by 7 hours. Kudos to
Gina as she was the youngest female to finish the Triple
Triathlon in the United States.
2002
Traci Stout Walker ’02 and David ’01 had a baby girl,
Tyler Ann Walker, born on July 30, 2007.
2003
Elaine Dispo ’03 received her Master of Arts degree in
Communication Systems Management from Angelo State
University in 2006 and relocated to San Francisco to join
the leadership team at Banana Republic, a division of Gap
Inc., where she has been employed since 2000. She will
soon return to Texas to put her MA to use by teaching for
the Communications and Creative Arts Department at
South Texas College in the Rio Grande Valley.
2004
Tiffany Brubaker Bush ’04 and Jason Bush ’03 were
married on July 14, 2007.
Staci Pappas ’04 will be getting married to Daniel
Patyrak on April 5, 2008.
2005
Roger Nicolas ’05 was accepted into the Texas Game
Warden Academy, which began October 1, 2007.
Following the academy, which will last approximately 7
months, Roger will accept an assignment somewhere in
the state as a Texas Game Warden.
2006
Jackline Andrews ’06 is currently attending graduate
school in Family Psychology at Hardin-Simmons
University.
FRIENDS & FAMILY
Jason Gazaille ’06 and Andrea Clayton ’07 were
married Saturday, December 8, 2007. Jason is a
personal banker for First National Bank Sweetwater
and Andrea is a teacher with Sweetwater ISD. 
Coyne Flatt ’07 and Sara Vawter Flatt ’07 were
married July 21, 2007. Coyne works with Dell
Computers and Sara teaches at McGregor Elementary
School. 
2007
Frances Arias
’07 works as the
Workforce Investment
(WIA) Youth Career
Consultant for
the South Plains
Worksource Office
in Lubbock, Texas.
She counsels at-risk
students between the
ages of 14 and 21. She
helps students get the
training and skills they
need for success in
the workplace and in specific careers in which they
have taken an interest. She also counsels soon-tobe or recent high school graduates regarding steps
to take to get into college (i.e. talking to admissions
counselors, as well as helping them get financial aid).
Fall08
Name_________________________Maiden Name__________________
Address ______________________________Graduation Year___________
The Alumni Relations Office and your
former classmates are always eager to
know what you are doing and where you
are doing it.
Let us know about your life, your career,
your family and other news by sending
this form (with a photo!) to:
Alumni Relations Office, Box 938 McMurry
41 M c M urr y U niversit y
Station, Abilene, Texas 79697.
City ___________________________ State _____ Zip_______________
Phone_________________ Email Address__________________________
Notes of Interest:_ ____________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
41
The Official Ring of
McMurry University.
“A school ring is a visible symbol of the commitment to undertake and complete a
monumental task—recognized by all with whom the graduate comes in contact. In another
sense, the school ring is a constant reminder to its wearer of the knowledge, skills
and relationships cemented during the university experience.”
- Dr. John H. Russell, McMurry President
The official ring is reserved exclusively for alumni and enrolled students in
good standing who have achieved at least 60 credit hours.
For ordering information, visit the
Alumni & Friends section at www.mcm.edu,
or call 1.866.BALFOUR (1.866.225.3687).
(REF CODE: 3040 (BK06248-16/TX2702)
FRIENDS WE’LL MISS
Robert C. Adams ’62 of Snyder, Texas, died September 27, 2007.
Margaret Smith Medley ex ’31 of Abilene, Texas, died August 2, 2007.
Catherine L. Jones Baldridge ’32 of Austin, Texas, died November 1,
2007.
Kristin R. Mitchell ’04 of Abilene, Texas, died December 2, 2007.
Tommye M. Boothe of Abilene, Texas, died October 31, 2007.
Blake Alan Nichols of Midland, Texas, died July 31, 2007.
Clara Brown of Abilene, Texas, died September 25, 2007.
Shane A. Brue ’90 of Big Spring, Texas, died November 10, 2007.
James Caswell of Dallas, Texas, died October 22, 2007.
Geneva R. Davis of Amarillo, Texas, died August 4, 2007.
Joye A. Arey Dyess ’39 of Tampa, Florida, died July 31, 2007.
Mamye Germann of Abilene, Texas, died October 11, 2007.
Betty L. Holle Griffin ’62 of San Antonio, Texas, died September 27, 2007.
Charline Ely Harless ’36 of Bedford, Texas, died August 24, 2007.
John A. Harris ex ’57 of Amarillo, Texas, died September 6, 2007.
Elizabeth Parker Hogsett of Marble Falls, Texas, died August 27, 2007.
Wanda Lou Yarbrough Holland of Lubbock, Texas, died November 26,
2007.
Sara G. Greer Kimble ’62 of Granbury, Texas, died September 14, 2007.
George Leitner, of Abilene, Texas, died November 22, 2007.
Iva Dell Conway Lively of Clyde, Texas, died January 4, 2008.
Gene McGehee ’43 of Manvel, Texas, died December 29, 2007.
Charles H. Mote ’57 of Mineral Wells, Texas, died August 7, 2007.
Margaret Oliver died November 16, 2007.
Jim L. Pierce ’76 of Roswell, New Mexico, died September 6, 2007.
John W. Polk ’53 of Abilene, Texas, died September 12, 2007.
Kent Potts of Clyde, Texas, died November 13, 2007.
Gene Shackelford ’71 of Giddings, Texas, died December 15, 2007.
Mary C. Daniel Stone ex ’46 of Abilene, Texas, died November 12, 2007.
Frances M. Carr Thomas of Abilene, Texas, died December 24, 2007.
Ginger Thornton of Abilene, Texas, died December 25, 2007.
Ruth Wells of Dumas, Texas, died August 15, 2007.
Carol Weyant of Odessa, Texas, died December 19, 2007.
Winston A. Whitt ’87 and Zenaida Miras Whitt of Lubbock, Texas, died
October 19, 2007.
Charles W. Wilkinson ’63 of Freeport, Texas, died August 25, 2007.
Ruth M. Wilson ’62 of Abilene, Texas, died January 2007.
Gusolyn Yarbrough ’44 of Abilene, Texas, died August 10, 2007.
Obituaries
Clara Brown
Clara Seher Brown of Abilene passed away on Tuesday,
September 25, 2007. Mrs. Brown was born March 18,
1914, to Margaret and Jacob Seher of Fresno, California.
Clara and Robert Brown were married on November 11,
1938 in Abilene, Texas. Preceding Clara in death were her
husband in February 1994 and her five brothers: Jake, Ray,
Edward, Floyd and Walter.
Clara and Bob Brown spent their early years of
marriage on the family ranch just north of Tye, Texas.
In 1950, they moved to Abilene where they were active
members of St. Paul United Methodist Church. Clara
was a long-time member of the Abilene Woman’s Club,
Abilene Garden Club and P.E.O. Her heartfelt sense of
responsibility and commitment to fully giving herself in
everything she did will always be remembered by those
whose lives she touched. Clara loved both travel and
the environment, which she endeavored to protect and
cherish.
Clara Brown is survived by her daughters, Barbara
Miers and husband, Bynum, of Abilene and Nancy Brown
of Arroyo Grande, California; as well as grandchildren,
Bobby Miers and wife, Sarah, Jay Miers and wife, Kim, and
Shannon Miers and wife, Jamie; and great-grandchildren,
Robert Miers and wife, Samantha, Jeremy Miers and
fiancée, Cindy, Samuel Miers and wife, Chelsea, Alyssa
Miers and Landon Miers. She is also survived by a sister,
Lillian Seher of Ventura, California; two brothers, Roy
Seher and wife, Pat, of Eureka, California, and Clarence
Seher and wife, Madge, of Salmon, Idaho; and sister-inM
Mc
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law, Mary Ann Seher Doyle of Tacoma, Washington.
Clara and Bob Brown were longtime friends and
supporters of McMurry University, the West Texas
Rehabilitation Center, Sears Methodist Retirement
System, Abilene Garden Club, P.E.O. Noah Project and
many other charitable institutions.
George Leitner
George Newton Leitner died November 22, 2007. George
was the husband of Tommye Ann Leitner, who currently
serves on the McMurry University Board of Trustees.
George was born November 3, 1926 in Arcadia, Florida.
He graduated from the United States Military Academy
in West Point, New York, in June 1948, and was a fighter
pilot in the Korean War, flying 100 missions. He was
awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star
and the Purple Heart.
George moved to Abilene from Dallas in 1958 to
open Abilene’s first NYSE brokerage firm, Schneider,
Bernet and Hickman. He retired from Merrill Lynch in
July 2000. He married Peggy Winfrey in June 1948 and
had four children. He married Tommye Ann Moore in
October 1988. He is preceded in death by one daughter,
Marian Leitner Schmidt. He is survived by his wife,
Tommye Ann; one son, George William Leitner and
wife, Pam, of Santa Fe, New Mexico; their children, Nick
and Julia; a daughter, Garrie Leitner of East Greenwich,
Rhode Island; a daughter, Susan Blume and husband,
Arthur, of East Greenwich, Rhode Island; their children,
Joshua and Zachary; a step-daughter, Mara Barham and
husband, Brett, of Odessa, Texas; their children, Nick,
Cooper and Molly; a step-son, Doug Moore and wife,
Stormy, of Sunnyvale, Texas.
Mary C. Daniel Stone ex ’46
Mary Corinne Daniel Stone was born on October 25,
1918, to Robert Walter and Clara Olive Barber Daniel in
Cisco, Texas, and died Monday, November 12, 2007.
Mary graduated from Abilene High School. She
44
married the Rev. Dr. Richard Cyril Stone ’46 whom she
met at St. Paul United Methodist Church while they
were still students at McMurry College, now McMurry
University. While he pursued his education, she settled
in to rear a family in a series of parsonages and added to
her education as the opportunity came, studying at Texas
Western University (now University of Texas at El Paso)
and Southern Methodist University.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her
four brothers: Paul, Rankin, Charles C. and Judge J. Neil
Daniel. Also preceding her were two sisters, Fern, who
died in infancy, and Laura Daniel Brashear.
Besides her husband, she is survived by their
seven children: Martha Jeanne and husband, Graham
Bridges, Elizabeth Ann and husband, Girvin Harkins,
Mary Frances and husband, Walter Bains, Richard
Cyril Stone Jr. and wife, Carol, Robert Edward and wife,
Cynthia, Sarah Margaret (Sally) and husband, Phillip
Sneed, Russell David and wife, Sheryl. There are 10
grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, several nieces
and nephews, and a loved sister-in-law, Frances Hill
(Weeze) Daniel.
Hazel Hamilton Weaver ’28
Hazel Hamilton Weaver, age 98, of Lewisville, Texas, died
February 5, 2007.
Hazel Hamilton Weaver was born August 30,
1908 in Dexter, New Mexico to the late Ulysses S.
and Edith O. (Starr) Hamilton. She attended public
schools in Carlsbad, New Mexico, and Abilene, Texas.
She graduated from Abilene High School and received
degrees from McMurry College (1928) in Abilene and
Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls. In 1930
she and Joe Weaver were married in Abilene, Texas. He
preceded her in death on June 29, 1982.
Joe and Hazel had two children: M.J. Jr. and Helen
Irene. Helen (Weaver) Elrod died in 1977. After Helen’s
death, Joe and Hazel were blessed to raise Glyn Elrod,
their grandson.
Hazel was a teacher for 32 years and held positions
in Ballinger, Tahoka, Seymour, Cisco, and Olney. She
was a member of the First United Methodist Church
and was very active in several organizations. She was a
member of the Music Club, the Beta Sigma Chapter of
Delta Kappa Gamma, the Hamilton Hospital Auxiliary,
the Altruistic Club and a teacher of the Bryan-Drum
Sunday School Class for many years. After retiring
from teaching, she was the church secretary in the
Cisco United Methodist Church for two years. Upon
returning to Olney, she was assistant secretary of the
First United Methodist Church in Olney and in 1982
became secretary, retiring in 1991.
She is survived by one son, Joe Weaver, and wife,
Pat, of Hurst, Texas; a grandson, Glyn Elrod, and wife,
Cindy, of Lewisville, Texas; four other grandchildren,
Rick Weaver, Randy Weaver, Terry Suagee and Penni
Penick; eleven great-grandchildren; and five great-great
grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents and
brothers, Allen R. Grove Jr. and Elwood Grove. She
is survived by her husband, David Weyant of Odessa;
daughters, Janet Weyant of Odessa and Amy Weyant
of Fairfax, Virginia; brother, Warren Grove of Odessa;
sisters-in-law, Sarah Grove of Odessa, Donna Grove
of Alexandria, Pennsylvania, Lori and husband, Rick
Maki, of Denver, Colorado, Jane and husband, Rudy
Deutschmann, of Boulder, Colorado, and brother-inlaw, Tom Weyant, of Holland Patent, NY. 
Carol Weyant
Carol E. Weyant of Odessa passed away Wednesday,
December 19, 2007. Carol was the wife of David
Weyant ’70, who is a former member of the McMurry
University Board of Trustees and the mother of Amy
Weyant ’95, who previously served as Director of
Admissions at McMurry University.
She was born on December 2, 1942, in Aitch,
Pennsylvania, to Allen R. and Olive Grove. She married
David Weyant on December 19, 1964 in Alexandria,
Pennsylvania. She graduated from Juniata Valley High
School. With her husband, she lived in communities
in Pennsylvania including Clearville, Bloomsburg and
White Haven. They came to Texas in 1977 and worked
at churches in Iraan, Kermit, Odessa, Monahans,
Wickett, El Paso as well as Hobbs, New Mexico. She
worked for Rye Supply Company in Iraan and for
Permian Mack/Bruckner’s Truck Sales and Services in
Odessa for 15 years. She was a member of the Dorcas
Circle at Highland United Methodist Church, sang in
the choir and enjoyed jigsaw puzzles.
CO R R E C T I O N
The McMurry University Alumni Relations
Office would like to sincerely apologize to
Connie Parmelly Petree ’65. In the Fall 2007
issue of the Chieftain, we incorrectly noted her
death. We sincerely apologize to Connie and
her family for this error.
45
Help us recruit
the class of 2012!
Volunteer your time by…
Contacting Students and Encouraging Them to Enroll
Attending College Fairs
Helping with McMurry Sundays
Attending McMurry Preview Days
Sharing Your McMurry Experience
with Prospective Students
Attending McMurry Information Sessions
Referring a Student to McMurry
Please contact the Office of Admission to volunteer today!
Amy Richardson, Office of Admission
richardson.amy@mcm.edu or 1-800-460-2392
Thank you to all these alumni who have given their time to spread the McMurry spirit across Texas!
Cort Arthur
Carrie Bierck
Lane Boyd
Tamra Boyd
Adam Burns
Office of University Relations
Box 938 McMurry Station
Abilene, Texas 79697
Mike Carr
Bo Evans
Holland Evans
Orland Gilbert
Bob Gillette
John-Paul Huber
Meredith Jacobsen
David Johnson
K.O. Long
Gene Maxwell
Janet May
Chris Montoya
Sandy Pappas
Staci Pappas
Derrell Patterson
Bobby Ramage
Jennifer Ross
Nicole Salerno
Travis Smith
Jesse Suffield
Jana Vise
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Lubbock, TX
Permit No. 49

Chieftain Spring 2008

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