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News for MTSU alumni and friends September 2009 Vol. 7 / No. 1
INSIDE . . .
Distinguished Alumni, Page 2Virtual Tour launches, Page 2Calendar, Page 3Homecoming schedule, Page 4Class Notes, Page 6‘Excitement Lives’ at MTSU, Page 7
Advancement Services
MTSU P.O. Box 109
1301 E. Main St.
Murfreesboro, TN 37132
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
NONPROFITORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE PAIDMURFREESBORO, TN
PERMIT NO. 169
By Rhonda Wright [email protected]
D ust off the air guitar and get ready for “A Rockin’Raider Homecoming” to bring out the rock star inus all on Saturday, Oct. 24. Your Office of Alumni
Relations has been rocking around the clock to crank up thevolume on events planned throughout Homecoming Weekthat will build on traditions of the past and make memoriesfor the future.
Alumni can visit the Alumni House between 8 a.m. and4:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, through Friday, Oct. 23, to tradea shirt from another school for the official 2009Homecoming shirt during the annual T- Shirt Swap. Adultand children’s sizes will be available while supplies last. Allshirts collected will be donated to charity.
Graduates from the class of 1959 and earlier are invitedto join members of the Golden Raiders Society for theGolden Raiders Reunion on Friday, Oct.23. Registration is at 2 p.m. at the TomJackson Building’s Cantrell Hall, fol-lowed by a campus tour and a socialhour. The Golden Raiders SocietyInduction Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m.The class of 1959 will be inducted intothis esteemed society, honoring 50 years
(See ‘Rockin’,’ Page 4)
Rockin’Raiders
Eventsgaloreweek ofOct. 19-24
Alumni make impactin U.S. and abroad
By Rhonda Wright [email protected]
S ixty-three alumni and friends from ninestates returned to campus for three daysof edutainment during the second
Alumni Summer College June 24-26. TheOffice of Alumni Relations was proud to hostthe event, which centered on the theme “HowThings Work.”
Using the Alumni House as home base
throughout the program, Alumni SummerCollege started on Wednesday afternoon witha campus tour. Although the interiors of MissMary, Lyon and McHenry Halls have beenrenovated since the participants’ student days,being in the buildings sent a flood of memo-ries and stories through the class. A tour of therecently expanded Health, Wellness andRecreation Center showed alumni physical
(See ’Summer,’ Page 5)
Summer College
HOMECOMING 2009
By Dr. Sidney A. McPhee [email protected]
A s I approach the beginning of myninth year as Middle TennesseeState University’s president, I
am reminded that many of my mosttreasured moments have been experi-enced in the vast encounters that I havehad with our outstanding alumni.
Because of our long history of serv-ing the higher-education needs of stu-dents throughout Tennessee, I expect tofind the loyal, Blue Raider faithful inalmost every city I visit throughout thestate. As we have expanded our reach tostudents from points all around the globeand provided more opportunities for
American students to study in foreignlocations, I have come to realize thatMTSU’s impact around the world is rap-idly increasing.
As part of our efforts to positionMTSU for the future, we will work evenharder preparing our graduates for acompetitive world market and for globalcitizenship. The recruitment of interna-tional students, the internationalizationof our curriculum and a greater pushtoward international partnerships havebecome a significant part of our strategicfocus.
This summer, I had the opportunityto engage in an extensive itinerary ofwork-related travel to the countries of
(See ’Alumni,’ Page 7)
Second-time event strengthens alumni community
Class memberswere chauf-feured by theRaider Xpressaround cam-pus during thesecond AlumniSummerCollege. Morethan 60 alumniand friendsparticipated inthe June 24-26event.
Alumni Relations photo
A group of MTSU alumni, including Teresa Pickering (’05), second from right,gather in Tokyo with MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee earlier this summer.A profile of Pickering can be found on Page 7.
Submitted photo
ALUMNI RELATIONS STAFFGinger Corley Freeman, Director
Michelle Stepp, Associate DirectorMolly Cochran, Assistant Director
Paul Wydra, Assistant DirectorRhonda Wright, Assistant Director
Martha Jordan, Administrative AssistantKari Janetvilay, Secretary
MTSU Office of Alumni RelationsMTSU Box 104
Murfreesboro, TN 371321-800-533-MTSU (6878)
615-898-2922 Fax: 615-898-5746mtalumni.com
Published quarterly (Sept., Dec., March and June)
Sidney A. McPhee, PresidentJoe Bales, VP, Development and Univ. Relations
Tonja L. Johnson, Assoc. VP, Marketing and Comm. Tom Tozer, Director, News and Public Affairs
Randy Weiler, Editor ([email protected])
Contributors: Staff members from the offices of MTSUAlumni Relations and News and Public Affairs
Consultants: Suma Clark and Bill Fisher,MTSU Publications and GraphicsSpecial assistance: Betsy Williams,
MTSU Advancement Services
Photographs: MTSU Photographic Services, except where noted
Printed by Franklin Web Printing Co., Franklin, Tenn.
Attention Postmaster: Change Service RequestedAddress changes and other correspondence
should be addressed to
Advancement ServicesMTSU P.O. Box 109
1301 E. Main St.Murfreesboro, TN 37132
MTSU, a Tennessee Board of Regents university, is an equalopportunity, nonracially identifiable, educational institution
that does not discriminate against individualswith disabilities.
URUR011-0809
2 The Alumni Record/mtalumni.com September 2009
Take a virtual tour of campus
Distinguished AlumniBy Randy Weiler [email protected]
M TSU’s Alumni Association has announ-ced its Distinguished Alumni and YoungAlumni Achievement Award recipients
for 2009-10.Distinguished Alumni recipients are:• David Mitchell (’73) of Franklin, Tenn., who
is being honored in the Professional Achievementcategory;
• Tom Vance (’76) of McMinnville, Tenn., whois being recognized in the Service to the Commun-ity category; and
• George Frost (’56) of Hendersonville, Tenn.,who is being saluted in the Service to the Univer-sity category.
The Young Alumni Achievement honoree isLauren Agee (’01) of Murfreesboro.
The MTSU Alumni Association annually seeksand accepts nominations for the DistinguishedAlumni and Young Alumni Achievement Awards.The selection is made from candidates who havedistinguished themselves by a high level of serv-ice to their profession, their community and/orMTSU.
Mitchell was named commissioner of theDepartment of Safety by Gov.Phil Bredesen in January 2007and has served as director ofthe Governor’s Office ofHomeland Security sinceNovember 2005. He had a 26-year career with the FederalBureau of Investigation, whichincluded serving in NewOrleans, New York City,Atlanta and Milwaukee fieldoffices and in the FBI’sWashington, D.C., headquarters as supervisor ofdomestic terrorism investigations in 1987 and asan inspector in 1998.
Vance, president and CEO of First NationalBank of McMinnville and First McMinnvilleCorporation since 2006, has been in the banking
business since 1977. He spent anumber of years in banking inMurfreesboro and was presi-dent and executive director ofthe Middle Tennessee MedicalCenter Foundation from 2002 to2006. He has held variousboard and officer positions andhas served on the selectioncommittee for MTSU’sWeatherford Chair of Finance
and as tournament chair for the WeatherfordChair of Finance golf tourney.
Frost is president of Frost Insurance Agency, acompany he has owned for 39 years. He trained
two sons, two sons-in-law, twograndsons and one grand-daughter in the business. Hisservice to the universityincludes helping endow theTommy Martin Chair ofInsurance by arranging a$30,000 gift from CignaInsurance. He served as insur-ance Steering Committee chairfor five years and as MTSUFoundation president in 1987.
He is also a supporter of MT Athletics and theKennon Sports Hall of Fame.
Agee serves as senior policy adviser for StateSen. Jim Kyle, overseeing all administrativeduties. She meets regularlywith constituents, advocacygroups and lobbyists regardinglegislative and policy issues.The political science majorworked for CaliforniaCongresswoman Zoe Lofgren,in Andy Womack’s campaignfor governor and at the WhiteHouse. Her father, the late Dr.Cliff Gillespie (’71) was a 2001Distinguished Alumnus. Her mother, Gayle (’72,’74), teaches at Homer Pittard Campus School.
Vance
Agee
Mitchell
Frost
Mitchell, Vance, Frost, Agee receive Alumni Association 2009-10 accolades
By Randy [email protected]
A lumni and friends ofMTSU will be amongthe many benefactors
of the recently launchedonline virtual tour of campus.
“The new virtual tour ofcampus will provide alumniavailability to see campuswithout actually being there,”said Ginger Freeman, Officeof Alumni Relations director.“Many of our alumni are notable to come back to campusas often as they like, and thiswill give them the opportuni-ty to see the new buildingsand areas of campus that maynot have been here when theywere in school.
“And for those alumniwith college-bound studentsit will give them an opportunityto ’show off’ their alma materbefore coming for a traditionalcampus tour.”
A year in the making, thevirtual tour was launched Aug.17. It can be accessed at mtsu.eduthrough the Virtual Tour link.
The virtual tour will “impacteverybody, all of campus,prospective students and faculty,new hires, anyone seekingemployment and the general
public,” said SherianHuddleston (’72, ’80), associatevice provost for EnrollmentServices and chairwoman of thecommittee that planned the proj-ect. “It’s very far-reaching andvery much in-depth.”
With the click of a mouse ormovement of a finger, peopletaking the virtual tour canschedule a campus visit; applyfor admission; request informa-tion; listen to what students, fac-
ulty and administrators have tosay about their university; or usethe campus map to find food,buildings, parking, event ven-ues, athletic facilities and muchmore.
“The tour will enhance ourimage, reach prospective stu-dents and help recruitment andbuild pride,” said Lucinda Lea(’74), vice president forInformation Technology andchief information officer.
ITD photo
Visit mtsu.edu and find the Virtual Tour link to explore the campus.
From MTSU Alumni Relations
F our MTSU alumni have been chosen toserve on the National Alumni Associa-tion Board of Directors. Each new mem-
ber, selected from written nominations, is askedto serve a three-year term.
“Each new set of board members brings anew set of talents and personalities, I am anx-ious to see the productivity of the group. It is aprivilege to work closely with this group ofalumni,” said Ginger Freeman, director of theOffice of Alumni Relations.
The new members are Mike Terry (’92),Murfreesboro; Fred Howell (’93), Murfreesboro;Kimberly Extine (’06) Winchester, Tenn.; andZenobia Craig (’96, ’99), Murfreesboro.
The mission of the National AlumniAssociation Board of Directors is to developand foster sound relationships between MTSUand its alumni and to be a strong force for theadvancement and support of the university.
Nominations for the 2010-11 Board ofDirectors will be accepted beginning in January2010. Please support your Alumni Associationby nominating someone to serve. Join the newalumni online community and update yourcontact information by visiting mtalumni.com.
4 new members receiveMTSU National AlumniAssociation Board status
September 2009 The Alumni Record/mtalumni.com 3
It’s great to be from Middle Tennessee I t’s hard to believe that another academic year
is upon us. Yet, everywhere I look, I see thefamiliar sight of a dynamic, vibrant campus:
students hurrying off to classes, freshly painteddorm rooms, and faculty eager to challenge anoth-er set of young men and women to think criticallyand to prepare them to assume their roles as thenext generation of American leaders.
And then there’s the familiar staple of fall lifeon campus — football! Football and the start of anew academic year are practically inseparable formany and perhaps for good reason. It’s hard toimagine a college campus without thinking aboutsports. For me, it’s the tremendous enthusiasm andenergy that college sports bring to a campus — anenthusiasm that’s often forgotten during the rest ofthe year. But should it be? I don’t think so.
One of the most exciting times for me eachweek is when our cheerleaders and students cometogether in one voice and remind us — It’s Greatto Be from Middle Tennessee! While this refrainis most often heard following a long touchdownpass or a great punt return, I like to think it’s some-thing we should celebrate every day — it IS greatto be from Middle Tennessee!
As an alumnus or friend of MTSU, you shouldbe very proud of your university. The campustoday is a diverse, engaging educational institu-tion, one that is becoming recognized around thecountry as a top comprehensive university, not justin Tennessee but in the United States.
Earlier this month, our conviction that MTSUis Tennessee’s Best university was supported by thenews that MTSU was the highest-rated institution
in Tennessee, public or private,in Forbes 2009 ranking ofAmerica’s Best College Buys andwas ranked 57th overall amongpublic colleges and universities.For our students and prospectivestudents, MTSU is a great placeto be.
While we are certainlyproud to be recognized for oursuccess, we are not immune tothe challenges facing our country. As we all know,the past 18 months have presented our nation withtremendous economic challenges. Like many ofyou, we have had to carefully review all our pro-grams and activities. While we were required tomake difficult choices, the Positioning the Universityfor the Future process we went through gave us theopportunity to rededicate ourselves to our coremission and focus on the strengths of the institu-tion. In the end, the repositioning process will helpguide us, much like a road map, toward future suc-cess.
MTSU’s outlook is extremely bright. While weare proud to be the state’s largest undergraduatecampus, we’re more excited about the quality ofstudents who continue to select MTSU for theireducation. Already the choice for more of theregion’s top scholars, MTSU is now attractingexceptional students from across the country andaround the world. When they arrive, these stu-dents find an institution with talented faculty andstaff, committed to the development and success ofeach person. Our faculty, many among the finest in
their field, balance classroom theories and lectureswith practical, hands-on applications to assure thatour graduates have the problem-solving and criti-cal-thinking skills they will need in today’s econo-my.
Our success would not be possible without theincredible support we receive from our alumni andfriends. Last year, while national trends showed asignificant decline in alumni support, the numberof MTSU graduates who financially supported theinstitution increased by nearly 15 percent. Nowthat’s Blue Raider pride! In addition to monetarysupport, many of our alumni and friends give gen-erously of their time and talents — bringing theirexperiences to the classroom as guest lecturers,offering internships and experiential learning tostudents through their businesses, and serving asinformed advocates for the university with legisla-tors and community leaders. Each unique contribu-tion makes MTSU a better institution.
Regardless of what or how or why, our gradu-ates and friends have much to be proud of. MTSUis the university of choice in Tennessee — andarguably the institution poised to be the mostimportant in Tennessee’s future. You should takegreat pride in all that MTSU has accomplished, butmore importantly, you can be proud of all that it isyet to achieve.
So the next time you’re at the game or listeningon the radio, when the students start to yell — justremember there are lots of reasons — It’s Great toBe from Middle Tennessee!
Joe Bales is MTSU’s vice president for development anduniversity relations.
Bales
September
1-17 Faculty Art Exhibition*
9 Laura Ann Ross, faculty oboe recital**
10 Angela DeBoer, faculty horn recital**
14 Todd Waldecker, faculty clarinet recital**
17 Deanna Little, faculty flute recital**
18 Broadway Hits Review**
21 David Loucky, low brass; Angela Tipps,organ faculty recital**
22-Oct. 1 Department of Art/Student ArtAlliance Student-Juried Show*
24 Don Aliquo, faculty saxophone recital**
25 MTSU Chamber Winds/MTSU Wind Ensemble**
October
1 MTSU Women’s Chorale**
2 Tiffany Sweeley, faculty voice recital**
4 Mozart’s Requiem**
6 Christine Isley-Farmer, soprano; ToddWaldecker, clarinet; Jackson Henry, piano, faculty recital**
6-22 Steve Prince andBoris Zakic, Art Show*
12 Keith Benjamin, trumpet; Melody Turnquist, organ,guest duo recital**
15 MTSU Symphonic Band/MTSU Wind Ensemble**
16 Hall of Fame Celebration, 6:30p.m., Kennon Sports Hall of Fame,$30 per person***
17 Hall of Fame InductionCeremonies, 12:30 p.m., Kennon Sports Hall of Fame, free***
22-24 Dear Finder by Tom Isbell,Tucker Theatre****
25 MTSU Symphony Orchestra**
26 Stones River Chamber Players**
27-Nov. 5 Graphic DesignStudent-Juried Art Exhibition*
30 Evening of Swing**
31 Contest of Champions**
November
5-7 MTSU Opera Workshop Ragtime**
9 Faculty Quintet**
10-12 Scholarship SeasonalArt Sale and Exhibition*
12 MTSU Jazz Artist Series**
17-20 BFA Studio Art Exhibition #1*
19 MTSU Jazz Ensemble**
19-21 An Evening of Short Plays, Shardsof Glass by Josh Ginsburg and Portrait of aMother and Son by David Bennett****
20 MTSU Wind Ensemble**
24-27 BFA Studio Art Exhibition #2*
* http://frank.mtsu.edu/~art/** http://frank.mtsu.edu/~music/calendar.html *** Information: Jim Simpson, 615-898-5632**** http://www.mtsu.edu/theatre
CALENDARCampus-related events
4 The Alumni Record/mtalumni.com September 2009
Rockin’ from Page 1
Homecoming 2009 schedule of eventssince graduation.
Watch theHomecoming ParadeSaturday from the bestview on campus duringMixer on Middle at theAlumni House. Thisparty is open to all alum-ni, friends and fans.Announcing the paradeat Mixer this year will bethe Voice of the BlueRaiders, Chip Walters(’85), and AaronSolomon (’94), co-host ofWSMV’s Channel 4 NewsToday. A complimentarybreakfast will be servedat 9 a.m.
The Office of AlumniRelations is proud toannounce the first BabyRaider Ride Contest.Decorate your strollers,wagons and trikes withBlue Raider spirit. Youdon’t have to enter thecontest to be a part of theparade. Meet at Mixeron Middle and the alum-ni staff will line you up.
After the parade,head to Walnut Grove totailgate. The AlumniReunion Tailgate Tent isa centralized locationwhere you can see oldfriends and professors.Lunch will be availablefor $6 per adult and $4per child under 12.Representatives from theColleges of Basic andApplied Sciences,Continuing Educationand Distance Learning,Education andBehavioral Science,Honors, Liberal Arts,Mass Communication,the Jennings A. JonesCollege of Business andJames E. Walker Librarywill be on hand to sharethe latest news. Be sureto stop by the Alumnitent in Walnut Grove,where you can get MTtattoos, beads and but-tons to show your BlueRaider pride.
Cheer your BlueRaiders as they take onWestern Kentucky in thehomecoming matchup atFloyd Stadium.Discounted generaladmission tickets can bepurchased for $7 each bycalling the Alumni Officeat 1-800-533-MTSU(6878). Reserved ticketscan be purchased by call-ing 1-888-YES-MTSU(937-6878) or visitinggoblueraiders.com.
There are manyother activities offeredduring HomecomingWeek. For a moredetailed schedule, pleaserefer to the 2009Homecoming Scheduleof Events (see this page),visit mtalumni.com or call800-533-MTSU(6878). Wecan’t wait to rock home-coming with you!
Week of Oct. 19-24T-shirt Swap at Alumni House Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Visit the Alumni House all week to exchangea T-shirt from another college for a freeHomecoming 2009 T-shirt, available in adultand children’s sizes, while supplies last. Allcollected T-shirts will be donated to charity.
Thursday, Oct. 22Fight Song Competition7 p.m., Murphy CenterJoin in the fun as student organizations com-pete against one another to sing their way tohomecoming victory.
A Comedy Show7 p.m., State Farm Room, Business and Aerospace BuildingSponsored by the African American AlumniSociety. Tickets are $20 per person. Call 800-533-MTSU or e-mail [email protected] formore information.
Friday, Oct. 23Chuck Taylor Blue RaiderGolf ScrambleHosted by the Blue Raider AthleticAssociation at Indian Hills Golf Club.Lunch will be served before a 12:30 p.m. shot-gun start. $150 per person or $600 per four-some. Additional information can be foundby clicking on the BRAA link atgoblueraiders.com. Contact the BRAA at 615-898-2210 or e-mail [email protected] toenter.
MTSU CentennialHistory Museum Preview1 - 4 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 24, 11 a.m. - 1p.m., Todd Hall 129 The Albert Gore Research Center invites youto view the plans for the Centennial Museumof MTSU History and other historical com-memorations of MTSU’s 100th birthday com-ing in 2011. Discuss contributing your MTSU-related memorabilia to the MTSU archive.
Golden Raiders Reunionand Induction Ceremony2 p.m., Tom H. Jackson BuildingThe class of 1959 will be honored this year.Golden Raiders registration begins at 2 p.m.followed by a campus tour, a social hour, andthe 2009 Golden Raiders Induction CeremonyDinner. Contact the Office of AlumniRelations at 800-533-6878 for moreinformation.
Great Bowls of Fire Chili Cook-Off5:30 p.m., Murphy Center ForrestBlue Raider fans are encouraged to participateby entering or judging this classic footballseason competition. To register or for moreinformation, e-mail [email protected].
Sigma Alpha Epsilon40th Anniversary Welcome BackTime TBA, SAE HouseE-mail Tim Strobl at [email protected] more information.
NPHC Step Show7:30 p.m., Murphy CenterTickets available by calling the Greek LifeOffice at 615-898-5812.
Saturday, Oct. 24Mixer on MiddleParade-Watching Party9 a.m., MTSU Alumni HouseJoin us as we watch the 2009 HomecomingParade from the best location on campus. Thelawn of the Alumni House will be filled withMTSU alumni and friends for an event that isuniquely MT. This year’s party will featurethe Voice of the Blue Raiders, Chip Walters(’85), and Aaron Solomon (’94), co-host ofWSMV’s Channel 4 News Today, as paradeannouncers. A complimentary breakfast withcoffee and juice will be served beginning at 9a.m. while food lasts.
Annual Homecoming Parade10 a.m.Grammy-nominated composer George S.Clinton (’69) will serve as grand marshal ofthis year’s Homecoming Parade, whichbegins on Maney Avenue, following EastMain Street and Middle Tennessee Boulevardto Greenland Drive.
Baby Raider Ride ContestChildren and grandchildren of MTSU alumniare invited to walk, if accompanied by anadult. This year will be the first contest forBaby Raider Rides. Decorate your stroller,wagon or trike with Blue Raider spirit. Youdon’t have to compete in the contest to bepart of the parade. Baby Raiders and theirguardians will enter the parade at the AlumniHouse to walk the duration of the route. Visitmtalumni.com or e-mail [email protected] toenter.
MTSU Rugby Old Boys Game11 a.m., MTSU Sport Club Complex,2111 E. Main St.Alumni return to play the students: women’sgame at 11 a.m., men’s game at 1 p.m. Formore information, e-mail Jody Hensley [email protected].
Sigma Alpha Epsilon 40thAnniversary Tailgate Party11 a.m., Walnut GroveE-mail Tim Strobl at [email protected] more information.
Varsity Club Reception12:30 p.m., Rose and Emmett KennonSports Hall of FameVisit with former teammates. Refreshmentswill be provided for members and their fami-lies. Also open during the game for the bene-fit of former athletes is the Varsity Club open-air box overlooking Floyd Stadium’s northend zone. Events are open to VarsityClub members and families. Freeadmission. Contact Jim Simpson [email protected] for details.
Raider Walk12:30 p.m., Walnut GroveJoin the Band of Blue, MTSU cheerlead-ers and Lightning to rally for the BlueRaiders as they prepare to bring homea homecoming victory.
MT vs. Western Kentucky2:30 p.m., Floyd StadiumGeneral admission tickets are availablefor $7 by calling the Office of AlumniRelations, 1-800-533-MTSU. Reservedtickets are available for $20 (sideline)and $17 (end zone) per person by call-ing 1-800-YES-MTSU.
Alumni HomecomingQueens and KingsFormer queens, kings and cheerleaders willjoin in the festivities of the 2009 HomecomingCeremony. Participation is complimentarywith the purchase of a game ticket.
Al Wilkerson Scholarship Dance8 p.m., The Walnut House, 116 N. Walnut St.Hosted by the African American AlumniSociety, this event is open to the public.Reservations are requested. Tickets are avail-able for $20 per person. Light hors d’oeuvresand a cash bar will be provided. Call 1-800-533-MTSU or e-mail [email protected] formore information.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon40th Anniversary BanquetTime TBA, Embassy Suites, MurfreesboroThe Tennessee Beta Chapter of Sigma AlphaEpsilon Fraternity will celebrate its 40thanniversary in conjunction with homecoming.E-mail Tim Strobl at [email protected] more information.
Alumni Reunion Tailgate Tentwill be new at homecomingAlumni Reunion Tailgate Tent11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Walnut GroveTailgate with former classmates and pro-fessors under the big tent in WalnutGrove. Lunch will be available for $6per adult and $4 per child under 12.Representatives from the Jennings A.Jones College of Business, Basic andApplied Sciences, Continuing Educationand Distance Learning, Education andBehavioral Science, Honors, LiberalArts, Mass Communication and James E.Walker Library will be on hand to sharethe latest news.
Andy Heidt / MTSU Photographic Services file photo
J. Intintoli / MTSU Photographic Services file photo
Cheerleaders lead the Blue Raiders onto the field before the start of the 2008 HomecomingGame. MTSU defeated Louisiana-Monroe 24-21. The Blue Raiders will entertain longtimerival Western Kentucky Oct. 24 in this year’s homecoming game.
Mixer on Middle attendees enjoy food, fun, bever-ages and fellowship before the 2008 parade.
September 2009 The Alumni Record/mtalumni.com 5
Summer from Page 1proof of the university’s commitment to the well-being of its students. The tour ended in PhillipsBookstore, where class members shopped for spirititems as if they were freshman at orientation. Whenthey returned to the Alumni House, ASC studentsenjoyed a backyard picnic including official intro-ductions. Then they boarded Raider Xpress and setoff for a tour of James E. Walker Library, where theyexperienced a special printing demonstration on thelibrary’s replica of the Franklin Press.
Thursday’s classes started with an introductionto online communities such as Facebook andTwitter. The class logged on to the new alumnionline community at mtalumni.com. The remainderof the morning session was held at the MTSUAerospace facility at Murfreesboro MunicipalAirport. Participants learned about all facets of theaerospace program through demonstrations, toursand flying the simulators. The class ate lunch in theDonald McDonald Hangar, surrounded by some ofthe university’s Diamond aircraft.
Alumni touched down for an afternoon of ses-sions at the School of Agribusiness and Agriscience.Dr. Cliff Ricketts discussed alternative fuels andvehicles. The group sampled the best chocolate milkaround while touring the milk-processing plant.Alumni members of MTSU’s national champi-onship dairy judging team returned to campus tohelp teach how to judge ice cream. Finally, classmembers got up close and personal with the sourceof all that dairy goodness when they had the chanceto hand milk a cow from the university’s herd.
The class returned to a favorite college diningspot, the City Cafe, on Thursday night for dinner.There they elected Joe Nunley (’69) class president.
Many of the university’s vice presidents startedFriday morning with a look at how MTSU works.Then was time for a field trip to Lynchburg, Tenn.Lunch was served family style at historic MissMary Bobo’s Boarding House, where four out of thesix table hostesses were MT alumni. Fellow BlueRaider Christy Mitchell (’98), event coordinator forthe Jack Daniel’s Visitors Center, planned a wonder-ful visit. The class toured the world-famous distill-ery and was treated to an educational Family ofBrands Tasting hosted by Master Distiller JeffArnett. The Jack Daniel’s Band welcomed the groupto BBQ Hill, where they learned how to judge bar-beque before filling up on it at dinner. Music,singing and dancing took the night right up tograduation, when Class President Nunley used oneword to sum up the experience of the previous lastthree days — enthusiasm. Before the group left BBQHill, twin sisters Louise Monefeldt Bastedo (’65)and Karen Monefeldt Caton (’65) led an imprompturendition of MTSU’s Alma Mater. The class boardedthe bus and followed a beautiful sunset back to theAlumni House.
Alumni Summer College fulfilled its purpose ofreconnecting MTSU alumni to each other, the uni-versity and the community. First-year participantLori Warise (’03) said that becominga member of the alumni communitywas one of her favorite things aboutthe event. “ASC has opened a doorfor me,” she said. “I want to beinvolved.”
The third annual AlumniSummer College will be held June23-25, 2010.
(Left) LauraCullum Hood(’84), left,DavidCullum (’55)and LisaCullum Brace(’80) madeAlumniSummerCollege afamily affair.
Tommy Campbell (’74), left, and Lynn Greer (’63) are ready to take off dur-ing a tour of the university’s aerospace facilities at MurfreesboroMunicipal Airport.
Jack Daniel and Lloyd Williams (’72) pose during theASC field trip to Lynchburg, Tenn.
Julie Hight (’82), left, teaches Mary Sue Paul Fisher (’53) how to ink theFranklin Press at James E. Walker Library.
(Right) Larry(’71) and MaryBilbrough andJoe (’84) andLori (’03)Warise winddown the daywith a cup ofcoffee duringdinner at theCity Café.
MTSUAlumniRelationsphotos
Richard (’62) and Charlene (’62, ’67, ’92) Key show off their signed bottle from Jack Daniel’sMaster Distiller Jeff Arnett during the Alumni Summer College tour of Lynchburg, Tenn.
CLASS NOTES
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William Cornes (’69), Augusta, Ga., isretired from Wachovia Securities.
Marjory Hardison (’69), Marietta, Ga.,is retired from Cobb County Schools as aspecial education teacher.
Michael N. Murphy (’68),Chattanooga, Tenn., is a retired FBIagent/supervisory special agent and cur-rently serves as an assistant vice presi-dent of Unum Insurance Company.
Joe D. McElroy (’53), Murfreesboro,recently retired as an elder of theLascassas Church of Christ.
Ronald B. McRady (’59), Lewisburg,Tenn., is retired from Tennessee state gov-ernment after 31 years of service. Herecently has been elected city councilman.
Dr. Linda Gilbert (’72, ’79, ’91),Murfreesboro, was named the TennesseeEducation Association’s distinguishedhigher education professional in 2008 andalso received the MTSU Foundation’s2008 Public Service Award for her com-munity work.
John Heatherly (’71), Knoxville, Tenn.,has been inducted into the GreaterKnoxville Sports Hall of Fame.
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Ryan Blazer (’04), Los Angeles, Calif.,is an assistant for William MorrisEndeavor Entertainment.
Joshua T. Causey (’08), Vilseck, AE, isa medical platoon leader for the U.S.Army and recently earned the ExpertMedical Badge at Grafenwohr, Germany.
Silviu Ciulei (’08), Murfreesboro, wonthe $1,000 Fifth Prize in the ParkeningInternational Guitar Competition atPepperdine University in May.
Zachary B. Ferrell (’09), Murfreesboro,is an officer trainee for the MetropolitanNashville Airport Authority.
Janelle Fey (’02), Anchorage, Alaska, isa multimedia teacher at Clark MiddleSchool.
Jamie Fuller (’07), Nashville, Tenn., isa 7th grade math teacher at West WilsonMiddle School in Mt. Juliet, Tenn.
Careasa Greer (’05), Murfreesboro, isa licensed insurance agent and registeredsecurities representative for FarmersInsurance - Careasa Greer Agency.
Michael Haley (’00), Franklin, Tenn.,is CIO of Interconit Inc.
Russell Henderson (’01), German-Tenn., is a client strategy director forCIGNA Healthcare.
Kari Janetvilay (’06), Murfreesboro,has achieved the Certified ProfessionalSecretary rating by passing all parts ofthe CPS exam.
U Kyum “Dylon” Lee (’06), SouthKorea, is a marketer for Universal MusicKorea.
Lt. J.G. David S. Mason (’06), Kings-ville, Texas, recently was designated aNaval Flight Officer and received his“Wings of Gold” after completing theAdvanced Jet Navigation Course withTraining Squadron 22, Naval Air Stationin Kingsville.
Leslie Merritt (’07, ’08), Collierville,Tenn., is a chapter services manager forKappa Delta Sorority national headquar-ters.
Randal Miller (’01), Murfreesboro, is aproject manager for Perot Systems and adisabled Purple Heart veteran of Iraq andAfghanistan.
Jason Nelson (’04), Round Rock Texas,has been named legislative director forTexas State Representative Jim Pitts, chairof the House Committee onAppropriations.
Tien Nguyen (’07), Nashville, Tenn.,has been awarded the CRI AccountingScholarship from Carr, Riggs & IngramLLC. He is pursuing his M.S. degree inaccounting at MTSU.
Meagan Webb (’06), Nashville, Tenn.,recently won the Mannington’s inauguralTx:style competition at the NeoConWorld’s Trade Fair. Her “Squareberry”design will be produced in six differentcolorways by the carpet manufacturerlaunching in early 2010.
1 9 8 0 sLee Anne Allen Carmack (’87, (’92),
Murfreesboro, has launched a new Website, www.yardsalefrog.com.
Kelly Lockhart Dodson (’88, ’95),Ashland City, Tenn., has been named aTennessee Education AssociationDistinguished Classroom Teacher. Sheteaches English and journalism inCheatham County and teaches journalismat Austin Peay State University.
Kent Evetts (’81), Greenbrier, Tenn., isan operating unit manager for BargeWaggoner Sumner and Cannon Inc. andhas graduated from the LeadershipRobertson County program.
Laurette Hughes (’86, ’99, ’01),Murfreesboro, is a school counselor inRutherford County.
Daniel Jackson (’86), Nashville, Tenn.,was elected 2008-09 president of CivitanInternational.
Brian Knox (’87), Sussex, Wis., is vicepresident of the Milwaukee-based firm ofZeppos & Associates and has earned aParagon Award from the SoutheasternWisconsin chapter of the Public RelationsSociety of America.
Jeffery Milstead (’82), Murfreesboro,is an auditor and investigator for theTennessee Department of Labor andWorkforce Development in Nashville. Inaddition, he is the public addressannouncer for the MTSU baseball andsoccer teams.
Phillip Mark Summers (’80), Corona,Calif., is vice president for Amerisource-Bergen Pharmaceutical Corporation. He isalso a retired U.S. Army, Army NationalGuard and U.S. Army Reserves lieutenantcolonel.
John “Chip” Walters (’85),Murfreesboro, is director of broadcastingfor Nelligan Sports Marketing at MTSUand will serve as play-by-play announcerfor Blue Raider football and men’s basket-ball.
Baby Raiders
6 The Alumni Record/mtalumni.com September 2009
MTSU and the Office of Alumni Relations extend deepest sympathy to the families andfriends of alumni who have passed away.
1930sSarah Smith (’33), College Park, Ga., passed away June 18, 2009.
1950sJames Render Carden (’56), Mulberry, Tenn., passed away April 7, 2009.
Ed Murray (’52), The Villages, Fla., passed away May 29, 2009.
Anne Tompkins (’52), Suwanee, Ga., passed away Jan. 26, 2009.
1960sFrank Philip Dawson (’62, ’65), Pulaski, Tenn., passed away Feb. 28, 2009.Mary Ann Jenkins (’63), Nashville, Tenn., passed away July 20, 2006.
1970sJames Michael Miner (’77), Sevierville, Tenn., passed away July 24, 2008.
Dr. Anne Sloan (’71), Murfreesboro, passed away April 4, 2009.
In Memoriam
Chuck Bibeau (’98), Franklin, Tenn., isvice president of Bank of America, N.A.
John Harrison (’99), Gray, Tenn., iscorporate pilot for Eastman Chemical Co.
Angela Layton (’99), Joelton, Tenn., ispresident of Meeting ProfessionalsInternational’s Tennessee chapter.
Joseph Lisle (’90), Irmo, S.C., has beennamed employee of the year at theUniversity of South Carolina.
William F. Meehan III (’96), NewYork, N.Y., is the author of Conversationswith William F. Buckley Jr: A Bibliography.
Daniel Percey (’97, ’05), Murfreesboro,is an inside sales manager for Service-Source.
Preston Steinle (’98, ’00), Henderson-ville, Tenn., is a project manager forNational Resources Company.
Rob Wilson (’98), Madison, Tenn., vicepresident of Stones River Companies, hasbeen selected by the Nashville BusinessJournal as a “Forty Under 40” honoree.
Chris Yates (’98), Murfreesboro, is anarea manager for SunDance.
Tanner Noah Brackin, born May 4,
2009, to Amy (’04, ’05) and Curt Brackin
of Knoxville, Tenn.
Elizabeth “Ellie” Callaway Donald,
born Jan. 6, 2009, to Jamie (’01) and Ryan
Donald (’09) of Murfreesboro.
Ethan Jensen Evans, born May 21,
2009, to Mandy and Zach Evans (’04) of
Franklin, Tenn.
Ella Ruth Farmer, born May 2, 2009, to
Jackie (’98, ’04) and Eric Farmer of
Murfreesboro.
Isabella Amanda Hansen, born March
25, 2009, to Tina and Dr. Brian Hansen
(’04) of Seaside, Calif.
Melanie Autumn Milliken, born May
5, 2009, to Pamela (’93) and Scott
Milliken of Smyrna, Tenn.
Chase Long Russell, born June 5,
2009, to Patience Long (’01) and Brian
Russell (’00) of Bloomington, Ill.
Cruz Christian Wilkins, born July 8,
2009, to Casie (’01) and Christopher
Wilkins (’98) of Nashville, Tenn.
‘Excitement Lives’ all across campus“ Excitement Lives Here.” That’s this year’s
theme for our Blue Raider football team. Aspresident of the MTSU National Alumni
Association, I look forward to working with you tomake this slogan the banner of our university.
There’s excitement on campus with the con-struction of the new education building and thenew student union. There’s excitement about bothour educational and athletics programs, which par-ticipate at the highest level. Our alumni are excitedabout our new alumni online community, whichallows them to interact with old friends from theircollege days, and meet those from the universitycommunity with similar interests.
Many of MTSU’s nearly 100,000 alums havemade outstanding contributions to society. JamesBuchanan won the Nobel Prize for economics.Brian Oldfield set the world record in the shot put
and was on the cover of SportsIllustrated. Albert Gore Sr. was aprominent U.S. senator fromTennessee who helped create theinterstate highway system. TerryWeeks was selected as theNational Teacher of the Year.Don Griffin, who played footballhere, went on to win two SuperBowl rings with the San
Francisco 49ers.MTSU has educated many of the best and
brightest this state and nation have to offer. TheMTSU faculty and staff deserve all the support wepossibly can give them as they continue their tasksto educate and mold our future generations.
I encourage you to get involved with your uni-versity. The Alumni Association is here to represent
you, and we welcome your advice and sugges-tions. Your involvement is essential to continuingthe excitement that lives at MTSU!
MTSU National Alumni Association President JimStubblefield received his B.S. in 1983. He has served as an aideto Congressman Bart Gordon for 25 years. He and his wife,Nancy (’88), live in Murfreesboro along with their two daugh-ters, Katherine and Margaret.
Stubblefield
September 2009 The Alumni Record/mtalumni.com 7
Campus Schoolturns 80 this fallHomer Pittard CampusSchool alumnus HenryHuddleston and his grand-daughter, Mary MarthaWilson, admire the school’snew elevator. The school willhave an 80th anniversary cel-ebration starting at 8:30 a.m.Friday, Nov. 6. The public isinvited. For more informa-tion, call 615-896-0737.
Japan and China. Thanks to the support of the Billand Melinda Gates Foundation and several inter-national institutions with which MTSU is in part-nership, I was able to engage in discussions withother university leaders about international issuesin higher education, present lectures to foreign stu-dents and faculty at our partner institutions,engage in conversations with prospective donorsand participate in a number of very important andproductive meetings designed to enhance MTSU’sinternational exposure — all at no expense to thestate or our university.
Throughout my travels in Asia, I was pleasantlysurprised to regularly encounter and interact withMTSU students and alumni who are working, livingor studying abroad. I met with alumni from theMTSU class of 1967 in Hiroshima City, Japan; haddinner with two alumni in the Osaka (Japan) TrainStation; participated in a reception and dinner withsome 15 alumni in Tokyo; and met with formerMTSU exchange students and their parents in bothChina and Japan. In addition, I had the opportunityto make contact with several students who will benew to MTSU this fall, including a large contingencyfrom Hangzhou, China.
Early in my trip, I began thinking of how won-derful it would be if our alumni here in the UnitedStates were more aware of what their counterparts
were doing in foreign lands. With this in mind, Ibegan to ask the alumni whom I encountered to e-mail me their photos and profiles so we might fea-ture some of them in upcoming issues of The AlumniRecord.
The first individual we will present is alumnaTeresa Pickering, whom I met while in Tokyo, a 2005graduate of MTSU, who grew up in nearbyWoodbury, Tenn. I am proud to report she is enjoy-ing her career abroad and is teaching English as asecond language to elementary and middle schoolstudents in the countryside of Japan.
In my conversation with Ms. Pickering, I wasimpressed by the incredible testimony she gave ofhow MTSU changed her personal and professionallife for the better and of how fondly she spoke ofMTSU personnel such as Dr. Kiyoshi Kawahito, pro-fessor emeritus of economics in the Jennings A.Jones College of Business; Dr. Ron Kates, associateprofessor in the Department of English; and Dr.Deana Raffo, assistant professor in the Departmentof Speech and Theatre.
I am extremely pleased to have had the opportu-nity to interact with so many of our alumni, formerexchange students and incoming students duringmy recent travels while also having the chance tobuild relationships with other individuals who willassist in moving the university’s international agen-
da forward. We are already seeing benefits fromthese interactions in terms of being considered formajor institutes, training programs and fundingopportunities.
I encourage you to look for more information infuture issues of The Alumni Record on our foreign-based alumni and our efforts as a university toenhance international education at MTSU.
Alumni from Page 1
MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee, left, visits with Hangzhou Normal UniversityPresident Ye Gaoxiang earlier this summer. They were participating in a signingceremony for a Memorandum of Coestablishing Confucious Institute.
Submitted photos
(First in a series)Name: Teresa PickeringHometown: Woodbury, Tenn.International location: Tokyo, Japan
Additional information:Graduated from MTSU in December2005 with a degree in English and aminor in leadership studies; recom-mended by Dr. Kiyoshi Kawahito,professor emeritus of economics inthe Jennings A. Jones College ofBusiness, to the Tono City Board of Education, where shebegan working in Tono City, Iwate Prefecture, Japan, inApril 2006; and teaches English as a second language toelementary and middle school students.
About her experience: “If someone had told mewhen I was a high-school student that I’d be where I amnow, [I wouldn't believe them]. I can’t imagine my lifewithout this experience. Thanks to Dr. Kawahito andothers who believed in me at MTSU, I am where I amtoday.”
Pickering
International alumni profile
CAMPUS BRIEFFall Phonathon starts Sept. 8
The MTSU Office of Development’s fallannual giving Phonathon will begin Tuesday,Sept. 8, said Meredith Kerr (’04), associatedirector of annual giving.
MTSU students will be calling alumni toinform them of the latest developments atMTSU and their respective colleges, and askthem to make a gift to the university’s AnnualFund, Kerr said.
The phonathon schedule includes previousdonors of the James E. Walker Library and
Honors College, Sept. 8-9; Jennings A. JonesCollege of Business, Sept. 10-22; College ofLiberal Arts, Sept. 23-Oct. 4; College of MassCommunication, Oct. 5-21; College of Basic andApplied Sciences, Oct. 22-Nov. 4; ContinuingEducation and Distance Learning, Nov. 5-8;College of Education and Behavioral Science,Nov. 9-18; James E. Walker Library, Nov. 19-23;and Honors College, Dec. 1-3.
For information, visit mtsu.edu/~devofc orcall 615-898-2728.
Charlotte Peay / Submitted photo
(Right) front row,from left,Dunhuang, China,Mayor Ma Shilin,Northwest NormalUniversityPresident WangLimin and MTSUPresident SidneyA. McPhee spendtime with otherDunhuang cityofficials (backrow). An agree-ment was signedthat will bring thecity officials toMTSU for trainingin various degreeprograms.
8 The Alumni Record/mtalumni.com September 2009
AlumnusSummerHardy(‘06), sec-ond fromleft, getsready tosee theMemphisRedbirdsgamewithRochelleMiller,MaiaMillerand TerriMiller.
Russell Henderson (’01) and wife Maggie (’02) prepare for theMemphis Redbirds game with Muffin Dixon (’95), Katie Keane andJosh Pounders (’02).
From MTSU Alumni Relations
M TSU’s Office of Alumni Relationsrecently hosted Alumni Nightswith the Chattanooga Lookouts
and Memphis Redbirds. Alumni and friendsenjoyed great food, fellowship and excitingbaseball games
Each game was a good opportunity foralumni to network and meet fellow MTSUgrads in their area.
“I was excited when I first heard aboutthe alumni gathering and absolutely thrilledto see the turnout was so strong at 40-plusBlue Raiders,” said Russell Henderson (’01)of Memphis. “A solid alumni event like thisis encouraging to many of us in the area aswe work to develop an active and thoughtfulbase of MT alumni.”
“We appreciate all of the area alumni andfriends making it out to the game. It wasgreat meeting so many alumni who areproud of MTSU and excited about the futureof the university,” said Paul Wydra, Office ofAlumni Relations assistant director.
Muffin Dixon (’95) of Memphis said, “Wehad a great time meeting and catching up
with other MTSU alumni from the Memphisarea. We talked about all the wonderfulchanges and enhancements to the campusthat have happened over the years. I can’twait to get a group together again.”
Upcoming alumni events are beingplanned. Be sure to stay on top of the latesthappenings in your area at mtalumni.com.
Memphis, Chattanooga alums enjoy outings
From MTSU Alumni Relations
A fun afternoon of good times andgolf is scheduled for Friday, Sept.25.
Alumni and friends will gather at IndianHills Golf Course in Murfreesboro for thesecond Alumni Legacy Golf Classic.
The Classic provides an enjoyable dayfor alumni and friends to properly celebratetheir relationship to MTSU and educatethemselves about the university’s newestscholarship.
Formerly the Homecoming GolfTournament, this four-person scramble nowserves as an official fundraising event for thenewly established Alumni LegacyScholarship. The scholarship is awarded tochildren of alumni only and is a continuingscholarship given only to those returning toMTSU for their sophomore, junior or senioryears.
Because of the generosity of players andsponsors of last year’s golf classic, the
MTSU Alumni Association awarded twoscholarships for the 2009-10 academic year.Applications are currently being acceptedthrough Feb. 1, 2010. The criteria and appli-cation may be downloaded at mtalumni.com.
This year’s tournament features acatered lunch, team picture, golf cart andgreen fees, and complimentary beveragesthroughout play. Each player will receive anoversized custom towel, Nike umbrella anddeluxe divot tool. The winning team willreceive beautiful crystal trophies providedby the past presidents of the AlumniAssociation. The player entry fee is $125 perperson. Reservations can be made online atmtalumni.com or by calling the Office ofAlumni Relations at 1-800-533-6878.
The Alumni Association welcomes vol-unteers and sponsors. For more informationon how you or your business can getinvolved in this worthwhile event, pleasecontact Michelle Stepp at 1-800-533-6878 [email protected].
MT football2009 schedule
Sept. 5 at Clemson, 5 p.m.-XSept. 12 Memphis, 6 p.m.-Z
Sept. 19 at Maryland, 2:30 p.m.-XSept. 26 at *North Texas, 6 p.m.
Oct. 6 at *Troy, 7p.m., ESPN2Oct. 17 Mississippi State, 3 p.m.-Z
Oct. 24 *West. Ky. (HC), 2:30 p.m.-ZOct. 31 at *Florida Atlantic, 3 p.m.
Nov. 7 *Fla. International, TBA (FW)Nov. 14 *La.-Lafayette, 3:15 p. m.-ZNov. 21 *Arkansas State, TBA (HH)Nov. 28 at *La.-Monroe, 3:15 p.m.-Z
HOME games are in bold* — Sun Belt Conference games
(HC) — Homecoming(FW) — Family Weekend
(HH) — Hometown HeroesX — ESPN360.com
Z — CSS TVAll dates, times subject to change
For ticket information, visit goblueraiders.com.
Ben Leyhew (’02, ’08), left, and Brent Campbell (’02) enjoy a roundof golf during the 2008 Legacy tournament.
Alumni, friends will gather Sept. 25for 2nd Alumni Legacy Golf Classic
Having a ball
Chattanooga-area MTSU alumni gathered towatch the Class AA Chattanooga Lookouts andenjoy a great alumni picnic. Alums Joe (’96) andAmanda (’97) Legge, with daughter Justice andson Cameron, before the baseball game.
MTSU Alumni Relations photo
