Pride Spring 2009

SPRING 2009

The Alumni MagazineSpring 2009

Last month, the nation’s first African-American president was inaugurated, bringing a message of hope and positive change for America. That same day, stock markets around the world fell, unem-ployment rates rose, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict entered a new, increasingly grim phase. In troubled times such as these, we can’t help but wonder what the future holds.

This issue of Pride is all about the future as seen through the eyes of our young alumni, all of whom have graduated during the last decade. After reading their stories, I think you’ll feel a lot better about the future, knowing that these intelligent, energetic and creative Texas A&M University-Commerce graduates will be leading the way.

A recent art direction graduate, Alicia Pol has already won the ADDY Award, the most presti-gious recognition in her field. D’Anna Graham has been recognized as the Region 8 Teacher of the Year, while Lui Barkkume is the president and CEO of a successful environmental company.

Each has an engaging and exciting story to tell; all are living testaments to the power of education to transform lives. Each is making a difference; all are building futures – for themselves, certainly, but also for their families, their communities, and their world.

Each is in the process of translating what they learned at A&M-Commerce into a brighter tomorrow.

Recent economic events would suggest that there is no such thing as a safe invest-ment, but these young alumni have something that can only increase in value over time: a degree from Texas A&M University-Commerce. Many people – gifted faculty, dedicated staff and generous supporters – have made substantial investments in their success. We can all take great pride in knowing that these investments will continue paying dividends for many generations to come.

From the President

Dr. Dan JonesPresident

Spring 2009; Vol 6

Pride is published three times a year by the

Texas A&M University-Commerce alumni

office. Non-profit postage paid at Addison,

Texas. Pride is distributed without charge

to alumni, faculty, staff, and friends

of Texas A&M University-Commerce.

Randy Jolly - Editor in ChiefAshley Johnson - EditorNathan Pieratt - Creative DirectorPaul Bryan & Team - PhotographyMary Lou Hazel - Assignment Editor

Caleb Slinkard - Writer Ken Dickinson - Web Manager

Christan Hilbrand - Assistant to the Director

Address changes, inquiries and contributions

of information may be made to Alumni Relations

at 903.886.5765, via email to

[email protected]

or to Texas A&M University-Commerce,

Alumni Relations, P.O. Box 3011

Commerce, TX 75429.

“After reading their stories, I think

you’ll feel a lot better about the future,

knowing that these intelligent, energetic and

creative Texas A&M University-Commerce

graduates will be leading the way.”

Dr. Dan JonesPresident

68

2

1626

Student Center…2

Best in Show…6

Mr. Betts Knows Best…8

Driven Success…12

100,000 Watt Flamethrower…14

Elementary Teacher of the Year…16

Blessed and Happy…20

Duty Calls…22

Legacy…24

Pride of the Lions…26

Class Notes…28

In Memory…30

Alumni Calendar…32

About the cover:For A&M-Commerce alumnus Sam Rayburn, namesake of the new Sam Rayburn Student Center, making a difference in the world didn’t require a lifetime. It only required a dream, a passion and a drive to succeed. From national award winners to teachers investing in their students, this issue pays tribute to young alumni striving to continue Rayburn’s legacy by making a difference in their community.

THE

SAM RAYBURNSTUDENT CENTER

NEW

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL HODGE

2 PRIDE SPRING 2009

BY CALEB SLINKARD

SAM RAYBURNSTUDENT CENTER

The 92,000 square foot structure sits directly across from the Science Build-ing, highlighting an area that is quick-ly becoming the most exciting on campus. A&M-Commerce has been steadily updating and reworking its campus with a series of new buildings designed with stu-dents in mind. The Student Center is the crown jewel of that effort and complements the state-of-the-art Science Building and Planetarium, and a new music building scheduled to open in 2010.

Studies done on the old Memorial Student Center showed that it would be more cost effective to build a new Student Center, rath-er than renovate the old one. Thanks to a successful student vote and years of hard work, the new Student Center is now a reality. Rick Miller, director of the Student Center, is excited about the new building’s vast potential.

“We have two initiatives that drive us: leadership and service,” Miller said of the leadership at the Student Center. “We want to change the way people perceive the university.” Change has been a consistent theme around A&M-Commerce recently. There is a feeling on campus that A&M-Commerce has the po-tential to become the premier university in Northeast Texas while maintaining its small town feel. The new Student Center is a shining example of such change. It is unlike any other building on campus, and is uniquely suited to meet the needs of both current and future A&M-Commerce students. Just as the Science Building shows the university’s commitment to provide the very best educational facilities, the Student Center reflects A&M-Commerce’s commitment to providing quality student life on campus.

The new Sam Rayburn Student Center unveiled on Dec. 1, is an impressive building that may greatly impact the future of A&M-Commerce.

The Sam Rayburn Student Center is more than just a place for students to hang out. While it is destined to become the center of campus life, the $52 million building was designed to pro-vide opportunities for students to learn, grow and create. A&M-Commerce students are taking an active role in several aspects of the Student Center.

“Leadership is one of the things we build into the work experience,” Miller said. “We’re not just a building; we are a collection of students that have our own energies and ideas and am-bitions that drive us. We have student employ-ees that work as building managers, so they’re gaining some real-life experience. The stu-dents are utilizing what they learn in class and enhancing it here.”

According to Miller, the Student Center is a place for students to come into their own. “I have meetings all the time where people ask me ‘what if?’ and I respond with ‘why not?”

The list of ways students have contributed to the design and management of the Stu-dent Center is long and inclusive. The Student Center features the artwork of A&M-Com-merce students and faculty, thanks to art department head Joseph Daun, while horti-culture students have contributed to the land-scaping. Business and marketing majors are responsible for running, promoting and main-taining the building. Even the second-floor boardrooms are designed so that student organi-zations can meet and have opportunities to learn boardroom skills.

“The Synergy Lab at the Student Center provides students hands-on experi-ence for students majoring in art, marketing, journalism, and photography majors,” said Lisa Martinez, assistant director of marketing and new media at the Student Center. “With our new multi-media capabilities we are able to teach them about print media as well as how to develop marketing campaigns.”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL HODGE

4 PRIDE SPRING 2009

The building isn’t just a learning environment, either. The Student Center caters to the enter-tainment needs of A&M-Commerce students in a big way.

“The bottom floor is called Main Street. It’s where a lot of our retail is,” Miller said. “Main Street contains the Club, the Convenience Store, the Dining Room and Einstein Bros. Bagels, as well as an ATM and Lion Card services.”

The Club is one of the most unique and attrac-tive areas of the Student Center. Located across from Einstein Bros. Bagels, it consists of a stage,

seating for students to eat or work on home-work and several pool tables. The most interest-ing feature of the Club, however, is the gaming center that contains eight Xbox 360’s, eight flat screen t.v.’s and a Wii center. Student workers are running studies to identify the most popu-lar game titles and peak usage hours to help the staff cater to students.

The new dining room features a stone open-hearth fire. “The way food is served and prepared there is completely different,” Miller said. Adjacent to this building is Einstein Bros. Bagels, the new favorite place to eat for many students on campus.

Time will tell how effective the building will be, but it is already well on its way to becoming the focus of campus life, and it stands as a physical example of A&M-Commerce’s commitment to excellence.

Not only does the Sam Rayburn Student center incorporate state-of-the-art

technology, its designers made sure that the building

would be environmentally friendly. The list below

demonstrates the Sam Rayburn Student Center’s commitment

to going green.

SAM RAYBURN STATUE DEDICATED JANUARY 30TH

The carpet in the building is biodegradable.

The Student Center lighting is controlled by four computer programs that adjust the intensity of the lights, saving energy costs.

The new chairs are 100 percent recyclable.

The new men’s bathrooms save 400,000 gallons of water a year.

Einstein Bagels promotes reusing their plastic coffee cups, which initially cost $2.70 and are refilled for just $0.99. This reduces waste.

The Club does not use Styrofoam cups.

“...HEY, WE’RE A&M-COMMERCE, AND WE’RE GREAT AT WHAT WE DO.”

BEST IN SHOW2008 NATIONAL ADDY AWARD WINNER

Alicia Pol

6 PRIDE SPRING 2009

BY ASHLEY

JOHNSON

“...HEY, WE’RE A&M-COMMERCE, AND WE’RE GREAT AT WHAT WE DO.”

rowing up in Houston, Alicia Pol knew one thing -she wanted to be an artist. With a natural talent and her parents’ support, she set out to accomplish just that. “My dad is a geologist by trade, but an artist at heart,” Pol said. “When he realized I wanted to pursue art, he encouraged me to go for it 100 percent.”

After graduating from Texas A&M University-Commerce in December 2007, Pol’s advertising career took off, with a six-month internship with The Richards Group, followed by six months on staff. In October 2008, Pol transitioned to an art director role at TM Advertising. Pol devel-oped her art skills in high school, and initially set her sights on a career in animation. After attending A&M-Commerce, however, her perspective broadened to include advertising.

“My first semester at the Universities Center Dallas campus, I took an art direction class from Brian Dunaway and Kirin Koshy,” Pol said. “Their passion for advertising and design was amazing, and made me reconsider my plans for animation, and, instead, pursue art direction. They had a spark and an enthusiasm that made you work harder, think bigger and pursue more creative ideas.”

“Brian was brutally honest when critiquing students’ work,” Pol said. “He wasn’t afraid to say, ‘yeah, that sucks; do something else.’ That made us all better students, and better prepared us for the real world of art direction.”

Pol credits much of her current success to the one-on-one networking with UCD professors, each a working professional in their industry. It was these relationships and challenge in the classroom that led Pol to win the biggest award in the advertising industry, the Student ADDY Best in Show for 2008.

“Lee Whitmarsh encouraged us to enter competitions, and get our name out there,” Pol said. “Winning an ADDY was a personal ego boost, but winning Best in Show was especially rewarding because no one had heard of A&M-Commerce. I was able to trump all of the other bigger schools and say ‘hey, we’re A&M-Commerce, and we’re great at what we do.’”

Her advice for students interested in the advertising field is to never give up. According to Pol, the program takes a lot of hours and late nights to complete, but it’s definitely worth it. “Students should not be afraid to put their work out there,” Pol said. “You need to be confident, and not care what others think. Whatever your goal, set high standards for yourself and go for it.”

BEST IN SHOW2008 NATIONAL ADDY AWARD WINNER

G

MR BETTSKNOWSBEST!

8 PRIDE SPRING 2009

BY ASHLEY JOHNSON

MR BETTSKNOWS

Walk into Tim Betts’ third-grade classroom at

Fannin Elementary in Corsicana, and you will

be surrounded by smiling, rambunctious 8 and

9-year-olds with one thing in common-they have

an infectious love and admiration for their teacher.

BEST!

“IT’S AMAZING TO WATCH THESE KIDS

REALIZE THEIR OWN POTENTIAL.”

“Mr. Betts helps us

learn new things...”

10 PRIDE SPRING 2009

Betts also invests in his students after school, partnering with Corsicana High School’s basketball teams. “I usually take four students with me to the game,” he said. “They get to sit with the team, hang out in the locker room and get their picture taken with the team. It gives them role models, and shows them what they can achieve if they apply themselves.”

Betts’ greatest challenge comes from the factors his students face outside the classroom. However, as one who sees the light in the midst of a storm, Betts looks forward to any challenge thrown his way.

“Some of them show up in my class with no role model at home, or single parents barely making ends meet,” he said. “They are quiet and withdrawn. There is nothing better than reaching out to them, and watching them slowly come out of their shell, and open up to me and to their peers.”

It’s moments like those that leave Betts with an undeniable feeling that teaching is exactly what he was meant to do.

teachers such as Charley Worley, Nelda Wynn, Patty Smith, and many more gave me the insight on what it takes to be successful in the classroom and succeed.”

Betts strives to meet the needs of all the children he serves while being creative when dealing with behaviors.These innovative teaching methods led Betts to create, apply for and receive a Corsi-cana Education Foundation grant in Fall 2007. The grant allowed Betts to purchase six Nintendo DS systems as a fun, rewarding learning tool for his students. Since using the DS systems, students’ math scores have improved considerably.

“It’s amazing to watch these kids realize their own poten-tial. Many of them just don’t try, and it shows in their low test scores,” he said.

“By investing in them, by making learning fun, I’ve seen a great improvement in their test scores, and in their enthusiasm to learn.”

The lessons Betts teaches extend beyond the classroom, to skills that will make his students responsible mem-bers of society later in life like proper manners and responsibility. “I’m trying to teach them life skills that will carry over into every aspect of their life, long after they have left my classroom.”

Each child has a smile on their face, a sign that Tim Betts is accomplishing exactly what he intended to do when he graduated from A&M-Commerce in 2007. “I have always wanted to work with kids, and make a difference in their life,” Betts said.

Betts’ quest to make a difference began at P.R.I.D.E., where he worked for four years as a program director and coach. He then went on to work for the Corsicana Residential Treatment Center, a part of the Texas Youth Commission, for nine years. For all his time and effort however, his work wasn’t leaving the life-changing mark he had hoped.

Motivated by his wife Tara, Betts chose to pursue a new method for reaching kids by completing his bachelor’s degree in elementary education.

“My wife was the one who inspired me to go back to school and become a teacher,” Betts said. “She has been a driving force be-hind my success in life and in the classroom. She continues to support me now.”

He chose the B.S.I.S. education program at the A&M-Commerce Corsicana campus because of its location and its commitment to students who strive to improve themselves through education.

Betts gathered additional hope and inspiration from the teachers he came in contact with as an intern. “Leaders like Mr. Brownlee and Mrs. Goodman, and

ASK HIS STUDENTS WHAT THEY LIKE MOST ABOUT HIM, AND RESPONSES WILL RANGE FROM “MR. BETTS IS COOL,” AND “MR. BETTS TAKES US TO HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL GAMES,” TO “MR. BETTS HELPS US LEARN NEW THINGS.”

“It was the A&M-Commerce instructors

and their glowing passions that brought

me to the successful point that I am at

in my career as an elementary teacher,”

Betts said. “It was good to know that

there are people in the world dedicated

to children as myself.”

“A colleague approached me about starting my own company,” Barkkume said. “He had 30 years of industry experience, and I had the drive and management skills to make it work, so we went for it.”

Four years later, Barkkume is owner and president of Arkose Environmental, Inc. in Dallas, an environmental consulting company whose services range from lead-based paint inspections to testing for groundwater contamination.

“I have always been fasci-nated by science,” Bark-kume said. “It was Dr. Ghali, my earth science advisor at A&M-Commerce, who convinced me to focus my interests on environmental geology verses petroleum geology with a major in geol-ogy and a minor in environ-mental science, because the environmental industry was rapidly growing and there were plenty of jobs available.”

As the owner and operator of a small business, Bark-kume is responsible for marketing, sales, client management, employee management, and managing finances. However, she also performs the majority of the consulting and due diligence services her company provides to its customers.

“I was driven from the beginning to succeed. I wanted to learn everything I could about the industry,” Barkkume said. “I’ve pursued every certification I can to better myself and my ability to serve my clients; I encour-age others to do the same.”

Barkkume credits the real world training she received at A&M-Commerce for much of her current success, as well as the love and sup-port of her family.

“A&M-Commerce gave me

the academic foundation

I needed to quickly gain

employment and begin my

career in environmental

consulting,” she said. “Many

of my course assignments

and term papers helped me

gain first-hand experience

with a critical set of skills

and techniques appropriate

for my profession.”

Whatever challenges await Barkkume in the business world, she will take them in stride thanks to Matt, her husband and No. 1 fan.

“He believes in me and helps give me the confidence and strength to take risks and overcome challenges to achieve success both professionally and personally.”

“A&M-Commerce gave me the academic foundation I needed to quickly gain employment and begin my career in environmental consulting.”

SEVEN YEARS AFTER SHE GRADUATED FROM A&M-COMMERCE, LUI BARKKUME FOUND HERSELF

ON THE BRINK OF SOMETHING GREAT.


BY A

SHLE

Y JOH

NSO

N

PRIDE • FALL 2008 • PAGE 13

“A&M-Commerce gave me the academic foundation I needed to quickly gain employment and begin my career in environmental consulting.”

ON THE BRINK OF SOMETHING GREAT.

Lui Barkkume

DRIVENsuccess

Jerrod Knight, Wolfe City native and A&M-Commerce alum, has returned as pro-gramming director after four years serving radio stations throughout Oklahoma and Texas.

“KETR is about to begin

its 34th year on the air,

and I’m proud to be at

the helm of this 100,000

watt flamethrower,”

Knight said.

“We’re every bit as much a part of Northeast Texas as the cowboy hat on Paris’ Eiffel Tower, and the con-struction on I-30 in Rock-wall, and I’m honored to work alongside such talented individuals serving this community.”

According to Knight, KETR is getting back to basics by focusing on the local community through its weather, news, sports, and other program-ming. For listeners, that means coverage of local foot-ball and basketball games, reports on why the sirens in Greenville went off last

night, and what residents can expect from the predicted cold front.

“Matt Meinke’s show ‘Notably Texan’ is a great example of programming geared to our local community,” Knight said. “Our goal is to include more programs like this that provide listeners with a hometown feel when they tune in, call or e-mail the station.”

Jerrod’s passion for radio stems from a love of per-forming inherited from his parents. “I’ve loved to perform since I was a kid,” Knight said. “Radio lets me do that full time whether it’s through music selection, telling an amusing anecdote, delivering important weather information, or just collabo-rating on program creation. I get to put my voice, my talents and my career out there for the world to see and judge, and it’s exciting.”

When it came time for Knight to decide which college to attend, he said A&M-Commerce was his first choice.

“When I visited A&M-Commerce, I got the feeling from the profes-sors that I’d be immersed in hands-on training as soon as I walked through the doors” he said. “That’s exactly what happened.” Thanks to the wisdom of his advisor, Dr. Robert Sanders, and the encouragement of professor Dr. John Mark Dempsey, Knight used his time at A&M-Commerce to immerse himself in the radio industry.

“Today’s grads must

be able to produce some-

thing to rival the best

in the biz,” he said.

“A&M-Commerce has

all the cutting-edge tools

and the faculty to put a

potential graduate ahead

of the game-but you have

to have a passion for it if

you want to succeed.”

A FAMILIAR VOICE IS BRINGING CHANGE TO THE AIR WAVES OF


BY ASHLEY JOHNSON

JERROD KNIGHTIS AT THE HELM OF A

FLAMETHROWER 100,000 WATT

“When I visited A&M-Commerce, I got the feeling from the professors that I’d be immersed in hands-on training as soon as I walked through the doors.”

ELEMENTARY TEACHER OF THE YEAR

D’Anna Graham

In high school, D’Anna Graham noticed something was wrong

in her classroom. Each day, students would leave, and then return

before the class period was over. After realizing they were leaving to

get help with their schoolwork, Graham grew determined to find a way

to help students with disabilities that would keep them in the classroom,

and keep them from being left out. Thanks to her do-anything spirit,

Graham set out to accomplish just that.


BY ASHLEY JOHNSON

“Every student can learn; it’s a matter of finding the

way they learn best.”

“My family has always encouraged me to be the best that I can,” Graham said. “Even as a child with braces on my feet, my grandfather taught me how to walk-how to never give up.”

In 2000, Graham took her dream of inclusion to Texas A&M University-Commerce where she pursued both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in special education.

“A&M-Commerce has always been the best school to attend for students who want to be teachers,”Graham said. “The faculty in the psychology and special education departments were friendly and always available to help with any questions.”

Graham’s success at A&M-Commerce began before she stepped on campus as a freshman. “As a Sam Rayburn Scholar, I had the opportunity to get to know the campus as well as students that would also be attending,” she said.

“I also was a member of the Mayo College, a program where students live together and take classes together. It was a great way to meet people without feeling like a fish out of water on my first day. The Mayo College made my freshman year fly by, and also encouraged me to get better grades.”

After graduating with her master’s in 2006, D’Anna took her newfound knowledge to Aikin Elementary in Paris, Texas as an inclusion teacher.

“The inclusion method involves students with special needs in the everyday routine of a normal classroom,” Graham said. “I come into the class and help the students, the teacher and the teachers’ aides with the inclusion process.”

This year, Aikin Elementary is incorporating a team teaching model where a general education teacher and Graham both teach. This approach ensures that every student receives need-appropriate accommodations as well as the TAKS requirements for their grade level.

During a typical day, Graham works with or checks on up to 24 students throughout the building providing inclusion sup-port, redirecting behavior or team teaching. She also consults with teachers about specific students and discusses how they can make their instruction more meaningful for everyone.

“A&M-Commerce has always been the best school to attend for students who want to be teachers...”

“My education from A&M-Commerce is priceless...”

Her students’ disabilities range from seizures and non-verbal disabilities, to autism and Down syndrome.

“Every student can learn; it’s a matter of finding the way they learn best,” she said. “Once you find it, you’ve got it made.”

Graham’s hardest challenge in the classroom is loving her kids too much. “I have them for five years, unlike other teachers who have a student for a year, and then get a new batch,” she said. “I cry every year at fifth-grade graduation.”

“My education from A&M-Commerce is priceless,” Graham said. “It allows me to talk confidently with parents about their child’s situation, because I know special education like the back of my hand.”

In 2008, Graham was honored for her hard work when she was named Region 8 Elementary Teacher of the Year.

“It is a huge honor to be this young and receive this award,” Graham said. “I feel like I have really made a difference, like someone finally noticed how much I really do love my kids.”


PRIDE • FALL 2008 • PAGE 19

“My education from A&M-Commerce is priceless...”

Asantewa Jordan

Blessed & Happy


BY ASHLEY JOHNSON

“...when I saw the university had family housing and an on-campus daycare, I knew it was meant to be.”

As a 17-year-old single mom, Asantewa Jordan didn’t know what the future held.

“I remember calling my mom so many times, because I thought it was too hard, and that I couldn’t do it anymore,” Jordan said.

“Each time, my mom told me to hang in there, and that if I needed to go find a corner and cry to do it, but that I wasn’t coming home. She told me I could do it, and I had to finish.”

Today, Jordan is a successful married mother of two, and director of social services at Brentwood Healthcare in Dallas. She also serves on the advisory board at Eastfield College, and assists the school’s gerontology program with providing field placement opportunities for social work students.

“I give thanks to God for what I have, for what I’ve accomplished,” she said. “I am blessed and happy.”

At Brentwood, Jordan’s days are spent caring for patients afflicted with dementia, Alzheim-er’s and other debilitating disorders, a passion that stems from caring for her dying grand-mother while still in high school.

“I live in a different world than most; mine happens to be full of grandmas and grandpas who need me to be their voice in the world.”

Last December, Jordan became more than just a voice when she granted a dying man’s Christmas wish.

“His sister’s birthday was coming, and he wanted nothing more than to give her flowers and a cake; I was able to help him.” she said.

“The man died a few weeks later, but not before he and his sister could have one sweet, final memory.”

“Neither of my parents had the opportunity

to go to college,” Jordan said. “Thankfully,

I had a high school counselor who believed

in me, and brought me to A&M-Commerce.

When I saw the university had family housing

and an on-campus daycare, I knew it was meant

to be.” For every challenge Jordan faced on the

road to graduating with both a bachelor’s and

master’s degree in social work, she had a

cheering section of A&M-Commerce faculty,

peers and most importantly, her mom,

encouraging her to keep going.

“When I was finishing up my time in the Army, I knew it was time to reach back into the civilian world and pick up the business skills necessary for a successful transition,” he said.

For Milligan, a Chief War-rant Officer 4 in the Army’s aviation division, A&M-Commerce, with its flexible degree options and knowl-edgeable adjunct faculty, was the linchpin that eased his transition.

“My classes were taught by degreed, credentialed professionals to students with experience as diverse as the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Marine Corps and the corporate world,” he said. “Each class was based on their personal experiences and real life scenarios, and complemented by the text-book exercises. The profes-sors’ expertise helped them bring the academics to life, and brought better connec-tivity for the students.”

According to Milligan, the non-traditional approach to education that A&M-Commerce offers is ideal for military personnel looking to advance their careers.

“The online capability of both the B.A.A.S. and the M.S. Industrial Technology program allow A&M-Com-merce to export education to where it’s needed most,” he said.

Now the safety and occupa-tional health manager for the NASA Office of Inspector General, Milligan credits A&M-Commerce, and the relationship he built with Dr. Ben Cranor for much of his success after graduation.

“My education at A&M-Commerce taught me not only how to talk the talk, but the importance of walking the walk,” Milligan said. “As a safety manager, that’s a crucial part of my job.”

For Milligan, walking the walk means making safety priority No. 1. Whether he is out on a job site explaining why goggles need to be worn when using equipment, or at home teaching his kids about firearms safety, Milligan uses personal examples and those relayed to him by his A&M-Commerce professors to illustrate his point.

“I have kids, and my em-ployees have kids,” Milligan said. “It is my duty to protect workers so they can go home and take care of their own children each night like I do.”

DUTY CALLS

Pictured:

David Milligan,

Chief Warrant Officer 4,

aboard a CH-47 Chinook.

Milligan was last stationed

at U.S. Army Safety Center

in Fort Rucker, Alabama.

DAVID MILLIGAN

After 20 years in the U.S. Army, David Milligan was prepared for battle. He was not prepared, however, for his impending transition from military to civilian life.


BY ASH

LEY JOH

NSO

N

“My education at A&M-Commerce taught me not only how to talk the talk, but the importance of

walking the walk.”

KnightLEGACYDelbert Knight, Jr.

“I thank athletic director Carlton Cooper for bringing the Harvey Martin Classic to life.... It means a lot that A&M-Commerce is taking the time to honor his legacy.”


BY ASHLEY JOHNSON

Knight

I played high school foot-ball for Trinity Christian in Cedar Hill, and had offers to play at Prairie View A&M and Oklahoma State,” Knight said. “Then my uncle told me to check out A&M-Com-merce. I always looked up to him, so I took him up on it. I’m glad I did.”

Knight continued his uncle’s great legacy at A&M-Commerce as he too found success on and off the field, maturing both as an athlete and as a person.

“The football coaches expected the best from me at all times,” Knight said. “The faculty pushed me to succeed, and expected me to

be in class. I couldn’t slide by based on my place on the team.”

Following a team tragedy his sophomore year, Knight began thinking hard about his future, and what he would do when he graduated. “I knew a career in the NFL wasn’t likely, so I needed a solid education to fall back on.”

When Knight graduated in 1997 with a bach-elor’s degree in sociology and an emphasis in criminal justice, he left prepared to work hard and make a name for himself in the business world like his father, uncle and brother before him.

“I went to work for my dad after graduation, and found my niche in the mortgage indus-try,” he said. “When an opportunity arose to join a management training program at one of the largest mortgage companies, I jumped on it.”

Thanks to his competitive spirit, infectious personality and the encouragement from his mother Mary Martin, and his brother Simeon who also is in the mortgage business, Knight rose through the ranks becoming vice president of sales in only a few years.

“I always wanted to make my mark on the world,” Knight said. “With a successful career and a wonderful family, God has paved the way for me to do that.”

While his biggest roles are as a husband, father and vice president, Knight still makes time for football, playing regularly on his flag football team that has been nationally ranked and won a few championships. His family also took part in the inaugural 2008 Harvey Martin Classic at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.

“I thank Carlton Cooper for bringing the Harvey Martin Classic to life, for bringing my uncle back into the spotlight where he belongs,” Knight said.

“A&M-Commerce contributed to my success, and it helped my uncle find success. It means a lot that A&M-Commerce is taking the time to honor his legacy.”

“I thank athletic director Carlton Cooper for bringing the Harvey Martin Classic to life.... It means a lot that A&M-Commerce is taking the time to honor his legacy.”

AS THE NEPHEW OF FOOTBALL GREAT HARVEY MARTIN, FOOTBALL IS MORE THAN A PASTIME FOR DELBERT KNIGHT, JR., IT IS A PASSION.

Harvey Martin (’73) led the Lions to the 1972 national championship on his way to becoming one of the Dallas Cowboys’ greatest defensive players of all time.

Guy Morris

Head football coach Guy Morriss is straightforward about football. “Football has been my life. That’s all I’ve ever done, and I have a passion for it that drives me to coach,” he said. “I can’t cross the white line as a player anymore, so the next best thing is coaching. I don’t know what I would do were it not for football.”

As a young athlete, Morriss’ motivation for play-ing football was not the national exposure and big contracts. “We were expected to play in high school,” he said. “We had spring football and summer football and fall football- nothing but football. You would even go play football to get a break from work or chores. It’s just what you did.”

It’s that kind of tough but down-to-earth approach that defines Morriss’ strategy on and off the field. “Our strategy is to teach the players the

simplest version of our offense and defensive schemes, and then feed it to them as rapidly as they can absorb it.”

Morriss knows that the first season will be a learning one for his team. “You have to have a system that’s easy to teach and easy to adjust, which I think ours is,” he said. “You fight through the learning process during the course of your first season and then come back your second season and it’s a night and day difference. It usually takes an entire season to get used to a new coaching philosophy.”

While Morriss admits that the building pro-cess will take some time, he knows his job is to put a quality product on the field. “You’re always trying to win, don’t get me wrong,” he said with a smile. “That’s always first and foremost.”

PRID

E OF

THE

LIO

NS

“Our strategy is to teach the players the simplest version of our offense and defensive schemes, and then feed it to them as rapidly as they can absorb it.”


BY

CA

LEB

SLI

NK

AR

D

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES - SUPER BOWL XV & ALL PRO TEAM 1981NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS - SUPER BOWL XX 1986

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS, OFFENSIVE LINE COACH 1988ARIZONA CARDINALS, OFFENSIVE LINE COACH 1994

UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY, HEAD COACH 2002BAYLOR UNIVERSITY, HEAD COACH 2003

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY-COMMERCE, HEAD COACH 2009

GUY

MOR

RISS

STA

TS

1940’s Dr. James A. Turman (B.S. ’48, M.S. ’49) had a road named after him after a successful career in Texas. The 79th legislature approved the designation of FM 68 as “Speaker Jimmy Turman Road.”

1950’s Rheba Martin Icenhower (B.S. ’50, M.Ed. ’52) was recently honored by the Hunt County African American Leadership Conference with the Rheba Martin Icenhower Education Awards Ceremony for her hard work and dedication to the university.

Dr. Patsy Spurrier-Hallman (B.S. ’55) retired three years ago after serving as the dean of the college of education at Stephen F. Austin State University. She has authored several books and biographies in-cluding “Tales from Miller Grove” and “Letters from Miss Edna”. Earl W. Stubbs (B.S. ’57) and Dick Rothwell collaborated on the writ-ing and publishing of a novel, “The Brown Recluse.”

1960’s Ted F. Conover (B.S. ’72, M.S. ’73) was recently appointed by Gover-nor Rick Perry to the Texas Agri-cultural Finance Authority Board of Directors.

Morris G. Cox (B.B.A. ’67, M.S. ’68) was inducted into the Herff Jones – Nystrom Education Division – Hall of Fame on July 29, 2008 in Indianapolis, Ind., for outstanding sales. He is the 14th person nation-ally and third Texan to receive the honor in the company’s 105-year history.

Edward T. Goodman, Jr. (B.S. ’65, M.Ed. ’67) was awarded the Life-time Achievement Award from InfoComm International for the founding of AVW-TELAV, and his service to the association as former chairman and president.

Gerald K. Hirst (B.S. ’66, M.Ed. ’71) was inducted into the Oklahoma Tennis Hall of Fame on Nov. 15, 2008. He was previously inducted into the ETSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1991.

Dr. Charles H. Merrill (B.S. ’61, M.S. ‘62) retired in June 2008 after a 39-year career as professor of psy-chology, graduate coordinator and department chair at Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, Calif.

1970’s William T. Allison (B.A. ’89, M.A. ’91) joined the faculty of Georgia Southern University as professor and chair of the department of history in July 2008. He teaches American military and diplomatic history, serves on the department of the army historical advisory committee and is the author of several books on military history.

Alton Biggs (B.S. ’74, M.S. ’79) received the Virginia Woods Award for Exceptional Contribu-tions and Leadership in Science Education, the highest honor be-stowed on educators for contribu-tions to science education.

Pamela J. Powell Bryant (B.S. ’76, M.Ed. ’78, M.Ed. ’00) is currently serving as superintendent of Clarksville ISD. She began teach-ing at Clarksville in 1977 and dur-ing that time has served the district as a teacher, principal and assistant superintendent.

Dr. David M. Conway (B.S. ’74) was selected as the new president of

the University Aviation Associa-tion (UAA) during the UAA’s Fall Education Conference in Denver, Colo.

Dr. Shirley A. Dahl (M.Ed. ’75, Ph.D. ’77) was appointed to library direc-tor at the Nellie Pederson Civic Library. She has 33 years of profes-sional experience at the elementary through university levels.

Rene De La Vina (B.S. ’78) has been teaching students with severe mental retardation for more than 30 years. She is also on the board of trustees for Laredo Community College.

Marilyn Elbert (B.S. ’74, M.Ed. ’79) was named Best Board Member in the 2008 Best of Franklin County Contest. She has served on the Mount Vernon School Board of Trustees for more than three years and has served as secretary and president.

Pamela M. Verner Hays (B.A. ’77) started teaching at Rivercrest High School in 1987, and is still there teaching Spanish. She has been married 31 years, and has a daugh-ter and a son.

Miles A. Henderson (B.A. ’78) has been at CITI in Irving for 13 years.

Richard E. Howard (B.S. ’76, M.S. ’78) assumed the office of president of the Texas Association of School Administrators in June 2008 after serving nine years as superinten-dent of Comanche ISD. He has been involved in a Visioning Insti-tute for the last two years with 34 other superintendents in the state.

Dr. John E. Mebane (B.S. ’80, M.S. ’83) has been named location president of the Austin Bank in the Emory office.

Rocky R. Miracle (M.B.A. ’78) recently retired from American Electric Power and accepted a new position as vice president of

corporate planning for El Paso Electric Company.

Laura K. Moore (B.S. ’83) has joined Kimberly-Clark Corporation in Paris as vice president of Global Communications.

Patricia A. James Murrey (B.A. ’73) retired from public school teach-ing in Texas after 27 years. She currently does volunteer work as a docent at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.

Sara E. Neal (B.S. ’78) has been promoted to senior vice president of Guaranty Bond Bank in Mount Pleasant.

Dorla Martin Salling (B.S. ‘75) has been nominated by President Bush to serve as commissioner on the U.S. Parole Commission. She currently serves as chairman of the Nevada Board of Parole Commis-sioners.

Paul R. Shaw, Sr. (B.S. ’71, M.S. ’78) and family members Paul R. Shaw, Jr. (B.S. ‘06), Shelly C. Spencer (B.S. ’98) and Randi Lynn Shaw (B.S. ’08) have attended A&M-Commerce and East Texas State for nearly 40 years.

Margaret I. Smith (M.Ed. ’74) had a campus dedicated to her, Smith Elementary School in Forney.

Charles T. Vandeaver (B.B.A. ’78) has been named the assistant vice president and assistant auditor for Guaranty Bond Bank in Mount Pleasant.

Connie L. Cheyne Stauter (B.S. ’78) recently became coordinator of Community Health Services for the Paris-Lamar County Health Department.

Ardis D. Wright (B.B.A. ’76, M.B.A. ’83) became the assistant city manager of Marshall at the beginning of the year. He has been with the city of Marshall for 10 years.

Class NotesSpring 2009


1980’sDr. Brian S. Canfield (Ed.D. ’83) is the new vice president for academic affairs at Southern Arkansas Uni-versity. He recently completed ser-vice as 2007-2008 president of the American Counseling Association.

Dr. Thomas A. Fain, Jr. (M.M. ’85, Ed.D. ’08) is currently the director of performing bands at Lake Dallas Middle School in Lake Dallas ISD. Since 1980, his bands have earned 48 First Division ratings at UIL competitions and spring band festivals.

Elizabeth M. Hauk (M.S. ’83) was re-cently named the Section 504 Co-ordinator for the Cullman County School System. She continues to do her job as a counselor for the Child Development Center.

Dr. Janie M. Humphries (Ed.D. ’86) has been named the president of the Southern Early Childhood Association, an organization dedi-cated to improving the quality of life for families and children living in the 14 southern states.

Charles W. Lawrence (M.S. ’80) will have the football stadium at Cumby High School, the Frazier-Lawrence Stadium, named after him. He currently is the Lee Col-lege athletic director.

Laura K. Moore (B.S. ’83) has joined Kimberly-Clark Corporation as vice president of Global Commu-nications.

Winston E. Murrey (B.S. ’81) is the director of equipment for Austin Bridge and Road. He spent many years in construction in Texas, La. and S.C.

Gina L. Poole (B.A. ’84) taught school at Sam Rayburn High School from 1984-1986, and she teaches full-time now at Pemiscot Co. Career and Technology Center. She and her husband also own and operate their own decorative concrete busi-

ness called Concrete Makeovers TO-GO. They have two daughters.

Dr. Kia J. Richmond (B.A. ’89, M.A. ’97) received tenure and promotion to associate professor of english at Northern Michigan University, where she has co-directed the English education program since 2001. She and Kim David (B.A. ’86, M.E.D. ’92) collaborated on an Internet writing project involving Richmond’s NMU students and David’s sixth-grade students. Dr. Richmond is currently the vice president of the Michigan Council of Teachers of English.

Stephen M. Schkade (B.S. ’84) was presented the Bobby Fox Outstand-ing Alumni Coach Award by A&M – Commerce. He currently is the Frisco Wakeland tennis coach.

L. Kendall Smith (B.S. ’88, M.S. ’01) recently started his first school ad-ministration position after 19 years of teaching science and coaching. He is the principal of Oglesby School.

Nathan E. Williams (B.S. ’80) is the General Manager of Daystar Tele-vision Network in Houston, Texas and also founded his own non-profit organization, JIMM, Inc.

Lynda C. Wood (B.S. ’88, M.S. ’92) was named Teacher of the Year by the Mount Vernon Veteran’s of Foreign Wars Post 3992. She is an eighth grade language arts teacher at Mount Vernon Junior High.

1990’sLarry C. Acker (B.S. ’92) and his wife, Lori, recently celebrated their 28th anniversary. Larry is assistant director of public relations and licensing coordinator for Lamar University where he is complet-ing his doctorate in educational leadership.

James F. Chester (B.S. ’94) joined Cowles & Thompson as a shareholder. He chairs the firm’s Intellectual Property and Interna-

tional Business and Trade Practice Groups.

Kristin Barker Hames (B.S. ’99) was named Teacher of the Year in 2008 for Richardson ISD and Begin-ning Teacher of the Year in Plano in 2000.

Michael L. Henry (B.S. ’92, M.Ed. ’05) has been chosen to represent the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals as Region VIII Outstanding Principal of the Year.

James E. Humphries (B.S. ’92) just celebrated his 18th wedding an-niversary, recovered from a stroke and has been in artistic photogra-phy since graduating.

Charles S. Killen (M.S. ’98) has been selected as vice president of the Texas Environmental Health Asso-ciation, the largest environmental health association within the U.S.

Donna C. Pierce (M.S. ’92) was en-tered into the Pampa High School Hall of Fame in October of 2008.

Shawn C. Pratt (B.S. ’93, M.Ed. ’03) has been named the McKinney ISD athletic director.

Billy Snow (B.S.I.S. ‘93, M.Ed. ’99) received the HEB Excellence in Education Award Principal of the Year. He is currently the principal of Bowie Elementary School in Corsicana. His wife, Leslie Johnson Snow (B.S.I.S. ’97) is currently a 5th grade teacher in Palmer.

Jim Taylor (B.S. ’95) received his Ph.D. from Ohio State University in December 2008.

Rachael L. Stewart Taylor (B.B.A. ’90, M.S. ’08) recently received her mas-ter’s degree in learning technology and information systems and is a librarian at Vernon Elementary in Royse City. She and her husband, Jim Taylor (B.S. ’88, M.E.D. ’98), who is an educational diagnostician in Royse City, live in Rockwall with their boys Nathan and Alan.

James A. Young (B.S. ’91) received an M.B.A. from the University of Dallas in April 2008.

Heather A. Zehm (B.S.I.S. ‘97), now Heather Timmons, is living with her husband, son and daughter back in her home state of Min-nesota. She went on to receive her master’s degree as well as her administrative license and is currently working as a dean of students.

2000’sDr. Susan A. Adams (Ph.D. ’00) was promoted to associate professor at Texas Woman’s University and re-ceived tenure in Fall 2008. She was invited as the keynote speaker at the International Grief Conference in LaCrosse, Wis., in June 2008 and was selected as Outstanding Counselor Educator for 2008 by the Texas Association of Counselor Educators and Supervisors at the recent Texas Counselors Associa-tion annual meeting in November 2008.

Christine M. Kaman Baker (B.S.I.S. ’02) married Michael Paul Baker II on Feb. 14, 2008.

Derek M. Baker (B.S. ’00, M.S. ’04) married Rose Allison on July 19, 2008 in Sherman, Texas.

Ilia Casper (B.B.A. ’05) married Andrew Croom in August 2007.

Justin D. Cox (B.S. ’07) is currently teaching junior high and is also coaching for Mexia ISD. His wife Erin Miller Cox (B.B.A. ’07) is now a personal banker for Guaranty Bank.

Rachel E. Scarborough Cross (B.S. ’00) and her husband, Ray, recently celebrated their third wedding anniversary. They were married on July 30, 2005 in Waco.

Jason M. Ellis (B.S. ’06) was featured in the March issue of Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

John P. Jobe (B.S. ’05) became the new pastor at the Lake Cypress Springs Baptist Church in Scrog-gins in September 2008.

Class Notes - Spring 2009

Dr. Donna K. Kincaid (M.S. ’00, Ed.D. ’06) was appointed director of teacher education and associate professor in July 2006 at Baptist College in Florida. She is married to Danny R. Kincaid, also an alumnus.

Dennis R. Lind (M.S. ’05) has been selected to represent the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals as a Region 7 Outstanding Principal of the year.

Alicia M. Pol (B.F.A. ’07) was awarded Student Best in Show in the 2008 National ADDY Awards for her advertising campaign.

Jeffrey M. Schulz (B.S. ’03) is Coppell High School’s new varsity choir director.

1940’sVirginia F. Blasingame (B.S. ’45, M.S. ’48) 12-25-08 Bill R. Cameron (B.S. ’47, M.S. ’48) 12-6-08 Janie K. Fuller (B.S. ’42) 7-25-08 Thomas A. Green (B.S. ’40) 8-24-08 Roy V. Johnson (B.S. ’43, M.Ed. ’50) 9-13-08 Alma L. Phillips (B.S. ’48) 9-5-08 Ray F. Sissel (B.A. ’43) 7-12-08 W. M. Youngblood (B.S. ’41) 12-14-07

1950’sAlma Chamblee (B.A. ’51) 11-18-08 Bruce W. Hineman (B.S. ’59, M.Ed. ’60) 6-12-08 Lloyd R. Kinard (B.S. ’55) 10-4-08 Herman D. Lawson (B.S. ’51) 11-30-08 Bobby J. Martin (B.M.Ed. ’55) 9-7-08Lillian S. Scudder (M.Ed. ’59) 10-23-08 Charles H. Swann (B.B.A. ’50) 8-31-08Douglas E. Winters (B.S. ’50, M.S. ’63) 10-27-08

1960’sJames Larry Adams (B.S. ’64) 11-16-08Mary E. Hall (B.S. ’65) 8-27-08 Dr. Gerald M. Lacy (B.A.’ 63) 8-22-08Dr. Mavis A. Rollins (M.S. ’67) 8-10-08 Doris Rutherford (M.S. ’68) 9-13-08 R.L. Stockstill (B.S. ’63) 3-8-08Carol J. Williams (B.A. ’69) 9-6-08

1970’sAnderson Bailey, Jr (B.S. ’77) 8-1-08 Harriet E. Casey (M.Ed. ’76) 6-12-08 Gael Dillard (M.A. ’76) 9-26-08 Carolyn L. Franklin (B.S. ’79) 12-7-08Suzanne Herman (B.S. ’71) 9-26-08 Charles W. Johnson (M.Ed. ’74) 9-2-08 Celia J. Lewis (M.S. ’73) 8-23-08 Kenneth McMillan (B.S. ’70) 12-16-08. Jon M. Myers (B.S. ’76) 7-29-08 Morris A. Smith (B.S. ’76, M.S. ’86) 10-5-08 Doris M. Stroman (M.Ed. ’72) 8-13-08 Janet C. Thomas (B.S. ’71, M.S. ’75) 12-11-08 Cledis L. Washington (B.A. ’73, M.Ed. ’76) 9-6-08

1980’sRuth W. Shorey (B.S. ’85) 9-12-08

1990’sJesse David Graves (B.B.A. ‘93, M.S. ’03) 12-18-08 Jason W. Richardson (B.B.A. ’92) 9-24-08 Molly M. Wolf (B.S. ’98) 10-1-08

Class Notes - Spring 2009

ALUMNI RELATIONS WANTS TO HEAR

FROM YOU. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE A MAJOR EVENT IN YOUR LIFE, PLEASE

CONTACT JANE MARTYN [email protected]

As a member

of the

“Society of 1889,”

your financial

or estate gift of

any size through

wills, trusts and

other planned gifts

will ensure

a promising

future for

A&M-Commerce

for years to

come.

For more information, contact

Suzi Howell, director of major and

planned gifts, at

(903) 468-8182.


INVEST IN THE FUTURE In Memory “SOCIETY OF 1889”

A&M-COMMERCE IS BUILT ONALUMNI ACCOMPLISHMENTS.120 YEARS OF AUTHENTIC STUDENT EXPERIENCES

The university’s latest branding campaign features students and the reasons they chose A&M-Commerce.

SHARE YOUR STORY TODAY AT [email protected]

Stephanie Peebles, Class of 2005Special Event Coordinator, Alumni Relations

As a young alum myself, I love to plan events that

help other recent graduates reconnect with each

other and the university. If you have ideas for new

events, or how we can better connect with you

and your fellow classmates,

I want to hear from you!

Send your ideas to [email protected],

or call 903-468-3085.


FEBRUARY2/20: Alumni Center Grand Opening

2/20-2/22: First LAST Dinner Dance

APRIL4/2: Ambassador Forum

4/16: Evening at the Eisemann

4/24: Distinguished Alumni Dinner

4/24: Foundation Board Meeting

4/25: Alumni Board Meeting

MARCH3/6: Gold Blazer Dinner

3/9: Titus County Alumni Event

3/16-3/20: Spring Break

MAY5/5: Donor Event

5/6: Bridge Builder’s Luncheon

5/15: Navarro Graduation

5/16: A&M Commerce Graduation

June6/12: Alumni Golf Classic

and like so many of you, I anxiously await the chal-lenges and opportunities that will unfold during the New Year. The economic climate of our country is dismal, and the forecast for brighter days is filled with uncertainty. Thank-fully, we live in a country with a rich history of resiliency and adaptability.

In this issue of Pride, you were given a glimpse of some of our up-and-coming young alumni who are on their way to mak-ing their mark in the world. Their quick rise to success provides hope for a better day.

One of the most fascinat-ing components of my job is the opportunity to renew old friendships and make new acquaintances.

I marvel at the enriched lives that many of our alumni have led, and am enlightened daily of the legacies they left behind.

For 120 years, this university has fulfilled its mission of providing students with a quality education and helping them realize their dreams. As we continue to recruit, retain and graduate very bright and highly competitive students, I have total confidence that our alumni will continue to make lasting and relevant contribu-tions and make a difference for generations to come.

Best wishes!

Derryle G. Peace Director of Alumni Relations B.S. ‘74, M.S. ‘75

Another year has come and gone,

SPRING 2009 ALUMNI EVENTS

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THESE EVENTS, CONTACT STEPHANIE PEEBLES AT [email protected], or call 903-468-3085.

For 120 years, this university

has fulfilled its mission of

providing students with

a quality education and

helping them realize

their dreams.”

“

PO Box 3011

Commerce, TX 75429

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

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mni

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azin

e

Documents

Pride Spring 2009