V10.4 NEWS FROM SU FOR ALUMNI
News from SU for Alumni (Vol. 10 No. 4)
April 21, 2008
An Electronic Newsletter for Southwestern University Alumni
GET CONNECTED:
Register for the Online Alumni Directory. IT’S FREE! Update your own information and look up friends. Contact the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations for your personal registration number. Through the online directory, be sure to update your preferred e-mail address so you don’t miss announcements about upcoming events!
FEATURED STORY:
Gwen Griffin Sherman ’80 Receives Distinguished Alumna Award
ALUMNI NEWS:
Get Involved: Become an Alumni Volunteer
Save the Date – Homecoming and
Reunion Weekend
Check out “The List”
Aldersgate Day Celebration Scheduled for May 22
Online Giving
Refer a Prospective Student Online
Athletic Department Inducts Hall of Fame and Hall of Honor Members
Alumni Connection Group Formed for SU Law Graduates
New Alumni Connection Groups Forming
Local Association Happenings
2008 Class Reunions - Look Who’s PLANNING to Come!
A Message from the Class of 1973 Reunion Planning Committee
Class of 1978, 30th Reunion Invite
The Class of 1983 is Planning a Reunion!
Attention, Class of 1988 (and Classes of ’87 and ’89)!
Class of 2003 – It’s That Time Already!
Class Notes Spotlight
Join The Association LinkedIn Group!
LIFELONG LEARNING:
2008 Roy and Margaret Shilling Lecture
Chautauqua Institution 2008 Summer Program and Group Rates
Theatre Performance: SubUrbia
CAMPUS HIGHLIGHTS:
President Schrum Receives Award for Leadership
Faculty Promotions
Southwestern Welcomes New Women’s Soccer Coach
Cake Performs at Southwestern
Pirate Athletics
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Roy and Margaret Shilling Lecture – April 21
Dallas Association Annual Picnic – April 26
Houston Association Happy Hour – May 1
Washington, D.C. Association Day of Service – May 3
Commencement – May 10
Big Apple Association Happy Hour – May 14
Aldersgate Day Celebration – May 22
Texas Annual Conference Breakfast for Alumni – May 27
San Antonio Association Night at the Ballpark – June 7
Houston Association Family Event – June 7
Homecoming and Reunion Weekend – Nov. 7-9
FEATURED STORY:
Gwen Griffin Sherman ’80 Receives Distinguished Alumna Award
Gwen Griffin Sherman ’80, who serves as director of finance and administration for the Seattle-based Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has received the Distinguished Alumna Award from The Association of Southwestern University Alumni. The award was presented April 10 during a day of activities that also included a panel discussion on equity in education – a topic that is of personal interest to Sherman. Steve Seleznow, director of education at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, shared some of the initiatives that the foundation has undertaken to ensure that all children have equal opportunity to quality education.
Sherman earned a bachelor of business administration degree in accounting from Southwestern. At Southwestern, she helped set up the University’s Student Foundation and was its first president. She also was instrumental in reviving SING! after many years of dormancy. Click here to read more.
ALUMNI NEWS:
Get Involved: Become an Alumni Volunteer
Interested in becoming involved in The Association of Southwestern University Alumni? Click here to fill out a volunteer interest form and learn about the many ways you can get involved.
Save the Date – Homecoming and Reunion Weekend
Have you marked your calendar for Homecoming and Reunion Weekend (Nov. 7-9, 2008)? If so, let us know! Complete the “Save the Date” survey so that we know that you plan to attend. By completing this survey, you will assist us in developing our “Look Who’s Coming” list. (Please note: this survey is not the official registration form for Homecoming and Reunion Weekend.) If you have questions concerning Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, please contact the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations or visit The Association of Southwestern University Alumni Web site.
Check out “The List”
Southwestern University alumni and faculty are accomplishing great things on a daily basis. Now The Association Web site (www.sugrads.org) has a special page that provides details on news like upcoming performances, speaking engagements, television appearances and much more – we’re calling it “The List.” If you would like to include an item on “The List,” please e-mail the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations. And, don’t forget to view “The List” online!
Aldersgate Day Celebration Scheduled for May 22
Aldersgate Day commemorates the founder of Methodism John Wesley’s “heart-warming” experience on Aldersgate Street in London in 1738. In honor of the 270th anniversary of Aldersgate Day, Ellsworth Peterson ’55 and Rev. Milton Jordan ’62 have coordinated a celebration for Thursday, May 22, in the Lois Perkins Chapel at Southwestern University. The day will feature a morning presentation by Rev. Debra Crumpton, pastor at Wellspring United Methodist Church in Georgetown. A lunch buffet will be served in The Cove located on the lower level of the Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center for $6.50 per person. Following lunch, Ellsworth Peterson ’55, professor emeritus of music, will give a presentation on aspects of the Wesleyan music tradition. And, interspersed throughout the day’s celebration, Henry Holloway ’50 will lead the singing of Wesleyan hymns. Friends are welcome. Please RSVP to the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations at 800-960-6363.
Online Giving
At Southwestern, we strive to make giving more accessible to everyone who wants to invest in students and faculty. If you wish to make your contribution online we invite you to use our secure giving form on our Development Web site. Also, keep your eyes open for the next installment of the story of Captain Ruter (Southwestern’s mascot), coming to your inbox soon!
Refer a Prospective Student Online
The recruitment climate for the best students is competitive and the admission staff is always interested in learning about potential students for whom the University may be a good fit. How can you recognize a student who may be a good fit? In the first-year class that enrolled Fall 2007, half ranked in the top 10 percent of their high school class. Eighty-two percent graduated in the top quarter of their class. Southwestern’s average SAT and ACT scores continue to be well above the national average. And, most students who enroll at Southwestern have taken honors and AP classes during their high school career. Now you can refer prospective students online so that they receive an Admission Information Packet. Click here to refer a student you know!
Athletic Department Inducts Hall of Fame and Hall of Honor Members
On Saturday, April 12, the Southwestern University Athletic Department inducted three alumni and one team into the Hall of Fame. The newest inductees include Dwight L. Haley Jr. ’64, Kimberly Long Harmer ’92, Marvin D. Henderson Sr. ’41 and the 1981 volleyball team. Click here for more information on the inductees.
The Southwestern University Athletic Department honored three new members to the Hall of Honor which includes all Southwestern student-athletes who have received All-America or Academic All-America honors during their collegiate athletic careers. Aaron Bowser ’06 was named Third Team National Association of Basketball Coaches All-America selection in 2005. Matthew Espinosa ’06 was named a Golf Coaches Association of America All-America Scholar in 2006. Christopher Paiz ’07 was also named a GCAA All-America Scholar in 2007.
Alumni Connection Group Formed for SU Law Graduates
There is now an Alumni Connection Group for alumni working in or interested in the legal profession. Join the SU Law Alumni Connection Group for professional networking, career mentoring and other professional, social and service-oriented activities relating to the study and practice of law. To participate, please contact Kevin Franta ’94.
New Alumni Connection Groups Forming
Arrrr...you an avid reader? Would you like to connect with other Southwestern alumni who love reading and sharing what they’ve read with others? If so, join the new Alumni Connection Group, “ARRRRdent Readers,” currently being organized. To participate, please contact Ruth Chiego Turner ’97.
An Alumni Connection Group is forming for alumni working in or interested in government and government affairs. Join in professional networking, career mentoring and other professional, social and service-oriented activities related to city, county, state and federal governmental work, lobbying and public affairs. If you are interested in participating, please contact Alumni Connection Groups Chair Blake Stanford ’81.
For information on existing Alumni Connection Groups, or to learn how you can form an Alumni Connection Group for alumni who share your profession, affiliation or special interest, visit The Association Web site or contact Amanda Randall, assistant director of alumni relations.
Local Association Happenings
Check out what local associations are doing across the country! Many local association officers are planning events for 2008. If you have any recommendations for events in your area or are interested in starting a local association, contact Megan Radison, associate director of alumni and parent relations, at 800-960-6363.
The Bay Area Association posts photos from previous events. Check them out!
The Big Apple Association coordinates Happy Hour – May 14
The Colorado Association creates Alumni Interest Survey. Offer your feedback!
The Dallas Association plans for 2nd Annual Picnic – April 26
The Fort Worth Area Association prepares for 2008.
The Greater Austin Association co-hosted Pre-Cake Concert Reception
The Greater Georgetown Association co-hosted Pre-Cake Concert Reception
The Houston Association plans for Happy Hour – May 1
The Kansas-Missouri Association creates Alumni Interest Survey. Offer your feedback!
The Los Angeles Area Association posts photos from April Barbecue.
The Metropolitan Phoenix Association organizes Theater Event.
The San Antonio Area Association invites families to A Night at the Ballpark – June 7
The Washington, D.C. Association plans Happy Hour – April 17
2008 Class Reunions - Look Who’s PLANNING to Come!
Homecoming and Reunion Weekend is the perfect time to return to the Southwestern University campus, spend time with friends, become reacquainted with classmates, visit with faculty, take classes and enjoy all the activities that are a part of Homecoming. SAVE THE DATE for Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, Nov. 7-9, 2008, and fill out the “Save the Date” survey. (Please note: This survey is not the official registration form for Homecoming and Reunion Weekend.) To find out who is celebrating a class reunion, visit the Class Reunions Web site. Interested to know who is already planning to come? Visit the “Look Who’s PLANNING to Come” Web page.
A Message from the Class of 1973 Reunion Planning Committee
We know you were born to be wild; show the rest of your class how little you’ve changed! It’s the 35th Reunion of the Southwestern University Class of 1973! We’re planning a blow-out at Down the Alley Bistro in Georgetown Saturday, Nov. 8, 7-10 p.m., complete with a live band. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone and catching up. We are recruiting volunteers who want to call their cohort--either the members of a group you were active in at Southwestern or just those friends you have stayed in touch with. If you would like to help the reunion planning committee or just want to let one or more of us know you plan to attend, drop an e-mail to Susan Peace Holley, Anne Matthews, Mary Cook Allen or Cheryl Hughes Haynes. If you sing or play in a band yourself, plan to sit in with the band. Let us hear from you!
Class of 1978, 30th Reunion Invite
Calling all Bozogoths and Fondren Fellas, Greeks, I’s, Fabbies, Pre-Med, Pre-Law, Elementary Ed, Business Majors, WHATEVER! The Class of 1978 invites you all to their 30th Reunion - Saturday, Nov. 8, at 7 p.m. at Duke’s Smokehouse in Georgetown. Let’s party like we still know how! Remember, never trust anyone over 30. We are going to try to enter into the Homecoming Parade, so send in your favorite rolling/dancing tune from the days of Adeline’s, Big G’s, Brushy Creek Saloon and the Armadillo World Headquarters. Song entries may be sent to Toni Morris Strukely. See you at Homecoming and Reunion Weekend (Nov. 7-9). Be sure to let us know you’re planning to come by filling out the “Save the Date” survey.
The Class of 1983 is Planning a Reunion!
Come to the Class of 1983’s 25th reunion! We look forward to seeing ALL our friends in November during Homecoming and Reunion Weekend (Nov. 7-9, 2008). We want to catch up with each one of you, PLUS other classes who were at Southwestern with us are invited to the party! Stay tuned for more information in the coming months. The Faces of 1983 Reunion Planning Committee include Sunday Walzel Coffman, Chris Cragg, Lauri Jones Cragg, Martha Isbell Garmon ’82/’83, Beverly Berkey Grimshaw, Susan McKay Hoyl, Joan Pelton Middleton ’84, Kevin Middleton, Lynn Parr Mock, Kristi Boerner Stanford, Karen Roe Stevens, John Warren, Jeanne Clifford Weiss, Bud Welborn and Jim Zalles.
Attention, Class of 1988 (and Classes of ’87 and ’89)!
We will celebrate 20 years since graduation this year and reunion plans are underway. Please make YOUR plans to attend Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, Nov. 7-9, 2008 where the highlight will be our reunion party on Saturday night. You'll receive registration materials in the fall, but let us know if you’re planning to come by filling out the “Save the Date” survey. If you would like to help with the planning or have any questions, contact alumni@southwestern.edu or call 800-960-6393.
Class of 2003 – It’s That Time Already!
Mark your calendar! The Class of 2003 will celebrate our 5th reunion Saturday, Nov. 8, as part of Homecoming and Reunion Weekend (Nov. 7-9, 2008). For more information about our reunion plans, and to connect with fellow alumni, check out and join our Class of 2003 MySpace page. Also, let us know if you’re planning to attend by completing the Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, “Save the Date” survey on The Association Web site.
Class Notes Spotlight
Have you heard? Douglas Renick ’61 serves as the interim director of Western Massachusetts American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), where he coordinates local activists and plans events promoting peace, justice and equality. He also oversees the formation of a Western Massachusetts Social Forum for delegates representing the region’s many racial, cultural and economic groups to share ideas and mobilize volunteers for social justice. See what your classmates are up to by visiting Class Notes online. While you are there, submit your own class note!
Join The Association LinkedIn Group!
Are you LinkedIn? If you are using the professional online networking tool, join The Association of Southwestern University Alumni Group and connect with other members of the alumni community.
Click here to join The Association of Southwestern University LinkedIn Group.
LIFELONG LEARNING:
2008 Roy and Margaret Shilling Lecture
The 2008 Roy and Margaret Shilling lecturer, former U.S. Senator Bill Bradley, will speak on “The New American Story,” including “Nine Questions to Ask Before Voting for President,” Monday, April 21, at 7 p.m. in the Alma Thomas Theater at Southwestern University. Bradley will provide insights as to why he thinks politics are stuck and idealism is not dead. All tickets to Southwestern University's 2008 Shilling Lecture in the Alma Thomas Theater have been reserved. You can see Former U.S. Senator Bill Bradley via simulcast in Room 110 of the F.W. Olin Building, which due to the large screen, will provide the best seat in the house! Visit the Shilling Lecture Web site.
Chautauqua Institution 2008 Summer Program and Group Rates
If you are looking for an enriching, relaxing experience for you and your family this summer, the Chautauqua Institution is offering a special, all-inclusive group rate for Southwestern University alumni. The Chautauqua Institution is a not-for-profit organization that offers programs and facilities for spiritual renewal, intellectual stimulation and art appreciation. Among its amenities are accommodations at the Athenaeum Hotel, performance venues, golf, tennis, and educational and recreational facilities. Southwestern University learned about the educational offerings of Chautauqua Institution through the Institutions new director of education Sherra Haygood Babcock ’70. If you attend this summer, please share your experience with the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations as we are exploring the possibility of designating a Southwestern week at Chautauqua for Summer 2009. For more information about the Chautauqua Institution and details about the 2008 program, visit http://www.ciweb.org/.
Theatre Performance: SubUrbia
The Southwestern University Theatre Department invites alumni and their families to attend SubUrbia. Some plays are set in castles, drawing rooms or on ancient battlefields. SubUrbia presents a day in the life of seven rootless young Americans who hang out every night in the parking lot of a convenience store. Performances are scheduled for Wednesday, April 23 and Thursday, April 24 at 7 p.m. and Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 27 at 3 p.m., in the Jesse and Mary Gibbs Jones Theatre of The Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center. This performance is recommended for mature audiences. Order your tickets online.
CAMPUS HIGHLIGHTS:
President Schrum Receives Award for Leadership
President Jake B. Schrum ’68 received the Chief Executive Leadership Award from District IV of the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), which includes Texas, New Mexico, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Mexico. The Chief Executive Leadership Awards were created in 1999 to recognize leaders of CASE-member institutions for outstanding efforts to promote understanding and support of education. Nominees must demonstrate the ability to create a vision and inspire others, and must establish a positive image for their institution while leading it to even higher levels of success. Click here to read more.
Faculty Promotions
At their meeting in March, the Board of Trustees approved recommendations regarding tenure and/or promotion of several faculty members. Four assistant professors, including Mark Bottorff, Michael Bray, Alisa Gaunder and Carl Robertson, were granted tenure and promoted to the rank of associate professor. Erika Berroth, associate professor of modern languages, was granted tenure. Four associate professors, including Elaine Craddock, Laura Hobgood-Oster, Kathleen Juhl and Maria Lowe, were promoted to the rank of professor. The Board of Trustees also promoted staff member, Willis Weigand, with a faculty rank to associate professor.
Southwestern Welcomes New Women’s Soccer Coach
After a thorough national search, Southwestern University has hired Jené Baclawski to become the third head women’s soccer coach in program history. Baclawski comes to the Pirates after serving the last two years as the assistant women’s soccer coach and coordinator of the Athlete Tutor Program at Emory University. She brings experience working at a nationally renowned university with a strong academic background which will suit her well at Southwestern. A Texas native, Baclawski comes to Southwestern with a knowledge of the state. That knowledge, along with her dynamic personality, will be a major asset in recruiting. Click here to learn more about Baclawski.
Cake Performs at Southwestern
Cake, a California-based alternative-indie rock band, was the featured performer at the annual Large Act Concert at Southwestern University Thursday, April 17. Often dubbed as alternative, funk or indie rock, Cake has a sound that is all their own. In addition, they have been associated with musical genres ranging from ska to jazz to country. Their music features lyrics rampant with word play, sarcasm and irony. Over 2000 people attended the concert, making this the largest attended concert in Southwestern’s history.
Pirate Athletics
Have you checked out the Pirate Athletics Web site lately? If not, visit www.southwesternpirates.com for the latest news. Also, check out the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) Web site for conference updates.
Soccer players Cory Fujimoto ’08 and Amanda Gunzelman ’08 have been selected as the 2008 male and female Pirate Anchor award winners. The Anchor award is presented annually by the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) to the male and female athletes who best display a number of traits that embody the spirit and character of the Southwestern community. The winners are voted on by any members of the Southwestern student body, faculty and staff.
Men’s Baseball: The baseball team closed out the 2008 regular season Sunday, April 13, by winning the final game of a four-game series with SCAC foe Hendrix College by a margin of 4-3 in Georgetown.
Men’s Golf: The final round of the West Region Invitational ended Tuesday, April 8, at Berry Creek Country Club with the Southwestern University men’s golf team placing 10th overall. This was the final tournament for the men before they travel to Danville, Ind. for the SCAC Championship, April 25-27.
Men’s and Women’s Tennis: Last weekend, the women’s tennis team moved to 8-6 on the season while the men came out of play against Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference teams with a record of 3-11. The Pirate men and women head to San Antonio, Texas this weekend for three matches against Trinity University, Austin College and Colorado College.
Men’s and Women’s Track: Kristin Lahaie ’09 was named the SCAC Track Athlete of the Week for meets conducted Friday, April 11 through Saturday, April 12. Chris Norris ’08 continued his superb season by breaking the Southwestern record in the 200 meter dash while Micah Salinas ’09 set a new mark in the triple jump. At the David Noble Relays in San Angelo, Texas, the men finished sixth and the women finished fifth.
Women’s Golf: On Saturday, April 12, the Southwestern women’s golf team hosted a tri-match at Teravista against the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and Trinity University and came away with a 26-stroke victory.
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