Alumni Newsletter
This electronic newsletter is dedicated to bringing you the latest Southwestern University alumni and campus news and features.
V10.8 NEWS FROM SU FOR ALUMNI
News from SU for Alumni (Vol. 10 No. 8)
October 24, 2008
An Electronic Newsletter for Southwestern University Alumni
Put Southwestern on your playlist and REGISTER TODAY for “Southwestern’s Greatest Hits” Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, Nov. 7-9! This is a platinum weekend with eleven class reunions and more than 80 events. As Sheryl Crow would sing, “C’mon, C’mon!”
FEATURE STORY:
Homecoming and Reunion Weekend
ALUMNI NEWS:
Chuck Merrill’s Legacy
Local Association Happenings
Alumni Connection Group News
Class Notes Spotlight
Join The Association's LinkedIn Group!
New Director of Gift & Estate Planning
Career Opportunity Available in Development Office
LIFELONG LEARNING:
Alumni Travel Opportunities and Interest Survey
Alumni Architecture and Design Exhibit to Open
2009 Shilling Lecturer Announced
The Sarofim School of Fine Arts Upcoming Events
Library to Host Screening of Persepolis
Azar Nafisi to Serve as the 2008 Writers Voice Speaker
CAMPUS HIGHLIGHTS:
The Decemberists to Perform
Congressman Pete Sessions to Visit with Students
Pirate Athletics
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Homecoming and Reunion Weekend – Nov. 7-9
Big Apple Association Happy Hour – Nov. 11
Writer’s Voice – Nov. 11
Pacific Northwest Association Day of Service – Nov. 22
Fort Worth Area Association Happy Hour – Dec. 3
Southwestern Candlelight Service – Dec. 4
San Antonio Association Candlelight Service – Dec. 4
Dallas Association Candlelight Service – Dec. 11
Volunteer Leadership Weekend and Alumni Assembly – Jan. 30-31, 2009
FEATURE STORY:
Homecoming andReunionWeekend
Put Southwestern on your playlist for “Southwestern’s Greatest Hits” Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, Nov. 7-9! This is a platinum weekend with eleven class reunions and more than 80 events.
To register for Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, review the schedule and decide what events you want to attend. Not all events require registration or have fees associated with them, but we encourage you to register so that we can have your backstage pass ready for you at the Check-In/Information Desk. Please register by Friday, October 31. There are two ways to register:
1) Register Online
2) Register by Phone: 800-960-6363
This year there are several special events that have separate registration sites because they require additional information:
8th Annual Jameson 5K at Southwestern
Participation in the Alumni Choir
Southwestern University Pirate Golf Classic
2008 Class Reunions - Look Who’s Coming!
Eleven classes are celebrating class reunions during Homecoming and Reunion Weekend. For details about class reunions, visit the Class Reunions Web site. Interested to know who is planning to come? Visit the “Look Who’s Coming” Web page.
Southwestern University Pirate Golf Classic
Join Southwestern alumni, faculty and friends for this second annual golf tournament benefiting Pirate Athletics. The tournament will be held at Teravista Golf Club Friday, Nov. 7, 2008, beginning at noon. The deadline to register is Monday, Nov. 3. Click here to register now!
The Alumni Hospitality House Goes Green
The very popular Alumni Hospitality House, established two years ago as a way for alumni to casually gather during Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, gets a green make-over this year thanks to a suggestion from Ann and Milton Jordan ’62, who recommended that The Association purchase beer and wine produced in the Central Texas region. The Alumni Council and Pirates for the Environment enthusiastically endorsed the idea. So, when you visit the Alumni Hospitality House this year, look for local beers and wines, post-consumer recyclable materials and recycling bins. Because of the popularity of the Alumni Hospitality House, the location has been moved to provide more space. Look for the Alumni Hospitality House on-campus this year at the Julie Puett Howry Center. This is the place to be. Don’t miss it.
First-Year Seminar Celebrates Ten Years
Ten years ago, Eric Selbin, professor of political science and University scholar, held his First-Year Seminar, "The Secret History of the Twentieth Century" for the first time. This fall marks the 10-year anniversary of the course, and to celebrate, alumni who took the class will return to present research inspired by the experience. Please join Professor Selbin, Jenny Carlson '02, Brad Knapp ’04, Curtis Roush ’05, Alison Kuo ’08, student Lauren Bird ’12 and other "Secret History" alumni for a special Classes Without Quizzes session at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8 in the Roy and Lillie Cullen Building, Room 24. A reception will follow at 3 p.m.
Celebrating African-American Alumni
The year 2009 will mark the 40th anniversary of the graduation of Southwestern's first African-American alumnus, Ernest Clark '69. To celebrate the legacy of achievement of all African-American alumni, the University is planning a year of events set to begin at Homecoming and Reunion Weekend. We hope you will join us Saturday, Nov. 8 for the following events:
9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. - Remembering Rev. William D. Swift
Family members of former dean of students Rev. William D. "Bill" Swift share a video of Swift's life and legacy at Southwestern. Red & Charline McCombs Campus Center, Ludwig H. Merzbach Room
4 p.m. - African-American Alumni Reception and Plaque Dedication
Join E.B.O.N.Y. and African-American alumni for the unveiling of a plaque commemorating the Negro Fine Arts School, a Georgetown institution innovated by Southwestern students and faculty in 1946. A reception will follow. The Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center, The Alma Thomas Theater and the Fine Arts Center Courtyard
Also on Saturday, the first meeting of an alumni advisory committee will be held to discuss plans for the culminating celebration at next year's Homecoming and Reunion Week (Nov. 6-8, 2009). The meeting will take place at 9 a.m. in the Dorothy Manning Lord Residential Center Community Room. All alumni interested in contributing input for the celebration of African-American alumni achievements are invited to attend. If you would like to attend, please contact Amanda Randall, assistant director of alumni relations, at 800-960-6363, so that we can prepare materials.
Hots Spots for Music
If you were a student on Southwestern's campus in the late 80s, you'll remember High Velocity, a popular student band that played for numerous rockin' parties. High Velocity band members Andy Brandenberger '89, Gerald Cantor '88, Jon Kennedy '89 and David Rosenbaum, return to Southwestern campus Friday, November 7, 7-10 p.m., to help kick-off Homecoming and Reunion Weekend at the Alumni Hospitality House (located in the Julie Puett Howry Center).
The Class of 1963 is sponsoring Haywire for the Alumni Hospitality House Saturday, November 8, 8:30 p.m. – midnight. Come dance the night away to Motown, Classic Rock, Oldies, Country, Big Band, Texas Swing and Jazz. Bring your dancing shoes!
Saturday night, November 8, 10:30 p.m. (after SING!), guitarist John Branch ’00 and Topaz & Mudphonic brings late night funk to The Cove. Come ready to groove. No need to drive to Austin for great music when the Class of 1998 is making it possible right on campus.
Debby Ellis Writing Center Alumni to Gather
All alumni who worked in the Debby Ellis Writing Center or who took Teaching of Writing are invited to gather at the Alumni Hospitality House at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, November 7. Come visit, catch-up with old friends, and meet other DEWC folks.
ALUMNI NEWS:
Chuck Merrill’s Legacy
According to Trish Merrill, anyone who knew her late husband Chuck knows that he cared most about peace and justice. In the months following the death of Reverend J. Charles “Chuck” Merrill ’59, Trish and long-time friend and fraternity brother Bruce Barrick ’71 conceived of a way to both honor Chuck’s legacy and further the social justice issues for which he cared deeply. “The J. Charles Merrill Endowed Scholarship launched as a means to inspire the next generations to know about Chuck and to work passionately for good in the world,” says Trish. Click here to read more.
Local Association Happenings
Check out what local associations are doing across the country! Every month numerous events are held. If you have any recommendations for events in your area or are interested in starting a local association, contact Daniel Webb, assistant director of alumni relations, at 800-960-6363.
Alumni Connection Group News
Interested in connecting with alumni who share your interests? Find out what Alumni Connection Groups have formed or tell us about one you would like to start. For more information, contact Amanda Randall, assistant director of alumni and parent relations, at 800-960-6363.
Class Notes Spotlight
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 this 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.
New Director of Gift & Estate Planning
Justin Gould '98 has been appointed director of gift & estate planning at Southwestern University. He is available to assist alumni, parents and friends of SU who wish to include the University in their estate plans or who wish to explore the value of charitable gift annuities or charitable trusts as part of their current or retirement plans. He can be reached at gouldj@southwestern.edu or 512-863-1997.
Career Opportunity Available in Development Office
The University has opened a search for a new director of leadership gifts. Interested applicants should review the position description at http://www.southwestern.edu/hum-res/hr-jobs.html and follow the instructions for applying. For those interested in learning more about the position, please contact Kent Huntsman, associate vice president for development, at Kent.Huntsman@southwestern.edu or 512-863-1235.
LIFELONG LEARNING:
Alumni Travel Opportunities and Interest Survey
As part of its expanding Lifelong Learning offerings, The Association of Southwestern University Alumni has initiated an alumni travel program. For the first program, alumni were offered a special alumni rate for the Chautauqua Institution in upstate New York. We are branching out to international destinations next year with a tour of the Tuscany region of northern Italy. The tour will take place September 13-21, 2009, with prices starting at $2,495 plus airfare and value-added tax (VAT), based on double-occupancy. For questions or to make a reservation, please contact AHI Travel at 800-323-7373.
This is your alumni travel program - we want to know where you want to go next! Tell us your opinion about which alumni travel program we should offer for 2010 – please click here to fill out an online survey asking you about your travel experiences and preferences. Your responses will help The Association build a travel program that really meets the needs and desires of Southwestern alumni. Bon voyage!
Alumni Architecture and Design Exhibit to Open
The Alumni Architecture and Design Exhibit scheduled to open Nov. 7 during Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, features works by seven alumni: Scott Adams ’97, Albert Bui ’06, Amy Robins Dempsey ’97, Michal Golinski ’99, Phil Henry ’89, Julien Meyrat ’98 and Libby Schrum ’00. The exhibit curators are Thomas Howe, professor of art history, chair of the art history department and holder of the Herman Brown Chair, and Patrick Veerkamp, professor of art and Paideia professor. The curatorial assistant is Alison Kuo ’08. The opening reception will be held Saturday, Nov. 8, 4-5 p.m. in the Sarofim School of Fine Arts Gallery. The exhibit runs Nov. 7- Dec. 5. The Sarofim School of Fine Arts Gallery is open 1-5 p.m. daily. For more information, call 512.863.1379.
2009 Shilling Lecturer Announced
Mark your calendar! Wangari Maathai, the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, will give the 2009 Shilling Lecture at Southwestern University. The lecture will be held Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 7 p.m. in the Alma Thomas Theater. A native of Kenya, Maathai was the first woman in East and Central Africa to earn a doctorate degree. After earning her Ph.D. in anatomy from the University of Nairobi, she joined the faculty there as chair of the department of veterinary anatomy. Maathai won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her work with the Green Belt Movement in Kenya, which she founded in 1977. For more information, click here.
The Sarofim School of Fine Arts Upcoming Events
Upcoming highlights of the Southwestern’s Sarofim School of Fine Arts include the art exhibit, “Near East Meets West,” to run Oct. 1-31, the Southwestern University Opera Theatre’s performance of Purcell’s “Dido and Aeneas,” scheduled for Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, and a Black Box Theatre performance of Joyce Carol Oates’ “I Stand Before You Naked,” Nov. 6-9, during Homecoming and Reunion Weekend. For theatre tickets and show-times, contact The Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center box office at 512-863-1378, Monday-Friday from 1-5 p.m. The fine arts gallery is open weekdays, 1-5 p.m. Click here to view The Sarofim Fine Arts School calendar of events.
Library to Host Screening of Persepolis
The A. Frank Smith, Jr. Library Center at Southwestern is hosting a screening of the animated film “Persepolis” at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28, in the F.W. Olin Building, Room 105. “Persepolis” is based on director Marjane Satrapi’s best-selling graphic novels about her experiences growing up in Iran around the time of the Islamic Revolution. The film won multiple awards in 2007-2008, including the Jury Prize at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival. Bob Snyder, professor of political science at Southwestern, will speak about the Iranian revolution before the film is screened to provide historical context.
Azar Nafisi to Serve as the 2008 Writer's Voice Speaker
Iranian writer, scholar and social activist Azar Nafisi will be the 2008 speaker for the Writer's Voice series sponsored by the A. Frank Smith, Jr. Library at Southwestern. The 2008 Writer's Voice lecture has been set for Nov. 11, 2008, in The Alma Thomas Theater. Nafisi is best known as the author of Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books, which spent two years on the New York Times Best Seller List. The book details how Nafisi met privately with a group of her women students to discuss works of literature against the back drop of Tehran in the mid-1990s. Nafisi was ousted from her teaching position at the Tehran University in 1995 for refusing to wear the mandatory Islamic veil. Today, Nafisi is a visiting fellow at Johns Hopkins University in Washington, D.C., and teaches courses on the relation between culture and politics. She also is director of the SAIS Dialogue Project at the Foreign Policy Institute of the University’s School of Advanced International Studies. Tickets are now available to reserve online or by phone (512-863-1561). There is a limit of two tickets per person. For more information about the author and the event, please click here.
CAMPUS HIGHLIGHTS:
The Decemberists to Perform at Southwestern
The Decemberists, an Indie rock band from Portland, Ore., will be the featured performer for the fourth annual Large Act Concert at Southwestern University on Thursday, Oct. 30. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the concert will begin at 8 p.m. in the Corbin J. Robertson Center. Tickets for the concert are $10 for Southwestern students and may be purchased online through the Office of Student Activities. Tickets for the general public are $20. There are several options for purchasing tickets:
1. Online using a credit card.
2. In person at the Southwestern University Student Activities Office on the third floor of the McCombs Campus Center.
3. At the door the night of the concert.
Previous Large Act Concerts at Southwestern have featured New Found Glory, Wyclef Jean and most recently Cake, who performed to a sold-out audience last spring. For more information about the concert, call the Office of Student Activities at 512-863-1345.
Congressman Pete Sessions to Visit with Students
Congressman Pete Sessions, Southwestern University Class of 1978, is coming to campus October 31 to visit with students about careers in public service. This program is being presented by Career Services.
Pirate Athletics
The Southwestern Athletics Department is mourning the loss of Steve Brandt, head women’s and men’s swimming and diving coach, who died October 16. The Southwestern community is keeping all student athletes, coaches and loved ones in our thoughts and prayers.
On October 7, it was announced that the University approved a proposal to elevate men's club lacrosse to varsity status effective Fall 2009. After offering men’s lacrosse for 25 years as a club sport, Southwestern will become the first university in Texas to offer it as a NCAA varsity sport. The University plans to field its first team in the Fall of 2009 and begin NCAA competition in Spring 2010. Southwestern will begin a national search for a men’s lacrosse coach immediately and hopes to have one in place no later than January 2009. In the meantime, Monty Curtis, associate vice president for enrollment services, and Derrick Mueller, associate director of admission and coordinator of athletic recruiting will begin recruiting players for the team.
For more Pirate Athletics news, including the latest scores and upcoming matches, visit www.southwesternpirates.com.
SU Home 
1001 E University