WEST TEXANA PUBLICATION OF THE WEST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION • SUMMER 2017

THE

with a Truman Scholar

Jonathan Espinoza is the first student in WT history to receive the prestigious Harry S. Truman Scholarship.

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GOING THEDISTANCE

Distinctive and Dignified

Q&A

WT honors its 2017 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients.

• Tom ‘Spanky’ Assiter II ’79, ’81 • Alex Fairly ’85 • Dr. John Meason ’59 • Debra Summers ’74

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The women’s track and field team makes WT history with a national championship.

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WTAMU Track and Field takes National Championship

YOU DO WHAT?

CONTENTSTHE WEST TEXAN • SUMMER 2017

WT faculty and staff have received awards, published works and been elected to serve.

The West Texan’s column featuring alumni with unusual jobs.

Jonathan Espinoza, proud recipient of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship

DISTINCTIVE AND DIGNIFIED

Attendees at the 54th Annual Phoenix Banquet celebrate the Distinguished Alumni Award recipients.

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A LONG LOOK BACK

Dr. Russell Long visits campus and shares his thoughts.

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10 GOING THE DISTANCE

2 4 Q&A WITH A TRUMAN SCHOLARFACULTY AND STAFF ACCOMPLISHMENTS

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Check out the 2017 tailgate schedule and join us at Kimbrough Memorial Stadium.

BACK COVER: TAILGATE TIME24 CAMINO DE SANTIAGO PILGRIMAGE

Brittany Castillo ’14, embraces life on a trek across Spain.

Keep connected through an Alumni Association membership.

14 BECOME A CONTRIBUTING MEMBER

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION2017 Executive Committee

The West Texas A&M University Alumni Association is a non-profit corporation organized for the benefit of WTAMU, a member of The Texas A&M University System. The WTAMU Alumni Association is located in Buffalo Courts on the WTAMU campus in Canyon, Texas.

The West Texan is the official publication of the WTAMU Alumni Association. The magazine is published three times a year by the WTAMU Office of Communication and Marketing. Editorial offices are located in Old Main on the West Texas A&M University campus. Send alumni news information to rmcdonald@wtamu.edu. We welcome story ideas and suggestions.

Postage is paid at Amarillo, Texas. Postmaster: Send address changes to The West Texan, WTAMU Alumni Association, WTAMU Box 60753, Canyon, Texas 79016 or visit BUFFalum.com to update contact information.

Activate your Alumni Association membership online at buffalum.com.Follow us:twitter.com/wtalumnifacebook.com/wtalumniinstagram.com/wtalumnilinkedIn: WT Alumni Association

Executive EditorBecky Stogner

EditorRana McDonald

PublisherAnn Underwood ’99

Art DirectorCatherine McGovern

WritersRana McDonald Darcy Lively ’99 Brittany Castillo ‘14

Photography Rik Andersen ’89, ’15 Darcy Lively ’99

ProductionKaren Edwards

THE WEST TEXANA MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF WEST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY.

BECKY STOGNER DIRECTOR FOR ALUMNI RELATIONS AND UNIVERSITY ENGAGEMENT

BARBARA PALMER ’78, ’81 ASSISTANT DIRECTOR FOR ALUMNI RELATIONS AND UNIVERSITY ENGAGEMENT

AMBER BUSTOS ’11, ’15 COORDINATOR FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI COMMUNICATIONS

LISA INSALL ’93, ’01 ALUMNI RELATIONS COORDINATOR

ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONBoard of Directors

Zenobia Harris Bivens ’03 Jesse Cross ’79Natalie Jackson ’05Cody Myers ’79, ’87

John Osborne ’94, ’95David Sims ’65Ron Watts ’71 David Willis ’79

J’Lynn Newman Wheeler ’80

President David Willis ’79 President Elect Zenobia Harris Bivens ’03 Secretary J’Lynn Newman Wheeler ’80

SAVE the DATE

Walter V. Wendler�e Inauguration �

Eleventh President of West Texas A&M University

Installation Ceremony with Reception to Follow

FRIDAYSEPT. 15

1:30 P.M.WTAMU CAMPUS

TAILGATE TIME

Dr. Alex Hunt, a professor of English, has been named a 2017 Fulbright Specialist by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The program pairs highly qualified U.S. academics and professionals like Hunt with host institutions abroad to share their expertise while building relations, honing skills and gaining international and cultural experiences. Hunt traveled to Austria in June as a Fulbright Specialist at the University of Graz, where he shared his expertise as director of CSAW and as the WTAMU Haley Professor of Western Studies. He was a presenter at an international conference on literature and environmental studies and also served as a guest lecturer for several undergraduate and graduate classes at the University of Graz.

Dr. Cathy Clewett, associate professor of physics, is the recipient of a Fulbright Core Scholar grant that will allow her to live and work in Prague, Czech Republic, conducting research at Charles University in the faculty of mathematics and physics. Clewett will spend six months sharing ideas and research techniques with faculty and scientists in the Czech Republic developing membranes for the oil and gas industry. Clewett, the first woman in the sciences from WT to participate in the Core Scholars program, will spend time learning about how other countries promote women in the sciences.

Dr. Dan Posey, academic coordinator for the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Center at WT, has been installed as the president of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA). He was welcomed as the incoming president at the organization’s annual conference in March. As president, Posey will lead the nine-member executive committee in running the organization’s administrative functions. TVMA is one of the largest state veterinary medical associations in the nation.

Three faculty members at West Texas A&M University were recognized for their outstanding contributions to higher education with Faculty Excellence Awards during the annual faculty meeting on campus. Each of the three recipients received an engraved plaque and a cash stipend. Dr. Jeffry Babb, Gensler Professor of Computer Information Systems, received the Intellectual Contributions Award, Dr. Chuck Chase, associate professor of sports and exercise sciences, the Professional Service Award, and Audrey Meador ’05, ’10, instructor of mathematics, received the Instructional Excellence Award. (For more faculty recognition, please see sidebar on page 3.)

Angela Allen ’93, chief diversity and inclusion officer, is one of two candidates selected from across the United States to participate in Cohort 4 of the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education’s (NADOHE) Chief Diversity Officer Fellows Program (CDOFP) for the 2017-2018 academic year. CDOFP is a professional leadership/mentorship program for new and early career chief diversity officers. The goal of the one academic year CDOFP is to provide the Fellow with mentoring by a senior level CDO and guided professional development experiences. Allen’s mentor for the year is Dr. Carmen Suarez, vice president for global diversity and inclusion at Portland State University in Portland, Ore. During her one-year term as a Fellow, Allen will visit her mentor’s campus in Portland for on-site learning and enrichment. In turn, her mentor will visit WT to better understand the diversity issues and challenges here.

wtamu.edu 3

faculty and staff accomplishments

WEST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

WT faculty and staff members have received awards, published works and been elected to serve in various capacities.

Students in the Department of Agricultural Sciences worked together to help victims of the March 7 wildfires with a call for donations. Faculty, staff, students, community members and local businesses answered the call and donated everything from food to medicine. In just four short days, the ag students collected more than three tons of water, three trailers full of food and other supplies and more than $1,500 in financial donations. The students also helped find trailers and drivers for the hay and feed donated for livestock by businesses, producers and alumni across the region and country. They also traveled to several states to deliver supplies to victims in affected areas.

RELIEF EFFORTS

THE WEST TEXAN

Myles Smith and Shaina Dulakis were named WT’s Man and Woman of the Year for 2016-2017, and two students—Jonathan Espinoza and Bri Leeper—were honored by inclusion in the prestigious Presidential Order of the Silver Buffalo. Smith is a graduate student in communication from Amarillo, and Dulakis is a senior mass communication major from Plainview. Silver Buffalo recipient Espinoza, a junior mass communication major from Friona, made University history as the first WT student to receive the Harry S. Truman Scholarship. Leeper, who graduated in May 2016, was recognized as a great athlete and outstanding student who inspired many during her college career at WT.

UNIVERSITY HONORSTen graduating students from WT’s College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences are making history and proving that the Serving Every Texan Every Day initiative works. The 10 students are pre-veterinary majors who have been accepted into veterinary schools—nine are heading to the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM), and one will be attending the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. The 10 acceptances mark a historic milestone for the WT pre-veterinary program and illustrate the success of the partnership with CVM in Serving Every Texan Every Day through exceptional teaching, research and outreach.

MAJOR MILESTONEThe School of Engineering, Computer Science and Mathematics at WT is expanding its program offerings this fall with the addition of a Master of Science in engineering degree. The new degree marks the school’s first graduate-level offering and gives students a unique non-discipline specific program as well as credit for professional experience. The new program represents more than three years of work by WT officials in a multi-step process that includes approval by the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents (May 2014) and THECB. Courses are set to begin in the fall in mechanical, civil and electrical engineering. Class offerings will expand as the program grows.

MASTERING ENGINEERING

Special RecognitionIn addition to the presentation of the annual

faculty awards, University officials also recognized several faculty members for promotion, tenure,

years of service and retirement.

Tenure and PromoTion effective September 1Dr. Tim Bowman, associate professor of history

Dr. Marietta Branson ’94, associate professor of nursing

Dr. Sean Humpherys, associate professor of computer information and decision management

Dr. Collette Loftin ’06, associate professor of nursing

Dr. Neil Meredith, associate professor of marketing

Dr. Marty Rhoades ’92, ’01, ’09, associate professor of agriculture

Dr. Tanner Robertson ’02, associate professor of agriculture

PromoTion To Full ProFessor

Dr. Mark Bartley, professor of music

Dr. Sharon Burnett, professor of accounting

Dr. Ashley Campbell, professor of education

Dr. Elizabeth Clark, professor of history

Dr. Kristina Drumheller, professor of communication

Dr. Cloyce Kuhnert ’84, ’86, professor of music

Dr. Rex Pjesky, professor of economics

Dr. Reed Welch, professor of political science

PromoTion To associaTe lecTurer

Kim Bruce ’94, ’01, associate lecturer of mass communication

Connie McKee ’89, ’96, associate lecturer of communication studies

50 Years or more oF service

Dr. Gerald Schultz, professor of geology, 53 years

Bill Ambrose, assistant professor of mathematics, 50 years

Dr. James Woodyard, professor of chemistry, 50 years

reTiring

Dr. Chuck Chase, associate professor of sports and exercise sciences

Ann Wallace, instructor of communication disorders

Dr. John Cooley, professor of management

Dr. Gary Kelley, professor of computer information systems

W H A T ?

W H A T ?

buffalum.com 5THE WEST TEXAN

West Texas A&M University’s efforts to create an inviting and beneficial tree canopy have paid off with special designation as a Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. The WT campus is home to more than 500 trees that provide a canopy of green from Old Main to the Virgil Henson Activities Center. The University community will celebrate the Tree Campus USA designation with a special Arbor Day ceremony in September. The occasion also will mark the planting of 25 additional trees on campus, thanks in part to the Chapman Forestry Foundation and the Texas Forest Service.

Evan M. Hattz, a junior political science/criminal justice major from Amarillo, is the first recipient of the University’s newly established McBride Research Scholar in Political Science. The award is named for Dr. Travis McBride, professor emeritus of political science at WT. McBride joined the WT faculty in 1957 and during those years, he touched the lives of many students through his passion for teaching and through his endless support and generous contributions to the Travis McBride Scholarship. He continues to support WTAMU and the political science program, and through his generosity the department established this new award to support an outstanding political science student in his/her research endeavors.

GROWING GREENER MCBRIDE SCHOLAR NAMEDStudents and faculty at WT and Amarillo College joined forces in a creative collaboration to paint a mural in downtown Amarillo. WT’s Mural Squad, under the direction of assistant professor Jon Revett, and AC’s Art Collective, sponsored by AC art instructor Stephanie Jung, began painting the Texas Panhandle-themed mural in May on the south side of The Insurance Building, located on the corner of 6th Avenue and Filmore Street. The project was underwritten by Amarillo National Bank to commemorate the bank’s 125th anniversary. The colorful collage features a locomotive, hot-air balloon, oil rig, sunset, cowboy and cattle.

PAINTING PARTNERSThe University’s CFA Research Challenge team finished as top five in the nation and top 10 among universities in North and South America at the 2017 CFA Research Challenge Americas. The WT team gained the right to participate in the Americas by winning the 2017 Southwest U.S. Championship at University of Houston in February. For the 2016-2017 competition year, 1,031 business school teams representing more than 4,000 students in 81 countries competed in the CFA Research Challenge. At the Americas competition, the WT team presented its stock research on U.S. Physical Therapy (NYSE: USPH) and answered questions from a panel of three distinguished industry experts.

TOP 10 FINISH

Zewde graduated in 2013 with a B.A. degree in mass communications, specializing in advertising and public relations. He was active on campus as a Peer Leader, Readership Ambassador and marketing research assistant. He soon became an assistant director of admissions at WT, and in 2014, Zewde was the marketing supervisor at Texas Tech University, where he was a graduate student.

“I had no idea where I was headed after college. I’d planned to stay in admissions for a while before eventually doing something in sports,” Zewde said. “The learning curve of Olympic sports

from collegiate sports is incredibly steep, and it’s been a very humbling opportunity.”

Zewde was chosen as the content coordinator for USA Track and Field after a series of interviews. He was invited to join the team in May 2016 and transferred to Indianapolis to help manage 56 different USA Track and Field entities across the country.

“I’m in constant communication with our staff all over the world tending to the websites, preparing press releases and email blasts,” Zewde said. “I am the only content coordinator, but it doesn’t feel like a lot of pressure. We just want to be on top of everything so if anything is W

H A T ?

you doyou doIf he was going anywhere, he was running.

At 11-years-old, Daniel Zewde ’13, competed in his first track meet. He and his brother Sam were known for their athleticism at Tascosa High School in Amarillo, and in 2010, Zewde earned a scholarship to run at West Texas A&M University. For four years, he helped WT win meets by competing in the 400 hurdles and long sprints, but he never could have predicted that one day he would work for the USA Track and Field Olympic team.

“I worked during the Olympic games last year, so when there was a competition, I was awake at 3-4 a.m. while the athletes were competing in London six hours ahead,” Zewde said. “My former coaches and everyone I ran with were freaking out when I started working with the team. I was in disbelief when I got the job.”

going on with our athletes, we’re the ones to produce the content.”Zewde will graduate from Texas Tech University in December

with a M.A. in strategic communication and innovation. Transitioning from grad student to communication professional while at the USA Track and Field Headquarters is not a bad way to start, and whenever possible, Zewde makes time to travel the world.

“I’ve been to Istanbul, Toronto, Venice, Hong Kong and all across the United States. I like to see new places and have new experiences by going after them,” Zewde said. “For me, it’s about being proactive about the things I want out of life.”

By Brittany Castillo ’14 Photos by Rik Andersen ’89, ’15

Courtesy photos from Daniel Zewde

Jonathan Espinoza

Recipient of the Harry S. Truman

Scholarship

By Rana McDonald | Photos by Rik Andersen ‘89, ‘15

He’s done everything from serving as a paratrooper and medic to editing a school newspaper, but West Texas A&M University’s Jonathan Espinoza can add another item to his growing list of

accomplishments after being named the recipient of a prestigious Harry S. Truman Scholarship. Espinoza, a junior broadcast journalism, advertising/public relations major from Friona, is the first student in University history to receive such an honor. With this accomplishment, which comes with a $30,000 scholarship for graduate school, Espinoza joins an elite group. Previous Truman Scholars include U.S. Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, University of California President Janet Napolitano, This Week host George Stephanopoulos and numerous other notable individuals.

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation was created by Congress in 1975 to be the nation’s living memorial to President Harry S. Truman. The Foundation has a mission to select and support the next generation of public service leaders. The Truman award has become one of the most prestigious national scholarships in the United States. Espinoza is one of 62 students from across the United States to be selected a Scholar out of a field of 200 finalists and 768 candidates from 315 colleges and universities. He is one of two students named a 2017 Truman Scholar from the state of Texas, and the first student from a regional university in The Texas A&M University System to ever receive such an honor.

with a Truman Scholar

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buffalum.com 9THE WEST TEXAN wtamu.edu 9

What prompted you to apply for the Truman Scholarship? How did you know about it?

I first heard about the Truman Scholarship in the fall of 2015 when Laura Seals, coordinator for the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships, spoke to my class about scholarships available to

West Texas A&M University students. She mentioned various scholarships, but the one that stood out the most to me was the Truman Scholarship. I had just begun my first semester at WT and this scholarship seemed like it could help me find my path as I was still a bit uncertain as to what area of study I wanted to go into at the time.

The application process is quite an undertaking. How long did it take you to complete the application and send it in?

The application process was quite extensive, a bit more so for me considering I began the process in December 2015 to apply by the February 2016 deadline. As I got the application materials together

and ready for submission, it was brought to my attention that I couldn’t apply in 2016 due to my sophomore standing. While I was a bit defeated that I could not apply then, I feel that that extra year of working on my application was a blessing in disguise. Most scholarship applications require a fair amount of work and effort, and the Truman Scholarship is no different. At times, it felt like I was taking another class on top of my course load due to the research I had to do regarding the last portion of my application, which consisted of a policy proposal.

Were you surprised when you advanced to the next step in the process?

Very much so. Once the application was submitted, along with three letters of recommendation and a college transcript, I had to wait a few weeks to see if I had been

chosen to move on to the next round, which is the interview in front of members of the Truman Foundation and Truman Scholars who had been chosen from years before. I found out about the interview while I was presenting my research at the University of North Texas. I read the email and bolted out of the room. I vaguely remember apologizing as I ran out telling people that I just gotten some great news. At that point, I knew I had done something huge. I was WT’s first ever Truman Scholarship finalist. For the next half hour, I texted and called family and friends to let them know the good news. But as much as I wanted to enjoy the moment, I only had little more than a week to prepare for the interview portion of the selection process, which took place at the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library in Austin.

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about the news until the Truman Foundation made the official announcement on its website.

What happens now that you are a Truman Scholar?

The Truman Scholarship is unique in that a sense of community is fostered beginning the day the scholarship recipients are announced. On May 23, myself and the other 61 Truman Scholars

traveled to William Jewell College in Liberty, Mo., and took part in Truman Scholars Leadership Week (TSLW). It was one part reliving the freshman experience, residing in the dorms with an unknown roommate and eating our meals in the cafeteria, and it was one part family bonding as we got to know each other very well via volunteer opportunities, graduate school fairs and various sessions preparing us for our future as Truman Scholars. Next summer another event is available to a majority of my cohort as we will attend the Summer Institute after graduation. The Truman Foundation not only provides us housing in Washington, D.C., but they help us find internships. The goal of the Summer Institute is to help us get acclimated into the world of public service all while strengthening the relationships between the Truman Scholars.

How did you learn that you had won?

After the interview in the LBJ library, we were told that we would be notified in mid-April, a good three weeks from then. I went back to WT and inquired from Laura Seals how I would be informed. She told me if I was not

selected she would receive an email from the Truman Foundation telling me so, but if I won, Dr. Wendler would be notified first and he would tell me. I was at work in the Office of Veterans Services when Laura Seals came in and told me to answer my phone when it rang. It took me a few seconds to process what she said, and I quickly realized I was now a Truman Scholar. Dr. Wendler called shortly thereafter, and even though I knew what he was calling for, hearing him tell me is something I won’t soon forget. I then had to spend the next week keeping quiet

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It’s a sizable scholarship. What do you plan to do with it?

The purpose of the Truman Scholarship is to recognize students who will be attending graduate school and who will find eventual careers in public service. Prior to TSLW, I had a solid plan regarding

my future; I had it all mapped out. But one of the first things told to us by Andy Rich, executive secretary of the Truman Foundation, was to put those plans aside for the week and be open to other paths to public service. As it stands now, I hope to attend either the University of Michigan or Harvard University where I will be seeking current degrees: one, a law degree, and the other, a master’s in public policy. Upon graduation, I plan to come back to Texas and put my degrees to use by advocating for the LGBTQ community with the aim to end suicide among its youth.

Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?

I am a son of Texas, through and through. Wherever my path takes me, I will always find my way back home. While I hope to work in the field of LGBTQ advocacy, I also hope to put my law degree into

use by working as a public defender with the eventual goal to work at the federal level. As if that weren’t enough, I would also like to come back to West Texas A&M University and teach for a short time. I would never presume to think that the University needs me as an instructor, but to come back in that capacity would be rewarding to me on a very personal level.

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“I would also like to come back to West Texas A&M University and teach for a short time. I would never presume to think that the University needs me as an instructor, but to come back in that capacity would be rewarding to

me on a very personal level.”— Jonathan Espinoza

WTAMU Track and Field Takes National ChampionshipArticle and Photos Courtesy of WTAMU Athletics

GOING THEDISTANCE

gobuffsgo.com 11

he West Texas A&M University women’s track and field team made University history May 27 when it won the 2017 Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championship in Bradenton, Fla., with four individual/relay national champions, 10 All-Americans and two school records. The Lady Buffs earned its first-ever national title in program history with 64 points, defeating Grand Valley State, Adams State and Pittsburg State over three days of competition.

The Lady Buffs scored 32 points on the final day of competition highlighted by Rellie Kaputin and 4x100-meter relay winning national titles. Lacy Harris picked up a runner-up finish in the pole vault while Shanice Cameron earned All-American honors in the 100-meter dash.

“I’m so humbled and overwhelmed with what we have accomplished this season and especially this weekend,” Darren Flowers ’08, head track and field coach, said.

Harris got the final day of competition off to a great start as she broke her own school record in the pole vault en route to a second-place finish. She was one of four athletes to clear 4.03 meters (13-2.25) but finished second due to misses as her only miss came at 3.73 meters (12-2.75). With that clearance, Harris becomes the first vaulter in school history to clear four meters and was just .02 meters off the Lone Star Conference record.

The women’s 4x100-meter relay won the Lady Buffs first national title with a record-breaking performance. The quartet of Kennedy Hudson, Fatim Affessi,

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THE WEST TEXAN

Jasmine Pitts and Shanice Cameron became the first relay in WT history to run sub-45 as they set a new school record running 44.85 for 10 crucial points for the Lady Buffs.

Cameron followed up her amazing anchor leg in the 4x100 with a fifth-place finish in the 100-meter dash running 11.73 out of the first lane. She finishes her career with five All-American honors and four of the five fastest times in school history.

Rellie Kaputin put the nail in the coffin on the Lady Buffs first national title with a win in the triple jump as the senior brought her point total to 22 points for the championships. She won the competition on the final attempt with a school record jump of 13.28 meters (43-7) to defeat Diana Cauldwell of Lincoln (Mo.). Affessi and Malika Ouedraogo both jumped 13.05 meters (42-9.75) as they finished 10th and 11th respectively.

Norma Cunigan finished her championships with a ninth-place finish in the shot put with a throw of 14.83 meters (48-8) on her first attempt. She played a crucial role in bringing home the national title back to Canyon as she won the discus on Friday.

Rellie Kaputin LSC Female Field Athlete of the Year

gobuffsgo.com 13

Lady Buff Softball• Lone Star Conference Tournament Champions

• Kilee Halbert - LSC Academic Player of the Year

BUFF BASEBALL• Lone Star Conference Tournament Champions

• Marshall Kasowski - LSC Pitcher of the Year,

CCA South Central Region Pitcher of the

Year, NCBWA South Central Region Pitcher of

the Year, 2017 LSC Co-Male Athlete of the Year

Lady Buff GOLF• NCAA West

Region Champions

• LSC Championship

Runner-Up

Spring 2017 Athletic Accomplishments

By Darcy Lively ’99 | Photos by Rik Andersen ’89, ’15

TRACK & FIELDMEN

• Matt Stewart - South Central Region Assistant

Coach of the Year

WOMEN

• NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field National

Champions

• National Champion 4x100-meter relay (Kennedy

Hudson, Fatim Affessi, Jasmine Pitts and Shanice

Cameron)

• Lone Star Conference Champions

• Darren Flowers - LSC Women’s Coach of the Year,

U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Association

(USTFCCCA) South Central Women’s Coach of the

Year, USTFCCCA Division II Women’s Outdoor Track

& Field National Coach of the Year

• Rellie Kaputin - National Champion triple jump,

LSC Outdoor Track and Field Women’s Field Athlete

of the Year, 2017 LSC Female Athlete of the Year

Our girls stepped up in such a big way and truly believed that winning was possible. It is important to recognize our alums and what they have helped build over the years, because this championship doesn’t happen without them. We have the best coaches, student-athletes and support staff. I’m so proud to be an alum and to be a part of such a great accomplishment for WT.

— Darren Flowers

“ “

FLOWERS FINISHES FIRST

UPDATE: Flowers has accepted the head track and field coach position at the University of Rio Grande Valley, a Division I school in Edinburg (formerly known as UT Pan-American).

After guiding the Lady Buff Track and Field team to a national championship, West Texas A&M University’s Darren

Flowers ’08, has been named the 2017 U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Division II Women’s Outdoor Track and Field National Coach of the Year.

“I’m truly honored to be recognized like this,” Flowers said. “Individual awards are a byproduct of team success, and I owe a lot of thanks to those student-athletes and coaches who work so hard to make us who we are and accomplish the things we have this season.”

In addition to a national championship and National Coach of the Year honors, Flowers also was named the 2017 LSC women’s Coach of the Year for the second straight year and is just the fourth coach in conference history to do so on the women’s side.

Flowers was named WT’s head track and field coach in 2008, and it was under his guidance that the University reinstated both men’s and women’s track and field at the intercollegiate level.

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Buffalo Pride is built on memories, friendships, ethics and values.It’s the common thread that pulls us together and strengthens the ties between generations of WT alumni. Help us preserve the legacy that is as proud as the buffalo and as big as West Texas.

General membership keeps you connected. Contributing membership helps us connect with you. Your annual membership support helps to grow your Alumni Association, provide scholarships to students, host activities for alumni around the country, support University activities and more!

Visit BUFFALUM.COM today.While our new giving site is under construction, you are welcome to

make a gift to the Alumni Association from the wtamu.edu/giving link or by contacting us directly at 806-651-2311.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITSEach level includes the benefits of the previous level, except as noted.

One benefit of contributing to the Alumni Association is access to WTAMU CAREER SERVICES for the duration of your paid membership.* CAREER SERVICES provides job search tools, salary calculators, resume review, interview workshops, money management, business etiquette, job postings and more. CAREER SERVICES support is available for one year following graduation and for a fee after that. This fee is waived for alumni supporting the Alumni Association. *Must have a degree

DID YOU KNOW...

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP - FREE• Online access to the digital West Texan alumni magazine• Monthly alumni enewsletter• Access to the alumni tailgate deck• Access to Career Services up to one year after

graduation (must have a degree)

BUFFALO PRIDE - $50• Benefits of previous level +• Access to the alumni tailgate deck with special

giveaways/offers• Limited Edition print version of the West Texan

alumni magazine• Car decal• Alumni Association membership card –

good for 10 percent discount in the campus bookstore, approx. 25 percent off on membership at the Virgil Henson Activities Center

• Access to Career Services, including BuffJobs, for the duration of paid membership (must have a degree)

MAROON SPIRIT - $100• Benefits of previous level +• Opportunity to designate half your gift to the

WT college of your choice

PHOENIX CLUB - $200• Benefits of previous levels +• Chrome Eternal Flame logo car decal• Annual membership gift (i.e. calendar,

notecards, etc.)

WHITE BUFFALO SOCIETY - $600• Benefits of previous levels +• Discounted registration on alumni chapter

events in your community• Special discount opportunities throughout the year• Porcelain white buffalo (with first White

Buffalo Society level gift)• White Buffalo Society polo shirt (with first

White Buffalo Society level gift)• Annual ‘White Buffalo Society’ membership

gift after first year

WEST TEXAS LEGACY - $1,000 annually to the general fund

WEST TEXAS LEGACY ENDOWED - $5,000 over 3 years to the endowment• Benefits of previous levels +• Two complimentary reservations

to the annual Alumni Association Banquet• West Texas Legacy introductory gift – Legacy

of the Southern Herd giclee print (with first gift)• West Texas Legacy polo shirt (with first Texas

Legacy gift)• Annual ‘West Texas Legacy’ membership gift

after first year

WANT TO INCREASE THE IMPACT OF YOUR GIVING? ADD A CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP.

Ag Development Association membership$72 annually + Alumni Association contributing membership level of your choice

Wellington Skyrockets Alumni Chapter$72 annually + Alumni Association contributing membership level of your choice

Communications Alumni Network$72 annually + Alumni Association contributing membership level of your choiceMonthly bank drafts are available for memberships of $120 annually and above.

THE WEST TEXAN

“WTAMU not only gave us an

education, it gave us opportunities, friendships and relationships. We met

here, married here and raised our children here. It’s been the foundation

of our personal and professional lives for the past 39 years. Supporting

the WT Alumni Association is an opportunity for us to give back. Our education

at West Texas A&M University opened doors of

opportunity for us and by giving back we can

help open doors for current and future WTAMU

students as well.

”—Martin ’82, ’92, and Becky Lopez ’93, ’99

BECOME ACONTRIBUTINGMEMBER andContinue the Legacy

THE WEST TEXAN buffalum.com 17

It was a night of celebration at West Texas A&M University—a world-renowned auctioneer, a retired Silicon Valley-partnered attorney, an

innovative professional sports/entertainer insurance broker and a national leader in nuclear physics were each recognized when the University presented its prestigious Distinguished Alumni Awards at the 54th annual Phoenix Banquet April 22.

The annual event is the University’s opportunity to recognize and honor the best of WTAMU’s alumni. The four honorees—Tom ‘Spanky’ Assiter II ’79, ’81,Debra Summers ’74, Alex Fairly ’85, and Dr. John Meason ’59—were selected for outstanding contributions to their professions and community

from a field of many other successful nominees. This year’s recipients have achieved exceptional success in each of their respective professions since graduating, proving that a degree from WT more than prepares students for rewarding and successful careers.

The recipients celebrated at the Phoenix Banquet with friends and family as everyone in attendance was reminded that these newest additions to WT’s class of Distinguished Alumni are perfect examples of the quality education WT has been providing students for decades. WT gave each of them a strong starting foundation and a high level of confidence rooted in ability.

Distinctive and Dignified By Darcy Lively ’99 | Photos by Rik Andersen ’89, ’15

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SATURDAY, OCT. 14

• Alumni Open House 9 a.m. – noon | Buffalo Courts Alumni Center

• Homecoming Festival 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Lawn on west side of Old Main Come enjoy campus, food vendors and shopping. Bring the

kids for activities and face painting.

• Homecoming Parade 10 a.m. | First United Bank Center

• Lambda Chi Alpha Reunion 10 a.m. | Sybil B. Harrington Fine Arts Complex Grand Lobby Sponsor: WT Alumni Association

• Young Alumni Tailgate 1 – 5 p.m. | Kimbrough Memorial Stadium Tailgate Area; Alumni Tailgate Deck Sponsor: WT Alumni Association

• Alumni Homecoming Tailgate 1 – 5 p.m. | Kimbrough Memorial Stadium, Alumni Tailgate Deck Sponsor: WT Alumni Association Join us on the Alumni Tailgate Deck for food, spirit, and spirits. It’s All About WT!

• WTAMU Football vs. Azusa Pacific 5 p.m. | Kimbrough Memorial Stadium

• Missouri Valley Conference Football Champions 1977 and 1979 Reunion 6 – 9 p.m. | Kimbrough Memorial Stadium Sponsors: members of the 1977 and 1979 West Texas State University football teams

THURSDAY, OCT. 12

• Alumni Gathering 6 – 9 p.m. | The Resplendent Garden The Resplendent Garden, 11701 Truman St., Amarillo Sponsors: Alumni Association • Food and beverages, music

FRIDAY, OCT. 13

• Golden and Diamond Buff Reunion 4 – 8 p.m. | Jack B. Kelley Student Center, Legacy Hall Sponsors: WT Alumni Association, Palo Duro Retirement Village 4 – 6 p.m., Reception • 6 – 8 p.m., Dinner Honoring the Diamond Anniversary of the class of 1957, the Golden Anniversary of the class of 1967 and celebrating with the classes of 1952 through 1972.

• College of Nursing and Health Sciences Reunion 6 – 8 p.m. | Bivins Nursing Learning Center

• Homecoming Golf Classic Ross Rogers Golf Course Sponsor: Aramark

wtamu.edu/HOMECOMINGSCHEDULE, SPONSORS AND MORE

are invited to attend Homecoming 2017ALUMNI AND FRIENDS

THE WEST TEXAN

TO BE HONEST,it would be a lot easier for me to live somewhere else, but this is home, this is where I love. It’s nice to sell things like the original Batmobile on national TV, but it’s not where you know you’ve done the most good. Right here at home, helping my fellow community members, that’s the best.

– Spanky aSSiter

tom ‘Spanky’ aSSiter ii ’79, ’81AWARD-WINNING AUCTIONEERING ROYALTY

Spanky Assiter earned a bachelor’s degree from WTSU in mass communications in 1979. Childhood dreams of being a square-dance caller or an auctioneer went by the wayside

as he joined the workforce at the local Budweiser affiliate. It was there that he was enticed to go back and earn his master’s degree at WT in 1981, but it was an opportunity at a local auction house that altered the course of his life.

Traveling far and wide to study the techniques of different types of auctioneers, Assiter developed his own unique and versatile style and eventually founded his own auctioneering firm of Assiter & Associates. He has auctioned off an

exciting variety of items including the Batmobile and a 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake for $5.5 million. He was even named World Champion Automobile Auctioneer in 2005, but he admits a local estate auction for a community member needing the money is what makes his job worth it.

“Spanky Assiter may be the greatest auctioneer of his generation,” Dr. Neil Terry, dean of the College of Business at WTAMU, said. “Whether it be real estate auction, car auction or benefit auction, Spanky has a stage presence that encourages competitive bidding between buyers resulting in greater profit for his clients.”

buffalum.com 19

After graduating from WTSU in 1974, Debra Summers took a job with Amstar Corporation in her hometown of Dimmitt. She made such an impression that she was

soon transferred to the corporate home office in San Francisco. It was while working at Amstar that she enrolled at the University of San Francisco to attend law school and graduated summa cum laude.

A distinguished career in law followed. Summers became one of the first female partners at the premier Silicon Valley law firm of Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati, where she was fierce practitioner of real estate and later

environmental law. She provided legal counsel to leading technology and growth companies and was a key factor in many decisions regarding environmental laws in California. She also appeared and prevailed before the California Supreme Court.

“For those of us that worked with her, she was a fun, intense, self-effacing role model for a generation of women. Though she built her career in the multicultural, sophisticated business climate of Northern California, she never lost her small-town Dimmitt, Texas, outlook or accent,” said fellow attorney Marcia Kemp Sterling.

ALL OF MY PRIMARY CLASSWORKin economics I received at WT, which gave me a wonderful grounding for the business career that I eventually engaged in. I got a great economics education that I think was second to none.

– Debra SummerS

Debra SummerS ’74DISTINGUISHED LAWYER • COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER LEADER

THE WEST TEXAN

NOW WHEN I’M WORKING,I’m in New York or Los Angeles, sometimes Chicago or Miami or other big cities. My clients often come from prestigious universities, and I’m really proud to tell them I went to West Texas State University. I’m just proud of my University, I’m still a Buffalo.

– alex Fairly

alex Fairly ’85PRESIDENT AND OWNER OF THE FAIRLY GROUP

When Alex Fairly graduated from WTSU in 1985, he immediately began to develop the “out of the box” approach he is so well known for. A career that began

as a database analyst, Fairly worked his way through the ranks until he landed an opportunity at Hilb, Rogal & Hamilton Company (HRH) as an insurance producer. Working for one of the world’s largest publicly-traded insurance and risk management companies, Fairly had found his calling.

As Fairly’s client list began to prosper, he discovered an area that became the most passionate part of his career, representing the sports and entertainment industry. Starting with the Amarillo Rattlers in 1997, Fairly was soon representing the entire Western Professional

Hockey League followed by the East Coast Hockey League.

HRH eventually became Willis Towers Watson and in February of 2016, it became The Fairly Group. Now with superstar clients like Major League Baseball, the National Football League, Viacom and many more, The Fairly Group is the nationally recognized leader in the risk management field.

“When his efforts take him to the largest cities in the United States and he is asked how he could ever develop such a successful insurance and risk management practice in Amarillo, Texas, he is always quick to praise his team and brag about his roots in the area including his education at WTSU,” said friend Barry Odell.

Dr. John Meason graduated from WTSU in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry. He continued his education at the University of Arkansas where he earned a Master of Science

in nuclear chemistry and a Doctor of Philosophy in nuclear chemistry and physics.

His expertise was soon recruited by the United States Army where he was commissioned as a U.S. Army major while serving at White Sands Missile Range. For several decades, Meason led a community of scientists and engineers to ensure U.S. weapon systems remain operational following an enemy detonation of a nuclear weapon. He eventually became the director of the Nuclear Effects Directorate at White Sands, the nation’s only Directorate in the Department of Defense.

After retirement, Meason accepted a position as the director of the Energetic Materials Research

and Testing Center at New Mexico Tech (NMT) and embarked on the second half of his career as an educator. At NMT, Meason expanded his department into areas such as semiconductor testing and research, cyber security research, kinetic-cyber research and training and counter homemade explosives research. He also doubled the university’s annual contract activity from $25 million to $56 million per year.

“When I worked in the Pentagon for the Secretary of Defense, Dr. Meason was recognized as an innovator and entrepreneur at the U.S. Army’s White Sands Missile Range. I regularly cited his work to Navy and U.S. Air Force personnel as someone to emulate. He consistently delivered test services to developers of military equipment destined for all three military services and enabled them to provide quality systems to our men and women in uniform,” said friend and colleague John V. Bolino.

buffalum.com 21

WEST TEXASwas probably one of my greatest experiences, especially in learning. It was a great school, I was probably a very ornery student, but I managed to get through and I learned a lot.

– Dr. John meaSon

Dr. John meaSon ’59NUCLEAR PHYSICIST • PROFESSOR EMERITUS

THE WEST TEXAN

ALONGLOOKBACK

wtamu.edu 23

You had dreams and aspirations in 2005. Now it’s 2017—how does that set of dreams look now?

I’ve been very, very pleased with the direction the University has taken. I’m very pleased with the master’s program in engineering. We started the engineering program when I was here on a very small scale, and I’m pleased to see how it has grown and developed. WT has evolved in a direction that impresses me.

When I came here in 1992, there were two faculty members in the agriculture department. Agriculture was just not very important at the University at the time. I really don’t have a background in agriculture, but I do know how to look through the windshield when I’m driving. I could see what the major business in the Texas Panhandle was. We started building and developing the agriculture program. The first doctoral program at the University was in agriculture. I think a very logical place for us to go now would be a doctorate in education.

Why education?A doctorate in education because the

University provides at least 90 percent of the teachers and administrators in the Texas Panhandle. We have a feeling for the needs and aspirations of the students in this area, and I think we could provide a valuable training

program at that level for those people wanting to become superintendents and principals.

Any other thoughts?I think the University is doing extremely

well, and I have sort of kept track of various things each of you are doing. I’ve been very impressed by the work you put into it and the success you’ve had. Ultimately the success of any institution rests on the backs of the people who work there.

I was very impressed with the faculty when I came here. The faculty has grown and I have seen some really outstanding people added. I think WT has made a decision, either consciously or unconsciously, and I think I am right on this, that we don’t measure faculty worth just in terms of the number of grants received or papers published. I think our emphasis is on relationships with students, and I think that is one of the most important things a faculty can do.

What is your favorite memory of your time at WT?

My most startling memory is the day they came into the office and told me they named a street after me. I had absolutely no idea that anything like that would happen. Then I started thinking about it, and you know, they only name streets after dead people. I wondered if there was a message there.

By Rana McDonald | Photos by Rik Andersen ‘89, ’15

IT WAS AUGUST 2005 at the annual faculty/staff meeting when Dr. Russell Long announced his plans to step down as the University’s ninth president. His emotional statement came just after he shared the University’s Centennial Vision and ended with a standing ovation from a shocked and tearful crowd. Fast forward 12 years and Long was back at WT at the invitation of Dr. Walter Wendler, WT’s 11th president.

“Dr. Long has something that none of us have—experience as president of West Texas A&M University,” Wendler said. “He had a set of dreams and aspirations for the University, and I’ve asked him here to share his thoughts on where the University is in terms of those dreams and aspirations.”

Wendler invited Long to a President’s Cabinet meeting, and the former president shared his thoughts with the group.

I talk to students fairly

regularly and they have incredible stories

to tell about some of the teachers they have here.

I’m very proud of WT and very proud of the contributions I was

able to make.— Dr. Long

“ “

THE WEST TEXAN

Alumna takes a nomadicjourney of self discovery.

buffalum.com 25

This may have been a mistake, I thought to myself. I don’t have anywhere to sleep, I don’t speak Spanish, and I don’t know if it’s safe to hike alone.

Story and courtesy photos by Brittany Castillo ’14Photo by Rik Anderson ‘89, ‘15

espite my hesitation, I picked up my backpack and boarded the plane from Dallas to Paris for three months abroad. It was

Aug. 30, 2016, and I was kick-starting my nomadic journey with a 35-day hike from the Pyrenees Mountains of France to the Atlantic Ocean on the Galician Coast of Spain. And in that 500-mile hike called the Camino de Santiago, I found that no matter where I go by myself, I am never alone.

was originally a religious pilgrimage in the Middle Ages. It was recognized as a difficult undertaking and court ordered penance for sinners, but over the next 1,000 years, the strenuous Camino attracted hikers looking for a physical challenge. Eventually, it also attracted those looking for a mental challenge by temporarily abandoning modern luxuries like

hot showers and Wi-Fi. For some, there was even a spiritual challenge of faith and perseverance when the former challenges seemed too great. But even with the difficulty of the feat, the Camino community carried a positive energy along the trail fueled by each person’s renewed spirit in the enlightening journey. The group of strangers became family, and they did not let each other give up.

I first heard about this hike in a movie called The Way. With prior interest in Spain, I was ecstatic to learn of such an affordable trip as a recently graduated student. In 2014, I earned a B.A. in communication studies and was involved in the Rogers LEAD WT Program, WT Readership and Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society. I interned in Washington, D.C., at the National Archives and Records Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. House of Representatives. I felt accomplished

THE WEST TEXAN

as a young professional, but I could not shake the feeling I needed to be challenged in a new way. I read books about Europe and created a packing list of only the essentials that I would carry on my back. I followed blogs and reached out to writers willing to share their experiences. The more stories I heard, the less convincing I needed to go experience it myself.

Before making excuses about timing or funds, I bought a one-way ticket to France, three hiking outfits, a toothbrush and a Camino guidebook of recommendations. I shared my plans with friends and family and watched their surprise grow into slight concern. Why did I need to go so far and why alone, they wondered. I couldn’t explain it then, but I knew I would find my answers on the journey.

The Camino de Santiago would be the first third of my trip, followed by backpacking in Italy, Germany, London and Ireland. I had no plans or reservations, only a tentative schedule for the next few months and a small savings to support a solo hiker. My excitement drowned out all hesitation, and I embraced living in the moment. I knew nothing about my days would be a guarantee so to roll with the good and bad because the next day would be completely different. When there was hot water, I celebrated. When I made a new friend, I celebrated. When my body ached, I knew it would get better. I was reveling in a life experience that allowed me to practice positivity and simplicity, and in this rich experience, I learned to live more openly, fearlessly and intentionally.

I woke at 6 a.m. every day, rolled up my sleeping bag, laced my boots and began walking for an average of 20 miles. Most mornings I walked alone to enjoy the quiet darkness, crisp air and open path. I stopped mid-morning in a village café to grab a café con leche and visit with my new European friends on the same trail. Typically, we would continue walking together, conversing for hours about our lives, cultural differences and sometimes even our deepest concerns. We would reach the scheduled stop around 2 p.m., find a hostel for the night and occupy the community kitchen for a Camino family meal accompanied with music and stories. Before bed, we would tend to our blisters, hand wash our clothes and pack up for the next day.

Some days I climbed mountains inclining to 4,500 feet above sea level and other days the temperatures reached triple digits. My feet throbbed, my shoulders ached, and I would lose sight of the excitement I once felt. I wondered why I committed to such an unrewarding trek and daydream of being home. I could have seen Spain by plane, train or car and rolled a suitcase into air-conditioned hotels for soundless sleep, but there was something appealing about living simply and walking my shoes flat across the country. Like hundreds of thousands of people every year, I had a desire to overcome challenges. Sharing that appeal with every hiker on the Camino made it easy to offer and accept support. Whenever I ever entertained the idea of surrendering and hopping on a bus,

a friend interrupted my self-doubt with an invitation to hike together. Reluctantly, I would stand up and we would walk it off.

During my trip, I walked across Spain, threw a penny in the Trevi Fountain and marveled at the Colosseum. I peered up at the Eiffel Tower, dined in an Irish Castle and cheered on the Champions League winning FC Barcelona Football Team. I cooked ravioli in Florence, applauded the Les Misérables cast in London and climbed to the top of the Cologne Cathedral. But of all these places, the most beautiful sight was the love among people from all over the world. People differed in language, origin, customs, but we all connected over a curiosity to explore someplace new and appreciated the opportunity to do it together.

The places I saw and excursions I made only came to life when shared with friends in moments that could never be repeated. I was completely moved by my trip to Europe and adopted a fearless outlook on life, openness to new experiences and an intentional approach to relationships. I learned how to let love support my walk over mountains, under the scorching sun, and through life. I know now that wherever I go next, seeing the good in people is what makes theview unforgettable.

“ ut of all these places, the most beautiful sight was the love among people from all over the world. People differed in language, origin, customs, but we all connected over a

curiosity to explore someplace new and appreciated the opportunity to do it together.”

THE WEST TEXANTHE WEST TEXAN 27buffalum.com

The Buffs Give Back initiative kicked off in 2016 to give WT alumni an opportunity to be more involved with the community, the University and with each other. Since then, Buffs Give Back has partnered with Habitat

for Humanity, the Eveline Rivers Christmas Project and the United

Way Day of Caring. More community partnerships are in the works so watch for

more information on how to give back and make a difference with fellow Buffs.

THE WEST TEXANTHE WEST TEXAN

Nail Named SOM Distinguished AlumniCharles Nail ’63, ’74, is the 2017 recipient of the School of Music’s Distinguished Alumni Award presented at WT’s annual Showcase of Music March 3. He is a retired band and orchestra director at Permian High School in Odessa with a long list of honors and accomplishments under his belt.

Nail received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at what was then West Texas State University. He then spent five years serving in the United States Army with assignments in Germany and South Viet Nam. He was released from duty in 1968 and began his career as a band and orchestra teacher. Nail retired in 2004 after a long tenure with the Odessa Independent School District. Under his direction, the Permian High School band and orchestra earned numerous honors, including the Texas State Marching Band contest winner (band) and selection as the Texas State Honor Band (symphonic band) and Texas State Honor Orchestra (symphony orchestra). Nail holds the honor as the only Texas band and orchestra director to have groups selected as winners in all three areas of statewide competition.

He has been an active member in various organizations throughout his career and was chosen as a member of the prestigious American Bandmasters Association. In 2007, Nail was named to the Texas Bandmasters Hall of Fame and chosen Texas Bandmaster of the Year in 2008.

The retired Nail currently serves as administrator of all University Interscholastic League music activities for Region 6, which includes schools from Abilene, San Angelo, Odessa, Midland, west to Presidio and north to Lamesa.

WT alumnus to Climb Mount Fuji for cancer researchJohn DeBaun ’68, plans to climb Mount Fuji this summer to raise money for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF). He will join a team of others from the MMRF, some of whom are fighting multiple myeloma (a form of bone marrow cancer), in hiking to the top of the 12,389-foot mountain.

DeBaun, a retired writer and editor, served as editor of Le Mirage and editor of The Prairie while at WT. He lives in Brookfield, Wis., and is married to the former Gayle Wamser of Emporia, Kan. His career in journalism included work at the Amarillo Globe-News, Wichita Eagle, Kansas City Star and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. At the Kansas Star, he was part of the team that won a 1982 Pulitzer Prize.

He decided to take the “Fuji Challenge” in honor of his brother, Bob, who died in December 2010 after a long struggle with multiple myeloma.

DeBaun, who served two years in the Navy in Japan, has returned to Japan several times. He did graduate work in East Asian studies at the University of Kansas and has an M.A. in modern Japanese culture from the University of Wisconsin.

More information about the climb is available at his MMRF web page: https://endurance.themmrf.org/2017Fuji/climbforBob.

Judith Parsons ’63, received an honorary doctorate and delivered the address at Sul Ross State University’s spring commencement exercise May 12 in Alpine. She joined the faculty at Sul Ross in 1965 and retired in 2015 after 50 years of service. She is currently working on a research project on Sul Ross’ longest-serving president, H.W. Morelock.

Mila Gibson ’66, ’69, has been reappointed to the Texas Commission on the Arts by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. Her term runs through Aug. 31, 2021. Gibson is founder and former director of the Amarillo Opera and a retired music professor at Amarillo College. She now lives in Sweetwater, where she produces and directs the APPLAUSE Music Series as well as visual art shows and other arts events.

Helen Piehl ’77, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Education degree during WT’s spring commencement exercises in May. The degree recognizes Piehl’s significant contributions to public and higher education, which have enhanced the quality of life in the Texas Panhandle.

Steve Lewis ’77, is the recipient of the 2017 Outstanding Alumni Award from the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University. He also was named the 2017 Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA) Food Animal Practitioner of the Year. He is manager and senior partner at the Hereford Veterinary Clinic, a large animal practice he established in 1982 in Hereford. The TVMA award is given to the veterinarian who has displayed outstanding professional performance as a food animal practitioner in the past year, as nominated by TVMA members and selected by the TVMA awards committee.

class notesWHERE THE BUFFALO ROAM

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buffalum.com 29

Deb Parker ’79, ’84, is the news assignments editor for ABC 7 in Amarillo. As a student, Parker worked for The Prairie and was a charter member of WT’s chapter of Sigma Delta Chi.

Marwan Aridi ’80, is the author of a newly released book, Tribute to the Art of Islamic Ornaments. It’s a book about a book in which Aridi, an artist, shares his love of calligraphy and design on each of the 114 Surahs of the Quran. He is well known for his calligraphy designs, and his work can be found in everything from books to commissioned pieces.

Dr. Eddy Sauer ’83, took 78 percent of the vote to win the Amarillo City Council, Place 3 post, following the city’s May 6 election.

Fouad Fakhouri ’94, began his duties June 1 as the new director and conductor of the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra. Fakhouri was named to the position in March after an 18-month international search. He will open the 70th season of the orchestra on Oct. 14.

Michael Calahan ’05, has been promoted to director of accounting at BSA Health System in Amarillo. He joined BSA in 2013.

Tucker Lee ’08, is the new vice president of commercial lending at Happy State Bank. His duties will include developing and growing a portfolio of small business and real estate loans in Amarillo.

Omar Morales ’09, ’10, is the new assistant coach for the Houston Dash, a professional women’s soccer team based in Houston. He joins the Dash after three seasons as coach with the Eastern New Mexico University women’s soccer team.

Christopher J. Morris ’10, ’14, is the new vice president of commercial lending at Happy State Bank. He brings more than 14 years of experience to the position.

Joshua Kirkland ’11, is the new athletic coordinator and head football coach for Lehman High School Lobos in Kyle, part of the Hays Consolidated Independent School District in Hays County, Texas. He was selected from a pool of more than 70 applicants. He joins Lehman High after serving as athletic coordinator and coach at El Paso Parkland.

Courtney Curtis ’14, is the morning social media anchor for WTSP 10 News for the Tampa Bay, Sarasota, Fla., area. Before joining the Florida station, Curtis was a morning show co-host in Traverse City, Mich.

Jeseka Halpain ’16, has joined the team at KFDA NewsChannel 10 in Amarillo as a producer.

Kaitlin Johnson ’16, is a digital content producer for NewsChannel 10 in Amarillo. She earned experience at the station in 2012 as an intern and joined the team in 2016 as an assistant producer.

’79’80

’83’94

’05’08’09

’10’11

’14’16’16

SAVE THE DATE:

OCT. 24 Be a part of Amarillo history and help re-create the

original Devil’s Kitchen photo to show your support

of higher education in the Texas Panhandle with

the endowment of the WTAMU Amarillo Center.

To learn more and be a part of the photo please call 806.651.2070.

NONPROFITORGANIZATION

U.S. PostagePAID

Amarillo, TexasPermit 247

WTAMU BOX 60753 • CANYON, TEXAS 79016-0001

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

806-651-2311 • ALUMNI@WTAMU.EDU

BUFFALUM.COM

TAILGATE TIME

There’s no better way to get ready for Buff football than tailgating at Kimbrough Memorial Stadium. Join us before each home game

at the alumni tailgate area for food, friends and fun.

We’ll see you there.

Azusa Pacific6 p.m. | 09.02.17

Colorado State - Pueblo6 p.m. | 09.09.17

UT Permian Basin3 p.m. | 09.16.17

ANNUAL WAGON WHEEL GAMEEastern New Mexico

6 p.m. | 09.30.17

HOMECOMINGAdams State

5 p.m. | 10.14.17

LONE STARTexas A&M - Commerce

6 p.m. | 10.28.17

LONE STARWestern New Mexico

1 p.m. | 11.11.17

For more tailgate information, visit buffalum.com.

For a complete schedule of athletic events, visit gobuffsgo.com.