A FOUNDATION FOR

FUTURE GROWTHPat and Karen O’Brien

mark a decade of growth and change at WTAMU

WEST TEXANA PUBLICATION OF THE WEST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION • SUMMER 2016

THE

Story on page 11

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DISTINGUISHED AND DYNAMIC

•MichaelMerriman’77•MilaGibson’66,’69

•MikeMauldin’78•BradleyGarner’78,’79

WTAMU honors its 2016 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients.

buffalum.com 1

DearBufffamily,

Inthenot-too-distant

futureyouwillheara

lotaboutwelcoming

anewWTpresident

andpreparations

tointroducehimor

hertoouralumni

aroundthecountry.

We’reexcitedabout

thefutureand

hopeyou’llbeapartofawelcomeeventinyour

community.Staytuned—therewillbealotgoingon

inthecomingyear.

Thatbeingsaid,IinviteyoutoreadalongasIshare

apersonalnotetoDr.O’Brien.Besuretoturnthe

pagestoreadmoreabouthowheandKarenhave

lefttheirmarkonWT.

Dear Dr. O’Brien,

Your decade of leadership at WT is truly appreciated.

We will miss your trademark “Go Buffs” and

Karen’s contagious laugh. Your strategic planning

showed you were always thinking of our current

and future students, our dedicated alumni, and you

were ever-mindful of our promising future. Your

presence at athletic events, fine arts programs and

other University activities did not go unnoticed—

our students know you truly care about them and

their success. Your support has enabled the Alumni

Association to grow and for your generous and

dedicated support, we thank you. We are stronger

because of your leadership at WT.

May God bless you in your retirement—

and GO BUFFS.

BeckyStogner

ExecutiveDirector

WTAlumniAssociation

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION2016 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 two 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/buffalumlinkedIn: WT Alumni Association

Executive EditorBecky Stogner

EditorRana McDonald

PublisherAnn Underwood ’99

WritersRana McDonald Darcy Lively ’99 Photography Rik Andersen ’89 Darcy Lively ’99

Art DirectorCatherine McGovern

ProductionKaren Edwards

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

BECKYSTOGNER DIRECTOR FOR ALUMNI RELATIONS AND UNIVERSITY ENGAGEMENT

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

AMBERBUSTOS’11,’15 COORDINATOR FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

LISAINSALL’93,’01 ALUMNI RELATIONS COORDINATOR

Alumni from near and far gather for the 53rd annual Phoenix Banquet.

YOUDOWHAT?

CONTENTSTHE WEST TEXAN • SUMMER 2016

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

The West Texan’s column featuring alumni with unusual jobs

Students vote to bring football back to the WT campus.

AFOUNDATIONFORFUTUREGROWTH

Pat and Karen O’Brien retire after 10 years of service.

16

UPANDRUNNING

Coach Darren Flowers is setting a pace for success with WT’s track and field program.

20

10 PHOENIXBANQUET

2 4 BRINGINGBACKBUFFALOSTADIUM

FACULTYANDSTAFFACCOMPLISHMENTS

6

WTAMU alumni have been busy winning awards and getting promoted.

26 WHEREBUFFALOROAM

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

PresidentPresident Elect

Secretary

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

24 SPRING2016ATHLETICACCOMPLISHMENTS

The spring season proves successful for Buff and Lady Buff sports.

WT honors its 2016 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients.

11 DISTINGUISHEDANDDYNAMIC

wtamu.edu 3

faculty and staff accomplishmentsWEST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

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

ThespringsemesteratWTsawseveralfacultyandstaffmembersretireaftermanyyearsofservicetotheUniversity.Kay Hagar’79,’94,retiredattheendofMarchafter41yearswithWTinpositionsrangingfromdirectorofresidentiallivingtoassistantvicepresidentofstudentlifeandstudentjudicialaffairs.Dr. Douglas Bingham,associatedeanoftheCollegeofAgricultureandNaturalSciencesandprofessorofbiology,andDr. Roy Thoman,professorofpoliticalscience,bothretiredafterthespringsemester.Binghamjoinedthefacultyin1970andhad46yearsofservice.ThomancametoWTin1968andretiredwith48yearsofservice.OtherretireesincludeLynda Robinson,David Horsley,Shirley PlainandCherel Park.

ThespringsemesterclosedwiththepresentationoftheannualFacultyExcellenceAwards.ThethreefacultymembersrecognizedfortheiroutstandingcontributionstohighereducationwereDr. Tim Bowman,assistantprofessorofhistory,IntellectualContributions;Dr. Tanner Robertson’02,assistantprofessorofagriculturalmediaandcommunication,InstructionalExcellence;andDr. Anne Macy,EdwardsProfessorofFinance,ProfessionalService.

Crystal Bertrand’92,’94,instructorofdance,spentNewYear’sDayinPasadena,Calif.,aschoreographerofablankettossfortheopeningnumberofthe127thTournamentofRosesParade.ShehaschoreographedthefamoustossfortheoutdoormusicalTEXASformorethan20years.

Dr. Timothy Bowman,assistantprofessorofhistory,istheauthorofBlood Oranges: Agriculture and Colonialism in the South Texas Borderlands,publishedthisspringbyTexasA&MUniversityPress.ThebooktracestheoriginsandlegacyofdifferencesbetweenAnglo-AmericansandethnicMexicans(MexicannationalsandMexicanAmericans)in20thcenturySouthTexas.

Dr. Bruce Brasington,professorofhistory,alsopublishedabookthisspring,Order in the Court, Medieval Procedural Treatises in Translation.ThebookisintheseriesMedieval Law in Practice,publishedbyBrill.Brasingtontranslatesandcommentsupontheearliestmedieval,Latintreatisesonecclesiasticallegalprocedure.

Carol LoveladywasnamedinterimdirectorofthePanhandle-PlainsHistoricalMuseumandbeganhernewdutiesonMay16.SheisfillingthepositionvacatedbyGuy“Cliff”Vanderpool,wholeftinlateApriltotake

apositionattheAmonCarterMuseumofAmericanArtinFortWorth.Lovelady,alongtimesupporterofthemuseum,hasservedtwotermsonthemuseum’sboardofdirectorsandcurrentlyservesonthemuseum’sLong-TermStrategicPlanningCommittee.

Dr. Elsa Diego-Medrano,assistantprofessorofeducation,isoneof10facultymembersinTheTexasA&MUniversitySystemnamedasa2016recipientoftheChancellor’sAcademyofTeacherEducators.TheAcademyrecognizesindividualswhohavemadesignificantcontributionstothefieldofteachereducationandhighlightstheroleoftheA&MSysteminproducingK-12teachersforthestateofTexas.ShewasrecognizedinMarchduringtheannualmeetingoftheChancellor’sCenturyCouncilinAustin.

Dr. Vaughn C. Nelson,professoremeritusofphysics,andKenneth Starcher’80,’95,instructorofengineeringandcomputerscience,aretheco-authorsofThe Introduction to Renewable Energy, Second Edition.Thebookhasthesamemultidisciplinaryapproachtoexploringwaystogeneratemoresustainableenergyasthefirsteditionbutprovidesupdatedinformationoneverythingfrombioenergytoclimatechange.

Dr. William J. “Jim” Rogers’74,’76,professorofenvironmentalscience,isoneof12facultymembersinTheTexasA&MUniversitySystemnamedasaRegentsProfessorfor2014-2015.TheTexasA&MUniversitySystemBoardofRegentsdesignatedRogersand11otherfacultymembersasRegentsProfessorsandeightagencyservice,extensionorresearchprofessionalsasRegentsFellows.Theprogramwasestablishedin1996torecognizeemployeeswhohavemadeexemplarycontributionstotheiruniversityoragencyandtothepeopleofTexas.HewasrecognizedataspecialreceptionanddinnerinFebruaryatTexasA&MUniversityinCollegeStation.

Dr. Laurie SharpisthenewDr.JohnG.O’BrienDistinguishedChairinEducation.Thechairwasestablishedin2008bymembersoftheJohnG.O’Brienfamily,theAmarilloAreaFoundationandtheDonandSybilB.HarringtonFoundationtohonorO’BrienandhisdedicationtopublicschooleducationintheTexasPanhandle.SharpcomestoWTfromTarletonStateUniversity,wheresheservedasaninstructorandassistantprofessorintheDepartmentofCurriculumandInstruction.

Lorna Strong,headoftheDepartmentofSportsandExerciseSciences,wasinductedintotheSouthwestAthleticTrainers’Association(SWATA)2016HallofFameduringtheorganization’sannualmeetingJuly21-23inArlington.SheisalongtimeactivememberofSWATAandhasservedatthelocal,state,districtandnationallevels.

Trang Nguyen, a junior international business major at WT, is taking a big step toward her goal of being a professional entrepreneur as she traveled to Japan this spring as the recipient of a prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. Nguyen is one of approximately 800 American undergraduate students from 355 colleges and universities across the United States selected to receive the award. She is studying at Nagasaki Foreign Language University through Aug. 6.

DESTINATION: JAPANWT’s Geoffrey Kipchumba was named the 2015 Lone Star Conference Cross Country Runner of the Year. Kipchumba, a sophomore from Kapsabet, Kenya, became the first All-American in WT men’s cross country history with his 20th place finish at the NCAA Division II Championships while leading the team to an 18th-place finish. He covered the 10,000-meter course with a personal-best time of 30:12.6. He is the second Buff to win the award and the first since Dylan Doss in 2013.

RUNNING FOR THE WIN

Five students at WT coordinated an intensive month-long campaign this spring titled “Connecting with Heroes” aimed at increasing understanding and assistance for more than 2,000 student veterans and their families in the Texas Panhandle. The campaign was a part of the 2016 Public Relations Students Society of America competition.

COORDINATED EFFORT FOR PANHANDLE HEROES

THE WEST TEXAN

The Alumni Association hosted its second “Grad’s Guide to Life: Things to Know Before You Go” in April to help near graduates navigate the real world. Six alumni speakers volunteered their expertise on topics ranging from buying a home and business etiquette to insurance and community involvement. The daylong event also included professional head shots and door prizes, and closed out with a cocktail hour for students, alumni and staff. Anyone interested in helping with next year’s event can contact Amber Bustos at abustos@wtamu.edu.

GRAD’S GUIDE TO LIFE

buffalum.com 5

A seven-member trumpet ensemble, under the direction of Dr. William Takacs, was selected to compete in the semifinal round of the 2016 National Trumpet Competition in March at Columbus State University in Columbus, Ga. Ensemble members include graduate students Payne Conner of Midland, Jacob Schott of Centennial, Colo., senior Blain Doggett of Midland, sophomores Jennifer Francis of Canyon and Jacob Sexton of Pampa and freshmen Aaron Herbert of Austin and Aaron Olson of McAllen.

PERFORMING ON THE NATIONAL STAGE The WT National Student Advertising Competition team,

Buffalo Advertising, won second place in the nation in June at the American Advertising Federation’s ADMERICA national conference in Anaheim, Calif. Plus, Amanda Koontz, a senior advertising/public relations major from Canyon, received the AAF District 7 Bolton-MacVicar Best Presenter Award. The WT team created a written campaign proposal and 20-minute presentation for this year’s corporate sponsor, Snapple, to take the second-place berth. It was a history-making win for the team and the University.

Dr. J. Patrick O’Brien, University president, honored the WT Symphonic Band and the WT Chorale as recipients of the 2016 Presidential Order of the Silver Buffalo Award in April. Both groups were selected from blind auditions to perform at the annual conference of the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) in February. The band, under the direction of Don Lefevre, marked its 14th appearance at TMEA—a number unrivaled by any other university band to date. The WT Chorale, under the direction of Sean Pullen made its first TMEA appearance in more than 30 years. The group is one of only two university choirs selected to perform at the event.

SECOND IN THE NATION SILVER BUFFALO AWARDS

By Rana McDonald | Photography by Rik Andersen

Angela Corpening’06,’15,hadplannedonbeingastockbrokerbutafterwatchingadocumentaryonenightshepromptlyditchedthatplanforatotallydifferentroute.Andshe’sbeenservingupbeer,

burgersandlivemusiceversince.Beingastockbrokerseemedlikeanaturalpathfor

Corpening.Sheearnedabachelor’sdegreeinfinanceandaccountingatWTaswellasaM.B.A.,butachanceviewingofthatfilmopenedhereyestoexploringnewpossibilities.

“OnenightIwatchedadocumentaryonoctogenarians,andeveryoneofthepeoplebeinginterviewedstatedthattheironeregretwasnottakingenoughchances.Ididn’twantthatsameregret.”

Atthetime,Corpeningwasworkingonherbachelor’sdegreewhilewaitingtablesattheGoldenLight.ItwasacomfortableandfamiliarplacetotheAmarillonativeassheoftenwentthereasachildwithhergrandfathertoeattherestaurant’stastyburgers.Butsheknewthattherestaurant’sfourthowner,MarcReed,wasthinkingaboutsellingtheGoldenLight,andshehatedthethoughtofsomeonecominginandchangingaplacethatfeltlikehometoher.

“IdecidedtogoaheadandtryandbuytheGoldenLight,”shesaid.“Itwasn’taneasytaskbeing26withnomoneyandnoinvestors.Iwenttoeverybankintownandsoldmybusinessplanandmyself

untilIfinallyfoundonethatwouldtakeachanceonme.”

Yes,forthepast10yearsCorpeninghasbeentheownerandproprietoroftheGoldenLightCaféandCantina.SheisthefifthowneroftheoldestrestaurantinAmarilloandtheoldestcontinuouslyoperatingrestaurantinthesamelocationanywhereonRoute66.TheGoldenLightopenedin1946,andit’sapieceofhistorythatCorpeninghasembracedwhileimprovingfoodqualityandservice,addinganoutdoorpatioand

buildingontheCantina’slegendarymusicvenue.Shemanagesanaverageof17employeeswhileoverseeingeverythingfrommenusandcateringtobookinglocalandout-of-townbands.It’sdefinitelyafull-timejob,andCorpeningisquicktocredithereducationatWT.

“Walkingintoowningarestaurantcanbedauntingbuthavingtheextensivefinancialand

accountingknowledgefrommydegreewasatremendoushelp,”shesaid.“Iamabletosavetonsofmoneybyhavingtheknowledgetodomyownbooksandmostofmyowntaxes.Butaboveall,havingmydegreesgavemetheconfidenceIneedtobeagoodleaderformyemployeesandhopefullymycommunity.”

TheGoldenLightisnationallyregisteredasahistoricbuilding,andpeoplefromaroundtheworldhavestoppedbyfortherestaurant’stastyfareandits

Route66history.Plus,itsstagehasdrawnmusiciansfromnearandfartomaketheCantinaoneofthebestlive-musicvenuesinAmarillo.PerformersincludeeveryonefromUncleLucius,CrossCanadianRagweedandCooderGrawtoTheGourds,ShinyribsandElevenHundredSprings.AndCorpeninghashostednumerousWTalumnievents,nottomentionvariouscommunityfundraisers.CustomersfromAustraliatoAmarilloaredrawntoitsrelaxedatmosphere,goodfoodandcoldbeer.Corpeningisgratefultobepartofit.

“TheGoldenLightisprettymuchwhatitis,whichiswhatmakesitsospecial,”shesaid.“MygoalistopreserveitsuniquenesswhileprovidingthebestqualityfoodandserviceIcan.”

She’sdefinitelydoingthat—andallwithoutregretsfortakingachance.

what?you do

It’s probably the most asked question at reunions and homecoming events—what do you do? Typical answers run the gamut from teacher to lawyer, but the West Texan staff thought it would be interesting to highlight those professions that are a bit different or unusual. If you have a fun, interesting and different job, let us know at rmcdonald@wtamu.edu.

Walking into owning a restaurant can be daunting but having the extensive financial and accounting knowledge from my degree was a tremendous help. I am able to save tons of money by having the knowledge to do my own books and most of my own taxes. But above all, having my degrees gave me the confidence I need to be a good leader for my employees and hopefully my community.” — Angela Corpening

“ “

THE WEST TEXAN

Alumna Angela Corpening and the Goldenlight Cafe

WT graduate student Joshua Partheepan received a first-place prize in December at the National Conference on Recent Trends in Power Engineering for his poster presentation titled “Hydrogen Gas Turbine Power Plant as Frequency Control Regulator and Dynamic Power Generator for Maintaining Grid Stability and Power Quality.”

POWER POSTER

BRINGING

ACK

UFFALO

STADIUM

wtamu.eduTHE WEST TEXAN 7

By Rana McDonald Rendering/Architecture Credits: SPM Architects

West Texas A&M University’s new stadium is scheduled to open in 2018, and the facility will be more than just a salute to the future of football at WT. It also will stand in honor of the past by bringing the popular sport back to campus and bearing a name that resonates with many former WT football players and students.

nOctober2015,theStudentSenatepassedabillcallingforastudentbodyvoteontheconstructionandfundingofanewfootballstadiumoncampus.WT

studentsweregiventwodaysinlateMarch2016tovoteonlineoratcampuskioskstodecidewhethertheathleticfeeshouldbeincreasedfortheadditionofanon-campusfootballstadiumonthenorthsideofBuffaloSportsPark.Inthevote,787(52.26percent)studentsvotedyestothestadium,while719(47.74)votedno.Studentsalsovotedforanameforthestadium—TheStompingGrounds,ThunderStadiumorBuffaloStadium—andDr.J.PatrickO’Brien,Universitypresident,announcedtheselectionataneventinearlyApril.Thewinningname—BuffaloStadium—wonwith445votes,followedbyThunderStadiumwith360votes.TheStompingGroundsgarnered288votes.

Eventhoughmanyofthestudentsmaynothaverealizedit,thevoteandthenameBuffaloStadiumbringabitofWThistoryandtraditionbacktocampus.ThestadiumpriortoKimbroughMemorialStadiumwasnamedBuffaloStadium,andaccordingtoTommieThornburg’57,theoriginalBuffaloStadiumwaslocatedwheretheSybilB.HarringtonFineArtsComplexnowsits.ItwasbuiltbytheWorksProgressAdministrationandatonetimehadacapacityof7,000.Thornburgsaidthelastgameplayedtherewasin1958.

“That’sgood(thenewname),”Thornburgsaid.“ItstillholdstraditionatWestTexas.”

Constructiononthestadiumisexpectedtobeginin2017,butfirst

I

Shannon Richardson

WestTexasA&Mstudentsvoteyesforanewstadium.(LefttoRight)ReeceMcKillip,DerekVasquez,EdwardAkinyemi,KimberHarrison

THE WEST TEXAN

University officials will begin working with a design team to develop a program of requirements that will outline in detail everything needed for the stadium. Once the program of requirements and general project cost are finalized, the project will go before The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents to move it from an unfunded project to a funded project.

This is a giant step forward for the University and the community — one that will be experienced by generations. I commend the leadership in student government as well as the pride and involvement in WT

that the student body exhibited in casting their votes.”

—MichaelMcBroom,directorofathletics

“

AerialViewfromNortheast,BuffaloStadium

The new facility will be constructed just north of Jarrett Hall, where the current soccer/track field is located. The soccer/track field will be relocated just north of the current practice field. The 12,000-seat stadium will be a horseshoe configuration with the open end at the south end of the field. Concessions and restrooms will be scattered throughout.

The stadium’s main press box will be located on the west side and will offer plenty of space for multiple broadcast teams. The east side entrance will house a spirit shop on game days. Tailgating will take place all across campus, but the most popular area will be the Grand Lawn just east of the stadium. A large video screen on the outside of the stadium will face the Grand Lawn for broadcasts of sporting events just prior to WT games.

“This is a giant step forward for the University and the community—one that will be experienced by generations,” Michael McBroom, director of athletics, said. “I commend the leadership in student government as well as the pride and involvement in WT that the student body exhibited in casting their votes.”

Learn more about the stadium and how to get involved at wtamu.edu/BuffaloStadium.

For more than a century, WT alumni have been dedicated to making the campus, community and

world a better place. It comes from that Buff Pride we all feel for this wonderful institution—a pride

built on memories, friendships, ethics and values. Buff Pride is the common thread that pulls us all

together and strengthens the ties between generations of WT alumni.

Learn more about membership benefitsConnect with Your Local Alumni Chapter • Update Your Information

VISIT BUFFALUM.COM

Strengthen your ties by making a gift to the WT Alumni

Association and help us preserve the WT legacy that is as

proud as the buffalo and as big as West Texas.

BECOME A CONTRIBUTING MEMBER OF THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION TODAY.

THE WEST TEXAN

ourWestTexasA&MUniversityalumni—aninternationallyrecognizedflutist,thefounderofAmarilloOpera,asuccessful

regionalCEOandanaward-winningmusicvideoproduceranddirector—wererecognizedwhentheUniversitypresenteditsprestigiousDistinguishedAlumniAwardsatthe53rdannualPhoenixBanquetinAprilontheWTAMUcampus.

TheannualeventistheUniversity’sopportunitytorecognizeandhonorthebestofWTAMU’salumni.Thefourhonorees—Bradley A.

Garner’78,’79,Mila Gibson’66,’69,Mike Mauldin’78,andMichael Merriman’77—wereselectedforoutstandingcontributionstotheirprofessionsandcommunityfromafieldofmanyothersuccessfulnominees.Thisyear’srecipientshaveachievedexceptionalsuccessineachoftheirrespectiveprofessionssincegraduatingfromWT,provingthatadegreefromWestTexasA&MUniversitymorethanpreparesstudentsforrewardingandsuccessfulcareers.

By Darcy Lively | Photography by Rik AndersenSpecial Design by Slate Group

buffalum.com 11

1) Jack ’06 and Helene ’02, ’08 Hayward

2) Jeannie Seivers, Mark Seivers, Michael Merriman, Jr. ’12

3) Cathleen Tyson and Mila Gibson ’66, ’69

4) Lyndi Williams, Rita Glenn, Alison Glenn ’06, and Shevon Moya ’04

5) Patricia Fischer, Doris Hill ’52, and Nancy Josserand

WT honors its 2016 Distinguished Alumni

Award recipients.

Bradley Garner ’78, ’79

Mila GiBson ’66, ’69

Mike Mauldin ’78

Michael MerriMan ’77

6) Michael Merriman ’77 and Darrell Bledsoe 7) Lilia Escajeda and Jimmie Bender 8) Shona Rose ’09 and Puff Niegos 9) Don Cantrell and Wyley Mauldin ‘63 10) Freda Powell, Yvette Henderson ’98, ’04, and Natalie Cantley 11) Arlene Pool and Marlies Ballengee

109

4 5

11

7 86

1 2 3

Distinguished Alumni Awards and Phoenix Banquet

ilaGibsonearnedtwodegreesfromWTAMU—abachelor’sdegreeinmusicin1966andamaster’s

degreein1969.“IthoughtIwouldgotoWTforasemesterandlearnallthatmymusicteacher,ElsaPorterhadtoteachme,”saidGibson.“Igotmybachelor’sandmaster’sfromher,wentofftootherplacestostudywithveryfamouspeopleandtheynevercameclosetoher.Ineverlearnedallthatladyhadtoteach.”

Musichasalwaysplayedanimportantroleinherlifeandthroughtheyearsshehasworkedwith,andinfluenced,generationsofyoungperformers.GibsontaughtatWTAMUfrom1979to1982beforejoiningthefacultyatAmarilloCollege,whereshetaughtfrom1982-2000.Thetalentedsingerhasearnednumerousawardsandhonorsforherwork,butit’sherdedicationtotheartsthroughoutreachprogramsthathasgarneredpraisefromcommunitiesacrossthePanhandle.GibsonfoundedAmarilloOperain1988andthankstoherefforts,everyonefromadultstoschoolchildrengottheopportunitytoexperiencethejoyandbeautyofopera.Today,theAmarilloOperaservesupto500,000peopleannuallythroughitsperformances,

outreachprogramsandeducationalservices.TheoperacompanyprovidesthePanhandlecommunitieswithplentyoflive,community-basedproductions,too.Itsfirsteffortwas“MadameButterfly”withGibsonasstar,producer,director,costumerandpublicist.Withagrowingrepertoire,AmarilloOperasoonoutgrewitsAmarilloCollegevenueandtodayperformsasaresidentcompanyoftheGlobe-NewsCenterforthePerformingArts.

“Milaisaleaderinherindustry,andthosearethetypeofpeoplethatrepresentourUniversitywell,”JimmyLackey’85,’96,presidentandCEOofKids,Inc.,said.“WhensomeoneputstogethersomethingliketheAmarilloOpera,that’sprettyspecial.It’sgoodforourcommunity,it’sgoodforourregion,it’sgoodforoureconomy,anditcertainlyaddstoourculture.”

AlthoughGibsonhasretiredtoherhometownofSweetwater,herinfluenceandcontributionscontinuetomakeadifferencethroughouttheAmarilloarea.Andherdedicationtotheartscontinues

tobeanimportantpartofherlife.In2011shewasappointedtotheTexasCommissionontheArtsbyGov.RickPerry.

Bradley Garner ,78, ,79

INTERNAT IONAL LY ACCLA IMED F LUT I S T

Mila GiBson ,66, ,69

FOUNDER OF THE AMAR I L LO OPERA

-CATHERINE WINSETT

MILA

AMARILLO OPERA“ I WOULD CONSIDER THE

AND WE OWE THAT TO

TOBE A HUGE SUCCESS,

”

M

THE WEST TEXAN buffalum.com 13

TAMUalumnusBradleyA.Garnerearnedabachelor’sdegreeinmusicin1978andamaster’sdegree

inmusicin1979.HeisthefirstflutisttoreceiveaDoctorofMusicalArtsdegreefromtheJuilliardSchoolandhasbuiltacareerasaworld-renownedmusician,respectedteacher,talentedrecordingartistandskilledclinician.HehasplayedwiththeNewYorkPhilharmonic,theCincinnatiSymphonyandasprincipalflutistwiththeAtlanticSinfonietta,theNewYorkVirtuosi,theVirtuosiQuintetandthe20thCenturyChamberOrchestra.GarneralsoisthefirstAmericanflutisttobeinvitedbytheRussiangovernmenttoperforminMoscow’sTchaikovskyHall.“Evenasaveryyoungstudent,Bradwasanoutstandingfluteplayer”saidDr.TerranceMilligan’68,‘71,UniversityofCincinnatiProfessorEmeritusandGarner’sjuniorhighschoolbanddirector.“Notjustatechnician,butamusician.”Hehasperformedconcerts,solorecitalsandconductedmasterclassesallovertheworld,inspiringaudiencesandstudentswithhismusicalityandeffortless

technique.HeisaYamahaperformingartistandclinicianandalsofindstimetoserveontheflutefacultyatTheUniversityofCincinnatiCollege-ConservatoryofMusic,QueensCollege,NewYorkUniversityandTheJuilliardSchool.Hisstudentshavebeenthebeneficiariesofhistalents,winningpositionsinorchestras,prizesinnationalandinternationalcompetitions,collegeteachingpositionsandmore.“Dr.Garnerisoneoftheeliteartist/teachersoffluteintheworld,andhisrecordofstudentachievementsisremarkable,”RandyC.Gardner,professorofhornanddepartmentchairattheUniversityofCincinnatiCollege-ConservatoryofMusic,said.“HeisapersonofunquestionableintegrityandcaresverydeeplyforthemanywaysthatWestTexasA&MUniversityshapedhispersonaldevelopmentandprofessionalsuccess.BradleyGarnerisanoutstandingstandardbeareraroundtheworldforWT.” “It’sanamazingthingIgettodo,it’sarealgift,”saidGarner.“AndIcouldn’tdoit

withouttheeducationIgotfromWestTexasState.

W

“

-DON LEFEVRE

BRADLEY GARNER,

WT MUSIC DEPARTMENT

TO ME, HAS HAD THE

OF ANYONE THAT I’VE EVER KNOWN TO GO THROUGH THE

MOST BRILLIANT CAREER

”

Mike Mauldin ,78 PRES IDENT AND CEO OF F I RST F INANC IAL BANK , HEREFORD

Michael MerriMan ,77AWARD-WINNING D IRECTOR AND V IDEO PRODUCER

ichaelMerriman,aveterandirectorandproducer,earnedabachelor’sdegreeinCommercial

ArtfromWTAMUin1977.HestartedatanadvertisingagencyinAmarillointhelate1970s,andtodayMerrimanisanaward-winningdirectorwithextensiveexperienceincommercials,musicvideosanddocumentaries.Hehasmorethan200musicvideostohiscreditwithsuchartistsasTravisTritt,TobyKeithandTraceAdkinsanda2002MusicVideooftheYearAwardforBrooksandDunn’s“OnlyinAmerica.”

“MichaelMerrimanhasproducedanddirectednumerousvideosforGaitherMusicandoursistercompanies,”BillGaither,said.“HisprofessionalismandcreativityaretremendousassetsthroughwhichMichaelhashelpeduscreatemeaningful,beautifullyproduced

programmingthatstandsthetestoftime.Heisalwaysflexibleandcoolheaded,trulyajoytoworkwithandanoutstandingforceintheentertainmentindustry.Wearegratefulforeveryopportunitywehavetopartnerwithhim.”

Inadditiontonumerousawardsandnominationsforhisworkinmusicvideos,Merriman’stalentalsohasbeenrecognizedforhisworkinadcampaignsforToyota,Tide,Saturn,NCAAbasketballandmore.HisproducedanddirecteddocumentarieshaveairedonPBSandinclude“HeTouchedMe,TheGospelMusicofElvisPresley,”“KindredSpirits,HonoringtheSongsofJohnnyCash”and“ElvisLives.”

“ThemostimportantthingIlearnedatWTwashowtoseeasanartist,”saidMerriman.“Thatgotmemyfirstjob,andit’sstillwithmetoday.”

ikeMauldinearnedaBachelorofBusinessAdministrationdegreeincomputerinformationsystems

in1978andstartedhiscareersellingcomputersasaterritorymanagerwiththeBurroughsCorp.inAmarillo.Thatjobprovedtobehisconnectiontothebankingindustryandin1979,MauldinjoinedFirstStateBankofTulia.Hisintegritycontributedtohisreputationasafairandhonestbanker,andhelandedinIdalouasthepresidentandCEOofIdalouStateBank.In2002hemovedtoHerefordandcurrentlyservesastheregionalCEOandpresidentoftheHerefordregionofFirstFinancialBank.

“IhavehadtheprivilegeofworkingwithMikeforfiveyearsandhavewitnessedfirsthandhisimpactonourcompany,ourcustomersandourcommunity,”T.LukeLonghofer’04,executivevicepresidentinlending,said.“Heisatremendousleaderofourbank,andheiswellrespectedamonghispeersinthebankingindustry.”

His35yearsinthebankingindustryincludesdistinctiveservicetotheTexasBankersAssociationaschairmanoftheboard,where

hebecameanambassadortothebankingindustryonstateandnationalpoliticsandtheeffectsithasonfinancialinstitutionsandthecustomersserved.He’sparticipatedinfocusgroups,taskforces,committeesandmoretoensurethateverybank,fromthelargesttothesmallest,hasavoice.

MauldinalsoisanadvocateandsupporterofhiscommunityandWTAMU.“Wetrytobeactiveandinvolvedineveryaspectofthecommunity,”saidMauldin.“Ifthereisanythinggoingon,wetrytobeapartofit.”

HehasbeeninstrumentalinbringingnewbusinessestoHerefordinhisroleaschairmanoftheHerefordEconomicDevelopmentCommittee.He’salsoactiveintheUniversity’sannualFORECountyGolfTournament,whereproceedsbenefitstudentscholarshipsatWTAMU.Mauldinoftenvisitsthecampustospeaktostudentsaboutbanking.HehasorganizedseveralpaidinternshipsforWTAMUstudents

seekingcareersinthebankingindustryandwasaguestspeakeratthisyear’sGrad’sGuidetoLife,speakingaboutfinancialresponsibility.

“

FIRST FINANCIAL BANK

MIKE IS A

GREAT FRIEND & GREAT LEADER.

”-JOHNNY TROTTER

AND THE TEXAS PANHANDLE ARE VERY

FORTUNATE TO HAVE HIM HERE

“MICHAELIS SO CREATIVE, I THINK HE’S ONE OF THE

VIDEO PRODUCTIONINTHE

BUSINESS THAT I’VE EVER MET

MOST TALENTED PEOPLE

”-BILL CARTER

M M

THE WEST TEXAN buffalum.com 15

wtamu.edu 17THE WEST TEXAN

For the University to excel and continue to grow, you have to have good strategic planning.

Dr. O’Brien is outstanding at that. It’s one of his greatest strengths.

—Dr.WadeShaffer,provostandvicepresidentforacademicaffairs

President J. Patrick O’Brien leaves a better WT after

10 years of service

By Rana McDonald | Photography by Rik Andersen

thadtohavebeenabitofacultureshockwhenPatandKarenO’BrienmovedtoCanyonandWestTexasA&MUniversityin2006.

PatandKarenO’Brien

Afterall,theUniversity’snewpresidentandhiswifewereaccustomedtothehumid,jazz-infusedcityofNewOrleans,wherebeadsandMardiGrasreigned,andjambalayaandcrawfishwereserved.ButtheO’Briensembracedthecultureoftheirnewdry-as-a-bonetownandfoundawaytomixtheNewOrleansculturewiththebeef-is-what-you-eatPanhandle.MardiGrasbeadsappearedatHomecomingparades,andLouisianachefstraveledtoCanyontoteachcookingclassesonthefineartofCajunandCreolecooking.Butmostimportantly,O’Brienpulledonsomecowboyboots,donnedacowboyhatandgottoworkmakingWTthebestitcouldbe.

Andboy,didO’Brienwork.Hislistofaccomplishmentsoverthepast10yearsisnothingshortofimpressive.Expandedprograms,nationalrecognitionandagrowingstudentenrollmentareonlyafewofthemanythingsO’Brienfocusedonduringhistimehere.ThemostvisibleexampleofO’Brien’sworkisthecampusitself.FromBuffaloSportsParktotheHaywardClockTower,theWTcampusreflectsatruecampusatmosphere.Morethan$150millionincampusconstruction,renovationsandimprovementshavebeencompletedduringO’Brien’stenure,andit’saplacestudentsandalumniareproudtocallhome.

A FOUNDATION for Future Growth

“

“

Thechangeinthecampuslandscapehasbeendrastic,butO’Briendidn’tlimithiseffortstoconstructionprojects.Hewantedevenmorefortheschoolandcommunityhehadcometolove.Itallbecamepartofastrategicplanandcalledfornewacademicprograms,initialandrenewed

accreditations,nationalrecognitionandevenaWTpresenceinAmarillo.

“FortheUniversitytoexcelandcontinuetogrow,youhavetohavegoodstrategicplanning,”Dr.WadeShaffer,provostandvicepresidentforacademicaffairs,said.“Dr.O’Brienisoutstanding

wtamu.edu 19THE WEST TEXAN

First of all, what are your retirement plans after WTAMU?

KarenandIplantotravelalot.OnourbucketlistisarivercruisefromAmsterdamtoBudapest;variousroadtripsacrosstheU.S.;andmultiplecruisedestinations.WeplantovisitfrequentlywithoursonsandgrandchildreninAlaskaandwithmysistersinTennessee,MinnesotaandWashington.WealsoplantospruceupourhouseinNewOrleans,gardenalotinthebackyard,readallthebooksIhavewantedtoreadfordecadesandrelax.InbetweenallthatIwanttocontinuetofastwalkanhourortwoeachday.

What do you consider your biggest challenge while at WTAMU?

WhenIfirstarrivedatWTAMUIfoundmanyindividualsweresatisfiedwiththestatusquo;theywerecomfortablewithWTAMUasitexisted.Thestatusquo,however,wasnotacceptabletome.HighereducationisoneofthemorecompetitiveindustriesintheUnitedStates.Tosurvive,letalonethrive,thecultureoftheinstitutionhastobeonethatembracescontinualimprovementandinnovationinandoutoftheclassroomandembracestheeffectiveutilizationoflearningandadministrativetechnology,whilemaintainingitsstudent-centeredfocusandexcellenceineducationandresearch.Theresistancetochangehadtobeovercome.

What was your most rewarding experience here?

Seeingstudentssucceed.IloveparticipatingincommencementsandseeingthesmilesofourgraduateswhojustfouryearsearlierenteredWTwithgreatanticipationandexcitement.Ilovewitnessingtheexcitementandjoyofourstudent-athletesaftertheyhavejustbeenvictoriousinacompetitiveevent.KarenandIliketomeetwithmusicandtheaterstudentsuponcompletionofafabulousperformance.

What is your greatest accomplishment here?

Ibelievethatduringmytenurewepositionedourselvestobecompetitivewithanyuniversityinthenation.AlthoughsomeprogramswerealreadynationallycompetitivewhenIwasappointedpresidentin2006,weneededtobecomelessprovincial.TheUniversitycommunityneededtocometotherealizationthatwecouldcompetewithanyotherinstitutioninthenationintermsoftherecruitmentofstudents,facultyandstaff;intermsofthelearningenvironmentandeducationweprovide

ourstudents;andintermsofthequalityofourgraduates.Ibelieveovertheyearswehavedevelopedasadestination,first-choiceuniversity.

During your tenure, the entire landscape of the campus changed. Is there anything

else you wish you could have done before retiring?

Sure,IwouldhavelovedtobeatWTwhentheengineeringbuildingistotallyrenovated,whentheagriculturalsciencesiscompleted,anon-campusfootballstadiumisareality;constructionoftheAmarilloCenteriscompleted;26thstreetisdevelopedasapedestrianmall;CAEPaccreditationisachievedforeducation;newdoctoralprogramsareadded;andenrollmentsurpasses15,000.Butthenwhenthoseprojects/goalsarecompleted,morewouldbeaddedtothelist—newresidencehalls,renovationoftheOldEducationbuilding,aHealthSciencesbuilding,anAnimalSciencesbuilding,aPlantSciencesbuilding,etc.Atsomepointyourealizethattheprojectsyouwanttocompleteneverend.ItistimeforKarenandmetoretireandenjoythefruitsofourlabor;andGodwilling,havemany,manyyearstoenjoyourretirement.

Ten years—when you first arrived at WT, did you ever think you would stay this long?

WhenIwasnamedpresidentIwas60yearsoldandplannedtoserveforfiveorsixyears.However,IthenfellinlovewithWT,itsstudents,faculty,staff,alumniandfriends.IfIhadbeenappointedpresidentatage40,Iwouldhavelikedtohaveserved30ormoreyears.

What do you hope your legacy at WT will be?

WhenIacceptedthepositionofpresidentatWT,IwasaskedwhatIwantedtoaccomplish.MyresponsewasIwantedtoleaveWTbetteroffthanwhenIwasappointed.IhopeIamrememberedforhelpingtheuniversitybeperceivedlessasaregionaluniversitybutratheranationaluniversity.IhopeIamrememberedforhelpinglaydownasolidfoundationforfuturegrowthoftheuniversity.And,IhopeIamrememberedforbeingstudent-centered.

Any tidbits, fun memories or stories about WT you want to share?

IammostthankfultoWTAMUforaffordingmetheopportunitytoperformtheHarlemShakeandtheWhip/NaeNaeinpublicinfrontofalotofpeople.ProofisonYouTube!

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ookaroundthisplace.Lookatthepast10years,andIcantalkasanalumnusofthisUniversity,andI

cantalkasaveryproudfacultymemberofthisUniversity,”Dr.De’ArnoDe’Armond’98,’01,

EdwardsProfessorofFinancialPlanning,said.“Justtakeawalkoncampusandlookathowamazingthisplaceis.”

“

atthat.It’soneofhisgreateststrengths.”StrategicplanningisdefinitelyoneofO’Brien’s

strongsuitsasgoalaftergoalbecamereality.Enrollmenthitanall-timehighwithalmost9,500studentsinthefallof2015.WTnotonlyhasapresenceinAmarillo,butwillsoonhaveitsownstand-alonefacility.Newacademicprogramshavebeenadded,andinitialaccreditationshavebeenachievedinbusiness,communication,computerinformationsystems,engineering,theatreandthegraduateprograminsocialwork.Thelistgoesonandon.

“He’dstartcheckingthingsoff—wedidthat,wedidthat,wedidthat,”MichaelMcBroom,directorofathletics,said.“AndIstress‘we’becauseitwasn’tjustoneperson.He’lltellyouthat.Itwasagroupofpeople—alotofpeople—thatboughtintothevisionthatWestTexasA&MUniversitycouldbeagreatplace.”

O’Brien’sleadershipoverthepast10yearshasdefinitelymadeWTabetterplaceforstudents,alumni,friendsandsupporters.HistenurerepresentsoneofthemostsuccessfuldecadesinthehistoryoftheUniversity,andhisretirementiswelldeservedafteryearsofhardwork.

Enrollment has grown from 7,412 in 2006 to 9,489 in 2015, marking the highest enrollment in WTAMU history.

Established a presence in Amarillo with the WTAMU Amarillo Center in 2008 with renovations currently under way for a stand-alone facility scheduled for completion in 2017.

New academic programs have been added —agricultural media and communication, civil and environmental engineering, public service administration and school psychology. Graduate programs in education and social work also have been added.

The College of Nursing and Health Sciences was established in 2006, followed by the WTAMU School of Music and the School of Engineering and Computer Science in 2012.

The Center for Learning Disabilities was created in 2013. A Teaching Excellence Center was established in 2009.

In 2015 the College of Agriculture, Science and Engineering was reorganized as two separate units: the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences and the School of Engineering, Computer Science and Mathematics.

Since 2012, WTAMU has been ranked in the first tier of U.S. News and World Report Master Level Universities and Colleges in the West, and ranked by The Princeton Review as one of the Best Colleges in the West. WTAMU’s on-line graduate programs in business, nursing and education have been highly placed in the U.S. News and World Report ranking of Online Graduate Programs. In addition WTAMU is consistently recognized by G.I. Jobs magazine and is designated as a Purple Heart University. WTAMU also was named by the Daily Beast as the 21st most beautiful university in the United States.

Presidential AccomplishmentsInitial accreditation was achieved in business, communications, computer information systems, engineering, theatre and the graduate program in social work.

Buff Promise was introduced in 2008 to provide financial aid to low-income students.

The four-year graduate rate increased as the O’Brien administration established programs to assist at-risk students.

University and Panhandle communities benefited from the Distinguished Lecture Series, Remnant Trust and Guest Artist Series.

Completion of construction projects totaling more than $150 million—Buff, Centennial and Founders Halls, Buffalo Sports Park, Stanley Schaeffer Agriculture Learning Laboratory, the Bain Athletic Center, Charles K. and Barbara Kerr Vaughan Pedestrian Mall, Victory Circle, the UL Advanced Wind Turbine Research Facility and the Hayward Spirit Clock Tower. Plus, a number of renovations have updated facilities and improved technology. Renovations include Mary Moody Northen Hall, the Jack B. Kelley Student Center, the Classroom Center, Agricultural and Sciences Building, Virgil Henson Activities Center and turning the old Science Building into the School of Engineering and Computer Science.

A partnership between WTAMU and the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

Successful completion of WTAMU’s Share Your Pride comprehensive capital campaign in 2014, surpassing its original goal to raise more than $50,000,000 for program enhancement, scholarships and capital projects.

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Q&A As he prepares to close out his term as the University’s 10th president, O’Brien took some time to share some thoughts on his time at WT.with President O’Brien

THE WEST TEXAN

Coach DarrEn Flowers is setting a pace for success

with WT’s track and field program.

Darren Flowers ‘09Head Track and Field Coach

By Darcy Lively | Photography by Rik Andersen

wtamu.edu 21

UP ANDRUNNING

buffalum.com 23THE WEST TEXAN

Startingfromscratchisnevereasy.”AfactthatbecameabundantlycleartoDarrenFlowersin2008.AfterlookingacrossOklahomaandTexasfortherightcoachingposition,Flowerswas

extendedagraduateassistantopportunityatWestTexasA&MUniversity.Hisnewfoundmission—torestarttheWTAMUtrackandfieldteamthathadbeendiscontinuedinthemid-80s.

“ThewayIsawit,itwasagreatopportunitytobuildsomethingfromthegroundup,thewayIwantedtodoit,”saysFlowers,’09.

TrackandfieldhadbeenabsentfromWTformorethan20years.TheUniversitydidn’tevenhavefacilitiesatthetime,muchlessanytime-honoredtradition.

“Recruitmentwastricky.Tryingtotalkstudentsintobelievinginmeandconvincingthemwewouldbesuccessfulwastough.Itforcedmetobeaprettygoodsalesperson,”saidFlowers.“Luckilywehadalotofgreatlocalstudentsthatcameinandboughtintotheprogram,andbroughtalotofcommunitysupportforusaswell.GettingthecommunityexcitedabouttrackandfieldatWTwasaveryimportantstep.”

Thirty-onestudentscommittedtojoiningtheWTtrackandfieldteamthatfirstyear,andtheyquicklywenttowork.“Thatgroupreallysetthetoneforwhatwe’redoingnow.”

Fromsprintstodistance,fieldeventstocross-country,Flowerswasaone-mancoachingshowinthebeginning.“InthefirstyearIwastheonlycoachfor20-plusevents,itwastough.”

Hisfirstthreeyearsatthehelm,Flowershadaveryyoungteamthatwasjustlearningtheropes.“Iwouldn’tsaywewereverygood,weweredecent.”Butitwasduringthatthirdseasonthatsomethingsbegantoclick,andWTbegantogainsomenotorietyintheLoneStarConferencetrackandfieldworld.“FortunatelywehadafewathletesthosefirstthreeyearsthatcommittedtoWTandreallyputusonthemap.Theyreallyhelpedpropelustoanewlevel.”

Oncetheathletesstartedtoexcel,Flowerssaysthingsreallybegantofallintoplace.“Wefinallymadeabreakthroughwhenthatfirstclassbecameseniors.

Wewontheindoormen’sandwomen’stitleintheLoneStarConference,andthenwestartedbreakingintothetop20atthenationalmeet,wehadAll-Americansinseveraleventsandwereallystartedgettingnoticedatanationallevel.”

AnotherthingstartedtohappenwhenBufftrackandfieldbegantowin.MorelocalcommunitymembersandWTtrackandfieldalumnistartedtoreachouttoFlowers.“I’veheardfromavarietyofalumnithathavesaidtheyareproudofwhatwearedoingandexpressinterestinreconnectingwiththeprogram.Thatbringsusevenmorehistoryandtraditiontobuildupon.”Flowerssayshelovestoseealumniwhentheycomeouttothemeets.“We’vehadalotofalumnisupport.Theycomeouttoourtrackmeetsandyellforus,theyvolunteer,someareevenofficials.”

WiththeperformancesthattheBuffandLadyBufftrackteamshavebeenputtingoutthepastfewyears,Flowers’athletesarebuildingplentyoftraditionoftheirown.“Nowwe’vewonthreeconsecutiveconferencetitlesonthewomen’ssideindoorsandthreeconsecutivecrosscountrytitlesonthemen’sside.Wejustkeepgettingbettereveryyearandthat’sarealtributetothebeliefthatwasputinusasaprogramearlyon.”

HeadmitsthatsometimesrunningtrackintheTexasPanhandleisn’tveryeasy,butFlowerssayshelikesthat.“Theclimatemakesourareaatoughplacetolivesometimes,andit’snotalwaysconducivetotrackandfield,butithelpstocreateasenseofhardworkandhumilitythatI’mallabout,andIpreachittomystudentsallthetime.”

Ofalloftheplaceshecouldhavelanded,Flowerssayshecouldn’tbehappieritwasWT.“Evenstudentsthataren’tfromherecomeinandtheybuyintoitbecausetheyseethatpeoplehereactuallycareaboutyouhere,you’renotjustanumberorastatistic.Theycareaboutyoursuccess,andIthinkthat’sreallyuniquetoWT.”

“

Now we’ve won three consecutive conference titles on the women’s side indoors and three consecutive cross country titles on the men’s side. We just keep getting better every year and that’s a real tribute to the belief that was put in us as a program early on.” — Darren Flowers

“

2015 Inductees

BradBailey’94Football

TylerCooper’08Basketball

BrandieGreen’01Basketball

Dr.RussellLongformerWTPresident

1994-2005

ThreeLegacyAwardrecipientswererecognizedattheHallofChampionsbanquet.

Thom and Susan HicksandLinda Elliottwerehonoredfortheirlifetimecontributions

tothesuccessandlegacyofWTathletics.

leGacy award 40 years Plus40YearsPlusinducteestoWT’s2015Hallof

ChampionsareHarold Stuart(football)andLanny Phillips(baseball).StuartplayedfortheBuffsfrom1967-1971andwasnameda

MissouriValleyConferenceMostValuablePlayer.PhillipsplayedBuffbaseballandearnedAll-MissouriValleyConferencehonorsbeforetheWTprogramwasdropped.

A MASTER’S DEGREE THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCEApply now, teach by next fall.

Visit wtamu.edu/PACE for more information or call 806.651.2599.

Lady Buff Softball•NCAADivisionIICollegeWorldSeries

participant

•ThirdStraightLoneStarConference

Championship

•NCAADivisionIISouthCentralRegional

Champions

•RankedNo.1inthenationforeightweeks

•SixAll-Americans,sevenAll-Regionselections

•KileeHalbert–D2CCCASouthCentralRegion

PitcheroftheYear

•LoneStarConferencerecord30-gamewinstreak

LADY BUFF Golf•QualifiedforfirstNationalChampionshipround

since2009finishing11thnationally(second

nationalchampionshiproundqualificationin

programhistory)

•GloryJangthongsirinamedWGCAHonorable

MentionAll-America

•WhitleeWoodswonLoneStarConference

IndividualChampionship

Spring 2016 Athletic Accomplishments

Photos by Rik Andersen and Courtesy of WT Athletics

Baseball•WonprogramfirstLoneStarConferenceBaseball

TournamentChampionship

•Qualifiedforthird-straightNCAASouthCentral

Regional

•Went36-20ontheyearand21-14inLoneStar

Conferenceplay

•ThreedifferentBuffsearnedAll-Regionhonors

Track & FieldMen•FinishedeighthattheNCAAChampionships

•DukeKicinski—nationaltitleinthediscusandfirst

WTathletetoachievethathonor

•DanielGyasi—firstWTathletetoearntwoormore

All-Americanhonorsinconsecutivechampionship

meet

WOMen•FinishedfourthattheNCAAChampionships

•ReachedashighasNo.3inUSTFCCCArankings

•RellieKaputin—firstLadyBufftoearn

threeAll-Americanhonorsatthesame

championshipmeet

THE WEST TEXAN

The spring season proved successful for Buff and Lady Buff sports.

7:30 p.m., Sept. 29-Oct. 1, and Oct. 5-8, 2:30 p.m., Oct. 2

A KCACTF Participating ProductionHappy State Bank Studio Theatre

7:30 p.m., Feb. 9-11 and 15-18 2:30 p.m., Feb. 12

Branding Iron Theatre andHappy State Bank Studio Theatre

7:30 p.m., April 20-22 and 26-292:30 p.m., April 23

Branding Iron Theatre

7:30 p.m., Nov. 10-12 and 16-19 2:30 p.m., Nov. 13

A KCACTF Associate ProductionHappy State Bank Studio Theatre

For more information, please visit wtamu.edu/theatre or email theaterboxoffice@wtamu.edu

buffalum.com 27THE WEST TEXAN

Stan“TheLariat”HansonisamemberoftheWWEHallofFameClassof2016.ThewrestlerhailsfromBorgerandplayedfootballasamemberoftheWestTexasStateBuffaloes.Hemadehiswrestlingdebutin1976withtheWorldWideWrestingFederationandfrom1990-91,hemadeseveralappearancesforWorldChampionshipWrestling.AfterseveralyearswiththeAllJapanProWrestling(AJPW),Hansonretiredin2001.

MilaGibson’66,’69,washonoredin2012withagifttotheUniversitytoendowascholarshipinhername.Today,afterthreeyearsoffundraising,theMilaGibsonEndowedVoiceScholarshiphasexceededthe$50,000markandstandsatnearly$60,000tobenefitvoicemajorsatWT.ThescholarshipwasestablishedtorecognizeandhonorGibsonforherlongtimesupportofthearts.

TheRev.BuddyWheat’73,’99,receivedhisDoctorofMinistrydegreein2015fromGordon-ConwellTheologicalSeminaryinSouthHamilton,Mass.Histhesiswastitled“DoingAlltheGoodWeCan—EvangelicallyRenewingtheCongregationof21stCenturyTexasThroughRevivalandReform.”

BrentChilders’79,isthenewdirectoroftheIndustrialMaintenanceProgramatClarendonCollege.Hehasmorethanadozenyearsofcommunitycollegeteachingexperienceandadditionalhands-onworkexperiencetoofferauniqueperspectivetotheposition.

MikeHodges’85,wasappointedpostmasterMarch3forthecityofPlainview,wherehebeganhiscareerwiththeU.S.PostalService22yearsagoasapart-timecitycarrier.

DaleWelch’86,isthenewvicepresident,specializinginagriculturelending,attheHappyStateBankinDumas.Hebrings10yearsofbankingexperiencetothejob.He’sbeenacottonfarmerfor29yearsandstillfarmsonalimitedbasis.

CeciliaCamarillo’90,hasbeenappointedvicepresident—accountingatParsleyEnergy,Inc.,anindependentoilandnaturalgascompanyinthePermianBasin.Shepreviouslyservedasthecompany’scontrollerandwillcontinuetomanagetheaccounting,financialreportingandtaxreportingactivities.Shejoinedthecompanyin2013.

Dr.J.D.Ragland’90,aTexasA&MAgriLifeExtensionServiceagricultureandnaturalresourcesagentinRandallCounty,wasrecentlynamedaRegentsFellowbyTheTexasA&MUniversitySystemBoardofRegents.HewasrecognizedataspecialreceptionanddinnerFeb.10atTexasA&MUniversityinCollegeStation.

JeffBritten’92,isthenewlaboratorymanagerforAmarillo’sServi-Tech.Heoverseesthedailylaboratoryoperationsandmanagesastaffofapproximately20people.Servi-Techprovidesconsultingservicestofarmersacrosssevenstates.

GaylonSelman’95,hasbeennamedheadfootballcoachatRandallHighSchoolintheCanyonIndependentSchoolDistrict.HehasbeencoachingatRandallforthelast15yearsandmovesintotheheadpositionafterservingastheteam’soffensivelinecoach.

JimJeffers’98,citymanagerforthecityofNacogdoches,hasbeenreappointedbyGov.GregAbbotttotheTexasMunicipalRetirementSystemBoardofTrustees.TheBoardoverseestheTexasMunicipalRetirementSystem,whichisresponsibleforprovidingasecureretirementbenefitplanformorethan800Texascities.HistermwillexpireFeb.1,2021.

JeffreyA.Mitchell’00,directorofconstructionandexternalmaintenanceforToot’nTotumFoodStores,hasjoined22othervolunteersontheCalFarley’sBoardofDirectorstooverseethedirectionofthe76-year-oldnonprofit.

class notesWHERE THE BUFFALO ROAM

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’79

Dr.JosephCallahan’03,hasbeenappointedasanewcitycouncilrepresentativetofillavacantWard4seatbytheBartlesvilleCityCouncilinBartlesville,Okla.CallahanisdirectoroffitnessservicesatPhillips66.

MeganWallaceElkner’04,hasbeennameddeanoftechnicaleducationatAmarilloCollege.ShejoinedACin2009asassociatedirectorofcontinuingeducation,promotedtodirectoroftheprogramin2012andrecentlywasnamedassociatedeanbeforereceivinghercurrentappointment.

MaryBeaMartin’06,hasjoinedthestaffattheAmericanGelbviehAssociation(AGA)asamemberservicesspecialist.AGAisaprogressivebeefcattlebreedassociationrepresenting1,000membersandapproximately40,00cowsassessedannuallyinaperformance-orientedtotalherdreportingsystem.

JeffreySnyder’07,citymanagerofPlainview,wasrecentlyhonoredwiththeCredentialedManagerdesignationfromtheInternationalCity/CountyManagementAssociation.Heisoneofmorethan1,300localgovernmentmanagementprofessionalscurrentlycredentialedthroughtheICMAVoluntaryCredentialingProgram.

WendyLang’08,isthenewdirectorofhumanresourcesforDouglasCountyinMinden,Nev.ShebeganthenewpositioninJanuaryafterservingastheinterimdirectorsinceMay2015.ShejoinedthecountyinJanuary2014asaseniorhumanresourcesanalyst.

ChrisSams’08,isportrayingCoalHouseWalkerinthenationaltouringproductionofRagtime.Theproductionisnothisfirstnationaltourorcruise-shipproduction,butheclaimsitisoneofhisfavorites.

StevenG.Smith’08,hasbeennamedthenewvicepresidentofbusinessaffairsatAmarilloCollege.HejoinsthecollegefromSummitTruckGroup,whereheservedasvicepresidentofaccounting.

Dr.SuhasVyavhare’10,isthenewAgriLifeExtensioncottonentomologistfortheSouthPlains.Heservesa20-countyareaintheSouthPlainsDistrictandishousedattheTexasA&MAgriLifeResearchandExtensionCenterinLubbock.

JoshKirkland’11,formeroffensivecoordinatorforWestburyHighSchoolinHouston,hasbeennamedthenewheadfootballcoach/athleticcoordinatorforParklandHighSchoolintheYsletaIndependentSchoolDistrict.

ErinJones’13,isthenewintegratedpestmanagementagentforBailey,CastroandParmercounties.SheisheadquarteredattheAgriLifeExtensionOfficeinBaileyCounty.Sheworkswithareafarmerstohelpfindsolutionstoinsectpest,weedandcropchallenges.

AbbeyCoufal’14,istherecipientofaScholarshipforAcademicExcellencefromStephens,Anderson&CummingsofFortWorth.CoufaliscurrentlypursuingalawdegreeatTexasTechUniversitySchoolofLaw.Stephens,Anderson&CummingscreatedtheannualscholarshipaspartofitscontinuedcommitmenttothedevelopmentandenduringsuccessofuniversitystudentsinthestateofTexas.

WilliamCox’14,wasrecentlynamedthenewfirechieffortheAransasPassFireDepartment.Hestartedhiscareerasa15-year-oldwiththeNewCaneyVolunteerFireDepartment.Heearnedabachelor’sdegreeinemergencymanagementadministrationfromWTandrecentlyfinishedhismaster’sdegreeinpublicadministration.

JessieStory’14,istherecipientoftheDanKlepperMemorialScholarshipfromtheTexasOutdoorWriter’sAssociation(TOWA).Storywasrecognizedattheassociation’sannualconferenceFeb.25-28inKerrville.Story,agraduatestudent,waseligibleforthescholarshipthroughherworkwithDr.RayMatlack,JamesA.DavidsonEndowedProfessorofWildlifeatWTAMU,onPBSsegmentscalledTexasWild.

ChristyBear’15,istheemergencymanagementcoordinatorforGoliadCountyandthecityofGoliad.TheGoliadOfficeofEmergencyManagementfocusesonemergencyplanning,preparedness,responseandrecoveryforthecommunity.Bearhas14yearsofexperienceinfire,policeandEMScommunicationandtrainingandmorethanadecadeofworkinginamanagementcapacity.ShealsorecentlybecameacertifiedfloodplainmanagerforTexas.

WhitleyGammill’15,isthenewTexasA&MAgriLifeExtensionServicefamilyandconsumersciencesagentforHansfordCounty.SheplanstoimplementtheStrongWomen,StrongBonesprograminHansfordCountyaswellasprogramsondiabetesawarenessandprevention,andFoodforFamiliesworkingwithfoodbanksandpreparingdishesfromwhatisprovided.

’85’86’90

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’08’08’10’11’13

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’14

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’90

’92

NOW OPEN

2503 4th AvenueCanyon, Texas 79015

wtamu.edu 3

Lady Buff softball finished the regular season with an astounding 50-2 record!@wtamu (April 25)

@wtamu I made the right choice! #WTAMU20@karabeara513 (April 25)

#FinalsWeek is just around the corner! Luckily we have a @Starbucks on campus to keep you awake for all your finals.@WTAMU_Admission

Phillips 66 presents $25,000 as a continuing commitment to engineering at WTAMU #wtamuengineering@wtamu (April 21)

Big congratulations to the WT Enterprise Center for winning two international awards!@wtamu (April 20)

Wishing I was already at WTAMU because shack-a-thon looks like soooo much fun! 126 more days until I get to call Canyon home@MyAmy43 (April 20)

Geoffrey Kipchumba and Blake Whalen both ran top ten times in WT history last night!@wtamu (April 15)

Had a great time speaking @wtamu yesterday – what an energetic crowd!@robertherjavec (April 12)

WTAMU is amazing, that is all.@KTL_23 (March 24)

Buff David Chavlovich just became the third WT player in program history to be named NABC All-American! #gobuffsgo@wtamu (March 23)

I just want to be in college already. #WTAMU@Ailaina_Denny (Feb. 27)

Enrollment is up across the board at #wtamu!@wtamu (Feb. 9)

WTAMU leads the 2015 Lone Star Conference Fall Commissioner’s Honor Roll with a league high 182 student-athletes!@wtamu (Jan. 21)

ABC 7 Panhandle Spirit feature on Dr. Russell LongGreat man and a great friend to the students. Dr. Long, thank you for your inspiration! KWTS: The One 91.1 would not have been a success without you, and our morning show was a blast because of you!PJ Bowles

Thank you Dr. Russell Long you made a great president and leader. I enjoyed working with you and under your leadership.Ronald Mashburn

Shark Tank’s Robert Herjavec at WTAMUOh wow that’s so awesome!!!Michelle Devers Norman

WT students vote yes for new stadiumThis will be great for WTAMU in the long run. Glad to see that it’s happening. Evan Kolius

It will be nice, but nothing will ever beat the memories of Kimbrough Stadium! #GoBuffsGaron Dawn Lambert Stroud

Btw, has anyone thought about people bringing in motorhomes for tailgating and staying on site for the weekend? Happens all the time at the big schools . . .Mary Hitchner Brister

Student referendum for new stadiumCoach Joe Kerbel would love this!David S. Sims

Do It! It will be a tremendous advantage for the university and the community.John Owens

I am an alum and 100% behind this project! Will be great for the University, alumni, students and the community.Daniel Dalphine Contreras

O’Brien announces retirementI love Dr. O’Brien. He has represented the university well and worked in amazing ways to expand the university!!! And I’m proud to be a buff!!!Kathryn Radicke

Dr. O’Brien improved the WT experience for visitors, students and alumni. The campus appearance, the academic achievement ...all are better because of his attention to detail and his love for the University.Cathy Teague

twitter (wtamu)_ FACEBOOK.com/wtamu

A sampling of what people are saying online about WTAMU.

in memoriam GenevaSchaeffer’55,diedApril17attheageof82.ShewasalifelongsupporteroftheUniversityandwasthe

recipientofanhonoraryDoctorofPhilosophyinEducationdegreeataspecialceremonywithfamilyandfriends

March30inAmarillo.Thedegreerecognizedhersignificantandlastinginfluenceinenhancingthequalityof

teacherpreparationandexcellenceineducationforthechildrenofTexasaswellasstudentsatWT.

C.C.“Bus”Dugger’55,’56,diedApril8attheageof96.HewasinstrumentalinthecreationofKids,Inc.,in1945

andservedasthefirstcoachfortheorganization.Hewasaneducator,coachandworldtraveler.Heretiredas

principalatBoysRanchin1982.

MadelineCoxHegi’34,WT’soldestknownalumni,diedMarch7attheageof104.SheretiredfromtheTahoka

schoolsystemin1974butcontinuedtoworkwithyouthintoherlate90s.Sheinfluencedthousandsofstudents

throughherlong-timeteachingcareer.

JerryBehrens’62,’65,diedFeb.4attheageof76.Thesportslegendwaswellknownforhisplayingandcoaching

careeraswellashisyearswithHerffJones.HewasastandoutfootballplayeratWTunderJoeKerbel.He

coachedfootballinAmarilloandatOdessaPermianbeforejoiningthecoachingstaffatWT.Hewasinducted

intotheUniversity’sHallofFamein1989.

Dr.Lewis“Louie”Florence’49,diedDec.15inHouston.Hewasasaxplayerwhoreceivedafullscholarshipto

WT,andclassmatesrememberhimfromschooldancesandtheorchestra.Florencelaterearnedamedicaldegree

andpracticedatParkviewHospitalinHoustonanddeliveredapproximately12,000babiesin54yearsofpractice.

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