Class Notes
'51
William Bonilla, BA '51, of Corpus Christi, TX, writes, "I worked in the Memorial [Residence Hall] in the dining room for three years while at Baylor. What a pleasure it was to work with my fellow classmates. Baylor is an outstanding university, and for that reason, my wife, Susie Bonilla, BA '51, and I created a perpetual scholarship fund. Our greetings to my fellow graduates and to all Baylor graduates." William practiced law for 60 years, retiring in 2013. He served in several prestigious positions, such as national president of LULAC, consultant to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and member of the Office of Economic Opportunity board of directors and the Texas Good Neighbor Commission. Four of their children are Baylor grads: Jon Bonilla, BA '77, JD '80, Elizabeth Bonilla, BS '80, Robert Bonilla, BA '94, and Mary Helen Bonilla Battles, BS '71. Among their grandchildren are a pediatrician and six attorneys. They have 20 great-grandchildren.
’53
The families of sisters Betty Dean Hilbert, BA '53 [deceased Jan. 6], Joyce Dean Burlison, BS '55, and Marion Dean Singleton, BBA ;57, had a reunion following Betty's 60th Baylor Homecoming in 2013. Jacob Dean Burlison, BBA '10, Joel Dean Burlison, BBA '82, and Benny Burlison Sr., BA '54, MA '60, also attended.
'58
Tyson and Betty Baker Meneley, BSEd '58, celebrated 60 years of marriage Sept. 1. She is still connected to her bridesmaids Carol Warner Willis, BA '58, and Alta Faye Underwood, BS '58. They recently moved from Prairie Lea, TX, to 11279 Taylor Draper Ln Apt 249, Austin, TX 78759.
'59
Walter Umphrey, BBA '59, JD '65, of Beaumont, TX, was named to Best Lawyers in America, marking the 25th year he has earned the prestigious honor. He founded the firm Provost Umphrey, which has represented people in cases involving serious personal injuries, wrongful death and unfair business practices for more than 40 years. Their clients include victims of toxic exposure, dangerous pharmaceutical drugs, defective products, unsafe workplaces, runaway 18-wheeler accidents, unfair payment schemes and many others.
'60
Gordon Smith, BBA '60, and his wife, Sharin, of Horseshoe Bay, TX, authored a book about their experience of blending a family of five children when they were married 40 years ago in From Broken to Blessed (Truett Publishing, 2015: 79 pages). They share some things they learned about raising a step-family.
'64
Sarah Gray Crow, BA '64, MSEd '66, of Conroe, TX, writes that friends from the Class of 1964 have visited often through the years.
'66
Dr. Raymond Teske Jr., BA '66, MA '69, and his wife Jane, ABC '08, are the proud grandparents of Lane Friederich Teske, born on June 6, to John and Jennifer Teske of San Antonio, TX. This is their fifth grandchild. Lane's uncle, Raymond Teske III, BA '96, and great-grandfather (deceased) are Baylor alumni. Raymond and Jane live in Huntsville, TX, where Raymond is starting his 44th year as a professor at Sam Houston State University.
'69
James G. Lindberg, PhD '69, of Des Moines, IA, retired from 48 years of teaching chemistry, including 35 years at Drake University (professor emeritus) and 13 years at Grinnell College (visiting professor). "I am grateful especially to the late A.G. Pinkus and to Baylor University," he writes. Contact at jimlindberg58@gmail.com.
Nancy Layne Russell, BA '69, writes, "My husband Roger and I recently moved from Stephenville (TX) to Lubbock (TX). Our son and his family live in Lubbock, so we plan on spending many happy hours babysitting and spoiling our very precious grandson and granddaughter." Contact at 7711 Lynnhaven Ave., Lubbock, TX 79423 or baylorgal@gmail.com.
Bill Sachs, BA '69, published his seventh book, Fragmented Lives: Finding Faith in an Age of Uncertainty (Morehouse, 2016: 117 pages). A teacher, consultant and Episcopal priest, Sachs lives in Richmond, VA. Contact at wls@aol.com.
'70
Dr. Harry, BA '70, and Nancy Holland Lucenay, BA '71, retired from Kowloon International Baptist Church, Hong Kong. Harry formerly served pastorates in Texas, Mississippi and Hong Kong. Their children Jonathan, BA '96, Elise, BA '99, and Charles, BA '06, all graduated from Baylor. The Lucenays have 10 grandchildren. Contact at 11113 Big Canoe, Jasper, GA 30143 or hlucenay@gmail.com.
Jean Head Tumlinson, BA '70, MSEd '73, of Cameron, TX, writes, "As a necessity I had to receive my degree to teach Spanish at Yoe High in Cameron. Baylor accepted all my credits [from Stephens College earned by 1949] and I entered Baylor in the summer of 1969. Upon graduation I began teaching at Yoe High in 1970. After receiving my master's degree in counseling I continued teaching Spanish, began counseling students, and later taught social studies as well for 24 years. When I started at Baylor, I was 39 years old, but the professors and other students welcomed me. After beginning my teaching, night classes were the only way to go during the year. It was all a grand experience."
'71
Judson Edwards, BA '71, of Cedar Park, TX, authored Bugles in the Afternoon: Dealing with Disillusionment and Discouragement in Ministry (Smyth & Helwys, 2016: 148 pages). Edwards examines modern ministry and the stresses that plague ministers. He explores ways to survive church conflict and encourages ministers in a complex world.
Dean Terry S. Maness, BA '71, MS '72, dean of Baylor's Hankamer School of Business, was elected to the Board of Directors for the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International. His three-year term began July 1. AACSB International advances quality management education worldwide through accreditation, thought leadership and value-added services. Fewer than 5 percent of business schools have the prestigious AACSB accreditation. Baylor's Hankamer School of Business achieved provisional associate membership in AACSB in 1950. It achieved full accreditation and membership in 1959.
Dr. Charles (Steve) White, BS '71, is retiring after 35 years of teaching at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He was the Hart and UC Foundation Professorship of Management in the university’s College of Business. White authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications and received a doctorate from Arizona State in 1981. White served in the U.S. Air Force (1972-78) as a combat helicopter rescue pilot including a one year in Southeast Asia at Udorn, Thailand. He exited the service with the rank of captain. He and Cindy, his wife of 35 years, will retire to Loveland, CO, where he will pursue his love of motorcycle touring and snow skiing. Their daughter Allison teaches elementary school and their son Michael is a registered nurse. Contact at 5603 Shady Branch Dr., Chattanooga, TN 37415 or charleswhite@hotmail.com.
'75
Culpepper Webb, BA '75, and his wife, Ronda, reside in Madison, MS. He published his second novel, In Search of Walker Wells (CreateSpace 2016, 226 pages), a story of a man's search for belief and trust. Contact at culpepper.webb@axa-advisors.com.
'79
Dr. Brenda Rowland Sims, BSEd '79, of McKinney, TX, is the director of the University of North Texas (UNT) at Frisco campus, which opened in January. Sims was the founding chair of UNT's Department of Technical Communication. She is recognized as a leader in innovative education that prepares students for the workplace. Sims is the executive secretary of the Association of Teachers of Technical Writing and authored three books and multiple articles.
Kay Killingsworth Thedford, BSEd '79, of Rockwall, TX, writes, "The women of AO/Pi Phi held a reunion in Waco the weekend of Feb. 19-20. Those included were members from 1970 through 1980. We enjoyed several activities, but our highlight was attending All University Sing and cheering on the current Pi Phis in their first place act! We had a great weekend renewing friendships and recounting wonderful memories of Baylor University."
'80
Hans Brattskar, MIM '80, was appointed Norway's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva, Switzerland. He previously served as Norway's Deputy Foreign Minister, Ambassador to Kenya, and Ambassador to Sri Lanka. He has a PhD from Claremont Graduate University.
'81
Several Baylor alumni participated in a medical mission trip with First Baptist Church of Amarillo, TX, and Buckner International in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Baylor-proud team members included: Jeremy Copeland, BSEd '96, John Slaton, BS '03, Corky Holland BSEd '91, Bob Hewett, MBA '81, Ellen Hampsten, BA '02, Carol Cotter Brian '02, Baylor senior Alexandra Boyd and Lisa Browne Holland, BSEd '90, MS '92.
Patricia Clark, BSN '80, completed her PhD at the University of Michigan in 2014 and practices at Emmaus Health, a faith-based family practice, and works at University of Michigan School of Nursing both in Ann Arbor, MI. She was accepted as a postulant to the Monastery of St. Therese in the Archdiocese of Detroit and hopes to enter religious life as a Discalced Carmelite Nun in early 2017.
'82
Jeff Fletcher, BBA '82, was elected District Judge of the 402nd Judicial District in Wood County, TX, in the March Republican primary. With no Democratic opponent, he will be elected in November and will be sworn in and take the bench Jan. 1, 2017. Contact at fletcherlaw12@yahoo.com.
The owners of Cliftex Theatre are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the 150-seat theater in Clifton, TX. Phyllis Gamble, BSEd '82, and business partner Mechelle Slaughter, a longtime Baylor supporter, renovated the historic building with a single screen in 2008. It is thought to be the longest continually operating movie theater in the state. Gamble, who is also a former Baylor employee, retired to Clifton in 2003. The theatre is open Thursday through Sunday each week. See what’s playing at www.thecliftex.com.
Joani Livingston, BA '82, of McGregor, TX, is co-founder of Livingston+McKay. She was producer of a 2016 Telly-winning project along with writer/producer Sarah-Jane Murray, associate professor in Baylor's Great Texts Program, and Zachary Korpi, BA '14, who was colorist. The video was created for NYC-based NOMI network, a non-profit that fights against human trafficking. The video can be seen here: https://vimeo.com/127197766. Murray also received a second (bronze) award for writing "We All Care" for NYC-based Baylor friends Anderimage's campaign in support of Caring across Generations. The Telly Award was established in 1978 and is the premier award honoring the finest film and video productions, groundbreaking web commercials, videos and films, and outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs.
'85
Cecil R. Taylor, PhD '85, was named professor of religion at Wiley College, Marshall, TX. Contact at drcrt@aol.com.
'86
Barbara Shergold Britton, BS '86, of Brookfield, WI, published her debut novel Providence: Hannah's Journey (Harbourlight Books, 2016: 258 pages). Another novel, Building Benjamin: Naomi's Journey, will be released in 2017. Britton started writing biblical fiction after teaching chapel at a local Christian school. Her book trailer can be viewed on YouTube. Contact at barbarambritton@aol.com or visit barbarambritton.com.
'87
Chris Platt, BBA '87, of Shelbyville, KY, received a Doctor of Ministry degree focusing on leadership development from Fuller Theological Seminary. He serves as lead pastor of Highland Baptist Church. Contact at cplatt@hbc-ky.com.
'88
Dr. Robert Goode, BA '88, is in his second year in private practice in Seattle, WA, where he has worked as a family medicine physician for 21 years. With his new clinic, he brings back old-fashioned values to modern day medicine. Goode was named one of Seattle's Top Docs numerous times. He enjoys giving back to the community and is involved with a new church plant in South Lake Union. Contact Goode at treborg95@msn.com.
Andrew C. Schaffer, BBA '88, of Arlington, TX, published Financial Planning for College Graduates (Xulon Press, 2016 142 pages) to guide prospective and recent graduates in basic financial principles, including debt management, employee benefits, insurance, investments, retirement savings, taxes and other topics. Schaffer holds a JD and MBA and has been a college professor for over 20 years.
'90
Dr. Kelly G. Williams, BBA '90, was selected by Castle Connelly as one of the top OB-GYN doctors in the Middle Tennessee area for the third straight year. He and his wife Meredith Rush Williams, '92, have four daughters. Contact at 2327 Chasteen Court, Murfreesboro, TN 37130 or kwilliams@mmclinic.com.
'91
Dr. Shay Davis Little, BA '91, was appointed vice president for student affairs at Kent State University in Kent, OH. Working alongside Little is Jeffery McLain, BA '82, who serves as vice president for institutional advancement at Kent State.
'92
Eric Eaton, BA '92, of Crested Butte, CO, released his first book, The Raging Sloth (Author Academy Elite, 2016: 206 pages). Blending a mix of stories, research and personal experience, Eaton offers a guide for those living with a limitation to discover success and live life on their terms regardless of circumstances. He and his wife Erica Smith Eaton, BS '93, have three teenagers.
Christopher T. Kirchmer, BA '92, a firm attorney for Beaumont, TX-based Provost Umphrey, was named to the Best Lawyers in America list for his representation of plaintiffs in mass tort litigation, class actions, and personal injury and product liability litigation.
'93
Jason Cunningham, BBA '93, of Houston, TX, was appointed deputy chief appraiser at the Harris County Appraisal District. He is responsible for the appraisal and administrative functions for one of the largest appraisal districts in the U.S., with over 1.7 million annual reappraisals of properties. As an active member of the Texas Association of Appraisal Districts, Cunningham serves as chair of the education committee and frequently teaches mass appraisal and ethics courses.
Dena Ratliff Dyer, BA '93, and her husband Carey Dyer of Granbury, TX, published a devotional book, Love at First Fight: 52 Story-Based Meditations for Couples (Barbour Publishing, 2016). The book is her eighth and the first she’s written with him. The Dyers have been married 21 years and have two sons, Jordan and Jackson.
Michael Neft, MHA '93, of Pittsburgh, PA, was selected as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN) with induction in October 2016. He is associate professor and vice chair of the Department of Nurse Anesthesia at University of Pittsburgh.
'94
Dr. Suzanne Staebler, BSN'94, was selected as a 2016 American Academy of Nursing Fellow. She holds an MSN from the University of Texas and a DNP from Texas Christian University. She is an expert clinician, advocate and nationally recognized leader in the field of neonatal advanced practiced nursing. Staebler, a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) since 1992, and became involved in policy and advocacy beginning in 2007. She is an associate professor and specialty coordinator for the NNP program at Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing. She maintains her clinical practice as an NNP in Atlanta, GA, and continues her work in health policy through consulting with the Alliance for Patient Access (AfPA), the National Coalition for Infant Health (NCfIH) and the Georgia Nurses Association. Staebler is a pioneer for guiding policy development and implementation at the nursing and advanced practice nursing levels.
'95
After seven months of sabbatical in Europe, Rachel Frey, BM '95, and family returned to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, where she serves as a hospice chaplain and her husband serves as a professor. While on sabbatical, she penned several children's books, which delight her 4-year-old son Leo.
Jennifer Martin, JD '95, a partner at Schell Cooley LLP, joined the Dallas office of Wilson Elsner. Martin focuses on insurance coverage matters, primarily first-party property and casualty insurance litigation and related appellate work. She advises national insurance carriers regarding a broad range of matters. Martin was senior notes and comments editor with the Baylor Law Review and received the Patton, Haltom, Roberts, McWilliams & Greer Law Review Award.
Jennifer Sinclair Rice, BSN '97, clinical nurse supervisor of day surgery and pre-admission testing at Plaza Medical Center of Fort Worth, TX, was named to the American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification's (ABPANC) board of directors. The ABPANC is responsible for developing, sponsoring and managing national professional certification programs designed for registered nurses caring for patients who have experienced sedation, analgesia and anesthesia in a hospital or ambulatory care facility. Rice, a registered nurse for 19 years, has worked in the perianesthesia specialty for 16 years. She is accredited as a Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse and a Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse. Rice also chairs the surgical excellence committee at Plaza Medical Center.
'98
Cary Christensen Deuber, BSN '98, of Dallas, TX, is in the Bravo series The Real Housewives of Dallas, which premiered in April. As a nurse, she has led and participated in multiple medical mission trips, focusing on pediatric surgeries in third world countries. Her philanthropic causes include the Junior League of Dallas, Suicide and Crisis Center, Trinity River Mission, Turtle Creek Recovery Center and Texas Ballet Theatre. She and her husband, Dr. Mark Deuber, have three children.
Greg Shepard, BBA '98, president and founder of Dallas Maids, is celebrating 12 years in business. "The education I received at Baylor prepared me for real-world success. As tribute my first business website, dallasmaids.com, proudly sports our corporate colors of green and gold. Thank you, Baylor, for everything," he writes. Shepard is also president and founder of Emily’s Personnel Service, co-founder of Memphis Maids and a real estate investor. At Baylor, he was president of the Golden Key Honor Society, and a member of Student Foundation and Order of Omega. Shepard, his wife Dianelly and daughter Alayna reside in Dallas, TX.
Drs. Daniel, BBA '98, PhD '05, and Jennifer Nivin Williamson, MSEd '98, PhD '05, associate professors in the Counselor Education and Supervision Program at Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia, KY, received the 2015 ACES Counseling Vision and Innovation Award at the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision annual conference in Philadelphia, PA, for their work developing counseling at the state, national and international level. The couple also conducted a training seminar for the European Branch of the American Counseling Association in Naples, Italy.
'99
Chris R. Brasure, BA '99, JD '02, of Brasure Law Fim in Edinburg, TX, was elected to be a Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation. Each year, one-third of 1 percent of State Bar members receive invitations to become Fellows. The Texas Bar Foundation, the largest charitably funded bar foundation in the country, has distributed more than $16 million throughout the state to assist nonprofit organizations with justice-related programs and services.
Floy Rodriquez, BSEd '99, accepted a position with the U.S. Small Business Administration in Washington, DC, as the director of the Facilities, Safety & Security Division. Previously she worked in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in Lincoln, NE. Contact at floy.rodriguez@gmail.com.
'00
Amy Brown Wolf, BBA '00, MAcc '00, was admitted to the partnership at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP's Houston, TX, office as an audit partner in the energy practice.
Lawrence Sterling III, BA '01, of Oakland, CA, authored Cracker Jacked, an autobiographic story of a young man's journey through inequality, oppression and disappointment in an inner-city urban community. Contact at lsterling3@aol.com.
Stephen D. Button, BA '00, MA '02, of Canton, NY, is a St. Lawrence County (NY) attorney. The New York State Defenders Association presented Button its Service of Justice Award on July 25. Two others also received this NYSDA honor. They sponsored legislation that will, if it becomes law, bring about full state reimbursement of counties' expenditures for providing legal representation to those who cannot afford counsel.He holds a JD from Western New England University. Contact at sbutton@stlawco.org.
'02
Stephen Dove, BA '02, is co-editor of the book The Cambridge History of Religions in Latin America (Cambridge UP, 2016: 856 pages).
Texas Humane Heroes announced Kristen Houseton Huguley, BA '02, of Cedar Park, TX, as the executive director and leader of the nonprofit organization in February. Since 2010, Huguley has served as a volunteer, marketing manager and assistant director. She earned an MBA from Tarleton State University and has held previous positions in marketing and event planning.
Amy Morris Mark, BS '02, writes, "My husband, Imie, and I are moving to Papua New Guinea [summer] to serve with New Tribes Mission Aviation. Our family, including our children Mary Kathryn (11), Imie IV (8), and Carolina (2), looks forward to being a part of bringing the gospel to those who have never had the opportunity to hear about Jesus."
Chip Scarinzi, BA '02, published Diehards (Rowe Publishing 2015: 222 pages), which explores why sports fans are so passionate about their favorite teams and players. He canvassed experts about the impact of sports fandom on fan psyche, health and family life while also sharing personal accounts of sports passion from dedicated of fans. His second book, a work of fiction called Ghosts, will be released this fall. Contact at scarinzic@yahoo.com.
'03
Brooke Cherry Reich, BA '03, was promoted to senior development director and director of university relations and communications at Chowan University in Murfreesboro, NC. Her husband Keith Reich, BA '00, PhD '10, was named chair of the religion department at Chowan University in 2015. His book Figuring Jesus: The Power of Rhetorical Figures of Speech in the Gospel of Luke was published by Brill in its Biblical Interpretation Series in 2011. They live in Murfreesboro, NC, and have one future bear, Addison Grace, 3. Brooke's parents, Benny, BA '70, and Sherri Schwarz Cherry, BA '72, relocated to Waco to be more involved in life at their alma mater.
'04
Dale Coonrod, MBA '04, married Michelanie Rayford April 16 in Dallas, TX, where they reside.
'05
Michael Bracken, BA '05, of Hewitt, TX, received the 2016 Edward D. Hoch Memorial Golden Derringer for Lifetime Achievement from the Short Mystery Fiction Society.
Michael Fink, DSCPT '05, of Lebanon, PA, was keynote speaker at the Taiwan Physical Therapy Association 2016 Annual Conference in Taipei, Taiwan. He was invited to give presentations/courses at the National Taiwan University and National Yang-Ming University. His children's book for patients requiring physical therapy, Sammy's Physical Therapy Adventure, has been translated into four foreign languages, with a Mandarin version forthcoming. Fink is an associate professor of physical therapy at Lebanon Valley College. He earned his DSPT from the U.S. Military-Baylor University Doctoral Fellowship in Sports Physical Therapy in West Point, NY.
Glenn Nathan, BS '05, is now instructional officer of Secondary Social Studies for the Socorro Independent School District. Contact at 9707 Darway, El Paso, TX 79925
'06
William L. Garrett, BBA '06, of San Francisco, CA, was promoted to director of Bank of America Merrill Lynch's Rates & Currencies Origination Team. He works with companies to help understand and manage the risks associated with currency movements. Garrett joined Bank of America Merrill Lynch in 2010 from JPMorgan. He also participates as guest speaker for the Hankamer School of Business each spring. Contact at william.l.garrett@gmail.com.
'08
Christine Bolanos, BA '08, of Hutto, TX, was one of six female journalists selected from across the world to report on women's rights and development in El Salvador Aug. 16-25 as part of the International Women's Media Foundation fellowship, which sponsored the first Adelante Latin America Reporting Initiative trip. The journalists will report on the theme of women, health and development. Bolanos is a freelance journalist. Her work has been published in Latina Style magazine, Austin American-Statesman, Pflugerville Pflag, Round Rock Leader, The Liberty Hill Independent and Popular Hispanics. Contact at achristine.bolanos@gmail.com.
Jerusha Brown, BA '08, married Brian Hull on April 2 in Pensacola, FL. The bridal party included Baylor graduates Cassie Morgan, BA '09, Lindsey Knott, BS '09, and Kelly McCaffrey, BSEd '09, MPH '11. The Hulls reside in Washington, DC, where Jerusha is a licensed independent clinical social worker and Brian is a government contractor.
Caitlin Forehand, BA '08, MSEd '10, is assistant director for career development in the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia.
Jonathon McClellan, BA '08, of Houston, TX, has joined Public Blueprint as director of outreach after five years of working for U.S. Senator Ted Cruz. McClellan has a decade of experience working at state and federal levels of government on political campaigns and as a legislative staffer. Public Blueprint is a Texas-based consulting firm specializing in governmental and public affairs as well as grassroots organizing and digital advocacy. Contact at jon.colby.mcclellan@gmail.com.
Dywayne Nicely, PhD '08, was promoted to associate professor of mathematics and awarded tenure at Ohio University - Chillicothe (OUC) in Chillicothe, OH. His specialty is in numerical analysis and he also researches mathematics education. Before joining the faculty at OUC in 2010, Nicely spent a year each at Indian River State College in Fort Pierce, FL, and the University of Charleston in Charleston, WV.
'09
Lauren Beaver, BS '09, is a client development executive for Fierce Inc., a Seattle-based leadership and training organization. A former pediatric clinician turned healthcare administrator, Beaver has a background in project management, fundraising and development along with an understanding of healthcare systems. She holds an EMBA from Walden University.
Sarah Duwe, BBA '09, returned to her hometown of Eden, TX, the day after graduation to join the family business, Schumann's Inc., an upscale ladies boutique. "My grandmother Helen Schumann started the store in 1967. My mother Paula Duwe opened our second location in Marble Falls in 1999, and together we opened our third location in San Angelo on April 29. The Baylor flag flies proudly in all three locations," she writes. Contact at schumannsinc@hotmail.com.
Jonathan Guenther, MDiv '09, started MPWR Design, a website design company, in June 2016. He is also a worship leader at a church in the Nashville, TN, area.
'10
John Anderson, PhD '10, is assistant professor of religious studies at Presentation College in Aberdeen, SD. His doctorate is in biblical studies.
Dr. Mark Boone, PhD '10, authored The Conversion and Therapy of Desire: Augustine's Theology of Desire in the Cassiciacum Dialogues (Pickwick Publications, 2016: 212 pages). Boone investigates the roots of Augustine's development of a Christian theology of desire, informed by Neoplatonism but transformed by Christian teaching and practices. He is assistant professor of philosophy at Forman Christian College. Boone is an occasional book reviewer, blog writer and author of several articles on philosophy and religion.
Trey, BA '08, JD '12, and Lillyan Baker Duck, BA '10, of Austin, TX, write, "Bears on a Roman holiday celebrating two years of marriage with a European adventure. Sic 'em, Colosseum!"
'11
Thomas Foster, BBA '11, of Waco joined the firm of Pattillo, Brown & Hill LLP in 2012 as a corporate auditor. He recently passed the Certified Public Accountant exam.
Hilary Jane Hershberger, BA '11, married Matthew John Kieffer, a Georgia Tech grad, May 14 at Christ Community Brookside Church in Kansas City, MO. She earned a medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine May 31. The couple resides in The Woodlands, TX, where she is a resident physician at Conroe Family Medicine. He works in healthcare and hospital technology sales.
Gov. Greg Abbott appointed Varun Pokkamthanam Joseph, BS '11, MA '12, as a student regent for The University of Texas System Board of Regents. He is pursuing a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, TX. He is also pursuing a MBA from the University of Texas at Arlington. His Baylor degrees are in biology.
Jordan Rippy, BBA '11, MAcc '11, is a doctoral candidate in accounting at the University of Alabama. She represented the U.S. at the international doctoral symposium hosted by the Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand in Gold Coast, Australia, this past summer. She presented her research about the way that investors view and use financial information provided by external auditors. Rippy received the conference award for the most outstanding research. Her interest in accounting research and passion for teaching was fostered by many of the best Baylor professors, she writes.
Alexa Royston, BS '11, earned a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine at University of North Texas Health Science Center May 21 in Fort Worth, TX. Dr. Royston will be specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation at UT Southwestern in Dallas, TX.
'13
Miriam Hobma, BA '13, of Big Sandy, TX, graduated from Harvard Graduate School of Education May 26 with a master’s degree in higher education administration.
Emily Ruth Hughes, BS '13, MA '16, married Andrew Clark, BA '13, Aug. 15, 2015, at the Carleen Bright Arboretum in Woodway, TX. He is attending Baylor's George W. Truett Theological Seminary and she is the design den coordinator at Baylor's Mayborn Museum.
Megan Trahan, BA '13 and Andrew Spies, BSCS '13, were married Nov. 14, 2015. The couple resides in Plano, TX, where she is an elementary special education teacher and he is a programmer for MedAssets.
1st Lt. Kevin Michael Volz, BS '13, became the first Army ROTC Baylor graduate to complete the rigorous Sapper Leader Course July 22 at Fort Leonard Wood, MO.
'14
Benjamin Fetter, BBA '14, was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant in April 2016 while deployed to Korea with the 1st Brigade from the 1st Calvary Division located at Fort Hood, TX.
Chris Ford, BBA '14, of Dallas, TX, won the Dallas County Republican Party's Young Republican of the Year award for 2016 for his grassroots work on the Rubio campaign, the Get Out the Vote initiative, and work as an election judge in the 2016 primary. Contact at chrisgford@icloud.com.
'15
Joy Lord, BA '15, married Luke Baker, BSEd '13, May 21 in Celina, TX. They had a Dr Pepper Hour and also sang the Good Old Baylor Line with all their Baylor friends and family. They met at the Big 12 title- clinching game against Texas in 2013. Joy studies speech-language pathology in graduate school at the University of Texas at Dallas; she graduates this December. Luke earned a doctorate in physical therapy with honors at Texas Tech. He works for the Baylor Institute of Rehabilitation in Dallas. Contact at 18725 Dallas Parkway Apt. #122, Dallas, TX 75287 or joy.lord@me.com.
Shelby Tidwell, BA '15, was promoted to senior associate at Lewis Public Relations, a Dallas-based public relations and strategic communications firm. Tidwell will have increased responsibilities for brand reputation, media relations and strategic communications for clients including Acumera, ALON/7-Eleven, Alon USA Energy, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Topgolf.
'16
Ashton Brown, BA '16, is an associate with Lewis Public Relations, a Dallas-based public relations and strategic communications firm. Brown interned at the Levenson Group, where she worked with film studios such as Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. She performed additional internships with Baylor University Media Communications and McLennan Community College's Office of Marketing and Communications. She was named by Arik Hanson of ACH Communications as one of "22 PR Rock Stars of the Future."
Caitlyn Routt, BSEd '16, of Lumberton, TX, was selected by Teach for America to teach in Detroit, MI, for the next two years. She has a heart for children and missions and has always wanted to work with children economically and/or socially disadvantaged. Her goal is to earn a master's degree and be able to write school policy. Routt is one of five siblings and is a first-generation college graduate.