Class Notes, Winter 2022

1940s

Anna Bell Briggs Johnson, BSN ’48, of Mountain Brook, AL, established the Anna Bell Briggs Johnson Endowed Scholarship in Nursing, a Hord Challenge Scholarship, to support students in the Louise Herrington School of Nursing.

1950s

Peggy Hardcastle, BS ’53, of Vernon, TX, established the Peggy Rodgers Hardcastle Endowed Scholarship, which supports students majoring in nutrition sciences.

Gene Anderson, BA ’54, MA ’58, and Nancy Baker Anderson, BA ’55, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary June 30, 2021. The couple never met while attending Baylor but became acquainted after they both had graduated and were teaching in Hawaii. Gene went to Honolulu in 1956 to teach at the Hawaii Baptist Academy, a newly established school founded by missionaries returning from China. He was informed of the school while working in the Alexander Hall dining room with Kiyo Itokazu, a former graduate of the academy. Gene was an active member of Honolulu’s Olivet Baptist Church, where he was a teacher, an organist and a deacon. Nancy arrived in Hawaii in 1957 after two years teaching in Fort Worth, her hometown. She was placed at Leilehua Intermediate and High School in Wahiawa, about 25 miles from Honolulu. She was an active member of the Wahiawa Baptist Church, serving as church recorder, leader of the junior department in Sunday school and choir member. Gene and Nancy met for the first time that next spring when several Baptist churches joined in a choir festival at Olivet. After three years of courtship, they married in Wahiawa in 1961.

Fred L. Adams, BA ’59, celebrated his 60th anniversary of ordination in the church Nov. 14, 2021, at Second Baptist Church in St Louis. He earned a master’s degree from Southern Baptist Seminary and doctorate from McCormick Seminary in Chicago. Adams has served 40 years of ministry as pastor, campus minister and associate executive for American Baptists in Missouri. He and his wife Fran recently celebrated 62 years of marriage.

Rev. Allen C. Liles, BA ’59, former editor of The Baylor Lariat, authored Daniel 6: Surviving the Lion’s Den [Positive Imaging LLC, 2021], a classic Bible chapter book. More information is available at classicbiblechapters.com. Contact at reval@aol.com.

1960s

R. Wayne Cessna, BA ’61, of Jacksonville, FL, established the R. Wayne Cessna Excellence Fund for Baylor Athletics.

The nursing school at Campbellsville University in Harrodsburg, KY, was named in honor of Sandra Bailey DeFoor, BSN ’62, in July 2021. DeFoor’s career included teaching at the university level and in hospital nursing schools. She retired as director of nursing at Harrodsburg’s Ephraim McDowell James B. Haggin Hospital after years of various hospital positions. DeFoor has been a member of the Mercer County Board of Health since 1986, and she continues as chair of the board. Her husband W. Robert DeFoor, BA ’64, retired in 2007 after 28 years as pastor of the Harrodsburg Baptist Church. He has been a frequent writer for GC2 Press (formerly BaptistWay Press) of Texas. Sandy and Bob, who have three children and seven grandchildren, live in Harrodsburg.

Dr. L. Ralph Rohr, BA ’64, authored The Revelation of Jesus Christ—Comfort or Confusion? The Blessing of Symbolic Interpretation [Global Summit House, 2020], a 450-page verse-by-verse commentary on the book of Revelation, available at multiple online booksellers. It is a refreshing scriptural explanation of God’s revelation of His Son, favorably reviewed by Kirkus Indie. Rohr additionally authored Resolving the Age of the World Argument: A Biblical Solution [Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, 2021], a brief 88-page book that is an insightful and believable alternative to the arguments over this issue; available only via Amazon. Rohr, a retired medical doctor, writes about Bible topics at sowhatistruth.com, a web blog, and he welcomes communication and feedback via the blog. Contact at rarohr@infowest.com.

Christina Andrews, BA ’66, JD ’73, of Fort Worth established the Christina Andrews Endowed Scholarship in Law, which supports law students and the 19th Amendment and Beyond Fund for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives at Baylor Law.

Alice P. Brunson, BS ’66, of Houston established the Alice Praisnar Brunson Endowed Scholarship, which supports students who graduated from Premont [TX] High School, or other Texas residents, who are pursuing an environmental science degree.

Gloyce Fulmer, BBA ’67, and Rebecca Fulmer, BA ’67, celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in August 2021.

Richard “Rick” DuBroc Jr., BA ’68, celebrated 50 years as a Texas pastor in September 2021. A special worship service was held Sept. 26 as DuBroc retired after 42 years as pastor at First Baptist Church in El Campo, TX. Contact at larid@ykc.com.

Jim Styles, BA ’68, authored Through the Glass Darkly and The Loves of a Lifetime. Both novels were published by Covenant Books.

Don Welch, BA ’69, published Opening Thoughts on Everyday Living: Digging Deeper, Looking Farther, his sixth book, in September 2021. Welch retired from Vanderbilt University and enjoys volunteering in the nonprofit world and writing.

1970s

Joel Allison, BA ’70, and Diane Allison, BA ’70, of Waco established the Aileen Allison and Bessie Bailey Endowed Scholarship in loving memory of their mothers Aileen Allison and Bessie Bailey. The scholarship supports ministerial or religion students who are first-generation college students with exceptional financial need.

Dr. Mia N. Moody-Ramirez, MSE ’98, MA ’01, Tom Belden, BA ’70, and Janice A. Miller of Waco established the Moody-Ramirez Belden Endowed Scholarship for Diversity in Journalism. The scholarship supports students who are pursuing a degree in the Department of Journalism, Public Relations and New Media, and who are members of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) or any other diversity-interest student journalism organizations.

Randy M. Wood, BA ’70, PhD ’78, and Edna H. Wood of Waco established the Michael Anderson Wood Endowed Scholarship in Finance and Accounting in memory of their son Michael. The scholarship supports finance and accounting students.

John F. Easterling, BA ’71, received the Buckles-Hanna Service Award for his 33 years of faculty service at the University of Northwestern (UNW) in St. Paul, MN, where he was professor of intercultural studies before retiring at the end of the 2020-21 academic year. Prior to his time at Northwestern, Easterling was a pastor and later a missionary-church planter for 10 years with World Venture in France. He led 30 trips with about 400 students serving with him in places like Ecuador, France, South Africa, India, China, Thailand and Japan during his time at UNW. As a professor, advisor and trip leader, Easterling has a reputation for detailed preparation and engaging his students with transformational experiences. Easterling exemplified the UNW mission to serve the Lord with all his heart, soul, mind and strength. Contact at jfeasterling@unwsp.edu

Slayden Yarbrough, PhD ’72, professor emeritus of religion at Oklahoma Baptist University, co-authored Southern Baptists: A History of a Confessional People [McFarland and Company, 2021] with Michael Kuykendall, PhD, professor of New Testament studies at Gateway Seminary in Ontario, CA. The book is an edited update of Yarbrough’s Southern Baptists: A Historical, Ecclesiological, and Theological Heritage of a Confessional People. The book examines the early history of Baptists and the rise and development of Southern Baptists, including extensive treatment of its boards, commissions and institutions. It includes a thorough history of the controversy and restructuring of the SBC in the last quarter of the 20th century and a major chapter on theology and the Baptist faith and message. It contains an extensive bibliography, including traditional histories and books and articles documenting the controversy and restructuring written by both parties engaged in the conflict. Yarbrough lives with his wife Janis in Vancouver, WA. He can be contacted at slaydena@gmail.com.

Dwight L. Hunt, BA ’73, was a church health consultant and an intentional interim pastor for Venture Church Network Southwest, helping more than 85 churches for the past 12 years. In addition to loving his role as a grandparent, Hunt now ministers as a part-time coach and consultant to pastors in the Austin metropolitan area through his Grace Consulting organization.

Marilea W. Lewis, BA ’75, was included in the 2022 edition of The Best Lawyers in America in the areas of family law, family law mediation and mediation. This is the ninth year she has received Best Lawyer designation. Contact at marilea@d-elaw.com.

Scott McClain, MS ’75, and Judy McClain, MS ’75, both retired and moved to Fountain Hills, AZ, after living in Waco for 65 years.

Richard Alan Mooney, ABC ’20, and Joan Oyler Karel Mooney, BS ’76, of Spring, TX, established the Mooney Family Endowment, which supports chairs and faculty to enhance research across the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences.

Roy Sparkman, JD ’76, authored A Pastor’s Pit [Koehler Books, 2021]. The novel was a finalist in Christian fiction at the 2021 American Fiction Awards, a finalist in Christian literature at the 2021 Impact Awards and a finalist in mystery/suspense at the 2021 Maxy Awards.

Rosanne Fadal Fuller, BS ’77, MS ’83, and Leonard Hayes Fuller III, BA ’76, JD ’79, of Waco established the Fuller Family Baylor Built Endowed Fund, which supports programming for the Baylor Built program in the Student-Athlete Center for Excellence.

Henry R. Cox, BA ’78, authored Deceit of the Earth: Heavy Metal [BookBaby, 2021], which debuted in Amazon’s Top 100 New Release Conspiracy Thrillers list at No. 73 in the U.S. and at No. 23 in the United Kingdom. This is his second international thriller novel, following the highly rated Deceit of the Soul: Saving the World from COVID-19. His books always have a thread to Baylor and Baylor Track and Field in the plot for his gonzo style writing with a rollercoaster ride of twists and turns and his unique characters. Cox has received numerous professional awards and recognition in his 40 years as a distinguished trial attorney. He has worked at 30,000 feet in the air and a quarter mile underground throughout the U.S. and beyond in the non-fiction world, unraveling the drama and comedy of human events. “There is always a story behind the story; sometimes the truth can only be best told through fiction,” Cox says.

Tom L. Ramsey, BBA ’78, owner of Total Placement, has been recognized as a leader in the staffing industry every year since 1997. His company earned the Best of Staffing Talent and Best of Staffing Client awards in 2019 and 2020. Fewer than 2 percent of the nation’s agencies achieve this standing. Ramsey and his wife Becky have been married for 44 years; they live in Crawford, TX. He and his wife support Family Abuse Center, Christian Women’s Job Corp, Compassion Ministry, Salvation Army, House Where Jesus Shines and ARC of McLennan County in various capacities. They enjoy their family and five lovely grandchildren. While attempting to at least semi-retire this year, Tom says he is not certain what he will do when he retires fully. Becky believes he should buy a ranch. “That ought to keep him busy,” she says.

1980s

Dr. James Wilson, BS ’80, and Laura Wilson of Georgetown, TX, established the Dorothy Ann Wilson Endowed Scholarship in memory of his mother Dorothy Ann Wilson. The scholarship supports student-athletes.

Robert “Bob” C. Roberts, MPA ’81, was named chief operating officer of Legacy Capital, a wealth management firm in Little Rock, AR, in January 2019 after eight years as a CPA and 30 years as a healthcare finance executive. He continues an active trumpeting career, performing with the Natural State Brass Band and the Little Rock Winds.

The Jená Rogers Endowed Scholarship in Nursing, a Hord Challenge Scholarship, was established in loving memory of Jená Rogers, BSN ’83, by her father James and her husband Thomas Puskas of Monument, CO. The scholarship supports nursing students and honors Rogers’ 23-year nursing career.

Mark Wade, BBA ’84, was promoted to National Sales Manager for National Write Your Congressman (NWYC), an organization that gives small businesses a voice in American government. Wade began his NWYC career 23 years ago as a sales representative; he was promoted to southwest region manager in 2002 and national training director in 2004. As national sales manager, Wade is responsible for growing NWYC’s sales team, which for more than 60 years has helped build relationships and establish communication between the small business community and members of Congress. Contact at wade.mark@sbcglobal.net.

Kelly Malone, BA ’85, was editor and a contributing writer for Leadership in Small Churches [Lexington Books, 2021], his fifth book. Malone and his wife Molly live in Bolivar, MO, where he is director of global education, professor of intercultural studies and holds the Jack Stanton Chair of Evangelism at Southwest Baptist University. Proud parents of Maggie Malone, BA ’17, and Kevin Malone, BA ’19. Contact at kmalone@sbuniv.edu.

Dr. Donald Keith Sanford, BS ’85, of San Antonio established the Donald Keith Sanford, MD, Endowed Scholarship Fund in Biology, which supports biology majors who are first-generation college students or veterans of the United States Armed Forces.

Barbara M. Britton, BS ’86, will release the seventh book from her Tribes of Israel series, Defending David [Pelican Book Group] in February. Ittai the Gittite comes to light in this biblical fiction from II Samuel. Learn more about Britton’s books at barbarambritton.com.

Andy Cullen, BBA ’86, was appointed senior vice president at RACK59 Data Center in Oklahoma City. Contact at andycullen20@gmail.com.

The estate of Lee Ann Huckaby, BS ’86, established the Lee Ann Huckaby Endowed Fund, which provides accommodation assistance to hearing-impaired students through the Office of Access and Learning Accommodation.

Mary Hestand Parker, BBA ’86, was named president of The Gatehouse, a Christian nonprofit in Grapevine, TX, that serves women and children overcoming crisis such as domestic violence and underemployment. Parker joined The Gatehouse in 2017 after more than 30 years in corporate marketing, public relations and operations. She most recently was chief operating officer. Learn more at gatehousegrapevine.com. Contact at Mary.Parker@gatehousegrapevine.com.

Shelby L. Davidson, MPPA ’87, completed a certificate of school management and leadership from the Harvard Business School and Harvard Graduate School of Education. Contact at shelby.davidson@vanisd.org.

Jeff Progelhof, BBA ’88, won the J-22 World Championship in Corpus Christi. The spinnaker was built by Bill Draheim of Draheim Performance Sailing in Rockwall, TX, and was inspired by the Baylor Basketball National Championship. Photo credit: Regattashots.com

Don Willett, BBA ’88, a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, delivered the keynote address at the Cato Institute’s annual Constitution Day symposium, discussing how Americans’ civics illiteracy imperils the rule of law. He also served as Jurist in Residence at the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University and published an article in the University of Pennsylvania Law Review. A member of the Baylor Board of Regents, Willett and his family recently broke ground on Don R. Willett Elementary School in Forney, TX, barely a mile from where he grew up.

Jon Billington and Dena Billington, BS ’88, of Brentwood, TN, established the Jon and Dena Billington Endowed Marketing Research Fund, which provides annual research awards to talented marketing professors in support of their research efforts.

Wendi Boyd Threlkeld, BA ’89, authored Stolen Whinnies [fromtheranchwithlove.com Books, 2021]. It is inspired by real events involving a miniature horse’s survival after a mountain lion attack. Stolen Whinnies shows readers that no matter what entangles us, freedom awaits, and mercy is powerful. She lives in Georgetown, TX, with her husband Bryan Threlkeld, BA ’89, senior pastor at Georgetown’s Hill Country Bible Church. Stolen Whinnies is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Audible.

1990s

Clayton Bailey, BA ’90, is one of three attorneys from the Dallas trial firm of Bailey Brauer PLLC recognized in the 2022 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. In addition to his commercial litigation practice, Bailey earned recognition among the nation’s leading appellate attorneys. He is nationally known for his trial and appellate practice in complex tort and other commercial cases in federal and state courts. Bailey represents clients in cases involving contract disputes, business torts, the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO), employment law, trade secrets, deceptive trade practices, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, antitrust, unfair business practices and the Packers and Stockyards Act.

Becky Marguerite Baird, BSN ’90, of Dallas established the Becky Marguerite Baird Endowed Scholarship in Nursing, a Hord Challenge Scholarship, in memory of her parents, Floyd M. and Martha J. “Marty” Baird.

Jeffery D. Price, BBA ’92, was named one of the 250 advisors on Forbes’ 2021 Top Wealth Advisors list, the second consecutive year in which he was so honored. Price and his wife Cara live in Flower Mound, TX. Their daughter Catherine is a junior at Baylor, following in the steps of their son Connor, BA ’20. Contact at jeffery_price@ml.com.

Brad Allen, BA ’93, returned as a partner with Texas-based Martin, Disiere, Jefferson & Wisdom LLP (MDJW) after 13 years with the United Services Automobile Association (USAA), where he managed Texas staff counsel operations for the past eight years. Previously, he was part of USAA’s team that managed a national docket of extra-contractual litigation. Allen joined MDJW’s San Antonio office and focuses on South Texas and Hill County litigation. He brings an in-house perspective to creating strategies, building teams and leading trial lawyers to proactively manage litigation dockets, try cases and manage risk for corporations. Allen is thrilled to return to his work home. Contact at Allen@MDJWlaw.com.

Jason Countryman, BBA ’93, earned an emergency management master’s degree from Columbia Southern University in 2020.

Jan Lacina, BS ’93, is the inaugural holder of the Bezos Family Foundation Endowed Chair for Early Childhood Education at Texas Christian University.

Brenda Radmacher, BA ’93, joined top-100 U.S. law firm Akerman LLP as a partner, expanding the firm’s Los Angeles litigation practice group. She was previously with San Francisco-based Gordon & Rees LLP.

Christopher Brown, BBA ’94, and Amy Brown of Dallas established the Christopher Scott and Amy Raub Brown Endowed Fund in Lab-to-Market Entrepreneurship, which supports fellowships within Baylor’s Lab-to-Market Collaborative.

Phelps Dunbar LLP partner Claudine Jackson, JD ’95, was named to 360 West Magazine’s 2021 Top Attorneys list. Jackson’s peers in the Fort Worth legal community recognized her for exemplifying excellence in her practice area. Jackson is a member of the firm’s labor and employment practice in Fort Worth. She is a seasoned litigator who helps clients resolve complex labor disputes, personal injury claims and commercial cases. When employers draft workplace policies, Jackson offers guidance to protect the interests of both businesses and their employees.

C. Scott Murray, BA ’95, joined Duane Morris LLP as a partner in the firm’s Dallas office corporate practice group. Murray previously was vice president and general counsel at Dallas-based Gramercy Capital Partners, where he was responsible for and oversaw all legal matters for fund and portfolio holding operations. As a senior adviser for all legal issues, he advised senior executives on corporate acquisitions and divestitures and legal, tax and operational risks as well as current legal issues affecting litigation, real estate, regulatory compliance, intellectual property and employee rights. He also managed outside counsel. Murray addressed all aspects of investment fund formation, including the representation of sponsors in the formation of new private investment vehicles, and prepared Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) registration statements and periodic reports. He performed corporate transactions associated with private mergers, stock and asset acquisitions and divestitures, going-private transactions, partnership allocation and debt issues, in all sectors, and addressed compliance and registration issues such as SEC 33 and 34 Acts. He also led due diligence and deal term negotiations for awarded proposals. Prior to his time at Gramercy Capital Partners, Murray was an attorney at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP; Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP and Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP.

Christopher B. Trowbridge, BBA ’95, JD ’98, managing partner at Dallas firm Bell Nunnally & Martin LLP, was named to the 2021 Texas Super Lawyers list and was recognized in Benchmark Litigation’s 2022 guide.

Tom Field, BBA ’96, and Carrie Field, BS ’98 , of Houston established the Tom and Carrie Field Family Endowed Scholarship, which supports business students.

Daniel Williamson, BBA ’98, PhD ’05, and Jennifer Nivin Williamson, MSEd ’98, PhD ’05, were named Diplomats in Adlerian Psychology by the North American Society of Adlerian Psychology (NASAP), the highest professional recognition offered by the NASAP to its members. The Diplomate in Adlerian Psychology is awarded to NASAP members who demonstrate the highest level of professional accomplishment in and contribution to Adlerian psychology through the many fields in which it is applied: counseling and psychotherapy, clinical practice, education, parent education, theory and research, and organizational leadership. Contact at consultpax@gmail.com.

2000s

Liz Hagins, BS ’00, was named a reading instructional specialist at Midway Middle School in Hewitt, TX. Hagins, who was the 2015 Midway ISD Teacher of the Year, is in her 13th year in the classroom. She most recently taught eighth grade English and humanities and was the English department chair.

Robin Smith Yandre, BBA ’00, Gabrielle Tyler Madison, BBA ’00, Jennifer Clements, BS ’00, Nicole Fain, BA ’99, and Becca Platten Baker, BA ’99, celebrated their friendship in Hawaii in June 2021. Their special friendships, which were forged in North Russell 3D from August 1996 through graduation, continue today.

Michelle Faszold Mason, BA ’00, authored Your Life Has Been Delayed [Bloomsbury, 2021], her debut young adult novel. It follows 17-year-old Jenny Waters, who boards a plane in New York in 1995 and lands 25 years later in St. Louis. Everyone she knew is 25 years older — or dead. Publishers Weekly said, “This page-turner encourages readers to appreciate the now.” More information available at www.michelleimason.com.

Amy Grosso, BBA ’01, MDiv ’05, JD ’05, co-authored Schoolwide Collaboration for Transformative Social Learning [ABC-CLIO, 2021]. The book defines transformative social-emotional learning and its impact on students and schools. Contact at amylgrosso@gmail.com.

Robyn Popa, BA ’01, was named San Antonio managing principal for Pfluger Architects. Popa previously was a senior project manager, overseeing projects for Texas clients Comal ISD, Judson ISD, Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD and Northeast ISD, where she led the improvements at Legacy of Educational Excellence (LEE) High School for more than a decade. Popa is married to Florin Popa, CEO and principal/partner at pbGroup LLC, and has two children: Asher and Elyse.

Dr. Brian J. Dixon, BA ’02, was named as one of The 400, Fort Worth Inc.’s compilation of 400 of the city’s most influential people, for his significant influence in the mental health industry. After medical school and residency, Dixon speaks and inspires others to believe in a brighter future for U.S. healthcare. He has authored a book and numerous online articles along with podcasts and newscasts about mental healthcare and health finance. Dixon has launched three successful mental health startups and is actively scaling each. Mindful proves direct pay psychiatry practice improves access to care. Gide proves connecting clients to therapists improves the best fit for both. Simply Psych proves mental health entrepreneurship benefits the community and prevents burnout. Learn more at DrBrianDixon.com.

Anne Claire D. Andaya-Nauts, BA ’03, is a foreign service officer, currently serving as the special assistant to the U.S. ambassador at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan. She also served in Afghanistan in 2017 and 2018. Her other previous tours included India, China, and the Philippines, and she has also provided support in Israel and Ghana.

Tiffany Martin Kalloor, BS ’03 is vice president and interior design director for the Dallas studio of Hoefer Welker Architecture, a creative services organization with national influence. Leading all market sectors, including commercial, civic, education and healthcare, Kalloor led the interior design team that successfully completed one of the largest facilities in Texas — the 2 million square-foot Clements University Hospital for the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Kalloor and her team received 2021 IIDA Award of Excellence for the Texas-Oklahoma chapter for their work on this project. Kalloor is an accomplished writer and speaker and commits much time assisting in the development of young professionals. She is on the Dallas College interior design program advisory board and counsels students at Texas A&M University on portfolio development. Kalloor, her husband Ken and their daughter Clover live in Dallas, where they are active members of Fellowship Church.

Lauren Grumbles, BS ’03, launched her Lauren Grumbles Design in 2017 and has more than 14 years of interior design experience in Houston. Two of her projects have been featured in the Houston Chronicle, and her work has received several accolades.

Flora Lee Peir, BA ’03, is news editor at The 19th, an Austin-based website dedicated to gender, politics and policy. She started at The 19th in May 2021 after an 18-year career at The New York Times. She and her family live in New York City.

Robin Harris, BBA ’04, and Wendy Harris of Friendswood, TX, established the Robin and Wendy Harris Endowment, which supports students taking real estate-related programs and courses.

Trey Crumpton, BS ’05, MS ’11, PhD, earned a doctorate in leadership studies from Dallas Baptist University in December 2020. His dissertation was Temple, Forum, Classroom: Progressive Philosophy of John Dewey and the Value of University Museums in Transformational Dialogue. Crumpton is exhibits development manager for Baylor’s Mayborn Museum. Contact at trey_crumpton@baylor.edu.

Sarah Thomas, BA ’07, was named director of marketing communications for the board of directors for the Association of Advancement Services Professionals (AASP). She became the first director of donor services at North Carolina State University (NCSU) in 2018, establishing the institution’s first department centrally focused on gift agreements, endowment reporting, naming opportunities, gift compliance and professorships. Thomas and her team won two CASE District III Grand Gold Awards in 2021, and she was nominated for the NCSU Staff Excellence Award for University Advancement. This spring, Thomas and her team will publish “Harnessing Data to Strategize for Digital Endowment Reporting” in the Journal of Education Advancement & Marketing, an article that explores using analytics to strategize digital communications. She is also the host of Hot Topics in Donor Relations and Gift Compliance, launched in 2020.

T. Hunter Lewis, BA ’08, JD ’10, was included in the 2022 edition of The Best Lawyers in America in the area of family law. This is the sixth year he received Best Lawyer designation. Lewis was also named to the 2021 Super Lawyers list, an honor he has received every year since 2013. Contact at hunter@d-elaw.com.

Clinton Cox, BA ’09, began the Master of Business Administration program at Florida International University last fall. Cox lives in Miami and is a regional director of operations overseeing 22 properties for the east coast region for Hotel Management & Consulting Inc., a leading third-party extended-stay hotel management company. Contact at clintoncox1@hotmail.com.

Mayra Jimenez, BBA ’09, is interim CEO for the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Educational and Legal Services (RAICES), a nationally renowned nonprofit, and will lead the organization into a new era.

Jonathan Wise, BA ’09, and Katie Brower Wise, BS ’10, have two boys: Walter, 7, and Wyatt, 3. They moved back to Waco, where Jonathan sells Central Texas farm and ranch real estate with Whitetail Properties Real Estate LLC.

2010s

John D. Basie, PhD ’10, authored Know. Be. Live.: A 360 Degree Approach to Discipleship in a Post-Christian Era [Simon and Schuster, 2021]. Basie was general editor of the volume, to which Hunter Baker, PhD ’07, contributed a chapter. Contact at john.basie@impact360.org.

Marcus W. Jackson, MSEd ’10, was named director of institutional planning, research and assessment at Huston-Tillotson University in Austin. He is responsible for overseeing the university-wide processes of institutional planning and research as well as program assessment and accreditation activities. Jackson previously served in a variety of capacities over 11 years with the Austin Community College District, including coordinator of planning and assessment and ultimately director of institutional planning and evaluation. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and has served as advisor and mentor to undergraduate chapters Baylor (TA) and Texas A&M University (Pi O). Contact at docmj06@yahoo.com.

Jenn Stueckler Kelly, BBA ’11, and Brian Kelly married Nov. 14, 2021, in Midlothian, TX.

Matthew B. Lindner, BA ’12, of Cincinnati established the Lindner Endowment for Film and Digital Media, which supports the film and digital media department’s Baylor in L.A. program.

Jillian Buttecali Mascelli, BA ’12, and Andrew Mascelli married June 26, 2021, in Crozet, VA. They live in northern Virginia. Bridesmaids included Lisa Kakade, BS ’12, and Mary Trahan, BS ’12.

Dr. Rachel O’Beirne, BBA ’13, completed the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita Family Medicine Residency Program at Ascension Via Christi. She practices with Ascension Medical Group Saint Louise Family Medical Center in Murfreesboro, TN.

Andrea Paris, JD ’13, was named to 360 West Magazine’s 2021 Top Attorneys list, recognized by her Fort Worth legal community peers for exemplifying excellence in her practice area. Paris is a member of the firm’s Fort Worth labor and employment practice. She advises clients in all aspects of employment law from hiring and firing to pre-suit claims resolution. She also trains human resources professionals and in-house counsel on the latest labor and employment issues to keep their personnel policies up to date.

Alex Perry, BA ’13, authored Pighearted [Little Brown for Young Readers, 2021], the story of a boy with a fatal heart condition and his best friend — the pig with the heart that could save his life. Contact at alexperrybooks@gmail.com.

Aaqila Ward, BBA ’13, was named alumni director for Kids Across America (KAA), a Christian sports camp for youth from under-resourced communities. In the new role, Ward will create, lead and support engagement and event strategies and tactics that drive alumni engagement goals and objectives. KAA defines alumni as anyone who has attended as a camper, summer staff member or Kaleo (the name KAA uses to describe the adult leaders who bring kids to camp). In 31 years of holding camp, KAA estimates its alumni number more than 250,000.

Lane Soward, BA ’13, and Ellen Phillips, BS ’14, married June 13, 2020, in a beautiful backyard ceremony in Colleyville, TX. The couple lives in Dallas with their cat Dorothy.

Les and Anne Csorba of Houston established the Csorba Family Endowment for Engaged Learning, which supports Baylor’s Office of Engaged Learning. Two of their children, Thomas Csorba, BA ’20, and Avery Csorba Stanley, BA ’14, graduated from Baylor.

Jolene Damoiseaux, BS ’14, graduated summa cum laude from the university midwifery program at the Academie Verloskunde Maastricht in the Netherlands. She lives in Europe and is a practicing hospital midwife at a major Dutch hospital.

Robert Guidangen, BS ’14, is a U.S. Navy physician, serving with the U.S. Marine Corps. He returned from a military deployment in Asia amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and is stationed in Hawaii.

Daniel Kiang, BA ’15, and Nicole Su married Sept. 5, 2021, in Magnolia, TX. They live in Houston.

Kaleia Marsden, BA ’15, graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology in May 2020 with a Master of Architecture. Marsden works at HEDK Architects in Richardson, TX. Contact at kalmarsden@yahoo.com.

Wayne L “Trey” Robbins III, BA ’15, and Micah Lambert married April 18, 2021. They live in Bedford, TX, where Trey is a financial planner at Fidelity Investments and Micah runs a copywriting business. Contact at wlrobbins3@gmail.com.

Cason Murphy, MFA ’16, assistant professor of theatre at Iowa State University (ISU), authored The World at Play: Performance from the Audience Perspective [Kendall Hunt Publishing, 2021]. The first-edition textbook debuted last fall in the introduction to the performing arts class at ISU. It uses Murphy’s research, up-to-date sources from across the field of performance practice and theory, and input from students and classroom use. Murphy received the 2021 ISU Early Achievement in Teaching Award and the LAS Cassling Family Faculty Award for Early Achievement in Teaching.

Dillon Stull, BA ’16, was one of 16 medical students chosen for the 2021 Fellowships at Auschwitz for the Study of Professional Ethics (FASPE) medical program. In its 11th year of operation, FASPE provides a unique historical lens to engage graduate students in professional schools and early stage practitioners in business, journalism, law, medicine and seminary in an intensive course of study focused on contemporary ethical issues in their professions.

Chance Britton, BS ’17, and Ashlyn Gilmer, BBA ’16, married May 8, 2021, in Keller, TX, surrounded by friends, family and many Baylor Bears. Chance and Ashlyn met at Baylor in 2014 and reconnected after graduating. They live in Houston.

Dr. Luke De Jong, BS ’17, completed medical school at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. He is in residency at the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita Family Medicine Residency Program at Ascension Via Christi.

Patrick Fang, JD ’18, joined Dallas’ Law Offices of Brad Jackson, where he represents clients in business disputes and a variety of civil litigation.

Ryan Robinson, BBA ’18, established the David Reid Endowed Scholarship in Entrepreneurship in honor of David Reid, assistant clinical professor in Baylor’s Hankamer School of Business. The scholarship supports students majoring in entrepreneurship and corporate innovation.

Valerie Simard, BS ’18, and Cordell Clark, BBA ’19, MTax ’19, married June 4, 2021, at Stonebridge Wedding and Event Venue in Blum, TX, under century-old oak trees. Following a honeymoon to Hawaii, the couple live in Fort Worth, where Valerie works in private trust for Frost Bank. Cordell earned certification from the Texas Board of Public Accountancy in 2020 and is a senior tax associate at Whitley Penn in Fort Worth.

Madison Turgeau, BSEd ’19, and Alexander Rhoden, BBA ’20, MAcc ’20, married Nov. 21, 2020. They live in the Houston area, where Maddie teaches algebra and Alex is a public accountant for EY.

Francis W. and Melanie B. Alexander of Las Vegas established the Pierce W. Alexander Endowed Scholarship in Accounting in honor of their son Pierce W. Alexander, BBA ’20, MAcc ’20. The scholarship supports students in the five-year joint bachelor’s-master’s accounting program.

Friends and Family

Kelly and Bryan Basham established the Basham Family Endowed Scholarship Fund, a Hord Challenge Scholarship, which supports students enrolled in the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences. Their daughter Haley is a member of Baylor’s Class of 2025.

Surangi Widyaratne and Dilum Chandrasoma of Austin established the Dilum Chandrasoma and Surangi Widyaratne Family Endowed Scholarship, which supports business students. Their son Shehan is a member of Baylor’s Class of 2025.

Patrick Doerstling and Mary Taylor married Aug. 14, 2021, at Church at the Cross in Grapevine, TX. Joshua Ehambe officiated. Guests were treated to a Dr Pepper Hour following the ceremony. Patrick is a senior sports strategy and sales major and has accepted a position post-graduation with Dallas’ Sewell Automotive Companies. Mary is a junior pre-physician assistant and biology major. They live in Waco.

Eric and Mindy Grabau of Longmont, CO, established the Professional Success Excellence Fund for Engineering and Computer Science, which supports ECS’s efforts to provide career treks to help students research future career opportunities. Their son Coltan is a member of Baylor’s Class of 2023.

Jim and Tammy Snee of Austin, MN, established the Jim and Tammy Snee Family Chair in Food Security. Their daughter Carly is a member of Baylor’s Class of 2024.