Thank You Dear Contributors,

Russell ’66 and Ann Cater Ramsey ’67 have faith in the strength of a great reputation–that’s what brought them together in the first place. When Russell’s father, an attorney and former school teacher who kept abreast of Texas education, suggested that Russell have a look at Southwestern because of its strong academic reputation, Russell accepted. On the other hand, Ann had first-hand familiarity with Southwestern’s distinction through her sister, Doris Cater Smith ’61, an aunt who graduated in the 1920’s, and having herself spent a week in the LK dorm during a Methodist Youth Foundation function.

For over 50 years, Russell and Ann have been active supporters of Southwestern. First, as students on campus, Russell and Ann were known by their service. Russell was a leader within Kappa Sigma, the Student Senate and the Pre-Law Society, while Ann was an officer within Zeta Tau Alpha, Pan-Hellenic and the Union Directorate. Since graduating, the Ramseys have continued to serve on the Greek Alumni Committee, the Alumni Board, and as Class Committee Officers and co-presidents of The Houston Association of Southwestern University Alumni. In addition, they have collectively planned 20 class reunions!

The Ramseys share that the small, inviting nature of campus privileged interactions with fellow students and faculty members that encouraged the couple to become more deeply involved in everything they did, personally and professionally. For example, they say, “If we had never attended Southwestern, we would never have been introduced to Esther Weir, a former Southwestern professor, Doc Weir and the Weir Ranch, where we have spent and continue to spend so many wonderful days…” The Ramseys describe that thoughts and ideas from both faculty and staff were freely exchanged around the Weirs’ dinner table, and Esther helped ensure that the discussions were relevant well beyond the Ranch. The Ramseys say of Esther, “She has had a profound effect on our lives as well as on many other Southwestern students, including our daughter Suzanne Ramsey Moran ’93, and her advice and counseling contributed to how we live our lives today.”

In recognition of the tongue-in-cheek “Parental Scholarship” that Russell claims their parents made to fund their Southwestern Experience, Russell and Ann established The Cater-Ramsey Endowed Scholarship. Although financial aid and student work programs differed in their college days, the Ramseys know that financial aid “plays such a big part in getting an education these days.” This alumni couple says that they support Southwestern with their charitable gifts because it is “important to both of us that SU remain relevant to future students and allow the University to be able to recruit proper faculty and leaders to carry on its long legacy.”

Karen Hanson-Flowers ’75 credits Southwestern with fostering individual growth, honing critical thinking skills plus an attention to details, and developing her aptitude for lifelong learning. Confident from her very first Admission tour that Southwestern felt like home, Karen participated in many campus organizations as a student. She was a Kappa Sigma and a Kappa Alpha Little Sister for two years each; she served as Secretary and Judiciary Committee member for the Laura Kuykendall House Council, as Secretary for the Kurth House Council, and as Standards Chairman, Secretary and President of Zeta Tau Alpha; and was a member of Cardinal Key—all while majoring in German and minoring in English.

Currently in her third post-Southwestern career, Karen’s passion for growth and engagement remains active through the many continuing education courses she has taken exploring new career paths and travel both in the US and abroad in her avid pursuit of outdoors activities as varied as hunting, fly fishing, glacier hiking and whitewater rafting.

Karen acknowledges that her Southwestern Experience helped her learn to identify opportunities—and more importantly, to seize them—both in her professional and personal quests. Recognizing just such an opportunity prompted one of Karen’s most meaningful gifts, the establishment of the Karen Hanson-Flowers Endowed Scholarship Fund in 2014.

When a specific campaign highlighting the consistent disparity between demonstrated student need and available financial resources dovetailed with the experience of her daughter, Rebecca Flowers ’13, Karen recognized a crucial opportunity. “We lived it. The stock market crashed and the amount of money that we had saved for her to go to college shrank considerably. While she received a very generous scholarship, there was still a gap.” Karen capitalized on an immediate need to help future students take advantage of the liberal arts education offered by Southwestern, in addition to her long-term planned gift already in place to provide increased scholarship assistance.

Karen sees financial aid as one of the most important aspects of students’ decisions to attend Southwestern, saying, “For many, it would be their first choice, but the costs can be daunting and they and their parents may think it is not affordable. I want my gifts to enable students from all walks of life who are accepted to be able to afford an education at Southwestern.”

Karen’s determination to help bridge the gap for parents and students who have saved money for college and gotten scholarships but who still have financial need encourages her to tell others to donate as well. “Do it—think outside the box and contact Southwestern to learn how to structure something that might be even easier for you than an outright gift.”

Karen Hanson-Flowers is also a member of Southwestern’s 1840 Society, recognized by her estate gift that will continue to fund the Karen Hanson-Flowers Endowed Scholarship, providing financial assistance to generations of future Southwestern students in perpetuity.

In 1956, Southwestern University admission officials had given up on an international student because he was two weeks late for the beginning of the fall semester. Little did they know, it would take the young man from Malaysia with only two suitcases in hand, six weeks to travel across the Pacific Ocean from Singapore to the Port of New Orleans and ultimately the steps of the Cullen Administration building.

Just weeks before, Southwestern University President William C. Finch was looking to increase the number of international students on campus. He reached out to Reverend Theodore Runyan, pastor of Wesley United Methodist Church in Penang, Malaysia, and asked if there were any pupils from the Methodist Boys’ School who might embrace the opportunity to come to the United States and Georgetown, Texas. Rev. Runyan chose Seng Ooi ‘60.

As Seng Ooi ’60 recalls his journey over sixty years ago, he remembers feeling blessed. He immediately felt accepted by the Southwestern student body and appreciated the “superior academic preparations and grounding in Christian principles.” Ooi laughs sharing how Dr. Elizabeth Beaver guided him through English 101. “Little did she know I already could read and write English, I just needed to become comfortable with how English was spoken in Texas.” His favorite faculty members were Dr. Girvin, Dr. Switzer and Dr. Lenz. Seng is most grateful for his relationship with Mrs. Lillian Peterson, “who opened her home to me and other foreign students during weekends and holidays providing us all with a home away from home.”

As a biology and premed major he excelled in academics and post-graduation attended The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston for medical school. His career was devoted to plastic and reconstructive surgery.

In the early 1980’s, Seng introduced his wife, Helen, and sons to campus when he attended Homecoming for the first time. He loved showing them his Mood Hall dorm room, the Ad building and the exquisite campus grounds. Seng’s eldest son, Michael, followed in his father’s footsteps and graduated from Southwestern in 1998.

Seng and his wife began supporting Southwestern in 1979 with annual charitable gifts as a form of “payback” for the scholarships he received from the Methodist Church and the Brown family. They live their lives with an attitude of gratitude and compassion for others. Seng says, “I want to help students receive a great education that prepares them to contribute to and sustain America’s greatness.” This philosophy ultimately motivated the couple to also establish a charitable gift annuity that provided an immediate tax deduction while allowing them to receive fixed annuity payments for their lifetimes and support the mission of Southwestern. Furthermore, the couple joined the 1840 Society which recognizes individuals who have made future plans for the University through their will or other arrangement.

Thankful for his Southwestern Experience, Seng Ooi finds giving makes him feel fulfilled. “We use the life we built to help build the life of a student.”

Bill Wiemers ’55 and Janey Smith Wiemers ’54 have always prioritized according to their values. Relationships with family and friends led them each to Southwestern. Both Bill’s father, Marvin A. Wiemers ’16 and his grandfather, William D. Wiemers attended Southwestern, and three cousins were on campus when Bill arrived.

Bill’s pledge to serve his country in the Army Air Corps during the Korean War interrupted his studies from 1948 to 1953 and the hiatus completely changed the direction of his major, which switched from science to sociology upon returning. But he enjoyed his studies more while becoming very active in intramurals and student activities. And, as Bill says, “I also met Janey Smith, who became my wife in ’55. What could be better? For me, my second time at SU was a game changer.”

Janey, too, had friends already attending Southwestern. But she quickly made more as a double major in Christian Education and Drama, and so involved with student groups and campus organizations that she wasn’t always sure just when she found time to study.
Both Bill and Janey agree that Southwestern provides “so much more than an education.” They were impressed with faculty and staff who became cherished friends and mentors—like Dr. Frank Luska, who, recognizing Bill’s challenging schedule of student pastoring while completing classes, offered a summer session in a required course just for Bill.

The Wiemers credit the special bond formed between classmates, students and faculty for creating a unique environment in which to learn, grow and develop ideas—ideas with the power to change students’ lives and extend beyond the classroom. As Janey says, “Our world needs creative, thoughtful, intelligent young people who want to make a difference, and I see that taking place at Southwestern.”
Bill and Janey believe that giving back to the community and the school was then (and still is) important, encouraged and developed on campus. Both speak of their longstanding personal commitment to tithing, and how every year as they reassess their charitable giving, Southwestern rises to the top because it “continues to embody so much of what we aspire after.”

Two of their children, Debbie Wiemers Hemphill ’80 and Kay Wiemers Peters ’83, graduated from Southwestern also. Bill says that as he talks to youth and their parents today about the merit of Southwestern, “I share about the challenging academic experience that the University provides, but I also talk about the Paideia program, the professor/student ratio and about the excellent no-scholarship sports program available.”
Knowing that availability of financial aid was a key factor for many students to whom they had recommended Southwestern, the Wiemers affirmed the value they place on the University by establishing an endowed scholarship in memory of their daughter, Debbie, after her death in 2015. Bill and Janey say, “Our philanthropy reflects part and parcel our values. We try to be good stewards of that which has been entrusted to us to take care of.” Southwestern is made greater through every steward who puts action to their values.

Endometrial and breast cancer are two of the most common cancers in the United States, and tumor metastasis accounts for thousands of deaths every year. Southwestern students Elliot Hershberg ‘18 and Sid Pradeep ’17 worked in a 2016 Summer Collaborative Opportunities and Experiences (SCOPE) project alongside Professor of Biology Dr. Maria Todd, looking at potential causes of the spread of cancer within the body.

“Both Elliot and Sid are passionate about molecular biology and curious as to the mechanisms that underlie critical cellular processes,” says Todd. “This summer, they are investigating how the disruption of one of these processes—the formation and maintenance of cell to cell connections—may contribute to the development of endometrial and breast cancer.”

Metastasis of cancer cells requires they break their connections to one another in order to move through the bloodstream to a secondary organ. Todd, Pradeep, and Hershberg are investigating how tight junctions, a specific type of cell to cell connection, may be destabilized in endometrial and breast cancer cells, and in turn, contribute to cancer progression.

The research team is using small interference ribonucleic acid – siRNA – to suppress the abnormally elevated levels of three major tight junction proteins – claudin-3, claudin-4 and occludin – in endometrial and breast cancer cells, allowing them to compare the effect of elevated versus normal levels of each protein upon the movement and invasiveness of the cancer cells.

“What we’re really trying to accomplish this summer is developing techniques in the lab to manage the level of suppression of particular tight junction genes, so we can do experiments with different ranges of expression levels,” says Hershberg. “We’re playing with one gene at a time and seeing what happens at varying levels, and how it affects these cancer cells that we’re growing.”

“We also take an active part in analyzing all the data that we get from this, which is really neat because I know a lot of peers that I went to high school with, who are biology majors on the pre-med track, who have not had an opportunity to take part in this kind of research, let alone get into the analysis part. It’s really a unique experience,” says Pradeep.

Tight junction disruption in cancer has been been relatively understudied, particularly in endometrial cancer, and little data has been published. The team is working diligently to uncover notable findings and hopes to co-author an article for publication in a peer-reviewed journal when their data is complete.

“Elliot and Sid are two of the most enthusiastic, reflective, hard-working and, most importantly, detail-oriented students with whom I have worked in the past 15 years,” says Todd. “I am learning from them every bit as much as they are learning from me and I look forward to continuing our collaboration beyond SCOPE into the academic year.”

Dr. Todd, who received her doctorate from the University of Cambridge, exemplifies how innovative cutting-edge research can be accomplished in a liberal arts setting. She and her Southwestern faculty collaborator Dr. Maria Cuevas point out that their research pace is necessarily slower without the sustained work of graduate students. Science faculty at liberal arts colleges publish their findings at a different pace than their colleagues at larger institutions, but high quality research can be and is sustained. In the process our students receive experiences far beyond the normal expectation for undergraduates at other types of institutions. Southwestern and its peer institutions play an irreplaceable role in preparing and mentoring the scientists of the future.

The SCOPE program has grown dramatically at Southwestern since 2012, when the Howard Hughes Medical Institute – HHMI – granted Southwestern $1.3 million in start-up funds to reformulate science education at Southwestern. When the Inquiry Initiative began, around twelve to fifteen students participated in student faculty collaborative research each summer. In Summer 2016, a record 48 SCOPE students worked with 18 Southwestern faculty members in eight-week projects spanning the STEM disciplines. This was also the first year that projects took place in the newly constructed Phase I science center, which is designed to facilitate collaborative work. All participants give rave reviews to the new building for its technical superiority, comfortable work environment, and beauty.

Southwestern will be applying this year to HHMI’s new Inclusive Excellence competition, but the foundation’s current focus on diversifying the scientific community of the future means that ongoing support of SCOPE cannot be included in the new grant proposal. Sustaining SCOPE at the current level in the future will require new fundraising efforts, and it takes about $10,000 to support a world-class experience like Hershberg and Pradeep are having under Dr. Maria Todd. The eight-week SCOPE opportunity includes student and faculty stipends, supplies, complimentary housing for students, and modest funds for gatherings and social events where the SCOPE community shares its findings.

Since its inception, Southwestern has been a distinctive intellectual and educational community with a commitment to service. “The magic of Southwestern is not just what people get out of it, but what they put back into it,” says Brian Jackson ’95, a long-time Southwestern volunteer.

“Southwestern wouldn’t be what it is today without its dedicated volunteers—both students and alumni. Their commitment ensures Southwestern’s continued strength and leadership in higher education.”

His own commitment to service began as a student when he volunteered for Student Foundation and APO, among other student organizations. After graduation, Brian jumped in to the role of Class Agent, helping secure financial gifts from fellow classmates. “It was clear to me early on during my time at Southwestern that we all have a responsibility to pay it forward — that a culture of giving is part of our DNA. I feel very connected to SU and personally invest in its success and the support of future generations. I owe so much of who I am as a person, friend, and professional to my time at SU.” Jackson is currently Google’s global business development lead for online commerce.

Volunteering as a University trustee since 2015, Jackson feels a great responsibility to preserve Southwestern’s mission, while creating policy that prepares graduates for a complex, diverse, and changing world. “Southwestern helped me develop critical thinking and leadership skills. I learned to communicate clearly and to solve complex problems with confidence and resilience. I feel honored to serve Southwestern as a trustee to ensure future generations have the same opportunity.”

Even though it has been more than 20 years, Jackson feels Southwestern gives back to him every day. “Nurturing the next generation of bright and courageous leaders is one of our most important responsibilities in life. My donation is a gift, but it’s also an investment. I think our job of giving back to the University is never done, whether that is through service or financial gifts. There’s a role for every alum.”

Pierce MacGuire ’14 and his fiancée Alex Rodriguez ’15 were busy students while on campus and continue their involvement now as alumni. Pierce came to Southwestern from New York City. He was a business major, the economist for the Financial Analyst Program, a member of Kappa Alpha Order, and played on the lacrosse team for two years. Alex, a Georgetown native, transferred to Southwestern following her first year of college because of its small classes and involved professors. An education major, she joined Zeta Tau Alpha, was a founding member of the Student Philanthropy Council and served as chair her junior year. Today, Pierce is entering his final year of law school at Baylor and Alex works as a special education teacher in Waco, Texas. These Southwestern sweethearts are planning December 2016 nuptials.

The volunteer spirit Alex and Pierce honed at Southwestern continues to guide their involvement today. “I believe SU gave me the skills to excel in my personal and professional life,” says Alex. “We give back to Southwestern, as volunteers and donors, so others can have the same chance we did to benefit from the community.” Pierce volunteers as a member of Southwestern’s Board of Visitors. In an interesting twist of fate, Pierce’s willingness to give back to the University brought a timely blessing in his own life. At the spring 2016 meeting of the Board of Visitors, Pierce met another member who opened the door for an internship in Austin. “I met a partner from this firm during a Southwestern Board of Visitors meeting and we had a great conversation,” Pierce says. “When the firm posted an internship position, I submitted my resume and when they offered me the job, they said that the alumni recommendation was a big part of their decision to hire me.”

Both Piece and Alex credit their Southwestern Experience for their post-graduation success. “Southwestern provided us a network for the future,” they say. “The type of education provided by Southwestern will always be relevant and essential. Historically, the people who made the greatest impact were those who understood the perspectives of multiple disciplines and the University trains thinkers like this.”

 
Tasha Tell…

Doug and Robin McDurham’s oldest son, Dakota McDurham ‘16, knew he wanted to attend a university known for building strong relationships between students and their instructors. Since the Waco parents had close friends who graduated from Southwestern and had read about campus in Colleges That Change Lives, they encouraged Dakota to visit early in his senior year of high school. From his very first conversations with Dr. Joshua Long about Southwestern’s environmental studies program, Dakota was hooked.

Like much of the student body at Southwestern, Dakota was involved in many on-campus organizations including: APO, Finch Society, Mock Trial team, Pi Kappa Alpha, Student Government Association and Student Philanthropy Council. He also worked in Southwestern’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Laboratory, participated in EcoLab (a hands-on fieldwork program), and was elected in to serve as the Young Alumni Member on the Southwestern Board of Trustees during the 2015-16 academic year.

The McDurhams believe the myriad activities that Dakota was encouraged to participate in played a key role in his becoming gainfully employed and living on his own just a few short months after graduation. “Southwestern gave Dakota a number of unexpected opportunities that have contributed to who he is becoming as an adult,” they say. The McDurham’s younger son, Zane, will enter Southwestern this fall to pursue a theatre major, and his parents are just as excited about the possibilities awaiting Zane.

For Robin, the strength and depth of the Southwestern Experience is the most rewarding part of being an SU parent. She says, “I love that my sons are being challenged to think, grow, and become valued members of the Southwestern community. I am thrilled that the faculty and staff know my sons’ strengths and challenges, and they are committed to working with them to get the most out of their undergraduate experience.”

As three-year members of the Parent Leadership Gift Council, the McDurhams say they feel a strong commitment to—and desire to protect—the quality education provided by Southwestern. They frequently encourage other parents to similarly invest in sustaining the valuable liberal arts instruction their students are receiving, promising new SU parents, “You won’t regret your investment .”

Andy and Katy Ross believe that nothing compares to a residential liberal arts experience when it comes to forming tomorrow’s leaders. And with over twenty combined years teaching at Southwestern, this faculty couple should know.

Andy Ross, assistant professor and director of business internships, recognizes that while education is “increasingly treated as a commodity with no distinction made between online classes, giant lecture halls filled with hundreds of students, and an experience like the one students get at Southwestern, intellectual growth is still fostered best in close, face-to-face, meaningful interactions.”

For both Andy and Katy, the greatest part of their job is developing relationships with their students and watching them grow over their four-year Southwestern Experience. Katy Ross, professor of Spanish, teaches all levels of Spanish language with an emphasis on literature and film from Spain, and part of her encouraging student growth means teaching in Southwestern’s Summer Program in Granada every other year.

Meanwhile, Andy offers a study abroad experience in Granada too, teaching a popular international business class.

Both professors encourage their students to develop deep connections to the University, not only by studying abroad, but also by participating in student organizations, internships, research or jobs and by engaging with faculty and university staff outside of class. “You have four years to focus on your personal development and have experiences that will shape the rest of your life. Take full advantage of the opportunities. Build a network of friends, mentors and colleagues that will last a lifetime.”

Through such advice–counsel they’ll be giving their daughter, Phoebe, in just a few more years–the Rosses emphasize that college is a time of growth, change, independence and discovery. Katy says that the most impactful moments resurface later, when they hear from former students about how the classes the Rosses shared with them affected their students’ lives outside of the University. In fact, she says, “working here gives us the opportunity to see such impressive growth and discovery over and over again and we want to support the mission of Southwestern so that successive generations of students can come here.”

“Money given to Southwestern makes an immediate impact” Andy acknowledges, since one of the ways Southwestern is ranked is by the percentage of alumni, faculty, staff and students who contribute to the University. “This makes it even more important to know that each person who donates to Southwestern, no matter how small the amount, makes a difference.”

As soon as the Commencement robe gets hung in the back of the closet and the little cookies iced with graduation caps are all eaten, the realities of life off campus set in. And, let’s face it—post-collegiate existence involves a whole new set of choices, many of which come with big price tags. Do I pursue graduate school immediately or not? Will the job market be better if I move to a big city? Enough to offset the higher housing cost? How can I afford to absorb these insurance premiums mom and dad have been paying up until now?

Then, ten months out from Southwestern, there’s a phonathon caller on the other end of your cell asking you to “give back” to the University. Class Giving Officer Kate Daniels ’15 tells us why we should, particularly as Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD alumni): “We may be young, but we don’t have to wait for ‘someday’ to do something meaningful. Even when funds are tight, with small gifts we have the… power and opportunity to do so now.”

The Class of 2015 had the highest Senior Class Gift participation rate ever (87%) last year, a strong precursor of their continued motivation to support Southwestern. The Class of 2015 is competing for the highest Class Giving overall this fiscal year as well, with a 45% alumni graduate participation rate. Another member of the Class of 2015 expresses reasons similar to Kate’s for this year’s gifts: “By giving back to Southwestern now, as recent graduates, we are honoring the current Southwestern community. Together, the Class of 2015 can show Southwestern how much we appreciate the school for providing us an incredible education and encourage that same experience for generations to come.” –Class Giving Officer Jeanne Wehde ’15

 
For Lee Silva Ferguson ’95, most of her time is spent in the biology classroom at Allen High School where she teaches AP biology in a flipped classroom (a form of blended learning in which students teach and share teaching time with instructors).
 
“I believe every student can learn,” says Ferguson. “Every kid might not leave my classroom a biologist, but every kid is going to be a problem solver.” She notes that Southwestern taught her to “value the development of the whole person” and feels “fortunate to work where I can encourage my students to think in the same way.”
 
At Southwestern, Ferguson says she worked hard in the classroom but remembers her extracurricular time as a student leader the most. “Don’t get me wrong, the things I learned in all my biology classes, my political science classes, my history classes…I still use those things, but it’s the things I learned informally that still have an impact on me daily.” Nineteen years after her graduation, Ferguson encourages her students to pursue what they love and learn from it. “My students are more than just kids driven by grades. I want them to be driven by a passion for knowledge, just like I was at Southwestern,” she says.
 
Ferguson chose to attend Southwestern because Andrew Decker ’93, her campus tour guide, seemed to know everyone on campus. “Every person Andrew ran into on our tour, he knew. [I came] from a large high school and knowing everyone on campus was impossible. The fact that it was possible to know everyone and forge relationships with nearly everyone you met was powerful to me.”
 
She attended Southwestern on a Mary Gibbs Jones Scholarship and says,“I firmly believe in the ‘pay it forward’ concept. Someone was generous enough to donate funds that enabled me to attend the University and I feel it is important to donate to the Southwestern Fund so that others can have the same opportunity that was afforded me more than 19 years ago. So, I have been a donor for 19 years.” Ferguson’s annual financial commitment to the University makes her a member of the Brown Society, a giving society that recognizes annual gifts of any size to Southwestern. And, last summer, she joined the 1840 Society by including Southwestern University in her estate plans.
 
This past year, Ferguson’s post-Southwestern transformation continued when she lost 225 pounds (and counting) following bariatric surgery, all the while being encouraged by Southwestern classmates and friends via Facebook, telephone, text message, and at the gym. “The phrase Alma Mater means ‘soul’s home’ in Latin and SU is definitely that for me. Southwestern is home to me and always will be.”

At Homecoming & Reunion Weekend 2015, the Lambda Chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha at Southwestern University announced the creation of the Nell Barnes Benold ’48 – Zeta Tau Alpha Endowed Scholarship Fund, a new scholarship to be offered annually to the Zetas of Southwestern in honor of Nell Barnes Benold ’48.

For almost 60 years, Nell has given her service, heart and home to the Lambda Chapter. The Chapter was thrilled to have the opportunity to honor Nell’s many, many hours of gracious service and to help collegiate sisters become more engaged in campus life. This new scholarship will be awarded in future years to a young woman who has a 3.0 GPA or better, exhibits leadership qualities within the University community, and demonstrates financial need. The scholarship will free sisters to invest more time in the fraternity, resulting in leadership growth and new Lambda Chapter Zeta recruits.

Together, Zeta alumnae, parents, and friends raised $25,000 and the Benold family generously matched these funds. Southwestern is excited to announce that the Nell Barnes Benold ’48 – Zeta Tau Alpha Endowed Scholarship Fund has reached a total of $50,000. The Lambda Chapter–and Nell–can’t wait to award the first recipient!

Matthew Johnson ’92 offered his talents to carve Southwestern’s 175th anniversary seal into limestone, which completed the 175th Anniversary Brick Garden located outside of the Red and Charline McCombs Campus Center.

Matthew Johnson is a master stone carver at Bartlett Stone Carving. He offered his talents to carve Southwestern’s 175th anniversary seal into limestone, which completed the 175th Anniversary Brick Garden located outside of the Red and Charline McCombs Campus Center. The philosophy major says he is honored to contribute his work in celebration of this momentous occasion at his alma mater.

“I remember this physical space [the 175th Anniversary Brick Garden] right here,” says Johnson. “So the idea of having something here that I carved, where so much happened – it’s a good feeling.”

The limestone slab arrived in early January and Johnson was “on the hammer” creating the piece for about a week and a half. He graduated 25 years ago and says it is very special to still be connected to the University.

“When I was in school, we were celebrating our sesquicentennial,” says Johnson. “At that time, I learned about Rutersville College and the four colleges that eventually became Southwestern.”

He recalls many fond memories during his Southwestern Experience.

“There is something about this university and that time, that really kind of locked in for me,” says Johnson, “as far as the way that I see the world and the way that I feel about the world and my friendships.”

From the lifelong friendships to the tight-knit professor relationships he formed, there are certain memories that still replay in his mind. One in particular was during a “Battle of the Bands” event where Professor Eric Selbin came up to him after his performance.

“Dr. Selbin came up to me and he said, ‘You’re a really great rhythm guitarist,’” says Johnson. “I never did anything with music, but I have continued to play music from time to time since I was 20 years old, and that’s something that I still think about.”

While music was a hobby, philosophy was his academic focus. Socrates was a master stone carver, and between his junior and senior year, Johnson followed the same path with an apprenticeship just up the road in Florence, Texas. He was taught the intricacies of designing, cutting, and carving stone architectural elements, using both modern and ancient tools and techniques.

“It dovetailed so nicely with what I really loved about Philosophy, which was learning how to think,” says Johnson. “Philosophy teaches you process a lot – and stone carving, there’s artistry involved, but it’s so much about process.”

Johnson believes that process is very similar to what he was learning in school – as far as the process of how to contemplate a question.

“One of the things that I think is great about an education here is you can study philosophy, or I could have been studying business or science, and whatever you chose to do in the end, it kind of feeds into that,” says Johnson.

His love of learning didn’t stop at Southwestern. In fact, with every project, Johnson turns on his iPod and expands his knowledge.

“Stone carving is such a long process,” he says.

Which gives him ample time to think, listen, and reflect. Most recently, Johnson learned about the history of Rome by historian, Mike Duncan. Next up: a series about the revolution in Haiti during the late 18th and early 19th century.

 
When James Gaeta ’87 took a job as an admission counselor shortly after graduation, he had no idea that it would lead to a long-term career at Southwestern. Now 28 years later, Gaeta serves as Director of Financial Aid and has the unique position of aligning current and prospective students with scholarships that lead them on a path to an educational journey similar to his own. “I came from a first-generation college family, and financial aid was pivotal in my ability to enroll at Southwestern,” he says.
 
In his role at Southwestern, Gaeta faces a major challenge of trying to match the demand for financial assistance with the limited supply of financial aid funding. “Decisions that I make will have an impact on a student’s ability to enroll or remain at Southwestern. It’s a role I take very seriously,” he says. However challenging, Gaeta believes that his Southwestern education prepared him for his job and he appreciates the opportunity to help students. “Knowing that I’ve been able to make it happen for a family who genuinely wants to be at Southwestern is one of my favorite parts of the job.”
 
Gaeta has a long list of favorite memories from his time at Southwestern, from hanging with the boys in Ruter to winning SING! to playing intramural basketball with his Pi Kappa Alpha brothers. Over the years, he has seen one thing remain constant. “The people here are important, whether students, staff or faculty; and that environment of support has been important and significant to my personal and professional growth.”
 
That simple human factor makes it easy for Gaeta to pay it forward, not only by helping students through his job but also by being a consistent donor to the Faculty/Staff Campaign throughout the years. “Southwestern makes a huge difference in the lives of its students, and it is important to me that my gift go toward something that supports positive changes in a person’s life,” he says. “The University community benefits from our ability to attract and retain a diverse group of students, and giving back helps to sustain this idea.”

Although she has family in Texas, it took Loren Pope’s Colleges that Change Lives to bring Eleanor Siff ’17 back to the Lone Star State. For Eleanor, a religion major and environmental studies minor, coming to Southwestern was a homecoming of sorts as Edwin S. Graham, a 1903 graduate of Southwestern, is Siff’s great-great grandfather. “The minute I stepped on campus,” Eleanor said, “I knew that I was home. Robert Frost ’13, gave me an amazing campus tour and I knew that I’d found the college for me.”

In Dr. Molly Jensen’s Intro to Judaism class, Eleanor realized that the study of Religion encompassed many aspects of the liberal arts. “Dr. Jensen opened my eyes to the humanities, social sciences, and literature. In that class, I discovered that there were different ways to solve problems and that was exciting. I’m not certain what career path I want to pursue, but I feel confident that the education I am receiving at Southwestern is preparing me to conquer any task ahead and has made me a decisive, passionate person.”

This exposure to new ideas led Eleanor to attend a meeting of the Student Philanthropy Council, an organization that educates students about the role of philanthropy at Southwestern. In the 2016-2017 school year, she will chair the organization. “I love getting to talk with my classmates about the Southwestern Experience and how they can make a difference. Many students are limited in their ability to give, but SPC helps them realize it’s not always the size of their gift, but their engagement with the University that matters most.”

“One of the best things about giving to Southwestern is that you can make your gift to any department, organization, or initiative you care about on campus,” Eleanor says. “Giving back to SU allows you to let the school know what matters most to you and ensures that those opportunities will be available to students for years to come.”

For Dorothy G. Caldwell ’92, Southwestern University is a family affair. Her great-great-great-great uncle, former President of the Republic of Texas Mirabeau B. Lamar, granted Rutersville, Southwestern’s first root college, its inaugural charter in 1840. “I’m also the fourth generation on both sides of my family to come here,” Dorothy says of her decision to attend Southwestern, “I had to come. It was just meant to be.” But as a student, she paved her own way through her involvement with Mask and Wig, Alpha Omega theatre fraternity, and Zeta Tau Alpha while earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in theatre production and performance.

It was as social chair for ZTA that Dorothy first discovered her passion for party planning. Now as the President of Southwestern’s Greater Austin Alumni Association, she brings together alumni from all generations and interests as a way for members to forge new friendships and reignite old ones. “I’m really looking forward to developing the diversity of our events so we can appeal to all our alumni, no matter where they are in their lives.” she states. It’s that human connection that keeps Dorothy’s bond with Southwestern so strong. From the new friends she’s made that work at the University to the ones that attend alumni events, Dorothy professes her volunteer position has been a joy.

“As an adult, it’s hard to duplicate the bonds you create with friends from college,” she points out. “Whether it’s your college roommate or a chance encounter with an acquaintance later in life, many cherished relationships blossom from these Southwestern roots. Facebook and other social media platforms are great, believe me, but nothing is as fulfilling as meeting people you know share a history and nothing has been as valuable as seeing old friends face to face and making that personal connection again. That’s why I do this. That’s what matters.”

 
Dr. George E. Nelson, a 1950 graduate of Southwestern University, joined the faculty at Southwestern University in 1958 and taught for over 30 years. Dr. Nelson educated and trained generations of Texas band directors “for the trenches.”. He considered music education to be the foundation of a strong college music program. On reflection, Dr. Nelson considered the most rewarding experience of his 32 years of teaching to be the contributions he made to the many music education students who graduated from SU to become public school music teachers. A former student said, “He has always shown a great interest in the welfare of his students and helped them get important band positions in the state. He has been able to give me opportunities that other teachers wouldn’t have.”
 
Among his many achievements, Dr. Nelson’s greatest honor was his induction into the Texas Bandmasters’ Hall of Fame in 1995, ranking him among the state’s top 300 elite band directors to receive the award.
 
One year ago, Ronny and Julie Clark ‘82, the daughter of Dr. Nelson and her husband, established a new endowed music scholarship at Southwestern University in memory of her father. In making the decision to create the endowment, Julie shared, “Our parents met as music majors at Southwestern University in 1948– – Mom with her beautiful soprano voice and Dad with his accomplished trumpet skills. They went on to dedicate over 30 years to teaching generations of musicians at Southwestern. Through the establishment of the George E. Nelson Endowed Music Scholarship Fund, our family hopes their lifelong love and commitment to music education will continue on for many more generations to come.”
 
In the past year, several alumni and friends have contributed to this endowed scholarship fund in memory of Dr. Nelson’s influence on their lives and careers. The recipients of this scholarship will be music majors at Southwestern University with preference being given to those students who are pursuing a degree in Music Education.