RENOVATION TO BENEFIT ARTS PROGRAMS ■ STUDENT ART ■ MISSION AWARD 2000

MAY 2000VOLUME 1

ISSUE 3

P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S S A G E

A liberal arts education has amongits goals the enrichment of students’ livesthrough the study and experience of thearts. Form, color, sound and a play-wright’s dialogue spark the imagination,arouse emotions and delight the senses.Through the artist’s interpretation, theworld around us is illuminated, and wecome to a deeper understanding of oth-ers and ourselves. How better to preparestudents for a lifetime of learning thanexposure to the arts?

Throughout the university’s history,the arts have been at the core of the

learning experience at St. Edward’s.Decades ago, Brother Hilarion Brezik,CSC, introduced drawing and paintinginto the curriculum. He was an artistwhose work appears in buildingsthroughout the campus. Today, our visu-al arts faculty are setting new standardsand serve as models for our students.Photocommunications Professor JosephVitone was named a Fulbright Scholarfor the 2000-2001 academic year tocontinue his photography of family-based agriculture in Costa Rica. InApril, Vitone’s panoramic photographywas featured at the Tangeman Fine ArtsGallery at the University of Cincinnati.Color photography taken in Europe andAsia by Associate Professor Sybil Millerwas shown in the Banister Gallery atRhode Island College in Providence.Our students too are continuing the tradition of achievement in the visualarts. The work of nine seniors drewenthusiastic praise from hundreds of vis-itors to a recent show at Austin’s FlatbedGallery.

Students in the theater arts program— the only undergraduate program inthe country in which students canbecome eligible to join Actor’s Equity —won the 1999 Austin Critics’ TableAward for Best Ensemble Cast for “ADay in Hollywood, A Night in theUkraine.” This year, the theater arts pro-gram garnered 13 nominations forAustin awards, with KevinArchambault, ’99, collecting the

OFFICERSChairBrother Richard P. Daly, CSC, ’61

Executive DirectorTexas Catholic Conference

Vice ChairCarolyn A. Gallagher

President and CEOTexwood Furniture

TreasurerF. Gary Valdez, MBA ’76

PresidentFocus Strategies, LLC

SecretaryMargie Kintz

MEMBERSMichelle BainWilliam R. Camp Jr., ’64Tommy N. CowanBrother Richard Critz, CSC, ’72Dr. Isabella CunninghamTimothy F. Gavin, ’76Brother Richard Gilman, CSC ’65Rev. Elmer HoltmanGregory A. Kozmetsky, ’70Myra A. McDanielSister Amata Miller, IHM

Azie Taylor MortonMichael E. PatrickTheodore R. Popp, ’60William RenfroJ. William Sharman Jr., hs ’58Jim A. SmithBrother Patrick Sopher, CSC, ’65Sister Elizabeth Anne Sueltenfuss, CDPIan J. TurpinMelba WhatleyPeter Winstead

EX OFFICIODr. George E. MartinFrank Woodruff, ’69Dr. Neal WiseRyan Schmidt, ’00

TRUSTEES EMERITICharles A. BettsEdward M. Block, ’50Guy Bodine, hs ’68Mike W. ButlerLeslie ClementFred D. George, ’69Lavon PhilipsCharles Schulze, ’33George Van Houten

St. Edward’s UniversityBoard of Trustees

Deacon Crain Award for outstandingbody of work from a student. Austincritics have praised senior Cory Cruser’sperformance in “Polaroid Stories” atHyde Park Frontera Theater andapplauded the talents of several of ourother young actors.

Next year, St. Edward’s will openthe new, 21,675-square-foot Fine Artsbuilding that will house its programs inart, photocommunications and theaterarts. In addition to classrooms andoffices, students and faculty will enjoynew studios for painting, sculpture andceramics, a computer graphics labora-tory, an expanded darkroom, an artgallery, and rehearsal space for theaterand dance. While we continue to seekfunding sources, alumni and parent sup-port for the $2.5 million project hasbeen enthusiastic, and gifts from foun-dations and businesses include a$100,000 commitment from theMeadows Foundation. When finished,the building will stand as a symbol ofthe St. Edward’s commitment to educa-tion in the arts.

In this issue of St. Edward’sUniversity Magazine, we feature the visu-al arts. I hope you enjoy learning moreabout students in the visual arts at St. Edward’s and about the talented anddedicated faculty who guide themthrough a program of study thatenhances a classical arts curriculum withexposure to the possibilities of new digi-tal technology. ■

A Strong Foundationin the Fine ArtsDr. George E. Martin

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I N T H I S I S S U E

EditorSusan Wolf

Art DirectorBen Chomiak

Director of CommunicationsLaMarriol Smith

Alumni Notes EditorMia M. Allen

Graphic DesignerAnica Bazan

InternsElaine Garrison, ’00, writing

Dylan Vitone, ’00, photography

ST. EDWARD’S UNIVERSITY

PresidentDr. George E. Martin

Vice President of University RelationsChris Collier

Associate Vice Presidentfor MarketingKen Williams

St. Edward’s University Magazine ispublished quarterly by the St. Edward’sUniversity Office of UniversityRelations for alumni and friends. Sendcomments, story ideas or letters to:

St. Edward’s University MagazineUniversity Relations

St. Edward’s University3001 South Congress Ave.

Austin, Texas 78704phone: 512-416-5814

fax: 512-416-5845email: susanew@admin.stedwards.edu

C A M P U S B E A T2 Renovation to Benefit Arts Programs

3 Sports Shorts

4 Students Lend a Helping Hand with Habitat

5 Student Comedy Troupe Cracks Up Campus

F E A T U R E S6 Polite Protocol

7 Nurturing Vision: Educating Visual Artists

10 Faces on the StreetThe Photography of Dylan Vitone, ’00

12 Through the Eyes of Brother Jeremias

14 Ben Crenshaw Receives Mission Award

A L U M N I N E W S16 Alumni Notes

17 Alumni Contacts

19 From the Archives

19 Calendar of Alumni Events

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CONTACT US!1-800-964-7833

Alumni Relations — ext. 8405Bookstore — ext. 8575Registrar — ext. 8750

Mary Moody Northen Theatre(ticket information) — ext. 8484

Visit our web site:www.stedwards.edu

on the cover

ben crenshaw

COVER ILLUSTRATION BY ANICA BAZANPHOTOS BY ANICA BAZAN AND DYLAN VITONE, ’00

Building Visual ArtistsThe photo illustration featured on the cover is

comprised of several well-known symbols

found on the St. Edward’s University campus.

Pictured: (right) the statue of Edward the

Confessor, King of England, located near the

university’s chapel; (bottom) fleur de lis taken

from the architectural style of Main Building;

(center) wood carving taken from the red door

of Main Building. The carving features the let-

ters “S” and “E,” which stand for St. Edward’s.

Other images represent traditional and elec-

tronic mediums of artistic expression.

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Edward’sSt.U N I V E R S I T Y M A G A Z I N E

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ED BEGLEY JR.ADDRESSES CAMPUS

COMMUNITYEd Begley Jr., Emmy-nominated actor for

his portrayal of Dr. Victor Ehrlich on the tele-vision series “St. Elsewhere,” visited campusand delivered an environmental message,“Live Simply That Others May Simply Live,” onMarch 24.

Begley, widely known and respected inthe environmental community, sets a powerfulexample by driving an electric car, riding hisbike and using public transportation. Hebegan recycling more than 20 years ago,before the first Earth Day event took place. Heserves on the board of the Walden WoodsProject, an environmental media association

and research foundation, and hasspoken at events such as Earth Day.

Begley is a former student ofBrother Gerald Mueller, CSC, whotaught the actor at Notre Dame HighSchool in Sherman Oaks, Calif. Whilein Austin, Begley was hosted by theBrothers of Holy Cross.

Begley has had recurring televi-sion appearances on the hit series“7th Heaven” and “The Beat.” Hisfeature film credits include “BatmanForever,” “Renaissance Man,”“Greedy” and “Accidental Tourist.”

ST. EDWARD’SSCORES HIGH MARKS

St. Edward’s University made the grade inthe U.S. Department of Education's first-evernational report card on educational issues.

The department released its Initial Reportof the Secretary on the Quality of TeacherPreparation this spring. The report, which isused for teacher certification and licensure bythe teacher preparation programs, showed a 97percent pass rate for St. Edward’s University testtakers and ranked the university 20th out of the86 institutions in Texas with educator prepara-tion programs. The full report, which wasrequired by congressional legislation passed in1998, is available at www.ed.gov/offices/OPE/News/teacherprep/.

RENOVATIONTO BENEFIT

ARTS PROGRAMSFor three decades, students were fed in

the building between St. Joseph and Doylehalls. For the next several decades, that samebuilding will feed students’ artistic vision.

The former Dining Hall is under renova-tion and will become the permanent home forthe art and photocommunications programs.The renovated building also will provide addi-tional facilities for the theater arts program.Instruction spaces for these programs are cur-rently located in temporary buildings.

Upon completion, the 21,675-squarefoot building will offer instructional space forsculpture, ceramics, painting, drawing andprintmaking, as well as a high-tech classroomfor graphic arts.

Darkrooms and a photo studio will ben-efit the school’s photocommunications pro-gram and a design classroom, costume shop,and rehearsal space will serve the theater pro-gram. Faculty offices and a critique and galleryspace will be created with the renovation.

The exterior of the building also will berenovated. A water feature will highlight a newoutdoor plaza located at the building’sentrance.

The cost of the renovation is approxi-mately $2.5 million. Many alumni and parentscontributed to the renovation project throughthis year’s annual phonothon. Additionalfundraising to support the project is under way.

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C A M P U S B E A T

A newly renovated Fine Arts Building will open in the fall of 2000. The 21,675-square-foot structure wasformerly the university’s dining hall.

Ed Begley Jr. talks withBrother Gerald Mueller, CSC,

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A TOP UNIVERSITYFOR HISPANICS

St. Edward’s University was listed as oneof the best universities in the nation forHispanics by Hispanic Magazine.

In the magazine’s recent article, “Top 25Colleges and Universities for Hispanics,” St. Edward’s was ranked 18th in the nation forrecruiting and retaining Hispanic students.The university was one of only seven privateinstitutions to be named to the list, and thehighest ranking small private university.

The ranking is based on a number offactors, including the percentage of Hispanicstudents enrolled, the number of Latinos grad-uating, academic excellence, the presence ofHispanic student organizations and the per-centage of Hispanic faculty.

Hispanic students make up about 25percent of the student body at St. Edward’s,and almost 34 percent of St. Edward’sUniversity graduates in 1999 were Hispanic.

SYMPOSIUM ADDRESSES ETHICS & CAMPAIGN FINANCE

In the first of a series of yearly symposiaaddressing ethics and the public good, St. Edward’s University hosted former gover-nor of South Carolina John West for a discus-sion of campaign finance March 21.

At this year’s symposium, titled “Ethicsand Campaign Finance,” West and othersdebated the possibilities for more ethicalforms of leadership in the U.S. political sys-tem. West, who also served as President JimmyCarter’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, wasjoined by George Christian, former press sec-retary to President Lyndon Johnson and BillAllaway, president of the Texas Taxpayers andResearch Association, a lobbying organizationfor business interests.

The panel drew on their personal experi-ences to discuss how the financing of cam-paigns has changed over the last three or fourdecades, as well as possibilities for reform. St. Edward’s University professor, Dr. NealWise, acted as moderator.

In addition to speaking at the sympo-sium, West also met with international rela-

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SPORTSSHORTS

The St. Edward’s softball team posted wins overkey opponents in April. The team defeated St. Mary’sin two games, 2-1 and 4-1, and Incarnate Word intwo games, 4-0 and 2-1. Another big win was a 4-1victory over regionally ranked Texas WesleyanUniversity, which kept the Hilltoppers’ hopes alivefor a regional tournament invitation. The team splitthe season series 2-2 with Texas Wesleyan. The regu-lar season ends with a lot of excitement in May whenthe Lady Hilltoppers face a double header with theUniversity of Texas.

A highlight of the softball season was JodyFillpot’s 100th win as the softball head coach.

The baseball team had a 20-16 record goinginto the Easter weekend’s four-game series withTexas Wesleyan in Fort Worth, but were swept by thefifth regionally ranked team. The Hilltoppers haveposted key victories over Texas A&M Kingsville,University of Texas at San Antonio, Texas A&MCorpus Christi and Tarleton State University. At presstime, the team was facing a tough schedule with keyseries against St. Mary’s and Texas Lutheran.

The men’s tennis team finished their regular season with a 10-6 record. The teampulled out a 5-2 victory over Texas Wesleyan in a Heartland Conference TennisChampionship, but eventually lost to Drury University, 1-5. The men’s team earned a regionaltournament berth in Fort Worth May 5 and 6. The women also finished their season with a10-6 record and have been ranked in the top 15 in the region this season.

The men’s basketball team finished their season at 16-1 — their first winning seasonsince 1993, including a home court record of 10-3. Impressive victories were posted overDivision I University of Texas – Pan American as well as Division II opponents DruryUniversity, Southern Arkansas, Cameron, St. Mary’s and Incarnate Word.

The women’s basketball team posted an impressive 20-7 record but were unable tosecure an at-large berth in the Regional Tournament. During the season, the women’s teamhad impressive victories against Abilene Christian, Tarelton State, Rockhurst, Angelo State, St. Mary’s and Incarnate Word. All athletic teams’ records and current schedules are postedat www.stedwards.edu.

C A M P U S B E A T

tions students and shared insights into the oilcrisis of the 1980’s.

Director of the Center for Ethics andLeadership Dr. Phillip Thompson, whoorganized the symposium, said the event wasan opportunity to promote the discussion of atimely topic.

“The discussion of campaign financing isintegral to the election process and signifi-cantly affects the response of our elected offi-

cials in relation to whom they feel account-able,” said Thompson. “We are fortunate tohave had a distinguished group of symposiumpanelists who critically addressed this issuethat affects the way our public servants con-duct business.”

The annual ethics series will feature ethi-cal topics that are of importance to the broadercommunity. Thompson hopes to have nextyear’s topic address ethics and high technology.

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‘LOVE’S FIRE’ IGNITESTHE MMNT STAGE

“Love’s Fire,” an arresting, hilarious,unexpected look at love written by seven ofAmerica’s most engaging contemporary play-wrights, ignited the Mary Moody NorthenTheatre in April.

This scorching series of short plays wasco-directed by guest artist Vicky Boone andTheater Business Manager Annie Suite andchoreographed by guest artist Margery Segal.

Due to language and content, this showwas recommended for mature audi-ences only. Although “Love’s Fire” wasmore controversial than most MMNTproductions, it was an opportunity thedepartment was eager to embrace.“Throughout the years, our patronshave been treated to some of the bestplays of the ancient Greeks, theRenaissance, the Restoration, and mod-ern America,” said Suite. “Now it’s timeto give them a taste of what’s happeningtoday.”

This summer, the MMNT will pre-sent Neil Simon’s classic, “Barefoot inthe Park,” July 6-23. Tickets are $10.Call 512-448-8484 for reservations.

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STUDENTSLEND A HAND

Collaborating with carpenters and siteleaders, nine Habitat for Humanity volunteersfrom St. Edward’s completed the entire founda-tion of an East 16th Street house on Feb. 12.

The day-long event proved to be a pow-erful way for St. Edward’s University students,faculty and staff to reach out to the communi-ty. “It felt good to do something that repre-sented St. Edward’s in a positive way and toput into action all the ideals we talk about inour classes,” said Anne Smogur, ’02.

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, ecu-menical Christian housing ministry that invitespeople of all backgrounds, races and religionsto build houses together in partnership withfamilies in need.

The group usually serves for three workdays every semester and hopes to do more inthe future. For more information about St. Edward’s University collaboration withHabitat for Humanity, contact Susanna Cantuat 327-3338 or scantu3@acad.stedwards.edu.

PHASE IIAPARTMENTS OPEN

The university celebrated the opening ofthe second phase of student apartments withtwo events. In February, a formal grand open-ing and a student party were held in honor ofthe opening of the student apartments.

The formal grand-opening event includeda blessing, scripture reading, refreshments andtours of the apartments. The student party fea-tured a band and barbeque. The second phaseof apartment construction adds 98 units forstudents seeking apartment-style living on cam-pus. The first phase of construction provided80 apartments for students. Together, Phase Iand Phase II apartments have the capacity tohouse approximately 400 upper division stu-dents and feature efficiency and one- and two-bedroom floor plans. Each apartment featuresa kitchen, a living room and a porch or patio.

The university began construction on theapartments in 1997 in an effort to provide on-campus housing for students who would haveotherwise moved off campus to find apartment-style living options.

On Feb. 12, members of the St. Edward’s University community pitched in on a Habitat for Humanity project in Austin.

Farrukh Bashir, director of Residence Life, Doris Constantine,director of Student Financial Services, Dick Orton, adjunct fac-ulty in New College, and Father Rick Wilkinson, CSC, directorof Campus Ministries celebrate the opening of the phase IIapartments.

SENIOR SHOWThe St. Edward’s Photocommunications

department hosted an exhibit of student workMarch 10-21 at the Flatbed Galleries in Austin.“149 Untitled Works” featured prints by RobertBarber, ’00, Lisa Brown, ’00, Catherine M.Daley, ’01, Jason Evans, ’00, DeanneRichburg, ’01, Mary Testa, ’00, LizelleVillapando, ’00, Dylan Vitone, ’00, andStephanie Watts, ’00. The exhibit showcased avariety of black and white and color documen-tary, portraiture and photo-mosaic images.

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TWO VISITINGWRITERS READ

Lucille Clifton, a Pulitzer Prize finalist andEmmy Award winner, read poetry and otherworks on Thursday, Feb. 17 in the JonesAuditorium of the Ragsdale Center.

Clifton serves as a distinguished professorof humanities at St. Mary’s College ofMaryland. She has published 10 collections ofpoetry, one autobiographical prose work and19 children’s books. Her publications includeTerrible Stories, The Book of Light,Generations and the Everett Anderson seriesof children’s books.

In addition toClifton’s appearance,the School ofHumanities hostedaward-winning authorLee Gutkind on April16 and 17. Gutkind,who is the founderand editor of thejournal Creative Nonfiction and author of theaward winning book Many Sleepless Nights,read creative nonfiction in the JonesAuditorium of the Ragsdale Center and partici-pated in a question-and-answer session at theMeadow’s Coffee House. Gutkind is regardedas the grandfather of creative nonfiction. ■

Campus Beat is compiled by Elaine Garrison,’00,Susan Wolf and LaMarriol Smith.

FAT BUCKLE CRACKS UP CAMPUSThey’re everywhere — in the Meadows Coffee House, in the Teresa

Hall lobby, in front of the convenience store and in the Mabee Ballroom.They draw such a huge crowd of zany fanatics that University Police has toturn people away in adherence to fire codes. They’re rude, they’re totallyirreverent and they’re outrageously funny.

Who’s responsible for all this mayhem? It’s Fat Buckle, the St. Edward’sUniversity answer to the hit improv comedy show, “Who’s Line is it Anyway?”And watch out — now the comedy troupe is spreading off campus.

“We’re getting offers almost daily now,” said Fat Buckle troupe memberand Business Manager Brad Carlin, ’02. “Eventually we will audition atlocal comedy clubs for a weekly spot.”

Carlin and the other theater arts majors Jarrad Apperson, ’03,Patrick Daniel, ’03, Lee Eddie, ’00, Alan Metoskie, ’03, and JeffreyMills, ’02, joined forces in the fall of 1999 to spread ad-libbed joy andunbridled mania throughout St. Edward’s University.

“The success of the group has amazed us all,” said Carlin, who is proud to be a part of thecomedic sensation that draws crowds as large as 200 people. In April, the troupe performed at anorth Austin Starbucks, opened for comedian Gary Owens’ on-campus performance and enter-tained St. Edward’s University employees at an appreciation luncheon.

Enjoying a sort of campus celebrityhood, Carlin said that he plans “to milk the safety of the St. Edward’s environment as much as possible. And when the time comes, we will branch out withconfidence in our act.”

Fat Buckle members Patrick Daniel, ’03, Alan Metoski , ’03, and BradCarlin, ’02, entertain a crowd this spring.

New study options in family mediation,electronic commerce, not-for-profit manage-ment, organizational leadership and ethics,organizational communication, and profes-sional ethics will become part of course offer-ings at St. Edward’s in the 2000-2001 academ-ic year.

The Master of Business Administrationprogram will offer a six-course concentrationin e-commerce beginning in the fall. Thecourse of study will prepare managers to leade-commerce operations in a wide variety ofsettings and give them expertise in e-com-merce technologies, finance, marketing, andlaw and business strategy.

The MBA program will also offer a five-course concentration in not-for-profit manage-ment. Developed in response to the input fromAustin-area not-for-profit organizations, thecourse of study will develop professional leader-ship and expertise in various management areas.

Both the not-for-profit and e-commerceconcentrations will be available as profession-al certificates.

In addition, a new 18-hour minor inprofessional ethics will be available to under-graduate students. The minor will include phi-losophy classes and will better prepare stu-dents to understand and evaluate moral issuesencountered in their professions.

For New College students, a new bache-lor of arts in organizational communicationwill be offered beginning in the 2000-2001academic year. The program is designed togive working adults the knowledge and skillsto be effective communicators of organization-al goals, values, initiatives and operations andto be facilitators of productive human rela-tions in organizations.

The fast-tracked degree is the thirdProgram for Accelerated College Educationdegree offered at St. Edward’s. PACE programsallow for the completion of major degreerequirements in as few as five semesters.

In addition, plans for a new master ofscience in organizational leadership and ethicsprogram and a master of liberal arts programare currently under consideration.

Megan McMillan, ’00, visits withpoet Lucille Clifton.

NEW PROGRAMS ADDED FOR 2000-2001

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My personal essay professor LaurieDrummond, who is active in the Austin

Writers’ League and a talented writer,took on the role of an editor, gave us

thoughtful feedback and respectedeach person’s experience asunique and worthy of being

written about. When I started think-ing about life after graduation, I had the

opportunity to hear about my differentprofessors’ life experiences and how theymade their way in the real world. My ClayI professor, Stan Irvin, told me he hatedhis first ceramics class; however, he laterrealized how much he loved working withclay. I realized that, unlike my past profes-sors at other colleges, at St. Edward’sUniversity professors are not only wonder-ful teachers, but also nurturing friends.They actually delight in my learningprocess both inside and outside of theclassroom.

The serenity of staying on campusappealed to me more than my cold andempty apartment. It seemed stupid to bat-tle the construction on South CongressAvenue only to slam down a sandwich andcatch five minutes of Days of Our Lives athome, when I could leisurely eat a hotlunch in the Ragsdale Center and catch upon my homework in my favorite nook inthe library. Suddenly, the alternate realityof St. Edward’s became my reality and nolonger an escape.

Somehow, the values and polite pro-tocol of the St. Edward’s University com-munity have steadily seeped into my ownvalue system and character. I now see howthe tiniest positive actions create a commu-

nity of caring people. There is nothingwrong with smiling at someone I don’tknow on the sidewalk; that one smilebounces from person to person along thepaths and could eventually become thesmile on my professor’s face when I walkinto class. At St. Edward’s, smiles reflectand resonate, creating an environmentconducive to learning and growing spiritually.

It’s the little things that make me seehow much I have changed as a direct resultof attending St. Edward’s — little thingsthat have become so much a part of mypersonality that I scarcely remember myselfbefore St. Edward’s. On the dog-eat-dogworld of I-35, I now mercifully let peoplemerge and don’t curse if someone doesn’tlet me off at my exit. I look behind mewhen I walk through a door, making surenot to slam it in case there is someonebehind me. And even though I am notChristian, I savor the prayers BrotherJohn Perron, CSC, starts class with andsay “amen” along with my classmates whenhe finishes.

I can’t say whether St. Edward’s issolely responsible for my newfound appre-ciation of others and awareness of thepower of being a positive person in thisworld. But I can say that before coming toSt. Edward’s, I was a woman with a dismalview of the world headed down the path ofcynicism. I am thankful that St. Edward’sgave me both a retreat and reason tochange my reality. I know the characterimprovements I have gained at St. Edward’s will stay with me, and I willnever tire of blessing those around me. ■

H I L L T O P V O I C E S

The following is the first

in a series of essays

from assistant professor

Laurie Drummond’s

spring 2000 Magazine

Writing class. The stu-

dents were asked to

write personal essays

about their experiences

at St. Edward’s

University. This issue’s

feature was written by

English writing &

rhetoric major

Sheel Mann, ’00.

PoliteProtocol

Ifakeda sneeze and inwardly chuckled as five people clamored to bless me; Dr.Fastiggi even interrupted his paean onDante’s Vita Nuova, to specifically ask Godto bless me. Were these people for real?

St. Edward’s is the fourth college Ihave attended, and by the time I arrived,the charm of the undergraduate experiencehad long since worn off. I just wanted toleave with a degree as quickly as possible.When I transferred to St. Edward’s, Iviewed the university community as afringe reality where people blessed youwhen you sneezed and not only noticedyou waiting for the telephone, but actuallymeant it when they said they would be offin a minute.

After several semesters I realized thatthe endless supply of wonderful professorswas not a fluke. Dr. Alan Altimont,despite having actually written a screenplaythat was performed at Mary MoodyNorthen Theatre, was more like a friendthan a professor and never failed to remindus that he had an afro once upon a time.

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EDUCATING VISUAL ARTISTS

Wanna get dizzy? A student who arrives at St. Edward’s University knowing he or

she wants to study the visual arts has a dizzying array of choices: painting (acrylic,

watercolor, oil-based), graphic arts (traditional or computer-generated), printmaking, collages, mosaics, drawing (charcoal, ink, pastels, colored pencils),

ceramics (hand-built or wheel-thrown), sculpture, black and white or color

photography (documentary, personal, fine art, photojournalism), studio and edito-

rial photography, and electronic imaging (digital photography, video, multime-

dia, web-based).

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“Hope is the Heartbreakof the Hopeless,” by AvaBrooks, ’00, stoneware.

Stan Irving, professor.

Previous page: “Untitled” col-lection of floral photographs,

Lisa Brown, ’01.Sybil Miller, professor.

young visual artiststhrough their educationat St. Edward’sUniversity.

Unlike other univer-sities, art and photocom-munications are separateprograms at St. Edward’s.“We’re pretty unusual inthat most universitiesplace photocommunica-tions in either an art orjournalism department,”said Sybil Miller, associ-ate professor of photo-communications and aphotographic artist.“Because we are independent, we canteach a broader range of perspectives andtraditions within the vast field of photog-raphy and related media.”

Walle Conoly, associate professor ofart, painter, and book illustrator, explainsthat “photocommunications students maytake a few courses in graphic design,which is offered as a minor in art, or artstudents may take some classes in the mul-timedia minor run by photocommunica-tions. But we are truly different disci-plines.”

Yet faculty in both areas agree thatthey share two key, essential components:solid grounding in the fundamentals andindividualized attention. “What we doreally well here is teach the fundamentalsand provide a lot of one-on-one time withstudents,” said Stan Irvin, associate pro-fessor of art, ceramist and sculptor.

“Compared to other universities, ourstudents have a more thorough educationin ways that allow them to grow,” saidJoseph Vitone, professor of photocom-munications and photographic artist, whowas named a Fulbright Scholar in March.“We provide them with very fertile soil by

Wanna get dizzier?A student who graduates from

St. Edward’s University with a degree inart or photocommunications has numer-ous career opportunities available, as aquick glance at previous graduates’ careersattests: graduate student, art educator(teaching elementary or secondary schoolstudents), art or photography professor,commercial photographer assistant, free-lance photographer, photojournalist, pho-tographic artist, web site developer, graph-ic artist, studio artist, gallery or museumworker, traditional print-type graphicdesigner, commercial designer, or newspa-per designer.

And those are just some of the possi-bilities.

Whether students aspire to work ascommercial artists or show their work in

some of the finest galleries inthe country, both the artand photocommunica-tions faculty are com-mitted to providing adiverse curricula and

to nurturing

packing classes full of structured directionand information as well as extensive indi-vidual feedback and critique.”

“We ask them what they want to do,and then provide them with individual-ized direction,” says Miller. “Our studentsare in the darkroom the first semester, asopposed to their junior year at many otheruniversities. We’re responsive to theirneeds and adapt to their thinking to helpthem achieve their goals.”

Several years ago a junior seminar,which focuses on individual projects, wasadded at the request of students. A busi-ness practices course also was added, andthis fall a photobook design class will beoffered.

Similarly, the art faculty quicklyresponds to students’ interests. “We’repretty flexible,” Irvin said, “although thefundamentals — drawing, design, build-ing on skills in a variety of mediums —haven’t changed. We find out what stu-dents need and offer courses or indepen-dent studies.” One course Irvin developedin response to student needs is ExhibitsTechniques, which addresses methods ofhanging, designing and lighting shows as

8

F E A T U R E

EDUCATING VISUAL ARTISTS

A panel from an accordion book by Ingrid Boesch, ’99, made for aregularly assigned Digital II project. Joe Vitone, professor.

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the theater, will move intotheir newly renovatedhome, previously the uni-versity Dining Hall.Conoly called the newfacility “classy. It will bewonderful to have facili-ties in a freshly renovatedbuilding,” he said.Highlights include betterventilation, more func-tional studios, a dedicatedimaging computer lab, acritique room with tracklighting, and gallery fordisplaying the work ofnoted regional artists aswell as student and facul-ty work.

Miller, who justreturned from visiting thenew, state-of-the-artMarion Center forPhotographic Arts at Santa Fe College,said it was exciting to see that “our newbuilding has the very same equipment asthe Marion Center. It’s cutting edge. Ihope we can bring in nationally-knownphotographers for week-long residencies touse our studios and work with students.”

In the end, what appears to be adizzying set of choices is really a rich expe-rience for students interested in the visualarts. With the guidance of responsive fac-ulty, the introduction of new facilities andthe growing opportunities for self expres-sion, the future of the visual arts at St.Edward’s is brighter and more colorfulthan ever before. ■

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F E A T U R E

well as publicity, slide portfolios, artists’statements and resumes.

Still, Irvin said that the big questionthat faces most student artists is what theywill do to support themselves after gradua-tion — a question that many parents alsoraise. At some point Irvin sits down with astudent and says, “You’ve reached a cross-roads, with two equally valid directions:making your art and making a living. Andyou’ve got to consider both ways.”

The art faculty also want to provideopportunities to students who are interest-ed in commercial art, in particular graphicdesign, which is one of the “fastest grow-ing industries around,” according toConoly, who says there are plans toexpand the graphic design concentration.“Currently, we’re working with graphicdesign professionals in the community.We want to know what skills and talentlevels they’d like to see in job applicants,particularly for graphic design.”

Since graphic design was introducedas a minor three years ago, the classes havebeen full or overloaded on a regular basis.The new-this-year multimedia minoroffered through photocommunicationshas also garnered heavy student interest;both Digital Imaging I and II are consis-tently full, with students on waiting lists.

Yet, faculty are quick to point outthat technology is simply another tool,“like paper, canvas and brushes,” saidIrvin. “Technology has not replaced thestudio arts. In fact it could be consideredthe perfect anecdote.” The training is thesame as other mediums: concentrate onvisual skill building and what Vitone calls“developing an ability to problem solveand enunciate.”

For instance, Vitone has asked stu-dents in his multimedia class to designand produce websites using images to con-textualize their lives: where they were,where they are and where they will be inthe future. They are asked to center onthemselves and ask, “What is my workabout?”

Vitone said, and other faculty mem-bers concurred, that to “simply teach mar-ketable skills is deadly. Students need tolearn intellectually and emotionally. Theyneed to learn to conceptualize. Whetherstudents focus on commercial art or stu-dio art, both are about visually enunciat-ing thoughts and ideas.”

Whatever medium student artistschoose to study, the facilities they use oncampus to create and shape their work areabout to improve dramatically. In the fall,art and photocommunications along with

“To Hell in a Hand Basket,”Ashley Andreas, ’00,watercolor and ink. Walle Conoly, professor.

Associate Professor of Art WalleConoly works with student NicoleMeszaros, ’00.

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ÒWhether students focus on commercial art orstudio art, both are about visually enunciatingthoughts and ideas.Ó

ÑJoe Vitone

F E A T U R E

“On a daily basis, members of everylevel of society come together to traveldown these arteries contained within afew urban blocks,” he said.“Unfortunately, many of us seldomacknowledge one another. Humans havea strange way of ignoring the individualsthat lie outside of their immediate socialboundaries.”

Vitone’s growing collection of pho-tos has received favorable attention dur-ing his senior year. One of his images wasfeatured among student work from acrossthe country in the December 1999 issueof American Photo On Campus, a nation-ally circulated magazine. Vitone also

“In Austin, between two parallelstreets, rests the flesh of our city.”

So begins photocommunicationsmajor Dylan Vitone, ’00, as he grappleswith the task of describing the passionthat has encompassed much of his collegecareer: photographing people who spendtheir days and nights between Austin’sLavaca Street and Interstate 35.

It has been three years since Vitone,21, first began photographing the facesof homeless people in this very urban,very busy section of Austin. Today,Vitone says the project has taught himabout humanity, dignity and the thingsthat divide people from one another.

FACES STREET

By Susan Wolf ■ Photography by Dylan Vitone

ONTHE

Above: “Chicago,” 1999;left: “Mexican,” 2000;right: “Jeanette,” 1999

“This project is my attempt to look

beyond the societal structure I have

been placed in and reveal the faces of

the people we often ignore.”

— Dylan Vitone, ’00

received the Ruth C. Long Scholarshipand the Outstanding Photographer of theYear award from the St. Edward’sUniversity School of Humanities.

Vitone said the project was inspiredby a series of circumstances he encoun-tered as a freshman. “I didn’t have a car,so I was riding the bus every day toschool,” he said. “I had this conflict goingon between riding the bus to school inthe morning and being around all ofthese underprivileged people, and thengoing to class with privileged people. Itreally started to eat me up.” At the sametime, Vitone discovered the documentary,Mary Ellen Mark’s “Streetwise,” whichexamines the lives of street kids in Seattle.“It pretty much changed the course of mylife. I changed my major from communi-cation to photocommunications.”

Since then, Vitone said hehas made photography of thehomeless a top priority. He haslearned much about interactingwith people and developing

trust while photographing. He plans tocontinue to explore the subject matter ingraduate school.

Sybil Miller, associate professor ofphotocommunications, said she has beenimpressed with the quality of Vitone’sproject. “Dylan’s work has inspired manystudents in the program to take theirwork to the next level,” said Miller.

Ultimately, Vitone hopes to inspirepeople to look beyond appearances andsocial boundaries to discover the dignitythat lies within all people.

“If you look at these people whoappear to be at the lower end of the socialladder, there are still these amazing faces.They’re beautiful…This project is myattempt to look beyond the societal struc-ture I have been placed in and reveal thefaces of the people we often ignore.” ■

Right: “Eric,” 1998, which appeared in the December 1999issue of American Photo on Campus; below: “David,” 1998;lower right: “Samuel,” 1998.All photographs © Dylan Vitone 1998-2000.

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Brother Jeremias Mysliwiec’s “St. Edward’s Fire” illustrates the blaze that ravaged Main Building in 1903.

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Brother Jeremias Mysliwiec, CSC

Main Building crumbles in a blaze ofred, yellow, orange and gray. Smoke billows fromthe structure and clouds the sky in a dark haze. Once the

flames subside, all but two of the walls will collapse from the heat.

Is it the end of the world or just another one of Brother Jeremias’ paintings?

13

“I find painting relaxing. I don’tthink of anything else when I’m paint-ing,” said Brother Jeremias Mysliwiec,CSC. “At the same time, it’s a kind ofcompetition with myself to improve onprevious works.”

Mysliwiec’s affinity for subjects fromSt. Edward’s University history, such asthe Main Building fire of 1903, is notsurprising because Mysliwiec himself hasa long history with the university. Butwhat is rather extraordinary about 85-year-old Mysliwiec is the success he hasenjoyed in his relatively short paintingcareer that began only 20 years ago.

In 1980, Mysliwiec retired from hisservice as a high school teacher andlibrarian in Mississippi and moved toAustin to work in the Scarborough-Phillips Library and live in St. JosephHall. He began painting that same year.Soon, his works began appearing in dis-tant homes in Chicago, Buffalo, Boston,Miami and Los Angeles. More recently,he has exhibited his work at various gal-leries around Austin. During Mysliwiec’slast exhibit at the Yard Dog Gallery onSouth Congress, he sold more than 20paintings.

“I love to present things that are notoften depicted through art,” saidMysliwiec.

Inspired by the history of MainBuilding, Mysliwiec researched structuralburnings in order to make his paintingmore true to life. However, he could not

find any photos of fires at the publiclibrary — not even in all of the extensiveindexes of National Geographic.Mysliwiec noted that different materialsproduce different colored flames. Becausethe inside of Main Building was mademostly of wood in 1903, he painted theflames red, yellow, orange and gray.Based on archive photos of the structureafter the fire, he was able to depict thedestructive path of the flames across the burning building.

Mysliwiec shows a fascination forthe theme of tragedy. Besides “St.Edward’s Fire,” he has depicted a severestorm that caused extensive damage tothe St. Edward’s campus in the late1880’s. He has painted the eruptions ofMount St. Helen’s and a depiction of theWorld War II Nazi concentration campin Auschwitz, Poland.

Mysliwiec also gains inspirationfrom his love of nature and finds fulfill-ment in painting natural scenes such asthe Grand Canyon. He often paints fromphotographs but sometimes enjoys takinghis easel and brushes with him to WestCave Preserve with his fellow painterfriend, St. Edward’s University alumnusJohn Cobb, ’83.

Cobb became friends with Mysliwiecwhile he was a staff member at St.Edward’s and is well acquainted withMysliwiec’s work. “Brother Jeremias has avery peculiar, quasi-scientific approach topainting,” Cobb said. “It’s rather mechan-

ical, but the colors are so bright andunusual. He has a kind of a meandering,microscopic view of natural plant life,growth and landscape. I’ve always mar-veled at how simple and pure it is.”

Associate Professor of Art Stan Irvintaught Mysliwiec in a drawing class in1980. “To me, his paintings seem a lotlike folk art,” said Irvin. “It’s always realfresh and kind of amazing. I really likehis work. He came to his style on his own.”

As always, Mysliweic has his handsin a lot of things other than painting.Besides the position he held atScarborough-Phillips Library from 1980to 1996, Mysliwiec has worked at theSouthwest Province for the Brothers’Archives for 14 years. Between 1982 and1990, Mysliwiec served 600 hours forrecording for the blind. He then beganserving as a eucharistic minister at theAustin Nursing Center in 1985 andbecame a volunteer at St. David’sHospital in 1991. He continues to vol-unteer at both sites.

Does he plan to take up any newhobbies? Mysliwiec laughs at the idea.“Well, I am taking a computer class,” hesaid, smiling. “But I’m just learning howto work the thing.”

Not to worry — Mysliwiec will con-tinue to maintain the active lifestyle he’sused to, whether his hands are full withhis various service projects or smearedwith paint. ■

Ben Crenshaw accepts the Mission Award

A pro inthe game

of life:

Ben Crenshaw accepts the Mission Award

WCrenshaw said that he has been influ-

enced by a number of individuals withinthe golf world, including Ben Hogan,Bob Jones and Harvey Penick. “Throughgolf I have seen a lot of individuals do alot of work for people,” said Crenshaw.“(The late Harvey Penick) was one of thegreatest servers I’ve seen in this profession.I respect not only his devotedness as amentor and a teacher, but also every dayof his 70 years of being a professional. Itall boils down to simple human kindness.He was willing to do whatever he thoughtwas necessary to help other people enjoythe game of golf.”

Crenshaw is the eighth individual tobe honored with the Mission Award,which is given annually to individualsthat embody the mission of St. Edward’sUniversity. Crenshaw joined a distin-guished list of former Mission Awardrecipients including Frank and SueMcBee (1999), Roger Staubach (1998),Tom Luce (1997), Barbara Bush (1996),John Sharp (1995) and J.J. “Jake” Pickle(1994).

The Mission Award is sponsored bythe St. Edward’s University BusinessDevelopment Council, a group of busi-ness leaders who serve as ambassadors forthe university. ■

hen professional golfer Ben Crenshawtook the stage in the St. Edward’sUniversity Mabee Ballroom on April 19,it wasn’t to talk about his golf swing.Surrounded by family, friends and wellwishers, the affable Austinite accepted theuniversity’s highest honor — the 2000Mission Award.

Dubbed “Gentle Ben” by the media,Crenshaw was honored for his leadershipand service as a sportsman and a commu-nity member. “I’ll probably spend the restof my life finding ways to quietly andmaybe gently help other people,” saidCrenshaw. “A lot of people chose to playgolf as a form of recreation. But throughcharitable efforts, golf has made a differ-ence in many people’s lives.”

Crenshaw has become aninspiration to fans and peersalike for his character andintegrity as a sportsman. Sinceturning pro, Crenshaw has had19 PGA Tour victories.

In 1991, he received theBob Jones Award, the highesthonor the United States GolfAssociation bestows in recognition of dis-tinguished sportsmanship in golf. In1999, Crenshaw served as captain of theU.S. Ryder Cup Team. As the worldwatched, Crenshaw’s sportsmanship andskills as a motivator were instrumental inrallying the U.S. team, down 10-6, to a141/2 to 131/2 win on the final day of play.

Many sports commentators credit theteam’s performance to Crenshaw’s abilityto bring a group of young individual play-ers together when it counted, despite dis-couraging performances and controversy

over player compensation. At a press con-ference the night before the final day ofplay, his moving words (“I’m a big believ-er in fate. I have a good feeling aboutthis”) served as a reminder to many aboutthe importance of faith, courage and lead-ership. The eventual victory of the U.S.team was noted as one of the most stun-ning comebacks in Ryder Cup history; noteam had ever rallied from more than atwo-point deficit on the final day.

In addition to his professional accom-plishments, Crenshaw has worked to helplocal charities through the Annual BenWillie Darrell East Austin Youth Classic,which has raised more than $3 million forprograms that benefit East Austin youth.He is a supporter of the Seton Fund,

West Austin Youth Association, the JuniorHelping Hand and St. Andrew’sEpiscopal School.

Former University of Texas FootballCoach Darrell Royal, a long-time familyfriend who attended the ceremony, said ofCrenshaw, “I’ve had the chance to watchhim grow up, and I have seen thatthrough all these honors, Ben has stayedthe same. St. Edward’s is to be congratu-lated for selecting Ben Crenshaw for thisaward. You could not have made a betterchoice.”

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F E A T U R E

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Golfer Ben Crenshaw speaks at the Mission Award ceremony as PresidentGeorge Martin looks on.

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“I’ll probably spend the rest

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help other people,”—Ben Crenshaw

ProfileJosé Montemayor, ’75

From the window in his downtownoffice on Guadalupe Street, JoseMontemayor, ’75, can see MainBuilding. In fact, he looks at it every sin-gle day. “It still looks great to me,” hesaid.

Montemayor, who came to St.Edward’s as a New College student inthe early 1970s, now serves as Texas’insurance commissioner. Appointed byGovernor George W. Bush, he assumedthe position in January of 1999.

Montemayor, a certified public accountant, came to the Texas Department ofInsurance after retiring from the Air Force in 1993 with the rank of major. Heserved two years as director of insurer services, and from 1995 until beingappointed commissioner, he served as associate commissioner for the financialprogram, overseeing the licensing, solvency and market conduct of more than2,000 insurers and health maintenance organizations doing business in Texas.

He began his Air Force career as an enlisted jet engine technician in 1969,becoming an officer and ICBM combat crew commander in 1978. He laterserved in the Peacekeeper and Minuteman ICBM programs and Air ForceSecurity Assistance program in Latin America.

As commissioner, he worked to streamline insurance regulations to benefit theindustry and consumers. In addition to his work with the commission, he remainsactive in the community, serving as a volunteer at an Austin-area soup kitchen. Montemayor said that he appreciates the role St. Edward’s has played in his life.When he began at St. Edward’s, he was married with children. He worked dur-ing the day and studied at night. “In the mid-70s, if you wanted to finish yourdegree and were a working adult, about the only university around here thatgave you the chance to do that was St. Edward’s,” he said. “ It was a very sup-portive environment.”

After graduating from St. Edward’s, Montemayor went on to study business atthe University of North Dakota in 1978. He holds a master of arts in administra-tion from Webster University in St. Louis, a master of science in logistics manage-ment from the Air Force Institute of Technology, and a master of accountancyfrom Southwest Texas State University. Montemayor is a member of the TexasSociety of Certified Public Accountants and the Society of Financial Examiners.

16

A L U M N I N O T E S

Edwards and Sons and Candy is apersonal fitness trainer at theParkcities YMCA. They have fourchildren, three of whom haveattended St. Edward’s: Christi,’95, Jeffrey, ’97, and Scott, ’00.

70sEllen Jane “Janie” Green, ’72,and husband, David, reside inHouston and have three sons,David Jr., 22, Daniel, 17, andGrover, 14. David Jr. will attendSt. Edward’s in the fall of 2000.Janie owns a specialized engineer-ing company in San Antonio withher three sisters.

Kathleen “Kathy” (Keppler)Morrison, ’72, and husband,Alan, reside in Houston and havetwo sons, Mark, 17, and Paul, 12.Kathy celebrated her 20th anniver-sary with Prudential Insurance Co.as a senior agent specializing inbusiness insurance and retirementplanning.

40sE. H. Corrigan, ’44, retired froma family business of U.S. CustomsBrokers. He lives in Laredo andserves as a trustee for the GladysPorter Zoo in Brownsville, McNayArt Museum in San Antonio, SantaFe Opera in Santa Fe, N. M.,Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in SantaFe, N. M. and The ShakespeareTheatre in Washington, D. C.

50sJack Snowdy, ’52, was honoredfor his outstanding contributions tothe performing arts when the St. John Theatre presented “A Nightto Remember: A Musical Tribute toJack Snowdy,” on Jan. 22, the sameday he celebrated his 73rd birth-day. Snowdy lives in Reserve, La.

Sam F. Parigi, ’54, retired fromLamar University in May, where he

had taught since 1961. Some of hisuniversity honors include RegentsProfessor of Economics,Distinguished Faculty Lecturer,Regents Merit Award, Phi Kappa PhiTeaching Effectiveness Award andUniversity Professor of the Year.

George E. Grobowsky, ’56,retired Sept. 30, from HiberniaNational Bank in New Orleans, La.He and his wife, Joann, will contin-ue to reside in Marshall when notvisiting their three children andseven grandchildren in Houstonand Lubbock.

K. Robert Oppermann, ’56,retired from the University of TexasHealth Science Center at Houston.It was incorrectly stated in the lastissue of alumni notes as theUniversity of Houston.

60sJoseph T. Jordon, ’61, has a son,Captain James Jordon, U.S. Army,who is serving a six-month deploy-ment in Kosovo.

Victor Kramer, ’61, has pub-lished several works. His mostrecent published work is the fourthvolume of Thomas Merton’s com-pleted personal journals, Turningto the World: The Journals ofThomas Merton, Vol. 4, 1960-63.

John P. Buckner, hs ’62, ’66,received the 2000 Engineer of theYear Award, given by the NuecesChapter of the Texas Society ofProfessional Engineers.

Larry Grigg, ’62, has two chil-dren. His son graduated from TexasA&M Kingsville in 1998, and hisdaughter is expected to graduate in2001 from Texas A&M University inCollege Station.

Jeff Burns, ’67, and wife, Candy(Moore) Burns, ’72, reside inDallas and celebrated their 30thwedding anniversary by visitingsome of their old favorite spots,which included St. Edward’s, wherethey originally met. Jeff is an insti-tutional securities broker for A.G.

Reunion 2001June 22-24, 2001

50th Reunionfor Classes of ’50, ’51

40th Reunionfor Classes of ’60, ’61

30th Reunionfor Classes of ’70, ’71

25th Reunionfor Classes of ’75, ’76

20th Reunionfor Classes of ’80, ’81

10th Reunionfor Classes of ’90, ’91

5th Reunionfor Classes of ’95, ’96

SAVETHE

DATE

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A L U M N I N O T E S

Richard Lamb, ’75, founded theUnited States Maritime LiteratureAwards.

80sAbel Ruiz, ’81, former director ofcommunity and public affairs forthe Texas Guaranteed Student LoanCorp., is the new director of theSouthwest Region RecruitmentOffice in Dallas for the PeaceCorps. As regional manager, he isresponsible for overseeing recruit-ment activities for five states: Texas,Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexicoand Oklahoma.

Eric Shephard, ’83, is director ofVive Les Arts Theater. He taughthigh school English for seven yearsin the Austin Independent SchoolDistrict before retiring to pursuehis career in theater.

Martha (Haley) Castillo, ’86,relocated to Tucson, Ariz. in thesummer of 1999, due to Raytheon’splant closing in Lewisville. She hasbeen married to her husband,David, for 14 years. They have twobeautiful girls, Caroline, 6, andAdriana, 3.

Dorothy Hammond, ’86, MAHS’88, will be participating in the SanDiego, Calif. “Rock and RollMarathon” in May 2000 to raisemoney for the Leukemia Society onbehalf of Katie Marino, a 6-year-oldgirl with acute lymphocyticleukemia. If you would like to sup-port Dorothy, contact her via emailat jdhamm96@aol.com.

Eliseo Elizondo, ’87, is a mem-ber of the Texas Higher EducationCoordinating Board Task Force inAustin. He currently works forMotorola in supply management.

Jon Hawkins, ’87, is starring in achildren’s show at Stages RepertoryTheatre in Houston titled “Sundiatathe Lion King.” He is also the lead in“The African Company PresentsRichard III,” as well as principal rolein the UPN network’s movie of theweek that aired on Mar. 17.

Dr. Louise M. Henson, ’87,graduated from the University ofTexas Mary Hardin-BaylorGalveston Medical School in May of1998. She is a resident in familypractice at UTMB.

Paul Sparwath, ’87, is a sergeantwith the Atlanta Police Department.

Tom Bolin, ’88, was grantedtenure and promoted to associateprofessor in the TheologyDepartment at St. Mary’s Universityin San Antonio.

Luis C. Ramirez, ’88, receivedfourth place in a national photogra-phy competition by Photographer’sForum Magazine. His photographwill be published in the summeredition.

R. Kelly Wagner, MBA ’88, is anadjunct faculty member at St.Edward’s in the College of NaturalSciences. She also works for TexasDepartment of Insurance andbegan work on her doctoral degreein Sept. 1999 at Walden University.In her “spare time,” she runsGuinea Pig Rescue of Austin. Feelfree to email her atbunrab@aol.com.

Deangelo Zarzuela, ’88, and hiswife, Melonie, moved into a newhome in northwest Austin. He said,“We welcome any friends to stop infor a meal and a beverage. Look usup in the phone book.”

90sSister Mary Lou Barba, MCDP,MAHS ’90, is the diocesan direc-tor of the Pastoral Center for theDiocese of Austin working with theCatholic adult program in the dio-cese. After 26 years of ministry inseveral parishes and the diocesanoffice, she will be leaving Austin tobecome the director of novices andcandidates for the MissionaryCatechists of Divine Providence inSan Antonio. She said, “I willalways treasure my friendship andacquaintance with St. Edward’s.”

M. Carmela Epright, ’90,received her doctoral degree inphilosophy from Loyola Universityin Chicago, Ill., in the summer of1999. She accepted a position asassistant professor of philosophy atFurman University in Greenville,S.C. Her husband, Kurt Blocher,’91, left his position as production

Ron Toenjes, ’72, and wife,Debby Toenjes, ’74, still residein Georgetown. Ron is scouting forthe Texas Rangers. He previouslyscouted for seven years with theKansas City Royals. He still findstime to teach in the morning atGeorgetown High School.

Donald Willett, ’72, was electedpresident of the East TexasHistorical Association.

Pilar Espinosa, ’75, is pleased toannounce the birth of his firstgranddaughter, Angelina Enendinaon July 12.

Miguel (Mike) A. Garcia, ’75,remains in the ranching business inBrownsville. He has two children,Miguel II, 7, and Analicia Mariela, 3.

ProfileMurtaza Labu Ally, ’85, MBA ’88

Labu Ally says that if the Brothers of Holy Crosswould ever take a Muslim man into the congregation,he would become a Brother. After all, he has spentmost of his life associated with the Brothers in one wayor another.

Ally and his five siblings were all educated by theHoly Cross Brothers and Sisters in Bangladesh. Five ofhis brothers and sisters went on to attend college in theUnited States, and all have become educators. Ally andhis brother Mohammed Ally, ’74, both went onto attend St. Edward’s University.

Today, Ally is the director of grants administration with Student Support Servicesand teaches computer science and career management to undergraduates. He says theBrothers have inspired him to work in an educational setting and teach.

“The example and mission of the Holy Cross Brothers have given me the chance tobecome successful,” he said. “They have taught me how to live in this world throughsharing and caring for fellow human beings. If we all give a little, I believe the worldwill be a better place for all of us. The lasting impression of the philosophy and teach-ings of the Brothers of Holy Cross have profoundly affected the character, morals andacademic achievements of the thousands of people they touched and blessed. May theAlmighty give them the strength and blessing to continue their glorious endeavor.”

ALUMNIORGANIZATION

CONTACTSAlumni AssociationBoard of Directors

Frank Woodruff, ’69work: 210-384-5346

fwoodruff@massmutual.com

AustinRudy Cisneros, hs ’69, ’74

home: 512-280-3470

DallasFrontaine Freeman, ’84

972-416-4514trfree@swbell.net

HoustonMary Chavoustie, ’75

281-444-6228

San AntonioFrank Woodruff, ’69work: 210-384-5346

fwoodruff@finsvcs.com

Director of AlumniPrograms

Brother Joe Barry, CSC1-800-964-7833

joeb@admin.stedwards.edu

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A L U M N I N O T E S

MARRIAGESSam F. Parigi, ’54, to Audrey Harano on Dec. 31, 1998, living in Beaumont.

Eduardo B. Lopez, ’84, to Holly Wagenknecht in June of 1998, living in Lyford.

Paul Sparwath, ’87, to Meg Ratka in 1997.

Roy David Hernandez, ’90, to Teresa LaVon Sturgill on Nov. 6, living in Round Rock.

Lisa Marie LaMere, ’94, to Joseph Grasso IV of Dallas on April 21, living in Dallas.

Kirk Alexander Wagner, ’94, to Elisa Tarsoula Spetsiotakis on Feb. 26, living in Houston.

Michael Edward Pederson, ’96, to Hye-Eun Choi on Jan. 8, living in Santa Fe, N.M.

Jennifer Ann Henry, ’97, to Eoin Furlong on Feb. 26.

Monica Sotolongo-Aragon, ’97, to Manuel Aragon in June of 1998, living in Beaumont.

Are you getting married in June?If you are planning a wedding this summer, remember to ask your wedding photog-

rapher to take a picture of you with all your guests from St. Edward’s. St. Edward’sUniversity Magazine would like to publish photos that include the bride and groom sur-rounded by their alumni guests.

Please mail photos to Susan Wolf, St. Edward’s University, 3001 S. Congress Ave.,Austin, 78704. Be sure to identify everyone pictured. If you have questions call 512-416-5814 or email susanew@admin.stedwards.edu for more information.

manager at One-to-One Graphics inChicago to pursue teaching certifi-cation and a master’s degree ineducation at Furman. She plans toteach third grade. M. Carmelawould love to hear from formerclassmates and friends via email atcarmela.epright@furman.edu.

Dana Fischer, ’90, moved toPennsylvania after residing formore than seven years in Chicago,Ill. She is still in the theater circle.

Esther (Leanos) Rangel, ’90,looks forward to hearing fromalumni friends. She can be reachedvia email at elrangel@aol.com.

Kathleen Person Kokernot, ’90,resigned from her position with the10th Court of Appeals as a briefingattorney and joined Smith & Carlsonin Killeen as a personal injury triallawyer. Her 7-year-old daughter,Kallihan Lee, is doing very well. Shesaid, “Hello to all of the old gang atSt. Edward’s.” She would love tohear from friends via email atkpkokernot@hotmail.com.

Sharon (Rybarski) Wolfe, ’90,and husband, Ronnie, relocated to

Phoenix in September and wouldlove to hear from friends via emailat swolfe_63@yahoo.com.

Guillermo R. Torres, ’90, wouldlike to get in touch and have lunchwith fellow classmates and friendsthat are still residing in Austin orthe surrounding area.

Anna M. Saenz, ’91, is a full-timebilingual correspondent withCitizens Insurance Co. of America.Her son, Jose Francisco Saenz,graduated from Stanford Universityin December 1999, with a degreein mechanical engineering.

Ann (Jarrell) West, ’92, is mar-ried and has a son.

Jake Kampe, ’92, and KellyKampe, ’92, reside in League Citywith their 3-year-old son, IanChristopher. Jake is a marketingmanager for Meador StaffingServices. Kelly is a bio-medical engi-neer for Wyle Life Sciences at NASA.

Edgar Jose Medina, ’83, MBA’92, is a sales representative withSnap-On Tools International Ltd. Heresides in Caracas, Venezuela. Hecan be reached via email atsnaponve@telcel.net.ve.

Austin area alumni attended a happy hour at Baby Acapulco’s Feb. 10. (leftto right) Andrew Dawson, Christie Kellihers, ’99, and ThomasWright, ’97.

AUSTIN AREA ALUMNI HAPPY HOUR

Matthew Moisan, ’93, and hiswife, are expecting their secondchild in September. They have oneson, Neil, age 2.

Edward Ramon, ’93, is chiefoperator of tourist parking compa-ny in Acuna, Mexico, a touristhotbed. He invites the Austin com-munity to visit soon.

Judy Doyen, ’94, is an open cam-pus telecommunication assistant atthe Pinnacle campus of AustinCommunity College. She is also pres-ident of the ACC Classified EmployeeAssociation (ACCCEA). She receivedthe first ACColades Award for Serviceto the ACCEA in February.

Mark Magnon, ’94, and his wifereside in Hermosillo, Mexico,where he is employed with PenskeLogistics at a Ford assembly plant.

Ray Jaramillo, ’95, was promot-ed to supervisor of West Texas forWorld Acceptance Corp. He said,“Hello to all of the ‘ODC’ crew.”

Steve McClure, ’95, is pleased toannounce his engagement to KellyWatson. A September wedding isplanned in San Antonio, where thecouple plans to live.

Patrick Copley, ’96, and wife,Farra Copley, ’95, reside inAustin. Patrick is vice president ofmarketing for Industrial Valuation

Services and Farra has taken abreak from teaching to raise theirtwo children.

TimMarie C. Williams, ’96,spent more than two years in thefield of education following gradua-tion, where she taught Spanish inboth public and private school set-tings. She is pursuing a master’sdegree in clinical gerontology atBaylor University. Upon completionin summer 2000, she will pursue adoctoral degree.

Scott Stephenson, ’97, andTammy (Leonard) Stephenson,’96, relocated to Wharton. Scott isworking at Stephenson and Co.,practicing accounting with his dad.Tammy is at home with one-year-old son, Matthew.

Celia Thompkins, ’97, is a CPAand finance manager with AppliedMaterials in Austin.

Michelle Renee Wilson, MBA’97, is pleased to announce herengagement to Don FranklinRichardson. Michelle is an accountconsultant with Axley & Rode, CPA,and Don has his own law firm.Both reside in Lufkin.

Craig Clark, ’98, is in his secondyear of seminary in Washington,D.C. He says, “Any alumni who arepolitically active or want to respond

90s CONT.

ALUMNICHAPTER

ACTIVITIESCareer Workshop“Ongoing Career Success”

June 14 6-7:30 pm

Mabee Ballroom

Mary Moody NorthenTheatre Alumni Event

“Barefoot in the Park”July 16

Call 448-8415 for more information.

Dallas Chapter Send Off Event

July 22 Call Frontaine Freeman, at 972-

416-4514 or email her attrfree@swbell.net

for more information.

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Could this be you? This is one of the unidentified photographs housed in the UniversityArchives. The students pictured above are believed to high school students. If you haveany information on this picture, contact Mia Allen, St. Edward’s University, University

Relations, 3001 South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX78704 or email mias@admin.stedwards.edu.

Cade Thorton, ’98, is the newassistant football coach atSouthwest Texas State University.He was previously employed at theUniversity of Mary Hardin-Baylor.He said, “This is a great opportuni-ty and I’m very excited.”

Melby West, ’98, received hermaster’s degree in social workfrom Tulane University in Louisiana.She will return to Austin and workas a medical social worker at SetonMedical Center.

Lisa Dealan Woods, ’98, andpartner, Julie Welder, are happilyraising their three children outsideIndianapolis, Ind. Lisa is a consul-tant with Nims Associates, Inc. atEli Lilly.

Richard Eastland, ’99, is an edi-tor for the Dell Computer accountfor T3.

Laura Moore, ’99, is in graduateschool at the University ofHouston studying commu-nication. She is alsoemployed as a technicalrecruiter.

Jose Leonardo Reyes,’99, is a second lieutenantin the U.S. Army. He is cur-rently undergoing armyaviation training in FortRucker, Ala. He is pleasedto announce his engage-ment to Mirna Elizabeth Mommaerts.They plan to wed July 1.

Sherry Sneed, ’97, MAHS ’99,says, “My new job is going great! Imiss all of my friends in Austin andat St. Edward’s. Say hello to Dr.Johnson!”

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Lori Swick, ’99, addressedStudents with Kids, a new HolyCross college group comprised ofstudents who have children. Sheshared her story of overcomingpoverty and many hardships whileattending college as a single mom.

Robin Lynn Touchstone, ’99, ispursuing a career in the field ofaccounting and currently works forthe Central Claims ManagementOffice in the Accounts ReceivableDepartment.

Lawana Wilder, ’99, is nowworking at Kinetic Fluid Systems asa human resources generalist. ■

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Solved! St. Edward’s University alumni have identifiedthe following persons pictured to the left. DennisFerger, ’71, is the student on the hood of the ChevyMalibu. The man standing near the back of the car isRene Nino, ’71. The woman on the far right hasbeen identified as Meg Hennessy Kimball, ’72.The woman in the middle is said to be Sandy Lowe,’71. Unfortunately, we received conflicting reports onthe identity of the women standing in the back of thephoto. But some hawked-eyed alumni identified thecar’s driver as Rick Milo, ’71.

Thank you to the following alumni for being super-sleuths: Joe Carroll, ’71, Mike Foster, ’71, VinceLaurita, ’71, Larry and Michelle Wahnsiedler,’71, Pat McGourty, ’71, Lea (Muffy)Brownfield, ’69, Lois Kerschen, ’72, MaryLynn (Weber) Painton, ’72, and Angie M.(Ranallo) Ernst, ’71.IN MEMORIAM

William Howard Wittenburg, ’38, of Lampasas on Jan. 19, 1999.

Raymond Sullivan, ’44, of Dallas on March 2.

Edmond F. Keane, ’50, of Long Beach, Calif. on June 27, 1999.

David E. Pulkrabed, ’60, of Houston in January.

John L. McKnight, ’60, of Opelousas, La. in January.

Ruth B. Jacobson, ’70, wife of Harold Jacobson, ’73, of Austin onFeb. 23.

to the call for social justice foundin Holy Scripture can contact me atsaywhatclark@yahoo.com.”

Linda Noack Lockney, ’95,MAHS ’98, is the director of devel-opment at The University of TexasCatholic Center, Capital Campaignfor the Twenty-first Century.

Michelle Schmitt, ’98, took aroad trip this past summer toNevada and visited the GrandCanyon, Las Vegas, Reno and LakeTahoe. She is currently decidingwhere to attend graduate school.

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FUTURE HILLTOPPERSTo Larry Kruse, ’83, and Liz (Hernandez) Kruse, ’83, of Harlingen,

daughter Alexia Anne on Sept. 9, 1999.

To Eduardo B. Lopez, ’84, and Holly Lopez of Lyford, son James Elidioon Feb. 17, 1999.

To Paul Sparwath, ’87, and Meg Ratka of Cumming, Ga., daughterChloe on Sept. 20, 1999.

To Christie (Orth) Kieschnick, ’89, and Kevin Kieschnick of St. Louis,Mo., daughter Renni Elise on Feb. 3.

To Esther (Leanos) Rangel, ’90, and Miguel Rangel of San Antonio,daughter Kristen Teresa on Aug. 20, 1999.

To Sharon (Rybarski) Wolfe, ’90, and Ronnie K. Wolfe Jr. of Phoenix,Ariz., daughter Samantha Kathleen on Dec. 26, 1999.

To Douglas T. Godinich, ’91, and Alisa Godinich of Houston, sonDouglas T. Jr. on Mar. 9, 2000 and daughter Sophia Marie on Jan.12, 1999.

To Pedro J. Serrano, ’91, and Cristina Serrano of Lakeland, Fla., sonMateo Jose on Dec. 7, 1999.

To Jeffery Rodriquez, ’92, and Danette Rodriquez of Shakopee, Minn.,son Tristan Jeffery on Oct. 7, 1999.

To Edmundo Ramon, ’93, son Luis Reginaldo Ramon on Feb. 4, 1999.

To Chris Wolff, ’94, and Heidi (Dorko) Wolff, ’94, of Austin, sonKyle Nathaniel on Aug. 16, 1999.

To Lisa Marie LaMere, ’94, and Joseph Grasso IV of Dallas, daughterMadison Marie Grasso on Nov. 30, 1998.

To Brian Latronico, ’95, and Laura (Musselman) Latronico, ’95,of Mansfield, son Matthew Jay on Dec. 23, 1999.

To Patrick Milligan, ’95, and Lesie Milligan of Lake Charles, La.,daughter Abigail Grace on Nov. 7, 1999.

To Patrick Copley, ’96, and Farra Copley, ’95, of Austin, daughterAvery Mackenzie.

To Toni Kreke, ’98, of Round Rock, daughter Kira Nicole on May 4,1999.

Vincent Hall alumni create chat room,plan 2001 reunion

Former Vincent Hall scholas-tics have created a chat roomto help former residents keepin touch and to plan theVincent Hall 50th AnniversaryReunion in the summer of2001. The event will be held inconjunction with the university-wide Reunion scheduled for June 22-24, 2001 on campus.

Chester Caster, ’69, one of the founders of the YAHOO-based chat room, said thatreunion weekend is still in the planning stages. Chat-roomers report that theywould like the reunion toinclude several events aimed toreconnect Vincent Hall alumni andcelebrate the unique experience of liv-ing in the hall.

If you are interested in joining the chat room or finding out more aboutthe Vincent Hall 50th Anniversary Reunion in 2001, contact Caster at cncast-er@worldnet.att.net for more information.

AUSTIN NAMED #1COLLEGE TOWN FOR SENIORS

When Austin was named the “#1 College Townfor the 50+ Population” by the AmericanAssociation of Retired Persons’ Modern MaturityMagazine in March, several St. Edward’s Universityalumni were on hand to celebrate.

In a press conference held March 28 at the AARPTexas State Office, Nancy McCoy, ’97, a NewCollege alumna, served as the keynote speaker rep-resenting senior adult learners in Austin and spoketo local media about her experiences. She said that

going back to school “keeps your mind tuned up beautifully.” McCoy, who hadn’t been to college since 1947, returned to St.

Edward’s in 1995 as a New College student. She now holds abachelor’s degree in English and is pursuing a master’s degree.Alumnae Ruth Burrell, ’99, and Joan Johnson Culver,’87, also represented St. Edward’s at the press conference.

The magazine named Austin as the best college town forseniors based on the programs available at St. Edward’s, as wellas programs offered through Austin Community College, theUniversity of Texas, Huston-Tillotson College and ConcordiaUniversity. Other factors were the presence of good hospitals andneighborhoods.

Austin alumni organize a league of their ownWant to add some softball to your life?Joe Casarez, ’94, is organizing a co-ed softball team comprised of

St. Edward’s University alumni, faculty and staff. The team will be affiliated with Austin Parks and Recreation and will play

at Krieg Fields, located on Pleasant Valley, just north of Riverside, in Austin.At least six men and six women are needed to get the team off to a winningstart. The season begins July 16 and will include eight games over a 10-weekperiod.

“Our number one priority is to have fun while enjoying the company ofold and new friends who are a part of the St. Edward's family,” said Casarez.

If you live in the Austin area and are interested in joining the team, con-tact Casarez by May 25. He can be reached by phone at home at 444-2375,at work at 448-8529 or via email at joec@admin.stedwards.edu for moreinformation.

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Keep in touch with your friends and classmates. A fun vacation, a new hobby, volunteering, job changes —whatever your news, share it with friends and classmates via the St. Edward’s University Magazine.Submit your news by June 15, 2000, to be published in the next issue.

Name: ______________________________________________________________

Former Name: _________________________________ Class Year: _____________

Address: _____________________________________________________________

Your News: ___________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

3easy waysto submit your alumni note

1EMAIL:mias@admin.stedwards.edu.Or send news via the St. Edward’swebsite at: www.stedwards.edu

2FAX TO:512-416-58453MAIL:

Mia M. Allen, St. Edward’sUniversity, University Relations,3001 South Congress Ave.Austin, TX 78704

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When faxing or mailing your note, please photocopy the form to the right.

PaperweightSpun Brass with Seal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12.95

“Carriage” Desk ClockPiano Wood Finish, Gold Plated Face . . . $74.95

Letter OpenerGold Plated Brass with Seal . . . . . . . . . . $17.95

BookendsPiano Wood Finish with Gold Seal . . . . . . . . . . $79.95

Business Card HolderGold Plated Brass with seal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $24.95

Desk SetSpun Brass with Retractable Pen . . . . . . . . . . . $29.95

Coaster SetTwo Brass and Leather Coasters in a Piano Wood Finish Stand. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $43.95

Divot Repair ToolGold Plated Brass with Magnetic Ball Marker . . $13.95

Men’s & Ladies’ Wristwatch18K Hard Gold Plated Wristwatch with Swiss Movement and Rolled Link Bracelet . . . $129.95

A Touch of St. Edward’s The St. Edward’s University Bookstore now carries an array of gold-plated brass desk itemsand jewelry featuring the university’s seal.

Two Sectional Key RingGold Plated Brass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13.95

Key RingGold Plated Brass Split Wire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13.95

Pendant CharmGold Plated Brass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12.95

Pendant Necklace Gold Plated Pendant with Gold Plated Chain . . . $19.95

Lapel PinGold Plated Brass Seal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12.95

To order, call 512-448-8577 or 800-964-7833,or email johnnied@admin.stedwards.edu.

Think back to your days on campus. When you roundedeast end of Holy Cross Hall, what did you see? In 1937,the land beyond Holy Cross Hall was virtually untouched.Today, students encounter the new Robert and PearleRagsdale Center. The Ragsdale Center houses the univer-sity’s cafeteria and coffeehouse, as well as meetingrooms, a ballroom and a computer lab.

Now&Then

University Relations3001 S. Congress Ave.Austin, TX 78704

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