From alumni to administrators, several receive civic awards

These claws are cause for pause Allison Lindsey examines the toenails of King Pride, the University’s 25-foot tall balloon lion, during a basketball game against Eastern New Mexico in the Field House on the Commerce campus. The 5-year-old is the daughter of Troy and Laura Lindsey of McKinney and the niece of the Men’s Basketball coach, Sam Walker. The Commerce Area Alumni Chapter purchased and maintains the lion.

A number of University alumni, staff, and administrators made headlines at the Commerce Chamber of Commerce banquet recently:

• University President Keith McFarland was named Citizen of the Year for his many contributions to the community.

• Called “a wonderful ambassador for the University,” Jonette Almon (BS ‘72, MS ‘85) from the Office of Alumni Records and Services was named Employee of the Year.

• Alumna Joane Walvoord (MS ’70) represented the Louise Drake Garden Club to receive the Distinguished Service Award for the group’s beautification work in the city.

• Connor John (BS ’65, MS ’67), who breeds quarter horses and has taught agriculture at Commerce High School for 33 years, was named Agriculturist of the Year.

• Dr. Suzanne Monday (BS ‘93) received the Distinguished Health Care Award. • Mary Hendrix (BS ‘81, MEd ‘83) received a Presidential Citation for her work resulting in the Commerce Community Network technology grant.

• Former student James Faires Jr. also received a Presidential Citation, his for traveling from his Florida home each year to place flags on the graves of veterans.

They’re glad to get our grads, businesses say

As part of long-term planning, University officials recently heard from executives of several companies in the Dallas Metroplex. In the focus group meetings, the business leaders said they want to hire A&M-Commerce graduates.

“Our graduates are good employees for these companies because most of them are hard working and want to make their homes in the Dallas area,” commented Dr. Randy McBroom, director of Planning and Institutional Research.

Numerous students who have earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from A&M-Commerce have done well in graduate studies at other institutions:

• Graduates from the departments of music, art and history are currently pursuing graduate degrees at Juilliard School of Music in New York, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Syracuse University, University of Montana and the University of Illinois.

• Several graduates are attending medical school at the University of Texas at San Antonio, UT-Houston, UT-Galveston, and Medical School of Dominique. Also A&M-Commerce graduate Dr. Suzanne Monday is practicing medicine in Commerce.

Events Wrap Up continued from page 3

Commerce Area Alumni Chapter meets – Feb. 13

Dr. Jim Deaton, head of the music department, updated members of the Commerce Area Alumni Chapter with a presentation. He informed the group of various projects of the department as well as successful students, alumni and faculty. One topic of particular note is the campaign to raise money for a new music building. An anonymous donor has offered to match gifts made to the project.

Commerce Area Alumni Chapter Basketball Luncheon – Feb. 17

The Commerce Area Alumni Chapter hosted former basketball alumni to a luncheon in the field house prior to and in between the men’s and women’s games on Feb. 17. The group enjoyed barbecue and the fixings and hot apple pies, as well as two great basketball games.

Dallas Happy Hour — March 1

The Flying Saucer on Greenville Avenue served as the meeting spot for alumni. Alumni enjoyed a fun atmosphere and conversations with fellow alumni of all ages. It was so much fun that others at the bar joined the group. Representing the University were Jonette Almon and Kayla Price.

Commerce Area Alumni Chapter Board of Directors Meeting — March 5

The Board of Directors held a specially called meeting to vote on a donation to the music department’s campaign. The vote passed, and a donation will be made to the fund. Representing the Alumni Office were Jonette Almon and Kayla Price.

ASTP Reunion — March 16

ABOVE—Stewart Fischer (seated,middle) compiled a book of memories of the members of ASTP. University employees Jack Gray (standing, left) and Dr. Jim Conrad (standing, right) enjoy hearing about the book. RIGHT—2001 ASTP Reunion Chairman Bob Waldrep presided over the night’s festivities.

Approximately 62 ASTP alumni and their spouses gathered on campus and in Greenville for their annual reunion. Members enjoyed a special program staged by this year’s chair, Bob Waldrep, and assisted by his wife, Ruth. The program included remarks by

President Keith McFarland and an introduction of the two students who received scholarships this year from ASTP. ASTP members were each given a University clock as a memento of the occasion.

Next year’s reunion date is yet to be arranged, but chairing the event will be Bill Meacham.