The Pride 3

Kayla Price

Director, Alumni Records and Services;

Executive Director, Alumni Association

This kind of goodbye most difficult

When I started working here seven years ago, I quickly learned that the hardest part of the job was to learn of the passing of our alumni. The first week I was told of a very good friend of mine who passed away. As with many college friends, we had not kept up like we should. I will always regret not being able to go to Vince’s funeral or to say goodbye.

You may have noticed that it seems our deceased section of Class Notes continues to grow. Like me, you may hesitate before you read that section – afraid of learning about friends or former faculty. Unfortunately, I am at the age in which my former professors are starting to pass away. It hurts to know that they will not be around to touch another life as they did mine.

Even two of our own retired employees from the alumni office passed away in the last couple of months. Derylene Crawford and Jody Kizer both served our University and Association well. They were great women who kept the office successfully running.

I guess we can take pride in knowing that the contributions of these alumni, faculty and staff will live forever in the history of this University. When I walk on the sidewalk in front of the AKA and KD houses, I still remember Vince and me trying to make each other fall on the ice one winter. Although Vince was pushing and pulling at me to make me fall, I did not, but as soon as he stopped, I fell.

The Ferguson building reminds me of some wonderful discussions I had with Dr. Robin Rudoff in his office. He was always the teacher, in and out of the classroom. I am sure Hall of Fame dinners will make me think of Dee Mackey. Though I never saw him play ball, I have heard the stories.

Dr. Ernestine Linck will always come to mind when I hear the name Etta Booth Mayo mentioned or when I see a hat. Dr. Linck, who often donned a hat, was a well-known author, and one of her books was a biography on our founder’s wife, Etta Mayo.

Of course, our daily activities are reminders of Jody and Derylene. Notes in files and office procedures help to keep their memories alive. In time, the names may be forgotten and the stories may go untold, but the lasting effect of these individuals’ service and support will live forever. If it were not for the many contributions of those who came before us, we would not enjoy the prosperity of today.

Goodbye, dear friends.

Note: Thanks to the unidentified lady who set KLUV’s Ron Chapman straight about the University back in January.

Events Wrap-up

Mick and Kimber Trusty (above) recently hosted a reception in their Fort Worth home. Area alumni as well as University representatives and Association Board members attended. Rheba Icenhower, Alumni Association Board member, (on the left in photo at right) visits with Juanita Reeder at the reception in the Trusty home.

Graduation Receptions — Dec. 16

The Alumni Association treated graduates to refreshments in the Heritage House following the four commencement ceremonies. Graduates and their friends and family were invited to tour the historical displays located in the Heritage House and to warm up in front of the fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate, coffee or apple cider. Representing the Alumni Office were Jonette Almon, Toni McMillen and Kayla Price.

Alumni Association Board of Directors Meeting — Jan. 20

Members of the Association Board of Directors met on campus to plan strategies for their three goals (recruitment, company partnerships and increased dues-paying members and young alumni involvement). Representatives from campus met with the alumni volunteers to inform them of current procedures utilized in these three areas. During lunch, President McFarland gave a brief University update, followed by the three sub-committees reporting on their discussions. Representing the Alumni Office were Felicia Schilling and Kayla Price.

Commerce Area Alumni Chapter Board of Directors Meeting — Jan. 22

Members of the chapter’s Board of Directors met to go over plans for the spring. A slate of new board members was presented, along with an update on memberships, the treasury and upcoming University events.

Dinner Dance 7 Planning Meeting — Jan. 29

Members of the Dinner Dance Planning Committee met at the Circle Grill in Garland to go over a final tally for the 2000 event and to make plans for the 2002 event. Members were assigned to various committees, with the site selection committee being the first to jump into action. Watch The Pride for additional details as they become available.

Fort Worth Happy Hour — Feb. 1

The Pig and Whistle was the location for a gathering of Fort Worth-area alumni. Representing the University were Jonette Almon and Kayla Price.

Fort Worth Area Reception for alumni — Feb. 8

Mick and Kimber Trusty welcomed alumni into their historic home for a gathering. Guests were served an elaborate array of hors ‘d oeuvres in the dining room, while Mick tended bar out in the family room. University representatives, including Provost Vicki Davis, Association Vice President Janet Peek, and Alumni Director Kayla Price, made remarks. Guests enjoyed the lovely setting and the original artwork of Kimber.

please see “EVENTS,” page 14