E-NEWSLETTER
December 2004

LION TALES

This is my first opportunity to address you in writing since becoming the Alumni Relations Director on September 1. I have to admit that it has been a whirlwind experience thus far. The dust from the Homecoming activities had barely settled before we began planning other events. As with any new job or relationship, it is important to make a good first impression. Like many of you, I have discovered that it is an ongoing relationship that confirms or denies your first impression.

My first experience with this University was as a freshman student in 1970. I found the University vibrant with activity and had a great time learning life’s lessons while pursuing a degree. For you see, it was the pursuit of the degree that brought me to Commerce, Texas. I had no idea what awaited me in terms of the character building and relational experiences that would so deeply impact my life.

As a staff member, I still find the campus to be bustling with activity. I have met some extraordinary staff, faculty, alumni and students whose actions, intellect, vision and accomplishments confirm that I made the right choice to attend this University. So, the second time around for me has been more eye-opening than the first.

I am in awe of the programs offered and achievements of our alumni. I am even more impressed with the student body. I met a student recently who participated in the Feast of Carols. After the program I approached him and conveyed how impressed I was with the event. I conducted my usual survey when I meet students to obtain their home city, high school attended, major course of study and reason(s) for coming to Commerce. I remember a lot about our conversation, but was most impressed with one piece of information. He smiled when he told me how much he was enjoying his time at A&M-Commerce. He further added that some of his friends were having difficulty finding things to do, but he had found his niche and was so glad to be here. This has been the sentiment of most of the students that I have met. They, like us, will move on to make their mark and will be able to compete in this ever-changing world.

This is a remarkable institution that has managed to keep much of its illustrious history hidden from the masses. I am excited to see and hear of the progress that is happening with the University. New structures, new programs and new opportunities are being made available. I am excited to be a part of that change and growth and look forward to assisting the University in developing and implementing programs that increase alumni involvement.

Best wishes to each of you during the holidays!

Derryle G. Peace
BS ’74, MS ‘75

Make a Difference

As a proud alumnus of ET or Texas A&M University-Commerce, you can embrace your heritage by becoming a member of the Alumni Association. Your involvement with The Association will mean benefits for current students and for you! Your annual dues help support many programs for alumni and current students. Throughout the year, the Alumni Association works to increase the active participation of alumni in the life of the University and secure needed resources. To join, download the form on the web site shown below and mail to the A&M-Commerce Alumni Association.

https://secure.tamu-commerce.edu/Alumni/MembershipForm.asp

Distinguished Alumni Award

Dr. Cleatus H. Rattan (‘85) and Mr. Robert "Buddie" Barnes (‘76) received the Distinguished Alumni Award from President Keith McFarland during Homecoming 2004. Dr. Cleatus Rattan is a professor at Cisco Junior College and noted Texas poet. Mr. Barnes is president and chief operating officer of Dee Brown, Inc. Congratulations to both!

Gold Blazer Award

Winston Williams of Dallas (‘62) was honored at Texas A&M University-Commerce during Homecoming 2004 on Saturday, Oct. 30. Formerly of Commerce, Williams received the Gold Blazer Award during the Alumni Homecoming Luncheon. The Gold Blazer Award recognizes individuals for service to the A&M-Commerce Alumni Association and the University.

Student Alumni Association

The Student Alumni Association is off to a wonderful start. We have met three times, and fourteen members are already signed up for the organization, which is being reactivated this year. Students are energetic and enthusiastic about the program.

One of the activities students are interested in is “Dinner With 12 Strangers”, which provides opportunities for informal social interaction with alumni. If you would like more information on how to be part of this fun project, contact Priscilla in the Alumni Relations Office at Priscilla_Merriman@TAMU-Commerce.edu.

Performances at University Playhouse Scheduled

February 10-12, 17-19 at 8:00pm
February 13 at 3:00pm
"Arsenic and Old Lace"
by Joseph Kesselring

April 11-15 (daytime performances for schools)
April 15 at 7:00pm
"Cinderella: a Rock Musical for Young Audiences"
(Annual Children's Show)
Dr. John Hanners Main Stage

For More Information go to:
http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/mmct/productions.asp?ID=23

Wind Ensemble to Perform in New York

The A&M-Commerce Wind Ensemble is one of nine University music groups in the country invited to perform at the Biennial Conference of the College Band Directors National Association in February. The conference will be held February 23-27 at Park Central Hotel in New York.

Homecoming & Tailgating

During the 2005 football season, the Alumni Relations, along with the President’s Office, hosted tailgate parties two hours before each home game. If you missed any one of the games, look for the blue & gold tent next fall.

The chili cook-off on University Day was a great success! Eleven teams participated and the winners were:

First Place - Marcos Garza of Commerce
Second Place - Jeld-Wen Exterior Doors of Sulphur Springs
Third Place – Phi Theta Kappa, Pi Chapter

Memorial Fund Developed

Two Texas A&M University-Commerce photography alumni were killed in the crash of a twin-engine turboprop plane October 19, 2004.

Photographer Paul Stemmons Talley of Mesquite and his assistant, Matt Johnson of Commerce, were on their way to Kirksville, Missouri, when the American Airlines-affiliated Corporate Airlines plane they were aboard crashed in a wooded area short of the Kirksville airport.

Talley, who received his B.S. from then East Texas State University in 1981 and specialized in photographing universities around the country, was twice awarded the CASE (Council for the Advancement and Support of Higher Education) "Photographer of the Year."

Matt Johnson, who lived in Commerce, received his B.S. in photography from A&M-Commerce in December of 2003.

Talley and Johnson photographed the pictures that are now used on the A&M-Commerce home page and recruitment brochures for undergraduate and graduate students.

The Johnson/Talley Memorial Fund has been set up by Stan Godwin through the Foundation Office in their memory. For more information go to:

http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/foundation/index.htm

The New Look of The Pride

We hope you enjoyed reading the most recent Pride and that you like the new look. If you did not receive it, make sure you e-mail the Alumni Relations Office at: alumni_office@tamu-commerce.edu

Upcoming Pride Articles

• This former teacher and school principal, author, playwright is one of the University’s oldest graduates. Hear about what ET was like back when she attended school.
• She refused to listen to the doctor’s advice to institutionalize her son after his birth, wanting instead for him to live a normal life at home with her. However, his life ended up being anything but normal – growing up with the Cowboys and Crimson Tide football teams his father coached.
• Didn’t make it to Homecoming 2004? Don’t miss out on the chance to see photos from the event and meet this year’s Gold Blazer Award recipient.

Support A&M-Commerce Athletics!

The A&M Commerce Lions finished the season with a 4-6 overall record, 4-5 in the Lone Star Conference and 2-4 in the Lone Star Conference South. Senior punter Chris Miller, junior place kicker Ha'a Bento and junior receiver Victor Bennett were named first-team All-Lone Star Conference South.

The Lion Volleyball team ended up the season 7-23, 3-7 in the Lone Star Conference North. Freshman Jackie Orr, who finished the last game with 72 assists, broke the 1998 record for the most assists in a single game, previously held by Melissa Staiger.

The Lone Star Conference women's soccer trophy is now in the hands of the Texas A&M-Commerce soccer Lions. The Lions won the LSC Tournament at the A&M-C Soccer Field and earned a berth in the NCAA Tournament. They finished the season 15-7-1 with a 7-2-0. LSC Midfielder Tiffany Adams became the Lions first soccer first-team All-American in leading the squad.

One schedule change for the Lion Men's Basketball team ... the Lions home game on January 1st will be at 3:00 p.m. instead of 5:00 p.m.

For more information on all A&M Commerce Sports, go to:

http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/sports/index.htm

Mark your Calendar for these
Upcoming Events for 2005

January
18 Classes begin
29 Alumni Association Board of Directors

March
11-12 ASTP 4183 Reunion

April
7 Alumni Ambassador Forum
26 Senior Disorientation Luncheon

May
6 Fifty-Year Club
14 Commencement

June
3 34th Annual Alumni Classic Golf Tournament

August
13 Commencement

You can also access the University-wide calendar of events at:
http://campusactivities.tamu-commerce.edu/events/

Virtual Tour of Campus

Haven’t been back to campus in a while? Check out the virtual tour of campus at http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/vt/

Annual Fund Drive

Texas A&M University-Commerce has just begun its first Annual Fund Program with Jan Ainsworth as its director. Annual giving funds are critical to ensure that excellence sustains and grows at Texas A&M University-Commerce. Help us to show others the depth of our commitment to the future of this great University and our students by making your annual contribution today. Give online at www.promisecampaign.com

Have you signed up yet? When Alumni Spend . . . Alumni Earn!!!

Quite a few alumni have already registered their favorite Visa or Master Card. Here’s how it works:

1. Register your card online. It’s free, easy and secure.
2. Every time you shop and have your card swiped at a participating merchant, a refund is created.
3. You get a refund and so does the Alumni Association. (It costs you nothing, and it is a great way for you to lend financial support to the Alumni Association and its scholarship program and other services.)
4. You can register up to four credit cards into the system online through the web site at:
   http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/alumni/Support_Future_Gen.htm

Don't forget to check out the Alumni Association Web site at

http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/alumni/

Comments:

Your feedback is appreciated. Lion’s Roar is edited by Jane Martyn, Assistant Director.
Please write to us at alumni_office@tamu-commerce.edu with any suggestions or additions.

To update your address and phone number, go to:
http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/alumni/ServicesAndBenefits.html

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While contributions are welcomed, content is determined solely by Alumni Relations of Texas A&M University-Commerce. Lion’s Roar is published quarterly by the Alumni Relations Office.