Fairy Orr

Hardin-Simmons University announces the establishment of the Fairy Orr Endowed Memorial Scholarship. Established in her memory, by husband Clarke Orr, the scholarship benefits students in the Cynthia Ann Parker College of Liberal Arts. The recipient must be majoring in English, may only receive the scholarship once, and is selected by the Head of the Department of English. If a qualified English major is not available, the scholarship may be awarded to a major in chemistry.

Fairy enrolled in Hardin-Simmons University in the fall of 1938. While at HSU, she majored in chemistry and among her many activities, played the trombone in the Cowgirl Band. She would have graduated in the spring of 1942, but World War II and the many uncertainties presented by that conflict interrupted her education. She married Clarke Orr and was occupied for almost three decades with raising her family.

She went back to college and graduated from Hardin-Simmons University in 1967 with a degree in English after staying at home to raise their children, Suzanne, Elizabeth, and John all of whom attended Hardin-Simmons. Fairy was a loyal alumna and friend of Hardin-Simmons until her death on October 24, 1998.

Recipients for the scholarship must be professing Christians who demonstrate a significant financial need. They must maintain a 3.0 grade point average and maintain an active campus life.

Posted by Dave Coffield · July 15, 2008 2:30 PM · Comments (0)

Over 300 students from Kindergarten through 10th grade gather at HSU this week and next to discuss and research unusual and thought provoking topics that follow this year's theme, "Structures." Now in its 29th year, "Threshold" is an intense summer enrichment program designed to challenge minds, stretch the boundaries of imagination, and stimulate the curiosity of the gifted child. Gifted learners need a place where they can be with other children who love to learn, learn quickly, and are passionate about things that most children don't consider. In this setting, they feel "normal" because they are one of others like them instead of "different" because they may be the only gifted child in their classroom or school.

The program, offered by the Irvin School of Education, is designed to be an interactive and integrated learning experience according to program director, Dr. Mary Christopher. Younger students will study the structure of nature, Egypt, or Italian art and architecture, while older students, in grades 6-10, will explore the structure of societies, architecture, machines, brains, and comedy. Wait, comedy? "There are structures in comedy that make things funny--either visually or linguistically," says Dr. Christopher, "As we study this field we can determine patterns that make things appear funny and how things may be funny in particular cultures but not in others."

Threshold is unique in Texas and maybe the nation, "There are camps for gifted high school students and a few for middle school, but I don't know of any for elementary children," says Dr. Christopher, "Since students are exposed to topics and information that they often do not have time or opportunity to study in school, we hope they leave with the 'aha' that they never considered before. We want them to get home and have conversations with their parents about this spark of learning. We also want them to develop a healthy self-concept that helps them feel good about who they are. One would assume that a gifted learner has high self-esteem but he/she may struggle with perfectionism, asynchronous development, the need to "fit in" rather that share their ideas and thoughts, internal pressure on himself/herself, etc. While gifted learners often are well-adjusted and even popular, some of these students struggle with finding their place among peers and in school."

The program is so popular, that students attend from cities throughout Texas and as far away as South Dakota, Connecticut, and Indiana, even though "Threshold" is not an in-residence program. Parents of participants think the program is so important that they will stay in a hotel for the duration of the camp just so their child can have a deeper educational experience. Since most schools design curriculum around the average student or skills testing objectives, gifted students often face the same educational deficit that challenged students do. Most schools are simply unable to keep the gifted student interested and engaged because the coursework is often not intellectually challenging enough. "Research shows that gifted learners learn new materials in 1-5 repetitions while average learners need 17-25 repetitions," notes Dr. Christopher, "think how frustrating it would be to 'tread water' while the rest of the class learns the material you got the first time," notes Dr. Christopher. "Threshold" is a showcase for the gifted learning environment and a testimony for the need for gifted programs in public education.

"Threshold" teachers are HSU graduates with master's degrees in gifted education.
Co-teachers are HSU graduate students currently working on an M.A. in gifted education. Parent seminars are held in conjunction with student seminars to educate adults on the unique challenges of guiding the gifted child.

A few openings are still available in week two (21-25 Jul) at Threshold, and at $85 for grades K-5 and $145 for grades 6-10, it's a bargain, "We work to keep our costs low so children can afford to come," says Dr. Christopher noting that upper grade camps run $900 - $1,200 per week at the few universities that have them, "and we have limited scholarships available." Parents can contact Dr. Christopher at 671-2150. Threshold is held in Abilene Hall on the HSU campus.

Posted by Dave Coffield · July 15, 2008 2:22 PM · Comments (0)

Hardin-Simmons University announces the establishment of the Shaelly Beth Rausch Endowed Memorial Scholarship. Established in her memory by her family, the scholarship benefits students in the Irvin School of Education. The recipient must be majoring in Education, must be a student with a disability (physical, learning, or mental), and is selected by the Dean of the Irvin School of education. If a qualified graduate or undergraduate student majoring in Education is not available, the scholarship may be awarded to a student with a disability in any academic discipline.

An Abilene native who taught English at A.J. Breismeister Middle School in Seguin, Texas, for seven years, Rausch completed her master of education degree as a reading specialist at HSU on 21 Apr, 2006. Two days later she died of lupus disease. Her degree was awarded posthumously, during a special presentation at Spring Commencement, and accepted by her brother David Rausch, and sister, Michelle Holcomb.

Shaelly Rausch was an advocate of the Lupus Foundation, Seguin Independent School District Teacher of the Year, president and member of Kappa Pi Gamma Sorority, a Sigma Lambda Chi little Sister, a devoted Sunday School teacher at Faith Lutheran Church, and a member of Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education.

Recipients for the scholarship must be professing Christians who demonstrate a significant financial need. They must maintain a 2.5 grade point average and be students in good standing, free from any disciplinary action.

Posted by Dave Coffield · July 15, 2008 2:20 PM · Comments (0)

A thirty-two-year tradition brings together former HSU athletes, faculty, and staff as over 60 golfers plan to tee up for a shotgun start at the 2008 Lettermen Golf Tournament on Friday, 27 Jun. Golfers hope for a clear morning and lots of shade as they ride out to designated starting positions on the Fairway Oaks course.

Mulligans will be on sale for $5.00 apiece, and if last year was any indication, quite a few golfers will be checking their wallets for extra cash as the day wears on. Participants will unwind and talk about the "one that should have dropped" at the post-tournament luncheon where HSU Athletic Director, John Neese will announce the winners.

Proceeds of the tournament benefit the Cowboy Club, but the real value to participants is the fellowship they enjoy with old friends, many of whom they only see once each year at this event. HSU Golf Coach David Sherman still has openings for teams and within teams, so give him a call at 670-1374 to share in the fun.


New Champs proudly stand in front of their first-place trophy
at the Faculty Staff Golf Tournament

The annual Faculty and Staff Golf Tournament wrapped up after 18 holes at Diamond Back Golf Club on Jun 14th. Bragging rights were on the line for 48 duffers as they checked and rechecked scorecards (sometimes using all ten fingers). The results were close, but indisputable. As scores were announced, players were reminded of the impermanence of all things corporeal as Meredith Stone's defending championship team was displaced at the top of the leader board by the laser-guided putters of Leland Harden, Cameron Moore, Sharon Green, and Jeff Goodin.

The complete results follow:

New Champs
Jeff Goodin
Cameron Moore 62
Sharon Green
Leland Harden

Meredith Stone
Joe Alcorta 63
Al Pickett
Travis Frampton

Lonnie Jordan
Shane Williford 63
Gary Stanlake
Sherwyn McNair

Terry Davis
Richard Garner 64
Wayne Roy
Paul Chonko

Ray Roberts
Melanie Orsak 65
Travis Seekins
Charles Garraway

Scott Burkhalter
Jason Koch 66
B. W. Aston
Don Ashmore

Jesse Fletcher
Steve Barrows 68
Tom Copeland
Chuck Sartor

David Jones
Cheryl Davis 68
Charles White
Ken Lyle

Harold Preston
Corby Flanagan 68
Susan Keeling
Don Williford

Mike Garrett
Wade Ashby 68
Joseph Bailey
Steve Jenkins

Alan Wartes
Chris Thibault 69
Bill Ellis
Ben Johnson

Bernie Waldmann
Trish Trifilo 70
Merlin Morrow
John Snapp

Posted by Dave Coffield · June 23, 2008 2:27 PM · Comments (0)

The most beloved "Dorm Mother" in Hardin-Simmons University's storied history surprised the institution by leaving her entire estate (estimated to be in the mid six-figures) to HSU as an endowment for the maintenance and renovation of Behrens Hall, one of the dormitories where she touched so many lives.

"Miss Cul"

For 59 years, Dorothy Aileen Culpepper, or Miss Cul as she was affectionately known, influenced the lives of countless students, faculty, and staff as dormitory director at Hardin-Simmons University. Although she had no children of her own, she was a mother figure to countless young girls, and served as counselor, nurse, chaperone, seamstress, and friend to generations of students who lived away from home for the first time. As frugal with money as she was mindful of her students, she managed her personal finances as a final gift of love to the University that had been so central to her life.

Dorothy Kiser, university registrar says, "Miss Cul gave her life to the university in every sense of the word. She lived for the students who studied here, and they were the central concern in her life for almost six decades. She truly led a selfless life to benefit others,"

Miss Culpepper arrived on the Hardin-Simmons University campus for the first time as a transfer student in 1938. After graduating in 1940 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, she taught and served as principal in the Ira Independent School District, then at Spur ISD. During World War II, she helped fill the nation's need to keep aircraft rolling off the assembly lines as a "Rosie the Riveter" for Consolidated Aircraft in Ft. Worth.

At the end of the war, HSU President Dr. Rupert Richardson asked her to become Assistant to the Dean of Women at HSU. He had seen the loving, yet firm way she worked with students as a student floor chaperone, and wanted someone with her depth of commitment and Christian values taking care of HSU's girls.

Miss Cul was mentor, counselor, disciplinarian, and life coach to the 6,000 students who lived at HSU during her administration, first as Assistant to Dean of Women, and later as Dormitory Director. She listened to confidences, concerns, watched curfew times, and hem lengths, and even helped the girls cope with tragedy. One such incident happened just after she assumed her duties in 1944. A young woman in the dorm had three brothers in the war, and all were killed in action. "I got the messages and had to tell her three times," she recalled. Miss Cul had found her purpose in life, and was one of those blessed souls who made a real difference in so many lives.

Daily, throughout her life, she would write at least ten letters of encouragement, advice, counseling, congratulations, and good cheer to students, faculty, staff, and even those whom she didn't know. A letter from Miss Cul is many an alumna's most treasured gift. Kiser notes, "I was the recipient of many of her precious letters over the years. When I need a word of encouragement, all I have to do is pull out one of those letters."

One would be hard-pressed to find a more loyal alumna or former faculty/staff member. In 1986, Miss Culpepper was awarded the John J. Keeter Jr. Alumni Service Award, the highest honor given by the HSU Alumni Association. She was named Former Staff Member of the Year in 1993-94, and in 1998, the Aileen Culpepper Endowed Scholarship was established in her honor. In 2002 the University yearbook was dedicated to her.

In an expression of love and thanksgiving, Hardin-Simmons honored her in a way that may be unique for a dormitory director. The university awarded an honorary doctor of humanities degree during commencement ceremonies in 2003. Astonished at the honor, Miss Cul insisted that she was as ordinary as anyone could possibly be, but the legions of women who grew up under her watchful eye disagree.

Miss Cul stayed active on the campus, since her retirement in 1985, with the University Women's Organization, the Former Faculty staff Administration Fellowship, and working where needed. She was an active member of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church.

"The intangible quality at Hardin-Simmons that engenders such love is sometimes difficult to put into words," says Leland Harden, vice president of institutional advancement, "but one has only to look at the life of Aileen Culpepper to see a true expression of this quality. This gift is something she would characteristically do because she believed, with every fiber of her soul, that students should be prepared for life with love, good manners, and solid moral values."

Posted by Dave Coffield · June 10, 2008 4:04 PM · Comments (0)

Hundreds of youth flock to the Hardin-Simmons University campus each summer to have fun, equip themselves as Christian leaders, and clarify their relationship with God. That much spiritual energy is hard to ignore, in fact, it's very uplifting. Campers arrive today for an action-packed week of learning, activity, and reflection.

Students study devotional selections to begin the first day of camp

The Texas Fellowship of Christian Athletes is holding its annual summer retreat at Hardin-Simmons University for the 23rd consecutive year, as over 400 student athletes from schools across Texas come to learn and to discuss topics critical to youth. Rodney "Fastball" Ashby, camp director, said this year he wants students to "'Get Focused.' Just as they focus on the critical elements of their sport, we want them to understand the need to keep a strong focus on their spiritual life, too. We hope to teach them ultimate reliance on God's Word."

Mornings begin with contemplative time as campers spread out over the expansive front lawn for individual reflections, devotionals, and inspirational selections from the Bible. Students participate in small group sessions, called "Huddles," compete in athletic activity and competitions, attend assemblies, and share perceptions during guided discussions called "Buzz Groups." Buzz group topics included: "Date or Wait" a discussion of dating considerations, "Garbage in, Garbage Out" referring to internet culture, and "Tattoos" the culture of body art and why it may not be a positive thing. He admits that the popular perception of today's youth isn't particularly positive. "It's me, me, me. I believe our youth leadership can help change that by serving others first."

Campers are already leaders at their local schools, and attend to enhance their understanding of faith, its role in athletics, and its influence on peers. "We teach the principle of influence," says last year's director, Ben Johnson, "The influence a Christian athlete can have as a leader extends far beyond wins and losses on the field." Organizers hope that students will return home with campus leadership activities planned for the coming year, and with the knowledge that being a witness for Christ is a "duty for life."

Texas churches send strongly committed youth to the annual camp to strengthen faith and leadership amid innovative themes, outlandish costumes, and enthusiasm you have to see to believe. Organizers put their hearts, souls, and imagination into the week-long event to keep it current and edgy, as Johnson says,"This is my eighth year as camp director and I spend months on my knees in the months leading up to camp seeking His presence at camp and His plan for camp. But I've witnessed so many students returning to their campuses in the fall inspired, equipped, and enthusiastic as they confidently serve Christ greater. That keeps me coming back!"

Posted by Dave Coffield · June 10, 2008 3:54 PM · Comments (0)

The 2008 edition of the Abilene Summer Music Festival gets underway June 8th as top junior high and high school musicians take performance to a higher level on the Hardin-Simmons University campus. The festival is dedicated to enriching the lives of West Texans by bringing quality chamber and orchestra concerts to the Abilene community, while providing educational opportunities to young musicians through advanced instruction in a supportive environment.

A camper makes notations on the day's music lesson

A premiere regional summer music program now in its eighth year, the 2008 festival spotlights students from California, Illinois, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Austin, Wichita Falls, and Midland/Odessa, as well as many talented performers from Abilene. The curriculum features three symphony orchestras, chamber music, composition, conducting, world music ensemble, music history, music theory, technique class, performance class, master class, camper mixer, recreation, and a grand finale concert at the Abilene Civic Center.

Campers treat the Grand Finale audience to a performance of Respighi's "Pines of Rome," often referred to as a "visual feast for the ears." Those who think classical music isn't exciting will travel on the notes of one of Respighi's most famous compositions from the gardens of Villa Borghese, to the catacombs of Rome, to the Janiculum, to the Apian Way. The dramatic imagery of the piece will leave the audience wanting to hop the next plane to Italy to see it for themselves.

One of the larger ensembles rehearses for the Grand Finale

The Grand Finale, scheduled for 3:00, Jun 14, is one of four performance opportunities open to Abilene residents. The music begins with a faculty concert June 11th at 7:00 p.m. in the Woodward-Dellis Recital Hall on the HSU campus, and continues with the ArtWalk Student Concert at the Civic Center June 12th at 6:00. The Student Chamber Music Recital follows on June 13th at 7:00 p.m. in Woodward-Dellis. There is no charge to the public for any of the performances.

The ASMF has enjoyed generous support in the form of grants from the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council, the Community Foundation of Abilene, Dian Graves Owen Foundation, the Downtown Revitalization Program of the Tax Increment Finance District, the City of Abilene, Taylor County, the Gamma Phi chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota, and the Theta Lambda chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.

Posted by Dave Coffield · June 10, 2008 3:44 PM · Comments (0)