HSU Insider

Friendship House Models Example for Transformation

Houston, Texas Baptist Convention - Five years ago, the neighborhood north of Hardin-Simmons University was a neighborhood in blight. Windows were broken, cars and tires littered yards, lawns had turned into jungles of Johnson grass, and paint peeled from houses.

But a simple solution and a style of living as Christ might live has turned the neighborhood around. It has to do with a philosophy called "living missionally."

Looking for just the right personality, Hardin-Simmons University placed Danyel Rogers and her family in the university-owned house at 2601 Hickory. What Danyel and her husband, Brandon, have done to so greatly affect the neighborhood was cause enough to be asked to conduct a session at the annual convention of Texas Baptists meeting in Houston.

Only a few years ago, the Northpark neighborhood was rampant with crime, and neighbors felt helpless to do anything about the problem. Retired Abilene Police Chief Melvin Martin says, "The syndrome is called 'The Broken Window Effect.'" Martin says the term is used in law enforcement to describe a neighborhood in decay.

Today, the former police chief has a different view of the Northpark neighborhood. Lawns are mowed, houses are painted, children play on front lawns, and neighbors have a sense of belonging.

A sign in front of the modest frame house identifies it as the "Friendship House." It has a play area and the front door is generally open. The Friendship House idea was imported by then Hardin-Simmons dean of students Linda Carleton from a model she saw at work in Shreveport, LA.

During the Texas Baptist workshop for those 35 years old and under, the director of the Friendship House set the stage for understanding "living missionally." In a room packed with an array of people with backpacks, jeans, sandals, Starbuck's cups, and communication devices, Rogers says, "I ask myself every day, 'what am I doing to invest in other peoples' lives?'"

"Think about whom you encounter each day and think, 'What can I do to reach out to them,'" says Rogers. "In my neighborhood, we eat meals together, take care of each other's children, and work on recycling as a community."

"It is part of our job as believers in Christ to reconcile ourselves back to God," says Rogers. "What we do to practice reconciliation is to provide a place of support where neighbors get to know each other."

In the afternoons, children go to the Friendship House to play games with college students from Hardin-Simmons. There is playground equipment, drumming classes to enjoy, and lots of sounds of happy, contented children.

Chief Martin says, "The sole responsibility of this changed neighborhood is credited to the efforts of the Rogers, Hardin-Simmons students, and other faculty and staff members who continue to help establish the house as a friendly neighborhood point-of-contact."

Martin says, "Danyel has done an exemplary job in giving the neighborhood a place it can revolve around. Neighbors have a sense of belonging. The people, who felt victimized, take pride in living in Northpark."

He says, "Attitudes have changed because people have been brought together. It's really a positive spin now, instead of a negative one. 'The Broken Window Effect' has disappeared," says Martin.

Rogers tells the burgeoning Baptist leaders, "It is all about transformation; take what you already know about Christianity and put it into practice. Don't just have good intentions, live what you know. The way you start, is to ask God to open your eyes to see the needs of the people around you."

Abilene now has several Friendship Houses. To oversee the facilities as a whole, Connecting Caring Communities, a non-profit group, has taken over the management of the Friendship Houses. A new Friendship House is being constructed in the Northpark neighborhood which will be, in part, supported by continued funding from HSU.

Photos: Danyel Rogers,HSU Student Erica Fairbanks at Friendship House

Dr. Randy L. Armstrong, associate dean for the Cynthia Ann Parker College of Liberal Arts and professor of communication, and Mr. William C. Curtis, associate professor of finance and economics in the Kelley College of Business, recently received a combined grant from the Dodge Jones, Kickapoo Springs, and Legett Foundations for the publishing of an anniversary edition of Elmer Kelton's Living and Writing in West Texas.

Dr. Renee Collins, assistant professor of education, implemented her dissertation research concerning six teaching practices described in The Engagement Model of Instruction in developing the literacy curriculum for the Dream-Catchers Read Write Now Camp recently held on the HSU campus.

The three-week camp was sponsored by Dr. Kelvin J. Kelley's First A Chance Eventually Success Ministries, Inc., Abilene, and the HSU Department of Educational Studies. Ten local struggling adolescent readers participated in the camp.

Sabrina Izbrand, former adjunct professor in the Irvin School of Education, assisted Dr. Collins in organizing and coordinating the camp. Dr. Diana Higgins' graduate students administered informal reading inventories and prepared one-on-one literacy activities targeting specific reading goals for each of the students.

Ten Hardin-Simmons undergraduate and graduate education majors, a few HSU alumni, and several community volunteers implemented individualized and small group literacy experiences that motivated, challenged, and engaged the struggling adolescent readers.

The camp curriculum included numerous opportunities for students to make real-world connections, to use a variety of texts, and to learn explicit comprehension strategies while researching famous dreamers and writing poetry.

The students also participated in collaborative opportunities and reflected on personal goals that lead to reaching or catching lifelong dreams. By the end of the three weeks, the adolescents and adults experienced greater levels of academic success, developed a greater trust in people, and dreamed of reaching goals much sooner in life.

Dr. Dennis O'Connell, professor of physical therapy and Shelton-Lacewell Endowed Chair for Physical Therapy, has been serving on the Abilene Mayor's Council on Physical Fitness for the past two years.

"We have received two grants from the State of Texas to promote Fitness in Abilene, and we are a model city for others in the state to emulate," he says. O'Connell points to the billboards and television spots as an example of some of the things the Mayor's Council is doing. "More importantly, log on to www.myfitnessabilene.com on a regular basis to learn of fitness activities in Abilene," says O'Connell. The website launched in August.

Mr. David Stuckey, associate professor of fitness and sport sciences, director of athletic training education and chair of the Department of Fitness and Sport Sciences, presented "The Use of a Web-Based Computer Examination Program in Athletic Training Courses" at the 2009 National Athletic Trainers Association Athletic Training Educators Conference in Washington, DC.

U.S. Congressman Randy Neugebauer was on the HSU campus today to present a triangularly folded Stars and Stripes to President Lanny Hall.

The flag flew over the U.S. Capitol on September 3rd. That was the day Hall was officially installed as the 15th president of Hardin-Simmons University.

Student loans, government Pell grants and endowment scholarships were the topic s of conversation around a table in Hall's office as the Congressman sat for a brief chat prior to the flag presentation.

Neugebauer told Hall that he is concerned about the rise in government issued Pell grants given to college students who qualify economically. He says, "I don't believe this level can be sustained over a very long period of time."

Neugebauer is referring to a rise in the cap of eligibility, which means more families can qualify for the government grants. Add that to an increase in the award each family can receive for students going to college, and that is a sizable amount distributed to colleges across the country.

HSU alone projects about 550 students will receive Pell aid for around 2.4 million dollars during this 2009-2010 school year.

Hall told the congressman that HSU is working hard in the private sector by continuing to raise scholarship endowment funding for students. Hall says the endowment is on the rise again after a brief downturn this past year. Hall says the funds are again approaching record levels and dreams of the day when the endowment will generate significantly more dollars for scholarship assistance to HSU students.

Hall says he will proudly display the flag flown in his honor in a prominent spot in the president's office.

Photo:
Professor Emery's longtime friend and attorney, Don Seamster, presents check from the Emogene Emery Estate to HSU President Lanny Hall.

Emogene Emery taught speech communications at Hardin-Simmons University for 23 years.

Students have received scholarships for many years from the Emogene Emery Speech Communications Fund, which she established in honor of her parents Mr. and Mrs. W.B. Emery.

The Emogene Emery Theater Scholarship, which has been established after her death, will begin helping students studying theater arts at HSU in the fall of 2010.

Miss Emery's estate will also increase the scholarship funding given to students majoring in speech communications.

Devoted Teacher, Beloved Faculty Member

Emery devoted 45 years to teaching speech communications in Texas and Oklahoma.

Born is Howe, Oklahoma in 1911, she achieved national prominence as a certified professional parliamentarian.

In 1947, she was recruited by the University of Texas to develop a women's debate program. Seven years later, HSU President Evan Allard Reiff persuaded Emery to serve as an associate professor of speech at HSU.

She led the HSU speech and debate program and served nine years at the head of the communications department. The beloved faculty member, who always had the best interest of students at heart, retired from HSU in 1977.

Her honors were numerous, including being named to Who's Who Among American Women, Outstanding Educators of America, Directory of American Scholars, and Who's Who Among American Scholars.

She was also historian of the Texas State Speech Association, vice president of the National Commission on Parliamentarians, and governor of the South Central Region of the American Institute of Parliamentarians.

A Spectacular Show, and it's FREE!

It has taken ten weeks to put together an opera performance similar to what you might actually see at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.

What's unusual is that it has been done by twenty Hardin-Simmons students. Dr. William Mouat, who is an assistant professor of voice and director of opera, says that's really quick turnaround to stage a musical production of this magnitude.

An Operatic Soiree features a number of soloists performing scenes from grand opera and operetta in a gala format, "like one might watch on PBS where the women are in formal wear and the men in tuxedos," he says.

The opera workshop has been in existence for over thirty years, and this year's enrollment is a record-breaking twenty Hardin-Simmons singers. "Participants include voice majors and non-majors alike - all those who love to perform in public," says Mouat.

"Each and every student is interesting and unusual in that they bring their own acting and vocal gifts to the various characters that they portray."

This concert has been musically staged and prepared in only ten weeks time with both undergraduate and graduate level singers performing a wide variety of languages and styles.

An Operatic Soiree features works by Vincenzo Bellini, Gaetano Donizetti, W.A. Mozart, Jacques Offenbach and Kurt Weill.
The free performance will be this Thursday, November 12, 2009 in the Woodward-Dellis Recital Hall on the Hardin-Simmons University campus at 8:00 p.m.

Photo: Dr. William Mouat

One HSU Instructor Doesn't Care How Cold It Is! Hardin-Simmons University instructor of sport sciences, Corrie Reed, says she's a little worried about the success of the first-ever Polar Bear Plunge to help raise money for Special Olympics.

This Saturday, November 7th, the Polar Bear Plunge will happen in the very chilly waters of the Brand Swimming Pool on the HSU campus.

"Plunge" is a fund raising activity for the local Special Olympics program. Individuals and teams can help raise money by diving into the pool or by choosing not to plunge and paying to stay under the warm heaters while watching crazier individuals jump, dive, or just fall into the chilly waters for the cause.

This is Corrie Reed's sixth year to work with Special Olympics. Reed is certified as a Special Olympics coach in basketball, athletics, golf, and bocce. Reed has also been certified as a unified partner in athletics which brings Special Olympians together with able-bodied individuals in competition as a team.

The Hardin-Simmons instructor also works as the Area 14 volunteer coordinator for Special Olympic competitions. This summer she served on the volunteer wwards committee for the state of Texas.

When Reed graduated with her master's degree, she accepted a position with the city of Abilene working in the adapted recreation department. As part of the job she says, "Employees were required to be certified as Special Olympics coaches and to actually train and work with athletes for competitions."

Now, as an instructor at HSU, she recruits and trains students to work with the athletes on the day of the competitions. "This has been a neat experience," says Reed, "to watch my students work with my former athletes."

As far as the "Plunge" goes, Reed says cold water temperature don't really bother her, "I have been immersed in water of all temperatures. I have done training in the middle of the winter as well as in the summer."

So far Reed has gotten only a handful of donations and is getting seriously worried about the first-time fundraiser. While the Brand swimming pool is heated, Reed says the heaters have been turned off in hopes that the water will cool down for a really cold plunge.

Reed is crossing her fingers that the donations will pick up some steam. If you would like to help in herquest for dollars to help Special Olympians, Reed has a web site at: http://www.firstgiving.com/corriereed.

As for anyone wanting to take the plunge, contact Beth Bye (SOTX Area 14-Director) at 677-3200 for more information or log on to www.firstgiving.com/sotx to create an individual or team donations page.

The Polar Bear Plunge will take place this Saturday at the HSU Brand Swimming Pool from noon to 3:00 p.m. There are about 10 participants as of today. Reed says the Dallas area Polar Bear Plunge brings in about 60 people who don't mind taking the plunge.

Dr. Pam Williford Helps to Set the Standards All Teachers Must Meet in Texas

Dr. Pam Williford has been an active member of the Texas Association of Colleges of Teacher Education for more than a decade.

The longtime member and dean of the Irvin School of Education at Hardin-Simmons University was recognized for her years of service during the annual conference in San Antonio with the TACTE Leadership Award.

The annual conference is sponsored by the Consortium of State Organizations for Texas Teacher Education (CSOTTE) of which Texas Association of Colleges of Teacher Education (TACTE) is one of 19 organizations which are part of this large consortium.

TACTE is comprised of deans of schools of education in independent and state colleges and universities in Texas. The primary goal of TACTE is to promote quality teacher education.

The State Board for Educator Certification, Texas Education Agency, and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board work closely with TACTE to ensure teacher preparation entities are providing effective teachers for the children in our state. There are approximately 75 deans who are members of TACTE. TACTE is affiliated with the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education.

"It's a wonderful honor," Williford says referring to the award. "It truly is humbling to be voted for by my peers in this state organization to receive the award for leadership!"

Williford has been an active member of TACTE since 1998 and served as president of TACTE last year.

She recently testified before the State's House Committee on Education on behalf of TACTE, she regularly represents TACTE to the Texas Education Agency, and also served on the CSOTTE Board during the 2008-2009 school year.

Williford has worked on various sub-committees that deal with legislative concerns, teacher certification issues, and coordination of professional education efforts among other state level education organizations such as TEPSA, TASSP, and TACS.

Most recently, she assisted the Education Testing Service with the review of reading standards for the EC - 6 Generalist and later with standard-setting for the Texas Examination of Educators.

Williford is also a member of ED-ICUT, a state organization of deans of schools of education at independent colleges and universities and has served as treasurer for three years.

ZaVious Robbins, a senior wide receiver and kick returner for the Hardin-Simmons football team, has been selected as one of 16 national finalists for the William V. Campbell Trophy, which is given to the top student-athlete in all levels of college football by the National Football Foundation and the College Hall of Fame.

The national finalists were selected from a list of 154 national semifinalists from all three NCAA Divisions as well as the NAIA. Each finalist will receive an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship, and one of the 16 will be announced as the recipient of the 20th Anniversary William V. Campbell Trophy, endowed by HealthSouth (and formerly known as the Draddy Trophy), which recognizes an individual as the absolute best scholar- athlete in the nation.

Renamed this fall in honor of Bill Campbell, the chairman of Intuit, former player and head coach at Columbia University and the 2004 recipient of the NFF's Gold Medal, the award comes with a 25-pound bronze trophy and a $25,000 post- graduate scholarship. A total distribution of $300,000 in scholarships will be awarded that evening.

Robbins, a native of Mesquite, is Hardin-Simmons' all-time leader in kickoff return yards, ZaVious Robbins has carried his on-field excellence into the classroom and community, establishing himself as the university's first-ever NFF National Scholar-Athlete.

"I am so excited about this I can't stop smiling," said Robbins. "A long time ago when I was a little kid my dad told me he wanted me to be a versatile person. He wanted me to be a good student and a good athlete and I guess this award signifies that I have done that."

"It is crazy and definitely unexpected, but I am appreciative and humbled to be selected. That is some pretty good company that I am included with. I want to thank all of my coaches and teammates who have stuck with me throughout my career. They are definitely a big part of this."

Named an ESPN The Magazine All-District selection in 2008, Robbins will graduate with honors this December. The Mesquite, Texas, native is a three- time President's List and Dean's List honoree, and was named the school's most outstanding marketing student. He is also a two-time academic all-conference selection.

A two-year captain, Robbins garnered first-team all-ASC laurels as a receiver and second-team all-conference honors as a kick returner in 2008. He has recorded 49 kickoff returns for 1,211 yards and three touchdowns in his career, including a school-record 100-yard return, adding 75 career receptions for 1,119 yards and 13 touchdowns. He was also named the 2008 ASC Football Sportsmanship Player of the Year. Unfortunately, he has missed most of his senior season with a knee injury. He had 11 catches for 140 yards and a touchdown in the season opener and was injured on the first drive of the second game.

An officer for the Delta Mu Delta National Honor Society, Robbins spends his time volunteering for Meals on Wheels and the Keep Abilene Beautiful program. He also serves on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and is a member of the American Marketing Association.

"Zavious is a great kid and very deserving of this honor," said HSU head coach Jimmie Keeling. "He is one of the rare ones that does everything the right way. He goes to class, he is active in the community and he is one of the best players on the field we have ever had. He has twice been voted a team captain and our kids just love him. When he gets the ball in his hands he is really explosive. We are proud for ZaVious. He is a great representative of what we look for in our program."

"There is no doubt that this year's class of NFF National Scholar-Athletes is one of the greatest of all time," said NFF President & CEO Steven J. Hatchell. "Mediocrity is not in their lexicon in any aspect of their lives. They have exhibited the same drive to compete in the classroom that distinguished them on the field, and they have found the time to be leaders in their communities too. We will be very excited and proud to name one of these extraordinary young men the recipient of the 20th Anniversary William V. Campbell Trophy on Dec. 8."

Nominated by their schools, which are limited to one nominee each, candidates must be a senior or graduate student in their final year of eligibility, have a grade point average of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, have outstanding football ability as a first team player and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship. Selected by the NFF Awards Committee, the 16 National Scholar-Athlete Award recipients will be honored at the 2009 NFF Annual Awards Dinner December 8 at the Waldorf=Astoria in New York City. The event will also include the induction of the 2009 College Football Hall of Fame and the presentation of several major awards.

"The 2009 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class boasts the highest average GPA in the history of our awards," said NFF Chairman Archie Manning, whose sons Peyton (Campbell winner) and Eli were NFF National Scholar-Athletes in 1997 and 2003, respectively. "They are truly the best of the best among all college sports and the epitome of our mission to build leaders through football. Bob Mulcahy and the NFF Awards Committee should be credited for the research, time and commitment it took to select this outstanding group."

2009 Finalists

JON ASAMOAH - OG - University of Illinois - 3.82
MATT BAUMAN - LB - Brigham Young University - 3.91
ERIC DECKER - WR - University of Minnesota - 3.42
MOSES HARRIS - S - Fresno State - 3.56
TIM HILLER - QB - Western Michigan University - 4.00
PAUL JASINOWSKI - DT - Brown University - 3.70
BEAU KILDOW - WR - Morningside College (Iowa) - 4.00
JOSH MAHONEY - LB - University of Northern Iowa - 4.00
COLT McCOY - QB - University of Texas - 3.33
JARRELL NeSMITH - TE - Tusculum College (Tenn.) - 3.84
JOE PAWELEK - LB - Baylor University - 3.71
TODD REESING - QB - University of Kansas - 3.64
ZaVIOUS ROBBINS - WR - Hardin- Simmons University (Texas) - 3.90
TIM TEBOW - QB - University of Florida - 3.66
BLAINE WESTEMEYER - OT - Augustana College (Ill.) - 3.93
REED WILLIAMS - LB - West Virginia University - 3.86
2009 Finalists Quick Facts

3.77 Average GPA, including three class members with a perfect 4.00 GPA
16-of-16 Team Captains
14-of-16 Academic All-Conference Athletes
14-of-16 All-Conference Athletes
Seven ESPN The Magazine Academic All- America Selections (Bauman, Mahoney, NeSmith, Pawelek, Tebow, Westemeyer, Williams)
Six All-America Picks (Kildow, McCoy, NeSmith, Pawelek, Tebow, Westemeyer)
One Heisman Trophy Winner (Tebow)
Five National Major Awards Won (McCoy, Tebow)
Three Bowl Game MVPs (McCoy -- Alamo, Holiday and Tostitos Fiesta, Tebow -- FedEx BCS National Championship, Williams -- Tostitos Fiesta)
Five Members of Nationally Ranked Teams (Kildow, Mahoney, McCoy, Tebow, Williams)
Eight Members of Conference Championship Teams (Bauman, Jasinowski, Kildow, Mahoney, NeSmith, Tebow, Westemeyer, Williams)
Four Members of National Playoff Teams (Kildow, Mahoney, NeSmith, Robbins)
Ten Offensive Players (Asamoah, Decker, Hiller, Kildow, McCoy, NeSmith, Reesing, Robbins, Tebow, Westemeyer)
Six Defensive Players (Bauman, Harris, Jasinowski, Mahoney, Pawelek, Williams)

Photos: Roy Juarez on graduation day, May 2009, with friend Johnathan Kouba; Juarez with HSU President Dr. Lanny Hall (below).

Once a high school dropout, homeless, and living on the streets of San Antonio, Roy Juarez Jr. now holds a Bachelor's Degree from Hardin-Simmons.
He is now an in-demand speaker for disenfranchised youth. www.royjuarez.com

Roy graduated in May 2009 with a degree in marketing. He will appear on CNN over the next several days.

Roy was mentored by another graduate of HSU, Lt. Col. Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch who will also appear on CNN this week.

Kickbusch is the Founder & President of Educational Achievement Services and was the highest ranking Hispanic woman in the U.S. Army Combat Support Field before retiring from the military.

CNN taped Roy presenting at a workshop in Omaha, NE and interviewed him on his life and work. CNN became interested in Roy through the work of Kickbusch.

Kickbusch is a renowned charismatic, passionate and influential speaker who carries her powerful message of what it takes to be an effective leader in today's global marketplace to hundreds of schools, colleges/universities, corporations, and government institutions, both in the U.S. and abroad.

For the last ten years Consuelo has dedicated her life to empowering a new generation of Hispanic leaders and has worked with over one million children and their parents across the United States through Educational Achievement Services, Inc. (EAS), a company she founded in 1994.

Roy Juarez Jr. Speaker / Trainer / Advocate

Roy Juarez Jr.'s spell-bounding story has been featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Extraordinary Teens.

Once a homeless teenager in San Antonio, TX, Roy overcame the obstacles that could have turned him into a negative statistic.

Today, Roy is a college graduate of Hardin-Simmons University and devotes his life to traveling the United States of America and abroad, lecturing to thousands of educators, parents, and youth in some of America's toughest neighborhoods. He shares his message of perseverance, forgiveness, and hope!

Check out a clip of Roy's Story at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=

Popular Doctorate Program Led by One of the Best

Dr. Janelle O'Connell was recognized as the most outstanding physical therapy educator in the state of Texas at the annual conference of the Texas Physical Therapy Association held in Austin.

O'Connell has been with the department of physical therapy since 1995, and, today, is the head of the department. The award is named the "William Gould Award" in honor of Bill Gould who was the founding chair of the physical therapy department at HSU.

Dr. Martha Hinman, director of the transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy program, says of O'Connell, "She certainly is deserving of the Gould Award. She is not only an excellent teacher, but an outstanding role model for all of our students and the PTs in our community."

The HSU program is in high demand and already has collected 150 applicants for the next available spots. Only 28 of those applicants will be selected to enter the program. "Employment rate for students who become licensed after graduation is 100%," says PT administrative assistant Karen Freeland. Also, for the last several years, 100% of HSU's doctor of physical therapy graduates have passed the licensing exam.

O'Connell was unable to attend the conference. Both she and Hinman were in Alabama completing a series of courses to become two of the first 55 physical therapists in the country to become certified exercise experts for aging adults.

The Hardin-Simmons University School of Music has been cited for the 3rd in year in a row as a recommended place of study in the annual "Music-School Guide" published by Strings magazine.

Strings magazine is a monthly periodical which receives international distribution and is dedicated to articles on performance practice, stringed instrument education and related topics.

Peter Isaacson, associate professor of violin says, "It is an honor to be cited among the largest and most developed music programs in the state of Texas."

Other institutions that made this list include: Southern Methodist University, Baylor University, University of Houston, Rice University, Texas Christian University, Texas Technical University, University of North Texas, and the University of Texas.

Isaacson adds, "I think this is due to fact that we have a strong string faculty and a comprehensive program with full orchestra. We also have chamber music in conjunction with supporting programs beyond the university curriculum such as the Abilene Lesson Project and the Abilene Summer Music Festival."

Over nine years, the Abilene Summer Music Festival has brought in over 1,500 students for summer study at HSU from across Texas along with participants from Illinois, California, South Dakota and Oklahoma. Says Isaacson, "We are certainly very proud of our legacy in instrumental music education and look forward to expanding and improving on our solid reputation."

Photo:
Dr. Peter Isaacson, associate professor of violin

If You Seek His Monument, Look Around You

"I can still see Doyle Kelley marching with the Cowboy Band." The phrase was a common sentiment expressed across the Hardin-Simmons campus today as alumni return for Homecoming.

The 1951 HSU graduate died Wednesday in Houston. He leaves behind many friends and many lasting impressions.

Doyle Kelley's contributions to HSU probably lie most prominently in two of the most beautiful buildings on campus. Housed in the stately Johnson Building, the Kelley College of Business bears the name of Doyle and Inez Kelley.

Dr. Michael Monhollon is the dean of the Kelley College of Business and says the college has lost a great friend with the passing of Doyle Kelley. "He loved the business school and its students, coming to every awards ceremony, homecoming coffee, and honor fraternity induction he could," says Monhollon.

"He got to know a number of the students, helped some of them find jobs, and kept in touch with them." Monhollon continued, "On a personal note, I got to spend many afternoons with him talking about financial markets or the old Bibles and manuscripts he collected. I will greatly miss his enthusiasm and generosity of spirit."

The Kelleys made the generous gift in honor of their parents to secure the future of business education at HSU.

Doyle Kelly's legacy can also be found at the core of the magnificent Skiles Building. A circular corridor on the first floor of the domed building is covered with the portraits of former students, graduates, employees, and other historical figures of HSU who have distinguished records of achievements.

To have a permanent place of honor on the campus was a dream of HSU President Dr. Lanny Hall. Doyle Kelley was the alumnus who helped turn the plan into brick and mortar and today it is called the Kelley Hall of Leaders.

But of all Kelley's contributions to HSU, it has been said, perhaps one of his favorites lies in a low-slung, rather modest building on a small corner of the campus.

Despite its size, the building houses a larger-than-life historical icon of Hardin-Simmons -- itself a living, breathing entity of magnificent proportion. Anyone who has seen it has, no doubt, heard it as well. This brotherhood can be summed up in five simple words -- The World Famous Cowboy Band. Doyle Kelley was a member.

The building is filled with memorabilia. Worn black and white photos inside a showcase reveal the band's eight-plus decades of history. Just around the corner is a modest wall, but of great significance to Kelley.

Plastic cut-out letters name it the "Wall of Fame." On it are 14 oil paintings, by various artists, that depict some of the most significant contributors to the band's 87-year history. Doyle Kelley's portrait is among them. He contributed to the band, not only as a member, but later, as a supporter.

Doyle and Inez Kelley met while students at HSU, which Doyle attended on a scholarship for the Cowboy Band.

Kelley is a past chairman of the Board of Trustees, a 1998 recipient of the John J. Keeter Alumni Service Award, the highest alumni award HSU can bestow. He also received an honorary Doctor of Law degree from HSU in 2000.

Surviving Kelley is his wife Inez who was a member of the HSU Cowgirls as a student and has also served on the Board of Trustees.

Several years ago, the Kelleys entrusted Hardin-Simmons with the gift of a rare and valuable manuscript, the product of a South Arabian Jewish Scriptorium in the late 17th or early 18th century.

The scroll is on permanent display in a climatically controlled case in the Richardson Library.

"Hardin-Simmons has lost one of its most devoted alumni," says HSU President Dr. Lanny Hall.

"Doyle Kelley was a dedicated and generous supporter of this institution and was totally committed to HSU's success. As a student, alumnus, trustee, and donor, he was enthusiastic about his alma mater," says Hall. "The flags on campus are lowered to half-staff in memory of this wonderful example of a Hardin-Simmons University graduate. He will be greatly missed."