MTALUMNI.COM

Teams, fans, media visit Murphy Center March 2-7

NOTEWORTHY

News for MTSU alumni and friends 12/01/2005 Vol. 3 / No. 2

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE PAID

MURFREESBORO, TNPERMIT 169

INSIDE . . .

Reaching out, Page 2Calendar, Page 3Pigskin party, Page 4Class Notes, Page 6Trail’s letter, Page 7

Photo by J. Intintoli

Photo by Jack Ross

By Randy Weiler

M urphy Center will be buzzing withactivity March 2-7, 2006, when theAeropostale Sun Belt Conference

Tournament comes to Murfreesboro.Eleven women’s and 11 men’s teams will

participate, with both championship games setfor March 7.

“We’ll bring 22 teams in here,” MTSUDirector of Athletics Chris Massaro said. “Eachwill have a travel party of about 25, plus theirfans. It will have a huge economic impact (an

estimated $5 million) on Rutherford County.”Additionally, print and broadcast media

that follow each of the schools will providecoverage as will the four ESPN networks,which will broadcast 14 games regionally andnationally, Massaro added.

“The impact and name recognition MTSUwill get from that exposure is invaluable,”Massaro said.

MTSU was awarded the bid to host the2006 Sun Belt Tournament three years ago,Commissioner Wright Waters said.

(Please see ‘Sun Belt’ Page 8)

MTSU StudentAmbassadorsjoin mascotLightning,President SidneyA. McPhee,students, alumniand fans for theOct. 22 unveilingof the BlueHorseshoe inWalnut Grove.

SUN BELT MANIABlue Raiders Coach Kermit Davis answers questions from a TV journalist at SBC media day.

Unveilingthe BlueHorseshoe

Winfrey reaps national recognitionMass Communication alumna Karla Winfrey (B.S.

’82) of Stone Mountain, Ga., has added another acco-lade to her extensive resume: winner of the 2005National Association of Black Journalists Salute toExcellence Award for her 90-minute documentary,“Waiting in the Wings: African Americans in CountryMusic.” Winfrey and her co-producer, Henri Giles,wanted to tell the story of centuries-old contributions ofAfrican-Americans to country music and ask why thegenre historically has included few black artists, thoughits history is rich with their developments. Their work,which won in NABJ's documentary category forTelevision Networks and Markets 15 and Up, was creat-ed and produced by Winfrey and Giles for CMT/MTVNetworks and originally aired February and March of2004. Winfrey is a member of the College of MassCommunication’s Hall of Fame.

Palmer will let play-by-play voice restMurfreesboro’s Dick Palmer (B.S. ’60), the football and

basketball “voice ofthe Blue Raiders” forthe last 25 years, exit-ed the Floyd Stadiumbroadcast booth atseason’s end. Hisfinal home broadcastwas Nov. 12. Throughthe years, Palmer hascovered high school,college and profes-sional sports inTennessee. The 40-year veteran LittleLeague coach andwife DeLois havethree children andone granddaughter.

Dick Palmer (B.S. ’60) will stepdown after 25 years.

Photo provided by MT Media Relations

Photo submitted

Mass Comm alumna Karla Winfrey (B.S. ’82), right,celebrates with co-producer Henri Giles, left, and fel-low TV journalist Ed Bradley.

Advancement Services

P.O. Box 109

MTSU

Murfreesboro, TN 37132

ALUMNI RELATIONS STAFF

Ginger Corley Freeman, DirectorMichelle Stepp, Associate Director

Valerie Avent, Assistant Dir., Multicultural AffairsKaty Francisco Riddle, Assistant Director

Patience Long, Assistant DirectorAllison Payne, Assistant Director

Martha Jordan, Administrative Assistant Sherry Young, Office Assistant

MTSU Office of Alumni RelationsMTSU Box 104

Murfreesboro, TN 371321-800-533-MTSU (6878)

615-898-2922 Fax: 615-898-5746mtalumni.com

Published quarterly (Sept., Dec., March and June)Sidney A. McPhee, President

Joe Bales, VP, Development and Univ. RelationsDoug Williams, Director, Office of Marketing

Tom Tozer, Director, News and Public AffairsRandy Weiler, Editor (jweiler@mtsu.edu)

Contributors: Lisa L. Rollins, John Lynch, Gina Logue, Gina Fann, Natosha Haskins

andMTSU Office of Alumni Relations staff

Consultants: Suma Clark and Bill Fisher,MTSU Publications and Graphics

Special assistance: Tom Brannan and Betsy Williams,MTSU Advancement Services

Photographs: MTSU Photographic ServicesPrinted by Franklin Web Printing Co., Franklin, TN

Attention Postmaster: Change Service RequestedAddress changes and other correspondence

should be addressed to:

Advancement ServicesP.O. Box 109

MTSUMurfreesboro, TN 37132

MTSU, a Tennessee Board of Regents university, is an equalopportunity, nonracially identifiable, educational institution that

does not discriminate against individualswith disabilities.

URUR042-11052

By Patience Long

W hether you live on Middle TennesseeBoulevard in Murfreesboro, WestbridgeDrive in Knoxville or Peachtree Street in

Atlanta, you, our alumni, are a vital asset to theuniversity, carrying Middle Tennessee StateUniversity traditions of excellence to all corners ofthe globe.

We are pleased to announce that the alumnioffice is planning events that reach beyond the cityof Murfreesboro and outside the state of Tennessee.

In Nashville on Saturday, Dec. 10, the MTSUOffice of Alumni Relations will have a gathering at

Sam’s Place Sports Bar & Grill in Hillsboro Villagefrom 5 until 6:30 p.m.

The date and location were chosen to coincidewith the MTSU vs. Belmont basketball game at7 p.m. in the Belmont University Curb EventCenter. All alumni, friends and supporters are wel-come (whether or not you will be attending thegame). Complimentary appetizers will be avail-able. Visit mtalumni.com for details.

Some of the places we will be visiting duringthe spring of 2006 include:

• In middle and southeast Tennessee,Shelbyville, Fayetteville, Brentwood, Winchester,Lewisburg, Chattanooga;

• East Tennessee, including the Knoxville area; • West Tennessee, including the Memphis area.We’re also interested in visiting locations such

as Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Louisville andHouston.

We are looking for people to help plan eventsand start alumni chapters in these and other areas.If you are interested, please contact alumni rela-tions at 1-800-533-MTSU or email plong@mtsu.edu.

Please visit mtalumni.com and click on“Upcoming Events” to find out when we will benear you.

MTSU reaches out beyond its borders

1940s reunite in 2005 By Suma Clark

C atching up on what hashappened in the pastyear is always part of

the “40s Bunch Reunion,” but itdoesn't take much to launch agood story of their days on theMiddle Tennessee State Collegecampus.

Originating as the LyonHall Bunch, they started gettingtogether in 1981. They met formany years, usually in August,at the Rock Island home of thelate Dollye Cardwell. This pastAugust, Lisa Pruitt, director ofthe Albert Gore Sr. ResearchCenter, invited them back tocampus to the center.

Pruitt and Betty Rowland,executive aide, had yearbooksand other memorabilia readyfor browsing after lunch, alengthy affair as different sto-ries were recounted.

Nita Browning Davis vivid-ly remembers the World War IIcampus transformation as mostof the male students joined thearmed forces. “We had chapelevery Tuesday. Q.M. (Smith,president) would get up andsay, ‘Now any of you who go tothe train station to see them offwill be dealt with!’ But hecouldn't really stop it becauseall of us went.” Davis concededthat “a few toed the line,” butmost considered it their patriot-ic duty to make the trek to thestation.

She regaled the group withan account of breaking her leggoing out the window of LyonHall for a date and falling into acut blueberry bush. “It hurt, but

I went on. The guy let me drivethe car, and I had a good time. Iwent back in through the door,but the next morning I couldn’tbear to put my foot on the floor.I called an ambulance and justhad them send the bills to myfather. It was three weeksbefore he found out. When hedid, he came to campus andhad me pulled out of class‘How’d you break your leg?’ heasked. ‘Going to the library insleet and ice,’ I replied. Heknew what I was doing,” shesaid, adding that her father toldher what to take, even regis-

tered her for classes, but didn'tunderstand why she couldn'tmanage money.

Reflecting on a time whenenrollment barely topped 200,Irma Crowell Massey andNorma Rousseau Bergdorfremembered hitchhiking uptown, even to Nashville andChattanooga. “We made ourown fun!” they concluded.

The late Pat HopeWakefield, one of the 1981organizers, also started a scrap-book, which Blanche CookMcClure presented to Pruitt forthe center.

Photos by Jack Ross

Alumna NormaRousseauBergdorf,Murfreesboro,enjoyed lookingback. Sheremembers howthrilled she waswhen shereceived a schol-arship to takeflying lessons.“My picture wason the front pageof the LebanonDemocrat,” shesaid with asmile.

Gathering to visit and remember were, front row from left,Alberta McCormack Corn, Franklin; Jane Kittrell Ogles,Nashville; Blanche Cook McClure, Tullahoma; and Gerry S.James, Murfreesboro; middle: Anne Key Smith, Lebanon; NitaBrowning Davis, Hermitage; and Irma Crowell Massey, BeechGrove; back: Oma Wilson McNabb, Murfreesboro; Betty HartPierce, Bristol; Faye Brandon, Murfreesboro; Norma RousseauBergdorf, Murfreesboro; and Edwinna Fisher Phelps, Brentwood.

One good story deserves another

In the printed version of the August issue ofThe Alumni Record, all references to country musicentertainer Phil Vassar’s last name were mis-spelled.

The Alumni Record strives for accuracy.Readers are welcome to submit corrections to:Editor, The Alumni Record, Cope AdministrationBldg. Room 209, MTSU, Murfreesboro, TN 37132,by e-mail to jweiler@mtsu.edu, or through theOffice of Alumni Relations, MTSU Box 104,Murfreesboro, TN 37132. Fax corrections to615-898-5746.

Correction

CALENDAR

Photo by Padgett Kelly

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From the Office of Alumni Relations

T he MTSU Alumni Travel Program is taking off in2006 with new getaways planned to Hawaii and LasVegas.

In order to better serve alumni all across the country,the Office of Alumni Relations is working on destinationvacation plans for diverse alumni groups in 2006. Thealumni travel itinerary already includes an aloha excursionto Honolulu and Maui from July 24 to Aug. 3.

Organizers are looking into a high-rollers weekend inLas Vegas for the spring and welcome additional input forfuture trips.

“At MTSU, we understand that individuals choosevacations to engage in adventure, rest and relax, explorenew places, be entertained, revisit a favorite destinationand everything in between,” said Allison Payne, assistantdirector of alumni relations. “Realizing that our alumnihave a variety of different interests and needs, we havecreated group travel opportunities to allow travelers thefreedom to decide how to spend their vacation time whileproviding the chance to meet fellow alumni or enjoy theirvacation with old friends.

“The 2006 travel opportunities offered to MTSU alum-ni are exclusive packages that provide flexibility for travel-ers while taking the headache and financial strain out ofvacation planning.”

Unique to the MTSU Alumni Travel Program, travelershave a meet-us-there option with the 2006 trips. Theoption allows travelers to redeem frequent flyer points orsecure their own air travel from any destination, but stillenjoy the discounted rates and travel packages offered bythe National Alumni Association.

Another added feature of the new Alumni TravelProgram is the ability to choose the trip early and makepayments for several months to help make dream vaca-tions economical and affordable.

The goal in restructuring the Alumni Travel Programfocuses on providing one-of-a-kind travel experiencesexclusively created for MTSU alumni and friends that areboth convenient and affordable. Trip details and itinerariesare available by contacting Payne in the MTSU Office ofAlumni Relations at 1-800-533-MTSU or apayne@mtsu.edu.

Alumni TravelProgram offersHawaii excursion

One of the many beautiful waterfalls on the way to Hanaon the island of Maui.

Future trips on horizon

December

1 MTSU Women's Chorale7:30 p.m./Wright Music Building’s HintonMusic Hall/Free/615-898-2493

2 First Friday Star Party6:30 p.m./Wiser-Patten Science Hall,Room 102/Free/615-898-2130

2-4 Tennessee State Gymnastics Championships4 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. Saturday andSunday/Tennessee Miller Coliseum/Admission charged/615-898-8961

2 MTSU Wind Ensemble7:30 p.m./Wright Music Building’s HintonMusic Hall/Free/615-898-2493

3 MTSU Symphony Orchestra8 p.m./Wright Music Building’s Hinton MusicHall/Free/615-898-2493

4-5 “Messiah”3 p.m. Sunday, 7:30 p.m. Monday/WrightMusic Building’s Hinton Music Hall/$10admission/615-898-2493

6 MTSU Chamber Winds/Symphonic Band 7:30 p.m./Wright Music Building’s HintonMusic Hall/Free/615-898-2493

7 MTSU Brass Chamber Ensemble7:30 p.m./Wright Music Building’s HintonMusic Hall/Free/615-898-2493

8 Stones River Chamber Players 7:30 p.m./Wright Music Building’s HintonMusic Hall/Free/615-898-2493

10 Davidson County Alumni Gathering5-6:30 p.m./Sam’s Place Sports Bar & Grill,Nashville/No admission, complimentaryappetizers available/615-898-2922

17 Fall 2005 CommencementTwo ceremonies in Murphy Center: 9 a.m. forCollege of Graduate Studies, Jennings A. JonesCollege of Business and College of Educationand Behavioral Science/2 p.m. for Colleges ofBasic and Applied Sciences, Liberal Arts, MassCommunication and Continuing Educationand Distance Learning/615-898-2919

Dec. 26-Jan. 2 University closedAll offices reopen at 8 a.m. Jan. 3, 2006

January

13-15 Tractor PullTime TBA/Tennessee Miller Coliseum/Admission TBA/615-406-0382

17 Spring 2006 Semester Begins

19 Michael Linton Faculty Recital8 p.m./Wright Music Building’s Hinton MusicHall/Free/615-898-2493

23 Faculty Recital with Todd Waldecker(clarinet), Maya Stone (bassoon) and CalebHarris (piano) 7:30 p.m./Wright Music Building’s HintonMusic Hall/Free/615-898-2493

27 Faculty Mozart Concert 250th BirthdayBash7:30 p.m./Wright Music Building’s HintonMusic Hall/Free/615-898-2493

27-29 EBFA Barrel Racing Futurity9 a.m. daily/Tennessee Miller Coliseum/Free/615-898-8961

February

1 “Portraits,” The First Black AmericanDivas of Song and Opera — a theatricalproduction by Dina Cancryn8 p.m./Wright Music Building’s Hinton Music

Hall/Free/615-898-2493 3 First Friday Star Party6:30 p.m./Wiser-Patten Science Hall Room102/No admission charge/615-898-2130

3 MTSU Wind Ensemble Concert7:30 p.m./Wright Music Building’s HintonMusic Hall/Free/615-898-2493

4 Honor Bands/Tennessee Valley Winds Concert 2 p.m./Wright Music Building’s Hinton MusicHall/Free/615-898-2493

6 African-American Music Composers Concert8 p.m./Wright Music Building’s Hinton MusicHall/Free/615-898-2493

9 Jazz Artist Series — Sacred Music of Duke Ellington7:30 p.m./Wright Music Building’s HintonMusic Hall/$12 admission/615-898-2493

10-14 MTSU Guitar Festival 8 p.m. concert each night/ Wright MusicBuilding’s Hinton Music Hall/Free/615-898-2493

17 MTSU Chamber Winds/Brass Ensemble Concert8 p.m./Wright Music Building’s Hinton MusicHall/Free/615-898-2493

20 Stones River Chamber Players (Faculty Brass Quintet)7:30 p.m./Wright Music Building’s HintonMusic Hall/Free/615-898-2493

22 Studio Smith Salute to African-American Composers of Song8 p.m./Wright Music Building’s Hinton MusicHall/Free/615-898-2493

23 MTSU Jazz Combos7:30 p.m./Wright Music Building’s HintonMusic Hall/Free/615-898-2493

24-25 Mayor Moon and the Storytelling Festival by M. Crosby Hunt,presented by MTSU Theatre and Dance7:30 p.m. nightly/Tucker Theatre/$8 generaladmission, $6 MTSU employees and seniorcitizens, $4 K-12 students/615-494-8810

24-26 Road to the Horse 9 a.m. daily/Tennessee Miller Coliseum/Admission charged/325-736-5000

25 MTSU Symphony Orchestra Concert 8 p.m./Wright Music Building’s Hinton MusicHall/Free/615-898-2493

25 Theatre Alumni Reunion 8:30 p.m./Tom H. Jackson Building (AlumniCenter)/$25 per person/615-898-2922

26 Mozart/Mendelssohn Choral Concert3 p.m./Wright Music Building’s Hinton MusicHall/$10 admission/615-898-2493

26 MTSU Symphony Orchestra “Sacred Heart Concert” 8 p.m./Wright Music Building’s Hinton MusicHall/Free/615-898-2493

28 MTSU Women's Chorale 7:30 p.m./Wright Music Building’s HintonMusic Hall/Free/615-898-2493

All times Central. All events are subject to change.For calendar updates, visit mtalumni.com or call

1-800-533-6878. For Tennessee Miller Coliseum events, visit

mtsu.edu/~tmc or call 615-494-8961.For Tennessee Livestock Center events, visit

tennesseelivestockcenter.com or call 615-898-5575.For the March issue of The Alumni Record,

submit calendar items to alumni@mtsu.edu, or writec/o Alumni Relations, P.O. Box 104, MTSU,Murfreesboro, TN 37132. Fax: 615-898-5746.Deadline: Jan. 27, 2006.

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Photos by Ken Robinson

Photo by Jack Ross

Donors reach Signal Society plateau

Pigskin Pregame guests, many wearing MTSU blue, relax poolside at Tommy and Judy Smith’s home.

(Above left) Andy Jones (B.S. ’96), Beth Barber Jones (B.S. ’99), Tanya Lane (B.S. ’94, M.Ed. ’97), DrewLane (B.S. ’93), Chris Coombs (B.S. ’94) and Marla Frisby (B.S. ’95) enjoy the Pigskin Pregame festivi-ties and fellowship. (Right) Dot Harrison (B.A. ’62, M.A. ’72) and David Kessler (B.S. ’82, M.A. ’85)share a laugh about the shirt he wore as a student ambassador while an undergraduate.

Foundation Signal Society 2005 inductees include (from left) Ross Spielman (B.S.’55, M.A. ’66), Charlie Pigg (B.S. ’55, M.Ed. ’76), Whitney Stegall (B.S. ’37) and JohnHood (B.S. ’54, M.Ed. ’75) . Not pictured is Norman Martin (B.S. ’64).

By Katy Francisco Riddle

T he alumni office has launched a new program aimed at con-necting alumni and friends of the university with today’s cur-rent students through Web-based journals.

“In the Middle of It All: Online Student Journals at MiddleTennessee State University” showcases two current MTSU students,an upperclassman and an incoming freshman, and depicts collegelife through their eyes. The participants, Jonathan and Maggie (who

are identified by first name only for legal purpos-es), have been armed with digital cameras. Theychronicle their college days, familiarizing alumniwho may not have been back to campus for awhile with campus life for today's MTSU stu-dents. They submit photos and captions of theirdaily activities, which are updated weekly onmtalumni.com, and will continue throughout the2005-06 academic year.

“I hope that the alumni who view the journalseach week enjoy seeing what college students areinvolved with on a daily basis,” said Jonathan. “Itgives them an opportunity to relate to what stu-dents on campus are doing, and it gives the stu-dents a chance to show off their campus involve-ment in more ways than words can express.”

The student participants select the subjectmatter of their journals and already have covereda range of topics including fraternity recruitment,a salsa dancing outing and an internship with theTitans. Visit mtalumni.com to take a weekly tourwith your guides, Jonathan and Maggie, andexplore campus life through their eyes.

‘In the Middle of It All’

F ive alumni who have distin-guished themselves as MTSUfriends have reached a new

plateau. The MTSU Office of Development

celebrated five donors as the “Class of2005” Signal Society at a reception heldat homecoming, Oct. 22, in the AlumniCenter.

Whitney Stegall, John Hood, RossSpielman, Norman Martin and CharlesPigg were recognized as donors whohave given to MTSU for 40 years. The

Signal Society recognizes faithful annualgiving, regardless of the level, beginningat 20 years, and the Heritage Society ismade up of alumni that are rememberingMTSU through planned giving.

“These alumni know how importantit is to support higher education,” KippyTodd, assistant director, development,said. “They set the standard for donorswith their unwavering support of MTSU.We appreciate their gifts and their friend-ship to the university.”

PPiiggsskkiinnPPrreeggaammee300-plus attendees makeoutdoor party successfulFrom the Office of Alumni Relations

T he Rutherford County Alumni Chapter’sannual Pigskin Pregame party was heldSept. 9, and the poolside gala attracted more

than 300 people to party the night away and cele-brate the first home football game with their hosts,Tommy and Judy Smith.

“We couldn't have been more pleased,” saidHanna Witherspoon, co-president of the RutherfordCounty Alumni Chapter. “The Smiths’ home was sobeautiful and was the perfect location for theevening's festivities.”

Pigskin Pregame usually falls the night beforethe homecoming football game, but because ofreduced participation in recent years, it was decidedto move the event to the eve of the first home game.

“It was a risk to move such a well-known eventto a different date,” said Patience Long, assistantdirector, alumni relations. “The risk paid off,because attendance at this year’s Pigskin Pregamewas the highest it has been in years.”

The guest list included President Sidney A.McPhee, Director of Athletics Chris Massaro, MayorTommy Bragg and many more.

“We couldn't have put on such a successfulevent without the help of our alumni who areinvolved in the Rutherford County Chapter,” saidLong. “They really worked hard to make sure thisevent was perfect.”

The MTSU Rutherford County Alumni Chapteralready is planning for next year's event.

“We want to exceed 400 people at next year’sevent, so mark your calendars now,” saidWitherspoon.

In 2006, plans are to hold the Pigskin Pregamethe night before an early-season home game.

If you are interested in helping plan events orhelp with a chapter for your area, please contactLong at 1-800-533-MTSU or email plong@mtsu.edu.

Online student journals connectMTSU alumni with students

Maggie

Jonathan

Photo by Ken Robinson

Photo by Ken Robinson

Photo by Ken Robinson

Photo by Jack Ross

Photo by Ken Robinson

Photo by Jack Ross

T he Oct. 17-22 week of homecoming for students,alumni, faculty, staff, administrators and friends ofthe university offered something for everybody.

There was a golf outing at Indian Hills Golf Course,Golden Raiders Reunion events, picnic and tailgating, theMT vs. Louisiana-Lafayette football game, Al WilkersonScholarship Dance, Varsity Club Reunion, overnightcampout by students, T-shirt swap and more. Learn moreabout Homecoming ’06 dates and activities in futureissues of The Alumni Record or by visiting mtalumni.com.

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The National Pan-Hellenic Council Step Show featured an array of entertainment. More than 3,000 people attended the Oct. 21 event in Murphy Center.

Banner carriers Katy and Carson Calahan lead the Baby Raiders down MiddleTennessee Boulevard during the annual Homecoming Parade.

Golden Raiders share fellowship at the reunion. They include,foreground from left, Neal (B.S. ’55) and Mary Lee Blair; CharlesPigg (B.S. ’55, M.Ed. ’76); Malcolm Rives (B.S. ‘55); Bob (B.S. ‘55)and Peggy Arnette (facing away from camera); and Nancy Pigg.

Charles McDonald (B.S ’72), left, with the TennesseeWalking Horse National Celebration board of directors andMTSU President Sidney A. McPhee touch the BlueHorseshoe for good luck. The Celebration donated $1,000toward construction of the horseshoe.

MTSU studentAllison Martinand daughterLexie enjoy thegame. The BlueRaiders fell 13-10to Louisiana-Lafayette.

MTSU National Alumni President Sandra Trail receives the game ball, delivered by Tom Bumpusand Lightning on a motorcycle.

CLASS NOTESVirginia Gray Davis (B.S. ’60),

Madisonville, Ky., retired in 1990 fromteaching after 23 years in Kentucky, twoyears each in Tennessee and Texas, andone year in Japan.

Mava Shelton Garvin (B.S. ’69),Murfreesboro, retired as media special-ist from the Lascassas ElementarySchool library after 33 years of service.

Dr. Padgett Kelly (B.S. ’67, M.S. ’70),Murfreesboro, received the distin-guished service award from theTennessee Environmental EducationAssociation for his impact on environ-mental education throughout the state.He serves as a biology professor and isco-director for the MTSU Center forEnvironmental Education.

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Dr. Ellen Holman Carson (B.S. ’74,M.S.T. ’77), Springfield, Va., receivedher Ph.D. in environmental science andpolicy from George Mason Universityin May. She has been teaching biologyat George Mason University since retir-ing from the U.S. Navy in 1999.

Charles Dorris (B.S. ’79), Brentwood,is the new chairman of the GospelMusic Association's board of directors.He serves as the vice president andhead of Christian music at the WilliamMorris Agency in Nashville and hasworked as a booking agent in gospelmusic for more than 20 years, includingthe past 12 years at William Morris. Heworks with artists such as JaciVelasquez, Switchfoot and The OakRidge Boys.

Jacquecola Nevels Lott-Smith(M.S.T. ’79), Sahuarita, Ariz., wasappointed dental director of UnitedCommunity Health Center in GreenValley, Ariz.

Timothy Scott Holder (M.P.A. ’79)Bronx, N.Y., received the 2005 FirstDecade Award from Harvard DivinitySchool.

Lindi Stewart McNulty (B.S. ’73),Westminster, Md., owns Gizmos Art, acustom framing, appraisal and restora-tion shop. She also writes an art columnfor The Advocate, is an active member ofthe Kiwanis Club and represented thecity of Westminster in a cultural tradeto Paide, Estonia, where she was anexpert consultant to area museums.

Dr. G. Christine Taylor (B.S. ’79),Athens, Ohio, was named assistant tothe president for diversity at OhioUniversity after serving in the positionon an interim basis. She joined OhioUniversity in 1991 and has worked asthe associate director of residence life,director of multicultural programs and,most recently, as associate vice presi-dent for finance and administration.

Marsha Thompson LaFollette (B.S.’75, M.Ed. ’94), Mt. Juliet, retired fromthe Rutherford County School Systemafter teaching for 28 years.

Leslie F. “Buddy” Woodson (B.S.’72), Eagleville, now serves as food anddairy administrator for the State ofTennessee.

Christopher Lee Benton (B.S. ’96),Pelham, has joined LKQ, a publicly trad-ed auto supply company, as distributionmanager. He also owns the video produc-tion company Benton Media WorksProductions.

Megan Coats Benton (B.S. ’97),Pelham, was named educational adviserfor the MTSU College of Basic andApplied Science’s METS (MTSUEducational Talent Search) Program.

Donnie Alan Castleman (B.S. ’90),Henderson, Nev., is a full-time bassist,playing for many different artists. He alsoprepares tax returns primarily for peoplein the entertainment industry.

Dr. Rebecca Cupples Draper (B.A.’94), Greensboro, N.C., completed herdoctoral degree in educational leadershipand policy analysis at East TennesseeState University. She is an assistant princi-pal at Lexington High School inLexington, N.C., and also teaches gradu-ate classes for the University of Phoenix.

Dr. Timothy Ryan Draper (B.S. ’94),Greensboro, N.C., completed a sportsmedicine fellowship with Moses ConeHospital in Greensboro, N.C. He isemployed as a sports medicine physicianwith Murphy/Wainer OrthopedicSpecialists.

Jennifer L. Fuqua (B.S. ’94), Franklin,serves as marketing manager for AlcottRouton, a national direct-marketingagency. With nine years of industry expe-rience, she will be responsible for strate-gic marketing plans for Alcott Routon,including branding initiatives, communi-cation materials, direct marketing, Webdevelopment and public relations.

Cathrine Smith Gordon (B.M. ’91,M.Ed. ’99, Ed.S. ’02), Murfreesboro,teaches at Bradley Elementary School forthe Arts.

Stephen Haley (B.S. ’98), Murfrees-boro, received his second lieutenant com-mission after 18 months of training withthe Tennessee Army National Guard. As anew officer, he will hold a position lead-ing soldiers of the guard across the state.

Dr. Rita Evonda Henley (M.V.E. ’96),Nashville, received a doctorate degree ineducation leadership from Clark AtlantaUniversity in 2004.

David Wayne Landers (B.M. ’93), PasoRobles, Calif., teaches high school bandand drama at Templeton High School onthe central coast region of California.

John Francis Lennon (B.S. ’90),Cleveland, is beginning his seventh yearas head of the theater department atChattanooga’s Notre Dame High School,where he also serves as the wrestlingteam’s assistant coach. He has beenselected twice as Tennessee Governor’sSchool for the Arts outstanding teacherand also received the Heart of NotreDame Award.

Jeff Neal (B.S. ’95), Seymour, serves assports editor for the Herald Newspapersand oversees sections of The SeymourHerald, Smoky Mountain Herald and TheFive Rivers Herald.

Chasity Caye Nicoll (B.A. ’95),Manchester, along with her husbandJohn, has opened the law office of Nicolland Nicoll. After beginning their careersas JAG officers in the U.S. Army, the cou-ple entered general practice with areas ofemphasis in real estate, business, employ-ment and criminal law.

Alicia Annaliesa Prosser (B.S. ’92),Norcross, Ga., is the director of develop-ment for Creative Community Services,Inc., which provides therapeutic fostercare to children and adults.

Ronald Harding Queen (B.B.A. ’94,B.B.A. ’95), Nashville, received a CPAlicense for the state of Tennessee. He isthe manager of local finance in the comp-troller’s office of the state. He also holds

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Paula Tabor Calahan (B.S. ’88,M. Ed. ’91), Murfreesboro, serves asacademic adviser for recording industrymanagement students in the MTSUCollege of Mass Communication. Shehas been an MTSU adjunct instructorsince 2002 and has experience with theuniversity seminar and student reten-tion programs. Her awards includeTennessee New Vocational Teacher ofthe Year and School-Level Teacher ofthe Year.

Christopher Harold Barnes (B.S. ’02),Hampton, Ga., recently accepted a positionwith the Federal Aviation Administration.

Delia Jill Espinosa (M.B.A. ’02), UnionCity, N.J., has joined the marketing depart-ment as liaison to the chief executive officerfor the Manhattan office of Apax Partners,LP, a private equity venture capital firm.

Clay Kyle Gooch (B.B.A. ’03), McLean,Va., was promoted to the WashingtonFederal Practice of PriceWaterhouseCoopers,LLP, after working in U.S. InformationTechnology for the firm.

James Nicholas Harris (B.S. ’00),Murfreesboro, graduated from NashvilleSchool of Law in May 2005 and is workingas associate attorney in the law office ofArena and McElhaney, PLLC.

Bradley D. Holmes (B.S. ’00),Montgomery, Ala., was promoted to under-writing supervisor at the Montgomeryunderwriting branch of Auto-OwnersInsurance Company.

Kelly Annette Lacy (B.B.A. '04),Columbia, is working with AutoWarehousing Company, a yard managementcompany that works with the SaturnCorporation.

James Calvin “Cal” Majure (B.S. ’03),Murfreesboro, currently serves as the assis-tant to the administrator at Christ Church inNashville, after completing 18 months oftraveling the country as a leadership con-sultant for Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.

Nathan Douglas Nichols (B.S. ’02),Jackson, Miss., is employed by MalacoMusic Group, where he serves as adminis-trator of copyrights and royalties.

John Michael Norrell (B.S. ’01, M.Ed.’03), Louisville, Ky., was named assistantvice president for Nelnet Campus Solutions.

David O. Pritchett (B.S. ’90), Greensboro,N.C., was selected to umpire theInternational Baseball Federation XXXVIWorld Cup, held in the Netherlands inSeptember. The tournament featured profes-sional teams from 18 countries and five con-tinents. He umpires Atlantic Coast,Conference USA, Southern and Big Southgames and officiates high school basketball.

Christopher Lee Redd (B.A. ’05), Alpha,N.J., has been chosen to participate in theJapan Exchange and Teaching program andwill spend one year as an assistant languageteacher in Fukui, Japan.

Clay Shirley (B.B.A. ’01), Murfreesboro,has been named branch sales manager ofRegions Bank’s Smithville office. Before join-ing Regions, he worked seven years withCavalry Banking in Murfreesboro.

Gary G. Wiser Jr. (B.S. ’03), Birmingham,Ala., was named coordinator of studentdevelopment at Birmingham-SouthernCollege after receiving his master of arts ineducation degree from Western KentuckyUniversity in May 2005.

Craig Campbell (B.S. ’84), Franklin,was promoted to vice president,media/publicity, for Sony MusicNashville, after serving as manager for10-plus years. He oversees the mediadepartment and coordinates nationalpublicity campaigns for all artists signedto Sony Music Nashville’s Epic andColumbia labels.

Nanalane Parrott Frey (B.S. ’81),Hendersonville, works at VanderbiltMedical Center as a clinical research sci-entist.

Dan Goodwin (B.S. ’85), Murfrees-boro, was named media relations man-ager for Barrett Firearms ManufacturingInc. Previously, he worked 13 years atthe Rutherford County Sheriff's Office aspatrol deputy, school resource officerand detective.

Bob Jacobs (B.S. ’82), Fairfax, Va.,was honored with NASA’s ExceptionalService Medal at a special ceremony atthe agency’s Washington, D.C., head-quarters. He serves as NASA’s directorof news and multimedia, managing bothNASA Television and the Web site.

Brian Keith Knox (B.S. ’87), Sussex,Wis., received two Paragon Awards fromthe Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter ofthe Public Relations Society of Americafor outstanding work performed in 2004.

Joseph Paul Marler (B.S. ’86),Murfreesboro, accepted a productionmanager role for Sanford North Americain Shelbyville, where he has operationalresponsibilities for Sharpie permanentmarkers, Expo dry-erase markers andSharpie Accent highlighters.

Dr. Bill Nolte (B.S. ’81), Clyde, N.C.,was named associate superintendent forHaywood County Schools inWaynesville, N.C.

Marc Robert Rogers (B.B.A. ’80),Franklin, joined Emdeon Corporation(formerly WebMD) in Nashville, wherehe serves as finance director.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Carolyn ReginaSharpe (B.B.A. ’82), Woodbridge, Va.,recently completed a three-year tour inSouth Korea. She served as DeputyBrigade Commander, 175th FinanceCommand, and later BattalionCommander, 177th Finance Battalion atCamp Casey, Korea. She is assigned tothe Pentagon’s Office of the InstitutionalArmy Adaptation.

Wayne Edward Towery (B.S. ’81),Oak Ridge, recently accepted a scientistposition with Bechtel Jacobs in OakRidge. He will be working on the deacti-vation and demolition project at theDepartment of Energy’s K-25 site, whichis now known as East TennesseeTechnology Park.

Kreda Frierson Yokley (B.B.A. ’85),Murfreesboro, was appointed to serve asexecutive director of Mid-CumberlandCommunity Action Agency, a nonprofitorganization that helps low-incomeMiddle Tennessee families. Previously,she was the agency’s assistant executivedirector and worked 14 years as a fieldrepresentative for U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon.

Dr. Rodney D. Bennett (B.S. ’90,M.Ed. ’92, Ed.S. ’93), Athens, Ga., wasnamed vice president for student affairsat the University of Georgia after servingas interim VP. He previously was deanof students as well as interim associateprovost for institutional diversity. Healso is an adjunct assistant professor inthe College of Education, teaching cours-es in the department of counseling andhuman development services. He wasdean of students at Winthrop Universityin South Carolina, served as MTSU’sassociate dean of student life and hasreceived an MTSU Black AlumniAchievement Award.

the certified government financial managerdesignation from the Association ofGovernment Accountants.

William Bolger Thompson (B.S. ’91),Murfreesboro, is stationed at CampCaldwell, Iraq, serving in Operation IraqiFreedom III. He is officer in charge for theSSA (supply). Before his deployment, hecompleted his officer training in Virginiaand now serves as second lieutenant.

Mitchell B. Tucker Sr. (B.S. ’94, M.A.’97), Linden, is teaching at Jackson StateCommunity College in Lexington. He alsoserves as a juvenile officer for Perry County.

William Andrew Turman (B.A. ’90),Windber, Pa., received a master’s degree inspecial education from Indiana University ofPennsylvania in 1996 and is now enjoying asabbatical from teaching.

John Walton West (B.B.A. ’99), Franklin,recently was promoted to manager in theassurance and enterprise risk services divi-sion of Deloitte and Touche, LLP. He hasbeen with the company since 2001.

NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONBOARD 2005-06

Officers

President – Sandra Trail (’72) MurfreesboroVP/President-elect – Bob Lamb (’69, ’77) Murfreesboro Exec. Dir. – Ginger Corley Freeman (’89, ’92) MurfreesboroSecretary – Mary Esther Bell (’92, ’94, ’96) SmyrnaTreasurer – Devin McClendon (’96) BrentwoodPast president – Ben Landers (’77) Knoxville

Board Members

Rodney Bennett (’90, ’92, ’93) Athens, Ga.Michele Butler (’04) GoodlettsvilleBrent Campbell (’02) MurfreesboroMarshall Campbell (’00) Murfreesboro David A. Cullum (’55) NashvilleRyan P. Durham (’98) LawrenceburgMichael Fairbanks (’92) Atlanta, Ga.Marla Frisby (’95) MurfreesboroAshley Elizabeth Graham (’05) ClarksvilleDonna Hastings (’70, ’74) MurfreesboroBeth Barber Jones (’99) ColumbiaJack R. Lewis Jr. (‘64) Danville, Va.John Marshall (’02, ’04) MurfreesboroErnest McKinney (’76) NashvilleBud Morris (’68, ’75, ’81) Murfreesboro Kevin S. Proffitt (’85) MaryvilleLiz Rhea (’55) MurfreesboroBrandon Robbins (’03) Livingston Ronald Q. Roberts (’84, ’91) MurfreesboroBob Rochelle (’68) LebanonMary L. Secrest (’74, ’78) Atlanta, Ga.Lana C. Seivers (’72) Nashville R. Eugene Smith (’57) ColliervilleJim L. Stubblefield (’83) MurfreesboroJanice B. Tant (’76) NashvilleRon Vannatta Shelbyville Chip Walters (’85) MurfreesboroPhyllis H. Washington (’74, ’77) MurfreesboroHanna R. Witherspoon (’64) MurfreesboroAndy Womack (’70) MurfreesboroBob Womack (’48) Murfreesboro Stephanie W. Workman (’92) Knoxville Courtney E. Yates (’83) Murfreesboro

Ex Officio Members

Sidney A. McPhee MTSU PresidentJohn W. Cothern Senior Vice President

William J. Bales VP, Development and Univ. RelationsKen H. Summar MTSU Foundation PresidentDiane S. Gower MTSU BRAA PresidentRebecca M. Fischer MTSU Faculty Senate PresidentPaul B. Fulcher MTSU SGA President

In memoriam

7

Editor’s note: MTSU and AlumniRelations extend deepest sympa-thy to the families and friends ofalumni who have passed away.

1930sKatherine Major Vickers

(B.S. ’38), Birmingham, Ala., diedAug. 13, 2005.

1940sMary Virginia Mize Anderson

(B.S. ’43), Nashville, died Aug. 15,2005.

David Grey Battle (B.S. ’40),Huntsville, Ala., died Dec. 20,2004.

Josephine Bethel (B.S. ’41),Shawnee Mission, Kan., died June18, 2005.

Estelle McBride Swindell(B.S. ’40), Trenton, N.J., diedSept. 18, 2005.

1950sRoberta Langford (B.S. ’53),

Morrison, died Sept. 6, 2003.Everette Lee Mitchell (M.A.

’54), Dothan, Ala., died Oct. 13,2003.

Lillian Crawley Orr (B.S. ’50),Fairfield Glade, died Aug. 15,2005.

Emma Claire Tolley (B.S. ’50),Columbia, died Sept. 11, 2005.

Betty Webb Walker (B.S. ’55),South Pittsburg, died Aug. 31,2005.

1960sLeon David Chambers (M.S.

’64), Franklin, died Sept. 6, 2005.Alvin Joseph Guffey

(B.S. ’63), Mechanicsville, Md.,died Aug. 5, 2005.

Ronald E. Hamilton (B.S. ’68),Oakland Park, Fla., died July 7,2005.

Nina Kerr Jackson (B.S. ’65),Murfreesboro, died July 29, 2005.

1970sSarah Kay Matthews Bowden

(B.S. ’72, M.Ed. '80), Lewisburg,died Aug. 10, 2005.

Jimmie Joseph Combs(M.S.T. ’72), Noble, Okla., diedJuly 3, 2004.

Darvin Dell Hendee (B.S. ’75),Littleton, Colo., died Sept. 10,2005.

1980sJudy Spears Hoke (B.B.A. ’88),

Louisville, Ky., died July 14, 2005.

1990sTammie M. Armato (B.S. ’95),

Las Vegas, Nev., died Sept. 14,2005.

Jeffery Allen Lingwall(B.S. ’95), Scottsbluff, Neb., diedAug. 28, 2005.

Amy Lyell Osteen (B.S. ’97,M.Ed. ’05), Chapmansboro, diedJuly 25, 2005.

Alumni: Visit, recruit, support, watch us growI t’s hard to believe that 2005 is coming to a close. It’s

always good to celebrate the past year, and at thesame time see all the future has to offer. You’ll be happy to know that some exciting things

are in the works for MTSU in the upcoming months.Ground has broken for the $5.47 million expansion of theCason-Kennedy Nursing Building, which will advancethe nursing program to become one of the finest in thenation. In March, we will play hostto the 2006 Aeropostale Sun BeltBasketball Championships atMurphy Center, which will mark thefirst time the Blue Raiders have host-ed a league tournament in 18 years.Plus, our alumni relations office willbe moving to its new location onMiddle Tennessee Boulevard thisspring.

This is the time that many high

school seniors are deciding which colleges they willattend. If you are in contact with someone who is in themidst of making this very important decision, pleaseshare with them the great things that are happening atMTSU. Seeing is believing, so encourage these potentialstudents and their parents to call the university andarrange a campus tour to see firsthand all that our cam-pus has to offer.

It is hoped that we all have special memories of ourtime spent as students here at the university. As youknow, the landscape of our campus continues to change,with new resources that add value to the degree youreceived. New buildings, technology and programs helptoday’s students have the most successful college careerpossible and better prepare them for life after MTSU.

Even if you've visited campus recently, you mightnot know what it’s truly like to be one of today’s stu-dents. The alumni office wants to change that by givingyou an insight into the daily lives of two current MTSUstudents. “In the Middle of It All: Student Online Journals

at Middle Tennessee State University” provide a glanceat campus life through the eyes of Jonathan and Maggie,who have been armed with digital cameras to help yousee what it’s like to be an MTSU student now. The jour-nals are available by visiting mtalumni.com. New entriesare posted weekly, so make sure to check back often.

As we look to our future, reflect on what your uni-versity means to you, and if your schedule allows, find away to give back. Whether it's attending or volunteeringat a chapter event in your area, visiting a class as a guestlecturer or supporting a scholarship program, there aremany ways to help, and the alumni relations staff wouldbe happy to work with you. Please remember that theAlumni Association wants to hear your input, so pleasedon't hesitate to contact the alumni relations office withyour ideas. Be Proud. Be Loud. Be Blue.

MTSU National Alumni Association President Sandra Trailgraduated from MTSU in 1972 with a B.S. degree in accounting. Shepractices law in Murfreesboro with her husband, Larry Trail (B.S.’75). Both are very involved in community and professional activities.Trail

Amya Camille Barnes born July7, 2005, to J. Steven (B.S. ’98) andKeta Barnes of Smyrna.

Kylah Barnes born May 12,2005, to Andrew Michael (B.B.A.’02) and Jeana Barnes of Brandon,Fla.

Ansley Kate Beachboard bornOct. 8, 2005, to Allison Riddle (B.S.’95, M.Ed. ’98) and Eric Beachboardof Manchester.

John Michael Brandon bornJuly 23, 2004, to Christy Ann(B.Unv.S. ’01) and Jason Brandon(B.S. ’03) of Columbia.

Gracelyn Ann Brasch bornMarch 22, 2003, to Beth Scarbrough(B.S. ’04) and William (B.S. ’04)Brasch of Humboldt.

Lilly Ann Brown born Feb. 27,2005, to Allison Dean (B.S. ’00) andJonathan (B.S. ’97) Brown ofMurfreesboro.

Spencer Burritt born June 29,2003, and Allison Burritt bornMarch 18, 2005, to KimberlyStewart (B.S. ’93) and Brian Burrittof Murfreesboro.

Isabelle Grace Camp born April18, 2005, to Wendi Marie Ellis (B.S.’95) of Murfreesboro.

Conner William Cliburn bornJuly 7, 2005, to Mindy Elaine(B.B.A. ’03) and Johnny (B.S. ’03)Cliburn of Knoxville.

William Gavin Conger born onMarch 8, 2005, to Bill (B.S. ’87) andAlyssa Conger of Mt. Juliet.

Jackson Thomas Cook bornMarch 17, 2005, to John David(B.B.A. ’01) and Lauren ElisabethCook of La Vergne.

Savannah Grace Crabtree bornMay 15, 2005, to Philip E. (B.S. ’97)and Katherine Crabtree of JunctionCity, Kan.

Brittin Elizabeth Creasey bornAug. 4, 2005, to Alyson Martin(B.S. ’03) and Mark (B.S. ’03)Creasey of Springfield.

Whitman Henry Czajkowski,Claire Anna Czajkowski andCarleigh Alexander Czajkowskiborn Jan. 23, 2003, and ElouiseChrister Czajkowski born Jan. 10,2005, to Shelley Henry (B.B.A. ’98)and Christer Czajkowski ofMurfreesboro.

Madeline Marie Dolan bornDec. 20, 2004, to Cynthia Michelle(B.S. ’99) and Frank Dolan ofNewborn, Ga.

Adrian John Stuart “Trey”Edsall III born June 29, 2005, toStephanie Head (B.S. ’04) andAdrian (B.A. ’02) Edsall ofMurfreesboro.

Olivia Jane Ervin born May 16,2005, to Deborah Austin-Ervin(B.S. ’00) and Edward Ervin ofCookeville.

Luke Ferrell born on Nov. 29,2004, to Steve (B.S. ’91) andStephanie Ferrell of Mt. Juliet.

Laurie Margaret Foster bornJan. 31, 2005, to Susanna Santi(B.M. ’98) and Andy Foster ofMurfreesboro.

Braxton Wilson Groce born July26, 2005, to Susan Guin (B.S. ’97)and Jaime (B.S. ’97) Groce ofFranklin.

David Nolan Harding born July15, 2005, to Amy Jo Whiticker(B.B.A. ’01, M.A. ’02, M.B.A. '03)and David Nathan (B.B.A. ’99,M.B.A. '02) Harding of La Vergne.

Ansley Grace Harris born Aug.24, 2005, to Dana Mason (B.B.A.’04) and James Nicholas (B.S. ’00)Harris of Murfreesboro.

Jillian Bradford Haynes bornJan. 27, 2005, to Donna Robichaud(B.S. ’97) and Bradford Haynes ofMurfreesboro.

Margaret Ann Keach bornFeb. 9, 2005, to Pamela Matlock(B.S. ’91) and Tim (B.S. ’72) Keachof Murfreesboro.

Martha Amelia Keating bornJuly 1, 2005, to Peter Graham (B.A.’97) and Angie Keating ofMurfreesboro.

Emily Grace Kelly born March15, 2000, to Lydia Medlock-Kelly(B.S. ’94) and Sean Kelly ofMurfreesboro.

Madelyn Grace Kelly born July1, 2005, to Alicia Burroughs (B.S.’02) and Paul (B.S. ’03) Kelly of FortRucker, Ala.

Kyler Edward King born Nov. 2,2004, to Kirsten Stevens (B.M. ’01)and Ray King of La Vergne.

Brodie Kiser born June 6, 2005,to Margaret Morgan (B.S. ’01) andBrandon Kiser of Seymour.

Grady Edward Knox born Feb.21, 2005, to Maria Castelli (B.B.A.’00) and Kerry (B.A. ’99) Knox ofMurfreesboro.

Ada Alexandria MeridethLudyjan-Ybarra born May 4, 2005,to Tracey Anne Ludyjan-Ybarra(M.S. ’04) and Roland Ybarra ofMurfreesboro.

David M. Marquette III bornDec. 29, 2004, to Alisha Williams(B.A. ’02) and David M. (B.S. ’02)Marquette of Lansing, Mich.

Kennedi Lynne Maxwell bornApril 29, 2005, to Deborah Rippy(B.S. ’87) and Fred Maxwell ofMurfreesboro.

Cortland Thomas McCormackborn June 11, 2004, to Mary Long(B.S. ’86) and Tom McCormack ofAthens, Ga.

Jase Alexander Neuble bornJan. 5, 2005, to Stacy Spickard (B.S.’01) and James Neuble of Mt. Juliet.

Elinor “Ella” Katherine Roweborn Aug. 8, 2005, to Christy LynnBly (B.S. ’97, M.Ed. ’99) andWilliam T. (B.B.A. ’95, M.B.A. ’97)Rowe of Murfreesboro.

Jackson Weiland Swafford bornJuly 6, 2005, to Robyn R. (B.B.A.’98, M.S. '02) and Nick Swafford ofMurfreesboro.

Ella Marie Taylor born Aug. 22,2005, and Claire Ainsley Taylorborn March 12, 2001, to JefferyTodd (B.B.A. ’92) and Shorey Taylorof Columbus, Ohio.

Oliver “Olley” Scott Todd born

Oct. 13, 2005, to Melissa Henley(B.B.A. ’97) and ChristopherScott (B.S. ’98, B.S. '01, M.S. '05)Todd of Manchester.

Jacob Stone Trew born Sept.2, 2005, to JenniferWojciechowski (B.S. ’01) andRichard David (B.S. ’01) Trew ofMurfreesboro.

Adella Walker born Apr. 20,2005, to William Baker (B.S. ’91)and Holly Walker of OldHickory.

William Alton Wallace bornFeb. 4, 2005, to MelissaVanderpool (B.A. ’95) and Philip

D. (B.S. ’96) Wallace ofSmithville.

Knox Shelton Wimberleyborn May 18, 2005, andGabriella Renae Wimberleyborn on Dec. 14, 2000, toKeith D. (B.S. ’93) and KaraWimberley of Manchester.

Emma Claire Wynne bornJan. 31, 2005, to Mindy Parker(B.F.A. ’98) and Brandon (B.S.’99) Wynne of Nashville.

Tenley Morgan Yates adopt-ed July 2005 by Patrick Oleary(B.S. ’95) and Daniel Yates ofMurfreesboro.

Baby Raiders

8

CAMPUS BRIEFS

Gunn, Holmes make Sun Belt all-time teamsFormer Middle Tennessee basketball standouts

Tommy Gunn and Patrice Holmes (B.S. ’05) were namedto the Sun Belt Conference All-Time men’s and women’sbasketball teams, the league announced Oct. 24.

Gunn finished as the Blue Raiders’ No. 3 all-timeleading scorer with 1,528 points, and was two-time All-Sun Belt. Holmes, a three-time All-Sun Belt pick andthree-time Sun Belt Tournament Most Outstanding Player,led the Lady Raiders to first-round NCAA Tournamentvictories in 2004 and ’05.

Ayers, Hassan will address Dec. 17 graduatesEmil Hassan, former senior vice president, Nissan

North America, and Jim Ayers, chairman and founder ofLexington, Tenn.-based FirstBank and founder of TheAyers Foundation, will be MTSU fall commencementspeakers for two services Dec. 17, university officialssaid recently.

Hassan will speak to graduatesfrom the College of GraduateStudies, Jennings A. Jones Collegeof Business and College ofEducation and Behavioral Scienceduring the 9 a.m. ceremony, said Dr.Jack Thomas, vice provost for aca-

demic affairs andchair of the com-mencement committee.

Hassan was senior VP for NorthAmerican manufacturing, purchasing,quality and logistics for Nissan. Afterretiring in 2004 following 35 years inthe automotive industry, he continuesto serve as an adviser to Nissan CEOCarlos Ghosn. Hassan’s sons, Yaz

(B.B.A. ’95) and Ramsey (B.B.A. ’98), are alumni.At 2 p.m., Ayers will address graduates from the

Colleges of Basic and Applied Sciences, Liberal Arts,Mass Communication and Continuing Education andDistance Learning.

Ayers established his foundation in 1999 and hashelped more than 600 high school students in WestTennessee attend college.

About 1,500 degree candidates will be recognized,an official in the MTSU Office of Records said.

Naked-eye observatory will open by Dec. 27A unique, $700,000 naked-eye observatory will be fin-

ished before the scheduled Dec. 27 completion date, Dr.Eric Klumpe, associate professor, physics and astronomy,said Nov. 10.

“This is a one-of-a-kind observatory in the countryand maybe the world,” Klumpe said. “It will operate as atool to teach simple and basic astronomy.” He added thatthe observatory, which is behind Cope AdministrationBuilding near Walnut Grove and Peck Hall, will be func-tional day or night for classes and visitors.

LaVine Design & Construction Inc., of Murfreesboro,served as the general contractor. Brentwood-based HartFreeland Roberts designed and managed the project.

Hassan

Ayers

Date Opponent Location Time (Central)Sept. 2 Vanderbilt Nashville TBASept. 9 Maryland College Park, Md. TBASept. 14 Tennessee Tech Murfreesboro TBASept. 23 Louisville Nashville TBASept. 30 North Texas* Denton, Texas TBAOct. 7 Florida International* Murfreesboro TBAOct. 14 Louisiana-Monroe* Monroe, La. TBAOct. 28 La.-Lafayette* Lafayette, La. TBANov. 4 Florida Atlantic* Murfreesboro TBANov. 11 Arkansas State* Jonesboro, Ark. TBANov. 18 South Carolina Columbia, S.C. TBANov. 25 Troy* Murfreesboro TBADates and opponents are tentative and subject to changeHome games in bold* — Sun Belt Conference game

Blue Raiders 2006 football schedule

Follow Blue Raider sports teams at home and away

Photo by J. IntintoliPhoto by MT Media Relations

Tommy Gunn Patrice Holmes

2005 results

Lady Raiders basketball Date Opponent (time)Nov. 22 Houston (7 p.m.)Nov. 25 Georgia Southern (7 p.m.)Nov. 26 Eastern Kentucky (5 p.m.)Nov. 30 Georgia (7 p.m.)Dec. 2 at South Dakota St. (7 p.m.)Dec. 4 at North Dakota State (2 p.m.)Dec. 8 Georgia State (7 p.m.) Dec. 18 vs. Penn State (6 p.m.)Dec. 19 vs. UAB/Alabama A&M (TBA)Dec. 21 Tennessee Tech (7 p.m.)Dec. 28 at Austin Peay (7 p.m.)Jan. 2 at Virginia (3 p.m.)Jan. 8 Western Kentucky* (2 p.m.)Jan. 12 at Arkansas State* (7:05 p.m.)Jan. 14 at Arkansas-Little Rock* (7 p.m.)Jan. 19 at South Alabama* (5 p.m.)Jan. 21 Troy* (7 p.m.)Jan. 26 Louisiana-Lafayette* (TBA)Jan. 28 at New Orleans* (TBA) Feb. 2 Florida International* (7 p.m.)Feb. 8 at North Texas* (7 p.m.) Feb. 11 Denver* (5 p.m.) Feb. 16 Arkansas State* (7 p.m.)Feb. 18 Arkansas-Little Rock* (7 p.m.)Feb. 25 at Western Kentucky* (TBA)Feb. 27 at Florida International* (TBA)March 3-7 Sun Belt ConferenceTournament at MTSUHome games in Murphy Center are bold(*) — Sun Belt Conference game

Visit goblueraiders.com to learn the latest about MT athletics news.

Blue Raiders basketball Date Opponent (time)Nov. 26 at Indiana State (4 p.m.)Nov. 29 UT-Chattanooga (7 p.m.)Dec. 3 at Portland (Ore.) State (9 p.m.)Dec. 5 at Utah State (8 p.m.)Dec. 10 at Belmont (7 p.m.)Dec. 18 Freed-Hardeman (2 p.m.) Dec. 20-21 at Louisville, Ky., Billy MinardiClassic (Louisville, Florida Atlantic, Collegeof Charleston)Dec. 28 Austin Peay (7 p.m.)Dec. 31 at Tennessee State (2 p.m.)Jan. 4 at Memphis (7 p.m.)Jan. 7 at Western Kentucky* (7 p.m.)Jan. 8 Western Kentucky* (2 p.m.)Jan. 12 Arkansas State* (7 p.m.)Jan. 14 Arkansas-Little Rock* (7 p.m.)Jan. 19 at South Alabama* (7:30 p.m.)Jan. 21 at Troy* (7 p.m.)Jan. 26 New Orleans* (7 p.m.)Jan. 28 Louisiana-Lafayette* (7 p.m.)Feb. 4 at Florida International* (6 p.m.) Feb. 9 at North Texas* (7 p.m.) Feb. 11 Denver* (7:30 p.m.) Feb. 13 South Dakota State (7 p.m.)Feb. 16 at Arkansas State* (7:05 p.m.)Feb. 18 at Arkansas-Little Rock* (7 p.m.)Feb. 23 Western Kentucky* (7 p.m.Feb. 27 Florida International* (7 p.m.)March 3-7 Sun Belt ConferenceTournament at MTSUHome games in Murphy Center are bold(*) — Sun Belt Conference game

MT indoor trackDate Event SiteDec. 10 Christmas Invit. Murphy CenterJan. 13-14 Kentucky Invit. Lexington, Ky.Jan. 28 Mid. Tenn. Open Murphy CenterFeb. 3-4 Indiana Invit. Bloomington, Ind.Feb. 11 Valentine Invit. Murphy CenterFeb. 25-26 Sun Belt Champ. Murphy Ctr.March 4 Last Chance Invit. Ames, IowaMar. 10-11 NCAA Champ. Fayetteville, Ark.

MT men’s tennisDate Opponent SiteJan. 28 Chattanooga (noon) Racquet ClubFeb. 4 Va. Tech (1 p.m.) Blacksburg, Va.Feb. 11 Indiana (noon) Racquet ClubFeb. 12 Georgia Tech (1 p.m.) AtlantaFeb. 25 Rice (noon) Racquet ClubFeb. 26 Minn. (2:30 p.m.) Racquet ClubMarch 3-5 HEB Invit. Corpus Christi, TexasMarch 8 Fresno St. (5 p.m.) Fresno, Calif.March 10 San Diego (1 p.m.) Fresno, Calif.

MT women’s tennisDate Opponent SiteJan. 27 San Antonio (2 p.m.) San AntonioJan. 29 Pan Amer. (10 a.m.) San AntonioFeb. 4 East Tennessee (5 p.m.) Racq. ClubFeb. 5 Wichita State (10 a.m.) Racquet ClubFeb. 8 Chattanooga (6 p.m.) Racquet ClubFeb. 11 Kentucky (11 a.m.) Lexington, Ky.Feb. 14 Vanderbilt (2:30 p.m.) Racq. ClubFeb. 17 Troy (5 p.m.) Troy, Ala.Feb. 19 UAB (11 a.m.) BirminghamFeb. 24 Ole Miss (1 p.m.) Oxford, Miss.Feb. 26 Tenn. Tech (TBA) Buck Bouldin TCMarch 7 Tex. A&M-Corpus Christi HoustonMarch 8 Houston (2 p.m.) Houston

Sept. 3 — Alabama 26, MTSU 3Sept. 10 — N. Texas 14, MTSU 7Sept. 17 — Akron 17, MTSU 7Oct. 1 — MTSU 17, Vanderbilt 15Oct. 15 — MTSU 35, Fla. Atlantic 14Oct. 22 — La.-Lafayette 13, MTSU 10Nov. 5 — MTSU 45, Arkansas State 7Nov. 12 — La.-Monroe 34, MTSU 31Nov. 19 — MTSU at N. Carolina St.Nov. 26 — MTSU 17, Troy 7Dec. 3* — at Fla. International, 6 p.m.* — Postponed Oct. 29 by hurricane

MT men’s golfDate Event SiteFeb. 19-20 Santa Anita Classic Guadalajara, MexicoFeb. 27-28 All-American Invitational HoustonMarch 3-5 USF Invitational Tampa, Fla.March 13-14 USA Spring Classic Mobile, Ala.March 27-28 UALR Collegiate Invitational Little Rock, Ark.April 10-11 Arkansas. State Indian Classic Jonesboro, Ark.April 17-19 Sun Belt Championship Port St. Lucie, Fla.

MT women’s golfDate Event SiteFeb. 14-15 BajaMar Invitational BajaMar, Mexico March 6-7 USA Lady Jaguar Invit. Mobile, Ala.March 20-21 Samford Intercoll. BirminghamMar. 27-28 N. Texas/UALR Classic Denton, TexasApril 10-11 Lady Eagle Invitational Hattiesburg, Miss.April 17-19 Sun Belt Championship Port St. Lucie, Fla.

Date Opponent (time)Feb. 14 at Evansville (3 p.m.)Feb. 17-19 at Auburn Invitational(Jacksonville St., Lipscomb,Mercer, Furman, Auburn, MTSU)Feb. 22. at Belmont (DH) (1 p.m.)Feb. 24-26 MT Strikeout CancerTournament (Syracuse, Loyola-

Chicago, Lipscomb, UT-Martin)Feb. 28 at UT-Martin (DH) (1 p.m.)Mar. 1 Chattanooga (DH) (2 p.m.)Mar. 3-5 Chattanooga Frost Classic

(See goblueraiders.com for fullschedule)

Date Opponent (time)Feb. 18 IP-Ft. Wayne (1 p.m.)Feb. 19 IP-Ft. Wayne (1 p.m.)Feb. 24 at Jacksonville St.(3 p.m.)Feb. 25 at Jacksonville St.(1 p.m.)

Feb. 26 at Jacksonville St.(1 p.m.)Feb. 28 at Belmont (3 p.m.)Mar. 3 Missouri St. (3 p.m.)Mar. 4 Missouri St. (2 p.m.)

(See goblueraiders.com for fullschedule)

Lady Raiders softball (tentative early season games) MT baseball (early season games)

Sun Belt from Page 1“They were selected by the executive committee,” Waters said.

“They met all the criteria: size of building (11,500-plus seats), lockerroom space, ability to host media, regular and fast-food restaurants.”

MTSU is the two-time defending women’s champion. Senior TiaStovall and juniors Chrissy Givens and Krystle Horton will try tolead first-yearCoach RickInsell’s (B.S. ’77)team back to theNCAATournament.

Louisiana-Lafayette has wontwo straightmen’s tourneytitles.

Fourth-yearCoach KermitDavis’ BlueRaiders will beled by seniorguards FatsCuyler andMarcus Morrison(10.9 ppg), and6-foot-10 juniorKyle Young.

For ticket information, call 1-888-YES-MTSU (937-6878).

Wright Waters talks at Sun Belt media day.

Photo by J. Intintoli

Murphy Centeralso site for SunBelt indoor meet

M TSU andMurphy Centeralso will serve

as event host and site forthe 2006 Sun Belt Confer-ence Indoor TrackChampionship. It will beheld Saturday andSunday, Feb. 25-26, saidCoach Dean Hayes.

MTSU’s best bets inthe men’s competitionwill be Linnie Yarbroughin the high hurdles andVan Fraley in the 55- and200-meter dashes, and themile relay. This season,the women’s team will beled by Candice Robertsonin the high hurdles,Meaghan Byrd (shot putand weight throw),Majorie Gombert (800meters) and Shanna-KayCampbell (400-meter run).