Alumni News

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  Lawrence Kern ’01, Distinguished Humanitarian

  Lawrence Kern ’01 believes the transformative power of artistic expression is something that people of all cognitive and developmental abilities should have access to. Since 2010, he has served as a teaching artist for individuals with disabilities, and is a proud co-founder of A.B.L.E. (Artists Breaking Limits and Expectations) which offers performing arts experiences for individuals with developmental differences. With each performance, these young actors develop a new depth of emotional understanding, new carefulness and confidence in their verbal communication, new belief in their ability to have an impact on other people, and a new belief that they have something valuable to say in the world.

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  Cile Spelce Elley ’91, Distinguished Professional

  For 25 years, Cile Spelce Elley ’91 has carefully assessed people, culture, and information as an award-winning journalist and documentarian. She began her career as a Cub reporter before working her way up to become a star on-camera field reporter, and then a major-market TV news anchor. Since co-founding her own media company, Elley has created, written, produced real-life stories for all types of media, including the nationally-acclaimed documentary television series Friday Night Tykes, currently in its fourth season.

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  Stephen Foster ’09, Distinguished Young Alumnus

  With all that Stephen Foster ’09 has accomplished since his graduation from Southwestern University just eight years ago, it’s clear he is a talented computer scientist. But what is most remarkable about Dr. Foster, is his passion for sharing those talents with the next generation of coders.

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  Dr. Traci Giuliano, Ms. Homecoming

  For the past 23 years, Traci Giuliano has held the title of Professor of Psychology at Southwestern University. But in truth, she is so much more than a professor to her students. Mentor, supporter, confidant, counselor, friend—all of these words are used to describe her.

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  Robert H. Simpson ’32, Medal of Honor

  With his pioneering efforts into hurricane research, meteorologist Robert “Bob” Simpson ’32 did more than earn a place in history. His legacy is an ongoing one that still impacts the way storms are tracked and categorized. Dr. Simpson is the co-founder of the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, with its well-known one through five categories. He was also instrumental in the advancement of surge forecasting models to issue urgent warnings that have saved hundreds of lives through the years, and continue to do so today.

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  Karen Hanson-Flowers ’75, Distinguished Southwestern Service

  Karen Hanson-Flowers ’75 is one of those inspiring people whose many accomplishments, successes, and commitments beg the simple question: how does she do it? In addition to her impressive day job as the Senior Vice President of Contract Administration and Human Resources at Alpheus Communications, Hanson-Flowers also finds time to be a member of The Junior League of Houston, to serve on the Board of The Women’s Resource Center of Greater Houston, and also on the Board of Visitors of Southwestern University.

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  Back the Bucs: A Strong Win for Athletics

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  Comedian Bill Engvall ’79 shares his Southwestern memories

  This Homecoming, Bill Engvall ’79 performed in the Alma Thomas Theater with 100% of proceeds supporting Southwestern University’s lifelong learning initiatives. We called Bill to ask about his Southwestern Experience and why he decided to perform at this year’s Homecoming.

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  We Remember Dr. Jesse Purdy

  Dr. Jesse Purdy , a beloved friend and professor who served the University for 35 years, passed away in Georgetown, Texas on April 16, 2018. He was 65.

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  Just the Facts

  Alumni Spotlight: Sgt. Tasha Tell ’95