Come and explore the heart of San Antonio with your fellow Southwestern Pirates, April 12-13, 2024.
Southwestern’s 2022 Distinguished Young Alumna Kadidiatou Magassa ’13 leveraged her SU education into Peace Corps volunteering in Senegal before landing the Thomas R. Pickering Fellowship from the U.S. Department of State. Now her journey to diplomacy continues in Djibouti, East Africa, as a Foreign Service Officer. And she hopes other SU students will want to contribute positively to the world in similar ways.
The Southwestern University community mourns the loss of Delta Delta Delta alumna Allison Dickson ’02, who died on Wednesday, October 18, 2023.
Jay Richards ’89 has devoted his career to his beliefs and to the pursuit of truth. As a result, his professional accomplishments speak volumes. He is currently a Senior Fellow of the Discovery Institute, where he directs the Center on Wealth, Poverty and Morality. He is also an author, producer of documentaries, and frequent speaker on the topics of science and faith.
2023 Distinguished Southwestern Service Award Recipients
Susannah Prucka ’03 is an assistant attorney general for the state of Maryland, and is known not only for her ambition, leadership and knowledge of the law, but also for bringing people together and making them feel comfortable. She has even organized a lunch group in her office that quickly became the “place to be” at noon.
The Mr. Homecoming Award is an honor bestowed upon a member of the Southwestern University faculty as a token of the affection and respect of former students. One student of Eric Selbin, professor of political science and University Scholar, who now considers Eric a friend and mentor, says he was and continues to be his champion and motivator.
Farhana Mahmood Qazi, ’96 is an analyst, writer, lecturer and a senior Pakistan instructor on the AFPAK Regional Training Team at Booz, Allen & Hamilton, where she designs multiple courses on Islamic civilization and all-things-Pakistan for U.S. government analysts and officers.
Can’t make the trip to Georgetown for Southwestern’s Homecoming festivities? That’s not a problem! You can celebrate Homecoming at home by participating in these virtual events taking place November 4–6, 2022.
Jaime Hotaling ’23 recounts her transformative journey from SU to Disney.
In May, Southwestern University will welcome Adam Winkler ’04 as the commencement speaker for the graduation ceremony celebrating the class of 2024.
Alumnus reflects on his journey of resilience, creativity, and making an impact.
Georgianne Hewett ’90 personified the phrase “Be Southwestern” long before it became popular among students and alumni. Her love of her alma mater was obvious in everything she did while a member of the Southwestern staff. A long time colleague of Georgianne’s wonders who knew that her hiring of another “Texas cheerleader type” (like herself) would prove to one of the best professional decisions she’s ever made and would have such an amazing impact on Southwestern’s alumni program.
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.
The Office of Alumni and Parent Relations caught up with Craig J. McKinney ’91, the incoming president of the Southwestern University Alumni Association.
An unknown author once wrote, “Like branches on a tree we grow in different directions but our roots remain as one.”
The nationally ranked career center will now be housed within the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations.
James Venhaus ’91 details his story as a published playwright and fine arts educator, sharing wisdom based on his real-world experiences with the theatre industry for the benefit of current and future Southwestern theatre students.
The Southwestern University Alumni Association has launched a virtual SU Walking Club.
Paideia Scholar Lauren Muskara ’21 champions making connections between science, technology, and the fine arts.
Sylvia Kerrigan ’86 Named Vice Chair-Elect
Jasmine Renee Thomas ’12 shares her past experiences as a Southwestern theatre student and how they set the stage for her personal and professional development as an educator.
Chemist and countertenor Mauro Garcia ’18 will be pursuing a doctorate in pharmacology and molecular sciences at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine on a full-ride scholarship.
President Laura E. Skandera Trombley shares an update on the University for the spring 2021 term.
For more than 50 years, members of the Southwestern community have gathered on Sundays for two reasons – to spend time with a treasured friend and mentor, Ellsworth Peterson ’55, P’84, P’88, and to listen to the cantatas of Johann Sebastian Bach.
Pathways is a new tool to help Southwestern students learn, in a step-by-step process, how to navigate the world of networking.
The Jameson 5K Race and 1-Mile Mosey has evolved into a virtual race for the weekend of October 23–25, 2020. This enables alumni, students, parents, and friends to participate in their own neighborhoods – no matter how close or far to Georgetown.
Southwestern joins more than 50 universities in the BridgesAlliance to give students access to real-world career experiences through technology powered by PeopleGrove.
The University calls upon its network of alumni, parents, and friends to rally around the Class of 2020 and help connect them in their chosen career fields.
Southwestern alumna Rachel Hancock ’14 uses her abilities to help a community she loves.
Southwestern alumni Chip Evans ’94 and Scott Herlihy ’92 provide unparalleled experiences for Southwestern students.
The University Archives actively collects materials that document all aspects of Southwestern University. Consider donating your SU items to the Archives.
The Southwestern University Alumni Association has selected Professor of Biology Romi Burks as the 2019 recipient of their Ms. Homecoming Award. The Ms. Homecoming Award is presented to one faculty member each year as a token of affection and respect of former students.
On Friday, April 26, the University will recognize the 2019 faculty and staff retirees.
Tim McLaughlin ’86 builds athletic fields for Oklahoma City Public Schools through the nonprofit Fields & Futures.
Justin McCormack ’20 didn’t originally plan to attend Southwestern. Now he calls it “the best decision of my life.” He is one of four brothers: two Southwestern alumni and two current SU students. The McCormack brothers–Joseph ’16, Jason ’18, Justin ’20, and Jared ’22–all selected Southwestern but for a variety of reasons.
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.
You’ve moved? Started a new job? Why should you let Southwestern know?
Two Southwestern University coaches – Francie Larrieu Smith, Head Cross Country and Track and Field Coach, and Don Gregory, Head Men’s Soccer Coach – retire after 20 years of service to the Athletic Department.
President Burger thanked Senior Tower Society members for their philanthropy to SU with a reception at his home.
Nominations are due by Thursday, May 31, 2018 at Midnight.
Comedian Bill Engvall ’79 and his wife Gail ’83 share their Southwestern Sweetheart story.
Nieto’s leadership, dedication and devotion to his community and family are inspiring and motivational.
Mark your calendar! Southwestern will host its second affinity giving challenge, the “Choose Your Southwestern Challenge,” Feb. 21-27, 2018.
David Watts ’62 writes a short story on celebrating Christmas in his hometown of Georgetown.
Since being named Best Male Stand Up at the American Comedy Awards in 1992, comedian Bill Engvall, Jr. ’79 has carved out a piece of comedic American history. His relatable, straight-shooting brand of humor has earned him sold out tours, platinum-selling albums, a television show, and loyal fans across the country.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Southwestern University Alumni Association - Alumni Council brings to you a new biannual program, the “Alumni Syllabus,” featuring suggested readings from Southwestern faculty members.
Dr. Suksoon Suh, former Southwestern faculty member and beloved friend of the University, passed away on September 9, 2017.
Join Southwestern’s new Career Communities to engage with fellow alumni, current students, faculty and employers across the globe around your shared career interests.
The Southwestern University Alumni Association adds to its lifelong learning offerings with the launch of its first virtual book club.
On Aug. 18, members of the Class of 2021 will move into their residence halls and begin their Southwestern Experiences. Learn more about our newest Pirates and the support Southwestern will provide them.
After applying at the encouragement of a colleague familiar with his research, Patrick Hajovsky, associate professor of art history at Southwestern University, was selected from among 350 applicants to complete a prestigious three month Getty Scholar residency this summer at the Getty Research Institute in Los Angeles.
If you’re looking for a hotel during Homecoming, these resources may come in handy.
Michael Nguyen ’03 interviews Geoff Clawson ’98, president and co-owner of Birdwell Beach Britches
Terry Gawlik ’81 shares her experience as Chairwoman of the 2017 NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship Committee.
A new May Term course, The Science of Chocolate, taught by professor of biology Romi Burks, immersed non-science majors into the delicious science behind where chocolate comes from, how it gets its taste, and how it is manufactured and brought to market.
Christine Kettle Bowman ’93, dean of enrollment services, shares 10 tips that encourage a calm, balanced college search process. Share this list with a high school student in your family!
The Southwestern University Alumni Association welcomed the Class of 2017 to its ranks on Saturday, May 6, 2017.
Anna Eby ’05 shares her perspective on the growth of Georgetown.
The Southwestern University Alumni Association established a Statement of Diversity and Inclusion in an effort to reaffirm its commitment to the experience of all alumni.
Our community recognizes that alumni share their Southwestern Experience with their families. For that, through Southwestern’s Legacy Link Program, the University will mail birthday presents for legacies at several milestone years.
Marc Erck embodies a love of music and a passion for teaching. His influence reverberates throughout the world, in the lives of the many students he has inspired, from middle school choir students in Austin to adult singers in Cameroon.
For advocating for the rights of sexual assault victims, the Southwestern University Alumni Association proudly presents Laura Cordes with the 2016 Distinguished Humanitarian Award.
There’s purpose. And there’s social purpose. Anita Fernandez has both. Fernandez is one of the founders of The OCI Group, a consulting firm that guides businesses, educational institutions, individuals and organizations on increasing their social presence in the community and their respective industry. She focuses on nonprofit management, history and art.
How many Southwestern alumni have contributed to the U.N. Secretary General’s report on the protection of civilians in armed conflict? By our count, just one: Jacob Beswick, a 2007 magna cum laude graduate with a double major in political science and Spanish.
Carlie Sulpizio’s energy and enthusiasm is contagious. Her interest in the world and its people knows no bounds—as evidenced by her three-year term in the Peace Corps as the Community Health Development Agent in Burkina Faso and her studies in anthropology, theatre and global health.
Blake Stanford is a community leader, a husband and dad, a proud Kappa Sigma brother, and a fierce advocate for child nutrition. He is this year’s recipient of the award for Distinguished Southwestern Service. Stanford serves Southwestern University as a member of the Board of Trustees, charged with overseeing the system of governance, academic life, student life and the University’s fiscal affairs and served as president of the Southwestern University Alumni Association from 2012 to 2014.
This year’s Mr. Homecoming Bob Bednar, associate professor of communication studies, is a much beloved figure on campus known for his quiet, thoughtful, and intentional approach. His colleagues know him for playing a major role in building communication studies into the robust program it is today at the University.
Jennifer Gingrich Christianson ’99, a German/music graduate and current high school German teacher, was one of eight educators to receive the Goethe‐Institut/AATG Certificate of Merit at the recent annual convention of the American Association of Teachers of German (AATG).
Since 2013, F. Fleming Crim ’69 has been the Assistant Director for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) at the National Science Foundation (NSF), where he leads a staff of 160 and has an annual budget of $1.3 billion. MPS supports core research in astronomy, chemistry, physics, material science and mathematics; in his role, Crim oversees policy decisions for some of the most fundamental and creative science efforts in the United States.
After earning his Ph.D. in pharmacology, Thomas Herzig ’84 chose a career in the Navy. Advancing in rank throughout the years, he was recently promoted to the high ranking officer position of Captain. Friends share that he has a depth and breadth of knowledge in medical research and business that is matched by few.
A gifted cellist, Megan McCarty ’09 distinguished herself as a Southwestern music major by winning the University’s concerto competition, working as special musicological assistant for a series of performances organized through a Mellon Integrated Scholarly Community grant, and becoming the first scholar to recognize the existence of a song cycle by Franz Liszt (1811-1886).
Rev. Milton Jordan ’62 has spent his life not only teaching his children the Golden Rule, but also being a living example of “treating others as we would wish to be treated ourselves.” A tireless advocate for those less fortunate, Jordan is calm and non-confrontational in his efforts to help others and has inspired many to treat all people with fairness and respect.
Humanity benefits greatly from her contributions to the well-being of the animal kingdom. The global perspective Stephanie Braccini Slade ’02 has achieved through her work with primates allows her to see—and share with others—that humans aren’t the only part of humanity; that human and animal lives are connected, influencing and relying on one another.
“I have never heard a bad word about him; he is as good as they come,” says a faculty colleague of Hal Haskell, who has been a professor of classics at Southwestern for more than 30 years.
With her degree in psychology from Southwestern, Teresa Coble Sherwood ’77 has served for nearly 20 years as Director of Mission at First United Methodist Church Mansfield, where she has developed and overseen global mission and disaster response efforts around the world, as well as programs to respond to the needs of the local community.
Steve Raben ’63 is known far and wide for being laser-focused on what is best for his beloved alma mater. His efforts toward the betterment of the University improve the quality of the experience students receive at Southwestern and further the healthy survival of the University’s rich traditions.
Lloyd Minick ’08 and Michael Hanan ’10 have an inspiring story of fraternity brothers turned business partners. Both active on campus in the Kappa Sigma fraternity, the two have now come together to start the urban farming company Ten Acre Organics, with the aim of creating sustainable farming practices with high yields in urban areas.
H. Reginald “Reg” McDaniel ’58, graduated with honors from Southwestern with a double major in chemistry and biology, and completed medical school at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. He has since spent 30 years practicing anatomical and clinical pathology, including positions as the Director of Pathology & Laboratories and Director of Medical Education at Dallas-Ft Worth Medical Center. He has also been on the clinical faculty as an instructor at Southwestern Medical School since 1966.
Commitment to service leadership is one of the defining characteristics of Eric Batch ’97. As a Southwestern student, Batch was active on campus and in the Georgetown community. His Southwestern Experience was more than just life on campus; it was about applying his education to improve the community in which he lived.
For more than 22 years, David Olson has been an assistant professor and Director of Communications Studies Internships at Southwestern. He has inspired students to chase their dreams and to believe in themselves — tools that they will carry with them throughout their careers.
Adam Winkler ’04 has spent the past decade as a reporter, not only covering local sports, but breaking national news stories as well. He has received countless recognitions for his work as a writer and broadcaster, including two Lone Star EMMY nominations and, earlier this year, a Barbara Jordan Media Award for First Place TV Feature from the Texas Governor’s Office. And all of this without a degree in journalism.
Associate Professor of Education Sherry Adrian has said that preparing future educators is both challenging and exhilarating, but it is her relationship with students that strongly influences why and how she teaches. She believes that the best way to teach effectively is to know her students and to be known by them.
Steve Cotton ’77 has had a rich and multifaceted career in investments, business, government, public affairs, media relations and marketing for 30 years. Currently the Managing Partner of the Cotton-Adams Financial Group, he has previously helped develop public policy in the U.S. Congress and the Texas Legislature and has served a major Texas university among many other responsibilities.
Mike Lade ’88 is a seasoned senior financial executive and strategic thinker who has spent half of his 25-year career developing a company that helps families navigate one of the most emotional and challenging purchases they will ever make—a funeral.
Susan Youens ’69 has lived in South Bend, Indiana for many years, but she was born in Houston, and has the lovely lilting hint of a Texas drawl - as one of her colleagues puts it - to prove it.
With a Bachelor of Science degree from Southwestern and a Ph.D. from Duke, John “J” Wehrley Chapman ’60 was a professor of physics at the University of Michigan for more than 30 years, achieving emeritus status in 2008. J has had no less than 14 research papers published in as many years. And, he can claim approximately 400 additional publications prior to 1998.
After graduating magna cum laude from Southwestern with a BA in sociology, Anne Olson ’08 went on to work for Public Strategies Inc., a corporate communications and crisis management firm, as a fellow and account executive; and then as a public policy specialist with the Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission in Austin.
In 2008, Blair Quinius ’05 had a vision to combine his love of working with young people and his love of Honduras, where he taught at the Mayatan Bilingual School. This vision resulted in the first UrbanPromise site in Central America, where Blair now lives with his wife, Lauren, and serves as Executive Director for the organization.