Archives: Class Notes

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’00

Sakina Foster, a finance group partner at law firm Haynes and Boone, in Dallas, was recently profiled by D Magazine as an advocate for diversity and equality. See her story at dmagazine.com. Brandon O. Gibson was named chief operating officer for the State of Tennessee by Gov. Bill Lee. She holds a law degree from SMU. Before joining the governor’s office in 2019 as a senior advisor, Gibson served as a Tennessee Court of Appeals judge. Steven Gridley (a.k.a. Leegrid Stevens) developed the new play, A Peregrine Falls, which premiered in New York at the Wild Project theatre. Jason Krieser was named CEO of Aspen Surgical Products, Inc. Shoaib Mithani, patent agent, has joined business and entertainment law firm Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton, LLP, in the Dallas office. Molly Rhode performed in Rhode’s Roadhouse Rowdies at the Marla Eichman Studio Theater in Elm Grove, Wis. She is the associate artistic director for Northern Sky Theatre in Door County, Wis. Bridget Roosa is an associate professor of dance, director of dance studies and chair of the Department of Theater and Dance at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia. She has received the 2020 Vulcan Teaching Excellence Award, which honors faculty members who make difference in classroom teaching, campus leadership, pioneering teaching methodology, creative course development and/or instructional support.

’01

Dr. W. Dave Bell was featured in Fauquier Now, a local news portal covering Fauquier County, Va., where he discussed high points of his 50-year science career. Bell is a systems engineer at Mitre Corp., a not-for-profit organization that manages federally funded research and development centers that support United States government agencies. Britainy Anne Beshear is the First Lady of Kentucky. Her husband, Andy Beshear, was elected as the state’s governor in November. The couple have two children, Will and Lila. J. Scott Drennan joins Hyundai Motor Group as vice president of its urban air mobility division. Ashley McCue joined WorkChaplain as its chief growth officer. The Chattanooga, Tenn.-based company provides contract-based spiritual care and support to businesses. Elaine Ng, a sculptural artist, exhibited her new work Over/Under at the Interloc gallery in Rockland, Maine.

’02

Amianne Bailey was a speaker for Vision Mesquite, where she touted liberation through literacy. She is the librarian at Mesquite (Texas) High School. William D. Gannon joined Transwestern Commercial Services as senior vice president in the firm’s North Texas Occupier Solutions group. Bryan McDearman joined Bank of Jackson Hole, in Jackson, Wyo., as its senior vice president loan officer.

’03

Jonathan Alexis is the owner of TJ’s Seafood Market and Grill, which celebrates 30 years in business. Alexis and his wife Natalie purchased the Dallas eatery in 2009. Eliot Burriss joined the law firm Holland and Knight as a partner in its Dallas office. Anna Agniel Bushlack launched Storiespeak, an enterprise to engage people to write, speak and perform their own stories. After graduating from SMU, she created a solo show, Slow Children Playing, which ran in St. Louis, Chicago and South Bend, Indiana. In 2005, she won the Producer’s Pick of the Fringe at the Cincinnati Fringe and was invited back for encore performances. She also accepted spots at the New York International Fringe Festival and the Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Festival. Lane Conner was appointed to the Parks and Recreation Board for the City of Dallas. He was also recognized by D CEO in the D 500 list for the 500 most influential people in Dallas. Laura S. Hayes joined the Dallas office of Fox Rothschild LLP as a partner in its family law and litigation practice group. Natalia Kobylarz was a keynote speaker at the International Conference on Human Rights and Environmental Protection in Strasbourg, France. She is a senior lawyer at the Registry of the European Court of Human Rights. Gayla McKnight is the academic intervention specialist in the newly opened learning space at Brook Hill School, a Christian-based private school near Tyler, Texas. The school’s new LEAP lounge, which stands for Lower School Learning Enrichment and Academic Potential, helps students achieve additional academic potential and develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. Manuel Ortiz joined NewcrestImage as its vice president of investor relations. He oversees the company’s investment portfolios. Maria Elena Pacheco was named 2020 Elementary Teacher of the Year by the Texas PTA. She teaches kindergarten at Martha Turner Reilly Elementary School in Dallas. Dr. Keith R. Phillips spoke at the Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce Federal Reserve Update Luncheon. He is the assistant vice president and senior economist at the San Antonio branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.

’04

Trevor Ashurst (M.S.A. ’05, M.B.A. ’11) joined Houston-based Deep Down, Inc. as vice president of Finance. Deep Down specializes in subsea oil and gas production control equipment and services. Christa Brown-Sanford has joined SMU’s Board of Trustees. She is partner and deputy department chair of Intellectual Property at Baker Botts LLP, in Dallas. She received the Dedman Law Distinguished Alumni Award in 2019. Alex Cherones (M.B.A. ’08) joined Dallas-based Headstorm, a digital product and engineering firm, as partner. Maryann Delea joined The Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia, as an epidemiologist. She was a postdoctoral fellow at Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University and a postdoctoral researcher at the Center for Global Health at the University of Pennsylvania. She earned her Ph.D. in 2018 from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and a Master of Public Health from Emory University in 2007.  Brittany Edwards Cobb celebrated her 10-year anniversary as founder and CEO of lifestyle brand Flea Style LLC. Jason Dagelewicz (M.B.A. ’09) and wife Stephanie Shoder Dagelewicz (’05) cofounded Move For Miles to raise funds and awareness for childhood cancer. They started the nonprofit organization after their son Miles was diagnosed with pediatric cancer when he was around 1 year old. Jennifer Rudenick Ecklund joined the new Dallas law firm Thompson Coburn as a partner. She was with Thompson & Knight in Dallas and was a trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice’s Tax Division. She is on the boards of directors of the Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center and Café Momentum.  Rev. Wendy Lambert was profiled among The Oklahoman newspaper’s coverage of the 25th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing. Lambert, who holds a Master’s of Divinity degree from SMU, lost her father in the explosion. See her story at Oklahoman.com. David McRae was elected treasurer for the State of Mississippi. He is the managing partner of his family business, McRae Investments, and a licensed attorney. He is active in civic and charity organizations throughout the community and state. McRae lives in Ridgeland, Miss., with his wife, Katherine (M.F.A. ’06), and their three children. She spent six years working on Hurricane Katrina recovery projects for the Mississippi Development Authority, and is involved with numerous charity and arts organizations. Mikhail Orlov, who founded Weby Corp. shortly after graduating, is launching a new retail concept in September: GRITR SPORTS, a destination specialty place that combines shooting ranges, an event center and a retail store focusing on active sports, hunting, fishing and gear for the pursuit of bucket list adventures. The store will be located in North Richland Hills, Texas. Lacie Thorne became an adjunct instructor at Belmont University’s O’More College of Architecture, Art and Design in Nashville, Tenn. Her professional portfolio includes celebrity brand collaborations with Jennifer Lopez, Nicki Minaj and Adam Levine. Thorne’s art direction and editorial work includes such luxury brands as Van Cleef & Arpels, Gibson Guitars, Christian Dior and more. She holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from SMU.

’05

 Amanda Clark-Rudolph, a freelance writer based in Ocala, Florida, published an essay highlighting how a love of running boosted her writing career. See her story at medium.com/the-ascent. Billy Crockett, an Austin, Texas-based singer-songwriter, hosted a livestream concert in May to promote his new album In Session. The performance benefited COVID-19 relief. Crockett, who also works as the creative director of Blue Rock Studio, in the Texas Hill Country, has recorded 12 albums. Learn more about his work at billycrockett.com. Monika Ehrman was re-elected vice president of education for the Association of International Petroleum Negotiators for a one-year term. She is a professor of law and faculty director of the Oil and Gas, Natural Resources and Energy Center at the University of Oklahoma. Kara D. Grimes joined law firm Summer Schick LLP as a commercial litigator in its Dallas office. Rob Gorham was honored with the America Makes Distinguished Collaborator Award. Gorham is the executive director of Manufacturing Initiatives at the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station. W.A. Landreth III joined the Trinity Bank Board of Directors. He is co-founder/partner of Vaquero Ventures retail development. Bridget Dougherty Melton will be an official audio describers of the 2020 Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee in August. She will be live describing the visual elements of the convention to delegates and other audience members who are blind or have low vision. Other civic events she has described include the inauguration of Chicago’s mayor, Lori Lightfoot, in May 2019 and the 2018 Women’s March-Chicago. She also has worked as an audio describer in Chicago for live performances, including for the production of Hamilton before it closed in January. Andrea Perez has joined the Dallas office of Carrington, Coleman, Sloman & Blumenthal, LLP as a senior associate specializing in art law, business law and intellectual property. She is also an adjunct lecturer of “International Law and the Arts” at Meadows School of the Arts. She is a board member of Texas Accountants and Lawyers for Artists (TALA), secretary of the Dallas Bar Association Entertainment, Art and Sports Law Section, co-chair of the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers Bolton Ball Committee and a mentor at the Dallas Entrepreneurial Center. Tonya E. Solis-Mosby received the degree of Doctor of Education with a specialization in English as a Second Language from Northcentral University in January 2020. She earned her Master of Bilingual Education from SMU’s Simmons School of Education and Human Development. Robert Surtees married Chelsea Heil in Lake Como, Italy, last fall. Austin Wyker was promoted to shareholder at law firm Munsch Hardt Kopf and Harr in its Dallas office.

’06

Alana K. Ackels (J.D. ’09) has been named to D Magazine’s 2020 “Best Lawyers Under 40 in Dallas” List. She is partner at Dallas law firm Bell Nunnally. Patrick J. Allen joined Preston Hollow Capital as a senior asset manager. He holds an M.B.A. from SMU. Amanda Austin (M.B.A. ’13) was promoted to market president of Bank of Texas in Dallas. She joined the bank in 2006. Desiree Dawn Brown (MSOR’10) was unanimously elected as the Young Republican National Federation (YRNF) national secretary. She has served on the Collin County Young Republicans executive board for the past four years, most recently as organization’s chairwoman for the past two years. Philip Dunlap joined the Houston office of law firm Balch and Bingham as partner. Stephanie White joined the University of West Florida Board of Trustees. She is an attorney specializing in adoption and child-related issues.

’07

Lizzie Corona, a realtor at Greenwood King Properties in Houston, was named Realtor of the Week in May, after receiving five-star ratings on the residential property search website HAR.com. Sally Crocker won first place nationally as a writer of a hard-hitting magazine article on domestic violence from the Ragan Communications 2019 Health Care PR and Marketing Awards competition. The article, “Domestic Violence’s Painful Legacy,” was written for Solutions magazine, a publication of the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC). Crocker has worked as communications manager for the UNTHSC School of Public Health for 10 years. She earned a Master in Liberal Studies degree from SMU. Grant Groher was promoted to vice president at Balance Point Capital, where he has worked for three years. Chris Kang joined Haynes and Boone, LLP as a partner in the firm’s employee benefits and executive compensation practice group in Dallas. Melissa Page Peter, owner and founder of Mi Casita Spanish Immersion Preschool, has opened a third location in Ardmore, Pa. Aaron David Pan was named executive director of the Museum of Texas Tech University, where he also will have a faculty appointment as associate professor of practice. He was executive director of the Don Harrington Discovery Center, an interactive science center and museum in Amarillo, which he had led since 2012. He earned his Ph.D. in geology from SMU.  Barrett Rogers and Sarah Cox were married April 4 at their home in Little Rock, Ark. Liz Healy Silva, after five years as vice president, was recently promoted to senior vice president, people and community at Paragon Healthcare in Dallas.

’08

Kathryn Beal Brown founded the Dallas-based Lone River Beverage Company. The firm offers a hard seltzer product available at grocery and beverage retailers in Texas. Diego Contreras created a short film to help showcase the launch of Apple’s iPhone 11 Pro last fall. He is a film and commercial director at Reset Content in Los Angeles. J. Kent Crocker joined the law firm Carlton Fields as an associate in Miami. Edward Logan is the new CEO of Sport Clips Inc., the franchisor of the Sport Clips Haircuts system. Thomas Morstead, punter with the NFL New Orleans Saints, was featured in the Middle School Rules book series, written by Sean Jensen. Recently, Morstead was ranked among the top players of the decade by Pro Football Focus. Joshua Peterson was named to the Knox.biz 40 Under 40 list. The honor recognizes standout citizens in the Knoxville, Tenn., business community. Peterson is the founding artistic director of Knoxville’s River and Rail Theater Company. Kelly Stephenson Piccardo opened men’s fashion retail store Antlers Clothing Company in Big Sky, Mont. Joshua Aaron Sheppard and Jessica Treanor Murray were married April 18 at the the bride’s parents’ home in Harrison, N.Y. Sheppard is an investment analyst at the New York office of White Oak Global Advisors. Scott Summerall joined the Board of Directors for Community Bank Holdings of Texas, Inc. He is the worldwide content marketing program manager at Texas Instruments.

’09

Katherine Bartush began an orthopedic surgical fellowship last summer at The Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colo. Bartush attended medical school at The University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, where she graduated Alpha Omega Alpha and received the Charles Rockwood, MD Award for student excellence in orthopedics. Cole Gahagan was promoted to president and CEO of Learfield IMG College. Manuel Ortiz joined hotel investment company NewcrestImage as its vice president of Investor Relations. Ortiz holds an M.B.A. from SMU. Daniel Pearson joined law firm Caldwell Cassady and Curry as a principal in its Dallas office. Benjamin Jewell-Plocher was named education director at Embracing Our Differences, a Sarasota, Florida-based nonprofit focused on art and education. Christine Ricciardi joined The Denver Post as its cannabis industry reporter. She covers marijuana and hemp policy, market trends and entertainment. Emmanuel Sanders joined the NFL San Francisco 49ers as wide receiver after six seasons with the Denver Broncos that included two Pro Bowls and 1,000-yard seasons from 2014-16. Ryan Smith joins the Austin-based software firm Ballogy as its vice president of strategy.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container][fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”mainAdvertisement” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” overlay_color=”” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”20px” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”20px” padding_left=”” admin_label=”SMU Advertisement”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” dimension_margin=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_widget_area name=”avada-custom-sidebar-postadvertisement” background_color=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”postAdvertisement” id=”” /][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

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’10

Matthew Alexander, co-founder and CEO of innovative retailer Neighborhood Goods, opened a second location last year, this one in New York City. Melissa Broussard Carroll joined law firm Bradley Arant boult Cummings as an associate in its Houston office. Colin Fitzgibbons joined Hunt Realty Investments as its president. Nina Flournoy recently published a biography of Dallas businessman, entrepreneur and major SMU supporter Howard Schultz, Schultz’s Ledger: Parlaying Errors into Success on the Path to the American Dream, available on Amazon. She taught communications studies in the Meadows School of the Arts for 18 years and was a longtime director of SMU-in-London. Learn more at ninaflournoyeditorialservices.wordpress.com. She earned a Master’s of Liberal Studies from SMU. Hope Hicks is a public relations consultant who was named counselor to President Donald Trump in February. Eun Chong Ju, first violinist with the Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra, in Irving, Texas, released her first digital album. In 2019, she took third prize in the Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition, which included performing at New York City’s Carnegie Hall. In addition to performing, she has taught violin for more than 15 years. Shelby Justl is defending her Ph.D. dissertation in September in the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations at the University of Pennsylvania. She is on the new Disney + gameshow called the Big Fib as the Egyptology expert. James Landen Jr. became Texas market president of Security National Bank’s first location in the state this spring. The full-service bank has 13 locations throughout Nebraska and Iowa. Caroline Madden and Pedro Rodrigues were married last summer at the Troutbeck Estate in Amenia, N.Y. Kyle Manley joined BNY Mellon Wealth Management as a senior client strategist in its Dallas. Denise Mudigere joined the Dallas law firm Holland & Knight as a partner on its tax controversy and litigation team. Jonathan R. Sparling joins First Federal as senior director of commercial lending in its Port Angeles, Washington office. Chris David Westover, assistant professor of music and coordinator of wind and brass studies at Denison University in Granville, Ohio, recently won recognition in two music competitions: First Prize at the Warsaw Wind Ensemble Conducting Competition in October 2019, which includes the honor of premiering Artur Słotwinski’s Overture “The Year 1918,” and an invitation to lead a concert with the Warsaw University of Life Sciences Representative Orchestra in the coming season; and from The American Prize for performances led at Denison in three categories. Megan White was recently honored for her 10th year of active service and leadership as a member of the Junior League of Milwaukee. Since graduating, she also completed a year-long master’s program in the School of Fashion at Instituto Marangoni in Milan.

’11

Ashley Withers Dobson is part of the founding team of Avid Core, a new strategic communications firm launched in April that is focused on responsible and sustainable development of large infrastructure projects. Tara Garcia joined Dallas-based TDIndustries as its vice president of multifamily overseeing the commercial services firm’s North Texas and Denver operations. Brad Holdbrook joined Haynes and Boone, LLP as a partner in the firm’s real estate practice group in Dallas. Hil Horne is a fourth-year associate attorney with Chamblee Ryan PC, focusing on civil defense litigation. He has experience in medical malpractice, FINRA arbitration, multi-party construction litigation, equine veterinary litigation, premises liability and general personal injury. Phillip L. Kim joined Haynes and Boone, LLP as a partner in the firm’s healthcare practice group in Dallas. Morgan Pieper (M.S.A. ’12), opened Feed Me Pronto, a reimagined the convenience store that features healthy and eco-friendly snacks, in Dallas’ Victory Park neighborhood. Roger Plasterer joined healthcare technology firm MPOWER Health as its vice president of data analytics and IT. Jody Rodenberg was named to the Thomson Reuters Texas Rising Stars listing for 2020 and the D Magazine annual list of Best Lawyers Under 40 for 2020. Lauren Smart served as a jurist for the Shreveport Regional Arts Council’s Artist Fellowship award selections. Matthew Swerdlow was elected to partner at law firm Thompson & Knight LLP in Dallas.

’12

Chris Banjo agreed to a contract to remain with the NFL Arizona Cardinals. In 2019, he joined the team as a safety. Bridget R. Bennett joined Keloland Media as evening news anchor for the CBS TV affiliate in Sioux Falls, S.D. Janielle Kastner, Dallas actor, podcaster and playwright, and Brigham Mosley (’10), a playwright and solo performer, wrote Playwrights in the Newsroom, an immersive new play about journalism and the search for truth, which premiered in March at the Wyly Theatre in the Dallas Arts District. The play evolved from a conversation between SMU journalism professor Lauren Smart (’11) and a Dallas Morning News editor. Kastner and Mosley wrote the play after two years of observation and interviews with Morning News reporters. Ignite/Arts Dallas (I/AD) at Meadows School of the Arts provided a $5,000 commission to the playwrights to bring the work to fruition and has served as a key co-developer for the project. Andrew M. Kaufman joined network security firm Critical Start as chief financial officer. Chris Mavros joined the commercial real estate design firm Ware Malcomb as regional director in its new Dallas office. Calder Lamb is a member of the 2019 class of Ignatian Law Scholar Awardees, Loyola University New Orleans College of Law’s highest honor for new law students. The award recognizes promising members of the entering law school class whose records reflect the Jesuit values of commitment to academic excellence and service to others. Law Scholars receive a renewable full Dean’s Scholarship and participate in special programming to help with the transition to law school and practice. Betty Grace Roberts married Dillon Gayle Goins last fall at The Barn at Lost Creek in Pearcy, Ark. Rev. Dr. Blair Thompson-White (D.Min. ’18) joined the Texas Methodist Foundation as the director of leadership ministry, working with clergy and congregations to address critical missional needs of the church. She was senior pastor at Arapaho United Methodist Church in Richardson, Texas. Lauren Werner is the owner of Willow House hotel in Terlingua, Texas. The hotel was named to Travel + Leisure magazine’s “It List” for 2020.

’13

Ashley Aten was promoted to shareholder at law firm of Munsch Hardt Kopf and Harr in its Dallas office. Ted Gwara joined investment banking firm Pinecrest Capital Partners as an analyst in its Dallas office. Matthew Kull was promoted to CIO at the Cleveland Clinic academic medical center, where he has worked since 2018. Hannah Park Lee (’19 M.Ed.) has joined SMU’s Alumni Relations and Engagement team as the assistant director for affinity groups managing programming for Black Alumni of SMU, Hispanic Alumni of SMU, SMU Pride, Military Alumni of SMU, President’s Scholars of SMU Alumni and Hunt Leadership Scholars Alumni of SMU. Andrew McDonald was promoted to shareholder at law firm of Munsch Hardt Kopf and Harr in its Dallas office. Chris Morgan, acquisitions manager at Caddis, was awarded a 2020 “40 Under 40” Award from The Dallas Business Journal for his leadership and valuable contributions to his organization and his community. He earned an M.B.A. from the Cox School of Business. Jason J. Nelson was appointed to The Woodlands, Texas, Township Board of Directors. He is a senior pastor at Rose Hill United Methodist Church. Dr. Lauren Richman joined Indiana University’s Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art as assistant curator of photography. Isake Akanke Slaughter performed in School Girls; or, the African Mean Girls Play for the True Color Theatre Co. in Atlanta. Her other acting credits include The Secretaries (Out Front Theatre); An Octoroon (Actor’s Express) and Winnie-The-Pooh (The Alliance Theatre).

’14

Paul Bishop is an associate attorney at Goldman & Peterson PLLC in San Antonio, Texas. He joins fellow alumnus and named partner Larry Goldman (’82). Additionally, Paul recently married Dr. Lauren Fuller in Galveston, Texas. Fellow SMU alumni Albert Young (’12), Andoni Vossos (’12), Alexander Cheng (’15, ’16) and Jonathan Bates (’19) attended the seaside celebration. Joshua Bauer, an associate at the law firm of Hicks Thomas, has been selected for the 2020 list of Texas Rising Stars. Kent L. Boyer earned his Ph.D. in humanities from UT Dallas after defending his dissertation titled, “Subverting Propriety: The Intimate, Habitable Poetics of Frank O’Hara.” He teaches at El Centro College in downtown Dallas. He earned an MLS degree from SMU. Harrison Higgs partnered with the middle-market investment bank Generational Group in an endorsement agreement that runs through next year. Higgs, a PGA golfer since 2014, has played on the PGA Tour Latinoamérica in 2015 and 2018. Jesus Martinez composed the soundtrack for Three Hours in Dallas, a short documentary chronicling the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The film regularly runs at the Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas. Martinez is the assistant band director at Sam Houston High School in Arlington, Texas. Carson McCain has been named artistic director of Second Thought Theatre in Dallas. A member of the organization since 2014, her recent directing credits include the hit productions of Empathitrax and Great God Pan. Jordan Miller, who works at Titus Industrial in Dallas, was a featured honoree in Forbes magazine’s 30 Under 30 list of the world’s top young entrepreneurs. Lane M. Webster joined the Dallas office of Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP as an associate in the Litigation and Government Enforcement and Investigations practice groups.

’15

Lauren Castle, a criminal justice reporter for The Arizona Republic, was selected for the 2019 fellowship class of the Journalist Law School at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. Last October, she was a guest speaker for the American Bar Association’s Litigation News board meeting. Taylor Goerke Eager and Paul Eager were married on August 24, 2019, in Memphis, Tenn. Brigitte Mena (M.E. ’17), the Texas-based singer-songwriter, has released two singles. Maniac is based on the Netflix program of the same name. Say You Love Me is a collaboration with Sherri DuPree-Bemis, the frontwoman for the band Eisley. Find both songs on Spotify or iTunes. Jake Nice, a Dallas actor, sound designer, musician and composer, produced and directed the play Slide By written by Thomas Ward, which premiered in January 2020 at the Wyly Studio Theatre. Robert Seals and Daniel Gresham ’18 launched the Vuzag app, a location-based search engine that connects users with current local events. Tori Titmas wrote and starred in the feature film The Girls of Summer, directed by John Hancock. Michael A. Wood was inducted into the Trinity School of Midland Alumni Hall of Honor, his high school alma mater in Midland, Texas. Wood is the founder of the Loan Star Policy Institute, a Dallas-based independent think tank that advances public policy solutions that encourage enterprising spirit, expand personal and economic freedom, and improve the quality of life for the people of Texas.

’16

Rev. Scott Gilliland joined Arapaho United Methodist Church in Richardson, Texas as senior pastor. His wife, Raegan, will serve as the associate minister of adult discipleship at Christ United Methodist Church in Plano, Texas. They have two children. They received their M.Div. degrees at SMU’s Perkins School of Theology. Chase Helms and Annie Kennelly were married last fall at the Marriott Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa in Point Clear, Ala. Haley Manley cofounded Shut Your Mouth, a Texas-based company inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic. The company offers a facemask that features a zipper across the mouth, which allows the wearer to drink without removing the mask. Learn more at shopshutyourmouth.com. Product sales support the Water Charity Foundation. Manley is a research associate at the Baylor College of Medicine, in Houston. Jim Thompson has moved from Amsterdam to Copenhagen for a new job as solution architect for IBM Cloud.

’17

Evan M. Brown signed with the NFL Cleveland Browns as a center. He holds a B.B.A. degree in finance from SMU. Meghan Klein participated in the virtual career panel Working in Sports, presented by the USO of Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore and GEICO Military. Klein is the manager of partnership marketing for the NFL’s Washington Redskins. Madison Marchetti owns a digital marketing company for medical professionals in San Diego. Ashley Park joined SMU’s Development and External Affairs division April 27 as fund stewardship coordinator on the Donor Relations team. Bryant Phelps is pastor of the Church of the Disciple in DeSoto, Texas. He was featured in the Dallas Morning News as a community outreach leader during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Mark Pollack works at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and was selected for the 2020 United Way Fellowship Class with United Way Worldwide. The Fellowship Program is a year-long leadership development experience. He earned his MLS from SMU. Jo-Jo Steine played Nurse Kelly in WaterTower Theatre’s Harvey in February. She also recently performed at Dallas Theater Center, Kitchen Dog Theatre and Stage West. Courtland Sutton, wide receiver for the NFL Denver Broncos, was named to the 2020 Pro Bowl. Sutton was profiled in Sports Illustrated magazine for his rocketing success after two seasons in the league. Sean “S.J.” Albro Tuohy, Jr. joined Liberty University as its assistant athletic director of football operations.

’18

Laura Bull, an independent brand consultant and speaker, has published From Individual to Empire: A Guide to Building an Authentic and Powerful Brand. She holds a Master of Liberal Studies degree from SMU. Ricardo Ceballos de la Mora won the inaugural Biennial Lone Star Vocal Competition hosted by the Dallas Opera Guild. He received a cash prize and an invitation to participate in the Dallas Opera’s semifinals national competition in spring 2021. Drake Genna joined Kemp Smith Law as an associate in its El Paso, Texas office. Alison Machabee presented her original choreography, “If I Had One More Day,” at a performance to raise funds for The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in March at the New York Live Arts Theatre. The event aimed to raise suicide awareness while celebrating the beauty of life through numerous special performances from contemporary dance companies, including Complexions Contemporary Ballet, under the artistic direction of Desmond Richardson and Dwight Rhoden, who served as adjunct professors during Machabee’s time at Meadows School of the Arts. Dr. Melanie Magee joins Terrell Independent School District as its deputy superintendent of leading and learning. She holds a Ph.D. from SMU. Myria Perez was a guest on the CBS TV show Mission Unstoppable as an If/Then Ambassador for the American Association for the Advancement of Science. The program promotes STEM field careers to girls. Perez is a fossil preparator the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas. See her story at dallasobserver.com. Francois Reihani opened La La Land Kind Café in Dallas, which provides support and jobs to youth who have outgrown the foster care system. Yi-Nuo Wang kicked off the 2019-20 Concert Artist Guild season with a piano performance at Carnegie Hall in New York.

’19

Nida Bangash, a McKinney, Texas-based visual artist, debuted The History House at Dallas’ Talley Dunn Gallery. The two-channel video installation explores colonialism and the intersection of feminism and race. Connor Barbe joined Sloan Law Firm, in Longview, Texas, as an associate. Xxavier Carter is a North Texas-based artist. In June, his collage Start Livin in a New World 2020 was on exhibit at the Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas. Ashlyn Lee curated the Time and Temperature contemporary ceramic exhibition at El Centro College Art Gallery, in Dallas, where she serves as director. She holds an M.F.A. degree from SMU. Austin Kent is the Dallas franchise owner of Self Made Training Facility (SMTF), which will open in August in the Dallas Design District. SMTF employs personal fitness trainers as independent contractors, who run and operate their businesses out of the facility. Also working at the facility are Jarret Spencer (’16) and Justin Sorrell (’12). Tiffany Lustig co-founded Park Lane Pantry. The company’s gluten-free granola products recently expanded to Central Market. James Proche was selected as wide receiver by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL draft. Allie Thornton, a former member of SMU’s women’s soccer team, signed a professional contract to play overseas with French club HAC Feminines in Le Havre, located in northern France’s Normandy region. During her four years of playing soccer for the Mustangs, she was named to the American Athletic Conference First Team four times, AAC All-Tournament Team twice, United Soccer Coaches All-Region Team twice and earned a United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-Region Honor. Tri T. Truong joined law firm Munck Wilson Mandala as a litigation associate in its Dallas office. Lidya Winnie launched Konjo Beauty, a line of natural skin care products inspired by women of color. Winnie recounts the inspiration for her beauty brand in a recent D Magazine profile. See the story at dmagazine.com. Carson D. Wright starred as Dr. Sanderson in Water Tower Theatre’s Harvey in February.

’20

Nathalie Alfonso is one of six artists chosen by the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth to have their work placed on billboards in under-served communities. Her work, Banner Anatomy, 2020, was featured at 6602 Lancaster Ave. on the outskirts of downtown Fort Worth. She earned her M.F.A. from SMU. Jerry Crayton joined Dallas-based Sunwest Communications public relations firm as a multimedia and account coordinator. Crayton is a U.S. Navy veteran, and holds a bachelor of arts from SMU. Molly Searcy has joined the Diane and Hal Brierley Resident Acting company for the 2020-21 season at Dallas Theater Center. She will appear in High School Play: A Nostalgia Fest, A Christmas Carol and The Sound of Music.

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’90

Ted Botner was promoted to executive vice president and general counsel at Murphy Oil Corp. in El Dorado, Arkansas. He joined the firm in 2001. Stacey Dickenson Cox was recently elected chair of the Board of Trustees of the Tri Delta Foundation. Doreen J. Oberg published Mile Markers, an autobiography of her spiritual journey. Andy Smith is the executive director of the Texas Instruments Foundation. He has worked with United Way, Dallas Theater Center, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Dallas Symphony, Dallas Museum of Art and many others. He’s also working to support the communities where Texas Instruments does business globally. Mary Upshaw joined Origami Risk as head of professional service. Based in London, she serves business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa for the risk, safety and insurance software firm. Upshaw holds two bachelor’s degrees from SMU.

’91

Bruce Hendrick has joined the Dallas office of Carrington, Coleman, Sloman & Blumenthal, LLP as a partner, focusing on business transactions within Texas. Before launching his legal practice, he had a successful career on Wall Street, closing deals for Fortune 100 companies while with Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan and Citigroup. He earned a J.D. degree from Dedman School of Law. Charlie Rozes joined IG Group Holdings PLC as its executive director and chief financial officer.

’92

Claire Babineaux-Fontenot was the featured speaker at the University of Louisiana – Lafayette fall 2019 commencement. She is the CEO of Feeding America. Ann Marie Cowdrey joined law firm Shearman and Sterling as a partner in its Dallas office. Scott A. Meyer (J.D. ’99), a member of the SMU tennis team from 1989-1992 and an SMU Lettermen’s Association member, joined Holmes Firm PC in Dallas as a shareholder. He is married to Sherry E. Meyer (J.D. ’00); they have 15-year-old triplets. Melissa Morris Zaino has been director of benefits and human resource systems for Thrive Skilled Pediatric Care in Wakefield, Massachusetts, since August 2017. She received her Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) designation from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Programs and The Wharton School in August 2018. Molly Wood, senior creative services manager at Meredith Corporation, exhibited her botanical photography at several galleries and museums in Iowa. Wood holds an M.A. degree from SMU.

’93

Brian S. Baker joined the security software firm Calipsa as vice president of the Americas. Pastor Richie Butler has joined St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church in Dallas as senior pastor. He previously served as senior pastor at St. Paul United Methodist Church in the Dallas Arts District.  Lisa Burke Ellis-James joined law firm Ogletree Deakins as COO in its Greenville, S.C. office. Robert Dunkin II (M.B.A. ’02) was named Board Chair for the Boys and Girls Club of Palm Beach County. He is a partner and regional managing director at Cresset Capital Management LLC in West Palm Beach. Greg Hill (M.L.A. ’97), an educator since 2001 at Mesquite ISD’s Dr. John D. Horn High School teaching AP Human Geography, World History and American Cultural Studies, has been named 2020 International Educator of the Year (IEY) by the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth. In 2016, Hill was named a distinguished teacher (K-12) by the National Council for Geographic Education. The following year, he spent a month in Ecuador and Peru as the only social studies teacher in the Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad Program with the Center for Latin American Studies. Jason Kulas joined EZCORP, Inc. as its president and CFO. The firm is a leading provider of pawn loans in the United States and Latin America. Kristina Kloberdanz, the chief sustainability officer at Mastercard, was named to Greenbiz media’s 2020 list of women shaking up the climate movement. Kimberly Martinez joined Voices for Children–CASA of the Brazos Valley as its executive director. Voices for Children is a non-profit child advocacy organization for children in foster care. James Michael Nolan, Jr. joined the Board of Directors of Guaranty Bancshares, Inc. He is co-founder of Proterra Properties, a real estate firm and investment management company in Dallas. Kathryn “Kit” Sawers is the president of Klyde Warren Park in Dallas. A recent D Magazine profile touts her role in the continued success of the city’s public greenspace. She holds a J.D. from SMU. Rahsaan W. Thompson joined Gritstone Oncology, Inc. as its executive vice president and general counsel. The clinical-stage biotechnology firm is located in Emeryville, California.

’94

Derrick Bolton was promoted to associate dean of external relations at Standford Graduate School of Business. Bolton has been with the school since 2001. Michelle Boros joined KDMX-FM 102.9 radio, in Dallas, as the weekday morning drive host. Nora Woodman joined the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites as chief development officer, bringing more than 25 years of development and fundraising experience. She earned a master’s degree in arts administration and an M.B.A. from SMU.

’95

Cathleen O’Brien Dolt has returned to the Hilltop to serve as the student involvement coordinator in SMU’s Division of Student Affairs. Jeff Eckert was promoted to head of office leasing at JLL, a commercial real estate services firm where he has worked for 13 years. Craig B. Hays has joined KPMG as a managing director and leads the firm’s cloud engineering practice. Dr. Jody Sowell has been promoted to managing director of strategic initiatives for the Missouri Historical Society.

’96

Diana Aguirre joined the Board of Directors of High-Tech High Heels–Texas Chapter. The non-profit organization aims to close the gender gap in STEM fields. Aguirre is director of development and alumni relations at the University of Texas at Dallas Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science. Christopher I. Clark joined law firm Fox Rothschild as managing partner in its Dallas office. Tomeka Moses Herod has been appointed to the Texas Medical Board by Gov. Greg Abbott. She is the president of telecommunications firm The Wilkins Group, Inc. based in Allen, Texas. Dmitriy Litvak joined the business asset and valuation appraisal firm Hilco Valuation Services as senior vice president. Damon Rowe was selected to lead the Internal Revenue Service Fraud Enforcement Office in Washington, D.C. Rowe holds a Master of Laws from SMU, and has worked for the IRS since 1998. Kathryn Stieber was appointed secretary of DePaul University by its Board of Trustees. She also assumed the role of vice president and general counsel. Stieber has served as assistant university secretary since 2019 and as deputy general counsel since 2007. She joined the university in 2005. Stieber earned her J.D. from SMU.

’97

David Cramer joined Austin, Texas-based CPA Global as its CEO, Software and Data. Danan Healy Tsan performed at the faculty recital for Hamilton College, where she is the interim director of Choral Activities. She regularly performs in the Syracuse, N.Y. area and also teaches and directs singers at LeMoyne College. Chris Schwegmann became a named partner at law firm Lynn Pinker Hurst & Schwegmann in Dallas. Schwegmann has been with the firm since 2005.

’98

Heather Del Bosco Centurioni, a certified health and wellness coach, was awarded 2019 Coach of the Year for generating $1 million in revenue for Code Red Lifestyle & Nutrition, a first for any coach at the company. Each day, she trains thousands of people via live video. Alison Ream Griffin was appointed by Colorado Governor Jared Polis to serve on the Board of Trustees for Colorado Mesa University. She is employed by Whiteboard Advisors, a social impact agency where she is involved with the higher education policy practice. She also is a regular columnist with Forbes magazine. Adrianne Jones was named chief admissions officer at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She earned her M.L.A. from SMU and is working on her doctoral degree in higher education leadership, management and policy from Walden University. Summer Loveland joined home improvement firm Nation’s Best Holdings, LLC as its chief financial officer. Andrew Marsh received the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Industry Executive Award for 2019 from the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Industry Association. Marsh is the CEO of New York-based fuel cell manufacturer Plug Power. Sharon Snowton retired after 27 years in public education due to a cancer diagnosis. Since then, she has worked part time as an adjunct at Cedar Valley College. She also has participated in workshops to continue training bilingual and ESL teachers, worked with her local teachers’ union for the advancement of education, participated in Democratic Party activities and helped people learn the Spanish language. She also returned to college to work on another master’s degree in school counseling. She earned her Master of Bilingual Education from SMU. Dr. Christine Joy Tan was promoted to president of Grace Christian College, in Quezon City, Philippines. She had served as the school’s executive vice president.

’99

Austin DeVaney joined Piedmont Lithium Limited as its vice president of sales and marketing. The battery-grade lithium hydroxide producer is based in Belmont, North Carolina. Malcolm R. Gage Jr. was promoted to general manager at Park Place Motorcars in Arlington. The luxury brands dealership has locations throughout North Texas. Brent Gleeson contributed an essay to Forbes magazine, recounting his path to becoming a U.S. Navy SEAL. Gleeson is an acclaimed keynote speaker and author of the book Taking Point: 10 Fail Safe Principles for Leading through Change. Cory Johnson, of counsel at Dallas-based litigation firm Lynn Pinker Hurst & Schwegmann LLP, was recognized as a Super Lawyer “Rising Star” in business litigation from 2015-17. Louis Olerio opened Shayna’s Place, a fast-casual restaurant in Dallas’ Oak Cliff neighborhood. Pat Pefley was promoted to deputy director of strategic engagement for the Machine-assisted Analytic Rapid-repository System (MARS) Program with the Defense Intelligence Agency in Washington, D.C. She earned her EMBA from SMU’s Cox School of Business. Matthew Pierre joined Nashville-based Loden Vision Centers as CEO. The company is Tennessee’s leading iDesign LASIK provider.

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’80

Kim Hutchins joined commercial real estate firm Kidder Mathews as senior vice president at its Bellevue, Washington office. Dr. Paul N. Renton was named a 2020 Fellow of the American College of Radiology. He is president of Radiology Associates of Wichita Falls in Texas. Linda Weinfield received the 2019 Paul Johnson Service Award from the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and Foundation to recognize her outstanding volunteer and service. Weinfield practices dental care in Oak Lawn, Ill.

’81

Steven L. McDonald joined Titan Bank N.A., in Dallas, as president and CEO. Carol Mani Johnston was named to the Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors 2020 list for her work at UBS Global Wealth Management. Raymond W. Schutts and Caroline G. Seay, who continued their college friendship across the country from one another for more than 35 years with once-a-year Christmas card letters, reunited and were married on July 16, 2019. They live in Louisville, Kentucky. Regina Taylor, award-winning actress and playwright, was inducted into the Texas Institute of Letters (TIL) as a member of the 2020 Distinguished Writers class. The Black Alumni of SMU Board also selected her as the 2020 History Maker Award recipient, recognizing her at the Black Excellence Ball in February. She currently serves as a member of the Meadows Executive Board. Jennifer Wise Kimball (J.D. ’84) was named Board Chair of the New Mexico Tourism Commission. She has served as an at-large commissioner for seven years. Jana Russell was named executive director of Kilgore Economic Development Corp., where she has worked since 2009.

’82

Liz Martin Armstrong and Bill Armstrong have endowed the Armstrong Visiting Artist-in-Residence in Ballet at Meadows School of the Arts for the 2020-21 academic year, filled by acclaimed dancer and choreographer Silas Farley, who retired from New York City Ballet in May after eight years with the company. Bill serves on SMU’s Board of Trustees and Liz serves on the Executive Board of Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences. Their past contributions to SMU include gifts for the Armstrong Residential Commons and Armstrong Fieldhouse, part of SMU’s Indoor Performance Center. Gina Elder Betts, a partner at the Dallas Law firm Dorsey, is a business partner for the The Hopemore, the first specialty spa in Dallas-Fort Worth to specialize in services for those experiencing injury, illness or elective procedures. The spa is located in Neiman Marcus’ downtown Dallas store. Martin Flanagan has joined SMU’s Board of Trustees. He is the president and CEO of Invesco Ltd., in Atlanta. He received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2019.  Tracy Harrison published a book of poetry The Fruit of Love and Grief, by Finishing Line Press.

’83

Antonio O. Garza was inducted into the University of Texas’ McCombs School of Business Hall of Fame. Garza serves on the SMU Board of Trustees. He received the SMU Distinguished Alumni Award in 2007 and the Dedman Law Distinguished Alumni Award in 2001. Garza is a director of the Americas Society/Council of the Americas, member of the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) and COMEXI, the CFR’s Mexican counterpart. He has been honored with the “Aguila Azteca,” the Mexican government’s highest honor bestowed upon a foreign national. Jane Kiernan joined the Board of Directors of Endologix, Inc., a developer and marketer of innovative treatments for aortic disorders. Kiernan is co-founder of K2 Biotechnology Ventures investment firm, which focuses on university and medical center innovations. Monika Linehan, an Oklahoma-based figurative artist, was among 145 artists worldwide to be included in the Strokes of Genius 11: Finding Beauty annual drawing competition. She is a professor of art at Cameron University in Lawton, Okla. Chris C. Paul joined real estate firm Colliers International as an executive vice president in its Dallas office.

’84

Juli Eckleberry Dewar is one of three new owners of 3 Marthas, a Texas brand offering hand-sewn baby products to consumers. Dewar serves as the brand’s head of design and product development. Eric Dickerson was selected for the College Football Hall of Fame. The NFL Hall of Famer is a former Mustang All-American player and a member of SMU’s famed Pony Express. As a student-athlete, Dickerson led the Mustangs to back-to-back Southwest Conference titles. Randy Laser has joined Monaker Group, Inc., a technology leader in the travel and vacation rental markets, in the new position of vice president, products and revenue management. Larry McCord is in his 13^th year as a full-time faculty member in the music department of Hill College in Hillsboro, Texas, and in his sixth year as Minister of Music at First United Methodist Church Red Oak. Recent career highlights include winning two Faculty Study Grants to research the ’60s-’70s music scene in Los Angeles and to attend the Association for Popular Music Education Conference in New York City. He also received the Champion of Hill College Award for his work with the first class of students at the new Burleson Collegiate High School. Paula Selzer published the biography, Adolphe Gouhenant: French Revolutionary, Utopian Leader, and Texas Frontier Photographer (UNT Press, 2019). Wendy Williams Whiteman (J.D. ’87), an elder law attorney, has published Creative Caregiving and Beyond: Helping Mom and Dad.

’85

Angela Braly, a former top corporate executive, is the founder of The Policy Circle, a national nonprofit that aims to bypass partisanship by bringing together women in the same community “to learn from fact-based research and strengthen their voices in public policy dialogue.” Jack B. Blount joined Intrusion, Inc., a cybersecurity products provider, as its president and CEO. John L. Briggs joined the commercial real estate firm Cresa Dallas as senior vice president. John Chrisman has returned to Dallas after 30 years abroad. He works as a partner at Norton Rose Fulbright. Dr. Barbara L. Dutrow (M.S. ’80) was honored by gemological researchers who named the newly discovered mineral species Dutrowite in her honor. Dutrow is the Gerald Cire and Lena Grand Williams Alumni Professor in the Department of Geology and Geophysics at Louisiana State University. Henry H. Moomaw III joined U.S. Oral Surgery Management as chief financial officer in its Irving, Texas office. Suzanne Parker Devoe spoke at the Colleton Museum and Farmers Market in Walterboro, South Carolina. She regularly speaks about women’s history and the suffrage movement. George Killebrew was named the new League Commissioner of Major League Rugby, which will grow to 12 teams in 2020 as it enters the third season. He was the former executive vice president and chief revenue officer of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks. He served 27 years with the Mavericks in sales, marketing, ticket sales, corporate activation and arena management. He also has worked for SMU Athletics, the Dallas Sidekicks indoor soccer, Professional Sports Publications and Learfield Communications. He currently is chair of the SMU Alumni Board. Joan Sharp joined the Board of Directors of Easterseals Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore. She is the founder of financial planning firm River Family Advisers, LLC in Wilmington, Del. Jean Streepey has been appointed to the Texas State Board for Educator Certification by Gov. Greg Abbott. She is a seventh-grade math teacher at Highland Park ISD.

’86

David Haley has joined SMU’s Board of Trustees. He is the president of HBK Capital Management, in Fort Worth, Texas. Jeff Hawn joins investment firm Clayton, Dubilier and Rice as a partner in its New York office. Marcia Stolee Zeidler was named state chair (Minnesota) of the Lawyer-Pilots Bar Association in May. In January, she was honored by her alma mater, William Mitchell College of Law, St. Paul, Minnesota, as its 2020 “Traditions of Excellence” speaker. She is an attorney and a professional pilot, flying for 3M. In August 2019, she was upgraded from the rank of captain to international captain for 3M Aviation. She is 3M’s only female pilot and the only female captain in the 70-year history of 3M’s aviation department.

’87

Penelope Logan Furry has been appointed chair of the development task force for the new Coppell Arts Center. The $20 million facility opened in May.

’88

Suzanne Galvin has joined the law office of Thompson Coburn in St. Louis with her husband, John Galvin, from the firm formerly known as Fox Galvin LLC. The Rev. David Henry has published three choral compositions in the past year: Mustard Seed Faith (published by Chorister’s Guild, of Dallas) and Shout for Joy! and Music When Soft Voices Die (both published by Alliance Music Publishers, of Houston). Michael Mansbridge joined Colorado-based Sensi Media Group LLC as its president. Kathleen Mulligan recently performed the one-woman show The Belle of Amherst by William Luce at the Zoukak Theatre in Beirut, Lebanon. Mulligan and director Dr. Norm Johnson were guests of The American University in Beirut. Upon return to her home in Ithaca, New York, Mulligan performed the play at The Cherry Arts’ festival of one-woman shows, “Listen to Her.” Thomas Warsop joined the workers compensation provider One Call as CEO.

’89

John M. Carradine joined Surgical Notes, a nationwide provider of revenue cycle services and solutions for the ambulatory surgery center (ASC) and surgical hospital markets, as CFO. Dr. Mary Norman was named among D Magazine’s list of Best Doctors in 2019, the eighth consecutive year she has received this honor. Norman is the medical director and staff physician at Erickson Living senior living community in Dallas. Brian Ragsdale joined Pacific Oak Capital Advisors LLC as its executive vice president of Asset Management. He oversees loan origination and underwriting. John Ratcliffe was confirmed by the United States Senate as director of national intelligence. He had served as a Congressman from Texas. Sean M. Walsh has joined the Bloomfield Hills, Mich., law firm of Plunkett Cooney in its Commercial Litigation Practice Group.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container][fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”mainAdvertisement” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” overlay_color=”” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”20px” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”20px” padding_left=”” admin_label=”SMU Advertisement”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” dimension_margin=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_widget_area name=”avada-custom-sidebar-postadvertisement” background_color=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”postAdvertisement” id=”” /][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

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’70

Mickey Henry was presented with the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by Consul General of France Alexi Andres during a formal ceremony in December. This medal from the French Government, one of France’s highest awards to citizens, recognized Henry’s 20 years of volunteer activities involving the promotion of French arts and culture while working on the board of directors of The Awty International School and The Texan-French Alliance for the Arts, both located in Houston.

’72

David B. Miller was featured in a D CEO magazine retrospective on the centennial anniversary of SMU’s Cox School of Business. Miller is co-founder and managing partner of EnCap Investments L.P., a member of the SMU Board of Trustees and a major University benefactor. See the story at dmagazine.com. Gary Wilkes retired in May from the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera Association as conductor of its youth symphony orchestra. He joined the organization in 1993.

’73

Shelle Jacobs Sills retired from retail and fashion consulting with Dallas-based Headington Companies. Her 40-year career includes ownership of retailer The Gazebo and executive positions at Neiman Marcus. Kim Titus (M.F.A. ’82) starred as Dr. Chumley in WaterTower Theatre’s Harvey in February. The Dallas actor has previously performed with WaterTower, Stolen Shakespeare Guild and Circle Theatre.

’74

Bruce Robson has joined SMU’s Board of Trustees. He is managing partner of financial planning firm Robvest, in Dallas. Billie Ida Williamson was featured in a D CEO magazine retrospective on the centennial anniversary of SMU’s Cox School of Business. Williamson was one of the first women to be named partner at international accounting firm Ernst & Young, where she worked for 33 years. See the story at dmagazine.com.

’75

Gerald Alley, president and CEO of Con-Real, LP, was inducted into the 2020 Arkansas Business Hall of Fame. Recently, he was featured in a D CEO magazine retrospective on the centennial anniversary of SMU’s Cox School of Business. See the story at dmagazine.com. Michael Lynn was named to the Dallas 500, a special edition produced by D CEO Magazine featuring the region’s most influential business leaders. He is a founder of Dallas commercial litigation firm Lynn Pinker Cox and Hurst LLP. Lynn received the Dedman Law Distinguished Alumni Award in 2019. The Hon. John McClellan Marshall, senior district judge, co-authored Precedent in The Judicial Process, recently published by the Marie Curie-Skłodowska University Press in Lublin, Poland. He earned a J.D. degree from SMU. Dr. Rad Orlandi sold his Florida dental practice in 2009 after 30 years in clinical dentistry. In 2013, he graduated from Asbury Theological Seminary in Orlando, and was ordained a deacon in full connection in the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. He serves at First United Methodist Church of Port St. Lucie.

’76

Albert Axe, Jr. joined law firm McGinnis Lochridge as a partner in its Austin office. He specializes in representing business and industrial clients in environmental and administrative litigation, regulatory, and legislative matters. Axe holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from SMU. Hal Boyle recently launched his seventh small business, Triad Trolleys, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Paul Schlosberg joined the Board of Directors of OrgHarvest, Inc. He is the managing partner of Coal I LLC, an investment and professional services company. Dr. J. Patrick Walker was named the James C. Thompson Distinguished Chair in Surgery at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. He currently serves as surgical director of perioperative services, vice chair for surgical operations and associate program director of the surgical residency. He is a past director of the American Board of Surgery and a current governor of the American College of Surgery.

’77

Curt Anderson, president of Busey Wealth Management, was profiled in the Central Illinois News-Gazette as an outstanding local leader. See his story at news-gazette.com/business.

’78

Jennifer Burr Altabef (J.D. ’81), a Dallas civic and philanthropic leader, has joined the SMU Board of Trustees. She received the Distinguished Service Award in 2019. Stephen Bonner retired in July as Cleveland County associate district judge in Norman, Oklahoma. He had served since 2003. David R. Cassidy, of counsel and a board-certified tax law specialist with the Baton Rouge firm Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, L.L.P., was listed in the 2020 edition of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business for Louisiana. He also was named to the 2020 edition of Louisiana Super Lawyers. He received his L.L.M. degree from Dedman School of Law.  Sandra Jansak Doran joined Bay Path University as its sixth president. Barbara J. Houser was selected as president of the American Bankruptcy Institute Board of Directors, for which she will serve a one-year term. She is the chief judge for the United States Bankruptcy Court in the northern district of Texas. Jeff A. Jones joined the Board of Directors for Whitestone REIT in Houston. He is the managing director at financial services firm Stephens Inc. James “Hacksaw” Duggan performed a solo stand-up show at the Vaudeville Mews in Des Moines, Iowa, and also hosted the 46th annual Variety Telethon – Children’s Charity. The organization serves underprivileged and at-risk special needs children throughout Iowa. Gary Sloan, an actor and drama professor who recently retired from Catholic University in Washington, D.C., staged a reading of King Lear on Zoom on April 23, Shakespeare’s 456^th birthday. The reading raised funds for food pantries near Yardley, Pennsylvania, where Sloan lives, and others nationwide.  Arlene C. Thompson-Brantley, vice president of Rudi Steele Travel in Dallas, was nominated as a Virtuoso Most Admired USA Travel Advisor in 2017 and 2019 at the annual Virtuoso Travel Week Conference held in Las Vegas, Nevada. Rebecca Oberthier Winn is the author of One Hundred Daffodils: Finding Beauty, Grace, and Meaning When Things Fall Apart. The literary memoir was bought at auction and published by Grand Central Publishing/Hachette Book Group and was released worldwide in March. She is the multiple-award winning owner of Whimsical Gardens, a boutique residential landscape design firm in Dallas, and the creator of the inspirational Facebook blog Whimsical Gardens, which has over 600,000 followers. Steve R. Wolfe (M.B.A. ’81) was promoted to president, Metro Markets at Extraco Bank, where has worked for 12 years.

’79

Ken Hensley joined Fort Worth, Texas-based Ulrich Barn Builders, LLC as its CFO. John High (M.B.A. ’80) joined ServingIntel Inc., a hospitality technology firm, as business development manager in its Denver office.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container][fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”mainAdvertisement” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” overlay_color=”” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”20px” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”20px” padding_left=”” admin_label=”SMU Advertisement”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” dimension_margin=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_widget_area name=”avada-custom-sidebar-postadvertisement” background_color=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”postAdvertisement” id=”” /][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

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’60

Joseph M. “Jody” Grant and his wife, Sheila Peterson Grant (’62), were named among the Dallas Morning News Texan of the Year finalists for their work to bring Klyde Warren Park to fruition in Dallas. The deck park has become a beloved community space and a model for cities around the world.

’68

Robert “Bob” Goodrich was inducted into the Dallas ISD Athletic Hall of Fame. An award-winning TV sports producer, Goodrich worked for ABC Sports, ESPN and NFL Network. His credits include Monday Night Football, the Super Bowl, the Olympic Games and other major sports broadcasts.

’69

Kathy Bates received an Academy Award nomination as best actress in a supporting role for the movie Richard Jewell. It was Bates fourth nomination. In 1991, she won the Best Actress award for her role in the movie Misery. Stan Moore (J.D. ’73) joined business and entertainment law firm Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton, LLP in the Dallas office. He specializes in patent and trademark law. Jan Pickle was named to the Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors 2020 list for her work at UBS Global Wealth Management.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container][fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”mainAdvertisement” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” overlay_color=”” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”20px” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”20px” padding_left=”” admin_label=”SMU Advertisement”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” dimension_margin=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_widget_area name=”avada-custom-sidebar-postadvertisement” background_color=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”postAdvertisement” id=”” /][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

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’51

The Hon. Sam Johnson, retired United States Congressman, inspired the name for a new school in Prosper, Texas. Sam Johnson Elementary School opened in August, and welcomed students in K-5th grades in Prosper ISD.

’59

Carol Kenney McCullough (M.A. ’60) received the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award by Marquis Who’s Who, recognizing her leadership in education and administration. Now retired, McCullough’s career accomplishments include teaching positions at Barrington College and Villanova University. At Princeton University, she served as assistant dean at the School of Engineering and manager of the History department.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container][fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”mainAdvertisement” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” overlay_color=”” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”20px” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”20px” padding_left=”” admin_label=”SMU Advertisement”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” dimension_margin=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_widget_area name=”avada-custom-sidebar-postadvertisement” background_color=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”postAdvertisement” id=”” /][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

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Paul McDonald Harris, B.S. ’39, M.A. ’47, will celebrate his 100th birthday on Sunday, January 28, 2018, with family and friends.

Born in 1918, three years after SMU’s first classes began in Dallas Hall in fall 1915, Harris grew up in University Park, one block north of the University campus.

Three other members of his immediate family were also SMU alumni. His father, the late Joseph (Joe) Pollard Harris, B.S. ’27, M.A. ’30, served as superintendent of Dallas County Schools. His older sister, the late Fredna Jane Harris Davis, B.A. ’32, was a longtime elementary school teacher in the Dallas Independent School District. His older brother, the late Dr. Joseph Pollard Harris, Jr., B.A. ’34, served SMU for many years as an educator and administrator. He was a biology professor for 30 years, dean of the School of Humanities and Sciences (1963–1971) and SMU vice provost (1971–1973).

After earning his undergraduate degree, Paul Harris became a public school teacher in Grand Prairie, Texas, before enlisting in the U.S. Army during World War II. Following his military service, Harris was a longtime principal at Woodrow Wilson High School in Dallas, retiring as an administrator at Skyline High School. A talented and gifted artist, Harris has enjoyed watercolor painting for many years, and his creations have won numerous awards.

Harris and his wife, Clara Anderson Harris, live in Dallas and will celebrate their 67th wedding anniversary in June. They are the proud parents of four children: the late Lee Ann Harris, Paul M. Harris, Jr., Jeff A. Harris and Nancy Harris Files. The Harrises also have eight grandchildren and a great-granddaughter, born January 16, 2018. They are longtime members of Highland Park United Methodist Church.

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Ilana Edell has been named director of business development by the National Association of Sports Commissions.

A veteran of the sports events and tourism industry, she has been involved in various aspects of the business from event management to media relations to conventions. Edell has worked in media relations with the Dallas Desperados from the Arena Football League, as well as the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys. She received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from SMU.

Most recently, Edell served as the business development director for SportsTravel magazine and the TEAMS Conference & Expo, where she worked for more than 10 years specializing in client services, partner relationships, and revenue generation.

“We are thrilled to have someone of Ilana’s experience joining NASC,” said Al Kidd, president and CEO of NASC. “As our organization looks to expand its mission in the sport events and tourism industry, Ilana will be a key part of our growth.”

“I am honored to be joining the NASC during an exciting time in the sports events and tourism industry,” said Edell.

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