Now Mag Fall 21_Singles_Digital

backyard. And Longview, Texas, is a gift of a are alive & well, and make East Texas, more for local school children. (Let the record location, perhaps now more than ever. than ever, a desirable launchpad for our grads. show, I once won $5.00 for some rudimentary hand warmers, following in my older sister’s Location, Location, The Longview plant was R.G.’s last to shadow after her toothbrush timer victory). Location establish. His previous manufacturing Our family went to church on Mobberly facilities were in Peoria, Illinois; Toccoa, Avenue, and countless members had their Texas entered 2021 as the world’s ninth Georgia; Rydalmere, New South Wales, own origin stories that involved LeTourneau largest economy, according to data from the Australia; and Vicksburg, Mississippi. But drawing them to Longview. Even in these International Monetary Fund, and a recent it was here in Longview that R.G. & Evelyn initial experiences, it was clear. There was Forbes report ranks Texas first in the nation chose to root. Sure, they traveled extensively, something different about that LeTourneau for its growth prospects. Consult the myriad but ‘The Dean of Earthmoving’ made East crowd. Little did I know, I’d become a part articles citing reasons people are relocating Texas, and LeTourneau University, home. It’s of it. families and businesses to the Lone Star State, a great choice, in my biased opinion. and common themes appear repeatedly: job A portrait of R.G. hangs in my office. I’m opportunities, affordable housing, reasonable Growing up here, so many of the historical honestly not sure of its provenance, but I get cost of living, diversity, family-friendliness, figures in this city’s past were names I knew a kick out of his toothy grin and iconic glasses recreation aplenty, manageable traffic, and from signs around town: Methvin, Estes, supervising my daily work. It reminds me of proximity to some of the largest cities in and Pegues (the first postmaster). I ‘met’ what I love about this place, its history, and of America with the highest standard of living. LeTourneau as a kid, jumping in the new the thousands of divinely orchestrated details The same opportunity and practical promise Solheim pool for a birthday party here and to shape the institution we know and love—in our municipal and university founders saw there or being bussed over, past the domes, a town so aligned with equal promise. for the university’s annual invention contest There's something about recognizable.Letourneau that will always be FALL 2021 51



LeTourneau University is a committed academic ministry that continues to lead within Christian higher education. Our unique organizational saga positions our university to confront some of the world’s most significant challenges and pursue opportunities that serve students and prepare them to engage their workplaces around the world for the sake of the Gospel message. The university's new three-year strategic plan is a reflection of this aim—and critical needs required to meet it in ways only we can. Its creation is a culmination of months of hard work and engaged conversations with campus leaders and members of the Board of Trustees. As alumni and friends of the institution, you have helped build LeTourneau University into what it is today, and we value your engagement as we move ahead together. Our new strategic plan embraces four mission critical objectives that guide the university’s key priorities and initiatives: Academic Excellence & Ingenuity; Financial Strength, Stewardship, & Growth; Diversity & Hospitality; and Campus Culture, Health, & Well-Being. Details of our plan and updates on strategic progress may be found at letu.edu/strategicplan. Among these strategic planning resources is our institutional call to prayer. Developed by Dr. Pat Mays, Campus Pastor, this weekly prayer guide is based on the Lord’s Prayer. The prayer plan is also presented on the strategic planning webpage. Please join us in praying for our university, our students, our faculty, our staff, and our alumni. God has called each of us to His work during this very tumultuous time in our world. We embrace this extraordinary responsibility with humility and pray for God’s wisdom, discernment, and blessing as we steward this incredible gift we know as LeTourneau University. FALL 2021 53

The LeTourneau University 2021-2024 Strategic Plan LeTourneau University has inherited a unique educational calling—a calling informed by our university identity as ‘The Christian Polytechnic University.’ This identity is a product of our distinct mission that articulates who we are and what we are called to do as an organization: We are a one-of-a-kind institution of higher learning (The) because of our abiding commitment to the Gospel story (Christian) in offering a technology- centric (Polytechnic) education, where all academic disciplines and community practices align for the common good (University). As we celebrate 75 years as an institution and embark on the next three, our priorities center upon this unifying identity and purpose. It guides our path, aligns our work, and presses us forward. With a solidified vision for who we are called to be, the future is clear. It is our obligation to flourish, to expand the ways and means through which God can use our campus community to impact His Kingdom. The Strategic Plan of LeTourneau University expresses a vision developed in partnership with our faculty, staff, students, alumni, parents, and friends. It reflects our institutional values. Four mission-critical objectives emerged as our focus as we established our three-year goals—essential steps required to bring our collective calling to life. These four MCOs are an enduring charge, a collective compass that supersedes one planning cycle and articulates our abiding aspirations and commitments. While our tactics will vary and our goals will evolve, our future strategic developments and initiatives will adhere to these foundational themes. We are confident in God’s proven, unwavering faithfulness and come together to own the next chapter in our institutional saga. LeTourneau University will be a community recognized for: 54 LETOURNEAU NOW

LeTourneau University will lean into its uniqueness as the destination for Christian polytechnic education, with an ever-deepening commitment to academic excellence & ingenuity. We commit to offering academic programs that fulfill our educational promises and advance our institutional identity. This requires continual reinvestment in an academic enterprise that offers students dynamic educational experiences—both commensurate with a changing world of technology & innovation and reflective of the identity & experiences of ‘The Christian Polytechnic University.’ Central goals include reimagining our general education curriculum to robustly reflect our identity through a thoughtful mix of technical & applied courses in the liberal arts & sciences, as well as a “Polytechnic Core.” We will also strategically invest in existing academic programs with the highest potential for enrollment growth. LeTourneau University will be an organization known for financial strength, growth & stewardship, where thoughtful business strategies benefit students and set the institution up for future success. We will prioritize strategies that foster financial sustainability and independence to negotiate external threats to Christian higher education. Areas of focus will include initiatives to grow financial health in the areas of academic programs, auxiliary enterprises, and capital management & fundraising. Central goals include establishing the largest comprehensive campaign in university history and strengthening the university’s financial position with annual net income gains. Campaign priorities will be informed by our strategic plan goals, as well as capital & facility needs, program needs, faculty support, & endowed scholarship needs. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEREMIAH SHEPHERD FALL 2021 55

LeTourneau University will be a multi-cultural community that values the diversity of God’s creation while answering Christ’s call for unity. Embodying hospitality toward diverse communities we seek to serve, we will prepare people, not just professionals, to love God and neighbor. Our students will know the theology of diversity and develop cultural competence. The entirety of our campus community will reflect the diversity of our region and experience a strengthening familial relationship with our Longview neighbors. *Central goals include increasing ethnic diversity & representation of women within the university community. Guides in development will include a university-adopted theological statement on diversity, grounded in scripture, and a biblically-centered cultural diversity & cultural competence audit.* LeTourneau University will be known for its efforts to address the health & wellness needs of students, faculty, & staff—a community where members band together to create a campus environment conducive to developing healthy people for a rapidly advancing technological world. It is well-accepted that young adults increasingly face significant mental health challenges; challenges that we will the resource and meet. We also aspire to be a workplace that pays close attention to organizational morale, health, and wellness, becoming a top workplace within the East Texas community and exemplifying the practices and behaviors that make it a career destination. *Central goals include expanding resources to support & treat student mental health through campus education, awareness, engagement, and provision of services. Simultaneously, we will advance positive employee engagement with workplace improvements and faculty & staff development efforts.* 56 LETOURNEAU NOW

Crafted by Pat Mays 2021 is a banner year in the history of LeTourneau University. We are celebrating our 75th anniversary; we are making a presidential transition; we are initiating a new strategic plan; and we are launching the largest capital campaign in the history of the university. Any one of these events is significant. The confluence of all four indicate momentous and joyful opportunities. We also face uncertain and challenging times as a Christian institution, in a world with strong, opposing forces to our mission. These challenges and opportunities present a crucial moment to trust in the power and provision of Jesus Christ. It is, therefore, prudent for us as a Christ-centered community to answer an intentional call to prayer. The three years that the disciples spent with Jesus in his ministry were intense. The entry of Jesus, God Incarnate, into the fabric of human history shook foundations and brought transformation both to corporate systems and individual lives. The disciples had a front row seat through it all. In the midst of those tumultuous times, Jesus prayed and taught his disciples to pray. The prayer that Jesus taught, the Lord’s Prayer, has remained a constant in the practice and worship of Christ’s followers down through history. It has become a kind of rock, an anchor, when the joys and the troubles of this world have threatened to overwhelm. As LeTourneau University boldly moves forward in faith, we place our confidence in the God who has led us in the past, leads us today, and will lead us into the future. Therefore, we, the people of LeTourneau University, are called to prayer for the 2021-2024 strategic plan. As was the case with the first disciples and with the historic church, we will be guided by the Lord’s Prayer. There are many good resources on the Lord's Prayer that we encourage you to access to go deeper as we pray as a university community. One example is N. T. Wright’s book, *The Lord and His Prayer*. It is a short, yet thoughtful, reflection on The Lord’s Prayer and will encourage us as a community as we intentionally pray together. In it, he focuses on the Lord's Prayer in six summary sections as follows. FALL 2021 57

A Summary Outline of the Lord's Prayer Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 11:2-4 I. OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN: The Lord’s Prayer invites us with boldness to address our heavenly Father as the true God of the universe. The One who holds all creative and sustaining power of the universe counts us as children. With this comforting address, we bow in worship to the only God who is worthy of glory and honor. II. THY KINGDOM COME: This first petition is a prayer of integration. God’s kingdom, indeed, will come, and there is no human act that can stop it. The prayer, then, is an obedient act of the human will to participate with God’s redemptive activity in the world. III. GIVE US THIS DAY: God confronts human greed with His grace. The prayer for bread, and all that it symbolizes, is both a petition for and a recognition of God’s blessings that He graciously offers His children. Thus, all of God’s blessing should be received with thanksgiving. IV. FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES: The plea for forgiveness is a reminder that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). The prayer reminds us that we are all prodigals, and God runs to us ready to offer forgiveness (Lk. 15:11-32). In turn, we should freely forgive others who have wronged us. V. DELIVER US FROM EVIL: The world is dark with temptation and evil. Christ’s followers are not called to remove themselves from the world, but rather to be sent by Christ into it so that theworld will know the Father (John 17). The need for protection from evil in this callingis real. VI. THE POWER AND THE GLORY: The concluding summation of the prayer clearly identifies that prayer is significant work that invites the establishment of the reign of God, a time and place in which creation is restored to its intended order. God is King, and He alone has the power to grant petitions, and He shall receive the glory. Using the Prayer Guide The Strategic Plan Prayer Guide is set up on a work-week schedule and incorporates the six sections of The Lord’s Prayer. On Tuesday through Friday, one of the four Mission Critical Objectives (MCO) of the Strategic Plan will be highlighted each day. As you pray through each section of the Lord’s Prayer, we encourage you to reflect on the amplifications that are offered for each MCO. Please feel free to use these words and offer your own. For Mondays, we encourage you to pray for the university and the Strategic Plan in a broader scope, as we seek to be salt and light in our communities and in the world at large. 58 LETOURNEAU NOW

Monday: Our World, Our Nation, Tuesday: MCO 1 - Academic Our Community Excellence And Ingenuity Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name— name— With both humility and boldness, we call on You, Our Father, the one, We thank You that our university calling invites us to use all our true, and holy God of the universe. As an extension of your love, You knowledge and skill for Your glory. We pray You will help us and have created this world, and You sustain it in Your mercy and power. guide us to recast, formulate, and execute academic programs for the May Your name reign supreme in our world, our nation, and our redemption and benefit of our students and all of Your creation. community. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven— is in heaven— We pray that You would inspire us to create academic programs that Your kingdom will, indeed, come. There is no earthly power or truly would enact Your kingdom on earth. Help us to build more than person that can stop it! Help us to be an obedient, insightful people, things. Help us also to build ideas, shape values, and mold lives that who joyfully participate where Your Spirit is moving mightily and move this earth toward restoration. who work for transformation in Your name where suffering and sin temporarily reign. May the leaders of our world, nation, and Give us this day our daily bread— community be agents of Your kingdom values. We humbly ask for continued provision as we seek to recast a robust General Education program. We will need monetary and human Give us this day our daily bread— resources to complete the task. Additionally, we ask for academic You are the Bread of Life, who provides us nourishment physically, programs that will grow. May they grow in number of students, in emotionally, and spiritually. As we are blessed, empower usto be Your influence around the globe, and in lives redeemed. servants in our world, nation, and community, bringing food to the hungry and Your saving word to all. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us— And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those Please forgive us for being often ungrateful for the blessings we have who trespass against us— received. We look to some institutions with jealously, and we sin. We Lord, You are the Good Shepherd who gave Your life for Your sheep. look to other institutions, and we puff up with sinful pride because we You did this while we were still sinners and prodigals, yet You ran to us have more. Lord, help us not only to be receivers of your forgiveness offering forgiveness and freeing us from guilt and shame. As recipients but also agents of your forgiveness to all who would seek to wrong us. of Your grace, help us in turn to be agents of Your grace in our world, nation, and community through our shared life and work. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil— And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from We pray that our academic programs will educate and enliven both evil— employees and students of LeTourneau University. We pray that Dear God, as followers of Christ, You send us into our world, our the outcomes and growth we hope for will shed light upon every nation, and our community in Hisfootsteps. As we engage with the workplace and every nation. temptation and evil that is present in these places, we ask for Your divine protection so that Your light will overcome the darkness. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever— For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the God, may our unique educational calling provide dynamic experiences glory forever— for LeTourneau University to make Your kingdom a reality; bringing God, You are the King! May Your kingdom reign in power and glory in due attention to who you are as King. each of our lives, in every thought and every decision, as we seek Your intended restoration of our world, our nation, and our community. FALL 2021 59

Wednesday: MCO 4 - Financial Thursday: MCO 3 - Diversity Strength, Growth and & Hospitality Stewardship Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name— name— The multi-faceted complexity of human cultures is emblematic of We honor and worship You as the Creator of the universe and all the Your amazing character, so rich and so robust. For this we honor and goodness that it holds. As we look to the future, we endeavor as Your glorify Your name throughout all the world to all peoples. children to continue to give You praise for the material blessings to come. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven— Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it May Your kingdom value of diversity reign on the campus of is in heaven— LeTourneau University, and may we be agents of Your kingdom in our We pray that the way we budget and spend the monetary resources world. We acknowledge this can only happen at the foot of the cross, we receive will be used to extend Your restoration across this world through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who is the only One who according to Your pleasure. can reconcile people to God and to each other. Give us this day our daily bread— Give us this day our daily bread— We ask that LeTourneau University be blessed with financial health. As We need Your help to increase ethnic diversity and representation we strive to use skillful strategies to maintain financial sustainability, of women in our university community. We need Your guidance to we also pray that You will move in the hearts of potential donors. We pursue radical hospitality that extends beyond our comfort zones. pray You will continue to stir the desire in us to use the resources to further LeTourneau University’s holy educational calling. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us— And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those We have sinned because we have not loved our neighbors as we have who trespass against us— loved ourselves. We are guilty of behavior that has built barriers Forgive us for greedily loving money more than we love You. We preventing under-represented groups from equally sharing in the too often think that financial abundance will be the solution to our blessings You have bestowed on us. We pray that You will empower us problems, and we neglect to seek You as our true hope. to be extensions of Your forgiving love to all the peoples of the world, both across the street and across the ocean. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil— And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from As we thoughtfully and intentionally engage the financial realm of evil— this world, please protect us from our desires that lead us astray and In the work of reconciliation and hospitality, we will encounter fear, from our enemies who seek to ensnare us. Let our desire for financial distrust, and evil, both inside and outside our campus community. independence be a platform for continued engagement with this world Help us to be bold when we face evil and untruth, and help us always rather than an effort to build a barricade between us and this world. to rely on You as our source of truth and goodness. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever— glory forever— When, in Your will, You choose to grant our desires, we commit to use As with every person from every nation and culture, You are our them for participation in Your redemptive plan for the world, and may Creator. In You we live, move, and have our being—for Your power all glory and power be Yours forevermore. and glory. With their voices, we join in their unending hymn: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.” 60 LETOURNEAU NOW

Friday: MCO 4 - Campus Culture, Health and Well-Being Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name— Help us at LeTourneau University—students, faculty, staff—to flourish in Your goodness through our work and studies. May we give You honor in all we do. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven— We ask You to be our King, the King of our mental and physical health. Help us to put aside our own willful choices, so that we may lean into Your will for our lives and for Your kingdom work in this world. Give us this day our daily bread— We ask You to provide the resources to meet our students’ mental health challenges and to make our workplace one where all employees flourish. As we strive toward mental, physical, and spiritual wholeness on our campus, please help us remember that You, and You alone, are the source of all truth and goodness. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us— Forgive us for not treating our students as whole people, thereby neglecting the mental anguish which many suffer. Forgive us, too, when we have contributed to poor morale by undermining and tearing down the LeTourneau University organization. As leaders, we are sorry for burdening our teams with unnecessary angst. As followers, we are sorry for shirking our responsibilities. Finally, we ask forgiveness for when we have made the concept of work an idol that speaks more about cultural values than godly kingdom value. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil— Please open our eyes that we may see the pain that many of our students and work colleagues carry. Empower us to be Your agents of healing. Use Your power and authority to rid our friends and ourselves of demonic evil, some that we have invited into our lives and some that have come uninvited. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever— We ask You to reign in us to bring healing and restoration to bodies, minds, and souls. We are faced with the question, “Who will you serve today?” May we always respond, “As for me, and my family, and my students, and my colleagues at LeTourneau University, we will serve the Lord.” May Your kingdom reign at LeTourneau University! FALL 2021 61

LET’S GO RACIN'! A SAGA OF CARS, CHARACTER, AND COMMUNITY BY JAKE HALL PHOTOGRAPHY BY GRANT BRIDGMAN

The Auto Society has found its own distinct, unconventional role at LeTourneau University. T he smell of gasoline drifts through the cool fall air, melding with scents of rubber, metal, oil, and sweat. Drivers are poised and ready in the pit, waiting to run to their vehicles at the drop of the flag. Spectators crowd the road, pinned back by piles of rubber tires marking the track, pushing and shoving for the best view before the race begins. Excitement is in the air. A man in a bright blue and white shirt stands with arms raised high, a crisp, green flag in one hand and a small, shiny airhorn in the other. All eyes are on him. Suddenly, the airhorn blasts, and the flag drops; the drivers sprint to their vehicles, hop in their seats, and the engines hum to life. A loud, high-pitched “BUZZZZZZ” fills the air like an angry swarm of bees stirred from their hive, as the fleet of go-karts zooms out of the pit, bumping into each other and skidding onto the track, dust and fumes trailing behind as they race towards the front of campus. That’s right, go-kart racing at LeTourneau University. The 1960s were a different era. Car manuals came with instructions on adjusting your own valves, asking YouTube how to change your oil wasn’t an option, and go-kart racing was a popular pastime. LeTourneau University was different, too, but in many ways, it was the same: an emphasis on practical, hands-on learning, a strong spiritual community, students who love to innovate and create. It was into this world that a campus relic was born: the LeTourneau University Automotive Society. Founded in the 1965-66 school year by a group of student automotive enthusiasts, the Auto Society (AS) was created as a Christ-centered organization where members could grow in fellowship while furthering their knowledge of automobiles. Practically, it also provided students with tools, equipment, and space for car maintenance. The original shop space was a building so old and drafty that, “if we were inside and it was raining, you had to go outside to get dry,” jokes Dan Larson, an LETU alumnus ('71), former automotive tech professor, and AS faculty sponsor for many years. As Auto Society grew during the 1970s, they began hosting several events that developed into campus traditions, including go-kart racing. Paul Long, a 1981 AS alumnus, won several races during his time at LETU, and it was a go-kart that drew him to the society shop for the first time. Relaxing in his dorm one day, Paul heard a loud noise zoom by outside. “I sorta followed the sound down to Auto Society and got to talking with the guys down there, and it went on from there. That was pretty much how I got introduced, was a kart flying by.\" For twenty years, Auto Society hosted three go-kart races on campus: a fall sprint, a spring sprint, and an Enduro. The sprint winners were the karts with the fastest time, but the Enduro was a different animal, designed to test the strength and endurance of one’s kart over a grueling, six-hour marathon race. In addition, the go-karts were homemade. The rule of the Enduro was that every go-kart must be designed and built FALL 2021 63

“ You just kinda “ went along and innovated ...whatever you could scrounge, that was the budget. 64 LETOURNEAU NOW

completely on campus, which is where the unique LeTourneau question, he can ask other members, or they can physically work on ingenuity kicked in. the problem together. Moreover, AS members can take what they’re learning in academic labs and classrooms and apply it in a practical, Poor college students grabbed whatever they could scrape meaningful way. together for parts: a Chevy 350 engine, a scrapped Apache aircraft frame, a motorcycle motor, a nose fork off a Cessna airplane. Hardin explains, “The abstract principles are what you learn in Anything was fair game, and any student or dorm floor could class, and it's really a wealth of information that until you apply, participate. Dorm 41 had a kart, AO and KZX each had their own, you'll forget about. That's been a huge thing that I've been able to and a special kart was reserved for the females who participated. see in my labs, but more specifically here (in AS): learning why these Hundreds of students lined the main Glaske Dr. each year to watch things are failing, seeing them actually fail, being able to rebuild, and cheer the competing karts. change materials and just learn what I can apply in different areas. So, whether that's my car that I've seen has failed or a tire has The real test of the Enduro, however, was whether your go-kart popped or something, wherever I work in the future...I can take engineering would last during six hours of racing the old, worn those principles and use that.\" campus streets. Mark Stevens, AS alumnus ('78), describes it like this: “We had cracks and dips and potholes that we had to go Stevens elaborates, “The practicality (of LETU) is the idea that through, and there were many times that go-karts would be driving it's one thing to have book knowledge, but it's another thing to along and hit a pothole and just break in half. So, they would have actually sit down there and actually make your hands and your to pick up the go-kart and take it back over to the welding shop and brain do something that you learned in a book, and how do you weld it back up and then get back out on the race!\" adapt that knowledge and become a very practical person?\" He took these lessons from his time in AS and applied them to his career in People would slam into each other and bend tires, chains would mechanical engineering, enabling him to work with confidence in fly off karts, wrecks were common, and someone even clipped a any environment. utility pole once, knocking it to the ground. LETU administration would not be excluded from the fun either, with former President Another AS alumnus, Jon Woodworth ('90), is the current Bud Austin driving a kart one year. missionary-in-residence at LeTourneau, and the skills he learned in AS prepared him to live out his calling as a At a college known for its engineering program, the go-kart remote missionary in the Kenyan wilderness races were a perfect testing ground for the theories and principles for 21 years. being taught in the classroom. Paul Long describes the process of building a kart: “I built houses, I welded up water stands, I did DC electricity with all \"You just kinda went along and innovated...whatever you could of our solar stuff; I mean there’s so scrounge, that was the budget. It forced a lot of innovation that much stuff that we’ve done because I think was really good in terms of provoking you to think about of what we learned there (at AS) engineering. How am I gonna do this with what I got?\" and life, and hanging out with those guys.” As the karts inevitably broke down, or hardware problems arose, students had to create solutions. Within the greater LeTourneau community, this automotive society “It was a real engineering practical learning experience, was shaping the lives of students, where you had to figure out, 'well, this isn't working... I gotta do equipping them for a variety of careers, something different.' You have to face the results of what you did.\" from the corporate business and engineering world to the This particular, almost eccentric, style of learning within Auto African mission field. Society extended beyond go-karting and continues today. The time spent Most people probably think of AS as the building in the back of learning, laboring, and campus where a bunch of guys just hang out and work on cars, but living together also digging deeper, one uncovers an intriguing atmosphere. Students creates a deep bond among from multiple academic majors gather to escape the drudgery Auto Society members. Alumni of school by operating on personal projects. Whether engine- gather at car shows and races around swapping an old Porsche, prepping motorcycles for a weekend the country regularly, proudly cruise, or practicing burnouts in the driveway, something is always waving their LeTourneau happening. In this environment, students are also learning from AS banner. Woodworth’s each other. fellow members were at his wedding, wearing their Sam Hardin, a mechanical engineering student graduating in 2022, serves as the current Auto Society President. Hardin has been a member since his freshman year, and what’s impacted him the most are the people and the learning experiences. If he has a car FALL 2021 65

blue AS shirts. Local alumni stay invested in current students, helping with car shows and visiting the shop. Students and alumni alike tell a similar story: “I don’t think I would have stayed at LeTourneau if it wasn’t for Auto Society.” “If it hadn’t been for AS, I’d never have finished school.” “Auto Society has been the best decision I’ve made being here at school.” Stevens was so impacted by the Christ-like community that it led him to salvation: “I credit my accepting Jesus as my Savior to the guys from the auto society because they lived a really good testimonial life to me. Here were car guys, and they loved God, they loved Jesus, and they really showed me that Christianity can be fun. You don't have to be straight-laced and follow all the rules. You just have to have a good heart, and that's what these guys did.\" Clearly, this society has impacted the lives of many in the LeTourneau community, and the current members are working hard to maintain that heritage. The Car Show continues annually, a tradition now in its 45th year. Open House occurs each semester, with burnouts and free pizza drawing students from across campus to the society shop. Oil changes and other services are free for students and staff if they provide supplies and parts. Asher Ord, a senior mechanical engineering student ('22), sees the society as a ministry; he encourages students to email him for help, and he’s a regular at the shop on the weekends, airing tires up for people or doing heavy work on a professor’s vehicle. Hardin is focused on carrying the legacy of AS into the future: “All of the principles of the society, everything that the alumni have basically fostered and worked so hard to keep, if I'm not focusing on continuing to transition that, making sure that we're doing the same thing, that culture leaves.” If you're reading this as a LeTourneau alumnus, you surely have your own cherished memories of your time on campus. You can probably recreate specific instances in your mind: the sights, sounds, and smells of significant moments in your college experience. A professor whose instruction challenged your way of thinking, a roommate who dropped everything to stop and minister to you in a time of need, a significant other you met and pursued here, an organization that molded you into who you are today. Woodworth recalls, \"I had a lot of good friends, but most of them were at Auto Society. I had a lot of good experiences, but most of them were at Auto Society. I learned a lot, but most of it was at Auto Society. LeTourneau helped me get a degree...but Auto Society formed me, it created me.\" LeTourneau has always been a unique place where hands-on learning intersects with Christian community to shape and form lives; it’s in our DNA. The Auto Society has found its own distinct, unconventional role within that calling. Return of the Go-karts? Jon Woodworth and other AS alumni are hoping to host a race at Hootenanny Weekend next April. For more info, contact [email protected]. To keep up with current Auto Society adventures, follow @letu.autosociety on Instagram. 66 LETOURNEAU NOW

“ Wherever I work “ in the future... I can take those principles and use that. FALL 2021 67

A Dean’s Perspective with Fred Ritchey, School of Aviation Interview conducted by Kate Day and Grant Bridgman In 1975, a small school in Longview, Texas, had just enjoyed its first decade of being “LeTourneau College,” after being known previously as “LeTourneau Technical Institute.” While the ‘technical’ may have been dropped from the name, the brochure’s depiction of hands-on training in a Christ-centered campus culture was enough to draw a certain young man to enroll, together with his father. This began a 40-year journey that would shape him into the man, and the School of Aviation dean, that we know today as Mr. Fred Ritchey. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEREMIAH SHEPHERD

HOW IT STARTED Ritchey recalls his first semester as a new student, when his family moved to Texas from Pennsylvania and he, an aviation major, and his dad, a bible major, started classes as commuters at LeTourneau College. “My dad and I were in a few of the same classes, but in different sections. We were, however, in Intro to Chemistry and Physics together, and we were lab partners.” When he was finishing out his time in college, he married his high school sweetheart, Gail, and they moved into married student housing. After graduation, Ritchey didn’t go far. He began work out at the Gregg County Airport as a mechanic. Not long after that, he received a surprising phone call. “In the fall of 1984, the chair of the department of aviation, Floyd Bishop, called me. Lauren Bitikofer had moved out there as the director of maintenance, and they needed to hire someone to help. They wanted to know if I was interested in coming to work at LeTourneau College to teach and help. I had never considered it—it had never crossed my mind. The faculty I had as a student really stood out to me, but the one who stood out the most to me was Roger Carr. He was so relational and transparent about his life and struggles. He had teenage boys at home, a car that barely ran... Even though I was raised in a Christian home, that example really spoke to me as a student. So when I was on this call with Floyd Bishop, I thought 'wow, I could be like Roger Carr.'” That lasting impact from an influential faculty member spurred him on this new path: a course with a singular heading - Christian Polytechnic Education. “So I picked up an application, filled it out and went to turn it in at the student center (current nursing building). Richard Berry was the Vice President of Academic Affairs at the time. I’m on my lunch break. I mean, I’m turning wrenches on an airplane; I’m in my blue uniform. I walk in and hand my application to the assistant, and she asked if I could talk to Mr. Berry. I said ‘I’m not prepared for an interview. I mean, I’m not dressed appropriately or anything.’ She said it was okay, that he totally understands. So, I walked in his office, and sat down and talked with Richard Berry.” Berry asked several questions, including whether Ritchey would be interested in grad school. The answer was yes, and that was that. He’d gotten the job. FALL 2021 69

THE LETOURNEAU HANGER AND CLASSROOM BUILDING AT THE GREGG COUNTY AIRPORT OPENED IN 1984 TO MEET AN INCREASING AVIATION ENROLLMENT. CALLING OUT THE CONSTANTS HOW IT’S GOING It goes without saying that Ritchey’s role has evolved since his days There are inevitably numerous pivot points in an organization’s in the original hanger tuning up engines as Assistant Director of existence. Ritchey has been a part of half this organization’s history, Maintenance and teaching the Propellers course. He has witnessed experiencing more than a handful. When our institution’s current a tremendous amount of change over the course of his 35 years and trajectory comes up, he speaks with an extra dose of confidence and counting at LeTourneau, but as he reflects, it’s striking what hasn’t conviction: changed: “I am very optimistic about the future of LeTourneau University. For “Our number one constant has been our absolute commitment to one, we have now embraced our identity as THE Christian Polytechnic maintaining our Christian identity. We have not compromised on our University. You know, in the 70’s and 80’s we knew we were ‘techos’. faith. LeTourneau University as an interdenominational institution has Then, we went through a time when we weren’t sure who we were. That done an excellent job in our strength of consistency in the core beliefs is not to speak ill of anyone or any decision that was made, but we did go that make us truly Christ-centered. People say that you can lose your through a bit of what I would call a ‘wilderness time’. We knew it in our faith as an institution, one hire at a time. I know Richard LeTourneau gut, who we were, but it wasn’t something we were saying publicly, or knew that, Bud Austin knew it, Dale Lunsford knew it, and Steve Mason confessing—I like the word confessing. Now, we have moved into a time knows it. And this has meant so much to me. where we are fully ‘confessing’ who we are. There is no one else like us. Another constant is what we now identify ourselves as, THE Christian We are not better than everyone else, but we are different from Polytechnic University. It reminds me of how in my day we were called everyone else. ‘techos.’ We were proud to be ‘techos.’ No matter what, we knew we This, along with our position both geographically and within industry, could get the job done. And that has been a hallmark of LeTourneau is a very positive combination. God has orchestrated us to be in the graduates. We find creative ways to get the work done. The creativity of space we are in. We are located in Texas, which we know in the world our people, to find a way to make it work. We talk about ingenuity being of higher education is the place you want to be. We offer the types of in our DNA, and it’s true. There is just something in our culture... programs that are in demand, and are needed in our world. We have a Buildings can change, people on staff or faculty can change, many track record of expertise and alumni within these industries that others things can and have changed, but these constants always remain.” dream of having. I may not be here for most of the fruit of it, but God has positioned us very well for the future of our world, and we are in a world that is desperately in need of “WE ARE NOT UNIQUE IN BEING ABLE TO PARTICIPATE graduateslikeourswhogointotheir communities and are salt and light.” WITH GOD IN HIS WORK, BUT UNFORTUNATELY, THERE MORE OF GOD ARE FEWER AND FEWER COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES While our organizational calling is WHO MAKE THIS A PRIORITY.” certainly unique, Ritchey’s personal call is very meaningful to him, and his response to that call points to both his inspiration and his focus: 70 LETOURNEAU NOW

“We talk here a lot about calling. FRUITS OF A STEADFAST MINISTRY This work is a calling. For me “Jesus says ‘*…*If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much personally, I have always felt like fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5, NIV). Ritchey this work is allowing me to do references these words as he expounds upon his and the university’s something bigger than myself, like abiding commitments, and the impact that outlasts even memory: I am part of something eternal. Honestly, I feel really blessed to be “What this tells me is that I as an individual and we as a university part of this. I never thought I would cannot be who we were designed and called to be unless we remain be in higher education, and truly constant in our Christian commitment. Without the power of God never would have thought I would working through us, our words and works will be fruitless. By remaining be a dean. The privilege of being a faithful to our Christian mission and calling, we are in a position to part of something that God is doing be used by God and participate with Him in fruitful ministry and has been inspiring to me. Even kingdom work. We are not unique in being able to participate with God though there have been a lot of days in His work, but unfortunately, there are fewer and fewer colleges and where I have felt frustrated, on the universities who make this a priority. whole the good days far and above outweigh the frustrating days. I try to remember that when I pray for Over the years, I have been blessed to meet with and get to know a lot this place. I am not practicing it perfectly, but I have been trying to pray of alumni. I have heard numerous stories of how God used LETU to bless through the Strategic Plan prayer plan for LeTourneau University. them and set them on a God-oriented life trajectory. And they remember I put the prayer plan in my calendar, and at times it is convicting. I things that I don’t remember. ‘Mr. Ritchey, you failed me in your class’, pray for university leadership. I pray for all the folks here in aviation. and I don’t remember that. ‘Mr. Ritchey, I remember this one devotional And, I pray that we would be the institution that God wants us to be. I you gave’, and I don’t remember the one they’re thinking of; but you have my opinion of what it should be, but maybe that’s not what God know... I do remember Roger Carr’s devotionals. wants LETU to be. No matter what we think our barriers are, or what the answers to our problems are, what we ultimately need is more of God.” What a blessing and privilege it is to be a part of this kingdom work. May God help us to remain constantly faithful to His calling and work.” FALL 2021 71

ALUMNI No Place Like Homecoming \"Visiting with old friends, and making new ones.\" \"Reconnecting with staff and professors.\" \"Bodacious BBQ\". \"Boat races!\" \"Many smiling faces of students\". \"Getting to know our new president, and learning more about where our university is presently and where it is going in the future.\" These are just a few highlights from our alumni describing their experiences at the Fall 2021 Homecoming and Family Weekend. PHOTOGRAPHY BY LETOURNEAU UNIVERSITY MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS TEAM 72 LETOURNEAU NOW

FALL 2021 73

ALUMNI 74 LETOURNEAU NOW

\"A lot of things have changed, but the core hasn't changed...and what's core is the LETU DNA: innovation, ingenuity, the love, the care. But, what's also core is that LeTourneau remains unabashedly and unapologetically Christ-centered.\" The Event another Homecoming classic. The LETU class of 1971 was honored at the Golden Jacket This Homecoming was a special one, Luncheon while new classes were inducted celebrating the 75th Anniversary of into the Academy of Engineering and the LeTourneau, with an expanded schedule and Athletic Hall of Fame for both 2020 and 2021. many new events. Additionally, this was the Friday's Homecoming Chapel featured a first Homecoming celebration since Spring virtuoso piano-playing performance by former 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Dean of Students Steve Adell, the honoring atmosphere on campus was bright, energetic, of 1957 graduate Frank Winscott, and insight and spirited as we celebrated the heritage of into humor by comedian Bob Stromberg. our past and anticipated the potential of our future. Attendance for the week was high, as Many new events were offered as well: over 1,000 alumni, family members, students, the Auto Society held an Alumni Car and parents gathered from across 38 states for Meet alongside Saturday's pond activities, a weekend of reflection and fellowship. Events Stromberg held a Friday night comedy show began earlier this year with an opening night in the Belcher Center, and President Steven concert on Wednesday, featuring local band Mason and his wife, Bonnie, hosted alumni Covie, led by alumnus Covenant Olatunde for a very special Breakfast with the President. (2018). The fun culminated on Saturday as In the midst of all the bustle, alumni were KZX defeated AO and LAS in the Rope Pull at reuniting with old friends and professors, the Pond alongside the cardboard boat races, learning about current student projects, and FALL 2020

ALUMNI “I just wanted to say thank you for all the wonderful events over this last week. In my seven years as an alum, this was one of the best times I have felt a real alumni spirit on campus, and it was wonderful!” – Anthony “Fro” Horner, 2017 marveling at the many changes to campus and where God provided what I needed when over the years. I needed it, and a lot of that started right here [at LeTourneau]...There is no question A Pivotal Time For LETU that the foundations for my preparations through the education and training here While remembering the past and how at LeTourneau prepared me for what God far the university has come, vision was cast called me to do, and I am a direct and for the future direction and growth of the grateful beneficiary of R.G. and Mom and this university. At the Golden Jacket Luncheon, university.\" Bill Anderson ('71), Outgoing Chairman of the Board of Trustees, shared his LeTourneau Many alumni could share similar stories experience while encouraging alumni to of how they were affected by the holistic partner with the university in various ways as education and spiritual formation that we transition into a new era full of challenges occurs at LeTourneau University. Anderson and opportunities. encourages those alumni to join in on what God is doing at the university and to engage Anderson graduated with a Biblical Studies in four distinct ways: 1) praying for current and Missions degree in 1971 and enjoyed students, staff, and faculty, and the campus a career in the business, organizational as a whole; 2) sharing their individual leadership, and marketing industries. He LeTourneau experiences with high school is currently in retirement but serves as an students and other potential partners for the executive mentor and consultant to CEOs university; 3) introducing Christian schools across the country. Anderson said his and private academies to LeTourneau's dual time in student leadership at LeTourneau credit program; 4) considering legacy gifts to significantly impacted him and prepared the school. him for a career in leadership. He served in Student Senate, was a dorm RA and chairman He closed the luncheon with these words: of student activities, and even created a \"This place touches eternity every day. To student mission organization that spent a have a hand in helping young people get summer working with missionaries in Brazil. themselves ready to do in their lives what God has enabled you and I to do in our lives: we \"When I look back over my life, I see things can be a big part of that.\" that I would have never dreamed of doing, never thought that I would be involved in, 76 LETOURNEAU NOW

Tom Ackerman 1971 Susan Till Carvella 1965 What did you enjoy the most about What was it like being one of the first your time at LeTourneau? female students in LeTourneau history? I enjoyed the combination of good, solid technical training, plus a solid, Well, I want to say it wasn't just me; it was all of us women that came and biblically-based education and knowledge...This is the only school I know helped open those doors. Some of us were scared to death. And, I mean, of where you can get a good technical education that's also based in there were six girls and 600 guys. Christ. Can't do one without the other. You've got to have both, otherwise My roommate was the first female student. She went over to the dining you're half of an engineer, technician, or anything else. hall once and opened the door and there were two hundred guys. She We had the advantage of technical training and learning, which is great. closed the door and went back [to her room]. I don't know if she starved But the inquisitive side of just going out and putting your hands on for two days or what, but she didn't go back to the cafeteria ‘til I got something and thinking about it—and working with it—is something [there]. And then the two of us would go over there. It was like there's LeTourneau gifts to its students that no other school does. strength in numbers. But the girls didn't have cars; our only transportation was a local bus...And How did your LeTourneau education impact to get to church, we had to go with one of the guys that was going to the your career in management? church we were going to. We had to sign off campus. We had to sign back in. The host mother I worked with people from MIT, Harvard, Stanford, you name it, but needed to know where we were going, who we were going with, what LeTourneau never took a backseat to any other school. If you worked time we were leaving, and what time we were coming back. The dorm was hard, you could compete. What was missing with other graduates was the locked at nine o'clock at night. If you were gone beyond that, you were personal side. They didn't have a concern about people. Everything they basically gone—if you couldn't get back in the dorm, they weren't going to were involved in was about them, [while] LeTourneau taught us pretty keep you. much the opposite; we’re individuals that are here to serve, not to be served. How did your LeTourneau education impact your career as a special education teacher? Having the Christian background here, going back [after graduation], I demanded very high standards from my students, and they all rose to meet those standards. I did not degrade them. I respected them for who they were, and in return, I gained their respect. I taught them to do the best they could; everybody has a talent, and you have to find out what it is. If you could share a piece of advice for current LeTourneau students, what would you say? They're getting a great education. They're getting a wonderful foundation in God and in caring for people and learning. Take everything you've learned here, and when you get into the workforce, use it. Stick to your faith, stick to your morals and your values, and go out and spread it among your friends, your work, and your people. Just be positive. FALL 2021 77

ALUMNI Alumni Voices \"Visiting with fellow alumni and catching up -- casual conversations. The AO reunion was We loved hearing from many of you about your Homecoming especially meaningful for us. The 75th video was experience! Here are some highlights, in your own words: really well done. The chapel speakers and events \"Having spent most of my life in Nepal as a Bible were exceptional!\" translator, I particularly appreciated the focus on Jesus in the program as well as the evidence of \"Seeing all the changes to campus! Wow! I was impressed! Hadn't been back since I Jesus in my talks with staff.\" left in 1990!\" \"Reconnecting with alumni, staff, \"Getting to know our new president, Steve Mason, and and professors. Getting to see all the his wife, Bonnie, alongside getting to know where our beloved university is presently and where it is going in improvements on the campus.\" the future.\" \"Seeing old friends, of course, and reviewing (and learning new) facts about our beginnings \"Time between alumni, current, and potential students was the best part.\" and the LeTourneaus.\" \"The online opportunities were so appreciated due to the COVID numbers in our area at this time.\" Huge appreciation goes out to the university's Office of Alumni and Parent Relations for planning and executing such a warm, welcoming homecoming celebration honoring 75 years of not only one-of-a- kind learning, but also the one-of-a-kind relationships that come with it—lasting bonds built by hours in the lab, dorm floor living, and a brand of campus worship that comes to life through acts of love and service. Thank you to Dr. Daniel Ostendorff and the entire Alumni Relations staff for pouring yourselves into this memorable event and bringing us together! To view the special 75th Anniversary Video and join the celebration in other ways, scan this code! “I wanted to thank you for all the hard work you and your team did to make this homecoming weekend a great one. Also, thanks for the dinner and recognition of us old grads. It was very special to us. The campus looks amazing. Never could have dreamed it would look so beautiful. Thanks again for a memorable weekend.” – David Seaton, 1965 78 LETOURNEAU NOW

Lisa Skielnik 1988 Peter & Sharon McMillan How did your education at LeTourneau 1980 & 1981 prepare you for your future? How did the two of you meet? I think people at LeTourneau have the opportunity to learn how to work with other people and value them...The professors were very caring, and Peter: We met in class. By the end of the semester, we were sitting next to it was a Christian environment. So, we got used to treating people kindly, each other, and on the last day of school, I asked her to marry me in Speer and that was noticed [in my job]. The people-oriented aspect of working, Chapel. I gave her our first kiss down by the pond, too, so we have a lot of that meant a lot to them. good memories here. Sharon: He sort of proposed to me in front of the grave, LeTourneau’s How did your time at LeTourneau impact you grave. Very romantic. on a spiritual level? Peter: Well, I didn't really propose to you then. I was testing the waters. When I came [to the school], I knew Jesus as my savior and had a Bible How did your time at LeTourneau impact you? background, but I was still thinking about life and trying to get my hands around it. At that point, it's good to be around people who are mature Sharon: I was a Christian when I came, but I was just starting to get Christians. Several of my professors, especially Dr. Leiffer and Dr. Graff, serious about following the Lord. That was the first time I'd been in a were engineers, not pastors, but they were very godly men who lived out place where I had examples and peers who were more mature than I was— their faith. I also took advantage of the variety of spiritual things offered who I could look up to and be discipled by. I never dreamed that I would on campus: chapel, Spiritual Emphasis Week, Missions Emphasis Week, be a missionary one day, and I think God put them in my life to nudge me dorm devotions, etc. Looking back, I wish I took even more advantage on to missions. of them. How did LeTourneau prepare you for Frank Winscott, Honorary Graduate your career? Frank Winscott’s Sharon: It just helped me fall in love with God and realize that you're engineering education not by yourself. You need to be in community to be able to grow and be at LeTourneau Technical healthy. So, we've always emphasized that in our church planting Institute was interrupted and camping. by his service in the Korean War. He began classes in If you could share a word of advice to current 1951, served from 1953-55, students, what would it be? and returned to complete his course requirements in Peter: At LeTourneau, you meet a lot of friends, and it's easy to spend 1957. However, he started a job at McDonnell Aircraft so quickly after a lot of time in intramurals, classes, and studying. But, I think it's also his last final exam that he wasn’t able to participate in a graduation important to develop good friends at a local church and be connected to ceremony or receive his diploma. Sixty four years later, he was honored one where godly men and women can mentor and care for you. That's at this fall’s Homecoming chapel with a special presentation of his been one of the best things for me over the years. diploma by President Steven D. Mason and Chancellor Dale A. Lunsford. Sharon: Don't be afraid to try something new. Fear holds you back from Bravo, Frank, and thank you for your service! a lot of things...We [instilled in] our kids—we have three children with families of their own—the importance of getting plugged into a local church and being around families, not just your peers. Don't lose that. FALL 2021 79

ALUMNI PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARA BRYAN 80 LETOURNEAU NOW

t this year's Homecoming, Lloyd & Larry Smith 1964 we spoke with several alumni to hear their stories What is it like visiting campus this year? about life and LeTourneau. Each individual shared testimonies of God's Larry: It's really interesting to see, coming back 60 years later, the influence that the LeTourneaus goodness and faithfulness through the years, had on this campus. And even though they've been gone for 50 years or more, their presence is still but one of the most fascinating tales was that here in the sense of Christ, their testimony, and the Christian influences here. of Lloyd and Larry Smith. Twin brothers Larry and Lloyd have done How did your time at LeTourneau influence you spiritually? everything together; they were born five minutes apart (or three, depending on who Lloyd: Everywhere you went, you were influenced spiritually—by other students, Bible studies, you ask), attended LeTourneau together, and Spiritual Emphasis Week. It was a flow, a continuum of spiritual education. Then, we come back both spent their careers in public education sixty years later, and the needle has not moved. So many schools change their values to keep up despite graduating with engineering degrees. with the world, and LeTourneau has not; they've stayed on their principles As they like to put it, they are \"womb-mates.\" Larry: I wish Dr. Bob Selby knew the influence he had on me and on this place...everybody loved One day in 1956, their father was walking the guy, and boy, could he get across the concepts that he was teaching. I remember going and just out of the machine shop where he worked talking to him in his office, and saying, ‘I don't know what to do with my life.’ And he would just sit for Tucker Sno-Cat Corporation in Medford, and talk to you. Oregon, and noticed a magazine in the trash can. Recognizing the name LeTourneau on What is a fond memory from your time at LeTourneau? it, he pulled it from the trash and brought it home to his family, who was already familiar Larry: R.G. would have Bible studies and talks at the Big House where he and Mom lived, and with R.G. LeTourneau and his machines. he’d come in and sit down and [say] ‘Okay, ask questions.’ And someone said, ‘You don't make any Their mother immediately subscribed to the mistakes, do you Mr. R.G.?’ And he had a big belly laugh and said, ‘That's why I have a steel mill. I magazine, and for the next few years, the boys melt them all down.’ would \"voraciously\" read every page. As their Lloyd: Once, I picked up this kid from the airport to take him back to the school, and in our interest in LeTourneau Technical Institute conversation, I asked him, ‘Are you a Christian? You're going to a Christian school.’ And he just said, grew, their parents encouraged them to ‘Um…’ And then in the next night or two, we led him to the Lord. And he sent me a note two years pursue an education in engineering, which ago...that the ride in that Volkswagen that night changed his life...60 years later, and he is still on they began in 1960. fire for the Lord and involved in ministry. The Smiths still have the NOW Magazine their father pulled from the trash in 1956; it If you could share a piece of advice with current students, what is framed in remembrance of how special this would it be? university is to them. You can even see the oily, mechanic fingerprints still on the cover, Lloyd: Make life-long friends. I think they probably will, but it's so important to come out of here a reminder of the day one man's trash became with friends you stay connected with. And they come from all over the world to LeTourneau, so another family's treasure and changed the then you've got friends around the world. direction of Lloyd and Larry's lives forever. FALL 2021 81

ALUMNI Class Notes MEMORIALS his church. He is survived and the internet led him by his wife of 62 years, to change spark plug 55 Cletus Creach (’55 MES) of Betty, daughter, Cynthia cataloging from manual Mabank, Texas died July 27, 2021. Hutton (Keith), son, Bradley to electronic format for His career was in the manufacturing of ( Janay), four grandchildren, which he received a Catalog oilfield related tools, and he four great-granddaughters, Award at Champion Spark enjoyed playing golf, fishing, and extended family. Plug. Larry is survived by gardening and spending his wife of 52 years, Norma, daughters, Brenda time with family and 61 William “Bill” Thompson (’61 MES/ Brough (Tommy), Rachel; six grandchildren, friends. He is survived by IE) died on October 13, 2021, in one great-grandson and extended family. his wife, Barbara, stepson, Spring Hill, Florida. Bill served proudly in the Gary Lyons (Gayland), sons, United States Air Force and was a founding 70 John Boone (’70 ATBS/ETMT) David Carroll (Michelle), John Dennis, Terry member of LETU’s Alpha Omega society. He died October 6, 2020, in Mineola, Neal and extended family. is survived by his wife, Gloria, his children, Texas. He loved teaching others about solar and many extended family members and energy, Ham Radio, computers and all things 58 James A. Lewis (’58 MES) died friends. mechanical. He spent his last years building at the age of 90 on May 15, 2021, solar powered, Ham Radio communication in Springfield, Missouri. Jim served in the 64 Paul Trimmer modules for missionaries so they could National Guard and worked as an electrical (’64 AMT) communicate with the world. He is survived engineer for 30 years at Dayco, Springfield, died on July 18, 2021, by his brother, Daniel Boone, grown nieces Missouri. He holds six U.S. Patents, was in Shawnee, Kansas. and nephews, and extended family. inducted into the International Snowmobile He worked at Phoenix Aerospace in the avionics 80 Keith Carpenter (’80 AU) died Hall of Fame in 2020, department for more than on July 24, 2021, in Kansas City, earning the Edgar Hetten 50 years, was a licensed pilot and a member of Missouri. He had a 32-year career as an Memorial Award of Lambda Alpha Sigma. He will be remembered Aircraft Mechanic with TWA, which was Merit. He is survived by most for his devotion to the church, his acquired by American Airlines. He also his four children, Cristy loyalty, his love of aviation, and his support enjoyed traveling and cruising with family, and Baldwin, Scott Lewis, of worldwide missions. He is survived by motorcycle trips with his wife. He is survived Farley Lewis (Kelly), Gary his daughters, Jennifer Richards and Jessica by his wife of 39 years, Patrice, daughter, Suzie Lewis (LaCinda), 11 grandchildren, 8 great- Brashears, six grandchildren and extended Miles (Donnie), grandchildren Callie and grandchildren, and extended family. family. Jaxon, and other family members. 59 Thomas “Tom” Hunt (’59 ES) died 66 Larry Dickson (’66 AET) died in 84 James “Jim” on July 12, 2021, at his home in Swanton, Ohio on January 1, 2021. Smith (’84 ATBS) Longview, Texas. He retired from Siemens Some things he was passionate about were of Rockford Illinois, died Energy and Automation and taught over 100 tinkering on small engines and mechanical August 8, 2021. Jim received Defensive Driving courses. He loved spending things and never taking his car to a mechanic. his pilot’s license before his time with family and friends, was passionate His insight for the potential of computers driver’s license and spent about bowling, and devoted much time to 82 LETOURNEAU NOW

his career in the area of his dreams, aviation. BIRTHS professor of aviation technology and his Family was very important to him, and he is wife Julie (Niewald) MacKay (’77 RE) also survived by his wife, Cheri, children Jack (24), 10 Eva Langton (’10 ELE1) and her retired as an elementary teacher of science Kate (24), James (21) and Meg (16), extended husband, Jeremy, welcomed the birth and social studies. They are co-owners of family, and special friends of the family. of Calvin James, on April 24, 2021. He joins Winds Air, Owosso Michigan, an airplane siblings Atticus (8), Rachel (6), and Simon (3) in rental and flight instruction company. They 89 Paul Beatty (’89 ME) of Ringgold, their home in Fairbanks, Alaska. plan on staying active with Winds Air Georgia, died July 30, 2021. Paul during retirement as well as with their seven worked mainly in the carpet industry as a 13 Luke Sjoblom grandchildren, traveling, and the grass runway Research and Development Mechanical (’13 AFFS) airport (identifier 56M) on their 450-acre Engineer and has three patents pending to his and wife, Rachelle, farm. name. Paul was known as an avid mountain welcomed their fourth biker and hiker and had a loving, selfless, child, Martin Davis, 81 Donald Beiler (’81 ATBS) and his and humorous personality. He is survived born on October 25, family are now living in Justin, Texas by his wife, Carol, 2021. He joins siblings, and he has been a pilot with American Airlines children: Elizabeth Ransom, Adelaide, and Stephen. Mark (‘78 for 35 years! Estes ( Jesse), Scott, MI/ATBS) and Cheryl (’80 MABS) Sjoblom, Christopher, Bethany are his very proud grandparents who serve 82 Mark Williams (’82 MT/ATBS) Setzer, Johnmark, with JAARS and live in Lancaster, South recently retired and is now living in and Matthew; two Carolina. West Palm Beach, Florida. grandchildren and extended family. 18 Natalie Neal (’18 EE) and husband 90 Jeffrey “Jeff” Short (’90 EE) is now Cameron, welcomed their first child, a Senior Design Engineer at Micro 92 Adrian Bonilla (’92 ATBS) died Daisy Grace, born June 12, 2021. Natalie Technology Services, Richardson, Texas. October 25, 2021, in Houston, works for Collins Aerospace as an Electrical Texas. His professional career started as a Engineer and they live in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. 94 Brent Palmer (’94 ATBS/ATFL) flight instructor and led to celebrated 25 years as career staff over 20 years as a jet plane 20 Kourtney McLeese (’20 TEC6) with Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) in pilot. He had a commitment and husband, Eric, and big sister, June 2021. After serving 17 years as a pilot to live for Christ, was Adalynn (8) welcomed baby Oakley into their and IT Manager in Indonesia, he now serves dedicated to his family, family in February 2021. The family lives in at MAF’s headquarters, Nampa, Idaho, on the was an avid outdoorsman, Gilmer, Texas. Disaster Response Team as both Pilot and IT and had a passion for Specialist. He and his wife, Melanie, live in motorcycling. He is survived CLASS NOTES Meridian, Idaho. by his wife of 32 years, Donna, children, Ashley 75 Michael Smith (’75 BUBS) is now 99 David Huber (’99 EE) was recently Morgan (Micah), David (Brittany), Stephen, retired and he and his wife, Sherry, promoted to Electrical Engineering and Matthew; seven grandchildren, numerous live in Friendswood, Texas. Manager at Komatsu Mining Corp., family and friends. Longview, Texas. 76 James “Jim” MacKay (’76 ATBS/ 05 Cody Hawkins (’05 BBA) died MI) recently retired as a full-time 07 Anne Downer (’07 DW) debuts unexpectedly in his home on her middle grade novel, Best September 28, 2021. He was a Compliance Friends Playbook, from Chicken Scratch Integration Manager with Enterprise Risk Books, December 1, 2021. It was her creative Management, Dallas, Texas. He is survived by thesis while earning her MFA in Writing for his father, Wayne Hawkins and siblings, Keelie Children and Young Adults from Vermont Davis (Greg), Cory Hawkins, Cortney Person College of Fine Arts. She currently teaches ( James), and extended family. English and Creative Writing classes online and locally to elementary and middle school students. She and her husband, Paul Downer (’11 MJE), and daughter, Hope, live in Molt, Montana. https://awdowner.com FALL 2021 83

ALUMNI 15 Caleb Gibson (’15 AAMM) was 17 Dorothy Cantu (’17 MBA) recently 20 Michael Simmons (’20 HRBB) recognized as one of the National took the position of Associate Director says two weeks after graduation Business Aviation Association (NBAA) top at the University of Texas Medical Branch, he accepted the position of HR Manager at 40 under 40 honorees for 2021. Caleb is a Galveston, Texas. Chelsea Building Products South, Greenville, Pro Ownership Maintenance Specialist with Texas. “My dream job came true with the Textron Aviation and lives in Wichita, Kansas 17 April Nenjerama (’17 LPC/LMFT) help of my degree. Thank you LETU for with his wife, Corrie, and son, Samuel. was recently promoted to Family helping me to achieve this goal so quickly in Therapist at The Heights Treatment, Houston, such a competitive field!” 15 Paul Zettler (’15 BBM) has a new Texas. She and her husband, Yeukayi, and position at Texas State Technical their children, Tendayi, Tinashe, and Tanaka 21 Gabrielle “Gabby” Gutierrez (’21 College, Waco, Texas as Instructor of live in Richmond, Texas. BBMK) is a Finance, Member Industrial Controls and Robotics. Relations Specialist in Longview, Texas. 18 Zachary Anderson (’18 MJE) has 16 Amy Thompson (’16 MEA) was taken a position as Materials and named the Region VII Teacher Process Engineer in the Process Control group of the Year on August 3, 2021. She teaches with Lockheed Martin, Fort Worth, Texas. digital media, computers and American Sign Language and is often described as her 19 Chelsea (Hembrough) Garcia (’19 student’s favorite teacher at Lindale High MCI-Med) has been promoted to School, Lindale, Texas. Lieutenant in the United States Coast Guard and is at a new duty station, Coast Guard Forces Micronesia, Sector Guam. The loss of a loved one, friend or colleague often inspires us to ensure that their memory lives on.  Many people find that supporting LETU is an ideal way to honor someone who has passed away.  Gifts made \"in memoriam\" offer lasting honor to a loved one while providing family and friends with the satisfaction of knowing they have helped others.  If you would like to give a memoriam to LETU, please call 1-800-259-5388 or donate online at www.letu/give.  The family will be notified of your generosity when a memoriam is made.  84 LETOURNEAU NOW

FALL 2021 85

It begins with a plan! The LeTourneau University Foundation wants to be a resource to you­—and it begins with you and your unique needs and wishes! We can assist you in arriving at your ideal estate and legacy plan. As we work alongside your advisors, we can help you assure that the stewardship you have sought to consistently demonstrate throughout your life is reflected in your estate planning. The design of your giving solutions can then be one that first serves you. That purpose fulfilled, those giving solutions can then become a means to paving the way to obedience on the part of future generations. The LeTourneau University Foundation is the arm of the university charged with assisting our many alumni and friends with more complex forms of advantageous giving as we grow the university’s endowment. With more than 20 years of experience in estate and succession planning on our team, the LeTourneau University Foundation can help you in these all- important areas. Do you have a comprehensive plan in place? Do you have questions about the most tax-efficient ways to give? We would love to be of service to you in this most strategic way. For assistance or questions, please reach out to our Executive Director Tom Bevan and the team he has supporting him at (903) 233-3833 or via email at [email protected].

How can we help? • Seasoned guidance for what estate and legacy planning looks like—unique to your situation. • Identifying the “building blocks” to any effective and intentional estate plan. • Special situations, such as minor or special needs children, succeeding your business. • Assuring that what God has done in your life becomes a powerful motivation to those who will follow you. • Supporting intentional tax-efficient giving from within your plan. What makes our due diligence so important right now? Consider just some of what the current tax code allows for … • An unprecedented Federal Estate Tax threshold: $11.4 million level for individuals, doubled for married couples! • Giving from appreciated assets: where you can eliminate the capital gains taxes on their appreciation! This can save at least 20% in unnecessary tax! • “Two-Way” Interest Gift Designs: Gift designs such as Charitable Remainder Unitrusts, an alternative to a Donor Advised Fund, can provide supplemental or spousal income, with full control over the giving you want to accomplish once that income period ends! • Giving from IRA’s: Beginning at age 70 1/2, giving from your IRA can qualify against your Required Minimum Distribution, starting at age 72, at up to $100,000 per individual, per year, and be considered a “non-event.” • Higher Deduction Limits for Public Charities: Limits for charitable contributions to public charities (such as LETU) are lifted from 60% to 100% of your 2020 Adjusted Gross Income. For additional information, visit letufoundation.org NOTE: While the LeTourneau University Foundation can be relied upon for its accuracy, always consult your tax advisor for the actual tax benefits that apply to your unique situation. Take a moment to view these videos and hear more from Dr. Terry Zeitlow and Tom Bevan about the LeTourneau Foundation. • letu.edu/tv/now-connect-sep2020 • letu.edu/tv/now-connect-oct2020 • letu.edu/tv/now-connect-nov2020 FALL 2021 87

LeTourneau NOW P.O. Box 8001 Longview, TX 75607 INSPIRING FUTURE GENERATIONS This fall the LETU Chapter of Women in Aviation hosted the international event, Girls in Aviation Day! The event allowed over 100 girls from the East Texas community to experience one of the top aviation programs in the nation, interact with our current students and faculty, and hear from amazing alums in the aviation industry. letu.edu/LeTourneauBuilt the C H R I S T I A N P O LY T E C H N I C U N I V E R S I T Y PHOTOGRAPH BY GRANT BRIDGMAN