Page 6

Social Club and Greek Alumni dance into the past

By Bobbie Purdy (BS ‘67)
Chair, Dinner Dance 2004 Planning Committee

FUN! FUN! And more FUN! Just ask anyone who attended Dinner Dance 2004 weekend!

Golfers vied in friendly competition at Sand Hills Country Club on Friday afternoon.

The Sigma Phi Epsilon team of Bob Crain, J. R. Phillips, Roger Conboy and Bob Green took first place, while the second place team consisted of Fred Eastland, Don Talley, Winston Williams and Bob McKenzie.

On Friday night, Alumni and guests enjoyed the hospitality of Dr. and Mrs. Keith McFarland at a reception at the President’s Home.

Bus tours of the campus and Commerce, hosted by University Archivist Dr. Jim Conrad and President Emeritus F. H. “Bub” McDowell, were popular activities Saturday morning. Others registering early enjoyed watching videos of Dinner Dances I and II.

My, how some of us have changed since 1990! What has happened to the hair? Or the waist line?

Those attending “The Gathering” on Saturday afternoon were in for a special treat this year. In addition to visiting with old friends, the Art Show/Book Signing proved a popular addition. Jo Ann Fanning Durham brought beautiful award-winning art pieces to share.

Authors present and eager to autograph books were Chris Adams, Jim Ainsworth, Harless Wade, Otha Spencer, Fred Tarpley, Bill O’Neal, Angeline Hawkes-Craig, and Texas Poet Laureate Cleatus Rattan. Mary Jane Hodges Vance completed the afternoon’s entertainment with piano music.

Some 100 were in attendance at the 5 p.m. reception, and 200 Social Club and Greek Alumni and their guests dined and danced the night away.

Faculty past and present were the honored group for the evening. Among the retired faculty members attending were Coach Ernest Hawkins, Dr. Howard Lambert, Dr. Lawrence McNamee and Dr. Jim Deaton and their spouses or guests.

The Blandelles kept the dance floor full with their renditions of oldies from the 50s and 60s.

Magician and clown Bo Girard awed the crowd with his slight of hand during the band’s break. He was ably assisted by Kent and Jency Holbert, Sam McCord and others.

Sunday’s goodbye brunch was hosted by the Sand Hills Country Club Men’s Golf Association and was attended by some 60 party-goers as they gathered with friends one last time during the weekend.

According to the approximately 250 people attending activities during the weekend, Dinner Dance 2004 was a huge SUCCESS! Do we dare try it again in 2006?

It’s a holdup!

At top left: Jim Ainsworth (BBA ‘65), left, and Dr. Fred Tarpley (BA ‘51, MA ‘54) engage in a mock robbery on excursion.

At top right: Elvis, retired Creative Services director Gordon Thomas (BS ‘59, MS ‘73), serenades Susan Carrington (center) and Peggy Moss.

All Aboard!

It had been almost 48 years since passengers heard these words in Commerce – that was until the Tejas Rail Excursion.

Organized by the Tejas Social Club to raise money for their endowment, the excursion attracted hundreds of community members, Alumni, and University faculty and staff. The event was held the same weekend as Dinner Dance 2004.

In route from Commerce to Sulphur Springs and back, passengers traveled back in time in a vintage 1950 streamline car complete with surprises and narration about the sights along the way.

Arrangements for the excursion were made by Tejas member Frank Turner (BS ‘61), who is a partner in the Blacklands Railroad.

The excursion raised more than $5,000 for the club’s endowment.

Army Specialized Training Program 4813–March 12-13

Over 30 members of the ASTP 4813 unit met in Commerce for their annual reunion.

Alumni Forum–April 1

The Forum honored 27 Alumni Ambassadors representing 20 departments. See more on pages 1 and 2.

First Last Dinner Dance– April 16–18

For the first time the First Last Dinner Dance event was held in Commerce. The Tejas Rail Excursion was also held this weekend. See Bobbie Purdy’s take on the events above.

Alumni Board meeting–April 24

The main topic for members of the Alumni Association Board was the proposed alumni center.

Commerce Chapter Reception–April 29

The Commerce Chapter held a reception at the Heritage House, then went to the Chorale and Wind Ensemble performance at University Auditorium.

Senior Disorientation–April 29

Seniors attended a celebratory luncheon geared to help orient them to life as an Alumnus. Alumni Relations staff served as jesters for the event and soon-to-be graduates played trivia and games for prizes.

Fifty-Year Club Reunion–May 7

Members of the Fifty-Year Club and graduates of 1954 and 1955 met in Commerce for the annual reunion, which featured the induction of the ’54 graduates. Richard Pruitt of DeCordova chaired the event and led the memories at the Friday night banquet. See story on page 8.

Graduation–May 8

Alumni Association Vice President Rheba Icenhower (BS ‘50, MEd ‘52) assisted Alumni Relations staff members Jane Martyn, Linda Bobbitt and Priscilla Merriman in welcoming new Alumni to the Association. Graduates were given informational packets and a license plate frame. The Association provided refreshments outdoors following the ceremony. Association President René Castilla (MA ‘73) greeted graduates at the ceremony.

Commerce Chapter Phonathon–May 11 and 13

Members of the Commerce Chapter Alumni Association assisted the Admissions Office by making phone calls to students who had been accepted to the University. They were treated to pizza and soft drinks and enjoyed talking to the prospective students.

Navarro Graduation–May 14

Students graduating from A&M-Commerce through the Navarro Partnership were treated to Alumni informational packets and a reception. Alumni Board Treasurer Kenneth Foust (BBA ‘60) represented the Alumni Association at the ceremony.

34th Annual Alumni Golf Classic–June 4

The Annual Alumni Golf Classic at Sand Hills Golf & Country Club was competitive and fun as always. Best of all, the golfers helped the Alumni Association Legacy Scholarship Endowment grow. See winners on page 9.

North Texas Chapter meeting – April 27

The Tarrant County Alumni Chapter had a meeting at the Cowgirl Hall of Fame. Special thanks go to Brian Peterson (BS ‘70, MBA ‘71) and Tommy Swiderski (BS ‘77) from Buyers Voice Real Estate for picking up the cost of the tickets for those who attended.