|
Schreiner
University has named Royce Faulkner ’49 as
Distinguished Alumnus. |
 |
ROYCE FAULKNER ’49
used his time at Schreiner University as a
springboard into an amazingly successful
professional life.
|
“When I graduated from Austin High School in 1947, I was not
academically prepared to pursue higher education,” said
Faulkner. “Schreiner University (Schreiner Institute, at
that time) became my academic foundation enabling me to
pursue my lifetime goal of becoming a civil engineer. I
earned my B.S. degree in civil engineering from the
University of Texas at Austin in 1952. I used my two years
at Schreiner to improve my study habits and time allocation
skills that led to the completion of the courses needed to
obtain a degree. For the academic and life skills
preparation at Schreiner, I have always been thankful.”
He founded Faulkner Construction Company in 1962 and watched
as that company became a leader in the Texas construction
market. With the formation of affiliate companies, the
Faulkner Group of Companies expanded to become a major
player in almost every aspect of the construction industry.
“My three brothers and I grew up watching our father work as
a contractor, and I think we always knew that we, too, would
pursue careers in the construction industry,” Faulkner said.
“My three brothers and I all earned civil engineering
degrees from the University of Texas; the only four brothers
to do so. We also established the Faulkner Brothers Endowed
Scholarship for UT Austin Civil Engineering Students.”
Faulkner has actively sought to improve the Austin community
through his service and participation in many organizations,
both professional and civic. He has been particularly active
in the support and promotion of educational programs for
young people, especially in efforts to teach technical and
engineering skills. He was a founding board member of the
Crime Prevention Institute, an organization devoted to
providing job skills to detainees in Texas correctional
institutions and to prevent recidivism by equipping them for
productive lives after their release.
He and his wife Donna have made a lasting impact on
Schreiner University. Perhaps the gift with the highest
profile is the residence hall that bears their name, which
opened in 2009, but their generosity has been felt across
the entire campus. Schreiner board of trustees chairman Dr.
Bill Franklin said that Faulkner has acted as a catalyst for
change at the University. “He is a playmaker and he has
brought the level of our game up in the process,” Franklin
said.
Faulkner said it is rewarding
to visit Schreiner and reflect on the major role it played
in achieving his lifetime goals. “Schreiner University has
grown and changed greatly during the past 60 years, as the
facilities have grown, enrollment has grown and the
curriculum has moved from a military academy to a liberal
arts institution. During my recent involvement with
Schreiner University (during the building of Faulkner Hall)
I had the pleasure of working with the administration and
the board of trustees. It is apparent that the trustees have
set realistic goals for the future with facility
modification planning and in continuing high academic
standards. With the dedication of the administration and the
trustees to meet these goals and adherence to the
University’s values, I envision a notable future for
Schreiner University.” |
|
|
SFSA awarded the
Distinguished Service Award to Jerry Marshall ’52.
|
 |
|
JERRY E. (GENE)
MARSHALL '52 a native Texan, was active in the
formation and success of the SFSA.
|
|
He was the guest speaker at the first-ever Military
Breakfast, a popular part of Schreiner’s annual
RECAll weekend.
“Gene has been one of the great leaders of the
alumni association even before his tenure as
president,” Paul Camfield, associate director of
alumni relations, said.
“He was active in the
affairs of the organization from its earliest years
and he continues to play a key role in our operation
today. His love for Schreiner and for the friends he
made during his time here has remained steadfast
throughout the years.”
Marshall, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel,
appreciated Schreiner’s military aspects during his
time here.
“A military school has certain advantages,” he said.
“With a controlled environment you’re focused on
academics. That gives you a good foundation and
teaches you how to study. It helps you develop good
habits.”
He earned an Associate of Arts degree from Schreiner
Institute, a B.A. from the University of Nebraska
and a B.S. in sociology from Sam Houston State
University in Huntsville. He did graduate work at
the University of Arizona in management and is a
graduate of Squadron Officer School and Academic
Instructor School at Maxwell Air Force Base in
Alabama. While he was assigned to the University of
Arizona, where he was an assistant professor of
aerospace science with the Air Force Reserve Officer
Training Corps, he was named Outstanding Advisor in
the U.S. for his work with Angel Flight, the female
arm of AFROTC.
Marshall is a command pilot with 5,000 flying hours,
including 120 combat missions in Southeast Asia.
Among his many military awards are the legion of
Merit, Bronze Star and the Distinguished Flying
Cross, which is awarded for “heroism or
extraordinary achievement.”
After retiring from
the Air Force, Marshall was appointed to the Bexar
Metro 911 district board of directors, and was
instrumental in bringing the 911 system to the Hill
Country.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my association with
Schreiner for 60 years now,” he said. “Schreiner has
been very good to me. It’s no longer the little red
schoolhouse. Schreiner is a real university now,
with a national academic reputation.” |
|
