The Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey – Saltillo, Mexico and Schreiner University inked a five-year agreement October 3 that expands international understanding, professional development, and educational and cultural opportunities for students and faculty of both institutions.

The agreement includes arrangements for student exchange programs, faculty and staff exchange programs, including language and cultural immersion, visiting scholar opportunities, cooperative and collaborative research projects, cooperative degree programs, short-term training programs, and other cooperative and exchange lectures, conferences and seminars.

Monterrey Tech–Saltillo, known for its business, technical and language programs, was founded in 1974 and currently enrolls about 1,500 students.

Schreiner provost Dr. Mike Looney said, “This agreement addresses a goal that is important to Schreiner and to me: that of growing our international programs. We are excited about this way of expanding our business teaching and learning opportunities, but it will also inspire cultural awareness through total immersion in Mexican culture and Spanish language.”

Dean of Schreiner’s Cailloux School of Professional Studies John Jones spent time at Monterrey Tech in Saltillo as part of his Fulbright Scholar studies about a year ago. That was the beginning of the conversation between the two schools.

The Monterrey Tech system was founded in 1943; it has expanded to 33 campuses in Mexico, and currently enrolls more than 95,000 students. This year, a Wall Street Journal poll of business recruiters listed it as the ninth highest ranking business school in the region, ahead of TCU, Rice, Texas A&M and UT-Austin’s business schools.

The J. Frank Dobie Collection of the Texas author’s published works and artifacts was unveiled at the William Logan Library on October 6.

The extensive collection was assembled and donated by H. C. Arbuckle III, of Corpus Christi, whose interest in Dobie began during a childhood meeting with the renowned writer. Dobie’s hundreds of published works focus mainly on Texas folklore.

The artifacts include mini-books, a chair from Dobie’s front porch, several of the author’s smoking pipes and a book in Braille.

Great Conversations and Convocation kicked off Schreiner University’s academic year August 27, with a series of facilitated small group conversations around topics of contemporary interest.

This year’s topics were, “What Do Older Generations Owe to the Young, and Vice Versa?;” “Kinky for Governor?;” “Many Paths to Ministry: You Gotta Serve Someone;” “Is There a Right to Die?;” “Federal Judges: Some of the Most Powerful, Least Recognized People in America;” and “Traveling in a Different Style: Creative Options for Seniors.”

Dr. Lydia Kualapai, professor of English, and the Center for Innovative Learning presented the first of the fall 2005 Robert P. Hallman Chautauqua Lectures entitled, “Captain Cook in Hawaii: ReImagining the Monumental Myth,” Dr. Kualapai explored the myths and realities surrounding the discovery of the Hawaiian Islands by legendary British explorer Captain James Cook on August 29.

Dr. Tom D. Wells, exercise science professor, said don’t make big lifestyle changes all at once if you want to be successful at weight loss. Wells presented a simple set of steps that anyone can use to shed those pesky unwanted pounds during his Chautauqua Lecture September 26.

Past Is Prologue: A Learning Way, presented by Schreiner University’s Center for Innovative Learning, is a series of workshops based on ancient wisdom derived from the Native American learning stories included in Paula Underwood’s books. The workshops, which have been held annually for 12 years, are intended for those who want to explore ancient traditions of wisdom not directly connected with a Western or European cultural background.

Dr. Fred B. Stevens, professor of biology, explained what a scientific theory is, how evolution qualifies as one, why some ideas are not scientific theories, and why evolutionary theory is important in his Chautauqua Lecture October 17.

Greg Moses, the founder and editor of the Texas Civil Rights Review, was the Speak Truth to Power guest lecturer October 19. Moses’ topic, entitled “The Great Wall of Texas: A More Cost Effective Tyranny,” addressed undocumented workers from Mexico entering the U.S. and American companies entering Mexico to set up businesses.

Dr. Kenith Simmons, professor of English and vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, gave a poetry reading October 20 on campus. Dr. Simmons said her writing is inspired by her connection to the Hawaiian Islands and by the spiritual practices of Judaism and Buddhism.

Monday Night Fiction on October 24 featured a discussion of Sue Monk Kidd’s “The Secret Life of Bees,” led by Schreiner theatre and communication professor Dr. Claudia Sullivan. There was a lively discussion of the best seller’s underlying themes, especially forgiveness, feminine ritual, and the wisdom passed down from mother to daughter and other women.

Ethics Match 2005 in Fort Worth October 28 featured five Schreiner University students debaters; Amanda Brown of Estes Park, Colorado; Channan Cardella and Mark Lenzo, both of Kerrville; Claire Lynn of Lisburn, Northern Ireland; and Melissa Vela of Houston. They competed along with 18 other teams from private colleges across the state of Texas.

Dr. Charles Torti, assistant professor of business administration, serves as the team’s faculty sponsor. Ethics Match, sponsored by the Texas Independent College Fund, is an opportunity for students to display their reasoning skills while debating current hot issues in business ethics.

Raul Salinas was the featured performer at the November 2 Coffeehouse Concert sponsored by the Texas Heritage Music Foundation, in association with Schreiner University’s Center for Innovative Learning and Student Activities Board. Salinas, “The Pinto Poet” is a San Antonio native who advocates for human rights and compassionate ideals through his poetry.

Symphony of the Hills kicked off its new season October 6 in Kerrville with a sold-out concert. They also had a packed house at their October 13 concert in Fredericksburg.

Schreiner students who participated in the symphony are: Prari Blair of Devine; Deanna Brandt of Kerrville; Bianca Brennan of Hondo; Elizabeth Butts of Bandera; Elizabeth Chesney of Kerrville; Kristi Click of Dallas; Sean Collins of Castroville; Emily Conn of Houston; Michelle Dickey of Mexico; Colwyn Dunlap of Kerrville; Emily Edmondson of Georgetown; Charmelyn Fortune of Kerrville; Kristina Gomez of Harlingen; April Alysse Garcia of San Antonio; Lauren Hatcher of Austin; Corrie Hodgin of Houston; Noah Klausing of North Richland Hills; Katie Beth Lane of Mexia; Heather Lee of Fair Oaks Ranch; Gabriel Lopez of Rocksprings; Amanda Lovett of Pipe Creek; Alexandra O’Connell of San Antonio; Stephanie Reed of West Columbia; Jessica Roberts of Kerrville; Christina Romans of San Antonio; Larry Schad of Fair Oaks Ranch; Valerie Stratmann of Weatherford; Katherine Terry of Kerrville; Marvin Willis of Ingram and Mary Lou Yruegas of Cuero.

Also participating in the Symphony were faculty members Dr. Clint Coles, professor of mathematics; Dr. Bob Holloway, assistant professor of chemistry; and Dr. Jennifer Sadow, assistant professor of chemistry. Schreiner faculty member Dr. Jay Dunnahoo serves as the symphony’s artistic director and conductor.

The Symphony of the Hills has a free children’s concert planned for February 6 in Kerrville and another one in Fredericksburg April 20, with an evening concert the same day.

Pictured above are the members of the Schreiner University Choir before performing in Fredericksburg with Symphony of the Hills.

Schreiner University senior Michelle Henderson received permission—wholehearted permission—to answer her phone and leave class.

When this cell phone rings, it’s her husband, Rodney, calling from Tallil Air Base in southern Iraq. He calls when he gets the chance—usually for 10–15 minutes once a week. “It’s a call I have to take!” she says. It’s a phone call that assures both of them that they are each okay. And 17-month old Kylee, too. Michelle also received permission to take a couple of final exams early, so she could meet her husband when he got to San Antonio International Airport late in the day April 7, the scheduled date of her exams.

Michelle will graduate in May 2006 with a business degree. “This has been a great campus for me,” she says. “I like the small classes and just the campus atmosphere.”

Henderson was home in Bandera on leave July 7–18. He celebrated his 30th birthday with Michele and Kylee. He has already done a four-year hitch in the U.S. Army, but as a reservist in the Texas Army National Guard, he was called back to service in August 2004. Michele moved back to Bandera to be close to her parents while Rodney serves his country in Iraq. She was a graduate of Bandera High.

The Hatton W. Sumners Scholars attended the annual Hatton W. Sumners Distinguished Lecture Series luncheon in Dallas. Featured speaker was Dick Morris, former advisor to President Bill Clinton, political consultant, author and Fox News commentator. The meetings are presented by the National Center for Policy Analysis through the sponsorship of the Hatton W. Sumners Foundation. On November 11 and 12, the Sumners Scholars attended the Sumners Scholars Public Policy Weekend in Dallas.

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