Ģ����Ƶ

Published in the Fall 2025 issue.

Robert "Bob" Sitton '60, former executive director of the Ģ����Ƶ Alumni Association, passed away July 8.

Before working for Ģ����Ƶ, he was a teacher and coach at Cushing High School (his alma mater), C.E. King High School in Houston and Klein High School in Spring. He made it to the state finals in football and basketball and was named District Coach of the Year in 1970.

Sitton joined the Ģ����Ƶ staff in 1972 and spent the next 26 years at the helm of the Ģ����Ƶ Alumni Association.

Under his leadership, the alumni association endowed more than 530 scholarships that generated more than $13 million. His family and friends have endowed two Sitton Scholarships at Ģ����Ƶ in his honor.

He stepped down as executive director in 1998 but remained with the organization on a part-time basis as the association's public relations director. He retired fully in 2006.

Sitton received the alumni association's Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1998 and was inducted into Ģ����Ƶ Athletics' Jacks of Honor in 2003.

In 2015, he received the Hall of Fame Alumni Award. During Homecoming 2021, he was honored again when the annual Homecoming golf tournament was renamed the Bob Sitton Classic and when Ģ����Ƶ dedicated the new Bob Sitton head men's basketball coach office at Johnson Coliseum.

He continued to serve as an Ģ����Ƶ ambassador in his retirement through his work on alumni-related projects.

Sitton was former chairman of the College Alumni Directors of Texas as well as a member of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, Council of Alumni Association Executives, Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce, Gideons, Nacogdoches Breakfast Lions Club, Rotary Club of Nacogdoches and Grace Bible Church.

Casey Acker '06, June 17

Michael “Bo” Alexander '90, June 5

Patricia “Missy” Allen '53, June 4

Dennis Angus '78, June 9

Sharon Atkins '72, Feb. 22

Linda Banks, former staff member, Feb. 8

Thomas Bankston '86, March 12

Matthew Bartell '03, May 22

Robert Barth '84, Oct. 1, 2023

Joyce Barrett '91, Feb. 24

Robert Bass '68, March 30

William Beavers '62, March 25, 2023

Janet Bemenderfer '76, June 11

Norma Braden '62, Feb. 6

Curtis Bradshaw '79, former director of financial aid, passed away March 8. Bradshaw served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War from 1951-55. He worked for Angelina College, Ģ����Ƶ and The University of Texas at Tyler. He was the director of financial aid for each of these institutions until his retirement.

William Book Jr. '67, April 22

Billy Booker '59, Jan. 24

Garry Boyd '76, May 19

Carrie Camp '95, April 30

Denise Carriveau '82, March 23

Betty Jean Cartwright, friend of Ģ����Ƶ, passed away June 11. Cartwright graduated from San Augustine High School. During her seventh-grade year, she became the drum major for the high school band.

At just 14 years old, she began working at Home Life Insurance Company, where she later became an officer, serving there until the mid-1980s. She attended Ģ����Ƶ, where she was a member of the Pine Burrs social club, served as a soloist for the college band and was voted Campus Beauty.

Cartwright was a charter member of the Ezekiel Cullen Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. She was also a Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star and, in the 1950s, served as a den mother for the Cub Scouts. In 1967, she launched her career in real estate by founding Cartwright Real Estate, a business she continued to broker until 2019. In the 1970s, Cartwright made history as one of the first women to serve as president of the San Augustine County Chamber of Commerce.

Ford “Sparky” Cartwright '69, champion of Ģ����Ƶ, passed away July 1. Cartwright attended Ģ����Ƶ on a golf scholarship, graduating in 1969 with a degree in business. While at Ģ����Ƶ, Cartwright was a member of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity.

Cartwright was a proud member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas. He was also a distinguished member of the Society of Seniors, a prestigious national organization for elite senior amateur golfers. His talent, dedication and competitive spirit were evident in his many accomplishments, including being a three-time champion of the Senior Temple Cup and winning the Azalea Senior Four Ball. In 2020, he added the Texas Golf Association Super Senior Four Ball Championship to his impressive list of accolades.

Professionally, Cartwright was a distinguished real estate agent. His deep commitment to the industry led him to serve two terms as president of the Pineywoods Board of Realtors. He also served as past president of the Ģ����Ƶ Alumni Association and past chair of the Ģ����Ƶ Alumni Foundation Board of Governors.

Dr. Robert Chappell '68, May 2

Emily Bell Coats '62, Feb. 26

Larry Cook '68, Feb. 5

Debra Crawford '75, March 2

Tony Dallas '91, May 14

Stephen Draper '71, April 20

Dr. Don Fare, former professor, passed away Feb. 2. After serving in the U.S. Army, Fare pursued higher education with determination and excellence. He earned his bachelor's degree from Abilene Christian College (now Abilene Christian University) and went on to achieve master's and doctoral degrees from Texas Tech University. Fare's first collegiate job was at Arizona State University. He moved to Nacogdoches with his wife, Peggy, where he joined the Ģ����Ƶ faculty as a professor in the elementary education department. He dedicated his career to inspiring future educators until his retirement.

Tim Flanagan Sr. '66, May 2

Votto Gaddis '58 & '62, May 29

Mathew Goolsby '76, geologist and businessman, passed away May 18. Goolsby's career as both an oil and gas wellsite geologist and as a minerals exploration geologist spanned 49 years. He was president of Goolsby Bros. and Associates Inc., an oil and gas geologic consulting company established in 1981. Beginning in 2008, he was vice president of operations for Vecta Oil & Gas Ltd. He also was a partner in Geotesoro LLC and Coyote Oil & Gas Ltd.

Professional memberships included Alpha Chi National College Honorary Society, The Society of Sigma Gamma Epsilon scholastic geological organization, Sigma Pi Sigma national scholastic physics society, Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists, American Association of Petroleum Geologists and the Society of Petroleum Engineers.

John Greenleaf '80, May 23

Robert “Buddy” Griffis Jr. '87, Feb. 23

Dr. Patsy Johnson Hallman '52, former professor and dean, passed away May 15. A renowned educator, esteemed administrator, prolific author and dedicated community leader, Hallman's contributions to education and community development leave a legacy, reflecting a life committed to excellence, service and leadership. Hallman earned degrees from Texas A&M University–Commerce (now East Texas A&M University), Ģ����Ƶ and Texas Woman's University. Among her many accomplishments, Hallman served as dean of the James I. Perkins College of Education.

Hallman and her husband, Leon, were the visionaries behind the inaugural Blueberry Festival in 1989, which has since evolved into the celebrated Texas Blueberry Festival. In recognition of her contributions to education and community development, Hallman received numerous accolades, including Ģ����Ƶ's Distinguished Professor in 1990, the American Association of University Women's Woman of the Year in 1993 and induction into the Nacogdoches Women's Hall of Fame in 2003. She was named Citizen of the Year in 2009 by the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce. During her career, she published over 60 academic and nonfiction works. Her exceptional career culminated in her retirement in 2005, following 36 years of service at Ģ����Ƶ.

Ellen Handberry '76, Feb. 15

Terry Hardeman '63, past board member of the Ģ����Ƶ Alumni Association, passed away March 23. Hardeman earned a Bachelor of Business Administration at Ģ����Ƶ before joining the U.S. Army Reserves. He earned his Master of Business Administration at the University of Houston in 1969 and gained his Certified Public Accountant license the following year.

Hardeman was active in many organizations and civic groups, including the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy, Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants, National Society of Accountants, Sons of the American Revolution, Sons of the Republic of Texas, Ģ����Ƶ PIKES of the 60s as a charter member and Bible study fellowship. One of his noted favorites was being a member Ģ����Ƶ's Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.

David Lynn Hardy '70, May 16

Robert Harper '74, prolific forester and veteran, passed away June 1. Harper earned his Bachelor of Science in Forestry, marking a significant achievement in his life and reflecting his deep connection to the outdoors and the beauty of East Texas forests. He felt truly at home in the forest and dedicated over 35 years to the profession. Harper was a proud member and past president of the Texas Forestry Association, and he was actively involved with the Society of American Foresters and the Association of Consulting Foresters.

In recognition of his impact and legacy, a subdivision in Spring, was named Harper Woods in his honor. The streets within the subdivision were named after his father's B-17 crew, preserving a meaningful tribute to his father's military service.

Steve Hartman '98, Feb. 24

Michael Hasley '78, Dec. 5

Wanda Hightower, former staff member, passed away May 25. Hightower graduated from Woden High School in 1969 and Massey Business College in 1970. She worked in the Business Services office at Ģ����Ƶ for 34 years. She was a longtime member of Calvary Baptist Church, where she served her church and community on various committees. Hightower enjoyed traveling the United States, and she was heavily involved in supporting the Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child Shoebox outreach.

Clara Carolyn Cross Hooker '67 & '70, former adjunct professor, passed away Feb. 20. Hooker displayed immense generosity throughout her life, often helping students with school supplies and food for their families. She was a beloved educator and principal at Tenaha Independent School District, where she served for many years and was instrumental in improving the special education department and developing the gifted and talented program. She served as the elementary principal for almost 10 years.

Hooker was involved in numerous organizations, including the Tenaha 4-H Club, the Texas Association of School Administrators, the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association, the Texas Community Education Association, Phi Delta Kappa and the Delta Kappa Gamma international society, for which she held various leadership positions.

After retiring from 40 years in public school education, she was employed by Panola College as an educator and by Ģ����Ƶ as an adjunct professor supervising student teachers. Hooker also served nine years on the Tenaha ISD school board.

The Rev. Michael Hunter '84, Feb. 18

Thomas “Tommy” Jimerson '66, Jan. 31

Elizabeth Kolb '03, March 11

Randolph “Randy” Kott '65 & '67, April 14

Gary Laswell '82, Feb. 9

Robert “Bobby” Long Sr. '68, March 15

Josie Loria '76, Feb. 25

Mike “Big Mac” McDaniel '75, June 13

Joy Miller '87 & '90, April 22

Stephanie Milligan '59, Nov. 14

Gary Mills '73, July 22, 2024

David “Frank” Minton '57, Feb. 28

Sherry Chaney Morgan '94, former executive director of the Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau, passed away May 23. Morgan was known in the industry as a brilliant mind. Morgan returned to Nacogdoches to head the Nacogdoches CVB in 2017. In 2018, she launched a campaign to promote Nacogdoches as a pet-friendly destination, adopting a canine mascot for the center she named “Charlie Doches.” Morgan began her career in hospitality while working in student housing at Ģ����Ƶ and Sam Houston State University.

After retiring from 40 years in public school education, she was employed by Panola College as an educator and by Ģ����Ƶ as an adjunct professor supervising student teachers. Hooker also served nine years on the Tenaha ISD school board.

Patsy Murdock '94 & '98, Feb. 20

Johnnie Nichols '49, Feb. 21

Bradley Norvell '93, April 6

Joyce Nutt '57 & '68, Aug. 29, 2024

Kay Bostick O'Neal, former staff member, passed away Feb. 13. From 1983-2004, O'Neal worked as an administrative assistant for several university presidents and vice presidents at Ģ����Ƶ. O'Neal had a passion for painting. She started painting after her retirement in 2004 and loved sharing her work with her fellow Christ Episcopal Church members. She will be missed for her kind heart, generous spirit and infectious smile.

Glenda Oxsheer-Brown '78, March 25

Stephen Palmer '03, Jan. 26

Virginia Parker '70, Feb. 7

Sheri Pennington '78, May 1

Johnny Perkins '72, March 30

Wendy Perry '60, Feb. 4

Dr. Carl J. Pfaffenberg, former professor, passed away April 7. Pfaffenberg earned his Bachelor of Arts in hotel, motel and club management and his Master of Business Administration in international marketing from Michigan State University. He later completed his doctoral degree in human ecology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Pfaffenberg served as an associate professor at Ģ����Ƶ from 2004 until his retirement in 2015. His courses spanned topics like casino management, lodging, cost control and alcohol responsibility, and his commitment to student growth was unwavering. Prior to joining Ģ����Ƶ, he held academic positions at the University of Tennessee and the University of Hawaii - Manoa. He was also the first Driving Jacks faculty advisor.

He served on the boards of Nacogdoches Main Street, the East Texas Chapter of the Texas Restaurant Association and the Association of Casino Educators.

Roger Pollex '89, Dec. 5

Jimmy Powers Jr. '75, March 15

Randy Price '70 & '72, Feb. 25

Sarah Richardson '78, Ģ����Ƶ retiree, passed away June 3. Richardson had a huge heart for service, participating in multiple organizations serving as a hospice volunteer, driving friends to doctors' appointments and participating in garden clubs. She was a member of the American Association of University Women, Nacogdoches County Retired Teachers Association and the Newcomers Club. She relished being out in nature and earned her Master Gardener Certification from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service shortly before retiring.

Dr. Paul Herald Risk II, former TLL Temple Distinguished Professor of Forestry, passed away Oct. 22. Risk was a groundbreaking environmental communicator and interpreter whose work inspired people to love and appreciate the outdoors.

After finishing a bachelor's degree in botany, Risk taught high school science classes while continuing work toward his master's degree. He worked for the National Park Service as a seasonal ranger at Grand Canyon National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park during summers between college coursework. Following the completion of his master's degree, he was offered a position at Michigan State University.

While at MSU, Risk developed an environmental interpretation program while finishing his doctoral degree and created a curriculum centered around outdoor survival techniques, which became extremely popular on campus, often having enrollments of hundreds of students.

Risk was a pioneer in the field of environmental interpretation, which he helped develop during his time at MSU beginning in 1969. He went on to establish environmental interpretation programs at The Pennsylvania State University and the University of Maine in Orono before becoming the TLL Temple Distinguished Professor of Forestry at Ģ����Ƶ in 1990. He retired in 2003 as professor emeritus.

Risk was a prolific writer during his professional life. In 1983, he published the book “Outdoor Safety and Survival,” which is still a highly sought-after guide 40 years later. He also wrote a biweekly column called “Field and Forest Facts” for The Daily Sentinel newspaper in Nacogdoches. The column appeared in local newspapers for more than 25 years.

Linda Robbins '76 & '82, June 4

Sam Kendall Roquemore '80, April 7

Dr. James Rose '64, neurosurgeon, educator, aerophile and veteran, passed away Feb. 11. Rose earned a Bachelor of Science in biology at Ģ����Ƶ, where he was president of the student body, a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and a Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities. In 1968, he earned his Doctor of Medicine from The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, where he completed his internship in general surgery.

Rose's commitment to serving his country led him to Vietnam as a senior flight surgeon and captain with the U.S. Army. He earned several military honors including the Air Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.

His career flourished in Houston, where he practiced neurosurgery for 30 years. He was an associate professor at Baylor College of Medicine, and he helped establish the renowned Houston Methodist Neurological Institute. Rose was a member of numerous professional societies, including the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Congress of Neurological Surgeons and Houston Neurological Society. He retired in 2021, but his passion for neurosurgery and mentorship continues to inspire the medical community.

Outside his esteemed medical career, Rose was a lifelong aviation enthusiast. A licensed pilot for over 63 years, he took pride in his Stearman biplane, affectionately called "Brother," which he flew for 35 years. His contributions to aviation were recently recognized when he was awarded the prestigious Wright Brothers Award.

Zayad Roumaya '80, May 11

Dr. John Paul “JP” Schwartz '76, doctor and folk musician, passed away April 14. Schwartz earned a Bachelor of Science in biology from Ģ����Ƶ. He later received his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth. His medical specialty was family practice, and he enjoyed a 40-year career.

Schwartz loved listening, playing, discussing and writing music. His musical career started in high school when he and some classmates founded a rock and roll band. Schwartz went on to become a mainstay in the Texas folk music scene for many years, and he made many close friends with whom he shared a love of music. He also had a weekly music program on Marfa Public Radio, where he was affectionately known as “Doc Cactus.” Every Monday night for over a decade, Schwartz's show entertained and educated people about the wonders of blues music.

Anita Seago '79 & '94, April 4

David Seago '65 & '68, March 24

Signa Segrest '69, March 23

Phyllis Smith '79 & '85, April 26

Helen Louise Stanfield, former staff member, passed away Feb. 28. Stanfield was born and raised in Nacogdoches. She graduated from Nacogdoches High School in 1953 and studied at Massey Business School. Stanfield was an administrative assistant in the Business Services office at Ģ����Ƶ, from which she retired in 1997.

Mark Stoddard '70, Feb. 13

John Streetman '71, May 5

David Swank '70, Dec. 18

Dr. Gregory Toney '81, pharmacist and advocate, passed away June 19, 2024. Toney earned a Bachelor of Science in biology at Ģ����Ƶ and a Doctor of Pharmacy at The University of Texas at Austin. He had a long-standing interest in advanced treatment and the eradication of the stigma associated with mental illness.

He was a founding member of the American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists and spent his pharmacy career caring for people with severe mental disorders. He also trained pharmacists in psychiatric clinical pharmacy while working at a veteran's hospital.

Grace Torma '71, Jan. 26

Toni Trees '02, March 29

Cheryl Turkett '74, Jan. 30

Brendan Walsh, former faculty and staff member, passed away Dec. 10. Walsh, who was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting and economics and a Master of Business Administration before becoming a CPA. He taught accounting at Ģ����Ƶ at the beginning of his career and then served as a CPA in the Office of Financial Aid for over 30 years. Walsh proudly volunteered to serve in the U.S. Navy from 1969-1972 even though he was not a U.S. citizen.

Jerry Watt '74, Jan. 12

Mary Wellman '91, Feb. 27

Henry Whittlesey Jr. '61 & '68, April 2

Mark Williams '80, March 26

Kathleen “Kathy” Williamson '95, former staff member, May 18

Clifford Wilson '69, April 26

Marilyn Olson Wise '76, Nov. 4

Kenneth Woodard '77, March 27

Published in the Spring 2025 issue.

Always a Lumberjack

Brayton Barber, Jan. 1
Matthew Deluna, Nov. 8
Ryan Derr, Dec. 18

Katherine Heestand, Oct. 22
Deshun "James" Pham, Dec. 17

Peggy Albritton '77, Dec. 10

Richard Ames '77, July 4

Sonja Angelo '63, Aug. 17

Max Atkinson '70, July 16, 2022

Connie Axelson '73, Aug. 10

Dr. Flamen “David” Ball VI, former staff member, passed away Sept. 19. Ball graduated from Baylor College of Medicine in 1966 before being drafted into the U.S. Navy in 1968. In 1978, Ball and his family moved to Nacogdoches where he practiced pediatrics for 27 years. He worked at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital and served for five years on the Nacogdoches Treatment Center board of directors, including as board president for one year. After closing his private practice, Ball worked as a campus physician at Ģ����Ƶ from 2006-11.

Mickey Barlow '63 & '72, Sept. 21

Dora Lee Barnes '72, June 19

Bob Barton '58, Jan. 15

Juanita Birdwell '70, Dec. 3

Angela Pacillo Blair '60, July 31

Helen Blount '07, Nov. 16

Charles Bond '73 & '74, Feb. 7, 2023

Cindy Bozeman '84, Nov. 24

Eleanor Charlotte Brady '76, May 30

Charles Brazil '57 & '57, July 27

Joan Bridges, a 1968 graduate of Ģ����Ƶ and former Twirl-O-Jacks choreographer, passed away Dec. 10. Bridges owned the East Texas Twirling Academy for more than 50 years, shaping countless young lives with her talent and enthusiasm. She served as the featured twirler for Ģ����Ƶ’s Twirl-O-Jacks and later served as the program’s choreographer for 37 years. She received a Bachelor of Science in general business from Ģ����Ƶ.

Claudette Smith Brown '73, June 10

Juanita Vicki Brown '53 & '73, Dec. 31

Margaret Brown '84 & '90, Sept. 21

Tonnyna Brown '89, Oct. 11

Terrie Brummett '67, Dec. 17

Haroldlyn Pate Bryan '66 & '72, Oct. 31

Andrew Bryngelson '11, Aug. 11

Samuel Bradley Caraway '78, Jan. 20

Jo Ellen Carlson, former faculty member, passed away Oct. 7. Carlson came to Ģ����Ƶ to fill a temporary role for an art history professor who was on sabbatical. Soon after, the position became permanent, and she was able to settle in Nacogdoches. While teaching at Ģ����Ƶ, Carlson met and married Robert Gruebel, a widower and professor of physics and art history at the university. They acquired and restored many old buildings in the city. Her friends and students enjoyed her large personality, replete with rings on every finger and fur coats.

Gordon “Diane” King Carr '76, Oct. 18

Dr. Marius Carriere Jr. '67, Jan. 9

Dr. James Carroll Jr. '69, Oct. 12

Emmaly Choice '12, Sept. 29

Ronald Chumley '70 & '76, June 16

Mark Clark '78, June 18

Jacqueline Coker, former staff member, passed away Nov. 10. Coker served as the administrative assistant for the Department of Physics, Engineering and Astronomy at Ģ����Ƶ for more than 17 years. She retired in 2003.

Betty Baker Colburn '76, Sept. 7

Candice Conger '04, Dec. 24

Francis David Conley '66, Sept. 12

Thomas “Tom” Cox '52, Feb. 15, 2022

Robert Cranshaw Jr. '80, May 30

Michael Crowell Jr. '90, June 24

Stuart Cureton '87, Jan. 3

Catherine Davis '78, Jan. 17

Janette Davis '87, Jan. 3

Doris Mixon Delafield '66, Nov. 3

Sharon “Sherrie” Dement '74 & '79, Sept. 9

Sue Dockery '75, March 14, 2024

Carol Rush Dodson '78, Dec. 29, 2023

Davie Downs '93, June 14

Dr. Jane Edwards '96, July 24

Dr. James “Kel” Ferguson '57, June 13

Kenneth Fortner '71, July 23

Jody Franks '00, Oct. 16

Vivian Fusillo, a 1966 Ģ����Ƶ graduate and former faculty member, passed away Aug. 19. Fusillo received a Master of Arts in theatre from Ģ����Ƶ. After holding positions at Ģ����Ƶ, Florida Southern College and Western Illinois University, she spent the remainder of her career teaching at Winona State University. Fusillo directed more than 100 plays from every genre from 1968 to 2014, and her immense impact on the university led WSU to name its Performing Arts Center’s main stage the Vivian Fusillo Theatre in her honor. With her creative flair and one-of-a-kind teaching style, she inspired countless students. She also was the inspiration for Ann-Margret’s character in “Grumpy Old Men,” which was written by a WSU student.

Dr. Paul Garcia '68, Aug. 5

Paul Phil Gilbert '55, Oct. 29, 2022

Jill Goad '90, Aug. 11

Sandra Goodwin '72, July 30

Keith Green '64, Nov. 19

Sharon Green '96, Dec. 11

Grace Grimes '69, Aug. 19

John Hafner '67, Aug. 16

Kathleen Hall '79, July 25

George Hampton Jr., former staff member, passed away Jan. 10. In 2007, Hampton took an opportunity to work at Ģ����Ƶ as a building operator for Residence Life Operations. He retired in 2023 after 16 years of service. He could fix anything and everything that was broken. A jack of all trades, he helped to maintain and renovate many of the sorority houses in Nacogdoches.

Michael Hasley '78, Dec. 5

Joan Hayley '49, Dec. 18, 2023

Dr. William Heeth '81, Aug. 16

John Hendrick '69, '91, '92 & '94, Dec. 26

Evelyn Hendrix '58, Nov. 30

Janice Darlene Henson '81 & '87, Aug. 4

Penny Horne '65 & '68, Dec. 7

Charlene Humphreys '78, Dec. 30

Sean Jennings '02, Dec. 19

Will Jennings, a two-time graduate of Ģ����Ƶ and accomplished singer-songwriter, passed away Sept. 6. Jennings received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English from Ģ����Ƶ in 1965 and 1967, respectively. He was a Grammy- and Oscar-winning musician who wrote the lyrics for some of the best-known songs in pop music history.

In 1980, he began a professional and productive relationship with English musician Steve Winwood. The two of them wrote many hits, including “While You See a Chance,” “Back in The Highlife” and “Higher Love.” He was a prolific and immensely talented songwriter with over 500 credits to his name, most notably “My Heart Will Go On,” the theme of the 1997 movie “Titanic,” written with James Horner.

Jennings collaborated with such stars as Dionne Warwick, Eric Clapton, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, B.B. King, Emmylou Harris, Jimmy Buffet, Barry Manilow, Roy Orbison and Joe Cocker.

Gary Jentz '81 & '82, Nov. 29

Elmer Johnson '71, Oct. 11

Mary Johnson '57 & '67, Dec. 7

Royce “Lynn” Johnson Jr. '87, Aug. 17

Dr. William R. Johnson, Ģ����Ƶ’s fourth president, passed away Oct. 23. Johnson’s leadership and vision shaped Ģ����Ƶ’s trajectory during his 14 years as president, from 1976-90, making him one of the university’s longest-serving presidents.

During his tenure, Johnson was responsible for several transformative projects across the campus. He oversaw the construction of Dugas Liberal Arts North and the Bush Mathematical Sciences Building. Additionally, he spearheaded the renovation of what was then called the University Center, the Forestry Building, the Rusk Building and the Lehmann Chemistry Building, among several other construction and renovation projects. Built in 1974, the William R. Johnson Coliseum was named in his honor.

Additionally, Johnson oversaw the creation of the Regents Professors program, the University Scholars program, and the first fully funded academic chairs at the university.

Cody Jones '18, Oct. 28

Tracy Kennedy '98, Aug. 20

Berry Kidwell '58, Nov. 28

Larry “Scooter” King '76, April 7, 2024

Larry Kosta '71, June 20

James Lacy Jr. '80, Aug. 26

Fleda Lambert '76, March 14, 2024

Ted Lankford '72, July 18

Malinda Lindsey '92, '99 & '02, Nov. 9

Elvin "Buddy" Lowery '59, Sept. 15

Meghan Lucas '16, Oct. 19

Betty Maldonado '79, Dec. 29

Robert “Bob” Marshall Sr. '84, Dec. 10

James Mayberry '77, Aug. 16

Billy McDaniel '53, Aug. 15

Michael McJilton '68, Sept. 29

Janice McKnight '67 & '71, Aug. 11

Dr. Tom Middlebrook '74 & '77, Sept. 17

Steven Miller '77, Jan. 3

Rachel Monahan '04, Oct. 5, 2016

Terri Morse '80 & '83, Aug. 12

Debra Moulder '73, July 6, 2022

Roland Muckleroy '56, Feb. 14

Julie Muller '65, Dec. 5

Keith Neill '81, June 6

Donna O'Sullivan '95 & '97, Nov. 7

Jerry Parker '64, Nov. 12

Phillip Pate '62, Dec. 14

Lena Evalyn Prudhome Patterson '66 & '71, Dec. 13

J.C. Patton, Nov. 16

Travis Phillips '70, July 21

Robert Poole '99, July 29

Kenneth Pye '57, Oct. 6

Hettie Analea Rawson '78, Sept. 6

Laura Reasoner '88, Aug. 10

Aleene Jackson Reid '52, Sept. 12

Barry Salmon '74, Dec. 2

Robin “Rob” Schill '86, June 5

Stephen “Stevie” Scurlock '74, Aug. 31

John Sepmoree '86, July 3

Kathleen Shelton '78, Nov. 16

Susan Danette Shoemaker '82, July 9

Garner Spring '61, Oct. 6

Jo Spurlin, Aug. 14

William Tannert '57, June 6

Kathryn Toon '07, Oct. 3

Mary Trimble '78, Dec. 25

Larry Dean Ward '74 & '76, Sept. 25

Anita Walker '79, July 27

Allen Watters '66, July 11

Anne Weaver '02, Nov. 18

Marjorie White '62, June 25

Ken Wilbanks '73, Sept. 12

Melody Witt '90, July 11

Paula Woods '88, June 6

Lando Young '04, Jan. 9