Silvey Wood Barge ’53

Be true to your own values and ideals. Show up in life with humility — be engaged and mentally alert. Find work or an activity that makes your heart sing, and find love, joy and energy through relationships with other people.

Cultivate mentors who are 5 to 10 years older than you, as they have likely had similar experiences to what you will have. Make room in your life for beauty, a sense of humor and a twinkle in your eye. And never post pornographic pictures on the Internet!

My years at TCU (graduating in three years in order to catch up with my husband-to-be, Jim) were marked by challenging studies and expanding horizons. I was the first in my family to attend college, and I believed that I had an obligation to fulfill the gift of college from my parents by studying well and achieving. In addition to being a member of the Disciple Student Fellowship and Chi Delta Mu, my greatest joy came in the Student Christian Association, where Dr. and Mrs. Harry C. Munro introduced me to many early civil rights leaders — Bayard Rustin, Roy Wilkins, Philip Randolph, etc. It was a serious consciousness-raising experience for me.

* * *

Carol Arnold Porter ’61

It’s not the size of the paycheck, the title of the job, or the location of the office; it’s your relationship with your God, your family and your friends that make a difference in a lifetime.

Recent graduates are very focused on getting a job, and then as you taste success, that can become what you focus on more than anything. From my point of view, reflecting back, other things are more important than professional success.

I taught school for about 8 years and had children, and when they went to kindergarten and first grade, I became a full-time law student. I was a practicing attorney for 28 years. And I’ve done a great deal of volunteer work, especially in the arts. I’ve been a board member of an international piano competition here that’s similar to the Van Cliburn, and I’ve been closely affiliated with the Cleveland Museum of Art. I taught in both Fort Worth public schools and Fort Worth Country Day. I’ve always cheered for the Frogs, and I always felt I left a little of my heart in Fort Worth.

* * *

Boyd McKelvain ’55

Concentrate your efforts on things you really love to do and have passion to do. The thing that I had passion to do I never wound up doing because I had too many obligations and I couldn’t afford it, but most of the kids now have a better chance of being able to do it.

Focus on things you can feel happy doing, where you find it difficult to stop working because it’s fun and you are engrossed in it. A lot in life depends on luck, and the amount of energy you have, and the sort of street smarts or grit that causes you to keep getting up when you get knocked down. All those kinds of things make the difference in success.

* * *

Billy Bob Burdette ’60

Have confidence to participate in the adult world. Remember where you came from — your family — and be a contributor in your family.

Some people go off into the adult world and put too much distance between themselves and their families. We all stand on our ancestors’ shoulders.

There’s a generation behind you that will need your help, too. And maintain your friendships. Not everyone’s life goes as planned, and when it doesn’t, you need to be there for your family and friends.

* * *

Pat Brown Burdette ’60

Be patient. Your character is really important. Treat every person with respect — not just people you think can help you, but every person. If I could have advised myself when I graduated from college, I would have listened more than I spoke.

We’ve been married 52 years. I’ll share our secret with you. It was written on a plaque in an antique shop: One ox cannot balance a double yoke. One person can’t take the whole load. It just won’t get your cart down the road. If you don’t both pull equally and think of the other person, you can’t make it.

* * *

Curtis Wayne “Curt” Wilson ’63 (MM ’66)

If you don’t already possess a sense of humor, learn to cultivate one — you’ll need it.

* * *

Texanita Sechrist Cole ’60

Some of the best advice I ever got was from my dad. He said to expect change, in jobs and all through your life. Change will come at you slowly sometimes, and other times it will slap you in the face — but just know to expect it.

I’ve had stability – I was a teacher and principal in public schools for 37 years, and married to Ken ’62 (BD ’67) for 43. But there were also lots of changes. My husband was a minister so we had moves to different churches. I had grade-level changes and staff changes at school. We had different neighbors and friends from church pass through our lives.

And I’ve dealt with the death of my husband and the death of my son. So I look back and have often thought Daddy was so right.

* * *

Don Cram ’61

Don’t be afraid of change; be open to it. Those changes may create opportunities. I was a mortgage banker for 36 years, and I had an opportunity to sell my company when I was too young to be retired. I ended up going into two other businesses after that, and right now my son-in-law and I have created a successful wine distribution business.

My senior year at TCU I took a business class and worked on a business plan with my colleague. Our professor, Ike Harrison, who was the dean of the school, was pushing the idea of service. My colleague and I were convinced you’re only in business to make money, so we emphasized the importance of profit. But when I got out in business and saw some of the things that my mentor, who was my father, did, I reconsidered. He would work with people who were really in need when it was the right thing to do. I thought that was sort of like what Ike Harrison was trying to tell us — it’s not always necessarily about profit.

* * *

Sammy Williams Crews ’50

Seniors should know they’ve had the experience of a lifetime to have the privilege of graduating from TCU. Enjoy the advantages and stay purple! It is my pleasure to watch TCU grow.

I met my husband (Harold Crews ’50) in 1944 while I was studying nursing. The director of nurses wouldn’t give me time off to get married, but we did anyway and I, of course, had to drop out. My husband went to Japan and we stayed in California for a year, but once we made it back, we didn’t miss a football game for many years.

* * *

Jean Park Remley ’63

Work hard, stay smart.

Always think of the other person you’re dealing with because they’re your customers and stakeholders in your businesses.

And always follow the Golden Rule in treating other people.

* * *

R.E. Dodson ’61 

Remember that wisdom is usable knowledge, and you’ll continue to learn each day.

When they graduate from college, a lot of people think they’ve got all the knowledge they need for the new life they’re about to begin.

Sometimes it’s a rude awakening when they get out into the world and realize the knowledge they learned in class doesn’t always work in whatever endeavor they’re involved in.

You’ve still got to learn each day. Pick your friends and associates wisely, and don’t compromise your integrity.

* * *

Sylvia Faubian Dodson ’61

People ask us how we’ve stayed together 54 years. We stayed together by praying together.

We had some tragedy in our life in the last year, and when you get up and drop to your knees before your day begins, and hold hands and say a prayer, it makes your day go so much better because you know the Lord’s with you.

You also have to learn to forgive each other, because none of us are perfect and we’re all going to make mistakes. You’ve got to forgive and love.

* * *

Dale Glasscock ’62

My mother was a schoolteacher and my father was a farmer and rancher, and all five of us were born at home. We were taught to work hard, be honest and never give up. That’s the best lesson anyone can give a person. Work ethic is one of the greatest assets for an individual, and of course honesty is parallel with that. There’s a lot of opportunity for today’s college graduates, if they want to work for it.

I had a successful insurance business in Fort Worth and then in 1982 I decided to go back to farming and ranching because I loved it so much. I played football at TCU and try to go to all the home games and some away games with my youngest daughter, Janet ’88, who also graduated from TCU. I’m a member of the alumni association and Letterman’s Association was Frog Club president back in the ’80s, and I endowed a football scholarship about 10 years ago. I love my Frogs.

* * *

Marshall Harris ’54 (MLA ’77)

Sometimes young people pass up a job opportunity because it doesn’t fit all the criteria they’re looking for. But just getting out of school, these graduates may not be able to meet all their expectations immediately. They need to keep striving but realize they may have to take a position that might be a little less than what they were hoping for.

Go ahead and take a job that you’re suited for and capable of doing. You can always look for another job or an opportunity to move up. I was in the Air Force for 22 years, and after I retired I got my MLA at TCU. Then I worked with the VA as an employment counselor, trying to get jobs for veterans. I told them it’s always easier to get another job if you’re already working.

I also tell my grandchildren that pride is your greatest enemy because it will cause you to do things you shouldn’t do, and keep you from doing what you ought to do sometimes. Be careful of your pride, because it’ll get you in trouble sometimes.

* * *

Joan Bennett Gore ’63

My best advice would be for you to stay in connection with TCU because TCU will continue to offer a lot of support and opportunities for you.

* * *

Sue Sherfesee ’64

Smile, dress appropriately, be positive, organize, contribute, accept responsibilities and be honest, moral and ethical.

* * *

Ken Hubbell ’61 (MA ’65)

John Wortham was one of my economics professors at TCU. When I graduated, he said, “The only advice I can give you is, life is like a river, you sort of jump in and start swimming and you’ll come out someplace.” And that’s pretty much the way it is, actually. You don’t really know, you just jump in.

Just try to find out what your passion for life is, and your gifts, and pursue those. Remain flexible. Always be open to opportunities and to new ways of thinking and doing things. Don’t be afraid about the future; embrace it.

You need to follow your passion, and if you do that, you’ll be satisfied with your life. But you also need to do something you have a gift in, because otherwise you’ll be frustrated.

Always keep your options open and be willing to change and follow your passion whenever you find it. Much of my life has been an accident and not really a plan. I changed my major four times and ended up in economics, but then I got a master’s and PhD in economics and taught at the University of Missouri for 37 years.

I took a year out to hitchhike around Europe, and during that time, I found out a few things about myself. The trip not only opened my eyes to the artwork and cultures, but it also showed me that I could survive. I left country with $220 and round-trip ticket and ended up staying for nine months. Along the way I ran out of money, so I worked over the winter for the U.S. Army in the quartermaster laundry in Dachau, Germany. Then I had enough money to continue my travels. After that I never worried about earning a living, because I knew I could provide for myself. That was a big awakening for me.

When I got back I decided to get my master’s. I was not a great student and probably would have been voted the person least likely to go to grad school when I graduated from college than anyone in my fraternity. I applied but they turned me down, so I went to see Dean Moudy. He looked at my transcript and said, “I can’t think of a good reason I should admit you to graduate school. But I tell you what, I’ll let you take two graduate courses in economics, and if you make a B or better we’ll admit you.” I said fair enough, so I made two A’s and was on my way. But if it hadn’t been for that man, I never would have gone to graduate school.

* * *

Mary Ruth Taylor Jones ’58

My advice is to stay connected with TCU and the good friends made there. There are wonderful TCU networks and alumni associations all across the country. Be sure to come back for reunions, and, if living in this area, come to TCU. So much is offered on campus, from music to theater. It’s a wonderful way to bring up a family.

Things certainly were different back when I was a student. The men had no curfews as far as I know, but the women had to be in by 10 or 11 p.m. Women couldn’t wear pants outside of the dorm, so you’d put on a raincoat if you wanted to wear your jeans somewhere.

* * *

Sandy Stokes McGowan ’60

Don’t be afraid to venture outside your major when seeking employment and there are no immediate jobs in your expertise. This is because you need to work, be responsible and hopefully find something you can experience with an open heart.

My major was advertising in both the School of Business and School of Journalism, and what I ended up doing was accounting and then teaching. My only child graduated from TCU after I married an American Airlines pilot with seven children to raise. “Eight is enough”!

* * *

Ann Barham Pugh ’44 (MA ’50)

Do what you need to do in your career, but don’t give up your hobbies. If you have a hobby of acting in community theatre or writing or painting, hang on to that too, because sometimes it will lead you into something that you really enjoy.

I majored in speech/drama at TCU and taught children’s theatre there for a while through Casa Manana. I auditioned for MGM Studios but was told I wasn’t suitable for the movies — the casting director told me that female stars had to have large eyes set fairly far apart. But the manager of Channel 5, the NBC affiliate in the Fort Worth-Dallas market, was trying to get Stripling’s department store to do a TV show, so I agreed to audition for that. For my audition I did a book review of The Cardinal, which had just come out, and as soon as my audition was over they told me the phones at Stripling’s were ringing off the walls selling the book. They didn’t tell me my audition was live on the air!

So I had this afternoon talk show for six years. I did interviews with writers, musicians, composers and movie stars who were in town promoting their films. I got to meet Cecil DeMille when he was promoting The Ten Commandments and Humphrey Bogart when he was promoting Treasure of the High Sierras. When I found out I was pregnant, I went to see my boss. I said, “If Lucille Ball can go on television wearing maternity clothes, why can’t I?” So I modeled a line of maternity clothes for Stripling’s until we did the first colorcast in the Southwest. Then I left because it was getting close to my due date.

I wrote musicals with Betty Webb Utter ’46, who had done her master’s at TCU. And I wrote a play with my friend Katie Dacus — there’s a scholarship in her and her husband Melvin’s ’44 honor at TCU — that won a contest for theatre for middle-aged people. I have four plays that are done by companies that specialize in theatre for senior citizens, and I wrote another play about women artists in the Renaissance and how it was difficult for them to pursue their art because they were women. My experiences in writing were based on what I learned in my English classes from Lorraine Sherley.

* * *

Susan Vernor Smith ’61 (MEd ’79)

The seniors should not expect their first job to be their lifetime job. There will be many twists and turns, and possibly changes in what you thought you wanted to do, and you’ll just have to roll with the punches until you find your niche.

The other thing I think is important is to keep up with TCU and your college friends. I was a Zeta at TCU, and we have a large group of people who get together often, not necessarily all at the same time, but we’re all still good friends. We just pick up where we left off. After graduation your friends will be scattered everywhere, but with today’s communication you can stay in touch easily.

And get involved with an alumni group — you can find Frogs most anywhere, and if you get involved in that you not only make new friends if you’re far from home, but you also get to enjoy that everybody likes the Frogs. I think connections are important.

* * *

Martha White Slover ’48

Continue learning. Keep informed on political issues. Be active in a political party of your choice. Get your priorities straight — family first. Be active in a religious organization.

* * *

Marian Jun Stivers ’58

You can do whatever you put your mind to. Work hard, and try to love what you’re doing. Thank the people who came before you. People who came before me opened doors that I, like other women of my generation, was eventually able to go through.

* * *

Ken Williams ’63 (MBA ’64)

Never make a promise you don’t plan to keep.

A lot of times in life you’ve got to give up to win.

And tell people that they matter as much as you can.

People want to matter and so help them matter in what they’re doing.

* * *

Nancy Briedel Williams ’63

That’s right.

And treat others as you would want them to treat you in everything that you do — business, family, friends.

* * *

To quote W.H. Auden (who said it so well):

Travel for pleasure.

— or words to that effect.

* * *

Barbara Liverman McCoy ’63

I hope you have chosen a field that you’re going to be happy in and that you will enjoy and it will enrich your life as well as that of someone else. You have been given so much. What a privilege to have an education from TCU. I would hope that you would give back to others in whatever field it is that you’ve chosen to do. Remember, too, this might not be all of your education. There may be times that you need to go back to seminars and workshops and things that would improve your skills. You should be happy to do that and try to do your best and to stay abreast on everything. This world is moving so fast and I wish you a good ride in it.

* * *

John “Mickey” McFall ’63

What we learned at TCU was the ability to relate to and get along with people, and you’ll find that in life, as you go forward, and in your jobs and your careers, that the relationships that you build are what are going to carry you and get you promoted and get you into the better opportunities and challenges that you meet.

Also, I would say that timing is everything. Now is the time to really think carefully about the path. As Robert Frost once said, or wrote, “He traveled the path in the woods, and he took the path least traveled, and it meant all the difference.” So choose that path carefully and you won’t have to backtrack.

* * *

Beverly Bryant McFall ’63

Life presents us with many challenges and many opportunities. The judgment that you have gained in college, I think, makes you ready to make those selections, whether it’s your job, or raising a family, or even who you marry. You’ve learned a lot about people and about the world, and some of it’s good and some of it isn’t. But taking advantage of the opportunities as they come is a very important thing.

* * *

Alice Kelly McCurdy ’63

From the ancient class of 1963, to you as a new graduate: I think, as I’ve lived my life, one thing that has stood me well is, first of all, my education at TCU. As the years changed and I had to adapt as I returned to teaching, what I learned at TCU adapted very well. I was very well prepared with an English and history major and minor in the education department. But I would say, that the best thing you can do, is “to thine own self be true,” as the poet wrote, and “thou canst not then be false to any man.” And if you’ll go with what your heart tells you is the right thing to do – and I pray a lot – your life will run more smoothly. So, best wishes to you, the graduates of 2013.

* * *

Dr. William Waldron “Bill” Barnes ’63 (RM ’99)

I would say to be involved, network and just keep coming back for these TCU events. It’s so much fun, seeing your classmates. And you’re just getting started. Think big and you’ll have a wonderful career.
Elden Heim ’73
As a TCU grad, hold your head high and be proud of your TCU degree that is respected throughout the world and can open doors for you. Keep close to the friends you made and use the services provided to TCU alumni. Pursue your dreams and goals with great purpose, great passion and with impeccable character and integrity. Make a difference to your family, to your community and your world. Remember, anything is possible. Believe in yourself and your talents.
Martha White Slover ’48
Continue learning. Keep informed on political issues. Be active in a political party of your choice. Get your priorities straight! Family first. Be active in a religious organization.

Frank Burkett ’50
To quote W.H. Auden (who said it so well): “Live beyond your means. Travel your pleasure. Follow your nose.” (Or words to that effect.)

David Mabry ’91
Do not give up. It may take longer and require more effort, time and resources than you planned or even imagine. But with enough will, you can achieve your dream and fulfill your goals.

Sue Sherfesee ’64
Smile. Dress appropriately. Be positive. Organize. Contribute. Accept responsibilities. Be honest, moral, ethical.

Dr. J. Don Vann ’59
Never stop asking questions about the status quo.

Connect with us:
Share your advice and life experiences by emailing us at magazine@tcu.edu.

Video:
Watch a video from the 50-year reunion where some share their advice.