September 2006

Hi, Linfield alum,

Welcome to the E-CAT, an electronic newsletter connecting Linfield alumni with each other and the institution.  For easy reading, we have kept it short and simple with links to additional information.

As usual, this newsletter is filled with upcoming events and happenings at Linfield.  let us know what you think and how we can serve you better!

Enjoy the fall!

Debbie Harmon '90
Director of Alumni Relations
alumni@linfield.edu

In this September 2006 issue

1.  Homecoming
2.  New Music Building Dedication
3.  Coach Joe Smith
4.  Mentoring Opportunity
5.  New Faculty Arrive
6.  Linfield Building is Lost to Fire
7.  U.S. News Rankings
8.  Successful Challenge Completed
9.  New Residence Halls
10.  Retirees Thrive

Come one, come all to Homecoming

This year's Homecoming schedule includes something for everyone.  Enjoy an elegant evening with linfield's finest, a music center opening, a barbecue, a football game and more, all in the company of Linfield friends.

Linfield's Finest:  Following the dedication of the Vivian A. Bull Music Center, Linfield alumni will descend upon McMinnville's Grand Ballroom to celebrate "A Sampling of Linfield's Finest."  Take this opportunity to visit with former professors, talk with Presidents Walker, Bull and Hellie, bid on the silent auction and recognize alumni who have made outstanding contributions in their field and to the college.  To see a list of special guests and honorees, visit our website.  Barbecue:  All ages are welcome to attend this traditional pregame meal which includes a special appearance by Coach Smith.  All-Alumni Dinner:  After the game, enjoy dinner with friends and classmates at one of McMinnville's classiest venues, McMinnville's Grand Ballroom.

Bull Music Center dedication

A long-awaited dream is now reality for members of the Linfield community with the opening of the Vivian A. Bull Music Center.  The center will be dedicated Friday, September 29 at 4 p.m. during Homecoming Weekend, but students, faculty and staff have already moved into the new 14,000 square-foot building, opposite the Miller Fine Arts Center.  It houses faculty offices and studios, practice rooms, a band rehearsal room and a recital space with seating for 98.

New coach to lead the Cats

Football season is in full swing and Wildcat fans will notice a few changes to the program.  After graduating from Linfield, wildly successful quarterback Brett Elliott '06 traded his Wildcat jersey for a San Diego Chargers uniform.  Meanwhile, head coach Jay Locey, who led the Cats for the past nine seasons, accepted a position on the Oregon State Beavers football staff.  Replacing him as head coach is Joe Smith '93.  Smith is no stranger to the program having played and coached for Linfield for the past 17 years. 

Fall career mentoring

What do you like best about your job?  What takes place during a typical work day?  What do you know now that you wish you had known when you were 20 years old?  You can help current Linfield students by answering these questions and serving as a career mentor.  Learn how alumni are making a difference in the lives of Linfield students.  To find out about the program or to become a mentor yourself, visit our website.

New faculty faces

First-year students aren't the only new faces on campus this fall.  Nine new faculty members will join the Linfield College community for the 2006-2007 academic year, representing departments of biology, economics, education, history, nursing, philosophy, physics, and health, human performance and athletics.

Lincabin burns in fire

A July fire in the Three Sisters Wilderness burned close to home for the Linfield community, destroying Lincabin, a rustic getaway for faculty and students.  The cabin was constructed by Linfield students and faculty on private land and played host to a myriad of campus groups over the years including January Term classes, retreat weekends and orientations.  In October, Linfield Magazine will feature a look back at the cabin.

Linfield named top college in national rankings

Recent rankings confirm what Linfield alumni already know.  For the sixth consecutive year, Linfield College has been named the top college in the western region in the Comprehensive Colleges-Bachelor's category in rankings released by the magazine U.S. News and World Report.  What's more, Linfield also received a "Best in the West" designation by Princeton Review.

The 25-for-25 Challenge success!

Linfield alumni proved they were up for a challenge.  More than 3,200 alumni took part in the 25-for-25 Challenge during the 2005-2006 fiscal year, achieving a goal of 25 percent alumni participation in giving that earned an additional $25,000 from ten alumni donors.  The challenge was a success and proved, once again, how Linfield alumni are still making an impact in the lives of students at Linfield.

Terrell and Elkinton Halls open to students

Linfield students are making themselves at home in two new residence halls this fall.  Terrell Hall, named for Professor Horace Terrell who taught English at Linfield from 1933 to 1962, and Elkinton Hall, named for Professor Harold Elkinton who taught business from 1927 to 1969, were dedicated this past weekend.  The halls, which house a total of 130 students, have been well-received by residents and guests.

Where are they now?

Two former Linfield College professors spend a good deal of their retirement outside, but you won't often find them relaxing in a hammock.  Instead, avid outdoorsman Drannan Hamby '55, professor emeritus of chemistry and physics, and Doug Cruikshank, professor emeritus of education, can be found hiking, backpacking and camping in remote parts of the Oregon wilderness.

For more information regarding alumni activities, please contact Debbie Harmon '90, Director of Alumni Relations, at 503-883-2607 or alumni@linfield.edu.