This last weekend was the fall meeting of the McMurry Science & Math Advisory Board (http://cs1.mcm.edu/smab/).  The group meets twice a year to fulfill its mission to support the students, programs, and faculty of McMurry’s science, math, and computer science departments.  It is made up of influential alumni – medical professionals, scientists, software engineers,  and a physicist or two.  Over the years, they have undertaken fundraisers for science programs and supported the travel of students to scientific meetings and enrichment events such as field trips.  They also have brought Nobel Laureates to campus and started the SMAB Wall of Honor to recognize influential faculty and alumni who have made their mark on the school and its students.

On Friday evening, the group held its biennial New Faculty Picnic at Bloomer Ranch outside picturesque and historic Buffalo Gap.  New faculty were introduced to SMAB board members and Friends of the Board and treated to ribeyes and Dr. Charles Bloomer’s famous homemade wines.  As always, Lisa Bloomer was the beautiful and gracious hostess.  It was a spectacular fall evening, clear and cool, under the trees and stars.

Saturday morning the business began as President Russell and Vice President for Advancement Steve Crisman discussed the latest from the campus and progress on the Capital Campaign.  Of great interest, of course, was the current thought on when architectural planning and actual construction of the new science addition might take place.  Reports from the departments, and plans for another round of Wall of Honor inductees and another Nobel Laureate Lecture dominated the conversation.  By 1 pm, the latest chapter of SMAB’s work was completed and the group disbanded until their next gathering in the spring.  

One indicator of healthy, vital programs is their ability to produce healthy, vital graduates.  The wonderful work of loyal graduates such as those who serve McMurry’s sciences provides great evidence of the strength of McMurry’s sciences.