letters to the editor

Baylor Business Review, Fall 2004

THIS HAS REALLY TURNED INTO one outstanding magazine! Congratulations.

WES BAILEY BBA '78

Waco, TX

Remembering

Dr. Helen Ligon

BY THE SUMMER OF 1961, I'D HAD ABOUT ALL OF COLLEGE AND BAYLOR I COULD TAKE and even though nearly done with my senior year, was heading it seemed, in the opposite direction of my talents and eventual career.

A particularly mind-boggling course in statistics was blocking my way to graduate when I was lucky enough to be ushered into the presence of the precious Dr. Helen Ligon. Her wonderful smile and contagiously uplifting personality cooled the burnout which racked my feverish soul. She not only inspired me into passing that tedious course but into making, as I recall, a decent grade.

Mrs. Ligon had a special but simple talent. And that was making you feel like you were absolutely her only student and that she cared as much as your mother that you did well.I was very saddened to read of her passing and wished I could have thanked her once more and experienced one more basking in her warm smile.

ED CRUMLEY BBA '61

Dallas, TX

IT WAS 1979. A TUMULTUOUS YEAR, WITH HIGH INTEREST RATES AND EMPLOYMENT WORRIES. I was a young man from Philadelphia, Pa, that jumped on a plane August 18, 1979 to attend Baylor University and learn about Computer Information Systems. At first it was not going well. Then my MIS professor, Dr. Helen Ligon, asked me what seemed to be the trouble one day. She said I looked frustrated. I made an appointment and went to her office to discuss my second semester at Baylor. I was far from home and trying to fit in and succeed in my academic pursuit. Dr. Ligon sat me down and just started asking me questions that eventually led to my worries as they were. An hour flew by and when I left her office I felt she really understood what was troubling me. She cared about not only my academic standing, but about me and who I am and where I wanted to go in life. After that I went into speak to her at least once a semester. Dr. Ligon was a guiding light for my career at Baylor and my career in the business world. I aspire to be able to mentor and to speak and encourage my family, business associates, and subordinates in the same way Dr. Ligon spoke and mentored me.

I was fortunate to speak to Dr. Ligon last spring while attending a recruiting function. She said she remembered me. Still vibrant and full of life. I was stunned, and pleasantly surprised. Must of been that Philadelphia accent.

KEN GITHENS BBA '81

Houston, TX

Bears Abroad

ENJOYED THE STORY ABOUT BEARS ABROAD and just thought I'd let you know that I, too, am a Bear abroad. After living and working in Russia for about three years, I moved to southern Finland where I have lived and worked for the past nine years -and plan to stay forever! Finland's a wonderful and beautiful country, and I encourage all other Bears to visit sometime. It's a long trip but well worth it!

KELLI SMITH ORRELA, BBA '91

Kotka,Finland

I HAVE LIVED ON GUAM SINCE 1996 and am the marketing manager for Marianas CableVision serving the islands of Guam, Saipan, Tinian and Rota. Super typhoons and earthquakes are a way of life for the 200,000 people that live on the islands. I myself have been through three super typhoons including Paka in 1997 that registered the highest wind speeds ever recorded. Island life is quite different from where I grew up in East Texas, yet the longer I live here I appreciate the differences. Most people only dream of living where I live, a tourist island 30 miles long and eight miles wide with white sand beaches. In fact, I do see the Philippine Sea every day when I awake. However, I am here to tell you that dreams are a little better than reality. I really miss the seasons. There are two here, wet and dry. It's always sunny and warm here. I would like to see the leaves falling or get hit with burst of cool air that is not generated by aircon. Add in undependable utilities, poor schools, a cost of living higher than Hawaii, and car congestion (over 125,000 registered vehicles all going where you are going at the same time), and a government that uses jobs as the welfare system (1/3 of the jobs are Guam are government) and it may become clear why everybody is not moving here in droves. Here is the one thing I have noticed over the years: no matter where you live you will adapt to that environment and your general life will not be that much different no matter what you do. Just an observation from "Where America's Day Begins."

MARK BIRMINGHAM, BBA '81

Tumon, Guam

What's your view?" We'd like to know.

Visit www.baylor.edu/bbr to submit your comments online, or mail a letter to:

Editor

BAYLOR BUSINESS REVIEW

Baylor University,

Hankamer School of Business

One Bear Place #98009

Waco, TX 76798