Curtis Vick was a junior computer science major at Southwestern when he accepted what he thought would be a temporary position at Texas Methodist Foundation (TMF). A classmate, Chris Cragg '83, worked there at the time and had told him they were looking for data entry and programming help.

Twenty years later, Vick's "temporary" job looks much more permanent. "Because my father was a Methodist minister, I was glad to have the opportunity to serve the Church using the skills that I have. I feel comfortable here because I'm where I want to be‹at a place that is about doing good and helping the Church."

The foundation's purpose is "to empower the Church in the achievement of her God-appointed missions" and "provide resources that strengthen the ability of United Methodists to advance Christian ministries." Established in 1938, TMF had only four full-time staff members when Vick arrived in 1982. They now count 37 employees.

Vick supervises the operation of the foundation, including office staff. He manages the bookkeeping, computing, equipment, building security and "anything else that doesn't involve sales and marketing."

For the past three years, TMF's relationship with Southwestern has included awarding the Bishop Ernest T. Dixon scholarship, which provides four-year scholarships for Southwestern's high-achieving African American, Hispanic and Native American students. He says he has enjoyed Southwestern's connection with The Methodist Church, and he can always count on seeing familiar faces as he visits churches around Texas.

"We are a growing organization, always doing different things. It's exciting for me because I'm constantly learning. My education didn't end at Southwestern."

His decision to attend Southwestern was an easy one to make. His father was impressed with its relationship with The Methodist Church and academic reputation. Having graduated salutatorian of his high school class in Luling, Vick appreciated the intimacy of the campus, but was equally excited by the opportunity to play for the basketball team. He walked on the team as a guard and was named the team's most inspirational player.

He originally intended to major in business, but he credits professors like John Chapman and Richard Denman for inspiring in him an interest in math and computer science. "They had a huge impact on my education, but I still cringe when I think about those oral exams. That was certainly an eye-opening experience."

His sister, Brenda Schaefer '85, also attended Southwestern and was responsible for setting him up with his wife, Jackie Siders Vick '85. "She called me to come over and help her move into the dorm because she wanted me to meet her new roommate." The couple now has three children, Aubree, 12, Cassie, 8, and Jacob, 7.

"I guess you could say that Southwestern is a legacy in my family. My education there helped me learn how to learn. In my work, the ability to deal with changing environments has been the most helpful in gaining success."

Vick's love of basketball has carried over to helping his children with their Little Dribbler's program in Georgetown. He also is active with his church and enjoys woodworking and "tinkering" with cars.

-Greg Holland