Class Notes by Decade
1970s | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | 2010s |2020s
1970s
Harvey Oaxaca Sr. ’77
It has been a busy summer for Harvey Oaxaca Sr. ’77 and Rebecca (staff’ 84–’86) Oaxaca as they celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary. To mark the occasion, they embarked on an Alaskan Mission Trip to the Kenai Peninsula, where they served the Alaskan Native community.
In addition to this milestone, Harvey was re-elected to the McKinney ISD Board of Trustees for his second term and will serve as Vice President of the Board for the 2025–26 school year. Harvey also graduated in June from the Leadership Texas Association of School Boards, earning the prestigious title of “Master School Board Trustee.”
1980s
Max Burkhead ’84
Max lives in Arlington, Texas. He is an eighth-grade math teacher at Trinity Basin Preparatory in Fort Worth. Max is also the pastor at Central Methodist Church (Global) in Mineral Wells, Texas, and a Realtor with Texas Real Estate Executives. On May 3, 2025, Max married Carol Newton, a retired teacher and varsity girls’ coach. They have three children and five grandsons together. Max loves serving McMurry through the Alumni Association Board of Directors.
Cheri Holdridge ’85
Recently traveled with her husband from her home in Toledo, Ohio, to Houston, Texas. She had a mini-reunion with classmate Demetra Bagby Koelling ’84 and Bill Monroe, who was an assistant professor of English from ’82-’85 and English Department chair’ 84-’85. They both live in Houston now with their families. Together, they visited the Kennedy Space Center.
David Davis ’88
David, who served as head tennis coach at McMurry University from the 1990s through the early 2000s, was inducted into the 2025 Texas Tennis Hall of Fame. During his tenure, Davis made a lasting impact on McMurry’s tennis program, leading both the men’s and women’s teams to three consecutive conference championships. His leadership and excellence earned him numerous honors, including being named the 1998 USPTA Pro of the Year.
In October, six of his former players traveled to the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in Waco, Texas, to celebrate his well-deserved induction and remarkable achievements.
An Abilene native, Davis devoted his life to advancing the sport of tennis and expanding access to the sport for underprivileged youth. He founded the Junior USPTA League, a 12-year program that offered talented young players — many of whom lacked the resources to compete in elite tournaments — opportunities to participate in regional and statewide competitions.
Davis was also a dedicated steward of Rose Park Tennis Center, where he served as head professional when the facility was named USTA Facility of the Year in 1999. Through his passion, mentorship, and lifelong commitment to the game, David Davis leaves an enduring legacy within the tennis community and an inspiring example for future generations.
Paul Evans ’89
Paul retired from the Department of Veterans Affairs and has been appointed as pastor at Oak Island Global Methodist Church in San Antonio.
1990s
Peter DiMarzio ’90
Peter was recently inducted as a member of both the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music. Pictured here, he’s enjoying a moment backstage at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, meeting T. Graham Brown in his dressing room and spending time with Sara Evans.
Graham Brown
Jared Roan ’99
Earned his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree in 2020 and currently serves as the head of school (superintendent) at Central Texas Christian School.
2000s
Emily Jurecek Bowen ’01
Was married on August 16, 2025. While her husband is not a McMurry alum, she shares that he is the love of her life and her very best friend.
2010s
Charles Jones ’11
Charles and his wife recently completed the adoption of twins, Hunter and Charlotte, who were born on March 22, 2025. The adoption was finalized on October 1 following their certification hearing. The family feels incredibly blessed and overjoyed to welcome Hunter and Charlotte into their home officially.
Will Cooper ’14
He is living his dream as the social media director for GSM Outdoors, where he combines his passion for storytelling with his love of the outdoors every day. His role takes him on multiple hunting trips each year, creating dynamic content that connects with outdoorsmen and women across the country. His journey began in 2012, when he founded the McMurry Bass Club at McMurry University. While the club is no longer active, it remains close to his heart as the starting point of his career.
That experience opened doors he never expected — introducing him to influential connections, sharpening his leadership and networking skills, and giving him his first true foothold in the outdoor industry. Will remains deeply grateful to McMurry and those who supported him during his early days. He credits that foundation with helping him pursue his passion, embrace new adventures, and share them with the world.
2020s
Madeline Henderson ’20
Since graduating from nursing school during the COVID-19 pandemic, she has found her passion as a mother-baby nurse. Most recently, she earned her International Board Certification as a lactation consultant. This fall, she will take the next step in her calling by moving into full-time missions, using her nursing skills to serve women in low-resourced countries.
Pursuing full-time missions has long been Madeline’s dream, and she credits the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree she earned at McMurry University for equipping her with the practical skills needed to serve vulnerable women across the globe. You can follow her journey by subscribing to her newsletter on Substack: Maddy’s Missions Update.
Kaitlyn Thompson ’20
Moved to Lubbock in April and began a new position as a case manager at a neurological rehab facility.
Jade Chabarria Mawson ’23
After three and a half wonderful years as a graphic designer with Funeral Directors Life, Jade is excited to begin the next chapter of her career as the secondary art teacher at TLCA in Abilene. She is eager for the school year to start and looks forward to the opportunity to teach what she truly loves, art.