September 16, 2009

Kyra Stull

Coordinator

Forensic Anthropology Center

Texas State University—San Marcos

"Forensic Anthropology at Texas State"

Kyra Stull is program faculty at Texas State, and the Coordinator of the Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State University-San Marcos. After completing her undergraduate from the University of Tennessee, where she volunteered at the Forensic Anthropology Center (a.k.a. “Body Farm”) for three years, Kyra furthered her education at Mercyhurst College in Erie, PA. Mercyhurst allowed for a forensic anthropology-intensive Masters program with an abundance of hands-on and teaching experience and participation in forensic anthropology casework.

 Although her early research focused on the development of adult age at death techniques, currently, the bulk of her interests tend to encompass the development of the subadult skeleton.

 In 2008 she defended her thesis entitled “Sexual Dimorphism of the Subadult Skeleton” where she investigated shape differences in the humerus and femur.

During the second year of graduate studies, Ms. Stull also co-authored a grant along with Stephen Ousley, PhD, and Kathryn Frazee, M.S. for the creation of a digital database composed of modern subadult radiographs assembled from geographically diverse Medical Examiners and Coroners Offices around the country. Funding was granted by the National Institute of Justice in October of 2009 and she has been working full time on this research project prior to accepting the Coordinator position at FACTS.

The Forensic Anthropology Center, known unofficially as the “body farm” or ranch, is the third facility of its kind in the nation and the only one west of the Mississippi. Located on the university-owned Freeman Ranch, about four miles from campus, the five-acre plot contains the remains of seven people. Another 25 to 30 living donors are signed up.

The information from these studies is used to aid law enforcement in identifying remains and determining time, cause and place of death. Hamilton said that almost all of what law enforcement knows about identifying human remains comes from the founding facility at the University of Tennessee, where she studied under renowned forensic anthropologist William Bass. The Texas State location will provide not only a drier climate in which to study decomposition, but perhaps a different demographic of donors as well.

 In Memoriam

July 26, 1938 – September 3, 2009

We’re saddened to announce the death of longtime member Bill Hollingshead.  Bill passed away suddenly on Sept 3 at his home. 

Bill will be remembered by his Rotary family for his kindness, good humor and devotion to Rotary.

Our condolences to his wife of 43 years Mary Ann and their extended family.

If  you would like to remember Bill, the family asks that donations be made to The Alamo Heights School Foundation, Alamo Heights United Methodist Church or our own Diploma Plus Program

Membership Proposals

On recommendation of the Admissions Committee, the Board of Directors has authorized the following for publishing for membership in accordance with the club bylaws.  They will automatically become members in 7 days unless ten (10) written and signed objections are submitted.

PARKER, Keith

VIA Metropolitan Transit

President/CEO

TRANSPORTATION – Metro Transit - Administration

Proposer: Miller, Lou

Endorser: Martin, Bill

KEESE, Thomas

Preferred Landscape and Lighting

Landscape Designer / Sales

LANDSCAPE - Designer

Proposer: Cross, Doug

Endorser: Scharf-Zeldes, Barbie

Family of Rotary News

Our condolences to Jaime Turner on the recent deaths of his brother and uncle. Jaime did receive some good news as well.  He welcomed a new granddaughter, Trinity LaJoi, into the world at the end of August.

Do you have something you’d like to share with your fellow Rotarians?  Give us a call at 222-8242, x102 or email to director@rotarysa.org.

Events at Local Clubs

Karnes City Rotary hold its annual Lonesome Dove Festival on Friday, September 19.  The annual fest is family oriented and focuses on hunting and outdoor activities. 

The Fest takes place at the Karnes County Show Barn located on Hwy 181 between Karnes City and Kenedy.  For more information go to www.lonesomedovefest.com

The Highlands Club will hold a golf tournament on Friday, Sept 18 at Pecan Valley Golf Course.  Proceeds will establish a scholarship fund for East Central students.

For more information contact Ed McClure at 337-4622.

The Northwest Club will host its 6th annual “Rotary’s Art with a Heart” auction on Saturday, Sept 26.  This year’s auction features Raul Gutierrez, SA’s famous western artist in residence and past Texas Artist of the Year.  Mr. Gutierrez will be present at the auction.

For more information contact the Northwest Rotary at 576-5475 or visit their website at www.rotarynorthwest.com.

Save the Date!

DG Reggie’s District Conference will be April 29 - May 2.  For the first time, it will be a multi-district conference.  Six Districts in Texas will join together to put on an amazing end-of-year Rotary event.  For fellowship, fun, world-class speakers and the sharing of ideas, attend the

Tejas Multi-District Conference

April 29 - May 2, 2010

San Antonio

Register now for the

2010 RI Convention in Montréal, Québec, Canada

June 20-23, 2010

Sophisticated yet friendly, Montréal offers an ideal setting for Rotarians to gather at the 2010 RI Convention. More than 80 nationalities and ethnic groups reside in Montréal. In addition, it is also the largest francophone city outside of Paris, making it the most bilingual metropolis in North America. Register early now for “An International Experience” and to receive the best rates and accommodations.

Visit the RI website to learn more about the Convention:  www.rotary.org