Centerpiece Spring/Summer 2021 by Centre College Alumni

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

The Initiative for Wellness and Athletic Excellence at Centre

Centrepiece Spring/Summer 2021 Volume 62 Number 1 Centre College 859.238.5200 www.centre.edu Editor Diane Fisher Johnson

CONTENTS

859.238.5717 diane.johnson@centre.edu Class News Cindy Long Design Tom Sturgeon Interns Olivia Russell ’21 Claiborne Fowler ’23 Centre College President Milton Moreland Director of Alumni and Family Engagement Megan Haake Milby ’03 Centrepiece Office 859.238.5717 alumnews@centre.edu Chenault Alumni House 859.238.5500 or 877.678.9822 Centrepiece Published by the Office of Communications for alumni and friends of the College.

FEATURES Centre’s mission is to prepare students for lives of learning, leadership, and service.

5 8 10

Initiative for Wellness and Athletic Excellence The $50 million project is expected to open in early 2023.

Centre’s First Students of Color: Thomas Bond-1854 and David Folsom-1854 Garret McCorkle ’20 turned his senior seminar paper into an ongoing research interest.

President’s Message

Centre’s Grief Mafia

Around Campus

Amanda McCracken ’00 learns lessons in loss, grief, and healing from her Centre classmates after the death of her beloved grandmother.

Cover Artist’s rendering of the Initiative for Wellness and Athletic Excellence. Inside Front Cover Jeff Fieberg ’91(chemistry) and Carter Alvey ’22 use an x-ray fluorescence analyzer to try to date when components of the C6H0 were painted on the side of what is now called Walnut House. They plan to present their research at Homecoming as part of the C6H0 Centennial Celebration. Photo by Matt Baker

DEPARTMENTS

A Conversation with Dan Stroup, Lively Professor Emeritus of Politics and Law Dan Stroup reflects on a 45-year career teaching politics.

13 Class News Class News Close-Up: Alan George ’05

25 Faculty and Staff News 26 In Memoriam Distinguished Alumnus Benjamin Dickinson ’64

28 Endpiece Want to Stand Out in a Tech Career? By Jadon Naas ’11

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Enhancing the Centre Experience

Together, we steered through a pandemic, demonstrating that care and concern are foundational elements of our campus community. In the process, we’ve also been looking ahead to the future. Milton C. Moreland

What a year it has been! Although many of our plans had to be adjusted as Centre navigated through a world pandemic, I am very grateful to be part of this amazing community, and especially appreciative for the resilience and hard work of so many people who helped us maintain a robust in-person living and learning environment during this global health crisis. Together, we steered through a pandemic, demonstrating that care and concern are foundational elements of our campus community. In the process, we’ve been looking ahead to the future. An engaged strategic planning process has involved all key college constituents and includes an exciting partnership with the Art & Science consulting group. Work on this will continue throughout the summer and into the fall, when we will present a final plan to guide our growth and progress over the next several years. We have also completed a significant renovation and expansion of Olin Hall to create the Austin E. Knowlton Center for Science and Mathematics, and reconceived and renovated the main level of Crounse Hall and the Grace Doherty Library to create our new Centre Learning Commons, dedicated to student success. We also added a new campus food option with the recent opening of Einstein Bros. Bagels next to the Learning Commons. And this summer we are enhancing campus spaces for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, re-envisioning the Old Quad as an improved space for living and learning, and continuing to improve the Norton Center as a world-class performing arts venue. Of course, our most extensive set of projects, detailed in our cover story, is the $50 million Initiative For Wellness and Athletic Excellence that involves the creation of a 135,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility that will set a new standard for liberal arts colleges across the nation. We also gained approval from our board of trustees for more upgrades to academic spaces and residence halls. These projects reflect Centre’s commitment to invest in facilities and programs that enhance student success and wellness, hone leadership skills, and prepare graduates for lives of impact for generations to come.

Centrepiece Spring/Summer 2021

Because our approach to student growth and development is not limited to what happens in the classroom, laboratory, practice room, rehearsal space, or art studio, this initiative is sure to enhance the Centre experience in innovative and measurable ways. Above all, it will support an active campus culture that integrates a renewed focus on health and wellness at new and unprecedented levels for all of our students, faculty, and staff. These projects represent a transformational moment for Centre College and will have a profound impact on our ability to offer a deeply holistic academic experience, elevating our commitment to developing mind, body, and spirit. This significant investment also exemplifies Centre’s continuing commitment to excellence, strengthening our earned reputation as one of the nation’s foremost colleges focused on leadership development and career readiness. Groundbreaking is scheduled for October, and we look forward to sharing updates as construction begins. My thanks to all who are helping to make this vision become reality and to all of you who have already expressed your support. As Dina and I begin our second year at Centre College, we are looking forward to meeting more of you in person, which we hope to do both on campus and in trips across the country that are being planned. In the process, we look forward to hearing your stories of how Centre has positively impacted your lives and also your ideas about how Centre continues to move from strength to strength as one of the nation’s best colleges that continues to prepare young people for lives of learning, leadership, and service. Sincerely,

Milton C. Moreland President

AROUND CAMPUS LoMonaco Named VP for Student Life Barbara LoMonaco has been named the new vice president for student life. She begins July 1. Her first six months, she says, will be spent listening in order to learn about Centre’s culture, traditions, and aspirations. “Getting to know the student life team, the faculty, students, and my senior staff colleagues will help me understand where our opportunities and challenges lie,” she says. “I’m also excited about contributing to the strategic plan and its implementation.” Because mental health and wellness are always a part of student affairs discussions today, “it is increasingly important to focus on health education and programming that bolsters adjustment to college and coping,” she says. “Building equitable and inclusive environments is also a critical component of a healthy campus community.” She comes to Centre from the Rhode Island School of Design, where she oversaw resident life and housing, disability support services, the Center for Student Involvement, and the offices of international student services, student support and administration, and health and wellness

in her position as associate vice president for student affairs. A native of Dallas, LoMonaco earned three degrees at Southern Methodist University: a Ph.D. in anthropology, an M.A. in medical anthropology, and a B.A. in philosophy. She was a tenured member of the anthropology department at Transylvania University when she transitioned into Transy administration as vice president for student affairs and dean of students. She later moved to Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island, as vice president for student affairs. Among her responsibilities were the university’s Division III athletics program, the career development center, and a center for student development that involved first-year programming. She also saw the addition of a varsity equestrian program and was active in planning both a new $50 million residence hall and with Salve Regina’s strategic planning process. She fills the position formerly held by Randy Hays, who retired in August 2020. Kendrick Durham, who held the interim post of chief student life officer, continues as dean of students.

Princeton Review Names Centre a “Best Value” Princeton Review has named Centre one of the nation’s 200 best value colleges for 2021 out of 651 considered for its list. The schools selected offer what Princeton Review believes to be the best return on investment (ROI), including great academics, affordable cost, and solid career foundations. The ROI rating tallies look at more than 40 data points.

SPORTS NEWS Football Colonels Patric Edwards ’22 and Andre Evans ’21 were named to the College Sports Information Directors of America Academic All-District 5 Team in June. Men’s lacrosse ranked No. 13 in the final U.S. Lacrosse Magazine poll. The team finished 12-2 overall while sweeping the Southern Athletic Association (SAA) regular season and tournament titles and winning its first NCAA tournament game. Centre’s regular season championship was the first for the program. Coach Grant Zimmerman was voted SAA Coach of the Year. Wills McCutcheon ’22 was named SAA Defensive Player of the Year while Will Hubbs ’23 was Offensive Player of the Year. McCutcheon and Jack Shannon ’21 earned All-America status from the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association. Women’s soccer finished a modified spring season ranked No. 2 in the final United Soccer Coaches Top 25 poll. The Colonels were 8-1-1 overall, with their only loss to Division I Western Kentucky. Coach Jay Hoffman ’96 was named SAA Coach of the Year, while Cameron Zak ’22 was named SAA Defensive Player of the Year and Mills Mullen ’23 was named SAA Offensive Player of the Year. The Colonels won their ninth consecutive SAA tournament championship.

New vice president for student life Barbara LoMonaco

Centrepiece Spring/Summer 2021

AROUND CAMPUS

Building Renamed to honor Roushes

KYLE PIERCY

The Campus Center was renamed in May to honor President Emeritus John A. Roush and former First Lady Susie Roush for their 22 years of leadership and service. Board Chair Mark Nunnelly ’80 announced the new name as part of commencement events for the Class of 2020, whose graduation celebration was postponed due to COVID-19. He also announced that the lawn between Old Centre and the Roush Campus Center will now be known as the Susie Miller Roush Lawn in honor of her work to improve Centre’s landscape. Her contributions include helping to plant more than 100 new trees, shrubs, and plants after the devasting ice storm of 2009.

Jp Vaught ’23 won national titles in the 100 meter and the 200 meter.

Vaught Wins Two National Titles Jp Vaught ’23 won two national titles—in both the 100 meter and the 200 meter—at the 2021 NCAA Division III track and field championships in May. His time in the 200 meter set a school record of 20.83. He is the fifth from Centre to win an individual championship and the third to win multiple titles, joining Chrys Jones ’11 and Annie Rodenfels ’19, both in track and field. In addition, the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Association named him All-American and an Outstanding Performer of the Meet for the 2021 NCAA Championships. He is now a three-time All-American, including the indoor season from his first year.

The new name, to honor President Emeritus John A. Roush and former First Lady Susie Roush, was announced as part of commencement events for the Class of 2020 in May.

Centrepiece Spring/Summer 2021

Commencement 2020 & 2021 Due to production deadlines, the two commencements celebrated in May will be covered in the fall Centrepiece. Watch for the stories in September.

AND

$50 MILLION ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE WELLNESS PROJECT ANNOUNCED by Michael Strysick

Chief Communications Officer

Artist rendering of the proposed 135,000-square-foot facility devoted to wellness and athletic excellence

Centrepiece Spring/Summer 2021

he largest, most comprehensive construction project to date at Centre College will create a 135,000-square-foot facility devoted to wellness and athletic excellence. It will benefit the entire campus community and set a new standard for holistic education at top-ranked residential liberal arts colleges across the nation. Designed in partnership with Cincinnati-based architects MSA Sport, the $50 million project reflects Centre’s commitment to invest in facilities and programs that enhance student success, hone leadership skills, and prepare graduates for lives of impact. “This new facility will allow us to continue attracting talented students from around the nation and across the globe not only to work with our world-class faculty but also to participate in a premier athletic and wellness program with dedicated coaches and staff who teach important leadership skills such as teamwork, resilience, and determination,” said Centre President Milton Moreland. “In the process, Centre will extend into the next century its 200-year-plus history of producing great leaders.” As part of a campus-wide strategic planning effort, it was clear that expanded wellness and athletic facilities were needed to continue the long history and clear mission of training leaders who can make a difference in the world. “This significant investment exemplifies Centre’s continuing commitment to excellence,” Moreland said. “It will strengthen our earned reputation as one of the nation’s foremost colleges focused on leadership development and career readiness.” He added, “The Initiative for Wellness and Athletic Excellence represents a transformational moment for Centre College and will have a profound impact on our ability to offer a deeply holistic academic experience, elevating our mission to develop mind, body, and spirit.” An aggressive fundraising campaign to support this new initiative is already in progress. Early commitments, including two lead gifts, exceed three-quarters of the projected cost, leaving approximately $12 million to raise to fully fund the project. This substantial investment reflects the desire of the lead donors to challenge the Centre community, known for its pride and generosity, to share this vision and take the mantle of propelling their future giving to an even higher potential. The expansive new building will continue a series of recent campus construction projects totaling more than $30 million and is an important next step in the strategic plan to equip the College to better serve its mission and the needs of families and students for the next 50 years. “Centre is accelerating out of the global pandemic by investing in spaces that will enhance the student experience, grow enrollment, and provide increased health and wellness opportunities for the entire campus community,” said Mark Nunnelly ’80, chair of the Centre board of trustees. Included in the overall construction project, Farris Stadium, built in 1923, will be transformed to provide world-class facilities for football, men’s lacrosse, and track and field. It will also provide new seating, hospitality spaces, and an upgraded press box. In addition, Gary Wright Field will be relocated to create a new and enhanced experience for Centre’s baseball team.

Centrepiece Spring/Summer 2021

200-meter indoor track and turf infield with event seating for 800

10-lane, 50-meter pool

6,000-square-foot strength and wellness center

Arial view of the new complex

Beyond the wellness and athletic excellence project, the Centre trustees also approved additional funding to repurpose the College’s old natatorium, upgrade the softball field, completely renovate three residence halls in the Old Quad, and build a new greenhouse. Life Trustee J. David Grissom ’60 is particularly excited about the leadership opportunities these projects will provide. “I am proud to be affiliated with an institution that is prioritizing health and wellness opportunities and investing in facilities that prepare our students to be leaders in the classroom, on the field, and in their communities,” he said. “By building on more than 200 years of academic and athletic excellence, this new facility will increase Centre’s commitment to health and wellness for its students, faculty, and staff, as well as enhance the drive for competitive excellence for Centre’s outstanding scholar-athletes.” While benefiting all 24 varsity teams, the aquatic and the track and field components of the new facility will offer the opportunity to strategically expand rosters by as many as 70 student-athletes. All of these efforts have a clear goal in mind. “Along with other recent projects to enhance and expand academic facilities, create a new student success center, and add and renovate residence halls,” said Moreland, “this project makes clear Centre’s mission to offer an impactful campus experience that prepares its graduates to move the world forward in ways driven by purpose and meaning.” A groundbreaking for the project is being planned for October, with completion anticipated within 18 months. The relocation of baseball’s Gary Wright Field is projected to be completed sooner. This story originally ran on Centre’s website.

Key components of the Initiative for Wellness and Athletic Excellence building design include: • A 10-lane, 50-meter pool with a moveable bulkhead, an integrated diving well with 1-meter and 3-meter diving boards, and seating for 700 • A six-lane, 200-meter indoor track and turf infield with event seating for 800. Seating can be increased by using the turf infield. It will double as a large space for campus events, such as the annual commencement ceremony, concerts, and debates • A 6,000-square-foot strength and wellness center • A nutrition center that includes an educational component • Hospitality and engagement areas • Locker rooms and multipurpose event spaces for activities such as yoga • An enhanced Athletics Hall of Fame

Gary Wright Field will be relocated to create an enhanced experience for the baseball team.

Centrepiece Spring/Summer 2021

Thomas J. Bond-1854 was the first Choctaw to receive accredited training as an M.D. He became a surgeon and ran a hospital in Boggy Depot, Oklahoma.

Centrepiece Spring/Summer 2021

THOMAS BOND-1854 AND DAVID FOLSOM-1854

BY GARRET McCORKLE ’20

CENTRE’S FIRST STUDENTS OF COLOR

On September 27, 1850, Thomas J. Bond and David A. Folsom, both members of the Choctaw Nation, arrived in Danville from what is now Oklahoma to begin their studies at Centre College. A treaty between the Choctaw Nation and the United States government promised to pay for their education. John C. Young, president of the College, wrote to a federal agent that the young men had arrived safely. Four years

USED WITH PERMISSION OF THE ATOKA MUSEUM IN OKLAHOMA.

later, they would become the first students of color to graduate from the College. Like all Centre students at that time, Bond and Folsom boarded with families in town. The College counted this among its “advantageous peculiarities” as it ensured that young men were surrounded by “the morals and manners” of family life. The two roomed together for their first years and soon found themselves invited to join the Chamberlain Literary Society, one of two rival literary societies on campus. These groups discussed classic works, sponsored oratorical competitions on significant days such as George Washington’s birthday, and held debates that posed such questions as "Whether the negro or indian has received the greater injustice from whites.” A few things help explain why their white peers accepted Bond and Folsom so readily. Both men were described as “about 3/4ths white.” While walking around Danville and the surrounding area, they would easily have appeared “white,” allowing them to generally avoid the racism endemic at the time. Furthermore, both men came from prominent Choctaw families who had ties to plantation owners in the Choctaw homeland of Mississippi. Folsom was the son of a chief and his family had owned slaves. Bond owned a few slaves shortly after graduating. President Young later wrote to a federal agent assigned to monitor Native American

students that “these boys are very exemplary in their conduct. I have no fault to find with them, except that they do not dress as economically as they might do. But their diligence in study and correctness of deportment are worthy of unqualified praise.” President Young eventually found himself paying for their various needs and debts, however. The United States government never paid Centre what was due for hosting these young Choctaw. Bond and Folsom found themselves participating in some activities President Young might not have wanted to share with the federal agent. Many were typical of college boys: drinking, playing cards, mocking teachers, playing pranks (a favorite that even some professors indulged in was stealing of President Young’s chickens), and other activities the College banned. The two young Choctaw even participated in a project undertaken by their graduating Class of 1854, a parody catalog—essentially a satire of the school’s promotional materials—in which the students ridiculed each other, their professors, the College administration, and the town of Danville. The parody contains reminders of 19th-century racism in using discriminatory songs to ridicule Black Americans and Irish immigrants. However, there is no mention of Bond, Folsom, or Native Americans in any way that could be

considered racial targeting. Only Bond received a nickname out of the pair, being called “Ton Bon,” a reference to English court etiquette (most likely mocking Bond for his politeness or stiff mannerisms). The men from the Choctaw Nation went on to graduate in 1854, giving their commencement lectures to a crowded hall full of Danville citizens. Folsom returned to Indian Territory and opened a successful business. Bond studied medicine in Louisville and Philadelphia, becoming the first Choctaw whose medical education used funds from the treaty signed by the United States and the Choctaw Nation. He later became a prominent leader in the Choctaw Nation. “Kind, affable and unassuming; generous to a fault and the very soul of honor itself, he passed from the cradle to the grave without ever having a single breath of reproach breathed upon his spotless name,” a local newspaper wrote upon Bond’s death in 1878.

Garret McCorkle ’20 teaches social justice at Lyman T. Johnson Traditional Middle School in Louisville. This article is part of a larger research project he developed while a student at Centre.

Centrepiece Spring/Summer 2021

by Amanda McCracken ’00

Dave Butler, the author, and their daughter, Moorea

Centrepiece Spring/Summer 2021

entre is touted for its unique multidisciplinary courses. But I never expected to still be taking such courses years after I’d graduated. The instructors would be my Centre classmates, and the curriculum would cover loss, grief, and healing. In the fall of 2015, I was involuntarily thrown into my first of these courses. During a reunion, a college boyfriend approached me after the Homecoming 5K. We hadn’t seen each other in 15 years. The energy I felt between us vibrated in my throat reminding me of the loss I still felt. “I’m sorry for treating you badly,” he said. At first, I was so taken aback that I dismissed it as nothing. Then I thanked him for the apology. For 15 years, I had told myself that it was my fault he had left me. It was easier to blame myself because it gave me a false sense of control. For 15 years, I continued to pursue men who would leave me. In massage school, I learned that “knots” are found where muscle fibers lie down over each other in a chaotic pattern (often due to repetitive abuse). Eventually, like scar tissue, these sites lose sensitivity. As massage therapists, we use a painful cross-fiber friction technique to break up the knots by essentially ripping up the mislaid fibers so they can heal in the proper direction. In my case, it took ripping open that emotional scar to properly heal and move forward into a healthy relationship. His apology was a gift. Four years later, almost 20 years after I graduated, I again found myself inadvertently enrolled in an advanced Centre course on loss, grief, and healing— this one with an even more challenging curriculum on learning to let go. My beloved Grandma Velda died of congestive heart failure on September 23, three days after I married my husband, Dave Butler, at her hospital bedside. During the days leading up to her death

and the days that followed, Centre friends, many I hadn’t spoken with since graduation, reached out to me as resources and support. Cross-country teammate (and my host as a prospective student) Terribeth (T.B.) Brunker Smith ’99 drove to the hospital to sit with me and then take me out to dinner. T.B. and I had held each other up at many finish lines, but this one was different. She listened to me pour out the ache in my heart and helped me conclude that if Grandma Velda were to see me get married, a dream she and I had both talked about since I was a little girl, I had to plan quickly. The day my family was faced with the decision to transition my grandma from hospital to hospice care, there were no doctors on the floor to consult. So I called my Centre roommate of three years, Beth O’Connor Noble ’00, a doctor and lieutenant colonel now retired from the U.S. Air Force. She’d been practical and honest since the day I met her our first year. Since then, Beth had practiced triage in Afghanistan as an Air Force doctor, making life

and death decisions in much less time than my family was given. Beth gave us peace of mind in knowing the choices we were making around oxygen changes and transportation were in my grandma’s best interest. While in hospice, I posted on social media about my concern with the use of morphine to address my grandma’s air hunger. I was afraid we were killing her fight to live. Colorado friend Cheryl Hall Hampton ’02 reached out on Facebook to offer her expertise as a geriatric care manager who helps families navigate death. We talked on the phone the night before my grandma died, and Cheryl shared her experience watching her father’s similar oxygen starvation experience. I felt better prepared and more comfortable with the drugs that we would only give her more of the next day. The evening my grandma passed away, I was haunted by the last sounds and images of drowning. She appeared to be fighting death while we stood by singing hymns and telling her it was okay to let go. My mind was

plagued with questions. Was she still in there? What could we have done better to save her? I received a message from Martin Clements ’99, a track and field teammate who is now a physician, offering to answer questions I might have. He spent 30 minutes on a Saturday explaining the downward spiral of congestive heart failure. Her physical body continued to fight to live as it had done for over 100 years, he said. He believed that her spirit had left before the fight we witnessed. His thoughts loosened the grip self-blame had on my heart. The next week I received a book of daily meditations called Healing after Loss from the mother of Bridget Blinn-Spears ’00, my third-floor Cheek friend our first year. Her mother had been touched by my social media posts about my grandma over the years and wanted to offer comfort. Sorority sister Brooks Barnes Pond ’00 called and shared how she found ways to still connect with her mother who was killed in a sudden bicycle accident. We talked about how disrupting and

The author (left) and crosscountry teammate Terribeth Brunker Smith ’99

transformative death can be in one’s spiritual life. As a prospective student, I heard tales of the Centre mafia, a powerful network of alumni who supported each other. Twenty years after graduation, the Centre mafia lifted me. Accepting my grandmother’s death as a natural loss and out of my control was the most painfully important lesson I have had to learn. As I continued to grieve her death, many told me, “She lives on in you.” At the time, it felt like gratuitous sympathy. “How?” I demanded as I tried to heal. Six weeks after my grandma’s death, I learned I was pregnant with my daughter at 42 years old. We heard her microscopic heart beating on its own at six weeks and saw her hand caressing her face at 10 weeks. Now I understand.

Amanda McCracken ’00 is a freelance writer and massage therapist living in Boulder, Colorado, with her husband, David Butler, and their daughter, Moorea Velda. In addition to freelance writing, she works as a Amanda McCracken ’00 in her wedding dress with her husband, Dave

Friends at graduation and for

writing coach to help others write

Butler, at the hospital bedside of her grandmother, Velda Dudley, who

life: the author and Beth

and publish their stories. She

was born during the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic and died in September

O’Connor Nobel ’00

still has a spoon from Cowan in

2019 at 100 years old. A story about the wedding ceremony ran in the

her kitchen. Her email address is

New York Times.

info@amandajmccracken.com.

Centrepiece Spring/Summer 2021

A CONVERSATION WITH

DAN STROUP LIVELY PROFESSOR EMERITUS OF POLITICS AND LAW

an Stroup dates his interest in politics to 1960, when John Kennedy became the first Catholic president of the United States. “Anyone who attended Catholic schools that year couldn’t help but be aware of politics,” he says. “When Kennedy won, we composed, as a class, a congratulatory letter. As class president, I got to read his response to the class.” Then came 1969. “The Civil Rights Movement and the war in Vietnam provided the ever-present context for my undergraduate education,” he says. “Teaching about political science seemed more relevant to a changing world than the alternatives.” Stroup grew up in Kettering, Ohio (where he and retired Centre president John Roush attended rival high schools). He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Dayton and earned M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in government at the University of Virginia. The U.Va. connection proved fortuitous when it came time to look for a teaching position. Centre had an unexpected opening just as he was finishing his dissertation. Larry Matheny, then chair of Centre’s government program, called contacts at U.Va., where he had done his own graduate work. “I came to campus for a quick weekend interview, and I was offered a position for which I had not even applied,” Stroup recalls. “By sheerest chance, I fell into a job that I have loved for 45 years.” The 15 years he taught classes on constitutional law and civil liberties with retired federal judge Pierce Lively ’43 was one of the highlights, Stroup says. He also enjoyed the time spent in Vietnam on five short-term trips he took with his history colleague Clarence Wyatt ’78. For his next chapter, he and his wife, Kandy Richards Stroup ’78, hope to be able to visit their children, one in England and the other in Germany, after not being able to see them for more than a year. —D.F.J.

Centrepiece Spring/Summer 2021

Dan Stroup in his office circa 1984

STROUPINSIGHTS My interest in politics comes from the fact that my formative years were so interesting politically, and from the fact that I had so many great teachers who stimulated my interest and helped me to make sense of the confusing and exciting world around me. Without question my favorite classes to teach were Constitutional Interpretation and Civil Liberties, especially during the 15 years I taught with Judge Pierce Lively ’43. Judge Lively’s experience, insight, and wisdom was a rare and truly remarkable gift. We all got a sense of what it might be like to participate in a judicial conference when judges sit around a table and debate the meaning of the Constitution as it applied in specific cases. On the morning of September 12, 2001, we began my Constitutional Interpretation class with the events of the previous day [when terrorists attacked the World Trade Center and the Pentagon]. Judge Lively told us what it was like to be a Centre student on December 8, 1941, as the news from Pearl Harbor became known. Foremost, of the important messages Judge Lively sent, was the

example of commitment by Centre students, many of whom, including young Pierce Lively, enlisted almost immediately. If ever there was a class meeting when my students were impressed with the need to do something selfless and consequential with their lives, that was the day. He also gave the class a solemn warning that these events would test our Constitution. Within a very short time we began considering in class the cases that would prove him correct. I have been able to spend my adult life dealing with a subject that is always interesting, always changing, and always addressing some of the most fundamental human questions. I have been able to live out daily the goal that we set for our students—a lifetime of continual learning. Regulating human activity according to the prescriptions of a written text always involves ambiguities. Despite the frustrations involved, the complexities are an intriguing aspect of the human condition, and they have continued to pose new intellectual and political challenges throughout my 45 years of teaching.

CLASS NEWS 1962

Marion Aiken Luckey is currently vice president of the Superiorland Library Cooperative, which includes 69 member libraries in northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

1963

Jim Perkins will publish his 20th book, Black Jack Burden?—Night Thoughts on the Genetics of Race in Robert Penn Warren’s All the King’s Men (Dawn Valley Press, August 2021), exactly 75 years after the release of Warren’s classic novel. Perkins’ book centers around the parentage of Jack Burden—the book’s narrator and, arguably, its main character—bringing into question Burden’s racial identity and, in doing so, opening the door to entirely new interpretations of this classic of American literature. Perkins is a leading Warren scholar and professor emeritus of English at Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pa.

1 1 Deke brothers gathered at the Juniper Club in

Florida for some bass fishing: (from left) John Moremen ’85, Kevin Trimble ’94, Ray Hundley ’85, Stan Kimmel ’63, and Tony Kurlas ’93. 2 A seascape by Rick Bennett ’80 featured in Painting the Ocean with Light and Color: A Demo on the website Artists Network.

1970

Jay van Arsdale reports that Kezurou-kai USA, a group dedicated to traditional Japanese hand tool carpentry techniques, was invited by the Japan Society of New York and the Takanaka Tool Museum of Kobe, Japan, to build architectural pieces for an exhibit of joinery tools and construction in the Japan Society’s gallery. The invitation was extended due to the inability of the Japanese daiku (carpenter) to travel because of COVID. Jay shot videos showing these tools in action for their social media and the exhibit itself. Jay lists his address as 3537 69th Ave., Oakland, CA 94605.

1971

Kent Masterson Brown published Meade at Gettysburg: A Study in Command (University of North Carolina Press, 2021). The Class News Details Submit class news and address changes at alumni.centre.edu/centrepiece or email them to alumnews@centre.edu. Digital photos MUST be at least 300 DPI when sized to four inches wide. Low-resolution photos taken with a phone are too small to run in print. Alumni names will continue to be in bold type in the Class News and In Memoriam sections of the magazine. Alumni names elsewhere will continue to include class years but will not be in bold type. This issue reflects information received as of April 1, 2021.

Centrepiece Spring/Summer 2021

2 book explores Gen. George Gordon Meade’s decision-making and actions for failing to pursue and deliver the final blow to Gen. Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia after the victory at Gettysburg. Robin Jennings published the second book in a series, The Door to Renewal: Spiritual Growth Through the Mind of St. Paul (Emerge Publishing, 2020). The series is designed to inspire readers in their personal journey toward spiritual growth and renewal. His wife is Mary Moore Jennings. Their sons are Rob Jennings ’00 and John Jennings ’04. George Ella Hoskins Lyon published two new poetry collections: Back to the Light (University Press of Kentucky, 2021), and Voices of Justice: Poems for People Working for a Better World (Holt Books for Young Readers, 2020). Her husband is Stephen Lyon ’72.

1973

Garrett Colmorgen received the Tilton Award for Medical Achievement from the Medical Society of Delaware in

October 2020. He is director of obstetrics and maternal-fetal medicine for Bayhealth Medical Center in Dover. He is also president of the Delaware Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline, chair of the Delaware Child Death Review Commission, chair of the Maternal Mortality Committee, and medical director of the Delaware Perinatal Quality Collaborative. Teri Keeler Vanore has written two more books in her historical fiction series, Donovan Family Saga, under the pen name Gifford MacShane. The Winds of Morning (Gifford MacShane, 2020) is a prequel exploring the family's life in Ireland, and The Woodsman’s Rose (Gifford MacShane, 2020) is a romance set in 1880s Arizona Territory, continuing the tale of the Donovan family in America.

1975

Linda Bargo Radford reports that she hosts a Facebook page for the women from her class called Centre Girls 75. “It is a closed group but we would welcome others who were a part of that class, including those who matriculated in 1971, transferred into the class, or graduated in 1975,” she writes. Centrepiece Spring/Summer 2021

CLASS NEWS CLASS NEWS

Alan George ’05 Is Living His Dream Alumnus blends love for sports with passion for economics “Every day since my first day in this industry has been different,” says Alan George ’05 of his 14 years in athletics communications. “I may be talking to the athletic director about a facilities announcement that we are planning for,” he says. “I may be talking to a television analyst who is covering our game that weekend at Texas A&M. I may be putting out fires with our student media who have caught wind of a positive COVID-19 test on a team.” He adds, “When the phone rings at four in the morning from an unknown number, I need to take it. It might be a student-athlete who is injured or a bus coming back from a road trip that’s been in an accident.” As a child growing up in “very, very Catholic Marion Country,” Ky., George wanted to play football at the University of Notre Dame. After earning a master’s in sport administration at Western Kentucky University, he applied for just one job, a full-time internship at his dream school. “It was either Notre Dame or bust for me,” he says. He spent five happy years on the Irish athletics staff before heading west to Stanford University, where his six-year tenure coincided with some of the university’s most successful seasons, including 21 national championships. Currently, he is associate athletic director for communications at Vanderbilt University, an opportunity that put him closer to family—as well as the Southeastern Conference. He credits his economics major for much of his success at three top institutions. “Studying economics taught me how to take a problem and figure out the steps to find a solution,” he says. “I can take a large amount of data, analyze it, think around that data, come to a conclusion, and put it into words. Centre taught me how to think.” George was a letter-winning receiver on Centre’s football team until an injury his sophomore year put an end to his playing days. He consoled himself by spending the next fall in Merida, a “life-changing experience” that had the added benefit of preparing him for all the

Centrepiece Spring/Summer 2021

travel his career would entail. Whether abroad or in a major urban city or a rural SEC town, he is on the road throughout the year. It’s hard to be away from his family—his wife, Leigh, and daughter, Anderson. But the job comes with incalculable benefits for someone who has loved sports all his life. “I’ve gotten to attend the Heisman Trophy ceremony twice,” he says. “I’ve worked at Super Bowls and walked the red carpet at the ESPYs [the annual awards show started by ESPN]. I’ve been in the winner’s circle of the Kentucky Derby”—and ran into classmate Maggie Ray ’05 on his way there. “I used to watch these events on television and then all of the sudden I’m there,” he says. For those who aspire to a similar career, he offers some practical advice. “Volunteer,” he says. “Volunteer for a high school basketball tournament. Volunteer for a local marathon. Volunteer at a track and field event at a local college. Get as much experience volunteering as you can. You have to build your network, and you can’t do that sitting on a couch.” The opportunity to work with college athletes, to tell their stories and to follow their lives for four years and then beyond, has been a thrill beyond measure, he says. Not everyone can be

Top, Alan George ’05 holds the Rose Bowl trophy after Stanford’s 2015 victory. Bottom, Country music star Tim McGraw with his wife, Faith, and George after a concert. The McGraws’ daughter was a Stanford cheerleader, and he got to know the family over the course of their visits during her undergraduate years.

an NFL first-round draft pick or an Olympic gold medalist—although he’s worked with several. Another might be the student-athlete creating a robot that helps track weather patterns in South America. All their stories bring him joy. “The fun of what I do is telling the stories,” he says. —D.F.J.

AROUND CAMPUS

TRE CEN

1 WHITE BASEBALL HAT Adjustable cloth hideaway back strap, relaxed unstructured fit. Features two gold C’s (representing Centre College, but also 200 years) on front. Centre College 1819-2019 embroidered on the side. 100 percent cotton twill. Pre-curved visor and cotton sweatband. Under the visor is same as cap color. $25 includes s/h 2 RUNNING BELT FANNY PACK Features large zippered pocket, inside key pocket, slot for earbuds, and adjustable elastic waist strap (41" maximum belt size). Spot clean. Air dry.

C O L L E CT I O

Modeled by Mackenzie Nichols ’17

$10 includes s/h 3 PICNIC BLANKET Generously sized (50” x 70”) fleece blanket, perfect as a picnic blanket in summer and on a lap or as a sofa throw the rest of the year. $38 includes s/h 4 OLD CENTRE SOCKS Cotton Old Centre argyle socks. Custom designed for the Alumni Association. One size fits most. $22 includes s/h 5 CANVAS TOTE Medium-weight canvas with zipper-top closure and convenient pocket between handles. Natural with black wide two-ply accent handles that measure 28" long. Bag dimensions: 20" wide x 16" high x 6" deep. $16 includes s/h 6 KOOZIE Stainless steel, double-walled, sweat-proof design keeps drinks colder longer. Fits most 12 ounce cans, standard bottles, and automotive drink holders. Hand wash. Sale Price: $10 includes s/h

TO ORDER YOUR ITEMS CONTACT MACKENZIE SNOW ’19 EMAIL: mackenzie.snow@centre.edu WEB: alumni.centre.edu/shop PHONE: 859.238.5500 or toll-free 877.678.9822 MAIL: Centre College, 600 West Walnut Street, Danville, KY 40422 Make checks payable to Centre College.

Centrepiece Spring/Summer 2021

CLASS NEWS

A MESSAGE FROM THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

PRESIDENT KITTY BAIRD WOULD BE PROUD By Pam Deitchle ’97

Pam Deitchle ’97 is a trademark and business lawyer in Austin, Texas. She began her two-year term as president of the Centre Alumni Association in August 2020. Her email address is pamdeitchle@gmail.com.

4 Her email address is wradford2500@gmail.com. Her husband is Wynn Radford. His brother is Al Radford ’82.

1977

Peter Wunsch enjoys contact with several Centre friends in their annual NCAA basketball pool. He has a new daughter-in-law and granddaughter and lists his new address as 20 Old Orchard Lane, East Hampton, NY 11937.

1980

Rick Bennett and his seascapes were featured in Painting the Ocean with Light and Color: A Demo on the website Artists Network. He is a professor of art and design at Hanover College in Indiana. His wife is Dee Goertz ’78.

1982

The new Initiative for Wellness and Athletic Excellence represents Centre’s commitment to providing exceptional health, wellness, and athletic opportunities for students.

Centrepiece Spring/Summer 2021

Scott Dickens was named to Louisville’s newly formed Civilian Review and Accountability Board. The board will oversee the work of the Inspector General’s Office, which investigates incidents of alleged improper conduct by members of the Louisville Metro Police Department and also examines patterns and practices within LMPD; reviews policies, procedures, and operations; and provides recommendations on improving operations to the Mayor’s Office and Metro Council. His

PUBLISHED IN THE ASPEN DAILY NEWS LAST FALL

Confession time. At the end of my first year, Kitty Baird (coach and athletics professor) forced me to run extra laps and do sit-ups and push-ups to satisfy my PE requirement. Apparently, your end-of-term fitness levels were supposed to improve, not degrade. As a nonathlete, my “wellness” program was largely walking to class, attending College nurse Allis McLaughlin’s infamous slide presentation, maybe completing the first 10 minutes of a Denise Austin videotape before going to Cowan for all-you-can-eat potatoes. Thankfully, times have changed. Wellness now has become a personal priority for many (including myself ), and especially for young adults. It is well-settled that physical, spiritual, and mental wellness helps us live longer, better, and improved lives. And technology has made it even easier to integrate simple wellness concepts into our daily lives. My embarrassment as a first-year wasn’t Centre’s fault. Centre has always encouraged wellness and athletics. Today’s students don’t know the joys of calisthenics with Kitty, turning jeans into floatation devices, or ballroom dancing (or, in my case, skiing) for credit. But they do play more team and individual sports. They want healthier foods, full-service fitness centers, and access to mental health resources. The new Initiative for Wellness and Athletic Excellence represents Centre’s commitment to providing exceptional health, wellness, and athletic opportunities for students. Besides being a showcase for modern athletic and multi-use facilities, it also highlights that Centre is a place where students can have a true, first-rate academic, residential, social, health, wellness, and athletic experience. It’s further proof that there’s “a little college down in Kentucky” that can prepare students to do great things and lead healthy, productive lives. As an alum, I couldn’t be more excited and supportive—and, yes, a little envious—of the tremendous resources at Centre. Kitty would be proud.

CLASS NEWS

1 Scott Dickens ’82 2 Pheasant hunting in Shelby County, Ky.: (front) Corey Caudill ’15; (back row, from left) Caty Herd Retersdorf ’16, Henry Retersdorf ’16, and Walter Herd ’83 3 Geoff Pope ’85 4 Keith Hall ’96 5 Kelenda Allen-James ’01

6 Toby Hlad ’01 with Arabella Grace

1989

Geoff Pope’s poem “Meeting the Gideon Man” aired on the NPR affiliate station at Murray State University in April. It is based on a childhood walk to school in Paducah, Ky. His email address is geoff.pope@gmail.com.

Michael Hail posthumously received the Excellence in Education Award from the Somerset-Pulaski [Ky.] Chamber of Commerce. He was one of the founders of the University of Somerset and was chair of the Somerset Board of Education. His widow is Charlotte Beck Hail ’91. Their daughter is Sarah Hail ’22. Paul Martin was named to the Long-Term Care COVID-19 Task Force by Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee. Paul is vice president of health and wellness at Trezevant, a retirement community in Memphis. Jim McGary is a financial consultant with German American Investment Services Group, serving customers in the Kentucky counties of Warren, Barren, Hart, and Simpson.

1987

1991

sons are John Dickens ’12, Jake Dickens ’20, Cole Dickens ’21, and Gray Dickens ’23. His brother is Mark Dickens ’86.

1984

Jane Valentine Puryear reports that after 36 years in public education, she retired in February 2021. “I am now living the dream,” she says. Her new address is 5977 Gagnon Terrace, The Villages, FL. Her sister is Sarah Valentine Sturgill ’82.

1985

David Buchanan was named Coach of the Year by the Kentucky Association of Football Coaches. He is head coach at Mercer County High School. His son is John Combs Buchanan ’19. Molly Keene Smith is now director of the Archdiocese of Louisville’s Mission Advancement Office. She lists her email address as mksmith@archlou.org.

Joey Gallagher Burke has transitioned from bedside nursing to being the University of Kentucky’s first hospital nurse ethicist. Her husband is Bryant Burke ’89. Shane Talbott is now dean of mathematics and science at Volunteer State Community College in Gallatin, Tenn. Shane and his husband, Wes Wright, have moved to Nashville.

1992

Lucie Bécus moved to Surprise, Ariz., in the west valley of Phoenix,

REFER A COLONEL Do you know a talented high school student who would thrive at Centre College? Refer a qualified student and, if enrolled, the student will receive a one-time $1,000 Refer A Colonel Scholarship Grant. (It cannot be stacked with the Legacy Award.) Join us in recruiting talented, hardworking students and help to build an even brighter future for Centre College.

Refer a student at www.centre.edu/refer Centrepiece Spring/Summer 2021

CLASS NEWS

where she owns a Pilates studio. Mary Ann Sardone-Watford is leader of the career business line for the US East market for Mercer, a global HR consulting and asset management firm.

1994

October 14-16, 2021 Homecoming Weekend For more information, contact Megan Haake Milby ’03 at megan.milby@centre.edu.

Centrepiece Spring/Summer 2021

Elizabeth Painter co-authored a report, “Demographic Characteristics of Persons Vaccinated During the First Month of the COVID-19 Vaccination Program—United States, December 14, 2020–January 14, 2021,” in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (Feb. 1, 2021). She served for nine months on the Policy Team of CDC’s Vaccine Task Force, COVID-19 Response. Elizabeth began a new job in May and is now Congressional Lead on the Policy Team in the Division of HIV/ AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/ AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, CDC.

1995

Jen Adkins Reynolds has a chapter in the forthcoming book Silas House: Exploring an Appalachian Writer’s Work (University Press of Kentucky, June 2021). Her husband is Jonathan Reynolds.

CLASS NEWS

1 Branden Woods ’01 2 Lindsay Mullaney Wirthlin ’01 3 The wedding of Adrianne Tyson ’02 and

Adrian Robinson: (from left) Shayla Lynch ’01, Jennifer Furlong ’02, Jessica Graff ’04, Adrian, Adrianne, Anettra Eller Gower ’02, and Blayne Gower ’02. 4 Nate Woodall ’04 (left) on Jimmy Kimmel

Live

5 Twisted Wishes is a game created by

Lindsey Babcock Busfield ’09. 6 Meredith McClay Bechtle ’09 and Zach

Bechtle ’10 7 Benjamin and Molly Lindle Gowen ’09 and ’09 with Henry and Guybrush, their cattle dog mix

1996

Nhi Hearn Aronheim has published a memoir, Soles of a Survivor (Skyhorse Publishing, 2021), about her amazing journey from her native Vietnam, through the jungles of Cambodia, to a refugee camp in Thailand, and eventually to America. Years later, she returned to Vietnam to reunite with the family she thought she’d never see again. One chapter focuses on her time at Centre. Foster Cotthoff completed a two-year term as president of the Kentucky District Judges Association. Foster has served as district judge for Christian County since 2014. His wife is April Jackson Cotthoff ’97.

1997

Melissa Manderschied was one of 17 attorneys recognized as a 2021 InHouse Counsel honoree by Minnesota Lawyer in April. She was recognized in the category of nonprofit or governmental organization for her work for the city of Bloomington.

1998

Madison Silvert was appointed to the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) by Gov. Andy Beshear in April. He serves as president of the Malcolm

7 Bryant Corporation in Owensboro, a real estate development firm. His wife is Amy Strehl Silvert ’95. His parents are David and Mary Thacker Silvert ’65 and ’65.

1999

Terena Bell has created a publishing imprint, Writing Through the Classics. The company annotates classic novels. Notes explain the writing techniques used and offer prompts to help writers employ these devices in their own fiction. She is publisher and—under the pseudonym Lizzy Sisk—lead editor. The first two titles, Pride and Prejudice and Great Expectations, lean on knowledge she learned in former dean John Ward’s Austen and Dickens senior seminar. Great Expectations mentions the College directly in one of its notes. Scott Dilley is communication director at the Washington State Dairy Federation and also serves as a lobbyist and policy expert on labor issues. He was featured in the Capital Press (Nov. 20, 2020). He has been at the Dairy Federation since 2015. Seth Thompson was re-elected to the Villa Hills (Ky.) City Council for a second term. His wife is Stephanie Stratman Thompson ’00.

Shane Urquhart was honored posthumously with the April opening of the Shane Urquhart Metals and Glass Studio at the Tryon Arts and Crafts School in Tryon, N.C. The state-of-theart metals and glass studio was built mostly by volunteers. Shane was a successful North Carolina artist before his death in 2017.

2000

Adam Browning lists his new address as 11920 Derbyday Court, Cincinnati, OH 45249. His sister is Mary Beth Browning-Hawthorne ’03. Rob Duncan is a partner in the Lexington, Ky., office of the law firm Dinsmore & Shohl in the firm’s commercial litigation group after serving as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. His mother is Joanne Kirk Duncan ’71.

2001

Kelenda Allen-James is now director of information technology for Commonpoint Queens, a fitness and community center in New York. Colleen Harris is head of instruction, engagement, and assessment at the Broome Library at the California State University Channel Islands, where she is a tenured associate librarian. Toby Hlad has returned from four years overseas in Bahrain and Japan while on active duty Centrepiece Spring/Summer 2021

CLASS NEWS

A SURREAL EXPERIENCE Karen Ellestad ’09 parlayed her aptitude for trivia into a second-place finish and $2,000 on Jeopardy! in January. She was Centre’s 10th contestant to be on “America’s favorite quiz show.” Ellestad had been a regular watcher of the program since high school, but took the initial online test last spring as a lark—along with about 300,000 others. “Then I kept getting called back until finally I flew out to California the week before Christmas,” she says. “I was in total shock. It was the most surreal experience, but all that experience watching helped. When you’re up there, you forget you are one of the contestants.” She was surprised by how supportive everyone was, including the production staff and the other contestants. Even the guest host, all-time Jeopardy! winner Ken Jennings, was “genial and extremely gracious,” she says. She has always been an eclectic reader and appreciates the broad, liberal arts education she received at Centre. After majoring in English and a stint as a youth minister, she eventually wound up at Boston University School of Theology. When she appeared on Jeopardy!, she was chaplain and taught religion at Episcopal Day School in Augusta, Ga. She is now director of youth programming at St. Francis in the Fields Episcopal Church in Louisville. Ellestad had about three weeks to prepare for her moment on national TV. To practice, she played a lot of trivia games on Sporcle, a site she first found while at Centre. “I used it as an undergrad because they have map quizzes and Dr. [Michael] Hamm loved giving map quizzes,” she says. “But they also have quizzes for all kinds of trivia, so I would practice my state capitals, world capitals, literature, sports, and other minutia in my free time.” Eric Hack ’07, a two-day contestant in 2014, turned her on to J! Archive, a fan site that has every question and answer for all 37 seasons. He also alerted her to the importance of practicing the buzzer. At game level, the contestants have a similar amount of knowledge. The difference is their buzzer mastery. In retrospect, she admits that she should have paid more attention to his buzzer advice. In all, she correctly answered 15 clues in such categories as “Mean Tweeters,” “1821,” and “The Boat, Ashore.” —D.F.J.

4 with the Marine Corps. He recently graduated from the College of Information and Cyberspace at the National Defense University and is now supporting operations with U.S. Cyber Command, Fort Meade, Md. Toby, wife Jennifer, and daughter Arabella live in Annapolis. Lindsay Mullaney Wirthlin joined the advisory board of Pace University Lublin School of Business-Design Thinking Certificate. This is a volunteer role, and she remains at MetLife as an enterprise lean-agile coach. Branden Woods assumed command of Patrol Squadron NINE (VP-9) on April 9 while deployed to Royal Air Force Base Lossiemouth, United Kingdom. VP-9 operates the P-8A aircraft and is stationed at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash. He is a U.S. Navy commander.

2002

Karen Ellestad ’09 on the set of Jeopardy!

Centrepiece Spring/Summer 2021

Jed Keith is helping with publicity for the 28th Master Musicians Festival in Somerset, Ky., in July. Scott and Tara Nelson Spence have moved to East Longmeadow, Mass. Scott is pastor at Somers Congregational United Church of Christ in Somers, Conn. Tara continues her work as a high school math teacher. Adrianne Tyson married Adrian Robinson on Oct. 4, 2019. Adrianne is a field training

CLASS NEWS

3 1 Beth Milby Pike ’09 2 Matt and Sally Fish Houser ’09 with Eloise June and baby August Matthew 3 The wedding of Jillian Kenyon ’09 and Mark

Mazey with their four sons 4 Josh Stevens ’09

5 manager for Huddle House Restaurants. She lists their new address as 640 Kent Lane, Apt. 67C, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579.

2003

Terry and Laura Hellebusch Adkins list their new address as 12548 Murray Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. Laura is a senior manager of service operations at Relativity, a software company that creates technology for use in the legal industry. Lauren Kallmeyer completed a master’s degree in therapeutic herbalism at Maryland University of Integrative Health. She now lives in Berea, Ky., where she is a clinical herbalist and is developing an herb farm. Katherine Lander is director of corporate development at Kentucky Educational Television (KET). Her email address is klander@ket.org.

2004

Jordan Parker was promoted to vice president for client relationships at Traditional Bank, a locally owned bank in Kentucky. Nate Woodall performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live (April 21, 2020). He played guitar behind Jimmie Allen and Brad Paisley performing the song “Freedom Was a Highway.”

2005

Matthew Cummings was a featured artist in a Smithsonian Magazine article, “The State of American Craft Has Never Been Stronger” (January/February 2021). He and his Pretentious Glass Company line of glassware were also featured on CBS Sunday Morning (Dec. 20, 2020) and in the Wall Street Journal (Dec. 23, 2020) and Forbes (Aug. 17, 2019). His wife is Stephanie Bradshaw Cummings, and his sister is Jessica Cummings Conner ’10. Stephanie’s sister is Melanie Bradshaw Farrell ’02.

2006

Mike Hall published a second book on small town revitalization, Small Cities Thinking Big: Revitalization Lessons from Augusta, Maine, and Other Communities (McFarland Publishing, 2021).

2007

Rebecca Talley is the product manager/academic success manager at ScholarRx, a digital platform for medical schools. Tao Le ’91 is the founder and CEO of ScholarRx, as well as a Centre College trustee.

2009

Meredith McClay Bechtle is a clinical manager in the neonatal intensive

5 The wedding of Amber Lyvers ’10 and Colin Overstreet: (from left) Alice Fleet Kaplan ’10, Lindsey Clark McCreary ’11, Colin and Amber, Meredith Angel Turner ’10, Laura Rolfe Blakely ’10, Helena Josic Arnold ’10, and Dean Brownley (swimming and diving)

care unit at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. Zach Bechtle ’10 is the business administrator of the department of neurology and rehabilitation medicine at the University of Cincinnati. They live in Fort Thomas, Ky., with their two husky rescues, Ross and Kai. Meredith’s brother is Mason McClay ’17. Lindsey Babcock Busfield reports that she has created a new card game, Twisted Wishes, along with her mother, Betsy Babcock, and a friend, Martin Schlesinger. The game has been picked up by Amazon and several North Carolina toy stores. Lindsey says she is thrilled to have transformed a hobby and a dream into something that others can play and enjoy. Benjamin and Molly Lindle Gowen announce the birth of a son, Henry Cecil, on Aug. 27, 2020. Molly’s mother is Abby Donnellan Lindle ’73, and Benjamin’s brother is Nick Gowen ’11. Matt and Sally Fish Houser announce the birth of a son, August Matthew, on Sept. 13, 2020. He joins sister Eloise June (3). Jillian Kenyon married Mark Mazey in the presence of their four sons on Feb. 14, 2021. Natalie McIntyre is deputy legislative director for Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn). She covers Centrepiece Spring/Summer 2021

CLASS NEWS

TIME TO DUST OFF THAT PASSPORT AND DISCOVER THE EMERALD ISLE WITH MILTON REIGELMAN

EXPLORE DISCOVER SEPTEMBER 16-25, 2021 The Alumni Office and emeritus professor Milton Reigelman will host an Irish Journey of epic proportions. Explore Ireland´s rich history on two coasts with Ennis as basecamp in the west and Dublin and Belfast in the east. This carefully crafted tour will be full of discovery and revelry in an intimate setting. Megan Haake Milby ’03 and Dr. Reigelman have designed a once-in-lifetime trip for anyone with a desire to discover Ireland.

Contact Megan Haake Milby ’03 at megan.milby@centre.edu http://alumni.centre.edu/ireland

CONNECT REGENERATE 22

Centrepiece Spring/Summer 2021

5 health, education, labor, pensions, veterans affairs, Indian affairs, and budget policy and is deputy to the chief policy advisor managing the senator’s policy portfolio. Beth Milby Pike was promoted to assistant vice president at Farmers National Bank in Danville. She holds an Accredited Automated Clearing House Professional designation. Her father is Kevin Milby (DPS) and her stepmother is Megan Haake Milby ’03, director of alumni and family engagement. Josh Stevens is now a partner in and leads the new Cincinnati office of the Columbusbased law firm Mac Murray & Shuster. He was also recognized by Best Lawyers in its 2021 inaugural “Ones to Watch” list, in the area of communications law. Maggie Vo was featured as the cover story of South Florida Business Wealth (May 2021) in an article titled “CIO Savvy: Leading the Charge at Fuel Venture Capital.” She was named to Brickell Magazine’s Top 20 Professionals Under Forty (2021). Brickell is a lifestyle magazine based in Miami.

2010

Grant and Brette Hogan Conliffe ’11 announce the birth of a daughter, Eliza Sue, in August 2020. She joins brother Dean Louis (2). Brette’s sister is Kelly Hogan ’13.

CLASS NEWS

1 Brette Hogan Conliffe’11 with Eliza Sue and

Grant Conliffe ’10 with Dean Louis 2 The wedding of Summers Lee ’12 and Nick

LaFerriere ’10 3 Will and Jenny Young Garcia ’11 with Margot 4 Jack Compton ’11

SHINING LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY

5 Alastair and Laura Bramblett Lamont ’12 6 Mya Price ’13

Nick LaFerriere married Summers Lee ’12 on June 20, 2020. Amber Lyvers married Colin Overstreet on Oct. 24, 2020.

2011

Jack Compton is now a partner at Shea Barclay Group, a commercial insurance brokerage based in Tampa, where he has worked since graduating from Centre. His father is Jim Compton ’77. Will and Jenny Young Garcia announce the birth of a daughter, Margot, in October 2020. Jenny’s brothers are Joe Young ’06 and Kyle Young ’08. Her parents are Daniel and Gayla Winkler Young ’77 and ’81. Lora Gralheer has joined Centre women’s soccer as assistant coach. Samuel Yates will join the faculty of Millikin University’s School of Theatre and Dance (Decatur, Ill.) as assistant professor of theatre history and directing in the fall. His new work is available in Prompt: A Journal of Theatre Theory, Practice, and Teaching (2021) and Musical Theatre Today, Vol. 4 (Yonkers International Press).

2012

Laura Bramblett Lamont and her husband, Alastair, have started a safari travel consultancy based out of Cashiers, N.C., in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The two met in South

8 Josh Jerome ’15 advertising Crocs

Africa during her Peace Corps service.

2013

Mya Price was featured in the magazine TOPS in Lexington (January 2021) for the launch of her online vintage and thrift boutique More Than Just Your Average (MTYA). “I observed a gap in the clothing selections for women considered to be plussize,” she says. Mya works full-time for Feeding America in Washington, D.C. Preetha Suresh Rini joined the law firm Robinson Bradshaw representing clients in business litigation and appeals. Her husband is Woody Rini ’15. Zach Sosnovich and Chelsea Klein ’14 became engaged in March. Chelsea is completing an equine surgery residency at Iowa State University. Zach joined Finley Law Firm in Des Moines as an associate attorney. Chelsea's brother is Casey Klein ’18. Her mother, Beth Klein, is a Centre trustee.

2014

7 Zach Sosnovich ’13 and Chelsea Klein ’14

Emily Robbins Donald is a manager at Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Georgetown, Ky. Her husband, CJ Donald, is an attorney in the Lexington and Louisville offices of Stoll Keenon Ogden. Emily’s sister is Elizabeth Robbins ’20. CJ’s sister is Maddie Donald ’21.

WRITERS WANTED We want YOU to submit an Endpiece for the next issue!

For more information or to submit an Endpiece, contact the Centrepiece at diane.johnson@centre.edu or 859.238.5717

Centrepiece Spring/Summer 2021

CLASS NEWS

1 The wedding of Shannon Keene ’16 and

Blake Martin ’16 2 Andrew and Caroline Tyler Horn ’17 and ’17

with Ada Compton 3 Rebekah Bruner Schwartz ’18 and Adalynn

June 4 Jake Dickens ’20 and Grace Bertram ’20

2015

Josh Jerome, a model based out of Los Angeles, was featured in a recent Crocs Campaign. Briana Lathon was named to a three-year term on the Kentucky Derby Museum board of directors. She is senior compliance officer, military and group insurance, at Humana. Teddy Morgan-Jablonski started a new job as a siting specialist at WSP USA, a civil engineering company. Her husband is Sam Morgan-Jablonski ’11. Her mother is Pamela Price Jablonski ’81.

2016

Maggie Heine graduated from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law in May 2021. She begins working as a junior associate in the Boston office of Ropes & Gray in October. Her husband is Matt Nisbet, and her sister is Cate Heine ’18. Matt’s sister is Sarah Nisbet ’18. His brother is Will Nisbet ’13. Shannon Keene and Blake Martin were married Nov. 6, 2020. Shannon’s parents are Jeff Keene ’83 and Angel Schletker Meacham ’84. Her stepsister is Hannah Meacham Newsome ’14. Ross Larson graduated from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business with an M.B.A. and is now an investment banking

Centrepiece Spring/Summer 2021

associate in Chicago on the financial services team at Piper Sandler. Spencer Overstreet has completed her third year of a pharmacy program at Belmont University and will spend her final year as a pharmacist-student serving Native American populations in Arizona. Her mother is Janet Dunn Overstreet ’80.

2017

Andrew and Caroline Tyler Horn announce the birth of a daughter, Ada Compton, on Jan. 17, 2021.

2018

Katie Davidson graduated from the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law magna cum laude on May 6, 2021. She will begin a judicial clerkship in the Eastern District of Kentucky for Judge Edward B. Atkins ’84. Matthew and Rebekah Bruner Schwartz announce the birth of a daughter, Adalynn June, in January 2021. Rebekah’s father is Jack Bruner ’86.

2019 in Atlanta.

Alex Garuba was signed as a forward for Atlanta United 2 football club

2020

Jake Dickens and Grace Bertram became engaged after graduating last spring. Jake’s father is Scott Dickens ’82, and his brothers are John Dickens ’12, Cole Dickens ’21, and Gray Dickens ’23. Grace’s father is John Bertram ’87.

AND

FACULTY STAFF NEWS Melissa Burns-Cusato (behavioral neuroscience) published an article, “A role for endogenous opiates in incubation behavior in ring neck doves (Streptopelia risoria), in Behavioural Brain Research (February 2021). Her co-authors were Josh Rieskamp ’15, Madeleine Nagy ’19, Arpit Rana ’ 21, Will Hawkins ’21, and Sierra Panting ’19. Robyn Cutright (anthropology) has two new books. The Story of Food in the Human Past: How What We Ate Made Us Who We Are (University of Alabama Press, 2021) uses case studies from recent archaeological research to talk about food in human prehistory. It is, says Cutright, “the kind of book that archaeology professors might assign in undergraduate classes, but it’s also something that nonspecialists interested in archaeology or food might enjoy.” Her other book is a co-edited volume aimed at specialists, Ancient Households on the North Coast of Peru, with co-editors Ilana Johnson and David Pacifico (University Press of Colorado, 2021). William R. Levin (art history, emeritus) received the SECAC President’s Service to the Arts Award at its 2020 meeting, conducted online. He is only the second person to receive this recognition, first bestowed in 2005. SECAC, formerly the Southeastern College Art Conference, has an international membership today numbering about 1,000 individuals and 120 institutions. Levin’s citation noted his longtime active participation at SECAC’s annual meetings as session chair and as presenter (including a research paper read at SECAC’s December 2020 event), his numerous scholarly publications, his substantial material commitment to the assorted visual-arts vocations in general and to SECAC in particular, and—not least—his friendly encouragement and diligent mentoring of members of the rising generation of professionals. Eric Mount (religion, emeritus) has a chapter, “A Lover’s Challenge to America,” in Christian Ethics in Conversation: A Festschrift in Honor of Donald W. Shriver Jr., 13th President of Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York (Isaac B. Sharp and Christian T. Iosso, eds., Cascade Books, 2020). Mount’s title comes from Shriver’s Honest Patriots: Loving a Country Enough to Remember Its Misdeeds.

TENURE AND PROMOTION

CENTRE SCHOLARS

The Centre board of trustees granted tenure and promotion to associate professor to six members of the faculty and announced two promotions to full professor at its April 2021 meeting. The promotions go into effect in September.

Centre Scholars are two-year rotating appointments that recognize teaching excellence, scholarly work, and service to the Centre community. Named in 2021 were Willie Costley ’00 (Spanish), Amanda Falk (biology), Tara Strauch (history), Brett Werner (environmental studies), and Lesley Wiglesworth (mathematics).

Tenured with promotion Maria Apostolova-Mihaylova (economics & finance) has an M.B.A. in finance from Montclair State University and a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Kentucky. Laura Chinchilla (Spanish) has a Ph.D. in comparative and world literature from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Mark Galatowitsch (biology) has a Ph.D. in ecology from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. Azita Osanloo (English and director of the Writing Center) has a Ph.D. in literature and creative writing from Florida State University. Tara Strauch (history) has a Ph.D. in American history from the University of South Carolina. Johann Van Niekerk (music) has a D.M.A. in choral conducting from the University of Washington.

Promoted to full professor Nathan Link (music) has a Ph.D. in music history from Yale University. Ian Wilson (German), also promoted to the rank of full professor, has a Ph.D. in comparative literature from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.

KIRK TEACHING AWARDS Centre’s 2021 Kirk Teaching Awards for excellence in teaching, selected by the dean, associate dean, division chairs, and the president, went to Azita Osanloo (English and director of the Writing Center), Laura Chinchilla (Spanish), Jamie Shenton ’06 (anthropology), Patten Mahler (economics & finance), Kari Young (chemistry), and KatieAnn Skogsberg (behavioral neuroscience). Although normally three are presented each year, six were presented this year since none were given in 2020 due to the pandemic.

STAFF SERVICE AWARDS Although the annual recognition dinner held every May was not held this year due to COVID-19, the 2021 awards were presented at a special lunch held at Craik House. Horky Awards for exceptional service by members of the facilities management staff went to Charlie Todd (HVAC technician), Kurt Abbott (lawn management), and Sheila Stull (custodian currently in Craik House). The 2021 Recognition Awards went to Kathe Andrews (sponsored research specialist), Jamey Gay (head athletic trainer), and Kathy Jones (director of student health). The 2021 Presidential Awards for Excellence honored four: Robyn Cutright (anthropology and interim director of the Center for Teaching and Learning), Lenny Demoranville (chemistry and shepherd of the Olin Hall expansion), Kendrick Durham (dean and interim vice president of student life), and Megan Haake Milby ’03 (alumni and family engagement). The 2020 Presidential Awards for Excellence honored two, Cindy Arnold and Yvonne Morley (both office of then retiring president John A. Roush). No other staff service awards were presented in 2020 due to COVID-19.

SGA AWARDS The Student Government Association presents two awards. The 2021 Hundley Award, given to a staff member who goes beyond the call of duty, went to Marsha Edelen (student health). The 2021 Mount Award, given to a professor who exemplifies dedication and leadership beyond the classroom, went to Shana Sippy (religion).

RETIREMENT

Phillip Anderson will retire in July as a maintenance mechanic after more than 17 years at the College. He received a Horky Award in 2008.

Centrepiece Spring/Summer 2021

IN MEMORIAM 1939

Margaret Chatham Lynn, 105, of Harrodsburg, Ky., died May 6, 2021. She was believed to have been the oldest living Centre graduate. She regularly attended Homecoming, including for her 80th reunion in 2019. She was an elementary school teacher for 17 years in Ohio and later in Burgin, Ky. She eventually wound up living on a farm in Harrodsburg that had been in her family for six generations. She was a member of the United Presbyterian Church in Harrodsburg. She is survived by her sons, David Lynn, Logan Lynn, and Lee Lynn; and six grandchildren.

1940

Loretta Gilliam Brock Clark, 100, of Louisville, died Sept. 3, 2020. During WWII, she was a research assistant at the University of California Sonar Research Laboratory in San Diego and taught radio theory to combat pilots in St. Louis. After her first marriage, she taught piano in her home while raising her sons and for a time directed the children’s choir of First United Methodist Church. She was president of the Woman’s Club of Central Kentucky 1977-79 and later wrote a history of the organization. She was married to Kentucky historian Thomas D. Clark for nine years until his death in 2005. Survivors include two sons, Walter Brock and Robert Brock; and three grandchildren.

1943

Mildred Arnold St. Clair, 97, of Kansas City, Mo., died Jan. 9, 2020. She was a chemist for Dupont in Louisville, where she met her husband while attending a U.S.O. dance in 1944. She was an early member of North Cross United Methodist Church, where she remained until her death. Tending flowers and plants brought her joy. Survivors include three children, Michael St. Clair, Susan Ullery, and Anne Johnson; and three grandchildren.

1947

Marcia Marie Owens Lynch, 95, of Traverse City, Mich., died Feb. 2, 2021. She was an office manager and insurance specialist for nearly 35 years, returning to the workforce after raising her daughters. She served on the board of the Traverse City YMCA and Catholic Child and Family Services. She enjoyed

Centrepiece Spring/Summer 2021

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS

1964

Benjamin L. Dickinson, 78, of Glasgow, Ky., died Oct. 19, 2020. He was a Navy veteran. After law school, he returned to Glasgow, where his roots stretched back several generations, to practice law at Richardson, Barrickman & Dickinson. His long judicial career included serving as the first district judge of the 43rd Judicial District (Barren/Metcalfe) created as part of the Judicial Reform Act that revamped the entire Kentucky court system. He was later elected circuit judge, a role he served until his retirement in 2001. He was a member of the Ethics Hotline Committee of the Kentucky Bar Association, and in 2016, the AdBenny Dickinson ’64 ministrative Office of the Courts recognized him as a Distinguished Judge for his record of impartial performance in his duties. He was a member and elder of First Christian Church in Glasgow and had a lifelong connection to the Boy Scouts. In 2004, the Centre Alumni Association named him a Distinguished Alumnus. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Sondra Bowman Dickinson; three children, Dawn Dickinson Reynolds, Sam Dickinson ’92, and Anna Dickinson Riddle; and nine grandchildren.

bridge, reading, and traveling. Survivors include her daughters, Bryn Lynch Lelandais and Pamela Lynch; and four grandchildren.

the Chicago Botanic Garden. Survivors include her children, Christopher, Helen, William, and Emily.

1950

1954

1951

1956

Mr. Gerald W. Oltman, 94, of Sebastian, Fla., died Feb. 16, 2020. He was an Army Air Force veteran. He was self-employed in the food and beverage business for many years and was part owner of a Chrysler dealership in Springfield, Ill. After moving to Florida, he became co-owner of Sunshine Gardens. Survivors include his companion of 18 years, Mary Fox. Sidney Robert Wold, 94, of Danville, died Aug. 25, 2020. He was an Army veteran of World War II. He received his medical degree from the University of Louisville, after which he practiced in Danville for his entire career. He was a Rotarian, a past member of the Boyle County Public Library board, and a member of Centenary United Methodist Church. Survivors include a daughter, Gretchen Wold; a son, Chris Wold; and two grandchildren.

1952

Marie Joyce Bell Stevenson, 89, of Owensboro, Ky., died Dec. 30, 2020. She had been a garden designer, was active in an Owensboro book club and at St. John’s Episcopal Church, and had been a volunteer at

Anne Eberts Kreamer, 87, of Griffin, Ga., died Feb. 21, 2021. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Griffin. Through numerous moves, she formed lasting friendships through her Methodist church congregations, avid quilt-making, and numerous bridge groups. Survivors include her husband of 65 years, Jack Kreamer ’53; children Mary Camp and Beth West; and nine grandchildren. James E. Kurz, 86, of Cary, N.C., died April 22, 2021. He was a Ph.D. chemist who worked for Monsanto for 24 years, then for McDonnell-Douglas Corp., where he worked to develop advanced composite materials for military and commercial aircraft. In 2018, he was named Outstanding Elder of the Cary Presbyterian Church. Survivors include his sons, James Kurz Jr. and Jeffrey Kurz; his sister, Marilyn Boner; and five grandchildren.

1958

James E. Russell, 84, of Lexington, Ky., died Oct. 20, 2020. He received a medical degree from Vanderbilt

IN MEMORIAM

University in 1962 and served as Captain and staff physician in the Air Force. He later was an orthopedic surgeon for over 30 years in Lexington. He was Chief Surgeon at Shriners Crippled Children Hospital in Lexington and often said his favorite patients were children. In addition, he was chief of staff for both St. Joseph Hospital and Good Samaritan Hospital. He studied Civil War history in great detail and enjoyed traveling the world. Jim and his wife of 60 years, Sue Treadway Russell ’59, established the Treadway-Russell Scholarship, awarded to full-time students at Centre majoring in biology, chemistry, or physics. Survivors include Sue; their children, James Russell Jr. ’83 and his wife, Susan Pitsenberger Russell ’83, Katherine Russell Ribeiro, and David Russell; five grandchildren, including Jay Russell ’10; and siblings Carolyn Adkins and Thomas Russell.

1960

Betty Bean Robinson Cox, 82, of Lexington, Ky., died Sept. 24, 2020. She was a math teacher first at Georgetown College and later at the Lexington School until her retirement. She was a lifelong member of Park United Methodist Church. She kept in contact with many of the Centre classmates who she first met when moving into the first-year dormitory on the old KCW Campus in the fall of 1956. They enjoyed many reunions at various places throughout the country. Survivors include her sons, George Andrew Cox and Raymond Matthew Cox; her brother, George W. Robinson ’63; Alan Isaacs, her partner and caregiver of the last 10 years; and a grandson.

THE LEGACYAWARD $3000

renewable annually for the children and grandchildren of alumni. For more information, contact the Admission Office at 800.423.6236 or email at admission@centre.edu.

1964

Sandra Meade Baus, 77, of Richmond, Ky., died Aug. 19, 2020. She taught preschool in Estill County for 17 years. She served on the board of the Estill County Public Library and was a member of the Irvine United Methodist Church. Survivors include her husband of 55 years, Marvin S. Baus ’64; their two children, Roxanne Baus Edling ’96 and Jonathan Baus; her two brothers, Michael Meade and Perry Meade; and five grandchildren. Benjamin D. Shaw, 76, of Wickenburg, Ariz., died Jan. 7, 2015. He was an Army veteran. He was general manager of the Dixon Publishing Company in Dixon, Ill., and was vice chair of the board for Shaw Media. He later founded Dixon Cable TV with his father and his brother, Tom. In 1976, he moved his family to a ranch in Mancos, Colo., where they raised Paso Fino horses. He went on to sell first-generation satellite TV systems and bought the Mancos Valley Bank. Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Pierce Smith Shaw ’64; children Natalie Dalton, Justin Shaw, and Brad Shaw; siblings Elizabeth Shaw Collins ’58, Lucy LeFevre, Libby Moss, and Thomas Shaw; and four grandchildren.

1965

J. Thomas Johnson, 77, of New Braunfels, Texas, died Nov. 6, 2020. He worked in the medical equipment industry for years, and later launched a second career as a catastrophe claims adjustor helping victims of hurricanes. He and his wife enjoyed traveling the world before and after retiring. Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Patsy Wagner; a daughter, Katie Hisgen; a son, Ben Johnson; a brother, Glenn Johnson; and five grandchildren.

1969

John Henry Jensen, 73, of Maysville, Ky., died Aug. 18 2020. He was a retired licensed U.S. customhouse broker and retired to Maysville, where he became an award-winning tournament-level bridge player. Survivors include his daughter, Caroline Jensen; a brother, Charles Jensen ’67; a sister, Karen Jensen Orr ’72; and two granddaughters.

1973

Gary W. Durrett, 69, of Baltimore, Md., died Dec. 31, 2020. He started Durrett Galleries in Baltimore, specializing in both fine art and antiques, and later was a partner in Mirror Crafters Inc., a design and fabricating shop of custom interior glass, mirror, and other enclosures. He was a gifted lyricist,

musician, and songwriter and a lifelong member of the Towson United Methodist Church. Survivors include his wife, Dana; siblings Douglass Durrett, Roger Durrett ’71, and Kyle Durrett McEntee; and stepchildren Paul G. Skalny and Kathy Witte.

1975

Noble E. Noel, 67, of Hopkinsville, Ky., died Jan. 7, 2021. A banker, he retired from Planters Bank and then worked with his brother on the family farm. He was a former member of the Hopkinsville Rotary Club and board member for Big Brothers & Big Sisters and a former mayor of the City of LaFayette, Ky. Survivors include his wife, Anne Lawson Noel; his son, William Thomas Noel; and his brothers, Tommy Noel and Bill Noel ’82.

1979

Michael S. Brown, 63, of Lexington, Ky., died Oct. 29, 2020. He was a bloodstock consultant and publisher known for his wit and love of international Thoroughbred racing and breeding. He published Racing Update and FaxTrax. He also was a longtime member of the Keeneland Association and Thoroughbred Club of America. Survivors include a sister, Rebecca Brown Bryant ’83, and a nephew.

FRIENDS

James Combs Van Meter, a Centre mathematics instructor until 1966 and a trustee in the 1980s and 1990s, died Jan. 20, 2021. He was 82 and lived in Lexington, Ky. He retired from the Georgia-Pacific Corporation as vice chair of the board and chief financial officer. He was a founding board member of Camp Twin Lakes, a facility built on land donated by Georgia-Pacific to provide camping experiences for children with chronic illnesses. Survivors include his wife of 23 years, Marium Williams Van Meter; his sons, Solomon Van Meter ’80, Ben Van Meter ’83, and John Van Meter; stepchildren Lynn Williams and David Williams; and grandchildren. Jamal Powell, a four-year offensive line coach known for his strong work ethic and hearty laugh, died April 4, 2021. He was 39. He joined the Centre football staff in 2008 and was coaching at Southern Methodist University at the time of his death. Survivors include his wife, Rachel, and their children, Jaden, Ellison, and William.

Centrepiece Spring/Summer 2021

ENDPIECE

Want to Stand Out in a Tech Career? Try majoring in philosophy by Jadon Naas ’11

I graduated from Centre College 10 years ago and have had successful careers in hospitality and in information technology (IT). I truly believe the liberal arts education I received at Centre has been the foundation of my professional success. Full disclosure: I have a philosophy degree. I didn’t go to graduate school or get a job in philosophy. Nor did I have prior training in hospitality or information technology. I want you to know that’s OK. Your Centre education is still one of the most valuable assets you can have. I know it has been for me. In hospitality and in IT, my ability to articulate my thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively unlocked opportunities at every step of my career. When I worked in hospitality, I once had the honor of introducing an important new company-wide initiative to my hotel’s hundreds of team members.

Centrepiece Spring/Summer 2021

In 2014, I took an entry-level job doing technical support with an IT company. I had dabbled in computers and wanted to turn my hobby interest into a career. Now, in 2021, I am responsible for the overall success of the newest, most technologically advanced, and largest product offering the company has ever developed. My ability to communicate and discuss the finer points of technology or business proposals to both technical and non-technical audiences helped me stand out among peers who had better technological skills. The company I work for chose me to represent it at conferences and tradeshows even though there were other team members who worked more closely with the products on display. But I was better able to explain the product simply and succinctly. At every step of my career, I have been able to express my ideas effectively and clearly. Where some of my peers actively avoid giving presentations on their work, I can confidently stand in front of the president and C-suite leaders in meetings to talk on any topic, especially during Q&A sessions. I developed these skills through the presentations I had to give in class at Centre. In addition to teaching me how to communicate, Centre taught me how to look beyond initial appearances and set aside my own preconceptions when solving problems. Being able to see the wider effect or application of technology has helped me make a bigger impact than my peers who know more about the technology. As several areas in the IT industry see approaching shortages of qualified workers, some major companies are starting to look at humanities majors and non-IT majors to fill IT positions. They have found that the communication, interpersonal skills, analysis, and creativity of humanities majors are valuable because it is easier to train someone

how to use the company's tools and technology than it is to train someone how to speak convincingly or think creatively. In an extremely competitive and rapidly evolving job market, a liberal arts education still makes sense. The ability to ask good questions, communicate ideas, and think differently are

My ability to communicate and discuss the finer points of technology or business proposals to both technical and non-technical audiences helped me stand out among peers who had better technological skills. more valuable than the technical knowledge for a given field. Employers can teach the technical skills they need. What they can’t easily teach, however, is how to be a lifelong learner, an effective communicator, and a critical thinker. If you have a Centre education, you have already done this work. I didn’t realize until years after graduating from Centre that I did get a job with my philosophy degree. Even though I don’t write philosophical theories, I use my degree every day when I propose a course of action for my team or when I help someone solve a problem.

Jadon Naas ’11 is the product line manager for Flex Metal Cloud—InMotion Hosting's new OpenStack Private Cloud Infrastructure-as-a-Service platform. He currently lives in Virginia Beach, Va., with his wife, Andy Rapone ’09, and their two-year-old daughter, Alexandra.

HELP CENTRE STAY STRONG!

MAKE A GIFT NOW! “Greatness can only be achieved through consistency. Consistent hard work is the key. Focus and finish strong, everything else will fall into place.” Grayson Rahbany ’24

ANNUAL GIFTS ARE THE FUEL THAT KEEPS CENTRE GOING! Whether you give unrestricted Centre Fund gifts or choose to support scholarships, athletics, diversity and inclusion, study abroad, or internships, your gift will create a more vital Centre Experience for our students. Teamwork enables our athletes to succeed, and strong alumni participation fuels Centre’s success. Make your gift today and help Centre stay strong. Gifts can be mailed to the Office of Development, 600 West Walnut Street, Danville, Kentucky 40422. Online gifts can be made at gifts.centre.edu, via PayPal to gifts-paypal@centre.edu, or via Venmo @Centre-Alumni.

CENTREPIECE CENTRE COLLEGE 600 WEST WALNUT STREET DANVILLE, KY 40422-1394

Centerpiece Spring/Summer 2021

Articles inside

Class News

Faculty and Staff News

Endpiece

Around Campus

President’s Message