Voyages Fall 2020

Stronger Together INSIDE: STORIES ABOUT CAPTAINS FOR LIFE AND STORIES ABOUT OUR UNIVERSITY THAT PROVE THE POWER OF INSPIRING LEADERSHIP.

BOARD OF VISITORS RECTOR

Robert R. Hatten, Esq. VICE RECTOR

C. Bradford Hunter ’04 SECRETARY

Terri M. McKnight, CPA ’86

Tell the STORY Celebrate MILESTONES Make a DIFFERENCE

BOARD MEMBERS

Regina P. Brayboy ’84 Lindsey Carney Smith, Esq. ’01 William R. Ermatinger Maria Herbert ’86 W. Bruce Jennings Steven S. Kast ’87 The Honorable Gabriel A. Morgan Sr. Christy T. Morton ’01 Dr. Ella P. Ward Judy Ford Wason Junius H. Williams Jr.

ALUMNI SOCIETY BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT

Cynthia Allen-Whyte ’97 VICE PRESIDENT

Allen Brooks ’04 TREASURER

#CNUinspires

Muriel Millar ’88

cnu.edu/inspiringleadership

James ( J.T.) Hosack ’10

SECRETARY

PAST PRESIDENT

Christopher F. Inzirillo ’09 BOV REPRESENTATIVES

Lindsey Carney Smith ’01 Steve Kast ’87 Sherri Lascola Gretka ’85 Jonathan Judkins ’06 Kevin Lyles ’85 Genna Mirenda ’13 Lexy Plarr ’11 Alli Taylor ’13 Lynanne Yndestad ’06

STAFF CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Jim Hanchett EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF UNIVERSITY EVENTS AND SPECIAL PROJECTS

Amie Dale WRITERS

Jane Heeter, Brian McGuire DESIGNER

J. Courtney Michel PHOTOGRAPHERS

Patrick Dubois ’18, Ben Leistensnider ’17

OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS ©2020

INSIDE

5

New actions to ensure every Captain feels seen, safe and valued

24

Erica Rome and her business offer a light in the darkness

46

Weddings, babies and more proof that life as a Captain is beautiful

20

15

Alencia Johnson offers Inspiring Leadership in politics and public advocacy

National honor for undergrad and so much more that’s New at CNU

28

26

Meet the Captains working for their communities in these pandemic times

Rachel Edwards shows what you can do with a chemistry degree and thriving bacteria

49

Across 1 Australian gem 5 Diplomat's asset 9 Tomato type 13 Surrealist Magritte 14 "Look what I did!"

15 Ready for business 16 Livestock goad 18 Classroom assignment?

19 "The Sweet Escape" singer Gwen 20 Edison's 1,093 22 "Hollywood Game Night" host Jane 24 Fresh 25 West who regularly appears on "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" 28 Apple device released in 2007 31 Amnesty International, e.g.: Abbr.

32 Animal that shakes its tail to ward off predators 37 For us 39 Obama at Harvard 40 Biblical brother of Jacob 41 Site of a fight 44 "Catch-22" bomber pilot 45 Raises (up) 46 Totaled 48 "I can help!" phrase on a nametag 50 Ten hours before noon 53 Pays a visit 56 Mushroom that's

Alum saves life, makes friend for life

Prattle On

1

2

3

4

5

13 16

8

26

32

41

33

35

36

58

59

30

34 40

42

44

43

45

46 50

49 55

51

47

52

53

54

60

61

63

64

65

66

67

68

63 Cookies and cream cookie 64 "That's a ___ meatball!"

65 Prayer ender 66 Actress Kelly Marie of the "Star Wars" movies 67 "Sure" 68 Word at the DMV

12

24 29

39

38

11

21

23 28

27

37

10

18 20

31

48

9

17

22 25

7

15

19

56

57

62

42 False statements 11 Deli offerings INSIDE BACK COVER

43 "God's Plan" rapper On edge A Voyages12 exclusive – a puzzle just for us 47 "Sagwa, the Chinese 14 ___ diagram Siamese Cat" author 17 Wedding cake from CNU puzzlemaster Neville Fogarty 21 23 25 26

component General ___ chicken Hired gun's agenda Stereo dial Golfo de México contents Its capital and largest city is Pyongyang Ballet bend Get better, as a wound Iowa State city President right after

Voyages is published by the Office of Communications and Public Relations 27 for alumni and friends of Christopher NewportDown University. cnu.edu

6

14

1 2 3 4 5 6

D&D baddies Bog material Stud fee?

Issue, as an invective Discussion ___ SCUBA tank contents

29 30 33 34

48 Posh neckwear 49 Beatles drummer Ringo 51 "Hansel and Gretel" villain 52 "___ the Good Die Young" 54 Tiny, in a cutesy way 55 Body part covered by a collar 57 Made an appearance 58 "Jeopardy!" host Trebek 59 ___-up rage

This year has been a journey like no other.

There is good news about recent successes and accolades of all kinds — even in these difficult times — but the question immediately before us most of this year has been: Why did we work so hard to bring our students back to campus and to instruct them in person?

Our students wanted to be here and they are excited to be back on this beautiful campus. Indeed, our fall enrollment is essentially the same as last year – only 51 fewer students than last fall.

In-person instruction and the on-campus experience is who we are. At Christopher Newport, we have gifted professors who instruct and inspire our students, face to face, in small classes.

Furthermore, lessons about leadership, honor and service, and respect and tolerance for others are best learned by living in an academic community.

I am very grateful for our faculty. Almost 70 percent of our classes are taught in person. No other public college or university in Virginia approaches that number.

Much uncertainty remains, but one thing is certain, if we are able to remain on campus and teach our classes in person, we are going to have to do it together. In the face of many challenges, let us all commit to doing all we can and doing it with all our hearts and minds — together, demonstrating once again the kindness and compassion — the heart — that defines a Captain.

In a world that too often seems consumed by self, by money, by fame, by power and even darkness, this mission is more important than ever.

That’s what makes Christopher Newport special and that’s what makes Christopher Newport an irresistible force.

Go Captains!

Excerpt from President Trible’s State of the University address. Read the full speech at cnu.edu/relaunch.

WHAT’S NEW AT CNU

President Trible announced the appointment of Dr. Angela Spranger as assistant to the president for equity and engagement and chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer.

Her appointment is a centerpiece of a range of initiatives focused on diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice.

O

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT TRIBLE TO CAMPUS

OVER THE PAST MONTHS, I have had the opportunity to communicate with hundreds of students, faculty, staff and alumni, meet virtually with the executive committee of the Multicultural Alumni Chapter, march with hundreds on our campus and read and reflect. I believe this can be a defining moment for our campus and country and we must all work to create a freer and fairer America.

Accordingly, Dr. Angela Spranger will become assistant to the president for equity and engagement and will become Christopher Newport’s chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer. Dr. Spranger will be responsible for working with students, faculty, staff and alumni to ensure that all members of our university community “feel seen, safe and valued.”

Dr. Spranger and I will pursue these and other matters: Fully engage the university community in launching the Strategic Plan for Diversity and Inclusion recently approved by the Council on Diversity and Inclusion. The council is composed of students, alumni, faculty, administrators, board members, community leaders and friends of the university, and chaired

by Sheriff Gabe Morgan, a member of the Board of Visitors.

Plan and implement a series of community conversations about the Black experience, racism and the systemic injustice in housing, education, health care, jobs and other institutions.

Work with the provost, deans and faculty to develop curricular and co-curricular opportunities for our students to understand racial inequity and how to effect change as they lead, serve and engage in our society.

Work to recruit, engage and retain faculty, staff and students of color at Christopher Newport.

Facilitate ongoing and regular dialogues about policing and individual rights.

Plan and implement a training program on racism and the importance of diversity and inclusion and equity that will be required for all students, faculty and staff.

Plan and hold meaningful programming to consider the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and how we can carry on his important work. For the first time, the university will be closed on Monday, January 18, 2021 to honor Dr. King.

Dr. Spranger has been a respected member of our faculty for eight years and serves as an assistant professor of management in the Luter School of Business, a faculty core adviser and adviser to the student chapter of the Society of Human Resource Management. Dr. Spranger has mentored and coached dozens of students through academic internships and research apprenticeships.

Dr. Spranger holds a doctorate in organizational leadership from Regent University, master of arts in education in human and organizational learning from George Washington University, master of business administration from Virginia Commonwealth University, and bachelor of arts in psychology from Duke University.

Dr. Spranger is proudest of her leadership of the Collegiate Women’s Network, an inclusive community for women at CNU dedicated to generating an atmosphere of intergenerational, interdisciplinary, and intercultural diversity and empowerment.

Dr. Spranger has published several articles and book chapters, supervised multiple student research projects and

award-winning student research presentations, and produced a book on organizational commitment and antisocial workplace behavior titled Why People Stay: Helping Your Employees Feel Seen, Safe, and Valued.

Her research has focused on women’s leadership development, affinity groups as a change initiative for inclusion, the impact of social media movements on human resource management policy in organizations, and the concepts of employee engagement and effective followership.

Dr. Spranger has given dozens of conference presentations and professional association workshops on team development, leadership, and what she has termed “The 5 C’s of Organizational Behavior — Communication, Collaboration, Culture, Change, and Conflict.” Most recently, her consulting workshops have focused on the equity, inclusion and engagement aspects of organizational culture.

I am very grateful to Dr. Spranger for taking on this important task and look forward to all we will accomplish with your help.

V OYA G E S

FA L L 2 0 2 0

5

Q& A Dr. Angela Spranger

Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer

Voyages: Why do diversity, inclusion and equity matter?

Spranger: Let me start with an analogy. Diversity is inviting people to your party who don’t look like you, with whom you don’t generally socialize.

Inclusion is inviting them to dance, starting up conversations with them.

But the goal is equity – and in this analogy, equity would be making sure the DJ plays some of “their” music, and the buffet table features “their” food, and the refreshments and dance floor are accessible to everyone.

Another definition of diversity, inclusion and equity, from the Ford Foundation, goes like this: Diversity is “the representation of all our varied identities and differences (race, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, tribe, caste, socio-economic status, thinking and communication styles, etc.) collectively and as individuals.”

You may have heard the phrase “representation matters.” It’s tremendously hard to be what you’ve never seen.

“Inclusion builds a culture of belonging by actively inviting the contribution and participation of all people.” And, my focus, equity, “seeks to ensure fair treatment, equality of opportunity and fairness in access to information and resources for all ... this is only possible in an environment built on respect and dignity.” I love the way [the Ford Foundation] phrased those concepts.

Diversity matters because it’s the starting point. It involves bringing the whole system into the room – all of the different components of our culture and organizations, inviting all of the resources we have. All have value, and all can contribute something unique and powerful to create the overall whole here at Christopher Newport.

But that’s just the start.

Inclusion is the work, it means doing the work of actively inviting participation and contribution by all members of your community. Inclusion matters so much because you don’t invite people in and just exclude them, and then wonder why they’re not happy, or thriving, or providing their vocal and financial support. That would represent organizational commitment.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION INITIATIVES, OR BETTER YET, EQUITY INITIATIVES, HELP ENSURE PEOPLE FEEL SEEN, SAFE AND VALUED. Research has shown that many organizations recruit and hire women or minorities, disabled persons or LGBTQ+ candidates, with no prior organizational and cultural preparation, and then wonder why they’re not thriving, why they leave. People stay, commit, give and invite others in, when and where they feel seen, safe and valued. Diversity and inclusion (D&I) initiatives, or better yet, equity initiatives, help ensure people feel seen, safe and valued.

Who benefits and how do they benefit?

Everyone benefits. Everyone. And the whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts. Our university statement on diversity and inclusion points out that our community includes individuals with diverse worldviews, identities and values.

Understanding and respecting differences can best develop in a community where members learn, live, work and serve among individuals with diverse worldviews, identities and values.

We are dedicated to upholding the dignity and worth of all members of this academic community such that all may engage effectively and compassionately in a pluralistic society.

WHAT’S NEW AT CNU

From residence life to counseling to how we police our campus, provide financial aid and career advising, and teach our classes, I will be taking a close look at the perceived equity and inclusion demonstrated by our professional responses and communication norms. Our entire Christopher Newport community will benefit when we ensure that the cultural norms reinforce treating everyone with dignity and respect.

How will this work relate to the mission of Christopher Newport?

Christopher Newport provides outstanding academic programs, encourages service and leadership within the community, and provides opportunities for student involvement in nationally and regionally recognized research and arts programs.

Our primary focus is excellence in teaching, inspired by sound scholarship.

My tasks include implementing and updating our D&I strategic plan, working across all constituencies here at Christopher Newport to ensure our students understand racial inequity and how to effect change, and ensuring that we recruit, engage and retain faculty, staff and students of color.

We’re looking at our current position, strategically analyzing where we want to be and how to get there, and designing a team to ensure sustainable success. Right now, reality is our friend, because it gives us a level set position from which to start implementing our strategic plan.

Universities and organizations all over the country are implementing or renewing a focus on diversity and inclusion, and addressing social justice issues at the local and national levels. We are making history at this university, right now, and laying the groundwork for our students to continue going out into the world and offering inspiring leadership.

University Sets Course for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

T

he President’s Council on Diversity and Inclusion developed the Strategic Plan for Diversity and Inclusion – the result of months of wide-ranging discussions and a university commitment to inclusive excellence.

In a message accompanying the plan, President Trible said: “We are committed to a diverse community and a campus culture of inclusion, civility and compassion. We honor and care for every person. We stand together and support and encourage each other. We want everyone to feel welcomed and fully engaged in this community. We are a light in an increasingly dark world and that is what makes this place so special.”

Newport News Sheriff Gabe Morgan, chair of the council, added: “This is an exciting time at Christopher Newport as the university celebrates the rich diversity of the people around us and identifies opportunities for all of us to come together to engage with and learn from one another. Let us continue that work and continue it together.”

The Strategic Plan comprises these five goals followed by the steps and offices responsible for accomplishing the objectives:

1

Create and maintain a culture that is inclusive, welcoming and respectful of the various backgrounds and perspectives of the Christopher Newport community

2

Recruit, retain and engage students, faculty and staff whose diverse backgrounds and perspectives demonstrate the university’s commitment to inclusive excellence

3

Provide comprehensive education, training, and professional development programs for faculty and staff, inclusive of curricular and co-curricular activities/programs/courses, in an effort to enrich skill sets, better educate our students, and work more effectively with one another

4

Expand community engagement and local community connections

5

Effectively communicate the university’s efforts to increase diversity and inclusion on our campus

The full Strategic Plan and many other stories and documents related to diversity at Christopher Newport can be found at cnu.edu/diversityinclusion.

V OYA G E S

FA L L 2 0 2 0

7

New Scholarship Announced Honoring the Memory of George Floyd

A

new scholarship at Christopher Newport University will honor the memory of George P. Floyd. It is a substantive step in the university’s response to what President Paul Trible described as “a defining moment for our campus and country.”

The scholarship stems from a challenge issued at a memorial service for Floyd — a Black man who was killed by police in May of 2020. His death sparked a national outcry for renewed attention to social justice, equity and inclusion, and policing. Speaking at the memorial service, North Central University President Scott Hagan challenged every college to establish an undergraduate scholarship to honor the memory of Floyd and to contribute toward the educational promise of aspiring young Black Americans. Christopher Newport is meeting that challenge. With an initial leadership gift from Distinguished Professor Dr. Lisa Spiller, the university has created the Inclusive Excellence Scholarship.

“We invite support from all members of the Christopher

Newport community and we will include the scholarship as a priority in fundraising initiatives throughout the year,” said Vice President for University Advancement Adelia Thompson.

“This is an opportunity for all of us to make a difference in the lives of outstanding young people. I can’t wait to meet the first Inclusive Excellence Scholar.”

The scholarship will be awarded to full-time undergraduates enrolled or planning to enroll at Christopher Newport who come from under-represented groups and will contribute to the diversity of the campus community.

Financial need and demonstrated commitment to service, honor, inclusion and diversity and social equity will be important considerations.

The scholarship will be an important potential resource for Community Captains — a college preparatory program for high school students that Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Dr. Angela Spranger will direct. It was launched last year with Newport News Public Schools.

Contributions to the scholarship are welcome at cnu.imodules.com/inclusive.

8

FALL 2020

CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT

WHAT’S NEW AT CNU

Students Lead Peaceful Black Lives Matter Protest and March Hundreds join event on campus to protest murder of George Floyd.

CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT students, alumni, faculty and staff participated in a march and observance in support of Black Lives Matter and to protest the murder of George Floyd.

Student-athletes Justin Wilson ’21 and Kyan HoSang ’22 organized the peaceful and emotional event that began and ended on James River Field. It featured a march winding through campus and a meaningful and memorable gathering on the Great Lawn.

Participants were asked to lie down, kneel or bow their heads for eight minutes and 46 seconds, to remember the time that Floyd was pinned under a police officer’s knee before his death.

“I felt a lot of love,” Wilson told the Daily Press, tears streaming from his eyes. “That everyone is coming together ... they don’t fully understand what it means to be Black, but they are all standing right here. That means a lot.”

Chants by participants as they marched through campus included “Black Lives Matter” and “say his name: George Floyd.”

Wilson and HoSang are soccer players and many Captains coaches and athletes joined in the event.

President Paul Trible and Newport News Sheriff Gabe Morgan, a member of the Board of Visitors and chair of the university’s Council on Diversity and Inclusion, walked with the students and participated in the Great Lawn observance.

“I stand with our students. I wanted to say loudly that Black Lives Matter. It’s time to end police brutality and racism in this country,” Trible said.

Soaring to Success

(RALEIGH, DURHAM, CHAPEL HILL)

Our sixth annual CNU Day was one for the ages – generous Captains around the world helped us raise over $1 million for the first time. This annual tradition has evolved into a day to give back and pay it forward, but, more than anything, it is a day to lavish love on our campus and community. Thank you!

WHAT’S NEW AT CNU

Celebrating the Class of 2020 Virtual event featured photos, shout-outs and videos.

T

he Christopher Newport University community celebrated the Class of 2020 with a virtual event featuring scores of photos and videos capturing memorable events and heartwarming messages of support.

While the event was “live” on the university’s website and YouTube channel, it is available for viewing any time.

Particularly poignant were the remarks by President Trible, Senior Director of Alumni Engagement Baxter Vendrick and Alumni Society Board President Cynthia Allen-Whyte ’97.

Parents, faculty and staff members added their own “shoutouts,” and Captain Chris made a cameo appearance.

In addition to the virtual celebration, the graduates received hundreds of messages of support through social media using the hashtag #CNU2020. Alumni, faculty, staff, current students and friends of the university added their voices to a chorus of congratulatory messages. Each of the athletics teams highlighted their seniors and similar posts came from fraternities and sororities, arts and theater organizations, and other campus groups.

The online celebration was held on Saturday, May 9 – the

day commencement was planned for prior to the pandemic.

That event, as well as many other traditional commencement weekend activities, are now planned for May 1-2, 2021 on campus.

Trible announced the new commencement weekend in a message to the members of the class: “Historic circumstances require difficult decisions. We will honor you as you deserve to be honored, on the Great Lawn and in front of your classmates, faculty and families.”

The events will be both a joyous time shared with the entire Christopher Newport community and a one-year reunion for the Class of 2020.

“This is the best way to give the graduates the memorable celebration they have earned while protecting the safety of everyone in our community,” Trible said. The celebration will adhere to public health guidelines.

The Class of 2020 includes 1,103 graduating seniors and 64 students who have earned graduate degrees.

Commencement for the Class of 2021 will be held as scheduled May 7-9.

V OYA G E S

FA L L 2 0 2 0

11

Philosophy Faculty Edit Collection on Women and Social Change Work presented at annual conference inspires new book.

Luter School of Business Awarded Reaccreditation AACSB International affirms CNU’s place among top 5 percent of business schools.

T

he Joseph W. Luter, III School of Business has had its AACSB International accreditation in business extended.

It is a prestigious honor that places the Luter School in the top five percent of the world’s schools offering business degrees at the bachelor’s level or higher.

“For more than a century, AACSB accreditation has been synonymous with the highest standards in business education,” said Luter School Dean George Ebbs. “This distinction affirms that we are on the right path with our emphasis on leadership, hands-on learning, interaction with alumni and business leaders, and service to the community.”

Ebbs said the reaccreditation is the result of continued innovation and hard work by the school’s faculty and staff. The school was first accredited in 2005 by AACSB. “AACSB congratulates each institution on their achievement,” said Stephanie M. Bryant, executive vice president and chief accreditation officer of AACSB. “Every AACSB-accredited school has demonstrated a focus on excellence in all areas, including teaching, research, curricula development and student learning.

The intense peer-review process exemplifies their commitment to quality business education.”

According to AACSB, achieving accreditation is a process of rigorous internal focus, engagement with an AACSB-assigned mentor, and peer-reviewed evaluation. During this multiyear path, the Luter School has focused on developing and implementing a plan to align with AACSB’s accreditation standards. These standards require excellence in areas relating to strategic management and innovation; students, faculty and staff as active participants; learning and teaching; and academic and professional engagement.

12

FALL 2020

CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT

Ten papers from a recent conference at Christopher Newport on the Global Status of Women and Gender form the basis of a new collection edited by Dr. Lori Underwood and Dr. Dawn Hutchinson, of CNU’s Department of Philosophy and Religion.

The duo chose the essays for inclusion in Women, Dr. Lori Underwood Social Change and Activism in large part to represent the diversity of views presented at the conference, the theme of which was intersectionality. The term refers to the ways social and political factors can combine and result in discrimination.

In fact, Underwood says, the book marks the 30th anDr. Dawn Hutchinson niversary of Kimberle Crenshaw’s use of the term ‘intersectionality,’ as well as the 400th anniversary of the first Africans arriving in nearby Hampton and the Jamestown colony in 1619.

Underwood says the book chapters arising from this year’s conference at CNU especially highlight ways gender intersects race, ethnicity, class, sexuality and other identity markers in complex ways.

“To be able to not only hold an international conference of this caliber at Christopher Newport, but to also have a major academic publisher work with us to disseminate the important work of this conference, demonstrates the significance of issues of intersectionality on our campus and around the world,” she said.

Underwood is professor and dean of the College of Arts and Humanities. She specializes in ethics, political philosophy and gender. Hutchinson’s areas of expertise are women in religion and religion and social reform.

WHAT’S NEW AT CNU

Two Luter Alumnae are ‘Best and Brightest’ Business Undergraduates Poets & Quants profiles Tisha Lim and Jordan Verbeck.

Tisha Lim ’20 and Jordan Verbeck ’20 have been selected by Poets & Quants for Undergrads as two of its annual “best and brightest undergraduate business majors.” Each spring the influential business publication honors 100 of the most accomplished seniors from top business schools.

Lim, a management and marketing double major from Broadlands, Virginia, boasted a long list of academic activities and accomplishments, including a career-launching position after graduation.

The activities included chapter president of the Alpha Phi international women’s fraternity, vice president of the Beta Gamma Sigma and Omicron Delta Kappa honor societies, and an internship with Nasdaq. Lim began working with Bloomberg Industry Group in Arlington, Jordan Verbeck Virginia, after graduation.

She hopes to one day serve on the Luter Board of Advisors, telling Poets & Quants: “It’s unusual to say that I have found a family within my business school, as most people would rather spend their time with people other than classmates and somewhere else other than classrooms. My classmates became my best friends; my professors became my mentors and confidants; and the building became my home.”

Lim said she’s most proud of maintaining a high grade point average while being deeply involved in campus life. In fact, she made the dean’s list for all eight semesters of her college career.

“Tisha brings energy, enthusiasm and creative problem-solving to the classroom,” said Dr. Matt Hettche, chair of the Department of Management and Marketing. He told Poets & Quants: “She is a natural leader with a unique ability to connect with classmates and professors alike. Her academic interests

are diverse and she excels at a number of tasks: research, written and oral communication, and group work assignments. Tisha is certainly one to watch; she is destined to make a significant impact on the business world.”

Jordan Verbeck, from Newport News, double majored in finance and marketing. She served in a range of leadership positions at Christopher Newport and assembled an impressive list of internships while also maintaining a perfect 4.0 grade point average.

Verbeck interned at Smithfield Foods in its asset management department with duties that included reconciling private investment funds and developing a new reporting system for private investments. She also interned at Beth Moore and Associates, a CPA firm, and at the Virginia Beach Surf and Rescue Museum. Verbeck told Poets & Quants the array of internships and coursework gave her a deeper understanding of the business world: “The thing that has surprised me most is the interconnectivity of the different areas of study. It amazes me how the lessons I learn in marketing classes pertain to finance topics. The material is relevant and easily applicable to multiple areas of business. Business requires an understanding of many perspectives, which is challenging and exciting.”

After graduation, Verbeck joined the consulting firm of Deloitte & Touche as a government and public services financial risk and advisory consultant.

Dr. Reza Espahbodi, chair of the Accounting and Finance Department, told Poets & Quants that Verbeck will succeed in whatever she takes on: “Jordan stands out not just for her work in the classroom, but also in everything she does on our campus. She has the respect of her peers and our faculty through her strong character and her professionalism and positivity.”

Tisha Lim

V OYA G E S

FA L L 2 0 2 0

13

WHAT’S NEW AT CNU

Richard Long ’19 teaches social studies at Menchville High School.

Teacher Prep Program Earns a Hard-to-Get ‘A’ CNU’s program one of only six in Virginia recognized by National Council on Teacher Quality.

CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT’S teacher preparation program has earned an A grade for how it prepares future elementary teachers to teach reading.

In response to what it calls “America’s persistent reading crisis,” the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) evaluated the extent to which teacher preparation programs provide adequate training in scientifically based reading instruction for aspiring elementary teachers. They graded programs on “adherence to the Science of Reading” on a scale from A to F. In the 2020 national assessment, only 26% of education programs and only 17% of graduate-level programs earned an A. In Virginia, Christopher Newport is one of only six programs to earn that distinction (of 31).

“The A grade indicates our aspiring teachers will be well-equipped to deliver effective, scientifically based reading instruction that covers the five elements essential for reading development: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension,” said Kelly Cartwright, professor of psychology, neuroscience and teacher preparation.

Aspiring teachers at Christopher Newport must earn an undergraduate degree and then spend an additional year on

14

FALL 2020

CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT

campus and earn the highly acclaimed master of arts in teaching, drawing on expertise from faculty from 12 departments.

That degree comes with a recommendation for a license to teach in Virginia, and graduates are in high demand.

“Our master of arts in teaching is ranked among the top in the nation because we believe in preparing students to teach with the most innovative, most scientifically proven methods,” said Dr. Jean Filetti, director of the Office of Teacher Preparation. “We’re pleased and honored to be recognized for taking that approach.”

Although Christopher Newport’s A grade is an uncommon honor, the NCTQ says colleges are applying more scientific understanding to reading instruction. “The latest findings are a positive sign for a newly energized movement across the nation to bring down notoriously high rates of illiteracy in the United States,” the NCTQ said.

“The progress being made by programs comes as a real shot in the arm,” said Kate Walsh, president of NCTQ. “The resistance to teaching what is scientifically based has been so formidable. The scale is now tipping in favor of science, and the real winners here are the students who will learn to read.”

Standout Alumna Wins Prestigious Goldwater Scholarship Student-athlete Kara Ferner plans research career.

K

ara Ferner ’20 has ambitious goals: teach at a major university, conduct experimental research in nuclear or particle physics, and harness technology to make solar power more cost-efficient. In recognition of her ability and determination, she has been named a Goldwater Scholar.

The Goldwater Scholarship is widely considered to be the most prestigious award bestowed on undergraduates studying the sciences and engineering.

Ferner, from Wilmington, N.C., double-majored in applied physics and computational and applied mathematics with minors in computer science and leadership studies. She was a member of the Honors Program and the President’s Leadership Program. Ferner also conducted research in nuclear physics at Jefferson Lab, maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA and played on the women’s tennis team.

“I am so thankful that the culture of Christopher Newport and all of the wonderful people here have allowed me to strive for more than I ever thought I could,” Ferner said. “I am so honored for the recognition, and I am thrilled for the opportunities that are to come.”

The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program was established by Congress in 1986 to honor Senator Barry Goldwater.

The program was designed to encourage outstanding students to pursue careers in mathematics, the natural sciences and engineering.

“We are thrilled about Kara’s selection as Goldwater Scholar. She certainly deserves it,” noted Dr. Anton Riedl, chair of the Department of Physics,

Computer Science and Engineering.

“Kara is an outstanding student who clearly displays the characteristics the Goldwater Foundation is seeking in its scholars, including intellectual intensity, a strong commitment to research in the natural sciences, and potential for significant future contributions to her chosen field. Based on everything I’ve seen so far, there is no doubt in my mind that she will have a successful career as a scientist, scholar and, hopefully, for the benefit of future generations, a teacher!”

“I am so thankful that the culture of Christopher Newport and all of the wonderful people here have allowed me to strive for more than I ever thought I could.”

Ferner said that after graduation, she plans to earn a PhD and pursue a research career aimed at improving technologies, including photovoltaics, that will solve some of the world’s most pressing problems.

Dr. Peter Monaghan directed Ferner’s work at Jefferson Lab. This past summer, she continued her research there through a Department of Energy Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship.

“Since starting research at Jefferson Lab with my group, Kara has grown in skills and knowledge, demonstrating an excellent ability to think and work independently,” Monaghan said. “The research experience at a national laboratory and the skills she is learning will serve her well for a career as a professional scientist. I have been very impressed by her dedication to her research efforts at Jefferson Lab, and

awards such as this for our undergraduate students underscore the importance of our connections with research facilities such as Jefferson Lab. Kara is a fantastic student and thoroughly deserving of this award.”

“When I found out I was selected, it was such an incredible feeling to know that my hard work had paid off,” Ferner said. “More importantly, it is a testament to all of my mentors who continuously believe in me. Dr. Monaghan, Dr. Heddle, Dr. Dobrescu and Dr. Riedl helped me so much throughout the application process and pushed me to excel in my undergraduate career, and my tennis coach, Dave Weiner, has unwaveringly supported all of my academic goals.”

Ferner is the second Christopher Newport student to be named a Goldwater Scholar. Applied physics major Brook Byrd ’17 earned the distinction in 2016.

V OYA G E S

FA L L 2 0 2 0

15

Meet Christopher Newport’s Puzzlemaster Dr. Neville Fogarty brings his crossword expertise to Voyages.

THIRTEEN YEARS AGO, then-college sophomore Neville Fogarty raced the clock to win $3,450 and a trip to Antigua in the inaugural episode of the television game show Merv Griffin’s Crosswords. That show, it turns out, launched the career of one of the nation’s crossword puzzle experts. Fogarty’s prominence in the crossword puzzle world and his love for making and solving the games has continued to grow.

Now Fogarty, assistant professor of mathematics, has written hundreds of crosswords and been published in The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, Buzzfeed, The Chronicle of Higher Education and, now, Voyages. Fogarty was kind enough to create a puzzle just for Christopher Newport.

Learn more about the process – and be sure to try your hand at his specially created puzzle for Voyages readers on the inside back cover.

How did you get into puzzles and games?

I started solving crosswords when I was in college. During the summer between my freshman and sophomore years, I wanted to go on a new game show called Merv Griffin’s Crosswords, so I spent three weeks solving every crossword I could find and learning the vocabulary of crosswords from my mom. I went on to win the first episode of that show.

A year later, I started trying to write my own puzzles, thinking it couldn’t be that hard. Well, it was a little tricky, but I managed to sell a puzzle to the Los Angeles Times the very next summer.

What is the process like when you create a crossword puzzle?

Most of my puzzles are themed, so I start by coming up with the theme.

This means I need to figure out some connection or mechanism for the long answers in the puzzle (or perhaps something more pervasive). Then I brainstorm theme entries, noting the grid requirements along the way (symmetric placement in the grid, lengths that will

16

FALL 2020

fit nicely, etc.). At some point I’ll throw these into a grid and try placing black squares where forced. Then more black squares go in to accommodate crossing entries. At that point, I try to fill the rest of the grid in earnest, and after that’s done I finish by writing the clues.

What do you get out of the hobby?

For me, it’s a creative outlet. It’s a fun way to interact with language and culture, and a healthy distraction from the pressures of day-to-day life. I’ve also made some close friends through crossword writing and solving.

Does your interest in puzzles intersect with your academic interests?

It hasn’t particularly overlapped, but I’d love to one day teach a class on the history and construction of crosswords!

Do you have any advice for crossword solvers, new or experienced?

Like so many other skills, solving crossword puzzles is an activity that

CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT

takes practice to get any good at it. If you’re new to puzzles, try starting out with straightforward but well-edited puzzles, like the ones in USA Today (you can solve these for free online).

It’s not cheating to use the internet to help you out, and when you solve on a computer, you have the option of having wrong letters flagged as you go.

The best strategy, I think, is to try solving with a friend and talk things out.

As you solve more puzzles, you’ll start to see some words (especially the short ones) show up frequently. Think back to these words often. In a crossword puzzle, a fencing sword is an EPEE much more often than it is a FOIL (SABRE has five letters, but watch out for SABER).

And if you’re a puzzle pro, why not add a little challenge to an easy puzzle? See if you can solve it using just the down clues! This may sound impossible, but if your puzzle-solving skills are strong, you should be able to use pattern recognition to take care of the across answers. Ask yourself, “If I were constructing this puzzle, what would I put here?”

WHAT’S NEW AT CNU

Emily Knowles Named Social Work Student of the Year Senior recognized for leadership and service to others.

A Grandfather’s Struggle Leads a Student to Neuroscience Isabel Danstrom explores exciting intersection of biology and psychology.

Senior Isabel Danstrom is like many students early in their college educations. There are so many programs to pick from – about 90 at Christopher Newport – and each offers unique challenges and opportunities. It’s not easy to find the one major that you’re passionate about and that fits with your skills.

Uncertain of what she wanted to pursue as a sophomore, Danstrom met with Dr. Jay Paul, an English professor and the director of Christopher Newport’s Honors Program. As the senior member of the faculty, he’s offered wise guidance to scores of students.

“He discussed with me the importance of choosing something that is meaningful to you, a field that you will be continuously interested in and intellectually curious about,” Danstrom said. “Leaving that meeting, my mind immediately went to my grandfather who has Parkinson’s disease. I’ve watched the progression of this disease on him throughout my life, and have always been curious as to what exactly Parkinson’s does to the body to produce these effects. It was then that I made the connection that my intellectual curiosity regarding the nervous system could be cultivated through neuroscience.”

Like Danstrom, an increasing number of students select Christopher Newport for its neuroscience program. The program has been so successful over the past 10 years that the university was recently approved to begin offering the bachelor’s degree in neuroscience. It is the study of how the brain and nervous system work. Neuroscience is an ideal major for students interested in medicine or neuroscience research, particularly neurology and psychiatry.

“Our students will go on to graduate school or straight into

IN RECOGNITION of her leadership skills and hundreds of hours of community service, Emily Knowles ’20 has been named the Virginia Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers 2020 Student of the Year.

Knowles’ nomination, prepared by Dr. Jill Russett and other Christopher Newport social work faculty, paints a picture of a student who contributes in countless ways to the campus and the community: “Emily possesses a high level of integrity, professionalism, and an overall kind and unassuming disposition.”

Knowles credits the support of the Christopher Newport faculty: “The faculty created a safe environment where we could grow, make mistakes and learn from each other without the pressure of perfection.”

“Finally, the award serves as a reminder that each step in the journey came with insecurities and fears that pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to build confidence, ask for help and recognize the importance of self-care.”

After earning a bachelor’s degree in social work, Knowles plans to pursue a graduate degree and then launch her career.

careers in the medical and science fields,” said Dr. Drew Velkey, director of the neuroscience program. “We offer small classes, state-of-the-art labs, internships and study abroad opportunities so our graduates will be well prepared for what they want to do next.”

For Danstrom, that means graduate school and a career in research. She’s already conducting valuable research as an undergraduate. With her classmates in Velkey’s Fish Lab, Danstrom is investigating preferences of male and female zebrafish when they are confronted with different types of social stimuli. Their findings will be shared with scientists.

V OYA G E S

FA L L 2 0 2 0

17

F O R

6 0

Y E A R S

A N D

F O R

T H E

F U T U R E

Adding up all you do for your community President Trible sent this Inspiring Leadership message to all Captains. While the pandemic makes volunteering difficult, we ask you to read the president’s words and respond.

As Captains and as members of the Christopher Newport community, we are called to serve.

We ask our students to lead, serve, engage and set the world on fire. We ask our alumni to serve, as it is one of the essential ingredients of a life of significance. We ask our faculty and staff to serve because it sets an important example and because it strengthens the community we call home.

When I outlined the Inspiring Leadership initiative in my Founders Day speech, I said that our community’s passion for service will be reaffirmed and enhanced: “We know so many

already serve … coaching a little league team, working at a food pantry, teaching a Sunday School class. We are engaged and serving in so many ways, in our community, the commonwealth and country and the world. With your help, we will record those hours so others see our mighty impact.

We will create what is called a social impact statement that shows just how much the Christopher Newport family contributes.”

The process to record those hours is ready. It is simple and only takes a moment. Please visit mycnuengage. org/inspiringleadership. We hope

you will do this periodically over the next year so that at the end of 2020 and at the end of 2021, we will have the data to demonstrate your mighty impact. If you choose, you can also provide us information so that we can connect interested students and alumni to service opportunities.

Thank you for all you do and all you will do. As I often say, when you ask people to give their very best, they will astound you with their success. Now let us astound the world by documenting how much we serve and convincingly tell the story of how the Christopher Newport family is making a difference.

PRESIDENT PAUL TRIBLE

Tell the STORY

Celebrate MILESTONES

Make a DIFFERENCE

cnu.edu/inspiringleadership

“

“

Presidential Effort Alencia Johnson ’09 helped Senator Elizabeth Warren roll out policy plans.

BY JANE HEETER

PHOTO © CARLA TAYLOR

INSPIRING LEADERSHIP

T

he eight months that Alencia Johnson worked on Senator Elizabeth Warren’s presidential campaign were a whirlwind tour across the United States.

She campaigned for Warren on national television and, on a student’s invitation, during a visit to Christopher Newport.

She connected celebrities, experts and faith leaders to the campaign.

In March, Johnson marched in Selma, Alabama, alongside Warren, activist Stacey Abrams and the late U.S. Representative John Lewis: “Congressman Lewis traveled from his sick bed in Atlanta to Selma to commemorate ‘Bloody Sunday’, as he did every year. This time was different, as it seemed he was passing the torch to all of us who were there. I get emotional thinking about the front-row seat to history I’ve been blessed to have, including many times with Congressman Lewis sharing his wisdom with my generation.”

Those experiences all contributed to Johnson’s overall goal for Warren’s campaign as its national director of public engagement. For months, she worked to get the word out about Warren’s numerous policy proposals – a signature of the campaign.

“Alencia Johnson was an integral part of our campaign to make big, structural change for America’s families,” Warren said. “I’m grateful for the advice and counsel she gave me as we pushed for transformational ideas to confront some of the biggest challenges in our country. I’m thrilled to see the incredible work she will do as she starts her new business and continues the fight for social, economic and racial justice.”

Now, the communication major is embarking on a new undertaking as the chief impact officer and founder of 1063 West Broad. The Washington, D.C.-based agency specializes in the intersection of culture, impact and purpose, connecting brands, organizations and people to mission-driven solutions.

Johnson began honing her skills during her busy four years at Christopher Newport. She was a cheerleader for

three seasons, a student ambassador, and a member of the President’s Leadership Program and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She served on the Multicultural Student Association, Student Government Association, the Student Union Board and the Minority Student Task Force.

She spoke to leaders on campus to advocate for issues Black students faced, always finding – or making – a seat at the table for herself.

“I did spend a lot more time in my extracurriculars, which, to be honest, all made me such a better leader in my community and in navigating the political world and fighting for social issues,” she said. “People of differing opinions were able to come together at the table. That’s where I learned how to make ‘good trouble,’ as Congressman John Lewis says.”

She initially planned to go into the news industry, hoping to become a political analyst or commentator. During an internship with Norfolk-based WTKR television station, a reporter advised her to move to Washington, D.C. to learn the ins and outs of politics.

With that in mind, after graduation, she secured a position at GEICO’s corporate headquarters as a communication specialist. There, she executed the company’s social responsibility communications, connecting the organization with advocacy groups, legislators and the community.

Still eager to dive deeper into the political world, she joined the communications team for President Barack Obama’s re-election campaign in 2012. She connected other politicians, activists and entertainers with the campaign in order to reach constituents.

Johnson booked the Rev. Al Sharpton, Valerie Jarrett and other charismatic leaders on television and radio appearances to promote Obama’s policies.

V OYA G E S

FA L L 2 0 2 0

21

Alencia Johnson was an integral part of our campaign to make big, structural change for America’s families. I’m grateful for the advice and counsel she gave me as we pushed for transformational ideas to confront some of the biggest challenges in our country.”

SENATOR ELIZABETH WARREN

“Most of the time, it’s not the message, it’s the messenger that people resonate with,” Johnson said about the biggest lesson from that role. “You could have two people saying the same thing, and one might penetrate better within a community.”

Once the campaign ended, she returned home to Virginia and spent time with her family while she sought her next role. She then moved to New York City and joined Planned Parenthood Federation of America and the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, where she similarly engaged with political, media, entertainment and corporate organizations and influencers.

She created the constituency communications team, focusing on engaging communities of color, young people, members of the LGBTQ community and people of faith.

As director of public engagement, she worked with the entertainment industry and corporate America, finding ways to connect on conversations about reproductive health care and gender equity.

While at Planned Parenthood, she also worked with

22

FALL 2020

CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT

Hillary Clinton’s campaign on strategies to engage women voters. She also represented the organization on television, appearing on MSNBC numerous times.

Six years in, she was set to begin her own business using all those skills. Nonetheless she began initial conversations with the Warren campaign. Months later, Warren gave a powerful speech about Black women and health care which compelled Johnson to join the campaign.

As national director of public engagement, she used all the tools she’d sharpened in her career. To strategically roll out Warren’s policy proposals, she had to use tactics to receive media coverage, secure endorsements and help plan in-person events.

Campaigns are fast-moving machines, and Johnson got underway immediately. She helped launch Warren’s criminal justice reform plan, making sure the right activists, faith leaders, formerly incarcerated people and other important voices were heard during its development.

She worked to ensure the marketing pieces had the proper components, and that the unveiling event would

INSPIRING LEADERSHIP

include the voices and perspectives of people of color, a prosecutor and someone involved with post-incarceration rehabilitation and jobs.

Some days involved being behind the scenes, while others meant being a spokesperson.

“There’s so many defining moments of my career, but those eight months really pulled together many of the things I believe in as well as pushed me on how to actually make them come to life,” Johnson said.

After long days, she was ready to work for herself when the campaign ended. She launched 1063 West Broad, named after her grandmother’s street in Danville.

Its branding is orange, representing her grandmother, Ozella Bennett, and her ancestors.

Through 1063 West Broad, Johnson works with politicians to help spread their message to their target audience. She helps companies navigate both external and internal conversations about racial justice and equity. She crafts strategic communication strategies for executives and CEOs in order for the leaders to be inclusive and

authentic. She also connects pop culture influencers with causes and social issues they are passionate about.

Most recently, she was named as one of five external members of Warner Music Group/Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund Board of Directors. The group will decide how to invest $100 million in charitable causes related to the music industry, social justice, education, and campaigns against violence and racism.

Much of what drives Johnson is her deep Christian faith, which she says was fostered by her community during her time at Christopher Newport, and her strong belief system. Her time as a Captain reinforced a lesson from her grandmother that she still follows today.

“My grandmother taught me: don’t ask for permission; ask for forgiveness. And I feel like that was also my learning from CNU. What it taught me is that at the end of the day, so long as you are on the right side of justice, you should continue to fight and use your platform to do as much good as you can. CNU taught me the responsibility of having a platform and influence.” Good trouble. d

V OYA G E S

FA L L 2 0 2 0

23

Alum Donates Thousands of Meals to Homeless Erica Rome ’16 uses candle business for good.

BY JANE HEETER

E

RICA ROME ’16 CAREFULLY PLANNED out her life during her time at Christopher Newport.

She worked out a course sequence to graduate in three years on the second day of her freshman year. Armed with ambition and spreadsheets, she prepared for a job in management in a corporate office. It felt like her most direct path as a management major and sociology minor.

PHOTO © KAYLA ENRIGHT

INSPIRING LEADERSHIP Shortly after graduation came the part she didn’t plan for: she quickly learned that a normal 9-5 job wasn’t right for her.

Seeing her misery, her husband Shane hatched the idea of selling candles the couple made. They are enthusiastic about natural, additive-free scents and thought customers might be, too.

They founded River Birch Candles in 2018 and, as the company grew, Rome was able to quit the job that made her miserable and dedicate her time to the business that brought her joy.

Within six months, River Birch began fulfilling one of its key objectives of giving back to the surrounding Dallas community. For every candle sold, a meal is given to a homeless person in Dallas.

They partnered with The Stewpot, a Dallas-based organization that provides resources and opportunities for the homeless. The connection has remained strong throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Support for The Stewpot Meal Service program is always so important and makes a huge impact, but it is especially critical during the difficult times that our entire community is facing right now,” said Adrienne Nicholson, manager of volunteer services for The Stewpot. “We are so appreciative whenever businesses, both big and small, partner with us so that together we can help our neighbors in need. With the support of businesses, we are able to continue to serve three nutritious meals a day, every single day of the year.”

The journey to selling candles and donating thousands of meals wasn’t easy. Their original notions were quickly disproven – Rome says she laughs now at their initial plan of “let’s just sell candles and hope it works.”

As the company has grown, they’ve had to make adjustments to candle sizes and labels to be attractive in a crowded market. Their bold label designs stand out among a sea of competitors, and small sizes sell better than the giant, three-wick candles they initially thought customers wanted.

Natural scents – bright lemon, airy cotton and citrusy mimosa – are bestsellers.

She got a firsthand look at some of those realities of running a small business during a business simulation class with Dr. William Donaldson.

“Most people did terrible, including my group,” Rome said with a laugh. “We didn’t know what we were doing. You kind of have to guess, which is really a lot of life and business. At the end you have to present whether you did bad or well and the lessons you learned. It was really a good example for life.”

Donaldson said that feedback is common – the course is designed to provide those experiences in the classroom setting to help students after graduation. “I created this class to give students an experience as close to reality as possible, including the part of not ‘knowing what we were doing’ precisely because most small business people are overwhelmed

PHOTO © CHARLEE TABOR

by the multiplicity of decisions. I believe this is what students are really looking for, the application of the theory,” he said.

It must have helped – River Birch continues to scale up both its sales and donations. New scents (blackcurrant rose, jasmine and gardenia joined the botanical line) are available via Amazon, and sales have been such that River Birch has been able to continue to support The Stewpot in addition to a new partnership with Feeding America to also donate meals across the country.

The goal this year is a donation of 10,000 meals.

“The pandemic made our mission feel more important than ever with so many people out of work and struggling to make ends meet,” Rome said. “We were happy to continue to find success through the pandemic and are grateful for the privilege to help those most affected by working with Feeding America.” d V OYA G E S

FA L L 2 0 2 0

25

Alumna Leading Craft Brewery to Success Rachel Edwards ’17 transforms favorite flavors into award-winning beers.

BY JANE HEETER

G

OOD BEER IS ALL ABOUT CHEMISTRY.

The fermentation process that produces a premium can of suds is a science and an art — one that Rachel Edwards ’17 knows all about.

After starting at the bottom of the beer ladder as a bartender, the chemistry major is now head brewer at Oozlefinch Beers & Blending in Hampton.

INSPIRING LEADERSHIP

The secret?

It all tastes good.

“Studying chemistry at Christopher Newport taught me to think about things differently and not just to learn static information, but to take what you know and apply it to a bunch of different things,” Edwards said.

Work at the brewery entails more than making tasty beer.

Edwards regularly uses skills acquired in biology labs, builds standard operating procedures and protocols for quality assurance, fixes problems using physics and engineering, and, perhaps most importantly, is constantly cleaning to keep everything pristine.

Edwards’ education has been instrumental in helping Oozlefinch, located at historic Fort Monroe, craft its identity.

The brewery, named after the mythical bird first “sighted” at Fort Monroe, was just a craft brewery when it opened in 2016. As the brand grew, its name changed to emphasize the experimental blends Oozlefinch makes, often with the help of live bacteria.

Many breweries shy away from live bacteria because of the risk of contamination, but Edwards’ chemistry and biology background help make it work at Oozlefinch. The brewery includes a lab for analyzing the brewing process and keeping quality assurance top-of-mind.

“Understanding what the bacteria needs to thrive, survive and really give us the flavors that we’re looking to get – it’s insanely important to have a background like that,” said Russel Tinsley, founder, owner and managing member of Oozlefinch.

“You have a lot of brewers that have some brewery training where they get a crash course on everything, but with Rachel, she’s got actual education and experience in it. It’s helped us out a whole lot.”

New beers are added to the menu at Oozlefinch on nearly every visit, part of the brewery’s emphasis on experimentation. Patrons can order flights and pints if they’re staying, or buy cans to go.

Oozlefinch’s ability to try out new recipes came in handy when it joined All Together, a worldwide collaboration among breweries to support the hospitality industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. The base recipe is the same for all brewers participating; Oozlefinch created a hazy version with a favorite strain of yeast.

Proceeds from Oozlefinch’s version of All Together will go toward some of the food trucks that, pre-pandemic, served outside the brewery most nights of the week.

“I’m proud to stand behind a brewery that jumped on this opportunity immediately and is so excited to support our local small businesses,” Edwards said. “People helping people in this dire time of need gives me hope for a better future together.”

One of Edwards’ biggest successes came when she set out to turn the flavor of her favorite dessert, key lime pie, into a beer. Through trial and error, she landed on a formula that’s tart but not too sour, truly reminiscent of its namesake.

So far it has won two gold medals in competition, gaining new fans across the country. It also kicked off the brewery’s Das Yummy series, which transforms fruity desserts into pint glass pours. So far coconut cream pie, cranberry cherry cobbler and gingersnap pear have been recreated in tangy, fruity beers.

Another brand that Edwards has helped define is the Party Dinosaur lineup of smoothie-inspired brews; the latest smacks of matcha green tea, coconut, toasted almond and vanilla.

They may seem out-there to customers who are seeking a standard flavor, but Oozlefinch’s distribution has only continued to grow to more and more cities across the country.

The secret? It all tastes good.

“When people say they don’t like sour beers and they come in and try our sours and love them, that’s what’s really exciting for me,” Edwards said. “The medals are great and I won’t turn down a medal any day, but I just enjoy the camaraderie and enjoying the beer.” d V OYA G E S

FA L L 2 0 2 0

27

Inspiring Leadership Through COVID-19 Scores of alumni, students, faculty and staff step up to help during the pandemic.

A

S THE UNIVERSITY AND THE WORLD deal with the coronavirus outbreak, Christopher Newport alumni are on the front lines. In a variety of roles, they’re finding ways to help and proving the wisdom

of what Mr. Rogers often said: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘look for the helpers.’ You will always find people who are helping.”

Here are just some of the many Captains for Life who are helping. You can read more of their stories at cnu.edu/news.

Tyler Bemis (’13, history) is regional sales manager at CV International, a Virginia Beach firm that offers supply chain, logistics, and shipping assistance to U.S. and international companies. The company transports N95 masks used by health care workers.

Laura Fielden (’17, biology) is an occupational therapist at Williamsburg Landing, a retirement facility in Williamsburg.

She helps treat residents recovering from the virus.

Katie Harry (’05, biology) is an infectious disease lab scientist working at the Minnesota Department of Health.

She tests for a variety of viruses, including COVID-19.

Anna Hastings (’06, communication) and Taylor Williamson (’14 and ’15, history and teaching) are middle school teachers at John Rolfe Middle School in Henrico.

They continue to lead by working with students, parents and staff to navigate learning during the COVID-19 crisis.

Alumni Helping Manufacture Masks, Sanitizing Products Four theater alums using technology to help combat coronavirus.

They’ve also advised a manufacturer in New York about the same process to enable production of 10,000 a day. of Building Momentum are used to helping out others.

They also designed a robot which uses ultraviolet light The Alexandria-based company is a training organito sanitize rooms, a solution which can do the work better zation. It teaches people how to problem-solve using the than any human, said Brooks, Building latest technology, such as 3D printing, Momentum’s chief operating officer. laser cutting and welding.

Staff also created an easy solution Part of that work means regular travto sanitize the scores of homemade el to teach the Marine Corps all around masks hospitals are receiving. Using the world and, last fall, helping in the the same ultraviolet lights, $350 worth Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian struck of supplies and a bit of welding, a grill of its devastating blow. sorts can be fashioned that can sanitize When the pandemic began, Allen masks in 30 seconds.

Brooks ’04, Cheyanne Dwyer ’16, KathOther projects included finding leen Veer ’15 and Cecily Wynne ’17, and ways to sanitize phones for Verizon’s the entire Building Momentum team stores, protections for doctors as they worked to rapidly create technology intubate patients and moving all training and equipment to combat COVID-19.

Cheyanne Dwyer, left, and Cecily Wynne build wooden for the Marine Corps online.

The company runs a 20,000-squaremolds used to produce emergency face masks.

“We’re just really building as many foot workspace in Alexandria called solutions as possible and to try to help as many people as The Garden that is usually used as an event and co-working we can help while building them,” Dwyer said. space. Since the pandemic spread to the United States, emAll four Captains for Life are theater alumni. Getting ployees used the technology and equipment to create a way to hands-on engineering and technical skills when producing manufacture emergency face masks that health care workers shows helped prepare them for the work they’re doing now, desperately need.

Dwyer said.

Brooks added that the major gives graduates Building Momentum estimates that the company produced a broad array of skills that enables them to help right now. between 3,000 and 5,000 masks within the first few weeks.

THE CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT GRADUATES who are employees

28

FALL 2020

CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT

INSPIRING LEADERSHIP Karl Hedlund (’06, business) and his team at AIS Industrial Services in Richmond are repairing critical pumps and motors throughout the pandemic. These skilled workers work daily to keep municipal wastewater and freshwater pumps operating around Virginia.

Steve Kast (’87, leisure studies) is the president and chief executive officer of the United Way of the Virginia Peninsula.

As he described in a Daily Press article, he has been coordinating the work of relief agencies that are struggling to get help to the region’s most vulnerable residents. The United Way launched a new emergency response fund to help its partner agencies cope with the higher costs of operating in the crisis.

Dr. Kathy Koehl (’03, biology) is the system director for clinical pharmacy services for Riverside Health System. She coordinates the clinical pharmacy response to COVID-19 for the health system, reviewing new literature that is emerging

daily, advising physicians on treatment plans and helping patients get access to drugs.

Lindsey (Newman) Horner (’07, history) is education manager at WHRO public broadcasting for the Virginia Peninsula. She’s been providing free educational resources to K-12 students throughout Virginia.

Valerie Washington (’15, economics) is a case manager at the Haven, a homeless shelter in Charlottesville. She works to find permanent housing for the homeless population most likely to be exposed to the virus.

Tasha Wright (’10, history) is a store manager for Food Lion in Newport News. As she describes it, “Every day I come to work to inspire my team to do what is necessary to stay positive in this time of crisis but to also do whatever is needed to help serve our community.”

‘Coronaphobia’ Tests Developed at CNU Used Worldwide Psychology Professor Sherman Lee leads team that pioneered screening tools.

A RESEARCH TEAM led by psychology professor Dr. Sherman Lee, with assistance from Christopher Newport students, developed what are believed to be among the first medical screening tools for coronavirus anxiety. They are being used worldwide by doctors, nurses and scientists.

The two mental health tests help health care workers screen people who may be at risk for psychiatric conditions specifically connected to the pandemic, what scholars have named “coronaphobia.” They were launched after Lee and three students studied the psychology of 775 people who were anxious and feared the coronavirus.

The Coronavirus Anxiety Scale asks participants whether they’ve experienced symptoms such as dizziness, sleeplessness and nausea or lost interest in eating and felt paralyzed.

A second test, the Obsession with COVID-19 Scale, assesses persistent and disturbed thinking with symptoms such as dreams and nonstop thoughts about the virus. Responses on both tests are measured on a scale of 0 (not at all) to 4 (felt every day for two weeks).

Lee said he started developing the screening tools

in February and believes he was among the first U.S. scientists to investigate the mental health aspects of the virus. “I anticipated that the COVID-19 epidemic could cause a potential mental health crisis around the world and that the negative effects of this infectious disease outbreak may be greater and longer lasting than its physical toll,” he said.

The screening tools have already been translated to 17 languages. Dozens of health professionals and researchers are deploying them with populations around the world, including Syrian refugees in Turkey, medical patients in Indonesia and the people of the Chickasaw Nation in Oklahoma. The research is also included in a highly regarded collection of book chapters and journal articles made freely available to COVID-19 researchers by Cambridge University in London.

Lee leads a research team that includes Dr. Jeffrey Gibbons of Christopher Newport, Dr. Evgenia Milman of St. Edward’s University and Dr. Robert Niemeyer of the Portland Institute for Loss and Transition.

Lee was also assisted in his research by Mary Jobe ’20, Amanda Mathis ’20 and Emily Pappalardo ’23.

Lee is an associate professor of psychology. He studies negative feeling states, such as anxiety and grief, and the role personality and religion play in those emotional experiences.

He teaches courses in the psychology of personality; psychology of the human-animal bond; and the psychology of death, dying and bereavement.

V OYA G E S

FA L L 2 0 2 0

29

Ferguson Center stages aren’t dark, just different WHEN THE FERGUSON CENTER FOR THE ARTS closed in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the venue temporarily suspended performances for the foreseeable future. Eagerly awaited shows by Straight No Chaser, Colin Machrie and Brad Sherwood, and Clay Jenkinson were all postponed.

It was a heartbreaking and frustrating decision, but fans of those performers and supporters of arts in Hampton Roads can find a measure of hope in this: the center is working to reschedule the shows affected, hoping to bring acts back to its stages as soon as safely possible.

Don’t for a second, though, think the theaters you love are dark and dreary places. They are alive with the sound of learning. The university is using the Diamonstein Concert Hall for classes moved from other locations on campus less

able to accommodate physically distanced students. The Peebles Theatre is being used in the same manner. The stages are also being used for music, theater and dance classes with Plexiglas barriers to help protect participants.

Face coverings and physical distancing are also part of the equation. The Peebles Theatre lobby is even part of the action. It is now the location of a pop-up dining facility so students have more choices as the capacity is reduced at the traditional dining halls.

We hope these new uses of the center prove temporary.

We can’t wait to welcome back the stars, the shows and the audiences that make nights at the Ferguson Center memorable. We will treasure them all the more because, as a poet predicted, absence makes the heart grow fonder.

INSPIRING LEADERSHIP

Where credit is due LANGLEY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION is the sponsor of the 2020 and 2021 seasons at the Ferguson Center for the Arts. While the pandemic has disrupted the 2020 season, Langley has been steadfast in its support of the center and arts in the region.

Said Ferguson Center Executive Director Bruce Bronstein: “As our season sponsor, Langley Federal Credit Union has been an incredible partner for the Ferguson Center. Especially now, while we are discovering new ways to bring the finest artists in the world to Hampton Roads, Langley’s leadership and unwavering support is essential to our success, and speaks volumes about their commitment to our community.”

Langley’s generosity is reflected in other ways, as well.

Each year, Langley awards $5,000 to four rising juniors enrolled in the Joseph W. Luter, III School of Business. The scholarship is renewed annually for that student. Additionally, Langley’s generous season sponsorship of TheaterCNU funnels support to the Theatre Guild, which provides critical scholarship support each year to our rising stars.

“Its investment celebrates both the center’s impact over the past 15 years and the incredible promise of our future and the future of our students,” Bronstein said. “We are so very grateful for their generosity.”

We are deeply grateful for the steadfast support of our sponsors even as our stage is temporarily dark.

series sponsors:

performance sponsors:

The Smarter Way to Bank.

Freedom lives here.

Official Ferguson Center Florist

FACULTY NEWS David Heddle Awarded Grant to Study Mechanical Properties of Protons Undergraduates to join team of scientists seeking to unlock subatomic mysteries.

Dr. David Heddle, professor in the Department of Physics, Computer Science and Engineering, will lead a multidisciplinary team of scientists in an investigation of the connection between gravity and subatomic particles.

Funded by the Southeastern Universities Research Association, the project is part of new advances in the study of the internal structure of protons and neutrons being undertaken at

nearby Jefferson Lab (JLab). The researchers will use an array of techniques, including modeling, simulation and visualization of the mechanical properties of protons, the positively charged particles in atomic nuclei. The team includes scientists from JLab, George Washington University and Virginia Tech.

The project will present rich research opportunities for Christopher Newport undergraduates in nuclear physics, computer science, machine learning, virtual reality and 3D visualization.

“This study provides one of only a few techniques available to scientists to probe the connection between gravity and subatomic particles,” said Heddle.

Professor Edits Book on Misconceptions About Prohibition Dr. Michael Lewis and colleagues tackle false viewpoints in a series of essays.

Dr. Michael Lewis, professor and chair of the Department of Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology, is an editor of a new book that tackles misconceptions about the prohibition era.

Prohibition’s Greatest Myths: The Distilled Truth about America’s Anti-Alcohol Crusade addresses the period during the 1920 to 1923 national constitutional ban on the production, importation, transportation and sale of alcoholic beverages.

The essays in Prohibition’s Greatest Myths tackle stereotypical views about the era, such as the imagery of smoky basement speakeasies and gangsters illegally distilling beverages.

Lewis notes that the book came about during a

32

FALL 2020

CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT

conference focused on the history of alcohol and drugs.

Frustrated by inaccuracies they find most people hold about the subject, he and other prohibition scholars decided to address false notions in the series of essays.

“It’s often said that those who don’t know the past are doomed to repeat it,” Lewis said. “We wrote this book in the hopes that people could become better informed about the real causes and outcomes of prohibition and could use this knowledge to more productively think through the issues of alcohol, drug use and other illegal substances that are still impacting our society.”

Topics covered include who supported prohibition, how its repeal came about, the misconception that drinking rose during prohibition and the fact that prohibition did not only occur in the United States.

Prohibition’s Greatest Myths is published by LSU Press.

It is also edited by Richard F. Hamm, professor of history at the University at Albany, State University of New York.

Class of 2013 Faculty Development Awards Six professors awarded grants for innovative projects with students.

Jessica Apolloni English

Apolloni plans to establish a literature and social justice initiative at Christopher Newport. The project builds on student research on community reading groups, therapeutic theater productions and after-school programs. She will also draw on her extensive work with several existing campus initiatives, such as the Global Conference on Women and Gender, to offer students new perspectives and aid their leadership abilities in personal and professional settings.

Ficht will purchase education resources required to maintain her law license. This will enable her to continue providing invaluable legal career assistance to students in the Pre-Law Program, as well as those enrolled in business law courses in the Luter School of Business.

Linda Ficht Business

THE CLASS OF 2013 established a faculty development fund as its senior class gift as a tangible way to say thank you to the professors who changed their lives. The winners of these annual awards demonstrate a record of student mentoring and excellence in service to the campus community. Each receives a $1,000 award that can be used to support professional development and/or student mentoring. This year’s winners are listed below.

Andrew Falk History

Falk and his students will collaborate on research for his latest book about diplomacy and humanitarianism in the era of the world wars. Students have reviewed declassified State Department documents, transcribed oral history interviews and collected news articles, and will help Falk organize the material during the writing and editing phase. The award will also fund student travel to archives in Washington, D.C., and to academic conferences.

Lambert will fund events sponsored

by CNU’s Center for Innovation in Science Education (CISE). Through CISE, CNU students visit nearby schools for interactive robotics, engineering and computer science activities. The award will also support the annual STEM Community Day, which brings approximately 5,000 Lynn Lambert people to campus for demonstrations, Physics, Computer competitions and other activities.

Science and Engineering

Chris Loy Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology

Loy will use the funds to facilitate student socio-ecological research on the Chesapeake Bay. The project examines how local cultural beliefs and practices in watermen communities both encourage and hinder adaptation to changing environmental circumstances. The award will help defray students’ costs for meals, lodging and travel.

Iordanka Panayotova Mathematics

Panayotova will purchase high-speed computing equipment to support a wide array of interdisciplinary research with students. Her projects emphasize the versatility of mathematics in multiple scientific areas, including the environment, medicine and brain disorders. The funding will enable her to expand the scopes of projects, implement and test models more effectively.

V OYA G E S

FA L L 2 0 2 0

33

SPRING ATHLETICS

CNUSPORTS.COM

ROUN DUP

A

year after setting the record books ablaze with one of the best offensive teams ever assembled in Division III, the baseball team adjusted to the loss of a large senior class quickly in 2020. Led by head coach John Harvell in his 20th season, the Captains raced out to a 10-4 start before the remainder of the season was canceled. Senior Trey Hicks and junior Conner Clark were on record-breaking paces for the Captains to lead the offense and the young, talented pitching staff was rounding into form after the first month of play. Hicks was named a preseason All-American

by D3baseball.com and lived up to the hype with a .453 average, 11 extra-base hits and a teamleading 18 RBI through the first 14 games. Hitting at the top of the lineup, Clark ranked in the top-10 nationally in hits and ranked second in the country in runs scored after torching opposing pitching to the tune of a .483 average in the early going. Senior reliever Brian Owens put the finishing touches on one of the top bullpen careers for the Captains as he eclipsed 100 innings pitched and etched his name atop the career ERA chart. There were 23 games remaining in the regular season when it was cut short.

TREY HICKS

36

FALL 2020

CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT

C LUTHER GIBBS

hristopher Newport was ranked 17th in the country in the final national poll released by D3hoops.com.

The Captains, who advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament, posted a final record of 23-6. CNU was scheduled to host Hobart in the Sweet 16 prior to the NCAA’s canceling of the remainder of the tournament due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Captains were led by a senior class of six, including starters Cutch Ellis, Nick Parks and Dalon McHugh II. Luther Gibbs, Savonte Chappell and Brock Geiman were also key contributors as the senior group finished their

, MEN S

, WOMEN S

T

he Captains posted their highest finish in the national rankings since 2017 when they concluded the year ranked No. 12 in the final WBCA poll. After making a program-record fifth consecutive NCAA tournament appearance, the Captains finished out the year with a 25-4 overall record and were set to play in the Sweet 16 for the seventh time in the last eight years before the cancellation of the tournament.

The Captains closed the year with a 17-game winning streak that will carry into 2020-21 as the third longest active winning streak in the nation.

Along the way, Christopher Newport captured the team’s

third CAC regular season championship and went on to hoist the trophy for the third time as conference tournament champs as well. The Captains advanced to the 21st NCAA tournament in program history after going 21-1 in their final 22 games with the only loss coming to then-No. 1 Tufts University.

Freshman Anaya Simmons burst onto the scene and was named the conference, state and region rookie of the year after shooting 57.3% from the field, ranking second best all-time at CNU. Sophomore Sondra Fan was a second team all-region selection after leading the team on both ends of the floor with 13.2 points per game and 60 steals.

careers with a record of 101-20 for a winning percentage of over 83%. Junior guard Jason Aigner earned second team all-district accolades and led the team in scoring with 13.9 points per game. He reached 1,000 points in his career and also became the program’s all-time leading threepoint shooter by connecting on 271 career triples while shooting almost 43% from beyond the arc.

Head Coach John Krikorian was selected the Capital Athletic Conference (CAC) Coach of the Year for the fifth consecutive season and the Captains have now won 20 or more games in each of the last six seasons.

SONDRA FAN

V OYA G E S

FA L L 2 0 2 0

37

SHREYA GANTA

L

imited to just one tournament in the spring, the men’s and women’s golf programs still managed to impress with their lone opportunity. On the men’s side, rookie Alex Price capped one of the best freshman campaigns in school history with a 22nd place finish at the Savannah Invitational after recording a 68 in the second round. It was the lowest round for a rookie since 2009 and ensured that Price would finish at par or better in all three of his collegiate tournament appearances

38

FALL 2020

to start his career. For the year, Price averaged 71.4 strokes per round in seven rounds of action.

Kevin Quinto, with a 72.8 average, also posted a pair of top-10 efforts for the Captains in 201920. On the women’s side, junior All-American Erica Whitehouse led the way again with a 79.4 average and two top-10 finishes in four events played. Junior Katie Thome and rookie Lauren Sims each added a top-five effort as well while sophomore Shreya Ganta ranked second on the team with an 80.5 average.

CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT

B

ALEX BRENDES

, MEN S T

he Captains opened the season with at least 10 goals in each of their first three games, marking just the fourth time in program history that feat was accomplished. Led by impressive debut campaigns from attacker Kelsey Winters and goalkeeper Becca Creekmore, the Captains’ future looks bright heading into next season. Christopher Newport played less than half the season, picking up wins against Roanoke, Virginia Wesleyan and the Coast Guard Academy. Winters ranked

oasting the most AllAmericans in program history, the men’s lacrosse program was off to a torrid start to the 2020 campaign before competition was halted for the remainder of the season.

The Captains started the year 5-1 and were ranked 14th in the nation when the season ended, including a pivotal program win over No. 16 Stevenson, 14-13, in the final action of the year. The All-American group included four Captains, with three earning their second career distinction.

Phoenix Hines, Scott McAneney, Dylan Rice and Max Wayne each garnered All-American accolades for their efforts in 2020. Despite

missing a pair of games to injury, Rice still stood second on the squad with 15 goals and 21 total points. Hines continued to build his reputation as one of the most dominant long-stick specialists in the nation, forcing 17 turnovers to rank second in the conference. He now has 99 career takeaways, just three shy of the program mark. Leading a strong rookie class was Alex Brendes, who became the first player in program history to open his career with six consecutive multi-goal efforts. Brendes led the team with 18 goals and 23 points, an effort that netted him National Freshman of the Year plaudits from Inside Lacrosse.

, WOMEN S

fourth in the nation with 23 assists and became the first freshman to lead the league since 2009.

It was also good enough for second among freshmen in all of the NCAA, Divisions I, II and III. The rookie led Christopher Newport in scoring with 35 points on 12 goals and 23 assists. Ranking second was sophomore Zoe Dyer, posting a team-high 20 goals in just seven games. Creekmore ranked second among freshmen and 19th in the nation with 65 saves while posting three wins in her first season in goal.

ZOE DYER

V OYA G E S

FA L L 2 0 2 0

39

W

ith more than half of their schedules canceled, the men’s and women’s tennis teams were readying to focus on CAC action when the season ended. The men’s team picked up a shutout win over Chowan in the spring opener, 9-0, and defeated Chapman University, 5-4, during the annual spring break trip to California. The women picked up victories against Millsaps, 9-0, and also defeated Chapman, 5-4, while on the West Coast.

With five wins in her shortened senior season, two-time NCAA national qualifier Johanna Rantaaho concluded her career second on the all-time wins chart with 62.

Senior Dominic Lacombe climbed into the top 10 all-time with 52 career wins for the men’s team. Off the courts, Christopher Newport junior Kara Ferner was named a Goldwater Scholar, widely considered to be the most prestigious award bestowed on undergraduates studying the sciences and engineering (see page 15).

DOMINIC LACOMBE

JOHANNA RANTA-AHO OLIVIA REED

CJ REEDERS

B

oth men’s and women’s teams won conference titles, while the women added three individual titles as well, led by NCAA national qualifier Monica Lannen. Lannen won conference crowns in the mile and the 4x400 relay and would later qualify for the national championship event (which was canceled) in the mile after recording the fifth best clocking in school history. On the men’s side, CJ Reeders qualified for the Indoor National Championships

AUBREY BATES

as well in the triple jump. He is the first freshman national qualifier since Logan Harrington in 2014. Both track and field teams were well represented on the allSouth/Southeast region squad as 12 Captains combined to earn 14 awards following an impressive indoor season. Lannen and Alyssa Roach headlined the decorated contingent with a pair of all-region selections – the former in the 800 and mile and the latter in the pentathlon and 60-hurdles.

W

hile still early in the season when the NCAA canceled the remainder of the year’s competition, the softball team had already established itself as one of the nation’s elite teams. The Captains opened the season with 12 straight victories and punctuated that run with one of the biggest wins in program history. While playing in the NFCA Leadoff Classic in Arizona, the Captains run-ruled the undefeated and top-ranked defending national champions from Texas Lutheran, 10-2, making a statement and improving to 12-0 on the

year. Unfortunately, the season would end prematurely one game later. Statistically, sophomore AllAmerican Kaitlyn Hasty led the way hitting nearly .500 through the first 13 games, driving in 16 with four home runs. Bailey Roberts (.382), Caitlin Abernethy (.372), and Patty Maye Ohanian (.356) were also leading the dominant attack. In the circle, seniors Aubrey Bates and Trish Webb each recorded one no-hitter during the young season and were pitching at an elite level. Bates was 5-0 with a 1.09 ERA and 36 strikeouts while Webb added a 4-0 start with a 1.12 ERA.

V OYA G E S

FA L L 2 0 2 0

41

NETS

SOCCER STANDOUT

PRESTIGIOUS SCHOLARSHIP Carson Pokorny ’20 continues on her path to becoming a doctor.

C

arson Pokorny’s name is all over the Christopher Newport women’s soccer record books.

She scored a championship-winning goal and was a three-time All-American. She played in the national semifinal last year and was the Elite 90 award winner, meaning she had the highest GPA of anyone on the pitch.

This year Pokorny also added another achievement no other Captain can claim: she was the first Christopher Newport student-athlete to receive a $10,000 NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship. The award is given to fewer than 50 students nationally each year.

She was a star in the classroom as well, achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA as a biochemistry major and participant in the pre-med scholars program. She plans to become a physician and attends Eastern Virginia Medical School. She shared her memories as a Captain and her dreams for the future with Voyages.

What does it mean to you to be awarded the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship?

It is truly such an honor and it’s honestly really hard for me to put into words just how much it means to me. As studentathletes, we give four years of our lives to our sport/to the NCAA, and I think it’s amazing that they want to give back to us and support us through this scholarship, even after those four years are up. All grad schools are expensive, but medical school is especially expensive, and since I will have to take out loans to pay for it, every bit of scholarship money I earn helps. This scholarship in particular helps a lot and I am so, so incredibly grateful.

Also a BIG thank you to Dr. Lisa Webb for telling me about the scholarship in the first place, to Dr. Kip Redick for all of his help and guidance as our NCAA faculty representative, and to those who wrote my letters of recommendation. This would not have been possible without them!

Have you always wanted to be a doctor? Has the heroism from medical professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic strengthened your resolve?

“IT IS TRULY SUCH AN HONOR AND IT’S HONESTLY HARD FOR ME TO PUT INTO WORDS …”

How did you juggle being both an athlete and top-notch student in such a demanding major?

I always knew I wanted to be in the medical field, but I didn’t know that I wanted to be a doctor until I was 12. In July 2010, my older brother, Cole, underwent really big surgery that changed his life. At only 12 years old, I saw what a tremendous impact the medical field and the team of doctors had on my brother’s life, and I knew I wanted to do the same for others one day. This experience was ultimately what led me to pursue a career in medicine. Seeing the heroism and dedication of all the medical professionals during this pandemic has absolutely strengthened my resolve. They have all dedicated their lives to helping others, no matter the cost. That’s what I want to do, now more than ever.

My answer in my interview at EVMS is the same as my answer now: time management! I only had certain amounts of time outside of lift, practice, games and class where I could get schoolwork or studying done, so I always made sure to use whatever amount of time there was to the fullest and to be as productive as possible. I also did a lot of work and studying on the bus to and from games, which is definitely an acquired skill if you’ve ever been on the bus with my team!

What were some of the most memorable moments for you at CNU, both on and off the field?

My favorite memories on the field are scoring the game winner in the Capital Athletic Conference championship my freshman year and making it to the Final Four my junior year. Off the field would either have to be the day I ran home to Alpha Phi sorority or winning the Elite 90 award at the Final Four banquet.

V OYA G E S

FA L L 2 0 2 0

43

Olivia Aumais Women’s Lacrosse

Evan Baer Baseball

Aubrey Bates Softball

Mac Bohns Men’s Lacrosse

Dainen Brass Men’s Track & Field

Savonte Chappell Men’s Basketball

Tara Deck Softball

Samantha Dickerson Women’s Track & Field

Glenn Doering Men’s Lacrosse

Ian Dors Men’s Track & Field

Lila Duvall Cheer

Jonathan Eaton Sailing

Luther Gibbs Men’s Basketball

Carter Giles Men’s Track & Field

Rachel Gray Women’s Basketball

Anna Gustavus Women’s Lacrosse

Teddy Herbert Baseball

Trey Hicks Baseball

Mariam Kolbai Women’s Track & Field

Dominic Lacombe Men’s Tennis

Monica Lannen Women’s Track & Field

Jessica Lee Women’s Track & Field

Steven Martin Men’s Track & Field

Andy Mason Men’s Tennis

Ian O’Connell Sailing

Katie Orrison Women’s Lacrosse

Brian Owens Baseball

Nick Parks Men’s Basketball

Anna Patterson Sailing

Erin Phillips Cheer

Spencer Shipman Men’s Lacrosse

Abby Snyder Women’s Track & Field

Will Snyder Men’s Golf

Andrew Suppa Baseball

Davis Topping Men’s Golf

Trish Webb Softball

Spencer Charney Sailing

Madison Chestnut Women’s Lacrosse

Joey Corlett Men’s Golf

Hannah Curry Women’s Lacrosse

Alesha Darling Sailing

Kyle Darmstead Baseball

Cutch Ellis Men’s Basketball

Mikaela Farrugia Sailing

Abbey Forde Women’s Golf

Kayla Forosisky Women’s Track & Field

Melissa Frazier Cheer

Brock Geiman Men’s Basketball

Teddy Hoffmann Men’s Golf

Gillian Hordusky CNU Storm

Bailey Hurst Sailing

Krista Jasak Softball

Tyler Jumper Baseball

Kiana Kirkland Women’s Basketball

Reagan Mason Sailing

Pat Matsko Men’s Lacrosse

Scott McAneney Men’s Lacrosse

Vir Menon Sailing

Dalon McHugh II Men’s Basketball

Madalyn Millen CNU Storm

Jason Putnam Men’s Track & Field

Johanna Ranta-aho Women’s Tennis

Kaitlyn Ready Women’s Lacrosse

Olivia Reed Women’s Tennis

Addison Roeschley Men’s Track & Field

Sydney Shaw Cheer

CONGRATULATIONS to the

CLASS OF 2020 Sam Wettengel Women’s Lacrosse

Grace Wild Softball

Shannon Woods Women’s Track & Field

SPRING ATHLETES

CLASS NOTES Aileen Pangan ’11 married Brandon Christian ’12

on September 29, 2018, at the Historic Post Office in Hampton. The wedding entourage included Cristina Gasch Doyle ’11, Samson Girma ’11, Danielle Pearson ’11, Bradley Farrar ’11 and Keenan Bratton ’15.

(Photo credit: Clarence Chan Photography)

1970s

Announcements

Farissa Knox ’03 launched her

debut book, Love, Sex, and Friendship: In No Particular Order, in February 2020.

Jason Hudson ’04 was named

Mary Baker ’75 was featured in The Virginian-Pilot for her family’s business, The Norfolk Stationery Co.

Bryan Wakefield ’04 was named

1980s Kenneth Penrose ’81 was elected

vice chairman for the Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority.

Dawn Barber ’88 was appointed

director of justice services for the city of Richmond.

1990s Julia Jones ’92 was promoted to

vice president of manufacturing and facilities at Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries.

chief revenue officer for Cloud9 VoIP. Cameron Curtis ’97 was appointed

to serve as CEO of the Association of Air Medical Services.

Brian Thacker ’97 was appointed

managing director for the Oak Park Festival Theatre in Chicago.

Scott Jaeschke ’05 was named

director of student conduct and community standards for Guilford Technical Community College in Jamestown, North Carolina.

Sean Van Denmark ’05 is

employed with the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Hawaii as an assistant United States attorney in the Criminal Division.

Cassie (Reynolds) Wiese ’05

published her essay, “Why We Race,” in Late Model Racer magazine.

2010

Brian Reeves ’01 was hired as a

project coordinator at 360IT Partners in Virginia Beach.

Brad Brewer ’02, Heidi (Naylor) Brewer ’11 and Asa Townsend ’17

are working on a social mission startup, Legacy Kept, to capture and share the legacies of older adults.

Brandon McCune ’15 joined

Blank Rome in Wilmington, Delaware as a litigation associate in the General Litigation Group.

Andrew Simpson ’15 joined Madison+Main in Richmond as an account executive.

2016 Jack Jacobs ’16 joined Richmond BizSense as a reporter.

Jacob J. Capin ’12, PT, DPT, PhD, MS, completed his PhD in biomechanics and movement sciences at the University of Delaware in 2019. He is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

Brittany LeCompte ’16 was

featured in the Suffolk News Herald for her work volunteering with the Suffolk Public Library.

Bethany Pyle ’16 wrote an article

2013

about racial reconciliation for K-Praise, headquartered in San Diego.

Bre Lowe ’13 was hired as the head field hockey coach at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York.

2017 Rachel Edwards ’17 was named

head brewer at Oozlefinch Beers & Blending. An article featuring her promotion was published in the Daily Press.

an article about her work with the Rainforest Trust, a nonprofit focused on the protection of tropical lands.

2019

2014

Chris Brugge ’19 is a tax/assurance

Sara Brooks ’14 began teaching algebra and coaching cheerleading at Atlee High School in Mechanicsville.

director of public works for Amherst County.

2000s

Alexis (Abbey) Barbalace ’12

was promoted to annual giving officer at Lowcountry Food Bank in Charleston, South Carolina.

Katie Pugh ’13 was featured in (Photo credit: Brittany (Jennings) Rossie ’10)

Mark Bernecker ’96 became the

economic development director for the city of Kingsport, Tennessee.

Mather Vision Group and Indiana Eye Doctors.

2012

(Photo credit: Michael Ensminger Photography)

Robert Morgan ’71 was named the interim town manager for the Town of Pittsboro.

Morgan Nicholas ’10 graduated

with her doctorate in clinical psychology and is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Richmond area.

2011 Lexy (Bucklew) Plarr ’11 joined the city of Chesapeake’s Economic Development Department as business intelligence specialist.

CLASS NOTES

CAREER

intern with Baker Tilly in Tysons Corner.

2015 Danielle Crowley ’15 is the homeland security policy advisor to the secretary of public safety and homeland security in the Virginia governor’s office.

Michael Oseguera ’19 was featured on WTVR CBS 6 for his work at his family’s restaurant in Richmond, Maya’s Mexican Grill and Tequila Lounge.

Katerina Trapp ’19 is a team leader with AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps.

Meghan (McConnell) Held ’15

Send us your news and photos:

graduated from Indiana University’s School of Optometry in May 2019 with honors. She is an optometrist with

Photos are submitted by alumni unless otherwise noted.

captainforlife.com

V OYA G E S

FA L L 2 0 2 0

47

Katarina Dlugosz Commands Army Logistics Agency Army Lt. Col. Katarina Dlugosz ’99 assumed command of Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Europe in Germersheim, Germany in June. The facility provides equipment and humanitarian and relief support to military units and government agencies throughout Europe.

Dlugosz is a decorated veteran of six deployments in the Middle East and Afghanistan. After earning her bachelor’s degree in governmental administration at Christopher Newport, she attended Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia, and was commissioned in 2002.

Alum Plays Key Role in America’s Economic Rebound James Imoehl is chief of staff to the chair of the National Coronavirus Recovery Commission.

James Imoehl ’15 in May joined a high-profile effort to safely restart the nation’s economy during the coronavirus pandemic.

Imoehl is chief of staff at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank that plays a prominent role in Washington policymaking. His responsibilities as chief of staff include staffing the Heritageconvened National Coronavirus Recovery Commission.

“I consider the work I am doing with the National Coronavirus Recovery Commission to be the most impactful thing I have ever done in my career and I imagine it will be for quite some time,” Imoehl said.

Imoehl majored in political science with a minor in history.

He interned with the Virginia House of Delegates and served in several leadership positions with student organizations, including as vice president of the Student Assembly.

After graduation, he worked as an assistant to President Paul Trible, a position he credits with giving him a foundation of critical skills and knowledge as well as an understanding of high-level protocols.

Imoehl went on to serve on the Republican Presidential Transition Team in 2016 and then joined the Heritage

48

FALL 2020

CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT

Foundation, rising to the position of chief of staff to Heritage President Kay James. She is also chair of the National Coronavirus Recovery Commission. “The commission’s work will consider two primary categories – crisis mitigation as well as recovery and restoration – and answer important questions that will serve as a roadmap to America’s post-pandemic future,” according to the group’s mission statement.

The 17-member commission is made up of top experts and policy heavyweights and includes former Virginia governor and U.S. senator George Allen. The commission’s report covering its five-phase plan for reopening America was released in June.

The commission’s recommendations are broken into categories for the federal, state and local levels of government as well as the private sector and civil society. The Trump administration, Congress and several state leaders have already acted on many of the recommendations. These include everything from supporting medical infrastructure, assisting small businesses and repealing regulations.

“I am especially involved with the commission behind the scenes,” Imoehl said, noting that no day is the same. “On behalf of the chair, I worked with the team to help formulate the recommendations, strategize about communications and many other aspects of the commission’s work. Anyone who has been a chief of staff knows that it is a behind-the-scenes job, but you have the incredible opportunity to work on and learn about every aspect of a project and organization.”

CLASS NOTES

Alum Saves Life Through Stem Cell Donation Nick Nonnemacker ’18 matched with a stranger battling cancer in Ohio.

Nick Nonnemacker ’18 saved a stranger’s life – and it began with a simple swab of his mouth.

As a freshman, Nonnemacker joined the Christopher Newport chapter of Be the Match, a club on campus affiliated with the national bone marrow and stem cell transplant organization of the same name.

Nonnemacker was a frequent blood donor in high school, so adding his data to a national registry was another easy way to give back.

After a quick swab inside his cheek during a donor drive on campus, he didn’t hear anything back until January 2018.

He received an email and a call alerting him that he might be a possible donor for someone. A series of blood tests and doctor’s visits confirmed that he was a match with a patient, a complete stranger.

In March 2018, as Nonnemacker was completing his senior year as an accounting major, he underwent the four-hour process of having his blood drawn, his stem cells removed, and the blood returned via a system of IVs. That process has become more common – and is less painful – than the surgical bone marrow transplant option.

According to Be the Match, one in 40 people will get the call for additional testing. One in 430 will be asked to do what Nonnemacker did and donate.

The cells were immediately shipped to Ohio to treat the patient. Nonnemacker later found out the recipient was Dave Ream, a 59-year-old father and grandfather who had been fighting cancer for years.

“I love having the opportunity to give back and impact people even though I may not necessarily always see the end result,” Nonnemacker said. “Just knowing I did impact someone is a great feeling. When you do get to see the results it feels even better, but if I hadn’t, I would still be ecstatic knowing that someone was saved.”

Shortly after the donation procedure, Nonnemacker graduated from Christopher Newport. He works in Richmond as an auditor with the Virginia Auditor of Public Accounts.

Per the donation requirements, Nonnemacker and Ream’s initial contact came when they shared letters, sent anonymously. After a year passed, Ream reached out to say he was doing well. They stayed in touch, and Ream and his wife, Linda, traveled to Virginia last year and shared an emotional dinner with Nonnemacker and his family.

“I can’t tell you the number of times he just thanked me,” Nonnemacker said. “It was a surreal feeling when he was thanking me for all this stuff when honestly for comparison I just sat in a chair and got my blood taken. You don’t realize the impact you make from doing something very simple like that.”

The two have stayed in close contact, especially as the COVID-19 pandemic threatens those with compromised immune systems such as Ream. He is approaching the two-year mark of being cancer-free.

As for Nonnemacker, he’s back on the Be the Match registry, hoping to beat the one-in-430 odds of donating again to another stranger.

V OYA G E S

FA L L 2 0 2 0

49

CAPTAINS

Marrying CAPTAINS

Cassie Carpenito ’13 married Chris Charapich ’12

Logan Cook ’17 married Sean Dawson ’15 on April 26, 2019, in Bluemont. Logan works as a human resources manager at HITT Contracting, and Sean works as an account manager with Hop & Wine Beverage. The couple lives in Sterling.

on August 31, 2019 in Richmond.

(Photo credit: Debbie Ringle Photography)

Kirsten Holley ’15 married Sean Killion ’14 on April 13, 2019 at Irvine Estate in Lexington. The couple was married by Keenan Angel ’14. Kirsten works as a certification specialist at James Madison University, and Sean is a soccer coach at Bridgewater College. The couple lives in Harrisonburg.

(Photo credit: Katie Barfield Photography)

(Photo credit: Kristen Garten Photography) (Photo credit: Shawnee Custalow)

Shannon Hough ’15, MAT ’16

married Christian Stribbling ’15 on June 24, 2017 in Chantilly. They met when they were Marching Captains at Christopher Newport.

The couple works and lives in Northern Virginia.

(Photo credit: Maddy Williams Photography)

Holly Mode ’17 married Justin Saraniti ’17 on November 9, 2019,

at Rust Manor in Leesburg. Holly works as a human resources business partner at Northrop Grumman, and Justin is a commercial real estate analyst at Freddie Mac. Julia Vizcaino ’15 married Sally Duff ’14 on December 28, 2018

in Staunton. Julia is a senior student conduct officer at George Washington University.

50

FALL 2020

Arissa Guerrero ’16 married

Rachel Cochrane ’18 married

David Majure ’14 on February 29, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. Arissa is a private music instructor at the Colorado Music Institute, and David is a software engineer at AllHealth Network.

Wesley Price ’18 on October 12, 2019

CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT

in Bedford. Rachel works as a security analyst at McManis and Monsalve Associates, and Wesley is a media analyst account manager at PublicRelay.

(Photo credit: Savannah Tilghman ’19)

Announcements

Mark Tyndall ’00 married Joshua Ghaffari on October 19, 2019 at President Lincoln’s College in Washington, D.C. He is the senior vice president for government affairs and the chief counsel for litigation at Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals.

Katherine Martinez ’15 married James

Winkey IV on October 10, 2019, at Harbour View in Woodbridge. Katherine works as an administrative assistant for the Manassas Park Department of Social Services.

(Photo credit: Casey Crowe Taylor Photography)

Jackie Kelly ’10 married Sean Banks on August 17, 2019.

(Photo credit: Rosi Guyton Photography)

Krista Sweet ’09, MS ’12

married Lt. Col. Alexander Nelson on April 6, 2019, in Mathews County.

Krista is an environmental scientist, and Alexander is the 786th CES squadron commander stationed at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.

(Photo credit: Bokeh Lane Photography)

married Nicholas Wiewiorowski on September 14, 2019 in Easton, Maryland. Nicholas works in oil and gas at EcoLab and Kathryn works in energy at Direct Energy.

They live in Houston.

(Photo credit: Megan Kelsey Photography)

Kathryn Magrogan ’10

Meghan McConnell ’15 married David Held on May 18, 2019 in Lafayette, Indiana. They met at a church conference while Meghan was in grad school at Indiana University. David is an alumnus from IU’s rival, Purdue. Fellow Captain Heather Borden ’15 was a bridesmaid in the wedding. Meghan is an optometrist at Mather Vision Group, and David is a small business owner. The couple lives in Lafayette, Indiana.

Kristy Quinn ’13 married Ryan Quinn on October 12, 2019, in Detroit. Kristy is currently a market manager with Boston Beer Company.

(Photo credit: Stephanie Kopf Photography ’09, ’11)

(Photo credit: Breanne Rochelle Photography)

(Photo credit: Bellagala Photography)

V OYA G E S

FA L L 2 0 2 0

51

CLASS NOTES

WEDDING

Future CAPTAINS Allison ’06 and Ryan Miller ’06 welcomed

their second son, Sutton, on August 19, 2019 in Gainesville. Sutton and older brother, Jackson, are already inseparable.

(Photo credit: Photography by Amy Nicole)

Jenn Green ’07 and Adam Duncan ’10 are happy to announce

the birth of their player 3, Hardison Randolph Duncan, on August 15, 2019.

Let the family gaming begin!

Lauren (Wargerle) Weiner ’09

and Michael Weiner gave birth to Eleanor Jane Weiner on April 4, 2019.

They currently live in Chesapeake, where Lauren works at TowneBank.

Kristin (Gemellaro) Sales ’10

Joëlle Mclaughlin Sison ’10

and Lorenzo Sison had their first baby girl in June 2019, Celine Eva.

52

FALL 2020

CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT

(Photo credit: Tara Liebeck Photography)

and husband John gave birth to Lena Rose Sales on October 17, 2019.

Kristin works as a registered nurse at the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, and the couple lives in Norfolk.

Tara (Burke) Radcliffe ’11 and Scott Radcliffe gave birth to Hazel Elizabeth on September 30, 2019.

The family lives in Hampton.

CLASS NOTES

Future CAPTAINS Elizabeth (Wendling) Lusk ’13 and husband Brandon

welcomed their son, Zachary, on September 24, 2019. The family currently lives in Arlington, where Elizabeth works at George Washington University.

Kaitlin (Rogers) Waite ’11 and

husband Dan gave birth to Sloane Elizabeth Waite on January 31, 2020.

Kaitlin works as a senior manager for Partner Marketing. The family lives in Powhatan.

(Photo credit: Rebekah Emily Photography)

Tiffany (Hackett) Garner ’12 and Lyndon Garner ’14 gave birth to Natalie Grace Garner on June 28, 2019.

The family currently lives in Stafford, where Lyndon is a management analyst at the Department of Health and Human Services.

Mary Clevenger ’14 and husband Matthew Clevenger welcomed their daughter, Margot, on August 15, 2019.

Lauren Bechtel ’15 and husband Eric Populus gave birth to Eli Reid Populus on September 19, 2019.

Lauren works as a marketing associate at MarkLogic, and they live in Sterling.

V OYA G E S

FA L L 2 0 2 0

53

IN

Memory Alumni

Dr. Thomas E. Witty Jr. ’65

James H. Stewart ’79

Brenda Savage ’90

Alfred Shrieves ’73

June Horsman ’81

Melia Kennedy Trost ’04

David Kuhn ’75

Dianne Chavis ’84

Phoebe Chan ’08

David Williams ’77

Nancy Wood ’85

Mary Platenkamp ’16

Charles Gaudin ’79

Shannon Boocks ’87

Kathryn Norton ’79

Anne Cronley ’90

Faculty, Staff & Friends Melissa Ardis Randall Caton Nannie Hill Richard Hunter Anna Menzies-Lewis James Morris Anne Palmer John Ugolick

11 Deli offerings 12 On edge 14 ___ diagram

63 Cookies and cream cookie 64 "That's a ___ 66

67

63

68

64

60

65

61

53 48

42 False statements 43 "God's Plan" rapper 47 "Sagwa, the Chinese

54

62 55

49

56 50

57 52

51

30

29

45

46

41

42

37

38

31 25

32 26

33

34

35 28

22

23

19 1

21

17

18 14

2

3

4

36

24 20

13

44 40

27

16

59

47

43 39

58

The club hockey team skated hard to clinch victory in overtime in the Atlantic Coast Collegiate Hockey League championship.

Forward Jack Holmes scored the gamewinning goal to secure the cup for the Captains.

15 5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

Prattle On BRYAN AUSTIN ’10 James Madison interpreter in Colonial Williamsburg

Christopher Newport salutes Colonial Williamsburg, where history never gets old.

Our partnership benefits the Christopher Newport community in many ways

Announcing Colonial Williamsburg’s Official Christopher Newport University Collegiate Pass FREE for current students, faculty and staff!

Details: colonialwilliamsburg.org/visit/cnu

V OYA G E S

FA L L 2 0 2 0

55

High School Diploma College Degree Financial Success

Your Financial Success Matters!

Success starts at Langley. Start building wealth for your future!

We’ve got your back; join today!

LangleyFCU.org 757-827-5328

Save,Borrow & Spend Wisely

Prattle On

by Dr. Neville Fogarty

Prattle On

Across 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Across 1 Australian gem 14 15 13 1 Australian gem 5 Diplomat's asset 5 Diplomat’s asset 18 16 17 9 Tomato type type 9 Tomato 13 Surrealist Magritte 13 Surrealist Magritte 20 21 19 14 “Look 14 "Look what Iwhat did!"I did!”

22 23 24 15 Ready for business 15 Ready for business 16 Livestock 16 Livestock goad goad 28 29 30 25 26 27 18 Classroom 18 Classroom assignment?

31 32 33 34 35 36 assignment?

19 “The Sweet Escape” 19 "The Sweet Escape" 39 40 37 38 singer Gwen singer Gwen 20 Edison’s 1,093 44 41 42 43 20 Edison's 1,093 22 “Hollywood Game 22 "Hollywood Night”Game host Jane 45 46 47 Night" host Jane 24 Fresh 50 51 52 48 49 24 Fresh 25 West who regularly 25 West who regularly appears on “Keeping 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 appearsUp onwith "Keeping the Up with the Kardashians” 61 62 60 Kardashians" 28 Apple device released 64 65 63 28 Apple in device 2007released in 2007 31 Amnesty 67 68 66 International, e.g.: 31 Amnesty International, Abbr. e.g.: Abbr.

32 Animal that shakes 10 Hunting period 63 Cookies and cream 36 Currency in Ireland tailshakes to ward 32 Animalitsthat itsoff 11 Deli offerings cookie 38 Absolutely crushes 42 False statements 11 Deli offerings 63 Cookies and cream predators tail to ward off 12 On edge 64 “That’s a ___ 42 False statements cookie 43 "God's Plan" 12 On edge rapper predators 37 For us 14 ___ diagram meatball!”

43 “God’s Plan” rapper a ___ 47 "Sagwa, the Chinese 14 ___ diagram 37 For39us Obama at Harvard 64 "That's 17 Wedding cake 65 Prayer ender 47 “Sagwa, the Chinese meatball!"

Siamese Cat" author 40 Biblical brother 17 Wedding component cake 39 Obama at Harvard 66 Actress Kelly Siamese Cat” author 65 Prayer ender 48 Posh neckwear component ofbrother Jacob of 21 General ___ chicken 40 Biblical Marie of the “Star 48 Posh neckwear 66 Actress Kelly Marie 41 Site of a fight 49 Beatles49 21 drummer General ___ chicken Jacob 23 Hired gun’s agenda Wars” movies Beatles drummer of the "Star Wars" 44 “Catch-22” bomber Ringo 23 Hired25 gun's agenda 67 “Sure” Ringo Stereo dial 41 Site of a fight movies pilot 51 "Hansel and Gretel"and Gretel” 68 Word at the DMV 51 “Hansel 25 26 Golfo de México Stereo dial 44 "Catch-22" bomber 67 "Sure" 45 Raises (up) villain villain contents 26 Golfo de México pilot 46 Totaled 68 Word at the DMV Down 52 "___ the Good Die 52 “___ the Good 27 Its capital and largest contents 45 Raises 48 “I(up) can help!” phrase Young" Die Young” city is Pyongyang 27 Its capital and largest 46 Totaledon a nametag Down 1 D&D baddies 54 Tiny, in54 a cutesy way Tiny, in a cutesy way Ballet bend city is29 Pyongyang 48 "I can help!" phrase 1 D&D2baddies 50 Ten hours before Bog material 55 Body part covered by 30 Get better, as a 55 Body part covered by 29 Ballet bend on a nametag noon 3 Stud fee?

2 Bog material a collar wound a collar 30 Get better, as a 53hours Paysbefore a visit 50 Ten Issue, as an invective 3 Stud 4 fee?

57appearance Made an appearance wound33 Iowa State city 57 Made an noon 56 Mushroom that’s ___ 58 host 34 President right after 4 Issue,5asDiscussion an invective 58 "Jeopardy!"“Jeopardy!” host 33 Iowa State city when 6 SCUBA tank contents 53 Pays a poisonous visit Trebek Roosevelt 5 Discussion ___ Trebek consumed 7 Hoof’s sound 34 President right after 56 Mushroom that's with 35 Super Mario ___ 6 SCUBA tank contents 59 ___-up 59 rage___-up rage Roosevelt(classic racing alcohol 8 “Look what I did!” poisonous when 62 Spanish aunt 62 Spanish aunt 60 2006with Pixar comedy 7 Hoof's 9 sound Show that begat 35 Super Mario ___game) consumed video 8 "Look what did!"

61 Playground informant “TheI Conners” (classic racing video alcohol game) 9 Show that begat "The 60 2006 Pixar comedy Conners" 36 Currency in Ireland 61 Playground informant 10 Hunting period 38 Absolutely crushes NEVILLE FOGARTY is an assistant professor of mathematics and longtime crossword author and solver.

Read more about the puzzlemaster and his process on page 16, and find the solution on page 55.

1 Avenue of the Arts Newport News, VA 23606-3072

LEAVE A LASTING

D

Legacy

David ’85 and Angela DiPersio have been generous supporters of Christopher Newport for many years and in many ways. They recently purchased an insurance policy naming the university as owner and beneficiary.

“Why Christopher Newport University? First, Angela and I feel we are a part of something bigger at the university.”

David explains, “Our legacy is that we will give back or pay forward to family and friends, and have done so over the years. Christopher Newport is part of our family.”

Family is right — their daughter Casey is a ’13 graduate in economics, magna cum laude.

Please consider Christopher Newport in your wills and estate planning.

Learn how you can make a difference in the life of Christopher Newport University by contacting Keith Roots at (757) 594-0581 or keith.roots@cnu.edu.