V O L . 37 N O . 4
>> C A M P U S I S S U E
WINTER ’09
mentary 4
commentary t h e q u a r t e r ly o f c o k e r c o l l e g e , h a r t s v i l l e , s o u t h c a r o l i n a
Farewell President Dawson
2
Welcome President Wyatt
>> C A M P U S I S S U E W I N T E R ’ 0 9
V O L . 37 N O . 4
the 14 ATHLETICS WRAP-UP
contents >> C ampus news | 4 >> C ommencement | 5 >> O n the Road WITH FRANK | 8 >> Development | 10
4
>> Athletics | 14
“ M a k i n g D i ff e r e n t M at t e r” Opening Convocation Address by Dr. Robert L. Wyatt August 20 at 7:30 p.m. | Watson Theater Free admission. Reception to follow in the Stein Gallery.
PRESIDENT DAWSON RETIRES >> T wo Q uestions for Dr . W yatt What were your first impressions of the College?
Volume 37, Number 4 w w w.coker.edu
The Commentary of Coker College is published four times a year in the fall, winter, spring and summer by the Coker College Office of Marketing & Communications. 843.383.8018 Periodicals postage paid at West Columbia, SC 29272 USPS Pub. No. 599-590 POSTMASTER: Forward and send address changes to: COKER COLLEGE Office of Marketing & Communications 300 East College Avenue Hartsville, SC 29550-3797
>> J ames Jolly Director of Marketing and Communications jjolly@coker.edu >> K yle Saverance ’0 6 Web Developer and Publications Manager ksaverance@coker.edu >> C hristian S try ker ’0 4 Sports Information Director cstryker@coker.edu >> C ontributors: Henna Koponen ’10 Jessica Welch ’10
www.coker.edu
I was immediately struck by Coker’s beautiful campus and facilities and, more importantly, the quality of its faculty, staff and students. Coker is such a warm, caring place, and I heard from countless students that professors and staff really care about their learning and future success. I also had the opportunity to participate in one of Coker’s unique round table classes — I’m hooked!
What are some of your immediate goals? I plan to get acquainted with as many different constituencies of the College as I can – faculty, staff and students, as well as its alumni, donors and friends. The college community will also work together to craft a strategic plan that will position Coker for even greater success in the future. Additionally, my family will transition into Hartsville life and become active in the community.
campus campus
Meet Coker College’s New President - Dr. Robert L. Wyatt | Event Schedule on Back Cover
Dr. Robert L. Wyatt officially began serving as the 16th President of Coker College on July 1. Truthfully, he has been focusing on his new responsibilities since March when he was selected after a competitive national search. As president-elect, Wyatt was in constant communication with college leaders and he visited campus several times.
ERA BEGINS AT COKER “I am truly excited about becoming part of Coker,” he said. “It is a special place and I look forward to carrying on its legacy of excellence and working with all of its constituencies to help us achieve even greater things in the future.” Wyatt, who succeeds the retiring Dr. B. James Dawson, comes to Coker from Drury University where he was the Dean of the Breech School of Business Administration. Located in Springfield, Mo., Drury is a mid-sized university of about 5,500 students, including 1,600 undergraduates. Business Administration is Drury’s largest undergraduate major and Wyatt began directing the daily operations of the business school in 2001. “The challenges of providing a liberal education relevant in the 21st century were something I dealt with on a daily basis at Drury,” said Wyatt. “I think that has really helped prepare me for Coker’s presidency.” Among his accomplishments at Drury, Wyatt launched the Edward Jones Center for Entrepreneurship, reaffirmed accreditation by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs, and successfully revised the curriculum with a focus on regional study abroad and internships. In 2007, Wyatt was selected as one of 37 American Council on Education Fellows to participate in a year-long distinguished higher education leadership development program. He was placed at Hendrix College in Arkansas where he worked closely with the college administration in faculty governance, fundraising, enrollment management, and institutional advancement. At Hendrix, Wyatt says he learned how a liberal arts college can revitalize itself. “Coker has such wonderful opportunities and I want to make sure we take full advantage of them,” he said.
W W W. C OK E R .E D U
For a short time, Wyatt served as Drury’s Associate Dean for the College of Graduate and Continuing Studies. He began teaching at Drury in 1996, during which time he was named a Sam Walton Fellow and co-founded the university’s acclaimed Students In Free Enterprise program. Prior to that, he was the Dean of the McAfee School of Business Administration at Union University in Jackson, Tn. A native of Arkansas, Wyatt holds a Ph.D. in accounting from the University of Memphis (1993), a master’s degree in accounting from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville (1989), and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Central Arkansas (1983). Wyatt’s professional honors include the Leavey Award for Excellence in Free Enterprise Education, induction into the Students In Free Enterprise Hall of Fame, and inclusion in “Who’s Who Among American College Teachers.” He is also a recipient of the Jack Kahl Entrepreneurial Leadership Award, named for the visionary CEO and author of the book “Leading from the Heart.” “Robert is exceptionally qualified to be the next president of Coker,” said Charles Sullivan, past chair of the Board of Trustees. “His background and career achievements make him the ideal choice to lead Coker to even greater success as it begins its second century of excellence in higher education.” Karen Lear ’98, the new chair of the Board of Trustees, headed the search committee that selected Wyatt. “Robert is a leader of the highest caliber,” she said. “Everyone involved in the search feels strongly that he will be an asset to Coker.”
>> T h e W yatt F amily
Dr. Wyatt and his wife, Nancy, have a nineyear old daughter, Lara. A native of west Tennessee, Nancy holds a master’s degree in business education and office management. She is a former faculty member of Union University and served as the Director of Board Communications at Students in Free Enterprise’s worldwide headquarters. Until recently, Nancy worked in Lara’s school in Springfield, Mo. Lara is active in theater and has appeared in five productions. “My wife and I are happy to return home to the South where we can raise Lara in a place where family life is deemed so important,” Wyatt said.
THE QUARTERLY OF COKER COLLEGE , HARTSVILLE, S . C . - C O M M EN TA RY
|
3
campus campus
The following tri bute to D r. B . J ames D awson, Coker’s 15th President, a p p eared in The M esseng er on M ay 13 , 20 0 9 . It was written by J im Faile, Ed itori al Pag e Ed itor.
Jim Dawson Leaves Coker College, Hartsville as Bett er Places
In his commencement address to the 2009 graduating class of Coker College, Dr. B. James Dawson urged the graduating seniors to make a difference in the lives of their world by making a difference in their communities. “Today, as we look at the affairs of this nation and this planet, we need your help,” Dr. Dawson said. “We need your energy and your willingness to make a difference. We need unbridled enthusiasm and a confidence in the future that cannot be diminished by temporary circumstances. You are the ones who will march forward and create new beginnings.”
At the time Dr. Dawson announced his retirement, Charles L. Sullivan said “Jim’s Leadership of Coker College has been exceptional and particularly beneficial in guiding the institution into its second century as a distinguished liberal arts college.” He told the seniors, “I leave today with a tremendous sense of satisfaction knowing that in some small way I have been a part of your journey so far. Of great significance for me, I have enjoyed the opportunity to serve an institution that alters lives and changes society.” The graduates would do well to follow Dr. Dawson’s example. We all would. When Dr. Dawson retires in June, he will leave Coker College and Hartsville better places than when he found them. Both the college and the community have benefited greatly from Dr. Dawson’s leadership and influence. Dr. Dawson came to Coker with a tremendous legacy upon which to build left by his predecessor, Dr. Jim Daniels. Pre side nt Jim Daw son with trustees Dr. Jan “Jim’s leadership of Coker College has been exceptional and e P. Nor wood ‘65 and Lynda D. Bradfo rd ’70. particularly beneficial in guiding the institution into its second century as a distinguished liberal arts college,” Charles L. Sullivan, chairman of Coker’s Board of Trustees, said at the time Dr. Dawson announced his retirement plans in February 2008. “While the college community will continue to benefit from his leadership and vision until July 2009, we are very excited about the college’s future.” Under Dr. Dawson’s presidency, which began on July 1, 2002, Coker has flourished, and Hartsville has profited. The college successfully completed a $23 million campaign in 2005, which made possible major investments toward improving the campus and the academic life of the college. Coker saw the completion of the 40,000-square-foot, $6.5 million Charles W. and Joan S. Coker Library-Information Technology Center under Dawson’s leadership. Coker College has seen improvements to its academic program and experienced significant growth in enrollment under Dr. Dawson. According to the college’s web site, the number of traditional students, those ages 18 to 22, increased 47 percent to an all-time school high of 643. This past year, the college’s residency halls were filled to capacity. To accommodate a portion of that growth, Coker completed a $3 million renovation of Grannis Residence Hall under Dr. Dawson’s leadership. From the time he arrived in Hartsville, Dr. Dawson became active in the affairs of the community. As chairman of the Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors during 2008, he played a key role in the chamber achieving accreditation by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a major accomplishment for which he was quick to give credit to others. He has also been a leading voice in the Selling Hartsville initiative. “Dr. Dawson’s chairmanship at the chamber was cemented in the theme he chose of collaboration and cooperation, and he did a lot to get the chamber to work with other organizations in the community,” said Sharman Poplava, president of the Greater Hartsville Chamber. In his remarks to the graduates, Dr. Dawson asked the rhetorical question, “Is this the beginning, or is this the end?” Then he asked the graduates to join him in committing to a new beginning. That is fitting for Coker and for Hartsville. New leadership will come to the college when Dr. Robert L. Watt takes over as Dr. Dawson’s successor. As Coker College enters into its second century of educating young minds for a life of learning and leadership, it does so poised for a new beginning, a new period of growth. And Hartsville, again, will be enriched.
4
|
W INTER 20 0 9 CAMP US ISSUE
Thank you, Dr. Dawson.
Ka re n and Jim
Daws on W W W. C O K ER . ED U
campus campus
1. 0
>> 10 1 st C ommencement Coker’s 101st Commencement was held May 2 in the Courtyard at Davidson Hall. Retiring college president Dr. B. James Dawson delivered the keynote address.
1.0: C ommencement speaker Dr. B. James Dawson, the retiring 15th President of the College, told the Class of 2009 “…your experiences here have freed your mind from dogma and dictum, and you have become driven to explore and give new meaning to your life.” He also told graduates, “as we look at the affairs of our nation and this planet…we need your energy and your willingness to make a difference. We need unbridled enthusiasm and confidence…you are the ones who will march forward and create new beginnings.” 1.1 T opiary artist Pearl Fryar [right] of Bishopville and graduating senior Shannon Townley of Anniston, Ala., received the 2009 Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award. Since 1963 the Coker College faculty has presented this award in conjunction with the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation in recognition of excellence of character and service to humanity. Fryar is a self-trained, world-renowned topiary artist and a humanitarian. Townley was honored for being a campus leader and community volunteer. The Class of 2009 presented the Master Professor Award to Dr. Shawn Lay, professor of history, and the Staff Person-of-the-Year Award to Jon Driggers, dean of campus life.
1.2: 2009 graduate Joshua Poston of Myrtle Beach and his parents Rick and Kim Chestnut Poston, who are both 1983 Coker graduates. Like his father, Josh was a stand-out on the Cobras Men’s Basketball Team. 1.1
1. 2 W W W. C OK E R .E D U
THE QUARTERLY OF COKER COLLEGE , HARTSVILLE, S . C . - C O M M EN TA RY
|
5
campus campus
>> S tu dent makes P erfect S core O n P ra x is I I T eac h er E x am Sue Rogers, an early childhood education major, recently scored a perfect 200 on the Praxis II national teacher certification exam. Just 2.3% of all Praxis II test takers in South Carolina make a perfect score, according the state’s Office of Educator Certification. The Praxis II measures knowledge of specific subjects and general areas that K–12 educators will teach. South Carolina requires prospective teachers to take the Praxis II tests as part of the state’s certification process. Most states use the Praxis Series of Tests to make decisions regarding the licensing of new teachers. A resident of McColl, Rogers is a senior in Coker’s evening program. She has been a teacher assistant at Washington Park Elementary School in Laurinburg, N.C., for the past 15 years. Soon she will begin student teaching first grade at McColl Elementary-Middle School. Rogers, who is on-track to graduate from Coker in May 2010, plans to eventually earn a master’s degree while pursuing her teaching career.
1. 0
>> W a d swort h receives honorar y d octorate 1.0: Coker awarded legendary chamber musician Charles Wadsworth [center] an honorary doctorate of humane letters this spring. He received the degree in Watson Theater on April 29 prior to one the final concerts by the ensemble Charles Wadsworth & Friends. One the most revered and accomplished chamber musicians of the past 50 years, Wadsworth founded the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and served as artistic director of chamber music for the Spoleto USA Festival in Charleston from 19772009. He has frequently performed at the College.
2.0
3.0
>> S prin g Dance C oncert
>> L ittle Sh op of Horrors
2.0: Coker College Dance’s annual spring concert featured original choreography by Coker College dance faculty
3.0: The Coker College Theater staged the popular sci-fi spoof “Little Shop of Horrors” in Watson Theater this spring. Featuring dance, music and theater majors, the play was directed by Ken Stuart, assistant professor of theater, with musical direction by Graham Wood, associate professor of music, and choreography by Angela Gallo, assistant professor dance. “Little Shop of Horrors” tells the story of Seymour Krelbourn, a down and out flower shop clerk, who discovers and raises a bloodthirsty alien plant.
Wanda K.W. Ebright and Angela Gallo, Terrance Henderson of Vibrations Dance Company in Columbia, S.C., and Natalie Berry of Dancecentre of Woodstock, Ga. The Coker Repertory Dance Company also presented “Torelli,” a work choreographed by Twyla Tharp. Stacie Fields ’09 of Hartsville will present her senior thesis, “Defined,” in which she expressed the role of women in society. It was told through the perspective of a mother who passes lessons on to her daughter with music from Billie Holiday, Dianna Reaves and The Carpenters, as well as a vocal performance by Coker junior Paige ManWaring accompanied on piano by alumni Adam Winstead ’08.
6
|
W INTER 20 0 9 CAMP US ISSUE
W W W. C O K ER . ED U
campus campus
4.0
4 .1
4.2
4.3
4.4
>> F acult y N ews >> sa b b aticals :
>> P romotions :
4.0: Dr. David S. McCracken, associate professor
Dr. William D. Carswell to associate professor of music
of language and literature — Fall 2009 — revise several conference papers about Tom Wolfe’s 2004 novel “I am Charlotte Simmons” into one article for publication in a peer-reviewed journal focusing on the author’s research and accuracy in portraying higher education. Also, revise a conference paper about F. Scott Fitzgerald’s letters to his daughter, Scottie, including reading published sources and the unpublished letters in the Bruccoli Collection. Dr. William D. Carswell, associate professor of music — Spring 2010 — participate in intensive, one-on-one study and rehearsal sessions with four of the most widely performed new, young composers: Joshua Shank, Erice Witacre, Eleanor Daly and David Brunner. Each two-week internship will include discussions about repertoire, compositional technique, rehearsal technique, and private study of published and published works for choir and voice. Also, commission a new work from one of the composers to be dedicated to the Coker Singers.
D r. Rhonda Knight, associate professor of English — Spring 2010 — continue research at the American Shakespeare Center in Staunton, Va., and the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C., as a recipient of one of just 24 inaugural Teaching Development Fellowships administered by the National Endowment for the Arts. Also, observe the Actors’ Renaissance Season’s preparation and production of five plays by Shakespeare and his contemporaries.
4.1: Melinda Deyasi to associate professor of library science 4.2: Phyllis Fields to associate professor of theater Dr. Ze Zhang to associate professor of computer science
>> T enure 4.3: Dr. John Jewell, assistant professor of physical education and sport studies Dr. Jasna R. Shannon, assistant professor of English
>> Honors Dr. Richard C. Culyer III — promoted to Professor Emeritus of Education Dr. George P. Sawyer, Jr. — named Director Emeritus of Kalmia Gardens of Coker College
>> R etire d 4.4: Dr. Lois Rauch Gibson, professor of English, a member of the faculty since 1978.
>> N ew Boar d of T rustees M em bers
5.0
Dr. Pamela Gill Franklin ’79: art instructor at Northeast Lakeview College in San Antonio, Tx.
E. Leroy (Toy) Nettles, Jr.: President and CEO of Pee Dee Electric Cooperative Inc., Florence.
5.0: Charles J. Hupfer: Senior Vice
5.1: Dr. Leroy Robinson: Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Women’s Care of Hartsville.
President and Chief Financial Officer of Sonoco, Hartsville. Jonathan C. Lee: President and Broker-in-Charge, Choice Realty, Summerville.
>> F la h ert y R eceives T eac h in g E xcellence Awar d r. Joseph Flaherty, assistant professor D of biology and chair of the department of mathematics and science, is the Coker’s recipient of the 2009 Excellence in Teaching Award from South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU). The award is given annually to a faculty member at each of the 20 SCICU member institutions who demonstrate the highest standards in teaching methods and encourages students to strive for excellence. Award recipients are honored at a banquet in Columbia, receive a certificate and a professional developmental grant. “Joe personifies what we mean when we say that Coker College is a ‘student-centered’ institution,” said Dr. Pat Lincoln, provost and dean of the faculty. “He is proving that undergraduates can conduct professional grade research at a small, liberal-arts based college and, in the process, transforming the role that such experiences play in the education of Coker’s students overall.” Since joining the Coker faculty in 2005, Flaherty has demonstrated an abiding commitment to educate undergraduates in the classroom and the research laboratory. His students have been published in scientific journals, presented at major conferences, and attended distinguished graduate schools after Coker. Biology students work closely with Flaherty conducting research on crop diseases, including Fusarium head blight (Fusarium graminearum) in cereal crops and purple seed stain and leaf blight (Cercospora kikuchii) in soybean crops. As a result, Coker students have made major advances in characterizing genes that regulate the reproduction of these significant agricultural diseases. Flaherty holds a Ph.D. from Purdue University and a B.S. and M.S. from North Carolina State University.
5 .1 W W W. C OK E R .E D U
THE QUARTERLY OF COKER COLLEGE , HARTSVILLE, S . C . - C O M M EN TA RY
|
7
development development
On the
Road with Frank
Vis its with Coker Alumni and Friend s >> Frank Bush - Executive VP for Institutional Advancement
In QuEst of ExcEllEncE:
A History of Coker College on its Centennial (ISBN 978-0-9703644-3-2) is a 364-page, hardcover book with over 200 photog raphs, including 38 in color. Limited edition published by the Coker College Press. Written by Dr. Malcolm C. Doubles, former provost and dean of the faculty, the history examines the first 10 decades of the College’s existence and discusses special topics, such as Kalmia Gardens, unique Coker traditions and athletics.
Order Your Copy Now! $50 per book ( includes S & H ) 1.800.65.COKER or alumni@coker.edu chapteRs include: • • • • • • • • • •
8
|
During the Major’s Lifetime: 1908-1918 From the New Deal to Civilization: 1933-1945 Civilization: 1946-1966 End of Civilization & the Coker Plan: 1966-1974 Coker and the GSSM Coexist: 1986-2003 The Contemporary College: 2003-2008 Traditions Peculiar to Coker Athletics The Alumni(ae) Association AND MUCH MORE!!!
W INTER 20 0 9 CAMP US ISSUE
Let’s begins this installment of Travels with our alumni trip to Washington, DC, in February. We had 30 alumni and friends of the College spend a long weekend together. It was a great trip – although the weather was not on our side. It was one of the coldest weekends I have ever spent, but we all huddled together and had a fun time. I urge each of you to look for information on Coker’s next trip. We have exciting plans for alumni travel. A lot of my time in the last few months has been spent with people planning for Dr. Wyatt to meet alumni and friends of Coker College. The times and locations and dates of these parties can be found in this issue of the Commentary so be sure to join us at the event closest to you. Dr. Wyatt is an intelligent, bright young man with a great sense of humor. There is no doubt in my mind that he is the right man to lead Coker in this time in the College’s history. It will be a privilege for me to travel with him during his first several months here introducing him to all of our friends and alums. On January 9 I attended an art opening at Black Creek Arts Center in Hartsville for Nate Gulledge ‘03 who works at ReachSmart Interactive in Columbia. By the way, the Director of Black Creek Arts Council is Bruce Douglas ‘03 who is married to Brianna Bunce Douglas ‘01. Bruce is also an adjunct professor at Coker and Brianna has recently been named coach of Coker’s new Varsity Cheerleading squad and the Charmer’s Dance Team. My first visit in January was in the S.C. Upstate stopping in to see Allen Toole, a pharmacist in Liberty who has been very supportive of the College and, as you have read in a recent Commentary, endowed a scholarship for his mother, Gretchen Livingston Toole ’43. We had a good visit and I thanked him for his continued support of the College. I went from Liberty to Clemson to visit with Jane Gardner Hunter ‘44. I had not seen Jane since the death of her husband, Bill, last year. We had a good visit and I received one of the kindest letters from Jane that I have received thanking me for my visit. No one has a more loving spirit than Jane Hunter. In early February I took a trip to Charleston and had dinner with Trustee Eliza Ingle and her mother,
Penelope Coker Hall. I caught them up on the College and what is going on in our lives. Eliza, as you know, is a member of the Coker family who has been very active on the College’s Board of Trustees and teaches dance at the College of Charleston. The next morning I had breakfast with Martha Langford Derrick ’56 and her husband, Fletcher, in their beautiful home on Orange Street. We discussed the party we would have for Coker’s new President in Charleston and, as always, Martha agreed to help in any way she could. As you will see, we are having an oyster roast out on the Isle of Palms. What a fun time we will have. Joanne Moody Zobel ’49 and Bud, and Martha and Fletcher have agreed to host it. I hope we have a huge turnout. The next morning I drove up to Summerville and met with Jonathan Lee. Jonathan is the son of Ione and John Lee of Atlanta and is the fifth generation of the Coker family to serve on the Board of Trustees. He is in land development and real estate in Summerville and will be a great addition to the Board. He and his wife, Virginia, have a daughter and twin sons. As luck would have it, the next week I was in Atlanta attending a CASE meeting and had lunch with Ione and John Lee, Jonathan’s parents, in their beautiful home in downtown Atlanta. In the 30-odd years I have been at Coker, I cannot count the times I have enjoyed their company. They are certainly two of my favorite people – loyal supporters of Coker College. They continue to play an active and supportive role in the Lois Walters Coker Lecture Series, established by Ione’s mother. The last person who came to Coker and lectured as part of this series was Gus Speth, Dean of the School of Environmental Studies at Yale University, who is married to Council Speth ’64. Everyone enjoyed his thought-provoking lecture which was part of our Centennial celebration. In late February I made a trip to Myrtle Beach to meet with one of our younger, successful graduates, Michael W. Eisenrauch ’91. Mike lived in Columbia but moved to Myrtle Beach and is managing attorney with Parker, Poe, Adams & Bernstein, LLP. We are very proud of Mike and his accomplishments - Mike is most proud of his son. During the month of February I had visits in Florence with two of our trustees, Emerson Gower and Frank Avent. I had a great visit with Emerson, Vice President for Special Projects at Progress Energy. Emerson has chaired the Board of Trustees and given so much leadership to the College. The Florence community and Coker College are going to miss Emerson when he retires from Progress Energy this year. He and his lovely wife, Jane, have done so much for so many people and I am sure they will continue. We wish him well on his much-deserved retirement. Frank Avent, President and CEO of Pepsi Cola of Florence, has been a very active member of the Board of Trustees and has given great support and interest in the planning stages of Coker’s new field house/ gymnasium. Frank believes strongly that this facility needs to be built for the College to continue to recruit and retain top students. W W W. C O K ER . ED U / D EV EL O PM EN T
development
development
A lot of March was taken up with Trustee meetings as we announced the new President, Dr. Robert Wyatt. Also during the month of March I had a nice visit with Robert Bell in Aiken. As you know from past information, Robert has established an endowment in honor of his late wife, Cecelia Coker Bell ’65. Robert is not doing well and has been very sick. Please keep Robert in your thoughts and prayers. If any of you would like to send him a card or note, please call or e-mail me and I will give you his address. On my way to a meeting in Virginia, I stopped in Lynchburg and had lunch with Melanie Fort Christian in her beautiful home. As have Jean and Jim Fort’s other children, Melanie has taken a keen interest in Coker College, carrying on the family tradition of philanthropy, which has and continues to make a positive impact on Coker College. Later in the month I drove over to Clio to see Eunice Ford Rogers ’38. Over the years, she has been so supportive of the College and was a great Coker graduate who has endowed a scholarship. I am sorry to say that Eunice suffered a fall but is recuperating and still at home and doing well. I really enjoyed my visit with her. Toward the end of the month I made a trip to Southern Pines, NC, to visit Molly Holbrook Thomas Birchler ’62 and her husband, Al Birchler. What a delightful lunch she had prepared for us! Molly and Al have recently moved to Southern Pines and have a beautiful cottage home on the golf course. It was a pleasure to meet them and talk with them about Coker and get up to date on what is going on in their lives. What a happy couple they are in their retirement. The very last of March I made a quick trip down to Myrtle Beach/Georgetown and had lunch with Emma Ann Lawton Benton ’56, and Jimmy Benton. Her sister, Connie Lawton Huggins ’47. What friends of the College they have been and what delightful and fun people! They have graciously agreed to host the party for Dr. and Mrs. Wyatt at the Dunes Club in Myrtle Beach on Thursday, September 17. That night I drove to Georgetown and had dinner with Julie and Graham Osteen. Graham is on the Board of Trustees and was publisher of The Messenger in Hartsville before they moved to Georgetown. We had a great dinner at the Rice Paddy. What a pleasure it was to see them both — attractive and bright people who care for Coker College. The next day I had lunch with Electa Anderson Small ’85 and Myra Grayson Nuttall ’74, at the Rice Paddy — obviously the best restaurant around Georgetown. What great people! We had a wonderful visit talking about Coker College. Both of them come from a long line of Coker graduates. Electa’s mother is Lois Hatfield Anderson ’54. Myra’s mother is Ruth Phillips Grayson ’49, and her aunt, Naomi Phillips Ward ’49, is recently deceased, and many others in her family are Coker graduates. Their families have been so supportive of Coker through the years. Both Electa and Myra live in DeBordieu. Although Electa and her husband commute back and forth to Oklahama for his job, they still maintain their house in South Carolina. W W W. C OK E R .E D U /D E V E L OPM ENT
We had a large group attend Alumni Weekend in April. Frankie and I enjoyed hosting the dinner at Drengaelen for the Classes of ’49 and ’54. One of the highlights of the weekend was the Class of ’59 singing their song at the general session on Saturday. The following week I headed up to Asheville, NC, and had dinner with Betty Coker, widow of Rick Coker. Betty’s two daughters, Katherine Hanson Pate ’97 and Kristen Hanson Brannon ’98, live in Charlotte, NC, and Belmont, NC, respectively. Katie is married to Tully Pate ‘95. Betty has recently moved to Asheville and has restored a house and it is absolutely beautiful. We had a great visit. I am so pleased that Katie, who coached women’s basketball at Coker from 2001 to 2005, will be serving on the Alumni Board. The next morning I had an enjoyable visit with one of Coker’s oldest living graduates, Vera Chisolm Taylor ’36. Vera recently suffered a stroke and is living in Spring Arbor Retirement Center in Hendersonville, NC. I do not think I have ever visited with anyone who loved Coker College more than Vera. In this Commentary you will find a picture of us and you can see in the background a throw over her couch with all the Coker buildings on it. She made it very clear to her granddaughter and me that among the happiest days of her life were those spent at Coker College. She is an amazing and wonderful lady and I can’t tell you how uplifting it is to visit and be with people like Vera. As you probably have begun to realize there are several people each year with whom I try to stay in touch and to have the pleasure of their company. I made my annual trip down to Sea Island, Ga., to visit and have lunch with Betty Wray McDonald Jones ’52, Tiggie Hooks Benefield ’52, and her husband Dewey. I was so pleased that Martha Little Hunter ’54 could join us. We had a wonderful lunch at the Beach Club, which is part of The Cloisters in Sea Island. I must say that Betty Wray has spoiled me! She had her chef make my favorite dessert which is not even served there any more — coconut cream pie! Although I just ate one piece at lunch she had them pack up the remainder and I took it with me. I have to admit I stopped at the first rest area and ate every bite of it! I have had a great relationship with these people over the years and it is wonderful to be in their company. They love Coker College and have been so gracious and generous to us through the years. I am looking forward to taking Dr. Wyatt to visit with them as soon as he arrives. I left Sea Island headed to Sarasota, Fl., to visit our daughter, Allison, and her family. I took time out during my visit and spent a morning with Patricia Hanahan Engman ’65 who has a beautiful home on Anna Maria Island. I tell you what — Pat is ageless! She never changes a bit and what fun we had talking about Coker and our lives. She stays very active. As all of you probably know, like all colleges these days, our endowment has taken pretty sizeable hit and many of the people who have endowed scholarships at Coker have seen their scholarship’s value fall about 30%. A portion of my calls have been visiting these people and also writing them. One of my trips was to
see Ann Ludlam Winfield ’44 and her husband, Bob, of Conway. Ann and her family have all established scholarships at Coker and have been so supportive. I know of no family more supportive of the College than the Ludlam family. All three sisters attended Coker and have endowed scholarships. Although Ann was disappointed that her scholarship has taken a hit, she continues to support us and will be very supportive of her scholarship in the future. I had a nice visit with Joanne McFaddin O’Bryan ’58 and her husband, Cecil, in Augusta, Ga. They have also recently formed a charitable remainder unitrust with the College that will, in time, establish an endowed scholarship in Joanne’s name. Although they were disappointed their annuity has taken a significant hit with the economic downturn, they remain very understanding and supportive. They took me to a great restaurant for lunch, The Chop House. It was fun. I am sorry to report that Cecil suffered a fall and is recovering from surgery. He is doing well. During the first week of May I went to Darlington to have lunch with Ed Lawton, President and Treasurer of Hartsville Oil Mill. Ed has served on the Board of Trustees and has been so supportive of the College. He also serves as a member of the Coker College Foundation Board. I have a lot of respect for Ed and his father, Edgar. Also in May I was able to visit with Bradley Erwin, President of Farmers Telephone Cooperative in Kingstree. Farmers Telephone has been very supportive of Coker over the years. Not only do they have an endowed scholarship at Coker, they give yearly to the College’s Annual Scholarship Fund. Brad agreed to help me get out all the Lake City/Kingstree people on Thursday, September 17 to meet Dr. Wyatt. One of the most rewarding aspects of being at the College for over 30 years is that I am now seeing the children of graduates I helped recruit and knew as students come to Coker. I had a delightful lunch at the Boll Weevil Café in Augusta with Donna Farrell Mosser and Donald Mosser ’87, and their daughter, Emily, who is a junior at Augusta Prep. We had such a good time and had planned it in advance so Emily was able to get out of school and join us for lunch. This will just be another plus for the College if Emily decides to attend — and I think she will. It is for sure that she he can find no better school in the country for art than Coker College. Well, this closes this installment of “Travels with Frank.” We began another fiscal year on July 1 so please continue to support (or begin supporting) the Annual Scholarship Fund. The recession has taken its toll on our endowment and, as a result, our scholarships have suffered. I’m asking each of you to contribute as the only way we can make up the difference is through the Annual Scholarship Fund. So many people say to me, “I don’t have $1,000 to give.” I can’t tell you enough how important $25, $50 or $100 gifts are to the College. We need your support — big gifts and small! Thanks again for loving Coker and for reading “Travels with Frank.” I hope to see you at some of the College functions with Dr. Wyatt.
THE QUARTERLY OF COKER COLLEGE , HARTSVILLE, S . C . - C O M M EN TA RY
|
9
development development
>> M emorial g ifts From September 1, 20 0 9 through October 31, 20 0 9 Coker has received gifts in memor y of the following:
Thomas Herbert Alexander Betty Jean Lee Hunsinger Shirley Caldwell Becken Scott Becken Ella Earle Benson John Floyd and Toni Holman Bob Chambless J. Lamar Caldwell, Jr. Walter and Beth DuBose Cottingham Jamie Clapham Pat Chapman Huff Sara Frances Coleman Cottingham Frances Worley Bond Jean Lamond Crabbe Charlena H. Chewning Joyce Crowe Pat Chapman Huff Johnnie Dawkins Elizabeth Brown Glenn Marvin Shirley Diggs Brian and Martha Ann Anderson Blackwell Hartsville Music Study Club Drs. George and Gayle Buckheister Sawyer Beverly Denny Dority Frances Worley Bond Dr. Luke L. Erwin Jo Simmons Aiken Ruth Gardner Pat Chapman Huff Wade Godbold, Jr. Pat Chapman Huff Barbara Bailey Goodson Frank and Rebecca Howle Benson C. Nevin Betts Don C. Bigby Charlie and Joan Coker Bob and Betty Corning Drs. Richard and Gail Culyer Emmett and Virginia Davis Rion and Ann Dixon Kirk and Jane Dunlap Wade and Lee Hicks Jim and Cathy Hines Gus and Joan Snoddy Hoffmeyer Charles and Frances Hupfer Tracy Key, Jr. Selma Stogner LeHardy Palmetto Brick Jacqueline J. Segars Liz Segars Clyde and Mary Catherine Stuckey Thurston and Margie Connell Stuckey George and Denise Norris Walden Carolyn C. West Budgy and Nancy Wilhelm
10
|
WINTER 20 0 9 CAMPUS ISSUE
Jack Harper Dorothy Hayes Branham Shelton Hays Martha Jo Hays Garrell Carl H. Huff Sarah Sampson Bell Frances Worley Bond Frank and Frankie Bush J. Lamar and Lucy Singletary Caldwell Charlena H. Chewning Walter and Beth DuBose Cottingham Andy and Vicki Eaddy Constance Gardner Gandy Mark and Christie Happ Susie Gaines Hautala Frank and Elaine Johnson Hays Margaret Hewitt Hoffmeyer Pat Chapman Huff Betty Jean Lee Hunsinger Budd and Mitzi DuPre Matthews Jean Fore McDaniel William and Olive Timberlake Finley Plunkett Lucas Andy and Vicki Eaddy Margaret Hewitt Hoffmeyer Caroline James Selma Stogner LeHardy Anne Bethea Powell Keith and Caroline Williamson W. Cannon Matthews Budd and Mitzi DuPre Matthews
>> I N memoriam Information received September 9, 20 0 9 through November 2, 20 0 9
Charlotte Ryan Stuckey ’38 Finley Plunkett Stith Lucas ’39 Dorothy Funderburk Primavera ’41 Isabel Hinson Adams ’43 Rhoda Leigh Hope Sherrill Vail ’50 Carl H. Huff ’52 Margaret Atkins Saffold ’53 Betty Sue Chaney Garceau ’60 Emmie Chapman Griggs ’60 Helen Brooks Campbell ’79
>> Gifts of Books / M e d ia to t h e L i b rar y Gifts of Books/ Media to the Charles W. and Joan S. Coker Librar y- Information Technology Center from September 1, 20 0 9 through October 31, 20 0 9
Gayle Douglas Kayla Grantham Jean Grosser
Dr. Clyde McCarver Andy and Vicki Eaddy Pat Chapman Huff Harry McDonald Frank and Frankie Bush Bud and Joanne Moody Zobel Anne Merck McDowell Frances Worley Bond Jennie Smith McLeod Frances Nicholson Townsend John A. Pruitt Budd and Mitzi DuPre Matthews Shirley Lawhon Rhem Elizabeth Degenhardt Campanile Margaret Atkins Saffold Charlena H. Chewning Pat Chapman Huff Betty Jean Lee Hunsinger Margaret Catoe Saleeby Gus and Joan Snoddy Hoffmeyer Patricia Segars Thompson Louetta Coker Strickland Dr. Elsie Coker Ameen Mary Charlene Turner Professor Dick Puffer History professor Dr. Shawn Lay recently donated the Encyclopedia of African American History (Oxford University Press, 2009) to the College in honor of Kristan “Kris” D. Johnson ‘01, a Chief Warrant Officer in the U.S. Army serving overseas. An article on the Ku Klux Klan by Lay is featured in the encyclopedia. Library director Alexa Bartel accepted the books on behalf of the Charles W. and Joan S. Coker Library-Information Technology Center.
W W W. C O K ER . ED U / D EV EL O PM EN T
development
development
>> Honor g ifts From September 1, 20 0 9 through October 31, 20 0 9 Coker has received gifts in honor of the following:
David Allen Andy and Vicki Eaddy Class of 1968 Ellen Tollison Hayden Walter and Beth DuBose Cottingham Barbara Nexsen Lansche Dr. and Mrs. Malcolm C. Doubles Dr. and Mrs. John “Mac” Williams
Carolyn Spires Dixon Denise Sweitzer Pat Chapman Huff Rev. and Mrs. Phil Thrailkill Pat Chapman Huff Margaret Vance Pat Chapman Huff Dr. Robert Wyatt Lillian Utsey Harder Patricia Beachum Young Elizabeth Degenhardt Campanile
Rev. Drs. Ben and Dora Gafford Pat Chapman Huff Tommy Graham Pat Chapman Huff Roy and Kathrine Jewel Mildred Burno Jerry Josey Henry C. Alewine II Phil and Trish Lunn Pat Chapman Huff David and Wendy McCracken Dr. Cathleen Cuppett Shirley Norris Dr. Cathleen Cuppett C. E. Spires
>> contri b utions to sc h olars h ips From September 1, 20 0 9 through October 31, 20 0 9 Coker has received the following gifts for scholarships:
Class of 1953 Endowed Scholarship Charlie Hunt Chewning James and Sarah Sampson Bell Susie Gaines Hautala
Marvis Wiggins Henry
Mary Elizabeth DuBose Cottingham Endowed Scholarship Beth DuBose Cottingham Nancy Barrineau Endowed Scholarship Nan Carter Howard Teressa Thompson Harrington Nickey Brumbaugh Endowed Art Scholarship Betty J. Robertson Coughlin
Florence H. Steele Endowed Scholarship Florence Houck Steele
Sloan H. Brittain Endowed Music Scholarship Britt and Sloan Hungerpiller Brittain
Jennie Smith McLeod ‘52 Endowed Scholarship Frances Nicholson Townsend
Sparrow Scholars Program Susan Melody Frank
John C. and Leland S. Hungerpiller Memorial Scholarship Britt and Sloan Hungerpiller Brittain Katherine and Charles Kirkland Dunlap Endowed Scholarship Kirk and Jane Dunlap Leona Davis Perry Endowed Scholarship Priscilla Perry Arnold Malcolm and Jacqueline E. McLeod Doubles Endowed Scholarship John and Betty Beasley Williams Marvin Wiggins Henry Endowed Scholarship W W W. C OK E R .E D U /D E V E L OPM ENT
THE QUARTERLY OF COKER COLLEGE , HARTSVILLE , S . C . - C O M M EN TA RY
|
11
development development
>> s y mpat h y Information received September 9, 20 0 9 through November 2, 20 0 9
SEND US BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS ABOUT YOUR CHILDREN OR GRANDCHILDREN!
>> W E DD I N G S
Clyde Gardner ’53 in the death of his wife Ruth Gardner on November 2, 2009. Pat Chapman Huff ’53 in the death of her husband Carl Huff ’52 on September 17, 2009. Mary Kay Rickenbaker ’57 in the death of her grandson on September 1, 2009.
Information received September 9, 20 0 9 through November 2, 20 0 9
Congratulations to Bryan S. Kaye ’00 and Kelli Morganti on their marriage on October 10, 2009. Congratulations to Shannon Crouch ’09 and TC Bowers on their marriage on September 12, 2009.
Helen Kolb Chambless ’58 in the death of her husband Bob Chambless on September 19, 2009. Rosalind Carrigan Hearon ’62 in the death of her mother Mildred Carrigan on October 27, 2009. Angelyn McCarver Bateman ’68 in the death of her father Clyde McCarver on September 29. 2009. Charlotte Hamer Moulton ’68 in the death of her daughter Laura Camlin Moulton on October 1, 2009. Andrew Gardner ’80 and Diana Lee Gardner ’73 in the death of his mother Ruth Gardner on November 2, 2009. Brandeis Kelley Fennell ’92 in the death of her father Jackie Jackson on October 11, 2009.
>> Gifts
Merle Davis Baxley Brown-Pennington-Atkins Annie Rue Denny Mary Esther Denny Andy and Vicki Eaddy Mr. and Mrs. David T. Holt Marilyn Lesser Eric and Amanda Thompson John and Judy Johnson Walker Ann Wise Bud and Joann Moddy Zobel
>> M emorials Dr. Robert G. Askins Mr. and Mrs. Bob Brannon Andy Augustine Dr. and Mrs. C. Brooks Bannister Cathy Bouknight Ms. Michelle Maloney Joby Bristow Mr. and Mrs. Bob Brannon David and Patsy Cannon Charles and Adrienne Rogers
|
>> Birt h s Information received September 9, 20 0 9 through November 2, 20 0 9
Congratulations to Angel Campos Bell ’04 and Brantley Bell ’07 on the birth of their daughter Aidynn Olivia Bell on June 6, 2009. Congratulations to Nick Pierce ’09 on the birth of his nephew Christopher Tyler Pierce on October 13, 2009.
given to K almia Gar dens [ A u g ust 12 , 2 0 0 9 – N ovem b er 4 , 2 0 0 9 ]
>> Donations
12
SEND US A WEDDING PHOTO OF THE BRIDE AND GROOM WITH ALL YOUR COKER GUESTS!
WINTER 20 0 9 CAMPUS ISSUE
James W. Dunn Bobb E. Riggs Mr. & Mrs. William H. Farless, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Jim Bowen Barbara Bailey Goodson Dr. and Mrs. C. Brooks Bannister Carolyn Hubbard Mr. and Mrs. Bob Brannon Erma McDonald Mr. Charles H. Rogers Harry McDonald Dr. and Mrs. C. Brooks Bannister Family Bob and Betty Corning Rachel Flowers Dr. and Mrs. J. H. Puyet
Class of ‘72 Dr. and Mrs. James Lemke Brianna Bunce Douglas Dr. and Mrs. James Lemke Vicki Eaddy Dr. and Mrs. James Lemke Marsha Eide Dr. and Mrs. James Lemke Sebastian Jolly Auntee Harrriett Bill and Mary Joslin Ben and Anne Williamson Nan D. Lawton Ed and Tru Lawton Dr. Pat Lincoln Dr. and Mrs. James Lemke
OF COK ER COLLEGE
John H. Newsome, Sr. Brenda Newsome
Paul Parris Mr. and Mrs. David Allen James Patterson Charles and Adrienne Rogers Mary Charline Turner Dr. Tracey Welborn
Pam Newsome Olivia “Chipsie” Doughty Holly Prescott Dr. and Mrs. James Lemke Jennifer Rhodes Dr. and Mrs. James Lemke
>> Honorariums
W W W. C O K ER . ED U / D EV EL O PM EN T
development
development
Hartsville-Coker Concert Association 2
0
0
9
-
2
0
Golden Dragon Chinese Acrobats W h at is the A n nua l Schol a r ship Fu nd? • T he
Annual Scholarship Fund (ASF) is Coker College’s yearly campaign to raise financial support for its students.
• Every
gift to the ASF helps new and returning students attend Coker.
• T he
ASF helps Coker students in addition to their state and federal grants and loans.
• If
your employer or your spouse’s employer matches your gift, you could double or even triple your contribution.
• T he
fundraising goal for the ASF in 2009-2010 is $500,000.
• Gifts
to the ASF are tax deductible.
• A lumni
gifts to the ASF positively influence Coker College’s national ranking.
Center Theater Downtown Hartsville
Tian Ying, Pianist Thursday, November 19 7:30 p.m. Watson Theater Elizabeth Boatwright Coker Performing Arts Center Coker College
Coker
Mount ain Snowshoe Mountain, West V irginia
W W W. C OK E R .E D U /D E V E L OPM ENT
www.coker.edu/home2009
OCT.2 4
a
s
o
n
Dances,Dreams & Music: Florence Symphony Orchestra and SC Dance Theatre Friday, March 19 7:30 p.m. Center Theater Downtown Hartsville
w w w. c o k e r . e d u /h c c a
10 M archThu4-rsd7,ay20 - Sund ay
-
e
Center Theater Downtown Hartsville
$31 5 per pers on
Quadruple Occupancy Includes: »» 3 night accommodations at the Rimfire Lodge located in the heart of Snowshoe’s Village and just steps from the slopes. »» T hursday evening – “Welcome to the Weekend” reception with souvenir T-shirt »» Single Day Lif t ticket & Single Day Ski rental
Deposit: (Deadline - Nov. 2, 2009) $75 per person reserves space (Balance due - January 15, 2010) First come, first served – space is limited
For More Info: alumni@coker.edu | 1.800.65.COKER
TRADITION. Give Online at www.cokercobras.com
2009
S
Thursday, February 18 7:30 p.m.
• You
HOMECOMING
0
Simply Sinatra starring Steve Lippia & His Big Band
Friday, October 2 (Homecoming 2009) 8:00 p.m.
can give online at www.coker.edu or contact the Development Office at 843.383.8178
1
PRIDE.
ENTHUSIASM. It’s part tradition, part pride and part enthusiasm. It’s studentathletes giving their maximum effort and fans rallying behind them. The excitement is contagious.
***s”Thesloyaltys lastssaslifetime.” You can demonstrate this spirit by joining the Cobra Club today.
Thank you
Cobra fans for all of your support!
For more information: 843-383-8068 or cstryker@coker.edu
THE QUARTERLY OF COKER COLLEGE , HARTSVILLE , S . C . - C O M M EN TA RY
|
13
athletics athletics
>> A t h lete of t h e Year / F resh men of t h e Year For the second year in a row, senior Shelly Catlett took home the biggest award of the night at the 2009 Coker College Athletic Awards Ceremony, while freshmen Brinley Griffin and Alyssa Blanchard received the second highest honors. Catlett was once again named the C.G. Timberlake Athlete of the Year, and Griffin and Blanchard each received Freshman of the Year honors.
1. 0
2.0
>> S h elly C atlett 2.0: A native of Orangeburg, Catlett was a four year
1.1
>> Golf The Coker Golf program had an outstanding year as they advanced to the NCAA Southeast Regional tournament, placed second in the Conference Carolinas Championships, and won three tournaments as a team. They also set a new tournament record at the Tusculum Invitational with a team score of 564 (-12), shattering the previous record of 579 by 15 strokes and they placed in the top five in nine of their 11 tournaments. In addition to their accomplishments as a team, the Cobra golfers also had some individual Conference Carolinas honors: junior Chris Marsh [1.0] was named Golfer of the Year; Coach Tommy Baker [1.1] was named Coach of the Year; and sophomore John LaDow was named Second Team AllConference. Marsh had a stroke average of just over 72 for the year, ranking him in the top 150 of all college golfers nationally. The Cobras finished the year ranked 25th in the nation in the NCAA Division II.
starting pitcher for the Lady Cobras Softball team. She was named the First Team All-Conference in 2009 and was named the Heritage Community Financial Services Athlete of the Month in April 2009. In 2008, she was named Conference Carolinas Softball Player of the Year, was First Team All-Conference selection and was named Second Team All-Region; while in 2007 she was named Second Team All-Conference, was an All-Region Selection and was named the MVP of the conference tournament. This season Catlett has a record of 15-11, with a 2.05 ERA and 164 strikeouts. Catlett majored in biology, was a three-time Academic All-American, President of the Senior Class for 2008-09, President of the Coker College Science Club, a four-time member of the Dean’s List, and a member of Omicron Delta Kappa. She plans to attend the Medical University of South Carolina to study dentistry.
>> Brinle y Griffin
2 .1
2.2
Conference nominee, Griffin played in all 42 games this season, a first for a true freshman at Coker since 1993. Griffin was a team leader in almost every offensive category this season including being fourth on the team in batting average (.335), first in doubles (9), second in hits (55), third in RBIs (22) and tied for the team lead in stolen bases (12).
>> A ly ssa Blanc h ar d 2.2: Blanchard is a native of Columbia, S.C. and a member of the Lady Cobras tennis team. She was named First Team All-Conference, the first ever such selection for a player under Coach Alvin Cheng, and she was named the March 2009 Heritage Community Financial Services Athlete of the Month. Blanchard played No. 1 doubles and No. 2 singles, posting a record of 10-2 in doubles and 9-3 in singles. She helped lead the Lady Cobras to their best finish under Coach Cheng in the Conference Carolinas Regular Season (4th) and in the Conference Carolinas Tournament (5th).
2.1: Griffin is a native of Port St. John, Fla., and he is the first baseball player to ever receive the Male Freshman of the Year award at Coker. An All-
>> S oft b all 3.0: The Coker Softball Team finished as the Runner-Up of the 2009 Conference Carolinas Softball Tournament, with [left-right] Whitney Wallett ’11, Miranda Klees ’10 and Shelly Catlett ’09 all named to the AllTournament Team. 3.0
14
|
WINTER 20 0 9 CAMPUS ISSUE
W W W. C O K ER C O B R A S . C O M
athletics athletics
>> A ca demic At h lete of t h e Year Lotta Aaltonen ’10 was named the 2009 Coker Academic Athlete of the Year. Aaltonen is a member of the women’s basketball team majoring in business with a 4.0 GPA.
>> W omen ’s T ennis
5 .1
4.0: The Lady Cobras Tennis team completed their best season in school history this year as they finished fifth in the Conference Carolinas standings with a record of 10-5. Helping the Lady Cobras to their record setting season were All-Conference performers Alyssa Blanchard and Rachel Lemar. Blanchard, a freshman, was named First Team All-Conference, while Lemar, a senior, was named Second Team AllConference.
4.0
>> T A S T E of C oker 2 0 0 9 : S AV E T H E DAT E T Hurs day, S E P T. 2 4 , 2 0 0 9 www.coker.edu/tasteofcoker
Join the Coker Athletics Staff & the Cobras for a night of food & fun on the Soccer Field.
5.0
>> Basket b all The Coker men’s and women’s basketball teams had their most successful seasons in recent memory with both advancing to the post season. Coach Dan Schmotzer and the Cobra men finished with a record of 15-14, their best finish in the 10 years, and Coach Carol Meegan and the Lady Cobras finishing with a record of 11-17, their best finish in four years. Senior Josh Poston [5.0] was named First Team All-Conference and junior Mason Ambler [5.1] was named Second Team, while junior Henna Koponen [5.2] was named Second Team All-Conference and junior Lotta Aaltonen [5.3] was named Honorable Mention. The Cobra men were bounced from the Conference Carolinas Tournament in the quarter finals by Belmont Abbey 89-80, while the women fell to Pfeiffer in the opening round, 97-87.
5.2
5.3 W W W. C OK E R C O B R A S .C OM
THE QUARTERLY OF COKER COLLEGE , HARTSVILLE , S . C . - C O M M EN TA RY
|
15
COKER COLLEGE Office of Marketing and Communications 300 East College Avenue Hartsville, South Carolina 29550-3742 www.coker.edu
comm PER IODICA L
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
H A RTSV ILLE, SC 29550
COKER COLLEGE
The Way Learning Should Be
MEET
CO K E R
DR.
CO L L E G E’ S
ROBERT
NEW
L.
PR E S I D E N T
WYATT
Everyone’s Invit ed! J ust pick your e v ent!
aug. 23 ~ Hartsville drop-in 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Drengaelen House - Coker College 210 East Home Avenue Hartsville, SC 29550
sept. 10 ~ Florence cocktail buffet 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Florence Country Club 450 Country Club Boulevard Florence, SC 29501
hosts: Jean & Frank Avent, Rona & Tom Ewart RSVP by september 3
sept. 15 ~ Columbia drop-in 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Blue Marlin 1200 Lincoln Street Columbia, SC 29201 hosts: Hoyt Kelley, Karen Lear,
Anne L. Matthews, Tina Weaver
RSVP by september 8
sept. 17 ~ Kingstree luncheon 12:30 p.m.
sept. 29 ~ Charlotte, NC drop-in 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
hosts: Beth & Walter Cottingham
hosts: Gay Fort Boswell, Jane & Buddy Norwood
sept. 17 ~ Myrtle Beach cocktail buffet 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
oct. 22 ~ Charleston oyster roast & bbq 6:00 p.m.
Brown’s Bar-B-Que 809 N. Williamsburg Highway Kingstree, SC 29556
The Dunes Golf and Beach Club 9000 N. Ocean Boulevard Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
hosts: Emma Ann & Jimmy Benton RSVP by september 10
Rooster’s Wood-Fired Kitchen 6601 Morrison Boulevard Charlotte, NC 28211
The Beach House at Wild Dunes 6600 Palmetto Drive Isle of Palms, SC 29451 hosts: Martha & Fletcher Derrick, Eliza Ingle, Courtney Smith, Joanne & Bud Zobel
RSVP by october 15 - Required for admission
sept. 22 ~ NEW YORK, NY luncheon 12:00 p.m. The Cosmopolitan Club 122 East 66th Street New York, NY 10065
to Wild Dunes. To
RSVP
or
for
More
Information
Call 1 800 65.COKER or 843.383.8014
host: Penelope Coker Hall RSVP by september 15
www.coker.edu