15 minute read
Charleston Dinner
‘EX-DISNEY GUY’ JOHN FORMICA SHARES HIS CUSTOMER SERVICE MAGIC AT CHARLESTON DINNER
While enjoying an evening of fine dining in an elegantly decorated setting, guests at Concord University Foundation’s recent Charleston Dinner learned about creating a “Disney-like culture” among their customers and employees.
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ohn Formica, the “Ex-Disney Guy”, was the featured speaker for fundraiser held at Embassy Suites in Charleston, WV, on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019. Proceeds from this event will be used to help fund scholarships and other campus projects.
Formica is a highly sought after internationally known speaker, business consultant and author ofthetopsellingbook,“MakingtheCustomer ExperienceMagicalNow!-HowtoSucceedin BusinessandBeatoutYourCompetitionToday”. Prior to his speaking career, John acquired more than 25 years of experience in top management positions with service industry leaders including Walt Disney World Resort®, Hyatt and Hilton Hotels and Sunrise Senior Living.
During his 10 years at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, FL, he was selected to manage their top luxury resort properties during Disney’s Resort Division expansion from four to 16 hotels and lead his teams to achieve the highest guest satisfaction ratings among all Disney World Resort Hotels. Today,Johnis“America’sCustomerExperience Coach” and leading authority on tourism, hospitality and service industries alike. He has successfully coached hundreds of small businesses and tourism communities to build customer loyalty for life, increase visitors, attract more customers andcreate“WhistleWhileYouWork”Team Environments. AliciaBesenyei,VicePresidentforAdvancement, said the evening offered “an excellent opportunity for business leaders to learn from one of the best in the customer service arena while also supporting Concord University students.”
PRESENTING SPONSORS
Presenting sponsors Dr. Brad Lane '02 and Andy Paterno '70
“Mr.Formica’sexperienceandknowledge is easily translatable to any industry,” she said. “Learning to be better leaders, build customer loyalty and create a Disney-like culture is something we all strive for.” Mrs.Besenyeiissuedthewelcomeand ConcordPresidentKendraBoggessoffered remarksonbehalfoftheUniversity.Musical accompaniment was provided by The Oxley Quartet.
The generous support of patrons and sponsors is greatly appreciated in helping makethisdinnerasuccess.Aspecial thank you goes to Presenting Sponsors, Dr.BradLane’02andAndyPaterno’70; PatronofTheFoundation,Aramark;and Table Sponsors, Princeton Rescue Squad/ Brandon Hicks, Realtor, David Barnette ’74, EdBailey’75,BB&T,ChapmanPrintingCo., PaceFamilyFoundation,andCUAlumni Association.
Information about contributing to or establishing scholarships for Concord University students is available by contacting the Concord University Foundation at 304-384-6266. █
Keith Butcher ’75 Equally at Home in the Classroom and on the Stage
eith Butcher is a performer and an educator. Sometimes on snowy, winter days in West Virginia, the two vocations merged into a very special attention grabbing moment. Butcher earned the moniker the “Singing Superintendent” for using his talent as a vocalist to announce snow days for Fayette and Nicholas counties.
Tweaking the lyrics of popular songs, he shared his tunes with parents and employees through an automated phone messaging system. By adding a touch of humor to the announcements, Butcher saw a positive way to connect with his students and their families.
“With my musical background, I thought I could build a rapport with the community by making them (announcements) a little more fun,” he said, explaining it was a way “for the community to see you as a person and someone they can connect with.” Thefirstofhissingingsnowdayannouncements,hesaid,wasacollege fightsonginwhichhechangedthewording.Spotlightingtunesby famousartistsincludingMichaelJacksonandAdele,healsoincluded the ever popular “Country Roads” and the classic “Let it Snow” in his set list of snow songs.
He became an internet sensation of sorts as parents shared his messages on social media. »
Bethany Cook as "Annie" and Concord University graduate Keith Butcher (1975) as "Daddy Warbucks" in Theater West Virginia's 2019 production of "Annie" performed at the Cliffside Amphitheater of Grandview State Park near Beckley, WV.
"NYC" from the musical Annie performed by Karissa Dumbacher of Orlando, FL as "Grace," Bethany Cook of Wyoming County , WV as "Annie" and Keith Butcher of Houston, TX as "Daddy Warbucks."
His catchy snow day jingles even captured some big time media attention. When his story showed uponCNN’smorningshowwithRobinMeade, he said he was in a staff meeting unaware that he had made it to the national spotlight. His assistant burst in exclaiming, “Turn on the TV!” Understandably,hewasalarmedatfirst,he said, but soon realized he was the reason for the excitement. “She was playing our latest snow day announcement. She was playing that on national TV,” he said.
His coverage also included a live interview on FOX Network’s Fox and Friends.
Asaneducator,hewaspleasedwhenhis musical messages sparked creativity in his students.“Kidsstartedsendingmeideas,”he said. Willing to share the spotlight, he gave his student song writers credit when he performed their snow day songs. AnativeofSummersville,WV,Keithgraduated from Concord in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science degreeinMusicEducation.Hisacademicpath wasn’t always headed toward music, however. “I enrolled at Concord as a math major,” he said.Althoughfocusingonmathematics,his passion for music wouldn’t let go, and would eventually win out.
“I really wanted to study music. It was something I really wanted to do and needed to do,” he said. Listeningtohisheart,Keithexplainedhowhe switched his focus to music education, and after auditioning, “got in as a voice major.” ThemoveprovedtobeadvantageousforKeith as a student and down the road professionally. He credits the outstanding music and theater training he received at Concord with preparing him for an extensive performing career. In particular,hesays,hebenefitedgreatlyfrom vocal training provided by Dr. Jim Fleming. “Foryoungartists,Concord’sAlexander FineArtsCenterwasasupportiveandthriving community of instructors and performers, which prepared many of us for successful careers both on and off the stage,” he said.
“It was a just a wonderful time to study the arts at Concord College. I really appreciate the experience I got at Concord,” he said, adding he has “wonderful memories” of his days on campus. KeithperformedwiththeConcordChorale and the Chamber Singers. His time on stage also included appearances in college theater productions. He said there was “lots of collaboration between the theatre department and music department for musicals produced.” AmonghisConcordtheatrecreditsareroles inproductionsof“Finian’sRainbow”and“Man ofLaMancha”.HeearnedanAlexanderFineArts BestSupportingActorAwardin1974. Alongwithallofhismusicalandtheatrical responsibilities,KeithalsobelongedtoTau KappaEpsilonfraternity. Butcher went on to earn a master’s degree in EducationAdministrationfromWestVirginia University in 1979 and a doctorate in Educational LeadershipfromMarshallUniversityin2014. In the early days of his career in public education,Keithtaughtontheelementary»
Keith Butcher as "Preacher Anse Hatfield" in Theater West Virginia's musical production of "Hatfields and McCoys."
school level in Nicholas County, West Virginia. He transitioned into administration with a stint as a teaching principal in the county for several years. He would go on to serve Nicholas County as a teacher of the gifted and in several other positions asprincipal.BraxtonCountyalsobenefittedfrom his services as an elementary school principal. Following nearly three decades as a classroom teacherandprincipal,Keithheldpositionswiththe State Department of Education. These included: AssistantDirectorandExecutiveDirectorof theOfficeofInstructionalServices,StateTitleI Director,andExecutiveDirectoroftheOfficeof FederalProgramsandAccountability,StateTitleI Director.
Then, from 2006-2012, he served as the Executive Director of the Regional Education ServiceAgencyI(RESII).Healsotaughtonthe university level for his alma mater. He served as anadjunctinstructorforacertificationprogram in Educational Leadership as the result of an agreementbetweenRESAandConcord. “It gave me a special feeling to teach for the institution I graduated from,” he said about the partnership. “It was a real thrill. I enjoyed it.” Anotherstopinhiseducationalcareertook himintocountyleadership,servingfirstasthe superintendent of Fayette County Schools, then as the top administrator for Nicholas County Schools. The move into county administration set the stage for his “Singing Superintendent” gig.
Butcher also has administrative experience on the national level. He served as the team leader of theComprehensiveAssessmentSystems,Council ofChiefStateSchoolOfficersfrom2004-2007, and as both the vice-president and president of theNationalAssociationStateTitleIDirectors.In 2007 he chaired the National Title I Conference inLongBeach,CA.Healsohasanumberof conference presentations and publications to his credit.
Today, he has moved from his home state to the Lone Star State to live and work in Houston. Employed by the University of Houston as a clinical assistant professor since 2016, Butcher is currently Program Director for the K-12ProfessionalLeadershipProgramsinthe university’s College of Education. “I teach teachers and administrators,” he said. Butcher’sprofessionalaffiliationsinclude membership in the National Center for Crisis Management;AmericanAcademyofExpertsin TraumaticStress;TexasAssociationofSchool Administrators;UniversityCouncilforEducation Administration;andAssociationforSupervision and Curriculum Development. WhileKeithhasdedicatedmorethan40years tohiscareerasaneducator,hestillfindstimefor the stage. He was able to perform with Theatre West Virginia (TWV) during the 2019 season
thanks to his summer being free from academic responsibilities at the University of Houston. He lent his gifted tenor voice to the role of Oliver “Daddy”Warbucksin“Annie”andtoanother of the Grandview based company’s signature musicals,“HatfieldsandMcCoys”,playing PreacherAnseHatfield. “This summer was my eighth season with Theatre West Virginia over a 40-year period,” he explained. “Ireallywantedtocomeback…and support local arts in West Virginia.”
Captivated by the stage when he attended TWVasayoungster,Keithfoundhiswayinto the limelight himself and “in college spent summer at Grandview.”
Initially part of the chorus, he explains, “I worked my way into larger roles 36 years ago.” TWVisthe“firstprofessionalcompanyIworked for,” he said.
Inducted into the Theatre West Virginia Hall of Fame in 2016, Butcher has performed inmanyoperasincluding“MadameButterfly” and “Carmen” and has appeared in numerous theater productions throughout West Virginia. AlongwithTWV,Keith’sothertheatercredits in his home state include performing with the MillWhistlePlayersinRichwood,acommunity known in West Virginia as a lumber town. He appearedin“BuryMebyNancyHart”and portrayed Jim Comstock in the company’s “Best of ‘Hillbilly.’” WiththeOffMainStreetPlayersin Summersville, he took the stage in “Hello Dolly” and “Oklahoma”. He has also performed as part of the symphony chorus with the West Virginia Symphony in Charleston.
In Texas he sings weekly with the church sanctuarychoiratFirstMethodistHouston.█
It is no doubt that "The Campus Beautiful" means something special to each of us. Concord University gave us the foundation to build our career as we continue to carry the Concord spirit wherever we go. September 27, 2019 marked a day that Mountain Lions from all over came together to give back to the University. The goal was set to raise $24,000 in 24 hours for the CU Annual Fund for Concord University’s 2019 Day of Giving. Through this fundraising effort, the Concord community rose to the challenge and not only helped the University meet the goal, but exceed it.
Alumni and friends of Concord from all over gave back to support the efforts of the University. The funds that were raised from Day of Giving will help support current and future development at Concord University by providing aid for scholarships and campus projects. Advancement
Student Representatives made over 3,000 phone calls to alumni asking for donations and pledges for Day of Giving. Excitement filled the air of our Student-Alumni Engagement Center the night of September 26 as donations were coming in and delightful conversations with alumni were taking place.
Kasey Walls ‘20, Tyler Kenneda ‘21, Ryan Ralosky ‘21, and Lexi Mizia ‘23 are Advancement Student Representatives in the Office of Advancement who connected with alumni over the phone spreading the news of Day of Giving. By 11:00am on Friday, September 27 the 2019 Concord University Day of Giving successfully reached its goal. Concord University’s 2019 Day of Giving brought in a total of $ 42,075 thanks to the generosity and dedication demonstrated by alums to "The Campus Beautiful. "
LeAnne Davis Morrison ’07 Puts English Degree to Work in the Corporate World
eAnneDavisMorrisonsaysherpassionforEnglishandwritinghastaken her from sitting in Concord classrooms to “literally sitting in the boardroom.” AsacommunicationsexecutivewithEY(Ernst&Young),sheispartofthe professional services giant’s leadership team as the company embarks upon what she describes as “massive change.”
“In a nutshell, I’m to be a tireless advocate for the change at hand, as the outputs fromthisrolewillinfluencethefirm’sperceptioninthemarketandthewaymore than88,000EYpeopleworldwidethink,feelandact,”shesaid. LeAnnebeganhercareerwithEYin2013.Shehassinceservedinseveral capacitiesatthefirm’sAtlantalocation.Theseinclude:InternalCommunications Manager,GlobalAudit,GlobalAssurance;NewsEditor,Communicationsand Engagement,GlobalAssurance;andPursuitStrategist(specialtyinAssurance) Southeast Region Business Development. AsGlobalNewsEditor,shesaidthatherresponsibilities“includedeverythingfrom conducting interviews, writing candid features and business-driven updates, and managingasmallstaffofwritersinHongKong,London,Parisandallsortsofplaces between.” »
LeAnne with her husband, Tom and their 2-year-old son, Pax.
“The role even extended into the video and digital arena, giving me an opportunity to grow my skills even further,” she added.
Today, with a recent promotion, she has assumed the dual role of Strategic CommunicationsLead,GlobalAuditandBMC ProgramLead,SustainableAuditQuality.Both positionsarewithinGlobalAssurance. “I work with key audit leaders to develop the internal and external communications strategies for the service line’s strategic priorities,” she said.
The immediate focus, she explained, is “on the digitalization and project management of our audit methodologies with the goals of increased tech adoption and higher quality audit inspection results.”
Her duties don’t end there. “Other responsibilities include developing positioning messages, as well as creating content that supports our auditors’ understanding of the importance of this change and motivates them to action,” she said. “I am collaborating and advising on the development and activation of internal enablement and providing content support for area-level training events. I’ll lead the communications strategy and plan, as well as source, write, edit and distribute material across multiple channels.” LeAnnehasfoundthatheryearswithEYhave been–andcontinuetobe-rewarding. “MytimeatEYhasbeenanincrediblyrich experience. From chairing communications on-site for global leadership events to attending teammeetingsinLondon,NewYork,Chicago andotherexcitingcities–I’mcontinually thankful for the opportunities I’ve had with this organization,” she said.
“With my new role that I started in July, I’ll branch out from the internal arena into the external media with ey.com, LinkedIn and even Twitter,”LeAnnesaid. One of the important highlights of her career thus far is associated with these expanded opportunitiestocommunicatetheEYmessage. InSeptember,her“firstcontributiontothe firm’sexternalthoughtleadershippresenceon LinkedIn” was slated for release.
“I’m excited, proud and extremely nervous,” she admitted about the accomplishment. PriortojoiningEY,LeAnneworkedasabusiness analyst for iHealth Technologies and a software analystwithCGI.Admittingthatshehad“more ofabackgroundinShakespearethanIT”,LeAnne took on the challenge of the position nonetheless. LeAnnegraduatedfromConcordwitha bachelor’s degree in 2007. Her majors were English with an emphasis in writing, Literature and Journalism. She minored in public relations. Continuinghereducation,sheearnedaMaster ofArtsdegreeinLiteraturefromGeorgiaState University.
She explains how her Concord education is benefittingherinhercareer. “WhenIfirstdecidedtosetmysightsonan English degree at Concord, I had no idea I’d end up where I am today. I’d hoped maybe to go into journalism.Myprimarygoalatthetimewasto ‘grow up’ to be a writer. I wanted to travel, to meet interesting people, to research interesting topics and to share interesting stories. Twelve years later, I’m doing just that,” she said.
“In some ways, the smaller skills that come withanEnglishdegreehavebeeninvaluable–knowing how to write clearly, succinctly, align to a style guide and how to tailor a message todifferentreaders,”sheexplained.“More so, however, I left Concord with a skill set I didn’tevenrealize–theabilitytoprocess complex information and translate it for various purposes and audiences. The rigorous, research-based literature programs and wellround communications courses equipped me with the basic tools I needed to walk into any environment,fromtechnologytofinancial services, set up proverbial shop and start writing effectively.” Reflectingonherdaysasacollegestudent, LeAnnesaysthatsomeofherbestConcord memories took place in the classroom.
"I left Concord with a skill set I didn't even realize – the ability to process complex information and translate it for various purposes and audiences.
“I really cherish my memories of class time, honestly. I feel as though the English and Communications departments focused not only on academic rigor, but also on collegiate comradery. I distinctly recall active, engaging literary discussions in classes with Dr. Ofsa, Dr.Brichford,andthebelovedlateDr.Kane. Similarly, the real-life applications discussed in classeswithMs.Canterbury,Dr.Williamsand Dr. Parker have stuck with me to this day. I often look back and wished I’d leaned in more to the conversation, and built stronger relationships with my peers,” she said. LeAnneheldseveralleadershippositionsas a Concord student. She served as editor of The Concordian and president of Sigma Sigma Sigma sororityandwasanSGArepresentative. Alongwithbeingasummacumlaude graduate,LeAnnealsorackedupanimpressive list of additional achievements while she studied on “The Campus Beautiful.”
She was recipient of the Zarefesky Public SpeakingAwardin2004;listedinWho’sWhoof America’sCollegeStudentsin2006;andreceived anHonorableMentionawardattheWestVirginia Undergraduate Literary Symposium in 2007. What’s more, she was selected to attend Pueblos Inglais Spanish language program in 2005, and named Upshur County Fair Queen in 2005.
While she gained exposure for her writing talentsthroughTheConcordian,LeAnnealso saw her work published in The Princeton Times (2006)andWestVirginiaSouthMagazine (2005).Addingtoheraccolades,shereceived theWestVirginiaPressAssociationHonors Scholarship in 2006. Asaprofessional,theawardskeepcoming forLeAnne.Sheisatwo-timerecipientofthe “Spirit of Leadership” award (2018 and 2019) fromtheEYGlobalAssuranceBrand,Marketing and Communications team, and has been honoredwiththe“OutstandingAchievement” Visionaward(2015)fromtheEYSoutheast Region Business Development Team. She has
also received an impressive 40-plus Bravo and Applauseawards. Her dedication as a professional is further evidenced by taking advantage of career advancement and training opportunities. “I’vecompletedtheU.S.firm’sBusiness DevelopmentCertificationprogramandI’m currentlyworkingonmyCertificateinMarketing throughtheCharteredInstituteofMarketing aswellasmyDigitalBadgethroughtheEY Badgesprogram,”shesaid. “I’malsoacertified professionalintheMillerHeimanEffective Client Encounters and Strategic Opportunity Managementmethodologies,aswellascertified intheTRACOMsocialstylesprogram.” Asameansofgivingback,LeAnneisinvolved with a variety of corporate and community activitiesthatbenefithercolleaguesandher neighbors.“MuchlikemytimeatConcord,Itry to stay busy,” she said. ShevolunteerseachyearwithEYConnect Day, explaining that it is “a national corporate responsibilityeventwhereessentiallyeveryEY employee in the U.S. joins together to serve in the community.”
She’s also been a peer advisor for new hires atEYandahighschoolmentorthroughthe nationalCollegeMapprogram. She is a member of Gwinnett Church where she is part of small groups for women and marriedcouples.Anavidreader,LeAnnebelongs toTheLiteraryGuild,anAtlanta-basedbook club for women. She puts her skills to work as avolunteereditorforAtlantaPersonalChef Service and other local businesses, and serves as a pro-bono resume reviewer and interview coach.And,shesaysshealsoenjoyssupporting local theater productions. LeAnneandherhusband,Tom,havea2-yearoldson,Pax.TheyliveinAtlanta.Shesaidthe family’s pastimes include hiking and camping. TheMorrisonsalsoenjoytravelingbothin theU.S.andabroad.LeAnneisoriginallyfrom Buckhannon,WV.Asanodtoherhomestate,she says they “aim to vacation in West Virginia once a year.” AvisittoGlacierNationalParkand international treks to London and Ireland are also on their itinerary for this year. █
CARLY RAMSEY THANKFUL FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM PATHWAYS SCHOLARSHIP
Established in 2016 at Concord, the Pathways Scholarship was first awarded to CU students for the 2016 – 2017 academic year. The scholarship is geared towards retention efforts with the goal of helping Concord students finish their degree programs.
This scholarship has been made possible with a five-year challenge grant from the Maier Foundation in Charleston, W.Va. The Maier Foundation is a private, nonprofit, charitable corporation for the furtherance of higher education in the state of West Virginia. With the challenge in place, the Concord University Foundation and the Concord Office of Advancement are partnering with donors to secure the 2:1 matching funds needed to meet the challenge.
or Concord senior Carly Ramsey, being a recipient of the Pathways Scholarship helps to set her mind at ease when it comes to student debt. “Thisscholarshiphelpedtoeasethefinancial burden of tuition. For that, I’m truly thankful,” Carly said. “It’s easier to stay focused on the goal of getting a degree when you’re not weighed down with a crushing amount of debt.”
Carly is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Education degree and is majoring in Elementary EducationK-6.Heranticipatedgraduationdate is spring 2020. F
She is currently involved in a yearlong residency which includes block and student teaching.
“Right now, I’m in the block portion which meansIgotomyfieldplacementforfourweeks and then I come back to have classes at Concord for three,” she said, speaking in October.
Carly is a resident of Lerona, W.Va. She is excitedtobedoingherfieldplacementather elementary school alma mater, located in the MercerCountycommunitythatshecallshome. “I’m placed in the 1st grade classroom at Sun Valley Elementary School. I love the school and »
