President Dr. Kendra Boggess Vice President for Advancement Alicia Besenyei Alumni Director Sarah Turner '98
Concord University Office of Advancement PO Box 1000 Athens, WV, 24712 1-304-384-6311 Fax: 1-304-384-6017 advancement@concord.edu www.concord.edu
Chair, Concord University Foundation, Inc. Randy Price '85 Graphic Designer, Sr. Foster Sheppard '14 Staff Writer Sarah P. Dalton PR/Marketing Coordinator, Sr. Amy Pitzer
ON THE COVER: After a period of inactivity, the carillon can be heard ringing throughout campus once again! INSIDE COVER: The Concord University community and its supporters gathered February 2 for the 39th annual Groundhog Day Breakfast. PHOTO BY BLAKE FARMER
Features 9
Holiday Open House
15 Fall 2016 Commencement 17 2017 Groundhog Day Breakfast 23 Founders' Day Ceremony 25 Nikki Giovanni 27 The Bells are Back 33 Campbells in Casablanca 73 Donor Honor Roll
In Every Issue 4
Alumni Happenings
31 Scholarship Spotlight 32 Donor Spotlight 37 Staying Connected 41 Beyond the Classroom 45 Alumni Entrepreneurs 47 Beckley Update 51 Heritage & Horizon 55 CU Athletics 64 Class Notes
From the President’s Desk Greetings from "The Campus Beautiful",
Concord’s faculty, staff and students experienced a fall semester that had better weather than we are used to having, followed by a balmy holiday season and a semester that seems to be living up to Concord Charlie’s prediction of an early spring. It has helped us to miss fewer days due to snow and inclement weather. Fall 2016 provided us opportunities to enjoy time together in many different settings. Concord’s Fall Commencement allowed me the privilege to shake the hands of roughly 175 graduates who have since moved on to successful careers, graduate schools and exciting job-seeking opportunities. We are so proud of our graduates and their successful career paths. Fall brought us the first carillon concert in many years by our newly hired carillonneur, Dr. Kipp Cortez. The beautiful bells are playing on a regular basis and enjoyed by the students and surrounding community again. The holiday season was an opportunity for us to enjoy spending time together to experience the Holiday Open House where Santa shared some of the season’s joy with our smallest Mountain Lions, cookie decorating was encouraged and led by our staff members, and a beautiful choral performance was led by Professor Kelly Hudson. It was a very special evening. Students returned to campus after New Year's and for the first time, many of our female on-campus residential students moved into their newly renovated dormitory rooms in Towers. We are proud to be able to provide some of the most modern conveniences possible for our students including the fastest internet speeds in our area. Spring semester promises to bring us many important and interesting challenges and activities and your edition of the Spring Magazine will provide you with summaries and updates about what is happening on "The Campus Beautiful". We hope that you will take an opportunity to visit. I look forward to Alumni Weekend and all of the activities planned to reunite friends and fellow Mountain Lions. It promises to be a spectacularly good time. Finally, I’d like to remind you that membership in Concord University’s Alumni Association is one of the best ways to remain involved with your school. Every graduating senior has an opportunity to establish him or herself as a new alumni friend. Staying connected with campus in meaningful ways is made easier by your memberships in the Alumni Association, so we hope you will join us in supporting our Advancement Office in its exciting efforts. We want you to know that we will continue to be interested in each of you now and in the future. When you think of Concord, please share regular updates about yourself. The Class Notes section of this magazine is an important means by which we can learn about your accomplishments and the milestone events in your lives.
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Dr. Kendra Boggess President
Alumni Happenings
Check us out
ONLINE
Check out the Concord University Alumni Association website for all your up-to-date alumni news and updates. Please visit: concorduniversityalumni.com
CALENDAR of
events
MAY 6 Spring Commencement 10 am and 2 pm ceremonies Carter Center Athens, WV JUNE 1-4 Phi Sigma Epsilon/Phi Reunion Pipestem State Park Pipestem, WV JULY 17-19 Sigma Sigma Sigma 60's Reunion Pipestem State Park Pipestem, WV JULY 21 Pine Trees Summer Social 5:30 p.m. Home of JoAnna and Ott Fredeking Princeton, WV
Sigma Sisters Reunion If you were a member of Alpha Alpha chapter at Concord between 19641968, we are looking for you! There will be a reunion at Pipestem Resort July 17 - 19, 2017. The two-day event will include a tour of "The Campus Beautiful", the Sigma Lodge, an afternoon cookout on the Greenbrier River, and lots of fun, sisterhood, and laughter. For more information and to join the attendee list, contact Gwen Collins Russell (gr.bmbc@gmail.com) or Carol Zika (zikacarol@hotmail.com). Individual reservations are to be made with Pipestem for July 17 and 18. Come join us!
JULY 22 DC/Northern VA/Eastern Panhandle Alumni Event CU Night with the DC United 7pm RFK Stadium Washington, D.C. AUGUST 13 Athens-Concord Town Social Concord University Front Lawn Athens, WV AUGUST 14 Fall 2017 Semester begins SEPTEMBER 7 Alumni Tailgate Concord vs. U. of Charleston Laidley Field Charleston, WV OCTOBER 14 Homecoming 2017 Concord University Athens, WV For details on any of these events, please contact alumni@ concord.edu or 1-304-384-5348. We hope to CU soon! Spring 2017 • 4
Alumni Happenings Yankee Chapter Get-Together Scheduled for Homecoming Weekend The Yankee Chapter of the Concord University Alumni Association will hold its 2017 gathering during Concord’s Homecoming festivities the weekend of October 14th. There will be a get-together near campus on Friday and/or Saturday evening and the chapter will have a tailgate in the parking lot near Callaghan Stadium on game day. All Yankee Chapter members and friends are invited to attend the events. For details on the gettogether please contact Bob Gallione ’68 at rgallione@aol.com or 201-421-6819. Yankee Chapter friends cheer on the Mountain Lions at the CU vs. Shepherd game in Shepherdstown last October.
Concord Alums Catch Up During Charleston Alumni Event On March 2 alums from the Kanawha Valley gathered at the Charleston Marriott Town Center for an evening of socializing and visiting with CU President, Dr. Kendra Boggess. The event was held in conjunction with the WV Music Educators Association’s annual conference which allowed for many alums attending the conference from other parts of the state to meet with Dr. Boggess and catch up with fellow alums. A number of CU’s music faculty, along with members of the CU Advancement and Admissions offices, also attended the event.
Top (L to R): Dr. Tim Mainland, Dr. Jacob Womack and Dr. Kelly Hudson visit with Dr. Boggess. Bottom (L to R): Brittany Means Carowick ‘12 and Grace Hurney ‘12 catch up with Alumni Director Sarah Turner ’98. 5 • Spring 2017
Alumni Happenings Phi Sig Reunion Set for June 1-4
2015 Phi Sig Reunion
In June of 2015 nearly 70 Phi Sigma Epsilon/Phi fraternity brothers gathered at Pipestem State Park for their 55th reunion. Planning is well underway for the group's 57th reunion, which is set for June 1-4, 2017 at Pipestem. Activities for the weekend will include a Friday night cook out/social, a golf tournament Saturday morning and a dinner and dance on Saturday night. A block of rooms and cabins have been reserved for the reunion-- the
Keeping Up
block is being held until May 2 and you must mention that you are with the PHI SIG group when making your reservation. Please call 1-800-225-5982 or 304-466-1800 to reserve your room. Updates about the reunion are being sent out via email and Facebook but if you would like more information about the reunion please contact John Lecco at jlec@carolina.rr.com We hope to CU there!
With Concord
Social media has allowed people to keep in touch with individuals, groups and activities all across the globe and Concord is using some of these tools to keep its alumni connected to the University and each other. You can keep up with Concord through any (or all!) of the following outlets:
Facebook: Concord University Alumni Association, Inc. and Concord University
Snapchat: ConcordU1872
LinkedIn: Official Concord University page and
YouTube: CUCATVIDEO
Twitter: @CampusBeautiful and @ConcordUAlumni
the Official Concord University Alumni group
Pinterest: Concord University Alumni Association Instagram: ConcordUAlumni
We hope you will take advantage of each of these sites as a quick and easy way to keep up with Concord! Spring 2017 • 6
he semi-finals of the 11th Annual West Virginia Statewide Collegiate Business Plan Competition were held at Concord University on Nov. 11, 2016. The competition was hosted by the BrickStreet Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship in the College of Business and Economics at West Virginia University. Concord’s Division of Business assisted with the semi-final event on the Athens campus. The competing teams participated in interviews with the judges in the morning and presented their elevator pitches following lunch. Activities were held in University Point and the Student Center Ballroom. The date of the final competition at West Virginia University is April 21, 2017. A grand prize package consisting of a $10,000 cash prize, accounting, legal, and virtual or physical incubator space will be awarded to the top team in each of the three following categories: Lifestyle and Innovation, Hospitality and Tourism and STEM.
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CU STUDENTS EXCEL In Business Simulation
very semester students from Concord University participate in a competitive online business simulation called Capstone. Capstone simulates the management decision processes in a true-to-life, competitive environment. The Capstone business simulation is utilized by leading business schools in the U.S. and around the world. CapSim tracks the performance of participants through eight rounds of competition using a balanced scorecard, and reports on the companies with balanced scorecard results that are in the top ten percent of all simulated companies that have participated in the simulation in the last six months. The Strategic Management class at Concord University placed eight students, 40 percent of the Fall 2016 class, in this Top Ten list. In fact all eight students finished in the top 5 percent overall across the eight rounds. Those students are: Patrick Cadle, Ethan Richardson, Coleman Osborne, Amber Cordill, Dominick D’Angelo, Gretchen Reese, Jon Sedgwick and Daniel Gonzales. Concord hosted a brief award ceremony for these outstanding students the afternoon of Nov. 28 in the Nick Rahall Technology Center. Concord requires participation in the simulation as part of the business program capstone experience for
Dr. Jack Yeager with some of his Strategic Management Class.
students nearing graduation. Each Concord student assumes the role of CEO of a simulated company. Each company competes for sales, profits and market share while participants learn to read and understand financial sttatements, allocate resources and balance competing demands. Participants in a Capstone business simulation are faced with strategic decision making in a complex competitive marketplace. With five market segments and up to eight products to manage there is a challenging matrix of data and competitive variables. The experience emulates real-world challenges that corporate managers face every day. Some of the regional schools that competed in this cohort include Marshall University, University of North Carolina, Duke, Wake Forest, Ohio State, Penn State, University of Tennessee and Virginia Commonwealth University. Some of the more notable top 50 programs that competed in this cohort include Georgia Tech, Cornell, Notre Dame, and the Universities of California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin to name a few. Many of these programs never placed a team in the top 10 percent in any round, and only a handful placed teams in the top 10 percent overall across the eight rounds. Spring 2017 • 8
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CONCORD CELEBRATES THE SEASON With Holiday Open House
T
he Annual Holiday Open House the evening of Dec. 6 offered festive fun in the charming setting of University Point. Children enjoyed visiting with Santa Claus in the Erickson Alumni Lounge and decorating cookies in the Seminar Room. Campus musicians and a chorus of faculty and staff entertained with delightful seasonal tunes in the Wilkes Family Chapel.
The bells of the Marsh Memorial Carillon rang across the misty air as guests gathered on the patio. The Holiday Hall of Trees in the Pais Fellowship Hall formed a welcoming backdrop for savoring a cup of wassail and other refreshments. Campus offices and organizations decorated these delightful trees. The Office of Advancement hosted the open house.
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Concord Continues Support of the Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program Concord University student Ronni Wood wrote this article as part of a journalism practicum in the Office of Advancement. She is from Clothier, W.Va.
he spirit of giving is alive in Athens as the campus for others and people are willing to help if they Concord University community donated again will just ask,” said Lynnis Hill, Administrative Assistant in this past year to the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree the Student Center. Hill has worked with the Angel Tree program. Concord has been participating in the program since it arrived on campus in 1988. Angel Tree program since 1988, and has been “My donors come from faculty, staff, students and the making dreams come true for countless children since community as well,” she said. “I even have some students then. and offices ask about them before they arrive.” The Angel Tree program was created in 1979 when “Everyone is great to assist us with this project. If they Majors Charles and Shirley White, who were working in are afraid they can’t do it alone, I tell them to get with Lynchburg, Va., wrote the wishes of children on greeting friends or have their organization help sponsor the child,” cards that featured angels. They placed the cards on a she said. Christmas tree in a shopping mall, and shoppers could Every year after the gifts are due, the Salvation Army select the angel they wished to help with their Christmas returns to collect the mound of presents. “I wish everybody wishes. More than 700 could be here when they come children were given a to get them because it’s such better Christmas that a wonderful and exciting sight year alone. to see,” said Hill. The children The children receiving gifts included in the are not the only ones affected program are as young by these donations. Those as newborns and as giving gifts often enjoy the old as 14. The tags experience as well. “Last year hanging on the tree I asked if anyone wanted to in Concord’s Student tell me how they’re affected Center during the 2016 by doing this and I had a few holiday season included people to report that it made their first name, age, Christmas more special for sizes of clothing, and them and their children as toys they are interested they learned the meaning of in. Volunteers could giving to those less fortunate,” donate what was on said Hill. the tag, or anything “I just can’t imagine a child Andrew Sulgit, Director of Student Activities and the Student Center, and else they could afford or Lynnis Hill, Administrative Assistant in the Student Center, await the arrival of without a Christmas or a toy deemed appropriate. and I think there are a lot of Salvation Army personnel to collect the gifts. All of the 75 angels families who need this support. on Concord’s tree were It’s all about the kids,” she said. adopted within a week. Concord University is already a “I hope that we can continue to be of assistance to them giving campus, and the popularity of the angels proves so no child is forgotten, and that we’ll continue to share it. “When we look around at each other we realize we the hope of Christmas with those less fortunate and the are blessed. There are a lot of projects sponsored on Salvation Army in the future.”
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ART EDUCATION Students and Alums Present at State Conference Submitted by Dr. Lauri Reidmiller
eckley, W.Va. played host to the West Virginia Art Education Association 2016 State Conference in October. WVAEA is a state membership organization formed to support art programs in West Virginia. The purpose of WVAEA is to advance art education and promote the arts as essential elements in all West Virginia education programs. WVAEA works closely with other related agencies and organizations in support of art education. Among the presenters at the 2016 meeting were three alumni and four current students from Concord University’s Art Education program. Kimberly Sexton ’14 and Dr. Lauri Reidmiller, associate professor and director of Concord University’s Art Education Program, presented “Ledger Paintings” at the conference. Ledger art is a tradition of the Plains Indians. During the 1800s, many Native American men were forced into military prisons. There, they were given lined notebooks, called ledger books, from the U.S. soldiers, traders, missionaries, and reservation employees. The men used the paper to record their culture in the form of drawings. These images showed traditional life, heroic military accomplishments, sorrow, and homesickness. Ledger drawings reveal historic events that impacted the Plains people. Along with the Ledger presentation, Dr. Reidmiller also presented “Aboriginal Dot Painting.” The presentation focused on the history, processes, and techniques used to create Australian Dot Paintings. This interactive session also provided the art educators in attendance with methods to integrate these processes into their existing art curriculum. In addition, the participants created their own original pictographs. Assisting with the presentation were Concord University’s Art Education students Maddie Lester, Clara McIntosh, and Shelly Vaughan. Holly Pittman ’15, Art Education alum, presented a session detailing the Underground Railroad and the symbols used in quilts as a way for the African American slaves to communicate during their travels to safety. After studying the map to freedom and listening to a story based on the abolition of slavery, participants created their own original symbols. Current art education student, Kati Hatfield,
Dr. Lauri Reidmiller with current Art Education students, Maddie Lester, Clara McIntosh, and Shelly Vaughan presenting at the WVAEA 2016 fall conference.
presented a session on “Traditional Tie Dying.” She taught the participants various forms of tie dying techniques that have been used around the world for centuries. In this presentation, participants discovered some of the origins of this art form including Japanese Shibori, Indian Bandhai, and African Dashiki patterns, as well as traditional American tie dying. Linda Boyd ’12 presented a session on “Surrealism.” This presentation introduced methods to teach elementary age students about the Surrealist Art Movement. Participants created a piece of art modeled after artist, Joan Miro. Born in 1893, Miro was a famous Spanish artist who created sculptures, paintings, and worked as a ceramist. Born in the seaport city of Barcelona, home of 1992's Summer Olympics, he was a natural choice for this year’s conference. The lesson is designed to reflect Surrealism as an art form while opening discussions about elements of art and principles of design. Attending the conference gives the students an opportunity to network with educators from around the state. Since coming to Concord University, Dr. Reidmiller has made it a point to get her students actively involved with both state and national art education professional organizations. “My students have accompanied me to many conferences, so they are familiar with the convention environment. Many of my students have also taken me up on my offer to assist me with my own presentations and outreach projects. This handson approach combined with my in-class teaching methodology has given my students the skills and confidence to become actively involved. Now, many of them are leading their own presentations at the state level. I am so proud of them!” stated Dr. Reidmiller.
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Fall 2016 Class Celebrates Milestone
2017 GRAD FAIR Students Prepare for Commencement at Graduation Fair Concord’s soon-to-be graduates participated in an event in their honor on Feb. 6. Members of the Spring Class of 2017, including both seniors and graduate students, took part in a Graduation Fair held in the Ballroom of the Student Center. Activities from selfies with Roar and photos for the yearbook to ordering caps and gowns and checking in with the Business Office offered a fun and convenient way to prepare for the big occasion. Concord’s 2017 Spring Commencement is scheduled for May 6. The Office of Advancement coordinated the Graduation Fair with assistance from offices across campus.
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Members of the Fall 2016 class were honored at the Senior Dinner held on Dec. 1 in the Pais Fellowship Hall in University Point. The dinner, hosted by the Advancement Office, offered a delightful evening for the soon-to-be graduates and their guests. Senior Dinners have become a popular event at Concord and are held at the end of each semester prior to commencement.
Become a FRIEND of the J. Franklin Marsh Library at Concord University! The Joseph F. Marsh Library formally opened on November 29, 1941. The library has grown to over 157,087 volumes today, which include books, microfiche, magazines and bound periodicals. The library has been and continues to be a vital part of the educational program of Concord University. “Friends” are comprised of members who recognize the value of a quality library and want to support and enrich the services provided. Becoming a Friend is a terrific way to be involved in your community and to help promote a love of reading and learning. Your annual gift helps us • Expand access to online databases and journals • Improve library technology and build for the future • Purchase rare items for special collections • Sponsor readings and lectures for the benefit of the University as well as the area communities You can become a ”Friend of the Library” by sending your annual contribution to: Concord University Foundation, Inc. Friends of the Library Fund PO Box 1405 Athens, WV 24712 Or by calling 304-384-6266
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15 • Spring 2017
oncord University held its Eighteenth Fall Commencement on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016 in the Leslie R. and Ruby Webb Carter Center. The ceremony began at 11 a.m. in the main gym. Graduate and undergraduate candidates meeting requirements for graduation in the summer of 2016 and in December 2016 participated. Included were 42 graduate candidates and 146 undergraduate candidates. Along with candidates for graduation from West Virginia, candidates from out-of-state represented: Virginia, Texas, Florida, South Carolina, Indiana, Maryland, California, North Carolina and the District of Columbia. International students representing Bangladesh, Romania, Japan and Nigeria were also among the candidates for graduation. The Fall 2016 class included seven veterans and 39 individuals graduated with honors. Concord University President Kendra Boggess issued the welcome. Greetings from the Board of Governors were delivered by Elliot Hicks, chair of the Board of Governors. Dr. Joseph Allen, faculty president, offered greetings on behalf of the faculty. Greetings from the Alumni Association were brought by Adam Wolfe, president of the Alumni Association. Ronni Wood, president of the Student Government Association, delivered greetings from the Student Government Association. Valedictorian Allyssa Dawn Painter also offered remarks. A posthumous degree was awarded to Brittany Danielle Lilly. Her father, Mike Lilly, accepted the degree on behalf of the family. The Concord University Band and the ConChords provided musical selections prior to and during the program. A reception was held in the Carter Center small gym following the ceremony.
VALEDICTORIAN Valedictorian for the Fall 2016 Class was Allyssa Dawn Painter of Sissonville, W.Va. Painter received a Bachelor of Science in Education degree, summa cum laude. Her teaching field is Elementary Education K-6. “Being Concord’s valedictorian means that I have achieved a longtime goal of mine,” Painter said. “I graduated with a 4.0 from college. This is something that a lot of people, even some of my teachers and friends, told me was not possible. It means a lot to me to prove that it is possible, and I hope that other people also realize that it is entirely possible for them too,” she said. “It’s not easy to become valedictorian, and it’s not easy to maintain a 4.0, but it you want it badly enough and try hard enough, it just might come true for you too.” Painter plans to teach in an elementary classroom in a general education class, a special education class, or a gifted class. She intends to continue her education by obtaining a master’s degree in gifted education. Spring 2017 • 16
17 • Spring 2017
CONCORD CHARLIE Predicts an Early Spring! Award-winning Playwright and Actor Vain Colby Serves as Grand Groundhog Watcher at Annual Concord University Breakfast
Grand Groundhog Watcher Vain Colby
oncord Charlie did not see his shadow on Groundhog Day and predicted an early spring for “The Campus Beautiful.” Concord University Vice President and Academic Dean Dr. Peter Viscusi relayed the famed groundhog’s weather forecast to guests gathered for the 39th Annual Concord University Groundhog Day Breakfast held Feb. 2 in University Point’s Pais Fellowship Hall. “It’s going to be a short winter and it’s going to be mild,” Viscusi said. He said that while Concord Charlie
disagreed with Punxsutawney Phil, who called for six more weeks of winter, Concord’s weather prophet speaks for the Mountain State’s forecast. “The weather here in West Virginia is not the national weather,” he said. According to Groundhog Day tradition, if the groundhog sees his shadow the morning of Feb. 2, six more weeks of winter can be expected. An early spring will be on the way if he doesn’t see his shadow. Concord Charlie has been the official predictor of the coming of spring for 39 years on Groundhog Day at “The Campus Beautiful.” The Concord Charlie tradition was originated in 1978 by the late Professor R.T. “Tom” Hill. As chairman of both the geography department and the Appalachian Studies program at Concord, Hill started the Groundhog Day Breakfast as a means to celebrate a bit of Appalachian heritage and highlight the program. Charlie shared the spotlight at the breakfast with the 2017 Grand Groundhog Watcher, award-winning playwright and actor Vain Colby of Bluefield, W.Va. The Grand Groundhog Watcher honor is bestowed on an individual who has positively impacted life and culture in West Virginia. Colby is known for his original plays and his work with 4PALS Productions. A popular and successful theater personality, Colby is applauded by audiences across the region and beyond not only for his engaging stories but also for his commitment to providing theater opportunities for his neighbors. Originally from Northfork, W.Va., Colby studied communication arts and theatre at Concord. “Concord is my home and it’s good to be home again,” he said. Colby said he draws on his theatrical training from Concord in his work and values the guidance of professors who challenged him to expand his talents. “The lessons I learned here were priceless,” he said.
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Dr. Peter Viscusi announces an early spring
VP for Advancement Alicia Besenyei presents Vain Colby with the Grand Groundhog Watcher Award
Photo Guidelines We appreciate the photographs you share with us for possible inclusion in Concord’s magazine. To help us provide quality reproduction of photographs, we are offering the following guidelines for your information. Photographs need to be at least 300 dpi. Image file size needs to be at least 1mb per photo. Photos should be in jpeg format and taken with a camera and not a cellphone. If you have questions, please contact the Office of Advancement at advancement@concord.edu or 304-384-6311. Thank you!
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While Colby’s “The Passing of Pearl” received top honors at West Virginia’s state theater competition in 2010, he continues to receive acclaim with his new work, “The Eleventh Hour.” Along with writing “The Eleventh Hour,” Colby also has a leading role in the show. “The Eleventh Hour” is about two churches, one black and one white, and is based on the idea that worship at eleven o’clock on Sunday morning may be the most segregated hour of the week. The black church gets destroyed by Mother Nature and the white minister invites his black brothers and sisters to worship at his church. While the antics abound, the parishioners learn valuable lessons such as people are more alike than they are different. “Why wait to get to heaven to worship together,” Colby said. “It’s hard to divide us when we know each other.” As part of the morning’s festivities, the choir from “The Eleventh Hour” performed “Lean on Me” and “How I Got Over,” two selections from the show. In honor of Black History Month, Concord hosted a performance of “The Eleventh Hour” on Feb. 9 in the Main Theatre of the Fine Arts Center.
CONCORD REPRESENTED AT HEALTHY CAMPUS CHALLENGE DAY at The White House
First Lady Michelle Obama joins representatives from Healthy Campus Challenge winning schools for a group photo during the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Healthy Campus Challenge Winner Day in the East Room of the White House, Jan 13, 2017. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)
oncord University participated in Healthy Campus Challenge Day at the White House on Friday, Jan. 13, 2017. Concord received the honor for having completed criteria for the Healthy Campus Challenge and being named a White House Healthy Campus. CU was one of three West Virginia institutions and 350 nationwide to participate in the Challenge. Accepting the challenge entailed a commitment to making campuses and communities healthier by encouraging uninsured individuals to enroll in health care coverage for 2017. Representing Concord at the Healthy Campus Challenge Day were Dr. Sarah Beasley, Director of Retention; Ms. Ronni Wood, Student Government Association President;
and Dr. Marjie Flanigan, Vice President of Student Affairs & Dean of Students. “It is an honor to be recognized for Concord’s overall commitment to health and wellness. We encourage all students, faculty, and staff to lead healthy lifestyles and take preventative measures to ensure emotional and physical health,” Flanigan said. Concord hosted an on-campus registration day for health care coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplaces on Dec. 8 for students, community members, and employees who may not have health insurance through Concord’s PEIA. Partnering with Concord for the registration day were Head Start (CASE of WV) and Jeremy Smith of First Choice Services/WV NaviCare. Spring 2017 • 20
CONCORD WELCOMES HOPPY KERCHEVAL
Hoppy Kercheval during the live broadcast
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egendary West Virginia broadcaster Hoppy Kercheval brought his talents – and his radio show – to campus on Nov. 15, 2016 for a live broadcast during Media Day. Later that evening, Kercheval served as keynote speaker for the Concord University Foundation, Inc.’s BeckleyRaleigh County Dinner. Kercheval, the radio “dean” of West Virginia broadcasters, joined West Virginia Radio Corporation in 1976. Through the years his assignments have spanned the gamut to include news, sports, and talk. A native of Summit Point in Jefferson County, Hoppy began as a news anchor/reporter at WAJR in Morgantown while still attending West Virginia University. After graduating with honors from WVU, Kercheval took over as news director at WAJR and began carving an identity as one of the leading broadcasters in West Virginia. A founding father of MetroNews, Kercheval served as News Director until assuming the role of Vice President of Operations in 1991. In 1993, he created MetroNews Talkline, which has become a signature program of the network. Hoppy’s gift of interviewing has made Talkline a mustlisten for lawmakers and anyone interested in state politics and the day’s top news events. Kercheval has a Master of Science in Journalism degree from WVU. He also has an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from West Virginia Wesleyan. Kercheval has received a number of honors over the years, including the Mel Burka Award, which is given annually by the West Virginia Broadcasters Association to the state’s top broadcaster. Most recently, Hoppy was a member of the 2015 class of broadcasters inducted into the West Virginia Broadcasters Hall of Fame. An avid traveler, Hoppy’s adventures have taken him to 19 different countries around the world. He and his wife, Karin, live in Morgantown. Kercheval has one son, Ben, who lives in Denton, Texas where he is a writer for CBS Sports.
TALKLINE AIRS LIVE DURING MEDIA DAY Media Day at Concord on Nov. 15, 2016 featured a live broadcast of the MetroNews show Talkline. Acclaimed broadcaster Hoppy Kercheval, host of the show, interviewed campus representatives and later fielded questions from the CU broadcasting students in attendance. The broadcast aired from the State Room in the Student Center. Along with members of the Concord community, area media representatives also attended the event.
Dr. Jack Yeager
Hoppy Kercheval interviews Dr. Kendra Boggess
FOUNDATION’S BECKLEY-RALEIGH COUNTY DINNER BENEFITS STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS AND CAMPUS PROJECTS The Concord University Foundation, Inc. held the Beckley-Raleigh County Dinner on Nov. 15, 2016 at Tamarack in Beckley, W.Va. This fundraising event helps support Concord University and its students. Renowned West Virginia broadcaster Hoppy Kercheval provided the keynote address. “The Concord University Foundation is so grateful to everyone that supported the Beckley-Raleigh County Dinner,” said Bren Yeager, Executive Director of the Concord University Foundation. “The money we raise goes directly to student scholarships and campus projects,” she said. “We are so fortunate to have great community support for our students.” The Concord University Foundation acknowledges the generosity of the following individuals, organizations and businesses. Friends of the Foundation: Aramark, First
Community Bank, Dr. Brad Lane’02 and Hugh I. Shott, Jr. Foundation. Table Sponsors: The Gregory and Lorraine Allen Foundation, Greg Allen’70, BB&T, Ted and Kendra Boggess, Brown Edwards, Chick-fil-A, Judge J. Hutchinson, Judge H.L. Kirkpatrick, David and Sandy Kirby, David Kirby ’79, Mountaineer Automotive, Pace Family Foundation, Inc., Paramount Builders, R.T. “Ted” and Susan Rogers and United Bank.
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CONCORD UNIVERSITY MARKS 145TH ANNIVERSARY with FOUNDERS’ DAY CEREMONY
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oncord University held a Founders’ Day Ceremony on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 in honor of its 145th anniversary. On Feb. 28, 1872 the school received its charter from the West Virginia Legislature. The afternoon ceremony took place in the Main Auditorium of the Alexander Fine Arts Center. “Founders’ Day is a time to celebrate the rich history and promising future of Concord,” said Dr. Kendra Boggess, Concord University President in her opening remarks. Keynote speaker Mr. David A. Barnette explained how the special contributions of two professors helped shape his academic experience at Concord. Barnette, Counsel and Member of Jackson Kelly PLLC in Charleston, W.Va. and Vice Chair of the Concord University Board of Governors, graduated from Concord in 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science.
Keynote Speaker David Barnette '74
He earned a master’s degree in political science from Marshall University in 1975 and joined Jackson Kelly in 1979 upon receiving his Juris Doctor degree from The University of Dayton. Barnette said Dr. Jack McMichael, a philosophy professor, taught his students to use critical thinking. His gift from political science professor Dr. Edwin Renalds Van Deusen was training in looking at situations from different perspectives, he said. “You have a tremendous opportunity to teach and educate students,” Barnette said to the faculty and other members of the audience. “I want to thank Concord University for the opportunities it gave me.” The Founders’ Day celebration also offered a time to honor faculty, staff and students. Presidential Excellence Awards were presented to individuals who have demonstrated dedication and service to Concord University and the surrounding community. Award recipients include: Faculty Presidential Excellence Award, Mr. Lonnie Bowe, Dr. Bill Ofsa and Dr. Joan Pendergast; Classified Staff Presidential Excellence Award, Mr. Eric Jewell, Ms. Miranda Martin, Mr. Doug Moore and Ms. Andrea Webb; Non-Classified Staff Presidential Excellence Award, Mrs. Alicia Besenyei and Mrs. Connie Shumate; Student Presidential Excellence Award, Mr. Blake Farmer, Ms. Chelsea Goins and Ms. Sarah Woody; and, Auxiliary Staff Presidential Excellence Award, Mrs. Anna Bell, Mrs. Melanie Farmer and Mrs. Florence Sargent. The Concord University ConChords and the Concord University Band provided musical selections during the ceremony. A reception followed the program in the Alexander Fine Arts lobby.
Recessional led by Dr. Timothy Mainland, Grand Marshal (left) Attendees enjoy a reception following the Founders' Day Ceremony (below)
Student presidential excellence award winners
From left to right: Sarah Woody, Blake Farmer and Chelsea Goins
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Nikki Giovanni and CU President Dr. Kendra Boggess
Concord University student Ronni Wood wrote this article as part of a journalism practicum in the Office of Advancement. She is from Clothier, W.Va.
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aughter abounded in the Alexander Fine Arts Auditorium when poet Dr. Nikki Giovanni, one of the best known African American poets of the 60s and 70s, came to speak at Concord University the afternoon of Nov. 7th. Concord’s Student Support Services, Black Student Union, Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Student Center partnered to bring Giovanni to campus to read her poetry, talk about her life, give advice, and answer questions. The event was made possible with a West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission Diversity for Equity Grant. Giovanni was born in Knoxville, Tenn. and grew up mostly in Cincinnati, Ohio. She graduated from Fisk University, is currently a distinguished professor at Virginia Tech, and has a long list of awards including several from the NAACP.
Because Giovanni is an honorary member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, members of the sorority presented her with a pound cake and flowers during the visit. Coming to the stage with loose, comfortable clothing, a multicolored patchwork backpack, and bright red shoes, Nikki Giovanni is a sight to behold. As unique as she is to see, Giovanni is quite the speaker as well. Giovanni began the afternoon by telling a story about her love of television shows like “Jeopardy” and “Deal or No Deal,” and that she wanted to go on the show because she knew how to be successful. After her students protested, Giovanni wrote her poem “Deal or No Deal” to tell her students that you “can’t go through life unless you’re willing to make a fool of yourself,” as she says. From there, Giovanni shifted into talking about how to make America a better idea, including
Nikki Giovanni with students, faculty and staff during a luncheon in her honor.
sending writers into space just to see what they dream up. She said writers dream things, and science makes the dream happen. Giovanni also said she asked her friend in NASA to send her into space. She says this is because, “you and I have to continue that dream of where do we go?” Giovanni also talked about historical figures she met or knew personally, including Rosa Parks, Margaret Walker, Medgar Evers, Maya Angelou, and Fannie Lou Hamer. She told stories about each of them, and read the poem she wrote after Rosa Parks died. Writers are important to Giovanni, since she teaches writing herself. She gave advice to writers in the crowd, talking about her own writing process and telling people not to be discouraged. She said “for those of us who want to be writers you have a story to tell. You have to write your story.” She also told future writers they should “tell the truth as you know it.” “Any of you interested in
writing, I would say not to worry about what anyone else is accepting and just write what you believe in. Remember you are the first reader and it has to affect you. Trust yourself and write the story you want to write and don’t let anyone else tell you what to do,” Giovanni continued later. Giovanni gave bits of life advice throughout her discussion as well, telling everyone, “we cannot let people laugh at us and we cannot let people knock us down.” She also reminded everyone “there’s something that you’ll want to do and you’ll think you can’t do it, but you can.” Giovanni’s last advice covered everything else when she said, “you don’t need advice, you need to fall in love.” Her presentation was followed by a book signing in the lobby. Giovanni has 28 books currently published, with “A Good Cry” coming out soon. Giovanni also had the opportunity to visit with students, faculty and staff during a luncheon in her honor earlier in the day.
"You can't go through life unless you're willing to make a fool of yourself." Spring 2017 • 26
By Dr. Kipp Cortez 27 • Spring 2017
Joseph F. Marsh Endowed Assistant Professor of Music
Since 1997 Concord University has been home to a unique musical instrument. Standing at the center of the Administration building, the carillon was a gift from the late Joseph Franklin Marsh, Jr., who served as president of Concord from 1959 to 1973. he instrument has forty-eight bells, the largest of these weighs 4,310 pounds. The smallest weighs twenty-nine pounds. Concord is proud to have the only grand carillon in the state of West Virginia. It is one of 177 carillons in North America, including three in Mexico and eleven in Canada. A carillon (pronounced CARE-ILL-AHN) is a musical instrument containing at least twenty-three chromatically arranged, bronze bells. Wires connect the bells to a keyboard that is touch-expressive like the piano, that is to say, how hard or soft a key is played will alter how loud or soft the bell sounds. Like the pipe organ, the carillon has a pedal board, playing the lowest two octaves. Because these bells are heavier, the feet of the performer are well-equipped to play these notes. While a computer operates an hour strike mechanism, no electronic components of any kind are in use when someone plays this instrument. The carillon was first built in the Low Countries (The Netherlands, Belgium, and portions of Northern France), and many of the carillons in the world are still found there. They are located at college campuses, religious institutions, botanic gardens,
city parks, and government buildings. The most recent carillon installation was in 2014 at Oakland University in Rochester Hills, Michigan. A new carillon is due to be completed on the campus of Salisbury University in Maryland in 2017. After a period of inactivity, the Marsh Memorial Carillon at Concord had fallen out of playability. Several wires had broken and several moving parts had begun to rust. In October of 2016, Concord contracted with ChimeMaster Systems of Lancaster, Ohio to come and make the necessary repairs to return the carillon to playing condition. This included replacement of broken components and re-location of several of the large bells within the bell frame. The careful attention given by Ben White and Nathan Crook ensured that this instrument will resound over “The Campus Beautiful” once again. I gave the first performance, a short recital preceding the Halloween “Spooktacular” concert on October 28, 2016. The official “re-dedicatory” performance took place on November 14, 2016. On this program, I played a mix of original pieces composed for the carillon, classical transcriptions, hymn settings, and arrangements of popular music. The repertory of the carillon includes all of Spring 2017 • 28
Dr. Kipp Cortez, Joseph F. Marsh Endowed Assistant Professor of Music
these things, offering something for everyone and something new for everyone. My interest in the carillon began in 2012 when I was in graduate school for organ at the University of Michigan. The Ann Arbor campus is one of three universities to feature two carillons owned by the same institution (along with Grand Valley State University and Indiana University). Owing to the coordination of hands and feet demanded of me as an organist, I was able to take on challenging music within a short amount of time. In June of 2015, I completed the Carillonneur exam certification, the principal credential for professional carillonneurs offered by the Guild of Carillonneurs in North America.
Since the repairs of the Marsh Memorial Carillon were completed, I have been giving regular, informal performances on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4 p.m. During these times, the public is invited to come upstairs to the tower room where the keyboard is located to see it being played. The instrument will also be played for academic convocations, commencements, alumni events, and other major university events. Concord students with some musical background are invited to audition for lessons. On your next visit to Athens, come to “The Campus Beautiful” to enjoy some true “heavy metal” music.
DID YOU KNOW? Did you know that ordering your Concord alumni gear is as easy as a few clicks of the mouse? Anyone can order Concord items through the Concord University Bookstore website.
Just visit http://www.bkstr.com/concordstore/home to see what is available and to place your order. This service allows alums to show their Concord pride no matter where they are!
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THE BETTY BAILEY AND SARA STEVENS
Scholarship Fund Remembers Teachers for Dedication to Students Sara Stevens '82
scholarship for Concord University students honors the memory of a mother and daughter for their legacy as educators. The Betty Bailey and Sara Stevens Scholarship Fund acknowledges these two remarkable individuals not only for their contributions as teachers, but also for their dedication in encouraging students to go to college and helping them secure the funding to pursue this goal. “I wanted her work in trying to get scholarships for children to continue,” Betty’s husband Gene Bailey said about why he established the scholarship. Mr. Bailey said their daughter, Sara, encouraged many homeschooled children to pursue postsecondary education. The Bailey family has a long tradition of attending and supporting Concord. Both Betty and Sara graduated from Concord and Gene, who is a retired educator and resident of Camp Creek, W.Va., is a 1957 alum. “Concord has been very much a part of our family,” he said. “All of our children attended Concord.” Now, Sara’s children are counted among the University’s alums and SCHOLARSHIP SPOTLIGHT
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current students. Elizabeth “Betty” Brock Bailey grew up in Princeton, W.Va. She graduated from Concord in 1958. Furthering her education, she completed some graduate work at the University of Kentucky and West Virginia University. Betty started her career at Narrows High School, spending a brief time at the Virginia school. She returned to West Virginia and served as librarian at Matoaka High School in Mercer County for nearly three decades,
“I wanted her work in trying to get scholarships for children to continue.”
retiring in 1988. Her contributions as an educator also included serving as an officer in an association for classroom teachers. While working and into retirement, Betty dedicated herself to encouraging
students to attend college and providing them with the opportunities to make higher education a reality. Betty saw the potential in students and encouraged and cultivated that ability, Mr. Bailey said about his late wife. “She was especially interested in the ones that maybe weren’t the best students but had real ability,” he said. Sara Bailey Stevens graduated from Concord in 1982. She met her husband, Dave Stevens ’81, at Concord and they were married for nearly 32 years until her passing in August 2013. Sara taught at Spanishburg Elementary School in Mercer County for six years. She earned a master’s degree from West Virginia University in 1987. Sara homeschooled her six children from 1993-2013. Mr. Bailey said that both Betty and Sara were active members of the Ruritan Club and worked with that organization’s scholarship program. The Betty Bailey and Sara Stevens Scholarship Fund is held by the Concord University Foundation, Inc. For more information about the scholarship contact the Foundation at 304-384-6056.
DANIEL W. FARLEY '67
Estate Planning: Remembering Concord Daniel W. Farley '67
ontributing to the work and mission of Concord University can take many forms. For Rev. Dr. Daniel W. Farley ’67 remembering Concord in his will is a way he is offering his support. He explains what motivates him to donate to his alma mater. “Regardless of whether it is a regular or deferred giving, reasons for support focus on appreciation for the education that I received at the University, superb guidance received from particular professors, and how all of this combined to aid in preparing me for a successful and productive professional life,” he said. Farley graduated from Princeton High School in 1962. He received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree, with a concentration in personnel administration, from Concord. As a student, he played basketball and tennis, earning a letter in tennis. He was honored by Concord in 1996 by being named a Distinguished Alumni Speaker. When asked what makes Concord a special place, Farley responds that it is the people. “Professors and leaders that I know associated with the organization
have the interest of the geographical area at heart and that is something, in my opinion, that needs continuous affirmation,” he said. After graduating from Concord, Farley continued his education by earning a master’s degree in social work from West Virginia University in 1971 and a Ph.D. in healthcare management from Century University in 1995. In the late 1990s, he was ordained a deacon in the United Methodist Church, West Virginia Annual Conference. Farley served for more than 33 years as the President/Chief Executive Officer for GlenWood Park, Incorporated. The retirement village is located in Mercer County, West Virginia. He retired from the post in January 2013 with a distinguished and dedicated record of leadership and service. Upon retirement, GlenWood’s Board of Trustees honored him with the title of President Emeritus, the first such naming in the history of the organization. Among the professional groups benefiting from his experience and expertise is the American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA). He led the organization as president
from 1994-95. In November 2013 he was named ACHCA’s Fellow Emeritus by the College’s Board of Directors. Reflecting on his career throughout the decades, Farley said, “My focus was on people and serving them at varied levels, in various ways.” In retirement he has completed writing a book dealing with his experiences. “The book is entitled ‘God's Call To Service and Leadership,’” he said. “It is an autobiography calling attention to my cultural background, its impact upon my life and career in developing various professional understandings of leadership.” Farley said the book is now in the hands of the publisher, Christian Faith Publishing of Meadville, Pa., with plans for it to be available in the summer of 2017. Farley served at GlenWood with his wife, Betty, for more than 33 years. He has two daughters, Kathy Jo Quesenberry and Julia Anne Noland, and six grandchildren. He lives in Princeton, W.Va.
DONOR SPOTLIGHT
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CAMPBELLS IN
CU Professors and Their Family Spending Spring Semester in Morocco wo Concord University professors are spending the Spring 2017 semester living and working in Morocco. Husband and wife, Dr. David Campbell and Dr. Andrea Campbell, are currently utilizing their skills and experience at George Washington Academy in Casablanca. Dr. David Campbell is a Professor of Health Education and Chair of the Department of Human Performance at Concord. Dr. Andrea Campbell is an Associate Professor of Education. Joining the Campbells on this adventure are their four children: Grace, 14; Sarah, 13; Elijah, 11; and Erin, 9. George Washington Academy (GWA) is a college preparatory academy serving students from nursery through 12th grade. The Campbells learned about GWA in November 2015 during the National NAEYC convention in Orlando, Fla., where they were both presenting research. In between sessions they visited the exhibit floor where approximately 2000 vendors were present. Andrea, and then CU student Amber Jessee ’15, who was also presenting at the conference, paused at the GWA display. A conversation ensued with the GWA representative who was recruiting prospective teacher educators for the Moroccan institution. Initially, they weren’t keen on the opportunity being presented to them recalling, “The three of us politely expressed our disinterest.” Dave and Andrea changed their minds, however, when they returned home. Back in West Virginia, the professors said they “felt as if this was something we should have considered more earnestly.” They said they then “thoughtfully and prayerfully
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considered whether or not to explore the option to spend an extended time overseas.” Deciding to pursue the opportunity, the Campbells next needed the approval of administrators at both Concord and GWA. After discussing their proposal with both institutions, arrangements were made for them to spend the spring semester at GWA. They said GWA leadership agreed upon a 6-month appointment for them in Morocco. Concord’s administration, including Dr. Kendra Boggess and Dr. Peter Viscusi, along with their Concord colleagues, also supported the arrangement. With their plans cemented, the Campbell family left the United States for Morocco on Dec. 29, 2016. They are now living and working on the GWA campus. “GWA has been supportive in nurturing our professional interests,” they explained. The school, they added, has “creatively looked for ways” for them to “best serve the mission of the Academy” while they are there. “We came to Morocco with a service-oriented mindset and intend to keep that mindset throughout our stay here.” Among their contributions to the school are conducting academic and organizational audits, curriculum planning and development, targeted behavior interventions with students, college prep and academic transition counseling (both student and parents), advising teachers in graduate study options and substitute teaching. The Campbells said they are “very grateful” for “how gracious and supportive the CU community has been in supporting our work in Morocco.”
For the Spring 2017 semester, Dave and Andrea explain that they have been able to engage students from North Africa, manage their instructional loads, administrative responsibilities, and the supervising of research via distance learning portal. Being surrounded by a different culture has given the Campbells opportunities for many new experiences. From language to travel to cuisine, the family members are taking advantage of their current environment. While they admit a language barrier does exist that has been somewhat limiting to their cultural immersion, the family is busy learning the languages being spoken around them. According to the Campbells, “the two primary languages spoken in the region are French and Darija (regional Arabic).” The entire family is enrolled in a French class with the younger children also taking Arabic. Along with learning new languages together, the family is also enjoying “exploring different areas of Morocco.” A special highlight of their travels has been a day trip to the capital of Morocco, Rabat, where they visited the medina. Visits to the desert and Spain are also part of the itinerary. Whether dining at home, at school or in a restaurant, the Campbells are enjoying the new dishes and foods they are encountering. Shopping at the market for fresh produce has also been a learning experience. The pace of Moroccan life is different from that in the United States, the Campbells have discovered. “What we like best about living in Morocco is the lifestyle that living internationally brings. While some things are more difficult, the
pace of living is much slower,” they said. Both Andrea and Dave are planning to utilize what they have learned from their Moroccan experience when they return to their classrooms at Concord. “I plan to encourage my students to consider life from a global perspective,” Dave said. “The world is becoming much smaller when you can be in North Africa from Washington D.C. in six and a half hours.” “The thing that I am most excited to utilize in my classrooms upon returning to Concord is what I have learned in regard to working with English Language Learners (ELL),” Andrea said. “Additionally, being able to work in and observe children in a predominately Muslim culture has enabled me to respect differences that are unique to the children and families here, all the while seeing the many ways we are similar. “Finally, I plan to strongly encourage students to consider teaching internationally,” she said. The Campbell family has plans to return to the United States in June 2017.
Shops offer a variety of goods. Dave and Andrea Campbell in front of George Washington Academy. Purchasing a rug to take back to West Virginia.
To learn more about the Campbells’ experiences in Morocco visit their blog at: campbellsgotomorocco.wordpress.com
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Dr. Milton Edge
CONCORD HOLDS SPECIAL PLACE IN EDGE AND LIVELY FAMILY TREE by SARAH LIVELY TURNER
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hen asked to tell my Concord “story” I always start out by saying that I literally wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for Concord. My parents started dating while they were both students at Concord, so if their paths hadn’t crossed while they were in college then I doubt they would have ever married and I would not be here today to share how Concord is such a part of my family’s legacy. Concord became a part of my family’s life back in 1962 when my mom and her parents moved to Athens from Texas for my grandfather, Dr. Milton Edge, to work at Concord. He originally came to Concord to serve as the university Registrar and Director of Admissions. During his career at Concord he also held the positions of Vice President and Academic Dean and Special Assistant to the President. He retired from Concord in 1980 but remained in the area until his passing in 1999. My dad, Ronald Lively ’71, came to Concord after spending a few years in the United States Air Force. He began his college career at Bluefield College on a basketball scholarship, but when he returned to West Virginia after his time in the Air Force he decided to enroll at Concord where he pursued a Biology degree. He joined the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity at Concord and also played music during his college days. After college he remained close to many of his fraternity brothers and was a regular attendee at the various get togethers and reunions the TKEs hosted over the years. My dad made many lifelong friends while at Concord and shared countless stories with me about his time on "The Campus Beautiful" until his passing in 2006.
Photos from left to right: Sarah Lively Turner '98 with her father Ronald Lively '71 and step mother Sandra Stanley '72 Sarah Turner and her mother Nancy Edge Lively '75 Family photo from Sarah's graduation The family legacy continues with Sarah's cousin Kathryn Streit '16
My mom, Nancy Edge Lively ’75, began taking classes at Concord during her senior year at Athens High School and then enrolled full-time after graduating in 1971. Some of her best friends growing up were the children of other college employees and being around many of the faculty and staff gave her a familiarity with the campus that many other students didn’t have. Her campus involvement included the Fencing Club, the Student Government Association, Ecology Club, the Debate Team, College Center Activities Board, serving as a Justice on the Student Court and serving on "The Concordian" staff. She graduated with her Education degree in the spring of 1975. My mom’s sister, Holly Edge Streit ’92, also chose Concord for her college studies, graduating with an Education degree as well. My parents did not stay married, but when my dad re-married he added another Concord alum to my family story. He married Sandra Stanley ’72 in 1983. Sandi was also an Education major originally from Greenbrier County in West Virginia. For me the choice to attend Concord was a simple one—in fact Concord was the only college I even applied to. I attended Athens High School just like my mom and aunt did and spending so much time on campus for high school and summer activities helped me to realize what a special place Concord was long before that first day of my freshman year. Plus there was something even more meaningful to me about following in my parents footsteps and attending the same college that they had, having some of the same professors that they did and walking the same hallways that they did on my way to class every day. I started at Concord in the fall of 1994 and can honestly say I loved every minute of my college experience. I majored in Business Administration and minored in Communications, even though adding a minor meant an extra semester on campus. I joined Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority and was honored to serve as Chapter President in 1997. I was also a member of the Student Government
Association, Gamma Beta Phi and served on "The Concordian" staff before graduating. The Concord legacy for my family did not end with me—there was one more person who also made the decision to get a quality college education close to home. My cousin, Kathryn Streit ’16, made Concord graduate number six for our family when she received her Sociology degree last May. Katy was also involved in campus life as a member of Delta Zeta sorority, the Honors Program, Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity (of which she was also a part of their Mock Trial Team) and the Student Conduct Board. Serving as the Director of Alumni Affairs at Concord University since 2011, I’ve had the privilege of hearing many stories from alumni about their memories on "The Campus Beautiful" and about how special CU is to them. This is by far my favorite thing about my job because Concord means just as much to my family as it does to theirs. I share their fondness for this place and will forever be grateful to this outstanding institution for educating most of my family, for the countless friendships I’ve developed with CU students, staff and alumni and for giving my grandfather that job opportunity all those years ago which set the wheels for my family and our Concord legacy in motion.
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Jim '60 and Joyce '60 Coiner
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JIM COINER
Professor of Art, Emeritus This feature catches up with former faculty and staff and asks them to update us about their life today while sharing some memories of their days at Concord. Background I was born and reared in Webster Springs, WV during the last years of the great depression. I lived a “Tom Sawyer/Huckleberry Finn boyhood” by the banks of the Elk River. I, like many young people during that time, read a lot of adventure books as there was no entertainment such as television. In 1952 I graduated from Webster Springs High School. Soon after graduation I went to Charleston and finally found a job unloading tractor trailer trucks at Sears. I soon realized that a better career would require a college education! During that time financial aid was a very scarce commodity. Therefore, I joined the United States Air Force during the Korean conflict and served four years. After an exciting time as a radar controller in the USAF I arrived at Concord College to begin a career in art studies. While at the college, I met a Concord girl, Joyce Hedrick, the love of my life, from Greenbrier County and that was it! We both graduated in May, 1960 and our wedding followed a week later. We located at Ohio University where I received the two year MFA degree and Joyce taught elementary school there. Following my graduating Ohio University I taught art for five years at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN. After teaching at Bluefield State College for two years, a dream came true when I returned to Concord as an Assistant Professor or Art. Our daughter, Cherie Elizabeth, is a 1991 Concord graduate and was an admissions counselor at Concord for nine years. She is now the Scholarship Coordinator at Radford University. Cherie is married to Ron Durbin and they have an eight year old son, Barrett.
How long did you work at Concord? What positions did you hold? What did you teach?
I taught thirty-one years at Concord and seven years at other colleges for a total of thirty-eight years. At Concord I was assistant professor, associate professor and professor. I served as Chairman of the Art Department until that position was consolidated within the Division of Fine Arts. I taught art and advertising art. What did you find especially rewarding during your time at Concord?
One of my most rewarding experiences at Concord was writing a career oriented degree program and seeing graduates become successful advertising designers, both within West Virginia and throughout the eastern U.S. What is the best athletic event you have attended at Concord?
I especially enjoy the homecoming games. Perhaps the most interesting event took place one year when Concord invited all of the former U.S. Army Air Corps Aviation Cadets who were stationed at Concord during World War II. They had a rigorous academic and physical education program along with a basic flying course held at the old Princeton Airport to prepare them for more advanced Air Force flight schools. A surprising large number of former cadets came from all over the United States. I was able to persuade my uncle from the Lewisburg area who was in his late eighties to come and celebrate the occasion since he had been in charge of the flight program for cadets at Concord during the war. In the homecoming parade he rode with Joyce, Cherie, a cadet, and me in our antique Studebaker convertible. It was planned for the cadets to ride in antique automobiles. However, a few of the cadets, even though elderly, wanted to march, some wearing their WW II service caps, etc! Spring 2017 • 38
How many Presidents and Deans did you work under while at Concord?
I had the pleasure of working under five presidents and seven deans.
What offices did you hold, what committees did you serve on, and what organizations were you involved in while at Concord? What honors and awards did you receive from Concord?
Most of my committee assignments were curriculum related within the art department. I was the sponsor of the Graphic Design Club. Are you, and if so, how are you staying connected with students?
I hear from some of my former students especially at holidays. I also have some contact in social media, by telephone, and best of all, in person.
the finest CAP squadron headquarters in the Eastern U.S. One of my main interests has been flying search and rescue planes in actual and practice missions. (I have recently completed fifty years as a private pilot.) The CAP tasks include searches for missing aircraft, illegal drug operations, homeland security, and a variety of other related activities. In addition, our cadet corps is outstanding and does amazing tasks such as hiking through the woods looking for downed aircraft, attending encampments, and flying real glider planes, etc. Joyce and I are active members of the Princeton Presbyterian Church. I continue with my art activities, mainly drawings that depict social and psychological areas about human conditions. In addition, our grandson and I have been building a balsa wood airplane the old fashioned way, like I used to build when I was a youngster.
How are you involved in the life of the University today?
I occasionally attend University events.
Where do you live now? What are some of your activities, interests as a retiree? What hobbies, projects, community service and civic organizations are you involved with now?
Joyce and I live about three miles south of Athens on a three thousand foot elevation ridge top where we have lived for forty-three years. Along with spectacular views every day we see the University and often hear the Concord band playing. I have served for more than thirty years in the Civil Air Patrol, an official United States Air Force Auxiliary. I now hold the rank of Lt. Col. in our Mercer County squadron. I have held a variety of positions such as Deputy Commander, Public Affairs Officer, Flight Operations Officer, etc. One of my biggest challenges was helping raise a half million dollars for a new modern facility at the Mercer County Airport which is regarded 39 • Spring 2017
Original artwork by Jim Coiner
DIVISION OF BUSINESS, MERCER COUNTY SCHOOLS Sign Articulation Aggreement oncord for our students. University’s It is a pleasure to Division of work with Concord Business and University in this Mercer County area. It is a ‘win Schools signed win’ situation for an articulation Mercer County agreement on Feb. Schools as well 22 that will enable as Concord the county’s high University.” school students “We are happy to earn college to partner with credit in business Mercer County courses while still Schools to provide in high school. a gateway to The purpose of higher education this articulation and to work with agreement is and educate a to establish a new generation of Participating in the signing of the articulation agreement are front row, from left, Dr. Kendra Boggess, Concord University President; Todd Browning, Assistant Superintendent, Mercer collaboration business leaders,” County Schools; and Rosemary Mitchell, Director of Technical and Adult Education, Mercer between Concord said Dr. Susan County Technical Education Center. Back row, from left, Dr. Susan Robinett, Concord University University and Robinett, Concord Division of Business Chair; Dr. Peter Viscusi, Concord University Vice President and Academic Mercer County University Division Dean; and Kimberly Rotenberry, Recruitment & Technical Center Facilitator, Mercer County Schools. This of Business Chair. Technical Education Center. agreement “Signing the while they are completing provides a systematic plan articulation agreement with CU their high school graduation for students to enter Concord provides business students from requirements. These bright University to pursue a four-year the Mercer County Technical degree in Business Administration students are making great use of Education Center the opportunity their study time in high school in or other programs at Concord to earn up to 12 college hours order to be prepared for successful while in high school,” said University with possibly a experiences in higher education minimum of 3 and up to 12 credit Rosemary Mitchell, Director of and their eventual careers,” said hours of college credit earned Technical and Adult Education, Dr. Kendra Boggess, Concord through high school credit. Mercer County Technical Officials from both entities were University President. Education Center. “Students who “Articulation agreements on hand for the signing that took complete the business program place in the Concord Room located with colleges provide a great can essentially earn a semester of opportunity for our students to in Marsh Hall on the Athens college credit free of charge. It is have a head start on college,” campus. an exciting time for MCTEC and said Dr. Deborah S. Akers, Mercer “Concord University is pleased CU!” County Schools Superintendent. to offer Mercer County students “It also provides us an assurance the opportunity to earn college that our programs are on target credits in the Business Division in providing a quality program
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BEYON
By KAREN VURANCH
Theatre Director and Instructor
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the classr
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The full cast of “Suddenly, Last Summer,” left to right, includes Megan Perdue, Sam Stockton, Brianna Duckworth, Brooke King, Mary Trent and Trace Crum.
sroom:
Variety of Theatre Experiences Available for CU Students he H.C. Paul Theatre is the small theatre in the Alexander Fine Arts Building. But, there is nothing small about what is happening in the Theatre Department these days. The theatre buzzes with activity and CU students are able to get a wide variety of theatre experience. One of these experiences is working with a professional theatre company, The Greenbrier Valley Theatre (GVT). Located in Lewisburg, W.Va., GVT is the only professional company in the state. In the spring of 2016, Concord University and the Greenbrier Valley Theatre signed a partnership agreement. CU students will attend productions and participate in Master Classes with professional directors, actors and designers. In October, a group of Concord students participated in a Master Class in Directing with GVT Artistic Director, Cathey Sawyer. Plans are underway for next year when professional actors, performing in GVT productions, will present Master Classes in Acting. Also last semester, two students tried their hand at directing as a part of a Play Directing class. Megan Perdue and Kristen Osborne each directed suspenseful one-act plays. Perdue directed Starline 117, a thrilling play about a mysterious plane crash, and Osborne created a spooky atmosphere with You Do Love Me, Don’t You, a play about a girl who brings her boyfriend home to meet her family with terrible consequences. The two plays were presented together during the Halloween season. The mainstage production last semester was a drama by Tennessee Williams, Suddenly, Last Summer. The play was presented in cooperation with the English Department and Dr. Anthony Patricia, who taught a Spring 2017 • 42
Abby Rector, Megan Perdue and Brianna Duckworth receive instructions on directing in a Play Directing Master Class taught by Cathey Sawyer, Artistic Director of the Greenbrier Valley Theatre.
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Tennessee Williams class. Instructor Karen Vuranch directed the play and it starred Brianna Duckworth, Megan Perdue and Sam Stockton. “Tennessee Williams’ plays are often edgy and can be a bit unsettling,” stated Vuranch. “But, the students and I enjoyed being able to mine the text for nuances and undertones. Our actors were really able to stretch themselves.” However, if Suddenly, Last Summer was dark, the Spring mainstage play is as light as can be, Vuranch said. The delightful musical, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, brings to life your favorite Peanuts characters as they sing and dance and laugh their way into your heart. Starring Blake Whitener as lovable loser Charlie Brown, the cast includes Maizy Landreth as the bossy Lucy and Tyler Weaver as the blanket-toting Linus. Jordan Tuck plays Schroeder, Brianna Duckworth is Snoopy, Kristen Osborne is Violet, Hannah Gates plays Sally, Kaley Morris is Peppermint Patty and Babe Murphy is Franklin. Some of these student actors are already veterans of the CU stage, others have performed on other stages and some are new to the stage. But, all are having a blast as they recreate these charming cartoon characters. In addition to the cast the Stagecraft serves as technical crew. And, the CU band, led by Dr. David Ball, provides the instrumentation. Dr. Kelly Hudson is the Vocal Director. But, Charlie Brown is not the only show in the spring semester. Two academic classes are working towards performances. The students in Writing and Producing a Murder Mystery have created their own audience participation murder mystery, Terror Under the Tent, a circus themed suspense story. In addition, the ten students in the class and Instructor Karen Vuranch are going on the road. Terror Under the Tent will be performed for a North Bend State Park Dinner Theatre.
Led by Mary Trent, students work to paint the floor for Suddenly, Last Summer.
Another academic class, "Living History Performance", has been exploring how to research and perform historical characters. Instructor Vuranch has worked with the seven students in the class to conduct extensive research and then craft a monologue in that character’s voice. The performance is presented in costume and, following the monologue, the audience asks questions of the character. Finally, the actor breaks character and answers questions from a scholar’s point of view. Performances of these characters are being presented on campus with a program entitled "Women Who Blazed a Trail". Finally, the CU Theatre Department presented a Readers Theatre production entitled Opened Mail in February. Consisting of 10 different stories, all told through letters between two people, it was presented as a dramatic reading. The variety of performances produced by the CU Theatre Department is giving students a wide range of acting opportunities. Majors and non-majors alike are encouraged to partake in productions. Even community members have participated. “We hope the CU Theatre Department continues to grow and be a vibrant part of the campus community,” stated Vuranch. She continued to say that they are busy planning shows for the next academic year. While those decisions are not made, the CU community can be sure to see engaging and exciting theatre performances. The sky is the limit, as the CU Theatre Department grows.
Representing Concord at the Healthy Campus Challenge Day were Dr. Sarah Beasley, Director of Retention; Ms. Ronni Wood, Student Government Association President; and Dr. Marjie Flanigan, Vice President of Student Affairs & Dean of Students (left). Another photo from their DC visit (right).
TAKE ROAR WITH YOU! Show us where you’ve taken Roar! Find your cut out of Roar on page 82 of this magazine.
CONCORD HOSTS CAREER FAIR The annual Career Fair was held in the Student Center Ballroom on March 23. More than 60 vendors participated including businesses and school systems. Students seeking internships, employment, and career advice visited with the exhibitors. Spring 2017 • 44
Alumni
Entrepreneurs The Concord University Magazine includes this regular feature that spotlights successful entrepreneurs within our alumni ranks. For these individuals business is thriving and their stories pay tribute to the knowledge and know-how they gained from a Concord education.
Ashley '09 and Chase Barton '09
Utilizing Lessons Learned in CU's Division of Business
Chase '09 and Ashley Barton '09
shley and Chase Barton call on the knowledge and skills they received and cultivated as students in Concord’s Division of Business in their careers today as entrepreneurs. This husband and wife are part of the leadership of King Coal Chevrolet Company in Oak Hill, W.Va. where Chase is the general manager and Ashley is the controller for the automobile dealership. They both received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from Concord in 2009.
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The King Coal dealership
“The business foundation provided by the professors at Concord has provided me with a well-rounded knowledge of business practices and experiences which I can apply regularly in my career,” Ashley said. Chase has found that recalling lessons passed along by his instructors is helpful. “I find myself reflecting on some of the real world lessons learned from business professors at Concord,” he explained. Chase’s affiliation with Concord’s Division of Business goes back to his high school days. While still
a student at Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley, W.Va. he participated in the Concord Business Challenge which is sponsored each year by the Division. He was named an overall winner of the competition and received a scholarship to Concord for his achievement. Along with her Concord degree, Ashley also holds an MBA from the University of Charleston that she received in 2014. The Bartons are currently furthering their education by attending the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA)
Academy. Business fundamentals, along with the most up-to-date trends and developments in the industry, are included in the coursework. Ashley, whose maiden name is Mottesheard, is originally from Bolt, W.Va. while Chase is a native of Beckley. The Bartons now live in Oak Hill. For Chase, selling automobiles has been a way of life, something he learned about from his father, Dave Barton. “I have been around the car business my entire life. I started following my dad around at a young age and never had a desire to do anything else,” he said. “We worked together at various dealerships in southern West Virginia and eventually opened our own dealership in 2013, Barton Premium Pre-Owned Vehicles. “Last year, I was offered the opportunity to become a partner and general manager at King Coal Chevrolet in Oak Hill, W.Va. My preowned lot in Beckley became part of King Coal and things have been great,” he said. Ashley explains how she became involved in the business. “My career background is primarily in the banking industry,” she said. “I took an active role in the dealership in 2015 with my husband and overtook the administration and accounting functions of the dealership.”
In addition to their business responsibilities, Chase and Ashley also devote time to community service. Formerly a board member for the Women’s Resource Center, Ashley says she continues to participate “in a variety of events to benefit” the center. One of these is the center’s annual celebrity night fundraiser that Chase participates in as well. The Newspapers in Education auction event held each year in Beckley is another volunteer activity for the Bartons. Chase serves as auctioneer for the fundraiser. While being entrepreneurs requires hard work and dedication, business ownership, as Ashley and Chase have discovered, has its benefits. “Being an entrepreneur is exciting,” Chase said. “You have control of where you are going and the ability to change things quickly.” For Ashley, entrepreneurship provides her with “the ability to identify areas of opportunity and the challenge to fulfill those opportunities.” As for a business philosophy, Chase says his is to “take care of people, your employees and customers and always do the right thing.”
“My business philosophy is centered around hard work, focusing on details, and encouraging a pleasant work environment that builds on people’s strengths,” Ashley said. The Bartons are looking forward to a bright future with King Coal. “King Coal, we believe, is the oldest Chevrolet dealership in West Virginia. It has been in business since 1935. We are happy to be there and to continue to make it better and better,” Chase said. “We began our journey with King Coal in 2016 and are thankful for the opportunity to be a part of a company that has a strong history in a strong community that we are proud to call home,” Ashley said. “We look forward to what the future holds for our careers and our company.”
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BECKLEY UPDATE Sociology Students Attend 'Handle with Care' Conference
Lori Pace’s Sociology students from the Erma Byrd Higher Education Center attended the 2016 WV Center for Children’s Justice “Handle with Care Conference” Oct. 11 and 12. The goal of the conference is to provide practical instruction, using current information, the newest ideas, and most successful intervention strategies to those professionals responsible for combating the many and varied forms of crimes against children. The WV Center for Children’s Justice Director, Andrea Darr, graciously provides scholarships through grants and donations for Ms. Pace’s students to be given this professional, multidisciplinary, training rich opportunity. This past year 18 students, given $900 in scholarships, attended keynotes with topics including: The ACE Study, Emerging Drug Trends, Bruises & Burns: Abuse or Not, Abusive Head Trauma, Self-Regulation for Victims of Trauma, Sexual Deviance in the New Millennium, Dead Reckoning, Naloxone, Law Enforcement: Trauma Informed, A Drug Court Odyssey, What First Responders Need to Know about Autism, Juvenile Justice, Project AWARE, and Yoga for Trauma.
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Instructor Lori Pace with the students who attended the first and second day of the conference.
Beckley Students Continue Service with Dream Center
December volunteers include Maria Harer, Cady Perkins, Tyler Harper, Dana Farris and her daughter.
To learn more about the Dream Center go to: facebook.com/ beckleydreamcenter
Sociology students from the Erma Byrd Higher Education Center are continuing to volunteer for the Dream Center’s 3rd Saturday food distribution. During the distributions, hundreds of families are served a hot meal, given access to a clothing closet, and receive a box of non-perishable food. Formerly called Fishes and Loaves, this important non-profit organization located at 224 Pinewood Drive, Beckley, W.Va. continues to help families and individuals from several counties meet their needs. The Sociology students show up and do whatever the day requires: serving food plates, wiping tables, assisting in the clothing closet, taking out trash, breaking down tables, and putting food boxes in cars. Shelby Warden, the director, has shared appreciation for the students and all the volunteers it takes to maintain the services. Seven individuals representing Concord assisted with the distribution on Jan. 21. The volunteers served meals, cleaned tables and worked in the clothing closet.
Extracurricular Activities Abound During Spring Semester
Concord’s Beckley students are participating in a variety of contests, service opportunities and other fun activities during the spring semester. Random Acts of Kindness Week was held to coincide with Random Acts of Kindness Day on Feb. 17. Also in February, Mardi Gras came to Beckley with beads and masks for students as part of the celebration. Lori Pace’s Popular Culture class is studying the emerging American value of ecology and greening in conjunction with volunteering for a Raleigh County beautification/clean up event for Earth Day and considering the impact of litter, recycling, and environmental responsibility. Pace, a sociology instructor in Beckley, serves as a member of the event’s planning committee.
In honor of Encourage Young Writers Day in April, the Encourage Writers of All Ages Competition invited CU students to “submit their finest work of any form” according to Tara Taylor, Office Administrator at the Beckley Campus. Other activities include a coloring contest in honor of National Crayola Day in March; a talent show open to students from all institutions located at the Erma Byrd Center; and an Easter egg hunt. “In May for finals week, we will have survival food for the CU Beckley students every day and celebrate May 4, May the 4th Be with You, and have a 'Star Wars' cornhole game set up for them to play,” Taylor said. Spring 2017 • 48
BONNER SCHOLARS VOLUNTEER for Make a Difference Day
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Above: Bonner students volunteering at the Princeton Parish Project.
Concord University student Ronni Wood wrote this article as part of a journalism practicum in the Office of Advancement. She is from Clothier, W.Va.
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s an organization that cares about community service, the Bonner Scholars Program went across the area for Make A Difference Day on Oct. 22. Kathy Ball, director of Concord’s Bonner Scholars, says “Make A Difference Day is an annual, national day of community service. Since service is at the core of our Bonner program, it’s important that we participate in events and activities that connect our program to the larger service movement in our country.” With two staff members and over 60 Concord students participating, Bonners went to seven locations for their day of service: Pipestem State Park, Camp Creek State Park, Bluefield Union Mission, the Princeton Parish Project, The Havens at Princeton (retirement community), GlenWood Park Retirement Village, and the CU Child Development Center. One student shares her experience of volunteering at The Havens. “We took wooden spatulas and spoons for the residents to paint. Many of them wanted to paint Halloween themed. The Bonners were able to sit down with the residents and help paint as well as get to talk with them one-on-one,” says Hannah Wickline, a senior majoring in social work at Concord University. “My favorite part of going to the Havens to do service on Make A Difference Day is seeing the resident’s face light up when they walk in the room. I know sometimes many of the residents can get lonely, especially ones whose family is unable to come often. So to have some time with college students who took time out of their days to come and do crafts and talk to them makes their days
brighter and you can see it all over their face” Wickline says. “I would tell anyone who has thought about doing some service in the community to go and visit with the residents there. Most of them enjoy just talking to someone. You don’t have to do a craft. Just a simple conversation, helping them read their mail, maybe write a letter to a family member. We do not always think of simple service as meaning much to someone but, I think that is not always accurate. Something simple with these sweet residents at the Havens can make a day so much brighter and that can play a role in making some of the other residents’ day much better too,” says Wickline. In addition to The Havens, Bonner volunteered at Camp Creek State Park “to help repair and clear one of their trails for horse riding” according to Jacob Meadows, a junior at Concord University double majoring in psychology and English. “Due to weather and other factors, several areas of the lining embankment that carried the trail had fallen. These mudslides of sorts narrowed the path, making it dangerous for the horses and their riders to travel,” says Meadows. “My favorite part of the experience was the continuous flow of information that came from our guide/supervisor. While we worked, she would keep us entertained by pointing out abnormalities with trees, such as burls which apparently make them more desirable for furniture making,” he said. Bonner also volunteered at the Princeton Parish Project where they worked in several different groups. “One was responsible for separating the clothes, another was responsible for bringing the clothes in to be sorted and the third, me included, was responsible to organize the clothes in a display to be picked up by the families that are helped every year,” says Catherina Medaglia, a junior political science
major with a minor in international studies, also majoring in sociology with a minor in women’s and gender studies. “We were told that, to that date, the project had helped 4,000 people. I was really surprised by the amount of donations they receive. And I think it’s really important to have such a program and keep it alive, especially in an area with extreme need of resources, such as Princeton,” Medaglia says. “I think what really struck me was the baby clothes, so many baby and kids clothes and I kept on thinking about all these kids in need. There were clothes as little as infants! It just really got to me how people really need
that project. It might seem like just clothes to some, but it's way more than that, it is one less thing that these families have to worry about, it is money that they don’t need to spend and can put towards getting food or even a home,” says Medaglia. Anyone who is interested in service should remember “to find small ways each day to better the community, to help the environment, to be a good neighbor and to practice good citizenship,” says Ball. To learn more about Make A Difference Day, visit http://www.makeadifferenceday.com
Studies Take CU Geology Students on Field Trips Concord geology students expanded their classroom instruction with field trips in the Appalachians during the Fall 2016 Semester. On these field trips, students examined a fold in metamorphic rocks at Woodall Shoals, S.C. (below) as well as Flute Casts in sedimentary rocks in Mercer County, W.Va. (right).
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Herit age Dr. A. Jerry Benson ’72 at a JMU graduation ceremony.
Dr. A. Jerry Benson ’72 Earns Distinction in Higher Education Career
r. A. Jerry Benson is retiring in June of this year, following a distinguished career that includes 37 years of service at James Madison University (JMU). Currently Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at the institution, Benson has risen through the professional ranks since beginning his service there in 1980 as Assistant Professor of Psychology and Director of the Shenandoah Valley Child Development Clinic and JMU Human Development Center. He was named Associate Professor in 1986 and Professor in 1991. He went on to serve as Acting Dean and later Dean of the College of Education and Psychology and Interim Dean and then Dean of College of Integrated Science and Technology. Benson also served as Vice Provost for Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Health and Human Services. Prior to being named Provost, he was Interim Provost. At each level of leadership at JMU Benson has established and implemented significant programs. With the College of Education and Psychology, he established the first doctoral program at JMU. As Vice Provost of STEM/HHS, he was responsible for the initiation of the Engineering program and the Doctorate of Nursing Practice program. Among his
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recent emphases as Provost are international masters programs and program development in engaged learning, civic engagement and community engagement. Early in his career, Benson worked in West Virginia in higher education and in public schools. “The greatest highlights of my career are the opportunities I have had to work with dedicated and talented individuals in developing and implementing quality and innovative educational programs that met the needs of both the k-12 and higher education systems for whom I worked. The joy has been facilitating and supporting these collaborative efforts and seeing the successes that we, as a team, accomplished,” he said. Benson values the instruction and experiences that were part of his Concord education and acknowledges how they have benefited his career. “I really appreciate the broad liberal arts education I received at Concord. It prepared me well for pursuing my professional career and new opportunities that this offered me, as well as preparing me for life in general and being a citizen,” he said. “The personal relationships I was able to have with the wonderful faculty at Concord instilled in me the confidence to pursue my dreams and take advantage of opportunities,” he continued. “Dr. Jan Atkins in Psychology encouraged me to pursue my graduate
e
HERITAGE & HORIZON
education at George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University because of the unique nature and quality of their program, and she was a resource for me when I returned to West Virginia to work at RESA IV.” Jerry was born in Buena Vista, Ga., and he spent his childhood in the small, rural town. His family moved to Athens when he was 13 because his father had accepted a position at Concord. A Professor of Education, Dr. Arthur J. Benson served as Chair of the Division of Education, Physical Education, and Library Science, and Director of Teacher Education. Jerry’s mother, Irene Kirksey Benson, was an elementary school teacher. “I remember Athens as a safe, open, supportive town where we were free to roam – but there always was a watchful eye,” he said. “I remember great friends from high school and great supportive teachers at Athens High School.” Jerry’s memories of his days as a youth in Athens also include “summer nights playing whiffle ball baseball in the street under the street lamp…fall afternoons playing pick-up touch football…working with my dad in his garden.” Availing himself of Concord’s cultural offerings, he also recalls attending plays and concerts on campus. Majoring in psychology and minoring in mathematics, Jerry pursued a degree at Concord. Along with his academic responsibilities, he also participated in various aspects of campus life. He served as a senator in the Student Government Association; was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity; and performed with the Commanders. “I remember fondly playing many gigs with my Commander colleagues under the direction of Ken Gleason,” he said. Jerry graduated from Concord in 1972 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. A summa cum laude graduate, he was valedictorian of his class. Continuing his educational focus in psychology, he would go on to earn both a Master of Arts degree (1973) and a Ph.D. (1976) from George Peabody College for Teachers of Vanderbilt University. He was honored with the Peabody College Vanderbilt University Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2003. The Shenandoah Valley Partnership recognized him for his service to education. As a way to support the students of his alma mater, Benson and his wife, Dr. Martha K. Ross, have endowed a scholarship at Concord in memory of his parents. “The scholarship goes to a student in Teacher Education who needs financial support during the period they are completing their student teaching experience,” he said. Among Benson’s extensive community service is membership on the Rockingham Health Care Board of Directors, the Sentara RMH Hospital Board, the Rockingham Memorial Hospital Board of Directors, and the Massanutten Vocational and Technical School Executive Advisory Council. He has also served on the
Advisory Board, Virginia Association of Children with Learning Disabilities and the Board of Directors, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. His lengthy record of professional leadership includes serving as President of the Virginia Association of Colleges of Teacher Education and a Teacher Education Representative on the Virginia Commission on the Future of Public Education. He has also held various positions with the National Association of School Psychologists. Jerry and Martha live in Harrisonburg, Va. Dr. Ross served as a faculty member and later department head in the Early, Elementary and Reading Education department at JMU and Associate Dean in the College of Education. Now retired, she is an emeritus faculty of the University. “I have two wonderful step-daughters who I love dearly,” Benson said. “Our oldest, Virginia, is a museum curator at the Frist Museum in Nashville, Tenn. Our youngest, Amanda, is an inclusive preschool classroom teacher, and she and her husband, Justin, live in Harrisonburg, Va. With the additional leisure time of retirement, Benson has a list of activities planned for the days ahead. “My favorite leisure activity is spending time with my wife and our family. We love the beach and, as I enter retirement, I look forward to spending more and more time at the beach,” he said. “I love to travel and, through my job at JMU and our extensive array of international programs, I have had the opportunity to travel world-wide. So continuing to travel is on my retirement list. And, I continue my love for music and perhaps in retirement can get back to playing and not just listening.”
Jerry Benson and his wife, Martha Ross, in Salamanca Spain.
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Horizon Concord Helps Set Williams Sisters on a Path to Career and Educational Achievement
isters Karen Williams and Kimberly Williams Brown are making their marks in career and educational pursuits since their time as students at Concord. Karen, a chemical engineer, has progressed through the ranks with the Monsanto Company and presently manages the company’s plant operations in Oxnard, Calif. Kim is currently completing her Ph.D. in Cultural Foundations of Education at Syracuse University. She worked as an administrator in higher education prior to entering the Ph.D. program full-time. Originally from Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica, these sisters both say their experiences as international students at Concord are especially memorable. “My best memories from Concord were forming bonds with the other international and even noninternational students through the campus groups, mostly the international students’ association and the Black Student Union,” Karen said. “Most of the international students on campus at that time did not own vehicles so we bonded by meeting in the lobbies of the different residence halls and playing games on the weekend,” she recalls. “The school also provided the service where a bus would come on the weekend and take us to the mall, grocery store, Walmart so we could get some shopping done.” Kim says she has “very fond memories of just hanging out in the international student office.” “I was very connected to the international student community and the black student community,” she said. “My fondest moments are the times I spent with them.” The young women were both members of Concord’s International Students Club and the Black Student Union. Kim served as president of the international organization and vice president of the BSU. Kim’s extracurricular involvement at Concord also included serving as secretary of the Student Government Association; membership in the Psychology Club and Amnesty International; and participation with the student activities board. Both sisters also ran track. Karen was recognized as the female track athlete of the year in 2000.
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Kimberly Williams Brown, left, and Karen Williams
As a fan of Mountain Lion athletics, Kim remembers good times at basketball games. “Some of my best memories from Concord involve going to the basketball games and cheering our team on. It seems – at least in my memory of it – that everyone came out for those games and we always had a great time attending and socializing whether our team won its game or lost it,” she said. Academics, activities and her two and a half years as a resident assistant (RA) at Concord have been a beneficial combination for Kim on her educational and career path. “The foundations I received in my psychology and sociology programs helped how I have developed my skills as a social science researcher,” she said. “I now focus on feminist epistemologies but my curiosity about the world, and how to study it, was nurtured in those programs.” “My position as an RA and the activities I was involved in at Concord helped with my career trajectory,” she said. “After Concord, I went to the University of Charleston where I served as a graduate residence director while I got my first master’s degree in human resource management. I then moved to Syracuse University as a residence director. I moved into the coordinator for staff selection and training role a year
HERITAGE & HORIZON
later and the associate director for multicultural affairs role six years later.” “I originally wanted to be a clinical psychologist but I am right where I am supposed to be and I am grateful I could pursue all my passions at Concord,” Kim said. “They helped cement my future career.” Interactions with individuals in the campus community also helped shape her future. “The friendships I made are the most cherished pieces of my education,” she said. “I came into myself at Concord.” She says she is “grateful for mentors” such as Nancy Ellison “who saw my potential and pushed me.” Kim completed undergraduate work in psychology and sociology at Concord and graduated in May 2003. Karen explains how attending Concord has been a positive influence on her life. “Concord helped me gain my independence,” she said. “When I started at Concord I was only 16 years old in a new country. The good thing is I came with my older sister which helped. “However, it was very challenging adjusting to a new environment; the food, weather, way of life, everything was different,” she said. “During my second year, I started to adjust well and that propelled me into figuring out what I wanted to do long-term which was engineering.” While Karen began her college studies at Concord, she spent only two years on “The Campus Beautiful.” “I transferred from Concord in 2001,” she said. “I was majoring in chemistry but had a strong desire to become a chemical engineer. I left Concord to pursue that career path.” She continued her education at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, N.C., receiving both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in chemical engineering. Karen received a job offer from the Monsanto Company the day before her May 2007 graduation from North Carolina A&T. “Monsanto is a sustainable agriculture company that delivers agricultural products that supports farmers around the world,” she explained. “My career with Monsanto has been extremely rewarding,” she said. “I started out in their chemical manufacturing facility in Luling, La. in 2007. I spent eight years there in four different engineering and supervisory roles. The experience I gained in those roles was invaluable, however that site was a small part of the business and I was intent on broadening my experience of the business. “In 2015 I accepted a role in the US Logistics team at our headquarters in St Louis. In that role, I gained a better knowledge of Monsanto’s other businesses that I desired,” she said. “However, after about 15 months in that role I got the opportunity to get back in the manufacturing space in Monsanto’s vegetable business.” In her current position with the company, Karen manages more than 100 employees with 12 of those reporting to her directly.
“I am responsible for helping the organization reach its goals by managing safety, people, cost, and operational excellence,” she said. “I have found, from being in these different roles, that manufacturing leadership is my passion. I love what I do and I am always looking for a new experience and a new opportunity to stretch myself.” Karen’s community involvement includes service on the allocations committee for the United Way of Greater St. Louis and participation in the St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative. “The Initiative is made up of companies, organizations and agencies committed to attracting, retaining and advancing talented, diverse employees,” she said. As a Ph.D. candidate, Kim is focusing her studies on Afro-Caribbean women teachers. “My dissertation explores their narratives and the ways in which they navigate their transitions from teaching in the Caribbean to teaching in urban New York,” she said. “My work sits at the intersection of feminisms – decolonial, black and transnational – critical race theory (CRT) and immigration/migration and educational studies.” Kim was recently awarded a dissertation fellowship from the social sciences research council. She is also the recipient of awards for excellence through the office of residence life and the division of student affairs at Syracuse University. She holds membership in a number of professional organizations including the Society for Human Resources Managers (SHRM); the American College Student Personnel Association (ACPA); the National Association for Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA); the American Educational Research Association (AERA); the American Educational Studies Association (AESA); and the National Women’s Studies Association (NWSA). Turning from careers and education to family, Karen says, “We have a great family. My younger brother is in pharmacy school, excelling at his studies as well.” “I feel incredibly blessed and grateful for my life,” Kim said. “I am married to an amazing man and we have a five-month-old daughter. She is the light of our worlds.” Aunt Karen agrees saying her niece, Zuri, is “so adorable.” When asked what the future holds for her, Karen responds, “I never know because I never thought I’d be where I am today. My intention is to continue to gain valuable experiences both professionally and personally. I’m committed to helping others develop in their careers and working to their full potential. I do love the manufacturing space so I believe I will stay here for a while.” “My future will involve doing advocacy for marginalized populations,” Kim explains. “I do not yet know which jobs will allow me to do this work but that Caption is what I will be doing. It is my life’s work.”
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CU Athletics
Concord Athletics enjoyed another successful year in 2016. The past calendar year saw two team conference champions (men’s basketball, men’s cross country), two individual conference champions (Natalia Jornet, women’s golf; Jason Weitzel, men’s cross country), two Mountain East Conference Freshmen of the Year (Emilee Henry, women’s track and field; Trevor Wiersma, baseball) and five all-region athletes across three sports. The men’s cross country team made school history and conference history by competing in the NCAA Division II National Championship meet in Saint Leo, Fla.
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MEN'S CROSS COUNTRY
f you stop and talk to Concord University cross country and track and field head coach Michael Cox about a dream he’s been chasing in his long tenure at Concord, it’s to take a team to the NCAA Division II National Championship in Cross Country. Prior to the 2016 season, no Mountain East Conference or West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference team had ever qualified for the national meet in cross country, male or female. In 2015, the Mountain Lions won the men’s cross country conference
Runs to History, Competes in Nationals
championship, and would be heavy favorites heading into 2016 as they returned five of seven runners from the title team. Sure, there were obstacles along the way as Charleston and Concord battled at the Greensboro XC Invite in late September, but the Mountain Lions edged UC at that particular meet. Cox and his team continually embraced the target of being MEC Champions during the season and CU was crowned as the repeat winner of the conference meet Oct. 22. Sophomore Jason Weitzel won the MEC
CU Athletics Championship and became the first individual conference champion for CU since 2012. Junior Justin Snyder was right behind Weitzel in second while junior Tyler Kosut crossed in fifth and sophomore Michael Ruhnke finished eighth. The quartet of runners were all First Team All-MEC performers. The team’s lone senior, Brandon Lee, sealed the team title with a 16th place finish as Concord bested West Virginia Wesleyan for the team trophy. Throughout the season, CU remained ranked in the coaches’ regional poll and rose as high as seventh between the MEC and the NCAA Atlantic Regional Championship. At the regional meet, the top four teams advance on to nationals. The fight for the final spot would be a battle on this particular November morning. Before the seven runners of
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Weitzel, Snyder, Ruhnke, Kosut, Lee, junior Roger Foster and freshman Chris Taylor took to the start line, Cox instilled this wisdom in them. “You can (qualify for the national championship meet), but each one of you is going to have to run harder than you have in your entire life.” As the race progressed, Weitzel and Snyder established themselves in the top 25 while Kosut and Ruhnke settled into the top 40. Snyder made a late surge and finished 13th, Weitzel placed 21st and Kosut rose to 23rd. Ruhnke crossed in 33rd. Once again, Lee was the final piece to the puzzle in the Mountain Lions advancing. The Haymarket, Va. native finished 66th, and it was good enough for the Maroon and Gray to be eight points better than Bloomsburg (156-164) for the fourth and final spot from the Atlantic Region.
Snyder, Weitzel and Kosut became a trio of all-region runners for the Mountain Lions. Prior to the 2016 season, CU had three allregion runners in program history and they doubled the total in one race. When Concord stepped to the start line on a humid November morning in Saint Leo, Fla. for the NCAA Division II National Championship Cross Country Meet, Cox finally accomplished what he had been chasing for years. And, he did it with primarily local athletes. Weitzel (Athens, W.Va.), Snyder (Princeton, W.Va.), Kosut (Daniels, W.Va.), Ruhnke (Charleston, W.Va.) and Taylor (Pulaski, Va.) all hail from within 90 minutes of CU while five of the seven runners were from West Virginia: Weitzel, Snyder, Kosut, Ruhnke and Foster (Capon Bridge).
CONCORD EARNS BID
very March, college basketball fans become enthralled by two simple words: March Madness. College basketball is unique in that every March, every team has a shot at making a postseason run and punching a ticket to the NCAA Tournament. However, if a team is “on the bubble,” a common term for a basketball team having a good resume that may or may not qualify it for an at-large bid, then a conference tournament is a great place to make a statement and earn an automatic bid by claiming a conference tournament championship. Entering the tournament, the Mountain East Conference had three teams ranked at the top of the region as well as nationally. West Liberty, Wheeling Jesuit, and Fairmont State held the top three spots in the region and all were ranked top five nationally, with West Liberty in first, Wheeling Jesuit in fourth and Caption
to NCAA Tournament with Remarkable MEC Tournament Run Fairmont State in fifth. Concord had teetered on the edge of the regional rankings all season. The NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional Tournament takes eight teams, while Concord was ranked ninth heading into its first round matchup against the University of Charleston. With an 8:15 tip on Friday, March 4, Concord was in a familiar setting at the Charleston Civic Center. On February 25 against UC, Concord had lost by 30 to the Golden Eagles. Concord rebounded from that defeat to Charleston in its first round game to win 75-61 to move to the semifinals against #1 ranked West Liberty. Against Charleston, then-senior guard Rob Reed finished a perfect 6-for-6 behind the arc, Spring 2017 • 56
CU Athletics finishing with 24 points. Fellow senior forward Terry Hopewell also scored 20 points while adding nine rebounds. A daunting task was on the horizon against the #1 ranked Hilltoppers in the semifinals, a team that had only lost twice all season. However, one of those losses came to Concord in a thrilling matchup in Athens on Jan. 18. The third matchup between the two teams was arguably the best matchup of all, as the two teams played a double overtime classic in which there was no shortage of drama. Each team had chances to win it in both regulation and overtime, but Reed finally broke the deadlock in double overtime, hitting an off balance shot from near the corner to give Concord the win. Reed finished with 34
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points, helping Concord to stave off a furious West Liberty comeback. Hopewell snatched a career-high 19 rebounds and added 16 points. The Championship game appearance for Concord was its first since 1997. The matchup in the championship game was an interesting one, as Notre Dame was the sixth seed in the tournament. Notre Dame earned its place in the championship game with two impressive wins over Fairmont State and Wheeling Jesuit in its first two games. With an NCAA Tournament berth on the line, Concord grinded out a come-from-behind 7064 victory, with the Mountain Lion’s inside presence making the difference in a close game. Hopewell finished 6-for-6 from the field with 19 points overall,
while Jametrius Wade nabbed a 13-point, 13-rebound doubledouble. Also scoring in double figures for Concord was junior guard Aaron Miller, junior guard Michael Sanchez, and Reed. The +10 rebounding advantage for Concord proved crucial in helping Concord earn 13 second chance points against the Falcons. CU also played strong defensively, holding NDC to 30 percent shooting in the second half. Concord earned its first conference title since the 1997 season, and advanced to its second ever NCAA Regional Tournament. With upsets, big shots and just an overall high level of play in Charleston, there’s only one way to describe what transpired in the capital city on the weekend of March 4-6. Madness.
REED BEATS BUZZER,
ob Reed had many clutch performances for the men’s basketball team over his two seasons at Concord. But, nothing tops what Reed did on the night of March 5, 2016. Going into the Mountain East Conference Tournament semifinal matchup against West Liberty, Reed was a perfect 6-for-6 from three-point range as CU defeated Charleston the previous night. The South Bend, Ind. native started equally as hot against the Hilltoppers as he connected on four of his five attempts from behind the arc. The Mountain Lions built a 10-point lead in the late stages of the second half, but West Liberty stormed back to force overtime. Neither team led by more than two points in the first overtime, which became a second extra session. In regulation, Reed had missed a chance to win the game at the buzzer. And in the first overtime, then-junior
West Liberty in MEC Tournament
guard Michael Sanchez missed a three-pointer with 12 seconds left that would have given Concord a late lead. After the Hilltoppers tied the game at 90-90 with 27 seconds remaining in double overtime, Sanchez came down the floor and began to drain the clock for another attempt to win the game. With under 10 seconds left, Reed caught the ball in front of the Concord bench and fans. As he began to navigate down the sideline and eventually into the corner, Reed was tripped up. Now, Reed was in scramble mode with time ticking. He regathered himself, contorted himself and split two WLU defenders and shot in desperation towards the basket. The heave banked in from a steep angle with less than a second left to give Concord another win over the Hilltoppers. In all, Reed scored 34 points and drilled seven more three-pointers in the game, but it
CU Athletics was a 20-foot corner bank shot that will live in Charleston Civic Center lore for Concord. Reed went on to be named an all-region player at the end of the season. He helped CU win the MEC Championship the next day that earned Concord an appearance in the NCAA
04
Tournament, the first in 19 years. This past summer, Reed signed a professional contract in Argentina where he averaged 16.5 points per game for Penarol.
NOVAK COMPLETES
fter redshirting his freshman year, Brian Novak started 10 games under center for the Mountain Lions in 2013, completing 122-of-228 passes and tossing eight touchdowns while helping lead Concord to an 8-3 record. Perhaps Novak’s best performance of that season came in a loss in the last game of the season against perennial powerhouse Shepherd, in which he threw for 244 yards with two touchdowns while scampering for another score against the Rams. Shepherd ended the season 11-1 while advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament that season. The loss snapped Concord’s four game winning streak, but the strong performance in a big game would be a sign of things to come for the College Park, Md. native. 2014 had increased expectations for Concord, with the Mountain Lions expected to compete near the top of the league with Shepherd and the University of Charleston. The Mountain Lions surpassed expectations that season, rolling out to an 11-0 start in the regular season and managing to score at least 24 points in every game, and topping the 50-point mark five times. Novak managed to throw for over 300 yards four times, while accounting for 30 touchdowns over that time span. In a rematch with Shepherd in Shepherdstown in a de facto conference championship game, Concord managed to defeat the Rams 29-20 in overtime to earn a berth to the NCAA Tournament. In that game, Novak threw for 227 yards while throwing two touchdown strikes. Hosting West Chester in the first round of the NCAA playoffs, Novak exploded for 388
Historic Career
yards passing with two touchdowns to help Concord earn a 51-36 win and the first ever postseason win in Concord football history. With a trip to the NCAA semifinals on the line, Novak threw for 185 yards and a touchdown against a stout Bloomsburg defense in a 32-26 win. Although Concord’s season ended with a loss in the national semifinals against Minnesota State-Mankato, Novak was an instrumental part of the unprecedented success of the season. Over Novak’s final two years as a Mountain Lion, the signal-caller continued to chase down and eventually break different passing records. Novak holds the career record for passing yards (9,820), attempts (1,152), and completions (691). On Sept. 3rd of 2016, Novak rifled a 17-yard dart to Brandon Plyler to not only help secure a 32-25 win against West Liberty, but to also break the all-time passing touchdown record in Concord history. Novak threw his 58th touchdown pass to break the record and finished his career with 71 scoring throws. To sum it all up, in addition to all of the individual accolades, Novak has helped the Concord University football program to heights that it had never reached.
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CU Athletics
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MORRIS CEMENTS
hen Alyssa Morris stepped on the Concord campus in the fall of 2012, the Concord University softball program was in the midst of a transition phase from a former coach to current head coach Alisa Tasler. During Morris’ first season on the diamond, the Mountain Lions won 20 games. From there, Morris helped transform an entire program that hadn’t seen a winning season since 2000 when Concord went 20-18. And let’s be clear, it was Morris’ goal to earn the respect of not only her teammates and coaches, but of an entire campus. “We want to create an image for CU softball and gain more respect on campus,” Morris said in an interview during the spring of 2014. “We know that this year and next year we’re going to get better. We want to be a respected team and know that we can win.” The Virginia Beach, Va. native certainly kept her promise as she helped Concord to three straight 30-win seasons while breaking the program single-season wins record twice during the streak. Concord also made the NCAA Tournament in
Legacy at Concord
2015 and defeated West Chester in its opening round game of the postseason. At the conclusion of the 2015 season, Morris was named a National Fastpitch Coaches’ Association (NFCA) Third Team All-American, the first All-American in program history. Morris left a huge impression on the Concord record book. She ranks first in career hits (228), home runs (46), runs batted in (169), doubles (48) and total bases (419). What may be most impressive for the power-hitting catcher that could change a game with one swing was her durability behind the plate. Morris also played in the most career games at CU with 210 appearances and 209 starts. Of the 209 starts, Morris appeared as the backstop for 174 of them. Not only could she change games with her bat, but defensively Concord won 94 out of a possible 116 games with Morris catching. In 2015 CU had a team ERA of 2.15. It’s safe to say Morris helped create that image for Concord softball.
JORNET SURGES IN FINAL
s the fall season came to a close, the golf teams in the Mountain East Conference converged at Glade Springs Resort just outside of Beckley, W.Va. for the right to a Mountain East Conference title. Concord’s Natalia Jornet was considered to be among one of the favorites heading in after being named the MEC Female Golfer of the week on Sep. 21. Jornet claimed medalist honors at the MEC Fall Invitational at Edgewood Country Club in Sissonville, W.Va. to earn the honor. Jornet’s medalist honor also marked the first time a CU female golfer has earned conference player of the week since Stephanie Peareth accomplished the feat in September 2012. After the first round of action, Jornet went into the clubhouse two
Round to Claim Medalist Honors
strokes behind Lauren Crouse of Charleston, with some work to do if she was to repeat as a medalist in an MEC competition this year. Jornet did just that on day two of the competition, shooting an 80 to move into a tie for first with Crouse entering the final 18 holes. With the title on the line, Jornet put together her best round of the Championship as she shot a 76 to win the conference championship by five strokes. Jornet’s effort also helped Concord finish sixth overall as a team. Jornet was the first women’s golfer for Concord to earn medalist honors in MEC tournament history, and was the first CU women’s golfer to win an individual title since Marina Erice won the 2011-12 WVIAC Tournament.
CU Athletics
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TRACK COLLECTS AWARDS
he spring of 2016 was one of the best in recent memory for both the men’s and women’s track and field teams at Concord. It’s what the Mountain Lions did at the MEC Championships on the campus of West Virginia Wesleyan that made the season extra special. In 2015, CU had just one individual conference champion when then-sophomore Jacob Meadows won the 400-meter dash. However, this past spring Concord took home three individual conference crowns. Freshman Jason Weitzel won both the 3,000-meter steeplechase and 5,000-meter run. Meanwhile, sophomore Damon Akers, sophomore Wes Flemming, Meadows and sophomore David Meck combined to win the 4x400-meter relay. Furthermore, the quartet of runners shattered the MEC Championship record by nearly two seconds. Flemming shined individually as he won the
at MEC Championship
200-meter dash to become the first conference sprint champion for Concord since Dustin Greenwood won the 110-meter hurdles in 2008. Additionally, Concord received runner-up performances from Flemming in the 100-meter dash and junior Tyler Kosut in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. At the meet’s conclusion, freshman Emilee Henry was named the MEC Female Freshman of the Year while Weitzel took home the MEC Male Freshman of the Year honor. Head coach Mike Cox collected the MEC Men’s Track and Field Coach of the Year Award after leading Concord to a second-place showing and 142 team points, the most points for the program at a conference championship meet. The second-place finish for Concord was the highest since 2004.
WADE'S DUNK
n a cold winter’s night on Jan. 16, 2016, a clash between two of the top-ranked Mountain East Conference men’s basketball programs in Athens produced a play that electrified the entire Carter Center in a thrilling matchup between Wheeling Jesuit and Concord. In a back and forth contest with the Cardinals, Concord took the ball down the floor off of a missed free throw with just 22 seconds remaining and trailing by three, 77-74. Then-junior guard Michael Sanchez quickly pushed the ball up the floor, passing the ball on the left wing to senior forward Jametrius Wade. Wade snatched the ball, made a sharp cut into the paint all in one motion, and sledgehammered a tomahawk dunk with 15 seconds remaining while drawing contact. The play sent the Carter Center crowd into a frenzy, and Wade made the following free throw to help send the game into overtime.
Rocks the Carter Center
While Wheeling Jesuit went on to win the game in overtime, the play made rounds around social media, earning the attention of GEICO’s annual college basketball top play competition. The winner is chosen by voters all around the country, and competes with plays from other NCAA institutions for the title of GEICO College Basketball Play of the Year. Wade’s dunk was named a semifinalist and eventual play finalist for the competition, being named among the top five plays of the entire college basketball season across all divisions of the sport.
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CU Athletics
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MEN'S SOCCER
ince its revival prior to the fall of 2008, the Concord University men’s soccer program had only seen one season that could match the success the team had in 2016. In 2009, Concord won six games as it looked to get back to some of the success it had seen earlier in the decade. Seven years after those six wins, the Mountain Lions matched that win total in 2016, and did so in dramatic fashion. To put the 2016 season in perspective for Concord men’s soccer, the previous three seasons the program had eight wins combined. Of the six wins, three came in overtime. A goal with less than two minutes left in double overtime lifted Concord to win over West
Ties Wins Record
Virginia Wesleyan. Freshman forward Sam Ashton buried a ball in the back in the net against Chowan for another extra session win. The lone goal in a win versus Shippensburg was scored in overtime for a third win. Junior midfielder Max Simpson also brought CU back from an early 1-0 deficit as he scored both goals in a 2-1 early-season road win at Findlay. The other two wins for the Mountain Lions came by sweeping the season series with Shepherd as Concord outscored the Rams 8-1 in two contests. The future looks bright heading into the fall of 2017 for Concord men’s soccer as the program returns all but two seniors from the 2016 roster.
THREE NEW HEAD COACHES
hree new faces took their place on the sidelines as first-year head coaches at Concord for 2016. On Jan. 14, Paul Price was named the 19th football coach in Concord history dating back to 1898. Price has been with the program since 2009, where he coached linebackers for two years before taking over defensive coordinator
Begin First Seasons
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duties before the 2011 season. Price has helped Concord’s defense rank annually among the top teams, including a top10 ranking nationally in multiple defensive categories during the 2013 season when the Mountain Lions ranked third nationally in
CU Athletics scoring defense, total defense, third-down conversion defense, and fourth in passing defense. Price’s defensive mind was also an integral part in helping Concord earn a trip to the NCAA semifinals in 2014, while capturing the MEC and Super Region One Championship as his defensive unit ranked first in the MEC in takeaways and second in sacks. Price also brought previous head coaching experience to the job, as he coached 28 allconference players while serving as the head coach of West Virginia Tech from 1996-1998. Just over five months later, on June 15, Todd May was named the 15th head coach of the Concord University men’s basketball program. May previously worked on Kent McBride’s staff as an assistant coach for the last four seasons, helping Concord compile a 6651 record over the last four campaigns. Concord earned 42
of those wins over the past two seasons, the most successful twoyear period since the 1990-91 and 1991-92 teams won 50 contests in back-to-back seasons. Last season, May played an instrumental part in helping Concord capture its first ever Mountain East Conference Basketball Tournament Championship and a berth in the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional Tournament. Concord had not made an NCAA postseason appearance or won a conference championship crown since the 1997 season. Before Concord, May helped coach Columbus State Community College to success on a national level, helping the Cougars to a 101-24 record while making the national tournament in 2009. Also during the summer, Concord University Director of Athletics Kevin Garrett named Luke Duffy the sixth head coach of the women’s soccer program.
Duffy previously served as an assistant coach at Queens University for the last two seasons. Duffy helped coach the Royals to a 19-15-4 record over his two seasons, while helping QU finish third in the South Atlantic Conference. Duffy has also helped six student-athletes to achieve allconference honors while working as an assistant coach. As a player at Lees-McRae, Duffy helped guide the Bobcats to the Division II National Championship game in 2009 while being named a First Team All-American and a first team All-Region selection. Lees-McRae’s record over his four years was an astounding 63-17-9, with three conference regular season and tournament championships.
Athletics section compiled with assistance from Wes McKinney '13 in the CU Sports Information Office.
Athletic Training Program Students
Win Quiz Bowl Competition at State Conference
The Concord University Athletic Training Program, represented by seniors Olivia Reilly and Berkeley Lowe and junior Brittany Domingo, won the West Virginia Quiz Bowl Competition on Friday, March 3, 2017. The competition took place at the West Virginia Athletic Trainers’ Association Annual Conference in Flatwoods W.Va. The students will represent the state of West Virginia in May at the Mid-Atlantic Quiz Bowl Competition in Virginia Beach. Lowe and Reilly, along with seniors Adam Gellios and Lacie Geisel, also presented posters at the conference. CU Athletic Training had a total of 15 students attend the event.
Concord University students presenting posters are, from left, Adam Gellios, Lacie Geisel, Olivia Reilly and Berkeley Lowe.
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Alumni Spotlight
Alumni Spotlight features outstanding achievements of alums and is highlighted on CU’s website. The Alumni Spotlight archive is located at: http://www.concord.edu/advancement/alumni-spotlight
October 2016 - Victor Foti ’58
Congratulations to Concord alum Victor Foti ’58 for taking the lead on organizing a fund raising dinner in the Roanoke, Virginia area. The dinner is scheduled to take place in May 2017. The dinner raises money for student scholarships and campus projects. While fund raising dinners have recently been held in the Beckley-Raleigh County and the Charleston, West Virginia areas, it has been nearly a decade since a dinner has been hosted in Roanoke. Foti is a Certified Public Accountant and owns his own accounting firm, Foti, Flynn,
Lowen & Co. in Roanoke. He retired from the firm in 2002 but it continues to operate under the same name. Foti has also managed various businesses as an investor and/or owner. He is the former president and CEO of the WesterN SizzliN Corporation; president and chairman of the board of Viamac, Inc., a WesterN SizzliN franchisee in Roanoke, Virginia; general partner of several real estate partnerships; and president of a list of other enterprises.
November 2016 - Erika Wimmer '08 Erika Wimmer ’08 was in the spotlight in November as she opened a new business in Princeton, W.Va. Erica’s Out of the Box Escape Room offers a place to participate in the escape room craze right in Mercer County! Erica says her interest in creating her own escape room grew from visiting a dozen or so others. She has launched Out of the Box Escape Room with Captain’s Cabin, a piratethemed room, and is looking forward to adding
additional rooms. A native of Princeton, Erica is a teacher and received a master’s degree in education from Marshall University. Out of the Box Escape Room is her first business venture.
In December we featured CU grad Ben Baker who has been very busy since his days in Athens! Between starting his own business, the Lake Norman Screenprinting Factory, being named the 2015 Rotarian of the Year by the Top of the Lake Rotary Club in Mooresville, NC and serving as a mentor for the Seminar for Tomorrow’s Leaders (a leadership conference for rising high school juniors and seniors), Ben has already made quite a name for himself personally and professionally in the Lake Norman area. In November, Ben’s company
donated over $400 and 615 lbs. of food to the Mooresville Soup Kitchen as a result of their Thanksgiving Food Drive. To see more about what Ben and his company are doing make sure to check out their Facebook page at the following link:
To learn more about the business visit the website at escapewv.com
December 2016 - Ben Baker '06
www.facebook.comlknprints/?pnref=story
We are proud to have alums like Ben among our ranks—keep up the great work Ben!
January 2017 - Kara Dense '95
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Kara D. Dense has accepted an appointment to the West Virginia Tourism Commission after having been selected by Governor Earl Ray Tomblin. Dense will join the private-public board that oversees the West Virginia Division of Tourism. A seasoned tourism professional, Dense currently serves as executive director for the Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), headquartered in Lewisburg,
West Virginia. In her current role, Dense manages and oversees the destination marketing organization for one of West Virginia’s premier leisure and meetings destinations, including The Greenbrier, historic downtown Lewisburg, and countless other attractions. Congratulations Kara on this outstanding achievement!
Class Notes
ACHIEVEMENTS 1950s ______________ ______________ 1970s ROBERT SWORTZEL ’51 has been recognized by the WinchesterFrederick County Chapter of the American Red Cross as a charter member of the Mega Donor Club for his faithful dedication to the Blood Services Program. To qualify for membership, individuals must donate at least 25 gallons of blood. As of November, Robert had donated more than 32 gallons.
1960s ____________
JACK OWENS ’66, author and retired Special Agent, FBI, announces the publication of his latest book, “Pock”, a satirical, dark comedy novel about a serial killer in Alabama, the first of a trilogy about a club footed criminal named Pock, whose face is ravaged and cratered, as though he fell face down into vipers. Released from an Alabama prison after serving 13 years for scalping a man who dropped a maroon bowling bowl on his aggrieved club foot, Pock joyfully murders the witnesses who sent him to prison, saving two Birmingham police officers for last. Jack, a 30 year veteran of the FBI involved in foreign counterintelligence, counter terrorism, and SWAT operations, is also the author of his FBI memoir “Don’t Shoot! We’re Republicans!” and a novel, “Watchman: JFK’s Last Ride.” Jack resides with his wife, Patricia, atop Red Mountain in Birmingham. For a signed copy of “Pock”, please order directly through jowens1144@hotmail.com
DAVID WHITE ’75 has been appointed dean of East Carolina University’s Honors College. He has served as interim dean of the Honors College since January 2016 and six years as dean of the institution’s College of Engineering and Technology. White’s career with ECU spans 35 years with the majority of this time associated with the College of Health and Human Performance including service as associate dean and department chair for health education and promotion. Additionally, he is an adjunct professor with the Brody School of Medicine.
1990s ______________
WESLEY A. BRYANT ’91 has been named Director of Global Sourcing at Balkamp, Inc. in Indianapolis. He has been with Balkamp since 1994, working in a variety of divisions and management roles in West Virginia, Mississippi, and Indiana. Wesley is married to PATTY RICE BRYANT ’95. Their daughter, Sydney, will graduate from Concord University in May of this year.
MICHELE SAVAUNAH ZIRKLE MARCUM ’91 released her book, “Rain No Evil,” on July 8 at Empire Books in Huntington. Marcum says that the book is her own personal account “about an evil spirit that entered my house in West Virginia.” She shares the story of “the bizarre events” and how she sought the assistance of an energy healer. In promoting “Rain No Evil” Marcum appeared on Coast to Coast radio during November. MICHELE BINEGAR ’95 displayed her art in an exhibit during January at WesBanco Bank in Parkersburg. The show featured digital art and acrylic paintings. Her work has been part of other exhibits including the Allied Artists of West Virginia Juried Exhibition and “YUM!” Regional Exhibition in Parkersburg. Binegar studied graphic design and studio art at Concord. She is chair of the art department at Parkersburg High School.
MONICA (TOLBERT) BLACKWIELAND ’95 has left WKWS-FM in Charleston, WV and is now hosting mornings at WPHR-FM in Vero Beach, FL. This marks a jump from market 191 to market 99. JEFF CAMPBELL ’96, ’08 was appointed by Governor Jim Justice to his Public Education transition policy committee. He is a Social Studies teacher at Eastern Greenbrier Middle School in Lewisburg.
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Class Notes Patsy Bragg '01 Honored as One of The Greater Knoxville Business Journal's 40 Under 40 Patsy Bragg ’01 has been honored as one of The Greater Knoxville Business Journal’s 40 Under 40. The 40 under 40 list is a collection of young individuals who are making an impact in their chosen profession and the community. She has been with Coulter & Justus, P.C. of Knoxville, Tenn. since 2010 and currently serves the accounting firm as Business Development and Training Manager. Bragg has overseen strategic management of marketing and business development for Coulter & Justus including a rebranding effort several years ago. She also coordinates community engagement opportunities for staff. Her work has contributed to
2000s ______________ CARISSA LUSK ’02 has recently debuted as a published author with her new adult paranormal romance, “After the Fall.” She was born and raised in southern West Virginia and continues to call the state home. Lusk earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Concord. To learn more visit https://store.bookbaby.com/ book/after-the-fall BENJAMIN HATFIELD ’07 has been named an assistant prosecutor in the Raleigh County (WV) Prosecutor’s Office. After earning degrees in political science and geography from Concord, he attended Syracuse 65 • Spring 2017
the firm receiving a Business Excellence Award for mid-sized companies during the 2014 Knoxville Chamber’s Pinnacle Business Awards. A 2013 graduate of Introduction Knoxville, Bragg now serves as a member of the program’s planning committee. She is also a member of the Zoo Knoxville Circle of Friends Leadership Council; a committee member and volunteer with Boys and Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley; and a Family Advisory Council member for East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. Bragg received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from Concord. University College of Law in New York and graduated in 2010. He has worked in private practice in New York and West Virginia and has served in the Public Defender’s Office in West Virginia. A native of the Mountain State, he is originally from Wyoming County.
2010s ______________
ANTHONY H. HELTZEL ’12 is a new assistant prosecuting attorney in the Mercer County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. A native of Mercer County, Heltzel is a 2015 graduate of the Lincoln Memorial University - Duncan School of Law in Knoxville, TN. LAURA LUCAS ’12 has joined the team of the Beckley office of Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central West Virginia. She is serving as a Volunteer Recruitment and Enrollment Coordinator. Laura previously worked with family services for the Raleigh County
Community Action Association Head Start. She is a lifelong resident of Beckley.
ZACK GROSSI ’13 has been promoted to offensive quality control coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Prior to moving to this position with the Bucs, Grossi also served the organization as a scouting assistant, a pro scout, and assistant to the head coach. DAKOTA SHORTRIDGE ’16 has had her first book, “On Pain Through Love,” published. The book contains poems along with stories and essays. Shortridge works for Clinch Valley Community Action as a Community Educator.
Class Notes
BIRTH
Brooke Elizabeth Dowdy pictured with big sister Hannah.
DANIEL ’06 AND JULIE DOWDY announce the birth of their second daughter, Brooke Elizabeth Dowdy, born October 18, 2016. Brooke weighted 6 lbs. 12 oz. and measured 19 inches long.
IN MEMORY
1940s ______________
FRANCES CHRISTINE SCYPHERS ’43: December 18, 2016. Born June 21, 1922 in Athens, W.Va., she was the daughter of the late Fred Vermillion Cooper and Pearl Preston Cooper. A resident of Athens, Frances was a homemaker and member of Concord United Methodist Church in Athens. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Guy Scyphers; one sister, Irene
BETTY JEAN MOODY ’47: November 6, 2016. She was born on March 30, 1927 in McComas, WV to the late Arthur Moody and Della Gilmore Moody. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Frances Moody. Betty was an accomplished vocal soloist, musician, and educator, much loved and admired by her students, associates, family, and friends. She was valedictorian of her graduating class at McComas High School in 1944, graduated cum laude in music from Concord College, and received a master’s degree in music from Marshall University. She then attended Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ where she studied choral music and production of musical shows. She also attended the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, MD, specializing in the Korlaly method of teaching and Columbia University for three additional semesters of graduate studies in music. Throughout her life, Betty served as a professional accompanist (piano and organ) for county music festivals, college festivals, and recitals, in addition to her own recitals and work as a church organist. Betty taught at Wade Elementary and Central Junior High School in Bluefield, WV before taking the position of Choir Director at Princeton High School in 1961 (where she taught until her retirement), replacing her sister Frances who joined the faculty at Fairmont State College. A resident of Princeton, WV, Betty was a longtime member of the First United Methodist
Church in Princeton, where she served as choir director. She was also a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority, Literary Club, Delphian Club, American Choral Directors, and the Music Educators National Conference. Survivors include several cousins, Dianna Alvis and husband Danny of Athens, WV, Sarah Avellar and husband Joe of Williamsburg, VA, and Danny Shumate and wife Becky of Rockledge, FL.
JAMES OTTO MCKINNEY ’49: August 31, 2016. Born in Stevenson, WV, Mr. McKinney was a son of the late Charles S. and Pearl Whitt McKinney. He grew up in Beckley, WV and was educated in the public schools of Raleigh County. He served in the U.S. Navy from July 1941 to July 1945 in the continental United States, Atlantic, European and African theaters of activity. He and his late wife, Kathryn Whittaker McKinney, were married on August 27, 1949 in the First Christian Church in Princeton, WV. Mr. McKinney earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Concord College and a Master of Science degree in Accounting from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA in 1953. From 1949 to 1950 he taught in the McDowell County, West Virginia public schools. In 1975 he retired from Concord College where he had served from 1950-1975 as bookkeeper, assistant business manager, assistant professor of accounting, comptroller
Bowen; and one brother, Dr. Harry Cooper. She is survived by her children, Ginny Bonometti and her husband Dr. Robert Bonometti of Winchester, Va., and Susie Smith and her husband Bill Smith of Morgantown, W.Va.; four grandchildren, Kim Cadogan and her husband Ed Cadogan, Bryan Smith, Kelly Smith, and Lindsay Smith; and two greatgrandchildren Katie Stanley and Ethan Stanley.
Spring 2017 • 66
Class Notes and business manager. He retired for the second time in 1982 from Winthrop University where he served from 1975-1982 as contract and grant accountant and as chief accountant. A resident of Rock Hill, SC, he was a member of Saint John’s United Methodist Church in Rock Hill where he served as treasurer from 19861998. He served as district statistician for the Rock Hill District of the South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church from the inception of the service in 1987 until 2009. He also served as accountant for the Rock Hill charity, HOPE, INC from 19862014.
1950s ______________
ARTHUR J. “PETE” BALLARD ’53: March 14, 2017. Pete Ballard was born in Welch, WV. A resident of Peterstown, WV, he achieved acclaim as an artist and an educator. Ballard received a degree in education from Concord. He taught for many years at the North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem, N.C. His career as an educator also took him to Saudi Arabia, Vietnam and China. He was a nationally known costume designer, museum costume historian and conservator. His exquisitely designed and crafted fashion dolls and hat dolls also brought him acclaim as an artist. These delightful creations are part of numerous museum collections, all donated by Ballard. In March of 2016, he donated one of his more recently created dolls to Concord in recognition of the University’s Founders’ Day (Feb. 28, 1872.) Ballard named Laurie Ann, who is dressed in period costume similar to that worn by ladies of that era, after the late Laura Ann Sarvay, a former chair of Concord’s Art Department and one of his 67 • Spring 2017
BENJAMIN ELBERT BATES, JR. ’58: November 20, 2016. A resident of Bluefield, VA, he was born on February 23, 1932. He was the son of the late Ben E. Bates, Sr. and Margaret Irene Reynolds Bates. He is survived by his wife of 64 years Barbara Morgan Bates, son Kyle L. Bates (wife Kim) of Washington, IL, grandchildren
mentors. His art continued to flourish throughout his retirement years with the addition of new dolls and paintings. In the area of civic involvement, Ballard served as board chairman for the Coal Heritage Highway Authority of West Virginia and commissioner on the West Virginia Archives and History Commission and the West Virginia Commission on the Arts. The recipient of many awards and honors, Ballard was named Golden Alumnus in 2007 by the Concord University Alumni Association and honored as Concord’s Grand Groundhog Watcher in 2012. He was among the Outstanding Educators in America and received the Order of the Arts and Historical Letters from the West Virginia Division of Culture and History. His work with costumes earned the Award of Merit from the North Carolina Historic Preservation Society and a Golden Globe Award from the National Retail Merchants Associates. The West Virginia Cultural Center hosted a gala in his honor and an exhibition of his fashion dolls and paintings
Benjamin, Robert, and Megan Joyce, and two sisters Margaret Irene Bates Dalton (husband Leslie) of Belen, NM, and Virginia Elizabeth Bates (husband P.L. Pete Rowlett) of Knoxville, TN. Graduating from Graham High School and Bluefield College in Bluefield, VA, Ben earned a degree in business administration from Concord. He continued with advanced studies in business at the University of Maryland. A lifelong member of the Methodist church, he was loyal to the adult choir and served on and chaired several committees. Ben played violin as a member of the Bluefield, WV Symphony Orchestra from 1946 to 1947. Volunteer community service began at an early age for Ben when he was selected by teachers as a “safety patrol boy” to help school
in 2007. He was a recipient of the Distinguished West Virginian award – the most prestigious honor presented by the governor – and the State’s Order of the 35th Star. In December 2015, Concord awarded Ballard an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities, honoris causa.
Class Notes children cross the street safely. Ben was an Eagle Scout with bronze, gold, and silver Palms. He volunteered at Camp Roland helping Boy Scouts with swimming and archery, having excelled in both himself. Ben was a six year member of the West Virginia National Guard. He volunteered for active duty in the U.S. Army and served as Master Sergeant with the 59th Field Artillery Battalion from 19531955 in Germany. Initially employed part-time by Montgomery Ward Co. in Bluefield, WV, Ben continued working for the giant retail company in Human Resources (Personnel) Management with months of special training in Albany, NY, and Chicago, IL. He became District Personnel Manager of Baltimore and the Eastern Regional Territory Manager (Maine to Florida). Ben’s training skills with young recruits were exemplary. He retired from Montgomery Ward in 1990. During retirement, he served on the Tazewell County board including AASC, Social Services and Equalization Board, chairing all three. He was past member and president of the local Lion’s Club and member of the Graham Historical Society. Traveling continued during his retirement years with wife Barbara and family. Reading books and following his favorite sports teams gave him pleasure. Ben will be greatly missed by family and friends, and his loyalty to both not forgotten.
ROBERT WRENN CULLER ’58: December 12, 2016. Born December 29, 1933 in Kernersville, NC, he was a son of the late Robert W. and Betty Hendrix Culler. Bob was a member of Church of Christ at Maple View.
After eight years with the U.S. Army and National Guard, he attended both Bluefield College and Concord College. After college he started working at Flat Top National Bank and Commercial Bank then First Community Bank until his retirement as the President and CEO. Bob also enjoyed photography, fishing and camping. Formerly of Bluefield, WV, he was a resident of Hayes, VA. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Meadows Culler; brother, Jimmy Culler; and grandson, Adam Culler. Survivors include his children, Jeff Culler of Hayes, VA and Lisa Blinco and husband Gregory of Newport News, VA; sister, Betty Jean Friend of Bristol, TN; two grandchildren, Robert Blinco and wife Kaylee, and Jamie Blinco; and one great-grandchild, Tyler Blinco. JOHN ANDERSON (BUZZ) MCKENZIE ’58: July 6, 2016. Born at home in Peterstown, WV on October 14, 1934, he was given his nickname by Virginia (Teenie) Broyles, his neighbor and future teacher. Buzz was a graduate of Peterstown Elementary and High Schools (Class of 1953) and of Concord College (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration). Former Manager of Tri-County Equipment and retired bookkeeper for McKenzie Lumber Co., he was also Secretary/Treasurer of Monroe Realty Co. He was a member of Peterstown Missionary Baptist Church and a former member of Peterstown Rotary Club. He was preceded in death by his parents John Milton McKenzie and Eda Wills McKenzie, his sister Virginia McKenzie Wiley, and his brother David Eugene McKenzie. Buzz is survived by his wife of 49 years Nally Wilson McKenzie and his children Marianne Maranto and husband Charles of Ashburn, VA and John Adam McKenzie and wife Ashley of Christiansburg, VA. He had two grandchildren, Catherine and Margaret Maranto of Ashburn, Va. Also surviving are his sister-inlaw Mildred Coalter McKenzie, niece Eugena McKenzie Thomas (C.G.), nephew Greg McKenzie (Mary) and
their families.
1960s ______________
PATRICIA “PATTY” ANN RAMAGE WEBB ’60: June 21, 2016. Born July 11, 1937 in Bluefield, West Virginia, she was preceded in death by her parents, Francis Mildred Painter Ramage and Robert Eugene Ramage, Sr. and a child, Michael Stephen Webb. Patty graduated from Beaver High School in Bluefield in 1955, where she was the head majorette and had the distinction of being the Homecoming Queen twice. Her favorite club was a service club, the “Last Miler” in which she founded a Christian Sunday School class for deprived children in Bluefield. She graduated from Concord University with a major in Physical Education/Health and Art. She was the head majorette at Concord and was Miss Concord from 1956-1957, representing the college in the Miss West Virginia Pageant, the precursor to the Miss America Pageant. Patty taught physical education for 30 years in West Virginia, Virginia, and Florida and was awarded the honor of “Teacher of the Year.” Twenty of those years she worked with the school dance teams. She also taught aerobics at Orange State College. A resident of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, she was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held various teaching and leadership positions. She was active in the Spring 2017 • 68
Class Notes women’s Relief Society organization and served the children in the Primary. Patty was always serving others. She is survived by many who love and miss her: Her husband, Charles “Charlie” Calvin Webb ’60. They were married May 31, 1957 and had just celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary. Her children: Cheryl Lynn Newman and Charles Robert Webb. Grandchildren: Heather Eckman Russell, Kenneth J. Eckman, Shawn Patrick Eckman, Rebecca Lynne Webb, Rachel Leigh Webb. Great-grandchildren: Scott Russell, Aden Russell. Brother: Robert Eugene Ramage, Jr, of Princeton, West Virginia.
CHARLES W. (BILL) TOLLEY ’63: February 2, 2017. Bill was born June 12, 1937 at Layland, WV to the late Joe F. Tolley and Bertie Baker Tolley. He was a 1955 graduate of Welch High School and a graduate of Concord College. Bill was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force having served as Crew Chief on F86 Fighter Jets. He was proud of the fact that his plane is being restored at Wendover Air Force Base and Museum in Utah. Bill worked for the Civil Aeronautics Board and retired from State Farm Insurance. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Shirley Price Tolley, daughter Leslie Gilbert and husband George, son Charles W. (Billy) Tolley II and grandson Brandon Thompson, all of Princeton. Also surviving, two brothers, Jerry D. Tolley and wife Joy of Cullman, AL, Joseph K. Tolley and wife Drema of Narrows, VA, sister Faye
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Tolley Wilson, of Roanoke, VA, special cousin, Peggy Peery of Tazewell, VA, longtime friends, Glenn and Mary Jernigan of Atmore, AL, golfing buddy Dick Scott of VA, and special pets Bandit and Baby.
Coleman Carpenter and husband Jason of Princeton; great nephews, Alex and Edward Montgomery and Caleb Carpenter also of Princeton; special friends, Pete and Brenda Syres of Princeton, Debbie Thomas of Narrows, VA, and Kathy Coleman of Princeton; and her work buddies, Deby Templeton and Lesia Bowling, both of Princeton.
1970s ______________ KATHERINE (KAREN) SCOTT LILLY ’68: January 10, 2017. Born August 10, 1946 in Princeton she was the daughter of the late Dr. Scott H. Lilly and Beth Mahood Lilly. Karen was a graduate of Princeton High School, a graduate of Concord College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology and received her MBA from Marshall University. A resident of Princeton, she was a retired Medical Technologist and Director of Laboratory at Princeton Community Hospital with 30 years of service. Karen was a member of the New Hope United Methodist Church in Princeton and the Delphians. Karen was a special aunt to both Amy and Meg and a wonderful great aunt to Caleb, Alex and Edward. She was a big part of their lives. From helping to care for sick little ones to travelling hundreds of miles with Meg for conferences, she was always there for them. She touched many lives with her humor and compassion. She loved road trips, whether it was fishing in Michigan, elk hunting in Colorado, or spending time at her camp in Tennessee. She was an avid animal lover and had many special dogs during her lifetime. Survivors include her twin sister, Tish Lilly Coleman and husband Ron of Princeton; nieces, Amy Coleman Montgomery and husband Dr. Dan Montgomery of Princeton, and Meg
PHYLLIS ELOISE PENNINGTON GRAHAM ’73: December 31, 2016. Born February 13, 1930 in Elgood, she was the daughter of the late Ferrell Leo Pennington and Birdie Whitt Pennington. Phyllis graduated from Concord College and then went on to pursue her master’s degree from Virginia Tech. Mrs. Graham was a retired employee for the Mercer County Board of Education serving as a teacher and Guidance Counselor for many years. A resident of Princeton, she was a devoted mother, grandmother and sister. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Jerry Pennington and Jack Pennington, an infant sister, Texie June Pennington, and an infant granddaughter, Chelsea Akers. Those left to cherish her memory are her two daughters, Aleta Jo Crotty and husband Jack, and Lori Akers and fiancé James Barton all of Princeton; four grandchildren, Brent Crotty of New York, Kristin Wilburn and husband Josh, Tesla Akers and McKenzie Akers,
Class Notes all of Princeton; one great-grandchild, Cole Wilburn of Princeton; former spouse, Weldon Graham of Lashmeet; and brothers, Jimmy Pennington and Ferrell Pennington Jr. of Michigan. ALVIN LEE BEGGS ’74: December 18, 2016. Born February 25, 1952, in Bluefield, WV, he was the youngest son of the late Ben Bernard Beggs and the late Edna Lucille Hedrick Beggs. He was known as “Doc” in his later years and as “Bean” in his early life. A resident of Princeton, WV, he graduated from Matoaka High School, from Concord College with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary
EDWARD J. “EDDIE” MCQUAIL, III,’70: January 3, 2017. A lifelong resident of Bluefield, WV, McQuail was born February 1, 1939 and was the son of the late Edward J. McQuail, Jr. and Elinor Ritz McQuail. He was a graduate of the Beaver High School Class of 1957. He was a member of the Beaver High School/ Bluefield High School Class with Distinction. His class was the last to attend the old school, Beaver, and the first to hold their Baccalaureate and Commencement ceremonies in the auditorium of the city’s new school, Bluefield. McQuail worked at McQuail’s Inc., his family’s retail furniture business, from 19611970. His career as an educator included teaching at East Welch School in McDowell County and serving as a teacher and librarian at Pocahontas High School in Tazewell County, Virginia. He was also employed by the Tennessee Valley Authority in Knoxville, TN as an information specialist. McQuail received a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Concord University in 1970; a Master of Arts degree with a certification in Library Science Education from Marshall University in 1975; and a Master of Science in Library Science degree from the University
Education, from Marshall University with two master’s degrees – one in Psychology and one in Counseling – and from Ohio University with a PhD in Psychology specializing in the area of Psychological Psychology. Alvin was an educator who taught at both ends of the educational spectrum. He taught at the elementary education level at Summerlee Elementary School in West Virginia. He also taught at the university level at the school now known as the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. There he attained the rank of Associate Professor of Psychology and was granted tenure. He also ran a home improvement
of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1981. He had a well-established record of dedicated community service. He volunteered at Bluefield Regional Medical Center for a number of years, served as treasurer of the Bluefield (WV) Lions Club and was a member of the Bluefield Jaycees and the Greater Bluefield Chamber of Commerce. He also belonged to the Bluefield Elks Club and the Clover Club in Bluefield. McQuail was affiliated with the West Virginia Secondary School Association and was a life member of the American Library Association. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bluefield. Honored for his professional accomplishments and community involvement, McQuail was named an Elite American Educator, Worldwide Who’s Who Branding (2016); Elite American Educator, Worldwide Who’s Who (2012); VIP Member, Worldwide Who’s Who (20112012); and, Who’s Who in the South and Southeast, Nineteenth Edition, Marquis Who’s Who Publication Board (1984-1985). McQuail was named the Beaver/ Bluefield high school archivist and historian by the Bluefield High School Foundation, the school administration and faculty senate.
business. Throughout his life, Alvin enjoyed having many close friends from all walks of life. He shared their companionship and was known to help others in their times of need. He loved doing many things such as fishing the river, hunting the woods, boating the lake, riding his motorcycle, cooking Cajun style, growing vegetables in his garden, listening and dancing to music. He led a very social lifestyle and was known for having fun but was also an avid reader. Alvin is preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Charles Benjamin Beggs. He is survived by his former wife, Kathleen Carson, of
His portrait now hangs in the library at Bluefield High School. He was a 2014 recipient of the William Myers “Community Spirit” award for his decades long assistance in providing archival and historical information to his neighbors in the Bluefield area. His extensive collection of BHS yearbooks has been considered the most complete set known in existence. He also collected dolls, cinema books and history books. In addition to his parents, McQuail was preceded in death by his sister, Elinor Cleon McQuail. Survivors include cousins and a host of friends. Spring 2017 • 70
Class Notes Lafayette, LA, and their two daughters, Anna Lee, of New Orleans, LA, and Lindsay, of Shanghai, China. He is also survived by three sisters, Mary Ann Belcher and Eva Ernestine Beggs Lee of Princeton, and Joyce Marie Beggs Mills of Charlotte, NC. In addition, he is survived by one nephew and five nieces and their children.
DAVID ALAN WILLS ’75: March 4, 2017. Dave was born January 25, 1954, in Beckley, WV, to Cecil and Elaine Wills. Dave grew up in Grandview, WV, where it truly took a village to raise a child. He loved telling stories about his experiences in the oneroom school and his escapades with the neighborhood kids and out at Grandview State Park. He graduated from Shady Spring High School in 1970, Concord College in 1975 and received a master’s degree in Leadership and Administration from the West Virginia College of Graduate Studies in 1988. He began his teaching career at Shady Spring Junior High, where he taught Geography and coached wrestling. He finished his 40-year career at Shady Spring High School, where he taught Speech, Social Studies, was the Athletic Director, Assistant Principal and coached Cross Country. He loved Shady High and attended almost every game, meet and event to support the students he loved. He had a special heart for the struggling students in his alternative school classes and even after he retired, he went back to be a graduation coach to encourage
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students to finish strong. Dave was a Christ follower and loved Jesus with all his heart. He was a member of Grandview Christian Church, where he was an elder, Sunday School teacher and the unofficial greeter of every one who came. His commitment to and deep love of missions took him on several mission trips to Haiti, where he worked with His Seed Sowers, Haiti Christian Evangelism and KORE. He recently spent a month in Ronceverte, Rupert, Rainelle and Richwood doing flood cleanup and rebuilding. He was also a supporter of and worker for Brian’s Safehouse. He would do anything he could to help anyone who needed it and his last words before he went into surgery were, “I want to see all of you in heaven.” Dave deeply loved his family and leaves his wife of 39 years Melinda Wills, his sons, of whom he was so proud, Zach, 28, and Cody, 23, both of Beckley. He also leaves brother Steve and wife Teresa, brother Mark and his wife Debbie, uncles Jack, Fuzz and Earl Dean, and aunts Mary and Polly. He was Uncle Dave to Amy and son Jacob, Caleb and Hillary, Kacie and Matt and sons Trenton and Parker, Chris and Nicolle and children Isaiah, Emily, Anna and Chloe, Tara and Bub and daughters Riley and Kiley and scores of other children who liked to play tag and play on his iPad. Dave also leaves hundreds of friends he hunted, fished and ran races with, did missions with, and taught and worked with. Dave was loved by so many and had such a profound impact on countless lives. He wanted the best for everyone and for him the best was to love Jesus.
1980s ______________
DEBORAH “DEBI” JOAN SHUMATE ’88: December 17, 2016. Born on August 16, 1955 in Bluefield, she was a daughter of the late Estel and Margaret Smith Shumate. Debi graduated from Northfork High School in 1973. She continued her education at Concord College, earning her
bachelor’s degree. Debi was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and a resident of Bluefield. She devoted her life to the Lord, her mother and her family. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Sandra Shumate Lares; sister-in-law, Connie Kaye Shumate; and a brotherin-law, David Smith. Survivors include her siblings, Richard D. Shumate, Barbara A. Polatz, Patricia G. Smith, Michael E. and Madonna Shumate; nephews, Brian, Chris, Eric, and Estel; nieces, Wendy, Katie, Jennifer, Rebecca, Debi, and Margaret; a host of greatnephews and nieces (22) and four great-great nephews. She was known as Aunt Dee, but treated them as her own. Her kind heart and giving nature will be greatly missed by all.
1990s ______________
MICHAEL KILE BURKS ’96: November 3, 2016. Born March 22, 1973 in Princeton, WV, he was the son of James Edward Burks and Gail Frances Brown Burks of Princeton. Michael attended school at Glenwood and was a graduate of Princeton Senior High School. He then attended Concord College where he received a degree in Health & Fitness. While living in Princeton, Michael was a member of First United Methodist Church. He had been a resident of Fayetteville, NC for the past 15 years where he was teaching and coaching football and baseball at Hope Mills Middle School. As coach of the football team, he led his team to the regional
Class Notes championship in 2006. Michael loved working with kids, he also loved riding his motorcycle. Survivors include his mother and father, Gail and James Burks of Princeton; brother, James Stewart Burks and his children, Lauren Elizabeth and Nicholas Scott all of Pittsburgh PA; sister, Elizabeth Frances Zaheri and husband Jesse and their children, Madeline Frances, Jessa Marie and Juliana Kate all of Georgetown KY, along with his two four legged companions, his faithful dogs, Blitz & Tucker.
David Thompson and his wife Linda of Athens and Walter Thompson and wife Cathy of Bridgeton. NJ; three sisters, Ruth Howington of Princeton, Peggy Hall and husband Emmett and Shirley Devore and husband Steve all of Bridgeton, NJ; sister-in-law, Geneva Darlene Thompson of Athens and several nieces and nephews.
Friends of Concord ______________
BERTHA LAYNE THOMPSON: January 26, 2017. Born in Athens, WV on September 20, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Theodore and Virginia Journey Thompson. Bertha enjoyed working in food service and served at the Sweet Shop in Athens for many years and then retired from Gino’s in Athens after 14 years of service. A resident of Oxley Hollow Road in Athens, she was a graduate of Athens High School and a longtime faithful member of Mt. Jackson Baptist Church in Athens. In addition to her parents, one sister, Ruby Jewell Johnson, and two brothers, Robert Thompson and Cleve “Jack” Thompson, preceded her in death. Survivors include two brothers,
MARK ALLEN SHANNON: January 29, 2017. Mark was born in Charleston on April 8, 1961. He attended DuPont High School, Concord College, and then went on to graduate from the WV State Police Academy. After serving 28 years on the Charleston Police Department, he retired on his 50th birthday. During his tenure, his assignments included the Patrol Division, Vice (Special Enforcement Unit), Metro Drug Unit, Housing Unit, Criminal Investigation Unit, Bike Unit Commander, and SWAT. In 2008, he became part of the
administrative staff, assigned as Patrol Division Commander, then Special Operations Commander. During his final years with the department he served as Investigation Bureau Chief and SWAT Commander. A resident of Charleston, he was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #74. Mark was preceded in death by his brother, Timothy “Tim” Shannon, grandparents John and Cecil Shannon and Sam and Louise Wolfe. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Melody (Briles) Shannon; daughter, Courtney Shannon of Philadelphia, PA.; step-sons, Matthew (Jessica) Sanchez of Oak Hill and Cory Sanchez of Morgantown; father and mother, Robert and Nancy Shannon of Charleston; sister, Kim (Craig) Neil of Charleston; niece Sydney Neil and nephews Greg “Sterling” Jordan and Samuel Neil; aunts and uncles, Ted (Jean) Wolfe, Dale Wolfe, and Gerti Hicks, all of Charleston; and Dorothy (Ira) Morris of Portland, OR.
Calling for Class Notes We want to hear from you! Send us your personal and professional accomplishments, news on marriages and family additions and updates on other noteworthy events in your life. Photographs are welcome as well. Please email your news items to advancement@concord.edu or mail them to Concord University, Office of Advancement, P.O. Box 1000, Athens, WV 24712.
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DONOR HONOR ROLL ALUMNI JANUARY 1, 2016 - DECEMBER 31, 2016
The following is a list of individuals who paid their Concord University Alumni Association, Inc. membership dues between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016. Membership in the Concord University Alumni Association, Inc. supports student scholarships, as well as activities for alumni on Concord's campus and across the country. The membership year runs July 1 to June 30 and is open to Concord University alumni, family and friends. If you are interested in joining the Concord University Alumni Association, please contact the Alumni office at (304) 384-5348 or alumni@concord.edu or use the enclosed envelope in the magazine.
LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP $500 OR MORE Frances Baby Colleen Clark Cox Nancy Dunford C. Don Dunford Pamela Garner Scott George* R. Gary Goosens Al Guenthner Nancy Guenthner John Lecco Ashwin Mundra William Ofsa Brenda J. Owens Julia Ann Pauley Robert Pearl Lee Ross Jonathan & Kelly Workman
PRESIDENT'S CLUB $150 - $499.99 Glenn Ables Elizabeth A. Baker William H. Baker Amedeo A. Basconi Janet Bilotti John Bruch Lynne Callahan Charles Cassell Mario Ciarlo John R. Frazier James Gillenwater Joseph Giompalo Amy Greer-Knowles Fredrick Harris
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Saurabh Khemka Steven Knowles Eugene G. Lockhart, Jr. Christy Elliott McGinnis Michael McKeever Gary & Tina Mills Donald E. Moore Arble Morgan Duane Neely Crystal Otto Marlene Pierson-Jolliffe Dewey Russell Cecil Smith, Jr.
MAROON & GRAY CLUB $25 - $149.99 Dennis & Laura Adams Patricia Baker Anderson Elizabeth Angelici Frances Auville Gilbert "Gene" Bailey Gene F. Bailey Ben Baker John Baker, Jr. Phillip Ball Kathy Ball Noah D. Barnette Ira Barry Amy Berner Elizabeth Bogema David Bolen Mary Catherine Bones Floyd Boone Ryan Boothe Rita Bostic Louis Bougie Janice Bowen
Kathryn Bradley Gary R. Brown Robert & Camille Brunner Donna Bryant Rose Ann Burgess Pamela Bynum Lois Caruth Jane B. Claytor Bertie L Cline, Jr. Robert Collins Janet Conroy Buster Cook Charlene Cooke Janice Cox Shirley Cox J. Russell Curle, Jr. Paul (Tom) Davis Tom & Kathryn Davis Jerry Dickens Jean Dickens Patricia K. DiStefano Regina Doss Jeffrey "Chuck" Dotson Emily Duke R. Blaine & Sheila Dunavant Judith Edwards Gerald & Naoma Ellison Kenneth Elmore Elizabeth B. Eskew George Fanning Daniel Farley Virginia Lee Farley Melanie Farmer Stacey Ferragamo Douglas Fowler William Friedl Dale & Mary Lu Geiger Tom Giffen Eugene E. Gilhooly Frances Gillespie
k You! DONOR HONOR ROLL ALUMNI JANUARY 1, 2016 - DECEMBER 31, 2016 Earl & Sandra Goodwin Rebecca Gore Janet Gore Michael & Sheila Green Timothy Grimmett Patricia Grubb Shirley Halsey Rosemary Harmon Joseph & Barbara Harris Elizabeth Harvey Paul Hodges Nancy Hodges Mary Hopkins Dennis J. Hurley, Jr. Gaylew Hutchison Alice Ann Hypes Betty Jo Hypes Robin A. Jarrell Carrie E. Jarrell Laura Jaworski Richard Johnson Harold Johnson, Jr. Gordon Jones Patsy Jones Norma Kemp Ted & Anne Kessinger Don F. Knox Hila Lane Steven J. Lawhorn Richard Lawrence Susan Lawrence Richard Lawrence II Robert Layne John Lecco Steven Lemire Virginia Little James Long Fred D. Lucas Dennis Lucas R. Talmage Mallory Autumn A. Maloy Sally F. Mann Sharon Manzo Justin Marlowe Robert G. Martin Tom & Patricia McIntyre Alice McKenzie Howard McNeal, Jr.
Edward J. McQuail III* Jacqueline Meese Frances Browning Miller Craig & Barbara Miller James M. Miller Gary P. Miller Huey Miller Kelsey Jo Mills David Nell Patricia R. Nichols Pattie Nishimoto Jack Owens, Jr. Fredrick Oxley Sandra Parente Megan Parker Misty Peal Kerri Pettrey Regina Poniatowski Carolyn Quadt Rosanna Reaser Gail Rector Wilma Reitz Amanda Revels Michael Reynolds Penetha Robertson Tina Robinette Joe Roles Steven Rosenquist Betty Rover Keith Rutherford Yvonne Satow Margaret Sayre Frances Scyphers* John Scyphers William J. Sealey Marsha Smith Ronald P. Smith William W. Stark Josh Stowers James Surratt Chester & Judy Sword Robert Swortzel Robert & Julie Tate Catherine Taylor Robert & Sandra Thomas Christopher & Susan Tuck Robert Tuckwiller Jaime Vandergrift
Fred Vondracek Joseph Walker John L. Walker Tiffany Wall Miranda Weekly
BASIC MEMBERSHIP $10 - $24.99 Richard Addair Shawn Allen Jason Ballard Patricia Barrett Charles Becker Katie Bell Tom Bone Mergie Bradley James & Patricia Branscome George Brooks Katherine Bruch Alex Castaneda Lee Clark Deborah Clark Anita Conner Charlene Cooper Gary Copen Colleen Cox Brenda G. Cox Lisa Darlington Eddie Marie Dockery Clarence & Betty Dorman Mary Dunn Kelley & Martha Endres Stacy Farley Estelle Finkelman* Brenda Frazier Teresa Frey Deborah Gambino Salvatore Gebbia Beverly Gilpin Betty Goodwin Rosemary Goss Mary Graybeal Cassidi Hall Gail Harmon
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DONOR HONOR ROLL ALUMNI JANUARY 1, 2016 - DECEMBER 31, 2016 Carolyn Harshbarger Diana Haynie Michael Hight Linda Hurst C. Scott Inghram Nancy Jackson Marvin L. Jarrell, II Phil & Nell Jeffries Amy Job Gordon Jones Matt Jozik Mary Beth Lamb John R. Largent Bob & Hilah Layne Clark J. Lilly Nancy Lively Justin Marlowe J. Kevin & Jenny Martin
FOUNDATION
Jennifer McGinnis Jerry Miller Bob Monohan Ann Mulheren Marshall Parker Kelly Pendry Karen Phillips Carolyn Kay Pratt Rick Proctor Greg Puckett Judy Raborn Donald Ratcliff Danielle Richmond Robert Ritz Wayne Robbins Joy B. Robinette Betty J. Sherman Virginia Lee Smith
Erma Smith Robert Smith Edward Smith E. O'Dell Smith Lisa Spencer Norman W. Staples Lisa Pendry Swearengin Dixie Terrell Sarah Turner Tess Vaught Gerry VonVille Mike & Cathy Wagner Ann Wells Mark Wills Adam Wolfe Josh Young •deceased
JANUARY 1, 2016 - DECEMBER 31, 2016
The following is a list of businesses and individuals who have donated to the Concord University Foundation, Inc. from January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016. Donations to the Concord University Foundation support not only student scholarships, but also faculty development and capital improvements throughout the campus. Donations received by the Concord University Foundation include scholarship funds, annual giving, Foundation fundraising dinners, annual golf tournament and the University's greatest need fund. Thank you to all of those who donate their time, energy and money in assisting the Concord University Foundation in its mission of supporting Concord University. If you are interested in supporting Concord University, please contact the Foundation office at (304) 384-6056 or foundation@concord.edu
$10,000 - $999,999
$1,000 - $9,999
Walter M. Bailey Joseph Cincinnati Brad M. Lane Maier Foundation, Inc. Pattye L. McNutt Blue Ridge Internal Medicine, Inc. Janet Lee Hall Estate MedExpress Urgent Care Pepsi Bottling Group LLC Preservati Family Charitable Trust Foundation The J. Alfred and Maxine F. Poe Foundation, Inc.
Frank W. Alderman Gregory and Lorraine Allen Gary W. Anderson Carl S. Azzara Edward J. Bailey Lane Bailey David A. Barnette Jerry L. Beasley Charles P. Becker Jean L. Bennett Eric & Alicia Besenyei Kendra S. Boggess David W. Bolen Jo A. Covey
75 • Spring 2017
Elizabeth L. Diehl Marjie M. Flanigan Ryan J. Flanigan Victor F. Foti Joseph and Betty Friedl Kevin J. Given A. R. Guenthner Michael W. Haga Donald and Linda Holcomb Martin T. Kendrick David and Sandra Kirby Donna K. Knighton William H. McKee George T. McKelvie Gary and Tina Mills Andrew J. Paterno
k You! DONOR HONOR ROLL FOUNDATION JANUARY 1, 2016 - DECEMBER 31, 2016 Carol Pewanick Cathie Roberts Susan Rogers Herbert S. Sanger Scott Shrewsbury Samuel R. Sink Santina S. St. John Nancy C. Stoll Peter L. Viscusi Jack L. White ACH ASO Services, Inc. ACH Corporation of America III, Inc. ACH Corporation of America, Inc. ACH Insurance and Financial Planning, Inc. American Electric Power Service Corporation American United Employers II, Inc. Appalachian Eye Care Aramark AUE Staffing, Inc. BB&T Branch and Trust Company BB&T West Virginia Foundation Beckley Area Foundation, Inc. Bowles Rice LLP BrickStreet Foundation Inc. Brown Edwards & Company, LLP Champion Industries, Inc. Chick-fil-A at Beckley Galleria FSU First Century Bank First Community Bank, N.A. Hugh I. Shott, Jr. Foundation, Inc. Huntington National Bank InFaith Community Foundation Jon Lovern DDS PLLC MCNB - Trust Division Paramount Builders Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Silling Associates, Inc. Suttle & Stalnaker, PLLC The Ethel N. Bowen Foundation, Inc. The Gregory & Lorraine Allen Foundation The Pace Family Foundation, Inc. United Bank, Inc. Virginia Chiropractic Students Assistance Foundation Virginia Laser Corporation
Wagner, Myers & Sanger, P.C.
$500 - $999
Helen Ball Gregory K. Ball Mario Ciarlo Mary C. Covey Don D. Dunford Kimberly C. Enochs William P. Facello Charles L. Hall Gordon W. Harvey Sandy H. Haymaker Bruce and Patricia Henthorn John A. Hutchison H L. Kirkpatrick Kathryn L. Liptak Steve L. Lonker Christopher McCormick Don Meadows Robert Pearl Jennifer L. Ware BB&T Asset Management, Inc. BPO Elks No. 1459 First Community Bank Little General Store, Inc. Memorial Funeral Directory & Cremation Center, Inc. Orange County Clerk of Courts Princeton Health Care Center Princeton Rescue Squad Seaver Funeral Service, Inc. Smith, Lilly & Ball, PLLC State Farm Insurance The H.P. & Anne S. Hunnicutt Foundation, Inc. WFF Facility Services
$250 - $499 Judith Angles Tommy A. Bailey Phillip B. Ball A. Jerry Benson
Vincent C. Cali Colin M. Cline Bobby Cole Jessica L. Cook Richard L. Dillon Rosemary C. Goss Charles A. Grandmaison Joseph E. Hall Carrie E. Jarrell Lou A. Johnson Rose Kessinger Walter Klingensmith Kathryn M. Lester Doug Maddy Alice C. Maxson James R. McGrady Michael J. McKeever Ralph E. Modena David L. Pearce Glen A. Scott Melvin I. Shumate Dr. Donald H. Smith Gibbons & Kawash Verizon Walgreens
$100 - $249
Glenn A. Ables Dennis B. Adams Elisabeth A. Allaire Gary F. Allen Marianne Annie Roger F. Anthony Gene F. Bailey Cheryl A. Barnes Welch M. Batten Sharon Beasley Randy Blankenship Michael D. Blasucci Derek A. Bonnett Laura Boone Sam Brown Renee Buchanan Ronald L. Burgher Hunter F. Calloway
Spring 2017 • 76
Thank
DONOR HONOR ROLL FOUNDATION JANUARY 1, 2016 - DECEMBER 31, 2016 Jeffrey S. Campbell Overton H. Caperton Charles S. Carter Dale Carter Lorenzo M. Carter Rosemary Carucci-Goss James M. Cassady William Cole Anita F. Conner Donna Cook Steven E. Cox Kayla B. Cox J. Russell Curle John R. Dedman Bill G. Deel Sandra G. Deskins Patricia K. DiStefano Gerald F. Dotson Charles A. Elliott Kenneth L. Elmore Bethany D. Elmore Wanda G. Farmer Angela Fedele Hannalie S. Ferguson Estelle Finkelman* Dan Fitzpatrick John E. Francis Joyce N. French William H. Friedl Chester Friedl Wells O. Friedman Robert J. Gallione Pamela Garner Dale E. Geiger Edward F. Germain Deborah G. Gillespie Rhonda D. Glyman Michelle Gompf Courtney Gracon Michael J. Green Victor Grigoraci Louise R. Grimm Diane Grych Henry H. Hancock Kelli L. Harshbarger Joe Hatfield Frank Hoge Todd C. Hux
77 • Spring 2017
Everett Jennings Joshua G. Johnson Eva Justice Joe W. Keatley Ellen D. Kendall Douglas S. Kerr Cindi Khanlarian R. K. King Marcia M. Koch Sandra L. Lacy Susan Landis Marilyn LaVecchia Richard Lawrence Angela N. Lawson H. Ray Londeree James E. Long John M. Long Nell J. Longo Fred Lucas Jason A. Lunsford Autumn A. Maloy David P. Masich Michael Massimini Clara W. McCulloch Christy L. McGinnis Angela B. McGrady Katherine M. McGraw Patricia McIntyre William McMichael Elizabeth P. Miller Harrison Mills Bob D. Mills Carolyn G. Montgomery Ken K. Moore Catherine A. Moore Valerie B. Morris Adrienne Ann Mullen Andre Nabors Robert Nicewander Julia A. Pauley Emily C. Pels Amy M. Pitzer Larry T. Poe David F. Poppy Kevin Powell Marie L. Prezioso Stanley Price Randall Price
Navahlia H. Quesenberry Don L. Rector Barbara B. Richko Susan Robinett Tina M. Robinette Audrey E. Robson R.T. Rogers Peter R. Romano Rita J. Rotenberry Joyce Salters Kathy L. Sanders Yvonne J. Satow Margaret J. Sayre John D. Seago Michael J. Sherman Malinda Shirley James K. Simmons Margaret J. Simpson Stanley Smith John David Smith Jacinda S. Smith Rose M. Solomon Rebecca St. Jean Joe L. Stevenson David R. Stewart Josh Stowers Jeffrey J. Sutten Dorothy G. Thomas William F. Thompson Sharon L. Tinder Louis N. Tripodi Kathryn J. Tucker Melva J. Walker Phillip A. Wright John W. Zorio AAUW Concord University Athens Lions Club Bob Cole, CPA & Associates, PC City National Bank of West Virginia Custom Manufacturing Service Danny's Bar Dessinger Inc. Ellerbee Enterprises, Inc. IBM Corporation Katz, Kantor, Stonestreet and Buckner, PLLC Kitts Tire Service Inc. New Peoples Bank
k You! DONOR HONOR ROLL FOUNDATION JANUARY 1, 2016 - DECEMBER 31, 2016 Princeton Community Hospital Princeton Health & Fitness Center The International Council of Fine Arts Deans Weiss Trucking, Inc.
$1 - $99
Ellen S. Adams Richard A. Addair Michael S. Adkins Donna R. Akers Joanna Allen Joseph L. Allen John Allen Rachel S. Artrip Marty Ashley Peggy Bailey Christie L. Bailey Carol L. Baker David R. Bard Carol Bard Steve Barton Jessica Basham Sarah Beasley Diane Belcher Jessica Bender Mary Beth Berry Janet L. Bilotti Tina C. Blaker Bruce E. Blankenship Jonathan Blinco Andrew W. Booth Rita R. Bostic Heather D. Bowling Peter A. Bozick George R. Brooks Bridget Brown Camille C. Brunner Robert F. Brunner Jennifer M. Buelsing Johnny M. Bullick David S. Burke Scott Burke Cathy S. Burnley Jesse Call Griffin Callahan
Jenni R. Canterbury Kayla Cantley Overton H. Caperton Kelly L. Casey Steven A. Cassada Sue E. Chasteen Nancy M. Chewning Nelle R. Chilton Donald R. Christian Kirk Cistaro Vawn Clappes Leslie Cline Rachel L. Cole Gary W. Copen Ellen R. Corcoran Joseph F. Cox Robert B. Crawford James R. Crawford Alysha Crawford Timothy R. Crews Stacy Culver April Cunningham Sarah P. Dalton Kari L. Davis Melissa Davis Paul Davis J. Michael Davis Matthew Derringer Jean Dickens Patricia S. Distefano Tammy Dotson John Dougherty Daniel Dowdy Thomas W. Dunbar Mary F. Dunn Nancy Dwight LeaAnn Eanes Nancy Ellison Ruth M. Elmore April Elswick Kelley Endres Martha W. Endres Elizabeth B. Eskew Randolph Evans Adriana M. Falco George R. Fanning Daniel W. Farley Virginia L. Farley
Patricia B. Farmer Nancy P. Farmer Stacey K. Ferragamo Joe V. Fields Kathryn Fisher Mike Flanigan Andrea S. Fleming Wayne E. Flippen Teresa Y. Frey Stephen W. George John Gloeggler Roger Goins Jennifer Goodwin Betty M. Goodwin Sandra Goodwin Pamela W. Goss Michael Green Norma R. Guagnini Lenora Hagerman Dustin Hanchock Jessica Hanchock Carla Hanchock Jane Hardy Frederick A. Harris Carolyn S. Harshbarger Vickie L. Hart Donald R. Harvey Wayne Hebb Paula Hedges Donlie Henderson Michael Hennessey Elliot Hicks Lynnis J. Hill Suzanne Hiner Linda H. Hoagland Paul Hodges Charles J. Holdren Erin Holdren Terry W. Hoskins John Hudkins
Spring 2017 • 78
Thank
DONOR HONOR ROLL FOUNDATION JANUARY 1, 2016 - DECEMBER 31, 2016 Dennis J. Hurley Jr. Richard Jarrell Jane Jessee Jennifer Johnson Wendell B. Johnson Richard S. Johnson Harold G. Johnson Cassie Jones Jamie Jones Matt Jozik Melbourne R. Jude Jeannette Justice Omar Kassem David M. Katz Danny L. Keatley Donald Keith Karen H. Kelley Saurabh Khemka Terry Kimble Kevin D. Kimble Amanda Kincaid Rodney L. Klein Steven L. Knowles Christi M. Lamb Kristi Lambert Shawn LaMothe Michael P. LaMothe Michelle Laneave Julie Lauderman Jessie Lester-Moya Meagan Lewis Sandra Lilly Virginia Little Eugene Lockhart Jr. Eugene D. Looney Joallen Lowder Sandra S. Lowe Tracy L. Luff Beverly Lytton Andreas Maerki Helen Maina-McCourt Justin Marlowe Lisa Massey Kimberlin N. Massie Wauker Matthews James S. Mayberry James P. McCabe Lance D. McDaniel
79 • Spring 2017
Elizabeth McKinney-Brooks Krissenda McMahon Edward J. McQuail* Richard L. Meador Andrew Meador Virginia B. Meadows Marie Meadows Jacqueline Y. Meese Ron P. Melnik Fred M. Merchant Connie Michael Charles G. Miller Donette Mizia Carolyn K. Monohan Donald E. Moore Heather N. Morehead Arble E. Morgan Pat L. Morgan William P. Morgan Linda S. Morgan Angela Mouse Jeremy Mullens Ashwin Mundra Abdallah Najjar David D. Nell Mary Nemelt Scott Nestor Patricia Nichols Patricia A. Nishimoto Laymond H. North Kathryn Norton Eric Oakland Laura B. Osborne Karen Osborne Johnson Heather Ouimette-Bickey Robbie Parker Sarah Parker Laura M. Parker-Barua Cindy A. Patterson Frances Patterson Jerry S. Peck Joan M. Pendergast Linda Pennington Evie G. Perkins Ramona Pitesa Dawn A. Postowski Lamar Preston Roy B. Putnam
Jeanne P. Quick Roy H. Ramthun Donald E. Ratcliff Rayla Ratzlaff Gail Rector Jessica Reed Laura Reichenbaugh Janet Revels Michael Reynolds Margradel Richmond Taylor Rife Jessica K. Robinson Jan Rollins Aymi Rusinowitz William Rusinowitz Shani Salifu David B. Sampson George E. Schenck William J. Sealey Danny Seams Shannon M. Shannon Foster Sheppard Ronald E. Shomo Gail E. Shrader James F. Shrader Connie R. Shrewsbury Kari M. Shrewsbury Amanda Shrewsbury Connie L. Shumate Katie Sickman Marsha K. Smith Ronald P. Smith Jeremy Smith Richard H. Smith Selena Snapp Lisa L. Spencer Nancy N. Steele Sue Steinbeck Joyce Stokley Trena L. Stovall Brenna Sullivan James A. Surratt Andrea L. Tabor Christopher S. Taylor Mary J. Taylor Adam Taylor Mark E. Thomas Robert N. Thomas
k You! DONOR HONOR ROLL FOUNDATION JANUARY 1, 2016 - DECEMBER 31, 2016 Evan Thompson Joseph Thompson Stephanie Thorn Robin Tice Mary Toler Evelyn Tomchin Ray Trzeciak Robert E. Tuckwiller Sarah L. Turner Marites B. Vaught Gerry VonVille Amy Walker Tina R. Walters Dorothy Ward Mirrandia S. Ward Charleen Weatherford
Susan Weese Debra L. Weiss Thomas H. Wells Patricia V. White Dan White Melissa Whited Nick Whited Edward L. Whittaker* Susan Williams Amy Williams Fonda Williams Revonda L. Wills Ruth J. Wilson Thomas G. Wilson Johnathan T. Workman Roger D. Wyatt
MOUNTAIN LION CLUB
Glenn Ables Mary Adkins Barbara Akers Michael Akers Joseph Allen Sheryl Barajas David Barnette David Booher Ronnie Burke David Burke Ronald Buscholtz Richard Bush Matthew Christian Anna Cole Patricia Cox Irvin Crane J. Russell Curle Paul Davis Sherry Dopwell Shannon Eastwood Kevin Garrett Kimberly Gibbs Eugene Gilhooly Crystal Goss Brian Graves Melanie Hall
Kathleen Hansen John Hickman Paul Hodges Thomas Holland Pamela Knight Robert Kyle Brad Lane Brittany Martin Patricia McGinnis William McKee George McKelvie Wesley McKinney Huey Miller Arble Morgan William Morgan Sharon Ofsa Todd Poff Barbara Richko Robert Rizzo Stephen Rowe Stephen Satinsky William J. Sealey Pencie Shrewsbury Vera Stover Jason Taylor Gary Thompson
Bren Yeager Kenton Youngblood Patty L. Zimovan Bill Zopp Amazon, Inc. Cheap Thrills Records Girl Scout Troop 2459 Golden Harvest Creations Heart Strings Boutique, LLC IBM - Computershare Kroger Le-Vel Thrive Southern WV Roadrunners Club *deceased
JANUARY 1, 2016 - DECEMBER 31, 2016
Mark Thompson Jared Tice Amy Tucker Pamela Turgeon Clifton Walls David Wilcox Thomas Wilson Jeffrey Wipert Ronald Wolfe A & L Construction Appalachian Eye Care Charles E. McElfish, D.D.S. Inc. Clover Leaf Properties, LLC Environmental Construction Max Potential Rehab, LLC Sea Coast Contruction Services Inc. Survivor Jo Club Taylor & Whetsel Inc. Ted's Auto Glass, LLC The Foster Companies Three Rivers Mortgage Services Company
Spring 2017 • 80
• US News and World Report 2016 ranks CU as the 5th best public college in the Regional Colleges South category and #1 in WV • Concord has consistently placed in the top tier of Best Colleges for the past 11 years • 2,800 Students • Undergraduate and Graduate Degrees
• 80 Majors, Minors and Programs of Study • Scholarships for Academics, Performing Arts, Community Service, Athletics and Leadership • 18 NCAA II Athletic Programs • 16:1 Student-to-Faculty Ratio • Over 70 Clubs and Organizations
REFER A STUDENT • To apply: concord.edu/admissions/node/64 • To schedule a visit: concord.edu/admissions/node/43
1-888-384-5249 admissions@concord.edu
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